Lucknow

Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Lucknow Halal Explorer

Lucknow and the capital of Uttar Pradesh and the cultural region of Awadh, thrives along the banks of Gomti river. The city along with the rest of Awadh fell to the British during the colonial era. Today, Lucknow is dotted with remnants of its rich cultural past.

Lucknow is also known for its elaborate cuisine and Chikankaari or exquisite shadow-work embroidery on fine muslin cloth.

Lucknow is a historically important city and for many centuries was at the heart of North Indian culture. In particular and the city was famous for its Adab and Tehzeeb (manners and hospitality), intricate embroidery, beautiful gardens and dance forms such as Kathak. It was also one of the sites of the 1857 Indian Mutiny (or First War of Indian Independence). The Hindi spoken in Lucknow is considered the most beautiful and gentle in the nation. The city has a population of around 3.4 million.

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. it brought in the best of various cultures and accepted Western institutions like La Martiniere in her womb. It was made famous by the soft-spoken, and sweet tongued, Awadh-Lucknowai culture that was based on civilised behaviour toward fellow human beings. Lucknow is the home of Urdu, Hindustani and Hindi phrasebook|Hindi languages. The city became known as a centre for Urdu poetry and courtly presence and diction, being the birthplace and city of residence for many poets. The Mushaira, an event of poetry recitation forms the heart of Lucknow's nightlife where Mushairas go on into the wee hours of the night. Lucknow's only rival in Northern India was Delhi, though Lucknowies were always embroiled in a healthy rivalry with Delhi, home of the famous poet Ghalib and others. Lucknow is also famous for its sweetmeat and the sweet shops in the old city dates to 1850s. Awadhi and Mughlai food is the delight of the visitors to Lucknow.

Another thing that may surprise visitors are the ubiquitous posters, billboards and signs boasting of great progress and bearing the picture of Mayawati. She is the former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh state and is quite controversial. Labeled by some as the "Dalit Queen," she has received criticism for misuse of public funds and abuse of power. She has spent millions of rupees on massive public works projects such as the Ambedkar Memorial (see below) which opposition leaders see as a waste. No matter who you speak to in Lucknow, everyone will have an opinion about her, and it's a excellent conversation starter.

Arif Castles Rana Pratap Marg, Hazratganj 26.857269, 80.943166
Carlton Rana Pratap Marg 26.855816, 80.946495
Comfort Inn - Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar 26.865276, 80.996684 ☎ +91 522 272 0987
Hotel Gemini Continental - Rani Laxmi Bai Marg, Kaiserbagh Officer's Colony 26.852632, 80.936183 ☎ +91 522 401 1111
Hotel Gomati near Hazratgunj and Sharagunj mall is run by Uttar Pradesh Tourism and offers decent rooms at moderate cost.

Hotel Mandakini Saket Regency - 92/3-A, Old R.T.O. Compound, Gautam Budh Marg (Latouche Road) 26.838197, 80.935078 ☎ +91 522 407 3402, +91 98100 68858 Checkout: 12:00 Double room ₹1800 Located in the cluster of hotels just north of the train station. Reasonably friendly staff, just don't ask where to eat nearby, instead go a block or two back towards the station. The hotel doesn't have a restaurant but does offer room service. Rooms are reasonably clean but the air-con units are ancient and noisy. Large LCD TVs with cable. You may be able to negotiate a double room down to ₹1350 in the low season.

Park Inn - La Place, Hazratganj 26.853147, 80.943399
Clarks Avadh - Parivartan Chowk, Mahatma Gandhi Marg 26.856696, 80.935035 Opp. Begum Hazrat Mahal Park ☎ +91 522 261 6500 One of the more centrally located hotels in Lucknow. Clean, well-kept and very smart. The restaurant named "Falaknuma" at the ninth floor has the right ambience to enjoy a Mughlai dinner with awesome views of the city. The Murg Malai Tikka is recommended. The service at the restaurant leaves much to be desired however, and the alcohol selections are in no way on par with what would be expected from an upscale hotel elsewhere. Wi-fi is available for a price.

Dayal Paradise - Vipul Khand 5, Gomti Nagar 26.842596, 80.990737 ☎ +91 522 405 9999₹2400 Check-in: noon / Check-out: 12:00

Piccadily Hotel Kanpur Road, Sector B, Bara Birwa 26.802915, 80.896346 ☎ +91 522 409 6000 A luxury hotel. 3 km from Lucknow Airport.

Telecommunications in Lucknow

Mobile phone coverage in the city is excellent. There are many service providers offering a wide variety of plans, including Airtel, Vodafone, Reliance, Tata Docomo, Aircel, BSNL and Uninor. Phone numbers in Lucknow begin with 0522, typically followed by seven digits. To call Lucknow from outside India you will need to dial the international prefix for your country, followed by India’s country code 91. If you want to dial a landline no. from a mobile and then you have to add 0522 before the number.

Cope in Lucknow

Emergency numbers in Lucknow

Emergency Helpline (Local): ☎ 108
Police: ☎ 100
Fire Department: ☎ 101
Ambulance: ☎ 102, or dial the nearest local hospital.
Childline: ☎ 1098
Women Power Helpline: ☎ 1090
Emergency Helpline (India): ☎ 112

News & References Lucknow

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By land

Agra
Allahabad
Varanasi
Sunauli / - Nepal can be visited via Bhairawa