Private Custom Tour: Lucknow Sightseeing with Guide

Chattar Manzil

1 hour

The Chattar Manzil, or Umbrella Palace is a building in Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh which served as a palace for the rulers of Awadh and their wives.

Bara Imambara

1 hour

The Bara Imambara of Lucknow is one of the most famous monuments of the city. Also known as Asfi Imambara, after the name of the Nawab of Lucknow who got it constructed, (It is believed that the construction of this grand building was started in 1785 when a devastating famine had hit Awadh, and the nawab’s objective was to provide employment for people in the region for almost a decade while the famine lasted).it is an important place of worship for the Muslims who come here every year to celebrate the religious festival of Muharram. The Imambara is primarily known for its incredible maze, known as Bhul Bhulaiya locally, which is located on the upper floor of the monument. The Bara Imambara has a unique style of construction. The central hall of Bara Imambara, which is said to be the largest arched hall in the world, measures 50 meters long and goes up to a height of 15 meters. The whole building is made of Lakhanui bricks, which are a bit small in size, and lime plaster. No wood or metal has been used in the construction (Except for the galleries in the interior). The Bara Imambara is worth seeing in its own right, but the unusual labyrinth of corridors on its upper floor (Bhul Bhulaiya) is what steals the show!

The Residency

1 hour

Residency was the scene of dramatic events during the first war of independence in 1857 also known as Siege of Lucknow. It began on July 1 and continued until November 17, 1857. Built for the British Resident during the rule of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan in 1780-1800, it was originally a large complex of many buildings including residential quarters, armoury, stables, dispensaries, worship places and so on. The main building overlooks the river Gomti and is surrounded by terraced lawns and gardens. Today, only the scarred ruins bear witness to the turmoil of 1857. The cemetery at the nearby ruined church has the graves of 2000 men, women and children, including that of Sir Henry Lawrence who died during the siege. There is also a Residency Museum situated within the campus of this building.

Rumi Darwaza

1 hour

Rumi Darwaza is said to be identical in design to an ancient portal at Constantinople in Turkey and is also referred to as Turkish Gate. It is a huge ornate structure, marked by an eight faceted chhatri (umbrella) in its uppermost part. In earlier times it was used to mark the entrance to the Old Lucknow City. It is now adopted as a symbol of the city of Lucknow. It was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula to generate employment during the famine of 1784.