tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57442272511650110652024-03-29T15:01:35.122+05:30Tell the TalesPage to spread across the fun of travel and share the wonderful experience and ideas to others.Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-80031352406476731862023-08-11T19:09:00.000+05:302023-08-11T19:09:00.284+05:30Trip to Kohedagutta #hyderabad #shorts<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/Ttgw4L1nqNY" frameborder="0"></iframe>Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-58997918585082548242023-08-06T13:38:00.001+05:302023-08-06T13:38:10.430+05:30Dakshin Ke Badrinath - Hyderabad<iframe width="480" height="360" src="https://youtube.com/embed/4VJ4uHAjqt4" frameborder="0"></iframe>Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-3307237397921139202023-04-09T12:20:00.002+05:302023-04-09T12:20:35.368+05:30Darjeeling Himalayan Railway<iframe width="480" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/vWV8BHqk0A0" frameborder="0"></iframe>Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-2727640201058099872023-03-11T13:02:00.002+05:302023-03-11T13:02:17.405+05:30Darjeeling Street Food Delicacies<iframe width="480" height="360" src="https://youtube.com/embed/uyhUNSjMmWU" frameborder="0"></iframe>Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-1722030759864812212023-02-27T19:03:00.004+05:302023-02-27T19:28:07.634+05:30Things to Do in Mahabalipuram<b>Mamallapuram</b>, also called <b>Mahabalipuram </b>is best known for the UNESCO World Heritage for the Hindu Group of Monuments. <br /><br />Like, Share and Subscribe Our Channel<div><br /></div><div><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeWjCJr-ErgT57orG3ZvE_g</span><br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://youtube.com/embed/y_fptNbnI_w" width="480"></iframe></div>Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-34287063601357629632021-03-12T01:53:00.004+05:302021-03-12T01:55:37.858+05:30Buttery Garlic Shrimp and Zucchini<p>Tried out a new dish today which I saw somewhere but added some little tweaks. Pretty easy and quick to make for the non-vegetarians.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTx9VN-H6z2cZ6Y1yuWYSCLf_XrIRuMnUtMp0h9M1hwIgOJde4uQv7vsu-UiqZOvpSqZCenX2opN0Nm7zQ74WqjL9Ez2GvFtMxc4ZYwejKsUF_oqz9QsCEI0i_yNRAkx_zXQuLshU_9_U/s2048/IMG_5653.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTx9VN-H6z2cZ6Y1yuWYSCLf_XrIRuMnUtMp0h9M1hwIgOJde4uQv7vsu-UiqZOvpSqZCenX2opN0Nm7zQ74WqjL9Ez2GvFtMxc4ZYwejKsUF_oqz9QsCEI0i_yNRAkx_zXQuLshU_9_U/w400-h300/IMG_5653.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div><div>Here’s the recipe: <br /><br /><b>Ingredients:</b> <br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Shrimp</li><li>Zucchini</li><li>Garlic</li><li>Olive Oil</li><li>Cooking Butter</li><li>Salt</li><li>Black pepper</li><li>Turmeric Powder (Optional)</li><li>Kashmiri Chilli Powder (can replace it with Paprika powder as well) (Optional)</li></ol></div><div><div> </div><div><b>Steps:</b><br /><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Peel and de-tail the shrimps</li><li>Marinate it with a little oil, Kashmiri Chilli Powder or Paprika powder, turmeric powder, black pepper and a little salt. You can skip this step as well. Keep it aside for few minutes</li><li>In a heated pan add some cooking butter and olive oil</li><li>Next add the shrimps to the pan and cook through and then transfer to a plate</li><li>In the same pan add a little more oil and saute sliced zucchini </li><li>Before the zucchini is done add the shrimp back to the pan, with fresh minced garlic, salt and pepper (as needed if you have marinated before) and then saute together for another minute or two.</li></ol><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-2785180376518180212019-10-25T13:43:00.000+05:302019-10-25T13:43:08.959+05:30Road Trip from Manali to Srinagar via Ladakh and Leh <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ75yJqcB_UxXer2DmlGV5bChOpzrUtA_P3ni8Bv5RjyDYC0kOxtmEbdEZTL82hyqZBMawWsFqawqRWP4JqczLjguCxpUDy7ARGp3qdwOWtJ_8Ryst1_FJ-JLp7mM9nPki55NNm4RfBlk/s1600/lingupic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="552" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ75yJqcB_UxXer2DmlGV5bChOpzrUtA_P3ni8Bv5RjyDYC0kOxtmEbdEZTL82hyqZBMawWsFqawqRWP4JqczLjguCxpUDy7ARGp3qdwOWtJ_8Ryst1_FJ-JLp7mM9nPki55NNm4RfBlk/s640/lingupic2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I always wanted to do a road-trip to Ladakh with friends. But when it finally came to being there for a holiday, I had but a chance to fly half way and go up there. So I took it. From Hyderabad to New Delhi in couple of hours and almost 24 hours of local bus journey from Delhi to Manali through the longest traffic jam of my life due to rock sliding (our bus had to cross over 1000 trucks) to start off on a 10 days long , 1500 Kms bike ride. Crazy ? I’d say completely worth it. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40vqjcmRJAbP2CASTPwU1upY5d3FqcwXezegKYRjCC4KADGmTJa7CakCtN0dFg4SFfWQKOGGCL9j51GzGlUWdZwPof_o4hFqz4rvuSuUvfw6I1VRH4Km_VwUmIhSqG7ChT6BJl0N3sZs/s1600/lingupic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="556" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40vqjcmRJAbP2CASTPwU1upY5d3FqcwXezegKYRjCC4KADGmTJa7CakCtN0dFg4SFfWQKOGGCL9j51GzGlUWdZwPof_o4hFqz4rvuSuUvfw6I1VRH4Km_VwUmIhSqG7ChT6BJl0N3sZs/s400/lingupic1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This wasn’t just about riding/travelling on a bike to Ladakh and Leh. But of the Lamas and monasteries, butter tea and gently grunting yaks, there's much more to Ladakh than just spectacular scenery and deep blue lakes.<br />
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Most of Ladakh still remains largely unexplored. So covering its gompas and stupas, riding to the confluence of turquoise <b>Indus</b> and the muddy <b>Zanskar</b> rivers and for its lovely silences that just don't need to be filled. Spending a morning in prayer with monks at <b>Thiksey Monastery</b> or horse riding beside <b>Pangong Tso</b> and come back with equally memorable photographs.<br />
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While the blue shades of Pangong Tso allures, riding via The mighty <b>Khardungla Pass</b> at 18000+ feet altitude (One of the highest motorable roads in the world) and some more high altitude motorable passes with low oxygen levels and equally low power in your 500 CC bike, it still does give you an adventure high. While the mystic monasteries amaze you, the <b>Nubra Valley</b> awaits to welcomes you with an unexpected Sand storm (if you’re lucky enough) with double hump back camels gazing silently in the scintillating sand dunes.<br />
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The mesmerizing Star gazing at night, spent in <b>Batalik</b> and <b>Aryan </b>valley during the ride before paying tribute to the Soldiers at <b>Kargil</b> war memorial and move towards Kashmir, A valley between the Great Himalayan range and the Pir Panjal mountain range, a place of beautiful simplicity and pristine natural beauty to end the ride. An extra day spent in <b>Srinagar</b> by the Beauty of <b>Dal Lake</b> with incredible backdrops and the sight of primitive boats traversing a mirror like lake with reflections of snow covered mountains before heading back home….<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2i-kZ1SPLMqDrO9o3HbDJXQW7WD-CNmPluhNbTqvLTKeu9WwnRSHRg_24n3Siv6LV6i1HbPspvqnvN_4AK8WQ_4RfNB8ttQYypQWOZUBkut9T8P_VtMLUoq3irl9DNyPD8jP5yOVRFLw/s1600/lingu+pic3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="432" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2i-kZ1SPLMqDrO9o3HbDJXQW7WD-CNmPluhNbTqvLTKeu9WwnRSHRg_24n3Siv6LV6i1HbPspvqnvN_4AK8WQ_4RfNB8ttQYypQWOZUBkut9T8P_VtMLUoq3irl9DNyPD8jP5yOVRFLw/s320/lingu+pic3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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All in all, Felt like being tossed off a frying pan directly into a refrigerator. I was suddenly 7000 – 19000 feet closer to the sun amid severe cold, and mountains alien to the concept of our everyday hustle and bustle of the city. Barren mountains, that cold expansiveness, a beautiful calm broken only by frigid winds whistling past my ears, and the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere is unforgettable !!!<br />
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<div class="pctricksguru-guest-about">
<div class="pctricksguru-guest">
<img height="70" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqopvfaZP6CLZle_HbWOBQDBvcbzONutrmuOvRStkzIgsQzrF_A6AZ40Urwk_BFh0M-qOgcHdrOcw-BozJldpXNP8U5NJ0tQLrmhGZ6G1VLZyq-cu21KZ9ToStjRGGbMGLboriVOyS8k/w223-h226-no/Guestpost.jpg" width="80" /> Lingeshwar Reddy</div>
<div class="pctricksguru-guest-text">
<strong>About the Guest Author:</strong>
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This article is a Guest Post by Lingeshwar Reddy. Lingeshwar is a self motivated adrenaline junkie. Worked in the IT industry as a Project Manager in the Support Industry and now as a Customer Success Manager, takes interest in occasional offbeat trips.</div>
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Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-41234773144127368062017-08-15T21:57:00.001+05:302018-02-06T00:24:08.079+05:30Places to visit in Kolkata<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Ask a localite on the best places to visit in any renowned place? You are bound to receive an answer which you will not be expecting. Ideally someone living in a place is so accustomed to the place that they would not find a specific place interesting even though it might be an attraction to someone who has the eye of an explorer.<br />
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Me, being someone who is very close to Kolkata fall in the same category. Nevertheless putting myself at least once in the eye of an explorer have tried to collect all the areas of interest of Kolkata.<br />
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<b>Kolkata </b>formerly known as Calcutta was initially a colonial city developed by East India Company and was also the capital of British India. As a result Kolkata has lot of historical structures from the British era which still stand strong.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgYDmyQ01u3KCkO909pL1r8QYRysNPn8F3EasgJYrW_iUpwvvk1Mqhd5bV-xjY1yZMmdgXSPZB_TI1H2RKuogxaG2ngrHw7QVZPUxi466rJdhnOFxSvDWQ58eesoccqQVOk-9i6oYoyk/s1600/Image0627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgYDmyQ01u3KCkO909pL1r8QYRysNPn8F3EasgJYrW_iUpwvvk1Mqhd5bV-xjY1yZMmdgXSPZB_TI1H2RKuogxaG2ngrHw7QVZPUxi466rJdhnOFxSvDWQ58eesoccqQVOk-9i6oYoyk/s400/Image0627.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vidyasagar Setu, - Second Hooghly Bridge</td></tr>
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Some of the prominent are as below:<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Victoria memorial</li>
<li>Cathedral Church</li>
<li>Fort William - Entry restricted but there's an incredible view from the ghats of the Hooghly</li>
<li>Prinsep Ghat</li>
<li>Birla Planetarium</li>
<li>Birla Mandir</li>
</ol>
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Kolkata is known for its <b>Art and Culture</b>. There are several places which attracts the culture lovers.<br />
Few of them are below:<br />
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Academy of Fine Arts</li>
<li>The Asiatic Society</li>
<li>Indian Museum</li>
<li>Nandan - Rabindra Sadan</li>
<li>Jorasanko Thakur Bari - Rabindranath Tagore’s ancestral home Sobhabazar Rajbari</li>
<li>Marble Palace Kolkata</li>
</ol>
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Kolkata also has a lot of renowned places for <b>worships</b>:<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Kalighat Temple</li>
<li>Thanthania Kalibari</li>
<li>Dakhshineshwar Kali Temple</li>
<li>Belur Math</li>
<li>ISKCON Kolkata, Sri Sri Radha Govind Temple</li>
</ol>
Other places of attractions include:<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Mother House</li>
<li>Alipore Zoo</li>
<li>Eden Gardens</li>
<li>Mother Wax Museum</li>
</ol>
Like any other metro city, Kolkata also has a number of <b>Amusement Parks </b>like:<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Science City</li>
<li>Nicco Park</li>
<li>Aquatica</li>
<li>Eco Park - Specially the Seven Wonders of the World</li>
</ol>
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If you have some time to spare and if you are book addict, do visit <b>College street</b> or Boi Para. It is the largest second hand book market in the world where you can purchase rare collections at a very cheap price.<br />
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There are lot of other places which I might have forgotten but truly it is the <b>City of Joy </b>as it is being termed.<br />
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<b>Howrah</b> - The twin city of Kolkata also has places which are worth mentioning and if you are at Kolkata, make sure to visit the below.<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Howrah Bridge</li>
<li>Howrah Station</li>
<li>Botanical Garden, Howrah</li>
</ol>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BSxbJwlAPT6/?taken-by=kiva_79" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTB5EVG0oA_FnLvGD8lE_yhjBbE95Se26KNyO7OZKd_Hmp89yJcQs6jRdRU0b3-v-8jplvo7Cbpd-ZC_7gCroxngEtmr7dcYiEN0O1FGZEvJsj9QV4hj4knbtyz9iYL_-6BaXeT2yqTw/s320/17861143_6066558156978_4959244701984096256_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BSxbJwlAPT6/?taken-by=kiva_79" target="_blank">Howrah Bridge</a></td></tr>
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Trust me, I have not visited all of them till date, but will definitely try to visit them along with my wife and kid once I get some time out of the regular schedule.<br />
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Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-83764822064330919032017-02-21T20:06:00.000+05:302017-05-12T19:55:09.543+05:30Super Quick Homemade Pizza<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you kid is back from play hungry and pestering you for quick snacks and you feel that maggi is too boring everyday, then I have a quick recipe of a different variety. Trust me they would love it too and it would be ready in no more than 5 mins.<br />
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YES!!! It is Homemade PIZZA...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpQu3HRlZln-AFLKYn0NXpCrTKjbB6xvU4Z_IjSPSUFfqhufiKbZWV5UOrfcj0TPCD0k-wV6MHil2Ww4I0mAqfjmLYzyt6gg1_lkUuZEBJlp_v7ZexN-BYXooKTxYwq73YKcJSmRkh_4/s1600/HomePizza.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpQu3HRlZln-AFLKYn0NXpCrTKjbB6xvU4Z_IjSPSUFfqhufiKbZWV5UOrfcj0TPCD0k-wV6MHil2Ww4I0mAqfjmLYzyt6gg1_lkUuZEBJlp_v7ZexN-BYXooKTxYwq73YKcJSmRkh_4/s400/HomePizza.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><u>Ingredients:</u></b><br />
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1. Ready made Pizza Base<br />
2. Onion<br />
3. Capsicum<br />
4. Tomato<br />
5. Pinch of Oil<br />
6. Cheese Slice<br />
7. Butter or Cheese Spread<br />
8. Oregano (Optional)<br />
9. Chili Flakes (Optional)<br />
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<b><u>Preparation:</u></b><br />
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1. Chop one onion and capsicum into pieces. Also slice tomato into small pieces.<br />
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2. Fry the chopped onions, capsicum and tomatoes in a little oil to make it crispy. Add salt for taste.<br />
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3. Take a non-stick pan and roast the side of the ready made Pizza base which you want to make upper crust.<br />
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4. Once that is roaster, spread the butter or cheese spread on the roasted upper crust.<br />
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6. Cut 1-2 cheese slices into small pieces and place it all over the pizza base. You can also replace this with grated mozzarella cheese.<br />
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7. Spread the fried veggie mix on top of the cheese crust and roast it for 2-3 minutes.<br />
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8. Your pizza is ready. You can garnish this with Oregano and chili flakes.<br />
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Of course, you can customize and add more varieties/flavour. Try this at home and provide your feedback or comments on how you feel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://ad.admitad.com/g/cjvhmb47lx2936939cf1170aa892f2/?i=3" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhpHtJ8SCSXQHGvI8_k9S58dLPUXBYvG-o_m65E8tNqD-sezkTFixwAvRNyXZoS2FkDDCD24aU92Xvs-MiB4m8RZ8lEpNH-OeopqcMr72TaT6FgRhCqtAx9wnvUJ3nNSQuv8TbrDoBas/s1600/46770bb494d51c95a91f1015f25318f8.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3 class="name" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #154f93; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.1667em; margin: 1em 0px 0px; text-align: center;">
50% off on pizza</h3>
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Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-35475012151188043032017-01-29T13:34:00.000+05:302017-01-29T13:34:00.397+05:30Being Local 7<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The shopkeeper who poses like a girl while displaying the colorful sarees at the Lakshal Saree Centre at Sarnath besides the Thai Temple. Handlooms prepared by the local weavers inside the Sarnath Temple area is sold here. They have huge varieties of Banarasi sarees and offer very good prices compared to the market price.<br />
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'Being Local' is a series where I post the different characters who I feel is interesting enough to have a mention during my travels. You can find others in the series <a href="http://avik-besttraveldestinations.blogspot.in/search/label/Being%20Local" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-59274956231444279912017-01-26T23:24:00.003+05:302017-01-26T23:24:43.441+05:30Being Local 6<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX62NCXHhRjOecCV2L1vYFOhqCELeBLXK-mi6y-VAeXiF7gx0sKRew34UlCC3xAwLwr3jRUz52W2PuYeKjXWe90gvrKhXv5uWt9oDLQQTFzk0sRdCgJgMMpOyNCI-HQ0Qp-PujTM9D3CU/s1600/IMG_0312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX62NCXHhRjOecCV2L1vYFOhqCELeBLXK-mi6y-VAeXiF7gx0sKRew34UlCC3xAwLwr3jRUz52W2PuYeKjXWe90gvrKhXv5uWt9oDLQQTFzk0sRdCgJgMMpOyNCI-HQ0Qp-PujTM9D3CU/s640/IMG_0312.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
A candid shot of a priest collecting money in return of the blessings at the Dashashwamedh Ghat just prior to the Ganga Arati.<br />
<br />
'Being Local' is a series where I post the different characters who I feel is interesting enough to have a mention during my travels. You can find others in the series <a href="http://avik-besttraveldestinations.blogspot.in/search/label/Being%20Local" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-51972443100221907542015-09-14T10:34:00.000+05:302015-09-14T10:34:34.612+05:30Simple Homemade Chicken Clear Soup<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Soups are a good way to start a meal. It's Sunday when we try to experiment new dishes at home and it turned out that preparation of Chicken Clear Soup had its turn this Sunday - a simple but healthy food.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><u>Ingredients:</u></b><br />
1. Bone less chicken 100 grams (cut into small pieces)<br />
2. Onions (Use spring onion with stalk is available)<br />
3. Garlic 4 cloves<br />
4. Ground Pepper<br />
6. Butter 2 tablespoons<br />
7. Salt to taste<br />
<br />
<b style="text-decoration: underline;">Preparation:</b><br />
<br />
1. First of all, boil the boneless chicken pieces with 2 cloves of garlic and onion in a pressure cooker. If you have spring onions, you can give that as well.<br />
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2. Strain the chicken stock and keep it aside for using later.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZeiiUFVZF4ODW3AQF2YtUL2aVIkykIMXoSRuHek20pzmgF88GSWq5c_vW395AP7JU0fr5Kd7Qs3qW1hsZOJeoY9VZaA5Rrj65T09SZ6Ymj5kZiizOGYctCt01AYwHPx2CHEnLtxq-vQ/s1600/DSC01613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZeiiUFVZF4ODW3AQF2YtUL2aVIkykIMXoSRuHek20pzmgF88GSWq5c_vW395AP7JU0fr5Kd7Qs3qW1hsZOJeoY9VZaA5Rrj65T09SZ6Ymj5kZiizOGYctCt01AYwHPx2CHEnLtxq-vQ/s400/DSC01613.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Stock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
3. Shred the boiled chicken with your fingers. It will come of easily. </div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Qw7PtRBpgskmRw9cz2gqy5AnSvNR0_MvOjr8qLWWCuQXYuUecHXaNMSX9MKzFzdAbBCSPcS31dTu5bzRWLWzV7kpYw4Hb1V6tWxDW0Ad2J9GuZzCerK_owK91DLHjrPAxJuW5xK5HvE/s1600/DSC01616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Qw7PtRBpgskmRw9cz2gqy5AnSvNR0_MvOjr8qLWWCuQXYuUecHXaNMSX9MKzFzdAbBCSPcS31dTu5bzRWLWzV7kpYw4Hb1V6tWxDW0Ad2J9GuZzCerK_owK91DLHjrPAxJuW5xK5HvE/s400/DSC01616.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shredded Chicken</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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4. Chop the remaining bulbs of the spring onions and garlic cloves. Chop the stalks of the spring onions separately.<br />
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5. Melt the butter in a deep pan. Add the chopped onion bulbs first. When they start melting and acquire an auburn color, add the chopped garlic and stalks. Stir fry it for about 3 minutes.<br />
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6. Now add the shredded chicken and stir fry for a minute.<br />
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7. Pour the chicken stock into the pan and mix well. Add about 2 cups of water to this and simmer it for 15 minutes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkRFFlxX9EN0WuPV9ikZl3EPSs-WIyh_82C-L-ifLS9ZyFeXIpLvlo51Jd3gOiBhRnZseIgxxEOPevKTv2yV0ISSM5oJYrHUqA-qR511a_Bkx-Twr8wkWkpUf5OFMPN0mC8U_P1Uotes/s1600/DSC01618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkRFFlxX9EN0WuPV9ikZl3EPSs-WIyh_82C-L-ifLS9ZyFeXIpLvlo51Jd3gOiBhRnZseIgxxEOPevKTv2yV0ISSM5oJYrHUqA-qR511a_Bkx-Twr8wkWkpUf5OFMPN0mC8U_P1Uotes/s400/DSC01618.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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8. Just before you remove the soup from the flame sprinkle ground pepper and salt on it as per your taste. You can garnish it with parsley stalks and leaves and your <b>Chicken Clear Soup</b> is ready.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mga3zISrERBlPOMcwiAKR8I5nE4KimvgzOnXFReweYZWpJmjL5_P0MsbFamhbUW91v6QrwxxJOzGI3C5ejjstdR0Osf5311-0GB-4IYa46Op96oqIusZpWfFjJ2LzLZY6ZWvnVkVFR4/s1600/DSC01622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mga3zISrERBlPOMcwiAKR8I5nE4KimvgzOnXFReweYZWpJmjL5_P0MsbFamhbUW91v6QrwxxJOzGI3C5ejjstdR0Osf5311-0GB-4IYa46Op96oqIusZpWfFjJ2LzLZY6ZWvnVkVFR4/s640/DSC01622.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready Chicken Clear Soup </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
After preparation, I realized that I had put more pieces of chicken than needed. But the taste was really yummy and my kid liked it very much.<br />
<br />
You can try this too and experiment with little variations according to your taste. Good Luck!!!<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-25964518190897139982015-08-27T07:13:00.001+05:302021-11-10T21:54:05.569+05:30List of World Heritage Sites in India visited<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>Charity Begins at Home!!!</i> In order to fulfill one of my wishlist - "Visit the top UNESCO World Heritage sites", it is always apt to first visit the ones which are in my home country.<br />
<br />
There are 40 World Heritage Sites in India that are recognized by UNESCO as of today. Of these, 32 are cultural sites, 7 are natural sites and 1 is mixed (meeting both cultural and natural criteria).<br />
<br />
So far, I have had the privilege of visiting only 15 of them as below:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Ajanta Caves</li><li>Ellora Caves</li><li>Agra Fort, Uttar Pradesh</li>
<li>Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh</li>
<li>Sun Temple, Konarak</li><li>Hampi, Karnataka</li><li>Elephanta Caves</li><li>Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi</li><li>Mountain Railways of India (Visited 2/3 - Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and Nilgiri Mountain Railway)</li><li>Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, Bihar</li><li>Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)</li><li>Red Fort Complex</li><li>Archaeological Site of Nalanda <i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mahavihara</i> (Nalanda University) at Nalanda</li>
<li>Historic City of Ahmadabad</li>
<li>Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple</li>
</ul>
Sunderbans and Khajuraho are among the ones which are definitely in my wish list before I can move ahead with others.<br />
<br />
You can find the rest from the link below.<br />
<br />
Source: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_World_Heritage_Sites_in_India">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_World_Heritage_Sites_in_India</a></div>
Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-73075474084295798752015-07-20T10:46:00.001+05:302015-07-20T10:48:04.610+05:30Idly Chaat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Monday mornings are always lazy and we woke up late. With Maggi others being banned, needed a quick and tasty snack to fill our stomach. Ideas started coming to my mind on what to make.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQl4r9OEVP9lWwwrAhsbpUCvRK9uVcjNM-unMgoRCyEFMA6LBLXU4cqwIZWeX1cn_ZhMYJfO3lqMQapXfwCx8H6Du8qTtq1J3Jjmvpt2ad6jsYH_GB83SuvEEjj25easCuNt4zbhn4as/s1600/DSC01319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="571" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQl4r9OEVP9lWwwrAhsbpUCvRK9uVcjNM-unMgoRCyEFMA6LBLXU4cqwIZWeX1cn_ZhMYJfO3lqMQapXfwCx8H6Du8qTtq1J3Jjmvpt2ad6jsYH_GB83SuvEEjj25easCuNt4zbhn4as/s640/DSC01319.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><u>Ingredients:</u></b><br />
Idly (2 pieces)<br />
Sev (Fine and course)<br />
Chanachur<br />
1 small onion finely chopped (optional)<br />
1 small tomato finely chopped (optional)<br />
Chat Masala<br />
Tomato sauce<br />
Chilly sauce<br />
2 to 3 tsp oil for frying the idlis<br />
<br />
<b><u>Preparation:</u></b><br />
<br />
Cut the idly into small pieces and light fry in 2 to 3 tsp of oil in a non-sticky pan. You might also want to add butter instead of oil.<br />
<br />
Add Sev, chanachur, chat masala to the fried idly chunks. You might also want to add chopped onions and tomatoes.<br />
<br />
Add tomato and chilly sauces if you want. You might also want to add Coriander chutney or Tamarind chutney. I like sukha and hence do not prefer to add sauces. Rest I will leave it upto your imagination and taste.<br />
<br />
Ideal replacement for 2 minutes Maggi. Chala Bagunda...</div>
Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-76945691583148901742015-07-05T15:20:00.000+05:302015-07-07T02:03:41.322+05:30Gearing up for a weekend fun<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Monsoon have set in and I am gearing for the first family trip of the season. And how fun it would be to go on a long drive with the overcast skies and showers of rain here and there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapQmDJE360G6GmCoH2cl_QVpN7PlF7UlH3NRy4sIgEeWgngkXXcwySbPAUXNZzNTPXdrL3f-ygdUyclnsZOkJ3grF5AMQu9gv09N29yzMy4HxLdITLsQ3GTaRzMM7fUNMuMpAaKitoMo/s1600/DSC00801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapQmDJE360G6GmCoH2cl_QVpN7PlF7UlH3NRy4sIgEeWgngkXXcwySbPAUXNZzNTPXdrL3f-ygdUyclnsZOkJ3grF5AMQu9gv09N29yzMy4HxLdITLsQ3GTaRzMM7fUNMuMpAaKitoMo/s400/DSC00801.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
If you are also gearing up for a weekend fun and have a passion for driving, car is not a problem at all with the newly started services of Zoom Car. Zoom Car provides self-drive cars on a rental service. I got to know this from a friend and quickly booked a luxurious Scorpio for the upcoming trip.<br />
<br />
One would need to be a member for booking the services which includes car including fuel, insurance and taxes. There is a referral scheme as well which would mean the referrer and referral would gain Rs 300 on their next drive. You can click on the <a href="http://www.zoomcar.com/signup/?ref=REFCODE&ref_code=MjE2MzI4&refsource=email" target="_blank">link </a>to get some benefit of this.<br />
<br />
The services have started in Bangalore, Pune, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Mumbai. Even if you are not staying in those cities you can book one from the above cities and drop it before you leave. I found this really cool and the cost including fuel is good enough to afford this for a 3-4 days trip.<br />
<br />
<b>Points to Note:</b><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Pets are not allowed</li>
<li>Drug/Alcohols are not allowed</li>
<li>Smoking is not allowed</li>
<li>Driver cannot overspeed more than 125 kms/hour</li>
<li>Hyderabad travelers book in advance as there are limited Scorpio's, XUV's and Ecosports in each of the pick up points.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Will share more feedback once I complete the trip.<br />
<br />
<b>Note:</b> This is not a paid post but posted for informative purpose.</div>
Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-53570219382448354082015-06-27T14:40:00.004+05:302015-06-27T14:40:49.407+05:30Safari @ Bannerghatta National Park - A Pictionary<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Bannerghatta National Park is a must visit when you land up in Bangalore. It is about 22 kms from Bangalore city and can be availed by auto, bus or hired cab. It is having different units such as Zoo, Safari, Butterfly Park and Rescue Center (Conservation of captive animals).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwDYPwEDDqOJ4-D5e_LTYH6Hje9IiYp34QX6kMLg_8qFHZuU5LkICjUJWB5j3OiElf5IFSIkv0D3_45SWrpuOS6Sx1KPv6JwzRy_z6plK_rl0vLOO4xm-AE44tbVjrdkhcoPHQZtazGc/s1600/DSC00905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgwDYPwEDDqOJ4-D5e_LTYH6Hje9IiYp34QX6kMLg_8qFHZuU5LkICjUJWB5j3OiElf5IFSIkv0D3_45SWrpuOS6Sx1KPv6JwzRy_z6plK_rl0vLOO4xm-AE44tbVjrdkhcoPHQZtazGc/s1600/DSC00905.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Once you reach, there are various options to book a safari. You can hire an AC bus or 4-6 seat Mahindra zeep. There are various packages including Zoo, Butterfly Park and Safari etc. The options are:<br />
<br />
Lion and Tiger Safari<br />
Herbivore Safari<br />
Bear Safari and<br />
Grand Safari (Through normal bus) (Tiger , Lion, Bear & Herbivore safari) + Zoo<br />
<br />
We opted for the Grand Safari but as we reached late, could not visit the Butterfly Park. Butterfly park is open till 5 PM.<br />
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV7v9hhBcEnCZdu9nnkZsjbkp12RqXj4aofdif6ilBnSvAh3FyerV5273C4-0XLx0QTYt9UH1KNQUjLWofNGHXgs_5LWL7uNymiWNXzqF3p0SftpiihEtozjndX5rYr6tBxFxTaPUd_A/s1600/DSC00883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjV7v9hhBcEnCZdu9nnkZsjbkp12RqXj4aofdif6ilBnSvAh3FyerV5273C4-0XLx0QTYt9UH1KNQUjLWofNGHXgs_5LWL7uNymiWNXzqF3p0SftpiihEtozjndX5rYr6tBxFxTaPUd_A/s1600/DSC00883.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bus for the Grand Safari</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Once the hour-long safari started, kids started really enjoying the wildlife. It started with Sambar, Cheetal, Barking Deer, Black Buck and Nilgai etc.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXLyucnTkJVqqaQQDuf8K-URRa5X1wEP0MCGrXJ0zfL7DRG9sqD4avY1uf3kfCB-5NNaFoiSrqwEz6Vh7addW46cJVDVv1ZX0XpMRgeH8OvX0hXE9ToFJU5Swczr_VTkoP-W3QEWdIoc/s1600/IMG_8275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXLyucnTkJVqqaQQDuf8K-URRa5X1wEP0MCGrXJ0zfL7DRG9sqD4avY1uf3kfCB-5NNaFoiSrqwEz6Vh7addW46cJVDVv1ZX0XpMRgeH8OvX0hXE9ToFJU5Swczr_VTkoP-W3QEWdIoc/s1600/IMG_8275.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Deers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then came the Bisons and the Elephants...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6Sk-M8S_GsSZeveHKNnULJ-nTqoIGsIwIx8aOMSpB9jcE0Po8SNXo0XJqlwGJ1n_8WSUZvSANBrX5qwqXkEITjl3cXmLzcQGVoPfYOOLTb1uJ2r6art1E33cmwqgzPyWFUqqLqQ_PcQ/s1600/IMG_8276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6Sk-M8S_GsSZeveHKNnULJ-nTqoIGsIwIx8aOMSpB9jcE0Po8SNXo0XJqlwGJ1n_8WSUZvSANBrX5qwqXkEITjl3cXmLzcQGVoPfYOOLTb1uJ2r6art1E33cmwqgzPyWFUqqLqQ_PcQ/s1600/IMG_8276.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bison</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaGlqWq6uWQL5w1OupDMXw6Jow2nxst_4EvU8Be94eo8fIc9yVCt5LliSzQN7d1bpYmasS4h9up3lYrYG1UxkZZMMwfKp7DzyKhSn4E3qUm4P0nzIJlM7LK18wi3ld0QLylzQ1p7kX4Y/s1600/IMG_8282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaGlqWq6uWQL5w1OupDMXw6Jow2nxst_4EvU8Be94eo8fIc9yVCt5LliSzQN7d1bpYmasS4h9up3lYrYG1UxkZZMMwfKp7DzyKhSn4E3qUm4P0nzIJlM7LK18wi3ld0QLylzQ1p7kX4Y/s1600/IMG_8282.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elephant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The most entertaining part was the bear jumping with two legs in front of our bus. He almost reached our window. Our son was overjoyed to see the scene. Perhaps it reminded him of the teddy bear he plays with at home. But alas, we could not capture that view.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_NOdlfkbkLjW6kaf3kybdrtiDb-JBVzGxxrpdnA1e_JsY_6S495JBBrsCDdtjeq3XWs59me21WW8l_ZCslTn0yEMV_VI4kv3Wcs1ZWCZrBMYYYWwtx9Z7Vqb276-cLldN3Tu5MBZy_I/s1600/IMG_8283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="537" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_NOdlfkbkLjW6kaf3kybdrtiDb-JBVzGxxrpdnA1e_JsY_6S495JBBrsCDdtjeq3XWs59me21WW8l_ZCslTn0yEMV_VI4kv3Wcs1ZWCZrBMYYYWwtx9Z7Vqb276-cLldN3Tu5MBZy_I/s1600/IMG_8283.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Lion and Tiger Safari </b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizl84rwQ64IyYrgq9t-G9Q17EU0xACC__v-U956p-6rsafZE0Z_ZY9Lz6ehixv6f9Sty8ntLuZYm3Z_UQnT7iCom2CyjSqjtzIcXUcp6uVaQclSw23l6h7arMJ2AyK4IboDaNBF2sxUn0/s1600/IMG_8285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizl84rwQ64IyYrgq9t-G9Q17EU0xACC__v-U956p-6rsafZE0Z_ZY9Lz6ehixv6f9Sty8ntLuZYm3Z_UQnT7iCom2CyjSqjtzIcXUcp6uVaQclSw23l6h7arMJ2AyK4IboDaNBF2sxUn0/s1600/IMG_8285.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXkMP_zffQ8ruz7671Q10pWIzYW-89EWZrEl9j1vMoxQFnE-JW-IdtzK0Zt8U_qWAfH9qca9-mY8118_h8vyTL-dNnT-fIQC-IGYBJ580GXBn9o2DQ0bMcwbg4snyEnj6f_d0vVCSo-0/s1600/IMG_8287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXkMP_zffQ8ruz7671Q10pWIzYW-89EWZrEl9j1vMoxQFnE-JW-IdtzK0Zt8U_qWAfH9qca9-mY8118_h8vyTL-dNnT-fIQC-IGYBJ580GXBn9o2DQ0bMcwbg4snyEnj6f_d0vVCSo-0/s1600/IMG_8287.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Tiger</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQiVAyZvUJ5Mq-fplt-zDdiOrXG9Rs4S7o8gFSuPfI5vbnmaLmk8AVbE8GjoJKa38JMF8h8lYybHbJx6R-EL6r3Fk6mzJlo26QaWWuS9mIo3ZxyBUr54Hwqb2NCi5KbD7PP9bH23rc40/s1600/IMG_8290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQiVAyZvUJ5Mq-fplt-zDdiOrXG9Rs4S7o8gFSuPfI5vbnmaLmk8AVbE8GjoJKa38JMF8h8lYybHbJx6R-EL6r3Fk6mzJlo26QaWWuS9mIo3ZxyBUr54Hwqb2NCi5KbD7PP9bH23rc40/s1600/IMG_8290.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2K6oZPqjUUHr3q9O56wu2Ei0ok7CascUdSR1lPRQ7fhxKDKaghOK3mdm0OXXvEmpFObdJ3Lz1Oj08Clyipx3aJBlu-wmvRIo3ckVNf18ergunYxrjAZWCmmzrPGjOF5mU3LEsLlYpTk/s1600/IMG_8294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2K6oZPqjUUHr3q9O56wu2Ei0ok7CascUdSR1lPRQ7fhxKDKaghOK3mdm0OXXvEmpFObdJ3Lz1Oj08Clyipx3aJBlu-wmvRIo3ckVNf18ergunYxrjAZWCmmzrPGjOF5mU3LEsLlYpTk/s1600/IMG_8294.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiger having Summer Fun</td></tr>
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Wanna get drenched like the Tiger, plan for a trip to Bangalore now. LOL...</div>
Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-90864208429978996992015-01-14T13:35:00.003+05:302015-03-10T14:28:10.067+05:30Being Local - 5<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzK6-0BuCnWtTUX7rvHFcgVLsveHsgM2LOP45Bc9LUps0TYVOo2hvKeXRz_qRlv4gciDMrsg5Hdv-QgHaHqF35qEJRZsOSVRneRW7vc90UJyGeZ_lFyxkRuN6Vd9Rpq9tbH-EXSIZFiF8/s1600/IMG_7251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzK6-0BuCnWtTUX7rvHFcgVLsveHsgM2LOP45Bc9LUps0TYVOo2hvKeXRz_qRlv4gciDMrsg5Hdv-QgHaHqF35qEJRZsOSVRneRW7vc90UJyGeZ_lFyxkRuN6Vd9Rpq9tbH-EXSIZFiF8/s1600/IMG_7251.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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During Ganesh Visarjan, processions would be seen on the road with idol of Ganesha along with a group of people performing and dancing at the tunes of drums and trumpet in the attire of different Gods and Goddess. The act above is showing Maa Durga killing the Demon. This was taken in Hyderabad on such an occasion.<br />
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'Being Local' is a series where I can post the different characters who I feel is interesting enough to have a mention. You can find others in the series <a href="http://avik-besttraveldestinations.blogspot.in/search/label/Being%20Local" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br /></div>
Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-76135120899738390692014-12-22T14:55:00.003+05:302014-12-22T14:55:20.148+05:30Thanks Lonely Planet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Lonely Planet and Skyscanner launched a campaign - <a href="http://unexplored.lonelyplanet.in/" target="_blank">India Unexplored</a> inviting avid travelers to share their offbeat travel. This went on from 4 October to 17 November, 2014.<br />
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As mentioned in my previous post, I had the privilege of sharing 4 <a href="http://avik-besttraveldestinations.blogspot.in/2014/11/india-unexplored-explore-less-travelled.html" target="_blank">entries</a> in that campaign. There was a voting followed by selection of top three discoveries from each special theme - See, Do, Eat, Shop by a panel of judges.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8J4RYil3BwTcH7lP_8JhLK4HWi1F4GWlxB5zaLvtnIetQXxQR0VEsG8XzuWPxBAJlG2qBYeevePvHLIZo5FOP7DBOXFJmo0xDrlP_7Ba84THFsIFWlR9WWD8_WPW9rJKwbH3et7o5c8/s1600/IMG_7748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8J4RYil3BwTcH7lP_8JhLK4HWi1F4GWlxB5zaLvtnIetQXxQR0VEsG8XzuWPxBAJlG2qBYeevePvHLIZo5FOP7DBOXFJmo0xDrlP_7Ba84THFsIFWlR9WWD8_WPW9rJKwbH3et7o5c8/s1600/IMG_7748.JPG" height="380" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Certificate of Achievement</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Thanks to Lonely Planet and Skyscanner for selecting me as one of the lucky few awarding a certificate of achievement and a wonderful Riviera cabin-size bag by Skybags.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz1lBqxhse92CAQsUWMOuvM-bLgRKJip4sBUQeDlloyzVpdilIHm4JIbS1383X_HtLBjwNpqlZRvEi6gzdQalDbswuXUazi1P90tCPuFb2oNPsd-rfdHXvExpm8G1nXLOeUG6fzFOgpA/s1600/IMG_7751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz1lBqxhse92CAQsUWMOuvM-bLgRKJip4sBUQeDlloyzVpdilIHm4JIbS1383X_HtLBjwNpqlZRvEi6gzdQalDbswuXUazi1P90tCPuFb2oNPsd-rfdHXvExpm8G1nXLOeUG6fzFOgpA/s1600/IMG_7751.JPG" height="400" width="282" /></a></div>
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Looking forward to more opportunities in the future.</div>
Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-67120082882818463542014-11-21T13:39:00.002+05:302014-12-12T14:39:05.443+05:30Being Local - 4<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_44AjQWYzQmeWeY87TZab2lilcZiveaQh0oR9hmFm0vmSOlIXg-lTwhkgbW-p4lr_UlSL0oe79N2Ox0irTfGgrfDbelTCiG67Zxktyjlfdw78Yg_wKJt_0YbP-R8SsEHWTOYz_4pjk0/s1600/IMG_5877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_44AjQWYzQmeWeY87TZab2lilcZiveaQh0oR9hmFm0vmSOlIXg-lTwhkgbW-p4lr_UlSL0oe79N2Ox0irTfGgrfDbelTCiG67Zxktyjlfdw78Yg_wKJt_0YbP-R8SsEHWTOYz_4pjk0/s1600/IMG_5877.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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The driver for our trip to Sholayar and Valparai. He deserves special mention because, he was desperate to show my kid at least one elephant in the jungle and went up to the extend of climbing the top of the car to find out one. Alas we could not find one but really appreciate his serious attempt.<br />
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'Being Local' is a series where I can post the different characters who I feel is interesting enough to have a mention. You can find others in the series <a href="http://avik-besttraveldestinations.blogspot.in/search/label/Being%20Local" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-34508930556551170672014-11-21T13:28:00.001+05:302014-11-21T13:35:39.247+05:30Being Local - 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnRfaDxlvpFhLjlMIWVop28ycshya4CrfrexGbBXuap1QLYT2FwEtBAiRuDb7Xy0Oh72oBEdvjTpkwB1anZwsZGkZpHxpufj9XKHZ1Rej9qlP29mKVci3P-ngIoeiIxeHLPR6TxdPSCs/s1600/IMG_6776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnRfaDxlvpFhLjlMIWVop28ycshya4CrfrexGbBXuap1QLYT2FwEtBAiRuDb7Xy0Oh72oBEdvjTpkwB1anZwsZGkZpHxpufj9XKHZ1Rej9qlP29mKVci3P-ngIoeiIxeHLPR6TxdPSCs/s1600/IMG_6776.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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The Coconut seller at Nishat Bagh, Srinagar who was eagar to pose when I asked him.<br />
<br />
'Being Local' is a series where I can post the different characters who I feel is interesting enough to have a mention. You can find others in the series <a href="http://avik-besttraveldestinations.blogspot.in/search/label/Being%20Local" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-477986681480819402014-11-11T15:26:00.000+05:302014-11-11T15:26:19.726+05:30Bengali Lunch on a Fine Sunday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Bengallis are often coined as <b>'Bhojan Rasik'</b>, which would ideally mean that they love to eat and eat anything which is tasty - no matter whether they are higenic or not. The variety of food in a Bengalli household would be something which is admired all over the world.<br />
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It would be difficult to find a Bengali house where you will not see an item of fish in the daily menu. I am an exception though; Lately after finding a shop in the market besides JNTU crossing, fish became an item in our meals too - at least 2-3 times a week now. The specialty of this shop is you can buy live Rohu fish and that is the only shop in the entire market.<br />
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One such fine Sunday morning, we had a wonderful 'fishy' lunch with Fried fish, fish curry and Alur Khosha Bhaja (Potato Skin Fry).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEfBEns6IXZc3bDCN9c7FNDK9JfSrabQ47d9pbh9I9o78iUwVLbcfsYI1fq5fMErmzBLKqtaMTr4AANLw0YBdxqAPUaTIc3TTqttZW_BygxOD7I-8oZCizYAU2cHr_1t_OOcMfj8-dmI/s1600/DSC00424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEfBEns6IXZc3bDCN9c7FNDK9JfSrabQ47d9pbh9I9o78iUwVLbcfsYI1fq5fMErmzBLKqtaMTr4AANLw0YBdxqAPUaTIc3TTqttZW_BygxOD7I-8oZCizYAU2cHr_1t_OOcMfj8-dmI/s1600/DSC00424.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish Fried</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicM_PDrKKn4zJv9-mhyphenhyphengsZNDyBtbKgTHdcJTCLQvqa_uADgixhb3zWab58rtkTFRTp0C6hPyIreiPIpkO-qQAfo_XAzpx87WQ4zeES-T9zaKppaMUgThyEXAi3f-nD1kPdf4qURQn4al8/s1600/DSC00429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicM_PDrKKn4zJv9-mhyphenhyphengsZNDyBtbKgTHdcJTCLQvqa_uADgixhb3zWab58rtkTFRTp0C6hPyIreiPIpkO-qQAfo_XAzpx87WQ4zeES-T9zaKppaMUgThyEXAi3f-nD1kPdf4qURQn4al8/s1600/DSC00429.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish Curry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Alur Khosha Bhaja is not an item which you would be hearing often. This is prepared from the peeled skin of potato. Believe it or not, potato skin is not only nutritious but tasty. Peel the potato and keep the skin a little thick than usual. Peel onions as well. Add salt as per your taste. Mix poppy seeds and fry till it mixes well with the peeled potato skin and onions. Fry till this is red and crispy.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_MgLADOzoMO2cJO-UDhcJ3_goPyQCtFxQJDN9kScRKDcfpBi8_9t0Ky_OQwpPr5qHBjPieY8xXVhyphenhyphenUgoVXHutLpBs02VXD6R4XB5zrqrc9Tiq1ERH76rMiZ5cz_61xMW2X5U6llO4lk/s1600/DSC00426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_MgLADOzoMO2cJO-UDhcJ3_goPyQCtFxQJDN9kScRKDcfpBi8_9t0Ky_OQwpPr5qHBjPieY8xXVhyphenhyphenUgoVXHutLpBs02VXD6R4XB5zrqrc9Tiq1ERH76rMiZ5cz_61xMW2X5U6llO4lk/s1600/DSC00426.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Alur Khosha Bhaja</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And that's a WOW lunch. Simple yet mouth watery. Isn't it, what's your opinion?<br />
<br /></div>
Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-51602724945589920202014-11-06T12:07:00.004+05:302014-12-12T13:41:07.543+05:30India Unexplored - Explore the less travelled Indian destinations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Lonely Planet have started a contest called India Unexplored, which is mainly to promote avid travelers to share their offbeat travel experiences. The entries are categorized into 4 themes - See, Do, Eat and Shop. Entries would be visible upon approval from the moderation team. The campaign is running from 4 October to 17 November, 2014 and the voting has begun.<br />
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I have the privilege of sharing 4 entries in the contest as below:<br />
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<b>Shop</b>:<br />
<a href="http://avik-besttraveldestinations.blogspot.com/2014/08/nirmal-home-for-toy-and-art-industry.html" target="_blank">Nirmal</a>: <a href="http://unexplored.lonelyplanet.in/discovery/entry/629.html" target="_blank">http://unexplored.lonelyplanet.in/discovery/entry/629.html</a><br />
<a href="http://avik-besttraveldestinations.blogspot.com/2012/11/pochampally-rural-tourism-project.html" target="_blank">Pochampally</a>: <a href="http://unexplored.lonelyplanet.in/discovery/entry/632.html" target="_blank">http://unexplored.lonelyplanet.in/discovery/entry/632.html</a><br />
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<b>Eat:</b><br />
<a href="http://avik-besttraveldestinations.blogspot.com/2014/04/barbecuing-in-hyderabad.html" target="_blank">Absolute Barbeque</a>: <a href="http://unexplored.lonelyplanet.in/discovery/entry/737.html" target="_blank">http://unexplored.lonelyplanet.in/discovery/entry/737.html</a><br />
<a href="http://avik-besttraveldestinations.blogspot.com/2012/02/maggi-sos-18300-ft.html" target="_blank">Rhinchen Cafeteria</a>: <a href="http://unexplored.lonelyplanet.in/discovery/entry/747.html" target="_blank">http://unexplored.lonelyplanet.in/discovery/entry/747.html</a><br />
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For more details on the places, you can visit the link of the names.<br />
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Please vote for my entries as below in Lonely Plannet - India Unexplored if you find it interesting.</div>
Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-14353757414015575902014-09-09T10:55:00.003+05:302014-09-09T13:32:37.216+05:30Being Local - 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Chaiwali at the Kuntala Waterfalls, Nirmal. Be there water in the falls or not, there is always tea in her kettle for the visitors. </div>
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'Being Local' is a series where I can post the different characters who I feel is interesting enough to have a mention. You can find others in the series <a href="http://avik-besttraveldestinations.blogspot.in/search/label/Being%20Local" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-44946927433130081112014-08-31T13:23:00.000+05:302014-08-31T13:23:31.756+05:30Being Local - 1 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A young monk at Hemis Monastery who was shy enough to pose for a picture. Ultimately agreed to pose for a photo persuaded by his senior in the picture behind.<br />
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Since I have been travelling quite a lot and taking pictures of locals, I decided to start a series named <b>'Being Local'</b>, where I can post the different characters who I feel is interesting enough to have a mention.</div>
Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5744227251165011065.post-44578587954782877892014-08-23T12:58:00.001+05:302014-08-23T12:58:06.901+05:30Nirmal - Home for Toy and Art Industry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Nirmal is situated in the Adilabad district of the newly formed state of Telengana.<br />
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It is merely 218 kms from Hyderabad and yet there are not many people who knows that Nirmal is famous for <b>Toys and Paintings</b>. Staying in Hyderabad for almost about 7 years now, I recently came to know the specialty and had started growing interest to visit the place - primarily to visit the Toys workshop.<br />
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Upon reaching there and talking to various people in the Hotel where we stayed, we came to know that there is a single store accompanied by the workshop. Read from a old Hindu article that after Independence when the artisans were undergoing a bad phase, Government came to their rescue and formed a society called <b>The Nirmal Toys and Arts Industries Cooperative Society Ltd.</b> in 1955.<br />
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Visitors come here to purchase but most of these toys are sold in different parts of the country and even exported abroad. This is a small scale industry which has high potential to be popularized. The toys are made up of a unique tender wood called '<b>Poniki Wood</b>'. The price of the toys also seemed to be moderate enough.<br />
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<b><u>Toys:</u></b><br />
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<b><u>Paintings:</u></b><br />
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<b><u>Small Video of the Workshop:</u></b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzXGkSvmopdVvVSMa6IdG0OYilUp1js-fIJ6Gkkhi24m5nEnPg4qzQ7nwJzaVLdgJVuyn7ccsHbqoh6P4KClg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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It is sad that the Government has not promoted this place for Tourism. If a single store can make a place famous, it definitely has a lot of potential which can be explored to make this into a large scale industry. There are also other attractions (mainly Waterfalls, sanctuaries, temples etc.) which can be centered from Nirmal.<br />
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Avikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13264965834634259081noreply@blogger.com2