घुमक्कड़ साथी

आज से नया कॉलम 
घुमक्कड़ साथी 

Lucknow

Location- Capital City of Uttar Pradesh State (India).

Railway Stations- Lucknow NR (LKO), Lucknow Jn. (LJN).

Airport- Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO).

Hotels- Budget to 5* Star Category.

Major Attractions- Chota Imambara, Bara Imambara, Chattar Manzil, Ambedkar Memorial Park, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Park, Rumi Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Shahi Baoli, Dilkhusha Garden, La Martiniere College, Temples, Museums, Art Galleries, Fun Parks & Chill-Out Places.

Climate- Humid Subtropical Climate;

Summer: - 25-45° C,

Winters: - Cool Climate, temperature dips downs upto 3° C in the months of December- February.

Best Time to Visit- All Year Around.

Lucknow is the capital city & the focal point of administrative power house of Uttar Pradesh. The city is situated on the banks of river Gomti which meanders through the city and divides it into the Trans- Gomti and Cis- Gomti regions. Gloriously known by nicknames which suits to its nature such as The City of Nawabs, The Golden City of India, Constantinople of the East & Shiraz-e-Hind. Etymologically the city is named after Lakshaman, the hero of ancient epic- the Ramayana. Continuously being at the centre of business & political activities since ancient, mediaeval, the British and modern period; the city has a rich culture, ethnicity, dance, drama, music, architecture, cuisine and much more to offer for tourists of varied nature. Heritage Arc of Uttar Pradesh tourism crosses through Lucknow; connecting Agra & Varanasi.

As a traveler one boggle about the generous nature of people here, extravaganza of Cuisine & business as usual. Clothing; especially chikan & embroidery work are some stuffs to pounce upon.  

Explore Lucknow

Architectural Beauty- All along its cultural & ethnic extravaganza, Lucknow as a city is splendidly bejeweled with its historical monuments. Rumi Darwaza a spectacular gateway approximately 60 ft tall structure of Awadhi architecture built in 1784 A.D under the patronage of Nawab Asaf-Ud-daulla is a landmark monument of Lucknow. Bada Imambara, built on marshy land in 1784 A.D- complex reflects the maturation of ornamented Mughal design- one of the last major projects not incorporating any European elements or the use of iron. At 50 by 16 meters and over 15 meters tall, it has no beams supporting ceiling and is one of the largest such arched constructions in the world. Labyrinth passages which support the weight of the building are possibly the only existing maze in India popularly known as Bhulbhulaiya. Chota Imambara also known as Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak was built in 1838 A.D by Muhammad Ali Shah, the third Nawab of Awadh. The supreme structure also known as the Palace of Lights is adjacent to Bara Imambara & Rumi Darwaza.

Hazratganj- Earlier established as a lavish market for the British Officials, Nawabs, and Zamindars in 1810 A.D by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan, Hazratganj is presently a major shopping district in the heart of Lucknow. Vivacious market is shopper’s paradise to hang out at gleaming shops showcasing variety of stuffs including traditional white Chikan (a type of hand embroidery using cutwork and shadow work), or a branded new kurta or saree.  

Parks, Gardens & the Colonial Establishments- Lucknow Metropolitan has spread itself luxuriously along with sky towering business complexes, hotels & residential apartments. Numerous eateries outlets are studded with bubbling activities of ever engaging crowd. If you are looking for a solace from bustling avenues while visiting Lucknow try to be at a Park or Garden. In Lucknow; there are numbers of parks like Ambedkar Memorial Park, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Park to engage enthusiastic travelers. La Martiniere College of Gothic architecture & the British Residency of Lucknow are places to glimpse into past where few historical episodes of power battle of Lucknow occurred.  The main Residency building hosts a museum which is a must- see if you visit here. Opening hours: 7 AM- 6 PM.

Awadhi Cuisine- the archaic sojourn flavored with Nawabi hospitability; at the same time garnished with dynamic experimentation- to Lucknow is incomplete unless food connoisseurs relish upon some delightful Awadhi Cuisine. Non-vegetarian food items of Lucknow like Kababs, Grilled Chicken, Biryani etc.  have peaked up to an insurmountable height in luxurious menus of world class eating outlets; that will surely increase your receptive appetite being at the place of origination. Same is true to vegetarian items which are appropriately rich in curries, spicy-masalas & flavored aroma. Makhan- Malai delicacies of winter months in Lucknow are not be missed upon. There are chances of interacting with the chefs to know more about the cuisine and the recipes used.

MICE Appointments- Lucknow is the administrative, business & productive power house of Uttar Pradesh. Most of the policy frameworks & executive paraphernalia of the state take place in gigantic offices of the government and business conglomerates. Lucknow is a year around hub of organizing Meetings, Conferences & Exhibitions of world level. If you are visiting Lucknow for business purpose or on a vacations wisely opt one of these appointments to engage your social circles. Added advantage of MICE appointment visits to Lucknow is you can enjoy a day trip to the city of Taj- Agra.

Excursion from Lucknow-

Ayodhya( APPROX. 140 KMS. 2 ½ HRS.) Nowhere in world is a city so revered on behalf of a legendry hero as Ayodhya. Such is the aura of this pious city of ancient epic Ramayana which is admired by more than a billion people of India where Lord Rama was born. The bygone era of eternal justice has long passed away but the memorabilia of it still transcend beyond time in the form of a city on the banks of river Saryu. Illusive yet present in the forgotten corners of heart is a belief of bliss where Lord Rama resides and Ayodhya ignite the soul touching experience of that belief to which saints recite each moment in their prayers. Places of interest in Ayodhya are Hanumangadhi, Birth Place of Lord Ram, Saryu Riverfront etc.

Naimisharanya (APPROX. 90 KMS. 2 HRS.)- Naimisharanya ( Neemsar) the land where the pantheon of 33 million Hindu Gods & Goddesses reside is located on the banks of River Gomti in Sitapur district at a distance of 94 KMS. from Lucknow. Places of interest are Chakratirtha, Vyass Gaddi & Dadhichi Kund etc.

Saravasti (APPROX. 190 KMS. 5 HRS) - Lord Buddha spent his 25 monsoon season in Saravasti. Jetvan Monastery is the place where he resided during 19 rainy seasons with his disciples contemplating about religion & humanity. During 5^th century B.C, the population of Saravasti was more than the Magadha’s capital. Rajgir, around 90,000 at those times. The main attractions of this place are Anandabodhi Tree, Anandakuti & Gandhakutim Anathapindika Stupa, Shobhnathe Temple etc.

Jaunpur (APPROX. 280 KMS 6 HRS.)- Situated on the banks of Gomti River, Jaunpur boasts of a superb variety of medieval Islamic architecture. Amongst many interesting structures, the Old Shahi Fort dating to the Tughlaq era houses a mosque and a replica of a traditional Turkish bath or hamam.

Mehmoodabad (APPROX. 70 KMS 2 HRS. )- This palace continues to be in possession of the descendants of the Mehmoodabad rulers. The Raja is still held in high esteem and on occasions, allows visitors to stay in the palace. Though the original luxuries are no more yet artifacts and a continuation of the courteous lifestyle makes the stay a memorable experience.

-सिद्धार्थ सिंह