Mandawa Havelis travel guide

Best time

October to February

Region

Shekhawati

Ideal time needed

Half a day to a full day

Havelis to see

Binsidhar Newatia Haveli stands on the main bazaar. Part of it is now a bank branch, but you can still look around and admire the paintings. The eastern wall is the most playful, with a European woman driving a car, a boy on a telephone and early aeroplanes, all signs of how new inventions caught local imaginations in the early 20th century.

The Chokhani Double Haveli was built as two linked wings so that two Chokhani brothers and their families could live side by side. Its arches and facades show peacocks, floral patterns, Rajput warriors and figures from the British period, and its sheer size makes it a highlight of any walk.

Murmuria Haveli, from the 1930s, shows how painters absorbed modern themes. Look for a train at a level crossing, views of Venice, a portrait of King George V and Jawaharlal Nehru on horseback carrying the national flag, alongside carved jharokhas and open courtyards.

• Binsidhar Newatia Haveli
• Chokhani Double Haveli
• Murmuria Haveli

Best time to visit

October to February is the most pleasant period, and the season can stretch from September to March. Summers in Shekhawati are very hot, making long walks tiring. Mornings and late afternoons give the softest light for photographing the painted walls.

Tips for your visit

Wear comfortable shoes, as you will walk a lot on uneven lanes. Carry water and a hat for the sun. Some havelis are still lived in, so ask before entering and expect a small fee to look inside. A local guide helps you find the best panels and explains the stories behind them.

Planning your trip

Mandawa is easily reached by road from Jaipur and fits well into a Rajasthan circuit with Bikaner. Stay a night or two to explore nearby Shekhawati towns at a relaxed pace. We can arrange a car, heritage hotel stays and a guided haveli walk.

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