Jaipur’s Hidden Lanes: 7 Local Spots Tourists Never Discover

Hidden Lanes in Jaipur: 7 Local Things that Tourists Will Never See.

One fact never changes about Jaipur: this city is not merely a gallery of forts and palaces, but a mural, wherein every street, each and every corner, each and every colour, has a story. The thing is that the majority of tourists can see Jaipur in a postcard. It is the same Amer Fort, the same Hawa Mahal, the same Jal Mahal... and so they believe they have finished Jaipur.

It is so: Jaipur starts when you enter its narrow, ancient, and rather shyness lanes. The current guide is the shortcut to those lanes, 7 local locations that may never be visited by the tourists, but in case you do, Jaipur will never abandon you.

1. The Turquoise Gates of Purani Basti -A Painter's Dreamland.

Purani Basti, and the prettiest turquoise-blue gates in Jaipur, are hidden in a corner of the Old City. It is here that photographers make their secret shoots at early hours in the morning, and 90 per cent of the tourists never make it. The streets are quiet, the colours are bright, and all the gates appear to have some ancient legend hidden. In need of some heritage and quiet, then this is your choice.

2. Ghat Ki Guni Sunset - Jaipur Underrated View.

Ghat Ki Guni is a heritage valley road along the Tonk Road. The Jaipur sunset may be the most enchanted one seen here. Out of the traffic around Hawa Mahal or Nahargarh, you feel a natural affection here--as though the city was personally saying a farewell to you. The locals are aware that this is a gold mine when it comes to evening space.

3. Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple - The Relaxation You Never Knew You Wanted.

Peace in the fast life of Jaipur is not always an easy task, but Tadkeshwar Mahadev is a small heaven. The old school Rajasthan architecture, a serene environment, and a peaceful atmosphere all refresh the heart immediately. Tourist omnibuses never visit the place--and I think that is the reason the place keeps so clean.

4. Mini Art Street in Chandpole- Where Jaipur Sniffs the Colours.

Chandpole has a little street where local artists silently make and sell their work. It is not a market of the sort that one would find in a commercial handicraft market; it is that which authentic Jaipur confronts its brushstrokes. In case you want to explore the artistic soul of Jaipur, then this street is going to guide your map towards the right direction.

Bonus: The cheap, but madly beautiful, hand-painted diaries and frames here are sold twice as much as at Delhi-Mumbai shows.

5. Kachori lane at Ramgarh Mod -The true taste of Jaipur.

There is one food lane that is idolised by the locals of every city, yet the outsiders cannot even smell. In the case of Jaipur, it is a narrow street in Ramgarh Mod where, since 7 a.m., there is a pilgrimage-like event of kachoris, jalebis, and masala milk. People taking tours are pleased to have kachoris in front of Hawa Mahal.

6. Time Travel Without a Ticket Vintage Haveli Trails, Brahmapuri.

When you are walking into the lanes of Brahmapuri, you will get the impression that time has gone back. Little streets, ancient palaces, sandstone arches and village folks laughing at each other--this is the Jaipur purest of all. Photography, leisurely travelling, or the desire to explore the traditional culture of Jaipur- this is the place. And by the way, do greet the locals with a smile. The natives of this place are the friendliest in the metropolis.

7. Sagar Lake (Amer) The Silent Twin of Jal Mahal.

Jal Mahal Lake is the place where thousands of selfies are taken every day.
At Sagar Lake?

A cool afternoon breeze and two or three people. The lake, which is behind the Amer fort, is like the secret hiding place of Jaipur. The fort itself is literally postcard-perfect as reflected on the other side of the water--free and peaceful, and without a crowd. Here locals are seen to take evening photographs... and tourists? Even if they do not stop on Google Maps.

Last Reflections: Jaipur Beyond Pink Walls.

It is not fair to refer to Jaipur as the Pink City only. The city bears the entire population of tea makers in the streets, students, artists, and heritage makers who make it an integral part of their lives. When you consider Jaipur through its monuments, then it is just 20 per cent of Jaipur you will see. The other 80 per cent-the raw, the real, the living Jaipur- is concealed in these back-alleys.

One thing to remember to do on your next visit:
Close the map.
Let the lanes lead you.
Jaipur then proves to open up on its own.