Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, thrives along the banks of Gomti river. Nawab Asaf ud Daula is attributed to be the creator of Lucknow as it stands today. She reached its acme during the reign of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah a patron saint of music and poetry. The city, Awadh and UP fell to the British during his reign. Today, the city is dotted with remnants of its rich cultural past.Lucknow is also known for its elaborate cuisine and 'Chikankaari' or exquisite shadow-work embroidery on fine muslin cloth.Lucknow is a historically important city and for many centuries was at the heart of North Indian culture. In particular, the city was famous for its ''Adab'' and ''Tehzeeb'' (manners and hospitality), intricate embroidery, beautiful gardens and dance forms such as ''Kathak''. It was also one of the sites of the 1857 Indian Mutiny (or First War of Indian Independence). The Hindi spoken in Lucknow is considered the most beautiful and gentle in the country. Currently the city has a population of around 2.5 million.Lucknow is the heart of the art, cuisine, dance, culture and music of Northern India. It was the cradle of the Hindu-Muslim-Sikh symbioses that made India great. it brought in the best of various cultures and accepted Western institutions like La Martiniere in her womb. It was made famous by the soft-spoken, and sweet tongued, Awadh-lucknowai culture that was based on "civilized behaviour" toward fellow human beings. Lucknow is the home of Urdu, Hindustani and Hindi languages. The city became known as a centre for Urdu poetry and courtly presence and diction. Many poets were born and lived here. The "mushaira" an event of reading poetry formed the heart of Lucknow's nightlife. the "mushaira's" went on through the wee hours of the night. It'a only rival in Northern India was Delhi, though Lucknowies were always embroiled in a heathy rivalry with Delhi, home of the famous poet Ghalib and others.Lucknow is also famous for it's sweetmeat. The sweet shops in the old city dates to 1850's. Awadhi and mughlai food is the delight of the people visiting Lucknow. http://wikitravel.org/en/Lucknow