Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh the city of Nawabs, boasts vibrant art, cultural heritage, and literature. It offers visitors a rich tapestry of historical monuments, which are the main attractions of Lucknow. The city provides mouth-licking Tunda kababs, culture, deep-rooted history, and spirituality. Lucknow displays a unique balance of modernity and simplicity. I have curated the top 5 tourist places in Lucknow, which will bring a unique smile to your face if you plan to visit. The places highlight the unique offerings, significance, and contributions to the city’s cultural landscape. Let’s explore together.
Table of Contents
- Rumi Darwaza: Tourist Attractions in Lucknow ↩︎
- Bara ImamBara: Tourist Attractions in Lucknow ↩︎
- Chota Imambara:Tourist Attractions in Lucknow ↩︎
- Ambedkar Memorial Park: Tourist Attractions in Lucknow ↩︎
- Picture Gallery: Tourist Attractions in Lucknow ↩︎
- Frequently Asked Questions(FAQS) ↩︎
- A Few Final Words ↩︎
Attractions of Lucknow1
Rumi Darwaza
Rumi Darwaza features historic Awadhi Architecture and is between Chota Imam Bara and Badah Imam Bara. It stands 60 feet tall and has a beautiful doorway, making it the best tourist place in Lucknow. Asaf-ud-Duala built the Rumi Darwaza in 1784, naming the gate after the famous thirteenth-century Muslim Sufi Mustic, Jalal-ad-Din Muhammad Rumi.
The Rumi Darwaza is one of the main attractions of Lucknow as it is accessible to the public all day and free of cost. Structured after the Bab-i-Humayun gateway in Turkey, tourists know it Turkish Gate.
Architecture of Rumi Darwaja
Bricks make up the Darwaja coated with lime. It stands in the middle of a bustling road, now marking the entrance to the old city, and reflects a testament to the glories of Awadh.
The design became famous as Awadhi or Lakhnawi architecture, with some hints of Roman and Turkish design. The architecture of Darwaza is entirely in sync with Nawabi architecture, without any red stones, which is Mughal architecture’s main feature.
History of Rumi Darwaza
Rumi Darwaja was built to generate employment for the people of Awadh during the Famine. Asaf-ud-Daula was famous as a generous and wise leader, hence launching a food-for-work program. The program aids the expansion of the upcoming city with surplus labor and a source of income in famine-ridden times.
Nearest Metro Station to Rumi Darwaja, the tourist places in Lucknow
You can reach Rumi Darwaja by getting down at either of the stations.
City Railway Station Metro Station (1 KM) Thakurganj Metro Station (1 KM)
Location of Attraction of Lucknow, Rumi Darwaja
17/11 Hussainabad Road, Lajpat Nagar Colony, Lajpat Nagar, Machchhi Bhavan, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003, India.
Note: The front and back door structures are different; to witness the difference hire a guide who charges you INR100 along with a rickshaw facility.
2. Bara ImamBara (Shiite Complex Tomb)2
Bara Imambara is an Imambara complex built entirely using Mughal-style architecture by Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784. The historical landmark is one of the best tourist places in Lucknow. It consists of the Asfi Mosque, the Bhul-Bhulaiya, and a Bowli. Bowli and the magnificent maze, also known as Bhul Bhulaiya, found on the imambara’s upper level, are the most famous parts of the Imambara. It makes it one of the attractions of Lucknow.
The place is a well-known place of worship for Muslims, who go there annually to observe the Islamic holiday of Muharram.
Architecture of the Bara Imambara
The architecture has two majestic entrances and a hall and is more of a Mughla design. It does not resemble European architecture or the use of Iron.
Nearest Metro Station to the Bara Imambara, the best places in Lucknow
Durgapuri Metro Station is the nearest station, 3km away. To reach Bara Imambara, you can hire a cab, auto, or rickshaw outside the station.
Location of Attraction of Lucknow, Bara Imambara
It is located in Machchhi Bhavan, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003
Entry Fees to Bara Imambara
It opens from 6 AM to 5 PM and entry fees vary according to age. For Indian Adults it costs INR 50, for Indian Children INR 25, and for Foreigners INR 500.
Note: If you visit Maze and Bawli with friends, cousins, or an opposite-sex couple, you will be required to pay for a guide to prevent any hanky-panky in the labyrinth. The authorities even ask for an identity proof card if you feel like fooling them by claiming your cousin is a sibling. The guide charges 150 INR for one, two, or more people. The guide allocates 5 minutes of wait time to gather the group for sightseeing.
3. Chota Imambara3
Muhammad Ali Shah, the third Nawab of Awadh in 1838, built Chota Imambara, one of the best tourist places in Lucknow. People also call it Imam bara Hussainabad Mubarak. Earlier the grand historical structure served as a congregation hall for Shi community devotees; however, later the place served as the Nawab and his mother’s mausoleum.
Architecture of Chota Imambara
Chota Imam Bara, the black and white tomb, surpasses every other tourist place in Lucknow because of its elaborate carvings and exquisite calligraphy on its exterior, turrets, and gilded dome. Chandeliers and crystal lamps brought from Belgium adorn the interior structure. People call it a Palace of Lights because of the chandeliers and crystal lamps. Authorities light up chandeliers during unique festivals like Muharram. In the garden is a water tank and two replicas of the Taj Mahal; tombs of Mohammed Ali Shah’s daughter and her husband. A traditional hamam is off to one side. It is another one of the best places to see in Lucknow.
Nearest Metro station to Chota Imambara
Two metro stations are nearest to Chota Imambara. Tourists can either choose City Railway Station Metro Station (2 KM) or Thakurganj Metro Station (1 KM).
Location of Attraction of Lucknow, Bara Imambara
West of Bara Imambara, Lucknow, 226001.
Entry Fees to Chota Imambara
The entry fee to Chota Imambara is 25 INR for Indian visitors and 300 INR for foreigners.
Note: Don’t miss out on Shahi Hamam and don’t forget to carry a stole as women need to cover their heads.
4. Ambedkar Memorial Park4
One of the best places to visit in Lucknow is Ambedkar Memorial Park. On the occasion of Dr Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati, inaugurated it on 14 April 2008. The park sprawls across a massive 107 acres. It is dedicated to reformers such as DR. BR Ambedkar, Jyotiba Phule, Sree Narayana, Kanshi Ram, Birsa Munda, Shahuji Maharaj, and many more,who worked towards equality, humanity, and justice
Architecture of the Finest Tourist Place in Lucknow
Red Sandstone brought from Rajasthan is used to build the park. A 112-foot-high stupa is situated at the entrance, surrounded by pillars, elephants, and statues of DR Ambedkar, reflecting his life.
Several other monuments are inside, including a sangrahalay, a photo gallery, Pratibimb, and the Drashya. Deeper inside the monument, you will come across the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Sangrahalay and statues of notaries like Jyotiba Phule, Sree Narayana Guru, and Kanshi Ram. An 18-foot-tall marble statue of Gautam Buddha, Kabir Das, and Sant Ravidas, Mayawati, can be found.
Pratibimb Sthal is a serene gateway guarded by 62 elephant statues on either side. At night, the view is quiet as it is beautifully illuminated.
Drashya Sthal gives the tourists a complete view of the park and shrines.
Nearest Metro Station to Ambedkar Memorial Park
The nearest metro station to Ambedkar Memorial Park is Gomti Nagar Metro station
Location of Attraction of Lucknow, Ambedkar Memorial Park
It is located in Vipul Khand 2, Gomti Nagar.
Entry Fee to Ambedkar Park
The fee to enter the 7 billion rupees memorial park is minimal, 20 INR.
5. Picture Gallery5
Picture Gallery, also known as Hussainabad Picture Gallery. Located in the city of Lucknow, a must-visited one of the historical places in Lucknow for anyone interested in the city’s history and art. The 19th-century grand building is a repository of Mughal and Awadhi art.
History of Picture Gallery
The picture Gallery holds a special place as an art space and offers glimpses into the city’s artistic legacy and contemporary creativity. The third Nawab of Awadh, Mohammad Ali Shah, constructed the building in 1838. Baradari, which means ‘having 12 doorways’, is another name for the building. One of the best tourist places in Lucknow is the Picture Gallery’s majestic building overlooking a pond, which also has a mosque.
During the Nawab Era, the building had a market in the front called ‘Mina Bazaar’, an inn and stables for elephants and horses.
Currently, the building is used as a gallery to display the life-size portraits of Nawabs of Awadh that had been painted between 1882 and 1885 by visiting European artists such as Dawling, Gravet, and Harrison. One of the Indian artists, D.S. Singh also contributed.
About the Gallery
The magnificent building entrance is through a series of steps that lead you to the main hall which displays full-length portraits of Nawabs wearing contemporary grand costumes and jewelry used in those days. The collection also includes miniature paintings, historical manuscripts, and other artefacts that reflect the grandeur and cultural diversity of the Awadhi kingdom. Some pictures of the administrators and officials of the British age are also there.
Distinctive Highlights of Picture Gallery: one of the attractions of Lucknow.
The high-level detailing of the portraits while portraying the subjects makes the picture gallery one of the best tourist places in Lucknow. The mesmerizing features are the movement of the shoes and accessories worn by the portrait toward you as you walk past them. Some people also share that the paintings are done on elephant skin and with real jewels like diamonds and others in a way that the different parts seem to move with the angle of view. Visit the jewel to mesmerize yourself.
Nearest Metro Station to Picture Gallery
There is no direct metro to the Picture Gallery. Durgapuri Metro Station is the nearest station, 3km away from Bara Imambara. Upon reaching Bara Imambara, you can hire a cab, auto, or rickshaw outside the station to reach the Picture Gallery.
Location of Attraction of Lucknow, Picture Gallery
It is located in VWG5+223, Husainabad, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003
Entry Fee Picture Gallery
The fee to enter the gallery is 20 per person for Indian Adults,10 per person for Indian Children, and 200 per person for Foreigners. Cameras are not allowed and photography is prohibited.
Note: Photography is strictly prohibited. Hire a guide who costs INR 100 to witness the effects hidden in the portrait.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)6
- Which top tourist places in Lucknow are ideal for families?
There are many places to visit in Lucknow that offer enjoyable experiences for all age groups. However, Badah and Chota Imambara, along with Ambedkar Park, are the best for a family outing.
2. Where can I find the best views and photo opportunities in Lucknow?
For excellent photography and stunning views in the best places in Lucknow, one can visit places such as Imambara (Chota&Badah), Ambedkar Memorial Park, Clock Tower, Rumi Darwaza, and many more.
3. Is Lucknow suitable for tourists?
Lucknow is a must-visit for every traveller; it is India’s culturally rich state of Uttar Pradesh. Renowned worldwide for the grandeur of regal past and the vibrant present-day charm.
4. What is the unique thing about the attractions of Lucknow?
Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, is famous for its cultural richness and flavourful Mughlai cuisine. It is the city of nawabs and kebabs, known for its ‘Tehzeeb’ and ‘Adab’.
5. Which building is famous in Lucknow?
One of the best tourist places to visit in Lucknow is Chota Imambara. It is a magnificent structure built by the Mughal Emperor in India.
Final Thoughts: Experience the Best Places in Lucknow7
Lucknow- the city of Nawabs or timeless etiquettes has a lot on the plate to serve the tourists. The apt tagline about the state capital is Muskuraiye, app Lucknow main hain(smile, because you are in Lucknow), make it a global brand of art and heritage. Dive deeper into eye-catching, cultural heritage monuments such as Imambara, Rumi Darwaja, and many more are the best tourist places to visit in Lucknow.