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Tucked away in the heart of Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region, Mandawa is a small town with an enormous historical footprint. Famed for its lavish forts, decorated havelis and serene desert presence, Mandawa invites you to experience an era of royalty and trade. Compared with other Rajasthani cities, which are busier, Mandawa offers a relaxed pace, giving it a sense of charm where heritage is not crowded out by noise or traffic.
In 2026, Mandawa continues to be a cultural and architectural tourist hub. With grand forts and secluded fresco-festooned mansions, the town rewards those who are willing to explore the city patiently. Here is the list of places to visit in Mandawa that you cannot miss.
Here are the best places to visit during the Mandawa Tour that you cannot miss:
Mandawa Fort is the life of the city and one of the best tourist places in Mandawa. It was built in the 18th century by Thakur Nawal Singh and once served as a strategic outpost to protect important trade routes across Shekhawati.
The fort rises dramatically over the town, providing sweeping views of rooftops, desert plains and faraway dunes. Inside, there are grand courtyards, carved arches and rooms filled with traditional paintings and antique furniture. Several parts of the fort are designed with the Rajputana lifestyle, predominated by glass & mirror work, frescoes and old weapons displays.
Today, Mandawa Fort is a heritage hotel that offers royal hospitality to people who visit. Even if you’re not staying here, a guided walk through the fort leads to a much greater understanding of Mandawa’s history and its architecture.
Strolling through the town of Mandawa is also rewarding. Its old streets are filled with havelis, small temples, stepwells and traditional homes painted in earthy colors. Life is slow here, and it means plenty of time to watch everyday life, crafts, and conversation.
The streets of the town showcase how the city was a trading outpost for the 18th and 19th centuries, for the high-end business class. Wealthy merchants built grand houses to show off status and wealth, many of which still stand today. It’s a chance to explore the lanes on foot where you can find hidden courtyards, old gateways and small shrines that are hardly ever mentioned in guidebooks.
The Goenkas were among the most influential merchant families in the Shekhawati area, and their havelis form one of the most important places to visit in Mandawa. These havelis are known for the fresco paintings adorning their walls and interiors, particularly many medieval themes, which represent religious stories, royal processions, colonial influences, and day-to-day life.
The artwork is realistic, expressive and colourful, using natural pigments that have lasted many years. Scenes can range from trains and European figures to mythological characters and floral patterns, making a visual record of evolving times. Some of the Goenka havelis are private property, and others can be visited with permission or a guide.
A visit to these havelis helps you gain insight into the art treasures of Mandawa and the wealth acquired historically through trade routes.
Podar Haveli is another example of architectural excellence and must be on the list of best places to visit in Mandawa. This haveli is unique for its size and the quality of its artwork. The entrance gateway itself is decorated, leading to a series of courtyards with painted walls.
The frescoes inside depict stories from Hindu epics, as well as everyday life and international trade influences. The haveli is a testament to the confidence and aspirations of the trading community in Mandawa during the peak of Shekhawati’s prosperity.
Podar Haveli is usually visited as part of heritage walks, where the guides point out the significance of the paintings and the methods used by local artists.
Stepwells, or baoris, are a significant but underrated aspect of Mandawa’s history. These buildings were constructed to harvest and store water in the arid environment of Rajasthan.
The stepwells in and around Mandawa are simple yet beautiful, with perfectly symmetrical steps leading to water reservoirs. They were once a social hub, particularly for women who would fetch water from these stepwells on a daily basis.
A visit to a baori is an experience that reveals the water harvesting techniques of old and the resourcefulness of desert civilizations. These peaceful spots also offer a respite from the activity of sightseeing. These spots are one of the important places to visit in Mandawa.
Mandawa has a number of small but important temples that are an integral part of local life. The temples, though not large in size, are an important part of the spiritual side of Mandawa.
Prayers in the morning and evening bring the locals together, and there is a sense of calm devotion in the air. Foreigners are allowed to witness the rituals in a respectful manner and learn about the local traditions and practices.
Visiting the temples is an important part of exploring Mandawa, as it provides a reflective experience between architectural explorations.
One of the most interesting activities to do is go for a village walk around Mandawa. The countryside around Mandawa provides a glimpse into traditional farming, mud houses, cattle grazing, and simple desert life.
Village walks provide an opportunity for tourists to mingle with the locals, learn about rural life, and understand the relationship between Mandawa and the surrounding villages. The landscape is particularly beautiful during early mornings and evenings, when the desert light is soft, and the air is cool.
Mandawa is a part of the larger Shekhawati area, which is well-known for its ‘painted havelis.’ From Mandawa, one can explore other nearby towns such as Nawalgarh and Dundlod, which boast similar fresco artwork.
This tour is best suited for art, history, and photography enthusiasts. Each town has its own distinct style, subjects, and narratives, making this trip both visually and intellectually stimulating.
The Shekhawati fresco trail tour will help to contextualize Mandawa in a wider cultural framework.
Mandawa’s local markets are small but charming. You can find typical Rajasthani products such as fabrics, handmade jewelry, leather products, and miniature paintings.
The shopping experience here is laid-back and personalized, with the possibility of interacting with vendors who can tell you more about their products’ background. The markets also have local snacks and sweets that are characteristic of the region.
Sunset is one of the most enjoyable times to experience the beauty of Mandawa. Sunset views from Mandawa Fort are particularly breathtaking, with light spreading over rooftops and desert lands.
The colors of the sky accentuate the texture of stone walls and ancient buildings, making this a serene and movie-like experience. This is a great time to take photos or simply relax after a day of sightseeing.
The best time to visit Mandawa is from October to March, when the climate is pleasant and ideal for a walkabout. Summer is too hot, and the monsoon season is humid but less crowded.
Winter is also a time when cultural events are taking place in the surrounding areas, making it an even more interesting experience for tourists.
Mandawa is a unique destination compared to other cities in Rajasthan because it provides heritage without the hustle and bustle of tourists.
Mandawa is an ideal destination for those travellers who are looking for a meaningful experience and are interested in the quiet beauty of a place. Exploring the places to visit in Mandawa in 2026 will be like entering a living museum where art, architecture, and heritage are still in harmony with each other.
Mandawa is a small destination, but its experiences, its art, and its essence will always be remembered.
Mandawa is a destination that is best experienced with time, context, and local knowledge. Janu Private Tours offers customized Rajasthan itineraries that include Mandawa forts, havelis, village walks, and heritage stays. With knowledgeable guides, smooth transportation, and carefully structured itineraries, Janu Private Tours will ensure that you experience Mandawa’s history, art, and culture in a comfortable and in-depth manner. Whether you are looking for a short heritage experience or a longer Rajasthan trip, our customized tours will help you see Mandawa the right way: slow, informed, and unforgettable. So why wait? Let us help you plan a memorable tour.
Q1. How many days are ideal to explore Mandawa?
One to two days are ideal to explore Mandawa Fort, admire the frescoes in havelis, and experience the village life.
Q2. Is Mandawa suitable for first-time Rajasthan travellers?
Yes. Mandawa is the best option for visitors looking for a peaceful exposure to the heritage, architecture, and rural life of Rajasthan, unlike other tourist destinations.
Q3. What is Mandawa famous for?
Mandawa is famous for its fort, colorful havelis, fresco paintings, and its importance as an important place in Shekhawati.
Q4. Can Mandawa be combined with other destinations?
Yes. Mandawa can be visited along with Jaipur, Bikaner, Nawalgarh, and other places of Shekhawati.
Q5. Is guided sightseeing recommended in Mandawa?
Yes. A guide in Mandawa will help visitors understand the history, meaning of frescoes, and significance of the place, making the experience more enjoyable.
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