For heritage travellers, stepwells are becoming popular again. These one-of-a-kind historical landmarks exhibit amazing engineering prowess, have elaborate geometrical and motif designs, and are just stunning. All of this is accurate, but step wells' rising appeal in India isn't primarily due to these factors. What is that, then? We are all living in an era where the climatic pattern has grown unpredictable, so the monsoon, plus, there's an increase in water scarcity.
Now, this is what has made people and authorities look into these architectural marvels as they offer a time-tested, sustainable approach to water harvesting and groundwater recharge. They can serve as practical solutions to modern-day environmental and social needs. Presently, various levels of government, often hand-in-hand with non-governmental organisations and local communities, are investing in the restoration of step-wells to reap the socio-economic benefits.
Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, curious about unfolding pages of history or simply seeking unique tourist destinations, stepwells of India are highly recommended. Plus, these hold hidden legends and fascinating stories, one believed to be constructed by a supernatural power, and another is a testimony to love and sacrifice and more, which makes a visit here even more exciting and rewarding.
Where to find these step wells in India? While there are plenty of stepwells, specifically in central and western India, we have shortlisted some most incredible stepwells for you. Just scroll down!
Chand Baori, Rajasthan
One of the deepest and largest step wells in India, Chand Baori features an astonishing 3,500 narrow steps arranged in a precise and intricate geometric pattern across 13 stories — the view is purely mesmerising! It's so amazing that it has gained global recognition for its appearances in Hollywood and Bollywood films, including "The Dark Knight Rises" and "Bhool Bhulaiyaa! The most fascinating part? According to folklore, this massive stepwell, which has 3500 steps and 13 stories, was believed to have been built in just one night! Impossible to be man-made, might a supernatural power construct this?
Where: Chand Baori, Rajasthan 325003
How to reach: Approx. 90-95 km from Jaipur, hiring a car or taxi is the most convenient option. It'll take you around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach here.
Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi
The stepwell was built in 1740 AD by a queen of Marwar, Raani Tawarji, consort of Maharaja Abhay Singh of Jodhpur. The Maharani was from the Patan Region of Gujarat, where one of the most famous step wells in India, Rani ki Vav, exists even today. As she came to Jodhpur, she brought this matriarchal tradition with her. Can you believe that the marvellous structure you see today was submerged for over a century? Plus, this is the same stepwell that had been featured in a famous scene of the Bollywood movie, Rang De Basanti.
Where: Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi Makrana Mohalla, Sutharo Ka Bass Rd, Gulab Sagar, Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342001
How to reach: Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi is just a 30-minute drive from Jodhpur Airport, the nearest airport to reach here.
Agrasen Ki Baoli
Are you an architectural enthusiast? If yes, Agrasen Ki Baoli is one of the most highly recommended step wells in India for you. This ornate structure is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and one of the most famous stepwells in India we have. Stepping into it is like an amazing opportunity to explore rich Indian architecture, yes, but it offers you much more than you can expect. As you descend the 108 steps, it feels like stepping into a different world, like a haunted house. This stepwell is often cited as one of Delhi's haunted places, with legends of "black water" that hypnotised people into committing suicide. So, if you're a daredevil, bookmark this stepwell right away.
Where: Agrasen ki Baoli, Hailey Rd, Hamdard Nagar, Vakil Lane, Mandi House, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
How to reach: Barakhamba Road Metro Station and Janpath Metro Station are the nearest to Baoli, approximately 10-15 minutes away.
Panna Meena Ka Kund
Panna Meena Ka Kund is another intricately designed step well in India that served as a predominant spot for celebrations and religious ceremonies, apart from being a crucial water resource. The most striking feature is its perfectly symmetrical, crisscrossing staircases on three sides. Wait, the architecture is just not admirable but somewhat magical. Let us explain, a popular local legend claims that a person can't use the same set of stairs to go down and come back up without getting confused or lost. Like most of the visitors, you can also try testing this theory, and check what happens! This is among the best stepwells in India, especially for curious minds. Plus, if you are visiting Amer Fort, be sure to come to Panna Meena Ka Kund, just a 10-minute walking distance.
Where: Amer, Rajasthan 302028
How to reach: You can easily get an auto-rickshaw or hire a car from anywhere in Jaipur to reach Panna Meena Ka Kund.
Rani Ki Vav
On the banks of the Saraswati River, Rani Ki Vav is one of the most famous stepwells in India, gaining hype after being featured on the new hundred-rupee note. Rani Ki Vav Stepwell, India, is intricately rich with sculptures featuring over 800 elaborate sculptures on the inner walls, primarily depicting the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu (Dashavatar), along with sages, celestial dancers (apsaras), and Brahmins. Rani ki Vav was not only a reservoir or a spot for religious gathering, it's a testimony to love, built in 1063 by Rani Udaymati of the Chalukya Dynasty to commemorate her husband, Bhimdev I. Also, among all the beautiful step-wells in India, this is the only one to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for its technological excellence in groundwater management in the 11th century.
Where: Mohan Nagar Society, Patan, Samalpati, Gujarat 384265
How to reach: You can hire a car or taxi from Ahmedabad to Patan, there is also a train running from Ahmedabad to Patan, choose as per your convenience.
Adalaj Stepwell
If you're seeking some of the most unique step wells in India, Adalaj Step Well is definitely not a miss. Unlike major stepwells of India that showcase regional architectural style with scenes and sculptures from Hindu mythology, Adalaj Stepwell, aka Rudabai Stepwell or Rudabai ni Vav, is adorned with a fusion of Hindu craftsmanship and Islamic architectural patterns, intricately carved pillars and walls featuring floral motifs. For anyone who is in love with Indo-Islamic architecture, this is one of the best stepwells in India to visit. Want to know the story behind? King Rana Veer Singh was the one who started its construction to combat water shortage, but he died in the battle with the Sultan of Gujarat, Mahmud Begada. The desire to marry Queen Rudabai, wife of Rana Veer Singh, arose in the mind of Mahmud Begada. The queen agreed with the condition that Mahmud had to complete the construction of the stepwell to marry her.
But, ultimately, the queen jumped into the same stepwell, ending her life.
Where: Adalaj Rd, Adalaj, Gujarat 382421
How to reach: 26 minutes' drive from Ahmedabad Airport, the nearest to Adalaj Stepwell.