Chand Bawri, Step Well

Chand Baori (stepwell) in the Abhaneri village is one of the oldest and most popular attractions in Rajasthan. It was built by King Chanda of the Nikumbha Dynasty in 9th century AD. One of the largest stepwells in the world, Chand Baori was built to conserve water and provide a respite from the intense heat. It was a community gathering place for locals as well as royals. Chand Baori is an architectural wonder with 3,500 perfectly symmetrical, narrow steps. It is this exquisite geometry that draws local and international visitors to it every year. But Chand Baori is not easy to find, making it one of India’s hidden wonders.

The play of light and shadow on the steps is what makes the structure so captivating. The baori narrows as one gets closer to the bottom. A double flight of steps on three sides takes one to the surface of the water below. The fourth side is a three-storeyed pavilion with intricately carved jharokhas (windows), galleries and balconies meant for the royal family to sit in. Adjoining the Chand Baori is the Harshat Mata Temple. This 9th-10th century temple is dedicated to Harshat Mata, who is considered to be the goddess of joy and happiness for the whole village.

The Chand Baori is a stepwell built over a thousand years ago in the Abhaneri village of Rajasthan. It is one of the largest stepwells in the world and also one of the most beautiful ones. Located in the eastern part of the province of Rajasthan, it was built by King Chanda somewhere in the 9th century. The Chand Baori is not an easy landmark to find, thus it is one of the hidden secrets of India! Stepwells, also called bawdi or baori, are unique to this nation. The wells have steps built into the sides that lead down to the water.

Chand BaoriChand Baori one was built during the 8th and 9th centuries and has 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry, which descend 20m to the bottom of the well. Centuries ago, the stepwells were built in the arid zones of Rajasthan to provide water all year through. Today, the construction is not used as a well anymore but its exquisite geometry attracts local and international visitors alike. About 64 feet deep, it is India's largest and deepest stepwells with 13 floors and was built in the 9th century for water harvesting. Chand Baori inside viewIt was so named as it was built by King Chand Raja from the Gujara Pratihara clan, who claim to be the descendant of Lord Ram's younger brother Laxman. The Pratihara dynasty was at their peak during 6th-10th century AD, and also ruled over other parts of Rajasthan. Their capital was Mandore near Jodhpur. The baori has a precise geometrical pattern, hard to find in this age.

The steps form a magical maze and the consequent play of light and shadow on the structure gives it a captivating look. It has an enclosed rectangular courtyard kind of structure. Upon entering you reach a jharokha (windows). Descending the stairs on the left, you can see the cavernous baori narrowing towards the bottom, criss-crossed with double flights of steps on three sides to reach the water surface down below. The stairs encircle the water on the three sides while the fourth side boasts of a pavillion with three storeys with beautiful carved jharokhas, galleries supported on pillars and two projecting balconies enshrining beautiful sculptures.

Rajasthan the land of royals and the land of fairs and festivals attracts the visitors from across the world. The state is a perfect tourist destination for people who want to make their trip memorable and unforgettable. The state offers many adventurous and thrilling activities like Camel Safari amidst the sand dunes of the desert areas and Wildlife safari in the national parks of Ranthambore. The state is home to many alluring cities lie the city of Lake Udaipur, golden city Jaisalmer, pink city Jaipur, sun city Jodhpur, holy city Pushkar, only hill station Mount Abu and the desert city Bikaner.

Rajasthan is famous for its grand and majestic palaces that narrate the tales of the glorious past and that can be best covered with Fort and Palaces Tour Packages. Amer fort perched on hilltop, City Palace reflecting grandeur of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, City Palace, Monsoon Palace in the city of Lakes Udaipur, Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer Fort in Jaisalmer are some of the fort and palace attractions of Rajasthan. The state is famous for its heritage hotels which were earlier residence of royal family members but now are converted into the heritage hotels. Some of the heritage hotels of Rajasthan are Umaid Bhawan Palace which is divided into three parts and the three parts serve as heritage hotel, museum, and royal residence respectively, Royal wedding, and Rajasthan Cookery classes which takes the visitors in the bygone era. Rajasthan is land of diverse culture which still has the touch of royalty, history, ethnicity, and vibrancy. The various Jaipur Wax Museum are organized like Palace which takes the visitors on the royal and splendid journey giving the glimpse of the lifestyle of Maharajas of bygone. The Special tour of Rajasthan gives an opportunity to get a glimpse of the exotic places along with the music, art, craft and delicious cuisines of Rajasthan.