Popularly referred as "the open air-art-gallery," the semi-desert region of Shekhawati is famous for its 18th and 19th century painted havelis (mansions) and houses, magnificent forts, and beautifully painted temples, wells and cenotaphs. In fact, nowhere else in the world is there such a profusion of wall paintings, so intricate and finely executed, in hundreds of havelis, forts, temples, and cenotaphs, as in the Shekhawati. There are many beautiful towns in the Shekhawati region, known for their enchanting painted havelis, the major tourist attractions in the area. On tours to Shekhawati, you can visit the famous Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Jhunjhunu, Fatehpur, Dundlod, Churu, Mukandgarh and many more destinations like them. All the main towns of Shekhawati lie within 15 or 20 kilometers of each other, making it easier for visitors to explore all of them.
Things to See in Shekhawati
Havelis of Shekhawati Region: The exceptionally beautiful painted havelis are the major tourist attractions in the Shekhawati region. The havelis of Shekhawati are famous for their fresco paintings and exquisitely latticed and intricately carved windows. Most of the havelis feature mirror work and paintings decorated with gold or silver leaf. In fact, intricate wooden carvings and gold and silver paintings were regarded as the symbol of the owner's status and wealth.
Mandawa: Located in Jhunjhunu district, the 18th century town of Mandawa is famous for its enchanting havelis. A painted archway decorated with Lord Krishna and his cowherds leads to the bazaar. The terrace of castle Mandawa offers a panoramic view of the town. It also has a magnificent fort, now a hotel, with excellent paintings and a small museum. The most attractive havelis in Mandawa include Chokhani, Saraf, Goenka, Ladia and Gulab Rai havelis, all of them displaying some of the finest murals in Shekhawati on both the exterior and interior walls.
Dundlod: Located in the heart of the Shekhawati region, Dundlod is famous for its 18th century fort and havelis. The Fort's Diwan-e-Khana is furnished with stained glass windows and good paintings. The Jagathia and Goenka havelis with beautiful frescoes courtyards are the major tourist attractions in Dundlod.
Nawalgarh: Founded in 1737 by Thakur Nawal Singh, Nawalgarh is famous for some of the finest frescoes in the Shekhawati region. The town has a fort and a number of beautiful havelis including the Aath Haveli, Anaadilal Poddar Haveli, Jodhraj Patodia Haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat Haveli, and Chokhani Haveli.
Jhunjhunu: Jhunjhunu is a tranquil town in the Shekhawati, famous for its beautifully painted havelis. The 18th century Khetri Mahal, Bihariji Temple and Mertani Baori (step-well) with beautiful paintings are the major tourist attractions in Jhunjhunu. Among havelis the Modi Haveli has some of the best paintings in the Shekhawati area. The 19th century Tibrewala Haveli in the main bazaar has many murals on it and colored glass windows.
Churu: Churu is also famous for its excellent havelis. The Kanhaiya Lal Bagla Haveli (1870), the Kothari Haveli (1915) and the Surana Haveli with more then 1,100 doors and windows are major tourist attractions in Churu. Churu Fort is another not to be missed attraction here.
Fatehpur: Once ruled by the Muslim Nawabs, Fatehpur is a historic town in Shekhawati, famous for its beautiful frescoes. The frescoes on the Devra and Singhania havelis are an outstanding combination of Indian and Western styles. Goenka Haveli has excellent paintings on its walls, including several depicting Krishna's pastimes.
Other important towns, famous for their havelis and frescos in Shekhawati region include Sikar, Mukandgarh, Mahansar, Bissau, Ramgarh, Lakshmangarh, and Ratangarh.
Things to Do in Shekhawati
On tours to Shekhawati, you can enjoy a range of leisure activities like walking tours of havelis, Horse and Camel Safaris and shopping for imitations of art pieces from the havelis on cloth, decorative items or carved furniture such as chests, chairs, cradles, low tables, stools and wooden doors. The colorful Shekhawati Festival held every year in the month of February is another must see attraction in Shekhawati.
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