Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Chokhi Daani - Jaipur

Welcome to Chokhi Daani - the Kala Gram or Craftsmen's Village.
While at Jaipur, don't miss this crafts resort.  You will hear it from the locals too as a must visit place in the city.

Try the lavish dinner spread on environmental friendly dried leaf plates being served in an open area. It is a sit-down dinner. The food is arranged and served neatly on small cups placed on a small, wooden table. The 'lassi' or buttermilk is served in an earthen pot.


One thing I really like about traditional Indian food is the recyclable plate on which it is served. In the coastal belt of Karnataka (where I come from), we still use plantain leaves.


It is a pleasure to eat on fresh banana leaves or as in most Soutn Indian temples on dried plants leaves strewn together. They are easy to dispose off too. What the world woke up to in the 21st century India has been doing since centuries.

The meal though was totally and boringly
vegetarian. The famous 'daal-baati' was so hard we couldn't break it.

90% of Rajasthanis are vegetarian. The locals told us not to eat non-vegetarian dishes because it is usually not fresh.


The funny part was the circulation of the Rajasthani petas! Everyone got to wear it and got their 'look like locals' moment.



The resort has all kinds of entertainment.
Camel rides, elephant rides, bullock cart rides,

There is tight-rope walking too and a live dance performance of Rajasthani folk dance.

You can join the dancers swirling around in their long, round skirts full of bead and mirror work, the 'ghunghat' nicely placed on their heads.

There are lots of places to shop and eat
But one thing you will realize is almost everyone is prompting you to tip them generously - whether it is the waiter at the open meal counters or the dancers or any of the other entertainers.

The ethnic atmosphere of the village - whether it is in the buildings or the costumes of the different staff or the overall ambiance makes you feel like you are right in the middle of a typical Rajasthani village.





The beautiful model houses dotting the entire property of the Kala Gram is a visual treat to the eyes. You can spend the whole day here - clicking pics, eating, shopping or just relaxing watching others.



















And while you are there, don't forget to have a shot of hookah with this wise, old man.



23 comments:

  1. Nice One....!!!! Is there any entry fee..? what is timings of resort...?

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    Replies
    1. i think the entry fee was Rs 500 or so per person including the dinner.
      it is open the whole day till 9 p.m i think

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  2. We went to Chokhi Dhani only for the food, and everything else ended up being a pleasant surprise!

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  3. Ahhh. I was waiting for this post. For us (and I am sure for all) it was unforgettable experience. The Food was superb.

    Now they have "Chokhi Dhani" is several places in India including Chennai. But nothing compared to the original Chokhi Dhani in Jaipur.

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  4. I need to visit this some day for sure ..

    Bikram's

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  5. You make the place so inviting and tempting. You bring alive the place with your gripping narration and matching puctures.

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  6. There is one Choki Dhani in Chennai also but a few negative reviews are keeping me away. I am wondering if it's worth that money for the food cos the other activities don't seem to be that impressive.

    Destination Infinity

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. the money is inclusive of the entry fees plus food. for the various activities we need to pay separately

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  7. Wow! we had also been there many years ago, it is really a place to visit.

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  8. The man with the hookah looks almost real.
    Yes banana leaf is the best for having food.

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  9. comment from Bikram:

    Bikramjit Singh MannJune 12, 2017 at 3:53 AM
    I read your post .. :) lovely pictures


    Bikram's

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Hi