Solo traveling to India always seems to be impossible for Asian female. 3 years back I
have Facebook message a friend of mine about her trip to Taj Mahal, which is
the only picture I saw in India. Well, obviously she did not reply until today
thought it was blue-tick-read and not much info about India in Google during
that period of time.
Until last
year finally, friends of mine talking about it and it just never happen as our
time never seems to match. A place we talk about become a trip I go on my own.
There are people who approach me asking if it is free, how long you are going
to stay, what have you planned and in the end left me with no clue.
They don't
owe me anything. I just go on and study a lot about my trip. In between I had
discovered I do have acquaintance in my social media circle. I link them up to
get more info. I want to fully immerse into the India culture like a tiger
hunting half immersed in the wild water.
To be
honest, I did get demotivate at some point where people telling me they can't
join me. It is dangerous, you should save up your money, and you should find
someone to go with you as it might be your last trip. Time passes, all these
become a background noise in my head. Is OK to listen but doesn't mean you have
to obey. My hard work gave me an answer. I chose Jaipur, India.
Here I am,
hello India. Thank you to all my friends, like it or not, you made me have a
stronger reason to be here. Not to prove you wrong, but thank you, those noise
are my motivation to study more, prep more and be here by myself.
Here I would
like to share with you how I did it all on my own:
Checklist
before going:
1.
Flight Kuala Lumpur to Jaipur: Airaisa RM872Note: Best time to travel: Mid Nov-Mid March
2. Visa: IVS Global India Visa Center
Note: One year multiple entry RM500+ (you will need to bring along your passport + filled up online form + two pieces of 2 by 2 passport photo)
3. Jio pocket Wi-Fi/Prepaid Simcard (acquire online)
Click here: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/11228123?guests=1&adults=1
If you ask me one thing I love the most
about my trip, it would be my accommodation.
Instead of luxury hotel, I chose home stay. Aura
Homestay don't get the high rating for no reason. First I need to highlight, it
is a privilege to stay in the Charu home, not any other homestay or hotel.
Charu is a jovial host, basically is my first time solo travelling in Jaipur,
India where most of my friends stop me from going and first time staying under
the same roof with the local family.
Charu said
"she never leave the girls in hunger before going out". I must say
the local breakfast here is so tasty and feels like home. Usually what I get in
hostel just basic bread, butter and jam. What I love the most is Charu spare
her time to have conversation with me over the breakfast else evening, whenever
she is around.
Did you ever spend 2 hours talking to someone (without alcohol) and you feel your whole day time had been well spent? Oh I did. It is interesting to find like minded people here and like mum-and-daughter talk. We got no blood relation and she got no responsibility over me. Here, she shares her experience and give advices for me as a daughter as a woman. No kidding, I almost shed my tears about what she shared to me. Remind me of my late grandma. No age boundaries, just talk ----without the screen.
I didn't update much about my day cause I am busy open my mind to people who are ready to talk about it. Something meaningful, rather than small talk, hi-bye, gossip, complains and trend. Appreciate that there is someone like you putting extra effort in making Jaipur a better place to stay. Thank you Charu, love you as who you are, I saw another me in you. I will come back again, I know, a place I call home. Till then.
5. Injection: Typhoid (recommended 2 weeks before) and buy medicine for Panadol, charcoal, vomiting and diarrhoea pills
6. Pre download Uber/ Ola (you will need to show them OTP number when your driver arrived)
Note: Most of the time I am using Ola Bike, it is fun and thrill
7. Budget: RM200/day (approx. 4000 INR/ day)
8. Adapter
9. If you are a student, bring your ID along.
Note: The entry fees for the forts and palace gives discount for student.
10. Book your tour through klook.com
Sign up using this link: https://www.klook.com/en-MY/invite/SKWBV?c=MYR
If you would like to have more customize tour, get a trusted local driver.
Example place that I have studied about:
- For. 6 days. Delhi. Agra. Jaipur and Delhi
- For 11 days. Delhi. Jaipur. Bikaner. Jaisalmer. Jodhpur. Udaipur pushkar and back to Delhi
- For 9 days. Delhi. Agra. Jaipur. Jodhpur. Udaipur. And departure to udaipur air port for Delhi or Mumbai
I wear mask because I am walking on the road, lots of dust because of the amount of vehicles. Not everywhere is smelly. Do not badmouth about India if you never been there before. Also do not generalize one place to overall India.
Facts and Notes:
1.
Drink only mineral bottle water, I wash my teeth
using mineral water as well.Note: Even the local don't drink from the tap.
2. Eat only restaurant food, which I will share with you more about it in my next post.
Note: Most of the people think that I will face some problems with my stomach, surprising NO. Just try to avoid eat too spicy, if you can't handle it.
3. Check the route when taking public transport
Note: Risk is everywhere, be responsible and alert all the time.
4. Learn to reject people if you are not comfortable
Note: There are a lot of people coming up to me for selfie. They won't do anything on you if you reject firmly. Try not to be rude as well.
5. Ask for help if you need.
Note: I walked off grid due to lost of internet when I was walking in the pink city by myself, one of the uber tuk tuk driver helped me to secure another local tuk tuk to send me home.
6. Jaipur, India is 2.5 hours ahead of Malaysia time.
p/s: Next post I am going to share with you, where must go, must eat and must shop. Click here: PART 2
Cheers,
NomadCat
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