Chand Baori, one of India's deepest stepwells, in a village between Jaipur and Agra.
Abhaneri is a village in the Dausa district of Rajasthan, a short detour from the main road between Jaipur and Agra. It is known for Chand Baori, a stepwell of extraordinary geometry: thousands of narrow steps descend in criss-crossing flights on three sides to a pool of water far below.
The stepwell is generally dated to the 8th or 9th century and is linked to a local ruler, Raja Chanda. It was built to give reliable access to water in a dry region and as a cool place to gather in the heat.
Chand Baori is one of the deepest and most photographed stepwells in India, and seeing it in person gives a sense of scale that photographs do not. Because it lies almost on the route, it breaks up the drive between Jaipur and Agra with something remarkable, and the village gives a glimpse of rural Rajasthan.
The stepwell, about 13 levels deep, enclosed by a colonnaded gallery with carved sculptures collected from the site. Visitors view it from the top and the galleries; going down the steps is not allowed.
A ruined 8th- to 9th-century temple next to the stepwell, dedicated to the goddess of joy, with fine carved panels.
Mud houses, fields and daily village life around the monuments, best seen with a short walk.
Allow about an hour at the stepwell and temple, with lunch at a roadside restaurant on the highway.
One to two hours is enough. Abhaneri is a stop on a longer drive rather than a place to stay overnight.
Any time of year, with October to March the most comfortable. Light is best in the morning or late afternoon; in summer, avoid the middle of the day.
Abhaneri is about 90–95 km east of Jaipur, roughly one and a half to two hours by car, and a few kilometres off the Jaipur–Agra highway. From Agra it is about three hours. There is no convenient public transport for visitors, so it is best visited with your own car.
Abhaneri is a natural stop between Jaipur and Agra, as in our 5-Day Golden Triangle Tour. It can also be combined with Bharatpur and Fatehpur Sikri on the same day.
Opening hours, fees and seasonal conditions change. We confirm current details when we plan your trip.
About 90–95 km, or one and a half to two hours by car, just off the Jaipur–Agra highway.
No. To protect the monument, visitors view the stepwell from the top and the surrounding galleries.
Private itineraries you can take as they are or change to suit you.
4 nights / 5 days
The classic Delhi, Agra and Jaipur circuit at an easy pace, with the Taj Mahal at sunrise and a full day in Jaipur.
Price on request, quoted for your group
6 nights / 7 days
The Golden Triangle followed by Varanasi's evening aarti and a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges.
Price on request, quoted for your group
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