Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, extends along the banks of the River Gomti. The creator of Lucknow as it is today was Nawab Asaf ud Daula. The city became known as a centre for Urdu poetry and courtly diction, and reached its acme during the reign of Wajid Ali Shah who was a connoisseur of music and poetry. It was during his reign that the British appropriated Awadh. Today, the city is dotted with remnants of its rich historic past.
Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. A city which saw great rulers and dynasties come and go, and in the process leave indelible impressions. Excavations at Lucknow have revealed a civilization of the pre-Christian era. Walking down the numerous lanes and by-lanes, one grows conscious of the changing fortunes that the city suffered through the centuries.
Lying on the banks of the river Gomti, this beautiful city was the capital of the Wazirs and Nawabs of Avadh (Oudh) two centuries ago. It was once the pivot of a unique culture, art and etiquette ? an ethos so unique that the term "Lucknavi" culture still continues to be a by-word for gracious living.
The dynasty of Avadh was founded by a Persian named Saadat Khan in 1739 and the laudable work was carried on by his successors till 1814 after which it began to deteriorate. During the reign of Asaf-ud-Daula (1775-1797), Lucknow was at its zenith. It was practically the "Paris of India", the country?s centre of art and culture. The year 1857 saw a mutinous Lucknow. The bullet-pierced walls of the Residency speak of the six tumultuous months of the 1857 uprising. The great Imambara, with the Central Hall measuring 162 feet by 53 feet, is one of the largest vaulted galleries in the world.
Lucknow is also known for its elaborate cuisine and 'Chikankaari' or exquisite shadow-work embroidery on fine muslin cloth.Lucknow is famous for chikanwork and embroidery on fabrics and zari work on sarees. The main shops are Gangotri, U. P. Handicrafts, Hazratganj; UPICA Hazratganj; Khadi Gram Udyog Bhawan, Hazratganj; Black Partridge, Haryana Emporium; Maharashtra Handlooms; Co-optex, Tamil Nadu Handlooms; Kashmir Government Arts Emporium; Gurjari, Gujarat Emporium. All emporia are in Hazratganj
- Area : 2.528 sq. km.
- Population : 36,47,834 (2001 census)
- Altitude : 123 mts. above sea level.
[*Season : October - March
- Clothing (Summer) : Cottons Winter : Woolens
- Language : Hindi, Urdu, English
- Festivals : Holi, Dusschra, Diwali, Jamghat, Bada Mangal Mela, Id-Ul-Zuha, Id-Ul-Fitar, Shab-e-Barat, Moharrum & Lucknow Mahotsav (November 25- December 05)
- Local Transport : Bus/Tempo/Auto Rickshaw/Taxi Tonga/Cycle Rickshaw
- STD Code : 0522
Air
Amausi Airport, Lucknow is directly connected with Delhi, Patna, Calcutta, Bombay and Varanasi by direct flights.
Rail
A major railway junction, Lucknow is conveniently connected to many cities. Some of the important trains are :
* Shatabadi Ex. : 2003/2035;2004/2036
* Nainital Ex; : 5307/5308
* Sabarmati Exp :9164/9166/9168;9163/9165/9167
* Vaishali Exp : 2553/2554
* Awadh-Assam Exp : 5609/5610
* Neelanchal Exp : 8475/8476
* Ganga-Yamuna Exp : 3413/3483;3414/3484
* Lucknow Mail : 4229/4230
* Gomti Exp : 2419/2420
* Kashi-Vishwanath Exp : 4057/4058
* Nauchandi Exp : 4511/4512
* Bombay-Gorakhpur Exp : 1015/1016
* Cochin-Gorakhpur Exp. 5011/5012
Road
Lucknow is connected by road with all the major cities of the country. Some of the major road distances are : Agra - 363 km, Allahabad - 210 km, Ayodhya - 135 km, Calcutta - 985 km, Corbett National Park - 400 km, Delhi - 497 km, Dudhwa National Park - 238 km, Kanpur - 79 km, Khajuraho - 320 km, Varanasi - 305 km.
Hussainabad Imambara
Near the Rumi Darwaza, this structure houses the tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah, its builder, and of his mother. Built between 1837 and 1842, it is also called the Chhota Imambara. It is approached through a fine garden. The Imambara has a white dome and numerous turrets and minarets. The glittering brass-domes and ornate architecture of this building made a Russian Prince call it the "Kremlin of India." The walls of the mausoleum are decorated with verses in Arabic. Chandeliers, gilded mirrors, colorful stucco, the King's throne and ornate tazia or replicas of the tombs at Karbala adorn the interior.
Shah Najaf Imambara
This white-domed structure derives its name from the town of Najaf, about 200 km south of Baghdad where the saint Hazrat Ali is buries. It is situated on the right bank of the Gomti, In this mausoleum are buried the remains of Ghazi-ud-din Haider and his wives, including Mubarak Mahal, his European wife. The entrance leads to a beautiful garden. The silver tomb of Ghazi-ud-din Haider lies in the centre of the building and is flanked by the more imposing silver and gold tomb of Mubarak Mahal on one side, and another tomb on the other.
Residency
Built for the British Resident in 1780-1800, it was originally a very extensive and beautiful building, It was a scene of dramatic events during the Mutiny of 1857. The scarred ruins tell the story of the British community besieged by the rebels. The main house overlooks the river and is surrounded by terraced lawns and gardens.
Bara Imambara
Imambara, a unique archaeological monuments, was built by Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 for famine relief, situated at the banks of river Gomti. Bara means big, and the term Imambara refers to a shrine dedicated for Azadari purpose by the Shiite Muslims, who gather there to observe Muharram. Among all the buildings of Lucknow it is the grandest. It includes the large Asfi mosque, the bhulbhulayah (the labyrinth), and bowli, a step well with running water. There are excellent views of Lucknow from the top of the Imambara.
Bara Imambara?, a historical edifice with such a marvelous architecture that even modern architects seem to be perplexed by its design. Its designer was Kifayat-ullah who is said to be a relative of the architect of the Taj Mahal. The structure shows the mixture of Rajput and Mughal architectures with Gothic influences. One of Asad-ud-Daulah's objectives in embarking on this grandiose project was to provide employment for people in the region. According to reports, the famine continued for over a decade and the construction of the building continued for this time. It is said that ordinary people used to work in the day building up the edifice, while noblemen and other elite were called at night to break down all the structure raised, as they were incapable of doing anything else, according to a chronicle of the period. This see-saw efforts continued till the famine period was over.It was a project that preceded a Keynesian like intervention for employment generation.
Below is a closeup of Asafi Mosque- Bada Imambara
The Bara Imambara is, in fact, a great hall built at the end of a spectacular courtyard approached through two magnificent triple-arched gateways. The central hall of the Imambara is almost 50 meters in length and 16-meter wide. The ceiling of this columnless hall is more than 15-meter high. The hall is one of the largest of its kind in the world without any external support of wood, iron, or stone beams. The roof has been put together with interlocking bricks without using a beam or a girder. Hence, it is viewed as a unique achievement of architecture. The building, which consists of three huge halls, has an amazing maze of corridors hidden in between its walls that are about 20 feet thick. This dense, dark maze called the ?bhul bhulaiya? is to be explored only if you are strong-hearted. It is a network of more than 1000 labyrinthine passages, some of which have dead-ends, some end at precipitous drops while others lead to entrance or exit points. Help of a guide is recommended if one wants a tour of the secret labyrinth without getting lost.
Another intriguing structure at the Imambara is the five-storied baoli (step well), which belongs to the pre-Nawabi era. Called the Shahi-Hammam (royal bath), this baoli is connected with the river Gomti. Only the first two stories are above water, the rest being perennially under water.
There's a mosque with two tall minarets in the courtyard complex and to the right of this is a well which is said to have secret tunnels opening into. The Imambara is open from morning to 6pm.
Rumi Darwaza
This colossal, ornate gateway is said to be a facsimile of one of the gates of Constantinople. It was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784, to create employment during the terrible famine of 1784.
nterestingly the name Rumi Darwaza has been derived from Persian 'Rumi' that means Rome. Rome was also applied to the city of Constantinople because of the fact that it was earlier called Byzantium and was the capital of the 'Eastern Roman Empire' that was later vanquished by the Turks. The landscape around the gate was once very beautiful. In fact this was once the entrance to the walled city area of Lucknow. The gateway has been mentioned in various sources but the most famous one is considered to be the report published by one George Russell who worked as a reporter of The New York Times in mid 19th century. Russell, who accompanied the victorious British army of 1857 Mutiny had called the stretch of road from Rumi Darwaza to Chattar Manzil the most beautiful and spectacular cityscape that he had ever seen, better than Rome, Paris, London or Constantinople.
On top of the Rumi Darwaza was kept a huge lantern that would light up the structure at night making it look absolutely fabulous. Little jets of water would rush out of the sides of the arch from beautifully carved flower buds thus making it look like a gateway to Paradise. The beautifully carved flowers and designs speak volumes about the unique architectural style and eye for detail. The Rumi Darwaza is truly a splendor and must visit if you are traveling Lucknow.
Husainabad Clock Tower
In the same complex is the huge and ornate Rumi Darwaza , or Turkish Gate, also built in 1784. Nearby is the Husainabad Clock Tower that has the largest clock in India. Towering to a height of 67m, this Victorian-Gothic Clock Tower was designed in the 1880s, by Roskell Payne. A mosque with two tall minarets is located near the Clock Tower.
Lakshman Tila
This high ground on the right bank of the River Gomti was the original site of the town which became known as Lucknau in the 15th century. Aurangzeb's Mosque now stands on this site.
Jama Masjid
West of the Hussainabad Imambara is the great Jama Masjid with its two minarets and three domes. Construction was started by Muhammad Ali Shah but completed after his death.
Kaiserbagh Palace Complex
The construction of the Kaiserbagh Palaces was started in 1848 by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and completed in 1850. They were built to create the eighth wonder of the world. The yellow buildings on three sides of the quadrangle, now the property of Taluqdars, once provided quarters for the ladies of the harem. In the centre stands the Baradari, a picturesque white stone edifice which was earlier paved with silver.
La Martinere College
Outside the town is this strange school built by the Frenchman Major-General Claude Martin. Taken prisoner at Pondicherry in 1761, he joined the East India Company's army. In 1776 however he entered service with the Nawab of Oudh, while at the same time maintaining his East India Company connections. He started to build a palatial home which he named Constantia.
Martin designed much of the building himself. Gothic gargoyles were piled merrily atop Corinthian columns to produce a finished product. Martin died in 1800 before his stately home could be completed. It was converted into a school later.
Dilkusha Palace
To the southeast of the La Martiniere school is the Dilkusha Palace laid down admidst extensive parks near the banks of the river Gomti. It was constructed by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan as a hunting retreat.
Chattar Manzil
The two Chattar Manzils near the Begum Hazarat Mahal park, on the banks of the Gomti were Royal pavilions. The name comes from the gilt chattars or umbrellas atop the two main buildings. The Greater Chattar Manzil was once a king's palace. Under the existing river terrace was the ground floor with the tykhanas (cool underground rooms), cooled by the waters of the Gomti which lapped against its outer walls. Considering their size, surprisingly little is known about the Chattar Manzil Palaces. Today this building houses the Central Medicine Research body. The Lal Baradari was also the part of Chattar Manzil and was built as Coronation Hall and Durbar Hall.
National Botanical Research institute
Located at Sikandarbagh, where pitched battles took place during the Mutiny of 1857, the institute garden is open to the public from 6 AM to 5 PM.
State Museum / Zoo
A favorite spot for recreation, Lucknow, Museum houses a large collection of artifacts and memorabilia and is located at Banarasi Bagh, within the zoo premises. The zoo has a large collection of animals,stone sculptures, 1st-11th century exhibits of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain works, rare coins, marble sculptures and an Egyptian Mummy.
Charbagh Railway Station
The Charbagh Railway Station is the main railway station of Lucknow, situated in the south of the city. Charbagh Railway Station was built in 1914 and incorporates the nest of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The word 'Charbagh' means four gardens; it is said that four gardens were here at the time of Nawabs.
Kukrail Reserve Forest in Lucknow
A picnic spot developed by the Forest Department, it has a deer park and crocodile nursery. A variety of birds and deer can be seen in their natural habitat. The Reserve includes recreational facilities for children, a cafeteria, and a rest house. Spotted deer, black buck, sambhar and a variety of birds can be seen here. The Regional Science Centre and Science Museum offer innovative programs, which promise a pleasant learning experience.
Indira Gandhi Planetarium Lucknow
The foundation stone of this beautiful building of Saturn shape was laid on 28th Feb., 1988 by the chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Hon. Late Veer Bahadur Singh. Indira Gandhi Planetarium was inaugurated on 8th May, 2003 by the Hon. Chief Minister of UP Ms. Mayawati. From 9th May 2003 Planetarium has been opened for public.
Structure :-Indira Gandhi Planetarium building is in unique Saturn shape with its five rings. The 21 meter diameter spherical building of the planetarium rest on platform, which is especially designed to give an idea of crater formation on celestial bodies. The platform is surrounded by waterpool with fountains. The ground floor of the planetarium building has a space gallery with some models and charts of Indian satellites. Main auditorium of 15 meter diameter is on the first floor.
The Capacity :- 168 seats.
Objectives :-The Government of Uttar Pradesh has established a Planetarium at Lucknow with following objective:
# To provide basic information on different aspects of astronomy.
# To popularise Astronomy.
# To become a centre of information in the field of Astronomical research and latest developments.
# To establish the amateur club and provide guidance to amateur astronomer and interested students.
# To arrange astronomical exhibition, quiz and art competitions for children and common men.
# To maintain liaison with observatories and the planetarium in and outside of the country.
Planetarium Equipment :-
Model G - 1518 with thirteen panorama scenes projectors and many special effect projectors from GOTO OPTICAL LTD , JAPAN. Two video CRT projectors from Barco Pvt Ltd, Belgium integrated with the projecting system.
Other places of interest include Maqbara Saadat Ali Khan, Moti Mahal, Alambagh Palace.
Lucknow- A tourist place in India
Re: Lucknow- A tourist place in India
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