Famed as the Pink City of India, Jaipur has emerged as one of the most sought after tourist destinations to visit in Rajasthan and India. Panna Meena Ka Kund is an another example of its architectural excellence and royal ambiance, that attracts tourists from all over the world and never fails to lure them. This city allows you to catch a glimpse of the various historic destinations such as the palaces, forts, wildlife sanctuary, and many others.
Besides the magnificent natural vistas and bewildering architecture, one can also choose to submerge in the beauty of step-well. Step-well locally known as Baori is a man-made structure as large as a colossal pond. These large reservoirs of water consist of stairs or steps that descend to the pond and were built for the purpose of rainwater harvesting, water supply, and baths.
We are talking about one of the most popular stepwells and famous tourist spots in Jaipur, Panna Meena Ka Kund. It is also popular as Panna Mian Ki Naoli. Located in the ancient Amber Town in Jaipur, this beautiful stepwell has been the main attraction for many video shootings and movies.
History of Panna Meena Kund
You must be aware of the fact that most of the Hindu temples are built around the water bodies as water plays an important role in many Hindu ceremonies. These ancient water structures were also built for the same purpose to conserve the water near the temples. Panna Meena ka Kund is one of those examples of architecture and water conservation techniques of that era.
However, there is no written proof found about it. This is why the locals got the liberty to forge stories. There is a popular story related to it is that there was a eunuch named Panna Miah, who was the courtesan in the royal court of Maharaja Jai Singh in Amer Fort. It was under his patronage this stepwell was created. This story says that this Baori was constructed in the 16th century that is approx 450 years ago.
Another story attached to it is that this ancient stepwell is named after the Meena King, Panna Meena. Every architecture of Jaipur has a framing story. This stepwell also has an interesting story after its name. The Meenas were the original resident of Amer and the stepwell was built by them in the 10th-11th century.
The Rajputs had their eye over the crown of Amer and Meena Warriors were aware of this. Panna Meena was the brave warrior and always carry their weapons with them. The only day when they did not have their weapons with them was the day of Deepawali as they used to keep their weapons aside to take a holy bath in the Kund. Rajputs found it difficult to defeat the Meena warriors and win the Amer crown. So they took advantage of that day and killed all the unarmed Meena chiefs to claim the crown. This was the day after when the Kund was called by the name Panna Meena ka Kund.
The architecture of Panna Meena ka Kund
The current structure is 400 years old built by Maharaja Jai Singh designed by a Brahmin and constructed by craftsmen and engineers. The well was originally built to do water harvesting during the rainy season. It was once a source of water for nearby locals, especially during the dry summers when piped water didn’t exist. Panna meena ka kund has served its purpose for many centuries. It was also utilized as a place of social meetings. The people of the community residing around it, especially women come here to gather, relax and sit on the multiple levels of the stairwell to exchange local news and gossip.
This place is over 200 feet deep and has its own beauty and unique concept of styling. It’s an eight-story rectangular staircase pool with 1800 symmetrical steps on its three sidewalls and chhatris on all four corners.
It was designed in such a way that one could reach water at any level using a flight of steps. This unusual symmetrical style of staircases are geometrical in shape but organized in a unique crisscross way. Octagonal shaped pieces have been used in the core of the Kund and terrace on two floors. Its zigzag geometrical pattern stairs, leave the visitors charmed.
What’s unique about It?
There is a local belief and an intriguing fact that you can’t use the same flight of stairs while going up and down. Only locals can do this as they are habituated to it. If you wish to check, go ahead! We bet if your psychology starts playing with you! This amazing mystery and stunning pattern of symmetrical stairs which leaves everyone amazed.
Why you should visit Panna Meena ka Kund?
Panna Meena Kund is the only functional and well-restored stepwell in Jaipur. Even today it is filled with water throughout the year. However, nowadays, it’s not used for the purpose and is only a tourist spot and a place for chilling in summers. In summers the water of the Kund keeps the complex cool and gives the visitors a pleasant experience. The place gives you a beautiful glimpse of the combination of nature and religion.
Though the place has not gone mainstream, even being close vicinity of a world-famous monument, Amber Fort, you can ask your tour operators to take you to this worth visiting place.
This unique heritage has extraordinary architecture and styling. The charm and attraction impressive embellishments of Baori scores a large number of tourists to admire this amazing eight storied staircase architecture. The terrace of Panna Meena Baori in Jaipur gives a splendid view of the beautiful Amer Fort and the mountains around. This architectural wonder is the most favorite place for photographers and Instagrammers in the Pink City.
Where is it located?
Panna Meena Stepwell is situated in the Amer town near the Anokhi Museum at Jaipur-Amer road. You will have to go through some narrow lanes of the Amer town to reach the spot. It is near to Kheri Gate and Anokhi Museum in Amber Town.
What is the entry fee ?
Unlike the nearby places like Anokhi museum and Amer fort, there is no entry fee to visit this place. It is totally free for visitors.
Are there any fixed timings to visit ?
There are no fixed visiting hours. It is open the whole day from early in the morning after sunrise and could be visited till sunset.
What is the best time to visit ?
Monsoons are the best time to visit this beautiful place and experience nature. For a memorable experience, it is best to visit this place during the daytime.
How much time it will take to visit?
There are no restrictions and one can freely walk in and around the Baori. So it can be explored fully in around 1 to 2 hours. If you are interested in clicking pictures it can take up to 3 hours.
How to reach Here
Reaching Panna Meena ka Kund is very easy. It is located in the old town of Amber which is approximately 10 km from the Jaipur walled city. It would be best if you combine your visit to this step well with Amer Fort. You can reach here by using any local transport.
Distance from Jaipur International Airport is 21.3 km
From Sindhi Camp Bus Stand is 12.4 km
From Jaipur Railway Station is 11 km
Is there any famous place to visit around Panna Meena ka Kund?
Yes, you can visit the Ambikeshwar temple which is just a few km away from this place. Other places you can explore are Amer Fort, Anokhi Museum, and Jagat Shiromani Temple or Meera Bai temple.