Jaipur Questions? Go ahead!

Lily

Hi

If you need any information on Jaipur - hotels, restaurants, costs, weather, what to avoid, what to see, or anything else, use this thread.

We own a small boutique hotel in Jaipur, called the Jasvilas, and can give you useful inputs.

Happy to be of assistance!

__________________
Lily

Gerlinde

Hi Lily,

we got the advise from one handling agent in Jaipur not to recommend elephant rides as the elephants are neither insured nor in good health.
What's your opinion?
Gerlinde

Lily

Gerlinde,

Almost all the guests who stay with us take the elephant ride - in fact, it is one of the high points of their visit to Jaipur. And the feedback we have received is that it was absolutely worthwhile!

About your question on health and insurance:
I have read reports in the local papers that the eyesight of some five or six elephants is none too good and they follow the mahout's instructions for turning etc. But no accident has been reported to my knowledge.

I am not aware of elephant insurance.

Nothing in life is totally safe but if you go by the probability of any mishaps occuring, till now the record points to a thumbs up for elephant rides!

Lily

Went sight seing with some friends (well actually they went sight seeing, I just accompanied them) and was amazed to find the famous sights almost deserted.

I know a lot of people are having second thoughts about tourism, and I don't bame them after listening to all those threats on TV, but I do think it may be a fine time to visit Japur if you like to avoid crowds and spend liesure time looking at all the wonderful buildings without wondering whether you are holding up others.

Good weather, discounted hotel rates, uncrowded sight seeing!

If you are already in India, rush to Jaipur!!

Questions? Ask here!

Lily

Some information on Sanganer, Chokhi Dhani and Apno Gaon

Sanganer

Is about 16 kilometres south of Jaipur, and is in fact the airport of Jaipur. A tiny village, it is famous as the most important centre of hand made paper in the country. Visiting one of these factories is an experience! Also well known for its block printing.

Chokhi Dhani

Not far from Sanganer. It is a hotel and restaurant complex. The restaurant attracts tourists, both foreign and domestic, who wan to experience the ambience of Rajasthan. Live performances in the evening but the food, though good, can be a bit on the spicy side for the uninitiated.

Apno Gaon

Similar to Chokhi Dhani on the other side of the town! Slightly less expensive but a good place to enjoy a camel ride if you do not want to travel all the way to Chokhi Dhani.

Lily

MCC

The MCC (Is it still called that?) is playing in Jaipur on the 27 thru 29 and the Police is giving the players more than VIP security. We are told there will be a separate enclosure for the supporters of the English team!
Tickets are cheap - less than INR 200/- and easily available. Those who are keen to observe the "gentry" of Jaipur should not miss out!

Lily

Uh-oh

Today's paper says Foreigners have to pay INR 500/- for a ticket. I hope it is a mis-print, but thought I would let you know, just in case!

Lily

Announcing

There is a splendid new coffee bar in Jaipur which opened last Tuesday on Prithviraj Road, not far from the Statue Circle.

Run by an adventurous British couple, Neil and Sarah, it serves
Real Coffee - many varieties
British sandwiches
Short cakes
Home baked cakes
Etc, Etc.

Already very popular with the young set, it lives up to its name - RENDEZVOUS

Narbe

Question for Lily....

I'll be in India form april to june. What would be the best month ( less hot ) for travelling Rajasthan ? At that time of the year is it still possible to try a camel safari,or is it definitely too hot?

thanks for answer, have a god day

Lily

April onwards is no longer the high tourist season but tourists arrivals in April are better than in September. Specially in the early part of April many hotels experience full occupancy – we did too last year! (Though this year it is difficult to predict tourist arrivals) The weather is not too hot – maximum average in April is around 34 C. Good for sitting around the pool and getting a tan!

Mid May to mid June is really hot, but is the time we see many Japanese tourists! I would suggest you complete Rajasthan in April and head for the hills in May. In June, monsoon breaks in Kerala so you might want to consider that.

Jaisalmer has safaris the whole year round, so while they are available you will have to see how your constitution measures up to the heat and decide after you get there. The nights are cool! Many years ago, I remember using a blanket at night while sleeping under the stars in April.

Sadhu

Hello Lily!
Where in Jaipur can I get men's kurta pajama sets at a reasonable price? I am looking for some ready made comfy travel clothes, nothing too fancy (OK, maybe one nice silk set). Also, where could I get a decent hat to shade from the sun? I don't want to have to spend too much time hunting this stuff down, as I will already be doing a ton of shopping with my female companion, and want to see some of the sights as well. Thanks for your help!

__________________
'Walk the Earth, Have Adventures'

Lily

Sadhu,

Sunhat

Go to Saraogi Mansion, a well known landmark on the MI Road. Adjacent to the Saraogi Mansion, connecting MI Road to Bapu Bazaar is the Link Road. On this road you will find a shop selling hats. It is a small road, not over 100 metres long, so you should not have much difficulty in locating the shop.

Kurta Pyjama

Bapu Bazaar is a good place for these. The cost will be around INR 350/- and more. Another popular location is the market around Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). Same cost.

For a silk set try one of the shops in Ganapati Plaza on MI Road.


Enjoy yourselves!

Sadhu

Thanks for that quick and clear response! It should certainly do the trick. We'll be there around the elephant festival. Should we stop by your hotel for drink and a hello? Cheers!

Lily

Sadhu,

We are always happy to meet people of this forum. When in Jaipur call us at 204638 or 204902. You will find our location map on our website - we are very close to both the Railway station and the bus terminus

You are most welcome to drop in for a drink and a chat! And even though it will be around Holi - the festival of colours and bhang - we assure you we do not serve bhang lassi.

See you in a month!

pakirish

HI LILY,
Regards to all , and your mother .
Sadhu , go to the govt shop on MI road opp Niros .
They also do wonderful tweeds , if you buy tweeds ask Lily for Mr Bhisht s tailor , and they will knock you up whatever you want .
Re the hat , if you buy a leather one - you will be humming of camel for mounths - but that is nice; back in the west ; it reminds you of the MOTHER LAND !