Shekhawati in Rajasthan

shekhawati festival
Shekhawati
shekhawati Tourism

About Shekhawati

Shekhawati is a desert area in Rajasthan and has tremendous historical significance for Indians. It has several references in the epic of Mahabharata and is widely believed that the ‘Vedas’, the holy text of the Hindus, was written in this part of the country. The Shekhawat Rajputs were the dominant rulers of the area and the magnificent forts and havelis of the region were built by them. In fact, the place is named after Rao Shekha, its erstwhile ruler.

Shekhawati is known as the ‘open art gallery of Rajasthan’ for its multiple forts, havelis and other historical structures. Famous among these are the Haveli Nadine Prince, Morarka Haveli Museum, Dr. Ramnath A Podar Haveli Museum, Jaganath Sanghania Haveli and the Khetri Mahal.

The Haveli Nadine Prince dates back to 1802, currently owned by a French artist who has converted it into an art galery and cultural centre. Dr. Ramnath A Podar Haveli Museum has several galeries on Rajasthani culture, whereas the Morarka Haveli Museum has a 250 year old fort. The Khetri Mahal dates back to 1770, considered to be a very sophisticated structure with a magnificent view.

Among the famous forts of the region are Mandwa Fort, Mukundgarh Fort and Dundlord Fort. The Mandwa Fort is now a heritage hotel. The Dundlord Fort has a world famous library of European paintings. The Mukundgarh Fort is a sprawling palace spread out over an area of close to 8000 sq m replete with ancient courtyards, verandahs and balconies.

Shekhawati also has some unique mosques and a deer sanctuary that are worth a visit. It is quite common among tourists to travel localy on a camel safari in order to enjoy the desert. Many of the palaces in the region have been converted into hotels and can offer a unique hospitality experience to visitors.

Shekhawati Festival

There is a desert festival held every year in the month of February which attracts large crowds to see the various cultural programs held as part of the festival. Known as the Shekhawati Festival, it wil be held from 12th-14th February, 2012. Jointly organised by the State Tourism Department and the District Administrations of Sikar, Churu and Jhunjhunu, Nawalgarh is the main venue of the festival.

The festival provides a glimpse into the rural lifestyle of the people of this region. Camel and jeep safaris are also part of the festivities. Rural games, haveli competitions, cultural events, farm visits and fireworks are other attractions of this festival which wil be spread over four venues, viz. Nawalgarh, Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu. The main venue, Nawalgarh, is easily reachable by road and rail from Jaipur which is at a distance of 140 km.

The best time to visit Shekhawati is the winter season from November to February. Temperatures during the summer months can touch 43⁰ Celsius and since the region is a desert, the long dry spels can be rather difficult for a traveler.

The cities of Jaipur and Bikaner offer convenient travel options to Shekhawati. Local trains, buses and taxis ply frequently. Within the town, it’s a good option to hire a cab to get around. The local population constitutes mostly Rajasthan is and Marwaris, the local dialect being that of the former.

Top attractions in Shekhawati

1. Sikar
Type: Palace
Entry: Free

2. Churu
Type: Fort
Entry: Free
3. Dundlod
Type: Fort
Entry: Free
4. Fatehpur
Type: Palace
Entry: Free
5. Harsha
Type: Religious Place
Entry: Free
6. Pilani
Type: Museum
Entry: Free
7. Nawalgarh
Type: Palace
Entry: Free
8. Castle Mandawa
Entry: Free
9. Lakshmangarh
Type: Palace
Entry: Free
10. Bagar
Type: Palace
Entry: Free

Popular hotels in Shekhawati

1. Surajgarh Fort
Price: Rs. 4,200 - 5,600
Ranked: 1 Of 10
Ratings: 5.04/7 (5 Reviews)
Address: Surajgarh
Jhunjhunu
Phone: 01596-238370
Website: Www.surajgarh.com
2. The Piramal Haveli
Price: Rs. Upto 2,000
Ranked: 2 Of 10
Ratings: 4.94/7 (4 Reviews)
Address: Vilage Bagar
Shekhawati
Jhunjhunu
Phone: 01592-221220
Website: Www.neemranahotels.com
3. Alsisar Mahal
Price: Rs. 4,500 - 7,000
Ranked: 3 Of 10
Ratings: 5.63/7 (2 Reviews)
Address: Vilage & Post Alsisar,
Shekhawati
Phone: 01595-275271
Website: Www.alsisarmahal.com
4. Roop Niwas Palace Hotel
Price: Rs. 2,700 - 3,000
Ranked: 4 Of 10
Ratings: 5.5/7 (1 Reviews)
Address: Nawalgarh
Jhunjhunu
Phone: 01594-222008
Website: Www.roopniwaskothi.com
5. Apani Dhani Eco Lodge
Price: Rs. Upto 1,100
Ranked: 5 Of 10
Ratings: 6.44/7 (1 Reviews)
Address: C/O M.R.C Jangid
Jhunjhunu Road
Nawalgarh
Phone: 01594-222239
Website: Www.apanidhani.com
6. Castle Pachar
Price: Rs. 3,100 - 3,500
Ranked: 6 Of 10
Ratings: 5.63/7 (1 Reviews)
Address: Pachar
Shekhawati
Phone: 01576-264755
Website: Www.castlepachar.com
7. Ramgarh Fresco
Price: Rs. 2,200 - 3,000
Ranked: 7 Of 10
Address: 10/19 Subhash Chowk
Ramgarh, Shekhawati
Phone: 01571-240595
Website: Www.ramgarhfresco.com
8. Mukundgarh Fort Hotel
Price: Rs. 2,700 - 4,000
Ranked: 8 Of 10
Address: Mukundgarh
Jhunjhunu
Phone: 01594-252398
Website: Www.crosscountry.co.in
9. The Jhajhar Khas Camp
Price: Rs. Upto 4,000
Ranked: 9 Of 10
Address: Vilage Jhajhar,
Shekhawati,
Tehsil Nawalgarh,
Phone: 9636654006
Website: Www.jhajharkhas.com
10. Sara Villas
Price: Rs. Upto 5,000
Ranked: 10 Of 10
Address: Mandawa, District Jhunhunu
Shekhawati
Phone: 011-41761711
Website: Www.saravilas.com

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