Lucknow’s parks and monuments are a great place for photo shoots, whether you’re looking to click a personal or a pre-wedding shoot. Here are the places that are most popular with photographers in the city. Unless you are carrying heavy photography equipment, most of these places do not charge for photography.
1. BRITISH RESIDENCY
The ruins of this Archeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monument provide a great backdrop for photoshoots. The red Lakhauri bricks of the British complex of the 1800s look great in pictures. The Residency campus is also quite big with lawns to explore and choose the location you want.
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
Entry ticket: Rs 20 per person
2. BADA IMAMBARA
An architectural marvel, this place hardly needs an introduction. Photography inside the building is not allowed, however, you photography in the open area of the Imambara is permitted. And that’s just as good a view as any.
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
Entry: Rs 50 per person
3. RUMI DARWAZA
Pic by Rohitmaiti – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/
No tickets, no entry timings, this is the best backdrop for free. All you need is a wide angle lens, and timing. Be there at sunrise or late at night, to get shots without the traffic. In fact, this is the only time you can go here for a photo-session else the traffic won’t let you stay in the middle of the road and pose.
4. DILKUSHA KOTHI
A house built in the 18th century in the English Baroque style, the Dilkusha Kothi is located in the Lucknow Cantonmenet. The remains of the house with lush green lawns are a favourite among photographers. What’s more, there’s no entry free here.
Timings: 10 am 5 pm
Entry: Free
5. LOHIA PARK
Spread over 80 acres, Ram Manohar Lohia park is known for its lush green scenic view. There is a duck pond and a circular walking track to experiment with your pictures.
Timings: 6 am 10 pm
Entry: Rs 5 per person
6. AMBEDKAR MEMORIAL PARK
Pic by Ejaz Rizvi – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/
Remember that Arijit Singh song – Suno Na Sangemarmar? Well, it’s shot right here at this massive park in Gomtinagar. The huge elephant statues add grandeur to the pics. Daytime during winters are ideal for photo shoots here.
Timings: 11 am to 8 pm
Entry: Rs 20 per person
7. SURAJKUND POND, SATKHANDA AND CLOCK TOWER
Pics by Limitless2017 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/
The Hussainabad Heritage Zone with a water body in the centre, and steps leading up to the Clock Tower at one end, and the Satkhanda on the other is one of our favourites on this list. The dramatic stairs are quite the photo-op you want!
Timings: Always open
Entry: Free
8. KUKRAIL RESERVE FOREST
Located on the outskirts of the city, Kukrail is known as a picnic spot and the breeding place for ghariyals. But it would be the best place for nature lovers to get clicked amidst flora and fauna.
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm
Entry: Free
