Because of terrain and weather states, mainly the northern and western regions of India experience water needs. Due to this, one can find the remains of many early step-wells in Delhi, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The earliest step-wells were easy in terms of structure.
But over time, more focus was given to its decoration and architecture. Each area uses a different term for step-wells. Hindi refers to it as a ‘baori’ or ‘baoli’ Gujarati refers to it as a ‘Vav’. Here, on this topic, let’s read about the famous Stepwell in India.
Check out here the Most Popular Stepwells in India:
1. Pushkarani, Karnataka
Pushkarni is the step well located in Hampi, Karnataka, and it is next to the temples. The stepwell in India can be drafted about the Vijayanagara realm. However, they were the spot of worship by the folks of Hampi. In these water tanks, there were annual boat festivals arranged. But nowadays, most of the step-wells continue to lure guests.
It is considered the city’s most revered stepwell, located near Hazara Rama Temple in the Royal Enclosure.
| Built by: Vijayanagara Empire |
| Unique Feature: Ornate stepped design, part of the royal enclosure |
| Activities: Historical tours, photography |
| Tips: Best visited in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. |
| Nearby Attractions: Visit the nearby Virupaksha Temple and Vittala Temple. |
| Local Cuisine: Try local Karnataka dishes at nearby eateries. |
Read more:
How to Reach Pushkaranis, Karnataka:
By Air: Hampi lacks its own airport, so it isn’t directly accessible by flight. Ballari (Bellary) has the closest airport. The distance between Ballary and Hampi is about 64 km.
By Train: There is no train station in Hampi’s area, so it is not accessible directly by rail. It is located in the city of Hospet. There is a railway station at Hospet Junction. Hampi is just 10 km from Hosapete. Hosapete is easily accessible via bus or other local transportation to Hampi.
By Road: It is easiest to reach Hampi by road. Road connections provide easy access to a number of cities and towns in Karnataka. Many major towns and cities in Karnataka are served by government and private buses. From major cities like Mysore or Bangalore, visitors can hire cabs, cars, and other vehicles.
Read also: Why You Should Travel to India in October
2. Rani ki Vav, Gujarat
UNESCO has designated it as a world heritage site in Patan, Gujarat. This stepwell is near the Saraswati River. And it can outline back to the realm of Chalukya density in the 11th century. According to legend, Udayamati, the wife of Bhima I, made the temple in his memory. The baoli, which restates to Queen’s Stepwell, recalls the Maru-Gurjara architectural type.
There were carvings of Vishnu in his various avatars on the walls. And it was a place of worship. This stepwell consists of seven stages, and every step is adorned with various religious imagery and statues. Their architecture and creative handwork make this stepwell different from others.
| Built by: Queen Udayamati in memory of King Bhimdev I |
| Unique Feature: Intricate carvings, UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Activities: Guided tours, architectural studies |
| Tips: Visit during the cooler months, typically October to March. |
| Nearby Attractions: Explore the Sahastralinga Talav and Patan Patola Heritage Museum. |
| Local Cuisine: Enjoy traditional Gujarati thali at local restaurants. |
How to Reach Rani ki Vav, Gujarat:
By Air: Rani ki Vav is located 123 kilometers from Ahmedabad airport. Getting to Rani ki Vav from the airport can be done by bus or cab. This is the road route from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport to Rani ki Vav.
By Train: Mehsana is the nearest railhead to Rani ki Vav, 55 km away. Getting to Patan from Mehsana is easy by bus or taxi. It takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Here’s the route from Mehsana to Rani ki Vav
By Road: Rani Ki Vav is a small village in the Patan region of Gujarat. The trip takes one day from Ahmedabad, 127 kilometers away. Patan and Ahmedabad can be reached by bus and rented vehicles.
3. Dada Harir Vav, Ahmedabad
Sultan Mahmud Begada made it about 500 years ago. You can relish complex carved columns, walls, and floral sculptures. In addition, it has beautiful marks in its seven-story structural show. As the sunlight passes through its various zones to make a unique look within the stepwell.
It gives the sense of Muslim and Hindu buildings along with the Sanskrit and Arabic scriptures. Bai Harir Sultani built it, Mahmud Begada’s household lady, who also took care of the Royal Harem. At the Sultani Mosque, there is a tomb for Dada Hari ni Vav behind this. It cost about 3,29,000 mahmudis, about one lakh Indian rupees today.
| Built by: Sultan Bai Harir |
| Unique Feature: Ornate carvings, seven levels deep |
| Activities: Heritage walks, photography |
| Tips: Carry water and wear comfortable shoes for exploration. |
| Nearby Attractions: Visit the Adalaj Stepwell and Sabarmati Ashram. |
| Local Cuisine: Try Ahmedabad’s famous street foods like khaman, fafda, and jalebi. |
How to Reach Dada Harir Vav, Ahmedabad:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, approximately 10 km away. You can hire a taxi or use public transport to reach the stepwell.
- By Train: Ahmedabad Junction (ADI) is the nearest railway station, around 5 km from Dada Harir Vav. You can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the site.
- By Road: Ahmedabad is well-connected by road. Local buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis are available to reach Dada Harir Vav.
4. Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi
Delhi’s most famous stepwell is located close to Connaught Place in the dubious core of the city. It is a more popular spot for college kids than tourist attractions. However, this place has become famous due to the Bollywood movie PK.
There is no mark of who made this 60 m long step well. The Mahabharata period was the time when King Agrasen made it. And then later Agarwal community, the children of the kings rebuilt in the 14th century. Recently, the step has also undergone restoration work. The stepwell consists of hundreds of stairs that used to be dipped in water. The deepest part is now accessible by walking through the halls and rooms.
| Built by: Agrasen |
| Unique Feature: Historical significance, urban setting |
| Activities: Sightseeing, photography |
| Tips: Visit early to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience. |
| Nearby Attractions: Explore Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar, and India Gate. |
| Local Cuisine: Enjoy Delhi’s street food like chaat, parathas, and kebabs. |
How to Reach Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi:
- By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport is the nearest airport, approximately 20 km away. You can take a taxi or metro to reach Connaught Place.
- By Train: New Delhi Railway Station is around 2 km from Agrasen ki Baoli. You can take an auto-rickshaw, taxi, or metro to Rajiv Chowk.
- By Metro: The nearest metro station is Rajiv Chowk on the Yellow and Blue Lines, about a 10-minute walk from the stepwell.
- By Road: Delhi is well-connected by road. Local buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis are readily available.
5. Helical Stepwell, Champaner
This spiral stepwell was made during the 16th century CE, near Chamapner towards Vadodara.
It puffs a helical staircase 1.2 meters wide, narrower to the center and broader towards the wall. Steps are made of stone, while walls are constructed from bricks. However, this place has many areas where people can take some rest. It is a fantastic structure with a circular staircase guiding down to the water.
There are the Pavagadh gills near the Champagne. And it looms the city and brags many ponds and pools. This is because it is also called ‘the hills of a hundred pools’.
There are more than 500 step wells in Gujarat, most of which date back to 600 AD. Only one helical stepwell in the 16th century AD was found on the Halol – Pavagadh road. Read Also: Top Destinations to See Near Vadodara within 100 km.
| Built by: Unknown |
| Unique Feature: Helical design, spiral staircase |
| Activities: Historical tours, photography |
| Tips: Combine your visit with a tour of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park. |
| Nearby Attractions: Visit the Kalika Mata Temple and Jami Masjid. |
| Local Cuisine: Sample local Gujarati snacks like dhokla, thepla, and khandvi. |
How to Reach Helical Stepwell, Champaner:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Vadodara Airport, approximately 50 km away. You can hire a taxi to reach Champaner.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Champaner Road, about 5 km from the stepwell. You can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi.
- By Road: Champaner is well-connected by road. Buses and taxis are available from major cities like Vadodara and Ahmedabad.
6. Panna Meena Ka Kund, Jaipur
It is one of the most famous architectural wonders the pink city can have. Panna Meena ka Kund was the old stepwell and is also unexplored. Made in the 16th century. It was built to deliver local water for drinking and other daily requirements during yield irrigation and dry summers.
Residents living around the kund used the kund as a center for social interaction. Here people would collect and sit on the different levels of a stairwell and talk with each other.
| Built by: Unknown |
| Unique Feature: Symmetrical steps, picturesque setting |
| Activities: Sightseeing, photography |
| Tips: Visit early in the morning for the best light for photography and fewer tourists. |
| Nearby Attractions: Explore the Amer Fort and Jal Mahal. |
| Local Cuisine: Try Rajasthani dishes like dal baati churma and ghewar. |
How to Reach Panna Meena Ka Kund, Jaipur:
- By Air: Jaipur International Airport is the nearest airport, approximately 20 km away. You can hire a taxi or use public transport to reach Amer.
- By Train: Jaipur Railway Station is around 12 km from Panna Meena Ka Kund. You can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to Amer.
- By Road: Jaipur is well-connected by road. Local buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis are available to reach Amer.
7. Muskin Bhanvi, Lakkundi, Karnataka
Are you touring from Hubballi to Hampi? Don’t miss this lovely step well from the 12th century. It’s located in Lakkundi, a village with many ruined temples and step-wells from this period when Chalukya construction peaked.
The step well, Muskin Bhanvi, is located near the temple of Manikesvara. There are several shrines within the steps of the structure, which spread out from under the temple. Also, read 10 Popular Historical Monuments Sites In Karnataka.
To promote the wells and temples in the village, Lakkundi Utsav is held annually over two days.
| Built by: Chalukya Dynasty |
| Unique Feature: Intricate carvings, historical significance |
| Activities: Heritage walks, architectural studies |
| Tips: Pair your visit with other nearby historical sites in Lakkundi. |
| Nearby Attractions: Visit the Kashi Vishweshwara Temple and Brahma Jinalaya. |
| Local Cuisine: Enjoy Karnataka specialties like bisi bele bath and ragi mudde. |
How to Reach Muskin Bhanvi, Lakkundi, Karnataka:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Hubli Airport, about 75 km away. You can hire a taxi to reach Lakkundi.
- By Train: Gadag Junction is the nearest railway station, approximately 12 km from Lakkundi. You can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the site.
- By Road: Lakkundi is well-connected by road. Buses and taxis are available from Gadag and other nearby towns.
8. Navlakhi Vav, Vadodara
The unique Lakshmi Vilas Palace is the residence of the 15th-century Navlakhi Vav. It is felt that around 9 lakh gold coins were spent to make this amazing structure. It was used to serve and store water in the Lakshmi Vilas Palace.
The local Army hid in the step well and guarded them when the enemies attacked the place. Nowadays, it aids in the spraying of the ball court, which is close to it. The Laxmi Vilas Palace was watered by it in the old days.
| Built by: Unknown |
| Unique Feature: Historical architecture, deep stepwell |
| Activities: Historical tours, photography |
| Tips: Best visited during the cooler months to avoid extreme heat. |
| Nearby Attractions: Explore the Laxmi Vilas Palace and Sayaji Baug. |
| Local Cuisine: Try Vadodara’s famous sev usal and Gujarati thali. |
How to Reach Navlakhi Vav, Vadodara:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Vadodara Airport, around 7 km away. You can hire a taxi or use public transport to reach Navlakhi Vav.
- By Train: Vadodara Railway Station is approximately 4 km from the stepwell. You can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the site.
- By Road: Vadodara is well-connected by road. Local buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis are available.
9. Baoli Ghaus Ali Shah, Haryana
An 18th-century stepwell was built at Farukhnagar by local chief Ghaus Ali Shah under Farrukh Siyar. In the center of the baoli are a tank and stone steps. There were even rooms where women could relax after taking baths in this bathhouse. The ASI shields the baoli today.
| Built by: Ghaus Ali Shah |
| Unique Feature: Unique architecture, historical significance |
| Activities: Sightseeing, photography |
| Tips: Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Farrukhnagar Fort. |
| Nearby Attractions: Visit the Sheesh Mahal and Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary. |
| Local Cuisine: Enjoy local Haryanvi dishes like kachri ki sabzi and bajra roti. |
How to Reach Baoli Ghaus Ali Shah, Haryana:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, about 60 km away. You can hire a taxi to reach Farrukhnagar.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Gurgaon Railway Station, approximately 25 km from Farrukhnagar. You can take a taxi or bus.
- By Road: Farrukhnagar is well-connected by road. Buses and taxis are available from Gurgaon and Delhi.
10. Jachcha ki Baori, Rajasthan
A stepwell in Hindaun, Rajasthan, is the largest in the world. According to legend, Lakkhi Banjara built the monastery in the 14th century. Several myths surround it, one of which is that it has such pure water that one does not need soap to wash one’s attire.
The regime has made efforts to restore the baori, a traditional water structure.
| Unique Feature: Unique steps, historical significance |
| Activities: Historical tours, photography |
| Tips: Explore other stepwells and palaces in Bundi for a comprehensive experience. |
| Nearby Attractions: Visit the Bundi Palace and Taragarh Fort. |
| Local Cuisine: Try Bundi’s traditional snacks like dal kachori and baati. |
How to Reach Jachcha ki Baori, Rajasthan:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, around 200 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Bundi.
- By Train: Bundi Railway Station is the nearest railway station, approximately 5 km from the stepwell. You can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi.
- By Road: Bundi is well-connected by road. Buses and taxis are available from major cities like Jaipur and Kota.
11. Toor Ji ki Jhalra, Rajasthan
Restored in recent years, Toor Ji ki Jhalra was originally built in the 18th century. This step well served the residents of Jodhpur as a water source. Stepwells made of red sandstone had carvings of animals and gods carved on them.
It is seen as one of the top step-wells in the country. Now that it has been cleaned, many locals visit the pond, mainly kids who enjoy taking a dip in the old pond. Read Also: 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Rajasthan.
| Built by: Maharaja Abhay Singh’s Consort |
| Unique Feature: Restored stepwell, a popular tourist spot |
| Activities: Sightseeing, photography |
| Tips: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. |
| Nearby Attractions: Explore the Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. |
| Local Cuisine: Enjoy Jodhpur’s famous mirchi vada and mawa kachori. |
How to Reach Toor Ji ki Jhalra, Rajasthan:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jodhpur Airport, about 6 km away. You can hire a taxi or use public transport to reach the stepwell.
- By Train: Jodhpur Railway Station is around 2 km from Toor Ji ki Jhalra. You can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi.
- By Road: Jodhpur is well-connected by road. Local buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis are available.
12. Shahi Baoli, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Bada Imambara is an imposing 18th-century complex that includes this royal step well. This complex was built as a Muslim prayer hall by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. There was a design by Mughal architects from Delhi.
During the complex’s lengthy construction, the step well-provided drinking water by connecting to the Gomti River. Later, it served as a royal guesthouse with marble floors and fountains.
Visitors could eye their reflections in the water of the well as they entered from the main gate due to its unique architecture. Its recited arcs also have a unique geometry.
| Built by: Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula |
| Unique Feature: Mughal architecture, historical significance |
| Activities: Historical tours, architectural studies |
| Tips: Combine your visit with a tour of the nearby Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza. |
| Nearby Attractions: Explore the Chota Imambara and British Residency. |
| Local Cuisine: Try Lucknow’s famous kebabs and biryanis. |
How to Reach Shahi Baoli, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh:
- By Air: Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport is the nearest airport, approximately 15 km away. You can hire a taxi or use public transport.
- By Train: Lucknow Junction is around 4 km from Shahi Baoli. You can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the site.
- By Road: Lucknow is well-connected by road. Local buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis are available.
These are the famous step-wells in India. Plan your next trip to these famous step-wells and enjoy your life. Furthermore, you will get to know about Indian history.
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