Home » Rajasthan City Guide » Shekhawati City Guide
Shekhawati is a semi-arid historical region located in the northeast part of Rajasthan, India. It encompasses the administrative districts of Jhunjhunu and Sikar. In Shekhawati first of all, Frescoes were introduced by Shekhawat Rajputs in their Forts n Palaces. The towns of Shekhawati region are known for their painted havelis. This region has been recognised as the "open art gallery of Rajasthan" having the largest concentration of frescos in the world.
The semi desert region of Shekhawati is a colourful fantasy having a fascinating uniquely of its own. The open air art gallery, as it is popularly called is famous for its plethora of painted havelis, all commendable pieces of the rich artistic traditional of this region. 'Shekhawati', meanings the land of Shekhs clan derives its name from Rao Shekha (1433 AD - 1488 AD) a section of the Kachhwaha family of Jaipur. Earlier a part of the former Jaipur state, it now comprises of the districts of Jhunjhunu and Sikar. Initially the region had a blank monochromatic look but with subsequent historical and social development it has blossomed into a colourful profusion of art and life for almost 2 centuries from 1750 AD to 1930 AD
Most of the buildings of the Shekhawati region were constructed from 18th century to the early 20th century. During the British occupation, traders adapted this style for their buildings.The havelis are noted for their frescos depicting mythological and historical themes. The frescos include images of gods, goddesses, animals, life history of Lords Rama and Krishna, profusely painted on the havelis in this region. The Heritage on Wheels, a luxury tourist train on meter gauge, takes you to the lesser known and colourful area of Shekhawati Region. Heritage on Wheels is a luxury train in Rajasthan by RTDC and Indian Railways.
The havelis, painted predominantly in the blue, maroon, yellows, green and indigo have beautiful wall paintings that adorn their walls. The earlier wall paintings (1830 AD -1900 AD) were largely based on the mythological themes, depicting local legends, animals, portraits, hunting and wrestling scenes and a glimpse of everyday life. The turn of the 19th century saw the appearance of new motifs, an outcome of the Raj's influence upon the Indian culture. Now cars, replaced elephants and traditional Indian miniatures mingled with naturalism of western paintings to produce interesting hybrid results.
‡ Nawalgarh
‡ Mukandgarh
‡ Jhunjhunu
‡ Mandawa
‡ Harsh Nath Temple
‡ Jeen Mata Temple
‡ Lachhmangarh Fort
Air : he nearest airport is located in the capital city of Jaipur. From here, you can get further connections to the other destinations such as Delhi, Chandigarh and other towns of India as well.
Road : From Delhi 240Km, Jaipur 180 Km, Bikaner 240 Km. Regular buses and taxis are available from Jaipur and other cities of Rajasthan.
The semi desert region of Shekhawati is a colourful fantasy having a fascinating uniquely of its own. The open air art gallery, as it is popularly called is famous for its plethora of painted havelis, all commendable pieces of the rich artistic traditional of this region. 'Shekhawati', meanings the land of Shekhs clan derives its name from Rao Shekha (1433 AD - 1488 AD) a section of the Kachhwaha family of Jaipur. Earlier a part of the former Jaipur state, it now comprises of the districts of Jhunjhunu and Sikar. Initially the region had a blank monochromatic look but with subsequent historical and social development it has blossomed into a colourful profusion of art and life for almost 2 centuries from 1750 AD to 1930 AD
Most of the buildings of the Shekhawati region were constructed from 18th century to the early 20th century. During the British occupation, traders adapted this style for their buildings.The havelis are noted for their frescos depicting mythological and historical themes. The frescos include images of gods, goddesses, animals, life history of Lords Rama and Krishna, profusely painted on the havelis in this region. The Heritage on Wheels, a luxury tourist train on meter gauge, takes you to the lesser known and colourful area of Shekhawati Region. Heritage on Wheels is a luxury train in Rajasthan by RTDC and Indian Railways.
The havelis, painted predominantly in the blue, maroon, yellows, green and indigo have beautiful wall paintings that adorn their walls. The earlier wall paintings (1830 AD -1900 AD) were largely based on the mythological themes, depicting local legends, animals, portraits, hunting and wrestling scenes and a glimpse of everyday life. The turn of the 19th century saw the appearance of new motifs, an outcome of the Raj's influence upon the Indian culture. Now cars, replaced elephants and traditional Indian miniatures mingled with naturalism of western paintings to produce interesting hybrid results.
Tourist Attraction
‡ Ratangarh Fort‡ Nawalgarh
‡ Mukandgarh
‡ Jhunjhunu
‡ Mandawa
‡ Harsh Nath Temple
‡ Jeen Mata Temple
‡ Lachhmangarh Fort
How To Reach
Train : The broad gauge railway line connecting Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner passes through the Shekhawati region. Jaipur and Bikaner are the major railway stations near Shekhawati and are connected to all the major Indian cities.Air : he nearest airport is located in the capital city of Jaipur. From here, you can get further connections to the other destinations such as Delhi, Chandigarh and other towns of India as well.
Road : From Delhi 240Km, Jaipur 180 Km, Bikaner 240 Km. Regular buses and taxis are available from Jaipur and other cities of Rajasthan.