JAIPUR WALKING TOUR
Tour Operator in Jaipur, Rajasthan !!
JAIPUR WALKING TOUR
Walking tours is a perfect way to discover the city. Over the last few years, heritage and cultural walking tours have become extremely popular. Why so? There are a variety of walking tours in Jaipur, from heritage walking tours to cultural walking tours of the local markets. These Jaipur walks allow one to see things differently, an invaluable opportunity to witness life in Jaipur closely. In recent times, some tour operators are offering a free cultural walking tour in Jaipur. Are they free? Most of these come with an expectation of a tip. So how can one do a free cultural walking tour in Jaipur? Having explored Jaipur considerably during the last few years, I have had the opportunity of leading heritage walks for academicians and students from across the world. I’m sharing a free heritage cultural walking tour of Jaipur’s local market which is self-guided and doesn’t require any guide. This is a cultural walk as it allows one to experience the local culture up close. This guided walking tour is the best way to explore the most iconic areas of Jaipur and get your bearings in the Rajasthani capital. After meeting your guide at the Wind View Cafe in front of the Hawa Mahal, you’ll begin your walking tour of Jaipur. Learn why this stunning building is named the “Palace of the Winds” as you admire the incredible intricacies of red sandstone architecture.
Free walking tours are common in Europe and replicated across other parts of the world, especially in notable tourist towns. After undertaking a couple of free and paid walking tours, I feel the term “free walking tour” is a misnomer. The guide at some point will notify you that it’s a tip-based walking tour and also disclose how much you should tip. In a way, the term “free” is a trap. If a guided walk is advertised as a free walking tour it should be free and not come with the expectation of tips. Sandeman’s New Europe Walking Tours mentions tours are free and tips are complimentary. Sandeman’s walking tours are amazingly popular and highly recommended if you are visiting Europe. Please note that it is impossible to provide entire details in one blog post. This heritage walk in Jaipur only provides a framework to explore on your own without the need for an expensive walking guide of the walled city area, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Therefore, in no way, this is an exhaustive guide for travelers rather it offers a synopsis of life in the Jaipur walled city and its built heritage. You can save the free walking tour on Google Maps located at the bottom of this post.
JAIPUR WALKING TOUR ADDRESS, CONTACT AND TIMINGS INFORMATION
Jaipur Walking Tour Address: 257, Bhaisowalon Ka Mohalla, Subhash Chowk, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002
Jaipur Walking Tour Contact/Phone/Mobile Number: 082392 33038
Jaipur Walking Tour Timings/Opening Hours:
- Sunday: 7am–10pm
- Monday: 7am–10pm
- Tuesday: 7am–10pm
- Wednesday: 7am–10pm
- Thursday: 7am–10pm
- Friday: 7am–10pm
- Saturday: 7am–10pm
JAIPUR WALKING TOUR DIRECTION/LOCATION/MAP
A few more steps and you are in a local vegetable market of Johari Bazaar. Walk around to witness how vegetables have been sold for centuries. Supermarkets still haven’t been able to replace the way people buy fruits and vegetables in Jaipur much like many ancient cities across the world like Cairo or Fez. After exploring this market, walk out through the second exit which is devoid of a gate. Once you are out of this market, take a right turn towards the north and walk through the covered walkway in front of the shop facade. This walkway is designed to provide respite from the sun and rain for the shoppers. These sheltered walking paths were built during the reign of the last ruler of Jaipur- Sawai Man Singh II. Before this, the shop fronts had awnings made out of tarpaulins. After walking a few meters, you will come across an intersection of the fourth lane- Haldion Ka Rasta.
Turn left and walk towards the Johari Bazaar. Cross over to the other side of the road and walk towards the north until you find this gate on your left called Sirehdyodi Gate. Turn left and walk through this gate. Continue walking on the same road and walk through the Nakkarkhana Gate. We are walking towards the city palace compound and this is the first gate you will encounter. The walking tour in Jaipur covers the Walled City Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in July 2019. Here is a free walking tour map on google along with markers and pictures of the places You can save this Google map to your maps by clicking on the star near the share button.
The walled city of Jaipur is one of the best places to walk in Jaipur because it offers a lot to see. It is certainly walkable considering short distances. However, do watch out for bikes and other traffic hazards; people generally don’t always observe universal traffic rules. Watch where you place your foot, the narrow streets in this old part of Jaipur, are not the cleanest places that you might have seen. It is generally safe to walk in Jaipur through the route mentioned in this blog during the daytime. I always recommend people use their judgment when it comes to safety. If you have a feeling that it is unsafe to walk alone, don’t override! In such a case, it is better to go for a guided walking tour because the walk leader understands the locality and situation. When walking in the streets of Jaipur dress conservatively. The tourist attractions are generally safe, avoid venturing into an unknown area before checking with a reliable local source like your hotel.
The shops have a covered walkway meant to provide shade whereas the roof served as a viewing deck for the public. Historians claim that the colonnaded walkway was built during the reign of the last ruler of Jaipur. Many religious processions used to pass through Johari Bazaar. Shopping in Jaipur is incomplete without a visit to Johari Bazaar. This is a reason why some people prefer to walk with a walk leader. It allows them to relax and just soak in the atmosphere rather than worry about navigation and traffic. An added bonus-the navigator also acts as a translator. For others, exploration is an adventure. They enjoy getting lost and finding something new which was not mentioned in their guide. Read more about a Guided Heritage walk in Jaipur.
HERITAGE WALK IN JAIPUR
Many people miss the conversation and exchange of ideas that come with a guided tour. It is likely that travelers will have many questions and self-guided walks have no opportunity for answers. Jaipur markets are buzzing and a self-guided walk is not a complete answer for the inquisitive ones. There are many “hidden places in Jaipur” which cannot be explored with a self-guided walk. There’s so much to see and experience like this old Haveli in the walled city. The narratives and stories are best experienced with a walk leader. Self-guided walks are best for people who love exploring at their own pace. Also, guided walks often operate at a pre-decided time, self-guided walking allows one to choose the most convenient time. It works very well with photographers and artists who need more time. Guided walks tend to rush through the route and often lead unsuspecting travelers into buying overpriced local merchandise. This is a common ploy employed by guides across the world. There are some variations as well, in some cases guides make a pitstop at an overpriced cafe/eaterie. Jaipur is no exception and this is true for even well-established walking tour operators who have been in this industry for many years. This practice needs to end.
Get to know the real atmosphere and experience Jaipur from the ground level with this three-hour walking tour of the city with the help of an English-speaking guide! You’ll meet the guide first thing in the morning at Chandpole Gate when your tour begins, and you’ll learn about this dazzling piece of history, one of seven historic entry gates. Then you’ll head to Hawa Mahal, otherwise known as the beautiful Wind Palace, and one of the most stunning examples of ancient Indian architecture in and around the city. After photographs, you’ll see the Govind Dev Temple which had been built by the first of Jaipur’s kings.
You’ll have plenty of time to walk and stroll around the city streets so you can visit the many local markets just bursting with wares and produce. While here, you’ll even get to enjoy some local delicacies and snacks and enjoy a drink of lassi while you’re at it! At a famous 90-year-old kitchen, you’ll be given the opportunity to watch Rabri being made. This famous sweet favorite, made of thickened, sweetened milk with layer upon layer of malai or cream, is full of cardamom, saffron, and dried fruits. You’ll then jog on down to the district of marble carvers where you’ll see craftsmen carefully plying their trade and creating artistic masterpieces. See Lord Rama’s Temple and other out-of-the-way destinations, and learn about them from your guide before you round off the tour with tea and coffee with the locals, learning about their daily lives.