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Chota Imambara
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · India

Chota Imambara

Getting around: In old Lucknow, close to Bara Imambara, reachable by auto-rickshaw or a short walk from that site.
Hours: Open daily, roughly 6am to 5pm.

Chota Imambara was built in the 1830s by Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah as his own mausoleum and a hall for religious ceremonies, notable for its ornate gilded dome, chandeliers, and mirror work inside, giving it a more decoratively elaborate interior than the larger, more austere Bara Imambara. It also houses smaller replica models of the Taj Mahal and Karbala's shrine within its grounds.

It's a smaller, faster visit than Bara Imambara but rewards a careful look at the interior detailing, and its proximity to Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza makes it easy to combine into the same old-Lucknow walking route.

Chota Imambara FAQs

How does Chota Imambara compare to Bara Imambara?

It's smaller in scale but more ornately decorated inside, with gilded domes, chandeliers, and mirror work, in contrast to Bara Imambara's larger but more austere hall.

How long does a visit take?

45 minutes to an hour.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes, a modest ticket fee applies, sometimes combined with Bara Imambara access.

What's inside besides the main hall?

Smaller replica models of structures like the Taj Mahal, along with the tomb of Muhammad Ali Shah and other decorative elements.

Is it close to Bara Imambara?

Yes, a short walk away, making it easy to visit both in the same outing.

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