Seth Arjun Das Goenka Haveli

Rajasthan


A short distance south of Satyanarayan Temple is the restored 1875–85 haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence) belonging to the Goenka family. As with all restored havelis, the bright colours are something of a shock after the muted tones of murals faded with age. The interior offers an illustration of the merchants’ lives, beginning with their reception room, cooled by huge punkas (cloth fans, swung by pulling a cord), and all about there are scatterings of everyday life from another era.

Look for reminders of the cotton merchant’s samples from Calcutta (now Kolkata).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Rajasthan attractions

1. Satyanarayan Temple

0.02 MILES

In a small square to the right just before the entrance to Dundlod Fort is this Hindu temple, built in 1911. On the temple’s western wall is a long frieze…

2. Jagathia Haveli

0.05 MILES

On the east wall of this haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence) look for the animated railway station scene. In one carriage a man appears to…

3. Dundlod Fort

0.06 MILES

This fort was built and frequently modified over 200 years, and features a blend of Rajput and Mughal art and architecture. Inside it combines a mix of…

4. Mandi Gate

3.86 MILES

One of the Old Town's many pols (gates).

5. Hem Raj Kulwal Haveli

3.94 MILES

This haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence) is empty and locked, but the key is kept at the Koolwal Kothi hotel opposite and you may be…

6. Khedwal Bhavan

3.98 MILES

The still-inhabited Khedwal Bhavan features beautiful mirrorwork above the entrance to the inner courtyard, and fine blue tilework. A locomotive is…

7. Baori Gate

4.11 MILES

One of the Old Town's many pols (gates).

8. Morarka Uattara Haveli

4.2 MILES

A haveli (traditional, ornately decorated residence) owned by the Morarka family, with some fine paintings, including miniatures above the entrance…