Jaipur continues to attract people ever since it was founded by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727 AD as a planned city. Among many things, its architectural legacy is well-known and appreciated. Haveli in Jaipur is one of the most dominant aspects of its architecture and built heritage. What is a Haveli? Havelis are traditional courtyard mansions found across North India, with an enclosed chowk or courtyard, ornate facades, projecting balconies or Jharokhas, Jaalis or latticed screens, and in some cases frescoes. In Jaipur, Havelis belong to merchants, nobles, and artisans dating from the 17th century onwards. These are residential units where people have continued to live. Many of these Jaipur Haveli have historic significance like this one here on Chhoti Chaupar. A large number of old Haveli in Jaipur can be found in the Jaipur walled city area although a few are located outside the walled city. Jaipur Haveli is a reflection of yesteryear’s grandeur and provides an understanding of its rich history.

Updated – April 2026.

I grew up in Jaipur, but I never lived in the walled city area of Jaipur. At some point in time, I found the walled city area unkempt and shabby due to open drainage system, garbage being dumped in the open, and issues related to cleanliness and traffic. Mt family had office in the Haveli, like most gemstone and jewellers back in those days. Many of my close relatives live din Havelis. So, I have a good understanding of Havelis in Jaipur.

Little did I realize at that time that the walled city of Jaipur was designed for the 18th century. It was much before consumerism took birth which generates tons of waste. The issues have only aggravated over the last few decades. I started appreciating the local and unique architecture of Jaipur having stayed in other cities for a long duration and extensive travels. This write-up is an extension of my previous post Why Our Attitude Towards Heritage Needs A Big Change?

Quick Guide to Understanding Jaipur’s Heritage Havelis – Jaipur’s walled city is home to hundreds of Havelis, traditional urban mansions built by merchants, nobles, and common people. Unlike palaces, these dwelling units provide a sneak peek into the lives of people from the past. Key architectural feature include: courtyards, balconies, Araish, fesrcoes, and beautiful doors.

Jaipur Haveli | A Complete Guide to Jaipur’s Heritage

The by-lanes in bazaars of Jaipur have many beautiful mansions and built-in local vernacular architectural styles. Some call it Rajput architecture; a few Jaipur Haveli have elements usually found in Dhundhadi architecture; Jaipur is part of a region called Dhundhad. Mansions across Rajasthan carry some common design elements. These Haveli have many interesting features like lattices, Jharokas, Chowk, and Tibara, to name a few. One of the striking features of the Haveli in Jaipur is the Araiash work.

Here is a picture of a beautiful Haveli in Jaipur with painted frescoes.

As per the planned layout of Jaipur, the city was divided into various zones. People were allocated land for building a Haveli. Here is one such Jaipur Haveli or mansion of a noble in Jaipur court.

This is one of the better restored Haveli in Jaipur and has been turned into a museum called the Museum of Legacies.

Yet another Jaipur Haveli in the historic town of Amer has been converted into a textile museum, called Anokhi Museum

What is a Haveli?

Haveli is a traditional residential mansion found in certain parts of India. Some experts think the word Haveli has an Arabic origin. It is difficult to arrive at a firm conclusion. The courtyard or Chowk of a Haveli defines its architectural feature. Here are pictures showing the entrance of Haveli opening into a courtyard. The courtyard is an enclosed space from all four sides.

Many historians assume this kind of residential unit developed during the Mughal rule.

Where are Haveli found in India?

Haveli can be found across North India. Many Havelis can be found across Rajasthan, Delhi, and Punjab region. The traditional Chettinad mansions in South India also have open-to-sky courtyards, but there are many other differences. The local architectural styles are substantially influenced by climate, social structures, customs, and traditions. It is prudent to say that Haveli architecture derives its design elements on this basis.

Rajasthani Haveli is famous the world over. The Haveli of the Shekhawati region is well-known for beautiful Shekhawati frescoes adorning their walls. Many such buildings have now been converted into hotels granting them a renewed lease of life. For the uninitiated, the owners of these Havelis migrated to cities like Kolkatta and Mumbai many decades ago for lusher pastures. All such mansions are dying due to neglect with owners deciding not to return. Here is a picture of a magnificent Haveli in and around the Shekhawati region in Rajasthan.

What are features of Rajasthani Haveli Architecture?

Another fascinating thing to note is that Rajasthani Haveli’s architecture varied depending on caste and social structure along with the location. The Haveli of nobles, Thikanedaar, and aristocrats varied drastically from the ones belonging to merchants/Banias, Brahmins/Rajpurohits, and commoners. The Haveli in Jaisalmer varied drastically from the ones in Jaipur, Bikaner, or Udaipur. These buildings were built depending on social customs and practices, the availability of building materials, and local climatic conditions. Usually, the Haveli were built on a raised plinth level.

Some of the architectural features of a Haveli are:

• courtyard
• gates
• frescoes
• Jaali
• windows
• beautful facades – painted faacde like Shekhawati or carved sandstone facade in Jailselmer.

Here is another picture showing a beautiful wall fresco in Haveli in Jaipur supposedly 200 hundred years old.

What are the issues facing Haveli in Jaipur?

The Jaipur Haveli do not suffer from the problems experienced by the ones in the Shekhawati region. Only a handful of such buildings have been renovated. Listed here are a few of the reasons for the loss of Haveli Jaipur, an integral element of the Pink City’s heritage.

Losing the Haveli facade

Unfortunately, the facade of the Haveli in Jaipur is being tempered. This is happening at an extremely rapid pace. LMB Hotel in Johari Bazaar now stands tall in place of an old Jaipur Haveli. LMB Sweets is popular for its Ghevar. The building featured in below two pictures below replaced an old Haveli structure.

LMB Hotel underwent a restoration last year but it is still not in line with the local architectural style. The pink color is distinctly different from the terracotta pink used in the walled city area.

In recent times, the owners of Jaipur Haveli have redone the façade to align it with local architecture; ironically, influential people manage permission from the authorities to manipulate rules & regulations. If one were to walk past Johari Bazaar and notice the façade, it is easy to spot the changes. The old façade has given way to modern-looking buildings. It is not challenging to comprehend the reasons; money is a strong motivation! Can you spot the “black sheep” in the below picture?

Here is a picture of one of the many Havelis that are in a bad state and need urgent attention.

Destruction of Havelis | Haveli for sale in Jaipur

Many old Jaipur Havelis are being razed down to be replaced by a modern building – commercial in nature. Despite stringent laws that do not permit the destruction of historic Haveli architecture, people discover new ways and methodolgy. Haveli in Jaipur is being sold off and the new buyers are replacing the old buildings with new buildings to be used for commercial purpose- offices and stores.

How are Havelis in Jaipur destroyed? The insiders suggest loopholes in the law to accomplish the desired output – destroy old Havelis. Many times, the façade of Haveli is left untouched while the entire structure behind it is pulled down and replaced by new construction. Here is a set of three pictures of a Jaipur Haveli showing how a charming Haveli in Jaipur was pulled down to construct a building for offices.

Compare the above picture with the one just below. The second picture was taken a few months later.

This continued even when Jaipur was awarded a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here is one such Haveli which was destroyed even when the authorities pledged to save the remaining heritage. “Jaipur Haveli for sale” is being actively scouted by many investors because of the demand for commercial space in the walled city.

The commercial buildings replacing Haveli in Jaipur

Jaipur Havelis are being replaced with a commercial complex which only compounds the problem that the walled city is facing, increased commercial activity and traffic congestion. Each additional commercial complex puts a burden on existing infrastructure. Unfortunately, none of the governments – past or present have put into thought and worked on a plan to mitigate the problem. The picture below is an eye-opener as to how the walled city area in Jaipur is witnessing a big rush toward commercial spaces.

The Pink Colour of Havelis in Jaipur

The government rule mandates a uniform color code to be used on all building facades of Jaipur Haveli on the main road. This is the approved pink color to be painted on all buildings – Terracotta pink!

This also means the paintwork is carried out by the local authorities to ensure uniformity. Unfortunately, some people find ways to circumvent this rule. The result is an eyesore like this.

Do read Why is Jaipur pink?

Lack of Government support in maintaining & renovating Jaipur Haveli

Unlike many countries where the authorities mandate rules about renovation and then enforce them by providing assistance, we possess no such structure in Jaipur. Repairing and renovating old architecture remains an expensive affair and it does require financial and technical assistance because many building owners cannot afford the same.

The façade of the main Bazaars receives support from the local body for repair, maintenance, and paint. Below are the pictures of the heritage conservation of the façade in the walled city area undertaken by the local authorities.

Unfortunately, the ones in the by-lane are left on their own. Most old buildings were constructed using ancient techniques – lime plaster and local stones. These days it is hard to find skilled people proficient in this technique. Thanks to globalization brick, cement, and RCC structures are ubiquitous. Using these materials in heritage buildings is often ineffective. Sadly, no one is thinking along these lines.

Unfortunately, the built heritage of Jaipur especially Haveli in Jaipur is being destroyed by its citizens. This loss is irreplaceable. It is this priceless architectural legacy that influences thousands of travelers to the pink city. I’m apprehensive there will be very few Havelis a few years down the line for travelers to witness and experience. We need to conserve our built heritage.

It would be pertinent to mention here the family disputes concerning ownership & division of Havelis in Jaipur & Rajasthan. The same has been discussed in detail in this post The old heritage Haveli in Jaipur.

Read the Old Heritage Haveli in Jaipur.

Frequently Asked Questions about Havelis in Jaipur

The following are commonly asked questions about Havelis in Jaipur.

Can you stay in a Haveli in Jaipur?

Yes, there are many Havelis in Jaipur where one stay. Some of these are Samode Haveli, The Johri, Padmaa, among the list of heritage Havelis in Jaipur.

Why does “Haveli Type Of Hotel in Jaipur”  Attract Travellers?

Haveli-type hotels in Jaipur are becoming popular among travelers. Staying in an old Haveli is considered to be a travel experience.

Here is an authentic Jaipur Haveli in Johari Bazar which is worth staying in. It is tucked in a small lane of the busy Johari Bazar.

A Haveli was recently converted into a heritage hotel called The Johari in Johari Bazaar. The history of the Johri Haveli is that it was popular by the name of Lal Haveli and owned by the Kasliwal family. I wish it was more authentic; the pastel colors in the renovated or restored areas seem to have been inspired by the Spanish mansions on the Mediterranean coast.

I hope many more traditional mansions in the walled city are converted into either BNB or hotels so that travelers can have an authentic experience. Unfortunately, owing to market dynamics these are turning into office or retail spaces.

How to experience and witness a Haveli in Jaipur?

There are two ways to experience Havelis in Jaipur.

• stay in Jaipur Haveli Hotel.
• with a heritage walking tour.

Stay in Jaipur Haveli

A stay in a traditional Haveli-type hotel in Jaipur represents a remarkable cultural experience allowing travellers an immersive encounter. Unfortunately, there are very few authentic Haveli hotels to stay in Jaipur open for travelers like Samode Haveli and Alsisar Haveli. Many modern hotels replicate traditional Heritage Haveli in Jaipur and fool travelers. You can find these outside the walled city area, especially in Bani Park.

Experience a Haveli with a heritage walking tour in Jaipur

One of the best way to experience a Haveli in Jaipur is with a heritage walk in Jaipur. I have written about one such experience in this write-up Heritage Walking Tour In Jaipur. Also read Self-Guided Walking Tour In Jaipur.

Which are Top Havelis to visit in Jaipur?

The following are some of the Havelis you can visit in Jaipur.

• Anokhi Museum
• Museum of Legacies
• Samode Haveli
• The Johri
• Padmaa

Some of these are easily accessible to public.

Are there frescoes in Jaipur Havelis? Where can one find frescoes in Haveli?

There are just a few Havelis with beautiful frescoe work, most of these are privately owned residences. There are a few Havelis where one can experience them.

What is the difference between a Haveli and a palace?

The differene between a Haveli and a palace is of ownership and scale. Palace is generally owned by aristocrats or rulers, Havelis is a unit owned by a commoner, noble, merchants, etc. The size of a palace is much bigger than a Haveli. For example, the City Palace is much bigger than any Haveli in Jaipur. There are many common architectural features of a Haveli and a palace – courtyard, gates, Jharokhas etc.

Which is the oldest Haveli in Jaipur?

The answer to the question, which is the oldest Haveli in Jaipur is difficult to answer. In one of the social media posts, a very influential authority mentioned a Haveli in Purani Basti to be the oldest Haveli in Jaipur. A big debate followed in the comment section. A few historian opine a Haveli in Tripolia Bazaar to be the oldest. To truly understand which is the oldest haveli in Jaipur, probably, we need access to land records or letters giving permission by Jaipur court soon after the founding of the city.

How many Havelis are in Jaipur’s walled city?

The answer to this question also is very difficult to answer. There is no authentic source that can list number of Havelis in Jaipur that were present at the time of independence or in the 1940s. The reason being the definition of what constitute a Haveli is open for interpretation. If I assume that every house that has a courtyard, the number of Havelis in Jaipur will be in thousands. If Haveli includes only a certain size, it can be a few hundreds. Some estimate claim the number of Havelis in Jaipur were close to 1200, others sources claim it to be around 1900-2000. In my opnion, these figures are unreliable. Some of the organisations that have done a lot of work for mapping of havelis in Jaipur include INTACH and Dronah.

Based on the fact that a large number of Havelis have been destroyed, people who are working in heritage conservation and preservation as well as other experts believe the number of Havelis in Jaipur will be around 600 on the lower side and 800 on the higher side.

When was Jaipur given UNESCO World Heritage Site status?

Jaipur was accorded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2019 because it fulfilled 3 out of 6 conditions for cultural sites; there are four more criterion but for natural site, making it a total of ten. It fulfilled criteion number II, IV, and VI.

To qualify to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage, the site has to have any or some of these parameters. (The tick mark indicates the ones Jaipur fulfilled.)

1. To represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
2. ✓ To exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
3. To bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
4. ✓ To be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
5. To be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;
6. ✓ To be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee considers that this criterion should preferably be used in conjunction with other criteria);
7. To contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
8. To be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth’s history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
9. To be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
10. To contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.

If you want to understand more about Jaipur’s eligibility criterion, read Jaipur City by UNESCO. My Jaipur walking tour includes a more thorough examination of these elements, you can read more about it in Jaipur heritage walk

Is Jaipur’s UNESCO Status At Risk? Why Jaipur Walled City Faces Scrutiny by UNESCO team?

When UNESCO accorded Jaipur world heritage site status, it also mentioned in its submission the following:

Issues include unauthorised new constructions and additions, some affecting parts of the city wall, new construction affecting the upper facades of some bazaars, communication towers, and the development of open spaces for carparks.

The government has not implemented a plan to ensure conservation of its heritage buildings and to maintain and preserve the old city. These are major reasons why Jaipur walled city is at risk of losing its heritage site status:

• ·  Encroachment and illegal construction in the old city
• ·  Loss of historic buildings or havelis
• ·  Unregulated development projects by the authorities
• ·  Absence of governance and no plan in place for conservation

UNESCO will review this status in December 2026, if it finds serious gaps and lack of action by the authorities, Jaipur Walled City might lose its heritage status.

Havelis are a very big part of this scrutiny. Therefore, government not being able to stop destruction of Havelis might lead to loss of this status.

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Have you ever stayed in a traditional Haveli in Jaipur or elsewhere in Rajasthan? Do you think these Havelis in Rajasthan are an important part of our built and cultural heritage? I would love to hear your thoughts on the same.