Because it was cold and my pants needed to be washed.
Of Havelis and Maharajas
While exploring the city, my friend and I went to Gadsisar Sagar Lake. There were a few structures in a ruinous state.
The lake area was serene and ideal for walking around in. I can't quite remember the stories that our driver/guide was saying, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the place.
It was a peaceful afternoon with little to no other tourists in the lake area.
Salim Singh Haveli
Haveli is the term used for private homes in Pakistan and India. Havelis are usually homes that have a cultural and historical significance in the city. I managed to see two beautifully built havelis in Jaisalmer.
The Salim Singh Haveli was constructed on the remains of an older haveli that was constructed in the 17th century, the new structure was built in the 18th century. The haveli was occupied by the influential Mehta family of Jaisalmer. The former prime minister Salim Singh commissioned the haveli.
This haveli has a distinct and beautiful architecture. The roof has a peacock-like design giving it an air of elegance and splendor.
Patwon-ki Haveli
The Patwon Ki Haveli is by far the best looking haveli I've seen in Rajasthan. The Patwon Ki Haveli is not only the most distinct haveli in the city, but it is also the most important.
You got to love the architecture here. Simply beautiful.
The Patwon Ki Haveli is the first haveli constructed in Jaisalmer and is not actually a single haveli, but a group of 5 small havelis.
The first house was built in 1805 by a rich merchant named Guman Chand Patwa. The merchant had 5 separate havelis constructed for each of his 5 sons.
I couldn't stop staring at how detailed and intricate the balconies were. The compound was simply a work of art.
Patwon Ki Haveli provides the best overlooking view of the city, at least that's my opinion. You can see the golden hue of the structures as you look out one of the windows or balconies of Patwon Ki Haveli.
