Lucknow- City of Nawab’s and Kebab’s
About Lucknow
Being the capital of Uttar Pradesh, it is utterly renowned among the tourist worldwide. This Nawabi city has its unique charming “Noor” to attract people, “Nazakat” in its beauty, heart-warming “Tehzeeb” to welcome and palpably “Lazeez pakwaan” to relieve your hunger pangs. Lucknow is a hub of the art, culture, dance, music and cuisine. Not only this, it is the home of Hindustani, Urdu and Hindi languages and also a representation of Hindu, Muslim,and Sikh harmony. The city has a lot more to explore, every street and every lane holds a story behind it, since the time of Ramayana till First War of Indian Independence.
Lucknow is well known for handwork of Chikankaari, and embroidery on fine muslin cloth, and for delectable Mughal Cuisine especially kebabs, grandeur architecture, Bustling and vibrant markets, several mosques. The city is an amalgam of ancient and modern lifestyles.
History
Mythological facts say Lakshman, brother of Lord Rama, laid the foundation of this city, situated on the banks of Gomti river, it was called as Lakshmanpur at that time. Since after that, the city got its recognition in the 18th century. Under the rule of Nawabs of Awadh, the city gets flourished in every aspect, the fourth ruler, Asaf-ud-Daula enhanced the city with various excellent elements includes dance, poetry, music, handicraft, food that add vibrancy to the city’s lifestyle.
Lucknow was the administrative capital of India when Britishers came to India. At that time the policies of East India Company obliterated the kingdom rules and took the complete power along with the with the whole region of Awadh, and in 1857 they turned it into British Raj. After the Independence of India in 1947, Lucknow becomes the capital of Uttar Pradesh.
Culture
One will get the warmth of Lucknowni gestures at the same time they enter the city. The culture of Lucknow is a blend of traditional and modern values, and this city is bounded with old charm, fine arts and royal elegance. “Mehman Nawazi “of this place comes under the centuries-old tradition and is strictly followed by generation after generations.
As Anees Ashfaq, quoted, “Da’wa Zabaan Ka Lucknow Walo Ke Samne, Izhaar Boo-e Mushq Ghazalo Ke Saamne”, this sher (poetry) depicts the sophistication of language and culture of Lucknow, gifted by the nawabs of this city.
This city’s culture is well defined through the polish and emotive Urdu literature, poetry and cuisine. Mir Anees and Mirza Dabeer were prominent poets of the royal nawab courts.
Well, the Awadhi cuisine and the course dishes Guloti Kebabs, Kakori Kebabs, Boti Kebab and Seekh Kebab is a worldwide favourite dishes. Similarly, Mughali Cuisine has Mutton Quorma, Roghan Josh, Mughlai chicken, Tandoori Kebab, are centuries-old savour.
Lucknow is like a home of Art and Music, and Kathak is a gift of this city. In the royal courts and streets, sitar and tablas’ were first introduced as the musical instrument.
Pakwaan’s ( Food and Delicacies of Lucknow)
Lucknow is like a paradise for foodies. Awadhi cuisine and Nawabi pakwaan’s will make you just eat more and more! Land of kebabs and paan has so many other delicacies too to hidden in the lanes of bustling stress that will take you to the point of screaming Wow! If you are done discovering the fantastic structures of this city, now its to explore the tremendous and pleasant-tasting food.
Let’s just take you the little tour, its foremost thing to check out the Rogan Josh you will never get this soft and spicy taste somewhere else, or in the lanes of Aminabad, just grab the popular Tunday Kebab and Prakash Kulfi, you just cannot afford to miss this out. Find yourself drooling in Kebab, Mutton Biryani, Tandoori Chicken and get the frozen treat as Kesari falooda Kulfi. Other lip-smacking dishes of this city includes Sheermal, Nahari and, Kheer, Jalebis, Chaat, Kachori and countless more “Zaiqar Pakwaan’s”.
Heritage Sites
Located in the heart of Lucknow, these grandeur architecture gives the hint and evidence of a healthy relationship between the Hindu Muslim and Sikhs. These marks are restored and garnered till now. Also, these monuments are the retrospective of the Nawab’s love of art and architecture. Here is the small tour of these huge structures for you:
Rumi Darwaza – Gateway in Istanbul profoundly inspires this spectacular Gateway established by Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula. It is still as same as it was around 230 years back, and is also known as “Turkish Gateway”.
Bara Imambara – The unique structure built by the fourth Nawab of Lucknow, gains the popularity as the world’s largest arched room devoid of any pillars. This Imambara is a sacred monument of Muslims, from where tourist can also enjoy the panoramic view of the city from its peak.
Lucknow Residency- Situated at the edge of Gomti river, this residency witness the first Indian independence war of 1857. It is said to be almost all Europeans who resided in the city of Awadh took shelter in Lucknow Residency. Now this place has turned into an authentic museum for visitors.
Chota Imambara- An impressive architecture of Lucknow city, this Imambara is established by Mohammed Ali Shah. Serene place and the carvings of the walls is an absolute art.
Itinerary
Day 1- Start your day, by visiting the remains of the major shrine of Muslims since the 18th century, the place is called as Baba Imambara, explore the enormous gateways and enjoy the city’s view from its rooftop balcony. Then do some shopping at city oldest market, Chowk, where you will get exclusive chicken embroidered clothes, artisan pieces, and spices. After this, you can do some sight-seeing and bird-watching in Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary. At night you can roam in the bustling streets of Lucknow and can have some delicious street food.
Day 2- Visit the old-style colonial buildings now riddled with cannon and bullet holes at Lucknow Residency. Then have some entertainment in Victorian-style shopping area offering branded showrooms, hotels, restaurants, and theatres. Plan your next visit to Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden that gives visitors the chance to admire rare and exotic animals for decades.
Day 3- Start your day by visiting an impressive gate in downtown Lucknow, Rumi Darwaza. This gate guarded an ancient entrance to Lucknow. After this, you should not miss visiting the luxury of colonial-era rulers of Lucknow at Chhota Imambara, a congregation hall for Shia Muslims. Then there is a Hussainabad Picture Gallery within the 10-min distance from Chota Imambara. After this enjoy your evening at Dr Ambedkar Park where a solemn row of 62 elephants leads to the park’s primary focus, a memorial to Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar.
Day 4- At the last days of your tour don’t forget to visit the remains of an eighteenth-century house built in the English baroque style in the quiet Dilkusha area of Lucknow in India, namely Dilkhusha Kothi Palace. You can visit sacred Jama Masjid too afterwards. Then you can spend your quiet evening at Janeshwar Mishra Park operating in Gomti Nagar.
Best time to visit Lucknow
October to March. Weather is cold and pleasant with the temperature varies between 10°c – 30°c.
