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From Wikitravel

Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh, India.

[edit] Understand

Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, thrives along the banks of Gomti river. The city, Awadh and Uttar Pradesh fell to the British during imperialistic era . Today, Lucknow is dotted with remnants of its rich cultural past.

Lucknow is also known for its elaborate cuisine and Chikankaari or exquisite shadow-work embroidery on fine muslin cloth.

Lucknow is a historically important city and for many centuries was at the heart of North Indian culture. In particular, the city was famous for its Adab and Tehzeeb (manners and hospitality), intricate embroidery, beautiful gardens and dance forms such as Kathak. It was also one of the sites of the 1857 Indian Mutiny (or First War of Indian Independence). The Hindi spoken in Lucknow is considered the most beautiful and gentle in the country. Currently the city has a population of around 2.5 million.

Lucknow is the heart of the art, cuisine, dance, culture and music of Northern India. It was the cradle of the Hindu-Muslim-Sikh symbioses that made India great. it brought in the best of various cultures and accepted Western institutions like La Martiniere in her womb. It was made famous by the soft-spoken, and sweet tongued, Awadh-Lucknowai culture that was based on civilized behaviour toward fellow human beings. Lucknow is the home of Urdu, Hindustani and Hindi languages. The city became known as a centre for Urdu poetry and courtly presence and diction, being the birthplace and city of residence for many poets. The Mushaira, an event of poetry recitation forms the heart of Lucknow's nightlife where Mushairas go on into the wee hours of the night. Lucknow's only rival in Northern India was Delhi, though Lucknowies were always embroiled in a healthy rivalry with Delhi, home of the famous poet Ghalib and others. Lucknow is also famous for its sweetmeat, the sweet shops in the old city dates to 1850s. Awadhi and mughlai food is the delight of the visitors to Lucknow.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

There are daily flights from Delhi, Bombay, Kolkata and Patna. Amausi Airport, Lucknow is directly connected with Delhi, Patna, Kolkata, Bombay and Varanasi by direct flights.

• Indian Airlines, ☎ (0522)220927, (0522)435401, 436188 (pre recorded, 142).  edit

• Air India-Janata Travels, ☎ (0522)226171. (General Sale Agent) Hotel Clarks Awadh, 8, M.g. Road  edit

• Sahara India Airlines, Sahara India Tower, 7, Kapoorthala Complex, ☎ (0522)377675, 372742.  edit

[edit] By train

Lucknow is on the Delhi-Varanasi railway route. Connections can be made from Agra and Allahabad. A major railway junction, Lucknow is conveniently connected to many cities. Some of the important trains are : 2003/2004 Shatabadi Ex. : 5063/5064; Nainital Ex; : 9165/9166; Sabarmati Exp : 2553/2554; Vaishali Exp : 5609/5610; Awadh-Assam Exp : 2875/2876; Neelanchal Exp : 4283/4284; Ganga-Yamuna Exp : 2229/2230 Lucknow Mail : 2419/2420; Gomti Exp : 4257/4258; Kashi-Vishwanath Exp : 4011/4012; Nauchandi Exp : 1015/1016; Bombay-Gorakhpur Exp : 2511/2512; Cochin-Gorakhpur Exp.

The important contact for Lucknow Railways are: Railways Manual Enquiry 131, 135, 2636132; Pre Recorded 1331, 1332; resservation 1330, 1350, 0522-2635841; Badshahnagar 0522-2385182. 0522 is Lucknow's STD code.

[edit] By road

Lucknow is connected by road with all the major cities of the country. Some of the major road distances are: Agra 363 km, Allahabad 210 km, Ayodhya 135 km, Kolkata 985 km, Corbett National Park 400 km, Delhi 497 km, Dudhwa National Park 238 km, Kanpur 79 km, Khajuraho 320 km, Varanasi 300 km.

[edit] By bus

The Bus Stations are situated at Alambagh, and Kaisar Bagh.

The telephone number for Roadways Inter State Bus Terminal Alambagh is: 0522-2458096

Buses from Sunauli-Bhairawa on the India/Nepal border stop on their way to Varanasi.

From Lucknow to New Delhi: There is a luxury air-conditioned bus from Quaiser Bagh Bus station. Route for this bus is Lucknow - Sitapur - Bareilly - Muradabad - Gaziabad - Delhi [Anand Vihar ISBT]

[edit] Get around

Taxi and riksha drivers in Lucknow are of the more insistent type, although few of them will speak enough English to go to locations that are out of the way.

There are many car rental companies available. One should hire cars with local drivers as traffic is dangerous for anybody not used to local traffic conditions.

[edit][add listing] See

Places of interest are spread out over a large distance, therefore will require the use of taxis or rickshaws. Cycle rickshaws contribute less polution to this historic city than their motorised cousins, and provide work to some who need it most.

• Bara Imambara and Bhool Bhulaiya. A large and impressive tomb complex built in 1783. There is an interesting labyrinth too. You could easily spend half a day wandering around these beautiful but crumbling examples of Mughal architechture. A 300 rupees ticket (for foreigners) gets you in here, to the Chhota Imambara and to the clock tower and picture gallery too, so do not lose your ticket. Please note that lone couples are not allowed to enter with out a guide. Such prohibition is not brought to notice while buying the entry ticket.  edit

• Rumi Darwaza.  edit

• Chhota Imambara. An imposing mausoleum built by the third Nawab of Avadh in 1837.  edit

• La Martiniere College, [1]. Boys college. Building also known as Constantia, La Martiniere College is one of the oldest schools in the country. It was built in 1840 and started as a school in 1845. The school building is still well mantained. The best time to visit is either in the morning at around 8AM, when one can see the assembly, or after the school finishes at 1:30PM. This landmark building has also featured in several Bollywood movies.  edit

• Husainabad Clock Tower. A British landmark, set in a park with the somewhat poorly curated Pîcture gallery, and a lake. A great place for sunset.  edit

• Ruins of the Lucknow Residency''' and Museum. The bloody history of the demise of this Raj era compound is immortalised in the Museum in the Basement (105 rupees for foreigners to enter the Residency and Museum). This was the scene of the 1857 First Battle for Indepencence, referred to by the British as `The Indian Mutiny.´ Although you can still clearly see numerous canon ball marks in the ruined buildings, thankfully it is a peaceful place today. So much so in fact, that you are likely to stumble across couples taking a little private time in the leafy shady groves. The Residency is clealy recognised by the locals and tourists alike as a breezy haven to escape from the bustle and dust of a busy Indian city.  edit

• Dilkusha ruins.  edit

• Qaiserbagh complex.  edit

• Crocodile sanctuary at Kukrail.  edit

• The Ram Krishna Math, Nirala Nagar.  edit

• The Zoo/Museum.  edit

• Botanical Gardens. 6AM-8:30AM.  edit

• Indira Gandi Planetarium, ☎ 2629176. Tu-Su Shows 1PM-6PM (45 min shows 1PM-1:40PM English, 2:30PM-4:00PM, 5:00PM Hindi). 25.00.  edit

• Buddha Park.  edit

• Shahid Smarak.  edit

• Cathedral School, Hazaratganj.  edit

• Farangi Mahal. The Oxford and Cambride of India author/poet Shibli Naumani. For more details see book by Dr. Francis Robinson on the Ulema of Farangi Mahal.  edit

• Colvin Taluqdars College. A must see place it has great architecture built in 1869 named after Sir Auckland Colvin.  edit

• Deva Shariff, around 30 km from the city, A place of worship and faith where people from all the religions gather, a symbol of unity and love.

• Amrapali water park.  edit

• Ambedkar Park.  edit

• Ram manohar Lohiya park.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

• Sahara Ganj Shopping Mall & PVR Cinemas, Shahnajaf Road.  edit

• East End Mall & Wave Cinemas, Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar.  edit

• Fun Republic Mall & Fun Cinemas, (Adjacent Eldeco Greens, Gomti Nagar).  edit

• Hazaratganj, (the center of the city).  edit

• Nadiya Ke Paar, Near Laxman Mela Maidan.  edit

• NBRI (National Botanical Research Institute).  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

Chikan dress — a cotton dress with hand-made embroidery, is a must-buy in Lucknow. These garments are both for men and women. The cost is any where between Rs 250-2500 depending on the chikan work (hand embroidery work on cloth is of various types, "Murri" is the traditional handwork and is therefore a little more expensive). In old Chowk and Aminabad it is a small scale industry so it is cheaper to buy from there. Bhartiya Chikan Centre and Manoj Chikan, on Nadan Mahal Road are reasonably priced. In Hajratganj ("Ganj") the same piece will cost some 200 rupees more. Beware of the touts who will take you to shops near the Civil Hospital and Hussain Ganj where the prices are 500% higher!

• Nishatganj.  edit

• Aminabad Market.  edit

• Hazratganj Market.  edit

• Chowk, (in the old city, just south of the Imambara complex and the clock tower). Lively market. This is the place to find bargains, and check out the locals.  edit

• Kapoorthala.  edit

• Sahara Ganj.  edit

• FUN Republic.  edit

• Inox.  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

Everyone in Lucknow knows about the famous tikkas and kebabs. They are Mughal delicacies. Lalbagh, many roadside hotels near Aminabad and old Chowk offer cheap and unique type of dishes. Also, try out the street next to Tulsi thatre in Hazratganj for some exotic non-vegetarian delicacies

The Food Court at Sahara Ganj, near Hazrat Ganj is the recent hot favourite with a number of fast food joints. If coffee and tea is something you like you will find a huge variety at Capuccino Blast at Mall Avenue. At Akbari Gate, during winters one can also enjoy Kashmiri Tea (a red coloured hot tea), with cream and Makhan Malai (a local variant of ice cream, saffron flavoured, made by hanging unsalted butter overnight in dew and then aerating it by beating it).

[edit] Budget

• Alzaiqa, (Near Novelty Theatre).  edit

• Dainik Jagaran Chauk. Cheap and delicious non-veg food  edit

• Dastharkwan, (Near Tulsi Theatre).  edit

• Haji Sahib's Shop, Akbari Gate. 7AM-10AM. This is in the heart of Old Lucknow. Serves the juiciest Nihari (lamb shanks in gravy) and Kulchha (a traditional bread). This is the best in the city  edit

• Tundey's Kebabs, (Food Court, Sharaganj Mall). Has been serving kebabs for more than 50 years.  edit

[edit] Mid-range

• Basket Chat.  edit

• Dastarkhwan, (The street next to Tulsi thatre in Hazratganj). Exotic non-vegetarian delicacies, specially the special chicken masala, shaami kebabs and mughlai parathaas.  edit

• Kewal's, (Outside Maqbara Compound, Hazratganj). Famous for their tea and mouth watering samosas (potato stuffed pancake).  edit

• KFC, (Saharaganj Mall).  edit

• Lalbagh. Famous for their tea and mouth watering samosas (potato stuffed pancake).  edit

• McDonalds, (Saharganj Shopping Mall, Fun Republic and East End Mall).  edit

• Mint, (Arif Castle). Offers alcoholic beverages and great food. Food festivals are common.  edit

• Paani Batashe.  edit

• Pizza Hut, (East End Mall and opposite Raj Bhawan).  edit

• Sakhawat, (In a narrow lane next to Gymkhana Club, near Gemini Hotel, Hazratgunj). 5PM-10PM. A lesser-known but good joint for connoisseurs. Operating since 1911, it has a limited stock and little seating space, with a select clientele.  edit

• Sharma Tea House. Famous for their tea and mouth watering samosas (potato stuffed pancake).  edit

• Ultra Violet, Mall Avenue. Offers non-alcoholic beverages and great food. Food festivals are common.  edit

[edit] Splurge

• Aryan's, (Hazratganj).  edit

• Royal Cafe.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

Finding alcohol is not a problem, but most bars are seedy and are to be avoided, except for those in five-star restaurants.

• A safer drink alternative is the famous local lassi yogurt drink.
• shikanji.
• not all retail shops of wine/liquor are authorised to serve so it's always suggested to drink in a bar or at your home or hotel.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• 'Lucknow Homestay [2]110D Mall Avenue. A high ceilinged haven with WiFi. Just off The Mall, to the south of the city centre lies this extremely spacious family home favoured by research students, language students and backpackers alike. The fabulous homecooked meals will make you want to stay, and as the price is right why not! 550rupees for a double room (most rooms have en suite bathrooms) including meals, tea making facilities, and filtered UV treated water. Discounts should you decide to stay longer. There are numerous communal spaces on every floor, and the roof at sundown is a great place to enjoy the view of one of UPs more controversial new statues, while listening to the peaceful wailing of the call to prayer. The hosts are super friendly and a mine of information. Call to arrange a pickup 2235460 or email naheed2k@gmail.com
• Hotel APSARA
• New Sharma Hotel Opposite charbagh railway station. There are two Sharma Hotels there, One is 30 years old. ph 0522-2635901,2630544,4045586
• Hotel D D International
• Hotel Ganpati
• Hotel Asha
• Hotel Basant Vihar
• Hotel Park Avadh
• Hotel Raj
• Hotel Mera Mann
• Hotel Ganga Maiya
• Hotel Sunrise
• Deep Hotel
• Hotel Diamond
• Hotel Naznin Palace
• Hotel Dileep
• Hotel Ankit Yadav from NIEC
• Hotel Ashirwad
• Hotel Mansi Ganga near charbagh railway station ph 0522-2630513,2637841
• Hotel Manglam, ☎ +915224047797, [3]. Hotel Manglam is a three star hotel in Lucknow City. It is close to some of the tourist spots in India namely Aminabad, Husainabad Clock Tower, and Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary. All of their rooms are air-conditioned and is equipped with 100-channel cable TV, broadband Internet connection, and direct-dial phone. 92, Gautam Budh Marg, Opp Old R.T.O. Office, Latouche Road, Lucknow, 226001 India. Rates start at India Rupees 1,290.00.  edit

[edit] Mid range

• Hotel Simla Palace, 5 Gautam Budh Marg, Latouche Road, Lucknow 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India, ☎ +915224003887, [4]. Hotel Simla Palace is strategically located 1 km from the railway station and 13 km from Lucknow Airport. It is near to some of the famous tourist spots in India namely Bara Imambara, Husainabad Clock Tower, and Prince of Wales Zoological Gardens. Its accommodations come in Suite, Executive Class, and Superior types. All lodgings boast a television with 100 cable channels, private bath with hot & cold water, direct-dial phone, broadband Internet connection, and individual temperature control.  edit

• Hotel Gomati near Hazratgunj and Sharagunj mall is run by Uttar Pradesh Tourism and offers decent rooms at moderate cost.
• Hotel Gemini Continental' Hazaratganj, Lucknow 0522-4011111
• Hotel Sagar International Opposite Butler Palace
• Comfort Inn Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar
• Park Inn Laplace
• Arif Castles Rana Pratap Marg
• Carlton Rana Pratap Marg

[edit] Splurge

• Hotel Taj Residency Gomti Nagar. +91 522 239 3939( fax:+91 522 239 2282 ''+91 522 239 2465), [5]. One of the landmark hotels of Lucknow
• Clarks Avadh Parivartan Chowk, Mahatma Gandhi Marg is one of the more centrally located hotels in Lucknow. The restaurant named "Falaknuma" at the ninth floor has the right ambience to enjoy a Mughlai dinner with awesome views of the city. The Murg Malai Tikka is recommended.
• Piccadily Hotel Airport Road. It is new addition to the luxury hoetls of Lucknow. Just 3 Kms from Lucknow Airport.

[edit] Get out

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