Lucknow - 2 Nights | 3 Days Itinerary

Lucknow, Bara Imambara, Chhota Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Safed Baradari, Parikhana

Published on 2021-11-01

Bara Imambara, Lucknow

Bara Imambara, Lucknow

Destination

urban

Best time to visit

September to March

  • Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, is a unique blend of the ancient and the modern.
  • Based on the banks of the Gomti river, Lucknow was the capital of the Awadh region, controlled by the Delhi Sultanate. The literary culture of poetry in Urdu thrived in Lucknow.
  • Attributed as Nawabon Ka Sheher (meaning City of the Nawabs), Lucknow is famous for its rich cultural heritage and amazing food.
  • Magnificent monuments (like Imambara Residency), popular handicraft (Chikan Embroidery and zardozi), lip-smacking delicacies (kebabs and Biryani) make Lucknow an attractive destination for tourists.
  • Lucknow, along with Agra and Varanasi, is in the Uttar Pradesh Heritage Arc.

How to reach Lucknow?

  • Airport - Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport connects Lucknow with all major cities of India.
  • Railhead - Lucknow Railway Station at Charbagh and Lucknow Junction Railway Station lay on the Delhi-Gorakhpur railway route. 
  • Bus Stand - Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Inter-state Bus Terminal (ISBT) in Alambagh is the major junction for inter and intra-state bus routes. There is also a bus depot at Charbagh, near the railway station.
  • Local travel in city - Multiple modes of public transport, such as metro rail, taxis and auto-rickshaws are available for local travel. 

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The monuments of Lucknow are the biggest attraction. Bara Imambara, Chhota Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Safed Baradari, Parikhana are all marvellous structures that take tourists back to the Mughal Era.
  • Lucknow is also majorly famous for Kabab and Biryani.
  • The market places also add to the old-era charm.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Monuments Visit & Explore Local Food

Gomtinagar is a good location for stay in Lucknow, as it is well connected with all the major landmarks.

Hotel Solitaire at a tariff of Rs. 2000 per night. This is a fab hotel property, with nice and clean rooms. 

Explore more Hotels in Lucknow

Room at Hotel Solitare-Fab Hotel
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Room at Hotel Solitare-Fab Hotel

Bara Imambara -This is a large and incredible tomb that had taken 7 years to build. The monument is majorly famous for its stunning maze (referred to as Bhool-Bhulaiyya) on the top floor. There are approximately 1024 ways to enter the labyrinth and only two exits. The maze has 484 doors and windows that all look the same.

  • Duration - 2 to 3 hours, Entry Ticket - Rs. 50/Rs. 500 per person for Indian / Foreign nationals.
  • The ticket allows entry to Chhota Imambara, Husainabad Clock tower and picture gallery.
  • It is recommended that a tourist takes a guided tour of the place.
The roof of Imambara is made up from the rice husk which makes it a unique building.
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The roof of Imambara is made up from the rice husk which makes it a unique building.

Chhota Imambara - This is an imposing mausoleum built by the third Nawab of Awadh in 1837. Located about half a km to the west of Bara Imambara, this architectural marvel is famous for the Belgian chandeliers that light up the place on occasions like the Muharram.
Duration of visit - 1 to 2 hours

  • The Rumi Darwaza is a sixty feet tall gateway between Bara Imambara and Chhota Imambara.
It took 54 years to build Chota Imambara
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It took 54 years to build Chota Imambara

Raja Thandai - You may enjoy Thandai which is very popular here. The shop is near Gol Darwaza Chauraha, about 2 km from Bada Imambara.

You may explore the Old market near Gol Darwaza - Chikan Embroidery and Zardozi are famous forms of hand-embroidery on garments for both men and women. The market is closed on Thursdays.

Options of food:

Try Tunday Kababi at Aminabad - It is a soft kind of kabab that would melt in the mouth. Located 4 km from Old Lucknow, this eatery has provision for takeaway and dine in.

Wahid Biryani - This is a 60-year-old shop famous for Chicken Biryani. This restaurant is located right next to Tunday Kababi.

Prakash Kulfi - It serves delicious Kulfi falooda. This joint is about 200 meters from Tunday Kababi.

Gilouti Kabab, Tunday Kababi
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Gilouti Kabab, Tunday Kababi

Overnight stay at Lucknow.

Day 2 - Heritage Walk, Explore Hazratganj market.

Start your day early and you may try local Breakfast options as below;

  • Sharma Ji ki Chai - Bun Maska, samosa and tea served in a clay pot (Kulhad) are popular here. The shop stays open from 7 am to 7 pm.
  • Bajpayee Kachori Bhandar - People queue up at this shop to eat dal-kachori, served with Chhole & Aaloo.
  • Ram Asrey - This is most famous for a variety of sweets and snacks. The breakfast menu is filled with traditional delicacies, like Aloo Matar Samosa, Dhokla, Khandvi and Kachoris.
  • However, the biggest attraction is the Kesariya Malai Gillauri (stuffing of dry fruits within a layer of malai) which was invented in this shop.
  • The eatery, located right opposite the Bajpayee Kachori Bhandar is credited with having served the last Nawab of Awadh, Wajid Ali Shah.
Enjoying kachori, Bajpayee Kachori bhandar
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Enjoying kachori, Bajpayee Kachori bhandar

Prepare for the Heritage Walk of Lucknow. Tourists may book Heritage walk  on below website or follow the itinerary detailed below:

  • Safed Baradari - Built by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, as a ‘palace of mourning’, this white-marbled building has 12 doors. The 12 doors of the monument are divided to pave 3 entries on each side.
  • During the uprising of 1857, This hall was used by freedom fighters as a political and strategic meet-house.
  • Right next to this monument is the Amir-ud-Daula Public Library, whose collection includes over 2 lakh books in various languages.
  • Distance: 2kms from Ram Asrey, Duration of visit 1 hour

Parikhana - Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was a patron of arts and culture, who is credited with promoting various forms of art in Awadh. The last Nawab of Lucknow had established the Parikhana where courtesans used to live and rehearse their dance and song routines.

The central hall of the building was adorned with several attractive chandeliers and the pristine marble-made courtyard.
Duration of visit - 1 hour

Chattar Manzil (Farhat Baksh Kothi) - Standing on the banks of the river Gomti, this magnificent palace has been home to the great Nawabs of Lucknow. Originally called Martin Villa, it was built in 1781 by Major General Claude Martin. Later, Nawab Saadat Ali Khan bought the palace and named it “Farhat Bakhsh Kothi” (Bestower of Happiness).

This palace is famous for its magnificent Diwan khana, Tunnels, Beautiful arches and cellars that were built within the waters of the Gomti River. 


Distance: 4 km from Safed Baradari , Duration of visit- 1 hour (Closed on Sundays)

Chattar Manzil-Historic Building of Lucknow
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Chattar Manzil-Historic Building of Lucknow

The British Residency - is an everlasting example of British architectural skills. Initially it was the residence of the British Resident General. Major parts of this group of structures were destroyed by canon strikes during the 1857 uprising.

Distance - 2 km from Chattar Manzil , Entry Tickets - Rs.25 per person ,

Duration of visit- 2 to 3 hours

Been a significant part of siege of Lucknow-1857
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Been a significant part of siege of Lucknow-1857

Makhan Malai - During the winter months, between October and March, many vendors near Gol Darwaza are found to sell Makhan Malai.

This delicacy is made with milk and cream, loaded with dry fruits on top and a pinch of Saffron.

Distance - 4 km from Chowk

Dew-exposed milk delicacy
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Dew-exposed milk delicacy

Lunch option:

  • Mahesh Mansarover - Veg Restaurant in Nirala Nagar, 4 km from Chowk.
  • Lalla Biryani - This is a small restaurant specializing in mild flavoured and subtly spiced biryani.
    Distance: 600 meters from Gol Darwaza
  • Royal Cafe - This famous restaurant is right next to Hazratganj Metro Station. Basket Chaat, loaded with lots of savoury snacks is a must-try item.
  • Shree Lassi Sons - Around 2 km from the Chowk, you may try exclusive Lassi in this shop.
Basket Chaat @ Royal Cafe
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Basket Chaat @ Royal Cafe

Spend time in Hazratganj - Hazratganj is a bustling market that lies in the heart of Lucknow. Tourists prefer to shop chikankari items and other exclusive handicrafts from shops in this market. You will notice that the majority of shops have their names written in white colour on a black base.

You may visit Gomti riverfront in the evening time and spend quality time enjoying the view of the river.

Overnight stay at Lucknow.

Day 3 - Explore New Lucknow & Return to home destination.

Breakfast Suggestion:

Rattilal’s Kachori - This is a nearly century-old shop, popular for Kachori served with Aloo and Matar.
Location: 600 m from Hussainganj Metro Station

Kachori/khasta is a popular Lucknow breakfast
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Kachori/khasta is a popular Lucknow breakfast

Husainabad Clock Tower - It is said to be a replica of London’s Big Ben. This 220 ft high structure took five years to build.
Location: 1 km from Bada Imambara. 

Janeshwar Mishra Park -  Modelled upon the Hyde Park in London, this urban park is said to be Asia’s largest park. It is spread over 376 acres and it may be explored in a hired bicycle or golf cart. The lakes in the park attract a large number of migratory birds. There are around 10 canteens too.

  • Entry Ticket - Rs 10
  • Golf Cart - Rs 300 for upto 6 people
  • Cycle - Rs 20 for 1 hour
  • Motor Boat Ride - Rs 200 

Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, Memorial Park - The park has museums and galleries commemorating the life of Dr Ambedkar.

Timings - 11 am to 9 pm , Entry Fee: Rs. 20 per head

Located on Vipul khand of Gomti river
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Located on Vipul khand of Gomti river

Lunch Option near Char Bagh Railway station;

  • Balaji - A purely vegetarian restaurant, you can find variety of Thali and Paratha Thali is must have item.
  • Maa Durga Veg Restaurant - About half a km from the Railway Station, this restaurant is also popular for delicious food at reasonable prices.
Balaji Restaurant
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Balaji Restaurant

Departure from Lucknow and return to home destination.

Suggestions and recommendations

  • For the Lucknow Heritage Walk, you can hire a guide and explore.
  • Travelling in Chowk might be difficult due to narrow streets and heavy traffic. It is thus recommended to ride a cycle rickshaw or battery-operated rickshaw for convenience of commuting.