10. Choki Dhani, Jaipur
Objectives :
Objective 1: To know the historical background of Chokhi Dhani, established in 1989, and its evolution into a major tourist attraction.
Around 20 kilometres from the main city of Jaipur, there is a mock village called ‘Chokhi Dhani’, which is a perfect mirror to the Rajasthani culture, food, traditions and heritage. The name Chokhi Dhani literally translates to Rajasthani Culture.
Specially designed to attract and introduce tourists to the authentic Rajasthani culture and heritage, the village was set up in 1989 over an area spanning 10 acres. Soon after, by 1994, Chokhi Dhani gained its own share of fame among the tourists across the world.
Objective 2: To understand the variety of traditional performances, exhibits, and activities that make Chokhi Dhani a cultural hub.
Attractions and Activities to do at Chokhi Dhani Jaipur
1. 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 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 by any means.
2. Rath Khana: The Rath Khana displays the chariots used by Rajput Royalty since ancient times. All chariots used throughout Rajasthan across all royal houses counts for a unique experience for the visitors.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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 countryside experiences that one can explore.
6. 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.
7. National Museum at Chokhi Dhani: As the name suggests, the National Museum at Chokhi Dhani displays the rich and vibrant cultures and traditions of each and every state of India right from Kashmir to Kerala and from Gujarat to North Eastern States of India.
