Jaisalmer City Guide
The havelies of Jaisalmer have a special aura of the past regalities stored in them. The havelies are wonderful example of the glorious architecture of Rajasthan.
About the Havelis
Jaisalmer is known to its visitors for its proximity to Thar desert. But the city has much more to offer to its tourists. Among all, Havelis of Jaisalmer finds a special mention. The beautiful mansions built by the wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are known as 'Havelis'. Most of these finely erected sandstone buildings are still in beautiful condition. Jaisalmer used to be a strategic point in the trade across the desert. The wealthy Jain community of Jaisalmer held strong posotions in the court of the rulers and were also leading merchants of the town. They spent enormous wealth on building intricately carved palaces and temples in golden-yellow sandstone.
Architecture
The havelis of Jaisalmer are nothing less than a treat for the eyes. A poem etched out in sandstone with infinite details and pains, carved and pieced together in different patterns, and though they are lavish and loud in nature, there is a perfect harmony that characterizes them. These fortresses of Jaisalmer are like a mirage from the barren Thar desert. It feels as if you had travelled back in time-straight into the fairy tale of Arabian nights. On either side of the narrow lanes are the sandstone havelis with stone carvings, screen windows, delicate pavilions and balconies.
Major Havelis
Patwon Ji Ki Haveli : This one is largest of all the Havelis in Jaisalmer. The haveli is said be the most beautifully designed structure in the town. The construction was started in 1805 and it took 50 years to complete this building. The five-storeyed complex is built in yellow sandstone with a different design on every window and arch. There are extensive corridors and chambers all supported by exquisitely carved pillars.
Nathmal Ki Haveli : The two winged building was constructed by two brothers- Lalu and Hathi, in 1885. Each brother concentrated on one side. The result is a perfect left-right balanced structure. The building looks like a garden carved out of stones.
Salem Singh Ki Haveli : The 300 years old building belonged to Salem Singh, the then Prime Minister of the state. The mansion has a beautifully arched roof with superb carved brackets in the form of Peacocks. It is said that once it had two additional wooden storeys in an attempt to make it as high as the King's palace, but the King had the upper storey torn down.
Other major havelis of Jaisalmer are Tazia Tower and Nokahtmal Ki Haveli.
Getting There
By Air : The Jodhpur Airport, Jodhpur is 285 Km and is the nearest one to Jaisalmer.
By Rail : Jaisalmer is well connected to the major cities of Rajasthan and India.
By Road : The roadways network ensures good connectivity of Jaisalmer to all over Rajasthan.
