Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli

Nathmal Ji Ki HaveliLocation: In the heart of Jaisalmer

How to Reach: Take a rickshaw or just walk the distance

Attraction: Architecture and miniature

Timings: Early morning till 5 P.M.

Description Of The Haveli:
This Nathmal Ji ki haveli was commissioned to serve as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. Maharawal Beri Sal commissioned the construction of this Haveli. The architects of this haveli were Hathi and Lulu who happened to be brothers. There is a very interesting story regarding its construction. It is said that the two brothers started building different facets of haveli simultaneously. In those days there were no such instruments, which could keep a track on continuity and thus when this building came up finally it had irregular shape.
Barring that, this haveli is still considered the best in Jaisalmer in terms of grandeur. There are other minute details worth appreciation. For example there are two Elephants made of yellow stone. These life-size replicas have been put in front of the main entrance so that it looks as if they are guarding the Haveli. Other than these, there are pictures engraved on pillars and walls. These consist of Horses, Cattle, and depiction of Flora among other things. But the most interesting aspect of this haveli is the drawing of modern amenities such as cars, fans etc. It is said and believed that the Architect brothers dint see these things ever in their life and engraved it with mere help of their descriptions given by people who had seen it.
Thus the architecture present in this haveli is quite different from the one popular in other parts of Jaisalmer. The workmanship of Jaisalmer havelis is an amalgam of both Rajput architecture as well as Islamic art that was imported via the traders' caravan through the desert.

Some More Pictures Of Salim Singh Ki Haveli

Outer View Of The Haveli

The Guarding Elephant At The Entrance

Decorative Piece In The Haveli

Pictures Of Salim Singh Ki Haveli

The Other Side Of The Haveli With A Bunch Of Ruins

Remnants Of Grander Days Are On A Display In One Of The Rooms

Salim Singh Ji Ki Haveli

Location: In the heart of Jaisalmer near Railway station
How to reach: Take a rickshaw ride to avoid traffic jam
Attraction: Architecture, chiefly balconies
Timings: Early morning till 5 P.M.

Description Of The Haveli
Salim Singh ki haveli has been built on the remains of an older haveli built in the late 17th century. The new building was built in the year 1815 and was occupied by the Mehta family of Jaisalmer. They were the most influential family of their time. This haveli was commissioned by Salim Singh, the then Prime Minister of the kingdom when Jaisalmer was the capital.
The haveli has a distinct architecture. The roof has been constructed in the form of Peacock. The haveli is situated beside the hills near the Jaisalmer Fort. People claim that Salim Singh made two additional floors in order to make it as high as the fort but the Maharaja did not take this attempt in good spirit. He ordered the extra floors to be torn down. Nevertheless we do not find enough evidence to corroborate the story.
Like other havelis in Jaisalmer, this too has tuskers guarding the gateways. These are made of sand stones and look very close to the original in appearance. The haveli consists of as many as 38 balconies and they all have distinct designs for themselves. The front facet of the haveli resembles ship stern and thus this haveli is also sometimes referred as Jahazmahal.

Cuisines At Jaisalmer

The colourful land of Rajasthan also offers lots when it comes to cuisines and traditional food. As a vivid traveller you must try out various traditional Rajasthani dishes and food that are easily available in this beautiful desert city as well. The city of Jaisalmer has a rich cultural heritage, which is very well reflected in its rich cuisine. The western part of India has a distinct food culture of its own, which is so very different from the North Indian cuisines.
The murgh-e-subz succulent, boneless strips of chicken stir-fried with shredded vegetables, is one not to miss. Alternatively, you can try the ker sangri (desert beans and capers), which is unique to a region that is traditionally vegetarian in its outlook. If you have a hearty appetite, the tandoor thali tops: two chicken preparations (including the ubiquitous but delicious tikka), vegetable kebab, mint sauce, and naan. Sensitive stomachs can opt for the kadi pakora, flour dumplings cooked in yogurt sauce, or bhanon aloo, potatoes stuffed with mint paste and simmered in gravy. All of it washed down with the coldest beers and beverages available in the state.
Where to Eat in Jaisalmer:
'Trio' is one of the most famous restaurants serving authentic Rajasthani cusienes. This unassuming eatery, with its open walls and thin cotton flaps providing a welcome through-breeze (not to mention views of the town and the maharaja's palace) is Jaisalmer top restaurant and one of the best in Rajasthan. Witness the traditional Rajasthani reception. It's not just that the food is delicious, but the chef brings a few interesting variations to signature Rajasthani dishes- a welcome relief to someone who has exhausted the almost standardized North Indian menu. 'Chokhi Dhani' is another famous restaurant, which can be trusted. Though it is not as good as 'Trio' but you will get a long list of cuisines to select from, under one roof. Besides, all major High-end Hotels have their own inhouse Restaurants.
As far as fast food joints are concerned, Jaisalmer has lots of them. Famous Indian fast-food chain such as Nirula's has already made its presence felt in the city. Other major fast foods joints such as Pizza Hut, Pizza Corner and Mc. Donald's etc have also opened their outlets in the city.

Entertainment In Jaisalmer

Kalbeliya Dance

Ghoomar Dance

Puppet Show

Entertainment In Jaisalmer

Gair Dance

Puppetry Show

Jaisalmer has a lot of options for entertainment. Because of its rich composite culture it boasts of various songs and dances. If you are not a culture vulture then you can opt for modern centers of entertainment such as Cinema theatre and discotheques.
Music:

Rajasthani folk music has a long history. It is very soothing and earthy. Traditionally rulers had bards in their courts that sang tales of the heroic deeds of kings. Though the tradition is long dead nevertheless these ballads called "Rasos" can be heard even today. The legend of King Prithviraj Chauhan and his bard Chand Bardai who composed the Prithviraj Raso, a ballad, which details the brave deeds of Prithviiraj though exaggerated at times, is well known.
Dance:

Rajasthani folk dances are an eye-catching sight. People of Rajasthan must be given the credit to save their heritage for this long. Lissome women wearing colorful clothes decorated with mirrors and embroidery, balancing a column of brass pots on their heads, sway in time to the music of a traditional melody. During your stay, you will notice that, Rajasthan is a place where every thing is very earthy and close to the masses. That is why folk culture here is very flourishing. Some of the popular folk dances in Rajasthan, which are a great source of entertainment are Bhavai, Chari, Ghair, Ghoomar, Kacchi Ghodi where a dancer wears a costume resembling a horse, Kalbeliya, performed by the women of the snake charmer community and Teerahtali, where women perform with 13 cymbals tied to their limbs.
Puppetry:

Want to try something different, go for the Puppetry show one of the evenings. Puppetry is a traditional art form and source of entertainment in Rajasthan. Tales from the epics, folk tales and social commentary are conveyed through the medium of colorful puppets. The most famous among these is the depiction of Mahabharata, the grand epic.These little puppets are also popular souvenirs for tourists who visit Rajasthan on an Indian Holiday.
Cinema Theatres:

There are quite a few cinema theatres in Jaisalmer but none of them are up to the international standard. The acoustic are not up to the mark and projections, too are hazy. Stick to the inhouse facilities in the hotels.