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Shekhawati Tour
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Shekhawati, 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.
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No other region in Rajasthan is perhaps as artistically rich as Shekhawati. Beautiful images by using vibrant colours have been created here not as a hobby or professional practice but as a way of life. Mandawa is a small town built in the 18th century by wealthy Marwari businessmen. Nawalgarh, is known for some interesting images painted on the walls of havelis.
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| Lachhmangarh |
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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.
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| Churi Ajitgarh |
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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.
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| Fatehpur |
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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.
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| Ramgarh |
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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.
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| Mandawa |
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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.
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| Havelies |
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The beautiful and fascinating havelis of Shekhawati have proved to be a major tourist appeal. Striking architecture, graceful interiors and massive parapets of the havelis stand witness to the wealth and prosperity of the Marwari merchants. Adorned with exquisite murals and delicately latticed and carved windows, these havelis present an awe-inspiring sight. Almost every havelis is decorated with magnificent mirror work and paintings festooned with gold or silver leaf. During the old days, these wooden carvings and gold and silver paintings were assumed to be symbolical of the owner's status and wealth.
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