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Padharo Mhare Des

We all need a timeout from time to time, to get away from pressures of work and mundane life at  home. From time to time, we all need to step away to recharge, relax and rejuvenate from the stresses of life.  And a vacation provides just that. The mere thought of exploring unknown places, trying out different dishes and cuisines, meeting new people, spending quality time with family and friends, gives a boost to the weary soul and mind!

Over the years, I have seen that visiting Jaipur is on the wish list of almost all the people I have met. As soon as somebody gets to know that we stay in the pink city of India, their eyes sparkle with excitement and animation which is followed by a barrage of questions and queries. I can so understand and relate to their fascination and admiration for Jaipur.

Jaipur, without a doubt is a perfect holiday destination. It has timeless appeal in its rich cultural heritage with majestic palaces and massive forts; vibrant colours and streets bustling with life; lip smacking food and colourful bazaars to shop till you drop. Friends and acquaintances ask me all the time about how, when and what to visit and do in Jaipur.  Let me plan a perfect vacation for you in Jaipur. Padharo Mhare Des…

How to Reach Jaipur

Jaipur, a tourist’s paradise is connected to major cities of the country with domestic flights from all Airlines operating on a regular basis. Jet Airways , SpiceJet, Air India, IndiGo, GoAir have daily flights to and from Jaipur. You may travel comfortably by numerous bus and train options too. And if you plan to self drive then the roads leading to Jaipur are well-connected by National Highways 8, 11 and 12. The Delhi-Jaipur National Highway offers a smooth ride (260 kilometres) with plenty of restaurants and amenities on the way.

Places to Visit in Jaipur

The major irresistible attractions of Jaipur are its palaces and forts which are resplendent of their royal heritage. City Palace with its the regal architecture, offers a stunning view of the Pink City while the Hawa Mahal and  Jal Mahal reflect the scientific bent of mind of the Kings and the craftsmanship of the artists.

Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal

Located on top of hills are the three forts, Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort and NaharGarh Fort give the bird’s eye view of Jaipur city. They have extensive walls, watch towers, several temples and many citadels.

Photo: Christophe Biosvieux/Age Fotostock/Dinodia
Amer Fort : Image Source

Other historical places that must be visited are the Jantar Mantar Observatory, Isarlat (Swargasuli), Albert Hall Museum and the entire Walled city of Jaipur. Sight seeing of all these forts and palaces may take 2 entire days. Yes, there is so much to soak in and admire these rich historical heritage.

Temples like Govind Devji and Moti Doongari are pretty famous and auspicious. The deities here are  worshipped by the erstwhile royal family.

Dig into Authentic Rajasthani Food
Kachori
Kachori : Image Source

A trip to Jaipur (or anywhere in Rajasthan) is not complete without digging into traditionalghewar.photo by cherian thomas and authentic Rajasthani food. Churned from the royal kitchens, Rajasthani cuisine reflect indigenous traditions.  So,  dal bati churma, laal maas, kachoris or ghevar are a must must eat at Jaipur.  And so are the pyaz ki kachouri from Rawat Mishthan Bandhar, Sahu ki Kachori at Chaura Rasta, Gulab Ji Ki Chai at Ganpati Plaza, Sharma Chaat at Johri Bazaar, Ramchandra ki Kulfi, Murli Paan Shop. Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar at Johri Bazaar offers some excellent local sweets and food.

Chokhi Dhani is an ethnic village resort that captures the vibrant spirit of Rajasthan and ensures a perfect Rajasthani experience.

Shop till You Drop
Colorful-joothis-available-at-Nehru-Bazaar
Image Source
Camel-Leather-carry-bag-at-Sireh-Deori-Bazaar
Image Source

A paradise for shopaholics, the old bazaars of Jaipur offers some of the best shopping experiences. Jaipur is home to India’s largest and the most fabulous collection of jewellery of all types – precious stones and gems, semi-precious and handmade jewellery and you can find them at Johari Bazaar. Tripolia Bazaar is known for its lac jewellery, bangles, Bandini tie and dye fabrics with rich embroideries and designer carpets, brass ware and other traditional wares. Bapu Bazaar and Nehru Bazaar for colourful Rajasthani dresses and jootis and general street shopping. Shops at MI Road are known for antiques, blue pottery, gems and jewellery. Badi and Choti Chaupad and  Chandpole Bazaar offer some unique and traditional items to shop too.

Best Time to Visit

October to March is the best season to visit Jaipur. It’s the winter season and perfect time to spend outdoors. July to September is the monsoon period and is a good time if you wish to avoid the peak tourist season. April to June are particularly harsh with temperatures rising up to 48°C during the day but the mornings and evenings are pleasant.

A trip of 3-6 days is an ideal one to soak in the beauty and grandeur of Jaipur.

If you have some more time, then you can explore some weekend getaways near Jaipur too.

Padharo Mhare Des! Come, explore the wonders and sites and take a peek into into Jaipur’s royal history and heritage. So are you ready, with the packed bags!?!

33 Responses

    1. Glad that you have beautiful memories of our pink city, Rachna! Wish we could have met too, though 🙂

    1. You must, Rajesh, not only for forts and foods but lots more! And hope your trip materializes real soon 🙂

  1. GORGEOUS photos Shilpa – you’ve whetted my appetite in more ways than one, thank you. Thanks also for advice of when to visit … 48 degrees is toooooo much. Have a great weekend 🙂

    1. Yes, summers are pretty tough. But winters and spring are cool weathers to visit Jaipur. Hope you get to visit our city sometimes soon, Susan. Would love to meet you in person too 🙂

  2. Reading your post refreshed my memories from a trip to the Pink City just five months back! Lovely, detailed and inviting…three words to sum up the experience after reading your account!

    1. You are spot on. One can never have too many jooties and jewellery. Whenever you are next in our city, do let me know, 🙂

  3. I have been to Jaipur three times and it’s an amazing city… In fact yesterday I was watching Shuddh Desi Romance and it brought back some lovely memories…. Love the Bandini materials, the forts and the general feel of the pink city…

    1. Three times! Wow, that’s cool!
      Yes, they have captured a very vibrant and beautiful part of Jaipur in Shuddh Desi Romance.

  4. Thank You! Thank You!! Thank You!!! You know why, right? This is just tailor made for me!! Muahhhh!

    Hey how about if we all do one such post? and then perhaps link it all under one head, maybe at the BAR, I don’t know, just thought it will be very helpful to people travelling in India, to get the city info from people who live there instead of from websites. This will be authentic too. What say?

    1. I think that’s a cool idea. May be we can do it as a blog fest. Imagine we could have so much authentic info about a city.
      We must get together and write about our city and its attractions. Great thought, Shubhangi!
      I am looking forward to your visit to Rajasthan 🙂

    1. You must visit Jaipur and other cities of Rajasthan too, Debbie. I am sure you will love the culture and its rich heritage along woth food and shopping too 🙂

  5. a nice mini guide to jaipur and yes,it is on my wish list shilpa & to meet you as well. BTW, we have a mini rajasthani village here in hyd as well. it is called Dhola ri dhani!

    1. Hope you tick Jaipur from your wish list real soon, Asha. Meeting you is on my wish list too.
      Have heard about Dhola Ri Dhani. We have Chokhi Dhani here as well.

  6. I have visited India five times, each trip in a different part of the country. Whenever I’m asked for advice on must see places, I always put Jaipur at the top of my list. I could happily retire there! What a delightful piece you’ve posted here. It’s made me want to return.

    Visit Keith’s Ramblings

  7. I am glad you did this. We rarely see our cities as a tourist would. But this is very helpful. Jaipur has long been on my to-visit list. With the husband in Delhi it sounds like a possibility.

    1. True, most of us visit the touristy attractions of our city only when friends come visiting.
      YOU MUST come to Jaipur real soon, Tulika. I am sure you’ll love this city!

  8. You must visit Jaipur and other cities of Rajasthan too, Debbie. if you have any another information please go and check on the trippongo tour packages website. Thank you so much.

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