Bara Imambara
Bara Imambara
4.5
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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- Jafar RizviLucknow, India11 contributionsTimeless Grandeur: A Journey Through Bara ImambaraStepping into the Bara Imambara felt like entering a realm frozen in time. The grandeur of its architecture left me awestruck, as intricate designs adorned every corner. As I wandered through the labyrinthine Bhul Bhulaiya, echoes of centuries-old whispers seemed to linger in the air, adding to the mystique of this magnificent structure. The sheer scale of the Imambara's halls and courtyards left me humbled, evoking a sense of reverence for the artisans who crafted this marvel. From its imposing Rumi Darwaza to the serene calm of the Asafi Masjid, every element spoke volumes of Lucknow's rich heritage and cultural legacy. A visit to the Bara Imambara is not just a journey through history, but a soul-stirring experience that resonates long after you've left its hallowed halls.Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten March 26, 2024
- James cOklahoma City, Oklahoma383 contributionsGrandeurThe grandeur of this complex was mind blowing,the architecture alone. As soon as you enter you are greeted by how grand the buildings are, called bara which means big and imanbara which is used for a shrine for shia Muslims, this was my first experience with this denomination of Islam. The gardens alone at first are abundant , the asfi mosque to the right and you enter Into the shrine, the inside hall is sea green in color with hanging colored lamps, then you go upto the second floor which looks down upon the shrine/meeting area and then you become amazed by the pinkish colored tunnels which my guide stated goes on for possible miles! It is something unexpectedly to see. The top floor overlooks the city of lucknow and surrounding complex. I spent 3 hours here and could have remained longer. This place is one of the grandest and best examples of Islamic architecture i have ever experienced and also one of the best monuments in india in my opinionVisited March 2024Traveled soloWritten May 14, 2024
- Sayondeep CKolkata (Calcutta), India28 contributionsA Great Engineering FeatAn exquisite engineering feat, the Bada Imambara is a must visit structure in Lucknow. Built to give employment during famine, the Imambara's exquisite architecture is only overshadowed by the extremely erroneous stories narrated by the guide's who help stories visit this place. Particularly the experience of the Bhool Bhulaiya of the complex is ruined by the guides. Also the place is littered with packets and bottles.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 19, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,534 reviews
Excellent
770
Very good
595
Average
132
Poor
22
Terrible
15
K72
Melbourne, Australia3,075 contributions
Jan 2020
The buildings in this complex are interesting in design. The great assembly hall is a large hall unsupported by any pillars. Take the steps up and explore the labyrinth and see how this architectural feat was achieved. The surrounding area is also very interesting with lovely buildings and gateways. It's a very pretty area.
Entrance was 500rupees and you must have a guide.
Shoes off to explore. The mosque was only open for pryaers, not visitors.
Entrance was 500rupees and you must have a guide.
Shoes off to explore. The mosque was only open for pryaers, not visitors.
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
debarshid73
Kolkata (Calcutta), India382 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
Architectural marvel. It is a must visit place while you are in Lucknow.
Guide is must while you are in Imambara. Bag pack is not allowed inside Imambara and that need to be deposited @Rs.20, videography is also prohibited. It is really interesting to know the story behind this great architecture and that is really amazing.
Guide is must while you are in Imambara. Bag pack is not allowed inside Imambara and that need to be deposited @Rs.20, videography is also prohibited. It is really interesting to know the story behind this great architecture and that is really amazing.
Written October 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NLinNZ
8 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We stopped off to have a quick visit and I am very glad we did. At first it didnt feel very nice. Lots of beggars, needed cash for tickets which we didnt have, didnt see any women at first and the men were staring.
When we decided to leave the guide came up and started showing us the labyrinth and the history and it became really interesting and felt safe.
I normally dont use guides but in this case I really recommend to understand the history of the place and to get out of the labyrinth!
When we decided to leave the guide came up and started showing us the labyrinth and the history and it became really interesting and felt safe.
I normally dont use guides but in this case I really recommend to understand the history of the place and to get out of the labyrinth!
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SVAYAMBHU C
Kolkata (Calcutta), India15 contributions
Dec 2022
Our Savaari cab took us next to Bara Imambara complex. We had about an hour of sunlight left and the sound decision that we took was to complete Bara Imambara and not do the others and try to come back to it. Bara Imambara was quite something with its large halls without any pillars. Our private guide was knowledgeable and gave us the right context. The Bhulbhulaiya or The Labarynth is one of the most intricate man-made creations I have seen. We walked through pitch dark corridors and reached junction points made up of four roads of which only one was right. There were different groups in the maze and we were able to come out only because we had the services of a guide. The bawli or step well was awe inspiring and hats off to the engenuity of the builders of that era.
Written December 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnupamSharan
New Delhi, India30 contributions
Jan 2021
The Bhool Bhulaiya inside Bara Imam Bara was actually not built to be a labyrinth. They are the supporting pillars, walls and beams in the 2nd floor of Imam bara through which once can walk as they are big. However, too straight and simple to get lost.
Written January 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarika
1 contribution
Aug 2019 • Family
I went to Imambara with my family. It was truly amazing to explore it. The guide we hired explained us stories and beliefs behind the architecture and artefacts present in the Imambara. It had a hallway where one can hear whisperings so loud and clear regardless of the long distance present in between the source of sound and the listener. The labyrinth present was cool to explore and without a guide one can surely get lost. It also had a stepping well and one can see the person's reflection in the well, who is standing outside of the gate from inside. Overall its a nice place to explore on a fine day. Also the monument is aesthetically pleasing as the architecture is remarkable.
Written March 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madhukar Varma
Lucknow, India7 contributions
Nov 2022
A historical place the imambara has a mosque the stairs of which mesmerizes you the corner of the stairs form a pyramidal structure which at first site is difficult to unravel . The main structure has a big hall which has no support in the middle stretch . the alleys in one part are so formed that a person may loose his way , this is known as Bhulbhulaiya literally meaning confusing. There is a waterbody too and it is believed that if you loose your way you may get trapped in the waterbody .The Imambara was built by Nawad Asifudaulah to feed his subjects by engaging them in construction at the time of a severe famine.
Written January 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Akshay Sharma
New Delhi, India11,054 contributions
Nov 2022
This is one of the prime historical areas of Lucknow and one has to see it to believe it. The technology used to built the huge dome with unsupported pillars, the Labyrinth (Bhul Bhulaiyan) are worth the admiration.
One needs a guide to visit this place and charges are other than the entry ticket.
One needs a guide to visit this place and charges are other than the entry ticket.
Written November 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sayondeep C
Kolkata (Calcutta), India28 contributions
May 2024 • Family
An exquisite engineering feat, the Bada Imambara is a must visit structure in Lucknow. Built to give employment during famine, the Imambara's exquisite architecture is only overshadowed by the extremely erroneous stories narrated by the guide's who help stories visit this place. Particularly the experience of the Bhool Bhulaiya of the complex is ruined by the guides. Also the place is littered with packets and bottles.
Written May 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James c
Oklahoma City, OK383 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
The grandeur of this complex was mind blowing,the architecture alone. As soon as you enter you are greeted by how grand the buildings are, called bara which means big and imanbara which is used for a shrine for shia Muslims, this was my first experience with this denomination of Islam. The gardens alone at first are abundant , the asfi mosque to the right and you enter Into the shrine, the inside hall is sea green in color with hanging colored lamps, then you go upto the second floor which looks down upon the shrine/meeting area and then you become amazed by the pinkish colored tunnels which my guide stated goes on for possible miles! It is something unexpectedly to see. The top floor overlooks the city of lucknow and surrounding complex. I spent 3 hours here and could have remained longer. This place is one of the grandest and best examples of Islamic architecture i have ever experienced and also one of the best monuments in india in my opinion
Written May 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Journey55675869567
Kolkata (Calcutta), India
From where I book e ticket for baraimambara of lucknow?
Written January 10, 2021
Well we bought the tickets at the enterance of the monument
Written January 11, 2021
Bharat Taxi
Lucknow, India
5 contributions
How much charge parking for the four-wheeler?
Written September 27, 2019
There is a small parking lot outside. They charge below 100 INR to park.
Written September 27, 2019
Normally it will tke 2 to 3 hours. It is advisable to visit in morning during summer and afternoon in Winter. It opens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m . Museum is closed on Tuesday
Written September 11, 2019
Will Bara Imambar be closed during Diwali (26, 27, 28 October 2019)?
Written August 29, 2019
No it will be open, but due to festival there will be a lots of gathering so plan the visit accordingly.
Written August 30, 2019
Hi everyone..I am 19 weeks pregnant..and planning for a babymoon...we are keen in Lucknow..is it a good idea to visit the city during pregnancy as I am very keen on visiting all the historical monuments like Bara Imamwada and others so please advise whether it's a good idea to visit at this time or should plan other places like Kerala or so.. suggestions for other places also would be appreciated..thanks in advance
Written July 14, 2019
This is not perfect time to visit Lucknow as it is ery warm till September. Actual max temp is between 32 and 36 but it feels like 40.
Written July 15, 2019
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