🇮🇳 Shekhawati, Rajasthan – Destination Guide
“The Open-Air Art Gallery of Rajasthan”

Overview:
Shekhawati, a semi-arid historical region in northeast Rajasthan, is famed for its ornately frescoed havelis, painted cenotaphs, and decaying yet charming mansions. Once a prosperous trading zone on the Silk Route, today Shekhawati is a cultural treasure trove that feels like stepping into a forgotten era of opulence and artistry.

Ideal for heritage lovers, photographers, architecture buffs, and slow travelers seeking offbeat India.

🗺️ Key Towns in Shekhawati Region

• Mandawa – The most popular town, dotted with painted havelis and boutique heritage hotels

• Nawalgarh – Known for well-preserved frescoes and open-air museum vibes

• Fatehpur – Rich in artistry and beautifully restored havelis

• Jhunjhunu – Administrative center, houses grand mansions and the Rani Sati Temple

• Dundlod, Ramgarh, Mahansar – Lesser-known gems with authentic rural charm

🖼️ Top Attractions & Things to Do

🏛️ Frescoed Havelis

Marvel at walls that speak — vibrant murals painted by Marwari merchants between the 18th–20th centuries depicting gods, colonial figures, trains, flora, animals, and folklore.

• Mandawa Haveli, Goenka Haveli (Mandawa)

• Poddar Haveli Museum (Nawalgarh)

• Nadia & Jagannath Singhania Havelis (Fatehpur)

• Dundlod Fort & Jagathia Haveli (Dundlod)

🏯 Fortified Mansions & Forts

Many have been converted into boutique heritage stays, offering a peek into royal Shekhawati life.

• Dundlod Fort Heritage Hotel

• Castle Mandawa – Luxury heritage hotel with fresco walks and cultural evenings

🛕 Temples & Cenotaphs

• Rani Sati Temple (Jhunjhunu) – A revered pilgrimage site for Hindus

• Ram Gopal Poddar Chhatri (Ramgarh) – Dome-shaped cenotaphs with intricate carvings

🎨 Art Walks & Local Life

Take a guided fresco walk through Mandawa or Nawalgarh and interact with local artisans, bangle makers, and turban weavers.

📍 How to Reach Shekhawati

• 🚆 By Train: Jhunjhunu and Nawalgarh are connected to major Rajasthan and Delhi routes

• 🚌 By Road:

  • From Jaipur – 150–180 km (3.5–4 hrs)

  • From Delhi – ~250 km (5–6 hrs) via NH 48 and 11

• ✈️ Nearest Airports: Jaipur (180 km), Delhi (250 km)

🏨 Where to Stay

• 🏰 Heritage Hotels:

  • Castle Mandawa

  • Vivaana Culture Hotel (Churi Ajitgarh)

  • Roop Niwas Kothi (Nawalgarh)

  • Malji Ka Kamra (Churu)

• 🛏️ Mid-Range & Homestays:

  • Hotel Heritage Mandawa

  • Shekhawati Guest House, Nawalgarh

  • Local family-run havelis in Fatehpur and Dundlod

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

• October to March – Ideal for exploration; mild days & cool evenings

• Avoid peak summers (April–June) – Hot and dry, can touch 45°C

• Monsoon (July–September) – Frescoes look fresh but roads can be tricky

🍛 What to Eat

• Authentic Rajasthani cuisine:

  • Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Ker Sangri, Bajre ki Roti

• Local sweets: Ghevar, Moong Dal Halwa

• Many heritage stays offer home-cooked meals in royal thalis

📸 Top Experiences

• 🖌️ Fresco photography – Capture murals blending mythology, royalty, and colonial influences

• 🐪 Camel cart rides in rural villages

• 🎶 Folk music & puppet shows at heritage hotels

• 🧵 Textile and craft workshops in Nawalgarh

• 🌌 Stargazing under desert skies

🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

• Miniature fresco paintings & handmade paper art

• Rajasthani textiles, block-printed fabrics, and turbans

• Brass artefacts and vintage collectibles

• Mandawa and Nawalgarh have small local markets with charming finds

🧭 Suggested Itinerary (2–3 Days)

Day 1: Jaipur → Mandawa

• Check in to Castle Mandawa

• Explore Murmuria Haveli, Goenka Haveli

• Evening folk dance at hotel

Day 2: Mandawa → Nawalgarh → Dundlod

• Visit Poddar Haveli Museum

• Lunch at Roop Niwas Kothi

• Afternoon horse safari or heritage walk in Dundlod

• Return to Mandawa / Stay in Nawalgarh

Day 3: Optional detour to Fatehpur or Jhunjhunu → Return to Jaipur/Delhi

🧘 Ideal For

• Art & architecture lovers

• Offbeat travelers and heritage seekers

• Photographers and writers

• Couples on a cultural getaway

• Those exploring Rajasthan beyond the obvious