Travel to Lucknow

Lucknow is the capital city of the district of Uttar Pradesh and an unparalleled tourist destination of Northern India. Arranged on the banks of the Gomti River, right up 'til today it is a destination with enchanting sense of timelessness, balancing out modernity, colonial architecture and Islamic traditions perfectly.

Lucknow is likewise celebrated for its acclaimed fine art, the chikan - a fine string weaving that draws the consideration of numerous a visitor.

The rich social life of the city, specked with night-long verse presentations called mushairas likewise draw numerous explorers for their exceptional offer. The city is one of the main focuses of Urdu and Hindi writing and this reflects in the up-and-about social life of Lucknow.

How to Reach Lucknow

Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh. It is the largest city of the state and continues to be an important centre of commerce. Lucknow is visited by thousands of people throughout the year to do trade, business or to simply visit the city of Nawabs.

The city of Lucknow is easily accessible from all across India through air, rail and road.

By Air

The Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport is situated around 11 km from the Lucknow Railway Station. The airport serves the city of Lucknow as well as the city of Kanpur.

The airport connects with major cities in India and some International cities as well. It is the 2nd busiest airport in Northern India after the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.

By Train

The Lucknow Railway Station at Charbagh is the main railway station in the city. Its building was established in 1923. It is the major junction with links major cities of the state and the country. Lucknow also has some other stations like Alamnagar, Gomti Nagar, Aishbagh junction, Lucknow City, etc. All stations are well connected with each other via public road transport.

By Road

Lucknow is well connected by a network of roads and road transport to all major towns of Uttar Pradesh and surrounding areas. Lucknow is connected by five National Highways; they are NH - 24, 24B, 25, 28 and 56. The major Inter State Bus Station (ISBT) is Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar at Alambagh.

Distance to Lucknow

• From delhi - 497 KM
• From bareilly - 243 KM
• From kanpur - 77 KM
• From mumbai - 1365 KM
• From jhansi - 297 KM
• From pune - 1382 KM

Lucknow Distance Chart

Best Time to Visit

The city of Lucknow experiences sub-tropical climate, with typically dry, hot summers and biting cold, foggy and dry winters - much like the rest of landlocked North India. The ideal time to visit Lucknow is in the winters, between December and February, when the temperature hovers well below 32 degrees Celsius. This weather is perfect for sightseeing and other tourist activities. Winter temperatures in the city often fall to as low as 4 degrees Celsius, and fog and smog are regular occurrences. Tourists are strongly advised to carry enough warm clothing to deal with this weather.

Summers in Lucknow are very hot, with temperatures soaring up to 45 degrees Celsius. This makes the weather rather uncomfortable and unsuitable for tourism. Lucknow also experiences the monsoons, between July and September, with medium to heavy rainfall. The weather is quite pleasant and ideal for short trips to the city. The tariffs at hotels also remain modest because this is off-season.

Local Transport

Lucknow is a full-fledged North Indian city with all the amenities of a metropolis. It is very easy to navigate through and tourists find the people helpful and extremely polite. The best way to travel through the city is by the far-reaching network of public city buses. These buses connect to every place within and in the close vicinity of the city and cover most of the tourist attractions across town as well. They are a cheap and fairly safe way to travel.

Apart from this there are auto-rickshaws and other motorized three-wheelers which are also a good and cheap way of navigating through town. Tourists should know that the three-wheelers are not as safe as the buses of the city. There are also cycle rickshaws and the occasional tonga which are a very nice way of visiting the nearby tourist attractions and experiencing the old city much more intimately.

Places to Visit in Lucknow

Bara Imambara

Category : History & Culture
There are several tourist attractions in Lucknow. The Bada Imambada, built by Asaf-ud-Daula in the year 1784 was part of the famine relief project where a number of laborers were appointed to build this Imambada. 

It is said that this hall is the world's largest arched room without any pillars and the Nawabs used to hold their public hearings. The Rumi Darwaza was also built as a relief work during the famine of 1783.

This edifice, which is 60 feet high, is believed to be built like one of the gates of Constantinople The Husainabad Imambada, also known as Chhota Imambada is the mausoleum of Mohammed Ali Shah. The Imambada also encloses a tank with small imitations of the Taj Mahal on each side There is also the tallest clock tower estimated to be 67 m high overlooking the Husainabad tank. More... 

Jama Masjid

Category : History & Culture
Near the Husainabad Imambada lies the Jami Masjid, the largest mosque in Lucknow.

The construction of the mosque was started by Mohammed Shah and was completed by his wife after his death in the 1840s.

Chhota Imambara

Category : History & Culture
The Husainabad Imambada, also known as Chhota Imambada is the mausoleum of Mohammed Ali Shah.

The Imambada also encloses a tank with small imitations of the Taj Mahal on each side.

  

Lucknow Residency
Category : History & Culture

The remnants of British rule in India are seen in the ruins of Lucknow Residency, which was once the Mansion of East India Company's agent in Avadh during the Sepoy Mutiny.

Asaf ud Daula
Category : History & Culture

To the right side of the Bada Imambada lies another mosque named after Asaf-ud-Daula.Anyone interested in Nawabi history should visit the picture gallery near the clock tower of Husainabad Imambada which has a number of portraits of almost all the Nawabs of Lucknow.

Clock Tower
Standing at an astounding height of 221 feet, the Clock Tower of Lucknow is the tallest of its kind in India. It was built in 1880 by Nawab Nasir-ud-din-Haider, and is situated between the famous Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara in Lucknow.

It is one of the finest examples of English architecture, and was built by the Nawab in honor of Sir George Cooper, who was the first Lieutenant Governor of United Province of Avadh. Decorated with artwork that is European in style, pure gunmetal was used to construct a part of the clock. The dial itself is shaped like a dozen petaled flowers with beautiful bells surrounding it. It is one of the major attractions of the city.

Chatter Manzil
Deriving its name from the umbrella shaped dome, Chattar Manzil is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the city. The construction was started by Ghazi-ud-din Haider, but the building was completed under the reign of his son, Nasir-ud-din Haider.

Revealing traces of modern European style of architecture, the building is situated opposite one of the city's famous hotels - The Clarks Avadh. Though the building now houses the office of CDRI, it is a place with the old world opulence and charm. It played its part in the freedom struggle of India by being one of the meeting centres of freedom fighters.

Hazratganj
Hazratganj in today's day and age is the central market of Lucknow, full of shopping malls, emporiums, eateries, fine dining restaurants and age old coffee shops. But its origins reveal a different story.

It was built by Amjad Ali Shah, the fourth king of Avadh, and was originally called Queen's Way, as only British carriages could travel on that road, and Indians were not allowed to enter, in the pre independence era. A must visit place full of commercial vibrancy, Victorian era walkways and energy of Lucknow, it is the nerve centre of the city.

Aminabad
Aminabad is situated in the old part of the city of Lucknow. After changing several hands, it was established by Imdad Husain Khan, a minister to the Nawab Wazid Ali Shah. Since he was famous by the name of 'Aminuddaula', the place was given the name of Aminabad. It is a combination of several markets and home to hundreds of retail and wholesale outlets of chikankari fabrics, ornamental jewelry, garments, medicine, footwear and other apparels, etc. Several famous eateries and food joints add to the charm of the bazaar. Closed on Thursdays, and alive till late into the night, Aminabad caters to the demands of a huge number of customers visiting from nearby areas and is always bustling with activity.

Tourist Destinations Near Lucknow

Excursions from Lucknow can be made to interesting places around like Faizabad, situated 124 km from Lucknow and was once the capital of Avadh. The attractions in Faizabad are the Fort Calcutta built by the third Nawab of Avadh, Suja-ud-Daula and the mausoleum of Bahu Begum and Gulab Bari. Just 6 km away from Faizabad is the holy town Ayodhya where one of the most popular incarnations of Lord Vishnu and the hero of the epic Ramayana, Lord Ram, was born. It has a large number of temples all over the town. Kanpur at a distance of 77 km from Lucknow is a modern industrial city of Uttar Pradesh, which saw the setting up of one of the first cotton mills of the country. Besides, this city also has some historical monuments to visit. Sravasti, situated 150 km northwest of Lucknow has a Buddhist monastery Jetavana where it is believed that Lord Gautama Buddha preached here after he got his enlightenment .

Shopping in Lucknow

Buying Lucknowi chikan work will be the obvious thing to do while shopping in Lucknow.The city of Lucknow is synonymous with the fine art of embroidery-chikankari (shadow work) and zardosi (silver and gold embroidery).

The world-renowned chikan work garments, be it saris, kurtas or dupattas make excellent gifts to carry home.

If you are fond of jewellery, then Lucknow is the place to shop for gold and silver ornaments with exquisite filigree (metal ornamentation) and jadau (gem studded). Gadbadjhala is a bazaar where you can check out jewellery, especially the huge jhumkas which are enviable possessions.

The main shopping areas are Hazratganj, Janpath, Aminabad, Yayaganj, Kapoorthala and the Chowk.

Although you can find chikan-work shops in almost all the markets in Lucknow, Chowk is the main wholesale market.

If you are looking for souvenirs from across the state of Uttar Pradesh and from different parts of India under one roof, the best bet is Gangotri, the official handicrafts shop of the UP State Tourism Department.

Food of Lucknow

Lucknow is the undisputed leader in Awadhi and Mughlai cuisine in the country, with every nook and cranny of the city boasting of eateries and joints serving the very best biryani or kebabs.

These eateries range from lavish and expensive fine dining to pocket-friendly, offering equally delicious street food options, which suit the budget of all kinds of travellers perfectly.

Among the most expensive haunts in the city is the Aryan's Restaurant at Hazratganj or the Royal Cafe, while there are many mid-range options all around town such as the Dastarkhwan serving Mughlai curries, the Sakhawat, a heritage eatery operating since the early 19th century etc.

But the street food of the city is where tourists can get the true flavour of Awadh. There are some must-try roadside and modest joints peppered across the town which all tourists are strongly advised to visit.

Some of these are the Haji Sahib for authentic Nihari, the Tundey Kabab for the most authentic kakori kebabs and the Bajpayi Kachori Bhandar. Certain delicacies of Lucknow should also figure on the to-do list of any tourist visiting the city such as Awadhi biryani, haleem, tundey kebabs and Awadhi sweets.

Hotels in Lucknow

Budget Hotels

Hotel Deep Address : National Highway 25, Ghasyari Mandi City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : 226001 Phone No. : 0522-2636441/ 43/ 44/ 47 Fax No. : 0522-2636447 Email ID : deep@lwl.vsnl.net.in Website : www.deephotels.com Type : Budget Rooms in Hotel : 47 Maximum Room Rate : INR 1200 Minimum Room Rate : INR 400	Hotel Deep Palace Address : 12/47, Cantt. Road, Opposite Irrigation Office City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : 226001 Phone No. : 0522-2237247/ 248 Fax No. : 0522-2201463 Email ID : info@deephotels.com Website : www.thedeephotel.com Rooms in Hotel : 42 Maximum Room Rate : INR 10500 Minimum Room Rate : INR 5000
Kohinoor Hotel Address : 6, Station Road City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : 226001 Phone No. : 0522-2235421, 2217693 Type : Budget Rooms in Hotel : 44 Maximum Room Rate : INR 1200 Minimum Room Rate : INR 500

1 Star Hotels

Hotel Amarpreet Address : Charbagh City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : 226004 Phone No. : 0522-4052900-999, 2456626 Fax No. : 0522-4022301 Website : www.hotelamarpreet.com Type : 1 Star Rooms in Hotel : 46 Maximum Room Rate : INR 2500 Minimum Room Rate : INR 900	Hotel Charans International Address : 16, Vidhan Sabha Marg City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : 226001 Phone No. : 0522-2227219, 2627221 Email ID : info@hotelcharans.com Website : www.hotelcharans.com Type : 1 Star Rooms in Hotel : 80 Maximum Room Rate : INR 2000 Minimum Room Rate : INR 1200

2 Star Hotels

Capoors Hotel Address : 52, Hazratganj City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : 226001 Phone No. : 0522-2202120, 4054300-32 Fax No. : 0522-2620727 Email ID : enquiry@hotelcapoors.com Website : www.hotelcapoors.com Type : 2 Star Rooms in Hotel : 30 Maximum Room Rate : INR 3600 Minimum Room Rate : INR 2000	Hotel Gomti Address : ?6, Opposite S S P Office City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : 226001 Phone No. : 0522-2612291, 2620624, 2611463, 2612662 Fax No. : 0522-2614708 Email ID : gomtiupt@sancharnet.in Type : 2 Star Rooms in Hotel : 65 Maximum Room Rate : INR 2700 Minimum Room Rate : INR 800

3 Star Hotels

Comfort Inn Lucknow Address : TC- 75 V, Vibhuti Khand, Gomtinagar City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : 226010 Phone No. : 0522-2720985/ 86/ 88 Fax No. : 0522-2720987 Email ID : comfortinnlucknow@gmail.com Website : www.comfortinnlucknow.com Type : 3 Star Rooms in Hotel : 64 Maximum Room Rate : INR 11000 Minimum Room Rate : INR 6500	Gemini Continental Address : 10, Rani Laxmi Bai Marg City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : 226001 Phone No. : 0522-4011111 Fax No. : 0522-2200690 Email ID : welcome@geminicontinental.com Website : www.geminicontinental.com Type : 3 Star Rooms in Hotel : 60 Maximum Room Rate : INR 7300 Minimum Room Rate : INR 4200
Hotel Deep Avadh Address : Near Naka Hindola Chauraha, Aminabad Road City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : 226001 Phone No. : 0522-2684384 Fax No. : 0522-2228832 Email ID : info@deephotels.com Website : www.deephotels.com Type : 3 Star Rooms in Hotel : 80 Maximum Room Rate : INR 4000 Minimum Room Rate : INR 1200	Hotel Sagar International Address : 14-A, Jopling Road, Opposite Butler Palace City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : 226001 Phone No. : 0522-2206601 to 05 Type : 3 Star Rooms in Hotel : 61 Maximum Room Rate : INR 4500 Minimum Room Rate : INR 3000
La Place Sarovar Portico Address : 6, Shahnajaf Road City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : 226001 Phone No. : 0522-4004040 Fax No. : 0522-4004050 Email ID : lpsp@sarovarhotels.com Website : www.sarovarhotels.com Type : 3 Star Rooms in Hotel : 50 Maximum Room Rate : INR 3500 Minimum Room Rate : INR 3500	Mohan Hotel Address : A.P. Sen Rd, Charbagh City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : 226004 Phone No. : 0522-4035555 (30 lines) Fax No. : 0522-2635713 Website : www.hotelmohan.com Type : 3 Star Rooms in Hotel : 68 Maximum Room Rate : INR 3500 Minimum Room Rate : INR 2600
Presidency Inn Address : 3, Uttam Palace, Sapru Marg, Near Jawahar Bhawan, Hazratganj City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : 226001 Phone No. : 0522-4094999 Type : 3 Star Rooms in Hotel : 16 Maximum Room Rate : INR 4500 Minimum Room Rate : INR 3000

5 Star Hotels

Hotel Clarks Avadh Address : U P Hotels Limited, 8, Mahatma Gandhi Marg City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : 226001 Phone No. : 0522-2616500-09, 2620131-33 Fax No. : 0522-2616507 Email ID : reservation@clarksavadh.com Website : www.hotelclarks.com Type : 5 Star Rooms in Hotel : 98 Maximum Room Rate : INR 9000 Minimum Room Rate : INR 8000	Taj Residency Address : Vipin Khand, Gomti Nagar City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : 226010 Phone No. : 0522-6711000 Fax No. : 0522-6711666 Email ID : vivanta.gomtinagar@tajhotels.com Website : www.tajhotels.com Type : 5 Star Rooms in Hotel : 110 Maximum Room Rate : INR 19000 Minimum Room Rate : INR 11000
The Piccadily Lucknow Address : Sector- B, Bara Birwa, Kanpur Road City : Lucknow State : Uttar Pradesh Pin Code : 226005 Phone No. : 0522-4096000, 9235426000 Fax No. : 0522-4096029 Email ID : contact@piccadilylucknow.co.in Website : www.piccadlylucknow.co.in Type : 5 Star Rooms in Hotel : 107 Maximum Room Rate : INR 20000 Minimum Room Rate : INR 8500

 Lucknow Travel Map

Tourism Department Contacts

The city of Lucknow is easily navigable, with a developed road transport corporation and public bus and auto rickshaw services that are reliable and safe. Tourists from all over the world visit the city and find it tourist-friendly and easy to roam around in. There are some helpful government and private enterprises within the city that help out tourists with information, bookings, reservations and tours to the historical sites. Nevertheless, tourists are advised to stay vigilant and make their bookings from authorized tavel agents.

The following are some tourism department contacts within Lucknow city that travellers should keep handy for their easy reference. UP Tours (Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation)

Hotel Gomti,
6 Sapru Marg,
Lucknow
Ph: 0522 - 0522-2612659, 2615005

Thomas Cook
68, Hazratganj (First Floor)
Lucknow
Ph: 0522 - 4002182, 4002185-86

Civika Travels Pvt. Ltd.
Aakriti Tower, V.S. Marg
Lucknow
Ph: 0522 - 2237438-40-79, 2239305, 2235860

Mayfair Air Travel Services (Pvt.) Ltd.
Hazratganj
Lucknow
Ph: 0522 - 3018600-05

Directorate of Tourism, U.P.
C-13, Vipin Khand,
Gomti Nagar, Lucknow
Ph: 0522 -0522-2307028, 2308916 (PBX)
Fax : 2308937

Regional Tourist Office
C-13, Vipin Khand,
Gomti Nagar, Lucknow
Ph: 0522 - 2304870

Emergency Contact Numbers
The city of Lucknow, being a tourist destination that sees both local and international tourists, is very traveller-friendly and easily navigable. It is also quite safe and people are extremely courteous. In spite of this, law and order is a problem in the state of Uttar Pradesh and Lucknow, being its state capital, often experiences some problems. Because of this, travellers are strongly advised to remain careful while walking on the streets or commuting by public transport. Winters in Lucknow can be quite rough, with dry cold waves and low temperatures. Tourists are advised to take good care of their health during this time.

The following are some emergency contact numbers that tourists can refer to during times of distress.

Hazratganj Police Station
Hazratganj, Lucknow - 226001
Tel: (0522) 2211165

Gomti-Nagar Police Station
Near Manoj Captain Chauraha,
Gomti Nagar, Lucknow - 226010
Tel: (0522) 2393400

Superintendent of Police Office
River Bank Colony, Nabiullah Road,
Daliganj, Lucknow - 226007
Tel: (0522) 2628965

Sahara Hospitals
Sahara Hospital Rd,
Viraj Khand - 1, Gomti Nagar
Lucknow, UP
Tel: (0522) 678 0001

Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences,
Haibat Mau Mawaiya
Kalli Pashchim, UP
Tel: (0522) 266 8800