Kanpur city-Uttar Pradesh

 Kanpur is a major industrial town of Uttar Pradesh, the northern state of India. This town is situated on the south bank of river Ganga,located 80 km west of Lucknow, the state capital. It is also known as the industrial capital of the state.

History of Kanpur

It is believed that this city was founded by Raja Hindu Singh of the Sankandi state. Kanpur’s original name was Kanhpur. Being located on the banks of the Ganges, there was a facility of traffic and industry. Therefore, the British gave birth to the industry and here the development of the city started.

Famous Cuisines of Kanpur-

Kanpur is considered to have the best cuisine of all Indian cities and cultures and this is directly linked to the many cultures which have colonized the city over the centuries. 

                 Sultani Dal

                  Shami Kebabs.

 

                    Biryani of Kanpur

                    Imarti of Kanpur

                          Luchi Sabji

This city is famous for its famous food outlets and Uttar Pradesh cuisine. Kanpur food is inspired by its local cuisine, and from breakfast to dessert, you will find the best option for each category. 

Let's visit some of the best Places in Kanpur:

1) Allen Forest Zoo Kanpur Zoological Park, Kanpur is one of the oldest Zoological Park of india. It has been established and opened for the public on 4th february, 1974The moated enclosures give the animal ample space for movement and help in expressing their biological and physiological expressions. 

2) Jain Glass Temple-The Kanch ka Mandir is located in the Maheshwari Mohal. This dainty temple made out of glass honours the powerful Lord Mahavira and the remaining 23 Jain Tirthankaras.

3) Blue World theme park-Blue World Theme Park is Kanpur’s first mega themed entertainment destination promising visitors from around the world the excitement of epic adventure zones in one location. 25 acres of land featuring over 25 rides and 10 gigantic slides including Dry Rides, aquatic wonderland, 7D Theater, Sky dive and India’s biggest private musical fountain and laser show. 

4) Iskcon temple -Kanpur The ISKCON temple is yet another international spiritual tourist attraction dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is located on Mainavati Marg, Bithoor Road, about 4 km from Kanpur. The best time to visit is in August and September due to Krishna Janmashtami and Radhashtami respectively. 

5) Green Park Stadium-Formerly known as Modi Stadium, the Green Park Stadium is managed by the Uttar Pradesh’s Sports Department. It UP's only International Cricket Stadium that hosts Test and One-day matches. It also has the biggest manually operated scoreboard in the world. Live cricket matches are the best time to visit the stadium.

Best time to visit-

Summers in Kanpur are brutally hot and not the best time to visit the city.This season is difficult for the locals as well, but most of them are habituated to these weather conditions. 

The heat that is created by the summer season is brought down by the onset of monsoon.The monsoon season is a great time to visit attractions like the Allen Forest Zoo, Patthar Ghat and various parks that become lush green during the rains.

One of the best times to visit Kanpur is during winter; the climate during the winter months is the best to go sightseeing and explore the city.The region starts to fog up during the peak months, but the climate is absolutely beautiful to enjoy at the parks and go sightseeing as well.

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Hamirpur

 Hamirpur district is a part of Chitrakoot Dham Division of Uttar Pradesh state of India. Hamirpur town is the district headquarters. It consists of Four Tehsil namely Hamirpur, Maudaha, Rath,Sarila and Seven Blocks namely Gohand, Kurara, Maudaha, Muskara, Rath, Sarila, Sumerpur.

Area: 4,121.9 Sq. Km.

Population: 11,04,285

Language: Hindi

Village: 617

Male: 5,93,537

Female: 5,10,748

History-

The early history of the region covered by the present district of Hamirpur may be traced back to the Palaeolithic age as evidenced by the discovery of choppers, hand axes and pebble cores. the town of Hamirpur, which gave its name of the district, was founded by one Hamira Deva, a Kalachuri Rajput, who came there from Alwar and took shelter with one Badna, an Ahir. Hamira later on drove out Badna and built a fort here.[Bunda's name still survives in the neighbouring village of Budanpur, where remains of an ancient Khera are found.

 Having no male issue, Hamira Deva adopted his daughter's son Ram Singh, who married with the daughter of a Rajput of Amlar in Banda district. He was offered, in marriage, the eastern portion of pargana Maudaha as dowry. The remains of the fort built by Hamira Deva are still found in Hamirpur.In 1821, the headquarters of the former from Kalpi shifted to Hamirpur. In 1823, Hamirpur was formed as independent district. The later history of the district up to 1857 is chiefly concerned with the difficulties of fiscal administration.

Famous places one can visit here are-

1) Khandeh Temple-

There is an ancient settlement called Khandeh, 12 km southwest of Maudaha Tehsil. This settlement of historical importance is famous for the antiquity and grandeur of the temples. Shiv Darbar Temple of Ram Darbar, about 400 years old.  In the temple, there are pictures of the entire Ramkatha, Mahabharata, and Krishna Leela on granite stone.

2) Pataleshwar temple- 

This temple is situated on the banks of river Yamuna in Hamirpur. This temple is ancient and belongs to Lord Bholenath who is known as Pataleshwar. Its dome and monastery are so strong that two years ago there was no effect from the threat of celestial lightning that fell on the ground 20 feet away, while the walls of the surrounding residential houses were blocked.

3) Kalpa vriksha-

A rare ancient and mythical Kalpavriksha is situated on the banks of river Yamuna near Gayatri Tapobhoomi at the headquarters of Hamirpur city. The height of this tree is not very high, but its diameter is quite large. In the month of September, it bears large white flowers. This rare tree has a medicinal value from the point of view of Ayurveda. 

4) Meher temple-

Meher Pukar ji had bought a marble stone from Meher place, which Meher Baba had given to the goddess. Another huge temple was built in Meherpuri and the idol of incarnation Meher Baba was installed, which was inaugurated by Adi K Irani on 18 November 1970.

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Hapur - District of Uttar Pradesh

 Hapur was announced as a district named Panchsheel Nagar’ on Sep 28, 2011 by Hon. the then Chief Minister Km. Mayawati and in the month of July 2012.

Area: 1116 Sq. Km

Population: 1,33,8000

Language: Hindi

Villages: 352

Male: 7,08,910

Female: 6,29,400

History-
Hapur is an old and historic town which was declared as an independent district on 28 September 2011. It was earlier a part of Ghaziabad district. Hapur is a leading market for grain and jaggery and is famous for Papads. Hapur derives its present name from erstwhile name of this place ‘Haripur’ which has a mythological connection to it. It was the resting place of Sri Krishna (the holy god of hindus also known as Hari) during his transit from Mathura to Hastinapur and vice versa. It was therefore christened as 'Hari' 'Pur.
Hapur under British Rule-
Hapur was small town of the British India that came under the Meerut Division of the United Provinces. It was granted by Sindhia to Perron who was his French General during the end of 18th century.The Britishers used this place in a customary and conventional fashion for several years.
Lets explore the best places in Hapur where one can visit-

1) Garhmukteshwar-
Garhmukteshwar is famous as a religious place since ancient times.Garhmukteshwar in Hapur is a spiritual destination for the Hindu community, for it is blessed with the presence of the holy river, Ganges. Garhmukteshwar was a part of the kingdom of Hastinapur during the Mahabharata age, and an important centre for trade. Another legend states that King Shivi, one of the ancestors of Lord Rama, spent the last phase of his life performing penance here.

2) Brijghat-
Brijghat  is situated on the banks of River Ganga at 5 km from Garhmukteshwar located at the famous pilgrimage place.  A huge historic fair is held on the Ganga Ghat on Kartik Purnima in Brijghat and the surrounding area.
On this site, the view of the evening arti of Ganga Kshatra is very interesting.Located in the area, Vedanti Temple, Ganga Mandir, Hanuman Mandir, Gangaghat and Falahari Mataji’s Kuti are other places.

How to reach Hapur-
Hapur’s close proximity to other major and more popular tourist destinations also makes it a common stopover for many tourists. 
By flight-

Hapur is not well connected to other major cities of the country via regular flights. The nearest airport is in New Delhi at a distance of 68kms.

Airport-Indira Gandhi International Airport

Image credit-hapurinc. Com

Hardoi district -Uttar Pradesh

 HARDOI district is a district of Lucknow Commissionaire in Uttar Pradesh Province of India. 

Area: 5,989 Sq. Km.

Population: 40,92,845

NP Hardoi(Urban)

Population:126,851

Male: 21,91,442

Female: 19,01,403

Language: Hindi

Villages: 2072

Gram Panchayat

: 1306

Literacy: 64.6 %

History of district Hardoi-

People believe that the name Hardoi comes from distorted version of its earlier name Haridrohi, which is a Hindi word that means "anti to the God".According To General Conventions Hardoi District Is Related With “HIRANYAKASHYAP” Its Present Name Hardoi Is A Distorted Version Of Its Earlier Name “HARIDROHI “. It Is Believed That King Of Mughal Dynasty Humayun Took Shelter In The Forest Of Pihani When He Was Defeated By Shershah Suri. Pihani Is Also Related With The Minister Sadarejahan Of Emperor Akbar. His Tomb And Paintings Are Still Here.

Places to visit in Hardoi to experience it's cultural beauty-

1) Bawan Puri-

It is a legend that the idol of Kusumbi Devi was broken due to the attack of the weapon, since then it is known as Nakatiya Devi. Residents of Bawan and nearby villages offer prayers in this temple before performing any auspicious work.

2) Sankat Haran Mandir-

Lord Shiv devotees across the country have faith towards the ancient Shiv Temple located about 20 km from the district headquarters. This Temple located in Sakha village is known as “Shiva Sankat Haran Temple Sakaha”. It is believed that here the sufferings of the devotees of Lord Shiva go away, hence the name of Shivalaya is Shiva Sankat Haran.

3) Roza Sadar Jahan-

4) Prahlaad kund-

In the Past, Hardoi was the city of Hiranyakashyap and He was a traitor of Hari(God), so he named the City as Haridrohi. His son Prahlad was a devotee of Lord Hari. 

5) Raja Narpati Singh Smarak-

A small village is situated on the north side of Madhoganj town, about two kilometers away,Ruia Garhi.It is famous for his King Narpat Singh who was a brave freedom fighter.

6) Dhobiya Ashram Pirani-

It is believed that Eighty Four Thousand Vaishnavas had practiced penance around Naimishanaya ,this Ashram also comes in the periphery. There is a natural water source in the north-east direction from the ashram, which becomes a special center of attraction for visitors.

7) Hatya Haran Teerth-

Hatya Haran Teerth is located in the holy Namisharnya Parikrama area in the Sandila tehsil of Hardoi district.

8) Baba Mandir-

Hardoi Baba Temple is about 400 years old.This historic temple is situated just a short distance from Prahalad Ghat. It was renovated around 1949.

9) Tomb of Nawab Diler Khan-

Shahabad is a city and a municipal board in Hardoi district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is the site of the Tomb of Diler Khan, a governor in the time of Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. 

10) Sandi Bird Sanctuary-

Sandi Bird Sanctuary is a freshwater marsh in the Hardoi district of Uttar Pradesh. The wetland is typical of the Indo-Gangetic plains and receives most of its water from monsoon rains.

Image credits-hardoi.nic.in

Hathras-Land of Asafoetida

 Hathras district (previously called Mahamaya Nagar district) is a district of Uttar Pradesh state of India. The city of Hathras is the district headquarters. Hathras district is a part of Aligarh division. 

Hathras has been a large scale producer of Asafoetida or hing for the last 100 years. This has given the district a distinct identity.

What is Asafoetida? 

Asafoetida (Ferula asafoetida) is the dried sap — or gum resin — obtained from the roots of Ferula plants. It’s commonly dried, ground into a coarse, yellow powder, and used for either culinary or medicinal purposes. As a seasoning, asafoetida is known for its strong, pungent odor, which is due to its high concentration of sulfur compounds. In fact, due to its unpleasant smell, it’s sometimes referred to as stinking gum. 

For most foodies, though, it comes as a surprise that this signature flavour and household staple was never cultivated in India. Or the fact that the raw produce comes from distant lands of Iran and Afghanistan and has been produced in a small village of Hathras in Uttar Pradesh for over 100 years now.Hathras was an industrial hub during the British Raj. Cotton milling, knives, the spice asafoetida or and Desi Ghee products were the main industries.The aroma of food after asafoetida is so rich, that the spice counts as a must-have for culinary enthusiasts. Known to also have medicinal properties, it was rumoured to cure many “women’s ailments’ and also act as an antidote to opium.

In Hathras now, hing continues to be a mainstay for residents. The region, boasting of about 135 factories and about 60-70 crores worth of business, provides steady employment. 

Medicinal Uses of Hing-

People use asafoetida for conditions such as breathing or throat problems, digestion problems. Asafoetida is also sometimes applied directly to the skin for corns and calluses, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.In manufacturing, asafoetida is used as a fragrance in cosmetics and as a flavouring ingredient in foods and beverages.

 

You will find many manufacturing companies of Asafoetida in Hathras which produce unaltered hing powder.... 

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Jaunpur-district in Uttar Pradesh

 Jaunpur is a city and a municipal board in Jaunpur district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is located 228 km southeast of state capital Lucknow.

Area: 4,038 Sq. Km.

Population: 44,94,204

Male: 22,20,465

Female: 22,73,739

Language: Hindi

History -

Well-known for its past and the glory of learning Jaunpur holds its own important historical, social and political status. Studying its past on the basis of panic accounts, rock edicts, archaeological remains and other available facts, the continuous existence of Jaunpur district is seen, in some form of the other, till the Late Vedic Period. Even today, the Deva Vanees are echoing in temples along the banks of the Gomti in Jaunpur city.In the field of education, this district has held an important position. Students from other countries have been coming here to learn Arabic and Persian. Sher Shah Suri too was educated here. Sufism too sprouted and flowered here.

This area was in the domain of the king of Ayodhya at the time and is called Ayodhyapuram. Jaunpur was under the dominion of Benares and then it was in the hands of the Regiment Dekana. For the first time in 1818 A.D. the Deputy Collectorateship was established and later it became a separate district. In 1820 A.D., Azamgarh district was also brought under Jaunpur but some part of Azamgar in 1822 and the whole of Azamgarh in 1830 A.D. was separated from Jaunpur.

Famous places that attracts people from all over the world are-

1) Atala masjid-In 1408 A.D., Ibrahim Shah Sharki built the Atala Masjid . In this mosque, beautiful galleries were built by surrounding it with artistic walls. Its height is more than 100 ft. 

2) Jhanjari Masjid-This was built by Ibrahim Sharki at the time of the construction of Atala and Khalis mosques as this locality was settled-in by Ibrahim Sharki himself.It was the place of saints and pandits. Within this mosque there are extremely beautiful “jhanjhariyas” of archdes.This mosque is a very beautiful example of early architecture.

3) Masjid Lal Darwaza-This mosque has been built by V.V.Raje, wife of Sultan Mahamud Shah Sharki in 1455 A.D.Its outer area is 212 x 188 sq.ft. It has three gateways and a courtyard.

4) Sheetala mata chaukiya-Heerchand Yadav is considered the first Aheer ruler of Jaunpur. The descendants of this clan used to surname ‘Ahir’. These people built forts at Chandvak and Gopalpur.

5) Shahi Quila-Situated in the heart of the city on the left bank of the Gomti, Shahi Qila was built by Freoze Shah in 1362 A.D.Muneer Khan had got its majestic front gate built with a view to security and it was decorated with blue and yellow stones. Inside, there is a bath in the Turkish style ad a Mosque too. 

6) Jama Masjid-This mosque is quite extensive, artistic and attractive and there are 27 steps to the top. Its southern gateway is 20 ft. above ground level. 

7) Shahi pul-This famous bridge of Jaunpur was built by Munyeen Khankhana in 1564 on the orders of Akbar during his reign. This is a one of its kind bridge in India and its carriageway is at ground level. The width of the bridge is 26 ft. with 2 ft. 3 inch wide kerfs on both sides.

Kannauj-district of Uttar Pradesh

 Kannauj, also spelled Kanauj or Cannauj, historically Kanyakubja, town, central Uttar Pradesh state, northern India.The city's name is a modern form of the classical name Kanyakubja. It was also known as Mahodaya during the time of Mihira Bhoja. 

History-

The city of Kannauj had previously been ruled by emperor Harshavardhana, who died without an heir and thus created a power vacuum. This lasted for around a century before Yashovarman emerged as its ruler.Later during the Gupta period, it was the place that the famous Chinese traveller Fa Hien visited and praised. It was also the capital of King Harsha’s powerful empire.Gurjara and Pratihar dynasties which are very popular also ruled in this areas. This area has many temples and the historical significance of this town in terms of archaeology is indispensable. It has a fort and various museums which still narrate the story of the city’s glorious past.

Famous places one can visit here-

1) Archaeological museum-

Archaeological museum of Kannauj have vast variety of clayey idols which proves that at ancient time Kannauj was famous for art and culture like Mathura, Kashi and Kaushambi. 

2) Lakh Bahosi Sanctuary-Established in 1989 it is one of largest bird sanctuaries in India spread in areas of 80 sq. km. The sanctuary is a famous spot for the birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

3) Gauri Shankar Temple-

4) Annapurna Temple -

Tourists can stay in nearby hotels and have a tour of this place.... Some of the hotels that are nearby are-

1) Rudraksha Palace

2) Rahi tourists Bunglow

3) Hotel Rajdani

4) Hindustan kannauj

5) Hotel Venus

6) MY heritage hotel and banquet

How to reach-

Kannauj is very well connected to neighboring Farrukhabad, Hardoi, and Kanpur. The city has decent roadways network.

1) Reaching Kannauj By Flight

Kannauj is not well connected to other major cities of the country via regular flights. The nearest airport is in Kanpur at a distance of 79kms.

Airports: Kanpur Airport

2) Reaching Kannauj By Train

There is no regular trains to Kannauj from other major cities of the country. The nearest Railway station is at Kanpur which is located at a distance of 76kms.

Railway Station(s): Kanpur Central , Govindpuri , Panki , Kanpur Anwrganj , Kalianpur , Chandari. 

Kannauj-The city of Perfumes

 An artistic journey is what encapsulates the bottles of Kannauj Naturals. The generational skills of perfumery seep into the refined blends of these tasteful and mastered scents that exude the aromas of India.Kannauj has been distilling itra, or attar, for centuries now, coaxing roses, jasmines, and other flowers into giving up their fragrance, and quickly bottling them up with essential oils. 

For centuries Kannauj (pronounced kunh-nowj), in northeast India’s Ganges belt, has been crafting oil-based botanical perfumes called attar using time-tested distillation methods. Sought after by both Mughal royals and everyday folk in ancient India’s fragrance-obsessed culture, Kannauj attar scented everything from wrists to food, fountains to homes.

Perfume’, derived from the Latin ‘per fumus’, literally translates into ‘through smoke’. And it is literally through fumes, that the full impact of personal fragrance is felt. 

Process of making -

But what makes Kannauj’s attar-making industry even more interesting is that despite the passage of time, they still follow the traditional method, a highly labour-intensive and time-consuming hydro-distillation process, called ‘deg bhapka’.Attar makers of Kannauj can draw out the fragrance from a large number of natural ingredients, such as different kinds of flowers (rose, kewra, chameli, bela, marigold, jasmine, lavender, etc.), from natural products such as vetiver, and herbs and spices (cardamom, cloves, saffron, juniper berry, jatamansi, etc.). Usually, the flowers are plucked at dawn so that they retain the best fragrance. The ‘deg’ is a copper still into which the natural ingredients, such as flower petals, are put in along with water. The pots are covered with lids and sealed with a special clay mix. These pots are placed on clay furnace (‘bhatti’) fired with wood and cow-dung cakes. The deg is connected to the long-necked ‘bhapka’ or the receiver, which is also made of copper, through the ‘chonga’ or a twine-wrapped bamboo pipe, which acts as a condenser too. The bhapka whose mouth has been covered with cloth sits in a cooling chamber filled with water (‘gachhi’). A base oil, usually sandalwood oil, is poured in the bhapka. As the deg is fired, the vapour from the ingredient collects in the bhapka, gets condensed and the oil collects the fragrance. But it is easier said than done.

Famous scents from Kannauj-

1) Mitti Attar

2) Ruh Khus Attar

3) Shamama Attar

4) Blue lotus Attar

5) Jasmine Attar

6) White Oudh Attar

7) Kesar chandan Attar

8) Jannatul Firdaus Attar

9) Saffron Attar

10) Sandalwood Attar

11) Musk amber Attar

12) Bakhoor Attar

13) Mukhallat Attar

14) Nargis Attar

15) Henna attar

16) Kewra Attar

17) Majmua Attar

18) Kadamb Attar

19) Marigold Attar

20) Black Oudh Attar

The scent of a droplet lingers pleasantly on the skin, sometimes for days.

Equally enchanting to men and women, attars have an androgynous quality. They strike intense floral, woodsy, musky, smoky,...

Image credits-google

Gorakhpur- District in Uttar Pradesh

 Gorakhpur is a city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, along the banks of the Rapti river in the Purvanchal region. It is situated 270 kilometres east of the state capital Lucknow. It is the administrative headquarters of Gorakhpur district, North Eastern Railway Zone and Gorakhpur division. 

Area : 3483.8 Sq. Km.

Population : 44,40,895

Male : 22,77,777

Female : 21,63,118

Village : 3448

language : Hindi, Bhojpuri

History and culture-

Gorakhpur has its own cultural and historical importance. It is the birth place of Firaq Gorakhpuri, workplace of writer Sh. Munshi Premchand and mystic poet Kabirdas.  Associated with Gautam Buddha and Lord Mahavir, Martyr Pt. Ram Prasad Bismil, Bandhu Singh and many more.History of Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India reads like a fascinating tale. Gorakhpur was a division of the celebrated kingdom of Koshal, one of the sixteen mahajanpadas of the 6th Century B.C. The first known monarch who ruled over this area was Iksvaku who founded Kshatriya, the solar dynasty. Iksvaku's capital was at Ayodhya. It produced several famous kings till the accession of Ram, considered the greatest ruler of the solar dynasty. Since then, this place remained an important part of the former empires of Maurya, Kushana, Shunga, Harsha and Gupta dynasties. Modern era was marked by the transfer of this land by the Nawab of Avadh in 1801. The East India Company gained the ruling power with this transfer. With this change of hands, Gorakhpur got its status of a District. Basti, a new district was carved out from the regions of Gorakhpur in 1865. Gorakhpur was further split up to form yet another new district of Deoria in 1946. The third splitting up of Gorakhpur held in 1989 brought the district of Mahrajganj into existence.

Festivals-

The Gorakhpur Mahotsav, is an annual cultural festival, held in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is held every year in January. Since 2018, Mahotsav is organized in collaboration with the Department of Tourism (UP), Department of Culture (UP) and District Administration of Gorakhpur. Earlier editions were organized by District Administration of Gorakhpur.It includes a Children festival comprising of various academic, sports, and cultural inter school competitions of children.

Famous cuisine to try in Gorakhpur-

When searching for cuisines, the city of Gorakhpur is sure not to disappoint anyone. It has to offer delicious sweet dishes and mouth watering kebabs that are great to taste. One can come across old age Indian cuisines still now, something that is not easily found in other cities. This place is indeed a paradise for the food lovers, who can actually relish that historical touch to the dishes that they consume. 

Sweet dishes are simply unique in this region like the shahi tukra, gulab jamun and kaju barfi. Having one in the mouth will clearly explain as to how they are different from those found in other states.

Kebabs in Gorakhpur-

1) Kakori Kebab

2) Galauti Kebab

Sweets to try in Gorakhpur-

1)There is no original sweet dish that Gorakhpur people can claim as their own. But the Rabri and Jalebi they make are as delicious as it is served in other places.

Image credits-google

Lucknow- The city of Nawabs

 If Benaras is the holiest city of in India and is the jewel of Uttar Pradesh then Lucknow would be the crown in which the jewel is encrusted.As the city flourished in leaps and bounds during the eighteenth and nineteenth century, it soon became the artistic and cultural centre of India under the leadership of the Nawab of Awadh.Lucknow is the heart of the art, cuisine, dance, culture and music of North India. It was the cradle of the Hindu-Muslim-Sikh symbioses that made India great. Lucknow is the home of Urdu, Hindustani and Hindi languages.The city has been given various other names too, such as The Constantinople of India, Shiraz-i-Hind and the Golden City of the East.

Image credit-tripadvisor

History

The history of Lucknow is as wonderful as its defination.. it was the capital of Awadh Pradesh and was administered by the Delhi Sultanate during Mughal rule. In the later stages, it was given to the Nawabs of Awadh.After Lord Clive defeated the armies of the Nawab of Bengal, Nawab of Awadh as well as the Mughals, it went under the rule of the East India Company. In the year 1857, it went into the hands of the British Empire.

With the support of Maulana Abdul Bari of Firangi Mahal Lucknow, the Khilafat movement gained a lot of momentum and formed a solid footing in the city. In the year 1920, Lucknow was declared the provincial capital of the United Provinces, later known as Uttar Pradesh.

Handicrafts and arts-

Any cotton-embroidered article that comes from Lucknow" might be the most satisfactory definition of Chikan today.Chikan, in the literal sense means ’embroidery’. This traditional embroidery style is one of Lucknow’s most ancient and well-known art forms, believed to be introduced by the Mughals.One of the most prominent features of the Lucknow chikankari work is the stitches. Each and every stitch is done to perfection and the neatness in the work is hard to find elsewhere. The delicate and artfully done hand embroidery gives the garment a look of richness and skillfulness.Lucknow chikan embroidery enjoys popular public attention. Apart from being a traditional, go-to garment for most religious gatherings and festivals, the art also found its way to the Indian ramp and glamour world. One of its first and most famous appearances on the Bollywood screen was in the Indian film Anjuman, starring Shabana Azmi and Farooq Shaikh. The movie is set in Lucknow and deals with exploitation of women and the problems that the local chikan embroidery workers face.

Famous Cuisines of lucknow

image credit-timesofindia

-The Land of Nawabs and Awadhi cuisine, Lucknow is a total foodie's paradise.You have a wide range of kebabs, parathas, brilliant naans, mouth-watering kachoris, creamy kulfis and many more scintillating preparations like kormas, kaliya, nahari-kulchas, sheermal, roomali rotis and warqi parathas to appease your taste buds.If you are a lover of non-veg dishes, Lucknow can be nothing less than a treat for you. From delicious kebabs to mutton, Lucknow has everything that you can think of.

How to reach Lucknow-

By AIR-Both domestic and international flights can enter Lucknow via Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO). Located about 13 km away from the centre of the city, this air gateway services a good number of airlines, GoAir, IndiGo, Air India, Oman Air and SriLankan Airlines being some of the most frequently operated ones.

By Railway-Lucknow Railway Station at Charbagh is the main railway station. It links Lucknow with rest of India via a good number of mail and superfast trains. Passenger trains from nearby cities also ply to and from Lucknow. Several other railway stations like Alamnagar, Gomti Nagar, Aishbagh junction etc. also serve the city.

By roadway-Lucknow is on the intersection of National Highways 24, 25 and 28 running east, west and south. It is well connected with major cities like Agra (363 km), Allahabad (225 km), Calcutta (985 km), Delhi (497 km), Kanpur (79 km) and Varanasi (305 km.

Image credit-google