A UNESCO World Heritage 11th-century stepwell with more than 500 principal sculptures.
Rani ki Vav was built around 1063 CE by Queen Udayamati in memory of her husband Bhimadeva I. It is the most elaborate stepwell in India, inscribed by UNESCO in 2014, and shaped like an inverted temple with seven levels of stairs descending to a water tank. More than 500 large sculptures and thousands of small ones cover the walls, showing Vishnu's avatars, apsaras and celestial figures. It was silted over for centuries until it was excavated by the ASI in the 1960s-80s. A visit takes 1-1.5 hours.
| Distance | About 125-130 km north of Ahmedabad |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 2.5-3 hours each way by road |
| Getting there | Mode: Car with driver; Detail: GSRTC buses and trains run Ahmedabad to Patan (about 3 hours); the stepwell is a short auto ride from Patan bus stand. |
| Cost | Entry about ₹600 (approx $6.25 USD) for foreigners and ₹40 for Indians; combined ticket with Sahastralinga Talav about ₹750 (approx $7.81 USD); car with driver ₹4,000-6,000 (approx $42-63 USD) |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Rani ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat 384265, India |
How to get there
- Car: private car with driver about ₹4,000-6,000 (approx $42-63 USD) for the day, often combined with Modhera
- Bus: GSRTC direct to Patan, about 3 hours
- Train: Ahmedabad to Patan on a few daily services
- Organised tour: Modhera-Patan-Sidhpur day tours
Location
Rani ki Vav, Patan, Gujarat 384265, India
23.8593, 72.1017 View on map
Highlights
- UNESCO-listed stepwell with seven levels
- More than 500 principal sculptures
- Panels of Vishnu's ten avatars
- Sahastralinga Talav nearby
- Patan patola silk weaving demonstrations
Tips for visiting
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and heat
- Wear grippy footwear; the stone steps are steep
- Visit the Patola Heritage Museum to see double-ikat weaving
- Combine with Modhera Sun Temple
- Carry water; shade is limited inside the well
When to visit
Morning in winter
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How far is Patan from Ahmedabad?
About 125-130 km, around 2.5-3 hours by road.
How much is the entry fee for foreigners?
About INR 600 (approx $6.25 USD); Indian citizens pay INR 40.
What are the opening hours?
Daily from about 8am to 6pm.
What is Patan famous for besides the stepwell?
Patan patola double-ikat silk saris, woven by a few remaining families.