A Stepwell also known as “Vav” is a common structure all over Gujarat, which was usually built as a resting place for food and water for travellers and in some cases to escape from invaders. Most of these structures have multiple levels, going deep down until water is found. Each floor has a paved area and the walls are exquisitely carved. The best view is from the top, which is bound to leave one speechless. We were in Adalaj Stepwell in the outskirts of Ahmedabad (18 kms away), built in 15th century by the local ruler Rana Veer Singh. Ironically, his wife queen Roopba had ended her life there to protect herself from invaders. I was lost in the beauty of the place, admiring the wall murals when I noticed a group of colorfully dressed ladies helping each other up the stairs. Soon they settled on the steps smiling and chatting, sometimes stealing a glance at the exquisite structure. After a while, they were all quiet, each one appearing to reflect on their own thoughts yet bound together by an invisible bond. They were a perfect picture of escaping into a world of sisterly bonding leaving behind their worldly chores and family duties for a few hours.
Lovely post!! Incidentally, we had gone to Adalaj ni Vaav with a group of girlfriends (6 adults and 1 kid- also a girl)- your post reminded me of that wonderful day 🙂
Thanks Mansee
Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge – Escape | Joe's Musings
Pingback: Escape | Ireland, Multiple Sclerosis & Me
Pingback: Window to the World !! | Life is a Vacation
I loved the step wells and this was a favorite! Namaste. . . .
Thanks Anne. This one is everyone’s favourite 🙂
Pingback: Inside a Stepwell- Rani Ki Vav in Patan, India | Life is a Vacation
vav!! the post with the chit-chatting female group clicked aside vav is a wow !! 🙂 Suppa Like !! 🙂
Thank You
Nice shots and beautiful photos.
Photo credit to my friends, will pass them on 🙂
BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS!
Thank you for visiting my blog today. I appreciate the time you took to stop by. May your day be filled with joy and peace.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thank You
Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: My favorite Escape | Humbled Pie
Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: My favorite Escape | Humbled Pie
Wow, never heard of these, how amazing that they are so well-preserved. A wonderful interpretation of the challenge!
Thank you Tina.
Thank you Vishal. Adalaj is indeed beautiful, more about the exquisite beauty in another post.
can’t wait for that:)
This brought tears to my eyes Sangeeta. To know that these women find such warm companionship in each other’s presence. To see the bonds of frienship. And how precious to be able to sit in companionable silence to marvel at such beauty. May we all know such moments in our lives. Blessings. Sharon
Yes Sharon. The best part is that they cut across age groups. At least one of them was much older than the rest and one comparatively
much younger.
Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: Escape | Memory Catcher
Wonderful.
Thank you Scott
Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: Escape | blogagaini
Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: Escape | Endless Skys
Sisterhoods, I love that kind of escape
Thanks for visiting my blog.
Pingback: The Great Sailing Escape: Weekly Photo Challenge | Kaleidoscopic World in Words
wonderful shots !
Thank You. Your shots in your blog are beautiful. I take this as a huge compliment.
Very nice post.
Thank You
Love the photos. Really also like the narrative.
Thank You so much.