The city of Nawabs has its own charm to the Peripatetic and food lovers. This rich historical and cultural place is popular for its own Nawabi swag. The people of Lucknow are so fond of Mughal food. Almost every local people are well known about the history of the Mughal era. Also, they are always ready with a sweet smile to help visitors. Their impeccable manners and hospitality are overwhelming. Weekend Tour of Lucknow is perfect for tourist places, delicious foods, and beautiful dressing.

Lucknow is the capital of a big state like UP. The city is also all time busy like the other capitals. But it has a separate identity for its grand monuments, clothing, and cuisine, which carry forward with them the grandeur of Mughal supremacy. Located on the banks of the river of Gomti, Lucknow is also home to the classical dance form of Kathak.

Traces of rich historical and cultural past are elegant in Lucknow. It is exhibited through local architectural styles, handicrafts.  This is called Lucknowi way of living. You should explore almost all places of tourist attractions. This is reminisce the Mughal era and are of immense historical value. The pretty skyline of the city and magnificent monuments make Lucknow a delight for history. As a result, the city is for photography lover.

The taste of this city foods is utmost rich and delicious. They love to eat and love to serve as well. You should taste the yummy Galouti Kebab of Daastarkhan once in a life. The original Mughlai dishes are so delicious that you should travel with digestive medicine if you do not have a regular rich food habit.

I must include the wonderful Chikankari dresses that originates from the city. This beautifully designed sarees and Kurtis are the pride of the local tailors. You should check and if possible buy at least one piece for you or your close ones.

Bara Imambara:

The Imambara is best known for its astonishing labyrinth, the Bhul Bhulaiya. This maze is located on the upper floor of the monument. Unarguably, one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture, Bara Imambara is truly an engineering marvel and also recognized as the world’s largest unsupported structure. Bara Imambara also houses other structures in its complex like the Asifi Mosque, Shahi Bawali. Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula built this amazing structural place for his queens.

This building is made of Lakhanui bricks and lime plaster. The architecture of Bara Imambara is a reflection of the Mughal style of architecture. The central hall of the Imambara ranks as the largest arched hall in the world. The bricks in this building have been put together with the interlocking system of bricks, and the ceiling stands devoid of any support of pillars. The rooftop of this edifice offers an excellent panoramic view of Lucknow. You can hire a guide to know this place better. This place one of the best places for a Weekend Tour of Lucknow.

Chota Imambara:

The Chhota Imambara is also known as the Imambara of Hussainabad. This impressive monument lies westward of Bara Imambara.

Chhota Imambara used to be a worship hall for Shia Muslims and was built by Muhammad Ali Shah, in the year 1838. The Imambara also serves as Ali Shah and the queen mother’s mausoleum, and they are buried side by side.

The exterior of the monument is adorned with Quranic verses which have been written in calligraphy on the walls of the building. Baroque carvings and exquisite calligraphy make the Chota Imambara one of the most exciting places to visit in Lucknow.

Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden:

The Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Prani Udyan attracts thousands of visitors every year, especially children. This enormous zoo covers an area of 71.6 acres. This zoo was established in 1921 to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales to Lucknow. The zoo was initially known as the Prince of Wales Zoo but was renamed later. This place is good to visit for one day city tour of Lucknow.

Rumi Darwaza:

The Rumi Darwaza in Lucknow was constructed in the year 1784 under the patronage of Nawab Asaf-ud-daula. Also known as the Turkish Gateway. The Rumi Darwaza is 60 feet tall. The Rumi Darwaza is actually thought of as a replica of a gateway that is very similar, in ancient Constantinople. Rumi Darwaza has an octagonal “chhatri” carved beautifully.

British Residency:

The British Residency is an important historical site of the Lucknow sightseeing tour. This place is now in ruins. The British Residency used to serve as a sanctuary for some British citizens in the 1857 independence rising. Lucknow became the centre of all British political activities during the siege. The Residency served as the unchallenged centre of the British for almost 3 months during the time.

The Residency houses the graves of around 2000 British soldiers who died in the Revolt of 1857. The Residency also has a museum which is maintained by the government. This place is a must visit for a Weekend Tour of Lucknow.

Hussainabad Clock Tower:

It is located adjacent to the Rumi Darwaza. Built in the year 1881, Husainabad Clock Tower is adjudged as the tallest among all the clock towers in India. it was built as a replica to the Big Ben clock tower of London.

Roskell Payne designed this structure, 67 metres (220 ft) in height, and it reflects Victorian and Gothic style structural designs. Gunmetal is used for building the clock parts. Its gigantic pendulum has a length of 14 feet, and the dial of the clock is designed in the shape of a 12-petalled flower and bells around it This imposing clock tower occupies the central position in a green field.

Dilkusha Palace:

Dilkusha Kothi is the remains of an eighteenth-century house built in the English baroque style in the quiet Dilkusha area. The house was constructed around 1800 by the British resident Major Gore Ouseley, a friend of the ruler of Oudh, Nawab Saadat Ali Khan. It was initially intended as a hunting lodge for the Nawabs of Oudh, although it was later used as a summer resort too. It is said that in 1830, Dilkushi Kothi was the location for an early balloon ascent by “an Englishman”.

Ambedkar Memorial Park:

In 1995 the first foundation stone was laid. Earlier, the park was named Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Udyan. In 2002, it was renamed the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial and development work continued until 2002-03. In 2007, the park underwent further renovation and development. It was initially opened to the public on 14 April 2008.

The entire memorial is built using red sandstone brought from Rajasthan. AMP is situated in the posh locality of Gomti Nagar. It is the largest planned residential colony in India. The park looks amazing at the evening with the lights on. Don’t miss this place in your Weekend Tour of Lucknow.

RAHIM KI NIHARI:

The quality of food is just awesome. This is a 125-year-old restaurant in Chowk Bazar, Lucknow. You can taste Mutton Nihari with Kulcha or Sirmal (Orange Colored Paratha).

Interestingly, best time to visit at Rahim’s place is early in the morning, right at breakfast time!

Sharma Tea Stall:

Sharma Ji Ki Chai in Hazratganj is flocked by hundreds in the morning & evening hours. Even though the stall is 50 years old, it only serves 6 items so far! Its Kulhad chai, bun maska and round samosas have had many coming back. The store is now being run by the third generation and there are expansion plans in the making.

If you are planning to visit Lucknow. Don’t forget to taste Bun Maska, Samosa with Kulhad chai. Sharma Tea Stall is on Trilok Nath Road, Lalbagh.

Tunday Kababi:

Tunde Kababi, is a dish made out of minced meat which is popular in Lucknow, India. It is part of Awadhi cuisine. It is said to incorporate 160 spices. Haji Murad Ali who only had one working arm. He had first introduces this melt-in-your-mouth kebabs to the Nawab of Awadh, Wajid Ali Shah. He instantly fell in love with the tender wonder, and gave royal patronage to the ‘Tunday Kebabi’. You can easily understand this is a must try item.

Other items you should include in your lunch meal are Awadhi Chicken Biryani with Mutton Qorma and Plain Paratha (try with Tunday Kabab). Never miss this restaurant within your Weekend Tour of Lucknow.

Gilori Paan:

Lucknow’s Malai Paan also popularly called the Balai Ki Gilori has been a favourite with people visiting the city as well as city folk. The delicately sweet mishri encased in paper thin malai with a hint of rose water and kewra makes it absolutely drool-worthy!

The beauty of this Gilori Paan is its melt-in-the-mouth quality and its delicate taste, especially the one with kesar ki mishri.

Thandai at Raja Thandai:

Pandit Raja Thandai in Chowk, Lucknow has been churning out thandai for decades. The Thandai is cold light milk with the addition of sugar, Kesar and crushed nuts. The creamy sweet thandai is a natural coolant during summers. They have two types of Thandai – with or without Bhang.

But if its bhaang wali thandai you’re looking for on Holi, then this is the only place we would recommend. The shop is open all through the day on Holi. Be careful how much bhaang you want in your thandai.

Makkhan Malai & Falooda Kulfi:

Don’t forget to taste these popular malai and kulfi when you are in Lucknow. You can easily guess the taste from the below images.

Probably everyone in Luck know about Dastarkhwan restaurant. There are 4-5 restaurant with the name Dastarkhwan are available in Lucknow. Most of the restaurants are air-conditioned. If you want to feel the original royal mughlai taste, Dastarkhwan at U.P. Press Club, Hazratganj is one non-ac restaurant I am talking about.

What to eat:

You must try, Galawat Kabab with Parantha, Mutton Awadhi Biryani, Mutton Boti Kebab (gravy). Mutton Rogan Josh & Onion Salad with Pudina Chatni. (If you want dishes in Chicken those are also available. I was eyewitness of the people at Dastarkhwan having delicious chicken dishes also.)

Food quality and taste is really awesome. Price is also not so high. You can check the menu with price from the images.

Though the city doesn’t have many glitzy malls, shopping in Lucknow can be a memorable experience thanks to its vibrant markets and rich crafts traditions. The city is quite famous for its traditional chikan embroidery work, which attracts travelers from all across the country.

The technique of creation of a chikan work is known as chikankari. Chikan is delicate and artfully done hand embroidery on a variety of textile fabric like muslin, silk, chiffon, organza, net, etc. White thread is embroidered on cool, pastel shades of light muslin and cotton garments.

You can check or buy Chikankari dress from anywhere in Lucknow. Lucknow’s most famous shopping hubs such as Aminabad, Janpath, Chowk, Gadbadjhala, and Alambagh.

Aminabad market is the largest market of Lucknow city. Almost everything is available there. Aminabad bazaar dates back to the period of Nawabs in Lucknow. Considered to be one of the oldest and busiest markets in the country, a visit to Aminabad is must for all. The narrow old lanes of Aminabad look quite similar to those of the famous Chandni Chowk market in Old Delhi. The market is famous for selling jewelry, books, regular bric-a-brac and Indian wedding attires at a reasonable price. This is the best market for shopping in a Weekend Tour of Lucknow

I purchased at least 12-13 dresses made of Chikankari. It includes Chiffon Sarees, Chiffon & Cotton Kurtis, Patiala, Chikankari Plazo etc. from Chikan Palace at Aminabad Market.

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