BHOPAL


A City of Many Splendors Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh combines scenic beauty, historicity and modern urban planning. It is situated on the site of an 11th century city, Bhojapal, founded by Raja Bhoja.

Bhopal today presents a multi-faceted profile; the old city with its teeming market places and fine old mosques and palaces still bear the aristocratic imprint of its former rulers; among them the succession of powerful Begums who ruled Bhopal from 1819 to 1926. Equally impressive is the new city with its verdant, exquisitely laid out parks and gardens, broad avenues and streamlined modern edifices.

The founder of the existing city was Afghan soldier Dost Mohammad (1708-1740). Fleeing from Delhi in the chaotic period that followed Aurangzeb's death, Dost Mohammad met the Gond queen Kamlapati, who sought his aid after the murder of her consort.

A charming legend relates how the queen would recline in a lotus barge that, on moonlit nights, would drift across the lake. The two lakes of Bhopal still dominate the city, and are indeed its nucleus. Bordered along their shores stand silent sentinels that testify to the growth of a city.

Places to visit

Jama Masjid have Gold spikes crown the minarets of this beautiful mosque built in 1837 by Kudsia Begum. Moti Masjid is Architecturally akin to Delhi's Jama Masjid, this imposing mosque was built by Sikander Jehan, daughter of Kudsia Begum, in 1860.The Taj-ul-Masajid is one of the largest mosques in Asia, built by Nawab Shahjehan Begum around a courtyard with a large tank in the centre and with an imposing double storeyed gate-way with 4 recessed archways and 9 imposing cusped multifoiled openings in the main prayer hall. The Quibla wall in the prayer hall is carved with 11 recessed arches, while the mimber is made of black basalt. The structure is enlivened by the limpid expanse of water in the tank outside the northern wall. The monumentality of this structure was much greater originally when it faced the towering bastions of the Fatehgarh Fort. A three-day Ijtima congregation held here annually draws people from all over the country.

Gohar Mahal Situated behind Shaukat Mahal on the banks of the Upper Lake is Gohar Mahal, which is an architectural gem dating back to the times of Kudsia Begum, also known as Gohar Begum, who built this sprawling palace in 1820. The Mahal is a magnificent expression of the fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture.

Bharat Bhawan One of the most unique national institutes in India, Bharat Bhawan is a centre for the performing and visual arts. Designed by renowned architect, Charles Correa, the contours of Bharat Bhawan merge in exquisite harmony with the landscape creating a visual impact of spacious and natural elegance. The centre houses a museum of the arts, an art gallery, a workshop for fine arts, a repertory theater, indoor and outdoor auditorium, a rehearsal room and libraries of Indian poetry, classical and folk music. Open from 2 pm to 8 PM everyday except Mondays.

Van Vihar This safari-park is located on a hill adjacent to the Upper Lake, with an area of 445 hectares. In these natural surroundings, wildlife watchers can view a variety of herbivorous and carnivorous species. Open everyday, except Tuesday, from 7-11 am and 3-5.30 PM

Upper and Lower Lakes The Upper Lake is divided from the Lower Lake by an overbridge. M. P. Tourism's Boat Club on the Upper Lake provides facilities for exciting trips by sail, paddle and motor boats.

Chowk In the heart of the city, the Chowk is lined with old mosques, havelis, reminders of a bygone era. The shops in its narrow alleys are treasure troves of traditional Bhopali crafts : silver jewellery, exquisitely fashioned beadwork, embroidered and sequined velvet fashioned purses and cushions.

Government Archaeological Museum A fine collection of sculptures are on display here from various parts of Madhya Pradesh. Highlights of the collection are paintings of various schools, copies of paintings from the Bagh caves near Mandu and the statues of Alakshmi and the Buddha. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Laxmi Narayan Temple and Museum This beautiful temple on the Arera Hills has a Museum attached to it which houses a collection of sculptures from Raisen, Sehore, Mandsaur and Shahdol districts of Madhya Pradesh. The museum is open from 9am to 5pm everyday except Mondays. More Museums in Madhya Pradesh

Regional Science Centre Basically a science museum, located on the picturesque Shamala Hills, Regional Science Centre houses about 300 participatory exhibits distributed equally in 'Invention' & 'Fun Science' galleries, and a 'taramandal' (Planetarium). The museum remains open from 10.30 am to 6.30 PM on all 7 days in a week. The centre is closed on holi & diwali.

Access Air : Regular flights connect Bhopal with Delhi, Gwalior, Indore and Mumbai.
Rail : Bhopal is on the Delhi-Chennai main line. Major trains going from Mumbai to Delhi via Itarsi and Jhansi also go through Bhopal.
Bus : Regular bus services connect Bhopal with Indore(186 km), Mandu(285 km), Ujjain(188 km), Khajuraho(383 km), Pachmarhi(195 km), Gwalior(423 km), Sanchi(46 km), Jabalpur(295 km) and Shivpuri(311 km).
Best Season : Throughout the year.

INDORE


Planned and built by Rani Ahilyabai, the brave Holkar queen, Indore lies to the extreme west of Madhya Pradesh on the banks of the rivers Saraswati and Khan which unite at the centre of the city. The bustling and vibrant city, 186 km from Bhopal, derives its name from the 18th century Indreshwar temple

The history of Indore is inseparable from the history of the Holkar State. The founder of the House of Holkars was Malhar Rao Holkar, born in 1693 AD. His soldierly qualities brought him to the forefront under the Peshwa and he was rewarded with the gift of territories comprising the Indore region. Malhar Rao was succeeded by his grandson, on whose death, without issue, his mother, Maharani Devi Ahilya Bai ascended the throne

Ahilya Bai was one of the foremost Maratha personalities and an extraordinary woman ruler of India. Her cherished desire was to promote the prosperity of the region and its people. She was the rare Indian royalty who was deified in her lifetime.

Though Ahilya Bai loved Indore immensely, it was only after her death that the State capital was shifted from Maheshwar to Indore in 1811 AD. Today, her statue adorns the centre of the city, Rajwada. Indore continued to be the State capital until the formation of Madhya Bharat State in 1948.

Places to visit

Bijasen Tekri A 2 minutes drive from the airport leads you to a hillock on which was perched a guest house of the Holkars, now converted into Border Security Arms Museum, as well as a small temple of Bijasen Mata, built in 1920, which has a magnificent view of the sunset. A mela (fair) is held during the Navratri. A good picnic spot, with a breathtaking view of Indore city by night.

Rajwada Synonymous with the heart of Indore city, it stands today as a mute witness to the bygone splendour of the Holkarrulers. This 200 year oldseven-storeyhistoric palace of the Holkars is built-in a mixture of Muslim, Marathaand French styles. The lower three floors are made of stone and the upper floors are made of wood, which made it very vulnerable to destruction by fire. Rajwada was burnt three times in its history; the last fire in 1984 took the greatest toll. Today only the front facade remains. Recent renovations have recreated some of the old glory of this beautiful palace .

Gomatgiri The Jain Samaj has constructed a 21 feet statue of Lord Gomateshwar, a replica of the Bahubali statue of Shravanbelagola. Also built here are 24 marble temples with shilars for each tirthankar.

Khajrana The citizens of Indore have great faith in this Ganesh temple, built during the reign of Ahilyabai Holkar. It is believed that all wishes are fulfilled by praying here. Nearby is the dargah of Nahar Sayed. This is an important pilgrimage place for Maita Muslims.

Chhatris Chhatris are the tombs or cenotaphs erected in memory of dead Holkar rulers and their family members. The Chhatris picturesquely poised on the Khan river banks near Rajawada are incomparable in terms of Maratha architecture and sculpture of their period. At Chhatri Baag is the main collection of tombs housed in two compounds. Close by is the beautiful Bolia Sarkar's Chhatri constructed in 1858 AD in memory of Sardar Chimnaji Appa Sahib Bolia.

Town Hall Made in 1904 and originally named King Edward's Hall, it was renamed Mahatma Gandhi Hall in 1948. Its architectural style is Indo-Gothic. Made in Seoni stone, its domes and staples are a landmark of Indore today. It has a four-faced clock tower in front, because of which it is locally known as Ghanta Ghar. It is frequently the venue for the various book and painting exhibitions, fairs and festivals held throughout the year. The building also has a library, a children's park and a temple.

Central Museum The Indore Museum houses the finest collection of Parmar sculptures from Hinglajgarh. The Parmar style originated here, and is characterized by proportioned figures, carefully and ornately depicted in stone. The museum is also known for its collection of coins, arms and armour.

Lal Baag Palace Lal Baag Palace is one of the grandest monuments the Holkar dynasty left Indore. A reflection of their taste, grandeur and lifestyle, its construction began in 1886 under Tukoji Rao Holkar II, and was carried out in three phases. The final phase was completed in 1921 under Tukoji Rao Holkar III. Many royal receptions were held here. It has a total area of 28 hectares, and at one time it had the reputation of having one of the best rose gardens in the country.

Bada Ganpati Better known for its size than antiquity, this temple houses perhaps the largest Ganesh idol in the world measuring 25 feet from crown to foot. Created as a result of the dream of an Avantika (Ujjain) resident, Shri Dadhich, it was built in 1875.

Access Air : Indore is connected with Bhopal, Gwalior, Delhi and Mumbai.
Rail : Indore is on the Western railway and is connected with major Indian cities.
Road : Indore is connected by bus with Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Bhopal, Gwalior, Mandu, Maheshwar, Omkareshwar, Ujjain, Sanchi and Vidisha.
Best Season : Throughout the year.

GWALIOR


A living heritage of herosim Steeped in the splendour of its past, the ancient capital of Gwalior has yet made a successful transition into a modern Indian city, vibrant and bustling. A multitude of reigning dynasties, of the great Rajput clans of the Pratiharas, Kacchwahas and Tomars have left indelible etchings of their rule in this city of palaces, temples and monuments. Gwalior's tradition as a royal capital continued until the formation of present day India, with the Scindias having their dynastic seat here. The magnificent momentous of a glorious past have been preserved with care, giving Gwalior an appeal unique and timeless.

This, then, is Gwalior : where a rich cultural tradition has been interwoven into the fabric of modern life. Where a princely past lives on in great palaces and their museums. Where a multitude of images merge and mix to present to the visitor a city of enduring greatness.

Gwalior's history is traced back to a fascinating legend: in 8 AD, a chieftain called Suraj Sen was stricken by a deadly disease. He was cured by a hermit saint, Gwalipa, and in gratitude, founded a city which he named after the saint who had given him the gift of a new life. The new city of Gwalior became, over the centuries, the cradle of great dynasties and with each, the city gained new dimensions from the warrior- kings, poets, musicians and saints who contributed to making it a capital renowned throughout the country.

Places to visit

Gwalior Fort Gwalior Fort dominates the city and is its most magnificent monument. It has been a scene of momentous events imprisonment's, battles and jauhars. A steep road winds upwards to the Fort, flanked by statues of Jain tirthankaras, carved into the rock face. The magnificent outer walls of the Fort still stand, two miles in length and 35 feet high, bearing witness to its reputation for being one of the most invincible forts of India. This imposing structure inspired Emperor Babar to describe it "the pearl amongst the fortresses of Hind." Within the fort are some marvels of medieval architecture. The 15th century Gujari Mahal is a monument to the love of Raja Mansingh Tomar for his Gujar queen, Mrignayani. After he had wooed and won her, so the story goes, Mrignayani demanded that he build her a separate palace with a constant water supply from the River Rai, via an aqueduct. The outer structure of the Gujari Mahal has survived in an almost total state of preservation; the interior has been converted into an Archaeological Museum. Also built by Raja Mansingh is the Man Mandir Palace, built between 1486 and 1517. The tiles that once adorned its exterior have not survived, but at the entrance, traces of these still remain. There is a charming frieze here of ducks paddling in turquoise waters. Within, the palace rooms stand bare, stripped of their former glory, mute testimony to the passing of the centuries. Vast chambers with fine stone screens were once the music halls, and behind these screens, the royal ladies would learn music from the great masters of the day. Below, circular dungeons once housed the state prisoners of the Mughals. The Emperor Aurangzeb had his brother, Murad, imprisoned, and later executed, here. Close by is Jauhar Pond, where in the Rajput tradition, the 'ranis' committed mass 'sati' after their consorts had been defeated in battle. Though the major portions of the Fort were built in the 15th century, references to this gigantic complex can be traced back to 425 AD. Older than the city is the Suraj Kund within the Fort walls, the original pond where Suraj Sen, or Suraj Pal as he was later known, was cured by the Saint Gwalipa.

Teli ka Mandir The Teli kA Mandir is a 9th century edifice, towering at 100 ft high. This is a Pratihara Vishnu temple of a unique blending of architectural styles. The shape of the roof is distinctively Dravidian, while the decorative embellishments have the typically Indo-Aryan characteristics of Northern India.

Sas Bahu Temple Also dedicated to Vishnu is the graceful little Sas-Bahu-ka-Mandir, built in 11th century. Another landmark is the historic Gurudwara Data Bandhi Chhod built in the memory of Guru Hargobind Sahib, the 6th Sikh Guru who was imprisoned here by Jehangir for over two years. At the time of his release, he wanted 52 Hindu kings who were his fellow prisoners, released with him. Jehangir was very impressed with the Guru and agreed to his condition. And, finally, within the Fort complex, housed in the erstwhile barracks of the British soldiers, is Gwalior's unique gift to modern India Scindia School. Acknowledged as one of the finest schools in India, it is only fitting that the country's young citizens receive the best educational grounding surrounded by monuments to a past which is a constant inspiration.

Jai Vilas Palace A splendour of a different kind exists in the Jai Vilas Palace, current residence of the Scindia family. Some 35 rooms have been made into the Scindia Museum, and in these rooms, so evocative of a regal lifestyle, the past comes alive. Jai Vilas is an Italianate structure which combines the Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes. The imposing Darbar Hall has two central chandeliers, weighing a couple of tonnes, and hung only after ten elephants had tested the strength of the roof. Ceilings picked out in gilt, heavy draperies and tapestries, fine Persian carpets, and antique furniture from France and Italy are features of these spacious rooms.

Monuments The father of Hindustani classical music, the great Tansen, one of the 'nine Jewels' of Akbar's court, lies buried in Gwalior. The memorial to this great musician has a pristine simplicity about it, and is built in the early Mughal architectural style. More than a monument, the Tansen's Tomb is part of Gwalior's living cultural heritage; it is the venue of a music festival on a national scale held annually in November - December. Leading musicians of the country gather here to give performances during the festival. More opulent than Tansen's Tomb, is the sandstone mausoleum of the Afghan prince, Ghous Mohammed , also designed on early Mughal lines. Particularly, exquisite are the screens which use the pierced stone technique, as delicate as lace. The earliest freedom fighters, Tatya Tope and the indomitable Rani of Jhansi, are commemorated in memorials in Gwalior. There are cenotaphs at major public crossings, memorials to Scindia kings and queens. Throughout the city, there are these reminders of a proud past, of the great men and women of Gwalior who have their place in the nation's roll of honour.

Art Galleries and Museums The Gujari Mahal Archaeological Museum houses rare antiquities, some of them dating back to the 1st century AD. Even though many of these have been defaced by the iconoclastic Mughals, their perfection of form has survived the ravages of time. Particularly worth seeing is the statue of Shalbhanjika from Gyraspur, the tree goddess, epitome of perfection in miniature. The statue is kept in the custody of the museum's curator, and can be seen on request. The museum is open every day except Monday, from 10 am to 5 pm. The Municipal Corporation Museum, which is open all days except Mondays, has a very fine natural history section. The old ancestral house of the legendary Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan has recently been converted into 'Sarod Ghar' - Museum of Music by the Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan Memorial Trust under the patronage and guidance of his great son and sarod maestro Ustad Amzad Ali Khan. Gwalior Zoo, open every day from 8 am to 3 PM, has some are species of Indian wildlife kept in natural surroundings. More Museums in Madhya Pradesh

Access

Air : India Airlines flights connect Gwalior with Delhi, Bhopal, Indore and Mumbai thrice a week.
Rail : Gwalior is on the Central Railway's main Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai lines. Among other major trains, the Shatabdi and the Taj Express connect Gwalior with Delhi and Agra daily.
Road : Gwalior is connected by regular bus service with Agra, Mathura, Jaipur, Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Bhopal, Chanderi, Indore, Jhansi, Khajuraho, Rewa, Jabalpur, Ujjain and Shivpuri.
Best Season :July to March.

JABALPUR


Pleasure resort and capital of the Gonda Kings during the 12th century, Jabalpur was later the seat of the Kalchuri dynasty. The Marathas held sway over Jabalpur until 1817, when the British wrested it from them and left their impression on the spacious cantonment with its colonial residences and barracks. Today Jabalpur is an important administrative centre, abustle with commercial activity.

The original settlement in this area was ancient Tripuri and the rulers of this city, the Hayahaya, are mentioned in the Mahabharata. It passed successively into Mauryan and then Gupta control until, in 875 AD, it was taken by the Kalchuri rulers. In the 13th century it was overrun by the Gonds and by the early 16th century it had became the powerful state of Gondwana. Though besieged by Mughal armies from time to time, Gondwana survived until 1789 when it was conquered by the Marathas. Their rule was unpopular, due largely to the increased activities of the thuggees who were ritual murderers and bandits. The Marathas were defeated in 1817 and the thuggees subdued by the British who developed the town in the mid 19th century.

Places to visit

Madan Mahal Fort Built by the Gond ruler, Raja Madan Shah, in 1116 atop a rocky hill, the fort dominates the skyline and provides a panoramic view of the town and the country-side around it.

Sangram Sagar Bajnath These medieval constructions were built by the famous Gond king, sangram Shah, between 1480-1540. Rani Durgavati Memorial and Museum Dedicated to the memory of the great Queen Durgavati is her memorial and a museum which houses a fine collection of sculptures, inscriptions and prehistoric relics.

Tilwara Ghat tilwara Ghat, from where Mahatma Gandhi's ashes were immersed in the Narmada, and venue of the open session of the Tripuri Congress in 1939; the 12th century Mala Devi Mandir; Pisan Hari Jain Temple, and Roopnath are some of the other places in the around Jabalpur which merit a visit.

En route Kanha and Bandhavgarh Jabalpur is the most convenient base for visits to the famous Kanha (165 km) and Bandhavgarh (164 km) National Parks.

RAIPUR


Raipur is an important town and the capital of the newly formed state of Chhattisgarh in central India. It is a flourishing city not only in terms of industry but also tourism as it ropes in large numbers of tourists from various corners of India. There are many places to visit in Raipur that reflect its rich history and culture. During your tours, you just cannot afford to miss out some of the tourist attractions in Raipur such as:

Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum: This museum is located near the D K Hospital in Raipur and was established by Raja Mahant Ghasidas of Rajnandgaon in the year1875. The museum has two floors featuring five galleries and features different sections including archaeology, anthropology and natural history. Besides, it also displays crafts, jewelry, paintings and terracotta belonging to tribal culture. The museum also has an interesting library.

Mahakoshal Art Gallery: It is one of the most important among the tourist attractions in Raipur and is in an octagonal shape situated near D.K. Hospital. This gallery exhibits some of the attention grabbing art works of the locals.

Doodhadhari Monastery and Temple: You just cannot afford to miss out this monastery and temple located in the southern region of Raipur. An ancient river called Maharajbandh flows by this landmark. This ancient temple was built by King Jaitsingh in mid-17th century and dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple feature stunning murals. There is also a monastery that was named after Swami Balbhadra Das who survived only on 'Doodh' (milk) as his food. You can also find the memorials of the ex- Mahants (ministers) here.

Mahamaya Temple: Located in the old fort area of Raipur on the banks of the river Khaaroon, this temple is a must visit for the pilgrims. It is dedicated to Mahamaya - a revered Hindu goddess believed to be a blend of the powers of Vishnu and Shiva. Durga and Mahishasura Mardini or Jagdambe are the other names by which this popular deity is known as.

Budhapara Lake: It is a magnificent lake and is also one of the prime tourist attractions in Raipur. The lake was built by the Kalchuri emperor King Brahmadeo around 1402 AD.

Vivekananda ashram: It is an important place of tourist interest for those who seek spiritual enlightenment and is a branch of the mission inaugurated by Swami Vivekananda in the year 1897. The organization works on the principles of ideologies that are based on renunciation and self-emancipation and attempts to achieve the overall well being of the world.

Shaheed Smarak Complex: It is a remarkably conceptualized structure designed by the architect Prasanna Kothari that should not be missed out on a tour to Raipur. It is a memorial dedicated to the Indian freedom fighters that consists of a massive auditorium, library, museum and an art gallery.

LUCKNOW


The capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow is a city synonymous with the Nawabi Culture. Lying on the banks of river Gomati, a tributary of the Ganga, the city is most talked about its imperialistic splendors and magnificence of the Nawabi Era. The city, known for its Adad and Tehzeeb (Cultural refinement) rose to prominence during the Indo - Islamic (Medieval period). especially the Mughals and later under the Nawabs of Awadh and thence, subsequently under the British. Noted for its fine bidri (silver - inlaid black metalware) jewelry. Chikan work (Cotton embroidery), toys, renowned cuisine, cultural heritage and traditions, the city once rivaled even Delhi in its patronage to art and literature. The city is also credited with the development of new musical forms and instruments under the royalty. Singing styles of Dadra, Thumri, Khayal, Qawqalis, Ghazals and the dance form Kathak saw their finest hours in this historic city. During 18th and 19th century, Lucknow developed its own style of architecture, Beginning as a rather ornate, modified form of Mughal prototypes. But built in brick and stucco, later it incorporated many European elements, e.g.,. triangular pediments, round arches and Corinthian capitals. Important historical sites include Nadan Mehal, a Mughal tomb; Bara Imambara (1784); ruins of the British residency; the Qaisar Bagh quadrangle etc. Besides its picture gallery, the state museums and the zoo are superb attractions. In ultimate analysis, the city is a perfect blend of ancient with the modern, as many glitzy shopping plazas co exist with the old historical monuments.

Places to visit

Hussainabad Imambara Near the Rumi Darwaza, this structure houses the tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah, its builder, and of his mother. Built between 1837 and 1842, it is also called the Chhota Imambara. It is approached through a fine garden. The Imambara has a white dome and numerous turrets and minarets. The walls of the mausoleum are decorated with verses in Arabic. Chandeliers, gilded mirrors, colorful stucco, the King's throne and ornate tazia or replicas of the tombs at Karbala adorn the interior.

Shah Najaf Imambara This white-domed structure derives its name from the town of Najaf, about 200 km south of Baghdad where the saint Hazrat Ali is buries. It is situated on the right bank of the Gomti, In this mausoleum are buried the remains of Ghazi-ud-din Haider and his wives, including Mubarak Mahal, his European wife. The entrance leads to a beautiful garden. The silver tomb of Ghazi-ud-din Haider lies in the center of the building and is flanked by the more imposing silver and gold tomb of Mubarak Mahal on one side, and another tomb on the other.

Residency Built for the British Resident in 1780-1800, it was originally a very extensive and beautiful building, It was a scene of dramatic events during the Mutiny of 1857. The scarred ruins tell the story of the British community besieged by the rebels. The main house overlooks the river and is surrounded by terraced lawns and gardens.

Asafi Imambara Also known as the Bara Imambara, it was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 and is one of the architectural highlights of the era. The central hall is said to be the largest vaulted chamber in the world. Except for the galleries in the interior, there is no woodwork used in the structure. A staircase from outside leads to a series of labyrinths which visitors are advised to visit only with authorized guides. Within the compound of the Imambara is a grand Asafi mosque.

Rumi Darwaza This colossal, ornate gateway is said to be a facsimile of one of the gates of Constantinople. It was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784, to create employment during the terrible famine of 1784.

Kaiserbagh Palace Complex The construction of the Kaiserbagh Palaces was started in 1848 by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah and completed in 1850. They were built to create the eighth wonder of the world. The yellow buildings on three sides of the quadrangle, now the property of Taluqdars, once provided quarters for the ladies of the harem. In the center stands the Baradari, a picturesque white stone edifice which was earlier paved with silver.

National Botanical Research institute Located at Sikandarbagh, where pitched battles took place during the Mutiny of 1857, the institute garden is open to the public from 6 AM to 5 PM.

State Museum / Zoo A favorite spot for recreation, Lucknow, Museum houses a large collection of artifacts and memorabilia and is located at Banarasi Bagh, within the zoo premises. The zoo has a large collection of animals, Museum timings : 10.30 AM to 4.30 PM Weekly off : Monday. Zoo timings : 5 AM to 7 PM. Other places of interest include Chhatar Manzil, Maqbara Saadat Ali Khan, Moti Mahal, Dilkusha Garden, La Martiniere, Alambagh Palace.

Excursion Kukrail Reserve Forest A picnic spot developed by the Forest Department, it has a deer park and crocodile nursery. A variety of birds and deer can be seen in their natural habitat.

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary 43 km. Situated on the Kanpur highway, this sanctuary attracts Siberian migratory birds. The best season to visit is between October and March. Accommodation is available at U.P. Tourism's Priyadarshini Motel. (Tel : 5150, 5160).

Deva Sharif 25 km. The tomb of Syed Haji Waris Ali Shah, known as Deva Sharif, is revered by both Hindus and Muslims. Devotees throng the shrine in October/November when the annual urs of the saint is held..

Naimisharanya 94 km. An important religious center with the temples of the goddess Lalita, Dadhichi Kund, Vyas Gaddi, Chakratirth and Hanuman Garhi.

Hussainabad Imambara Near the Rumi Darwaza, this structure houses the tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah, its builder, and of his mother. Built between 1837 and 1842, it is also called the Chhota Imambara. It is approached through a fine garden. The Imambara has a white dome and numerous turrets and minarets. The walls of the mausoleum are decorated with verses in Arabic. Chandeliers, gilded mirrors, colorful stucco, the King's throne and ornate tazia or replicas of the tombs at Karbala adorn the interior.

Shah Najaf Imambara This white-domed structure derives its name from the town of Najaf, about 200 km south of Baghdad where the saint Hazrat Ali is buries. It is situated on the right bank of the Gomti, In this mausoleum are buried the remains of Ghazi-ud-din Haider and his wives, including Mubarak Mahal, his European wife. The entrance leads to a beautiful garden. The silver tomb of Ghazi-ud-din Haider lies in the center of the building and is flanked by the more imposing silver and gold tomb of Mubarak Mahal on one side, and another tomb on the other.

Accessibility Air Amausi Airport, Lucknow is directly connected with Delhi, Patna, Calcutta, Bombay and Varanasi by direct flights.

Rail A major railway junction, Lucknow is conveniently connected to many cities.
Road Lucknow is connected by road with all the major cities of the country. Some of the major road distances are : Agra - 363 km, Allahabad - 210 km, Ayodhya - 135 km, Calcutta - 985 km, Corbett National Park - 400 km, Delhi - 497 km, Dudhwa National Park - 238 km, Kanpur - 79 km, Khajuraho - 320 km, Varanasi - 305 km.
Shopping The main shopping areas in the city are Hazratganj, Janpath, Aminabad, Chowk.