Lucknow is the capital of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is also called ''the city of Nawabs'' and has deeper historical roots with a unique literary culture. Lucknow possesses a rich colonial heritage exhibiting a mix of dazzling past and the modern present. Learn about the top places to visit in Lucknow 2023.

Top 8 places to visit in Lucknow

Here are the best places to visit in Lucknow and know what the city has to offer.

Chota Imambara

The Chhota Imambara is amongst the most stunning buildings in the old part of Lucknow City. This enormous structure, located west of Bara Imambara, was once a Shia Muslim meeting hall established in 1838 by Nawab of Awadh.

The Imambara is lavishly decorated with lights, especially in the Islamic month of Muharram. Moreover, it is also regarded as the 'Palace of Lights' because of the extravagant decorations during special events. The building exhibits an Indo-Islamic style of architecture. The walls of the building have Quranic verses etched in Islamic calligraphy. The best time to visit Chota Imambara is ‘’Muharram’’.

Bara Imambara

This building is one of Lucknow's famous monuments where Muslims gather every year to commemorate the 9^th and 10^th of Muharram. It is also known as Asfi Imambara after getting the name of its builder. You can see Nawab Asaf-Ud-Dowlah is buried here with his crown.

Bara Imambara is the masterpiece of Mughal architecture and holds the record of being the largest monument without supportive beams. The main highlight of the Bara Imambara is its puzzling maze called ''Bhul Bhulaiya''. The Imambara is built in a unique style with no wood or metal used in the construction.

Rumi Darwaza

The list of the top places to visit in Lucknow with family is incomplete if you don't count in Rumi Darwaza. Rumi Darwaza is an architectural gem that connects the Chota Imambara to the Bara Imambara. It exhibits the stunning Awadhi Architecture with a sixty-foot-tall doorway named after a Muslim Sufi named Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi.

Rumi Darwaza was built for a generous purpose when a famine ravaged North India in 1748. The Lucknow Nawab devised a scheme to feed his people while giving him some achievement. According to the idea, Awadhi laborers built the huge Rumi Darwaza in exchange for daily meals.

Ambedkar Park

One of the top places to visit in Lucknow for couples is the Ambedkar Memorial Park, which spans 107 acres. It was built by the state and houses many statues of great historical significance. The park's entrance boasts two massive elephant statues on each side.

The galleries and museums of the park are dedicated to Indian freedom fighters. The museum's collection is a significant depository for numerous artifacts and papers important to Dr. Ambedkar and his role in the independence movement.

British Residency

The British Residency Complex exhibits British architecture made up of different structures. It has historical significance because of the 1857 revolt. It is a three-story building including a billiards room, a library, and an underground shelter. A wall has a marble inscription commemorating all the troops who battled the Indian revolt.

Many British troops took shelter at the British Residency at Lucknow during the 1857 revolt. The place is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. Despite being a 200-year-old building, it is heaven for history enthusiasts to go and see the cemetery, chapel, and tombs of those who perished during the Siege.

Constantia School

The Constantia School is a significant historical site since British soldiers transformed the building into a fortification amid the Sepoy Mutiny. The inscriptions recognizing the role of the young in guarding the Residency from the mutineers may still be seen in the house. The 1845-built Residency is home to the grave of Claude Martin.

In addition, this British architecture building houses a church and a well-maintained library. The first batch of the school was back in 1857. This heritage structure features architectural hallmarks like carved arches and is still considered one of the best schools in town.

Jama Masjid Lucknow

The Jama Masjid in Lucknow was built following the same principles as the Jama Masjid in Delhi. Both exhibit the marvelous Mughal architecture. Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah began work on its construction in 1839. Eleven huge arches surround the mosque's primary prayer hall, and the columns are adorned with magnificent carvings of Indo-Islamic art.

The mosque is one of the top places to visit in Lucknow and is a popular destination for history freaks. The Jama Masjid still hosts key events such as Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha. But, there is no entry for non-Muslim tourists inside the mosque.

Indira Gandhi Planetarium Lucknow

The Indira Gandhi Planetarium is one of the top places to visit in Lucknow at night. This planetarium is completely air-conditioned and equipped with cutting-edge projectors. The planetarium's programs are presented in English and Hindi, making it a popular destination for youngsters.

During the summer, the planetarium hosts special programs beginning at 6 in the evening. Take a virtual vacation to space and hover among the stars and beautiful galaxies with the 3D space presentations. The structure was designed and built in the shape of Saturn, with five rings, and it has spectacular architecture representing the solar system. A swimming pool surrounds the lovely structure.

Conclusion

Lucknow is a city rich in history and culture, with an enthralling combination of legacy and modernization. Whether you're interested in history, literature, or architecture, the city welcomes visitors to explore the top places to visit in Lucknow. Its warm hospitality, delectable cuisine, and Nawabi heritage make it a must-visit destination for anybody looking for a unique cultural trip.