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Sikar
 Founded in the late 17th century, Sikar was the biggest 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 fine 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 completely exemplary. Area closeby has Jeen Mata Temple and Harsh Nath Temple.
Sikar was well-known in the 17th century
and had the difference of being the richest feudal state under Jaipur
Rajasthan. Sikar was designed on the same lines as Jaipur,
complete with superior buildings, beautiful havelis, temples and an
impressive fort. Nowadays, Sikar is one of the most visit places for
anyone touring the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. The
colorful market, the clock tower and a number of painted havelis add up
as the most important attractions of Sikar of Rajasthan.
The Sagarmal Sodhani Havelis, Madho Niwas
Kothi, the Jubilee Hall and the Fort are must visit
sites for any traveler exploring Sikar. In the meantime, the temples of
Gopinath, Raghunath and Madan Mohan house
beautiful frescoes. The Jeen Mata Temple and
Harsh Nath Temple also be a focus for many tourists
and pilgrims.
The town was modeled to look like the city plan of Jaipur. The walled
city has superior buildings, a huge fort and an array of fine havelis
and temples ornate with beautiful frescoes. Sikar 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
decorated Biyani havelis.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Forts
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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
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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.
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Khatu Shyamji
The village is famous for the Shri Shyamji Temple,built in white marble.
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Sakambhari
Famous for its 7th century temple dedicated to Sankari Mata, the town is surrounded by hills on three sides.
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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
Temples
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 Harsh Nath Temple (11 kms)
An ancient 10th century temple situated on the Harsh Nath hills is worth seeing.
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Jeen Mata Temple (29 kms)
Believed to have been built a thousand years ago, the temple is the venue of a colourful 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.
vRoad: The town of Sikar is connected by road with Jaipur, Delhi and Bikaner.
Local Transport: Jeeps, unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and tongas.
PLACES TO STAY
Hotel Natraj, near Railway Station, Sikar. There are circuit houses, PWD and Electricity Board bungalows. Accommodation is provided at economical rates.
SHOPPING
The shopping markets include Station Road Market, Jatia Bazar and Fatehpuri Gate Bazar.
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