Adalaj Stepwell, Ahmedabad, Gujarat Jul 24, 2025

Adalaj Stepwell, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Not everything majestic stands above ground—some wonders lie beneath. Just a short drive from Gandhinagar in Gujarat, the Adalaj Stepwell is one such marvel, steeped in centuries-old stories that make it one of India"s most enchanting stepwells. Built in 1498, this five-storey-deep stepwell is more than just a rainwater reservoir. According to legend, in the 15th century, Rana Veer Singh of the Vaghela dynasty began constructing a stepwell to relieve his drought-stricken kingdom. Before its completion, he was killed by Mohammed Begda, a neighbouring ruler, who seized control of the region. The Rana"s widow, Rani Roopba, agreed to marry Begda if he completed the stepwell—only to take her own life once it was finished.

© krishh/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

A day for cousins of every stripe
On the trail of the Indian eagle-owl
Jul 24, 2024Flock of Swaledale sheep in North Yorkshire, England
Jul 24, 2026National Cousins Day

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Mar 12, 2026Juvenile sunbittern displaying at nest, Ecuador
Masterpiece of acoustic science
‘Spotting’ deer in the wild
May 30, 2024Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
Jan 21, 2024Eurasian red squirrel
Oct 12, 2023Old barn and canola field, Palouse region, Idaho
Sep 27, 2024Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
A dramatic celebration of peace
The sprout with amazing potential
Dec 30, 2023Daiichi Tadami River Bridge, Fukushima, Japan
Aug 10, 2024Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA
May 4, 2024Star Wars Day
A peck between penguins
May 21, 2025International Tea Day
Oct 23, 2023Corn maze in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania
Pride and Joy
Apr 16, 2026Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
Beauty all around
What are these predators doing?
Jul 20, 2024International Moon Day
Dec 4, 2024Navy Day
Nov 26, 2023Fallow deer, Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, England
Feb 18, 2024Sperm whale pod surfacing
This magical beach is worth the hike
Jan 2, 2026Aerial view of Venice, Italy
Dec 6, 2023Palolem beach, Goa, India
Jan 7, 2024Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, Australia
So close, yet so far
Jan 23, 2024Maldives
Fly me to the moon