Jaisalmer’s second most popular spot after the Jaisalmer Fort is Patwon Ki Haveli, which is not just a single building, but a combination of five different Havelis, each with a distinct quality of its own. Patwon Ki Haveli, with its unique architecture and design is one of the most significant Havelis in Jaisalmer, and Rajasthan. With its construction of yellow sandstone mirroring that of nearly every other building in Jaisalmer, Patwon Ki Haveli stands out due to its unusual and wonderful design. Here are some interesting things about Patwon Ki Haveli to make your next trip memorable.
Interesting Facts
- Patwon Ki Haveli is a combination of five Havelis within it’s complex, and it is the largest one of its kind in Jaisalmer.
- The First Haveli, which is known popularly as Kothari’s Patwa Haveli is the one that stands out most amongst the others.
- In the year 1805, the first Haveli was constructed by Guman Chand Patwa, who was a famous jewellery and brocades trader.
- Due to its brocade trading reputation, Patwon Ki Haveli is also known as ‘Mansion of Brocade Merchants’, based on its fervent trading characteristics.
- Locals tell stories about the silver and golden thread dealers of Patwon Ki Haveli, who made their money through opium smuggling at the time.
- The arches and gateways within the Havelis have individual features that distinguish them from one another, each depicting a certain style of mirror-work and paintings.
- Mural work is designed in a unique way in one of the sections of the Havelis, and jharokas, arches, balconies and entrance gates also have intricate carvings and paintings on the walls.
- Patwa’s five brothers had a separate Haveli for them and their families, giving every one of them a distinct feature.
- A part of the Havelis complex consists of a museum that displays artefacts, paintings, art and craft of the bygone era, that go on to depict the rich lifestyle the residents of the havelis enjoyed.
- All the Havelis were designed in the span of 50 years, and the first Haveli is the grandest one which took a long time to be erected.
- Patwon Ki Haveli is widely popular for having been the second ever Haveli built in Rajasthan, and the first one in the city of Jaisalmer.
- The pillars and ceilings have intricate and attractive carvings done on them by experts of the time, and the archways and gates are filled with miniature designs that architecture enthusiasts would thoroughly enjoy.
- With over 60 balconies from where one can see the courtyard of the Haveli complex, and windows with divisions that allow ample air supply have added to the popularity of Patwon Ki Haveli.
- The architecture of Patwon Ki Haveli is similar to almost every other building of Jaisalmer, and it blends in with the golden features of the city very well.
Things to Do/See
- The Archaeological Survey of India has an office located within the complex of Patwon Ki Haveli, where major artefacts and historical evidences can be seen by tourists.
- The countless jharokhas and balconies are quite a sight for visitors as they give a panoramic view of the courtyard.
- Mirror-work and miniature carvings of extravagant design are present in the arches, gateways, jharokas, apartments and the courtyard, which are very photograph-worthy and rich in decoration.
- The museum depicting the lifestyle of residents and the artwork of that era represent a lot of cultural diversity in Rajasthan, especially in Jaisalmer.
- The first Haveli being the most popular one, visitors have taken a fair amount of time admiring its exquisite architecture and for good measure given that it is the most well-designed Haveli out of the other four.
Traveller Tips
- Jaisalmer is a fairly hot city due to it being in the middle of the Thar desert, so carrying appropriate clothing based on the weather is important.
- Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended to help walk through the vast Haveli complex.
- Hats and sunglasses are also helpful to ensure an enjoyable time in the tour of the Havelis.
- Guides are available for tourists, and photography is allowed at a certain fee.
Best Time to Visit
September to February
How to Reach
Patwon Ki Haveli is located near the Patwa complex in the heart of the city of Jaisalmer, and can be easily reached through public or private transport. The streets are narrow so going on foot is recommended.
Timings
9am to 5pm daily
Entry Fees
Foreign visitors- Rs.100
Indian visitors- Rs.20
Camera Fees
Still- Rs.50
Video- Rs.100
Availability of Guides
Guide charges- Rs.100-200
Nearby Places of Interest
- Jaisalmer Fort
- Nathmalji Ki Haveli
- Folklore Museum
- Government Museum
- Jaisalmer Sunset Point
- Badal Mahal
Jaisalmer’s major attractions include its historical locations, not unlike other cities of Rajasthan, which depict the culture and diversity in unique ways. Patwon Ki Haveli, when it comes to representation of the heritage of Rajasthan, is no exception.
