
Photo: AbdurRahman299, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Oxford and Cambridge of India author/poet Shibli Naumani. For more details see the book Ul Farangi Mahal by Francis Robinson
Firangi Mahal is a building complex located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. The word Firang refers to Europeans and Mahal means palace in Persian. The name originated from the fact that original owners of this Mahal were Europeans. During the period of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, some French businessmen used to stay at this Mahal when they visited, such as the first owner of this Mahal, Niel. The building was an architectural building of some repute but was later confiscated by the government.
A massive church and school. Lot of celebrations take place around Christmas time and is packed.
A must see place with great architecture. It was built in 1896 and named after British Indian colonial administrator Sir Auckland Colvin.
One of the three crocodilian breeding centres in India, including the freshwater gharials (Gavialis gangeticus), one of the 3 native species of crocodilians in India.
दिलकुशा कोठी Dilkuśā Koṭhī
The remains of an 18th-century house built in the English baroque style. The house was shelled during its involvement in the Siege of Lucknow in 1857, and only a few towers and external walls remain to this day, though the extensive garden is intact. The garden is packed by both local and foreign visitors during winter.
बिबियापुर कोठी Bibiyāpur Koṭhī
A neoclassical building built by Nawab Asaf ud-Daula in the late 18th century. It was used as a country retreat, a place for the Nawab to escape the hustle of his royal court. After the dissolution of the Oudh State, the British used the building for military celebrations, and it became a part of the Lucknow Cantonment, although the building is open to the public.
बड़ा इमामबाड़ा Baṛā Imāmbāṛā
A large and impressive tomb complex built in 1783. There is an interesting labyrinth inside, called Bhool Bhulaiya (भूल भुलैया Bhūl Bhulaiyā). You could easily spend half a day wandering around these beautiful but crumbling examples of Mughal architecture. If you hire a guide, do not expect him to know the way around; some are known to get lost in the labyrinth. The ticket also includes the Chhota Imambara, the Husainabad clock tower and picture gallery. Lone couples are not allowed to enter the labyrinth inside the complex without a guide. This prohibition is not brought to notice while buying the entry ticket. You will also have to pay a man ₹2 to mind your shoes while exploring the complex: shoes are not allowed inside.