Chokhi Dhani, Jaipur

On 22nd January 2022 at 5PM by auto we went to Chokhi Dhani, Jaipur from hotel Gandharv. Auto driver took Rs.300/- to drop us at Chokhi Dhani.

We went inside Chokhi Dhani and enquired about rates. We want to eat nonveg, so for that we were told rate Rs 1200/- per head. My daughter is 3 and 1/2 years old and surely not able to eat 1 plate nonveg food, we requested so much to counter persons for free entry to her. But they didn't allow us. As per our opinion, it was waste of money to pay 800/- for her, so we cancelled and came out. After coming outside again we changed our mind and paid total Rs. 5600/- for 4 adults and a kid. Took tickets and went to entry gate. At entry point one of the Watchmen asked us why you took ticket for your kid, we answered the persons at ticket window were not allowing us. Then watchmen came with us and asked them to refund the amount what we paid for kid. Thus finally we got refund and we went inside.

This is a mock village called ‘Chokhi Dhani’, which is a perfect mirror... specially designed to attract and introduce tourists to the authentic Rajasthani culture, food and heritage, the village was set up in 1989 over an area spanning 10 acres.

Since it displays the vibrant culture, art, folklore and tradition of Rajasthan, visitors can experience the countryside life and learn about the history of the Rajput valour.

Chokhi Dhani is 11.1 km from Jaipur International Airport and 22.1 km from Jaipur Railway Station and Sindhi Camp Bus Stand. Free parking is available. The cost of tickets range between INR 750 to INR 1200 for adults and for a child, the tickets cost range between INR 450 to INR 800, depending on the dining option that one may have opted for. Entry for children below the age of 3 is free but it depends upon the height of the child. You can avail the entry tickets for Chokhi Dhani Village, from the venue itself. The tickets include dinner as well as cultural activities. You can also pre-book your stay at the Chokhi Dhani Resort. The 5-star Chokhi Dhani Resort offers cottages with rich ethnic design influences. Aside from an outdoor pool, it also has a tennis court, pampering spa services and free WiFi. Local fabrics, antique furnishings and warm colours give each air-conditioned cottage a cosy yet elegant feel. All come with a flat-screen TV, minibar and 24-hour room service. Private bathrooms have running hot and cold water.

Attractions and Activities to do at Chokhi Dhani, Jaipur

1. Haldighati Battle – Reliving the glorious Rajput past: The famous battle of Haldighati which was fought between the Mewars of Kumbhalgarh, led by Maharana Pratap and the Mughals, led by Maharaja Man Singh I of Amer is enacted by artists here at Chokhi Dhani. The performance of the fierce battle where the Rajputs emerged to be victorious takes the audience on a nostalgic and emotional ride.

The play or enactment of the Haldighati Battle is the most prominent activity at Chokhi Dhani and should not be missed.

2.Temples at Chokhi Dhani: There is a replica of Vaishno Devi Temple in Chokhi Dhani along with an artificial waterfall made. Other temples to look out for here are... Balaji Temple, Jungle Devta Temple, Ganesh Temple and Tejaji Temple. The diversity of the temples gives a glimpse of beliefs from diverse folks of Rajasthan.

3.Animal and Cart Rides: Camel, Elephant and Horseback rides are common and apart from animal rides, tourists can also pick from bullock cart rides and boat rides if they do not wish to go for animal rides. But you have to pay separately for this. My wife and daughter took Elephant ride at Rs.100/-

4. Shows and Performances: Chokhi Dhani is famous for the music and dance performances by locals. The most well- known of them is the performance by the nomad tribe showcasing Kalbeliya, Ghoomar and Chari dance forms. Apart from this, the Bamboo Acrobatics, Terah Thali Dance and the Traditional Fire Act showcase the daring acts done by various folk artists which leaves the audience intrigued, speechless and in awe of their heritage. These traditional dance forms are an absolute treat to eyes.

The other performances also include magic shows where the artists display their tricks inducing various visual illusions and hypnotisms and puppet shows wherein puppeteers narrate tales from the ancient times that are typical to Rajasthani culture.

There is an astrologer who sits with his cards spread out at one place; there are bioscope films that showcase the history of Rajasthan, mehandi and henna artists to color palms and many more country side experiences that one can explore. My Papa availed head and back massage only at Rs.20/-

5. Games: The most famous among the games section is ‘Bhool Bhulaiya’ which is a complicated maze, ‘Jungle Sair’ is a forest safari game through artificial forest and ‘Gufa Jharni’ is a trek game wherein the visitor treks through artificial cave made through artificial waterfalls. Apart from these, there are other common games like dart games, archery and shooting. The charge is Rs.20/- per game.

6. Shopping at Chokhi Dhani: Since Chokhi Dhani is set up to promote everything local, it also promotes local artisans by displaying their arts and artefacts such as handicrafts, home décor pieces, accessories and paintings. This social initiative has been taken up by Kalagram and the artefacts are not very expensive.

7.The offerings at Chokhi Dhani include typical authentic Rajasthani food along with multi-cuisine platters e g. Sangri,

Gorbandh, Chaupad Jeeman Ghar, Kesar Kyari Barbeque, Bindola and Aragosta Restaurant, Chaupal, Royal Fine Dining etc. But if one want to shoot vlog or take photographs one must visit Chokhi Dhani in day time. As there are no lights and are only lanterns, we couldn't shoot for our vlog.

After watching folk dances and other activities, we took animal rides, then after playing some games we went for dinner.. but as it was raining lightly we could not get dinner at open space as we have booked for and that's why we had to wait for more than half an hour for dinner as our venue is changed. But dinner was awesome. We came out at 11 PM searched for auto, driver charged Rs 400/-to hotel Gandharv.