The word haveli is derived from Arabic hawali, meaning “partition” or “private space” popularised under the Mughal Empire. Haveli is a traditional townhouse or mansion in India, usually one with historical and architectural significance. The traditional Havelis of Rajasthan have been the inherited homes of the Marwari business communities that flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries through growing trade relations. Believe it or not, these extravagant ancestral homes of the traders have been the focal point of prospering art, architecture and culture in the land of the royals. 

Hotel Mandawa Haveli

The Havelis of the Shekhawati region have set a standard for excellence in traditional art and architecture in Rajasthan. The Mandawa Haveli was built by Thakur Bhagwant Singh Ji,15th leader of Mandawa in 1986. The rich interiors with painted walls,jewel-decorated pillars and ceiling are symbolic of the prosperity of this business clan with ancestral Havelis located on this trade route between Delhi – Bikaner.  Mandawa is the small town that is full of many frescoes painted Havelis and is known throughout the state for its forts and Havelis. The structures of this place remind one of the cultural and social hotspots this place used to be in the bygone era.

Bagore Ki Haveli

In the ancient capital of the Mewar Territory is the imposing Bagore ki Haveli . Built by Amir Chand Badwa in the 18th century , the structure is located at the banks of Lake Pichola and has more than 100 rooms with complicatedly designed balconies and walls that are filled with murals which throw light on the times of the bygone era. 

Seth Arjun Das Goenka Haveli

Jhunjhunu district’s small Dundlod town is home to the haveli of Seth Arjun Das Goenka. The haveli was first constructed in 1875 and is an architectural genius showcasing the life of the commercial tribes of the region. The old artifacts, clay figures of merchants and traders portray olden times when the region was prosperous with trading communities that settled here. The haveli is divided into two different housings, the mardana or male quarter and zenana or the inner female quarters. 

Patwon Ki Haveli

Built-in the 18th Century, Patwon ki Haveli is a complex of all five Havelis built side by side. The complex was constructed by Guman Chand Patwa,a famous trader of textile and valuable metals. The inventively designed wooden ceilings and mud floors of the haveli still serve as a great means of temperature control inside the wonderful structure. The decorative paintings on the yellow sandstone add to the majesty of this cluster of Havelis. 

Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli

The complex floral patterns and frames carved here represent the life and time of the Royals in the 18th Century Jaisalmer. The Haveli was the home of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, who was the home of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, Who was the one time prime Minister of Jaisalmer and was appointed in the year 1885. 

Samode Haveli

The former prime minister of Jaipur, Rawal Sheo Singh built the Samode Haveli around 175 years ago. In 1988, this haveli was turned into a boutique hotel and later opened for tourists to discover the lavish artwork that was showcased in every single corner of the haveli. The complexly-painted dining room, light inner enclosures and the elephant slope at the entrance serve as symbols of the grand lifestyle of the Maharajas who walked down these courtyards. 

Piramal Haveli

Built-in 1924 by Seth Piramal Chaturbhumakhania, this Rajasthani Haveli showcases a more contemporary approach to traditional architecture. Multiple Havelis were joined and turned into boutique hotels that are called Piramal Haveli. Seth Piramal’shaveli in Bagar is a Rajasthani-Italianate structure with massive European-style pillars connecting the eight accommodations around a centrally-built court. The paintings on the walls are suggestive of the British encouragement on the lifestyle of the wealthy local merchants and the craft they endorsed through architecture.

How To Reach

All the Havelis in Rajasthan are well connected via road and roads in this state are among the best quality in India. One can enjoy and have a great experience even reaching these Havelis as there is so much Rajasthan tradition you can find while traveling.