Mandawa – A Fusion of Royal and Rustic

Mandawa is a town located in the district of Jhunjhunu, a part of the Shekhawati region. Situated at a distance of 190 km from the state capital of Jaipur, the town of Mandawa is known for its fort and Havelis.

History

The city of Mandawa was once the Thikana of the Bhojraj Ji Kasubsub clan of Shekhawat Rajputs in the 18th century. It is believed that the village of Mandawa was founded by Mandu Jat, who established the village and firstly dug up a well at the place which was completed on Savan Badi 5 Samvat 1797 around 1740. Initially, the place was known as ‘Mandu Ki Dhani’, ‘Mandu Ka Bas’ or ‘Manduwas’ which became ‘Mandawa’, ‘Mandwa’ and finally got its current name ‘Mandawa’.

Located at the center of the region of Shekhawati, Mandawa was an important trading outpost for the caravans from China and the Middle East. In 1755, the Rajput ruler of Nahargarh and Mandawa – Thakur Nawal Singh constructed a fort to protect the outpost. Soon, the outpost attracted a lot of traders who settled here.

Altitude: 316 mtrs.
Best Season: The best time to visit Mandawa is during the winter season from the months of October to March.
Climate: Summer: Mean Max. 45°’C Mean Min. 32°’C Winter: Mean Max. 28°’C Mean Min. 5°’C
Clothing: Summer light tropical or light Winter Woolen.
Distances from Mandawa
Delhi 243 Kms Agra 416 Kms Ajmer 245 Kms
Alwar 207 Kms Bharatpur 362 Kms Jaipur 169 Kms
Jaisalmer 523 Kms Jodhpur 351 Kms Mt. Abu 599 Kms
Ranthambhore 334 Kms.    

Tourist Attractions

Jhunjhunwala Haveli: Built in the year 1859, the Jhunjhunwala Haveli is one of the most famous attractions of Mandawa. The haveli is made using traditional Rajasthani art featuring latticed windows and beautiful wooden doors. The haveli is visited by numerous art lovers, which offers them a glimpse into the style of architecture that prevailed during the Rajputana era.

Goenka Double Haveli: The Goenka Double Haveli was built in the 18th century by the Rajput Merchants. Decorated employing the Indian and European style, the haveli features paintings of camels and horses, Cings, motifs as well as paintings of European men wearing hats. The Goenka Double Haveli has established itself as one of the most illustrious attractions of Mandawa.

Goenka Chattri: The Goenka Chattri is an open art gallery cum monument which was constructed in the 18th century. The monument was named after the Goenkas, who lived at the mansion once. Spacious and magnificent, the mansion features arched doorways, walls adorned with paintings, and frescoes. The haveli also comprises many paintings of Lord Krishna, depicting the faith of the people of those times in the Lord.

Thakurji Temple: The Thakur Ji temple is a Lord Krishna temple worshipped as one of the most famous religious shrines in Mandawa. The temple is a beautiful infusion of art and spirituality and even scenes from depicts Sepoy Mutiny of 1857. The western end of the temple comprises staircase, and chattris featuring paintings and ornamental corners.

Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli: A magnificent architectural wonder, the Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli is one of the most famous attractions of Mandawa. One of the palatial mansions, the Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli is appreciated for its vintage charm and amazing ambiance.

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport to Mandawa is the Jaipur Airport, at a distance of 168 km.

By Rail: The nearest railhead to Mandawa is at Jhunjhunu.

By Road: Mandawa is well connected to Jaipur, Bikaner, and Udaipur via an active road network.

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