British Residency, Kaiser Bagh and La Martiniere

Duration: 4hrs

What this tour is about: This tour offers a slice of British history in Lucknow. It covers some of the major locations associated with the First Indian War of Independence in 1857, where momentous battles were fought during the Siege of Lucknow.

Places we will visit:

• British Residency: The Residency was the epicentre of the battle for control of Lucknow. Approximately 3000 British inhabitants took refuge here during the course of the siege. The Residency contains memorials to those who fell and are buried here. The buildings bear the scars of fighting and have been left in their ruined state by the British to keep alive the memory of the event.
• Kaiser Bagh: Originally the pleasure palace of the Nawab of Awadh, Kaiser Bagh became the stronghold of Begum Hazrat Mahal (wife of the Nawab) during the 1857 uprising. The Nawab had been exiled to Calcutta, so the Begum assumed leadership of the uprising. When the uprising was quelled, the Begum fled to Nepal. The British then looted and destroyed Kaiser Bagh. In spite of the destruction, beautiful tombs, residences, pavillions, gates and gardens still remain. You can walk through the Kaiser Bagh if interested, or do a mix of walking and driving.
• La Martiniere: La Martiniere was founded as a school for young men; but found itself in the midst of the war in 1857. At one point it was occupied by insurgents and had to be evacuated. Eventually, the teachers and the students of the college fought alongside the British troops, defending the exposed southern perimeter of the British Residency for nearly five months. In recognition of this service, the staff and the boys received the Indian Mutiny Medal inscribed with ‘Defence of Lucknow’.

Apart from these, there are several other sites associated with the 1857 war. If you are interested in a longer Mutiny tour, please let us know, and we will suggest a full day itinerary.

Tour Starts: Your hotel

Tour Ends: Your hotel