Top 15 Religious Places to Visit in Lucknow: Sacred Temples and Spiritual Landmarks
Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and vibrant spirituality. As you stroll through its bustling lanes, you'll find a perfect blend of ancient temples, mosques, and other religious places.
Whether you're a history buff or a spiritual seeker, Lucknow offers an array of sacred places to explore. Here’s a detailed guide to the top 15 religious places to visit in Lucknow.
15 Religious Places to Visit in Lucknow
1. Bada Imambara
Bada Imambara is one of the most iconic religious spots in Lucknow. Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, it is renowned for its Bhool Bhulaiya (labyrinth), and the grand Asfi mosque inside. This historic monument is not just a site of architectural brilliance but also a significant spiritual hub. The vast courtyard and serene surroundings make it an ideal place for peaceful reflection.
Location: Chhota Imambara Road, Lucknow
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Nearest Metro Station: Charbagh Metro Station
Route & Restrictions: No photography inside the mosque. Dress modestly as this is a sacred place.
2. Shree Raghunath Temple
Shree Raghunath Temple is a prominent Hindu temple in Lucknow, dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple offers a peaceful ambiance, making it a top spiritual retreat. The temple's grand architecture and the regular prayers attract locals and tourists alike.
Location: Hazratganj, Lucknow
Timings: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Nearest Metro Station: Hazratganj Metro Station
Route & Restrictions: Visitors must remove shoes before entering the temple. No photography allowed inside.
3. St. Joseph's Cathedral
One of the famous places in Lucknow, St. Joseph's Cathedral is a magnificent Christian church known for its Gothic-style architecture. It offers a serene environment for prayer and reflection, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking spiritual solace.
Location: Hazratganj, Lucknow
Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Nearest Metro Station: Hazratganj Metro Station
Route & Restrictions: Visitors are required to dress modestly and maintain silence inside the church.
4. Moti Mahal
Moti Mahal is another important spiritual destination in Lucknow. It is part of the historical Imambara complex and has a rich Nawabi heritage. Though it’s not a religious site in the conventional sense, the spiritual vibe and serene atmosphere make it a peaceful place for reflection and admiration of the Nawabi architecture.
Location: Chowk, Lucknow
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Nearest Train Station: Lucknow Railway Station
Route & Restrictions: No specific entry restrictions. It's best to visit during the day to enjoy the full historical experience.
5. Durga Temple
The Durga Temple is one of the most revered temples in Lucknow. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga, and the temple offers a peaceful ambiance, especially during the annual Navratri festival. The temple is beautifully adorned with idols of various deities, attracting a large number of devotees.
Location: Faizabad Road, Lucknow
Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Nearest Metro Station: Charbagh Metro Station
Route & Restrictions: Women must wear traditional attire. Dress modestly for entry.
6. Buddha Stupa
The Buddha Stupa is an important Buddhist spiritual spot in Lucknow. The stupa, with its peaceful surroundings, attracts Buddhists and spiritual seekers from all over the world. This is a place to meditate and learn about the teachings of Buddha.
Location: KGMU Campus, Lucknow
Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Nearest Metro Station: Charbagh Metro Station
Route & Restrictions: Silence should be maintained within the temple complex.
7. Jama Masjid
The Jama Masjid is one of the most important religious places in Lucknow. It’s known for its beautiful Mughal architecture and serene atmosphere. The mosque is a hub for both prayer and reflection, and it attracts a large number of devotees during the Ramzan month.
Location: Asifi Masjid, Lucknow
Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Nearest Train Station: Lucknow Railway Station
Route & Restrictions: Modesty in attire is expected, and non-Muslims are welcome to visit but should observe silence.
8. Kali Bari Temple
Kali Bari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, and it is one of the popular religious spots in Lucknow. The temple is beautifully decorated, and during festivals like Navratri, it becomes a center of great devotion and celebration.
Location: Hussainganj, Lucknow
Timings: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Nearest Metro Station: Charbagh Metro Station
Route & Restrictions: Visitors must remove their shoes before entering the temple premises.
9. Sai Baba Temple
Sai Baba Temple is another popular temple in Lucknow. Dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba, the temple offers a peaceful atmosphere for worship and meditation. The temple attracts a large number of devotees, particularly on Thursdays.
Location: Ganeshganj, Lucknow
Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Nearest Metro Station: Charbagh Metro Station
Route & Restrictions: Shoes must be removed before entering the temple.
10. Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha
The Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha is an important spiritual place in Lucknow for Sikhs. This gurudwara offers a serene space for worship and meditation, and the Langar (community kitchen) serves free meals to all visitors, regardless of their background.
Location: Rajajipuram, Lucknow
Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Nearest Metro Station: Charbagh Metro Station
Route & Restrictions: Dress modestly; visitors can partake in the Langar.
11. Shah Najaf Imambara
The Shah Najaf Imambara is a mosque and tomb of Nawab Ghazi-ud-Din Haider, the founder of the Kingdom of Oudh. It’s an important site for Islamic worship and reflection, combining spiritual significance with architectural grandeur.
Location: Niralanagar, Lucknow
Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Nearest Train Station: Lucknow Railway Station
Route & Restrictions: Dress modestly; photography is restricted in certain areas.
12. Tulsi Smarak Bhavan
Tulsi Smarak Bhavan is dedicated to Saint Tulsidas, the revered poet-saint who authored the Ramcharitmanas. The memorial showcases Tulsidas’s life and work and serves as a place of spiritual reflection for devotees of Lord Rama.
Location: Raebareli Road, Lucknow
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Nearest Train Station: Charbagh Railway Station
Route & Restrictions: The Bhavan is open to all visitors. Modesty in attire is encouraged.
13. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the Sankat Mochan Temple is one of the most revered temples in Lucknow. Known for its peaceful ambiance and grandeur, the temple is a popular spiritual spot, particularly during Hanuman Jayanti.
Location: Banaras Road, Lucknow
Timings: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Nearest Metro Station: Charbagh Metro Station
Route & Restrictions: Visitors must remove shoes before entering the temple.
14. Chhath Ghat
Chhath Ghat is one of the most sacred religious places in Lucknow for devotees of Sun God. This ghat becomes especially popular during the Chhath Puja, which celebrates the Sun God and the natural elements.
Location: Gomti River, Lucknow
Timings: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Nearest Train Station: Lucknow Railway Station
Route & Restrictions: Devotees gather here for the puja; visitors should dress respectfully.
15. Mankameshwar Mandir
Mankameshwar Mandir is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest and most revered temples in the city. The temple is believed to fulfill the wishes of those who visit with devotion.
Location: Mankameshwar, Lucknow
Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Nearest Metro Station: Charbagh Metro Station
Route & Restrictions: No photography is allowed. Shoes must be removed before entering.
Also Read:- Top 15 Religious Places to Visit in Mumbai
FAQs
1. What are the best months to visit religious places in Lucknow?
The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
2. Are there any special festivals celebrated in Lucknow’s temples?
Yes, major festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Eid are celebrated with great zeal in various religious spots in Lucknow.
3. Can I visit these religious places in one day?
It would be difficult to cover all these places in one day, but you can visit key landmarks over a couple of days.
4. Is photography allowed in religious places in Lucknow?
Generally, photography is allowed, but it is advisable to ask for permission at certain temples and mosques.
5. How can I get around Lucknow’s religious sites?
Public transport, private taxis, or rented vehicles are readily available to visit famous places in Lucknow.