GreyMatter, Personal

Lucknow

For more than a decade, I have wanted to visit Lucknow to experience the magic of its food and its rich history. Perhaps, it also had something to do with the fact that my father had spent many years living there in his youth.

In February of 2022, I finally made it!

Lucknow is well-connected with a clean and efficient metro line, and sprawling with gardens that are a short ride away in an e-rickshaw.

Its well-preserved monuments stand proud, basking in the glory of its Nawabi heritage. The people were friendly wherever I went, and the street food is the best I have ever had anywhere in India!

The experience was truly a memorable one, and I already look forward to returning soon.

Done and dusted…

To See/Do:

  1. Chota Imambara, Bada Imambara
  2. Rumi Darwaaza, Clock Tower, Picture Gallery
  3. Ambedkar Park, Janeshwar Mishra Park – both, gigantic
  4. Aminabad Market – super crowded and chaotic
  5. Janpath Market, GPO, Sachivalay, Char Bagh Railway Station – night shots
  6. Lucknow Metro, eRickshaw, Cycle Rickshaw

To Eat…

  1. Dastarkhwan @ Lalbaug (Twice!)
  2. Shukla Chaat House @ Hazratganj
  3. Galawati Kabab with Ulte Tawe Ka Paratha @ Hasratganj
  4. Bajpai Kachori Bhandar @ Hasratganj
  5. Tokri Chaat @ Royal Cafe, Hazratganj
  6. Galawati Kabab & Mutton Biryani @ Tunday Kababi, Aminabad

Best time to visit: October to March
Travel tip: Hire guides when visiting key monuments (negotiate prices upfront)

Best area to stay: Hasratganj (centrally located and resembles CP in New Delhi)
Airport transfers: Metro goes directly to Hasratganj in 25 minutes!

Also read:

  1. 10 Must-Try Street Food in Lucknow
  2. 10 Must Try Lucknowi Delicacies
  3. Deconstructing the legend of Lucknow’s Tunday Kebabi