Bhool Bhulaiya Labyrinth Building, Lucknow

The Bhool Bhulaiya, literally meaning "the place of getting lost," is one of Lucknow鈥檚 most fascinating attractions. Located within the historic Bara Imambara complex, this maze dates back to the late 1780s and features over 1,000 interlinked corridors and 489 identical doorways, creating a stunning labyrinth of passages beneath the grand prayer hall.

This intricate network of tunnels was not built purely for intrigue鈥攊t serves a structural purpose. Architect Kifayatullah, under the patronage of Nawab Asaf鈥憉d鈥慏aula, designed these hollow chambers to support the roof of the massive central hall without using beams or metal, easing the weight of the rooftop and allowing airflow beneath. As a result, the unpredictable layout you explore today was a by鈥憄roduct of groundbreaking engineering.

Adding to the experience is a hidden acoustic marvel: at the entrance, if someone strikes a matchstick, the sound can echo up to 50 meters away, bringing new meaning to the phrase 鈥渨alls have ears鈥�. Though many corridors are now closed for safety, the remaining accessible paths offer both intrigue and atmosphere.

Visitors should note that exploring the Labyrinth may be challenging for elderly visitors or those with limited mobility. That said, for those able to make the climb, the reward is well worth it: the panoramic rooftop view offers a breathtaking sweep of Lucknow鈥檚 skyline, including nearby minarets, domes, and historic architecture.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lucknow. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Bhool Bhulaiya Labyrinth Building
Sight Location: Lucknow, India (See walking tours in Lucknow)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Lucknow Introduction Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Lucknow, India

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles

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