The Bhool Bhulaiya in Bada Imambara in Lucknow, a maze of roughly a thousand tunnels, has fascinated travelers and builders for the last two centuries. During the drought year of 1784 AD, the fourth Nawab, Asaf-Ud-Dowhala, commissioned the construction to enable the needy make a livelihood. However, once completed, it became a symbol of Lucknow’s pride and magnificence. The Bhool Bhulaiya was built to deceive any invader.

So why was Bhool Bhulaiya built?

A part of Lucknow’s Bara Imambara is known as Bhool Bhulaiya. The “Bhool Bhulaiya” is made up of over 1,000 passageways and 489 identical entrances.

Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula chose to construct the center hall with no supporting columns. He wished to build a large mosque for collective worship.

According to legend, a famine struck Lucknow, affecting people’s livelihoods. Nawab Asaf-Ud-Daulah then commissioned the Bada Imambara. This aided the poor in their daily wages. Even though he was intelligent, he did not overlook the noblemen. Their task began at night, and it was to dismantle whatever had been erected during the day. This aided in keeping work moving, and what may have taken less time took 10 years or more to complete. This eternal landmark today represents a great balancing act.

What is an Imambara?

“Bara” means “large,” and “Imambara” refers to a Shia Muslim shrine. The Shrine is mostly for the Muharrum festival, during which Shia Muslims remember the death of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson. The Muharrum procession finishes at the Imambara, which was erected in the 1780s by the Nawab of Awadh, Asaf-Ud-Daulah. The Bada Imambara complex encompasses far more than just the Imambara. It comprises the Asafi Mosque, a stepwell known as the Shahi Baoli, and Lucknow’s famed labyrinth, Bhool Bhulaiya.

Important Things about Bhool Bhulaiya

• If you have earlier heard about the Bhool bhulaiya myths. You might have heard about people going in and never coming back. But the local guides do tell that it is possible to go in and come out. There are just some tricks.

• As you enter the labyrinth, the guide will lead you up 45 stairs. This is where the excursion to Bhul Bhulaiya begins. The guide will then lead you through several passageways and corridors. He also shows the secret tunnel that leads to Delhi. Throughout, he will provide you intriguing anecdotes and information about the location.

• There are no beams to support the lofty ceilings. In fact, the Bara Imambara is regarded as one of the greatest arched constructions in the world.

Nearest attractions to Bhool Bhulaiya

How to reach Bhool Bhulaiya

From every city in India, Lucknow is easily accessible by road and train. There are several daily flights to Lucknow. After arriving in Lucknow, you can take a rickshaw or a cab to Bara Imambara. If you intend to ride the metro, the following stations for Bara Imambara should be considered.

– Alambagh metro station

– Charbagh metro station

– Durgapuri metro station

All of these metro stations are within 3 kilometers of the landmark Bhool Bhulaiya. To go from the metro to Bara Imambara, you can take one of the local automobiles or cabs.

Timings and Entry Fee

The Bhool Bhulaiya is closed on Mondays and is open on all other days of the week. The timings for the rest of he days is 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

The entry fee is as following:

Rs.50 per person for adults, Rs.20 per person for Children, Rs.300 per person for Foreigners

Rs.100 Guide charges for two people

Rs. 10 for Digital Camera, Rs. 25 for Video Camera

FAQ’s