Shahi Baoli, Lucknow

About Shahi Baoli

Shahi Baoli was constructed to be used as a water reservoir. Myths like the water of this well being connected to the river flowing nearby or the map of the secret treasure and the key of the treasure being thrown into this well have been quite popular. The Baoli is widely popular for its extraordinary architectural design. Nawab Asif-ud-Daula built it during 1784-1794 and had the stepwell designed by Kifayat-Ullah, one of the most skilled architects of that time. The exquisite Indo-Islamic architectural design of this structure makes it an impeccably unique building. The Shahi Boli was built along with other units of the Bara Imambara to provide food and work to the famine-stricken natives of Awadh. Shahi Baoli is situated to the east of the main courtyard of Bada Imambara. Entry to Shahi Baoli is through a double arched gateway. Proceeding further, an open flight of stairs leads down to the stepwell. Around this well is a multi-storey structure with many open arched windows and interconnected galleries.

Architecture of Shahi Baoli

The Indo-Islamic architectural design of the ancient stepwell was prepared by Kifayat-Ullah who was famous for his skilled architects. The entrance to the Shahi Bowli is through a double arched gateway beyond which a flight of stairs leads up to the stepwell. There is a multi-storey structure surrounding the stepwell with many open arched windows and interconnected galleries. The materials used to build this strong and beautiful monument are local lakhori bricks and local plastering material.

Interesting facts about Shahi Baoli

• The unique feature of Shahi Bowli Stepwell is the alignment of a window and entryway of the building which gives the visitors a secret view.
• Tourists can stand on the water of the well at the entrance of the building and see their colorful shadows.
• Along with this, it is also said that the water route of this stepwell is connected to the Gomti River which is now one and a half kilometers away from this place.
• It is a 16th century structure. When you start stepping into that place it is like a Nawabi feeling.

How to reach Shahi Baoli

By Metro:- Shahi Bawdi is about 1.63 kilometers from Lucknow University Metro Station. You can easily go from here by taking a rickshaw.

By Road:- Lucknow is connected by all road routes. The easiest way to reach Baoli would be by road. You can take a rickshaw or bus to reach Baoli.

Nearby famous places

• Bara Imambara 0.07 km away
• Rumi Darwaza 0.28 km away
• Ghanta Ghar Lucknow 0.78 km away
• Chota Imambara 1.05 km away
• The Residency 1.62 km away
• Chattar Manzil 2.17 km away