Lucknow – The City of Grace and Grandeur

“Lucknow, known as the city of Nawabs, is still rich with the reminders of its royal heritage. The ancient mansions, big Imambaras [Spelling]and unique lifestyle of the people, are relics of the bygone grandeur of the city.
Whether it is the popular classical dance form Kathak, or the delectable Avadhi cuisine, there are hints of the Nawabi lifestyle in every walk of life in Lucknow. To get a glimpse of the Nawabi splendor, just ride a boat down the Gomti river or take the Lucknow tour by luxury train.

The Captivating History of the City

From the beginning of Nawabi era, which started in 1775 with Nawab Asafuddaulah, Lucknow saw flamboyance and luxury with every Nawab who ruled the city. The monuments in Lucknow are a proof to that, be it the heavily adorned gateway Rumi Darwaza or the immensely beautiful Bara Imambara. The Nawabs of Lucknow at that time, established a new style of architecture.
The city used to be the capital of the nawabs of Awadh and is one of the main reasons why its called the ‘City of Nawabs’. This era of Nawabs gave Lucknow its majestic appeal and the mouth watering dishes, and now it is one of the most important destinations in Indian culture tourism.

The nawabs were also actively involved in socio cultural activities, which gave Lucknow the name, ‘City of Tehzeeb’. This culture is still prevalent in the city and can be experienced with almost every person one meets.

Even after immense modernization, Lucknow has retained its age old charm and splendor. The Nawabi era also gifted Lucknow with the wealth of music. literature and arts. This is the city where Tabla and Sitar were born. Travelling to the city and visiting the numerous monuments, brings one closer to the glorious era of the nawabs.
The popular train Maharajas’ Express, is a luxury palace on wheels, which takes its guests on a wonderful trip to witness the royal splendor of Lucknow.

Art and Culture

The Nawabs had great love for art and they created new horizons for music, dance and literature. Urdu poets prospered the most at the time, mesmerizing the world with their magnificent poetry. Indian literature has not been the same since then. Their admiration for arts and music gave Kathak dance and Hindustani classical music a prominent place in India’s art and culture. The famous Lucknow festival held every year between 25th November and 5th December, still maintains the charm and royalty of the Nawabi era. The Indian Maharajas’ Express is a great way of taking a tour to Lucknow during this time.

The World-Famous Avadhi Cuisine

Lakhnavi Nawabs were used to fine living as well as food habits, and never compromised on quality. They regularly experimented in the royal kitchens, which took Avadhi cuisine to new heights.

The cooking patterns of Avadhi cuisine are similar to those of Central Asia and Middle East, and it comprises of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Mughal cooking techniques have greatly influenced this cuisine and the city of Lucknow is known for its Nawabi food.

Whether it is vegetarian food like Dum Aloo, Dum Pukht, or non-vegetarian items like Dum Murg and Dum Mutton, the Nawabs of Lucknow made great contribution to Indian cuisine. Other popular dishes of the Avadhi cuisine include Dum Biriyani, Mori Pulao and Noor Pulao. People on culture tours in India not only explore the rich heritage of this city but also savour these dishes.

Also known as the ‘Land of Kebabs’, Lucknow has produced variety of kebabs, including the world-famous Seekh Kebab, Nargisi Kebab, Galawat Kebab and Shami Kebab. Visiting the world-famous kebab joints of Lucknow will definitely make anyone’s luxury holidays in India a memorable one.

The Maharajas’ Express luxury train takes its guests on a fascinating journey to this amazing city, on their tour package named as the ‘Indian Panorama Journey‘. The itinerary starts with breakfast on board, followed by visit to the beautiful monuments – Rumi Darwaza and Bada Imambara.

There is cocktail lunch served later, at Taj hotel, after which the guests return to the train. Afterwards, there is an exc”

For more: http://www.the-maharajas.com/maharajas/maharajas-express-lucknow-tours.html