Abhaneri

Abhaneri is a small village of Rajasthan, known for its step-wells called 'Baoris'. It is situated on the Jaipur-Agra road, 95 km from Jaipur and 4 km from Sikandra. Even though the place doesn't give you an opportunity to visit grand forts and monuments like those in Jaipur, but options to explore will always be more in small and little known areas.

Abhaneri used to be a territory of the Chahamana Rajputs and most of its temples and baoris were contributed by king Chand. Its novel name was Abha Nagri, which meant 'a city of brightness' but later due to mispronunciation it came to be known as Abhaneri. With time, not just its name but its importance too faded with time.

The only historical witnesses left here are the multi step wells and temples. Chand Baori, named after king Chand, is a famous attraction of the place. This vast and impressive tank is circumscribed by a fleet of steps on its three sides. An astonishing feature of the well is that its depth can submerge a seven storied building. It is a ruined representation of the 10th century architectural and sculpture styles.

Facing the Chand Baori is the Harshat Mata temple, which also belongs to the same period. Its presence near the baori shows the religious significance of the water tank too. It is a place of worship for the locals and daily prayers are offered here. The Archaeological Department of India has excavated several important links to the pages of history, which are now preserved in the museums and archaeological galleries of Rajasthan.

Getting There & Away
It is easy to get to Abhaneri via private buses that regularly run from Sikandra or else you can easily approach this place on your way from Jaipur to Bharatpur or Agra.