Mandawa is a small town located in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. “Open art gallery” is the title given to this peaceful town as it abounds in incredible havelis. The walls of these havelis are beautifully painted in vibrant colors giving a soothing effect to eyes and soul as well.
Some of the famed havelis of Mandawa are:
Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli
As you walk into this haveli two paintings will definitely catch your attention. One representing Lord Indra riding on an elephant and the other is of Lord Shiva on his vehicle Nandi Bull.
Murmuria Haveli
The subject matter of the paintings on the walls of this haveli is cars, trains, George V and Venice. Balu Ram, the then celebrated artist of Mandawa, made these paintings in the year 1930. Other pictures of tourist's interest are: Lord Krishna wandering in the garden with his cows, Nehru Ji riding on a horse with a flag in his hand.
Goenka Double Haveli
The haveli has two huge gates. At the entrance you will be greeted with the imposing statues of elephants and horses. The entire haveli including the balconies and outer walls are painted majestically. The paintings here range from traditional Rajasthani style to the European one.
Jhunjhunwala Haveli
The most striking feature of this haveli is its beautiful gold leaf painted rooms which make it a must-see haveli of Mandawa.
Mohan Lal Saraf Haveli
The portrait of a regal Monarch with big royal mustache is the attraction here.
Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli
This haveli boasts of its impressively painted inner and outer walls. The art decorating these walls is known to the best in the entire Mandawa.
