Shekhawati is home to brave, sacrificing and painstaking Rajput people. It encompasses the places of Jhunjhunu and Sikar. The region provides the highest number of persons to the Indian Army. Shekhawati derives its name from the Rajput Kachhwaha chieftain Rao Shekha Ji. Millions of years ago this land was inundated with sea water. Fossils found in the area confirm that is was once a covered by seawater.

Shekhawati

Shekhawati has more than 50 forts and Palaces built by Shekhawat Rajas. Shekhawats were brave Rajputs; they established many Thikanas, towns and villages in Shekhawati and built many Forts, Castles, palaces and Havelis.

The earlier wall paintings (1830 A.D –1900 A.D) were largely based on the mythological themes, depicting local legends, animals, portraits, hunting and wrestling scenes and a glimpse of everyday life.Trains, cars , balloons , telephones , gramophones , English men in hunting attries and portraits of the havelli owners primely dressed , were painted all over the walls – thus making the havelis interesting for both Indian and Foreign travellers.

Sikar

Founded in late 17th century, Sikar was the largest ‘thikana’ (Feudal state) under Jaipur. The fort and temples of Gopinath, Raghunat and Madan Mohan with commendable frescoes are worth visiting. The jubilee Hall, Madho Niwas Kothi, Biwani Haveli, Sodhani Haveli, the Jain Temple and a large market are other places of interest.

JHUNJHUNU

The capital of Shekhawati, it is one of the largest towns of the districts. The most interesting monument is the Khatri Mahal (The Wind palace) dating back to around 1760 A.D with elegant lines .The Shri Biharji Mahal is noted for its lovely murals . Other places worth visiting include – BadalGarh, Jorawargarh, Mertani Baori, Kamruddin Shah ki Dargah , Birdichand ka Kuan , Ajit Sagar and a Jain temple

Roop Niwas Kothi (Palace)

A large country house by Rawal Madan Singh (former ruler of Nawalgarh).

Mukundgarh Fort

It has several courtyards, overhanging balconies, arched windows and corridors displaying the richness, diversity and tradition of Shekhawati wall paintings.

Alsisar Mahal (Alsisar Fort),

The residence of the Thakur of Alsisar.

Pilani

The home of Birlas , the leading industrialists of India . It has a large campus of Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) with a beautiful Saraswati Temple, Shiv Ganga . BITS museum, Panchwati and Birla Haveli Museum are also worth visiting.

Nawalgarh

Founded in the 18th century, it has the finest of Shekhawati’s frescoes. Its two old forts and palace hotel with garden and fountains along with a host of temples known for their architecture and frescoes add interest to the town.

How to reach Shekhawati

The strategic advantage of its location has made access to Mandawa quite easy. The nearest airport from the region is in Jaipur, the state capital. best way to access Shekhawati by road is from Jaipur or from Bikaner. Two major Railway Stations nearby are Jaipur and Bikaner.

Sikar –Delhi – 299 Km via Jhunjhunu,
Sikar-Jaipur – 114 Km ,
Sikar-Jhunjhunu – 70 Km,
Jhunjhunu-Delhi- 231 Km via Singhana, Narnaul, Dharuhera,
Jhunjhunu-Jaipur - 182 Km,
Jhunjhunu-Bikaner - 230 Km,
Jhunjhunu-Churu – 52 Km,
Sikar – ladnu – 90 Km.

What to see in Shekhawati

Castle Mandawa (Mandawa Fort)

Was built by Thakur Nawal Singh Bahadur in 1755.

Dundlod Fort

It houses a library and portraits done in the European style.