In and Around Lucknow

bara lmambara:Bara Imambara: The Bara Imambara of Lucknow is one of the most famous monuments in the city. The Imambara is primarily known for its incredible maze, known as Bhul Bhulaiya locally, which is located on the upper floor of the monument. It is said that there are 1024 ways. to get inside the maze but only 2 to come out. Also known as Asfi Imambara, after the name of the Nawab of Lucknow who got it constructed, it is an important place of worship for the Muslims who come here every year to celebrate the religious festival of Muharram.

British ResidencyThe British Residency of Lucknow is a famous historical landmark of this place. It is now in ruins and has been declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. The British Residency was the place that served as a refuge for approximately 3000 British inhabitants during the time of the uprising of 1857. Lucknow was center of all British activities during the siege and the Residency became the monopolistic center of the British for almost 90 days. The Residency still has within its walls, the graves of around 2000 British soldiers who died in the Revolt of 1857.

Janeshwar Mishra Park: Janeshwar Mishra Park is a newly constructed park, located in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. Dedicated to the demised Samajwadi Party politician, Janeshwar Mishra, the park was opened to the public in 2014. One of the biggest Asian parks, this lush greenery shimmered with floral gardens also offers a handful of activities such as boat rides and children's play area. Besides being a great space for walking and jogging, there are food options at the canteen.

Hazratganj: Hazratganj (or Ganj Market) is one of the poshest comm- ercial localities which is located in the central part of old Lucknow. The locality is a mix of medieval and modern construction and was modelled after London's Queen Street. It hosts several crowded bazaar's (markets), shopping complexes, restaurants, hotels, theaters and offices. The locality is settled adjoining the banks of river Gomti and also other historical buildings including Lucknow Museum. Th residential development is very scarce and largely in the form of old kothis and legacy individual houses.

Chandrika Devi Temple: On the banks of Gomti River, Chandrika Devi Temple is one of the oldest and the most popular pilgrimage sites in Lucknow. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, Chandrika Devi Temple is said to be more than 300 years old. The idol of the presiding deity of the temple is carved out of a rock and includes three heads. This renowned Hindu sacred site in Lucknow also has its mention in various Hindu scriptures, Skanda and Karma Puran. Throughout the year, this famous tourist site in Lucknow remains dotted with a large crowd of devotees.

Ambedkar Memorial Park: Initially known as the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Prateek Sthal, the Ambedkar Memorial Park is located on Vipul Khand of Gomti Nagar. It was constructed by the state government under the leadership of CM Mayawati. Built in the name of Dr BR Ambedkar, this public park is also dedicated to many other freedom fighters including Jyotiba Phule, Birsa Munda, Kanshi Ram and Sree Narayana Guru. Although it is not as green, the park houses various statues and structures of great historic importance.

Chowk Market: Chowk in Hindi means market and Chowk market is one of the oldest markets and residential locality in Lucknow. The Chowk market is part of old Lucknow and has quite contracted areas for free driving. This is the place in which you can see the cultural and historical heritage of Lucknow city. The streets has many small business points in which famous Lucknow specials like Chikan clothes Itra, ornaments, fancy dress materials, and craft items can be bought Chowk boasts rich cultural heritage of old Nawabi splendid architectural works and modern business houses. There are number of things one can purchase from these markets, for example famous ckikan garments which are made in small units.

Rumi Darwaza: The famous Rumi Darwaza is a striking gateway standing tall at sixty feet tall in the old city of Lucknow. It lies between the Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara exhibiting ancient Awadhi architecture. Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, it is also known as the Turkish Gate because it is modelled after Bab-i-Humayun gateway in Turkey. The creation of Rumi Darwaza has a very charitable reason behind it. When famine struck North India during 1748, the then Nawab of Lucknow came up with a plan that would feed his countrymen as well as give him something to cherish and be proud of.

Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden: Located in the River Bank Colony, the Lucknow Zoo is a famous attraction in the city. Also known as the Nawab Wazid Ali Shah Prani Udyan, it was originally known as The Prince of Wales Zoological Gardens. The Lucknow Zoo is home to numerous mammals, birds and reptiles, the most famous ones being the royal Bengal tiger, white Bengal tiger, Himalayan black bear and Asiatic lion. Established in 1921 by Nawab Nasiruddin Haider this 71.6-acre zoo was established to celebrate the visit of the Prince of Wales to Lucknow.

Ram Mandir:The grand Ram Mandir, situated in Ayodhya, stands as a majestic symbol of devotion and architectural prowess. Set against the backdrop of the sacred Sarayu River, this temple is a testament to India's rich cultural and religious heritage. The temple complex, with its intricate carvings and towering spires, is designed to reflect the ancient Indian temple architecture, drawing inspiration from various classical styles. Its construction was initiated after the Supreme Court's historic verdict in 2019, which ended a decades-long dispute and paved the way for the temple's creation. The temple not only serves as a spiritual center but also stands as a beacon of peace and unity, drawing pilgrims and tourists from across the globe.