Chand Baori stepwell is one of the most impressive ancient architectural works in India.
In the superhero blockbuster "In The Dark Knight Rises" (produced in 2012) directed by Christopher Nolan, audiences can see a heart-stopping scene showing Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale ) trying to escape a dark maze. Thought it was just a cinematic effect, but this place is completely real. It is an ancient architectural work called Chand Baori stepwell.
Chand Baori stepwell is one of the most impressive ancient architectural works in India. It is located in Abhaneri village - about 60km from the pink city of Jaipur, Rajasthan. This work is said to date back more than 1,000 years, meaning it was built around 800 - 900 (AD). 
In fact, this architectural wonder has also appeared in several previous films, including Paheli (2005) and Bhool Bhulaiya (2007). Despite appearing in movies seen by millions around the world, this 1,000-year-old structure is still a little-known tourist destination. However, once arriving, visitors will be amazed by the greatness of a building with many historical significance...
The step well has a mysterious beauty
Stepwell, also known as "baoli", "baori" or "vav" in Indian. Such step wells are commonly found in the Rajasthan and Gujarat regions of the magical land.
Chand Baori Stepwell was built between 800 - 900 (AD) by King Chanda of the Nikumbh Dynasty. This is a work dedicated to Hashat Mata, the goddess of joy. In terms of age, it is older than the famous Taj Mahal, Khajuraho temple and Chola temple.
The well is made up of 3,500 steps with 13 floors up to 30 meters high. The stairs are arranged in a perfect symmetry. The water at the bottom has a special green color, a carved temple in the center with mysterious dark arcs.
Chand Baori has a depth of 19.8 meters and is surrounded by pillared porches. It has steps built into the sides, which can be lowered to reach the water at the bottom, like an inverted pyramid.
The structure of the steps is designed to ensure that people can access water at any time of the year and from all sides. In addition, it also has a meaning in mathematics and even astronomy. Until now, experts have not been able to explain the mystery of ancient wisdom.
The giant well mouth is where the water flows in. After flowing down the steps, the water seeps through the porous rocks and returns to the groundwater. The temperature at the bottom of the well is always 5 to 6 degrees Celsius lower than the temperature above.
Therefore, Chand Baori is also considered a "giant fan" and helps the people of Abhaneri village relieve the intense summer heat. People often sit around the steps to avoid the hot sun.
Unique architecture of Chand Baori stepwell
Chand Baori's special design and structure is to save as much water as possible, at the bottom of the well is a special turquoise water stream.
On three sides of this 19.5 meter deep stepwell are geometric steps. Specifically, the steep triangular steps. The fourth side has small, exquisitely designed rooms, which were the resting places of the former royal family. Two balconies face the atrium, where statues of Mahisasurmardini and Ganesha are placed.
Chand Baori stepwell also has a statue of Sheshasayee Vishnu or sleeping Vishnu. Currently, the corridors are filled with excavated artifacts, including stone sculptures.
Tourists can visit Chand Baori at any time. However, the harsh summer heat in Rajasthan is not the right time to travel. October to March is the best time to visit Chand Baori.
