Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, thrives along the banks of Gomti river. The Gomti river originates from Fulhaar Jheel (Gomat Talab) which is 3km east of Pilibhit district, and flows southwards through Lucknow, Barabanki, Sultanpur, Faizabad and Jaunpur before merging with the river Ganga near the holy city of Varanasi. According to Hindu Mythology, the river is the daughter of Sage Vashist and therefore considered sacred.
Lucknow is the heart of the art, cuisine, dance, culture and music of North India. It was the cradle of the Hindu-Muslim-Sikh symbioses that made India great. Lucknow is the home of Urdu, Hindustani and Hindi languages. A historically important city for many centuries, it was at the heart of North Indian culture. In particular, the city was famous for its Adab and Tehzeeb (manners and hospitality), intricate embroidery, beautiful gardens and dance forms such as Kathak. It was also one of the major sites of the 1857 Indian Mutiny (or the First War of Indian Independence). The Hindi spoken in Lucknow is considered the most mellifluous and full of alacrity.
Lucknow is also known for its elaborate cuisine and Chikankaari or exquisite shadow-work embroidery on fine muslin cloth.
The origin & history of Lucknow is truly intriguing to one and all. The history of Lucknow can be traced back to the ancient times of the Suryavanshi Dynasty. It is said that Lakshmana, the brother of Lord Rama, laid the foundation of the ancient city near the Gomti River and therefore,the city was called Lakshmanpur. However, the city gained significance only during the early 18th Century. It was during the second decade of the early 18th century when the great Mughal emperors began appointing Nawabs in order to ensure smooth administration in the province. In the year 1732, Mohammad Amir Saadat Khan was appointed as the Nawab of Awadh, in which Lucknow was a major province. Under the rule of the Nawabs, Lucknow flourished like never before and gained much political and cultural progress. After 1755, Lucknow grew by leaps and bounds under the rule of the fourth Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. The city gained commensurate flourish in each and every aspect,including poetry, dance, music and the other finer aspects of the lifestyle of Lucknow which even today remains an apotheosis.
It was when the British came to India that Lucknow was made into an administrative capital. There were many uprisings during the British rule by Indian radicals and many ghastly incidents left Lucknow scarred with unpleasant memories. However, since independence, it has gained expedite progress, adroitly merging the past with the present.
I would like like to share some of the historical places to visit in Lucknow-
1) Bara Imambara- Built by the fourth Nawab of Awadh Asaf-Ud-Daula in 1784 Bara Imambara is formally known as Imambara-e-Asafi. The structure is known for it’s unique construction- the thick slab vaulted roofs have no girders or beams as support. Instead, the roofs are supported by the interlocking system of bricks.
The other major interesting feature of the monument is the incredible labyrinth called Bhool Bhullaiya, which is located on the upper floor of the Bara Imambara. No one is allowed an entry without a guide. After exploring the labyrinth, a visit to the rooftop, one can view a scenic panorama of the city, which is breath-taking.
2) Rumi Darwaza- Rumi Darwaza, which rises to a height of 60 ft, is one of the most impressive architectural structures of India. It was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784. When viewed from the western side (Chota Imambara), it is a double arched gateway while when viewed from the eastern side (Bara Imambara), it looks like a Rajput palace. It is an apotheosis of Awadh architecture and is a must visit for history lovers.
3) Jama Masjid- Located in the heart of the city, Jama Masjid stands upright on 260 pillars that supports 15 arched domes of various elevations. The monument is located in the Hussainabad area of Old Lucknow. The central gateway resembles the Rumi Darwaza with it’s two arches. It is among one of the best mosques in India and therefore a must visit.
The people of Lucknow are among the most polite, munificent and most courteous people in India, full of fervor for their guests. A visit to Lucknow’s historical monuments would take you to an ethereal, titillating and spectacular level altogether. Therefore, a visit to Lucknow is a must where you would find culture, history and ‘tehzeeb’ all coherent in the atmosphere of the city.
I would mention the other interesting places to visit in a separate article. Till then, Happy Travelling!! 
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