Food and Travel Magazine: Travel Destinations In India, Indian Foods, Travel Diaries and Tourism Promotion

Thursday 22 November 2018

Top 10 rarely visited travel destinations in India

Mawlynnong, Meghalaya. One of the most rarely travelled travel destinations in India:
What makes Mawlynnong a remote village in Meghalaya a traveler’s destination? Well one reason is that this beautiful village is the cleanest village in the whole Asia. Yes you heard it right. Mawlynnong was recognized as the cleanest village in Asia by Discover India. The living root bridges that are made out of aerial roots of trees is another attraction to tourists. A traveler can rarely see these kinds of root bridges anywhere else in the world. The UNESCO has recognized the root bridges as a world heritage spot. You can see both India and Bangladesh from Sky view at Mawlynnong. Sky view is an 85 feet high tower made completely from bamboo. Since the village is located at Indo Bangladesh border one can see both Indian and Bangladesh landscapes from this 85 feet high tower.

Ziro, ArunachalPradesh
One of the scenic pleasures is awaiting you at Ziro Arunachal Pradesh. Home to Apa tribes originally called as Apatani Tribes keeps this place as old as it was decades back, this is the place for those who love nature at its original form. If you are looking for a vacation to get out of the usual chaotic life then it’s time to pack your bags and plan for a trip to Ziro. One of the India’s most prestigious outdoor music festival called as Ziro Festival of Music , happens here. It’s guaranteed to feel like in heaven if you are lucky enough to attend one. There are many options in Ziro for travelers who love adventure sports. Some of the must visit spots are Dolo Mando,Ziro Puto, Tarin Fish Farm, Talley ValleyWildlife Sanctuary ,Kile Pakho and Meghna Cave Temple Medey. This is one of the very few places in India where the age old traditions and rituals are being followed with utmost sanity.
Mainpat - Chhattisgarh
Never have we imagined Chhattisgarh to be our romantic or honeymoon destination, but there is this hidden undiscovered valley of Love. Mianpat is also known as the ‘’The Shimla’’ of Chhattisgarh due to its unrivalled beauty. This is one of the most remote hill stations in the country with Tibetan settlements. There are many attractions like Tiger Point, Fish Point etc. Since this has been a Tibetan Refugee camp since 1963 we can see beautiful Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries here. Mianpat is a home of different culture and habitat. A few Kilometres away Mianpat, there is inimitable designation’ Bisar Pani’ , where the water flows upstream to about 30ft (no scientific reasons being found yet).



Majuli – Assam
This is a very beautiful river island set in the banks of Brahmaputra River. Majuli is the largest River Island in the world. Apart from the gigantic river base the rich cultural heritage is one of the fortes of Majuli, as the majority of population is tribes. Majuli is the cultural hub of Assam. Raas is the most celebrated festivals in Majuli which is a stage of cultural outbreak.

Siju Cave – Meghalaya
Meghalaya is famous for its nerve-racking monsoon season but few know about the adventurous place called Siju Cave. Siju’s cave is the ultimate for a caving experience. This is one of the longest caves in India which is yet to be explored fully (as no one has reported to reach the end of the cave yet). The cave is situated on the banks of Simsang River near Naphak Lake in Meghalaya .The cave mesmerizes the visitors with its limestone structure and the stalagmites and stalactites formations. For the locals this is also called as the Siju Dobbakol caves as there are numerous Bats living within the cave. The aesthetic beauty of the place is a breath taking experience for all. Since the human intervention to this cave is very less the basic necessary items needs to be carried along with the expedition. There is a river flowing parallel to this cave and a bird sanctuary located opposite to Simsang River which is often referred to as Siju Bird Sanctuary.

Patan –Gujarat
The glory of Patan has been marked ever since 8th century as ‘’Anahilapataka’’. This is a favorite spot for those who love to get dwelled in the history and awestruck with ancient architecture. This ancient city has served as the capital for 650 years which itself make the place one of the most important cities of those times. One of the striking architecture of Patan is The Rani Ki Vav, which is an inverted temple with seven layers stairs build in complex Maru-Gurjara architectural style. This is one of India’s latest addition to UNESCO World Heritages .Rani Ki Vav has also took the award for “Cleanest Iconic Place’’ in India at the Indian Sanitation Conference 2016. Who doesn’t love shopping, that too from such a place where art, culture ,and tradition is at its best. Patan is world famous for its Patola sarees and its handmade textiles.

Tawang – Arunachal Pradesh

If you think of experiencing a touch of spirituality along with the eye pleasing scenic beauty Tawang is the destination. It’s famous for the birth place of Sixth Dalai Lama. The sacred Buddhist monasteries will enrich the spirituality within one’s self. One of the famous monasteries is the Tawang Monastery which is considered to be a very sacred place for Buddhist followers. Being in Tawang one cannot afford to miss visiting Taktsang Gompa, this place is beyond the words to explain. You will get flabbergasted seeing the Gompa on top of around 12500 to 13000 feet high cliff. This is the best place for eternal bliss with hypnotizing natural beauty and would literally hear nothing but only the wind and your heartbeat. Apart from these there are many more attractions here which trigger the adventure side of yours. Once done with the spiritual fulfillment you can try out the trekking or mountain climbing at Gorichen Peak , which is the highest peak in Arunachal Pradesh. The other must visit list in Tawang Include Sela Pass,Bumla Pass,the ethereal Shonga – tser Lake,Nuranang Waterfalls and Pankang Teng Tso Lake.

Spiti – Himachal Pradesh
For those who get thrilled with the higher altitude destinations here is your dreamland. Spiti is situated at an altitude of 14931 ft, which make the knee tremble but the experience will be one for a lifetime. This is one of the cold desert valleys in Himalayas with very less human interventions; hence one of India’s scantily populated places. This is the best place for a hideout from the city chaos and monotonous life. This place got adventure on its own and over to it there are trekking, camping, mountain biking and may more to increase your quest for adventure. Tobo Monastery is a must visit places in Spiti Valley, this is one of the oldest monastries which was founded in 996 CE in the Tibetan year of fire Ape. This place guarantee to bring priceless experience with its rich murals on the walls, breathtaking collections of thankas, manuscripts and preserves statues. Ki, Kibber , Kaza etc are other small villages where you can visit to engulf your taste buds with their traditional cuisine and strong traditions.

Velas , Maharashtra
For the animal lover especially if it’s for turtles you must make a trip to Velas. This picturesque village is known for its beautiful beaches, also for the exquisite local cuisine which will bring you tummy full of happiness. It’s the unique mission of the villagers to protect the common and extinct species of turtles in its own habitat. Velas would be the only one of its kind where we get to see the turtle life unleashing in front of our eyes. Another eye catcher of this small eco-friendly village is the Vela’s turtle festival conducted by the local people over here.  famous for the Olive Ridley turtle population which was considered almost extinct ,and hence two NGO‘s is protecting the eggs of these turtles and celebrate the hatching of thousands of tiny tots step into the deep blue sea, which is an mesmerizing sight for all the nature lovers.


Rosary Church - Karnataka

Now, last but not the least gear up for one of the magic lands in India, yes you have heard it right! The Rosary Church is in Karnataka around 2 kilometers away from Shettihalli is built by French missionaries way back in 1860s which rests in the banks of Hemavathi River .It’s an interesting piece of architecture for those who like old heritage buildings and architectures. The church is a splendid structure of Gothic architecture. Not always you can see this Gothic building as this gets submerged during the rains and then emerges by its own once the water drains away.

Monday 12 November 2018

Kerala is the Best Choice for Honeymoon Destinations


Kerala is known for its name God's own country. Kerala has become the favourite honeymoon destination among the couples. The major thing that attracts the couples to Kerala is its greenery. The greenery helps to bind with nature. Spending your honeymoon in Kerala would be spending your honeymoon in paradise where you will get what you need. For every couple, the honeymoon will be the most memorable moment that refreshes their minds after their tedious marriage function. The honeymoon is the deciding factor in building the relationship between the couples. The earlier honeymoon was not so common among the married couples. Now by the advancement in the standard of living honeymoon has become one of the parts of all married couples. Many couples are planning their honeymoon before their marriage. In planning their honeymoon, honeymoon destinations play a major role. With the wide geographical area and splendid greenery, plenty of water bodies and rich resource of flora and fauna this god's own country has become the favourite honeymoon destinations.

Kumarakom
kumarakom image
KUMARAKOM AND HOUSEBOAT


Kumarakom is famous for its houseboats. The vast backwater is one of the major attraction in Kumarakom. Traveling through backwater in a houseboat will fill our mind with joy and enthusiasm. It is an ideal place couple to share their relationship. The cold breeze in the backwater will give you a paradise-like atmosphere. Honeymooners can spend one full day in the houseboat. The houseboat will provide lunch. The karimeen served in the lunch is a major attraction. Kerala is known for its karimeen dish, karimeen is the famous fish in Kumarakom kayal. The honeymoon days at Kumarakom will truly a memorable moment in each honeymooner.
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KUTTANAD

Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala is filled with endless paddy field. Those who like to enjoy their honeymoon in the countryside Kuttanad is the best honeymoon destinations. Kumarakom will be the best destinations for those who are seeking to celebrate their honeymoon far away from the busy city.


MUNNAR
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MUNNAR



Munnar is known as the Kashmir of  Kerala. The beautiful greenery mountain and meadows of tea plants will create a paradise-like experience in your honeymoon. The calm and delightful climate will add an enchanting experience to every honeymoon couple. The major attraction in Munnar is the kuringi flower. The flowers will blossom only once every twelve years. It will add fascination to every honeymoon couple. Anamudi hill in Kerala the highest peak in south India attracts the couples by its white cloud covered peak. Eravikulam national park the only national park for the preservation Nilgiri Thar is an added attraction for these best honeymoon destinations. Also, Munnar is the best honeymoon destinations for those couples who love trekking. A walk through the forest and tea plant will be a great experience. It gives experience to couples about how each couple to help each other. Vagamon is filled with rich vegetation and a cold climate. The cattle rearing in the meadows of Vagamon will give the experience like the honeymoon destinations in Switzerland. Each couple will surely agree with "This is second Switzerland in the world".


KOVALAM
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KOVALAM BEACH

No other better choice for spending Honeymoon than on a beach. A walk through the shore will bond the couple relationship. Kovalam is the real mix of enchanting sunset, the cold sea breeze and the delightful blue sea. Kovalam will provide an apt place for those who want a calm place. The shallow water in Kovalam will provide the best experience with the sea. The seafood dishes in Kovalam prepared in Kerala style will enlighten the moments in a couple's life. Having food at the seashore during the sunset is a memorable experience to each couple. Being situated in the capital city, Kovalam beach will be easily accessible to everyone.






WAYANAD
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WAYANAD HILLS

If you want to choose the honeymoon destination in a place of forest and wildlife then Wayanad in Kerala will be your best choice. Wayanad is located among the western ghat mountains. The green and natural climate of this land are filled with history as well as culture. Being in the western ghat with dense forest and deep valley, it is a favourite honeymoon destination for the couples. Wayanad relishes healthy climate throughout the year. Lakkidi famous for its plantation homestay will be added enchanter for honeymoon days. The green meadows of the valley will fill our minds with joy. Chembra famous for its heat shaped lake is added attraction to Wayanad. Chembra is situated near meppadi in Wayanad.

MARARI BEACH

marari image
MARARI BEACH


Marari's white sand filled seashore with delightful sunset, and delicious seafood attracts honeymooners. Everyone will be fascinated to start the morning with a beach walk with their partner. The private resorts in Marari provide the facility for swimming which is an added attraction. Night at Marari is more beautiful and delights with its cold breeze.



ATHIRAPALLY

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ATHIRAPALLY WATER FALL


Athirappilly is the favourite spot for those who visit Kerala. The waterfall was the favourite location for many cinema shootings. Many resorts in Athirapally provide facility to watch waterfall from the resort end. The cold water that flow from the height will forge enthusiasm in our minds. A bath in the waterfall will chill our minds and pleasure. This honeymoon place that is the hidden gem in Kerala is an ultimate seclusion for any couple.

FORT KOCHI

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FORT KOCHI


Fort Kochi is brimmed with historic stories, and beautified with colonial charm makes it a cosy and cultural romantic getaway. Ramble through wide streets in Princess Street, which lead us to heritage bungalows and roadside cafeteria filled with the non-Indian crowd. The boat jetty gives the honeymooners picture-perfect scenery, complete with Chinese fishing nets and views of the Kochi Harbor. 


ALLEPPEY

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ALLEPPEY



Even though Kerala is famous world over for Houseboats which are modern versions of traditional Kettuvalloms, the actual experience of backwaters is all about enjoying the backwater scenes in narrow canals. There are many big and small canals and one need to travel through these rivers and canals to explore Alleppey backwaters. 



Shikara Rides are fading away in the onslaught of houseboats but still, there are some quiet places where you can experience the coolness of Kerala Village life among backwaters by going deep inside beautiful places in Kuttanad like Kainakary, Arunootampadam, Kuppappuram, Kuttamangalam, Chennamkary, Meenapalli, Venattukad which are part of backwaters in Alleppey. You can also get a wooden small country boat and speed boat to travel through these canals on rare occasions.



BEKAL FORT

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BEKAL FORT



Bekal fort is the largest fort in Kerala. Fort looks to have emerged from the sea. About three-quarters of the fort is in contact with the sea. The water tank in the Bekal fort provides peddle boat riding facility. It gives a unique experience to each couple. A visit to Bekal fort will provide honeymooners with an atmosphere to escape from their regular world. The walk through the beach will provide the couple with an intimate relationship with each other. 

POOVAR

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POOVAR

This is an alluring honeymoon location for the couples. You can see the merging of Kayal and sea in Poovar. Staying floating restaurant at Poovar will provide a uniquely delightful experience for the couple. The boat riding in the blue sea water will add pleasure to the minds of couples. The greenery created by the coconut trees will give you a paradise like feeling.

MARAYOOR

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MARAYOOR

Marayoor is famous for its sandal trees. A walk through the sandal forest will fill your mind with the aroma of sandalwood.

PONMUDI

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PONMUDI

Ponmudi is located at the south of Kerala. The grass meadows in Ponmudi peaks will blow the cold breeze of intimation. By the way, to Ponmudi the honeymooners can visit golden valley waterfall and tea plantation. The riding to Ponmudi is touched by twenty-one hairpins which will add another riding experience.

IDUKKI

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IDUKKI

Kuttikanam is the ideal honeymoon destination in Idukki. The land is situated about 3500m above sea level and this place is the best honeymoon destination in Kerala. Each couple will get enticed by the evergreen carpet of tea plants and aroma of spices like cardamom and the chill climate. Honeymooners will get loved with the pine trees, waterfalls and the scenic beauty. The rare species of flora and fauna in this region will make the honeymooners a special attraction to this region.

THEKKADY

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THEKKADY

Thekkady is the best honeymoon destination for those who are nature lovers and wildlife exuberant. The boundless tea garden, beautiful streams and rich flora and fauna will jazz up your honeymoon moments. Jungle safari and boat ride in Periyar river will make your charming moments more fascinating. There are many nature sightseeing places in this destination. A dinner under the starlit sky and romance in the lap of serene nature make your honeymoon in Thekkady a beautiful one.

With the vast area of greenery, rich flora and fauna and the healthy climate add advantage to welcome the couple to opt Kerala as their famous honeymoon location. Also, the literate people with their warm welcome behaviour for the guest make the honeymooners say this is truly a God’s own country.


Tuesday 30 January 2018

How to Prepare Thalassery Dum Chicken Biryani

Thalassery Dum Chicken Biriyani
It is a special type of spicy and delicious Biriyani originated from Thalassery, a town in Kannur District, Kerala. It standout from other kinds of Biriyani due its flavor and taste. It is superbly delicious and attractive, which usually stimulates the taste buds of any person who come across. Even though it is originated in Kerala, now it is available in any part of the world where there is Malayalee (People whose mother tongue is Malayalam or Kerala natives) 

Nowadays, it is difficult to spot a menu card of hotels or restaurants without Thalassery Dum Biriyani. Moreover, it is one of the favorite cuisines of the holidaymakers, both domestic and international, who visits Kerala. In addition to that, hotels organize ‘Biriyani Festivals’ to increase the footfalls and entice the regular customers. Usually it is available in roadside eateries of Kerala, especially during evening.

Due to major developments in information technology the recipe is available in online in Apps, blogs, website and videos.


Thalassery Dum Chicken Biryani
Thalassery Dum Chicken Biryani

A simple recipe of Thalassery Dum Chicken Biriyani is as follows.

Ingredients for Thalassery Dum Chicken Biriyani

  • Chicken- 1 kg
  • Biriyani Rice- 1 kg
  • Onion - 5, (chopped)
  • Tomato - 3
  • Green chilli-6
  • Ginger- one piece
  • Garlic - 10 peeled cloves
  • Turmeric powder- 1 1/2 table spoon
  • Chilli powder-2 table spoon
  • Biriyani masala-1 table spoon
  • Salt – as needed
  • Lemon-1
  • Curry leaves- 3 stem
  • Coriander leaves - 2 stem
  • Raisins-6
  • Cashew nuts - 10
  • Oil - 100 gm
  • Ghee - 50 gm
  • Water-7 1/2 glass

Steps

 Making the Chicken Masala:
  • Marinate chicken with 1 table spoon turmeric powder, 2 tbsp chilli powder and salt and keep it for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Saute it in a frying pan by pouring oil for 10 to 15 minutes. [Do not Fry]
  • Heat a vessel and pour oil, slowly put chopped onions by adding salt and sauté. Stop the process when it turns brown. Then add tomatoes into it and sauté well.
  • Add green chilli, garlic and ginger paste, then saute it. Add ½ table spoon turmeric powder into it. Add curry leaves and coriander leaves into it.
  • Add cooked chicken pieces into the masala and mix well all the ingredients. Cover the vessel with the lid. Keep the vessel over the flame for some time.
  • Open the lid and mix well the chicken Masala

Frying of Onion, Raisins and Cashew nuts
  • Take one vessel, heat and pour some oil in to it.
  • Put 1 cup of chopped onion into the boiling oil and fry it until brown color. Then  raisins and cashew nuts into it and fry them too.
  • Transfer the fried onion, raisins and cashews from the oil and keep it aside.

Making the Biriyani Rice
  • Pour the water into it and let it boil
  • Add the salt.
  • Add lemon juice of one full lemon in to it.
  • Add biriyani rice into the boiling water and mix well.  [Make sure that the biriyani rice is properly cleaned]
  • Close the vessel with a lid and let it cook.
  •  Make sure the rice should not stick at the bottom of the vessel.
  • Transfer the Biriyani Rice from the oven ones it is cooked well.
  • Biriyani rice preparation is completed.

Mixing of Chicken Masala and Biriyani Rice

  • Make layers of Biriyani rice and Chicken Masala in a vessel.
  • [Use 2/3rd of Biriyani Rice]
  • Make the fire in simmer mode.
  • Now take, put the fried onion, cashew nuts and raisins over it along with 1/4 table spoon Chicken Biriyani Masala and coriander leaves.
  • Make another layer with the rice and put the above things.
  • Close the vessel tightly with a lid and put some weight over the lid, which will keep the lid more tightly. This will help to mix the rice and masala more easily. Cook for few minutes.
  • Open the lid after a few minutes and again retake the biriyani rice into the biriyani vessel using a stirrer until the masala portion reaches.
  • Thalassery Dum Chicken Biriyani is ready to serve.

Monday 1 January 2018

Vagamon, a true paradise for Paragliding Lovers

Vagamon is one of famous hill station located in Kottayam and Idukki Districts of Kerala.  National Geographic Traveler has listed Vagamon on their directory of the "50 most attractive places to visit in India". Vagamon is the bucket list of holidaymakers who visits the southern part of Kerala. The picturesque scene from the hill top will be a feast for the eyes. It has a serene atmosphere. The nature of wind is favorable for  paragliding. Most of the season anyone can spot paragliders here. 

Paragliding at Vagamon
Paragliding at Vagamon

Nearest Railway Station is Kottayam Railway stations.62.4 km Ernakulam Railway Station 99 kms or 61.5 miles

Nearest  Airport is Cochin International Airport which is around  94 Kilometers  or 58.4 miles from Vagamon.

Nearby tourist attractions of Vagamon

Munnar - 92.3 Kilometers from Vagamon via Kattappana - Kuttikkanam Road

Thekkady - 45.1 Kilometers from Vagamon

Vagamon
Click from Vagamon

International Paragliding Festival is happening in Vagamon from 20th January - 18th February 2018. To know more about paragliding cost and timing visit click here.


 International Paragliding Fest
 International Paragliding Fest