Experience Jaipur: a journey through culture and cuisine.

Dinogo Planet's editor, Akanksha Singh, ventured into Jaipur to immerse herself in its rich history and vibrant culture. Here, she offers valuable tips and insights for those planning a similar adventure.

Road trips to Jaipur were a cherished part of my childhood in India. Before leaving the country, my parents would take my sister and me on long drives from Delhi during long weekends. We’d explore local attractions, enjoy street-side kathputli (puppet) performances, savor regional cuisine, and listen to ek tara, the soulful sound of single-stringed instruments played with a bow.

Two decades later, the striking view of the red, pink, and honey-colored forts continues to captivate me. Many describe India's Golden Triangle – Jaipur-Delhi-Agra – as a feast for the senses, especially for those unacquainted with Asia's rich tapestry. Known as the “Pink City” for its vibrant pink-hued walls adorned with shops, my latest visit took me beyond the bustling streets and into the historic town's intricate alleys and its scenic outskirts.

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Where did you stay? What was the atmosphere like?

I spent my time at Teela the Glamping Resort in Achrol, a village just an hour from Jaipur. Although I had never tried ‘glamping’ before (having studied geology, I’m more accustomed to traditional camping), I found the experience delightful. Staying in a “Moon Dome” – a geodesic tent – felt just like a stay in a luxury five-star hotel, offering breathtaking views of the desert with soft dunes and the cheerful sounds of bulbuls and larks outside my door.

The resort features a single restaurant, Rait, where the food was quite good; I’d suggest opting for the Indian dishes rather than the continental options. Teela also provides hotplates and a mini kitchenette for long-term visitors. However, I did make the error of thinking breakfast would be best enjoyed outdoors (which it was – for a brief moment) until I discovered that the gritty stuff in my teeth was actually sand from my aloo paratha (potato-stuffed flatbread).

What was the most touristy activity you engaged in?

I indulged in a plethora of tourist activities during this trip, and since it had been a while since I explored the highlights, I have no regrets! I visited Amber Fort, admired its lavish chambers and intricately designed gardens, captured photos of the iconic red-and-pink latticed Hawa Mahal, and toured the City Palace, which remains the residence of Jaipur’s royal family.

Constructed in the 18th century, the City Palace features four gates in an inner courtyard known as Pritam Niwas Chowk (“beloved’s courtyard”) that captivate my artistic spirit. Each “gate” boasts elaborate designs, each themed around a season and honoring a Hindu deity. If I’m being candid, the most touristy thing I did was film an Instagram-worthy video of a journal showcasing the Lehariya Gate or Green Gate (symbolizing spring) with the gate as the backdrop. The gate itself is breathtaking: glossy green tiles encase a grand golden door set within a cinquefoil arch.

For those not as captivated by beautifully crafted doors, the City Palace offers much more, including a fascinating museum and a stunning blue room (Chhavi Niwas), with portions of the royal wing accessible to the public. Additionally, it’s located next to Jantar Mantar – an 18th-century observatory and UNESCO site established by King Jai Singh II, who had a deep interest in astronomy. (Pro tip: purchase a composite ticket to bypass lines and explore all of Jaipur’s attractions.)

On the hunt for souvenirs from your travels? Check out our guide to Jaipur in 5 Shops

What was the highlight of your culinary experience?

Jaipur offers an incredible array of food options, and I'm the type of person who organizes my days around meals, especially when traveling. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be the Rajasthani thali (platter meal) at Kuchali Mud House, a charming family-run restaurant located in Chak Charanwas, a village about an hour from Jaipur.

Most Rajasthani thali meals feature a mix of dhal, baati, and churma. Baati is a crusty unleavened bread softened with melted ghee, perfect for the desert's once-nomadic inhabitants, while churma consists of crushed, sweetened baati adorned with nuts and dried fruits. The fragrant gulab (rose) churma – vibrant cerise and topped with slivered almonds – was a delightful new experience for me.

There’s a prevailing belief in this region that food prepared on a chulha (wood-burning stove) using freshly milled flours and freshly sourced dairy is far superior to modern methods, and I wholeheartedly agree. I have a decent spice tolerance, but those who prefer milder flavors are advised to call ahead to communicate this along with any other dietary needs. For an excellent Rajasthani laal maas (meaning “red meat”), a rich goat curry with customizable spice levels, visit Rait.

What was the most surprising activity you discovered?

I enjoyed riding ATVs and playing paintball at Motosport Park (both for a total of ₹1700), but the true highlight of my trip was visiting a pottery community in Chak Charanwas, arranged by Kuchali Mud House. Jaipur is renowned for its cobalt blue glazed pottery, rooted in Turko-Persian traditions. I had the chance to shape small pieces on a potter’s wheel using local clay. As a hobby ceramist, learning from skilled potters was an incredible experience.

In India, pottery remains largely a caste-based profession, meaning many are born into it without a choice. Therefore, it was refreshing to witness a successful enterprise run by artisans who now supply their terracotta creations to major hotel chains, alongside selling to visitors. They craft a variety of items, from vases and diyas (lamps) to screw-top water bottles and sculptures.

What was the most useful item you packed?

Layers and lightweight linens. I traveled in early March, when days can be scorching, but evenings – especially in the desert outside the city – can get quite chilly. I noticed that the rooms at Teela were equipped with both AC and radiators to accommodate seasonal changes. Overall, light layers to wear over linen clothing and sun protection are must-haves.

Staying hydrated in the sun is crucial; I brought along a reusable water bottle to minimize plastic waste. Most resorts and restaurants will refill your bottle with filtered water upon request (consider adding chlorine pills for extra safety).

Additionally, the intense midday sun can cause phones to overheat, so it might be wise to invest in a phone cooler, especially if you plan on capturing plenty of photos and videos.

What’s the best advice for someone looking to plan a similar trip?

Many tourist attractions in Jaipur often close for film shoots, and it can be challenging to determine whether a site is inaccessible until you arrive (calling ahead doesn’t always yield accurate information). Allow ample time for sightseeing, with the intention of returning to popular spots if they happen to be closed.

While there are a few cafes scattered throughout the city, chai remains the preferred caffeinated drink in this region. So, if you’re anything like me, be sure to bring a cafetiere along.

Akanksha visited Jaipur with the support of Teela. Dinogo Planet staff do not accept freebies in exchange for favorable coverage.