Jhunjhunu Sightseeing Tour      Festivals      Hotels      Maps      Transportation

JHUNJHUNU is the cultural of the region know as Shekhawati and has a rich history, as it played a significant role in the politics of Shekhawati. If local legends are to be relied upon, the history of the place dates back to the pandavas (of the epic, Mahabharata) who, while wandering, had spent some time here. In 1450 A.D. Muhammad khan and his nephew Fateh khan sought future in the lands ruled by the Jorh Rajputs. Muhammad Khan conquered Jhunjhunu and Fateh khan founded Fatehpur in 1451 A.D. Shaws Khan, son of Muhammad Kahn was his first nawab of jhunjhunu. After the fall of the Sayyad Brothers, Nawab Fazil Kan and Rohilla Khan laid claims for Jhunjhunu and heir areas were restored to them. Rao Shekhaji was the founder of the Shekhawati branch of the Kachhawahs. Shekhawati or the ‘garden of Shekha’ is named after him; His descendants ruled their small kingdom as vassals of he maharajas of Jaipur, till India’s Independence in 1947.

The district town of Jhunjhunu has some splendidly painted havelies. Some of these are those of Narsingh Das Tibrewala, ishwar das mohan Das Modi and the Khaitans.

THE TEMPLE OF RANI SATI

This was initially a small temple, built by the Dewan in the memory of his daughter-in-law naraini Devi. However, over the year the temple has become a magnificent structure sprawling over a large area.

Other places of interest include Samas Talab, Makbara of nawab Rohilla khan, Moda Pahar, sunrise point, Khetri Mahal (a wind palace), Sri ram Jait Ram Tibrewal Haveli, Badalgarh, Kamruddin Shah ki Dargah, Mertani Baori, Makbara of nawab Samas Khan, Captain Henry Forester’s son’s Mazaar, cenotaphs of Shekhawati rules, Jorawar Garh, Bihari Ji Temple, Ajeet sagar, Laxminath Temple, Six Havelis of Tibrewala, Mansha Mata and Badru ki Johri, Khetan Haveli, Khetan Baori (step well), Bala bux Tulshan Haveli, captain Henry Forster’s gate, Radhakrishna Temple, Jama Masjid, Leather Work & Sissors Market (Phootla Market).

ALSISAR & MALSISAR

These two towns, located on the northen most tip of Shekhawati, were founded in the late and mid 18th centuries, respectively. The forts in Alsisar and Malasisar, as well as the temple and the jhunjhunwala havelis are magnificent. The style of the frescoes here and their lively colour combinations are a treat for the eyes. Besides these painted havelis, wells and reservoirs with ornamental, traditional architecture are worth seeing in both Villages.

BAGGAR (14 KMS)

Foundd in the 15th century by the nagar pathans, Baggar is well known for the havelis of rungtas and piramal Makharia. It is strategically located at a crossroad. Built by the Ojha family, Baggar also has a large reservoir.

BISSAU (40 KMS

This quaint town has havelies including the Tibrewala Haveli, Khemkha Haveli, Sigatia Haveli, Singhania haveli, poddar haveli, Kanodia haveli and Fatehpuria haveli. Other places to see are the raj ki Chhatri (a cenotaph) of the thakurs.

CHIRAWA (30 KMS)
Chirawa was popular as a trading town between Jhunjhunu and Loharu. The Dalmias and Kakranias grew wealthy on the basis of trade and built sprawling havelies here. Other havelies worth seeing here are nemani Haveli, Manohar lal vardh Haveli, Rai bahadur Tulsian Haveli, Kakramia well and Shekhsaria well.

CHURI AJITGARH (32 KMS)

This town is known for several erotic frescoes painted behind doors, bedroom ceilings and on the walls. Considering social constrictions of that time, these seem to be a result of a very trivate and special effort. Some examples of fine fresco work are evident in the Shiv Datt Rai jagan lal Tibrewal Haveli, Ram Pratap nemani Haveli, Shiv narain nemani haveli, Kothi of Shiv Narain Nemani and Shiv Narain Nemani Baithak

KAJRA (48 KMS)

The 19th century havelis of the Kajaria family are monuments worth seeing here.

DUNDLOD (48 KMS.)

This small town can be found in the heart of the Shekhawati region. The fort built here dates back to 1750 A.D. Steps lead up to he Dewan Khana furnished with portraits, hangings and period furniture. It also houses a library and portraits done in European style. This fort is now a hotel. The goenka Havelis and other Haveli are adorned with beautiful frescoes.

KHETRI (70 KMS)
Khetri is known for the paintings adorning the Raghunath temple and the Bhopalgarh Fort and was the second wealthiest Thikana under jaipur. Sites not are missed are Rama Krishna Mission, Hari Singh Temple, panna lal ka Talab, and Sukh Mahal. From here one can go futher on to Bagore Fort, Ajeet Sagar and Rameshwar Das Baba ka Ashram.

LOHARGAL (70 KMS.)
At the foothills of the Aravallis, lies the holy shrine of Lohargal. A perennial stream trickles down from the hills to fall into the Suraj kund. The warter of the Suraj Kund are said to possess healing qualities. The Bhim kund, chetan Das Baori, Gyan baori and temples are worth visiting.

MANDAWA (25 KMS)

Mandawa has an imposing and impressive fort, which has now been convertrd into a hotel. The terrace of castle mandawa overlooks a beautiful view of the town. The havelis worth visiting are those of Ladia, Goenka, Saraf and Chokhani.

MEHANSAR (45 KMS)
This 18th century town boasts of five havelies as the One-Handed ki Sal and Business shops built by the poddars. The ‘Meenakari’ work, Floral and tree motifs, figures of birds as well as ceilings and gilded walls, leave the spectator astounded. The Raghunath temple is an added attraction.

MUKUNDGARH (26 KMS)
It has a few mosques and many temples. The iron scissors, textiles and brassware made here are of extremely good quality. Fine frescos can be seen at the Kanoria, Ganeriwala, muraka and Saraf Havelies. Also worth a visit are the Shiv temple, Gopinath temple and venugopal temple.

NAWALGARH (40 KMS)
This town, lying south-west of Jhunjhunu boasts of some of the finest frescoes in the Shekhawati region. Worth seen havelis are Aath (eight) Haveli complexes, Bansidhar Bhagat haveli, Chokhani haveli, Anandilal poddar Haveli and the Jodhraj patodi Haveli, Dangaic haveli.

PARASRAMPURA (56 KMS)
Parasrampura is a short distanc away from nawalgarh. Some of the earliest frescoes, about 1750 A.D are painted in the interiors of a temple & on the dome of the Chhatri dedicated to Shardul Singh, a descendant of Rao Shekhaji. Close by towns like Chirana, offer some great havelies and forts to feast the eye upon.

PILANI (45 KMS)
Once a small village, this town became famous as the home of the prosperous Birlas, One of Indian’s leading Industrialists. Inside the Birla Haveli, one can see a small traditional museum
The Birla institute of Technology and Sciences (BITS), Museum, Panchwati, Saraswati temple and Shivganga are worh visiting.

SURAJGARH (45 KMS)
Though in a dilapidated condition, this 18h century fort, its painted havelies and temple are worth a visit

NARHAR (40 KMS)

This is an ancient place of pilgrimage for Muslims as well as Hindus. Devotees come to the Dargah of Sufi saint Sakharbar shah to seek blessings of the saint. The famous fair of janamashtami – a symbol of national integrity have people pour forth from all over country

KIRORIJI (58 KMS)

Kiroriji has a shrine of the Hindus in the lap of the Aravalli hilla. This ancient spot is famous for cold water and hot water springs, temples and the cenotaph of Raja Todar Mal of Udaipurwati. A popular pilgrimage place in the Aravallis, bus services are available up to Udaipurwati. From there, one has to hire a taxi up to kiroriji

TEEJ
A festival that announces the coming of the rains when women put up swings suspended from trees and swing in abandon to welcome the monsoons.

GANGAUR (March/April)

Basically a woman dominated festival, Gangaur is celebrated in honour of Goddess parvati. Women pray for their husbands and young girls entreat Goddess parvati for a good groom. Procession are taken out and women draw water from wells, pick flowers to garlands for the goddess and sing hymns.

TRAVEL AND COMMUNICATION
AIR: The nearest Airport is jaipur – 184 kms.

RAIL: JHUNJHUNU IS CONNECTED BY regular express trains with Delhi and jaipur and other important tourist centrea of the shekhawati Region.

ROAD: Jhunjhunu is well connected by road with Delhi, jaipur, jodhpur, Bikaner and other important tourist canters in the Shekhawati Region.