Jaisalmer Havelis

Patwon ki Haveli or the mansion of the brocade workers is one of the oldest and most elaborate hawelis of Jaisalmer. It has exquisitely carved pillars, corridors and chambers and is known for its beautiful jharokhas or balconies. The five storied haveli is divided into six apartments, two owned
by Archaeological Survey of India, two by families who operate crafts shop and two private homes. The haveli still has reminiscence of the beautiful mirror work and murals painted on its walls. The task of construction of the haveli was undertaken in the early 19th century at the behest of the family
of Ghuman Chand Patwa (a trader of expensive brocade and embroidery).

Salim Singh ki Haveli Named after the Prime Minister of Jaisalmer Salim Singh the haweli is nearly 300 years old. The mansion has a beautiful arched roof with superbly carved brackets in the form of peacocks. The front facade of the haveli resembles a ship stern hence the haveli is also referred to as the jahazmahal. Two
sandstone tuskers guard the entrance of the haveli. The haveli consists of as many as 38 balconies all built in distinct styles. Legend has it that the minister wanted to get the haveli built of the same height as that of the palace of the Maharaja but the King would not have this and got the two stories torn down.

Nathmal Ki Haveli One of the ostentatious and recent Haveli of Jaisalmer to be built in 1885 AD by the Architect brothers Lulu and Hathi, the Haveli has a unique story to tell about its construction. The two architect brothers took to left and right size respectively for constructing the Haveli, yet the Haveli boasts of striking symmetry. Life-size replica of elephants in yellow sandstone guards the entrance of the Haveli. The right and left wing of the Haveli are adorned by miniature paintings of flora, cattle and horses. The Haveli of Nathmal still stands in excellent condition and is a major tourist spot of Jaisalmer.