Nawalgarh Travel Guide

The Best Of Shekhawati Encompassed

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Founded in the 18th century by Nawal Singh, the town and its environs have some of the finest frescos in the Shekhawati region. A huge fort, the Bala Qila, a colourful bazaar and numerous havelis with elaborate architecture make for additional interest and it’s a great base from which to explore further. It is possible to really get to know the region with local travel specialists offering a wide variety of different tours with treks through villages, guided tours of the havelis and many more experiences on offer.

Attractions in Nawalgarh

The town’s fort, the Bala Qila, was founded in 1737 and is largely disfigured by modernisations. Only one room in the southeastern section of the fort retains its beautiful mirror work and paintings of scenes of old Jaipur and Nawalgarh. A huge fruit and vegetable market and two banks use most of the fort reflecting how times seem not to but actually do change here in Shekhawati.

The town has several prominent havelis to discover: the Anandilal Poddar Haveli, Aath Haveli and the Hodh Raj Patodia Haveli. To the west of the fort are a group of havelis know as the ‘aath havelis’, aath meaning eight. The frescos on these havelis are not the best examples but they show the transition in painting styles through the various periods. One of the paintings depicts a steam locomotive while others show mammoth images of elephants, horses and camels. Opposite these havelis is situated the Muraraka Haveli, which shows off some very fine painting including the miniature paintings from the Krishna legends. The haveli has no occupants and the courtyard is usually locked unless some function is taking place.

To the north is Hem Raj Kulwal Haveli. Built in 1931 the haveli depicts at the entrance portraits of the Kulwal family and also that of Indian leaders like Gandhi and Nehru. The windows are bordered by very colourful architraves. An ornate silver gate leads to the inner courtyard, which has some fine paintings mostly of religious themes. A local caretaker will let you in for a small tip. Quite close to it is the Khedwal Bhawan, which features some striking mirror and blue tile work at the entrance to the inner courtyard. Some frescos depicting a locomotive engine crossing a bridge and a woman on a swing in festivities of Teej Festival are seen on some of the walls. Also seen is the story of legendary lovers Dhola Maru on an outside wall.

Besides the havelis the countryside holds much appeal with numerous traditional villages to discover.

Activities in Nawalgarh

In addition to exploring the fantastic havelis a must when visiting Nawalgarh is to get out and about to see something of the countryside – easily arranged locally or just get on a hired bike and explore. A variety of courses are also offered in town from initiations into tie dye, to tabla playing and Hindi lessons.

Relaxing

Entertainment as you would expect is low-key with hotels providing relaxing environments to sit and read or chat with new friends.

Getting Around

Nawalgarh is easily explored on foot or by auto rickshaw. For excursions its best to have your own drive-guide or to use the services of a local travel supplier specialising in tours.

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