Saadat Ali Khan: The Beautiful Tomb of a Nawaab

Saadat Ali Khan was the 6th emperor of Awadh. He ruled Awadh from 1798-1814. Begum Khurshid Jadi was the favorite Begum of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan and she died during the lifetime of Nawab Saheb.

The tomb of Saadat Ali Khan and his wife Khurshid Zadi are one of the very few populous places amongst many in the city of Nawabs, Lucknow. Nestled in the heart of  Lucknow, this place is adjoining to the Begum Hazrat Mahal Park on the Rani Laxmi Bai Road, well marked on Google Maps. This place is managed and caressed by Hussainabad Trust.

Saadat Ali Khan was the 6th emperor of Oudh or Awadh reigning 1798-1814. These tombs were erected by his son Ghazi-Ud-Din Haider.

The complex is well maintained, and full of lush greenery all around. As you enter, you’ll find two tombs inside— one of Saadat Ali Khan and other, of his wife Khurshid Zadi. Both of those are made of lakhauri bricks, lime mortar, and plaster to give the fine edge.

Also read: Places To Visit in Lucknow

Tomb of Nawaab Saadat Ali Khan

When I visited this place I was amazed by the fine artistry of the tombs (makbara). Because of the beautiful look and serenity of the architecture, it is a perfect place to hang out and have a picnic with your best people. The main tomb, of Saadat Ali, is said to be a five floors building including the basement (tehkhaana).

As I entered the tomb, an old man bothered me saying that photography is not allowed inside. I wasn’t able to take pictures inside of the tomb. The old man then followed me as I went into. After some time he began to tell the history of the tomb. He further told that the actual bodies are just beneath the imitating ones, in the basement.

Tomb of Begum Khurshid Zadi

The tomb of consort Khurshid Zadi is also as equally beautiful as Nawab’s but just smaller in size and height. The architectural beauty is covered by gardens and flower plantations from each side, compelling you to rest your eyes on it. When I was here, the entry was closed due to some reason.

Entry fees to both tombs are zero but if you want to know about the monuments, hire a guide that will cost you mere ₹20-₹50. Moreover, entry is open from sunrise to sunset for everyone.

The Back-end

It is said that Kaiserbagh was earlier known as Khas Bazar and this place used to be the residence of Hyder the prince, Ghazi-ud-Din. Later, after the death of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan, his tomb and Khurshid Jadi’s mausoleum was built by the son Ghazi-ud-Din Haider himself.

According to historians, all the buildings from the Kaiserbagh area of ​​Lucknow to Dilkusha Kothi were constructed during the reign of Saadat Ali. Nawab Saheb was a great lover of architecture. His love for architecture is reflected in the buildings he built.

Some Important Things To Note

• The evening around here is beautiful, you can go for a walk with the children.
• There is a beautiful garden around the architecture.
• There is no parking. However, you can use the parking of Hazrat Mahal Park in front.
• What I found that this place is really photogenic. So prepare your cameras and be here to click some awesome photographs.
• Take special care of your things.
• This is a legacy, so you are requested to help keep it clean.
• The surrounding gardens have a walk option. The fresh breeze of the evening will take away all your fatigue.
• In contrast to this, Safed Baradari, Butler Park, Lakhi, Chaulakhi Gate, Hazrat Mahal Park, etc. are located at some steps away, you can also visit there.
• There is no entry fee or ticket to visit here.

How to Reach Saadat Ali Khan Tomb

By Rail

The main railway stations of Lucknow are Lucknow Junction, Badshahnagar, Gomti Nagar. All the stations are connected to most parts of the country. You can reach here easily from any corner of the country. From the station, you can take taxis (Ola, Uber, Rapido) as well as auto, local bus. Lucknow Metro is also available on some routes.

By Air

Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (Amausi Airport) is the only airport in Lucknow, which is connected to all parts of the country. From the airport, you can reach here easily with the help of the Lucknow metro, bus, auto, taxi, etc.

By Road

The distance of Lucknow is 500 km from the country’s capital Delhi. The city is well connected to other cities by a national highway. It can be reached from any corner of the city with the help of auto, cab, bus, and metro.

Some Commonly Asked Questions

My Experience

Exploring more, I found the architecture from inside was somewhat similar to many Mughal architectures. The middle floor has a window like space, facing in towards the hall, where women audience used to sit and witness the proceedings of Nawab. Up above that, the general public was allowed to sit and witness the same. Henceforth, it was a very clever establishment. The tomb has a veranda on each side. And in the corner, there are stairs that take you to the basement.

On one side of the main burial, in one of the rectangular veranda, lies burials of the other three begums of Nawab. Adjoining them, three daughters of Nawab Saadat Ali are also buried.

Speak your experiences about this place in the comment box below if you’ve been here. Else share, what excites you to come here!