Chand Baori stepwell in Abhaneri had been on my list for so long and I grabbed the chance to visit the mysterious stepwell during my trip to Jaipur.
What comes to your mind when you talk about visiting historical destinations?
Forts. Palaces. Temples. Tombs.
Can we think beyond forts and palaces? What about the glorious ancient stepwell?
What exactly do you mean by step-wells?
Ever heard of them? Stepwells simply mean “wells with stairs.”
In ancient times (an era when water was worshipped as it gives life), step-wells were uniquely built to harvest rainwater during the rainy season, and conserve it through successive dry and arid seasons to facilitate people during the water shortage.
See, we were ecologically more responsible in past times.
The step wells are referred to as baoli or baori or bawdi in Hindi.
Ancient baoris or step wells were the greatest public monuments, accessible to everyone regardless of their gender, color, caste, and religion. Constructing a stepwell was a favored philanthropic activity of royal families then.
Stepwells weren’t just water storage tanks but were amazingly intricate coups of architecture, engineering, and art.
Archaeological excavations of prehistoric sites provided evidence of the existence of step-wells since Harappa and Mohenjodaro era. So, step-wells roughly have 5,000 years old history.
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Odyssey to Incomparable Ancient Indian Stepwell in Abhaneri
It all began with a column in a newspaper.
A picture of a striking stone structure with mathematically accurate steps winding deep into the ground ornamented in such an exquisite way on all sides caught my attention.
I never knew that a water storage tank could be used for purposes like social interactions and stage performances.
Awestricken, I instantly added Chand Baori to my bucket list.
I researched it on the internet and decided to take some time out to visit this artsy wonder during my trip to Jaipur next month.
However, I was quite apprehensive about whether we’d be able to take some time to visit this strange little town of Abhaneri (Abha Nagri – City of Brightness) or not. Luckily we made it! 🙂
Abhaneri, once part of a booming empire now lies relinquished by days of yore.
Mini-me was (as always) excited to take another history lesson in a fun way.
It was time to unclothe the mystery behind Chand Baori Stepwell in Abhaneri.
Read More: 3 Days in Jaipur – A Complete Itinerary
Chand Baori Stepwell in Abhaneri – Crafted with Perfection
Chand Baori aka Moon Well in Abhaneri village of Rajasthan is one of the most esoteric and odd places in Rajasthan.
It certainly is a visual delight! It’s known to be the deepest step well (3500 steps moving down 20 meters that’s 13 stories) in the world.
The ancient stepwell is utter poetry. It’s the finest example of human brilliance and endurance.
The meticulousness of design is bound to leave you scatterbrained.
As soon as you enter, a mind-boggling brilliant maze welcomes you!!! Sparsely visited majestic Chand Baori looks glorious in all its forlornness.
Related Read: How to Spend 4 Days in Udaipur
King Chanda of the Nikumbha dynasty built this stepwell between the 8th and 9th centuries to answer the problem of water shortage in the parched land of Abhaneri, and thus it’s named after him.
It also served as a place for devotees to wash their hands and feet before entering the Harshat Mata temple.
This square-shaped stepwell is surrounded by geometric steps on three sides and a fort on the fourth side with successive rooms, corridors with exquisitely carved images, a stage for performances, and balconies.
The corridors around the stepwell house have many excavated stone sculptures and carved pillars, some in ruins and some wonderfully preserved.
Learn More: Best Places to Visit in Bikaner
Looking deep into the well you would wonder how the artisans of that era dug 100 feet below the ground and created this mystic architectural marvel.
It seems to be implausible and overwhelming even for architects and engineers of modern times. The accuracy in numbers and imbrication is a typical instance of the prowess of Indian artisans of those times.
The fact that it was built in an age when advanced equipment and electricity were a distant dream makes me bow down to the artisans and sculptors of those times.
No matter how and from which angle you look at it, it truly is an architectural marvel and a place of great allure and wonder.
I wanted to step inside the baori but the person in charge informed me that it’s not allowed to go down because of a few deleterious incidents in the past and thus, fencing has been done to stop people from venturing inside.
A shade of bright green color of water (because of algae growth) in Chand Baori was bestowing intense hues to the ancient murky steps.
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Harshat Mata Temple
Chand Baori stepwell in Abhaneri is dedicated to the ‘Harshat Mata Goddess’ who’s the goddess of joy, happiness, and brightness.
The domed temple stands adjacent to the Chand Baori. One needs to climb a flight of stairs to reach the temple.
Harshat Mata Temple too has a perplexing and gloomy aura like Chand Baori but still looks divine in all its ruins.
The exquisite carvings on pillars by the artisans literally steal your heart.
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One can see the broken statues and columns scattered across the temple courtyard. Muslim Invaders (Mahmud Ghazni) in the 10th century damaged the structure.
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Legends of Chand Baori Stepwell in Abhaneri
Locals claim that this architectural masterpiece was built by ghosts in just one night. ‘What!’ I proclaimed.
I mean the kind of geometrical symmetry and architectural complexity the place displays certainly would have taken half a decade to build it.
It is also believed to be haunted by a djinn, which would never ever let you climb up the same stairs that you used to get down in the stepwell. Ghoulish!!!
There are different versions of a story but all of them prove the place to be haunted. Natives enjoy narrating stories to travelers and tourists.
Stories; real or unreal or made-up, make our life worth living! Isn’t it?
I’m really not a believer in paranormal or supernatural phenomena but an inexplicable bizarre sense chased me inside the Chand Baori.
An unusual and strange atmosphere with the hostile and echoing sound of pigeons, creepy air, hovering bats, and honey bees buzzing all around the place makes one give credence to its hauntedness.
If you look closely, each stone tells a story.
This magnificent stepwell has also been featured in Hollywood movies viz. The Fall, The Dark Knight Rises, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and Bollywood movies like Paheli and Bhool Bhulaiyaa.
Sadly, the most disquieting scenes in these movies are shot here to encash their ghastly status.
UNESCO’s and Preservationists’ endeavor to make people and modern architects realize the value of ancient baoris is worth mentioning. Archaeological Survey of India manages Chand Baori.
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There are many ancient step-wells in India similar to Chand Baori –
- Rani-ki-vav, Patan, Gujarat
- Adalaj ni vav, Adalaj, Gujarat
- Rani ji ki Baori, Bundi, Rajasthan
- Agrasen Ki Baoli, New Delhi
- Rajon Ki Baoli, Delhi
- Gandhak ki Baoli, Delhi
- Hampi Pushkarni, Hampi, Karnataka
- Lakkundi Kalyanis, Hampi, Karnataka
- Surya Kund, Modhera, Gujarat
Abhaneri Festival
Abhaneri Festival is celebrated inside Chand Baori every year usually around the end of September or the start of October.
The festival lasts for 2 to 4 days from 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening.
The festival is regulated by the district administration of Dausa with the help of the Department of Tourism, the Government of Rajasthan.
It commemorates Abhaneri’s rich history, culture, and traditions dating back to post Gupta and early medieval eras.
Many cultural performances, vivid activities, traditional dances, and artisans selling handicrafts during the festival attract visitors from around the world to this remote tiny village in Rajasthan.
Abhaneri Festival 2019 is scheduled from September 30th to October 1st.
There are many lovely accommodations and hotels in Dausa for you to stay close to Abhaneri during the festival.
How to Reach Chand Baori Stepwell
Abhaneri is a few miles (60 miles) away from Jaipur. Abhaneri village in the Dausa district of Rajasthan snugly hides Chand Baori.
Abhaneri is on NH11, on the Jaipur-Agra road. We had to take a detour from NH-11 (Jaipur-Agra road) nevertheless driving is pleasant because the condition of the roads is quite good. Rural roads in such good shape took me by surprise.
If you are coming from Jaipur, take a bus to Sikandra village from Sindhi Camp Bus Stand in Jaipur and then Jeep to and from Abhaneri.
Alternatively, you can take a train to Bandikui from Jaipur railway station and then a bus or taxi to Abhaneri.
Google Maps App comes in handy if you plan to travel by car. Abhaneri is 95.8 km from Jaipur via NH-11 and NH-22 which takes around 2 hours to reach.
Parking is easily available onsite. It costs anywhere around INR 5o to 100 for a car and INR 10 to 30 for a motorcycle.
The nearest bus stand and railway station are at Dausa and Nearest airport is Sanganer Airport, Jaipur.
Taxis or local buses are available for Abhaneri at the railway station and airport. Regular bus service is available for all the nearby cities like Agra, Jaipur, Bikaner, Bharatpur, and Ajmer from Dausa.
Best Time to Visit Chand Baori Stepwell
The ideal time to visit Chand Baori Stepwell in Abhaneri or any place in Rajasthan for that matter is in autumn and winter (October to February) when the desert sun is not as harsh as in summer.
Exploring becomes more fun when days are pleasant, you know.
Entry-Fee
There’s no entry fee to Chand Baori.
Operational Timings
It is open 365 days from 8 am to 6 pm (sunrise to sunset)
Average Time Needed
It takes not more than an hour to explore Chand Baori and Harshat Mata Temple.
Travel Tips for Visiting Chand Baori, Abhaneri
- Plan a visit from October to February.
- Rent a car or hire a taxi from Jaipur to travel to Chand Baori. Public transportation is difficult to deal with here.
- Booking a day tour with Viator is another excellent option.
- You can explore Bhangarh Fort along the way to Chand Baori. It’s deemed as one of the most haunted places in India.
- Hiring a local guide can help you in knowing the history in a better way.
- Keeping a Water Purifier Bottle is a safe bet.
- Pack a lot of dry and light snacks more so if kids are traveling with you.
Read More: Best Hotels in Bikaner
Best Chand Baori Tours
The Exquisitely appealing colossal step well is sure to lure you if you are a history buff like me.
Add a touch of history to your travels! Don’t forget to visit Chand Baori during your trip to Pink City – Jaipur.
PS: Meanwhile, I have added many more historic step wells to my bucket list 🙂
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For tours & day trips: Viator, Get Your Guide, and Klook. They offer the best city tours and day excursions in India.
For guidance on the go: A Lonely Planet Guidebook for India comes in handy here.
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I’ve heard of Chand Baori many times, but hard luck never got to see it. It looks so beautiful and a natural place in the photos you’ve shared.
Jhilmil, it’s much more than the pictures can show. Hope you get to see Chand Baori in real soon 🙂
I’ve heard of Chand Baori many times, but hard luck never got to see it. It looks so beautiful and a natural place in the photos you’ve shared.
The architecture of it all is phenomenal! Look at those bird mid flight in the picture! Loved your post and how you give us hepful details (e.g no entrance fee etc)!
Architecture is really mind-boggling and flocking pigeons are one of the most common and amazing sights at Chand Baori. I loved taking their pics. Thank you so much for reading and taking time to appreciate 🙂
I was there last year and was completely overpowered by the grandeur of the place. The impeccable architecture absolutely awe-struck me. It definitely deserved the UNESCO recognition and I’m so delighted it finally got its appreciation from across the world .
Yeah, Ratisha! I felt the same way. I have never seen such a visually spectacular architecture in my life. Thanks to the environmentalists who worked hard to place Chand Baori on the world map.
Arrrg I am quite mad of myself because we never visited this amazing place when we were in Jaipur in 2014! I dont know why we did go there I cant even remember! I will not say never but we will problably never going back there again (so much other places to tick off my list). Sign.
It happens. We miss out on the places that aren’t popular and thus, they remain hidden and off the beaten paths. And obviously we can’t really go back to same place again and again when we have a list of places to tick off. Still bookmark it in case you get a chance to visit Rajasthan anytime again 🙂
Love this article. I did not know about these beautiful places either. Thank you for showing me. And now I have to see one too!
Thank you 🙂
Absolutely MIND-BLOWING photos. Lovely stuff xo
What a beautiful place to visit, thanks for sharing.
Rajhasthan is certainly on my bucket list. I wont to explore India with my daughter, but I am waiting until she is a little older before I take her.
Rajasthan is a perfect place to visit with kids because of the history, architecture and culture it envelopes. Your daughter will learn a lot while having fun but yes she should be old enough to understand. All the best!
Wow this looks so beautiful!! I’ve never been there!
What an amazing place to visit. I’d never heard of stepwells before but would love to see the architecture of them myself. Harshat Mata Temple Is definitely somewhere I’d love to visit myself.
What an amazing experience to visit this place, which I have never heard of by the way. The pictures are breathtaking. Thanks you for sharing…incredible!!!
Thank you 🙂
Ancient artisans were really creative! The architectural designs are amazing. I would like to see the step-well at the entrance Harshat Mata temple.
Ancient artisans were really creative! The architectural designs are amazing. I would like to see the step-well at the entrance Harshat Mata temple.
The architecture and scenes her are beautiful – I would love to be able to visit one day!
The architecture and scenes her are beautiful – I would love to be able to visit one day!
Wow. That stepwell is phenomenal. The only place it reminds me of, from a limited list that I’ve seen, is Chichen Itza. It pretty on the pictures, but when you are actually there the energy of the place is very strong.
Chichen Itza’s architecture looks astonishing. I would love to witness the place in real someday. True, some of the historical marvels look beautiful in pictures but the feel that you get when you visit is strong on the senses.
Wow. That stepwell is phenomenal. The only place it reminds me of, from a limited list that I’ve seen, is Chichen Itza. It pretty on the pictures, but when you are actually there the energy of the place is very strong.
I did not know about these beautiful places either. Really amazing place to visit. Thanks for sharing. I will explore this place with my son soon.
Yes, Kavita! You should definitely explore Chand Baori with your son. Traveling to historical places is a real time learning plus fun for kids.
I did not know about these beautiful places either. Really amazing place to visit. Thanks for sharing. I will explore this place with my son soon.
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Yes i never herd of ‘glorious ancient stepwells’ and it’s mind-boggling to imagine how people were able to dig so deep into the ground with no advanced technology like we have today. This is indeed beautiful and impressive!
Yes i never herd of ‘glorious ancient stepwells’ and it’s mind-boggling to imagine how people were able to dig so deep into the ground with no advanced technology like we have today. This is indeed beautiful and impressive!
Amazing article
Amazing article
It’s amazing how much they accomplished in ancient times without the use of construction equipment, fuel, and technology! Mind boggling even!
It’s amazing how much they accomplished in ancient times without the use of construction equipment, fuel, and technology! Mind boggling even!
How incredible! When I read about things like these step walls, I can’t help but think “How did people build and design these so many years ago? Without computers or fancy designs?” I hope to see them one day. x
How incredible! When I read about things like these step walls, I can’t help but think “How did people build and design these so many years ago? Without computers or fancy designs?” I hope to see them one day. x
Those arches are stunning :O! I’ve always loved visiting places with a lot of history so this would be really cool to see in person.
Those arches are stunning :O! I’ve always loved visiting places with a lot of history so this would be really cool to see in person.
This place looks incredible. I havent head of Rajasthan but I am blown away by the photos.
This place looks incredible. I havent head of Rajasthan but I am blown away by the photos.
I went to Rajasthan last year with my grandma, as part of our Golden Triangle Tour – it was such an interesting place to visit, and I’d love to go back, as I never saw Chand Baori! x
I went to Rajasthan last year with my grandma, as part of our Golden Triangle Tour – it was such an interesting place to visit, and I’d love to go back, as I never saw Chand Baori! x
This is incredible! I’d never heard of a stepwell before, and when you said this one was 13 stories high!? Just imagine making that journey for water back when it was created. Truly impressive.
This is incredible! I’d never heard of a stepwell before, and when you said this one was 13 stories high!? Just imagine making that journey for water back when it was created. Truly impressive.
I have seen several of the movies that they have shot at that location but I was unaware of Chand Baori specifically. It does look so cool there. I would love to go and visit.
I have to say that I love the narrative stories myself behind things like Chand Baori. There is so much to learn within the culture of the area from places like that!
Thanks for sharing this beautiful places! Would love to visit some of these temples 🙂
Thanks for sharing this beautiful places! Would love to visit some of these temples 🙂
Wow! This is such a great place to visit! Oh how i wish i can visit here too someday.
Those architecture looks phenomenal and creative. This is such a great place to visit. I would love to come in one of those temples.
you find the best things when you go off the beaten track and follow your inspiration. Awesome!
Chand Baori is an amazing place. last year I visited there with my family. it is the best place for visiting with family. it represents India’s culture. I love this place.
I have been to Jaipur several times but seems that I missed out this place everytime I was there. Will make sure for the next time. Thanks for reminding…
Such a beautiful place. This is a really great post.
Thank you for this very nice post with us
i really love this place. very nice, thanks for sharing this post with us.
the energy of the place is very strong.
ThankYou for these posting Beautiful pictures and nice to describe these pictures.