India used to be a land of kings, Maharajs, Nawab, and Sultan before 1947. They might show their power and engineering work in the field of civil, they constructed a large number of Havelis for their ministers, royal ladies & court members, wealthy merchant etc. to live in so, they can get royal feel while living these Havelis. These havelis turns out to be one of the eye-catching tourist’s destinations not only for history buffs but also for photo enthusiasts due to their excellent creativity and craftsmanship of those times. If you have a plan to visit Havelis of India, here are top 10 most alluring Havelis.
Patwon Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer
Nestled in Jaisalmer, in the state of Rajasthan, is home to wooden, stone carving, and mirror works that can entice any historians, travelers, and photo enthusiasts. A unique style of its architecture and craftsmanship are enthralling, also it holds a wide range of collection of textile stuffs, jewelry, carpets, handicrafts, puppets and others. Due to all these things, this Haveli cannot be given a miss by tourists.
Nawalgarh, Rajasthan
Nawalgarh gets its name after the name of Maharaja Nawal Singh who founed this heritage town in 1737. It is considered to be one of the well-planned and golden city in the Shekhawati region which is 39 KM from Jhun Jhun and 30 KM from Sikar. Nawalgarh is earned its identity due to its Haveli that boast its fresco, intricacy, and unique style of architecture that can make its distinct than other havelis of Rajasthan.
Rampuria Haveli, Bikaner
The Rampuria Haveli is considered as the pride of Bikaner due to its antiquity, exquisiteness, and grandeurs that have been one must visit tourist destination in the city. The age of this Haveli dates back to 500 years and built under the supervision of “Balujee Chalva” who was said to construct royal and elegant mansions for the wealthy merchant family. It is plagued with Mughal and Victorian architecture but also Rajputana architecture that makes magnificent and inspiring.
French Haveli, Ahmedabad
The French Haveli in Ahmedabad was restored by French architect who gave aesthetic look. It is located in the downtown of this city while staying in this haveli is a great experience to get closer to Gujarati culture and traditions. It is equipped with all sorts of modern amenities to provide comfort and luxury to its guests. Presently, it is open for tourists to stay and gets know about day to day life of the local people. If you plan to visit havelis of India, it is considered as a soul of haveli with unique style of architecture and layout that can make you mesmerize.
Samode Haveli
The Samode Haveli is a symphony of art and architecture that can treat its visitor’s sore eyes is built by “Rawal Sheo Singh”, the prime minister of Jaipur and dates back to 175 years. At present, it has been transformed into thriving heritage hotel which boasts full of luxury and lavish. It attracts more than five stars hotel due to its antiquity, grandeur, vibrant color, and its collection of artifacts which are worth appealing and these things make it distinct from other havelis in India. While staying in this haveli, travelers will experience royalty of bygone era.
Salim Singh ki Haveli
Salim Singh ki Haveli claims to be one of the most prominent havelis in the state of Rajasthan, commissioned by prime minister of Jaisalmer in 1815 without using a drop of water. It has been made out of stone and iron rod which make it last long. The layout of this haveli is said to be inspired from the dancing peacock, the national bird of India. The aim to construct this massive Haveli was to make king jealous. It demonstrates the creativity and excellent craftsmanship of that time which makes it a great tourist attraction and turned out to be a gorgeous place for the travelers and photo enthusiasts.
Goenka Double Haveli, Mandawa
The Goenka Double Haveli is said to be one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mandawa who so ever sees, gets mesmerized because it holds frescoes, carvings, paintings, motifs, and other design have been attentively used to embellish it. The facade of this Haveli is embellished with paintings of camels and horses which looks so attractive. It has two imposing gates that offer an insight of royalty. In every point of view, it seems to be flawless and eye-catching for the visitors.
Jukaso Ganges, Varanasi
Nestles on the bank of the Holy Ganga at Gulerai Ghat in Varanasi. It is a river front Haveli through boat most of the ghats are accessible that offers a delightful experience in itself. At present, it has been transformed into luxury hotel while maintaining its sanctity. It is built using sandstone which was brought from Chunar reason. It is a perfect place for not only individual tourists but also seminars, workshops, corporate events, business meetings, and many more special occasions.
Bagore Ki Haveli, Udaipur
The Bagore Ki Haveli is located in Udaipur was built by Amar Chand Badwa, a prominent merchant of Mewar. Before the independence, the descendents of Amar Chand Badwa used to reside in it, but it has been converted into a guest house to stay for government employees. This haveli has nearly 138 rooms which are designed intricately and its architecture is so appealing which will not let you take your eyes off. Now days, it has been most visited touristic place in the city of Udaipur for the travelers who can also enjoy to watch folk dance that is conducted every evening.
Jahaj Mahal Ki Haveli, Delhi
Jahaj Mahal Haveli was built by “Iltutmish” in 13 th century after seeing prophet Mohammad in dream, thereafter he decided to build a Haveli which is located on the edge of Hauz-i-Shamsi water tank in Mehrauli area of the capital, New Delhi. The layout of this haveli was designed considering its reflection of haveli should be fallen on the water of the Hauz-i-Shamsi therefore; visitors like to be here during the Monsoon. It boasts colorful tile work on its roof as well as its chhatris and its pillar is decorated with carving work on sandstone. This monument has come into limelight after Mumtaj had visited the tomb of Khwaja Bakhtiyar Kaki dargah to offer flower since this place is known as Phoolwalon Ki Sair, later it became as the name of the festival that is celebrated every year.