| Lucknow |
| Population 4,875,858 (in 2006) Altitude 123m Area 2345 square km Languages English, Hindi and Urdu |
| Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state of India. Located in what was historically known as the Awadh region, Lucknow has always been a multicultural city. The majority of Lucknow's population includes people from Eastern Uttar Pradesh. However, Bengalis, South Indians and Anglo-Indians have also settled in Lucknow. Hindus comprise about 77% and Muslims about 20%. There are also small groups of Sikhs, Jains, Christians and Buddhists. Lucknow is one of the most educated cities in India with a literacy rate of 82.5% (78% for females and 89% for males). Today Lucknow is a vibrant city that is witnessing an economic boom and is among the top ten fastest growing non-major-metropolitan cities of India. It is a centre of Hindi and Urdu literature and is the second largest city in Uttar Pradesh, after Kanpur. Sights Bara Imambara Built in 1784, the Bara Imambara is Lucknow’s most famous monument. It is a colossal structure, the main hall is 50m long and 15m high, without any pillars to support its ceiling. A labyrinth called Bhool Bhullaiyya adjoins the main hall on the first floor. Towards the left of the main building is a baoli (step-well) connected by tunnels to the river Gomti. Legend has it that a great treasure lies undiscovered in these tunnels. Husainabad Clock Tower In the same complex is the huge and ornate Rumi Darwaza, or Turkish Gate, also built in 1784. Nearby is the Husainabad Clock Tower that has the largest clock in India. Towering to a height of 67m, this Victorian-Gothic Clock Tower was designed in the 1880s, by Roskell Payne. Chota Imambara The Chota Imambara, or the Husainabad Imambara, is also known as the Palace of Lights because of its chandeliers that come alive during the Muslim festival of Muharram. The Chota Imambara, with its golden dome, silver throne and gold-edged mirrors, is the grander of the two Imambaras. British Residency The Residency became the stronghold of the British for 87 days during the Revolt of 1857, and is now in ruins. Within its walls are numerous stories related to the siege, when 3,000 British men, women and children escaped from their homes to seek refuge in these red brick buildings. Only 1,000 of those who had taken shelter in the Residency survived. Accommodation Most of the budget acommodation in lucknow is located around Mahatma Ghandi Road and Vidhan Sabha Marg beside it. Cycle rickshaws from the railway station will cost Rs 10. Hotel Deep Located at the beginning of Vidhan Sabha Marg by the roundabout. This hotel also has a good restaurant. Room: Rs 400-1000 Banks and Internet There are plenty of banks along Vidhan Sabha Marg, several with ATMs. There are several internet cafes in Lucknow. |
| Transport For most long distance journeys from Lucknow it is usually quicker and easier to take the train than the bus. Trains The main railway station is lucknow Junction, a short rickshaw ride from the centre. The ticket office is in a separate building to the left of the station. Lucknow (LJN) to Delhi (DLI) Train numbers 2003, 2229, 2419, 4257 Lucknow to Varanasi (BSB) Train numbers 2392, 3006, 3010, 3050, 3308 Lucknow to Gorakhpur (GKP) Train numbers 1124, 2532, 3020, 2556, 151 Lucknow to Agra (AGC) Train numbers 4201, 3239 Getting to Nepal The nearest border crossing to nepal from Lucknow is at jamunaha/Napalganj, 190 km north of Lucknow. Buses run regularly from Lucknow to Rupaidha Bazar (Rs 200, 7 hours). From there it is only a short rickshaw ride to the border. Alternatively, you can take a train from Lucknow to Nanpara, 17 km from the border, and then change to a bus or taxi. The train journey can be rather complicated as you will have to change trains first at Gonda Junction and then at Baharaich to get to Nanpara. |