" The deepest and largest stepwell of INDIA... "
When I saw the last scene of Bollywood movie, ' Bhoomi' , I got stuck by the splendid beauty of the gigantic architectural structure, Chand Baori. It is the deepest step well of India and one of the largest stepwell in world. It is located in eastern fringe of Rajasthan.
This year, we spend our Durga puja vacation in Rajasthan, so visiting Chand Boari was in my top priority list. Chand boari is accessible from Jaipur. In the first day of Jaipur, we did the local sightseeing like Hawa mahal, Amber fort, jal mahal etc. The next day we visited Chand baori.
We started our journey at 9am from the Pink city. Our driver took us to a Rajasthani sweet shop for breakfast. We did our breakfast with delicious Mawa Kachori, jalebi, malpoa and Chai.
Jalebi
MalpoaMawa Kachori
The Chand Baori is more than 1000 year old structure and was built between the 9th and 10th century by Raja Chanda of Nikumbha dynasty who ruled Abhanagari during 8th-9th century A.D. The geometric pattern of the steps connecting to the water, the intricate stone carving, the splendid beauty of the iconic structure draws attention of the tourist from all over the world.
Stepwells are unique structure which comprises of steps built inside the walls of the tapered well. Steps were provided to reach the water level and to maintain the well also.
Stepwells were constructed mainly for storing water so that the local people can cope up with the dry season. The water stored in the well was used for irrigation as well as fulfilling the demand of local people. This was also the place of social gathering. The local people used to sit around the well to cool off during summer because at the bottom of the well, the temperature is 5-6 degree cooler than the top.
The colour of the water of the well is vibrant green which glorifies the whole environment. There are tortoises in the water.
The well has steps on its 03 sides and the 4 wall has multi storied corridor suppoted on pillars. The pavilion has niches and beautiful sculptures of god and goddess of Lord Ganesha and Mahishasurmardini. The pavilion was made for royal people. King and queen with other members used the pavilion to enjoy the full moonlight and beauty of the whole environment.
We spent there almost 2hrs. I tried to capture each and every minute detail of the Baori in my lens. I was totally captivated by the beauty of this splendid architectural monument. The atmosphere of Abheneri village was prevailed by this monumental structure.
After visiting fort, temples, mahals, stepwell of Rajasthan, it is doubtless to say that India is pinnacle in architecture. How to reach-
It is located in Abheneri village and is accessible from Jaipur. It is approximately 90 km from the Pink City. Cabs are easily available from Jaipur.
Travel Tips-
1. Start your journey early in the morning.
2. Travel guides are available inside the Baori. 3. Can also visit Bhangarh Fort.
4. Try local food.
