Year: 2017

Categories
Foodie

You will love visiting this one corner of the SDA market!! Its appropriately called the Nukkad Cafe

In the Hauz Khas Village, is an entire world in itself full of youngsters who like to party and live life to the fullest. And to serve them, there are dozens of fantastic bars and restaurants opened up that serve some great food and drinks. One such bar cum cafe is Nukkad.

Location

Nukkad means a corner and the cafe is located in a Nukkad of the SDA market. Hence it is named very aptly.

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Ambience

With lanterns hanging from trees, small shed and a swing giving the look of an urban village, the ambiance gives a beautiful feel. The name of the Cafe maybe Indian, but the ambiance inside as you walks in takes you straight to a high-end European restaurant. The lights lurking down from the ceiling fill the insides with a great visual experience and to top that, there is the just perfect alignment of chairs and tables colored light brown. The authentic smell and slow music playing in the background makes the vibe all the while romantic. The heavy crowd of youngsters can be seen enjoying the time of their lives here. All in all, the overall vibe in Nukkad is quite cheerful.

 

Food

Now let’s come to the most important thing, the food. It would be an understatement to say that the food which gets served here is good. It’s better than most of the other places in the area. Although, the menu isn’t quite varied and the Indian essence is quite attached to it, despite the lush French looks of the insides. The menu deals mostly in Chinese and North Indian food and the cafe serves hot and delicious beverages. The coffee here is magnificent. We ordered a latte with extra cream and less sugar, and we must say that we weren’t disappointed.

For the starters, we had tomato soup and the hot and sour corn soup which was okayish, nothing out of the extraordinary. Caprese pasta salad also made its way into our plates and we must say, it was a pretty good start for us. And then we ordered our main course for the evening, Chilli Paneer and Vada pao. It was excellent in taste but somehow a bit more expensive than usual. We have had the same quality food at much fewer prices.

Then we ordered a margarita pizza, and it was good somehow, so was the shahi paneer and butter roti, the essence of every North Indian meal.

We had Virgin Mary for the mocktails; it was soothing and relaxing to some degree and surely deserves full marks. All in all, if the prices weren’t too high, we would have been extremely satisfied, but still, it was good enough for us.

Cost

The average per plate cost for two people in the Nukkad bar and cafe is about 1200 INR.

Highlights

If you are looking for that one element that would drag you in Nukkad, that would be the interiors which have been designed rather deliciously.

The Verdict

Nukkad is a great cafe for the love birds and friend groups. You’ll enjoy every bit of your time spent.

Categories
Foodie

This Dharmendra themed restaurant will win your hearts and invoke nostalgia

Garam Dharam, Bollywood actor’s Dharmendra restaurant does justice to its name. The restaurant is quite earthy in its ways of serving food to its customers and is a treat to the fans of the great veteran actor Dharmendra, who apparently was known as Garam Dharam back in his days. It is amazing to see how the restaurant has been totally dedicated to one person right from the interiors to the food and yes even the washrooms. As expected, the cuisines that get served here are in typical Punjabi style and moreover, you will simply fall in love with the ambience.

Located on the outer circle of Connaught place, the place is visible from the main road and easy to reach. There is ample parking space nearby, making it one of an ideal place for a family outing.

Ambience

The insides of the restaurant seem to have been designed by a lover of old Hindi films, the films starring Dharmendra to be more precise. The interiors of the place are simple, quirky and are modelled on a normal roadside dhaba. The one who enters the place feels the top notch Indianness of the place which happens to be a big attraction for the customers. The presence of Dharmendra is present in everything from the wall decors to the posters on the walls, the cutlery, and the music that plays inside. Apart from the theme it follows, the music, the decor, the lights at night everything is so perfect.

One added attraction is the iconic bike from the movie Sholay. Overall, we could say that the ambience of the restaurant cum dhaba is deeply mixed up in the colourful world of the Hindi film industry which makes the place a must visit, especially for the film lovers.

The food and drinks

Pyare mohan masala nimbu cocktail, a refreshing and unusual concoction of flavours like lemon spices and almonds, with Vodka as its base is a must try at this place. The cocktail is strong to the taste buds but is said to have a refreshing feel.

The cuisines which get served in the place are strictly North Indian and will appeal the most to the Punjabi community. For the starters, the visitors must taste the delicious paneer kabab, hara bhara kabab and the dahi kebabs which are a pure delight to start with. The main course is the real deal over here. The place is a paradise for the hardcore food lovers and serves them right with almost every other vegetarian dish imaginable. From shahi paneer, daal makhani, kadhai paneer, mix veg to salad and tandoori roti, everything is here and that too, at the most reasonable of prices. The place offers as desserts a tall glass of sweet lassi and ice creams.

Overall, the food is quite rooted and delicious as hell. The average cost for two people dining at the place must be somewhere around 1300 Rupees which is quite on the moderate side.

Highlights

The interior decoration inspired by Dharmendra remains the biggest crowd puller feat of the restaurant.

The Verdict

As the restaurant gives a very Bollywood type feel, the place is a must visit for the Bollywood and Dharam Paji lovers. It has the perfect ambience for a family dine in with old songs playing in the background and lip smacking snacks.

Categories
Inspiration

Books that will bring out the traveler in you

Travelling is way more than what it seems from a distance. From an average person’s point of view, it may look like an utter waste of money while asking a wanderer, he will tell you how traveling is more than a hobby, it’s a way of life. It’s subjective really. But one thing is for sure, every 4 in 5 people travel either to pass the time or to connect with some people from a different culture and a different land. There are many books that got written on the importance of traveling in one’s life. And in case you are looking to become one of those wanderers, here are our recommendations.

The Alchemist– If you are into even a little bit of reading, there is no chance that you have never heard of The Alchemist. Written by Paulo Coelho, this book follows the story of a shepherd boy who travels the world in search of a treasure. The novel will arouse the inner traveler in you for sure.

Love With a chance of Drowning– Torre Deroche, one of the most famous travel bloggers of our times, has authored the book. It’s basically a book based on love stories but the wanderlust quotient is quite high with this one. This is one of the best travel books ever.

On the Road– Jack Kerouac authored this great novel in the year 1957 and since then, it is known as a classic. The lead character in the story is a wanderer and his state of mind is extremely identifiable as he just wants to travel the world in search of himself.

Unlikely destinations- The book was written by the founders of the best travel portals lonely planet. They have researched greatly and this happens to be one of the very few books that will invoke the inner traveler in you.

The Beach- Apart from The Alchemist, this one is the most popular travel junkies favorite novel of all times. Alex Garland weaved a great story around the search for the paradise. This one is a sure shot winner.

Vagabonding- Authored by Rolf Potts, this one is strictly for those who are unaware of the long-term travels. This one will make you crave for a trip into the unknown.

In a sunburned country- One of the most prominent names in the travel writing, Bill Bryson has written this masterpiece. The book is about a journey through Australian lands.

Seven Ages of Paris- This book takes inspiration from the history of Paris and takes you on a journey through the middle-aged Paris to the 20th century modern Paris.

Cruising Altitude– Heather Poole has written the book and chronicles the life and adventures of a flight attendant. This is all about wanderlust and will take you places as you move through the pages.

Paris was ours- Another book on the most beautiful city on the planet, Paris Was Ours happens to be written by Penelope Rowlands and tells the story of 32 writers from all across the world who travels to the city.

All the travel buffs must read the above-mentioned books once in a lifetime. These books can evoke certain emotions in you that you never knew existed and there are chances that you will start to see traveling in a whole new light.

Categories
North India Rejoice

The small picturesque hamlet, Pangot

The small village of Pangot is located in the arms of some fresh and beautiful mountain ranges, at the distance of 15 km from the beautiful hill station of Nainital. This alluring Kumaon village happens to be an unabashed paradise for the tourists.

Things to do in Pangot

The family trips can’t get any better than this. The long walks through mesmerizing oak trees, cedar, pine, and bamboo, make one think whether a place like this exists. Still unknown to a great extent for many a travel junkies, Pangot is a treat to the eyes. The walk between Pangot and Kilbury forest rest house is quite eccentric and accessible.

This article is an attempt to guide you to explore the unexplored. So let’s talk more about what is there to see in Pangot, how to reach there and other important details if you are planning to visit the place.

Bird watching

The travelers across the world visit this place for bird watching and explore the immense diversity of mother nature.It is now one of the famed destination for nature lovers.

Birds happen to be the biggest source of attraction for the nature lovers all over the world who come here. They come here to study the different habits of almost 250 species of birds which are very rare and one of its kind, can be seen around here. Other than that, ample services are provided to cater to the bird watchers that come from different parts of the country and the world.

Experiencing the adventure of Trekking

If you are adventure lover and Trekking is your passion, then you are at right place. This is the time to have some thrilling experience. Trekking to Naina Peak is one of the most loved activities for adventure lovers. Pangot is the base camp for the travelers, who come to explore the unexplored mystery of the Himalayas. Early morning is the ideal time to start your trekking from Pangot Valley, don’t forget to pack your lunch and water.

Shopping

There aren’t many shops in the Pangot area, the reason being its closeness to nature in all its purity and poetry. To buy, you must move to Nainital which is not too far away from the place. There is a Tibetan market nearby, and it will not disappoint you. You can buy anything from here, and there is one condition, though, you should be good at bargaining.

Nearby Places to Visit

A trip to Nainital

Located at just about 15 km from Pangot is Nainital, one of the most favorite and widely popular tourist spots in the entire country. Located in the arms of Kumaon hills, this place resembles paradise and no doubt it has made its secure place among the most beautiful locations in the entire country and also as one of the most popular tourist destinations.

A trip to Ranikhet–

About 20 kilometers away from Pangot is this one other beautiful place, Ranikhet. Known for its lush greenery and some of the most photogenic visuals, this is one heaven of a tourist spot. It also is home to the Kumaon regiment of the Indian army, and most of the tourists come here to witness that. The hygiene and the cleanliness around the place are fantastic.

Sattal– This is a place which got its name from being located in the midst of seven lakes, in the middle of a ancient and mysterious oak forest. It happens to be located at a distance of about 30 kilometers from Pangot and one of the main stops for the tourists who visit the area.

Despite having a significant lack of places to see, Pangot remains one of the most beautiful locations in the country and as the tourism industry here is on the rise, the coming years may bring something more for Pangot.

How to Reach

Pangot has situated 17 km away from Nainital at NH-87 and is within easy reach from Nainital. It just takes a half an hour drive, and you are there at Pangot. Pangot is well connected with major cities of Northern India. The Pangot can be reached either by bus or private taxi via NH 87.

The nearest airport has Pantnagar situated 58 km away. The distance from Pantnagar airport to Pangot can be easily covered in one hour. The taxi services from the Pantnagar airport are easily available, and it will cost around Rs.600.

Nearest Railway Station: Haldwani(48 km), Kathgodam(50 km), Ramnagar(70 km)

Travel Tip

Winter is the ideal time to visit the beautiful valley of Pangot!

Don’t forget to carry your Camera!!!

If you are nature-centric and love to unfold the mysterious chapters of nature, then a trip to the small village of Pangot will be worthwhile for you.

Categories
Travel Accessories Travel Tips Uncategorized

Souvenir guide for India

India is one beautiful and vast country with so many states with their own artistic and cultural heritage. For every region, there are souvenirs in the country which will satisfy every last fabric of you being a shopaholic traveler. Let’s divide it region by region for the top tourist spots to compile a list of the things you must take with you during your much-awaited trip to this beautiful South Asian country. But one thing is there which must be kept in mind at all times while shopping in India, you need to learn the art of bargaining.

Rajasthan- Speaking culturally and traditionally, Rajasthan is known as the perfect example of how rich the Indian heritage is regarding art crafts and culture. The main things that you must and can buy at the busy markets in Rajasthan are Jewellery, fabrics, blankets, pillows, jackets, leather purses and statues of many Hindu idols. The markets are quite generous, and the prices are surprisingly low, only if you know how to bargain.

Goa- The most westernized part of the country doesn’t have an ancient cultural environment to show off so, the markets here do the best they could, deal in the designer outfits. They use the best silk and cotton imported from the different parts of the country and then turn them into some gorgeous outfits. Do not be surprised if you happen to find your Zara lookalike one piece in 1/10th of the MRP.

Delhi- The national capital happens to be a shopper’s paradise with vibrant markets such as Lajpat Nagar, Chandni Chowk, Palika Bazaar, Sarojini Nagar among others. The artifacts, clothes, fabrics are the specialty of the markets in Delhi, and one needs to have some good bargaining skills to keep themselves away from being looted.

Mumbai and Pune- Shoes and other footwear are what Pune is known for. Anyways, the whole of Maharashtra is somehow famous for that. Who can forget the cult classic Kolhapuri chappal? In Mumbai, the chor bazaar is where you should make the first stop to get the best products at the best prices available. Although there are ample of designer shops and shopping malls where you can do some sophisticated shopping done where is the fun in that?

The northeast India- The government owned artisan shops where handmade artifacts are made and sold are in abundance in different markets in this part of the country. The musical instruments made of bamboo are also quite a great trade here.

Tamil Nadu- The sarees from Kanchipuram are the favorite of every Indian woman in every corner of the country. The sea-shells and footwear are some other sectors where the south Indian markets excel. The high-quality products are available at the cheap rates.

UP – Starting from western Uttar Pradesh, Moradabad should be your first destination for a shopping break.  The place is an incredible shopping hub famous throughout the world for its brassware and bronzes. Get your hands on beautiful bronze and copper items that comprise right from small busts and statues to utensils, mementos and memorabilia. Nearby is Aligarh. The visitors can browse the town for the famous ‘Chinese Locks’ that are produced in Aligarh only. Close by are Saharanpur and Bareilly; those cities are famous for its overwhelming range of furniture.

The Kashmiris excel in woolen fabrics; Bengalis are the best artists, buy tea from Darjeeling. All in all, India is a paradise for the shoppers, and its colors are visible in every little roadside stall to the high-end shopping malls.

 

Categories
North India

Shoghi- The unexplored beauty

Located in the beautiful valleys of Himachal, right beside Shimla, Shogi is a wonderful hill station that remains unknown for the most part. Shimla takes away all the attention and rightly so, it is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. But where Shogi fares better than Shimla is the fact that there happens to be an unnerving and enchanting calmness in Shogi which cannot be found in Shimla. The tourists come to Shimla in heavy numbers and it becomes crowded. It seems fine for the adventure seekers but for the rest, who likes the pure silence of nature, they must visit Shogi at least once. This place is one of the most beautiful places on earth and yet as calm as a place can get.

Tara Devi temple- Shoghi also happens to be known as the city of temples. The Tara Devi temple is quite famous among the visitors and also happens to be known as one very ancient Hindu pilgrimage. The old temple happens to be here since 250 years and is located on a high peak of the Tara hills. The view from the temple is amazing and the peaceful ambiance is one other reason for its popularity.

Kali Temple- Shoghi is full of so many different places, the natural sceneries, and the religious places, that it serves all kind of tourists. The devoted ones and the beauty seekers ones, everybody can enjoy the place. One other important tourist spot happens to be the Kali temple, which is located at about a height of 4000 feet above the sea level. The mysterious Hindu goddess temple is said to have been around for about 150 years and the legends state that this is even older than that.

Camping- One other very solid attraction around the place is camping. Actually, there is no specific place where people can set up their camps. It can be almost anywhere. There are hotels and resorts in the place that provides camping facilities to the tourists. The beautiful and mysterious aura of the night makes the place look much more beautiful and as the stars shine in the sky, it becomes magical when paired with the sound of silence.

Sightseeing- This one requires no mention whatsoever. Himachal is full of these rare beauties that are there to charm and slide a spear into your souls. The views of lush greenery and clear sky will make you forget who you are. You will know what they mean when they say- Becoming one with nature.

How to reach Shoghi

No regular flights are available from major cities of the country to Shogi. The nearest airport is Chandigarh Airport, 110 km away from Shoghi. Shoghi is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular trains. You can board a regular train to Kalka and then TOY train to Shoghi.

Instead of Shoghi, tourists can get a bus to Shimla on the regular basis. You can also reach Shimla by car through the beautiful Chandigarh-Shimla highway. A few hours car ride from Shimla will bring you to Shoghi.

Being located in the northern part of the country, the influence is quite clear. The cuisines, the shops the busy streets, everything seems to be touched by the flavor of North India. However, Himachal as a state has its very own set of culture and customs which is also quite visible in their houses and the people walking on the streets.

Travel tip

Summers is the perfect time to visit this place.

The place holds its individual charm. Still looking for more reasons to pack your bags and visit this place? You have found the one stop shop for the crazy adventurous trip that you have been looking forward to.

Categories
Architectural

Gol Gumbad, the Islamic structure that wows all the visitors

Having its name imprinted in the record books for being the second largest dome in the whole world; Gol Gumbad is one monument in Bijapur district of Karnataka which attracts thousands of visitors every year. The monument is about 124 feet in diameter, and the only other dome which has managed to surpass it on the bases of the area occupied is St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

The construction

The Gol Gumbad was built by the mogul ruler Muhammad Adil Shah in 1696 and he incorporated the best architectures from all over the nation to do the jobA large number, and the result is for all us to see. He ordered the construction of the unique monument right before his death, and the grand piece of architecture was built taking in miles of the total area of Bijapur all around it.

Architecture

The architectural schemes used in the construction are unique on their own as four minarets  act as staircases and they all lead to the topmost dome at the elevation. The monument stands unsupported by the pillars or any other sort of support which is quite a thrilling reminiscent of the medieval Indian architectural supremacy. Although the major attraction of the dome has indeed become a plaything for the children, it’s quite a huge feat that its creators had achieved. The monument from inside is acoustically significant as even a very hushed whisper that you produce with your mouth will echo for several seconds. This aspect of the monument has led the researchers to be amazed in disbelief about how could the architectures from that era be this advanced?

Trivia

From the gallery of the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur, you can enjoy the best view of the city. From the top of Gumbaz, the spectacular view of the entire Bijapur city will just amaze you. The dome of the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur is not just the largest in the world; it is really a beautiful piece of art to behold.

The total floor area that the dome covers is 1700 sq feet, 51 meters of height and a diameter of about 37 meters. The walls are quite robust and thick at 3 meters and the mortar used in those walls was researched to be the strongest mortar available in those times.

-The dome contains the tombs of Muhammad Adil Shah, his mistress, his two wives, his grandson, and daughter. Keeping the historical significance of the place in mind, the area in front of the monument has been developed into a museum where the tourists could see the reminiscent back from the era. There are other important structures in the large area covered by the dome such as a mosque, a nakkar khana, a dharmshala and a gateway.

Conclusion

The Gol Gumbaz is a fantastic piece of architecture and has made its way into world’s most amazing buildings ever constructed. The large number of researchers and the number of foreign tourists are a great reminder of what the monument stands for.

Categories
Inspiration wildlife

Photographic Field Guide to the Wildlife of Central India – Must Have Book

Are you a wildlife enthusiast and wanted to explore the biodiversity of Central India? Then here is a Photographic Field Guide for you.

About the Book

Photographic Field Guide for Central India is a comprehensive take on mammals, birds, butterflies, dragonflies, reptiles and amphibians of the Central India. The taxonomic revisions and recent species splits have all been taken into account and addressed in the leaves of the book.The book is 15 by 22 cm with 300 pages. Its comprehensiveness, size, quality of images, descriptions, and state of the art quality of paper and print are some of the biggest advantages of owning a copy of this field guide.  The book acts as a perfect first-hand reference in the field with enough data for the most important task of all – identification. All the scientific data and additional characters are given in most of the Indian specialized guides may not be something that a tourist, naturalist or even the researcher is looking for in the field. One can always refer to them in libraries or in the lodges and can avoid the additional load in the field.

About the Authors

David Raju and Surya Ramachandran, the authors have over fourteen years of wildlife guiding experience in Central India. Coming from south India, what brought them to central India is their love of chasing and tracking wild cats in and out. Nevertheless, their love for lesser known fauna still continues that includes butterflies, dragonflies, snakes, and frogs. They have been fortunate to have the mentorship of Sarath Champati, Hashim Tyabji and a few others. Both of them have traveled the central India throughout and share special equation with this wildlife. Be it Satpura, or Pachmarhi, both of them have hands-on experience to explore the biodiversities.

How to Order

Book is available at Instamojo at a minimal price of INR 1000. To stay connected with authors, you may like their facebook page.

Categories
Adventure Himalayas

Photo Essay- Kuari Pass

Kuari Pass is a beautiful winter trek and am glad to collaborate with Toroots India and giving me opportunity to click  breath-taking views. Here is a small photowalk of Kuari Pass from my lens. Bw, all pictures have been captured with my #leeco Max and are without filters.

Blue Sky!!

Sunset from Khullara- Loved the different hues of Sky.

 

View of Chaukhamba.

Feeling of acheivement as you are on peek:-)

Categories
Adventure Himalayas North India Treks

Getting through the Lord Curzon trail alias Kuari Pass

Also known as Lord Curzon trail, Kuari Pass is one of the most renowned winter treks in Garhwal region. The place is ideal for beginners and opens the gateways for the unexplored to be explored. Thanks to Toroots India and Renok Adventures, for the opportunity to explore this beautiful trek.

Little about the place

Location: Garhwal
Base: Rishikesh
Duration: 5Days
DifficultyLevel: Easy to Moderate
ApproxTrek: 30kms
AverageElevation: 13,000Fee
TypeofTrek: Winter Trek
Best Time: November to March
Highlights: Nanda Devi Peak, Trishul Peak, Gorson Bugyal, Tali LakeWhere is the Kuari Pass?

Kuari Pass is located in the midst of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, at an altitude of approx. 13,000 feet above the sea level. The Pass is at the center of the most incredible regions of Garhwal and is known for its unique wild grandeur. The place gives enthralling experience for first-time trekkers, as the entire trail comprises of walking through the frozen rivers, rock climbing, walk through forests. You get to traverse all kinds of terrain during these 3 days.
How to Get Here:
Rishikesh is the base for Kuari Pass. It can be reached via Haridwar. There are many buses that ply daily from Delhi.

How to Reach Kuari Pass?

By Air: Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport, which is 208Km from Nandprayag and 268Km from Joshimath.

By Rail: Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest rail-head, which is 191Km from Nandprayag and 251Km from Joshimath.

By Road: Nandprayag and Joshimath is well connected with other parts of Uttarakhand.

Trekking Routes:

Rishikesh – Joshimath – Dhak Village – Karchi Village – Tugasi Village – Palogeta Village – Gulling – Chonter Gatta – Bor Tal – Tali Campsite-Chitrakantha – Khulara Meadows-Kuari View Point 1- Chitrakantha Top – Lord Curzon Trail – Puli Dhar Col – Auli via Tali and Gorson Bugyal – Haridwar.

Accommodation Destinations: Gulling, & Khullara

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Joshimath.

The journey started from Haridwar, from where we went to Joshimath and it took almost 10 Hrs to reach the place. Had our night stay there itself.

Day 2: Joshimath to Gulling

Base camp is at Dhak village. From Joshimath, went with Innova to reach the base camp from where trek started. We trek through a hemlock, oak and rhododendron forest for 3km before a short descent to the meadow and campsite at Gulling. The impressive snow-capped ridge, including Chaukhamba 1 (7138m), can be seen beyond Joshimath. Guide Mr. Lama was very cooperative and efficient. On the way, you may want to capture the village life as you pass through Tugasi and other small villages.

 

Day 3 : Camping at  Khullara

From Gulling, again the trek started early morning, from where we reached to Khullara top and did our camping. It is much colder than Gulling and temp usually goes down to -6 degrees.

 

Day 4 : Way to Kuari Pass.

Last day, it all started trekking to Kuari pass, where on the way view was unmatchable and one tends to cross snow-laden trails. The view as you reach the height of 13,000 feet indeed gives you the adrenaline rush. The same day we returned from Kuari pass to Khullara campsite.

Day 5: Joshimath to Haridwar.

Last day was way back from Khullara to Dhak and then from Joshimath to Haridwar, from where we had our bus back to Delhi In case you are lucky to reach on time, watching Ganga Aarti is also a great idea.

By the way, Major network like idea/Vodafone works at these heights, so feel free to call your special someone from this height and make them jealous.

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