The legacy of the imperial splendour of Lucknow, formerly known as Avadh or Oudh, has always fascinated people, all over the world. The ambience of Avadh, has commonly been associated with leisurely habits, etiquette, fine architecture, delicious food and refinement - the residue of Nawabi culture.Over the years, the city has preserved this spirit of the by gone days.
Lucknow, took almost two centuries to grow to the size of a metropolis. The first hundred years of success, belonged to the Nawab Wazirs who, in different degrees contributed to its growth and transformed it into, what has been metaphorically called, the "Shiraz of Avadh", and the "Constantinople of India". The Nawabs were responsible for imparting a distinct imageto the city, which indeed, is unique. They worked meticulously to dress Lucknow, with religious and secular edifices of unsurpassed excellence. The city of Lucknow, spread evenly on both sides of the river Gomti, offers thetourist plenty of places of historical interest.
Prime Attractions :
» Bara Imambara - This magnificent edifice, recalling the past glory of the Nawab of Oudh, is known for its simplicity of style, proportion and symmetry. Apart from religious significance, this Imambara was built by Nawab Asafuddaula, to provide relief to his subjects, during the famine of 1784. The absence of pillars or supports in the main hall, which is over 50 feet in height, is a unique achievement of architecture. This structure is also famous for its fantastic labyrinth.
» Chhota Imambara - This magnificent monument, built by Nawab Mohammed Ali Shah ( 1837 - 1842 )stands to the left of Rumi Darwaza, and is rather ornate in design.Chandeliers, gilt-edged mirrors, colourful stuccos and the king's brilliant throne adorn the interior of this tomb.
» Lucknow Residency -Built during 1780-1800, it was once the political residence of the British officials. Some of the bitterest eruptions of 1857 occured here.Cannon marks can be espied on the walls all around.
» Rumi Darwaza - It isa fine massive gateway at the western edge of the Bara Imambara, built by Nawab Asafuddaula, in 1784. On both sides of the gate, are beautiful ornamental designs, radiating at the base and meeting at the top.
Sarnaththe tranquil deep park at Sarnath is where the Buddha preached hid firstsermon. Sarnath became one of the great center of Buddhism and the Emperor Ashoka erected magnificent stupas and structure here. The Chinese scholar Huien Tsang who to write of the splendor of the city. Rediscovered and excavated in 1836, Sarnath is once again a place of pilgrimage where visitors come to pay homage to the great teacher.
Prime Attractions :
» Dhamek Stupa - The imposing stupa 39m high was probably erected in 200 B.C in the Mauryan era.Rebuilt a number of times, the geometric and flora patterns on the stupa belong to the later Gupta period.
» Ashoka Pillar - Erectedby the Emperor Ashoka, the pillar had his edict engraved on it. At one time it stood over 17m high. Its capital with the four lions back to back-the official symbol of modern India, can be seen in the museum at Sarnath.
» Bodhi Tree - Grown fromthe sapling of the famous tree in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, which is believed to be a progeny of the original tree at Budh Gaya, under which the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
» Chaukandi Stupa - This stupa was rebuilt by Mughal Emperor Akbar.
» Dhamarajika Stupa -Only the ruins of this stupa built by Emperor Ashoka can be seen today.
Allahabad,sacred city of Hinduism was formerly called 'Prayag' in commemoration of a sacrifice done by Lord Brahma. According to Hindu mythology for the' Prakrishta Yagna' Lord Brahma chose a piece of land on the earth on the confluence of the three rivers - the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mytical Sarswati. This confluence is called Sangam. The Sangam is the venue of many sacred fairs and ritual and attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout theyear. Akbar had visited Prayag in 1575 AD and founded a new city by the name Illahabad which has now become Allahabad. The city was an important cantonment during the British Raj and has some beautiful remnants of colonial architecture. In the the early 20th century, Allahabad was the foremost centre of learning in the country.
Prime Attractions :
» Sangam - At this point the shallow, muddy Ganges meets the green River Yamuna. During the month of Magha (mid-January to mid-February) pilgrims come to bathe at this holy confluence for the festival known as the Magha Mela. Astrologers calculatethe holiest time to enter the water and draw up a 'Holy Dip Schedule'. Themost propitious time of all happeens only every 12 years when the massive Kumbh Mela take place. There's a half-mela (Ardh Mela) every six years.
» Minto Park - Near theYamuna, is where Lord Canning read out the declaration by which Britain tookover controle of India from the East India Company in 1858.
» All SaintsCathedral - Dedicated to the memory of people of all ages and places who have kept their faith in God. The All Saints Cathedral is one of the finest cathedrals in this part of the country. Designed more than a century ago, by Sir William Emerson
