The region known as the 'open-air art gallery' of Rajasthan, Is spread over Jhunjhunun, Sikar and Chum districts of the state. The region is unique as no-where else in the world there is such a profusion of exquisite wall paintings, executed with utmost care and perfection, in hundreds of havelis, temples, cenotaphs, wells and forts. It seems as if the people have tried to fill their buildings with colours which are missing in their environs. Until 1820's, most of the frescoes were financed by Rajputs, depicting themes from religion, folk heroes, historical events etc. By late 19th century the Marwan business community, which had acquired lots of fame and wealth throughout the country became the chief patrons of this art, and decorated their havelis with intricate frescoes in a desire to show their enhanced wealth. Soon it became customary to have a painted haveli. The Shekhawati fresco painters were called chiteras who belonged to the caste of kumhars or potters.

Initially only vegetable pigments were used for colour. They were mixed in lime water and subsequently beaten into plaster. They remained un-faded for almost as long as the building lasted. Later, synthetic dyes facilitated intricate work, as they were used on dry plaster.

Sikar

Formerly the largest thikana (feudatory state) under the Jaipur State. It has lofty buildings and a peripheral city wall. The important attractions are the large market, Clock Tower, Biyani Haveli, Sagarmal Sodhani Haveli, Madho Niwas Kothi, Jubilee Hall & Fort.

The Jain temple & the temples of Gopinath, Raghunath & Madan Mohan are worth visiting. For nearby excursions are jeen Mata Temple, Nath Temple, an ancient site of the ruins of old Shiva temple & Khatu Shyamji etc.

Ganeshwar, an archaeological site revealed the remains of a 4,000 years old civilisation.

Jhunjhunun

The capital of Shekhawati, a stronghold of the kayamkhani Nawabs till 1730, when Shardul Singh established Hindu rule which lasted till the Indian indepence. The artistically painted havelis of Tibriwal, Mahau Das Modi, & the Khaitans are spell bindin. The Khatri Mahal ( Wind Palace ) is known for it's purity, the Biharji Temple is decorated with ornate frecoes. Other important places are Badalgarh, Jorawargarh, Mertani Baori, Qamruddin Shah ki Dargah, etc.

Mandawa, the 18th century town predominated by the fort & rugged hills, notable for the Chokhani, Ladia & Saraf havelis.

Nawalgarh, besides being the home of country's leading business tycoons & their havelis with finest frecoes in the entire region, it has two forts & a palace hotel. Temples with interesting architecture & frecoes are also worth visiting.

Dundlod, this small charming town has a fort, palace & the Goenkhavelis which have soe fine frescoes.

Mukundgarh, is well known for itsbrass & iron scissors. The town is built around a temple square, Kanoria & Ganeriwala havelis are worth visiting.

Baggar, founded in mid 15 th century by Nagar Pathans, is today known as the home of the Rungtas & Seth Piramal.

Chirwa, known for its huge havelis. Worth visiting are Rai Bahadur Surya Mal Tulsian haveli, Nemani Haveli, Mangal Chand Dalmia haveli, Tara Chand Keshar Dev Dalmia haveli etc.

Khetri, famous for the magnificant frescoes in raghunath temple. The Bhopalgarh fort is worth a visit. Other Interesting towns are Surajgarh & Kajra, Alsisar & Malsisar, Bissau & Mehansar.

Churu

famous for havelis of Kothari & Kanhaiya Lal Bagla with marvellous life-size paintings of Dhola Maru, Sassi Punu etc. The Surana haveli has more than eleven hundred doors & windows.

Salasar Balaji, is known for the sacred temple of Lord Hanuman.

Pilani, known as the home of the Biras. The BITS campus is worth a visit. ratangarh, Sardarshahar, Dudhwa khara are other important places.

Tal Chhapar, this wildlife sanctuary is the natural habitat for the endangered blackbuck. Some migratory birds also visit this place.