Lucknow, also known as the ‘City of Nawabs’, is a place where every spot speaks of its glorious culture. Since the time of Awadh, Lucknow has been an important landmark. It is a melting pot of culture, tradition, history, art, and delicious food.
A heritage walk in Lucknow lets you explore the rich past of the city from stunning monuments to vibrant markets.
Rumi Darwaza
The heritage walk starts at the Rumi Darwaza, also called the Turkish Gate. In the 18th century under the rule of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, this prominent monument was built which welcomes its visitors. Its building plan involves Persian and Mughal feature designs. It houses tall minarets, elaborate carvings, and a decorative archway with many geometric patterns.
This busy Rumi Darwaza appears sixty feet in height and plays the leading role of the entrance gate, welcoming every visitor with open arms. The gate has a curved entrance, where on both sides there are small octagonal pavilions and it is facing the magnificent view which is deeply imprinted in the minds of all who see it.
Chota Imambara
The most wonderful example of Lucknow’s architecture is the Chhota Imambara, often called the Imambada of Hussainabad. It was built during Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah’s reign in the 19th century, this marvel of Islamic art represents the highest quality of the style.
The exterior of the Chota Imambara, with its amazing calligraphy, beautiful arabesques, and amazing domes makes an excellent-looking sight that is full of gracefulness and beauty. The main hall of the royal Hammam is adorned by gorgeous chandeliers, marble flooring, and delicate carvings that all present the prosperity of the Nawab period.
Inside the prayer hall which houses the tomb of Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah decorated with silver and flowers with exquisite floral patterns.
Bara Imambara
The Bara Imambara, Lucknow leaves the viewers gaping in wonder at the grandeur and intricacy of its design. In the 18th century, it was erected by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula and is most popular for its attractive architecture and creative engineering.
One of the remarkable features of the Bara Imambara is the magnificent central hall that stands 50 meters high and is supported by superbly painted arches. The most stunning part of Bara Imambara is the daunting Bhool Bhuliya: a maze of tiny corridors and hidden chambers that even the most experienced adventurers find puzzling. The intricate network of corridors complete with treacherous defenses, meant to get invaders and assailants lost and confused, symbolizes the genius of the ancient builders of the distant past.
Residency
The Residency, a stunning dome surrounded by verdant gardens and an atmosphere of tranquility, shows us an emotional side of Lucknow that one couldn’t have imagined in the past. The Residency, which at that time was the administrative center of British colonial rule was the official residence of the British General Resident and the center of activities during the First War of Indian Independence in 1857.
The Residency of today is a sacred monument that salutes the brave souls who gave their lives in the cause of the uprising. Its battered and porous walls bear signs of the horrors of the war. Down the years, the Residency is recounted in a ghostly atmosphere where overgrown courtyards, majestic buildings, and weather-beaten structures are a narrative of the city’s turbulent history.
Hazratganj
At first, Hazratganj was created by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan. Now, there are a lot of local artistic shops and modern cafes. The majestic appearance of Hazratganj is seen in the buildings where the old structures have intricate decorations, arches, and balconies that take the visitors to the old times and leave there a feeling of going back in time.
While walking along the cobblestone lanes of Hazratganj, they are enchanted by an array of senses, from the fresh tea scent to the bright colors of the chikan embroidery, displayed in the shop windows. Whether from window shopping and seeing souvenirs to trying out some street food or just a ‘Lucknowi’ feeling, Hazratganj presents a real Lucknow that is extraordinary and memorable.
Chowk
Chowk is a skeleton of narrow alleys running between the crowds of streets which is an epitome of the essence of the old Lucknow. Walking to Chowk is like sailing through a time capsule where ancient traditions and old ways of life sit in the middle of the flush of contemporary life. The architectural style of Chowk reflects its colorful heritage and culture as it mixes Mughal influences with carved wooden balconies and exquisitely decorated doors.
La Martiniere College
La Martiniere College, an old building in Lucknow, which is surrounded by greenery and large lawns, symbolizes both academic excellence and architectural grandeur. Founded at the beginning of the 19th century by the French explorer Claude Martin, Martin’s College is a mixture of French style and a colonial British architecture style.
The main building has a neoclassical frontage, bordered by Corinthian columns and a magnificent dome, which speaks of the high standards of the school. The journey up and down the college corridors through La Martiniere College takes one back in time to the intellectual awakening and cultural richness days that everybody holds in very high esteem. College’s hue runs through each piece of its antiquated belongings – priceless manuscripts, aged oak furniture, and paintings of great graduates.
State Museum
The State Museum of Lucknow is the bank of heritage, which in a captivating manner shows the visitors their historical background. What attracts visitors to this museum is that it is situated in a beautiful old colonial building with a wide range of artifacts, artwork, and historical archaeological finds dating back to various periods in time.
Besides having galleries of folk art, contemporary paintings, and historical documents, the museum is also an opportunity for tourists to see a mosaic of the city’s cultural fabric. Visitors can dive into the galleries’ realm of beauty and imagination, appreciating the hidden gems of Lucknow.
Janeshwar Mishra Park
In the center of the urban city, there is a very huge green space, in which a person can enjoy the serenity of nature. Named after the fallen leader Janeshwar Mishra, this park covers an area of 400 acres and has neatly trimmed laws, winding pathways, and peaceful water bodies that altogether, generate a tranquil atmosphere, ideal for convalescence and rejuvenation.
The park is filled with a multitude of colorful garden beds, shaded pavilions, and recreational amenities that people visit for picnics, promenades, and outdoor activities. Within the park, there is a musical fountain that entertains the visitors with its amazing water displays.
From the grandeur of Rumi Darwaza to the liveliness of Chowk, with every step, I was revealed to another facet of the city’s beauty. Be it through strolling around historic sites or tasting the inimitable savor of Hazratganj, every second was a reminder of the city’s unbeatable charm. We leave with love and gratitude for the colorful culture and friendly welcome and look forward to our next visit to experience this magic again.
References:
- Shankar, S. (2024) Lucknow unveiled – A journey through the city of Nawabs, Savaari Car Rentals Blog. Available at: https://www.savaari.com/blog/things-to-do-in-lucknow/ (Accessed: 26 April 2024).
- Intermiles (2021) 10 best heritage sites in lucknow: Famous historical places in Lucknow, 10 Best Heritage Sites in Lucknow | Famous Historical Places in Lucknow. Available at: https://www.intermiles.com/blog/10-must-visit-architectural-marvels-in-lucknow (Accessed: 26 April 2024).
- Bansal, N. (2023) The architecture of Lucknow – the fascinating architecture from the times of Nawabs of Awadh, RTF | Rethinking The Future. Available at: https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/city-and-architecture/a9604-the-architecture-of-lucknow-the-fascinating-architecture-from-the-times-of-nawabs-of-awadh/#google_vignette (Accessed: 26 April 2024).
- Decorators, I. (2024) Exploring the fusion of modern and Mughal architecture in Lucknow, Medium. Available at: https://medium.com/@studio1interiordesigner/exploring-the-fusion-of-modern-and-mughal-architecture-in-lucknow-32ae60fcd966 (Accessed: 26 April 2024).
