Rajasthan's Most Picturesque Markets: A Photographer's Delight
Did you know that exploring the local markets of India is the best way to delve deeper into a particular culture's lifestyle? India is a nation that has several different cultures living in its territory. Every culture has its own norms, beliefs, and unique way of life. This makes India one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world.
Exploring these cultures is one of the most fun things to do during a trip to India. There are several ways to interact with each culture that you wish to learn about; however, the most effective way to achieve this task is by exploring the markets around India.
In markets, you can take a look at the different types of handicrafts, souvenirs, and other materials that have originated from each culture. You also can see the locals interact with each other in these places. When it comes to popular markets in India, the state of Rajasthan is one of the premier locations in India.
Let's take a look at Rajasthan's most picturesque markets
Rajasthan boasts markets that are designed in such unique ways that not only are excellent for learning about Indian culture but are also some of the most picturesque places in all of India. So, let's take a look at Rajasthan's most picturesque markets which are a photographer's delight in India.
Sadar Bazaar
Jodhpur is a well-known city in Rajasthan that is famous for its architecture and also for being the second largest city of Rajasthan. However, Jodhpur is also very popular for its handicrafts which are sold all across India. These handicrafts have resulted in the markets around Jodhpur, a very popular place among both local and foreign tourists.
Among these vibrant bazaars is the famous Sadar Bazaar located near the clock tower. This market complex is filled with tiny shops that line up in the crowded, narrow lanes of the town. Sadar Bazaar is most famous for its Marwari jewelry, utensils, kitchenware, leather shoes, trinkets, and wedding clothes.
Taking a walk through these narrow streets will allow you to see the picturesque items that are lined up for sale in this market and immerse yourself in the Marwari culture.
Phool Mandi
When it comes to the most picturesque things in nature, flowers are at the top of the list for most people. Their vibrant colors and shapes make them a sight to behold wherever they grow. While the state of Rajasthan does not look like a place that is suitable for flowers to grow, the Phool Mandi located in Jaipur says otherwise.
The phool mandi is a giant shopping complex that has women vendors dressing up in traditional Indian clothing of vibrant colors selling garlands and other decorative items made up entirely of naturally grown flowers. Tourists will find all sorts of flowers during their exploration of this colorful place in Rajasthan from Jasmine Whisps to Marigold.
To add cherry on top, a large fruit and vegetable market is also present right next to the Phool Mandi which adds further to its vibrant colors while also immersing the visitor in the smell and colors of nature.
Tripolia Bazaar, Jaipur
The capital of Rajasthan is well known for its architecture and culture which has been influenced by the many different rulers of the city. While the monuments of Jaipur are a major highlight of the city, the many markets that are around the city are also a key part of its tourism. The Tripolia Bazaar is one of the many popular marketplaces located in Jaipur.
In India, bangles are a very important part of women's attire. Tripolia Bazaar prides itself on its large selection of bangles that come in all shades of color in both glass and lacquer material. This market also houses a large collection of traditional handicrafts, clothing, utensils, and other wooden and metal utilities.
The colorful stalls that line up in this market make it one of the most picturesque places in all of Jaipur.
Jaisalmer Fort
The Jaisalmer fort is a place that still houses a large market complex in the center of the fort complex which contains multiple narrow streets which are filled with local vendors. Jaisalmer Fort is one of the oldest surviving forts in the world and the market that is found at its heart is its most popular tourist attraction.
Within these shops, you can expect to find all sorts of items like souvenirs, embroidered jewelry, and Rajasthan's signature puppet dolls. This market is also known as Sadar Bazaar just like the Sadar Bazaar in Jodhpur by the locals. Walking through the narrow streets of the Jaisalmer Fort and seeing the vendors lining up their colorful textures makes for a picturesque place that also allows you to immerse yourself in the history of the Jaisalmer Fort.
Kote Gate Bazaar
Bikaner is perhaps more popular as a sweets brand rather than as a city of Rajasthan. Bikaner is a city in Rajasthan which is famous for its dedication to camels. In this city, camels are bred, researched and you can also enjoy a nice camel ride in the city as well.
While there are also a few monuments that you can explore here, one of the best places in Bikaner is the Kote Gate Bazaar. This marketplace is famous for providing excellent quality leather and goods made out of leather such as shoes, handicrafts, clothing, etc. The leather, as you probably guessed also comes from the skin of the camels that the city is known for breeding.
There are other items as well that you can find in this market, most notable of which are the paintings and wooden crafts. If you wish to visit a place to explore the desert life in Rajasthan, the Kote Gate bazaar in Bikaner is one of the best places.
Johari Bazaar
If the Tripolia Bazaar is famous for textiles and bangles, the Johari Bazaar is the place to check for jewelry in Jaipur. The Johari Bazaar is a marketplace that is full of shining rubies and diamonds that are very beautiful to look at. These shining gems make for a very picturesque place in Rajasthan that also sells these incredible-looking jewelry for a very cheap cost.
But be aware of deals that sound too good to be true. While these shining gems may be very pretty to look at, it has been said that many of these jewels are not real and are made from colored glass. So, remember to check the jewelry before you decide to buy anything from this place. Other than that, the Johari Bazaar is one of the prettiest places in all of Rajasthan.
Hathi Pol Bazaar
For those tourists who wish to see the capabilities of the local artists of Rajasthan, the Hathi Pol Bazaar located in Udaipur is one of the best places to explore. In addition to the handicrafts and other antiques made within Rajasthan, the Hathi Pol Bazaar boasts some of the best paintings ever made in the entire country.
These paintings coupled with the other traditional crafts make the Hathi Pol Bazaar one of the most picturesque places in all of Rajasthan.
India is one of the world's most culturally diverse countries. It is a home for several different cultures all having their separate traditions, norms, and ways of life from each other. The markets of India serve as some of the best places to see this diverse culture closely in action. When it comes to market, Rajasthan boasts one of the best market networks in India.
From traditional arts and crafts to utility items, the markets of Rajasthan act as both a picturesque and immersive destination for both local and foreign tourists. So, if you wish to explore the picturesque destinations of Rajasthan, prepare your E-visa and travel guide before delving into the narrow streets of Rajasthan's markets.
Ensure you have checked your eligibility for Indian e-Visa. Citizens of most countries including Greek citizens, French citizens, Irish citizens, Malaysian citizens and Jamaican citizens are eligible for Indian e-Visa.