Discover the Magnificent Havelis of Rajasthan

Rajasthan, the home of the Maharajas, is renowned for its rich cultural legacy and magnificent palaces and forts. Rajasthan is renowned for its Havelis, in addition to the splendour of its palaces and forts. Havelis are traditional homes that were constructed by wealthy nobility or merchants. Rajasthan is undoubtedly a destination of great havelis, from exquisitely made and designed homes to delicate artwork.

Rajasthan’s havelis capture the elegance and charm of the Rajput dynasty’s bygone age. These vibrant buildings, which can be found from Bikaner to Jodhpur and from Jaipur to Jaisalmer, serve as a reminder of the splendour and glory of days gone by. The elaborate artwork and sophisticated motifs displayed in these havelis, which are architectural marvels, are evidence of the period’s high level of craftsmanship.

These structures, which are spread throughout the state, previously belonged to the state’s former rulers. These wealthy merchants treasured in their walls the ambience of a bygone era as well as Rajasthan’s artistic and cultural history. Each haveli, whether owned by Mughals, Hindus, Shekawats or the affluent Goenkas, shows the grandeur and class of its owners.

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The Top Five Havelis To Stay At In Rajasthan:

Here are five historic havelis that you must see if you’re considering visiting Rajasthan in 2023 and want a regal vacation.

1. Kothari’s Patwa Haveli

The Patwa Havelis are a collection of five havelis in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, that date to the 18th century. It is situated on a narrow road in Jaisalmer, which faces the Jaisalmer Fort. When the haveli was completed, Ghuman Chand Patwa, the family’s leader, gave one to each of his five sons.

The caretakers took over the supervision of the Havelis after the sons left their hometown. At this time, Mr Kothari bought the original haveli and changed its name to Kothari’s Patwa Haveli. Kothari’s Patwa Haveli, one of Jaisalmer’s best, oldest, and biggest Havelis, is the pinnacle of tradition and luxury.

Rajputi, Mughal, and Victorian architecture are all heavily incorporated into its interior design. It is yet another ideal location to spend a couple of days amidst Rajasthani culture and untamed beauty, with artistic pillars, conventional jharokhas, and finely carved walls.

Over the years, a tiny Jaisalmer alleyway has been a stunning preservation of the amazing Haveli architecture. The Havelis are owned in part by the family, partly by the government, and partly by private museums. One Haveli, though, has been exquisitely preserved and appears to be “lost in time” to the period when the family would have resided there.

Location: Jaisalmer

2. Samode Haveli

Samode Haveli is a typical Indian estate located in a beautiful garden with apartments around several private courtyards. Jaipur is an urban paradise surrounded by medieval walls. The descendants of the Samode monarchs who built the home 225 years ago are still living there and have turned it into a luxury hotel.

The Samode Haveli is an incredibly magnificent heritage hotel tucked away deep inside the confines of old Jaipur. It is a classic Indo-Saracenic regal palace steeped in history and age-old traditions of excellent hospitality. A luxurious treat, dining at Samode Haveli offers exquisite cuisine in unique settings.

The original royal apartments have been transformed into luxurious rooms and suites, each of which has a unique personality reflecting Samode’s rich history and culture. They provide guests with contemporary facilities while preserving the luxury of the past.

The lovely pools, fountain courts, and gardens of the old Haveli are still visible from the apartments’ private courtyards and balconies. Relax and refresh in the spa, work out in the fitness centre, swim in the pool, or enjoy a leisurely stroll around Jaipur’s old city; Samode Haveli has recreation options for everyone.

Location: Jaipur

3. Alsisar Haveli

At the heritage hotel Alsisar Haveli in Jaipur, treat yourself to the luxuriously decadent moments and imperial majesty of the imposing Thakurs of Alsisar Mansion. The famous warrior Maharao Shekhaji, a descendant of Maharaja Udaikaran of Amer, established the sub-clan “Shekhawat” more than five centuries ago.

This Rajput family’s “Kachawa” lineage is the proprietor of the Alsisar Hotels. Many of the historic family mansions and palaces have now undergone extensive renovations and reorganisations by the family’s successors, who now operate a portfolio of some of the top heritage and luxury hotels.

The 45 chambers, each with Rajputana patterns and antique furniture, make you feel like royalty as you enter through the magnificent façade. It is now a grand mansion with a sunlit, spacious courtyard, sparkling pool, Shekhawati frescoes, and a foyer decorated with copper pots and royal regalia.

In 1892, Alsisar Haveli was constructed to be a townhouse for noblemen. Alsisar Haveli promises a magnificent experience of the past with its Ayurvedic treatment boutique offering native block prints, cultural events, living art, spectacular festivals, and customised hospitality.

Location: Jaipur

4. The Piramal Haveli

A small yet lovely Rajasthani-Italianate building located in Baggar, some 40 kilometres closer than other hotels in Rajasthan, is the Piramal Haveli. In addition to being one of the Rajasthan hotels closest to Delhi, it is one of the few small, genuine hotels in Jhunjhunu.

It was constructed in 1928 and featured two pillared courtyards, a big open lawn, and paintings depicting flying angels, aircraft, and gods in cars that are painted in bright, flashy colours. The rebuilt Piramal Haveli stands out from the other Shekhavati historic hotels thanks to these distinctive features.

This Haveli from the 20th century, one of the rare Rajasthan historical hotels, can be used as a base to explore the forgotten villages, a wonderful adventure in and of itself. You will have memories and experiences from just one night in the rooms at the greatest hotel in Jhunjhunu that you will never forget.

While staying here, mealtime is a treat to look forward to as it serves traditional vegetarian cuisine. The haveli offers a vast selection of regional Marwari and Rajasthani dishes for visitors to savour and indulges in their ravenous taste buds. The rooms of Piramal Haveli are roomy and well-equipped with contemporary, opulent luxuries, making guests’ stays comfortable.

Location: Shekhavati

5. Nathmal Ki Haveli

The Nathmal ki Haveli is a great building in the centre of Jaisalmer, also referred to as the “Land of the Golden Fort”. It was built so the then-prime minister, Diwan Mohata Nathmal, could live there. The Jaisalmer fort’s architecture and carvings are primarily made of yellow sandstone, as the name would imply.

As a result, these structures shine like gold when the sun’s rays hit them. Every tourist is lucky enough to witness the Haveli’s amazing exteriors, which are covered with intricate carvings and virtuoso work and feature two limestone elephants protecting the entry.

This fusion of Islamic and Rajput styles of architecture has a fascinating history in addition to its magnificent paintings made with 1.5 kilogrammes of gold leaf and wall carvings. It is reported that Hathi and Lulu, the two architects, began construction on the building’s two distinct sides.

The building was built unevenly because no tools were available to monitor continuity in those early days. Surprisingly, the inside paintings show modern facilities like fans and cars that the two architects painted based on descriptions provided by others who have seen them, despite never having ever visited them.

Location: Jaisalmer

The Bottom Line

So it’s time to indulge ourselves and lose ourselves in Rajasthan’s havelis’ majestic, mediaeval splendour. Visitors to Rajasthan would find these mansions to be among the fascinating places to visit. You’ll discover the perfect spots, so pack your luggage and don’t forget to bring your cameras. You may shoot all of your reels here to improve your Social Media game.

Learn more about Rajasthan:

5 timeless havelis of Rajasthan for a regal getaway in 2024