Jaisalmer Havelis Information :
Location : On Ancient Trade Route in the Thar Desert, Bordered with Pakistan.
District : Jaisalmer.
Highlights : Architectural Houses of Merchants and Ministers in the Court.
Best Time To Visit : October to March is best. Avoid Summers.
About the Jaisalmer :
Rising from the heart of the Thar desert like a golden mirage is the city of Jaisalmer. A commanding fort etched in yellow sandstone stands with all its awesome splendorr, dominating the amber- hued city.
For years Jaisalmer remained untouched by the outside influences. The life within the citadel conjures up images of medieval majesty visible in its narrow lanes strewn with magnificent palaces, havelis, temples and of course skilled artisans and ubiquitous camels
The beautiful mansions built by Jaisalmer's wealthy merchants are known as 'havelis' and several of these fine sandstone buildings are still in beautiful condition.
Some Importent Havelis In Jaisalmer :
Nathmal ki Haveli of the late 19th century was also a prime minister's house and two brothers carved its left and right wings, which are similar in their looks. Its highlights are yellow sandstone elephants that stand majestically at its entrance and the intricately carved front door. It seems that the jewelers instead of the stone-carvers did the so-minute carvings of the building.
Patwon ki Haveli is the most convoluted and outstanding of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It stands in a narrow lane in the centre of the city and one of its apartments is painted with stunning murals. Built by the well-renowned dealers in brocade, gold and silver embroidery of their time from Afghanistan to China, Guman Chand Patwa and his five sons, there are five suites in the building dating between 1800 and 1860 and was so designed as to showcase their beauty of work in the stone carving of their mansion.
Salim Singh ki Haveli was built about 300 years ago and a part of this is still being used as residence. It was owned by Salim Singh, a former prime minister of the state of Jaisalmer and has an arched roof with superb carved brackets inn the form of peacocks. It is worth a lengthy look and admiration of the tourists who revel to see this pride of Jaisalmer architecture, which is now a part of the national heritage. Situated at the eastern end of the city, it seems to have sprung out of Arabian Nights, with its top blossoming like a wild flower.
