Built During a Famine, by Design
The Asafi Imambara was not built simply as a monument to religious devotion. Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula commissioned it in 1780 during a catastrophic famine that had struck Awadh, deliberately as a public works project to employ the region's starving population. Historical accounts document that approximately 20,000 workers were employed throughout its construction. To maintain dignity, labourers from noble and aristocratic families were permitted to work only at night, so they would not be seen doing manual labour during the day.
Key Facts
Commissioned by: Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula, Nawab of Awadh
Construction Period: 1780 to 1784
Architect: Hafiz Kifayatullah
Primary Purpose: Shia Imambara (a congregation hall for Muharram observances)
Famine Employment: Approximately 20,000 workers during construction
Complex Components: Main hall, Bhool Bhulaiya labyrinth, Asafi Mosque, Baoli (step-well), and 2 gateways
Architectural Achievement
The central hall of the Bara Imambara in Lucknow spans 50 m in length, 16 metres in width, and 15 metres in height. This structure is recognised as the world’s largest arched configuration to be engineered entirely without the use of beams, girders, or timber supports in its roofing. The vaulted ceiling is supported entirely by a system of interlocking Lakhori brick arches, an engineering solution that has sustained the structure for over 230 years. The hall houses the tomb of Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula himself, along with several other tombs.
The Bhool Bhulaiya in Lucknow is not a separate structure. It occupies the space above the main hall—accessible via staircases on either side of the central chamber. What appears from the outside to be a flat roofline conceals a 3-level maze of over 1,000 corridors, interspersed with around 489 similar entrances of varying sizes, some leading forward, many leading nowhere, and a few leading to open balconies with views across the complex and the city beyond. The maze was designed to disorient any invader who breached the main structure.
Several passages are narrow and low-ceilinged; visitors with claustrophobia should consider whether the upper levels are suitable for them. Most guides know 2 or 3 'exit only' routes and will demonstrate how entering certain corridors makes it impossible to find your way back without help. The experience is disorienting even with a guide.
Timings & Entry Fees
Timings: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Entry Fee (Indians): INR 50 for adults (includes access to the main hall and Bhool Bhulaiya) and INR 20 for children
Entry Fee (Foreigners): INR 300 per person
Guide Fee: Around INR 100 (strongly recommended for the labyrinth)
Photography: Permitted in most areas of the complex
Visit Duration: 2 to 3 hours to cover the hall, Bhool Bhulaiya, step-well, and mosque
Visitor Tips
Arrive before 9:00 AM on weekdays for the quietest experience.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe footwear; the labyrinth passages involve uneven stone floors.
The Baoli (step-well) inside the complex is one of the most architecturally interesting elements and is often overlooked by visitors.
The Asafi Mosque within the complex is active; non-Muslim visitors are generally permitted outside prayer times, but should dress modestly.
Rumi Darwaza (Walking Distance): A 60 ft. gateway built by the same Nawab in 1782, blending Mughal, Turkish, and Persian architecture—one of the most photographed structures in Lucknow
Chota Imambara (Walking Distance): Built in 1838 by Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah, the Chota Imambara is smaller but heavily decorated with chandeliers, gilded minarets, and ornate calligraphy.
Husainabad Clock Tower (Walking Distance): Erected in 1881, this 221 ft. structure holds the distinction of being India’s tallest clock tower and is situated directly across from the Chota Imambara.
Husainabad Picture Gallery (Walking Distance): Houses portraits of the Nawabs of Awadh, providing visual context for the personalities behind the monuments.
The Residency (~3 km): The site of the Siege of Lucknow during the 1857 uprising, now a protected monument and museum managed by the ASI. The ruins and the museum provide essential context for Lucknow's colonial history.
Location and Getting to the Bara Imambara in Lucknow
From Charbagh Railway Station: Approximately 7 km, about 15 to 20 minutes by auto-rickshaw or cab
From Hazratganj: Approximately 4 km, about 10 to 15 minutes by auto-rickshaw
From Lucknow Airport (Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport): Approximately 14 km, around 30 minutes by road
Nearest Metro Station: Hussainganj Metro Station, about 6 km
Parking: Limited on-site; roadside parking available on Husainabad Trust Road
Stay at Gemini Continental for the Bara Imambara Visit
Gemini Continental, about 4 km from Bara Imambara, is the ideal urban stay for those exploring the historical corridors in Lucknow, offering unparalleled access to the area's landmark sites. Located in Hazratganj, our hotel has received the Best City Hotel Award from the Governor of Uttar Pradesh. Heritage views of the Tomb of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan and Murshed Begum from our select rooms add a layer of Nawabi continuity to your stay.
Rooms and Suites: 4 categories, including Standard Rooms (262 sq. ft.) with city views, Superior Rooms (262 sq. ft.) and Luxury Rooms (262 sq. ft.) offering the view of the tomb of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan and Murshed Begum, and Suites (524 sq. ft.) with a Jacuzzi, offering well-appointed accommodations
Dining: Zaika, our fine-dining restaurant, serves Nawabi-inspired cuisine, while Seven Heaven Bar offers cocktails and beverages in an elegant evening lounge setting, and Café Day Spring is an alfresco café known for its signature coffees.
Facilities: Chikankari-carpeted banquet halls for events and gatherings, 24-hour travel desk, cab services, and complimentary Wi-Fi
Location: About 18 km from Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport and 4 km from Charbagh Railway Station, with Hazratganj Market within walking distance
