Lucknow is more than a city of monuments – it’s a living museum, where every street corner holds a tale, and every wall whispers history. To celebrate this spirit, we’ve curated a list of heritage walk curators who invite you to step into the past, experience the city’s old world charm, and see Lucknow through their eyes. So lace up your walking shoes – here’s where you can join in.
Lucknow Heritage Walks
What began as a casual walk with friends has grown into curated trails through the Gomti Riverfront, Botanical Gardens, Bibiyapur Kothi, and the Residency. Founded by Atif Anzar, the walks bring together stories of 1857, the charm of Awadhi culture, and even food trails that celebrate Lucknow’s vegetarian delicacies. With insights often shared by heritage expert Mohammad Ahsan, each trail feels like an open invitation to rediscover the city with new eyes.
Contact: 70070 22712
Sanatkada Heritage
Born out of Sanatkada Trust’s decades-long cultural work, Sanatkada Heritage offers more than just heritage walks – it’s an immersion into the living essence of the city. Their thoughtfully curated experiences showcase architecture, crafts, and community life, tying the past with the present. The Husn-e-Karigari walk through Chowk, for instance, reveals the artistry of local karigars while introducing you to stories of resilience and craft traditions that continue to thrive. It’s a walk that connects you not only with places but with the people behind them.
Contact: 70807 01531
Deep Dive India
Founded by Samir in 2017, Deep Dive India was born out of a passion to create immersive experiences that go far beyond the usual tourist trail. His heritage walks in Lucknow bring Awadhi history, food, and music to life, making the past feel vivid and personal. With decades of travel behind him, Samir blends rich storytelling with keen insight, so every walk feels like a journey into the city’s soul. For anyone eager to discover Lucknow beyond the surface, this is an experience waiting to be explored.
Contact: 95326 91802
Tornos India
Tornos is an experiential tour company known for heritage and cultural experiences across north and central India. In Lucknow, they offer a multitude of curated walks that cover all aspects of the city’s cultural fabric, like the Oriental Walk through the Nawabi old city and the Victorian Walk in Hazratganj. With a focus on history, craft, and cuisine, their expert-led trails are immersive yet easygoing, often including hidden gems and refreshments.
Contact: 99355 38105
Dastaan-e-Awadh
Dastaan-e-Awadh, led by Snehil Agarwal, is not just about seeing monuments but about experiencing the spirit of Awadh. His walks interweave history with storytelling and living traditions – from the charm of Gulabo Sitabo puppet shows to interactions with local artisans keeping centuries-old crafts alive. Swapnil’s approach ensures that you don’t just learn about Awadh, you feel it – in its tales, its tehzeeb, and the warmth of its people. It’s the kind of walk that stays with you long after it’s over.
Contact: 96962 85780
Lucknowi Kissa Heritage Walks
With Lucknowi Kissa Heritage Walks, Swapnil Rastogi offers intimate walks that uncover hidden gems and untold stories of the city. Born and raised in Lucknow, his deep-rooted love for the city shapes every trail. Certified from the Govt of India’s Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification (IITFC) Programme, Swapnil’s walks feel personal and engaging, like exploring Lucknow with a friend who knows all its secrets. For those curious about the city’s lesser-known side, these walks are a beautiful way to connect.
Contact: 91704 90836
Heritage Walk by Jafar Rizvi
For the past eight years, freelance guide Jafar Rizvi has led heritage walks across Lucknow, mainly from October to March. His trails cover landmarks like Bara Imambada, Chota Imambada, Husainabad, the Residency, and La Martiniere College. With a love for history, architecture, and culture, his walks offer a focused yet engaging way to experience the city’s grandeur.
Contact: 93362 90462
Heritage Walk by Rakesh Tripathi
Authorised by the UP Department of Tourism, Rakesh Tripathi has been leading heritage walks in Lucknow for over 30 years. His trails focus mostly on Old Lucknow and Kaiserbagh, weaving together history, architecture, and food. With decades of experience, he brings authority and warmth to his storytelling, making his walks feel both insightful and personal. From hidden alleys to culinary stops, Tripathi ensures that participants experience the city as locals do.
Contact: 94505 68216
Citizens for Lucknow
Citizens for Lucknow is a collective of residents working to preserve the city’s built heritage and environment. Through public walks, events, and discussions, they raise awareness about conservation while connecting people with the city’s legacy. Joining them feels less like a tour and more like becoming part of a community movement.
Contact: 91589 91167
So, if you’re ready to go beyond the guidebooks, these heritage walks are waiting for you. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a photography lover, or simply someone curious about the city’s tehzeeb, each curator offers a doorway into a different side of Lucknow. Step in, and you’ll find that every walk leaves you with stories, memories, and a deeper bond with the City of Nawabs.
