Shekhawati
Shekhawati region of Rajasthan consists of the areas falling under Sikar, Jhunjhunu and some parts of Churu, Nagaur and Jaipur. There are thousands of Villages and Towns which comes under Shekhawati region. Shekhawati is famous for its rich heritage and beautiful architectures full of fresco paintings , hence also known as “open air art gallery”. Now a days Shekhawati is the most favorite tourist destination for those visiting India to experience this heritage rich territory. Many of these old heritage Havelis and other buildings (Mansions, Forts) are now converted in to hotels and guest house. Shekhawati is truly a blessing for all art lovers who are in to architecture and old painted sculptures. Shekhawati style of architecture is unique in itself.
The Mansions (Havelis) , Step Wells (Bawadi) , Charitable Inns (Dharamshalas), Cenotaph (Chhatris) and Forts made by Shekhawat Rajput rulers and Marwari community is beautifully painted with divine and contemporary pictures ranging from Hindu Gods to British Raj to Trains to Telephones and more.
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Top Most tourist Destinations in Shekhawati.
Nawalgarh
Named after its founder Thakur Nawal Singh (son of the most successful ruler of Shekhawati, Shardul Singh), Nawalgarh was a prosperous town in Shekhawati region. Some of the affluent business clan of India today trace their origin from Nawalgarh. Prominent among these is the Goenka family. The havelis of the town – Aath haveli, Murarka Haveli, Khedwal Bhawan, Bhagton ki Haveli and Anandi Lal Poddar Haveli – are its prime attraction. The frescoes and mural paintings are extremely attractive and reflect the skills of the workmen who created them. Other attraction of Nawalgarh is Ganga Mai Temple.
Dundlod
A small village in the Shekhawati region is known for a small fort built in the 18th century by Kesri Singh, youngest son of Sardul Singh. The fort has a Diwan Khana with portraits and period furnitures as well as a small library. The fort now serves as a hotel. Other attractions to be visited here are Tuganram Goenka Haveli, SatyaNarayan Temple and Jagathia Haveli. This village is 7 kms north of Nawalgarh.
Fatehpur
Established by Fateh Khan, a Muslim Nawab in 15th century, Fatehpur was captured by the Shekhawat Rajputs in the 18th century. The place boasts of some of the best fresco paintings of the region, however, unfortunately, the havelis housing them are more often locked. The worth seeing havelis in this place are Geori Shankar Haveli, Mahavir Prasad Goenka Haveli, Nand Lal Devra Haveli and Jagannath Singhania Haveli. There is also the Jagannath Singhania Chattri with beautiful garden which is worth visiting.
Ramgarh
Around 20 km from Fatehpur lies Ramgarh which was founded by a group of affluent Poddar merchant in the 18th century. The primary attraction of the town is Ram Gopal Poddar Chhatri that has beautiful scenes of Ramayana painted on its ceilings. Fresco paintings in Shani Mandir (Saturn Temple) are also eye catchers. Other attraction of the place include Ganga Temple, Ganes Temple, Tarachand Ghanshyamdas Poddar Haveli and Baij Nath Ruia Haveli.
Jhunjhunu
Currently a district head quarter, Jhunjhunu was founded by Kaimkhani Nawabs in the 15th century. Places worth visiting in this town are Badani Chand Well, Mertani Baori, Ajit Sagar, Dargah of Kamrud-din Shah, Badal Fort, Khetri Mahal, Bihariji Temple, Rani Sati Temple and Forest Ganj. The significant havelis of this place are Modi Haveli, Kaniram Narsingh Das Tiberwala Haveli, MohanDas Ishwar Das Modi Haveli and Narudin Farooqi Haveli.
Bissau
Nearly 32 km north west of Jhunjhunu is a small town known as Bissau. The town was founded by Kesri Singh and has seen numerous ups and down. Important attractions here include Chhatri of Hammir Singh, Haveli of Girdarilal Sigtia and Motiram Jasraj Sigtia Haveli. The last one today serves as a junior school.
Mahansar
Around 6 km from Bissau is another small village, Mahansar which was founded by Nawal Singh in the 18th century. The village does not overflows with attractions, yet some of the havelis with their fine paintings are worth visiting. Prominent among these is the Sona ki Dukan Haveli which has exquisite meenakari work to delight the visitors. Sahaj Ram Poddar Chhatri is also worth visiting.
Mandawa
One of the most visited destinations in the Shekhawati region, Mandawa came into limelight in the 18th century. It has an imposing fort, Castle Mandawa that serves as a heritage hotel today. Other attractions of the town include the havelis of Chokhanias, Goenkas Nevatia & Ladia and Saraf. Parasrampura – The tiny village preserves some of the oldest and most beautiful paintings of the Shekhawati region. The paintings on the inner portion of the dome of Thakur Shardul Singh cenotaph, Shamji Saraf Haveli and Gopinathji Mandir is worth appreciating.
Sikar
Now a district headquarters, Sikar was once the largest thikana (feudatory) under the Jaipur State. Important attractions here are the havelis of Biyani, Murarka, Somani, Sagarmal Sodhani and Madho Niwas. The Sikar Fort, Jublee Hall, Jain Temples, Gopinath Temple, Raghunath Temple, Jeen Mata Temple and Madan Mohan Temple in and around Sikar are also worth visiting.
Mukundgarh
Mukundgarh is a small town developed around a temple square. The Mukundgarh Fort serves as a heritage hotel. Tourists can pay a visit to the Kanoria and Ganeriwala Havelis and also shop for local handicrafts. Mukundgarh is highly known for its brass, iron scissors and textiles. Churu – Though Churu does not come in the Shekhawati region strictly, yet its history of traders and caravan outpost connects it with other places in Shekhawati. Place worth visiting here are the Kanhaiya Lal Bagla Haveli, Kothari Haveli, Surana Haveli, Poddar Haveli, Jain Temple, Balaji Temple, Ganga Temple, Taknet Chhatri and not to forget the Churu Fort.
Khetri
The second richest feudatory of the Jaipur state, Khetri was established in the 18th century. Prominent places worth visiting are Raghunath Temple, Bhopagarh Fort, Panna Lal Sha ka Talab, Ram Krishna Mission, Sukh Mahal and Hari Singh Temple. Pilani – This small village gained prominence as the home of wealthy Birla family. Today, the place is more known for its educational significance. For tourists sightseeing, there is BITS museum, Shiva, Ganga, Sarswati Temple and the Panchwati Temple.