Covered
in this Article : Fast Facts, Shekhawati -Introduction, Tourist Places,
Transportation, Accommodation, Tour Packages.
Fast Facts
City : Shekhawati (Churu, Jhunjhunu and Sikar district)
Location : Rajasthan North East
Distance : Jaipur 185 kms, North
Attractions : Havelis, Open Art Galleries, Dundlod, Sikar
Best Time To Visit : September - March
Introducing Shekhawati
Shekhawati lies to the north of the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur and
includes the administrative districts of Churu, Jhunjhunu and Sikar.
Shekhawati came into limelight with the coming of the Marwari businessmen in
the 18th century. There was a continous conflict between the Rajputs who
already occupied the lands and the this class, who rather were strictly
reserved to their trade. The Marwaris built many splendid havelis (palaces)
that still left many spell bound. This business class was once the driving
force of Indian economy. Other than that, the Shekhawats, residents of
Shekhawati, are known for their chivalry and courage. A large number of this
community, even today, serves in the Indian Army.
Tourist Attractions of Shekhawati
Shekhawati is a very interesting place and features some unique
attractions. The region also encompasses several important districts and
administrative units. Some of the known tourist attractions located in
Shekhawati are :
Havelis
: The key attractions at Shekhawati are the frescoed Havelis and
mansions built by the early Marwaris. The buildings painted in rich colors
belong to the 18th, 19th and early 20th century. Unlike havelis and palaces
built by other rulers, like Mughals, these havelis consist of several
courtyards. There is an inner courtyard and an outer one; in larger ones
there are more than two. The painted walls or frescoes depict scenes from
popular epics and history. The mural work and mirror work has been
extensively employed in these beautiful monuments. One can have a good idea
of the prosperity as was enjoyed by the business class.
Open Art Gallery : The Open Art Gallery features some of
the popular attractions Havelis. The painted havelis in an open air gallery
gives the best attractions at one place.
Dundlod : Dundlod features a medieval fort that has been
transformed into a star hotel. The fort brings with it the glory of the past
and memories associated with the Shekhawats. The fort built in a typical
Rajputana style comprises of spacious rooms, minarets, paintings, flower
motifs. There is one compound called Diwan Khana that is built in a Mughal
architectural style. With the genuine European class furniture, the hotel is
one great palace to check out.
Sikar : Sikar is a popular district in the north east of
Rajasthan. The district used to be one of the wealtiest feudal places of
Jaipur. The district has a lot many local attractions and the prized ones
include a 17th century fort, market places, temples and painted havelis. The
Harshnath Temple and Gopinath Temple are great catches for a tourist. Some
other beautifully adorned temples include Govindji Temple and Madan Mohan
Temple. Biyani family was the most prominent in this town and many of their
mansions stand as marvelous buildings. The famous Biyani Haveli, painted in
royal blue, is worth watching in the town. The market places are no
different and feature colorful alleys and vibrant shops.
Nawal
Garh : Nawal Garh is a small town and presents some of the finest
frescoes in Shekhawati region. There is an old fort that provides glimpses
of the past and colorful bazars, that are popular through out the region.
Jhunjhunu : A small town famous for some notable havelis
including Nar Singh Das Tibrewal, Ishwar Das, Mohan Das Modi and the Khaitan
Haveli. Some other local attractions include Laxminath Temple, Qamrudin Shah
Ki Dargah, Badalgarh, Ajeet Sagar and more.
Churu : Important attractions at this small town include
some popular havelis, Balaji Temple, Churu Fort, popular cenotaphs and a
Jain temple.
Transportation Services for Shekhawati
Shekhawati lies close to the capital city Jaipur. Transportation as such is
not a problem. One can reach Jaipur in a flight, train or a bus and from
there head towards Shekhawati. There is road and rail services available for
the districts of Sikar, Nawalgarh and Jhunjhunu. However, airport is located
in the capital city.
Places Where You Can Stay
Shekhawati encompasses a large area and as such there are a number of
places where one can put up. A good number of hotels provide their services
in the region. One can find a variety of these hotels from low budget to
luxurious ones. Some of the known service providers include Hotel Castle
Mandwa (Mandwa), The Desert Resort, Mukandgarh Fort (Mukandgarh), The
Piramal Haveli, Roop Niwas Palace (Nawalgarh), Hotel Apani Dhani
(Nawalgarh), Dunlod Castle (Dunlod). All these make up star category, the
budgeted ones include Hotel Chirmi at Churu, Tourist Bungalow at Jhunjunu.
