Sunday, 21 February 2016

City of Nawabs - Lucknow

Nawabi Shahar LUCKNOW:


Ambedkar memorial lucknow-edited
Dating back to the time of Suryavanshi dynasty and founded by NawabAsaf-ud-Daula, Lucknow,the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is situated on the banks of river Gomti. Being one of the most populous city in the country, you are bound to experience the warmth and hospitality of the people.
Famous for its sumptuous cuisine, ‘the city of nawabs’ has been able to retain the old-world charm and glory and has a culture deeply rooted in courtesy.
Since long back in history, Lucknow has been known for its immense contribution to the Indian poetry and literature and is honored by the title of ‘the birthplace of Urdu, Hindustani and Hindi languages’. The Era of Nawabs in Lucknow witnessed prosper of literature, music, dance and birth of musical instruments such as sitar, tabla and dance form such as kathak in the streets of ‘the golden city of India’.
Bollywood has been intelligently utilizing different aspects of the city, be it the nawabiandaaz, or depicting a north Indian hero with that particular raw accent. The city in the backdrop completes the movie in every sense. Many new and old movies have been based completely in Lucknow or have characters from the city such as Dawat-e-Ishq (2014)Bullet Raja(2013), Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl(2010) and UmraoJaan(1981)
Filmy locations

Bara Imambara

Bara Imambara_lucknow
Scene – Dawat-e-Ishq song “Mannat” sequence
The Imambara complex built in 1784 by NawabAsaf-ud-daula includes a mosque, the bhulbhulaiya( the labyrinthand a baoli (step well). The complex reflects the ornamental mughal designs. It is one of the projects not incorporating any european element or the use of iron. If rumors are to be believed, there exists a secret passage which connects the Imambara to Faizabad, Allahabad and even to Delhi. Bara Imambara has been one of those locations where film makers have shot intense scenes such as the scene of confrontation in Pakistanin the movie Gadar: ekpremkatha (2001) where Tara Singh is asked to proclaim ‘Hindustan Murdabad’ in Pakistan.

Qaiserbagh- Safed Baradari

safed baradari - Lucknow
/lucknowpulse
UmraoJaan(1981) could not have been shot anywhere else in India but Lucknow and Qaiserbagh was the perfect location for the whole set up. Also known as ‘Safed Baradari’, literally meaning the white palace, it is a white marbled building in Lucknow. It was built by NawabWajid Ali Shah and has a history of being built to be used as Imambara to observe mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his followers at Karbala. Later it was used by the britishers to hold court for petitions. The beauty of Bardari lies in the beautiful nawabi architecture on the white marble. The magnificence of the marble structure cannot be denied.  Parts of the famous movie Tanu Weds Manu also has been shot here.

Ambedkar Park

Ambedkar Park Lucknow
/wikipedia
Scene – Song “Suno na Sangmarmar”
Spread over 107 acres of land in Gomti Nagar, this architectural splendor is dedicated to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. A resemblance of stupa has been given to the high memorial. The grande monument consists of Parivartan Gallery, Pratibimbsthal, Drishyasthal, Gautam Buddha sthal, SamajikParivartanStambh, forecourt, elephant gallery, bronze fountains and Ashokan columns & urns. With its enchanting gardens, spell bounding 20ft wide canals and the serenity and cleanliness of the environment, it is a treat away from the hustle of the city. The night adds another dimension to this site with lights illuminating the campus thus a must see for every visitor to Lucknow.

Hazratganj

hazratganj_lucknow
/ghummakar
Scene – Song “Bullet Raja”
A major shopping area in the heart of lucknow, Hazratganj contains shopping complex, restaurants, hotels and offices. Its history dates back to 1810 with the first nawab of Awadh, NawabSaadat Ali Kahan, with creation of europeankothis between DM’s residence to Raj Bhawan, to beautification and makeover of the area in 2010 by the country’s renowned architect Nasir Munjee. Hazratganj is one stop to chikan materials for which Lucknow has been famous since ages. Movies such as Dawat-e-IshqBullet Raja(2013) and Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl(2011)featured scenes in Hazratganj.

Rumi Darwaza

Rumi_Darwaza_Lucknow
/wikipedia
Scene – Introduction of the location in Ladies vs Ricky Bahl
The 60 ft high glorious Rumi Darwaza, also known as Turkish Gate, was built under the patronage of Nawab Asif-Ud-Dawlah. It is one of the finest examples of the Awadhi architecture. It acts as the entrance to the city of Lucknow. It is one architectural structure which has been identifying Lucknow in cinemas as it has inLadies Vs Ricky Bahl(2011). 

Constantia House

Constantia House La Martiniere_Lucknow
Scene – Song School Ke Din of the movie “Always Kabhi Kabhi”
One of the most magnificent architectural work can be seen in the building of the house. Part of famous La Martiniere College, its construction was started in 1785. It is an appropriate stop for history buffs, connoisseur and experience seekers. The architectural work is appreciable and is one of the visitor’s favorite. The college has been picturised in the movie
Must See

/wikipedia
/wikipedia

British Residency

Beautiful, clean, historically interesting are some adjectives for this group of british buildings. The residency lies in the heart of the city and exists in ruins. It was built by the fifth nawab of Awadh, NawabSaadat Ali Khan II. A light and sound show is organised to project the events that the place has witnessed including the battle known as the seige of Lucknow.

St. Joseph’s Cathedral

The cathedral is one of the most beautiful church located in the middle of Hazratganj. It is grand and beautiful from outside and equally peaceful inside.

Parijaat Tree

The tree is a sacred tree which holds many stories within its branches. It is specially categorized tree as it does not produce any fruit or seed neither can it reproduce using any branch cuttings. It is a unisex male tree and no such tree has been found. The tree has biological, as well as, mythological importance.
Must try 
Must try-lucknow
Lucknow Chikan Industries
Lucknow is famous for this work of art and embroidery. The finest cotton work, ‘Chikan’, is a perfect gift to take home if you are a visitor to this city. One of the finest chikanmaterial can be found at Lucknow chikan industries.
Old Lucknow
How could you leave the city of nawabs without the taste of Kababs? Old Lucknow fills up the hunger pangs with best kababs, 18 layered parathas, temptingkachoriand creamy kulfis. The streets of old Lucknow will surely satisfy your longing for nawabifood.
Gomti River Cruise
As you glide down the river on the medium sized boats with a boatman and ores, you could witness landmarks of Lucknow such as ChattarManzil, Central Drug Research Institute.

Reaching there
By Air
Direct connections are available from various major cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram and Varanasi. The airport is all weather operational and is approximately 14 Kms from the city center. Various airlines provide domestic as well as international services.
By Road
Lucknow is easily accessible by road from Delhi, Kanpur, Agra and Allahabad through major highways. NH-25,NH-28, NH-56 pass through Lucknow, therefore making it convenient enough to reach the destination.
By Train
There are two major junctions at Lucknow. One is Lucknow center itself and the other one is Charbagh, located about 3 Kms from the city center. Trains from almost all major cities ply daily to Lucknow.
Best Time to Travel
JFMAMJJASOND
Staying Options 
There are a lot many hotels available in the city for every price range. From five star hotels such as The Piccadilly, Taj Residency, Hotel Clarks to budget hotels like Gomti,  Charans guest house, Elora guest house, Lucknow has plenty to provide.
You could also choose to home stay which is provided by various families who do homestay tourism and also accommodation organizers such asLucknow homestay residency, Lucknow Homestay and UNA hotel homestay.

No comments: