Along the River Gomti lies the capital city of the state, Lucknow. Being one of the most important cultural centers of the country, Lucknow gains its importance not only within the state but also throughout the country. People from all over the country visit this city to appreciate its monuments, crafts and artistic products. Lucknow’s “Chikankari” embroidery is famous all over the world and women simply love to wear and possess Chikankari clothes and articles. Words fail to describe the rich cuisine of Lucknow. Although it is replicated all over the country, it is only here that you can experience its true sumptuousness. Some of the most popular food Specialties of Lucknow are Dum aloo, Kulfi falooda, Lucknowi Biryani, Sheermal, Zamin Doz, Kakri Kebab and last not least, Shami Kebab.

Built in 1783, this massive mausoleum houses some of the best sites in the city such as the Hussainabad Imambara, the Baradari art gallery and the Tazias, which are replicas of Imam Hussain’s tomb In Iraq. It contains several courtyards, a large mosque and two daunting gates. Built as a famine relief project, this structure holds the tombs of Nawab-Asaf-ud-Daula, who had it built, his wife and the builder. It also has an extraordinary labyrinth of passageways, known as the Bhul Bhulaiya, is an exceptional creation.

Built between 1837 and 1842 and originally known as Hussainabad Imambara, this structure lies close to the Rumi Darwaza and holds the tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah, who built this structure, along with that of his mother. A fine garden leads up the path to this Imambara, which has a white dome and several turrets and minarets. Inside you can see Arabic verses on the walls, chandeliers, and gilded mirrors along with the King's throne and ornate Tazias.

Built as a multi-functional compound for British residents, these ruins remind on of the terror of the 1987 mutiny. About 200 people were killed seeking refuge in these buildings during the first Indian uprising. Since then, the buildings have been left untouched and one can still see the bullet shots and blood marks engraved on the walls of the buildings.

This garden was created by the last Nawab, Wajid Ali Shah, as a gift to his queen. It was a walled garden arrangement containing the original gateway and mosque dating back to the Indian uprising.

The State Zoo with its large collection of varied species and also a museum housing ancient artifacts dating back to the 3rd century A.D are worth a visit.

Le Martiniere School

Now a boarding school, this articulately designed building was built by the French Major, General Claude Martin as a palatial home. His tomb is buried in the basement of the premises. It is available for public viewing at fixed time slots and is worth a visit for lovers of ethnic architecture.

The Kaiserbagh Palaces were built by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah as a desire to create the eighth wonder of the world. The complex is in the shape of a quadrangle and contains three yellow buildings which once functioned as the living quarters of the ladies of his Harem. The center contains a white pictorial stone edifice called the “Sufed Barabari.”

• The enormous gateway next to Hussainabad Imambara, Rumi Darwaza
• Chattar Manzil
• Dilkusha Gardens
• Moti Mahal
• Anandi and Amrapali Waterparks
• The main shopping areas are Hazratganj, Janpath, Aminabad and Chowk are

Hotel Mayur, Ramkrishna Guesthouse, Carlton Hotel, Hotel Paradise

Tekarees Inn, Park Inn, Capoor’s, Gemini Continental, Arif Castles, Hotel Gomti, Hotel Clarks Avadh, Mohan Hotel

• Allahabad Bank – Hazratganj
• State Bank of India - Hazratganj
• Bank of India - Hazratganj
• United Commercial Bank- Opposite Halwasia Court, Hazratganj
• HDFC Bank - 31/31 M.G. Road
• UTI Bank - Hazratganj

• Sub Post Office - Aminabad Park
• General Post Office - Hazratganj
• Head Post Office - Chowk
• Sub Post Office - Mahanagar

• Veerangana Jhalkari Bai Mahila Hospital
• Balrampur Hospital
• Vivekanand Polyclinic
• King George’s Medical University
• Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences
• Shyama Prasad Mukherjee/Civil Hospital

• Tourist Reception Counter
• State Information Bureau
• Directorate of U.P. Tourism
• Regional Tourist Office
• Wildlife Information Centre

• Lucknow is connected via road to all the major cities of the country including Calcutta and Delhi and the cities within the state like Varanasi, Kanpur, Ayodhya and Allahabad

• Shanghai Surprise, Tel: 91-522-220 1556
• The Golden Treat Restaurant, Tel: 91-522-239 2225
• Oudhyana, Hotel Taj Mahal, Tel: 91-522-239 3939
• Falaknuma, Hotel Clarks, Tel: 91-522-261 6505
• Brindaban Restaurant, Sapru Marg
• Aryans Family’s Delight, Tel: 91-522-223 0499
• Spicy Bite, Food Court, Saharaganj
• Baker’s Hut, Tel: 91-522-221 0215
• Ritz Continental Corner, Tel: 91-522-238 7554
• Vyanjan Restaurant, Tel: 91-522-221 1438
• Mehrab, Hotel Gomti, Tel: 91-522-222 0264
• Brij-ki-Rasoi, Tel: 91-522-236 3151
• Naushi Jaan, Tel: 91-522-228 0294
• Barista, Tel: 91-522-262 5946
• The Cellar, Tel: 91-522-233 4995
• Gulfam Restaurant, Tel: 91-522-222 0131

The historical importance that this city generates owes its significance to the Nawabs of Avadh who reined Lucknow after the decline of the Mughal Empire. It is after their rule that the city gained importance in terms of art and literature and became a flourishing cultural center of the country. The monuments and antiques in the city date back from this period till the time when the British annexed Oudh and exiled the last remaining Awadh ruler, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
The historic monuments are located towards the Northwest side of Lucknow, near the River Gomti, whereas the commercial side of Lucknow holding the shops, banks, restaurants, etc. is located towards the Northeast area, near Hazratganj.