Lucknow derives its name from Lakshmana (the brother of Rama, the hero of the epic, the Ramayana), who lived here towards the end of his life.Lucknow entered contemporary history in the 18th century when, as the Kingdom of Oudh (Avadh), it broke away from the Mughal Empire.Lucknow played a great part in the 1st War of Independence in 1857.

Lucknow brings to mind a way of life of poetry and perfumes, good food, gracious manners and aesthetic living, all of which were and are, even today, part of Lucknowi culture.

WHAT TO SEE:

BARA IMAMBARA:
The great memorial was built in 1784 AD by Asaf-ud-Daula to provide work for his subjects during a famine. The Imambara is an oblong building blending European and Islamic styles. The central hall, site of Asaf-ud- Daula’s tomb, is 162 feet long, 53feet wide and 50 feet height without any supporting pillar and is said to be one of the world’s largest vaulted chambers. Under this gallery are a series of passages which have been closed off.

CHHOTA IMAMBARA:
The small memorial hussainabad is tropped with a main golden dome set amidst other smaller domes. The mixtures of buildings were constructed in 1837 by Muhammad Ali Shah as his mausoleum. The ornate main structure faces a pool which is flanked by two small Taj Mahal replicas-the tombs of his daughter and her husband. The tombs of Ali Shah and his mother are inside where there are mirrored walls and crystal chandeliers. The nawab’s silver throne can also be seen here.

The watch over across the chhota Imambara is called the “seven story tower” but construction on it had to stop after Ali Shah’s death in 1840. Only the fourth storey is complete.

SHAH NAJAF IMAMBARA:
This is the tomb of Ghazi-ud-din Haider Khan, who died in 1827, and his wives. Furious here during the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 has destroyed some structures.

OTHER PLACES OF INTREST:
The zoo has a large snake collection, Archeological Museum, Kaiser Bagh, National botanical Research Institute etc.

LA MARTINIERE:
A curious site on the outskirts of town is La Martini ere. Built at the end of the 18th century as Constantia, the private home of French soldier of fortune, Claude Martin, it is now a fine private school. Supposedly designed by Martin himself, the building is a motlan mix of with its gargoules, classic columns, open archways, porticos and turrets.

STANDARD SIGHTSEEING TOURS:
Lucknow - city of Gardens was the 18th century capital of Nawab Wazirs and the centre of culture and tradition. Visit for 2-3 hours the great Imambara, Jama Masjid, Picture Gallery, The Clock Tower, Roomi darwaza, Residency and Dilkusha palace.