Located 95 km from Jaipur, Chand Baori in the village of Abhaneri is a geometric wonder that defies ancient engineering limits.1 With 3,500 perfectly symmetrical steps descending 13 stories into the earth, it is one of the largest and most photogenic stepwells in existence.2
🕒 Visitor Information: Entry Fee & Timings (2026)
Chand Baori is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).3 While the village is free to explore, the monument itself requires a ticket.
| Category | Entry Fee (2026) |
| Indian Citizens | ₹25 – ₹30 per person |
| Foreign Tourists | ₹250 – ₹300 per person |
| SAARC & BIMSTEC Visitors | ₹25 – ₹30 per person |
| Children (Below 15 Years) | Free |
| Timings | 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM (Daily) |
🏛️ History & Legend: Built by “Djinns”?
Built in the 8th or 9th Century CE by King Chand Raja of the Pratihara dynasty, this structure is over 1,200 years old—making it older than the Taj Mahal.4
The Legend: Local folklore suggests the stepwell was built in a single night by supernatural forces (Djinns).5 This myth persists because of the sheer mathematical complexity of the 3,500 steps.
The Purpose: Beyond water conservation, the “Baori” served as a community cooling center.6 At the bottom of the well, the air remains 5-6°C cooler than at the surface.7
The “Batman” Connection: Fans of The Dark Knight Rises will recognize Chand Baori as the “Pit” prison where Bruce Wayne was held.8 It has also appeared in The Fall and Bhool Bhulaiyaa.
✨ Architectural Highlights
Symmetry in Stone: The steps form a mesmerizing triangular pattern.9 Legend says no one has ever used the same set of stairs to go down and come back up!
The Royal Pavilion: The fourth side of the well features a multi-story palace with Jharokhas (windows) and balconies where the royals once sat to enjoy the cool breeze.10
Harshat Mata Temple: Just 100 meters away lies the ruins of this 10th-century temple.11 Though partially destroyed by Mahmud Ghazni, its surviving sculptures are masterpieces of early medieval Indian art.
🚗 How to Reach Abhaneri from Jaipur
Abhaneri is a popular day trip from Jaipur or a stopover on the way to Agra.12
By Car (Recommended): A 2-hour drive via the Jaipur-Agra Highway (NH21). Cab rentals from Jaipur typically cost between ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 for a round trip.
By Train: Take a train from Jaipur to Bandikui Junction (approx.13 1 hour). From Bandikui, Abhaneri is a short 7 km auto-rickshaw or taxi ride.14
By Bus: Take a public bus toward Sikandra.15 From the Sikandra crossroad, you can find local jeeps or “Jugads” to take you the remaining 10 km to the village.16
💡 Expert Tips for 2026
Photography: The best light is during the “Golden Hour” (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM) when the shadows of the steps create high-contrast geometric patterns.17
Abhaneri Festival: If traveling in October, don’t miss this 3-day cultural festival featuring Kalbeliya dance, puppet shows, and local camel safaris.
No Climbing: For safety and conservation, tourists are no longer allowed to walk down the steps; you can only view them from the surrounding galleries.18
Nearby Stop: Combine your visit with the Bhangarh Fort (40 km away), often called the “Most Haunted Place in India.”19
This Golden Triangle Stopover Itinerary is the perfect way to travel from Jaipur to Agra while hitting three distinct historical eras in a single day.
By taking the highway route, you transition from the Rajputana grandeur of Jaipur to the Ancient mystery of Abhaneri, and finally the Mughal perfection of Agra.
🚗 Jaipur to Agra: The “Heritage Highway” Itinerary (2026)
Total Distance: ~240 km
Total Drive Time: ~5 hours (excluding stops)
Best Mode: Private AC Taxi (Estimated ₹3,500 – ₹5,000 for a one-way drop with sightseeing).
08:00 AM | Departure from Jaipur
Fuel up with a heavy breakfast and hit the NH21 (Jaipur-Agra Highway). Leaving early helps you beat the truck traffic and catch the morning light.
10:00 AM | Stop 1: Abhaneri (Chand Baori)
Duration: 1 hour
The Vibe: Mathematical awe.
Activity: Marvel at the 3,500 symmetrical steps of Chand Baori and the ruined glory of the Harshat Mata Temple. It’s the perfect time for photos as the sun begins to hit the deeper steps.
11:30 AM | Stop 2: Mehndipur Balaji (Optional/Spiritual)
Duration: 30–45 mins
The Vibe: Intense and mystical.
Activity: If you are interested in local religious rituals, this temple is famous for “exorcism” and healing. Even a drive-by gives you a glimpse into the high-energy spiritual devotion of the region.
01:30 PM | Stop 3: Fatehpur Sikri (The Ghost City)
Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
The Vibe: Hauntingly beautiful Mughal ruins.
Activity: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, built by Emperor Akbar and later abandoned.
Don’t Miss: The Buland Darwaza (the highest gateway in the world) and the white marble Tomb of Salim Chishti.
Lunch Tip: There are several garden restaurants just outside the Fatehpur Sikri complex that serve excellent North Indian “thalis.”
04:30 PM | Arrival in Agra (Mehtab Bagh)
Duration: 1 hour
The Vibe: The ultimate view.
Activity: Instead of rushing into the city, go straight to Mehtab Bagh (The Moonlight Garden). It sits directly across the river from the Taj Mahal.
Why: You get to see the Taj Mahal at sunset without the massive crowds, perfectly framed by the river Yamuna.
📊 Route Summary at a Glance
| Leg of Journey | Distance | Time | Highlights |
| Jaipur → Abhaneri | 95 km | 2 hrs | Ancient Stepwell |
| Abhaneri → Fatehpur Sikri | 110 km | 2 hrs | Mughal Architecture |
| Fatehpur Sikri → Agra | 35 km | 1 hr | Taj Mahal View |
💡 Pro-Tips for the Journey
Hiring a Driver: Ensure your driver has a “Taj Trapezium Zone” permit and that the inter-state tax (Rajasthan to Uttar Pradesh) is included in your quote.
Guide Scam at Fatehpur Sikri: Beware of “unofficial” guides at the parking lot. Only hire someone with a valid ID card, or better yet, use a self-guided audio tour.
Bharatpur Detour: If you are a bird lover, you can swap Fatehpur Sikri for Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur), which is on the same route and famous for thousands of migratory birds (best in Jan/Feb).
