Hey travel buddies! Ashish here, a BTech student from Noida. I love travelling around India, so I’m always on the move. I recently visited Lucknow, the City of Nawabs, with friends. Also, the people there are really polite! But, like everywhere, you meet all kinds of people. So, after a while, I was back in Lucknow for another adventure!
How to Reach Lucknow: A Quick Travel Recap
We booked tickets from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station for about 4,000 INR for four people. In October, friends and I headed to Lucknow and arrived at night.
A Comfortable Stay in the City of Nawabs:
We checked into EloraLords Eco Inn in Hazratganj for 2,100 INR per night, ate dinner, and slept. Also, the next day we started exploring Lucknow.
Day 1: Arrival in Lucknow
We arrived in Lucknow at night and checked into the Elora Lords Eco Inn in Hazratganj. After eating dinner at the hotel, we went to sleep, ready to explore the city the next day.
Day 2: Exploring the Architectural Marvels and Other Attractions
- Bara Imambara
Our first stop was the magnificent Bara Imambara, built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. Tickets were 50 INR per person. Also, this grand structure, famous for its Bhool Bhulaiya (maze), amazed us. Moreover, navigating the maze was thrilling and showed the architectural genius of that era.
Must know: Bara Imambara is located 1.5 km away from Chota Imambara.
- Chota Imambara
Next, we visited Chota Imambara, another impressive building. Tickets were also 50 INR per person. Also, this beautiful monument, with its stunning chandeliers and decorations, was amazing to see. Moreover, the peaceful atmosphere and detailed designs made this place even more charming.
Must know: Chota Imambara is situated just 500 metres from Rumi Darwaza.
- Rumi Darwaza
We stopped next at the iconic Rumi Darwaza, a symbol of Lucknow’s rich heritage. Also, this huge gateway, inspired by Ottoman architecture, showed the city’s historical importance. Its grandeur and beauty made it a perfect backdrop for our group photos.
Must know: Rumi Darwaza is approximately 1 km away from Hussainabad Clock Tower.
- Hussainabad Clock Tower
Nearby, we visited the Hussainabad Clock Tower, a tall building with Gothic and Victorian styles. There, we enjoyed delicious street food, like the famous Lucknowi chaat. Its crispy and tangy flavours delighted our taste buds.
Must know: Hussainabad Clock Tower is about 9 km from Ambedkar Memorial Park.
- Ambedkar Memorial Park
We went to a big park named after Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the evening. The park had nice lights and was calm. There were cool statues and water fountains, and it felt peaceful and interesting to walk around.
Day 3: A day of shopping and delicious food
- Hazratganj Market
In the morning, we went to a busy market called Hazratganj. We explored various shops and boutiques for clothes and accessories. Also, we bought some traditional Chikan clothes and other cool stuff. It was a great place to shop because there was so much to choose from.
- Aminabad Market
After the shops at Hazratganj, we went to an even older market called Aminabad. It was like a maze with narrow streets and shops everywhere, selling everything from clothes to electronics. Also, it felt exciting and busy, with so much to see.
Must know: Hazratganj Market is situated 2.5 km away from Aminabad Market.
- Chowk Market
Next, we stopped at Chowk Market. This market is famous for yummy traditional food and handmade crafts. Also, we ate delicious kebabs and a sweet treat called kulfi. Moreover, the food smelled amazing and tasted even better.
Must know: Aminabad Market is approximately 4 km away from Chowk Market.
- Chatori Gali
In the evening, we went to a place called Chatori Gali, which is like heaven for people who love to eat. Also, we tried some steamed dumplings called momos, kebabs of all sorts, and even a special tea called Tandoori Chai that came in a clay cup. Moreover, the whole place was full of energy and delicious smells, and it was a yummy way to end our day.
Must know: Chowk Market is 2 km away from Chatori Gali.
Famous Cafes and Street Food in Lucknow:
During our trip, we enjoyed visiting popular cafes such as The Cherry Tree Café and Royal Café, known for their cosy atmosphere and delicious food. We also couldn’t miss trying street foods like basket chaat and Malai Makhan.
Lucknow Travel Tips: Making Your Trip Easy and Breezy
- Good weather: Visit Lucknow between October and March when it’s not too hot or cold.
- What to pack: Bring comfy shoes for walking around, sunscreen, a hat to shade your face, and a water bottle to stay hydrated. Pack light clothes for the day and maybe a thin sweater for chilly evenings in the winter.
- Getting around: For short trips, take an autorickshaw or cycle rickshaw, which are fun and affordable. Also, for longer journeys, you can use ride-hailing apps like Ola or Uber.
A 3-day trip to Lucknow for 5 people would cost around 20,300 INR, including train tickets, a stay, food, local travel, shopping, and other expenses.
Also, our Lucknow trip was a blast. We explored history, ate delicious food, and went on amazing shopping sprees. Moreover, the city is beautiful, and the people are friendly. Here are some tips to make your trip to Lucknow even better, the “City of Nawabs.”.
