Stepwells, also called baolis or vavs, are unique water storage structures built in ancient India. They were designed not just for collecting rainwater but also as resting places and community gathering spots. These amazing architectural wonders combine utility with beauty, featuring carved steps, pillars, and sculptures. Even today, India’s largest stepwells remind us of our ancestors’ smart engineering and their respect for water conservation.
Stepwells, known as baolis or vavs, are ancient Indian structures built for water storage and community use. By 2025, some of the largest stepwells like Chand Baori, Rani ki Vav, and Agrasen ki Baoli continue to amaze people with their size, design, and cultural importance.
Here are the names of top-7 largest stepwells in India by 2025:
Chand Baori in Abhaneri, near Jaipur, is the largest and deepest stepwell in India. Built in the 9th century by King Chanda, it is about 100 feet deep with 13 levels and over 3,500 steps. It was designed to collect water in Rajasthan’s dry climate and also acted as a cool resting spot. Its precise geometry and massive scale make it a true architectural wonder.
Rani ki Vav, located in Patan, Gujarat, is a beautiful 11th-century stepwell built by Queen Udayamati in memory of her husband. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is 64 meters long, 20 meters wide, and 27 meters deep. With seven levels of carvings showing gods and mythological scenes, it is more than a water source—this stepwell is an artistic and cultural masterpiece of ancient India.
The Adalaj Stepwell, near Ahmedabad, was built in 1499 by Queen Rudadevi. It has five stories, decorated pillars, and carved corridors. Its unique style combines Hindu and Islamic architecture. Apart from storing water, it was also a resting place for travelers and a community hub. The beautiful carvings and peaceful atmosphere make it one of the most visited stepwells in Gujarat.
Agrasen ki Baoli, near Connaught Place in New Delhi, is believed to date back to the 14th century. It is 60 meters long, 15 meters wide, and has 108 steps. Originally built for water storage, it was also a social meeting point. Today, it is a popular heritage site known for its mysterious vibe. It has even appeared in Bollywood films and is one of Delhi’s most famous landmarks.
The Dada Harir Stepwell, built in the 15th century during Sultan Mahmud Begada’s rule, is in Ahmedabad. Made of sandstone, it has an octagonal shape, five levels, and spiral staircases. It blends Hindu and Islamic design elements, making it both functional and artistic. With its grand corridors and deep structure, it served as a water reservoir and resting place, showing Gujarat’s rich architectural legacy.
Toorji ka Jhalra in Jodhpur was built in the 18th century by a queen of the Marwar royal family. Constructed in red sandstone, it has intricate carvings and wide steps leading down to the water. Once a crucial water source, it has now been restored as a heritage site. It attracts tourists for its design, history, and beauty, making it one of Rajasthan’s most charming stepwells.
The Surya Kund stepwell lies inside the Sun Temple complex at Modhera, Gujarat. It is unique because its steps house hundreds of small shrines dedicated to various deities. Pilgrims traditionally bathed here before entering the temple. Its combination of religious purpose, massive size, and artistic carvings makes it both a sacred site and an engineering marvel. Even today, it remains a symbol of India’s devotion and skill.
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