History & Development of the Airline Industry

 

 

History & Development of the Airline Industry

For students of Tourism and Travel Management, understanding the history of the airline industry is crucial because:

• Airlines are a major driver of international tourism and economic development.
• Policy changes, such as deregulation and globalization, have shaped today’s travel patterns, fare structures, and service models.
• The industry’s evolution mirrors broader trends in globalization, technological innovation, and consumer behavior.

Studying this history not only provides insight into how the airline industry functions today but also equips future tourism professionals with the knowledge to anticipate trends, adapt to change, and contribute to sustainable aviation growth.

 

Introduction

The airline industry is one of the most dynamic and influential sectors in global transportation, playing a vital role in connecting people, cultures, and economies. Its development is closely tied to advancements in technology, economic policies, geopolitics, and the growth of global tourism. What began in the early 20th century as short, experimental flights by pioneering aviators has evolved into a highly sophisticated, competitive, and interconnected global network that carries over four billion passengers annually. The transformation from state-controlled monopolies to competitive market environments in the late 20th century—especially during the Deregulation & Globalization era (1970s–1990s)—stands as a landmark chapter. This period introduced new business models, global alliances, and low-cost carriers, making air travel more affordable, accessible, and far-reaching than ever before.

1. Early Beginnings (Pre-World War I)

·         The Wright Brothers (1903): Achieved the first powered flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This marked the birth of controlled, powered aviation.

·         Pioneering Flights & Air Mail: Early experimental flights quickly evolved into rudimentary airmail services, primarily driven by postal needs and novelty.

2. Interwar Period (1918–1939)

·         Commercial Expansion: Post-WWI surplus of aircraft and trained pilots paved the way for the first commercial airlines.

·         Air Routes: Countries like the U.S. established carriers like Pan Am (1927), while Europe saw Lufthansa (1926) emerge as key players.

·         Technological Advances: Transition from biplanes to more efficient monoplanes (e.g., Douglas DC-3) revolutionized passenger and cargo capacity.

3. World War II & Technological Leap

·         Military Innovations: Aircraft developments for the war (e.g., pressurized cabins, navigation systems) were later repurposed for civilian aviation.

·         Post-War Boom: Countries nationalized or created flag carriers—British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), Air France, Indian Airlines—to serve growing demand.

Deregulation & Globalization (1970s–1990s)

The period from the mid-1970s to the 1990s was a transformational era in the history of the airline industry. This was when governments across the world began to move away from strict regulation of fares, routes, and market entry, embracing competition and liberalization. Alongside, the growth of globalization, rapid advances in technology, and rising demand for affordable air travel reshaped aviation into a modern, interconnected system.

 

1. U.S. Deregulation Act (1978) – A Catalyst for Change

·         Background:
Before 1978, the U.S. Civil Aeronautics Board tightly controlled airline fares, routes, and schedules. This system limited competition and kept airfares relatively high.

·         Provisions of the Act:

o    Removed federal control over fares and route allocation.

o    Allowed new entrants to start operations without excessive bureaucratic restrictions.

o    Encouraged airlines to determine routes, frequency, and pricing based on market demand.

·         Impact:

o    Dozens of new airlines entered the market.

o    Fares dropped due to competition.

o    Smaller cities gained more air connectivity.

o    Airlines experimented with hub-and-spoke systems to maximize efficiency.

·         Global Influence:
This success inspired other countries to adopt similar reforms in the following decades, making deregulation a global trend.

 

2. Global Deregulation and Liberalization Trends

·         Europe:

o    The European Union implemented three “liberalization packages” between 1987 and 1997, culminating in the full opening of the market.

o    Airlines from any EU member state could operate freely within Europe without restrictions on fares or routes.

o    This allowed the rise of pan-European carriers and low-cost airlines like Ryanair and easyJet.

·         Asia-Pacific:

o    Countries such as Australia and New Zealand signed open-skies agreements in the late 1980s.

o    Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand promoted competitive aviation policies, leading to globally competitive carriers like Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways.

·         Middle East:

o    Gulf countries invested heavily in modern airports and national carriers during this era, setting the stage for global hub models seen in Emirates (est. 1985) and Qatar Airways (1993).

·         Open Skies Agreements Worldwide:

o    Bilateral and multilateral agreements reduced or removed restrictions on international routes and frequencies.

o    Created more freedom for airlines to expand into new markets.

 

3. Global Alliances Emerge

·         Purpose:
By the 1990s, airlines realized that cooperation could increase network reach without massive investment in new aircraft. Alliances allowed airlines to share code-shares, coordinate schedules, and offer seamless transfers for passengers.

·         Key Alliances:

o    Star Alliance (1997): Lufthansa, United Airlines, Air Canada, SAS, and Thai Airways were founding members.

o    Oneworld (1999): British Airways, American Airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, and others joined forces.

o    SkyTeam (concept late 1990s, official 2000): Air France, Delta, Korean Air, and others expanded global network connectivity.

·         Benefits to Passengers:

o    Single-ticket travel across multiple carriers.

o    Access to shared lounges and frequent flyer benefits.

o    Better global coverage without higher ticket costs.

 

4. Rise of Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs)

·         Origins:
The deregulated environment allowed new business models to thrive. One of the most influential was the no-frills, low-cost model.

·         Pioneers:

o    Southwest Airlines (USA): Perfected point-to-point operations, quick aircraft turnarounds, and reduced operational overheads.

o    Ryanair (Ireland): Expanded aggressively in Europe post-EU liberalization.

o    easyJet (UK): Targeted budget-conscious travelers on short-haul routes.

o    AirAsia (Malaysia): Proved the model’s success in Asia, opening air travel to millions for the first time.

·         Impact:

o    Air travel became accessible to lower and middle-income groups.

o    Stimulated tourism in smaller and secondary destinations.

o    Forced traditional full-service carriers to adapt, sometimes creating their own budget subsidiaries.

 

5. Lasting Impacts of Deregulation & Globalization

·         Shift from state-protected monopolies to competitive, customer-driven markets.

·         Significant drop in average airfares worldwide.

·         Greater route diversity and better connectivity between continents.

·         Increased operational efficiency and innovation in aircraft technology.

·         Creation of a truly global airline industry, where partnerships and competition coexist.

Significance for the Airline Industry

1.     Shift from State-Owned Monopolies to Competitive Markets

o    Airlines moved from being government-run entities to privately operated businesses.

o    Encouraged innovation, efficiency, and customer-focused service.

2.     Greater Route Connectivity & Passenger Choices

o    Passengers gained access to more destinations at lower prices.

o    Alliances and deregulation created a truly global route network.

3.     Innovation in Technology & Service

o    Advanced aircraft (Airbus A320, Boeing 777) improved fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.

o    Marketing innovations like frequent flyer programs and dynamic pricing models.

4.     Boost to Global Tourism & Trade

o    Air transport became the backbone of international tourism, enabling mass travel.

o    Facilitated faster, more reliable movement of goods in global supply chains.

4. Statistical Snapshot

Year	Global Passengers (Billions)	Market Share of LCCs (%)	Global Airline Revenue (USD Billion)
1970	0.33	~0	$39
1990	1.1	7	$250
2000	1.7	15	$328
2023	4.7	31	$806

(Source: IATA, ICAO reports)

 

5. Conclusion

The development of the airline industry is a story of innovation, liberalization, and globalization. From the restrictive era of government-controlled fares and routes to today’s interconnected world of alliances, low-cost travel, and sophisticated technology, the industry has undergone a dramatic transformation.

The Deregulation & Globalization era (1970s–1990s) was the turning point that dismantled monopolistic structures, promoted competition, and democratized air travel. It allowed more people than ever before to cross borders, explore new destinations, and engage in global commerce. “In essence, the modern airline industry is not only a vehicle of transportation but also a catalyst of cultural exchange, economic integration, and global unity.”

 

 

Bangkok

Bangkok

Bangkok  is the capital and most populous city of Thailand. The city grew rapidly during the 1960s through the 1980s and now exerts a significant impact on Thailand's politics, economy, education, media and modern society. It is an international hub for transport and health care, and has emerged as a centre for the arts, fashion, and entertainment. The city is known for its street life and cultural landmarks, as well as its red-light districts. The Grand Palace and Buddhist temples including Wat Arun and Wat Pho stand in contrast with other tourist attractions such as the nightlife scenes of Khaosan Road and Patpong. Bangkok is among the world's top tourist destinations, and has been named the world's most visited city consistently in several international rankings.

Bangkok's multi-faceted sights, attractions and city life appeal to diverse groups of tourists. Royal palaces and temples as well as several museums constitute its major historical and cultural tourist attractions. Shopping and dining experiences offer a wide range of choices and prices. The city is also famous for its dynamic nightlife.

Major Attractions

Khao San Road -  Khao San Road, is located in the heart of the city. It is a 410 meter long street in central Bangkok which will cater to every need of yours! Street food stalls, bars, shops, restaurants, nightclubs, cafes and massage parlours are all packed into this one street. This road is one of the most famous night markets in Bangkok.  Tourists can also enjoy traditional Thai food, like the delicious Pad Thai and Thai crepes (Khanom Bueang), and   can also try a bagful of fried insects such as rasshoppers, water beetles, spiders, bamboo worms and scorpions.

Chao Phraya River - The river of kings, Chao Phraya River, is the prime river and waterway of Thailand, used by an average of 50,000 commuters daily. The ferry rides, which are the way of commutate for thousands of people from home to work every day, are immensely popular among tourists. It provides a chance to see the most popular tourist destinations of Bangkok, like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun etc.  Tourists can opt for inexpensive, fun rides on the ferries which are available at high frequencies during the day, or indulge in lavish dinners and romantic cruises aboard grand ships at nighttime, promising a rich, cultural experience unique to Thailand.

Grand Palace - The Grand Palace, the residence of royals for several generations, is the perfect place to begin your historical tour in Bangkok. It houses one of the holiest Buddhist temples, Wat Phra Kaew, built in the year 1782. The Grand Palace stands among the top tourist attractions in Bangkok, Thailand, showcasing the rich history of Bangkok.

Chatuchak Market - The king of markets in Bangkok, and one of the largest markets in the world, Chatuchak is spread over 35 acres with more than 8,000 stalls. Everything ranging from clothing, accessories, handicrafts, furniture, art, food, books, antiques, and many more interesting souvenirs are is available here. It was formerly called Phahonyothin Market, but the name was changed in 1987. It received the name 'Chatuchak' from the close by a park of the same name.

Chinatown - Located along the Yaowarat Road, Chinatown is a Chinese cultural and commercial hub. It is majorly known for its exotic culinary experience of street foods, along with several Buddhist temples, and traditional wooden shops selling Chinese goods. It is best to visit Chinatown at night, which is when it is vibrant with neon lights and chaotic fun. Bangkok Chinatown market stretches along Yaowarat Road, and side road is filled with shops displaying everything   clothing, accessories and other traditional trinkets.

Soi Cowboy - One of the popular red light districts, Soi Cowboy is a neon-lit street, filled with Go Go Bars and other bright spaces. With friendly staff members outside each bar, it embodies the true nightlife experience of Bangkok.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market - Marketed as a major tourist attraction and a marker of Thai culture, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is among the most popular floating markets in the world. Boats swaying on the water are navigated by Thai locals and traders who sell all kinds of farm produce, fruits and freshly prepared local foods. This market provides its visitors with many notable photo opportunities with boats filled with colourful fruits and vegetables that are often used as a tool for tourism promotion.

Lumbini Park - Named after the birthplace of Lord Buddha in Nepal, the Lumpini Park was the first public park of Bangkok. The original aim was to exhibit the Thai crafts and flowers. Over the years, the park has grown to be a centre of various leisure activities from jogging to light workout and many other recreational activities such as aerobics, rowing, paddleboats, and other gym activities.

Thailand

Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand and formerly known as Siam, is a country at the centre of the Southeast Asia.  The capital and largest city is Bangkok.  Thailand is bordered   by Myanmar ,  Laos and Cambodia. Thailand is classified as a newly industrialized economy; manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism are leading sectors of the economy. Thailand comprises several distinct geographic regions.

Thailand's climate is influenced by monsoon winds that have a seasonal character. Most of Thailand has a tropical wet and dry climate.

Tourism makes up about 6% of the country's economy. Thailand was the most visited country in Southeast Asia in 2013, according to the World Tourism Organisation.  The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) uses the slogan "Amazing Thailand" to promote Thailand internationally. Asian tourists primarily visit Thailand for Bangkok and the historical, natural, and cultural sights in its vicinity. Western tourists not only visit Bangkok and surroundings, but in addition many travel to the southern beaches and islands. The north is the chief destination for trekking and adventure travel with its diverse ethnic minority groups and forested mountains.

Thailand's attractions include diving, sandy beaches, hundreds of tropical islands, nightlife, archaeological sites, museums, hill tribes, flora and bird life, palaces, Buddhist temples and several World Heritage sites. Many tourists follow courses during their stay in Thailand. Popular are classes in Thai cooking, Buddhism and traditional Thai massage. Thai national festivals range from Thai New Year Songkran to Loy Krathong. Many localities in Thailand also have their own festivals. Among the best-known are the "Elephant Round-up" in Surin, the "Rocket Festival" in Yasothon, Suwannaphum District, Phanom Phrai District both district are located in Roi Et Province and the "Phi Ta Khon" festival in Dan Sai. Thai cuisine has become famous worldwide with its enthusiastic use of fresh herbs and spices.

Major Tourist Attraction of Thailand:

Pattaya - Pattaya is a beautiful beach resort full with along the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand renowned for its gorgeous beaches, water parks, unspoiled nature's beauty, religious temples and long walks on the street. Pattaya, this exotic island is an ideal destination for adventure lovers.  The city caters to the varied interests of its visitors offering attraction ranging from zoos, themes parks, botanical garden, temples, markets, illuminating streets at night, water sport activities etc.

Places to Visit In Pattaya:

# Pattaya Floating Market

# The Sanctuary of truth

# Mimosa Pattaya

# Underwater World

# Nogn Nooch Botanical Garden

Krabi - Krabi is home to the traditional yet the modern, the touristy and the local flavour.  Krabi, a popular Southern Thai beach destination, is gaining popularity.

Places to Visit In Karbi:

# Railay Beach

# Tiger Cave Temple

# Phi Phi Island

# Hong Island

Phuket -Phuket serves as a perfect destination for clear blue beaches, palm groves, and impressive coastline. The place is  full  with tourist attractions be it natural or man-made.  From National Parks, monolithic limestone formations and marine life to museums and temples.  the place has thrilling water sport facilities and excursion of tropical forests. A stroll around streets of Phuket Old Town gives you an insightful look into city's rich culture and heritage.

Places to Visit In Phuket

# Patong Beach

# Big Buddha

# Bangla Road

# Kata Beach

Europe

Europe   is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally divided from Asia by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting the Black and Aegean Seas. 

Europe is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Black Sea and connected waterways to the southeast. Yet the borders of Europe—a concept dating back to classical antiquity—are somewhat arbitrary, as the primarily physiographic term "continent" can incorporate cultural and political elements.

Europe is the world's second-smallest continent by surface area. Of Europe's approximately 50 states, Russia is by far the largest by both area and population, taking up 40% of the continent (although the country has territory in both Europe and Asia), while Vatican City is the smallest. Europe is the third-most populous continent after Asia and Africa.

 The idea of a European "continent" is prevalent but not universally held. Some geographical texts refer to a Eurasian continent, or to a European subcontinent, given that Europe is not surrounded by sea and its southeastern border has always been vaguely defined, and disputed.

In terms of shape, Europe is a collection of connected peninsulas and nearby islands. The two largest peninsulas are "mainland" Europe and Scandinavia to the north, divided from each other by the Baltic Sea. Three smaller peninsulas—Iberia, Italy and the Balkans—emerge from the southern margin of the mainland. The Balkan peninsula is separated from Asia by the Black and Aegean Seas. Italy is separated from the Balkans by the Adriatic Sea, and from Iberia by the Mediterranean Sea, which also separates Europe from Africa. Eastward, mainland Europe widens much like the mouth of a funnel, until the boundary with Asia is reached at the Ural Mountains and Ural River (or, less commonly, the Este River), the Caspian Sea and Caucasus Mountains.

Land relief in Europe shows great variation within relatively small areas. The southern regions are mountainous, while moving north the terrain descends from the high Alps, Pyrenees and Carpathians, through hilly uplands, into broad, low northern plains, which are vast in the east. An arc of uplands also exists along the northwestern seaboard, beginning in the western British Isles and continuing along the mountainous, fjord-cut spine of Norway.

This description is simplified. Sub-regions such as Iberia and Italy contain their own complex features, as does mainland Europe itself, where the relief contains many plateaus, river valleys and basins that complicate the general trend. Iceland and the British Isles are special cases. The former is a land unto itself in the northern ocean which is counted as part of Europe, while the latter is upland areas that were once joined to the mainland until rising sea levels cut them off.

Geography of Europe

Europe is a peninsula that makes up the western fifth of the Eurasian landmass . Its maritime borders are made up of the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean, Black, and Caspian Seas to the south Land relief in Europe shows great variation within relatively small areas. The southern regions are more mountainous, while moving north the terrain descends from the high Alps, Pyrenees, and Carpathians, through hilly uplands, into broad, low northern plains, which are vast in the east. This extended lowland is known as the Great European Plain, and at its heart lies the North German Plain. An arc of uplands also exists along the north-western seaboard, which begins in the western parts of the islands of Britain and Ireland, and then continues along the mountainous, fjord-cut spine of Norway.

This description is simplified. Sub-regions such as the Iberian Peninsula and the Italian Peninsula contain their own complex features, as does mainland Central Europe itself, where the relief contains many plateaus, river valleys and basins that complicate the general trend. Sub-regions like Iceland, Britain, and Ireland are special cases. The former is a land unto itself in the northern ocean which is counted as part of Europe, while the latter are upland areas that were once joined to the mainland until rising sea levels cut them off.

Some of Europe's major mountain ranges are:

• Ural Mountains, used to separate Europe and Asia

• Caucasus Mountains, which also separate Europe and Asia, and are the namesake of the Caucasian race

• Carpathian Mountains, a major mountain range in Central and Southern Europe

• Alps, the famous mountains known for their spectacular slopes

• Apennines, which run through Italy

• Pyrenees, the natural border between France and Spain

• Cantabrian Mountains, which run across northern Spain

• Scandinavian Mountains, a mountain range which runs through the Scandinavian Peninsula, includes the Kjølen mountains

• Dinaric Alps, a mountain range in the Balkans

• Balkan mountains, a mountain range in central Balkans

• Scottish highlands (cairngorms, a 'low level' mountain range, in northern and central Scotland.

The following are the longest rivers in Europe alongside their approximate lengths: 

  1. Volga -   3,690 km (2,290 mi)

  2. Danube - 2,860 km (1,780 mi)

  3. Ural   -    2,428 km (1,509 mi)

  4. Dnieper - 2,290 km (1,420 mi)

  5. Don   -     1,950 km (1,210 mi)

  6. Pechora - 1,809 km (1,124 mi)

  7. Kama -  1,805 km (1,122 mi)

  8. Oka   -   1,500 km (930 mi)

  9. Belaya - 1,430 km (890 mi)

10. Tisza   -   1,358 km (844 mi)

11. Dniester - 1,352 km (840 mi)

12. Rhine   -   1,236 km (768 mi)

13. Elbe   -   1,091 km (678 mi)

14. Vistula - 1,047 km (651 mi)

15. Tagus   - 1,038 km (645 mi)

16. Daugava - 1,020 km (630 mi)

17. Loire - 1,012 km (629 mi)

18. Ebro - 960 km (600 mi)

19. Nemunas - 937 km (582 mi)

20. Sava - 933 km (580 mi)

21. Oder - 854 km (531 mi)

22. Rhône - 815 km (506 mi)

23. Seine  - 776 km (482 mi)

24. Mureș - 761 km (473 mi)

25. Prut - 742 km (461 mi)

26. Po - 682 km (424 mi)

27. Olt - 615 km (382 mi)

28. Glomma - 604 km (375 mi)

29. Siret - 559 km (347 mi)

30. Neris - 510 km (320 mi)

31. Maritsa - 480 km (300 mi)

32. Vltava - 430 km (270 mi)

33. Ialomița - 417 km (259 mi)

34. Vah - 406 km (252 mi)

35. Vardar - 388 km (241 mi)

36. Shannon - 386 km (240 mi)

37. Someș - 376 km (234 mi)

38. Morava - 353 km (219 mi)

 Economy of Europe

As a continent, the economy of Europe is currently the largest on Earth and it is the richest region  . It was one of several regions where wealth surpassed its precrisis year-end peak.  As with other continents, Europe has a large variation of wealth among its countries. The richer states tend to be in the West; some of the Eastern economies are still emerging from the collapse of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia.

The European Union, an intergovernmental body composed of 28 European states, comprises the largest single economic area in the world. 16 EU countries share the euro as a common currency. Five European countries rank in the top ten of the world's largest national economies in GDP (PPP). There is huge disparity between many European countries in terms of their income. The richest in terms of GDP per capita is Monaco   and the poorest is Moldova  

 In early 2010 fears of a sovereign debt crisis  developed concerning some countries in Europe, especially Greece, Ireland, Spain, and Portugal. As a result, measures were taken especially for Greece by the leading countries of the Eurozone.

Europe's agricultural sector is in general highly developed. The process of improving Central Europe's agriculture is ongoing and is helped by the accession of Central European states to the EU. The agricultural sector in Europe is helped by the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which provides farmers with a minimal price for their products and subsidizes their exports, which increases competitiveness for their products. Europe has a thriving manufacturing sector, with a large part of the world's industrial production taking place in Europe. According to Fortune Global 500, 195 of the top 500 companies are headquartered in Europe. The main products in European industry are bicycles, rail, machinery, marine, aerospace equipment, food, chemical and pharmaceutical goods, journalism, software and electronics.

Languages of Europe

European languages mostly fall within three Indo-European language groups: the Romance languages, derived from the Latin of the Roman Empire; the Germanic languages, whose ancestor language came from southern Scandinavia; and the Slavic languages.

Romance languages are spoken primarily in south-western Europe as well as in Romania and Moldova, in Central or Eastern Europe. Germanic languages are spoken in Northern Europe, the British Isles and some parts of Central Europe. Slavic languages are spoken in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe.

Many other languages outside the three main groups exist in Europe. Other Indo-European languages include the Baltic group (that is, Latvian and Lithuanian), the Celtic group (that is, Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Manx, Welsh, Cornish, and Breton, Greek, Armenian, and Albanian. In addition, a distinct group of Uralic languages (Estonian, Finnish, and Hungarian) is spoken mainly in Estonia, Finland, and Hungary, while Kartvelian languages (Georgian, Mingrelian, and Svan), are spoken primarily in Georgia. Maltese is the only Semitic language that is official within the EU, while Basque is the only European language isolate. Turkic languages include Azerbaijani and Turkish, in addition to the languages of minority nations in Russia.

Multilingualism and the protection of regional and minority languages are recognized political goals in Europe today. The Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the Council of Europe's European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages set up a legal framework for language rights in Europe.

Religion

 Historically, religion in Europe has been a major influence on European art, culture, philosophy and law. The largest religion in Europe is Christianity, with 76.2% of Europeans considering themselves Christians, including Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant Churches. Following these is Islam concentrated mainly in the south east (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Kosovo, Kazakhstan, North Cyprus, Turkey and Azerbaijan). Other religions, including Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism are minority religions (though Tibetan Buddhism is the majority religion of Russia's Republic of Kalmykia). The 20th century saw the revival of Neopaganism through movements such as Wicca and Druidry.

Europe has become a relatively secular continent, with an increasing number and proportion of irreligious, atheist and agnostic people, actually the largest in the Western world. There are a particularly high number of self-described non-religious people in the Czech Republic, Estonia, Sweden, Germany (East), and France.

Lucknow

LUCKNOW

Lucknow is the capital city of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and is situated on the bank of the Gomti river. Historically, Lucknow was the capital of the Awadh region, controlled by the Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughal Empire.  It is also famous for a different name  'The Nawab City', which means a city full of great people.  This city is also known for its tehzib and  Aadab meaning has a unique style and comfort on its own. The established courtesans were especially known for their poems and dance.   Chikan is considered the most delicate fabric decorating the cupboards with its neat hand - made embroidery.  
 

Some of the most popular monumental heritage of Lucknow is the Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, and Sankat Mochan Temple, which have religious importance .  Lucknow has always been a multicultural city that flourished as a North Indian cultural and artistic hub. Lucknow, along with Agra and Varanasi, is in the Uttar Pradesh Heritage Arc, a chain of  triangulations created by the Government of Uttar Pradesh to boost tourism in the state.

MAJOR ATTRACTION

Bara Imambara

 Bara Imambara, also known as Asfi Imambara is an imambara complex in Lucknow,  built by Asaf-ud-Daula, Nawab of Awadh in 1784. Bara means big. The building also includes the large Asfi mosque, the Bhul-bhulaiya (the labyrinth), and Bowli, a step well with running water. It has two gateways enter to the main hall. A large open space with 50m long and 15m width is constructed with out any external support. It was designed with Mughal Architecture.  

    Chota Imambara

Historical landmark of Lucknow, Chota Imambara or the Husainabad Imambara,  it shows a   mixture of Charbagh, Persian and Indo-Islamic structural designs. Built in the year 1837, the Imambara looks beautiful with its golden dome, gold-edged mirrors and silver throne.

This beautiful monument has hold an interesting story behind its history. While the great famine of the 19th century, affected to all of the lower strata in the society, the then Nawab of Oudh started built Chota Imambara under the Food for Work program, which was a great effort for the people of that time.

 Imambara was referred by European visitors and writers as The Palace of Lights. The exterior is very beautifully decorated with Quranic verses in Islamic calligraphy . Interiors are decorated with Arabic calligraphy and glass works. Often called as the palace of lights, this Imambara shines during the eve of Muharam when the entire lamps and Belgium chandeliers shine with their lights.  It is to be noted that non-muslims are not permitted to enter into Chota Imambara.

 Farangi Mahal

 This building belonged to a French businessman by name Neal, who had to given up his entire trade and belongings as per the royal decree. As the then law provides confiscation of the properties of a foreigner, all the properties of Neal automatically went in to the government treasury. Later during the reign of Aurangazeeb, this flamboyant house was given to his Islamic consultant Mullah Asad bin Qutab Shaheed and to his brother Mullah Asad bin Qutab uddin Shaheed. They developed this house into a full fledged Islamic school, which was often compared with Oxford and the Cambridge universities.

As a dominant Islamic institution of the 18th century, Firangi Mahal served a lot in preserving the long tradition of the rich Islamic culture wide its well oriented curriculum and broad syllabus. In fact the heads of this great institution helped the muslims of India to overcome the trauma of colonial exploration and to preserve their spiritually oriented lifestyle.

Kaiserbagh Palace

 Kaiserbah Palace was built by Wajid Ali Shah, the Nawab of Awadh in 1847. The palace was his dream project, and he wanted it to be counted as the eighth wonder of the world. The British government destroyed the palace as they felt it had become a stronghold on the nawabs. a large part of the complex including the court, enclosures of the tombs and residences of the nawab were demolished. The palace is the mixture of Mughal and European style with of  pillars,   Hindu umbrellas, lanterns and   minarets.   In keeping with the traditions of the era, the palace has separate chambers for the royal ladies.  A majestic 12-door building made of white stone also stands in the centre of the palace.

 

Rumi Darwaza

 It is  a gateway which was built by Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daula in 1784 .It is an example of Awadhi architecture. It used to mark the entrance to Old Lucknow City, but as the City of Nawabs grew and expanded, it was later used as an entrance to a palace which was later demolished by the British Raj during the Indian Mutiny.

 Gautam Buddha

Park is the latest addition to the many historical parks and monuments of Lucknow. It is believed that Gautam Buddha spent a major part of his life in Uttar Pradesh and that the earlier name of Lucknow was Nucklow, derived from the nails of Buddha that were placed here in a stupa. The park was developed by the Lucknow Development Authority in 1980 over an area of ten acres. It hosts a giant idol of Buddha on a giant marble platform.  It  has peaceful ambience with its serene environment and natural beauty. It has artistically landscaped gardens, fountains, lamp posts, benches, railings, a variety of plants and several small statues. A favourite destination of the local visitors as well as the tourists, the park offers a host of recreational activities both to the children and grown ups.

Sikander Bagh

Sikandar Bagh refers primarily to a garden, it also has a villa in the premises. It was built by the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.  He named the garden after  his favourite wife Sikandar Mahal Begum. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was a colourful personality. He, therefore, built a pavilion in the middle of the garden where he loved to watch Ras-lilas, Kathak dances and hear music and mushairas and other cultural and artistic performances. The Bagh was, however, converted into a stronghold against the British army during the first war of Indian Independence in 1857. It hosted 2200 soldiers during the Siege of Lucknow. Several people were killed by the British forces led by Commander-in-Chief Sir Colin Campbell. With the past behind, Sikandar Bagh is now a home to the National Botanical Research Institute of India.

 

HOW TO REACH

BY RAIL - Lucknow city centre is a major railway station in North India. It connects to all rail heads in India. It is directly connected to Trivandrum, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata.

BY  AIR - The Lucknow airport is 14 km away from the heart of the city.  Lucknow is connected to airports in Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Jaipur and Mumbai by daily flights. Delhi International airport is 497 km away, which is well connected to all major cities in India and many cities abroad.

BY ROAD - Lucknow is easily connected to all nearby cities by public transport buses. The city is well connected with other major cities like Agra, Kanpur, Delhi, Allahabad and Dehradun by private tourist bus services