Shekhawati (land of Shekha) owes its name to Rao Shekha (1433-1488), who was a cousin of the Kachchawahas of Jaipur. He challenged them, declaring independence and Jaipur was able to reassert its might again only in 1738.

This place often known as the "Open Art Gallery of Rajasthan", reveals wonderful wall paintings portraying images from traditional mythology, folklore & heroes. Frescoes painted with natural pigments are found in the Gopinath temple and the cenotaph of Shardul Singh. Several frescoes have also been executed in the mansions.

Jhunjhunu, the new capital was a stronghold of the Kayamkhani Nawabs till 1730. Hindu rule was then established by Shardul Singh. Wonderful frescoes are painted in the havelis of Tibriwals, the Modis, at the Khetri Mahal & the Bihariji temple.

Other places of interest are Badalgarh, Jorawargarh, Mertani Baori, Kamruddin Shah ki Dargah, Birdi Chand ka Kuan, Ajit Sagar and Jain temple.

Sikar was founded in the late 17th century. There are fine samples of frescoes in the Gopinath, Raghunath and Madan Mohan temples. The main centres of Shekhawati art in this district are at Ramgarh, Fatehpur and Lachhmangarh.

The Harshnath temple (10th century) with its splendid architecture is located on Harsh Nath hills about 11kms from Sikar.

Jeen Mata temple is located 29 kms from Sikar. This temple is believed to have been constructed 1000 years ago. The fair during April - May draws devotees.

Lachhmangarh was founded in the early 19th century by Raja Lachhman Singh of Sikar. This town follows the wonderful town planning of Jaipur. The places of interest here are the Ganeriwala haveli (the grandest in Shekhawati), Murlimanohar temple and the Chokhani havelis.

Fatehpur was founded in the mid 15th century by Fateh Khan, a Kayamkhani Nawab. The havelis of Devra, Singhania, Goenka, Saraogi are famous for the frescoes. This place is famous for the tie and dye fabrics.

Ramgarh was founded in the late 18th century by the Poddars. Exquisite paintings are found on the ceilings of the chhatris. Other spots of interest are the Sani temple & temple to Ganges, the havelis of the Poddars and Ruias.

Major Attraction in Shekhawati:

Khatu Shyamji:
Khatu Shyamji village is famous for the Shyamji temple built in white marble. There are a few other temples & a lake.

Places to Visit:

Harsh Nath Temple (11 km):
An ancient 10th century temples situated on the Harsh Nath hills.

Jeen Mata Temple(29 km):
Believed to have been built a thousand years ago the temple is the venue of a colourful fair held twice in a year during `Navaratras'.

Rambagh:
Founded in the late 18th century by the Poddars. The Shani Temple of the Saturday God has delicately painted frescoes. Marvelous cenotaphs of the Poddars have exquisitely painted ceilings. The Ganga Temple and some beautiful havelis add interest to the town.

Jhunjhunu :
The capital of Shekhawati, it is of the largest towns of the district. The town was founded by the Kayamkhani nawabs in the mid 15th century AD and remained under their control until it was taken over by the Rajput ruler Sardul Singh in 1730 AD

Lachhmangarh Fort:
One of the most imposing forts in the Shekhawati region, Lachhmangarh commands a bird’s eye view of the town modeled to resemble the city plan of Jaipur. Founded in the early 19th century by Raja Lachhman Singh of Sikar, the town has some lovely havelis.

Mandawa:
Founded in the 18th century,this medieval fort dominates the town with a painted arched gateway adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. The Chokhani and Ladia havelis and the street with Saraf havelis are some of the splendid examples of this region’s havelis. A shiva temple with a rock crystal lingam is also worth a visit. The fort is now converted into a heritage hotel.

Bagad:
Home of the Rungtas,Bagad was founded by Nagar Pathans in the mid 15th century A.D. It has a reservoir built by the Ojha family.

Chirawa:
A popular trading town between Churu and Loharu, Chirawa is famous for huge havelis. Of particular interest are the havelis of Nand Lal Dalmia,Phool Chand Dalmia,Tara Chand Dalmia,Mangal Chand Dalmia,Duli Chand Kakrania & Nemanis. Kakrania and Poddar wells are also worth visiting.

Pilani:
The home of the Bridals , the leading industrialists of India. It has a large campus of the Birla
Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) with a beautiful Saraswati Temple,Shiv Ganga. BITS museum, Panchwati and Birla Haveli Museum are also worth visiting.

Mehansar:
Founded in the mid 18th century ,the Sone-Chandi-ki-Haveli and Raghunath temple with
beautiful paintings resembling the Bikaner school of art are worth seeing.

Churu :
Famous for the Kothar Haveli (1915 AD) Kanhayya Lal Bagla Haveli (1870 AD) having immense paintings of Dhola Maru,Sassi-Punnu, etc. and the six storeyed Surana Haveli. The distinctive features of the latter one are its beautiful windows,elegant doors-more than 1,100 in number.

Salasar Balaji:
A famous temple dedicated to Hanumanji is located here.

Ratangarh:
The massive fort, built in 1820 AD by the Raja of Bikaner-Ratan Singh, is situated on the Agra Bikaner highway. The market place is in the shape of a cross suggesting that the city was planned before construction. An array of stately havelis can be seen around the Clock Tower at the main crossing.

Sardar Shahar (46 km):
This enchanting desert town has elegant havelis adorned with colourful paintings and carved woodwork.