UP Tourism breathes new life into historic sites through adaptive reuse
Heritage monuments and buildings like the Kothi Darshan Vilas, (left), through PPP mode will be renovated and used as either hotels, cafes, restaurants, libraries or cultural centres. Plans also include turning the under-renovation Butler Palace into a cafe-cum-library which may look something like the room depicted above (Image generated by AI; for representational purposes only)
Lucknow is home to time-honoured landmarks that outshone the passage of time, and continue to attract visitors to the city's rich legacy of culture, craft and architecture. As art, culture and heritage take centre stage globally, Lucknow is undergoing a heritage revamp led by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Cultural Department.
These heritage buildings, once architectural icons, are now being restored to their former glory through
adaptive reuse
.
The Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Cultural Department, after revamping sites like Rumi Darwaza, the Residency and Bara Imambara, is now focusing on turning time-worn and dilapidated heritage sites into boutique hotels and vibrant cultural spaces.
An AI generated image of the Chhatar Manzil as a boutique hotel (left) while plans for Butler Palace (right) include a cafe, library and space for cultural events
Sites in the queue for a heritage makeover
Chhatar Manzil
Kothi Gulistan-e-Eram
Kothi Darshan Vilas, Qaiserbagh
Alambagh Bhawan (Kothi Alamara)
Butler Palace
Hulas Khera (Mohanlalganj)
Adaptive reuse can include...
Boutique Hotels
Cultural Spaces
Restaurants and Cafés
Book Cafés and Libraries
Event Venues
Interactive Museums
Art Galleries
Speaking about the initiative,
Mukesh Kumar
Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department shares, 'The main objective is to preserve the culture, history and our architecture that is a rooted part of our city by transforming these sites to open for the public in a way people can interact, learn and explore our city's rich legacy. Adaptive reuse can breathe new life into Lucknow's historic landmarks. What helps in the surge of tourism is culture, cuisine, craft, architecture, heritage, and, secondly, nature.
The aim is to open it for people to gather information, learn and simultaneously we conserve and preserve our rich heritage.'
One of the most iconic sites, Chhatar Manzil or Umbrella Palace, once a royal residence of the Nawabs of Awadh and their wives built by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan, is now set for a makeover as a boutique heritage hotel. Meshram revealed, 'We have already submitted the proposal to adapt Chhatar Manzil into a heritage hotel.
It has been given to the Suryagarh Palace developers. They've submitted the plan and work has started.
They are getting architects and conservationists for the revival and revamp of Chhatar Manzil, layered with architecture.'
BCCL (@Navneel Neeraj)
Plans also include developing the banks of the Gomti as a cultural hub. 'We are planning to create spaces for Kathak performances, dastangoi, these are legendary crafts of Lucknow. Activities will include exhibits of Awadhi cuisine and displays of regional handicrafts like chikankari,' said Meshram.
The aim is to give an immersive experience of the culture through this boutique stay. 'Chhatar Manzil is a beautifully placed palace along the banks of Gomti, and a boating experience can be great for visitors to enjoy.' The Chhatar Manzil makeover is slated for completion by November 2026, as mentioned by him.
Alambagh Palace
MORE LUCKNOW HERITAGE SITES TO RESTORED AND REVAMPED
Beyond Chhatar Manzil, several other sites are in the queue for being brought into adaptive reuse.
'At Kothi Gulistan-e-Eram the process is ongoing. The idea is to lease the property to private players to restore the building. With the condition that they must maintain the historical architectural features. For that purpose, they will conduct the conversion, retrofitting, and structural modifications, and they can utilize these buildings for public spaces, boutique hotels, cultural exhibits, art events, book cafes, and restaurants.
' These revamped Cultural sites will showcase the culture of Awadh, serve authentic cuisines, display our art, music, and craft that define our art and culture, he shared.
The director general of
UP Tourism
also hinted at plans for Hulas Khera, an ancient village near Mohanlalganj. He stated, 'It is a 3000-year-old site spanning over 80 acres, where excavations have revealed a cultural sequence. That is also getting planned to restore and develop into an open-air museum, and how excavation is done, making it open for the public to go.'
-Amina Ashraf
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Time of India
‘Create visible changes to boost tourism in 2 months'
Varanasi: Secretary of the ministry of tourism, govt of India, V Vidyavathi, has given two months time to the officials to create visible changes in Varanasi offering a unique tourism experience. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The secretary held a meeting at the Commissioner's auditorium on Friday to discuss the ways to develop Varanasi as a world-class tourist destination and promote local economic growth while preserving the city's cultural, religious, and historical importance. She said that the initial changes should focus on 16 to 20 key locations, including major temples, connectivity points, ghats, and Sarnath and stressed that the changes should be sustainable and long-term. The meeting discussed infrastructure development, including beautification and cleaning of ghats, improved roads, electricity, and water supply, and transportation facilities. The secretary said that spiritual tourism can be promoted by developing major temples and other religious sites of the city while promoting local trades and crafts including Banarasi sarees and wooden toys can boost tourism. She also stressed on training and improved facilities for local artists, craftsmen, and guides. She also mentioned the need to promote cultural events, fairs, and festivals to showcase the city's rich cultural heritage. Involving local people in tourism-related businesses can strengthen the local economy. Promoting Varanasi through online platforms can attract more tourists, she said. The secretary directed the development authority and municipal corporation to run continuous campaigns for beautification by removing hoardings, flexes, and organising mesh of cable wires spread across the city. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Instructions were also given to install signage to provide information to tourists and promoting the city through online platforms. Principal secretary of tourism Mukesh Kumar Meshram issued directives for promotion of yoga centres, wellness centres, naturopathy, and Ayurveda in Kashi, assuring financial assistance from the govt. He suggested connecting tourists visiting Kashi with eco-tourism sites in the neighbouring district of Chandauli, tourist spots in the Vindhya region, the Maa Vindhyavasini Temple, Chunar Fort which is one of India's oldest forts, and ancient fossil parks in Sonbhadra district to enhance their stay duration in Kashi. Earlier, divisional commissioner S Rajalingam presented key information regarding the meeting, discussing all possible efforts to develop Kashi as a global tourist destination. District magistrate Satyendra Kumar suggested recording the ancient significance of the ghats in digital audio files to provide complete information to tourists during boat rides and emphasised standardising food outlets to maintain hygiene. He also proposed creating cultural evenings. The meeting was attended by municipal commissioner Akshat Verma,CDO Himanshu Nagpal, station director Arpit Gupta, DFO Varanasi Swati Singh, CEO Kashi Vishwanath Temple Vishwabhushan Mishra, secretary development authority Ved Prakash Mishra, and officials from the Public Works, Smart City, Culture, Archaeology, and Tourism departments at both the Central and the state levels.
India.com
24-05-2025
- India.com
10 Fascinating Facts About Lucknow That Will Surprise You
As Uttar Pradesh's capital city Lucknow provides an exciting environment that unites its historic roots with cultural richness and its contemporary development. Lucknow exists as an important cultural center with magnificent architecture coupled with traditional Indian hospitality throughout its history of many centuries. The following ten things about Lucknow City should be thoroughly understood by everyone. 1. Historical Significance as the Capital of Awadh Lucknow functioned as the administrative capital of the Awadh (Oudh) realm when the Nawabs oversaw this territory within the 18th and 19th centuries. The cultural influence of the Nawabs of Awadh on art and architecture and cuisine created enduring features in the cultural heritage of the city. The Nawabs supported cultural activities such that Lucknow became renowned for Urdu literature and the arts that included Kathak dance and traditional music. 2. The City of Nawabi Etiquette and Tehzeeb The people of Lucknow follow the name 'City of Tehzeeb' because they focus on developing etiquette and maintaining polite social behavior. People in Lucknow demonstrate traditions-based deference and friendly behaviors towards each other. During the Nawabi era strict social interaction guidelines were enforced to create the refined and civil orientation that continues until present day. 3. Architectural Marvels Like Bara Imambara and Chhota Imambara Lucknow contains various striking architectural monuments which represent its historical greatness. Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula during 1784 the Bara Imambara stands today as one of the biggest unsupported arched buildings in worldwide architecture. Visitors admire the Hussainabad Imambara under its alias of Chota Imambara for its prominent domes covered in gold plating along with its elaborate chandeliers. The landmarks receive visitors from all corners of the earth. 4. A Melting Pot of Cuisines All over the world Lucknow is recognized as the origin of both Mughlai and Awadhi cuisines which win international acclaim through their complex flavors combined with fragrant spices. Local residents and travelers know Lucknow by its exceptional kebabs along with biryanis and kormas. Since 1905 Tunday Kababi has operated as an iconic restaurant serving the magical Galouti Kebab which the eminent Nawab had specially ordered for his toothless condition. The culinary character of Lucknow is enriched by its street food selections which include chaat along with kulfi and paan. 5. Role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 During the First War of Independence in 1857 Lucknow established itself as the central driving force to fight against British colonial rule. During the rebellion the people of Lucknow led by Begum Hazrat Mahal conducted a heroic resistance against British military forces at the Siege of Lucknow. The complex of buildings known as The Residency operated as British East India Company headquarters during the historic conflict and continues to exist today. 6. Rich Legacy of Literature and Arts Urdu poetry and literary activity flourished for many years in Lucknow. Intellectual life in Lucknow inspired great poetic geniuses including Mir Taqi Mir and Mirza Ghalib. Mushairas, which are poetry recital events, remain among the most popular cultural practices of today. Famous classical music and dance thrive in Lucknow due to the Nawab period which saw the flourishing of Kathak style. 7. Home to Unique Handicrafts Lucknow stands out because of its famous traditional handicrafts which include Chikankari embroidery that creates fine delicate hand-stitched thread-work designs on silk and muslin fabrics. The Mughal period brought forth this artistic expression that continues to represent grace and refined taste. Lucknow operates as a renowned market for authentic Indian souvenirs because it possesses traditional crafts including Zardozi (metallic embroidery), pottery and silverware. 8. A Blend of Modernity and Tradition Lucknow maintains its historic roots but actively receives modern developments in its boundaries without reservation. The University of Lucknow along with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow operate from the city which enhances its standing as a knowledge centre. The lively commercial districts Hazratganj and Aminabad maintain perfect harmony with the high-end shopping centers and movie theaters available to all types of shoppers. 9. Green Spaces and Natural Beauty The rapid development of Lucknow as a city has not diminished its natural tree cover through intentional creation of parks throughout the city. Tartan Ambedkar Memorial Park along with verdant Janeshwar Mishra Park function as massive park areas that offer citizens an escape from the urban rush. Environmental sustainability meets recreational event venues through their establishment in protected spaces. 10. Festivals and Celebrations Public celebrations throughout Lucknow reveal the city's cultural variety which energizes its local population. The Tuesday summer festival Bada Mangal attracts numerous visitors to observe Lord Hanuman during his special local celebration. The historic mosques celebrate Eid and both Diwali festivals and Christmas events contribute to Lucknow's atmosphere of communal unity and inclusiveness. Conclusion Lucknow exists as an experiential place that pours out its rich historical being through authentic cultural dimensions and heartwarming hospitality. Lucknow enables people to observe India's diverse identity through its noteworthy architecture alongside tasty cuisine and rich literary past and various active festivals. Lucknow delivers an unforgettable travel experience where any visitor can discover and experience delight regardless of their interests in history or food or spirituality. Visiting this city allows people to walk through a live museum that blends the historic with modern times into one captivating story collection.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Time of India
Uttar Pradesh marks Buddha Purnima with global celebrations and spiritual invitation
Uttar Pradesh, the heartland of India's spiritual heritage, celebrated Buddha Purnima with a series of global and local events, reaffirming its place as a cornerstone of the Buddhist Circuit. From the sacred grounds of Sarnath and Shravasti to international stages in Vietnam and Bodh Gaya, the state showcased its commitment to preserving and promoting the legacy of Lord Buddha. The celebrations were led by the Department of Tourism and Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, with Shri Mukesh Kumar Meshram (IAS), Director General and Principal Secretary, emphasising the state's deep-rooted spiritual identity. 'Uttar Pradesh is a spiritual odyssey where the Buddha's teachings come alive. We are committed to preserving historic Buddhist sites and creating a welcoming experience for global travellers,' he said. Highlights of the celebration included the unveiling of Dhih Research Journal (Buddharpan) at Sarnath in collaboration with the Central University of Tibetan Studies. The event, filled with the chanting of Pali and Tibetan mantras, was a symbolic blend of scholarship and spirituality. In Shravasti and Sankisa, devotional events such as Dhamma Yatra, Deepdaan ceremonies, and food donations brought communities together in reverence and reflection. Uttar Pradesh Tourism also extended its outreach by participating in national and international events. At Bodh Gaya's Trividh Purnima and the Mahabodhi Society event in Bengaluru, the state highlighted its Buddhist offerings. Meanwhile, the celebration of UN Vesak Day in Vietnam allowed Uttar Pradesh to showcase its spiritual destinations to a global audience, fostering international cultural collaboration. Easily accessible via international airports in Delhi and Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh invites travellers to explore the Buddhist Circuit — home to revered sites like Sarnath, Shravasti, Sankisa, and Kushinagar. These destinations offer visitors a chance to meditate in ancient monasteries, walk the paths once tread by the Buddha, and connect with timeless teachings in a setting of peace and historical depth. With enhanced infrastructure, world-class hospitality, and a strong focus on safety, Uttar Pradesh is positioning itself as a premier global destination for spiritual and cultural exploration.
