Been home for almost 3 months now, and I have been looking back at my travel memories with more fondness than ever before. It is right when people say you never value the importance of something until it is gone. As I was going through some old photographs, I was once again stuck by the sheer beauty and magnificence of Lucknow and its beautiful Mughal monuments and of course, their delicious kebabs.

Here are my top 5 places in Lucknow I loved visiting.

Bara Imambara


Built by the Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula,Bara Imambara is now of the biggest attractions in this City of Nawabs. The shrine complex includes the Asfi Mosque and the famous Bhul Bhulaiya. The mosque also houses the tomb of Asaf-ud-Daula. There is also a200-foot-deep step well inside the complex that would be used as a rainwater collection system during the old times. The central hall of the Bara Imambara has a central arch that’s over 15 meters tall and spreads across 800 square meters. A fascinating bit is that the arch stands tall without any support beams or pillars. The Bhul Bhulaiya is an architectural maze comprising of 489 identical doorways, with several interconnected passages to each other.This stunning architectural marvel also provides a lot of great photo opportunities.

Rumi Darwaza


An iconic symbol of Lucknow, the Rumi Drawaza is the pride and shine of this city. Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula started the construction of this massive monument as a means to create more jobs during a severe famine in 1784. The monument is said to have been inspired by the architectural style of Bab-i-Humayun Gateway in Turkey. The Lucknow counterpart is sixty feet tall and the intricate carvings are an example of the beauty of Awadhi architecture.

Feast on kebabs at Tunday Kebabi


Lucknow aaye aur Kebab nahi khaaye… Toh kya hi Lucknow aaye?

This city is most-known for its soft, tender and juicy mutton kebabs. If you are looking for a place to have delicious non-veg food, Tunday Kebabi is among the most famous restaurants in Lucknow. With multiple branches in the city, the Chowk outlet serves only beef kebabs, while the Aminabad outlet serves both mutton and beef kebabs. Feast on a varied platter of lip-smacking kebabs of your choice!

Experience the yummy Makkhan Malai


This is a famous sweet dish found in many parts of Uttar Pradesh. Street vendors selling a thick, fluffy whipping cream topped with almonds and pistachios, the Makkhan Malai is one dish you should not miss if you’re visiting Lucknow during the winter months. It is delicious treat for your taste buds, especially for sweet lovers.

Indulge in chocolaty goodness at The Hazelnut Factory


The best place to have cakes and other baked goods in Lucknow, The Hazelnut Factory is a must-visit store for all chocolate lovers. Decorated like a nice cosy café, they serve a wide variety of cakes, pastries, brownies and milkshakes, as well as sandwiches, pizza, pasta, burger, and more. The Hazelnut Factory has two outlets in the city, one at Nirala Nagar and the other at Gomti Nagar. If you’re craving a mean chocolate shake, this is the place to try.

Just writing this blog has made my heart ache. I had the most wonderful time at Lucknow, met some amazing people, and feasted on amazing dishes. Hopefully, we can be free to travel again very soon.