Rajasthan Haveli Tours

Havelis to Visit during Rajasthan Haveli Tours

Rajasthan is famous for its palaces, forts and havelis or mansions. A haveli is similar to a palace but has a distinct architecture. Rajasthan haveli tours are the best way to observe these havelis and appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of the artisans from this region.

Many tour operators organize Rajasthan haveli tours. Most of these havelis are situated in Jaisalmer and around Shekhawati region. Most tour operators also offer special Jaisalmer Rajasthan haveli tours and Shekhawati Rajasthan haveli tours. There are many famous havelis is Jaisalmer. Arguably the most famous one is the Patwaon Ji Ki Haveli. This is the oldest haveli constructed in Jaisalmer and hence the most significant one. It was a trend setter in its times and laid the foundation of the haveli culture in Rajasthan. In reality, this haveli is made up of five different smaller havelis. Next haveli on the list of your Rajasthan haveli tours is Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli. It is a superb blend of Islamic and Rajasthani architecture. The striking feature of this haveli is the continuity in design. This haveli was constructed by two brothers. There are many stories about this haveli. Most interesting are the ones during its construction. Next haveli to visit during your Rajasthan haveli tours is Salim Ji Ki haveli. The design of this haveli is based on the peacock. One can have an amazing view of the busy city below from one of the many balconies of this haveli.

The Shekhawati region of Rajasthan was a busy trading area situated along major caravan routes in the past. Many landlords and traders built havelis in this region. Today these havelis speak volumes of the affluence of the traders of this area. You can start your Shekhawati Rajasthan haveli tours from Goenka haveli of Fatehpur. This haveli is said to have a collection of the best paintings of the Shekhawati region however it is closed for public most of the times. Another must see and also in Fatehpur is the Nand Lal Devra Haveli. A Frenchwoman Nadine le prince took great efforts in getting the frescoes of this haveli restored. It is worth watching to appreciate the efforts of the Frenchwoman. Another must see during your Rajasthan haveli tours is the Poddar haveli. This haveli has been converted in to a cultural museum. Main attraction is the traditional wedding dresses of the various Rajasthani communities. The other havelis in this area worth visiting are the Aath haveli, Khedwal Bhawan, Gulab Rai Ladia haveli, Murmuria haveli and Vishnunath Keria haveli. The Aath haveli is a misnomer as this complex houses six instead of eight havelis. The frescoes of this haveli symbolize the changes as one side depicts camels and horses and the other side depicts a steam locomotive. The Khedwal Bhavan haveli of Nawalgarh has lovely mirror and tile work. The legend of Dhola Maru is depicted on the outer walls. The Gulab Rai Ladia haveli in Mandawa has exquisite mural work and depicting erotic and religious themes. The Murmuria haveli has a unique east meets west concept in its paintings that of Krishna in an English courtyard with his cows.

The havelis of Rajasthan are a national treasure and Rajasthan haveli tours are a good way of looking into the rich and exotic past of the state. Each haveli has a different story to tell and visitors are often struck by the amazing architecture and fine craftsmanship of the artisans who constructed them. The havelis were not only built from an aesthetic point of view but also a practical point of view to allow free flow of air through their various balconies and vents. The balconies acted as natural air ducts and kept the havelis cooler during summer. Truly and ingenuous piece of engineering, the heritage havelis of Rajasthan are a must see places for any tourist visiting the state.