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Situated in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, Mandawa is a small town known for its forts, palaces, majestic havelis, and its peoples’ pure admiration for art. The colorful streets of the town and grand silk road like mansions are a never-ending delight for travelers.
As you walk down the paved archways of this small whimsical town, you’ll find yourself transposed into the realm of royal palaces, forts, kings, and their mighty forces. It is a place away from the claws of modern bustling city life. It is an art gallery laid out in front of you, preserved by time.
Every nook and cranny of this small town is awash with examples of artistic excellence. The vibrant markets feature elegantly designed artifacts and handicrafts. The artwork reflects the years of experience and expertise of local artists. The town is considered to be Asia’s largest open-air art gallery because of the poignant paintings and carvings that adorn the walls of the Havelis.
Mandawa is an epitome of traditional Rajasthani culture. Its festivals are a colourful explosion of folk-music, classical dances, and culinary delights. Hospitality has its roots sunk deep in the culture of this town. The people here are amicable, and those residing in Havelis often invite tourists for a tour around. Since the town is a tourist hotspot, most of the locals are bilingual and speak Rajasthani and Hindi. You may even find some local guides conversing in foreign languages with tourists.
The town is dotted with opulent mansions, royal havelis, and historical forts. The architectural style aligns itself with the old-world Rajputana work produced in the 18th century. Mandawa Fort is the oldest building in the town. The havelis and mansions built by wealthy merchants in the bygone era are unique in style and imagery. Although every building has something different to showcase, most of the estates follow a similar architectural pattern with carved wooden gates, framed windows, and thick walls. The walls and ceilings of these havelis showcase myriads of paintings and murals. The havelis feature outside quarters called Mardanas which were used for gatherings kings and inner quarters called Jananas where only females were allowed. Now, most of these havelis and mansions are luxurious heritage hotels.
The rich history of this town revolves around its majestic forts and royal havelis as the construction of the fort made the township flourish. The town used to be a vital trade outpost for the merchants traveling on the Silk route. Legend has it that a commoner named Mandu Jaat founded the small village. He went through the pains of digging a well in the hamlet, the construction of which later completed in 1797. In old times, the town was called “Mandu ki Dhani.” It later became “Mandu ka bas” or “Manduwas” before finally adopting the name “Mandawa.”
In the 18th century, it became an important trading outpost for merchants and traders traveling to India from far off places like China and the Middle east. As a strategy to protect this outpost, Thakur Nawal Singh (then Rajput king of Nawalgarh and Mandawa) built a majestic fort in 1755. The beauty and grandeur of the fort attracted many travelers from all around the country. Wealthy merchants and traders started making splendid havelis around the area, and the township grew over time. And soon, a beautiful town emerged!
Located amidst the Aravalli hills, the famous fort is the cynosure of the city’s centuries-old history. It has been turned into a heritage hotel by the Rajasthan tourism department. The building is decorated with beautiful frescoes and is an example of unique Rajasthani architecture. As you explore the place, you’ll be mesmerized with the mirror work done on the interiors, which augments the grandeur of the fort. Inside the Durbar, you will find a range of ancient artifacts and exquisite paintings. The fort has a lingering medieval ambiance and royal Rajputana charm. The old-world antiques of the fort will take you back to the bygone era of Rajput rule.
The haveli was built in the early 20th century around 1920. The haveli is most famous for its paintings that depict the art, culture, and technological developments in that era. While walking down the hallways, you’ll come across paintings that showcase Wright brothers’ first flight being witnessed by a saree clad women, a European woman sitting in a car, and a boy using a telephone. The pictures are assumed to have been copied from the magazines of those times. These unique paintings give the haveli an ethereal charm and will give you a memorable experience. You must visit this haveli on your trip to the town to witness regality and grandeur as it was in the era of the Rajput kings.
The Haveli has preserved the very essence of the Rajputana era. It boasts of the creativity and originality of Rajput artisans of the 18th century. As you enter the beautifully carved wooden gates and peek through the mesh-framed windows, you’ll see true architectural finesse. The Haveli has unique paintings that adorn its walls. Some of the pictures and murals depict imagery such as a woman giving birth, a bird tending to her eggs, and much more. There is a painting featuring the mirror images of a tiger and a horse. While walking in the halls, you’ll find yourself completely immersed in the world of kings and royalty.
Built in the 1930s, The haveli is a splendid example of 20th-century Rajput architecture. It is a tale of Rajputana glory in itself. Its long halls, humongous doors, and vibrant wall-paintings will linger in your memories. The windows overlook the busy streets. The paintings in the haveli are made using warm colors and rustic shades. There are images of royal elephants on either side of the main entry. Some of the paintings depict modern imagery like train engines and cars. You will also come across portraits of some famous political leaders of that time, like Nehru, George V, and Venice. Murmuria Haveli is an enthralling experience for travelers.
This rugged and beautiful site is just a stone’s throw away from the Murmuria Haveli. It has four rustic minarets carrying an other-worldly charm. There is a camel ramp going towards the well, but no railings are present, making it slightly risky but thrilling. Amidst the calming sound of water, you will enjoy some peaceful moments away from the crowded markets of Mandawa.
The small town is a joy for foodies of every kind- be it a food connoisseur or someone with a sweet-tooth. The taste of local delicacies like Besan Ke Gatte, Dal Baati Choorma, and Moong ka halwa lingers on your tongue long after you’ve left the town. You can enjoy the mouthwatering food along the streets or have a fancy meal in local restaurants. Most restaurants serve continental cuisine owing to a large number of foreign tourists.
The Bazaars here are replete with things of artistic beauty. The town is known for its paintings and cloth art. These are inspired by the royal residents of the forts and palaces. There is a variety of traditional Rajasthani handicrafts that you can buy here. From wooden furniture with carvings to designer glass bangles, the town has an aesthetically delightful option to satisfy every need of its visitors. You can shop from government centers or roam around the streets in search of brilliant artifacts.
If you visit the Town in January, you’ll witness the famous camel festival that’s held here. A group of camels, decorated with bridal and designer saddles, parade around the city. The Gangaur festival sees traditionally clad women taking out processions of Goddess Parvati. The town celebrates Gangaur in July-August. Other spectacular celebrations happen during Urs Fair, Nagaur Fair, and the Holi festival. Taalbelia is a multi-format festival celebrated here. During the festival, experience folk music, craft workshops, artwork, and a stay at the royal palace.
By Train: Dundlod Mukundgarh is the nearest railway station, which is about 17 km away. It is accessible from Jaipur, Delhi, and Bikaner. You can reach the town by bus or hire a cab from the station.
By Bus: Regular Rajasthan state transport buses connect the town to nearby towns and big cities like Jaipur.
By Air: Jaipur International Airport, about 178 km away, is the nearest to the town. There are flights to and fro all big cities and metros. From Jaipur, you can hop on a bus to visit the town.
There is no restriction on the use of mobile phones, cameras, and other electronic gadgets in the town. However, some tourist sites, forts, and palaces may charge a minimal fee to carry the devices inside.
A tour of Rajasthan is incomplete without a visit to this beautiful town. The place is ideal for reliving the history of Rajasthani culture. Every corner of the town is rich in art and tradition. The majestic mansions and stunning havelis are gems adorning the Rajputana crowns.
There is something this small town has to offer to everyone. The shopaholic, the food-lover, the art-fanatic, or the history-bluff- everyone leaves this town with at least one memory they’ll treasure forever. Come explore this place and let its charm engulf you heart and soul.
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April 15, 2024 
