Mandawa

Mandawa, a small borough of the jhunjhunu district, is situated in the most spectacular region of Rajasthan, Shekhawati. It is well connected by roadways and is 190 km away from the pink city, Jaipur.  It is a well-connected Location, You can easily reach there. it has the Nearest Airport and available regular Flights.

It authentically illustrates the culture of the bygone era. People of the town have still somehow managed to maintain the legacy left behind by their rulers and ancestors through their Havelis, frescoes, murals, paintings, forts, artifacts, and handicrafts. It is also addressed as the World’s Largest open-air Art Gallery.

The people of this place lead an ordinary life of a villager. In the name of occupation, Mandawans are indulged in making artifacts, blue pottery, jewellery, bangles, or puppets. People there wear traditional Rajasthani clothes. Men wear Angrakha with dhoti or pyjamas while women carry ghagra-choli which goes with beautifully handmade pieces of jewellery and juttis.

If I talk about culinary delights, They usually prefer delicacies like Daal Baati Churma, Mawa kachori, Bajre ki Roti, Sarso ka saag, Gatte ki sabzi, and ghevar or malpua for dessert.

Every part of Mandawa, be it the Havelis which are now transformed into hotels,  local markets, resorts, or even a usual cafeteria, all is just astonishing.

Tourists in large numbers come to this place and discover the composure it offers. Also, there are several wonderful places to explore nearby. So plan your trip accordingly.

Mandawa is a fun place for family trips, destination weddings, little get-togethers, or even for friend’s excursions too.

Festivals

As you all are aware, Rajasthani festivals are the most unique ones and offer loads of joy. Mandawa being a part of Rajasthan celebrates its festivals in a most exotic and revelrous way with dhols, Rajasthani songs, dances, scrumptious food and so much more.

The Camel Festival of Mandawa happens in January, in which magnificently adorned camels parade from Junagadh Fort. Myriad races are conducted for entertainment purposes. People dress themselves up graciously and arrive in big numbers to watch the parade.

Gangaur Festival is an eighteen-day-long festival held between July-August. Women, with the procession of goddess Parvati, wander around the streets and lastly immerse themselves in the lake. Finally, at last, they seek blessings from the goddess and this signifies the closure of the festival.

Holi, Nagaur Fair, and Urs Fair are some more festivals of Mandawa.

Handicrafts

The markets of Mandawa are solely taken up by artifacts and traditional human-made crafts. Intricate designs with an essence of royalty in furniture, antiques, carpets, and durries are made. Miniature paintings, ornaments, mojaris and juttis, tie and dye fabrics, and natural colored textiles are prominent here.

Rajasthani jewellery, lac bangles, and ornaments give you an extraordinary look. They go with every style of clothing and own it.

Visitors fill their backpacks with all these Rajasthani stuff and boast about it at their native place because Why wouldn’t they? The quality and royalty these handicrafts possess are commendable.

If you are willing to take some of the royalty or grandiose homes with you, the Main Bazaar and the government emporium of Mandawa are the best places for shopping.

Things to do in Mandawa

There are some things one should do during his / her visit to Mandawa

• Walking tour of ancient residences and lanes.
• Making a wish at Harlalka well.
• Visiting Havelis and forts.
• Trying some of the Rajasthani delicacies.
• Camel carts in desert areas

Places to visit in Mandawa

Mandawa Fort: Built-in 18 century, Mandawa Fort is the oldest building in Mandawa. Now it has been turned into a heritage hotel to attract tourists.

The humongous walls of Mandawa Fort are filled with childhood paintings of Lord Krishna, frescoes, mirror works, and traditional paintings.

Mandawa Hotel offers the best accommodation options and facilities. The rooftop of the hotel offers a panoramic view. The place contains a pool, parking, upgraded rooms, and a restaurant in itself. The rooftop breakfast buffet is incredibly captivating. The staff is benign and amicable. To conclude, the place is overall peaceful and royal. You will enjoy staying here. Check out this website for photos and further details, Aangan Resort Mandawa

Qamaruddin Shah’s Dargah: Qamruddin Shah’s Dargah was built in 19 century. It is located at the bottom of Kana Panel Hill. This Tomb of Muslim Saint Qamruddin Shah consists of Madrasa, Mehfilhkhana, and Mosque. People of all religions consider this as a most sacred place.

Qamruddim Shah’s Dargah denotes a kinship of Baba Qamruddin Shah And Chanchal Nath. They celebrated and visited Dargah at each other’s festivals to support brotherhood and harmony.

On Diwali, the Dargah is lit up with diyas and many Hindu’s come to visit it. 

Shree Rani Sati Temple: Shree Rani Sati Dadi Temple is the largest temple in India. Devoted to Rani Sati, the temple was built 400 years ago. This place holds a special corner and significance in the heart of Hindu theists. As it is located on the hilltop. So, the sunset view from here is surreal. People from deviant parts of the world visit here, seek blessings and make wishes to the goddess Sati.

The huge statue of Lord Shiva is located in the center of the temple. The temple is made up of white marble and adorned with colourful wall paintings.

There is also Sita Temple, Lord Hanuman Temple, Thakur Ji Temple, Lord Ganesha Temple, and Shiva Temple.

Badalgarh Fort: Badalgarh Fort was built by Nawab Fazi Khan during the 17 century. It is located on the hilltop and so it offers a beautiful view of the whole city. The Fort has massive walls sculpted with paintings and carvings. Badalgarh Fort has fought many battles in the past and still stands strong. Some hotels to stay near Fort are Hotel Fortune Blue, Hotel Raisina Hill, The innovation house.

Address: Shekhawati, Jhunjhunu

Todgarh- Raoli Sanctuary: Mandawa is also home to many kinds of flora and fauna.

Todgarh-Raoli Sanctuary was established in 1988 in the Todgarh district. It covers an area of 495 sq km. The sanctuary lies in the middle of the Aravalli Ranges and has extended its branches to Ajmer, Pali and Rajsamand. Some wildlife that you can discover here is sloth Bear, Indian Leopard, Golden Jackal, Indian Wolf, Striped hyena, Langur, Chinkara, Asiatic, Bengal Tiger, and Indian Pangolin. Dudhaleshwar Temple inside the Raoli Sanctuary is the oldest one. There is also a shivling inside the temple. Bhulberi Waterfalls is an enticing 55m waterfall inside this place.

Todgarh- Raoli Sanctuary welcomes tourists 24 hours. The entry fees for Indians are Rs 65 and Rs 365 is charged for foreigners. Jungle safaris, elephant rides, and vehicles are also available at decent prices so you can rejoice without getting tired.

Albeit, Mandawa is not very famous among tourists or wanderlust but now it is gaining the popularity and hype it truly deserves.

Places to stay

Aangan Resort in Mandawa gives the best facilities at affordable prices. It is situated away from the city, amidst the greenery and charisma of nature. So, you can relax and feel the serenity it has to offer.

The resort offers two lavish gardens where huge congregations can take place very effortlessly, a grand swimming pool, and a private parking space. It also offers an eye-pleasing view of the sight.

Check out this website for photographs and upcoming offers, Aangan Resort Mandawa

The grand Havelish and Resorts, Hotel Shahi Palace, Matsya Vilas, Desert Resort, Castle Mandawa Hotel, Mandawa Kothi are some of the impressive places to stay in. These all are highly rated and loved by visitors. Go to their websites to know more about pricing and further details.

Best time to visit

The weather in Mandawa in the summer is hot and dry, So visiting Mandawa during the summer won’t be your best decision.

During winters the heat begins to subside and the weather gets a little pleasant and favorable. Thus, October to March is the most preferred time to explore this amusing place.