Holi in Shekhawati

Holi in Shekhawati is very unique, traditional, colorful, and heart-warming. People of all religions come together on the streets to play colors and dance to the traditional beats, forgetting all their communal differences.

Rajasthan

Starts: from Delhi

Ends: at Delhi

Group: Mixed Gender

Dates

Start: 13 Mar 2025, 10 AM

End: 16 Mar 2025, 8 PM

~~₹ 22000~~

₹ 20500

About the Tour

Holi in Shekhawati trip gives an opportunity to celebrate Holi in the most traditional, unique, and fun way while unraveling the amusing history of the Shekhawati region. It truly offers a visual treat to our eyes. It’s a completely dry Holi with less crowd, and no color is thrown at tourists without their permission.

Holi in Shekhawati

Holi in Shekhawati is indeed unique, traditional, and heart-warming. In Mandawa town of Shekhawati region, you will find people of all religions coming together on the streets and dancing to the traditional beats, forgetting all their communal differences. Women peeping from their veils, dancing men with their colorful turbans, and the stalls of bhang can be found in any street of Mandawa. A few men can be seen cross-dressed i.e. men dressed as women while celebrating Holi in Shekhawati. This unusual practice has a great story behind it! A great benefit of celebrating Holi in Shekhawati is that you won’t be pushed against random strangers during celebrations as the crowd is less and very well managed by local authorities.

About Shekhawati:

A place so affluent yet abandoned, colorful yet deserted, and historically rich yet forgotten! Shekhawati region, once ruled by Shekhawat Rajputs and prospered by Marwar merchants, is not just another town that used to be a part of the ancient silk route but is also the world’s largest open-air art gallery.

The districts of Churu, Jhunjhunu, and Sikar combine to make the Shekhawati region which carries the legacy of iconic merchants in the form of grand Havelis.

With the decline of the silk route, the merchants eventually moved to the bigger towns of Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, leaving their mansions abused and in disuse. Every single inch of these Havelis is adorned with beautiful fresco paintings that depict amusing stories from the lives of merchants, kings, and queens. The pictures also depict the borderless imagination of artists and the merchants as some of them are a perfect amalgamation of real & unreal, tangible & intangible, and Indian & Western. The doors of these Havelis are made from the sturdy teak wood imported from Myanmar (then Burma), and Belgian mirrors grace some parts too. Some of these mansions have been restored to beautiful heritage hotels, a few are managed by their caretakers, and others have their great assets locked behind big doors. Rajputi and European architectures have a significant influence on their construction style which comes as a result of the travels of the owners to the various parts of the world for their trade.

Let’s embark on a journey to celebrate Holi in the most unique and fun way, unravel the rich and amusing history of this region, and give a visual treat to our eyes and click some Instagram-perfect shots. Be ready to explore the unexplored and be amazed by this hidden gem in the state of Rajasthan!

Trip Highlights

1. Holi Celebrations

Holi in Shekhawati is celebrated in one of the most fun and unique ways. The entire town irrespective of their religion comes together and dance to the local beats in the streets. Holi in Shekhawati is also not an extremely crowded affair, and locals would not throw any colors on tourists without their permission. Moreover, dry colors are used to play Holi in Shekhawati. We will celebrate it in a manageable manner within our group and the local community. We will have a dry Holi with lot of sweets while dancing on the tunes of local drums, Dholaks, and melodious folk songs.

2. Havelis

We will visit many mansions during heritage walk in Mandawa, and Nawalgarh. The grand entrance doors with the most intricate woodwork to these marvels are very inviting, and the interior charm is bound to keep us captivated. The feeling of visiting the most beautiful yet abandoned is indescribable in words.

3. Poddar Cenotaphs

Cenotaphs or chhatris are a type of monument created by wealthy Rajasthani families to honor their dead. We will visit the Poddar group of Chhatris where mesmerizing murals depict the scenes from Ramayana and the life of Lord Krishna.

4. Poddar Haveli and Museum

It was initially built as a residential place, but later converted into a museum to bring the cultural heritage of Rajasthan under one roof. Poddar Haveli has 750 frescoes spread over 11, 200 sq meters. The galleries of museum showcase the forts, fairs, festivals, gems & jewelry, bridal costumes, turbans, paintings, handicrafts, etc. The most innovative gallery is the ‘Rajasthani Living Style’ which exhibits the ‘baithak’ in the house of a typical Marwari merchant.

5. Morarka Haveli

Built in 1900 by Shri Jaichandji Morarka, it is one of the best preserved Havelis in Shekhawati. The owners haven’t consciously renovated or re-painted the frescoes so that visitors get to experience the taste of originality. One can see the murals of birds, animals, flowers, gods, and the various murals telling folktales from local life.

6. Sone Chandi ki Dukan

This luxuriously decorated Haveli is one of the few places Mahansar prides itself upon. Named after the gold and silver leaves used to decorate the walls, this Haveli is something you would wish to see in its peak days. Built in 1846, the Sone Chandi ki Dukaan is easily one of the best painted Havelis you will ever see. The colorful frescoes across the walls and the ceiling depict scenes from the Ramayana, the lifestyle of Lord Krishna, and the incarnation stories of Lord Vishnu. When you are inside, it feels like you have been transported into some mythical world.

7. Raghunath ji Temple

Perhaps the biggest temple in Mahansar, the Raghunath Ji Temple gives the impression of a Haveli at first. This mid-19th-century Hindu has fine floral designs carved beneath the arches around the courtyard. An interesting fact is that instead of keeping solitary idols of deities, the deities in this temple are accompanied by their families. There’s Shiva and his family, Shri Ram with his wife and brothers as well as Hanuman with his son, Makardhwaj. From the roof, you can see all of Mahansar in a stunning view.

8. Dancing Hall (Tolaram ji ka kamra)

Tolaram ji ka Kamra also known as the dancing hall is a beautiful structure in Mahansar where traditional dance performances used to take place. Wait until this place comes alive with our amazing guide.

9. Shree Shani Temple

Shree Shani Mandir of Ramgarh is famous in the entire Shekhawati because of its unique mirror work. Devoted to Saturn God, Shree Shani Mandir was built was by the Khemka family in 1840. Its dilapidated and worn-out exterior does feel visitors, but the glorious interiors boasting rich murals & extravagant mirror work are bound to captivate anyone.

10. Traditional Food, Bonfire and Group Activities

Stay excited for this part!

11. Unforgettable social experience

Our small group size ensures a personal touch and our group leaders make sure to bond the entire group like long-lost friends. Hence, along with an amazing travel experience, you are in for great social bonding.

Your Itinerary

Day 1: Romance begins with Shekhawati | Delhi to Mandawa

Please note that there will be two pick-up points:
a. 10:00 AM: Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport (near Mahipalpur) Gate No. 5
b. 10: 30 AM: IFFCO Chowk Metro Station in Gurgaon (Gate No. 1)

Note: If you are an outstation participant & prefer to come a day early, we can assist you with the hotel bookings & pickups.

Start driving towards Mandawa
Lunch (or some may call it brunch 😀 will be on the way)
Reach Mandawa
Check-in & freshen-up
Free time to explore the Market
Bonfire & Group Socializing
Dinner

Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel

Day 2: Holi Celebrations | Mandawa Heritage Walk

Breakfast
Holi Celebrations
Lunch
Mandawa Heritage Walk
Group Socializing
Dinner

Note: Please note that today’s schedule could be shuffled or altered because of Holi celebrations. Please be flexible on the same.

Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel

Day 3: Romance continues with Shekhawati | Ramgarh & Mahansar

Breakfast
Cenotaphs of Ramgarh
Shree Shani Mandir
Sone Chandi ki Dukan
Lunch
Raghunath Ji Temple
Dancing Hall (Tolaram ji ka Kamra)
Back to hotel
Dinner

Overnight stay in a 4-star hotel

Day 4: Nawalgarh | back to Delhi

Breakfast
Poddar Haveli & Museum
Morarka Haveli
Lunch
Start driving back to Delhi
Arrival in Delhi

Drop:
1. 8 PM: IFFCO Chowk Metro Station in Gurgaon
2. 8:30 PM: Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport

Keep some buffer time in hand if you have an onward journey on the same day. We cannot guarantee the exact time of arrival due to any unforeseen circumstances that may arise. We will drop the participants as per the schedule, and exchange warm hugs, and goodbyes until we meet again.

If you are an outstation participant, we recommend you book a flight after 11:30 PM.

Important Information

Ex – Delhi (add 5% GST to the applicable tariff):

22000 INR per person to/from Delhi (regular tariff)

20500 INR per person if you book from the first five seats

After the first 5 seats,

21000 INR if you but book from 6-10 slot

21500 INR per person for two or more people traveling together

21500 INR per person if you are solo but have already traveled with us 🙂

Else, 22000 INR

Please note that 5% GST would be added to the final applicable cost.

To make a booking, please contact below:
WhatsApp/ Call: 9999749677
Email: chandni@transformingtravels.com

All transport to/from Delhi-NCR in an AC vehicle (final vehicle depends on group size)
Stay in a 4-star hotel on a twin-sharing and same-gender basis for solo travelers. Couples will be given private rooms, hence, inform us of the same during booking time.
Day 1: Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Breakfast and Lunch
Cost of all entry tickets as per the itinerary
Expenses of guides during the trip
Holi colors
A 24/7 highly professional and friendly group leader throughout the tour

Travel from your home to our pick-up points in Delhi-NCR
Meals not listed in Inclusions
Any extras including any beverages, that you order with meals
Any expense on any items/services which are personal such as driver tips, medicines, toiletries, sun protection creams, snacks, laundry, STD calls, etc
Any extra expenses incurred due to delays arising from bad weather conditions or any unanticipated or uncontrollable conditions
Any medical expenses
Any other expenses of any nature not included in the INCLUSIONS section

The group size will be limited to a maximum of 24 people: 23 participants + 1 facilitator and a minimum of 6 people: 5 participants + 1 facilitator
Most of the sightseeing places in the Shekhawati region are privately managed. Although we keep track through local people, if anything is found closed or not well-maintained during our trip, then Transforming Travels won’t be held responsible.
Please note that Holi Celebrations might affect the sightseeing of the trip. We’ll still try our best to complete the itinerary in that case. Hence, we expect participants to extend their cooperation to the group leader on the same.
Please note that the hotel rooms may differ slightly from each other in terms of shape, size & view. If you are traveling with the group, please be mentally prepared.
Please note that if you are booking this trip, you need to be flexible with the type of bedding in the rooms. It could be a double bed or twin beds. We host couples and solo travelers both, in a single group, and we try our best to meet everyone’s requirements but availability becomes an issue in all hotels. Hope you understand the same. We won’t be able to entertain any twin/double bed-related issues during the trip.
This trip price is valid only for participants with any Indian Government issued Identity card else the cost of entrance tickets will differ for non-Indians.
The earlier you book, the better price you get.

Comfortable Walking Shoes
Light summer clothes for daytime
One light jacket or sweater for evening times
Sunscreen
Sunglasses/ Hat/ Headgear
Swimming Costume
Power Banks
Neck Pillow for road journey
A small day bag to keep essentials
Refillable Water Bottle
Munching items for bus journey
Any prescribed medication
Identity Proof
POSITIVE ENERGY & ENTHUSIASM!

60 days before the trip: 90% refund
60-41 days before the trip: 70% refund
40-31 days before the trip: 50% refund
30-21 days before the trip: 40% refund
20-16 days before the trip: 20% refund
Less than 15 days before the trip: No Refund

Note: In case you have requested the lenience to pay your trip participation fee in two parts, then please remember that the cancellation policy is applicable on the total fee that you are liable to pay for the trip and not on the token money you have paid.

Participants will be respectful to their fellow guests, organizers, and the hosts
Participants have to show a little degree of flexibility during the tour
It’s the duty of participants to assess whether they are physically fit or not for the tour before joining it
Please note that neither we assign any seats in the vehicle nor do we take any special requests for that. Be it a first seat, window seat, or the last seat, we expect participants to be flexible with their choice considering the fact that it’s a group tour. Although, we encourage participants to shuffle seats with each other during the journey to support each other.
Transforming Travels reserves the right to modify the place of stay or the itinerary without any prior notice.
Every participant should be wearing a mask at all public places. Also, expected to carry a backup mask in case you lose one.
Every participant should carry a personal sanitizer and keep sanitizing their hands at regular intervals.
The laws and customs of the areas we visit can be very different from those we are used to. Be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially if you are visiting religious areas. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs. If you fail to do so, we will have no liability to you for any cost, loss, or damage you suffer nor will we refund you the cost of any unused portion of your travel arrangements.
Please note that if a Government rule asks for a negative RT PCR test report for any places that are a part of our itinerary, then it’s your responsibility to get that test done & bring the report.

Important Information

Cost

Ex – Delhi (add 5% GST to the applicable tariff):

22000 INR per person to/from Delhi (regular tariff)

20500 INR per person if you book from the first five seats

After the first 5 seats,

21000 INR if you but book from 6-10 slot

21500 INR per person for two or more people traveling together

21500 INR per person if you are solo but have already traveled with us 🙂

Else, 22000 INR

Please note that 5% GST would be added to the final applicable cost.

To make a booking, please contact below:
WhatsApp/ Call: 9999749677
Email: chandni@transformingtravels.com

Inclusions

All transport to/from Delhi-NCR in an AC vehicle (final vehicle depends on group size)
Stay in a 4-star hotel on a twin-sharing and same-gender basis for solo travelers. Couples will be given private rooms, hence, inform us of the same during booking time.
Day 1: Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 4: Breakfast and Lunch
Cost of all entry tickets as per the itinerary
Expenses of guides during the trip
Holi colors
A 24/7 highly professional and friendly group leader throughout the tour

Exclusions

Travel from your home to our pick-up points in Delhi-NCR
Meals not listed in Inclusions
Any extras including any beverages, that you order with meals
Any expense on any items/services which are personal such as driver tips, medicines, toiletries, sun protection creams, snacks, laundry, STD calls, etc
Any extra expenses incurred due to delays arising from bad weather conditions or any unanticipated or uncontrollable conditions
Any medical expenses
Any other expenses of any nature not included in the INCLUSIONS section

Basic Info

The group size will be limited to a maximum of 24 people: 23 participants + 1 facilitator and a minimum of 6 people: 5 participants + 1 facilitator
Most of the sightseeing places in the Shekhawati region are privately managed. Although we keep track through local people, if anything is found closed or not well-maintained during our trip, then Transforming Travels won’t be held responsible.
Please note that Holi Celebrations might affect the sightseeing of the trip. We’ll still try our best to complete the itinerary in that case. Hence, we expect participants to extend their cooperation to the group leader on the same.
Please note that the hotel rooms may differ slightly from each other in terms of shape, size & view. If you are traveling with the group, please be mentally prepared.
Please note that if you are booking this trip, you need to be flexible with the type of bedding in the rooms. It could be a double bed or twin beds. We host couples and solo travelers both, in a single group, and we try our best to meet everyone’s requirements but availability becomes an issue in all hotels. Hope you understand the same. We won’t be able to entertain any twin/double bed-related issues during the trip.
This trip price is valid only for participants with any Indian Government issued Identity card else the cost of entrance tickets will differ for non-Indians.
The earlier you book, the better price you get.

Packing List

Comfortable Walking Shoes
Light summer clothes for daytime
One light jacket or sweater for evening times
Sunscreen
Sunglasses/ Hat/ Headgear
Swimming Costume
Power Banks
Neck Pillow for road journey
A small day bag to keep essentials
Refillable Water Bottle
Munching items for bus journey
Any prescribed medication
Identity Proof
POSITIVE ENERGY & ENTHUSIASM!

Cancellation Policy

60 days before the trip: 90% refund
60-41 days before the trip: 70% refund
40-31 days before the trip: 50% refund
30-21 days before the trip: 40% refund
20-16 days before the trip: 20% refund
Less than 15 days before the trip: No Refund

Terms and Conditions

Participants will be respectful to their fellow guests, organizers, and the hosts
Participants have to show a little degree of flexibility during the tour
It’s the duty of participants to assess whether they are physically fit or not for the tour before joining it
Please note that neither we assign any seats in the vehicle nor do we take any special requests for that. Be it a first seat, window seat, or the last seat, we expect participants to be flexible with their choice considering the fact that it’s a group tour. Although, we encourage participants to shuffle seats with each other during the journey to support each other.
Transforming Travels reserves the right to modify the place of stay or the itinerary without any prior notice.
Every participant should be wearing a mask at all public places. Also, expected to carry a backup mask in case you lose one.
Every participant should carry a personal sanitizer and keep sanitizing their hands at regular intervals.
The laws and customs of the areas we visit can be very different from those we are used to. Be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially if you are visiting religious areas. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs. If you fail to do so, we will have no liability to you for any cost, loss, or damage you suffer nor will we refund you the cost of any unused portion of your travel arrangements.
Please note that if a Government rule asks for a negative RT PCR test report for any places that are a part of our itinerary, then it’s your responsibility to get that test done & bring the report.

Booking/ Query

To book this trip, please Call/ WhatsApp/ Email using the below-mentioned details.

If you have any questions or concerns, then please feel free to contact us using the below-mentioned details. Alternatively, fill this form and our team will get back to you at their earliest.