Heritage Journey
to Lucknow

A massive 108-acre memorial park in Gomti Nagar, dedicated to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and social reformers like Jyotirao Phule, Narayana Guru, Birsa Munda, and Kanshi Ram. Built with red sandstone from Rajasthan, the park features the magnificent Ambedkar Stupa inspired by Buddhist architecture, a 12-foot bronze statue of Ambedkar modeled on Lincoln Memorial, and 62 monumental elephant sculptures at the entrance. The complex also includes a museum, art gallery, and an 80-foot viewing pyramid with cascading water features. The park was opened in 2008 by then Chief Minister Mayawati at an estimated cost of ₹7 billion.

• Ambedkar Stupa with 4 lotus-shaped petals and bronze statue
• Pratibimb Sthal entrance guarded by 62 elephants
• Drashya Sthal pyramid offering panoramic views
• Social Transformation Museum with marble statues
• Evening light and sound show

Formerly known as Prince of Wales Zoological Gardens, this 71.6-acre zoo was established in 1921 to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales to Lucknow. Now named after the last Nawab of Awadh, it is one of only two zoos in India housing orangutans. The zoo is home to over 97 species including 463 mammals, 298 birds, and 72 reptiles. Major attractions include royal Bengal tigers, white tigers, Asiatic lions, Himalayan black bears, Indian rhinoceros, giraffes, hippos, and the rare Hoolock gibbon. The zoo features a toy train, vintage locomotive display, nocturnal house, aquarium, and the State Museum. It receives 11-12 lakh visitors annually.

• Rare orangutan exhibit (only 2 zoos in India)
• 1.5 km toy train ride through the zoo
• Nocturnal house with owls and porcupines
• Vintage British-era locomotive display
• Boat paddling and aquarium

Built around 1800 by British resident Major Gore Ouseley for Nawab Saadat Ali Khan, Dilkusha Kothi is a stunning example of English Baroque architecture in India. Originally designed as a hunting lodge and summer resort for the Nawabs of Awadh, its architecture bears a startling resemblance to Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland, England. The building features patterned walls and no inner courtyard, making it taller and more compact than traditional Indian architecture. During the 1857 Siege of Lucknow, the house was heavily shelled and recaptured by British forces under Sir Colin Campbell. General Henry Havelock died here from dysentery on November 24, 1857. Today, the ruins stand preserved by the Archaeological Society of India in peaceful gardens along the Gomti River.

• English Baroque style with Gothic elements
• 1857 First War of Independence memorial site
• Peaceful gardens perfect for picnics
• Less crowded, serene atmosphere
• Located near La Martinière College

One of Asia's largest parks, sprawling across 376 acres (1.52 sq km) in Gomti Nagar, opened to the public in 2014. Named after Samajwadi Party politician Janeshwar Mishra, the park features a 25-foot tall statue at its central location. Designed by the prestigious New Delhi-based School of Planning and Architecture, the park offers dedicated cycling tracks (including a 10.5 km track), jogging paths, two large water bodies (14 acres and 18 acres) attracting migratory birds, boating and gondola facilities, a sports complex, gymnasium, and a children's play area. The park is entirely solar-powered and features MIG aircraft and tanks at the entrance. The park has 5.28 km, 8.85 km, and 10.5 km walking/jogging tracks.

• Dedicated cycling tracks and jogging paths (up to 10.5 km)
• Boating, gondola, and children's play area
• Migratory bird watching at the lakes
• MIG aircraft and tank display at entrance
• Fully solar-powered with meditation spaces

A labyrinth of narrow lanes in the heart of old Lucknow, Chowk is a haven for traditional handicrafts dating back to the Nawabi era. This ancient market is famous for Chikankari embroidery, Zardozi and Kamdani work, silver jewelry, ittar (traditional perfumes), and the legendary Tunday Kebabs at the century-old shop. The market is known for preserving Lucknow's artistic heritage through its narrow galis (lanes) like Chikankari Gali and Ittar Gali. The evening bazaar comes alive with local food stalls serving chaat, kulfi, and the famous Makkhan Malai.

• Authentic Chikankari and Zardozi embroidery shopping
• 100-year-old Tunday Kebab shop
• Traditional ittar (perfume) and silver jewelry
• Narrow heritage lanes with old-world charm
• Best visited in evening for food and atmosphere

The heart of modern Lucknow, Hazratganj was built by Amjad Ali Shah in 1810 as the Queen's Way where the British paraded their carriages. Today, it is the city's most prominent shopping and entertainment district, often called the "Harrods of Lucknow." In 2010-2011, the market was beautified with Victorian-style lamps, fountains, benches, and uniform shop colors. The area features multiple shopping malls including a 425,000 sq. ft. five-story complex, Big Bazaar, Superstore, Gurjari Handloom Emporium, and Gandhi Ashram handicrafts. Visitors can find everything from luxury cars to traditional Chikan kurtas, antiques, handicrafts, and modern fashion. The market also houses PVR cinema, restaurants, food courts, and famous offices. It remains closed on Sundays.

• Victorian-style heritage market with evening lights
• Chikan embroidery and traditional handicrafts
• Branded showrooms and luxury shopping
• Theatres, cafes, and fine dining restaurants
• Best visited in evening for colonial-era charm