...

Chand Bawdi

Bijapur, Karnataka, India
Historical Narrative: Chand Bawdi is a magnificent stepwell built by Ali Adil Shah I in 1557 to commemorate his wife, the legendary queen Chand Bibi. This structure was originally designed as a large water tank to cater to the needs of the growing population of Bijapur after the fall of the Vijayana gar Empire. For centuries, it served as a primary source of water and a cool retreat for the royal family during the scorching summer months. The stepwell is surrounded by high walls and features various chambers that were used as rest houses for travelers and soldiers. Despite the passage of time, the structure remains a testament to the advanced hydraulic engineering of the Adil Shahi era. Visitors are often awestruck by the sheer scale of the well and the deep green water that reflects the surrounding stone arches. It is a place where history feels alive, whispering stories of royal processions and thirsty caravans. Today, it stands as a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India, attracting those who seek a quiet escape from the city's bustle. The atmosphere at Chand Bawdi is one of serene decay, where the stone walls tell a story of a once-flourishing kingdom. It remains one of the most significant water-harvesting structures in North Karnataka.

General information

  • ...
    Ideal Duration:
    45 Minutes
  • ...
    Place Type:
    Historical / Water Heritage
  • ...
    Entry Fees:
    Free Entry: No tickets are required for Indian or Foreign visitors.

    Parking Fee: Approximately 20 INR for vehicles. ...
    Free Entry: No tickets are required for Indian or Foreign visitors.

    Parking Fee: Approximately 20 INR for vehicles.
  • ...
    Timing:
    Regular Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

    Ideal Visit: 7:00 AM to see the morning light. ...
    Regular Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

    Ideal Visit: 7:00 AM to see the morning light.
  • ...
    Special Events:
    Monsoon Beauty: The well looks its best when filled with fresh rainwater during August.

    Heritage Week: Special lighting and tours are organized during November. ...
    Monsoon Beauty: The well looks its best when filled with fresh rainwater during August.

    Heritage Week: Special lighting and tours are organized during November.
  • ...
    Best Photo Spots:
    Entrance Gate: Use the outer gate to frame the octagonal towers.

    The Water Edge: Low-angle shots of the reflection in the stepwell.

    Arched Windows: Capture the play of light and shadow in the rest rooms. ...
    Entrance Gate: Use the outer gate to frame the octagonal towers.

    The Water Edge: Low-angle shots of the reflection in the stepwell.

    Arched Windows: Capture the play of light and shadow in the rest rooms.

Photo Gallery

...
Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

  • ...
    Historical Walk: Walk around the perimeter to see the octagonal towers and rest rooms.

    Photography: Capture the symmetrical stairs and the emerald water.

    Learning History: Read the local plaques about Chand Bibi's reign.

    Relaxation: Sit by the well and enjoy the cool breeze.

    Bird Watching: Look for pigeons and local birds that nest in the stone crevices.

    Sketching: The geometry of the well is perfect for artists.

    Local Interaction: Talk to residents about the legends of the well. ...

Resturants

Show All

Information

  • ...
    Why Famous:
    Royal Connection: It is famous for its association with Chand Bibi, one of the most powerful women in Indian history.

    Hydraulic Engineering: It remains a prime example of how ancient kingdoms managed water in arid regions. ...
    Royal Connection: It is famous for its association with Chand Bibi, one of the most powerful women in Indian history.

    Hydraulic Engineering: It remains a prime example of how ancient kingdoms managed water in arid regions.
  • ...
    Architecture:
    Design and Structure: The architecture of Chand Bawdi is a classic example of Deccan hydraulic design. The well is 52 feet deep and covers an area of 223 square feet. It features two octagonal towers at the entrance that served as lookouts and rest houses.

    Design and Structure: The architecture of Chand Bawdi is a classic example of Deccan hydraulic design. The well is 52 feet deep and covers an area of 223 square feet. It features two octagonal towers at the entrance that served as lookouts and rest houses.

    Dimensions: The well is roughly square, with a massive central arch spanning 60 feet. The staircases are arranged symmetrically, leading down to the water level through multiple landings.
  • ...
    How To Reach:
    By Air: Nearest airport is Hubli (200 KMS) or Belagavi (210 KMS).

    By Train: Bijapur Railway Station is 4 KMS away with daily trains from Bangalore.

    By Road: Well connected via NH-50 from Solapur and Hospet. ...
  • ...
    Near Tourist Places:
    Taj Bawdi (2 KM), Jama Masjid (2 KM), Upli Buruj (3 KM), Malik-e-Maidan (3 KM).

Tourism Tips

  • ...
    Health and Safety: Watch your step on the wet stairs near the water.

    Packing: Wear sturdy walking shoes with good grip.

    Cash: Keep small change for parking and local tea stalls.

    ...

Reviews

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.

Near Places
...
Adalat Mahal

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Adil Shahi Fort

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Aihole Group of Temples

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Almatti Dam & Gardens

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Anand Mahal

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Archaeological Museum

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Ark-Killa

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Asar Mahal

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Bara Kaman

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Basavana Bagewadi

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
in Other Cities