Sunday, January 8, 2012

Lucknow Tourist Attractions


Lucknow Tourist Attractions

Lucknow is a beautiful city that still retains its old world charm. Your tour to Lucknow will be a truly memorable one when you travel in India. While arranging for Lucknow sightseeing tours, make sure that you visit the following tourist attractions that are worth seeing. The exquisite monuments that were built during the ancient times are still preserved for the present to see and cherish. So check out these tourist attractions as a part of Lucknow Tours.

The India Travel Destinations takes you on travel to the most romantic city Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is a capital of Uttar Pradesh. Lucknow is the most important center of tourism in Uttar Pradesh, India and is famous all over the world for the lovely Hussainnabad Imambara.

Lucknow city is the one of the famous destinations of the World Tourism with three tradition monuments -Bara Imambara, Lucknow Zoo & Laxman Tila. Lucknow is an energetic centre of Culture, Art and Religious philosophies that have enriched mankind and shaped human thought over centuries. Lucknow is famous for handicrafts products such as silks, Leather work, Zari and Embroidery work. We provide information on tourist destinations in Lucknow Travel including the beautiful Lucknow Zoo. Lucknow tour is one of the most popular travel places amongst tourists. Lucknow Tourism has many other tourist places to provide for the tourists visiting Lucknow (India). A tour to Lucknow is lifetime knowledge to remember forever as the tourist destinations within and around the city go away the travelers captivated.

Lucknow is situated on the banks of the Gomti River. Lucknow is the cultural center of northern India where people are too polite and have their own charming culture and tradition. Lucknow is also famous for its, jewelry silks, perfumes and mouth-watering nawabi cuisines.
Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, is popularly known as the 'the city of Nawabs'. Lucknow city was founded by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. In the past times, it provided as the capital of the nawabs of Awadh and it is one of the reasons why it is also called as the city of the Nawabs. Lucknow tourism gets one closer to the glorious day's city, through a visit to its several monuments and ruins. The capital city of Lucknow has a magical attraction surrounding it. The city of Lucknow leaves an everlasting impression on its visitors. Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, is one of the few places where one can still find people saying 'aap', 'janab', 'pehle aap', etc.
Some famous places are situated in Lucknow city like Hussainnabad Imambara, Bara Imambara, Laxman Tila, Rumi Darwaza, The Residency, Clock Tower and Chattar Manzil. Hussainnabad Imambara is also known as the Chhota, or Small Imambara. It was built by Mohammed Ali Shah in 1837 as his own mausoleum. Bara Imambara was built by Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784. The central hall of the Bara or Great Imambara, at 50m long and 15m high, is one of the largest vaulted galleries in the world. Laxman Tila is situated north of the Imambara complex which houses the Alamgir Mosque. It was built by Sultan Ali, the governor of Awadh during Aurangzeb's reign. Rumi Darwaza was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-daulah in 1784. It is a very big gateway situated west of the Bara Imambara. Clock Tower was built by Nawab Mohammed Ali Shah in 1881. It is situated near the Rumi Darwaza. Height of Clock Tower is a 221 feet.




Clock Tower

Between the Bara Imambara and Chhota Imambara is the Clock Tower of Lucknow. This huge tower was constructed by Nawab Nasir-ud-Din Haider in the year 1880. The Clock Tower in Lucknow reaches upto a staggering height of 221 feet and is the tallest Clock Tower in India. The Clock tower also has the biggest fitted clock that cost the government around Rs. 1.75 lakhs at that time.


Moti Mahal

The Moti Mahal in Lucknow is one of the most beautiful monuments of India. The Nawab of Lucknow, Saadat Ali Khan, constructed it. The Lucknow Moti Mahal is also known as Palace of Pearls. The Moti Mahal is located on the borders of Gomti and provides a spectacular view of the city of Nawabs. The Nawabs used this palace to view birds in flight and spend time in leisure. There are three buildings that comprise the whole construction.

The two other buildings are known as Shah Manzil and Mubarak Manzil. These two buildings were added later by Nawab Ghazi-ud-din Haider. These were used by the Nawab to watch animal combats and animal fights. The Moti Mahal is preserved till date by the concerned authorities and is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Lucknow.



Lakshmana

Tila It is said that the original site of the town was actually at Lakshmana Tila. The story goes back to ancient times when the brother of Lord Rama, Lakshmana laid the foundation of the city of modern Lucknow. It was known as Lakshmanpur then. This place is supposed to be one of the earliest sites of human settlements in Lucknow.


Hussainabad Imambara

The Hussainabad Imambara is a major tourist attraction of Lucknow. The monument was built by Mohammed Ali Shah in the year 1837. The tombs of Mohammed Ali Shah and his mother are located over here. The walls of the monument are decorated with Arabic verses that have been carved beautifully by efficient craftsmen. The structure has an imposing white colored dome and many pillars or minarets. The interiors of the monument are worth seeing. They have been decorated beautifully with elaborate chandeliers, mirrors with gold frames, the majestic throne of the King. There are small miniatures of the Taj Mahal on either side of the monument. The Hussainabad Imambara is beautifully decorated during the festival of Moharrum. The whole structure is bordered with thousands of little bulbs, which give it a royal look when illuminated in the evening.

Bara Imambara

The Bara Imambara was built in the year 1784 by the fourth Nawab of Awadh known as Asaf-ud-Daula. It was built as a part of a relief project for a major famine that took place in the year 1784. The Bara Imambara of Lucknow is one of the most famous monuments of this place. It is also called Asfi Imambara after the name of the Nawab of Lucknow who got it constructed. It is an important place of worship for the Muslims who come here every year to celebrate the religious festival of Muharram.

The Bara Imambara has a unique style of construction. The central hall of Bara Imambara is said to be the largest arched hall in the world. The hall measures 50 meters long and goes upto a height of 15 meters. What makes the construction unique is the fact that the blocks have been put together with interlocking system of bricks and there has been absolutely no use of girders and beams. The roof stands steady till date without any pillars to support it.

The Bara Imambara is known for its incredible maze called Bhulbhulaiya. This is located in the upper floor of the monument. A stairway leads to this level. One can view a scenic panorama of the city from the top of this monument, which is absolutely breath-taking. The Bhulbhulaiya is a must see and the best way to find your way out without getting lost is by hiring a guide. It is said that great treasures are hidden in the secret tunnels of this maze. The monument remains open from morning 6am to evening 5pm.


British Residency Lucknow


The British Residency of Lucknow is a famous historical landmark of this place. It is now in ruins and has been declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. The British Residency was the place that served as a refuge for approximately 3000 British inhabitants during the time of the uprising of 1857. Lucknow was center of all British activities during the siege and the Residency became the monopolistic center of the British for almost 90 days.

The Residency still has within its walls, the graves of around 2000 British soldiers who died in the Revolt of 1857. The people of Lucknow tell intriguing stories of British who fled from their homes to seek shelter in these red buildings. Only a 1000 inhabitant survived this tough ordeal. On November 17th, the British troops led by Sir Colin Campbell defeated the Indian forces. Though they triumphed, it was victory in the true sense.

Today, the British Residency of Lucknow serves as a government office. The Residency also has a museum that is well-maintained by the authorities. One also finds the tombs Sadat Ali Khan, who was the first Nawab of Awadh, Kaisarbagh Palace and an observatory built for Colonel Wilcox, who was a British astronomer.

Chattar Manzil

One of the imposing structures built by the Nawabs of Lucknow, Chattar Manzil is a very famous tourist attraction of Lucknow. The most unique thing about the Chattar Manzil of Lucknow is the strikingly different architecture. The most prominent feature of this grand structure is the Umbrella-shaped dome from which it has derived its name. The construction also has some elements of the European architecture thus proving that it must have been pretty much influenced by the modern style of architecture of Europe.

The Nawab of Lucknow, Ghazi-ud-din Haider started the construction of the Chattar Manzil but he died in between. It was then completed by his son Nasir-ud-din Haider. The Chattar Manzil still retains its old world charm. Some say it was later remodeled by the British as per their tastes. Today, the Chattar Manzil has been remodeled to serve as an office for the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI).

Jama Masjid Lucknow

In the year 1423, Sultan Ahmed Shah constructed the Jama Masjid in Lucknow. It is built entirely with yellow sandstone and is known for its intricate style of design and architecture. The Jama Masjid of Lucknow is known to be one of the most beautiful mosques of India. The Jama Masjid is also known by the name of Jami Masjid in Lucknow. The mosque is an important place of worship for the Muslims in Lucknow who collect here on all auspicious occasions.

The Jami Masjid is located in the heart of the city of Lucknow. The structure has a combination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The structure stands upright on 260 pillars that support 15 arched domes that different elevations. The domes are intricately designed and ornamented and are no less than an architectural splendor. The pillars have carvings that have been inspired from Hindu and Jain culture.

The courtyard is a vast area that measures around 75 meters X 66 meters. The western chamber is a big hall that is supported by 260 pillars. The tomb of Sultan Ahmed Shah lies on the Eastern side entrance. It has been beautifully preserved by the concerned authorities. Thus, one can say that Jami Masjid of Lucknow is an architectural wonder in every sense of the word.

Rumi Darwaza

The Rumi Darwaza of Lucknow is one of the most impressive architectural structures in India. It was constructed in the year 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-daula. The Rumi Darwaza is an example of the fine architectural style of Awadh. The Rumi Darwaza of Lucknow is also known by the name of Turkish Gateway since it is supposed to be identical in design to a similar gateway in ancient Constantinople. Read more about Rumi Darwaza of Lucknow.

The Rumi Darwaza goes upto a staggering height of 60 feet. The uppermost part of Rumi Darwaza comprises of an octagonal Chatri (Umbrella) carved beautifully that can be accessed by a staircase. The word "Rumi" is derived from the modern day Rome that used to be Istanbul, the capital city of Eastern Roman Empire. The Rumi Darwaza is one of the finest gateways that has been built in Lucknow and is highly inspired by a similar gateway in Istanbul.

On top of the Rumi Darwaza was kept a huge lantern that would light up the structure at night making it look absolutely fabulous. Little jets of water would rush out of the sides of the arch from beautifully carved flower buds thus making it look like a gateway to Paradise. The beautifully carved flowers and designs speak volumes about the unique architectural style and eye for detail. The Rumi Darwaza is truly a splendor and must visit if you are traveling Lucknow.

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary

The Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is one of the major wildlife sanctuaries of Uttar Pradesh. This bird sanctuary can be visited as a part of excursions from Lucknow. The Nawabganj bird sanctuary in U.P. is spread over a small area of less than 3 square kilometers. The Nawabganj bird sanctuary is a major hub for migratory birds that visit this place during winter months. The best season to visit this sanctuary is from November to March, since this is the time when many species of migratory birds come here.

The main area of the sanctuary is around a shallow lake, which serves as the perfect place for migratory and water birds to dwell around for a while. The Government of India declared Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary a protected area in the year 1984. The sanctuary is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. The sanctuary also a Bird Interpretation Center, which gives knowledge about birds an their behavior in detail. From Lucknow, the sanctuary is located at a distance of around 35 kilometers.

The sanctuary has some very rare birds that come visiting during the migratory season. These birds come from as far as Europe and Siberia, traveling a distance of around 5000 kilometers every year. These birds include Graylag Goose, Pintail, Cotton teal, Red Crested Pochard, Gadwall, Shoveller, Coot and Mallard. Other residential and local birds include Spotwill, Sarus crane, Painted Stork, Peacock, White Ibis, Dabchick, Whistling teal, Open billed stork, White necked stork, Pheasant tailed jacana, Bronze winged Jacana, Purple moorhen, Lapwing, Tern vulture, Pigeon, King crow, Indian roller and Bee eater.














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