If you are looking for some beautifully designed Havelis with amazing frescoes then just include Shekhawati Region to your itinerary.

Referred to as the world’s largest open air art gallery, Shekhawati Region has some breathtaking views to offer. If you are an art lover or a history lover then this place is meant for you. Shekhawati Region is located in Northeast Rajasthan covering Churu, Jhunjhunu and Sikar. This region is a cultural galore with colourful festivals, delicious cuisines and some soulful folk songs.

Primarily known for its beautiful havelis, this place is most popular among the tourists. From being a trade route for traders to a place where they flaunted their wealth, Shekhawati Region is now the centre of attraction in the state Rajasthan. This place is located in the triangle of Delhi-Jaipur-Bikaner.

Best in Shekhawati Region: Havelis

Designed by jaipuri artists and using some outstanding painting techniques, the Havelis of this region are just mesmerizing. Basically Haveli is a Persian word which means mansion (private residence).

There are some distinguishable features in the havelis of Shekhawati Region. The first one is the inner courtyard called Chowk. There is also a huge gateway of each Haveli known as Pol. Basically there are two chowks, one for men and another interior one for women.

The Havelis have beautiful designs and paintings influenced by Mughal art. You will find mostly double haveli architecture in this area. These are two symmetrically constructed havelis in a single compound. Chokhani Double Haveli of Mandwa is an example of this type of architecture.

Havelis of Shekhawati Region have beautifully carved intricate doors and windows. There are also Fresco paintings influenced by Rajput and Mughal arts. These frescoes show some scenes from Lord Krishna’s life. Mirrors are also used for decoration in some havelis. There are some large and marvellous havelis in Nawalgarh, Laxmangarh, Mandwa and Churu.

History of Shekhawati Region

Earlier Shekhawati Region was considered as an important trade route for caravans. It was on the ancient silk route. Shekhawati Region was built by the Marwari merchants. Due to its connection with some important trading towns such as Agra, Delhi, Surat, Jaisalmer and Sind, Shekhawati region emerged as a well-known region.

There was a low tax rate on this route and hence its preference increased among the caravans. Some traders started building and decorating havelis in this area to flaunt their wealth. Since then Shekhawati Region has been attracting visitors through its cultural heritage and outstanding architecture.

How to reach the Shekhawati Region?

The Shekhawati Region is around 115 Kilometres from Jaipur. You can easily visit here from Jaipur or even Delhi. 

Reach Shekhawati Region from Jaipur

Jaipur is the best place to visit the Shekhawati Region. By road it is only about 115 Kilometres distant. It is best to hire a cab or taxi or you can also travel by car. A road trip to the Shekhawati Region will help you visit some connected towns. Bus services and taxi services are easily accessible here. There are both state and private buses which connect the nearby towns. You can take a flight from wherever you are to Jaipur and then travel by road to the Shekhawati region.

Reach Shekhawati Region from Delhi

There are limited trains to the Shekhawati Region. You can easily hire a taxi from Delhi and cover the entire Shekhawati Region. As Delhi is well connected to other major cities, one can easily visit Shekhawati Region via Delhi.

Places to visit in Shekhawati Region

Havelis, Havelis and more Havelis!

Shekhawati Region needs your minimum 8-10 days to show you the magnificent views of its multiple havelis. Among the numerous places, Nawalgarh and Mandawa are the notable ones with bigger Havelis. You can also stay at these places and cover the entire region.

Nawalgarh

Nawalgarh has hundreds of painted havelis and some brilliant frescoes to show. Some of these beautiful havelis are – Chokhani Haveli, Aath Haveli Complex and Jodhraj Patodia Haveli.

Mandawa

You will feel the royal vibe of Rajasthan by visiting Mandawa. There are many beautiful havelis and forts in Mandawa. You will see the amazing double haveli architecture here.

Fatehpur

The land of Fatehpur has many painted havelis and frescoes. Famous ones are Nadine Le Prince Haveli, Devra and Singhania Haveli, etc.

Other Important Places

• Jhunjhunu
• Laxmangarh
• Churu
• Ramgarh
• Mukundgarh
• Alsisar
• Dundlod
• Bissau
• Mahansar

Things to do in Shekhawati Region

Shekhawati Region is a cultural galore and there are different things to do in here. From visiting multiple havelis to trying some delicious cuisines, you can add beautiful memories to your itinerary.

Enjoy some colourful festivals and fairs

There are many joyful festivals celebrated in the Shekhawati region.

Some famous ones are:

• Gangaur Festival
• Camel Fair
• Holi
• Teej
• Shekhawati Festival
• Kite Flying

Try some delicious cuisines

Food is undoubtedly best in Rajasthan. Shekhawati Region has primarily Rajasthani foods and some influence of Mughal & European cooking.

Some famous dishes of this region are:

• Pakodi
• Ker-Sangri
• Khata
• Ghatta ki Sabzi
• Dal-Bati Churma
• Chaavadi
• Jhajariya

Enjoy the folk song and dance of Shekhawati Region

The Shekhawati people are full of colours. Their folk songs such as Ballads are based on love stories and heroism.

Shopping in Shekhawati Region

Shekhawati Region is a paradise for art lovers. It is popularly known as an open art gallery and is largely known for the frescoes and ancient havelis. There are different things you can buy at the markets of Shekhawati Region. You will find beautiful artworks designed by local artisans. Buy some amazing decorative murals and decorate your house with Rajasthani essence.  

• Beautiful paintings depicting the epics, rural lifestyle,etc.
• Handicrafts
• Decorative artworks
• Beautifully designed chair, table and stools. 
• Dyed fabrics and sarees.
• Jewelleries with precious stones.

Best time to visit Shekhawati region

Shekhawati Region offers you a pleasant climate during October to March. Hence it is best to visit Shekhawati in October to March. You can explore each tourist attraction of this place without being affected by the climate. In summers, the climate of Shekhawati is very hot and hence it’s almost impossible to move around joyfully.

Between July and September, Shekhawati Region welcomes rain. You can also visit here and enjoy its beauty during this time. Shekhawati Region welcomes you to take a look at its architectural beauty. So don’t delay and pack your bags to witness some magnificent ancient havelis and mansions.