Jaipur is located in Rajasthan, and is known as the Pink City. Here you’ll find an incredible mix of modern luxury and centuries of history, hilltop forts and massive palaces. Whether you plan to spend your time shopping for handicrafts at the Tripolia Bazar, wandering through the Amber Fort, of watching the puppet shows and folk dances in Chokhi Dhaani.

This is a place that has a rich and interesting history, and an enchanting culture. Be sure to book your hotels in Jaipur in advance though, so you can focus on getting excited about your holiday instead of wondering where you’re going to stay. One of the best things about travelling is spending time with locals, so here are some of the most unique experiences for you in Jaipur:

Jaipur Cooking Classes

This is a unique and interesting activity that will give you more than just pictures and souvenirs to go home with when you leave. Whether you consider yourself a great cook or can’t boil water, you’ll find that you’ll learn excellent skills in the cooking classes in Jaipur and will have some delicious recipes to impress friends and family with when you go home. Book ahead, since this is a popular class with tourists.

Elephant Polo at Dera Amer

You’ll find elephant polo close to the Amer Fort and Palace, and the location makes it an excellent place to visit. Whether you want to engage in an Elephant Polo match or just get up close to these elegant animals, you can also enjoy a meal or high tea with the local family or take a horse safari while you’re visiting.

Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing

This place is located in a restored haveli, and the museum is engaged in collecting, preserving and interpreting the incredible Rajasthani textile art of block printing. There are many different textiles to see in the museum, so wander through the three stories and learn about how the fabric and prints are made, what they mean, and the history behind them. You’ll even get to see an on-site demonstration of the printing, which is the perfect way for the whole family to learn from the locals and have a priceless experience in India.

Ladli Vocational Training Center

The Ladli Vocational Training Center is home to many girls, and it’s an initiative of the Indian government. The centre gives young girls food, vocational training, accommodation and schooling, helping to bring them out of their backgrounds of poverty and make give them more opportunities.

While this place isn’t exactly on the tourist trail, it’s a great place to see the realities of life in India, meet some amazing kids, buy cheap handicrafts and jewellery made by the kids (these contribute to the training centre’s upkeep), and take home both souvenirs and stories about your time spent in India.

While there are many things to do in Jaipur, visiting the training center is sure to be one of the things that you remember most once you arrive home.