LUCKNOW HERITAGE  


TOTAL DURATION – 02 NIGHTS / 03 DAYS 

02 NIGHTS LUCKNOW    


ITINERARY

DAY 01: LUCKNOW 

Arrival at Lucknow Airport, assistance upon arrival and transfer to hotel / resort, get freshen up and move for Sightseeing / Visits in Lucknow as per the timings,


The heritage city of Lucknow, a melting pot of art, culture, cuisine and architecture, the city preserves its essence of grandeur in its kaleidoscopic experiences. From a vibrant culinary scene and exquisite historical monuments to its rich art and cultural heritage and vestiges of colonial charm, the ‘city of nawabs’ as it is popularly called, is as welcoming as is the warmth of its people. Lucknow a historically important city and for many centuries was at the heart of North Indian culture. In particular, the city famous for its Adab and Tehzeeb (manners and hospitality), dotted with remnants of its rich past, its unique majestic heritage landmarks, beauty and charisma of traditional Chikan the intricate and delicate hand embroidery, and, its popular cuisines on the royal ‘dastarkhwan’ 


Asafi Imambara (Bara Imambara) In 1784 Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula began the construction of this magnificent monument recalls the glorious past of the Nawabs and stands out for its austerity in style, proportion and symmetry and daring techniques in architecture. This Imambara houses the tombs of Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula. The remarkable feature of this building is the large vaulted hall which has withstood weather and time without the support of pillars or beams for the past over 200 odd years. The Imambara complex includes the large Asfi mosque, the Bhul-bhulaiya (the labyrinth), and Bowli, a step well with running water. Two imposing gateways lead to the main hall. It is said that there are 1024 ways to reach the terrace but only two to come back first gate or the last gate 


Husainabad Imambara (Chota Imambara) Stands to the west of the Bara Imambara. Built by Nawab Mohd. Ali Shah around 1837-1840, it is more ornate in design with exquisite chandeliers, gilt-edged mirrors, silver Mimbar and colourful stucco work which adorns the interiors. A golden dome and fine calligraphy on the exteriors of the building makes it a truly exceptional monument of Mughal architecture 


Rumi Darwaza was once described as the Earl of Grosvenor’s seat in Cheshire. The towers on both sides of the gateway appear like medieval European towers. With perfect Indian arches, Rumi Darwaza symbolises the historic architecture of Lucknow. Built in 1784 Rumi Darwaza or the Turkish Gate is an   excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture


The Shahnajaf Imambara is said to be the replica of the tomb of Hazrat Ali at Najaf in Iraq. It houses the replica of the Silver Rauza of Nazaf. It was built by Nawab Ghazi ud Din Haider the first King of Avadh and also houses his tomb 


 

DAY 02: LUCKNOW   

After breakfast move for Sightseeing / Visits in Lucknow – Evening free for leisure 


Residency the majestic landmark in Lucknow deserves special mention as even in its ruins, it still reflects the ambience of the bygone era of both Nawabi and British periods. The construction of the residency was started by Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula in 1775 and completed by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan in AD 1800. The evidence of the siege of 1857 can be seen on each and every building of the Residency which was exposed to heavy cannonades for five months. Here the air is silent but travelling down the lanes of memories, one can still hear the resounding war cries from all directions and imagine the past. The Residency houses a museum an impressive collection of firearms, lithographs and paintings   

 

Chattar Manzil “Umbrella Palace” derives its name from the gilt dome with a covering umbrella, which gives a special magnificence to the complex. The Chattar Manzil was constructed by Nawab Sadat Ali Khan (1798-1814), a magnificent palace depicting Indo-Italian architecture. The part of building converted into a heritage museum 

 

The Tomb of Nawab Sadat Ali Khan and his wife stand majestically, surrounded by green parks, fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture, the arches and pillars are on unique Awadhi patterns.


The Qaiserbagh Palace built by the last Nawab of Avadh Wajid Ali Shah in 1848,  it was a walled palace complex with entrance gates. It housed the quarters of the ladies of the Nawabs Harem and also catered to banquettes and games organised to entertain the Nawab and his populace. The white Baradari stands in the middle of the complex where the dancers entertained the elite of the city. The quadrangle was often used to hold cock fights, elephant fights, bull fights, etc.


Evening visit at heritage areas of city Chowk, Aminabad and Hazratganj. Chowk, the city’s oldest market, is famous for its Chikan Embroidery workshops. The ‘Ittar’ or perfume that adds to the taste of epicurean delights that the city of Lucknow offers. Aminabad area unfolds itself through numerous lanes and by-lanes into a colourful alley of shops full of life, and Hazratganj, is the heart of the city that has been the pride of Lucknow since the days of the British Raj. 


Culinary skills too reached the heights of excellence as the Nawabs were not only gracious hosts but also extremely fond of good and tasty food. The art of slow cooking was perfected in Awadh 


 

DAY 03: LUCKNOW

After breakfast move for Optional Visits and transfer to Lucknow Airport as per the timings