The white pearl of Rajasthan.

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With its glorious palaces, spectacular forts, and dramatic deserts, Rajasthan never cease to amaze me.

I decided to head South to enjoy the fabled romance of Udaipur. Shining with whitewashed havelis and domed palaces, the city fringes the shimmering waters of lake Pichola. And like the rest of Rajasthan, it offers exquisite varieties of handicrafts that one cannot help but fall in love with. So, I headed out to explore the markets. There's a flamboyant display of products, ranging from traditional skirts, blouses, dupattas, shoes, and bags, with ethnic charm acting as icing on the cake. After spending the entire day out there, here's a list of must haves from the place.


1. Bandhani/ Bandhej
Bandhani is a tie and dye technique popular in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Even today, men and women use chickpeas or buttons to tie the fabric into small knots and dye it with natural colours. Bandhani suits, sarees, duppatas are available everywhere in the city.
Where to shop- Palace road market, Bada bazaar, Hathi pol bazaar


2.Leather
Camel and goat leather products flood the markets of Udaipur. Shoes, wallets, journals, bags are some of the deals to steal for both men and women. Processing of raw skins to the finishing of products,everything is done manually. Bada bazaar offers a plethora of small and big showrooms displaying hand made juttis with beautiful patterns.



3.Miniature paintings
Paintings with minute details, made from finest brushes and natural colours is an art that people here, have inherited from their forefathers. The paintings are beautiful and the amount of detailing and time that goes into it, is worth every penny.





4. Sadhna emporium
It is a crafts outlet for Seva Sadan, an NGO working for the tribal and rural people of Rajasthan. It helps provide alternate income to women. Colourful, bright textiles are sold here at nominal prices. The place is famous for embroidered work, bedsheets, sarees, kurtas, bags and  is a shopper's paradise.




5.Jewellery
The tusks of dead elephants are used to make antique jewellery pieces. Ivory bangles hold a very important place in Rajasthani culture.Apart from that, lac, kundan and meenakari bangles, earrings, and silver jewellery is available at negotiable prices.


6.Mirror mosaic work
Popularly known as Inlay, the complex mirror work of the finest quality can be seen on the walls and interiors of the palaces.They come in different shapes and sizes. Each painting is an intricate piece of art, and is therefore, expensive.



7.Wooden toys and puppets
Toys, bewitching puppets, wooden cases, wall hangings, pen stands  are some other attractions of the city. The art of puppetry is a very old tradition. Puppet shows are held in Bagore ki Haveli and Bhartiya Lok Mandal everyday.


Tip: Don't forget to bargain as the products are sometimes overpriced.


So, put on some sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes, and have fun exploring!


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