Chokhi Dhani : The Ethnic village resort

In November last year on my Pune visit 4 of my friends planned a visit to Chokhi Dhani, the ethnic village resort. The resort is an amalgamation of modern management and old traditions and attempts to bring us closer to the traditional Rajasthani culture. Originally this resort was started in Jaipur but with time opened up at many other places following the success of the first. Well I have been only to the Pune one, so it is what I am going to talk about.

The resort is located at the outskirts of Pune on the Ahmednagar road, popularly known as the Nagar road. The timings are from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The place is completely cut off from the city and eventually is very calm and quiet. As soon as you reach there, you are welcomed in the traditional Rajasthani style with garlands and dance. The immediately you are offered light snacks which include jajeera and kachori, very popular in Rajasthan. The staff is all dressed in traditional clothes and is very hospitable. After this the place offers you an array of opportunities to enjoy yourself. There is a camel ride, puppet show, teerandazi, jadoo, pottery making, dance, traditional music, archery, massage and photography in traditional clothes. After you are content with all this entertainment, a smorgasbord is waiting for you, which will please even the most fastidious person on this earth. The staff there is fully at your service and adds a personal touch to each diner. After the dinner you can roam around a while or just leave.

And well the million dollar question now will be, how much for all this. Well the rate in Pune was Rs. 400 the last time I went there in November. But it may have increased. Personally I feel that it is slightly over priced but considering the treatment you get and the purchasing power of Pune citizens it’s certainly not a bad deal.

Well the first two pics I have put up here are of Chokhi Dhani, Jaipur and the last one is of Pune.