Shahi Bauli Stepwell

The Bara Imambara is built in the combination of Mughal, Rajput and Gothic architectural styles. Designed by Hafiz Kifayat Ullah, an extremely renowned architect of that time, it is an example of sheer engineering marvel and has no parallel.

There are other attractions inside the mosque complex which promise to keep you engaged throughout the duration of your visit. Other than the Bhool Bhulaiya, there is the stepwell (baoli) and the Asfi mosque that attracts visitors. An interesting fact about the mosque is that it was built without the use of iron by taking the assistance of European experts who were specially called for the purpose.

You will find many things to admire in the Imambara. However, one particular part of it that will catch your fancy is the Bhool Bhulaiya. It is a labyrinth of interconnected passages and doors which seem to lead into a series of passages. Take care not to venture too deep inside the passageways, though. Stories of people wandering deep into the passageways, never to be found again, are quite common. Some of these passageways lead you into the ceiling from where you can enjoy the spectacular views on the outside. Although most of them have been closed, the safest way of exploring these passageways is through an authorised guide.

Shahi Bauli is most popular for its exceptional architectural design after Bada Imambada in Lucknow. It is like a unit of Bada Imambada and used as a water reservoir for famine-stricken natives of Awadh.
Ticket price is Rs 20/ person for Bauli and if you've taken full ticket which is of Rs50, then you don't have to spend extra money (ie; Rs20).
It was built by Nawab Asif-ud-daula during the years of 1784-1794.

This is popular historical place which hv d grt architectural design😍. It is a ancient water reservoir for d Imambara construction works and Nawab Asif-ud-daula built it. Around d stairway, there r galleries with interconnected hallways on 3 sides at each level. D hallways & galleries have many arched windows facing either d entry area or d inner stepwell. There is a step well where inside people can see outside people using d reflection in well water 🔮

Amazing. The history of this place is amazing, a guide is needed to truly understand the place. Must visit!

It is situated just inside the premises of Bara Imambara. You need not buy a different ticket for visiting this place. It's a wonderful place to explore. If you are visiting Lucknow you must go to Bauli Stepwell. It is a structure of 16th century. It as a nawabi feel when you are starting to step in the place.

The Shahi Baoli was constructed in order to be used as a water reservoir. Myths like water of this well being connected to the river flowing nearby or a secret treasure map and the key to the treasure being thrown into this well have been quite popularly widespread. Baoli is extensively popular for it’s exceptional architectural design. Nawab Asif-ud-daula built it during the years 1784-1794 and got the design of this baoli drafted by Kifayat-ullah, who was one of the most skilful architects of those times.

The entrance of the Shahi Baoli is through a double-arched gateway, just after that, there is a flight of open stairs in the middle which leads down to the stepwell. Around the stairway, there are galleries with interconnected hallways on 3 sides at each level. The hallways and galleries have many arched windows facing either the entry area or the inner stepwell.
The levels have stairs from inside too & one can move around.
The Shahi Baoli is said to have served as Royal Guesthouse on many occasions – Warren Hastings, the Governor-General of East India Company had stayed here temporarily.
One of the windows is aligned in such a way with the main entrance that the visitor can see the reflection of the visitors at the entrance in the water of the well but the visitors can not see us. This place was used as a CCTV camera in the olden times like a person would be standing inside the Bauli and would keep an eye and if anyone comes in there they won't be able to see that man standing but the person who is keeping an eye can see everything.
The stepwell was the location where the Nawab buried his treasure (during the period of revolution) and the British army was not able to find it. It is said that the treasurer of the Nawab was Mr. Moolchand Rastogi who knew the secret of the treasure and where it was hidden; he had the key and the map which he threw in the stepwell and no one was able to find it. It is also said that Moolchand threw the key into the well which is 300feet deep. When he threw the key into the deep well the Britishers could not empty the well and could not get the key. He also apparently suicide and remained loyal to his master, not allowing the greedy British army to find the treasure.
And to date, nobody is successful in finding that treasure of the Nawab.

shahi bauli is a stepwell in the bara-imambara complex. it was connected with gomti river to supply water for the complex.

its said that when british attacked and captured awadh...the "key and map" of hidden treasury was thrown into this bauli and is in their till date.