The legacy of the imperial splendour of Lucknow, formerly known as Avadh or Oudh, has always fascinated people, all over the world. The ambience of Avadh, has commonly been associated with leisurely habits, etiquette, fine architecture, delicious food and refinement - the residue of Nawabi culture. Over the years, the city has preserved this spirit of the bygone days.

Lucknow, took almost two centuries to grow to the size of a metropolis. The first hundred years of success, belonged to the Nawab Wazirs who, in different degrees contributed to its growth and transformed it into, what has been metaphorically called, the "Shiraz of Avadh", and the "Constantinople of India". The Nawabs were responsible for imparting a distinct image to the city, which indeed, is unique. They worked meticulously to dress Lucknow, with religious and secular edifices of unsurpassed excellence. The city of Lucknow, spread evenly on both sides of the river Gomti, offers the tourist plenty of places of historical interest.

Bara Imambara 

This magnificent edifice, recalling the past glory of the Nawab of Oudh, is known for its simplicity of style, proportion and symmetry. Apart from religious significance, this Imambara was built by Nawab Asafuddaula, to provide relief to his subjects, during the famine of 1784. The absence of pillars or supports in the main hall, which is over 50 feet in height, is a unique achievement of architecture. This structure is also famous for its fantastic labyrinth.

Chhota Imambara 

This magnificent monument, built by Nawab Mohammed Ali Shah ( 1837 - 1842 ) stands to the left of Rumi Darwaza, and is rather ornate in design. Chandeliers, gilt-edged mirrors, colourful stuccos and the king's brilliant throne adorn the interior of this tomb. 

Built during 1780-1800, it was once the political residence of the British officials. Some of the bitterest eruptions of 1857 occured here. Cannon marks can be espied on the walls all around.

A large white domed building, it houses the tomb of Nawab Ghaziuddin Haider, and his family. Floral designs and chandeliers adorn the interior, and the tombs are plated in gold and silver. 

It is a fine massive gateway at the western edge of the Bara Imambara, built by Nawab Asafuddaula, in 1784. On both sides of the gate, are beautiful ornamental designs, radiating at the base and meeting at the top. 

This grand mosque was built by Muhammad Ali Shah. Built in typical Mughal style, it lies to the west of the Chhota Imambara. 

One of the most imposing buildings in the city, it houses both bodies of the State Legislature of the state. 

Adopting the salient features of Italian architecture, and blending them with the finest, indigenous architectural attributes of the Mughal and Hindu styles, Claude Martine, a French soldier, designed this building. Today, it houses one of the leading educational institutions of the city. 

Facing the Husainabad tank, is the Husainabad Picture Gallery, housing portraits of the rulers of Avadh. 

The Zoo has some very rare species of birds and animals. 

Taj Residency:  Vipin Khand, Gomti Nagar. Tel: 393939, 391201-3. Fax: 392282
Hotel Gomti: 6, Sapru Marg. Tel: 232291, 234708, 220624. Fax: 231360
Arif Castles: 4, Rana Pratap Marg. Tel: 231313-17. Fax: 231360