Shopping in Jaipur is unlike shopping anywhere else. It is not simply a matter of moving from one shop to another, ticking names off a list. It is about wandering through a city where centuries-old craftsmanship sits alongside contemporary design, where a tiny workshop can be as extraordinary as the most elegant boutique, and where the pleasure often lies in discovering something you never knew you were looking for.

This is the spirit behind India Beat’s exclusive Jaipur Shopping Tours.

Having spent years exploring India, Victoria has developed a deeply personal knowledge of Jaipur’s shopping scene, from the city’s most luxurious boutiques to its hidden markets and remarkable artisan workshops. As Condé Nast Traveler put it, Victoria “leads clients on a shopaholic’s dream tour, into the local gem markets and through the city’s best jewelry and silk boutiques…”

And it really is a journey rather than a shopping list.

The possibilities are wonderfully varied. Jaipur has been a centre of gem cutting and jewellery making for centuries, and exploring the jewellers around Johori Bazaar is part of the magic. At the famous Gem Palace, extraordinary stones and exquisite craftsmanship have been brought together for generations, while wandering through the gem markets offers a fascinating glimpse into one of Jaipur’s oldest and most vibrant trades. From jewellery, we might move on to beautiful textiles, contemporary fashion, traditional crafts or wonderfully unexpected finds, following the day wherever your interests take you.

There are beautiful things everywhere: richly printed textiles, hand-embroidered pieces, furniture, ceramics, jewellery and objects for the home. At Ecru, beautifully crafted furniture and objects sit alongside clothing; Jaipur Modern brings together contemporary interpretations of traditional Indian craftsmanship; and Rasa offers an elegant mix of fashion and homewares. At Blue Pottery Neerja, the distinctive blue-and-white ceramics reflect Jaipur’s long relationship with this remarkable craft, while Khanoom’s hand-painted ceramics are to be treasured.

For those drawn to fashion, Jaipur offers an extraordinary mix of established names and independent designers. Hot Pink showcases some of the best of Indian high fashion, while Diane Singh’s collections bring together influences from Paris and Jaipur. Nidhi Tholia creates exquisite Indian occasion wear (including Victoria’s own wedding dress) and Tokree is a treasure trove of beautiful Indian clothing. Idli by Thierry Journo is another favourite, combining French sensibility with Indian craftsmanship in a space that feels completely its own.

But some of the most memorable discoveries are not necessarily the most obvious ones. That is why we like to leave room in our days to explore. Teatro Dhora brings together jewellery, accessories, clothing and homewares from local designers and artisans, while The Palace Atelier has become one of Jaipur’s most stylish destinations. At Andraab, exceptionally fine Kashmiri pashminas make an irresistible souvenir, and Ridhi Sidhi Textiles is a wonderful place to discover classic Rajasthani prints and embroidery.

And then there are the treasures that bring a little of Jaipur home with you. The beautiful textiles at Cottons, Soma and Ratan range from clothing and quilts to bed linen and tablecloths. Satayam is a favourite for antique and collectible textiles, while Bar Palladio’s delicatessen offers a more contemporary take on the idea of the Indian souvenir, with gourmet gifts and beautiful homewares.

Even the simplest purchases can become part of the story of a trip. A piece of hand-blocked fabric, a beautifully made quilt, a Kashmiri shawl, a piece of Jaipur blue pottery or a bottle of Ayurvedic lotion from Himalaya can transport you back to India long after you have returned home.

What makes our Jaipur Shopping Tour different is that we are not simply taking you to the places everyone knows. We are sharing the Jaipur that we have come to know and love, introducing you to the designers, craftspeople, jewellers and shopkeepers we trust, while allowing plenty of time for those unexpected discoveries along the way.

And that is the beauty of shopping in Jaipur: you never quite know what you are going to find.

Photo credit: Idli