A five-storey Indo-Islamic stepwell built in 1499, richly carved with floral, animal and mythological motifs.
Adalaj Stepwell (Adalaj ni Vav) was commissioned by Queen Rudabai, wife of the local Vaghela chieftain Veer Singh, and completed in 1499 under Sultan Mahmud Begda. The octagonal well descends five storeys through carved pillared galleries and shafts of sandstone. Temperatures inside stay several degrees cooler than the surface, and the light through the open shaft changes through the day. The site is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, and a visit takes about an hour, so it pairs naturally with Akshardham.
| Distance | About 19 km north of central Ahmedabad |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 35-50 minutes each way by road |
| Getting there | Mode: Car or app cab; Detail: App cab or auto-rickshaw on the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar highway; the Yellow Line metro and city buses run nearby but the stepwell needs a short road hop. |
| Cost | Entry about ₹300 (approx $3.13 USD) for foreign nationals and ₹20 for Indian citizens; taxi ₹500-900 (approx $5.21-9.38 USD) each way |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Adalaj Stepwell, Adalaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382421, India |
How to get there
- Car: app cab or taxi, about ₹500-900 (approx $5.21-9.38 USD) each way
- Bus: AMTS and GSRTC services to Adalaj Cross Road, then a short auto ride
- Combined trip: pair with Swaminarayan Akshardham in Gandhinagar, 12 km further
- Organised tour: half-day Ahmedabad heritage tours often include Adalaj
Location
Adalaj Stepwell, Adalaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat 382421, India
23.1656, 72.5810 View on map
Highlights
- Five-storey octagonal stepwell with Solanki-Islamic carvings
- Carved niches of Ganesh, Navagraha and peacocks
- Cool, shaded galleries that drop several degrees below ground level
- Legend of Queen Rudabai and Veer Singh
- Easy pairing with Swaminarayan Akshardham
Tips for visiting
- Visit early morning for soft light and fewer groups
- Wear shoes with grip; the stone steps can be worn and slippery
- Photography is allowed but tripods are restricted
- Allow about one hour on site
- Combine with Gandhinagar to make a full half-day
When to visit
Early morning or late afternoon, October to March
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How far is Adalaj Stepwell from Ahmedabad?
About 19 km north of the city centre, roughly 35-50 minutes by road.
What is the entry fee for foreigners?
Foreign visitors pay about INR 300 per ticket (approx $3.13 USD); Indian citizens pay INR 20.
Is it open every day?
Yes, it is open daily from about 6am to 6pm.
Can it be combined with Akshardham?
Yes. Swaminarayan Akshardham in Gandhinagar is about 12 km beyond Adalaj and the two make an easy half-day.