Salim Singh ki Haveli

Location: In the heart of Jaisalmer near Railway station
How to reach: Take a rickshaw ride to avoid traffic jam
Attraction: Architecture, chiefly balconies
Timings: Early morning till 5 P.M.

Salim ji ki Haveli Jaisalmer is an old edifice located at the heart of Jaisalmer city near Jaisalmer Fort. This beautiful architectural building is one of the major tourist places in Jaisalmer.
Salim Singh ki Haveli was built in 1815 CE by Salim Singh, the then Prime Minister of the kingdom when Jaisalmer was the capital. It is said that once the Haveli of Salim Singh had two additional wooden storeys in an attempt to make it as high as the maharaja's palace but the Maharaja did not take this attempt in good spirit. Currently it has only five stories as the upper two tiers were demolished as per the order of the king.

The architecture of this haveli is unique as compared to the other havelis. This mansion was not created with the help of cements and mortar- the stones are connected with strong iron rods. The architecture of this mansion is inspired by dancing peacock. The mansion has five storeys and every structure is carefully built and carved. It is narrow for the first floors, and then the top storey spreads out into a mass of carving, with graceful arched balconies surmounted by pale-blue cupolas. The beautifully arched roof has superb carved brackets in the form of peacocks. The haveli consists of as many as 38 balconies and they all have distinct designs.

The entrance of the mansion is guarded by two huge elephants carved from stone. This haveli is also called as Jahaz Mahal, as the front facet resembles a ship stern. The walls and balconies are all covered with imperial paintings. The carved windows and grandly designed halls and rooms add to the charm of the haveli. The stone screens and the projecting windows keep the haveli cool even during the scorching summer heat. The mansion is a perfect example of the excellent craftsmanship of the people of that period.

History of the Haveli
The palace was built by Salim Singh. He built this palace during his regime as a prime minister of Jaisalmer. On visiting the haveli, you will also get an opportunity to know a lot about the taste of Salim Singh. You will also learn how shrewd Salim Singh was. However, his growing ambitions proved to be his enemy as he was murdered because of his growing aspirations for the throne.

Attractions of Salim Singh ki haveli
The various architectural features of the Salim Singh ki Haveli is a great attraction for the tourists. The haveli has a blue cupola roof. It also has beautiful stone carvings, splendid murals and latticed murals. The bracketed walls can't be ignored either as they are specimen of excellent craftsmanship. Witnessing the chiseled window screen decorated with minute detailing will also be a treat to the eye. These features will be a testimony to the salient features of Salim Singh ki Haveli.

Salim Singh ki Haveli also has a number of rooms, corridors and frescoes. However, as history says it, the haveli previously had two more stories. Currently it has only five stories as the upper two tiers were demolished as per the order of the king. The various architectural features often make the visitors wonder about the skills of the craftsmen. The haveli also signifies the excellent skills of the craftsmen of that era.

There are a number of tour operators which offer tours to Jaisalmer. Taking into account, the tremendous popularity of Salim Singh ki Haveli Jaisalmer, a visit to this haveli is an integral part of the tours offered by the tour operators. You can avail any of the tour according to your preference. However, it is always better to avail these tours from a experienced and expert tour operator as it will ensure that you have a great tour.

Salim Singh ki Haveli Architecture
This admirable mansion has a beautifully arched roof with excellently carved brackets in the form of Peacocks, just below the hill. The walls, balconies are all covered with imperial paintings. There is also a superb painting of a man in a Mughal style, wearing a black turban. In the beautiful Moti Mahal of this Haveli dances used to be held in order to entertain the courtiers and the royal aristocrats. It is said that once the Haveli of Salim Singh had two additional wooden stories in an attempt to make it as high as the maharaja’s palace, but the maharaja had the upper story torn down. This beautiful architectural building is one of the major attractions of Jaisalmer.