Places to Visit in Lucknow

Being the capital city of the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and having the administrative headquarters of the Lucknow District and Divison, Lucknow, which is the largest city of this state, is counted among the most visited tourist destinations of India. Along with Agra and Varanasi, this metropolitan city, which is situated on the northwestern bank of the river Gomti, is considered as one of the 3 cities in tourism of Uttar Pradesh.

Places to See in Lucknow

Lucknow, which has always been a multicultural city in India, is home to several sightseeing places. Here is the list of the main ones of them.

1. Bara Imambara

Constructed in 1784 A.D. by Asaf-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh, the Bara Imambara, also referred to as the ‘Asafi Imambara’, which is a shrine erected by the Shia Muslims for the purpose of Azadari (mourning), is an Imambara Complex in Lucknow, India. This shrine is regarded as one of the grandest buildings of this multicultural city. The complex, which also has the Bhul Bhulaiya (the labyrinth), the large Asafi mosque or the mosque of Asaf-ud-Daula to the right side of the Bara Imambara, and a Bowli, a step well with running water, owns two imposing gateways going to the main hall, used by the Nawabs to organize their public meetings. People say that this hall is the world’s most tremendous arched room with no pillars. Just adjacent to this grand Imambara, you can view the Rumi Darwaza, often called the Turkish Gate. Also being an example of Awadhi architecture, the Rumi Darwaza, which has its length of 60 feet, has become an icon for the multicultural city of Lucknow.

Entry Fees :

Indian : INR 50/- (Visitor Type: Indian Nationals above 12 Years), INR 25/- (Visitor Type: Indian Nationals below 12 Years),
Foreigner : INR 500/- (Visitor Type: Foreigner)

Opening Hours:

from sunrise to sunset daily (except Mondays and Indian National Holidays)

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2. Chhota Imambara

Also called the Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak, the Chhota Imambara, which was constructed by Muhammad Ali Shah, the third Nawab of Awadh in 1838 A.D. as an Imambara or a congregation hall for the Shia Muslims, is an imposing monument in the Lucknow city. Also called the ‘Palace of Lights’ due to its decorations and chandeliers during particular festivals such as Muharram, this monument, which serves as the mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Shah and his mother, is located close to the Bara Imambara.

Entry Fees:

Indian : INR 50/- (Visitor Type: Indian Nationals above 12 Years), INR 25/- (Visitor Type: Indian Nationals below 12 Years),
Foreigner : INR 500/- (Visitor Type: Foreigner)

Opening Hours :

from sunrise to sunset daily (except Mondays and Indian National Holidays)

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3. Husainabad Clock Tower

Being the tallest of its type in India, the Husainabad Clock Tower, which was built in 1881 A.D. by Nawab Nasir-ud-din Haider at a cost of INR 1.75 Lakhs to honor Sir George Cooper, is a clock tower situated in the Lucknow City. Constructed as a replica of the Bigben Clock Tower of London, and being one of the finest examples of the English architecture, this huge clock tower, which has its height of 67 m (221 feet), is situated between the Bara Imambara and the Chhota Imambara, and adjacent to the Rumi Darwaza. This clock tower, which overlooks the Husainabad Tank, is counted among the top tourist attractions of the Lucknow city. If you have your interest in the history of the Nawabs, you can visit the picture gallery, situated close to this clock tower. This gallery displays several portraits of almost all the Nawabs of Lucknow.

Entry Fees :

free for all

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4. Jama Masjid

Being the largest Nawabi mosque in the Lucknow City, the Jama Masjid, also called the ‘Jami Masjid’ in Lucknow, which is entirely constructed of yellow sandstone, is located at Tehseenganj formerly called Mustafabad close to the south western side of the Chhota Imambara in the heart of the Lucknow city. Having the combination of the grand architecture of the Hindu and Muslim architecture, this Jama Masjid, which was constructed to deface the Jama Masjid in Delhi, is regarded as one of the most charming mosques in India.

Entry Fees:

free for all

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5. Chhattar Manzil

Located on the bank of the Gomti River in the Lucknow City, the Chhattar Manzil, which served as a palace for the rulers of Awadh and their wives, is a magnificent building in this metropolitan city. Also called the ‘Umbrella Palace’ because of having its dome in the shape of an umbrella, the Chhattar Manzil is regarded as one of the most charming tourist attractions of the city.

Entry Fees :

free for all

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6. Lucknow Zoo

Formerly called the Prince of Wales Zoological Gardens, or famously referred to as the Lucknow Zoological Garden, the Nawab Wazid Ali Shah Prani Udyan, which is situated in the center of the Lucknow City, is counted among the largest zoos in India. Founded in 1921 A.D., this large zoo, which entertains between 11,00,000 and 12,00,000 visitors every year, houses 463 mammals, 298 birds, and 72 reptiles. It is one of the merely two zoos in India to display an orangutan (the other being the Kanpur Zoo). In this zoo, you can also take the enjoyment of the toy train ride. The complex of this zoo is also home to the Uttar Pradesh State Museum.

Entry Fees:

INR 60/- (above 12 Years) and INR 30/- (below 12 Years)

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7. Dilkusha Kothi

Having merely a few towers and outer walls as a monument, the Dilkusha Kothi, which has the remaining extensive gardens, is the ruins of an 18th century house constructed in the English Baroque style in the calm Dilkusha region of the Lucknow City.

Entry Fees:

Indian : INR 5/- (Visitor Type: Indian Nationals)
Foreigner : INR 100/- (Visitor Type: Foreigner)
Note: Morning Walkers are allowed to enter it with no charge.

Opening Hours:

from sunrise to sunset daily

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8. The Residency Lucknow

Also referred to as the ‘British Residency’ or the ‘Residency Complex’, the Residency Lucknow, which is situated in the center of the Lucknow City, is a group of a number of buildings in a normal precinct. Now the buildings of this complex are as the remains. If you are interested in the history of the Residency, you can attend a light and sound show, played each evening.

Entry Fees:

Indian : INR 10/- (Visitor Type: Indian Nationals)
Foreigner : INR 100/- (Visitor Type: Foreigner)

Opening Hours:

from sunrise to sunset daily

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9. Janeshwar Mishra Park

Built in memory of the late politician Janeshwar Mishra from the Samajwadi Party, and claimed to be the largest garden in Asia, the Janeshwar Mishra Park, which was opened in 2014 A.D. for the common people, is an urban park, situated at Gomti Nagar in the Lucknow City.

Entry Fees:

free for all

Opening Hours:

from sunrise to sunset daily

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10. Ambedkar Memorial Park

More formally called the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Prateek Sthal, the Ambedkar Memorial Park, which was opened in 2008 A.D., is a public park and memorial, situated at Gomti Nagar in the Lucknow City. The whole memorial has been constructed by using red sandstone brought from Rajasthan. This memorial park, which was built at the cost of 7 billion rupees, has the features of the Ambedkar Stupa, the Pratibimb Sthal, the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Sangrahalay, the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Drashya Sthal, and the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Gallery. The Pratibimb Sthal is the prime entrance (gateway) to the memorial watched by the statues of 62 elephants on either side.

Entry Fees:

free for all

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11. Hazratganj

Located in the center of the Lucknow City, Hazratganj, which is a prime shopping region in this metropolitan city, also houses several shopping complexes, hotels, restaurants, offices and theaters. This market area, which is enriched with the commercial vibrancy, the Victorian era walkways, and energy of Lucknow, is a must visit in Lucknow.

Opening Hours:

up to late night daily (except Sundays)

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12. Aminabad

Located in the old part of the Lucknow city, Aminabad, which is famous for its major product, namely Chikan embroidered garments, is a large Bazaar in this metropolitan city. This famous Bazaar, which has been operated since the period of the Nawabs of Awadh, houses hundreds of wholesale and retail outlets of Chikanbari fabrics, garments, ornamental jewelry, medicine, footwear and other apparels. This huge market remains open daily till late night except Thursdays.

Opening Hours:

up to late night daily (except Thursdays)