If you’re pressed for time but still want to indulge your wanderlust, Lucknow has many beautiful places to visit.Lucknow, state capital Uttar Pradesh, with glorious historical landmarks and diverse cultural experiences. But if you’re short on time and money, we’ve put together a Lucknow guide you can explore in 24 hours. Most sightseeing tours in Nawabs last up to 8 hours. Start your day in Lucknow with a breakfast of Khasta kachori and aloo sabzi at any street vendor nearby. Then head to Bada Imambara, a residential complex with one of the world’s largest vaulted halls and a fabled labyrinth of passages.
Stroll to Chota Imambara to admire its architectural splendor. Along the way, there’s Rumi Darwaza, a stunning example of Awadhi architecture based on Istanbul’s Sublime Porte. Visit Constantia House to learn about colonial India and the events that led to the downfall of the British Empire. Stop by Tunday Kababi for lunch and sample local delicacies before heading to Hazratganj for trinkets and traditional chikan kurtas or sari. To end your exploration on a sweet note, eat a kulfi in the evening.
bara i mambara
Asafi Imambara, also known as Bara Imambara, is a famous historical landmark in Lucknow. It was built in 1784 by Asaf-ud-Daula, one of the eminent nawabs of Awadh. The complex includes the Asfi Mosque, Bhul Bhulaiya and the Shahi Baoli. The building has two impressive entrances that lead you to the Central Hall, which is known to be the largest vaulted room in the entire world. Bara Imambara is open daily from sunrise to dusk and the entrance fee is Rs. 25 Indians and Rs. 500 international tourists.
Jota Imambara
In 1838, Awadh’s third Nawab, Muhammad Ali Shah, built the magnificent historic Chota Imambara. Also known as Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak, it was originally built as a meeting place for the Shia community. However, this place later became the mausoleum of the Nawab and his mother. The building’s interior is beautifully decorated with Belgian crystal chandeliers and light fixtures, earning it the nickname “Palace of Light”, while its intricate Islamic calligraphy enriches its exterior. Chota Imambara is open daily from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm and the entrance price is 100 rupees. 25 Indians and Rs. 300 visitors.
Rumidavaza
Rumi Darwaza is an impressive gateway between Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara, if you want to see the Awadhi style architecture for yourself With stunning views, this is the place for you. It is about 60 feet high and is the symbol of Lucknow city. Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula built the gate in 1784. The gate is called the Turkish Gate because it was inspired by the Sublime Porte in Istanbul.
Hussainabad clock tower
Husainabad Clock Tower is a heritage building near Rumi Darwaza. Built for Rs 1.75 lakh in 1881, the 221-foot-tall building is a replica of London’s Big Ben clock tower. Its pendulum looks like a flower (with 12 petals) and is 14 feet long. It is known for being the tallest clock tower in the country and features Gothic and Victorian architectural elements. The Husainabad Clock Tower is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and admission is free.
Gunti Riverside Park
Due to its strategic location and picturesque surroundings, Gomti Riverfront Park has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in Lucknow. Stretching over 2 kilometers across the banks of the Gomti River, the park is known as one of the city’s best places for picnics and recreation. The park’s musical fountain is one of its main attractions. GRP is even more charming at night when it is lit up. This is a great place to spend an evening with loved ones, it contains jogging/biking trails as well as a play area for the kids. Gomti Riverfront Park is open daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm and the entrance fee is Rs. 10 per person.
Constantia House
If you want to catch a glimpse of the splendor of English architecture, visit Constantia House. It is part of the prestigious La Martiniere College, a leading university in the region. The building houses the mausoleum of French general Major Claude Martin, who began construction of the building in 1785. Widely regarded as the largest European monument in the country, the House of Constantia showcases an unusual fusion of architectural types. Constantia House is free to visit daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
