The Blue City of Rajasthan, Jodhpur, is in the heart of the Thar Desert, flanked by the colossal Mehrangarh Fort on one side and has a labyrinth of blue-painted houses. The Mehrangarh Fort stands for the strength of “The Blue City”, but its Havelis are its heart. These are signature residences of Rajasthan that were built of red sandstone, a token of Rajasthan in itself. It was a personal residence of the Marwari aristocrats. These structures connect Jodhpur’s rich history and the current vitality of the city. It’s more than just luxury to stay or visit an old Jodhpur haveli, an opportunity to live the “Marwar” lifestyle, where every jharokha and every courtyard has history to share.

Architecturally, havelis of Jodhpur differ from those of Jaipur and Jaisalmer. While the city is recognized by its striking contrast of flaming red sandstone buildings, accompanied by walls of indigo. Most of these havelis were built during the 18^th and 19^th centuries. These were designed to be “Climate responsive” even before the term was coined. These thick sandstone structures provide cooling to the interiors even in the scorching desert heat, and the central courtyard acts like an ideal natural ventilation shaft, where the hot air rises and escapes.

Top Havelis in Jodhpur:

Pal Haveli – The Pal Haveli of 1747, created by the Thakur of Osian, a large structure, lies in the shadow of the clock tower. Members of the noble family are residing there. A portion of it has been turned into a heritage hotel. The museum corridors are filled with relics of the 18^th centuries; the original weaponry of the Marwari community is displayed.

Singhvi Haveli – The Singhvi Haveli is hidden away in the small, blue-painted alleys of the old town and dates to over 500 years. It is a fine example of the accretion of Havelis over the years, as families grew and required more rooms to accommodate them, adding to the original structure accordingly.

Krishna Prakash Heritage Haveli – This one is well-known for the large gates of wood and the huge rooftop dining area, and offers some of the most magnificent views of the fort. The best example of the transitional phase from the medieval period to the colonial period with high ceilings and vintage furniture.

Luxury Stays in Jodhpur:

RAAS Jodhpur – An outstanding example of modern-day restoration work. It is a boutique hotel comprising four real havelis of the 18^th century, which had previously been expertly merged into modern buildings.

Ajit Bhawan – Rajasthan’s first heritage hotel, Ajit Bhawan, was once home to Maharaj Dhiraj Ajit Singh, younger brother to the ruler of Jodhpur. It is much more of a “heritage resort” sprawling out on acres of land. The décor has been done in a more casual palace style and has some great antique cars and gardens.

Ran Banka Palace – This palace-turned haveli, which dates to 1927 and was originally built for Maharajadhiraj Sir Ajit Singh Ji, sports a colonial-Rajput architecture. It is perfect for those wanting a “Maharaja style” experience but not wanting to be stuck in the confines of Old Delhi.

Budget Stays in Jodhpur:

Jodhpur Heritage Haveli – The 15th-century building is cared for by a local family who have been living in the area for centuries. The building is in the “Navchokiya” district, known as the bluest neighborhood in the city.

Sardar Heritage Haveli – It is located near the stepwell, perfect for the “social traveller.” It has been decorated in dazzling colors and boasts clean, classic rooms featuring carved-stone beds and hand-painted walls.

Om Heritage – It represents the typical budget stay category, located a few minutes’ walk from the entrance of the fort. One can enjoy the so-called “no-frills heritage experience,” which revolves around the architectural aspect and the warmth of the Rajasthani hospitality.

Tips to choose the best stay in Jodhpur:

• Look at the Blue city for accessibility: Most of the conventional havelis are in the narrow lanes that cannot be accessed even by cars and large SUVs. You will surely need to hire an auto-rickshaw for the last mile.
• Rooftop views are breathtaking: Living in Jodhpur is amazing, only if your haveli has a rooftop café or bar. You can’t beat the experience of sipping lassi while watching Mehrangarh Fort’s night view.
• Noise Pollution: The old city is very crowded as well as noisy, so look for havelis in a calmer area, a bit away from the city’s hustle.
• Seasonal Planning: Jodhpur can become too hot to bear between April and June. When planning to explore this place, ensure that the haveli has air-conditioning systems. It is best to visit Jodhpur between October and March, allowing you to enjoy the sunny courtyards.

Conclusion:

Jodhpur’s heritage havelis not only offer an accommodation option, but they also sustain the rich cultures that defy disappearance. When you opt to stay in a haveli, you are contributing to the retention of architectural history in India. No matter how much you spend at RAAS or any stay in Jodhpur, you’re bound to feel that you’ve lived in Jodhpur’s history rather than just passing through it.