Rani-ki-Vav, Patan
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An 11th-century stepwell on the Saraswati river, carved with hundreds of sculptures, mostly of Vishnu's avatars.
MonumentPatan, Patan districtBest time to visit: November to FebruaryUNESCO heritage 2014
Highlights
- Seven levels of steps and pillared pavilions going down to the water
- Sculptures of the Dashavatara, apsaras and goddesses
- Patola weaving houses in Patan town
- Featured on the ₹100 note issued from 2018
Significance
Built in memory of the Solanki king Bhima I, it was designed as an inverted temple honouring water. Silt from the river buried it for centuries, which preserved the carvings. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.