Monument guide

Lucknow's Nawabi Heritage: Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza and More

By Myna24 Editorial Team·Updated 21 September 2026·4 min read
Lucknow was the capital of the Nawabs of Awadh, and its best-known monuments are clustered together, which makes them easy to see in a half day.
Advertisement

Bara Imambara

Built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in the 1780s, it is traditionally said to have been a famine-relief project. Its central hall is a huge vaulted space, and the Bhul Bhulaiya is a maze of narrow passages. Access rules for the maze can change.

Rumi Darwaza

A monumental gateway, also built in the 1780s by Asaf-ud-Daula, often compared to the Sublime Porte in Istanbul and now a symbol of Lucknow.

Chhota Imambara

Also called the Husainabad Imambara, it was built in 1838 by Muhammad Ali Shah as a hall for Muharram. It has a gilded dome and is known for its chandeliers; the Husainabad Clock Tower and Picture Gallery are nearby.

💡 Timings, ticket prices and entry rules change, so check the official source before you go. These are also religious sites, so dress modestly and ask about photography before you take a camera in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bhul Bhulaiya?+
A maze of narrow interconnected passages inside the Bara Imambara complex in Lucknow.
Can I see all three monuments in one day?+
Yes. They are close together in Lucknow and are usually combined in a half-day walk.

Related Guides

Monument guideVaranasi: Ganga Aarti, Ghats and Sarnath — A Visitor's Guide›PhotographyPhotography at Monuments in India: Rules to Check First›Earn with Myna24How to Become a Tour Guide in Delhi or Agra and Earn›
Looking for PG or accommodation in Delhi?
Search PGs, flats, hotels and short stays in Delhi.
Find PGs in DelhiFind Flats in Delhi