Nawalgarh, Rajasthan, is known as the “golden city of Shekhawati,” and is located 140 kilometres from Jaipur. Nawalgarh’s beautiful frescoed havelis and historic past are testaments to why this town has been accorded this distinction. In this comprehensive guide, we will inform you about the greatest locations to visit in Nawalgarh, Rajasthan, and provide advice on how to plan a trip to this Shekhawati town.
Where is Nawalgarh Rajasthan?
Nawalgarh is in Rajasthan’s Jhunjunu district and is part of the Shekhawati region, which is known for its beautiful frescoed havelis.
History of Nawalgarh Rajasthan
Prior to the 1700s, Nawalgarh, Rajasthan was a little village called Rohili. This village, along with a few other nearby settlements, was given as a land gift or jagir to Thakur Nawal Singh Ji. The Thakur constructed a walled hamlet with four large gates, or pols, in 1737 CE. Bawadi, Mandi, Agoona, and Nansa were their names. This fortified enclosure was established as a trading settlement along the historic Silk Route, which travelled through Shekhawati. The new town was eventually christened Nawalgarh Rajasthan after its creator. The town drew several well-known business families to settle there, and you can still see the legacy havelis of well-known families like the Podars, Goenkas, and Mansingkas today.
Nawalgarh was governed and managed by Thakur Nawal Singh Ji’s successors till 1958. The Jagirs were dissolved at this time, and the town became a part of the state of Rajasthan.
Best places to see in Nawalgarh Rajasthan
Nawalgarh Rajasthan is home to some of Rajasthan’s most stunning havelis. The frescoes on these havelis depict the history of Rajasthani merchants and provide an insight into Rajasthan’s rich culture.
Havelis in Nawalgarh Rajasthan
Because of the gorgeous painted havelis, the town is renowned as an open-air art gallery. The Nawalgarh Rajasthan havelis are among the best maintained in Shekhawati, making them a must-see for anybody visiting the town. With 750 frescoes gracing the walls of this heritage haveli, the Ramnath Podar haveli museum is a must-see.
Nawalgarh, too, has its fair share of frescoed masterpieces. In fact, the havelis in Nawalgarh, Rajasthan were significantly better kept than those in neighbouring Shekhawati cities like Mandawa. A number of these havelis in Nawalgarh, Rajasthan, had been transformed into museums, allowing you to better understand Rajasthan’s unique culture.
These gorgeous mansions may be seen practically anywhere in this small town. There are, however, a few that you must not miss when on a Nawalgarh haveli trip.
Ramnath Podar Haveli Museum
The walls of this ancient haveli of the prominent business family of Podars are adorned with 750 frescoes. The paintings range from ornate Krishna Leela scenes and Rajasthani celebrations like Teej to a large steam engine representing India’s first train. The doors in the havelis are beautiful, especially the one that separates the inner family courtyard from the communal space.
Ramnath Podar haveli is an excellent place to begin your sightseeing trip of Nawalgarh. The frescoes and haveli have been repaired and turned into a museum with approximately ten halls. Viewing this Nawalgarh haveli serves as a primer for all of Shekhawati’s other havelis. The common layout and purpose of these abandoned mansions may be discerned.
When you visit the Ramnath Podar museum, you will learn about the various types of frescoes that can be found on the havelis. You may learn more about it here.
Morarka haveli
The second most frequented Nawalgarh Rajasthan haveli is just a few feet away from the exquisite Podar haveli museum. This one, built by Jairam Dasji Morarka, retains its unique charm. It will have a rustic air, especially if you arrive after the Poddar haveli. But therein lays its allure.
Morarka haveli’s frescoes appear to reflect Rajasthani aristocracy. There are also paintings of Hindu Gods such as Lord Krishna and Lord Ganesha. The Lord Jesus fresco is the one you should look for. It can be found in two places: inside the haveli and on the haveli’s outer walls.
The Morarka haveli has been turned into a miniature museum. Some of the furnishings and arrangements in the rooms are classic. There is a baithak (office/reception room), a kitchen and storage room, family bedrooms on the upper level, and an open patio. At the ticket counter, you can engage a guide who will best explain the location to you. He will also assist you in locating the riches hidden among the numerous frescoes of Morarka Haveli in Nawalgarh Rajasthan.
Bhagton ki choti haveli (Bansilal Bhagat ki haveli)
This 19th-century Nawalgarh haveli, built by the Bhagat family, is quite noteworthy due to its distinct colours of golden yellow, blue, and green. This one, like the Morarka Haveli, has an abandoned feel, but it is much smaller. Bhagton ki choti haveli, on the other hand, was far more fascinating.
The frescoes in Bhagton ki Choti exhibit a British influence. Together with the Indian nymphs, there are adorable cherubs. Portraits of Queen Victoria and King George can be found in the entrance arch and a few other frescoes. Other interesting topics include paintings of iconic Rajasthani folklores such as Dhola Maru.
Another thing I enjoyed about this Nawalgarh haveli was the carved doors and windows, many of which were framed by lovely damsels. Paintings depicting European ladies in various positions surround them. I couldn’t help but think of the apsaras carved on popular structures like the Rani ki Vav in Patan or the many palaces of Rajasthan.
The haveli is a few metres apart from Morarka Haveli. Although it remains a private property, if the caretaker is present, he will let you in for a modest price. It’s possible that the caretaker knows your Nawalgarh hotel or homestay. They will be able to schedule a tour of the haveli.
Aath haveli
Aath is an eight-letter word. This is, as the name implies, a complex of eight separate havelis occupied by extended family members of a same clan. Because the havelis are still occupied, you can only see them from the outside.
The frescoes are quite faded, yet you can still see some interesting images from Krishna’s life, Dhola Maru’s amorous story, and various Mughal kings. Another collection of frescoes is dedicated to the issue of transportation. Horse carriages, elephant riders, motor automobiles, and even a steam engine are on display.
Day trips from Nawalgarh
After spending a full day at Nawalgarh, you might take a day trip to one of the surrounding Shekhawati settlements. These are four that you should absolutely think about:
- Dundlod is around 12 kilometres from Nawalgarh Rajasthan. In this town, you may see the Dundlod fort, the Goenka haveli, and the Goenka cenotaph.
- Ramgarh – This Shekhawati town is 50 kilometres from Nawalgarh and is rich in frescoed cenotaphs.
- Fatehpur’s most popular attractions are the Mohan Saraf haveli and the Le Nadine haveli. It is 54 kilometres from Nawalgarh, Rajasthan. You can combine a visit to Nawalgarh Rajasthan with a visit to Ramgarh Mandawa, the largest hub of Shekhawati havelis, which is only 30 kilometres away. This town can be visited as a day excursion from Nawalgarh. But, keep in mind that it will take at least one whole day.
- There is a fort in town, as well as the Goenka double haveli, Murmuria haveli, and the Golden room of Jhunjhunwala haveli.
That brings me to the end of our section on the greatest sites to see in Nawalgarh Rajasthan. I am confident that I have adequately justified my recommendations that you begin your Shekhawati tour in Nawalgarh Rajasthan.