Top 6 Places to Visit in Mandawa is an ancient town in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, known for exquisitely made palaces and mansions. These buildings are the primary tourist attractions of Mandawa. But this artistic heritage of Mandawa is not restricted to its past. Even today, the local community engages in appreciation of art through painting, handicrafts, architecture and sculpture.
Mandawa is another ancient and one of the oldest cities in the region, definitely worth a holiday. An important stoppage for traders and merchants who exchanged goods via the silk route back in those days, this city has several palaces and Havelis and forts. Having grown in a culturally rich atmosphere, the locals have a sense of appreciating art and are involved in artwork like painting, craft handicrafts etc.
Mandawa Fort
The Mandawa Fort is the oldest and probably the most preserved of all the buildings you will find here. Built in the mid-18th century, the fort is proof of the prosperous times the city had found itself in. Mandawa Tour was an important trade post for traders coming all the way from the Middle-East and China, so much so that the construction of a fort became imperative. The fort is an architectural and visual delight with its stairs, corridors, decorative windows, courtyards and the beautifully intricate frescoes and mirror works. Though the fort is now a heritage hotel and some parts of it are completely locked away you can still do some exploration for a basic fee.
Murmuria Haveli
The more recent of the all the famous Havelis, this one features interesting frescoes of the innovations of the time like trains, cars, telephones side by side with Indian Deities. The haveli also has renowned people from the eastern and western world, like King George the Fifth and Jawaharlal Nehru meeting on its wall. Like most other havelis, this one also has all the traditional features like courtyards and a maze of rooms with walls brimming with detailed frescoes Top 6 Places to Visit in Mandawa.
Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli
One of the first Havelis to pop up, the haveli is one of the few that is still under the possession of the Goenka Family who constructed it during the 18th century. Unlike most havelis, you will find the architecture and the art work are different here. The elements in this particular haveli are more influenced by the styles of the neighbouring Rajasthani cities than most other havelis. In addition to the many frescoes, there are carvings and sculptures decorating the beautiful mansion, the most important of these being the sculptures of Lord Shiva and his beloved accomplice Nandi, the bull Top 6 Places to Visit in Mandawa.
Goenka Double Haveli
The double here refers to the double entrance to the haveli. The most impressive feature of the haveli is the façade that is decorated by camels and horses, again embracing the Rajasthani culture. Within the massive structure are paintings and various other art works that represent various aspects of Rajasthani life as was experienced by the folks from the 1700s. One such example is the fresco depicting men and women in their tradition clothes Top 6 Places to Visit in Mandawa.
Bansidhar Newatia Haveli
Constructed during the early 20th century, when the city was at its declining phase, this haveli is no less intriguing. It is, in fact, one of the best examples of artistic brilliance. The haveli captures the change that most of India was undergoing at that point, the change of globalisation. The frescoes at this haveli depict fascinating scenes from the western world from the perspective of the then Indian population, such as the first plane by the Wright brothers flying by an on-looking Indian lady. While the old havelis are fascinating, this one is sure to keep you interested in its own special way Top 6 Places to Visit in Mandawa.
Chokhani Double Haveli
This is one of the prettiest of all havelis. The dual structures were made side by side to accommodate the brothers who built it. The haveli is in great condition, although it must be admitted that it is fairly new compared to the other havelis. This haveli is decorated with beautiful arabesques of floral patterns on its walls and painted with very mellow colours unlike its counterparts in the region. The style of architecture reflects Rajput influence and this can be seen in its windows, courtyards and rooms, which display a rectangular sort of architecture.