I've been going to JLF {Jaipur Literature Festival} for the past seven years. And though a majority of my day is spent in jumping around Diggi Palace {the venue for JLF}, I've made it a point to try new places in the Pink City. If you're a JLF noob, this guide, I hope, comes handy. I usually go for two nights and three days, and that gives me just about enough time to check out two-three restaurants and a few stores if I'm lucky.
First things first, if you're hectic about JLF and have all your talks to attend mapped and chalked out, you're likely to spend 10am-5pm at Diggi Palace itself. Which leaves you with a small window to explore Jaipur. If you also happen to be a Jaipur noob, you must take out time to visit all the forts. If you've been there, done that as far as sightseeing is concerned, here's where I recommend you go:
1. Anokhi Cafe: Popular among locals and travellers, Anokhi Cafe does healthy, wholesome food. Their menu includes wraps and sandwiches, really good dessert and really good coffee. Space is a little cramped, and there's always waiting. It's nestled in an Anokhi store- don't forget to pick up one of Anokhi's block-printed products.
PS: I've also heard awesome things about the Anokhi museum, where they have block printing workshops and classes.
Find out the best time to visit them here: {https://lbb.in/kolkata/business/Anokhi-Cafe-jaipur-d744a4/%7D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E2.?ref=lbbpost On The House Cafe: This is my go-to for breakfast every Sunday morning, before my drive back to Delhi. Their pancakes, waffles and eggs are spectacular. I also always pack sandwiches and muffins from here for our six-hour road-trip. Super spacious, with indoor and outdoor seating, OTH delivers on quick service and a dynamite breakfast.
For more information check out: {https://lbb.in/mumbai/business/On-The-House-jaipur-d744a6/%7D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E3.?ref=lbbpost 1135 AD: Located in Amber Fort, 1135 AD is where you go when you want to dine like a maharaja. They serve traditional Rajasthani and North Indian food {the latter, if I remember correctl}, with all the thrills and frills that you'd expect from a Royal meal. You really can't go wrong with this one. Reserve a table - this place packs up towards the evening.
You can check them out here: {https://lbb.in/delhi/business/1135-AD-jaipur-d7449a/%7D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E4.?ref=lbbpost Jaipur Modern: No trip to JLF is complete for me, without a meal at Jaipur Modern. A restaurant/cafe-cum-store, Jaipur Modern kills it with their minimal, Indo-Scandi-esque decor. Their focus, similar to Anokhi Cafe to some extent, is healthy, wholesome food, though their menu is quite different and keeps changing. The last time I went here, they also had a whole menu dedicated to Quinoa dishes! Sip on a freshly squeezed juice, and don't forget to order any of their desserts.
Find out more about them here: {https://lbb.in/delhi/business/Jaipur-Modern-Kitchen-jaipur-d74496/%7D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EThey?ref=lbbpost also have the coolest store as a part of the property- housing labels that are local/from Jaipur, and from all around India.
5. Bar Palladio: Possibly the best-designed bar in Jaipur and perhaps in India too, Bar Palladio is where most authors, writers and cool kids go for a drink post a long day at JLF. It's an IG-story-fiend's paradise! The vibe and decor cover up for their food and drinks, which I found to be just about alright {unless things have changed from the last year}.
Find out if things have changed here: {https://lbb.in/mumbai/business/Bar-Palladio-Jaipur-jaipur-2c5f35/%7D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EThere?ref=lbbpost's a bunch of other really cool cafes and bars I've checked out, but these top the list. Three awesome hotels to visit if you get the chance are Rambagh {go here for high tea if you can}, Narain Niwas {this is where Bar Palladio's located} and Sujan Rajmahal Palace {It's stunning! The Penguin Random House party's hosted here}.
For shopping:
1. Store at Jaipur Modern: A multi-designer store, Jaipur Modern's curation is exquisite. I love their collection of bags and jewellery! They have really cool shirts and Indo-western wear like tunics, printed dresses etc. I usually always end up picking up a pair of earrings and a tote/wallet from here.
You can check out their range here: {https://lbb.in/delhi/business/Jaipur-Modern-Kitchen-jaipur-d74496/%7D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E2.?ref=lbbpost Teatro Dhora: This store can do no wrong! A modern edit of jewellery, clothes and accessories, curated from all over India, this store has the most exquisite collection. Shop Cord bags, Dhora jewellery, cotton Indian-wear, All Things' chocolates and more.
Check them out here: {https://lbb.in/kolkata/business/Teatro-Dhora-jaipur-4d6f22/%7D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E3.?ref=lbbpost The shopping "complex" right outside Narain Niwas: As mentioned above, Narain Niwas makes it to my list of must-visit hotels in Jaipur. There's a complex to the left of the entry gate to Narain Niwas that has a bunch of really interesting locally-based labels, including my favourite- Kassa. I love their jewellery & leather bags. This compound/area has a bunch of other really interesting stores too- definitely worth browsing through.
4. Nidhi Tholia: My go-to for the few occasions I actually buy Indian clothes! I love the bright colours she uses for her anarkalis and her gota-patti work. She's got everything from sarees to suits and lehengas.
Find out how to get there: {https://lbb.in/delhi/business/Saffron-by-Nidhi-Tholia-78e7f0/%7D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E5.?ref=lbbpost Amrapali's store in Tholia House/on MI Road: If your idea of Amrapali comes from their Khan Market store, get ready to get overwhelmed {in the best way!} Their store in Tholia House is massive - and has really stunning jewellery starting from INR 700.
Tholia House, in general, is a great area to explore- there's also Kuber's Tholia, which retails semi-precious and precious jewellery. Their designs and workmanship are stunning! Definitely worth the visit if you're looking for investment purchases.
Get a glimpse of their collection here: {https://lbb.in/kolkata/business/Amrapali-Jewels-jaipur-4d6303/%7D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EThe?ref=lbbpost pop-ups at JLF/Diggi Palace are really good, too. I always end up discovering really interesting brands and local businesses here.
First things first, if you're hectic about JLF and have all your talks to attend mapped and chalked out, you're likely to spend 10am-5pm at Diggi Palace itself. Which leaves you with a small window to explore Jaipur. If you also happen to be a Jaipur noob, you must take out time to visit all the forts. If you've been there, done that as far as sightseeing is concerned, here's where I recommend you go:
1. Anokhi Cafe: Popular among locals and travellers, Anokhi Cafe does healthy, wholesome food. Their menu includes wraps and sandwiches, really good dessert and really good coffee. Space is a little cramped, and there's always waiting. It's nestled in an Anokhi store- don't forget to pick up one of Anokhi's block-printed products.
PS: I've also heard awesome things about the Anokhi museum, where they have block printing workshops and classes.
Find out the best time to visit them here: {https://lbb.in/kolkata/business/Anokhi-Cafe-jaipur-d744a4/%7D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E2.?ref=lbbpost On The House Cafe: This is my go-to for breakfast every Sunday morning, before my drive back to Delhi. Their pancakes, waffles and eggs are spectacular. I also always pack sandwiches and muffins from here for our six-hour road-trip. Super spacious, with indoor and outdoor seating, OTH delivers on quick service and a dynamite breakfast.
For more information check out: {https://lbb.in/mumbai/business/On-The-House-jaipur-d744a6/%7D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E3.?ref=lbbpost 1135 AD: Located in Amber Fort, 1135 AD is where you go when you want to dine like a maharaja. They serve traditional Rajasthani and North Indian food {the latter, if I remember correctl}, with all the thrills and frills that you'd expect from a Royal meal. You really can't go wrong with this one. Reserve a table - this place packs up towards the evening.
You can check them out here: {https://lbb.in/delhi/business/1135-AD-jaipur-d7449a/%7D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E4.?ref=lbbpost Jaipur Modern: No trip to JLF is complete for me, without a meal at Jaipur Modern. A restaurant/cafe-cum-store, Jaipur Modern kills it with their minimal, Indo-Scandi-esque decor. Their focus, similar to Anokhi Cafe to some extent, is healthy, wholesome food, though their menu is quite different and keeps changing. The last time I went here, they also had a whole menu dedicated to Quinoa dishes! Sip on a freshly squeezed juice, and don't forget to order any of their desserts.
Find out more about them here: {https://lbb.in/delhi/business/Jaipur-Modern-Kitchen-jaipur-d74496/%7D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EThey?ref=lbbpost also have the coolest store as a part of the property- housing labels that are local/from Jaipur, and from all around India.
5. Bar Palladio: Possibly the best-designed bar in Jaipur and perhaps in India too, Bar Palladio is where most authors, writers and cool kids go for a drink post a long day at JLF. It's an IG-story-fiend's paradise! The vibe and decor cover up for their food and drinks, which I found to be just about alright {unless things have changed from the last year}.
Find out if things have changed here: {https://lbb.in/mumbai/business/Bar-Palladio-Jaipur-jaipur-2c5f35/%7D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EThere?ref=lbbpost's a bunch of other really cool cafes and bars I've checked out, but these top the list. Three awesome hotels to visit if you get the chance are Rambagh {go here for high tea if you can}, Narain Niwas {this is where Bar Palladio's located} and Sujan Rajmahal Palace {It's stunning! The Penguin Random House party's hosted here}.
For shopping:
1. Store at Jaipur Modern: A multi-designer store, Jaipur Modern's curation is exquisite. I love their collection of bags and jewellery! They have really cool shirts and Indo-western wear like tunics, printed dresses etc. I usually always end up picking up a pair of earrings and a tote/wallet from here.
You can check out their range here: {https://lbb.in/delhi/business/Jaipur-Modern-Kitchen-jaipur-d74496/%7D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E2.?ref=lbbpost Teatro Dhora: This store can do no wrong! A modern edit of jewellery, clothes and accessories, curated from all over India, this store has the most exquisite collection. Shop Cord bags, Dhora jewellery, cotton Indian-wear, All Things' chocolates and more.
Check them out here: {https://lbb.in/kolkata/business/Teatro-Dhora-jaipur-4d6f22/%7D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E3.?ref=lbbpost The shopping "complex" right outside Narain Niwas: As mentioned above, Narain Niwas makes it to my list of must-visit hotels in Jaipur. There's a complex to the left of the entry gate to Narain Niwas that has a bunch of really interesting locally-based labels, including my favourite- Kassa. I love their jewellery & leather bags. This compound/area has a bunch of other really interesting stores too- definitely worth browsing through.
4. Nidhi Tholia: My go-to for the few occasions I actually buy Indian clothes! I love the bright colours she uses for her anarkalis and her gota-patti work. She's got everything from sarees to suits and lehengas.
Find out how to get there: {https://lbb.in/delhi/business/Saffron-by-Nidhi-Tholia-78e7f0/%7D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E5.?ref=lbbpost Amrapali's store in Tholia House/on MI Road: If your idea of Amrapali comes from their Khan Market store, get ready to get overwhelmed {in the best way!} Their store in Tholia House is massive - and has really stunning jewellery starting from INR 700.
Tholia House, in general, is a great area to explore- there's also Kuber's Tholia, which retails semi-precious and precious jewellery. Their designs and workmanship are stunning! Definitely worth the visit if you're looking for investment purchases.
Get a glimpse of their collection here: {https://lbb.in/kolkata/business/Amrapali-Jewels-jaipur-4d6303/%7D%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EThe?ref=lbbpost pop-ups at JLF/Diggi Palace are really good, too. I always end up discovering really interesting brands and local businesses here.