Shekhawati Tourism

Shekhawati Tourism is known not only for its frescoes and beautiful wall painted havelis, thus making it open air art gallery, but also because of its business tycoons and enterpreneurial spirit of its people. This is a semi desert region in north Rajasthan and it is situated entirely in the triangle between Delhi-Bikaner-Jaipur. Shekhawati is a region and not just a town or fort; it takes its name after its ruler Rao Shekha. Shekhawati means the garden of Shekha. The towns of Shekhawati are eminent for their amazing painted havelis. Such is the appeal of the havelis that this region is dubbed as "open art gallery of Rajasthan". The plethora of painted Havelis in rich artistic tradition makes it commendable and fascinating. Most of the buildings are dated from 18th century to early 20th century. The Shekhawati landscape is dotted with so many havelis that tracking them is something like a treasure hunt.

Sethani Ka Johara
Sethani Ka Johara lies on the north side of the road perhaps 5 km west of Churu along the Ratangarh road. It is perhaps the finest johara (reservoir) in the area in that it is not only attractive but also efficient, holding a store of water, often from one monsoon to the next. It was built in 1899 by the widow of Bhagwan Das Bagla as part of the famine relief projects that the merchants financed in those terrible years of the close of the century. A peaceful place, it attracts various birds and animals, including Nilgais, in winter.

Kanhaiyalal Bagla Haveli
Kanhaiyalal Bagla Haveli is a beautiful structure, which stands on the south of the main bazaar. Constructed in around 1880, the haveli represents the finest lattice work and architectural styles in the entire Shekhawati region. The murals and wall paintings of the haveli depict Dhola and Maru, the romantic couple from folk tales, on a camel. The walls of the haveli are also adorned with the episodes of Dhola- Maru, the lovers fleeing on their camel.

Aath Kambh Chhatri
Aath Kambh Chhatri, one of the buildings possessing great historical significance, is an eight pillared dome that stands on the northern side of the town. Lying between the premises adjoining the western side of the vegetable market, the chhatri is believed to be constructed in 1776. Over the years, the windblown sand has virtually buried the base of the structure, while the interiors are still adorned with beautiful murals and stone carved paintings.

Ratangarh Fort
Located on the Agra-Bikaner Highway, the Ratangarh Fort was built in the early 18th century by Surat Singh, who named it after his son Ratan Singh, and boasts imposing gateways, several monuments (which are mostly in ruins today) and a clock tower, which is also known as Ghantaghar. The Ratangarh Fort makes for a lovely tourist destination, surrounded by several ethnic villages.

Laxminarayan Temple
Soothing to the eye, this temple is simple from the outside but has a grand architectural splendour from within. The entrance has a projected foliated arch adorned with beautiful mural paintings. It is easily accessible from all parts of Churu, and the serenity of this temple makes it a must-visit in your itinerary.

Digambar Jain Temple
The Jain Temple is a 150-year-old structure and can be described as piece of art in itself. Its interiors resemble a lavish royal court than a temple courtyard. This temple has some of the best paintings painted in gold, centred mostly on moral living suggestions. The walls and the interior are adorned with glass works characteristic of the magnificence of the Rajput era.

Tal Chhapar Sanctuary
Renowned for being a safe haven black bucks and a variety of birds, this sanctuary is named after the Chhapar village. Located in the Sujangarh Tehsil of Churu, it is 210 km from Jaipur. Its open grasslands scattered with trees give it the appearance of a savannah. The sanctuary is a bird watcher’s paradise as it is home to birds such as eastern imperial eagle, black ibis, demoiselle cranes, skylarks, ring doves and more. One can also spot the desert fox and desert cat here.

Laxmangarh Fort
Laxmangarh stands tall as the most impressive building in Laxmangarh town, looming majestically over the well laid township on its western side. An exceptional specimen of fort architecture in the entire world, Laxmangarh Fort is built upon scattered pieces of colossal rocks. The top of the ramp offers a fascinating bird's eye view of the Laxmangarh town modeled to resemble the city lay out of Jaipur – Rajasthan's bustling capital city.