Chittorgarh - A historical marvel in the desert state of Rajasthan

Looking for a serious sightseeing? Do visit Chittorgarh Fort a symbol of Rajput chivalry, resistance and bravery

Chittorgarh resonates with stories of Rajputana bravery, pride and passion. The bards of Rajasthan sing tales of courage and sacrifice recounting stories that are known to every child and adult in the city. Chittorgarh is named after its most imposing structure, the Chittorgarh Fort which stands atop a 180 metre high hill and is spread across 700 acres.

There are number of places in Rajasthan and Chittorgarh is one of the historical place which is must visit. It is known for the dazzling Chittorgarh Fort which will remind us of the architecture and Chivalry of the then Kings in Rajasthan. However there are other mesmerizing places in and around Chittorgarh which are less explored by the tourists. 

"The Chittorgarh Fort stands tall over a 180 meter high  hillock and spread over 700 acres".

NAGRI
Nagri is located about 20 Kms from Chittorgarh situated on the banks of river Bairach. Formerly known as Madhyamika, Nagri is one of the most important townships of the Mauryan era in Rajasthan.  

The place saw huge growth and flourished during the Maurya and Gupta eras. The excavations in Nagri have unearthed many exciting facts and have showed signs of strong Hindu and Buddhist influence.


BAROLO
It is located about 140 Kms from Chittorgarh in the Rawatbhata Tehsil. You can see numerous ancient temples here which include the ruins of the famous temples of babaroli.

BASSI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
This wildlife sanctuary is located about 25 Km from Chittorgarh
The Bassi wildlife sanctuary is spread over 50 Square Kms near Bassi village in the Chittorgarh Tehsil. 

The main attractions of Bassi sanctuary are  panther,  wild boar, antelopes and mongoose. Bassi also attract Migratory birds.
If you are planning to go to Bassi then please note that in order to get the entry you need to get prior permission from the District Forst Officer, Chittaurgarh. 


SANWARIYA JI TEMPLE
Located on the Chittor-Udaipur Highway about 40 Kms from Chittaurgarh is the famous Sanwariya Ji Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna.

MATRI KUNDIYA TEMPLE
About 45 Kms from Chittaurgarh is the famous Matri Kundiya Temple which is also known as the "Haridwar of Mewar". This shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

BHAINSORGARH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Yet another wildlife sanctuary located in the secluded and serene region, the Bhainsorgarh Sanctuary lies amidst lush green environment. You can also see precious archaeological remains here.

BIJAIPUR
You can also stay here now as this Castle is converted into a hotel. Bijapur fort is over 350 year old and was built by Rao Shakti Singh, the youngest brother of Maharana Pratap.

SITAMATA SANCTUARY
The sanctuary is located amidst lush green teak trees and is spread over the Aravali and Vindhyachal ranges in Rajasthan. The population of the Teak Trees is over 50% in Sitamata Sanctuary. Apart from this there are many other trees like salar, tendu, amla, bamboo and bel etc.

Another breathtaking view inside is of the three rivers that flow through the forests of Sitamata Sanctuary. There is a Dam as well on Jakham river. 

You will find numerous species of animals and birds here. The main fauna include hyena, leopard, jackal, fox, jungle cat, porcupine, four horned antelope spotted dear, wild bear, nilgai etc.

However one of the major attractions of the Sanctuary is the conspicuous flying squirrel, which can be observed gliding between the trees during night. Autumn is the best season to watch these creatures when the trees have shed their leaves.

DEOGARH
Located about 125 Kms from Chittorgarh is the famous 16th century fort near Pratapgarh. You can also see the ancient murals and Jain temple here.

MENAL
One of the famous picnic spot in this region Menal is located about 90 Kms from Chittorgarh on the Chittor-Bundi Road. 

Menal is also known as the "mini khajauraho" by the locals. The place is truly blessed with natural landscapes and beauty. The waterfalls are the main attractions here apart from famous for the ancient temples surrounded by lush green forests.

GOTMESHWAR
Gotmeshwar has an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located about 130 Kms from Chittorgarh

JOGNIYA MATA JI TEMPLE
 The ancient temple built about 300 years ago is dedicated to Goddess Yogini 

STAY OPTIONS - ORGANIC FARMS, RESORTS, CAMPS, HERITAGE HAVELI'S AND HOTELS

Call/Whatsapp now if your are planning your holidays in Rajasthan India and looking for Adventure trip, home stays, organic farm stays,Paragliding, Camping, Desert Safaris etc.


+91 8588849825

www.organicholidays.in

Also find us on Facebook, and do Like our page for best holiday deals

https://www.facebook.com/organicholidaysIndia/

Benefits of booking through us

• Service of a Government registered accredited operator which gives peace of mind
• Service of a professional company with quality and professionalism
• Service of an experienced committed operator which gives proper solution to your tour  
• Service from a Rajasthan, Delhi & Himachal based company specialised in tailor made packages at the best serene spots
• Service of an ethics based company where we care you and your family with utmost respect

If you are in a mood to travel off the beaten path, check out these unique exotic places in Rajasthan

Discover Worlds exotic destinations for holiday with Organic Holidays.

So want to get off the grid? Are you looking for an exotic weekend getaway from Delhi which is still unexplored and free from the maddening crowd? Wanna jet away to a place where you can not only relax but also enjoy your vacation with your family and friends? 

Do you know that there are many unexplored places in Rajasthan which are as historical and as exotic and enchanting as any other place in the Royal state of Rajasthan. Do you know that there are number of places in Rajasthan that are getting a lot of buzz in the travel world right now

Raising a toast to the explorer within you, here is an exotic getaway for you to consider for your next vacation. 

Don't say that you have already visited Rajasthan before exploring the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. Havelis of Shekhawati Region of Rajasthan must be in your bucket list

Shekhawati means the garden of Shekha. The name Shekhawati comes from Rao Shekha, a Kachhwaha satrap, who had dominated and conquered large parts of the region in the fifteenth century. However under the reign of Shardul Singh in 18^th century Shekhawati region reached its political zenith.

The Shekhawati Region in Rajasthan is spread across districts of Jhunjunu, Sikar and Churu in Northern parts of Rajasthan, close to Haryana.

The most suitable base of exploring Shekhawati in Rajasthan is Mandawa which is located about 170 Kms north-west of the state capital Jaipur and around 275 kms south-west of the National Capital Delhi.

The best of the painted towns of Shekhawati region are located within a 50 km radius from Mandawa. The region is famous for the marvelous Havelis.

 Best places to visit in Shekhawati Region in Rajasthan

Mandawa 

Mandawa town is located about 35 kms from Jhunjunu. The Small but elegant town Mandawa was established in the year 1756, when Nawal Singh built the fort which is now converted into the hotel called Castle Mandawa. The town however became a full-fledged town after Nawal Singh’s 2 grandsons made mandawa their home at the close of the 18th century. 

Mandawa lured number of merchants to set up shop here. You will find the murals of the Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli extraordinary, particularly in the diversity of their themes.

You would be surprised to see that Bansidhar Nevatia Haveli in Mandawa showing the Wright brothers’ maiden flight and a European making a telephone call, as well as a rather nationalistic tug-of-war between a strongman called Prof Ramamurti and a motor car driven by an Englishman.

Then there is Sneh Ram Ladia Haveli, Murmuria Haveli, Double Goenka Haveli which has humorous erotica painted on the outer left wall, a woman having sex with two men, and Krishna making love to a gopi. You can have access to this wall but through a thin passage from inside.

Bissau

Bissau is old-fashioned but very attractive little oasis to the north-west of Mandawa about 25 kms. Bissau is an amazing small town where you can see Keshargarh Fort which was built in 1746 by Keshari Singh, one of the five sons of Shardul Singh.

During 19th century Bissau town prospered a lot as it was corridor through which trading carvan moved freely between Delhi and the ports of Gujarat. It was an important link on the southern Silk route. Most of the merchant families like Poddars, Goenkas, Ruias, Singhanias, Birlas and many more originally belonged to this region and later migrated to port towns in India.

The answer to why there are so many Haveli’s in the Shekhawti region is that it was a tradition in those days whoever made it good in terms of trade and business would come back to his home place and build four things namely, a Haveli, a Baoli, a Mandir and a Dharamshala. As these businessmen became rich and multiplied their wealth they went on doing charity, erecting colleges, cenotaphs, grander and grander havelis, finally when nothing else could be thought of, they ordered that the Havelis be painted.

Some of the famous Havelis in Bissau region are Motiram Jasraj Sigthia Haveli located in one of the narrow lanes of Bissau. The small opening or entrance will lead you to the breathtaking view inside the Haveli. The façade is an extraordinary riot of rich colors. Each and every wall is painted and impressive.

Mahansar in Shekhawati region

Mahansar is located about 40 km North of Mandawa town. After you visit Bissau you can plan to visit Mahansar next Shekhawati town only about ten km away from Bissau. The small old town of Mahansar is truly delightful but sort of laid-back town.

The layout of Mahansar town is geometric and in a very less time it can be explored say about in an hour. Mahansar is also known as the customary business stronghold of the Poddar family, who in the nineteenth century moved their booming business in chintz and opium here.

The Poddars during those days commissioned some of the most skilled murals in Shekhawati. The most famous was, the Sone ki Dukan or the Golden Shop. That time it used to be the head office of the Poddars and was so called because of the lavish use of gold in the murals inside, is easily the piece de resistance.

The paintings are amzing and whoever have painted the murals must have been an accomplished illustrator who possessed a great sense of colour and composition. The highlighting point is ornately depicted war between the armies of Rama and Ravana, Rama’s wedding and Vishnu’s incarnations.

You will also find an enthralling Mahansar fort just about five minutes walk from Sone ki Dukan.  The small and elegant Mahansar Fort was founded by Thakur Nahar Singh in 1768. A portion of Mahansar Fort is now turned into a heritage hotel called Narayan Niwas Palace owned and run by Thakur Sahib Tejpal Singh and his family.

Ramgarh

Ramgarh is located about 40 km North-West of Mandawa town. Ramgarh is only about 8 km from Mahansar. In the 19th Century Ramgarh used to be one of Shekhawati’s wealthiest towns. Even today Ramgarh is still called Sethon ka Ramgarh (Ramgarh of the Merchants) just to differentiate it from its namesakes. The town was founded by Poddars in 1791who were fled Churu town after the thakur there had levied heavy taxes on their wool business, Ramgarh boasts the largest number of murals in the whole of Shekhawati.

Fatehpur
Fatehpur is situated on the west of Mandawa about 19 Kms from Mandawa and around 15 km south of Ramgarh, Fatehpur was founded by Fateh Khan in 1451 and is one of the oldest towns in Shekhawati. Fatehgarh town has a rich history because of which it has some impressive step-wells and joharas (reservoirs). Fatehgarh at one point in time was also home to well-known Marwari business families such as Poddars, the Singhanias, Devras and Saraogis, who have built some of the most magnificently decorated havelis in the Shekhawati region.

Don’t miss the Nand Lal Devra now known as the Nadine le Prince Haveli. It was bought by the French woman for a whopping 3 million rupees in 1998. She is a painter herself and till now has spent over 6 million for its renovation and restoration work. You would also be delighted to see the Singhania Haveli with its huge painting of four elephants cradling goddess Lakshmi with their trunks, and exquisitely painted gopis. Choudhary ki Haveli is one of the most richly painted in Shekhawati, please check wether it is now open or still shut.

Nawalgarh
Nawalgarh located about 28 Kms from Mandawa toward south-east. Nawalgarh is one of the largest and busiest towns of Shekhawati. It was established in 1737 by Nawal Singh, one of the sons of renowned Shardul Singh. Nawalgarh has witnessed a series of rulers who were lenient and attracted a numerous rich Marwari merchants who built many richly painted havelis here.

Though many of the Havelis in Nawalgarh are now in a state of disrepair, do not miss to visit the Poddar Haveli which is an exception. It has been turned into a museum now. The murals in this early 20th century haveli have been carefully restored to their original glory. The museum also exhibits wedding costumes of different communities of Rajasthan.

Absolute artistic brilliance can be seen on the painted ceiling of a small room in the fort called Bala Qila stands.

Aath Haveli is yet another piece of great work in Nawalgarh with its mural of a long train with one passenger per compartment; a woman feeding a child and at the same time doing her make-up; a couple making love. You can also watch out for Morarka Haveli in Nawalgarh near Aath Haveli.Morarka boasts of gracefully sketched paintings.

Then there is Sheksaria Haveli, Chaucharia Haveli apart from the above mentioned havelis in Nawalgarh

Parasrampura 

Parasrampura is located about 45 kms from Mandawa town. It is a small and beautiful peaceful village in the Shekhawati region where you can see some of the finest and earliest murals in Shekhawati. The murals embellish the chhatri of Shardul Singh, who stayed in this village during his last days. Built in 1750, the cenotaph portrays scenes from Hindu mythology. It also shows the legendary Shardul Singh take the chair of his court along with his five sons.

Dundlod

Dundlod is located about 23 kms from Mandawa and around 8 km from Mukundgarh on the road to Nawalgarh. It is a small, peaceful and relatively tidy town in the Shekhawati belt which was establieshed in 1750 by Keshri Singh, who also happens to be the founder of Bissau. The Dera Dundlod Quila is now converted into a hotel was built in 1750. It has a very magnificent and lavish hall, called the Diwan-e-Khana. The Goenkas were the ruling business clan in Dundlod and have built number of Havelis which worth a visit.

How to reach Shekhawati Belt Region of Rajasthan

Nearest Airport – Sanganer Airport Jaipur connected from Delhi Mumbai Jodhpur Bangalore and other major cities. Regular bus service and trains are available from Jaipur to the Shekhawati region towns like Jhunjunu Sikar Mandawa Churu etc. You can also hire a Taxi to Mandawa which is about 180 Kms from jaipur Airport. Taxi will charge from Rs 2500 to 3000.

By Rail

Many towns of Shekhawati Region are connected by train and Rail service. Dundlod, Mukundgarh, Jhunjunu and Nawalgarh are the nearest railway stations from Mandawa.

By Road

Shekhawati belt region is well connected by road from Jaipur Delhi Bikaner and other parts of the state. Frequent bus service is available to these places.

You might also like to know this


STAY OPTIONS - ORGANIC FARMS, RESORTS, CAMPS, HERITAGE HAVELI'S AND HOTELS

Call/Whatsapp now if your are planning your holidays in Rajasthan India and looking for Adventure trip, home stays, organic farm stays,Paragliding, Camping, Desert Safaris etc.


+91 8588849825

www.organicholidays.in

Also find us on Facebook, and do Like our page for best holiday deals

https://www.facebook.com/organicholidaysIndia/

Benefits of booking through us

• Service of a Government registered accredited operator which gives peace of mind
• Service of a professional company with quality and professionalism
• Service of an experienced committed operator which gives proper solution to your tour  
• Service from a Rajasthan, Delhi & Himachal based company specialised in tailor made packages at the best serene spots
• Service of an ethics based company where we care you and your family with utmost respect

We believe a vacation is an investment, provides high energy as returns and refreshes the mind. We are committed to provide this to you.

How to plan a trip to the Desert Kingdom of Rajasthan - Travel Guide to Rajasthan

Planning a Trip to Deserts of Jodhpur Bikaner Jaisalmer - Triangle of the three desert kingdoms

When I was on my first trip to Rajasthan about many years ago the first thing that came into my mind was that I shall be encountering sand dunes and camels on my way. I had just passed my college and in those days I did not have access to computers or internet and the information was not that vast as it used to be today. My perception about Rajasthan was only a desert because this is what was being projected in our movies or Tele serials those days. During my entire journey by bus I kept on hoping that now I will get to see sand dunes, I was curious to see all this but to my surprise I reached Jaipur and did not encounter such landscapes. Even after Reaching Jaipur I did not get to see desert or sand dunes.

After my visit to Jaipur I went to Ajmer Pushkar and was disappointed again that there were no sand dunes or desert there. Out of curiosity I used to ask the locals about the desert and came to know that I have to go all the way to Barmer, Jaisalmer or Bikaner to get a glimpse of the Desert. During this visit I had to satisfy myself with the small sand dunes in Pushkar - the holy city near Ajmer.

That was my first experience in Rajasthan during the times when there were limited mobile connections, no internet on the move and other fast modes of communication.

Today the times have changed, now you can plan your journey in advance and can have the minutest details of the place you are going to visit. You can book your hotel room online, book your rail or bus tickets online. In fact you can have all the information under the sun.

Do you know how you can plan a trip to the Desert Kingdom of Rajasthan? If you are planning to visit the deserts in Rajasthan then you need to go to Jaisalmer Jodhpur or Bikaner regions of Rajasthan.

Here is the suggested itinerary for you for a trip to the deserts in Rajasthan. Triangle of the three desert kingdoms are Bikaner, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer

Day 1 at Jaipur: Arrival in Jaipur. You can plan Sightseeing at Amer fort and Nahargarh Fort. Evening at Chokhi Dani.

Day 2: Plan Jaipur city tour, visit old Jaipur market, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and other famous places in the Pink City

Day 3: After breakfast, drive via Samode with its lovely palaces, through the   painted towns of Shekhwati to Mandawa for overnight stay at the castle.

Day 4: Sightseeing at Mandawa, and then depart for Bikaner with picnic lunch.

Day 5: Sightseeing of fort and museums of Bikaner and depart for Jaisalmer.

Day 6: Enjoy desert safari, camel safari, jeep safari at Sam Sand Dunes. Overnight stay in the camps.

Day 7: Sightseeing at Jaisalmer fort, Lake and temples. Jodhpur in the evening

Day 8: Sightseeing at Jodhpur and nearby Mandore gardens. Tour ends with evening flight  to Delhi/Mumbai (In a variation of this trip, you can eliminate Bikaner and replace it with the small desert village of Khimsar where   the fortified palace is a heritage hotel.)

STAY OPTIONS - ORGANIC FARMS, RESORTS, CAMPS, HOTELS

Call/Whatsapp now if your are planning your holidays in Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan India and looking for Adventure trip, home stays, organic farm stays,Paragliding, Trekking, Camping, Zipline, Desert Safaris etc.


+91 8588849825

www.organicholidays.in

Also find us on Facebook, and do Like our page for best holiday deals

https://www.facebook.com/organicholidaysIndia/

Benefits of booking through us

• Service of a Government registered accredited operator which gives peace of mind
• Service of a professional company which gives quality and professionalism
• Service of an experienced operator which gives proper solution to your tour and service of a committed operator
• Service of a team of professionals, a Rajasthan, Delhi & Himachal based company specialised in tailor made packages at the best serene spots
• Service of an ethics based company where we care you and your family with utmost respect

We believe a vacation is an investment, provides high energy as returns and refreshes the mind. We are committed to provide this to you.

You might also like to know about
Best Places to Visit in Rajasthan
Online Bus Ticket Bookings in Rajasthan