sikar
Location: 170 km From Jaipur, Rajasthan
Attractions: The Market, Clock Tower, and Somani Havelis.
Founded In: 17th Century
Best Season: October to March.
THE RICHEST FEUDATORY: Founded in the late 17th century, Sikar was the largest and the richest ‘thikana’ (Feudal State) under Jaipur. The town was modelled to resemble the city plan of Jaipur. The walled city has lofty buildings, a massive fort and an array of splendid havelis and temples ornate with beautiful frescoes. It is now one of the two districts of Shekhawati, the other being Jhunjhunu. Worth a visit are Sikar's large market, the clock tower and the painted Biyani havelis.
There is one haveli painted only in blue, suggestive of the typical Chinese blue-and-white porcelain. Other attractions include Sagarmal Sodhani Haveli, Madho Niwas-Kothi. Jubilee Hall & Fort are worth visiting. The fort and temples of Gopinath, Raghunath and Madan Mohan with commendable frescoes are absolutely exemplary. Area closely has Jeen Mata Temple and Harsh Nath Temple.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

Lachhmangarh: One of the most imposing forts in the Shekhawati region, Lachhmangarh commands a bird’s eye view of the town modeled to resemble the city plan of Jaipur. Founded in the early 19th century by Raja Lachhman Singh of Sikar, the town has some lovely havelis.    

 TEMPLES

Rambagh: Founded in the late 18th century by the Poddars, the Shani Temple has delicately painted frescoes. Marvellous cenotaphs of the Poddars have exquisitely painted ceilings. The Ganga Temple and some beautiful havelis add interest to the town.

Khatu Shyamji: The village is famous for the Shri Shyamji Temple,built in white marble.

Sakambhari: Famous for its 7th century temple dedicated to Sankari Mata, the town is surrounded by hills on three sides. An ideal picnic spot.

CITIES

Fatehpur: Founded in mid-15th century by Fateh Khan - a Kayamkhani Nawab, the town is noted for unmatched frescoes. Its central location attracted many wealthy merchants and has some exquisite havelis, which are a combination of the Indian and the western styles. Of particular note among these are the Chamariya and Singhania havelis.

EXCURSIONS

Harsh Nath Temple (11 kms): An ancient 10th century temple situated on the Harsh Nath hills are worth seeing.

Jeen Mata Temple (29 kms): Believed to have been built a thousand years ago, the temple is the venue of a colorful fair held twice in a year during ‘Navaratras.’ 

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: Sikar can be approached by road from Delhi, Jaipur or Bikaner, all of which are connected by air.

Rail: The Shekhawati Express runs daily between Delhi, and Jaipur stopping at Jhunjhunu, Mukundgarh and Sikar.

Road: The town of Sikar is connected by road with Jaipur, Delhi and Bikaner.

Local Transport: Jeeps, unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and tongas.

NEARBY CITIES
Jaipur:170 km
Nawalgarh:25 km
Jhunjhunu:69 km