Aligarh is a busy Tier 2 city in Uttar Pradesh known for Aligarh Muslim University and its lock manufacturing industry. It offers an authentic northern Indian city experience but lacks many modern conveniences found in bigger metros. The city is well connected but has limited options for tourists and remote workers.
Local Mughlai and Awadhi dishes are common. Street food like samosas and chaat is popular. Limited international options mainly include Indian Chinese. Vegetarian options are widely available. Most eateries close by 10-11 PM.
Nightlife is minimal with few bars or clubs. Socializing usually happens in restaurants or private gatherings.
Developing coffee scene with local cafes and Cafe Coffee Day but no specialty coffee shops.
Not required but 5-10% in restaurants is common if no service charge. Round up fares for taxis.
Buy SIMs at local authorized stores with ID and photo. Top providers are Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea. eSIM depends on provider and device.
Street cleanliness varies; some sanitation issues exist, especially with waste disposal.
Very limited 24/7 services. Some stores may stay open late but few pharmacies or clinics.
Fresh markets offer fruits and veggies. Supermarkets like Vishal Mega Mart and Reliance Fresh carry some international goods. Shops usually open 10 AM to 9 PM; smaller ones may close on Sundays.
Card payments work in larger stores and restaurants, but cash is needed for street vendors and local markets.
ATMs from SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and Axis Bank are common. Withdrawal fees of about 20-25 INR apply at non-bank ATMs.
Schools like AMU City School and DPS offer instruction mainly in English and Hindi. Admission aligns with April/July academic year.
Almost no digital nomad community or events. Remote workers mostly operate solo.
Parks and AMU campus provide green areas, though shaded paths are limited outside university.
Running popular on AMU campus roads. City traffic and air quality can be issues.
Gyms range from local centers to some with modern equipment.
Tennis courts at AMU and some private clubs; bookings usually manual.
No padel courts in the city.
Several studios offer yoga with some English-speaking instructors.
Karate, Taekwondo, and Boxing gyms exist. Few advanced styles like BJJ.
No skiing options; no mountains nearby.
Limited to small-scale boating if available.
No surfing due to landlocked location.
No diving due to no coastal access.
Hospitals like JNMC have some English-speaking staff. Private hospitals tend to offer better care. Pharmacies are common and often open late.
Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled water or filters.
Some parks and playgrounds exist but kid-friendly spots are limited. Attractions include Aligarh Fort and AMU campus.
Low acceptance and few safe spaces. National legal protections exist but social risks remain.
Pet services exist but few pet-friendly places. Vet clinics are available.
Power cuts happen occasionally, more in summer and monsoon. Many use inverters or generators.
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