Raniji Ki Baori, Bundi - Timings, History, Architecture, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 5 km from Bundi Railway Station, Raniji ki Baori, or Queen's stepwell is a noted stepwell situated in Bundi town of Rajasthan state in India.It is one of the must-include places in Bundi heritage packages.

Raniji ki Baori was constructed in 1699 by Rani Nathavati Ji Solanki, the younger queen of Rao Raja Anirudh Singh of Bundi. It stands as the largest of over 50 stepwells in the town, which were established by the ruling elite to address water shortages during drought periods. This medieval architectural wonder exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship and served as a popular gathering place for the local community for both social and religious activities during its time.

The stepwell is an impressive three-storey structure, reaching a depth of approximately 46 meters. It represents the grandeur of Hindu Rajput architecture in Rajasthan. The ancient baori features exquisitely carved pillars and a grand arched entrance. Visitors can access the second floor through this archway, where they will find murals adorning the ceiling. The original stepwell comprises more than 100 steps, and its narrow entrance is flanked by pillars that converge at the archway, which is adorned with intricate carvings. At the top, lifelike statues of elephants, sculpted from pristine white marble, face each other.

The final gate of the stepwell is embellished with elephant sculptures at each corner, reflecting the significance of these majestic creatures in the era of kings and queens. The walls of the stepwell are adorned with temple-inspired designs featuring statues of Hindu deities. Descending into the Queen's stepwell, one can observe engraved figures of Bhairava, Ganesha, Saraswati, and Gajendra Moksha, along with various avatars of Lord Vishnu, including Varaha, Matsya, and Narsimha. Unfortunately, many of these artworks were destroyed by Turkish invaders.

Visitors to Raniji ki Baori have the option to purchase combo tickets, which also grant access to the 84 Pillared Cenotaph and Sukh Mahal.

Timings: 9.30 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Rs. 50 for Indians & Rs. 200 for Foreigners, Rs. 100 for Camera