A Journey To The Nawabi Era...
The city of many splendors- Lucknow! Lucknow, the "Shiraz of Awadh" and "Constantinople of India", as it is metaphorically called, is the capital of Uttar Pradesh. Lucknow the capital of Uttar Pradesh rose to prominence as the capital city during the era of the Nawabs of Awadh. These Nawabs ruled the northern region of India for about a century after the decline of Mughal empire and most interesting monuments in Lucknow date from the period. The nawabs were great patrons of the art,especially dance and music,and Lucknow's reputation as a city of culture and gracious living stems for this time.

Specialties of City....
Lucknow is perhaps the most romantic of capital towns in India. There is no city where it is so simple to turn back the pages of history and look into the colorful days of Nawabs and Begums, through the eyes of those who claim to have personal knowledge of court and customs, secres and intrigues. Lucknow is famous for its gold and silver brocades, silverware, clay figurines and pottery. Lucknow is also famous for its delicious mangoes, 'Chikan' Garments, classical Kathak dance, music and delicious food. Chikan, an embroidered handicraft which has traditionally been associated with Lucknow, and Lakhnawi Zardozi are important small-scale industries around Lucknow. Old Lucknow's Chowk area is the location where the maximum number of Chikan shops can be found. Apart from clothing, the Chowk area is also famous for its mouth watering sweets like Malai Gilauri, Badam Halwa and Ras-Malai, as well as the famed Chatpati chaat.

Places to Explore....
The places of interests of Lucknow includes Charbagh Railway Station, built in the typical Rajasthani style this beautiful building stands in place of the gardens of the Nawabs from where it derives it's name. Charbagh literally means four gardens. Rumi Darwaza : Also known as the Turkish Gateway, the Rumi Darwaza leads into the outer ward of the Bara Imambara. Bara Imambara : Built in the year 1784 by the champion of charity Nawab Asaf-ud- daulah it provided food to the famine stricken subjects of the Nawab. Chhota Imambara : Known also as the Hussainabad Imambara, it was built by Mohammad Ali Shah as a mausoleum for himself.

The interior is lavishly decorated with huge chandeliers, gilded mirrors, colorful stucco and Tazia in sandalwood wax and zari. Jama Masjid- the construction of this mosque was started in 1840 by Mohammad Ali Shah but it was finally completed by his wife Begum Malika Jahan after his death. Clock Tower- Rising 221 ft. above the ground, this is the tallest Clock Tower in India. Laxman Tila- popularly believed to have been one of the earliest habitations of the city the Laxman Tila is situated to the north of the Imambara complex. It contains the famous Alamgiri Mosque which was built by Sultan Ali who was Governor of the province of Avadh during the reign of Aurangzeb. The mosque is known for its outstanding symmetry of form and sobriety of decoration. Shahnajaf Imambara, Sikander Bagh, Chhattar Manzil, Shaheed Smarak, Aminabad, a bazaar quite like Delhi's Chandni Chowk, is situated in the heart of the city and is a large shopping center, catering to a wide variety of consumers. The Hazratganj area is another hub of activity, and a number of government and administrative buildings are located there. Any more attractions of the city.

The city is still famous for its cultivated manners and refined urbane culture. The hallmark of cultural extravaganza, known all over the world for its many splendors. A city that has a magical charm, a charm that's forever and a charm that's apart. Be it the cultural charm or the monumental one, for food all are well conserved here to make Lucknow- a city of Splendors!

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