Rajasthani Real Estate

The range of accommodation styles in Rajasthan is huge!

Modern hotels catering for all budgets from 2 star to amazing 5 star properties. Many of these hotels appear to be catering to very large tour groups. We do hope they are not missing out completely on the amazing experience to be had at the many Forts, Palaces and Majestic Haveli’s. Rajasthan is renowned for these Heritage style residences with many being converted to hotels which gives you a fantastic insight in to how the people with wealth and power once lived.

The powerful rulers built the forts and palaces while the wealthy merchants built the ‘Havelis’

The Haveli’s and ornately decorated residences that were commissioned by the wealthy merchants, who in most cases had moved away to trade in India’s new commercial centres and many date from the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries.

The wealth of the merchants was in many cases unimaginable and they were very competitive, all trying to build a home even more grand than their neighbours so the bulk of their vast fortunes were sent home to their families to complete these massive projects.

The highlight of Havelis in this region are the colourful frescoes that adorn absolutely every wall of the home, both inside and out. It is amazing to see them still in such great condition and many still bright in colour.

 ‘Mughal’ period decoration is an early style, which include floral designs and geometric patterns. The highly influential ‘Rajput’ style is also evident showing intricate Hindu mythological designs.

Upon the arrival of the Europeans, many of the previously unknown technologies that they introduced became commonplace scenes on the murals such as bicycles and aircraft.

They are a sight to see and absolutely bombard your visual senses at every turn. Each room in the Haveli’s are all decorated in different style and colour.

We saw one yesterday that was completely covered in small glass tiles. Every inch of every wall and the ceiling as well. While this type of room may suit some people we did note that particular room number so as to request to NOT have it next time we come here! A little over the top for us !!!

The other options for places to stay are the converted forts and palaces. What a treat to experience this historical accommodation style.

These properties are often constructed on a massive scale and have been a work in progress for 100’s of years and many with successive rulers. One that we stayed at was 9^th generation with family portraits that followed that families linage.

Grand entrance halls adorned with colourful murals and low doorways leading into cavernous dining rooms filled with fantastic antique furniture. The tables are ready set for the meals, and often the smell of a buffet meal fit for a prince can waft by.

We are currently in a smallish village called Mandawa, in the Shekawati region of Rajasthan. We are actually staying at ‘Castle Mandawa’ this time round and it is fantastic.

This whole region is renowned for its very old and beautiful Havelis. It is a great place to simply wander around with your camera and soak up the atmosphere as the village is small enough that it is easy to find your way back to your hotel or in our case “our Castle”.