Revisting Lucknow: The City of Nawabs

City of Nawabs is now transformed into a modern day metro. With malls, restaurants & hang out joints, Lucknow is catching up fast.

The city stands divided & yet looks one-The Old Lucknow & the New Lucknow. Of course there is one Lucknow next to Taj Hotel which looks like Maya's Luck(y)Now. Part of the city has now turned into a political fortress thanks to Mayawati. The capital city boasts of concrete structures built by Madam Maya which look more majestic than all wax of Tussads put together.

Image Credits - Wikipedia

A year back during Christmas I visited the city. In cold foggy mornings the sparse rays of sun reached us sparingly as food reaches poor in a Nawabi Daawat. Far from the hustle bustle of the country capital, state capitals and towns still show dying signs of peace.

Lucknow is known for Tunde Kebabs which are a delight for taste buds. Famous Tunde of Chawk area melt in our mouths with a lingering flavor. Lanes into lanes, the oldest area of Lucknow is nothing less than a maze. From beggars to richly clad all earn their livelihood in the city with ease. For foodies, its a paradise . We can safely call it the KEBAB LAND. Rich flavors of Seekh, Shaami , Biryanis and Tikkas instill sense of greed instantly.

From Kebabs to Sweet delights, we live the legacy of being in a multicultural city with fine tastes for music, arts bejeweled with beautiful gardens. Overseeing banks of Gomti river, hustle bustle of the city still shows glimmering signs of Lucknowi pride in the local dialect.

Winters mornings are best served at nukkads with chai and freshly fried samosas, pakodas topped with jalebis courtesy local halwai. Even in cold foggy days, warm hearts of residents make it a pleasant experience. Not to forget the hooligans around , pretty lasses be careful. Men in the city are young at heart ;)

Gluttony and lethargy can be your best friends in this City. Unfortunate ones can miss the famous Radhe ke boondi ladoos and the special preparation called Makhan Malai sold early mornings in Chowk .

Lucknowi kadai- Embroidery is world renowned. Tiny dots make patterns which eyes can dote on and marvel the fine craftsmanship. Plush colors to soothing pastel shades entice all visitors passing by the ever jammed lanes of flooded markets. There is enough rich cotton to drape as Sarees, Suits for women and tiny tots . Versions of trendy Kurtas and bandgala for men and kids.

The rich historical heritage - Bhool Bhulaiya, British Residency, Bada and Chota Imambara. The monuments stood tall to be pride of the city. Now unfortunately can be reduced to ruins in the hands of commercialization. Since the days of Famous revolt of 1857, the city tells numerous tales of its rich struggle. This has translated into dialect and Lakhnawi Tehzeeb.

You feel richer as fabric of the city makes your heart peaceful, happier and joyous. The "Golden city of East" somewhere would make you feel at home. A warm welcoming embrace beckons you for your next visit.... Till then, Aadab.