Uttar Pradesh’s historic capital Lucknow, is a multicultural city that flourished as a North Indian cultural and artistic hub and the seat of power of Nawabs in the 18th and 19th centuries. The capital of Awadh was controlled by the Delhi Sultanate which then came under the Mughal rule, it was later transferred to the Nawabs of Awadh. Today, Lucknow continues to be an important centre of governance, administration, education, commerce, aerospace, finance, pharmaceuticals, technology, design, culture, tourism, music and poetry.

Along with Agra & Varanasi, Lucknow is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh and is truly a traveler’s delight. Lucknow’s shadow-work embroidery on muslin cloth, known as chikankari, flourished under the Mughals. You can find it fashioned into gorgeous, wearable pieces of art in the form of saris, stoles, kurtas and blouses at Seva Chikan, a women’s co-operative. Spend some time at the Kukrail Forest Reserve and its centre for the rehabilitation of gharials, an endangered crocodilian that is often hunted for their skins. If you are lucky, you may spot a few deer and a variety of exotic birds.

Built in the Indo-Persian style by Asaf-ud-Daula, Nawab of Awadh, to house his own tomb, The Bara Imambara offers gorgeous views of the city from the roof are bound to enchant you. It is best known for its Bhul Bhulaiya, is an incredible maze on the upper floors of the monument. The Residency, originally built as a gated community for the British is a sprawling complex with manicured gardens that was an important site for the events of the First War of Independence in 1857. A museum within the complex now showcases relics and photographs from the uprising. It is one of the best places in Lucknow for history buffs to visit.

If you want to experience Lucknow like a Nawab, Vivanta by Taj – Gomti Nagar, one of the best luxury hotels in Lucknow. This grand structure, one of the best 5-star hotels in Lucknow, is located just 8 kilometers from the railway terminus and a mere 20 kilometers from the airport. Perched on the banks of the river Gomti, it’s located at the heart of Lucknow’s business and entertainment areas. It is also home to some of the best find dining restaurants in the city like Oudhyana, simply original and true to the rich tradition of Lucknow. Some say it is the best Awadhi restaurant in Lucknow.

Awadhi cuisine uses many spices, but it isn’t pungent. It is subtle, delicate and delightfully aromatic. A burst of flavour in every mouthful! Indulge in melt-in-the-mouth kebabs & lamb bone marrow in Nahari Ghosht that originated from the kitchens of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. See how hours of massaging dough with clarified butter makes for the finest Sheermal and Warki Paratha. For dessert, try the Chef’s Sevian ka Muzaffar or the piece de resistance, the Shahi Tukra.

Complete with meeting spaces & event venues, 5 star amenities & a friendly staff, the Taj also has a top notch reward programme – Taj InnerCircle. In addition to the inner circle, Taj offers hotel credits for spends on dining, Business center, laundry, etc., at all Taj Hotels in India including Taj Safaris & all Taj International Hotels on bookings made till 15th October, 2016. If you wish to stay a bit longer, you can extend your stay with a complimentary night! For a three day stay, avail a complementary third night & for a four day stay, avail a complementary fourth night. You can even club two complimentary nights for a consecutive six or eight night stay.