Mandawa Tripadvisor

The city of Mandawa, founded in the mid 18th century, was once a town inhabited by the rich merchant families. The wealthy and dominant merchants constructed massive havelis, adorned with beautiful wall paintings, for the purpose of their residence. However, with time, the merchants moved on and migrated to other areas, leaving the beautiful havelis in the shadows of anonymity. Still, the magnificence of these havelis did not diminish and now they have become a major tourist attraction of the city. Read on this Mandawa city guide to get further information about this city

The beautiful wall paintings that decorate the havelis of Mandawa in Rajasthan, India, have seen the themes changing from time to time. In the earlier days, mythology dominated the themes of the frescoes, displaying local legends, animals, portraits, hunting and wrestling scenes, etc. 19th century saw the themes being changed to reflect the British (Raj) influence on the Indian culture. The traditional subjects were exchanged for cars, trains, balloons, telephones, gramophones, English men in hunting attires and portraits of the haveli owners immaculately dressed, etc.

Apart from the havelis, another major feature of Manawa is its massive fort, now converted into a heritage hotel. The archway of the fort is painted with fascinating paintings, depicting Lord Krishna and his cowherds. Displaying architectural brilliance, each wing of the fort is set up with a different theme. Exquisite wall paintings and amazing mirror work adorn the rooms of the fort. Mandawa travel and tourism will take you on a ride of architectural brilliance and artistic genius. Even if you do not have a penchant for art, you will still marvel at the beauty and splendor of the various monuments in the city.

Binsidhar Newatia Haveli
The Binsidhar Newatia Haveli has always been known as one of the most important and worthy of being visited Havelis of all time. Majority of you would have witnessed a haveli converted into a heritage property but this one is different! The Binsidhar Haveli is presently a bank that is a branch of the State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur. However, this place is still open for the tourists who are striving to get some glimpses of haveli’s commendable sites.
This historical hub came into being during the 1920s and definitely, its walls filled up with the intricate carvings of Rajasthan’s artistic skills as well as other relatable paintings are a sight to behold for each and every visitor here. While looking at the whole building filled up with the colours, you are going to laugh and simultaneously feel awestruck with its beauty.

Harlalka Well
Never thought a well would attract such a huge troop of tourists every year, but yes Harlalka Well does! This is because, it is not solely a common well instead it is much more than that. The rustic beauty and the beautiful aura of this site is highly innovative. You are truly going to enjoy here. This well is not so distant from the amazing Murmuria Haveli and the enchanting charm of this place is still maintained. It has some massive stunning minarets and in order to go up you’ll have to climb the ramp and also stay careful, also ensure that you don’t fall since there is no facility of the guard railings there. No wonder on why is it still maintained, because it is till now filled up with water and is very deep. A best place to attain some peace of mind as you relax and spend with time with the nature here, is what defines the beauteous Harlalka Well.

Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli
Not just one, but the Gulab Rai Haveli is an exhibitor of a variety of themes. With its exceptional murals based on different vibrant themes showcased in their own distinct manner, they have always proved to be awe-inspiring for the travellers. While being here, the visitors will come across many random pictorial depictions with the prime intention behind its facilitation still standing unknown. The deadly combination of the varied facets from the life of this haveli’s owner with the fort serving as the most perfect backdrop for the same. Not only the scenes from the owner but also some other paintings showing a Greek with some curly hair, some mirror images of animals, a couple spending some time together in a train compartment, a lady giving birth- have always caught the attention of the visitors. No matter whatever be the reason behind these depictions, this haveli’s ageless omnipresence is still admired globally.

Chokhani Double Haveli
The Chokhani Double Haveli is quite different from other havelis because instead of being a single one, it is an incorporation of two wings. It was built up during the days of 1910s made for two brothers. The Haveli is accompanied with a couple of splendid archways as well as a good number of pictorial representations and paintings which are leaving the visitors highly satisfied with their engrossing architecture. The beautiful town of Mandawa is filled up with amazing havelis and the Chokhani is the most prominent as well as unique out of these. The entire building has a Rajputana touch with the designs showcasing it well surely taking you back to the bygone time. Some sightings of the prepossessing floral patterns and also the beautiful peacocks along with the representations of Lord Krishna as well as the soldiers belonging to the British.

Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli
Paintings are a quite common expression in the Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli and surely you going to get highly impressed with the way the architectural representations are done here. Hailing from the Rajput era, the haveli is full of interesting frescos as well as the touch of innovative Shekhawati culture. During its starting days, Saraf used to live in the Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli and the time he left that place, it has been serving as a tourist attraction in Mandawa. This massive building is filled up with the alluring portraits along with its lattice windows and spacious serene courtyard. The door is bounded by the mosaic work and the enchanting mirror work. Mentioning about the most favoured painting in the Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli, it is the one that shows a king stroking his heavily grown beard.

How to Reach Mandawa
Mandawa is located in the Shekhawati region in Rajasthan. Shekhawati region is known over the world because of its treasure of exquisitely painted palaces and havelis. Established in the 18th century, Mandawa has its fair share of fantastically painted murals on both the exterior and interior walls of the havelis.
The havelis of Mandawa have some of the best murals in Shekhawati. People across the globe come to visit this "open air art gallery" in huge numbers.

By Air : The nearest airport from Mandawa is Jaipur. Being the capital of the state of Rajasthan, it is a notable domestic airport. You can reach Jaipur directly by air from cities like: Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and so on.
By Train : The nearest railhead is Jhunjhunu. The station is serviced by several important trains and is linked to major stations like, Delhi, Jaipur, Bikaner.
By Road : A convenient network of roads covers Mandawa. You may reach Mandawa by road from several cities in Rajasthan and North India like: Delhi, Jaipur, Bikaner.