Chand Baori Stepwell: The Iconic Batman Movie Site | India Purple Travel Guide
(map, reviews, website)
This is Premium Content! To access it, please download our
Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel GuideThe Chand Baori (meaning ‘Moon Stepwell’) in the remote village of Abhaneri, Rajasthan, is not a palace or a fort, but an astonishing example of ancient Indian civil engineering and artistic mastery. It is one of the deepest and largest stepwells in the world, and its staggering, intricate geometry has made it a global architectural icon.
Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.
paid Viator tours
Hours and Admission
Opening Times: The Baori typically opens at 8:00 AM and closes between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM (check locally but assume 5:30 PM to be safe).
Crucial Timing Note: The early closing time is why travelers must leave Agra by 10:00 AM to accommodate the Fatehpur Sikri stop and still reach the Baori before the gates shut.
Admission Fee: ₹300 for foreign tourists, and ₹25 for Indian nationals.
Why It is Called 'The Batman Stepwell'
The Chand Baori gained worldwide recognition and the nickname ‘Batman Stepwell’ due to its dramatic appearance in the 2012 Hollywood film: ‘The Dark Knight Rises’.
Hollywood Setting: The Baori was used as the location for the terrifying Lazarus Pit prison, where Bruce Wayne (Batman) is held captive and forced to watch the events in Gotham unfold.
The Cinematic Effect: Its unique, deep, and perfectly symmetrical walls of stairs, which create an overwhelming sense of descent and confinement, were used to stunning effect in the film, making it instantly recognizable to international audiences. The dizzying geometry and great depth perfectly lent themselves to the film's theme of inescapable imprisonment.
History: When and Why It Was Built
The Baori's construction dates back over a thousand years, reflecting the deep understanding ancient Indian civilizations had of water management in arid climates.
When Built: The primary construction is generally attributed to the 9th century AD, placing it squarely within the rule of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty of Rajasthan.
By Whom: The stepwell is traditionally named after the local ruler, Raja Chanda of the Nikumbha dynasty, who oversaw its construction.
Purpose: Abhaneri is located in a severely arid region. The Baori was built to serve as a massive, subterranean reservoir, efficiently collecting and storing precious monsoon rainwater.
The Cooling Effect: Because the water source was deep underground and surrounded by thick stone walls, the temperature at the bottom was up to 9-11 degrees Fahrenheit (5–6 degrees Celsius) cooler than at the surface. This made the Baori a critical social hub and a cool resting place for the local community during the sweltering Rajasthan summers.
Architecture: The Geometry of Survival
The Chand Baori’s design transcends simple function; it is a dizzying, symmetrical masterpiece.
The Scale: The stepwell descends 13 stories (or tiers) into the earth and measures approximately 100 ft (30 m) deep.
The Steps: The defining feature is the intricate network of steps, over 3,500 narrow, perfectly symmetrical steps are arranged in a precise, inverted pyramid structure. These steps form a stunning, hypnotic, zigzag pattern that appears to shift and change depending on the angle of the sun.
Upper Pavilions: On one side, the stepwell features ornate Mughal-style arched pavilions and balconies that were added in later centuries (17th–18th century). These structures contain carved niches housing religious sculptures and images of deities.
What to See and Experience Today
Today, the Chand Baori is maintained as a historical monument and remains visually breathtaking.
The View from Above: The first sight of the Baori from the surrounding ground level is shocking—the earth suddenly opens into this massive, mesmerizing, man-made cavern of stone.
The Harsiddhi Temple: Adjacent to the Baori are the beautiful ruins of the Harsiddhi Mata Temple. Take a moment to explore the intricate carvings and recovered statues in the temple complex, which date back to the same period as the stepwell.
The Prohibition: For safety and preservation reasons, visitors are no longer allowed to descend the steps to the bottom level. You can observe the incredible depth and structure from the surrounding upper tiers.
Where do you want to go now?
Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel
Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.
Other popular Purple Travel Guides you may be interested in:
Like this Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel Guide? Pin these for later:
