a large building surrounded by trees and flowers

Lucknow

Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is known for Nawabi palaces, slow-cooked Awadhi food and chikankari embroidery.

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Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh and the state's second-largest city. It is also the administrative headquarters of Lucknow district. The Gomti River divides the city into Trans-Gomti and Cis-Gomti areas, and the city is known as the city of the Nawabs. Asaf-ud-Daula moved his court here from Faizabad in 1775, and the palaces, gardens and imambaras from that period still shape the old city.

The Bara Imambara, built in 1784 as famine relief, has a vast hall with no wood, iron or stone beams for support, and its Bhool Bhulaiya maze sits inside. The attached Asafi Mosque does not admit non-Muslims. Awadhi cooking uses slow dum methods for biryanis, kebabs and sheermal. Chikankari, white-on-white embroidery on fine cotton, is sold in the old city's lanes. Late November to February is the most comfortable period, though fog is common in December and January. Malihabad, an orchard town on the road between Lucknow and Hardoi, is known for Dasheri mangoes.

Lucknow in five

See the imambaras earlyBara Imambara and its labyrinth, plus Chota Imambara and the Rumi Darwaza, are the city's core. Go at opening to avoid crowds and heat, and hire a licensed guide for the labyrinth.
Eat your way through ChowkAwadhi kebabs, biryani, sheermal and kulfi are why many people come. Go to counters with a steady queue, and choose busy places for freshness.
Shop for chikankari at fixed-price stores firstThe fine hand embroidery is Lucknow's craft. Compare quality and prices at a government emporium before you bargain in the market lanes.
Take the Shatabdi or fast train from DelhiDaytime fast trains from Delhi take roughly 6.5 to 8 hours. Book on IRCTC well ahead, and consider flying if time is tight.Delhi
Use Lucknow as a stop to Varanasi or AgraTrains and roads link Lucknow with both, so it fits a Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi route better than a Delhi to Agra detour.Varanasi

Things to do in Lucknow

See all attractions in Lucknow

Landmark · LucknowSaadat Ali Khan Tomb

Historic site · LucknowBara ImambaraArrive in the early morning for fewer people, cooler stone and the clearest views from the roof.

Museum · LucknowState Museum Lucknow

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to LucknowPut the places you like in Lucknow on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: Chaudhary Charan Singh International (LKO), south of the city
Getting there: Fast trains from Delhi in 6.5 to 8 hours; flights from major cities
Getting around: App cabs, auto-rickshaws and the city metro
Best base: Near Hazratganj or the old city, for sights and food
Time needed: 2 days

Weather by month

Rainy days
Days with storms

Best
Mixed
Poor

JanuaryClear3 rainy daysHigh22°Low11°Cool, foggy
FebruaryClear2 rainy daysHigh26°Low14°Pleasant
MarchClear3 rainy daysHigh33°Low19°Warming
AprilClear2 rainy daysHigh39°Low25°Very hot
MayClear5 rainy daysHigh40°Low28°Peak heat
JuneClear11 rainy daysHigh39°Low30°Pre-monsoon
JulyRain25 rainy daysHigh34°Low28°Monsoon
AugustRain26 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh33°Low27°Monsoon
SeptemberRain19 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh33°Low26°Humid
OctoberClear4 rainy daysHigh32°Low22°Dussehra, warm
NovemberClear0 rainy daysHigh29°Low17°Pleasant
DecemberClear1 rainy dayHigh24°Low12°Cool, foggy

Average daily high and low in Lucknow, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Lucknow

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 28°
Humidity: 86%
Wind: 4 km/h
Chance of rain: 0%

Lucknow

02:06 AM

Tuesday, November 3

GMT+5:30

Today29°21°0%Tuesday: Clear. High 29°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 0%.
Wed29°18°0%Wednesday: Clear. High 29°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 0%.
Thu29°18°0%Thursday: Clear. High 29°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 0%.
Fri29°18°0%Friday: Clear. High 29°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 0%.
Sat28°18°0%Saturday: Clear. High 28°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 0%.
Sun28°17°0%Sunday: Clear. High 28°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 0%.
Mon28°18°0%Monday: Clear. High 28°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 0%.

Updated 10:11 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 95.08 INR

Amount

Converted to

INR · Indian Rupee

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Varanasiabout 5 to 6 hours by train or roadThe Ganges ghats and evening rituals; a natural next stop to the east.Read the guide
Ayodhyaabout 2.5 to 3 hours by roadA major pilgrimage town on the Sarayu River; check local arrangements first.
Kanpurabout 1.5 hours by roadAn industrial city with a few colonial-era sights, best on a rail connection.

Before you go to Lucknow

Old-city food and heritage walksKebabs, sweets and imambaras, guidedCompare day tours

Heritage and business hotelsHazratganj or the old cityCheck availability

eSIM for Uttar PradeshData for rail apps and ride-hailingRead the guide

Cover for northern India rail tripsDelays, food illness, cancellationsRead the guide

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Rules for Lucknow, checked

Dress modestly at the imambaras, mosques and temples, and remove shoes before entering shrines and prayer rooms.
The attached Asafi Mosque at the Bara Imambara does not allow entry to non-Muslims, so plan to see the complex from outside the mosque.
Dial 112 for police, fire or ambulance emergencies; the 1090 Women Power line takes complaints such as eve-teasing.
Muharram processions take place in the city, so ask your accommodation about routes before heading out.
The Chup Tazia procession is held in silence on the morning of the 8th of Rabi al-awwal, so keep quiet along its route.

Plan around Lucknow

All of India

Entry rules, regions and trip planning

Read the guide Uttar Pradesh

The state's cities, rivers and religious towns

Read the guide Varanasi

Ghats and a night train away

Read the guide Agra

The Taj Mahal, a long road or train west

Read the guide Delhi

The usual arrival city and rail hub

Read the guide Transport in India

Rail booking and when to fly

Read the guide

Lucknow FAQ

How many days do you need in Lucknow?

Two days cover the imambaras, a food walk and a chikankari shop. One day works if you are passing through, and three lets you add nearby towns.

What is Lucknow famous for?

Nawabi architecture, tunday-style kebabs and biryani, chikankari embroidery and a polite, courteous culture often called tehzeeb. Those four things drive most visits.

Is Lucknow worth visiting?

Yes for food and architecture, especially if you are traveling between Delhi, Agra and Varanasi. It has fewer monuments than Jaipur or Agra, so it suits slower travelers.

What is the best time to visit Lucknow?

October to March, when days are mild. April to June is very hot, and the monsoon from July to September is humid with occasional heavy showers.

How do you get from Delhi to Lucknow?

By fast train in roughly 6.5 to 8 hours, by flight in about an hour, or by road along expressways in about 8 hours. Trains are the best value; check IRCTC for the current timetable.