Travel to Shekhawati

Places to Visit

Nawalgarh

25km north of Sikar Nawalgarh was founded in 1737 by Nawal Singh. It is home to some of the best-preserved havelis and finest frescoes in the Shekhawati region.
Nawalgarh is the hometown of the wealthy and influential Poddar family, merchants who migrated to Bombay and became famous industrialists. One of gates of Nawalgarh, formerly the Nansa Gate, has been renamed after Ramilas Poddar. The famous havelis of the town include Aath Haveli, Surajmal Chhauchharia Haveli, Goenka Haveli, Anandi Lal Poddar Haveli. Built in 1920 and now a school, Lal Poddar Haveli is one of the few havelis in Shekhawati to have been restored by its owner to its original glory.

Dundlod and Parasrampura

The most obvious destination for a day-trip from Nawalgarh is nearby Dundlod, 8km north and the site of a fort dating back to 1750 and some beautiful havelis. The fort, like most others in the region, has been converted into a luxury hotel. The beautiful Chhatri of Ram Dutt Goenka is worth a visit.

20km southeast of Nawalgarh lies the serene hamlet of Parasrampura which is dotted with some beautiful painted buildings. Visit the Gopinath temple. The temple was built in 1742 with murals depicting scenes of hell torments. Visit also the chhatri of Rajul Singh.

Fatehpur

Established in 1451, Fatehpur once served as the capital of Fateh Khan, a Muslim Khaimkani Nawab. But the Shekhawat Rajputs, who took control in the 18th century, were responsible for the ostentatiously decorated havelis lining nearly every street.

The most famous of Fatehpur's havelis is the 19th century Goenka Haveli. Other havelis include Nand lal Devra haveli and Singhania haveli.

Mandawa

Located midway between Jhunjhunu and Fatehpur, Mandawa was founded by the Shekhawats in 1755. The famous havelis of this busy town are Goenka Double Haveli, Nand lal Murmuria haveli, Chokhani Double Haveli, Gulab Rai Wadia Haveli, and Bansidhar Newatia Haveli. Both the outer and inner walls of these havelis have brilliantly carved murals.

Laxmangarh

This small town is home to one of the most formidable forts in the Shekhawati region, built in the early 19th century. The city is laid out on a grid pattern which makes its easy to find the way. Though one of the least visited towns, it has some attractive buildings. Chief among them are Rathi haveli, Char chowk haveli, Chokhani haveli and Sanwat Ram.

Mahansar

The town was established in 1768. The most celebrated of the havelis here is the Sone-Chandi ki Dukan dating back to 1846. Its intricate paintings contain gold leaf. It also depicts scenes from the Ramayana incarnations of Vishnu on the center one, and scenes from the life of Krishna.

Ramgarh

It takes its origin in 1791. Among the places of interest of this small town are Shanicharji temple, Ramgopal Poddar chhatri and group of Poddar chhatris.