Gulab Bari, Ayodhya - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 5 km from Ayodhya Junction, Gulab Bari is a mausoleum situated in the Vaidehi Nagar area of Faizabad. It is one of the heritage places in Uttar Pradesh, and among the top Ayodhya tourist places.

Gulab Bari, literally meaning 'Garden of Roses', is a lush green garden and is home to the magnificent tomb of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula, the third Nawab of Awadh, who ruled between 1753 and 1775. The tomb was constructed by himself during his lifetime which is approached through an imposing gateway. Listed under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, Gulab Bari is currently preserved as a part of national heritage.

Built-in the Islamic style of architecture, the imposing tomb is one of the best-designed monuments in Uttar Pradesh. This mausoleum is surrounded by an enclosure wall, built of Lakhauri bricks lime plastered and decorated with plaster moldings. The square double-storeyed structure of the mausoleum has an arched verandah on each side, while its upper storey has a three-arched facade adorned by minarets on the corners. The dome of the central chamber is crowned by inverted lotus and metal finial.

Erected right at the center of the Charbagh Garden, the central chamber contains the cenotaph which houses the graves of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula and his mother. The tomb of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula has a lattice design on the boundary of its terrace and carving designs on its walls. There are artificial ponds in the garden with running fountains. As you enter the garden, a large pillar with India's National Emblem welcomes you. This place has a good collection of roses of various varieties set by the sides of water fountains. There is a mosque in Gulab Bari which has an Imambara attached to it. This mosque is decorated with domes and tall minarets. A Hamam can also be seen there which used to be the place of bathing for royal people.

The garden was used to host significant religious functions during the nawab's reign. The locals treat it as a holy place. It is said that the monument is connected to a boali in Lucknow and used to be a hiding place for the successors of the Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula.

Timings: 4 AM - 7 PM

Entry: Free