Jaipur

Bazaar
near Albert Hall

A brilliant colorful explosion of flowers, elephants, ox carts, and wares. the traveller will smell the deep aroma of spices in canvas bags, the fetid smell of animals and open sewers, the sweet waft of tea, and the crusty acrid burn of dust and exhaust. the noise is chaotic, the people constantly will stare if you are a westerner and anybody who has something to sell will try to sell it to you, repeatedly. watch cobras dance out of their wicker baskets, and don't be too surprised if the snake charmer slaps his cobra for having a wayward eye. be prepared to be asked for money if you plan to take photographs of snake-charmers and beggars.

Just remember that nothing comes 'fixed price' in Jaipur, even in the self advertised Govt. RTDC approved shops & emporiums. Almost everything, from food to to transportation to handicrafts, even accomodation can be bargained down up to a 60% discount on the quoted price. The lowest rates will be found in the bazaars - Bapu & Johari. Even here, keep inquiring in several shops - each one will have a different price for the same item. Don't be ashamed to spend an hour or more in each shop with the friendly shopowners sharing stories over masala chai as you look at their goods. While they are doing their best to run a business, do not overlook the genuinely hospitable culture of Rajasthani people.