Nowhere else in the world is there such a profusion of wall paintings, so intricate and finely executed, in hundreds of havelies, temples, cenotaphs, wells and forts, as in this region. The land of Shekha (Rao Shekaji 1433-1488) is known for its human and artistic enterprises. Images of Gods, Goddesses, animals, life history of Lord Rama and Krishna are profusely painted on the havelies in this region.

At the turn of the 19th century, new motifs began appearing, characteristics of the Raj's influence upon Indian culture. Cars, planes, portraits of the Haveli owners, gramophones - all pose brilliantly on these massive wall canvases. Today known as "Open Art Gallery" Shekhawati is one of the reasons to visit Rajasthan.


Sightseeing at Shekhawati -
Sikar : where the temples of Gopinath, Raghunath and Madan Mohan are interesting as are the Biyani havelies with their unusual blue and white colours. Two other important temples in the vicinity are the Harsh Nath temple and the Jeen Mata temple. The fort of Lachmangarh is one of the most impressive and imposing in Shekhawti. Try to get bird's eye view of the town below - it has been designed to resemble the planned city of Jaipur. Ramgarh is famous not only for the havelis of the Poddars but also for its rustic wood furniture. Fatehpur has some beautiful frescoes in the Indian as well as western styles. Particularly noteworthy are the Chamariya and Singhania havelies. Khatu Shyamji is more famous for its temple of Shri Shyamji and draws devotees throughout the year. People walk several miles to offer homage at the temple from all over India.

Nawalgarh : Nawalgarh is hoe to some of the leading merchant families of the country. This is also the placed to find some of the finest frescoes in the entire region. Look for Roop Niwas, Poddar haveli, Saat Haveli, a few old temples, and forts and a heritage hotel. Dundlod is known for its fort and a palace that has been turned into a heritage hotel. The Goenka havelis are also famous. The fort of Mandawa dominates the town and it was one of the earliest heritage hotels in this area. The Chokhani, Ladia and Saraf havelies should be seen not only for their frescoes but also for their design. A temple dedicated to Shiva is also worth a visit. Mukundgarh has a few interesting havelis and a sprawling fort that has now been converted into a heritage hotel. These are just some of the important towns of Shekhawati, but the area is so full of interesting and unusual sights that you can stop at any small unknown village and you will find something to fascinate you and hold your interest.

Mandawa : Founded in the mid 18th century, Mandawa is a small but bustling town in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. Known for its majestic forts and colorful Haveli's, Mandawa is an interesting tourist attraction of Rajasthan. The Rajputana Getaway offers to take you to this interesting place with its online booking of travel to Mandawa in Rajasthan, India. Mandawa is about 190 kilometers from Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan. Fort built by Thakur Nawal Singh at Mandawa has interesting murals and is a feast for the eyes of any art connoisseurs. Located in the heart of Mandawa, The Mandawa Castle was originally a home of a noble. The palace has beautiful paintings depicting Krishna and his life. Besides, the walls also have intricate carvings and paintings. You can also see lot of mirror work and antiques in this huge haveli.

Alsisar and Malsisar : Founded in the late and mid 18th centuries respectively,these towns lie at the northern edge of Shekhawati.The angular style of frescoes in various colours make the trip to these town a memorable one. Beside the fort in Alsisar,the Jhunjhunuwala havelis and a well complex are other interesting structures. The fort,temples and havelis along the main street are also worth a visit.


Fairs-Festivals in Shekhawati -
Without music and Dance, people of Rajasthan cannot survive. After hard work in the harsh desert sun and rocky terrain, there is dancing, singing, drama, devotional music and puppet shows and other community festivities. Music and Dance is part of their fairs and festivals and without it, a fair has no life. The festivities are usually marked by folk-dances accompanied by music played on a variety of locally made instruments. Excitement, gaiety and a keen sense of competition fill the air during festivals. Spirited columns of people with camels, horses, bullock carts, cars and jeeps lead for the site. Most of the fairs offer wonderful opportunity to trade in cattle and leather goods, handicrafts, clothes, utensils.


Reaching Shekhawati -
By Air : The Sanaganer Airport at Jaipur is the closest one from the Sheklhawati region. The airport is well connected to other destinations within and outside the state.
By Rail : The Shekhawati region has numerous railheads like Jhunjhunu, Dundlod-Mukudgarh and Nawalgarh. The three railheads are the best base to explore Mandawa and its surrounding areas. The The Shekhawati Express and the Jaipur-Lohari Express connects all the three station to Jaipur and Delhi.
By Road : Shekhawati lies within the angle formed by NH-8(Jaipur- Delhi) and NH-11(Jaipur-Bikaner).