Lucknow is currently in news because of all the political drama happening due to upcoming state elections. While all the action is happening through rallies, media or even within Political families, I am reminded of my time in Lucknow which I will cherish for ever.
I am reminded of several delicacies which are optimally cooked with all the passion to provide us the best of pleasure derived from eating.
Well, Lucknow is not all about being the culinary cauldron but holds a similarly rich and prominent history.
Though one can never get enough of the Rahim's Kulcha Nahari, Tunday Kebabs or even wahid's roasted chicken curries, the locals are proud of the Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb they belong to.
I have tried to present few of the aspects on Lucknow trough the below pics which I clicked during an unfinished personal project of capturing the essence of Lucknow in a Coffee Table Book.
1. Asafi Mosque
Asafi Mosque: Named After Nawab Asaf Ud- Daulah, this shrine is restricted only to Muslim visitors. This was one of the last monuments constructed without the use of Iron and still you can witness the grandeur of its structure standing tall with pride.
2. Baoli
Legend has it that the Dewan of the Nawab had killed himself by drowning himself in this stepwell to save the Nawabi treasure from Britishers . That time this stepwell used to be the source of water for construction of other structures in the Bara Imambara complex as we see it today.
3. Bara Imambara - Lucknow ka BhulBhulaiya
A Structure which was constructed to provide employment to the locals during the 1784 Famines in the region. It houses a magnificent 485 identical door Labyrinth which is an attraction for the visitors.
4. Asafi Mosque (Close Up)
5. La Martiniere Boys college
The La Martiniere Boys’ college is the only school in the world to have been awarded ‘Royal Battle Honours’ for its role in the defence of Lucknow during the mutiny of 1857. The school has been featured in movies like Gadar: ek Prem Katha (The Hand Pump Scene), Anwar and many other.
6. Malihabad Mango Farms
Mujhse pooch, tumhe khabar kya hai, aam ke aage naishakar kya hai- Mirza Ghalib. The small town of Malihabad some 35 kms from Lucknow is known as the Mango capital of World. Some 700 varieties of Mangoes are grown here. This is one place you can always visit to savour the sweetness of your life.
7. Idris Ki Biryani
Started almost 40 Year back this not so well maintained shop is offering one of the best flavours of Biryani you could ever imagine just for INR 50. A must try on your visit to Lucknow. It is located near Chowk, Patanala. Read more in detail here
