S4 Travels, C-9 Vasant Kunj, Delhi (2026)

03/09/2017

Jai sairam

05/04/2013

Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Many names have been given to Varanasi, though its recently revived official appellation is mentioned in the Mahabharata and in the Jataka tales of Buddhism. It probably derives from the two rivers that flank the city, the Varuna to the north and the Asi to the south.. Many still use the anglicized forms of Banaras or Benares, while pilgrims refer to Kashi, first used three thousand years ago to describe the kingdom and the city outside which the Buddha preached his first sermon; the "City of Light" is also called Kashika, "the shining one", referring to the light of Shiva. Another epithet, Avimukta, meaning "Never Forsaken", refers to the city that Shiva never deserted, or that one should never leave. Further alternatives include Anandavana, the "forest of bliss", and Rudravasa, the place where Shiva (Rudra) resides.

These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: "Benaras is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together". Hindus believe that one who is graced to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.

A city which, since it is both an exalted place of pilgrimage and an idealize centre of faith, has been likened to Jerusalem and Mecca.According to the historians, the city was founded some ten centuries before the birth of Christ. The city is mentioned in Holy Scriptures like 'Vamana Purana', Buddhist texts and in the epic 'Mahabharata'.

Varanasi has also been a great center of learning for ages. Varanasi is associated with promotion of spiritualism, mysticism, Sanskrit, yoga and Hindi language and honored authors such as the ever-famous novelist Prem Chand and Tulsi Das, the famous saint-poet who wrote Ram Charit Manas. Aptly called as the cultural capital of India, Varanasi has provided the right platform for all cultural activities to flourish. Many exponents of dance and music have come from Varanasi. Ravi Shankar, the internationally renowned Sitar maestro and Ustad Bismillah Khan, (the famous Shehnai player) are all sons of the blessed city or have lived here for major part of their lives.

Varanasi Ghats
Varanasi or Kashi is older than traditions. Varanasi presents a unique combination of physical, metaphysical and supernatural elements. According to the Hindu mythology, Varanasi liberates soul from human body to the ultimate. It is the Ganga Ghats of Varanasi that complement the concept of divinity. Ghats of Ganga are perhaps the holiest spots of Varanasi. The Ganga Ghats at Varanasi are full of pilgrims who flock to the place to take a dip in the holy Ganges, which is believed to absolve one from all sins.

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Also known as the Golden Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the city. Varanasi is said to be the point at which the first jyotirlinga, the fiery pillar of light by which Shiva manifested his supremacy over other gods, broke through the earth’s crust and flared towards the heavens. More than the Ghats and even the Ganga, the Shivalinga installed in the temple remains the devotional focus of Varanasi. Entry restricted for foreigners.

Vishwanatha Khanda
the Old City at the heart of Varanasi, between Dashashwamedha Ghat and Godaulia to the south and west and Manikarnika Ghat on the river to the north, lies Vishwanatha Khanda, sometimes referred to as the Old City. The whole area rewards exploration, with numerous shrines and lingams tucked into every corner, and buzzing with the activity of pilgrims, pandas and stalls selling offerings to the faithful.

Panchganga Ghat to Adi Keshva Ghat
Beyond Lakshmanbala Ghat, with its commanding views of the river. Lies one of the most dramatic and controversial ghats, Panchganga Ghat, dominated by Varanasi’s largest riverside building, the great mosque of Alamgir, known locally as Beni Madhav-ka-Darera. With its minarets now much shortened, the mosque stands on the ruins of what must have been one of the city’s greatest temples, Bindu Madhava, a huge Vishnu temple that extended from Panchganga to Rama Ghat before it was destroyed by Aurangzeb and replaced by an impressive mosque. Panchganga also bears testimony to more favourable Hindu-Muslim relations, being the site of the initiation of the medieval saint of the Sufi-Sant tradition, Kabir, the son of a humble Muslim weaver who is venerated by Hindus and Muslims alike.

03/04/2013

Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, was once the artistic capital of northern part of India. The city of Lucknow is popular among tourists for its cultural and traditional heritage. Lucknow belongs to Avadh (Oudh) region. It is also the renowned seat of Shi'ism and is referred to as ‘the epitome of Shia culture’ in India.

Lucknow is traversed by River Gomti, dividing the city in to Trans-Gomti and Cis-Gomti. Located towards the centre of the great Gangetic plain in the seismic zone III, Lucknow is bounded by Barabanki District in the East, Unnao District in the West, Raebareli District in the South and Sitapur and Hardoi districts on its North.

The city of Lucknow is of ancient origin as per the inscriptions given in the epic Ramayana. Lakshmanpur or Lakhanpur was the initial name of Lucknow. This territory was gifted to Lakshmana by Lord Rama, after conquering Sri Lanka and completing the term of life in exile. Later this region came under the rule of Afghans, Mughals and the British. Lucknow also became a major centre for uprisings like the First War of Independence and Indian Independence Movement.

Lucknow is a beautiful city that still retains its old world charm. Your tour to Lucknow will be a truly memorable one when you travel in India. While arranging for Lucknow sightseeing tours, make sure that you visit the following tourist attractions that are worth seeing. The exquisite monuments that were built during the ancient times are still preserved for the present to see and cherish.

Bara Imambara
The Bara Imambara was built in the year 1784 by the fourth Nawab of Awadh known as Asaf-ud-Daula. It was built as a part of a relief project for a major famine that took place in the year 1784.

British Residency Lucknow
The British Residency of Lucknow is a famous historical landmark of this place. It is now in ruins and has been declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Chattar Manzil
One of the imposing structures built by the Nawabs of Lucknow, Chattar Manzil is a very famous tourist attraction of Lucknow. The most unique thing about the Chattar Manzil of Lucknow is the strikingly different architecture.

Jama Masjid
In the year 1423, Sultan Ahmed Shah constructed the Jama Masjid in Lucknow. It is built entirely with yellow sandstone and is known for its intricate style of design and architecture.

Rumi Darwaza
The Rumi Darwaza of Lucknow is one of the most impressive architectural structures in India. It was constructed in the year 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-daula. The Rumi Darwaza is an example of the fine architectural style of Awadh.

Dilkusha Kothi
A former hunting lodge of the ruling reign, Dilkusha Kothi on the riverbanks of Gomati shows unique architecture and exceptional structural designs. Dilkusha Kothi was later converted in to a summer palace of the royal family. Built in the year 1800 AD by Major Gore, this Baroque style citadel with excellent decorative walls stands elegantly in the midst of vibrant greenery.

Husainabad Clock Tower
A lofty structure that stands high in the sky, Husainabad Clock Tower is one of the appealing facades of Lucknow. Located adjacent to the Rumi Darwaza, this clock tower is a perfect example to the artistic and structural skills of the Englishmen.

Satkhanda
A putrefying of 67 meter red-brick watchtower, located just opposite to the Hussainabad Imambara is a splendor of medieval architecture. The structure shows a curios blend of French and Italian style structural designs. This amazing citadel was constructed during the time of Nawab Muhamad Ali Shah, but his untimely demise in 1840 blocked its construction. Famed as the tallest tower in India, Satkianda, is believed to be built as a mark of respect to Sir George Couper, a progressive Governor of UP.

Sikander Bagh
A sprawling expansion of 150 square meters in the National Botanical Research Institute is the Sikander Bagh, a lovely garden that serves all the recreational needs of the visitors. This beautiful garden is named after the lovely queen of last ruler of Oudh, Wajid Ali Shah. Built in the year 1800 AD, during the reign of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan, Sikandar Bagh.is one of the remarkable monuments in the history of India.

Moti Mahal
The Moti Mahal in Lucknow is one of the most beautiful monuments of India. The Nawab of Lucknow, Saadat Ali Khan, constructed it. The Lucknow Moti Mahal is also known as Palace of Pearls. The Moti Mahal is located on the borders of Gomti and provides a spectacular view of the city of Nawabs. The Nawabs used this palace to view birds in flight and spend time in leisure. There are three buildings that comprise the whole construction.

Lakshmana
Tila It is said that the original site of the town was actually at Lakshmana Tila. The story goes back to ancient times when the brother of Lord Rama, Lakshmana laid the foundation of the city of modern Lucknow. It was known as Lakshmanpur then. This place is supposed to be one of the earliest sites of human settlements in Lucknow.

Hussainabad Imambara
The Hussainabad Imambara is a major tourist attraction of Lucknow. The monument was built by Mohammed Ali Shah in the year 1837. The tombs of Mohammed Ali Shah and his mother are located over here. The walls of the monument are decorated with Arabic verses that have been carved beautifully by efficient craftsmen.

01/03/2013

Uttar Pradesh, the heartland of India, is known for its Heritage, Culture and bounties of Nature. It is home to some of the greatest monuments, the most ancient city in the world, the seat of Buddhism and the colours of all faiths.

Uttar Pradesh is a favourite destination for both foreign and domestic tourists. It is common destination for a quarter of all foreign tourists to India and all domestic tourists within India.

It is the land that gave a new meaning to etiquette and continues to redefine the true meaning of love.Uttar Pradesh is a land of unending histories and charms. This state is a land gifted with rich natural wealth. Both international and national tourists get attracted to this place as there are several aspects worth exploring. The beauty of Uttar Pradesh is a myth that is never ending.

Two most venerated rivers of India – Ganga and Yamuna – flow through Uttar Pradesh.

Uttar Pradesh, the globally famous state, bears one of the world’s greatest wonders, having the Taj Mahal located in Agra. The state has two astounding cosmopolitan cities - Kanpur and Lucknow that are really worth exploring. Besides the cities, there are also other places that are widely popular welcoming the pilgrims especially, from all over the world.

In Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow was associated with the princely court of Oudh and then with the British, both traditions lingering on in the city whose finest monument is the Bara Imambara. Further east, Varanasi is the oldest city in India. An important centre of Hindu pilgrimage, it is believed that those who die in Varanasi will be released from the cycle of rebirth. Pious Hindus still come to Varanasi to spend their last days, living in spartan communes run by a multitude of religious trusts. The focus of interest to a visitor is the sacred River Ganga. At the series of steps leading down to it, people come to wash away their sins by bathing in the river, the dead are cremated and holy men meditate. In the narrow bylanes of the city are crowded bazaars selling brassware and silk brocades.

The most important tourist sites of Uttar Pradesh are –
* Taj Mahal,
* Agra Fort,
* Fatehpur Sikri,
* Ghats, Sarnath (Varanasi),
* Sangam at Prayag (Allahabad),
* forts at Allahabad,
* Jhansi,
*Bithoor,

Buddhist destinations -
* Piprahwa
* Kaushambi
* Shravasti
* Kushinagar

UP occupies a large part of River Ganges's fertile plains. Almost half of the country's potato and sugarcane, and much of its wheat grow here. Described as the cow belt, it's actually home to some 78% of India's livestock. The Ganges defines its religious and cultural landscape, sacred in itself and nurturing some of the holiest Hindu sites like Varanasi and Allahabad. Yamuna is the other sacred river.

The UP region played a central role in the history of the Indian subcontinent and its major religions: as the birthplace of Hindu gods Ram (Ayodhya) and Krishna (Mathura) and the place where Buddha preached his first sermon (Sarnath). Politically dominant UP produced five of modern India's Prime Ministers. However, the present in UP hasn't quite lived up to the past: there is a paucity of modern industry, services, infrastructure.

Agra town is the most-visited in the state, for its monuments dating from the 16th-17th centuries, when it was the capital of the Mughal dynasty. The marble mausoleum of Taj Mahal alone, made by Emperor Shahjahan, is not just UP's but also India's top attraction, in addition to Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri built by Emperor Akbar. On the eastern edge of the state, Varanasi and Ayodhya are important Hindu sites. Varanasi's riverside temples and old palaces stretch picturesquely for kilometers on the west bank of the Ganga. Allahabad plays host to the Kumbh Mela every 12 years, attracting millions of pilgrims and named the largest religious gathering in the world.

UP's capital Lucknow has some beautiful tombs, mosques and colonial buildings.

28/02/2013

Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national park in Northern India. The park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, which is about 130 km from Jaipur. Being considered as one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambore National Park terrain is major wildlife tourist attraction spot that has pulled the attention of many wildlife photographers and lovers in this destination.

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, before a princely game conserve is the scene where the celebrated Indian Tiger is best seen. Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve lies on the junction of Aravali and Vindhyas just 14 Kms from Sawai Madhopur in Eastern Rajasthan. It sprawls over a varying and undulating landscape. The scenery changes dramatically from gentle and steep slopes of the Vindhyas and sharp and conical hills of the Aravali. A tenth century fort also blends amicably with the background. Pure sands of Dhok (Anogeissus pendula) interspersed with grasslands at the plateaus, meadows in valleys and luxuriant foliage around the canals make the jungle. Three big lakes – Padam Talab (meaning Lake), Malik Talab and Raj Bagh – are similar turquoises studded in the vast forest that abounds with aquatic vegetation including duckweeds, lilies and lotus.

Ranthambore national park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957 and in 1974 it gained the protection of "Project Tiger". It got it's status of a National Park in 1981.

Ranthambore National Park is dotted with structures that remind you of bygone eras.There are many water bodies located all over the park, which provide perfect relief during the extremely hot summer months for the forest inhabitants. A huge fort, after which the park is named, towers over the park atop a hill. There are many ruins of bygone eras scattered all over the jungle, which give it a unique, wonderful and mixed flavour of nature, history and wildlife.Tigers at Ranthambore National park have been known to even hunt in full view of human visitors. These tigers are famous for being seen in the daytime too, due to their lack of fear of human presence in vehicles. This lack of fear of humans is excellent for tourists, as they get to see the tigers often.

This National park is a wildlife enthusiast and photographer's dream. It offers excellent accommodation and internal transportation facilities. The park remains open every year from October to May.Famous for the exciting and frequent tiger sightings captured dramatically in several books, this park is today affected by ecological pressures and poaching.

Ranthambhor is plagued by the typical problems encountered by all game reserves in India - people living in and around the parks and grazing by livestock! Between 1976-1979, 12 villages within Ranthambhore National Park were resettled outside the designated park area with only a few people now residing in scattered hamlets within the park. Of course poachers continue their activities with increasing demand from China for Tiger parts. There are no accurate figures on how many tigers and poachers kill other species, but on occasion evidence appears in the form of large numbers of skins and other body parts found on couriers.

The park is well staffed and the folk who man the centres and the mandatory guides - one for every vehicle, are knowledgeable of the terrain and some even know the Latin names of most species.The tiger is not the only attraction at Ranthambhore; although it is the one park resident people come to see. We were lucky to see several varieties of birds including these owlets peering through their burrow pictured here on the right and of course the ubiquitous langur monkey. Other animals in the reserve include leopard, caracal, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, marsh crocodiles, wild boar, bears and various species of deer.

The main food source for the tiger is the swamp deer like Barasinsga and on occasion the wild buffalo and also wild boar etc. If you wish to stay near the park, the facilities on offer are superb. The park gates open a half hour before sunrise and close half hour after sunset. The timings are vigorously imposed and no exceptions are made to this rule.

27/02/2013

Sariska Tiger Reserve is well nestled in the Aravali Hills covering 800 sq km area divided into the grasslands, dry deciduous forests, sheer cliffs and rocky landscape. Whether you want to have camel safaris, go out for shopping in the surrounding places, visit medieval palaces or wildlife watching; Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is the best place for you.

Sariska Tiger Reserve is located in Alwar District of Rajasthan in lap of Aravali hills and situated 200 Kms from National capital Delhi, Sariska Tiger Reserve or Sariska National Park was a hunting reserve area for Alwar state , It got a status of wildlife reserve in year 1955 and in year 1978 it became Sariska Tiger Reserve. It contains area of 866 sq kms .

The landscape of Sariska comprises of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravali hill range. The topography of Sariska supports scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, rocks and grasses. The broad range of wildlife here is a wonderful example of ecological adoption and tolerance, for the climate here is variable as well as erratic.

It is located in the contemporary Alwar district and is the legacy of the Maharajas of Alwar. Pavilions and temples within Sariska are ruins that hint at past riches and glory. The nearby Kankwadi Fort has a long and turbulent history.

In morning and evening, wildlife in Sariska heads towards the many water holes, which litter the park, thus providing the guests with their best chance of viewing game. At some of these watering holes it is possible to book ‘hides’ which are situated in prime spots for wildlife viewing.

Wild life found at Sariska as Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Caracal, Striped Hyena, Golden Jackal, Chital, Sambhar, Blue Bull, Chinkara, Four Horned antelope, Wild Boar, Hare Langur and many birds and reptiles etc.

Flora of Sariska is found as Dhok tree, Salar, Kadaya, Dhak, Gol, Ber, Khair, Bargad, Arjun, Gugal, Bamboo etc, Many shrubs like Kair, Adusta, Jhar Ber etc.

The park is home to numerous carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Civets Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These feed on species such as Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur. Sariska is also well known for its large population of Rhesus Monkeys, which are found around Talvriksh.

The avian world is also well represented with Peafowl, Grey Partridge, Bush Quail, Sand Grouse, Tree Pie, Golden backed Woodpecker, crested Serpent Eagle and The Great Indian horned Owl.

Sariska Tiger Reserve contains historical places inside as Kankarwadi fort, built by kind Jai Singh second, Kankarwadi fort is located in centre of Sariska Tiger Reserve, Mughel emperor Aurangzeb imprisoned his brother Dara Shikoh at Kankarwadi fort in struggle for succession of the throne, Famous temple of lord Hanuman is situated at Pandupol which is related to Pandavas, Entry to Pandupole is free on Saturdays and Tuesday round the year.

Sariska Tiger Reserve remain open form 1st October to 30th June for all seven days of the week.

All other Tiger reserves, National parks, Wildlife sanctuaries of India remain close for three months during Monsoon (Rainy season) from 1st July to 30th September.

Unlike all other Tiger reserves, National parks and Wildlife sanctuaries of India, Sariska Tiger Reserve management provide access during Monsoon (Rainy season from 1st July to 30th September) only two days in a week on Tuesday and Saturday between 08:00 hrs. to 15:00 hrs. to pilgrims and tourists up to Pandupol Hanuman (Monkey God) Temple. Pandupol is a natural, legendry and religious site and is located in serene dense forests with magnificent rock formations, streams and rich avifaunal species.

26/02/2013

The Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Rajasthan, India is a famous avifauna sanctuary that sees (or saw) thousands of rare and highly endangered birds such as the Siberian Crane come here during the winter season. Over 230 species of birds are known to have made the National Park their home. It is also a major tourist centre with scores of ornithologists arriving here in the hibernal season. It was declared a protected sanctuary in 1971. It is also a declared World Heritage Site.

The history of Bharatpur dates back to the epic age, when the Matsya Kingdom flourished here in the 5th century BC The matsya were allies of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata war. According to tradition the name of Bharatpur is traced to Bharat, the brother of lord Rama of Ayodhya whose other brother Laxman was given the high place of family deity of the ruling family of Bharatpur. His name also appears in the state seals and coat-of-arms.

Bharatpur is also called the Eastern gateway of Rajasthan. Maharaja Suraj Mal. Apart from being a brave General was also a great builder. He built numerous forts and palaces across the kingdom including the Pleasure Palace complex at Deeg. Bharatpur is today known the world over for its Keoladeo Ghana National Park.

SIGHT SEEING

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
One of the finest bird parks in the world, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (Keoladeo Ghana Natiuonal Park) is a reserve that offers protection to faunal species as well. Nesting indigenous water- birds as well as migratory water birds and waterside birds, this sanctuary is also inhabited by Sambar, Chital, Nilgai and Boar. More than 300 species of birds are found in this small wildlife park of 29-sq-kms of which 11-sq-kms are marshes and the rest scrubland and grassland. Keoladeo, the name derives from an ancient Hindu temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, which stands at the centre of the park. 'Ghana' means dense, referring to the thick forest, which used to cover the area.

About 11sq. Kms of the Park is covered by water; the remaining portion is rich in birds like the kingfisher, red-vented and white-cheeked bulbuls, babblers, quails, partridges, sunbirds, sparrows, parakeets and orioles, which live in bushes and burrows. These winged beauties carry on their activities all the year round, thus making this Park a pilgrimage for bird lovers and an ornithologist’s delight. Animals like the black buck, sambar – largest Indian antelope, spotted deer and nilgais also show their presence here, though they are greatly outnumbered by the winged fraternity. Pythons can also be observed, at some places, lazing in the sun.

Saras cranes, the tallest flight birds, nest in exposed and open areas; both partners share the duty of hatching; while changing incubating duties, they come together, raise their neck and give out shrill trumpeting calls in unison, fanning their feathers at the same time .The newborn chicks are only 10 cm. in size but grow up to one metre in height within a year.

BHARATPUR PALACE
It is a fine fusion of Mughal and Rajput styles of architecture and was built in various phases by different maharajas. The magnificent apartments are richly decorated with patterned floor tiles having exquisite and intricate designs. The museum occupies the main central wing displaying collections dating back to the 2nd century AD which demonstrates the art and skill of the region.

GOVERNMENT MUSEUM
The building – Kamra Khas, within the fort, has been converted into a museum displaying a rich collection of antiquities, exquisite sculptures and some ancient inscription. The sculptures speak volumes about the art and culture that flourished here in those times. The inscriptions are of immense historical value and help in tracing the royal lineage and local life.

GANGA MANDIR (TEMPLE)
Maharaja Balwant Singh started the construction of this big temple in 1845. The construction was carried out by a unique method, where all persons employed in the service of the state, were asked to donate one month’s salary of their service or any raise in pay towards the shrine. The temple is a beautiful piece of architecture.

LAXMAN MANDIR(Temple)
This temple is famous for beautiful stone work with elaborate carvings from doorways to ceilings, pillars, walls and arches. The temple is dedicated to Laxman, brother of Lord Rama

25/02/2013

This is a semi desert region in north Rajasthan and is situated entirely within the triangle formed by Delhi-Bikaner-Jaipur. Shekhawati represents a region and not just a town or fort. It derived its name from its ruler Rao Shekha. Shekhawati means the garden of Shekha.

The towns of Shekhawati region are known for their amazing painted havelis. So varied and architecturally rich are the havelis that this region is dubbed as the "open art gallery of Rajasthan". The plethora of painted Havelis in rich artistic tradition makes them fascinating. Most of the buildings are dated from 18th century to early 20th century. The Shekhawati region is dotted with so many havelis that tracking them is something akin to a treasure hunt. Various forms of fine art adorn the walls and the ceilings of these structures as a contrast to the otherwise flat and barren land. The havelis are noted for their frescoes depicting mythological themes and huge animals. Some later day frescoes reflect British influence in the form of steam locomotives and trains depicted on them.

Popularly known as the open art gallery of Rajasthan, Shekhawati is an invaluable contribution of the Marwari traders of Rajasthan. This semi-desert region is known for its colourfully painted havelis (mansions) that are commendable pieces of the great artistic tradition of this city. The name Shekhawati literally translates into ‘the land of Shekha’s clan’-a name derived from Rao Shekha of the 15th century and a scion of Kachhwaha family of Jaipur. The region extends over two districts of Rajasthan, namely, Jhunjhunu and Sikar. Most of the havelis were constructed between AD 1750 and 1930 by the Marwaris, but successive droughts forced many of these families to leave the state. For a long period, these havelis remained in sheer neglect and started crumbling when one or two wealthy Marwaris took the initiative in restoring them. The money flowed in the next few decades and the entire region attained great touristic value. The architectural style of the havelis or mansions here evolved mostly around the courtyard. This was done to ensure safety and privacy of the womenfolk from the extreme summers of the region. Most of the havelis are painted in many colours like indigo, yellow, green, maroon, and blue and beautiful wall paintings adorn the walls.

Places of Interest:

Mandawa
Mandawa is a small town in the heart of Shekhawati region. The place is known not only for its havelis but also for its Fort Palace. The structure of the palace reminds of the cultural and social importance of this region in the past . Of the havelis, the most important are the Chokhani, Ladia, Binsidhar Newatia, and Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli. Another haveli, the Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, is known for its curious paintings. There is a painting of a boy holding a telephone and a European woman in a car driven by a chauffeur. The Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli is famous for its erotic images, now mostly defaced.

Nawalgarh
Nawalgarh is famous for its fort that was built in AD 1737 by Thakur Nawal Singh. The Bala Qila has a kiosk with beautiful ceiling paintings while the Roop Nivas Palace has now been converted into a hotel. Like Mandawa, Nawalgarh too has a number of important havelis including Anandi Lal Poddar Haveli, Aath Haveli, Hem Raj Kulwal Haveli, Bhagton Ki Haveli, and Khedwal Bhavan.

Excursion:

Dundlod
Situated around 30 south-east of Mandawa, Dundlod has many havelis such as Jathia Haveli, and Tuganram Goenka Haveli. However, Dundlod is better known for its fort and palace. Another famous attraction here is the Satyanarayan Temple.

Fatehpur
Established in 1451 as the capital of the Muslim Nawabs, Fatehpur was taken over by the Rajputs of the Shekhawati region in the 18th century. The main attractions here are the Mahavir Prasad Goenka Haveli, the Gauri Shankar Haveli, the Nand Lal Devra Haveli, the Harikrishnan Das Sarogi Haveli, and a 17th-century baoli or step-well.

Jhunjhunu
The district headquarters of the same name is also the largest city in the region. Founded by the Kaimkhani Nawabs in the 15th century, the place was taken under control by Rajput ruler Sardul Singh in 1730. The main attractions of the city include the Khetri Mahal, the Bihariji Temple, the Modi Haveli, and the Kaniram Narsinghdas Tiberwala Haveli.

Lakshmangarh
Lakshmangarh was founded in the early 19th century on the model of Jaipur. There are fine havelis including the grand Ganeriwala with its four courtyards

Ramgarh
Ramgarh was settled by the Poddars in the late 18th century. Apart from the havelis, there are beautiful chhatris (cenotaphs) with painted entrances and the temples of Shani and Ganga.

Sikar
Founded in the late 17th century, Sikar was the largest ‘thikana’ (feudal state) under Jaipur. The fort and temples of Gopinath, Raghunath and Madan Mohan with commendable frescoes are worth visiting. The jubilee Hall, Madho Niwas Kothi, Biwani Haveli, Sodhani Haveli, the Jain temple and a large market are other places of interest.

S4 Travels

03/09/2017

05/04/2013

03/04/2013

01/03/2013

28/02/2013

27/02/2013

26/02/2013

25/02/2013

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