How to Visit Panna Meena ka Kund (Jaipur Stepwell)
Jaipur Stepwell, also known as Panna Meena ka Kund, is one of the most popular attractions in the Pink City, so don’t miss it. It is an ancient stepwell with intricate carvings and symmetrical steps that offer fantastic photo opportunities. Its unique architectural style has made it a famous Instagram spot in Jaipur.
Did you know that there are many step wells in India? Agrasen Ki Baoli, Chand Baori, and Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi are also worth a visit.
This Panna Meena ka Kund guide includes the best time to visit, how to get there, and practical information.
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Where is Panna Meena ka Kund Stepwell?
The stepwell is located near Amer Fort, about a 30-minute drive from the city center of Jaipur, India.
Best Time to Visit Jaipur
The best time to visit Jaipur is from November to March when the weather is more pleasant during the day. This is the perfect time to explore the famous Pink City without the discomfort of extreme heat or humidity.
The busiest period in India is from October to March. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation, train tickets, and tours in advance!
We visited Jaipur Stepwell at the end of March and had fantastic weather. Although this is a popular place in the city, you don’t need to arrive early as most tourists will quickly take a photo and continue exploring Jaipur’s attractions.
Panna Meena ka Kund Stepwell History
The step wells served as a source of drinking water, especially during times of lack of rainfall, which was very common in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The wells have steps built into the sides that lead down to the water.
Stepwells are also known as baori, baoli, vav, or bavdi. There are about 3,000 ancient stepwells in India. Chand Baori is a stepwell built over a thousand years ago and is believed to be the oldest in India.
Most of the stepwells in Rajasthan were built between the 11th and 16th centuries. They were a gathering place for ladies to talk and gossip while collecting water.
Panna Meena ka Kund Stepwell is about 450 years old.
There is no dress code, but you should wear respectful clothing when visiting this historical site.
Chand Baori Abhaneri Stepwell
Chand Baori Stepwell was built in the 8th and 9th centuries by King Chanda of the Nikumbh dynasty. It is one of the largest and deepest step wells in India. About 3500 narrow steps lead to the bottom of the well.
It’s about a 2-hour drive from Jaipur, so most people skip it. However, if you are coming from Agra by car or private transfer, we recommend you visit it.
Abhaneri Stepwell is open every day from 8 AM to 6 PM.
The entrance fee to Chand Baori is 300 INR (3,50 USD) for foreigners and 25 INR (0,30 USD) for Indians and citizens of SAARC/BIMSTEC countries. There is no entry fee for children under 15 (Indian and foreign).
You can buy your ticket at the entrance or on the official website.
How to Get to Panna Meena ka Kund
You can get to the Stepwell by taxi, Uber, or tuk-tuk. Alternatively, you can join an organized group or private tour, which includes transport.
Most city tours include a visit to the famous Stepwell. You can easily combine your visit with Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, Gaitor Ki Chhatriyan (Royal Gaitor), Jal Mahal, and the City Palace.
Another option is to hire a tuk-tuk driver for a whole day and customize your city tour. We have also been on such a tour, and we do not recommend it, because they will take you to shops that you probably won’t be interested in, but will force you to visit them.
TIP
The underrated Jagat Shiromani Temple is just a 5-minute walk away.
Panna Meena ka Kund Opening Hours & Entry Fee
There is no entrance fee for Jaipur Stepwell. It can be visited from sunrise to sunset, usually from 7 AM to 6 PM.
We recommend visiting the stepwell between October and March, as the steps may be hidden by the water level if you visit during the rainy season.
Panna Meena ka Kund Ticket Price
There are security guards at this monument to stop tourists from going down the stairs due to the many accidents. In the past, locals often jumped into the water, but this is no longer possible.
You can take photos and videos for free. However, if you want to walk down to the stepwell and take pictures there, you must pay a special permit to the government, which costs 50,000 INR (590 USD). In our opinion, it is very overpriced and not worth it!
If you want to take a similar picture, visit the Jodhpur Stepwell (Toorji Ka Jhalra Bavdi). We think it is much more photogenic, and you can walk down to the bottom.
Where to Stay in Jaipur
Jaipur has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Jaipur
- Luxury: Fairmont Jaipur
- Mid-Range: Trident Jaipur or Radisson Jaipur City Center
- Budget: Dera Rawatsar
We have a detailed post on the best areas and hotels in Jaipur.
We hope you found our guide to Panna Meena ka Kund Stepwell useful and will inspire you to visit. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Ferry/Transfer – 12Go