Adalaj Stepwell: A Subterranean Marvel
Explore the historic Adalaj Stepwell near Ahmedabad: a stunning five-story structure with intricate carvings and a captivating blend of architectural styles.
Adalaj Stepwell, also known as Adalaj ni Vav, is located in the village of Adalaj, approximately 18 kilometers north of Ahmedabad. This stunning five-story stepwell was commissioned in 1498 by Queen Rudabai of the Vaghela dynasty. The stepwell was built to provide a reliable water source for the community and served as a resting place for travelers. The architecture is a blend of Solanki style and Indo-Islamic design, showcasing intricate carvings of Hindu deities, mythological scenes, floral motifs, and geometric patterns. The stepwell has three entrances and an octagonal well. The design allows sunlight to enter only at noon, keeping the atmosphere inside the well six degrees cooler than the outside. The stepwell's history is as captivating as its design. According to legend, Rana Veer Singh began construction, but was killed in battle by Mahmud Begada. Begada offered to marry Rudabai, and she agreed on the condition that he complete the stepwell. After its completion, Queen Rudabai gave up her life by jumping into the waters of the stepwell.
Local tips
- Visit during the cooler months (September to March) for a pleasant experience.
- Photography is permitted, allowing you to capture the intricate carvings.
- Wear comfortable footwear as you'll need to descend and ascend stairs.
- Engage with local guides to learn more about the history and significance of the stepwell.
A brief summary to Adalaj Stepwell
- Adalaj Rd, Adalaj, Gujarat, 382421, IN
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Ahmedabad, take a local bus (e.g., line 401) towards Adalaj. Buses can be caught from Kalupur or Paldi bus stop. The journey takes approximately one hour and costs ₹25. Alight near Adalaj Circle or Manekba Adhyapan Mandir, which are a short walk from the stepwell. From Gandhinagar, the stepwell is 3-4 km away and can be reached by local buses.
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Taxi/Ride-share
From Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel airport or railway station, hire a taxi or ride-share to Adalaj Stepwell. The ride is approximately 18 km and takes around 30 minutes. Typical taxi fares range from ₹400 to ₹480.
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Walking
The drop off point for the stepwell is at the Adalaj Ambe Mata Temple. From there, walk around the outside of the temple to a small gateway. Enter through the gate barrier to find the ticket booth at the entrance of the stepwell.
