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| Adalaj Step Well |
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History
Adalaj Step Well or Adalaj ni Vav as it is known is Gujarati is a magnificent example of Indo-Islamic architecture in Gujarat. Located at a distance of 18kms away from Ahmedabad city in the quiet village of Adalaj in Gandhinagar district – the Adalaj Step Well is a must-visit not only for its superb architecture but also for its intricate carvings on the wall that add to the character of this step well.
The Adalaj Step Well was built in 1499 by Queen Rudabai as a resting place for travelers, villagers and pilgrims visiting the area. The five-storey step well was built to serve not only as a cultural and a utilitarian space but also as a spiritual refuge for the villagers who came every morning at the well to fill water, offer prayers to the deities carved on the walls and to interact with each other under the cool shade of the vav or step well.
Apart from the fact that this is the only step well in entire Gujarat that has three entrance stairs, the Adalaj Step Well is popular for its architecture, which is a harmonious blend of intricate Islamic floral patterns, which seamlessly fuse into Hindu and Jain motifs symbolising the cultural ethos of that era.
The carvings on the wall of the step well depict mythological scenes along with scenes from everyday life like women churning buttermilk, dancers accompanied by musicians, women adorning themselves among others. Other interesting feature of this step well is Ami Khumbor – a pot containing the water of life and the Kalp Vriksha – a tree of life carved out of a single slab of stone.
Today the step well is a heritage site inviting visitors from all over the world to marvel at the splendid architectural delight.
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Best time to visit
The best time to visit Adalaj Step Well or Adalaj ni Vav is between the months of October and March as the weather during these months are quite pleasant in Ahmedabad and conducive for visiting the step well.
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Trivia
Interestingly it is believed that the small frieze of navagraha or nine-planets on the wall towards the edge of the well protects this step well from evil spirits.
Remarkable feature of this step well is that in entire Gujarat this is the only step well with three entrance stairs which meet at the first storey, underground in a huge square platform.
Architecture of this step well is such that the direct sunlight does not touch either the steps or the landing except for a brief period at noon thus making the temperatures inside the step well six degrees less than the outside temperatures.
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Timing
The step well is open on all the days and to enjoy the interesting play of light on the interiors of the step well it is advisable to plan your visit in such a way that when the sun is up you are underground in the step well.
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Travel Tools
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