Latest news with #Udayamati
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
7 ancient stepwells that are architectural marvels
Ancient Indian stepwells, known as baolis, vavs, or bawdis, are remarkable examples of India's traditional water management and architectural genius. Built deep into the earth with steps leading down to the water, these structures were practical solutions for water storage. Here are 7 ancient stepwells that are true architectural marvels. 1. Rani ki Vav , Gujarat In the 11th century, Queen Udayamati constructed Rani ki Vav as a memorial to King Bhimdev I. Rani ki Vav is a UNESCO World Heritage monument and among India's best stepwells. Designed in the form of an inverted temple, it has more than 500 sculptures and 1,000 small carvings, predominantly of Lord Vishnu. 2. Chand Baori , Rajasthan Standing in the village of Abhaneri, Chand Baori is India's deepest stepwell that goes down 100 feet with 3,500 steps and 13 levels. Constructed during the 8th and 9th centuries by King Chanda of the Nikumbh dynasty, its haunting beauty has no match. It has a temple nearby dedicated to Harshat Mata, the goddess of joy. 3. Adalaj Stepwell , Gujarat This five-story stepwell at Adalaj, just outside Ahmedabad, was finished in 1499. Built by Rana Veer Singh for his wife Rani Roopba, it was subsequently completed by the victorious Muslim king Muhammad Begda upon Singh's death. Sadly, the queen took her own life in this well. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 11 Dumbest Things Middle-Class Americans Waste Money On FinanceBuzz Undo The structure has stunning Indo-Islamic architecture with ornate pillars and intricate carvings. 4. Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi Concealed in the midst of Delhi, Agrasen ki Baoli is a 60-meter-long and 15-meter-wide stepwell. It is said to have existed since the time of the Mahabharata and was rebuilt in the 14th century by the Agrawal community. Its arcaded niches and symmetrical steps attract photographers and filmmakers alike. The baoli is still shrouded in mystery and has stories of ghostly activity attached to it. 5. Toorji ka Jhalra, Jodhpur Built in the 18th century by a queen of Maharaja Abhay Singh, Toorji ka Jhalra is a stunning stepwell in Jodhpur made up of all rose-red sandstone. It was unearthed and restored in recent times and is now a peaceful place hidden within the chaotic old city. It is a well-known tourist destination and cultural heritage site today. 6. Nahargarh Stepwell, Jaipur Constructed in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the Nahargarh stepwells are special for their uneven construction as per the natural slope of the Aravalli hills. These wells form a part of a smart catchment system, as canals harvest rainwater from the hills and lead it into the wells. The larger stepwell was featured in the Bollywood movie Rang De Basanti. 7. Shahi Baoli , Lucknow Situated at the Bada Imambara complex in Lucknow, Shahi Baoli is an 18th-century imperial stepwell ordered by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. It was first constructed to provide water for use in construction processes. Then it was converted into an elegant guesthouse with fountains and marble floors. Its intelligent design gives visitors' reflections in the water before they approach. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
NDTV
04-05-2025
- NDTV
6 Underrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites In India That Are Totally Worth The Hype
India boasts 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but beyond the famous Taj Mahal and Jaipur's regal landmarks lie some truly underrated treasures. These lesser-known sites are steeped in history, stunning in design, and blissfully free from the usual tourist bustle. They're ideal for travellers who lean towards quiet beauty, rich storytelling, and places that haven't been overrun by Instagram. If you're after meaningful experiences rather than bucket-list checkmarks, these hidden heritage gems offer a fresh, authentic glimpse into India's layered past — and might just become the highlight of your next trip. It's time to look beyond the usual suspects. Here Are 6 Lesser-Known UNESCO World Heritage Sites In India: 1. Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Gujarat Tucked away about 50 kilometres from Vadodara, Champaner-Pavagadh feels like a time capsule from the 8th to 14th century. This site brings together Hindu and Islamic architectural styles in a rare blend, surrounded by dense forests and hilltop shrines. From the beautifully preserved Jama Masjid to the stepwells and fortifications, it's a history buff's dream. It's one of the few pre-Mughal Islamic cities left in such good shape-and yet, barely anyone's talking about it. 2. Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana This 13th-century sandstone temple only made it to the UNESCO list in 2021, but it's been standing tall through wars and earthquakes for centuries. Built during the reign of the Kakatiya dynasty, the temple is known for its floating bricks (yes, they literally float on water) and intricate carvings that could give Khajuraho a run for its money. The location — nestled in the middle of nowhere near Warangal — means you might have the place entirely to yourself. 3. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh If cave art is your thing, Bhimbetka will blow your mind. These rock shelters are around 30,000 years old and showcase some of the earliest signs of human life on the Indian subcontinent. Think dancing figures, animal hunts, and rituals drawn by our prehistoric ancestors. The site sits at the edge of the Vindhyan hills and doesn't just offer ancient artwork-it gives you a real feel of what daily life may have looked like before civilisation as we know it. 4. Rani-ki-Vav, Gujarat This isn't just any stepwell — it's a seven-level architectural marvel buried underground for centuries and rediscovered only in the 1980s. Located in Patan, Rani-ki-Vav was built in the 11th century by Queen Udayamati in memory of her husband. It's as poetic as it is practical, with over 500 intricately carved sculptures lining its sandstone walls. Unlike other tourist-heavy monuments, it's still relatively under-the-radar, and a quiet visit here feels like flipping through pages of a forgotten epic. 5. The Great Himalayan National Park, Himachal Pradesh If you're looking to swap forts for forests, this biosphere reserve is a wild, green paradise. The Great Himalayan National Park near Manali covers over 1,000 square kilometres and is home to rare species like the Himalayan Brown Bear, Indian Pika, and Greater Blue Sheep. The best part? It's not overly commercial. Trekking here is as raw as it gets — no manicured trails, just alpine meadows, glacial rivers, and absolute silence. It's no wonder UNESCO picked it for its biodiversity. 6. Monuments at Pattadakal, Karnataka Overshadowed by Hampi just a few hours away, Pattadakal is an architectural gem in its own right. The site features a unique mix of Dravidian and Nagara styles that came together during the Chalukya dynasty. It's like an open-air museum, with nine temples laid out in a row, each more detailed than the last. What's fascinating is how these structures show the early transition from rock-cut to structural temples in India. Plus, you can cover the whole site in a couple of hours-perfect for a day trip with a side of history.
