Almora, Uttarakhand

Almora is a cantonment town in the Almora district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Almora was founded in 1568. It is a town bustling with activity and a rich cultural heritage and history. It is considered the cultural heart of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.

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Places to see:

Nearby places of tourist interest where an excursion can be made within a day are Bright End Corner's unforgettable sunset, Chitai temple with it's unique collection of brass bells of all sizes, gifted to the temple by devotees since centuries, Kasar Devi which houses many Europeans who fell in love with the place so much that they settle down, Nanda Devi Temple the cultural and religious center of Almora for now hundreds of years and Lala Bazar a unique market of more than two hundred years with paved streets of stone.

Kasar Devi

Chitai Temple

Nanda devi Temple

Bright End Corner

Excursions...........
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Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Rishikesh is a city in Dehradun district in the state of Uttarakhand. It is surrounded by two other districts namely Tehri Garhwal and Pauri Garhwal. It is located in the foothills of the Himalaya in northern India and attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year, from within India, as well as from other countries. Rishikesh is a vegetarian city by law, as well as an alcohol-free city.

It is also known as the gateway to the Himalayas and is located around 25 km north of another holy city, Haridwar.


Transport

Places to see:

Triveni Ghat: This is a bathing ghat. Daily in the morning and evening there are thousands who take bath here and enjoy the Maha Aarti being performed. It very soothing to sit on the banks of the river and enjoy the cool breeze from the river. 

Bharat Mandir: Built by Adiguru Shankra Charya around 12th century, Bharat Mandir is situated in the heart of the old town on the banks of the Ganges. The Inner sanctum of the temple has the idol of Lord Vishnu, carved out of a single Saligram. In the inner canopy above the idol is Shree Yantra installed by Adi Sankraya Charya.

Ram Jhula: It is situated 3 Km north of Rishikesh, Is an iron suspension bridge. It is made over river Ganges to cross the river and is a landmark of Rishikesh. Ram Jhula has been added recentlyconstructed between Shivananda Ashram and Sawargashram. The fresh air and sound of flowing water, the scenic beauty of the region can be seen from the bridge.

Lakshman Jhula: It is a 450 feet long an iron suspension bridge situated in Rishikesh in Indian state of Uttarakhand. Lakshman Jhula is one of the most prominent landmarks at Rishikesh. It is made over river Ganges to cross the river and is a landmark of Rishikesh. It is said that Lakshman crossed Ganges on jute ropes between the place where this bridge is built. Lakshman Jhula was built in 1939. There are spectacular views from the bridge.

Gita Bhavan: Place of Guru Shri Ram Sukh Daasji, (the great thinker of his time) Popular among the Hindu Brahmin Community. Twice a year people gather at this ashram to read the Ramayana together. 

Swarg Ashram: Swargashram as the name connotes is a beautiful place situated in picturesque surroundings at the foot of Himalayas on the left bank of the Ganges between Rishikesh and Laxmanjhula. It is this spot where from ages of yore the famous Yogis and Rishis have been doing the Tapasya. Numerous mention of this spot occurs in the holy scripture Puranas.

Parmarth Niketan: One of the few Ashrams left in India where Kids get the Vedas Education. Must Visit in Evening for the Pooja/Aarti. 5 PM in Winter and 6 PM in summer.

Neelkanth Mahadev: This Temple is situated on the outskirts of Rishikesh, around 12 km away, is a revered temple, known as ‘Nilkanth Mahadeo’. Perched on top of a hill, at a height of around 1675 m, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Legends say that the venom that oozed out while the ‘Samudra Manthan’ was ingested by Lord Shiva at the place which is now known as the Nilkanth Mahadeo. 

Trayambakeshwar Temple: On the east bank of the Ganges at Lakshman Jhula Bridge, is 13 stories high, with different deities throughout.

Water Rafting: Only few rivers in the world have the mystique of the Ganges, the living mother Goddess of the India. Rafting on its water of wisdom is certainly an unusual experience. Enjoy and explore the life time experience on a date with mother Ganges. Your first encounter will be the beginning of the addiction.

Rishikesh is becoming a popular spot for white water rafting enthusiasts, both from India and abroad, as it offers medium to rough rapids in the course of river Ganges, with rapids rated class 3 and class 4.

Rishikesh is also a center for Camping, Hiking and Backpacking............
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Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Haridwar is an important pilgrimage city in the Uttarakhand, India. The River Ganges, after flowing for 253 kilometres from its source at Gaumukh at the edge of the Gangotri Glacier, enters the Indo-Gangetic Plains of North India for the first time at Haridwar, which gave the city its ancient name, Gangadwara.

Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus. According to the Samudra manthan, Haridwar along with Ujjain, Nasik and Allahabad is one of four sites where drops of Amrit, the elixir of immortality, accidentally spilled over from the pitcher while being carried by the celestial bird Garuda.

Haridwar is located on the right bank of river Ganga and from here the holy river spreads over the northern plains. According to a mythological legend, Prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to Saint Kapila's curse. Bhagirath was blessed and the holy river descended on the earth and its water revived the sons of King Sagara. Following the tradition of Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here, and pray for the salvation of their ancestors.

Transport

Places to See:

Har ki Pauri: This most sacred Ghat was built by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhatrihari, who is said to have meditated on the banks of Ganga in Haridwar. It is also known as Brahamakund and is the site for the famous Kumbh Mela. Large number of devotees take a holy dip in Ganga over here.

Canal Centenary Bridge: It affords a panoramic view of the ghats and Ganga canal.

Maya Devi Temple: The ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Maya Devi, the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar. It is regarded as one of the Siddhapeethas and according to mythology the heart and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen over here.

Mansa Devi Temple: It is perched atop the Bilwa Parwat and can be reached by a rope-way with its brightly coloured cable cars or on foot. A statue of the Goddess here has three mouths and five arms, while the other one has eight arms. The temple commands a fine view of Haridwar.

Daksha Mahadev Temple: This ancient Shiva (Mahadev) temple is located in the south Kankhal town. The mythological legends state that King Daksha Prajapati, the father of Sati (Lord Shiva's consort) performed a yagya here, but didn't invite Lord Shiva. Sati was offended by her father's behaviour and sacrificed her life by jumping into the fire of yagya. Infuriated Lord Shiva killed King Daksha, but later brought him back to life.

Chandi Devi Temple: It is set atop Neel Parvat on the banks of Ganga. The shrine was built by Suchat Singh, the king of Kashmir in 1929, but the main statue is said to be established by the Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century. According to a legend Goddess Chandi killed demons Chanda - Munda, the army chief of demon kings Shumbh Nisnumbha here. The temple is 3 kms trek from Chandighat.

Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar: The legendary site is said to be the place where Saptarshis (seven sages) meditated and river Ganga, not wanting to disturb them split herself into seven streams (Sapt Sarovar) around them.

Gurukul Kangri University: This old centre of herbal medicine and traditional studies is located on the Haridwar-Jwalapur bypass road. The Ved Mandir Museum here exhibits archaeological exhibits.

Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar: This Bird Sanctuary is situated on the main Ganges river, or Neel Dhara, at the Bhimgoda barrage, it is a paradise for bird watchers and home to many migratory birds during the winter season.

Bhimgoda Tank

This tank is situated at a distance of about 1 km from Har ki Pauri. It is said that while Pandavas were going to Himalayas through Haridwar, prince Bhima drew water from the rocks here by thrusting his knee (goda), to the very ground.

Sureshwari Devi Temple: Temple of Goddess Sureshwari, situated in midst of beautiful Rajaji National Park. Serene and religious makes this temple abode of worshipers, saints etc. Located at outskirts of Haridwar in Ranipur and permission from forest rangers is necessary.

Pawan Dham: A modern temple, made entirely of glass pieces, Pawan Dham is now a popular tourist destination. The temple complex was constructed by the effort of Swami Vedantanand Ji Maharaj and the institute located there is growing under the leadership of Swami Sahaj Prakash Ji Maharaj.

Bharat Mata Mandir: Bharat Mata Mandir is a multi-storey temple dedicated to Bharat Mata (Mother India). Bharat Mata Mandir was inaugurated on 15 May 1983 by Indira Gandhi on the banks of the river Ganges. It is situated adjacent to the Smanvaya Ashram, and stands eight stories tall to a height of 180 feet (55 m). Each floor depicts an era in the Indian history, from the days of Ramayan until India's independence.

Jairam Ashram: Famous for its diorama exhibition, and a massive white statue depicting the famous Samudra manthan episode, a must-see for any visitor.

Rajaji National Park (Chilla): The park endowed with pristine beauty and rich bio-diversity covers an area of 820 sq. kms on the edge of the Doon Valley about 10 kms from Haridwar. It was established in 1996 and has over 23 species of mammals and 315 avifauna species. It is a safe haven for elephant, tiger, panther, bear, chital, sambar, wild boar, barking deer, python, monitor lizard etc.

Elephants are available for wildlife viewing at Chilla and Dholkand.

Doodhadhari Barfani Temple: Part of the ashram of Doodhadhari Barfani Baba, this temple complex in white marble is one of most beautiful temples in Haridwar, especially the temples of Rama-Sita and Hanuman............
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Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Dehradun is the capital city of the State of Uttarakhand in the northern part of India. Located in the Garhwal region, it is 255 km north of India's capital New Delhi.

Dehradun is renowned for its natural resources, and for its prestigious educational institutions such as the Forest Research Institute, Indian Military Academy and several day and boarding schools which are highly reputed across the country.

Located amongst the Shivalik Ranges on the foothills of the Himalayas, the Doon Valley is nestled between two of India's mightiest rivers - the Ganges on the east and the Yamuna on the west. Being a famous tourist destination, Dehradun is known for its picturesque landscape and pleasant climate and provides a gateway to the surrounding region. It is well connected and in close proximity to popular Himalayan tourist destinations such as Mussoorie, Nainital and Auli and Hindu holy cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh along with the Himalayan pilgrimage circuit of Char Dham.

The history of the capital of Uttarakhand, Dehradun is linked to the story of Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is believed that after the battle between Ravan and Lord Ram, Lord Ram and his brother Laxman visited this site. Dronacharya, the legendary royal guru to the Kauravas and Pandavas in the epic Mahabharata is also believed to be born in modern day Dehradun and resided here. Evidence such as ancient temples and idols have been found in the areas surrounding Dehradun which have been linked to the mythology of Ramayana and Mahabharata. These relics and ruins are believed to be around 2000 years old. Furthermore, the location, the local traditions and the literature reflect this region's links with the events of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Even after the battle of Mahabharata, the Pandavas had influence on this region as the rulers of Hastinapur along with the descendants of Subahu ruled the region as subsidiaries. Likewise, Rishikesh is also mentioned in the pages of history when Lord Vishnu answered the prayers of the saints, slaughtered the demons and handed the land to the saints.

In the seventh century this area was known as Sudhnagar and was described by the Chinese traveler Huen Chang. It was Sudhnagar that later came to be recognised as the name of Kaalsi. Edicts of Ashoka have been found in the region along the banks of river Yamuna in Kaalsi indicating the wealth and importance of the region in ancient India. In the neighbouring region of Haripur, ruins were discovered from the time of King Rasala which also reflect the region's prosperity.

Dehradun was invaded by Mahmud of Ghazni during his campaigns into India followed by Taimooralang in 1368, Ruahela Njibuddulo in 1757 and Ghulam Qadir in 1785. In 1806 Nepali King Prithvi Narayan Shah united Nepal and many of the Indian territories now fell under Nepal such as Almora, Phatankot, Kumaon Garhwal, Simur, Shimla, Kangra and Dehradun itself. But when the British East India company and Nepal went on war with each other from 1814 to 1816 and as a "deal" all these parts of Nepal were given to British East India company. The deal or so called treaty between the two countries was called Sugauli Treaty. The British conquered Dehardun in 1816 and colonised Landour and Mussoorie in 1827-1828. In the 1970s it was involved in the Garhwal Mandal. In 2000 , Uttarakhand state was created from the north-western districts of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and Dehradun made its provisional capital. After becoming the capital of the city there has been continuous development. Dehradun is a popular tourist destination. The famous Tapkeshwar temple, Malsi Deer Park, Kalanga monument, Laxman Siddh, Chandrabani, Guchhupani, Forest Research Institute, Tapovan, Santala Devi temple and Wadia Institute are all situated here. On the other side, away from the valley there are other attractions as well. The tourist destinations in Dehradun can be divided into four - five parts ; nature, sports, sanctuary, museums and institutions. The nearby hill stations are well known for its nature, temples for its faith dimensions, sanctuary for animal and bird lovers. You can also engage in activities like rafting, trekking and rock climbing. It is easy to get to the nearby hillstations like Mussoorie, Sahastradhara, Chakrata, Dakpathar and Lahkhamandal. Famous temples Tapkeshwar and Santala Devi are located here as well along with amusement parks like fun and food and fun valley. There are also museums and institutions for those who are interested in history and architecture.

Dehradun can be visited in any season. But September - October and March - April is the most appropriate as the weather is good during that period. There are many different options to get there.

Transport

Dehradun is home to some of India's most ancient and elite educational institutions. The Doon School, Rashtriya Indian Military College, Welham Girls School, Welham Boys School, St. Joseph's Academy, SelaQui International School, are considered to be some of India's most prestigious and well performing schools. Several Indian luminaries have attended these schools including former prime ministers and film stars.

Dehradun is also well renowned for Indian Administrative Service (IAS) training and military services. The Indian Military Academy, a premier institution for training the nation's military officers, is located there. Yoga, Ayurveda and meditation also have a great influence in Dehradun.

Places to See: 

The hill resort of Dehradun is dotted with places of tourist interest. 

The Forest Survey of India, founded in 1767 is an important landmark of Dehradun. The organization had determined the height of Mount Everest under the leadership of the then Surveyor General, Sir George Everest. You may check out the old maps of all kinds of maps here. 

Then there is the Forest Research Institute on the Kaulagarh Road of Dehradun. The institute trains forest officers in India. It has six museums that display the best species of flora and fauna to be found in India. Wood samples, insects, furniture, wildlife, few stuffed animals, library and bookshop are the other places you may check out at the institute.

Dehradun also boasts of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology. It has a museum that displays the geological diversity of India. Rock samples, semi-precious stones and fossils are the various exhibits in the museum. 

While in Dehradun you must visit the Tapkeshwar Mahadev temple. The cave temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, on the banks of a seasonal river. 

Then there is Tapovan on the Dehradun-Rajpur Road. Situated in the Doon Valley Tapovan is believed to have been the spot where Guru Dronacharya, the teacher of warfare to the Kauravas and Pandavas, underwent his penance. 

Then there is the temple of Lakshman Siddh. The younger brother of Lord ram is believed to have undergone penance here for killing the demon king Ravan. The Shakya Center, Robbers Cave, Sahastradhara, Malsi Deer Park and the Rajaji National Park are other places of tourist importance in Dehradun. 

Dehradun is also renowned for its academic institutes. Dehradun is home to the institutes like the Anthropological Survey of India, Botanical Survey of India, Survey of India, Indian Institute of Petroleum, Rashtriya Indian Military College, Zoological Survey of India, Wildlife Institute of India, Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, and Indian Military Academy.

Excursions...........
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Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh in India. Lucknow is the administrative headquarters of Lucknow District. Located in what was historically known as the Awadh (Oudh) region, Lucknow has always been a multicultural city, and flourished as a cultural and artistic capital of North India in the 18th & 19th centuries. Courtly manners, beautiful gardens, poetry, music, and fine cuisine patronized by the Persian-loving Shia Nawabs of the city are well known amongst Indians and students of South Asian culture and history. Lucknow is popularly known as The City of Nawabs. Lucknow is placed among the fastest growing cities of India and is rapidly emerging as a manufacturing, commercial and retailing hub. This unique combination of rich cultural traditions and brisk economic growth provides Lucknow with an aura that refuses to fade away.

After 1350 AD the Lucknow and parts of Awadh region have been under the rule of the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, the Nawabs of Awadh, the East India Company and the British Raj. Lucknow has been one of the major centers of First War of Independence, participated actively in India's Independence movement, and after Independence has emerged as an important city of North India.

Until 1719, subah of Awadh was a province of the Mughal Empire administered by a Governor appointed by the Emperor. Saadat Khan also called Burhan-ul-Mulk a Persian adventurer was appointed the Nazim of Awadh in 1722 and he established his court in Faizabad near Lucknow.

Awadh was known as the granary of India and was important strategically for the control of the Doab, the fertile plain between the Ganges and the Yamuna rivers. It was a wealthy kingdom, able to maintain its independence against threats from the Marathas, the British and the Afghans. The third Nawab, Shuja-ud-Daula fell out with the British after aiding Mir Qasim, the fugitive Nawab of Bengal. He was comprehensively defeated in the Battle of Buxar by the East India Company, after which he was forced to pay heavy penalties and cede parts of his territory. The British appointed a resident in 1773, and over time gained control of more territory and authority in the state. They were disinclined to capture Awadh outright, because that would bring them face to face with the Marathas and the remnants of the Mughal Empire.

Many independent kingdoms, such as Awadh, were established when the Mughal empire disintegrated. Awadh’s capital, Lucknow rose to prominence when Asaf-ud-Daula, the fourth nawab, shifted his court here from Faizabad in 1775. The city was also North India’s cultural capital, and its nawabs, best remembered for their refined and extravagnt lifestyles, were patrons of the arts. Under them music and dance flourished, and many monuments were erected. Of the monuments standing today, the Bara Imambara, the Chhota Imambara, and the Rumi Darwaza are notable examples. One of the more lasting contributions by the Nawabs is the syncretic composite culture that has come to be known as the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb.

Transport

Places to See:

Bara Imambara: It was buillt by Nawab Asafuddaula in 1784 A.D. when Avadh was gripped by severe famine. It shows a blend of Mughal and Rajput schools of building and a shade of the Gothic. The excellence of this structure lies in its extensive interior. The structure took six years to be completed. Built over the hall is the 'Bhulbhulaiyya,' a maze of corridors in a honeycomb of architecture.

Chhota Imambara: Also known as the Husainabad Imambara is a father's parting 'gift' to his daughter. It was built by the third Nawab, Muhammad Ali Shah for his deceased daughter Jenabasia, in 1840 A.D. The appeal of this structure lies in its furnishings comprising exquisite chandeliers of Belgium glass. The glittering brass-domes and ornate architecture of this building made a Russian Prince call it the "Kremlin of India". A small bazaar, known as the Gelo Khana or "Decorated Place", lies inside the imposing entrance of the Imambara and is the home of chikan and bidri workers and of those who make the small clay figures typical to Lucknow. Opposite the entrance is a similar structure, the Naubat Khana, where seven musicians play three times a day in honour of the dead.

Shah Najaf Imambara: Situated on the south bank of river Gomti towards the west of Sikandar Bagh, the building is almost an exact replica of the tomb of Hazrat Ali, the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, at Najaf Ashraf in Iraq. It contains the remains of Ghazi Uddin Haider and his three wives Mubarak Mahal, Mumtaz Mahal and Sarfraz Mahal. Earlier the entrance of the mausoleum was from the Gomti side which has been abandoned now for the south one.

Saddat Ali Tomb: In front of the famous Begum Hazrat Mahal park are the tombs of Saddat Ali and his Begum Khurshidzadi. These tombs are built in the Italian style and are marvels of architecture. The tombs were built by Gaziuddin Haidar, the son of Saddat Ali. The lush green lawns around the tomb were witness to fierce rebel fighting at the time of the 1857 revolt.

Gautam Buddha Park: Situated in between the Bara Imambara and the Martyrs Memorial, this park has been a recreation ground for children. Rides, similar to those in the Appu Ghar of Delhi, are a big draw. It is also used by political parties to hold rallies now. Nearby is the Elephant or the Hati Park, another recreation park. The lemon park or the Nibu Park of the Bara Imambara is also very popular.

Rumi Darwaza: This huge 60-feet-high door was also built by Nawab Asafuddaula as part of a famine relief program. All classes of people helped in its construction. Preferring hard labour to beggary, the building was commissioned to help supplement their incomes. Surprisingly no wood or iron is used in the construction of this huge 'darwaza'. Also called the 'Turkey Darwaza,' it is the entrance to the Bara Imambara. 

Ghari Minar: Built in 1881 by the British, this 67 m-high clock tower on the river Gomti is said to the highest clock tower in India. The tower has European style artwork. The parts of the clock is built of pure gunmetal and the pendulum hangs 14 feet. The dial of this clock is shaped like a 12-petalled flower and has bells around it. It is located very near to the Rumi Darwaza.

Vidhan Bhawan: In the British regime when Lucknow was made the capital of Avadh, Harfort Butler and Raja Sahib Mahmudabad joined hands to built the Vidhan Bhawan in 1922. At that time it took six years to complete and Rs. 18 lakh were spent on its construction. The Vidhan Bhawan is en route from Charbagh Station to the main market of Hazratganj. 

The Residency: The site for this complex was specifically chosen on a high elevation of the bank of the Gomti to accommodate British visitors who found the tropical climate uncomfortable. This residential complex became the traditional home of British residents. In 1857, heavy cross firing between the rebels and British badly damaged the structure. But it still continues to be a favorite picnic spot.

La Marteniere:  It is soldier-architect Claud Martin's dream palace. Martin who established educational institutions in his hometown, Lyon and in Calcutta intended La Martiniere to be a seat of secular learning. But the school admitted students of European origin only, until India's independence. 

Dilkusha Palace: The Palace of Dilkusha "Heart´s Delight" was built by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan 1798-1814. It was erected as a hunting box in the center of a large park stocked with game. Nearby lay a large shallow lake upon which the Nawabs, especially Nasiruddin Haider, would hold bird shoots. 

Chattar Manzil: It is near the Begum Hazarat Mahal park, on the banks of the Gomti. The United Service Club, otherwise the Greater Chattar Manzil, was once a king's palace. Under the existing river terrace was the 'ground floor'; below that were the tykhanas, cooled by the waters of the Gomti which lapped against the outer walls. Considering their size, surprisingly little is know about the Chattar Munzil Palaces. The name comes from the gilt chattars or umbrellas atop the two main buildings. On November 19 when Sir Colin Campbell decided finally to evacuate the Residency, the way to freedom lay through the Chattar Palace. Today this building houses the Central Medicine Research body. The Lal Baradari was also the part of Chattar Manzil and was built as Coronation Hall and Durbar Hall.

Shahid Smarak: It is a tall tower built of marble on the bank of Gomti built in the memory of the freedom fighters who laid down their life for the country. It is very close to the Residency. 

Machchi Bhawan: The emblem of two fishes facing each other was adopted by the Sheikhs of Lucknow and patronised by the Nawabs and the English. It was built by Burhan ul Mulk. The Bhawan comprised of number of buildings and existed as a fort. with vaulted halls with arches. When King George V visited Lucknow as Prince of Wales in 1905, he laid the foundation of the Medical College exactly on the spot where Machchi Bhawan existed in ruins. The college was opened for admission in 1912 and became the famous K G Medical College. 

Noor Baksh: The building is still in Lal Bagh area next to the Methodist Church and now known as Noor Manzil. It houses a psychiatric clinic for the mentally disturbed. It was believed to be built by Saadat Ali Khan as a school for royal children while others say Agha Mir, the Prime Minister was its owner. Rafi us Shan, son of Muhammad Ali Shah made this his residence till the end of Nawabi rule. 

Baoli: Baoli means a very deep and large well. Here the well is flanked by small well-furnished rooms with a winding stair case. There is a small opening from top to bottom for the circulation of cool air within rooms. Viscount Valentia has recorded his stay in Baoli Palace in 1803. One of the rooms about 20 square ft had three fountains for hot and cold water supply. Shahzada Aali Qadar Taimuri also stayed here alongwith his wife during Saadat Ali Khan's time. Wajid Ali was installed as Nawab in this building. The Sangi Dalan was a stone hall built parallel to Baoli and was probably used for holding the darbars before the venue was shifted to Daulat Khana complex. 

Satkhanda Mahal: Nawab Muhamad Ali Shah built this seven-storied palace in Italian and French style. Though the palace is in ruins, the splendor of the architecture is still visible. This tower like palace was built as a watch tower to keep watch on various buildings in Lucknow in those days.

Sikanderbagh: This was the summer house of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. Situated in the Sikander Bagh Gardens, gets its name from Begum Sikander Mahal who was the favorite wife of the Nawab. It was 120 square yards in area surrounded by a high wall, with a summer house in its centre. The garden now houses the National Botanical Research Institute of India. 

Moti Mahal: The Pearl Palace as the name suggests was constructed for the Nawab and his courtiers to watch cock fights from its balconies. Cock fights are still prevalent in Old Lucknow.


Excursions...........
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