Shekhawati Circuit of Rajasthan
Covers Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Udaipurwati, Fatehpur, Mandawa, Nawalgarh, Harsha and Khatu Shyamji...

A large area in north - eastern Rajasthan, lying between Bikaner, Jaipur and Delhi and comprising Sikar and Jhunjhunu districts, Shekhawati adorns the international tourist map due to the exquisite frescoes that decorate the walls and ceilings of the buildings. This region accounts for such a large number of frescoes that is often referred to as an open air museum. These frescoes often depict many mythological tales, especially themes taken from Lord Krishna's life. The towns of Lachhmangarh, Chirawa, Mukundgarh, Fatehpur, Ramgarh, Dundlod, Nawalgarh, Mandawa, Khetri, Pilani, Alsisar, Bissau, Maisisar, Salasar, Churi, Ajitgarh and Mahansar are the main places of tourist interest.

LESSER - KNOWN DESTINATIONS AROUND SIKAR

KHATU SHYAMJI

LOCATION: Khatu Shyamji is a village situated in the Danta Ramgarh tehsil of Sikar district. It is 16 kms. From Reengus and 25kms. From Danta Ramgarh.

HISTORY: Khatu is famous for its Shyamji (Krishna) temple and has hence got the name Khatu Shyamji.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS: The place is famous for fairs held in the month of Phagun and Kartik which attract crowds in thousands.

There is a Shyamji temple, Shyam Kund and an attractive Shyam garden which are worth visiting.

SIKRAI MATA

Sikraimata is one of the prominent pilgrim centers of Shekhawati. The place is famous for a beautiful and sacred temple of Sikraimata. Built in the 7th or 8th century and surrounded by hills on three sides, the location is an ideal tourist spot.

JEEN MATA

Jeen Mata is another famous pilgrim center of this region. This place is 29 kms. From Sikar off the Bikaner - Jaipur National Highway. Jeen and Harsha are mentioned as sister and brother in the folk literature and stories of their mutual affection and affection and sacrifice are very popular in the Shekhawati region. Lakh of devotees congregate here every year in April- May (Chaitra Navaratra) during the Jeen Mata fair.

LOHARGAL

Lohargal is also a place of tourist interest because of its natural beauty. This place is associated with Bhim, one of the heroes of the great epic, 'Mahabharat'.

HARSHA

LOCATION: Harsha is an ancient village at the base of a hill on which Harshanatha and other temples are located in Sikar district situated around 14 kms, from Sikar town.

HISTORY: According to legend, Lord Shiva had taken birth here under the name of Harshanath to bring an end to the tyranny of a monster (demon) named Tripur. In ancient times the place was known as Harsha Nagar.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS: Harsha is known for its famous Shiva Temple dating back to the Chauhan period. There is 10 km, long road which leads one to the mountain, from where one can behold the natural beauty of the villages below.

There are several temples at Harsha, chief among them being the Harsha temple. From the inscription found at the sanctum of the temple, it is evident that it was built by the Chauhan ruler of Ajmer, Vigrahraj and several changes were made in the temple with the passage of time. Although the temple is now in ruins, one can easily make out that it was once quite unique. Close to this old Shiva temple is a new Shiva temple which was constructed by Rao Raja Shiv Singh. At the southern side of the temple there is a huge Shivlinga made of white marble. Besides this there are many beautiful statues of the Hindu gods and goddesses.

JHUNJHUNU

LOCATION: Jhunjhunu is a prominent town of Shekhawati region and is a district headquarter. It is well connected by rail and road.

HISTORY: Some of the prominent places of interest in Jhunjhunu are Badalgarh, Khetri Mahal, Behari temple (old paintings), Qamruddin Shah Ki Darghah, Mertani Baori, Laxminath temple, Khetan haveli, Ishwardas Mohandas haveli, Narsinghdas Tibrewal haveli, Birdhi Chand well and Ajeet Sagar. It is also famous for colourful wall paintings.

LESSER - KNOWN DESTINATIONS AROUND JHUNJHUNU

MANDAWA

LOCATION: Mandawa is a municipal town in Jhunjhunu district.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS: The medieval fort of Mandawa gradually rises on the horizon like a mirage. A painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows leads to the bazaar. A fine view of the town can be seen from the terrace of the castle of Mandawa. Notable among the havelis are Chokhani , Saraf, Goenka and Ladia havelis.

FATEHPUR

Fatehpur is a historic town which was once ruled by the Muslim Nawabs. It is a treasure-trove of beautiful frescoes. The frescoes on the Devra and Singhania havelis are an outstanding combination of Indian and Western styles.

NAWALGARH

Founded by Nawal Singh of the Shekhawat clan, this is the town where the finest of Shekhawati's frescoes can be seen. Its havelis bear witness to the rich and prosperous Marwari era of the 19th century. Nawalgarh has hundreds of painted havelis and a fine clock tower of British period.