Patwon Ki Haveli stands among the most beautiful architectural marvels in the city of Jaisalmer. Located in the alley close to the Patwa Complex, Patwon ki Haveli happens to be among the first havelis to be constructed in the city. The haveli consists of a complex of five different havelis and is also known as ‘mansion of brocade merchants’, for the fact that the haveli was built by a wealthy jewellery and brocade merchant. The haveli complex was built for five brothers of Patwa. One of the mansions in the complex serves as a museum and a shop with antique furniture and goods. Out of five, two havelis are under the authorization of the Archaeological Survey of India and one serves as private accommodation.
The haveli has been beautifully preserved over the centuries. The haveli conserves the grandeur and the richness with which it was built.

History of Patwon Ki Haveli

The haveli stands as the main and the most significant mansions in Jaisalmer. The first haveli in this complex was constructed in 1805 by the wealthy Guman Chand Patwa. He was an affluent jewellery and brocade merchant. He built each of the havelis for his five sons. The first haveli is the main and also the grandest haveli in the complex. It took almost 50 years for designing all the havelis. The five havelis were constructed over a span of 60 years in the early 1800’s. The mansion is popular, because it was the foremost haveli to be built in the city and the second to be constructed in Rajasthan.

Architecture

The mansion is a delight for appreciators of architecture. The mansion is constructed in yellow sandstone with a brown gateway. The ceilings and pillars are exquisitely carved. The walls also feature beautiful mirror work and several paintings. Another attractive feature of the mansion is its arches and gateways; every arch has distinct depictions.

The lattice or jail carvings allow ample light and fresh air to enter the rooms. The entrance of the haveli features a beautiful arched gateway with a delicately carved façade. The haveli has as many as 60 balconies that overlook the street and courtyard. The architecture of the mansion is typical of traditional Jaisalmer architecture.

Major Structures

The Main Haveli

The first or the main haveli known as the Kothari’s Patwa Haveli is the most popular of the five small havelis in the complex. This was the main construction to be built in the complex and features beautiful jharokhas (balconies) and extravagant carvings.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

• Nathmalji Ki Haveli
• Jaisalmer Sunset Point
• Folklore Museum
• Badal Mahal
• Jaisalmer Fort
• Government Museum

The mansion is a major attraction in Jaisalmer. Located about a mile from the Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon ki Haveli stands as one of the finest pieces of architecture in Jaisalmer and a must visit for anyone planning to travel to Jaisalmer.

How to Reach

Patwon ki Haveli finds location in a small street in Jaisalmer close to the Patwa Complex. It can easily be reached by local transport from all over Jaisalmer. Jaisalmer is located in the centre of Rajasthan, it is well-connected to other parts of India.

Jaisalmer is located on Highway No. 15. A number of RSRTC buses connect Jaisalmer to Jalore, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner, Barmer, Ahmadabad and several other cities. There are two main bus stands in the city. One is located opposite to the railway station and the other is the Golden Bus Terminal close to the State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur on the Shiv Road.

Jaisalmer has its own railway station. It offers broad gauge and also meter gauge connectivity. Direct trains are available from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur and Delhi. Jaisalmer is also connected by the luxury train ‘Palace on Wheels’.

The city does not have its own airport. The nearest airport to Jaisalmer is at Jodhpur about 300Km from the city. Jodhpur airport is connected to all the major metro cities of India by various flights. From Jodhpur tourists can take cabs or trains as per their convenience.

The mansion is open from Monday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5PM. The entry fee for tourists is Rs 50-100 per person for foreigners and Rs 10-20 per person for Indians. A fee of Rs 50 and Rs 100 are applicable for cameras and video cameras respectively.