Saadat Ali Khan Maqbara (Tomb), Lucknow

The Tomb of Saadat Ali Khan was commissioned in 1814 at the initiative of Nawab Ghazi‑ud‑Din Haider to honor his father, Saadat Ali Khan II-the fifth Nawab Wazir of Oudh. A matching tomb nearby houses the remains of Saadat Ali Khan’s wife, Khursheed Zadi.

Architecturally, the mausoleum embodies a seamless blend of late Mughal and Awadhi design. Rising three stories high, it features a lofty central dome crowned by gilded finials and flanked by corner chhatris supported by spiral staircases. The façade is adorned with detailed stucco and lime plaster work, while its interior boasts a rare checkerboard floor of black-and-white marble. Verandas on the southern and eastern sides house the tombs of Saadat Ali Khan’s daughters and other wives.

This peaceful enclave is set amidst gentle gardens near Begum Hazrat Mahal Park. The quiet greenery offers a welcome escape from the bustle of city life, making it ideal for reflective sightseeing or photography. For a small fee, visitors can sometimes gain access to the rooftop or the tomb’s basement-though ascent and access may depend on local regulations.