Mandawa

Castle Mandawa was built in 1755 by Thakur Nawal Singh, a descendant of Rao Shekha, the founder of Shekhawati. Two imposing gateways lead to the central courtyard where cannons stand as a reminder of the past when they were used to repel the enemy.

A stay at Castle Mandawa makes it convenient to visit other tows of Shekhawati like Chirawa, Jhunjhunu, Nawalgarhm Mukundgarh and Dunklod for their painted havelies, An opportunity to experience local festivities is provided during Holi and Gangaur, two festivals which are held during the month of March, chariot, camel and horse rides can be arranged on request.

Mandawa lies in the heart of Shekawati region. Shekawati comprises the districts of Sikar and Jhunjhunu and known the world over for its painted Havelis. Mandawa is a convenient base for making excursions to other towns of Shekawati like Chirawa, Jhunjhunu, Nawalgarh, Mukundgarh and Dundlod for their painted Havelis.

Thakur Nawal Singh founded this fort in the desert town of Mandawa in the year 1755. Three magnificent gates lead the visitors to the interior of the fort, which is menacingly guarded by huge cannons. Castle Mandawa has an ancestral in-house Museum with interesting numismatic collection, costumes of Rajput warriors and silver objects. The major attractions are the wall paintings, havellies and frescoes of Shekhawati. In the simple town of Mandawa it is this castle is towering and thus easily traceable by any tourist or traveler to the land.

The Mandawa Castle Heritage Hotel comprises of a whooping 51 rooms. The remarkable fact about these rooms lies in the fact that each one of them has been uniquely done. The assorted paintings, jade, costumes and antiques will leave a long lasting impression on you. The evenings and the nights are made enchanting by the fire-dances and the candle lit dinners in the courtyard and the terrace of the Mandawa Castle Heritage Hotel. The terrace of the Heritage Hotel offers a spectacular view of distant temples and the cenotaphs.

The castle is located at the heart of the Shekhawati region and is 260 kms from Delhi, 200 kms from Bikaner and 165 kms from Jaipur.

Nawalgarh Fort

The main building in this town is the fort, founded in 1737 AD but today it stands largely disfigured by the modern accretions. Now it houses two banks and a few government offices.

Anandi Lal Poddar Haveli

This haveli, built in the 1920s, houses a school, but has many fine paintings. It is the only haveli in the whole Shekhawati, which has been restored by its owner.

The Aath Haveli Complex

The complex consisting of the eight havelis is worth a visit.

Sheesh Mahal

It is an astounding building with a ceiling mural that includes maps of Nawalgarh and Jaipur. Murarka Haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat Haveli, Chokhani Haveli, Gangamai Temple are also important sites that one cannot afford to miss.

Roop Niwas Palace

Built by Thakur Roop Singh at the turn-of-the-century as a European style palace for his family, complete with swimming pool, billiards room, a large garden, and large rooms, the palace has shady trees around it


How to Reach (Kms):

Airport : 142

Railway Station : 54,

Bus Stand : 1

Lakshmangarh - Shekhawati

The fort was built by Lakshman Singh, the Raja of Sikar, in the early 19th century after the prosperous town was besieged by Kan Singh Saledhi.

Lakshmangarh fortress, which looms over the well laid out township on its west side is a private property - owned by some businessmen of local origin - and is closed to the public. You can however climb up the ramp to a temple, which is open to the public, and the view from the ramp can be quite fascinating too. Of course, seeing the town from this height tempts you to go further, but a guard effectively keeps the public out.