Guest post by Jenifer Sayyed, a fellow blogger and doctor. She writes about Health, Travel, Beauty, Entertainment, Books, Life, Events & much more on her blog ‘Shaandar Jenie’. Here she is sharing her experience in Bars Imambara in lucknow.
It’s been 3 years since I had visited the city of Nawabs and Kebabs, and still, it enlivens us. Lucknow is home to many prolific historical heritage sites to say the least. A walk around the city with Adab and Tahzeeb will definately enlighten your soul. Bara Imambara is a must visit place in Lucknow if you are a history buff, photographer or a lover of grand things.
Lucknow: The City Of Nawabs
The capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow is hub of diversity and cultural amalgamation. Lucknow was one of the most powerful city in the mid 19th century being the centre of power for the Nawabs.
Bara Imambara is one of the most touristic attraction in Lucknow. Located at the heart of the old city, Bara Imambara showcases the architectural adroitness of India. As the name suggests, “Bara” means big and its named due to its large and sprawling structure. The monument is built by Asaf-ud-Daula, Nawab of Awadh, in 1784 and a shrine built by Shia Muslims.
Walking Through History
As you enter, you will be mesmerised by its splendid architecture, culture and history. Once you start exploring the heritage site, you will find many hidden rooms and windows. It was the norm during that era, but it makes us exuberant and enriches our history. The main reason for building Bara Imambara was to keep it safe from enemies and the British Army.
Our tour guide showed us one such basement where the main gate was easily visible. The gate was used to deceive the enemies. It also had underground cells to escape in case of war. But it is now unfortunately closed for public viewing.
The monument also includes two more unique attractions-
Bhool Bhulaiya
The name does justice to the place. No matter which way you turn, right or left – it will lead you to a different direction to confuse you. The labyrinth of corridors is an important feature of the monument as it strengthens the structure.
Baoli
The Baoli was constructed to be used as a water reservoir. Unfortunately, time and circumstances has mostly destroyed this reservoir and it is not in a good condition.
The shine of this heritage reflected at night with dazzling lights is a sight to behold. Rumi Darwaza, an imposing gateway will take you through “Bara” and “Chota” Imambara. The view is breathtaking at night and takes you to the time of the Nawabs.
Important Information:
- Timings – 7am – 7pm
- Accessibility – Located at the heart of the old city, you can easily travel through an auto-rickshaw or cab.
- Ticket – INR 50 (which covers Chhota Imambara, Bada Imambara, including Bhool Bhulaiya and Baoli, and Picture Gallery)
Thank you Jenie for taking out time in between your busy schedule to share your experience at Bara Imambara.