Shekhawati

Painted havelis, historic towns and the artistic heritage of Shekhawati.

Shekhawati is one of Rajasthan’s most distinctive heritage regions, celebrated for its beautifully painted havelis, elaborate frescoes and historic merchant towns. Spread across the semi-arid landscapes of northeastern Rajasthan, the region preserves an extraordinary collection of mansions decorated with colourful murals depicting mythology, royal life, trade and everyday scenes. Towns such as Mandawa, Nawalgarh and Fatehpur offer an atmospheric journey into a lesser-explored side of Rajasthan.

Shekhawati works beautifully on a private journey between Delhi and Jaipur or as part of a deeper exploration of Rajasthan. Wander through the narrow streets of historic towns, step inside richly decorated merchant havelis and discover frescoes covering courtyards, façades and interior walls. With fewer crowds than Rajasthan’s major cities, Shekhawati offers a slower and more intimate experience of the state’s architecture, artistic traditions and trading heritage.

When to go

October to March is the best time to explore Shekhawati, with pleasant daytime temperatures for heritage walks and visits to its historic towns. November to February brings cooler mornings and evenings, making this period particularly comfortable for exploring open-air frescoes, old havelis and the semi-desert landscapes of northern Rajasthan.

Places to consider

• Mandawa — atmospheric heritage town known for its painted havelis, frescoed mansions and historic fort
• Nawalgarh — important Shekhawati town filled with ornate merchant havelis and beautifully preserved frescoes
• Fatehpur — historic town renowned for elaborate wall paintings, traditional mansions and artistic heritage
• Dundlod — quieter heritage settlement featuring historic havelis, traditional architecture and a former royal fort
• Ramgarh — historic merchant town with painted mansions, cenotaphs and traditional Shekhawati architecture
• Mahansar — small heritage village known for richly decorated havelis and remarkable traditional fresco work