Experience in Jaipur, India by Juhi

What is it like to live in Jaipur? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It is quite amazing to live in Jaipur as it has an immense amount of art and culture of Rajasthan, it is a city with an airport and there are several buses to do day trips. It is a small city compared to other metropolitan cities of India but has a lot to offer.

But to live anywhere in India you need to fall in love with "not-so-beautiful" part too. And like any city of India, if you break norms or appear to be lost, people might take advantage. Focus on the good, you will find way too much than you lose. For a first timer it is better to start with a "small" almost metropolitan city.

What is the student lifestyle like in Jaipur?

Well, depending upon the interest, there are a lot of museums, architecture around where one can immerse oneself. There are often events happening in the museums which are cheap and cost-effective for students. Doing day trips are super cool too.

Uber is cheap here or you can hire a car and travel with friends. There are a lot of private events to happening which is open to the public but its often spread by word of mouth. So it is important to make some efforts to mingle with the local students.

How much does it cost to live in Jaipur?

There are all range of housing, apart from that, food is super cheap and if you manage to buy food from the markets, it is not only cheap but super fresh and straight from the farms. Perhaps, 300 euros per month roughly.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Jaipur? Is there any advice you can give?

Well, it is always to ask local friends. One can first do an Airbnb to understand the city and take help of the local people to rent a place.

What is the food like? What are your favorite dishes?

Food is super delicious. Even roadside food is worth the try. Onion muffins (Pyaz ki kachori), Chole kulche (Indian bread and lentils), vada pao, vegetarian dishes like kali daal (black lentils), paneer butter masala (Indian cottage cheese), infinite sweets to name a few. You need to try and see what you like, be experimental and open to different dishes especially vegetarian.

What places would you recommend visiting in Jaipur?

Amber Fort, Stepwells - Abhaneri (visit also nearby 2nd century Durga temple - mother nature) and Panna Meena ka Kund, Gatore Ki Chhatriyan, Shree Digamber Jain Nasiya temple are my favorites, but there are a lot of places to see.

Is it good to eat out in Jaipur? Can you tell us your favorite spots?

Of course, it is great to eat outside, Cafe Palladio, Bar Palladio, Cafe Kothi are my favorite.

Is the nightlife good in Jaipur? Where is good to go?

Well, not parties but there are cultural events in museums of music etc. For real party, you can head to Alsisar, in Dec if you are around, very known international music festival happens and it is not too far from Jaipur.

What advice would you give future students heading to Jaipur?

Be confident, do not act as if it's your first time, do not take random people to help. Go to decent stores to take advice.