Delhi to Lucknow Tempo Traveller

There are two ways to reach Lucknow from Delhi:

The first route via Yamuna Expressway and Agra-Lucknow Expressway is the fastest and preferred by those who value time and smooth roads. 533 km in 7.5 hours, it goes through Delhi, Noida, Mathura, Agra and then into Lucknow. The second route via NH 34 and Agra-Lucknow Expressway is 502 km but 9.5 hours due to mixed roads. It goes through Delhi, Greater Noida, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Kannauj and then into Lucknow.

While the first route is for speed and expressway driving, the second is for history and local experiences. If you love exploring offbeat towns, the NH 34 route takes you through the heart of UP, with gems like Kannauj Perfume Market and Aligarh’s lock industry.

Most of us zoom past on the expressway without stopping, missing out on some amazing places with history, culture and nature. Why rush when you can turn your journey into an experience? One such hidden gem is the Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary near Agra. While tourists flock to the Taj Mahal there are few know about this peaceful lake that has over 165 species of birds including flamingos and herons. Another offbeat wonder is Bateshwar Temples which is a cluster of 101 ancient Shiva temples along the Yamuna River. These temples are centuries old and yet an unexplored spiritual haven.

Further ahead is Kannauj, the perfume capital of India that has been making attar (natural perfume) for over 1,000 years. Walking through its old distilleries is like stepping into a different era where scents are extracted the traditional way. Then there is Aligarh, famous for its handcrafted locks since the colonial period. If you stop by a local workshop you will see artisans making security solutions by hand, a rare sight in today’s machine driven world. These are not just places; they are experiences waiting to be lived. A little diversion can add to your journey and make it more than just a drive from one city to another.

Renting a tempo traveller from Delhi to Lucknow trip is the best way to travel with your group in comfort. Depending on your budget and luxury requirements you can choose from different types of tempo travellers. For budget travellers a standard variant has basic seating and air conditioning. If you want a premium experience a luxury tempo traveller has recliner seats, Wi-Fi and entertainment options.

The Maharaja Seat Tempo Traveller is the most luxurious option with plush interiors, LED screens and extra leg space. The price varies as per season, demand and additional services like a tour guide or in vehicle refreshments.

It is recommended to book at least a week in advance to get better rates. To get the best deal opt for a round trip package which can save you up to 15% as compared to one way rental.

Lucknow is not just about monuments and food, it’s a city of secrets, stories and timeless traditions. If you are here, why just visit the usual spots when you can uncover its hidden charm? Start with the Bara Imambara but do more than just admire the hall. Go into the Bhool Bhulaiya, an intricate labyrinth with 489 identical doorways that can confuse even the smartest of travellers. If you love history, go to The Residency, the site of the 1857 Revolt. What many don’t know is that the underground tunnels still exist here, the British escape routes.

If you are a foodie then Lucknow is a paradise. But beyond the famous Tunday Kababs, try Rahim’s Kulcha Nihari, a 125 year old delicacy known only to locals. For shopping, everyone talks about Chikankari embroidery but the real treasures are in old Lucknow’s narrow lanes where artisans still handcraft each piece. End your day with a sunset walk along the Gomti Riverfront, a peaceful oasis few tourists venture into. Lucknow is not a destination; it’s a city that reveals its magic only to those who seek it.

Day 1: From Delhi to Lucknow

Your tempo traveller drops you at your hotel in the morning. After check-in and some rest, start your journey into Lucknow’s history. Begin with Bara Imambara, the 18th century monument famous for its central arch that defies gravity and the Bhool Bhulaiya.

Then visit Chhota Imambara, also known as the Palace of Lights because of its chandeliers. For lunch have authentic Awadhi Biryani at Idris Biryani, a hidden gem that locals swear by. In the evening take a heritage walk through Husainabad, and visit the clock tower, Rumi Darwaza and Satkhanda, an unfinished tower with supernatural stories around it. End your day with a leisurely walk along the Gomti Riverfront.

Day 2: Food and Colonial Landmark

Start your day at the British Residency, a war damaged building that played a major role in the 1857 Revolt. Did you know that there are underground tunnels beneath the ruins but they are not open to the public? Then head out to Lucknow’s famous street food. Begin with the world famous Tunday Kababs and then visit Rahim’s Kulcha Nahari, a 125 year old eatery serving mouthwatering Mughlai cuisine.

Post lunch visit La Martinière College, an architectural wonder that looks straight out of a European fairytale. Few people know that this is the only school in the world to have received battle honours for its role in the 1857 Revolt. In the evening visit Aminabad Market where you can shop for authentic Chikankari embroidery and handcrafted ittar (natural perfume) from 200-year-old family run shops.

Day 3: Return to Delhi

Begin your day with a visit to Ambedkar Park, a massive sandstone monument to social reformers. Then head to Janeshwar Mishra Park, one of Asia’s largest man made park for a morning stroll. For lunch have handi mutton at Dastarkhwan, a local favourite for slow cooked Awadhi dishes. Then visit the State Museum & Zoo where you can see a 2,000 year old Egyptian mummy, a rare sight in India. Before you head back to Delhi shop for Lucknowi souvenirs at Hazratganj Market – zardozi embroidery, handcrafted shoes and brass artefacts.

Best time to visit Lucknow is during winter (October to March) when the weather is pleasant and ranges between 8°C to 25°C. The cool breeze makes your heritage walks and food explorations comfortable without the heat of summer. Why should you avoid summer? Lucknow’s summer can be brutal with temperatures touching 45°C and outdoor sightseeing becomes a big challenge. Monsoons (July to September) bring relief but can cause waterlogging in some areas.

If you love festivals and cultural events then visit during Muharram when the city’s Imambaras are beautifully lit or during Lucknow Mahotsav in November-December when you can see the best of Awadhi culture, handicrafts and food.

Lucknow is a gateway to many of North India’s hidden gems. If you are someone who likes to go beyond the obvious, here are a few places that are historically, culturally and naturally significant.

Ayodhya- Just 135 km away, visit Ram ki Nagari where you can visit the famous Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Hanuman Garhi, Palaces of ramayan era and lesser known Guptar Ghat where Lord Ram took jal samadhi. The floating stones at Ram ki Paidi are another unexplored wonder.

Dudhwa National Park- If you are a wildlife enthusiast then visit this sanctuary located 216 km from Lucknow has Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos and swamp deer.

Kanpur- Just 91 km away and has Allen Forest Zoo which is one of India’s largest open aviaries and the JK Temple.

Jhansi- You can also visit Jhansi at 320 km from Lucknow are the places where Rani Lakshmi Bai’s bravery unfolded.

Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary- For some peace retreat visit this place, located 46 km from Lucknow where migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia come every winter.