The International Kite Festival is an annual event that attracts enthusiastic crowds from not only India but also from other countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil. You will also see people getting their designer kites from the USA, Russia, and Germany among other countries. On a common ground, the participants compete to showcase their kite flying talent and there is a huge prize waiting right around the corner for the winner.

On the other side, the locals have their personal kite competitions on the rooftops! The thrill of competing with the neighbours and seeing your kite soar much higher than your opponent’s is fantastic! While popping festive sweets into your mouths and seeing participants squinting their eyes to see how far their kite has gone, everything about the kite festival in Gujarat is an entertaining treat. 

But is the International Kite Festival 2025 only about talent and competing to show kite flying skills? Absolutely not.

Read on to find out more about the infamous kite festival in Gujarat, its history, significance, the magnitude of celebrations and how you can witness this marvel in 2025!

Also while visiting Gujarat you can visit the stepwells in Gujarat, to learn more about the state.

What is the Kite Festival in Gujarat?

The kite festival in Gujarat is celebrated during Uttarayan, which is also referred to as Makar Sankranti in most parts of the country. The International Kite Festival is organised by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited and they have been doing this since 1989. Initially, it started as a way to introduce local culture to people in other states and the invites quickly started reaching other countries too! 

On this day, people gather on the rooftops to fly kites together with their neighbours, friends and family members. The main kite festival in Gujarat is held in Ahmedabad, the capital city of the state. The event is not just about competitions though this is one of the most anticipated parts of the day. You will see kite parades of different foreign nations, local artisans displaying their craftsmanship, stalls that sell both national and international kites and traditional food stalls that will make your mouth water! 

That’s not all!

The tourism department leaves no stone unturned to make the day special for everyone who visits Ahmedabad. In the morning, the event begins with a small prayer, Surya namaskars by students as a greeting to the Sun God, and Rishikumars come over to read the Aditya Stuti. Then begins the fun! You get to see kites flying throughout the day and the whole sky looks like a splendid kaleidoscope. On the other hand, visitors can also take part in adventure activities and games that are arranged near the venue. When the sun finally starts to set, different cultural activities and performances will be organised before wrapping up the significant day. 

History of the International Kite Festival in India

The tradition of flying kites has been a part of Indian culture for a very long time. It is said that the ancient kings used to consider kite flying as a leisurely activity. However, things took a more serious turn. The royal rulers held kite flying competitions and invited the best masters who knew their way around the kites. They were instructed to defeat the neighbouring kingdom or opponent kingdom’s kite at any cost seeing how this was a matter of pride for them. There are accounts of Indian kings using vicious kite strings that were so sharp that they could cut throats in a snap!

The culture of flying kites slowly started to lose traction but the Persian Muslims who came to our country for trade reintroduced it. Also, the Chinese who arrived from Tibet brought colourful variations of kites in all shapes. 

The kite festival in Gujarat honours the tradition of kite flying and also sees the day as a celebration to welcome a new season. Keep reading to know more about Uttarayan, the significance of the festival, and how kites come into the picture. 

Significance of the Festive Day

Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti is the festival that marks the end of the winter season and the beginning of the warm summers. According to Hindu mythology, this is the day when the sun starts to move toward the northern hemisphere in the celestial plane. Uttarayana or Uttarayan means a journey toward the north. This festival signifies that the days are going to be longer and the weather will now be warmer. Let’s not assume that on the very next day of Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan, the summer begins and people will be sweating bullets! The festival only marks the transition day and you are sure to experience a mildly warmer temperature and record longer days than the peak winters.

So, why fly kites on Makar Sankranti? What is the need for the kite festival in Gujarat?

On Makar Sankranti, people thank the Sun God for his solar energy. It is one of the main resources that aids in the effective growth of crops, keeping the planet warm, and maintaining stable ecological and biological systems. 

The sun rays on Uttarayan are stronger and are said to have healing properties. Staying in the cold and freezing temperatures of winter can make people susceptible to skin conditions and illnesses. The warm breeze and the bright sun rays of Uttarayan can reverse the damage and also boost the innate strength of the immune system. What is the most fun way to expose ourselves to the sun’s rays?

Of course, flying kites! 

The kite festival in Gujarat was introduced as a way to boost tourism but the culture of flying kites has been around even before 1989. 

The Vibrant Celebrations of Kite Festival in Gujarat 

Decorations

The venue of the International Kite Festival 2025 will be decorated with eye-catching colours and banners. The place will be lined with the national flags of all the attending countries, the ground will be carpeted, and kite-themed decor will be found everywhere. On the opposite side of the flags, you will find stalls selling local food and attractive kites. The open ground that is carpeted serves as the field from where the master kite flyers will fly their creations.

The locals also decorate their streets with kite-themed banners, and shining lights, and place colourful flowers on their doorsteps. People of Gujarat and Rajasthan also decorate their rooftops seeing how this is the battlefield from where they compete with their opponents!

The Food Preparations

To fly kites all day you need energy. The Gujarati ladies have you covered! The females of the house wake up in the morning to make the most delectable sweets and savoury snacks for the day. While the men step out to fetch the kites, strings, and pooja items, the women work their magic in the kitchen.

You will find the same sweets and snacks in the traditional food stalls of the kite festival in Gujarat. All the attendees will be served with chikki, a sweet snack made with peanuts and jaggery. Also, you will get to taste til papdi, undhiyu, gajak, ladoo, halwa, and khichdo, a sweet dish made with the fresh harvest of wheat.

Colourful Kites

On the occasion of the annual kite festival in Gujarat, you will see kites of various sizes, shapes, and designs. You can expect the people to fetch their kites and go to the rooftop a day prior! The shops bring the stocks of the best kites from November. The hunt for the strongest and the most resilient kites begins at least three months before Uttarayan and the markets always have eager customers. A week before the festival day, the famous kite shops of Ahmedabad are open 24/7! On the day of the kite festival, the locals frequent the shops and markets throughout the day to buy more new kites. This may be because they lost a kite to the opponent or they want to stock up the best ones so that they can fly them at a later day. 

The grounds of the International Kite Festival 2025 offer kite makers from across the world to share their designs and kite-making techniques. It is the perfect opportunity to improve cross-border business and establish a cordial relationship with foreign kite makers. In 2025, we will be celebrating the 34thd edition of this eventful festival and the theme for the year is going to be – “Let the skies of Gujarat tell a colourful story”.

The tourism department also conducts workshops to teach people the art of kite making and their exhibitions and displays show the skilful craftsmanship of kite makers from across the world. You can always buy a kite or two if you like them. 

Lanterns after Sunset 

Don’t think that the celebrations wrap up when the sun goes down! During the kite festival in Gujarat, cultural programs and activities that shed light on the ethnic history of Gujarat are organised in the evening from 7 PM to 9 PM.

Beautiful lanterns are released into the sky not just from the festive grounds but also from the rooftops of houses. While the mornings are all about kites, the nights invite the serene tranquillity of the glimmering lights.

Dates and Venue of Kite Festival in Gujarat

The International Kite Festival 2025 is going to be held on the peaceful Sabarmati Riverfront near Vallabh Sadan, Ahmedabad. We can expect to see more than 50 countries take part in this event which will begin on the 11th of January and last until the 14th of January from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The festivities will start to pick up pace immediately after the inaugration.

How to Reach Ahmedabad?

The annual kite festival is centred in Ahmedabad but over the years, the tourism department started parallel celebrations in other Gujarat states like Vadnagar, Kevadiya, Vadodara, Dwarka, Surat, Rajkot, and Kutch.

You can visit any of these places but the main exhilaration of the festival can be best experienced in the capital city – Ahmedabad.

By Air

Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport is the main hub for air travel in Ahmedabad city. It receives both national and international flights daily. You can easily take a flight from other main metropolitan cities like Jaipur, Delhi, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Goa, and Kozhikode. Direct flights are operating between the airport and the USA and UK. 

By Rail

Ahmedabad railway station is well-connected with other cities and you can find regular trains that come from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Bangalore. From other cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata, you will find trains that run weekly. There are frequent trains from neighbouring cities of Gujarat like Vadodara, Dwarka, Rajkot, and Surat. 

By Road

The National Highway 48 connects Ahmedabad with Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The people from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have to find their way to NH48 and then it’s a piece of cake to reach Gujarat. The national highway also connects Ahmedabad with the other cities in Gujarat state. 

Once you reach Ahmedabad, book your stay at the most comfortableHotels in Ahmedabad. You can freshen up after your journey, relax or take a nap for a few hours, and head out to enjoy the thrill of the kite festival in Gujarat. Even if you are arriving a day or two earlier, you can expect to see bustling markets, waves of laughter, and the bond of friendships on the street. 

The International Kite Festival brings together a lot of people and creates a sense of unification not just within the country but also with other countries. What started as an attempt to show the diverse culture of Gujarat to the world now stands as the most anticipated event for sharing love and affection. Attend the kite festival in Gujarat in 2025 and we are sure you won’t be disappointed!

The post Kite Festival in Gujarat: A Spectacular Strings of Celebration In The Sky appeared first on Treebo Blog.

Read on to find out all the information about the history of the temple, the significance of the place in Hinduism, its accessibility, architecture and the best time to visit the place. 

The Disappearance of Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple

The Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple disappears twice a day and these are the times when the devotees won’t be able to set foot in the sanctum sanctorum. To understand this, we need to know where the temple is located. 

Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple is located in Kavi Kamboi of Gujarat, a place that is about 70kms away from Vadodara. The shrine is present a few feet away from the seashore and is in the Arabian Sea. The high tides arrive twice during the day and this is when the temple gets completely submerged below water. Recently, the authorities of the state have constructed a pinnacle at the top which is the only part that remains visible during the high tide. When the low tides replace the high tides, devotees go to the temple, offer their prayers and come back. The flowers offered during the low tide wash to shore during the hide tide, making the sandy sea line a colourful spectacle to behold. 

The transition from low tides to high tides is so spectacular! It seems like the water itself is offering its prayers to the 4-foot-long Shiva Linga that you will find in the temple. 

There are more such mysterious and unique temples in India. The Kamakhya Temple in Assam is another such place where the Goddess in the sanctum sanctorum bleeds for three days every year! The Ambubachi Mela is celebrated on this occasion. 

History of Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple

The temple structure that you see today is almost 150 years old. However, the Shiva Linga was there for thousands of years. There are two stories associated with how the temple came to be and who placed the Shiva Linga in the location. 

Legends say that the Pandava brothers of Mahabharata were the ones who placed the Shiva Linga in the location and offered their prayers to Lord Shiva during their exile. Another story is that of Lord Karthikeya.

Tarakasura was a demon and an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He indulged in a stringent penance or tapasya to gain the attention of Lord Brahma. The deity finally appeared in front of the demon, very impressed with his dedication. He told Tarakasura that he’d grant him a boon, whatever the demon wanted. Tarakusara instantly asked Lord Brahma to make him immortal and that death should never touch him. However, the cycle of life and death is inevitable and Lord Brahma couldn’t grant such a boon. He asked Tarakasura to ask for something else. However, the cunning demon asked Lord Brahma to bless him so that death would not knock at his doorstep and the only way he could die was when Lord Shiva’s son killed him. 

This was the time when Lord Shiva was in a deep meditative state after the death of his wife, Sati. Tarakasura knew that the deity wouldn’t harbour any children. Lord Brahma granted him the boon. Within no time, Tarakasura started spreading havoc in the heavens. He mercilessly killed deities, terrorised the Gods and also started making the lives of humans difficult. 

Goddess Parvati, the reincarnation of Sati, sat down in a deep meditative state to earn the love and affection of Lord Shiva. The Lord was greatly impressed with her devotion and both eventually married. Their union resulted in the birth of Lord Karthikeya. 

When Karthikeya was 6 years old, he led the army of Gods and defeated Tarakasura. To absolve the sin of killing Lord Shiva’s devotee, he established Shiva Lingas in multiple locations on Earth and offered his prayers. Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple is said to be one such Shiva Linga. 

If you are keen on exploring the famous Shiva Lingas in India, we suggest that you complete the journey around the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva which are believed to be the most powerful abodes of the three-eyed God. 

Significance of Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple

The temple has a unique mystical aura that attracts tourists and devotees from across the globe. The phenomenon of disappearance and reappearance also signifies the cycle of life and death. 

The temple and the Shiva Linga emerge when the low tides take over. This signifies birth. While the temple remains above the sea level, devotees come to offer their prayers. The temple serves its purpose just like human beings have to fulfil their ‘Karma’ on Earth. Again when the high tides replace the low tides, the temple disappears. This signifies death. After serving the divine purpose, death is the end that will take you to another beginning or show the path to eternal moksha or salvation. 

The temple is also deeply associated with Lord Karthikeya. It is said that those who are struggling with conflicts should visit the temple and they would certainly find the right solutions to their problems, just like Lord Karthikeya was able to deal with the problem of Tarakasura. 

It won’t be wrong to say that Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the main epicentres for spiritual traditions and Hinduism.

Accessibility to the temple

There are no fixed timings for visiting the temple. The tides determine when you will be able to reach the temple to offer your prayers. The people of Gujarat follow the Lunar calendar and analyze the tide pattern during the lunar fortnight seeing how the moon is responsible for the pull of the tides. Depending on that, they provide approximate timings when it is safe to visit the temple. These are the darshan timings during different days of the lunar fortnight. 

Architecture of the temple

The temple gets its name because it is built on ‘Stambh’ or ‘pillars. There are four pillars that form the main foundation of the building. In the centre of the temple is the sanctum sanctorum which has the 4-feet Shiva Linga. There is space around the Shiva Linga where devotees can stand and pray. There is a long path lined by a stone railing on either side. It leads devotees from the sandy shore to the temple. The entire temple has the same stone fencing. 

The pillars and outer railing of the temple are built in such a way that they can endure the saline environment of the seawater. Irrespective of the seasons, these foundations can tolerate constant exposure to seawater and remain uncorroded and intact. 

There are steps that will lead you to the main Garbagriha or sanctum santorum. These are not many so people who are older in age can also easily descend and ascend them. The steps are non-slippery and do not accumulate algae easily. This is very helpful, especially seeing how devotees are more likely to enter the space with wet feet. 

The temple has a very efficient drainage system. After the high tides, the water easily leaves and doesn’t accumulate. 

The pinnacle of the temple is sloped towards the sea so that when the waves splash on it, the water can easily fall back into the ocean. At the top peak of the pinnacle, you will see one big spire surrounded by smaller spires. A flag is lodged just beside the spires and it keeps flying in the direction of the wind. 

Unlike the elaborate Dravidian style and eye-sparkling opulence of the richest temples of India, Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple is built in a simple and subtle manner, keeping the nature of the tides in mind. 

Best time to visit Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple

You can visit Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple anytime during the year. People come here in great numbers during the Mahashivratri. However, you need to keep two factors in mind before you make the trip – weather and tides. 

You can refer to the darshan timings that we have mentioned earlier in the article. Accordingly, you can choose to seek blessings from the Lord at the specified time. But, it would be safe to say that the best time to visit the temple is between 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM seeing how on most days the tides remain low during that time. 

From October to March, the region experiences the cold winters. The weather is more or less pleasant during this time and the sun won’t be as scorching hot as in the summer months from April to June. Winters are the best time to explore the temple and also spend some quality time on the beach. 

July to September is the rainy season. Around July, you will find that the region is hit by very heavy rains owing to the proximity to the sea. Well, there will be accessibility difficulties because of the rip tides but the sight of the temple and how the waves splash against it is worth seeing! 

When the Shravan month begins in July-August, the number of devotees visiting the temple will increase significantly. 

If you are fascinated with the mysterious temples of India, you must definitely learn about the guarded secrets of Anantha Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram. 

How to Reach Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple?

Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple is located in Kavi Kamboi village of Gujarat. You can reach the place by taking a flight, through railways or even embark on a road trip. 

By Air

You can either take a flight to the Vadodara airport or deboard at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel airport in Ahmedabad. From Vadodara, the temple is 80 kms away and from Ahmedabad, it is around 150 kms away. You will find taxis/cabs and public buses that will take you to Kavi Kamboi. 

By Rail

You can get down at the Vadodara Junction and then take a private taxi or use public transport to reach the temple. It takes about 2.5 hours to cover the roughly 80 kms distance. 

By Road

People must reach either Vadodara or Bharuch first and then travel toward Kavi Kamboi. From Vadodara, you will be taking NH48 to reach Jambusar and then take SH6 to reach Kavi Kamboi. The roads to Jambusar are smooth but from there, you will have to tackle with occasional obstacles and potholes. 

Book your hotels in Vadodara, relax for a bit and then head towards Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple. The place will definitely soothe your body and mind!

You’ve been to the temple before? Then tell us all about it in the comments section. 

The post Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple: A Holy Shrine That Plays Hide and Seek with Devotees appeared first on Treebo Blog.

 Isn’t that absolutely fascinating!? 

You will find a lot of stepwells in Gujarat that have intricate carvings, frescos at several levels, and enigmatic artwork of our talented ancestors. Apart from being crucial water sources, some also have spiritual and religious significance. 

Here are the 9 most sought-after stepwells in Gujarat. If you visit the marvellous state, do not miss out on these beauties!

Looking for more places to visit near Gujarat?

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The Top 9 Alluring Stepwells in Gujarat

1 – Adalaj Stepwell

Adalaj Stepwell is constructed in the Indo-Islamic style in the year 1498. It is well-known for its spiritual carvings, idols of deities, and inscriptions that hold great spiritual significance for the Hindus and Jains. It is also considered to be a symbol of love because Rani Rudadevi constructed this splendid stepwell in memory of her late husband Rana Veer Singh. It is a structure that stands as proof of his legacy and valour. This was once the perfect reservoir to preserve water seeing how the temperature within the walls is at least 5 degrees less than the outside temperature. This way, the water doesn’t evaporate easily. When you visit Adalaj Stepwell, do not forget to get a glimpse of the image of Kalpa Vriksha carved out of a single slab.

Location: Adalaj Rd, Adalaj, Gujarat 382421
Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

2 – Adi Kadi Vav

Adi Kadi Vav is one of the most mysterious stepwells in Gujarat. Though people say that it was built around the 15th CE, no one is absolutely sure about when it was actually constructed. Unlike other stepwells that we will be discussing, this doesn’t have any pillars or intricate designs. It is carved out of a single stone in the Nanda style of architecture. Moreover, there are interesting stories associated with this stepwell. It is said that when this water reservoir was constructed in the beginning, there was not even a single drop of water in the well shaft. The royal priest advised the King to sacrifice two young maidens – Adi and Kadi and after this was done, water was found. Some also said that Adi and Kadi are two royal maids who used to frequently fetch water from this stepwell. People who come to visit Adi Kadi Vav leave bangles and feminine clothes on the nearby tree as an offering to Adi and Kadi. 

Location: GFGC+PPP, Uparkot, Gujarat 362001
Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

3 – Dada Harir Stepwell

The Dada Harir Stepwell in Ahmedabad was not just a water reservoir but also a place where women used to socialise! When you look at its authentic Solanki-style architecture, you will see that each level is properly spaced out to accommodate space for people to stand and move around. In the olden days, women used to come to fetch water and also complete their daily share of chit-chatting. This is one of the famous stepwells in Gujarat and was built in 1485 by Dhai Harir. He was the main superintendent of the Royal Harem. Today, you can visit Dada Harir Vav to see the precise carvings, inscriptions in both Sanskrit and Arabic, the thick pillars and the rustic atmosphere. Just like the Adalaj stepwell, you will find that the temperature dips once you start descending the stairs. 

If you are planning to visit Dada Harir Stepwell, book your accommodation at Treebo Hotels in Ahmedabad for quicker commuting and a comfortable stay experience. 

Location: Hanumansingh Rd, Haripura, Asarwa, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380016
Timings: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

4 –  Wankaner Palace Stepwell 

The Wankaner Palace stepwell is one of the most recently constructed stepwells in Gujarat. The main intention behind this structure was not to serve as a water source but to remain as a summer retreat for the then-Gujarat royal family. But it is commendable to see how such an exemplary stepwell was constructed very smartly near the Macchu River. The former British officials were the ones who laid down the first building block for this marvellous historic structure. Wankaner Palace is being used as a hotel now and not many people come to witness the charm of the Wankaner Palace Stepwell. However, it is truly a visual treat to see this white sandstone wonder. 

Location: RR7P+MFX Wankaner Darwaja, 1, Lakhdhirvas Shivmanas Main Rd, Old Morbi, Morbi, Gujarat 363641
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

5 – Modhera Surya Kund

Modhera is a very beautiful place where you will see the remnants of the historic Sun Temple. This one is much older than the infamous Konark Sun temple in Orissa. The temple has detailed inscriptions from the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana. Also, you will find that the precise carvings and detailing on the pillars are still very well-maintained. At the feet of the temple are the stairs that lead to the central Surya Kund. This was once an elaborate water source that the people in the village relied on to survive. However, now you will hardly find any water in it during the hot months. Despite being close to the banks of the Pushpavati River, this place is empty and not thriving.  But that shouldn’t stop you from visiting this spot because this is one of the most gorgeous stepwells in Gujarat. The sheer beauty and magnificence of the place will tug at your heartstrings!

Location: H4MM+95W, On, Mehsana – Becharaji Rd, Highway, Modhera, Gujarat 384212
Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM

6 – Rani ki Vav 

Rani ki Vav is built in the Solanki style of architecture and is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This breathtaking structure was found by the archaeological survey of India and is shaped to look like an inverted temple. As you descend down, you will see various carvings on the walls that depict the Hindu Mythology. Mostly, you will see images of Lord Vishnu in his various forms. There are about 500 different sculptures in small and large sizes across the entire structure. Surrounded by lush greenery, the place is peaceful and absolutely stunning. However, unlike other stepwells in Gujarat that we discussed, you might find a significant crowd here. People who visit Gujarat will have Rani Ki Vav on their itinerary for sure. Rani Ki Vav was built by Queen Udayamati in loving memory of her late husband Bhimdev I of Solanki. 

Location: Mohan Nagar Society, Mohan Nagar Society, Patan, Samalpati, Gujarat 384265
Timings: 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM

7 – Navghan Kuo

Navghan Kuo is a small stepwell that is right next to the Adi Kadi Vav that we have discussed above. It is one of the most serene stepwells in Gujarat and you can feel that temperature dip when you start walking down those steps. The entire structure is carved out of a single stone and you won’t find any intricate designs or decorative carvings on the walls. Though it is smaller than the Adi Kadi Vav, this stepwell has its own charm and elegance. It is about 170 feet in depth and has 200 steps on its circular staircase. Navghan Kuo is part of the Uparkot Fort and usually not many people visit this stepwell. So, if you are looking for a place where you can have your alone time then Navghan Kuo is the right place for you! You can gather some friends or go along with your family and spend about an hour or two in this splendid place. 

Location: Navghan kuvo, Uparkot Fort, Mullawada, Junagadh, Gujarat 362001
Timings: 8:00AM to 6:00PM

8 –  Ramkund 

The people who laid down the design of Ramkund focused more on the accessibility and ease of usage than the external appearance. If you visit this place, you will realise that it is one of the simplest stepwells in Gujarat. However, it is also very beautiful. The square-shaped stepwell has a series of steps lining the edge of the well shaft and it is fairly easy to reach the water. However, now you will only find green-coloured algae water and not much is being done to restore this stepwell to its past glory. Externally, you will find carvings on the walls depicting ‘Dasavataaram’ or the ten different avatars of Lord Vishnu. The geometry of this stepwell is so good that you can’t help but hail and appreciate the smart minds of our ancestors. It acted as a good source of water for the people in the village and also for travellers who used to stop by. The stepwell is also close to the Kutch museum so plan to cover both of these places when you visit. 

Location: Ram-Kund, Bhuj, Gujarat, 370001
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

9 – Helical Stepwell

The helical stepwell in Gujarat is such a marvellous creation of our ancestors! It is pure ‘wow’! It is on the outskirts of Champaner, quite close to Vadodhara. The external walls of the structure are made of brick but the steps are made of stone. These steps are thicker toward the well shaft and thinner in the centre, making it easier for all age groups to go down and fetch water. Also, you will find dedicated spaces on the steps where you can sit and relax, something which is necessary when women are carrying heavy pots of water. Or, they can simply sit down and catch up on their new cooking recipes, we suppose? This structure was constructed in the 16th Century and the Government of Gujarat with the local municipality is making efforts to make this place a world heritage site. The groundwater levels are so low that you will hardly find any water in the Helical Stepwell.

Location: FGM9+Q46, Champaner, Gujarat 389360
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

You May Also Like Reading: 15 BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO VISIT IN VADODARA

Stepwells in Gujarat are magical and no one can change our minds about that notion. Though we have only mentioned 9 stepwells in this blog, there are so many more to discover and explore when you reach Gujarat. A few of them are well-maintained and the government is going out of its way to maintain them in good condition. Then, there are stepwells that are cared for by the locals and attract a very restricted tourist crowd. However, there is a third category of stepwells that makes everyone curious! These are the ones that are so obscure and hidden that not even the locals know about their existence! Well, we can expect someone, someday to stumble upon these structures, just like the archaeological survey of India found the Rani ki Vav. It is a very good move to see how these structures are not just serving as historical monuments but also as beneficial constructions that made lives better!

Make an itinerary to cover these 9 different stepwells in Gujarat on your next trip. You won’t regret it at all! 

The post Stepwells in Gujarat: Discover and Explore the Rich Architectural History of Ancient India appeared first on Treebo Blog.