Two Days in Lucknow: A Suggested Itinerary

Walk Slow. Eat Well. Listen to the City.

Lucknow is not just the capital of Awadh. It is a feeling. It is grace. It is poetry in brick and memory.

In my previous posts, I shared the detailed stories of Bara Imambara, Chhota Imambara, and the Residency. This two-day Lucknow itinerary is a simple guide. No deep architectural explanation here. Just suggestions. Just experiences.

I assume you arrive in the morning and stay in Old Lucknow. Use auto rickshaws. Walk as much as possible. The real Lucknow is found on foot.

Day 1: Nawabi Grandeur and Street Flavours

Morning: Tonga Ride to Bara Imambara and Shahi Baoli

Start early.

Visit Bara Imambara first. Read my earlier post if you want the full story behind it. Here, just feel it.

Climb up. Get lost in the labyrinth. Try finding your own way out. You may fail. That is the fun.

Do not skip Shahi Baoli inside the complex. Stand quietly and observe. Let history speak.

Take your time. There is no hurry in Lucknow. Detail of the plan and story can be found in my post : Lucknow Tour: Part 1 – Asafi Imambara (Bara Imambara) and Rumi Darwaza

Late Morning: Hussainabad Area

Now hire a tonga. Bargain politely. Enjoy the slow ride.

You will pass through the grand Rumi Darwaza. Stop for photos.

Continue toward Chota Imambara. The same ticket works here.

Before entering, look around. You will also see:

• Hussainabad Clock Tower
• Hussainabad Picture Gallery
• Hussainabad Tank

Spend time inside Chhota Imambara. If Bara Imambara feels like a wise saint, Chhota Imambara feels like a decorated bride. The chandeliers alone are worth the visit. Detail can be found here: Lucknow Tour: Part 2 – Hussainabad Imambara (Chhota Imambara), Clock Tower, Picture Gallery and Hussainabad Tank

Lunch: Tunday Kababi, Aminabad

By now it should be around 12:30 PM. You must be hungry.

Take an auto to Aminabad. Get down near Khayal Chowk and walk to Tunday Kababi.

Order Galouti Kabab with paratha.

Do not rush. Taste it slowly. This is Awadh on a plate.

Afternoon: Qaisar Bagh and Royal Tombs

After lunch, walk through Qaisar Bagh. Wander in the lanes. Look at the old buildings. Listen carefully. Every corner has a story.

Your walk will lead you to the Tombs of Saadat Ali Khan and Khurshid Zadi. Pause there. These monuments silently narrate the last golden years of Lucknow.

Evening: Street Food

Before going back to your hotel, explore street food in Aminabad and Qaisar Bagh.

Try chaat, aloo tikki, pani puri, and local kababs.

Do not overthink hygiene. Street food in Lucknow is part of the adventure.

Rest well. Tomorrow is about history.

Day 2: The Silent Witness of 1857

Start early again.

Visit Lucknow Residency.

Walk slowly through the ruins. Look at the bullet marks. Read the plaques. If you want the full story, read my previous post on the Residency and the Sepoy Mutiny.

Do not hurry here. This place demands silence. Details are written here: Lucknow Tour: Part 3 – Residency: The silent witness of Sepoy Mutiny

Lunch: Awadhi Biryani

After the Residency, it is time for Awadhi Biryani.

Lucknow’s biryani is subtle. Light. Aromatic. Many believe this is the original royal style.

Find a reputed local restaurant and enjoy it calmly.

Dessert: Lucknow Paan

After lunch — or even after dinner — have a Lucknow Paan.

You will find many paan stalls in the market. Choose one. Try it. This is the traditional sweet ending.

If You Have More Time

If your schedule allows, visit:

• Karbala Kazmain
• Chhatar Manzil

Lucknow cannot be finished in two days. But in two days, you can feel its soul.

Walk gently. Eat generously. Listen patiently.

Lucknow will whisper the rest.

Useful Tips:

• Stay at Old Lucknow. Do not stay at Gomati Nagar. It will cost huge in transport.
• Travel either by auto rickshaw or by your feet.
• Be a bargainer. Else it will be 40% over budgeted tour.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Lucknow is prone to communal riot for last two years.
• Carry a bottle of water with you. This part of India is very hot and do not drink water from everywhere. Instead drink mineral water.
• Increase your onion intake if you are not going in winter. Onion will help you from heat stroke.
• Avoid strolling after dark.