Monuments in Lucknow

Lucknow, considered as one of the major cities of Northern part of India, is the capital of Uttar Pradesh. The picturesque city of ‘Nawabs’ is crafted beautifully with heritage monuments. The city has been under the reign of various rulers over the time, but the Nawabs’ period is considered to be the best and the most significant. This heritage city still stands as the prime centre for education, music, culture as well as tourism. The perpetual Gomti River, bustling through the city, has encountered the unfolding of every single episodes of Lucknow city over the years.


The historical symbols, located in the heart of the city, indicate the unity and bonding of Hindu-Muslim-Sikh. The aroma of rich culture is all over the place, which blends the past and present in a single thread. Now let us glance through the rich architectural wonders of Lucknow.

Bara Imambara

This is one of the spectacular historical places in India. Bara Imambara is known to be the religious monument of Muslims, which has urged tourists to experience its intricate designs from all over the world. This ancient monument was established in the year 1783-84 by the fourth Nawab of Lucknow. The Bhul bhulaiya, on the upper floor of Bara Imambara has been a puzzle track or a maze to all the visitors. One can experience the panoramic view of the city from its apex. The tour to Lucknow becomes dissatisfying unless one visits Bara Imambara and Bhulbhulaiya. The monument is 6 kilometers away from the age-old railway station and 14 kilometers away from the airport. The city bus service is quite regular and accessible. The tourists can also opt for the cab service. Entry fee for the natives is Rs 25 and that for Foreigners is Rs 300. This historical tourist spot remains open from 6 am to 5 pm.

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid of Lucknow is an architectural masterpiece. This beautiful mosque, founded in the year 1423, takes the pride to be one of the magnificent mosques belonging to India. The design and sculpture of the Masjid reflects the combination of Hindu-Muslim culture. It is quite close to the railway station, but almost 12-15 kilometers away from the Lucknow Airport.

Rumi Darwaza

This impressive gateway is almost contemporary to the Bara Imamabara. It was founded by Nawab Asaf-ud-daula, almost 230 years back. The 60feet high Rumi Darwaza, often connoted as ‘Turkish Gateway’, is strikingly similar to the Gateway of Constantinople. This architectural wonder ranks as one of the most spectacular monuments of Lucknow. Rumi Darwaza is 5 kilometers away from Lucknow railway station and approximately 12 kilometers away from airport.

Chhota Imamabara

Imambara of Hussainabad or, popularly known as Chhota Imambara, was founded by Mohammed Ali Shah in the year 1839. This is yet another evidence of the commonly known impressive architectures of the Lucknow city. The gold plated domes of large and small size plays a key role in attracting the visitors. The Chhota Imamabara welcomes its guests from 6am to 5pm. Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport or Lucknow airport and Lucknow railway station are 14.5 kilometers and 7 kilometers away, respectively, from this mesmerizing monument.

Clock Tower of Lucknow

This 221 feet-high clock tower, located near Rumi Darwaza, is an addition to the breathtaking sight scenes of the city. The British government took the responsibility to build such an eye-catching monument.

Asafi Masjid

Crafted with magnificent designs, this mosque is located at the same complex along with Bara Imambara. This massive building was built by Nawabs when Lucknow was announced as the capital of Awadh, replacing Faizabad, permanently.

Badshah Bagh

In the year 1864, Badshah Bagh was constructed as an educational institution and two years later it was promoted to Canning College. Presently a tiny portion of Badshah Bagh is under Lucknow University main campus. This ancient creation is at a distance of 13kilometres from air route and 3kilometres from the railway route.

Chattar Manzil

Farhad Baksh, or commonly known as Chattar Manzil, was established by a French General in the year 1781 on the embankment of the perennial river Gomti. Claude Martin, the French General, announced this heritage site, as his ‘town-house’. The spectacular multi-storied building is incredibly equipped with 1800 rooms. This is one of the city’s major attractions. The city transport connects this place with the railway station very easily. The airport is just 15 kilometers from this archaeological remain.

Musa Bagh

Saadat Ali Khan, fifth Nawab of Awadh, founded Musa Bagh at the western side of the city. This Indo-European designed building is located on the river-bank of the ever-flowing Gomti. It holds many similarities with Chattar Manzil. Musa Bagh is at a distance of 15kilometres from the airport and 9kilometres from the nearest station.

Shahi Bawli

This uniquely designed building has been a beautiful creation of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah. Initially a large well was dug in order to supply stored water for the construction the Imamabara. Later surprisingly it was discovered to be a main stream water source. This historical attraction is located at 3kilometres away from Lucknow railway station and 13kilometres away from the domestic airport.

Residency

This Lucknow residency has been a prime witness of the first war of Indian Independence in 1857. The main building was formed by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah. Situated at the edge of the river Gomti, this Lucknow residency is no more than a collection of dilapidated structures with smashed walls and ruined buildings. This is spread across the vast area of 30 acres. In order to experience the authentic museum inside the Residency, the tourists have to travel a distance of 3kilometres from the Charbagh Lucknow railway station and 13 kilometres from city airport. The entrance fee is Rs 5. The place remains closed on Monday.

Dilkusha Palace

Dilkusha palace takes the tourists through a distance 13kilometres from Lucknow Airport and 3kilometres from Lucknow railway station. This ‘Kothi’, which was a three-storeyed edifice by origin, consists of four beautiful octagonal towers along with the shining pottery touch. This abandoned palace welcomes its guests through a rack of steps leading to the central door way.

The sensational tourist spots of this ‘Nawabi’ city have already greeted innumerable travelers from different parts of the world. The astounding sculptures, designs and the history of these monuments are yet to attract many more tourists in the coming years.