Top 7 Must-Do Highlights of Jaipur
To help us plan our trip we used travel experts cazenove+loyd
During our five-day stay in Jaipur, a highlight of our Rajasthan adventure, I found myself completely smitten with this bustling city – it quickly claimed the title of my favourite Indian destination. It was like stumbling upon my colour-filled haven, brimming with creativity at every turn. But what truly stole my heart was delving into Jaipur's artisan scene, getting up close to watch these talented craftsmen at work, and feeling the pulse of the city's cultural soul.
Top 7 highlights
Samode Haveli Hotel
City Palace and Gardens
Princess Diya Kumari Foundation
Shopping in Jaipur
Phool Mandi (flower and vegetable Market)
Outdoor (and laughing) Yoga
The Govind Temple
After a lively four-hour drive to Jaipur, weaving through cows and overloaded motorbikes, my excitement bubbled over as we entered the city. Spotting the famous pink walls of the old town was like checking off a bucket list item! Back in the hustle and bustle, I found Jaipur's streets calmer than others, making the city feel quite welcoming.
1. Samode Haveli Hotel: We checked into The Samode Haveli, which I’d eagerly followed through Rosanna Folcaner’s Instagram posts. Walking into the hotel’s reception was like stepping into a dream; every corner burst with colour and intricate designs, from the detailed inlay work to the hand-painted ceilings, which were an absolute feast for any interior designer’s eyes.
Our first room was lovely but a bit too understated for me; it leaned more towards colonial elegance, which differed from the burst of colour I sought. Picking up on my reaction, the friendly receptionist kindly suggested we look at some other rooms. The options he showed us were stunning, each with its own distinctive flair. We eventually chose a room featuring a magnificent chalky yellow vaulted ceiling, beautifully detailed with intricate carvings, just the room I had hoped for!
Strolling outside, the paths lined with terracotta pots filled with blooms in shades of pinks, reds, and lilacs led us to a dining area transformed at night by twinkling lights and festoons hanging from an old Carob tree, pure magic!
2. City Palace: One of the visual highlights of our Jaipur visit had to be the City Palace. I think I snapped more photos there than anywhere else! Each corner boasted spectacular colours and details, from beautifully painted doorways in lovely pinks and greens to artworks featuring peacocks, my favourite birds. Walking into the royal parlour, arranged in advance, was awe-inspiring. The vibrant cornflower blue of the walls provided a stunning backdrop that made the pink saris of passing women pop spectacularly. Each moment in the City Palace was like walking through a rich story, alive with history and bursting with colour, just as I love it.
3. PDKF: After touring the Palace, we stopped by the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation, an NGO dedicated to empowering women. The foundation supports income generation, health initiatives, education, and rural empowerment programs. Meeting women who had mastered machine sewing and intricate embroidery techniques was inspiring. They create beautiful pieces that they sell to support themselves and their families. This visit was a profound reminder of the power of skill and self-reliance.
4. Shopping in Jaipur: As an interior designer with a knack for spotting the unique and hand-crafted, Jaipur's reputation as a shopping paradise and the textile capital had me buzzing excitedly like a bee in a honeypot! Eager to dive into the local scene, our fantastic guide quickly lined up the ideal wholesalers for me. I jumped at the chance to barter for vibrant printed fabrics, exquisite tablecloths, intricate wall hangings, and cosy throws, securing some fabulous wholesale deals to offer my clients back home. Meanwhile, my husband, Mike, snagged himself a perfectly tailored jacket and a couple of shirts, all made overnight!
After we visited the textile wholesaler, I jumped at the opportunity to try hand-block printing, a craft I've cherished since my days of screen printing in art school. I'm always struck by the beautiful simplicity of the tools and the meticulous precision required. Watching the colours evolve as the dye set was mesmerising. We then watched skilled artisans weaving and meticulously hand-cutting the carpets, ensuring flawless patterns. Being part of this process and observing the artisans highlighted the incredible dedication, spanning weeks and even months, that goes into these stunning works of art.
Next up were the famed jewellery shops of Jaipur, where the gemstones are as colourful as the city itself. The craftsmanship was impressive, and I couldn't resist picking up a gorgeous ring to celebrate my upcoming 50th birthday. It's not just a piece of jewellery; it's a treasure that'll always remind me of our adventures in Jaipur!
5. Phool Mandi: We rose early to experience the bustling early morning Phool Mandi wholesale market and participate in yoga within the City Palace gardens. As we arrived at the market, which was just beginning to come alive, I was immediately struck by the sight of women expertly balancing heavy boxes of vegetables on their heads. Curious about their load, I tried lifting one and was amazed by its weight; these women were incredibly strong.
My attention was soon captured by another vibrant scene: large saris bundled with colourful flower heads. It was a feast for the eyes with Roses, Carnations, Gerberas, and Marigolds painting a vivid tableau of colours, a true delight!
6. Outdoor Yoga: After the market, we hopped into a rickshaw and headed to the City Palace Gardens for some yoga. As soon as we entered the gardens, our yoga teacher, who doubled as our guide, started calling out in Hindi, surprising us. Quickly, a group of locals, mostly older men and a few women, joined us. What followed was one of the most unique and freeing experiences of the trip: laughing yoga. Led by an enthusiastic older gentleman, we all laughed together, echoing through the gardens.
Once our laughter settled, our teacher found us a peaceful spot on the grass for a more traditional yoga session. Surrounded by birdsong, we even nailed a supported headstand! It was a fantastic way to start the day.
7. The Govind Temple: After our yoga session, we visited the Govind Temple, Jaipur’s most beloved temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Participating in the morning Aarti, with its lovely group singing and chanting, was a beautiful and immersive experience.
The energy and creativity of Jaipur were infectious, and it was hard to leave with so much still to explore. Reluctantly, we headed to the airport, excited for our next adventure but knowing we'd return to Jaipur again.
The expertise of cazenove+loyd made the planning process much smoother and enjoyable and we were so grateful for their assistance in creating such a memorable experience.
