RETAIL THERAPY
A range of authentic local products make Jaipur a shopper’s paradise.
Quintessential Buys
Two items from Jaipur that are on every tourist’s shopping list are leather jootis (a type of footwear) and tie-dye bandhani fabric. Nehru Bazaar is the place to score the former. Located opposite the Hawa Mahal, Sireh Deori Bazaar also stocks great camel leather products such as shoes, purses, and bags. Arguably the best market in Jaipur, 11 Bapu Bazaar in the Old City is a great bargain for the best-quality bandhani fabric and garments, as well as jootis, bags, and traditional Rajasthani puppets. For a modern twist to traditional fabrics, visit the Anokhi (anokhi.com) boutique stores. All That Bling
Jaipur is no stranger to jewellery, and Johari Bazaar is one of the oldest markets that sells handmade jewellery pieces. The family-run Gem Palace (gempalace.com) has a legacy of making fine, intricate jewellery, and their pieces have an antique charm. If you wish to own a piece of Jaipuri jewellery without burning a hole in your pocket, then traditional lac bangles from Tripolia Bazar are a good bet.
Clockwise from left:
Jaipur is known for its leather jootis; Anokhi boutique store; the tie-die bandhani fabric; blue pottery at Kripal Kumbh; the jewellery at Gem Palace has an antique charm.
Handcrafted Wonders
It may be Turko-Persian in origin, but blue pottery is widely recognised as a traditional craft of Jaipur.
Kripal Kumbh (kripalkumbh. com) has been selling this variant of pottery since the 1960s. They come in the form of vases, pen holders, cups, plates, bottles, and figurines. With shops dating back to the days of Rajput kings, Mirza Ismail Road offers brass statues and wooden items. For handcrafted marble decor items, Chandpole Bazaar is the place to be.