The first thought that pops up in our mind when we think of Jaipur, is of its massive forts and royal palaces but there’s more to the city than its expansive monuments! Home to some of the finest and unique handicraft items, the markets of the Pink City are unavoidable for anyone who plans a visit to this city.
Among the many local marts and fancy malls, Tripolia Bazar is one of the busiest and oldest markets in the city and is a treat for shopaholics. Sandwiched between Manak Chowk and Chhoti Chaupar and famous for its traditional lac bangles, bandini fabric, rugs and many other handicraft items, this market offers tourists a closer look at the authentic Rajasthani culture.
Tripolia Gate & the bazar
The bazaar gets its name from the Tripolia Gate, a massive arched gateway built in 1734, which was used as the main door to the City Palace. This local bustling market, set up on the lined street of the gate, has a mix of household items and fashion accessories. Each lane here, is named after one product or the profession of the shop-owners like Maniharon Ka Raasta, Tikkiwaalon Ka Raasta, Nataniyon Ka Raasta.
Explore the beauty of lac jewellery by walking through Maniharon Ka Raasta
Walk through the Maniharon Ka Raasta to explore the beauty of traditionally handcrafted lac jewellery, available in attractive colours, including lac bangles, which is a speciality of this market. It is said that the lane gets its name from Manoharpur, a place in Uttar Pradesh, where the craftsmen who make the lac bangles are believed to have arrived from.
People believe that these artisans had come to Jaipur, owing to an invitation of the then king, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. It is mostly Muslim Manihari women who handle the stores here and are involved in making the lac bangles using various kinds of embellishments.
The essence of Rajasthani culture woven into rugs, carpets & dhurrie
Sturdy carpets of vibrant colours were first introduced by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II, with a blend of Indo-Heratic design in Jaipur. Tripolia market is home to an array of such carpets, rugs and Jaipuri quilts with embroideries and designs that mirror portraits, landscapes, flowers motifs and even geometrical figures.
The market also has a cheaper option for those who can’t afford these carpets, called dhurrie– thick flat-woven rugs that originated in Jaipur. These carpets actually add to the rich artistic heritage of the state and bagging one while on your trip, is the right way to honour them!
Relish the spicy snacks available at Namkeen Wali Gali
After you’re done with burning a hole in your wallets by shopping, traverse through the Namkeen Wali Gali and heed to your hunger pangs with all the spicy snack options available here. To wash it all down, go for a glass of kulhad lassi from any of the bhandars and burp out loud!
There are actually many famous shops in this gali, like Khandelwal Namkeen Bhandar, Shankar Namkeen Bhandar, Shri Agarwal Namkeen Bhandar and so on, which are known for their wide variety of namkeens. Before leaving, pack some for later because you’ll be craving for these choices, once your foodie hankerings hit you again.
Know before you go!
Sharpen your bargaining skills before you venture into this market and buy things at a much cheaper rate than what the shopkeepers tend to demand. Placed in the heart of the city, the Tripolia Bazar is close to other tourist attractions as well like the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, among others. So if you’re planning a visit to this vibrant market to get a souvenir, be sure to follow all the COVID protocols because the pandemic is not over yet!
Location: Kanwar Nagar, Jaipur
Timing: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Saturday
