General Information :
Area : 9.64 sq. kms.
Clothing: Summer : Light Tropicals Winter : Woolens
Season: Winter : Oct. - March Summer : April - June
Language: Rajasthani, Hindi & English

The semi-desert region of Shekhawati has a fascinating character. The open air art gallery, as it is popularly called, is famous for its plethora of painted havelis, all commendable pieces of the rich artistic traditional of this region. `Shekhawati'-the land of the Shekha clan, derives its name from Rao Shekha (1433 AD. -1488 AD.), a scion of the Kachhwaha family of Jaipur. Earlier a part of the former Jaipur State, it now comprises of the districts of Jhunjhunu and Sikar. Initially the region had a blank monochromatic look but with subsequent historical and social development it has blossomed into a colorful profusion of art and life for almost two centuries from 1750 AD. to 1930 AD.

Shekhawati's magnificent havelis of mansions, built by rich merchants of the region, desplay a unique architectural style that evolved around the courtyards to ensure safety and privacy of the women folk and protection from the heat of the long and harsh summers. The havelis, painted predominantly in the blue, maroon, yellows, green and indigo have beautiful wall paintings that adorn their walls.

The earlier wall paintings (1830 AD. - 1900 AD.) were largely based on mythological themes, depicting local legends, animals, portraits, hunting and wrestling scenes and a glimpse of everyday life. The turn of the 19th century saw the appearance of new motifs, an outcome of the Raj's influence upon the Indian culture. Now cars, replaced elephants and traditional Indian miniatures mingled with naturalism of western paintings to produce interesting hybrid results.

Sikar: Sikar was the largest thikana (feudatory state) under the Jaipur State. In is now on of the two districts of Shekhawatil, the other being Jhunjhunu. Worth a visit is Sikar's large market, the clock tower and the Painted Havelis. The Biyani haveli is painted in blue, reminiscent of typical Chinese blue-and-white porcelain. Other attractions include Sagarmal Sodhani Haveli, Madho Niwas-Kothi and a few temples.

Mandawa: A pretty little in Shekhawati, this feudal settlement was founded by Thakur Nawal Singh, a descendant of Rao Shekha, after whom Shekhawati is named. Today, Mandawa is known for its royal castle (a heritage hotel) as well as its numerous havelis where the painted facades offer a variety of surprises. The region is internationally renowned for its large painted 'havelis' (mansions), which were the homes of the Marwari trading community. These handsome havelis, adorned with elaborate and intricate frescoes, are over a hundred year old, and have withstood the ravages of time. The grand havelis of the Goenkas, Ladias, Sarafs, and the Chokhanis, in Mandawa are a fine example of the famous Shekhawati workmanship.
Tourists can also visit the handicraft and furniture cottage industries in the region.

Mukundgarh: This place has a few mosques and several temple. The textiles, brassware and iron scissors made here are of good quality. The Kanoria, Ganeriwala, Murarka and Saraf havelis here, are adorned with fine frescoes. The Shiv temple, Gopinath temple and Venu gopal temple are worth a visit.

Mukandgarh Fort Heritage Hotel is not just a perfect retreat away from the maddening city lifestyle. It's also a journey back in time. To discover the splendour and grandeur of a bygone era. And enjoy the hospitality that is normally reserved for the royalty.

Founded in mid 18th century by Raja Mukand Singh, Mukandgarh Fort today boasts of some of the finest frescoes of Shekhawati region, which is aptly called the 'Open Air Art Gallery of Rajasthan'. The fort spread on sprawling two acres land is aesthetically built, projected through high walls with ramparts leading to a vast and spacious forecourt at the entrance.

Nawalgarh: Lying south west of Jhunjhunu, this town boasts of some of the finest frescoes in the Shekhawati region. Prominent among the havelis are the Aath (eight) Haveli complex, Anandilal Poddar Haveli, Jodhraj Patodia Haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat haveli and Chokhani Haveli. Accommodation is available at Hotel Roop Niwas Palace -a heritage hotel, as well as other hotels.

Alsisar & Malsisar:Located on the northern most tip of Shekhawati, these two towns were founded in the late and mid 18th centuries respectively. The style of the frescoes here and lively colour combinations area a treat for the eyes. Also, the forst in Alsisar & Malsisar, as well as the temples and the Jhunjunwala havelis are magnificent. Besides painted havellis, wells and reservoirs with ornamental traditional architecture are worth seeing in both the villages.

Bissau: This quaint town has fine havelis including the Sigatia Haveli, Khemka Haveli, Tibriwal Haveli, Singhania Haveli, Fatehpuria Haveli, Kanodia Haveli and Poddar Haveli. Other places to see are the Raj ki Chhatri (a cenotaph) of the Tahakurs.

Chirawa: Chirawa became popular as a trading town between Jhunjhunu and Loharu. The Havelis worth seeing here are Rai Bahadur Tulsian Haveli, Nemani Haveli, Mangal Chand Dalmia Haveli, Dulichand Kakrania Haveli, Bhola Ram Kakrania Haveli, manohar Lal Vaidh Haveli and Kakrania Well and Sekhsaria well. The Dalmias and Kakranias grew wealthy on the basis of trade and built sprawling havelis here.

Dundlod: This quaint town is in the heart of the Shekhawati region. The fort here dates back to 1750 AD. Steps lead up to the Diwan Khana furnished with portraits, hangings and period furniture. It also houses a library and portraits done in the European style. The fort has now been converted into a hotel. The Goenka Havelis and other Havelis are adorned with beautiful frescoes.

Lohargal: Here, the holy shrine of Lohargal is situated, at the foothills of the Aravalis. The scenic beauty is fascinating. A perennial stream trickles down from the hills and falls into the Suraj Kund. Its water is said to possess healing qualities. The Gyan Bawari, Bhim Kund, Chetan Das Bawri and Temples are worth visiting.

Air: The nearest Airport at Jaipur (184 km). Towns in the Shekhawati region lie on the Jaipur-Bikaner highway and are hence easily accessible.

Rail: Shekhawati is connected by regular express trains with Delhi and jaipur and other important tourist centers of the Shekhawati Region.

Road: Shekhawati is well connected by road with Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner and other important tourist centers in the Shekhawati Region.

Road Distances:
Bikaner	190 km
Delhi	250 km
Jaipur	168 km
Pachar	190 km