Mandawa: Still Trying To Survive; Flaunts Its Rajwada Days

Flying through times immemorial

Mandawa is a tiny village town in northeastern Rajasthan. Had it not been for PK and Bajrangi Bhaijaan (two Hindi blockbusters of recent years) and my Aunt who suggested it, I would have, perhaps, never known about its existence. The village town showcases a blend of Moghul and Rajasthani art and ostentatious havelis, many of which have been turned into heritage hotels, while many are dilapidated and lost to the pressures of changing times. PS: (Rajwada (royal abode) is a Marathi word..a more appropriate Rajasthani term is 'Haveli')

A Whited throated Kingfisher greeted us on the way near Jhunjhunu. There are three suggested routes on Google Maps. We took NH8, via Gurgaon, bhiwadi, neemrana, narnaul, jhunjhunu. Preferably avoid this route. The road through Narnaul village is pretty bad and the entire travel took us more than 6 tedious hours.

Some sunsets  are unforgettable... the sanguine sky as we entered Mandawa

A Good Misty Morning To Mr. Crow at the Desert and Dunes resort in Mandawa

Not yet deserted but neglected....we spent the day haveli hopping 

The once upon a time rich flamboyant havelis, cry the tales of deprivation and penury

While the affluent owners have moved to bigger cities leaving behind their once grand havelis to fend for their fate, the poorer ones continue to live under the shadows of old glory 

Looking for open doors

Mandawa Haveli to Heritage Hotel

Keeping the tradition alive - Grandma embellishing lac bangles

For sale - A piece of history

The Mandawa Royal Palace - A heritage hotel but on the higher end. A day tariff starts from 10k 

As development encroached!

The terrace line

The central courtyard

An age-old method of keeping water cold

Vibrant with colors, puppets, and paintings  

Detailed paintings found their way under sills as well

We had a scrumptious Rajasthani meal here. Interesting to know. The cook went to the market after taking the order. The food was prepared fresh. They served it after 2 hours but tasty nevertheless. 

The end of the weekend getaway

The DDLJ 'Sarson ke khet' - Long stretches of mustard fields mesmerize

The end of a beautiful weekend - heading back 

The journey should take about 5 hours without traffic and bad roads.  The Narnaul route took us more than 6 hrs but the beautiful mustard fields made it worthwhile.