SIGHTSEEING

Manak Chowk and Havelies :
Outside the fort is the main market place called Manak Chowk the center of local activity. From Manak Chowk one can walk into the lanes where the famous carved havelis are to be found each haveli’s façade differs from other.

Tazia Tower :
The delicate pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace). Rising in its five-tiered splendor, with each storey graced by a delicately carved balcony, the tower is of historical significance. Muslim craftsmen built it in the shape of a Tazia and gifted it to their royal patron.

Nathmalji-ki-Heveli :
Two architect brothers built it in the 19th century. Interestingly, while one concentrated on the right, the other concentrated on the left and the result is a symphony epitomizing the side by side symmetry during construction. Paintings in miniature style monopolize the walls in the interior. Mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone stand guard to the havelis.

Patwon-ki-Haveli :
This is one of the largest and most elaborate Haveli in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. It is five storeys high and is extensively carved. It is divided into six apartments, two owned by archaeological Survey of India, two by families who operate craft-shops and two private homes. There are remnants of paintings on some of the inside walls as well as some mirror work.

Gyan Bhandar or Library :
Established as a part of Jain temples the library contains some of the oldest manuscripts found in India.

Salim Singh-ki-Haveli :
This Haveli was built about 300 years ago and a part of it is still occupied. Salim Singh was the prime minister when Jaisalmer was the capital of the princely state and his mansion has a beautifully arched roof with superb carved brackets in the form of Peacocks. The mansion is just below the hill and it is said that once it had two additional wooden storeys in an attempt to make it as high as the maharaja's palace, but the maharaja had the upper storey torn down. This five-story, extraordinary mansion commands the skyline of the walled city. The Haveli begins with a narrow dimension at the base, and then suddenly spreads outward with a projecting balcony on its top story. The blue cupolas on its arched roof distinguish it.