Helical Step Well Home > Gujarat > Attractions > Archaeological And Architectures > Helical Step Well

Helical Step Well

Located at the outskirts of Champanerdistrict of Gujarat, the Helical Step Well was constructed in the 16th century. It would have provided water to the locals and to casual travellers who crossed the area. The step well does not serve water any more as the ground water levels have gone down considerably below the water table. The step well is undergoing redevelopment to help maintain its credibility as a world heritage site. The maintenance and development of the area is under the Gujarat government, in association with the local municipality. A plan has been put in place by the government to ensure that this place is revived as it was in the ancient times.

The helical step well provided water and the place had a bunch of shady trees lined around the well encircling the step till the wide area of the long entrance on both sides. The well is in close vicinity of the Ek Minar Mosque and people visiting the mosque came here to quench their thirst. The Champaner Fort also gives a nice top view of the Helical Step Well.

The step well is made up of large stones and clay while the main pattern of the step well is a spiral staircase which travels down below to the bottom of the well and a pavement which extends outwards giving it an appearance of a gateway at the opening of the well. The design of the step well has been built thoughtfully, keeping in mind the Vastu (Indian science) of the place. The well is built in a straight north south direction, where the mouth points in the north direction and the entrance in the south direction.

The helical design and a wide parallel beam stone made entrance is a peculiar feature of this well and the steps coil to the bottom of the well. The staircase is made up of stones and bricks and each stair measures around 1.2 m wide. The entrance is 4m wide and finishes inside the well at a small platform from where the staircase starts.

Other Buildings and Sites Nearby

Ek Minar Mosque

The wide entrance of the well projects towards the Ek Minar Mosque at Champaner. There are shady trees which line the area and convert the place into a complete landscape.

Champaner Fort

The Fort was built in the 16th century with its architecture corresponding to 13th century. The gates and walls showcase magnanimous structures.

Jami Masjid

Constructed in the 15th century, the intricate stone carved jali work is the highlight of the masjid. Thisreligious site attracts people from all religions.

Saat Kaman

The Saat Kaman is a group of seven arches where now only 6 arches remain preserved. The arch is located at the foot of the Pavgadh Hill.

Mahakali Temple

It is the 51st Shakti Peeth and is situated on the top of Pavagadh Hill. Built in the 10th-11th century it is a centre of high religious belief of Hindu pilgrims.

Lakulish Temple

Lakulish temple at Champaner lies next to Chhashia Talav. There are sculptures illustrating the three forms of Shiva - Dakshinamurti, Ardhanarishvara and Kalyanasundaramurti.

Sikandar Shah's Tomb

The grave of the last ruler of Champaner, built in 1526 A.D.

Khapra Zaveri Palace

Khapra Zaveri Palace reflects the Sultanate architecture. The terrace of the palace provides a breath taking view of the River Vishwamitri.

Amir Manzil

A dig revealed the site contained gardens, houses, water channels and three gates namely Halol gate, Delhi gate and Godhra gate.

Related Image

Helical Step Well
Helical Step Well
Helical Step Well
Helical Step Well
Helical Step Well
Helical Step Well

Related Topics

Buddhist Centers

Early archaeological evidence shows that Buddhism in Gujarat dates back to the times of Emperor Ashoka (269-232 BC). The town ....

Parks

Gujarat is mostly famous as the industrial state in India, whereas it must also be known that it is an upcoming tourist destination ....

Dutch Gardens Surat

Surat, nicknamed as the heart of the diamond...

Jubilee Garden Rajkot

Jubilee Garden in Rajkot is the key attraction...