By Rupali Dean
Bada Imambara
With its rich culture, history, cuisine and architecture, Lucknow is one city in India that you should not miss.
LUCKNOW IS FOR EVERYONE
Driving in from the airport, I notice it’s more than just monuments and if you cherish a city that shouts elegance, history and food all in go, avoiding Lucknow is a mistake. As we drive down in the heart of the gorgeous city, I come upon what looks like a blend of contemporary that spells luxury and exclusivity in various facilities running all through aka The Hyatt Regency, Lucknow’s top rated hotels. Upon entering I am welcomed with sights, sounds and scents to stir my soul and replenish my spirit. Our junior suite is practical yet innovative. What I love most is the separation of the bedroom from the sitting room with a teak door giving one enough privacy to hold meetings in the room itself. Travellers today look for unique distinctive experiences. They are sophisticated and want the ethos and soul of a hotel to be authentic and have a distinct character of its own. Impeccable, luxurious, gracious, laid back, warm, personal – I have found my place to relax, revive and experience total renewal. It’s paradise! So after a check in and a relaxed lunch at Rocca we are ready to head to Hazrat Ganj in the evening…needless to add, dinner comprises ‘Aloo ki Tikki’ to piping hot ‘Imarti’ with cool Rabri on top; after some impulsive shopping at Ada for chikan wear and an epic session of ‘Ittar’ inhalation.
LOVE FOR LOCAL
What I love most about the Hyatt Regency is that it feels like a relaxing haven and not just a traveller depot. This holds us in good stead for a walk through one of the city’s busiest market areas, the ‘Chowk’. The street are electric with activity and as the sun is shining we sit outside digging into the Idris ki biryani…more like a Yakhni pulao, but trust me the best in the world! We stop for the famed pink Kashmiri chai and some conversation at Nawab Jafar Mir Abdullah’s residence. We also feast on Makhan Malai, a traditional winter dessert in Lucknow, then walk around and make full use of our guide’s know how of the by-lines. This unsung Indian city with its impressive Imambaras, first-rate chikan shopping and an active buoyant vibe, surprises me no end. I am truly in love with everything Lucknow.
Hyatt Regency, Lucknow
SWEET ENDING
FondArt Bake House aka, the understated pink and gold patisserie & boulangerie radiate luxury that does not come from the smell of freshly baked homemade bread and pastries alone. This is the echo of the crafty enormous pillar creations and gold inscription on the shop facade calls me into a warmly lit space. Focusing in custom creative cakes for all occasions, Fab’s sinful pleasures also has a selection of newly made assortments of breads, pastries, cupcakes, truffles, croissants, macrons and eclairs and donuts. Each item is made from start and handcrafted by the executive pastry chef Raj Kumar das and his team with fresh, great quality ingredients. Organic and imported ingredients are also used to make these delicacies. On offer is something for everyone, including delicious options of sandwiches, quiches and our signature croissants. Needless to add, I come back to Delhi with a box full of cupcakes…best I have ever had.
Raag & Nidhi Verma, owners FondArt Bake House, Lucknow
Mango passion Dome
BEST WAY TO REACH: IndiGo offers the best connections. From there one can take a car to the hotel.
BEST PLACE TO STAY: Hyatt Regency Lucknow for the best hospitality ever
COVID-19 GUIDELINES: Lucknow currently has a night curfew from 9 pm to 6 am
A negative RT-PCR report is required at the airport.