If you are planning a trip to Mandawa—India’s “open-air art gallery” in Rajasthan, here is your ultimate Mandawa travel guide that will let you know everything important to plan your trip. From choosing the best time to visit Mandawa to wandering through some fascinating attractions in the town, we have covered everything to explore this quaint town. Moreover, we recommend every tourist to book Mandawa tour packages for an unforgettable and exceptional travel experience.
Located in the heart of the Shekhawati region, Mandawa is a quaint town famous for its fascinating Havelis and Forts. It is fondly recognized as the “Open Art Gallery” as it is packed with archways and beautiful adorned havelis and forts with frescos and murals. All these havelis or palaces are built by wealthy merchants between the 18th and 19th centuries, that are still admired and praised by artisans and art lovers.
Mandawa is an ancient city tucked away from the popular tourist destinations in Rajasthan. You may not find this popular in Rajasthan tour packages that people opt for, but Mandawa has been quite famous amongst art, history, and architecture lovers for decades. Even for people who want to explore something extraordinary, we suggest traveling to Mandawa. With proximity to the state capital, Jaipur, visiting Mandawa is easy. Visiting Mandawa lets you have a glimpse of the royal history of India. You will marvel at the frescos and murals painted on the havelis and forts that depict the story of Indian history.
About Mandawa
Mandawa is located in the north of Rajasthan. It is approximately 180 km from Jaipur, Rajasthan’s capital city, and 230 km from Delhi. Mandawa is a hidden gem in the Shekhawati region in Rajasthan state, and it holds a unique distinction among Rajasthan's tourist destinations. Like many other painted towns in the Shekhawati region, Mandawa is captivating town because the painted havelis are adorned with intricate frescos and murals. Therefore, it is also called a living museum. The town is known for its cultural heritage and has several temples. These arts depict the tiny story of the town and Rajasthan that make Mandawa a town worth visiting.
Best Places to Visit in Mandawa
Our Mandawa travel guide includes all the attractions that are must-visit during your trip. We highlight all the essential details with a lot of insider tips on how to visit, the entrance fees, and anything else. Replete with historic and cultural architectures adorned with gorgeous frescoes and Rajputana paintings, Mandawa sightseeing is an experience to enjoy at every moment. Check out the best places to visit in Mandawa, and be sure to include as many as you can in your Rajasthan tour itinerary.
Mandawa Fort
Mandawa Fort or Castle is one of the famous tourist attractions in the town. The fort was built by Thakur Nawal Singh. The charm of the castle lies in its variety of paintings and medieval architecture. The mirror work mosaic on ceilings and walls adds to its charm. This was inspired by the Sheesh Mahal in the Amer Fort. This is an important heritage site of the Shekhawati. One of the grander areas of the fort is its Durbar Hall.
Now, this heritage site has turned into a luxury hotel managed by the government department of Rajasthan Tourism. You can still see the grandeur castle with its original architecture and artwork, but with the modern amenities. You will pay an entry fee of INR 500 to access the fort or castle.
Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli
One of the most popular mansions in Mandawa is Gulab Rai Nadia Haveli. Due to its exotic imagery, this Haveli is considered an exceptional piece of art and architecture. While walking through the corridors, you can see the magic the Rajasthani artisans have created with their creative artwork. Every nook and corner of the haveli or palace resonates with the true essence of the Rajputana era. You will get to experience the glorious and wealthiest era of Rajputana by wandering in the haveli.
Gulab Rai Nadia Haveli is one of the architectural masterpieces in Rajasthan. Just like other famous havelis in Mandawa, this palatial mansion is also famous for its lively frescos and paintings which depict the various aspects of life. The paintings are theme-based, which includes the different phases of life as well as animals like horses and tigers. You can see the architectural brilliance of the artisans of those times by exploring this gorgeous haveli and its attractive gates and latticed windows.
Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli
The charm of Mandawa lies in its beautiful havelis and forts, and Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli is one of the best examples of this. Nestled amidst the rugged Aravalli, this magnificent haveli attracts thousands of tourists from every corner of the country for its brilliant artwork and architecture. This haveli was built in the 18th century, and it is one of the well-preserved and furnished havelis in Rajasthan.
From excellent paintings in blue colors to the marvellous frescos and murals, the Lakshminarayan Ladia has many other fascinating things that attract tourists. You will see the Hindu mythological stories painted on the walls with frescoes of the Gods and Goddesses. If you are fond of exploring historical marvels or are an art lover, you should never miss exploring a beautiful architecture like Laxminarayan Ladia Haveli. There is no entry fee to visit this haveli.
Murmuria Haveli
The next name on our list of the best places to visit in Mandawa is Murmuria Haveli. This haveli was built in the 1930s and is one of the most unique structures in the “open art gallery” of Mandawa. This building is designed in the classic Rajasthani architecture style. You will see the paintings of the leaders of the region.
The major attraction of Murmuria Haveli is the painting of the Lord Krishna, one of the prominent Hindu deities. Besides, the haveli has paintings of trains, autos, Venice, cows, etc. The entire frescos depict the history of Rajasthan and European influence. When you walk into the courtyard, you can see the wall of the big house next door. It has a cool picture of a train and a railroad crossing. You can also see Nehru, India's first prime minister, riding a horse and holding the Indian flag. If you look up at the courtyard, you'll see two paintings of boats in the water. They're actually pictures of special boats called gondolas that you find in Venice, Italy.
The Harlalka Well
When in Mandawa, you must visit the Harlalka Well to witness the amazing water management system of the region, which is a blend of artistry and utility. It is located near Murmuria Haveli and is a water reservoir with crystal-clear water. At first glance, it may seem to be a simple well, but gradually it reveals its beauty that incorporates the intricate carvings. These carvings depict the importance of water in Rajasthan. The well is so deep that it is comparable to the depth of the Indian Ocean. Being the most unique place, the Harlalka Well is one of the great places for photography in Mandawa. But make sure not to lean over as the well does not have railings and it is actually very deep. Also, it is believed that this will fulfil your wishes.
Nawalgarh
Just 37 km away from Mandawa, Nawalgarh is a vibrant town in the Shekhawati region. It is also a heritage town in the Jhunjhunu district, like Mandawa, famous for its stunning havelis. It is one of the best places to visit during your Mandawa tours. This town boasts some mesmerizing attractions like Jodharaj Patodia Haveli, Chowkhani Haveli, Poddar Haveli, and the Aath Haveli complex. These grand havelis are famous for their stunning frescos. Make your trip to Nawalgarh even more fascinating by visiting the colorful bazaar.
The Chowkhani Haveli
Also known as Chowkhani Double Haveli, it is one of the top tourist attractions in Mandawa. It is called a double haveli because it is built in two adjoining wings of a family of two brothers. Built by the two merchant brothers, Chowkhani Haveli is the symbol of royalty and grandeur. The haveli is popular for its illustrious archways. The frescos and paintings in this haveli depict how the legends and Rajput leaders used to live a life in Rajasthan. Other than this, the wall paintings are based on the themes of mythological stories, politics, religion, and economy. Besides, it has some stunning floral frescos. You can’t help but gaze at every artwork and painting to witness the real work of the artisans of the bygone era.
Thakurji Temple
Mandawa is a heritage city with lots of stunning havelis and forts. Besides, it has some ancient temples with great religious significance. One of such important temples you must visit in Mandawa is Thakurji Temple. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, Thakurji Temple is one of the most beautiful temples in the region, decorated with paintings and images of Lord Krishna. This hidden gem with its serene atmosphere will transport you to a world of peace. As you step inside, you will marvel at the temple's intricate carvings and vibrant colors. The priests here are warm and welcoming, and they'll happily share stories about the temple's history and significance.
Whether you're a devotee or just looking for a tranquil escape, Thakurji Temple is a must-visit. Include this religious shrine in your Mandawa tour itinerary to experience the beauty and tranquillity of this special place.
Dundlod
One of the best places to visit in Mandawa is Dundlod, located in the southern part of the town. It is a tiny town that homes some beautiful havelis, adorned with intricate murals, just like many others in the ‘open-air art gallery’ of Mandawa. Dhunlod was formerly known as Shivgarh and has a rich history that you can witness by visiting its impressive monuments. Some of the famous attractions in Dundlod include the stunning Jagathia Haveli, the serene Satyanarayan Temple, and the magnificent Tuganram Goenka Haveli. Each of these havelis is a famous landmark of the town that offers a glimpse into Dundlod's glorious history.
Open Air Art Gallery
Mandawa was once a major halt for traders traveling through the area. Many wealthy merchant families decided to settle here to avoid the hassle of traveling. They built stunning havelis, which were not only beautifully designed but also featured incredible artwork. The entire town of Mandawa feels like one big art gallery where you can gaze at the beautiful artwork. The intricate designs and vibrant paintings on the havelis are a treat to the eyes. It seems the entire town is a work of art, waiting to be explored and admired.
Best Time to Visit Mandawa
The best time to visit Mandawa in Rajasthan is from October to March, when the weather remains pleasant. The winter months from December to mid-February are more enjoyable and pleasurable with the lowest temperature between 10-20°C. This is the best time to explore the town and major attractions. Avoid planning Mandawa tours during the summer because the temperature exceeds 40°C. The rainy season is also not favourable because of humidity and occasional heavy rains.
How to Reach Mandawa
Depending on your source city, you get various options to reach Mandawa.
By Air
The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, which is just 180 km from the city of Mandawa. Jaipur Airport is well-connected with all the major cities. You get frequent flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, and other cities. You can hire a cab or taxi or take a state bus from the airport to Mandawa. It takes only 3-4 hours to reach Mandawa.
By Train
Mandawa has no railway station. The closest railway station is in Jhunjhunu, only 30 km from the city. You get taxis, autos, and buses from Jhunjhunu to Mandawa. The Jhunjhunu Railway Station is well-connected to Jaipur, Delhi, and other cities in Rajasthan.
By Road
Mandawa is well-connected by road from the major and minor cities in Rajasthan. You can even get a bus from Delhi via Jaipur. State-run and private buses operate regularly from Delhi, Jaipur, and Bikaner to Mandawa. Or, you can rent a car or taxi from Delhi or Jaipur to reach Mandawa by road.
