Shopper's Paradise: Shopping In Jaipur

Jaipur - the capital of the tourist farvourite, desert State of Rajasthan has been a nucleus for tourist traffic in the State. It also houses one of the largest collection of handicrafts, which have been kept alive by its artisans. It has also picked up a major chunk of the export market in handicrafts, commanding a virtual monopoly on the Gem Stone industry.

Within the walls of the Pink City (town area) market cluster are identified for distinct catrgories of products. Actually while coming from Delhi you enter Jaipur through the Pink City. The layout of the Pink City is similar to the Indus Valley Civilization. All Roads are parallel, while lanes are perpendicularly cutting across them. This walled Pink City enters modern Jaipur's posh shopping mail called M.I. Road, about 300 mts. from the Railway Station. From the Airport, the road into Jaipur, meets M.I. Road just 15 kms away, straight at Ajmeri Gate and runs along the four gates from where you can enter the Pink City.

Mirza Ismail Road has a glittering row of some of the most exclusive handicrafts showrooms, curio shops, antiques, watches, textiles, electronics and internationally famous brands. During winters a 2 kms long Tibetan Market sells winter wear from wind cheaters to socks made of leather, hide and wool.

Johari Bazar is the wholesaler market for Silver, Gem Stones and Jewellery. A large square (instead of a round - about) called the Bari Choupar is famous for Jaipur Quilts. Lac Bangles, Tribal Jewellery besides Leather Jutis (slippers) and readymade garments. Joining a smaller square called the Chhoti Choupar, lies Tripolia Bazar, generally famous for metal wares and household goods like steel almirahs, trunksm cycle shops etc. Right in front of Tripolia Gate is the Chaura Rasta, famous for its books and magazine stores and to the left of Chhoti Choupar, running parallel to the Chaura Rasta is Kishanpole Bazar,famous for its furniture. Further west of the Kishanpole Bazar is a popular shopping area known as Khazane Walon Ka Rasta, where varieties of stone carved sculptures are on display and for sale.

FromAjmeri Gate, New Gate, Sanganeri Gate a narrow lane goes along the wall, parallel to M.I. Road whose name changes as it runs from Gate to Gate as Indira Bazar, Nehru Bazar & Bapu Bazar.