Rajasthan is known as the land of kings yet there is one more secret treasure trove of the state that is called the Sheikhavati region that is located beyond the forts and palaces and is widely referred to as the Open-Ary Art Gallery of Rajasthan. Here, hundreds of Havelis are decorated with colored grains, painted by rich traders centuries ago. These frescoes tell stories of Hindu mythology, daily life, folklore and even scenes inspired by European culture.
This 7-day Rajasthan Sheikhavati Havelis Tour takes you on a trip through the cities of heritage, where time still stands. You will run through a row of streets along the painted walls, detect grand forts, temples, and senotades, and the villages of Rajasthan will experience the simple life yet. Every day brings new colors, artistic miracles and cultural stories that connect you to the golden past of this region.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Jaipur
Your tour will start at Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan which is Pink City. You need to take your time, upon arrival and check in your hotel. Evening, you can go to a small town tour with an opportunity to visit the places like Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and City Palace giving you an idea of both royal architecture
Jaipur markets are also worth a search because of its colorful markets. You will find stores of traditional clothes, blue utensils, jewelry and handicrafts. The minute the sun goes down, the light of the city glowing, food vending machines present on the streets offer Kachori, Jalebi and Masala tea. Staying overnight in Jaipur prepares you for a further artistic journey.
Day 2: Jaipur - Mandwa
After breakfast, drive towards Mandawa, a small city that makes Shekhavati's entrance. On arrival, check at your mansion-style hotel. Mandwa itself is like an open-air museum. Begin with an impressive building, the Mandawa Fort constructed in the 18 th century. The castle has become a heritage hotel and the walls are covered with frescoes of the Rajput rulers and life scenes.Afterwards, Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli and Murmuria Haveli stroll around in the small streets that are famous in terms of painting not just mythological characters, but also trains, cars and even images of George V of England.
The fusion of Indian and Western influences in these Fresco shows the changing times of that era. By evening, rest in a peaceful city environment. Wait overnight in Mandawa..
Day 3: Mandawa-Nawalgarh-Dundlod
In the modern world, breakfast and then drive to Nawalgarh, a city with its highly decorated mansion. The most known ones are Pudar Haveli that is turned into a museum today and the Morka Haveli that features wide graffiti and is covered with every inch of its walls. These artworks tend to be more of the gods and goddesses of village life, royal processions and scenes.
Go on to Dandload, a little village with its Dandload Fort and the umbrellas of the Shekhawat rulers. The good example of Rajput and Mughal architecture is Fort which is a blend of exquisite balconies, courtyards and marble and sandstone. Going through the sandlot streets, you will have the painted walls to see how the small villages were attracted by the artistic inspiration of Shekhavati also. Go back to Mandawa and stay over.
Day 4: Mandawa - Fatehpur - Ramgarh
When the breakfast is over, then drive to another city of Sheikhavati Fatehpur, full of artistic treasures. And here is Nadin Le Prince Haveli, which has been reconstituted by one of the French artists in one of the cultural centers and art galleries. Havelis of Fatehpur are renowned with their broad frescoes depicting Indian mythology and the British Raj influence like soldiers, steam engines and clothes to women in foreign countries.
Pass on to Ramgarh, which was formerly one of the richest trading cities in the country. Ramgarh boasts a lot of ancient temples, step-boris and Havelis of complex designs. The most remarkable are cenotaphs constructed in honor of rulers. Spend the night in Mandawa and have a cool evening there.
Day 5: Mandawa – Jhunjhunu
The cultural center of Shekhavati is today taken to be the head of Jhunjhunu. It began its expedition at Rani Sati Temple which is a significant pilgrimage destination of the Marwari community. People also come here to appreciate its beautiful design, glowing marble, and pictures.
The next place is Khetri Mahal or Pawan Mahal of Jhunjhunu. It is a tranquil place to be as this palace is characterized with open halls and arches to enable the cold air to flow. This palace of the 18 th century is applauded to have the distinctive architecture consisting of arches, courtyards, and open spaces, which are given the freedom to ride the cool breeze. Havelis, painted with frescoes, and each of them charming, fills the city too. Jhunjhunu has spirituality, history and art. Stay in Jhunjhunu overnight.
Day 6: Jhunjhunu - Sikar - Jaipur
Breakfast, Sikar, another historic city of Shekhawati, is the destination of this drive. Here one can notice old havelis such as Biyani Haveli and Bansidhan Rathi Haveli which contain religious and colonial paintings. Cenotaphs, temples and stepfather in Sikar are the indications of the life of wealthy merchants.
Search Sikar, retire to Jaipur. Arrive in Jaipur and rest in a hotel. You may also watch a Rajasthani cultural show with folk dance and music in the evening or just sleep after your heritage tour. Stay overnight in Jaipur.
Day 7:a Jaipur departure
Take your breakfast leisurely on the day before the end of your tour. Given time, you may be visiting Albert Hall Museum that houses rare arts, brief images and ornaments. Or you may make a few last-minute buying in Jaipur markets of handicrafts, jewelry and textile.
And that was the end of your Sheikhavati Havelis sightseeing trip. You are bringing tales of painted houses, artistic walls and coloured cities, which elevate Shekhavati to be one of the most distinct regions of Rajasthan.
