Chowki Dhani

Chowki Dhani is a well-recreated Rajasthani village. "Chowki Dhaani" means a small village in the local language. They have done a great job of recreating the Rajasthani village feel. So much so, that at the entrance, an old man with a spinning wheel yells out something incomprehensible at you. For a Rs. 200 admission fee, you get an evening's entertainment and rich traditional dinner. It's money well spent. You'll have to take an auto to it, since it's 20km south of the city, so be sure to negotiate the price before you get in.

You can view Rajasthani dances, potters, cooks, go on animal rides, and visit palm readers. Some of these require a small fee of there own, namely the last two.

I have never lived in a village but somehow that felt very authentic. The highlight of Chokhi Dhaani is the dinner. Seated on small stools on the floor, you are served by traditionally dressed waiters. And again, true to Indian tradition of hospitality, they insist that you gorge on the food. In fact you can't say no to them. The waiters are really friendly and two of them placed their turbans on Manish and my heads. A couple of foreigners sitting across the room from us seemed amused. But they didn't eat much. Dinner is delicious and excessive. I had so much food on my plate. I'm a fan of the red garlic chutney with Bhajree ki roti.
The place is happening in the evening because it's one of the few activities at night. Middle- to upper-middle class families and groups of 20-something friends frequent it.