Lucknow's long-shut Satkhanda opens to public, becoming city's latest attraction

After remaining closed to the public for years, Satkhanda, the iconic incomplete tower in Husainabad, has finally opened its gates from November 1, managed by the Husainabad Trust. The four-storeyed structure, originally envisioned as a seven-storeyed watchtower by Nawab Mohammed Ali Shah in the 1840s, was left unfinished following his untimely death.

Ever since its re-opening for the public, the response has been overwhelming. "The footfall has been amazing, especially during evenings when the monument is beautifully lit," shares a guard stationed at the premises. With tickets priced at ₹20 for Indian adults and ₹10 for children (5-12 years), and ₹200 for foreign adults, the monument operates from 8 AM to 8 PM with complimentary parking.

The hype is real, particularly among the youth. Shabana, a college student, exclaimed her eagerness to "take pictures and upload them on Instagram," while another visitor, Rehan, praised it as a "nice, new place to click pictures of the Lucknow city side." However, amidst the selfies and the buzz, the deeper historical significance of the monument seems to be a lesser-known tale.

Constructed by King Mohammed Ali Shah in 1837, Satkhanda was envisioned as a grand observatory, designed to rival the height of the Qutub Minar. It was primarily intended as a watchtower offering sweeping views of the city. Some local stories suggest it also served as a place to observe the crescent moon during Eid celebrations.

However, construction came to an abrupt halt following the Nawab’s death, and the tower was never completed. Some believe the unfinished structure was seen as an ill omen, leading to its abandonment. As a result, Satkhanda remains a striking four-storey marvel, incomplete but full of history.

Had Satkhanda been completed as a seven-storeyed monument, we're certain it would have mirrored some of the grandeur of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Nevertheless, during our visit to this iconic watchtower, the views from its existing four storeys were nothing short of glorious. As the monument has only recently been opened to the public, we believe there’s definitely room for improvement.

Perhaps, a slightly higher ticket price could go a long way in enhancing the visitor experience by supporting better upkeep. While dustbins are thoughtfully placed on every floor, a more rigorous cleaning routine would make a noticeable difference. Despite these minor hiccups, this newly accessible gem of Lucknow’s heritage is absolutely worth a visit; not just for its views, but to appreciate its unique, unfinished story.

Timings- 8 AM- 8 PM

Where- Husainabad Trust Rd, Husainabad, Lucknow