Meenu and Ajit Prasad drove from Jaipur on a haveli tour in the Shekhawati region, just a few hours drive away. They came back with a fantastic collection of photos and videos.
This is an unusual aspect of Rajasthan’s heritage that many of us miss out on. The rich traders of this region built their own houses or havelis to flaunt their wealth and position. These beautiful homes line the narrow lanes of small towns and each one is a piece of art. The carved wooden doors, windows and balconies; elaborate courtyards; and painted walls depicting scenes from religion, social life, and even British inventions and novelties, are a fascinating sight to see.
This region was an important junction on the Delhi-Gujarat caravan route and flourished before the age of the railways. You can drive through the arid landscape stopping from town to town and visiting the numerous havelis that abound in the area.
Highlights:
Navalgarh - visit the Aath Haveli, Chhauchharia haveli, Sheesh Mahal, Goenka haveli, and Anandi Lal Poddar haveli.
Dundlod - see the small fort palace and the two Goenka havelis
Jhunjhunu - the best sights here are the Modi haveli, BihariTemple, Khetri Mahal and Mertani baori (an enormous step-well).
Apart from its awesome Fort, Jaisalmer also deserves special mention for its havelis carved out of the same yellow sandstone. The intricate work of the stonemasons in the haveli entrances, courtyards, balconies and pillars is a fascinating work of art.
Explore Rajasthan - Rajasthan is considered to be the land of monuments because the desert land of Rajasthan is dotted with many timeless and spectacular forts & palaces.
Travel Essay: Dreaming of Rajasthan - Travel Essay on a trip to Rajasthan: Driving directions, Road condition, Amber Palace, Hawa Mahal, Culture etc.,
Official Websites
Rajasthan Tourism - Rajasthan Tourism Government portal - Official website of Dept. of Tourism, covers Places of Interest in Rajasthan, Forts in Rajasthan and Transportation in Rajasthan.
Government of Rajasthan - Rajasthan Government portal covering diverse topics including health, tourism, culture, climate, Tenders and e-Governance.
Other Useful Links
Pushkar Camel Fair - Pushkar Camel Fair is a Livestock fair in India. The Pushkar fair features thousands of people, camels and horses. Buyers and sellers come to negotiate deals over their prized animals.
Palace on Wheels Train - The possibility of traveling in royal splendor of a bygone era has become a reality with the introduction of Palace on Wheels.
