The City of Nawabs, the capital of Uttar Pradesh is gifted with varied cultures, there is just no dearth of best places to visit in Lucknow, which will leave you coming back over and over.
Lucknow has a rich and famous history; ruled by multiple powerful kingdoms at different times in history. Today it reaches the pack as one of the fastest-growing cities in India and an important center of education, commerce, aerospace, finance, pharmaceuticals, tourism, music, and poetry.
The City of Nawabs has several monuments, bustling bazaars, grand museums, exciting amusement parks, and whatnot? Without further ado, we give you best places to visit in Lucknow if you are planning to pay a visit to this charming city.
List of Top 10 Places to visit in Lucknow
1. Bara Imambara
Bada Imambara is one of the beautiful historical heritages of Lucknow. It was built by Asif Uddaula in 1784, the popular Nawabs of Awadh. This famous heritage holds great historical and cultural significance.
There is a maze inside it called Bhool Bhulaiya, which makes it more popular. It is said that there are about 1024 entries to get inside the maze but only 2 to exit. Bara Imambara is a fine example of Mughal architecture; the unique style of construction attracts millions of tourists to adore its beauty. Apart from that, the complex of the Bara Imambara has a mosque known as the Asfi Mosque.
- Timings: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm; Daily (except Monday)
- Entry Fee: INR 25 for Indians and 500 for foreigners
2. Chota Imambara
Built by Muhammad Ali Shah in the year 1838, the third Nawab of Awadh. Chota Imambara is one of the most appealing and charming constructions in the old city of Lucknow. It is also known as the Imambara of Hussainabad, which was initially a congregation hall for Shia Muslims.
The Chota Imambara is beautifully constructed and it portrays the Charbagh, Indo-Islamic, and Persian structural and architectural patterns. The wall of the Imambara is adorned with Quranic verses written in Islamic calligraphy. The Imambara was to serve as Muhammad Ali Shah’s tomb as well as that of his mother, who is buried alongside him in this monument.
Timings: 8:00 am to 6:30 pm; Daily (Friday 7am–6:30pm)
Entry Fee: INR 25 for Indians and 300 for foreigners
3. British Residency
The British residency was built in the last quarter of the 18th century. During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, a group of rebels, led by Maulvi Allauddin and Turrebaz Khan, attacked the residency and destroyed it badly.
One can still witness the cannon shots and destroyed walls. It once served as the residence of the British Resident General. Currently, the Residency is in ruins and is a protected monument under the Archeological Survey of India.
- Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; (except Monday and public holidays)
- Entry Fee: INR 15 for Indians and 200 for foreigners
4. Rumi Darwaza
Rumi Darwaza is also known as the Turkish Gate because it was formed after the Sublime Porte in Istanbul. It is one of the great examples of the Awadhi style of architecture.
This elegant construction is a grand gateway located between Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara. It was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784. The construction is about 60-feet tall and is commonly used as the logo for Lucknow city.
- Timings: No timing
- Entry Fee: Free
5. Husainabad Clock Tower
Husainabad Clock Tower, the tallest clock tower in India, is constructed in the Gothic and Victorian styles of architecture. This 221-feet tall structure is located next to the Rumi Darwaza.
It was built by Hussainabad Trust in 1881. The construction of the Husainabad Clock Tower structure is shaped after the Big Ben Clock Tower of London.
The Clock Tower is a beauty to behold as the clock on the tower is designed like a flower with 12 petals and its pendulum is about 14 feet long. It was built at a cost of INR 1.75 lakhs.
- Timings: No timing
- Entry Fee: Free
6. Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Park
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Park was established in the year 2007 in the Gomti Nagar area by the Lucknow Development Authority. It is a leisure park and a popular tourist site in Lucknow. The name of the park is kept after a renowned socialist – Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia.
Spread over an area of 76 acres of land, the park is one of the best places to visit in Lucknow for a family outing or picnicking. From jogging track to acupressure track to fish pond to open exercise area, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Park includes various facilities and recreational activities.
- Timings: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm; Daily
- Entry Fee: INR 5 per head
7. Sikandar Bagh
Sikandar Bagh was built by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Oudh as his summer residence. According to some people, it was named Sikandar after Alexander the Great, while others say that it was named after Sikandar Mahal Begum, the favorite wife of the Nawab.
At one point in time though, it was a cultural center hosting plays, music, dances, and poetry competitions throughout the year.
As for a visit, go in the morning, and you come across people of all ages enjoying a leisurely walk, playing games, or just spending some quiet time.
This well manicured park exudes a kind of magnificence that is to be found in all historical structures dating back to that era. This garden is a part of the National Botanical Research Institute.
- Timings: 5:00 am to 8:00 pm; Daily
- Entry Fee: Free
8. Lucknow State Museum
Established in the year 1863, the multipurpose State Museum is the largest and the oldest museum in Lucknow. It is located within the premises of Lucknow Zoo. This renowned cultural site in Lucknow includes various galleries.
Indian sculpture, Jain art, Egyptian, archaeological, Buddha, Nawab arts and coins, natural history, and metal art are some popular names in the list of galleries in State Museum, Lucknow.
State Museum is also one of the best places to visit in Lucknow with kids. Apart from the historical knowledge through exhibits, the museum also organizes various screen films and events for college students and school children.
- Timings: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm; Daily (except Monday)
- Entry Fee: INR 5 Adult, 3 per Child (Indians) and 100 for foreigners
9. La Martiniere
La Martiniere College is a well-known boarding school built as a palatial home in the 18th century. The school was founded in 1845 according to the will of Major General Claude Martin.
The college consists of two schools on different campuses for boys and girls. The La Martiniere Boys’ College was established in 1845, whereas the Girls’ College was established in 1869.
La Martiniere School is also known as Constantia and it is one of the ancient colonial landmarks of Lucknow. In the basement of this school, there are two tombs, The tomb of the building’s designer and original owner, Major General Claude Martin.
- Timings: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm; Daily
- Entry Fee: Free
10. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden
Popularly known as Lucknow Zoo, it is one of the must-visit attractions in Lucknow, especially for wildlife lovers and families. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden was established in 1921 and it has a total area of about 71 acres. It boasts about several species of wild animals, birds, and reptiles. The zoo houses more than 440 species of mammals and 340 bird species.
One can enjoy a nature walk here along with toy train rides and paddle boating. The children’s park inside the zoo allows your kids to enjoy a great time. One can also visit the butterfly park and nature interpretation center, which is located inside.
Timings:
- 8:30 am to 5:30 pm (February to April and August to October)
- 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (May to July and November to January)
- The zoo remains closed on Monday and public holidays
Entry fee: INR 60 for adults and INR 30 for children
Hurry up and pack the bags for such an amazing trip to Lucknow. All the tourist places in Lucknow mentioned above will ensure you get a glimpse into the nature, culture, and history of this city. Visit these great places, to enjoy the best of your vacation in Lucknow, which will turn out to be a fulfilling travel experience.
[ Take a look at our exclusive Lucknow tour packages ]
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