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Harasar Haveli in Bikaner – Offers Great Hospitality in Traditional Rajput Manner

Jan 9

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Situated in Bikaner, Harasar Haveli was the residence of Army Minister of the former princely State of Bikaner – Late Colonel Rao Bahadur Thakur Jeoraj Singh.

Harasar Haveli in Bikaner

Harasar Haveli in Bikaner

He was the ruling chief  (Thakur) of the Thikana of Harasar, which was granted to him as an additional field by Maharaja Ganga Singhji of Bikaner.

Heritage Hotel of Bikaner

This Harasar Haveli was converted to a  heritage hotel of Bikaner in 1997 by Kanwar Visvajeet Singh,  the grandson of Thakur Jeoraj Singh. Now this haveli provides great hospitality in a traditional Rajput manner for their guest.

Harasar Haveli Features

Harasar Haveli has Rooftop giving a commanding view of the Junagarh Fort, Lallgarh Palace and of other prominent landmarks of the city, up to the sand dunes surrounding Bikaner. Every evening, folk dance and music performances by gypsies are arranged along with dinner.

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Daga Chowk Haveli Cluster in Bikaner, Rajasthan – Exquisite Carvings and Drawing Rooms

Jan 7

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Daga Chowk Havelis, a cluster of havelis, is located in Bikaner, Rajasthan. A unique feature about these havelis is that they are spread out like the scattered clouds and are beautifully adorned with carvings of flowers.

Daga Chowk Havelis Features

Exquisite Carvings on Jharokhas

The artistic and exquisite carvings on Jharokhas resemble projected pieces of valuable ornaments.

The walls are all flowery and take the viewer in a world of nature and its infinite spelendours. They look like projected pieces of priceless jewelery.

Executive Drawing Rooms

It is believed that Daga family,  the founders of Daga chowk Havelis had a fascination for deevankhanas. The deewankhanas or drawing rooms gave prestige to the family.

The precious murals preserved in these havelis reveal old and contemporary face of Indian painting.  They are a treasury of art and a matter of pride. They even demonstrate the increasing English influence of those time.

Love for Nature

The creators of havelies had great love for nature which is quite indicated from the haveli designs. Leaves and flowers decorate every jharokha giving it an astonishing and pleasant natural effect. Jali or stone with small holes create unbounded beauty.

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Churi Ajitgarh in Shekhawati, Rajasthan – Famous for Erotic Frescoes on Havelis

Dec 26

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Churi Ajitgarh is a small village situated in the Shekhawati region. It is located in 32 Km. from Jhunjhunu via Mukundgarh and 10 Km. from Mandawa in Rajasthan.

Havelis in Churi Ajitgarh

Churi Ajitgarh is known for several frescoes painted behind doors, bedroom ceilings and on the walls. Considering social constrictions of that time, these seem to be a result of a very private and special effort.

Some examples of the fine fresco work is evident and special effort. Some example of fine fresco work is evident in the Shiv Datt Rai Jagan Lal Haveli, Ram pratap Nemani Haveli, Shiv Narain Nemani Baithak  and Nemani kothi.

These havelis have courtyards, exquisitely latticed windows, intricate mirror work, vaulted ceilings, immense balconies, and ornate gateways and facades.

So explore the different tourist attractions of Shekhawati and enjoy your tour of  Rajasthan.

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Famous Havelis of Bissau, Rajasthan – Adorned with Beautiful Frescoes and Paintings

Dec 24

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Bissau is a small town located at 40 Km. from Jhunjhunu, 12 Km from Churu in shekhawati region. It was founded in 1746  by Keshri Singh and has splendid cenotaphs of its Thakurs.

Painted Elephant in Tibrawala Haveli, Bissau

Painted Elephant in Tibrawala Haveli, Bissau

History about Bissau

Its original name was ‘Vishala Jat Ki Dhani’. Keshari Singh, who was son of Shardul Singh of Sikar Thikana got this village in Jagir. Keshari constructed a palace here and the boundary wall for defense and named this habitation as Bissau in samvat 1812 (1755 AD).

Famous Havelis of Bissau

The quaint town has fine havalis including the Tibrewala Havlali, Khemka Haveli, Sigatia Haveli, Singhania Haveli, Kanodia Havelis, Brij Mohan Kanodia Haveli,  Budhar Mal Mertia Haveli,  and Fatehpuria Haveli.

These havelis of Bissau is adorned with beautiful frescoes that attract tourists and art lovers. The lavishly designed rooms are decorated with the royal portraits that exude a quaint regal ambience.

Other Tourist Places in Bissau

Other places to see are the Raj Ki Chattri (a cenotaph ) of the Thakur Hammir Singh which has paintings on it. There are also religious places including Temple of Venkat Bihari Ji and Temple of Narsingh Deo Ji .

So are you excited to explore the different tourist attractions of Bissau, you can do booking your tour to Rajasthan, whereby you can visit these age old Rajasthan Havelis.

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Sone-Chandi ki Dukan (Business Shop) in Mahansar, Rajasthan – Gold Walls with Intricate Paintings

Dec 23

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Mahansar is a samll town located in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan at a distance of 40 km from Jhunjhunu district.  It was founded in 1768 by the Mawal Singh, one of the Thakurs of Shekhawat.

Sone-Chandi ki Dukan in Mahansar

Sone-Chandi ki Dukan in Mahansar

Sone-Chandi ki Dukan

This 18th century town boasts of five havelis as the Sone-Chandi ki Dukan (shops) which is built by the Poddars. The Poddar family ruled for a long time in Mahansar.

It incorporates gold leaf in its intricate paintings. This haveli has three vaulted ceilings; scenes from the Ramayana are painted on the left one, incarnations of Vishnu on the centre one, and scenes from the life of Krishna are to be found on the right one.

Interior Attractions - Paintings

The Meenakari work, floral and tree motifs, figures of birds leave the spectator astounded while watching this haveli.

The Ragunath Temple is an added attractions while you tour in Mahansar.

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Shyamji Sharaf Haveli in Parasrampuria, Rajasthan – Contains Oldest Preserved Shekhawati Paintings

Dec 22

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Parasrampuria is a small village 20 kms southwest of Nawalgarh. Earlier it was the estate of Sardul Singh, the local Rajput ruler.

It boasts of some of the oldest and the best preserved Shekhawati paintings in the region.

Chhatri of Thakur Shardul Singh

Chhatri of Thakur Shardul Singh

Shyamji Sharaf Haveli in Parasrampuria

In Parasrampuria, The Shyamji Sharaf Haveli is located near the bus stand.

It has well preserved  Rajasthani paintings. These Paintings show a grandmother having her hair attended, women on a spinning wheel and an English woman in polished boots holding a parasol.

Another frieze depicts Europeans in a car. Other frescoes depict gods and goddesses.

Chhatri of Thakur Shardul Singh

There is Chhatri of Thakur Shardul Singh, which is one of the finest examples of Shekhawati art.

There are other Monuments located in Parasrampuria which include the Gopinath temple, built in 1742, whose murals include depictions of the torments of hell (a common theme in the eighteenth century).

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Dalmias Haveli Complex in Chirawa, Rajasthan – Adorned by Beautiful Frescoes and Excellent Paintings

Dec 12

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Chirawa is a small town located 30 KM northeast  from Jhunjhunu District of Rajasthan. It became popular as a trading town between Jhunjhunu and Loharu.

However since sometime, Chirawa has taken back seat with Jhunjhunu being district and Pilani having Birlas blessing. Khetri has also taken over being a copper rich town. Still if you look from location advantage of connecting many surrounding villages,  Chirawa is holding fort .

Chirawa Attractions – Fresco Painted havelis and Temple

Chirawa has many old  fresco painted havelis like Raj Bahadur Tulsian Haveli, Nemani Haveli, Dasrapuria ki Haveli, Dalmias Haveli, Karkranida Haveli and Shrimalon ka Mahal.

There is a Jain temple situated in shrimalon ka mohalla, which is about 150 year old. Kakrania well and Sekhsaria well are also worth a visit on your shekhawati tour.

Dalmias Havelis Complex

The Dalmias are one of the top five industrial families in India, that belongs to Chirawa.  The havelis of Nand Lal Dalmia, Phool Chand Dalmia, Tara Chand Dalmia and Mangal Chand Dalimia are located there.

The walls of these Dalmias  Havelis, adorned by the frescoes are simply a masterpiece. The lavishly designed rooms are decorated with the royal portraits that exude a quaint regal ambiance. The intricate designs and excellent paintings also bring out the excellence of the Rajput artisans and are a brilliant example of their excellent craftsmanship.

So if you wish explore the different tourist attractions of Chirawa, you can plan a Shekhawati tour in Rajasthan.

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Shyonarayan Kyal Haveli in Laxmangarh, Rajasthan – Famous Tourist Place for Temples, Fortress and Beautiful Havelis

Dec 11

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Laxmangarh town came into being in the year 1862. It was planned nearly 200 years ago by Rao Raja Laxman Singh of Sikar Thikana under shekawati region of erstwhile Rajputana.

Laxmangarh fort

Laxmangarh fort

Laxmangarh Fort – Imposing Building in Town

The most imposing building in this town, which lies only 20 km south of Fatehpur, is its small fortress, which looms over the well laid out township on its west side. The fort was built by Lakshman Singh, the Raja of Sikar, in the early 19th century.

The fort is private property – owned by some businessmen of local origin – and is closed to the public.

You can however climb up the ramp to a temple which is open to the public, and the view from the ramp can be quite fascinating too.  Of course, seeing the town from this height tempts you to go further higher, but a guard effectively keeps the public out.

Shyonarayan Kyal Haveli in Laxmangarh

A short distance to the east, is the Shyonarayan Kyal Haveli, which dates from around 1900 located in Laxmangarh.

Inside the Shyonarayan Kyal Haveli,  under the eaves on the east wall, you can see a painting depicting a man and woman engaged in an intimate tryst while a maidservant stands by with a glass of wine at the ready.

Other paintings at the Shyonarayan Kyal Haveli include those of a woman admiring herself in a mirror and Europeans being drawn by horses with a tiny coachman at the reins. This haveli also reflects the characteristic grand architecture with grand carved wood door, courtyards and pillared hallways.

Other Places To Visit in Laxmangarh

Other than the fort and Shyonarayan haveli, the Ghanta ghar (Clock Tower), hanuman temple, Murlimanohar Temple,  and various other havelis including Chetram Sanganeeria Haveli, Rathi Family Haveli, Char Chowk Haveli are also worth a visit on your shekhawati tour.

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Bapna Haveli in Jhalarapatan, Jhalawar – Famous Haveli for Historic Links and Architecture

Nov 27

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Jhalarapatan , the city of bells , is just 6 km from the main town of Jhalawar. The entire township is located within a wall on the banks of the holy Chandrabhaga river.

This town is also famous for 108 group of Temples called “Chandrawati” and Sun Temple. The Sun Temple (Padamnath Temple), the finest of Hadoti and built along the lines of Konark temple is still in good condition.

Famous Sun Temple in Jhalarapatan, Jhalawar

Famous Sun Temple in Jhalarapatan, Jhalawar

Bapna Haveli in Jhalarapatan

Bapna Haveli  is one of the famous haveli in Jhalarapatan in terms of historic links. The family history can be traced back to the owners of the famous Patwon ki Haveli in Jaisalmer. The haveli belongs to one of the five sons, (Sawai Ram ji dada) of Patwa family who settled in Jhalawar to continue trade in opium.

Unique Architecture

About 200 years old accounts (bahiya) of the trade are still present with the owner of this haveli. The haveli has unique architectural details – the rear wall thickness is about 3 feet and the front wall is 1’6″ thick. The niches have hidden storage areas.

Interesting Facade Around Bapna Haveli

A temple is located on the terrace. The havelis exhibits an interesting facade. The central jharokha in the front facade is made in Jaisalmer stone and was brought from Jaisalmer during the construction of the haveli so that the local craftsmen could carve similar details on the two side jharokhas made in local red sandstone.

The family also exemplifies the continuity of the marriage rituals where the bride-groom are made to sit on the auspicious mandana pattern in the court.

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Char Chowk Haveli in Laxmangarh, Shekhawati Region, Rajasthan

Nov 21

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Laxmangarh is a town in Sikar district of Rajasthan, considered to be the mini Jaipur of  Shekhawati. Founded in the year 1862, Laxmangarh was one of the well planned cities planned by Rao Raja Laxman Singh.

Char Chowk Haveli in Laxmangarh

Char Chowk Haveli in Laxmangarh

About 50 m north of the bus stand through the busy bazaar, a wide cobblestone path wends its way up the east side of the fort.  The fort of Laxmangarh is a unique piece of fort architecture in the whole world because the structure is built upon scattered pieces of huge rocks.

Char Chowk Haveli in Laxmangarh

From here you can see the layout of the double Char Chowk Haveli, below and to the north-east. Head for this haveli when you descend the ramp. Beneath the cave on the northern external wall of the Char Chowk Haveli is a picture of a bird standing on an elephant with another elephant in its beak.

Beautiful Paintings on Courtyard

The large paintings on the facade of the northern face have mostly faded, and the paintings in the outer downstairs courtyard are covered by blue wash.

The paintings in the inner courtyard are fairly well preserved. The walls and ceiling of a small upstairs room on the east side of the northern haveli are completely covered with paintings. It has some explicit erotic images, but is very badly illuminated, so although they’re well preserved you’ll need a flashlight to examine them properly.

Retains Floral Swirls and Motifs

In the same building, a room in the northwest corner retains floral swirls and motifs on the ceiling with scenes from the Krishna legends interspersed with inlaid mirrors. The black and white rectangular designs on the lower walls create a marbled effect.

The front facade is in very poor condition at the lower levels, with the plaster crumbling and the bricks exposed.

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