Rampuria Havelis (Old City)

Rampuria Havelis (Old City)

About this place

The Rampuria Havelis form a whole street of ornate mansions in Bikaner’s old quarter, often called an “open-air museum” of haveli architecture. Their red-sandstone façades are packed with jharokha balconies, bay windows, carved brackets and floral panels, while painted interiors (where accessible) show rich murals and mirror work. Walking between these tall, narrow mansions feels like going through a canyon of carved stone; photos from the street, especially at sunrise or with a blue sky, have made Rampuria Havelis an Instagram favourite and a must-visit for anyone interested in heritage streetscapes.

History & highlights

These havelis were built from the late 19th to early 20th century by the wealthy Rampuria merchant family, prominent Marwari traders who made fortunes in distant commercial centres but invested heavily in their hometown’s architecture. Using Dulmera sandstone and employing master craftsmen, they created façades that rivaled royal palaces in complexity, signalling both wealth and devotion to Bikaner. Over time some interiors were neglected as families moved away, but recent tourism interest has led to partial restorations, homestays and heritage-walk initiatives. Today Rampuria Havelis are often highlighted as the face of old Bikaner in travel articles and festival promotions like the Bikaner Camel Festival.

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