Mandawa,Rajasthan

• Mandawa Fort (Castle Mandawa) — a fortress-turned-heritage-hotel with frescoed rooms and courtyards
• Havelis of Mandawa — a cluster of painted mansions (notable examples include Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli, Murmuria and other merchant havelis)
• Street murals and frescoes — alleyways and facades displaying intricate painted panels
• Local bazaars — shops selling textiles, antiques and handicrafts
• Nearby towns in Shekhawati (Nawalgarh, Jhunjhunu, Fatehpur) — additional painted havelis and forts

• Extensive frescoes blending religious, mythological and colonial-era scenes
• Intricately carved sandstone architecture, jharokhas and courtyards
• A concentrated cluster of painted havelis forming an open-air museum of merchant-era art
• Photogenic narrow lanes and sunset views over the semi-arid landscape

• Guided heritage walks and self-guided fresco trails around Mandawa town
• Photography of havelis, fresco panels and architectural details
• Staying in converted heritage havelis/forts for an immersive experience
• Shopping for local textiles, block-printed fabrics, miniature paintings and lac jewelry
• Short day trips to nearby Shekhawati towns and rural villages to view more frescoes

• Local celebrations of mainstream Rajasthani festivals such as Holi, Diwali and Teej, which are colorful and culturally rich
• Seasonal fairs and melas in the region that showcase Rajasthani music, dance and crafts
• Occasional heritage and tourism events or exhibitions highlighting Shekhawati art (check local listings during peak season)

October to March — cool, dry weather ideal for sightseeing and photography.

Hot summers (often exceeding 40°C), mild winters (temperatures can drop to single digits at night), and a short, light monsoon. Carry sun protection in summer and warm layers in winter evenings.

Nearest major airport: Jaipur International Airport (~150–170 km, about 3–4 hours by road). Road access: regular buses and taxis connect Mandawa with Jaipur, Delhi and nearby towns. Nearest railway access: regional stations at Jhunjhunu and Nawalgarh (distances vary; taxis and buses available). The town is best explored on foot; roads can be narrow so allow time for travel between sites.

1–2 days to cover Mandawa's main havelis and the fort; 2–3 days if you want to explore nearby Shekhawati towns and relax in a heritage hotel.

Light cotton clothing and sun protection for daytime; warm layers for winter nights. Comfortable walking shoes for uneven lanes, a hat, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle.

Try Rajasthani specialties such as dal-baati-churma, gatte ki sabzi and local sweets. Souvenirs include miniature paintings, block-printed textiles, bandhani items, lac jewelry, embroidered textiles and small fresco-inspired artworks or reproductions.