Mandawa

About Mandawa — The Open Art Gallery of Rajasthan

Mandawa is the heart of the Shekhawati region — sometimes called the “open art gallery of Rajasthan” for its hundreds of frescoed havelis built by 19th-century merchant families who grew rich on the Silk Route trade. A wander through the lanes of Mandawa is like flipping through an outdoor museum of Rajasthani folk art — every wall, every doorway, every ceiling painted in dazzling colours depicting gods, trains, telephones, British viceroys and the everyday lives of the time.

Add the imposing 18th-century Mandawa Castle (now a heritage hotel) and the easy access from Delhi/Jaipur, and Mandawa becomes one of Rajasthan’s most photogenic and underrated overnight stops.

Best Time to Visit

• October – March — perfect weather (12–28 °C). Ideal for haveli walks.
• February — Shekhawati Festival features cultural performances, camel safaris and rural games.
• April – June — extremely hot. Avoid midday haveli walks.

Top Attractions

Mandawa Castle

Built in 1755 by Thakur Nawal Singh — the dominant fortified mansion in the centre of town. Now a beautifully restored heritage hotel and museum. The painted main gate (with its famous Lord Krishna and his cows mural) is a Mandawa landmark.

Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli

One of the finest in Mandawa — covered with scenes from the Ramayana and Krishna leela. The famous “Lady on the Telephone” fresco (one of the earliest depictions of telephones in Indian art) is here.

Murmuria Haveli

Famous for its “Nehru riding a horse” fresco and a depiction of the Venice gondolier — proof of how widely-travelled the Marwari merchants were. The exterior wall is pure Shekhawati at its best.

Goenka Double Haveli

Twin havelis joined together, with elephants painted at the entrance. Inside, scenes of British viceroys, locomotives, motor cars — a snapshot of how the world was changing in the late 19th century.

Chokhani Double Haveli

Built in 1840 — twin courtyards with extensive frescoes including Krishna milking cows, processions and ceremonial scenes. The interior chambers (open for a small fee) are particularly well preserved.

Bansidhar Newatia Haveli

Famous for its peculiar frescoes of Wright brothers’ airplane and a European boy with a telephone — a delightful early 20th-century glimpse of “modernity” through Marwari eyes.

Other Notable Havelis

• Sneh Ram Ladia Haveli
• Lakshmi Narayan Ladia Haveli
• Bhagchandka Haveli (with the famous train fresco)
• Thakurji Temple painted in floral motifs

Things to Do

• Self-guided haveli walking tour (2–3 hours, 10–15 havelis)
• Hire a local guide for stories behind each fresco (₹500–800)
• Stay at Mandawa Castle, Hotel Castle Mandawa or Vivaana Heritage
• Explore neighbouring Shekhawati towns: Nawalgarh, Fatehpur, Jhunjhunu, Dundlod
• Camel cart ride through the desert village
• Watch traditional Shekhawati folk music and Kalbeliya dance in the evening
• Photograph at sunrise — the soft golden light brings out the fresco colours

Local Food

• Marwari thali — Daal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Ker Sangri at Hotel Castle Mandawa
• Pyaaz Kachori, Mirchi Vada from local stalls in town
• Ghevar, Mawa Kachori — sweet specialty
• Buffet dining at heritage hotels — fresh Rajasthani village fare
• Try Bajra Roti with white butter in winter — a regional specialty

How to Reach

By Air

Closest airport: Jaipur (JAI) — 168 km / 3.5 hr drive. Delhi (DEL) is 270 km / 5 hr.

By Rail

Closest stations: Jhunjhunu (JJN) 25 km, or Sikar (SIKR) 60 km. Both have limited connectivity. Most travellers come by road from Jaipur or Delhi.

By Road

Jaipur 168 km (3.5 hr), Delhi 270 km (5 hr), Bikaner 200 km (4 hr). Ideal as a stop on the Delhi–Jaipur drive or a 2-day extension from Jaipur. See our fleet.

Travel Tips

• 1 night is enough — covers the essential havelis and a heritage stay
• Visit at sunrise — soft light, cool weather, no crowds
• Hire a local guide — frescoes are full of stories invisible to outside eyes
• Many havelis have a small entry fee (₹50–100) — caretakers will offer a quick tour
• Combine with Bikaner for a complete desert circuit, or use as a Delhi–Jaipur driving stop
• Stay at Castle Mandawa, Mandawa Haveli, or Vivaana Heritage for the full experience
• Photography is encouraged but ask before entering occupied havelis

Ready to step into a 19th-century painted town? Use the booking card or message Prithvi on WhatsApp — we’ll arrange your Mandawa night with a local fresco-guide and a heritage castle stay on the Delhi–Jaipur drive.