Mandawa

Mandawa is a town in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, India. It is part of the historic Shekhawati region and is located in the northeast of the state. The town is known for its concentration of ornate havelis and is a popular destination for heritage tourism in Rajasthan.

From the 18th to the 19th century, wealthy merchant families built many grand mansions along the town’s streets. The façades are decorated with frescoes and murals that depict religious motifs, mythological scenes, portraits, and geometric patterns, many of them still preserved. The painted architecture, together with carved balconies and jharokhas, has earned Mandawa a reputation as a living open-air gallery of Shekhawati painting.

Mandawa Fort rises over the town and is a prominent landmark. Parts of the fort have been repurposed for hospitality and exhibition spaces, while the surrounding lanes feature clusters of havelis that visitors can explore on foot.

Today the town is a focal point for tourism in the district, with heritage hotels, guided walks, and markets selling handicrafts. The best time to visit is during the cooler months. The town’s preservation efforts focus on maintaining the integrity of its frescoes and the traditional townscape while supporting local communities.