Before writing, I also don’t know that Shekhawati, region of Rajasthan consists of the areas falling under Jhunjhunu, Sikar and some parts of Churu, Jaipuar and Naugau, is jam-packed with a number of forts, magnificent havelis and jaw-dropping temples. Shekhawati holds thousands of villages and each one is blessed with many havelis. Exploring Shekhawati is not possible in one or two days, since there are many havelis to fetch your attention. If you wish to explore Shekhawati in a discreet manner then you need to have 7 or more days.
WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT SHEKHAWATI
If you are an art lover and belongs to the field of architecture or painting, then Shekhawati is an ideal place for you. Different types of Havelis will take you back in the history where art was worshipped. Eye-catching façade, incredible pillars, painted walls, marvellous step walls, magnificent Cenotaph and much more will help you think more creative and innovative. Shekhawati is also popular as the land of the Braves.
TAKE A LOOK INTO THE HISTORY OF SHEKHAWATI
This place was founded by MahaRao Shekha Ji and that’s why it is known by Shekhawati stands for the Shekhawat Rajputs. As per local language, Shekhawati depicts the garden of MahaRao Shekha. Shekhawat Rajputs ruled this area more than 500 years. Today’s Shekhawati has got changed with the time.
POPULAR PLACE WHICH YOU MUST VISIT
In this section, all is being described about the most popular places of Shekhawati. And you must not miss to visit them. Let’s take a look.
- Ramgarh:- Here, you must visit Ram Gopal Poddar Chhatri having a number of Ramayana’s scenes. Shani Temple, Ganga Temple, Baij Nath Rujla Haveli and so on are other attraction of this place.
- Nawalgarh:- It got its name from its founder Thakur Nawal Singh. Nawalgarh is one of the famous towns in Shekawati region. There are many havelis like Murarka Haveli Khedwal Bhwan, Bhagton Ki Haveli Aath Haveli etc. And that’s why Visitors must visit this place. Apart from Havelis, there is one of the renowned temples called Ganga Mai Temple.
- Dundlod:- It’s another village located in Shekhawati and hold many popular places. This fort associate to the 18th century and now it has turned into a hotel. Though it serves as a hotel but still there are many parts of the hotel takes you back in the history like Diwan Khana having period furniture, Library and so on. Apart from the Fort, you can find Tuganram Goenka Haveli, Satyanarayn Temple and Jagathia Haveli.
- Fatehpur:- At the time of visiting Shekhawati, Fatehpur cannot be ignored as it belongs to the 15th century. There are many havelis to visit including Mahavir Prashad Goenka Haveli, Geori Shankar Haveli, Jagannath Singhani Haveli etc.
- Bissau:- Bissau was founded by Kesri Singh and this place is widely popular for many havelis like Haveli of Girdarilal Sigtia, Chhatri of Hammir singh and much more.
- Mahansar:- Sona ki Dukan Haveli located in Mahansar and popular for having incredible meenakari wrok. Apart from it, there are many havelis to make a stroll.
- Mandawa:- It belongs to the 18th century and hold may haveli like Haveli of Chokhanias, Goenkas Nevatia etc.
- Parasrampura:- It’s another one of the oldest villages and have many haveli and temples which attracts the visitors.
- Sikar:- It’s another attraction of Rajasthan holds many forts and temples like, Sikar Fort, Jublee Hall, jain Temple, Raghunath Temple etc.
HAVELIS WHICH YOU MUST NOT SKIP
Since there are myriad of haveli which can make you confused and that’s why the most popular 5 is being described below in order to bring you out from the dilemma.
- Jhunjhunwala Haveli:- it has always been one of the most sought after Haveli to make a visit. It’s famous because of having gold leaf.
- Murmuria Haveli:- FI you wish to see the great fusion of east and west then you must head to Murmuria Haveli. Here, you will find incredible paintings on its wall including Lord Krishna with his cows in the English Courtyard, Nehru and much more.
- Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli:- It’s another one of the famous haveli dipped in the paintings of Lord Shiva, Nandi and Lord Indra.
- Goenka Double Haveli:- It has two gates loaded with façade of horse and elephants. Be it balcony or wall, all are infused with differ painting belongs to traditional Rajasthan and Europeans wearing stylish hats.
- Jhunjhunu:-This place is loaded with many popular temples and baori like Ajit Sagar, Khetri Mahal, Rani Sati Temple, Forest Ganj etc.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Shekhawati celebrates all festivals like Holi, Diwali etc., but there are two prominent festivals Khatu Shyamji Fair and Shekhawati Festival which has become the identity of Shekhawati.
- Khatu Shyamji Fair:- In Shekhawait, Khatu Shyamji Fair is celebrated with a great enthusiasm. A number of devotees comes to become part in this fair. Khatu Shyamji Fair is considered very auspicious in various terms like many people come here to perform the Jadula ceremony of their children. Khatu Shayamji Fair is also belonged to Mahabharata war.
- Shekhawati Festival:- This festival is organized by the State Department of tourism and some other organizations and department in the month of February on 10th and 11th. During this festival, many sorts of festivals and games are organized. Devotees all across the world come to enjoy this festival. To make the visit memorable, camel safaris, jeep safaris, rural games, cultural programmes, competition are organized.
THINGS TO DO
Visiting Shekhawati is incomplete without SHOPPING. This place is famous for offering various types of furniture which can give a royal look to your home. Ramgarh located in Shekhawati is widely known for incredible wooden door and chairs.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SHEKHAWATI
It starts between the months of October-March. During this time period, the temperature of Shekhawati remains pleasurable and cool which allow to explore this place. If you visit Shekhawati in summer then you must have a lot of water to avoid dehydration.
HOW TO REACH
- BY RAIL:- Nearest Railway Station located at Jaipur. And Shekhawati Express runs daily between Jaipur and Delhi which also stops at Jhunjhunu, Sikar and Mukundgarh. Presently, the rail route Loharu-Sikar has been turned into broad gauge from meter gauge line.
- BY AIR:- Sanganer Airport, located 150 Km at Jaipur is the nearest airport. Apart from it, IGI International Airport of New Delhi comes next in the list situated 250 Km. IGI is connected to the major cities of the world. Regular flights are available.
- BY ROAD:- Shekhawati is well-connected with Road too. Bus service is available to take you by road. Sikar one of the region of Shekhawati located 299 km away from Delhi while Jhunjhunu situated 251 km away from Delhi. Not only bus, but Taxi/Cab is facility also available from Delhi and Jaipur.
