Mandawa is situated on the Silk Road in India, which crossed the whole of Rajasthan to connect the Middle East with China. This turned this desert region into a prosperous area, where rich traders created small towns as a base for their operations. Mandawa is the essence of rural India and is a beautiful place to visit to discover the infinite splendour of the Havelis and palatial mansions decorated with frescos and which are home to families who live there for a monthly rent of 15 rupees.