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Once an abode of the Nawabs of Oudh and still evocative of a very refined
lifestyle of the days gone by is Lucknow-the capital city of Uttar Pradesh.
The city grew around the banks of River Gomati during the Indo-Islamic period
and many of its imperial mansions still serve as testimony to the majestic
past, though most of them are, today, in a crumbling state. The people still
have retained the well known royal mannerisms and charms, refined speech,
nurtured Urdu verse. Also characteristic of this city are the people's
delicate tastes for music and dance -
Lucknow being home to the Hindustani classical music and Kathak form of dance
- poetry and verse - the city having contributed greatly of Hindi and Urdu
literature. Although strongly Mughal in character, the city had also
incorporated a stark European streak during the British Raj, which still makes
its presence felt.
(Distance from the Airport 15 Kms. Approx, time 40 Mins.)
Places of Interest
Bara Imambara: Perhaps the best example of Lucknow's architectural finery is
the Bara Imambara Built in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. His and his family's
remains are enshrined in this tomb. This monument stands in a large enclosure
and has adjacent to it a mosque and a great ornamental gate, the Rumi Durwaza.
The charming accurate labyrinth, locally known as the Bhulbhulaiya is also
next to the Bara Imambara.
The British Residency: Built in 1780 for the British, this place has been a
mute witness to several uprisings of the locals against the British Raj. The
fiercest of mutinies in 1857 were fought here. Today, as a result of the
uprisings, only ruins of the British Residency remain.
Picture Gallery: Originally a huge tank and later renovated, this gallery
displays portraits of the various Nawabs of Oudh.
La Martinlere School: Originally known as Constantine, this school was built
by Claude Martin, a Frenchman, in the 18th century and is one of the earliest
buildings in Lucknow built in Italian style of architecture.
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