Day by Day itineraryDay 1: Arrival at Lucknow – Sightseeing Tour BeginsOn the first day of Lucknow tour package, we expect you to reach Lucknow as per the schedule.
Our representative escorts you from the airport or the railway station to the booked hotel. Take some time to relax before we begin the city tour.
The first destination of the day would be Bara Imambara (open from 06:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.; closed every Monday; entry fee INR 50/500 for Indians/foreigners; INR 10/25 for camera/digital camera). A rice husk-made roof which surprisingly survives without any pillar support, the world’s largest arched hall, a royal step-well, numerous secret tunnels and an accidentally created bhul-bhulaiya (labyrinth) are only among the few astonishing features of the structure. Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, the structure also accommodates Nawab’s tomb.
Move on to visit Chota Imambara and discover the breathtaking Rumi Darwaza, a 60 ft. High massive gateway which often serves as Lucknow’s iconic symbol. Chota Imambara (open from 06:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.; entry fee included in the combined ticket of Bara Imambara). It was built by Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah and serves as his mausoleum. The imposing architecture of the structure overpowers every other historical structure in the city and why not. The distinguished Islamic calligraphy, intricate baroque carvings and the Persian-style Char-Bagh layout make it a treat to watch. The interiors are equally breathtaking with exquisite Belgian chandeliers, lamp-stands and artefacts. Two replicas of Taj Mahal add to the place’s dominance.
Conclude the first day of Lucknow City tour package and return to the hotel for night stay.
Start another day of Lucknow tour package as we take you to Dilkusha Kothi and Garden (open 08:00 a.m.-06:00 p.m.; entry fee INR 5/100 for Indian/foreign tourists). Built by the British as a hunting lodge and summer resort, the palace received heavy damage due to shelling during the first attempt of India’s Independence in 1857. A superlative structure once, the palace remains in the state of ruins, though it retains the old world charm. The lush green gardens surrounding the kothi palace are worth spending some great moments at.
Later, pay visit to Shah Najaf Imambara (open from 06:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.; entry is free), which was built by Nawab Ghazi-ud-Din Haider and houses his tomb. It is believed to be the replica of the Tomb of Hazrat Ali in Iraq and has a distinctive dome design. The tombs in silver and gold and the charming garden surrounding the structure are the highlights of this place.
The next place to visit would be Ramakrishna Math(open from 08:30 a.m.-12 noon and 04:00 p.m.-08:00 p.m.), the white marble temple which is a breathtaking mix of Mughal, Rajput, Bengali and many South Indian architectural styles. The place boasts of cleanliness, extreme divinity and peacefulness that send the visitors to the state of trance. There are idols of Sree Ramakrishna, Mata Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda.
From there, visit Moti Mahal (open from 12 noon-11:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and 05:30 p.m.-11:00 p.m. Saturday; entry for free), or Pearl Palace, another wonderful monument on the banks of Gomti. It is believed that the palace’s dome was polished using pearl powder and its glow would be visible from a long distance. Nawab Saadat Ali Khan got this marvellous palace built for recreational and bird watching purposes. There are gardens, lawns, rose beds and fountains all around the palace. Two adjacent structures, called Shahi Manzil and Mubarak Manzil were built by the succeeding Nawab.
Continue the Lucknow City tour package and visit La Martiniere College (open till evening; no entry fee). Take a break from the Mughal and Nawabi heritage and admire the equally majestic European Architecture of this mind-blowing structure. Constructed in 1845, it is among the many schools built to commemorate the French Major General Claude Martin and is one of the best campuses in India. Constantia is the key building of the campus and is especially notable when lit up at night.
Next, visit Chattar Manzil(open 08:00 a.m.-06:00 p.m.; closed on Sunday; no entry fee), or Umbrella Palace, named so because of its umbrella-like domes. The construction of the palace was started by Nawab Ghazi-ud-Din Haider and completed by Nawab Nasir-us-Din Haider. A stupendous structure flaunting Indo-European architecture, it is particularly known for underground rooms and secret tunnels to River Gomti.
After a wonderful day of sightseeing, you are free in the evening to visit the local markets. You may visit the Old Chowk Market or Aminabad Market to buy enchanting hand-embroidered stuff and fashion jewellery at very low prices. Ivory items and leather items are among other things to buy here. Janpath is another place to look for a variety of local ittars (perfumes). Please note that many of these market areas remain closed on every Thursday.
Don’t miss the scrumptious Awadhi platters when in Lucknow. Boti Kebabs, Galawati kebabs and Tundey kebabs top the list. Mutton biryani and handi chicken are among other popular preparations. Nihari Kulche, Aaloo Tikki, Khasta Aaloo and dahi batashe are apt for the vegetarians. Refreshing thandai and lassi are extremely flavoursome drinks. Don’t miss the delicious kulfi, makhan malai and other varieties of sweets. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Have breakfast and pack your bags. Our tour representative would help you transfer to the bus stand, railway station or airport from where you can commence your further journey. Lucknow tour package ends here.