Bara Imambara, Lucknow — Guide, History & Visiting Tips
The Bara Imambara is a large 18th-century complex in Lucknow, built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. It is known for its huge central hall and the Bhul Bhulaiya, a maze of passages.
Bara Imambara at a glance
- Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in the 1780s.
- It is traditionally said to have been built partly as a famine-relief project, giving work to local people.
- Its central hall is a huge vaulted space, commonly described as built without beams.
- The Bhul Bhulaiya is a maze of narrow passages; the complex also has the Asafi Mosque and a stepwell.
- A typical visit takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
What a local guide shows you at Bara Imambara
Book a guide by the hour or for a day. See tour guides for Bara Imambara.
- The central hall and its construction
- The Bhul Bhulaiya labyrinth
- The Asafi Mosque and the stepwell
- The story of the Nawabs of Awadh
- The nearby Rumi Darwaza
Photography at Bara Imambara
Rules on tripods, professional equipment, commercial shoots and drones differ between sites and can change. Check them before a professional shoot.
- The complex from the front gardens
- Arches and long corridors
- Rooftop views over old Lucknow
Visiting tips for Bara Imambara
- Check the current access rules for the Bhul Bhulaiya, as they can change.
- Combine it with Rumi Darwaza and Chhota Imambara.
- Timings, ticket prices and entry rules change, so check the official source before you go.
Nearby: places to combine with Bara Imambara
- Rumi Darwaza (Lucknow) — Rumi Darwaza is a monumental gateway in Lucknow, built in the 1780s by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula near the Bara Imambara. It has become a symbol…
- Chhota Imambara (Lucknow) — The Chhota Imambara, also called the Husainabad Imambara, is a Lucknow imambara built in 1838 by Muhammad Ali Shah, the ruler of Awadh.
More about Bara Imambara
Become a tour guide or photographer at Bara Imambara
If you know Bara Imambara and Lucknow well, you can post your tour on Myna24; if you shoot, you can post your photography service. Set your own hourly and per-day price and get booked. Guests pay a 10% booking fee online and the remaining 90% directly to you.
These buttons open the Tours or Photography section of the Myna24 home page, where you can post your service. More: tour guide jobs in Uttar Pradesh · photography jobs in Uttar Pradesh · part-time jobs in Uttar Pradesh.
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Bara Imambara — frequently asked questions
Where is Bara Imambara?
Bara Imambara is in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
What type of place is Bara Imambara?
Bara Imambara is a imambara in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
How long does a visit to Bara Imambara take?
A typical visit takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how much you want to see. Timings, ticket prices and entry rules change, so check the official source before you go.
What are some quick facts about Bara Imambara?
Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in the 1780s. It is traditionally said to have been built partly as a famine-relief project, giving work to local people. Its central hall is a huge vaulted space, commonly described as built without beams. The Bhul Bhulaiya is a maze of narrow passages; the complex also has the Asafi Mosque and a stepwell.
Can I combine Bara Imambara with other nearby places?
Yes. Rumi Darwaza and Chhota Imambara, in Lucknow, are close enough to visit on the same day as Bara Imambara.
What is the Bhul Bhulaiya?
It is a maze of narrow interconnected passages inside the Bara Imambara complex in Lucknow. Access rules can change, so check before you go.
Can I book a local tour guide for Bara Imambara?
Yes. On Myna24 you can book a local guide by the hour or for a full day. Guides set their own prices, you pick a free date, and you pay a 10% booking fee online when you book, and the remaining 90% directly to the provider.
Can I book a photographer for Bara Imambara?
Yes. On Myna24 you can book a photographer by the hour or for a full day, see their portfolio first, and pay a 10% booking fee online.
Questions? Chat with Myna24 support on WhatsApp +91 81888 33003.