Bara Imambara

📍 Address	Husainabad Trust Rd, Machchhi Bhavan, Lucknow
⏰ Open Hours	6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
🚪 Closing Day	Monday
💸 Ticket Price	Entry fee: INR 50 for Indians, INR 500 for foreigners
🌍 Traveller Types	History enthusiasts, Architecture lovers, Culture explorers, Photographers
📏 Distances	4 km from Lucknow railway station, 15 km from Lucknow airport
📸 Photography	Allowed, but not inside the main hall
🅿️ Parking	Available at a nearby location

Bara Imambara is one of the most famous places in Lucknow. It is a grand building built by the fourth Nawab of Awadh, Asaf-ud-Daula, in 1784. The building is a masterpiece of architecture, built without modern materials, using only simple things like wheat flour, sugar, and mud. Bara Imambara is famous for its beautiful design, attracting tourists from all over the world.

Structure of Bara Imambara

Bara Imambara can be divided into three main parts:

1. Imambara: This is the huge main hall.
2. Bhool Bhulaiyaa: This is a maze with confusing paths.
3. Baoli (Stepwell): A famous well where people can go down to get cool water.

Interesting Facts about Bara Imambara

• Mysterious Paths: There are four paths here—one is closed, and three are open. When you go deeper into the maze, it gets more confusing. But it becomes easier to find your way out when you climb up.
• History: The building was made to help people during a time of famine, so it provided jobs to many workers.
• Building Material: The walls of Bara Imambara were made using urad dal, oil, jaggery, lime, and dry mud. There was no cement used in construction, yet the building stands strong even today.
• Sound Effects: The walls are designed so that if you speak at one corner, people on the other side can hear you. This was used to communicate secretly in the old days.
• Chor Darwaza (Thief’s Gate): There’s a hidden window in the main entrance through which you can watch people inside, but it’s not visible from the entrance. This is called the “Thief’s Gate.”

Tourist Attractions Near Bara Imambara

There are many other amazing places near Bara Imambara that tourists can visit:

1. Chota Imambara: Built in 1838 by Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah, it is famous for its beautiful decoration.
2. Rumi Darwaza: This is a big, beautiful gateway that is a perfect example of Mughal architecture.
3. Clock Tower: A 100-year-old tower that is still working.
4. Hazratganj: A popular shopping area in Lucknow with markets, restaurants, and cafes.

How to Reach Bara Imambara

Bara Imambara is located in the heart of Lucknow, so it’s easy to reach.

• By Road: It is just 10-15 minutes away by car, taxi, or auto from any part of the city.
• By Train: Bara Imambara is about 5-6 km from the Lucknow Junction. You can take a taxi or auto to reach.
• By Air: If you are traveling by plane, the nearest airport is Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, which is about 16 km from Bara Imambara.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Bara Imambara is during the winter, from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. Summer can be hot, making it a little uncomfortable to visit.

Photography and Guidelines

Bara Imambara is a great place for photography because of its unique design. But here are a few guidelines:

• Always ask for permission if you want to take photos of any buildings or special areas.
• Use your camera, mobile, or other devices carefully and respect others.

Entry Fees and Timings

Bara Imambara has an entry fee, which is different for Indian and foreign tourists:

• Indian Citizens: ₹40-₹50
• Foreign Tourists: ₹300-₹500

The opening hours are from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day. The timing may change during festivals or special events.

Nearby Hotels and Stay Options

• 4 Star Hotels Near By Bara Imambara

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🏨 Hotel Levana View Prices	🏨 Hotel Saubhagya Inn View Prices	🏨 Hotel Maa Kaila Devi View Prices

Nearby Restaurants for Local Cuisine

Don’t miss out on tasting Lucknow’s famous food like chicken curry, kebabs, and other local dishes. Here are some good restaurants:

1. Tunday Kababi – Famous for Mughlai food, located in Aminabad.
2. Dastarkhwan – Known for Awadhi food, located in Hazratganj.
3. Royal Sky – Multi-cuisine, located in Gomti Nagar.
4. The Mughal’s Dastarkhwan – Mughlai & Awadhi food, located in Charbagh.

Events and Festivals at Bara Imambara

Bara Imambara is a center for many religious and cultural events:

1. Muharram: Special religious events are held during this time.
2. Ramzan: There are special prayers and Iftar (evening meal) during Ramzan.

Shopping Around Bara Imambara

You can buy local handicrafts and artifacts around Bara Imambara. Popular shopping areas nearby are:

1. Aminabad Market: Known for chicken embroidery, jewelry, and Kashmiri shawls.
2. Hazratganj: A popular shopping area for clothes, shoes, and local crafts.

People Also Ask

• Why was Bhool Bhulaiyaa made in Bara Imambara?
  • It was built as a maze for fun and to confuse enemies.
• What is Bara Imambara famous for?
  • It’s famous for its architecture, the maze (Bhool Bhulaiyaa), and historical significance.
• What is the ticket price of Bara Imambara?
  • ₹40-₹50 for Indian citizens and ₹300-₹500 for foreign tourists.
• Is Bara Imambara worth visiting?
  • Yes, it is a beautiful historical place with unique architecture.
• Is photography allowed in Bara Imambara?
  • Photography is allowed but with some restrictions.
• What is the entry fee for Bhool Bhulaiyaa?
  • It is included in the overall ticket price for Bara Imambara.
• On which day is Bara Imambara closed?
  • It is generally open every day, but timings may change on festivals.
• How much time does it take to see Bara Imambara?
  • It takes about 1-2 hours to visit all the attractions inside.

For more details about historical monuments in Lucknow, visit this detailed guide