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Jaisalmer Fort

An apt description of the Jaisalmer fort, one of the finest in the country but one which looks rather incongruous given the desolation around it. Located bang in the middle of the Thar desert (literal meaning abode of the dead), it rises like a mirage from the sands, with its huge turrets pointing skywards. Built in 1156, Jaisalmer is the second oldest of Rajasthan’s major forts after Chittorgarh. Constructed by Raja Jaisal, who was searching for a new capital as the earlier one Lodurva was too vulnerable to invasions, he built the fort and the city surrounding it, thus fulfilling Lord Krishna's prophecy in the Mahabharata.

Patwon Ji Ki Haveli

This is one of the largest and most elaborate Haveli in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. It is five storeys high and is extensively carved. It is divided into six apartments, two owned by archaeological Survey of India, two by families who operate craft-shops and two private homes. There are remnants of paintings on some of the inside walls as well as some mirror work.The most elaborate and magnificient of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has exquisitely carved pillars and exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors and chambers. One of the apartments of this five story high

haveli is painted with beautiful murals. Patwon-Ki-Haveli is the largest and most elaborate haveli in Jaisalmer. This five-storeyed building extensively carved and is notable for its jharokhas (balconies)

Salim Singh Ki Haveli

Rajasthan Jaisalmer tours must definitely entail tours to Salim Singh Ki haveli that stands in mute testimony to the splendorous Jaisalmer past towards the eastern end of Jaisalmer city. This stately Jaisalmer haveli with its stunning blue cupola roof is resplendent with exquisite stone carvings, screen windows and exotic murals.The intricately chiseled brackets on the walls of Salim Singh ki haveli speak volumes about the love for detail and beauty among the artisans of those days The sheer lavishness of extensive corridors, massive rooms and hallways weaves a bewitching spell on you. Vibrant, graceful and

stylish murals on the walls of Salim Singh ki haveli add an extra opulent charm to this lovely medieval mansion that was named after Salim Singhji, who was the prime minister in the Jaisalmer royal court.Salim Singh ki Haveli served as residence to the members of the Mohta family for decades. Most of the ministers in the Jaisalmer royal court were descendants of the Mohta family. The haveli draws its name from Salim Singh, who was an important minister in the Jaisalmer royal court and a shrewd statesman who was later murdered for conspiring against the royal throne.

Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli

The havelis of Jaisalmer stand as proud reminders of the exalted Rajasthan past that glitters with tales of war, passion and love intrigues. The grandiose lifestyle of royal Rajasthan was not just limited to those who reigned but was imitated in proportions by the nobles, merchants and the rich.The Nathmalji Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan was constructed by two architect brothers for the then prime minister in the royal court. Two life size yellow sandstone elephants greet you at the very entrance of the Nathmalji Ki Haveli. The two architects worked independently on two different wings of this exquisite haveli.

The craftsmanship on both the wings are completely different though there is perfect symmetry in height. The architectural splendor of Nathmalji Ki Haveli lies in the fact that the places where the two wings meet seem to blend in effortlessly. The intricately carved Jharoka windows and balconies are examples of the illustrious craftsmanship of Muslim silavats who created poetry in stone at the wondrous Nathmalji Ki Haveli. In fact the stone-carved screen windows at the Nathmalji ki Haveli are famous for resembling magnified pieces of intricately carved jewelry.