Mandawa Travel Guide, a city in Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region, offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich cultural and architectural legacy. The village of Mandawa, which is sometimes referred to as the “Open-Air Art Gallery of Rajasthan,” is well known for its immaculately preserved havelis, or old Indian palaces, which are embellished with elaborate paintings and amazing showpieces.
The tiny, twisting streets of Mandawa transport you to the 18th century, when it was a thriving trading station, giving the impression that you have travelled back in time as you enter the city. The complex stationing and vivid colours of the havelis tell tales of the region’s history, horticulture, and the wealth of the merchants who once resided there.
The Goenka double-barreled Haveli, Murmuria Haveli, and Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, each a testament to the era’s architectural excellence, are the most well-known havelis in Mandawa. In addition to exploring these architectural wonders, callers can also go to the Mandawa Fort, an impressive building with sweeping city views.
History of Mandawa
The City of Mandawa was made a thikana in the mid of 18th century by the Bhojraj Ji Kasubsub clan of Shekhawat Rajputs. About the origin of this town there have been earlier references to Mandu Jat as founder of the Mandawa village. He first established a dhani (hamlet) and dug a well here, which was completed on savan badi 5 samvat 1797 (1740 AD) (source – Shekhawati Bodh, Mandawa special issue, July 2005). Initially this place was known as ‘Mandu ki dhani’, ‘Mandu ka bas’ or ‘Manduwas’ which changed to ‘Manduwa’, ‘Mandwa’ and finally ‘Mandawa’.
A remote feudal principality in the centre of the Shekhawati region, Mandawa was a trading outpost for the ancient caravan routes that stopped here from China and the Middle East. Thakur Nawal Singh, the Rajput ruler of Nawalgarh and Mandawa, built a fort in 1755 to protect this outpost. The township that grew around the fort soon attracted a large community of traders, who settled here.
Top 09 Attractions in Mandawa
Mandawa’s rich history and cultural heritage have made it a prime destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the enchanting essence of Rajasthan. From the majestic Mandawa Fort to the captivating havelis and bustling markets, the town offers a diverse array of attractions that cater to a wide range of interests.
1. Mandawa Fort (Castle Mandawa)
Mandawa fort or castle Mandawa is one of the prime attractions for the tourists which are coming to the open art gallery Mandawa and its historical locations. Mandawa fort was built in 1755 AD by Thakur Nawal Singh who was the first descendent of Shekhawati region. The Mandawa fort has now has been converted in to a heritage hotel where tourist can stay and enjoy the sheer luxury experience of Rajasthani culture and heritage. This hotel is equipped with all modern amenities such as bar, swimming pool, dining hall and luxury spacious rooms. This castle offers a perfect stay for their luxury guests and this is the best place to experience the royal culture of Rajasthan.
2. Open Air Art Gallery
This entire town is believed as an open art gallery. Mandawa is the trade center during 18th century where most of the rich merchants take halt while crossing the silk route. Many of these built their houses and mansions to stay here and still these havelies are one of the top attractions of Mandawa town. This brought lots of arts and architecture from different clans in to this small town. These havelies are beautiful carved and painted by frescoes which will take you back to the Rajputana era. Lots of tourists came to visit this blend of art and culture and every havelies and mansions have a unique design and pattern which creating a vibrating atmosphere to the visitors.
3. Murmuria Haveli
Murmuria Haveli is one among the top attraction of Mandawa Town. This unique haveli built by the traders of this town during 18th century. This haveli is famous for depicting the beautiful paintings, ancient sculptures of gods and goddesses along with freedom fighters and political leaders. This Haveli is built rajasthani architecture with beautifully carved work and frescoes paintings. The beautiful paintings includes the paintings of cars. George V, Jawahar lal Nehru sitting on horse and lord Krishna with his cows. You will also see a long painting of train where a crow is flying on the top of train engine. The artwork is amazing here and every painting showcasing the ancient culture and tradition of Rajputs.
4. The Chokhani Double Haveli
The Chokhani Double Haveli was built by the famous chokhani family who was the rich merchants of that time. This double story haveli built in 1910 by the two brothers of Chokhani merchant family. This beautiful housing built in two different wings housing paintings of British soldiers, Lord Krishna, cars, Peacock, wrestling scenes, hunting and rajasthani traditions. This haveli is best known for its best frescoes painting which is still remain beautiful and this is prominent landmark for the tourists. The courtyard, balconies, verandah, roofs all are built in Rajputana architecture and a must visit place during your Mandawa tour.
5. Harlalka Well
This is an archaeological monuments and one of the must visit place during the Mandawa Tour. This Harlalka well is believed as the wishful well where pilgrims are still come to fulfill his desires. This well is very deep and in the crystal clear water you will see your shadow splendidly. This beautiful well is surrounded by 4 beautiful pillars without any railing. This is the place where you can sit and relax for some time by experiencing the rich heritage of Rajputana era. Most of the tourists coming to visit this temple to try their luck as well by makig wishes in to this well.
6. Thakurji Temple
The Thakur Ji temple of Mandawa was built by the rich merchants and traders of that time. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna consists with beautiful paintings and sculptures. This town is famous for their historical monuments ad royal Havelies in which the Thakur ji temple play a vital role to showcasing the art and crafts depicted on the walls of the temple. A unique blend of design and artwork of 18th century make you feel mesmerize after the visit. This temple is still worshiped by the locals and devotees throughout the day and from every place pilgrims come to pay their homage. This temple is also believed as the famous monuments of Mandawa.
7. The Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli
The Hanuman Prasad Goenka presented a true example of Rajasthani art work and heritage. This haveli was built by the famous business man family “Goenka” in the 19th century. This beautiful haveli consists with beautiful painting, carvings, arches, pillars and courtyards. Here you will find the beautiful paintings of Lord Shiva sitting on Bull , Lord Indra is sitting on the elephant and many other mythological characters which represents the dedication of Rajputs towards their Hindu gods and Goddesses. This haveli is also showing one of the major example of craftsmanship and artwork of history. This haveli is having special courtyards, spacious rooms and walls painted with frescoes. This is one of the prime attraction of Mandawa town.
8. Saraf Haveli
The Mohanlal Saraf Haveli Mandawa is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Mandawa. This beautiful was built in 18th century as a resident of Saraf (Merchants) as Mandawa is known as the famous spot for trading during 18th century. The rich merchants built their houses and havelies which is mostly made in Rajputana architecture and still tourists from all over the world came to visit this historical place. In Mohanlal Saraf Haveli you will visit beautifully carved archways, intricate designing beautifully carved windows showcasing a vintage charm Rajputana era. This is one of the best place to visit in Mandawa where you can appreciate the skillful craftsmanship of Rajputana architecture.
9. Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli
The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli is one of the most famous palatial haveli of Mandawa. This is a perfect example of art, architecture and heritage of Rajput rules. This was built in 29th century and one of the prime attractions of Mandawa town. Still many tourists come to visit this awe-spring mansion. The walls are showing beautiful paintings of animals, birds, culture and tradition of Rajasthani lifestyle. This haveli is featuring exceptional murals of various themes. The main attraction of this haveli is wooden carved gates and latticed windows. This haveli is considered as incredible piece of art and craftsmanship for its exotic imaginary.
Best time to visit Mandawa
The best time to visit Mandawa is during the winter season, from October to March. The weather is pleasantly cool, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, which is ideal for exploring the town’s numerous havelis and the Mandawa Fort.
The summer months (April to June) are extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C, making outdoor activities challenging. The monsoon season (July to September) offers some relief from the heat but can be humid with occasional rain. Therefore, for the most comfortable and enjoyable experience, winter is the top choice.
How to Reach Mandawa
The best way to reach Mandawa is by road. However, trains are available to the nearby town of Churu, from where you can board a bus or a taxi to take you to this quaint town.
By Train
There is no railway service within Mandawa. The nearest railway station is in Dundlodh Mukundgarh, about 17 km away. You can travel from any other city/town in Rajasthan to Dundlodh and from there, take the local bus or book a cab to reach the village.
By Road
Mandawa is well-connected to the rest of the state via NH 48, NH 11, NH53 and state highways. There are some state-run and private bus services from Jaipur, Bikaner, Agra, Alwar, Delhi, Ajmer etc. to Mandawa. The best way to travel from anywhere in Rajasthan or neighbouring states to Mandawa is to book an outstation cab or rent a car and do a road trip.
By Flight
There is no flight service in Mandawa. The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, about 182KM away. You can fly down from any major city or town across India to Jaipur. From there, you can book an airport taxi and drive to Mandawa by road.
