Highlights of Shekhawati Havelis
The merchants of Shekhawati lived with a stint in their adopted homes in the regions of trade. They sent a major part of their wealth back to their families which was later used for constructing lavish havelis. The havelis were symbolic of the success, prosperity and luxurious lifestyle of these merchants. These edifices were elaborately decorated, both inside and outside with numerous murals.

Artisans, craftsmen and masons were even specially invited from outside Shekhawati. These havelis were an architectural marvel of the region. The riot of blue, maroon, yellows,green and indigo colors adorned the walls of havelis, and the lovely wall paintings based on the mythological themes, depicting local legends, animals, portraits, hunting and wrestling scenes and a glimpse of everyday life.

enhanced the charm. Some of the havelis are open for the public view while others are not.

Famous Havelis of Shekhawati
Nawalgarh: Founded by Nawal Singh in 1737, the town is popular for housing the very famous group of six havelis called Aath Haveli incongruously so because earlier plan was to build eight havelis. Opposite to these group of havelis, is the Muraka Haveli with beautiful paintings, miniatures depicting the legends of Krishna. Another Haveli of importance is Hem Raj Kulwal Haveli which was built in 1931. You will love to see the vibrant architraves covering the windows and an ornate silver door leading to inner courtyard.

The nearby Khedwal Bhawan is also beautiful because of its exclusive mirror-work and fine blue tile work. The images of locomotives and legendary lovers Dhola Maru (the Indian Romeo and Juliet) is nice to see. There are many such paintings in the haveli. Other havelis of significance are Bhagton ki Haveli, Parsurampura Haveli. Dharni Dharka Haveli, Chhauchharia Haveli, Shankar Lal haveli, Anandi Lal Poddar ki Haveli and Jhunjhunwala Haveli.

Dundlod: The tiny village of Shekhawati is a home to many attractive havelis. The Goenka merchant family is well known here because of the prosperity. Some exquisite havelis of Dundlod include Tuganram Goenka Haveli, Goenka Haveli, Jagathia Haveli. These havelis have been done beautifully with murals, paintings and arches.

Jhunjhunu: The town is small but the heritage sites are lovely to see. The famous havelis of the town are worth seeing. Tourists to Jhunjhunu can see havelis like Modi Havelis which stand against opposite to each other near Khetri Mahal and is famous for its paintings. The Kaniram Narsinghdas Tibrewala Haveli is another attraction of the place. The Narudin Farooqi Haveli close to Noor mosque is typical in muslim architecture. Mohanlal Ishwar Das haveli which dates back to 1896 is very charming.

Fatehpur: Established in 1451 as a capital of Muslim Nawabs, it was taken by Rajputs later in the 18th century. Passing through the lac bangles vendors on Churu Sikar road, you come to Mahavir Prasad Goenka Haveli which is a storehouse of some of the best paintings of Rajasthan. After a short distance is Nand Lal Devra Haveli which awaits you with its paintings in red and blue. The Jagannath Singhania Haveli is often locked, but worth seeing. Two large havelis were built by Barthia family and is still inhabited by the residents.

Mandawa: Very close to Fatehpur, the little town of Mandawa was was inhabited in the 18th century and fortified by the dominant families of merchants. Gradually becoming popular among tourists, the havelis of the town are the main attraction and most imposing being the Goenkas Havelis. The Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli is very famous for the unusual composite picture. Nearby is the Goenka Double Haveli which has elegant entrance gates and monumental pictures. Adjacent to it is Nand Lal Murmuria Haveli that reflects the European style of paintings. Some havleis that are loved by the visitors include Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Chokhani Double Haveli, Laxminarayan Ladia Haveli and Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli.

Laxmangarh: Besides the fort and Radhi Murlimanohar Temple at Laxmangarh, the havelis are also famous. These attract a number of travelers on heritage tours. The Chetram Sanganeria Haveli is a treasure house of paintings while Rathi Family haveli is a reflection of European impact with Grecian Column effect. Another haveli worth seeing is Shyonarayan Kyal Haveli adting back to 1900. All these are worth visiting.