Hidden Gems and Solo Travel
Hiding in plain sight are the most beautiful treasures scattered all around the city. Come see what we’ve found in these tucked away places.
a man selling seviyan on Amer Road
You’ll hear a lot of stories detailing the dangers of walking the city streets of India. The real danger, however, lies in not being self aware, not the streets themselves.
I often spend large portions of my day wandering the streets aimlessly. And while I do caution you to let someone know where you are and when you’ll return (even the hotel clerk can be a friend in this way), there isn’t too much harm in these amusing little exploits as long as you are alert to your surroundings. Here are my favorite tips for safety (especially as a woman) when “getting lost” in a new city.
First of all, make sure to keep your eyes open and use common sense when talking to strangers. The question I get the most often is “Where are you from?” This type of information is vague and can’t really lead to any harm unless followed up for more details. The people you come across in the streets are just as curious about you as you are about your new surroundings. You’ll find Indians are very kind but inquisitive and that’s ok! If you are uncomfortable at any point with the questions, simply say so. Just be sure not to give out your personal information or where you are staying.
This leads us to the second tip, be cautious about following anyone to a new location. You will certainly be safe on the main roads and in the many shops you find there. However, there are a lot of people who run businesses that are not located on the main thoroughfare and they send salesmen to try to attract tourists to their location with the lure that you’ll find better quality or less expensive products in their “warehouse”. Most of them mean no harm but I guarantee you will find not find anything better than what you have seen already on the main road. Following someone to a place you may not find your way out of is far more risk than reward.
And third, I think this is super obvious but worth repeating, don’t walk alone at night. Even if the restaurant is nearby your hotel, the streets you already walked in the daylight become part of a whole new city at night. Cab rentals are safe and affordable. Your hotel can easily arrange transport for you and if you’re determined to walk, they may even arrange for someone of the hotel staff to walk with you.
If you’re in the city of Jaipur and you want a beautiful, culture-filled adventure, try staying in a converted haveli located in one of the narrow but bustling side streets. I highly recommend The Jhori, located in Jhori Bazaar. Or you could try a stay in the oldest hotel in Jaipur, The LMB Hotel established in 1727, just meters away from the famous Wind Palace. And if you want the most royal stay available, you can even rent a room in the City Palace where the royal family of Jaipur still lives. Rooms are available on the AirBnB website.
leather juttis hang on a display board
the Jhori Hotel and Bar
coriander seeds in a measuring cup
pet goat chained outside a house
It’s important to note that the Pink City is famous for its shopping bazaars. Two in particular, Jhori Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar are the largest and run the breadth and length of the walled city. These are fantastic places to shop if you want to purchase some of the amazing goods that Rajasthan is famous for like leather bags and shoes, silver jewelry and precious stones, and especially block print fabrics! But if you are like me and wish to bring home the special or the odd piece, you’ll need to know about these spots because you won’t find them where all the tourists are but they’re just a short walk from the those famous intagramable sites!
a cow passing an antique shop
Indian Art House, One of the most recent places I was introduced to is a shop I never would have noticed. It’s not only off a side street, but off that street and off that one! Just a ten minute walk from Hawa Mahal. You can’t begin to comprehend what a lifetime of collecting has done to the culture and lifestyle of one native Jaipuri family. Sawan Kumar has been collecting art for almost six decades with the support of his loving wife. Their home is open to visitors and they are delighted to share- immediately turning shoppers into friends and intimate guests. Their son, Tej, has wholeheartedly embraced the family heritage trade and works alongside his parents, sharing his knowledge and history of Indian arts and antiques (while also studying for his degree). Pieces range in size, value and rarity. And I absolutely guarantee you will find something to bring home that will forever remind you of India. Please stop by and tell them Amy sent you!