JaisalmerJaisalmer built about 300 years ago, the Patwon ki Haveli in Jaisalmer is one of the largest and the most splendid haveli of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a land of superb architecture. The most attractive feature of the state is the Rajasthan havelis and palaces. From the Mughal architecture to the European architecture, you will find all kinds of examples while having a heritage palace tour of Rajasthan. Most of the former rulers of Rajasthan built palaces as their residence. These palaces were adorned with elaborate and exquisite architecture. Many of the former palaces of Rajasthan have been converted into heritage hotels. And almost all the palaces house museums, displaying the rich collection of artifacts from the bygone royal era. Not only the rulers of Rajasthan, but the rich merchant class also built massive residences. These mansions are luxuriously decorated and are known as havelis. Not only the decorations, the merchants were also concerned about the image of the owners that the havelis reflected. They commissioned artisans to ensure that the havelies were constructed in a manner that would reflect the prosperity of the owner. The most famous havelis are those of Shekhawati and Jaisalmer.

Jaisalmer built about 300 years ago, the Patwon ki Haveli in Jaisalmer is one of the largest and the most splendid haveli of Rajasthan. Also known as Salim Singh ki haveli of Jaisalmer, this haveli is adorned with beautifully arched roof having exquisitely carved brackets in the shape of peacocks. Salim Singh, the person after whom this haveli is named, was the prime minister of the princely state. The haveli (mansion) is located just below the hill. It is believed that at one point of time, the haveli had two additional wooden stories, making it as high as the palace of the king. However, the Maharaja of Jaisalmer got the upper stories torn down. The Patwon ki haveli of Rajasthan is five stories high. Divided into six apartments, the haveli is exquisitely carved. Two of the apartments now house the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). A part of the haveli is still lived in. Some of the inner walls of the haveli house paintings as well as amazing mirror work. Apart from intricately carved pillars, the haveli also has huge corridors and chambers. One of the apartments of the haveli has gorgeous murals painted on its walls.

Jaisalmer is endowed with several tourist attractions:

Jaisalmer Fort: It is the most popular destination of Jaisalmer. The beauty of the fort makes one gasp in awe. It was built in 1156 by Rawal Jaisal. Fortified with massive walls, the fort is extremely beautiful from inside. The fort has beautiful establishments such as Raj Mahal, Jain Temples and the Laxminath Temple. It greatly inspired the famous Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray who made a film on it.

Patwon ki haveli: It was built by the members of a very rich merchant family. It is the most stunning haveli of Jaisalmer.

Salim Singh ki haveli: Built in 1815, this haveli is famous for its arched roofs and finely carved brackets in the form of the national bird peacock.

Nathmalji ki haveli: It is noted for its ornamental beauty.

Several museums in the city display royal possessions of the bygone era.

Best Time To Visit:

If you want to see the desert come alive the best time to come here is between January-February as in this period the famous Desert festival of Jaisalmer is held. The festival gives a beautiful picture of the Rajasthani culture.

How To Reach :

Air: the nearest airport at Jodhpur (300 km)

Train: Jaisalmer is connected by rail with Jodhpur and Delhi which in turn is connected to major cities and towns in India.

Road: Jaisalmer is connected by motorable roads with Ajmer 513 km,Barmer 153 km,Bikaner 330 km,Delhi 897 km,Jaipur 638 km,Jodhpur 290 km,Mt. Abu 572 km, via Jodhpur and 440 km via Barmer,Udaipur 563 km

 Fort  and Haveli

Jaisalmer Fort  

Jaisalmer Fort is fortified with three layers of walls. The outermost solid stone layer, the second layer circling the fort and the third and the innermost wall served a great purpose of defense during the battles fought at the fort in the bygone era. From here the warriors would throw boiling oil and water and big rocks on their enemies for defense.

The architecture of the Jaisalmer Fort is a beautiful amalgamation of Rajput and Mughal architecture giving it a different look altogether. The towering fort has a height of two hundred and fifty feet and it gives a picturesque view of the city.

The fort saw a disastrous attack in the thirteenth century by Ala-ud-Din Khilji. The fort remained under his control for nine years. Before the royal ladies of the fort would be harassed by the enemy, they decided to commit 'Jauhar' (self immolation) to save their self-respect.

Once the entire population of Jaisalmer used to reside in this fort but with gradual increase of population of the city they had to move out of the fort to find a shelter elsewhere.

Some of the major attractions of the fort are Raj Mahal (The Royal Palace), Jain Temples, Laxminath Temple, Four huge Gateways and the huge Merchant Havelis. The fort houses 99 bastions.

Patwaji Ki Haveli

The construction of this magnificent haveli was started by Guman Chand Patwa who was a very rich trader and banker of that time. Later the construction was completed by his five sons and took around fifty years. It is a five-storied establishment. The haveli is popularly known as the Taj Mahal of Jaisalmer because of its incredible beauty. The well maintained haveli boasts of brilliant stone work, mesmerizing paintings and amazing architecture. Built in 1805, it was then the largest private residence in the world. The complex of the haveli is sectioned into three: one is occupied by the royal family, one is owned by the Archaeological Survey of India and the third one is lined with shops selling handicrafts of Rajasthan.

Salim Singh Ki Haveli

This Haveli is known for its exquisitely carved brackets in the shape of peacocks and arched roofs. It was constructed in 1815 by Salim Singh, the then Prime Minister. The beauty of the haveli lies in its 38 distinctive balconies.

Nathmalji Ki Haveli

It was once the royal abode of the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer, Diwan Mohata Nathmal. Considered to be one of the most lavish havelis of Jaisalmer, Nathmalji Ki Haveli has beautiful pillars and decorated walls. The drawings of cars and fans look very cute. The two brothers Hathi and Lulu designed it. They were truly creative as they made the beautiful carvings just with the help of descriptions they were given. The architecture of this haveli is very different from the other lavish structures in Jaisalmer. It is a fine blend of Rajput and the Islamic style of architecture.

Jaisalmer city also abounds in stunning palaces and havelis giving a glimpse of the rich heritage of Jaisalmer and the best way to explore them is through Camel safaris. Camel is called the Ship of the Desert and most of the tourists flocking to the city opt for this traditional transport vehicle to see the pristine beauty of the desert. What are you waiting for! Come with us and get adventurous!

Enjoy the camel safari either alone with your tourist guide or go ahead with a camel caravan (when travelers move in a group). The camel safari offers a great opportunity to travelers to get acquainted with the rural life of Rajasthan. Also it is an opportunity to experience the life of nomads.

Sand Dunes And Camel Safaris in Jaisalmer
The sand dunes which look rough in the day time take a whole new meaning as the day draws to a close. Now they become the stage for the colorful cultural activities bringing the desert to life. Night camps are well organized on these magical sand dunes. Eat, enjoy dance and music performances in the camp and sleep under the star-studded sky. How romantic! Best time to opt for camel safaris in Rajasthan is between October to February.

Desert Festival

Your visit to Rajasthan remains incomplete if you discard the chance of riding on a camel. And Jaisalmer camel safaris give you an enchanting experience of a desert.

If you are planning to pay a visit to Jaisalmer, then come during the Desert festival as this is the time when the desert is at its best. The people participating in the festival make the most of it by dancing away to glory on the rhythms of the traditional music. They enjoy the various cultural activities held during the festival. There is so much to enjoy such as the camel races, folk dances, Mr. Desert contest and the interesting Turban tying contest. When the skilled artists take the center stage they leave the audience spellbound.There are also many art and craft stalls set at the venue. Flock to these stalls and you have a lot to choose from when it comes to popular handicrafts of Rajasthan. 

Shopping & Around 

Your Jaisalmer trip would be incomplete if you don't buy some typical Jaisalmer goods as souvenirs for your near and dear ones. A number of traditional Rajasthani handicrafts are available in Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer is famous for embroidery, Rajasthani mirror work, rugs, blankets, antiques and old stonework. There are lots of shops but try to venture in government owned and operated ones. This will save you extra dollars that would have gone in the pockets of guides in the form of commission. If you want to buy fabrics such as Tie-dye and other fabrics, try the government operated Khadi Gramuddyog Bhavan.

Bhatia Bazaar: Bhatia Bazaar is a popular bazaar of Jaisalmer where huge range of unique items is found. The bazaar is famous for bringing out the old charm of Jaisalmer. Some of the most popular items found in the Bhatia Bazaar include wallets, tapestry, cotton textiles, silk textiles, table cloths,oil lamps, belts and many more. While shopping in Bhatia Bazaar, the tourists must know how to bargain. Over the years, Bhatia Bazaar is flock by a large number of tourists for its diversity of the products available.

Sadar Bazaar: Sadar Bazaar is not only known for a favorite place to shop but also for reflecting the flavor of Rajasthan. Sadar Bazaar of Jaisalmer is known among the tourists for being the place where both the traditional and contemporary items are sold. The bazaar covers a wide area and some of the popular products found here include; blankets, antiques, embroidery, puppets, tapestry, carpets and more. The shopkeepers like other shopping areas of Jaisalmer are known for setting high prices of items. However, if the tourists know the art of bargaining, they can get the best buy.

Some other popular shopping areas of Jaisalmer are Manak Chowk, Sonaron ka Bass, Gandhi Darshan, Pansari Bazar, Seema Gram, Khadi Gramudyog Emporium and Rajasthani Government shop.
 

RESTAURANTS 

Jaisalmer city has a rich cultural heritage and thus it boasts of a rich cuisine as well. 

As far as fast food joints are concerned, Jaisalmer has lots of them. Famous Indian fast-food chain such as Nirula's has already made its presence felt in the city. Other major fast foods joints such as Pizza Hut, Pizza Corner and Mc. Donald's etc have also opened their outlets in the city.

Trio Restaurant 

Situated on a rooftop right next to the famous royal residence Mandir Palace, this is an excellent place to sample some delicious multi-cuisine fare. An added bonus is the spectacular view of the Jaisalmer Fort, all lit up at night, from here.

Restaurant Romany

In the heart of Golden City and near the Golden Fort. Restaurant Romany offer the authentic test of Rajsthan with great ambience and the stunning view of Jaisalmer Fort and city. CUISINES Indian, International, Asian, Healthy 

Gaji's Restaurant

Our rooftop terrace offers stunning sunset and sunrise views of the spectacular Golden Fort, Mandir Palace, & City View. A place to meet other people or just to relax in a hammock. In our restaurant on our rooftop terrace with a variety of Korean Food, Indian dishes, Rajasthani, Indian Thali, Chinese, Italian and other food  

The Lal Garh

Rooftop of restaurant beautiful view of the golden fort CUISINES
Indian, Austrian, African, Cafe, Asian, Deli, Healthy, Australian, Bahamian, Balti, Bangladeshi, Afghani, Neapolitan, Emilian, Campania, Sicilian, Lombard, Ligurian, Northern-Italian, Southern-Italian, Caribbean, International, European, Middle Eastern, Eastern European 

 Chokhi Dhani in Jaisalmer

If you wish to try the authentic Rajasthani flavour, go to the Chokhi Dhani, an excellent place to try some of the most tasteful preparations from the Rajasthani cuisine. The entire establishment has a Rajasthani village feel to it, and you can enjoy several recreational activities including magic shows, folk dances, camel and elephant rides before the elaborate meal is served to you.