Stepwells in India

Stepwells, or “baoris” and “baolis” as they’re called locally, were essentially a way to store water and provide a community space back in the day. These wells go deep into the ground, and you access the water by walking down a series of steps. They’re not just functional but also incredibly beautiful, often adorned with intricate carvings and designs. They became very popular thanks to Instagram, and a lot of them have been added as attractions in many tours around the country.

Famous Stepwells in India

Chand Baori Stepwell india

Chand Baori in Rajasthan

Chand Baori, located in the village of Abhaneri in Rajasthan, is one of the oldest and most famous stepwells in India. Built over a thousand years ago during the reign of King Chanda of the Nikumbha Dynasty, This 11th century water well looks like a stunning, geometric pattern from above with its 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry.

rani-ki-vav India

Rani ki Vav in Gujarat

Rani ki Vav is located in the town of Patan, and it’s not your average stepwell. Built in the 11th century by Queen Udayamati in memory of her husband, King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty, this stepwell has seven levels of steps decorated with more than 500 puppets representing Vishnu in his different embroiders. Rani ki Vav was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.

Agrasen Ki Baoli Delhi

Agrasen ki Baoli in Delhi

Located in the heart of Delhi, this water well dates back to the 14th century and is one of the most accessible for those interesting in visiting stepwells. This stepwell is thought to have been built by the legendary king Agrasen during the Mahabharata era and later rebuilt by the Agrawal community in the 14th century. The stepwell is about 60 meters long and 15 meters wide, with 108 steps leading down to the water level. The structure is made of red sandstone, giving it a warm, inviting feel.

Pushkarni in Karnataka

Pushkarnis, also known as kalyanis or temple tanks, are essentially sacred water tanks typically found near temples in Karnataka. One of the most famous Pushkarnis is the Pattadakal temple complex. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts several ancient temples, in addition to the Pushkarni. Surrounded by lush greenery and temple structures, it’s a serene spot.

Stepwells in India

Panna Meena Ka Kund

Located in the quaint village of Amber, near Jaipur in Rajasthan, Panna Meena Ka Kund is a stunning stepwell that has become extremely popular in the last couple years. Very close to the Amber Fort of Jaipur, it is usually one of the stops of the tours of the region. This stepwell is known for its beautiful symmetry and intricate design, more specifically its geometric patterns. The steps are arranged in a way that creates a captivating visual effect, like a maze of staircases and arches.

Are you ready to start discovering India?

I decided to book a couple tours when I went to India and had an amazing experience! I’m leaving the link to the tour below in case you are interested!

Are you ready to start discovering India?

I decided to book a couple tours when I went to India and had an amazing experience! I’m leaving the link to the tour below in case you are interested!

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