Hometel Alambagh, Lucknow - Uttar Pradesh

Explore Lucknow: A Journey Through Awadhi Heritage and Architectural Splendour

Immerse yourself in the captivating charm of the City of Nawabs during your stay at Sarovar Hotels. Lucknow offers a magnificent tapestry of history, imperial grandeur, and architectural marvels. Discover the seminal landmarks that define this historic capital.

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  Bada Imambara

  Equally renowned as the Asafi Imambara, this monumental shrine complex was commissioned in 1784 by Asaf-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Awadh. Deriving its prefix from the Hindi word 'Bara'—meaning big or grand—this sacred venue was constructed as an assembly hall for Shia Muslims to observe Azadari. Distinguished as the second-largest imambara in existence after the Nizamat Imambara, the monument stands as an extraordinary triumph of accidental architecture. Two grand, imposing gateways lead visitors into the central hall, whilst the surrounding precinct houses several remarkable features: Asfi Mosque:A majestic house of worship located within the sacred grounds. Bhul-bhulaiya:An intricate, world-renowned elevated labyrinth. Fascinatingly, whilst there are 1,024 distinct pathways designed to reach the panoramic terrace, there are only two ways to return to the ground level—exclusively via the first gate or the last gate. The Bowli:A dramatically steep stepwell nourished by continuously running water.

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  Chota Imambara

  Formally designated as the Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak, this imposing structure remains one of Lucknow's most captivating architectural gems. Commissioned in 1838 by Muhammad Ali Shah, the Nawab of Awadh, the magnificent complex required 54 years to reach total completion. Built primarily as a congregation hall for Shia Muslims, the monument also functions as an exquisite mausoleum for the Nawab himself, who rests alongside his mother in the sacred precinct.

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  Rumi Darwaza

  Soaring to a majestic height of sixty feet, the Rumi Darwaza—frequently referred to as the Turkish Gate—stands as a triumph of Awadhi architecture. Constructed in 1784 under the patronage of Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula, its grand design was directly modelled after the Sublime Porte (Bab-iHümayun) in Istanbul. Situated adjacent to the Asafi Imambara and the Teele Wali Masjid, this monumental portal has evolved to become the iconic official emblem of the city of Lucknow. Historically built to mark the principal entry point into Old Lucknow, the archway was later repurposed as the gateway to a royal palace, which was subsequently demolished by the British Raj following the Indian Mutiny.

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  La Martinière College

  Situated in Uttar Pradesh's historic capital, La Martinière College is an elite private educational institution celebrated for its rich legacy. The institution comprises two distinct campuses: La Martinière Boys' College, founded in 1845, and La Martinière Girls' College, established in 1869. La Martinière Boys' College holds an unparalleled place in global history as the only school in the world to be decorated with official royal battle honours. This singular distinction was awarded in recognition of the active role played by its staff and pupils in the defence of Lucknow and the Lucknow Residency during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.