Havelis

The Shekhawati region of Rajasthan is renowned for the many splendid havelis that dot the area. The word ‘haveli’ is derived from the Persian word ‘havaleh’, meaning ‘a place where goods are stored’. The havelis of Shekhawati are essentially large mansions, many of which were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by the wealthy merchants and bankers of the area. The havelis of Shekhawati are famed for their intricate and ornate frescoes, which depict scenes from Indian mythology, as well as from the lives of the wealthy merchants who commissioned them. Many of the havelis are now in a state of dereliction, but a few have been restored and are now open to the public. The best way to visit the havelis of Shekhawati is on a guided tour. There are several tour operators who offer tours of the region, and it is best to book a tour in advance, as the number of visitors is limited. Some of the most famous havelis in the region are: 1. The haveli of Thakur Nawal Singh in Nawalgarh 2. The haveli of Guman Singh in Nawalgarh 3. The haveli of Khet Singh in Nawalgarh 4. The haveli of Surajmal in Nawalgarh 5. The haveli of Mohan Lal in Nawalgarh 6. The haveli of Seth Rai Singh in Nawalgarh 7. The haveli of Hukam Chand in Nawalgarh 8. The haveli of Gopal Das in Nawalgarh 9. The haveli of Mohan Lal in Jhunjhunu 10. The haveli of Nathmal in Jhunjhunu 11. The haveli of Seth