Lucknow is nicknamed as ‘The City of Nawabs’. The city was the capital of Awadh during the 17th and 18th centuries. The city has a unique place at the global level due to its impressive architecture, alluring gardens, dance, music and poetry. Being a lover of ghazals and Mughlai cuisine, I had a long standing desire to visit. Therefore, to fulfill my long cherished dream, I visited the city last spring. Here is a brief account of my train journey from Kolkata to Lucknow:-

Visiting the major attractions of the city

The major attractions of the city include Rumi Darwaza, The Residency, Chattar Manzil and Bada Imambara. The Rumi Darwaza is a grand gateway which was built by Nawab Asaf-Ud-Dowlah in 1784. It is a fine specimen of Awadhi architecture. It lies adjacent to Asafi Imambara in Lucknow, and is the major landmark of the city. The gate was used as an entrance to the Old Lucknow city. The Chattar Manzil is an umbrella shaped building. It used to be the residence of the Nawabs of Awadh.

The Chattar Manzil is located on the banks of Gomti river. Earlier it consisted two buildings-Bari(larger)Chattar Manzil and Chhoti(smaller)chattar manzil. Only the smaller one exists today. Both the buildings were a combination of Indo-Islamic and European architectural style. It is well connected with the Lucknow Nr railway station via the Gandhi Marg. The Bada Imambara is a shrine built by Shia Muslims for mourning during Muharram. It is one of the most magnificent buildings of the city.

The British Residency refers to a several buildings in a common zone in Lucknow. Located at the heart of the city, the main landmarks here are the Shaheed Smarak, Tehri Kothi and High Court Building. The building of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan II, who was the fifth Nawab of Awadh. It was besieged and destroyed during the revolt of 1857.

Cuisine

The ‘City of Nawabs’ holds a special place in the heart of every food enthusiast. The traditional cuisine of the city’s food was patronized by the Nawabs. Therefore, it has a royal touch. The restaurants here offer a wide range of Mughlai delicacies such as Haleem, Biryani, Boti Kabab, Rogan Josh and Pasanda. Some of the best Mughlai restaurants of the city are located in Charbagh area.

The restaurants are at a stone’s throw from Lucknow Nr railway station. After some shopping during the evening, I took a cab to reach the railway station. There are numerous canteens inside the station as well. Other facilities inside Lucknow Nr railway station include the presence of waiting rooms, book stores and urinals.

​Amenities inside the station

The railway station here is operated by the Lucknow division of Northern Railway. The train that mainly operate in this route terminate at or pass through this station. The Lucknow Nr Train Station code is LKO. The station has a total of nine platforms and more than 320 trains. The junction holds two six platforms. Located in, the southern part of the city, the station’s name literally means four beautiful gardens around the station. You can take the help of Lucknow Nr train station map to ensure a hassle free travel experience.

                            Mumbai Mail | Image Resource: indiarailinfo.com

Travelling from Chennai to Mumbai is not a difficult task anymore. There are plenty of trains available in this route for the passengers. If you are planning to travel in this route then check the various superfast and mail trains available for the passengers. The seats in the various trains are available for the passengers easily online and the booking payment can also be done easily. You can find weekly and daily trains in the route for your journey.

Train Timings

One of the best trains to book tickets in for the travel from Chennai to Mumbai is the superfast Mumbai Mail 11028. This is one of the best trains available in the route with many seats and best services for the passengers. The train departs from the Chennai central railway station at 10.50 pm and has various stoppages in between. You can cover the total journey in 30 hours if the train is one time.

Seat Availability

Seat availability in the train can be checked through a number of sources. There are mobile apps available for free download that will help in booking the tickets in Mumbai Mail for the journey. The seats availability can be checked in

• Sleeper class
  
• 3rd AC
  
• 2nd AC
• Tatkal seats in all the classes

Enjoy good services and facilities in the various classes of the trains. The train also has a pantry car serving food and other beverages to the passengers. The food and beverages are available at very affordable prices and made in quality ingredients. Taste the coffee, tea and other beverages while enjoying the journey in the various classes. Food packages for lunch and dinner are also available according to the Mumbai mail timings.

The route for the train can be checked easily online. There are many ways which will help you in checking the route map of the train online. The train has various stoppages in many of the destinations all over the state while reaching Mumbai. You can download the train route or check in online by entering the train number. Seats can be booked easily from any of the intermediary station for the journey.

Tatkal Tickets

If you are unable to find a confirm ticket in any of the train then book your tickets in the Tatkal category. The Tatkal price for the tickets in the sleeper category is Rs 695 and for the 3rd AC is 1870 while the ticket charges in the 2nd Ac is 2635. The tickets for children are available at half the amount as compared to the ticket prices for the adults.

The train reaches the Mumbai CST station at 3.45 am if it is running on time and before that it also has a halt at Dadar station at 3.10 pm and Thane station at 2.43 am. The train reaches Kalyan Junction at 2.25 am. You can get off at any of these stations if you your destination is close from any of these stations. Find all other information regarding trains and timings at different railway stations online for the journey.