Lucknow

Lucknow has long been known for its rich culture and tradition. Home to Indian classical music and the dance form of Kathhak Lucknow attracts a large number of tourists every year. Better known as the city of Nawabs and Kebabs Lucknow is also famous for for its palatial havelis where many a nawabs spent nights after nights. The chikan work woven on the clothes at Lucknow is world famous. The bada Imambada at Lucknow has been a major crowd puller. This imambada was built in 1784 by Asaf-ud-daula. This structure was constructed as a part of the famine relief project at Lucknow by the nawabs. During severe famines food and other necessary articles would be distributed among the public from this Imambada. Rumi Darwaza was also built with the same purpose. The chhota Imambada also known as the Husain bad Imambada was the mausoleum of Mohammad ali Shah. Clock towers and water tanks are an added feature of all the imambadas of Lucknow. The Lucknow Residency reminds us of the gruesome days of British rule in India. There is also a picture gallery at Lucknow. Besides the Banarasi Bagh at Lucknow is the only zoo in Lucknow. Today the zoo is home to a few animals and birds. To the west of the Chhota Imambada at Lucknow lies the Jami Masjid. The largest mosque in Lucknow this edifice was completed by the queen of Mohammad shah after his death. The wonderful paintings on the ceiling of the mosque are a proof of the excellent architectural work of the mosque. Faizabad and the mausoleum of Bahu Begum along with Gulab Bari are also eminent tourist spots close to Lucknow. Once you have done away with all the sightseeing around Lucknow its time to go for a shopping spree. The ethnic wear of Lucknow will surely leave you spell bound.