Chokhi Dhani Resorts …. A world in itself !

Out of the many resorts in Jaipur this one offers ethnicity with a classy ambience and sophistication teamed with traditional elegance. Chokhi Dhani Resort is a must visit resort in Jaipur. Synonymous with village-themed hospitality it has recreated a Rajasthani ethnic village with state-of-the-art design, unmatchable comfort, traditional hospitality and a fusion of Indian and International cuisines. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is built in Hamlet style with picturesque dwellings set in a lush green landscape, dotted with luxurious cottages and royal havelis, where you can feel the freshness of the natural surroundings. A place to visit with your family and return again and again

….
A visit to Chokhi Dhani and the Village is a bespoke experience as opposed to a run-of-the-mill one, be it the ambience, the food and the entertainment for the whole family. The concept is unique and appeals to both local or foreign visitors. The real Rajasthan is showcased brilliantly …. the villages, the paintings, the Bani Thani art, the wall decorations, the evening performances, the enthusiasm, the 'manuhar', are all  traditional unique and authentic experiences. The kids’rooms, horse and camel rides, the ‘Mehndi’ are all fun and entertaining.


Not just for the stay, Chokhi Dhani Resort is also an ideal destination for corporate meetings, weddings and other events. This unique resort, set amidst the backdrop of the majestic fort, offers large and high-tech banquet halls, meeting rooms and grounds that are appropriate for corporate meetings, theme weddings and other recreational events. Chokhi Dhani Resort is also an incredible destination for movie shoots, wedding photography and theme photography.


This magnificent resort in Jaipur which combines an out-of-this-world experience  has something for everyone.

Not just for the stay, Chokhi Dhani Resort is also an ideal destination for corporate meetings, weddings and other events. This unique resort, set amidst the backdrop of the majestic fort, offers large and high-tech banquet halls, meeting rooms and grounds that are appropriate for corporate meetings, theme weddings and other recreational events. Chokhi Dhani Resort is also an incredible destination for movie shoots, wedding photography and theme photography.


Not just for the stay, Chokhi Dhani Resort is also an ideal destination for corporate meetings, weddings and other events. Offering a unique location, set amidst the backdrop of the majestic fort like property, Chokhi Dhani Resort offers large and high-tech banquet halls, meeting rooms and grounds that are apt for corporate meetings, theme weddings and other recreational events. Set in a traditional Rajasthani background, Chokhi Dhani Resort is also an incredible destination for movie shoots, wedding photography, theme photography and many others.

The rich culture and traditions of Rajasthan make their festivals absolutely enjoyable.  Celebrated against the backdrop of the magnificent golden desert and eagerly awaited both by the locals and visitors to Rajasthan, these are vibrant extravaganzas of colour, music, dancing and festivity.

The Bikaner Camel Festival 



This is a grand spectacle and celebrates the importance of the camel in the lives of the people of Rajasthan. The Camel Festival of Bikaner is celebrated on a grand scale in Rajasthan. Every year in the month of January, Bikaner comes alive with this grand celebration.  It should not be missed if you are traveling in India in January. The Tourism Department of Rajasthan Government organizes it.

The festival opens with a procession of beautifully decorated camels against the backdrop of the imposing Junagarh Fort. After the procession there are many competitions such as camel dances, best-of-breed and more.

The camel dance is the most popular event of this festival. Skillfully trained, the enthralling synchronization of footwork by the camels, leaves everyone clapping in joy !  To see camels dancing together to drumbeats and music is truly an awe-inspiring spectacle against the backdrop of the golden desert and the setting sun. One of the most popular and sought after events of Rajasthan, the Camel Festival attracts visitors from all over the world. There are also handicrafts and curio stalls for avid shoppers to take back souvenirs as a reminder.

Desert Festival



One of the most famous and colourful festivals of Rajasthan is the Desert Festival which highlights the rich culture of Rajasthan. Jaisalmer, the venue of the festival, comes alive for three days in January or February. The festival ends on the night of the full moon or Poornima.

The people of Rajasthan dress in their most colourful clothes and sing local folk songs that tell the tales of the lives of the local heroes of the state. The main attractions of the festival are the folk dancers in their vibrant costumes. who perform some very traditional dances that are exclusive to the state of Rajasthan. The dancers perform some very thrilling acts like fire dance and stunning near-impossible acrobatic stunts. There are other performances as well.

Known as the Ship of the Desert, camels are an integral part of any fair and festival of Rajasthan. The camels are decorated beautifully and many contests like camel dance and camel polo are also held.
The most fun activity is the turban tying competition. The people of Rajasthan are known for their colorful turbans that are tied in a very unique fashion. There is a also a contest to judge the best-dressed and best-looking Rajasthani. The winner is declared Mr. Desert. All this looks amazingly grand with the desert backdrop and the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort in the background!

Gangaur Festival




The Gangaur Festival is exclusive to the state of Rajasthan and celebrated in different styles in different parts of the state with much enthusiasm and fervour.  Dedicated to the Goddess Parvati, the goddess of abundance, it is celebrated by the young girls and women of Rajasthan. The festival is celebrated for a period of 18 days and young newly married girls fast for 18 days, eating only one meal per day and pray for the well-being of their husbands. Even unmarried girls keep fasts to get a good spouse. For young girls it is a time for dress up, mehndi and  The Gangaur festival of Rajasthan is also celebrated to mark the end of winter and the onset of spring.

The idols of Gan and Gaur (Lord Shiva and Parvati) are worshipped and processions of beautifully decorated elephants, camels, palanquins, chariots and local performers are taken out making it a magnificent spectacle.

Marwar Festival



Celebrated during the months of September-October, the Marwar Festival in Jodhpur is dedicated to the folk heroes of Rajasthan. The entire city of Jodhpur comes alive during the two days of this festival. The auspicious day for this festival is the full moon of the Hindu month of Sharad Poornima. It is a good time to be a visitor to these parts and this is a not to be missed festival!

The highlight of the Marwar Festival are the classical folk music programmes sung by various traditional musicians and local artists. The music is in typical Rajasthani style beautifully recounting the adventurous exploits of the rulers of Rajasthan in bygone days. The Marwar Festival  is also known as the Maand Festival as the music is known as Maand.

The folk dances are exclusive to the state of Rajasthan. The dances are breathtakingly daring and difficult and the dancers never fail to enthrall spectators balancing seven to nine pots on their heads and balancing themselves on the edge of a sword!

Mewar Festival




The best time to visit Udaipur is during March-April. This is the time the Mewar Festival of Udaipur takes place to mark the advent of Spring . The whole city of Udaipur is beautifully decorated and adorned and one can feel that a grand celebration is just around the corner. The highlight of this festival is the grand procession that takes place carrying the idols of Isar and Gangaur through the city. Women are the main organizers of this procession and it is their job to decorate the idols.

The festival comes to an end when the idols are taken to Lake Pichola and the idols are transferred onto a specially decorated boat. The highlight of the festival are the fireworks that mark the end of the three-day celebrations.

The Mewar festival is one of the most important celebrations and presents the rich culture of Rajasthan at it’s  best …. another not to be missed event for visitors to this spectacular state !

Teej Festival 




The Teej Festival of Rajasthan is one of the most important and the most widely celebrated festivals of India. Teej is also known as the ‘Festival of Swings’ as women tie swings onto the branches of trees and enjoy swinging on them.  Teej Festival is celebrated by all women irrespective of their caste and creed. The Teej Festival is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. It is believed that the Goddess was united with Lord Shiva after many years of tough penance on the auspicious day of Teej. The festival of Teej is basically a womens’ festival ….  young women dress up beautifully and sing songs about their lovers and husbands while swinging on the swings and also pray for the well-being of their husbands.

Rajasthan comes alive during the occasion of the Teej Festival. The markets are crowded with young women buying colourful bangles, jewellery and other knick-knacks.  In the capital city of Jaipur, Teej is celebrated with much fanfare and enthusiasm. The whole of Jaipur is decorated with colorful festoons and streamers. The markets are buzzing and the atmosphere is amazing.

The idol of Goddess Parvati is decorated beautifully and is taken on a grand procession. The music and dance that follows the procession adds life and grandeur to the whole celebration. This is done for two consecutive days. The Festival is attended by thousands of people from not only Rajasthan but also many other parts of India. Tourists throng the festival to soak themselves in the rich traditions of the state and witness a grand cultural spectacle. The Teej Festival is celebrated during the advent of monsoons in the months of July-August.

Rajasthan is a land of vibrant colours. Of culture, tradition and wonderfully talented people, skilled craftsmen and artisans !  A world-famous tourist destination.  Colours are a part of  the Rajasthani ethos and are found in their costumes, bustling bazaars, fairs and  festivals, in traditional paintings and murals and in their cuisine ….  the flaming red chillies and dazzling reds & yellows of the womens’ odhnis break the monotonous desert landscape of Rajasthan.

Rajasthani Wooden Jewellery

The handicrafts of a particular region are representative of the land and the people and Rajasthan is world famous for their handicrafts.  Amongst the variety of Rajasthani handicrafts are textiles, jewellery , handmade paper, paintings, leather crafts, marble artifacts, hand crafted items  in wood, ivory, lac,  gold and silver.

colorful turban

Rajasthan produces some exquisite textiles in lovely colorful fabrics. Be it their myriad multi-coloured Bandhani tie & die textiles or their Bandhej block printing, these are two gorgeous forms that portray the rich culture of Rajasthan and are much in demand by fashion designers nowadays.

The famous Blue pottery of Jaipur … a ‘must-have’ on every tourist’s shopping list. Traditional designs are now being adapted to modern shapes, such as tiles, knobs, beads  and modern dinner services, to attract a more discerning and international clientele.

Blue pottery

Blue Pottery is widely recognized as a traditional craft of Jaipur though it is Turko-Persian in origin.  The name 'blue pottery' comes from the eye-catching blue dye used to colour the pottery which is mostly decorated with animal, flowers and bird motifs. The range of items is primarily decorative. The colour palette is restricted to blue derived from the cobalt oxide, green from the copper oxide and white.

The world renowned Jaipur Razais or Quilts feature high on the list of Rajasthani handicrafts.  They are unique both for their artisanry and functionality.  The secret of Jaipuri quilts lie in the carding (dhunai) of the cotton.  Done by hand, the quilts are warm, incredibly soft and lightweight. The price of a quilt is decided by the type of cloth and cotton used and also the type of carding and stitching.

Rajasthani Quilt

Jaipur is a major centre for jewellery production and world famous for precious and semi-precious stones.  Kundan and minakari  …. enameled jewellery, in traditional designs in gold and silver are the most attractive and popular forms.

Rajasthani Jewellery

Mojris or Jootis from Rajasthan is a craft form that is extremely popular across the country as well as around the world. Almost everyone has owned or worn a pair of jootis sometime in their lives ! These are beautifully embroidered soft camel leather shoes. Jodhpur and Jaipur manufactures some very pretty mojris and jootis.

Rajasthani Moojri

The abundance of handicrafts in Rajasthan makes it a shopper’s paradise … make a list before you venture out because your mind will boggle at the variety and choice ….. for the  lac bangles of Jaipur, woollen carpets & durries from Bikaner,  Jaipur and Tonk, wooden  furniture from Jodhpur & Kishangarh, paintings including murals, frescoes and miniatures, puppets, bags and more !

Take in the sights and smells of the bazaars, the heady smell of the pungent spices, the breathtaking  colours,  the magnificent  forts and palaces, the generosity of Rajasthani hospitality, the aura of the desert and take back a souvenir to remind you of this magnificent land !

Markets and bazaars are a vibrant mix of taste, sound, aroma and texture ….. One gets a true feel of a destination from its markets and bazaars !   Jaipur, the pink city of Rajasthan surrounded by the Aravallis, is such a destination …. a treasure trove for shoppers !  Unique jewellery, miniature paintings, colorful and traditional outfits attract people from all over India and the World.  As you enter the markets, a brilliant colourful explosion of flowers, animals and handicrafts, the deep aroma of spices, along with the smell of humanity, mingled with the gritty taste of dust and exhaust will hit you with a blast. The noise is chaotic but the shopping is irresistible and a wide range of handicrafts are available in the markets.



The exotic blue pottery, Sanganer and Bagru block printed textiles, batik, tie & dye fabrics, jootis, sandal wood and stone carvings and many more items of handicrafts and artifacts, all signature Jaipur, are on  display here.  An entire street and several city sectors are earmarked for artisans and traders. The main markets are along Johari Bazar, Bapu Bazar, Nehru Bazar, Tripolia Bazar and M.I. Road. Shops specialising in precious and semi-precious stones, ornaments and jewellery are to be found on and along Johari Bazaar.


Jaipur enjoys a high reputation for the manufacture of jewellery. It is one of the most active jewel markets of the world and is famous for precious and semi-precious stones and also for the cutting, polishing and setting of these stones, particularly that of diamonds, topaz and emeralds. Jaipur brass work is of immaculate quality. Two kinds of work is done in Jaipur on brass …. lacquered brass and carved brass. Jaipur enamel or minakari, mostly done on gold and silver, has always been in a class of its own.

Here are some of the top Markets and Bazaars of Jaipur …. bargain away here and find your perfect souvenir!

1. Bapu Bazaar

Do visit the Bapu Bazaar and Nehru Bazaars. These bazars are a great place for shopping and a true reflection of the city…. walking around the markets you will see rustic pink buildings on both sides. This is the place for the famous Blue Pottery and for Jootis ….  or Mojris …. which are shoes made of soft camel leather and artistically embroidered.




The footwear is available in vibrant colors and that too at comparatively low prices.  Apart from this, both the bazaars have many shops dealing in a variety of textiles, handicrafts, gems and original leather goods like bags and purses and local perfumes and trinkets. In fact you can get almost everything in these markets.

2. Krishanpol Bazaar

Kishanpol Bazaar is the place to buy textiles, local perfumes, shoes and wooden furniture. Your quest for Bandhani textiles should end here as the selection here is amazing. Bandhani is the tie & dye skilled art for which Jaipur is famous!


Sanganeri and Bagru block prints are the fashion designers craze these days and Bandhej (tie and dye) print is very typical of the region. The main charm of this market is the decorative items, which are made of wood and includes ornamental jewelry boxes, tables & chairs and art pieces.

3. Sireh Deori Bazaar

Sireh Deori Bazaar is situated opposite to the city’s famous Hawa Mahal.  It is the main bazaar which leads from the Western gate of the city to the Eastern gate.


People go window shopping here for hours. A variety of beautiful light Jaipur quilts, puppets, leather shoes, knickknacks and beautiful colored textiles are available.

4. Tripolia Bazar

Tripolia Bazar is popular for its remarkable variety of colorful lac bangles and jewelry. Buyers can shop for high-class designs and fine jewelry made from lac.


Tripolia Bazaar is also a great option for shopping for textiles, utensils, ironware, blanket and carpets, furniture and trinkets.

5. Johari Bazar

Jaipur is a major center of jewelry production, and is especially known for precious and semi-precious stones and traditionally designed jewelry.  The best place to purchase jewellery or gemstones is at Johari Bazaar, the jeweler's market of the city. 'Kundan' jewellery is the specialty of Jaipur city.  Minakari or enameling are other skills for which the city is world famous. It is because of these skills that Jaipur is known as the 'Gem City' of India.



Johari Bazar is one of the best markets in Jaipur where some shops are painted in pink. The market is also famous for colorful bhandhej sarees and lehengas for weddings. Jaipur is a major center for jewellery production, and is especially known for precious, semi-precious stones and traditionally designed jewelry. The best place to purchase them is at Johari Bazaar, the jeweler's market of the city. 'Kundan' jewelry is the specialty of Jaipur city.  Minakari or enameling are other skills for which the city is world famous. It is because of these skills that Jaipur is known as the 'Gem City' of India.
.
Besides the markets, do drop into the Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar, which is considered to be Jaipur’s best sweet-shop!