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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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Panna Meena Ka Kund Amer Jaipur Baori #baori #stepwell #pannameenakund #jaipur

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

    1. Somali, Jaipur has many things to offer. In a short trip, its difficult to explore everything. May be you can plan another one to explore offbeat places. 🙂

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  8. Super Like! The pictures are so beautiful. My favourite being the aerial view. I loved the place, couldn’t go down because of the tragedy but even the area around it, the temples and the streets were seeped in history.

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    1. Next time you’re in town, will take you around to some more interesting places in the vicinity. For an explorer, there’s lots to see and absorb. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and views, Divsi. 🙂

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  9. It is so interesting how this place is built, especially with levels where water can reach each of it. It must have been a hard live building it, but also a life where resources are pooled and made to their full use in a amidst a hard life back in the day. So nice to see that fun can be found in the place today. It looks like a deep dive and I hope everyone is careful jumping in and looking down first before they jump…

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    1. Mabel, these Step well were way of life. There are so many of these step wells in Jaipur and across the state. This is how people used to get their water requirement fulfilled, apart from the well. Its difficult to imagine the life, in those times. These are all kids who live in the vicinity and I’m sure they take care with what they are doing. Thanks for sharing your views Mabel.

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      1. That is fascinating, the step wells are all over the place there. When you feel hot or want a rush of adrenalin, just jump into one 🙂 It looks like the kids in India are very street smart and they have not gotten in to trouble jumping into those pools. And I trust you are on your best behaviour too with the camera 😀

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      2. Mabel, these kids are from the neighborhood so they know the best.best behavior with the camera? you bet… You can forward for some more on stepwells, Mabel. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m sure you’ll love it. Touristy places have their own attraction but I think some of us are more attuned to such places. Appreciate sharing of your views. 🙂

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  11. Beautiful blog !! The stepwell is fascinating .. will be on my list of to-do’s when I visit this November 🙂 Thanks for sharing ! How on earth did you get the aerial view ?? It’s a beautiful angle.

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    1. Thank you Norman for the appreciation. You’re visiting Jaipur in November? Great…Keep reading for more stories and pictures. Do you want to click aerial picture yourself?

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      2. No it’s not a drone. I’ll share it with you. Keep me posted before you visit Jaipur. Will be happy to share 🙂

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      1. Yes…once reached Amer..there were several signages and gmap as well. It was my third visit to Jaipur…only the offbeat places were left….Galtaji, Kanak Vrindavan, Panna Meena Kund, Jagat Shiromani Temple…your blog provided valuable inputs and “margdarshan”. 🙂

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  15. Pingback: Jaipur in Sawan/ WPC- Fun – Jaipur Thru My Lens !!
  18. Pingback: Jagat Shiromani Temple – Jaipur Thru My Lens !!

    1. Thank you, Nidhi for considering me worthy enough. However I regret to inform you that jaipurthrumylens is an award free blog so I won’t be able to create a post in response to this. Thanks once again 😊

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      4. I can understand. Most bloggers accept such nominations but a few don’t, unfortunately, I’m one of those 🙂
        There are large number of bloggers who look forward to such nominations. On positive side, it’s a great way to make friends and meet new bloggers. You should continue doing, if you love doing such post, Nidhi. 🙂

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