Chhota Imambara Lucknow (Entry Fee, Timings, History, Built by, Images & Location)

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Chhota Imambara (or small shrine) is a stellar example of Nawabi grandeur in Lucknow. And it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. This shrine is also called Hussainabad Imambara.

The Imambara monument houses the grave of Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah, alongside his mother’s. It also serves as a place for the Mourning of Muharram and other rituals among the Shia Muslim sect. It has two main halls, namely Shenasheen and Azakhana.

Chhota Imambara Lucknow is a beautiful and well-preserved example of Mughal architecture. Apart from the graves of the nawab and his mother, the complex has two other tombs of the royal family members. You can learn about its fascinating history with a guided tour.

On a Lucknow trip, Chhota Imambara and Bara Imambara (big shrine) nearby are must-visits.

You can also explore the gardens around. You’ll enjoy a tranquil escape from the bustling city crowd. Life comes to a standstill here.

Where is Chhota Imambara in Lucknow?

Chhota Imambara Lucknow is in the Daulatganj locality. It’s near Husainabad Clock Tower. And it’s not small, unlike what its name signifies. It’s an imposing monument that shines like a jewel. During festivals and other special occasions, the entire monument is lit up gorgeously.

History of Chhota Imambara Lucknow

Chhota Imambara was built by Muhammad Ali Shah, the third nawab of Awadh, in 1838. It was a place for people to gather before the ruler. And it still functions as a gathering hall. Many devotees assemble here during events like the Mourning of Muharram.

Image Gallery of Chhota Imambara Lucknow

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Architecture of Chhota Imambara

Chhota Imambara is a stunning white building adorned with a golden dome. The monument is an exemplary monument of Mughal architecture. It’s on a raised platform, along with two beautiful minarets.

The monument comprises two halls. Shehnasheen houses the Zarih (a protective grill-like structure) of Imam Husain. Azakhana Hall is decorated with chandeliers and crystal glass lamp stands. You’ll also find some brightly decorated tazia here.

Also, Chhota Imambara Lucknow has five doorways, emphasizing the significance of Panjtan, the five holy people in the religion. Verses from the Quran are engraved on the walls in Islamic calligraphy. They complement its elegant architecture.

The magnificent structure is surrounded by a lavish garden, with a stream running through the centre of the garden. It’s said to be inspired by the layout of the Taj Mahal in Agra.

Things to do at Lucknow Chhota Imambara

1. Marvelling at Hussainabad Gateway – Chhota Imambara entrance gate is known as the Husainabad Gateway. It’s a dazzling, enormous gateway with stonework and metalwork. You’ll feel yourself at peace as you enter the corridor.

2. Exploring the Imambara monument – Chhota Imambara is a beautiful and well-preserved tomb decorated with intricate carvings and calligraphy. It houses the tomb of Muhammad Ali Shah and his mother. His silver throne and red crown are also kept here. During Muharram and other special events, devotees assemble in the hall for rituals.

3. Visiting other tombs in the complex – Apart from the tombs of Muhammad Ali Shah and his mother, Chhota Imambara has two other tombs. These are made for Mohammed Ali Shah’s daughter and her husband. You’ll find those in the garden as replicas of the Taj Mahal.

4. Checking out other structures nearby – Among the other Chhota Imambara visiting places are the picture gallery of Awadh’s nawabs, a red-brick clock tower, and the incomplete Satkhanda watch tower.

The tower was to be built up to seven storeys tall, but the construction was abandoned after Muhammad Ali Shah’s death. Then, there’s the garden, water stream and a traditional hammam. A mosque and a treasury building are also close by.

5. Relaxing in the garden – Exploring the garden is a wonderful way to experience the beauty and serenity of the Chhota Imambara complex. It provides a peaceful atmosphere, making it the perfect place to relax. The green lawns and trees have a calming effect throughout.

Chhota Imambara Lucknow Timings and Entry Fees

The opening and closing times of Chhota Imambara are 6 AM and 5 PM. It remains open on all days of the week throughout the year.

Chhota Imambara entry fee is ₹50 per person for Indian adults and ₹25 for kids. For foreign nationals, the ticket price is ₹500 per person, and it includes entry to Bara Imambara, Chhota Imambara and a few other places nearby, like the Picture Gallery and Shahi Hammam.

Best time to visit Chhota Imambara

The winter season, from November to February, is the most ideal for visiting Chhota Imambara in Lucknow. During winter, the temperature of the city is the most comfortable for exploration. So, you’d be able to see all the places near Chhota Imambara and Bara Imambara without feeling tired.

Time to explore Chhota Imambara

It usually takes around 1-2 hours to explore all the places in the Chhota Imambara complex. But it’s better to have 3-4 hours for your visit so that you can also visit Bara Imambara, Jama Masjid, Rumi Darwaza and other places nearby.

Things to keep in mind while visiting Chhota Imambara

• Avoid wearing sleeveless dresses and shorts.
• Cover your head with a scarf.
• Remove footwear before entering the Imambara building.
• Respect any ongoing religious and cultural practices.
• Hire a guide to know the place better.

How to reach Chhota Imambara Lucknow?

Chhota Imambara Lucknow monument is in the Daulatganj locality of Lucknow. It’s 7 km from Lucknow Junction railway station. Another railway station closer to Chhota Imambara is Lucknow City (3 km away). Apart from those, it’s 8 km from the Alambagh bus stand and 14 km from Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport of Lucknow.

Now, here are the different ways to reach the place –

By metro – Lucknow metro trains are available in a few places. Charbagh metro station is the closest to Chhota Imambara (7 km away). From the station, you can get cabs, auto rickshaws or e-rickshaws.

By bus – You can also take a bus to Lucknow Chhota Imambara. Ghanta Ghar Chowk is the nearest bus stop, only a few hundred meters away. You can walk the distance or take an auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw from the bus stop.

By auto/cycle rickshaw – Auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and e-rickshaws are other means of transport to travel within Lucknow. They’re available in all places in the city.

By cab/taxi – A cab or taxi is the best way to visit Chhota Imambara, Bara Imambara and other tourist places in Lucknow. Private cabs offer the most convenient pickup and drop service for your trip. You can book them from the top car rental companies in Lucknow easily.

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Location Map for Chhota Imambara Lucknow