Style Swap Tuesdays - 24 Hours in Jaipur, Rajasthan ( India Travel Edition )

" The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" 
Taking my first step into the world of TRAVEL BLOGGING. 
It took me a few years to give shape to this plan aka my dream, which never moved forward from the conception stage, but I'm glad and pumped to present to you my very first travel post. I have a couple travel posts here and there, but they were more spontaneous versus a well-chalked out one like this one. I will not deny that it was a lot harder than I had imagined. Much harder than fashion and beauty and needed a lot more planning, exchanging emails, living by deadlines and working in unfavorable weather conditions. 
Thanks to my family and friends in India for arming me and watching over Riri while I traveled. Thanks to my photographer Sumit Sharma for all the hardwork and guidance. Without the help of everyone mentioned above, my dream wouldn't have taken shape- my dream of traveling to JAIPUR. 
A little about Jaipur 
Rightly called as the PINK CITY, Jaipur is the capital and largest city of the North Indian state of Rajasthan. It was founded on November 18th 1727 by Jai Singh, the ruler of Amer, after whom the city is named. Owing to it's dominant pink architectural color scheme, Jaipur gets the name of PINK CITY. Jaipur is a popular tourist destination and people from all over the world travel miles to witness the magnificence and royal hospitality of this place. 


I was in Jaipur for just about 24 hours, too short to explore this beautiful city, but those 24 hours were truly a well-spent 24 hour day. I was able to tour some major attractions, including the Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal and Patrika Gate ( all pictured in order ).












Must visit tourist attractions 

1. AMER FORT ( top four pictures )-   just about 11 kilometers from Jaipur is Amer fort which was once home to Raja Man Singh. Now more of a tourist attraction, the fort is a ten minute walk uphill and the little trek will be worth the wonders that it offers. The royal elephant ride, that happens every morning between 8-11am was worth catching a glimpse of. 
2. HAWA MAHAL ( middle two pictures with the pink building ) - the true example of Jaipur's pink architectural beauty, Hawa Mahal also know as the " Palace of Breeze " was built in 1799 with the sole purpose of allowing the royal ladies who at the time strictly observed “pardah”, to be able to watch any processions and activities on the street without being seen by the public. Interesting right !!
3. PATRIKA GATE ( the last bunch of pictures )- epitome of the rich and vibrant culture of Rajasthan, Patricka gate is the month gate in Jaipur leading to Jawahar Circle. It gives you a sneak-peek into the rich heritage of Rajasthan, as each pillar is dedicated to some or the other part of the state. Through the hand painted temples, jewelry, human figures on the walls, Patricka gate gives you a glimpse of the entire history of Jaipur. 
4. CITY PALACE 
5. JAL MAHAL
6. ALBERT HALL
7. NAHARGARH 

Shopping destination 
We all do online and mall shopping, but when in Jaipur you have to get a taste of some street shopping. Flocked with rows and rows of indigenous and artisanal specialties, juti's ( jute flats ), bangles, ghagra-choli ( local skirt and top set ) to name a few, street shopping is a complete adventure in its own respect. Some of the major street shopping joints that you must add to your list are:

1. BAPU BAZAAR- I got lucky time-wise and managed a couple of hours by this busy marketplace to pick out some gifts for family. It was loud and crowded, but an experience for sure. Remember to bargain when buying from the streets. 
2. NEHRU BAZAAR
3. MIRZA ISMAIL ROAD 
4. JOHRI BAZAAR 

Local food joints to try 
Aside from the rich cultural heritage, Jaipur is famous for it Daal-Baati-Churma ( lentils, wheat dumpling and ghee roasted powdered wheat ) and Laal Maas-roti ( goat meat cooked in red curry with flatbread ). One has to have a king-size appetite to enjoy all that this city has to offer. While I refrained from venturing out too much, my photographer recommended a few places and their delicacies that were a must-try. 

1. RAMBAGH PALACE for it's Maharaja Thali 
2. GANGAUR for their gulaab ( rose )  ke laddoo ( rounds )
3. LASSI wall for their lassi's ( cold yogurt drink )
4. FALUDAWALA at Ajmeri gate for they faluda kulfi ( rich and creamy ice cream )
5. MAYA CONTINENTAL for their laal-maas and roti 
6. VIRASAT 
7. MOHAMMADI 

It was a short trip, but I would definitely love to go back to Jaipur the next time I am in India. Saying that " Jaipur was magnificent " would be a complete understatement. You have to visit Jaipur to see it, feel it and witness the life, people, culture, hospitality and all that Pink City has to offer. 
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