Bara Imambara – One of the Best Tourist Attractions in Lucknow

Lucknow, a place of the Nawabs, is famous not only for being the capital of Uttar Pradesh but also for its culture, Kebabs, and monuments. If you want to get an authentic flavour of the royal lifestyle, you must visit this exciting city. Out of the several places of Lucknow, Bara Imambara is a tourist spot which tops the travellers’ visiting list. In this article, I will tell you all that you should know about Bara Imambara before visiting it.

The Bara Imambara: Historical facts

Bara Imambara is a famous monument on the banks of Gomti River in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, which was built by Nawab Asaf ud daula in 1784. This monument, with its structural fineness, was created by the 4th Nawab of Awadh. The Nawab made it as a part of a relief project during the famine of 1784. Bara Imambara has another famous name as Asfi Imambara, to recognize the name of its builder. It took around 11 years and 20,000 men to build this magnificent structure, and this structure was completed in the year 1791.

An exciting story about the construction of this Imambara is that Nawab wanted to distribute the construction work of this monument among all classes of society (working, weak, and Elite). So he divided the work in such a manner that poor and working-class worked for construction in the morning, and the elite class men would destroy the job done that day in the evening. What an interesting way to distribute work among all classes?

The cost of constructing this colossal structure was around a million rupees at that time. After the completion of construction in 1791, Nawab of Lucknow used to spend a lot of money on its decoration.

The architectural style of Bara Imambara

This structure takes inspiration from the Persian style of architecture, and it has a very different style of construction, which makes it very unique. This monument does not have a dome or minaret, and instead, it has beautiful doors and many windows that support this structure. One of the most amazing and surprising facts about Bara Imambara is that it stands without any substantial support of any pillars.

The corridors, windows and doors bear the entire weight of this fantastic structure.

This project does not include the use of iron or any other European elements. Also, no woodwork is pres in the structure except in the galleries. It is famous for its vast Rumi Darwaza.

Known for its central hall, Bara Imambara has the world’s largest arched hall, which is a visual treat for its visitors. And the Imambara has two different gateways which people can use to access it. At the far stretch of the massive gateway lies the famous Asafi mosque, and at the other end lies the large baoli.

A maze called Bhul Bhulaiya of the Bara Imambara is another major attraction here. You won’t be able to navigate the Bhool Bhulaiya easily unless you are a veteran or a guide because this Bhul Bhulaiya is a maze of intricately woven corridors.

Unlike other Persian buildings with arched ceilings, the ceiling of Bara Imambara is smooth flat kind structure and easily accessible. What surrounds the building is a work of art and a beautiful boundary wall which has Jharokhas within it. These beautiful Jharokhas provides tourists with a robust eagle-eye view of the complex and the entire town.

Quick guide for visiting Bara Imambara:

The Major Attractions

Bara Imambara is considered as a religious place for Shia Muslims. Therefore, tourists are expected to cover their heads before entering the monument, however, it is not mandatory. You can also buy beautiful clothes to cover your head from outside the main gate of the Imambara. You have to take off your shoes while visiting the shrine inside Bara Imambara as it is considered a holy place for the Muslims.

If you want to explore the baoli and the Bhul Bhulaiya, you should also carry a torch with you as the stairs are steep and broken at places. A baoli is a place deep down and was used as a water reservoir in ancient times. To reach this interesting deep yet beautiful place, one has to walk down several steps.

If you think you are too intelligent to get out of the Bhul Bhulaiya without any help, you are mistaken, my friend. If you don’t want to lose your way in the Bhool Bhulaiya, you should hire a guide. The guide will also amaze you with different facts about the structure.

The timings & entry tickets

Bara Imambara opens at around 06:00 AM and closes at 05:00 PM., and it will take approximately 2 hours to visit the monument, so plan your visit accordingly. Also, keep in mind that this monument is open on all days of the week except on Monday. So try to visit the monument on Sunday and keep Monday as an additional day for eating incredible kebabs in Lucknow.

The entry tickets have a very nominal price. For domestic visitors, it is INR 25/- per person. And for foreign tourists, it is INR 500/- per person. Children below the age of 15 years need not carry any tickets.

Best time to visit Bara Imambara

Lucknow is synonymous with North India’s harsh weather conditions, which include extreme summers and extreme winters. So try to visit the Imambara between September and March as these are the pleasant months in Lucknow.

Where to stay when visiting Bara Imambara?

Several beautiful hotels are available at affordable rates in Lucknow. So staying for few days in Lucknow won’t cost you much.

How to Reach Bara Imambara?

Lucknow is a popular place located in the Uttar Pradesh, a northern state of India. One can reach it via various modes of transportation like air, rail and road transportation. Lucknow, a town well connected to all the major cities in India, is also well connected to some foreign destinations like Dubai, Jeddah, and Bangkok, etc. through international flights. So if you are a foreign tourist, you can easily visit Bara Imambara without much difficulty.

To reach Bara Imambara from Charbagh railway station, Lucknow, you can either book a cab or a shared auto. Similarly, you can book a taxi from the Charbagh bus stand or Kaisarbagh Bus stand. The cab will take around half an hour to take you to the destination.

Parking at Bara Imambara of Lucknow

There is enough parking for two-wheelers and four-wheelers outside the Bara Imambara premise. You can easily park your vehicle for long durations for minor parking payment.

Food options at the Imambara

There are several short-eating options available at and around Bara Imambara. Just at the entrance of the Bara Imambara, there are several vendors selling food items which you can enjoy, as well as take inside.

Photography at Bara Imambara – Restrictions and charges

You can do excessive photography inside the Bara Imambara and can find a perfect profile picture for yourself.

Do not forget to climb the stairs and go to the roof to get a breath-taking view of the city of Lucknow. I am sure you will love to spend a couple of hours her. and if you happen to be a poet, this place will give you inspiration for your next many lines.

In Conclusion

This monument is absolutely awe-inspiring, and everybody should spare some time from their busy schedule to visit this breath-taking monument. So this festive season, plan a visit to Lucknow for a week. I am sure you will enjoy the beautiful architecture, food, and fantastic hospitality in Lucknow.

These visits to historical sites will help you to explore new things. They will also inform you about the amazing historical facts about places. Travelling to places like Bara Imambara in Lucknow will also help you to spend quality time with your family and friends. And if you love to delve in historical sites, Bara Imambara will be a treat for your tourism appetite.

Bara Imambara is one of the most famous and historic landmarks in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Known for its architectural grandeur, historical significance, and cultural importance, it is a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. Here’s everything you need to know about Bara Imambara:

Overview

• Location: Located in the heart of Lucknow, the Bara Imambara is situated in the Chowk area of the city.

• Constructed: It was built by Asaf-ud-Daula, the Nawab of Oudh, in 1784.

• Significance: Bara Imambara is a prominent architectural landmark and an important piece of the region’s cultural heritage. It was built as part of a famine relief project and is famous for its sheer scale and the intricacy of its design.

Key Features of Bara Imambara

1. Asaf-ud-Daula’s Impressive Creation

   • The Bara Imambara was commissioned by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula to provide employment and food to people during a severe famine in the region. It showcases the Nawab’s vision for both architecture and social welfare.

2. The Main Hall (Central Hall)

   • The central hall of the Bara Imambara is one of the largest arched constructions without support beams, which is an engineering marvel of its time.

   • This hall, also known as the Bhool Bhulaiya, is the most striking feature of the Imambara. It has a labyrinth of narrow passages that leads to several routes, often making it a bit challenging to navigate, which is why it is referred to as the Labyrinth or Maze.

3. The Bhool Bhulaiya

   • The Bhool Bhulaiya is a maze-like section of the Imambara that adds an element of intrigue and adventure for visitors. This network of interconnected narrow pathways and staircases is designed in a way that one can easily get lost, but with a bit of guidance, the maze offers a fun challenge.

   • Fun Fact: The maze was cleverly designed for security purposes in case of an attack, and it also acts as a place for people to play and explore.

4. The Step Well (Baoli)

   • Adjacent to the Bara Imambara is the Chota Imambara, and both structures are surrounded by beautiful gardens and a step well. The baoli is an integral part of the complex and is used for collecting water.

5. The Dome and Minarets

   • The central dome of the Bara Imambara is massive, and the four minarets at the corners of the structure add to its grandeur. These minarets and the dome create a stunning view, especially from a distance.

6. Decorative Elements and Architecture

   • The Imambara is designed in the Mughal and Awadhi architectural style with intricate carvings, beautiful calligraphy, and ornate decorations. It stands as a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture and craftsmanship.

Visiting Tips

• Opening Hours:

  • The Bara Imambara is usually open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day, though hours may vary during festivals or holidays.

• Entry Fee:

  • There is a nominal fee for entry. Additional charges apply for exploring the Bhool Bhulaiya and other sections of the complex.

• Best Time to Visit:

  • The best time to visit Bara Imambara is during the cooler months, from October to March. Avoid visiting during peak summer due to the heat.

• Guides and Audio Tours:

  • Local guides are available to give you a deeper understanding of the history and architecture of the Imambara. You can also opt for an audio guide for a more independent tour.

Nearby Attractions

1. Chota Imambara:

   • Located close to Bara Imambara, the Chota Imambara is another beautiful monument built by Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah. It’s also known for its beautiful chandeliers and golden decorations.

2. Rumi Darwaza:

   • A grand gateway with Mughal architecture, the Rumi Darwaza is located near Bara Imambara and is one of Lucknow’s most iconic structures.

3. Hazratganj:

   • A famous shopping and dining hub in Lucknow, Hazratganj is a lively area located not far from Bara Imambara. It offers a mix of colonial-style architecture and modern shops.

4. Lucknow Residency:

   • A historical site that played a key role during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the Residency is a significant landmark and museum.

Conclusion

Bara Imambara is a must-visit landmark in Lucknow, offering a glimpse into the rich history, culture, and architectural brilliance of the region. Whether you’re intrigued by its maze-like structure, fascinated by its grand architecture, or keen to explore its historical significance, this architectural masterpiece promises an unforgettable experience.