View of Rampuria Havelis, Bikaner, Rajasthan
Bikaner, India, Rajasthan, Travel

The Rampuria Havelis – The Grand Red Mansion – Pride of Bikaner!

When I spent full-fledged 5 days in Bikaner, I experienced so many beautiful things closely, one of them was Royal Cenotaphs, Devi Kund Sagar. I had seen a lot about Rampuria Havelis in the virtual world so had to give it a try!

Nanchi in front of old doors at Rampuria Havelis, Bikaner, Rajasthan

January 2019:: We took an auto and a few meters of a walk from our hotel to Rampuria Haveli early in the morning for the obvious reasons of it being deserted. I wanted my time to explore the beauty without the chaos and clutter. We reached the Haveli passing through the congested lanes, bylanes, markets, and suddenly in front of us was the epitome of elegance – Rampuria Haveli. “Majestic!”- my first reaction after the visual treat of Rampuria Haveli, Bikaner.

Lanes around Rampuria Havelis, Bikaner, Rajasthan
  • Instagram worthy Rampuria Havelis, Bikaner, Rajasthan
  • Posing at Rampuria Havelis, Bikaner, Rajasthan
  • Traditional Old Doors, Rampuria Havelis, Bikaner, Rajasthan

What pulled me here?
The culture, the traditions, the majestic constructions, the antique wooden doors, the history, the intricate carvings, the delicate latticed jharokhas, wood-works, and almost everything!

The haveli is built in red sandstone with pretty intricate carvings. Every nook and corner of the haveli was grabbing my attention! Watch them closely and you can find find story behind each piece.

Rampuria Havelis, Side View, Bikaner, Rajasthan
  • Jharokas, Rampuria Havelis, Bikaner, Rajasthan
  • Huge Door of Rampuria Havelis, Bikaner, Rajasthan

Random thoughts ran into my mind about why this area flourished, why such grand mansions were made, where are those merchants now, how their lives were. There was not a single person I could get information from. Rampuria Haveli being an Instagram-friendly destination, So much so, that even I couldn’t resist clicking myself 😉😉 After almost 30 minutes, I could see some hustle-bustle.

An old man with traditional attire including a red turban was smoking and staring with curious eyes as if he wanted to share his thoughts. After some time of chatting and photographing, he asked for money (for buying cigarettes and snacks). Well, that was funny! We gave him some token and moved ahead appreciating the royalty of those structures. Now we could see a couple of other travelers as well. I guess you can only bask the exterior beauty as no one is permitted entry.

  • Rampuria Havelis, Bikaner, Traditional Man smoking, Rajasthan
  • Traditional Doors of Rampuria Havelis, Bikaner, Rajasthan
  • Wooden Door, Rampuria Havelis, Bikaner, Rajasthan

There are no entry fees, no guide. You can walk and cherish the graceful grand mansions.  

I did not get a chance to talk to any local about the Havelis and hence the quest of the random thoughts concluded after some readings on the internet. I am not sure of the authenticity of the information, but still sharing the extract…

Why Bikaner for Havelis?

Since Bikaner was on the route of flourishing Silk Route, the merchants of Bikaner made it a trading town, and hence the exquisite and grande mansions were the choice for residences. Out of the thousands of Havelis, Rampuria is the grandest of all.

Rumored to have been built around the 14th-15th century, The Rampuria Haveli was built to befit the wealthy lifestyle of the merchant family- Rampuria. The family ordered Balujee Chalva, a local architect, to construct a royal and elegant mansion and he mastered it. You keep on staring at the haveli and will find delicate jharokhas, traditional old carved doors, and overhangs.

  • Top view, Rampuria Havelis, Bikaner, Rajasthan
  • Rampuria Havelis, Bikaner, Rajasthan
  • Old Traditional Door, Rampuria Havelis, Bikaner, Rajasthan
  • Rampuria Havelis, Side View, Bikaner, Rajasthan

Where are those rich merchants now?

Sadly, most of them have settled abroad and the successors are no longer living in the mansions. Mostly caretaker is there and the property is divided into several little houses with independent owners. Uff! What an irony!

I would have never moved out of such a royalty! 😉😉What about you?

If you have any add-on information about the Rampuria Havelis, please feel free to pour in the comments box.

112 thoughts on “The Rampuria Havelis – The Grand Red Mansion – Pride of Bikaner!”

    1. Yes, the streets in Rajasthan are quite different than other states. They are colorful, chaotic and full of life. I love strolling in these lanes. You should make a plan well in advance and plan as soon as the lockdown is over! 😍Till then you can virtually travel through my post! 😜

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  4. Stunning red sandstone buildings! Love your photography. You can see the character of the old man shining through. Thanks for joining #WowOnWednesday!

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    1. Isn’t it? The red sandstone buildings were magnificent. I am glad you liked the photographs. Haha, yes, the old man was in traditional attire. Thank you for dropping by! 😊

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  6. Wow..!! Your photographic skills are mind blowing, Madam..!! Very very impressive.. 😊😊
    I am also impressed by your choice of shoes. I don’t know why but many tourists prefer heels or sandals while touring, which should not be the logical choice while traveling.

    Now regarding the Silk Route. I don’t think that Rajasthan was ever a part of any Silk Route, be it the Maritime Silk Route or the Silk Road on land. The route passed through the Himalayas (land route) and the Maritime branch passed through South India (maximum till Gujarat coast) before going to the Mesopotamian Coast / Middle East.
    I understand that Bikaner weavers offered great silk fabric for export, but those (alongwith Varanasi silk etc) would have had to go to a Port or Hub which connected them in turn to the Silk Road / Maritime Silk Route for export. And all this discussion is valid for the Ancient & Medieval Silk Route, not the controversial one proposed these days by China.

    These Havelis are so beautiful and vibrant. But the owner’s moving away from these places can be attributed to the lack of income, which can be for any reason.
    I believe these have the potential to be converted to Premium Hotels. That would generate income and attract tourists who would want to get a feel of traditional Rajasthani aristocratic culture which might have been in place some 300-400 years ago.

    I remember visiting Bikaner many years back during Winters and faced negative temperatures. Perhaps events like those accelerated my conversion to be a Chionophile now.. 😉 ❄❄❄❄

    Thank you Madam for sharing such beautiful pictures of the Havelis of Bikaner..!!

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    1. Thank you so much Abir. I am glad you liked the photographs😊. I had chosen those shoes as I knew I had to walk a lot and yes, I believe more in comfortable wearing than showing off!

      I agree with you about the Bikaner not being the part of Silk route. Even I was doubting the same but strangely many websites have mentioned Bikaner on the route. Possibly as you said, merchants had to go to ports to sell and since their residence was in Bikaner they made Havelis there.🙂

      Merchants were too rich and I assume they moved out not because of the lack of income but for more business opportunities, higher studies, lavish lifestyle and the charm of big cities. Some of the havelis are definitely converted into heritage stays as well. It would certainly be an experience to live in royalty.

      Haha…I can imagine, the temperature drops in negative in Bikaner. You should choose a better month may be October, November or January.

      I would rather say, I am impressed with the immense knowledge you share. I get to learn so much from you. Thank you for the contribution. 😊🙌

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      1. Well, Madam, you are very modest. This knowledge of silk route you already knew beforehand.. 😊😊 Thank you though for your praise.. 😊😊

        Well, I am a Chionophile. I hate hot weather and temperatures greater than zero degree C. I want Negative Temperatures. Hence, if I go to such a place, December would be the month for me.. ❄❄❄❄

        Glad to know about your choice of shoes.. 😊 Travel after all is to be free and gain experiences..!!

        Thank you once again for such an amazing post..!! As I said, it’s a pleasure reading your posts and learning from you.. 😊

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      2. Haha..No..No.. I wasn’t aware. I was just doubtful and your made it clear for me. You should definitely make a trip to Bikaner and Jaisalmer in December then. You will love it!

        It is indeed my pleasure to read from you! 😊😊

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      3. Oh yes, I did visit Jaisalmer in December.. Encountered -1 degree C in the frigid desert at night.. ❄❄❄❄ Loved the food, the local folk dance, desert bonfire and Camel ride..!!
        And visited Shonar Kella as well.. 😊😊

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      7. I would have loved to publish them, if I had a digicam or a decent mobile phone back then. Plus, I never knew 15 years ago that I would start writing a blog 15 years later.. 😉 At that point in time I was pre-occupied with Boards and Academics, so such trips were a bit of a respite for me.. 😉

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      8. Haha…..Even without photographs, you can share the story just like an essay in the school. 😂 Your perspective, your experience, your thoughts, your memories of that place!

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      9. Well, I have to make an effort then.. I can try explaining Shonar Kella or Rajasthani folk dance, but words can explain only a part of the entire idea, and that part is quite meagre.
        Plus, the trip has to be spectacular.
        So far the only spectacular trip in my entire life has been my trip to the Frozen lands (and Oceans) of Russia..!!
        Can give some tips or suggestions for Rajasthan and all, but I think 15 years is too long a time for many of those tips to be outdated.

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  7. I really like the smoking man. Very nice environment portrait / street photography. One might see documentary photography in it too. Kudos!

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  8. Wow! As usual, the vibrant pictures, your way of describing things and facts.

    Especially why they’re so rich in having their havelies, how far is Jodhpur from Bikaner? And yes, this time your pictures are really good. More than earlier.

    Also, that Instagram friendly line. 😂
    You’re not SM savvy but a good suggestion haan!

    Loved it to the core.

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    1. Thank you Thank you Sumit for the appreciation. I am glad you liked the photographs. Even, I loved clicking myself, unsually !😜😜

      How come Jodhpur came in between? 😬 anyway, the distance from Jodhpur from Bikaner is 255 kms. I am glad you liked my pictures. I do a brief research about the place hence knew about the Rampuria Havelis being the instagram-friendly destination.

      Thank you for stopping by! 😊

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      1. Arre aagaya to puch liya meri dost hain mene ki kitta dur hai😂

        You looked absolutely gorgeous. Click yourself often and I’m excited for day after tomorrow now.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. 😂 It’s ok. But another fun fact is the king of Bikaner was the son of King of Jodhpur! 😁😎

        Thanks ya. I will try to click myself more. Though, I am bit shy and camera-conscious. 😬 But thank you for the compliment.

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      7. Areeyy….I used to be more active on wordpress before but nowadays extra work is keeping me busy. I will try to be active often. 🙂

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  11. Wow! What ancient beauty and colorful history! These are some amazing places that I’m glad you share with us as I will probably never see them for myself!

    It’s great to see you at ‘My Corner of the World’ this week!

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    1. Thank you so much Betty. Yes, there is so much rich culture and heritage in Rajasthan. I am glad you liked it. They are even more beautiful in person. 😊 😊

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  16. Wow. What a stunning place! You look so beautiful in these photos, too! I love the richness in the colors and textures and the architecture all around. And the story about the man wanting money for cigarettes is quite funny! Thanks for sharing and linking up with me!

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

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    1. Yes, absolutely. The mansion are mysterious, colorful, and royal. The windows and doors do have character and I too love them. Thank you so much Kayni. I am glad you liked it. 😊

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  24. Fabulous photography! Good that you went early and could get those lovely shots. I know Bikaner and its surroundings so well and have spent some summer vacations there when my hubby was posted there. Such majestic havelis can be seen all around in Rajasthan and some of them are falling apart due to lack of care.

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  29. Pingback: Nanchi’s Fun Facts Friday – The Rat Temple, Bikaner! – Nanchi.blog

  37. Such a colorful post. Delighted to see. You seems to be a perfect professional blogger and most importantly traveler.
    Excellent photographs which means you are a photographer too.

    Right now I am busy with setting up my site in a perfect shape and little bit of other online stuff. I will definitely go through all the posts very soon.

    Stay in touch. Would like to know more little bit if you dont mind

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  41. Pingback: Appreciate the magic around you! – Nanchi.blog

  42. How stunning! Thank you for sharing. Love the detail on the buildings. And that color is crazy. This made me miss traveling more. My favorite photo is the man with the cigar. It just felt so alive.

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    1. Thank you so much! I can totally relate how much we are missing travel. I too loved the detailed, intricate carvings and the color is because of the local stone used. Yeah…the man with cigar was the highlight! Thank you for dropping by. ❤

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