Havelis Shekhavati

The Shekhavati region consists mainly of the Sikar, Churu and Jhunjhunu districts. This region has dry and extreme climatic conditions, and the annual rainfall does not exceed 38-45 centimeters. Shekhavati has a wealth of traditional arts, crafts and architecture, with some of them being living traditions. Shekhavati is accessible by both road and rail. Shekhavati were famous for building luxurious havelis (palaces, mansions) throughout the region. They painted themselves right into the walls, filling both the interior and exterior walls of their palaces and temples with frescoes of themselves, their lives and loves, their heroes and their gods.

These havelis were built mainly in the latter half of the 20th century by the Marwari merchants of Shekhavati, who ventured out primarily to Calcutta and Assam. The lavish Havelis are a fine example of craftsmanship - some of them are even painted in pure gold. A few of these havelis have now been converted into heritage hotels, although most of them are looked after by old family caretakers for their busy seths who visit them once in a while. Shekhavati also has a number of small fortresses and a deer sanctuary at Tal Chhapar. The best way to visit and view this region is either on a Horse Safari or a Camel Safari.

Sikar
Further on in Sikar is Biyani Haveli with its beautiful blue frescoes. Blue was traditionally the most difficult colour to render in wet fresco plaster. That makes these walls, completed in the 1870s with expensive synthetic imported German dye, a statement of the owner's status.

Nawalgarh
Nawalgarh seems at first like a sleepy dull desert town, but this town has one of the highest concentrations of decorated havelis in all Shekavati. The Poddar Haveli is now a school, certainly one of the most amazingly decorated schools anywhere. Watch out for the ghost while examining the Uttarian Haveli.

Kota
Kota is the industrial center of Rajasthan. Earlier, it was the capital of an independent state of the same name. There are hydro-electric power plants and an atomic power plant here. Places of interest here are the forts, the Government Museum, Rao Madhav Singh Museum, Chambal Gardens, Jag Mandir (a temple on an island), etc.

Bundi
The town is in a narrow valley and looming above it is the Taragarh Fort. This was built in 1372. Inside the palace is the picture gallery with murals of hunting, historical and religious scenes painted in Bundi style.

Alwar
Alwar with its historic fort, palaces & beautiful gardens offers an unforgettable experience. The medieval fort crowning a scarped hill over looks the town below.

Mandawa Castle
Mandawa castle now offers delightful hotel accommodation. Look for loopy western references in the town's frescoes like the man riding a bicycle.

The Piramal Haveli
The Piramal Haveli in Bazar, Shekhavati, has traditional courtyards enclosed by colonial pillared corridors. Frescoes of flying angels and gods in motor cars adorn the walls. Serving the famed local vegetarian cuisine.