One of the most interesting local attractions in Mandawa are the havelis that belonged to the rich merchants of Rajasthan. These buildings are scattered throughout the district. The havelis came into existence as the residences of Marwari merchants here. In a way the havelis also reflect the evolution of the middle class. Though the havelis were not as grand as the palaces yet they are worth visiting. Their craftsmanship make them stand apart from the rest of local attractions.
The tours for the travelers may well begin with the Naveti Haveli. It has now been converted to the State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur. It is located on the main bazaar at the city center. As the travelers enter the metal gate to the right of the bank they will come across well-preserved images of flying contraptions, a boy using a telephone and a strongman pulling a car.
At the northwest part of the town the tourists will find the sun-faded Goenka Double Haveli. The paintings at the haveli range from traditional Rajasthani women and religious motifs to Europeans in stylish hats and Victorian finery. Another haveli worth checking out is the Nand Lai Murmuria Haveli. Here there are the paintings of trains, cars, George V, and Venice.
Besides these there are the murals of the Thakurji temple. the main attractions here are the soldiers being shot from the mouths of cannons. Further west are a couple of chhatris, and a step-well, still used today and bearing paintings inside its decorative corner domes.
The last but not the least haveli here is the Gulab Rai Wadia Haveli. It is located in the south of the town. The decorations on the outer and inner walls are the finest ones in the entire Shekhawati. Just south, the Chokhani Haveli is unique in the region for having twin wings. Its murals are particularly beautiful and well preserved.
