Bara Imambara
Husainabad Trust Rd., Lucknow, India, 226003
The Bara Imambara is a Shia Muslim religious site that dates back to the 18th century. The complex houses an imambara (Shia congregation hall) as well as a labyrinth known as the Bhool Bulaiya. Other highlights include a five-story baori (stepwell) and the Asafi Mosque, an exceptional example of Mughal architecture.
The basics
The Bhool Bulaiya is perhaps the biggest overall draw at the complex, featuring about a thousand passageways and hundreds of doors, most of which lead to nowhere. As such, visitors are expected to go with a guide to prevent them from getting too lost.
As one of the city’s most famous attractions, the Bara Imambara can be seen on many Lucknow tours, including full-day car tours and walking tours of the Old City. However, some tours only visit the complex quickly, and don’t include time to explore the Bhool Bulaiya. If a visit to the maze is high on your list, consider a private tour that gives you more flexibility and the ability to customize.
Things to know before you go
The Bara Imambara is a must-see for fans of architecture and history.
Dress modestly and be prepared to cover your head, as this is a religious site.
You'll need to remove your shoes before entering parts of the complex.
Much of the complex is inaccessible to wheelchairs.
How to get there
The Bara Imambara is near the Gomti River in the Old City of Lucknow, about a 15-minute autorickshaw or taxi ride from the Lucknow Junction Railway Station. While local buses stop nearby, travelers typically rely on taxis or rickshaws to get here, or visit on a tour that includes round-trip transportation from their hotel.
When to get there
The Bara Imambara is open Tuesday to Sunday, from early in the morning until early evening. It remains closed on Mondays and public holidays. Visit earlier in the day to avoid crowds, and consider planning your Lucknow trip for a cooler time of year (the October–March season offers particularly pleasant weather).
The Best of Lucknow
The Bara Imambara is certainly one of Lucknow's draws, but there are plenty of other spots to visit in the city. Highlights include the Rumi Darwaza, an 18th-century gate and one of Lucknow's main symbols; the 19th-century British Residency, which houses a museum; and the 15th-century Jama Masjid. The Hazratganj neighborhood is another must-see, where you’ll find lots of stalls selling everything from traditional chikan embroidery to Lucknowi culinary specialties such as kebabs.
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