History & Culture of Lucknow

City of Nawabs, Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh. Famous for it ‘Awadh Culture’, the cultural heritage of Lucknow was pretty much influenced by the Mughal era and you find that Mughal touch in almost everything that relates to the culture of Lucknow. Be it the mouth-watering cuisine, the Sufi music and dance forms or the language, everything has a touch of the royal splendour that Lucknow once flourished in.



We the people of Lucknow !

We are the warmest and most courteous people in India. We are very soft spoken and treat our guests as Gods. Our place has a rich cultural heritage, therefore, our city is known as the city of Nawabs.

Awadhi Cuisine

Awadhi Cuisine

The cuisine of Lucknow has its own diverse flavour and identity. The traditional food of Lucknow was highly inspired by the Mughals thus giving it a very royal touch. Be it, the royal chefs and local cooks, all are trained to give that distinct royal touch and regal look to anything they prepare for you

Kathak

Music and Dance

Music and dance run in the air of Lucknow. Inspired by the Mughal rulers, Lucknow has kept alive the spirit of Qawaali and Kathak. The Nawabs can be credited to maintain the rich heritage of dance and music. Known for living a lavish their main source of entertainment was to indulge in music and dance.

Urdu

Languages

The cuisine of Lucknow has its own diverse flavour and identity. The traditional food of Lucknow was highly inspired by the Mughals thus giving it a very royal touch. Be it, the royal chefs and local cooks, all are trained to give that distinct royal touch and regal look to anything they prepare for you.

City Attractions

Bara Imambara

Bara Imambara

One of the most famous monuments of the city, Bara Imambara is also known as Asfi Imambara, who got it constructed. The Imambara is first and foremost known for its incredible maze, commonly known as Bhul Bhulaiya. It is located on the upper floor of the monument.

Lucknow Zoo

Also known as the Nawab Wazid Ali Shah Prani Udyan, the Lucknow Zoo is a favourite among wildlife lovers. Established in the year 1921, to commemorate the visit of His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, this zoological park is spread over an area of 71.6 acres. Some fascinating animals and birds such as White Tiger, Lion, Wolf, Great Pied Hornbill, Royal Bengal Tiger, Golden Pheasant and Silver Pheasant can be spotted here.

Lucknow Zoo
Chota Imambara

Chota Imambara

The Chhota Imambara, or the Imambara of Hussainabad, is another most beautiful and attractive buildings in the old city of Lucknow. This striking testament lies to the west of Bara Imambara and is a true sight to behold. Beautifully adorned with decorations and chandeliers, the Chota Imambara is a delight to look for at the time of special festivals, especially Muharram.

Rumi Darwaza

If you are looking for Awadhi architectural style then Rumi Darwaza is the place for you. Built in the 1784-86, this architectural building has a 60 feet high entrance, with no visible supporting fittings. It is also known as the Turkish Gate. Rumi Darwaza is one of those features of the old city of Lucknow that displays the ancient Awadhi architecture that brings the nostalgia of the past, such as the horse driven Tonga cart. Rumi Darwaza,s construction has a very charitable reason behind it.

Rumi Darwaza
Dr Ambedkar Park

Dr Ambedkar Park

Constructed by the Mayawati Government in Gomti Nagar, the park was built to commemorate the people who dedicated their lives to equality and human justice like Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, Kanshi Ram and others.

Dilkusha Kothi

One of the most famous monuments of the city, Bara Imambara is also known as Asfi Imambara, who got it constructed. The Imambara is first and foremost known for its incredible maze, commonly known as Bhul Bhulaiya. It is located on the upper floor of the monument.

Dilkusha Kothi

Festivals

ucknow Mahotsav

Lucknow Mahotsav

Celebrated during the months of November - December, the Lucknow festival is a very important festival in this place. The unique and sparkling culture of Lucknow is portrayed in this festival. The Lucknow Mahotsav is celebrated for a period of ten days. In these ten days, Lucknow wears a grand and royal look and the whole city comes alive with joyous celebration.

Holi

Holi

Just like any other part of India, Holi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and enjoyment.

Diwali

Diwali

Diwali is celebrated by people all over Lucknow and India.

Kathak

Karwachauth

Also celebrated as Husband’s Day, it is ritual fasting for married Hindu women and is celebrated in Lucknow and rest of the country with great devotion. The festival is observed nine days before the festival of Diwali on the fourth day of the new moon in the Hindu month of Kartik.

Travel Tips

The best time to visit Lucknow is between the months of October and March but the ‘City of Nawabs’, Lucknow is a sheer delight welcoming you all round the year. October and March are peak seasons as the weather condition is very pleasant with slightly sunny days and cold nights.
This time is ideal for sightseeing and relishing sumptuous delicacies of Lucknow cuisine. July and September are the rainy months and the weather might play spoil sport. The heat waves may hamper your trip from March to June, as it is the summer season with temperature rising to as high as 45 degree Celsius. Avoid a trip to Lucknow during this time.

How To Reach

  By Air :   If you wish to travel to Lucknow, Lucknow is connected by daily flight from major towns and cities of India.

  By Road :   Uttar Pradesh’s capital Lucknow is a centre of administration. Therefore, the city roads are well connected to other cities of the country by road. The distances from some well known cities are as follows:   By Rail :   Commonly known trains for Lucknow