Adi Kadi Vav is a circular stepwell that is carved out of solid rock in Uparkot Fort, Junagadh, Gujarat. The stepwell is believed to have been built in the 15th century, but some sources suggest that it may be much older. The stepwell is named after two slave girls, Adi and Kadi, who used to fetch water from it or were sacrificed for it, according to different legends. The stepwell is an example of the water conservation and architecture skills of the people of Gujarat. Visit during One Day Junagadh sightseeing Trip By Private Cab
Location of Adi Kadi Vav
Adi Kadi Vav is located in Uparkot Fort, a historical fort that was built in 319 BCE by Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Mauryan Empire. The fort is situated on a plateau in the eastern part of Junagadh city, at the foot of the Girnar hills. The fort covers an area of about 70 acres and is surrounded by a moat and high walls. The fort is about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from the city center of Junagadh, which is the headquarters of Junagadh district in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat.
Timing / Entry Fees Adi Kadi Vav
The fort is open to the public every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The entry fee for Indian visitors is Rs. 10 per person, and for foreign visitors is Rs. 50 per person. There is no camera fee for still or video cameras. The visitors can also hire a guide for Rs. 100 to learn more about the history and architecture of the fort and the stepwell.
How to Reach Adi Kadi Vav
The nearest airport to Junagadh is Rajkot Airport, which is about 103 kilometers (64 miles) away. There are regular flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and other major cities to Rajkot. From Rajkot, one can take a taxi or a bus to Junagadh, which takes about 2 to 3 hours.
The nearest railway station to Junagadh is Junagadh Junction, which is well connected to Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Veraval, Somnath, and other cities by trains. From the railway station, one can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to Uparkot Fort, which takes about 10 minutes.
Junagadh is also accessible by road from Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Veraval, Somnath, and other cities by buses or cars. The distance from Ahmedabad to Junagadh is about 355 kilometers (221 miles), from Rajkot to Junagadh is about 100 kilometers (62 miles), and from Veraval to Junagadh is about 80 kilometers (50 miles).
Things to Do / Must See Adi Kadi Vav
Adi Kadi Vav is a unique and mysterious attraction that fascinates visitors with its history and legends. Some of the things to do and see at the stepwell are:
- Explore the Stepwell: The stepwell has a flight of 166 steps in a narrow corridor that leads to the well shaft. The well shaft has a small window carved in the thin rock layer above it. The rock strata are visible in the eroded walls. The well is 123 feet deep and has a circular shape.
- Learn about the Legends: The stepwell has many legends associated with its name and origin. According to one legend, when the stepwell was constructed, no water was found. But on instruction of the royal priest, two unmarried girls named Adi and Kadi were sacrificed and the water was found. According to another legend, Adi and Kadi were the royal maids who fetched water from the stepwell every day.
- Pay Respect to Adi and Kadi: People hang cloths and bangles on the tree nearby to commemorate Adi and Kadi, who are considered as martyrs or saints by some locals. It is said that seeing a white cloth or bangle among the colorful ones is a sign of good luck.
Nearby Tourist Places of Adi Kadi Vav
Uparkot Fort has many other tourist places to explore besides Adi Kadi Vav. Some of the nearby tourist places are:
- Ashoka’s Rock Edicts: This is a large boulder with fourteen edicts of Emperor Ashoka engraved on it in Brahmi script and Pali language. The edicts date back to 250 BCE and convey Ashoka’s message of peace, tolerance, compassion, and dharma (righteousness). This is one of the oldest inscriptions in India and a testimony to Ashoka’s influence on Gujarat.
- Rudradaman’s Sanskrit Inscription: This is another inscription on the same boulder as Ashoka’s edicts, but in Sanskrit language and Kharoshthi script. The inscription was added by Rudradaman I, a Saka (Scythian) king who ruled over Malwa and Gujarat in the 2nd century CE. The inscription records his victory over the Satavahanas and his restoration of a dam on the Sudarshana Lake near Girnar.
- Buddhist Caves: These are a group of rock-cut caves that date from before 500 CE and are among the earliest examples of Buddhist architecture in India. The caves have stone carvings and floral motifs that depict scenes from the life of Buddha and his teachings. The caves also have chaityas (prayer halls) and viharas (monasteries) where monks used to live and meditate.
- Babupyana Caves: These are another group of rock-cut caves that date from the 1st century CE and are attributed to Bava Pyara, a Jain monk who attained nirvana here. The caves have sculptures and paintings that depict Jain Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers) and their stories. The caves also have a water tank that is said to have healing properties.
- Jama Masjid: This is a mosque that was built in the 15th century by Sultan Mahmud Begada, who conquered Junagadh in 1470. The mosque has a large courtyard and a prayer hall with 140 pillars and nine domes. The mosque also has a minaret that offers a view of the city and the hills.
- Darbar Hall Museum: This is a museum that was established in 1977 and is located in the former durbar hall (royal court) of the Nawabs of Junagadh. The museum displays the royal memorabilia, weapons, paintings, manuscripts, and other artifacts that belong to the Nawabs and their families. The museum also has a collection of silver chains, thrones, palanquins, and howdahs (elephant seats).
Significance of Adi Kadi Vav
Adi Kadi Vav is a significant place for history, culture, and tourism in Gujarat. The stepwell showcases the legacy of various dynasties and religions that ruled or influenced this region over the centuries. The stepwell also preserves an ancient water management system that reflects the art, architecture, and engineering skills of the people of Gujarat. The stepwell also offers a glimpse into the legends and stories that surround this place and its name.
FAQ’s
Q: What are the timings and entry fees of Uparkot Fort and Adi Kadi Vav?
A: The fort and the stepwell are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day. The entry fee for Indian visitors is Rs. 10 per person, and for foreign visitors is Rs. 50 per person.
Q: How can I reach Uparkot Fort and Adi Kadi Vav from Junagadh city?
A: You can reach Uparkot Fort and Adi Kadi Vav from Junagadh city by auto-rickshaw or taxi, which takes about 10 minutes.
Q: What are the other attractions near Uparkot Fort and Adi Kadi Vav?
A: There are many other attractions near Uparkot Fort and Adi Kadi Vav, such as Ashoka’s Rock Edicts, Rudradaman’s Sanskrit Inscription, Buddhist Caves, Babupyana Caves, Jama Masjid, and Darbar Hall Museum.
Q: How deep is Adi Kadi Vav?
A: Adi Kadi Vav is 123 feet deep and has a circular shape.
Q: Why is Adi Kadi Vav named after two slave girls?
A: Adi Kadi Vav is named after two slave girls, Adi and Kadi, who used to fetch water from it or were sacrificed for it, according to different legends.
Conclusion
Adi Kadi Vav is a mysterious and ancient stepwell that is carved out of solid rock in Uparkot Fort, Junagadh. The stepwell is named after two slave girls, Adi and Kadi, who used to fetch water from it or were sacrificed for it, according to different legends. The stepwell is an example of the water conservation and architecture skills of the people of Gujarat. If you are planning to visit Junagadh, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Adi Kadi Vav and experience its history and legends. Book your ticket now and enjoy a memorable trip to Adi Kadi Vav.
