Attractions

To the southwest of Bala Qila Fort is a group of six havelis, known as the Aath Havelis, erected around 1900. Aath means 'eight', and they were so named because originally eight havelis were planned. The paintings a…

Built in 1902 on the eastern side of town, and known locally as 'Podar Haveli', this is one of the region’s few buildings to have been thoroughly restored. The paintings of this haveli are defined in strong colours,…

On the external western wall of Bhagton ki Choti Haveli is a locomotive and a steamship. Above them, elephant-bodied gopis (milkmaids) dance. Adjacent to this, women dance during the Holi festival. Inside you’ll fin…

A short distance south of Bala Qila Fort are a number of interesting buildings, including the Chhauchharia Haveli, behind Jangit Hospital, with paintings dating from the last decade of the 19th century. These includ…

This museum has well-presented original paintings, preserved for decades behind doorways blocked with cement. The inner courtyard hosts some gorgeous Ramayana scenes; look out for the slightly incongruous image of J…

The fort of Bala Qila was founded in 1737, but today its modern additions largely obscure the original building, and it houses a fruit-and-vegetable market and a bank.

The still-inhabited Khedwal Bhavan features beautiful mirrorwork above the entrance to the inner courtyard, and fine blue tilework. A locomotive is depicted above the archway, and a frieze along the northern wall sh…

This haveli (1931) is empty and locked, but the key is kept at the Koolwal Kothi hotel opposite and you may be allowed entry for the customary baksheesh. Above the entrance are portraits of the Kulwal family, of Mah…

To the southwest of Bala Qila Fort, this haveli is famous for its different representations of cars. Other entertaining pictures on its external walls include an English couple sitting stiffly on a bench, a tractor …

A haveli owned by the Morarka family, with some fine paintings, including miniatures above the entrance depicting the legends of Krishna (the most celebrated of the Hindu deities). Nowadays it is rented out for wedd…