Havelis and palaces of Delhi

They belong to a bygone era, these private mansions or havelis of Old Delhi. Open inwards and closed from outside, with elaborate archways, latticework jharokhas and the quintessential chowk in the middle, the havelis of the walled city could be converted from a private residence of a typical North Indian joint family into an elaborate hosting ground for a baraat, practically overnight. Unending corridors, lotus shaped fountains, a square shaped layout for the rooms with raised parapets and a viewing gallery were their basic features, not to forget the ‘chhat’ or the terrace and the tehkhana to give respite from the summer heat. Take a sneak peak into the lives of the rich and affluential with Chunnamal’s haveli, Begum Samru’s or Zeenat Mahal. These will fill you with both nostalgia and wonder.

Places to visit in Delhi are not only limited to temples, gardens and monuments as there are several old havelis and palaces that will impress any traveller.