Bara Imambara Shahi Baoli (Step Well), Lucknow

Shahi Baoli is a building raised around a large well, initially dug as the water reservoir for the Imambara construction works. The well happened to be a perennial source of water due to its connection to underground river streams. The emperor desired to build unique premises to host his distinguished guests and had chosen this particular spot to place it.

Many of the emperor’s guests described this building as having an exquisite design with the rarest English marble finish, small hot an cold water fountains, oblong niches and graceful pillars in the room corners. Only a small part of the splendor of Shahi Baoli has remained till the present day. It consists of an arched gateway and a five-story structure formed by interconnected archways and galleries. The open staircase leads to the deep well. Visitors are welcome to throw a coin in the depth of the water for good luck.