Shekhawati – The Road Trip to Abandoned India

Shekhawati region, once ruled by Shekhawat Rajputs and prospered by Marwar merchants, is not just another town that used to be a part of the ancient silk route but is also the world’s largest open-air art gallery.

Rajasthan

Starts: from Delhi

Ends: at Delhi

Group: Mixed Gender

Dates

Start: 7 AM, 23 Dec 2021

End: 10 PM, 25 Dec 2021

~~₹ 13800~~

₹ 12800

About the Tour

Did you know that just a few hours away from Delhi, you can re-live the glorious and the prosperous past of the silk route? Shekhawati is full of artful and affluent Havelis which are not less than masterpieces. And, how about living in one of those heritage Havelis? Be ready to have an enriching, and relaxing travel experience while clicking absolutely gorgeous pictures.

What makes Shekhawati interesting?

A place so affluent yet abandoned, colorful yet deserted, and historically rich yet forgotten! Shekhawati region, once ruled by Shekhawat Rajputs and prospered by Marwar merchants, is not just another town which used to be a part of ancient silk route but is also the world’s largest open-air art gallery.

The districts of Churu, Jhunjhunu, and Sikar combine to make Shekhawati region which carries the legacy of iconic merchants in the form of grand Havelis, who eventually moved to the bigger towns of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata during the decline of silk route, leaving their mansions abused and in disuse.

Every single inch of these Havelis is adorned with beautiful fresco paintings which depict amusing stories from the lives of merchants, kings, and queens. The pictures also depict the borderless imagination of artists and the merchants as some of them are a perfect amalgamation of real & unreal, tangible & intangible, and Indian & Western.

The doors are made from the sturdy teak wood imported from Myanmar (then Burma), and Belgian mirrors grace some parts too. Some of these mansions have been restored to beautiful heritage hotels, a few are managed by their caretakers, and others have their great assets unlocked behind big doors. Rajputi and European architectures have a significant influence on their construction style which comes as a result of travels of the owners to the various parts of the world for their trade.

Let’s embark on a journey Shekhawati, also known as abandoned India, to unravel the rich and amusing history of this region, to give a visual treat to our eyes and click some Instagram-perfect shots. Be ready to explore the unexplored and be amazed by this hidden gem in the state of Rajasthan!

Trip Highlights

1. Havelis

We will visit many mansions during the heritage walk in Mandawa, Churu, Ramgarh, and Nawalgarh. The grand entrance doors with the most intricate woodwork to these marvels are very inviting, and the interior charm is bound to keep us captivated. The feeling of visiting the most beautiful yet abandoned is indescribable in words.

2. Cenotaphs

Cenotaphs or chhatris are a type of monument created by wealthy Rajasthani families to honor their dead. We will visit the Poddar group of Chhatris where mesmerizing murals depict the scenes from Ramayana and the life of Lord Krishna.

3. Podar Haweli and Museum

It was initially built as a residential place, but later converted into a museum to bring the cultural heritage of Rajasthan under one roof. Podar Haveli has 750 frescos spread over 11, 200 sq meters. The galleries of museum showcase the forts, fairs, festivals, gems & jewelry, bridal costumes, turbans, paintings, handicrafts, etc. The most innovative gallery is the ‘Rajasthani Living Style’ which exhibits the ‘baithak’ in the house of a typical Marwari merchant.

4. Morarka Haweli

Built in 1900 by Shri Jaichandji Morarka, it is one of the best preserved Havelis in Shekhawati. The owners haven’t consciously renovated or re-painted the frescos so that visitors get to experience the taste of originality. One see the murals of birds, animals, flowers, gods, and the various murals telling folktales from local life.

5. Sone Chandi ki Dukan

This luxuriously decorated Haveli is one of the few places Mahansar prides itself upon. Named after the gold and silver leaves used to decorate the walls, this Haveli is something you would wish to see in its peak days. Built in 1846, the Sone Chandi ki Dukaan is easily one of the best painted Havelis you will ever see. The colorful frescoes across the walls and the ceiling depict scenes from the Ramayana, the lifestyle of Lord Krishna, and the incarnation stories of Lord Vishnu. When you are inside, it feels like you have been transported into some mythical world.

6. Raghunath ji Temple

Perhaps the biggest temple in Mahansar, the Raghunath Ji Temple gives the impression of a Haveli at first. This mid-19th-century Hindu has fine floral designs carved beneath the arches around the courtyard. An interesting fact is that instead of keeping solitary idols of deities, the deities in this temple are accompanied by their families. There’s Shiva and his family, Shri Ram with his wife and brothers as well as Hanuman with his son, Makardhwaj. From the roof, you can see all of Mahansar in a stunning view.

7. Shree Shani Temple

Shree Shani Mandir of Ramgarh is famous in the entire Shekhawati because of its unique mirror work. Devoted to Saturn God, Shree Shani Mandir was built was by the Khemka family in 1840. Its dilapidated and worn-out exterior does feel visitors, but the glorious interiors boasting rich murals & extravagant mirror work are bound to captivate anyone.

8. Mertani Baori

Located to the north of the Badalgarh fort is the Mertani Baori. It is the most impressive step-well in all of Shekhawati. Built in 1783, it was named after the woman who commissioned its construction, the widow of Sardul Singh – Mertani. It is about 30m deep and has sulphuric waters. In the olden times, they believed that this water could cure skin diseases. Of course, this was a myth and an English official reported in 1930, that the water there was poisonous enough to kill anyone within a few hours of consumption! Despite this deadly fact, it is worth a visit for the inquisitive mind.

9. Evening group games and social activities

Stay curious and excited for this!

10. Unforgettable social experience

Our small group size ensures a personal touch, and our group leaders make sure to bond the entire group like long-lost friends. Hence, along with an amazing travel experience, you are in for a great of great social bonding.

Your Itinerary

Day 1/ Dec 23: Delhi to Mandawa

Please note that there will be two pick-up points:
a. 7:00 AM: Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport (near Mahipalpur)
b. 7: 20 AM: IFFCO Chowk Metro Station in Gurgaon

If you are an outstation participant, land latest by 5 AM. If you plan to come a day early, we can suggest you some nearby hotels.

Start driving towards Mandawa
Breakfast (on the way)
Reach Mandawa
Check-in & freshen-up
Lunch
Mandawa Heritage Walk
Bonfire & Group Games
Dinner

Day 2/ Dec 24: Mandawa-Ramgarh-Mahansar - Jhunjhunu

Breakfast
Cenotaphs of Ramgarh
Shree Shani Mandir
Sone Chandi ki Dukan
Raghunath Ji Temple
Lunch
Mertani Stepwell (Baori)
Bonfire & Group Games
Dinner

Day 3/ Dec 25: Mandawa-Nawalgarh-Delhi

Breakfast
Poddar Haveli & Museum
Morarka Haveli
Lunch
Start driving back to Delhi
Arrival in Delhi
(Iffco Chowk Drop: 9:30 PM
Radisson Blu Mahipalpur Drop: 10:00 PM)

Trip Ends

Keep some buffer time in hand if you have an onward journey on the same day. If you are an outstation participant, we suggest booking a flight that departs after 2 am.
We will drop off the participants as per the respective pick-up points, and exchange warm hugs, and goodbyes until we meet again.

Important Information

Ex-Delhi (add 5% GST to the applicable tariff):

13800 INR per person to/from Delhi (regular tariff)

12800 INR per person if you book from the first five seats

After the first 5 seats,

13200 INR if you book the slot number between 6-10

13500 INR per person for two or more people traveling together

13500 INR per person if you are solo but have already traveled with us 🙂

Else, 13800 INR per person

Please note that 5% GST would be added to the final applicable cost.

To make a booking, please send:

WhatsApp/ Call : 9999749677
Email: chandni@transformingtravels.com

Note:

Please note that if Transforming Travels isn’t able to execute the trip because of any covid regulations that directly affect the itinerary, then we will either reschedule the trip, refund, or give you the credit for the amount you paid, but your money won’t be lost at all. As it’s subjective to the situation, we will also take a call as per the situation.

All transport to/from Delhi-NCR in an AC vehicle (final vehicle depends on group size)
Stay in a beautiful 3-star traditional haveli hotel on twin sharing basis for two nights
Day 1: Lunch, and Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast and Lunch
Cost of all entry tickets as per the itinerary
Expenses of guides during the trip
A 24/7 highly professional and friendly group leader throughout the tour

Travel from your home to our pick-up points in Delhi-NCR
All the meals not listed in Inclusions
Any expense on any items/services which are personal such as driver tips, medicines, toiletries, sun protection creams, snacks, laundry, STD calls, etc
Any extra expenses incurred due to delays arising from bad weather conditions or any unanticipated or uncontrollable conditions
Any medical expenses
Any other expenses of any nature not included in the INCLUSIONS section

The group size will be limited to a maximum of 21 people: 20 participants + 1 facilitator and a minimum of 6 people: 5 participants + 1 facilitator
Please note that there will be two pick-up points:
a. 7:00 AM: Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport (near Mahipalpur)
b. 7: 20 AM: IFFCO Chowk Metro Station in Gurgaon
Participants are requested to arrive 15 min prior to the pick-up point.
If you have an onward journey on return day, please keep a good amount of buffer time in hand. Preferably, consult us before booking your flight tickets.
Outstation participants are suggested to land latest by 5 AM on Day 1 and take a flight that departs after 2 AM on last day.
Please note that stay has been arranged in a heritage haveli and hence rooms might differ slightly from each other in terms of size and decor. All rooms are maintained well and priced the same for us. Participants must be alright with this fact.
Most of the sightseeing places in the Shekhawati region are privately managed. Although we keep track through local people, but still if anything is found closed or not well-maintained during our trip, then Transforming Travels won’t be held responsible.

Sanitizer & Masks (please carry a backup mask too in case you lose one)
Comfortable Walking Shoes/ Flip Flops
Warm Clothes
Sunglasses/ Hat/ Headgear
Sunscreen
Refillable Water Bottle
Any prescribed medication
A small day pack
Neck Pillow
Identity proof
Bluetooth Speaker (if you are an entertainment enthusiast)
POSITIVE ENERGY & ENTHUSIASM!

60 days before the trip: 90% refund
50-41 days before the trip: 70% refund
40-31 days before the trip: 50% refund
30-21 days before the trip: 30% refund
20-11 days before the trip: 10% refund
Less than 10 days before the trip: No Refund

The cancellation policy is calculated on the total trip tariff, not on the token amount.

You need to follow these terms and conditions while travelling with Transforming Travels.

Participants will be respectful to their fellow guests, organizers, and the hosts
Participants have to show a little degree of flexibility during the tour
It’s the duty of participants to assess whether they are physically fit or not for the tour before joining it.
Please note that neither we assign any seats in the vehicle nor do we take any special requests for that. Be it a first seat, window seat, or the last seat, we expect participants to be flexible with their choice considering the fact that it’s a group tour and support each other.
Transforming Travels reserves the right to modify the place of stay or the itinerary without any prior notice.
Every participant should be wearing a mask at all public places. Also, expected to carry a backup mask in case you lose one.
Every participant should carry a personal sanitizer and keep sanitizing their hands at regular intervals.
At the backend, we would also be conducting the temperature check of our driver, group leader, and guide.
Our accommodation partners sanitize the rooms and attached bathrooms before check-in. Common areas are sanitized on regular basis.
Temperature check is conducted for housekeeping and kitchen staff members every day by our accommodation partners.
The laws and customs of the areas we visit can be very different from those we are used to. Be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially if you are visiting religious areas. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs. If you fail to do so, we will have no liability to you for any cost, loss, or damage you suffer nor will we refund you the cost of any unused portion of your travel arrangements.
Please note that if a Government rule asks for a negative RT PCR test report for any places that are a part of our itinerary, then it’s your responsibility to get that test done & bring the report.
Outstation participants are advised to keep a good amount of buffer time while booking their flights. Please keep as much buffer time as you can. Still, if someone misses their flight because of any unpredictable circumstances then Transforming Travels won’t be liable.

Important Information

Cost

Ex-Delhi (add 5% GST to the applicable tariff):

13800 INR per person to/from Delhi (regular tariff)

12800 INR per person if you book from the first five seats

After the first 5 seats,

13200 INR if you book the slot number between 6-10

13500 INR per person for two or more people traveling together

13500 INR per person if you are solo but have already traveled with us 🙂

Else, 13800 INR per person

Please note that 5% GST would be added to the final applicable cost.

To make a booking, please send:

WhatsApp/ Call : 9999749677
Email: chandni@transformingtravels.com

Note:

Inclusions

All transport to/from Delhi-NCR in an AC vehicle (final vehicle depends on group size)
Stay in a beautiful 3-star traditional haveli hotel on twin sharing basis for two nights
Day 1: Lunch, and Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast and Lunch
Cost of all entry tickets as per the itinerary
Expenses of guides during the trip
A 24/7 highly professional and friendly group leader throughout the tour

Exclusions

Travel from your home to our pick-up points in Delhi-NCR
All the meals not listed in Inclusions
Any expense on any items/services which are personal such as driver tips, medicines, toiletries, sun protection creams, snacks, laundry, STD calls, etc
Any extra expenses incurred due to delays arising from bad weather conditions or any unanticipated or uncontrollable conditions
Any medical expenses
Any other expenses of any nature not included in the INCLUSIONS section

Basic Info

The group size will be limited to a maximum of 21 people: 20 participants + 1 facilitator and a minimum of 6 people: 5 participants + 1 facilitator
Please note that there will be two pick-up points:
a. 7:00 AM: Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport (near Mahipalpur)
b. 7: 20 AM: IFFCO Chowk Metro Station in Gurgaon
Participants are requested to arrive 15 min prior to the pick-up point.
If you have an onward journey on return day, please keep a good amount of buffer time in hand. Preferably, consult us before booking your flight tickets.
Outstation participants are suggested to land latest by 5 AM on Day 1 and take a flight that departs after 2 AM on last day.
Please note that stay has been arranged in a heritage haveli and hence rooms might differ slightly from each other in terms of size and decor. All rooms are maintained well and priced the same for us. Participants must be alright with this fact.
Most of the sightseeing places in the Shekhawati region are privately managed. Although we keep track through local people, but still if anything is found closed or not well-maintained during our trip, then Transforming Travels won’t be held responsible.

Packing List

Sanitizer & Masks (please carry a backup mask too in case you lose one)
Comfortable Walking Shoes/ Flip Flops
Warm Clothes
Sunglasses/ Hat/ Headgear
Sunscreen
Refillable Water Bottle
Any prescribed medication
A small day pack
Neck Pillow
Identity proof
Bluetooth Speaker (if you are an entertainment enthusiast)
POSITIVE ENERGY & ENTHUSIASM!

Cancellation Policy

60 days before the trip: 90% refund
50-41 days before the trip: 70% refund
40-31 days before the trip: 50% refund
30-21 days before the trip: 30% refund
20-11 days before the trip: 10% refund
Less than 10 days before the trip: No Refund

The cancellation policy is calculated on the total trip tariff, not on the token amount.

Terms and Conditions

You need to follow these terms and conditions while travelling with Transforming Travels.

Participants will be respectful to their fellow guests, organizers, and the hosts
Participants have to show a little degree of flexibility during the tour
It’s the duty of participants to assess whether they are physically fit or not for the tour before joining it.
Please note that neither we assign any seats in the vehicle nor do we take any special requests for that. Be it a first seat, window seat, or the last seat, we expect participants to be flexible with their choice considering the fact that it’s a group tour and support each other.
Transforming Travels reserves the right to modify the place of stay or the itinerary without any prior notice.
Every participant should be wearing a mask at all public places. Also, expected to carry a backup mask in case you lose one.
Every participant should carry a personal sanitizer and keep sanitizing their hands at regular intervals.
At the backend, we would also be conducting the temperature check of our driver, group leader, and guide.
Our accommodation partners sanitize the rooms and attached bathrooms before check-in. Common areas are sanitized on regular basis.
Temperature check is conducted for housekeeping and kitchen staff members every day by our accommodation partners.
The laws and customs of the areas we visit can be very different from those we are used to. Be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially if you are visiting religious areas. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs. If you fail to do so, we will have no liability to you for any cost, loss, or damage you suffer nor will we refund you the cost of any unused portion of your travel arrangements.
Please note that if a Government rule asks for a negative RT PCR test report for any places that are a part of our itinerary, then it’s your responsibility to get that test done & bring the report.
Outstation participants are advised to keep a good amount of buffer time while booking their flights. Please keep as much buffer time as you can. Still, if someone misses their flight because of any unpredictable circumstances then Transforming Travels won’t be liable.

Booking/ Query

To book this trip, please Call/ WhatsApp/ Email using the below-mentioned details.

If you have any questions or concerns, then please feel free to contact us using the below-mentioned details. Alternatively, fill this form and our team will get back to you at their earliest.