Hotel Harasar Haveli

While much of the story of Harasar Haveli is currently buried in the sands of Rajasthan, the parts we do know depict a wonderful ancestral mansion where a noble lineage continues to thrive. The haveli's most renowned resident was Colonel Rao Bahadur Thakur Jeoraj Singh. He served as Bikaner's Home and Army Minister during the reign of Maharaja Ganga Singhji, and was active in various regions during World War II.

Colonel Rao's descendant, Kanwar Visvajeet Singh, is now the proprietor of Harasar Haveli. He has been running the hotel since 1997, when they opened their ancestral mansion as a heritage stay.

Before Harasar Haveli opened as a heritage hotel in 1997, the Harasar Thakur family had lived here and maintained their ancestral mansion since the days of the Maharajas. The haveli is very well-maintained, with many of its original features intact, such as the iconic red sandstone facade commonly associated with palaces and forts in the region. Other classic aspects are the jharokha windows with intricate carvings, and jali lattice walls that provide stability but also fresh air to spaces.

For its guestrooms, the hotel is equipped with modern amenities and traditional wood furnishings. Those who would like to immerse themselves in the haveli's heritage aspects are encouraged to book one of the suites, as these are embellished with fine details such as filigree paintings and antique furniture.

Part of Hotel Harasar Haveli's hospitality is to ensure that guests can savor the rich and diverse flavors of Rajasthan. Guests can start their day with a tasty breakfast buffet before stepping out to explore the city. For lunch and dinner, the hotel's on-site restaurants serve fresh Rajasthani cuisine crafted with Bikaner regional flavors and styles. You'll have the option to dine in a cozy indoor setting or under an open sky with native performers providing entertainment.

While Harasar Haveli may not have the same expansive spaces as larger heritage stays, it has adequate venues for guests who would like to make their forever vows while vacationing in Bikaner. Take your pick between an indoor hall or an open-air terrace under the sky. Both can accommodate up to 40 seated guests, which is usually more than enough for a private wedding attended by friends and family.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Bikaner has a reputation for being India's Camel City, meaning the history, culture, and livelihood of many natives here are tied to these hardy animals. Their biggest celebration is the annual Bikaner Camel Festival, where the noble creatures are dressed up in regalia and go on parades and processions. Another key location to interact with camels is the National Research Centre on Camel, an institute devoted to caring for and studying them. It even has a museum and a farm with petting zoo experiences.

As for the city's grand historic sites, Junagarh Fort is fairly close to the haveli. This 16th-century fort was the stronghold that defended Bikaner and enabled it to grow into the city it is today. Visitors can check out sections of the fort that have been turned into palaces, temples, and museums.

Other Events and Celebrations

While the restaurants have ample space for small gatherings, you should first check with the hotel if they can accommodate your planned function or retreat. Guests can also approach the management and see if they can reserve a private table at the restaurant, as well as request a bit of personalized service.