Churu
A haven for architecture and history buffs, Churu is a quaint town that served as an important trade hub of spices and textiles in the 18th-century. Today, its quiet narrow lanes are endlessly lined with haveli’s (sprawling mansions), each more majestic than the other. Some of the most stunning sights include the 19th-century Surana Double Haveli (or Hawa Mahal), which stands out with its whopping 1,111 windows; the 20th-century Banthia haveli that has some of the largest frescoes; and Malji Ka Kamra from 1865, which has now converted into a heritage hotel and boasts a blend of Italian and French architectural styles. Another important point of interest is the Sethani ka Johra, which is a reservoir, built in the 1870s as a part of the draught relief project. There are little chhatris (cenotaphs) around the Johra that are adorned with paintings depicting the everyday life in the past.

Malji Ki Haveli | © Poojagarwal1997 / Wikimedia Commons