10 Popular Stepwells in India

Stepwells were the built as the water storage systems and also as air conditioning systems in forts and palaces. Many were also a part of religious sites like temples and mosques. Here are the most popular stepwells to visit in India.These water tanks are not just wells but also unusual in their structure. nbsp;Stepwells are called Baoli, Vav or Baori in some local languages. Chand Baori is one of the ancient stepwells in India. It was built in 800 AD opposite to Harshat Mata Temple in Abhaneri. Abhaneri is a village located around 94km from Jaipur. Chand Baori is one of the popular attractions here.Photo Courtesy: Chetan Rani Ji Ki Baori literally means Queens Stepwell. It was built by Rani Nathavathi Ji in the town of Bundi in Rajasthan. On can see an intricate structures and carved pillars around this stepwell.Photo Courtesy: Prashant Ram Agrasen Ki Baoli is one of the famous attractions in Delhi. Interestingly, it is named Agrasen ( a character from the epic Mahabharatha). Agrasen Ki Baoli is said to be renovated in 14th century by Agarwal community who are said to be the decendents of Maharaj Agrasen.Photo Courtesy: Supreet Sethi Rajon Ki Baoli is one of the three stepwells in Mehrauli. It is built in rectangular shape and is the biggest among the three stepwells. It has four floors and levels (stairs) leading to the bottom of the pool. The Anangtal Baoli and the Gandhak Ki Baoli are the other two tanks in Mehrauli.Photo Courtesy: Varun Shiv Kapur Surya Kund is a stepwell situated in the Sun Temple at Modhera in Gujarat. It is one of the ancient and large stepwells in India. Surya Kund is also called as Ramakunda which has an intricate pattern of steps. Now, Modhera Sun temple is under the ASI and prayers are not performed here.Photo Courtesy: Bernard Gagnon Adalaj tank is one of the famous stepwells in Gujarat. It is a five storeyed architecture which was one among the ponds that were built during 5th - 9th centuries. Adalaj is a village which is known for this beautiful water tank.Photo Courtesy: Notnarayan Rani Ki Vav is an exotic stepwell located in Patan, Gujarat. It was built as a memorial to King Bhimdev I by his widow queen Udhayamati. The architecture of Rani Ki Vav has surprised many generations and now it is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.Photo Courtesy: Rashmi.parab Hampi stepwell is as beautiful as other monuments in this historical site. It one of the picturesque architectures in Hampi.Photo Courtesy: Harish Aluru Peralasseri Temple Pond is a unique one in Kerala. This stepwell is located in Peralasseri near Kannur. The pond is deep with many uniquely carved stairs leading to the water at the bottom. It is one of the main attractions of Peralasseri.Photo Courtesy: Baburajpm Bara Imambara is famous for the Bhul Bhulaiya (the mazes). There are several architectures surrounding Imbara which are worth your time. The Shahi Baoli is one of the ancient stepwells in Bara Imabara.Photo Courtesy: Faizhaider Many such stepped tanks are found in Rajasthan and Gujarat. A travel around some ancient stepwells will amaze you about the shape and technique of water storage in those times of India. Agrasen Ki Baoli in Delhi, Chand Baori in Rajasthan and Rani Ki Vav in Gujarat are known for their shape and exotic design.