DESCRIPTION
The semi-desert region of Shekhwati is popularly known as the 'open-air art gallery' of Rajasthan. The region lies the triangular area between Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner and includes Jhunjhuniun, Sikar and Churu districts of Rajasthan, Shekhawati, is unique as no-where else in the world there is such a hundreds of haveli's, temples, cenotaphs,wells and forts.

Some of the best towns for fresco-seeing are Jhunjhunun, Mandawa, Fatehpur, Ramgarh, Churu, Mahansar, Mukundgarh, Dundlod, Nawalgarh, Lakshmangarh and Sikar, which are easily accessible. Shekhwati is often called the 'open air art gallery of Rajasthan' the region of medieval Shekhwati comprise the present day districts of Sikar and Jhunjhunu. The land of 'Shekha's clan' owes its name to Rao Shekha (1433-1488), a cousin of the Kachchawahas of Jaipur. However the hight quality frescoes which the region is particularly famous for, date between (1750-1930)

The themes encompass traditional mythology, local legend and folklore, Rajput lifestyle, personalities from the epics and historically traceable personelties. Besides, one will also find a curious amalgamation of traditional Indian and Europen styles and subjects.

The towns of Sikar and Jhunjhunu can be used as convenient bases to explore the variegated examples of Shekhwati art. Both these towns on this circuit are well connected to Jaipur as well as to Delhi directly.

CITY SIGHTS
Jhunjhunu: From Delhi 250km and 180km from Jaipur. The district headquarters was a stronghold of the Kayamkhani Nawabs till 1730. The havelis of the Tibriwals and the Modis as well as the Khetri Mahal and the Bihariji Temple have frescoes worth seeing.

Sikar: The other district headquarters town, also has several fine examples of frescoes on its havelis and temples. The main centers of Shekhawati art in this district are at Ramgarh Fatehpur and Lachhmangarh. Some of the important towns that should not missed are Sikar where the temples of Gopinath, Raghunath and Madan are interesting as are the Biyani havelis with their unusual blue and white colours. Two other important temples in the vicinity are the Harsh Nath temple and the Jain Mata temple.

Lachmangarh: It is one of the most impressive and imposing in Shekhwati .

ACCESS
By road Shekhawati is well connected to major cities like: Delhi 231km, Jaipur 182km, Bikaner 214km, Churi 52km & Jaipur-Sikar is 114km.

The nearest Airport is Jaipur (182km)