Lucknow

Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

Lucknow

The capital city of the state of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow is popularly known to be a multicultural city. During the 18th and 19th century, this city flourished as a cultural and artistic capital of North India. The city is synonymous with the Nawabi Culture which till date translates itself into the city and it's people. During the 18th century at the seat of the Nawabs of Avadh, a cultural renaissance was brought about compelling musicians and dancers to flock to this city. Lucknow spreads evenly on either banks of river Gomti and is an incredible blend of the modern with the ancients. Old monuments reflecting the nawab's architectural ingenuity dot the city coexisting with glitzy shopping spots.

Eating Out!

Awadhi cuisine is known to have originated from this city. A special style known as Dum style involves food being cooked over a slow flame or coals. The dum biryani is a must have which is cooked over coals in a covered dish allowing the biryani to retain flavours and aromas. Kebabs come in delicious forms here such as Shami Kebabs, Boti Kebabs, Patili-ke-Kebabs, Seekh Kebabs and the most famous of all Kakori Kebabs.

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Tunday Kababi Naaz Cinema Road, Aminabad, Lucknow

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The Cellar M 19, Gole Market, Mahanagar, Lucknow

Shopping

Shopping in Lucknow is an exquisite experience. Although, shopping malls have begun to pop up in the city, visitors must make their way to the local shopping arcades. Lucknow is famous for one of the finest embroidery works known as Chikan, revived by the Mughal queen Noor Jehan in 655 A.D combining Zardosi embroidery and crystal work embroidered on clothes, mats, bed sheets among many other. Lucknow Chikan make great souvenirs. The city is also famous for jewellery and ornaments. Famous shopping places include Aminabad, Hazratganj, Kapoorthala and Janpath.

Lucknow celebrates most festivals with much gusto such as Holi, Diwali, Dusshera, Karva Chauth and Eid but there are a few that are synonymous with this city such as:
Lucknow Festival The Lucknow Festival is celebrated during the months of November and December, and is perhaps the most important festival of this city. The exquisite culture of Lucknow is displayed in all forms during this festival from arts and crafts to its delicious cuisine. Traditional dramas, colourful processions, dances, qawalis and other forms of music highlight the festival. It is the best time to visit Lucknow.
Vrindavan Sharadotsav Vrindavan Sharadotsav is the celebration of Lord Krishna from the Hindu faith. The festival celebrates the magic created by Lord Krishna as a child and then further on as a young adult. Vrindavan, a town near Lucknow, marks this festival with much joy and is beatifully decorated.