Places to Visit, Monuments in Lucknow

Bara Imambara

It is an important tourist attraction of Lucknow. It was built by the then Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 to provide succour to the famine-stricken people. Apart from the galleries in the interior, there is no woodwork anywhere. The interior vaulted hall, measuring 162 feet long, 53 feet broad, and 50 feet high is said to be one of the largest apartments of its kind in the world. From the outside, a staircase leads to a series of artfully designed labyrinths (bhoolbhulaiyan) where it is very easy to get lost!

Hussainabad or Chota Imambada

It is an exquisite building built by Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah in 1839 as a burial place for himself. The beautiful Imambada, reflected in the placid water of the tank is one of the prettier sights in Lucknow. On either side of the courtyards stand a miniature version of the Taj Mahal. The walls of the Imambada are embellished with calligraphic verses in Arabic. The interior of the Imambada houses an exotic assortment of objects ranging from elaborate chandeliers and gilded mirrors to tazias made of sandalwood, wax, and paper.

Jama Masjid

It is one of the famous mosque’s in India with two minarets and three domes, which stands to the west of the Hussainabad Imambada. It also owes its origin to Muhammad Ali Shah who started the construction but did not live to see it completed.

Hussainabad Clock Tower

It is 221 feet tall .The clock itself, which was designed by M. J. W. Wanson of London, is said to be the largest in India.

Residency

It was built in 1800 by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan for the British Resident at his court. The red building is today in a ramshackle state and marks of cannon shots can be seen on almost every wall. It is surrounded by shady green trees.

Kaiser Bagh palaces

It was built by Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Avadh, who was robbed of his kingdom by the British and confined in Calcutta where he spent the last years of his life, pining for his beloved Lucknow.

Rumi Darwaza

This colossal, ornate gateway is said to be a facsimile of one of the gates of Constantinople. It was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784, to create employment during the terrible famine of 1784.

National Botanical Research institute

Located at Sikandarbagh, where pitched battles took place during the Mutiny of 1857, the institute garden is open to the public from 6 AM to 5 PM.

State Museum / Zoo

A favourite spot for recreation, Lucknow, Museum houses a large collection of artifacts and memorabilia and is located at Banarasi Bagh, within the zoo premises. The zoo has a large collection of animals, Museum timings: 10.30 AM to 4.30 PM Weekly off: Monday. Zoo timings: 5 AM to 7 PM

Content updated in January 2023
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