Mandawa, also known as ‘City of Havelis’, carries the essence of Rajasthani culture in its air. Mandawa is a town in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan that lies in the Shekhawati region, amidst the arid region of Rajasthan. According to historians, it was the first home to the clan of Shekhawat Rajputs in the mid 18th century. However, the founder of this town is believed to be Mandu Jat and so was this city once called ‘Mandu ki Dhani,’ ‘Mandu Ka Bas’ or ‘Manduwas’ which later changed to Mandawa. Over a period of time, the town that is home to around 300 havelis has become the ultimate tourist destination, so much so, that it has also become the favourite shooting spot for the Bollywood industry. Here, the fascinating havelis, with their intricate fresco paintings and mirror-work are a gift from the long-forgotten Thakurs.
In the very first view, the Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli grabs the attention with a painting of Indra Dev on an elephant and Lord Shiva on his Nandi bull. And then the Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli comes in view with a picture of a Maharaja stroking his mustaches beautifies this haveli. All these candids speak a lot about the artisans and their observation skills along with the intricacies that they used to work with al-natural colours made with fruits, flowers, leaves and even stems of plant during those days.
As you try to look for religious connect, the Raghunath Temple comes in view, which is best known for its grand Janmaashtmi and Holi celebrations. It is a major Hindu shrine attracting many devotees on a regular basis, besides being another of the fantastic specimens of Rajasthani architecture here. Also, there is Harchandeshwar Mahadev Temple that has a crystal-like shivling.
Another interesting haveli that dates back to the 1920s is Binsidhar Newatia Haveli that houses the State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur. The motifs of European women being driven in a car and Wright Brothers in an aircraft are some of the prominent motifs on one of the external walls of this haveli.
The one that makes many people get clicked is Murmuria Haveli, which was constructed in the ’30s and the frescos depict a train at a railway crossing as well as Jawaharlal Nehru in the unlikeliest of the situation: on a horseback, somewhat dramatically waving the Indian tricolour.
If you are looking for the perfect haveli that is Instagrammable, the Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli is probably the best pick for you. The frescos here depict stories from Hindu mythology and if you are really interested in art, this is one haveli that will keep you occupied for a long time.
Also, there is the Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli that features some intricate mirror-and-mosaic work as well as some stunning portraits and paintings and the Jhunjhunwala Haveli, which has a room that has been painted in pure gold and to visit that you have to pay a nominal amount. This trend is there with many havelis in Mandawa, where the caretakers charge a nominal the amount for the visit, which is further used for the maintenance of the space.
Here, the trend of havelis-turned-hotel is slowly pitching in and the biggest building in Mandawa, the Mandawa Fort has witnessed the same. This fort, which is now a hotel, is known as much for its architecture as for its collection of paintings. It has also served as a set for the hit films like Jab We Met, PK and Sultan.
How to reach Mandawa
Jaipur is the nearest airport from Mandawa and is about 168 Km away. And if you are planning to board a train, Jhunjhunu is the nearest railway station from Mandawa. The station is linked to major cities like Delhi, Bikaner, and Jaipur. Mandawa is well connected by road with many cities in Rajasthan.
Right time to visit
The ideal season for a visit to Mandawa is from October to March; the winters turn this town into the best place for sightseeing with a pleasant climate. | TMM
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