06 Days Shekhawati & Bikaner Heritage Tour: The Painted Route
Art on the Walls. Travel back to the era of wealthy merchants and their painted mansions. A journey through the "Open Art Gallery" of Rajasthan.
Duration
6 Days / 5 Nights
Route
Jaipur ➝ Mandawa ➝ Bikaner
Pace
Slow (Relaxed)
Trip Vibe
Art, Culture & History
Why we curated this specific route?
“The Connoisseur’s Choice.”
While the Golden Triangle is about Kings and Emperors, this route is about the Merchants (Marwaris) who built palaces of art.
We designed this itinerary for those who appreciate detail. You spend 3 nights in Shekhawati, giving you ample time to walk through the painted lanes of Mandawa, Nawalgarh, and Dundlod without rushing. Then, we connect it to Bikaner for a taste of the deep desert and the unique Rat Temple. It is a quieter, authentic side of Rajasthan away from the crowds.
The Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Jaipur Arrival to Mandawa | The Open Art Gallery
Drive: 170 km | 3-4 Hours.
Stay: Overnight in Mandawa.
Upon arrival at Jaipur Airport or Railway Station, our driver will pick you up and drive you straight to Mandawa in the Shekhawati region. Mandawa is like a movie set frozen in time. After checking into your heritage hotel (often a converted Haveli), we take a relaxed evening walk through the narrow lanes. You will see walls adorned with frescoes depicting everything from mythology to trade history.
Day Highlights:
Scenic drive from Jaipur to Shekhawati.
Evening Heritage Walk in the painted lanes.
Stay in a traditional Haveli.
Day 02: Mandawa Sightseeing | Storytelling on Walls
Drive: Local Sightseeing.
Stay: Overnight in Mandawa.
After breakfast, we explore the masterpieces of Mandawa. We visit the Mandawa Fort, with its medieval charm and painted archways. Then, we visit the famous Havelis: Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli, Goenka Double Haveli, and Murmuria Haveli. Your guide will point out the unique themes in the paintings—look for the intricate details reflecting social life and historical themes. Later, walk through the rustic old bazaars where local trade continues at a steady pace.
Day Highlights:
Explore Mandawa Fort.
Detailed tour of famous Painted Havelis.
Walk through the rustic local bazaars.
Day 03: The Merchant Towns | Nawalgarh & Dundlod Day Trip
Drive: Excursion (30-40 km round trip).
Stay: Overnight in Mandawa.
We take a short drive to the neighboring towns of Nawalgarh and Dundlod. Nawalgarh is often called the “Golden City of Shekhawati.” We visit the Podar Haveli Museum, which is beautifully restored and showcases preserved fresco art. Dundlod offers a mix of Rajput and merchant architecture. We see the Dundlod Fort and old mansions. We return to Mandawa by evening. Day Highlights:
Visit the Podar Haveli Museum in Nawalgarh.
Explore the rustic charm of Dundlod.
Deep dive into the history of the region.
Day 04: Into the Desert | Mandawa to Bikaner
Drive: 190 km | 3-4 Hours.
Stay: Overnight in Bikaner.
We leave the painted towns and head towards the desert city of Bikaner. The landscape changes from semi-arid scrub to the beginnings of the desert. In the afternoon, we visit Junagarh Fort. Unlike most forts built on hilltops, this one sits on the plains but was never conquered. The interiors are stunning examples of design. We also visit the Bhandasar Jain Temple, famous for its detailed carvings and wall paintings.
Day Highlights:
Explore the invincible Junagarh Fort.
Visit the artistic Bhandasar Jain Temple.
Arrival in the Red City.
Day 05: Rats & Camels | Unique Bikaner Experiences
Drive: Local + 30km to Deshnok.
Stay: Overnight in Bikaner.
Bikaner offers distinctive cultural experiences. Morning: We visit the National Camel Breeding Farm. You can learn about desert life and the importance of camels in this region. Afternoon: We drive to Deshnok to visit the Karni Mata Temple (Rat Temple). It is known for its unique tradition where thousands of rats are revered. It is a fascinating display of faith.
Day Highlights:
Unique: Visit the Karni Mata Rat Temple.
Insight into desert life at the Camel Breeding Farm.
Explore Bikaner’s heritage.
Day 06: Farewell | Departure from Bikaner or Jaipur
Drive: Airport Transfer (Bikaner) OR Drive to Jaipur (330 km / 5-6 Hours).
After breakfast, your heritage tour concludes. Option 1: Drop at Bikaner Railway Station or Airport. Option 2: Drive back to Jaipur (approx. 5-6 hours) for your onward journey. You leave with memories of painted havelis, desert cities, and the living heritage of Rajasthan.
Day Highlights:
Relaxed morning breakfast.
Assisted transfer to Station/Airport.
End of services.
Is This Trip Perfect For You?
✅ Art Lovers: The frescoes of Shekhawati are a visual treat found nowhere else.
✅ Photographers: The textures, colors, and old doors make for incredible street photography.
✅ Offbeat Travelers: This route avoids the heavy tourist crowds of Agra and Udaipur.
Not For:
❌ Monument Collectors: If your goal is to see the Taj Mahal or Amber Fort, this is not the right first trip.
❌ Action Seekers: This is a slow-paced, cultural trip involving a lot of walking and looking at details.
The Pricing
Your Stay, Your Choice. From clean, comfortable Deluxe rooms to the opulence of Royal Heritage properties, pick the accommodation style that fits your dream.
Deluxe (Comfort)
Clean, modern 3-Star hotels.
Perfect For: Budget travelers who want safety & AC comfort.
Pricing (Per Person):
- 02 Pax: On Request
- 04 Pax: On Request
- 06 Pax: On Request
Heritage (Authentic)
Stay in converted Havelis & old mansions.
Perfect For: Travelers who want the real Rajasthani feel.
Pricing (Per Person):
- 02 Pax: On Request
- 04 Pax: On Request
- 06 Pax: On Request
Heritage Premium (Royal)
Upscale historic forts & boutique palaces.
Perfect For: Those seeking luxury with history.
Pricing (Per Person):
- 02 Pax: On Request
- 04 Pax: On Request
- 06 Pax: On Request
Luxury (Oplulence)
World-class 5-Star modern hospitality.
Perfect For: Maximum comfort and top-tier service.
Pricing (Per Person):
- 02 Pax: On Request
- 04 Pax: On Request
- 06 Pax: On Request
What’s Included / Excluded?
✅ Your Tour Includes
Stay: 05 Nights accommodation on twin-sharing basis.
Food: Daily breakfast at all hotels.
Transport: Private AC Vehicle for the entire 6-day trip.
All-Inclusive Drive: Fuel, Driver Allowance, Tolls, Parking & Interstate Taxes.
Curated Experiences:
Art: Guided Heritage Walks in Mandawa & Nawalgarh.
Wildlife: Visit National Camel Breeding Farm.
Spiritual: Karni Mata Rat Temple Visit.
Guides: Govt. Approved English-Speaking Guides in Mandawa & Bikaner.
Extras: Daily Packaged Drinking Water & Welcome Kit.
Child Policy: Complimentary stay for 1 child below 5 years.
❌ Exclusions (Pay as you go)
Monuments: Entrance fees & Camera charges (We let you decide which ones to enter).
Meals: Lunch & Dinner (Our driver will take you to the best local spots).
Travel: Flight/Train tickets.
Personal: Tips, Laundry, Phone calls, or Travel Insurance.
Important Notes:
Walking Intensive: Exploring the havelis involves walking through narrow, unpaved lanes. Wear comfortable shoes.
Accommodation: In Shekhawati, we stay in Heritage Hotels (old restored mansions). They are full of character but may not have the standardized layout of a modern hotel.
Rat Temple: The Karni Mata temple is full of rats. They are harmless, but if you are squeamish, you can view the temple from the courtyard without entering the inner sanctum.
Fair Surge: Package costs may increase during peak dates (Diwali, Christmas, New Year).
Currency: All rates are in Indian Rupees (INR).
Custom Groups: Traveling with more than 6 people? [Contact Us for a Special Rate].
- 100% Private & Customizable: This is a private tour, exclusively for you. The itinerary is fully flexible—we can adjust the pace, change hotels, or add/remove sites to suit your flight timings and interests.
Send Query for 06 Days Shekhawati Bikaner Heritage Tour
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we start and end in Delhi?
Yes. Mandawa is about a 5-6 hour drive from Delhi. We can pick you up in Delhi, go to Mandawa, then Bikaner, and you can take an overnight train from Bikaner back to Delhi or drive back (longer drive).
Is it safe to enter the Rat Temple?
Yes, completely. The rats are considered holy and are used to human presence. They run around your feet but do not bite. It is considered lucky if a white rat is spotted!
Can we add Jaisalmer to this trip?
Yes. Bikaner is the gateway to Jaisalmer. You can add 2 more days to drive from Bikaner to Jaisalmer (5 hours) and enjoy the dunes. That would make it an 08 Days Tour.
What is special about the Havelis?
These were the homes of rich merchants on the Silk Route. They painted their walls with frescoes to show off their wealth. The paintings are unique because they blend Indian mythology with European influences (like Queen Victoria or trains) in a folk style.
Is Bikaner worth visiting?
Absolutely. Bikaner has a raw, unfiltered desert vibe. The Junagarh Fort interiors are better preserved than many other famous forts. Plus, the snacks (Bhujia) and sweets are legendary.
What is the best time to visit?
October to March. The weather is pleasant for walking in the open-air art gallery of Shekhawati. Summers are very hot.
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Why Travel With Us?
At Heritage Rajasthan Tours, we believe that travel is not just about visiting places; it is about feeling them. As your local experience curators based in Jaipur, we go beyond standard guidebooks. We use our deep roots in the region to design journeys that blend famous monuments with the hidden soul of Rajasthan. When you travel with us, you are not just a tourist; you are our personal guest.
We Are Experience Curators, Not Just Agents
Most companies just book a car and a hotel for you. We do much more.
The "Real" Rajasthan (Hidden Gems)
While we show you the magnificent forts and palaces, we also take you off the beaten path.
Locals with Deep Roots
We are born and raised here. Our team has strong connections in every region of Rajasthan, from the big cities to the smallest rural hamlets.
Treated Like Family (Atithi Devo Bhava)
In Rajasthan, we believe "The Guest is God." From the moment you arrive until you leave, we take care of you like family
About Rajasthan – The Land of Royal Heritage & Timeless Culture
Rajasthan, the “Land of Kings,” is India’s largest state and a living museum of royal heritage, vibrant traditions and timeless landscapes. From majestic forts and palaces to colorful bazaars, desert dunes and charming villages, every part of Rajasthan reflects a glorious past and a rich cultural soul.
Travelers can witness lively festivals, enjoy folk music and dance, savor authentic cuisine, and discover hidden gems beyond the usual tourist trail. With its blend of history, culture and warm hospitality, Rajasthan offers unforgettable journeys for history lovers, cultural explorers, and curious travelers alike.
Step into Rajasthan and experience a royal legacy that continues to inspire.