13. Indian Step-wells
Locate: Rajasthan, India
Estimated Cost: N/A
This has a functional use in addition to its stunning appearance, which it certainly is. What you’re seeing is a step-well; these structures date back centuries and are found throughout India.
Indian Step-wells ©r/bizarrebuildings/Reddit
Step-wells, called baori in the local vernacular, are wells that have a large number of steps descending to the water’s level. This one in particular has 3,500 stairs leading down to the town of Chand Bawri. Indian underground architecture from the 7th to the 19th centuries was greatly influenced by step-wells.