About
Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, in northern India. It is best known for its Nawabi culture, a refined tradition of courtly manners, music, poetry and hospitality that still shapes daily life in the old quarters of the city. For a visitor, it offers a slower and more graceful side of India than many larger destinations.
What to see and do
The city's architectural heritage is its strongest draw. Wandering through the older streets gives a sense of the Nawabi period, when the city was a centre of arts and learning. Visitors interested in history and buildings will find plenty to explore on foot.
Food and craft
Lucknow is famous for its kebabs, which are a highlight for many travellers, and its rich, carefully prepared cooking more broadly. The city is also known for chikankari, a delicate style of embroidery. Shopping for chikankari work is a natural way to take a piece of the city home.
- Cuisine: Kebabs and Nawabi-style dishes, best enjoyed slowly.
- Craft: Chikankari embroidery, a local speciality.
- Heritage: Architecture and streets that reflect the city's Nawabi past.
Lucknow suits travellers who enjoy history, food and handicrafts, and who are happy to take their time. Those who value an unhurried pace and a strong sense of local identity are likely to find it rewarding.
