“Where will you be staying?” The immigration officer at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Calcuta asked.
“The Moustache Hostel in Jaipur,” I answered. I was more than ready to explain why my accommodation is still 1500 km away, but he quickly stamped my passport and officially allowed me entry. He had no more questions afterwards.
This charming hostel was indeed one of my lucky charms during my backpacking trip to India. Although it took me a few days to reach Jaipur, I stayed in this laidback city longer than the whirlwind stopovers I took in Varanasi and Agra.
I haven’t published my other travel stories yet, but I can say that the Moustache Hostel is in the only address if you’ll be in these parts.
Convenient location
First, the 4 storey propery is located in a quiet neighborhood but it’s just a block away from M.I. Road and a short walk from the train and the bus stations. This convenience has allowed me to leisurely walk my way around the city including its various jewelry shops, bespoke tailor stalls, kebab takeaways, vegetarian restaurants and lassi wala vendors.
Aside from this convenient access, the hostel provides guests a pink map that contains all the practical information to survive in and to also get more intimate with Jaipur – its underrated gems, the tuktuk fares and basic Hindi.
When the map did not seem to work for me, the front desk staff were very helpful in my queries.
Dorm-type and private accommodations
I stayed by the way at a private room which was well-kept, clean and spacious even for two. Just like the corridors, my room also looked like a Rajasthani dwelling but with modern conveniences – hot shower, WI-FI and strong A/C, just to name a few. It had more outlets (I counted a total of 14) than I’ll ever need for my devices.
Moustache’s rooms were then clearly designed for backpackers who want a comfortable accommodation at an affordable price.
The hostel has 12 dormitory-type accommodations (3 of these are for females only) if you fancy meeting other like-minded folks during your stay. A bunk bed is cheaper of course, but since I was only staying for a few nights in Jaipur, the price difference between that and a single room was not big.
My only minor complaint was that the shower drain clogged a little bit. I thought that the squeegee mop was just a prop in the bathroom but it came very handy every time I took a bath. I hope the hostel has fixed this already.
What I should have done
I wished I spent more time in the Moustache in retrospect. They organized various activities for their guests such as food and heritage walks, chai classes, movie nights and yoga sessions. I wanted to join the food tour but my tuktuk driver took an unexpected detour on our way back from Amer Fort. I missed the call time that evening as result.
Had it been we arrived on time, I could have also spent the rest of the afternoon at their rooftop restaurant, lazily waiting for the Jaipur sunset to cast its pink magic around the city.
I have to admit though that I could not be really flexible in my itinerary for this trip. It was just too cramped.
Perhaps if I should be fortunate to return to India in my lifetime, I know better than to squeeze everything in 4 freaking days. And if I get to pass by Jaipur by then, I know that there’s only one address I’ll ever need.
Moustache Hostel – Jaipur
7, Park House, M.I. Road,
Near Ganpati Plaza
Jaipur – 302001
+91 141 4034419
