Famous Places to Visit in Lucknow: A Local's Guide

Beyond the biryani and the famous nawabi tehzeeb, Lucknow is home to some of North India's most striking monuments and temples. Whether you're a first-time visitor or someone who's lived here your whole life, these four spots are always worth a revisit. Here's a local's guide to Ghanta Ghar, Chandrika Devi Mandir, Deva Sharif and Bara Imambara — with tips on when to go and what to expect.

Ghanta Ghar (Husainabad Clock Tower)

Husainabad Clock Tower — the tallest clock tower in India, right next to Bara Imambara.

Built in 1881, Ghanta Ghar stands at 67 metres and is officially the tallest clock tower in the country. It sits right beside the Husainabad Imambara and Rumi Darwaza, so it's easy to cover all three in one visit. The tower blends Victorian-Gothic and Mughal architecture, and its four-faced clock was modelled loosely on London's Big Ben.

• Best time to visit: Evening — the tower is lit up and the surrounding market comes alive.
• Entry fee: Free, open 24 hours.
• Nearby: Rumi Darwaza, Husainabad Imambara, Bara Imambara — all walkable from here.

Chandrika Devi Mandir

Chandrika Devi Temple on the banks of the Gomti river.

About 30 km from the city on the banks of the Gomti river, Chandrika Devi Mandir is one of Lucknow's oldest and most peaceful pilgrimage spots, dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple is said to be over 300 years old, and the idol here is carved from rock with three heads — a detail devotees consider quite rare.

• Best time to visit: Navratri (March–April and September–October) for the fair and festive atmosphere, or early morning on a regular day for a quieter experience.
• Timings: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM, daily.
• Good for: A short self-drive out of the city — the drive along the Gomti is part of the experience.

Deva Sharif

The dargah of Haji Waris Ali Shah at Deva Sharif, Barabanki.

A little further out — around 25–40 km depending on the route — Deva Sharif in Barabanki district is the shrine of the 19th-century Sufi saint Haji Waris Ali Shah. It's known for drawing people of every faith, and it's one of the very few dargahs in India where Holi is celebrated as part of the shrine's own tradition. The annual Urs fair here is a big draw, but even on an ordinary day the atmosphere is calm and welcoming.

• Best time to visit: The Urs fair between Dussehra and Diwali (October–November), or any quiet weekday for a peaceful visit.
• Distance from Lucknow: Roughly 25–40 km — an easy half-day self-drive round trip.
• Good for: Anyone interested in Sufi heritage and a slower, reflective kind of sightseeing.

Bara Imambara

Bara Imambara — home to the famous Bhool Bhulaiya maze.

No list of Lucknow's landmarks is complete without Bara Imambara. Built in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, it's one of the largest arched constructions in the world without any supporting beams — an engineering feat that still impresses architects today. The complex includes the famous Bhool Bhulaiya, a maze of narrow passages, and a stepwell (Shahi Baoli) that's just as interesting as the main hall.

• Best time to visit: Morning, before the crowds, especially if you want to properly explore the Bhool Bhulaiya.
• Combine with: Ghanta Ghar and Rumi Darwaza — all three are within a short walk of each other.
• Tip: Hire a local guide at the entrance — the maze is genuinely easy to get lost in without one.

If you're planning to explore Lucknow properly — or use it as a base for day trips to Ayodhya, Naimisharanya or further out — Krishna Group of Companies can set you up with a clean, well-maintained self drive car, booked entirely over WhatsApp.