Lucknow is a Major City in North India. It is the Capital of Uttar Pradesh, the Most Populated State of the country. It is 525 KM (6.5 Hours drive) from Delhi, the National Capital. Lucknow has always been a multicultural city that flourished as a North Indian cultural and artistic hub, and the seat of power of Nawabs in the 18th and 19th centuries.
According to Hindu Legends, the city is named after Lakshmana, an important character in Hindu Epic Ramayana. In ancient times, the city was known as Lakshmanavati, which was later changed to Lakhanavati. As time progressed, the city's name eventually became Lucknow (an anglicized form of 'Lakhnau'), as we know it today.
Lucknow was capital of Awadh princely state, ruled by the Nawabs who ruled from 1572 to 1856. After that, it was annexed by the British under the name of East India Company, thus becoming part of their empire. During the Nawabs's rule, many buildings were constructed in Islamic style architecture, that are prominent around the city. Out of them, Two of the most famous buildings are Bada Imambara and Chota Imambara.
Bada Imambara is a large Mosque Complex and is among the grandest buildings of Lucknow. It was built by Asaf-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh, in 1784. The complex has Three Mosques and Two Minarets. The building complex also includes a Large Mosque, the Bhul-bhulaiya (means Labyrinth in Hindi), and Bowli, a steep well with running water. Two Gateways are built that lead to the Main Hall.
Nearly 1 KM (4 Minutes drive) from there is Chota Imambara, a congregation hall for Shia Muslims. Chota Imambara was built by Muhammad Ali Shah, the Nawab of Awadh in 1838. It later became a Mausoleum (Burial Tomb) for himself and his mother, who is buried beside himself. The Chhota Imambara stands to the west of Bara Imambara and an imposing gateway, known as Rumi Darwaza. It has Five Main Doorways and Two Halls. The exterior is very beautifully decorated with Quranic verses in Islamic calligraphy.
Besides Nawab-era Monuments, there are also remnants of buildings built during British Raj in India. One of them is Residency Complex. It served as the residence for the British who had a representative in the court of the Nawab of Awadh. Residency Complex was constructed between 1780 and 1800. During 1857 Revolt by Indians against the British, the Complex suffered extensive damage and has been in ruins ever since. Near the Rumi Darwaza and Bada Imambara, is Husainabad Clock Tower. It was built in 1881 and showcases a fusion of Mughal and Victorian architectural elements. The Clock Tower is about 67 Metres (220 Feet) in height, while the Pendulum has a Diameter of 14 Feet.
Ambedkar Memorial Park is a public memorial in Gomti Nagar neighborhood of Lucknow. Its actual name is Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Sthal. The Memorial is dedicated to Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, a popular Jurist, Chief Architect of the Indian Constitution and Indedpendent India's first Law Minister. Construction of the Memorial started in 1995 and was opened to the public in 2008. The entire Memorial is built using Red Sandstone brought from Rajasthan, a state in North India. The memorial has statues of famous Social Reformers like Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Narayana Guru, Birsa Munda, Shahuji Maharaj etc. Some scenes of well-known Bollywood movies have been shot there.
For those who are passionate about shopping, must pay a visit to Lulu Mall, located on the outskirts of the city. Lulu Mall is a very large shopping complex, spread across an area of 1,85,800 square metres. The Mall has over 300 National and International brands. It features a huge Family Entertainment Centre and a 1600 seater Food Court, with a wide range of dining options. Multi Level Car Parking is available within the Mall, which is directly connected to the Mall on all floors.
Lucknow is well-connected by Road, Rail and Air. Several National and State Highways connect Lucknow to other cities and states in India. Lucknow is accessible by train through its Main Railway Station - Lucknow Junction that is located in Charbagh, in the heart of the City. Lucknow's sole Airport - Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport is located 18 KM (almost 35 Minutes drive) from the City Centre. It has many Domestic and International Air connections. Air India Express, Akasa, Indigo and Star Air connect Lucknow to other Major Cities in India like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru etc. while Foreign Carriers connect Lucknow to overseas destinations like Bangkok, Dubai, Muscat, Kuala Lumpur etc.
