Centuries of Awadhi zaika, handcrafted royal Chikankari, iconic heritage walks & verified local spots curated for you.
Established in 1984 in the historic alleys of Chowk by social pioneer and Magsaysay awardee Runa Banerjee, SEWA (Self Employed Women's Association) Lucknow is a globally renowned artisanal cooperative that liberated thousands of women needlecrafters from middlemen exploitation. It stands as the spiritual sanctuary of pure, unadulterated, museum-grade Lucknowi hand embroidery. Craft Specialties: 100% handmade GI-tagged Chikankari crafted on breathable mulmul cotton, pure chanderi, tussar silk, and natural linens. SEWA is universally respected for preserving near-extinct Awadhi needlework techniques like Jali work, Pechni, and exquisite shadow embroidery without using industrial machine imitations. Products include heirloom cotton sarees, elegant daily-wear kurtis, tablecloths, bedspreads, and children's ethnic wear. Visitor Information: Located at Brahm Nagar, Near Akbari Gate, Chowk, Lucknow (Nearest Landmark: Clock Tower & Chowk Police Station, 800m). Average price range: ₹800 to ₹25,000. Open Monday to Saturday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Fair-trade verified, 100% of proceeds go directly to empowering women master artisans. Fixed, honest prices with government handloom certification.
Established in 1850 in Chowk by Seth Khun Khun Ji, this historic jewelry house is one of Uttar Pradesh's oldest and most respected custodians of Awadhi royal jewelry. For more than six generations, Khun Khun Ji has created bespoke bridal heirlooms, Jadau ornaments, and royal gems for Lucknow's aristocratic families and elite collectors. Jewelry Specialties: Museum-quality Kundan-Polki bridal sets, Meenakari (enameling) jewelry, uncut certified Belgian diamonds, 22K hallmarked temple gold, and antique Nawabi pearls (Basra pearls). Famous for crafting the traditional Awadhi 'Jhoomar' (passa hair accessory), Nath (bridal nose ring), and Guluband choker necklaces. Visitor Information: Located at Khun Khun Ji Road, Chowk, Lucknow (Nearest Metro: Charbagh Metro, 4.5 km). Open 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM (closed Tuesdays). Private VIP bridal consultation lounges, 100% BIS Hallmarked gold, IGI certified diamonds, and heritage bespoke design services.
Operating since the mid-19th century in the heritage heart of Chowk, Asghar Ali Attar is a revered cornerstone of Lucknow's traditional perfume trade. Situated amidst the historic perfume bazaar near Akbari Gate, Asghar Ali supplies rare oriental attars and pure essential oils to royal families, connoisseurs, and international perfumeries. Fragrance Offerings: Rare single-origin Ruh Khus (wild vetiver distilled in copper stills to an electric emerald hue), Sandalwood-infused Shamamatul Amber, Dehnal Oudh, Musk, and Hina attar. Each attar is aged in camel-hide bottles (kuppis) for depth and longevity, remaining completely chemical and alcohol-free. Visitor Information: Located in Chowk Perfume Bazaar, Chowk, Lucknow (Nearest Landmark: Rumi Darwaza, 1 km). Price range: ₹250 to ₹15,000 per tola. Open daily 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM. Timeless heritage atmosphere where scents are sampled on cotton swabs in classic Awadhi tradition.
Nestled in the heritage labyrinth of Chowk near Rumi Darwaza, Rehmat Chikan is a cherished family-run workshop producing unadulterated, artisan-stitched Chikankari for over forty years. Revered by textile purists, Rehmat bypasses industrial mass-production in favor of slow, hand-crafted perfection. Craft Offerings: Authentic hand-embroidered white-on-white mulmul kurtas, pastel organza dupattas, fine cambric cotton suits, and delicate shadow-work tablecloths. Rehmat specializes in rare micro-stitches like Murri (grain-sized knots) and Jaali (net-like needle piercing without cutting the fabric). Visitor Information: Located in Chowk Main Market, Lucknow (Nearest Landmark: Clock Tower, 600m). Price range: ₹600 to ₹15,000. Open daily 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Authentic craft conversations directly with master embroiderers, wholesale pricing, and worldwide postal dispatch.
Established in 1988 in Chowk, Noori Chikan Udyog is a prominent manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer of genuine Lucknowi Chikankari. Partnering with more than 1,500 rural women artisans across Barabanki, Sitapur, and Kakori, Noori Chikan delivers authentic GI-certified hand embroidery at direct-from-artisan prices. Products: Casual cotton daily-wear kurtis, elegant modal silk suit sets, festive georgette anarkalis with mukaish work, Chikankari men's kurtas with pajama sets, and handloom cotton palazzos. All fabrics are pre-washed and color-fast guaranteed. Visitor Information: Located at Akbari Gate, Chowk, Lucknow (Nearest Landmark: Tunday Kababi Chowk, 100m). Price range: ₹450 to ₹12,000. Open daily 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Wholesale bulk supply and retail counter with transparent pricing and custom color dyeing facilities.
“Galawati kebabon ki sadiyon purani dastan, chikan ki jaali ka raaz aur Rumi Darwaza ki shahi taareekh.”
Virasat & Monuments
Discover the 25 best tourist places in Lucknow (2026 updated): Bara Imambara, Residency, Rumi Darwaza, Ambedkar Park, Lulu Mall, entry fees, timings & itineraries.
Awadhi Zaika
How the toothless Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula inspired the world's most delicate, melt-in-the-mouth kebab seasoned with raw papaya and secret aromatic potli masala.
Shopping & Bazaars
Master the 32 royal stitches of Lucknow Chikankari: identify genuine handwork over machine copies, discover Chowk wholesale secrets, and shop like a local.
