The Adalaj Wav Step Well is located 18 kilometers north of Ahmedabad in the Gandhinagar district. It was built during the reign of Queen Rudabai, a muslim ruler. Though now dry, the well once provided water to weary travellers and pilgrims along the roads outside of Ahmedabad. The four-level well is dug directly into the water table, exposing fresh water that rose and fell according the seasons and the amount of rainfall. Its deep interior provided cool relief from the harsh Indian sun.
About Adalaj Stepwell in Gujarat :
Adalaj Vav is one of the popular excursion spots in Ahmedabad. This popular tourist attraction is located at a distance of 19 kilometers from the north of Ahmedabad. Adalaj Vav is a step well which was constructed by Queen Rudabai. This architectural wonder is one of the best monuments of Gujarat.
Structure of Adalaj Stepwell in Gujarat :
Adalaj Vav is a seven-storied structure in the shape of a well. It has chambers one after the other. The Vav or the step-well in Adalaj gets its name from the lady patron, Ruda, who was the wife of the Vaghela chief, Virsinh. Adalaj Vav has an inscription written in Sanskrit, which tells the entire history to its visitors with exact dates. Steps well were generally used by the travelers and caravans as stopover along their trade routes. The step wells provided water and also the cools interiors of the step wells provided relief to its visitors from the scorching rays of the sun during summer season.
The Vav is positioned in the north-south direction. The length of the step well is 75.3 meters. It is the only best architectural wonder of its kind which has three entrance stairs which leads the visitors to the stepped corridor. The platform of the Adalaj Vav rests on 16 pillars. The corners of the platforms comprises of four shrines, with doors, windows and balconies. The corridor is also completely bounded by a one-meter high parapet wall. The walls of the Vav or the step well are absolute showcases of sculptures from ancient past. The Adalaj Vav has been preserved and conserved by the archaeological department of India. They have tried to promote this venue as a major tourist spot of Gujarat. Large number of tourists pays a visit to Adalaj Vav every year. Adalaj Vav is one of the finest monuments of Gujarat. Come and enjoy the amazing carvings, construction and the architecture of Adalaj Vav.
Trivia :
Interestingly it is believed that the small frieze of navagraha or nine-planets on the wall towards the edge of the well protects this step well from evil spirits.
Remarkable feature of this step well is that in entire Gujarat this is the only step well with three entrance stairs which meet at the first storey, underground in a huge square platform.
Architecture of this step well is such that the direct sunlight does not touch either the steps or the landing except for a brief period at noon thus making the temperatures inside the step well six degrees less than the outside temperatures.
Best time to visit :
The best time to visit Adalaj Step Well or Adalaj ni Vav is between the months of October and March as the weather during these months are quite pleasant in Ahmedabad and conducive for visiting the step well.
Timing :
The step well is open on all the days and to enjoy the interesting play of light on the interiors of the step well it is advisable to plan your visit in such a way that when the sun is up you are underground in the step well.
How to Reach Adalaj Stepwell :
By road: Gujarat has one of the better developed road networks in India. Ahmedabad is well connected with all major cities and towns by road. Prominent bus stops are located at Gitamandir near Kalupur Railway Station and Paldi. Regular bus services are available by Gujarat state transport buses and private operators to all the major destinations of the state.
By rail: The main railway station is located in Kalupur area. This station falls under the prominent national railway circuit and is connected to all major cities of India. If you are on the western side of the Sabarmati river, then you can go to the Gandhigram station near Ashram road to buy your railway tickets easily.
By air: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel airport at Ahmedabad is an international airport with direct flights to USA, UK, Singapore, Dubai and other international hubs. Numerous domestic flights are also operational from here