The rosy-tinted lanes of Jaipur are not only an entrance into majestic forts; they are also an active art gallery of havelis. Majestic heritage structures once belonged to the Rajput kingdoms, aristocrats, as well as the fat purses of merchants. Experience staying at havelis, an unpeeling of historical layers, trading off the sterilized majesty of hotels with hand-painted frescoes, sunny courtyards, and whispers of royal legacies. These architectural masterpieces become the centrepiece of Jaipur’s hospitality, where tourists can live inside the “living museum,” also known as the Pink City.

The term “Haveli” has its origin in the Arabic word hawali, which means an “enclosure.” These architectural beauties were designed and developed in the 18^th and 19^th centuries to act as personal havens. A Jaipur haveli is a work of architectural genius that demonstrates a contrast of Rajput and Mughal architectures. These features:

• The chowk or central courtyard is the most important part of the household as it offers natural ventilation and an area for quiet recreation for women.
• Jharokhas were intricately carved to allow the residents to witness the street without being seen.
• Frescoes & murals use natural colors to depict royal procession, flowers, and mythology on walls.
• Jali work in the building’s windows created intricate lattice screens, resulting in lovely shades of sunlight.

Top Havelis in Jaipur:

Samode Haveli is the most photogenic haveli in the city, built more than 225 years ago. It was meant to serve as the residential palace of the kings of Samode. The haveli has a legendary Sheesh Mahal and a hand-painted dining room.

Alsisar Haveli is a palace have been converted from a royal residence to a heritage property and is famous for having large courtyards and an imposing entrance. It preserves the “warrior-noble” ambience with old armor and family portraits lining the halls. The pool with the background of ancient arches is the most priceless photogenic spot in Jaipur.

Mandawa Haveli was erected in 1896 by the Thakur of Mandawa and represents the prosperity of the trading community. It is strategically located in the centre of the city and boasts excellent marble carvings and pillared verandahs. The architectural style in the latter part of the 19^th century when colonial and Rajput styles.

Luxury Stays in Jaipur:

Rambagh Palace – It was technically qualified as a palace because it’s not a haveli, and was the erstwhile residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. It was run and managed by the Taj Group, one of the pinnacles of heritage hotels. It offers horse-carriage rides, along with dining experiences in royal chambers, making it one of the ultimate “splurges” to enjoy.

The Raja Palace – A hotel that has repeatedly been ranked as one of the world’s heritage hotels, featuring a private museum within. The presidential suites of this hotel are actual royal chambers. The hotel is adorned with walls of gold leaf, and the crystal chandeliers are almost too opulent.

Shahpura House – A luxurious boutique haveli is in a quiet residential area of Bani Park. It is known for its rooftop restaurant and unique Araeish work on the walls. It provides a more personalised and luxurious experience than the larger palace hotels.

Budget Stays in Jaipur:

Jaipur Haveli is a 200-year-old family residence, located in the heart of the jeweller’s market also rated highly among budget hotels in India. It can offer an unpolished, authentic experience, where you can listen to the sound of temple bells ringing outside your room and enjoy home-cooked meals in a common courtyard in the style of the culinary delights of Rajasthan.

Pearl Palace Heritage is a themed heritage hotel, and it’s internationally acclaimed. Each room has been designed uniquely, and each represents a different part of the country, from the Jodhpur room to the Mughal suite. It has a modern outlook, but its stress on traditional craftsmanship exudes an old ambience.

Umaid Bhawan & Umaid Mahal in Bani Park offer the heritage look at a fraction of the cost. They are popular for rooftop murals and puppet show performances. They are perfect for tourists who wish to enjoy the “Instagrammable” feel of Rajasthani architecture without spending 5-star prices.

Tips to choose the best stay in Jaipur:

Location – If you wish to be within walking distance of the Hawa Mahal and the market, you should stay in the walled city. Be warned about loud sounds and narrow streets. Bani Park or Civil Lines is highly recommended if you want a calmer and larger space with gardens.

Authenticity check – It can be “heritage-styled,” built recently to look old, and others can be “heritage-authentic, meaning that the buildings date back to the last century.

Winter vs Summer – The architectural design of these havelis was such that they stayed cool during summer; however, in winter, they are freezing. When touring in December or January, ensure that your hotel is equipped with heating systems or that provide a “razais” heavy quilts.

Cultural add-ons – Look for hotels that offer folk music performances at night, a performance by the Kalbelia dancers, or puppet shows on the roof, as these are quite common in the stay experience offered by middle to high-end havelis.

Stairways & Accessibility – Few havelis had elevators, especially if they were old, and often they came with very narrow stairways made of stone. You may have mobility issues, so request a room located on the ground floor.

Conclusion:

The havelis in Jaipur are much more than “Old houses.” They are preserved of living with a sense of doing things in a leisurely fashion with delicate craftsmanship, and with that characteristic Rajasthan spirit of “Atithi Devo Bhava”, meaning “Guests are God.” Your experience in Pink City is going to be much more than a vacation, an adventure in travel back in time.