Welcome to my India Travel Diaries, a series of personal posts about my travels through India. Everything written here, including recommendations, are based on my experiences. 

When you're done with all of the tourist hot spots in a city, I find that it’s nice to have a day where you can explore at your own pace with no set plans. In Jaipur, I did just that. After checking out Amber Fort, The Jantar Mantar, and City Palace, I needed a day to just float around in my own little dream bubble as I like to call it.

Jaipur is a great city to get lost in. From the fragrant and colourful flower markets, busy bazaars where you can find everything from textiles to gemstones, to the Royal history and architecture around town, there’s beauty to be found in every corner. Like everywhere else on this trip to India, I barely scratched the surface during my visit, but here’s a little bit of how I found magic along the way on my dreamy day in Jaipur.

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Breakfast at 28 Kothi

I’ll admit that a lot of what I knew about Jaipur before this trip had been shaped from the aesthetically pleasing posts and accounts that I follow on Instagram. That led me to my first spot for breakfast, 28 Kothi. 28 Kothi is a boutique guest house located in the Civil Lines neighborhood in Jaipur, away from the busy tourist spots. 

Their signature palm tree art on the latte was perfect (and made for a great photo!) and I had a simple omelette and toast to start the day. I loved the modern aesthetic and subtle touches in the cafe, like the fresh flowers on the table and the wicker chairs. 28 Kothi is tucked away on a quiet street and the small cafe is attached to the guest house. It’s good place to bring a book and read for a while.

Shopping

After breakfast I decided to do some shopping. Almost everyone I had spoken to had told me to check out Anokhi. Anokhi has been around for over 50 years, and began in Jaipur as an initiative to revitalize the block printing industry. They have stores all across India but according to everyone I spoke to, the best one is in Jaipur! 

I didn’t get any photos inside the store, but this was one of my best shopping experiences in India. I’m not a huge fan of shopping and while I do enjoy bargaining at the markets from time to time, I’d rather shop in peace. The girls working inside were so nice and helped me pick out a lovely printed dress  which I ended up wearing to the Taj Mahal later on in the trip. 

The history of textiles and craft in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and basically India, is a story of itself and definitely worth reading about. I highly recommend Costumes and Textiles of Royal India by Ritu Kumar. It’s not an easy book to get a hold of these days, but if you do find it, you will be enamoured by the stunning visuals and details. It’s an extensive, mesmerizing anthology full of the rich history of textiles in India and a great introduction to those wanting to learn more.

Lassi

MI Road is the go-to spot for Lassi in Jaipur and there’s no better place to quench your thirst than at Lassiwala, that’s been open for more than 70 years. Get the standard lassi in a mud kulhad (clay cup) at this roadside spot which is a Jaipur must! 

Florals

After my lassi, I decided to make my way back towards the area where my hotel was for a late lunch, when I passed by the flower vendors near the Hawa Mahal. I think one of my favourite things about India is the abundance and access to so many varieties of beautiful flowers. I just can’t get over the beauty and how their presence is interwoven into daily life and rituals. What lovely thing to be a normal part of daily life, it’s something that I definitely wish I could have grown up with. 

This spot is open for most of the day, unlike some of the other flower markets in the city which close up before noon. Get some gende ka phool (marigold) if you fancy wearing a garland and want to bring attention to yourself as a tourist, or some chameli (jasmine) to adorn your hair. I met an elderly gentleman here who was selling small vials of ittar (perfume) for around 300 INR. He had a wide variety of scents like gulab (rose) and khus (vetivar), and my favourtie chandan (sandalwood). They’re the perfect size to take on the go or to gift someone.

An afternoon at The Johri

I wanted to keep my options open for where I’d be having lunch on my dreamy day in Jaipur, but I had already pretty much decided that it was going to be at The Johri. Right in the middle of the chaotic Johri Bazaar is this 19th century home that was restored and turned into a luxury boutique hotel and restaurant. After following the hotel on Instagram since it opened a few years ago, I knew I couldn’t miss it. 

My faves included this Pista Kulfi topped with Homemade Rajasthani Churma, a feast for the eyes and a refreshing treat from being in the heat outside.

I loved everything about the muted pinks and creams of the decor and the softness of the animal and floral murals around the restaurant. These spaces of quiet and stillness within the busy cities are so rare and yes at times, expensive. I feel grateful to have these experiences.

Hawa Mahal with a view

Back onto the busy streets of the Johri Bazaar, I see one of my favourite sites of the Pink City in front of me; The Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). It’s unreal to look at. Not only does the salmon pink sandstone capture your attention, but the shape of the pyramid like structure, with 950 windows and ornate detailed white lining, pull your right in. It’s like looking at a vertical jigsaw puzzle of sorts, not really sure where it starts and ends.

I decided to get in one last view of Jaipur and head to one of the rooftop restaurants across from the Hawa Mahal. This is probably one of the best places to get some photos and relax. Grab a cold drink at the Wind View Cafe and take in the view of the busy streets below you. Stay after sunset and watch the Hawa Mahal light up. 

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Thus concludes my dreamy day in Jaipur, filled with a little bit of indulgence and time well spent solo. I see myself visiting this city again and again, finding more magic each time.

What does your dreamy day in Jaipur look like? Leave a comment below! 

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