Lucknow, the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh. This city is also known as the city of Nawabs, where nawabs means the ancient rulers of this city. This city is famous for the way guests are treated and for the courteous behaviour of its people. Lucknow, was formerly named Avadh or Oudh, it was the centre of the Nawabs. The city lies near the Gompti river. Most of the historical monuments are located in the north-western part of the old city.
According to legend Lucknow derived its name from Lucknau after Lakshmana, (a character in the Epic Ramayan) when his elder brother Rama gave away this part of the country to him. The huge mausoleums of the nawabs and the ruins of the Residency which still stand have witnesed one of the most remarkable episodes in the history of Indian Mutiny in 1857. Rulers of the city of Lucknow had a penchant for art, dance and music all this is quiet evident from what the city offers visitors. Rulers of this city also had a reputation of being some of the most gracious hosts this tradition has been carried forward by the residents of the city.