Frescoes of Mandawa

Frescoes of Mandawa, Rajasthan, India: (Best time to visit between October and March)

Mandawa is situated 190 km from Jaipur in Rajasthan. It is a part of Shekhawati region in Jhunjhunu District. Mandawa is known for its Forts and Havelis dating back to 18th century. The famous Mandawa fort was built by Thakur Nawal Singh, Rajput ruler of Nawalgarh and Mandawa in 1812. The fort is adorned with beautiful frescoes, which was the popular style of painting in practice those days.

The walls were served as a canvas in this form of painting. This rare art can still be seen in Mandawas Havelis and forts. Rooms of the castle are decorated with painting of Lord Krishna along with unprecedented mirror work. The Mandawa Fort is a heritage hotel now days.

Mandawa is well connected by all the major cities of Rajasthan by roads as well as the rest of India. It is 260 km from the national capital Delhi and covers the distance in 5 to 6 hours drive.

Why visitors are inclining towards Mandawa? While Rajasthan is treasure house magnificent forts and Palaces. The answer is its frescos and unique style of painting decorated on the walls Palaces and Havelis. Rooms of Palaces, walls of Havelis and small settlements of Mandawa are decorated with wide variety of themes such as floral (mostly used in pillars and arches), religious (mostly used in interior and entrances), Historic (battle scenes of historic events and several ceremonies, mostly used in outer walls) etc.

Mandawa is often called as an open art gallery of Rajasthan, because whole the township is blessed with fascinating mansions (Havelis) decorated with frescos. Some of the famous Havelis of Mandawa with lavishly painted walls are:

Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli - It is a religiously inspired frescos depicting Indra Dev on an elephant and Lord Shiva on his Nandi bull.

Goenka Double Haveli- Painted by finest skillful Rajput artisans, displaying its two gates that have a monumental facade of elephants and horses at the entrance. Haveli is adorned by portraits of traditional Rajasthani women and religious motifs

Murmuria Haveli- This particular Haveli is adorned with some modern paintings also such as trains, cars, George V and a young Nehru depicted on a horseback holding the national flag. It is perfect example of theme blending of the East and the West.

Jhunjhunwala Haveli - Haveli has golden leaf painted rooms, which makes it unique and different from other Havelis.

Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli- Displaying painting of a Maharaja stroking his moustaches beautifies this haveli.

Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, The Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, Mohanlal Saraf Haveli, Chowkhani Haveli, Bhagchandika Haveli, Newtia Haveli and Lakshminarayan Ladia Haveli are featuring some of the finest frescos in this area.

Apart from Havelis and Forts. Couple of Chhatris (cenotaphs)are also found in this area.

You can watch out for -- Related Tours