Lachmangarh (30 kms)
It is one of the most impressive and imposing in Shekhwati. One of the most imposing forts in the Shekhawati region, Lachhmangarh commands a bird’s eye view of the town modeled to resemble the city plan of Jaipur. Founded in the early 19th century by Raja Lachhman Singh of Sikar, the town has some lovely havelis.
Ramgarh (75 kms)
Founded in the late 18th century by the Poddars. The Shani Temple of the Saturday God has delicately painted frescoes. Marvelous cenotaphs of the Poddars have exquisitely painted ceilings. The Ganga Temple and some beautiful havelis add interest to the town.
Fatehpur (52 kms)
Founded in the mid 15th centuary by Fateh Khan –a Kayamkhani Nawab, the town is noted for unmatched frescoes. Its central location attracted many wealthy merchants and has some exquisite havelis –a combination of the India and the western style.Of Particular note among these are the Chamariya and Singhania havelis.
Khatu Shyamji (60 kms)
The village is famous for the Shri Shyamji Temple, built in white marble.
Shakambhari (56 kms)
Famous for its 7th centuary temple dedicated to Sakrai Mata,the temple is surrounded by hills on three sides. It is an ideal picnic spot.
Nawalgarh
Founded in the 18th Century by Nawal Singh, it has some of the finest frescoes in the Shekhawati region. A huge fort with a colourful bazaar and numerous havelis with elaborate architecture make it an interesting destination. There are a few prominent havelis like Anandilal Poddar Haveli, Aath Haveli, Hodh Raj Patodia Haveli, etc., which are to be visited, as also the two forts. The palace hotel Roop Niwas is a beautiful heritage property and is provided with modern facilities. The palace offers spacious painted rooms, luxurious interiors, graceful hospitality and thematic evenings with sumptuous cuisine. The painting in their Art Gallery is a great visual treat.
Dundlod
Lies in the heart of the Shekhawati Region about 7 km from Nawalgarh. It was founded in 1750. The fort is a blend of the Rajput and Mughal schools art and architecture. The Diwan-e-khas (Hall of Private Audience) has stained glass windows, fine antiques and an impressive library. The ‘zenana’ quarters are on the first floor featuring exquisite decor and furniture. The fort has been converted into a cosy and comfortable abode. Here the dress code and the royal hospitality accorded to visitors and guests are specially attractive. The Goenka Haveli is worth a visit for its beautiful frescoes, fine mirror work above the windows and features of florets and birds in the outer courtyard. There are better-preserved paintings in a few other havelis and chattris. A peep into the village on a camel safari is rather interesting. Fine breeding of horses has been a passion with the royals and the tradition continues. These studs are available for riding and horse safaris. A 1 day / 1 night stay over at the resort lets you sample an enchanting lifestyle. There are thikana kansamas (chefs) to dole out delicious cuisine.
Mukungarh (27 kms)
Built around a temple square, a few kilometres from Nawalgarh, Mukungarh has a magnificent fort, which is now converted, into a resort hotel with all modern amenities. There are a few prominent properties here in the form of havelis of Kanoria and Ganriwal, which carry fine examples of fresco paintings.
Mandawa (25 kms)
Founded in the mid 18th century Mandawa skyline today is dominated by an imposing fort, now a heritage hotel that is maintained in classic medieval style with modern luxuries. The archway is painted with interesting forms of Lord Krishna and his cowherds. The sprawling architecture houses different themes in different wings. The spacious rooms are adorned by intricate interior wall paintings and mirror work with an open terrace that offers a panoramic view of the whole town. The women folk of the Mandawa family who lived in a royal style once used this floor. The Mandawa family has a unique collection of their preserved paintings and antiques that adorn the main huge hall in the centre of the castle, originally the durbar hall and now an exotic lounge.
Pilani (45 kms)
Once a small village, it is now famous for being the hometown of the premier business and industrial family, the Birlas. The town is also known for The Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS, Pilani), an all-India Institute for higher education. Its engineering college is reputed to be among the top ten colleges in India. Late Mr G.D. Birla - an eminent industrialist and an associate of Mahatma Gandhi founded the Institute. Other places of interest are The BITS Museum, Shiva Ganga, Saraswati temple and the Pachwati. Pilani is connected by road from Delhi and Jaipur. Its nearest railhead is Chirawa. Pilani also has good hotels.
Bissau (40 kms)
Is another small town of fluctuating fortunes. Keshri Singh founded the town. It fell into anarchy when his grandson Shyam Singh extorted huge sums of money from the local merchants. The merchants packed up and fled the town and the local Thakurs indulged in looting and theft. However, after the death of Shyam Singh, his heir restored normalcy and the merchants were encouraged to return.
Parasrampuria
It is a tiny village 20 kms southwest of Nawalgarh. It boasts of some of the oldest and the best preserved Shekhawati paintings in the region. The Shyamji Sharaf Haveli and 18th century haveli located near the bus stand have well preserved paintings. Paintings show a grandmother having her hair attended, women on a spinning wheel and an English woman in polished boots holding a parasol. Another frieze depicts Europeans in a car. Other frescoes depict gods and goddesses.
