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It doesn’t get said often enough, so we will say it here: there’s still so much that people don’t know about travel in India. And also, all the things that people commonly focus on (both good and bad) are just a tiny part of this rich civilization that has been around for centuries.
Of course there is so much to see but more than that, there is something for everyone – more than just cows on the street or Yoga in some isolated ashram. Here are some of the things that we discovered (and fell in love with!) during our recent jaunt to Jaipur…
The city should be called Gem-pur, no lie! From Indian Jade to emeralds, cornflower blue sapphires, star rubies, diamonds and more, jewelholics would be hard pressed to leave without getting a trinket or three. Buy loose polished precious and semi-precious stones or get them set into rings and pendants – they can turn it around in a day or two. Of course, always go to reputable dealers who provide certification for your gemstones.
Step aside, Masala Chai, and let the spotlight shine now on Tulsi tea. Tulsi is the Hindi word for Basil and when brewed together with a pure milk tea, gives the drinker a refreshingly light and well-balanced taste, unlike its Masala Chai sister which is deeper and spicier. Have it with samosas and pannipuri for a typically Indian-style snack.
Of course you can shop for sarees and salwar kameezes galore in Jaipur, but did you know that there are plenty of trendy modern pieces you can find for your everyday wardrobe? We discovered cute cufflinks and silk pocket squares from AZGA for the boys, leather sling bags from October Jaipur and tunic tops from Fab India for the ladies and mod-style churidaars and cunning dhoti-style jumpsuits for kiddies from A Little Fable!
Yaaas, hipsters, you can enjoy free WiFi and a cuppa in space that ticks all your Instagram-worthy boxes. You just have to know where to go. We like Tapri teahouse for its menu full of street snacks and it’s milky Tulsi tea. O2 café is another good one, with yummy vegetarian food (check out their spicy paneer pizza!) and live music on the rooftop area.
You know a city is cool when its common bird is not a pigeon or mynah but freaking peacocks and peahens! These majestic creatures can be spotted quite commonly in the outskirts of the city and roam freely among fields and villages, flying from rooftops to land on dusty streets, majestic tails dragging lazily behind them. And if you’re lucky enough to catch one that has opened its tail feathers, then it’s definitely cameras out time!
Ready to jaunt in Jaipur? Let Ravishing India Holidays put together a stylish weekend getaway for you!
