Adalaj

Adalaj Step Well

Located close to Ahmedabad town in Gandhinagar district, the Adalaj ni Wav (Step Well) has served as a pillowing spot for pilgrims and caravans. This five-storey impressive structure was built in 1499 by Queen Rudabai, wife of the Vaghela Chief, Veer Singh. Showcasing a unique mixture of Indo-Islamic architecture and delicate Islamic floral patterns, the walls of this step well exhibits the mythological episodes along with everyday scenes of the village. The architectural beauty of Adalaj Step Well attracts large number of tourists from across the globe. The spot is acknowledged as being the coolest place in Gujarat as the sunlight does not contact with the well, except for a limited stop in the noon. Based on this ground, some researchers claim that the temperature inside the well is six degrees cooler than the outside temperature. Another noteworthy feature of Adalaj Step Well is that out of all stepwells in Gujarat, this step well is unique with three entrance stairs that converge at the first level. Enchanting visitors with its undeniable splendour and hallowing villagers during auspicious occasion, the Adalaj Step Well offers two most interesting images - Ami Khumbar (a pot holding the water of life) and the Kalp Vriksha (a tree of life prototyped out of a single slab stone ). It is strongly believed that the monument is protected against evil spirits by the tiny architected sculpture of Navagraha (nine-planets) stationed towards the border of the well.