Aren’t we all holding a secret fantasy of going back in time to be born as a royal, living in a Rajasthani haveli!? So especially for those with haveli-related fantasies, Shekhawati is where you need to be with your bags today! Lying 115 km away from Jaipur, it is renowned as the world’s largest open-air art gallery! A haven for all you art lovers and those interested in architecture, Shekhawati will be a significant addition to your travel itinerary.
Shekhawati is credited with the largest concentration of frescoes in the world!
Shekhawati is known to have been instituted in the 18th century by the Shekhawat Rajputs along a path that was a trading route originally. As per the stories, the Marwaris (traders who hailed from Rajasthan) had to leave their homes and go work elsewhere during the rule of the East India Company. They then contributed everything they earned into making these exquisite havelis for their families back home. They also brought artists from all over the world for illustrious fresco paintings, which spoke of their success and legacy.
Today, Shekhawati is credited with the largest concentration of frescoes in the world! The region boasts of an estimated 2,000 frescoed buildings built from the 17th to the early 20th century. Also since Shekhawati lies in the middle of a triangle formed by Jaipur, Bikaner, and Delhi, tourists generally refrain from spending time here! But the ones who have a true spirit of exploration will not be able to stay away from Shekhawati for sure because it offers tons of elements to be seen and read about.
Things to check out in this region
Shekhawati is stretched out across an area of 100 km, so you can set up camp at two bases- either at Nawalgarh or Mandawa. You can pick whatever suits your itinerary, keeping in mind that Mandawa is centrally located but Nawalgarh is equally gorgeous and warrants as much attention!
When here, you have to check out the Mandawa castle which brings forth an enthralling view of the entire city and makes for amazing Instagram pictures! Other places around in this region that will trigger a serotonin release in your brain are Jhunjhunu, Fatehpur, Ramgarh, Mahansar, Dunlod and Mukundgarh.
Knock Knock
The best time to visit Shekhawati is from October to March and to see this locale at its best, you can schedule your trip close to the Shekhawati Festival that is celebrated annually in Nawalgarh, around February beginning. But even the following months come with an array of things to do and see here. So take a break from work and head to Shekhawati before it gets too hot to step out and satiate your wanderlust in the most gorgeous ways!
