LUCKNOW
LUCKNOW Established by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah on the banks of River Gomati, this ancient capital of Awadh which is also the present capital of Uttar Pradesh was famous for its Urdu poetry, courtly diction, Indo-Islamic etiquette and highly chromatic music. This cultural extravaganza reached its zenith during the reign of Nawab Wazid Ali Shah, the most indolent and extravagant Nawab, who was a great connoisseur of aesthetics. Today, the city is dotted with the reminiscent of its historic past which includes Chota Imambara, Bara Imambara, Shah Najaf Imambara, the Residency, Kaiserbagh Palace and the National Botanical Research Institute. Interesting excursions from this regal city include Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary and Kukrail Reserve Forest . The Chota and Shah Najaf Imambaras, which houses the royal tombs, are richly decorated and neatly gardened. The Bara Imamabara, however, is a paean of architectural mastery of the period. The central hall of this building is probably the largest...