Introduction: Lucknow is a beautiful state capital city of Uttar Pradesh. This city is located at the bank of river Gomti. It came to be prominent as a hub of the Nawabs of Avadh. A legend says that the name Lucknow is derived from Laxmana who is the younger brother of Lord Rama of Ramayana. Rama gave this part of territory to Laxmana as his kingdom. The findings of huge mausoleums of the nawabs and important events that took place in this city during the Sipoy Mutiny make this city an interesting place of visit. Lucknow is also reputed for its historical culture and is famous for music and Chickan, a kind of shadow work embroidery work.

History: Archaeological findings show that it is a very old site but the Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula of the Avadh dynasty set up Lucknow at its present status in 1775. Many prominent artists and philosophers came to India and contributed to the glory of Indian culture in terms of music and literature. Lucknow was established to centralize the cultural and arts pursuit of the Mughals. The nawabs got absorbed in their leisure while the British eyed on their kingdom. Mid 1850s marked the end of the nawabs with the fall of Wajid Ali Shah and the throne goes to the British army. British rule stretch over 200 years looting and plundering the glory of India. India got freedom in 1947 but most glory could not be regained.

Places of interest Monuments, architectures, music and arts tells the story of their times. The Bada Imambada, also known as the Asafi Imambada was built in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula to provide food and shelter for the famine struck people. It is said that it is the world’s biggest arched pillar less room. Chhota Imambada constructed in 1839 is a burial place of Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah, the constructor. Both the Imambadas are illuminated during Muharram. A huge Mosque, Jama Masjid having two minarets and three domes is a must see site for tourists. Its construction was started by Muhammad Ali Shah but completed by Begum Mallika Jahan. A Clock Tower at Hussainabad standing 221 feet was designed by M. J. W. Wanson of London and it is believed to be the largest in India.

Travel information:  Lucknow is located in the central India. There is no difficulty for anyone to go to Lucknow. Daily flight is running from almost all the major cities of India. Railways also connect Lucknow with all the places of India. It is just 499 km away from Delhi. Taxis, Tongas and Rickshaws are available for local mobility. A number of tourist websites are serving online information and booking for visitors to Lucknow. The people of Lucknow can understand Urdu, Hindi and English. It is a big city of 2526 sq km in area. Summer is typical and winter is severe. October to March is the most suitable time to visit.