The Chand Baori Stepwell, Rajasthan
The Chand Baori is an awe-inspiring sight located in a remote part of Rajasthan, India. Some 3,500 stairs flow down 13 stories deep, creating cascades of intricate patterns to appease onlookers. This site, though glorious, is nothing more than a humble stepwell dating back to the 8th or 9th century. Yet, it’s magnificence comes not just from its design, yet its later additions, such as a grand palace.

Setting the architectural brilliance of the Chand Baori aside for a moment, one can find other reasons to marvel at this stepwell. Not only is this said to be the oldest stepwell of its kind in the world, but it is also said to be the deepest. An impressive feat that has even drawn Hollywood filmmakers to the location to film blockbusters such as The Dark Knight Rises. While the Chand Baori may look beautiful and remain an important piece of Indian history, it also has some rather intriguing dark legends associated with it.

Ghost Stories of the Chand Baori
The Chand Baori has gained a reputation throughout India, not just for its beauty, but also for being one of the most haunted places in the country. One of the most widely told legends of the stepwell is that it was built in just one night. If you take one look at this epic structure, you’d know that this would be an impossibility. This legend accounts for this discrepancy by stating that the stepwell was actually built by ghosts. It seems the only plausible explanation for an overnight construction would be to include the supernatural.

With the Chand Baori’s beginnings being forged in the paranormal, it seems appropriate that one of these beings still lingers at the ancient ruin. It is told that the stepwell, to this day, remains haunted by a Djinn. If you are not familiar with a Djinn, they are also known as Genies and similar to spirits, yet not of a human origin. This particular entity is said to prevent anyone from ascending the stairs of Chand Baori in the same order that they descended them. Some even claim this legend gets as specific to prevent those who enter from ever walking on the same step more than once.

While these may sound like tall tales, I actually had my own strange experience while visiting the haunted Chand Baori Stepwell. While taking photographs of the surrounding ruins I noticed a dark shadow person lurking amongst them in the viewfinder of my camera. I made the assumption that this was my husband, calling out to him to get out of my shot. As I did this, the figure moved behind a pillar and my husband responded from behind me, nowhere close to being in my shot. I immediately moved over to the area where I saw this dark figure, yet there was no one in the area. To this day, I am not sure whether I saw something paranormal, or was deceived by a trick of my own eyes. Interestingly, Djinns are described in folklore as being dark shadow figures who typically like to lurk within ancient ruins.

Visiting the Haunted Chand Baori
Chand Baori is a sight not to be missed for any paranormal enthusiasts or lovers of history visiting India. It lies just a few hours drive outside of Jaipur in Rajasthan. The stepwell and palace are both unfortunately closed to the public but can be viewed from the safety of the ground level. This location is open seven days a week and will only be closed on major public holidays in India.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also find interest in the most haunted places in Delhi.
Thanks for reading!
xoxo

Posted by Gordon Garvine on December 16, 2019
Another Awesome Location Amy! Love your work
Posted by Amy on December 16, 2019
Thank you so much, Gordon! I appreciate this.
Posted by david n chance on December 18, 2019
i never knew of this step well till now !
Posted by Amy on December 18, 2019
Thanks for the comment, David! So glad I could share this amazing place with you!
Posted by Indi on September 19, 2020
Never seen anything here. Been many times. Went right to the bottom during the day and night
Posted by Amy on October 13, 2020
Maybe you need to open your third eye? Or perhaps the spirits were spooked?
Posted by Harsimrat kaur Bhathal on May 22, 2024
hey
can you explore the haunted locations in mohali and chandigarh
thanks
would love to see the post