In the local dialect, "Apani Dhani" means "Our Hamlet", an affectionate name given to the place by Ramesh C. Jangid, founder of the ecolodge and a pioneer of a form of militant tourism in India, especially in Rajasthan and his own native region of Nawalgarh.  

Get off the beaten track in India with a stay at Apani Dhani Ecolodge

For a lot of travelers in India, New Delhi is the capital of everything that they need to get away from as quickly as possible. Nevertheless, the town has some wonderful secrets that I would like to share with you.

New Delhi's hidden corners

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Bikaner

Jodhpur

Udaipur

Mandawa, the main city in Shekhawati, a region located in the northeast of Rajasthan, is famous for its havelis (private mansions) and its fort.

Asia

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Mandāwa

Europe

Central America

Africa

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It was hotter on my trip to Mandawa than at any other time during my stay in Rajasthan. I was overwhelmed by the heat and by a local guide who, though he was entirely well meaning, wanted to share every little detail of the history of the havelis with me at a time when I wasn't really in a fit state to think. However, these magnificent residences, typical for the region, are what has made Mandawa famous, and their finely crafted balconies and the colorful frescos decorating their facades deserve to be admired at length. It is because of the latter that the city is referred to as an "open art gallery". For those who like to get off the beaten track, I would recommend not thinking twice about going for a walk in the surrounding countryside or venturing into the area's little villages: the people who live in them are inquisitive and very nice, being little accustomed to encountering tourists. An out-of-the-ordinary experience guaranteed!

Mandāwa Holidays

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Mandāwa: See when to go?

Mandāwa: For how long?

Mandāwa: What to see nearby?

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