Aminabad is a quaint little shopping district situated in the city of Lucknow. It sits exactly 3 km from the main city center and is one of the city’s largest commerce and retail hubs. The main products that this market district is famous for are clothes, Chikan embroidery work, spices, dry snacks, hosieries, and wedding decorations to name a few. It is also famous for its streetside food stalls that attract tourists from all over the country to indulge in their famous cuisines. It is often compared to the bustling Chandni Chowk of New Delhi. Since the time of Nawabs, the market boasts of its unmatched fashion, and being one of the oldest markets, it is still surrounded by buildings and architecture of the Nawabi era.
Top Tourist Hotspots To Visit In Aminabad
Tourists travel to Aminabad for a variety of reasons. Some want to experience the city’s shopping streets, some want to sample the delicious food, and some also come here to experience the history, culture, and heritage of this city. Whichever the case, here are some of the top tourist hotspots in the city for your next visit.
1. Hazratganj
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Hazratganj, located in Lucknow’s downtown district, is the city’s main shopping hub. This street features a plethora of bazaars, shopping complexes, restaurants, hotels, theatres, cafés, and offices, making it a hub for commerce and sales.
In 1827, the then Nawab Nasir-ud-Din Haidar Shah laid the foundation of the Ganj market by introducing the China Bazaar and Kaptaan Bazaar, which sold goods from China, Japan, and Belgium which at the time was a first in the country. This part of town has been through plenty of faces throughout its lifetime to reach what it is today. In 1857, when the Britishers took over the city and Hazratganj was modelled after London’s Queen Street, many old Mughal-style buildings were demolished, and new European structures emerged. Then, finally, in 2010, to commemorate 200 years of this icon of a street, the government decided to give it a makeover to create what stands today as Hazratganj.
Address: Hazratganj, Lucknow, 226001
Entry Fees: There is no specific entry fee for the shopping town.
Timings: 8 AM – 12:30 AM
Must Read: Places To Visit In Lucknow
2. Bara Imambara
Image Credit: Faizhaider for Wikimedia Commons
Bara Imambara is a religious complex built by and for Shia Muslims to conduct their religious practices and for the mourning of Muharram. Built by Asaf-ud-Daula, Nawab of Awadh, in 1784, this Imambara is the second largest in the country. The Bara Imambara is not only a significant religious site for Muslims, especially during the festival of Muharram, but it also stands as a symbol of the syncretic culture and architectural innovation of the time. It is said that at the time, this project to build this complex was launched mainly to provide jobs to ordinary people. Today it stands as a nostalgic reminder of the times gone by and is a must-visit in this town.
Address: VW86+MQ3, Husainabad Trust Rd, Machchhi Bhavan, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003
Entry Fees: The entry fee is 50Rs for adults and 25Rs for children.
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM.
3. Rumi Darwaza
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The Rumi Darwaza, also sometimes known as the Turkish gate, was built by Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula in 1784. It is a beautiful example of Awadhi architecture and stands over 60 feet tall. It stands adjacent to Bara Imambara and has become a symbol of this gorgeous city. It used to mark the entrance to old Lucknow in colonial times. The Darwaza is distinct from Mughal architecture in terms of style and materials used. The design consists of a big arch; on top of that, a half-spherical dome rests on a half-octagonal plan. This gate was built using thin burnt clay bricks and lime-crushed brick aggregate mortar, which were prevalent during the rule of Nawabs in the 18th century.
Address: 17/11 Hussainabad Road, Lajpat Nagar Colony, Lajpat Nagar, Machchhi Bhavan, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee as this structure is a part of the public road.
Timings: There is no entry-exit timing as this structure is a part of the public road.
Suggested Read: Picnic Spots In Lucknow
4. The Residency
Image Credit: Get2himanshu for Wikimedia Commons
The Residency, also known as the British Residency or the Residency Complex, is a group of several buildings in a typical precinct towards the west of Hazratganj. These structures once served as the residence for the British Resident General who was a representative in the court of the Nawab in the early 1800s. Construction started during the rule of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulah and ended during the rule of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan II, and it took 20 years between 1780 and 1800 to complete. The ruined building is now surrounded by lawns and flowerbeds, serves as a tourist attraction, and attracts over a million tourists annually.
Address: VW6G+7P3, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Deep Manak Nagar, Qaisar Bagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001
Entry Fees: The entry fee is 15Rs for adults and free for children.
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM.
Further Read: Hill Stations Near Uttar Pradesh
Aminabad is a beautiful icon that stands as a reminder of the history of this beautiful town, and it offers all the best hope for the future. It is a truly wondrous place that delights all visitors. Whether they come for shopping or sightseeing, this town has all of it and more to offer its guests. In some ways, it can be considered to be the mini-capital of Lucknow, which is already the capital of the most populous state in our country. So do keep these places in mind when planning your trip to Lucknow.
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Cover Image Credit: Faizankh for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Aminabad
Is Aminabad the fashion capital of Uttar Pradesh?
Officially, there is no such title given to this town, but owing to its famous shopping streets at Hazratganj and Alambagh it is understandable as to why some people might think of it that way.
How far is Aminabad from Lucknow Central?
Aminabad lies in quite a proximity to Lucknow central, as it is just 3 km from the city centre which is a 10-minute drive in normal traffic.
Does it snow in Aminabad?
No, although the town does have quite a cold climate, it never drops below freezing and so snowfall never occurs here.
How to travel from Delhi to Aminabad?
Delhi is 554km away from Aminabad which by road will take around 8 Hours to cover. Although, it is advised to make this journey by either train or by taking a flight.
Is there a metro service in Aminabad?
Yes, there is a newly developed metro line in Aminabad that connects it to Lucknow Central and the airport.
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