Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, is located on the banks of the Gomti River. Lucknow could be termed the cultural center of northern India where people are too polite. From ancient times, the city is known for its silks, perfumes, jewelry, mouth-watering cuisines, and nawabi etiquettes. The city is very much able in accommodating the modernity, keeping the tradition and culture alive altogether.

Places to see:

• The Bada Imambada: Built by Asaf-ud-Daula in the year 1784, it was a part of the famine relief project, where a number of labourers were appointed to build this Imambada. It is a big vaulted hall with a length of 50 m and a height of 15 m. There is also the bhul bhulaiya-an amazing maze that might need a tourist guide to get through.
• Rumi Darwaza: this was also built as a relief work during the famine of 1783. Said to be a facsimile of one of the gates of Constantinople, this soaring edifice, which is 60 feet high, can match any similar structure in point of beauty and splendour.
• Husainabad Imambada: Also known as Chhota Imambada, this imambada was the brainchild of Mohammed Ali Shah, who built it in 1837. It is believed to be the mausoleum of Mohammed Ali Shah himself. The main imambada is topped by a golden dome, which is supposed to be the tomb of Ali Shah and his mother. There also lies the incomplete watchtower called the satkhanda just opposite the tomb. There is also the tallest clock tower estimated to be 67 m high overlooking the Husainabad tank.
• Residency: The ruins of Lucknow Residency give a clear picture of the British rule in India. It was the Mansion of East India Company's agent in Avadh during the Sepoy Mutiny. This historical monument lies just near to the Hazratganj area which is the centre of the city.
• Jami Masjid: Jami Masjid is the largest mosque of Lucknow. The construction of this Masjid was started by Mohammed Shah and was completed by his wife after his death in the 1840s. You can see the wonderful paintings on the ceilings with the leaf and fruit bowl patterns. To the right side of the Bada Imambada lies another mosque named after Asaf-ud-Daula.

• By Air: SLucknow is well connected with the other important towns and cities of the country by air. Most of the domestic flight operators have regular scheduled flights to the Lucknow airport Amausi, which is about 15 km away from the main city area.
• By Rail: Almost all the major train routes touch this city. With the two major railway junctions namely Charbagh and Lucknow that lie side by side, one has a variety of choices for travelling to and from the city.
• By Road: Lucknow is very well connected by a network of roads and road transport to all major towns of Uttar Pradesh and surrounding areas. Delhi is 497 km from Lucknow, Agra is 363 km away, Allahabad is 238 km, Dehradun is 582 km, Kanpur is 77 km, and Varanasi is 300 km.