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Sikar
Sikar was the wealthiest thikana (feudatory) under the Jaipur state. The fort here was built in the 17th century when Sikar was an important trading centre.
Sites worth visiting here are the market, the clock tower and the gaily painted Biyani, Murarka and Somani havelis. You'll be struck by the beauty of the Haveli painted only in blue, quite like the typical Chinese-style blue.
Other places with interest are Sagarmal Sodhani Haveli, Madho Niwas Kothi, the Jubilee Hall and the Fort. The Jain temple, the temples of Gopinath, Raghunath and Madan Mohan too deserve a visit. In the neighbourhood lie the Jeen Mata temple and Harsh Nath temple.
Nawalgarh
The town's colourful bazaar and a fort, though a little disfigured, are still worthy of attention. Prominent among the numerous Havelis found here are the Aath (eight) Haveli complex, Anandilal Poddar Haveli, Jodhraj Patodia Haveli, Bansidhar Bhagat Haveli, Chokhani Haveli and Hotel Roop Niwas Palace.
Lachhmangarh
Founded in the early 19th century by Raja Lachhman Singh of Sikar, this town is planned on the lines of Jaipur, with roads at right angles and roundabouts. The grand Char Chowk Haveli is reminiscent of the prosperous Marwari way of life. The fort, Sawant Ram Chokhani Haveli, Mirijamal Kyala Haveki, Bansidhar Rathi Haveli, Kedia Haveli and Sanganeria Haveli are adorned with beautiful frescoes.
Dundlod
This quaint town is in the heart of the Shekhawati region. The fort here dates back to 1750. Steps lead up to the Diwan Khana furnished with portraits, hangings and period furniture. It also houses a library and portraits painted in the European style. The fort here has now been converted into a hotel. The Goenka Haveli and other Havelis are adorned with a plethora of attractive frescoes.
Khetri
Founded in the 18th century, Khetri was the second wealthiest Thikana under Jaipur and is known for the painting adorning the Raghunath temple and the Bhopalgarh fort. Other site worth visiting are the Panna Lal Shah Ka Talab(water tank), Rama Krishna mission, Sukh Mahal and Hari Singh Temple. One can also go on excursions to Ajit Sagar, Rameshwar Das Baba ka Ashram at Bassi and Baghore Fort.
Jhunjhunu
Notable Havelis here are Nar Singh Das Tibrewal, Ishwar Das, Mohan Das Modi and the Khaitan Haveli. The Khetri Mahal and Bihariji Temple are monuments with a mosaic of colourful frescoes. The Laxmi Nath temple, Mertani Baori, Qamrudin Shah ki Dargah, Ajeet Sagar, Birdi Chand well and Badalgarh are other sites worth visiting.
Mandawa
Founded in the mid 18th century, Mandawa's skyline today is dominated by an imposing fort, which is now turned into a hotel. A painted archway decorated with Lord Krishna and his cowherds leads to the bazaar. The terrace of the Mandawa castle offers a panoramic view of the town. The Mandawa family's collection includes ceremonial costumers and precious arms with handles of jade. The Havelis worth visiting are those of Chokhani, Saraf, Goenka and Ladia.
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Parasrampura
Parasrampura is a short excursion from Nawalgarh. Here, some of the earliest frescoes dating back to 1750 are painted in the interior of a temple and on the dome of the Chhatri dedicated to Shardul Singh, a descendent of the founder of Shekhawati, Rao Shekhaji.
For those with wanderlust there are towns like Chirawa in the rocky Aravali ranges with grand Havelis and a fort to feast your eyes upon.
Baggar
Located strategically at a cross-road, Baggar has a large reservoir built by the Ojha family. Founded in the 15th century by the Nagar Pathans, Baggar was home to the Rungtas and Piramals.
Churi Ajitgarh
This town is known for several erotic frescoes painted behind doors, on the bedroom ceilings and on the walls. Considering the social constrictions of that time, these appear to have been the result of a very private and special effort.
Some examples of fine fresco work are evident in the Shiv Narain Nemani Baithak, Kothi Shiv Datt, Rai Jagan Lal Tibrewal Haveli and Ram Pratap Nemani Haveli.
Chirawa
Situated at a cross-road, Chirawa become popular as a trading town between Jhunjhunu and Loharu.
The Havelis worth seeing here are Rai Bahadur Tulsian Haveli, Nemani Haveli, Mangal Chand Dalmia Haveli, Tara Chand Keshar Dev Dalmia Haveli, Dulichand Kakrania Haveli, Bhola Ram Kakrania Haveli, Manohar Lal Vaidh Haveli and Kakrania Haveli. It is said that the Sekhsarias grew wealthy on building sprawling Havelies here.
Mukundgarh
Built around a temple square, Mukundgarh has a good handicraft market. Besides textiles, Mukundgarh is known for its brassware and iron scissors. The fort is now a heritage property. The Kanoria and Ganeriwala Havelis also carry fine examples of fresco painting.
Fatehpur
Founded in the mid 15th century by a Kayamkhani Nawab, Fatehpur's frescoes are unrivalled. The ones painted on the walls of the Devra and Singhania Havelis splendidly combine Indian and Western styles. These have a spectacular mirror work at the entrance with Japanese tiles that bear paintings of Mount Fuji.
The Ram Gopal Mahavir Prasad Goenka Haveli, Hukmi Chand Choudhri Haveli, Jalan and Bharatiya Haveli are also worth a visit.
Churu
This town boasts of the Kanhaiya Lal Bagla Haveli (1870), the Kothari Haveli (1915) and the Surana Haveli with more than 1,100 doors and windows. The Poddar Haveli, Jain Temple, Balaji temple, Ganga temple, Churu fort, Taknet Chhatri (cenotaph), Nathji Ka Dhara, Sethani ka Johra, Nagarshree, Chandmal Banthia Haveli, Sagarmal Vaidya Haveli, Bajranglal Mantri Haveli, Jai Dayal Goenka Haveli and the Parakh Haveli are some places worth a visit.
Pilani
Once a small village, this town became famous as the home of the Birlas-one of India's leading industrialists. Inside their Haveli is a small museum.
The Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) museum, Shiva Ganga, Saraswati temple and the Panchwati temple are the suggested sites to visit.
Ramgarh
This town was founded in the late 18th century by the Poddars. The dome of the Poddar cenotaph carries exquisitely painted scenes from the Ramayana. The frescoes on the Shani-ji (Saturn) temple are splendid.
Other sites worth seeing are the Ganga temple, Tera Chand Ghanshyam Das Poddar Haveli, Baij Nath Ruia Haveli and Bagaria Haveli.
Kajra
Home to the 19th century Haveli of the Kajaria family.
Alsisar & Malsisar
Located on the northern most tip of Shekawati, these two towns were founded in the late and mid 18th centuries respectively. The frescoes here and lively with vivid colour combinations, and are a treat for the eyes.
Besides the Jhunjunwala Haveli, traditional painted ornamental architecture are worth seeing in both the villages.
Bissau
Founded in the 18th century, this town has fine Havelis including the Sigtia, Khemka, Tibriwal and Kedia Havelis. The chhatris of the thakurs are also an added attraction.
Mehansar
This 18th century town has some fine Havelis such as the Sone-Chandi-ki-Sal and business shops built by the Poddars. The meenakari work, the figures of birds and floral and tree motifs, as well as the gilded walls and ceilings of the Nath Temple are also other interesting places to visit.
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