Shekhawati Tourism

Shekhawati is a semi-arid historical region located in the northeast part of Rajasthan, India. Shekhawati is located in North Rajasthan comprising districts like Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Churu and a part of Nagaur and Jaipur. History has it that in the 17th to 19th centuries, Marwari merchants constructed these grand havelis in the Shekhawati region. Steeped in wealth and affluence, these merchants got busy outdoing others in building more grand edifices – homes, temples, step wells which were richly decorated both inside and outside with painted murals. It is bounded on the northwest by the Jangladesh region, on the northeast by Haryana, on the east by Mewat, on the southeast by Dhundhar, on the south by Ajmer, and on the southwest by the Marwar region. Its area is 13784 square kilometers. The inhabitants of Shekhawati are considered brave, sacrificing and hard working people.

Sethani Ka Johara
Sethani Ka Johara lies on the north side of the road perhaps 5 km west of Churu along the Ratangarh road. It is perhaps the finest johara (reservoir) in the area in that it is not only attractive but also efficient, holding a store of water, often from one monsoon to the next. It was built in 1899 by the widow of Bhagwan Das Bagla as part of the famine relief projects that the merchants financed in those terrible years of the close of the century. A peaceful place, it attracts various birds and animals, including Nilgais, in winter.

Kanhaiyalal Bagla Haveli
Kanhaiyalal Bagla Haveli is a beautiful structure, which stands on the south of the main bazaar. Constructed in around 1880, the haveli represents the finest lattice work and architectural styles in the entire Shekhawati region. The murals and wall paintings of the haveli depict Dhola and Maru, the romantic couple from folk tales, on a camel. The walls of the haveli are also adorned with the episodes of Dhola- Maru, the lovers fleeing on their camel.

Aath Kambh Chhatri
Aath Kambh Chhatri, one of the buildings possessing great historical significance, is an eight pillared dome that stands on the northern side of the town. Lying between the premises adjoining the western side of the vegetable market, the chhatri is believed to be constructed in 1776. Over the years, the windblown sand has virtually buried the base of the structure, while the interiors are still adorned with beautiful murals and stone carved paintings.

Ratangarh Fort
Located on the Agra-Bikaner Highway, the Ratangarh Fort was built in the early 18th century by Surat Singh, who named it after his son Ratan Singh, and boasts imposing gateways, several monuments (which are mostly in ruins today) and a clock tower, which is also known as Ghantaghar. The Ratangarh Fort makes for a lovely tourist destination, surrounded by several ethnic villages.

Laxminarayan Temple
Soothing to the eye, this temple is simple from the outside but has a grand architectural splendour from within. The entrance has a projected foliated arch adorned with beautiful mural paintings. It is easily accessible from all parts of Churu, and the serenity of this temple makes it a must-visit in your itinerary.

Digamber Jain Mandir
The Jain Temple is a 150-year-old structure and can be described as piece of art in itself. Its interiors resemble a lavish royal court than a temple courtyard. This temple has some of the best paintings painted in gold, centred mostly on moral living suggestions. The walls and the interior are adorned with glass works characteristic of the magnificence of the Rajput era.

Tal Chhapar Sanctuary
Renowned for being a safe haven black bucks and a variety of birds, this sanctuary is named after the Chhapar village. Located in the Sujangarh Tehsil of Churu, it is 210 km from Jaipur. Its open grasslands scattered with trees give it the appearance of a savannah. The sanctuary is a bird watcher’s paradise as it is home to birds such as eastern imperial eagle, black ibis, demoiselle cranes, skylarks, ring doves and more. One can also spot the desert fox and desert cat here.

Raghunathji Mandir
Raghunathji Mandir, also known as Bara Mandir, is located in the vicinity of the Ratangarh town. Dedicated to Lord Raghunath or Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the temple is believed to be constructed in early 19th century. It is a single storied temple with an elevated entrance. The top of the temple has a series of cupolas. The temple is believed to liberate one from the pains of life.

Rani Sati Temple
Rani Sati Mandir is a well-known temple situated in Jhunjhunu district in the Rajasthan. This temple has a history of more than 400 years and is an indication to feminine bravery and spirit. It is also famous for its magnificence, and extraordinary paintings. It is also part of one of the oldest presented Indian pilgrimages.

Bandhe Ka Balaji Mandir
It is a modern, single-storeyed temple with a surrounding shikhara and pinnacle. It is one of the most popular Hanuman temples in India. The idol of Balaji here is different from all other idols of Hanuman. Unlike other projections and idols of Hanuman, Balaji possess round face with moustache and beard making it the most unique idol among the other idols of Hanuman all over the world.

Nawalgarh
Located midway between Jhunjhunu and Sikar, Nawalgarh is well-known for its stunning havelis. It is also a favoured spot for film makers and many Indian and International movies have been shot here. A famous attraction here is the Nawalgarh Fort, which was built by Thakur Nawal Singh. The Roop Niwas Palace, located one km from Nawalgarh fort is a charming palace with beautiful gardens and fountains. It is now a heritage hotel.