Chand Baori

Why Chand Baori is special
The 3,500 crisscrossing steps of this 10th century well are arranged in a strikingly geometric architectural design. They lead downward into the open pit 13 floors. All told, there are 3,500 steps.

Chand Baori tips & insights
Function
The four-sided square pit is shaped like an upside-down pyramid. Three sides are lined with the zigzagging steps. The fourth side is a complex of rooms (with sculpted facades) and stacked one upon another.

Layout
The cavity once served as a reservoir for rain and ground water. Today, the pit is no longer used because the reservoir level is quite low and the algae-green water is unpotable.

Two way traffic
The crisscrossing steps allowed water carriers to travel up and down simultaneously.

Name
Chand was the king who built the structure. Baori translates "step well".

Film
It was used as a shooting location for the Batman 2012 box office hit Dark Knight Rises.

Location in India
Chand Baori is in Abhaneri village, which lies about 90 kilometers (60 miles) east of Jaipur and 160 kilometers (100 miles) west of Agra.


Golden Triangle
Chand Baori is part of the famous Golden Triangle tour route