Jaisalmer’s havelis are historic sandstone residences with distinctive carved facades and interiors. Patwon Ki, Nathmal Ki and Salim Singh Ki each offer different details to look for, making them worthwhile stops as you explore the city; 1st Gate Home-Fusion is a hotel in Jaisalmer where you can book a room.
- Patwon Ki Haveli: A cluster of five havelis with carved balconies and mirror work.
- Nathmal Ki Haveli: Known for miniature-style paintings and yellow-sandstone tuskers.
- Salim Singh Ki Haveli: Notable for a high arched roof supported by peacock-shaped brackets.
- Opening hours: Hours differ at each site; check the official site before you go.
Patwon Ki Haveli and its carved facades
Patwon Ki Haveli is a cluster of five yellow-sandstone havelis, with carved balconies and latticework across its exterior. Its five-storey structure stands on a narrow street.
Look up at the jharokhas, or balconies, where the latticework sits among the carved sandstone details. Inside, high ceilings, carved pillars and mirror work are among the features to look for; some interior walls also retain paintings and mirror work.
Incredible India gives Patwon Ki Haveli’s opening hours as 09:00–17:00 every day. If you’re planning to visit, check the official site before you go, as hours can change.
Nathmal Ki Haveli’s distinctive details
Nathmal Ki Haveli stands out for its miniature-style paintings and yellow-sandstone tuskers. Two architect brothers built the haveli in the 19th century, working from opposite sides.
That construction history gives you a reason to take in the facade carefully: notice its decorative elements rather than treating the building as a single, uniform surface. The haveli is partly inhabited by descendants of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, while another part has been converted into a shop selling souvenirs and local crafts.
Its opening hours are 10:00–17:00. The living and commercial uses are worth keeping in mind as you visit.
Salim Singh Ki Haveli and its architecture
Salim Singh Ki Haveli is known for its high arched roof and carved brackets shaped like peacocks. The Rajasthan tourism department dates it to the first half of the 18th century.
Look toward the upper levels to see the roof and its supporting brackets. The lower levels are plainer and served employees, while the upper levels contained living quarters. Part of the haveli remains occupied by descendants of its original residents.
Its opening hours are 08:00–18:00. As with the other havelis, its continued residential use is part of the setting.
How do you choose which haveli interiors to visit?
Choose by the architectural details that interest you, and keep in mind that some of these historic buildings remain lived in or in commercial use. Patwon Ki is the clearest choice if you want to focus on described interior details such as high ceilings, carved pillars and mirror work.
Nathmal Ki combines its painted and carved exterior details with a shop selling souvenirs and local crafts. At Salim Singh Ki, the contrast between plainer lower levels and the upper living quarters gives the building another way to tell its story.
If you’re arranging the havelis alongside other city sights, a one-day Jaisalmer itinerary from the fort to Gadisar Lake can help you plan the wider day.
Jaisalmer Fort and its Jain temples offer another historical stop to factor into a city visit.
A guide to visiting the living fort covers the fort and its temples.
Tickets, timings and respectful photography
Opening hours are the main practical detail to check before visiting these havelis. Patwon Ki is open every day, while the hours for Nathmal Ki and Salim Singh Ki have no daily pattern stated.
No ticket prices or photography rules are available, so check the official site before you go for current visitor arrangements. Remember that Nathmal Ki and Salim Singh Ki are partly occupied, and Nathmal Ki also includes a shop; be considerate around residents and people using the buildings.
To add time for shopping to a city outing, the guide to Sadar Bazaar, Manak Chowk and Bhatia Bazaar covers three of Jaisalmer’s markets.
FAQs
What does “haveli” refer to in this Jaisalmer visit?
Patwon Ki, Nathmal Ki and Salim Singh Ki are historic residences in Jaisalmer, each with distinctive architectural features.
Which haveli has peacock-shaped brackets?
Salim Singh Ki Haveli has a high arched roof supported by carved brackets shaped like peacocks.
Is Nathmal Ki Haveli still in use?
Yes. Parts are inhabited by descendants of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, and another part operates as a shop selling souvenirs and local crafts.