Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is often overlooked in favor of bigger cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Yet this city is one of the oldest in India, and it has long been a cultural hub on the Indian subcontinent. Here are three reasons you should see Lucknow at least once in your life. We’ll give specific recommendations as well as general advice for those considering a visit.

The Architecture

The Bara Imambara is perhaps the largest hall in the world with no supporting pillars. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Lucknow. Pictures of the 50 meter by 15 meter hall don’t do it justice. The classic architecture is amazing. The Chhota Imambara and its gold-plated domes are reminiscent of similar and more crowded attractions elsewhere in India.

The Rumi Darwaza was built in the same style as gates in Istanbul. This is why it is called the Turkish Gateway. Lucknow is dotted with landmarks that hint at its multicultural history. That’s why the Husainabad Clock Tower looks so much like Big Ben in the UK. Ambedkar Memorial Park is beautiful, and the sight is breathtaking when it is lit up at night.

Another reason to visit Lucknow is the fact that the city is one of the closet major cities to Agra. If you search for a Lucknow hotel booking online, you can find affordable five star hotels in Lucknow that resemble palaces for less than a mid-market hotel in Agra. If you take the five to six hour train ride from Agra to Lucknow, the Lucknow railway station is a work of art worth a tour on its own.

The History

Lucknow was founded in the 13th century. Chowk, the oldest part of Lucknow , is like a step back in time, the old world architecture often stretching for a block before modernity intrudes. For those interested in the British colonial period, the ruins of the British Residency in Lucknow are a must-see. During the 1857 Indian Mutiny, several thousand British officers tried to take refuge here. Two thousand are buried on the grounds, while the building itself is a memorial museum. There are a number of other memorials related to the Revolt of 1857, such as the Begum Hazrat Mahal.

The Culture

Lucknow, also called the City of Nawabs, has been home to many of India’s greatest poets and scholars. It has long been home to artists and musicians. You can visit schools that teach classical music to students there today, while the Lalit Kala Academy and Sangeet Natak Kala Academy regularly hold shows for the public. The Lucknow Mahotsav or Lucknow Festival is an annual ten-day cultural event you must see if you can arrive in time.

Lucknow is famous for its cuisine. Chaat is popular here, while kebabs and a number of other dishes are worth the trip to sample them at least once in your life.

Lucknow contains a mix of classic Indian, Mughal, British colonial and modern architecture, and you can find many testaments to the city’s place in history. Lucknow still delivers its classic cuisine, handicrafts and arts to the public and is a must visit destination.