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Jaipur Offbeat

Panna Meena Ka Kund | The Hidden Jewel of Amer

Travelers visiting Jaipur have often posed questions about Stepwell in Jaipur. They are confused between Panna Meena Kund and Chand Baori. While the former has become popular over the last five or six years, the latter is not even in Jaipur. Chand Baori Stepwell is around 90 Km; this means a travel time of close to 2 hours. Panna Meena Ka Kund is one of the best-restored Baori or Stepwell in Jaipur. Panna Meena Ka Kund is also called Panna Mian Kund, Panna Meena Baori, and Panna Meena Bawri. Chand Baori, a stepwell on the Jaipur-Agra highway, gets all the limelight because of its massive size and history. Panna Meena Kund, on the other hand, is accessible to all since it is in Amer Town near Jaipur. Want to know more about Stepwells in Jaipur? Read Jaipur Stepwells |The Lost Heritage

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Panoramic view of Panna Meena Kund, Amer, A stepwell, or Baori in Jaipur

Panna Meena Kund Stepwell Jaipur Guide

Panna Meena Kund Stewpell is located in Amer Town. Amer Fort attracts a large number of tourists to the Amer town. Unfortunately, most tourists end up visiting just Amer Fort, missing an opportunity to explore the historic town. The stepwell is situated close to the Anokhi Museum near the Kheri gate in Amer town.

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Expansive view of Amer Fort, Jaipur
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The two-story building acts as a resting place, especially in the summer.

What is Stepwell or Baori?

Stepwell or Baori is a type of ancient water storage tank where water can be accessed through a flight of steps.

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Why you should visit Panna Meena Ka Kund?

For one, Panna Meena Ka Kund is the only well-restored and functional stepwell in Jaipur. It belongs to an era when piped water didn’t exist. These days, it’s not used for the purpose for which it was originally built. It has served its purpose for many centuries. The Baori or Bawri were part of the community and society residing around it.  It used to serve as a prime source of drinking water especially during the deficient rainfall period. It is an eight-story step-well and was designed in such a way that one could reach water at any level using a flight of steps. There are many other Stepwells in Rajasthan and Gujarat that are much bigger and more ornate than this one. Even so, Panna Meena Kund is beautiful in its own way.

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 Panna Meena ka Kund History

There is no confirmed history or record of how this Baori came to be called Panna Meena or Panna Mian Kund.  As per the local legend, during the reign of Maharajah Jai Singh, a eunuch named Panna Miah served in the royal court of Amer Fort and some believe that he was instrumental in constructing this stepwell. It is believed to date to the 16th century. There is yet another theory according to which it was built by the locals Meenas who were original residents of Amer before Rajputs arrived during the 10th and 11th centuries. Locals believe that Panna Meena was a brave warrior and this stepwell was built in his remembrance.

Some sources have mentioned that it is in Panna Meena Kund that Rajputs killed Meena chiefs who ruled Amer and thereby came to control this town. None of the popular history books mentions this. What we do know is that before the 11th century, it was Meenas who ruled Amer. Panna Meena Kund is unlikely to date prior to the 11th century. In the absence of records, people add their own versions and stories. The fact is we know very little about its history.

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Panna Meena Kund in Amer town. An aerial view of the surroundings.

One of the unique aspects of this Baori is its inconspicuous presence. The steps cover only three sides and there is plenty of space where one can sit, chat, or enjoy the views around. There are niches in between the stair levels which add to the design. It’s possible that they were designed with some utility in mind. There are four octagonal pavilions or Chhatris on all four corners.

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Steps and the niche in between.

This Baori was more than merely a source of water. It was a meeting spot for the women; to chit-chat and catch up on each other’s lives. Therefore, it’s an important part of our culture & history and not simply a built heritage. By visiting, this stepwell you can probably visualize how life must have been centuries ago.

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Community space at Panna Meena Kund. I’m not sure if this is how it was years ago or if it has been added recently during the restoration project.

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The beauty! Notice the beautiful Octagonal Chhatri in the center

Personally, I like the simplicity, symmetry, and architecture of Panna Meena Kund. The number of ancient Stepwells in Jaipur runs in double digits. Most of these step-wells are in bad shape barring this one and the one at the Nahargarh Fort. It is the most accessible and beautiful stepwell in Jaipur.

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The entrance

This Baori is not in use anymore, as I mentioned above. However, it serves as a playground for the local boys; they congregate and organize diving and swimming competitions.

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Monsoon fun! Local kids having some fun at this ancient stepwell

A few of these Panna Meena Ka Kund pictures can be found in my previous post-Jaipur in Sawan/ Fun-WPC

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Jumping and diving.

Although it’s not on a regular tourist itinerary, some guides and tour operators do take tourists around this step-well for a tour. Recently, some Bollywood movies were shot here due to which it has gained prominence.

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The Tourists at Baori!

 

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Panna Meena ka Kund Location

Panna Meena Ka Kund is located in Amer town close to Ambikeshwar Mahadev Temple or Anokhi Cafe. Ambikeshwar Mahadev Temple is well known in Amer town. You can easily find your way by asking for directions from the locals.

Read  Is Ambikeshwar Mahadev Temple a Protagonist in the History of Amer?

Panna Meena ka Kund Timing

Panna Meena Ka Kund is open from sunrise to sunset. I have often visited Panna Meena Kund soon after sunrise and found it open for visitors. Recent suicides at this site have prompted local authorities to be more vigilant and they might be closing it just before sunset.

Panna Meena Kund Entry Fee

There is no entry fee in Panna Meena Kund. Like most places in Amer except Amer Fort and Anokhi museum, you can visit Panna Meena Baori for free!

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TIP! Unlike the famous Chand Baori at Abhaneri, there are no restrictions to walking in and around the Baori. So it’s worth a visit!

I have heard a story that you can’t use the same flight of stairs while going up and down. I’m not sure if this is true nor do I intend to check on it because sometimes psychology starts playing with you. If you are game…go ahead! I’d love to hear what you have to say! Panna Meena Kund is an excellent example of water management and water harvesting techniques.

Things to see around Panna Meena Kund in Amer

You can visit the following places around this famous Baori.

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  • Ambikeshwar Temple

Ambikeshwar Temple is barely a few meters away. As per the local legend, Amer town derives its name from Ambikeshwar.  This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. You can read about it all in this write-up Ambikeshwar Temple, the protagonist in the history of Amer  

  • Jagat Shiromani Temple

Jagat Shiromani Temple too is barely a few meters away. It is the most beautiful temple in Amer Town.  The temple is also called Meera Bai temple.  Read the complete write-up of Jagat Shiromani Temple  jagat shiromani temple, amer, jaipur front view

  • Amer Fort

Amer Fort needs no introduction as it is the most popular tourist attraction of the pink city. Read the complete post on Amer Fort Guide

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  • Anokhi Textile Museum

Anokhi Textile Museum is also popular among those who love to explore the history of the famous hand-block printed fabric of Jaipur (Sanganer). This museum is located close to the Panna Meena Kund.

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The Anokhi Textile Museum to explore the history of hand-blocked print clothing in Jaipur

Check out other places to visit and explore in Jaipur.

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143 thoughts on “Panna Meena Ka Kund | The Hidden Jewel of Amer”

  8. Wonderful information. I must visit this place in my next tour. Pics are awesome. How did you capture the aerial view? fantastic!! This crisscrossed stairs attracts me the most. A sample of this type of stairs I have seen in Junagarh Fort at Bikaner. Thanks for the post.

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    1. I’m happy you liked it Tandrima. As I mentioned earlier, it’s the simplicity and symmetry of this place, that makes it beautiful. I have visited Junagarh Fort, recently but I’m not able to recall this kind of criss cross stairs. I guess must have missed it. It’s one of the best palaces in our country and quite huge too.Thanks for sharing your thoughts Tandrima 🙂

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    1. I’m sure you’ll love the place. Public places like wells and Baoris were always about socializing. Perhaps you can recall from old Indian movies how, women would go together to fetch water from a well or lake. It still happens in remote villages where they don’t have piped water supply. 🙂

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  13. For a site not usually on the itinerary of most tours, Panna Meena Kund looks to be the sort of place that most tourists (especially foreigners, like me!) would love to see. The architecture is exquisite and the step-well/baori is something not to be missed. It has certainly withstood the passage of so many years – and the local lads have found a great use for the well water during the monsoon! Fascinating post, Arv. 🙂

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    1. As I mentioned some guides have included in the itinerary of foreign tourists but generally its off the tourist map. There are many things to be seen and experienced in Jaipur so its natural for some of them to be kicked out since time is short. But its a must visit for those who love architecture, culture and heritage.

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  14. I have heard quite a lot about this stepwell! The only stepwell I have come across around Mumbai is located in Badlapur, on the outskirts. It’s a mini stepwell, with a single staircase about 15 feet high but has beautiful carvings around it 🙂 Oh btw, I am amazed at how often you manage to post on your blogs! It’s hard work as I have found out from my experiences! 😀

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    1. While I have heard about stepwells in Delhi, Karnataka, Gujarat and Rajasthan the one you mentioned is an absolute surprise. If you have created a post on it, please share the link. Will love to read about it.
      You are right, it’s a time consuming process. That’s one reason why I haven’t been able to create posts on my other blog. I have been planning to post on this one for a long time. Thanks for sharing information on stepwell in Badlapur. 🙂

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  16. Fantastic! Both the kund and the pictures. I am glad I clicked on this post arv. I must confess I thought this must be a small insignificant place as nobody has ever mentioned it to us whenever we visited Jaipur. This is a unique beauty! I haven’t seen such an intricate designing of any kund and I wonder why it is not included in the places of tourist interest!
    Thanks a ton for talking about it and sharing such lovely pictures. Stay blessed!

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    1. You have picked a great topic. While there are many interesting places which can be developed for the tourists, the reality is something different. Most tourists visit on a tight schedule and with plethora of things to see and do, such places always takes a back seat. This stepwell was renovated few years ago to develop it for the tourists. Some tourists do visit this lovely stepwell, but that’s an exception. I always believe that you must visit places that interest you rather than merely ticking the list. That’s a better way of exploring the city. I also feel that partly tourist lobby also is to be blamed because they have their own interests.
      I have been thinking of writing about this place for a long time but it just could not take place. I’m happy that you liked Panna Meena Kund. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. 🙂

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    1. Hi Jatin! I keep visiting Nahargarh quite often. There are two baoris at Nahargarh. Although one is more like a tank. Yes, RDB was filmed at one of them. Since you’re fascinated with these Baoris, there’s lots more on offer in Jaipur. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Jatin

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  19. Firstly, loved the aerial view shot Arvind! If I am looking up for something on Jaipur the first thing I do is visit your blog 🙂 I know there would be interesting & hidden gems that you would have explored …. Ironically, I have never been to the baoris in Delhi. Don’t even ask why…… but this year for sure. Panaa Meena is noted and so is Abhaneri on my list for quite sometime now.

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    1. Monika, Although I can’t claim to be the only blog writing about it, but certainly it’s not very popular. I guess each of has our own perspective and interest. I’m not asking you since you already told me 😉 but you must visit these stepwell. Of late, I have seen so many bloggers visiting and writing about the heritage sites in Delhi. I’m wondering why this sudden love for heritage, specially among the travel and lifestyle bloggers? I’m sure you’ll love visiting them. In terms of architecture, they are quite similar to the one you missed in Bundi. So when are you headed towards Jaipur?

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      1. Yes, step well exploration for sure this year! On a lighter note God did not let me see Raniji ki Baori ‘coz I never paid attention to ones at home 😀 😀

        There are some restoration work going on in Delhi on some monuments that are not visited or unknown. But the “crowd” (read there for time pass) at monuments here in winter is maddening and one lands up avoiding them.

        A revisit to Jaipur now after Oct!

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      2. I know visiting at such places with crowd around is senseless. I have always worked around this problem. Looking forward to your posts on Delhi step-wells! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  20. I spent 6 years in Gujarat and visited a lot of stepwells (Ran-ki-Vav and Adalaj ni Vav being the more renowned ones). They have their own distinct style I think, as compared to the step wells of Rajasthan (I haven’t been to any stepwells in Rajasthan, so my observation is only based on photographs). I am an architect by profession, and stepwells I feel, are not just structures, they are sculptures too. I am really fascinated by them, and would like to visit some of the one’s in Rajasthan too. Whenever I do, I’ll surely visit your page for reference. Really concise, to the point content, backed well by great photographs. love your work.

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    1. Thank You Animesh. Appreciation coming from an architect, is surely great. Thank You.
      I’m sure that the step wells in Gujarat are quite unique. Each region has it’s own style. Despite this, we have variety of Baoris each following a distinct pattern. If you were to visit Abhaneri, which has world’s largest step-well,it is more ornate and has even statutes. I have visited step-wells in Bundi also. One of them -Raniki Baori is quite similar to the ones in Gujarat, but it’s small. Unlike Panna Meena Kund, it’s not square and open. It can be accessed only from one direction.
      Have you posted pictures of your visits to the step-wells?

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      1. most of the stepwells I have visited, are the ones which are accessible form one side, though I have seen a couple of open stepwells too.
        My time in Gujarat came to an end more than 2 years ago, and back then I had no idea how to wield a camera, or what a blog is anyway! I’m pretty sure I’ll visit some of those again though, and when I do, I’ll make sure I take my camera and have a post up about it.

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