UP Tourism Showcases Lucknow’s Heritage to Future Civil Administrators

Lucknow, June 07, 2026: To provide an immersive understanding of Uttar Pradesh’s cultural and historical heritage, the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC) organised a special Lucknow Darshan familiarisation tour for 107 State Service Trainee Officers of the 88th Basic Training Programme for Promoted Deputy Collectors. The tour offered participants a firsthand experience of the city’s rich heritage, culture and iconic landmarks. Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “Such familiarisation tours help future administrators gain a deeper understanding of Uttar Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential. By experiencing the historical and cultural assets of the state firsthand, officers are better equipped to appreciate and promote the diverse heritage that defines Uttar Pradesh.” During the tour, the trainee officers explored some of Lucknow’s most iconic landmarks, including the historic Lucknow Residency, Bara Imambara, Roomi Gate, Chota Imambara, the Picture Gallery and the Clock Tower, offering insights into the city’s rich history, architecture and Nawabi legacy. The participants also visited Kukrail Picnic Spot, experiencing another facet of Lucknow through its natural and recreational landscape. The familiarisation tour was well received by the trainee officers, who showed keen interest in the historical narratives of Lucknow Residency, the city’s cultural evolution and the significance of the ancient Hulas Khera archaeological site. Sharing his experience, Amit Kumar Tripathi, SDM (Trainee Officer), said the tour offered valuable insights into Lucknow’s history, architecture and tourism potential, while the visit to Kukrail provided a refreshing opportunity to reconnect with nature. Building on the success of the Lucknow familiarisation tour, a series of exposure visits have been planned for trainee officers across the state. The upcoming circuits include Lucknow–Chitrakoot–Jhansi–Kanpur–Lucknow, Lucknow–Kushinagar–Gorakhpur–Ayodhya–Lucknow, and Lucknow–Meerut–Noida–Agra–Lucknow, offering firsthand exposure to tourism destinations, wetlands, defence corridor initiatives, ODOP projects, and other developmental activities across Uttar Pradesh. Speaking about the long-term impact of the programme, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Amrit Abhijat said, “Uttar Pradesh offers a unique blend of heritage, culture, spirituality, nature and development. Through such exposure visits, we aim to create informed administrators who understand the state's diverse strengths and can become ambassadors of its rich legacy and emerging opportunities.”