Rani ki Vav
— UNESCO stepwell, Patan
The finest stepwell in India, and one of the most extraordinary pieces of architecture in the world. Rani ki Vav was built in the 11th century, buried by a flood for 700 years, and excavated by the ASI in the 1980s. The carvings on the 500+ sculptures are in near-perfect condition. It is on the ₹100 note for a reason.
The scale is not apparent from photographs. It is roughly the size of a large cathedral, descending seven storeys below ground, with each level lined by carved columns and panels depicting Vishnu's avatars, apsaras, and geometric patterns of such intricacy that you will repeatedly stop mid-step.
Two hours northwest of Ahmedabad via NH-48. Combine it with a visit to Patan's Patola silk weavers — only a handful of families still practise this double-ikat technique, and one or two welcome visitors. Day trip is entirely feasible; leave by 7am.
— Riya Shah · Visited Jan 2026