Salim Singh Ki Haveli: The Architectural Ship of Thar
Standing near the foot of Jaisalmer Fort in the bustling Sadar Bazar area, Salim Singh Ki Haveli is a 300-year-old architectural icon famous for its unique peacock-shaped roof structure, 38 non-repeating carved balconies, and royal Bhati heritage.
Built in the late 18th century (1815 AD) on the remains of an older 17th-century ancestral mansion, this grand residence was commissioned by Salim Singh Mohta, the notorious and powerful Prime Minister (Diwan) of the princely state of Jaisalmer. Engineered with narrow ground floors that dramatically expand into a cantilevered upper story, the top floor resembles a floating ship or a dancing peacock with spread feathers. In this guide, we explore the history of Salim Singh, the mortar-free engineering, visitor timings, and local city taxi tours.
History & Power Struggle of Diwan Salim Singh
Salim Singh was one of the most feared and influential figures in Rajasthan's medieval history. As the Prime Minister under Maharawal Moolraj II, Salim Singh accumulated immense wealth by levying high tariffs on Silk Route caravans and controlling royal administration.
1. The Rivalry With Royal Fort Heights
Originally, Salim Singh designed his haveli to stand 9 storeys high, intending to make it taller than the Maharawal's royal palace inside Jaisalmer Fort. Seeing this as an open challenge to royal supremacy, the King ordered the top two wooden storeys to be demolished. Today, 7 storeys remain intact.
2. Connection With Kuldhara Ghost Village
Salim Singh is also infamously linked with the abandonment of Kuldhara Village. His extortionist tax demands and attempt to forcibly marry the village chief's daughter caused all 84 Paliwal Brahmin villages to flee overnight in 1825.
Architectural Highlights & Mortar-Free Engineering
1. The Peacock Roof (Moti Mahal / Jahaz Mahal)
The top floor features a breathtaking cantilevered structure extending outwards like a dancing peacock or an ancient sailing ship, earning it the names Moti Mahal and Jahaz Mahal.
2. 38 Distinct Carved Balconies (Jharokhas)
The haveli boasts 38 balconies, each supported by carved stone elephant brackets (Gaj-brackets). Every single balcony features distinct, non-repeating floral scrollwork and stone jali lattices.
3. Mortar-Free Iron Clamp Construction
No cement or mortar was used during construction. Massive yellow sandstone blocks were meticulously shaped and held together using interlocking grooves and heavy iron clamps.
4. Narrow Base to Sprawling Roof Design
The lower stories are narrow and fortified for defense, while the upper stories expand gracefully outwards, creating a unique top-heavy architectural profile.
Salim Singh Ki Haveli Timings & Entry Fees (2026)
| Category / Service | Timings | Indian Citizens | Foreign Tourists |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Visiting Hours | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Daily | ₹50 | ₹100 |
| Camera / Mobile Photography Fee | During Visiting Hours | ₹50 | ₹100 |
| Video Camera Permit | During Visiting Hours | ₹100 | ₹200 |
Jaisalmer City Sightseeing Taxi Package Fares
Explore Salim Singh Ki Haveli alongside Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Nathmal Ki Haveli, and Gadisar Lake in a comfortable private AC cab:
| Tour Package | Sedan (Dzire/Etios) | SUV (Ertiga) | Innova Crysta | Tempo Traveller |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Day City Sightseeing (8 Hours / 80 km) | ₹1,800 | ₹2,500 | ₹3,200 | ₹5,000 |
| City Heritage Tour + Sam Dunes Evening Drop | ₹2,800 | ₹3,800 | ₹4,800 | ₹7,000 |
| Railway Station / Airport to City Hotel Drop | ₹800 | ₹1,200 | ₹1,600 | ₹2,800 |
* All fares include AC, fuel, toll tax, driver allowance, and site waiting time. Zero hidden charges.
Route & Travel Distance Matrix
| Route Segment | Distance | Cab Driving Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salim Singh Haveli to Jaisalmer Fort Gate | 300 meters | 2 mins drive | Sonar Qila main entrance |
| Salim Singh Haveli to Patwon Ki Haveli | 600 meters | 5 mins walk | Heritage haveli walkthrough |
| Salim Singh Haveli to Gadisar Lake | 1.2 km | 5 mins drive | Sunset boating & laser show |
| Salim Singh Haveli to Sam Sand Dunes | 42 km | 45 mins drive | Desert safari continuation |
Practical Travel Tips for Salim Singh Ki Haveli
Best Photography Hours
9:00 AM to 11:30 AM or 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM for soft lighting on the peacock roof and carved balconies.
Steep Sandstone Stairs
Stairs leading to upper balconies are narrow and steep. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Best Angle Viewpoint
Capture the full cantilevered peacock roof silhouette from the narrow street opposite the main entrance.
Combine City Walk
Walk from Salim Singh Ki Haveli to Jaisalmer Fort and Patwon Ki Haveli through traditional bazaar lanes.
Why Book Sightseeing Cabs With Jaisalmer Cab?
- Doorstep Old City Drops: Native drivers drop you near the main haveli lanes for minimal walking hassle.
- Native Storyteller Drivers: Courteous drivers who share authentic historical legends beyond tourist guidebooks.
- Transparent All-Inclusive Rates: Fuel, parking fees, toll taxes, and driver allowances are 100% included with zero hidden charges.
- Clean Sanitized Fleet: Air-conditioned Dzire, Etios, Ertiga, Innova Crysta, and 12-to-17 seater Tempo Travellers.