INTRODUCTION

Wish to have a brush with the past and get drench in the artistic abundance? How about the city of Havelis - Nawalgarh? The town of Nawalgarh derives its name from Thakur Nawal Singh who founded it in the year 1737.

Nawalgarh is rightly referred to as the Open Air Gallery. There is art all around. Nawalgarh is renowned all over the world for its exquisitely painted havelis that are beautifully designed and carved. The havelis are the mansions that boast of the beautifully carved wooden gates and the painted walls. The ornate iron and brass fittings revealed the affluence of the owner of the haveli. The marvelous murals have been painted on both the sides of the walls. The paintings were further decorated with small pieces of mirror, gold and silver leaves. The religious nature of the people is revealed in the paintings that revolve around the themes for the life and times of Lord Krishna. In fact there are a range of topics that get covered on the walls of the havelis at Nawalgarh. The list of must visit havelis at Nawalgarh comprises of the Anandilal Poddar Haveli, the Jodhraj Patodia Haveli, Bansidar Bhagat Haveli, Chokhani Haveli, the Aath (eight) Haveli complex, Chhawchhariya Haveli, Murarka Haveli, Hem Raj Kulwal Haveli, Bhagton Ki Haveli, and Khedwal Bhavan. The traders and merchants constructed most of the havelis in the 18th century and the early 19th century. The business of silk and opium brought in a lot of wealth to the merchants. So check out these finest frescoes in the Nawalgarh!

 

PLACES TO VISIT

While at Nawalgarh you must visit the British Clock Tower at the college. The clock tower is a major landmark in Nawalgarh, which is the heart of the Shekhawati. Then there are two famous forts of Nawalgarh. The dome of the Nawalgarh fort has an aerial view of Jaipur painted on it. The Ganga Mai temple near the gate of one of the forts is a major tourist attraction.

At Nawalgarh you may even avail a comfortable and luxurious stay at the residence of the Thakur of Nawalgarh. The Roop Niwas Palace is the right choice at Nawalgarh for the royal experience of your retreat. There are the gorgeous green garden and the fabulous fountains that will not fail to sweep you off your feet. For recreation you may even indulge in pool and billiards. Camel as well as horse rides can also be opted for. There are as many as thirty well-appointed and equipped rooms to make your stay an unforgettable one. The charming combination of the Rajput and the European architectures of the Roop Niwas Palace are captivating. Off late the royal residence has been converted into a heritage hotel.

On the 10th and the 11th of February every year Nawalgarh plays host to the Shekhawati Festival besides Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Churu. Though you may plan your visit to Nawalgarh any time of the year the period between the months of September and March are the best. Nawalgarh is easily accessible. The capital city of Rajasthan state namely Jaipur is at a distance of hundred kilometers from Nawalgarh. Jaipur happens to be the nearest airport that connects Nawalgarh with the other major cities of India by air. In terms of rail transport the railway station at Nawalgarh caters to the tourists and other travelers of train from the neighboring areas. The road network links Nawalgarh with most of the major towns of Rajasthan. Once you reach Nawalgarh you may opt for hiring jeeps or auto rickshaws to travel locally. At Nawalgarh food and accommodation are easily available. There are budget hotels and other restaurants that cater to the needs of the tourists of varying pocket sizes.