1 / 11India’s stepwells, also known as baoris, baolis and vavs, are remarkable examples of ancient water conservation systems built mainly in the arid regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi. Designed to collect and store rainwater, these architectural marvels featured deep terraces and stepped pathways that allowed people to access water as levels changed. Beyond their utility, stepwells remain lasting symbols of India’s rich water heritage, showcasing the engineering skills and community-driven water management practices of earlier times. (Image: Canva)
2 / 111. Chand Baori, Abhaneri, Rajasthan | Chand Baori is one of the most striking stepwells in India. The 9th-century stepwell has about 3,500 steps arranged in a deep, geometric pattern around a large central tank. Built by Raja Chanda and later expanded by the Mughals, its majestic construction has attracted many film projects, including Hollywood’s The Dark Knight Rises (2012). (Image: Canva)
3 / 112. Rani-ki-Vav in Patan, Gujarat | Rani-ki-Vav in Patan, Gujarat is a grand stepwell built in the 11th century by Udayamati, wife of the Chaulukya king Bhimdev I. It has detailed carvings and was later filled with silt and rediscovered in the 1940s. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
4 / 113. Agrasen Ki Baoli, Delhi | Agrasen Ki Baoli is a 14th-century stepwell located near Connaught Place in Delhi. It has a long stone structure with arched niches and a single stairway leading down. It is now a popular tourist spot and also appeared in the film PK. (Image: Canva)
5 / 114. Adalaj Stepwell, Gujarat | Adalaj Stepwell is a 15th-century stepwell in central Gujarat. It is known for its carved stone design, with pillars, arches, and floral and religious motifs around a central well. It has the Indo-Islamic fusion architecture and is octagonal in shape. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
6 / 115. Pushkarinis of Hampi, Karnataka | The pushkarinis of Hampi are ceremonial tanks built in the stepwell style. Though stepwells are mostly a north Indian tradition, the Vijayanagara ruins include stepped water structures. The tank in the royal enclosure shows a pyramid-like arrangement of steps. The structure is designed to reflect the ceremonial life of the city’s rulers. (Image: Canva)
7 / 116. Rajon Ki Baoli, Delhi: Delhi is home to another popular stepwell that dates back to the 16th century. Rajon Ki Baoli, located in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, was built during the Lodi period under Daulat Khan. The structure has arched tiers and lantern niches, and reflects Islamic architectural style. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
8 / 117. Surya Kund stepwell in Gujarat’s Modhera is a large stepwell beside the 11th-century Sun Temple. Built under King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty, it features over 100 small carved shrines and stepped terraces. It was designed as part of a temple complex dedicated to the sun god. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
9 / 118. Toorji ka Jhalra, Rajasthan: A prominent stepwell in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur, Toor Ji Ka Jhalra was built by the queen of Marwar, Gulab Rai, wife of Maharaja Abhay Singh, around 1740. This 200-feet deep stepwell is inspired by the famous Rani ki Vav structure in Patan, which was the matriarchal home of the queen. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)
10 / 119. Panna Meena ka Kund, Rajasthan | Panna Meena ka Kund is a square-shaped stepwell near Amer Fort in Rajasthan’s Jaipur. It has stairs on all four sides and is one of the fully restored and operational stepwells. Its shape is comparable to Chand Baori in its architecture and made an appearance in the movie “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”. (Image: Canva)
11 / 1110. Bai Harir Ni Vav, Ahmedabad | Dhai Harir Vav is a 15th-century stepwell also built during the rule of Sultan Mahmud Begada. It has five levels of carved stone columns leading down to wells. Commissioned by Dhai Harir, a royal household lady, it is located near a mosque and a small tomb, in which she was reportedly buried.
