Royal families, unrivaled architecture, regal cuisine, and exquisite shopping are reasons enough to make Jaipur a world class destination. Luxurylaunches together with the concierge of The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur has put together a very helpful list of the top things to do when in Jaipur.
Jaipur is a city so rich in heritage and culture that it could easily put others to shame. Where else would you find a city where royalty abounds at every nook and corner, where richly decorated elephants roam the streets, and where a cavalcade of people weaves through a labyrinth of palaces, forts, and temples. And as the sun sets down on anther day, the pink buildings take on a romantic hue leaving many bedazzled at Jaipur’s magnificence and glory.
Let’s take a look at some of the top things you should do when visiting the Pink city.
Top day trip: A trip to Abhaneri Stepwell
Abhaneri is a small village with one of India’s deepest and largest step wells. Explore the intricate and innovative architecture of the Chand Baori step well, one of India’s largest and deepest step wells. Its exquisite geometry attracts local and international tourists alike.
Must-try dish: Laal Maas & Daal batti Churma
A trip to Jaipur is not complete without digging into some Laal Maas and Daal batti Churma. The famous mutton dish will have you hitting the roof with the high spice level but its tender, slow cooked meat is hard to resist. The famed Dal Bati Churma consists of baatis or flaky round bread baked over firewood or over kandas (cow dung cakes) as done in villages. They are always served dipped in ghee accompanied with panchmel or panchkuti dal and churma.
Best view: Nahargarh Fort
Located in one of the oldest mountain ranges of the world, the Aravalli Hills, this fort gives you a breathtaking view of the scenic surroundings. One of the major tourist attractions of Jaipur, Nahargarh Fort is noted for its extended wall which connects it to the Jaigarh Fort.
Best One Stop shop: Gem Palace for Jewellery & Neerja Potteries for Blue pottery
The Gem Palace is one of the oldest jewelers in Jaipur and the place has some of the most extravagant gems. The shop is housed in an 1852 haveli with Mughal-style minarets and long, narrow columns. Here, fine artifacts and gemstone jewelry are designed, crafted and retailed without highly mechanized manufacturing units. One can find everything from jewelry, precious stones, bowls, plates, Ganesha and Buddha figures in crystal, gate, rose quartz, onyx, silver or jade.
Neerja’s Blue Pottery has a selection of over 300 decorative and utility products and nearly 1000 original designs which make them one of the elite manufacturers of Blue Pottery in all of India. Their product range is mind boggling from pen holders, door knobs, wall tiles, inlays, beads, oil lamps, sets of drawers, lamp-shades and so much more.
Best place for local shopping: Johari Bazaar
Johari Bazar literally means jewelers market. It is a long stretch of road in the old part of the town with shops on either side of the road. There are several shops in this market that sell gemstones, silver and gold jewelry. Apart from being the center for jewelry, Johari Bazar also stocks bridal lehangas and saris in bandhej and leheriya styles.
Best family activity: Elephant Safari to Naila, an exclusive Oberoi Experience or Hot Air Balloon ride.
The Oberoi Rajvilas offers the perfect platform to explore Jaipur. We recommend you travel like royalty on an elephant safari to Naila on a ride that culminates with a gourmet picnic at the Naila Fort. This is an exclusive Oberoi experience especially designed for you.
You could also fly over the mighty forts and palaces and enjoy a bird’s eye view of Jaipur on a hot air balloon ride. This is one of the most exciting activities to indulge in Jaipur.
Best cultural secret: Gangaur Festival
Gangaur aptly reflects the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan and is celebrated with great pomp and show. It is observed throughout the state with great enthusiasm and devotion by womenfolk. It commences on the day following Holi and continues for 18 days. Women make clay images of Gauri and Isar and the celebrations are made colorful and joyous with traditional folk songs sung in praise of Gauri.
Best restaurant for a celebration: Surya Mahal or Raj Mahal at The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur
Surya Mahal is open throughout the year and has an extensive menu of world cuisine. Raj Mahal is open during the cooler months of October to April and serves rarely found Indian delicacies. Both Surya Mahal and Raj Mahal feature an indoor dining area, under cover seating that runs alongside the main hall and an outside courtyard with space for live folk music and dance.
Best cocktail with a view: Sunset at Naila Fort
This is an exclusive Oberoi Experience where guests can travel through the Jaipur countryside in a luxury chauffeur driven car. Sip on high tea or cocktails and watch the sun go down next to the magnificently restored 18th century Naila fort.
Must see museum – Albert Hall Museum
The Albert Hall Museum, also known as the Government Central Museum, is the oldest museum in the state and holds the essence of the Maharajas of Jaipur. The museum showcases a number of archways, courtyards, and towers representing the symbol of the rich architectural heritage of the country. It exhibits various small paintings along with portraits of the royal kings on the museum’s first floor. Other valuables displayed in the museum include refined carving, metal artwork, wood works, brass made jewelry, clay wares and traditional dresses of kings.
Where: The Oberoi Rajvilas
Goner Rd, Jagdish Colony, Paldi Meena,
Jaipur, Rajasthan 302031
Phone: 0141 268 0101
