Rani Ki vav
Rani Ki vav
4.5
About
Rani Ki Vav is the oldest and the grandest stepwell in the state of Gujarat. It is situated at Patan and is believed to have been built during 1022 to 1063 AD. The construction was completed by the widowed queen Udayamati. She was the wife of King Bhimdev I, son of Mularaja, the founder of the Solanki dynasty of Anahilwada Pattan. It is a richly sculptured monument and a major tourist spot in Patan. The size of the Rani Ki Vav is so huge that the tourists appear to be ants climbing an anthill.
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2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
366 reviews
Excellent
266
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95
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Tejas Kapasi
Ahmedabad District, India12 contributions
Feb 2020
very hard to describe this monument in words, all one can say is not to be missed at any cost. Amazing work by the craftsmen. The lawns are well maintained, adequate parking and a very clean place. You can go there and get photography as well.
A unique talent of history can be seen live.
A unique talent of history can be seen live.
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Himanshu Motani
55 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
This place is in Patan and approx. 2 hours drive from Ahmedabad but a must visit. Beautiful carvings and huge. Due to some maintenance activity we were allowed yo go down only 4/5 floors but even that was more than enough.
This was built somewhere in 1022 AD and was discovered only in 1960. There has been huge efforts by ASI to restore this place and has done fantastic job.
The surrounding garden is also huge, beautiful and relaxing.
This was built somewhere in 1022 AD and was discovered only in 1960. There has been huge efforts by ASI to restore this place and has done fantastic job.
The surrounding garden is also huge, beautiful and relaxing.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ArchanaDave
Mumbai, India55 contributions
Nov 2022
A UNESCO site and unfortunately less travelled site in India. Considering its almost 1000 years old, we cannot comprehend what master artists could have crested this place. The vision of the Queen and her benevolence for the people can be grasped only by visiting. The carvings on the walls reflect our open system and precision of the crafters.
Written December 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anuradha
New Delhi, India297 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Excellent architectural marvel ! Very well maintained by ASI, though water conservation is not happening, ironically, the purpose with which it was made gets defeated.
A must visit place, if you have interest in history and architecture.
Carving on the walls are excellent and the sheer size of the step well is praise worthy.
A must visit place, if you have interest in history and architecture.
Carving on the walls are excellent and the sheer size of the step well is praise worthy.
Written January 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RkRoadie
Pune, India625 contributions
Dec 2021
Rani Ki Vav is UNESCO Heritage site. It has some spellbound architecture. It is now seen in new Hundred Rupee note as well.
The approach is through congested and dusty patan village. There is ample parking near to entrance. The area is well maintained by creating lawn and sitting place under huge trees. The main vav cannot be seen until you are near to it.
One needs to descend few steps to witness the architecture of those times. The lower levels are restricted for tourist hence one can just descend 1-2 floors for photograph.
Go down by steps and please don't climb on any other area for photos or selfies as few structures are old and cannot behold your weight. Respect the security who keeps on blowing whistles for your safety.
The approach is through congested and dusty patan village. There is ample parking near to entrance. The area is well maintained by creating lawn and sitting place under huge trees. The main vav cannot be seen until you are near to it.
One needs to descend few steps to witness the architecture of those times. The lower levels are restricted for tourist hence one can just descend 1-2 floors for photograph.
Go down by steps and please don't climb on any other area for photos or selfies as few structures are old and cannot behold your weight. Respect the security who keeps on blowing whistles for your safety.
Written January 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Climbmom
Edmonton, Canada122 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Having no knowledge of step wells whatsoever, this exquisite archaeological site was a most memorable visit. Not only is the well a beautiful place to reflect on the love and skill that created it but the surrounding grounds are beautifully kept. Here’s hoping India does more to preserve its heritage in such a five-star manner.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Indraneel Mazumder
Jamshedpur, India15 contributions
Dec 2019
Exceptional step-well, with intricate stone carvings. However, be aware, that this step well, does not have water at the bottom.
About 130 Km drive from Ahmedabad city - excellent roads, Must visit..
About 130 Km drive from Ahmedabad city - excellent roads, Must visit..
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ipsita b
Vadodara, India39 contributions
Jan 2020
Beautiful heritage site, well maintained. Sprawling lawns near the site is also beautiful. Only problem is non availability of very good hotels and restaurants nearby. This can be covered along with sun temple as the distance is less.
Written August 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sharatchandrahc
Bengaluru, India321 contributions
Mar 2013 • Friends
I am glad that while staying at Bajana, watching wildlife at LRK, they suggested me to visit this Stepped well. I do not know if any such step well is found anywhere outside Gujarat. The carvings on the walls and pillars are wonderful similar to the carvings in Halebeedu in Karnataka. The place is about 175 km from Ahmedabad. The well is seven level deep and probably bating Ghat for the Queen. The ASI board says it was built during 11th century and probably built by Rani Udayamati. Locals pay an entry fee of INR % and others need to pay about INR 25/-
Written March 11, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OldzGold
Ahmedabad, India196 contributions
Apr 2011
According to the classical texts, four type of step wells were built in ancient times, viz., Nanda, Bhadra, Jaya & Vijaya, as shown in attached photograph. Rani Ki Vav is then a Nanda type of Step Well, about 64 meters long, 20 meters wide and 27 meters deep. It is oriented in east-westly direction with the entrance steps in the east.
I was told that the Vav was covered with mud, silt and flood water of river Saraswati for hundreds of years unknown and unexplored. Later on it was discovered, excavated, thus revealing the sculptural and architectural marvel in its pristine glory. I was also told that somewhere down below a secret tunnel opens and leads the way till about 30 KMs away from Patan.
The Vav has four distinct elements, the entrance steps, the walls flanking the step corridors, several storey of subterranean pillared pavilions, and the well shaft. Each of the walls, columns, pavilions and the well are beautifully decorated with sculptures and stone carvings depicting Gods, Goddesses, Apsaras, Nagkanyas etc. in mythological poses and moods. In all there are about 800 highly structured and sophisticated sculptures adorning several galleries (few photographs attached). Due to these facts it is believed that Rani Ki Vav structure was not just an efficient water collecting body but had a deeper social and religious connotation attached, as if to elaborate the sanctity of water. Hence the structure was probably treated as a water temple of sorts!
For the present day commoner, a must visit.
I was told that the Vav was covered with mud, silt and flood water of river Saraswati for hundreds of years unknown and unexplored. Later on it was discovered, excavated, thus revealing the sculptural and architectural marvel in its pristine glory. I was also told that somewhere down below a secret tunnel opens and leads the way till about 30 KMs away from Patan.
The Vav has four distinct elements, the entrance steps, the walls flanking the step corridors, several storey of subterranean pillared pavilions, and the well shaft. Each of the walls, columns, pavilions and the well are beautifully decorated with sculptures and stone carvings depicting Gods, Goddesses, Apsaras, Nagkanyas etc. in mythological poses and moods. In all there are about 800 highly structured and sophisticated sculptures adorning several galleries (few photographs attached). Due to these facts it is believed that Rani Ki Vav structure was not just an efficient water collecting body but had a deeper social and religious connotation attached, as if to elaborate the sanctity of water. Hence the structure was probably treated as a water temple of sorts!
For the present day commoner, a must visit.
Written March 8, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Random Tourist
New Delhi, India105 contributions
How much time required to visit this place in the morning?
Shireen N
2 contributions
Hi. Can anyone please tell me how to get a Tour Guide for Rani ki Vav?
sumantra_travel
New Delhi, India3,876 contributions
One possibly does not need any tour guide. The place has a lot of information on it. There ls a large park, and the main structure is there at one end. The step-well has information about it. Some prior study can help as well: there is a lot of material on the Internet. This is one unique structure...enjoy the trip!
Cheers,
idaaning
Kolkata (Calcutta), India28 contributions
Is there any bus from Unjha Railway station to Rani Ki vav? I will arrive by Ashram Express from New Delhi and arrive Unjha at around 5:30am. I would like to visit Rani Ki vav and return to take the 20:10 train from Unjha.
sepani
Mumbai, India45 contributions
Gujarat state transport buses might be available. But not aware.
Mahendra V
Aurangabad District, India154 contributions
Is there any good family hotel near rani ki vav live for one day .
Alice M
India201 contributions
No there are no good places in Patan. But you can try to stay in Mehasana and drive or take abus to Patan
TravelKumari
Mumbai, India33 contributions
Well, hello everyone! Firstly, Happy New Year :)
I am planning a visit to Ahmedabad, this month or the next. I need help regarding the following -
- Which buses go from Ahmedabad to Patan, what is their frequency and when is the first and last bus?
- Are there any locals who can give some insight into the Rani-ki-Vav? Any guide, friend or anyone?
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Frequently Asked Questions about Rani Ki vav
- Attractions near Rani Ki vav:
- (0.41 mi) Patan Patola Heritage
- (1.59 mi) Panchmukhi Hanuman
- (2.31 mi) Sahasralinga Talav
Rani Ki vav Information
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Very Good Reviews | 95 |
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