Once called the "Constantinople of India", the rich heritage of the city of Lucknow dates back more than two centuries with its coming into prominence as the capital of Oudh and perhaps the most important centre for art and culture. People trace the name 'Lucknow' to the days of Ramayana when Rama gifted this place to his brother Lakshman. 'Lakshman Tila' - a high ground on the banks of the Gomti is believed to have been Lakshman's abode. Some even trace the name to one 'Lakhan Ahir' who had bult the 'Quila Lakhan'.

The city, witness to the tragic departure of its most famous Nawab Wajid Ali Shah to Calcutta as a result of empire expansion by the British and the turmoils during the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 and the tales of persistence during the seige of the Residency, still reels under its 'nawabi' past.

It was the patronage of art and culture that has earned Lucknow its fame. The rule of the Nawabs of Oudh ushered in a cultural renaissance. Home to a great number of musicians and performers, dance forms like Kathak and vocal forms like Thumri, Khayal, Dadras, Qawalis and Ghazals reached levels of excellence. Exquisite apparels and jewellery were produced along with the skillful art of 'mughlai' cooking. The remnants of the past are still found nowadays with the famous 'chickan' embroidery and 'kababs' of Aminabad.

Lucknow is the present capital of Uttar Pradesh, the biggest state in northern India. Spread on both sides of the river Gomti, it has a rich conglomeration of places of historical interest. The gardens, parks and monuments of archaeoloigcal value are a source of great interest to tourists and visitors. The city is connected by air, road and rail to other parts of the country.