India’s havelis quietly carry the weight of centuries.
These grand mansions, once homes to royalty, merchants, and nobility, reflect the richness of India’s architectural and cultural past. While many have faded with time, a growing number are being carefully restored, bringing new life to small towns and offering travellers a tangible connection to a forgotten era.
Here are five lesser-known restored havelis across India that have become vibrant centres of culture and hospitality:
1. Daspan House, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Where: Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Constructed in 1921, Daspan House was transformed into a boutique hotel in December 2019. The restoration preserved its original sandstone architecture while incorporating modern amenities. The property features 18 uniquely designed rooms, each overlooking a serene garden. Some notable highlights include a spiral marble staircase, an infinity pool, and an in-house restaurant and bar named Old Loco.
2. Peepal Haveli, Gurdaspur, Punjab
Where: Nawanpind Sardaran, Gurdaspur, Punjab
Peepal Haveli, approximately 125 years old, received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2023. The restoration emphasised sustainable development, employing traditional building methods and locally sourced materials. Today, the haveli serves as a community-centered educational space.
3. Figueiredo House, Loutolim, Goa
Location: Loutolim, Goa
Built in 1590 by the Jesuits, Figueiredo House underwent massive restoration starting in 2010, led by Maria de Lourdes Figueiredo de Albuquerque. The effort preserved its distinct Indo-Portuguese architectural style, including tile-clad wooden altars and an elegant ballroom. The house now operates as a living museum, showcasing centuries of family heritage and offering an immersive cultural experience.
4. Mahishadal Rajbari, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal
Location: Purba Medinipur, West Bengal
The Mahishadal Rajbari Estate comprises two palaces: Rangi Basan Palace, built around 1840, and Phulbagh Palace, constructed in 1926. Both structures have been maintained to reflect their historical grandeur, featuring impressive architecture and a collection of royal artifacts that reflect the region’s royal heritage.
5. Amolee, Alibaug, Maharashtra
Location: Alibaug, Maharashtra
Constructed in 1830, Amolee is a traditional wada (mansion) in the coastal town of Alibaug. Built with Burma teak wood, limestone, and brick, the structure has been restored to preserve its original charm. The wada holds particular significance for the Bene Israeli community and showcases a fusion of cultural influences. Antique furniture and period lighting add to its storied character.
6. Golden Haveli, Chandni Chowk, Delhi
Location: Chandni Chowk, Delhi
The Golden Haveli, a 150-year-old mansion located in the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, underwent a comprehensive restoration that concluded in 2023. The revival aimed to restore the haveli’s historical grandeur while integrating modern amenities. Now operating as a heritage guesthouse, it offers visitors an authentic experience of Delhi’s rich architectural past.
7. Chettinad Mansions, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu
Location: Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu
The Chettinad region is known for its opulent mansions, built by the Chettiar merchant community between the 19th and mid-20th centuries. Following a period of economic decline, many of these mansions fell into disrepair. However, recent restoration efforts have transformed several of them into heritage hotels. The Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival, launched in 2022, has been pivotal in this revival, boosting tourism and creating revenue streams that fund ongoing conservation work.
Edited by Khushi Arora