5 things not to miss when in Lucknow.

“Lucknow” is known as the city “Nawabs and Kababs”. Situated on the bank of River Gomti, the multicultural side of the city is reflected on the streets and the architecture speaks a lot in itself. The “Pehle aap” (You first) and “Tehzeeb” (etiquette) are the highlights of the Lucknowi culture. I visited the city in the month of October 2015. It was my first solo travel to North India. I must tell you my 4 days were most enthralling. I am a budget traveler so I use the local transport for city tour. I like to explore a city by its historical and cultural aspects. And I followed the same for my trip to LUCKNOW.

Bright colors attract me

Kabab parantha filling

Road side Pani Puri stall

Waiting for "Savari" 

Tried capturing the Taj Mahal of Lucknow

Lit up Bara Imambara

Here goes my list:

Aminabad market:

While doing my research I came  across Aminabad market several times.  This is one of the oldest markets since the rule “Nawab of Awadh”. And when it is about shopping in the local markets I never miss it. This was the first place I visited as soon as I landed in Lucknow.  I was lucky that I could see the Thursday street market. I shopped some beautiful Chikankari pieces for which market is famous. One just needs to know how to do good bargains.

Chikankari work 

Veg. Kabab Parantha:  

This is a unique parantha that I tried on a local friend’s recommendation. This was very delicious, made of Channa dal and some vegetables. Spicy and tangy in taste, comes this in the form of a Roll. Famous street food of Lucknow.

Pani Puri and Chaat: 

Having lived in Mumbai for years I never knew that “Pani Puri” came in so many different flavours. Lucknow is very well known for its “8 pani wali pani puri”. I can never have such yummy pani puri anywhere else.  Also I had mouth watering aloo chaat and Tokri chaat. This is something one cannot miss as it is found on every street of the city. I can go back again and again just to have these.

Cycle Rickshaw Ride:

Lucknow is one of the few cities still offering cycle rickshaw as means of local transportation.  They are seen in large numbers. Almost all the old areas of the city can be commuted by this. Like, Chowk to Immabara. I enjoyed several rides while touring around the city.

Bara Imamabad: 

Visit to this place is a must. Built by the fourth Nawab of Awadh, Asaf-Ud-Daula is a symbol of the Awadhi architecture. The structure is renowned for its distinctive construction – the thick domed roofs with no grin support. The roofs are supported by a unique interlocking system.  Inside is a famous Bhool Bhulaiya , a labyrinth. From the rooftop one can view a spectacular scene of the city, which is astounding. 

The 4 day trip was like a blink of an eye. Time flied by and it was time for me to get back home. It was a wonderful trip and the city gave me many reasons to travel again. The traveler in me is all set to publish and share with you all my experiences and travel stories. 

Thank you for reading!