Shekhawati Travel Guide

The semi desert region of Shekhawati lies north of Rajasthan and is situated in the triangle made by Bikaner, Jaipur and Delhi. It takes its name from its former ruler Rao Shekha. The meaning of Shekhawati is 'the Garden of Shekhas'. The towns of Shekhawati region are famous for their frescoed forts, fortresses and mansions. From time immemorial these Havelis with beautiful wall paintings have been intriguing host of tourists visiting Rajasthan. Because of their ageless charm and beauty, the Shekhawati region is appropriately called 'the open art gallery of Rajasthan'. Most of the Havelis in Shekhawati region dates back to early 18th and 19th century.

The Shekhawati Region was once home to Marwaris and Rajputs. In their paintings, the Rajputs mostly depicted the themes of historical events, personages folk-heroes and the prominent war scenes, while the Marwaris concentrated more on religious themes but with the passage of time the themes too began to divert towards the modern views. After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Rao Shekha's descendants encroached upon the region. There are also a number of minor castles, forts, mosques and wells also called baoris and chattris to discover in Shekhawati. In order to enjoy Shekhawati's semi desert formation and the well preserved wall painted Havelis one should take to Horse Safari or Camel Safari. Being the northern most portion of Rajasthan it is common to find the locals as mostly Rajasthanis and Marwaris. The inhabitants of the region are affable and debonair and a warm welcome is extended to the tourists with a small tablet of opium (Rajasthani tradition).

Shekhawati region is 185 km away from Jaipur and 230 km away from Bikaner. The nearest airport from Shekhawati is Jaipur Airport. While in Shekhawati you can either board a Jeep, or an auto rickshaw, or cycle rickshaws and tongas to around the region. There are various spots that can be viewed in Shekhawati. Like the quaint old Dunlod fort in the heart of Shekhawati region that dates back to 1750. The fort is fully furnished with portraits, hangings and period furniture. It also houses a library and portraits done in European style can be seen here. The fort has now been converted into a hotel, The Goenka havelis and other with beautiful frescoes. Nawalgarh is another mystic town, founded in 1737 by Thakur Nawal Singh in the Shekhawati region. The town has a colourful bazaar, a fort and numerous Havelis, prominent among them are the Aath (eight) Haveli complex, Anaadilal Poddar haveli, Jodhraj Patodia haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat Haveli, Chokhani haveli and Hotel Roop Niwas Palace. All the Havelis are famous for their finest frescoes and mystic interiors.

Mukundgarh, a fort palace built around the temple square in the Shekhawati region is famous for its handicraft market. The brass ware and iron scissors made here, are of good quality. The fort is now a heritage property. The Kanoria and Ganeriwala Havelis of Mukundgarh carry fine examples of fresco painting. The ancient 10th century Harsh Nath Temple situated on the Harsh Nath hills in the Shekhawati Region is also a must watch tourist destination. Mandawa Castle, Churu town, Bissau town, Chirawa town, The Jeen Mata temple. Salasar Balaji Temple are the few other sites in Shekhawati which are worth watching.

With all its old world charm and pristine glory, Shekhawati region has become one of the most sought after region in Rajasthan. The Region is so mesmerizing and enchanting that tourists not only from India but across the world come to visit it, admires it and take vows to revisit the place.