So let’s dive straight into Rani-ki-Vav Details, History, Architecture and why is it so important to India?

What is Rani-ki-Vav?

Rani-ki-Vav literally translates to ‘Queen’s Stepwell’. ‘Vav’ in Gujarati is a stepwell. Stepwells are one of the water conservation methods that were used traditionally in India. The stepwells were designed to store water for drinking purposes as well as for other utilities. Stepwells are found in most states of India clearly showing their utility in the yesteryears. Due to its design, the water at the end of the storey remained cool and gave a much-needed respite to the locals. Stepwells are called Baoli in Delhi (Read: Agrasen ki Baoli) and Kund in Rajasthan (Read: Panna Meena ka Kund, Jaipur). 

Stepwells were constructed either in circular or rectangular shapes and were multi-storeyed. The Rani-ki-Vav structure is rectangular and is seven storeys deep while the well is circular in shape. Steps that lead to the water stored underground are intricately carved.

Where is Rani-ki-Vav?

After Patan Patola, the next best thing in Patan is Rani-ki-Vav. Or is it the other way around? Rani-ki-Vav is situated in the town of Patan in Gujarat. It is located on the banks of the Saraswati river.

History of Rani ki vav stepwell

Rani-ki-Vav is an 11th-century stepwell located on the banks of the Saraswati River. According to a Jain chronicle, it was built by a queen which is how the stepwell got the name. Queen Udayamati built the stepwell in memory of her husband Bhima I (1020-1064) but it was possibly completed by another Chalukya king.  

The stepwell was a major landmark for the area that provided water to thousands. It was not only a hydrological project as well as a religious structure. It was designed as an inverted temple respecting the sanctity of water which was scarce in those times.

The stepwell was buried till the 1980s, due to excessive flooding of the river Saraswati. After excavation, archaeologists found the intricate carvings which it was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Why is Rani-ki-Vav on 100 Rupees Currency Note?

Throughout history, Indian currency notes have been popular and widely acclaimed for their magnificent architectural images. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to print Historical Monuments on Indian currency to display the cultural diversity and achievements of the country.

Rani-ki-Vav was chosen to be featured on the 100 Rupees Currency Note.

I have been to Konark Sun Temple which features on 10 Rupee Note and Red Fort Delhi which features on 500 Rupee Note.

Rani-ki-Vav Architecture 

Rani-ki-Vav is known to have been built by men of the Chalukyan dynasty in the Maru-Gurjara architectural style. The stepwell is classified as a Nanda-style stepwell, a style that originated in the medieval ages. The carvings demonstrate mastery of this complex technique and great beauty of detail and proportions. 

This stepwell is 213 feet (65m) wide, 66 feet (20m) long and 100 feet deep (28m). A gateway to the stepwell is accessed by a flight of stairs. The seven levels of stairs lead to a deep circular well. There are stepped corridors at every level with pavilions. More than 200 pillars grace the structure and the walls, as well as the pillars, are adorned with carvings and inscriptions. 

The Sculptures of Rani-ki-vav | An exhibition gallery chiselled in stone

There are over 3000 plates of sculptures all over the walls, steps and pillars and over 1500 religious and mythological sculptures and secular nature in various sizes, the site is highly decorated.

Apsaras, Yoginis and Nagkanyas

There are also sculptures of women in the form of Apsaras, Yoginis and Nagkanyas seen in a variety of poses, mostly displaying them in a domestic setting. The young women are portrayed in a variety of attitudes—bearing objects of worship such as lamps, conch shells, bells, garlands, or fly-whisks; adorning themselves with earrings or anklets; gazing into a mirror; dancing, sporting with balls; reacting to mischievous monkeys, and so on.

Even more striking are the sculptures of the ‘serpent maidens’ or Nagkanyas. These figures carry cranial cups overflowing with fish and snakes and have cobras coiled around their limbs. Some of the sculptures depict owls perched on an overhanging ledge while others have peacocks, considered as being the natural enemies of snakes.

Patola Saree Design Inspiration

Some motifs on the walls have been adapted as designs on the beautiful hand-woven Patola saris since the 11th century in Patan. It is said that more than 700 Patola weaver families were invited from Jalna in Maharashtra to settle in Salvivad near Patan by King Siddharaja. The fine silk and the double ikat weave of Patola were prized by the royalty as ceremonial and holy cloth. Today, hardly three-four families carry on the traditional handloom weaving of Patola, and one of the Salvi families has built a Patola House in Patan as a museum-cum-weaving centre.

Lord Vishnu avatars in Rani-ki-Vav

The sculptures at Rani-ki-Vav are in devotion to Lord Vishnu, in the forms of Dashavatara (10 avatars) that are Kalki, Rama, Mahisasurmardini, Narsinh, Vaman, Varaha and others representing their return to the world. I have seen similar sculptures in Badami cave temples and Aihole temple town.

At water level, Lord Vishnu manifests himself as Sheshashayi, reclining on a thousand-hooded serpent and his famous reclining pose, sleeping after having provided for the world.

My visit to Rani-ki-Vav Patan

I thought I might not be in as much awe as on my first visit to Rani-ki-Vav. But I was wrong. 

After scanning the QR code on my entry ticket I walked on a pathway that was surrounded by manicured gardens. The pathway opened up to the grand stepwell.

Of the many stepwells in Gujarat, this is one of the most finely kept and preserved Vavs in Gujarat. As I climbed a few steps down I can see the steps leading to the reservoir down. I couldn’t help but notice that the Rani-ki-Vav is divided into seven levels of stairs which lead down to a deep circular well. A stepped corridor is compartmentalized at regular intervals with pillared multistory pavilions. The walls, pillars, columns, brackets and beams are ornamented with carvings and scrollwork. The niches in the side walls are ornamented with beautiful and delicate figures and sculptures. There are 212 pillars in the stepwell.

I spent the next one house ogling at the sculptures and photographing them.

Rani-ki-Vav timing

The stepwell is open every day, including Sundays, from 8 am to 6 pm. 

Rani-ki-Vav entry fee

INR 40 for Indian Nationals and INR 600 for Foreign Nationals. Photography is included in this fee but tripods and drones are not allowed. Prior permission needs to be obtained for drone shooting.

Best time to visit Rani-ki-Vav stepwell

Mornings and evenings are the best time to visit the stepwell as the weather is very pleasant.

Month wise, Gujarat is extremely hot during summers with temperatures rising up to 45 degrees. Monsoon is humid making it better than summer but still uncomfortable to walk. Winters are the best season to visit Gujarat.

Where is Rani-ki-Vav and How to reach 

By road

Rani-ki-Vav is located in Patan and is a popular one day trip from Ahmedabad. Patan is 127 km away and can easily be combined with Modhera Sun Temple and Vadnagar. Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) buses ply between Patan and Ahmedabad and other major cities of Gujarat regularly. From the Patan Bus stand, Rani-ki-Vav is only 4 km and one can easily get an auto-rickshaw to reach it.

Visitors can hire one-day private taxi from Ahmedabad to cover Modhera and Patan in one day.

By train

The nearest railway station to Patan is Mehsana. However, the connectivity is not great in major cities of India. So one can take a train to Ahmedabad and then a bus or taxi to Patan. 

By flight

The nearest airport to Rani-ki-Vav is Ahmedabad airport at a distance of 123 km. You can take a bus or a cab from the airport to reach the stepwell. 

Hotels near Rani-ki-Vav, Patan

Since most people prefer a one day trip from Ahmedabad, the accommodation options in Patan are fewer. There are a few mid-range hotels in case you want to extend your stay.

Hotel The Grand Piano

The Grand Raveta 

Other places to visit in Patan

Temples of Patan

Patan was an important site for the Jain community during the Solanki rule (950-1300 CE), who built several beautiful temples in the area. The largest group of temples, comprising over 100 structures, is the Panchasara Parshvanath Jain Derasar, which is distinguished by its typical architecture of white marble floors and fine stone carvings. Among them, the Kapur Mehta Na Pado is known for its beautiful wooden interiors and Mahavir Swami Derasar in Dhandherwad is one of the most prominent ones.

Sahastraling Talav

Also known as Durlabh Sarovar, this man-made reservoir was built on the Durlabh Sarovar to transfer water from the Saraswati river. Constructed in medieval times, engineering is commendable as it is among the biggest waterfront constructions made during those times. The reservoir looks like a work of art as intricate carvings of deities grace its walls and columns. The monument is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Patan Patola Heritage Museum

While visiting Patan it is only fair to witness the making of a Patola saree. Making of Patola involves a very intricate and complex warp and weft weaving. Patola weaving requires a lot of skill, precise mental calculations, vibrant imagination, patience, undivided attention, and agility of the hand. Because of the skill required, only a couple of families practice this traditional art in Patan. The Patan Patola Heritage Museum is a must-visit for Patola silk weaving in action.

The Patola weave is exclusively done on silk with double ikat weaving. Vegetable dyes are used to add colour to the fabric. Sarees and stoles are made from the weave and they cost anywhere between INR 20,000 and INR 20,00,000, depending on the intricacy of the work.

Sustainable tips for the visit to Rann Vav

• Being an ancient stepwell, respect the structures by not defacing them. 
• Do not harm the structures by carving or writing on it.
• Do not dispose of garbage in the stepwell premises or in the water well.
• Wear comfortable shoes and dress modestly.

I hope the readers now know where is Rani-ki-Vav and its importance on the 100 Rupee Currency Note.

Read about other Vavs in Gujarat

• Sevasi Vav, Vadodara

Read about other posts in Gujarat

• Statue of Unity Guide- Day trip from Ahmedabad
• Bhuj – Gateway to Rann Utsav
• Rann Utsav at Tent City
• Places to visit in Jamnagar
• Things to do in Vadodara
• Girnar Ropeway

Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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I passed it when I visited the Anokhi Museum Jaipur, which is bang in fron,t but I could never have guessed there was a stepwell here! I guess most stepwells have a humble existence.

What is Stepwell or Baori?

A stepwell is a type of ancient water storage tank where water was accessed through a series of steps. They served as a source of drinking water, especially during deficient rainfall, which was quite often in the region.

Stepwells have different names around the country. In Delhi, they are called Baoli, in Rajasthan Kund, and in Gujarat, they are called Vav.

With around 2000 ancient stepwells in India, approximately 100 of these can be found in Rajasthan. Most of the stepwells in Rajasthan were built in medieval times around the 15th and 16th centuries. 

Read about the stepwell in Delhi: Agrasen ki Baoli or from Gujarat: Sevasi Vav, Vadodara

History of Panna Meena ka Kund

Although there is no confirmed history on how this Panna Meena ka Kund got its name. However, there are two local legends that go this way: a eunuch named Panna Miah was instrumental in constructing this stepwell. Another theory is that the Meenas were the original There is yet another theory: it is built in remembrance of the Meenas, a local tribe residing in Amer before the Rajputs arrived.

About Panna Meena ka Kund Architecture

Unlike the Chand Baori of Abhaneri, which is massive in size and also has a rather interesting history, Panna Meena ka Kund is a baby stepwell. Panna Meena Ka Kund is also called Panna Mian Kund, Panna Meena Baori, Panna Meena Bawri and is one of the best-restored stepwells or Baori in Jaipur and is extremely accessible to all tourists visiting Amer. It is one of the must visit places in Jaipur.

Panna Meena ka Kund is an eight-storeyed stepwell that is 200 feet deep with 1800 symmetrical steps. It is believed to have been built during the 16th century. These staircases are geometrical in shape but organised in a unique crisscross way. Octagon-shaped pieces have been used in the core of the Kund and terrace on two floors. Its zigzag geometrical pattern makes the Panna Meena Kund of Jaipur extremely unique.

Unlike most stepwells in Rajasthan that have 4-sided steps to climb down to the water,  Panna Meena ka Kund has steps on only three sides. It is plain on the fourth side with a room-like structure overlooking the entire stepwell complex.
On each corner of the complex, there is an umbrella-like structure called Chhatris, where one can sit and relax just the way it happened in olden times.

How to reach Panna Meena Stepwell | Location

Panna Meena Ka Kund is located in Amer town, close to Ambikeshwar Mahadev Temple and opposite to the Anokhi Museum. It is an easy walk away from the Amer Fort if you are not too tired from walking across the fort. Follow Google Maps or ask the locals for directions to reach the stepwell.

Panna Meena ka Kund Timing

Panna Meena Ka Kund is open all the time. However, there have been instances of suicides and eve-teasing incidents due to which the authorities have strict timings. It is now open from early morning to sunset.

Panna Meena Kund Entry Fee

Entry to Panna Meena Kund is free.

Photography at Panna Meena ka Kund | Is going down the steps of Panna Meena Kund allowed?

Unfortunately, no. There is a security guard present in the complex at all times, keeping a close watch. I had seen pictures of many people on these steps before going, so I had assumed it was allowed. Panna Meena ka Kund is one of the extremely popular Instagram worthy places to visit in Jaipur.

However, I was not allowed to go in spite of many requests from the security guard. He cited the reason for ‘Safety’. When I showed him pictures of tourists on Google, he just brushed it off and said I needed permission to go down the steps. Then he gave me the example of a Bollywood unit that got prior permission for shooting at Panna Meena ka Kund, the previous night.

Movies like Dabangg 3 and Dhadak were shot here.

The rules are obviously different for locals. A resident told me that local swimming competitions take place where young boys dive into the water. This usually happens in the monsoon when the water level is high and the water is fresh. He also told me that the only chance of getting down the steps is to go early in the morning and hope there is no guard there. Weekdays and off-season are the best times to get the photos on the steps.

Things to see around Panna Meena Kund in Amer

You can visit the following popular places in Amer:

Ambikeshwar Temple 

Located diagonally opposite, this temple can be seen from the Kund. It is only a few meters away. As per a local legend, Amer town derives its name from Ambikeshwar Mandir, Jaipur.

Jagat Shiromani Temple

The temple has beautiful architecture and is within walking distance of the stepwell. The temple is also called the Meera Bai temple.

Amer Fort

There is really nothing much to say about it, as it is the most popular tourist attraction in Jaipur.

Anokhi Museum

A unique textile museum paying an ode to the hand-block printed fabric of Jaipur (Sanganer).

Hotels near Panna Meena ka Kund | Hotels in Amer, Jaipur

While most people prefer a one day visit to Amer from Jaipur, in case you want to explore all the Amer places at leisure, the following are some of the options.

Luxury hotels: Trident Jaipur, Samode Haveli

Mid-range hotels: Virasat Mahal Heritage Hotel, Trimrooms Mount Blue

Sustainable tips to explore the Panna Meena ka Kund

• Being an ancient stepwell, respect the structures by not defacing them. 
• Do not harm the structures by carving or writing on it.
• Do not dispose of garbage in the stepwell premises or in the water well.
• Wear comfortable shoes and dress modestly.

Read More Jaipur posts:

• Jaipur Blue Pottery
• Must buy easy to pack souvenirs from Jaipur

Read More Rajasthan posts

• Places to visit near Eklingji Temple, Udaipur
• Jawai Leopard Safari
• 3 days Udaipur itinerary
• Kumbhalgarh – Second longest wall in the world
• Ranakpur Jain Temple

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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Also known as Ugrasen ki Baodi, it is one of the must-visit places in Delhi. Here is the guide to Agrasen ki Baoli.

What is a Baoli?

Baoli or Baodi is a water reservoir that was commissioned and constructed by the kings from yesteryears. Structures were constructed around these reservoirs and it also involved a series of steps that lead down to the well. These reservoirs were constructed in places with water shortage

In many places, these step wells have intricately carved walls and pillars and they served as a community meeting place for the locals.

Stepwells are present across the country, especially in West and North India. In Delhi, they are called Baoli, in Rajasthan – Kund, in Gujarat – Vav and in Maharashtra – Barav. 

Read more – Adalaj ni Vav, Sevasi Vav, Panna Meena ka Kund, Jaipur

History of Agrasen Ki Baodi stepwell

There is no recorded history of who built the step well but it is believed to have been commissioned by King Agrasen around 3000 BC. Maharaja Agrasen was popular for the Agroha Kingdom which was popular as the kingdom of traders. It is said that the Agrawal community are the descendants of this kingdom.

The Baoli is an ancient stepwell that is 60 meters long, 15 meters wide, and has 108 steps. It also has three levels and each of them has niched arches on either side of the well.

Is Agrasen Ki Baoli haunted?

According to the legends, the water in the reservoir turned black in colour. It is said that when people approached the black water in the well, they would be enticed by it and were compelled to commit suicide. 

As they leapt from the well into the depths of the black water below, the water would rise up and spill over, oozing the blood of its victim.  

In the current scenario, this ‘black water’ has dried up but the modern-day legend still says that the stepwell is haunted by ghosts and demons that exist in the depths of the Agrasen ki Baoli. People have claimed that they have heard footsteps behind them. 

Whether the visitors believe in ghosts of Agrasen ki Baoli or not, one can spend some peaceful time at the stepwell.

Movie shooting at Agrasen ki Baoli

While the locals have been visiting the stepwell for long, many movies have been shot at  Agrasen ki Baoli. The Bollywood Movie ‘PK’ particularly made this stepwell popular followed by Instagram posts.

My visit to Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi

What seemingly looks like a regular place on the street, the stepwell that is thousands of years old is protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Delhi Travel Guide is incomplete without a visit to Agrasen ki Baoli.

An information panel near the gate gives some info about the stepwell. As the visitors climb up the few steps, one can see the steps leading to the reservoir down. One cannot help but notice the city skyscrapers overlooking the historical landmark of Delhi. 

The bad odours emitting from the arches fill up the air but that doesn’t deter many visitors from spending hours in the peaceful environs of the step wells and posing for photos.

The Baoli is built with rubble and stones and is one of the most finely kept and preserved Baolis in Delhi and around. The main feature of the structure is the long flight of steps leading down to the stepwell. The steps are flanked on both sides by thick walls with a series of arched corridors. 

On the west side of the stepwell is a small mosque with three openings. Raised on a solid platform with underground dalans on the sides, it has a whale-back roof and pillar columns of red sandstone.

Agrasen Ki Baoli timing

The stepwell is open every day, including Sundays, from 9 am to 5:30 pm. 

Agrasen Ki Baoli ticket prices

Entry is free to Agrasen ki Baoli for all visitors. Photography is also free but tripods and drones are not allowed.

How to reach Agrasen Ki Baoli, Delhi | Nearest Metro to Agrasen ki Baoli

The Nearest Metro station to Agrasen Ki Baoli is Barakhamba Road or Rajiv Chowk station.

From Barakhamba Road it’s a 10-minute walk to Agrasen ki Baoli and from Rajiv Chowk, the walk will take 15 minutes to Hailey Road.

One can use the app-based Ola or Uber or even an auto-rickshaw to reach the Baoli from anywhere in Delhi.

Photography at Agrasen ki baoli

Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi is extremely popular for photography enthusiasts because the ruins look beautiful. Being an ASI protected monument, professional photography, pre-wedding photoshoots and fashion photoshoots are possible with prior permission.

This place does get busy during the day with tourists, college students and locals. So, if you want clear photos, visit early in the morning.

Hotels near Agrasen ki Baoli

Being in the Connaught Place area, there are some good accommodation options for stay. Visitors can choose from budget stays to luxury stays.

Luxury hotels: Le Meridien New Delhi, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi

Mid-range: Connaught Royale Delhi, Hotel The Royal Plaza

Sustainable tips to explore the Baoli

• Being an ancient stepwell, respect the structures by not defacing them. 
• Do not harm the structures by carving or writing on it.
• Do not dispose of garbage in the stepwell premises or in the water well.
• Wear comfortable shoes and dress modestly.

Read More Delhi posts

Waste to Wonder Park, Delhi

Qutub Minar

Purana Qila

National War Memorial, Delhi

Shopping places in Delhi

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I am continuing the series of exploring my hometown Vadodara, where I lived for years and yet did not explore or even know about so many amazing places. I have taken backyard travel very seriously and trying to know my city better and visit some beautiful and undiscovered gems. Today’s blog is about my visit to Sevasi Vav, also known as Vidyadhar ni Vav in Vadodara.

I did not know that a Vav (translated to a stepwell) existed in Vadodara till early this year when I read a blog of a fellow blogger. I decided to pay a visit keeping minimal hopes, just like my visit to Tambekar Wada, given its dilapidated state showcased in the photos.

What are stepwells?

Stepwells are wells or ponds in which the water is reached by descending a set of steps to the water level. They may be multi-storied, and often ornamented with intricate carvings on its pillars and walls. Stepwells are known as Vav in Gujarati and Baori in Hindi. Read about the haunted stepwell in Delhi – Agrasen ki Baoli and the gem called Panna Meena ka Kund, Jaipur

History of Stepwells

In the yesteryears, stepwells were a source of water as they were away from water bodies and majorly constructed in the arid regions of India. Their water storage effectiveness helped local residents survive for years, in the semi-arid climate and seasonal fluctuations. 

The architecture of stepwells includes a cylinder well that extends down to the water table which provides water for drinking, washing, bathing, and farming. 

Construction of most stepwells had an inspiration or story behind it and was constructed by royal, wealthy, or powerful patrons. They were nothing less than complex engineering feats and stunning examples of both Hindu and Islamic architecture.

Stepwells were also considered women’s spaces’, where women came not just to fill water, but also to talk and sometimes dance, uninhibitedly with other women, without a worry in the world.

Stepwells in India – Present Scenario

While thousands of stepwells were present in India, modernization and a general lack of apathy towards these traditional structures have led most stepwells to ruins. They are now filthy places filled with garbage, crumbling with time. The surviving stepwells can be found in Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

While Adalaj ni Vav, Ahmedabad and Rani ki Vav, Patan are the popular ones in Gujarat, there are an estimated 200 stepwells in the state. Their state is unknown and their survival is even more questionable as authorities have turned a blind eye towards them.

About Sevasi Vav (Vidyadhar ni Vav) Vadodara

Legend has it that Raja Haridas created Vidyadhar ni vav in memory of the legendary spiritual leader, Shri Vidyadhar, in 1543 CE. Since the Vav is located in the Sevasi village, it started gaining popularity as Sevasi Vav.

Legend also says that young girls decked in gold were sacrificed at Sevasi Vav on full moon nights, for prosperity.

Location of Sevasi Vav

500-year-old Sevasi Vav is located just outside the city limits – about 8km towards Sindhrot or New Alkapuri. It can be easily found by following google directions. Look out for ‘Sevasi’ board on your left and turn towards it. The stepwell is on the main road as soon as you turn. There are hardly any signboards so one has to be careful and vigilant.

My visit to Sevasi Vav

I drove down to Sevasi Vav on my motorbike with a local friend who knew the exact location. I reached the Vav in less than 10 minutes on a weekday morning.

There was a bamboo fence at the entrance and my heart sank thinking that it is closed to visitors. On probing a shopkeeper opposite the stepwell, he asked us to lift the bamboo and go inside. He even directed us to park our motorbikes.

I rejoiced, not only because the stepwell was open but also because we were the only visitors there. The perks of going early morning!

As I stepped down a few storeys, it got darker, damper and cooler. The symmetry at each storey astounded me which has been subtly taken over by nature – shrubs have grown all over, enhancing the beauty of Sevasi Vav, one of the must-visit places in Vadodara.

I noticed a large platform with prayer flags, coconuts and diyas, which meant there was an idol there and people visited this vav for religious activities. Many pillars also had diyas, which made me wonder if it is lit up on special days like Dusshera or Diwali, and if it is, how amazing would it look!

I climbed down a few more storeys after paying my respects to the deity. But it was super dark and the stagnant water odour was unbearable to me. I and my friend decided to explore the dome at the end of the alleyway which was visible from the entrance. We exited the main entrance and took the pathway from the side of the stepwell premises to reach the centre of the stepwell, which was the Seventh Storey. The dome has two entrance-exit leading through stairs. The balcony inside the dome gives a vivid view of the stepwell from the top and also of the well on the other side. If you can stand the odour of the stagnant water and putrefying rubbish, you can even take a peek inside the well. I did not want to, so I called it a day.

I spent close to 90 minutes exploring, photographing, climbing and mostly appreciating this age-old structure which should definitely be on your list of must-visit Vadodara tourist places! Read a detailed guide on Things to do in Vadodara.

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