Mandawa & Shekhawati Region

Shekhawati is the name given to the region North of Jaipur and on the Eastern edge of the Thar Desert.  Its strategic location on the trade route between Pakistan and Delhi meant that many merchants who had grown rich on the trade in textiles, spices etc chose to settle in this region.  Once settled, their houses become a visual testament to the mercantile competition which was part of their daily lives.  Each merchant strived to outdo the next, building larger, more ornate and more decorated houses than the last. 

Many of these havelis remain, some dating back to the 18th century.  Many date from a more modern era and it is possible to see murals depicting the Wright Brother’s first flight in between scenes portraying the more famous events from the lives of Hindu Gods such as Krishna.

The village of Mandawa is probably home to some of the best examples of havelis in the Shekhawati region.  A simple desert village, some of Mandawa’s buildings have been less well maintained than others.  However, the slightly faded glory of these once magnificent havelis is part of what makes them so fascinating to explore and so charming.

History is completed with a stay in the ancient Mandawa Castle, which dominates the village itself.