Chhota Imambara, Lucknow — Guide, History & Visiting Tips
The Chhota Imambara, also called the Husainabad Imambara, is a Lucknow imambara built in 1838 by Muhammad Ali Shah, the ruler of Awadh.

Chhota Imambara at a glance
- Built in 1838 by Muhammad Ali Shah.
- Built as a congregation hall for Muharram observances.
- It has a gilded dome and is known for its chandeliers.
- The Husainabad Clock Tower and Picture Gallery are nearby.
- A typical visit takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
What a local guide shows you at Chhota Imambara
Book a guide by the hour or for a day. See tour guides for Chhota Imambara.
- The decoration and chandeliers
- Muharram traditions in Lucknow
- The Husainabad Clock Tower and Picture Gallery
- Muhammad Ali Shah and the later Awadh rulers
Photography at Chhota Imambara
This is a religious site. Ask about photography rules inside before you take a camera in.
- The building reflected in the pool at the front
- Chandeliers and interiors where photography is allowed
- Evening light on the facade
Visiting tips for Chhota Imambara
- It is a place of worship, so dress modestly.
- Combine it with the Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza.
- Timings, ticket prices and entry rules change, so check the official source before you go.
Nearby: places to combine with Chhota Imambara
- Bara Imambara (Lucknow) — 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…
- 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…
More about Chhota Imambara
Become a tour guide or photographer at Chhota Imambara
If you know Chhota 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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Chhota Imambara — frequently asked questions
Where is Chhota Imambara?
Chhota Imambara is in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
What type of place is Chhota Imambara?
Chhota Imambara is a imambara in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
How long does a visit to Chhota Imambara take?
A typical visit takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, 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 Chhota Imambara?
Built in 1838 by Muhammad Ali Shah. Built as a congregation hall for Muharram observances. It has a gilded dome and is known for its chandeliers. The Husainabad Clock Tower and Picture Gallery are nearby.
Can I combine Chhota Imambara with other nearby places?
Yes. Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza, in Lucknow, are close enough to visit on the same day as Chhota Imambara.
What is another name for the Chhota Imambara?
It is also called the Husainabad Imambara. It was built in 1838 by Muhammad Ali Shah.
Can I book a local tour guide for Chhota 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 Chhota 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. Check the rules for this place before a shoot.
Questions? Chat with Myna24 support on WhatsApp +91 81888 33003.