Dilkusha Kothi- Best place to see, relax & have a picnic in Lucknow

Northeast of Raj Bhavan, in the cantonment district of Lucknow, is the splendid and remarkable Dilkusha Palace. Near Dilkusha Kothi, you may witness the remnants of a mansion built in the eighteenth century in the English baroque style. Its remains, albeit in ruins presently, are a striking reminder of its exceptional architectural and artistic splendor of the past. Even now, it exudes a sense of imperial grandeur, signifying its immense historical and cultural significance. There have been some of the most thrilling events in Indian history. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Lucknow and one of the city’s lesser-known historical sites.

Attraction

The house’s ruins, which stand as a testament to its previous grandeur and magnificence, are Dilkusha Kothi’s main draw. Early in the nineteenth century, Major Gore Ouseley, a British resident and companion of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan, constructed the home in the English baroque style. Unlike conventional Indian architecture, the house lacked an interior courtyard and featured patterned walls instead. Four doorways in the house also led to a gallery with a variety of artworks and statues on show. The home was based on Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland, England, which was created by Blenheim Palace’s architect, Sir John Vanbrugh. Nawab Nasir-ud-Din Haider later made changes to the home, including extra features and decorations. Another feature of Dilkusha Kothi is the gardens that encircle the home. The well-kept gardens are home to a variety of plants and trees that contribute to the tranquil, green atmosphere. The grounds are made even more beautiful at night by the lights and fountains. The gardens are the ideal spot to unwind and take in the scenery. Various artifacts and relics pertaining to the history and culture of Lucknow and Oudh are on display in the museum located on the premises. It features artifacts from many eras and dynasties, including weapons, coins, paintings, photos, manuscripts, ceramics, clothing, jewelry, and other objects. Additionally, the museum features a section on the Indian Rebellion of 1857 that illustrates Dilkusha Kothi’s involvement and significance in the rebellion.

History

The Dilkusha Kothi was constructed in the eighteenth century by Major Gore Ouseley, a British resident and personal friend of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan, the ruler of Oudh at the time. It was originally built as a hunting lodge for the Nawabs, though it later served as a summer retreat. Dilkusha Kothi- Best place to see, relax & have a picnic in Lucknow

Thanks to its proximity to the river, the Begums (wife of Nawabs) used the Dilkusha Kothi, one of the best places to see in Lucknow, as a place to relax, have a picnic, and have fun. Notably, this location did not include a separate zenana (women’s room), which was a feature of all Nawabi constructions. Additional alterations to the edifice were made under Nawab Wajid Ali Shah’s rule. He was Awadh’s tenth and final Nawab. It was he who built another Kothi next to it in the early years of his rule. He took this action in order to plan military exercises for his forces. This action infuriated the British so much that they ordered him to stop conducting any more drills. As a result, the Nawab felt somewhat angry and powerless. Not long afterward, the British forced him to quit. Since he refused to sign his abdication statement before leaving office, he was ousted illegally. However, the Palace was devastated during the siege of Lucknow, and bullet holes were visible in every wall, serving as a stark reminder of the valiant sacrifice made by the freedom warriors. With the assistance of British forces, Chief of Staff Sir Colin Campbell, the Commander-in-Chief at the time, seized control of the Palace in November 1857.

Inside/Outside Views

Inside, there is elaborate architecture and exquisitely furnished rooms that combine Indian and European design elements. With its unique architecture and vast gardens, the exterior vista is alluring and provides a window into the opulence of bygone eras.You’ll observe that the building lacks a courtyard, which is strange because that was quite uncommon during those times. Additionally, the Delaval Hall of Seaton bears a striking resemblance to the design.It looks gorgeous with the white plaster all over it. Given that the location was enveloped with thick jungles and deadly wild animals, the palaces served as hunting lodges and vacation resorts. Dilkusha Kothi- Best place to see, relax & have a picnic in Lucknow

How to Reach

By air: The Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Amausi, popularly called Lucknow Airport, links the city to all major Indian cities and is situated around 15 kilometers from the city center. To reach somewhere in Lucknow, tourists can take buses, taxis outside the airport, or pre-paid taxis.

By train: The Charbagh Railway Station in the heart of the city serves as the hub for the extensive rail network that connects Lucknow to the rest of the nation. There are frequent trains that go to Lucknow from New Delhi, Kolkata, Patna, and Chennai.

By bus: Taking the bus to Lucknow is a great option for driving from adjacent cities. For Lucknow, there are usually plenty of deluxe, luxury, Volvo, and state buses available.

Tips for Travellers

Wear comfortable shoes as you may need to walk around the ruins.
Carry water and sun protection, especially during the warmer months.
Photography is allowed, so bring your camera to capture the historic beauty of the place.
Be respectful of the monument’s historical significance.

FAQ

Que-01: Is this place safe to visit?

Ans: Yes, this place is safe.

Que-02: Is photography allowed inside the place?

Ans: Yes, photography is allowed.

Que03: What can tourists see at Dilkusha Kothi?

Ans: Tourists visiting Dilkusha Kothi can explore the remnants of the house, including the walls, a few towers, and the garden layout. The picturesque ruins amid the landscaped gardens offer a glimpse into the region’s opulent past and are a popular spot for photography, picnics, and historical tours.

Que-04: What is the best time to visit Dilkusha Kothi?

Ans: The best time to visit Dilkusha Kothi is between October and March, when the weather in Lucknow is pleasant and cool, making it suitable for outdoor exploration and sightseeing.

Que-05: Is Dilkusha Kothi wheelchair accessible?

Ans: The terrain around Dilkusha Kothi may not be fully accessible to wheelchairs given the historic and ruined nature of the site. Visitors with mobility issues should check in advance for accessibility options.