Exploring Dada Harir Stepwell in Ahmedabad – India

Exploring Dada Harir Stepwell in Ahmedabad – India

The Dada Harir in Ahmedabad is one of the most incredible stepwells I have had the pleasure of exploring in India. Here's a quick guide to exploring the incredible 15th-century Dada Harir Stepwell in Ahmedabad, India.

Dada Harir Stepwell is a 5-story deep well supported by large stone pillars and built in an octagonal configuration. There is also a small mosque and the tomb where a 15th-century housewife of the Sultan, Mahmud Begada, is buried. Visitors can explore this stepwell from the upper levels to the lower depths of the well.

The Dada Harir Stepwell, also known as Bai Harir Vav in Gujarati, is one of the most impressive stepwells in this part of India and in my opinion also one of the most underrated.

I would recommend visiting this stepwell over the more famous Adalaj stepwell. Honestly, both are very similar and since Dada Harir is walking distance from most hotels, it is a good choice for a short trip.

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• alt=“BLICK AUF DAS DACH DES BAI HARIR VAV“>

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Where is Dada Harir Stepwell in Ahmedabad?

The Dada Harir Stepwell is located about 5 kilometers from the banks of the Sabarmati on the eastern side. It is just a few minutes walk from Ahmedabad Junction Railway Station.

The best way to get to Dada Harir Stepwell is to simply hail a rickshaw driver or an Uber. Both should cost around 50-100 IR one way from most areas in Ahmedabad. Since the stepwell was close to our accommodation in Ahmedabad, we decided to walk.

Dada Harir Stepwell entrance fee

There is no entrance fee to visit Dada Harir Stepwell. Visitors can explore it without having to pay or buy a ticket.

What to Expect at Dada Harir Stepwell

Upon arrival at the stepwell or “vav” as they are called in Gujarati, you can explore the upper levels or go straight down using the 3 large stone stairs on the right.

The Dada Harir Stepwell has five floors or levels in total supported by intricately carved stone pillars. Light and air filter through large openings in many areas of the structure. The water level depends on the season, but the lower section of the fountain was completely dry when I visited late in the dry season.

Visitors will also find narrow spiral staircases entered through intricate doorways on adjacent sides of the octagonal fountain structure. These stairs lead to the different levels of the Vav, where you can get unique perspectives on this 500-year-old architectural phenomenon.
alt=“NARROW SPIRAL STAIRCASE TO LOWER LEVELS OF BARI HARIR VAV”>Narrow spiral staircase to lower levels of Dada Harir Stepwell Ahmedabad.
You can also visit the small mosque on the upper level as well as the tomb of Dhai Harir, the overseer of the stepwell construction.

We spent almost two hours exploring this unique stepwell, playing with the lights and trying to get some unique shots.
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RELATED: How to get to Jaipur Stepwell 2020: Panna Meena Ka Kund | Rajasthan

Short History of Dada Harir Stepwell, Ahmedabad

Built in 1485, the Dada Harir Stepwell helped combat seasonal water shortages in Ahmedabad. By digging into the groundwater reservoir 5 levels deeper, the Mahmud Begada Sultan could provide citizens and travelers with a more reliable source of fresh water.
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Although the Dada Harir was built in Islamic style, it was interesting to find the symbols of Hindu and Jain gods also carved into the stone structures of the stepwell.

In addition, the history of this place was also built on the basic principles of accommodating travelers, as the Arabic Sanskrit on the north wall outlines:

This holy and healthy water; The magnificent travelers' rest house, surrounded on four sides by carved and painted walls, and a grove of fruit trees with their fruits, a well and a water basin for the use of men and robbers, were built in the reign of Sultan of the Sultans of the age, founded by the grace of God and faith, Abul Fath Mahmud Shah, son of Muhammad Shah, son of Ahmed Shah, son of Muhammad Shah, son of Muzaffar Shah, the Sultan, may God keep his kingdom. Dates the metropolis of the kingdom to the 2nd of Jamadi-ul-awwal in the 26th year of the reign.

source

I'm sure I feel the same way with other travelers when I say that this welcoming attitude towards foreigners and travelers seems stronger than ever in modern Ahmedabad.

Accommodation in Ahmedabad

Where I stayed: Aaramgruh Hotel Dormitory To be honest, there isn't much of a backpacker scene in Ashirtabad. However, I found this dorm-style hotel to be excellent value at only about $6 per night for a bed. It is also quite close to Dada Harir Stepwell.

Central for a stopover – Dodhia Haveli A little more expensive than my usual budget dorm recommendations. But this hotel is definitely worth it if you are coming to Ahmedabad by bus or train for a layover. It is very close to Ahmedabad Junction Railway Station and offers good reviews and spacious, clean rooms.

Compare and book accommodation in Ahmedabad via Booking.com or Agoda.

More Dada Harir Stepwell photos

Here are some more photos of Dada Harir Stepwell that I took during my visit.
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alt="VIEW OF THE ROOF OF BAI HARIR VAV">
alt=“STONE PILLARS AND FLOORS OF DADA HARIR STEPWELL”>
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More travel guides and blogs for your travels in India

I hope this quick guide was helpful in planning your visit to Dada Harir Stepwell in Ahmedabad (Bai Harir Vav). For more travel guides and articles tailored to independent backpackers and adventure travelers, check out the list below.

MY CAMERA AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT

• Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
• Drohne: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• 360-Grad-Action-Kamera: Insta360 One X2
• Landschaftsobjektiv: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8L
• Allround-Objektiv: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
• Teleobjektiv: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4,5–7,1 L
• Lange Aktionsstange: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
• Landschaftslinsenfilter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
• Kamerarucksack: F-Stop Tilopa
• Lieblingsfotozubehör: Peak Design Capture Clip

For a list of my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why), check out my Travel Camera Gear Guide.

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