Havelis are famous for exotic artwork, intensive designs, and royal décor. Havelies were once the residences of many eminent royal court members or wealthy merchants. In vague terms, havelis are royal mansions. Today, these spectacular structures are major sightseeing attractions and a few are heritage hotels to stay for a royal vacation. Here are Top 10 famous havelis to visit in Rajasthan.
This 18th century haveli was built by Amir Chand Badwa in the Mewar’s capital, Udaipur. This haveli gets added beauty thanks to its location, closer to the banks of Lake Pichola. The haveli is quite huge with more than 100 rooms, and even more balconies, which overlooks the lake and city. The rooms are filled with mural paintings, art works, and artifacts. The haveli also holds a small but informative museum holding artifacts like vessels, glassworks, costumes, and other artifacts of yesteryear.
Also Read : Top Things To Do in Udaipur
Suggested Tour : 3 Days - Udaipur Tour
This haveli of Thakur Bhagwant Singhji was built in the end of 19th century. This was once the residence of Mandawa’s ruler and now it is open for tourists for sightseeing and accommodations. This haveli is located in Shekhawati region and is famous for art works and perfect architectural features. The frescos, lavishing pillars and other elements of the structure stand out. The ceiling of the haveli has beautiful paintings decorated with jewels. The haveli still holds the ancient upholstery along with the traditional leather Mojadi footwear.
Suggested Tour : 3 Days Jaipur Mandawa Tour
Seth Arjun Das Goenka Haveli is located in Dundlod town of Jhunjhunu district. The haveli was built in 1875. This haveli was once the residence of wealthy merchants of the region. Today, it is a living example of the lifestyle of merchants of the region. The haveli holds artifacts, clay models, and other elements which describe the prosperity of these merchants during yesteryear. This haveli is divided into two quarters; one for male and one for female. The female quarters called zenana is located in the inner side of the haveli. Today, the zenana is a museum to find collection of lifestyle articles of the land.
This 18th century haveli is one of the major tourist attractions of Jaisalmer. This haveli is technically a collection of five similar havelis occupied by five brothers, in the past. This haveli belonged to one of the famous and wealthy textile merchants of the century, Gyman Chand Patwa.
This haveli is famous for unique architectural elements like wooden ceilings, mud floors for controlling temperature inside the haveli, yellow sandstone carvings, and others. This haveli is today an important cultural museum, which holds collection of handicrafts, textile items, silver jewelry, carpets, puppets and others. The collection of attires with extensive mirror works is the most explored part of this museum, by tourists.
Also Read : Things To Do in Jaisalmer
Suggested Tour : 2 Days Jaisalmer Tour
Nathmal Ji ki Haveli is another important tourist destination in Rajasthan. This haveli was built by the king of Jaisalmer Maharawal Bairisal in the end of 19th century. However, his prime minister, Mohata Nathmal resided in this haveli, and thus the name. This haveli is famous for carvings, lattice works, floral patterns, and other royal Rajasthani styled architectural elements. Today, this haveli has a collection of elements and every-day articles, which describe the lifestyle of the ancient wealthy class people. An expert eye will identify that the haveli is built in two different styles on either side. This is due to the fact that the two main builders of the haveli had a conflict on how the structure has to be built and the architects split their work.
This is an interesting haveli of Jaipur, which is now a heritage hotel. Built in 1862, this haveli belonged to the Kachawa clan of Rajput. Today, this haveli is considered as a reminder of the culture of the land. You can find many cultural programs taking place in this structure like traditional dance shows, puppet shows, and others.
Salim Singh, the then-prime minister of Jaisalmer built this haveli in 1815. This haveli was built with stones held together with iron rods. This unique strategy gives the structure massive strength to stand the passage of time. This haveli is said to be inspired by the structure and beauty of a dancing peacock. According to history, Salim Singh built this massive beautiful haveli to envy the king, which ended up being his demise. However, the beauty of this structure, the captivating carvings, and the fact that not even a drop of water was used for construction of this structure make it an interesting structure to visit.
This traditional Rajsthani styled haveli was built in 1840 by Muralidhar Ganeriwala. This haveli is famous for its four courtyards. This structure is located in Laxmangarh region and is an important tourist attraction famous for its aesthetic feature and cultural value. This is the only haveli which uses traditional Rajputana styled architectural features. Today, the haveli holds the Rajathani art gallery. You can also find other artifacts, which shed light on the daily life and culture of wealthy class people of the land. The one main element that makes Char Chowk Haveli, an important tourist attraction is the carvings and paintings that decorate the walls of this haveli.
The Piramal Haveli was built in 1924 by Seth Piramal Chaturbhuj Makhanja. This haveli stands out different from other havelies of this list because of its contemporary style of architecture rather than the traditional one. This haveli is built in a mixture of Indian and Italian style. This haveli is located in Bagar region of Rajasthan and attracts numerous sightseers every year. The haveli is quite small with just eight rooms interlinking with one large courtyard. The entire haveli is now a boutique hotel open for tourists. The haveli’s pillars are the most intricate piece of architectural beauty. The best time to visit this haveli is during the Gangaur festival, which takes place in March or April. During this festival, the Rajput families throw a traditional celebration at this haveli.
Samode Haveli is one of the luxury havelies you could find in the state. This haveli is more than 175 years old and still holds its charm. This huge mansion is today a thriving heritage hotel since 1988. This haveli is famous for artworks in almost all surfaces of the structure. The best of all are the courtyard and the dining room (restaurant). The haveli has an elephant ramp in the entrance, which shows the royalty of the structure. The structure was built by Jaipur’s then-prime minister Rawal Sheo Singh, as his primary residence. The haveli also holds numerous art beauties like printed textile, blue pottery items, and others.
Also Read : Things To Do in Samode
Anandi Lal Podar Haveli gets its name from the businessman who owned the place, Anandi Lal Podar. This structure was built at the beginning of 20th century. By the end of the century, it was turned into a museum to showcase the ancient luxury lifestyle of the royal people. This haveli is a huge structure with two levels and two massive courtyards.
The siting hall is an exclusive structure, which cherishes the family values of the culture. This room was primarily dedicated for the family members to sit around and talk. Today, this haveli is a museum holding daily objects, artifacts, luxury items and others, which expresses the luxury of the wealthy class.
These architectural beauties form the foundation for understanding the culture of an entire community, reign, and ancient times. If you want to feel closer to this reality, choose to stay in one of these havelies to enjoy a royal vacation.