Panna Meena Ka Kund – Ancient Stepwell in Jaipur
Jaipur is the city where technical and detailed architecture marvels exist. The art and cultural richness in this city has a unique mystical attraction towards it as it boasts of many hidden treasures, and regalia that is different from other monuments. The Panna Meena Ka Kund is one such place that will give you an unforgettable experience, especially during monsoons. Located near the Amber Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan, this place is one of the most epic spots to visit in Jaipur.The Overview of Panna Ka Kund
This Panna Meena Ka Kund is yet an unexplored place in Jaipur which deserves to be visited and admired for its beauty and uniqueness. This ancient stepwell was established in the 16th century during the reign of Maharaja Jai Singh.
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This kund was created to collect monsoon rainwater and preserve it for use during drier months when the water level reduced to a very low level. This intelligent way of collecting water was the center point for the community that used it as a water source and as a bathing pool and also for washing clothes. It is also believed that in the old times this place was utilized as a place for social meetings and by women to sit and chit-chat with each other. The most interesting fact about this place is that you cannot use the same stairs to go upstairs that you used for going down. But the locals of this place can do this difficult task without any problem as they have now become habitual to it.
The Architecture of the Panna Meena Ka Kund
The architectural beauty of the Panna Meena Ka Kund showcases the symmetrical arrangement of stairs in a zigzag manner with octagonal gazebos, small buildings that give a wide view of the surrounding area. It is an eight-storey staircase pool that has its own exquisite uniqueness. This place captures a perfect blend of nature and religion. From Panna Meena Ka Kund, you can observe the lovely view of the Amer Fort and the mountains surrounding it.The geometrically placed staircases or baoris showcase stunning assimilation of exceptional Indian engineering and outstanding beauty. A baori is a concept that was solely evolved from the Indian subcontinent and was the most popular source of water during ancient times.
During the monsoon period, the local people come to this kund for getting water and for swimming or just to hang out. This kund was designed by a Brahmin. It is a perfect example of fine architecture and water conservation method. It is over 200 feet deep and the steps of the stairwell are 1800 symmetrical steps on three sides of the structure. All stairwells in India be it in Rajasthan or Gujrat, have their own beauty and value and are much bigger and decorative than this one. However, the beauty of Panna Meena Ka Kund cannot be compared in any way.
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How to Reach
Panna Meena Ka Kund is located in the northwest part of Amer, on the Jaipur-Amer road. Amer is a small town so the stepwell is easy to find and the local people will point you towards the direction of the kund. If not, then you can look out for the tall roof of the Bihari Ji temple and head towards that direction and you will find the kund on the opposite side of the street.Jaipur International Airport is the nearest airport from Panna Meena Ka Kund. It is only 26 km (16mi) away. For tourists travelling by train, the Jaipur Junction Railway Station is the nearest station which is 13 km (8mi) away from this place. And travelling by bus, the Sindhi Camp bus station is 11 km (6.8mi) away from the location.
If you are visiting the Amber fort, you can leave the fort through the back entrance and head downhill towards Amer, it is only a 10 minutes’ walk to the stairwell from there. And if you want to visit this place from Jaipur, the best way is to rent a cab for almost 150 to 200 rupees each way.
Travel Tips
While visiting this place, beware of fraud guides who might try to fool you into paying the entrance fees even though there are no official charges. You should carry a camera for clicking pictures as the Panna Meena Ka Kund offers a striking backdrop for posting on various social media platforms.Panna Meena Ka Kund is one of the landmarks of the Indian culture. It is essential that we fully recognize this monumental place for its distinctiveness and idiosyncratic beauty. And efforts should be made by the government as well as the local population to endorse, preserve and publicize this proud vintage heritage of Indian culture before it starts losing its meaning and identity.