The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is steeped in history and culture. Here the past comes alive in magnificent forts and palaces, blushed pink, where once lived the maharajas. The bustling bazaars of Jaipur, famous for Rajasthani jewellery, fabric and shoes, possess a timeless quality and are surely a treasure-trove for the shoppers. This fascinating city with its romantic charm takes you to an epoch of royalty and tradition.
Jaipur is a shopper's paradise. This is one of the few places where the shoppers may actually watch the skilled artisans producing the articles they want to buy.
Jaipur is barely 262 kilometers from New Delhi, and is well connected by road, rail and air.
The main markets are along Jauhari Bazaar, Badi Chaupar and M.I. Road. Shops specializing in precious and semi-precious stones are to be found on and along Jauhari Bazaar, but in order to see the celebrated minakars, kunda workers, gem-cutters and ornament makers at work, it is necessary to visit their workshops at Jadiyon-ka-Rasta, Gopalji-ka-Rasta, Haldiyon-ka-rasta and the adjoining lanes.
For bandhej (tie and dye), and block printed textiles, the best shops are along Jauhari Bazaar and Badi Chaupar. The larger establishments are at Sanganer where dozens of workshops produce the famous block printed textiles.
The narrow Khajanewalon-ka-Rasta off Chandpole Bazaar is the main center of stone carving. Shops dealing in marble statuary are to be found here. Maniharon-ka-Rasta in the Tripolia Bazaar area specializes in lac bangles and Ramganj Bazaar, in traditional chappals and jutis (leather footwear). The Hawa Mahal area is thick with shops dealing with antiques and pseudo-antiques. Some shops opposite Hawa Mahal stock the famous Jaipur quilts weighing only a few hundred grams!
Blue potteries, durries, carpets, brassware and other items of handicrafts are best displayed at the Rajasthali emporium in M.I. Road.
The visitor with a sweet tooth can indulge in traditional sweet-meats available in shops that can be found everywhere. The LMB Hotel is one of the most famous dealers of traditional sweets and savouries.
