Who doesn't enjoy carrying souvenirs from the travel, they are not a mere object but contains memories. Every time we travel to a new place, we wonder, what makes it unique from the rest. We explore the culture, landscape, environment, and while leaving we purchase gifts, both for us and for our loved ones.
I was in the Pink City AKA Jaipur, this capital city is known for royalty and rich heritage. But other than monuments and magnificent culture, there is one other thing which enthralls the tourists- the city is a shoppers paradise. For all those luxury travelers, backpackers, shopaholics out there, the city will be heaven for you.
I love the Jaipur market, it is full of life, vibrant, and is like a splash of colors. You turn your head anywhere, be it clothes, shoes, jutis, handicrafts, umbrella, everywhere one can witness a liberal dose of hues.
The market is filled with handicrafts, silver/artificial jewelry, lac bangles, mojris, etc. I found it alluring; most of the products have an imperial yet unique touch to them. The market will also test your bargaining skills, trust me nothing is more satisfying than haggling over the prices, and getting a product at half the price.
I like the interconnectivity of these markets, they are close by and one can easily cover the whole market in a day. In addition to those busy shops, one can also find, street vendors selling intriguing Jaipuriya items. The environment is electric, I can visit the market to experience the Rajasthani culture and see life passing by. The natives are friendly and easy to talk to, they are always eager to help you.
We have listed five famous bazaars (markets) of this city, where you can go for an endless treasure hunt.
Chandpole Bazar
This market is where artisans turn their imagination into reality. This traditional market is known for its creative yet antique handicrafts. The area is filled with approximately 350 plus shops. One can find handicrafts, carvings made out of marble, and other hand-looms. Apart from these, one can look into popular pieces like the traditional and flamboyant shoes, sculptures made of wood and stones, carpets, turbans! You will be able to feel the royalty and culture of Jaipur in those handicrafts.
Now comes the fun part, do put your bargaining skills to the utmost use. The products are pocket friendly. Even if you have a limited budget, still you can buy a lot.
A word of advice, if you are traveling to Jaipur and looking for handicrafts then this is THE place for you.
Apart from beautiful handicrafts, this area is well known for its architecture. The shops are symmetrically developed.
The visionary ruler of Jaipur ensured that the public and the shopkeepers, don't have to bear the scorching sun or soak in monsoon rains. They built a verandah on both sides to protect the shops. The designs of the verandah are inspired by Rajput style architecture, with a tint of Mughal inspiration.
Pro tip: If you are a shopaholic and do not want to check out the culture of the place then take the e-rickshaw.
Timing: 11:00 AM onwards
Tripolia Bazar
This place is a hub for bangles (traditional Rajasthani bangles) and for all those people who are a sucker of lac jewelry. If one is looking for intricately designed lac bangles, then Tripolia Bazar is THE PLACE!
This bazaar has a huge variety of bangles made of vibrant colors. Other than bangles this place has Bandhani ties and dye fabrics, with rich embroideries. Do check the designer carpets, brassware, and other traditional wear. All these things are at reasonable rates, don't forget to negotiate.
This market will take you into the bygone era, in the old days, the bangle sellers used to set their shops on the streets, and thankfully the tradition is still continued.
Pro tip: Try to not buy from the first shop you enter, always explore the variety and then buy.
Timing: 11 am onwards
Johri Bazar
If you are an admirer of artificial or silver treasures then Johri bazaar will not disappoint you. Jaipur is worldwide known for its beautiful jewelry, and this is one of the oldest markets dealing in the same. Here one will get all kinds of artificial and silver regalia. They have exclusive designs, often at reasonable rates. Also, if you have a budget constraint then visit street vendors, they have wonderful and unique pieces at times.
The vibe of this place is magnificent, wherever you look, it's all precious gems and dazzling ornaments. Other than trinkets one can also check out the textiles, particularly traditional tie, and dye fabrics, leheriya, and gota sarees at throwaway prices.
This market should be on the must-visit list. This sophisticated and delicate handmade jewelry makes it one of the best places to shop in Jaipur.
Pro tip: Try to buy much from the street than from shops. The shops might give you the same piece at much higher rates.
Bapu Bazar
This is a one-stop destination for all the accessories one wants to buy. But the main attraction of this place is Mojris (traditional Rajasthani juttis). You will get vibrant and multi-colored designer juttis there. The buzzword here is BARGAIN.
Other than juttis, one can also get handicrafts, fragrances, attar, lehengas, colorful sarees, and unique sandstone artifacts. This buzzing marketplace has something for everyone. This is my personal favorite, I lose the track of time while admiring those lovely collectibles.
We suggest if you are someone who invests in souvenirs, then this is the market.
Pro tip: Do not buy Juttis without trying; you might get the wrong size.
Sireh Deori Bazaar
If you actually want to get a glimpse of the city you should definitely go to this place. It is opposite to the famous Hawa Mahal, and is a perfect place for window shopping. You can get Leather shoes (camel skin), puppets, knickknacks, and some unique hangings here, which are exclusively made in Jaipur.
If you are not good at negotiation, then avoid purchases. This place will give you the feel of Bond Street of London, it also has shops lined up on both the side of the street.
You will surely fall in love with this street, and it will be difficult to control the urge to buy everything.
Pro tip: Bargain as much as you can.
