ABOUT LUCKNOW

Lucknow was the epicentre of the 1857 War of Independence, and much before that, it was the seat of a line of nawabs who gave the city its unique identity.

Literature, cuisine, performing arts and tehzeeb put Lucknow a cut above the rest - and the world acknowledges it.

Among the magnificent monuments are Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Kaiserbagh Heritage Zone, Residency and Dilkusha.

Chikan embroidery and zardozi have made Lucknow a brand in global fashion.

Kebabs and biryani are the two lip-smacking delicacies that beckon visitors again and again.

Relax and enjoy the city's new age facilities, and visit again.

Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, lies in the middle of the Heritage Arc.

This bustling city, famed for its Nawabi era finesse and amazing food, is a unique mix of the ancient and the modern. It is home to extraordinary monuments depicting a fascinating blend of ancient, colonial and oriental architecture.

• Area : 2.528 sq. km.
• Population: 36,47,834 (2001 census)
• Altitude 123 mts. above sea level.
• Season October - March
• Clothing (Summer): Cottons
• Clothing (Winter): Woollens
• Language: Hindi, Urdu, English
• Local Transport: Bus/Tempo/Auto Rickshaw/Taxi Tonga/Cycle Rickshaw
• STD Code : 0522

Dewa Sharif

Dewa Sharif is a famous pilgrimage town about 25 km from Lucknow in Barabanki district. It is the seat of renowned shrine of Sufi Saint Haji Waris Ali Shah, an exponent of universal brotherhood and has a special place in the history of Awadh. Haji Waris Ali Shah commanded mystical powers and revered by members of all communities. His father Qurban Ali Shah too was a Sufi Saint. Devotees from far off places visit their "Mazars", popularly known as Deva Sharif.

A splendid monument stands in his memory in Dewa which is visited by his followers in large numbers throughout the year. On the occasion of the annual Urs, a 10 days fair is held here in the month of October - November every year known as Dewa Mela to commemorate the saint. It includes an all India Mushaira, Kavi Sammelan, music performances etc. The place also offers a good range of handicrafts for the tourists. A brilliant display of fireworks marks the conclusion of the fair. An annual fair in November is a perfect example of universal brotherhood.

Ayodhya

Famed as the birth place of Lord Ram, it is an important pilgrimage centre situated on the right bank of the river Saryu, about 110 km from Lucknow.

For centuries, it was the capital of the descendants of the Surya dynasty of which Lord Rama was the most renowned king. Ayodhya during ancient times was known as Kaushal Desh. Skand and some other Puranas rank Ayodhya as one of the seven most sacred cities of India.

Ayodhya is pre-eminently a city of temples. Remnants of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam can still be found in Ayodhya. According to Jain tradition, five Tirthankaras were born at Ayodhya, including Adinath (Rishabhadeva) the 1st Tirthankar. Ramkot, Hanumangarhi,Kanak Bhawan and Suraj Kund appear to spring up from pages of history.

The Saryu is a sacred river and finds mention in ancient scriptures. Hundreds of devotees come here to take a holy dip in Saryu throughout the year on various religious occasions.

Naimisharanya

Naimisharanya, 95km from Lucknow, is regarded as one of the most sacred places of pilgrimage.

Situated on the bank of the Gomti river, Naimisharanya is believed to be known since ancient times and it is the holy place where many sages performed their penance.

Chakratirth, Vyas Gaddi, Suraj Kund, Pandav fort, Hanuman Garhi and Lalita Devi temple are places of worship here that attracts a large number of devotees.

For pilgrims, parikrama of Naimisharanya has great significance. It is held every year in the month of March.

Bithoor

A small temple town on the outskirts of Kanpur, on the bank of the Ganga, Bithoor is a tranquil place full of religious and historical significance that is ideal for a peaceful day out.

It dates back to ancient times and its past is wrapped in legends and fables. It is believed that after the destruction of the universe and its subsequent restoration by Lord Vishnu, Bithoor was chosen by Lord Brahma as his abode. It is also the birth place of Lord Rama's sons, Lav and Kush. It is here that day spent their childhood.

Bithoor is also known for its association with historical figures such as Rani Laxmi Bai and Nana Saheb Peshwa, who played an instrumental role in India's freedom struggle.

Bithoor offers a grand view of the vast expanse of the Ganga on sunrise and sunset, besides pilgrimage and historical sites such as Valmiki Ashram, Brahmavart Ghat, Dhruv Teela and Nana Saheb's palace.

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary

It is a welcome pause midway on the Lucknow-Kanpur highway, with a sparkling lake and a vast green expanse.

It is famous bird sanctuary which is known to host Siberian cranes among scores of migratory bird species that rest here during the winter months.

This pleasant wetland is also home to hundreds of Indian and migratory birds. The sanctuary also houses a deer park, watchtowers and boats.

Dudhwa

This National Park is situated in the Tarai foothills in Lakhimpur Kheri district bordering Nepal, about 265 km from Lucknow.

Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is one of the finest examples of the few remaining exceedingly diverse and productive Tarai eco-system. The northern edge of the reserve lies along the Indo-Nepal border and the southern boundary is marked by the river Suheli.

Dudhwa is home to tigers, leopards, varieties of deer, antelopes and elephants amid thick green forest and grassland.

Being a quiet, tranquil and green nest, Dudhwa is a bird watchers' heaven, Dudhwa is also noted for its wide variety-about 400 species.

Katarnia Ghat

A swathe of pristine forest about 200 km from Lucknow in Bahraich district, Katarnia Ghat is part of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.

Katarnia Ghat is connected across the border to Bardia National Park in Nepal. Girwa and Kodiala Rivers which adjoins and are later known as Ghaghra, traverse the sanctuary.

The Girwa river is home to fresh water Gangetic dolphins which can be seen galloping merrily in the river.