I don’t know whether M.C. Escher ever set eyes on a stepwell, but they always remind me of his work. India has quite a few of them and they come in all shapes and sizes. This one is Panna Meena ka Kund, located just outside Jaipur near the Amber Fort. The Fort receives large numbers of visitors, but very few people visit the stepwell – despite the fact that it is just a short walk away (and access is free of charge).
Panna Meena ka Kund is neither the largest nor the oldest of the Indian stepwells – it dates back to the 16th century. However, for me it has a magical air about it. I suppose it is the colours and shadows in particular that I find enthralling here. The fact that the well has featured in films, such as “Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”, shows that I am not the only one who is fascinated by it.
It is indeed a fine stepwell. If you’re interested in other spectacular stepwells, takespecially a look at our collaborative Stepwell Atlas – over 800 stepwells round the world are accurately mapped, with photos and info. Please add any missing Stepwells to the site (http://www.stepwells.org and “Stepwell Atlas” android app)
Great! There are many amazing stepwells to see, sometimes hidden close to much-visited spots. Please do update Stepwell Atlas if you find any stepwells not on our map (or indeed if you get photos of stepwells currently missing pics, or accurate coordinates of stepwells mapped approximately)
I could spend a few days there with my “slinky” chasing down the steps.
But just looking at the photos gives me a dizzy spell !!
Thanks for the link, Philip. I’m off to India in a couple of weeks’ time and your map will prove invaluable.
These stepwells are really quite amazing to see. They’re quite deep and the stairs are very steep. Makes me think I’d fall to my death fetching a bucket of water. Thanks, Professor!
That’s a useful link, Philip, thanks!