Panna Meena ka Kund at a glance
Panna Meena ka Kund is a stepwell in Amer, below the fort complex. It was built to collect monsoon water. It sits in Amer, so it is a natural short stop on a day at the Amber Fort.
The date of building is not settled. A 16th century origin is a presumed date, not a proven fact. Stories about who built it and why are legends, not documented history. This guide is independent and is not run by any authority or tour operator.
The rule about the steps
Look from the edge. Do not climb down.
Going down the steps is not allowed, and the stairs are watched. Older official guidance also described access to the kund as barred for tourists. Treat it as a viewing spot: you see the stepwell from the edge, and you do not go down into it.
That includes photos. Pictures online sometimes show people on the stairs. They are not proof that it is allowed. Follow the signs and the guards on the day, and do not assume that anything is permitted because you saw it in a photo. Do not swim or bathe in the water either.
Our picks: tours with the stepwell
Tours that combine Amer Fort with the Panna Meena stepwell.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Half-day tour: Amber Fort, Panna Meena and Jal Mahal
Four hours with a private guide, a private air-conditioned car and hotel transfers. Entry fees are not included and are paid in cash to the guide after the visit.
Check availability →
Amer Fort, Panna Meena and Nahargarh Fort by car
Eight to ten hours with a private air-conditioned car and driver, an authorised guide and water. Monument tickets and a restaurant lunch come only with the matching option.
Check availability →
Amer Fort, Jal Mahal and stepwell by car
Hotel and airport transfers by car or tuk-tuk, depending on the option. The authorised guide and monument tickets come only with the matching option; meals are not included.
Check availability →Amber and Jaipur tours
Guided tours around Amber, the stepwell and Jaipur, with live prices and availability.
Hours, entry and when to go
A short stop, not a half day.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Sunrise to sunset, so the exact time changes through the year |
| Entry fee | Free, with no ticket. Check at the site |
| Where | In Amer, below the Amber Fort |
| Can you go down the steps? | No. Look from the edge |
| Weekly closing day | Check at the site |
Because the stepwell is open air, light and heat decide when it is pleasant. The low sun in the morning and late afternoon is kinder to the stairs and to you. At midday in the hot months there is little shade. Check the current conditions before you go.
How to fit it into a day at Amber
The stepwell is close to the fort, so it works as a stop before or after the Amber Fort. You can pair it with Jal Mahal on the road back to the city. The bus route known as AC1 is described as passing Jal Mahal and the Amer Fort, so a bus day can include all three. Check the current route before you rely on it.
Allow a short time for the stepwell itself. The Amber Fort needs far more time, so plan the fort first and treat the stepwell as a quick extra. See the getting there page for the road and the bus, and the Jal Mahal page for the lake stop.
For a wider day in Jaipur, Jaipur tours are covered on our sister site.
Weather for an open-air stop
Average daily highs and lows in Jaipur, climate norms for 1991 to 2020. Amer itself can feel different.
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22.5 °C | 8.4 °C | 5.9 mm |
| February | 26.1 °C | 12.0 °C | 10.2 mm |
| March | 32.0 °C | 17.4 °C | 4.4 mm |
| April | 37.6 °C | 22.8 °C | 7.1 mm |
| May | 41.1 °C | 27.1 °C | 12.2 mm |
| June | 39.7 °C | 27.9 °C | 61.9 mm |
| July | 34.8 °C | 26.2 °C | 190.5 mm |
| August | 32.7 °C | 24.9 °C | 203.4 mm |
| September | 34.2 °C | 24.0 °C | 79.6 mm |
| October | 34.1 °C | 20.1 °C | 19.4 mm |
| November | 29.6 °C | 14.4 °C | 1.9 mm |
| December | 25.1 °C | 9.9 °C | 3.8 mm |
May has the highest average daytime heat, and July and August the most rain. From November to February the days are cooler. These are averages, not a forecast.
Panna Meena ka Kund: frequently asked questions
What is Panna Meena ka Kund?
It is a stepwell in Amer below the Amber Fort, built to collect monsoon water. The name is also spelled Panna Meena Kund.
Is there an entry fee?
Entry is free, with no ticket. A fee can still be introduced, so check at the site.
What are the opening hours?
Sunrise to sunset. The exact times change through the year, so look up sunrise and sunset for your date.
Can I walk down the steps?
No. Going down is not allowed and the stairs are watched. Look from the edge and follow the signs and the guards.
Who built Panna Meena ka Kund?
A 16th century origin is an assumption, and the stories about a founder are legends. Treat any exact builder or year with caution.
Can I swim or bathe there?
No. Do not enter the water. Bathing is not something to assume is allowed, and the steps are closed to visitors.