Top 10 foods of India

This is a post for foodies as we are about to discuss the most popular food items across India. And to make it even better, we mention similar preparations too!

Indian-Food

Butter Chicken

A juicy preparation of Chicken, which is a hot favorite for non vegeterians all across the country, especially North Indians. Added with dollops of butter and cream, this is straight out of the royal kitchen of the Mughals. The spicy cuisine offers other attractive variations such as Kadhai Chicken and Jahangiri Chicken. Mutton Rogan Josh is a red coloured spicy prperation from Kashmir that is served all across the country. Paired best with Tandoori Roti or Naan.

Butter-Chicken

Reshmi Kabab

Call it a starter or a side dish, kababs are an inseperable part of a Mughlai meal. Chicken Reshmi kababs are most popular, closely followed by Tandoori Chicken, Mutton Shammi and Sheek kababs. The deeply marinated meat is roasted in an oven and served hot with onion rings and the tangy green chutney made out of pudina leaves. Roasted paneer and potatoes are popular vegetarian kababs.

Reshmi-Kabab

Biriyani

A preparation of rice made with sumptuous helpings of meat, mutton or chicken in a closed vessel over fire would bring saliva to any non vegetarian’s mouth. There are different styles unique to each region. The ones from Lucknow and Hyderabad are famous and owe their secrets to the Nizams. The vegetarian version is slowly gaining popularity.

Chicken-Biryani

Fish Curry

People from coastal parts of the country, especially the Bengalis, would swear by their fish curry and rice. For those who can manage to maneuver through fish bones, it is a must to try the mustard preparation of Hilsa in Bengal, Prawns in Odisha, Crabs in Chennai and Sea Fish in Goa.

Goa-Fish-Curry

Dosa

Now, now, don’t think India is all about non vegetarian food. There’s a lot for vegetarians too. Try the Dosa, a food that originated from South India, but is available all over the country, albeit with some local transformations. It is made out of rice powder (can you believe it?) and looks like a paper thin cake. Coupled with mashed potato and sambar, this is a delicacy that is light and tasty. The number of variations of this simple dish can sweep you off your feet: Rawa Dosa, Mysore Masala Dosa, Paper Dosa, etc. Idli, Vada and Uttapams are also part of this cuisine.

DOSA

Rajma and Chhole

Pulses are popular all across the country. But North Indians are completely crazy about Rajma and Chhole (chick peas). You can recognize a fellow from this region if you overhear him seeking Rajma and Rice in the most unlikely of places. Lobia, a close cousin of rajma, is also fairly popular.

Rajma-Chole

Daal Baati Churma

As we discuss pulses and lentils, let us also mention the famous Daal Baati Churma from Rajasthan. There is a slight tinge of sugar in almost all preparations from this region, and this is no exception. The use of besan (gram flour) is abundant, and forms the base of the famous Gatte ki sabzi. Besan, mixed with curd forms Kadhi, which is liked by all across the country.

Rajasthani-Daal-Batti-Churma

Nav Ratan Korma

The spice lovers of India simply adore their Nav Ratan Korma, or a preparation made from nine exquisite ingredients that include cashew and nuts. Paneer, or cottage cheese, made with peas (Matar Paneer), spinach (Palak Paneer) capsicum and onions (Kadhai Paneer) make various dishes. Other popular dishes include roasted brinjal (Baingan ka Bharta), Ladies finger (Bhindi) and Cauliflower (Gobhi).

Navaratan-Korma

Momos

A food that originates from the China-Tibet region, the land of thukpas and noodles. In India, momos were initially available in Sikkim and the North Eastern States. Gradually, this delicacy has percolated to the rest of the country and local innovations have adapted them as per the taste of the consumers. For example, in North India, momos are also served fried, with red chilli sauces. It is perhaps the most popular snack of today’s times: quick, tasty and healthy, as it is usually steamed. The inner filling varies: chicken for non vegeterians, cabbage and paneer for vegeterians. Lamb and spinach momos can also be found.

Momos

Sweets

Its not only with the Bengalis and Gujratis, but no Indian meal is complete without a desert. Gulab jamuns, gajar ki halwa and kheers are the most popular, along with a glass of lassi or if not anything, a scoop of icecream. Sweets form the largest sector of milk produce.

Mithai-Indian-Sweets

We know this had to be wrapped up too soon. That does not mean we have forgotten the yummy aloo paranthas, pickles, undios, theplas and khakras from Gujarat, specialities from North East, the spicy Chettinand cuisine and many more. Here’s remembering all the finger-licking delicacies of our country!!

Indian food is popular all over the world. It reflects the flavor of all cultures and states. One can enjoy the best food all over India staying in the best accommodations such as Homestays and Vacation rentals.

Uttarakhand Tourism: Things to do in Mussoorie

It is true that our mind works effectively only when our soul is happy. Slyvia Plath has rightly said, “I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, “This is what it is to be happy.”

Often called as the ‘queens of hills’, Mussoorie is situated in the state of Uttrakhand. Its rich flora, fauna and appalling beauty attracts a large number of tourists from the whole country. Exhibiting a wonderful view of the Himalayas and away from bustling life of Dehradun, Mussoorie is an ideal place to spend some time in peace.

Mussoorie-Views

Its history goes back to 1820’s when British imperialists were impressed by the beauty of Mussoorie. The name itself has been derived from the plant named ‘mussoorie’ which is available in abundance there. After acknowledging the beauty of the place it became a hub of tourist activities. Number of education institutes also opened up at the same time.

Places of interest

To really draw the maximum mileage from your travels, it is important for one to communicate with the local people and imbibe  their culture. Mussoorie has become a weekend destinations for people living in Delhi and in nearby areas. So if you are a nature lover, Mussoorie will aptly suit your purpose. Its green cover, pleasant weather and jolly people will give you immense joy. The city is also famous for its street food. You can enjoy lip smacking momo’s along with coffee and tea and get one of the best weekend destinations near Delhi.

There are number of places that you can visit to make your trip worthwhile;

Kempty Falls: 

It is only 15kms away from the centre of Mussoorie. The falls are surrounded by mountains which makes the place all the more striking. It is great picnic spot, where you can grab a chai (tea)  from any tea-seller and enjoy the panorama.

Kempty-Falls-Mussoorie

Mussoorie Lake: 

This is a newly build picnic spot by the local Municipal body. It is only 6kms away from the city and is very liked by honeymooners. The lake has peddled boats where you can test you boating skills!

Mussoorie-Lake

Camel’s Back Road: 

It is one of the most frequented places of Mussoorie. It is famous for nature walks and horse riding. So if you want to take a closer look of the place, take a stroll on this rocky road.

Camel’s-Back-Road-Mussoorie

Nag Devta Temple: 

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated on Cart Mackenzie Road. Such temples give a deeper look into the Hindu mythology and traditions of the country.

Nag-Devta-Temple-in-Mussoorie

Uttarakhand Tourism: Gateway of Heaven Haridwar

Often referred to as the ‘Gateway of Heaven’, Haridwar is considered as one of the holiest place in the country. Located at the banks of Ganges in Uttarakhand, Haridwar attracts a large number of pilgrims from the country.

As quoted by Varun Paswan, a famous Hindi poet;

“पड़ी हुई है एक किनारे पर

होगी कोई नदी

कोई विस्तार पानी का

अपनी बैठक का कोई झोलदार कोना महज

जहाँ भटक के ना पहुंचा कोई मेहमान

ना ही टिका कोई मेज़बान

दूरियां पार करने को एक पुल है

उसके नीचे जो जलराशि है

वही गंगा कहती है”

Haridwar exhibits a perfect blend of spirituality and holiness. It opens the doors to Char Dham, ie, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri and promises a worthwhile experience to the travellers. The age old streets of the city and countless number of temples transfer travelers into another world.

Places of interest

There are considerable numbers of mythologies associated with Haridwar, which makes it all the more interesting place. You can get first hand information by talking to the localities there. Haridwar is considered as among the seven most holy places in country. Along with Ujjain, Nasik and Allahabad, it is one of the four sites where drops of ‘Amrit’ accidently spilled over while being carried by the divine bird ‘Garuda’. There are number places for tourists;

Haridwar-Junction

Har ki Pauri:

This Ganga ghat was built by King Vikramaditya. It is believed that at this point ganga takes entry into plains after having a rough journey from the mountains. The ghat is believed to have been visited by Lord Vishnu which is indicative by the name of the place. The place ideal to relax and have delicious samosa and chai.

Har-ki-Pauri–Haridwar

Mansa Devi Temple:

The devoted status of Haridwar has also been derived by the presence of this temple. Mansa Devi is one of the shaktipeeth present in the country. It is believed that Goddess Mansa Devi fulfils the wishes of devotees visiting her. It is a must to experience the grandeur of the temple.

Mansa-Devi-Temple

Udan Khatola:

Haridwar has one of the oldest ropeways in the country. It is also called as ‘ropeway to god’ as it transports one to the Chandi Devi temple located on the other side. While on the ropeway you can enjoy the marvellous greenery that Uttrakhand has to offer.

Udan-Khatola

Haridwar is also a site for many religious festivals. Most importantly it is one of the destinations for the Kumbh Mela every 12 years which draws tourist from all over the world. The Ardh Kumbh Mela is held in every 6 years. The Kanwar Mela and Somwati Amavasya are another significant festivals of Haridwar.

Kumbh-Mela-in-Haridwar

Indian Festivals: Festivals in March

As all the harvest festivals recede and the Indian landscape is touched by clearer weather, it’s time for some colour and fun in the month of March. The famous festival of colours, Holi, brings with it wide scale celebrations across the country.

Holi-colors

Here are some of the places that you must keep in mind while planning a trip to India in March. 

Holi 

Almost all North Indian cities burst in colour and celebrations in the month of March, with the ‘festival of colour’, Holi. Dry and wet colours are thrown with the aid of balloons and sprinklers on each other. This joyous festival is a ‘no bar’ day when everyone’s threshold is challenged or rather soaked in colour. ‘Bhaang’, the wet residue of cannabis is used in drinks and foods to add more fun. The Holi of Varanasi, Barsana and Mathura are the most popular.

Holi-Re-Rasiya

Jaipur Elephant Festival 

You can safely spend a fair amount of time in Rajasthan in the month of March. Around the same time as Holi, Jaipur also hosts a grand festival which displays its royal heritage in the form of an ‘elephant festival’. Splendid parades with elaborately decorated elephants and even tug of war games make for quite an entertaining spectacle for visitors.

Rangilo-Hathi-in-Jaipur

Paripally Gajmela 

A month for elephants, this festival is held at the Paripally Kodimootil Sree Bhadrakaali Temple around an hour’s drive from Trivandrum in Kerala. 50 elephants are richly decorated and then paraded to make offerings at the temple. A photographer’s delight, it is one of the lesser known festivals to capture. It is likely to have more local participation over the well advertised festivals of Kerala which attract more tourists.

Elephants-decoration-Kerala

Thirunakkara Arattu 

Another elephant oriented festival in the month of March is celebrated in Kottayam district of Kerala. The 10 day Thirunakkara Arattu is held in the honour of the local temple. The procession of elephants is complemented by folk dances such as the Mayilattom (peacock dance) in the temple compound. 

Gajmela-in-Kerala

The International Yoga Festival 

India is the Yoga Mecca of the world and what could be better if you have an international festival which is a congregation of all yoga lovers in one place. The festival is held in the spiritual capital of the India, Rishikesh and has attendance from over 30 countries. Discussions, camps, cooking classes and a charity fundraiser are part of the event apart from classes for all the participants. 

Yoga-at-River-Ganges-Rishikesh

Other festivals not to miss this month …

Some of the other festivals to look out for are the Mewar and Gangaur Festivals of Rajasthan. Another Kabir related festival of Sufi music starts in February but spills into March in the state. You can think of this month as a Rajasthan focused visit to India. 

Camel-Jaipur-Streets