In the romantic Indian state of Rajasthan, in the dusty village of Abhaneri, there lies a massive hole in the ground. To be specific, this hole is called Chand Baori, and is one of the largest ancient step-wells in the world, plummeting down 100 feet to slurp water from the earth for the thirsty local population.
The well is around 1,200 years old (wowza!), constructed in 800 C.E. by King Chandra of the Nikumbha Dynasty. Like many historic structures in India, it is also a temple! In fact, the whole well is dedicated to Hashat Mata, the Goddess of Happiness and Joy. Indeed, water is a joyful thing!
One wonderful aspect of India is that its ancient areas are often still in use today. Sure enough, when our India teacher tour walked up to the temple-well, religious activities were in full swing at the temple. The local people smeared bright orange paint on our guide’s forehead, and we all got blazing gold-colored marigold flowers!
Check out these photos and be in awe. Where else in the world would such a phenomenal, ancient construction be a mere side trip on a day packed with other sights? India is a wonder!
So what do you think… Is Chand Baori a place you would like to visit? Want to race each other down all those steps to the bottom??
The author, Lillie Marshall, is a 6-foot-tall National Board Certified Teacher of English, fitness fan, and mother of two who has been a public school educator since 2003. She launched Around the World “L” Travel and Life Blog in 2009, and over 4.2 million readers have now visited this site. Lillie also runs TeachingTraveling.com and DrawingsOf.com. Subscribe to her monthly newsletter, and follow @WorldLillie on social media!
Kaitlyn G.
Monday 12th of January 2015
This place I would love to go and visit. I like how you spiced some things up to make it even more interesting.
Lillie
Monday 12th of January 2015
Thanks, Kaitlyn!
Brianna
Wednesday 7th of January 2015
Wow! That is the biggest well I have ever seen! I have one question, are people aloud to go down the stairs? If so do they have to pay or is it free.
Rajnique
Saturday 27th of December 2014
What did the marigolds symbolize? Is it a part of their culture?
Lillie
Sunday 28th of December 2014
Marigolds are used a great deal in the Hindu religion. The flowers symbolize good luck and a connection with the divine. There is a lot more to it, so use our trusty friend, Google. :)
Jane
Sunday 23rd of November 2014
WOW! That is really amazing!
Escape Hunter
Monday 12th of May 2014
It's an amazing engineering achievement. And I never saw it on TV... how come? Isn't it strange how many interesting places are never (or vary rarely) shown on TV?
Lillie
Monday 12th of May 2014
Agreed!