The Tailor-Made Guide to Stepwells in India - Delhi
- Barry Pickard
- Sep 5
- 11 min read
Updated: Oct 11
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Regardless of this, please be advised that all opinions expressed in this blog post are genuine and authentically my own.
Author: Barry Pickard
Hi, I'm Barry, the owner of Tailor-Made Itineraries and I have been designing bespoke self-guided tours for adventurous and curious travellers since 2015. I am a history graduate with a passion for travel.
I created this blog to show, through my own adventures, how you can have an incredible travel experience as an independent traveller, giving you the information to navigate the world with confidence.
Contents
Have you ever wondered what ancient architectural marvels hide beneath Delhi's bustling streets, waiting to transport you centuries back in time? The moment I descended my first set of weathered sandstone steps, the cacophony of Delhi's traffic faded into a whisper, replaced by the gentle echo of my footsteps against carved stone walls. The air grew noticeably cooler with each step downward, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and incense from nearby shrines. What I'd discovered were stepwells – India's ingenious answer to water storage that doubled as architectural masterpieces.
After exploring stepwells in India during my journeys through the north, I can tell you that Delhi's examples are among the most accessible and fascinating you'll encounter. What started as a chance discovery at Ugrasen ki Baoli turned into an obsession that led me to seek out every stepwell I could find.
If you're an independent traveller looking to explore Delhi beyond the typical tourist trail, you've found exactly what you need. I'll share the specific stepwells I discovered, how to find them without a tour guide, and the practical tips I learned.
But first, let me explain what makes these stepwells so extraordinary, because understanding their purpose will completely change how you experience them.
What Is A Stepwell?
Stepwells are ingeniously designed reservoirs that served as multifunctional oases. These pools of water were often accessed by a single grand staircase, as in the case of Delhi’s stepwells, or by multiple geometrically designed steps and could be adorned with intricate carvings, such as those in Rajasthan. Indian stepwells were not only sources of hydration but also communal spaces for social gatherings, rituals, and respite from the scorching sun. Stepwells go by different names depending on the region often referred to as “baoli”, “bawri”, “bavadi”, and “bavdi”.
How Were Stepwells Used?
Water Storage: Stepwells collected rainwater during the monsoon season, storing it for the dry months. The deeper one descended, the cooler the air, which, as I can attest to, is a much welcome relief in Rajasthan’s unforgiving climate.
Community Hubs: Stepwells were vibrant hubs where locals gathered. Women chatted while drawing water, children played, and travellers rested.
Spiritual Significance: The descent into the cooler, quieter world, was often seen as a symbolic journey, leading down to the water, which itself could be considered a sacred element. The wells were also often adorned with sculptures of deities, particularly those associated with water.
How Do Stepwells Work?
The architecture of Indian stepwells is a marvel of precision. They would harvest rainwater, with their elaborate catchment areas channelling rainwater into the well. The steps acted as filters, allowing sediment to settle while water flowed downward. The depth of stepwells ensured cooler temperatures and the water’s surface remained shaded, preventing rapid evaporation.
The History and Cultural Importance of Stepwells
Stepwells have ancient origins, dating back to at least the 2nd millennium BCE, with rock-cut stepwells beginning to be constructed between 200 and 400 AD. Their construction peaked during the medieval period, and reflected a fusion of Hindu, Jain, and Islamic architectural styles. British Colonial neglect and modernization led to the abandonment of many stepwells. According to a Harvard study, Dehli had 32 stepwells, but 16 have been lost or demolished. It was very uplifting, however, to find during my travels that there had been recent efforts to focus on their restoration and preservation.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of these stepwells in India appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating Delhi’s stepwells, or indeed, a general tour of this magical country.
The Stepwells in India - Delhi
Ugrasen ki Baoli
Ugrasen ki Baoli is one of the deepest stepwells in India, being 60 meters long, 15 meters wide, and 103 steps deep. The stepwell is believed to have been built in the 14th century, during the Tughlaq or Lodi dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate. The stepwell is named after King Agrasen, a legendary king from the Mahabharata epic.
The stepwell was used to store rainwater and provide water to the people of Delhi during the dry season. The stepwell fell into disrepair in the 19th and 20th centuries, but it was restored by the Archaeological Survey of India in the 1980s.
Tailor-Made Top Tips:
Be careful when walking down the steps, as they can be slippery, and there are no railings. There is no lighting inside the stepwell, so it is best to visit during daylight.
The stepwell is quite central, being between Connaught Place and India Gate, so it is easily accessible by taxi, Uber, autorickshaw and within ten-minutes’ walk of three metro stations.
Purana Quila Baoli
The Purana Qila Baoli is located within the historic Purana Qila (Old Fort). The fort itself dates back to 1533, initiated by Mughal Emperor Humayun and later modified by Sher Shah Suri. The fort is believed to be built on the legendary site of Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. While not as elaborately designed as some other baolis in Delhi, the Purana Qila Baoli served a crucial function, ensuring a steady water supply for the fort’s inhabitants.
The baoli is built in a typical stepwell style, with descending steps leading to the water level. It is constructed from stone masonry and is integrated into the fort’s defensive and residential layout. The stepwell complements the Mughal architectural style of the fort, which includes red sandstone gateways, domes, and arches.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
There is plenty to see within the Purana Quila. Take time to visit its impressive Bada and Humayuni gates, Sher Mandal, Quila-i-Kuhna Mosque and museum.
Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah Baoli
The Hazrat Nizamuddin Baoli is a remarkable 14th-century stepwell located within the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah complex. It is not only a feat of medieval engineering but also a spiritual and cultural landmark. Built in 1321–22 CE by the revered Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, the baoli was constructed to provide water to the growing number of pilgrims visiting his khanqah (spiritual retreat).
The baoli is about 80 feet deep, with a series of steps leading down to the water level. It features a vaulted southern arcade and domed pavilions on the northern edge, which are contemporary to the Tughlaq-era construction. The eastern side has a vaulted corridor that leads directly to the dargah.
In 2008, a portion of the eastern wall collapsed, prompting a major conservation project led by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC). The restoration involved a number of steps, including desilting 700 years of accumulated sludge to reach the original depth and rebuilding collapsed sections using traditional materials and techniques.
Tailor-Made Top Tips:
Take some time while you are in the complex to pay your respects at the Dargah Nizamuddin Aulia and the Dargah Hazrat Amir Khusro.
Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya (1238–1325 CE) was a revered Sufi saint of the Chishti Order, known for his teachings of love, compassion, and service to humanity. He welcomed people of all faiths and social backgrounds, emphasizing unity and spiritual devotion. The dargah was built shortly after his death in 1325 and features a white marble dome built in 1562. The dargah is famous for its evening qawwali sessions. These performances continue to draw crowds seeking spiritual solace and musical inspiration.
As for Amir Khusro (1253–1325 CE), he was a legendary poet, musician, and scholar, and a devoted disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya. He is credited with inventing qawwali music, and his tomb lies just outside the main shrine of Nizamuddin Auliya. It is a modest yet deeply revered site.
There are a number of attendants around both dargahs, and for a small donation, they took me into the shrines, provided me with offerings, and demonstrated how to make these offerings. It was a beautiful, but at times, chaotic experience, but well worth doing while visiting the stepwell.
Just one word of caution, I noted that there were a number of signs around the complex area warning about pickpockets. It’s a good thing to be aware of wherever you are in such a crowded city, but thankfully, I experienced no issues at all.
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Rajon Ki Baoli, Mehrauli Archaeological Park
Rajon Ki Baoli, located in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, is perhaps the most architecturally impressive stepwell in Delhi. Commissioned in 1506 CE by Daulat Khan Lodi, an administrator of the Lodi dynasty during the Delhi Sultanate era, this four-tiered stepwell descends to a depth of 13.4 meters, with a main tank measuring 23 by 10 meters. The structure includes elegant arched colonnades, Stucco medallions with floral and geometric designs and finely carved stone elements showcasing Lodi-era craftsmanship.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Check out the rest of the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, which is one of Delhi’s most fascinating and underrated heritage sites. Spread over 200 acres, it’s a living museum of over 1,000 years of continuous history, showcasing monuments from the Tomar Rajputs to the British Raj. Its located adjacent to the Qutub Minar, and the park includes the Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb, Tomb of Balban, Jahaz Mahal (Ship Palace) and the Dargah of Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki (Qutub Sahib).
Red Fort Baoli
The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, was built between 1638 and 1648 as the new imperial residence of Shah Jahan. The fort was the centre of Mughal power for over 200 years, being used as a royal residence, a military base, and a government centre. The fort is a must-see when visiting Delhi, so look out for its small stepwell towards the northernmost section of the fort.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
Plan to spend around two hours at the fort. It covers a vast area, and there are a number of stunning pavilions and museums to keep your attention.
RK Puram Baoli
The RK Puram Baoli is believed to date back to the Lodi period (15th–16th century), a time when stepwells were vital for water conservation and community life. The baoli is a two-tiered structure, simpler and smaller than more famous stepwells in Delhi. It features a straightforward flight of stairs leading to underground chambers, two domes at the corners of the structure, and a separate well on the plinth, which is now considered hazardous due to lack of maintenance.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
The stepwell is inside a gated park and there are a cluster of Lodi-era tombs and a wall mosque to explore as well as a surrounding lawn which is well-maintained, with golden shower trees and a variety of birds, making it a peaceful spot to enjoy.
Dwarka Baoli
The Dwarka Baoli is a 16th-century stepwell located in Sector 12 of Dwarka, southwest Delhi and is quite off the beaten track when it comes to the tourist attractions of Delhi. Built during the Lodi Dynasty, the baoli was constructed to serve the residents of Loharehri village, which once stood where modern-day Dwarka is located. It was forgotten for centuries, hidden under dense vegetation and peepal trees, and only came to light in the early 2010s. The structure reflects typical Lodi-era architecture, with two levels of arched niches along the stairway and a well at the end of the stepped corridor.
Tailor-Made Top Tip:
The stepwell is located at the rear of the apartment carpark.
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Quick Questions Answered
Which is the largest stepwell in India? The largest stepwell in India is generally considered to be Chand Baori, located in Abhaneri village, near Jaipur, Rajasthan. Chand Baori is about 100 feet (30 meters) deep, with over 3,500 narrow steps arranged over 13 levels. It is also considered India's deepest stepwell.
How many stepwells are there in India? India is estimated to have had over 3,000 stepwells historically, though the exact number varies depending on sources and definitions.
Which city in India is called the city of stepwells? The city often referred to as the "City of Stepwells" is Patan, located in Gujarat, although the term is sometimes applied to Bundi, which has over 50 stepwells.
Are stepwells still used in India? No, stepwells are generally no longer used as primary water sources in India today, although in some rural areas some stepwells may still be used to draw water for non-drinking purposes, like washing or irrigation.
Which is the finest stepwell in India? That is subjective, but my favourite stepwell that I have visited is Chand Baori, although reviews suggest that Rani ki Vav in Patan, is unmatched in terms of artistry and carvings. (Gujarat's stepwells are on my bucket list!)
Delhi Hotels
As befits a vibrant capital city, Delhi offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit every traveller's preferences, and there are a number of interesting types of hotels that will serve your trip perfectly.
Palace & Heritage Hotels: These opulent retreats are housed within historic royal mansions and traditional mansions (known as havelis). Once the abodes of India's rulers, they are a blend of tradition and modernity. Choose the likes of The Imperial New Delhi and the Haveli Dharampura and expect regal architecture, lush gardens, and impeccable service.
Boutique Hotels: Quirky, intimate, and stylish, boutique hotels cater to discerning travelers. Each one has a unique personality, often reflecting the local culture. Choose the likes of The Manor - New Delhi and the Udman Panchshila Park by Ferns N Petals. Expect personalized service and artistic interiors.
Business Hotels: Strategically located near commercial hubs, business hotels cater to corporate travelers. The likes of the Crowne Plaza Okhla and the Radisson Blu Dwarka provide efficient services, well-equipped conference facilities, and comfortable rooms.
Airport Hotels: There is a great selection of hotels around the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Delhi is a massive and congested city, so if you want to see the attractions, there is no particular area where you can easily reach all the main sights. However, the airport arguably has the best connections with the various metropolitan area, so basing yourself in the likes of the Aloft New Delhi Aerocity or the ibis New Delhi Aerocity Hotel is a good idea for Delhi sightseeing.
Conclusion
My journey through Delhi's stepwells taught me that the city's greatest treasures often lie hidden beneath the surface – literally. These ancient structures aren't just Instagram-worthy backdrops; they're living pieces of history that showcase India's incredible engineering prowess and cultural depth. Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply an independent traveller seeking authentic experiences away from the crowds, Delhi's stepwells offer something truly special. Each one I explored revealed new details, from intricate carvings to ingenious water management systems that modern engineers still admire today. The best part? Most tourists walk right past them, meaning you'll often have these architectural marvels almost entirely to yourself.
Related Blog Posts
If you would like more information on stepwells in India and the country’s other must-see attractions, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
Which Delhi stepwell are you most excited to explore, or have you discovered any hidden gems that didn't make my list? Comment below and let me know.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting any of these stepwells in India appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating Delhi’s stepwells, or indeed, a general tour of this magical country.
Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.
Barry
Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.
These self-guided tours deliver a personalised and exciting holiday experience that takes the effort out of trip planning.
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