Mandawa Travel Guide

The Shekhavati region is famous for the merchants and their products, which they traded. It was in the 18th century that they decided to settle here thus building beautiful havelis and constructing buildings as their dwelling places. Later the place was deserted and went into obscurity after the merchants and the wealthy people shifted from this place. But the buildings they built still remained the same and today have become the objects of tourist interest.

Mandawa can be transcribed as surprise at every turn. No single room either, in the havelis, is similar to that f the other. The beautiful arches and the intricate craftsmanship are rarely found anywhere else in the state of Rajasthan. Decorated with wonderful paintings and great antique murals, the designs were once ornate with precious gems as well.

The medieval Fort of Mandawa is the center of activity of Mandawa. Founded in the 18th century, the Fort dominates the skyline of Mandawa with beautifully painted arched gateways and some splendid intricate carvings.

Some of the famous havelis of Mandawa are the Saraf Haveli, Chokhani and Ladia 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.

Mandawa has many places around for touring and excursion like the Nawalgarh fort, the Mukundgarh fort and the Dundlod.