Introduction :
Lucknow, capital of India's most populous state - Uttar Pradesh. Lucknow, is evocative of a lifestyle long gone by - only its vestiges are still to be found in the city's mannerisms and habits. The city probably derives its name from the legend that Rama gave away this part of the country to Lakshmana, his yonger brother. Lucknow was the abode of the Nawabs of Avadh, and their regal pastimes and pleasures were legendry. They refined their formal speech, were fond of song and dance, and nurtured Urdu verse as well as the Kathak school of court dances. The food from the royal kitchens was the result of creative experimentation, exquisite and delicate in taste. Their monuments excelled in the use of arches, pavilions and domes. Many of the royal residences are now crumbling, but the best known of Lucknow's architectural representatives are the Imambaras, and the bhulbhulaiyan. Lucknow also continues to be home to the fine chikan embroidery executed with fine skill on fabrics, sarees and kurtas.

Places to See:

Hussainnabad Imambara: Also known as the Chhota, or Small Imambara, This was built by Mohammed Ali Shah in 1837 as his own mausoleum. Thousands of labourers worked on the project to gain famine relief. The large courtyard encloses a raised rectangular tank with small imitations of the Taj Mahal on each side. one of them is the tomb of Mohammed Ali Shah daughter, the other that of her husband. The main building of the imambara, topped by a golden dome, contains the tombs of ali Shah and his mother. Opposite the Hussainabad Imambara is Satkhanda and also known as Sven Storey Tower. A 67m-high defunct clock tower, overlooks the Hussainabad Tank nearby. West of the Hussainabad Imambara is the Jama Masjid which was started by Mohammed Ali Shah and Completed after his Death.

Bara Imambara: The Bara or Great Imambara (an imambara is the tomb of a Shi'ite Muslim holy man) was built in 1784 by Asaf-ud-Daula. The central hall of the Imambara, at 50m long and 15m high, is one of the largest vaulted galleries in the world. An external stairway leads to an upper floor laid out as an amazing labyrinth known as the Bhulbhulaiya. Beside the Imambara, and built by Asaf-ud-Daula , is the imposing Rumi Darwaza.

The Residency: Built in 1800 for the British Resident, this group of buildings became the stage for the the most dramatic events of the 1857 Uprising the Siege of Lucknow. The red-brick ruins are peaceful now a days, surrounded by lawns and flowerbeds, but thousands died during the months-long siege. The Residency has been maintaind as it was at the time of the final relief, and the shattered walls are still scarred by cannon shot. Even since Independence, little has changed. The only major work done on the place was the unveiling of an Indian Martyrs Memorial directely opposite. you can see cellars in the main Residency building where many of the women and children lived throughout the siege. The cemetery at the nearby ruined church has the graves of 2000 men, women and children, including that of Sir Henry Lawrence, 'who tried to do his duty' according to the famous inscription on his weathered gravestone.

Laxman Tila: Situated north of the Imambara complex which houses the Alamgir Mosque, was built by Sultan Ali, the governor of Awadh during Aurangzeb's reign.

Rumi Darwaza: Rumi Darwaza is a massive gateway situated west of the Bara Imambara and was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-daulah in 1784.

Clock Tower: Near the Rumi Darwaza, is a 221 feet high clock tower built by Nawab Mohammed Ali Shah in 1881.

Chattar Manzil: Near Chowk, is an imposing building whose construction was started by Nawab Ghazi Haider but was completed by his successor, Nawab Nasiruddin Haider. The Main attractions include huge underground rooms and a beautiful dome surrounded by gilt umbrella. European architectural influences can also be seen.

Travel Information:
Air: Lucknow is connected with Calcutta, Delhi, Patna and Mumbai.
Rail: Lucknow is the major railway junction and connected directly with main cities of the country.
Road: Lucknow is connected by road with all parts of the country.