The Bara Imambara of Lucknow is one of the most famous monuments in the city. The Imambara is primarily known for its incredible maze, known as Bhul Bhulaiya locally, which is located on the upper floor of the monument. It is said that there are 1024 ways to get inside the maze but only 2 to come out.
Also known as Asfi Imambara, after the name of the Nawab of Lucknow who got it constructed, it is an important place of worship for the Muslims who come here every year to celebrate the religious festival of Muharram. Said to be the world’s largest structure that is unsupported by beams, Bara Imambara is considered a marvel of engineering and a fine specimen of Mughal architecture.
The Imambara has a unique style of construction. Moreover, no wood or metal has been used in the construction of this mosque. One can also have a view of the grave of Nawab Asaf-Ud-Dowlah and his crown, which is kept in the central hall, which is said to be the largest vaulted chamber in the world.
The Chhota Imambara, or the Imambara of Hussainabad, is one of the most beautiful and attractive buildings in the old city of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. This imposing monument lies to the west of Bara Imambara and is a true sight to behold. The Chhota Imambara was initially a congregation hall for Shia Muslims that was built by Muhammad Ali Shah, who was the third Nawab of Awadh, in 1838. The Imambara was to serve as his own mausoleum as well as that of his mother, who is buried beside him in this prestigious monument.
The Imambara is beautifully adorned with decorations and chandeliers at the time of special festivals, especially Muharram. In fact, this 19th-century building is also referred to as the ‘Palace of Lights’ by European visitors and writers because of the profuse decorations of the monument at specific events.
It is a beautiful amalgam of Charbagh, Indo-Islamic and Persian structural and architectural designs. The exterior is complete with Quranic verses which are written in Islamic calligraphy on the walls of the monument. However, it is not just the exterior of the Imambara which catches the fancy of the eager visitors. Even the interiors of the monument are designed and maintained with intricate details and utmost care.
The British Residency of Lucknow, which is also a Residential Complex served as the headquarters for the generals of the British East India Company. However, with the 1857 uprising, this once composed complex turned into a British refugee camp during that revolt.
The fort is now in ruins and a British cemetery nearby sites the graves of all the colonisers who died during the Lucknow siege. The ruins are now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The Residency also hosts a light and sound reminiscing the 1857 revolt show every evening.
Marine Drive is named after the famous Marine Drive in Mumbai. It is a picturesque strip of road adjacent to the River Gomti in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow. The spot is popular among the young crowd as a hangout place. Apart from that, people use it for jogging, cycling and similar activities. The path is sprinkled with benches to sit and relax.
Initially known as the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Prateek Sthal, the Ambedkar Memorial Park is located on Vipul Khand of Gomti Nagar. It was constructed by the state government under the leadership of CM Mayawati.
Built in the name of Dr BR Ambedkar, this public park is also dedicated to many other freedom fighters including Jyotiba Phule, Birsa Munda, Kanshi Ram and Sree Narayana Guru. Although it is not as green, the park houses various statues and structures of great historic importance.
Janeshwar Mishra Park is an urban park operating in Gomti Nagar in Lucknow, India. It was named in memory of late politician Janeshwar Mishra
