Lucknow, is the capital of Uttar Pradesh. The city extends along the banks of the River Gomti.
The creator of Lucknow as it is today was Nawab Asaf ud Daula. The city became known as a centre for Urdu poetry and courtly diction, and reached its acme during the reign of Wajid Ali Shah who was a connoisseur of music and poetry. It was during his reign that the British appropriated Awadh. Today, the city is dotted with remnants of its rich historic past.
Lucknow is also known for its elaborate cuisine and 'Chikankaari' or exquisite shadow-work embroidery on fine muslin cloth.
Historical Places
Hussainabad Imambara
Chhota Imambara
Hussainabad Imambara is also called Chhota Imambara.
Hussainabad Imambara is located near the Rumi Darwaza. It was built between 1837 and 1842 and that’s why it is famous as Chhota Imambara. This structure contains the tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah, its builder, and of his mother. It is approached through a fine garden. The Imambara has a white dome and numerous turrets and minarets.
Shah Najaf Imambara
Shah Najaf Imambara is a white-domed structure and it derived its name from the town of Najaf. The place is about 200km south of Baghdad where the saint Hazrat Ali is buried.
The Shah Najaf Imambara is situated on the right bank of the Gomti. In this tomb are buried the remains of Ghazi-ud-din Haider and his wives, including Mubarak Mahal, his European wife. The entrance leads to a beautiful garden. The silver tomb of Ghazi-ud-din Haider lies in the centre of the building and is flanked by the more imposing silver and gold tomb of Mubarak Mahal on both the sides.
Parks & Gardens
Dudhwa National Park
Dudhwa is at a distance of 220km from Lucknow. The Dudhwa National Park is located close to the border with Nepal. The National Park covers an area of 490 sq km. The National park is also recognized as a Tiger Reserve.
How to reach
By Road : Dudhwa is connected by metalled road to other parts of the state. Important road distance are; Lucknow 238 km; Bareilly 260 km; Delhi 430 kms; Palia 5 kms.
Coaches and jeeps can be hired from national park office at Dudhwa for travelling upside the Park. Elephants are available for wildlife viewing at Dudhwa only.
By Bus : UPSRTC and private bus services link Palia to Lakhimpur Kheri, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Delhi etc. Buses ply frequently between Palia and Dudhwa.
By Air : Amausi Airport, Lucknow is directly connected with Delhi, Patna, Calcutta, Bombay and Varanasi by direct flights.
By Rail : A major railway junction, Lucknow is conveniently connected to many cities. Some of the important trains are :
By Road : Lucknow is connected by road with all the major cities of the country. Some of the major road distances are :
Agra - 363 km, Allahabad - 210 km, Ayodhya - 135 km, Calcutta - 985 km, Corbett National Park - 400 km, Delhi - 497 km, Dudhwa National Park - 238 km, Kanpur - 79 km, Khajuraho - 320 km, Varanasi - 305 km.