The capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, the city of nawabs which even after witnessing tremendous modernization has managed to retain its age old charm and glory. The warmth, the hospitality and the formality of the city have still not been lost. Here are the top five reasons to visit the city of courteous culture:
The Food And The Fabric
Lucknow is famous for both its chicken and chikken (fabric). Located in Aminabad, Gomti Nagar and Chowk, the famous chicken of Tunde Kababi is something that no non-vegetarian would afford to miss to add to his gustatory pleasures if he visits the city.
Not just non-vegetarians, the city serves herbivores too. The basket chat at the Royal Café and the Bombay Pav Bhaji served hot and fresh at a small shack both located in Hazrat Ganj are a must try. Meetha paan (sweet betel nut) at the Chaurasiya Pan Bhandar on Moti Mahal Road will be the best sweet to take especially in the evening after having the delectable flavours from the streets of Lucknow.
On thr other hand, the well-known chikken work on fabric needs no introduction. This Lakhnawi work is elegant, graceful and plentiful at the Aminabad market making it one of the favourite markets for women.
Gomti Barrage
The Gomti Barrage connects the two parts of the city, the old Lucknow and Gomtinagar, named after river Gomti, built on the other side of the river. Gomti Nagar is a planned settlement developed by Lucknow Development Authority (LDA). The city is busy by the day and turns rosy by the night. The bridge gives a beautiful view of the river Gomti with the sodium lights illuminating at the other end; the place is a must-visit at night. If the weather is chilly, a bike ride would definitely be the best option to go for. And ice-cream which is available right in the middle of the bridge is definitely a cherry on the cake. A little cold doesn’t hurt anybody and this would be the last thing you would want to miss out on.
Marine Drive
The very famous Marine drive located in Mumbai has its smaller counter-part in Lucknow. And the latter is no less mesmerising than the former. Situated near The Ambedkar Park along the river Gomti, this place has a classic European touch in its architecture. The place is famous for the risky bike stunts performed by bikers. Evenings are the best time to visit.
Bara Imambara
This engineering marvel was built by Asaf-ud-Daula, Nawab of Lucknow in 1785. There’s an interesting story behind the construction of the Imambara; it was built during the day by ordinary men and broken down by noblemen at night in order to generate employment for the vastly unemployed population of the city fighting with destitution. Its construction was finally completed in 1791.
The place exhibits architectural genius. The huge hall of the main Imambara which is 50 by 16 meters and over 15 meters tall does not consist of a single beam to support the construction. The main entrance is clearly visible from the small window made at the very end of the building, such was the precision of the architect; this was a kind of CCTV camera of the Mughal era.
The miles long underground passages which have now been sealed the bhulbhulaiya (Labyrinth), Hussainabad picture gallery, and Shahi Bawli are some of the major attractions at Imambara.
Ambedkar Park
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar memorial is no less than the nawabi residences themselves. Spread across 3,34,300 square metre and built with a budget of 685 crores this place is worth a visit. In the heart of this sprawling complex, stands a 112 feet high memorial resembling a Stupa with a 18 feet high bronze statue of Dr. Ambedkar. The park unfolds its elegance as it is approached by the dawn and its effulgence is scenic by the night. The musical fountain that is run every evening makes this place best for summer evening visits.
These are just a few things about the city of Nawabs. There is a lot more to explore and enjoy. Other interesting historic sites include, Chota Imambara, Lucknow Residency, Tomb of Saadat Ali Khan, La Martinere College building etc. All in all, the City of Nawabs is a worth the visit.
Ratanpriya Sharma
Image Source: [https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4065/4521332616_4de65bb0fe_z.jpg]