Plan a Jaisalmer heritage tour covering Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli with timings, routes and practical tips
Visiting Jaisalmer Fort and the ancient havelis are some of the prime attractions of the town. The fort has residential buildings, temples, marketplaces, and alleys, while the Patwon Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ki Haveli and Salim Singh Ki Haveli offer the intricate stone work of the past of Jaisalmer. This guide includes information regarding timing, entry fees, paths, walking needs, and more.
Jaisalmer Fort: Quick Overview
The Jaisalmer Fort is the main point of attraction in the Old City and what makes it unique among other forts is that there are many people living inside the fort. It is recommended that you allocate at least 2 or 3 hours to wander around the lanes, watch towers, visit temples, bazaars, and old buildings.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Amar Sagar Pol, Jaisalmer |
| Built by | Rawal Jaisal |
| Construction | 1156 AD |
| Recommended time | 2–3 hours |
| Best time | Early morning or late afternoon |
| Area | Jaisalmer Old City |
| Suitable for | Families, couples, solo travellers and history enthusiasts |
Main Things to See Inside Jaisalmer Fort
- Raj Mahal and former royal residence areas
- Jain temples with detailed stone carvings
- Laxminath Temple
- Fort Palace Museum and Heritage Centre
- Narrow lanes with traditional houses
- Local handicraft shops
- Viewpoints overlooking the golden sandstone city
Jaisalmer Fort Sightseeing Route
The fort can be best experienced on foot because of the narrowness of the lanes inside it and the presence of many attractions nearby each other. One should start walking from any one of the entrances and move ahead towards the palace and Jain temples.
| Stop | Suggested time |
|---|---|
| Fort entrance and main lanes | 20–30 minutes |
| Raj Mahal area | 30–45 minutes |
| Jain Temples | 30–45 minutes |
| Laxminath Temple | 15–20 minutes |
| Fort viewpoints | 15–20 minutes |
| Shops and local lanes | 30–45 minutes |
Patwon Ki Haveli
Patwon Ki Haveli is considered to be one of the greatest heritage sites in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan and is in fact a cluster of five havelis. The intricately crafted carvings on its walls, balconies, chambers and other ornamentations, make it a perfect place to know more about the affluence and architecture of Jaisalmer in history. Spend 45 minutes to an hour at this site.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Patwa Haveli Road, Old City |
| Type | Group of five havelis |
| Recommended time | 45–60 minutes |
| Best for | Architecture and photography |
| Nearby attractions | Jaisalmer Fort, Nathmal Ki Haveli |
What to See at Patwon Ki Haveli
- Intricately carved sandstone façades
- Jharokhas and balconies
- Decorative doorways
- Historic rooms and courtyards
- Traditional furniture and artefacts
- Views of the surrounding Old City lanes
Nathmal Ki Haveli
The Nathmal Ki Haveli is located near the central area of Jaisalmer. It is famous for its carvings in sandstone. The construction of this haveli was commissioned by Maharawal Berisal. The structure of this haveli was constructed by two brothers named Hathi and Lulu.
- Located in the main Jaisalmer market area
- Allow around 30–45 minutes
- See the carved exterior and balconies
- Look for decorative motifs and stonework
- Combine the visit with Jaisalmer Fort and nearby markets
Salim Singh Ki Haveli
The unique feature of Salim Singh Ki Haveli lies in its upper architecture and curved balconies. It is situated near the Jaisalmer Fort, thereby making it convenient to visit along with other Old Town sites without the need of any long journey.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Jaisalmer Fort |
| Recommended time | 20–30 minutes |
| Main attraction | Exterior architecture |
| Best combined with | Jaisalmer Fort and Patwon Ki Haveli |
Jaisalmer Fort and Haveli Sightseeing Timings
The duration of sightseeing varies depending upon the attraction, the time of year, and tickets. It is recommended that you check the timings of your attraction on the day you visit.
| Attraction | Recommended visiting period |
|---|---|
| Jaisalmer Fort | Morning or late afternoon |
| Patwon Ki Haveli | Daytime |
| Nathmal Ki Haveli | Daytime |
| Salim Singh Ki Haveli | Daytime |
| Old City markets | Morning to evening |
Jaisalmer Fort and Haveli Entry Fees
The entry fees vary according to different attractions within the fort and for private or managed havelis. There are some sections in Jaisalmer Fort which are open to the public like public roads or residential complexes.
| Attraction | Entry information |
|---|---|
| Jaisalmer Fort lanes | No general fort-entry ticket for walking through public areas |
| Jain Temples | Separate rules and charges may apply |
| Fort Palace Museum | Paid entry |
| Patwon Ki Haveli | Paid entry |
| Nathmal Ki Haveli | Check current access locally |
| Salim Singh Ki Haveli | Check current entry arrangement |
Tip: Carry some cash because smaller heritage attractions and local shops may not always have the same digital payment options.
Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer Fort and Havelis
October to March is the most ideal time for sightseeing in Jaisalmer. The weather during winter mornings and evenings is quite chilly, whereas summer months from April to June have extremely hot weather conditions which make walking around the city quite tough.
| Period | Conditions | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| October–November | Pleasant and increasingly cooler | Good |
| December–January | Cool mornings and evenings | Excellent |
| February–March | Comfortable sightseeing | Excellent |
| April–June | Very hot afternoons | Avoid midday |
| July–September | Hot with some monsoon influence | Possible |
How Much Walking Is Required?
The walk around the Jaisalmer fort and the havelis will entail some walking through narrow lanes and stone paved walkways. The walking involved in a day trip may add up to roughly 3 to 5 kilometers.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Carry drinking water
- Take breaks between attractions
- Avoid long walks during hot afternoons
- Keep extra time for elderly travellers
- Use local transport between attractions outside the Old City
One-Day Jaisalmer Fort and Haveli Itinerary
One can spend a whole day seeing both the main fort and the three most famous havelis. It is advisable to begin your day at the fort, take lunch in between, then see the havelis in the afternoon and end up enjoying yourself in the Old City.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast |
| 8:30 AM | Enter Jaisalmer Fort |
| 8:30–11:00 AM | Fort lanes, palace and Jain temples |
| 11:15 AM | Nathmal Ki Haveli |
| 12:00 PM | Local market |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 2:30 PM | Patwon Ki Haveli |
| 3:30 PM | Salim Singh Ki Haveli |
| 4:15 PM | Old City walk and shopping |
| 5:30 PM | Return to hotel or continue to a sunset viewpoint |
Two-Day Jaisalmer Fort and Haveli Plan
However, if you get two days to stay here, do not pack all the places in one walking trip. Instead, devote one day to the fort and havelis, and the other day to Gadisar Lake, Bada Bagh and Sam Sand Dunes.
| Day | Attractions |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Jaisalmer Fort → Jain Temples → Nathmal Ki Haveli → Patwon Ki Haveli → Salim Singh Ki Haveli |
| Day 2 | Gadisar Lake → Bada Bagh → Sam Sand Dunes → Camel safari or desert activities |
How to Reach Jaisalmer Fort and Havelis
As all of the havelis are located in the vicinity of the Old City, therefore no transport will be required at each of the stops. The railway station as well as the airport is situated on the outskirts of the old fort, hence an auto-rickshaw or a cab will come in handy.
| Starting point | Approximate distance to Jaisalmer Fort |
|---|---|
| Jaisalmer Railway Station | Around 2–3 km |
| Jaisalmer Airport | Around 13–14 km |
| Patwon Ki Haveli | Around 1 km |
| Nathmal Ki Haveli | Around 1 km |
| Salim Singh Ki Haveli | Around 1 km |
What to Eat During the Sightseeing Trip
Old City, along with the markets, offers various local food choices that make it easier for you to include traditional food items in your sightseeing tour. You may enjoy heavy food for lunch while opting for light snacks if you wish to walk inside the fort further.
- Dal baati churma
- Gatte ki sabzi
- Ker sangri
- Pyaz kachori
- Mirchi bada
- Makhaniya lassi
- Ghevar
- Jaisalmer-style local sweets
Shopping Around Jaisalmer Fort
Handicrafts, textiles, leather goods, and decorations can be found in the streets surrounding Jaisalmer Fort and in the markets of Old City. Always compare prices at least at two or three different stores before buying any big item.
| Product | Common shopping area |
|---|---|
| Embroidery | Old City markets |
| Leather goods | Fort and local markets |
| Handicrafts | Fort lanes |
| Textiles | Sadar Bazaar |
| Rajasthani souvenirs | Fort area |
| Decorative sandstone items | Local handicraft shops |
Tips for Visiting Jaisalmer Fort and Havelis
It becomes easy to navigate through the sightseeing loop due to the narrow streets of the Old City, and uneven surfaces in many of the tourist places. It is advisable to start the visit early and have information on the entry requirements for each heritage site.
- Start the fort visit before the afternoon heat
- Wear shoes suitable for uneven stone surfaces
- Carry a reusable water bottle
- Keep cash for small purchases and entry counters
- Ask before photographing people or private homes
- Do not block narrow lanes while taking photographs
- Check current opening hours before visiting
- Allow additional time if travelling with elderly parents
Is Jaisalmer Fort and Haveli Sightseeing Suitable for Families?
Yes, for families to tour the fort and havelis in one day is quite comfortable. For children, they will love walking through the fort passages, whereas the elderly visitors need more time as there are some steps and steep paths within the fort.
| Traveller | Suggested approach |
|---|---|
| Families with children | Start early and include breaks |
| Elderly travellers | Reduce walking and skip optional lanes |
| Solo travellers | Walk between nearby Old City attractions |
| Photography enthusiasts | Allow extra time at each haveli |
| History enthusiasts | Consider a local guide |
Conclusion
These include Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ki Haveli, and Salim Singh Ki Haveli, which make up the major circuit of heritage sightseeing in Jaisalmer. It takes one whole day to cover them comfortably, while another day can be utilized to see Gadisar Lake, Bada Bagh, and Sam Sand Dunes.
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