Bhool Bhulaiya Labyrinth Building, Lucknow

Bhool Bhulaiya is the main part of the Imambara complex. The central part of it is a big arched hall where the tomb of Asaf-Ud-Dowlah lies. The Iranian architect Kifait-ullah, the author of this project, also lies buried there. There are eight more chambers built to different roof heights. The building is surrounded by 489 identical doorless galleries. Bhool Bhulaiya has no pillars to support the ceiling and it is among the largest vaulted constructions in the world. Above and in between the chambers there are hundreds of narrow lanes and stairway passages, some leading to dead ends, some to overhanging drops, and others to entrance or exit points. It is recommended to always take a guide when exploring Bhool Bhulaiya in order not to get lost.

This three-dimensional labyrinth is possibly the only one existing in India. It was designed to confuse any intruding enemy and to support the weight of the whole structure, which was built on marshy land.

Legends say that the building has several blocked passageways that used to lead to a location near the Gomti river, to Faizabad (the former seat of power of the Nawabs), to Allahabad and even to Delhi. These passages have been sealed because of long disuse and disappearance of adventurers who tried to explore them.

Tip:
Make sure you are fit before going inside – not recommended for elders as there are many staircases (some of which are very narrow) and the maze can be quite hectic. However, once you reach the roof, the view of the city is breathtaking.
Note also that on one side of the Bhool Bhulaiya (above the India room) there is a whispering gallery with amazing acoustics.