Often it happens that natives lose sight of something precious, and the foreigners fall in love with it. That has been the case of the ancient step-well of Chand Baori in Rajasthan. Hollywood is so much in love with it that they chose it to shoot scenes from The Dark Knight Rises, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and The Fall.

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It was built during 800 AD – 900 AD by King Chanda of the Chauhan Dynasty. It was dedicated to Hashat Mata, the Goddess of joy and happiness. It was a blessing for the parched land of Rajasthan, as it was constructed to preserve water. In olden days, the locals gathered at the Baori to beat the heat, as the water at the base of the well is cooler.

It has 3,500 narrow steps arranged in perfect symmetry, which descend 20m to the bottom of the well. About 64 feet deep, it is India’s largest and deepest stepwells with 13 floors.

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The steps form a magical maze and the consequent play of light and shadow on the structure gives it a captivating look. 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.

Image Credit: wikimedia

Another attraction here is the ancient temple of Harshat Mata, which is now dedicated to Durga as this temple was destroyed during Mahmud Ghazni invasion of India. Nevertheless, the temple has some great ancient artefacts.

The baori or step-well is not only a treat for those in love with history and architecture, but also carries immense fascination for photographers. Its perfect symmetry is a salute to the amazing calibre of constructors during the ancient time, with little equipment and scientific guidance. And yet, the baori served a purpose in the arid dessert, as the temperatures within remained 5 degrees Celsius below the outside temperature. They sustain so even today.

Abhaneri village is on Jaipur-Agra highway, almost 95 km drive away from Jaipur.

Read Also: Did You Know Of This Temple In Rajasthan Where Rats Are Worshipped

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