The Golden City of Jaisalmer burst forth front and center out of the Thar Desert itself, and its beauty is a testament to the skill of its makers. When Udaipur boasts pristine whites, and Jodhpur boasts its blue hues, Jaisalmer stands out with its yellow sandstone, which turns golden yellow with the onset of sunset hours. Jaisalmer’s rich history is embedded in its havelis, multi-storied residential units that were once owned by its wealthy traders.

In Jaisalmer, a haveli is more than a dwelling; it’s a stone symphony. Some of these architectural murals of the 12^th to 19^th centuries have been restored as living museums/heritage boutique hotels, an opportunity to live behind the walls of the “only living fort in India.”

Jaisalmer’s havelis have special dry masonry architecture. This is a result of skilled artisans who have not used a single pinch of mortar and cement in their craft and have instead carved beautifully colored yellow sandstone that lock into place. The rich Patwas and Sahukars who built these homes were always competing when it came to aesthetics. This led to the development of the jharokhas that were a status symbol. These balconies acted as ancient air conditioners that allowed the desert breeze into the house while the heavily carved stone lattice kept the bright rays of the desert sun at bay.

Top Havelis to Stay in Jaisalmer:

Nachana Haveli – The ancestral palace of the royal family of Nachana is located just after the fort. It is one of the most authentic hotels in the city, with almost 300 years of history. The vaulted ceilings, extensive gardens, and the famed Saffron restaurant. This is still a private residence, so you get to meet the members of the next generation from the ruling class.

Killa Bhawan – Killa Bhawan has three intricately carved havelis right into the fortification of the fort. It is probably the most romantic place to stay in Jaisalmer. Colorful Rajasthani silk fabrics against bare stone walls, with some of the finest sunsets in India.

Hotel Garh Jaisal Haveli – The Haveli near the Jain temples is famous for its “old-world” ambience. Every room is individually designed with stone-carved beds and ancient alcoves. Its rooftop café is a great spot for photographers who would love to capture the golden hue of the city at sunrise.

Luxury Stays in Jaisalmer:

Suryagarh Jaisalmer was built in the last few years, an engineering wonder akin to a giant, ancient haveli fortress. Located on the outskirts of the city, brings “desert luxury” to its best.

Mandir Palace is a breathtaking example of architecture in the latter part of the 19^th century, with the Cloud Palace tower in its Badal Mahal form.

Fort Rajwada is an extremely huge property with massive traditional sandstone carving work. This has a resort-like atmosphere thanks to a big swimming pool and spa facility.

Budget Stays in Jaisalmer:

Hotel Tokyo Palace is a popular choice among backpackers and travellers. It’s beautiful sandstone buildings, a rooftop pool and a lively ambience.

Hotel Helsinki House is a boutique hotel located in the vicinity of the Gadisar Lake and features nice rooms with a theme related to this region’s heritage, as well as a noise-free atmosphere.

Hotel Shahi Palace can be found in a nearby location with a famous rooftop restaurant that delivers a neck-cranking view of the palace fortress.

Tips to choose the best stay in Jaisalmer:

The Living Fort Dilemma – Jaisalmer Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that accommodates approximately 3,000 people. It faces a major challenge of conservation due to water seepage created by modern water pipes.

Check the Accessibility – Some of the havelis in the old city are inaccessible. It is important to ensure that the hotel provides a luggage pickup service from the main city gates.

Seasonality is Key – Jaisalmer is a desert town, which can be as hot as 45 degree in May and August. Many desert camps and boutique havelis are forced to shut down during these months.

Sandstone vs. Comfort – Some very old havelis may have had steep, uneven stairs and small bathrooms. For those who would like access to facilities, there are “heritage-style” modern hotels like The Gulaal or Sonaar Haveli.

Rooftop Orientation – The rooftop of Jaisalmer is the point of gravity. It is ideal to witness sunrise over the desert, perfect for watching the sunset over the fort.

Conclusion:

Havelis in Jaisalmer are either like the Patwon ki Haveli, meant for a museum setting or are like the quaint rooms available to stay at in the Vyasa Pada, but are all the pulsating life of this part of the Thar Desert. Jaisalmer is a gateway to the world for India’s entrance into civilization itself.