Chota Imambara Travel Guide: Undoubtedly A Must-Visit Site In Lucknow (2024)
Introduction to Chota Imambara
Uttar Pradesh is a province with a long history of Islamic rulers and nobilities. Their regime has shaped the current picture of Uttar Pradesh and all its major tourist spots. There are many such tourist attractions in Uttar Pradesh that are closely associated with their rule, and as a capital city of Uttar Pradesh, the city of Lucknow has some of these remarkable destinations. We are now taking a look at one of these wonderful tourist destinations in the city of Lucknow, which has a long-gone history standing for centuries – Chota Imambara.
An Overview of Chota Imambara
Chota Imambara, which is also popularly known as Imambara Hussainabad Mubarak, is undoubtedly one of the most visited tourist and pilgrim attractions in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. The Chota Imambara consists of a mosque and a mausoleum as a major portion of it, which is to the pilgrims belonging to the Shia Muslim community. The mausoleum consists of the tombs of one of the well-known late Nawab of Awadh, Muhammad Ali Shah. The mausoleum also consists of his mother’s tomb, which is placed near his. From lighting to the interiors, the Chota Imambara is undoubtedly an architectural marvel, which even has made use of Islamic calligraphy to create beautiful Quran verses in the monument.
The location of Chota Imambara makes it possible for tourists to visit some of the most popular tourist destinations of Lucknow without traveling further. Chota Imambara is located so much close to some of the other major tourist hubs of Lucknow like Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, etc. In English, Chota Imambara has also been nicknamed the palace of lights. The lights here are Belgium made, which were installed for the first time in any such building during that period.
The monument has excellent calligraphy verses of the Quran inscribed on the walls, which are simply mind-blowing. The other tombs here belong to the family members of Muhammad Ali Shah, which includes a similar one to the tombs in Taj Mahal, which belongs to the daughter and son-in-law of Muhammad Ali Shah. 
Moreover, you can also find some beautiful waterworks in the monument, which adds to its external beauty. The prayer hall is quite big, where it will fit in a great number of devotees to do their prayers. The late evenings and night times are the best time to visit Chota Imambara as you may not want to miss the signature lighting and decors here.
Other Attractions Of Chota Imambara
Chota Imambara is also popularly known as a miniature version of one of the greatest marvels of the world, the Taj Mahal. Apart from being a simple mausoleum, from architecture to lighting, Chota Imambara is simply perfect in every aspect that might interest a tourist or a pilgrim. Floral patterns and the verses of the Quran are quoted in the prayer hall, which is simply magnificent. The Satkhanda, or the seven-story tower, is also a part of the Chota Imambara, which gives a wonderful view of the city.
How To Reach Chota Imambara?
By Road: Chota Imambara is located in one of the most popular and most visited areas of Lucknow. The influx of tourists here is in large numbers, and this is one of the major reasons why road transport is preferred to reach Chota Imambara. A lot of private and public transportation is available for the tourists so that they can visit all the adjacent tourist attractions too.
By Rail: The railway station of Lucknow is located a little away from Chota Imambara, but a lot of local transportation facilities are available for the tourists. It is one of the most affordable ways to reach Chota Imambara from anywhere in India. The Lucknow railway central has lines connecting to almost all parts of India, and hence the availability of trains isn’t an area of concern at all.
By Air: The airport of Lucknow is the major airport of Uttar Pradesh. The Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport is located nearly 19 km away from Chota Imambara, which can be covered in less than an hour. Moreover, you will also have a convenient and comfortable trip to Lucknow via airways.
Conclusion
The Chota Imambara of Lucknow is a monument that boasts of its religious and architectural eminence, which is apparently unmatchable. It is undoubtedly a must-visit site in Lucknow, also a perfect choice for a minor getaway. So make a plan and pack your bags to visit Lucknow and this beautiful tourist attraction there.
