Mandawa

About Mandawa:

Located in the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, Mandawa is well known for its forts and havelis. The beautiful small town of Mandawa is situated just 190 kms off Jaipur in the north, Mandawa is rapidly becoming a popular spot, which is highly thronged both by the Indians as well as foreigners. Its enchanting beauty has always been a favorite of royals which till date entices every tourist to visit again. Mandawa is well connected with other parts of the country through good networking of roads.
 
Climate:
Being a Semi desert region. Mandawa is a hot region where in Summer, the temperature range from 45 degrees during the day and approximately 20 degrees in the night. Winters are equally cold where temperature range from 20 degrees during the day to minus 2 at night. The best time to visit Mandawa is between October to April.
 
Places of Interest:
 
Mandawa Fort:
Now converted into a heritage hotel, the fort of Mandawa was built in 18th century, as per medieval theme. It dominates the town with a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows and it is adorned with beautiful frescoes. The rooms of this palace are decorated with Lord Krishna paintings, exquisite carvings and amazing mirror work, also housing a number of antiques and paintings.
 

Havelis:
Mandawa has also been referred to as the "open art gallery" of Rajasthan because the entire Shekhawati region is dotted with fascinating mansions(havelis) that have lavishly painted walls. To name a few spectacular havelis of Mandawa are:
 
Goenka Double Haveli:
A haveli with two gates, it has monumental facade of elephants and horses. The Goenka Double Haveli are replete with patterns and paintings, ranging from traditional Rajasthani women and religious motifs to Europeans in stylish hats and Victorian finery.
 
Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli:
This haveli has a painting depicting Indra Dev on an elephant and Lord Shiva on his Nandi bull.
 
Murmuria Haveli:
The paintings of trains, cars, George V, and Venice were executed on the walls of this haveli during the 1930s by Balu Ram, one of the last working artists of the region. This haveli uses a unique theme blending the East with the West.
Jhunjhunwala Haveli
The haveli is decorated with striking gold leaf painted room to the right of main courtyard.
 
Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli:
The picture of a Maharaja stroking his moustaches is added attraction of this haveli.
 
Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli:
The outer and inner walls of this haveli is perhaps the finest in Mandawa.
 
The Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli and Chokhani Double Haveli are some other havelis in the area.