Insider: RJ Singh Oberoi
JAIPUR IS LIKE COMING HOME FOR ME...
Having lived in the city for some time, RJ Singh Oberoi, of CasaSur Art and Bo Phut Resort & Spa, has a special connection with Jaipur. Jaipur is the city where the most important woman in his life, his mother grew up.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT JAIPUR?
Jaipur is an old city with its old kingdoms, ancient charm, bazaars, hospitality and colours. I have a special bond with Jaipur as it's the city where my mother grew up. Jaipur tells me the story of my mother's youth.
WHAT DO YOU HATE ABOUT JAIPUR?
Well, nothing! It's a gorgeous city with pretty landscapes and forts.
WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE JAIPUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND WHY?
I don't have a favourite neighbourhood because each neighbourhood has a different feel.
DESCRIBE A PERFECT DAY IN THE CITY.
Grabbing my motorcycle and visiting Bapu Bazaar, then drinking some coffee whilst reading the newspaper, followed by a walk and talk with the locals.
Then a drive to the Birla Mandir, a Hindu temple. It's a beautiful temple featuring many Hindu deities and great figures from other cultures and religions, such as Socrates, Buddha, Christ, Confucius and Zarathustra. I'd love to sit at the banks of the Man Sagar Lake, watching the sunset with a view of Jal Mahal (Water Palace), Aravalli hills, temples and forts.
Finally, when the evening falls, it's time for a good dinner at the Cinnamon Restaurant housed in the Jal Mahal Palace.
WHICH ARE YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGN SHOPS AND WHY?
A difficult question because Jaipur is a major hub for arts, design and crafts. I like Soma. Soma is an outstanding example of what can be achieved when work ethic and skill are applied to an ancient craft -woodblock printing.
WHAT SHOULD A VISITOR BE SURE TO DO IN JAIPUR?
Take a boat trip to Jal Mahal's romantic gardens by sunset. You will be stunned by the amazing view! Even if you are not a romantic person, you will appreciate the beauty of nature in a fairy tale setting.
WHICH ARE YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS/CAFES AND WHY?
There is a small chai cafe at Nehru's Bazaar where I like to drink my daily dose of nectar. Another favourite is Tapri, a small tea house located near Everest Colony.
Restaurants? Now this is a hard one. My life is about food... This is really difficult for me but I would recommend Spice Court and Sheesha.
WHICH ARE YOUR FAVOURITE ARCHITECTURE LANDMARKS IN JAIPUR?
Definitely Jantar Mantar which is a collection of architectural astronomical instruments in India. The largest historical astronomical observatory of its kind, it is also unequalled anywhere in the world.
Then Nahargarh Fort where I spent a lot of time in my boyhood. The city view from Nahagarh is breathtaking.
And Jal Mahal, a beautiful architectural creation of the Moghul-Rajput style.
CAN YOU TELL US A SECRET ABOUT JAIPUR?
When you visit Jaipur, do so at the time of Holi(ka) in February/March. You will get a chance to witness Holi (the festival of colours) which is celebrated all over India. The festival turns cities and towns into a riot of colours. A day before Holi, the Elephant Festival is celebrated in Jaipur. It's an annual event in Jaipur where the elephants are decorated with jewellery and bells and painted with stunning motifs. It's a day where the rich heritage of Rajasthan is celebrated with folk dancing, elephant polo and cannon carts.
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