Standing on the top of the 900-year-old baoli (step well) was dizzying and exhilarating. This was the first time I was seeing a baoli.
Surrounded by the majestic and imposing Amer Fort, this lesser known oasis is a hidden gem and a great place to study 11th century ancient Indian-Persian architecture that was extensively used in India during that period.
This North facing Stepwell in Rajasthan is also called Panna Mian Ki Baoli, and can be easily missed on the cobblestoned path to the fort, if the visitor isn’t careful.
Located near the enchanting Ambikeshwar Temple, it’s a multi-storey stepwell, each storey having multiple staircases. Upon reaching the baoli you realise it’s an ‘away from it all serenity’ in the centre of the touristy hustle bustle.

The stepwell certainly is popular with movies location hunters as it was featured in the Hollywood’s The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel where Dev Patel meets girlfriend Tina Desai.
Each step is measured 8 by 8 and diagonally sit on top of each other, lending a busy zig-zag appearance to the entire structure. A three-pointed arched platform overlooks the water tank. It has chhattris with domed roof having foliated arch pattern; and inverted lotus pattern adorn the four corners of the tanks at ground level. It is made of stone and brick and painted in golden yellow.
It is generally believed that one cannot take the same set of stairs to go up, as one had taken while going down. But the locals are adept at it! Bet I will try next time 🙂
These steps make me think about the movie Labyrinth
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I too missed it
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Ohhh. So may b on ur nxt visit… Most ppl dnt knw abt it
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There’s another stepwell in Gujarat, Rani ka Vav. This looks lot similar to that.
Amazing architecture! Maybe have to make a trip sometime.
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Yes i have seen it on tv and reqd abt rani ki vav a lot. And this in jaipur remains deserted all d time.. So one can spend as much time here
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Fascinating post. I’m from Jaipur and always liked this place so much. Its also devoid of tourists (good thing must say).
P.s. Thanks for stopping by at my blog 🙂
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Thnx ISG. yea we went in peak season n still d plc was deserted n so calm. Urs is a nice blog too
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We were there. Great. Thanks for the memories.
Take care!
Sabine
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I found your blog after you commented on mine and I’m so glad I did. This was a lovely post and more people should write about stepwells, open wells and traditional forms of rainwater harvesting and bring these back to life. Will be wonderful considering the present drought.
And thanks for liking my post 🙂
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yes somya there’s an urgent need for that in India! thnx for visiting my blog too
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