LUCKNOW
1. Sham E Awadh - LUCKNOW
2. Residency
My first visit to Lucknow was in 1992 when I joined Ranbaxy, since than I have been to Lucknow many times but never visited any tourist place there in these last 18 years.
In February 2011, I had to attend a conference in SGPGI. On Sunday the conference got over after Lunch. After the wind up I left for the hotel. There I dropped my conference stuff, changed clothes & left hotel to visit Bada Imambara , Chota Imambara & Residency.
Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh which is situated at the bank of river Gomti. It is known for its Tehzeeb , Nazakat & Nawabs. Lucknow has rich History. From 1775 to 1856, it was capital of Awadh. It was named after Lakshman (younger brother of Lord Rama). Earlier it was known as Lakshman Puri than Lakhan Puri & now known as Lucknow. It is famous for Mughal Cuisine, Mangoes, Rewari & Chicken work in clothes.
I started my visit with one of the Lucknow’s famous monuments Bada Immabara.It is situated at 06 kms from Lucknow Railway Station. It was built by Nawab Asafud Daula in 1784. It took almost six years to be completed.
Bada Immabara
The construction was started for a noble cause as a relief to the famine struck citizen of Awadh. The constructed part of the building was used to be destroyed in the evening & it continued till the famine was over.In return labourers received money & food for their families.
The building was constructed by an architect Kaifyatulah.
The complex has following attraction:-
1. Main Building
2. Bhulbhuliya
3. Asafud daulan Mosque
4. Bowali (Well)
Main Building – As you enter inside the building , there is a wide courtyard in the front and further inside there are three halls which are known as Chinese , Persian & Indian Hall.
The main hall is 49.4 mtrs long & 16.2 mtrs wide with out any pillar support. It is said that this hall is the largest hall in world without external support of wood , iron or stone beam.
You can listen to the sound of match stick at the other end
of hall without any echo. If you happen to be there, please do observe
this uniqueness.
There is a dargah (Graveyard) of Nawab Asafud daula & Archietect Kaifyatulah.
Bhulbhuliya – On the right side of main building
the stairs go up for Bhulbhuliya I suppose the entrance & exit is
after 45th step. Please note that the entrance & exit are from the
same door. The guide can make you feel the whisper sound through wall.
There are four hundred & nine narrow stairway passages, some of
which are dead ends. At every crossing there are four ways out of which
three are wrong. It is difficult to come out alone so take the help of guide.
From the top floor you can enjoy the beautiful view of the city.
Asafud daulan Mosque – On the left side of the main building you can see Asafud daulan Mosque. This mosque is with sculptured domes & minarets, thousands of people of Lucknow reach here on Friday to offer Namaz.
Bawali – On the eastern side you can see a amazing
five stories Shahi Bawali (Step Well) which is connected to river
Gomti. The first two stories are above water & rest is below water.
As per Guide if you look from the eastern side of well, you can see the
image of person approaching the well in water but that person can not
see you. This was a great architectural art from the security point of view.
After visting Bada Imambara I came out from the building & took an auto to visit Chota Imambara
which is situated about 01 km. from Bara Imambara. It was built by
Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah in 1837. Attractive Chandeliers were brought
from Belgium. It is also known as palace of light.
The central hall of Chota Imambara lies in the graves of Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah & his mother Malika Aliya.
You can see the replica of Taj Mahal in the campus of Chota Imambara.
On the left side of Chota Imambara is Shahi Hamam (Bathroom) where there is a provision of hot and cold water at the same place.
Picture Gallery – In between Bada Imambara &
Chota Imambara there is Picture Gallery where there is a collection of
portrait of the rulers of Awadh. Some of the 3D paintings are mind
blowing.
Entry Ticket – Combined ticket for Bara Imambara , Bhulbhuliya , Bawali , Chota Imambara & Picture Gallery is Rs. 35/-
Guide Charges – Rs. 150/- per group.
After visiting these places, I explored Residency which I will cover in my next post.
1. Sham E Awadh - LUCKNOW
2. Residency
My first visit to Lucknow was in 1992 when I joined Ranbaxy, since than I have been to Lucknow many times but never visited any tourist place there in these last 18 years.
In February 2011, I had to attend a conference in SGPGI. On Sunday the conference got over after Lunch. After the wind up I left for the hotel. There I dropped my conference stuff, changed clothes & left hotel to visit Bada Imambara , Chota Imambara & Residency.
Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh which is situated at the bank of river Gomti. It is known for its Tehzeeb , Nazakat & Nawabs. Lucknow has rich History. From 1775 to 1856, it was capital of Awadh. It was named after Lakshman (younger brother of Lord Rama). Earlier it was known as Lakshman Puri than Lakhan Puri & now known as Lucknow. It is famous for Mughal Cuisine, Mangoes, Rewari & Chicken work in clothes.
I started my visit with one of the Lucknow’s famous monuments Bada Immabara.It is situated at 06 kms from Lucknow Railway Station. It was built by Nawab Asafud Daula in 1784. It took almost six years to be completed.
Bada Immabara
The construction was started for a noble cause as a relief to the famine struck citizen of Awadh. The constructed part of the building was used to be destroyed in the evening & it continued till the famine was over.In return labourers received money & food for their families.
Courtyard - Bada Immabara
Gate - Bada Immabara
Gate - Bada Immabara
The complex has following attraction:-
1. Main Building
2. Bhulbhuliya
3. Asafud daulan Mosque
4. Bowali (Well)
Main Building – As you enter inside the building , there is a wide courtyard in the front and further inside there are three halls which are known as Chinese , Persian & Indian Hall.
Main Bulding - Bada Immabara
Main Building - Bada Imambara
Main Building - Bada Imambara
Main Building - Bada Imambara
Main Building - Bada Immabara
main Building - Bada Immabara
Stairs to Bhulbhuliya
Passage - Bhulbhuliya
Bhulbhuliya - Top floor
View from top floor - Bhulbhuliya
Asafud daulan Mosque – On the left side of the main building you can see Asafud daulan Mosque. This mosque is with sculptured domes & minarets, thousands of people of Lucknow reach here on Friday to offer Namaz.
Asafud daulan Mosque - Bada Imambara
Asafud daulan Mosque - Bada Imambara
 |
| Bawali (Step Well) |
Bawali (Step Well)
Chota Imambara
close up - Chota Imambara
You can see the replica of Taj Mahal in the campus of Chota Imambara.
Replica of Taj Mahal - Chota Imambara
Shahi Hamam - Chota Imambara
Shahi Hamam - Chota Imambara
Picture Gallery
Picture Gallery
Guide Charges – Rs. 150/- per group.
Chota Imambara
After visiting these places, I explored Residency which I will cover in my next post.
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