Kothari’s Patwon Ki Haveli displays architecture, interiors and artefacts depicting the heritage of Jaisalmer’s merchants. Built in the first half of the 19th century, Patwa Haveli is a cluster of five havelis (mansions) in the heart of Jaisalmer. These havelis were built by one of the city’s prosperous merchants, Guman Singh Patwa. The grandly constructed residences fell into disrepair as Guman Singh’s wealth dwindled, till they were taken over by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1974 and restored to their present condition. The main haveli known as Kothari’s Patwa Haveli has been turned into a museum famous for its architecture, interiors, and artefacts depicting the lifestyle and heritage of Jaisalmer’s merchants.
History of Patwon Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer
Patwon Ki Haveli was built in the early 1800s by Guman Chand Patwa, who was an affluent merchant from Jaisalmer. Their family is said to be one of the famous dealers of gold and silver embroidery threads. They were thus recognised as the Brocade Merchants, and the haveli was also called the Mansion of Brocade Merchants. Rumour has it that the family was also involved in smuggling opium illegally at that time. Guman Chand Patwa wanted to build a haveli in Jaisalmer and commissioned its construction in 1805. As time progressed and as he made more profits in trading, he decided to create five separate havelis for his sons in the same complex. Patwon Ki Haveli took about 60 years to be constructed entirely and became the largest mansion in Jaisalmer.
Architecture of Patwon and Haveli
Patwon Ki Haveli is a 5-storey Rajputana mansion with traditional Jaisalmer architecture. It is made of yellow sandstone and has intricate detailing. Each floor forms a different haveli; the mansion on the ground floor (the first haveli) being the largest of them all. The entire complex of havelis is beautifully decorated with a variety of patterns carved into the sandstone. The gateways and arches, in particular, are massive and intricately decorated. The interiors are just as fascinating with high ceilings, pillars, door frames, mirror work and paintings. There are 60 traditional Jharokhas and windows in the mansion, and each has ornately carved stone frames and latticework that brightens the place with natural light and aids cross ventilation.
Facts and tips about Patwon ki Haveli
- There are as many as 60 balconies in the complex each of which gives a panoramic view of the haveli. These windows, called jharokhas, are uniquely built in a mixed Indo-Persian style offering a great sight to frame.
- There is a privately-owned museum called Kothari’s Patwa Haveli Museum which is the best way to explore the history of the haveli. The museum by Archaeological Survey of India Haveli doesn’t have a lot on display.
- The rooms and narrow staircases tend to get crowded easily so it is recommended that you visit during morning hours to avoid crowds.
Historical Places Around Patwon ki Haveli
After exploring Patwon Ki Haveli, tourists may explore some more works of traditional architecture located in the vicinity. Some of them are the Jaisalmer Fort, Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, Folklore Museum, Tazia Tower, Government Museum etc. These attractions are located very close to Patwon Ki Haveli. The Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli and the Salim Singh Ki Haveli are barely 3 to 7 minutes walkable distance, while the Tazia Tower, the Jaisalmer Fort and the Folklore Museum are barely a kilometre away. Tourists can hop on public transport if they do not wish to walk a long distance and still manage to cover as many attractions as possible in Jaisalmer.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Patwon Ki Haveli in 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, Jaisalmer
Patwon Ki Haveli is located in the heart of the old city of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. It is one of the most visited heritage sites and is easily accessible from all major points in the city.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Jaisalmer Airport, which is around 12 km from the city center. The airport has limited flights, mainly from Jaipur, Delhi, and Jodhpur. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or cab to reach the old city area, which takes about 20–25 minutes. Since the lanes near the haveli are narrow, vehicles will drop you at a nearby point, and you’ll need to walk a short distance or take a cycle rickshaw to reach the haveli.
By Train:
The Jaisalmer Railway Station is approximately 2 km from Patwon Ki Haveli. Trains from Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Delhi connect to Jaisalmer. From the station, you can easily hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach the Patwa Complex. The ride takes 10–15 minutes.
By Road:
Jaisalmer is well-connected by road with cities like Jodhpur (285 km), Bikaner (330 km), and Jaipur (560 km). You can arrive by bus, car, or taxi. Once in the city, it’s best to explore the old town on foot or in a rickshaw, as four-wheelers are not permitted in the narrow historic lanes near the haveli.
Local Transport:
If you’re staying near the Jaisalmer Fort or main market, Patwon Ki Haveli is just a 10–15 minute walk away. Local guided tours often include the haveli as part of their route.
