Chand Baori Abhaneri: Journey to the Moon and Back!

Jun 20, 2017

Chand Baori (Literally meaning ‘Moon Well’) is a largest step well in the world which was built by King Chanda of the Nikumbha Dynasty back in 9th century. The beautiful location is located in a small village Abhaneri – in the eastern part of the province of Rajasthan. The location has served as a beautiful backdrop to many national and international films – The Fall, The Dark Knight Rises, Paheli and many other blockbusters.

3500 steps – A Water Harvesting Project
Image source – Make My Trip

The Architecture

The oldest step well of India, Chand Baori is a 19.5 metre or roughly 65 feet deep step well. The plan of the old structure is in the shape of square. The well is surrounded by 3500 double – sided steps on three sides and a fort on the northern side, which consists of a multi storeyed corridor supported on pillars. The fort enshrines the beautiful projection of the Mahishasurmardini and Ganesa.

Chand Baori Fort at the North Side of the Structure
Image Source – Make My Trip

The Haunted Story

It is being said and believed by the locals of Abhaneri Village that this beautiful architecture of Chand Baori with all those deep steps and the fort on one side of the structure was built by ghosts in just one night. The villagers also say that the air around the Chand Baori is somewhat eerie.

Vivid and Beautiful Steps of Chand Baori step well
Image Source – Jaipur City Blog

About Abhaneri

Abhaneri is a small village in the Dausa District of Rajasthan It is situated at a distance of 95 kms from the beautiful state capital Jaipur, on the Jaipur Agra Road. Abhaneri is literally “Abha Nagri”. The Village is very popular for the step walls and baoris, which were invented to serve the purpose of rain water harvesting.

Nearby Attractions

Harshat Mata Temple

Adjoining the beautiful and longevous Chand Baori of Abhaneri is the splendid structure of Harshat Mata Temple which too was built back in 7th or 8th century. The temple was destroyed by Mahmud Ghazni.

The temple was dedicated to the Harshat Mata and It was believed that the Harshat Mata was the goddess of happiness and Joy.

Harshat Mata Temple

Harshat Mata Temple (Harshat Mata Ka Mandir)

Image Source – Chand Baori.org

How to Reach Chand Baori?

The easiest and cheapest way to reach Abhaneri Village is by boarding a train to Jaipur Railway Station, which connects all the cities.

If you are convenient in travelling through air, then Jaipur International Airport is the nearest airport, which is well connected with the metro cities of India.