Lucknow, the ancient city of the Nawabs is the capital of Uttar Pradesh and is a prominent cultural hub. The city is famous for its traditional outlook combined with contemporary lifestyle. The city boasts of rich cultural heritage and there are so many big and small markets to explore. It's a haven for shopping enthusiasts with so many items to choose from. There are few famous shopping destinations that you can reach by taking a rickshaw from the hotels in Lucknow near railway station.
• Aminabad: Located just 2km from the railway station, this market dates back to the time when the Nawabs of Awadh were reining the region. Explore the numerous shops selling garments, jewellery, artefacts, paans and various other items on a shopping spree. Gorge on to delicious kababs and biryani from the famous roadside stalls and eateries.
• Alambagh: One of the most famous markets in Lucknow, Alambag market has many high end branded stores lined up along with smaller merchant shops. You can get anything you need in this market starting from branded clothes to traditional sarees, dress materials, jewellery, electronics, sweets and many more.
• Chowk: This market with narrow alleys and numerous shops selling Chikankari fabric and garments is a favourite among shoppers. If you feel thirsty while hopping from one shop to another, try the popular thandai at the Raja Thandai shop. While staying at the best hotels in Lucknow, take a walk to reach this busy market in few minutes.
• Hazratganj: Hazratganj market has a historical value as it was primarily built for the British rulers. Currently, this market has transformed into a vibrant and crowded marketplace with numerous shops, showrooms, big restaurants, hotels, cinema halls and so on.
• Janpath market: If you love to bargain at the street side stalls and small shops, Janpath market is the best option for you. You will get a variety of items to take back home like chikankari dress materials, tops, sarees, shoes, leather accessories, jewellery etc. If you visit the market in winter, you will find a wide range of woollen garments at reasonable rates.
• Nakkhas market: The oldest market in Lucknow, this market offers a huge variety of sellable items that you will never find in any other market in the city. On Sunday mornings the local traders gather to sell their stuff and the entire area is crowded with buyers and sellers. This market is also famous for selling birds and small animals as pets.
On your trip to Lucknow, don't forget to splurge in the local markets to feel the true essence of heritage and culture. The garments, paans, sweets and everything else will keep you mesmerized and compel you to come back for more.
Martin Wynn
