Mandawa the place for Art and Culture, surrounded with popular Mansions and havelis is a perfect tourist destination and one of the favorite holiday spot. Mandawa is about 190kms from Jaipur, in the center of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. It is easily connected to all the other places in India and nearby region. Tourist can travel by Air, road and rail. Many domestic airlines are available from Jaipur and the nearest charter airport is Jhunjhunu, Road Networks are excellent and is well connected.
Founded in the 18th century, the medieval fort of Mandawa dominates the town with a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. The Chokhani and Ladia havelis and the street with Saraf havelis are some of the splendid examples of this region’s havelis. The Binsidhar Newatia Haveli has some curious paintings on its outer eastern wall-a boy using a telephone, and a European woman in a car driven by a chauffeur. The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli has some defaced erotic images.
Prime Attractions of Mandawa
Fort of Mandwa :
Castle Mandawa Hotel : The major attraction of the Mandawa town is the magnificent fort Castle Mandawa,which has now been converted into a luxury hotel. Castle Mandawa is ideally located in the heart of the Shekhawati region,which today comprises of two administrative districts in the state of Rajasthan: Jhunjhunu and Sikar. The grand havelis of the Goenkas,Ladias,Sarafs,and the Chokhanis,in Mandawa are a fine example of the famous Shekhawati workmanship. Castle Mandawa is a two hundred and forty year old fortess,that has been converted by the royal family into a fine example of traditional hospitality.
Jhunjhunwala Haveli : in Mandawa is a must visit during a tour to Rajasthan. Attractions in the haveli include marvelous leaf painted rooms. The haveli is a great place to know the grandeur and luxury of Rajput merchants. Goenka Chattri, Mandawa: Goenka Chatti in Mandawa is one of the most popular havelis in Mandawa. This haveli is very well preserved and furnished. On visiting this haveli, you will get a clear idea about the unique features of Rajasthani architecture. A visit to this haveli will be a thoroughly enriching experience for the tourists.
Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Mandawa: Located at a vantage point in Shekhwati in Mandawa, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli is also a great attraction for tourists. This haveli boasts a lovely decoration. The décor mainly consists of beautiful images.
Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, Mandawa : The European touch of the paintings in Bindsidhar Newatia Haveli is a major attraction for tourists.
Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Mandawa: A visit to the Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli is also an integral part of tour to monuments and havelis in Mandawa. This haveli has a number of intricate paintings. These paintings depict a number of mythological characters. The haveli also boasts a splendid artwork. These artworks reflect the brilliance of the artists of the bygone era.
Murmuria Haveli : is also one of the most popular havelis in Mandawa. The paintings of this haveli mostly depict political leaders. The excellent paintings are a great way to witness the excellence of artisans.
Goenka Double Haveli, Mandawa: This haveli is also very popular among tourists. The main attraction of this haveli is the portico. The portico is decorated with a number of paintings. The paintings are mainly of horses and elephants. It is a very beautiful haveli in Mandawa.
Harsh Nath Temple : An ancient 10th century temple situated on the Harsh nath hills.
Jeena Mata Temple : Believed to have been built a thousand years ago, the temple is the venue of colourful fair held twice in a year during Navaratras.
Mandawa festivals : Camel Festival: The festival starts off with a parade of beautifully decorated camels from the Junagarh Fort. The camel owners make sure that their camels do not look lesser than the other camels. They decorate the camels with colourful bridles and saddles and tie anklets around the feet. The processions comes out in the open where the festivity takes another step forward.
Cuisine in Mandawa : Staying at Mandawa is not a problem, it provides quality accommodation. There are many hotels and guest houses in this town. The tourists can also stay at resorts and heritage hotels. At Mandawa you can fit in with any budget to accommodate yourself. This beautiful small town offers some of the best dishes and cuisines, you must try their Gatte ki Sabji, Kaer Sangri, Saadi Baati served with garlic chutney and dal churma etc.
Shopping in Mandawa : Those who love art and painting Mandawa is the perfect place to shop. You can get handmade beautiful paintings created by the skilled craftsmen on cloth and paper, perfect for home decoration or to give a gift to someone. Other popular shopping would include carved wooden furniture, adorned chairs, cradles, stools etc. Apart from this tourist can shop for beautiful bangles as well.
Accommodations in Mandawa :
Some of the good hotels where tourists can accommodate in a comfortable mood are Heritage Hotel Mandawa, Hotel Mandawa Haveli, Jai Niwas Resort, and Desert Resort.
How To Reach Mandawa
By Air : aipur (167km) is the closest airport from Mandawa.
By Rail : Jaipur offers the nearest railway station from Mandawa.
By Road : Mandawa can be easily reached by roadways as it is well connected to all the major cities.
