A guide to Jaipur

The Ultimate Guide to Jaipur: Uncover Hidden Gems and Royal Experiences

Jaipur, the Pink City of India, is a destination like no other. Famed for its majestic forts, palaces, and rich traditions, Jaipur weaves a spell of enchantment for every visitor. But to truly understand its soul, you must go beyond the usual tourist spots. This guide is your gateway to exploring Jaipur like a local—through hidden gems, royal experiences, and cultural treasures that reveal the city’s essence. Whether it's dining like royalty at Amber Fort or discovering the art of block printing, Jaipur awaits with open arms.

Introduction to Jaipur – The Pink City

Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur is a city where history thrives alongside modern culture. Known for its pink-hued architecture, this vibrant city has been meticulously planned, making it a haven for both history enthusiasts and culture seekers.

But what makes Jaipur special is not just its history—it’s the combination of local experiences, artisanship, and traditional practices passed down through centuries. By uncovering Jaipur’s hidden gems, you’ll discover a city that reveals itself in layers.

Museum of Meenakari Heritage (MOMH): A Jewel of Jaipur

Housed in the Shekhawat Haveli, the Museum of Meenakari Heritage (MOMH) celebrates the art of Meenakari jewelry. Founded by Sunita Shekhawat, it offers a glimpse into Jaipur’s rich tradition of enamel craftsmanship. The haveli also features a Sunita Shekhawat jewelry store, a workshop, and a Rolex boutique, offering an all-encompassing jewelry experience.

Highlights:

Discover the history of Meenakari through exquisite exhibits.
Hands-on workshops to create your own enamel jewelry.
Explore exclusive Sunita Shekhawat designs and limited-edition pieces available for purchase.

Insider Tip:

Pre-book for an intimate workshop experience, and explore the exclusive collections at the jewelry store.

C-56 A, Ground Floor, Sarojini Marg, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001

+91 141 2372220

Rambagh Palace: High Tea with Peacocks

The Rambagh Palace is a former residence of Jaipur’s royal family, now converted into a luxury hotel that offers a high tea experience like no other. You’ll sip tea in the palace’s lush gardens while peacocks wander nearby, adding to the serene and regal atmosphere.

Highlights:

Enjoy freshly baked scones, delicate pastries, and Indian savories in a quintessentially royal setting.
Often referred to as one of the most opulent places to have afternoon tea.

Insider Tip:

Request a table in the garden and ask the staff for peacock feed to attract these magnificent birds for a closer interaction.

Bhawani Singh Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302005

+91 141 2385700

1135 AD Meal at Amber Fort: Dine Like Royalty

Nestled within the magnificent Amber Fort, 1135 AD offers an unforgettable dining experience, allowing you to dine like the Maharajas of yesteryears. The fort itself is an architectural masterpiece, making it one of the most iconic landmarks in Jaipur. What better way to finish a fort tour than by indulging in a sumptuous meal of traditional Rajasthani cuisine?

Highlights:

Royal décor with chandeliers, ornate mirrors, and plush seating. Signature dishes include Laal Maas and the famed dessert Shahi Tukda.

Insider Tip:

Visit the fort at night for a magical ambiance as it lights up against the backdrop of the starry sky. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.

Amber Fort, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302028

+91 98294 44433

Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing: A Celebration of Block Printing

Located in a restored haveli, the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing showcases block printing, an ancient craft deeply embedded in Jaipur's culture. Visitors can witness artisans in action and even participate in workshops to try their hand at this traditional art.

Highlights:

Learn the history and techniques behind block printing.
Watch live demonstrations of this heritage craft.

Kheri Gate, Amber, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302028

+91 141 2530226

uppercasePalace Atelier & PDKF at City Palace: Fashion Meets Tradition

The Palace Atelier, led by Princess Gauravi Kumari, is a hub for both a museum shop and a concept store. The Princess Divya Kumari Foundation (PDKF) supports artisans in preserving traditional textile arts, such as block printing.

Highlights:

Browse stunning block-printed fabrics and limited-edition pieces crafted by local woman artisans.
Shop for handmade textiles that combine traditional Rajasthani motifs with contemporary designs.

City Palace, Jaleb Chowk, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002

+91 141 4088888

The Johri: A Heritage Dining Experience in the Old City

Located in a restored haveli in Johri Bazaar, The Johri is a boutique hotel and restaurant that brings together traditional Rajasthani flavors with a contemporary twist.

Highlights:

Savor carefully curated vegetarian dishes that celebrate Jaipur’s culinary heritage. Admire the stunning architecture and ambiance of this heritage haveli.

Pro Tip:

For a more intimate dining experience, request a table in the courtyard. Advance reservations are a must during peak tourist seasons.

Gopinath Marg, Johri Bazaar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302003

+91 72300 89200

Nila Jaipur: Ethical Fashion and Handcrafted Textiles

At Nila Jaipur, ethical fashion takes center stage. This boutique specializes in handcrafted textiles that are dyed using natural pigments and created through sustainable processes.

Highlights:

Explore environmentally friendly fabrics that embody Jaipur’s rich cultural heritage. Shop exclusive collections of handwoven and naturally dyed fashion pieces.

C-48, Sunder Nagar, Civil Lines, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006

+91 935 292 7682

Dera Amer: Ethical Elephant Experiences

For those who want to interact with elephants without the ethical concerns of traditional elephant rides, Dera Amer offers a humane alternative. Nestled in the foothills of the Aravalli range, this sanctuary allows guests to feed, bathe, and walk with elephants in a natural, cruelty-free environment.

Highlights:

Engage in responsible, eco-friendly elephant interactions.
Enjoy the beautiful rural surroundings with safaris and other activities.

Kheri Gate, Amber, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302028

+91 141 2530226

Khanoon Jaipur: A Hidden Gem for Clay Craft and Crockery

Khanoon Jaipur is an artisanal store housed in a 200-year-old haveli, specializing in handcrafted clay crockery. Every piece is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, making it the perfect place to shop for exclusive home décor.

Highlights:

Unique handcrafted clay pieces with a rustic charm.
Each item tells the story of Jaipur’s ancient pottery traditions.

79, Hathroi, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302001

+91 98290 60040

IDLI: Eclectic Fashion by Thierry Journo

IDLI, the brainchild of French designer Thierry Journo, offers a vibrant mix of French fashion fused with traditional Indian block printing. Thierry's boutique is known for its bold colors, intricate designs, and a modern take on Jaipur’s artistic heritage.

Highlights:

Fashion pieces that merge French design with Rajasthani craftsmanship. Exclusive collections of bold, artistic clothing.

Narayan Niwas, Kanota Bagh, Narayan Singh Circle, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004

+91 141 400 7244

Bar Palladio: Iconic Frescoes and Elegant Evening Drinks

Set within the lush gardens of Narayan Niwas Palace, Bar Palladio is known for its breathtaking blue interiors and intricate hand-painted frescoes. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring Jaipur.

Highlights:

Enjoy cocktails in a sophisticated setting.
Admire the stunning blue and white frescoed walls that adorn the interiors.

Pro Tip:

Evening visits offer a more relaxed vibe. Reservations are recommended during weekends and holiday seasons.

Narayan Niwas, Kanota Bagh, Narayan Singh Circle, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004

+91 98285 18898

Makaan Jaipur: Eclectic Artifacts by Tahir Sultan

Founded by Kuwaiti designer Tahir Sultan, Makaan Jaipur offers an eclectic collection of artifacts, home décor, and exclusive art pieces. The boutique is an ode to Middle Eastern and Rajasthani design, blending both cultures to create a unique shopping experience.

Highlights:

Shop for one-of-a-kind home décor items, each with its own backstory.
Curated collections of artifacts that reflect Jaipur’s royal heritage and Tahir’s cultural influences.

Civil Lines, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006

+91 99505 94499

Conclusion: Exploring Jaipur’s Royal Treasures

Jaipur offers a seamless blend of its rich royal history and modern-day luxury, making it a dream destination for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences. From majestic palaces to hidden artisanal gems, this guide helps you uncover Jaipur’s most enchanting hidden gems.

Testimonials

Maharani Gayatri Devi

“I find her designs very appealing as I don’t find any of her kind of creations anywhere else. The art, design and finish of her jewelry pleases me the most.”