Shekhawati Tours

Location
In the triangle between Delhi-Bikaner-Jaipur.

Known for
Amazing painted havelis.

Tourist Attractions
Lachhmangarh, Churi Ajitgarh, Fatehpur, Ramgarh, Mandawa, Birla Museum of Science & Technology - Pilani

Climate
Summer : max – 41.2 C min – 28.7 C; Winters : max - 30 C min – 10.5 C

Best time to visit
October to March

Shekhawati in the state of Rajasthan, is a semi desert region and is popularly known as an open air art gallery for its plethora of painted havelis, all admirable pieces of the rich artistic tradition of this region. 'Shekhawati' implies “the land of Shekhs clan” and derives its name from Rao Shekha (1433 AD - 1488 AD) a section of the Kachhwala family of Jaipur. Shekhawati was a part of the former Jaipur state and now consists of the districts of Jhunjhunu and Sikar.

Getting There

Air : The nearest airport is Jaipur.
Rail : the nearest railway station is Jaipur.<
Road : The buses are available from Jaipur.

Major Attractions in Shekhawati

Lachhmangarh : Founded in the early 19th century by Raja Lachhman Singh of Sikar, Lachhmangarh is planned on the lines of Jaipur, with roads at right angles and roundabouts. The grant Char Chowk Haveli, the fort, Sawant Ram Chokhani Haveli, Mirijamal Kyala Haveli, Bansidhar Rathi Haveli, Kedia Haveli and Sanganeria Haveli beautify this age old town.

Churi Ajitgarh : This town is famous for the erotic frescoes painted behind doors, on the bedrooms ceilings and on the walls. Some examples of fine fresco work are evident in the Shiv Narain Nemani Haveli, Shiv Narain Nemani Baithak, Kothi Shiv Datt, Rai Jagan Lal Tibrewal Haveli and Ram Pratap Nemani Haveli.

Fatehpur : The town was founded in the mid 15th century by a Kayamkhani Nawab, and is known for its unique frescoes. A blend of the Indian and Western styles are seen on the frescos done on the walls on the Devra and Singhania Havelis. The other sources of attractions are the Ram Gopal Mahavir Prasad Goenka Haveli, Hukmi Chand Choudhri Haveli, Jalan and Bharatiiya Haveli.

Ramgarh : Founded in the late 18th century by the Poddars, this is the town known for the splendid portrayal of art. The dome of the Poddar cenotaph adornes painted scene from the Ramayana. The other places of interest are the Shani-ji (Saturn) temple, Ganga temple, Tara Chand Ghanshyam Das Poddar Haveli, Baij Nath Ruia Haveli and Bagaria Haveli.

Mandawa : Founded by Thakur Nawal Singh, a descendant of Rao Shekha, this is now a major center of the handicrafts and furniture industry. The Mandawa Family's collection includes ceremonial costumes and precious arms with handles of jade. The havelis of Chokhani, Saraf, Goenka and Ladia must be visited.