Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is a city of royal palaces, majestic forts, colorful markets, and rich culture. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, attracting millions of visitors every year. But did you know that there is a hidden gem in Jaipur that many tourists miss out on? A gem that is as old as the city itself, and as beautiful as any of its monuments. A gem that is Panna Meena ka Kund.
Panna Meena ka Kund is a 16th-century stepwell located in Amer, a sub-city of Jaipur. It is one of the many stepwells that were built in Rajasthan to store water for drinking, irrigation, and religious purposes. Stepwells are unique architectural marvels that combine functionality and aesthetics. They are wells or ponds that can be accessed by a series of steps that descend from the ground level to the water level.
Panna Meena ka Kund is not just a stepwell, but a masterpiece of art and engineering. It is a square-shaped structure with symmetrical and geometric patterns of stairs on all four sides. The stairs are arranged in such a way that they create an optical illusion of being endless. The stepwell also has a room on the northern wall, which was used for performing rituals and ceremonies.
Panna Meena ka Kund was not only a source of water, but also a social and cultural hub for the local community. It was a place where women gathered to chat and gossip while filling their pots with water. It was a place where travelers rested and cooled off after a long journey. It was a place where festivals and events were celebrated with joy and enthusiasm.
Panna Meena ka Kund is also a place of legends and stories. One legend says that the stepwell was named after Panna Meena, a local musician who enchanted everyone with his songs. Another legend says that no one can use the same stairs to go up and down the stepwell without getting confused or lost. Some stories say that the stepwell has secret passages and tunnels that lead to nearby forts and palaces.
Panna Meena ka Kund is a place that you must visit if you are in Jaipur. It is a place that will mesmerize you with its beauty and charm. It is a place that will transport you to another era and make you feel the history and culture of Rajasthan.
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How to Visit Panna Meena ka Kund
Panna Meena ka Kund is located near Amber Fort, one of the most famous attractions in Jaipur. You can easily reach Panna Meena ka Kund by road, rail, or air.
By road: You can take a bus, taxi, auto-rickshaw, or cycle-rickshaw from Jaipur to Amer. The distance is about 11 km and the fare is around Rs 100-200.
By rail: You can take a train from Jaipur to Durgapura station, which is about 9 km from Amer. From there, you can take a bus, taxi, auto-rickshaw, or cycle-rickshaw to Panna Meena ka Kund.
By air: You can fly to Jaipur International Airport, which is about 20 km from Amer. From there, you can take a bus, taxi, auto-rickshaw, or cycle-rickshaw to Panna Meena ka Kund.
The best time to visit Panna Meena ka Kund is in the morning or evening when the sun is not too harsh and the water level is high. The stepwell is open from 12 am to 12 pm every day and there is no entry fee.
However, there are some things you should keep in mind while visiting Panna Meena ka Kund:
1. Dress modestly and respectfully as it is a historical and religious site.
2. Do not litter or damage the stepwell as it is a heritage monument.
3. Do not swim or bathe in the stepwell as it may be unsafe or prohibited.
4. Do not climb or jump on the stairs as they may be slippery or fragile.
5. Do not take photos or videos without permission as it may be restricted or offensive.
Best Places To Eat Near Panna Meena ka Kund
Here are some of the top-rated and recommended restaurants near the stepwell, based on popularity:
1135 AD:
This is a fine-dining restaurant located inside the Amber Fort, which is very close to Panna Meena ka Kund. It offers a royal and luxurious dining experience, with authentic Rajasthani cuisine, live music, and stunning views of the fort and the city. Some of the dishes you can try here are laal maas, ker sangri, dal baati churma, and gatte ki sabzi. The average cost for two people is around Rs 3000.
The Stag Rooftop Restro, Cafe & Lounge:
This is a rooftop restaurant located opposite Amber Fort, which is also very close to Panna Meena ka Kund. It offers a casual and cozy dining experience, with a variety of cuisines, such as Indian, Chinese, Continental, and Italian. Some of the dishes you can try here are pizza, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, and mocktails. The average cost for two people is around Rs 1000.
Anokhi Cafe:
This is a cafe located near Ambikeshwar Mahadev Temple, which is near Panna Meena ka Kund. It offers a healthy and organic dining experience, with vegetarian and vegan options, such as salads, soups, sandwiches, wraps, cakes, and juices. Some of the dishes you can try here are quinoa salad, hummus wrap, carrot cake, and lemonade. The average cost for two people is around Rs 500.
You may also like to read: Stepping into a hidden stepwell in Amer
Nearby Attractions and Places to Explore
Panna Meena ka Kund is not the only attraction in Amer. There are many other places to explore and experience in this old town. Here are some of them:
Amber Fort:
This is the most famous and magnificent fort in Jaipur. It was built by Raja Man Singh I in the 16th century and later expanded by his successors. It is a blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture, with stunning palaces, courtyards, gardens, temples, and museums. You can also enjoy an elephant ride, a light and sound show, or a cultural program at Amber Fort.
Jaigarh Fort:
This is another impressive fort in Amer, built by Raja Jai Singh II in the 18th century. It is also known as the Victory Fort, as it was never conquered by any enemy. It is famous for its huge cannon, called Jaivana, which is the largest cannon on wheels in the world. You can also see the armory, museum, watchtower, and water reservoir at Jaigarh Fort.
Nahargarh Fort:
This is the third fort in Amer, built by Raja Jai Singh II in the 18th century. It is also known as the Tiger Fort, as it was a hunting retreat for the royals. It offers a panoramic view of Jaipur city and the Aravalli hills. You can also visit the Madhavendra Palace, the wax museum, the sculpture park, and the sunset point at Nahargarh Fort.
Panna Meena ka Kund is a hidden gem of Jaipur that you should not miss. It is a place that will make you fall in love with Rajasthan and its culture.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Panna Meena ka Kund today and discover the beauty and mystery of this stepwell.
