Shekhawati, in north Rajasthan situated entirely in the triangle between Delhi-Bikaner-Jaipur is a region and not just a town or fort. Shekhawati means the garden of Shekha and takes its name after its ruler Rao Shekha. The towns of Shekhawati are eminent for their amazing painted havelis. Such is the appeal of the havelis that this region is dubbed as "open art gallery of Rajasthan". The plethora of painted Havelis, mostly built from the 18th to early 20th centuries, are rich in artistic tradition and it is fascinating tracking them – virtually a treasure hunt. In an otherwise flat and barren landscape the havelis are noted for their frescos depicting mythological themes, huge animals, the arrival of the British and steam locomotives and trains, doubtlessly for the benefit of those members of the household who did not travel to distance places by train or see this newly introduced mode of transport.
