GENERAL INFORMATION

The district town of Jhunujhunu, the capital of Shekhawati, was another stronghold of the  kayamkhani Nawabs till 1730 when Shardul Singh established Hindu rule and his descentants then rules this region till India’s Independence. The artistic all painted havellis, easily accessible are those of Marugh Das Tibriwal, Mehau Das Modi, and the Khaitans. Further, the Khatri Mahal (Wind Palace) is known for its purity, just as the Biharji temple deserves admiration for its ornate frescoes.

Besides, there are many other places worth visiting in this oldest historical city. Prominent among these are: Badalgarh, Jorawargarh, Mertani Baori, Kamruddin Shah Ki Dargah, Birdi Chand ka kuon, Ajit Sagar and Jain temple.

MANDAWA

Founded in the mid-18^th century. Mandawa is dominated by a rugged fort-turned hotel. Of interest are the Chakhani and Ladia havelis as well as the street with the Saraf havelis. A Shiva temple with a rock crystal lingam can also be visited.

MUKUNDGARH

This place has also gained popularity because of its fine havelis. Mukundgarh Fort is now a heritage hotel.

DUNDLOD

Known for its fort and a palace, which has been converted into a hotel. Besides, there are havelis of the Goenka family.

NAWALGARH

Founded in the early 18^th century. Nawalgarhhas two old forts and a palace hotel with gardens and fountains. The Bala kila has a klosk where some of the finest frescoes in Shekhawati are painted. The prominent havelis here are of the Poddars. Chhawachharias. Bhagats, Dongaichs and other. A host of temple with interesting architecture and frescoes are also recommended for a long and fruitful visit.

BAGAD

Founded by the nagad pathans in the mid 15^th century, it is better known as home of the Rungtas and Piramals.

CHIRAWA

Located at a crossroad. Chirawa gained popularity as a trading town between Churu and Laharu. There are havelis of Nand Lal Dalmia, Phool Chand Dalmia, Tara Chand Dalmia and Mangal Chand Dalimia.

PILANI

A small village that became famous as the home of the Birlas, India’s leading Industrial house, it has a large campus of the Birla Institute of Technology and Science having beautiful Saraswati Temple. Shiv Ganga, BITS Museum and Panchwati.

SURAJGARH AND KAJRA

The former has a fort built in the end of the 18^th century as also painted temples and havelis in Surajgarh. The 19^th century havelis of the Kajaria family can be seen in kajara.

ALSISAR AND MALSISAR

Lying at the northern extremity of Shekhawati, these towns were founded in the late and mind-18^th century respectively, though off the main road, a trip can be rewarding particularly since the angular style of the frescoes and their different colour palette are refreshing. Besides the fort in Alsisar, the Jhunjhunwala Havelis and well complex are interesting. In Malsisar, the fort, temples and havelis along the main street are worth exploring.

BISSAU

Founded in the mid-18^th century. The chhatris of its Thakurs are splendid. The Sigtia, Khemka, Tibriwala and Kedia havellis are finely painted.

MEHANSAR

Founded in the mid-18^th century. It is worthwhile to visit the Sone-Chandi-haveli and the Raghunath temple, both built by the Poddars. The painters of these, possible came from Bikaner, since similar work is found in the fort there.

CHURU

Churu is famous for kothari haveli (1915), kanhaiya Lal Bagla haveli (1870) with superb life-size paintings of Dhola Maru, Sassi-Punnu, etc., the six-storeyed high Surana haveli with more than eleven hundred doors and windows and many other havelis with painted rooms and facades.

SALASAR BALAJI

Famous for a sacred temple of Hanumanji.

RATANGARH

Ratangarh is situated on Agra-Bikaner N.H. 11 and it is 52 km from Churu towards Bikaner. The Raja of Bikaner Ratan Singh named it Ratangarh in 1820 AD by building a fort on the site of a little village. The market of the town is in the shape of cross giving the impression of a planned town, interesting painted havelis are situated around the clock tower of the main crossing.

SARDARSHAHAR

46 km for Churu 150 km. form Bikaner and 210 km form Ganganagar, Sardarshahr is the most enchanting town of the desert lovers. The havelis here, besides colour wall paintings, have some remarkable carved woodwork.

DUDHWA KHARA

36 km from Churu towards Rajgarh. It is a big but an old historical village situated in an enchanting topography of the Thar Desert. There are some huge havelis having excellent architectural designs. This village is ideal for enjoying the rural life and camel safaris.

TAL CHHAPPAR

The natural habitat of blackbuck is 100 km away Churu. The endangered species of blackbuck and some migratory birds can be seen in this wild life sanctuary. Forest guides are available to take visitors around.

SHOPPING

Local Shops well the region’s handicrafts, tie and dye fabrics and furniture. There is a thriving industry in made-as-old souvenirs.

HOW TO GET THERE

AIR

Jaipur is the nearest airport.

RAIL

New Delhi is the best place to start.

ROAD

Shekhawati is well connected from Jaipur, Bikaner and Delhi.