Most Famous Parathas in India

Paratha are the most popular Indian Snacks item and one of the easy Indian food to prepare in quick time. There are a huge variety of Paratha or pan-fried Indian flat bread available throughout the India, Its a traditional noth Indian dish and vary in shape triangular or round from place to place with taste. Generally there is two types of Parathas plain and stuffed, which is further divided in the way of cooking either on tawa or on tandoor. There is a famous lane of Paratha or Gali Paranthe Wali at Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, where all types of Parathas are served.  Some of the best Indian Parathas are Plain paratha,Tandoori Paratha,Lachha paratha,Jalebi Paratha, Crispy paratha and very delicious jowar and bhajra paratha.

Aloo Paratha

The simple and most famous Indian flat bread is Aloo Paratha, The round shape Paratha is stuffed with boiled Potato alongn with some spicy ingredients. Aloo Paratha baked with ghee is taste very delicious while eaten with pickle and curds. Another variant of Aloo Paratha is Palak Aloo Paratha.

Aloo-Paratha-with-Dahi

Gobi Paratha

Gobi means cauliflower, Gobi vegetable is mostly liked by every one specially in Punjab, The Gobi Paratha is stuffed with grated cauliflower & spices, a quick breakfast to have. The traditional Cauliflower Paratha is one of the famous breakfast of Indian state Punjab.

Swadist-Gobi-Paratha

Methi Paratha

The tasty and healthy herb Methi or Fenugreek is another best breakfast for Indian. The chopped fenugreek leaves are directly mixed with wheat flour and cooked the whole wheat bread with oil or Ghee. It taste so delicious with cold yogurt and a pickle, yummy food.

Methi-Paratha-in-Winter

Mooli Paratha

Mooli or Radish Paratha is another most favorite paratha, served for breakfast from the great Punjab along with butter and lassi. Mooli Paratha take a little time to be cooked but it tastes really great with green Chilli Chutney.

Mooli-Paratha-Yummm

Onion Paratha

The Delicious onion paratha is made up by chopped onion along with Indian spices and green chillies to the wheat flour. This mild flavored onion paratha is taste awesome while serve hot parathas with tea or coffee and green chutney.

Onion-Paratha

Cheese Paratha

The Indian flat bread stuffed with grated cheese and taste best while served with butter, cold yogurt or pickle.The grated cheese can be stuffed with any other type of Parathas for a better taste like Capsicum and Cheese Parathas,Corn and Cheese Parathas and the latest one Pudina Cheese Paratha.

Cheese-Paratha

Sattu Paratha

The most famous food from Bihar Sattu roti or sattu paratha is a healthy food item which is made up of roasted chana dal powder. Sattu Paratha is served with Chokha spicy mashed potatoes along with litti and some time served with brinjal and potato chutney.

Sattu-Paratha

Paneer Paratha

Paneer stuffed paratha is one of the mouth-watering Indian recipe from the Punjab.The parathas are stuffed with small pieces of Panner, the Indian Cheese or cottage cheese with other nutritional ingredients. Another variant of Paneer Paratha is Palak Paneer Paratha.

Paneer-Paratha

Chana Dal Paratha

The awesome cuisine from Punjab channa dal paratha is a different but delicious paratha, stuffed with chana dal,tomatoes and spices. The simply and spicy Chana Dal Paratha is some how based on famous  Maharashtrian traditional cuisines Puran Poli, a sweet chana dal stuffed paratha.

ChanaDal-Paratha

Mixed Vegetable Paratha

The breakfast cum meal item Mixed Vegetable Paratha is made up by stuffing of very finely chopped vegetables like, Cabbage,Grated carrot,Capsicum,Spring onions and Green chillis. Mix Veg Paratha is one of the tastiest parathas from India.

Mixed-Veg-Paratha-Healthy

Parathas are usually stuffed with vegetables or with meat here are few more Delicious stuffed Indian parathas Curried Paratha,Lachha Paratha,Jalebi Paratha,ajwain paratha,Palak Aloo Paratha,palak paneer paratha,Corn Paratha and capsicum Paratha. Non Veg includes Kheema Paratha, Chicken Paratha,egg Paratha and most famous Mughlai paratha.

Swaad with Sharmaji

Palaces in India: The spectacular Mysore Palace

With the spectacular Mysore Palace and many smaller glorious structures it is only appropriate that Mysore in the Southern state of Karnataka is known as the City of Palaces. Our visitors guide gives you all the details you need to plan your sightseeing.

Mysore-Palace

A trip to the city of Mysore gives travellers the chance to visit the glorious past of Tipu Sultan and his father Hyder Ali, who put up a great fight against the British rule and were responsible for laying the foundation of places like Bangalore and Mysore over four decades. As the seat of power for the father-son duo and then later the Wodeyar King, Mysore is a historian’s delight.

Burj-Mysore-Palace

Apart from the Jaganmohana Palace, the Jayalakshmi Vilas, Lalitha Mahal, Chamundeshwari Temple and St. Philomena’s Church, the biggest attraction of the Mysore is the Ambavilas Palace or better known as the Mysore Palace.

How to get there

The city of Mysore is about 4 hours from Bangalore and can be accessed by road and rail conveniently. Mysore also has its own airport now but has limited flights at the moment.

About the Palace

Standing just after Taj Mahal in statistics, the palace has seen over 2.7 million visitors. It serves as the residential quarters of the erstwhile royal family, Wodeyars. The first palace of the royal family was built in the 14th century but was demolished and subsequently rebuilt & expanded many times over till 1940. The Mysore palace saw a lot of restructuring due to inevitable circumstances like being struck by lightning, a fire in the later years and of course by Tipu Sultan. The current style of the palace is shaped by British architect, Henry Irwin, who was commissioned by Maharani Vani Vilas Sannidhna.

Mysore-palace-from-far

Following the Indo-Saracenic architectural style, the building brings together Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture. The palace is a three storied structure built of gray granite with deep pink marble. An impressive sculpture of Gajalakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, good luck, and abundance with her elephants stands on the central arch of the palace.

Dussehra

Dusherra is the most important festival of the city of Mysore, and the palace becomes a focal point of all cultural activities that are showcased on this day. The ten day festival is presided over by the King. On the tenth day of Vijaya Dashami, an extensive parade with elephants and local floats passes through a well guarded city. The festival commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon, Mahishasur.

Mysore-Palace-in-Night

Entry Fee

International visitors are charged Rs 200 while national tourists have to pay an entry fee of Rs 20/-. Cameras are not allowed inside, but you can capture the grand structure from the gates. (This information is subject to change).

Opening Times and Days

The palace is open on all days from 10.00 a.m to 5.30 p.m. On Sundays, national holidays and Dusherra the palace is beautifully lit with strings of light bulbs. The timing of the lit palace is between 7.00 p.m and 8.00 p.m (This information is subject to change).

Best time to Visit

October through February is a good time to visit Karnataka. If planning in October, don’t miss to catch the Dusherra festival.

Places to watch the sunset in India

Watching the sunset from a beautiful vantage point is highly emotive and a perfect sunset can be the single most memorable thing about a destination. Whether its sunsets along the coasts or behind lush mountains, it’s all possible in India. With an impressive west facing coastline and hill stations perched in the mountains, India has a large array of wonderful exotic backdrops for the most beautiful daily phenomena in the world. We take you to seven top destinations to experience the best sunsets in India.

1. Fort Cochin

The famous Chinese fishing nets in the central square of Fort Kochi often define the landscape of this quaint town. There is nothing like a beautiful sunset with the silhouettes of fishermen working at these nets to get the catch home and have a lucrative evening. The fishermen also let the tourists give a helping hand to enjoy the experience.

Sunset-in-Cochin

2. Goa

As the sun sets down on Goa, you know it’s time to hit the watering hole. Watch the last of the football matches and people taking runs on the Goan beaches and then lie on the comfortable beach loungers and watch the sky turn orange as the sun sets.

Sunset-in-Goa

3. Rann of Kutch

The Rann of Kutch is celebrated for its vast dry lands full of nothingness. A traveller’s dream, it looks even more fantastic as the sun sets on the arid landscape. Still not explored by many, take a trip to Kutch and enjoy the culture and simple living in the desert region of the country.

Great-Rann-of-Kutch-Sunset

4. Sunset in Wayanad

The warm glow of the sun is a pleasant respite in the hilly and lush green terrains of Wayanad in North Kerala. It’s great to see the sun settle in the forests of the region, while the receding light makes for great photo-opportunities.

Sunset-in-Wayanad

5. Varkala Cliff Top Sunset

Varkala is a great destination for beach lovers. Tucked away off the main highway between Trivandrum and Kollam, the beach of Varkala is overlooked by a massive cliff. Little shops and cafes join the cliff side from where you can enjoy a clear sunset.

Sunset-in-Varkala

6. Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal in Agra is spectacular at any time of day, but especially popular on full moon nights. If you can’t visit on a full moon night, ensure that you stay till the monument is shut at sunset. As the sun goes behind the massive minarets and the main structure, the myriad colours of the sky make an exquisite backdrop to the Taj Mahal.

Sunset-from-Taj-Mahal-Agra

7. Kashid Sunset

Not far from Mumbai, Kashid is a relatively new destination for travellers, discovering it’s beautiful beaches and wonderfully lonely spots. Catch the sunset in this Maharashtrian coastal wonder.

Sunset-in-Kashid

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India Hidden Secret: Explore caves in India

For millennia people have been drawn to the dark, silent and often mysterious spaces under the earth. Caves offer all sorts of natural beauty, exotic man-made carvings and well preserved historical artefacts. Thanks to excavations and explorers there are several caves in India open for visitors to explore. Escape the hustle and bustle of the surface for a while and add one of these quiet and remarkable spots to your sightseeing itinerary.

Here are our top five cave locations in India.

1. Ajanta & Ellora Caves 

One of the most popular destinations for exotic carvings and a easy weekend access, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are situated a distance of 350 kms from Mumbai in Aurangabad. Dated between a span of 2nd century BC and 11th Century AD, they are a mix of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist carvings. There are about 34 caves at Ellora and 20 at Ajanta.

Outside-Ajanta-caves

If you cannot take out time for these, make a day trip from Mumbai to the Elephanta Caves. The magnificent sculptures from 450 and 750 AD are worth a trip.

• Opening times for Ajanta & Ellora: 9.00 a.m to 5.30 p.m (Ajanta Caves are closed on Monday & Ellora on Tuesday)
• Entry Fees: Rs 5/- for Indian Nations and $5 for Foreign Nationals.
• Opening times for Elephanta Caves: 9.00 a.m to 5.30 p.m (Closed on Mondays)
• Entry Fee: Rs 5/- for Indian Nationals and $5 for Foreign Nationals. (Free for children under 15 years of age)

Inside-Ajanta-caves

2. Badami Caves of Karnataka

There are very few temples or religious destinations in India where you will find patronage to both Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Badami caves in North Karnataka are a pantheon dedicated to both these Hindu Gods. While the large part of these caves is dedicated to Hindu Gods, there is one small Jain temple as well. The caves are located on a hill top with 200 steps – Be prepared to be enthralled after the short climb.

Badami-Caves-view

• Opening times: Dawn to Dusk
• Entry Fee: Rs 5/- for Indian & SAARC Country Nationals and $5 for Foreign Nationals. (Free for children under 15 years of age)

3. Tabo in Spiti 

Meditation caves, quite appropriately tucked away on rocky ridges, still exist in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh. These are hand dug caves, where Buddhist Lamas still go and sit in solitude. You can explore and walk in (if caves are not occupied) to get a feel of austere living.

Tabo-Cave-Spiti

4. Meghalaya Caves 

The lush North eastern state of Meghalaya is also known for many caves in the region. It is said that there are over 1200 caves in the state which are suited for adventure activities. While these are breathtaking, they are also very wet inside and should only be visited with guides.

Waterfall-outside-Caves-Meghalaya

The major caves are found in the Khasi Hills including the famous Krem Mawkhyrdop.

Mawsmai Cave in the village of Mawsmai has impressive formations of large passages and chambers with amphitheatre-like halls and endless galleys with plenty of stunning stalagmite and stalactite formations.

5. Pallava Caves

Heading south to Tamil Nadu, the Pallava Caves are a famous sight-seeing spot in the town of Trichy. These small rock cut caves were made next to the Rock Fort Temple and house beautiful sculptures. These are said to be built in 6th and 7th Centuries.

Caves-Around-Rock-Fort

• Opening times: 6.00 a.m to 8.00 p.m
• Entry Fee: Rs. 0.50 (Rs 10/- is charged for cameras)

Inside-Pallava-Caves

For all of the caves listed above, it is suggested to check timings and entry fee as they are subject to change.

Beaches in India: Finding the best beach in India

With its vast coastline India has a wide array of spectacular palm lined beaches which attract travellers from all over the world. Finding the best beach in India is no easy task; there are so many to choose from! The best beach in India for you will depend on what you want, from quiet solitude to a party type atmosphere. We’ve been hunting down the best beaches whatever your preference.

Best-Beaches-INDiA

We’ve done a round up of our favorite beaches which we have covered in our Indian beach series.

Alleppey Beach, Kerala

Alleppey beach is a popular spot with old colonial buildings lining the shore. Also known as Alappuzha beach there are good facilities and interesting sights.

Alleppey-Beach-Kerala

Baga beach, Goa

Baga Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Goa. It’s almost always crowded but it is clean, safe and family friendly with a lively night life when the sun goes down.

Baga-Beach-Goa

Colva Beach, Goa

The long white sandy stretch of Colva Beach in Goa is very popular. The sand at Colva as compared to other parts of Goa is exceptionally soft. Colva stretches over a large expanse and hence accommodates two distinct parts – one which is isolated where you can find a lone spot quite easily, and the other which is bustling with locals and tourists enjoying water sports.

Colva-Beach-Goa

East Coast Beaches

While the west coast beaches might be amongst the most popular there are plenty of fantastic beach spots on the east coast too. Pondicherry, Gopalpur and the Chennai beaches Marina and Besant Nagar beach are worth a visit.

East-Coast-Beach

Fort Kochi Beach

Kerala is known for its extraordinary coastal delights and the Jewish influenced town of Fort Kochi provides a pleasant mix of beach fun and history. Not the best beach for swimming or sunbathing, but instead soak in the atmosphere, watch the fishermen at the famous Chinese fishing nets and enjoy some top quality local seafood.

Fort-Kochi-Beach

Gokarna beaches, Karnataka

Gokarna is one of the lesser known beach-towns lying in Karnataka. There are four main beaches in Gokarna – Kudlee Beach, Om Beach, Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach (in order from North to South). As one goes further South, the beaches become even more secluded and pristine.

Gokarna-Beach-Karnataka

Kashid beach, Maharashtra

Kashid beach tops the list of beaches in India for people looking for silence and calm environment. Kashid beach is popular with a rock less shore and kilometres of soft sand. The entire spread is white and clear of any stones, rough patches or rocky areas. Some beach areas are almost deserted offering you the opportunity to have your own private paradise.

Kashid-Beach-Maharashtra

Kovalam Beach, Kerala

Kovalam beach, located in the southern state of Kerala, is popular for it’s diverse attractions. The 4-km beach is just six kilometers from state’s capital, Trivandrum and it’s three curved beaches are lined by towering coconut trees. The beach can be quite busy and there is a good selection of restaurants and shops.

Kovalam-Beach-Kerala

Marari Beach in Kerala

Marari beach is a relatively low profile but wonderful sandy stretch between Fort Kochi and Alleppey. This stretch of the Kerala coast is great for just relaxing and doing nothing.

Marari-Beach-Kerala

Palolem beach, Goa

Palolem beach is one of those Goan beaches, which the average traveller has probably never heard about. But that is the best part about it. It has all of Goa’s beauty but none of its commercialisation. The area is mainly occupied local fishermen and a handful of solitude loving tourists. It is a swimmer-friendly beach, which stretches out for over 1.5 kms. The depth of the sea increases gradually and the currents are not fast.

Palolem-Beach-Goa

Varkala Beach, Kerala

Varkala beach is known not just for its scenic beauty but also religious value. Also called Papanasam beach it is believed a dip in these waters can wash away your sins. Varkala beach is a calm, clean and quiet place to swim, unwind and get a golden tan. But activities like paragliding can also be enjoyed here for the more adventurous.

Varkala-Beach-Kerala

Karnataka Toursim: Gokarna Beaches

Gokarna is one of the lesser known beach-towns lying in the middle of Goa and Karnataka. In many ways it has the best of Goa’s beauty without its gnarly drunkenness. Here is all you need to know about this lovely, laidback town.

Kudle-beach-Gokarna

BEACHES

There are four main beaches in Gokarna – Kudlee Beach (pictured above), Om Beach (pictured below), Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach (in order from North to South). As one goes further South, the beaches become even more secluded and pristine. Walking is the most common way of getting around. However, auto-rickshaws between the popular beaches are also available. Currents change on a day to day basis, sometimes making the waters too dangerous for a swim.

Om beach at Gokarna

FESTIVAL

Gokarna is most crowded during Shivaratri (February/March) when up to 20,000 pilgrims invade the small beach town. The 4-day festival involves large scale celebrations wherein two mammoth chariots are pulled across the main town.

THINGS TO DO

Most visitors will be there to spend time on the beautiful beaches to the south. Enjoy the sea and the views from the beach cafes or play volleyball on the sand. The beaches are clean, but ask locally about swimming, as currents can be strong.

Beach-ball-at-Gokarna-Beach

GETTING THERE

The nearest airport is in Goa. From Margao, which is 125 kms away one can take a train or a pre-booked taxi. With advance booking taxis or trains can also be taken from Mangalore or Bangalore, which are 225 km and 475 km away respectively.

Boat-Resting

EAT AND DRINK

Sea food is freely available. Thalis are fabulously inexpensive. The Namaste Cafe on Om Beach serves good Mexican, Israeli and Indian food. Restaurants are not allowed to serve hard liquor. Hence, beer is usually the only option.

Souvenirs From India

India is not only breathtaking but offers a vast variety of experiences and places and you will definitely want some mementos of your trip. Choosing which souvenirs from India to take home is a hard choice as baggage space is always a limitation for travelers. Here are our suggestions of some essential and some original souvenirs from the length and breadth of the country, depending on where your meandering feet might land. The suggestions are given based on the weight, size, authentic representation of the destination and some amount of cultural context. Shower your loved ones back home with a taste of India!

Prayer-flags-souvenirs-from-India

North India

Starting from the very North of the country, Jammu & Kashmir harbours a hidden pride in its valleys – Ladakh. The spirit of Ladakh is embodied in the fluttering prayer flags which hang in every nook and corner to spread the blessings with the wind. Grab a small roll of these to remember the gentle and non overwhelming demeanour of Tibetans in this region. If you have some space, pashmina shawls and stoles would also be a good choice. You are sure to land in Delhi if visiting the North. There will be a plethora of choices here, kitsch bric-a- bracs from the Hauz Khas market are something you could look at. For those who want to visit only one place, Dilli Haat in south-central Delhi will give an opportunity to pick a souvenir from states around the country.

Fabric-souvenirs-from-India

West India

Veering towards the western region, Rajasthan is a marvellous destination for shopping. Silver jewellery, funky slippers, and tie & dye fabric is the best in the country. Goa and Mumbai have their own set of curios, the most famous of which is a nice pack of cashews from Goa. In Mumbai, look out for some Bollywood inspired memorabilia. The street markets of Mumbai in turn are great for ethnic artificial jewellery which befits dresses for an evening out. The women are likely to spend a lot of time here – spending, and more importantly sprucing up their bargaining skills.

Handcraft-toys-artifacts-souvenirs-from-India

South India

South of India is a treasure where knick-knacks are concerned. If in Bangalore, don’t forget to pick up the unique Channapatna toys from Cauvery Shopping Emporium in the heart of the city. Mysore Silk is extremely famous, so picking up some light stoles will be a good idea. If you have taken fancy to the sari, then both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are great to pick up unique designs in both cotton and silk. Infact the whole of South India has regional delights where weaving skills are concerned. If heading towards Kerala, objects made of coconut husk, small replicas of the Snake Boats, Kerala Saris and Aranmula metal mirrors do not take up much space.

East India

Ethnic hunting spears & knives and prayer wheels lie ironically together in the Eastern Markets of the country. Bright red and black coloured Naga Shawls work really well as wall hangings too. Handier to carry back, are the small prayer wheels that a lot of locals use while chanting. The eastern states like West Bengal, Nagaland, Sikkim and Assam are famous for their own special weaving designs. Small bags, exclusive tribal jewellery and Hornbill pins are available everywhere.

Naga-shawl-souvenirs-from-India

Bargaining

It is difficult to assess the cost of an item if traveling alone. It’s best to get some local advice on this matter. Bargaining is rampant in India, so start with bringing down the cost by at least 40%. Based on your awe and desire for the souvenir, relent when needed. For small bric-a-bracs like key-chains and artificial jewellery you will not find too much scope to bargain.

Bangles-souvenirs-from-India

The list of things to carry back home may exceed your baggage space, so limit that urge to pick up bright and beautiful bread spreads, heavy antiques and shawls. Although if finances allow you might like to ship some back home as you are bound to get great deals in India.

If not for the souvenirs, just enjoy the thrill of shopping in the bustling streets of an Indian market. The colours, smell and noise add to the charm of jostling your way around and getting a good bargain! Moreover if you are able to transport yourself back to this fabulous country after your trip through your souvenirs, it will be a job well done.

Indian Clothing Culture: Types of Sari in India

Indian clothing is often the object of desire for many visitors to the country and a great souvenir with a wide variety of colours and fabrics to choose from.

Indian clothing has been conservative from the beginning. You will find women dressed in saris or salwar kameez, while men are comfortable in Kurta Pajamas or mundus (dhoti/ waishtis; pictured below). Modern influence has now made dressing in India very western like and you will see a number of people wearing western styles, although often with an Indian twist.

Dhotis-India

Adding to the plethora of choice, the clothing often has regional characteristics, especially the saris worn by women. Many travellers are fascinated by the vast choice and carry these back as souvenirs, not necessarily to use as clothing: saris often double up as drapes or wall hangings.

Sari-Draping

Amongst many Indian styles of clothing, the sari is most distinguishable and has an international appeal with its fabric varieties and colours. More so, it appeals to the women for its elegant draping. No matter which state you visit in India, you are bound to find a distinct style for the sari. Here are some of the few favourites types of sari for travelers:

1. Bandhani

This type of sari is found the western part of the country, namely, Gujarat and Rajasthan. It’s made of the hand dyed tie and dye and is available in cotton and silks. These saris are mostly multi colored and festive looking. The light fabrics make it easy to drape and youthful to look at.

Bandhej-ki-Sari

2. Chanderi

While the Bandhani saris are playful, the Chanderi has an air of sophistication to it. These are made in Madhya Pradesh in central India. A soft lightness and subtle colours are the main characteristic of these saris. Very muted colour contrasts and embroidery are the only embellishment that you will find on a Chanderi sari.

Chanderi-Handweave-Sari

3. Benares Brocade

The Benares brocade is famous for its heavy weaves and opulent look. Mostly bought for grand occasions and weddings, these saris are rich in design and texture. They are woven for days on fine silk and also use heavy embellishments to make it look even more lavish.

Banaras-zari-brocade-Sari

4. Jamdani Handloom

The Jamdani work on saris is a wonder woven in thread. Near transparent cloth is jammed with thread on the weft while weaving. The designs are often symmetric and inspired from tribal prints. Peacocks, cursive vines and flowers are common themes. A lot of Jamdani work is done in West Bengal.

Jamdani-handloom-Sari

5. Kantha

Again a Bengali special, the Kantha work on saris is intricate and almost a form of story-telling. Elaborate tales unfold in the embroideries. Complex decorative motifs are used on cotton and silk. These saris look very rich and cultured.

Kantha-Bangali-Sari

Buying Saris

Government run co-operatives and showrooms are always present in large cities. For example, in Delhi, the state emporiums near Connought Place have the traditional saris in store. Since each state has its own specific style of embroidery or weaving, this is one place you will be spoilt for choice. If you are visiting a specific destination, ask for guidance on the actual weaving centers from where you can buy directly. Large metros have a vast range if you have less time to go exploring locally.

Sari-Shopping