Mandawa

Mandawa is an important town of Shekhawati. The entire region comprising of several towns like Mandawa, Jhunjhunu, Sikar and Mukundgarh is collectively referred to as an Open Art Gallery. Shekhawati is known for its mansions with beautiful paintings (frescoes). Mandawa is a place with old world charm and luxury.

Mandawa was a feudal principality of Rajputs and a trading outpost. Thakur Nawal Singh, a Rajput ruler of Mandawa, built a fort here in 1755 and grew the town. Mandawa has a medieval Fort that has beautiful frescoes, mostly depicting scenes from the life of Lord Krishna. The Fort is now a heritage hotel. Each room of the fort hotel is different in its design and interiors. The original works have been preserved entirely. With its fragile and intricate carvings and amazing mirror work, this is an absolutely charming place for a vacation. The fort is visited by peacocks who favour its garden. It also has stunning battlements that add to the charm of the heritage property. The Mandawa Fort is an excellent example of the architecture and crafts of royal Rajasthan.

Other places that can be visited in the city and nearby for short excursions include Nawalgarh Fort, Parsurampura known for best preserved paintings of this region, Mukandgarh and Dundlod famous for forts and havelis, and Fatehpur that has several havelis and step wells. The havelis to be visited in Mandawa include Binsidhar haveli, Ladia Haveli, Gulab Rai Haveli and Newatia Haveli.

Mandawa is excellent place to shop for paintings and carved wood furniture as well as decorated chests, chairs, cradles and low tables & stools besides tie & dye fabric that is a speciality of Rajasthan.

How to reach: Mandawa is 190 km from Jaipur. It is well connected by good quality roads as well as a train network. Taxis and buses are easily available. The nearest charter airport is Jhunjhunu while the closest commercial airport is Jaipur. Jhunjhunu is also the nearest railhead.

Best time to visit: Summers are hot with temperature going above 40C and winters are cold with temperature going below 10C. Light and easy clothing for summer and woollens for winter are recommended. Visit from October to March is recommended.

STD Code: 01592

Tourist attractions in Mandawa

Mandawa Haveli - The painted havelis (mansions) of Mandawa were the contribution of wealthy merchants to this town’s architectural wealth. These merchants belonged to the Marwari community. Through their travels related to trade, they gained an exposure to the outside world that is reflected in the beauty of their havelis.

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