Nawalgarh – and Famous Poddar Haveli

Nalwagarh has it all, havelis, bazaars, stay options and is in middle of the region so serves as abase for tourist in this region. Founded in 1737 AD by Thakur Nawal Singh Ji Bahadur (Shekhawat), Nawalgarh was surrounded by a wall and four gates allowing entry to the village. Numerous merchants had their orgins in thi town. The famous Goenka family was also from this town. Many rich traders in Jaipur can trace their origins to Nawalgarh.

Some of the popular sites to see in this town are:

• Bala Kila Fort: It was built by Thakur Nawal Singh
• Fatehgarh Fort: It was built by Thakur Nawal Singh and his descendants.
• Roop Niwas Kothi(Palace) : It was built by Thakur Roop Singh Ji and Rawal Madan Singh Ji.
• Laxshmi Nrisingh Mandir : It was built by Thakur Udai Singh in 1869
• Shri Gopinath Ji Mandir : It was built by Thakur Nawal Singh.

You can see lot of places other then those listed above. Begin by visiting Bala Quila, built in 1737 with a single room in a mahal called Sheesh Mahal bearing old paintings etc. You will find this room behind a sweet shop and may have to pay Rs 10 to Rs 30 to see it. This room has excellent mirror work. It was used by maharani for dressing.

Bagar Haveli Painting from Nawalgarh

Towards west of this building is a group of six Havellis called Aath Havellis. The plan was to come up with eight Havellis but only six were built yet the whole group was named Aath which means eight in English. Murarka haveli is well preserved and can be seen right opposite.

Hem Raj Kulwal Haveli and Khedwal Bhavan are two buildings which are close by and are still lived in. They are about ten minutes distance from the Aath Havellis. Look out for portraits, pictures and mirror work.

Wall Painting from Poddar Haveli Nawalgarh

Dr Ramnath A Poddar Haveli Museum is a newly restored building. You can shoot pictures here. There are restored paintings of past. Frescos are quite noticeable here. There is a room with various paintings form different styles. Other one has dolls in varied costumes.

Built in 1868, the Ganga Mai Temple should be on your list. Devotes worship in this temple day and night.

How to get here?

Nawalgarh is well connected by bus and trains. All major towns and cities like Kota, Jaipur, and Bikaner are connected by bus. There is train line connected to Jaipur as well.  Both bus stand and train station are located at western end. You can reach all Havellis worth visiting on foot. You can find nice accommodation as well as Internet Café’s in North and West side of town.

Where to stay?

You can stay at ,

• DS Bungalow
• Ramesh Jangid’s Tourist Pension
• Shekhawati Guesthouse
• Roop Niwas Palace

These places are well known and cost Rs 200 to Rs 4000 per room per night. You can ask anyone for directions in Nawalgarh.