Patwon Ki Haveli Jaisalmer (also known as Patwon Ji ki Haveli) is the first Haveli founded in Jaisalmer. This Haveli or a palace is made out of 5 small yet different Havelis. The architecture of the Haveli is considered as one of the best tourist attraction sites in Jaisalmer and is one of the oldest Havelis. This Haveli was built by Guman Chand in the year 1805. Guman Chand was a very famous trader in the town of Jaisalmer and was very rich, he wanted a separate accommodation for his 5 sons, and therefore a cluster of Haveli was designed for him and his family.
Patwon Ki Haveli or Patwon Ji ki Haveli is also known as ‘Mansion of brocade Merchants’ since the Guman Chand family mostly dealt with Gold and silver threads which were used in dresses for embroidery. Therefore the Haveli also seems like it was coated with gold and shine bright with the help of sunlight. The architecture of the Haveli is quite unique as there are multiple gateways and an arch which allows you enter the Palace and the entire Haveli is made out of Yellow Sandstone. Each Haveli in the Patwon Ki Haveli Jaisalmer has its own unique design and theme according to Guman Chand son’s choices.
Currently, the Haveli is taken over by the Archaeological Survey of India and the State Art and Craft department as their office in the city. Various exhibitions and events are held to attract tourists from across the nation and the globe.
Patwon Ki Haveli History
Patwon Ki Haveli Jaisalmer is trader’s mansion. This was built as they were growing richer and richer in Jaisalmer. This is the only Haveli built by a non royal person in Rajasthan. Either he was not a Rajput clan. This Haveli showed the importance of individual wealth in those days. The Patwas trade was international and amazed that much wealth that he contributed most of the wealth in constructing this Haveli for his beloved sons. Patwas was a Banker too. It is also said that he amazed these wealth from money swindling a money laundering activities. Whatever, it may be truth or not. But the Jaisalmer Tour Packages received an unparalleled mansion to its credits of cultural and historical significances.
Patwon ki Haveli Architecture
Located in the center of the city, it is truly an outstanding piece of architecture. Built-in red sandstone in the period between 1800 and 1860 AD, it is well known for its beautiful latticework on its porticos made of stone and wood.
There is a stunning apartment in it, which is flawlessly painted with beautiful murals. Patwon Ki Haveli Jaisalmer is renowned for its ornate wall paintings, intricate yellow sandstone-carved jharokhas or balconies, gateways, and doorways.
Although the building itself is made from yellow sandstone, the main gateway is brown. It is a beautiful Haveli known for its elaborate latticed havelis with facade five-storey building.
Places to Visit Near Patwon Ki Haveli
After spending a good amount of time (around an hour or so) in Patwon Ki Haveli Jaisalmer, you can visit the nearby attractions that also add to the heritage of Jaisalmer. Some of the places that you can visit near Patwon Ki Haveli are:
- Gadisar Lake – This is one of the prettiest lakes in Rajasthan. Situated in the outskirts of Jaisalmer, the lake was originally built by Raja Rawal Jaisal ages ago to meet the water requirements of his kingdom.
Today the lake is popular for the spectacular view that it offers of the Jaisalmer Fort, especially during sunset. One can also enjoy boating, rare migratory bird sighting and cool calm and quiet at the lake.
- Jaisalmer Fort – Another exquisite location that is a must-visit is the Jaisalmer fort. It is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Today the fort, a UNESCO Heritage site, is actually a mini-town that has houses, shops, temples, restaurants, etc within its complex.
Also known as the Golden Fort, the fort is situated at 250 ft. and is surrounded by a 30 ft. walls. Enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Jaisalmer from the golden gates of the fort!
- Badal Palace and Tazia Tower – The five-story Tazia Tower within the Badal Palace complex is another tourist attraction that must not be missed. The Tazia tower is a replica of the mausoleum of various Muslim imams.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Patwon Ki Haveli Jaisalmer is between the months of November and February. Jaisalmer’s geographic location makes it a hot and arid city but the winter season is considerably cooler than the summers to explore the haveli and many other attractions around it. The temperature hovers between a maximum of 30°C and a minimum of 7.5°C, but, the architecture of the haveli keeps it quite cool even during the peak afternoons. So, tourists can visit the attraction at any time of the day.
The summers begin in the month of March and last till June. This time of the year is extremely hot and the temperature spikes as high as 42°C. Between July and September, the region experiences monsoon season. The average annual rainfall is around 190 to 210 mm which hardly cools down the city (average high around 38°C).
How To Reach Patwon ki Haveli
Patwon Ki Haveli Jaisalmer is located in Amar Singh Pol, in the central region of Jaisalmer. Most major city roads lead to the area, but from a certain point, tourists have to go on foot to reach the haveli via narrow lanes. Within the city, public transport can be used to reach the attraction. Auto rickshaws and bicycle rickshaws are the most affordable options. Tourists can reach Patwon Ki Haveli through Dedanasar Road, High School Road, Sand Dunes Road, Station Road or Jethwai Road.
The Jaisalmer Bus Stand is located about 2.5 kilometres away. The Jaisalmer Airport is located about 9.5 kilometres while the Jaisalmer Railway Junction is located 1.3 kilometres away from the haveli.