An architectural wonder of the bygone era, Patwon Ki Haveli is one of the main attractions that one can look for in the city of Jaisalmer. The Patwon Ki Haveli is a cluster of five small Havelis whose exteriors are dipped in an enchanting shade of gold. This haveli is also known as Kothari’s Patwa Haveli to the locals.
Patwon Ki Haveli History
The history of this magnificent structure dates back to the 18th century. Once the residence of wealthy traders, the Jaisalmer Patwas, the Haveli was constructed over fifty years by Guman Chand Patwa and his five sons. A genuine specimen of Rajputana sculpture, the Patwon Ki Haveli is famous for its exclusive mirror work and fine wall paintings.
Among the five Havelis that form the entire complex, one has been converted into a museum that displays a vast collection of antique furniture and decorative goods. Besides this, the third Haveli or mansion on the premises also houses rich items, including traditional art and craftwork from local artisans.
Patwon Ki Haveli Architecture
Patwon Ki Haveli features five floors and is built in the traditional Jaisalmer style. The Haveli is crafted from yellow sandstone and has intricate detailing.
There are havelis on each floor; the largest is on the ground floor. A variety of patterns are carved into the sandstone throughout the complex of Havelis, particularly the large and intricately detailed arches. The interiors of Patwon Ki Haveli are decorated with pillars, door frames, mirrors, and paintings. There are 60 Jharokhas and windows, each with elaborately carved stone frames and latticework to brighten the interior.
How to Reach Patwon ki Haveli
The Patwon Ki Haveli is conveniently located in the centre of Jaisalmer, next to the Patwa, and is reachable by both public and private transportation. However, since the streets are small, walking is advised.
Best time to visit Patwon ki Haveli
The ideal time to visit Patwon ki Haveli is from September to February.
Tips to visit Patwon ki Haveli
- Due to its location in the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer tends to get quite hot, so it’s vital to pack clothes that are suited for the season.
- It is advised to wander across the sizable Haveli complex in comfortable shoes.
- Sunglasses and a hat are also useful for making the Haveli Tour enjoyable.
- Tourists can hire guides, and photography is permitted for a price.
Things to do/see
- Tourists can view significant artifacts and historical evidence in the Patwon Ki Haveli complex, which also houses the office of the Archaeological Survey of India.
- The arches, gateways, jharokhas, apartments, and courtyard are all richly decorated and photogenic structures with mirror work and exquisite miniature carvings.
- Visitors are taken aback by the sight of the numerous balconies and jharokhas, which provide a comprehensive perspective of the courtyard.
- Visitors have spent a fair amount of time admiring the first Haveli’s incredible architecture, as they should, given that it is the most well-known.
- The artwork and lifestyle depicted in the museum from that period showcase Rajasthan’s rich cultural diversity, particularly in Jaisalmer.
If you are planning to visit Patwon ki Haveli, then you must check out our Jaisalmer tour packages.
Patwon Ki Haveli Timings
The Havelis is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. To avoid the heat, visiting the haveli early in the morning is best.
Patwon Ki Haveli Entry Fee
- For Indian citizens: INR 20
- Foreign visitors: INR 100
- Photography: INR 50
- Videography: INR 100
Places to Visit Near Patwon Ki Haveli
Gadisar Lake
It is one of the prettiest lakes in Rajasthan, built centuries ago by Raja Rawal Jaisal for his kingdom’s water needs.
Jaisalmer Fort
If you are interested in history, you should visit Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is an amazing place with houses, shops, temples, restaurants, etc. The distance between Jaisalmer Fort and Patwon ki haveli is around 500 kilometres.
Badal Palace and Tazia Tower
There is also the five-story Tazia Tower, a replica of various Muslim imams’ mausoleums located inside the Badal Palace complex. For those interested in history and old buildings, this place is worth visiting.
Mandir Palace
For more than 200 years, it was the residence of kings, but today it is a luxury hotel. It’s interesting to note that parts of the palace were built by different rulers.
Interesting Facts About Patwon Ki Haveli
- The Havelis were once symbols of royalty, but today they are owned by the government and are used for the state’s art and craft department and the Archaeological Survey of India.
- There is one striking difference between the gates and arches of the havelis. Each one represents a different style of mirror work and painting.
- There are over 60 balconies in Patwon ki haveli, which makes the complex very airy. One can see the courtyard from the balconies.
- In Jaisalmer, the Patwon Ki Haveli was the first haveli that was built, and the second in Rajasthan.
- Experts of that time designed intricate designs on the arches and gateways of the havelis.
- Five havelis were built for the Patwa brothers.
