Shopping in Jaipur
Last month, the historic walled city of Jaipur was named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as recognising Jaipur’s extraordinary architectural heritage, the UNESCO office in New Delhi also cited the city’s status as ‘an exceptional example of a late medieval trade town’ and associations ‘with living traditions in the form of crafts that have national and international recognition.’ All of which means that the Pink City is a shopper’s paradise! Here are four must-visit stores:
Anokhi
Jaipur has been associated with the art of block printing for centuries and Anokhi is one of the best places in the city to find beautiful, authentic home textiles, sarongs and accessories.
If you’re interested in learning about the history and art of block printing, Anokhi also has a fascinating museum near Amber Fort.
Shop: 2nd Floor KK Square, C-11 Prithviraj Road, C-Scheme, Jaipur - 302005 ; Tel. 0141 4007244, 45
Opening hours: Daily 10am-8pm
Museum: Anokhi Haveli, Near Badrinath Temple Kheri Gate, Amer, Jaipur 302028; Tel.+91 141 253 0226
Opening hours: Tues-Sat 10.30am-5pm; Sun 11am–4.30pm
Kripal Kumbh
When you think of Jaipur, one of the first things that comes to mind is its famous blue glazed pottery, which first came to India with early Muslim potentates in the 14th Century. The technique gradually travelled to the plains of Delhi, arriving in Jaipur in the 17th century. The rulers of Jaipur were very partial to this new blue-glazed ware and many marble halls in Rambagh Palace have fountains lined with blue tiles. Today, one of the most famous creators of blue pottery is Kripal Singh Shekhawat. Born in 1922, he's been credited with reviving the art and helping it become what it is today, and his creations can be found in shops and museums all over India. The Jaipur store stocks both traditional and contemporary pottery made by a team of artisans trained by Kripal himself.
B-18, Shiv Marg, Banipark, Kanti Nagar, Bani Park, Jaipur 302016; Tel. +91 141 220 1127
Opening hours: Daily 8am-8pm
Mojari
Named after the traditionally decorated shoes of Rajasthan, Mojari sells distinctive leather shoes and handbags, handcrafted by rural leather workers in Rajasthan
6 Amer Rd, Kagdiwara, Brahampuri, Jaipur; Tel. +91 141 237 7037
Opening hours: Daily 11am-6pm
The Gem Palace
Nearly three centuries ago when Sawai Jai Singh first began to promote the gem industry in his newly founded city, he couldn’t have known that it would turn into Jaipur’s biggest industry. As a result, gem stalls and stores can be found in almost every street (Gopalji ka Rasta in Johari Bazaar in the Old City is the place to snap up a bargain), but The Gem Palace is not be missed. A Jaipur institution for eight generations, this unassuming-looking store is a veritable treasure trove. As well as a wonderful array of vintage jewels and glittering contemporary designs, you will also find magnificent pieces once owned by the Indian Royal family. Be warned, prices are high!
Shop No. 348, MI Road, Jayanti Market, New Colony, Jaipur 302001; Tel. +91 141 237 4175
Opening Hours: Mon–Sat 10.30am–7pm; Sun 11am–7pm
If you would like to see Jaipur for yourself, why not join one of our fabulous WAFA 2020 tours? Find out more here