Lucknow city is synonymous with its adorable chikan work on fabrics. Lucknow chicken work fabrics are in great demand all over the world and are truly admirable, but there are several other things to be appreciated in the city. Lucknow is known for its Nawabi culture, historical monuments, tourist attractions, and food. Lucknow is also famous for music and arts, as many famous artists were born here. This city is also known for its natural beauty and this is the reason why the shooting of many films and serials keep taking place in the city premises.
Best time to visit lucknow
It is recommended to visit the city during March and April. During these months the weather in and around the city is pleasant, this gives you a chance to visit several historical monuments and flea markets which are famous around the city.
LUCKNOW WEATHERYou can even visit the city during the winter season. At this time of year, the average temperature of Lucknow is around 14 degrees Celsius. This gives you the advantage to visit several natural habitats, picnic spots, and sightseeing locations.
Accommodation for you in lucknow
Accommodation is considered as one of the most important aspects for travelers. When you visit Lucknow, you can easily book hotels and suits based on your budget and level of comfort you need .
Economic Hotels in Lucknow
Mint Eclat suite
In case you are on a strict travel budget then it is essential to book hotels that are economic. Mint Eclat suite is located at Vinamra Khand, Gomti Nagar. This hotel costs around Rs. 1750 daily, the main attraction of this hotel is that it is located in a posh location, just 800 meters from Singapore mall. Along with accommodation, you will be offered several other facilities viz. complimentary toiletries, coffee maker, seating area, housekeeping, etc.
Comfort Inn
Comfort Inn is indeed the best economic hotel which is located in Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar. Daily cost per room is around Rs. 2500 which includes breakfast, transport to the airport, free parking, and unlimited Wi-Fi. Daily housekeeping services which include changing bed sheets, pillow covers, dusting, etc. are also included in the rent.
Luxury hotels in Lucknow
Piccadily
The services of this hotel will truly provide you ‘home away from home’ experience. Furthermore, the prime location of this luxury hotel makes it even more appealing to travelers. The hotel is closer to the Hazaratganj area which is the center of the city and only three to four kilometers away from the airport. Rooms of this hotel are fully equipped with top-notch furnishing and fixtures.
You will be provided several amenities like breakfast, lunch, dinner, free internet, electronic safe where you can keep your valuables. Piccadily is also the best stay for those who do not want to miss their daily workouts as you will get access to the gymnasium and swimming pool. All these amenities come to you at around Rs. 6600 per day.
La Palace Sarover Hazaratganj
The location of this hotel gives you access to visit several places with ease. The hotel is fully air-conditioned and you will be offered excellent room service around the clock, thus you do not have to face any difficulty. La Palace Sarover also provides a wide range of food options to its guests. Thus you get to eat several ethnic and exotic dishes cooked by experienced chefs. The cost per room daily is around Rs. 6000.
Must-Visit Places in Lucknow City
1. Bara Imambara : Monument by Asaf-ud-Daula
Bara Imambra, also known by the name of Asafi Imambara in old Lucknow is a monument built during the reign of Asaf-ud-Daula during 1784 and one of the best places to visit in Lucknow. This place has great historical relevance. Here you get to see Shahi Baoli, Bhul Bhulaiya, and a large mosque. Inside Imambara you can see weapons, utensils, and other personal items used by the Nawabs of Lucknow during the 1700s. Bara Imambara also has a vault which is one the largest in the Nation.
2. British Residency
This historical monument is also known by several other names viz. Residency Complex or Residency. It was constructed for the generals of Britain. Back in the 18th century, nearly about 3000 British soldiers and generals used to reside in this place. The monument was ruined during 1857’s revolt. Here you will be able to see artifacts that were used by the British used during their ruling. Around the place, you can see the beauty of nature, lush trees, and open grounds where you can spend quality time with your family members.
3. Lucknow Zoo
It is one of the nice places to visit in Lucknow with great ease as it is situated right in the middle of the city, here you will get to see a wide range of wildlife and several entertaining shows. Lucknow Zoo is famous for Bengal tiger, Wolf, White tiger, Golden pheasant, Pied Hornbill, etc. A toy train ride can be enjoyed on the zoo premises and you also get to see the steam engine here. Moreover, if you are a lover of historical artifacts then you can’t afford to miss the great museum. Here you get to see various anthropological and historical specimens along with decorative arts, coins, specimens, textiles, paintings, and even Egyptian Mummy.
Tourist attractions around Lucknow
Nawabganj bird sanctuary
Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is a place where you will be able to see more than 200 different species of birds along with lush greenery and a wide range of other animals. It is one of the best places to visit in Lucknow during the winter season or early spring. Inside the sanctuary, you can visit deer park, center for bird interpretation, reptile enclosure, etc. The scenic beauty and serenity of this place are mind-boggling, this allows you to click memorable pictures. The greens, away from the chaos and a relaxing environment makes it one of the most memorable places to visit in Lucknow.
Chandrika Devi Temple
Chandrika Devi temple is located along the National Highway 24, at Kathvara village, dedicated to one of the avatars of Goddess Durga. This temple is located in the abode of nature and you will find tranquility while you are inside the premises. During Navratri season various religious activities are organized in the temple premises. Around the temple, you can also find different stalls from where you can purchase souvenirs for your loved ones.
Indira Gandhi Planetarium
This planetarium is situated at the Nabi Ullah Road and is constructed as per the shape of Saturn. Here you will gain knowledge about several scientists and inventors who have done great works in the past. Moreover, there are various shows conducted inside the planetarium with which you get genuine information about several satellites GSLV, ISRO, and PSLV. At the time of shows, you will be able to watch 3-dimensional clippings about how different planets are located in the solar system and how they all affect the weather of the planet earth.
Lesser-known places to visit in lucknow
Chattar Manzil
This monument is also known by the name of Umbrella Palace which was built in the reign of Ghazi Uddin Haider. Here you can see the fusion of Indo-European architecture; the rooms inside the Palace are airy and lavishly designed. Furthermore, this palace is also known for several underground rooms and lush garden which covers it from all sides.
Picture gallery
This gallery is constructed in Bardarie architectural style and has twelve entrance doorways; the place was once used as a summer house by the Nawabs of Lucknow. The building is constructed out of red brick and it has a halcyon environment. You can see some of the most beautiful portraits of Mughal emperors. The premises house a mosque and a pond inside.
How to travel?
When you are in Lucknow, there is a wide range of commuting choices which you can avail as per your convenience and travel budget. You can travel to several sightseeing places and monuments with the help of public transport viz. buses, metro, and auto or you can hire a taxi service to explore the city which makes it possible to cover more sightseeing places. Since there are not one but two ring roads on the periphery of the outer city limits, it will be easy for you to travel around.
What you should not miss tasting and where to find the best of them?
Basket Chaat : Famous street food of lucknow
Lucknow is famous for its street food and this makes it a haven for every foodie. Apart from other dishes, you should certainly try basket chaat when in Lucknow. You can get the best chaat at the Royal Café located in Hazratganj. The main attraction of this street food is that you can eat the basket in which the chaat is served. You can ask for different types of chutneys which will enhance the overall flavor of this street food.
Kebabs : Another name of lucknow
In Chowk, which is situated in Old Lucknow you can get some of the best spicy kebabs along with Rumali Roti and salad of chopped onion, green chili, a slice of lemon, and turnips. The best place to eat this non-vegetarian delicacy is Tunday Kebab. You will not find such an ethnic taste of kebab and Rumali roti anywhere else in the whole country.
Malai-ki-Gilori aka Malai paan
This is considered as the traditional dessert of Lucknow. Though it is made up of basic items that are used in households daily, it has great taste. The main components of this dish are milk, saffron, sugar, malai, or cream. The taste of this dish is so delicious and soft that you can’t help but ask for another serving. One can get this dessert at Ram Asrey which is located around the Hazratganj market and make to include this joint in your must places to visit in Lucknow. You can either take the delicacy with you or can have it right at the shop.
Not to Miss Activities in Lucknow and Around
Lucknow Mahotsav
In case, you are planning to visit Lucknow during your winter vacations, it is recommended not to miss the grand fair which is organized by the State Government. Here you will get to witness live performances of various singers and renowned artists from around the country. At the fair, you also get a chance to buy art and craft products manufactured by the best craftsmen from around the nation.
Book Fair
Tourists who visit Lucknow during the autumn season should not miss book fair which is organized at Moti Mahal Lawn. Here you can find a wide range of books viz. fiction, non-fiction, education, self-help, guides, etc. To add the charm one can purchase these books at a highly discounted rate. You can find books in several regional languages and English. To make the event more charming and mesmerizing, authorities also organize several cultural programs and workshops.
Plays
If you love to watch theatrical plays where artists perform live in front of the audience then it is recommended to visit Ravindralaya. In this auditorium, some of the renowned theatrical artists perform for the audience. Moreover, you can also hear great works of the famous as well as new poets. The auditorium is fully air-conditioned along with proper accommodation facilities.
Shopping tips
Lucknow has some of the best local markets where you can get quality products at a low price range if you plan everything perfectly. First thing first, you need to make a list of several markets around the city where you can get great products at an unmatched price range. Apparel markets in Chowk, Aminabad, and Hazaratanj area are considered best to do shopping with high bargaining. Chowk is one of the best places to get authentic Chikankari clothes. You can get kurtas, sarees, etc. and for shopping lovers, it is a paradise and one of the ‘must’ places to visit in Lucknow.
Moreover, it is also recommended to define your budget beforehand and prevent from influential or emotional purchases, as this can damage your overall travel budget. It is better to shop around at a particular timeframe. This is so because shopkeepers tend to give heavy discounts on a wide range of products at this time.
Conclusion
Lucknow is the cultural hub of the country which is known for its arts, food, tourist attractions, etc. The best time to visit the city is during the early spring and in the winter season. While you are in the city you can even catch some of the most prominent cultural fests which will help you see great dancers and musicians perform live for their audience and fans.
When you are in Lucknow, enjoy like a Nawab!
