Patwaon ki Haveli in Jaisalmer - Rajasthani architecture at it's best!

Patwaon ki haveli is a cluster of five havelis in a narrow lane of Jaisalmer. The havelis were built in the early 19th century (1805 to be precise) by a rich merchant Ghuman Chand Patwa for his five sons. Today they are considered to be the most beautiful collection of havelis in the city and a must-visit destination for tourists.

jaisalmer patwaon ki haveli photography
The first haveli (Shot on iPhone 7 Plus using ZEISS ExoLens Pro)

jaisalmer patwaon ki haveli photography
The entrance to the havelis (Shot on iPhone 7 Plus using ZEISS ExoLens Pro)

The first time I saw this haveli was at my alma mater, NID in Ahmedabad, where is occupied one full wall near the foyer area. That simple yet beautiful black and white picture captivated my imagination, and when finally saw it years later I was not disappointed even one bit.

Over the years I have been to Jaisalmer thrice and made sure I visited these every single time. Clearly I can't quite get over them at all 🙂

Here's a travel video on these iconic havelis!



More about the havelis

The havelis are also sometimes referred to as 'mansions of brocade merchants' as the owners traded primarily in gold and silver for embroidery.

Unfortunately, the family spent very little time in these grand mansions and left it with the caretakers, who slowly became the owners. The first and the most beautiful haveli was later sold by the caretaker to Mr Kothari and today it's known as Kothari's Patwa Haveli. This haveli is also a protected structure and can be visited by paying a small fee.

jaisalmer patwaon ki haveli photography
Close up of a handle (Shot on iPhone 7 Plus using ZEISS ExoLens Pro)

Architecture of Patwaon ki havelis

There are many stories about why they look the way they look. According to a popular tale the architects of the haveli were two brothers who worked on it without consulting each other. It was only when they met midway that they realised that there was something odd about the buildings. This was certainly unusual those days as symmetry was an integral part of the building design.

The havelis are also a mix of Rajputna and Islamic styles. Jaisalmer was part of the traditional silk route, and ideas and cultures from the west (mainly Islamic countries) had huge influence on design and architecture.

jaisalmer patwaon ki haveli photography
Early morning rush (Shot on iPhone 7 Plus using ZEISS ExoLens Pro)

jaisalmer patwaon ki haveli photography
Catching the birds in flight  (Shot on iPhone 7 Plus using ZEISS ExoLens Pro)

Made in red sandstone, the havelis have a grand entrance with two large carved elephants on both sides. It's five story high and the lattice work is to be seen to be believed. The intricacy of design is simply unmatched.


Practical details

Timing: 9am to 5pm
Entry fee:
Indians - adult: ₹20, child: ₹5
Foreigners - adult: ₹200, child: ₹25

Reaching Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is the largest city in India before the border with Pakistan. It's well connected by roads as well as railway. There is an airport as well though unfortunately it's not yet functional. The closest airport is Jodhpur which is about five hours away.

Stay in Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer spoils you for choices and there is something for every budget in the city, and I really do mean it. If you are looking for budget accommodation, look for guest houses within the fort itself - you will be able to find rooms for as low as ₹200/ night also.

However, the best place to stay is actually a little bit away from the city and it's none other than Suryagarh. I have stayed with them twice and they are simply outstanding.

Read more: Suryagarh - Experience of a lifetime...

ExoLens Pro by ZEISS

I love the convenience of using a mobile phone for travel photography and my device of choice is an iPhone 7 Plus. But this time I had something else also in my arsenal - ExoLens® PRO by ZEISS. These are a set of add-on lenses which can be easily mounted on the phone as and when there is a need to take wider shots. I used two lenses - the wide lens and the macro lens.

jaisalmer patwaon ki haveli photography
My favourite at the haveli (Shot on iPhone 7 Plus using ZEISS ExoLens Pro)
jaisalmer patwaon ki haveli photography
A chai shop (Shot on iPhone 7 Plus using ZEISS ExoLens Pro)

I loved using the wide lens and it managed to cover even more ground than my camera lens. Each picture came out clear and sharp without any drop in the quality, I think it was a perfect companion to the powerhouse camera of the iPhone.

Intrigued? For more details check out: ExoLens Pro by ZEISS.

A more detailed review of the lens set will follow, so stay tuned for more details :)

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Disclaimer: The ExoLens Pro used for taking the pictures were provided by ZEISS. Needless to mention all views are unbiased and based on my own personal experiences with the product.

Comments

  1. I cant believe all these beautiful pictures were shot with Iphone and add on lens! Architecture is stunning and posts like this always put India higher and higher on my travel bucket list.

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    1. Both the iPhone as well as the add-on lens are great, and are actually a perfect partners for wide shots like these :)

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  2. Wow there is such incredible detail here! It's hard to believe you shot these photos on your iPhone 7!! It makes me want one as I've been told the camera is incredible. Maybe someday...

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    1. iPhone 7 Plus certainly has an amazing camera and I am surprised by it's versatility as well all the time :)

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  3. Hello sid..I have seen all of ur pics...its really incredible to do this type of photography very minutely...my question to u is that have u did some kind of photography course to be excel in this field... Cz I m also too much interested in this kind of photography...and looking forward for a space to excel...I wish u vl ans.my question

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    1. Hey Shruti, thank you so much for the kind words. I haven't done any course on photography, and I feel it's not necessary as well, especially with all the great information available on the internet.

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    2. Sir...can I know from how many years you are engaged with this work..seeing ur photography I think you must b having a lot of experience...does it really needs an experience to start ur own blog..??

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    3. How many years doing photography? Well I have been taking pics as a kid with my dad's camera...so in a always. More seriously though for the last 3-4 years...it's not my full time profession, so I do it based on my heart's calling :)

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  4. I have been toying with the idea of buying a set of mibile lens for my Galaxy 7 letely. I think after looking at your pictures a set of the Zeiss lens are coming up

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    1. Absolutely! Zeiss lens would be your perfect partner :)

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  5. This looks like a fascinating area to explore! I love the 'early morning rush' shot, it's great to get a bigger perspective of what's going on in the streets :)

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    1. Thanks Claire! The place is truly fascinating :)

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  6. Lovely captures of the gorgeous architecture.

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  7. Stunning pictures. You managed to get crowd-free pictures. Or is the area usually that deserted? Ever since we did the Haveli tour in Bikaner, I'm keen on more haveli hunting. May go in the winter.

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    1. It's usually more crowded for sure. However I went there in May end (no one goes there then :)) and also early in the morning...hence it seems so empty :)

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  8. such a beautiful picture u share in this blog.Nice place. Thanks for sharing it.

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  9. ARE YOU SURE THAT STORY OF 2 BROTHERS BELONG TO PATWON KI HAVELI ??

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    1. I can't be sure - it's just a story I heard there :)

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