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Mandawa, a small, beautiful town in the Shekhawati region in Rajasthan, is renowned as the “Open Air Art Gallery of India”. Tucked away 190 km north of Jaipur, the town is filled with vibrant frescos and murals. Whether you are an aesthete or a history buff, visiting Mandawa will rejuvenate your soul. It is a popular tourist destination, featuring historical Havelis painted with colorful murals, and the 18th-century Mandawa Fort. Footloose Holidays has brought you a comprehensive Mandawa travel guide that encompasses complete information on how to reach and when to visit Mandawa, along with the top attractions to explore.
About Mandawa
Before planning Mandawa tours, people want to know where Mandawa is located. It is a small town located in the Jhunjhunu District of Rajasthan, within the Shekhawati region. Located just 250 km from Delhi and 190 km from the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. While crossing the silk route, Mandawa was a major stop for wealthy merchants during the 18th century. Merchants then built their homes here, which resulted in beautifully decorated havelis in Mandawa. Due to these Havelis, today Mandawa is a famous tourist destination in India. The beautiful town of Mandawa is known as the “open-air art gallery”.
Best Places to Visit in Mandawa, Rajasthan
The beautiful town of Mandawa showcases a culturally rich era of Rajasthan. There are endless places to explore and visit in the town. Here is a list of the top places that everyone must add to their Mandawa tour itinerary.
Mandawa Fort (Castle Mandawa)
The prominent attraction that everyone must see in Mandawa is the Mandawa Fort. It is the heart of the town and one of the best things to do in Mandawa. Built in the 18th century by Thakur Nawal Singh, the fort shows the royal life of Rajasthan. Today, this fort is turned into a heritage hotel. While exploring the fort, you will walk through the rich culture of the bygone era of Rajasthan while admiring the old-world charm. The rooftop gives a panoramic view of Mandawa and its painted havelis. It’s the perfect place to begin your journey here.
Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli
Another top attraction of Mandawa that you should not miss exploring is the Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli. This haveli is a treasure of Shekhawati art. Its walls are full of lively frescoes showing gods, animals, and daily village scenes. The detailing is very fine, and each painting feels like it has a story to tell. The haveli is well-preserved, so you get a real sense of the royal lifestyle. It’s a must for anyone who loves history and traditional Rajasthani art.
Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli
Known for its bold and vibrant artwork, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli is one of the most visited in Mandawa. The frescoes here include themes from mythology, hunting scenes, and even colonial influences. Some paintings are playful, showing camels, elephants, and the social life of that time. The haveli is large and filled with colorful details, making it a favorite among photographers.
Murmuria Haveli
Murmuria Haveli is one of the best places to visit in Mandawa. Among many havelis in Mandawa, this is a unique one because it blends traditional and modern art. Along with mythological themes, you’ll spot unusual paintings like trains, cars, and even portraits of Indian leaders. It shows how Mandawa’s artists adapted to new influences while keeping their roots alive. Walking through this haveli is like stepping into a time where the old met the new.
Jhunjhunwala Haveli
Another popular attraction of Mandawa, with the delicate artwork, featuring floral motifs, divine figures, and scenes from royal life, is Jhunjhunwala Haveli. Because of the golden tones used inside the Havelis, it is often called the “Golden Room”. The place feels more intimate compared to the larger havelis, but the detailing is impressive. It’s a quiet spot where you can enjoy the richness of Shekhawati art without crowds.
Harlalka Well
A stepwell located near Mandawa Fort, Harlalka Well, is a simple yet charming spot. In the past, it served as a water source for locals. Today, it’s mostly visited for its peaceful atmosphere and rustic look. The carved steps and traditional design make it a good place to pause and click some memorable photos. It’s not grand, but it adds to the old-world vibe of Mandawa.
Thakurji Temple
This small temple may not be as famous as the havelis, but it’s worth a stop. Its walls are decorated with paintings, and the temple is known for its bright colors. The calm atmosphere makes it a good place to rest while exploring the town. It reflects the deep connection of Mandawa’s people with faith and art.
Best Time to Visit
Mandawa is located in Rajasthan. Hence, the temperature here remains hot. The winter season, from October to March, is the best time to visit Mandawa. The temperature during the season ranges from 10°C to 25°C, making the weather pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Avoid visiting the town during the summer season from April to May, as the scorching heat of the sun will disrupt your travel plan. On the other hand, rainfall provides respite from the heat during the monsoon season. So, if you want, you can plan your trip to Mandawa between June and September.
How to Reach Mandawa, Rajasthan
Mandawa is the heart of Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region and a popular tourist destination in Rajasthan. So, reaching Mandawa is easy using several options. The city is connected by road, rail, and air with nearby cities and neighboring states. Let’s see how you can reach Mandawa using the different modes of transportation:
By Train: Mandawa does not have its own railway station. The nearest Railway Station to Mandawa is Jhunjhunu, which is well-connected to the major Indian cities. You get direct trains to Jhunjhunu from Delhi, Jaipur, and other cities in Rajasthan. Upon arrival, hire a taxi or board a bus to reach Mandawa from Jhunjhunu.
By Road: Mandawa is well-connected by road to major cities. From Delhi, you will cover approximately 250 km, and the drive will take around 6 hours. From Jaipur, the drive is 3-4 hours. You also get state-run and private buses from Delhi, Jaipur, and Bikaner to Mandawa.
By Air: If you want to travel by air, you will have to reach Jaipur International Airport. Jaipur is about 180 kilometres from Mandawa. From there, you can hire a taxi/cab or take a bus to reach Mandawa directly.
