Popularly referred as "the open air-art-gallery," the semi-desert region of Shekhawati is famous for its 18th and 19th century painted havelis (mansions) and houses, magnificent forts, and beautifully painted temples, wells and cenotaphs. In fact, nowhere else in the world is there such a profusion of wall paintings, so intricate and finely executed, in hundreds of havelis, forts, temples, and cenotaphs, as in the Shekhawati. There are many beautiful towns in the Shekhawati region, known for their enchanting painted havelis, the major tourist attractions in the area. On tours to Shekhawati, you can visit the famous Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Jhunjhunu (Alsisar) , Fatehpur, Dundlod, Churu, Mukandgarh and many more destinations like them. All the main towns of Shekhawati lie within 15 or 20 kilometers of each other, making it easier for visitors to explore all of them.
What Lays in the Shekhawati Havelis
The exceptionally beautiful painted havelis are the major tourist attractions in the Shekhawati region. The havelis of Shekhawati are famous for their fresco paintings and exquisitely latticed and intricately carved windows. Most of the havelis feature mirror work and paintings decorated with gold or silver leaf. In fact, intricate wooden carvings and gold and silver paintings were regarded as the symbol of the owner's status and wealth. [slideshow]
Jhunjhunu: Jhunjhunu is a tranquil town in the Shekhawati, famous for its beautifully painted havelis. The 18th century Khetri Mahal,BiharijiTemple, Mertani Baori (step-well) with beautiful paintings and the battle hardened Alsisar Mahal in Alsisar are the major tourist attractions in Jhunjhunu.
On tours to Shekhawati, you can enjoy a range of leisure activities like walking tours of havelis, Horse & Camel Safaris and shopping for imitations of art pieces from the havelis on cloth, decorative items or carved furniture such as chests, chairs, cradles, low tables, stools and wooden doors. The colorful Shekhawati Festival held every year in the month of February is another must see attraction in Shekhawati.
