Looking for a walk down regal Rajasthan? Or are you a history buff looking to step back in time? Headed to Jaipur for a wedding/event and not sure what to do? If you checked off any one of these 3 options, the sights and locales of Jaipur are tugging for your attention.
I had just one day to soak in Jaipur, before leaving for Alwar the next morning, so I meticulously planned my day to absorb whatever I could.
Upon arrival, went directly from the airport to the famed (over-hyped!) Taprri. There are many branches, but I was advised to head directly to Tapri Central (which has outdoor seating and a view of the garden greens). I reached around 9:30 am and was given a token and asked to wait in the queue! While the tea and service were good, I really didn’t see what all the hype is about!
Having had tea/breakfast, I would advise you to finish all your city shopping since Tapri is located in the city centre. The shops begin to open their shutters by 10am, so spend 1-2 hours buying your cotton Kurtis/Kurtas!
My hotel, The Johari, was appropriately located in Johari Bazaar, which is in the old city, roughly 15-25 minutes away from the city centre. After shopping, it's advisable to check-in at the hotel, leave your luggage, and then head to the city palace (5 mins drive.) Have lunch at the gorgeous Baradari, the restaurant in the palace itself. Its outdoor seating captures the essence of the ancient palace juxtaposing it with mirror and steel, reflecting modernization and an attempt to savor history, all at once. Then get an official guide and ticket, and do the tour of the palace (about 1.5 hours), and lose yourself in tales of the past.
The City Palace is just the aperitif. The main course is yet to be served. Once done, head to Amer Fort, a 40-minute drive, to the old capital of Jaipur. Here again, hire a guide who will walk you through the many chambers and wonders of the palace, starting with the step-well outside the fort premises. One can easily meander around here for 2 hours or so, mesmerized by the design of the mammoth structure.
As the sun starts setting, you have the option of hanging around for the sound and light show which begins at 6:30 and another one at 7:30 (check current timings, when you go!). If you aren’t into these shows, head over to Nahargarh Fort (about 25 mins drive, an uphill gorgeous drive), and watch the sunset from Padhao, an open-air restaurant with stunning views of the city (not to be missed!).
Once down with today’s dose of fortresses and palaces, it's time for a drink! Head to Bar Palladio or Shikaar Bagh (both at the Narain Niwas hotel, super annoying reservations/managers, etc.), so book in advance if they let you. Both locations are beautiful, outdoor venues with a lovely vibe and good cocktails. Then either eat dinner here or if you are a hopper like me (!), head to the RAAS Raajmahal palace for a quite stately dinner in their restaurant or in their lawns. Then return to your hotel and recount the days, both present and past as you slip into a gentle slumber.
Big shout out to Aayushi Modi for helping to plan this, with so much time, attention & care :)
Sharing here, a list shared by locals & my dear sister Shalini Goenka – hope it helps
Sightseeing:
Amer fort- outside the main city (approx. 45 mins drive from city centre)
Nahargarh fort- near Amer fort
City Palace
Hawa Mahal
Jal Mahal
Jantar Mantar
EleJungle Elephant Safari- CISF road, near Amer fort
Jhalana Leopard Safari
Jewelry:
Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas- for jadau
Tholia kuber- Victorian, diamond, silver, good collection of earrings
Amrapali- costume, diamond, jadau, gold
Ram babu's- silver jewelry
Clothes:
Rasa- printed tops, dresses, home linen
Benu Bhatnagar- Gota patti Indian wear
Exclusive by Ritu Kedia- kids Indian clothes
Priya Tholia- Gota patti Indian wear
Kalee- Indian, western and indo western wear, bags and other accessories
Idli- printed cotton funky printed western clothes
Vrisa by Rahul and Shikha- printed cotton and indigo indo western wear
Vasansi- bandhej and leheriya
Rohit Kamra- men's jackets, bandh gala, jodhpuri pants
Pachouli- Jaipur cotton printed stylish tops and home linen
Home decor:
AKFD- furniture, lights, decorative accessories
Ratan Textiles- block printed home linen, bedcovers, kids wear, clothes
Suvasa- block printed home linen, bedcovers, casual cotton wear, kids wear
Neerja- blue pottery- crockery, cutlery, home decor
Food:
Anokhi cafe- organic food, cakes
Chinese restaurant at Holiday Inn
Steam - Italian food at Rambagh palace for dinner
Peshawari- Indian Bukhara food at Sheraton hotel
Rajmahal palace hotel- must-visit for lunch or tea or dinner
House of haan- Chinese restaurant at Crowne Plaza hotel
Atsui- Asian restaurant in Radisson Blu
Zolo crust- Italian food at Clarks Amer hotel
1135 AD- Indian and continental food at Amer fort, make a reservation before going
Spice court- Rajasthani non-veg Indian food
Home cafe- chilled cafe
Tapri cafe- tea and snacks
Cafe bae- open all day, cafe/restaurant at Las Vegas hotel
Cafe Palladio
Shikar Bagh- restaurant in Narain Niwas hotel
Cafe Quaint- in Jawahar Kala Kendra
Biradari- beautiful cafe in city Palace
Mohan Vilas- lovely restaurant in Jaipuri ambiance, in JW Marriott
Once Upon a Time - near Nahargarh
Local food:
Rawat mishtan Bhandar- garlic and onion kachori
Lassiwala- local lassi on MI road
Santosh near Sindhi camp bus stop- dal baati
Bars:
Bar palladio- nice bar at Narain niwas hotel
Ta blue- rooftop bar at Clarks Amer hotel
Lounge 18- nice lounge at Marriott hotel
House of people- in Las Vegas hotel, nice club and rooftop bar
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