Located in the shadows of the mighty Amer Fort, Panna Meena ka Kund is an 18th-century stepwell (baori) that remains one of Jaipur’s most photogenic “hidden gems.” Renowned for its mesmerizing crisscross geometric stairs and octagonal pavilions, this eight-story structure was once a vital community hub for water harvesting and social gatherings.
🕒 Visitor Information: Entry Fee & Timings (2026)
As of 2026, Panna Meena ka Kund remains one of the few historical sites in Jaipur that is free to the public.
| Category | Details |
| Entry Fee | Free (No Ticket Required) |
| Timings | 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily) |
| Best Time for Photos | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM (for soft morning light) |
| Location | Near Amer Fort & Anokhi Museum, Amer, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302028 |
🏛️ History & Legend: The Mystery of the Name
The origin of “Panna Meena” is shrouded in local folklore, with three popular theories:
The Brahmin Warrior: Some believe it was built by the Meena Brahmins to honor a brave warrior named Panna.
The Royal Courtier: Another legend credits a eunuch named Panna Miah, who served in the court of Maharaja Jai Singh.
Ancient Roots: Locals suggest the structure predates the 11th century, built by the Meena community who ruled Amer before the Rajputs.
📸 Architectural Highlights
What makes this stepwell a masterpiece of Rajasthani engineering?
The Crisscross Logic: The steps are arranged in a unique symmetrical pattern. A local legend says that the steps you use to go down cannot be used to come back up—a psychological trick of the architecture!
Octagonal Pavilions (Chhatris): Each of the four corners features a beautiful pavilion, which served as a resting place for travelers and a social space for women fetching water.
Photography Appeal: The golden-hued stone against the emerald-green water (during monsoon) creates a stunning color palette. It has been featured in several Bollywood films and international travel magazines.
📍 Nearby Attractions in Amer
Don’t just visit the stepwell; explore the “Old Town” of Amer:
Anokhi Museum of Block Printing: Just a 2-minute walk away, this museum is housed in a restored haveli and showcases the art of hand-block printing.
Ambikeshwar Mahadev Temple: A peaceful, ancient Shiva temple located right next to the kund.
Amer Fort: Walk 10–15 minutes uphill to explore the main royal palace and the Sheesh Mahal.
🚗 How to Reach Panna Meena ka Kund
From Amer Fort: It is roughly 1 km away. If you are at the fort, simply walk down the “back” path toward the old town.
By Cab/Auto: You can take an Uber or Ola directly to the Anokhi Museum. The stepwell is right beside it.
From Jaipur Airport (21 km): Approximately 45–55 minutes by car via the Amer Road.
💡 Important Visitor Tips for 2026
Stepping Down Restricted: To preserve the structure and ensure safety, guards usually prohibit visitors from walking down the stairs. You can take plenty of photos from the upper platforms and edges.
Safety First: There are no railings on the edges. Be extremely careful when posing for photos.
Combine with Breakfast: Start your morning at the stepwell and then head to the nearby Anokhi Café for some of the best organic coffee and cakes in Jaipur.
This “Amer Old Town: Beyond the Fort” walking itinerary is designed to help you escape the crowds of the main palace and discover the quiet, soulful streets of the 11th-century town.
🚶 The “Morning in Amer” Walking Itinerary
Start Time: 8:00 AM (Recommended)
Total Duration: 2.5 – 3 Hours
Difficulty: Easy (mostly flat walking)
Stop 1: Panna Meena ka Kund (The Wake-up Call)
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Start your morning here before the tour buses arrive. The light at this hour hits the geometric steps perfectly, creating deep shadows that are a dream for photography.
Pro-Tip: Enjoy the silence. This is the best time to hear the echoes of the pigeons and the temple bells nearby.
Stop 2: Ambikeshwar Mahadev Temple (The Sunken Temple)
8:35 AM – 9:00 AM (2-minute walk)
Located right next to the stepwell. This temple is unique because it is built below ground level. Legend says the Shiva Lingam here is natural and the temple was built around it.
What to see: Notice the ancient stone carvings and the peaceful courtyard that feels worlds away from the tourist buzz of the Fort.
Stop 3: Shri Jagat Shiromani Ji Temple (The Masterpiece)
9:10 AM – 9:45 AM (7-minute walk)
This is arguably the most beautiful temple in Jaipur. Built by Queen Kanakwati in memory of her son, it is famous for its incredible white marble and black stone carvings.
Connection: It is the only temple where Lord Krishna is worshipped alongside Meera Bai. The idol is said to be the same one Meera Bai worshipped in Mewar.
Stop 4: The Lanes of Amer Old Town
9:45 AM – 10:15 AM
Wander through the narrow lanes connecting Jagat Shiromani to the Anokhi Museum.
What to see: Look for the “Haveli” entrances, local potters at work, and the small community shrines tucked into the walls. This is the authentic, living history of Amer.
Stop 5: Anokhi Museum of Block Printing & Café
10:15 AM – 11:30 AM
The Reward: End your walk at this beautifully restored haveli.
The Experience: Watch a live demonstration of hand-block printing on the top floor.
The Brunch: Head to the Anokhi Café inside. It’s famous for its organic, seasonal menu. Their fresh pomegranate juice and carrot cake are the perfect way to conclude your morning.
📊 Route Summary & Costs
| Stop | Entry Fee (Indians) | Entry Fee (Foreigners) | Best Feature |
| Panna Meena Kund | Free | Free | Symmetry & Geometry |
| Jagat Shiromani | Free | Free | Intricate Stone Carvings |
| Anokhi Museum | ~₹50 | ~₹200 | Block Printing Demo |
💡 Local Secrets for the Walk
The “Fort View” Alley: On the walk between Jagat Shiromani and Anokhi, look up through the narrow gaps between houses. You’ll get stunning, framed views of the Amer Fort walls towering above the town.
Shoe Etiquette: Since you are visiting two active temples, wear slip-on shoes or sandals. You will need to remove them at both Ambikeshwar and Jagat Shiromani.
The Monkeys: The old town monkeys are generally calmer than those at Galta Ji, but still avoid carrying open food in your hands.
