And their architectural splendour reminds us of the diverse of influences it has been through. To get the real taste of the colourful bazaars and, at times, chaotic traffic of the old city, it is best to shop around in a rickshaw. The ambling pace of the rickshaws enables one to soak in peculiar roadside sights and sounds a view of vibrant, multi-coloured kites dangling in front of shops, the aroma of mirchi vadas being prepared by street corner tea vendors,etc. Being the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur offers handlooms, handicrafts and artefacts from all corners of the state. The cluster of shops in front of Hawa Mahal sell a mind-boggling range of souvenirs, be it stuffed toys, bandhej suits and dupattas, lac bangles, camel leather stools from Jaisalmer or the famous Jaipuri quilts.
Bargaining is the secret to sensible shopping here since the prices quoted are often steep.
Johari Bazaar is a veritable treasure trove fro those digging gems and silver jewellery. For those on the lookout for the much-touted block printed textiles of Rajasthan, Bapu Bazaar is the ideal place. From the traditional tie and dye bedcovers and Sanganeri block prints to the contemporary applique design sheets, the range is enormous and there is stuff to suit everybody s pocket. Why it is named Pink City Anybody on a maiden visit to modern day Jaipur especially when passing through the more cosmopolitan areas of the new city which hardly has any pink buildings cannot help wondering why it is called the Pink City. English narrative, it is the ancient or old Jaipur that is actually the Pink City.