Varanasi→Lucknow

Bara Imambara is one of the grandest Mughal-era monuments in India, built in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. Its central hall is one of the largest arched constructions in the world without any external support beams. The complex includes the famous Bhool Bhulaiya labyrinth that delights visitors.

Chota Imambara, also known as the Palace of Lights, was built by Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah in 1838. Adorned with chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and calligraphy, it houses the tombs of the Nawab and his mother. During festivals, it is illuminated beautifully.

The British Residency is a historical complex that played a central role in the Siege of Lucknow during the 1857 revolt. The bullet-scarred ruins, underground rooms, and a small museum tell the dramatic story of the Indian independence struggle.

Rumi Darwaza is an imposing 60-foot gateway built in 1784, modeled after the Sublime Porte in Istanbul. This iconic Awadhi architectural masterpiece stands as the symbol of Lucknow and is beautifully illuminated at night.

Hazratganj is the commercial and cultural heart of Lucknow, a bustling boulevard lined with heritage buildings, modern shops, restaurants, and cultural centers. Often compared to London's Oxford Street, it has been the city's premier shopping destination since the Nawabi era.