Living the Walled CityJaipur Old City Walking Tour

Two experiences seem alike when we compare "Living the Walled City" with "Beyond the Pink". However, "Living the Walled City" is more about experiencing Jaipur through its people, neighbourhoods and everyday life. It is another way of entering the beautiful soul of Jaipur. The walk starts with a little introduction to Jaipur city, where you will come across interesting facts about its orientation, layout, planning & design dating back to the 18th century. Since we start the walk from the central heart of the city, we come across the beautiful "Sireh Deori Bazaar" to witness some of the centuries-old temples like the Kalki & Ramchandra Temples. Along the way, marvel at the beautifully restored Sawai Man Singh Town Hall of Jaipur, from where the local government functioned & held its meetings & conferences. Looking at these abandoned buildings reminds us of the glorious past the city had under the reign of remarkable Jaipur rulers. On the other side of the street, you can also spot beautifully carved latticed windows, a perfect arrangement made for women to look through discreetly, be it a festive occasion, royal processions or the grand procession of Jaipur's Maharaja. This reminds us of the strong desire of every Indian woman behind these windows to be part of the outside world.

Moving forward, do not forget to marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship of the honeycomb structure studded with 953 latticed windows, known as Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds. It was created to enjoy the cool & fresh breeze during Jaipur's summers while taking in vistas of the local markets & streets.

Unwind on your walk through the narrow lanes of Jaipur, where we can admire the unfiltered version of Jaipur—authentic, chaotic, vibrant and joyful. Walk past numerous temples where one can witness spiritual rituals conducted by Hindu devotees, small family-run businesses where every member of the family contributes to making a living, and elders lounging in their shops, which are no longer just a source of livelihood but a room with an open door—a daily ritual fuelled by passion & a lifetime commitment to what was started decades ago. You may also come across public parks where children play, women chat and elders cherish memorable moments with their grandchildren & friends.

In the labyrinth of these narrow lanes, also marvel at the traditional mansions, or havelis, where people of high social status in the royal court of Jaipur lived. These historical townhouses are known for their vast & open courtyards, intricate jalis, arched doorways & paintings adorning the façade & other corners of the houses.

Along the way, you may also spot local residents indulging in deep conversations, sitting outside their homes or at a local tea stall. Take a chance to greet them, and they will be pleased to answer you with a big smile on their face. All these precious & spontaneous moments make this journey even more beautiful & authentic.

In the end, I would just say: come & live this precious city in its original form, because it's hard to define every special moment in just simple words.