JAIPUR IN A DAY

Well, if you have decided to just stop by for a day and cover this city, ALL THE BEST! There is a lot to do in Jaipur, so doing it all in a day is absolutely impossible. If you plan on spending just a single Day, make sure its NOT a SUNDAY. Most markets and some Monuments are CLOSED on SUNDAY. Here is a Suggested Itinerary that is not too tiring yet gives you a bit of a sense of this city of myriad heritage!

SUGGESTED ITINERARY:

IF YOU JUST A DAY AND REACH EARLY MORNING 8:00 A.M.

Check into the hotel, have something light to eat and start off for your exploration session by 9:30/10:00 a.m.

Start at the Amber Fort. Here you can enjoy an Elephant ride. Leave your transport at the lower parking and take an elephant up to The Amber Fort. The ride will cost you approx INR 1000 for one Elephant (2 persons can fit in one Elephant) and those are the one way charges i.e. just to go up, to come back you will have to shell out the same amount. Amber Fort was built by Maharaja Man Singh in the 17th century. 

THE AMBER FORT

From Amber leave for The Jaigarh Fort- The fort, rugged and similar in structural design to the Amber Fort, is also known as Victory Fort and houses the largest canon on Wheels in the world- Jaibaan. You can finish these 2 Forts in approx 3 hours.

Post this drive to the Jal Mahal- "Water Palace" is a palace located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake. The palace and the lake around it were renovated and enlarged in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber. For more on Jal Mahal, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jal_Mahal

JAL MAHAL PALACE AT NIGHT

Fourth Stop: The City palace of jaipur & the S.M.S.II Museum. The City palace is an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani & Mughal Architecture. The vast palace complex occupies one seventh of the walled city of Jaipur. While in the City Palace, you can see the textile and costume museum, arms and armour museum, art gallery and hall of public and private audience. The City Palace and S.M.S II Museum. Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. * CLOSED ON SUNDAYS. Apart from the entry Fee, these are some more charges you have to keep in mind for going into The City Palce- Parking 50 Rs., Still Cam/mobile cam-50 Rs, Movie cam-100 Rs, handy cam 200 Rs. * Subject to change. Earlier it used be closed only on holi and diwali but once or twice I know of guests who faced the issue on sunday.

THE CITY PALACE

By the time you finish seeing City Palace it will be time for lunch. So I recommend you go to johri bazaar by a bicycle rickshaw or Auto rickshaw. On way you will see the HAWA MAHAL’s facade. HAWA MAHAL- Palace of Winds, has become the Symbol of Jaipur and is an architectural marvel. For more on Hawa Mahal read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawa_Mahal Click your shots and then proceed for a traditional Rajasthani Lunch at LMB restaurant. Its nothing fancy and is a vegetarian restaurant but serves some nice rajasthani dishes. Yes its not fancy but price wise it is not cheap. Try the world famous Ghewar when at LMB- mind you its extremely sweet and made with a lot of clarified butter. Diabetics, watch out!!!

HAWA MAHAL

By the time you have had your lunch its already evening. If you are exhausted, post lunch take a nap and then by evening have dinner at one of the many options recommended a few paragraphs down the article. 

If you still have the enthusiasm and energy left then straight after lunch, leave for some retail therapy. Go to Bapu Bazar, very close to Johri Bazaar for knick-knacks, souvenirs, mojaries (the typical rajasthni footwear), quilts, bangles, cotton kurtis, cheap jewellery, puppets, handicraft items etc etc. Make sure you bargain to get the best deal!

The shops here are open till about 8:30p.m/ 9:00p.m. You can also find henna artistes sitting by the road and can get a tattoo done on one hand for approximately 100 Rupees.

If you want more shopping go to Saraogi Mansion at the entry of Bapu Bazar and you have the big Saree Emporiums- Nikhaar fashions, Pratapsons, Utsav and my favourite Parineeta. You can also find the Bnaraswala store here for exclusive hand weaves of bananras/ Varanasi. At the basement of Saraogi Mansion are many stores selling beautiful footwear, handbags, bangles and cosmetics.

Post Shopping go back to the hotel, relax for a bit and then in the evening, say by 8:00p.m. leave for dinner. You can explore one of the many restaurants of M.I. Road for Dinner. Some of M.I. Road restaurants: 

Moti Mahal Deluxe- non veg Indian cuisine,

Dasaprakasa- Vegetarian- Specialty South Indian restaurant,

Niros- Non veg- Indian & continental cuisine,

Surya Mahal- Vegetarian- Indian cuisine

Natraj-Vegetarian- Indian cuisine,

Handi non veg- Rjasthani & North Indian cuisine

We also have KFC & McDonalds at M.I. road. For fine dining, go to the end of M.I. road towards Khasa Kothi circle- to the Country Inn & Suites- and try one of the 4 restaurants there- Chinese: dragon House/ Indian: Indian Spice/ Multicuisine: coffee shop or The Lebanese: Kasbah Lounge.

WELL THAT’S PRETTY MUCH WHAT YOU CAN DO AT THE MOST IN A DAY IN JAIPUR.

EXPLORING JAIPUR IN 3 DAYS

Jaipur- The capital of Rajasthan, is popularly known as the ‘pink city’, it was founded in the year 1727.

Day 1 – Detailed Itinerary

Assuming you are coming from Delhi to Jaipur:

Early morning from the New Delhi railway station take the Shatabdi Express train to Jaipur – air conditioned chair class. Arrive Jaipur and check into your hotel.

Enjoy a sightseeing tour in the afternoon covering the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar mantar and the Museum.

Start at the Walled city as known as old city or “Shehar” in hindi (pronounced as ‘shay-her’). First visit the HAWA MAHAL- Palace of Winds, which remains only a façade today. For more on Hawa Mahal read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawa_Mahal

Second Stop, The Jantar Mantar (Observatory). Jantar Mantar was built between 1728 and 1734. Each of the instruments that you see here serves a particular function and each gives an accurate reading. For more on Jantar mantar read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jantar_Mantar_%28Jaipur%29

Third Stop: The City palace of jaipur & the S.M.S.II Museum. The City palace is an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani & Mughal Architecture. The vast palace complex occupies one seventh of the walled city of jaipur. While in the City Palace, you can see the textile and costume museum, arms and armour museum, art gallery and hall of public and private audience. The City Palace and S.M.S II Museum. Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CLOSED ON SUNDAYS.

THE CITY PALACE

Following this you can go to johri bazaar by a bicycle rickshaw or Auto rickshaw and have a traditional Rajasthani Lunch at LMB restaurant. Its nothing fancy and is a vegetarian restaurant but serves some nice rajasthani dishes. Try the world famous Ghewar when at LMB- mind you its extremely sweet and made with a lot of clarified butter. Diabetics, watch out!!! If you are not interested in a vegetarian Rajasthani meal then go to The PALACE CAFE at the City palace of Jaipur. This is a multi cuisine restaurant and you will get burgers and fries to pastas as well.

Post lunch take a nap and then early evening (5:00 p.m.) leave for some retail therapy. Go to Bapu Bazar for knick-knacks, souvenirs, mojaries (the typical rajasthni footwear), quilts, bangles, cotton kurtis, cheap jewellery, puppets, handicraft items etc etc. Make sure you bargain to get the best deal!

The shops here are open till about 8:30p.m/ 9:00p.m. You can also find henna artistes sitting by the road and can get a tattoo done on one hand for approximately 100 Rupees.

If you want more shopping go to Saraogi Mansion at the entry of Bapu Bazar and you have the big Saree Emporiums- Nikhaar fashions, Pratapsons, Utsav and my favourite Parineeta. You can also find the Bnaraswala store here for exclusive hand weaves of bananras/ Varanasi. At the basement of Saraogi Mansion are many stores selling beautiful footwear, handbags, bangles and cosmetics.

Post Shopping, you can explore one of the many restaurants of M.I. Road for Dinner. Some of M.I. Road restaurants:

Moti Mahal Deluxe- non veg Indian cuisine,

Dasaprakasa- Vegetarian- Specialty South Indian restaurant,

Niros- Non veg- Indian & continental cuisine,

Surya Mahal- Vegetarian- Indian cuisine

Natraj-Vegetarian- Indian cuisine,

Handi non veg- Rjasthani & North Indian cuisine

We also have KFC & McDonalds at M.I. road. For fine dining, go to the end of M.I. road towards Khasa Kothi circle- to the Country Inn & Suites- and try one of the 4 restaurants there- Chinese: dragon House/ Indian: Indian Spice/ Multicuisine: coffee shop or The Lebanese: Kasbah Lounge.

Day 2 - Detailed Itinerary

Start early. After breakfast head out first, to the Amber Fort. Here you can enjoy an elephant ride. You can leave your transport at the lower parking and take an elephant up to The Amber Fort. Amber Fort was built by Maharaja Man Singh, embodies the Rajput belief that the fort symbolizes the strength of the King in the 17th century. From Amber leave for The Jaigarh Fort- The fort, rugged and similar in structural design to the Amber Fort, is also known as Victory Fort and houses the largest canon on Wheels in the world- Jaibaan. Very close to The Jaigarh Fort is The Nahargarh Fort- was built mainly in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it is partially in ruins. If you want to do one more fort, then you can go and spend some time here.

THE JAIBAAN

THE JAIGARH FORT

 After this drive to the Jal Mahal- "Water Palace" is a palace located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake. The palace and the lake around it were renovated and enlarged in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber. For more on Jal Mahal, visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jal_Mahal

JAL MAHAL PALACE

From Jal Mahal proceed to The Albert hall- The Central Museum-Jaipur- open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm. Post Albert Hall proceed to the famous LASSIWALA at M.I. Road have some Lassi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lassi) and then further for Lunch, choose from one of the many restaurants at M.I. road. 

ALBERT HALL

Well that has been a long day so after lunch retire to the hotel for a nap!

For the evening if you are a bit adventurous and off the beaten path kinds, a visit to Chokhi Dhani. Chokhi Dhani is modelled on a typical village fair of Rajasthan. For all the foreign tourists who expect a village in rajasthan to be like one in Europe- please do not go there!! It is more of a cultural experience, great for those who have an open mind.

THE CLASSIC RURAL TAMASHA @ CHOKHI DHANI

ELEPHANT RIDE @ CHOKHI DHANI

KNICK KNACKS @ CHOKHI DHANI

PUPPET SHOW @ CHOKHI DHANI

TYPICAL VILLAGE FOOD of RAJASTHAN @ CHOKHI DHANI

For those who do not want to go to chokhi Dhani, go for dinner at one of the many restaurants in Jaipur. The Taj Rambagh Palace is strongly recommended. Expensive but totally worth it! A 2 course meal with one drink/cocktail each will approximately cost Rupees 5000.

Day 3 - Detailed Itinerary

Post breakfast leave for SANGANER, just 16 Kms from Jaipur, Sanganer is a centre of hand blockprinted textile and handmade paper. You will enter Sanganer through the ruins of two Tripolia. The town is an important centre for handicraft industry and produces some of the finest hand printed textiles from numerous units of block and screen printers. Touring the Sanganer can be a great experience.

Or a DAY TRIP to ABHANERI VILLAGE. Abhaneri lies 95 kms from Jaipur, On Jaipur-Agra Road and is a 1.5 hr drive. The place is popular for the gorgeous 'Baoris' (step wells) and Harshat Mata Temple. The village was established by the King Raja Chand. Originally Abhaneri was named as Abha Nagri, which means the city of brightness, but due to mispronunciation of the term, it is changed to the present name.

ABHANERI BAORI

After SANGANER/ ABHANERI visit the Birla Mandir also known as the Laxmi Narayan temple- beautiful and hand carved. If too tired, go to the hotel for a nap!

On your last evening in Jaipur, I recommend, you to go to the Light & Sound show at Amber. The show is an attempt to revive the pride of Amber, bring forth the traditions that moulded the lives of its people, the pomp and show that once existed in its fullest form. It brings forth The spirit of Amber. This musical extravaganza has highlighted the local legends, folklore, and a connoisseur of folk music that continues to give Rajasthan its unique identity. The show has been set in a very exotic location with the panoramic view of the Amber Fort & Palace Complex in the front, the rising Jaigarh on the left, the hills at the back and the gallery itself in the Kesar Kiyari Complex of Maota lake. The Show runs on daily basis at 6:30 pm (Hindi Language ) and  in English at 07:30 pm  This show is for 50 minutes. And approx Tariff for the Indian National is Rs.100  and  Foreign natioanls  Rs.200.

LIGHT & SOUND SHOW AMBER FORT

Post The Light and Sound show you can have dinner at 1135 A.D., Expensive fine dining restaurant OR one my favourite restaurant- The Spice Court- Civil Lines, Veg & Non Veg Indian & Rajasthani Cuisine. For more details on of Spice court go to: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g304555-d1091582-r114380767-Spice_court-Jaipur_Rajasthan.html#REVIEWS

Another Great option for wonderful Rajasthani Food at a dhaba ambiance  (very non pretentious) is HANDI, Maya Mansion- M.I. road. For more about Handi, visit- 

http://www.tripadvisor.in/ShowUserReviews-g304555-d952616-r114296547-Handi-Jaipur_Rajasthan.html

MEMENTOES/ SOUVENIRS FROM JAIPUR

This is an article for all those wanting to carry a little memory or piece of Rajasthan/ Jaipur back home. Rajasthan offers you many choices within your budgets to choose a souvenir that you/ your friends/ your family will love and cherish forever. Hope you enjoy reading it and find it useful in making your choices. Happy Reading!!

Before I go on to mentioning a few options, it is necessary to understand Rajasthani Art.

Rajasthan perhaps more than any other state in India, is a shopper's paradise. Centuries old skills in the traditional crafts continue to produce some of the most exciting wares on stone, clay, leather, wood, lac, glass, brass, silver, gold and textiles, Art flourished in this region as far back as 2nd-1st centuries BC. History of Rajasthan reveals that the Kings and their nobles were patrons of art and craft and encouraged their artisans/ craftsmen in promoting their creativity.

Rajasthani art consists of various forms of paintings, jewellery, textile & prints (Bandhani, Block Printing, Embroidery, Appliqué), antiques, pottery, rugs/ carpets, wood carving, gesso work, leatherwear, metal craft, puppets and stone carving to name a few. 

YOU CAN CHOOSE ANY OF THE ABOVE FORMS FOR A GREAT SOUVENIR.

RAJASTHAN PAINTINGS:

Rajsathan has many schools old painting having Their own districts styles, well known among them being Marwar, Mewar, Hadoti Kishangarh, Dhundhur and Alwar.

The Miniature Paintings of Rajasthan had flourished under princely patronage are still reproduced by descendants of the original craftsmen as they continue to produce miniature masterpieces, retaining their classic elegance. These are often made on hand made paper and mythological characters from Ramayana, Krishna Lila, Ragamala, and Geetgovinda are commonly used. Miniature paintings, portrait and courtly paintings, murals, cloth and furniture painting, mehndi or henna, domestic painting and mandana or the art of decorating houses are some of the famous forms of Rajasthani paintings.

RAJASTHAN JEWELLERY:

Bangles are a special attraction of Rajasthan. Lac bangles are believed to be worn as a sign of good omen and are available in many colours & designs. Glass bangles, made in great variety in Jaipur & Jodhpur, are perennially in demand and are available everywhere.

Kundan and enamel jewellery has been a specialty of Rajasthan, particularly that of Jaipur. Kundan is the art of setting precious stones in gold. The stones are embossed into decorative shapes & patterns and embellished with delicate enamel ornamentation in the champeve ( raised field ) technique. The designs are mostly exquisitely entwined flowers and birds and sometimes human and animal figures.

The thewa work of Pratapgarh is highly exquisite and popular, in this technique, designs are enamelled in gold on a glass base. The base used is generally green or red in colour.

Rajasthan is one of the largest centres in the world for the hand-cutting of gems. It is not unusual to find shops piled with onyx, cat`s eye, lapiz lazuli, carnelian, garnets, amethysts and topaz. Even precious stones like rubies, emeralds and diamonds are easily available. Semi-precious and precious stones at Jaipur are also carved into figurines and statues.

RAJASTHAN TEXTILES:

Heart-warming textiles, dyed in the bandhani or tie & dye style reign supreme in Rajasthan.Different methods are used to tie the fabric into small points producing different patterns like Lahariya, Mothda, Ekdali and Shskari. The best bandhani work comes from iikar and Jodhpur, while Jaipur, Pali, Udaipur and Nathdwara are the other centers.

The women of Rajasthan have high skills in embroidering fabrics. Embroidery practiced in Bikaner is done by counting threads. The women of sikar and Jhunihunu specilize in making patterns of animals. Chain stitch is popular in A!war. Dancing figures, Flowers and peacocks are the favourite motifs. Women of Barmer use mirrors. Another famous art in textiles is that of appliqué. In appliqué, different pieces of cloth are patched together to make a multi coloured mosiac.. The exotic colours, shapes and pattern combinations against contrasting backgrounds is a specialty of rajasthani appliqué.

From home furnishing to high fashion cloth items- Rajasthan textiles (Prints and embroidered pieces) have a lot of gifting options to offer.

RAJASTHAN ANTIQUES:

Antiques can be found in small shops in places all over Rajasthan, as well as in large handicraft stores, and are part of the landscape of the state.

RAJASTHAN POTTERY:

Blue Glazed Pottery famous in Jaipur was introduced to India by the Muslims and popularized by Maharaja Ram Singh of Jaipur. The pottery is made of ground quartz stone, fuller’s earth and sodium sulphate instead of the simple clay. Blue and white are the traditional colours used, more recently, yellow, pink and green are also being used. Most pieces are hand-painted with conventional floral patterns, figures of animals and scenes from the lives of the royal families. Terra-cotta pottery Molela, a village to the north of Udaipur specialises in making these images. Alwar produces paper thin pottery, Bikaner is famous for painted pottery, tinted with lac colours, while white and red clay articles with geometric designs come from Pokharan.

RAJASTHAN RUGS/DHURRIES AND CARPETS:

Available in a variety of sizes, the dhurrie is woven not only in Jaipur, but in villages all over the state. In places such as Bikaner and Jaisalmer, where the temperatures can dip alarmingly, woollen dhurries made of camel hair are very much in vogue. Carpets: Initially, huge carpets were specially woven for royal residences. Inspired by the Mughals, prisoners were employed at looms, a tradition that was continued from the past. Bikaner is still famous for its so-called jail carpets. Namdah:Another floor covering that has widespread use in Rajasthan is the namdah or felted rug. The namdah comes in mainly two fashions - embroidered and in appliqué work.

FURNITURE AND WOOD CARVING:

Rajasthan excels in the art of making `antique furniture`. Doors and windows, wooden jharokhas, tables with cast iron jaalis, side-boards, chairs, benches, jhoolas or swings, and dressers are made to resemble the furniture that was in vogue in havelis a hundred years ago. While Jaipur is a popular centre, Jodhpur, in particular, is well known for its `old` furniture, and Ramgarh, in Shekhawati, has become a major centre for its manufacture. Shekhawati and Bikaner have been the traditional centres for woodwork. Jodhpur and Kishangarh are especially popular for painted wooden furniture. Shekhawati, Bikaner and Ramgarh specialise in making delicately carved wooden doors. Barmer craftsmen specialise in woodcarvings. Other pieces of furniture include the leather-embroidered chairs of Tilonia, and the carved-back, string-bottom chairs of Shekhawati. Marble tops for tables are also popular, and screens are available with both painted panels and brass embellishments.

GESSO WORK:

One of the finest crafts to emerge from Bikaner, the inner hide of the camel is used for the purpose. The hide is scraped till it is paper thin and transluscent. It is then moulded into various forms of lamp shades, hip flasks, perfume phials or vases. It is then painted over with fine gesso work using gold to lend richness to the otherwise bright reds and greens used in the work.

LEATHER WEAR:

The hides of dead animals have never been put to better use than in Rajasthan whether as juttees (the embroidered footwear), or as saddles, bags and pouches. It is even used as backs for chairs after it has been embroidered with woollen motifs. Jaipur and Jodhpur are the traditional centres for juties.

METAL CRAFTS:

In later years the art of enamelling became merely decorative and, in Rajasthan, has been used for everything from tabletops to wall plates, flasks, and for crafting objets d`art. Brassware- enamelled, engraved and filigree cut work on silver are available in Rajasthan. Jaipur, Alwar and Jodhpur.

PUPPETS:

Inexpensive souvenirs, they recall more easily than most other things when it comes to memories of a this state of chivalrous kings and beautiful queens.

STONE CARVING:

From Dholpur to Barmer in the heart of the desert, the chisel of the stone mason is put to incredible use. From pink and red sandstone to marble, tamara and chlorite all are used to create panels of frescos for buildings, large statuary, planters, figures of gods (usually in marble and crafted almost entirely in Jaipur), and elephants and horses as garden sculpture, table pieces, jewellery boxes, etc.

Rajasthan with a treasure of history, picturesque architecture, magnificent art & culture and bewitching landscape is an unparalleled destination one must visit!

SHOPPING IN JAIPUR

JAIPUR - One of my favorite cities in India. Favorite, not because I live here or because it is famed to be the land of forts and Palaces, the land of riches, color and unparalleled heritage. Favorite because, this city offers so much that money can and cannot buy! Favorite because of the hospitality and the kind of treatment you will receive from the people during your shopping excursions and otherwise. Favorite because this is the city where you can find India at its colourful best!

Let’s start with what all you can shop for and find in JAIPUR? There is a lot to shop and find. Some of them are:
o Invitation cards
o Bags
o Home furnishing
o Home décor stuff
o Silverware
o Trousseau packing
o Gifts
o Authentic arts
o Handicrafts
o Exquisite gems
o Jewellery (Silver/ Gold/ Color stones)
o Designer marble products
o Traditional print, block Print garments and textiles
o Blue pottery
o Rajais (blankets/ quilts)
o Trinkets
o Lak ki chudi (ethnic bangles)
o Mojdis (special Rajashtani footware)
o Bandhani work (Traditional Rajasthani Tie & Dye)
o Miniature paintings
o Kundan jewellery
o Marble figures

o Cotton kurtis/ shirts/ Salwar kameez and fabrics
o Gold filigree and inlay work...

Phew, the list seems endless!!

The Jaipur bazaars are a treat for those who love to explore and discover. They are mostly located in and around the famous Hawa Mahal, which is part of the walled city (The OLD JAIPUR City). Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar, Chaura Rasta, (also called the Sawai Man Singh Highway), Tripolia Bazaar and the Mirza Ismail Road (Popularly known as M.I. ROAD) are some of the main shopping areas. 

JOHRI BAZAR

Johari Bazaar is the one stop for jewellery and tie dye sarees, fabrics, suits, lehengas and textiles. Gopalji ka Rasta, and Haldiyon ka Rasta houses numerous establishments selling jewellery, gems, sweets, silverware etc. The Old city markets remain closed on Sunday. For handicrafts like puppets, bandahwars, wall hangings, white metal artifacts go to linking road next to saraogi mansion- Bapu Bazar. For wonderful trousseau packing visit Ratan textile and a few tiny shops next to Ratan. When in bapu Bazar do not miss the golgappas and kulfi faluda.


Bapu Bazaar and Nehru Bazaar, are also a must visit place for textiles, local perfumes, shoes made of camel skin (jutties/ mojaries), Rajasthani trinkets and bandhani work. Bapu Bazaar also Houses the famous SARAOGI MANSION Market- that has many famous stores, known for Indian bridal trousseau.

If at Saraogi Mansion, you must see the collection at Nikhaar fashions, Utsav Sarees, Pratapsons & my personal favourite Parineeta. For great banarasi handloom fabrics  and weaves visit Banaraswala store at Sarogi Mansion. These markets are completely closed on Sundays.Sometimes before diwali and high wedding season, some do stay open. But I won't take my chances!!

SARAOGI MANSION, JAIPUR

Tripolia Bazaar and Chaura Rasta too have textile outlets in addition to shops selling utensils, ironware and trinkets. It is also closed on Sunday.

If you are interested in carvings in marble and sandstone then head for Khazanawale Raasta. Close to this is the popular M.I. Road which houses a large number of emporia with a variety of goods ranging from jewellery, brass work, textiles, antiques, handicrafts, print fabric, vegetable dye fabric, block printing fabric, famouse lassiwala (Awesome must try drink), Suryamahal veg restaurant, Natraj, Handi & Copper chimney to grab a bite post your shopping sessions etc. The MI Road shops stock a large variety of articles to satisfy the tourists’ need like souvenirs, curios, gifts, handicrafts etc. BARGAIN & HAGGLE for good deals. Stay Away from Chameli market for buying silver, unless want to get ripped off.

Here are a few tips for buying Jewellery: 

Every English as well as local newspaper has the gold and silver rates published on the front page. Look for it to be sure of the recent rates. 

If you are buying silver it is mostly sold on a per gram basis and not per piece basis (as in many countries abroad). So generally it is today's silver rate + Some labour* multiplied by the weight of the peice. Do not get carried away that the piece you are buying has a 92.5 stamp. Ask and make sure that the silver content is pure. Very touristy places are not where the locals ever buy from. Research the net and look at the city guide and make a pick.

A genuine jeweler will always give a certification if asked for. He may ask you for a day's time but it is better to buy high-end stuff only if it is certified. All gemstones are easily certifiable and just takes a few hours to get validated.

Continuing from what all to shop, For block printed specialities, Chhipa, Kilol, Soma, Cottons, Cotton curio, Gulabchand, Suruchi and Anokhi are some places you may want to check out. Rajasthali, the official store of Rajasthan tourism, is a must try to find a galore of products under one roof. But if you are flying out, then the Sanganer village area, which is close to the airport, is worth going to for blue pottery and other specialities.


For wonderful and cheap home furnishings do take out some time and visit Seekar House. Bedspreads, bedsheets, Table mats, Table runners, Tablecloth, curtains, Quilts, name it and you got it all squeezed in the small seeker house market. You must bargain a lot to strike a great deal.

For more details on what all you can buy from Jaipur and where to particularly buy something from you can post a comment or send your query to me at anubanerjee@hotmail.com I will be glad to help!!  and for any shopping related queries or personalised shopping assistance or a shopping tour with a guide, write to me on anubanerjee@hotmail.com

PLANNING A TRIP TO INDIA?

HOW to DECIDE/ TO GO or NOT to GO?

“INDIA is not for Everyone and only for the seasoned Traveller”- you must have heard this phrase a million times and pondered To Go or Not to Go?? Just having an aspiration to travel and explore INDIA will not take you far.

You need to firm up the idea and make a plan - if you don't you'll never leave! Many people will say many things but the fact is that India receives over 5 million annual foreign tourist arrivals and 562 million domestic tourism visits.  Don’t believe me, read the Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism_in_India   

If you really want to visit India then proper planning and pre booking are very crucial. To decide “TO GO or NOT TO GO you must Look into the details like:

• Read Travel guides on India
• Check out a few Travel Magazines
• Go online and research the net. It’s free and has so much information. Go to travel forums/ blogs/ travelogues/ websites and these will really give you the idea- IF INDIA is meant for you or not.
• Check out photos and interact with travellers who have been to INDIA.

ONCE YOU HAVE MADE UP YOUR MIND & DECIDED THAT YOU ARE GOING TO INDIA, The next big question will be HOW MANY DAYS?

HOW MUCH TIME IS ENOUGH?

To decide on This, You must start with seeing:

• How long a break can you take? This will completely depend on your commitments back home. You got to really think wisely on this and no can tell you but you yourself. 

 

• How much budget do you have?  India is no more a second world under developed country. Everything is very expensive even for us locals. Eating out/ shopping and hotels have sky rocketed in the past 5 years. I went to Greece this year and honestly found the prices very similar to what they are in my Country. We went to Spain last year and honestly found it cheaper at places than India. Owing to the prices I prefer going abroad than a vacation in say for example Kerala.  So, if you think INDAI is cheap, Goodmorning!!  Research find out daily expenses for the regeions you want to visit add flight costs and city to city transport costs as well local transport costs to your calculations. Every region has expensive hot spots, save money by doing out of the box/ uncommon places and save money. For example Agra is expensive because of THE TAJMAHAL, but I feel The Tajmahal is overrated- go to Mount Abu and see the Delwara Temple, it will be an experience of it kind and The Delawara temple will blow you away! Trust me!! It will!!! 

 

• Given the above 2, I personally feel to have a worthwhile break; YOU NEED TO AT-LEAST HAVE 15DAYS IN INDIA. India is a huge country and 2 weeks definitely very little time. That said, before making an itinerary you must know what is it that you are looking from the vacation. Are you more into monuments/ architecture? Are you a beach person? Is it the hills or jungles that appeal to you? You definitely cannot do East, west, north, south together...It too vast a country to do that. Planning an Itinerary will also depend on where you arrive and depart from?

WHAT ALL TO SEE IN INDIA if its your First Time?

SOME OF THE REGIONS (CITIES) YOU MIGHT WANT TO READ UP AND CHOOSE FROM/ SOME PLACES REALLY WORTH VISITING:

KERALA: (Cochin, Kumarakom, Trivandrum)- South India

KARNATAKA: (Hampi, Mysore, Coorg, Bangalore)- South India

GOA- Western India

RAJASTHAN (Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalme, Ranthambore )- North India

NEW DELHI- North India

MADHYA PRADESH- (Khajuraho)- Central India

MEGHALAYA- (Shillong, Cherrapunji) North East India

ARUNACHAL PRADESH- (Tawang) North East India