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The Pretty City Girl | Indian Travel & Lifestyle Blog


A student approached me one day on Instagram and asked what are some problems and challenges faced by solo women travellers. I replied that there's a long list that I won't be able to discuss over Instagram. I asked her to wait and read about it on my blog because, in order to write the challenges (and not just help a student with her project but also be as open and explanative to help fellow females who are planning to venture out on their own), I must sit down and make a note of all the possible obstacles.

So before I begin with the main part of the post, I must tell you that it's not tough, it's not risky, and you must read articles about whether India is safe for solo women travellers and then perhaps get an idea of what it is like travelling solo as a female. 

So here are some challenges –



TRAVELLING ALONE AT NIGHTS

We all agree to it that the darkest hours are not the best to walk on the street alone. And it has nothing to do with gender (although most of the times, the women are at higher risk), which is why travelling alone at nights is one of the challenges faced by solo women travellers. The night time is when the streets are lonely and people are back at their houses, asleep. So during nights, a woman usually feels scared to travel all by herself. 

You can still be safe and sound even if you travel alone at nights by following certain guidelines such as dressing modestly (meaning, covering up your body), being cautious about your surrounding, and mentally preparing a survival plan. You can either avoid the dark hours by staying indoors or plan your trip in such a way that you'll be in the transit during the night time and reach the destination early morning. 



HOTEL STAYS

When I planned my 40-day solo trip around India, my biggest concern was the hotel stays. When you're pre-booking your hotels, you are not sure whether the hotel is indeed safe and not a creepy lodge. Mostly on travels, you're on a budget, so you can't even spend a lot of money on stays. You wonder about your safety and immediately lock the door as soon as you enter your room because you're worried someone might enter it. 

So the best way to ensure safety on solo travels is by staying in traveller/backpacker hostels. They're the safest stay option for solo women travellers. You can either book a private room in a hostel if you want privacy or go for all-female dorms. If you're okay with men, then go for mixed dorms. 


PARTYING

If your idea of a Saturday night is to booze then you might worry the aftermath of boozing as a solo female traveller and also consider it as one of the challenges faced by solo women travellers. You might worry if you drink a lot and get exploited by someone or that someone might mix something in your alcohol.

I personally don't drink so cannot understand the urge behind partying and drinking when you're travelling, but if you can, avoid partying unless you have some company. Staying in hostels will help you make friends; you can go out with them. Or, you can just have mocktails in the club and then go to your room and drink the heavy stuff alone. 




CLOTHING 

As a solo female traveller, especially if you're travelling to conservative countries, clothing might be an issue. Whether you can wear sleeveless, whether you can wear shorts and a list of other questions related to clothing. 

Carry a shawl/cover-up when you're out sightseeing so that if you feel the need of covering yourself, you can do immediately. Read up questions online of whether there's any dress code in a particular city/country and pack accordingly. During the day time, wearing shorts is mostly okay, especially if you have planned yourself a luxurious stay and a private cab from the hotel. 

I suggest go for maxi dresses and long skirts as they look chic yet avoid any awkwardness. 

GAWKING

Ugh, the stares. One thing anyone doesn't like is the stares. And when you're travelling in an unknown location alone as a female traveller, it can definitely lower your morale at some point. And you start thinking it's one of the challenges faced by solo women travellers.

You cannot control the gapes of men so to avoid getting affected by them, you must first let it go by listening to empowering music, straightening your chest, and giving yourself a pep talk. Next is throwing on a shawl or a cover-up if that makes you feel better. Honestly, there's nothing you can do. And if you stand out in a crowd, people are going to look at you! And if you're vlogging or doing anything bizarre, they're going to look at you. 



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HIKING/TREKKING

Every holiday involves some adventure activity like a trail or a hike but you can't go on one because you're alone and a female. The trails can be lonely sans people. And you might fear crazy things happening to you, plus there's no network on the mountains mostly, making things worse. 

The best way to still go on treks alone is by making new friends at the hostel and asking them to accompany you or joining trekking groups. Or if there's no other way, opt for weekends to have many people around you and go for popular treks!

VULNERABILITY

I'm not very confident whether all females are sensitive but I sure am. At least life experiences have made me quite vulnerable so a little inconvenience on the trip when alone can lead to a breakdown. On my 40-day solo trip, there was a countless number of incidences when I was sad. 

To beat sadness, you can listen to music, talk to people on the phone, watch something, go out on a stroll or order your favourite food. 


Another vulnerability could be physical. To ensure you're safe, carry a pocket knife or a pepper spray. 

TRUSTING PEOPLE

Trusting people such as drivers, especially at nights, can be quite a risk. So it may be one of the challenges faced by solo women travellers. 

To ensure you're safe, send the live location to the people back at home, talk to the driver about his family and personal life, tell him how famous you are (maybe a YouTuber, blogger) or how your uncle is in the police. And lastly, do not let your guard down and be confident throughout. 

That sums up my list about challenges faced by solo women travellers. Do you know any more? Add in the comments below. 

Let me tell you, it's not very risky to venture out alone and people are not very bad. People often scare you a bit, but you're not going to learn swimming unless you jump in the well correct?
February 29, 2020 No comments

Usually, when people plan their trip, they either include Mysore with Ooty and Bangalore or directly go for a Mysore-Coorg Tour Itinerary package as both the places lie in Karnataka and is easier to plan. When I went on my 40-day solo trip around India, I wanted to visit Coorg badly, but my route made me visit Mysore because I was coming down from Hyderabad and to reach Coorg, you had to take a bus from either Mysore or Bangalore. And since Bangalore was my last stop, I planned a Mysore-Coorg-Bangalore itinerary. 

How to reach Coorg from Mysore by bus

From Mysore, take a bus for Coorg. You can book a bus online using the KSTRC website or book on the spot. But before you book, speak to the hotel manager to guide you. Because Coorg is vast and it's better to get down at a bus stop near to your stay than go for the Madikeri bus stand without consulting.




How to reach Mysore from Coorg by bus

If you're not taking your car, then the best way to reach Mysore from Coorg is by bus. There are buses available from Madikeri bus stand to Mysore. You can either book a bus on the spot or log in to the KSTRC website to book yourself a bus. 

Watch: Mysore vlog

Mysore-Coorg Tour Itinerary!

Day 1 – Mysore Palace and Chamundeshwari Temple
As you reach Mysore in the morning, have breakfast or light snacks at your hotel and start for Mysore sightseeing. The first day in Mysore is pretty relaxed yet you cover the most important monument of the city – Mysore Palace. To go around Mysore, you only need Ola and Uber apps as they're very cheap. I recommend the auto rides through these apps as they're much cheaper. We'll also be taking a bus for the Chamundi hills!



Mysore Palace


I had visited Mysore Palace earlier but this time I could grasp all that in my camera. Mysore Palace undeniably should have a spot in your Mysore-Coorg Tour Itinerary. The entry ticket for Mysore Palace above 18 years of age is Rs 70 (for both Indians and foreigners) and for minors (that is, under 18 years, it is Rs 30). There are two temples inside the palace complex, one of which was under renovation when I visited. So I was not allowed to enter in because renovation work was on. 

There's another temple in the complex, which we visit after the palace. You have to take off your shoes before entering the Mysore Palace. You can store it at their shoe-rack for Rs 2 per pair. Taking off shoes is compulsory for entering the palace. The shoe-rack is outside the main gate of the palace (and not where you buy tickets).



The light and sound show happens here at 7 pm in both Kannada and English languages. (Check out their website to know about the timings of this show as they're different in each season.) This show is another must-do thing in Mysore with kids especially. 

The Mysore Palace is vast from inside and photography/videography is allowed too, making one carefree. I believe you can hire guides to get more knowledge about the palace, but I did not come across any. Inside the palace, you'll come across photographs, paintings, art on the walls and ceilings, and beautiful decor from those times. 

About Mysore Palace: Mysore Palace is the residence of the Wodeyar dynasty and is located in the centre of the city. The old palace was burnt multiple times but the one you see now was completed building in 1912. About 6 million visitors visit Mysore Palace annually. 



Ancient Shri Lakshmiramana Swami Temple



After you exit the Mysore Palace, in the same complex, there's an ancient temple by the name Shri Lakshmiramana Swami Temple. Its ancient charm will please your soul. The temple is small from inside but is visited by the tourists visiting the Mysore Palace. 

The temple is one of the oldest temples in Mysore with an idol of Nambinarayana, one of the forms of Lord Vishnu. You also come across Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Venugopala. This temple is the same place where the coronation of the 5-year-old Krishnaraja Wodeyar III took place. After the death of Tipu Sultan, the British placed the young Wodeyar III on the throne in this temple in 1799. 

Another activity one can do in the Mysore Palace complex is the camel riding. The ride is a very short one in a small ground but is a fun activity to do for kids in Mysore. 



Chamundeshwari Temple & Chamundi Hills



Chamundeshwari Devi Temple is located on Chamundi Hills, which you should definitely not miss on your Mysore-Coorg Tour Itinerary. Though you think you need a car for that, the good news is, you don't! There are high-frequency buses running between the City Bus Stand to Chamundi Hills. The bus stand is close to the Mysore Palace, however, you can catch an auto for reaching it. 

The ticket for 201 AC bus for City Bus Stand to Chamundi Hills Mysore is Rs 30. The best part is, the buses are air-conditioned and the frequency is amazing too. The bus drops you directly at the Chamundi Hills bus stop, which is a short walk away from the Chamundeshwari temple. Again for going down, you can take the same bus (201) and again, the frequency is too good. 


On the way, there's a Nandi temple viewpoint where you can get down for incredible pictures of the Mysore city from Chamundi hills. There's a big statue of Nandi and a temple dedicated to it. After visiting the viewpoint, wait for another 201 bus to come and hop in.

There are many things to do on top of the Chamundi Hills apart from the Chamundeshwari temple, including shopping, eating chaat and other street food, a short hike using dedicated steps, and bowing down to a sacred bull.

Chamundi Hills is also famous for its sunrise and sunset and there's a short hike one can do to reach it. The trek starts from the bottom of the hills and a series of steps lead you on top. Adventure buffs skip the roads and take these steps instead. 


On top of the Chamundi Hills, there are several shops selling beautiful goodies such as Mysore Palace miniatures, wooden decor pieces such as key-chain holder, elephants, wall-hangings, bells, and other beautiful items. The shops also have garments, though westernised or not something especially found in Mysore. But you can give these shops a try if you're looking out to buy some souvenir from Mysore as these shops have a good amount of variety. 

The whole area is pleasant and you would like to spend your evening here, having chaat or seeing the sunset. Post that, take 201 bus to head down to the city. 

If you want, you can buy tickets for the light and sound show at Mysore Palace and watch a show around 7 pm. The distance is quite walkable to reach the palace from the City Bus Stand. 

Frosting


For dinner, the same evening, take an auto/cab and head to Frosting restaurant for dinner. It was highly recommended to me by a couple of friends, and on reaching, I realised why they were insisting me to visit it. 

It was raining heavily that evening, so the romantic outdoor seating was dismantled and the restaurant was not crowded. Hardly a couple of tables were occupied. The place is absolutely safe even if it's late in the evening, raining, and you're a solo female traveller in Mysore. But, I must say, including this restaurant in your Mysore-Coorg Tour Itinerary is a must. 

I ordered extravagant veg. pizza along with cappuccino and though it might seem a lot for one person, I finished it all. Post dinner, head back to your hotel.

Day 2 – Mysore Zoo & Visit to Market

Mysore zoo is vaaaaaast and I don't generally describe anything with so repetitive alphabets but the zoo is really so huge, it's gonna take up most of your day!

Mysore Zoo



A leopard sleeping peacefully in the zoo

When my friend had told me the Mysore Zoo is huge, I kinda thought that it mustn't be this huge, but well, at the end of the day, my legs were aching so badly, I couldn't walk further. To reach the zoo, I took an auto and the entry ticket for Mysore Zoo is Rs 80 for adults. If you wish to operate your camera for still pictures, then the charge is Rs 100 and for videos, the charge is Rs 200. 

You can also opt for the in-house vehicle, for extra charges, especially if you have little kids or oldies with you because there's a lot of walking to do and only the fit can make it. I'd suggest opting the vehicle. For the same, you have to pay at the ticket counter! So please decide at the start itself. 


There's a restaurant in the Mysore Zoo complex where you can have lunch, with affordable eating options such as dosa, uttapam, idli, etc. Also other food items such as ice creams and drinks as refreshments. But the restaurant is inside, for which, you have to walk a lot. So if you're relying on it completely, don't do it. Have something at the hotel for breakfast and then visit the zoo. Even the toilet facility is around here. 

Another fun thing to do inside the Mysore Zoo is visiting the souvenir shop. There are plush toys, mugs with animal faces, and many cute Mysore Zoo souvenirs to take back home. My friend had purchased a tee and a magnet from here. 

I really recommend you add the zoo in your Mysore-Coorg Tour itinerary. Though I don't support zoos, this one gives you a chance to see a crazily wide variety of birds, animals,  and reptiles. 

St. Philomena's Cathedral

(The picture is taken from Pixabay)

The St. Philomena's Cathedral is also known as the St. Joseph's Cathedral. This Catholic church was built in 1936 and displays a neo-gothic style architecture. It was inspired by the famous Cathedral named Cologne, located in Germany. The St. Philomena's Cathedral is one of the tallest in Asia, which is why you can add it to your Mysore-Coorg Tour itinerary. The church can hold up to 800 persons at one go, which is incredible. The stained glass in the main hall consists of scenes from Jesus Christ's life, including his birth.

I couldn't visit this, rather, I was unaware of this at the time I was in Mysore. Also, since I was not well, I couldn't explore much. The St. Philomena's Cathedral is open from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm on all days of the week. Pay a visit if you're interested in architecture and buildings.

Devaraja Market & Indra Cafe



After the cathedral, take an auto for the Devaraja market to explore the bazaar of Mysore. There's not much to do here and don't expect any souvenir shopping. It's just a local bazaar for the residents where you get fruits, pooja stuff, and a lot of bananas – seriously, a lot! What  I liked the most here is the arrangement of things. The shopkeepers here arrange their products in a neat and symmetrical way. 

In this market, you can shop sandalwood oil, sandal agarbattis, and other variants of agarbattis. As Mysore is famous for its sandal, perhaps buying these would be a good idea. You can also purchase bananas here, which is mostly all raw. 

After the market visit, walk towards this South Indian restaurant called Indra Cafe's Paras for delicious Mysore masala dosa and soothing filter coffee. The street was lit when I visited because it was Dussehra time.

(The picture is taken from Pixabay & used for representational purpose only)

There are several stalls here selling kurtis, tops, and bags. The best way to explore the market along with the Sayyaji Rao road is on foot. It's best to explore this area if you walk as you'd want to capture Mysore in its rawest form. This activity is nothing touristy, just a way you can explore Mysore from a local's point of view. 

After dinner at the Indra Cafe and the local shopping of sandal agarbattis, head back to the hotel and call it a day!

Day 3 – Museums

The last day in Mysore is where you visit all the remaining top places of Mysore such as Jaganmohan Palace & Art Gallery, Regional Museum of Natural History, Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum & a lot more. The last day in Mysore will leave you with awe with its educational museum about natural history and other interesting places of visit such as the Jaganmohan art gallery and the sand sculpture museum.

Jaganmohan Palace & Art Gallery


(The picture is taken from Pixabay)

Start your third day of the Mysore-Coorg Tour itinerary early in the morning. Start your day around 8:15 am and visit the Jaganmohan Palace & Art Gallery, which opens at 8:30 am on all days of the week. The Jaganmohan Palace was another of its kind used by the Wodeyar family as an alternative home. The palace is now used as an art gallery (was converted in 1915) and often conducts dance shows in its auditorium. The gallery is one of the must-visit places in Mysore to enjoy over 2,000 paintings of various Indian styles. 

The Jaganmohan Palace was built in 1861 by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III when the Mysore Palace was under renovation as it was burnt down. This palace is one of the seven palaces of the Mysore city, which is also known as the City of Palaces. 

Regional Museum of Natural History

(The picture is taken from Pixabay)

Post Jaganmohan Palace, take a rickshaw and visit the impressive Regional Museum of National History, which is a must-visit place in Mysore and should definitely be included in your Mysore-Coorg Tour itinerary. I missed it due to shortage of time, but it's truly beautiful especially for those interested to gain more knowledge. The museum also has a butterfly park and an aviary where you can actually walk across marvelling at different species of birds. Located at the banks of the Karanji Lake, the place also has an artificial waterfall. You also get to see the Chamundi Hills from here. 

The museum includes different species of plants, animals, and the geology from the southern area of India. The Regional Museum of National History opens at 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on all days of the week, except Monday. 
Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum

After the Regional Museum of Natural History, visit the Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum. The person behind the museum is a sculptor named MN Gowri. She is recognised as India's only woman sculptor. The museum also boasts of being the first of its kind in the country. The museum has 16 different themes and its intricate detailing and skilful sculptures make it a worthy visit in Mysore. There are about 150 sand sculptors here, which makes me go crazy because the artwork is so intricately done, it's a must-visit in Mysore. Spread across 13,500 sq ft of area, I suggest include it in your Mysore-Coorg Tour itinerary if you want to witness something extraordinarily beautiful. I couldn't visit it due to the shortage of time. 

The entry ticket for Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum is Rs 40 for adults and Rs 20 for kids. The museum is open from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, all days of the week.



Day 4 – Bus to Coorg

Next morning, catch an early morning bus for Coorg. Buses start as early as 4:30 in the morning. However, I suggest go for the one that starts at around 6:00 am (or perhaps at 8:00 am). There are various bus stops around Coorg, so it is better to contact the hotel manager and ask him about the stop to get down. You can book your bus online on the KSTRC website or directly at the Mysuru bus stop. Alternatively, you can even hire a cab. The distance between Mysore and Coorg is 117 km, so the cab expense won't be too high as well. 

After getting down at a bus stop in Coorg, hire an auto/cab for your hotel. 

You'll probably reach your hotel in Coorg by 10:30 am. After having breakfast, hire a cab for Iruppu waterfalls followed by a visit to the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. 


Day 5 – Visit Madikeri & Kushal Nagar

The fifth day of the trip and the second in Coorg starts early morning. On this day, we visit both the areas of Coorg – Madikeri and Kushal Nagar. Generally, the hotels have tie-ups with taxi drivers. I suggest you hire a taxi from the hotel itself. Another way is to hire a Zoomcar from Mysore and drive it to Coorg. You can use the same for sightseeing. 

I noticed the package to cover both Madikeri and Kushal Nagar areas in one day was much cheaper than covering these two on two individual days. So I covered both in one day for Rs 3,500 for a total of 101 km. 

First, we head to Kushal Nagar and then from there to Madikeri. 

Dubare Elephant Camp


(The picture is taken from Pixabay & used for representational purpose only)

First, we head to Dubare Elephant Camp, which is one of the most famous things to do in Coorg and you should undoubtedly include it in your Mysore-Coorg Tour itinerary. Dubare Elephant Camp timings are from 9:00 am to 11:00 am and then from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. The entry ticket for Dubare Elephant Camp is Rs 20 and for boating, it is Rs 30. During the monsoon months, the water is muddy as the Kaveri River is overflowing. That's when boats are used as the river flow is quick. Otherwise, people just walk to the other side of the river passing through the water. 

TIP: Wear dark coloured clothes to avoid mud stains. 

At this camp, you can bathe and feed elephants. There's fodder available for Rs 30 and you can click photos and videos while you feed the elephants.



These are the things to do if you wish to visit the Dubare Elephant Camp for a couple of hours. However, the camp also offers luxurious stays in cottages where you can live near the elephants, go on elephant safaris, and indulge tasty food. The Dubare Elephant Camp is located on the banks of River Kaveri and the elephants here were initially trained for the Mysore Dussehra. But these elephants are now used for the safaris. 

Trained by naturalists, you come across interesting details of the history, ecology, and biology of elephants. If you're not taking the one-night stay package, then I recommend you reach the camp by 9:00 am so that you will have ample time to interact with elephants here. I think the non-monsoon season is best to visit the Dubare Elephant Camp because you'll not have muddy water then. 

Watch: Coorg Vlog

Chiklihole Dam



My driver insisted I should go here and he was quite proud of himself for taking me here. The best part about the Chiklihole Dam Reservoir is the tranquillity. When I visited it, there was just a pair of tourists and their guide, making it so peaceful. The lake is scenic but has crocodiles as per a notice board written in Kannada outside the dam. I couldn't read it but there was a picture of a crocodile on it so I'm guessing that indicated there were crocodiles.

The whole area is beautiful with lush greenery and cattle grazing. The road to the Chiklihole Dam Reservoir is covered by trees and you should definitely take some time out to explore the area. The dam is interesting with a semi-circular structure and you can view it from a bridge. The main purpose behind building this reservoir was to supply water for irrigational purposes to the nearby villages.

Golden Temple



I was shocked to know there's another Golden Temple in India. The Golden Temple Coorg is a Buddhist monastery, the largest teaching centre of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. The monastery's real name is Namdroling Monastery and it is home to 5,000 lamas, which includes both nuns and monks. 

This was probably the first time when I've spent a good amount of time inside a monastery. Usually, I skip temples, monasteries, and churches. But I'm glad I ventured into the Golden Temple and soaked all the spiritual energy in. The attraction is the statues inside the temple. One of being Buddha's statue, all the three statues are 40 feet high! 

You can store your shoes outside, in a shoe rack, for some minimal fees. They also provide you with a receipt! The whole area is peaceful and complements the Coorgi cold weather.

Gaddige Raja's Tomb


I don't recommend the Gaddige Raja's Tomb for your Mysore-Coorg Tour itinerary but it comes with the sightseeing package. After Kushal Nagar, if you choose to travel to Madikeri on the same day, the driver will then drive you to Madikeri from the Golden Temple. The Raja's Tomb is basically two royal tombs in a park-like area. (There are two more smaller tombs in the same park.)

The tombs are located near the Madikeri bus stand. The tombs were built in the 19th century and contain the royal remains of the Kodava family. The entry ticket for Gaddige Raja's Tomb is Rs 10. You can give this place a miss if you wish.

Raja's Seat

("At Raja's Seat, Madikeri" by avinashbhat is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0)

Another place I don't recommend is Raja's Seat. This is yet another park with a small structure (that looks like a throne/seat). It is said that the King of Coorg used to sit at this place and watch the beautiful view from here. Couples and families like to spend some time here as it is quite romantic in monsoon when the clouds are hovering over.

The entry ticket for Raja's Seat is Rs 5 (though I'm not quite sure). There's a toilet facility inside the park and kid's play area too. Visit the place for its view. 

A temple worth visiting near to it is the Omkareshwara temple. 

Abbey Falls



Abbey Falls is probably one of the most famous waterfalls in Karnataka and definitely the top-grossing on a Mysore-Coorg Tour itinerary. The place is maintained well and has cemented steps amidst trees to descend to the falls. There aren't too many steps so an oldie who can walk can do this short climbing. You cannot enter the waterfall, especially in monsoon. There's a tall fence that defends people from going inside the falls. 

In monsoon, the water is muddy and the flow is extravagant! There used to be a bridge opposite the falls from where people could capture a photo, but the bridge has been broken due to rains. There's nothing to do around the Abbey Falls, but for kids, this could be an attraction.

Madikeri Fort & Museum 

The reason why I recommend the fort is because I personally was shocked to know Coorg had a fort too. I've been to many forts elsewhere (in Maharashtra, Goa, Rajasthan) but when you hear a hill station has a fort, it's interesting to see how it is.

The Madikeri Fort is also known as the Mercara fort. It was built by Mudduraja in the 17th century and also contains a palace inside. It was reconstructed a lot of times, for instance by Tipu Sultan and the British. Outside the fort, there's a British-time church which is now converted into a museum. The museum exhibits the weaponry and other artefacts during the Mudduraja and Tipu Sultan's times. The view from this fort is noteworthy. 

After the sightseeing, ask your driver to stop by some chocolate, spice, and coffee shops and purchase some souvenir to take back home. 



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Where to stay in Mysore

I stayed at the Sonder hostel in Mysore. Since it was October, the weather was pleasant. In fact, it started raining so I chose a dorm that was non-air conditioned. It was an all-female dorm (they only have one all-female dorm, that too it is non-air conditioned). But it didn't matter to me as the weather was beautiful. The hostel is snug and homely. The breakfast preparation is okayish (or rather I would say, it's pathetic). I would choose to skip breakfast and have something on the go rather than eating the food there. Also, they take a cooking session every morning where the hostellers can learn cooking Indian food, which is fantastic. You can do laundry for Rs 100 or so. The staff is friendly and it's an amazing place to relax. 



Where to stay in Coorg

For Coorg, since it's a hill station, I would recommend something romantic and superior. There's only one hostel, Zostel, and it's secluded. So if you don't have your own vehicle, it could be a problem. So I recommend you go for a resort that can arrange transport for you. I stayed at the Coorg Cliffs Resort and recommend it to you. The place has an infinity pool, making it truly gorgeous. The hospitality is amazing, there are lots of activities to do, and the food is good too.

Important links: 

  • Where to stay in Coorg
  • Jaipur Itinerary for 3 days 
  • Nainital Corbett Rishikesh Mussoorie Itinerary – 10 days tour

Thanks for reading my Mysore-Coorg Tour Itinerary!



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February 16, 2020 No comments

A visit to Jaipur in India is a must if you're looking to witness India's heritage and culture. From magnificent forts throwing a city view to palaces located in the city, I'd say you're at the right place if you're looking for a Jaipur Itinerary for 3 Days. 

I visited Jaipur solo as a female traveller and found it a cent per cent safe. Also, I did not find people stare at me with weird eyes but just a casual glance. The city has cheap local transport such as e-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, buses, local taxis, and private cabs. 

In all honesty, one must not skip this city. Read on further for my Jaipur itinerary!

How to reach Jaipur

There are several trains/flights that take you to the Pink City from most of the cities/towns in India. If you're somewhere near to Jaipur, then the best option would be taking a bus to reach Jaipur. (On my trip, I'd taken a bus from Mount Abu to Jaipur and while exiting Jaipur, I'd taken an evening bus for Agra, another city you must not miss when visiting India.)



A portrait outside Galtaji ka Kund

Jaipur was a part of my 40-day solo trip around India where I covered 15+ cities, towns, hill stations, and did a Himalayan trek. It was the second destination of my trip and I purposely planned a Jaipur Itinerary for 3 Days, keeping in mind I cover all the must-visit places in Jaipur as well as eat at all the popular restaurants. 

Jaipur Itinerary for 3 Days!

Watch: Jaipur Vlog

Day 1– Visit the Pink City

Reach Jaipur in the morning and after breakfast/snacks in the hotel, leave for the Pink City. Now it depends where you're staying in Jaipur, but I had taken a cycle-rickshaw for Rs 80 to reach the City Palace for a distance of 3.2 km, located in the Pink City. You can even book Ola/Uber if that's what you prefer or catch an e-rickshaw (approx. Rs 100 for the same distance). 

The City Palace




I badly wanted a photo against those picturesque gates inside the City Palace, so I was eager to visit this palace on the first day of my 3 days Jaipur Itinerary. The entry ticket for City Palace Jaipur museum is Rs 300 for an Indian (and I guess Rs 700 for a foreigner). 


If you wish to explore inside the grand rooms that are overflowing with rich decor, then entry fee for covering the entire palace (even its interiors and royal rooms) is Rs 3,000 and the entry fee for covering half the palace is Rs 1,500. 

Depending upon how much money you're willing to spend and the purpose of your visit, you can buy the tickets accordingly. If you wish to see what's more in the City Palace apart from the museum, then check my friend's blog. She had taken the half ticket of Rs 1,500 to explore more of the palace. 




The City Palace Jaipur is going to drive you nuts. Many people debate on whether Rs 300 (or Rs 700 from a foreigner's perspective) is worth the visit, but I say yes it is. In the basic ticket of Rs 300, you can cover the museum and the City Palace periphery up to a certain point. Worry not, as you get to see a lot in that price. 

In the museum, you'll come across all the heavy royal costumes worn by the rulers of Jaipur along with their many artefacts such as jewellery, weapons, photographs, etc. Do hire a guide for a better understanding of the museum and if you're solo, then he'll help with your photographs. The palace is so beautiful, you'll need a dedicated person to capture you. 

After bargaining, I paid Rs 150 for a guide. 


Diwan-e-Khas



About City Palace: When Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II shifted his court from Amer town to Jaipur, he built the City Palace along with the city of Jaipur in 1727. Though established centuries ago, the royal family of Jaipur still resides here. The complex has many artistic buildings, courtyards, galleries,  and restaurants, including a museum. 

Jantar Mantar



Next up, just a walk away from the City Palace is Jantar Mantar observatory, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The place has a collection of 19 architectural astronomical instruments which will drive you crazy! I skipped this place but if you have some time off, then surely pay a visit. The entry ticket for Jantar Mantar Jaipur is Rs 50 and you shall need about 30-45 minutes to cover this place. 

The area is quite spread out and is open from 9 am to 5 pm. The place also conducts light and sound show so if that interests you, do check it out. The most fascinating and famous structures here are the Vrihat Smarat Yantra (Sundial), Laghu Smarat Yantra, the Ram Yantra, Jaya Prakash Yantra. 

Do you know? The Vrihat Smarat Yantra is famous as the tallest sundial in the world and is 27 metres long. 


LMB Restaurant



Post all the walking, I'm sure you'll be craving some Rajasthani thali. I personally wanted dal bati as I love the dish. But instead of taking a separate dish, I thought of going with their Rajasthani thali for Rs 620. I know it's a little too much but I thought it's okay to spend lavishly once a while. Besides, I did not know this restaurant is a posh one. I hadn't researched their menu and ended up entering a super-posh place with expensive dishes.

Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar (LMB) is located in the Pink City and is quite an old diner. They also have a sweet shop right next to it. You also get North Indian food and other Rajasthani dishes. But if you want to try all the dishes at one go, then the Rajasthani Thali at LMB would be perfect to add in your Jaipur Itinerary for 3 Days. 

Hawa Mahal


Hawa Mahal, also known as, the Wind Palace, is located on the edge of a busy street. It's one of the most popular monuments of Jaipur as well as India. Clicking pictures of the Hawa Mahal is an easy job as it is located in the heart of the Pink City. The beautiful symmetrical windows and the architecture of the palace drive many tourists to click its picture from the exterior.

When I visited Hawa Mahal, I noticed there weren't many people. Especially, I hardly spotted a few foreigners, which makes me wonder, are the interiors of the Hawa Mahal not as popular as the exteriors? 

The entry ticket for Hawa Mahal is Rs 100 and there's a cloakroom without charges at the entry. So if you're carrying any heavy luggage, you can store it here and roam inside the Hawa Mahal. 





About Hawa Mahal: The Hawa Mahal is made using red and pink sandstone and is a marvellous capture for your Jaipur itinerary of 3 days. The palace was built in 1799 and its inspiration was taken from the Khetri Mahal, another beautiful palace located in Jhunjunu, Rajasthan. 

The architecture is so unique that it resembles a honeycomb. The palace has about 953 windows or 'Jharokhas' and if you look closely, are decorated with elaborate work. These Jharokhas were built to allow the royal ladies to peep down the street to observe different festivals. And people believe that what they see is the front side, however, it is the backside of the palace. 

Even the inside of the Hawa Mahal is quite different and a must-visit. There's a Cafe Coffee Day inside the complex in case you're running out of energy. The palace is not huge however the views from here are excellent. 


Bapu Bazaar




The backside of the Hawa Mahal is where the Bapu Bazaar is located. In fact, several bazaars are next to each other and it's fun to shop from these markets. There are many stalls and small shops across the street, making a shopaholic fall in love with Jaipur. I request you to keep an additional space in your luggage because you'll feel like picking most of the goodies found in Jaipur. 

I personally shopped a pair of puppets and a pair of wall-hanging decor for a total of Rs 270. I think it was a great deal because I was looking for souvenirs to take back home from Jaipur that screamed Rajasthan. What to shop from Bapu Bazaar Jaipur if you ask, then I'd say, go for block-printed dress materials, jootis, leather bags, palazzos, and embellished decor pieces such as puppets, elephants, birds, and other interesting trinkets. 

The Wind View Cafe


Lastly, end your day in the Wind View Cafe not just to refresh yourself but also to get the fantastic view of the Hawa Mahal. If you don't want to visit this cafe yet want to click a picture against Hawa Mahal, then you can do so. 

It is difficult to find this cafe, so what you can do is, cross the street opposite Hawa Mahal and look for narrow steps that would take you up to this cafe. You will come across a chai-wallah as you climb the steps. 

The cafe is famous for its lassi, juices, Maggi, iced tea, garlic bread, and cheese sandwich to name a few.

Day 2 – Visit the Amer Town

The second day in Jaipur is going to be a rather long day. Worry not, as you can still start the day late, after a scrumptious breakfast at your hotel. So pack your bags with extra batteries and memory cards and ensure you're carrying a power bank with you because the second day of the Jaipur Itinerary is going to make you drop your jaws and click lots of pictures!


Lassiwala


Holding a short glass of lassi in hand

Start your day with a glass of lassi at the famous Lassiwala in Jaipur. They offer a tall glass and a shorter glass and has the best lassi in Jaipur. The glass is topped with fresh malai and the lassi itself is made using fresh milk. The taste is not too sweet and not bland, it's just perfect! 

There are several shops with the name Lassiwala, but try lassi at the one with a black coloured board and golden fonts. The shop is located in the Pink City area and is rather small and busy. There's no place to sit so finish up as many glasses as you want and head to the next spot. I don't remember the price, but I guess one short glass was for Rs 35. 

Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple



Santoshi Mata (L), Lord Ganesha (R)

The Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple is the oldest Shiva temple in Jaipur and a must-visit spot to take a look at India's religious richness. Located in the Pink City, not very far from the Lassiwala, is the temple with an ancient charm to it. 

Photography and videography are allowed here and I recommend you click as many pictures as you want because the idols are so fascinating, at least according to me. There's a tall idol of the Indian bandicoot rat (Lord Ganesha's vehicle/vahana) in whose ear we can whisper our wish. It is believed that the wish whispered is granted. (I can't recollect if it was the rat or Nandi.)

The temple complex is not huge however the vibes are really energetic. The main temple of Shiva has a Shivling and not much of a decor, keeping it simple. However, the walls of the temple are covered with silver. 

Panna Meena Ka Kund


Finally, we leave Jaipur city and drive towards Amer town. Our first halt is the Panna Meena ka Kund, the stepwell of Jaipur. I highly recommend you add it to your Jaipur itinerary for 3 days because it is not crowded and is an architectural wonder. 

It is believed that one who descends down these steps cannot take the same steps to climb upwards, especially if that person is a newbie. Though locals have mastered these steps, it is quite an amazing fact. The Panna Meena Ka Kund Jaipur was a place of social gathering during those days. Its emerald green water contrasts beautifully with the yellowish kund (well). 

There's a small boy who usually sells a miniature umbrella here, which has some mirror work on it. If you don't want to purchase the umbrella but want to use it as a prop for your photo, then the boy charges some fee of Rs 30 and lets you hire it!


Shri Jagat Shiromanaji Temple

The toran


Shri Jagat Shiromani temple is quite an attraction, according to me. Located in the Amer town, not very far from Panna Meena Ka Kund is this temple. Not just this temple, but the complete complex of Amer town containing Shri Jagat Shiromani temple and Panna Meena Ka Kund is quite a place to visit. 

The temple is dedicated to Krishna, Vishnu, and Meera bai. The temple was built by Queen Kanakwati in memory of her son Jagat Singh in 1608 AD. According to the legend, the Krishna statue is the same statue that was worshipped by Meera bai, who is a 16th-century poet and devotee of Lord Krishna. 

At the entrance of the temple, there's a huge toran (garland) made using a single piece of marble. There are many Hindu gods carved on the toran, including Lord Vishnu. 

Amer Fort/Amber Fort



View from Amer Fort

Amer Fort, also known as Amber Fort is located in Amer town, which is a part of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation. Located about 11 km from Jaipur, Amer Fort is one of the popular attractions in Jaipur. You should definitely include it in your Jaipur Itinerary for 3 days.

Amer Fort is known for its location, architecture, and serpentine fortification. The fort overlooks the Lake Maota. This lake supplied water to the residents of Amer Fort back then. The fort throws a splendid view of the Aravalli mountain range and is a must-visit place.

Right opposite to the fort, there's a hike which you can do. While the view from Amer fort is that of the mountains and tiny houses below, the view from this hike is the Amer fort itself! Unfortunately, due to my low stamina that day, I couldn't make it to the highest point of this hike so I had to step down from the mid. But the view I had from the mid of the hike was magnificent too! 



View from the hike opposite Amer Fort (midway shot)


If you're not interested in the Amer Fort (though I highly recommend you visit it), you can go for this hike. There is no source of water or food on the top so ensure you carry all the necessities before starting the hike. The starting point of the Amer Fort hike is near the parking area opposite the fort. You can submit your helmets too. Near the parking are stalls selling water, drinks, food, so refill your backpack here. For the hike, you can ask for the directions from the people at the parking area. 

Words of caution: When my friend had hiked all the way up, it had turned dark. Two locals tried to steal his and his friend's phones by throwing chilli powder in their eyes. My friend's companion almost slipped from the edge and would have fallen off from such a tall hill! Luckily, he was carrying a swiss knife and so could scare the goons. So please, be extremely cautious. Amer Fort looks beautiful lit up, but don't stay on top in the dark for too long, especially if you're a solo female traveller in Jaipur or in general, have a small group.

Read: Is India safe for Solo Women Travellers? Sharing my experience from a 40-day solo trip around India

Jal Mahal



Jal Mahal, also known as Water Palace is situated amidst the Man Sagar Lake on the way to Jaipur from Amer. The renovation happened in the 18th century and was done by Maharaja Jai Singh II. 

Earlier gondola rides were prevalent here but were stopped a few years ago. There's not much to do here, except stop on the way from Amer to Jaipur and click a few pictures against the beautiful palace. There's a dedicated area which encircles the lake where people can have ice cream, chaat, and a few makeshift roadside shops where you can shop souvenirs and other famous knickknacks. 

The palace is built using red sandstone and the four floors of the palace (there are a total five floors) are always underwater when the lake is full.

Galtaji Temple/Monkey Temple




View from the road that leads you down to the Galtaji Temple

I was completely blown over when I reached the temple complex. It's a highly recommended place and something you should not miss when in Jaipur. The good thing is, it's not frequented by many, which makes it a beautiful place. 

My suggestion is to take a bike/car to reach this temple as it is situated in the valley. On the way, you'll come across a gorgeous view of the temple from the top. Walking down will take up a lot of time and is not suggested. Because you have to catch the sunset from your next spot (the Sun Temple), you'll have to rush back sooner. 

Galtaji is an ancient temple famous for its location and lots of monkeys, hence it is also called Monkey temple. There are seven kunds (ponds) in the temple complex and the holiest one is the Galtaji ka kund. It is said that this kund is always full, irrespective of the weather. 


Pilgrims bathing in the hot water springs in one of the kunds


Shri Gyan Gopal Ji temple

There's a hot water spring on top of the hill that flows downwards filling all the seven kunds, which are used by the pilgrims to swim. The temple's complex is truly a spiritual place and a must-visit place in Jaipur. If you can squeeze in some time, then I request you to spend real quality time here. I couldn't, but I wish I could. 

A saint named Galav meditated here and did Tapasya, and I would love to do the same. It's a different world altogether. The priests at the entry gate on top tell you photography is not allowed, but people usually do it anyway after passing the priests. 

When I went, pilgrims were bathing in one of the kunds. You can see it in my Jaipur vlog. 


Sun Temple




Sunset from Sun Temple

Lastly, one of the best features of the second day of 3 days Jaipur Itinerary is capturing sunset from the Sun Temple. No hike is involved, you just have to climb a few steps or take your vehicle to the Sun Temple for an incredible sunset view against the whole of Jaipur city! 

When my guide took me here, I was blown over. The vibes were so good. The Sun Temple in itself is very unique, though small. Definitely set a tripod here to capture the best sunset timelapse on your camera! 

You come across the Sun Temple while you drive down to the Galtaji temple. However, we visit it later for the sunset. Once you're satisfied with breathtaking clicks of the sunset from the Sun Temple, you can start back for your hotel.

Day 3 – Capturing sunrise & a lot more!

The last day in Jaipur requires you to wake up early to catch the best sunrise in Jaipur. Basically, last day includes all the must-visit places in Jaipur that you couldn't cover in the first two days of Jaipur Itinerary. 

Nahargarh Fort


View from Nahargarh Fort


Check the sunrise timings a night before and set alarm to capture the best sunrise in Jaipur. Nahargarh fort is about 19 km from Pink City area (takes about 45 mins max) so plan accordingly. I missed it on my Jaipur Itinerary for 3 days but you should definitely visit it for a beautiful view of the cityscape from the fort and the sunrise, of course. It's quite popular amongst travellers and they wake up early morning and reach the haveli to capture the sunrise.

Nahargarh Fort is located on Aravalli Hills and is said to be one of the strongest defensive points of that time. The fort means 'abode of tigers'. It is believed that the fort was haunted by Nahar Singh Bhomia, whose spirits stopped the further construction of the fort. 

The entry ticket for Indians for Nahargarh Fort is Rs 50 and for foreign nationals, it is Rs 200. 


Masala Chowk



I didn't know a food joint called Masala Chowk existed until a friend who visited Jaipur told me about it. He said he loved the place so much, he had meals from there thrice, which made me add it to the Jaipur itinerary. 

With all the climbing of Nahargarh Fort, I'm sure you'll be hungry and need breakfast. So head to the Masala Chowk, one of the best food joints in Jaipur, and savour some really mouthwatering Indian cuisine. So whether it is biryani, chole bhature, street food items such as chaats, samosas, ice cream, faloodas, etc. It's a well-kept place and something you should not miss when in Jaipur. It's truly a food lover's paradise. 

I suggest you eat a nice filling brunch here so that you are full for most of the day. 

Patrika Gate 



Another from the best Instagrammable places in Jaipur and a must-visit is the Patrika Gate. I couldn't visit this due to the proximity and because I couldn't find another place in the same area to spend money on the travels. Plus, I knew I couldn't get a guide (or rather, there won't be a guide for this place) so to avoid the hassle, I skipped it. However, I regret so badly to miss it!

Patrika Gate is at a distance of 12 km from Pink City and lies close to the airport. So you can maybe leave for the airport a few hours earlier and visit this place so that you don't have to pay extra money for travelling the same direction twice. 

The Patrika Gate is located at the Jawahar Circle Garden. People say it takes about 2-3 hours to and fro plus visiting this place. There's no entry fee and the best time to visit it is in the mornings to beat the crowd.




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Where to stay in Jaipur

I stayed in Hosteller, which is a backpacker's hostel, on my 3 days Jaipur trip. I stayed here for a total of two nights and just like any other hostel, the Hosteller works similarly. I stayed in an all-female dorm on the first night but moved to a private room the next. There are strict eco-friendly hours during the day time when the air-conditioning in the dorms is shut. Only the common area will have the air-conditioner working at that time. It is a bummer for someone who wishes to spend their day indoors, so if you're planning any resting time during the daytime, then Hosteller is not the right place for you. 

They have an in-house kitchen but it's not always functional. However, you can order food from outside, which is a plus point. 

Important links:

  • Nainital Corbett Rishikesh Mussoorie Itinerary – 10 days tour
  • Where to stay in Mount Abu, Rajasthan
  • 40 Things I Learnt from Travelling Solo around India for 40 Days


Thanks for reading my Jaipur Itinerary for 3 days!



PS. Jaipur on your mind? Pin this Jaipur Itinerary for later!
February 08, 2020 1 comments
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