Last Updated on March 11, 2023 by admin
In the peaceful back lanes of Connaught Place, a sharp turn leads to a surprising find – a well-kept stepwell called Agrasen Ki Baoli. Delhi itinerary is incomplete without a visit to this haunted stepwell in Delhi.
Also known as Ugrasen ki Baodi, it is one of the must-visit places in Delhi. Here is the guide to Agrasen ki Baoli.
Table of Contents
What is a Baoli?
Baoli or Baodi is a water reservoir that was commissioned and constructed by the kings from yesteryears. Structures were constructed around these reservoirs and it also involved a series of steps that lead down to the well. These reservoirs were constructed in places with water shortage
In many places, these step wells have intricately carved walls and pillars and they served as a community meeting place for the locals.
Stepwells are present across the country, especially in West and North India. In Delhi, they are called Baoli, in Rajasthan – Kund, in Gujarat – Vav and in Maharashtra – Barav.
Read more – Adalaj ni Vav, Sevasi Vav, Panna Meena ka Kund, Jaipur
History of Agrasen Ki Baodi stepwell
There is no recorded history of who built the step well but it is believed to have been commissioned by King Agrasen around 3000 BC. Maharaja Agrasen was popular for the Agroha Kingdom which was popular as the kingdom of traders. It is said that the Agrawal community are the descendants of this kingdom.
The Baoli is an ancient stepwell that is 60 meters long, 15 meters wide, and has 108 steps. It also has three levels and each of them has niched arches on either side of the well.
Is Agrasen Ki Baoli haunted?
According to the legends, the water in the reservoir turned black in colour. It is said that when people approached the black water in the well, they would be enticed by it and were compelled to commit suicide.
As they leapt from the well into the depths of the black water below, the water would rise up and spill over, oozing the blood of its victim.
In the current scenario, this ‘black water’ has dried up but the modern-day legend still says that the stepwell is haunted by ghosts and demons that exist in the depths of the Agrasen ki Baoli. People have claimed that they have heard footsteps behind them.
Whether the visitors believe in ghosts of Agrasen ki Baoli or not, one can spend some peaceful time at the stepwell.
Movie shooting at Agrasen ki Baoli
While the locals have been visiting the stepwell for long, many movies have been shot at Agrasen ki Baoli. The Bollywood Movie ‘PK’ particularly made this stepwell popular followed by Instagram posts.
My visit to Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi
What seemingly looks like a regular place on the street, the stepwell that is thousands of years old is protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Delhi Travel Guide is incomplete without a visit to Agrasen ki Baoli.
An information panel near the gate gives some info about the stepwell. As the visitors climb up the few steps, one can see the steps leading to the reservoir down. One cannot help but notice the city skyscrapers overlooking the historical landmark of Delhi.
The bad odours emitting from the arches fill up the air but that doesn’t deter many visitors from spending hours in the peaceful environs of the step wells and posing for photos.
The Baoli is built with rubble and stones and is one of the most finely kept and preserved Baolis in Delhi and around. The main feature of the structure is the long flight of steps leading down to the stepwell. The steps are flanked on both sides by thick walls with a series of arched corridors.
On the west side of the stepwell is a small mosque with three openings. Raised on a solid platform with underground dalans on the sides, it has a whale-back roof and pillar columns of red sandstone.
Agrasen Ki Baoli timing
The stepwell is open every day, including Sundays, from 9 am to 5:30 pm.
Agrasen Ki Baoli ticket prices
Entry is free to Agrasen ki Baoli for all visitors. Photography is also free but tripods and drones are not allowed.
How to reach Agrasen Ki Baoli, Delhi | Nearest Metro to Agrasen ki Baoli
The Nearest Metro station to Agrasen Ki Baoli is Barakhamba Road or Rajiv Chowk station.
From Barakhamba Road it’s a 10-minute walk to Agrasen ki Baoli and from Rajiv Chowk, the walk will take 15 minutes to Hailey Road.
One can use the app-based Ola or Uber or even an auto-rickshaw to reach the Baoli from anywhere in Delhi.
Photography at Agrasen ki baoli
Agrasen ki Baoli, Delhi is extremely popular for photography enthusiasts because the ruins look beautiful. Being an ASI protected monument, professional photography, pre-wedding photoshoots and fashion photoshoots are possible with prior permission.
This place does get busy during the day with tourists, college students and locals. So, if you want clear photos, visit early in the morning.
Hotels near Agrasen ki Baoli
Being in the Connaught Place area, there are some good accommodation options for stay. Visitors can choose from budget stays to luxury stays.
Luxury hotels: Le Meridien New Delhi, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi
Mid-range: Connaught Royale Delhi, Hotel The Royal Plaza
Sustainable tips to explore the Baoli
- Being an ancient stepwell, respect the structures by not defacing them.
- Do not harm the structures by carving or writing on it.
- Do not dispose of garbage in the stepwell premises or in the water well.
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress modestly.
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