2/18 ☼ Exploring Temples, Caves, Ghats, and an Imambara: A 3000-Mile Adventure
City of Nawabs - Part 2/18
We arrived early at Radisson Hazratganj, and the receptionist went above and beyond by promptly arranging milk and snacks for my son. Hazratganj, known as the heart of Lucknow, is the central shopping district for anyone looking to explore the city's vibrant culture and bustling markets. We had a delicious breakfast at the iconic Madras Restaurant, serving South Indian specialities since 1951 at affordable prices. After a brief rest, we ventured outside to buy a chikan kurta. In Lucknow, buying chikan embroidery is a must and can be explored in the bustling streets of Chowk, Aminabad, or the trendier Hazratganj. We carefully gathered information and sought recommendations from various sources, including friends and auto-wallahs, before deciding to purchase a kurta from the Selection Chikan Handicraft & Chhangamal shop.
If you're a meat lover, the city has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. We went to Tunde Kebabi, where we indulged in their recommended specialities - the Mutton Tunday Kabab and Paratha. Nearby, there is a sweet shop where you can taste yummy gulab jamun, which my son loved.
Next, we navigated to the local Aminabad market, known for its affordable leather goods and clothes. We purchased floaters and a digital wristwatch for my son. Although I can't guarantee the longevity of these products, this marketplace evoked a feeling of nostalgia, similar to the Mangala Bazaar in Jamshedpur. While exploring nearby chat options, Tutuk Wala pointed us towards the delightful "Chatori Gali" as a must-visit place. Intrigued by his suggestion, we discovered that this delightful spot was conveniently located near the Gomti Riverfront Park (Gomati River is a tributary of the Ganges.), which was already on our itinerary. Excited by the prospect, we wasted no time and headed there immediately.
Upon entering the food street, our eyes immediately landed on the tandoori chai, a must-try for any chai lover. The alleyway was lined with various food options, including golgappa, sikanji, momos, non-veg grills, fruit kulfi and smoky pan, all of which we tasted.
As we were heading home, we came across Subham, a talented artist sketching caricatures at the end of Food Street. Intrigued, both my son and I decided to give it a try. The result (which took longer than 45 mins) was astonishing, as the caricature resembled my childhood. With that, our day concluded, and to prepare for late-night cravings, we bought delicious fried rice from Royal Cafe.
If you enjoyed reading this post and want to travel to Lucknow. I’d like you to share it with friends. Re-stacks help a lot! It’s that little 🔄 symbol at the start of the issue.
Next Post: I will share an early morning tour of the city and a tale about the Bara Imambara, remnants of 1857 at The Residency, Rumi Darwaza.
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