Rich Culture & Heritage
The old-world charm of Lucknow is only outshone by the warmth and etiquette of the people that inhabit the cultural capital. The city serves as a cultural melting pot and favours fine cuisine and the arts.
Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh and a treasure trove of ancient Indian heritage dating back thousands of years. Home to over 3 million people and intercepted by the monsoon-fed Gomti River, its heart-centre. Lucknow offers magnificent architecture, religious sites, bazaars and beautiful gardens. Top attractions include Hazratganj market and Rumi Darwaza.
Experience historical grandeur in Uttar Pradesh with cheap flights to Lucknow! Lucknow is served by Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO), a 30-minute drive from the centre of Lucknow. Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport serves numerous airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines. Popular connecting flights to Lucknow depart from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. A flight from Johannesburg will take approximately 17 hours.
Flight Route | Airline | Trip Type | Travel Dates | Searched | Price From |
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The old-world charm of Lucknow is only outshone by the warmth and etiquette of the people that inhabit the cultural capital. The city serves as a cultural melting pot and favours fine cuisine and the arts.
The historical and religious landmarks of Lucknow have seen the city in all of its changing phases and serve as important records of its heritage. Spend sunny days walking the grounds of charming, crumbling Mughal architecture.
Bustling with bazaars, Lucknow is well-known for its traditional chikan embroideries, jewellery and perfume. After trawling the vibrant markets, indulge in rich Awadhi cuisine and take in the atmosphere of the hustle and bustle that abounds.
Essential details you need to know before your trip
Country | India |
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Currency | Indian Rupee |
Exchange Rate | 1 ZAR = 4.7 INR |
Language | Hindi |
Hub Airport | Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO) |
Airline | Air India |
Time Zone | GMT +5:30 |
Travel Adaptor | Type C / D / M |
Although extremities in the weather can occur, the best time overall to visit Lucknow is in winter. Sunny days and slightly cooler temperatures from October to March make for perfect sightseeing conditions, while nights can get foggy and cold. Visit the historical sites of Bara Imambara and Chota Imambara, or pay a visit to the Lucknow Zoo! The searing temperatures of the summer from April to June can make travel uncomfortable, with temperatures sometimes reaching as high as 45 degrees Celsius during the day. Hide from the heat in the air conditioned Indira Gandhi Planetarium or make a splash at the indoor waterpark, Dreamworld. July to September marks the monsoon season, bringing plenty of rain and humidity to the city.
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall chance (%) per month
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Low °C | 8°C | 11°C | 15°C | 20°C | 24°C | 26°C | 25°C | 25°C | 24°C | 19°C | 13°C | 8°C |
High °C | 22°C | 27°C | 33°C | 39°C | 40°C | 39°C | 35°C | 34°C | 34°C | 33°C | 29°C | 24°C |
Rainfall (mm) | 14 | 27 | 14 | 14 | 21 | 80 | 195 | 179 | 93 | 26 | 3 | 6 |
Discover one of the top cultural capitals of northern India, Lucknow. Lakhnau, as it is otherwise known, is a culmination of multiple cultures, art, rich cuisine, handicrafts, poetry and music.
Known locally as ‘Ganj’ the bustling Hazratganj market is a popular attraction in Lucknow and was modelled on London’s Queen Street back in 1857. It’s a hub for shopping, indulging in Lucknawi food and perusing historical architecture and monuments.
Remnants of its historical battles for independence from British rule are scattered across the city amongst varied, experimental architecture. The signature ‘Turkish gate’, Rumi Darwaza, stands testament to the efforts of the Nawabs of Awadh to preserve Mughal architecture, as does Bara Imambara. The partially crumbling ruins of Rumi Darwaza also houses a museum and the tombs of Sadat Ali Khan, the Nawab of Awadh or ruler during the 18th century. History buffs will enjoy browsing what remains of The Residency, the complex that saw thousands of British citizens seeking refuge within its confines during the revolt of 1857.
Expansive gardens throughout the city offer a welcomed retreat from the heat of Lucknow and a lighthearted alternative to experiencing the city, after visiting its many historical landmarks. Nature lovers can enjoy the Lucknow Zoo with an on-site museum, or take up morning yoga or a walk through the National Botanical Gardens.
Compare several airlines and book your cheap flights to Lucknow with Travelstart to explore the city in all of its current and former glory!
South African passport holders require an E-visa or tourist visa to travel to Lucknow. An E-visa is valid for 60 days after the date of entry and can be obtained online via Indian Visa Online. The regular tourist visa is valid for up to 6 months and can be obtained via a personal appointment, scheduled through the VFS Global website.
Read this comprehensive Travelstart guide on how to apply for a visa to India from South Africa.
As a general rule when travelling in India, it’s best to avoid consuming ice or tap water and to choose bottled mineral water instead. Avoid the dreaded ‘Delhi belly’ by eating only freshly prepared food and eat at busy establishments where food turnover is fast. Before you depart for India, ensure you receive all necessary vaccinations.
Lucknow is considered a safe city, but as it is not a primary tourist destination, it is best navigated within groups and on official public transport. Transport may be hard to come by in isolated locations or late hours.
Item | Cape Town | Johannesburg | Lucknow |
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Meal (inexpensive restaurant) | R120.00 | R140.00 | R42.00 |
Domestic beer (0.5 litre draught) | R35.00 | R26.00 | R24.00 |
Cappuccino (Regular) | R27.00 | R25.00 | R31.00 |
Taxi 1km (Normal tariff) | R10.00 | R11.00 | R2.00 |
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) | R40.00 | R45.00 | R64.00 |
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