The Shekhawati area of Rajasthan is the little-known and yet very beautiful segment of this state. The Shekhawati, also referred to as the Open-Air Art Gallery of India, is known due to painted havelis, ornate frescoes and eternal royal architecture. This trip is an insight into the artistic heritage of Rajasthan, ancient merchant villas, regional atmosphere, and the original desert beauty, with the benefit of a customized comfort and orientation. Your journey will begin in Jaipur and you will explore its royalty and then proceed to the towns of Shekhawati; Nawalgarh, Mandawa, Fatehpur and Jhunjhunu; here each wall narrates a story of the past. So book your Days Rajasthan Shekhawati Havelis Tour through the website of Chetram Holidays
The journey starts at the royal capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur which is commonly referred to as the Pink City. Your personal driver will meet you in the airport and drive you to your hotel. Check-in and take a short break and then go out to the bustling markets and local life in Jaipur. See the City Palace, a magnificent complex of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture which is still home to the royal family. It is only a short distance away that one can have a look at the Jantar Mantar, an ancient astronomical observatory that still amazes the visitors by its accuracy and ingenuity. Visit Hawa Mahal and the busy Johari Bazaar which is known as traditional jewelry and textiles in the evening. Have a Rajasthani dinner at a local restaurant and retire to sleep in Jaipur.
Visiting a hilltop fortress of Amber fort that is built on top of the hill above Maota Lake, start your day after breakfast. Ride a jeep or an elephant to the fort and have a look around the great courtyards, mirror halls and magnificent gardens. The Jaigarh Fort with its cannons and panoramic views of the Jaipur city and Nahargarh Fort where one can enjoy serene views of the sunset are the next places to visit.
Albert Hall Museum, the oldest museum in Rajasthan where local art and royal antiques are on display can also be visited. It is worth visiting the Birla Temple during the evening, which is well lit at night. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
In the morning, for breakfast, visit Nawalgarh, which is in the center of Shekhawati. This town has a reputation of well painted havelis and it was reminiscent of the old world. Upon arrival, get into your heritage hotel and have a rest.
Discover the Nawalgarh Fort, a large building in the afternoon with picturesque frescoes and architectural work. Next explore some of the well known haveli of the town including Podar Haveli Museum, Aath Haveli Complex and Sheesh Mahal that have elaborate paintings and mirror work. Take a stroll in the lanes, marvel at the painted doors and walls and feel the rustic beauty of rural Rajasthan. Overnight stay in Nawalgarh.
In the Morning visit Mandawa which is one of the most preferred towns within the Shekhawati region. Arrive and check-in your hotel and then begin to sightsee this outdoor gallery of painted mansions.
See at the Mandawa Fort, standing high in the middle of the town to the right, with magnificent views, and displays of murals of the warriors of the Rajput and scenes of mythology. Then visit Goenka Haveli, Murmuia Haveli and Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, who narrate their stories using their colorful frescoes.
Stroll by the narrow streets of Mandawa, visit the local artists or buy such traditional handicrafts or miniature paintings. Overnight stay in Mandawa.
Following breakfast, travel to Fatehpur, another Shekhawati village of art. Fatehpur has a great havelis such as Sitaram Khemka Haveli, Jagannath Singhania Haveli and Qureshi Haveli. The mansions are representations of a combination of Mughal and Rajput influences and mythological and everyday life murals.
Go on to Jhunjhunu, one of the biggest towns of Shekhawati. Go to the Khetri Mahal ( Wind Palace ) an exquisite specimen of windowless architecture and to Rani Sati Temple, the most revered of temples in the state of Rajasthan, and devoted to the power of the female.
Overnight stay in Jhunjhunu.
Breakfast then drives to Jaipur. Arrive in and get checked into a hotel and take time. Evening to local bazaars such as Bapu Bazaar and Tripolia Market with its handicrafts, pottery, Rajasthani garments. Enjoy a cultural evening out to Chokhi Dhani Village Resort with traditional folk music and dancing, and have an authentic Rajasthani thali. Overnight stay in Jaipur.
Have breakfast and leave the hotel. Depending on your flight or train schedule you can explore the rest of the remaining sights or sit back in a cafe till your personal driver will take you to Jaipur Airport or the Railway Station to continue your journey.
