StepWell

Rani Ki Vav

The only real sign of Patan’s former glory is this astoundingly beautiful step-well. Located on the banks of the Saraswati River, this is one of the oldest and finest stepwells in Gujarat and is remarkably preserved. Steps lead down through multiple levels with lines of carved pillars and more than 800 sculptures, mostly on Vishnu-avatar themes, as well as striking geometric patterns. The stepwell is made in the form of an inverted temple.

It showcases superior craftsmanship of the era, and the unique Maru-Gurjara architectural style and houses sculptures similar to the Vimalavasahi temple in Mount Abu and Sun temple at Modhera.

Brief History: The stepwell was built in 1063 by Rani Udayamati of the Chaulukya Dynasty to commemorate her husband, Bhimdev I. A 1304 composition of Jain monk, Merutunga, mentions that Udayamati, the daughter of Naravaraha Khangara, built this stepwell at Patan. The same composition also mentions that the stepwell was commissioned in 1063 and was completed after 20 years. Archeologists Henry Cousens and James Burgess visited it in 1890s when it was completely buried under silt and only the shaft and few pillars were visible. The stepwell was rediscovered in 1940s, and the Archeological Survey of India restored it in 1980s. The stepwell has been listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites since 2014.

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Rani Ki Vav scaled

Adalaj ni Vav

The flamboyant 15th-century stepwell, has lost only little of its grandeur over the last few centuries. Till date, the intricate carvings on the pillars that support the five storeys are mostly intact; the beams work as pit stops for pigeons flying in and out and the structure still leaves jaws dropped for swarms of people. The step-well represents the Indo-Islamic fusion architecture that percolated through the many stepwells of the period.

There are some fascinating features of the vav that make this an important emblem of superior architecture. The opening in the ceilings above the landing allows light and air to enter the octagonal well, but direct sunlight never touches the steps except at noon. It is said that the temperature inside the well is six degrees cooler than outside. The stepwell has three entrances. The stairs lead to an underground storey, which has an octagonal opening on top. The walls are covered in ornamental carvings with mythological and village scenes. Some of them include Ami khumbor (a pot that contains the water of life) and the Kalp vriksha (a tree of life) carved out of a single slab of stone. There is a belief that the small frieze of Navagraha (nine-planets) towards the edge of the well protects the monument from bad omens.

Brief History: The stepwell was built by Mahmud Begada in 1411, to commemorate Queen Rudabai, wife of Veersinh, the Vaghela chieftain. It served both a utilitarian and spiritual purpose for the people around. A number of people from villages around once filled water from this stepwell. 

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Adi-Kadi Vav

 These two stepwells inside Uparkot, are highly unusual forms of stepwells, very different from wells in other parts of Gujarat. Most wells are dug through various kinds of subsoils and rock layers, and stone columns, floors, stairs and walls are built much like they would be in above-ground construction. In the case of these two, the spaces of the well itself were carved out of stone, leaving the structure of the well (the columns, the walls, etc.) out of the original rock. 

This means no structural construction is done, so the whole structure of the well is hewn out of a single stone.

Adi-kadi Vav, built in the 15th century, is carved entirely out of hard rock. A narrow flight of 120 stairs cuts down through the stone to meet the well shaft deep in the stone. Two different legends claim to explain the name of the well. One says that the king ordered a stepwell to be built and workers excavated down into this hard stone, but no water was found. The royal priest said that water would only be found if two unmarried girls were sacrificed. Adi and Kadi were the unlucky ones chosen for this and after their sacrifice, water was found. The other story, less fantastic but probably more likely, claims that Adi and Kadi were the names of the royal servant girls who fetched water from the well every day. Either way, people still hang clothes and bangles on a tree nearby in their memory.

Disclaimer: The details presented above are intended solely for informational purposes and facilitation of the tourists. Timings and other details may be subject to change based on on-site conditions and local compulsions, which could be determined by local sources/ authorities/ administration of that particular destination.

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Navghan Kuwo

 These two stepwells inside Uparkot, are highly unusual forms of stepwells, very different from wells in other parts of Gujarat. Most wells are dug through various kinds of subsoils and rock layers, and stone columns, floors, stairs and walls are built much like they would be in above-ground construction. In the case of these two, the spaces of the well itself were carved out of stone, leaving the structure of the well (the columns, the walls, etc.) out of the original rock. This means no structural construction is done, so the whole structure of the well is hewn out of a single stone.

Navghan Kuwo, just a few years shy of being a thousand years old (it was apparently built in 1026 AD, though some accounts say it is much older), is partly hewn out of soft rock and partly built up structurally like other wells. The stairs that lead down 52 m (170 ft.) to the water level spiral around the well shaft itself, which is also very uncommon. The water from Navghan Kuwo is what allowed Uparkot to withstand many long sieges.

Disclaimer: The details presented above are intended solely for informational purposes and facilitation of the tourists. Timings and other details may be subject to change based on on-site conditions and local compulsions, which could be determined by local sources/ authorities/ administration of that particular destination.

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Bai Harir Ni Vav

Bai Harir ni Vav lies 15 km from the centre of Ahmedabad city. This step-well, built in 1499 under the supervisor of Sultan Begada’s harem, has steps down through five levels of carved stone columns to two small wells, now often bone dry. The depths are cool, even on the hottest day, and it’s a fascinating and eerie place. Overflow channels at the top are a reminder of times when water tables were much higher than today. 

In the morning you can hire a guide (Rs. 50) to take you through the forest and tell you the names of trees and their uses, show you leopard tracks, how to recognize birds by their song, and other such secrets. There is a Great! orey tree house made of bamboo which is perfect for early morning birdwatching. Entry to the center is free. Visitors must get permission a few days from the Range Forest Officer, Tel: +91 230 230057. There are essential bath and toilet facilities.

Facilities:

  • Orientation Centre
  • 4 Cottages
  • 10 Tented Accommodation with separate bathing & toilet facilities
  • 3 Huts
  • Separate Kitchen & Dining places
  • Nature Education Camp
  • Separate area for Campfire
  • Machaans for landscape & wildlife viewing
  • The Campsite has a Solar Electricity Supply, hence the tourists are requested to use the electricity only when and where it is required
  • Food is available with the help of the ETC (Eco Tourism Committee)

Tips:

Being a responsible nature lover is our way of showing reverence to Mother Earth, a few tips for you to remember –

  • Make sure to visit the orientation center first before you start exploring the campsite as that would give a good picture of what you are about to experience during your stay.
  • Most of these Eco Campsites use electricity which is generated by using solar energy, hence please use it responsibly.
  • No smoking whatsoever (cigarette butts cause many forest fires).
  • No flash or intrusive photography (for example, don’t pluck leaves to clear a better view; reposition the camera instead).
  • Do not carry any music system or sound-making device along with you and remember to keep them switched off if you are driving around.
  • Picking plants or insects is prohibited in any area; do not remove anything from the parks or sanctuaries.
  • Do not indulge in any quick or sudden movements to scare off wildlife.
  • Do not try going too close to the animals.
  • No pets should accompany you.
  • No littering. Trash is only to be disposed of in proper receptacles.
  • No hunting devices or other weapons should be carried, as well as used.
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Stretches out into the Arabian Sea, with a hint of the desert and with a coastline of 1600 kms long is Gujarat – the home state of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of Nation. It is renowned for its beaches, temple towns and historic capitals. Wildlife sanctuaries, hill resorts and natural grandeur are gifts of Gujarat. Sculpture, handicrafts, arts, festivals also make the state rich. 

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