Nawalgarh Rajasthan - authentic accommodation

Havelis and camel carts

Shekawati lies in the North East of Rajasthan. It would be little more than a desolate, swirling desert region if the Marwari merchants had not decided to settle here to trade with the passing caravans. These merchants proudly built intricate houses with romantic patios and grand galleries. Once their houses were complete, they asked local artists to decorate them with exquisite murals and fantastic mosaics. In some towns greedy hustlers have stripped these wonderful panels, but particularly in the tiny town of Nawalgarh they can still be seen in all their glory. During our Nawalgarh Rajashthan tour, you’ll stay in charming clay huts and be ‘sustainably’ spoiled by your hosts, who are very actively involved in protecting the cultural heritage of Nawalgarh. A guide will take you on a walking tour around town and into the fascinating havelis of Shekawati.

Duration	3 days, 2 nights Departs daily from Jaipur. Not advisable during May and June (due to uncomfortable heat).	Accommodation	- Where do you spend the night?- Comfort level 1-2
Price	£152 per person - based on 2 people sharing	Includes	2 nights' accommodation with breakfast, transport and guided walk around Nawalgargh town.
Transport	Private air-conditioned car	Excludes	International flights, local entrance fees.

Day 1: Jaipur - Nawalgarh

Today, your Nawalgarh Rajasthan tour begins, and you’ll drive from Jaipur to Shekawati, a journey that takes around 3 hours. The roads will become ever smaller and dustier as you approach Nawalgarh. Finally, you’ll arrive through a small, intriguing entrance at a group of clay huts. The friendly owners will welcome you warmly, and explain how their unique and sustainable accommodation works. The electricity comes from solar power, and the owner builds the attractive furniture with his own hands. Behind the huts, there is a piece of land with a buffalo and a vegetable garden and during your stay you’ll eat delicious, home-grown, freshly prepared vegetarian meals. Food will be served in the traditional style, on a plate of woven leaves. You can enjoy the peace of this idyllic spot, worlds away from the crowded chaos of the cities.

Day 2: Nawalgarh - Guided walking tour

This morning, you’ll take a guided walk through the old town of Nawalgarh. You will be welcomed into the artistically decorated havelis to see how the owners live in an open-air museum of quirky paintings. Colourful, bizarre artwork can be found on walls, ceilings, pillars and galleries. Each haveli is completely unique. The local people rely on tourism and you can support their community by buying a small memento (if you choose).

These old merchant’s houses are decorated with paintings depicting everyday scenes of daily life early in the 20th century as well as religious scenes. The walking tour of Nawalgarh starts with a visit to Bhagat Haveli, continues to Anandi Lal Poddar Haveli Museum, then to Murarka Haveli, Bala Quila and concludes at Aath Haveli complex located in the colourful bazaar of Nawalgarh.

After lunch, you can explore the local rural lanes or book an Indian cookery class with the family. They also offer Rajasthani tie-dye classes and bangle making at the eco-lodge, just be sure to request these extras on arrival. It's a quiet town as only a handful of tourists travel into the Shekawati region, until you reach the main bazaar which is a hive of activity.

Day 3: Nawalgarh - Jaipur

After breakfast, you’ll have some free time to enjoy more of Nawalgarh at your own pace. At the end of the morning, you’ll drive back to Jaipur to continue with your trip, or, if you wish, you can be taken to Delhi instead.

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