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17 Things To Know Before Travelling to Mandawa, Rajasthan, 322304
1. Destination Overview of Mandawa:
Mandawa is a town in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan known for its stunning frescoes, Havelis, Forts and Temples. Mandawa is a part of the Shekhawati region and has been a prominent trading centre since the 18th century. Its architecture is a blend of Rajput and Mughal styles. Popular tourist attractions include Mandawa Fort, Binsidhar Newatia Haveli, Murmuria Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, and more.
2. Top Activities to do in Mandawa:
• Visit Mandawa Fort: A beautiful fort with a structure similar to a palace and residence of the royal family.
• Explore the Havelis: The town is known for its beautiful Havelis or mansions, which are adorned with stunning frescoes, paintings and mirror work.
• Check out the Local Markets: Visit the local markets for some souvenirs and the famous Shekhawati embroidery.
• Attend the Desert Festival: One of the most popular festivals in the region, the Desert Festival is held every year to celebrate Rajasthan’s culture, traditions, and customs.
• Visit the Temples: Mandawa has many temples, like the Sheetla Mata Temple and the Hanuman Temple, which are worth visiting.
3. Best Places To Stay in Mandawa:
• Luxury Places: Castle Mandawa, Heritage Mandawa, Mandawa Haveli.
• Mid Range: Mandawa Haveli, Mandawa Tourist Village, Mandawa Palace.
• Budget Friendly: Mandawa Tourist Village, Hotel Bhagirath Palace, Hotel Laxmi Niwas.
4. How to Travel to Mandawa?:
The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, which is about 175 km from Mandawa. The nearest railway station is Jhunjhunu Station, which is around 30 km away. Mandawa is connected to other cities in Rajasthan by road, and there are regular buses from Jaipur, Bikaner, and Jodhpur.
5. Must Try Local Food and Drink in Mandawa:
• Dal Bati Churma: A popular Rajasthani dish made of dal and bati served with a mixture of spices, ghee and jaggery.
• Gatte Ki Sabzi: A dish made of gram flour dumplings cooked in a spicy gravy.
• Laal Maas: A spicy mutton curry cooked with red chillies and Rajasthani spices.
• Kachori: A deep-fried pastry filled with a mixture of spices and lentils.
• Ghevar: A sweet dish that is made of flour and sugar syrup.
• Mango Pickle: A spicy pickle made of mangoes and spices.
6. Best Places to Eat in Mandawa:
• Meghraj Restaurant: Famous for its delicious Rajasthani food.
• Kanji Restaurant: A great place to try local Rajasthani cuisine.
• Jaisal Restaurant: Popular for its North Indian food.
• Shree Shyam Restaurant: Famous for its vegetarian dishes.
• Haveli Restaurant: A great place to try traditional Rajasthani cuisine.
7. Weather and Climate:
Mandawa has a hot and dry climate. The summers (March to June) are very hot, with temperatures reaching up to 45°C. The winters (November to February) are mild, with temperatures dropping to around 10°C. The best time to visit is from September to March. It is best to avoid visiting during the monsoon season (July to September) as it can be very wet and windy.
8. Local Customs and Etiquette in Mandawa:
Rajasthani culture is very rich and vibrant, and there are some etiquette which one should follow while travelling in Mandawa. It is important to dress modestly and respect the local customs and traditions. Tipping is customary and expected in most places, but it is not mandatory.
9. Popular Scams in Mandawa:
• Overcharging Taxi Drivers: Taxi drivers may try to overcharge tourists for their services.
• Street Vendors: Street vendors may try to sell fake products at inflated prices.
• Fake Guides: Fake guides may offer to show tourists around the city but may end up taking them to tourist traps or overcharging them.
• Fake Monuments: Fake monuments may be created to attract tourists and charge them entry fees.
10. Suggested Trip Duration:
The suggested trip duration for Mandawa is 2-3 days.
11. Total Estimated Budget Per Person:
• Stay: INR 1000-3000 per night
• Food: INR 600-1000 per day
• Activities: INR 1000-2000
• Tickets: INR 500-1000
12. NearBy Cities:
• Jhunjhunu: 30 km
• Udaipur: 200 km
• Jaipur: 175 km
• Bikaner: 275 km
• Jodhpur: 350 km
13. Local Language and Communication in Mandawa:
The local language in Mandawa is Hindi, but English is also widely spoken. English-speaking guides are available at most tourist destinations, and they usually charge around INR 1500-2000 for a day.
14. Accepted Currency and Money:
The local currency in Mandawa is the Indian Rupee (INR), and most places accept debit and credit cards. Tipping is customary and expected in most places, but it is not mandatory. A tip of 10-15% is reasonable.
15. Health and Medical Information:
It is recommended to get vaccinated against common illnesses like typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and rabies before visiting Mandawa. Carry basic medication for common ailments like fever and diarrhea. There are medical clinics and hospitals in the city, and most offer 24-hour emergency services.
16. Packing Tips for Mandawa:
It is important to dress modestly and respect the local customs and traditions. Pack light cotton clothes and comfortable shoes. Carry a hat and sunscreen to protect from the heat. Carry a jacket or shawl for cooler evenings.
17. To Sum Up:
Mandawa is a beautiful place known for its stunning frescoes, Havelis, Forts and Temples, and is best visited between September to March.