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On the Food Trail

Blog, Food - GoroadTrip - December 16, 2016

Food is customarily an integral part of every travel plan. But for those foodies who unapologetically dine, gobble and stuff their way through all travels, their trips should be planned around food and more food. And our country does indulge you with so many signature dishes of different states.

Idli and Dosa, Karnataka:

Idlis are a south Indian’s staple diet. Karnataka especially Udupi, serves this famous preparation in different avatars; kadubu, moode or gunda, using banana or jackfruit leaves for moulds. Dosa also takes on interesting appearances with the most favoured one being the commanding Masala dosa. Stuffed with potato masala and served with sambhar and chutney, this dosa roasted to an attractive brown and glinting with ghee/oil is definitely a head turner.

Pongal, Tamil Nadu:

Pongal or VenPongal, is Tamil Nadu’s baby and also a favourite south Indian breakfast item. It has both a spicy and sweet version.The spicy version is best eaten with sambhar and chutney while the sweet version is offered as ‘naivediyam’ for most festivals.

Aviyal, Kerala:

Fresh and ‘coconutty’, the Aviyal is prepared with a variety of fresh vegetables, curd and coconut flavoured with coconut oil. Aviyal is omnipresent in the Kerala menu for all festivals and occasions.

Hyderabad Biriyani, Andhra Pradesh:

Cooked in a ‘dum’ the world famous Hyderabad biriyani retains all its spices, aroma and flavour that escapes to tease the senses when served. With a side serving of mirchkasalan, raitha and gongura pickle, it is an entire meal in itself.

Vada Pav, Maharastra:

This snack can be had any time of the day. VadaPav is presented with a dumpling of potatoes in gram flour sandwiched between two buns. The taste of VadaPav is accented with chutneys and deep fried green chillies.

Doi Machh, West Bengal:

For Bengalis fish curries and milk sweets go hand in hand. Any place you visit in Bengal, you are sure to get the local delicacy Doimachh which is a fish curry with rice and the hamper of sweet milk delicacies of Sandesh, Rasgulla and Mishtidoi.

Dhokla, Gujarat:

Every Gujarati dish maintains a balance of sweetness and spice. Several Gujarati dishes like Thepla, Khandhvi and Dhokla find a place in stores all over the world. For its delicate taste and easier cooking style, Dhokla is the show stopper here.

Daal-baati, Rajasthan:

Rajasthani food is as colourful as its people and culture. Many pulses are used in the dishes. Daal-baati is one of the kind. The Daal-baati is served with churma, a sweet dish. Rice or chapatis eaten with this will disappear in no time!

Makkai-ki-roti, Punjab:

Rich with corn fields, Punjab produces the most delectable corn breads or Makkai-ki-roti. This is served with a gravy prepared with locally grown mustard leaves, sarson-ka-saag which is a delicious accompaniment. Include other Punjab delicacies like Rajma-chawal, Chole-batura or Amritsarikulchas and Malailassi in your platter and you will do a round of bhalle-bhalle when you are finished with this sumptuous meal.

Paranthas, Delhi:

Delhi has many ‘parantha wale gallis’. The paranthas of Delhi are a huge attraction along with its chaat. Non-vegetarians will also love the Makhani chicken and Tandoori Chicken which are Delhi’s own production.

Kalaadi cheese, Jammu and Kashmir:

Made from cow’s milk, the Kalaadi cheese is a native dish of the state. The other local favourites made from produce from the state’s hills are Rogan josh, Yakhni, Haaksaag and Gustaba.

Tungtap and Jadoh, Meghalaya:

Another state that is partial to fish dishes is Meghalaya. Tungtap is the accompaniment served with Jadoh which is the flavoured rice. Individually the two dishes do not taste great but eaten together, they are a delicious treat.

Lucknowi Dal and Kebabs, Uttar Pradesh:

From this biggest state of India, we get many royal or ‘Nawabi’ dishes. Lucknow is in the forefront with its exotic Lucknowi dhal which has a texture than none other owing to milk being one of the ingredients. The famous kebabs that are the saviour of any tapas bar and dhabas are a heritage of Lucknow.

Khechadi, Orissa:

With one of the largest kitchens in the world in the temple of Puri, Orissa serves around 10,000 devotees with Prasad every day. One popular dish prepared as Prasad is the Khechadi which is Orissa’s version of the typical Khichdi. The dish is prepared steaming soaked rice and lenthils that is garnished with spices fried in ghee, making the Khechadi a filling and aromatic dish.

Travellers who think with their tongues and act with their taste buds can set out on many food trails in our country; any choice will be delicious.

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Living the dream in Ireland

Blog, Destinations - GoroadTrip - December 4, 2016

With ageless castles and period lighthouses, museums that can tell you plenty of secrets, cliffs and seas that you can get awed by, Ireland is one fairy tale that is filled with one absorbing page after another. Some pages you can turn in the chapter of castles are:

Living the dream in Ireland

Dublin Castle:

Situated in the heart of Dublin, this castle gives Dublin its name. The city is named after the Black Pool or ‘Dubh Linn’ present in the castle garden. The castle stands at the seam of the River Liffey and its tributary Poodle. The south wing of the castle is now used as a venue for State Functions. The Chapel Royal and Medieval Undercroft are open to visitors.

Ferns Castle:

Built in the 13th century, the castle is partly ruined. The tower that still remains is intact and has a circular chapel adorned with a carved ornament. Many fireplaces and a vaulted basement offer peeks of royal living.

Dalkey Castle:

This castle takes you back in history to the 15th century. You get spectacular panoramic views of the sea and mountains from the castle. The castle organizes shows by history actors who hold workshops for tourists like longbow shooting and hedgehog pie making.

Kilkenny Castle:

One of Ireland’s most popular heritage sites, this castle dates back to the 12th century. Guided tours with options of self-exploration on certain months are presented. The Long Gallery with a painted roof and a carved fireplace of marble is the show stopper here. Don’t miss visiting the castle kitchens with the fine tea room all done in pristine marble and glowing copper.

Drimnagh Castle:

A castle belonging to the Norman times, it was built in the 13th century. The castle has all the works; a grand gate with arches and tall windows, a massive hall and an impressive moat that surrounds most of the castle. The castle has been used as a set for a TV series too.

This fairy tale does not end here. The first chapter has just begun.

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Goa – For the Beach Lovers

Blog, Destinations - GoroadTrip - November 26, 2016

A beach lover? Then head to Goa.There are so many of them that you will be spoilt for choice. It is a fact that Goa does not believe in small numbers as there are close to 54 beaches to visit when in the state. The plentiful beaches have names that begin with almost every alphabet right from A to V!

Beaches- The pulse of Goa

Beaches of Goa run along nearly 83% of the coastline of Goa. They captivate with the miles of silver sands, breezy palms and the mesmerizing sunsets. Some of the more popular ones are listed below:

Anjuna Beach: Located around 18 kilometres from Panaji, the Anjuna Beach is spread over 30 kilometres. They overlook the hills which adds to the scenic delight. A highlight of this beach is the Ozran region popularly called ‘Jewel of Anjuna’ where unusual rock formations encircle a small cove of black rock and white sand which goes on to join the sea.

Baga Beach: Named after the Baga River, the Baga Beach is about 15 kilometres from Panaji. This beach is a favourite with tourists who throb the place. They can relax under parasols and beach beds while sipping on their favourite mocktails. Beverage and food joints are so plentiful that tourists turn into foodies guiltlessly! Another indulgence for tourists are the many water sports at the beach; parasailing, windsurfing, Jet Ski rides are a few among them. The sight of the Baga River flowing into the Arabian Sea is undoubtedly a visual treat.

Calangute Beach: If Baga Beach is busy, then Calangunte Beach is bustling. Known as the Queen of Beaches, it is around 15 kilometres from Panaji and runs to about seven kilometres in length. In addition to sun bathing, travellers can spend time with water sports and shopping. A shopaholic’s delight, the beach has stores with products from all over India including jewellery from Tibet and handicrafts from Kashmir. Seafood stalls and beers are another attraction.

Talk on the beaches of Goa will fill up a book. But a hands-on experience is a must.

Plan a trip to Goa Beaches

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6 Things to do in South Lake Tahoe

Destinations, Adventure Activities, Things To Do - GoroadTrip - November 17, 2016

South Lake Tahoe is located on the southern shores of Lake Tahoe and is a city in California, United States. It is one of the most populous cities in El Dorado County. Also called Lake Tahoe Boulevard, the city has much to offer in every season. Some places to go to Lake Tahoe Boulevard are:

6 Things to do in South Lake Tahoe

Taylor Creek Visitor Center:

The Taylor Creek Visitor Center, located about three miles from South Lake Tahoe City, is a center that offers four interesting self-guided trails and the Stream Profile Chamber. The Rainbow Paths, Sky Lake, Forest Tree and Smokey trails give tourists a nature experience that includes the river, swamps and forests.

Vikingsholm:

Vikingsholm is a colossal mansion on the shores of Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe and is located in the National Register of Historic Places. Vikingsholm is considered one of the great examples of Scandinavian architecture and is currently part of the Harvey West unit of Emerald Bay State Park. Visitors can visit it during the summer months, but the surrounding countryside can be enjoyed all year round.

Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort:

The Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort sits on 4,800 acres and has the highest elevation in the Lake Tahoe area. About 33% of the area is suitable for skiing. With the heavy snowfall of the season, the ski resort has one of the largest snow-making facilities from November to mid-April and therefore ski tours.

Regan Beach:

Regan Beach is the oldest beach in the city of South Lake Tahoe. With shallow waters, the beach is ideal for swimming and kayaking. It also has excellent facilities for children with a playground, a large lawn, a volleyball court and a viewing platform.

Lower Eagle Falls:

Lower Eagle Falls rises 150 feet from Upper Eagle Falls to Emerald Bay State Park. The falls are best in spring when the water flow is highest.

Pope Beach:

The beach of Pope Beach is a popular tourist destination. The sandy beach is ideal for sunbathing and the calm waters of the sea for swimming. Tourists can enjoy magnificent views of Lake Tahoe and the back of the Sierra Nevada from this beach.

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British Monuments in Delhi

Blog, Destinations, Heritage & Culture - GoroadTrip - November 10, 2016

Delhi took over as the capital of India from Calcutta in 1911. The British spent about 20 years to build the city which was designed at the hands of the remarkable architects of those times, Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. The result of their persevering hard work is seen even today. The outstanding spacious avenues lined by trees and the remarkable government buildings speak volumes about the innovative architectural skills of the Brits. Many of these buildings are used in an official capacity by the Government of India. Some of these colonial monuments are:

India Gate:

Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyers, India Gate was built to commemorate 70,000 Indian soldiers who were part of the British Army and died in fighting during the First World War. Currently it serves as a tomb for unknown soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces who have lost their lives in wars. An eternal flame known as ‘Amar JawanJyothi’ is kept burning for these brave hearts.

Secretariat Building:

With influences of Mughal and Rajasthani styles, the Secretariat Building displays Indo-Saracenic revival architecture. It has two blocks of proportioned buildings which border the Rashtrapathi Bhavan.

Rashtrapathi Bhavan:

This building is a massive construction with 340 rooms and four floors. Residence of the British Viceroy it now serves as the official home to the President of India. The house has a beautiful Mughal Garden in its backyard.

Parliament House:

Accommodating the two houses of parliament, the Parliament House is a striking circular building. It also houses several committee rooms, ministerial offices and a magnificent library. Built in 1921 in a circular shape resembling the Ashoka Chakra, the Sansad Bhavan is the house of the Parliament of India. Another architectural wonder by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, the SansadBhavan has a large garden bordered with sandstone railings that is designed to replicate the Stupa of Sanchi.

Teen Murthi Bhavan:

Currently sheltering a number of institutions, the Teen MurthiBhavan first served the British as the residence of the Commander-in-chief of the British Indian Army and then was the residence of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for 16 years.

These living testaments to the colonial architecture skills continue to impress and awe.

 

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