Have you heard the term “stepwell”? For the ones who are not aware of this term or know what exactly this word means, let me sum it up in one sentence. Stepwell = brains+beauty 😀
On a more serious note, a stepwell is a well where the water is reached by a series of steps. Designed in multiple levels, these wells are dug deep and the bottom leads you to the water and given seasonalities, water is available year-round, and it is easy for maintenance, thanks to this style of construction. A basic difference between stepwells on the one hand and tanks and wells on the other is to make it easier for people to reach the groundwater and to maintain and manage the well. Stepwells can be found across India but predominantly in the western and northern parts of the country.
These stepwells in regional languages are called Baudi, Bavdi, Bavri, Vav, Pushkarni etc. I have had the chance to visit three stepwells in India and I’m listing them down in the order of my visit. The one that’s missing on this list amongst the famous ones is the Agrasen Ki Baoli in New Delhi. In my list of things to do 🙂
Pushkarni in Hampi, Karnataka
Adalaj in Ahmedabad, Gujarat
We’ve covered Pushkarni and Adalaj in the past, read on to know more about Chand Baori.
Chand Baori
One of the oldest step wells in India, King Chanda of Nikumbha Dynasty had constructed this little piece of architecture in 800 AD. Built in the shape of a square, the Baori is 19.5 meters deep. As you can see in these pictures, it has a double flight of steps on three sides which makes it look so beautiful. The fourth side of the Baori has balconies which are supported by pillars.
The Chand Baori is under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India, and it is well maintained.
Where is Chand Baori: Abhaneri, Rajasthan
Distance from Jaipur: 97 km
How to Reach: You could either book a taxi or self-drive. We self-drove, thanks to Zoomcar from Jaipur to Abhaneri. (Have you tried Zoomcar yet? Use Zoomcar coupon code NjA0MzU5 to make your first booking with Zoomcar and get 15% off!)
Route: Agra-Jaipur Highway (NH 21)
Travel Time: Reached in under 1hr 30mins. Great roads.
Timings: Open from Sunrise to Sunset
Parking: Available (Car – Rs. 50, Bike Rs. 10)
Once you enter this place, you will find the Harsad Mata Temple, which is opposite to the Baori. Pay a visit and then proceed experience this beautiful stepwell. As you walk around this huge Baori, you will find broken statues places in the side rooms.
You cannot walk down the steps as it is restricted. We were here for about half an hour before we headed out.
We reached Umaid Lake Palace for lunch – a beautiful property which looked haunted. There was nobody in the property but for the ones working (we didn’t see more than three people). It felt like we were the only ones around.
We dined in the(only?) restaurant of this property as we could not spot any decent place to eat on the way. Food was okay but the all the cutlery and the napkins were smelly as if they hadn’t been used for aeons. The place definitely creeped us out.
If you have some more time and have a thing for creepy places, you can quickly visit the Bhangarh Fort in the village by the same name, which is nearby. Named as the most haunted place in India, the fort can be visited after sunrise and before sunset and a guide is advised.
So, is the Chand Baori in Abhaneri in your list of things to do in Jaipur as well?
Very interesting, I have known regular wells but not this kind. Stairwells have great architecture designs and it looked very nice.
Yupp truly a beauty. It only makes me wonder time and again as to how they did it those days with no technology or any great instruments.
I had no idea these even existed? I live in the US and I’d love to visit these some day! What a cool piece of history.
India is a land of surprises 🙂 I hope you get to visit these places soon and I hope I get to visit the USA – Havasupai has been on my mind for too long now.
What a beautiful place! need to put it on my bucket list
It is definitely a must see in terms of the brains and the effort that has gone behind this creation in those days.
This is so amazing and beautiful place. I have been to Jaipur once but didn’t get a chance to visit it, would definitely keep it on the list for my next visit to India and Rajasthan.
Somehow missed this in my last visit to Rajasthan..
I’ll probably see the same in Hampi next time i guess 🙂
Oh yes, you should. Step wells are really beautiful and the Pushkarni is small yet an eye candy.
I have got to visit India someday. I like what I am seeing. Looks like an amazing destination full of cool adventure.
Oh yes you must visit India Stephanie. This was definitely an awesome place that we visited and I should say that Chand Baori made our trip a lil bit more fun 🙂
This is fascinating! I never knew a well could be so beautiful.
Are these places pretty touristy, or more off the beaten path?
Thanks for sharing!
Yes Kelly, this is off beat for sure. Not many know about this place so I can for now say this is a non touristy. But weekends gets crowded s many bikers visit this place.
Loved your pictorial post on Jaipur. I have been to Jaipur many times, explored all forts, cultural programs, kathputli dance too. But this baori was a miss. Now discovered fully in your post.
Oh wow we haven’t seen the Kathputli dance and I shall do that the next time we get to visit that area. I hope you also get to visit Chand Baori.
Oh!! This is such an awesome place to visit. The structures are really amaze me. I will definitely put this on my bucket list.
This was awesome indeend Elizabeth. I hope you get to visit this place sometime 🙂
I had no idea that Chand Baori was near Jaipur. I would have loved to go and visit, as I have been twice now to Jaipur. It looks so amazing! Shame you are not allowed to go down the stairs.
I think it’s better that we are not allowed to go down the stairs.. I guess it wouldn’t have looked as good as it looks now. I have seen pictures where people have gone done in-spite of the restriction. Next time you visit Jaipur, do try to visit this place 🙂
Wow, really cool! It’s crazy how intricate in their designs they were. So beautiful. I hope I get to visit someday!
I swear.. I’m not sure if I can carve something so beautiful and so intricate in my life ever – if I was given a chance. I wish the same for you too 🙂
That’s one amazing architecture. I haven’t heard of it yet but I’ll put it on my list when we visit.
Oh yes you must add this to your list. Such places teach history and art in a very different way.
I have seen your other posts and there are some truly amazing spots in India! I’m surprised this isn’t one of the Woder of the World?
Thanks so much for your kind words. It’s something that’s commonly found in the North and West of India. While this is a spectacular one, I’m not sure if it’s a qualifier for Wonders of the world. Those guys play a very different league 😉 India is a beautiful country and there is so much to unravel.
Nice pics! And a cool place you’ve been here. I really like places like these, so historical and meaningful 🙂
Thanks a lot. Yes visiting such places makes it more meaningful as it makes you think about so many things and creates curiosity. This ends up with us learning more which is great right 🙂
What an amazing place to visit. Your photos are amazing.
Thanks so much Tizzy. This is an amazing and a lovely place hidden from many eyes. I’m glad I visited this little gem 🙂
The pictures are stunning. The stairwell is awesome. I didn´t know about it before I read your article. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks a lot Pia. Let me know if you get to visit one 🙂
Stepwells are so interesting! I would love to go there and learn more about them.
Woow! This is so beautiful. What a amazing architecture. I didn’t even know that this place exist, what a shame!! Thank you <3
I’ve never even thought about visiting Jaipur, but it has some beautiful architecture! I love traveling to look at all the different types of architecture!
This is my first time to hear about stepwall. Such a stunning structure and looks like an awesome place to visit. I will definitely share this with my husband and add this on my bucket lists.
I went to Jaipur few years ago for work but I had no idea about Chand Baori ! I wish I was aware about it that time! It looks quite splendid!
My parent’s go to Jaipur & Rajasthan a few times a year. I’ve always wanted to go and this post has just further lit the fire. It just looks magical.
What a beautiful and eye-catching place. I have never thought of visiting this part of India and thanks for the introduction.
OMG, the wells are amazing! The stairs, the architecture, the buildings… fascinating. All of it is so worth seeing.
its lovely post and some awesome pictures
Thanks Mayuri <3
Brains + beauty = step well. I like way you described step wells. I have never seen a post dedicated to step wells. The pictures were beautiful and the post was informative.
Hey Kishor. Thanks so much 🙂