Bara Imambara
The Bara Imambara of Lucknow is one of the most famous monuments of the city. Also known as Asfi Imambara, after the name of the Nawab of Lucknow who got it constructed, it is an important place of worship for the Muslims who come here every year to celebrate the religious festival of Muharram. Said to be the world's largest unsupported structure, Bara Imambara is considered a marvel of engineering and a fine specimen of Mughal architecture. In the vicinity, religious centres like the Asifi Mosque, Shahi Bawali, Rumi Darwaja, etc., are also present for one to explore. The Bara Imambara is worth seeing in its own right, but the unusual labyrinth of corridors on its upper floor (Bhul Bhulaiya) is what steals the show!
Hazratganj Market
Hazratganj, the central shopping district of Lucknow, has a long history behind it and has undergone a great makeover that bridges the past and the present and continues to serve as Lucknow's central shopping arcade.
Lucknow Zoo
Located in the heart of Lucknow, the Nawab Wazid Ali Shah Prani Udyan or Lucknow Zoo is a favourite haunt of wildlife enthusiasts from all over the city. This massive zoo is spread over an area of 71.6 acres and was established in the year 1921 to commemorate the visit of His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales to Lucknow. Some of the fascinating animals and birds such as Royal Bengal Tiger, White Tiger, Lion, Wolf, Great Pied Hornbill, Golden Pheasant and Silver Pheasant can be spotted here in their natural habitat. The Lucknow Zoo also has a number of fun-filled activities for its visitors. You can observe the vintage train that is exhibited in the zoo premises, and if that leaves you wanting for more, hop aboard the toy train that runs through the zoo!
Chowk
The Chowk area in the Indian city of Lucknow is one of the oldest markets in the state as well as the whole of North India. Lucknow is an ancient city, and its presence and significance are ubiquitous throughout Indian history. Chowk market has more than 5000 shops spread around the narrow, labyrinthine cobweb of streets on both sides and sometimes taking much of the road itself. In these quaint shops, both bricked shops as well as temporary ones, you will find authentic chikankari and zardozi dresses, traditional handmade jewelleries, handcrafted home decor items from wood, bamboo and ivory, nagara shoes, ittar or perfume made from essence of real flowers, and innumerable other small and big items, in varieties beyond your imagination.
Chota Imambara
Chhota Imambara is one of the most prominent historical structures of Lucknow. Architecturally, it is a beautiful amalgam of Charbagh, Indo-Islamic and Persian structural and architectural designs. The exterior of the temple is complete with Quranic verses which are written in Islamic calligraphy on the walls of the monument. However, it is not just the exterior of the Imambara which catches the fancy of the eager visitors. Even the interiors of the monument are designed and maintained with intricate details and utmost care.
Dr Ambedkar Park
The Ambedkar Memorial Park was constructed by the Mayawati Government in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. The park was built to commemorate the people who dedicated their life to equality and human justice like Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, Kanshi Ram and others. With a budget of a whopping seven billion rupees, the park is one of the loveliest things to see in Lucknow.
Rumi Darwaza
Rumi Darwaza in the heart of Lucknow looms over the busy everyday traffic of Lajpatnagar like an old guardian angel that has seen the city rise and fall. The ancient Awadhi architecture of Rumi Darwaza is one of those features of the old city of Lucknow which still clings on to the nostalgias of the past, like the horse driven Tonga cart. The creation of Rumi Darwaza has a very charitable reason behind it. When famine struck North India during 1748, the then Nawab of Lucknow came up with a plan that will feed his countrymen as well as give him something to cherish and be proud of.
Naimisharanya
Naimisharanya is one of the lesser known places around Lucknow. Located just 100km away from the city, this place is actually a spiritual and intellectual centre. It finds its place in the Hindu mythology. It is believed that the Gods came down here asking for arms to fight the devils. Many believe that the pilgrimage to this part of the country is incomplete without a visit to this place. This place is a good option for people looking for a one day trip from Lucknow.
Shravasti
Shravasti is a well know place as it happens to be a very famous Buddhist pilgrimage site. Located around 330km from Lucknow, this place is termed to be the ancient capital of the Koshal kingdom. You will find the famous Stupas known as "Kachhi Kuti" and "Pakki Kuti" as this very place. It also houses the monastery where Lord Buddha stayed for several years. If you interested in exploring the Buddhist culture from close, this 4-hour drive from the city will be worth it.
Dudhwa National Park
If you are interested in exploring the wild side of Lucknow, Dudhwa National Park is just the place to visit. It is situated at a distance of 300km from Lucknow on the Indo-Nepal border in the Lakhimpur Kheri district. This place has an abundance of flora and fauna and you can spot animals like Tiger, Panther, Sambhar Deer and over 400 species of bird. This place is open from October to May, so be sure of the dates before heading off here.
Bithur
The place where Rishi Valmiki is supposed to have created the Ramayana. The place where life on earth is said to have begun by Lord Brahma. This place is called Bithur and is at a distance of 125km from Lucknow. Situated on the banks of river Ganges, it is 25km upstream from Kanpur. The major tourist attractions here are the Brahmavarta Ghat, the temple of Luv-Kush, Dhruv Tila and the Valmiki Ashram. Being such a revered place according to Hindu mythology, a visit to this place should definitely be on your bucket list.
Ayodhya
The birthplace of Lord Ram, Ayodhya has situated around 163km away from Lucknow. The place is famous for its Ghats, temples and some Buddhist and Jain shrines. Being a highly revered destination for Hindus, this place has been in the limelight for the last two decades for religious and political reasons. The places of interest here include a massive fort called "Hanuman Garhi", the Nageshwar Nath temple believed to have been built by Kush, the Ramkatha Museum and the Dashrath Mahal.
Agra
Agra is an enticing and a mindboggling destination for people around the globe. Famous for the "Taj Mahal", this place is visited by tourists from all over the world. The magical impact of this place leaves a huge imprint on the people coming here who long to visit it again and again. Other picturesque places here include the Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, Itimad Uddaulah and Fatehpur Sikri.
Chitrakoot
This places situated in Madhya Pradesh is only 236km away from Lucknow. Chitrakoot is a beautiful religious town and holds great historical and archaeological significance. Many of its temples and sites find their mention in the Hindu scriptures. According to mythology, Ram, Sita and Lakshman are supposed to have spent their exile years in forests surrounding Chitrakoot. Some prime tourist spots here include Bharat Milap Mandir, Sati Anasuya Ashrama, Janaki Kund, Jagdal Waterfall and Bharat Koop. This place needs to be visited for its Ayurvedic and yoga centres!
