We are half-way through 2020 and this year has made us all go through a lot – both negative and positive. But if we focus on the bright side of the coin as it resonates better with the spirit of Jaipur, there are a lot of good things that have happened too – one of the key being ‘realizing the importance of locally produced goods of all kinds.
Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi rightly emphasized the need of the hour – be vocal for local, which would not only help us revive the economy but will help the millions who have lost their jobs in this pandemic. And Jaipur is a city that is full of art and craft, jewellery, garments, linen, handicrafts, traditional craftsmanship and some home-grown brands.
Ek Taara’s hot pink saree!
One such brand that is newly emerging and is a perfect blend of traditional and modern sensibilities is Ek Taara – A Timeless Journey! It is a brand that is authentically made in Rajasthan and has empowered the local tailors, artists, karigars and printers; who are painstakingly creating the traditional craft in a contemporary package and are making the ethnic collection absolutely fun to wear.
Indigo saree to suit any occasion!Ethnic prints with a contemporary freshness!
Boasting of prints that embody a touch of whimsy and traditions, Ek Taara gives due importance to upcycling and make products like dupattas, sarees and apparels, clutches, handbags, stoles, cushion covers and even toys. Their collection symbolizes a mix and match of different forms of tie-dye, block printing, screen printing and more.
Ethnic yet very modish dress!
So if we the Jaipurities put on our best foot (read as click) forward, we would help local business thrive like never before, thereby helping the artisans believe in us once again. And did you know there’s a reason why Jaipur, in Rajasthan, brings to mind rich textiles, colorful pottery, and bright bangles.
The Pink City is the handicraft capital of India, home to 4,000 sari makers, 35,000 marble workers, and 1,000 bangle makers. These industries have been alive since ancient times and, with our little push and help will still manage to exist in a fragile state today.
Now June 1 onwards we will step out of our homes as the government has eased out on the lockdown, indeed a happy news but Jaipurites need to get accustomed to the ‘NEW NORMAL’; yes, life is not going to be the same. We no longer can roam around in the streets of Bapu Bazaar and hand-pick those juties and kurtis, nor can we enter the World Trade Park just to take a stroll, or munch on the pani-puri of nand, kachori at Rawat or simply have that pao bhaji outside Birla Mandir; as we did earlier and mind you – we can’t even have the house parties going life before. Everything has come to a full stop!
Remember these 5 new thumb rules:
The essentials: Your bag of essentials need to be modified – carrying a sanitizer, gloves, mask are your first set of essentials you need to have no matter where you go. You can skip the lip-gloss or your colonel, but missing a mask would be like risking your own life. Masks are new normal rather the new abnormal and need to be used as mobile phones – we won’t be able to do without it.
Visiting / Inviting home: For the sake of our own and our loved one’s life, we will have to be extra cautious of who we invite and whose home do we visit. It’s like the more people you avoid the more you gift yourself the number of days to live. For the vaccine is still 12-18 months away and even if it comes, how many will it reach out of the 7.8 billion on this planet is a task in itself to calculate. So when you go to meet someone, you will be “clad” in a mask and so will they be – a compulsory accessory and a critical part of our attire, it will be now.
Meeting and greeting: Handshakes, hugs were the old normal. However, the new normal can’t be there. All you do when you meet your friends, parents, colleagues and acquaintances is a ‘namaskar’ as you start to step out.
Visiting the malls/theatres/restaurants/offices: We all have visited the malls just for a stroll or to binge on our favorite food and movie. However, digital is the new normal. Avoid visiting public places as much as you can and switch to online for all your needs. Having said that, in case you visit, ensure you maintain social distancing from people and not hang over them. Imagine gallivanting in the World Trade Park or Gaurav Towers and hundreds of people walking around with a mask on. It’s not going to be a normal feeling; however, we need to get used to it. In case you are the shop owner or are visiting an office, ensure you sanitize everything before having to use it.
Ordering online: Yes, this seems to be the new normal, however, having stuff delivered at your doorstep is equally risky. So when you order, please do not touch the box/parcel and simply put it aside for at least 48-72 hours. Once done, pick up the packet, open it and sanitize and wash the items thoroughly and do not forget to rinse your hands too.
Though we know when living in a cosmopolitan city like Jaipur where people like to meet and greet and hang around, limiting yourself in every sense will surely be a big lifestyle change for us. Isn’t it Jaipur? We hope we could get you close to the new normal, for we don’t want to scare you but make you aware for we value each one of you and want everyone to be safe and healthy.
While Jaipur is always filled with number of places that are world-class, it is time to travel local and appreciate the value of our home now.
The closed country borders, lockdown, and the safety reasons are now making us appreciate the treasure of our city Jaipur.
Here are our top picks-
Amer Fort
The famous Amer Fort is one of the most visited forts in Rajasthan and is a marvellous blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The fascinating beauty of Amer Fort at night is definitely an attraction.
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar is considered to be one of the largest astronomical observatories out of all the 5 in the entire nation. Recognized as the world heritage site by UNESCO, Jantar Mantaris a treat for people who have a lot of interest in astronomy and architecture.
Hawa Mahal
Carved out of red and pink sandstone, this marvelous piece of architecture is recognized as the tallest building in the world built without a foundation. It is ourown Taj Mahalthat is in the shape of Lord Krishna’s crown.
Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal is a five storied structure built with stones and walls thick enough that no water seeps in. You can watch, behold the sight and, capture its beauty only from a distance.
Albert Hall
Opened as a concert hall in 1876, Albert Hall was then turned into a Museum to promote the local artisans’ work. Soon after that, the museum gained its popularity not only for its exquisite collection but also for its splendid architecture.
Walled City
No matter what transport you choose to reach the walled city, but once you step out of it, a gush of local air filters through you and gives you the major feels of the city. Stroll through with a heart full of patience and excitement because the markets of Jaipur are truly engaging.
City Palace
Based on a fusion of the Vastu Shastra of the Indian architecture, combining Mughal, Rajput and European styles, City Palace was built by the founder of Jaipur- Sawai Jai Singh II. The most attractive part of the Palace is its four gates that represents thefour seasons of the year.
World Trade Park
World Trade Park gives us a moment of pride for being one of the largest malls in the country with 11 floors. This place looks no less than an English house, or a cathedral from inside.
Nahargarh
A blend of Indian and European style of architecture, Nahargarh Fort was built as a retreat on the hilltop at that time. Providing a stupendous view of the city, Nahargarh Fort was built strategically to provide protection to the royal family of Jaipur.
Jaigarh Fort
Providing a great view of the entire Aravalli range, Jaigarh Fort is known for holding the largest canon on wheels in the world. It is situated at a distance of 15 km from the main Jaipur city and is popularly known for not being conquered by anyone in the battles that it has witnessed.
Galta Kund
Within the unfolding lanes of Jaipur you’ll find the most fascinating and intriguing among them all is Galta Ji- the magnificent campus of temples. It’s not just one temple but a marvelous cluster of numerous beautiful temples spread amid the boundaries of Aravali Hills.
Birla Mandir
Situated on the foothills of Moti Doongri Fort, Birla Mandir also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple is a proud architectural landmark of Jaipur. Unlike other traditional Hindu temples, Birla Mandir is built with a modern approach in pure white marble.
ISKCON Temple
ISKCON Sri Giridhari Dauji Temple is situated in Dholai village, south of Jaipur City. It is one of the famous & most visited temples in Jaipur. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram which are very beautifully decorated.
Raj Mandir
Lesser of a movie theatre and more of a tourist destination, this is the most beautiful theatre of Asia and we have all taken our relatives from far off cities to this place during vacations.
Jawahar Kala Kendra
Like the rest of Jaipur’ wisely chalked out architecture and planning, Jawahar Kala Kendra boasts of an architecture that spellbinds a beholder at just one glance.
Jawahar Circle
A tall pink structure surrounded by a gamut of trees and lush gardens, that structure is Jawahar Circle – the biggest circular park in Asia. The entrance of Jawahar Circle is through the Patrika gate, which has been designed beautifully.
Nahargarh Biological Park
For reference: Nature Wanderers
Who would have thought that Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan will offer you a lion safari? But this edition in adventure activities is the Nahargarh Biological Park exclusively for Lion Safari. The zone of the lion safari lies in the Aravali foothills with hillocks that offer panoramic landscape.
Birla Planetarium
Birla Planetarium in Jaipur is one of the main attractions in the itinerary of travellers and was inaugurated by the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Birla Planetarium takes you to the lesser known world of galaxy and stars.
Amrapali Museum
Amrapali is a globally renowned, coveted luxury jewellery brand. The heritage jewellery house launched its very own museum in Jaipur. It displays traditional silver jewelled arts of India reflecting the ‘everyday’ life of the people of India.
We are sure some of you must have not visited to any one of the above listed places. But as everyone says better late than ever so do visit these treasures of our very own Pink City once the lockdown ends.
Never before our camera captured the streets of Jaipur like this. The buzzing streets of our very own Pink City with vehicles, people, tea stalls, shops and even stray animals is now still. This calmness around the Rastas (term used in Jaipur for lanes) of Jaipur is helping the earth heal. As we sit inside our homes the nature is celebrating me time with blissful sight of blue skies giving the joy of breathing clean air. No doubt, we can ever stop falling in love with the beauty, people, culture, heritage, cuisine and most importantly, Colors of the Pink city.
Deserted look of the most travelled JLN road, where red lights and speed limit are meant to be followed
But somewhere we miss the nostalgia that rings in the streets of our city. The day to day actions that keeps the city going has come to a halt. The above pictures depicts the very soul of a city is missing, thus, they are all in black and white.
Always buzzing with travellors and hawakers the Gandhi Nagar railway station is longing to be hoarded with people.
But if we look at the bright side all the pictures it shows how we are fighting COVID19 together by staying inside which is the need of the hour. And let’s not forget the silent heroes that are risking their lives to save others such as, doctors, police, volunteers, nurses and all those who are stepping outside of the house to serve the people. So in return of their determination we all need to stay at home and save ours and everyone’s life.
Lastly, let’s hope that Jaipur city once again comes alive with the colors and everything comes back to the way it was i.e. to normal life.
There is no escaping from the summer heat that. ACs, coolers and Fans run all day making you feel better but the cold feeling that comes from within has to be the best. When you eat or drink something cool in summer, the satiating feeling is out of this world. Keeping ourselves on the cooler side is required for good health as well. All these things simply mean that we must keep loading ourselves with refreshing drinks and foods that keep us going at this time of the year.
Here are our favorite Jaipuri delights for this summer and we are sure that they are your favorite too!
Lassi
This sweet treat full of cream of Lassiwala is a must have during summers. Even though one glass of this lassi is quite filling you will be asking for more of this sweet curd based drink. Some like it with salt too but the sweet lassi is one of the most refreshing drinks. It even helps in alleviating the hunger pangs as well.
Kulfi and Faluda
Either you love faluda or you hate it but kulfi is everyone’s favourite. The creamy, rich kulfi from Ramchandra needs no introduction but even the hawkers sell good kulfi in Jaipur. It makes us feel good instantly. The cool quotient of kulfi can be enhanced with a few smooth strands of faluda and assorted sugary syrups.
Juices
Gulnar situated in the heart of the walled city where the people of Jaipur goes for refreshing juices. The shop has4 more outlets sprawled in different areas. The real magic is sitting in this small little shop in Kishanpole bazaar and sipping fresh juices which will definitely revitalize your long summer days.
Rabri
Mahaveer Rabri Bhandar- one of the oldest places in Jaipur this rabri bhandar is famous not only for its rabri but also for a range of other sweets. This creamy and rich textured rabri is another summer delight that is very fulfilling.
Ice Cream
Remember when we did not even know the exotic names of ice creams and all we cared about was ‘Softies’? Our day wouldn’t end without making a trip once or twice a week to Guddu Ice Cream Parlour.
Now, we only wish that this lockdown gets over soon so that we can go and enjoy these amazing summer delicacies.
The warm month of May is arriving soon, which means summer heat, humidity, balmy evenings, and picnic days are almost here. When the temperature crosses the 40 degrees mark is when we think of ways to escape the heat. From carrying a water bottle along with you to going to water theme park, we do everything that give us some relief from this blistering heat.
Here in Jaipur, we may not have beaches to go to but we are grateful for these water places for existing. At least once or twice we plan a day out to one of these places during summer with our family and friends.
But this year we guess we’ll have to wait for the lockdown to get over before making any plan, until then let’s have a look at our favorite water places!
Lake Sagar
A hidden beauty and the primary source of water for the adjoining forts of Amer and Jaigarh as well as the city of Amer – Lake Sagar is a 17th century gem that flows in the arena of Jaipur. This place looks even better during monsoon with all the greenery around it.
Chandlai Lake
When you want to leave the clichés behind, and go to a place that might surprise you with its infinite splendour, drive to Chandlai Lake. This place lets you grab a picnic basket, fill it with goodies maybe throw in a game of Pictionary and take a long scenic drive to this Oasis of Flamingos at Chandlai Lake.
Mansagar Lake
Jalmahal is a poet’s muse, an artist’s eye candy, a tourist’s paradise and a local’s respite. The Mansagar Lake is full of freshly drained water that flows from the hilly catchment of the lake and is a natural habitat for more than 150 species of local and migratory birds. A very popular hangout spot for humans of both kinds as well.
Barkheda
Located 20 km away from Jaipur, Barkheda is a village in Rajasthan. Right in front of the famous Jain temple, there is a lovely pond which is definitely not an ordinary water body. Barkheda pond is a superb destination for sightseeing and picnic to experience the calmness of water in the company of chirping birds.
Maota
Below the superb Amer fort, lays the Maota Lake which swathes the pink city in its allure in the monsoons giving the residents and tourists a chance to stand near it and sip tea, while the photographers can find their right moment to capture this absolute visual delight.
Galta Ji
Galta Ji- the magnificent campus of temples is not just one temple but a marvellous cluster of numerous beautiful temples spread amid the boundaries of Aravali Hills. It is also famous for the hundred of monkeys that live here in the Galwar Bagh or also known as the monkey temple.
Which place will you visit first after the lockdown gets over?
To keep up with the norm of social distancing, luckily we have Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hot Star the coolest solutions that allows us to binge-watch our favorite shows and movies. Can you imagine life during lockdown without these streaming services?
We should really be thankful that today we can watch a wide variety of shows, movies, documentaries and so much more as they keep you entertained and makes your Quarantine life easier.
But to be honest, there’s a little part within us that fails to catch the nerve with the experience of going to cinema halls to watch a movie.
That’s a whole different feeling watching a movie on a big screen binging the big popcorn basket. Don’t you agree?
It’s going to take a long time before making movie plans with friends and families.
But we can take a nostalgic trip to our favorite Cinema Halls where we used to catch latest released movies!
Raj Mandir
Raj Mandir is not just a Cinema Hall but the ‘Pride of Asia’that opened on 1st June 1976. Although it holds a position among top tourist destination of the city we sometimes watch movies as that’s the only option left when all the other multiplex has been sold out. And one can never forget the mouth watering Pyaaz Ki Kachori being served there!
Golcha Cinema
Golcha claim to first come up with the first 70 mm cinema screenin Rajasthan. The hall also gained popularity for its delicious Prem Prakash samosa. Somehow it survived and revived with new wave which has been converted from a single screen to multi screen theater now.
Cinepolis- World Trade Park
A movie-theater chain that offers state-of-the art sound & projection technology Cinepolis is Jaipur’s one of the finest cinema hall. Another reason it’s famous is that almost every foreign language movies are released here.
Inox
Image source: Google
Another movie chain that’s spread in every corner of Jaipur and is very old, it is very famous among Jaipurites. Every inox theater is situated in Jaipur’s biggest mall so after watching a movie we used to roam around the mall and do a little shopping thus, a perfect day out.
Entertainment Paradise
Image source: Google
Entertainment Paradise which is famous for marriage gardens is also popular for its theater with one of the finest ambiance. Whenever we have a guest it was mandatory to take them to watch a movie here.
Did we freshen up your memories with your friends and family?
Tell us in the comment section below yours favorite Cinema Hall!
Amidst the COVID-19 outbreak we are still travelling to Jaipur’s most iconic places. Are you? And no, we haven’t stepped out of our home also we can take you along with us. You ask how?
Now that everything has become virtual, why not travel to these places virtually!
Hop on people, cause we are about to embark on an adventurous journey to Jaipur’s 5 iconic places that would take you back to your good old memories.
Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal, a monument, a memory, a landmark, the pride of Jaipur; a place you just cannot miss going to! Looking out of those windows of the wind palace your eyes stumble upon the shops on the busy streets and people walking by everything looked so lively.
Amer Fort
As regal as can be, Jaipur’s magnificent Amer Fort rightly personifies the city’s Rajputana culture. This place vibrates with its legendary past and not to forget the Sound and Light show which is an exemplary saga of culture & heritage of Rajasthan.
Jal Mahal
On a beautiful day, when you think about hanging out with family/friends, the one spot that you always think of is Jal mahal palace! This Water Palace is definitely the most loved place to witness the glorious sunset with your loved ones.
Nahargarh
Another iconic place of Jaipur and is loved by everyone even the directors of Rang De Basanti, Nahargarh. The view from Nahargarh Fort, which stands out on the hills of Aravali, is out of this world especially during night. It is definitely a rare sight that is worth visiting for!
Albert Hall
Standing tall in the midst of Ram Niwas gardens, the front face of the Albert Hall is every spectator’s delight. In the evening the museum is covered in vividcolours which add to the charm and magic of the Albert Hall Museum. However, the most amazing sight is when a large kit of pigeons rests there and flies away giving an unforgettable picturesque view!!
The nationwide lockdown implemented to contain the spread of the novel corona virus has been extended till May 3. This means we need to ensure more safety measures and take precautions. Till this date, Jaipur has registered 453 cases leading to 1005 total cases in Rajasthan. The situation has become very serious and this time we have to be even more alert than before. Looking at the present situation, staying indoors is the only way we can stop the transmission of virus and if you worry about the daily essentials, well there’s a solution to that as well!
We are blessed to be living in a generation where internet has made our lives much easier and with that help you will get most of the essentials delivered to your doorstep without you going out and risking yours and everyone else’s lives.
Dairy Products- As we mentioned in one of our blog earlier, Lotus Dairy is offering delivery services. There are few dairies also available on Swiggy and Zomato. Lotus Dairy Contact No. 9829258061
Groceries- Firstly, check whether your neighborhood grocery store is offering delivery service. Otherwise, Big Basket and Grofers are delivering within 48-72 hours, also DMart is delivering in part of the city. In case of urgent requirement some of the items are available on Swiggy and Zomato, delivering within 2-3 hours.
Confectionery- There is Mafix, OMG By GreenDesk and Swiggy that are offering the delivery of confectioneries. Swiggy now has some excellent confectionery shop on their group panel, and you can get different types of bread/burgers/pizza base etc. Further, bread walas are coming in major colonies on their cycles selling bread, butter, eggs etc. Mafix Contact No. 9001094669, OMG By GreenDesk Contact No. 8078641228
Vegetables/ Fruits- As we all know regular vendors are coming in your colonies but have limited options. So in that case you can turn to Swiggy as they are delivering fresh vegetables with substantial options within 3 hours.
Non Veg- Big Basket is delivering freshly cut chicken and frozen non-veg such as sausages, seekh kebabs etc., delivering within 2-3 days.
Medicines- Few online websites are delivering at your doorsteps like Dawakart or Dawa24 or else you can ask your local medicine shop whether they are doing home delivery. Dawakart Contact No. 9829059922, 6009830098, Dawa24 Contact No. 9828993990
Toiletries- This is easily available at your neighborhood grocery store and you can request them to deliver it at your doorstep. The other option is Swiggy, Zomato, Grofers, Big Basket and DMart with limited options.
Now that we have sorted out on how to get essentials at your doorstep, there are few safety measures to keep in mind-
After you get your packets or plastic bottles delivered keep it out in the open for 2-3 hours and then clean it with warm water.
For vegetables and fruits, leave them in a bowl of warm water for some time and then rinse them again with fresh water.
Prefer Online payments to avoid any transmission through currency as well.
Please ensure that your leaving the house should be a matter of life and death now. By staying inside, we are immensely helping the team fighting this pandemic.
Let us all be a silent soldier in this battle and do our bit.
