11. Anandi Lal Poddar Haveli
Anandi Lal Poddar Haveli gets its name from the businessman who owned the place, Ramnath Anandi Lal Poddar. This haveli was built at the beginning 1902 century, but by the end of the century, it was turned into a museum to showcase the ancient luxury lifestyle of the royal people. This haveli is a huge structure with two levels and two massive courtyards. The museum has daily objects, artifacts, luxury items and others, which expresses the luxury of the wealthy class. The haveli is one of the Nawalgarh’s most beautiful and regal creations. Situated in the heart of the city this Haveli is a famous bright tourist spot. Anandi Lal Poddar Haveli is enamored with exquisite paintings and fine murals set in bright blazoned colors. One can find more than 750 frescos in Anandi Lal Poddar Haveli. Intricate artwork, floral motifs and beautiful swirls are significant in all the frescos. The Haveli has a big platform outside the entrance gate. It has a beautifully wooden carved main gate, two big open courtyards with wide open lands surrounded by walls from all four sides. A part of this haveli was converted into Museum by Mr. Kantikumar R.Poddar, grandson of Anandi Lal Poddar. It is divided in several sections displaying musical instrument, kitchen utensils, jewelery items, gems etc. Apart from these, the museum also exhibits artifacts which reflect Rajput culture and traditions. It has big living rooms with huge windows for adequate light and air. The fresco designed gate between the outer and inner courtyard has been ranked amongst India’s top 10 gates. Anandi Lal Poddar Haveli is one of the rare and most beautiful constructions of Rajasthan. However, the frescos have deteriorated and caretakers need to restore them in order to preserve what is exquisite and rare form of art of Rajput era.
12. Kothari’s Patwa Haveli
Kothari’s Patwa Haveli is one of the five patwa haveli. Dating back to the 18th century, the Patwa Havelis is a cluster of five Havelis in Rajasthan, Jaisalmer. It is located in a narrow lane of Jaisalmer facing the Jaisalmer Fort. Ghuman Chand Patwa, the head of the family back then built the haveli to gift each of his five sons. After the sons abandoned their hometown, the caretakers took charge of the Havelis to become owners. One caretaker contacted Mr. Jeevanlalji Kothari, who was a native of Jaisalmer and like patwas had left Jaisalmer to explore better opportunities. Mr. Kothari, with a view to remain connected with his native place, decided to buy the first haveli. Hence it was renamed as the Kothari’s Patwa Haveli. Known as one of the finest, oldest, and the largest Havelis in Jaisalmer, Kothari’s Patwa Haveli is the epitome of legacy and grandeur. Its interiors highly inspired by Rajputi, Mughal as well as Victorian architecture. With artistic pillars, traditional jharokhas, and intricately carved walls, it is another perfect spot to spend a couple of days amidst the Rajasthani culture and untamed beauty
13. Binsidhar Newatia Haveli
Binsidhar Newatia Haveli of Mandawa dates back to the 1921. Best known for its attractive and colorful paintings, Binsidhar Newatia haveli is among the major tourist attractions in Mandawa. The place holds a great historical importance alluring thousands of history buffs and tourists to this place. Mandawa is a small town in Shekhawati region, which boasts of several brilliantly designed havelis and forts. The architectural design and the elegant patterns mark the old world charm. The spotlights of the haveli are its eye-catching paintings which include a European woman in a car driven by a chauffeur, a man on a bicycle, a boy using a telephone, a bird-man flying in a winged device and a strong man hauling along a car. It currently houses the State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur. The motifs of European women being driven in a car and Wright Brothers in an aircraft are some of the prominent motifs on one of the external walls of this haveli.
14. Murmuria Haveli
Murmuria Haveli is one of the best Mandawa places to see for an art lover. This beautiful historical haveli is home to some of the most beautiful paintings of important leaders from ancient times. It is constructed in the traditional Rajasthani architectural style and attracts a lot of tourists. The paintings inside the haveli depicts the daily chores of some of the legendary leaders of the bygone era. Some of the most popular ones amongst them are Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru riding a horse, Lord Krishna depicting his views, and many more. This amazing architectural wonder is a must-visit for all the art and history buffs out there. It was constructed in the 1930s and the frescos depict a train at a railway crossing as well as Jawaharlal Nehru in the unlikeliest of the situation on a horseback, somewhat dramatically waving the Indian tricolor!
15. Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli
Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli is probably the most picturesque one. The Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, Mandawa is one of the beautiful Havelis in Rajasthan that reflects the glory and splendor of the Rajput era. Nestled amidst the rugged Aravallis, the Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, attracts tourists for its brilliant architecture and artwork. One of most well preserved and well furnished havelis, this haveli has treasured the remnants of history in its well furnished and exclusively designed interiors. Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli, attracts the tourists from all over for the beautiful artwork and architecture. From excellent paintings which are mostly in blue wash, the haveli also has beautiful frescoes and murals. The frescoes exhibit images from Hindu mythological stories of different Gods and Goddesses. Built in the 18th century this Haveli is one of the ideal places which seem to be quite interesting to the connoisseurs.
16. Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli
The frescos here depict stories from Hindu mythology and if you are really interested in art, this is one haveli that will keep you occupied for a long time. This palatial haveli is one of the major places to visit in Mandawa, with its life-like paintings, beautifully depicting the various phases of life. The murals and paintings of this huge Haveli start way apart from the other Havelis of the town. Some of the intruding images that you will find on the walls of this mansion are a horse riding a tiger, a Greek man, birds tendering their eggs, women giving birth, a couple making out in a train compartment and another on a chair. and various others. Apart from its unique wall arts, the Haveli also houses some of the most intricately carved wooden pieces of art. It is amongst one of the biggest havelis of this art town and one of the finest examples of the Rajput era of the 18th Century. The murals of Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli are exceptional, especially in the variety of their themes. It’s difficult to say if this ‘eroticism’ was at the owner’s request or the artist’s rebellion against an oppressive society. Whatever the reason, these bold strokes provide a refreshing counterpoint to the sometimes tediously ubiquitous portrayals of gods, royals and colonialists.
17. Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli
Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli also in Mandawa that features some intricate mirror-and-mosaic work as well as some stunning portraits and paintings. This haveli features a depiction of a maharaja grooming his bushy moustache on the south wall. There’s fine mirror- and mosaic-work around the door to the inner courtyard, and Surya, the sun god, can be seen over the lintel. The haveli, attracts tourists from all over for its unique paintings. It is simply a class apart and exudes the vintage charm of the Rajput era. The Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli, Mandawa was built as the residential palace of the Sarafs. Though the Sarafs have left the place this towering Haveli still reminds the tourists of the grandeur of bygone era. The haveli, is decorated with beautiful paintings and portraits. The royal portraits of the Sarafs bring out the grandeur and splendor of yesteryears. These paintings are one of the most beautiful and unique pictures which attracts tourists from all over. The walls of the haveli, are also adorned by the beautiful frescoes. The carved archways, latticed windows and the intricate designs that speak volumes about the skilful craftsmanship of the artisans. The courtyard and big rooms of the Haveli attracts everyone here. This Haveli features fine mirror and mosaic work around the door to the inner courtyard. On the second floor their are many rooms and stairs for the terrace of the Haveli. Each room have two windows towards outside. The ceilings and rooms of the Havelis are too big. The doors of the rooms are too small and made of the woods. The doors are made of the wood. Beside the amazing design of the door the outside walls of the haveli is also decorated with mesmerising wall paintings. The haveli is an exquisite example of Rajasthani art and culture.
18. Jhunjhunwala Haveli
The Jhunjhunwala Haveli also in Mandawa is the most beautiful and most visited attractions. Built in 1859, Jhunjhunwala haveli is best known to feature traditional Rajasthani art. The architectural beauty of the structure leaves every visitor spellbound. The haveli has latticed windows and beautiful wooden doors which make it stand out among the rest. The creativity of Rajasthani artists can be seen through the decoration on the walls of the haveli. People from all over visit the haveli to have a look at its intricate architecture, which makes them, flip back the pages of the Rajputana era. Every nook and corner of the haveli is beautifully designed. Looking around the haveli, one can get an idea of the royalty of the owners of the haveli and the skill and expertise of the artists of that era. The haveli has big rooms with tall ceilings. The windows feature fine work with lattice arrangements. The walls and pillars of the haveli have beautiful depictions. One can find lovely pictures of Lord Krishna with Gopis or milkmaids. Colorful murals add to the beauty of walls and ceilings of the haveli. These bright colored paintings make the haveli more vibrant and alluring. There is a room in the main courtyard which features a golden colored leaf. The Jhunjhunwala Haveli has a room that has been painted in pure gold.
19. Morarka Haveli
Unlike the Poddar Haveli, Morarka Haveli this one didn’t have to be restored and hence it stands erect in its original glory. This is a relatively older haveli with some of the most amazingly drawn paintings and intricate murals. Take one of the attendees with you, so that he can enlighten you about the royal tales and you can learn in detail about this marvelous place. Morarka Haveli‘s museum also has some well-preserved original paintings as also scenes from Ramayana. The somewhat incongruous but quite beautiful image of Jesus on the top storey of the haveli. This museum has well-presented original paintings, preserved for decades behind doorways blocked with cement, plus there is ongoing restoration. The inner courtyard hosts some gorgeous Ramayana scenes; look out for the slightly incongruous image of Jesus on the top storey, beneath the eaves in the courtyard’s southeast corner.
20. Bhagton ki Choti Haveli
Bhagton ki Choti Haveli in Nawalgarh, is one of the best known haveli here. Nawalgarh is famous for grand havelis with frescos, which is specialty of the Shekhawati region in Rajasthan. Many of the havelis in Nawalgarh belonged to the affluent traders. However, many of these havelis have now been transformed into heritage hotels due to increased cost of maintenance of these mansions, and also because many of the owners have ventured and shifted residences to other states or regions on business. The Bhgatas were prosperous traders in the region and used the Haveli as their residence. The haveli was established in the later part of the 19th century. It depicts some exquisite frescos and wall and ceiling paintings. The paintings depict a huge panorama of topics ranging from local lores, local legends, scenes from Hindu mythology. Miniature paintings show details of war scenes, hunting scenes and other exotic settings. It has a massive carved wooden gate that opens into a courtyard that lead to yet another courtyard. This second courtyard leads to the main building. The rooms, hallways and corridors are all covered with the intricate paintings. The dominant colors are golden, blue, indigo, green, maroon that will set your eyes ablaze. The highlight of the frescos in Bhagton ki Choti Haveli is a steamship and a locomotive alongside a motif of gopis performing the raas leela and another one with women dancing during Holi. It is a must visit for any tourist who loves art of bygone era.
Mandawa and Nawalgarh with their haveli are major tourist places in Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. The area is also called world’s largest open air art gallery. There are many other havelis worth mentioning like the Chowkhani Haveli, Bhagchandika Haveli, and Lakshmi Narayan Ladia Haveli and the Newtia Haveli. The Harlalka Well, Thakurji Temple, Raj Well, Tanu Manu Saraf Haveli, Harlalka Chattri, Murmuria Haveli, Chowkhani Double Haveli, Akhramka Haveli, Sonthalia Gate, Goenka Double Haveli, Goenka Chattri and the Saraf Haveli also deserve mention.
