Chand Baoli, India 2015

The Chand Baoli (Baoli meaning step well) was built in the 9th century.  It was used to store water in the wet season for use when the rains stopped.  The steps were used to haul water to the surface wherever the water level happened to be at the time.  The visual impact of the wells is very striking with the geometrical patterns creating an arresting view.  There are still Hindu statuary on the walls of the well and numerous niches for prayer and worship, and apparently cooling off as the temperature at the bottom of the well is considerably lower than at the top.  The area around the well contained a lot of statuary that is now displayed on the top surface level.  According to Wikipedia, Chand Baori was used in filming The Fall, The Dark Knight Rises, and the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.