About Rani Ki Ji Baori – the stepwell in Bundi – and why it was made by a heartbroken queen

There are many destinations, sites, and things in Rajasthan that would make anyone warm up to the Indian state. Of all the man-made medieval era structures dotting Rajasthan, the stepwells are very unique.
Bundi, a prominent town located in the Hadoti region of north-west Rajasthan, is noted for its beautiful forts and palaces, lakes, markets, as well as stepwell reservoirs called baoris. Also known as “Choti Kashi” for the large number of temples located in the town, Bundi still stays off-the-tourist-trail.
Rani Ki Ji Baori – the stunner of a stepwell

In 1699, Rani Nathavati Ji of Bundi took it upon herself to build an architectural marvel, a visual delight in the form of a stepwell. It is this stepwell that still stands today elegantly, surviving the test of time.

The story of Rani Nathavati Ji and why she constructed the tank
In the 17th century, Rao Raja Anirudh Singh ruled Bundi with his first queen. When the queen failed to bring forth a son to be the heir of the kingdom, Raja Anirudh Singh customarily married Princess Nathavati Ji for the sake of his successor. As fate would have it, the second queen Nathavati Ji, gave birth to a son whose custody was given to the first and her rival queen. It is believed that Rani Nathavati Ji turned her mind to humanitarian work such as building stepwells etc. to keep herself busy and away from the sorrowful estrangement from her child.

The largest stepwell in Bundi

Rani Ki Ji Baori is a multi-storeyed, 150-feet deep, and intricately carved wonder. It has a slender entry gate with four pillars joined at the top by tapering arches beautified by neatly engraved stone brackets. There is a mini temple for worship on each floor. Visitors can spend hours admiring the craftsmanship of the place and then leave on a satisfying note after relishing the delicious local snacks available at the foot stalls stationed outside the stepwell.

All the information you need for getting there

The nearest airport to Bundi is at Jaipur (206 km). Tourists coming by train can deboard at Kota station and take a taxi or a bus from there to reach Bundi. Raniji Ki Baori only 35 Km from Kota Station in Bundi.

Other details

Visiting hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Closed on Sundays.
Entry ticket for Indian Nationals: INR 50 for one and INR 75 for two.
Entry ticket for foreigners: INR 200 for one and INR 350 for two.
Entry ticket for students: INR 5 (Indian) and INR 20 (foreigner).
Note: Tourists can buy a combo ticket for INR 75 and explore Rani Ki Ji Baori, the 84 Pillared Cenotaph and Sukh Mahal.