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There
are many reasons for visiting Rajasthan. One of them
is Shekhawati. Nowhere else in the world is there
such a profusion of wall paintings, so intricate and
finely executed, in hundreds of havelis, temples,
cenotaphs, well and forts, as in this region. Shekhawati
is today known as the open air art gallery of Rajasthan.
This region has been the home of the Marwari community,
which for more than a century has been the backbone
of commercial entrepreneurship in India. The semi-desert
Shekhawati region lies in the triangular area between
Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner. Starting around the 14th
century, a number of Muslim clans moved into the area
and the towns which developed in the region became
important trading posts on the caravan routes emanating
from the ports of Gujarat. Some of the fortified settlements
of this land provide accommodation in ancestral homes,
their atmosphere being far more important than any
claims to service that they can provide. A few of
these include castle Mandawa, Dera Dundlod Quila and
castle Mukundgarh. The principle towns in Shekhawati
area include Fatehpur, Ramgarh, Mahansar, Mandawa,
Dundlod, Mukundgarh, Jhunjhunu.
Special
Packages
Camel Safaris
Attractions
Sikar
is now one of the two districts of Shekhawati, the
other being Jhunjhunu. Worth a visit is Sikar's large
market , the clock tower and the painted Biyani havelis.
Other attractions include Sagarmal Sodhani haveli,
Madho Niwas Kothi, Jubilee Hall and Fort. The jain
temple and the temples of Gopinath, Raghunath and
Madan Mohan are worth visiting. Areas closeby are
Jeen Mata Temple and Harsh Nath Temple.
Nawalgarh
is
the town where the finest of Shekhwati's frescoes
can be seen. Its havelis still bear witness to the
rich and prosperous Marwari era of the 19th century.
Nawalgarh has a college with British clock tower and
hundreds of painted havelis, old and new. Worth visiting
are the Aath (eight) Haveli complex, Anandilal Poddar
haveli, Jodhraj Patodia haveli, Chokhani haveli and
hotel Roop Niwas Palace.
Lachhmangarh
has one of the best forts in the region of Shekhawati.
The imposing Ganeri-wala or Char Chok Haweli speaks
volumes about the prosperity and life style of a Marwari
household. Worth visiting are the fort, Sanwat Ram
Chokhani haveli, Mirijamal Kyala haveli, Banshidhar
Rathi haveli, Keshardev Sarraf haveli, Kedia haveli
& Sanganeria haveli.
Dundlod:
The small charming town of Dundlod had an enlightened
thakur who modernized his rugged fort. It now houses
a well stocked library and portraits done in European
style. Converted into a hotel, its offers the tourists
large rooms with four poster beds. he Goenka havelis
of Dundlod have some very impressive frescoes.
Mukundgarh
is where one can shop for local handicrafts. Besides
textiles, it is renowned for brass and iron scissors.
Worth visiting are the Kanoria and Ganeriwala havelis.
Khetri
is famous for its exquisite frescos found in the Raghunath
temple. The Bohpalgarh fort is worth exploring. Worth
visiting are Panna Lal Shah Ka Talab (water tank),
Ram Krishna Mission, Sukh Mahal and Hari Singh temple.
Excursions include - Ajeet Sagar, Rameshwar Das Baba
Ka Ashram at Bassi and Baghor Fort.
Mandawa:
The medieval fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the
horizon like a mirage. A painted arched gateway adorned
with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazar.
A breathtaking view of the town can be seen from the
terrace of Castle Mandwa. The Mandwa family has a
collection of traditional ceremonial costumes.
Travel
Information
By
Air:
The nearest airports are at Jaipur and Delhi.
By Bus: The
entire area is well connected by deluxe and other
buses to the rest of the state, as well as to neighbouring
areas.
By Train: The
major towns are connected by slow trains to Delhi
(via Rewari), Jaipur, etc. |
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