Chand Baori is a deep four-sided well at Abhaneri in Rajasthan, India. This is one of the most photogenic step well of India. Get ready to get lost in maze like symmetric triangular steps leading to the well. Read through to know more about the history of Chand Baori.
How to get there?
Chand Baori is at a distance of 93kms from Jaipur, Rajasthan. It takes around 2 hours to reach Chand Baori from Jaipur. It is about 236km from Delhi, Capital of India. It takes around 5 hours to reach from Delhi.
Architectural Marvel – Chand Baori
Chand Baori is 19.5 meters deep square step well, making it one of the deepest and largest stepwell of India. It consists of 3500 narrow steps over 13 stories on the three sides and haveli-Pavilion/resting rooms on the other side. Bottom of the well remains 5-6 degrees cooler than at the surface. So Chand Baori was used as a community gathering place for locals during intense heat.
Steep geometrically symmetric triangular Steps on the three sides of the step-well ensures that one gets down or up side ways and not straight. It is a complete maze and is impossible to take the same route one took to go down or up the step well.
Fourth side of the step-well has multiple levels. Two patios project towards the step well and are adorned with the idols of Mahishasuramardini and Lord Ganesha.
History of Chand Baori
Chand Baori is one of the oldest step-well built by kind Chanda(Chandra) of Nikumbh Dynasty who ruled Abhaneri(Abhanagari) during 8th or 9th Century A.D. Oldest part of the well dates back to 9th century. Upper part of the well was built around 18th century by the Mughals. This step-well served multiple purposes including drawing water and religious or ceremonies activities.
Excavated stones of the temple are now kept by the Archaeological survey of India in the arcades of the wall.
Chand Baori is featured in many films like The Dark Knight Rises, The Fall, Bhool Bhulaiyaa etc.
Travel Tips
- Carry cap, water bottle, sunscreen as it gets extremely hot during the day.
- September to March is the best time to visit. It is extremely hot during April/May and rainy from June – August.
- Hiring a guide is a must to understand the architecture of the step-well and also to understand the history. Guides who can speak multiple languages are available. They charge a fixed nominal fee. Feel free to give them a tip if you like their service.
