Wajid-Ali-Shah Walk
Every day except Sunday at 1500 Hrs
Once hailed as one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, Kaiserbagh Palace stood as a stunning testament to architectural splendor. With its meticulously landscaped gardens, gilded domes, and elegant minarets, the palace complex was unrivaled in magnificence. It inspired pride among locals and admiration—often tinged with envy—among visitors. Conceived as a grand vision by Wajid Ali Shah, the last ruler of Awadh and a passionate patron of the arts, Kaiserbagh embodied his refined taste and cultural sensibility.
However, the palace’s fate took a tragic turn following the suppression of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. When British forces recaptured the besieged city of Lucknow in 1858, Begum Hazrat Mahal and her son Birjis Qadr fled to Nepal, and Wajid Ali Shah was exiled to Calcutta. In a ruthless act of reprisal, the British demolished much of Kaiserbagh, erasing much of its former glory. Today, only fragments of the once-majestic complex remain, leaving it difficult to imagine the splendor that once stood.
On this walking tour, we invite you to explore the remnants of the Kaiserbagh Palace Complex. With the aid of vintage photographs and historical maps, we attempt to reconstruct its original grandeur. As a special treat, the tour concludes with tea at Kotwara House—a preserved section of the original palace, now home to filmmaker Muzaffar Ali. While you sip your tea, you’ll enjoy a curated clip from Ali’s acclaimed film Umrao Jaan, a cinematic homage to Lucknow’s rich cultural heritage, much of which was filmed within the very grounds of Kaiserbagh.
TARIFF....
Per Guest
INR 4250 (Min 2 Guest)
(Includes : Walking bag, bottled water, wet tissues, photocopied exclusive notes, services of an expert walk leader, tourist audio-guide system and afternoon tea)