Fast Facts
Location: Western Rajasthan, India
Built By: Wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer
Highlights: Ravishing embellishments, grand architecture
Best Time To Visit: October March
Getting There: Jaisalmer is accessible most easily through the
cities of Jaipur and Bikaner by roads and trains. Besides visiting during
the peak season can give you some flights also.
Highlights of Jaisalmer Havelis
Jaisalmer is one of the most frequented tourist spots in Rajasthan because
of th exciting safari trips and heritage mansions of the affluent merchants
of Jaisalmer. Outside the Jaisalmer fort wall some unparalleled structures
stand in grandeur, They are the regal mansions reflecting the
heritage and
culture of th region. The merchants of 19th and 20th century were fond of
leading a luxurious life and this is best manifested in the way they did
their dwellings. Building huge and lavish mansions was a trend and a status
symbol also. The carved entrance gates and stone sculptures adorn the
havelis portraying a phenomena of royalty. Three havelis among many are
worth seeing in Jaisalmer. The tourists here cannot resist themselves from
having a snap and the havelis grandly pose for the shutterbugs of tourists.
Famous Havelis of Jaisalmer
Patwa ki Haveli: One of the finest havelis
of Jaisalmer, Patwa ki haveli is a must for the travelers on the heritage
tours in Jaisalmer Rajasthan. The honey colored lace here is a beautiful to
see. Built around 1800 and 1860 the haveli is a dream of five brothers who
prospered by making money from brocade and jewelery trading. Impressive from
outside it houses some paintings of vibrant red and gold color and exquisite
mirrorwork. The
tourist here love to have a view of the Jaisalmer fort from
the roof of haveli. The old furnishing evoke a picture of 19th century life.
Salim Sigh ki Haveli: This haveli is one of the oldest
mansions of Rajasthan. This amazing edifice is distinctive in structure.
Narrow in the first floors, it spreads into a carving mass on the upper
floors. The top storey of the of the mansion has elegant arched balconies,
surmounted with dull blue copulas. The brackets in the shape of peacock are
superbly done. The stone
elephants in front of the haveli welcome you at the
entrance. You will be surprised to know that the haveli is built of no
mortar or cement. Enjoy a guide tour in the haveli.
Nathmal ki Haveli: This haveli, once a prime minister's
house, is a 19th century edifice and still inhabited. With an exemplar
exterior dripping with carving it has graceful gold paintings on the first
floor. The doorway adorned with 19th century postcards has a picture of
Queen Victoria. The virtuoso work is a creation of two brothers.