Jaipur, also known as, The Pink City is filled with colorful sights and sounds. Tourists throng the city’s resplendent palaces, imposing forts and lush, green gardens; all of which take one back into the heritage and culture of royal Rajasthan. However, there is a unique resort located about 10 miles away from the hustle and bustle of Jaipur that offers a real glimpse of life in present-day rural Rajasthan. Learn more about this resort, known as, Chokhi Dhani or ‘Special Village’.
A Truly Unique Jaipur Resort
Chokhi Dhani is unlike other Rajasthan hotels and resorts simply because everything from the rooms to the restaurants to the entertainment center around rural life in Rajasthan. The tastefully decorated cottages, the various restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines and the colorful evening activities set this resort apart from the plethora of hotels in Jaipur.
The resort is divided into two sections – one for daily visitors and the other for overnight stays. The first section charges an entrance fee, which includes dinner, and allows the visitors to experience rural activities and traditional entertainment such as, camel cart rides, tightrope walkers and feast on a dinner of authentic, vegetarian Rajasthani cuisine with traditional floor seating.
The second section houses the ethnic cottages, rooms and multi-cuisine restaurants and offers various packages for overnight or weekend stays. The restaurants in the second section of the resort serve a variety of Indian, Continental and Barbecue fare and the rooms are all decorated in an ethnic fashion but equipped with modern amenities.
Chokhi Dhani – A Family Friendly Resort
Chokhi Dhani has a whole lot of activities that appeal to all age groups and every member of the family will find something to be entertained by. Puppet shows, bullock-cart and camel rides, rural giant wheels, songs and dances as well as small stalls selling wooden and other Indian handicrafts are just a few of the entertainments that Chokhi Dhani offers.
There are also small shops selling village toys and stalls that test strength and skill. Astrologers, palmists and a fortune-telling parrot entertain visitors by making predictions while magic shows and snake charmers will appeal to children of all ages. Women can get their hands decorated with mehendi ( an Indian herbal application that leaves an orange-colored imprint on the palms) and buy colorful bangles from the handicraft stalls.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Traveling to Chokhi Dhani
- If planning a trip to this Jaipur resort, dress conservatively and wear comfortable footwear that will allow you to enjoy the various rides and walk through the village grounds, which are quite sandy, in keeping with the theme.
- The gates for the entertainment section open at 5.30 P.M IST and the entertainment activities start at 6.30 PM IST. So, plan your trip accordingly.
- The admission charges cover dinner. Opt for a vegetarian, traditional Rajasthani meal to get a real feel of Indian culture and cuisine. Otherwise, dine in any of the multi-cuisine restaurants.
- October- March is a great time to visit Chokhi Dhani, since the temperatures are lower and evenings are pleasant.
Family members of all ages will enjoy the many entertainment options that Chokhi Dhani offers. For anyone who wishes to experience a bit of rural Indian life, this ‘Special Village’ offers interesting options and unsurprisingly, is a popular destination with both Indians and foreign tourists.
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