Sibtainabad Imambara
সিবতাইনাবাদ ইমামবাড়া
The tomb of Wajid Ali Shah, the exiled last Nawab of Awadh.
About Sibtainabad Imambara
Deposed by the British in 1856, Wajid Ali Shah lived his last thirty years at Metiabruz on a pension, surrounded by poets, musicians, cooks and a famous menagerie. He built this imambara in 1864, modelled on the one his family had built in Lucknow, and he was buried in it in 1887. It is a working Shia shrine; the hall holds his grave, old chandeliers and tazias.
Why visit
The last chapter of Lucknow’s story is in Kolkata, and very few visitors know it.
What to see and do
- The Nawab’s grave
- The arcaded hall, chandeliers and royal insignia
- The gateway on the main road
Plan your visit
- Area
- Garden Reach & Metiabruz, South Kolkata
- Nearest landmark
- Iron Gate Road, Metiabruz
- Best time
- Morning or afternoon. October to March is the most comfortable time of year.
- Time needed
- About 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Entry
- An active place of worship that admits visitors; its own rules apply. An active shrine that admits respectful visitors; hours are not currently verified.
- Getting there
- Buses and autos run from Kidderpore to Metiabruz along Garden Reach Road.
- Walking
- Little walking
- Photography
- Photography is fine with some care. Ask the caretaker before photographing inside.
Tip
Dress modestly and remove shoes. Muharram observances are solemn and very crowded.
Nearby and related places
- Bhukailash Temples: Twin Shiva temples of 1781 beside a tank, hidden in Kidderpore.
More guides
- Heritage places in Kolkata
- Places of worship to visit
- Hidden gems of Kolkata
- Free places to visit in Kolkata
- All places to visit in Kolkata
Last checked on 2026-10-02. Each place was checked to exist and its position confirmed. Timings, closing days and ticket prices are shown only where known and can change: confirm before you travel.