The cultural and historical grandeur of Delhi is well symbolized by Palatial or Havelis  which were an inseparable portion of this historical city. Havelis’ history dates back to Shahjahan tenure (1638 – 1649) when this city was well known as Shahjahanbad. Most of these havelis got destroyed during 1857 Sepoy mutiny but many havelis that accommodated famous and rich personalities are still alive in few parts of this old Delhi.

Delhi’s havelis is an outstanding edifice for people who wish to enjoy the historically rich past of India. Few of the well known havelis include Haidar Quli Ki Haveli, Namak Haram ki Haveli, Neharwali Haveli (Parvez Musharraf, the Pakistan President’s ancestral home), Begum Samru’s Kothi, Haveli of Zeenat Mahal, Ghalib’s Hakimon ki Haveli (the house of Ghalib, the famous poet) and many more.

Though these ruined havelis may not act as significant tourist attraction spot, but they definitely serve as great place to understand the grandeur and richness of Indian societies that existed many hundred years back. Tourist can have a fine excursion by visiting these havelis along with the nearby sightseeing and historical monuments.

Jahaz Mahal

Jahaz Mahal (means ‘Ship Palace’ in Urdu) is situated close to Hauz-i-Shams, Mehrauli towards northeastern part of Delhi. This Palace got its name as it looks like a ship on lake because of its illusion in surrounding reservoir. It is assumed to have been constructed during the period of Lodi dynasty (1452-1526) as inn or Sarai or as pleasure resort.

Zafar Mahal (Mehrauli)

This is known as the last summer palace constructed towards the end of Mughal era in Mehrauli village, South Delhi. It was constructed in two parts. During 18th century, Akbar Shah II constructed the Palace or Mahal and later on during 19th century, Bahadur Shah Zafar II (known as Zafar) reconstructed entrance gate of this Palace.

Mumtaz Mahal

The Palace has got two pavilions towards southern part comprising of large sized Rang Mahal and Mumtaz mahal. The archaeological museum of Red Fort is located in this Mumtaz Mahal.

Rang Mahal

This Mahal housed emperor’s mistresses and wives. The name of this Mahal refers to ‘Palace of Colors’. The palace is well decorated with bright paintings and good arrangement of mirrors. Nahr-i-Behisht takes care of marble pool which is there at the centre.

Khas Mahal

This place used to be emperor’s apartment. Emperor appears before his people (who waited near river Bank) standing at the octagonal tower (Muthamman Burj).