bigtravelbuzzLucknow is a city located in the northern part of India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and is often referred to as the “City of Nawabs”. Lucknow is famous for its delicious food, beautiful monuments, and traditional crafts such as Chikan embroidery.
Places to visit in Lucknow
Lucknow is a city that is steeped in history and culture, and there are many places to visit that reflect this. Here are some of the top places to visit in Lucknow:
- Bara Imambara
- Chota Imambara
- Rumi Darwaza
- Husainabad Clock Tower
- Ambedkar Memorial Park
- Lucknow Residency
- Chattar Manzil
- Jama Masjid
- British Residency
- Hazratganj Market
Best Time To Visit Lucknow
The best time to visit Lucknow is during the winter months from October to March when the weather is pleasant and cool with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 25°C. This is the ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summers in Lucknow are hot and humid, with temperatures soaring above 40°C, and monsoons from July to September can cause heavy rainfall and flooding.
Things to Do in Lucknow
Lucknow, the city of nawabs, has a rich cultural and historical heritage. Here are some things to do in Lucknow:
- Visit the Bara Imambara and Bhool Bhulaiya
- Explore the historical Rumi Darwaza and Chota Imambara
- Enjoy a leisurely walk or boat ride in the serene gardens of Hazratganj and Ambedkar Park
- Savor the delectable Awadhi cuisine in local eateries and restaurants
- Shop for traditional handicrafts, chikankari embroidery, and jewelry in local markets and bazaars like Chowk and Aminabad
- Attend a live performance of Kathak, a classical Indian dance form that originated in Lucknow
- Visit the State Museum and Regional Science City to learn more about the city’s history, culture, and scientific developments
- Experience the famous ‘Lucknowi tehzeeb’ by interacting with locals and learning about their customs and traditions.
How to Get Around in Lucknow
There are several ways to get around in Lucknow:
- Taxis and Auto-rickshaws: Taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available and can be hired for a day or a few hours to explore the city.
- City Buses: The Lucknow City Transport Service (LCTS) operates a fleet of buses that connect various parts of the city.
- Metro: Lucknow Metro is a fast, reliable and affordable mode of transport that connects important landmarks and neighborhoods in the city.
- Cycle Rickshaws: Cycle rickshaws are a popular mode of transport for short distances, especially in congested areas and narrow lanes.
- Car rental: One can also rent a car to explore the city on their own.
- Walking: Walking is a great way to explore the city’s narrow lanes and vibrant neighborhoods. It is also an excellent way to soak in the culture and heritage of the city.
Where to eat in Lucknow
Lucknow is famous for its Awadhi cuisine, which is a unique blend of Mughal and Indian flavors. Here are some popular places to eat in Lucknow:
- Tunday Kababi: Famous for its melt-in-the-mouth kebabs, Tunday Kababi is a must-visit for food lovers.
- Royal Cafe: Known for its delicious chaat and kulfi, Royal Cafe is a popular hangout spot for locals.
- Idrish Hotel: One of the oldest restaurants in Lucknow, Idrish Hotel is famous for its biryani and kebabs.
- Dastarkhwan: Dastarkhwan is a popular restaurant that serves a wide range of Awadhi delicacies, including biryani, kebabs, and curries.
- Wahid Biryani: Wahid Biryani is a hidden gem known for its flavorful biryani and mouth-watering kebabs.
- Moti Mahal: A popular chain of restaurants in India, Moti Mahal is famous for its butter chicken and other North Indian delicacies.
- Raheem’s Kulche Nahari: Raheem’s is famous for its nahari, a slow-cooked mutton stew, and kulcha, a type of Indian bread.
These are just a few examples of the many places to eat in Lucknow. The city is home to a variety of restaurants and street food stalls, serving both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine.
Famous street stalls in Lucknow
Lucknow is known for its vibrant street food culture, and here are some of the most popular street stalls in Lucknow:
- Ram Asrey: Ram Asrey is a famous sweet shop known for its mouth-watering sweets and chaat.
- Netram Kachori Wala: Netram Kachori Wala is a popular street stall that serves delicious kachoris stuffed with lentils and served with aloo ki sabzi.
- Raja ki Thandai: Raja ki Thandai is a popular drink stall known for its refreshing thandai, a sweet drink made with milk, almonds, and spices.
- Bajpai Kachori Bhandar: Bajpai Kachori Bhandar is another famous street stall known for its crispy and spicy kachoris stuffed with a variety of fillings.
- Prakash Kulfi: Prakash Kulfi is a famous ice cream stall known for its creamy and delicious kulfis, a traditional Indian frozen dessert.
- Shukla Chaat House: Shukla Chaat House is a popular street stall that serves a variety of chaats, including aloo tikki, papdi chaat, and dahi bhalla.
- Tewari Brothers: Tewari Brothers is a popular street stall known for its delicious samosas, which are stuffed with a spicy potato filling and served with tangy chutney.
These are just a few examples of the many street stalls in Lucknow. Each street stall has its own unique specialty and flavor, and exploring the city’s street food scene is a must for any food lover.
Where to stay in Lucknow
Luxury accommodation
Lucknow offers a range of luxury accommodation options for travelers looking for a comfortable and lavish stay. Here are some popular luxury hotels in Lucknow:
- The Taj Mahal Hotel: The Taj Mahal Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of the city. It offers luxurious rooms, an outdoor pool, a spa, and multiple dining options.
- Renaissance Lucknow Hotel: The Renaissance Lucknow Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in the Gomti Nagar area of Lucknow. It offers elegant rooms, a rooftop pool, a fitness center, and multiple dining options.
- Hyatt Regency Lucknow: The Hyatt Regency Lucknow is a 5-star hotel located in the Vibhuti Khand area of Lucknow. It offers luxurious rooms, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and multiple dining options.
- Vivanta by Taj – Gomti Nagar: Vivanta by Taj – Gomti Nagar is a 5-star hotel located in the Gomti Nagar area of Lucknow. It offers luxurious rooms, an outdoor pool, a spa, and multiple dining options.
- The Piccadily Hotel: The Piccadily Hotel is a 5-star hotel located in the Bara Birwa area of Lucknow. It offers spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and multiple dining options.
These luxury hotels in Lucknow offer a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay for their guests.
Where to stay in Lucknow
Budget accommodation
Lucknow offers a range of budget accommodation options for travelers looking for affordable places to stay. Here are some popular budget hotels and guesthouses in Lucknow:
- Hotel Golden Orchid: Hotel Golden Orchid is a budget hotel located in the Gomti Nagar area of Lucknow. It offers simple and clean rooms, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
- La Place Sarovar Portico: La Place Sarovar Portico is a budget hotel located in the Hazratganj area of Lucknow. It offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a fitness center.
- Hotel Arif Castles: Hotel Arif Castles is a budget hotel located in the Faizabad Road area of Lucknow. It offers simple and clean rooms, a restaurant, and a fitness center.
- Mohan Hotel: Mohan Hotel is a budget hotel located in the Charbagh area of Lucknow. It offers simple and clean rooms, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
- The Maple Leaf: The Maple Leaf is a budget guesthouse located in the Gomti Nagar area of Lucknow. It offers simple and clean rooms, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
These budget hotels and guesthouses in Lucknow offer affordable accommodation options for travelers without compromising on comfort and cleanliness.
Travel Tips Lucknow
Here are some travel tips for visiting Lucknow:
- Weather: Lucknow has a hot and humid climate, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 45°C during the summer months. It’s best to avoid visiting during the summer months (April to June) and plan your trip during the cooler months (October to March).
- Clothing: Lucknow is a conservative city, and it’s recommended to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. It’s also advisable to carry a scarf or shawl to cover your head and shoulders.
- Food: Lucknow is famous for its street food, but it’s important to eat at reputable stalls and restaurants to avoid food-borne illnesses. It’s also recommended to carry bottled water with you at all times.
- Transport: Lucknow has a range of transportation options, including auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses. Negotiate the fare before getting into an auto-rickshaw or taxi, and it’s advisable to use ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber for safety and convenience.
- Sightseeing: Lucknow has a rich cultural heritage and offers several places to visit, including historical monuments, religious sites, and markets. Plan your itinerary in advance and hire a knowledgeable guide to learn more about the city’s history and culture.
- Safety: Lucknow is a relatively safe city, but it’s always advisable to take precautions, especially when traveling alone or at night. Avoid carrying too much cash or valuables with you and stay in well-lit and crowded areas.