Main Info
Mandawa Tourism
Mandawa is a small town situated in the district of Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan. The town boasts of rich cultural heritage and has many beautiful Havelis and palaces spread across the region. It is also well-known for the Open Art Gallery, paved archways and splendid historical monuments. Every nook and corner of the town resonates with a rich culture of the bygone era. The town of Mandawa is the cultural hub of the Shekhawati region which comprises magnificent mansions and palaces and hence, has also featured in several Bollywood movies.
This town has a historical significance and it used to be one of the important trading centers in the famous Silk Route. Various merchants and dealers used this place as their stoppage to exchange goods and carried out other transactions. Given this, various palaces and Havelis sprung up in order to accommodate the stay of these travelers.
Mandawa is a place that portrays a perfect fusion of different cultures and traditions that were brought by the travels visiting this town in the past. The diverse culture can be seen in various types of artwork such as handicrafts, paintings, food, etc. This town is well connected to major cities including Delhi by roadways. Mandawa is a perfect holiday destination for those who are fond of art and culture.
More on Mandawa
The Charm of Shekhawati
The entire region of Shekhawati in Rajasthan is soaked with the rich culture of the past. However, the charm of Shekhawati is elucidated by Mandawa town which is an important historical town in this region. A perfect getaway for art enthusiasts, the town of Mandawa will not disappoint you with its beautiful monuments, Havelis, fortress, etc. The locals here have imbibed the ancient culture in their lives which can, in turn, be seen in the beautiful handicrafts, folk songs, food, etc.
History
The town of Mandawa was founded by Mandu Jat and was initially named as ‘Mandu ki Dhani’, which means Mandu’s village. In the 18th century, the leader of a clan of Shekhawat named Bhojraj Ji Kasubsub overtook the region and converted it into a ‘thikana’, meaning a Thakur’s estate.
In later years, with the establishment of Silk Route, it became an important trading center for the traders and merchants trading goods from Middle-East and China. The town became an important stoppage for these travelers and hence, several Havelis, palaces, and baolis were built across the town to accommodate their stay. This led to the tremendous growth of the town. In the year 1755, Thakur Nawal Singh constructed a fort around this city for safety and security purposes.
Later, the wealthy merchants moved to other developed regions, leaving the town and its Havelis at the mercy of forces of Mother Nature. With timely renovation and repair works, the charm and the magnificence of the town have been retained to date. So, if you want to relive the rich past of Shekhawati, you ought to explore the town of Mandawa.
Restaurants and Local Food in Mandawa
The majority of the tourists visiting Mandawa are foreigners and hence, most of the restaurants here offer continental cuisine. However, you can also find eateries that offer typical Rajasthani and North Indian delicacies.