Contents

 1History
 2Geography
o 2.1Climate
 3Demographics
 4Administration and politics
 5Tourism
 6Culture
o 6.1Architecture
o 6.2Cuisine
o 6.3Languages
 7Economy and infrastructure
o 7.1Communication
 7.1.1Media
 8Transport
o 8.1Roads
o 8.2Rail
o 8.3Metro
o 8.4Air
 9Education
 10Sports
 13References

INTRODUCTION

Jaipur (/ˈdʒaɪpʊər/ ( listen))[6][7][8] is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. As of 2011, the

city had a population of 3.1 million, making it the tenth most populous city in the country. Jaipur is also known as
the Pink City, due to the dominant color scheme of its buildings. It was constructed within a period of four years and
Jaipur is the only city that has been planned as per rules & regulations of the Vastu shastra and the Shilpa Shastras. It
is located 268 km (167 miles) from the national capital New Delhi.
Jaipur was founded in 1727 by the Rajput ruler Jai Singh II,[9] the ruler of Amer, after whom the city is named. It was one
of the earliest planned cities of modern India, designed by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya.[10] During the British Colonial period,
the city served as the capital of Jaipur State. After independence in 1947, Jaipur was made capital of the newly-formed
state of Rajasthan.
Jaipur is a popular tourist destination in India and forms a part of the west Golden Triangle tourist circuit along
with Delhi and Agra (240 km, 149 mi).[11] It also serves as a gateway to other tourist destinations in Rajasthan such
as Jodhpur (348 km, 216 mi), Jaisalmer (571 km, 355 mi), Udaipur (421 km, 262 mi), Kota (252 km, 156 mi) and Mount
Abu (520 km, 323 mi). Jaipur is located 616 km from Shimla.
On 6 July 2019, UNESCO World Heritage Committee inscribed Jaipur the ‘Pink City of India’ among its World Heritage
Sites.[12] The city is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Amber Fort and Jantar Mantar.

JAIPUR TOURISM
Jaipur is Rajasthan’s biggest city and its capital. It is known (somewhat incorrectly)
as the Pink City due to the distinct color of its buildings. The ‘pink’ of the Pink City is
Gerua (or ochre) in which the city was coated during the visit of the Prince of Wales
in 1905-06. Jaipur is known as much for its fascinating monuments and colorful
markets as it is for its gorgeous handloom garments and wonderfully laid-out
gardens. It is really not very difficult to fall in love with Jaipur the moment you land
here. Along with Delhi and Agra, Jaipur forms the Golden Triangle of Indian tourism.
Not only does it attract domestic travelers, Jaipur is often an important stopover for
foreign tourists. Jaipur also serves as a stepping stone for those who want to travel
to the interiors of Rajasthan. Whether it is the majestic Jodhpur or Jaisalmer, the desert
city of Rajasthan or quite simply the lesser-known Shekhawati region, Jaipur serves
as a starting point for all these places and more. So far, traveling within Rajasthan was
restricted to road and rail. However starting September 2016, Rajasthan’s three
major airports (at Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur) will be connected by flights.
 
HISTORY
Before we take you around this majestic city, let’s take a short detour back in time.
The city of Jaipur gets its name from its founder, Jai Singh II. Unlike several other
kings and emperors of his time, Jai Singh II was as keen an astronomer as he was a
great warrior. He ascended the throne at the tender age of 11 after his father Bishan
Singh passed away. Hailing from the Kucchwaha Rajput clan, Jai Singh carried on
his ancestral alliance with the Mughals, in line with the Kucchwaha Rajput policy of
diplomacy over war. This isn’t to say that Jai Singh’s alliance with the Mughals was
always a happy one. As with all alliances, this one too had its share of ups and
downs but the lowest point came after the death of Aurangzeb who once favored Jai
Singh and had also given him the title Sawai. When time came, Jai Singh II allied
himself with Azam Shah and his son Bidar Bakht, who lost the succession battle and
Jai Singh found himself alienated in the Mughal court. Bahadur Shah succeeded
Aurangzeb and demanded that Jai Singh II be removed from the throne of Jaipur.
Not the one to take setbacks lying down, Jai Singh II allied himself with two other
Rajput states. He married the princess of Mewar and won the trust of the Marwar
king and together they expelled the Mughals from Rajputana. Jai Singh earned his
place at the table once again and was appointed to govern important Mughal
provinces. DON’T MISS 11 stunning photographs of Jaipur that are so inviting, you’ll start
packing immediately
With the dust settled and peace won, Jaipur prospered even as its borders
expanded. And it was then that he built a city around Amber Fort that would serve as
his capital. He named the city Jaipur, after himself. Along with Vidhyadhar
Bhattacharya, his architect, Jai Singh II laid out the plan for Jaipur based on the
ancient architectural manual Shilpa Shastra thus making Jaipur India’s first planned
city. Jai Singh’s interest in astronomy also led to the construction of Jantar Mantar
the observatory not just in Jaipur but also in Ujjain, Delhi, Mathura and Varanasi.
While four of them remain landmarks in their respective cities, there are no traces of
the Mathura Jantar Mantar. ALSO READ The fascinating story of the abandoned havelis of
Shekhawati in Rajasthan

View of Amber Fort from Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur

Jaipur earned the sobriquet of Pink City after Jai Singh’s descendant Ram Singh,
painted the city in gerua to welcome the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) in
1876. For the want of a name for the color (gerua is closer to ochre than pink) the
British called it pink and the name stuck. Despite the rampant construction and
unplanned development in the modern times, Jaipur still retains much of its
charm. CHECK OUT How Holi is celebrated in Jaipur
SIGHTSEEING IN JAIPUR
A composite ticket will cover your entrance fees for five of Jaipur’s major
monuments: Jantar Mantar, Albert Hall (Central Museum), Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort
and Nahargarh Fort. The ticket costs Rs 50 for Indian citizens, Rs 1,000 for
foreigners and Rs 30 for Indian students and is valid for two days. This ticket is
available at the booking counter of all of the five venues.
 
HAWA MAHAL
Built by Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds is the most
iconic landmark or Jaipur. Indeed, Hawa Mahal symbolizes Jaipur in a way that
Gateway of India symbolizes Mumbai and Shaniwar Wada symbolizes Pune. Built as
a high screen for the women of the royal household, Hawa Mahal is made from red
and pink sandstone and stands right at the edge of the City Palace and extends to
the women’s chambers or zenana.
Hawa Mahal has been designed to look like the crown of Krishna and stands tall at
five stories, its façade resembling a honeycomb. With 953 intricately latticework
jharokhas or small windows, Hawa Mahal served as a perfect cover for the Rajput
women to watch the everyday goings-on and the special processions on the streets
below. Jhunjhunu’s Khetri Mahal served as the inspiration for this spectacular
structure after Pratap Singh was intimidated and inspired by it. In the centuries that
followed, it was Hawa Mahal that shot into prominence and became the icon of a city
that attracted people from all over the world. DON’T MISS Breathtaking photos of Hawa
Mahal

While the intricate latticework is spectacular to look at, it also served a paractical
purpose. The lattice permitted the royal ladies to watch life pass by in the streets
below without being seen in return and thus maintaining their purdah. The latticework
also serves another purpose by allowing only the cool breeze to pass through thus
working as a natural air conditioner of sorts even in peak summers. Because of its
strategic positioning, Hawa Mahal was offers breathtaking views of Jantar Mantar,
City Palace and the Siredeori Bazaar.
Hawa Mahal timings: 9am to 5pm
Approximate visit duration: Two hours
 
CITY PALACE
Right next to Hawa Mahal is Jaipur’s City Palace that predates the latticework
masterpiece by a few decades. Construction on the City Palace was completed in
1732 and it served as the seat of power for the Maharaja of Jaipur. Even to this day,
a part of the City Palace is out of bounds for general public because it continues to
serve as home to the erstwhile royal family of Jaipur. The city Palace complex is
home to Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal and its various iconic gates — Udai
Pol, Tripolia Gate and Virendra Pol among others — blend the Rajput style of
architecture with that of Mughals and European, the two powers that the Kucchwaha
Rajputs allied themselves with during their time in power.
Jaipur’s City Palace was commissioned by Jai Singh II who moved the capital down
from Amber Fort to the plains since there wasn’t enough water for his burgeoning
population. The city of Jaipur was planned in six blocks that were separated by
broad avenues. Jai Singh II ruled over his people from the City Palace even as he
oversaw the construction of Jantar Mantar, which was completed two years after the
City Palace.
City Palace also has a museum that displays a wide array of royal costumes, some
very exquisite and precious Pashmina shawls, Benaras silk saris, Sanganeri prints
and folk embroidery as well as weaponry used by the Rajputs and other knick-
knacks that provide a glimpse into the life and times of the various Sawais.
City Palace timings: 9am to 5pm
Approximate visit duration: Two hours
 
JANTAR MANTAR

Jantar Mantar of Jaipur is one of the five observatories constructed by Jai Singh II.
Ujjain, Delhi and Varanasi are the other cities that house the remaining Jantar
Mantars but there remain no traces of the one at Mathura. Among the many
instruments that are part of this observatory is the world’s biggest sundial. Jantar
Mantar is located just a stone’s throw from City Palace and Hawa Mahal and
features instruments made of stone and brass that were built using instrument
design principles from ancient texts. In all there are 19 instruments that help observe
astronomical positions with the naked eye. Jantar Mantar is a fine example of
Ptolemaic positional astronomy and has instruments that operate in each of the three
main classical celestial coordinate systems: the ecliptic system, the horizon-zenith
local system and the equatorial system. When it suffered some damage in the 19th
century, Major Arthur Garrett, an amateur astronomer who was posted as the
Assistant State Engineer in Jaipur, undertook the first major restoration work on
Jantar Mantar. As of 2010, Jantar Mantar has been included in the list of UNESCO
World Heritage sites and remains a gem of Jaipur that cannot be missed.
Jantar Mantar timings: 9am to 5pm
Approximate visit duration: One to two hours
 
ALBERT HALL MUSEUM
One of the oldest museums in Rajasthan, Albert Hall Museum is located amidst the
sprawling Ram Niwas Gardens just on the outskirts of the traditional market area of
Jaipur. Albert Hall Museum doesn’t just house a collection of rare paintings but also
showcases some exquisite pieces of jewelry, chiseled brass-ware, pottery and
natural stones, ivory goods, metal sculptures and crystal works.
Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, the building of Albert Hall Museum is an example of
Indo- Saracenic architecture and its foundation was laid by Albert Edward, the Prince
of Wales (later King Edward) during his visit to India in 1876. While it was being built,
there were various suggestions about how to put the building to the best use.
Needless to say, the building was considered as a venue for a town hall or as a
venue for a school or an education institution. But Madho Singh approved the idea of
turning it into a museum in 1880. Construction on the building was completed in
1887. Albert Hall Museum has a somewhat eclectic collection of things on display —
from dioramas to tribal costumes, miniature paintings to carpets and, for good
measure, even an Egyptian mummy!
Among its admirers was the author Rudyard Kipling who was so impressed, not just
by the building but also its curated contents, that he wrote that it was ‘a rebuke to all
other museums in India from Calcutta downwards. ‘
Albert Hall Museum timings: 9am to 5pm
Approximate visit duration: One hour
 
RAMBAGH PALACE
Rambagh Palace is often called the Jewel of Jaipur and it doesn’t take a lot to see
why it has earned this sobriquet. One of the most beautiful palaces in India,
Rambagh once served as the residence to the Maharaja of Jaipur. While the palace
has been converted into a very fine hotel, the family continues to receive preference
even to this day. By all estimates, Rambagh is the most expensive hotel in Jaipur.
Interestingly, Rambagh was originally built as a garden house in 1835 for Kesar
Badaran, the wet nurse of Ram Singh II. Under the reign of Madho Singh, this
garden house and its surroundings received an upgrade and the house was
converted into a royal hunting lodge since at the time it was surrounded by thick
forest. This task — of converting a garden house into a hunting lodge — was given
to Sir Swinton Jacob, the same man who designed the Albert Hall Museum.
Eventually marble halls, corridors and courtyards were added to the garden site and
Man Singh II made Rambagh Palace his main residence in 1931. The palace was
also home to Maharani Gayatri Devi and has hosted several dignitaries from India
and around the world. Among those who have stayed here are Queen Elizabeth and
Prince Philip, Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, Jacqueline Kennedy,
the former First Lady of the United States and, of course, Prince Charles of
England. CHECK OUT Nahargarh fort: 6 fascinating facts about Jaipur’s 18th century
masterpiece

Today, Rambagh Palace has 78 rooms and four suites, a restaurant, a coffee shop
and a bar as well as conference rooms, swimming pools and a spa. Suvarna Mahal,
located in the former palace ballroom, serves Indian cuisine, Rajput Room and
Verandah Cafe offer multi-cuisine options while Steam, the lounge bar offers some
great Mediterranean delights. Rambagh’s watering hole is called Polo Bar, which
with its trophies and memorabilia of the Jaipur polo team on display, makes for a
great place to wind down after a long day. Rambagh Palace showcases the best of
Rajasthani and Mughal architecture and since it is run by the Taj Group, it remains
one of the few well-maintained buildings of its time.
Rambagh Palace is not open for public viewing. To see it from the inside, you will
either need to book a stay here or get a table at one of the restaurants. Since it is a
five-star hotel, the prices are obviously steep but there are few things that come
close to walking down the haloed corridors of this spectacular structure. If, however,
you do book a stay at Rambagh, ask the duty manager (0141 6671234) for a
heritage tour of the palace. The tour lasts about 45 minutes.
 
JAL MAHAL

Located in the middle of Man Sagar Lake is the spectacular Jal Mahal. At first
glance, the palace that was constructed in 1745, appears to float on the waters of
the lake (thus giving it the name). Jaipur’s Lake Palace is modeled on the Lake
Palace of Udaipur. Man Sagar Lake, amidst which it stands, is an artificial lake that
was formed when a dam was constructed over the river Dharbawati in the early
1600s. Jal Mahal is located on the outskirts of Jaipur en route to Amber. The hills
across the lake are dotted with forts and old temples which can be seen in the
background of the palace. While boat rides to the palace were available a few years
ago, they have now stopped making it a photos-only destination. Constructed in red
sandstone Jal Mahal is a five-storied building that blends Rajput and Mughal styles
of architecture. Four floors of Jal Mahal remain underwater when the lake is full.
Today, Jal Mahal has been converted into a luxury hotel and is managed by the Taj
Group. Restored and refurbished, Jal Mahal Palace Hotel has 94 rooms and six
suites as well as multiple restaurants. Cinnamon (0141 2223636) serves Indian
cuisine from the four princely states and Giardino (0141 6601111) is to be Jaipur’s
only contemporary al fresco Italian restaurant. Marble Arch (0141 6601111) is a
multi-cuisine all-day dining restaurant and Marigold Bar (0141 6601111) boasts of a
spectacular selection of single malts and cigars and innovative cocktails. Since Jal
Mahal is a private property, it remains out of bounds for public. The only way to see
Jal Mahal from the inside is to either stay there or book a table at one of these
restaurants.
 
AMBER FORT

Amber Fort stands on the outskirts of Jaipur, some 13 km from the city center. As
with almost all other structures in the area of its era, Amber Fort brings together
elements of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Before Jai Singh II founded Jaipur in the
plains and moved his capital there, Amber served as the seat of the Kachhawa
Rajput clan to which Jai Sing belonged. Construction on Amber Fort began in 1592
when Raja Man Singh I built over the remnants of an earlier fortification. Built with
red sandstone, Amber saw considerable modifications over time as successive
rulers added their own elements to it over a span of a century and a half. Amber’s
moment of glory was under the reign of Man Singh I. The commander-in-chief of the
Mughal army and one of Akbar’s Navratnas (or nine jewels of Akbar’s court) Man
Singh I commissioned the construction of Amber.
In several ways, Amber is less of a military fortress (like Jaigarh or Nahargarh) and
more of a pleasure palace. Precious stones were once embedded in the walls and
ceilings of Amber. The stones have long gone but the intricate carvings and mirror
work remain and offer a glimpse of just how grand Amber Fort must have been at the
peak of its power. The fort complex houses several palaces constructed in the
Mughal style of architecture and a fortified tunnel that connects it to Jaigarh. The
tunnel was built as an escape route for members of the royal family so they could
take refuge in Jaigarh, a far safer place than Amber.
Amber gets its name from Amba, the goddess of the Meena clan that ruled the fort
and its surrounding areas in 967 AD. Amber fell into the hands of the Kucchwaha
Rajputs in 1035 AD. Amber flourished under the reign of the Kucchwaha Rajputs,
especially so under the reign of Raja Man Singh I and became capital in 1036 AD.
Amber remained the seat of power of the Kucchwaha Rajputs for close to seven
hundred years, right up until 1727 AD. Jai Singh II built a new city for his fast-
growing population.
Amber Fort timings: 8am to 5.30pm
Approximate visit duration: Two to three hours
 
NAHARGARH FORT

Standing on the edge of the Aravallis and overlooking Jaipur, Nahargarh Fort is one
of the three major forts on the outskirts of the city. Alongside Jaigarh and Amber,
Nahargarh formed defense ring of Jaipur. But Nahargarh went by a different name.
Originally called Sudarshangarh, the fort was renamed to Nahargarh or the abode of
tigers, presumably after Nahar Singh Bhomia whose spirit reportedly haunted the
region and obstructed the fort’s construction. It was only after his temple was built
within the fort that the spirit was satisfied and the fort’s construction resumed.
Compared with Amber, Nahargarh is a far newer fort.
ALSO READ 6 little-known facts about Nahargarh Fort
Constructed in 1734 by Sawai Jai Singh II, Nahargarh served as a place of retreat on
the summit of the ridge above the city. Nahargarh’s fortifying walls connected it to
Jaigarh that itself overlooked Amber. Because the Kachhawa Rajputs were the allies
of Mughals, Nahargarh never really came under attack and the famed field guns of
Nahargarh were fired only to denote the passing of the hour. Since the Rajputs had
sided with the British during the Indian Mutiny of 1857, Sawai Ram Singh moved
several Europeans to Nahargarh for their protection.
But Nahargarh isn’t all just military. Madhavendra Bhawan, which served as a
zenana for the royal women, is one of the most beautiful buildings in the fort and has
a dozen identical suites, each as spectacular as the other. Hallways that connected
the suites featured gorgeous frescoes and the suites were constructed in a manner
that the king could visit any queen of his choice without the others getting a wind of
it!
Nahargarh Fort timings: 10am to 5.30pm
Approximate visit duration: Two hours
 
JAIGARH FORT
Jaigarh Fort is the third imposing fort that overlooks the city. It is part of the three-fort
defense ring that protected Jaipur and indeed Amber. Located some 400 m above
Amber, Jaigarh’s primary aim was to protect the lower fort. Constructed by Jai Singh
II in 1726, the fort took the name of the king who commissioned it. The name Jaigarh
is also fitting because the fort has never been conquered. Situated on Cheel ka
Teela (Eagle’s Hill) of the Aravalli mountain range, Jaigarh overlooks the lake Maota
and Amber Fort. Standing amidst thorn-scrub covered hills with a steep road rising
up to the main gate, Dungar Darwaza, Jaigarh is one imposing fort capable of
striking feat in the hearts of its enemies. Subterranean tunnels connect Amber to
Jaigarh and the two forts, despite the distance between them are generally
considered part of one fort complex. The tunnels were meant for the use of members
of the royal household who could escape to Jaigarh, the safer fort, from Amber
should there be an attack.
Jaigarh is one of the rare military structures built in medieval India and one that
remains intact even today. The fort stands preserved with palaces, granary, canon
foundry, many temples, a tower but the main attraction of the Jaigarh Fort is the
Jaivana.
Jaivana is the world’s largest cannon on wheels. It was manufactured in the foundry
of Jaigarh that was famous for producing cannons for the Mughal Empire. Jaivana
was manufactured during the reign of Jai Singh II. Jaivana is mounted on roller pin
bearings on four wheels, which helps it turn 360 degrees and fire in any direction.
The carvings on Jaivana’s barrel — trees, an elephant scroll and a pair of birds —
are a merry distraction from the fierce capability of the cannon. Jaivana needs balls
weighing 50 kg that can be fired as far as 35 km. Interestingly Jaivana was and
continues to be nothing more than just a showpiece. With Mughals on their side, the
Rajputs never really faced any major attacks. Jaigarh was never invaded and
Jaivana was used all but once to test its firing capabilities. ALSO READ Did you know
what happened to the treasure at Jaigarh Fort?

Jaigarh extends for three km. It has a well-maintained garden within the fort and
embankments in every corner that slope down to give access to the upper lever of
the structure. In the center of the fort complex is a watch tower that stands on a
raised platform. The tower offers excellent panoramic views of the surrounding
landscape. The Aram Temple and garden in the courtyard on the northern end of the
fort has a triple arched entrance that is known as the Awani Darwaza. This triple
arched gate was repaired recently and provides beautiful views of Sagar Lake.
Jaigarh also has two ancient temples with its premises: Ram Harihar Temple dates
back to the 10th century while Kal Bhairav Temple dates back to the 12th century.
Jaigarh Fort timings: 9am to 5pm
Approximate visit duration: Two to three hours
 
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN JAIPUR
Nothing comes close to representing a culture than its cuisine. And Rajasthani
cuisine is a classic example of this. The dishes cover the entire spectrum — from the
very sweet to the very spicy — and everything in between. Jaipur has several
restaurants that serve authentic Rajasthani cuisine. But being the capital, you will
also have a choice of restaurants where the dishes are tweaked to suit the
international palette. But if you are in Jaipur, there are some places you absolutely
cannot miss visiting:
Laxmi Misthan Bhandar (or LMB, 0141 4001616 0141 2565844) is a pure
vegetarian restaurant that has been in business since 1954. LMB serves a wide
range of Rajasthani and Bengali sweets and even has a large restaurant serving
vegetarian Rajasthani delicacies. The Rajasthani thali, though tad overpriced has a
great spread that gives you a taste of almost every major vegetarian Rajasthani dish.
Alternatively try out the Pyaaz Kachori and certainly don’t miss the kuly and falooda.
Khandelwal Dhaba Purana Wala (0141 5102935, 0141 5102937), located along
Sikar Road, is as good an option for vegetarian Rajasthani cuisine as LMB. Since it
is on the outskirts of the city, Khandelwal Dhaba also offers al fresco seating and a
wide range of veg fare. Khandelwal Special Thali is a good choice here.
Spice Court (0141 4108252/0141 2220202) in Civil Lines is an upscale restaurant
that specializes in Laal Maas. While the Laal Maas here is indeed good, the unsung
star of Spice Court is Junglee Maas, which beats the former hands down. Douse the
fire in your mouth with some kulfi or drop by at the neighboring Dzurt patisserie,
which is very much part of Spice Court but run by a Le Cordon Bleu chef.
Chokhi Dhani (0141 5165000 +91 9667222203) can be translated as ‘special
village’. Located some 20 km from Jaipur along Tonk Road, Chokhi Dhani recreates
the ambience of a Rajasthani village. The large open-air ‘restaurant’ offers a typical
‘rural Rajasthani experience’ complete with traditional entertainment, snack stalls,
merry-go-rounds for kids, camel rides and of course a proper sit-down Rajasthani
meal which is served by enthusiastic servers. Chokhi Dhani was the first restaurant
of its kind, offering rural experiences. Since then it has opened several branches
around the country and set off a similar trend of places attempting to recreate an
authentic rural Indian experience.
Lassiwala on MI Road opens its doors as early as 7.30 am and serves absolutely
nothing but thick delicious lassis in earthen glasses of different sizes. But what
makes Lassiwala really unique is the fact that the owner shuts shop as soon as the
stock for the day is over! They put out the curd for setting for the next day, down the
shutters and simply leave! So if you are craving for a lassi, we suggest you make a
trip as early on in the day as possible. There are several imitations along MI Road,
look out for the outlet that says Shop 312 and ‘Since 1944′. If Lassiwala is open late
at night, there is more than a decent chance that it is not the original.
Polo Bar (0141 2211919) is one of Jaipur’s best-known watering hole. Located
inside the Rambagh Palace Hotel, Polo Bar is adorned with polo memorabilia and
doffs its hat at the polo exploits of the erstwhile kings and princes of Jaipur. Martinis
of Polo Bar are particularly recommended. Ask for Abdul, who wasn’t just involved in
setting up the bar several years ago, but was also a member of the staff of the royal
family.
 
SHOPPING IN JAIPUR
Jaipur is, without a doubt, a shopper’s paradise. With people flocking to Jaipur from
all over the world to shop for gems, crafts and other artifacts, the markets of Jaipur
are always buzzing with activity on any given season. If you shop too much, the
stores will even arrange to deliver your shopping home for you! The old market is
spread out around Hawa Mahal and is divided into specific quarters that sell specific
goods.
For instance Bapu Bazaar is a great place to shop for saris and fabrics. It is also the
perfect place to go shopping for trinkets and other small return gifts. Siredeori
Bazaar and Johari Bazaar house jewelry stores and are especially known for
meenakari jewelry, a specialty of Jaipur. You can also find some sweet deals for
fabrics in Johari Bazaar. Kishanpol Bazaar is known for the bandhani work, Nehru
Bazaar for its fabric, jootis and perfumes and Manigaron Ka Rasta is a great place
to go shopping for bangles.
Rajasthali Emporium (0141 237 2974) opposite Ajmer Gate is a state emporium
that sells all things Rajasthan — from artifacts to embroidery, pottery to woodwork,
puppets to miniatures and brassware to bandhani fabrics. While the store is a great
place to shop if you’re in a hurry, use the trip to gauge the prices of items before
setting out into the bazaars of Jaipur. Not only will you find a larger variety in the
stores outside but if you bargain well you might even manage to get a sweeter deal!
For a more sophisticated shopping experience, head down to Anokhi (0141
4007244) that offers some great block-printed fabrics, bed covers, linen, scarves and
other items of Indian clothing for a premium. Anokhi even has a cafe on its premises
and a small bookstore. Along similar lines and philosophy is the much-older
brand, Fabindia (0141 5115991), which has evolved into a brand name for all things
Indian. From kurtas to saris and bedspreads to furniture, Fabindia is the sanitized
and polished version of the country… but we aren’t complaining. ALSO SEE Your
ultimate Jaipur itinerary!
GEM SCAM OF JAIPUR
Jaipur’s gem scam is one of the oldest in the country. Touts will have you believe
that the gems you buy here can be sold for a higher price elsewhere. The touts are a
patient breed, luring tourists with their excellent English and people skills. The scam
is breathtakingly simple: They approach you, befriend you and before long they get
you hook, line and sinker. It could be hours, even days before they bring up the
matter of re-selling. Whatever they say, don’t let greed get the better of you. Also
know that Jaipur has a gem-testing laboratory (0141 2568221, Monday to Saturday).
They will be happy to test the authenticity of the gems for a price (Rs 1,000 per stone
or Rs 1,600 per stone for a same-day delivery if you deposit the stone before 1 pm).
GEM PALACE: INDIA’S OLDEST JEWELRY STORE
By no means would the chaotic MI Road meet the high standards of any luxury
brands around the world. Its busy thoroughfare of camel carts and auto rickshaws,
the several eateries and shops that line both sides of the street doesn’t necessarily
provide the ‘right environment’ for a luxury store. But that hasn’t made any difference
to The Gem Palace that stands proudly on this very road since 1852 in a haveli that
boasts of Mughal-style minarets and columns. Run by the ninth generation of the
Kasliwal family that arrived in Jaipur sometime after the city was built. It was the
royal family of Jaipur that invited the Kasliwals to the new capital and work as palace
jewelers. The Kasliwals began their business in the same haveli which is now a
store.
If anything spells luxury, The Gem Palace is it. Quite like the owners, its clientele
goes back generations and its wares, though understated, are stuff that legends are
made of. The astute Kasliwals purchased several pieces of jewelry from several
royal families of Jaipur in 1970s when the Indira Gandhi government abolished the
privy purses forcing them to sell their precious items.
Today, Gem Palace has everything for someone — from contemporary designs in 18
carat gold to Rajasthani-Mughal pieces for the traditionally inclined. And unlike most
jewelry stores, Gem Palace even has something for the men — from cuffs to
sherwani and tuxedo buttons to walking sticks with bejeweled handles and more.
Over the years, Kasliwals have diversified to some extent and they even deal in
select miniature paintings, even though gem trading remains at the heart of their
business.