5 Famous Stepwells You Must Visit In Rajasthan (India)

Step wells have always been a part of the Indian culture. It has several common names like ‘Baori’, ‘Jhalra’, and so many others, depending on which part of the country it is located in.

Rajasthan is one of the states where you will find several wells of the kind and each one of them will invite you with legends and stories of the past.

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They are historic and magnificent structures that have always bewildered historians and tourists. While visiting these places, you get to learn about the excellent craftsmanship as well as the ancient Indian technology scattered across the incredible Rajasthan.

In this article, you will get to know about the following step wells in Rajasthan,

1. Panna Meena Ka Kund
2. Chand Baori
3. Toorji ka Jhalra
4. Raniji ki Baori
5. Hadi Rani ki Baori

Let’s see each of these stepwells in detail.

1. Panna Meena Ka Kund

Panna Menna ka Kund or Panna Meena Baori is situated near Amber Fort in Jaipur. It was established in the 16th century C.E. The word ‘Baori’ means step wells. These wells were manmade and were used to collect rainwater. It is 200 meters deep and the charm allures tourists from all over the world.

It is said that the stepwell was built by a eunuch named Panna Miah. He worked during the rule of Maharaja Jai Singh in the royal court of Amer. As no one really knows the exact origination of the Panna Meena ka Kund, a number of stories have come down through generations. This is one of them.

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The architectural pattern of the stepwell is quite distinctive. It shows off a beautiful symmetrical look with simple staircases. The plain stairs follow a concentric pattern down towards the pool. However, they go in a zigzag form creating several lovely rhombus shapes on three or four sides of the bowri. The octagonal pavilions called the Chhatris add to the charm of the place. The entire look of the place along with the serene water gives a feeling and experience of the past.

They were constructed mainly to provide water to the locals for the purpose of drinking and other household chores. Also, it was a place where the ladies would gather to talk and spend time with each other. Visit and dive into the uniqueness of the site.

2. Chand Baori

Chand Baori is situated in the Abhaneri village and is one of the oldest of its types. This ancient step well displays the rich cultural heritage of the country together with the stunning architecture.

The history of Chand Baori is over a thousand yearold. King Chanda of the Nikumbha Dynasty built the Chand Baori during the 9th century. The huge structure boasts marvelous geometric patterns that go up to a certain depth.

You will notice 3500 narrow steps arranged flawlessly in symmetrical patterns. These patterns are 13 stories deep. Therefore, it is considered to be one of the deepest step wells in the globe. The brilliant architectural innovation can be noticed in every part of the structure and is worth of praise.

Apart from being an important source of water for the people of that era, it was also the gathering place for the people of the community. There they would have social interactions and indulge in fun cultural activities.

3. Toorji Ka Jhalra

Toorji ka Jhalra is sited in the beautiful city of Jodhpur. This is one of the most visited tourist attractions and is admired by all. It was and still is a significant part of the native culture that narrates an anecdote of the bygone era.

Jhalra also means step well. A queen of Maharaja Abhay Singh constructed Toorji ka Jhalra in the 1740s. This was done to carry on with the age-old tradition of Jodhpur of setting up step wells by the royal ladies.

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The architecture that is seen there is a style that was quite popular during that time period. It is a blend of Rajput, Mughal, and Maratha styles. The precise works on the walls and the intricate carvings are simply mesmerizing. The jhalra consists of seven stories and each one is adorned with different types of designs. Scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata are displayed flawlessly together with various Hindu deities.

Everything at the spot is a real treat to the eyes.

The peaceful and cool atmosphere at the step well is ideal to sit and spend time with yourself. You can also sit and meditate at this historic place. The feeling is truly exhilarating.

4. Raniji Ki Baori

Nestled in the town of Bundi, is the captivating step well called Raniji ki Baori. This one is the largest in Bundi and is popular among tourists visiting the place. The name Raniji ki Baori translates to the queen’s step well.

The story of this step well goes back to the year 1699, when it was built by Rani Nathavati Ji. She was one of the wives of Rao Raja Anirudh Singh. As the previous wife of the ruler could not give birth to an heir, therefore she gave her son to the previous wife. After this, she completely devoted herself to the welfare of the commoners. This was the reason why this stepwell was made.

The baori has about 50 stairs and each floor has a worshipping place. The multi-storeyed structure consists of a narrow entrance with marvelous stone carvings of elephants facing each other. The entrance is also marked with four pillars holding mesmerizing figurines. You will also get to see a lofty arch-shaped gate.

The place is surely an attraction where you need to be to delve through the glorious history. Walking through the stairwell and looking at the details gives goosebumps.

5. Hadi Rani Ki Baori

Hadi Rani ki Baori is placed in the Madikya Colony in the city of Todaraisingh. This place is about 30 kilometers from Tonk and 150 Kilometers from Jaipur. This step well gained a lot of attention after the movie Paheli.

Not only due to the movie, but the beauty of the square-shaped well captivated a lot of hearts combined with the surrounding ambiance. There is a love story or a legend attached to the step well. 

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Hadi Rani was the daughter of a Hada King. She married the Commander in Chief of Mewar, Ratan Chundawat of Salumber. When, Aurangzeb attacked the region between 1653 and 1680, Ratan Chundawat was reluctant to fight the war as he did not want to leave his dearest wife. Seeing this, the brave Hadi Rani sacrificed herself for her husband to give him the courage to fight. He fought until the king attained victory. After this, he joined his beloved bride in the realm beyond the world.

Hadi Rani ki Baori tells the saga of two beloveds who stood strong to fulfill their duty towards their motherland. The architecture is worth all the admiration. It is a double-storeyed structure with an arched doorway. you will find much more when you drop by the place.

So, what do you think of these step wells? When observed nicely, each one is distinctive, welcoming us with a soothing ambiance.

These significant structures give a feeling of awe. They inspire us to know more about the past, together with the then people and the glorious days.

Turn on the exploration mode; hit the road towards these destinations.