Panna Meena ka Kund

Panna Meena ka Kund lies in the old town of Amer, a short walk from the famous Amer Fort near Jaipur in Rajasthan. Its eight levels of honey-coloured stairs cross each other in a diamond pattern, creating one of the most photogenic views in the region.

Water for the town

The stepwell is believed to date from around the 16th century. Like other stepwells, it collected rainwater during the monsoon so that the people of Amer had water in the dry months. It was also a place to meet, rest in the cool and chat with neighbours.

A puzzle of stairs

The criss-cross stairs make the walls look like a woven pattern. A popular local story says that it is almost impossible to use the same staircase to go down and come back up. The best way to understand the design is to see it in person, or to try our picture puzzle.

Visiting tips

• Visit early in the morning, before the crowds and the heat.
• Walking on the steps is often not allowed. Enjoy the view from the edge.
• Combine your visit with Amer Fort, just up the hill.

Key facts