MANDAWA
General Information about Mandawa

In the heart of the Shekhawati region of Rajsthan lies the beautiful small town Mandawa, known throughout the state for its forts and Havelis. Mandawa is situated in the north Indian state of Rajasthan around 190 km from Jaipur, the capital of the state. The fort town of Mandawa is well connected with the other places in region through a good network of roads.

Mandawa at a Glance

Mandawa Fort

Mandawa is a small town in the heart of Shekhawati region. The place is known not only for its havelis but also for its Fort Palace. The structure of the palace reminds of the cultural and social importance of this region in the past. Of the havelis, the most important are the Chokhani, Ladia, Binsidhar Newatia, and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli. Another haveli, the Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, is known for its curious paintings. There is a painting of a boy holding a telephone and a European woman in a car driven by a chauffeur. The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli is famous for its erotic images, now mostly defaced.

History

The compact and busy little market town of Mandawa was settled and fortified in 18th century by the dominant merchant families of the region. The wealthy businessmen of the village constructed many havelis and baolis with colored painting adorning their walls. Later on, with the migration of these merchant families, their old settlements remained in total obscurity with no one to look after them. Despite the time lapse and ignorance about these visual and architectural extravaganzas, their attraction did not fade and today they are some of the major attractions for the tourists visiting Rajasthan.

Climate of Mandawa

The summers are very hot in Mandawa whereas winters can be chilly and the temperature can be fall below 10 C. The best season to visit this place is winter i.e October to March.

Mandawa Castle

Part of Shekhavati, a region once on the silk route on China, its inhabitants the rich merchants lavishly decorated their houses with paintings on religious, historical, folk and social themes and with the coming of the British, lot of the paintings are found with European influence too; so much so that today it forms an open air art gallery. Mandawa Castle, founded in mid 18th century, has interesting murals has been converted into a hotel. It offers some excellent views from its ramparts. Other interesting towns are Fatehpur and Dunlod.