8 Places To Visit In The 'City Of Nawabs'

The Bara Imambara is one of the most famous monuments in Lucknow, primarily known for its incredible maze- Bhul Bhulaiya. Interestingly, there are 1024 ways to get inside the maze but only 2 to come out. Addiitonally, it an important place of worship for the Muslims who come here every year to celebrate Muharram. Speaking about the Imambara, it has a unique style of construction in which no wood or metal has been used. One can also view the grave of Nawab Asaf-Ud-Dowlah and his crown, which is kept in the central hall, the largest vaulted chamber in the world. (Image Source: Getty)

The Chhota Imambara, located to the west of the Bara Imambara, is one of the most beautiful and appealing structures in Lucknow's old city. It was originally a Shia Muslim congregation hall constructed by Muhammad Ali Shah to serve as his own mausoleum as well as that of his mother, who is buried beside him in this prestigious monument. During special holidays, such as Muharram, the Imambara is beautifully decorated and adorned with chandeliers. It is a stunning blend of Charbagh, Indo-Islamic, and Persian structural and building styles. The exterior is full with Quranic verses written in Islamic calligraphy on the monument's walls. (Image Source: Getty)

The well-known Rumi Darwaza is a striking gateway that stands tall between the Bara and Chota Imambaras, displaying old Awadhi architecture. Rumi Darwaza was created for a very philanthropic purpose. When famine struck North India in 1748, the then-Nawab of Lucknow devised a plan to feed his people while also giving him something to treasure and be proud of. According to the plan, Awadhi workers built the great Rumi Darwaza for him in return for daily meals. (Image Source: Getty)

The British Residency of Lucknow acted as the headquarters for the British East India Company's generals. However, during the 1857 rebellion, this once-composed complex became a British refugee camp. The fort is now in ruins, and a British cemetery adjacent contains the graves of all colonists who died during the siege of Lucknow. The Archaeological Survey of India protects the remains. Every evening, the Residency stages a light and sound show reenacting the 1857 revolt. (Image Source: Instagram)

Hazratganj, Lucknow's central retail district, has a long history and has experienced a great makeover that bridges the past and the present, serving as Lucknow's central shopping arcade. (Image Source: Instagram)

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Memorial Park is a public space and memorial devoted to him and is one of the best tourism attractions in Lucknow. It spans 107 acres and features monuments made of red sandstone from Rajasthan. Ambedkar stupa, a sangrahalay, a picture gallery, pratibimb sthal, and drashya sthal are among the monuments inside. (Image Source: Instagram)

Shah Najaf Imambara is a Muslim landmark on Rana Pratap Road in Lucknow, India. The remains of Nawab Ghazi - Ud - Din Haider and his three wives are housed in the dome-shaped monument. The Shah Najaf Imambara is an all-white marble finished structure containing a large dome that adorns splendid Mughal architecture amid a beautiful front floral yard. This 19th-century congregation hall, built by Ghazi-Ud-Din Haider himself, is close to famous camel and tonga rides. (Image Source: Instagram)

The Nawabi city's heritage trail never stops! Chattar Manzil, another extraordinary Lucknow monument is also known as the Umbrella Palace. It was once the residence of the Awadh rulers and their spouses. The memorial combines Indo-European and Nawabi architectural styles. The umbrella-shaped domes and big underground rooms are extremely intriguing, making it one of the best architectural attractions in Lucknow. (Image Source: Instagram)