The frescoes that adorn Shekhawati huts and mansions alike tell of the ancient and contemporary history of the region. The mythological and social themes dominate the wall paintings unique to the region. The ancient Havelis, impiously neglected and almost in ruins, still hold pleasant surprises for tourists who can only imagine what the glorious murals must have looked like in their heydays.
Places to See
Shekhawati region is not a town but a region, often referred to as the open art gallery of Rajasthan. The painted Havelis dating back to 18th and 19th centuries and their beautiful frescoes make for a good treasure hunt for art lovers. At Shekawati, you must see:
- Harsh Nath Temple
- Jeen Mata Temple
- Rambagh
- Jhunjhunu
- Lachhmangarh Fort
- Mandawa
- Mukundgarh
- Dundlod
- Nawalgarh
- Bagad
- Chirawa
- Pilani
- Surajgarh and Kajara
- Alsisar and Malsisar
- Bissau
- Mehansar
- Churu
- Salasar Balaji
- Ratangarh
- Sardar Shahar
- Dudhwa Khara
- Tal Chhapar
Shopping
An excellent shopping destination for art and handicraft lovers, Shekhawati paints are quite well known all over the world. Frescoes (made on paper or cloth) make excellent souvenirs of the region. Antique furniture or their fake versions at Shekhawati are also quiet in demand and include ornate chests, low tables, chairs, doors, and cradles. Bangles and tie-and-dye fabrics of Rajasthan are to die for. You must buy some to lend an oriental and ethnic touch to your wardrobe.
Where to Stay
The luxury heritage hotel at Mahansar Fort is undoubtedly the best place to stay at Shekhawati. However, there are several other Havelis and mansions ready to vie amongst the top luxury hotels of the region. Budget and mid-range hotels are also available at Shekhawati. We recommend:
- Alsisar Mahal, Shekhawati
- Hotel Castle Mandawa, Shekhawati
- Hotel Heritage Mandawa, Shekhawati
- Hotel Rath, Shekhawati
- The Desert Resort, Shekhawati
- The Desert Resort, Shekhawati
- The Piramal Haveli, Shekhawati
How to Reach Shekhawati
Astonishingly ornate Havelis of the Shekhawati belt mesmerize tourists with their incredible frescoes and wall paintings. Traveling to Shekhawati by train is the most convenient method to reach here.
By Road: Regular buses connect the Shekhawati region to all major cities and tourist attractions nearby. It is about 250 km from Delhi.
By Rail: The railway station in the Shekhawati belt can be found at its erstwhile capital - Jhunjhunu. Jhunjunu is situated on the direct line between Delhi to Mumbai and offers train services to and from all major cities across India.
By Air: The nearest airport to the Shekhawati region is the Sanganer Airport at Jaipur, 150 km from the city of Shekhawati. The Jaipur Airport has regular flights to and from Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Sharjah in UAE, and Muscat in Oman.
