Kothari’s Patwon ki Haveli: A tour of brilliance

Architecture has always proved a pivotal part in India’s tourism. A special position is to hold in terms of architecture which proves Rajasthan a top-notch place of tourism. Often known by the name “The city of Gold” Jaisalmer is a place of palaces forts and Havelis. Many tourist places attract tourists worldwide to witness the range of architecture brilliance.

After Jaisalmer fort, Patwon ki Haveli is the most visited place in Jaisalmer. Patwa Haveli is a treat to the eyes of an interesting piece of architecture. The minute detailing of architecture awestruck every tourist.

Patwon ki haveli has two main reasons to term as an interesting piece of Jaisalmer. Firstly, it was the first haveli which withstood in Jaisalmer and Secondly, it is not one single haveli but an agglomeration of 5 Havelis.

History of Patwon-ki-Haveli

The year 1805 marked the establishment of the haveli by Guman Chand Patwa. Guman Chand Patwa was a renowned trader at his time and perhaps the reason he constructed five different stories for his sons. It took 50 long years to construct a huge mansion.

As the family dealt with thread word of gold and silver the Haveli is also known by the name “mansion of brocade merchant”.

In and around of Patwa Haveli

The use of yellow sandstone has made it as a glamorous haveli. Furthermore, the brown gateways and walls with the minute mirror work have beautified even more. Paintings on the walls and arches with unique style gives a distinctive feature. Moreover, the jali works or cravings illuminate the palace even more. The mansion has 60 balconies where it reflects the traditional art of Jaisalmer very well.

At present, the haveli is occupied by the government of India. The government of India used the Haveli for various purposes. The Haveli consists of the Archeological Survey of India and State art and craft office. A part of the Haveli displays paintings, artefacts, crafts, etc. depicting the lavish lifestyle enjoyed.

Places nearby Patwon ki haveli

Jaisalmer fort, Jaisalmer Sunset Point, Badal mahal, the Folklore museum, etc. are some of the nearby places where you can visit. Jaisalmer fort is one of the largest forts in the world. The fort is popularly known by the word “Sone ki Quila” or the folden fort. The year 1156 AD marked the foundation of the fort by a Rajput ruler, Rao Jaisal. Another remarkable place to visit in Jaisalmer is the Jaisalmer Sunset Point. At one end you will witness the huge Jaisalmer fort and the other end the setting sun gives a perfect picture place.

Best time to visit

As Jaisalmer is a hot place thereby October to mid-February is the ideal period to travel the city. Summer season is a way too hot which makes the tour unbearable.

Opening and Closing Times

The Haveli is closed after the dark hours i.e. from 9 am to 5 pm daily. Regarding the entree fee, Indian visitors need to pay 20 Rs and foreign visitors 100 Rs

How to reach

As Patwon ki Haveli is situated right to the center of the Jaisalmer, one can easily travel via public or private transport. To reach Jaisalmer, Jodhpur airport is the nearest airport where you must take a cab or public transport to reach the city. Jaisalmer lies approximately a 300 km distance from the Jodhpur airport. If you wish to travel by train, there are numerous trains from Delhi, Jodhpur, and Jaipur to reach the place.