The city of Lucknow is the capital of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is located on the banks of the river Gomti. The city is known for its royal splendour and the Nawabi culture. Lucknow gained immense prominence during the Mughals and the Nawabs of Avadh. The city holds credits for introducing new musical forms and instruments. Various styles of singing like Dadra, Thumri, khayal, Qawalis, ghazals and dance form of Kathak reached to their zenith in this historic city. During 18th and 19th century the city also developed its own style of architecture somewhat resembling to the architectural style of the mughals.

Tourist Attractions
Major tourist attractions include:
Bara Imambara : This impressive monument was built in the year 1784 by Nawab Asaf ud Daulah. The Bara Imambara provided food to the people stricken by famine. It is said that in the construction of this monument even many rich persons of that era worked as laborers. The simplicity of style, sheer proportion and symmetry make this monument an architectural boon.
Clock Tower : This Clock Tower in Lucknow was built in 1887 and is said to be the tallest Clock Tower in India. The tower is one of the finest examples of British architecture in India. Built by Nawab Nasir-ud-din Haider to mark the coming of Sir George Couper, the first Lieutenant Governor of United province of Avadh in 1887,this tower is 221 feet tall. The Tower stands with the same majesty and grandeur till date.

Saadat Ali's Tomb : One of the best examples of Avadh architecture can be witnessed in the maqbaras of Saadat Ali khan and Khurshid Zadi. The tombs have been beautifully designed and seem very interesting.

Rumi Darwaza : The Rumi Darwaza was built for providing relief to the famine stricken people in 1783. The structure is 60 feet in height and is believed to be very similar to one of the gates of Constantinople.

Jama Masjid : The Jama Msjid is the largest mosque in Lucknow. Its work was initiated in 1840 by Mohammad Ali Shah and was completed by his better half, Begum Malika Jahan. The mosque exhibits the splendour of the Mughal style of architecture.

Moti Mahal : The Moti Mahal is also called as the Pearl Palace. It was built by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan. The Mahal was mainly constructed for the Nawab and his courtiers to watch animals and birds fight from their balconies.

Dining
The city of Lucknow is also termed as a land of eatopia which presents a wide range of gourmet delights. Whether it is pasta, biryani or kebabs, the city is the master of all. Some of the famous restaurants of Lucknow are :

• 0522 Restaurant
• Aryan's Family Delight
• Bombay Blue Express
• Moti Mahal Deluxe
• Brindavan Restaurant
• Chungfa Chinese Restaurant

Accommodation
If you are looking for a place to stay in Lucknow then you actually don't need to worry much. The place has a rich variety of accommodation options for the tourists coming to Lucknow from distant places. Some of the hotels are:

• Luxury Hotels
• Clarks Avadh
• Comfort Inn Lucknow
• Gemini Continental
• La Place Park Inn
• Sagar International
• Taj Residency
• Budget Hotels
• Arif Castles
• Capoors Hotel
• Carlton Hotel
• Hotel Gomti

Shopping
The city of Lucknow is noted for its fine bidri jewellery, Chikan work and toys. The city is also looked forward for fine art of embroidery-chikankari and zardosi. The chikan work garments mainly kurtas or saris are a major buy of Lucknow. The chief shopping areas in the city include:
Hazratganj, Janpath, Aminabad and Chowk.

How To Reach
Lucknow is well linked by air, rail and road.
By Air: Lucknow has its airport at Amausi, a place 15 km from the city centre which connects Lucknow by air with major towns and cities of India.

By Rail: Charbagh and Lucknow are the two main rail junctions of Lucknow. These two stations connect the city to all the important rail junctions of the country.

By Road: Lucknow has a good network of roads and road transport that connects the city to all the major cities and towns of Uttar Pradesh and the surrounding areas.