Dhabhai-ka-Kund, one of the 60 Baoris or step-wells of Bundi, Rajasthan, India
We did not really know what to expect when we set out to find Bundi ’s famous stepping wells. Considering we had only a vague idea of where to look, we did pretty well. Our little expedition took us through the bazaar and some busy market area. It was a constant struggle – taking in the chaos that surrounded us or to move forward.
Basically we were busy avoiding to be run over by scooters meandering their way through these narrow lanes, honking loudly as if this could make the crowd disappear. Our favorite section of the market was where spices were sold. Not only was it quieter, but it was the smell that drifted from these small piles that really fascinated us. Of course the memory of this instant experience – the very aroma – will fade, we will always remember that we DID smell dried chili peppers being piled into a heap two meters though.
The stepping wells took us by surprise. Those are magnificent pieces of architecture. Constructions dug deep in the ground with wide stairways leading down from different directions, adorned with vaults, niches and platforms.
Their purpose? Places for religious ceremonies, but they also served as water supplies. At the time of our visit, none of them had any water, but it is really the architecture you come for.
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