“Did you do Ganj-ing?”—This is a term young locals will throw for certain when they meet a tourist in Lucknow. For the youth here, it is a term that evokes fond memories of roaming around the streets of Lucknow with friends. Of course, all they mean by Ganj-ing is taking carefree strolls in the best known heritage market of the city, Hazratganj.
Once a centre for Urdu poetry, etiquette and courtly diction, Lucknow is still known for the rich of language spoken here, its respectful use, and the grace and traditional mannerisms of the people. It is this rich culture of Lucknow that has inspired a number of cinematic works on this city, most notably Satyajit Ray’s The Chess Players. And, like the laidback chess players in Ray’s film, the city and its inhabitants have a carefree air to them, nurturing somewhere deep within them the ancestry of Nawabs and Mughal rulers.
Lucknow, on the banks of Gomati River, was captured by the first Mughal ruler of India, Bābur, in 1528. The Mughals’ lifestyle seeped deep into the city’s soul, and reflects, to this date, in every sphere of life. While the city could be termed laidback, it is remembered for playing a dramatic role in the 1857 mutiny, and the then-palatial-now-in-ruins British Residency stands as a testimony to those volatile days.
Chikankaari, an exquisite embroidery work on muslin clothes, available in every market, is a must-buy.
Zardozi metal embroidery is another popular craft, involving elaborate designs using silver and gold threads, and studded pearls and precious stones.
Need exquisite, traditional jewelry? Head straight for Aminabad and Gadbadjhala. Looking for the latest fashion? HazratGanj Is the place for you. Something in textiles? Kapoorthala and Janpath, check! Or maybe some antiques, or even birds? Go to Nakhas Market.
Take a break and escape Lucknow’s heat with a glass of local drinks like Thandai or Aam Panna.
The Heritage Walk is a fabulous two-hour-long tour of the oldest neighborhoods of the city, like Tila Wali Masjid, the Bara Imambara, and the astounding labyrinth and architectural delights of the Chowk district. Get glimpses into the old traditions of indigo block printing, the making of ’vark’ (edible silver foil)and traditional unani medicine.
Lucknow is now pacing towards modernity. But time has come to a standstill at places like the British Residency, Imambada, and Rumi Darwaza, transporting you back to the Mughal and the British eras. <
While three wheelers, private taxis and buses are widely available, you can opt for shared tempos to get a local flavor. Hand-pulled rickshaws offer shorter trips in their own Nawabi-style pace. Lucknow is eagerly awaiting its first Metro Rail network.
On a daily basis there are approximately 59 flights that operate at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport.Air India Express, IndiGo and Air India are the most popular airline brands that fly frequently to this airport.
Besides flying you can also reach Lucknow through train.Lucknow Nr, Lucknow Ne, Badshahnagarare some of the most popular train stations in Lucknow.On an average about 300+ trains pass through Lucknow on a daily basis.Moradabad to Lucknow, Varanasi to Lucknow, Bara to Lucknoware some of the most popular routes to Lucknow with 212, 168, 160 trains weekly respectively.
By road Lucknow is surrounded by Nawabganj, Mahmudabad, Unnao which are 17.39 km, 32.8 km, 34.91 km away respectively. These places are ideal spots for people to plan their short weekend break.
Lucknow has a total of 97 hotels.There are 97 hotels in Lucknow with the popular ones being Vivanta By Taj Gomti Nagar, La Place Sarovar Portico, The Piccadily, Best Western Plus Levana, Clarks Avadh, Golden Tulip Hotel Lucknow etc.
'In the past, Rumi Gate marked the entrance to the old city of Lucknow. A huge structure, ornate and marked by an eight-faceted Chhatri on its topmost part, Rumi Gate, 60 feet high, was constructed...
Know More →'Also called Asafi Imambara, this fort is a massive labyrinth, thus getting the title ‘Bhool Bhulaiya’. Erected in early Nawabian architecture, it is the only building in Lucknow to not have any Eu...
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