The Painted Havelis
Mandawa's merchant mansions are covered, inside and out, with frescoes of gods, elephants, trains and even early motor cars — painted between 1750 and 1930 by families who grew rich on the caravan trade.
Our wedding town
Mandawa
The open-air art gallery of Shekhawati
A desert town of painted palaces
Mandawa is a small town of roughly twenty thousand people in the Shekhawati region of northern Rajasthan, about 170 km from Jaipur. Two centuries ago it was a trading post on the caravan routes between China and the Middle East, and the merchant families who settled here spent their fortunes on havelis — courtyard mansions whose every wall was covered in fresco.
Today those frescoes are still there, weathered and glorious, which is why the whole region is often called the world's largest open-air art gallery. Beyond the painted lanes lie chhatris, stepwells, a hilltop fort and the beginnings of the Thar desert.
If you have a free morning
Things to See
Everything here is within a short walk or drive of the venue — perfect for the hours between ceremonies.
Mandawa Fort
Built in 1755 above the town, its arched gateway and painted durbar halls still crown the skyline. Walk up at golden hour for the best view over the rooftops.
The Bazaar
A short lane of textile, bangle and spice shops. Bargain gently, sip a kulhad chai, and pick up block-printed fabric or lac bangles as a keepsake.
Chhatris & Stepwells
Domed memorial pavilions and deep baoris sit on the town's edge, quiet and photogenic, especially in the low light of a December evening.
Camel & Jeep Rides
The Thar's scrub desert begins minutes away. Sunset camel rides across the dunes can be arranged from the hotel on the day.
Shekhawati Cuisine
Dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, ker sangri and hot jalebis. Ask us for recommendations — we'll happily point you to our favourites.
Padharo mhare desh — please come to our land
Where to find us
The Venue on the Map
Hotel Desert & Dunes, Mandawa — plus code 342F+6H.
Plus code · 342F+6H Mandawa
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