Our reality has changed and the concept of ‘Raksha’ is more relevant today than ever before.

In step with these special times, we urge you all to innovate this year with some handy tips to make this Raksha Bandhan count!

Tip #1 – Go Green

With more and more plastic being used in PPE kits and protective gear around the globe, let’s make the effort to cut down on global waste by being responsible about Raksha Bandhan. 

Avoid those fancy non bio-degradable materials and opt for a Seed Rakhi. It’s environment friendly and will grow into a beautiful plant. What better way to show you care than with a living, breathing symbol of your sibling bond?

Options are available on Amazon and other e-commerce sites and if you want a little more information on the concept, here’s a handy link to check out. 

 https://seedrakhi.com/

Tip #2 – Safety First

Deliveries are not the safest thing right now, so make your wishes virtual. Your brother will be grateful for your protective instinct and probably much happier with a personalized digital greeting card or even a nice long chatty email.  Of course, a virtual meeting is the best! Whether you Zoom your wishes to him, WhatsApp a greeting card/video, or Hangout with her, reaching out to your sibling is that much easier today. So plan some virtual family time and if you’re artistically inclined, check out https://www.canva.com/ for some cute Raksha Bandhan greeting card templates.

Tip #3 – It’s the Thought that Counts.

In CoronaKaal, no sisters are expecting their brothers to go out and brave the viral monster in malls and stores. So what if you can’t get the usual extravagant gifts for your precious sis, it’s clearly the ‘Thought’ that counts. Innovate with your Rakhi gifts this year. Handmade is great, as is Virtual. If you must buy – Buy Local! That will support your local industry and economy too, not to mention limit the carbon footprint and be environment friendly. Some great gift ideas – Enroll her in an online class (there are so many to choose from these days) for something she wanted to learn but never had the time for before or gift her a subscription to Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney Hotstar, etc so that she can catch up n all her favourite movies, TV shows and books. 

Tip #4 – Personalize

In our materialistic world, the personal gesture has completely disappeared. No more letters, no handmade and homemade. Everything we eat, drink, wear and use is factory made, store bought and completely devoid of sentiment. So all you sisters out there, here’s the time to get creative. Pull out your mother’s sewing kits and dust off those oven mitts. This is the year to show your brother how much you care. Hand knit sweaters (or start with a muffler, maybe) for the coming winter, made with love cupcakes, cookies, brownies or just an old-fashioned chocolate cake, even a cartoony sketch or caricature (read super cool portrait for those who can actually paint) are all great ideas for personalized gifts. Go for it and get creative!

Tip #5 – Invest in Her Future

Brothers big or small, Raksha Bandhan is all about security, right? So here’s a cool way you can keep your precious sisters safe and secure. Start a savings account for your sis and invest whatever little (or lot) you can for her every Rakhi. Even investing in Mutual Funds or a Medical Insurance Scheme for them is a good way to ensure that their future is secure. Much better than temporary gifts or corporate gift baskets, don’t you think? 

So these are our 5 handy Raksha Bandhan tips. What do you think? Rakhi worthy enough?

Do let us know your thoughts in the comments section and visit us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter. 

If you like what you read, remember to Like, Follow and most of all SHARE!! 

The post 5 Tips to innovate your Rakhi in 2020 appeared first on All About Jaipur.

On 20 December 2013, the United Nations General Assembly decided to proclaim 3 March as World Wildlife Day in order to celebrate and raise awareness about the many beautiful species of wildlife and wild flora and fauna on our planet.

This year, the World Wildlife Day is celebrating “biodiversity super year”.

In the spirit of this special day, we would like to introduce you to 5 unexplored wildlife spots to explore in Rajasthan.

RAMGARH VISHDHARI SANCTUARY

The exotic Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary is located 45 kilometres from Bundi on the Bundi – Nainwa road. Covering an area of 252 sq. km., this sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Established in 1982, it forms a buffer for the more famous, Ranthambore National Park. 

The best time to visit this sanctuary is between the months of September and May.

Distance from Jaipur – 220 kilometres by road via NH 52

DESERT NATIONAL PARK

The Desert National Park in Jaisalmer district displays the best of the Thar desert’s ecosystem and its varied wildlife. The Park is formed of undulating sand dunes, jagged rocks, dense Salt Lake bottoms and inter-medial areas.

Various species of animals such as Black Buck, Chinkara and Desert fox inhabit the Park. The highly endangered Great Indian Bustard, one of the world’s heaviest flying birds, can also be seen here. In winter, the park hosts an incredible variety of migratory raptors such Himalayan and Eurasian Griffon Vultures, Eastern Imperial Eagle, and the Saker Falcon.

Distance from Jaipur – 608 kilometres by road via NH 11

TAL CHHAPAR SANCTUARY

Renowned for being a safe haven for Black Bucks and a variety of birds, this sanctuary is named after the Chhapar village. Located in the Sujangarh Tehsil of Churu, it is located 210 kms from Jaipur. Open grasslands scattered with trees give it the appearance of a savannah.

The sanctuary is a bird watcher’s paradise as it is home to many species of birds such as the Eastern Imperial Eagle, Black Ibis, Demoiselle Cranes, Skylarks, Ring Doves and more. One can also spot the Desert Fox and the Desert Cat here.

Distance from Jaipur – 210 kilometres by road via NH 52

MACHIA BIOLOGICAL PARK

This park is situated on the way to Jaisalmer, about 1 kilometer from Kailana Lake.

It offers a bird watching point for visitors and is also home to several animals such as the Deer, the Desert Fox, the Monitor Lizard, the Blue Bull, the Hare, the Wild Cat and the Mongoose, among others. The park also offers many spectacular views of sunset. An experience not to be missed.

Distance from Jaipur – 341 kilometres by road via NH 48 and NH 25

KUMBHALGARH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary can be rightly considered as one of the major attractions for tourists who visit Udaipur and Kumbhalgarh. Located about 65 km from Udaipur, the park is on the Udaipur – Pali – Jodhpur road, and encircles the massive fort of Kumbhalgarh.

Whether you are a wild-life lover or just someone who wants to commune with nature, the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary has the perfect setting for it. Spread across parts of the Aravalli range, the sanctuary offers you the chance to catch a glimpse of Jungle Cats, Hyenas, Jackals, Leopards, Sloth Bears, Nilgai, Sambhar, Chausingha, Chinkara, Hares, Wolves, etc. 

Distance from Jaipur – 346 kilometres by road via NH 48 and NH 58

If you haven’t visited any of these parks and sanctuaries, plan a trip pronto and…

…Experience the Wild!

The post 5 Unexplored Wildlife Spots to explore in Rajasthan appeared first on All About Jaipur.

They need not worry, coz their friendly neighbourhood blog has them covered!

Here are All About Jaipur’s top picks for a romantic rendezvous on the Day of Love:

1. The Verandah Cafe – Rambagh Palace 

The glorious Rambagh has always been the stuff of fairytales. Once the palatial home of the most debonair King and the most beautiful Queen of Jaipur, this Palace turned hotel has played host to some of the most influential people in the world!

Make it your playground for one special evening! 

Book a romantic table for two at the Verandah Cafe and treat your beloved to an evening of fairytale romance with the famous Taj hospitality set against the majestic backdrop of the most beautiful Palace hotel in the Pink City. 

PS – In case you’re looking for more venue or cuisine options, the hotel also offers a quaint Pan Asian menu at the lovely Oriental Room and an eclectic choice of seating inside an old steam engine train at Steam – the lounge. 

2. Shikaar Bagh – Narain Niwas Palace Hotel

If ambiance is what you’re looking for this Valentine, then the perfect choice is definitely the most happening place in town. 

This vintage hunting-lodge inspired Restro-bar is the place all the beautiful people flock to every weekend.

Celebrate your love with decadent chocolate and sparkling champagne with their Valentine promotion offer and make your 14th Feb date night a memorable one. 

After all, this is the place everyone goes to for their most Instagrammable pictures and the glittering candles on the tables most definitely ensure the perfect mood lighting for that picture-perfect POTD!

3. The Raj Mahal Cafe

Shrouded in mystery, this one is clearly the dark horse in the race!

While the hotel has been famously refurbished, re-branded and re-invented a few years ago and everyone and their mother has seen the pictures in glossy magazine articles, what few know about is that this beautiful art deco Palace has recently renovated it’s All Day Cafe and opened its doors to the people of the Pink City.

With the most elegant decor and great food and service on offer, their special Valentine promotional menu is just the cherry on top! 

4. The Baradari – City Palace

What could be more romantic than a visit to the beautiful City Palace on Valentine’s Day?

Treat yourself to a royal experience with a romantic meal for two at the Baradari restaurant and relive the magical days of yore. A gourmet, international menu served in a historic venue makes for an elegant evening out and the feeling of being a Prince/Princess for an evening is a priceless bonus!

Make sure you immortalize your visit to this magnificent Palace with a lover’s pose at one of the four painted doorways while you’re there!

That’s our shortlist of Valentine worthy venues in Jaipur.

If you and yours pick a choice from this list, do share a review with us.

Write to us at @allaboutjaipur3@gmail.com or DM us at https://www.instagram.com/allaboutjaipur/

The post 4 Most Valentine Worthy Places In The Pink City appeared first on All About Jaipur.

Serving ‘continental food with a twist’, the Lounge & Bar is an elegant space which has been designed in the French Colonial style. Elegant gold and olive-green accents abound across the space and are stylishly complemented by the floral artwork in the arches and the generous use of beveled mirrors.

A variety of finger foods and small plates are on the menu all week, but on the weekends, a special menu of signature delicacies to Jaipurites.

Continental Classics like Grilled Salmon and Pork Belly are part of their signature dishes menu. And lest the vegetarians despair, all the regular favorites like Mezze Platters, Bruschettas, Burgers and Quesadillas are all part of their extensive menu.

Their signature drink, ‘Shivaay’ is a flavourful mix of strawberries, kafir lime and fragrant lemongrass; and is just one among a myriad of classic and contemporary cocktails and mocktails they serve here.

So, all those Jaipurites looking for a new place to hang out – visit this elegant new watering hole soon. The relaxed atmosphere and the beautiful vintage setting make this the perfect new choice for your next Date Night!

For reservations or more information, call Mandawa Haveli at +91 141 510 6081.

The post ‘After Eight’: Contemporary cocktails & continental classics, served with a twist! appeared first on All About Jaipur.

But, let’s be honest – when it comes to the tough times in life, it’s our Dads we turn to for advice and support. They are the pillars we lean on when the world makes us weary.

Fathers often take pride in their vehicles, and having a unique keychain to match their personal style can make a big difference.

Whether it’s a keychain with a meaningful design, a family photo, or a logo from their favorite sports team, these small accessories become symbols of personal expression. Custom keychains in bulk are a great option for those looking to gift their fathers something that will remind them of special moments every time they start the car.

These personalized keychains add a touch of sentimentality while serving a practical purpose.

A keychain may seem small, but for dads, it can be the perfect way to show appreciation. After all, it’s the little things that matter the most, and having a custom keychain on their keyring can be a simple yet meaningful gesture.

Whether it’s a design that commemorates a family trip or a special occasion, fathers will cherish the thoughtfulness behind such a gift. The right keychain can brighten their day and make them smile, every time they reach for their keys.

So, come June 16 – let’s find a way to make Father’s Day a special one for all the Dads out there.

Here’s a handy list of ideas to get you started.

Personalized Gifts:

From cool glasses and mugs to personalized stationery to monogrammed keychains and cufflinks, there’s a lot you can do with personalized gifts these days.

Figure out the best fit for your Dad and order NOW!!

Grooming Products:

They’re so busy working hard to provide for US that they literally have no time or energy left to look after themselves.

That’s the story of Fathers around the world.

This Father’s Day, lets help our Dads look and feel their best.

DIY Kits:

The Man of the House plays many roles –

Carpenter, Plumber, Painter, Gardener, Electrician and Mechanic, all rolled into one!!

Fathers love to potter around the house working on pet projects like building a book case or revamping an old car/bike.

Indulge your Dad this Father’s Day with a cool DIY set of tools or lifting equipment such as a steel chokers rigging suited to his favorite hobby.

Relaxation Plan:

Feet-up, beer in hand, snack within reach and the TV/Radio on full-blast; this would describe the perfect relaxation plan for any over-worked father.

So, plan the perfect relaxation kit for your Father on Father’s Day.

After all, it’s ICC World Cup time and Sunday is the India vs Pakistan match!

What better time to feed Daddy dearest’s cricket fever frenzy?!!

Pick your favorite idea from our list and go make Father’s Day special for your hero.

And just in case you think of a cooler way to celebrate this day, do remember to share it with us to get featured on our page.

The post Do your Dad a solid & get him something cool this Father’s Day!! appeared first on All About Jaipur.

They feed us, pamper us, wipe our tears, darn our tears, and are always ready to lend an ear to our raves and rants.

So, on the one day in the year that we get to celebrate HER, we should go ALL OUT and do it well.

If you haven’t decided what to get your Mom for Mother’s Day this year, here’s a list to help you decide.

Full Day Spa Package

A day at the Spa with a relaxing Body Massage and a rejuvenating Facial is the perfect gift for the ever-busy mother who never makes time for herself. Treat her to a day spent on herself, because who deserves it better than a Mom. And if you want to make it better, just add Mani-Pedis for the both of you. Relaxation + Attention = Absolute Satisfaction!

House Plants and Planters

If your mother has a green thumb, get her some pretty planters with succulents or perennials. Just make sure that the plants you pick are low maintenance. We don’t want to add to her already busy workload!

Personal Shopper/Make Over

A great idea for those super busy Moms who always put themselves last. Book a Make-Over session for her and/or get her a Personal Shopper to vamp up that wardrobe dating back to the 90’s. After all, making her feel good about herself is the main objective of this day.

Lunch Date with the Girlfriends

Why limit yourself to just ONE mother? Let’s go all out and plan a Ladies Lunch for your Mother and all her Mommy Friends. Let them indulge in Good Food, maybe some Wine and a hardcore Gossip session and end up maximizing the blessings you receive. Win Win all the way!!

Flowers & Cake

Old fashioned, cliched, unimaginative, whatever you call it – Flowers & Cake are the perfect gift for any mother (make that ANY woman!) Get her a ginormous bouquet of her favorite blooms and a decadent cake to celebrate HER day. Believe me, she’ll thank you for it.

Do let us know which idea you picked and don’t forget to like, share, tag us in your social media pictures to get featured.

Who knows…?

…this Mother’s Day could be your Lucky Day too!!

The post Mother’s Day is Here Again!! appeared first on All About Jaipur.

Be it clothes, accessories, home furnishings or jewellery; the city’s brightest minds are innovating with local artisans and craftsmen to create bespoke products that are selling like hotcakes all over the world.

Meet the new crop of designers taking Jaipur by storm:

TEATRO DHORA

Jaipur’s first concept store is the brainchild of two young designers – Aavriti R Jain and Siddharth Daspan. The store is a multi-designer space, stocking products ranging from clothing, shoes and jewelry to furniture, home décor and art. The duo established the store as a platform for artists and designers to come together and share their creativity on a common platform.

Teatro Dhora – 9, Yashwant Palace, Ajmer Road, Jaipur

Thierry Journo of Idli

After working with the greats like Thierry Mugler and John Galliano, french designer Thierry Journo has brought a hip new lifestyle store to the city. Idli at the Narain Niwas Palace has traditional tie and dye, gem craft and other techniques that are used to create contemporary and edgy products in home décor, apparel and jewelry. 

Idli – Narain Niwas Palace Hotel, Kanota Bagh, Narain Singh Road, Jaipur

RUCHI JAIN of CRAZYHEART

NIFT Mumbai graduate – Ruchi Jain has brought the city an unusually eclectic brand of contemporary clothing called, CRAZYHEART. The ethos of the brand is to break boundaries and mix cultures by bringing together age-old practices such as tie and dye and bandhini and modern clothing designs. With Punk, Boho, Gypsy and Glam all rolled into one; CRAZYHEART is a patron of unapologetic style.

CRAZYHEART is available at KALEE, A-3, Satya Vihar, Indra Puri, Vidhayak Nagar, Lalkothi, Jaipur

Vijai Singh Ajairajpura of Rajputana Customs

Vijay Singh Ajairajpura was seven years old when his father put him on his first motorcycle – a BSA Falcon – and there was no looking back after that. Rajputana Customs was born from this passion. Staying true to his mission statement – “To not conform to Demand and Supply”, each motorcycle recreated at RC is a unique work of art.

Rajputana Custom – 17, Civil Lines Rd, Shivaji Nagar, Suraj Nagar, Civil Lines, Jaipur

Kuhu Kochar and Tejasvi Chandela of All Things Chocolate

All Things is a contemporary and innovative chocolate brand inspired by the simple joys of life – a celebration of art in the everyday. The talented duo of Gourmet Chef – Tejasvi Chandela & Graphic Designer – Kuhu Kochar translate inspiration into a box encasing divine chocolate goodness. Personal travels, childhood memories, a half-forgotten phrase from a leather-bound book, all come together to make whimsy alive. The artisanal chocolate bars are unlike any other and the covers are almost too beautiful to take apart.

All Things Chocolate – Dzurt Patisserie and Café, Jacob Rd, Madrampur, Civil Lines, Jaipur

Kichu Dandiya of K I C H U jewelry

After studying jewelry design at Central Saint Martins – London, Kichu Dandiya was driven to make products that speak for themselves. Her eponymously named brand KICHU was born in and inspired by Jaipur, where she chooses to work with affordable materials for the opportunity they provide for experimentation.

KICHU jewelry is available at JAIPUR MODERN –
51, Dhuleshwar Garden, Sardar Patel Marg, Panch Batti, C Scheme, Jaipur

The post Pink City’s Design Elite appeared first on All About Jaipur.