Mandawa – The Painted Town of Shekhawati
Mandawa is one of the most fascinating heritage towns in Rajasthan, famous for its beautifully painted havelis, colourful frescoes and traditional architecture. Located in the historic Shekhawati region, the town was once an important trading centre where wealthy merchant families built magnificent mansions decorated with elaborate paintings.
Exploring the best places to visit in Mandawa feels like walking through an open-air art gallery. Visitors can discover centuries-old havelis, ornate gateways, traditional markets and the impressive Mandawa Fort while experiencing the quieter side of Rajasthan away from the larger tourist cities.
Entry Fee: Check current Indian visitor rate | Check current foreign visitor rate
Indian Students: Check current concession rate
Foreign Students: Check current concession rate
Timings: Approximately 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; confirm locally before visiting
Suggested Visiting Time: 1–2 hours
Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon
Mandawa Fort is the historic centrepiece of Mandawa and one of the most important landmarks in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. Built by Thakur Nawal Singh, the fort reflects the town’s former importance as a trading settlement and combines traditional Rajput architecture with the painted decoration for which Mandawa is famous.
The fort is known for its arched gateways, frescoes, mirror work, courtyards and heritage interiors. Today, part of the fort operates as a heritage hotel, while its historic architecture remains an important part of a Mandawa sightseeing tour. Its central location also makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the nearby painted havelis and old streets of Mandawa.
Visit Mandawa Fort in the morning or late afternoon when the weather is more comfortable and the light is better for photography. After visiting the fort, continue on foot through the old town to explore the nearby frescoed havelis.
Entry Fee: No standard official rate | Caretaker charges may apply
Indian Students: No confirmed separate student rate
Foreign Students: No confirmed separate student rate
Timings: Access varies; confirm locally before visiting
Suggested Visiting Time: 30–45 minutes
Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon
Murmuria Haveli is one of the most interesting painted havelis in Mandawa, particularly known for its unusual frescoes from the early 20th century. Its wall paintings include traditional scenes as well as more modern subjects such as trains, cars, Venice and prominent historical figures.
One of its best-known paintings depicts a young Jawaharlal Nehru riding a horse while holding the Indian flag. These distinctive frescoes make Murmuria Haveli an interesting stop on a Mandawa sightseeing tour, especially for travellers interested in Shekhawati art, history and heritage architecture.
Spend time examining the frescoes rather than only the architecture. Some of the most unusual paintings are easy to overlook, and access to the interior may depend on whether the local caretaker is available.
Entry Fee: No standard official rate | Caretaker or access charges may apply
Indian Students: No confirmed separate student rate
Foreign Students: No confirmed separate student rate
Timings: Access varies; confirm locally before visiting
Suggested Visiting Time: 20–30 minutes
Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon
Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli is one of Mandawa’s notable heritage mansions and a fine example of the painted architecture that defines the Shekhawati region. The haveli is known for its richly decorated walls, traditional courtyards and colourful frescoes that reflect the artistic tastes of the merchant families who once lived in Mandawa.
Its paintings include religious themes, scenes from everyday life and decorative motifs typical of Shekhawati art. The haveli is a rewarding stop on a Mandawa sightseeing tour, especially for travellers interested in Rajasthan’s traditional architecture, fresco painting and merchant heritage.
Look closely at the frescoes around the entrance, windows and upper walls. Many of the smaller paintings are easy to miss, and visiting with a local guide can make the stories behind the artwork much more interesting.
Entry Fee: No standard official rate | Caretaker or access charges may apply
Indian Students: No confirmed separate student rate
Foreign Students: No confirmed separate student rate
Timings: Access varies; confirm locally before visiting
Suggested Visiting Time: 20–30 minutes
Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon
Jhunjhunwala Haveli is one of the well-known painted mansions of Mandawa and forms part of the rich architectural heritage of the Shekhawati region. The haveli is admired for its colourful frescoes, ornate façade and traditional design, which reflect the prosperity of the merchant families who once lived in this part of Rajasthan.
The paintings and decorative details combine religious scenes, local life and period influences, making the haveli an interesting stop on a Mandawa sightseeing tour. Its historic character also helps visitors understand why Mandawa is often described as an open-air art gallery.
Take time to look at the upper walls, balconies and smaller painted panels, as some of the most interesting fresco details are found above eye level.
Entry Fee: No standard official rate | Caretaker or access charges may apply
Indian Students: No confirmed separate student rate
Foreign Students: No confirmed separate student rate
Timings: Access varies; confirm locally before visiting
Suggested Visiting Time: 30–45 minutes
Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon
Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli is one of the most impressive heritage mansions in Mandawa and is especially admired for its richly painted interiors and elaborate Shekhawati frescoes. The haveli reflects the artistic taste and prosperity of the merchant families who helped shape Mandawa during its trading era.
Its decorative walls feature religious scenes, floral patterns, portraits and detailed paintings that make it a highlight of a Mandawa sightseeing tour. The carved doorways, balconies and painted surfaces also make it particularly interesting for travellers who enjoy architecture, photography and Rajasthan’s cultural heritage.
Pay special attention to the interior painted walls and decorative doorways, where some of the finest details can be found. Natural daylight is best for appreciating the colours and photographing the frescoes.
Entry Fee: No standard official rate | Caretaker or access charges may apply
Indian Students: No confirmed separate student rate
Foreign Students: No confirmed separate student rate
Timings: Access varies; confirm locally before visiting
Suggested Visiting Time: 20–30 minutes
Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon
Chokhani Haveli is one of Mandawa’s traditional merchant mansions and a good example of the fresco-rich architecture for which the Shekhawati region is famous. Its painted façade, decorative windows and heritage details reflect the artistic traditions of the families who once lived and traded in this part of Rajasthan.
The haveli features colourful wall paintings, ornamental patterns and traditional architectural elements that make it a worthwhile stop on a Mandawa sightseeing tour. Together with the other painted havelis of the old town, it helps visitors understand why Mandawa is often described as an open-air art gallery.
Visit during daylight when the frescoes are easiest to see. Look carefully around the windows, arches and upper walls, where many of the smaller decorative paintings can be found.
Entry Fee: Free to walk through the old town | Individual havelis may have separate access charges
Indian Students: No separate fee for the old town walk
Foreign Students: No separate fee for the old town walk
Timings: Open throughout the day | Best explored during daylight hours
Suggested Visiting Time: 1–2 hours
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon
A walk through Mandawa’s old town is one of the best ways to experience the heritage and artistic character of the Shekhawati region. The narrow streets are lined with painted havelis, carved wooden doors, traditional balconies and colourful frescoes that make Mandawa feel like an open-air art gallery.
Along the way, visitors can see a mix of religious paintings, royal scenes, everyday life and later European influences painted across old merchant mansions. A Mandawa old town walk is also a great way to experience local life, traditional architecture and the quieter atmosphere of this historic Rajasthan town.
Start early in the morning or around late afternoon when the weather is more comfortable and the light is better for photography. Wear comfortable shoes and take your time, as many of the most interesting frescoes are found along smaller lanes away from the main road.
For a first visit, 1 day in Mandawa is ideal. Explore some of the best places to visit in Mandawa, including Mandawa Fort, beautifully painted havelis and the historic streets of the old town, while discovering the frescoes, architecture and traditional heritage of Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region.
Mandawa can easily be included in a wider Rajasthan itinerary and is an excellent stop for travellers interested in heritage, architecture, photography and local culture.
Planning a trip to Mandawa? Explore our Rajasthan tours or contact Rajasthan Cultural Tours for a private, tailor-made journey combining heritage havelis, traditional architecture and authentic local experiences.
© 2026 Rajasthan Cultural Tours. All rights reserved.