Top Secret Places in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, India, is a city of many wonders. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, mouth-watering cuisine, and beautiful architecture. However, there are some lesser-known, secret places in Lucknow that are waiting to be explored.

Lucknow is famous for its arts, music, monuments, parks, and literature as well as dance. The Nawabi culture and historical monuments attract a lot of tourists. The natural beauty of Lucknow has been a major attraction and the reason behind the place being loved by more.

There are numerous places to visit in Lucknow but in this article, crazylucknow have a few secret places that are not known by many. Let us have a look at some of the best places to visit in Lucknow as well as another lesser-known area to visit in Lucknow.

List of Best Secret Places in Lucknow

1. Musa Bagh

Musa Bagh is a scenic spot surrounded by the spectacular view of beautiful buildings such as Panch Mahala, Alamgir mosque, Bara Imambara, Panch Mahala, Asafi mosque, and many more. It was built under the direction of Asaf-ud-Daulah. The falling structures today are symbolic of the vanishing heritage of the Aawdh rulers . As per the English dictionary, Musa means Moses and no one is aware of the fact why the garden got such a name. Also, the person who named the place is not known.

One can visit this garden and get a beautiful view of many secret places in Lucknow. Apart from this, the garden itself is attractive giving a natural feel and a good natural photographic place.

2. Kothi Bibyapur

The kothi at Bibyapur was built in the late 18th century by Asaf-ud-Daula, Nawab of Awadh. The kothi, which is located on the banks of the Gomti River, is named after the nearby village of Bibiyapur.

Kothi Bibayapur is a two-storied building surrounded by a big greenish park. This building was built under the guidance of General Claude Martin and was designed for Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. This location was used by Nawab as a hunting box. The place was also used as a guest-house for the people of British residency when the residence change was done. Lastly, the place was used to implement the house arrest of Marza Wazir Ali.

The place is a simple building of bricks having no amenities or any special attractive piece of work. However, people visit this kothi to explore its history.

3. Imambara Sintainabad

The Imambara Sibtainabad is one of the most secret beauties of Lucknow. It is small, simple yet more attractive than Bara Imambara or Shahnajaf Imambara. This Imambara is located in the heart of the city of Lucknow in the area called Hazratganj. 

The Sibtainabad ka Imambara was constructed at the very same place wherein there was a Chavni This Imambara was built by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah the moment he acceded his throne in 1874.(Cantonment) of Mendu Khan.

The place has two gates; one takes you into the main complex and the other into the main Hazratganj Market. However, the second door and now collapsed and is no more accessible. On entering the complex, a rectangular place can be visible and a white mosque is present at the right end. It is a beautiful place having art and craft on every wall, door, and window.

4. Karbala Talkatora

Talkatora Karbala is one of the secret places in Lucknow. The top part of this monument is designed similarly to the Rauza, a famous Karbala in Iraq. This Karbala was constructed by Meir Khuda Bakhsh. The center part is a burial ground and graveyard. There are Quranic verses inscribed on the panels on the inner side of the boundary walls. The most interesting part of this place is the tall tower meant to give azaan.

On the west side, there is Khema-gah, an octagonal structure covered with a dome that is meant for delivering sermons. It is a must-visit religious place having beautifully crafted calligraphy and other embellishments.

5. Rumi Darwaza

Rumi Darwaza is also known as the Turkish Gate. It is a gateway designed and developed by Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula. It is a kind of Awadhi architecture that is sixty feet tall and its design was decided after the Sublime Porte. The gate is situated between Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara. This place is generally very busy all day, is bustling with tourists on weekends.

It is located near Teele Wali Masjid and Asafi Imambara and is a well-known logo for Lucknow. It was the entrance to Old Lucknow City which further expanded and later it became the entrance to a place that was once developed but even demolished. Once a visit is suggested if you are visiting Lucknow.

6. Chota Imambara

Chota Imambara is even known as Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak. It is a congregation hall built for the Shia Muslims by Muhammad Ali Shah. This imambara is a mausoleum for Ali Shah and his mother. The Chhota Imambara stands to the west of Bara Imambara and an imposing gateway known as Rumi Darwaza.

It has five main doorways, two halls, and Shehnasheen. Zarih is similar to the protective grill built around the grave of Imam Husain. The hall, chandeliers, glass lamp stands, decorative pieces, exterior, and many more attract tourists and visitors. Many visitors have also defined this place as The Palace of Lights.

Don’t forget to visit this beautiful place and have a grasp of the ancient yet attractive things, decorations, and arts.

7. Bara Imambara

Similar to Chota Imambara, the Bara Imambara also has a special name. It is known as Asfi Imambara by the localities’. The Bara Imambara of Lucknow is one of the most famous monuments in the city. It is built as a complex by Asaf-ud-Daula and is the second largest imambara. To know, Nizamat Imambara is the largest of all. The Imambara has a unique style of construction. Moreover, no wood or metal has been used in the construction of this mosque. 

This big imambara includes an Asfi mosque, a step well known as Bowli that still has running water as well as a bhul-bhulaiya. There are two gateways that lead to the main hall. It is believed that there are 1024 ways to reach the terrace but only 2 to come back to the first or the last gate. It is a surprising but real fact of this place.

8. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden

This zoo garden is a Secret place in Lucknow which was developed on arrival of Prince of Wales. The development was done under the leadership of Governor Sir Harcourt Butler. It was known as Banarasi Bagh in the past. According to the Central Zoo Authority of India, it is a large zoo. As per the history, the Nawabs used to sit at the garden as it was located in the middle of the city.

The official name of this park was Prince of Wales Zoological Garden Trust which was further changed to Lucknow Zoological Gard and once more to Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden. It is a beautiful place giving pleasure to your eyes.

9. Ambedkar Memorial Park

Earlier known as Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Prateek Sthal, the Ambedkar Memorial Park is one more public place designed as a memorial in Gomti Nagar. This memorial is dedicated to B. R. Ambedkar. Apart from Ambedkar, it also gives honors to other important people such as Birsa Munda, Jyotirao Phule, Shahuji Maharaj, Narayan Guru, Kanshi Ram, and many more.

Dr Ambedkar Memorial park is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Lucknow. The park’s landscaping is well-maintained, with various plants, trees, and flowers that make it a beautiful and serene place to visit.

Also, one more attraction of this place is 124 monumental elephants. This park was developed by Mayawati when she was the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. This park is one of the lesser-known areas to visit in Lucknow.

10. Gomti River Front

As discussed earlier, Lucknow is a place located at the banks of river Gomti also known as Gomati or Gumti which is a tributary of the Ganges. The Gomti riverfront is a time-spending place designed around the river. It is a belief that taking the bath in the Gomti river help to wash away all your sins.

The river front is designed waterside landscape having beautiful lawns, musical fountains as well as mind-blowing sculptures. The night view of this place is even more beautiful and eye-catching. Don’t forget to experience this once. The Gomti Riverfront Park, spread over 2 km along the banks of the Gomti River, was inaugurated in October 2016 by the then Chief Minister, Mr. Akhilesh Yadav.

Its major attraction is the musical fountain, which is huge and can be seen from both sides of the river. This park is a great hangout place for peaceful individuals and friends.

11. Janeshwar Mishra Park

Janeshwar Mishra park is Asia’s first largest park spread over 376 acres, designed as an urban park and named after the late politician Janeshwar Mishra. The park includes a long walkway, cycle track, parking facility, jogging track, and many more features.

The important features of this park’s design include lakes, a Green belt boundary across the park, a gym, a sports center, a playground, a theme park, Gondola, lawns, solar working, a rainwater harvesting facility, and many more. If you are visiting Lucknow, don’t make the mistake of avoiding this place considering it is a children’s park.

Conclusion :

Exploring Lucknow’s top-secret places can be an exciting adventure. These hidden gems offer a unique perspective on the city’s charm and history. From serene parks to historic sites tucked away from the bustling crowd, these places provide a tranquil escape. By visiting these lesser-known spots, you can experience Lucknow in a whole new light, adding an extra layer of excitement to your journey.