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Shekhawati

The Open Air Art Gallery

General Information
District: Jhunjhunu, State: Rajasthan, India
Area: 0
Languages Spoken: Rajasthani, Hindi English.
Long Distance Code: +91-1594
Importance: Famous for beautiful fresco paintings
Best Time to Visit: November to March

Description
The semi desert region of Shekhawati is a colourful fantasy having a fascination uniquely of its own. The open air art gallery as it is popularly called is famous for its plethora of painted havelis, all commendable pieces of rich artistic tradition of this region. `Shekhawati', means the land of Shekhas clan. Derives its name from Rao Shekha (1433 A.D - 1488A.D.) a scion of the Kacchhawaha family of Jaipur. Earlier a part of the Jaipur state, it now comprises of the districts of Jhunjhunu and Sikar districts.<br />Shekhawati's magnificent havelis or mansions display a unique architectural style that evolved around the courtyards to ensure safety and privacy of the women folk and protection from the heat of the harsh and long summers. The haveli have beautiful paintings adorning their walls and are painted in Blue, maroon, Green .Yellow and Indigo colours.<br />The earlier wall paintings (1830 -1900 A.D.) were largely based on the mythological themes depicting local legends, animals, portraits, hunting and wrestling scenes and glimpses of every day life. The turn of the 19th century saw the appearance of new motifs, an outcome of the Raj influence on Indian culture. Cars replace elephants and traditional Indian miniatures mingled with the west to produce interesting hybrid results. The mythological themes were substituted by European Oleographs, Lithographs and Photographs.<br />
Location
In the north of Jaipur, area starting from Sikar is known as Shekhawati. This is the place where Marwari businessmen built their country houses during the 18th and the 19th centuries. The Marwari or the merchant community prospered on the trade routes between Delhi and coast and between Central Asia and China. The roads of Shekhawati were once Caravan routes, where the produces of India and China were exchanged with that of Europe, Africa, Persia and Arabia. Though the trade rivalry with the British had pushed the Marwaris to the coasts, Shekhwati still remained their land.

Jhunjhunu

The capital town of Shekhawati is also the largest town of the district. It was established by the Kyamkhani Nawabs in the mid 15th century and remained with them till it was taken over by a Rajput ruler Sardar Singh in 1730 A.D. It has some splendidly painted havelis. Easily accessible are those of Narsingh Das Tibriwal, Ishwar Das, Mohan Das Modi and the Khaitans.\r\nThe most interesting monument is the Khatri Mahal or the wind palace dating back to around 1760 A.D. with elegant lines. The Shri Biharji temple is noted for its lovely murals.\r\n

Sikar

Founded in the late 17th century, Sikar was the largest 'Thikana' (feudal state) under Jaipur. The fort and temples of Gopinath, Raghunath and Madan Mohan with frescoes are worth a visit. The Jubilee hall, Madho Niwas, Kothi, Biwani, Haveli, Sodhani Haveli, the Jain temple and a large market are other places of interest.

Shekhawati Old Havelis

Shekhawati region of Rajasthan consists of the areas falling under Sikar, Jhunjhunu and some parts of Churu, Nagaur and Jaipur. There are thousand of Villages and Towns which comes under Shekhawati region. Shekhawati is famous for its rich heritage and beautiful architectures full of fresco paintings , hence also known as “open air art gallery”. Now a days Shekhawati is the most favorite tourist destination for those visiting India to experience this heritage rich territory. Many of these old heritage Havelis and other buildings (Mansions, Forts) are now converted in to hotels and guest house. Shekhawati is truly a blessing for all art lovers who are in to architecture and old painted sculptures. Shekhawati style of architecture is unique in itself.

Palaces of Rajasthan - the royal experience
(17 Days / 16 Nights)

On Request

Details

Palaces of Rajasthan - the royal experience / PRKT-PR-07 (17 Days / 16 Nights)
Delhi-Shekhawati-Bikaner-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Udaipur-Deogarh-Samode-Jaipur-Agra-Delhi

Delhi-Shekhawati-Bikaner-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Ranakpur-Udaipur-Deogarh-Samode-Jaipur-Agra-Delhi. The word India spells out the mystic, and when it comes to Rajasthan, its only about the Kings! Rajasthan as the name suggests in the local dialect, place of the kings.The whole state is dotted by innumerous forts and palaces. Many of these forts and palaces have been renovated to hotels for the regular tourists to experience a day in the lives of the royalty. Come and relive this experience with overnight stay in the forts and the palaces of the erstwhile kings. Have a look at the huge forts and palaces along with the Taj Mahal, the wonder in white.

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi
Day 3 : Delhi-Shekhawati
Day 4 : Shekhawati - Bikaner
Day 5 : Bikaner-Jaisalmer
Day 6 : Jaisalmer
Day 7 : Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Day 8 : Jodhpur-Udaipur
Day 9 : Udaipur
Day 10 : Udaipur-Deogarh
Day 11 : Deogarh - Samode
Day 12 : Samode - Jaipur
Day 13 : Jaipur
Day 14 : Jaipur-Agra
Day 15 : Agra
Day 16 : Agra - Delhi
Day 17 : Delhi

Royal Rajasthan
(12 Days / 11 Nights)

On Request

Details

Royal Rajasthan / PRKT-PR-10 (12 Days / 11 Nights)
Delhi-Shekhawati-Bikaner-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Luni-Ranakpur-Udaipur-Delhi

Experience the grandeur of the royal state of Rajasthan with this tour. Visit some of the most famous and majestic places of the state. The magic of this vibrant place echoes in its heritage, culture, sand dunes and forts making it an unparalleled tourist destination.

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi
Day 2 : Delhi
Day 3 : Delhi - Shekhawati
Day 4 : Shekhawati - Bikaner
Day 5 : Bikaner - Jaisalmer
Day 6 : Jaisalmer
Day 7 : Jaisalmer-Jodhpur
Day 8 : Jodhpur - Luni
Day 9 : Luni-Ranakpur-Udaipur
Day 10 : Udaipur
Day 11 : Udaipur-Delhi
Day 12 : Delhi

Shekhawati, India Tours