SHILLONG

Shillong is a hill station in the northeastern part of India, and the capital of Meghalaya. It is the headquarters of the East Khasi hills district.

Places to visit in Shillong

Don Bosco Center for indigenous culture

Laitlum Canyons

Elephant Falls

Shillong Peak

MUSSOORIE

Mussoorie is a hill station and a municipal board in the Dehradun district of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. The hill station is in foothills of the Gharwal Himalayan range. The adjoining town of Landour, which includes a milotary cantonment, is considered part of greater Mussoorie as are the townships of Barlowganj and Jharipani. 

Things to do in Mussoorie

Kempty falls

Kempty falls is a waterfall in Ram gaon and at the south Kempty in the Tehri Gharwal district of Uttarakhand. 

Gun Hill

A historical and second highest peak in Mussoorie is favourite for viewing picturesque Himalayan Range and Doon Valley. A popular view point of Mussoorie, Gun Point is located 400 ft. above The Mall and accessible by a cable car as well.

Soham Heritage Art Center 

This art center showcases Himalayan culture and tradition through Paintings, Murals, Sculptures, Artifacts, etc.

Sir George Everest House

George Everest House is located about 6 Km from Gandhi Chowk in Mussoorie and one the major tourist attractions in Mussoorie. Also known as the Park Estate was built in 1832. It was the home and laboratory of George Everest. 

Mussorie Lake

It is a man made lake which was developed by City Board and the Mussoorie-DehraDun Development Authority. The lake is placed at a scenic location. One can get down to Dhobi ghar from where the lake is at a walking distance. There is a nominal ebtry fees and the lake is open throughout the year. 

GOA

Goa, a state on India's west coast is a former Portuguese colony with a rich history. It has a unique mixture of Indian and Portuguese cultures and architecture that attracts 2.5 million visitors each year.

Goa's Food Factors

Sea food

The cuisine is mostly based seafood-based; the staple foods are rice and fish. Kingfish is the most common delicacy. Other delicious seafood includes Pomfret, Shark, Tuna and Mackerel. Among shellfish are Crabs, Prawns, Tiger prawns, Lobsters, Squid and mussels.

Humann

It is a combo dish of Rice and Fish curry. Also known as kadi or ambot.

Uddamethi

A type of curry consisting of fenugreek and mackerel; a vegetarian version of this dish is also prepared using hog plums (or anything sour and tangy, such as spices of raw mango).

Tondak

A dish made with beans, cashew, etc.

 Places to visit in Goa

KERALA

Kerala is a state in Southern India is known as a tropical paradise of waving palms and white sandy beaches. It is a narrow strip of coastal territory that slopes down the western ghats in a cascade of lush green vegetation.

Food corner in Kerala

Places to Visit in Kerala

Backwaters of Kerala

Backwaters of Kerala are a maze of lagoons criss-crossed with rivers, shallow pools and canals all seperated from sea by a narrow strip of sand bank. The annual Vallam Kali takes place in the backwaters. The most famous race is the Nehru trophy Vallam kali, held on second saturday of August. 

Blue mountains of the Western Ghats 

The Blue mountains of the Western ghats, popularly known as Nilgiris, which has numerous hill stations in this  area. The most popular is Munnar, the honeymoon capital of the state. The highest peak is Anamudi and is good for trekking.

Periyar National Tiger Park

The park is a protected area loacted high in the Cardamom Hills and Pandallam hills of the south Western ghats Along the borders of Tamil Nadu.

Kovalam Beach

Kovalam Beach near Trivandrum has a good bathing area, clean area and plenty of accomodation. This was the centre of hippy counter-culture in sixties and is well known foe hedonistic beack parties.

Thenmala Eco-Tourist Village

Thenmala Eco-Tourist village in Kollam is the first such place in India with an intense focus on the natural environment. Exhibits include 27 rare trees,a butterfly garden, nature trail, a deer park, lotus garden, jasmine garden,  many sculptures and large musical fountain. 

DHARAMSHALA

Dharamshala is the district headquarters of Kangra district in India. The Dalai Lama's residence and the headquarters of the Central Tibetan Administration are in Dharamshala. On 19th January 2017, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh declared Dharamshala as the second capital of Himachal Pradesh. 

Food habits of Dharamshala

Momos

Dharamshala is a great place to have the ever popular steamed and fried momos (dumplings). Served with hot Chilli sauce and stuffed with potatoes, spinach, chicken or any other filling momos are comfort food at best and are devoured by many as snacks.

Thukpa

Gourmets who wants to satiate their culinary cravings should try Tibetan Noodles called Thukpa. These can be served in soup or eaten as a dish for breakfast. The popular option in Dharamshala is Mutton Thukpa.

Lang Phing

Food lovers must try Lang Phing, a chinese turmeric-flavoured pancake (INR 30) is made of steamed gluten extracted from Tapioca flour. Eaten in soup of chilli, soy sauce and garlic this dish is truly mouth watering.

Places to visit in Dharamshala

Triund Hill

A favourite trekking place, Triund is one of the star attractions of Dharamshala. Triund is an enchanting place that has snow clad mountains on one side and the picturesque Kanvgra valley on the other. The place can be reached by fairly easy trek of about 5 Km. Triund promises an experience that will appeal to all your senses.

Bhagsu Waterfall

The Bhagsu Waterfalls lie about 2 kilometers from McLeodganj. The waterfalls present a pretty picture amidst the verdant green surroundings. Bhagsu waterfall is a place to spend time getting close to nature.

Dalai Lama Temple Complex

The serene sound of silence soothes your senses as one enters the Dalai Lama Temple Complex near McLeodgunj. Thisis the main temple complex and has beautiful architectural structure. Beautiful paintings grace the walls and the temple houses the statues of Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) and Shakyamuni. This complex is the ideal place to sit and meditate.

SHIMLA

Shimla, is the capital and largest city of the northern Indian state Himachal Pradesh. It is very popular holiday-retreat during the summer months and is well known for its Victorian architecture, which is reflected in the certain areas of the Mall and the Ridge. It is also a famous holiday spot for honeymoon. 

Hunger solutions in Shimla

Shimla famous foods have a very little presence around the globe. Due to its location, most areas have unique and influensive tastes. Normally, the food eaten is very simple and comprises of lentil, rice, vegetables, and roti. Due to the climate of the region, food here provides warmth and strength.

Channa Madra

Being served in almost all festivals, it is a very famous Himachali cuisine. It is thick yogurt based gravy made out of generally white or black chick peas. It is served with rice or white bread. Dry fruit are also added to it for taste enhancement.

Channa Madra

Chicken Anardana

This is a delicious chicken dish. Though it looks heavy but in reality its just the ground anardana (dry pomegranate seeds). They add the tang and spices to the dish to make it more delicious. it is serbed with paranthas or triangle flatbreads.\

Chicken Anardana

Siddus

This item is consumed to give warmth and strength to make up with the harsh climate. Flour is used to make this dish. It is filled with a small amount of paste of poppy seeds. It is steamed to perfection and served hot. It is most relished with a generous serving of homemade ghee. Pieces of siddu are broken with the hand. It is dipped in the lukewarm oil and then enjoyed with friends and family.

Siddus

Sepu badi Madra

It is the most likely starters at occasions like weddings or at festival time. Mukund Badi is the main ingredient of this dish. Earlier it was made at home; nowadays it is available in stores too. It is made with a fine mixture of Urad and Chan Dal, which has been soaked overnight. This mixture is then boiled in water and cut into fine pieces. Before cooking these pieces are fried.

Sepu badi Madra

Auriya Kadoo

This is a spicy dish and has a very pungent aroma, which can catch our senses instantly. It is all time favourite of people at almost all occasions.

Auriya Kaddo

Places to visit in Shimla

Summer festival

The Summer festival is a huge annual highlight celebrated in the month of June. A week long festival, this is very popular with tourists as well as locals.

Naldehra Golf Course

The scenic Naldehra Golf course, which bears resemblance to the Scottish links courses, is located about 22 Km from Shimla. Within the boundaries it has a beautiful club house that features 3 double rooms and a comfortable study room. Open for members as well as non-members. This club house is available on prior booking.

Kamna Devi Temple

Kamna Devi Temple is approximately 6 Km away from the hill station of Shimla. The presiding deity of this temple is Goddess Kali. Built by the Rana of Junga, this temple is visited by countless devotees every year. A devotee or not ones visit to this temple is memorable. Near  this temple there is a happening picnic spot, favourite of every traveler.

Kufri

Kufri, nestled 8000 ft. above the sea level, is a small hill station in the Shimla district. The scenic environs and snow-capped surrounding attracts tourists from all parts of the country and abroad. Kufri is an ideal destination for kids. Apart from enjoying the nature, kids can also enjoy the Kufri Fun World. It is a famous amusement designed with features of various rides, pools and go-kart track.  

Summer Hill

One of the seven hills in Shimla, the Summer Hill is located at a distance of 5 Km from the main city. It lies on Kalka-Shimla Railway line. The rich foliage of this forest- covered hill attracts a number of tourists every year. 

MANALI

Once upon a time Manali was a backpacking capital of India. A dirt track from Manali to Kullu was part of the popular hippie trail. Today it is tough to imagine Manali as a backpacker's paradise. It has easily become one of the most popular hill stations in India with tourists thronging to Manali in the height of summer as well as winter. Manali suits the needs of every kind of travel mindset. A family looking for some bonding time, a couple looking for some romantic and peaceful time, solo travelers for some solitude and or a group of friends seeking an adventure.

Manali is a resort town nestled in the mountains of the Indian state  of Himachal Pradesh near the Northern end of Kullu Valley in the Beas River valley.

 Food in Manali

Manali food largely owes itself to the crops that are widely grown in the surrounding valley. The main crops are paddy, maize, kodra, and salyara that make up the main dishes of the Manali people. An abundance of milk and milk based recipes dominate the food of Manali people. Hot milk, curd, butter, ghee, lassi and tea with lots of milk are popular drinks among the common folks.
Here are some list of local dishes of Manali:

Dham

Dham

On the trip to Manali, do not miss the traditional elaborate fare Dham, which is usually cooked during wedding ceremonies in Himachal Pradesh. It usually includes Rice, curry, curd and sweetened rice among other things. Often served as special lunch and is easily available at many local food joints.

Red Rice

Red Rice

Grown locally, the red rice available at restaurants and dhabas in Manali has a unique nutty flavour. Generally served with a local variety of Kidney beans, and saag (a green leafy vegetable dish), it makes for a simple and hearty meal. 

River Trout

River Trout

There is no way you can visit Manali and not feast on the local favourite- River Trout preparations made with local flavours. Generally served with Rice, the flavour is both tangy and spicy. You can try out a tandoori take on this dish at the Khyber Restaurant. 

Kadhi Chawal

Famous for its mouthwatering Kadhi Chawal (a spicy gram flour curry and rice dish), no matter where you have this in Himachal, one will always come back for more. While on the way to Manali don't forget to stop over at the Manikaran Gurudwara. Around this gurudwara many stalls sell this delicacy.

Kadhi Rice

Places to go around in Manali

Solang Valley

Solang Valley

Solang Valley is located about 30 minutes minutes from Manali and attracts travelers for its snow in winter and adventure sports in Summer. From January to March it is possible to ski. Also people visit the Shiva Temple above the village. You can walk up to there or ride a pony.

Rohtang Pass

Rohtang pass is a popular day trip from Manali, although  heavy traffic might be an issue. It takes around 2-3 hours to reach there. The main attraction at Rohtang pass is snow, particularly when it has already cleared from other places. Unfortunately, waste management is poor and facilities for travelers is limited. Snow sports are available when there is snow.

Rohtang Pass

Beas river

River rafting In Beas river

It is simply very refreshing to walk beside the Beas river. If you'd prefer to be more active, zip-lining across it and rafting down it are popular options. The rafting season is best from mid-April to June, and mid- September to October.

Hadimba Temple

The temple, a four tiered pagoda, was built in 1553 and has a facade of wood cravings. It's dedicated to Goddess Hadimba, the wife of Bima from the Hindu epic The Mahabharata. Yak rides, and huge fluffy angora rabbits ready to pose for are added to the attractions there. 

Hadimba Temple

Jogini Waterfall

Jogini Waterfalls

A picturesque and enjoyable short hike through the hills. The waterfall itself is not particularly impressive but a dip in its chilly water is invigorating and the surroundings are enchanting.   

KOLKATA

Kolkata famously known as "The City Of Joy", has always been fascinating and initimadting.
Well, Kolkata has never failed to amaze travelers with its different colors, people and culture. It is a land where Indian Culture is still alive. It is the second largest city after Mumbai. Since 2000, Kolkata has grown due to economic growth.

Accommodation

Finding an accommodation suitable to ones budget, is really easy. Every street and district is having hotels and guest house. Thus, one doesn't have to be worried about their stay in Kolkata.

Food Factor in Kolkata

Bengali Cuisine is known for its subtle flavours, and its spread of confectioneries and dessert.

Bengali cuisine's main base is Fish. Fish is the dominant kind of protein in Bengali Cuisine. It is cultivated in ponds and fished with nets in Ganges Delta. Here, almost all parts of fish is eaten and head is the most preferred part.

The preferred form of meat in Bengal is beef, mutton or goat meat. Khashi (Castrated goat) or Kochi pantha (Kid goat) are the  favorite forms of goat meat taken. Other specialty dishes are  Kebabs, Mutton Biryani, A whole roasted goat, and whole roasted chicken or duck.

When it comes to dessert, Kolkata is hometown of all kinds of Mishti (sweets). Shondesh, Rossogolla, Laddu (Naru), Roshmalai, Chomchom, Pitha, Mishti doi, Langcha and many more. The list for sweets doesn't end here.

Roshmalai

Rosogolla

Places to visit in Kolkata