It’s safe to say that when it comes to knowing about Jaipur’s best local haunts, Gauravi Kumari has the edge. After all, generations of her family, the erstwhile royals of the city, not only call the Pink City home, they have also helped build it. “Jaipur has always been rich with cultural, artistic, and design heritage, but what I find exciting is the shifting landscape of today. Crafts are being practised, galleries are being opened, brands are thriving—the city is so alive,” says the 24-year-old.
It’s true. Over the last month alone, the city was buzzing with the literati (courtesy the Jaipur Literature Festival, only one of the world’s largest literary festivals), the handloom lovers (The Handloom School hosted a conclave titled Threads of Tomorrow), the food-obsessed (Sarvato at the City Palace was one of the hottest restaurant openings in recent times), the art crowd (the fifth edition of The Sculpture Park is currently underway), and even the fashion set (FDCI hosted India Men’s Weekend at Diggi Palace). Next up is the inaugural edition of Princess Diya Kumari Foundation’s (PDKF) Artisan Collective, on from March 6 to 8 at the City Palace—a celebration of women artisans and designers from across the country specialising in different crafts.
Kumari and her brother Sawai Padmanabh Singh (aka Pacho) have spent the last few years infusing a youthful, dynamic, and, dare we, say Gen Z energy with their various initiatives across art, food, craft and fashion. Kumari, in her capacity as the general secretary of the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation, started the PDKF store with a focus on Jaipur crafts. She has also curated The Palace Atelier, collaborated with Ralph Lauren, and is the face of Jimmy Choo in India.
For Kumari, Jaipur demands a deep dive. She explains, “What makes Jaipur so special is that everything has a story—there’s a socio-cultural and historic thread running through everything. So, wherever you go, make sure you don’t just Instagram it; go deeper and find its real story.”
From the hidden gems of her home, the City Palace, to the secrets of the old city lanes and designer boutiques brimming with couture and craft, Kumari’s Jaipur leads you down a heritage rabbit hole lined with contemporary comforts.
A must-do in Jaipur
Go see a polo match. Jaipur has a long history with polo, and my family has been involved in the sport for generations. A polo match is exciting, so even if you’re not familiar with the sport it’s hard not to get swept up in all the energy. Pro tip: Get there early and grab a seat in the stands—you’ll get the best view. And don’t forget to carry a cap.
An insider-favourite spot
The Jaigarh Fort, atop the Aravallis—it’s a phenomenal structure, and an incredible spot to catch the sunset.
The most buzzing neighbourhood to explore on foot
Johri Bazaar. What’s fun about shopping in the old city is exploring—you never know when you’re going to come across a hidden gem, be it an intricately designed antique photo frame and hand-crafted jewellery or vibrant leheriya dupattas in your favourite colours.
A shopping experience that’s uniquely Jaipur
It’s not just one store but spread across multiple lanes in the old city. Each street has stores that have passed through generations of a family. On Maniharon ka Rasta, there are stores that have been operating for decades, selling different types of bangles. There’s also Khajane Walon Ka Rasta, or Sculpture Lane, where you can find beautiful sculptures made of stone or marble.
A store made for hours of browsing
The PDKF Store. I’ve been with PDKF as their general secretary for a few years now, and it’s been incredible to see how the Foundation supports marginalised women across Rajasthan. We started the PDKF Store to showcase their work. Every piece is a blend of traditional craft styles with modern sensibilities, and the store in the City Palace has a special piece in every corner.
The best souvenir-shopping in the city
I’m a bit partial, but I have to say The Palace Atelier, the store at the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum (in the City Palace). We relaunched in March 2024, and curating it is one of my biggest joys. We wanted to use it as a space to showcase objects inspired by the museum, but also artists who are creating interesting pieces inspired by Jaipur and beyond.
The must-do designer-shopping trail
The Gem Palace, Amrapali, Parampara, and Idli (by Thierry Journo).
The perfect street-food trail
Start at Samrat or Rawat for kachoris, stop by Lassiwalla on MI Road, and finish off at Pandit Kulfi.
The best coffee in Jaipur
I take my coffee very seriously, so I often choose to brew it myself. If not, I love grabbing a cup at the Rajmahal Palace RAAS Hotel.
The hottest restaurant in town
Currently, The Sarvato, which just opened at the City Palace. The menu is an ode to Rajasthani cuisine and is full of modern interpretations of classic dishes. It’s right on top of the Sarvato Bhadra at the City Palace, so it has an amazing view of the Chandra Mahal and other parts of the palace complex.
A local delicacy to sample
Lal maas and ker sangri at the Baradari restaurant at City Palace
The coolest part of the City Palace
Right now, it’s the Painting and Photography Gallery in the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. There’s a section that features work by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II, who was one of the country’s pioneering photographers. He took lots of photos of members of his court and the people around him, and it’s just an incredible collection that dates back to the mid-1800s.
A quiet spot away from city life
The Jhalana leopard reserve and safari park
Don’t leave without experiencing...
Lac bangle-making—the artisanal process is so intricate, it’s mesmerising to see.
The most Instagrammable space in the city
The Chhavi Niwas, or the Blue Room, in the Chandra Mahal of the City Palace is spectacular.
You cannot leave Jaipur without...
Spending time in the old city. Each lane has its own story, and you never know what you’re going to find when you turn a corner. It could be a food vendor selling the best kulfi you’ve ever had, someone working on a craft their family has been doing for generations, a haveli dating back centuries... That’s what makes it exciting, and what makes Jaipur truly special.
