Behind the wheel & Contributor

Stay - Sara Vilas Mandawa and Malji ka kamra in Churu
Route - Delhi - Jhajjar - Loharu - Chirawa - Jhunjanu - Mandawa
Total kms - around 250
Time - 6 hours with breaks

Mandawa and Churu are one of the nearest places to Delhi falling in the range of 250kms, but hardly frequented, as they lie off the tourist radar surprisingly. Ours was a group of 19 hardcore travellers in their 4x4 suvs so more than sightseeing the entire trip concentrated more on Dune Safari and Offroading.

Our first stop Mandawa (250 kms away from Delhi ) in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. The place is known for its forts and palaces. It's a beautiful, huge property with landscapegardens and cottage like rooms. Around 62 villas are there which were nearly full, their food is not worth mentioning just ok, the lunch we ordered was good but the quality of dinner and breakfast which was covered in our booking was so-so. Have a look at the place

The entry and our group








Entry to room


Evening do some dune safari


The evening we explore the sand dunes nearby , ask the locals who guide us to the small dunes where everyone try out their skills on their beast.

The locals are too friendly as they tell you stories about shootings and how the place was made Pakistan border more in various Bollywood movies. The sunset at the dunes is awesome, it would be a more wonderful to carry some munchies and just enjoy the sunset in peace.

Then visit the Prachin Pardarshi Shiv temple.




The next day morning after breakfast we leave for Churu. The restaurant is huge but was packed with guests, around 11 we start for our exploration through the interior villages to Churu.

The owner of Malji ka kamra Mr Arvind being a common friend made it a point to drive to Sara Vilas early morning to pick us up and take us through the desert rally tracks through the interior villages to his place. It was a awesome drive of 70kms on our 4x4 vehicles which took us nearly 3plus hours with lots of stops for snacks and photos. Some pics of the route...



Lunch was at malji ka kamra where we had a sumptuous menu spread which was followed by a heritage walk. Some pics of Malji ka kamra...





At Malji ka Kamra our room was 205 which was one of the most beautiful rooms with paintings of 1926 preserved in its originality, it oozed out a feeling of being in a haveli winding the clock nearly 80-100 years back. Though the room took us in to the depths of time, the facilities were well met with electric kettles, heaters, spacious separated bathrooms with dressing room, lots of mirrors and plug points, every need met to make your stay comfortable. Some pics






Our room








Heritage walk of Churu
Our heritage walk beagin at 5:30 where we took a walk tohrough the narrow lanes to the uninhabited havelis standing in splendour. We walk to the markets where we pick lac bangles, bandhni chunnis and some pieces of silver.



The havelis






Clock tower


bangle shopping


Back in room we have the local Rajasthani dance and songs with bonfire. The next day return back.

View of Malji ka kamra at night


Morning sand dune drive