Shekhawati Rajasthan is full of surprises!
Picture a grand haveli. Now, imagine their century-old walls covered in murals- camels, kings, and even vintage cars!
FYI, Shekhawati Rajasthan once belonged to India’s wealthiest merchant families, who turned their homes into an open-air art gallery.
Not many travellers know about this hidden treasure trove. Once you do, it’s hard to forget. So, before planning your visit, let’s learn everything you need to know about Shekhawati.
Highlights…
From Trade to Heritage: History of Shekhawati!
Vikram Chouhan Udaipur 
Shekhawati Rajasthan wasn’t always a quiet corner on the map. Once upon a time, it was buzzing with trade, art, and ambition.
In the fifteenth century, a brave Rajput ruler named Rao Shekha decided to go his own way and carved out a new territory. This bold step gave birth to what we now call Shekhawati- literally, meaning ‘the garden of Shekha’.
By the eighteenth century, things really took off. Shekhawati became a hotspot for Marwari merchants due to its prime location along old trade routes. These traders were visionaries. They fabricated bewitching havelis, each more detailed and dramatic than the next. Instead of hiding their riches, they exhibited them across walls and ceilings with fascinating murals.
But the future had other plans. As British trade shifted towards the coastal cities, Shekhawati’s limelight faded. The merchants moved on, yet their legacy stayed behind- painted, carved, and cemented into the town’s very bones. That’s the charm of Shekhawati: a forgotten gem with stories waiting to be heard.
Architectural Marvels: Havelis of Shekhawati!
Vikram Chouhan Udaipur
Shekhawati Rajasthan is a treasure trove of architectural wonders- need we remind you of the grand havelis?
A typical Shekhawati haveli is a two-story structure built around a central courtyard. Its walls are covered in detailed frescoes, inside and out. Some tell age-old tales from Indian mythology, while others surprise you with steam engines, hot air balloons, European ladies in gowns, and even gramophones.
If you’re planning to see these havelis, you can’t miss Mandawa. Known as the ‘Open Art Gallery’, Mandawa is the heart of Shekhawati.
On your heritage tour of Rajasthan, stop by Mandawa for these notable havelis:-
- Murmuria Haveli: Dating back to the 1930s, this haveli features a unique fusion of Rajasthani and European artistic elements. In the frescoes, you’ll find figures such as Radha-Krishna, George V, and Jawaharlal Nehru, alongside depictions of trains and Venetian gondolas.
- Goenka Double Haveli: This haveli boasts a monumental facade adorned with images of elephants and horses. The walls are replete with paintings ranging from traditional Rajasthani women and religious motifs to European men in dapper hats. A must-see cultural amalgam!
- Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli: Situated in the southern part of Mandawa, this haveli is renowned for its exquisite and intricate frescoes, counted among the most beautiful in Shekhawati.
The havelis of Mandawa, Shekhawati, tell tales of a prosperous past and the technological advancement of their time. An exhibition of a legacy that continues to captivate guests from around the world.
Inside a Shekhawati Haveli: What To Expect!
Vikram Chouhan Udaipur
Can you imagine walking into a place where even the walls seem to whisper stories?
Yes, that’s what it feels like being inside a Shekhawati haveli!
Right at the entrance, you’re greeted by a grand wooden doorway- sometimes painted, sometimes carved, oftentimes both. Step in, and you’ll find yourself in an open courtyard. Calm, breezy, and framed by arched corridors. This was the heart of the haveli. Family gatherings. Quiet evenings. A perfect escape from the desert heat.
Above, little jharokhas peek out from the walls. Women once watched life unfold below from these hidden balconies. Isn’t it a clever blend of privacy and presence?
The rooms are like time capsules. Every inch of the wall is painted- mythological deities, folks in their daily lives, and even the Titanic before it sank. The ceilings shimmer with mirror work. Sunlight catches on the glass and dances across the room. Wooden pillars and carved doorways add to the charm.
Look closely!
You might spot secret passageways or hidden safes built into the walls. Shekhawati havelis are fabricated of art, design, and family legacy.
Furniture is usually antique- big wooden beds, vintage chests, and carved swings. Many havelis also feature Belgian glass windows. Fancy, right?
This is Shekhawati Rajasthan. Quietly grand. Deeply detailed. And seriously, photogenic!
Places To Visit In and Around Shekhawati!
AXP Photography
- Places To Visit In Shekhawati: Let’s see what Shekhawati Rajasthan has in store.
Harry
- Mandawa (the living open-air art gallery!): Mandawa may be the poster child of Shekhawati, but it earns the hype. The grand havelis, dusty charm, and film-set vibes make it the perfect place to kick off your trail.
- Sikar (the cultural hub!): Sikar in Rajasthan is Shekhawati’s best-kept secret. It’s got this laid-back, less-touristy charm that makes it special. From stunning frescoes of Raghunath Haveli and Madho Niwas Kothi to the peaceful Harshnath Temple, Sikar is where you stumble upon stories without even trying.
- Nawalgarh (the painter’s paradise!): Nawalgarh feels like a town caught in a beautiful painting! Don’t you ask about the havelis in this town. We’d use the keyword ‘painter’s masterpiece’ to describe them. Morarka Haveli offers a rustic vibe, while Roop Niwas Palace is a heritage site with serious old-world appeal.
- Ramgarh (the hidden gem!): Have you ever come across a town that feels like a painting has come alive? That’s Ramgarh. The Ram Gopal Poddar Haveli is adorned with stunning murals.
- Jhunjhunu (the historic heart!): Jhunjhunu is steeped in history and culture. The Rani Sati Temple is a significant pilgrimage site. You’ll find Shekhawati’s past lingering in Jhunjhunu’s present.
2. Places To Visit Around Shekhawati:
Ritik Gupta
Once you’ve had enough of Shekhawati, you can consider putting the following nearby gems in your itinerary:
- Sambhar Lake (118 km): Sambhar is India’s largest salt lake, and it looks straight out of a dream, especially during sunrise. Also, it’s a paradise for bird lovers in winter!
- Jaipur (122 km): The Pink City not only lives up to the hype, but it also paints it in rosy sandstone. From the grandeur of Amer Fort to the splendid facade of Hawa Mahal, Jaipur is a royal fever dream. Stroll through City Palace, shop for jhumkas and block prints at Johari Bazaar, or sip chai with a view at Nahargarh Fort. You can’t have enough pink and gold in one day!
- Pushkar (167 km): You must’ve heard of Pushkar from its iconic Pushkar Camel Fair. Besides that, Pushkar is famous for its Brahma Temple (one of the few in the world) and holy ghats. Spiritual, scenic, and just the right kind of chaos you’ll love.
- Ajmer (180 km): A soulful blend of history and spirituality. Ajmer invites you to witness the much-revered Sufi shrines at Ajmer Sharif Dargah. Stroll around the balmy Ana Sagar Lake or explore the sixteenth-century Akbari Fort and Museum.
- Bikaner (217 km): Desert charm meets regal glory in Bikaner. Think of the famous Junagarh Fort, bustling sands, and camel safaris through golden sands. Don’t even think of leaving without trying the Bikaneri bhujia- spicy, crunchy, and addictive in the best way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shekhawati Rajasthan!
Harry
- What is the best time to visit Shekhawati?
- You should visit Shekhawati Rajasthan between October and March when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing.
- How many days are enough for a Shekhawati trip?
- A two to three-day itinerary is usually enough.
- How do I reach Shekhawati?
- Shekhawati Rajasthan is well connected by road and rail. Jaipur International Airport is about 130 km.
- What local dishes should I try in Shekhawati?
- From its lip-smacking array of Rajasthani delicacies, we think you’d love Dal Baati Churma, Ker Sangri, Gatte Ki Sabzi, and Ghevar.
Fellow wayfarers reading this- you’re mistaken if you thought that haveli hopping is all that Shekhawati Rajasthan has to serve. Remember reading in the beginning that Shekhawati is full of surprises?
This town is a living, breathing mood board of art, culture, and community.
Come February, the Shekhawati Festival turns its streets into a swirl of folk beats, mouth-watering food stalls, and handmade craft bazaars. December brings the Magnetic Fields Festival, a full-blown sonic escape at Alsisar Mahal. Tucked away, you’ll find Mandawa Art Village, which adds a burst of creativity with workshops and contemporary art.
Shekhawati Rajasthan celebrates architecture, stories, sound, and soul in every nook and every corner!