We visited the town of Mandawa (pop 20,000) on our 16th day, the 2nd last day of our tour. It is located in northeast Rajasthan 190 kms from Jaipur. This subdued but bustling little market town, in the semi-desert Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, was settled in the 18th century & fortified by the dominant merchant families. The town is noted for its frescoed havelis (mansions), & is one of the most attractive towns in the region, & the most touristed one.
The "Shekhawati region" was named after its founder,
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Hotel Mandawa Haveli, our restored
19th century haveli/hotel located near Sonthaliya Gate, is a frescoed marvel...
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View to the street from the steps
This haveli was built in 1890 by a Marwari jeweler. [Please refer to the...
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View of 1st & 2nd floor
from the inner courtyard. The restaurant was on the rooftop.
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Courtyard, lower level
Our room, "Gwala", is on the left. (Note the padlock.) The 2 couples...
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Colorful frescoes everywhere
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more frescoes
The development of fresco paintings on havelis in the Shekhawati region is...
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The wood carving isn't bad either
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My corner
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Our sitting area
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Our 'modern' bathroom
The couples' rooms were larger/nicer but I think we had the nicest...
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The lounge area on the 2nd floor
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One couple's room
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The other
Note that all mattresses on our tour, regardless of class of hotel,...
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CASTLE MANDAWA Hotel
inside Mandawa Fort which as built in 1760 but wasn't inhabited...
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Part of the 'castle' hotel
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another wing
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Closeup of detailed frescoes
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Sampl of other havelis in the village:
In contrast to the desert, these intricately & colorfully...
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Note the bicycle & the flying machine
The frescoes, on the inside & outside, are usually informative, often...
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Intricate detail in the archway
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Studded screens
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Lots of details here, with elephants
Though many of the embellishments are fading, they still offer fascinating...
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Another haveli cum hotel
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Looks like an old cinema,
but apparently it's another haveli.
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We visited this crumbling haveli.
They all have inner courtyards like this. They had stuff for sale....
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Asia
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