Built in the 17th Century during the Kakatiya Dynasty, the Bansilalpet Stepwell was in use until the 1970's and went into a state of ruin due to negligence. Thanks to the efforts of the local government, the stepwell as cleared off of nearly 2200 tonnes of waste, restoring it to its former glory. If you're an archeology enthusiast or want to get a glimpse of Deccan's historic past, then the stepwell in the neighbourhood of Parsigutta is a must-visit.
We found a swanky new lit up kamaan (arch) with the Bansilalpet signage pointing towards the Stepwell. The newly constructed archway also had light installations and name boards for the shops adjacent to it. You can visit the stepwell between 10 AM to 1 PM and then from 4 to 8 PM. The site remains closed on Mondays.
The space has three galleries—two of them speaking of the restoration efforts of the stepwell and the importance of rain water harvesting. We found a few ancient weaponry on display that were found in the well while being restored, at the gallery space upstairs. The viewing gallery offers a two-sided view to a garden on one side and the stepwell on the other. The amphitheatre and the garden are new additions to the space, along with a walking track. We found several parents and children relaxing, making it a perfect picnic spot.
The stepwell is a sight to behold in its restored glory. The light fixtures at several parts of the walkways, the beautiful water underneath and calming Carnatic music playing in the background made for the perfect setting for a peaceful evening here. There's limited seating space at the Exit gate where you can relax for a bit before leaving the place.
