Richly associated with the highly evolved world of the Awadhi Nawabs, Lucknow still gives many other cities in India a run for their money when it comes to the nostalgia quotient. Luckily, that splendid culture is still documented in its amazing buildings, culinary pursuits, crafts, music, and dance traditions, and, of course, the cultivated tehzeeb (etiquette) of its citizen. There is an amazing line-up of
things to do in Lucknowthat share that old world with you to this day.
Old City Wanderings
A hop-on-hop-of
tonga ride brings nostalgia to the forefront of your endeavours to unearth Lucknow’s rich past. From gazing slack-jawed upon its architectural marvels such as the Rumi Darwaza and the imamabaras to the bustling bonhomie of Chowk in the Old Quarter, your memory bank is going to fill up pretty quick. Lucknow with no-full stops is the way to go as you tick off the things to do in the old city.
Foodie Whirl
The legends of Lucknow’s food culture keep growing each year. Time certainly hasn’t diminished the city’s love for good food or desire to keep its culinary heritage a living embodiment of its cultural pursuits, established long ago by its enlightened rulers. Step into vibrant Hazartganj to sample its
street-food stalls selling everything from classic Lucknow chaat to unique dessert tastings like malai paan, gulaab jamun, milk shakes. Slip down to Chowk for succulent kebabs and suss out biryanis in the twisty bylanes of the old city.
The Raj Saga
Lucknow’s history is deeply intertwined with the rise of the British in India and the setting for the Mutiny of 1857, the clarion call for India to rid them. The
Residency in Lucknow holds the key to that significant chapter of Indian history. It was the refuge for British residents during that almost year-long siege by the rebelling Indian soldiers. Over 2,000 people living inside the complex are said to have died at the time. The deposing of
Lucknow’s last Nawab, Wajid Ali Shah, also partially set in motion the great chain of events that would lead to the revolt against the British in an uprising known as the first war of Independence. Amongst the things to do is visit the war museum at The Residency and the many buildings of the Nawabs, which played pivotal roles in the battle. During the course of this revolt, the elegant city of the nawabs was practically left in wrack and ruin.
The saga of Lucknow’s incredible journey as the cultural capital of its time was helmed by the exquisite taste and patronage of the nawabs. Lucknow is still a bewitching city, offering
visitors many things to do to get the full measure of its wonderments.