Tulsi – The Holy Basil – Worshipped in India – These photos were taken at Amber Palace in Jaipur (Rajasthan).

Latrines – Hundred such within the Palace – These photos were taken at Amber Palace in Jaipur (Rajasthan).

Diwan-i-Khas – The Hall of Private Audience – This photo was taken at Amber Palace in Jaipur (Rajasthan).

Hammam (Turkish Baths) – Used by the Ruler & the Royal Family – This photo was taken at Amber Palace in Jaipur (Rajasthan).

Diwan-i-Aam (Amber Fort) or Hall of Public Audience – This photo was taken at Amber Palace in Jaipur (Rajasthan).

Diwan-e-Aam

Diwan-i-Aam is the main residence of the king.

There was a Darbar room where he used to meet his subjects, courtiers, and officers. Its design is similar to the Mughal palaces.

On special occasions like Vijayotsav, Dussehra, birthdays, etc., ‘royal ceremonies’ were celebrated here. This building, made of red sandstone and marble, was constructed by Mirza Raja Man Singh (1589-1614 AD).

Elephant heads and creepers have been carved attractively on the pillars and balconies, which is a beautiful combination of the features of Mughal and Rajput styles. The unique type of roof has been built on two rows of pillars, of which the outer pillars are of a combined type and are made of red sandstone. The pillars of the inner rows are made of marble.

Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II (1835-80 AD) had a billiard room built in the rear portion of the Diwan-e-Aam.

Twenty-seven (27) Kachhri (Toshakhana) are situated on the southern side of Diwan-e-Aam. The Ahlakar (office employees) of Amber state used to sit in this arched hall.

(Hindi to English by Google Translate)

Singh Pol (Lion Gate) – The Gateway to the Palace – This photo was taken at Amber Palace in Jaipur (Rajasthan).

Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate – This photo was taken at Amber Palace in Jaipur (Rajasthan).

Chand Pol or the Moon Gate – This photo was taken at Amber Palace in Jaipur (Rajasthan).

I am of those who love a cup of tea in the morning hours and simply cannot live without it.

Zostel cafe is open at 8:30 am thus, I decided to visit Gulab Ji Chai Wale (more than 4,700 Google reviews) situated behind Ganpati Plaza, M. I. (Mirza Ismail) Road in Jaipur (Rajasthan).

Gulab Ji Chai Wale is not an ordinary tea stall in Jaipur. It is a very small shop with a huge fan following. It is also a good meeting point for the morning walkers. A big open area to chit-chat. Crowded but the seating arrangement is ample. Hardly any tea lover in Jaipur does not know about Gulab Ji’s tea shop. This place is so lively early In the morning – mind-boggling.

Timings: 4 am till 10 pm (365 days).

How do I reach Gulab Ji Chai Wale from Zostel in Jaipur?

Zostel > Sanganeri Gate – Walking.

Sanganeri Gate > Ganpati Plaza via sharing E-Rickshaw for Rs. 10.

Gulab Ji is no more. Bhanu Pratap his grandson now takes care of the shop.

At 6 am every day they serve around 200 poor/needy people with Chai and at 11 am with Paratha & Sabzi for free of cost.

The oldest tea point has various options for chai & snacking in Jaipur. Operational since India’s independence. 75 years and continuing.

For a one-time experience, you should definitely visit. Fantastic open ambiance place for tea and get-together especially for all generations.

As per my experience, I found the tea a natural tea without any added flavors. A blissful cup of tea I had.

Though the place was crowded, my tea was served within minutes. Appreciated!!!

This should be one of the must-visit places in any traveler’s Jaipur itinerary.

Overall experience was good. Late Gulab Ji – The legend for sure.

Decades ago when Gulab Ji decided to open a tea shop, he was discouraged by his family members because he was from a Rajput family, thus, the idea of selling tea was considered a low-profile work. But now a true Jaipur heritage.

You are paying for the legacy if you visit. Many big newspapers and travel/food bloggers have written about Gulab Ji’s tea shop and now I am one of them. I am impressed.