|
Jaipur – the capital of
the tourist favourite, 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 categories
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 mall 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 handicraft showrooms, curio
shops, antiques, watches, textiles, electronics and internationally famous
brands. During winters a 2 km long Tibetan Market sells winter wear from
wind cheaters to socks made of leather, hide and wool.
Johari Bazar is the
wholesale market for Silver, Gem Stones and Jewellery. A large square
(instead of a round-about) called the Bari Choupar is famous for Jaipuri
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 mental wares and household goods like
steel almirahs, trunks, 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 Chura Rasta is Kishanpole Bazar,
famous for its wooden furniture. Further west of the Khazane Walon Ka Rasta,
where varieties of stone carved sculptures
are on display and for sale.
From Ajmeri 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
Indira Bazar, Nehru Bazar, Bapu Bazar.
So go ahead, shop to your
heart’s delight and take home an exquisite, piece made in
India , just for you.
|
