Rumi Daewaja
Address: Husainabad, Lucknow 226003
An exquisite example of Awadhi architecture, the Rumi Darwaza is a 60-foot-tall gateway located close to historical landmarks such as Bada Imambara and Chota Imambara in the city of Lucknow. The exquisite arch-shaped doorway is as central to Lucknow, as India Gate is to Delhi or Gateway of India is to Mumbai. Built in the 18th century, Rumi Darwaza is famed for its intricate carvings, architectural beauty and the vantage point on its top which offers panoramic views of the city (though entry to the topmost point is restricted mostly). This striking gateway is also known as the Turkish Gate, because of its resemblance with the entrance gate in Istanbul.
Jama Masjid
Address: Tedi Pulia, Sahara Market Ring Road, Kursi Road, Ashish Nagar, Adil Nagar, Lucknow 226026
Built entirely in sparkling off-white sandstone, Lucknow’s Jama Masjid is considered to be one of the most beautiful mosques in India. Constructed in the 15th century, this architectural wonder will leave you spellbound with the calligraphy on its walls, its picturesque domes and striking minarets. Standing tall with 260 pillars, the mosque has 15 arched domes complete with exquisite carvings and stone work. Still used for daily prayers, the mosque is decorated on special festivals such asId-ul-Fitr and Id-ul-Zuha. Located towards the north-west of Chota Imambara, the mosque is an important landmark in the city of nawabs.
Chota Imambara
Address: Machchhi Bhavan, Lucknow 22600
Fondly called the palace of lights because of the stunning chandeliers and decorations that light up the building on special occasions, Chota Imambara is located adjacent to the Bada Imambara in the heart of Lucknow. Several minarets, turrets, domes and large courtyards make this historical monument a popular pit-stop for anyone visiting Lucknow. The stunning marble work, striking interiors decorated with grand and colourful chandeliers and sprawling gardens add to the majestic charm of the Imambara. Built by the third nawab of Awadh, Muhammad Ali Shah in the 19th century, the imposing monument also houses two replicas of Agra’s Taj Mahal, which are the tombs of Mohammed Ali Shah’s daughter and her husband.
Bada Imambara
Address: Near Machchhi Bhavan, Machchhi Bhavan, Lucknow 226003
Located at the bank of Gomti River in Lucknow, this historic tomb was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 and is a must-see for history-lovers. The intricate carvings on the walls, arches and gateways of Bada Imambara are reminiscent of the Mughal-era. After you enter the complex from any of the two enormous gateways, be prepared to getamazed by the sheer size and architectural beauty of the labyrinth of corridors, arches and courtyards at this 18th-century shrine. Its main attraction is a maze called the ‘Bhool Bhulaiya’, a convoluted network of hundreds of narrow pathways and identical doors, which leads to the rooftop balconies. Besides this, the historical marvel also includes a façade covered with thick trees and lush gardens, a mosque, tazias (small replicas of Imam Hussain’s tomb in Karbala, Iraq), and rooftop balconies which offer panoramic views of the Imambara and Lucknow.
