HISTORY
Jhunjhunu is a very old and historical district, which was founded by Jat chiefs and was later ruled by Chauhans. Mohammed Khan defeated Chauhans and conquered Jhunjhunu. It was taken back by the great Jhunjhar singh nehra and Shardul Singh Ji Shekhawat (descendant of Maharao Shekhaji) in 1730
TOURIST PLACES
Nawalgarh
Located midway between Jhunjhunu and Sikar, Nawalgarh is well-known for its stunning havelis. It is also a favoured spot for film makers and many Indian and International movies have been shot here. A famous attraction here is the Nawalgarh Fort, which was built by Thakur Nawal Singh. The Roop Niwas Palace, located one km from Nawalgarh fort is a charming palace with beautiful gardens and fountains. It is now a heritage hotel.
Churi Ajitgarh
This town is known for the several erotic frescoes painted behind doors, on the bedrooms ceilings and on the walls. Considering the social constructions of that time, these appear to have been the result of a very private and special efforts. Some examples of fine fresco work are evident in the Shiv Narain Nemani Haveli, Shiv Narain Nemani Baithak, Kothi Shiv Datt, Rai Jagan Lal Tibrewal Haveli and Ram Pratap Nemani Haveli.
Mukundgarh
Founded in the mid 18th century by Raja Mukund Singh, this is a small town, only 14 km from Mandawa and 2 km from Dundlod in the Shekhawati region. Built around a temple square, Mukundgarh has a good handicraft market. Besides textiles, the brassware and iron scissors made here are of good quality. The Kanoria and Ganeriwala Havelis carry fine examples o fresco paintings. The Mukundgarh has been converted into a heritage hotel and in its conversion into heritage property, Cross Country Hotels has retained the atmosphere this 250 years old fort with its charming, painted interiors that include the typical Shekhawati frescoes.
Dundlod
Dundlod, a town in Jhunjhunu is famous for its fort and havelis. This fort was built in 1750 by Keshari Singh, son of Rajput ruler, Sardul Singh. Dundlod is easily accessible by road from Delhi, Jaipur, and Bikaner. The Dundlod fort is a blend of the Rajput and Mughal art and architecture. The Chhatri (cenotaph) of Ram Dutt Goenka, located near the fort is also a popular tourist attraction. Built in 1888, the dome of the cenotaph is decorated with floral motifs with banners extending from the centre. The Marwari breed of horses, that are now finding their own identity across the world, are bred in Dundlod.
Lohargal
Lohargal is located 70 km from Jhunjhunu district of Shekhawati area, at a distance of about 10 km from Udaipurwati town situated in the valley of Aadaval mountain. Lohargal means the place where iron melts. This place is also mentioned in the Puranas. Situated in Nawalgarh tehsil, this shrine 'Lohargal ji' is called Luhagarji in the local Apabhransh language. There is also a belief that due to the miracle of Lord Vishnu, in ancient times a water stream emerged from the mountains, whose water flows continuously and goes to the Suryakund. People have unwavering faith in this ancient, religious, historical place.
Mandawa
Mandawa once functioned as a trading outpost for ancient caravan routes in Shekhawati for goods from China and the Middle East. Thakur Nawal Singh, then ruler of Nawalgarh and Mandawa built a fort in to protect this outpost. Over time, a township grew around the fort and soon attracted a large community of traders, who then settled down at Mandawa. The Mandawa fort, with its painted arched gateway is adorned with Lord Krishna and his cows. Built in accordance with a medieval theme, beautiful frescoes, exquisite carvings and mirror work add to its beauty. Situated in the middle of the town, the Mandawa Fort has now been converted into a heritage hotel. Mandawa is also famous for its beautiful havelis.
Alsisar
Alsisar, a small town in Jhunjhunu is surrounded by arid dessert. Alsisar was awarded to Thakur Samarth Singh by his father, Thakur Pahad Singh of Heerwa, who made it his capital in 1783 AD. The famous Alsisar Mahal, a fine example of Rajput architecture with its fresco carvings and depiction of historical events on its walls, was built by Shekhawat Thikanedars. Alsisar is renowned for its Rajasthani hospitality, and tourists flock here to get a taste of that along with its famous castles, havelis and cenotaphs. Make sure you pay a visit to the Kejriwal Haveli, Laxmi Narayan temple, Thakur Chaatu Singh’s cenotaph, Ram Jas Jhunjhunwala Ki Haveli among others.
Mahansar
Sone Chandi Ki Sal One of the most Exquisite havelis known as the Sone Chandi Ki Sal dates back to 1846. Floral motifs, trees and birds are beautifully painted with intricacy of meenakari work. Gilded frescoes on the walls and roofs of the haveli chambers are a mesmerizing sight. This 18th century town has some fine havelis such as the Sona-Chandi-Ki-Sal and business shops built by the Poddars. The Meenakari work, the figures of birds and floral and tree motifs, as well as the gilded walls and ceilings leave the spectator amazed. Raghu Nath Temple is another interesting place to visit.
Bissau
Bissau, a village in Jhunjhunu, was originally called Vishala Jat Ki Dhani. It was awarded to Thakur Keshri Singh by his Father MahaRao Shardul Singh Ji. Keshari Singh constructed a war fort and a defensive boundary wall for defence. He named it Bissau in 1746 AD. The rulers of Bissau belong to the Bhojraj clan of Shekhawats, and were the descendants of the famous ruler Maharao Shekha.
Khetri
Founded in the 18th century, Khetri was the second wealthiest Thikana under Jaipur and is known for the painting adorning the Raghunath Temple and the Bhopalgarh Fort. Sites not be missed are the Panna Lal Shah ka Talab (water tank), Rama Krishna Mission, Sukh Mahal and Hari Singh Temple.
Ajit Sagar, Rameshwar Das Baba ka Ashram at Bassi and Baghore Fort constitute the excursions one can take from here.
Ajit-Vivek Museum, Khetri :
A Museum, now known as Ajit-Vivek Museum, related to Raja Ajit Singh and Swami Vivekananda was established in the Restored Historic Diwankhana Mahal of Khetri in District Jhunjhunu.
Birla Museum of Scie. & Technology
Pilani: At Pilani, in the campus of Vidaya Vihar is located the Birla Museum of Science and Technology. The museum contains the latest science equipments, models of material science and illustrative diorama, working models, charts & Photographs explaining the principles of the science. It also throws light on the various aspects of engineering science. Sharda Peeth marble temple dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of learning also worth a visit.
Rani Sati Mandir
Rani Sati Mandir is a well-known temple situated in Jhunjhunu district in the Rajasthan. This temple has a history of more than 400 years and is an indication to feminine bravery and spirit. It is also famous for its magnificence, and extraordinary paintings. It is also part of one of the oldest presented Indian pilgrimages.