The havelis in Jaisalmer are the 18th and the 19th centuries yellow sandstone mansions that were built by the wealthy merchants. These ancient buildings of Jaisalmer remain unmatched as far as their exquisitely carved sandstone facades; jali screens and oriel windows are concerned. They are the glaring examples of elegant medieval architecture in India created by silavats, a particular community of masons. These are also the witness to the evolution of a different section of society but the most important one, that is, the middle class. These merchants or Marwari merchants distinctly belonged to the middle class or the bourgeoisie.

The Havelis of Jaisalmer comprise of:-
Patwon ki Haveli: This is the largest and the most magnificent of all the mansions here. Patwon ki Haveli was built in 1805 by a Jain merchant, Guman Chand Patwa. It is said that the merchant prospered by trading in jewels and fine brocade. This is the reason why the haveli was named thus. The name literally means `Mansion of the Brocade Merchant.` The mansion has 60-latticed balconies. They are so intricately carved it seems that they are made out of wood instead of stone. These havelis in Jaisalmer are the finest examples of Rajasthani craftsmanship. In this 5 storey building one of the storey is painted with beautiful murals in bold red and gold. The sheer magnanimity of its size, shape and style puts it ahead of all other havelis here.

Salim Singh ki Haveli: Another landmark in Jaisalmer is the haveli of Salim Singh. In 1815, it was built by the Prime Minister, Salim Singh. It is nestled at the foot of the hill. It has a beautiful arched roof, with rows of blue peacocks below the arched balconies. This mansion has been built in yellow sandstone and is carved elaborately with popular Rajasthani motifs. It is said that the all-powerful Salim Singh, once had two additional storeys to make it as high as the Maharawal palace, but the Maharawal finally managed to have the upper storeys deconstructed.

Nathmal ki Haveli: This too was built for the Prime Minister. In the later half of the 19th century this was built and reflects the sheer craftsmanship of the by-gone eras. The left and right wings of the mansion, which were carved by two brothers, Hathu and Lallu, are not only identical but very similar and harmonious in design. It has a decorative façade with two yellow sandstone elephants guarding it at the main entrance. The interior walls are ornately designed with fabulous miniature paintings - flowers, birds, soldiers, elephants, bicycle as well as a steam engine.