Shekhawati - the open art gallery of Rajasthan

Shekhawati is a semi-arid historical region located in the northeast part of Rajasthan, India. Its name originated from the Shekhawat Rajputs and mostly encompasses Jhunjhunu and Sikar. It is bounded on the northwest by the Jangladesh region, on the northeast by Haryana, on the east by Mewat, on the southeast by Dhundhar, on the south by Ajmer, and on the southwest by the Marwar region. Some parts of the Churu and Nagaur districts are also part of the Shekawati region.

In Shekhawati, frescoes were initially introduced by Shekhawat Rajputs in their forts and palaces. The towns in Shekhawati are known for their painted havelis, most of which were constructed between 18th to 20th century. This region has been recognised as the "open art gallery of Rajasthan" having the largest concentration of frescos in the world.

How to Reach Shekhawati?

By Air
Nearest airport is Jaipur, which is at a distance of 150 km from Shekhawati.

Delhi is the nearest major international airport.

By Rail
Rail routes are connected with Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner.

By Road
Shekhawati is connected with State highway no. 8, 37 and 41. These roads provides easy and direct accessibility to Jaipur, Delhi and Bikaner.

Distances from Shekhawati

Shekhawati to Delhi - 250 km                 Shekhawati to Jaipur - 150 km

Shekhawati to Sikar - 32 km                  Shekhawati to Jhunjhunu - 39 km

Shekhawati to Bissau - 75 km                 Shekhawati to Churu - 83 km

Route Map

1. Delhi - Gurgaon - Rewari - Loharu - Chirawa - Jhunjhunu

2. Jaipur - Ringus - Sikar - Jhunjhunu

3. Bikaner - Ratangarh - Churu - Sikar - Jhunjhunu

Must See in Shekhawati

Mandawa - Mandawa is a small town in the heart of Shekhawati region. The place is known not only for its havelis but also for its Fort Palace. The most important havelis here are the Chokhani, Ladia, Binsidhar Newatia, and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli. Another haveli, the Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, is known for its curious paintings.

Nawalgarh - Nawalgarh is famous for its fort that was built in AD 1737 by Thakur Nawal Singh. The Bala Qila has a kiosk with beautiful ceiling paintings while the Roop Nivas Palace has now been converted into a hotel. Like Mandawa, Nawalgarh too has a number of important havelis including Anandi Lal Poddar Haveli, Aath Haveli, Hem Raj Kulwal Haveli, Bhagton Ki Haveli, and Khedwal Bhavan.

Dundlod - Situated south-east of Mandawa, Dundlod has many havelis such as Jathia Haveli, and Tuganram Goenka Haveli. Another famous attraction here is the Satyanarayan Temple.

Fatehpur - Established in 1451 as the capital of the Muslim Nawabs, Fatehpur was taken over by the Rajputs of the Shekhawati region in the 18th century. The main attractions here are the Mahavir Prasad Goenka Haveli, the Gauri Shankar Haveli, the Nand Lal Devra Haveli, the Harikrishnan Das Sarogi Haveli, and a 17th-century baoli or step-well.

Jhunjhunu - The district headquarters of the same name is also the largest city in the region. Founded by the Kaimkhani Nawabs in the 15th century, the place was taken under control by Rajput ruler Sardul Singh in 1730. The main attractions of the city include the Khetri Mahal, the Bihariji Temple, the Modi Haveli, and the Kaniram Narsinghdas Tiberwala Haveli.

Lakshmangarh - Lakshmangarh was founded in the early 19th century on the model of Jaipur. There are fine havelis including the grand Ganeriwala with its four courtyards.

Ramgarh - Ramgarh was settled by the Poddars in the late 18th century. Apart from the havelis, there are beautiful chhatris (cenotaphs) with painted entrances and the temples of Shani and Ganga.

Sikar - Founded in the late 17th century, Sikar was the largest ‘thikana’ (feudal state) under Jaipur. The fort and temples of Gopinath, Raghunath and Madan Mohan with commendable frescoes are worth visiting.     

Rajasthan Holiday Packages

Royal Rajasthan (14 days)	Forts and Palaces tour (21 days)
Rajasthan with Golden triangle (16 days)	Rajasthan Cultural Tours (16 days)
Pushkar Fair Tours (19 days)	Rural Rajasthan Tour (12 days)