Far from the bustle of more well-known towns like Mandawa or Nawalgarh, the village of Mahansar offers a peaceful respite. It is in the tranquility of its narrow streets that one of Shekhawati’s gems is revealed: the “Sone Chandi Ki Dukan,” an old shop housing dazzling frescoes, enhanced with genuine gold and silver leaf. Mahansar …
Dussehra, which translates to “the tenth day,” is a Hindu festival celebrated with great fervour throughout India. It symbolises the victory of good over evil. This day marks the end of Navaratri, the “nine-night” period also dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga and her nine forms. In the Deogarh region, near Rajsamand in …
Nestled at the foot of the Aravalli Mountains in the peaceful Pali district, the village of Ghanerao is an invitation to travel back in time. Once a powerful princely “thikana,” located on the strategic border of Mewar and Marwar, this little-known corner of Rajasthan offers a peaceful escape off the beaten track. It’s the perfect …
Located in Nagda, just 20 kilometers northeast of Udaipur (Rajasthan), the Sas-Bahu temple complex is a true architectural gem that never fails to amaze me. Each visit is a new opportunity to contemplate and rediscover these remarkable buildings. These temples are an eloquent testament to medieval Indian architecture and sculpture, reflecting the distinctive architectural style …
Lohargal, located 30 km from Nawalgarh, is one of the major pilgrimage sites in the Shekhawati region (Rajasthan). Nestled in the heart of the Aravalli Mountains, among century-old banyan and mango trees, the village is home to a temple dedicated to Surya and a sacred pool that attracts large crowds of pilgrims; it is said …
If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you might know that Shekhawati is one of my favourite regions in Rajasthan. It’s a surprisingly under-visited destination despite its exceptional cultural richness. Of all the cities in Shekhawati, Ramgarh particularly caught my attention. Founded in the late 18th century by the famous Poddar family, it …
Nawalgarh is a major city in Shekhawati, a semi-desert region in northern Rajasthan. Founded in the mid-18th century, it became one of India’s most prosperous cities in the following century thanks to the “Marwaris,” merchants who made their fortunes on the Thar Desert trade route and later in various industries based in Mumbai and Kolkata. …
It’s no longer a secret, the Shekhawati region is one of my absolute favorites in Rajasthan. Not only is it the native land of my in-laws, but above all it is an inexhaustible treasure trove of architectural jewels. The Khemka Shani temple located in the city of Ramgarh, two hours from Jaipur, is one of …
