MY FIRST WINTER TRIP IN INDIA (SOLO WOMEN TRAVELER)

“I have not been everywhere, but it’s on my list” (Susan Sontag)

You will never be completely at home again because part of your heart will always be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place. What makes me very curious to travel to India is Taj Mahal. And I decided to make this curiosity paid off. Then I started to process achieve my dream. Yeah, I am going to spend my winter season in India.

            What do you need to travel to India? I would love to inform you ^_^

FLIGHT TICKETS

I bought the ticket on 10 September 2016 with the route from Jakarta (CGK Airport) to New Delhi India (Indira Gandhi Airport) for 6 February 2016 through the AirAsia website (www.airasia.com) and I got the best deal IDR 2.163.000 (ticket, 20kg baggage allowance, meal and standard seat selection). And I bought the return ticket on 14 October 2016 with the route from India (New Delhi Airport) to Jakarta (CGK Airport) on the Traveloka apps and I got the best deal IDR 2.320.578 (ticket, 25kg baggage allowance by Malindo Air). So I spent the money for ticket round trip IDR 4.483.578. The details of my flights as follow:

A.    Jakarta (CGK Airport) at 11.30 a.m to Kuala Lumpur (KLIA 2 Airport) at 02.30 p.m (2 hours), transit in Kuala Lumpur 4 hours 30 minutes, then from Kuala Lumpur (KLIA 2 Airport) at 07.00 p.m to New Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport) at 10.00 p.m (6 hours) by AirAsia airline.

B.     New Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport) at 09.15 p.m to Kuala Lumpur (KLIA 1 Airport) at 05.10 a.m (5 hours 25 minutes), transit in Kuala Lumpur 2 hours 30 minutes, then from Kuala Lumpur (KLIA 1 Airport) at 07.40 a.m to Jakarta (CGK Airport) at 08.45 a.m (2 hours 5 minutes) by Malindo Air airline.

I wanted to share a little story, before I bought the return ticket, I checked the Traveloka apps every day, on Thursday, 13 October 2016 the price is IDR 2.351.100 so I was waiting for the cheap flight, and when I found a good price on Friday, 14 October 2016 IDR 2.320.758 then I immediately bought it. But when I was checked out on Saturday, 15 October 2016 I was shocked because the price is cheaper again is IDR 2.154.600 :’( I was feeling so sad. From this experience then I could conclude that the Malindo air change the price of their flight is on Thursday, Friday, Saturday. So, guys, before you buy the flight ticket better you know in advance the schedule of changes in the price of airline and you should always check the website or the application the air ticket purchase.

VISA

I was called the Embassy of India in Jakarta on 27 September 2016 and I asked about the minimum limit in my bank account for applying for Indian tourist visa. The Staff told me I have to save USD 1.000 in my bank account. The Embassy of India’s phone number in Jakarta is +62215204152 or +62215204150. The Embassy of India at H.R. Rasuna Said Street, Kav. S-1, Kuningan, South Jakarta 12950. The website is www.indianembassyjakarta.com

Actually, I could apply E-Tourist Visa (ETV), what is that? E-TV is the name of the Tourist Visa on Arrival enabled by Electronic Travel Authorisation (TVoA-ETA) scheme has been changed to eTourist Visa (ETV) scheme with effect from 15.04.2015. Services of e-Tourist Visa involves the completely online application for which no facilitation is required by any intermediary/agents etc. It is advised not to believe or fall into the trap of any such unscrupulous elements. We could fill the e-Tourist Visa (ETV) Application on the website then complete partially filled a form and verify payment/pay visa fee, then you will get visa confirmation to your email so you can print your visa application then you will know your visa status. Then reupload data. For more information, you can visit the website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html or contact toindiatvoa@gov.in. Indian tourist visa from embassy of India will be expired up to 6 months and e-TV will be expired up to one month, that is why I choose to applying for Indian tourist visa in Embassy of India :)

Indian Tourist Visa, the application for the same should be accompanied by the following documents :

1.   Visa application form : Application form according to the type of visa sought may be downloaded from Types of Visas. These are also available in the Consular Wing of the Embassy. Kindly use a pen/ball pen only to fill up the form legibly and clearly, in bold (capital) letters. Please make sure that all the columns of the visa application form are filled in and signed. Incomplete and illegible applications may not be processed. The type of visa, No. of entries and period of visa required should be clearly indicated. The last column showing two reference addresses each in Indonesia and India should be completely filled.

2.      Passport : it should have a minimum validity of six months.

3.      Copy of your passport

4.      Photographs : 2 latest color 4x6, matte (not glossy), passport size photographs depicting front pose against the white background are required. One of them should be posted in the specified place and the other may be stapled with the application form.

5.      Confirmed return ticket or print out of the confirmed to and from the journey.

6.      Statement of the bank account of the applicant in original (the minimum limit is USD 1.000 in your bank account). (rekening koran 3 bulan terakhir dengan saldo akhir USD 1.000)

7.  Confirmation of Hotel booking at the place of intended visit in India. Or the letter of invitation/sponsorship from India with a copy of sponsor’s passport or Identity card. In a case of a foreigner inviting to stay in India, a copy of his valid Indian visa should also be attached.

8.      Letter of recommendation from your office in the English language.

9.      A copy of your identity (KTP)

10.  A copy of your birth certificate (akte kelahiran).

11.  A copy of the family card (kartu keluarga).

For details information, visit the website www.indianembassyjakarta.com

The visa fee at The Embassy of India for Tourist visa up to six months is IDR 552,000. But if you apply at agent like the Dwidaya tour (http://www.dwidayatour.co.id/) the visa fee is IDR 800.000 or ezytravel.co.id (https://www.ezytravel.co.id/) the visa fee is IDR 887.500.

I just fill out the visa form by online at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in on 14 November 2016. After filling all the columns and then uploaded photos on the website, then print out the form and bring it to the embassy with other requirements file. Please read my article about applying Indian visa http://kimberliajadeh.blogspot.co.id/2016/11/applying-indian-visa-pengajuan-visa.html

RESCHEDULED FLIGHTS

After I got my Indian visa, I also got the issue. What is that? I asked visa for 6 months but they only accepted my visa for 3 months. Yes, my Indian visa would be expired on 15 January 2016 and my trip is 6 to 15 February 2017. I was so confused at that time. If I cancel this flight, I would not get back my money but if I reschedule this, I have to pay more. Finally, I’ve decided to change the date of my trip. So I contacted the AirAsia call center +6221-29270999 on 17 November 2016 to reschedule my flight. My flight has changed to 1 January 2017 from Jakarta (CGK Airport) at 10.10 a.m to Kuala Lumpur (KLIA Airport) at 1.15 p.m and Kuala Lumpur (KLIA Airport) at 07.00 p.m to New Delhi India (Indira Gandhi Airport) at 10.00 p.m and it charged IDR 1.538.000.

I also contacted the Malindo Air call center +6221-63798000 on 17 November 2016 to reschedule my flight but I have to come to Malindo Office to pay it. I went to Malindo Air Office on 18 November 2016 to get my new flight schedule and it charged IDR 1.366.700. My new return ticket is on 9 January 2017 from New Delhi India (Indira Gandhi Airport) at 09.15 p.m to Kuala Lumpur (KLIA Airport) at 05.10 a.m and Kuala Lumpur (KLIA Airport) at 07.40 a.m to Jakarta (CGK Airport) at 08.45 a.m.

           So I spent the money for rescheduled flights round trip IDR 2.904.700

HOTELS

I have completed my visa and my flight tickets. So the next step is a book the hotels. I booked the hotels through Agoda apps. But before I booked the hotels, I always read the reviews of the hotels at https://www.tripadvisor.com/ and I have decided to booked the hotels as follow:

1.      Hotel The Prime Balaji Deluxe New Delhi for the 1-night deluxe room (1-2 Jan 2017) charged IDR 413.971. I choose it because it is close to the New Delhi Railway Station, only take 5 minutes by foot and also this hotel provides airport transfer. My flight would be landing at 10.00 p.m.

2.      Hotel Sidhartha Agra for the 1-night standard AC Room (2-3 Jan 2017) charged IDR 135.411. I choose it because it is close to the Taj Mahal, only take 10 minutes by foot.

3.      Hotel H R Palace Jaipur for the 1-night (3-4 Jan 2017) super deluxe room IDR 364.655. I choose it because it is close to the Jaipur Railway Station, only take 13 minutes by foot.

4.      Hotel Vedas Tapovan Rishikesh for the 1-night (5-6 Jan 2017) deluxe room with balcony charged INR 1.699 (I had paid directly to the hotel).

5.     Hotel Honeymoon Inn Mussoorie for the 1-night (6-7 Jan 2017) deluxe room charged IDR 670.952.

6.      Hotel Zostel New Delhi for 1-night (8-9 Jan 2017) charged IDR 312.664 superior luxury room. I choose it because it is close to the New Delhi Railway Station, only take 6 minutes by foot.

7.      I did not book the hotel for 4-5 Jan 2017 and for 7-8 Jan 2017 due to I bought a night train so I would sleep on the train on that date.

INDIAN TRAIN TICKETS

After visa, flight tickets, and hotel completed, the next step is to buy the Indian Train Ticket. I have signed up at www.cleartrip.com and https://www.irctc.co.in/. How to create irctc account, you should read this http://www.seat61.com/India.htm. I created an account in cleartrip very easy but creating an account in irctc was a pain process. I have to fill an Indian mobile number (I do not have it so I put the incorrect number). I have sent my passport to irctc by email and I asked irctc to give me the mobile OTP verification through my email due to I do not have an Indian mobile number. I have sent an email to irctc so many times but I got only automatically email responses and it does not help me. I also mentioned irctc on twitter but I have no had responses from irctc. So I asked permission of my Indian friends (Sanchi, Sid, Arjun) to put their mobile number in irctc account. But it could not be done because when I was putting their mobile number, appear notification “mobile number already in used”. I received an email from irctc about the code to reset my password. What was it? I never asked them to reset my password :( and in the end, one of my Indian friend (Sid) bought a new mobile number and gave it to me. Then I was changing the incorrect mobile number with it and irctc sent the mobile OTP to it and he gave the code to me and I put the code on irctc account. Yes, finally it was work. My irctc account has been verified. Fuihhhhh. Thank you, Sid :) Then I have started to buy the Indian train tickets. I booked the tickets through my cleartrip account due to my cleartrip account has been connected to my irctc account.

1.      Train ticket Bhopal Shtbdi AC Chair Car from NDLS (06.00 a.m) to Agra Cantt (07.57 a.m) for 2 January 2017 charged INR 560 (IDR 111.812)

2.      Train ticket Ald Jp Express AC First Class from Agra Cantt (07.15 a.m) to Jaipur (12.50 p.m) for 3 January 2017 charged INR 1.461 (IDR 291.712)

3.      Train ticket Haridwar Mail AC First Class from Jaipur (11.15 p.m) to Haridwar (12.10 p.m) for 4 January 2017 charged INR 2.107 (IDR 420.696)

4.      Train ticket Nanda Devi Express AC First Class from Dehradun (11.30 p.m) to NDLS (05.20 a.m) for 7 January 2017 charged INR 1.400 (IDR 279.533)

INDIAN RUPEE

I’ve heard that the demonetization of INR 500 and INR 1000 banknotes was a new policy enacted by the Government of India since 8 November 2016. All INR 500 and INR 1000 banknotes ceased to be legal tender in India from 9 November 2016. In the announcement, the Prime Minister declared that use of all INR 500 and INR 1000 banknotes would be invalid from 8 November 2016 and announced the issuance of new INR 500 and INR 2000 banknotes in exchange for the old bank notes. The purpose of the demonetization was an effort to stop counterfeiting of the current banknotes in India.

            This new policy has influenced the citizens of India and also the tourist in getting the new bank notes due to the circulation of the new bank notes is still restricted. I have contacted a lot of money changer at Jakarta but they do not have stock of India Rupee. I have asked my friend on the GLT about the situation in India, and yes some people had trouble to exchange money there and had to queue for hours to withdraw money at ATM. It was pain process, again :(

            I asked on BD Group to get information where is I could get India Rupee in Jakarta because my friends suggested me to bring India rupee, and I have received a message from one of the member’s BD, Mba Sysilia. She gave me information that I could get India rupee from money changer in Bandung. The problem is I am living in Jakarta. In the end, she helped me J thank you Mba Sysilia. I have exchanged IDR 1.950.000 and I got INR 7.800 (the rate is IDR 250). I also exchanged IDR 4.056.000 and I got USD 300 (the rate is IDR 13.520) at the money changer in Jakarta. Yes, I would like to bring INR 7.800, USD 300, and my card.

TAJ MAHAL TICKET

            I am planning to visit Taj Mahal on 2 January 2017 so I was looking for information on where I could get buy the taj mahal ticket through online and finally I found it. I bought the ticket through http://asi.payumoney.com/#/ on 2 December 2016 and paid by credit card. The price is INR 1.014,58 (Taj Mahal ticket INR 1.000 and convenience fee INR 14,58 = IDR 203.664). The e-ticket has been sent to my email so I just need to print out it and bring it to Taj Mahal.

RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN

            Rashtrapati Bhavan is an official residence of the president of India. It is located in New Delhi, India. I am planning to visit it so I’ve booked through this website https://presidentofindia.gov.in/rbvisit/visit_plan.aspx. Rashtrapati Bhavan has three circuits. The first circuit is main building, the second circuit is the museum, and the third circuit is the gardens. I’ve booked the first and the third circuit on 21 December 2016 to visit date on  8 January 2016. For the first circuit has been charged INR 110 (entrance fee and credit card fee) and the third circuit has been charged INR 111,50 (entrance fee and credit card fee).

The time has come, my winter trip ^_^

Day 1

1 January 2017

The taxi had picked me up at my home at 05.30 am and dropped me to Soekarno Hatta International Airport. Then I checked-in baggage, got the boarding pass and I’ve been drinking chocolate ice while waited for the boarding time. I sent an email to the Prime Balaji Deluxe (chanchalhotels@gmail.com and info@theprimebalajideluxe.com) to remind them again to pick me up at 10.00 pm at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Finally, my flight was coming on time. A first flight headed to Kuala Lumpur, I arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at  a.m. Then I exchanged IDR 100.000 and I got MYR 31,10 at the money changer in KLIA. I have eaten lunch at KLIA Resto while waited for my next flight. 

Nasi Lemak at KLIA Resto

After approximately 6 hours by flights. I arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport New Delhi India at 10.00 pm. Then the immigration processed, baggage claimed, I exchanged my USD to INR at airport money changer (exchange money max INR 2.000/person) so I exchanged USD 35 and got INR 2.000.

I was searching exit gate no 06 to meet the hotel’s driver and I found him. I had paid INR 250 just for airport parking. After an hour trip by car, I arrived at the Balaji Prime Deluxe Hotel.

The staff gives me a welcome drink while I waited the check-in processed. The staff hotel offered me to exchange money without the fee. I thought it was a good deal. So I exchanged USD 245 and I got INR 14.700 (rate 1 USD = Rs 60). Then the staff escorted me to my room.

            The room was good, wifi does not work well but the hot water worked properly. But I did not have any issue with it. Then I had been asleep.

The cost on the first day :

1.      Toll IDR 39.000

2.      Taxi from home to Airport IDR 235.000

3.      Wrapping bags IDR 50.000

4.      Mineral Water IDR 10.000

5.      Chocolate Ice IDR 55.000

6.      Exchange money (to MYR) IDR 100.000

7.      Car Parking INR 250

Day 2

2 January 2017

I woke up at 05.00 am due to I had to catch my train to Agra. This hotel is very close to the New Delhi railway station, I only had to walk 5 minutes. Arrived at the station, I heard the announcement that the train would arrive late. It was supposed to depart at 06.00 am so I waited in the waiting room.

At New Delhi Railway Station

The train arrived at 10.00 a.m, from New Delhi Railway Station to Agra Canttonment Railway Station by Bhopal Shtbdi. I got the coach number at C4 and seat number at 59 AC Chair Car, but someone asked me to switched the seats with his girlfriend. So I said “Ok”. The train was quite comfortable, tidy, clean and each passenger was given mineral water, breakfast, and newspapers.

Free Newspaper

from new delhi to agra cant by Bhopal Shtbdi AC Chair Car

Free Breakfast in the train

I arrived at Agra Canttonment Railway Station at 12.00 pm. Welcome to AGRA. I got out of the station, was looking for someone who holds my name on the board, I finally found him, the driver who picked me up. I hired a car and driver to take me around to see Agra. I got INR 1.400 for this car (include driver, fuel, toll, tax, parking) from Deshdeep. The driver’s name is Mr. Chand (if you need car/driver in Agra, this is his number is +919719763523).

I started my trip in Agra.

Mr. Chand dropped me to TAJ MAHAL.

TAJ MAHAL

Is an ivory white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1631, to house the tomb of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. I walked into Taj Mahal itself, there are cars available for tourists who will lead from the parking to the Taj Mahal gate. It charged INR 10. (tips : do not accept any offer along the way, I always said “no thank you"). I had purchased ticket through online, so I just need to show a printout of my ticket and my passport without to need to queue. Well, I suggest you buy the ticket through online due to it would make you a long wait in a long queue. After my ticket has been checked, then the clerk also checked my bag. After that, I entered to Taj Mahal. Voila, TAJ MAHAL <3 I could not say anything, my dream comes true, Taj Mahal in front of me. I took lots of pictures there. Hahaha. Once satisfied in Taj Mahal, I returned to the parking area by tourist car and it charged INR 10.

My Dream comes true

Cover of your shoes when entered the Taj Mahal

Then Mr. Chand dropped me to AGRA FORT. Is a historical fort in the city of Agra in India. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638 when Mughal capital was shifted from Agra to Red Fort in Delhi. I showed my Taj Mahal ticket to the clerk at Agra Fort and I got a 50% discount so I had paid INR 500 for entrance fee ^_^ (tips : do not throw your taj mahal ticket).

Agra Fort

There was a funny thing when I was at Agra Fort, women called me “Miss could you take picture” then I said “Oh Okay.” Once minute I thought that she wanted I to take her picture with her family but at the end, she wants to take a picture with me and she also introduced her family to me. :D

I forgot her name but I will always remember this funny moment

Anguri Park in Agra Fort

I also got lost and difficult to find the exit gate in Agra Fort. Hahaha.

The next place was Itimad Ud Daulah’s tomb. Is a Mughal mausoleum in the city of Agra. Often described as a “jewel box” and sometimes called the “Baby Taj”. The tomb of Itimad Daulah is often regarded as a draft of the Taj Mahal. Mr. Chand said that the Baby Taj already closed so he just drove me to the river where I could see the Baby Taj from far and took pictures.

Baby Taj from far away

After that Mr. Chand took me to the MEHTAB BAGH. Is a char bagh complex in Agra. It lies north of the Taj Mahal complex and the Agra Fort on the opposite side of the Yamuna River, in the flood plains.

How is beautiful of Taj Mahal

 

I was seeing the Taj Mahal from Mehtab Bagh

After that, I said to the driver that I want to buy saree so the driver dropped me to the Hindustan Textile and Handicraft. I spent INR 25.000 in this store. (Do not shop here due to I realized that I had been tricked. Why do I say this? Because I found the same saree, same color, same fabric in Jaipur as I bought here and the price is 3 times cheaper than this shop.)

Then I asked Mr. Chand escorted me to a nice restaurant to dinner due to I was very hungry. He was taking me to Indiana Restaurant. I had eaten bread and veggie with cheese (I forgot the name of the foods). It has been charged INR 500 and this restaurant selling the halal food.

Indiana Restaurant

After finished my dinner, Mr. Chand said that his boss wants to meet me. I actually wanted to turn it down due to I did not know his boss but I finally said “Okay”. Because I appreciated the kindness of Mr. Chand.

We arrived at the Marble Shop and Mr. Chand led me to meet his boss. With doubt, I entered this shop. And how surprised me is his boss is Deshdeep. :) We talked for a while.

Then I asked Mr. Chand to drove me to Sheroes Hangout Cafe at Fatehabad Road. This cafe is founded and run by inspiring women who were victims of acid attacks. I just drank mango juice here. It has beautiful graffiti on all walls. Lots of novels and books who loves reading. You can also buy clothes from here. There are not set prices, they take donations for the food and drink.

Sheroes Hangout Cafe

After that Mr. Chand drove me to Sidhartha Hotel. This hotel is very standard and enough to sleep. TV and hot water worked well. The good thing about this hotel is its location very close to the Taj Mahal.

The cost on the second day :

1.      Tourist Car round trip in Taj Mahal INR 20

2.      Agra Fort entrance fee INR 500

3.      Shopping INR 25.000

4.      Dinner at Indiana Restaurant INR 500

5.      Mango juice at Shereos Hangout INR 20

6.      Rent a car INR 1.400

Day 3

3 January 2017

I woke up at 05.00 am due to I had to catch my train to Jaipur. I received a message from Deshdeep and also received a call from Mr. Chand that my train will be late again. It was supposed to depart at 07.15 am but it was not sure when it would come. So I decided to go to Jaipur by car, of course, I got INR 5.000 for a car and driver (Mr. Chand again :D). I had tried to cancel my ticket to Jaipur on cleartrip apps but it did not work, I tried to cancel my ticket through the IRCTC website but they could not cancel it due to I did not buy it through tatkal. So I sent an email to cleartrip to request cancel it and I got a reply that it could not be canceled in the final seconds.

Mr. Chand picked me up at 12.00 pm at Hotel. Then we stopped at a restaurant on our way to Jaipur. I had eaten naftatan putao and sweet lassi. After finished eating, we continued our journey. I felt dizziness and nauseous about an hour after eating. I fell asleep and when I woke up my stomach still feels pain and nausea. And when the driver asked me “Are you OK Madam?” and I answered, “No, I am feeling unwell, I wanted to vomit”. Then we stopped at a gas station, then I went to the washroom and I had vomited :( Then I took my medicine and Mr. Chand asked me to walked and we stopped at the shop on the roadside and we drank masala tea there. Mr. Chand asked me “what the food in the restaurant was good?” and I answered, “Yes but I do not know why my stomach was sick after eating”. Then he asked me again “what did you eat?” and I answered, “I ate naftatan putao and sweet lassi”. Then he said “You should not drink lassi because the weather is cold. It fits in a drink if the hot weather. That was why your stomach got sick”. So Mr. Chand said that it is suitable to drink lassi if the weather is hot, but if the weather is cold, I should drink tea or mineral water.

After 6 hours journey by car. Finally, I arrived in Jaipur at 6 pm. Welcome to JAIPUR.

Welcome to Jaipur, the pink city

Then stopped at JAL MAHAL and took a picture. Jal Mahal, Jal means water and Mahal mean palace. Jal Mahal is a palace in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan, India.

Jal Mahal at night

Then Mr. Chand dropped me at Green Pigeon Restaurant. I got the table near to the stage. I had been watching dance performances while waiting for my foods to come. Then the male dancer was invited a male guest to dance on the stage and the female dancer was also invited me to dance on the stage. I thought that I am in India so why I have to refuse to dance together :D Well, I followed the female dancer. Then we danced together on the stage. After that, I returned to my seat. And the male guest was invited me to join with his family. (I am sorry Sir, I forgot your name, I only remember your daughter name is Keyla and your son name is Jack). I had great dinner time with them, the Australian family. I hope to meet you all again someday. :)

Had a great time with the Australian Family

The Green Pigeon Restaurant has a great dancers

After I had dinner, the driver stopped at HAWA MAHAL and took a picture. Hawa Mahal is a palace in Jaipur, also known as Palace of the Winds or Palace of the Breeze.

Hawa Mahal at night

Then stopped at ALBERT HALL MUSEUM is a museum in Jaipur. It is the oldest museum of the state and functions as the state museum of Rajasthan.

Albert Hall Museum at night

The last of the day it was Mr. Chand dropped me to HR Palace Hotel. I loved this hotel. It got a big room, I had one queen size bed and single size bed in a room and a big bathroom.  I was just alone in a room :D I slept comfortably.

I had a big room at HR Palace Hotel

The cost on the third day :

1.      Lunch (Naftatan Putau, sweet lassi and mineral water) INR 415

2.      Hire a car INR 5.000

3.      Dinner at the Green Pigeon Restaurant INR 890 

4.      2 bottles of mineral water INR 73

Day 4

4 January 2017

           

             I woke up at 8 am and started sightseeing Jaipur at 10 am.

The first stop was HAWA MAHAL. I was wearing a pink saree which I bought at Agra, so I wanted to take the photo in front of the Hawa Mahal. Indonesian women in pink saree at the pink city, Jaipur.

Hawa Mahal

Then off again but stopped due I saw a cobra show so I went out of the car and took photos.

Cobra Show like in indian movie

Mr. Chand dropped me to AMBER FORT AND PALACE. Located high on a hill, it is the principal tourist attraction in the Jaipur area. 

There was a funny moment, when I took a selfie, there was a Japanese man looked at me and asked for taking a picture of me with his camera. And then he said, “you are beautiful”. I said, “Thank you”. Then he said, “Are you from Indonesia?”. I answered, “Yes, I am from Indonesia”. Then he said “Terima kasih”. (terima kasih means thank you). I said “sama-sama”. (sama-sama means you are welcome) hahahaha

The another funny moment is when I was taking photos, there was a mother who suddenly fixes my saree. It seems I had messed up my saree. Hahahaha. And also I got lost in Amber Fort. 

How is beautiful Amber Fort?

Then Mr. Chand dropped me to JAIGARH FORT. Located on one of the peaks of the Aravalli range of hills is built about 400 m above the Amber Fort.

Jaigarh Fort

After that, I visited NAHARGARH FORT stands on the edge of the Aravalli Hills. The view city of the city from the fort is impressive. 

View of the city from the hole fort

I also visited WAX MUSEUM and SHEESH MAHAL in Nahargarh Fort. Sheesh Mahal means the area with glass room. Glass room on the roof and on the walls. Mirrors are everywhere and it was worth seeing.

the ticket of Sheesh Mahal

After that, I visited Jal Mahal again and also took photos :D 

Jal Mahal at noon

I also tried took a photo on a camel, even it was only one minute I am on it (not riding, just sit and took a photo)

Mr. Chand dropped me to CITY PALACE, which includes the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal palaces and other buildings, is a palace complex in Jaipur, the capital of the Rajasthan state, India.

City Palace

Chandra Mahal or Chandra Niwas

Diwan-i-Aam

Masala Tea in front of the City Palace

Then Mr. Chand dropped me to lunch at The Green Pigeon Restaurant (same resto last night before). After had lunch then Mr. Chand dropped me to Rajasthali Textile Development Corporation at Amer Road. It is government shop. I was fortune that I’ve seen firsthand how digital printing process in Jaipur for saree, dress fabric, pashmina and these colors are produced from natural materials. I spent INR 23.700 in this store. I bought many things here (I recommend this shop if you are visiting Jaipur, it is cheaper than the Hindustan Textile and Handicraft in Agra :/).

Then stopped to The Royal Treat Restaurant for dinner and again the dancer asked me to dance with her hahaha even I am not a good dancer but I enjoyed it. And the last Mr. Chand dropped me to Jaipur railway station. 

The dancers at The Royal Treat Restaurant

I had bought the train ticket first AC (1A) from Jaipur to Haridwar with the status was confirmed but I still did not my coach and my seat so I have checked it on the machine in the station. I just need to enter my PNR number into the machine then the coach and the seat number would be showed.

The coach and seat number would be showed on the machine

I was searching my coach and finally, I found my coach and my seat. Well, there was four seat (like the bed) in each room. My seat was on the lower but the old men asked me to exchange seats due to he could not seat on the upper. So I prepared my seat to sleep. Every passenger was given bed linen, pillow, and blanket.

Toilet in the train

The cost on the fourth day :

1.      Tips INR 10

2.      Cobra Show INR 10

3.      Jaigarh Fort Entrance Fee INR 100

4.      Bought Magnet INR 500

5.      Nahargh Fort Entrance Fee INT 200

6.      Sheesh Mahal Entrance Fee INR 700

7.      Photo with a camel INR 80

8.      City Palace Entrance Fee INR 500

9.      Lunch at The Green Pigeon Restaurant INR 1.060

10.  Shopping INR 23.700

11.  Dinner at The Royal Treat Restaurant INR 890

Day 5

5 January 2017

From Jaipur to Haridwar about 13 hours by train and Haridwar Station is the last station. I arrived at Haridwar Railway Station at 01.00 pm. I hired a car from India Easy Travel INR 1.600 (if you need a car in Haridwar, you could contact them +917351173388 or himalayaneasytrip@gmail.com).

The driver was waiting for me in front of the station, the driver name is Mr. Anand (his number is +919837755658). Mr. Anand dropped me to Shivalik Restaurant due to I was very hungry.

This banana-honey pancake was really delicious

Mr. Anand dropped me to Maya Devi Temple.

Maya Devi Temple

Then went to Mansa Devi Temple by rickshaw and the cable car.

I was a little bored when in Haridwar. So after I visited Maya Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, and I just sits near at Aarti point (Har Ki Pauri) for 2 hours without doing anything :D

Aarti at Har Ki Pauri Haridwar

After that Mr. Anand drove me to Rishikesh, to Vedas Tapovan Hotel. I loved this hotel, it was clean, tidy, the TV and hot water worked well. I ordered meals for dinner from my room. It was momos chocolate, missi roti and paneer bhruji.

My Room at Vedas Tapovan Hotel

My dinner

The cost on the fifth day :

1.      Lunch at Shivalik Restaurant INR 435

2.      Hire a car INR 1.600

3.      Cable car roundtrip INR 300

4.      Cycle Rickshaw round trip INR 50

5.      Dinner at Vedas Tapovan Hotel INR 575

6.      Vedas Tapovan INR 1.699

Day 6

6 January 2017

I woke up at 6 am but I was feeling tired at that time then I slept until 10 am :D took bath and went to the rooftop cafe in this hotel but they already closed. The rooftop cafe close at 10.30 am. Well, I just took photos around it. See how was beautiful the view from the rooftop.

Rooftop cafe at Vedas Tapovan Hotel

Then I called the reception to hire a taxi for me. I got it. A taxi for sightseeing Rishikesh and dropping me to Mussoorie.

I checked out from the hotel then the driver drove me to Laxman Jhula and I walked from Laxman Jhula Bridge to Ram Jhula Bridge.

Laxman Jhula Bridge

There were many monkeys along the bridge and I actually was afraid hahaha so I walked slowly. The views from the bridge are amazing, though.

Then I stopped at Buddha Café to lunch. I knows this café from my friend that she said it is a good café. I ordered cheese-veg momos and to be honest the taste of the food are mediocre taste.

Buddha Cafe in Rishikesh

momos

I got in lost again hahahaha back and forth on the same road as much as three times. My google maps was not working properly due to a bad connection and the end I found my way to Ram Jhula Bridge hahaha

Ram Jhula Bridge

The driver picked me up at Swami Sivananda Centenary Gate, near to Ram Jhula Bridge. Oia the driver name is Mr. Sachin Verma (if you need a taxi in Rishikesh you could contact him, his number is +918171005070).

Then I headed to Mussoorie. From Rishikesh to Mussoorie took 4 hours journey. I arrived Mussoorie at 6.00 pm, Mr. Sachin parked his car in the Library Bazaar due to cars are not allowed through the streets toward my hotel. So Mr. Sachin found a cycle rickshaw for me. The cold greeted me, along with the road so crowded bazaar. Then I headed to Honeymoon Inn Hotel by cycle rickshaw.

Check-in process was quick. And the most important is the room. Wow. I loved this room. A big room and so comfortable.

My room at Honeymoon Inn Hotel

After took bath, I tried the hot chocolate at Coffee Cafe, which is located opposite the Honeymoon Inn Hotel. The weather temperature was 4 degrees. Had dinner in my room then slept.

The cost on the sixth day :

1. Rishikesh Sightseeing INR 1.228
2. Hire a car INR 2.200
3. Lunch at Buddha Cafe INR 217
4. Dinner at Honeymoon In Hotel INR 175
5. Cycle Rickshaw INR 70
6. Hot Chocolate at Coffee Cafe INR 240

Day 7

7 January 2017

            I woke up due to I heard that quite noisy and I opened my window blinds and wow it was snowing this morning and the people down there was playing it. I took a shower and got ready to enjoy the snow fall. This is an amazing experience. I have seen and felt the snow fall from the sky.

View from my room at Honeymoon Inn Hotel

            And I was drinking the hot chocolate at Coffee Cafe while enjoyed the snowfall from the cafe’s window. The weather temperature was 0 degrees.

            Check out time is 10.00 am so I packed my bags and checked out from the hotel. I was waiting for the cycle rickshaw in front of the Honeymoon Inn Hotel but there was no rickshaw passing. Well, I decided to walk. I walked from the Honeymoon Inn Hotel to Library Chowk up to 2 km. It was quite difficult for me, in the super cold wheater with heavy bags. I even stopped five times to sit in the chair by the roadside and I did not see the rickshaw passing by. I was talking to myself “I can. I can. I can do this”.

            Finally, I reached the Library Chowk, I waited for a taxi but no one wants to stop. Well, I entered to the cafe and ordered soup and hot chocolate to make me warm. After it, I asked someone why no taxis wants to stop, and they informed that I had to book a taxi at the taxi counter. Oh, so I was looking for the taxi counter and found it.

            I booked a taxi for sightseeing Mussoorie and drop me up to Dehradun Railway Station. I got INR 2.250 for it. (If you are looking for Musoorrie tour or car, you could contact them or check their website http://mussoorietaxi.in/)

            First, the driver drove me to Kempty Falls. The falls are just amazing. It was freezing cold. The view is beautiful. 

Kempty Falls

            Then the driver drove me to Mussoorie lake. I paid INR 10 for the entrance fee. It is not a lake but it is a small artificial pond with some water activities. 

Mussoorie Lake

            Then the driver drove me to Dehradun Railway Station. From Mussoorie to Dehradun Railway Station took 2 hours journey. I arrived at Dehradun Station at 07.00 pm and my train was 11.30 pm.

            I waited in the waiting room. Sits on the floor due to there was no empty seats. A woman told me I would better wait in the waiting room for the woman. It is the next to this room. Then I got into that room and found also got the seat hahahah.

            I waited for four and a half hours and finally, the train arrives on time. My coach was H1 and my seat E – lower and lucky I was alone there. So after the train's staff checked my ticket. I locked the door of the room and I was sleeping peacefully.

My seat in the train

The cost on the seventh day :

1. Hot Milk Chocolate at Coffee Cafe INR 225
2. Soup and hot chocolate INR 230
3. Hire taxi INR 2.250
4. Maggi INR 110
5. Tea INR 10
6. Mussoorie Lake Entrance Fee INR 10
7. Omellete INR 110
8. Snack INR 60

Day 8

8 January 2017

            I woke up at 04.30 am and still in the train. I prepared my bags. I arrived in New Delhi Railway Station at 05.30 a.m. I got out of the station and felt cold. The tuk-tuk driver offered me INR 200 to zostel hotel, and after bargained the deal was INR 120.

            I headed in Zostel 06.00 a.m but the check in time is 10.00 a.m and I could not check in, they showed me the waiting room where I could sleep there. Then I was sleeping until 10.00 a.m. But when I wanted to check in still could not due to the guest in the room still did not check out. So I took bath first then I came back again to the reception at 11.00 am and they asked me to wait due to the guest just checked out and they still cleaning the room.

The Receptionist of Zostel Hotel

            I waited for an hour then I checked into my room at 12.00 pm. Well, when I entered my room. I loved this room.

My room at Zostel Hotel

            Put my bags and I got out. I ate lunch at the Re Café and Bar, it was close to zostel hotel. After lunch, I went to Rashtrapati Bhavan by auto rickshaw (tuk-tuk). I had booked to visit it.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan is the official home of the President of India. It has many halls which are used for state functions and other purposes. Is formerly known as Viceroy’s house. I was speechless when I entered the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the building was built with luxury as well as the design in it. Perfect.

I also visited the Mughal Garden are situated at the back of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. This garden is so big and beautiful. Unfortunately, I could not take a picture there due to my bags should be saved at the receptionist. But it was an amazing experience and I would not forget it.

After that, I stopped the tuk-tuk and I told the driver to take me to The Qutub Minar for INR 150. But the driver offered me INR 1.500 for whole day tour by his tuk-tuk. Then I said ok because I thought that I do not have to spend the time to find the tuk-tuk.

First, the driver drove me to Gandhi Smriti. Is a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. It is the location where Mahatma Gandhi spent the last 144 days of his life and was assassinated on 30 January 1948. It is also known as Birla House or Birla Bhavan.

Gandhi Smriti

Then the driver drove me to Qutub Minar, but when I got there, there were so many queues. So I just took photos of the garden which is close to the Qutub Minar.

Qutub Minar

Then the driver drove me to The Lotus Temple but when I got there it was already closed. So like before, I just took photos. 

Lotus Temple

Then the driver drove me to Dili Haat, even I already told him that I do not want to go there. In the end, I got there and spent INR 7.400 for shopping.

After that the driver drove me to the Red Fort Delhi, he said there are the sound and light show. I heard before about the sound and light show in red fort Delhi. Then the problems arise, he said he just drove me up at the red fort and he could not wait for me, in other words, the tour ended and I had to pay for it. Well, I did not want to fuss so I got off from tuk tuk and I paid him then I left him.

The Red fort at night, it was so quiet and dark. I doubt even would like to go into it. I am back and forth many times. As such there was no life in it. A guard showed me a place to buy the ticket for the show due to he saw me passing. 

After I bought the ticket, they checked my bag and I entered into the red fort. Well, I was really scared. There are so dark, no anyone, just me and so dark. I walked slowly with a flashlight from my handphone. I felt like I was entering the haunted house. And finally, I arrived at the venue where it would start. I was so happy, there was a lot of people, not a ghosts hahahaha

The sound and light show started at 07.30 pm. I did not particularly enjoy the show, to be honest that I enjoyed was so beautiful full moon shone in the sky.

After the show ends, I was looking for tuk tuk. The tuk tuk driver offered me to zostel for INR 200. At first, I thought he was the driver of the auto rickshaw but it turns out I was wrong he was the driver of the cycle rickshaw. OMG. It is very slow :( The weather was very cold and each stopped at the red light, people looked at me. The driver got confused where my hotel location. I always said that my hotel in the ara kashan road. He stopped and asked the police. I told police that I wanted to go to zostel at ara kashan road. The police asked me the hotel card name, but I don’t have, I just showed him the address of the zostel.

I arrived at zostel at 09.00 pm, I immediately lay back on my bed. I faced many problems whole day. Then I took shower and went to dinner at the Re Café and Bar. Because of only this restaurant closest to my hotel.

After it, I went back to hotel and sleep.

The cost on the eighth day :

1. Auto Rickshaw from NDLS Railway station to zostel INR 120
2. Lunch at Re Cafe&Bar INR 618
3. Charged Uber INR 331,96
4. Auto Rickshaw from Zostel to Rashtrapati INR 100
5. Auto Rickshaw one day INR 1.500
6. Shopping INR 7.400
7. Sound&Light Show Entrance Fee INR 80
8. Cycle Rickshaw INR 200
9. Dinner at Re Cafe&Bar INR 807

Day 9

9 January 2017

            I woke up, took shower and packed my bags due to I am flying back to home today. I asked the receptionist how much the price of a taxi for a day tour and drop me up to IGI Airport. Then she asked to taxi driver and the taxi driver said INR 12.000 for it. I immediately ignored it due to it was expensive. Then I said to the zostel receptionist that I would late check out. I thought its cheaper.

            After it, I went to Jama Masjid by tuk tuk. To enter it, I had paid INR 300 for the camera, it is free if you do not bring a camera. It is one of the largest of the mosque in India.

Jama Masjid Delhi

        
Then I went to Humayun’s Tomb by tuk tuk. 

Humayun's Tomb

            Then back to hotel by uber. I did not why my mobile number does not work in Delhi whereas before I could use my mobile number in Agra, Jaipur, Haridwar, Mussoorie, Dehradun due to I have bought an International package number of Indonesia. But it was not a problem due to I was ordered and Deshdeep contacted the uber driver. (Thank you Deshdeep)

            I slept in the hotel till evening. Then I woke up, took shower and checked-out. I was happy due to the zostel did not charge me too late checkout and also the zostel staff (Miss Roshan) ordered uber for me to IGI Airport. I recommend zostel hotel delhi.

            Arrived at IGI Airport, wrapped my bags, then checked-in flight, and too many queues at Immigration. The flight delayed but everything was fine. I was flying back to Jakarta.

Indira Gandhi International Airport

The cost on the ninth day :

1. Lunch at Re Cafe&Bar INR 646
2. Auto Rickshaw from zostel to Jama Masjid INR 100
3. Jama Masjid Entrance Fee INR 300
4. Auto Rickshaw from Jama Masjid to Humayun’s Tomb INR 200
5. Humayun’s Tomb Entrance Fee INR 500
6. Uber from Humayun’s Tomb to zostel INR 100
7. Mineral Water INR 20
8. Uber from zostel to IGI Airport INR 250
9. Wrapping bags (3 bags) INR 1.050
10. Laddo 2 packs 1.200
11. Mineral Water INR 50
12. Pizza INR 154
13. Juice INR 60
14. Cornetto Ice Cream INR 40

Day 10

10 January 2017

            I arrived in Jakarta at 09.00 am. Welcome back to Jakarta. I missing my home :)

The cost on the tenth day :

1.      Taxi IDR 200.000

2.      Toll IDR 16.000

Good or bad is not dependent on the country or city or place but it depends on how we behave and how we dress. we always listen we can not do something just because we are woman? oh really, i have decided to prove them wrong. with a total of 10 days solo trip visiting seven cities (New Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, and Dehradun) in India has been completed. Do things that challenge you. Be brave and crazier.

Thank you for the member of the “GLT” Group, the “Backpacking, Budget,  Traveling in India” Group, “Backpacking India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka” Group, and the “Backpacker Dunia” Group.

I also wanted to say thank you, Guys for visiting my blog J and don’t forget to click “follow” on my blog. 
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SEE YOU ON THE NEXT TRIP ^_^