Golden Triangle Diaries: A Detour Of Abhaneri

Are you craving a Rajasthan adventure beyond the usual tourist trail?

Look no further than Abhaneri!

Steeped in history, this offbeat destination offers a one-of-a-kind blend of romance, engineering marvels, and a touch of mystery. Imagine exploring ancient stepwells, marveling at ingenious water harvesting systems, and uncovering a hint of intrigue.

Aren’t you convinced yet?

Read the blog to the very end to know why you should take a detour to Abhaneri on your Golden Triangle Trip. Also, with this blog, we are planning to give you enough reasons to add Abhaneri to your Rajasthan itinerary.

Stay tuned!

Meanwhile, request a quote for Rajasthan. Just ping us, and you’ll get a customized quote in no time. Try it, it’s free!

Let’s Begin From The Beginning

Abhaneri is a 9th Century village in the Dausa district of Rajasthan. It is 95 km from Jaipur and is on the Jaipur-Agra highway, making it very accessible on a North India trip.

Let us give you a little back story about this village here.

Abhaneri’s historic place was originally named “Abha Nagri” morning which translates to “the City of Brightness”.

However, with the ravages of time, and the evolution of dialect, the name transformed into Abhaneri.

Abhaneri is very quintessential Rajasthani. However, it has an additional eerie feel to it, we will talk about this later in the blog.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room.

Why Choose Abhaneri For Your Next Rajasthan Off The Beaten Path Adventure?

Out of all the destinations in Rajasthan, why Abhaneri? Well, we have plenty of reasons to justify why this hamlet is a must-have bucket-list item for Rajasthan.

Number one, Abhaneri is home to the most unusual sight in Rajasthan, which is famous for its 13 levels and zig-zagging steps.

Yes, we are talking about Chand Baori, the largest and deepest stepwell in India.

Are you wondering what a stepwell is?

Well, stepwells are ancient wells with descending stairs, usually used for water storage and to perform rituals.

Number two, this tiny hamlet is also home to the Harshat Mata Temple – a shrine dedicated to the Goddess of Happiness.

The aura of this temple is worth witnessing.

Despite having been plundered many times in the past, the temple stands tall.

Thus, keeping the heritage of this village intact with hand-carved sculptures and murals inside it.

Last but not least, visit Abhaneri because of its colossal culture. This village is popular for various Indian folk dances like Ghoomar, Kalbeliya, and Bhavai.

Step Up Your Travel Game At Chand Baori In Abhaneri

Chand Baori or say the moon well, is hands down, Abhaneri’s most priceless asset.

It’s one of the oldest living stepwells in India, which is the very first of its kind.

Believed to be hidden at a location not many knew about, this place was famous as the “hidden treasures of India”. (PS: This was in the past, now Google Maps can do the work for you ;))

We know Chand Baori as a treasure trove of stories that also has amazing architecture.

However, many others recognize it as a backdrop for movies like “The Dark Knight Rises” and “Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”.

So, needless to say, if you happen to love stories and own a camera, this place will be no less than heaven for you.

Built during the 8th and 9th century, this unique structure was far ahead of its time.

That’s because building symmetry in structures was hard to find in that era.

Other than that, this stepwell was/is famous as a host for community gatherings, of commoners and royals alike.

It was and is a spectacle, all thanks to its exquisite geometry and cascades of intricate pattern that create a play of light and shadows.

Chand Baori Architecture – What To Expect?

History is plastered all over the area! Not to mention, Chandra Baori is the largest and deepest stepwell in India.

As you enter the premises of Chand Baori, you are welcomed by a square courtyard with Jharokhas.

Filtered light plays on the descending steps, creating a magical aura. Explore three sides lined with intricate carvings, while a fourth side boasts royal pavilions with balconies overlooking the emerald water below. The descent narrows, transforming into a maze; finding your way back is the real adventure!

PS: Feeling adventurous? Accept this challenge and try it for yourself!

Not impressed yet? Read the facts and tell us that you feel the same.

Chand Baori Facts

1. Challenge to keep interest in destinations alive.

2. To stay positive and prepare for the possible surge in business in the months and years to come.

3. Innovate to get back on your feet and attract clients once the pandemic is over.

4. Unlearning previous ways of managing and implementing the new normal to our ideas.

5. Challenges to stay relevant and reinstate the trust of our clients.

But before that, request a customized quote for the Golden Triangle Trip plus Abhaneri adventure here.

Stories About Chand Baori

The biggest enigma around Chand Baori is the many legends that are associated with it.

And, unlike other haunted places to visit in India, one cannot confirm which of these stories are true and which ones are false.

So, we are leaving it to you. Choose whichever story you like more.

1. Locals whisper Chand Baori was built by ghosts in one night. What do you think, is it a fact or a folklore?

2. It is believed that the Djinn, a powerful spirit, haunts the stepwell. It forces visitors to take a different path on their descent and ascent. So you never walk on the same step twice!

Chand Baori Ticket Price

Despite being an architectural spectacle under the Archaeological Survey of India, Chand Baori has no entry fee yet.

This means no vendors selling mementos or guides to overwhelm you. Isn’t that a win already?

Chand Baori Timings

Chand Baori is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. It is only closed in the case of major holidays.

Harshat Mata Temple In Abhaneri

Chand Baori isn’t the only attraction that Abhaneri offers.

There is yet another 8th-century structure that’s famous among travelers – the Harshat Mata Temple.

A relatively small temple compared to Chand Baori, Harshat Mata temple is the memento of the ravages of time.

It’s been plundered so many times in the past, yet defying all the odds it stands sturdy.

Devotees still flock here, so if you want an interactive session with them, ask them politely.

Otherwise, you can always enjoy the intricate carvings (mostly in ruins) here.

FAQ

When To Visit Abhaneri?

The best time to visit Abhaneri is between October and March. The weather remains relatively pleasant in this period.

How To Reach Abhaneri?

The best way to reach Abhaneri is by hailing a cab.

Get on a shared cab or board a roadways bus to reach Abhaneri from Jaipur. The Jaipur to Abhaneri distance is about 95 km.

Need More Information?

This village is a convenient detour on the Jaipur Agra highway.

Located in the Dausa district, reaching Abhaneri is easier if you hire a cab/ share cab. However, that will be a little hard on your pocket.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly option and considering the journey by bus, then, let us inform you that there are no direct bus lines to Abhaneri.

From Jaipur, you can go to Sikandra (it will cost you 20 INR/0.26 USD) and take a taxi from there ( this will cost you around 250 INR/ 3.31 USD).

You can also go to Gular by bus and then walk for around one hour to Abhaneri. It’s just an option, we recommend not to follow this.

If you are planning a rail journey, then, you can stop at the Dausa Railway Station and travel further by road for 35 km to reach Abhaneri.

And with that, we have reached the end of our blog. Abhaneri Rajasthan is indeed a keeper on every Rajasthan itinerary. If it managed to impress you, then request a quote for it now!