Shekhawati Travel Guide

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Often called the 'open air art gallery of Rajasthan', the region of medieval Shekhawati comprises the present day districts of Sikar and JhunJhunu. The high quality frescoes which this region is famous for date between 1750 and 1930.

The semidesert region of Shekhawati is a colorful 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 the rich artistic tradition of this region.

Havelis : - Shekhawati's magnificent havelis or mansions, built by rich merchants of the region, 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 long and harsh summers.

The earlier wall paintings (1830A.D. - 1900 A.D.) were largely based on the mythological  themes, depicting local legends, animals, portraits, hunting and wrestling scenes and a glimpse of everyday life.

Trains, cars, balloons, telephones, gramophones, English men in hunting attires and portraits of the havaeli owners primely dressed, were painted all over the walls - thus making the havelis interesting for both Indian and foreign travelers.

General Information :

Climate : Mean Max Mean Min Summer : 40.5' C 26.8' C Winter : 30.0' C 10.0' C Rainfall : 45 - 60 cms.   Best Season : September - March   Clothing : Summer light tropical   Winter light woollen Languages : English, Hindi, Rajasthani.

How to get There :

Nagaur is well connected to all the major cities of Rajasthan by road and rail. The nearest airport is Jodhpur (135 kms.). 

HOW  TO  GET  THERE

Air : Nagaur can be reached from Jaipur (293 km), Jodhpur (135 km) and Udaipur (400 km) which are on the Indian Airlines route that links Delhi to Mumbai.

Rail : Most of Rajasthan is accessible by a network of rail services. An excellent connection to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, from Delhi is the Pink City Express (5 hour run) which is a vestibuled, chair-car rail service. Other places too are linked by passenger and express trains. Since rail journeys are usually long because of the distances involved, it is advisable to carry light snacks and water  bottles as most stations enroute do not serve much by way of food. Some important train connections are : Ranakpur Express (Bikaner - Nagaur - Ratangarh); 4893 Mail (Marwar - Nagaur - Merta Road Jn.).

Road : Rajasthan State Roadways coaches link most  tourist places and business centers in and around the state. Chauffeur-driven air-conditioned cars can be hired through the State Tourist offices and other approved operators.

Some important road distances from Nagaur are Agra 550 kms, Delhi 554 kms, Jodhpur 135 kms, Ajmer 162 kms, Nathdwara 362 kms, Jaisalmer 312 kms (via Phalodi, Pokaran) and Bharatpur 494 kms.

WHAT  TO  WEAR
Woollens during winter and cottons in summer months.

Prime Sites

Sadri (8 km) :  Famous for some beautiful temples and an old Dargah of Khudabakh Baba. The Varahavtar Temple and the Chintamani Parsvanath Jain Temple are the most ancient of the temples situated here

Desuri (16 km) : Three Jain temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman and Navi Mata are among some noteworthy temples at Desuri. An old mosque situated here is also worth a visit. A temple dedicated to Parsuram Mahadeo, nestled in the hills, is also close by. It is situated in the Kumbhalgarh tehsil of Rajsamand.

Ghanerao : Ghanerao abounds in Jain and Hindu temples. Most notable is the temple of Gajanand with a life-size statue of the goddess Ridhi and Sidhi. The statue is guarded by Hanuman and Bhairon on either side.

Muchhal Mahaveer : This Jain temple is situated about 5 km from Ghanerao in the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary. Its distinctive feature is the statue of Lord Mahavira with a moustache. The tow statues of elephants guarding the gateways are splendid examples of architecture. In the vicinity are the Garasia tribal costumes.

Narlai (6 km) : Lying at the base of a hillock, on the top of which is a colossal statue of an elephant, Narlai has many Hindu and Jain temples. The temple of Adinath is an ancient one. The outer 'mandap' of the temple has beautiful mural paintings on its ceiling which still retain their original splendour.

Faina (35 km) : The railhead for Ranakpur, Faina has some beautiful temples too.

Kumbhalgarh : The imposing fort - a principal bastion of Mewar after Chittaurgarh, has some interesting Jain temples.

Kumbhalgarh Wild Life Sanctuary : The 586 sq. km. sanctuary supports a rich variety of Wildlife - panther, sloth bear, wild boar, four horned antelope and scientifically bred crocodiles in the lake, are the major attractions.