I was lucky enough to spend the end of 2023 with my family in Rajasthan, India – a truly magical place that totally blew me away. We visited beautiful palaces and temples, spent time in nature, ate delicious food and met lots of incredibly warm and generous people. Ringing in the New Year in Jaipur is an experience I’ll never forget. It was a deeply meaningful trip and helped me to recharge and recentre ahead of a very exciting year to come. Below you’ll find lists of some of my must-do things in the buzzing city of Jaipur and Jodhpur.
Exploring these wonderful places inspired me to put together this issue of Service95, all about culture all over the world – from a look at the vibrant music scene in Hawaii, to the new wave of LGBTQIA+ films coming out of Nollywood and the art scene in Beirut. I hope you enjoy.
Dua x
5 must-visit places in Jaipur
1. Amber Palace Fort – a breathtaking red and pink sandstone fort, dating from the 1500s.
2. The Aravalli Hills – I loved hiking through these beautiful forests.
3. PDKF Store – AKA, the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation Shop, which supports women in their traditional Rajasthani craftsmanship.
4. Dera Amer – a 180-acre private estate and elephant sanctuary, dedicated to preserving the local environment.
5. Jaipur Wholesale Flower Market – this market’s incredible sea of colour is an absolute must.
5 must-visit spots in Jodhpur
- Mehrangarh Fort – a vast fort perched on a clifftop overlooking Jodhpur. Its museum is a must-visit.
- Mataji Temple – a beautiful 15th-century temple on the grounds of Mehrangarh Fort, dedicated to the Goddess Chamunda.
- The Old Blue City – stroll through the lanes of Jodhpur’s old town, named for its indigo-blue houses.
- The Stepwell Café – make a pitstop for coffee overlooking the mesmerising Toorji Ka Jhalra well.
- Raas Hotel – end your day with dinner on the rooftop, featuring more unmissable views of Mehrangarh.
