Which of the many Stepwells in India are worth a visit?

Which of the many Stepwells in India are worth a visit? - Coloured Figurine of Multi-armed Goddess of India

I know that there's a stepwell at Abhaneri. Is it a great location to checkout the amazing stepwell of India? What other stepwells are worth visiting?



Best Answer

Mark's answer gives a good starting point for what stepwells you might want to see. What's fascinating about these places is that many of them were built during times of different rulers or dynasties, and depending on where they are located have vastly different architectural styles.

If you're sticking to the Delhi-Jaipur-Agra 'Golden Triangle' and are pressed for time, then the easiest one to see would be Agrasen ki baoli as it's in Delhi. (Just a bit of trivia: the format of the name is 'Some ruler's name + "his well"; that's what 'ki baoli' translates to from Hindi. 'Baori' is a variation of the word 'baoli' in some dialects of Hindi.) This is bang in the middle of central Delhi's Connaught Place area, which you will mostly definitely pass through if you arrive by train or bus. Just to make things fun and confusing, the official name of Connaught Place is 'Rajiv Chowk', which is the name it is referred to on the Delhi metro rail transit system. If you travel by an autorickshaw and can't get your driver to understand how you're pronouncing Agrasen ki baoli, then give Max Mueller Bhavan as your landmark - your destination is down the same road. (Also worth visiting in the general area of Connaught Place is Jantar Mantar.) Dwarka baoli is in Delhi too, but it's a bit off the way and not as impressive.

Outside of Delhi, practically every major city in Rajasthan will lay claim to some stepwell or another as 'place of interest'. Rajasthan traditionally has a history of making these structures as a form of water conservation since it's a desert state and typically receives less rainfall. Apart from the one in Abhaneri - which would involve a trip from Jaipur - you may also want to check out any johads which are (often) a modern take on the same idea.

Not a lot of travellers head to Gujarat region but if you do, that's where you will find Rani ki vav a day-trip away from the major city of Ahmedabad. If you are debating whether you really want to go all the way just for that, you also have Sabarmati Ashram where Gandhi led much of the Indian independence struggle from.




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Which of the many Stepwells in India are worth a visit? - Asian people in casual clothes standing near and touching weathered religious stone wheel located in center of medieval historic Hampi village in India
Which of the many Stepwells in India are worth a visit? - 
The Agrasen Ki Baoli in India
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Which is famous for stepwells?

Chand Baori, Rajasthan Source Situated in a Rajasthan's Abhaneri village, Chand Baori is NorthWestern Indian's most popular stepwell. Many tourists for its beautiful architecture visit the stepwell. The stepwell dates back to the 9th century to the reign of King Chanda of Nikumbh dynasty.

Where are stepwells most common?

They are most common in western India and are also found in the other more arid regions of the Indian subcontinent, extending into Pakistan.

Which state is famous for stepwells in India?

Gujarat State is well known for its rich heritage of handicrafts, tourist attractions of Step Wells, customs and traditions, and fairs and festivals. In Gujarat step wells are called Vav. Rani ki vav is a famous stepwell situated in Patan town in Gujarat in India.

Where in India are most stepwells located?

These seven incredible stepwells in India were originally built as tanks to store rain water but are today merely records of the past.
  • Chand Baori, Rajasthan. ...
  • Adalaj Vav, Gujarat.
  • Lakkundi, Karnataka.
  • Modhera,Gujarat.
  • Agrasen Ki Baoli, Delhi.
  • Rani Ki Vav, Gujarat.
  • Dada Harir Vav, Gujarat.




The Incredible Subterranean Temple of Rani Ki Vav, India: The Queen's Stepwell | Ancient Architects




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