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Patwon Ki Haveli is another famous historical landmark in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India. It is a cluster of five havelis, making it the largest haveli complex in Jaisalmer. Patwon Ki Haveli is renowned for its intricate architecture, detailed carvings, and exquisite craftsmanship. The haveli complex was constructed in the 19th century by a wealthy trader named Guman Chand Patwa. Each haveli within the complex belonged to a different son of Patwa, hence the name "Patwon Ki Haveli" (meaning "the havelis of the Patwa family").

The havelis are built using golden-yellow sandstone, reflecting the characteristic architecture of Jaisalmer. The exteriors are adorned with intricate carvings, including delicate lattice work, floral patterns, and depictions of animals and humans. The fine craftsmanship and attention to detail are particularly impressive. Inside the havelis, you can explore various rooms, courtyards, and balconies. The interiors are decorated with beautiful frescoes, mirror work, and ornamental archways. Some rooms have been converted into museums and art galleries, showcasing artifacts and paintings that offer insights into the lifestyle of the affluent merchants of the past.

Patwon Ki Haveli is not only a testament to the architectural brilliance of the bygone era but also a valuable cultural heritage site. It attracts tourists from around the world who come to admire its beauty, learn about Jaisalmer's history, and appreciate the craftsmanship of the artisans. Visiting Patwon Ki Haveli is a fascinating experience, allowing you to step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Jaisalmer. The haveli complex is usually included in guided tours, and exploring its corridors and chambers provides a glimpse into the grandeur and opulence of the Patwa family's lifestyle.

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 ki 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.

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 Patwaon Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer?
Since Patwaon Ki Haveli is located in the heart of the city, it can be easily accessed by people via local transport. You can hire auto rickshaws or bicycle rickshaws to be there at your desired destination or simply book a cab from the list of top car rental companies in Jaisalmer. The choice is yours!

By Air: Jaisalmer Airport is the nearest airport to Jaisalmer. However, due to its limited connectivity with the other major airports in India, many people prefer flying to the Jodhpur Airport, which is about 300 km away.
By Train: Jaisalmer is well connected to the rest of the cities via the railway network. You can take a direct train to Jaisalmer Railway Station from Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, etc., to experience a hassle-free commute to Jaisalmer. From there, you’ll find numerous options to commute further within the city.
By Road: Jaisalmer is accessible by road through well-maintained national highways. You can reach Jaisalmer by bus or by hiring a taxi or self-driving. The city is connected to nearby cities like Jodhpur, Jaipur, Bikaner, and others via road.