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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 closeby has Jeen Mata
Temple and Harsh Nath Temple.
FORTS
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.
TEMPLES
Harsh Nath Temple (11 kms): An ancient 10th century temple
situated on the Harsh Nath hills is worth seeing.
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.’
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.
Hotel Natraj, near Railway Station, Sikar. There are circuit houses, PWD and Electricity Board bungalows. Accommodation is provided at economical rates.
The shopping markets include Station Road Market, Jatia Bazar and Fatehpuri Gate Bazar.
Museum: Sikar Museum, Sikar.
Hospital: Government Kalyan Hospital, Zanana Hospital, Sikar.
Banks and Money Changers: State Bank of India, Punjab National
Bank, Bank of Baroda.
Theatres: Samrat Cinema, Meenaxi Cinema.
Jaipur- 170 km
Nawalgarh- 25 km
Jhunjhunu- 69 km
| Climate | Mean Max | Mean Min |
| Summer | 40.5°C | 26.8°C |
| Winter | 35.6°C | 10.0°C |
| Clothing | ||
| Summer | Light Tropical | |
| Winter | Light Woolle | |