Archaeological findings related to Lucknow testify to the fact that Lucknow is a pretty ancient city, but the city in its present form was set up by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in the year 1775. The foundations of this aristocratic city touted as the mecca of Urdu language and the seat of refined elegance and aristocratic sophistication, the history of Lucknow is not so ancient compared to the other Indian cities.
Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula belonged to the Awadh dynasty and he was instrumental in the inflow of a number of gifted artists and thinkers from Persia who brought with them the Shia tradition.
Lucknow was considered to be favorable place for the pursuit of art and culture. The later Awadh rulers became debauch and the incompetent and this was used as an excuse for the British to take over Lucknow.Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula is a prominent name in Lucknow’s history. It was at his initiative that the process of modernizing Lucknow was set in motion. He commissioned the construction of a number of magnificent monuments that serve as the popular tourist draws of Agra. It was due to his financial backing that work was resumed in the Bada Imambara.
After spending enjoyable and unforgettable moments in Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, most often travelers like to engage their time in Lucknow excursions. There are myriad interesting places around Lucknow that act as a major pull on the travelers and compel them to cross the periphery of the city and see what lies ahead.
On cutting across the boundaries of the city, the first place that beckons travelers to savor its charm is Faizabad. It is located 124 km from Lucknow. Some of the very interesting places to visit here include Fort Calcutta and mausoleum of Bahu Begum and Gulab Bari.
But if you are looking for the most preferred destinations among other tourists on excursions from Lucknow then Kanpur and Ayodhya are unbeatable. Kanpur is located at a distance of 77 kms from Lucknow. It is a flourishing industrial city of Uttar Pradesh. It was the first city to witness the establishment of one of the first cotton mills of the country. Besides, this city abounds in several historical monuments of great interest.
After visiting Kanpur on excursions around Lucknow you can also go for the very famous Ayodhya city. This city enjoys a significant place in the history of the mythological era of Lord Ram who was the king of Ayodhya. This holy city is around 135 km from Lucknow. It abounds in numerous temples and every year a whopping number of devotees throng here.
