Walking tours are a perfect way to discover the city. Over the last few years, heritage and cultural walking tours have become extremely popular. Why so? There are a variety of Jaipur walking tours, from heritage walking tours Jaipur to cultural walking tours Jaipur local markets in the old city of Jaipur. These Jaipur walking tours allow one to see things differently, an invaluable opportunity to witness life in Jaipur, up close. In recent times, some tour operators have been offering a free walking tour in Jaipur. Are Free Walking Tours in Jaipur really free? Most “Free Walking Tours Jaipur” come with the expectation of a tip. So how can one do a “Free Walking Tour Jaipur”? Recently, a walk leader shared his experience when he met with a traveler who ended up wasting his time as no one turned up at the appointed time after registering for a free walking tour in Jaipur on one of the leading travel websites. The walk leader was conducting a guided Jaipur walking tour when this traveler sought his help; he was unable to find the contact of the free walking tour in Jaipur that he registered for. Unfortunately, the traveler ended up wasting his time as no one turned up for the “Walking Tour Jaipur”. This is only one such case. Here is all that you need to know about the Jaipur free self-guided walking tour.
How To Do A Free Walking Tour In Jaipur? Jaipur Self-Guided Walking Tour
Having explored Jaipur considerably during the last few years, I have had the opportunity to lead Jaipur walking tours or heritage walks in Jaipur for travelers, academicians, and students from across the world. I’m sharing a free walking tour in Jaipur; this Jaipur self-guided walking tour doesn’t require a guide. This free Jaipur walking tour allows one to experience Jaipur on your own, at your own pace.
Free walking tours are common in Europe and replicated across other parts of the world, especially in notable tourist towns. After undertaking a couple of free and paid walking tours, I feel the term “free walking tour” is a misnomer. The guide at some point will notify you that it’s a tip-based walking tour and also disclose how much you should tip. In a way, the term “free” is a trap. If a guided walk is advertised as a free walking tour it should be free and not come with the expectation of tips. Sandeman’s New Europe Walking Tours clearly mentions tours are free and tips are complimentary. Sandeman’s walking tours are amazingly popular and highly recommended if you are visiting Europe. I feel it is fair to compensate someone for their knowledge and time; nothing is free in this world.
Please note that it is impossible to provide all the details in one blog post. This heritage walk in Jaipur only provides a framework to explore on your own without the need for a guide in Jaipur. Therefore, in no way, the Jaipur self-guided walking tour is an exhaustive guide for travelers rather it offers a synopsis of the Jaipur walled city. You can save the free walking tour Jaipur route map on Google Maps located at the bottom of this post. If you want to do a guided walking tour in Jaipur, check out Jaipur walking tours by Jaipur Retold
Read: Heritage Walk in Jaipur
Free Walking Tour Jaipur Route & Information | Self-Guided walk
Here is a route map for the Free Walking Tour Jaipur with reference points.
- New Gate
New Gate is one of the nine gates of Jaipur’s walled city area. This was the last gate to be built in the 1940s and hence named New Gate. This gate was built to connect the new upcoming areas with the old walled city area. In comparison to other gates, this gate follows straight lines and draws inspiration from the gates built during those times.
Read more about Jaipur Gates in Old Gates of Jaipur
- Bapu Bazaar
From New Gate, take a right turn and walk through the Bapu Bazaar towards Sanganeri Gate.
Bapu Bazaar remains a thriving market and is quite popular among travelers and tourists for shopping. This market is well known for the Sanganeri print fabrics – bed sheets, suits, jackets, and Mojari /Jutis.
Pro Tip: It is a good market to buy clothes, handmade local footwear -Mojadis and Chappals, and Sanganeri block-printed furnishings.
Read Jaipuri Jutis
- Sanganeri Gate
Sanganeri Gate is one of the most famous gates of Jaipur because it leads to Johari Bazaar, the most popular market for shopping in Jaipur.
Read more about Sanganeri Gate in the Old Gates of Jaipur
- Johari Bazaar
The beauty of Johari Bazaar, one of Jaipur’s oldest markets, is its appeal among locals and travelers alike. This is where the famous Jaipur jewelry is manufactured and sold. Jaipur is a well-known trading & manufacturing hub for colored stone jewelry as well as Kundan Meena, Polki, and Jadau Jewelry.
There are thousands of jewelry manufacturers and traders in the Johari Bazaar. Apart from jewelry, there are many shops selling garments, handicrafts, artificial jewelry, dry fruits, masalas, and whatnot? Johari Bazaar is one of the most popular places for wedding shopping, especially for jewelry and clothes.
To have a better look at Sanganeri Gate, take a right turn from Bapu Bazaar through the small gates and walk out to receive a glimpse of Sanganeri Gate in its full glory.
- Sanganeri Gate Hanuman Ji temple
Once done, retrace and walk through the gate back into the market, head straight towards the North direction until you discover a temple on your left – the Hanuman Ji temple of Sanganeri Gate.
As per legends, the temple is ancient; some claim it to be older than the city. It retains no signs of antiquity and is all modern in its construction. It enjoys a substantial following and Tuesday draws thousands of devotees.
From the temple walk towards the north until you find this gate on your right. Traverse the road towards the other side of the gate.
- Fruit and vegetable market in Johri Bazaar
A few more steps and you are in a local vegetable market of Johari Bazaar. Walk around to witness how vegetables have been sold for decades. Supermarkets still haven’t been able to replace the way people buy fruits and vegetables in Jaipur much like many ancient cities across the world like Cairo or Fez.
The locals like to buy directly from the sellers and prefer to bargain and choose from a variety of sellers. You might want to strike up a conversation with one of the vendors and maybe purchase something. They are inexpensive in comparison to Europe, the USA, or even Singapore, and Hong Kong. A kilogram of Banana will cost USD 0.50!
- Johri Bazaar Market Shops
After exploring this market, walk out through the second exit which is devoid of a gate. Once you are out of this market, take a right turn towards the north and walk through the covered walkway in front of the shop facade. This walkway is designed to provide respite from the sun and rain for shoppers.
As you walk from the vegetable market, you will find a variety of shops selling food items that are a mainstay of the Indian kitchen like grains and spices. These shops have been selling in the same manner for decades.
Many changes have taken place, though. Previously the shop shutters were made of wooden doors but now the rolling metal shutters have replaced them. You can find many in Johari Bazaar.
There are lanes on your right side as well as left. Jaipur walled city is a planned city and all lanes intersect at a right angle. This walk covers the ones on your right side.
The first one is the KGB (Kundiger Bhairon Ji) Ka Rasta, followed by MSB (Moti Singh Bhomiyan) Ka Rasta, Ghee Walon Ka Rasta, and Haldion Ka Rasta.
Once you come across the third lane, Ghee Walon Ka Rasta, enter this street.
- Ghee Walon Ka Rasta
You will find many shops selling sweets and savories at the start of Ghee Walon Ka Rasta. These shops are extremely popular among the locals and worth trying a few offerings. You can also try a few Indian sweet delicacies like Malpua.
Sambhar Fini is an enormously popular shop to try local sweets – Ghevar and Fini.
Pro Tip: For travelers visiting from the western hemisphere eating street food may not be a good idea if your gut is not acclimatized. Delhi Belly can give you a tough time.
Take note of the facades of old houses on this street. Traditional Rajasthani big mansions are called Havelis and are characterized by beautiful paintings and doors. Read more about Havelis in Jaipur
Not all houses and doors feature detailed and colorful paintings, some are simpler yet beautiful.
Keep walking in this lane until you come across a Jain temple at a crossing; this Jain temple in Jaipur belongs to the Shwetmber sect of Jainism called Sri Suparasnath Bada Jain Temple. Another sect of Jains in Jaipur is called Digamber Jain. Do note that the temples are religious places and not tourist attractions. Many Jain temples in Jaipur do not permit visitors other than followers due to strict religious practices. Like all temples in India, dress and footwear codes need to be followed for a temple visit. You can check out one of the biggest Jain temples in Jaipur, still in the making- Arihant Vatika.
Here is a picture from another Shwetamber Jain temple in Jaipur and not from the temple mentioned above.
Read Arihant Vatika Shwetamber Jain Temple at Mohanbari Jaipur
Jain Temples in Jaipur are not tourist places
Take the left from this temple to proceed in the north direction. This market is called Dara Bazar and there are innumerable shops selling clothes and fabrics. It is a buzzing market.
After walking a few meters, you will come across an intersection of the fourth lane- Haldion Ka Rasta. Turn left and walk towards the Johari Bazaar.
- Haldion Ka Rasta
This market was traditionally a market for jewelry. In recent times, many modern shops have come up selling a variety of items. In the old days, some of the noted Jaipur jewelers were based in Haldion Ka Rasta.
After reaching Johari Bazar, turn right and continue on the covered walkway. The shops on your right are primarily selling jewelry, garments, and Saris. You will find many street vendors selling junk jewelry and colored stones.
Continue towards Badi Chaupar, a big square with an intersection. Badi Chauper area is chaotic due to merging traffic.
- Jaipur Flower Market at Badi Chaupar
You will come across a flower market on your right at Badi Chaupar. Many refer to this as a Jaipur Flower Market. The flower vendors have been selling fresh flowers for many decades. There is a bigger Jaipur Flower Market close by. Many devotees buy flowers on the way to their customary visit to the temple.
From Badi Chaupar it is easy to locate Hawa Mahal in the northwest direction. Walk towards Hawa Mahal.
- Hawa Mahal and Sireh Deori Bazaar
The shops in front of Hawa Mahal cater to tourists with a variety of merchandise. Quite likely, you will be invited to inspect the goods sold in the shops by the staff. This is not the best place to buy good quality products.
Continue on the same road until you come across this building on your left which was previously a town hall called Sawai Man Singh Town Hall. It is a defunct building and is out of use presently.
Cross over to the other side of the road and walk towards the north until you find this gate on your left called Sireh Deori Gate. Turn left and walk through this gate.
- Sireh Deori Gate
- City Palace Compound
Towards your left will be a few grain sellers and a pigeon feeding point. It’s a favorite spot among travelers to click pictures for Instagram and social media.
Continue walking on the same road and walk through the Nakkarkhana Gate. We are walking towards the city palace compound and this is the first gate you will encounter.
- Nakkarkhana Gate
Soon, you will come across a large public square called Jaleb Chowk. Currently, it is a neglected space and many sections have fallen out due to disrepair.
- Jaleb Chowk in Jaipur City Palace Compound
From here, turn right and walk through a gate towards the Govind Dev Ji Temple. You will find many devotees headed toward the temple. The temple is open throughout the day but the Darshan can only be done during the predesignated slots. Some slots are more popular and hence more crowded. The timings of the slots can be checked online on the portal of the temple – govinddevji.net.
- Govind Dev Ji Temple
As in any temple in India, you need to remove footwear before entering the temple; you will find a shoe stand on the right. Usually, a volunteer will ensure the safekeeping of the shoes; though tipping is not mandatory, it ensures a good service; Rs 10 is good enough. It is a historic temple and the rulers of Jaipur consider Govind Dev Ji as their Isht Devta
This free walking tour in Jaipur ends here. You can continue to explore Jaipur City Palace or Jantar Mantar from here. Both these tourist attractions are in the vicinity.
Map | Free Jaipur Walking Tour
This free Jaipur walking tour covers the Walled City Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in July 2019. I have a free walking tour map. If you want to get a shareable Google map along with markers and pictures of the places, kindly email: jaipurthrumylens @ gmail com
How much time is required to complete this Free Self-Guided walking tour in Jaipur?
The estimated time to complete this walking tour in Jaipur is 1.5-2 hours but you can always fine-tune it depending on your interests. Photography enthusiasts and people who love exploring cultures tend to take considerably longer.
What to expect from this Free Self-Guided Jaipur Walking Tour?
It is a good idea to understand what Glimpses from everyday life, beautiful heritage architecture, a busy bazaar scene, and a variety of smells and sounds! These are the few elements of this free Jaipur walking tour.
Vernacular Jaipur Architecture on the Jaipur Walking Tour Route
Here are a few not-to-be-missed buildings built in the Jaipur vernacular architectural style on the main street of Johari Bazaar during this walking tour in Jaipur.
Deori Ji Temple in Johari Bazaar
This is on the right side (East) of the bazaar
Kothari Bhawan
This is on the left side (West) of the bazaar
The murals and paintings on the exteriors are part of the restoration process; originally this wasn’t in this form and has been redone.
The walled city is undergoing a drastic change. Many old buildings are being razed down to be replaced by new construction. Often old exists in harmony with modern architecture.
LMB Sweets & Hotel
These are modern structures that have replaced the old facade. One of the most prominent is LMB sweets. Notice how this building’s architecture & color look out of place.
Another example of how new construction cannot replace the old building can be seen in this picture.
Is Jaipur Walkable?
The walled city of Jaipur is one of the best places to walk in Jaipur because it offers a lot to see. It is certainly walkable considering short distances. However, do watch out for bikes and other traffic hazards; people generally don’t always observe universal traffic rules. Watch where you place your foot, the narrow streets in this old part of Jaipur, are not the cleanest places that you might have seen especially during the rule of current Congress party rule.
Is It Safe to Walk Around in Walking Tour Jaipur?
It is generally safe to walk on a “Walking Tour Jaipur” through the route mentioned in this blog during the daytime. I always recommend people use their judgment when it comes to safety. If you have a feeling that it is unsafe to walk alone, don’t override! In such a case, it is better to go for a guided walking tour because the walk leader understands the locality and situation. When undertaking a “Walking Tour Jaipur” dress conservatively. The tourist attractions in Jaipur are generally safe, avoid venturing into an unknown area before checking with a reliable local source like your hotel.
History of Johari Bazaar
Johari Bazaar is one of the most popular bazaars in the old part of Jaipur and certainly the most historic.
The shops have a covered walkway meant to provide shade whereas the roof served as a viewing deck for the public. Historians claim that the colonnaded walkway was built during the reign of the last ruler of Jaipur. Many religious processions used to pass through Johari Bazaar. Shopping in Jaipur is incomplete without a visit to Johari Bazaar.
Self-Guided Walking Tours in Jaipur Vs Free Guided Walking Tours Vs Paid Walking Tours in Jaipur. Which one to take?
Is a Jaipur self-guided walking tour better than a guided Jaipur walking tour? Like everything else, a self-guided tour has its own limitations. For one, you need to be good at navigation. Despite a good, well-marked map, many travelers are uncomfortable using one. Also, for people visiting from quiet places, a buzzing Indian bazaar is a “sensory” attack. There’s so much noise, a variety of smells, overcrowded streets, and lastly, too many things happening all at once. This can be an overwhelming experience for many travelers.
This is the reason why a large number of travelers prefer Jaipur guided walking tours with a walk leader. It allows them to relax and just soak in the atmosphere rather than worry about navigation, traffic, and route maps. As an added bonus, the walk leader of the walking tour also acts as a translator. For others, exploration is an adventure. They enjoy getting lost and finding something new which was not mentioned in their guide. Read more about a Guided Heritage walk in Jaipur. For guided heritage walking tours in Jaipur, check out Heritage Walks in Jaipur
Many people miss the conversation and exchange of ideas that come with a guided tour. Travelers will likely have many questions and a Jaipur self-guided walking tour offers no opportunity for answers. Jaipur markets are buzzing and a self-guided walk is not a complete answer for the inquisitive ones. Find out more about the guided walking tour – Heritage walking tour in Jaipur
There are many “hidden places in Jaipur” that cannot be explored with a self-guided walking tour in Jaipur. There’s so much to see and experience like this old Haveli in the walled city. The narratives and stories are best experienced with a walk leader. Love stories from the Jaipur walled city? Check out Sunday
Self-guided walking tours are best for people who love exploring at their own pace. Also, guided walks often operate at a pre-decided time, a self-guided walking tour allows one to choose the most convenient time. It works very well with photographers and artists who need more time. Guided walks tend to rush through the route and often lead unsuspecting travelers into buying overpriced local merchandise. This is a common ploy employed by guides across the world. There are some variations as well, in some cases guides make a pitstop at an overpriced cafe/eaterie. Jaipur is no exception and this is true for even well-established walking tour operators who have been in this industry for many years. This practice needs to end. Read more about a Guided Heritage walk in Jaipur
What do you think? Do you have any experience with Jaipur walking tours to share? Questions or comments on A Walking Tour in Jaipur? Reach out to me Jaipurthrumylens at Gmail com.
If you enjoyed reading this post, don’t forget to share it on your social media.
Follow me on Facebook Twitter Instagram
Pin it for later
Discover more from JaipurThruMyLens
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
JaipurThruMyLens 
Would love to return!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure all this will look different considering the fact that you have undertaken it long ago, Nilla! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, but some things never change Arv 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed, Nilla 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great initiative. I have a suggestion. Why don’t you do the walk, video record it, and make it a downloadable audio/video walk so that its easier for people like me, who are seriously map-impaired. That is if you have the time. Take Care
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Svetlana. I remember having a similar conversation. It is a good idea. I will find a way to implement it. I definitely need some hardware and skills to implement it. Most blogs with self guided tours only post pictures of the key places. I have posted much more so that when one undertakes it, they are not confused having seen the markers.
Appreciate your suggestion, will update once I implement it. Thanks, Svetlana. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks 🙂
LikeLike
No problem 🙂 check out my blog when you get the chance 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
I already did 🙂
LikeLike
You presented us with enough ideas about the most significant places we should visit in a self-guided tour of Jaipur. One would need more than a day to see in detail all the wonders your city has to offer. There are very few things that are truly free. I agree with you. It is best to go for a tour, which offers the service for a fee. Greetings from Canada and best wishes! Peter
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure you will need more than a day to truly enjoy all that this city offers. Yes, it is true that nothing in this world is free except advice!
I have often found that free guided walk leads unsuspecting tourists to overpriced shops and eateries. This is one way guides make their money by offering free tours.
I’m glad we’re on same page. hanks for reading and sharing your views. I suppose all this looks exotic from your part of the world?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, indeed. It is a different and fascinating world you live in, Arv!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s what travelers from western hemisphere say! On another note, you live in a pristine place. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
you are welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish I had had this when I visited Jaipur years ago. While I enjoy knowing more about the places I see and how to get around, I always feel rushed when getting a guided tour. I’ve really enjoyed the tours that come on headphones (or apps) so that one can satisfy both agendas, and also discourage touts from offering “free tours”. I have this bookmarked for when I return to Jaipur next time!^)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Travelers are increasingly looking at options to add value to their travel. These days visiting popular tourist spots has lost a bit of charm because we have seen the picture so many times on social media. Exploring local culture and streets provide a unique experience. I agree it was not so popular a few years ago. The problem with guided tours is that often it leads the unsuspecting travelers and tourists into emporiums and so called workshops/museums. They are narrated fabricated stories to sell overpriced products. I hope you visit Jaipur once again. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Picture are wonderful (especially yours), but to truly connect, there’s nothing like being there. I fear sometimes though that we are loving these places to death, and the environmental damages from visiting them in some ways contribute to their demise. Certainly makes one thoughtfully consider their modes and destinations for travel.
As for the “guided tours”, yes, I’ve certainly been taken for a ride both literally and figuratively by tour guides and taxi drivers. Hopefully I’m a bit wiser now!^)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree. Pictures can never replace the experience.
You have raised a very valid point of tourism killing the places….tourism causing greater carbon footprints. These are real issues. Of late, there has been talks of how Instagram is ruining the travel experience. Some people say that making things cheaper effects a place in a negative manner.
I’m sure you can smell “scheme” now when guides and drivers approach you. Have you ever thought of sharing them with others?Might help fellow travelers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was really surprised to see all the selfies going on during my travel. Then again, people used to bore captive audiences with 500 pictures in a row from their vacations long ago. Travel is becoming cheaper, and I think there’s a responsibility for everyone to do it responsibly. The way of the world is that not everyone will. I hope to do what I wish to see in the world.
As for the schemes – yes! Sounds like a good topic for a future blog!
LikeLiked by 1 person
With the advent of smartphones, photography has kind of become “epidemic”. Everyone has an able camera which allows them post pictures online instantly and gather likes and comments- hedonistic pleasure or self-gratification, whatever you may choose to call! We are living in an age where attention span is short. Exactly a reason why some travelers have started deep travel or slow travel. I guess we can talk about it for hours…
I’ll look forwad to reading your blog on tourists scams and traps. It’s a deal?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Deal!^)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great 😊👍
LikeLike
Oh my god, oh my god! Only someone who knows the nerves of a city, can narrate it in the way you do it! Jaipur seems to be calling me again. Perhaps a longer, more experienced trip in a near future.
My somewhat frequent visits to Rajasthan and researching about History of Rajasthan (and Gujarat) through the medieval times has drawn me closer to it in past two years like never before!
How are you by the way?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey! Mana.. what a plesant surprise to hear from you. I thought you had disappeared!!
I will definitely love to hear what you have been researching? Sounds interesting. Do share.
As for this post, I guess we all have a different perspective. Yes, someone who has visited this place a few thouand times will have a different approach. I thought let me share an insider’s guide in a world filled with traveler’s perspective!
So when are you visiting Jaipur, again?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed, I had disappeared. In the many layers of my new job, new home and a new life as a married working woman. But I’m back now, hopefully for a longer time; since i’m trying to manage my time.
So, I am researching a historical Sanskrit poem that narrates renovation of a pilgrim place of Gujarat after Alauddin Khilji’s invasion in 14th century. And for this, i’ve got to go through medieval historical literature of both Gujarat and Rajasthan, history of these region and pilgrim networks.
Insider’s perspective is what makes your blog stand apart. Will visit Jaipur soon since I’m back to wordpress and to wonderful posts of Jaipur thru your lence!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow. That’s surely fascinating. Are there enough literature to talk about the renovation? I think it’s sad that these Invaders caused so much damage to our built heritage.
Mana, I can understand things you have to juggle with all these roles. I would love to read about your findings, on your blog. If that’s possible.
Thanks for according that special status to JaipurThruMyLens. It’s an honor and I feel privileged. 😊
LikeLike
Wow, what an effort you did put into this, Arv! And so beautifully illustrated! I so much hope I have a chance to come back to Jaipur one day and do this tour! Thanks for sharing! Marcus
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure someday you will. It definitely is hard to imagine considering the fact that there are so many places to visit in this lifetime. But who knows? Life does throw surprises when least expected. Isn’t it so, Marcus?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome, Arv!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Arv, you have taken up a very apt topic for your blog post. I personally feel that walking is the best way to explore a city and I can vouch on your free guided walking tour. As I went on through your guided tour I could recollect chunks of memories from my visit a decade ago. I especially remember shopping in the Johari Bazaar area, the nearby Hawa Mahal, then some way to the new gate (that you mentioned in the beginning), the town hall, the city palace. That’s all I can remember now but I still treasure the items purchased from Johari Bazar and the best part is a neighbour (originally from Jaipur) recently gifted me a pair of Jaipur Chappal that is in your picture. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad this post rekindled your memories, sarmistha. Increasilngly, travelers want more than tourist attractions. Explorers love taking a dig at local culture. A walk like is perfect solution. I also realised that not everyone is brave enough to venture into bylanes. Probably, it is the fear of getting lost or unfamiliar atmosphere. A self guided tour is also becoming quite popular and there are some new age solutions too.
Do you love your new gift? Is it a colorful one the tradtional one? I have a feeling that you like hand made stuff.
LikeLiked by 1 person
To know a place from inside and as you said to dig at local culture walking and getting lost is best possible way to do so (yes safety obviously needs to be taken care of). One more thing I would like to share is I love to get lost, although it brings a momentary turmoil but later it seems like an adventure and a treasured memory.
Yes, I do love my gift, it is in a pretty maroon velvety body with Zari work on it – the traditional Jaipuri Chappal. I just love handmade stuffs, it has an appeal that no other things can match.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, safety first. Getting lost? I guess it takes us back to old days devoid of maps and information. Sometimes, getting lost = new discoveries! Isn’t it so?
I guess we’re on same side when it comes to hand made stuff. Well, you are going to love Jaipur, Sarmistha. Lot’s of hand made things to buy here. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a long walk but how beautiful it is to explore the ancient haveli’s and see how the history has casted this pink city of dreams,I loved the nakkarkhana gate,there was something truly magical about the blue mingling with the cream shade.
When will I visit Jaipur Arv?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Neha, I’m happy you enjoyed this virtual trip. I’m sure you will find many more gates other than Nakkarkhana gate. BTW, not many residents can recall the name for this gate. It is not a very popular one, of late.
When will you visit? Exactly, a question I want to ask you, Neha!
LikeLike
I will visit the day Jaipur’s best blogger will be my travel guide.Just joking!Next year there might be a possibility,let’s hope for the best.
p.s=(internally crying as I really want to go to Jaipur)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll try, Neha though I can’t promise. 😊 I hope you visit Jaipur sometime soon. Does work keeps you preoccupied?
LikeLike
Studies keep me occupied Aarav.
LikeLiked by 1 person
ah! well, everything has its time. Isn’t it? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I ageee.Happy weekend to you Arv!
LikeLiked by 1 person
To you too, Neha 🙂
LikeLike
Terrific post as always…would love to tour here!
LikeLike
So well captured – I so want to come and visit now
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Shantanu. I hope you do, someday! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I surely will 🌸🌸
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
it seems the whole Jaipur is shining through your lovely pictures! You have put so much into this arv! Fabulous post! It could be very useful for the visitors like many of your earlier posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for appreciating. This post is meant to help people discover the best of Jaipur. The interest for self guided tours is rising and I have seen how many travelers and tourists fall into the trap of guides. I’m hoping this will help them to have a great experience in discovering the pink city! Thanks for your kind remarks- always appreciated. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Arv, what a beautiful walk through the most beautiful city of Jaipur, I was mentally walking with you and of course it brought back so many amazing memories. Personally I am more of self guided tours, since I am a professional photographer. Once I did a guided tour in Ahemadabad and after almost an hour I lost my guide, because I got side tracked in some beautiful alleys my camera was attracted to capture some unique views, I never found my guided group again, but awesome other places. By the way, since you mentioned Sanganer, I have visited the city of Sanganer, their paper company and I was in awe of their process of paper making, I couldn’t resist to buy so much beautiful paper. ….. On another note, talking about bananas, Bananas in India taste like banananas, yes they do, unlike what we get here in the US, even organic ones, they have not much taste. So cheers to the real bananas of India. Have a great weekend, Arv
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad this post rekindled your memories, Cornelia!
I believe photographers and guided tours have “synchronization” issues, so in that respect they don’t get well! 🙂
Well, photographers tend to have a different perspective of seeing things and therefore, half the time they won’t even listen to the guide. Only a photographer can lead a walk for other photographers. It is important to be able to think alike! Am I right?
Since you visited Sanganer, did you also visit block printing fabric workshops? Happy to hear that you were delighted with a trip to paper making factory.
This is first time I have heard of comparison of Banana taste. Do you know you can find 5-6 varities of Banana in South India? There’s even a red banana!
I was always curious to know what kind of photography you do as a professional photographer, Cornelia!
LikeLike
Omg! this is a mammoth post man! Just one post and covers all. Must read the post for anyone visiting Jaipur! That google maps link is superb idea! This is a post of the year!
btw, by reading through the content Jaipur now mostly focusing on the commercial side totally shadowing the great heritage and the glorious past. I hate when people start selling things in front of the great historical monuments. It takes away the whole essence of any travel goals. But nevertheless, I have a pending visit to the great place you have there. Cheers!
LikeLike
Raj, it’s an irony that heritage takes a back seat. It’s not taken care in the best way. Also, this place is a thriving bazaar and sees a lot of action. You can compare it with the streets of Cairo, Fez or Istanbul. Even then heritage never takes a front seat.
Mammoth post? Yes, it is. Without such details it’s not much useful. Even then it only covers ten percent of what you will encounter and witness on the streets.
I’m hoping you get to visit the Pink city sometime soon. It’ll be a gold mine for a photographer like you.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Raj
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the invite, yes I am sure it is a paradise for photogrphay enthusiasts.. when you mix that with history ….result is priceless!
LikeLike
What a fascinating vacation this would be. You’ve highlighted so many great things, it’s hard to know where to start…so I think I would follow your plan exactly!
thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Pamela. That’s the intention; to help the travelers who are new to the city. Those arriving from western hemisphere find it a “sensory attack”!
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing that looks like a great tour around the city!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you found it useful. 🙂
LikeLike
What a fantastic post Arv!This is such an excellent guide for a self guided walking tour! I love walking through bazzars like these.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure the cook in you will find a lot of interesting stuff in this bazaar, Sandhya! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s an exhaustive post and will be so beneficial for those interested in walking to discover and feel the essence of a city. I never bothered to think so much about free vs. guided tours probably because I have never done one seriously. Reading your posts makes me feel like I have done nothing in my 2-day visit to Jaipur. A friend is just back from Jaipur and loved the city but did not have a lot of time to explore it well. I am going to send this post to her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Neel, over-tourism is causing a lot of change. Travelers are not happy with ticking off the list. I firmly believe you have not seen the place until you have explored its culture. Visiting attractions is half the fun. These days there are so many tourists that it is hard to find some quiet place. You know what Instagram does. I always feel walking around is the best way to discover a place. I did that during all my recent travels. In cities where there is too much action on the street like Kolkata, Jaipur, Varanasi, Pushkar, walking works the best!
Happy to know your friend loved Jaipur. Work trip, I suppose!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I couldn’t agree more. I would never walk before but now I enjoy exploring such places on foot. Did that in my recent Gujarat trip and loved it. Indeed that’s the way to know a city like no other.
My friend’s husband had a work visit and she tagged along 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I see that you are already hooked on this idea. Great. 😊
Looks like your friend made the best use of time. Cool!
LikeLiked by 1 person
:)…she’s not satisfied with her Jaipur trip and wants to go again. i have referred your blog to her.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool. thanks, Neel. let me know if you need any more information. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sure 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLike
And, I love those shoes. Wish I could have a couple of them….you don’t get those in part of the world 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now that you have found a reason to visit the city, I hope to see you in Jaipur soon! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha….there’s a high possibility of me going to Jaipur again 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s 👍
LikeLiked by 1 person