Tiny alleys, stunning havelis and a typical Rajasthani atmosphere is what best describes Mandawa. The city, located in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, makes an excellent weekend getaway from Delhi-NCR as well as cities such as Jaipur, especially for those who love to experience history and culture. Here is your guide to exploring the beautiful city. By Anouchka Goel
If you love road trips that take you to parts of India rich in history and culture, Mandawa is a place that should be on your must-visit list. Whether or not you know the city by name, it’s impossible that you haven’t seen it yet. Mandawa has been featured in films such as PACK, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Paheli, Jab we met, Bajrangi Bhaijaan and many more, providing a rustic and traditionally Rajasthani backdrop for these films.
The city is also called an open-air gallery due to the rich history and architecture it houses. The place has several stunning havelis, some of which have been restored while many remain intact and exude old world charm. These havelis boast of paintings, murals, jharokhas and traditional artefacts, and are a great place to visit near Delhi that will surely excite the history buff in you!
All about Mandawa
The small city of Rajasthan is located in the region of Shekhawati, in the district of Jhunjhunu. It was mainly occupied by traders in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and is now a local tourist spot. The destination is accessible by well-maintained roads, for the most part, and makes it a beautiful destination in spring, fall and winter. It also boasts of a rich history and culture, and is a must visit for those who enjoy learning about art, architecture, and art.
What to see in Mandawa
The city is home to several havelis – some restored and some in ruins – which make it a great place to explore. Visit Mandawa Haveli, Murmuria Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli and Chokhani Double Haveli among others. Each of these places offers a unique experience and offers different architecture, decorations and more. Don’t forget to also visit the Mandawa Fort, which was built by Thakur Nawal Singh Bahadur and now serves as a hotel (Castle Mandawa Hotel).
Once done, explore the small alleys and try to identify places you’ve seen in various movies over the years. You can also try making a wish at Harlalka Well, where locals believe all wishes come true!
Best time to visit
The city experiences a hot and dry climate, due to its location in Rajasthan and lack of sufficient water resources. So, the best times to visit are during monsoons and winters, as well as spring. Plan a trip between September and mid-March, before the weather starts to get too hot.
How to reach
The best way to reach Mandawa is by road. However, trains are available to the nearby town of Churu, from where you can board a bus or taxi to take you to this picturesque town.
Distance from Delhi: 255 kilometers
Distance from Jaipur: 168 kilometers
Where to stay: Hotels in Mandawa
Mandawa Castle
Radhika Haveli Hotel
Hotel Mandawa Haveli
Vivaana Culture Haveli
Hero and featured image: Courtesy of Shutterstock
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