Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh and it has always been a multicultural city. Courtly manners, beautiful gardens, poetry, music, and fine cuisine patronized by the Persian-loving Shia Nawabs of the city are well known. Lucknow is the heart of the art, cuisine, dance, culture and music of Northern India. It was the cradle of the Hindu-Muslim-symbiosis that was the epitome of India for hundreds of years. Later when the region of Awadh along with Lucknow became the part of British rule in India, colonial-era culture and architecture developed in Lucknow.

Besides having some interesting religious architectural buildings , Lucknow is also known for its elaborate cuisines and Chikankaari or exquisite shadow-work embroidery on fine muslin cloth.

Photos : Bara Imamwara , Rumi Darwaza , Chota Imamwara , The Residency

Bara Imambara or a congregation hall is a large tomb complex built by Asaf-ud-daula , the Nawab ( king ) of Awadh. The building also includes the large Asfi mosque, the Bhul-bhulaiya (the labyrinth), and Bowli, a step well with running water. The large central chamber containing the tomb of Asaf-ud-Daula wiith-out beams supporting the ceiling is one of the largest such arched constructions in the world.

Rumi Darwaza some times also known as Turkish Gate constructed by Nawab Asaf-ud-daula is an imposing gateway constructed in Awadhi architecture. Rumi Darwaza has become a landmark of Lucknow.

Chota Imamwara in Lucknow is an imposing mausoleum built by  Muhammad Ali Sha, the third Nawab of Lucknow in 1838. The large congregation hall is richly decorated with chandeliers and a good number of crystal glass lamp-stands.

The Residency is a group of several buildings in a common complex in Lucknow served as the residence for the British Resident General who was a representative in the court of the Nawab. The complex has many iconic buildings constructed in Colonial architecture.