Time stands still at these havelis of Rajasthan, where Rajputana grandeur and stunning architecture take centerstage.
Drenched in glorious history, filled with antique regalia, and brimming with lore from an era bygone, heritage havelis of Rajasthan have an ever-lasting allure that is hard to match. Add to that, contemporary design touches and modern comforts that take you on a soulful, relaxing sojourn. Beware, these former mansions will sweep you off your feet with their old-world charm and bespoke royal hospitality!
5 best havelis of Rajasthan to stay at
Alsisar Haveli, Jaipur
The dramatic façade welcomes you in, while each of the 45 rooms with Rajputana motifs and antique furniture pieces make you feel like a royalty. Alsisar Haveli was built to be a noblemen’s townhouse back in 1892. Today, it stands as a majestic mansion with a sunny, sprawling courtyard, shimmering pool, Shekhawati frescoes, and a lobby done with copper pots and royal regalia. With an Ayurvedic spa, a boutique selling local block prints, cultural performances, living art, grand celebrations, and bespoke hospitality, Alsisar Haveli promises a magical experience of the bygone era. Starts from INR10,450 plus taxes. Book here.
RAAS Jodhpur
Jodhpur’s first boutique hotel is a hip, modern transition of an 18th-century haveli placed well in the north of the 500-year-old walled city. Spend your days at RAAS Jodhpur, marvelling at the stylish contemporary design, sipping delicious cocktails by the pool, and gazing up at the towering crenellated ramparts of the imposing Mehrangarh Fort in the backdrop. The heritage hotel comprises four original buildings with three additional contemporary structures. All 40 minimalist rooms boast ample space and luxury amenities, while five dining options and a luxury spa make sure you are pampered well. Starts from INR26,000 plus taxes. Book here.
Vivaana Culture Hotel, Mandawa
This meticulously-restored, twin Shekhawati haveli of the Nimani family from 19th century lets you lounge in uber luxury at your own pace. Walk into a treasure of art and heritage at Vivaana that is home to detailed frescoes, original columns, and fascinating artefacts adorning the walls. Pick from 33 well-appointed rooms that come with handmade oversized beds, goose down pillows, and state-of-the-art amenities. Beyond the lush lawns and courtyards, there’s an azure pool and The Elephant House Spa, which was once home to the Nimani family’s elephant, Rani. Enjoy heritage walks, camel cart rides, cosy dinners, and bicycle rides to the local farm. Starts from INR9,500 plus taxes. Book here.
Samode Haveli, Jaipur
Samode Haveli is a 300-year-old timeless haveli, one of the first ones in the Pink City to turn into a boutique property. Expect colour-pop pastel interiors, personalised service, and arguably Jaipur’s most inviting pools. Inside this ancestral home to the aristocrat Samode family, a stunning courtyard with interconnecting waterways, leafy champa groves, a grand sitting space featuring hand-painted murals, and former royal apartments-turned-rooms with private balconies looking out to charming pools, and fountain courts. Located down a quiet street within the old town’s pink ramparts, it is a five-minute drive from the city’s main attractions, like Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar. Starts from INR31,000 plus taxes. Book here.
Bundi Vilas
Built against the rampart walls of the majestic Bundi Garh Palace, this 300-year-old renovated townhouse is entered through the original 40-foot stone archway leading up from the maze of labyrinthine streets. Bundi Vilas is an ideal base for exploring this traditional bazaar town off the usual Rajasthan tourist trail. The exceptional palace murals, seven tastefully restored rooms, and romantic views from the rooftop restaurant are worth a journey. Surrounded by the rugged Aravali chain, with a ridge of crumbling battlements, cooling blue-painted houses, and a pristine lake below, this one transports you back in time, and how! Tariff on request. Know more here.
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