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LUCKNOW TOURS IN AND AROUND
Lucknow is a city synonymous with the Nawabi Culture. The imperialistic splendour and magnificence of the Nawabi era has been glorified and eulogized down the ages by writers, poets and historians alike. At the same time its mystical elegance and amorous ethos has caught the fascination of many world famous romantic. Known for its adab and Tahzeeb (cultural refinement), Lucknow is also associate with its legendary hospitality, leisurely moods of life, fabled edifices steeped in story, world removed cuisine and exquisite Sham-E-Avadh. Tremors of time have not effected Lucknow of its cultural heritage and tradition, which once contributed in creating the city incomparable in its times.
As the 18th century seat of the Nawabs of Avadh, Lucknow flourished becoming an important political and cultural centre, rivalling Delhi in its patronage to art and literature. It was during this time that cultural and architecture synthesized emerging in a distinct form now so typical to the Lucknow culture. The peace and prosperity under the governance of the Navabs brought about a cultural renaissance in Avadh. Musicians and Dancers flocked lucknow giving birth to new musical forms and instruments under the patronage of the royalty. Art froms like kathak, Thumri, Khayal, Dadra, Qawalis, Ghazals and Shero Shairi saw their finest hour. In this era major stress was laid on even minor detail by like the art of dressing, apparels ( Libaas ) and jewellery all symbolic of a genteel lifestyle. The legacy of the exquisite embroidery still lives on with equal zest in today’s modern era. Culinary skills, too, reached heights of excellence as the Navabs were not only gracious hosts but also extremely fond of good nutritious food. Thus emerged the skillful art of slow cooking. The royalty of Avadh was also famous for indulging in extravagant pastimes like elephant and rooster fights and kite flying, a game that still evokes passionate involvement among the flyers and the bystander alike. The field of architecture saw re-interpretation of the existing styles and experimentation in the fusion of the occidental and the oriental style of architecture. The magnificent edifices standing proudly among the architectural skyline of the city are living examples of the nawab’s architectural ingenuity.
Modern Lucknow, spread evenly on both sides of river Gomti, is a perfect blend of the ancient with the mordern, as many glitzy shopping arcades coexist with the old monuments. The greatest attraction of Lucknow, where the past jostles with the present, is its unique ability to achieve harmony amidst disorder and to assimilate the new into old.
PLACES OF INTEREST
BARA IMAMBARA -This magnificent monument recalls the glorious past of the nawabs and stands out for its austerity in style, proportion and symmetry alongwith daring techniques in architecture. To provide employment and relief to his subjects during the calamitous famine of 1784, Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula built this Imambara which also houses his tomb. The remarkable feature of the Imambara is the absence of pillars for support, to the 50 ft high main hall and a labyrinth of intricate balconies and passages in the upper floor, the ‘Bhul Bhulaiyya’. To the left of the Imambara is the imposing Asfi Mosque (open from 0600 hrs to 1700 hrs.).
CHHOTA IMAMBARA -Though popularly called as the Chhota Imambara the Hussainbad Imambara stands to the west of Bara Imambara. Built by Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah (1837-42), it is move ornate in design with exquisite chandeliers, gilt-edged mirrors, silver mimbar and colourful stuccos which adorn the interiors. A golden dome and fine calligraphy on the exterior of the building makes it a truly exceptional monument of Mughal architecture (open hrs to 1700 hrs.).
RUMI DARWAZA -The 60 feet high Rumi Darwaza was constructed under Nawab Asafuddaula in 1786. It is said to be identical in design to an ancient portal at Constantinople. Its uppermost part consists of an eight faceted chhatri, approachable by a staircase.
CLOCK TOWER -Constructed in 1887, the Hussainabad Clock Tower is one of the finest examples of British architecture in India. The 221 feet tall structure was built to mark the arrival of Sir George Couper, Ist Lieutenant Governor of the United Province of Avadh with a cost of Rs.1.75 lakhs.
JAMA MASID -The construction of Jama Masid, to the north-west of Hussainabad Imambara was started in 1839 AD during the reign of Mohammad Ali Shah but was completed after his death by his begum, Nawab Malika Jahan. It is entirely free from the pseudo-Italian art then in vogue in Lucknow and reflects the Mughal style of architecture.
SHAH NAJAF IMAMBARA -Situated on the bank of river Gomti near Sikandar Bagh, the Shahnajaf Imambara was built by Ghazi-ud-Haider, the 1st king of Avadh. It is a replica of the tomb of Hazrat Ali at Najaf in Iraq. Inside is the replica of silver rauza of Najaf Ghazi-ud-din Haider lies buried here with his three begums Sarfaraz Mahal, Mubarak Mahal and Mumtaz Mahal.
MAQBARA SAADAT ALI KHAN AND KHURSHIDZADI -The twin maqbara of Saadat Ali Khan and Khurshid Zadi near the Begum Hazrat Mahal park, are one of the best examples of Avadh architecture. The proportionate domes with elegant kiosks and above all, well balanced architectural design makes them extremely interesting.
MOTIMAHAL -The ‘Pearl Palace’ was erected by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan, later Ghazi-ud-din Haider added two other buildings to the complex- The Shah Manzil and the Mubarak Manzil. They were mainly constructed for the Nawab and his countries to watch animal combats from the balconies of these buildings, which were held at the other side of the river.
LAMARTINIERE -The finest and the largest example of European funerary monument in the subcontinent, La Martiniere is associated with its rather strange and romantic past. Build and designed by French soldier turned architect – Claude Martin, it incorporates the features of Italian architecture, fusing them with native architectural attributes of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Today it houses one the leading educational institutions of the city.
LUCKNOW RESIDENCY -At one time, the official residence of the British Resident, Residency was built in 1780-1800. A witness to one of the bitterest battles during the war Independence in 1857, scars made by the cannons can still be seen on every standing wall.
VIDHAN SABHA BHAWAN -The Vidhan Sabha Bhawan is one of the most imposing building of the city of Nawabs. Its foundation was laid in 1922 by Sir Hercourt Butler and the construction was completed in 6 year at the cost of Rs.18 Lakhs.
STATE MUSEUM -The State Museum houses a large collection of artefacts and memorabilia and is located at Banarsi Bagh, within the city. The Numismatic, Handicrafts, Natural history and ethnographic section of the museum are particularly interesting . ( Museum timings : 10:30 A.M. to 4:30 PM weekly off Monday ).
LUCKNOW ZOO -The Prince of Wales Zoological Garden boasts of very rare species of animals and exotic birds. A popular holiday resort for the local population. (Open 0500 to 1900 hrs. Entry fee-Adult 5/-,Child 2/-, Elephant ride 40/-, Car entry Rs.100/-, Bus/Matador 150/-).
KUKRAIL RESERVE FOREST- On the outskirts of Lucknow, it has been developed by the Forest Department. Kukrail houses a deer park and one of the nurseries of the endangered species of crocodiles in India. One of the favourite picnic sport in Lucknow, it boasts of a Childrens Park, Cafetaria and Rest House. A variety of birds and Black Bucks can also be seen in their natural habitats.
EXCURSIONS
NAWABGANJ BIRD SANCTUARY - 43 km from Lucknow-Kanpur Highway, the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary attracts rare siberian migratory birds like Pigeon, Common Teal, Pochard, Shoveler, Purple Moon Hen, Paraheet among others.
DEVA SHARIEF -A living example of Hindu-Muslim unity, Deva Sharief (25 km from Lucknow) is a religious place which enshrines the tomb of Syed Haji Waris Ali Shah. During the months of October and November the Deva Mela is held which attracts thousands of devotees from all around.
DUDHWA NATIONAL PARK- In the Sal forests of North Lakhimpur-Kheri district, situated 238 kms from Lucknow, this National Park’s star attraction is the Bengal Tiger. The Indian Rhino was also introduced in here to save it from extinction. Leopards, elephants, bears, muntiacs, gharial, crocodile, spotted and swamp deers can also be seen.
NAIMISHARANYA / MISRIKH -94 kms. from Lucknow, it is an important religious centre, famous for temples of Goddess Lalita, Dadhichi Kund, Vyas Gaddi, Chakratirth & Hanuman Garhi.
AYODHYA -Located 134 kms. from Lucknow on the right bank of river Saryu, Ayoghya is famous for the temples dedicated to Lord Rama and other deities of Hindu Pantheon. The Hanumangarhi, Ramkot, Nageshwarnath temple, Kanak Bhawan, Sita Rasoi and numerous other places of interest can be visited.