|
| Home » Rajasthan Travel Guide » Cities » Shekhawati |
Shekhawati |
 |
History of Shekhawati
Shekhawati literally means 'garden of Shekha' and the history of this region traces back to Rao Shekha (1433 AD-1488 AD). A prosperous trading town in the 15 th century, Shekhawati was strategically located on the ancient spice-trading route and thus was in the eyes of power seekers. The Marwari traders made it their home and as we study the history of Shekhawati, we come to know more about the affluence and heritage of the traders and their families only.
It was the traders who erected numerous beautifully designed havelis or mansions, which have given the region the title - 'open air art gallery'. Attracting thousands of tourists from all parts of the world, the havelis stand testimony to the affluence and opulence of the merchant class people of Shekhawati.
As you make a close look at the havelis, you realize that it was not only money but also a delicate sense of art and craft that lie behind them. Decorated with multi-coloured frescoes, the walls and balconies of the havelis narrate the scenes from Indian mythology and natural objects. You can notice the change in painting with the passage of time while the latest paintings contained images of British rulers and new inventions like trains and cars.
Shekhawati Shopping
A wonderland itself, no doubt, Shekhawati stores thousand reasons to shop for. Famous for its furniture and wooden work, Shekhawati is a shopper's heaven. Once you see those intricately decorated jharokhas , sethi , chest, chairs and tables, you just can't resist yourself from buying them. The low-legged wooden chairs are the favorites amongst tourists. You can also shop for some metal utensils and artifacts traditional to this region.
Shekhawati is famous for its frescoes and wall paintings. You can carry a piece of Shekhawati with you as the unique artistry of it is recreated specially on the piece of paper or cloth, sure to give your leaving room an ethnic look.
Shekhawati Tourist Attraction
Shekhwati is a unique region laid in the northern part of Rajasthan that is famous for its frescoed havelis and attractive architecture. Colourful and intricate painting adorning the walls and balconies of the magnificent mansions and frescoed chhatris (cenotaphs) are the major attractions that attract tourists from all over the world.
The Places You Should Not Miss in Shekhawati!
Mandawa
Fatehpur Haveli, Shekhawati Tours
Founded in the 18 th century, Mandawa is a busy and bustling market town in Shekhawati region that makes an interesting destination to explore. The affluent merchant families of Mandawa built a prodigious fort protecting the town with a spectacular arched gateway adorned with beautiful images of Lord Krishna and his cows. The major attractions of Mandawa are Chokhani, Ladia, and Saraf havelis and a Shiva Temple with an excellent rock crystal lingam.
Dundlod
Situated in the heart of the Shekhawati region, Dundlod is a small village. Home to a fort that traces its origin back to 18 th century, Dundlod is rich with the heritage of yore. Some portions of the fort are still in good condition and you may have a great experience while visiting Diwan-I-Khas, the hall of private assembly. There are a number of majestic havelis too among which Tuganram Goenka and Jagathia havelis command an attentive view. You can also visit the Satyanarayan Temple, a famous attraction of the region.
Fatehpur
Established as a capital for Muslim Nawabs in 1451, Fatehpur is a tranquil town of rare architectural wonders. It was taken away by the Shekhawati Rajputs in the 18 th century and the place is rich with Rajput heritage. Mahavira Prasad Goenka haveli, Nand Lal Devra haveli, Geori Shankar haveli and the Harikishan Das Sarogi haveli are the major attractions of Fatehpur apart from its beautiful 17th century baoli (step well).
Ramgarh
Ramgarh was founded by an affluent Poddar merchant family in 1791 . According to legends, they had left the village of Churu over some disagreement with the landlord and founded Ramgarh. Once one of the richest towns of the area, Ramgarh still flaunts the magnificent Poddar havelis and Ram Gopal Poddar Chhatri that command your attention for their architecture and artistry.
Nawalgarh
Roop Niwas Palace in Nawalgarh, Shekhawati Tour Packages
Rich with some finest frescoes of Shekhawati, Nawalgarh region is a must visit destination in Rajasthan. It was founded in the 18 th century and still houses the reminiscence of yore with its majestic fort built in 1737. Aath havelis, Anandi Lal Poddar haveli, Bhagton ki Haveli, Hem Raj Kulwal haveli and the Khedwal Bhawan are the major attractions of Nawalgarh. Now converted into a luxurious hotel, Roop Niwas Palace stands apart with its royal architecture.
Jhunjhunu
Situated at a distance of about 250 km from Delhi and 180 km from Jaipur, Jhunjhunu was a stronghold of the Kayamkhani Nawabs till 1730. The frescoed havelis of the Tibriwals and the Modis and the exquisite architecture of Khetri Mahal and the Bihariji Temple make Jhunjhunu tour an unforgettable experience.
Only in Shekhawati!
Wall Paintings
The technique of fresco painting in Shekhawati made a new dimension in Indian paintings. The unique artistry visible on the walls of ancient Shekhawati mansions is very close to the Italian fresco technique that developed around 14 th century and is a jewel not to be missed once you are in Rajasthan.
How to Reach Shekhawati
Air
The nearest airport is at Jaipur, which is 150 km away. It has regular flights to and from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Udaipur and Jodhpur.
Rail
The mainline joining Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner passes through Shekhawati. As a result many towns in the Shekhawati region are well connected by trains to Delhi and all major places in Rajasthan
Road
Shekhawati has a good network of roads that connect it to the other cities of Rajasthan. Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is 120 km away from Shekhawati. Private and state run buses and taxis ply regularly between Shekhawati and some of the important destinations in Rajasthan. Jeeps and local buses can be used to commute locally in Shekhawati.
Shekhawati At a Glance
Location: Located at northern Rajasthan in north India at a distance of 205 km from Jaipur and 237 km from Bikaner.
Climate: Shekhawati climate is opf typical desert type with hot and humid summer. In summer, the temperature remains in the range of 41 ° C to 29 ° C. In winter, the temperature may fall till 10 ° C.
Major Tourist Attraction:Frescoed Havelis, Dundlod, Jhunjhunu, Fatehpur, Ajitgarh, Lachmangarh, Nawalgarh, Mukandgarh, Mandawa.
Best Buys: Art and Paintings, Furniture, Decorated Wooden Chest, Chair, Cradle, Low Table and Stool, Brass Utensils, Bangles.
Famous For:Havelis, Frescoed Walls, Rural Safari and Shopping.
Best Time To Visit:October - March
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
| Rajasthan Travel Guide |
|
|
| Travel Reckoner |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
| Colors, colors – red saris, green fruits, pink palaces and towns, blue temples in Pushkar, all these colors were a delightful experience!!! Thank you so much Dear Gautam for all these things during our trip in Agra & Rajasthan. We were like kings! I wish you the very best for continuation, hoping we’ll be able to see you again in India. I wish you also success and chance in your business further with the white Ambassador car !!! Tou tes mes amities Thomas Paris, France |
|
|
|
| What To Do |
|
| |
|
