Mandawa - An Open Air Art Gallery
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| Fresco depicting Wright Brothers First Flight at Bansidhar Nevatia Haveli-Mandawa |
Mandawa - An Open Air Art Gallery:
There are times when you want to take some time out of your monotonous and hectic city life and spend some quality time exploring some thing new, something unique. Specifically if you appreciate art and craft and you want to spend your special day (birthday) appreciating the craftsmanship of artisans then Mandawa is the ideal place to go to.
Mandawa is around 260 km from Delhi and around 190 km from Jaipur. It is part of District Jhunjhunu(Rajasthan). It is part of the Shekhawati region. Shekhawati region is the greener part of Rajasthan which served as the gardens of Rao Shekha Ji. This region got it's name from Rao Shekha Ji,literally meaning 'The Gardens of Sheka'. His ssons later established various cities in this region.
Mandawa is famous for it's opulent Havelis and Frescoes. These treasures of art and craftsmanship have given Mandawa the adjective of "Open Air Art Gallery" .
Mandawa has become the chosen detination for shooting scenes in variouus "Bollywood" movies. You can also explore local handicrafts including miniature painting and othet handmade items.
Mandawa is famous for it's opulent Havelis and Frescoes. These treasures of art and craftsmanship have given Mandawa the adjective of "Open Air Art Gallery" .
Mandawa has become the chosen detination for shooting scenes in variouus "Bollywood" movies. You can also explore local handicrafts including miniature painting and othet handmade items.
Read more about History of Mandawa, witness and appreciate the brilliance of craftsmanship bestowed on Havelis of Mandawa here.
Read more about Architecture and Layout of Havelis along with the description of Art & Craft work in Mandawa Havelis here.
Radhika Haveli :
During our research for finding a place where we could have a comfortable stay we zeroed upon Radhika Haveli.
Radhika Haveli had excellent customer reviews , it was centrally located, not far from restaurants, and was optimally priced.
Radhika Haveli is a beautifully restored Haveli. A sprawling lawn is also part of the property. The rooms exterior have beautifully restored frescoes, interiors of the room have excellent glass and wood work. All the room are spacious and well equipped with all the latest amenities which city dwellers are used to. Washrooms are equipped with bath tubs etc which can be used for relaxing and having fun during your stay. The central portion of the Haveli also called as the Chowk (an open to sky space) is beautifully decorated with excellently restored frescoes. Rooms around the Chowk and on the first floor. The Haveli has a vegetarian in house restaurant. If you prefer Non Vegetarian food then 'Monica Rooftop Restaurant' is not too far.
When we arrived at the Haveli we were greeted well. We had arrived in non-peak tourist season, so we had the liberty to choose our room.
The owner of the property was around, he met us and showed us the best rooms in the property so that we could choose the room of our choice. He was a down to earth person and had a very jovial nature. He told us the story how he renovated his ancestral property to a Heritage Haveli. He also facilitated a guide who took us around the town and showed us various other Havelis. He took us to some local artisans where we could look at the local 'miniature art' paintings and purchase some art work. He arranged for a fabulous breakfast in the sprawling lawn of the Haveli the next day and made our stay a memorable one.
During our stay we liked the Furniture present in the Haveli. The owner of the Haveli told us about the traditional Shekahwati Woodwork and also shared contact details of one of his acquaintances who lived in nearby town Ramgargh and was an exporter of Traditional Shekhawati Woodwork. He told us that all the furniture present in the Haveli has been bought from Ramgargh. We decided to buy the Shekhawati Furniture and head towards Ramgargh before returning back.
Before we left the Haveli we were presented with few puppets as souvenirs, it was such a kind gesture from the owner that it touched our hearts to the core.
On our way back we went to Ramgargh to buy traditional Shekhawati Furniture. We met the gentlemen whose reference we had got from Radhika Haveli. He was gem of a person, he showed us his huge factory and go-down, all full of traditional Shekawati Furniture. We bought some furniture. It was lunch time, the gentlemen offered us to visit his house and have lunch with his family. He insisted a lot so we agreed. At his house he introduced us with his family and treated us with authentic Rajasthani food and sweet-dishes including Ker Sangri, Gatte ki Sabji, Dal Batti Churma, Ghevar etc etc. I swear, this was the best Rajasthani food I had ever tasted in my lifetime. After enjoying the rich food we left for our return journey taking back with us memories of an excellent place and humble, kind-hearted, friendly people.
Famous Havelis in Mandawa include Jhunjhunwala Haveli, Murmuria Haveli, Seth Dayaram Dedraj Goenka Haveli, Bansidhar Nevatia Haveli, Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Sneh ram Ladia haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Goenka Double Haveli, Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli, Ram Pratap Nemani Haveli, Lakshmi Narayan Ladia Haveli, Chokhani Double Haveli, Sevaram Saraf Haveli, Aakharamka ka Haveli etc.
Read more about History of Mandawa, witness and appreciate the brilliance of craftsmanship bestowed on Famous Havelis of Mandawa here.
Radhika Haveli had excellent customer reviews , it was centrally located, not far from restaurants, and was optimally priced.
Radhika Haveli is a beautifully restored Haveli. A sprawling lawn is also part of the property. The rooms exterior have beautifully restored frescoes, interiors of the room have excellent glass and wood work. All the room are spacious and well equipped with all the latest amenities which city dwellers are used to. Washrooms are equipped with bath tubs etc which can be used for relaxing and having fun during your stay. The central portion of the Haveli also called as the Chowk (an open to sky space) is beautifully decorated with excellently restored frescoes. Rooms around the Chowk and on the first floor. The Haveli has a vegetarian in house restaurant. If you prefer Non Vegetarian food then 'Monica Rooftop Restaurant' is not too far.
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| Radhika Haveli - Mandawa |
When we arrived at the Haveli we were greeted well. We had arrived in non-peak tourist season, so we had the liberty to choose our room.
The owner of the property was around, he met us and showed us the best rooms in the property so that we could choose the room of our choice. He was a down to earth person and had a very jovial nature. He told us the story how he renovated his ancestral property to a Heritage Haveli. He also facilitated a guide who took us around the town and showed us various other Havelis. He took us to some local artisans where we could look at the local 'miniature art' paintings and purchase some art work. He arranged for a fabulous breakfast in the sprawling lawn of the Haveli the next day and made our stay a memorable one.
During our stay we liked the Furniture present in the Haveli. The owner of the Haveli told us about the traditional Shekahwati Woodwork and also shared contact details of one of his acquaintances who lived in nearby town Ramgargh and was an exporter of Traditional Shekhawati Woodwork. He told us that all the furniture present in the Haveli has been bought from Ramgargh. We decided to buy the Shekhawati Furniture and head towards Ramgargh before returning back.
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| Radhika Haveli - Mandawa |
Before we left the Haveli we were presented with few puppets as souvenirs, it was such a kind gesture from the owner that it touched our hearts to the core.
On our way back we went to Ramgargh to buy traditional Shekhawati Furniture. We met the gentlemen whose reference we had got from Radhika Haveli. He was gem of a person, he showed us his huge factory and go-down, all full of traditional Shekawati Furniture. We bought some furniture. It was lunch time, the gentlemen offered us to visit his house and have lunch with his family. He insisted a lot so we agreed. At his house he introduced us with his family and treated us with authentic Rajasthani food and sweet-dishes including Ker Sangri, Gatte ki Sabji, Dal Batti Churma, Ghevar etc etc. I swear, this was the best Rajasthani food I had ever tasted in my lifetime. After enjoying the rich food we left for our return journey taking back with us memories of an excellent place and humble, kind-hearted, friendly people.
Famous Havelis of Mandawa :
Mandawa is famous for it's Havelis. The frescoes in the Havelis transport you to another world. I have dedicated a complete blog to appreciate the craftsmanship of the artisans who decorated the Havelis with frescoes, exquisite glass work and intricate wood work.Famous Havelis in Mandawa include Jhunjhunwala Haveli, Murmuria Haveli, Seth Dayaram Dedraj Goenka Haveli, Bansidhar Nevatia Haveli, Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Sneh ram Ladia haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Goenka Double Haveli, Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli, Ram Pratap Nemani Haveli, Lakshmi Narayan Ladia Haveli, Chokhani Double Haveli, Sevaram Saraf Haveli, Aakharamka ka Haveli etc.
Read more about History of Mandawa, witness and appreciate the brilliance of craftsmanship bestowed on Famous Havelis of Mandawa here.
Elaborate description relating to History of Fresco Making, Architecture and Layout of Havelis along with the description of Art & Craft work in Mandawa Havelis can be found here.
The Harlalka Well : Harlakha Well is near Murmuria Haveli. It has a rustic look and can be distinguished by it's minarets and 'chatris'. Folklore suggest that water was drawn out of the well by camels via pulleys. Be careful to go up the camel ramp and see the deep well.
Mandawa Fort: The Rajput ruler of Nawalgargh and Mandawa, Thakul Nawal Singh built the Mandawa Fort in 1755 AD. Built on a medieval theme the Fort is beautifully decorated with frescoes depicting Lord Krishna and his cows. The fort is adorned with intricate carving and exquisite mirror work. The Palace's Darbar Hall houses many antiques and paintings. The fort has now been converted into a Heritage Hotel.
Sonthalia Gate : Sonthalia Gate is the arched passage or in other words a gateway to Mandawa. There are three floors where one can see intricate carvings showcasing various geometrical patterns. The monument has elaborate 'Jharokas' with beautiful carved 'Jali' work.
Art Work: One can shop famous Shekhawati Artwork from the local shops and emporiums. The artwork include the famous miniature paintings and the golden Paintings. In the miniature paintings you would see miniature images of Kings, Courtiers, Horses, Elephants etc. In golden paintings various images are adorned with excessive use of golden color which gives a perception of gold being embedded in the pictures.
Petrol Pumps/ATMs/Bike Mechanics/Car Mechanics / Medical Care Centers/ Hospitals are readily available along the Delhi Mandawa Route. They can be accessed at various towns/cities that fall on the route.
Places to Visit in Mandawa :
Raghunath Temple: As the name suggests this temple is dedicated to Lord Raghunath. The Temple has magnificent architecture and is adorned by stunning frescoes on it's walls and ceilings. The Temple is centrally located on the main street and is is a religious shrine. The entrance to the Temple runs uphill after the gateway. The walls have frescoes of God, Goddesses, mythological epics. |
| Raghunath Temple - Mandawa |
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| Raghunath Temple - Mandawa |
The Harlalka Well : Harlakha Well is near Murmuria Haveli. It has a rustic look and can be distinguished by it's minarets and 'chatris'. Folklore suggest that water was drawn out of the well by camels via pulleys. Be careful to go up the camel ramp and see the deep well.
Mandawa Fort: The Rajput ruler of Nawalgargh and Mandawa, Thakul Nawal Singh built the Mandawa Fort in 1755 AD. Built on a medieval theme the Fort is beautifully decorated with frescoes depicting Lord Krishna and his cows. The fort is adorned with intricate carving and exquisite mirror work. The Palace's Darbar Hall houses many antiques and paintings. The fort has now been converted into a Heritage Hotel.
Sonthalia Gate : Sonthalia Gate is the arched passage or in other words a gateway to Mandawa. There are three floors where one can see intricate carvings showcasing various geometrical patterns. The monument has elaborate 'Jharokas' with beautiful carved 'Jali' work.
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| Sonthalia Gate - Mandawa |
Shopping in Mandawa :
Art Work: One can shop famous Shekhawati Artwork from the local shops and emporiums. The artwork include the famous miniature paintings and the golden Paintings. In the miniature paintings you would see miniature images of Kings, Courtiers, Horses, Elephants etc. In golden paintings various images are adorned with excessive use of golden color which gives a perception of gold being embedded in the pictures. |
| Miniature Painting-Mandawa |
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| Golden Painting - Elephant - Mandawa |
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| Golden Painting - Camel - Mandawa |
Puppet Work: Another item which visitors buy are the puppets. These puppets are made from wood,cloth and strings. Few of the locals are master puppeteers.
Puppet Work - Mandawa
Puppet Work - Mandawa
Metal and Wood Work: Tourists and Visitors interested in buying wood work and metal work can also buy handicraft items made of wood and metal. Show Pieces made of wood and various metals can be purchased.
Metal and Wood Work - Mandawa
Cloth Art, Utensils and Bangles: Tourists and Visitors interested in shopping intricate cloth work, traditional utensils and bangles can also buy these items here.
Puppet Work: Another item which visitors buy are the puppets. These puppets are made from wood,cloth and strings. Few of the locals are master puppeteers.
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| Puppet Work - Mandawa |
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| Puppet Work - Mandawa |
Metal and Wood Work: Tourists and Visitors interested in buying wood work and metal work can also buy handicraft items made of wood and metal. Show Pieces made of wood and various metals can be purchased.
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| Metal and Wood Work - Mandawa |
Good Restaurants in Mandawa:
Monica Roof Top Restaurant: Monica Roof Top restaurant is in between the main bazaar and the fort gate. As the name suggests it is a roof top restaurant serving Indian and Chinese Meals. This is a a Restaurant that also serves Non Vegetarian food.
Bungli Restaurant: Bungli Restaurant is at the Goenka Chowk, Near Fatehpur/Bikaner Bus Stand. It serves Vegetarian North Indian, South Indian, Chinese food. It also serves soups burgers etc. It serves good Indian breakfast.
There are few more restaurants in Mandawa, but we did not get a chance to dine there.
Monica Roof Top Restaurant: Monica Roof Top restaurant is in between the main bazaar and the fort gate. As the name suggests it is a roof top restaurant serving Indian and Chinese Meals. This is a a Restaurant that also serves Non Vegetarian food.
Bungli Restaurant: Bungli Restaurant is at the Goenka Chowk, Near Fatehpur/Bikaner Bus Stand. It serves Vegetarian North Indian, South Indian, Chinese food. It also serves soups burgers etc. It serves good Indian breakfast.
There are few more restaurants in Mandawa, but we did not get a chance to dine there.
Best Time to Visit Mandawa:
There best time to visit Mandawa is between months of October and March. This is the time when the weather is pleasant. July to September witnesses monsoon and weather is pleasant but rains might restrict mobility. April to June is the least preferred time to visit Mandawa as the temperature soars up to as high as 45'C.
How to Reach Mandawa from Delhi :
Road Route:
Delhi -- Jhajjar -- Chrkhi Dadri -- Loharu -- Jhunjhunu -- Mandawa
Train Route:
Delhi -- Jhunjhunu and then by Road to Mandawa.
Nearest Railway station having better connectivity of trains from Delhi,Jaipur and Bikaner is Jhunjhunu. Jhunjhunu is arout 30 km from Mandawa.
Flight Route:
Delhi -- Jaipur and then by Road to Mandawa.
Nearest Airport is Jaipur. Then by Road to Mandawa. Jaipur Airport is around 150 km from Mandawa.
Delhi -- Jhajjar -- Chrkhi Dadri -- Loharu -- Jhunjhunu -- Mandawa
Train Route:
Delhi -- Jhunjhunu and then by Road to Mandawa.
Nearest Railway station having better connectivity of trains from Delhi,Jaipur and Bikaner is Jhunjhunu. Jhunjhunu is arout 30 km from Mandawa.
Flight Route:
Delhi -- Jaipur and then by Road to Mandawa.
Nearest Airport is Jaipur. Then by Road to Mandawa. Jaipur Airport is around 150 km from Mandawa.
Distances:
Delhi to Mandawa : 260 km
Delhi to Jhajjar : 51 km
Jhajjar to Charkhi Dadri : 43 km
Charkhi Dadri to Loharu : 53 km
Loharu to Jhunjhunu : 55 km
Jhunjhunu to Mandawa : 31 km
Delhi to Jhajjar : 51 km
Jhajjar to Charkhi Dadri : 43 km
Charkhi Dadri to Loharu : 53 km
Loharu to Jhunjhunu : 55 km
Jhunjhunu to Mandawa : 31 km
Seems like treasure hunt for Art and folk culture!! Seems old n rustic...
ReplyDeleteVery True.
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