tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84050803683380146832024-03-18T08:04:01.450+05:30FoodaholixOur love has taken us through many pit stops, the notable ones being Hyderabad, Bangalore and Kolkata. Through this blog we talk about the good, bad and ugly food joints, as well as the local cuisines and street food of the places we visit. To learn more, we will also invite some virtuosos from the food world to share their experience here. So hop on to a delightful food journey.Soumabhahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07232969499393173928noreply@blogger.comBlogger472125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-48770079241986972682024-02-19T20:54:00.000+05:302024-02-19T20:54:33.447+05:30Mangaldhara Tourism Property, Barrackpore: A Lovely Staycation off Kolkata<p> As we visit Kolkata frequently from our base in Hyderabad and stay out there for longish stints, we often have the urge to explore for a couple of days outside the city. This January, we were looking at a short staycation somewhere close to the city, and our friends suggested <b>Mangaldhara Tourism Property</b> at <b>Barrackpore</b>, a resort run by West Bengal Tourism.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKY6duBPPNWmOpLuv7FGoT7aAckWlzXeyzu3QJxf-M7lsGswOU8KEe5ccYZcKC7wrdu-FR9tf5lg7QajmnLTlOLll4Cgbr_3Wzx0YXBLD49O74wVuiiKNuUExeXLKaB2HmjDEAJ3ySmU7u10cJaJ8KeUSNjis1GSdj4hUj7fIFxCw0wAXSQChIkYSQgj8/s4608/IMG_20240127_164700.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKY6duBPPNWmOpLuv7FGoT7aAckWlzXeyzu3QJxf-M7lsGswOU8KEe5ccYZcKC7wrdu-FR9tf5lg7QajmnLTlOLll4Cgbr_3Wzx0YXBLD49O74wVuiiKNuUExeXLKaB2HmjDEAJ3ySmU7u10cJaJ8KeUSNjis1GSdj4hUj7fIFxCw0wAXSQChIkYSQgj8/w640-h480/IMG_20240127_164700.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Mangaldhara is located about 25 km from Kolkata, very near <b>Gandhi Ghat</b> in Barrackpore. I had never been to Barrackpore before but passed the railway station innumerable times en route to my uncle’s place at Kalyani during my childhood. The property is bang on the bank of the Hooghly River. Our web investigation reported that the resort has two varieties of rooms – river-facing and those not facing the river. There are also a couple of<b> houseboats</b> each having four river-facing rooms. Our friends had explicitly told us to book river-facing rooms on the first floor, and through the website <a href="https://wbtdcl.wbtourismgov.in/"><b>https://wbtdcl.wbtourismgov.in/</b></a> booking was a breeze. We planned for a two-night stay in end-January.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2ZAzcanC1WE-_PIwIR8kN0NIXwAFlNzfdzJRXi_rys19vTjwsn0R9nA4hbyEeGy3jm2ETJCcg2Lz3Gjq4qSZIulfsnIxtBWgHUAz45eV79YIUMJ5kbcLn3qUk14QGeueXU2xyEPorm1dmb4aqR7Z5hX2soC5q_1txRENVtrCdp0tQRRc3Za8S8n181s/s4127/IMG_20240126_173641__01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3235" data-original-width="4127" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2ZAzcanC1WE-_PIwIR8kN0NIXwAFlNzfdzJRXi_rys19vTjwsn0R9nA4hbyEeGy3jm2ETJCcg2Lz3Gjq4qSZIulfsnIxtBWgHUAz45eV79YIUMJ5kbcLn3qUk14QGeueXU2xyEPorm1dmb4aqR7Z5hX2soC5q_1txRENVtrCdp0tQRRc3Za8S8n181s/w640-h502/IMG_20240126_173641__01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3yl5qrjoI5JOFe6q7d9jJrxvQTHqP0fypSGcuYCAIdhqadbdvXs7xmjsf80t2f4H1IFUd8HR1oXWWD9245-ePWZZ1ytXNtby5_QgG1k6IshlbVTJOMT3dPu0XeYKrQAddittuxON0q3qH4_NSmYVBp59kIVQdMJh0p1mWRq1XUHS5oF31XbSzwSwjm0/s4608/IMG_20240126_140254.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3yl5qrjoI5JOFe6q7d9jJrxvQTHqP0fypSGcuYCAIdhqadbdvXs7xmjsf80t2f4H1IFUd8HR1oXWWD9245-ePWZZ1ytXNtby5_QgG1k6IshlbVTJOMT3dPu0XeYKrQAddittuxON0q3qH4_NSmYVBp59kIVQdMJh0p1mWRq1XUHS5oF31XbSzwSwjm0/w640-h480/IMG_20240126_140254.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZlZGTJgJTYw6MIUIqbwDaGlIHnAJ3r1y3g1AICQi3z3QpLC65Q_OfdeQlI22o8Nm6FhOhy7veno8wefFApR1POb-L24jqPQWREXapV4eFJ6TB1fLw3YQqB2F85HZUpvS2c9yW5ZhZqPJMVA64Z_PBiG1k1RxhJhisMZBaKrtChLDkgA0UOVB50sd7Eo/s4608/IMG_20240126_125702.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZlZGTJgJTYw6MIUIqbwDaGlIHnAJ3r1y3g1AICQi3z3QpLC65Q_OfdeQlI22o8Nm6FhOhy7veno8wefFApR1POb-L24jqPQWREXapV4eFJ6TB1fLw3YQqB2F85HZUpvS2c9yW5ZhZqPJMVA64Z_PBiG1k1RxhJhisMZBaKrtChLDkgA0UOVB50sd7Eo/w640-h480/IMG_20240126_125702.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We had reached Kolkata a couple of days back. The hectic days of a relative’s marriage made us pine for some solitude, and as a result, we were really looking forward to the short staycation. I had fond memories of local train travel three decades ago, and really wanted to do the Ballygunge – Sealdah – Barrackpore stretch by local train. However, the luggage with us made us unsure of whether we would be able to embark and disbark in the short time that a local train stops at a station. A lack of confidence overtook us, and we decided to make the journey by Uber Maharaj. The journey costing around Rs 900 took us through Maniktala, Shyambazar, and Dunlop in North Kolkata, followed by Belghoria and Sodepur. Within one and a half hours we were at the gate of Mangaldhara Tourism Property.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRrSjR1IDDlCQiQcIZ_dqq8LF8Dw-uJlwBDe5I9vBpWojY_c23F67w6GPon_xSMM4KYuiWJwELZHK9UEL4WK2UL43ChoyMa3aaQcqiyADDYTc5ZkfByqaNWRZPj4uIe0sk5phwUb0IBeVn20g_k4G6NDcCemZyv9D06hk7UJNN3gcs6lkDpSrLHFRrYo/s4608/IMG_20240126_124709.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRrSjR1IDDlCQiQcIZ_dqq8LF8Dw-uJlwBDe5I9vBpWojY_c23F67w6GPon_xSMM4KYuiWJwELZHK9UEL4WK2UL43ChoyMa3aaQcqiyADDYTc5ZkfByqaNWRZPj4uIe0sk5phwUb0IBeVn20g_k4G6NDcCemZyv9D06hk7UJNN3gcs6lkDpSrLHFRrYo/w640-h480/IMG_20240126_124709.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9v9nyUyUIvDPOjZ6pcNUZKegtuyt-iql8KLrVmMJwt05pFDW2ysiTcWLJXrhWal9w2WL-g-X3EwDzO9QjWkLW7oxM9Bq9F7eVjIqQZrRzm_MRu5cXp_SLNe7dWPgcVp3ky8iQCNe2I0S0Qu2HCk83dxGAGlHIhG2LNmrpCiiedi7bF6p1ZLJwl6iqe0/s4608/IMG_20240126_125719.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9v9nyUyUIvDPOjZ6pcNUZKegtuyt-iql8KLrVmMJwt05pFDW2ysiTcWLJXrhWal9w2WL-g-X3EwDzO9QjWkLW7oxM9Bq9F7eVjIqQZrRzm_MRu5cXp_SLNe7dWPgcVp3ky8iQCNe2I0S0Qu2HCk83dxGAGlHIhG2LNmrpCiiedi7bF6p1ZLJwl6iqe0/w480-h640/IMG_20240126_125719.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihx368jEDmyuoe4OMOWhee0sO6vgekgnJK4NischszbQBd8yA7SK_AxFbfHFWKqurzeKAacrk4wvBC3DNwqXCWbMss4ovyG31gi1rqPPyIUzB8cPH_P6TkJUGke-DH0rLw4TA_5XB9Uv9eHuz7oHe6ouDL3qXfaBKKqoW51i-ddIxqfcHBJmAR3bR6PXI/s4608/IMG_20240126_140235.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihx368jEDmyuoe4OMOWhee0sO6vgekgnJK4NischszbQBd8yA7SK_AxFbfHFWKqurzeKAacrk4wvBC3DNwqXCWbMss4ovyG31gi1rqPPyIUzB8cPH_P6TkJUGke-DH0rLw4TA_5XB9Uv9eHuz7oHe6ouDL3qXfaBKKqoW51i-ddIxqfcHBJmAR3bR6PXI/w640-h480/IMG_20240126_140235.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The property is adjacent to Gandhi Ghat. There is a park called <b>Jawahar Kunj</b> just next to it. Winter being picnic season in Bengal, the park was full of revelers with music blaring at high decibels. We checked in at the reception of the property and were promptly taken to our room on the second floor. The buildings are right on the Hooghly, with a narrow pathway in between. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCnf5uFATKoZ5XkClH8viOdVeiDJO_cqg0ZzXgS4zgx10RRL0Hdpsio1KsnGtM2fYdTwKJMQYZ0dKF1lXqFrqd56v96x9CkPr-LOy4OgSZXrzMHL_XWmcdROMeFs4wV1x0LuXoUTF58UCIsMxrWnejgkKejA4rN0v_vT6c-dl1NggmlKveKqM3Bx3O5Q/s4608/IMG_20240126_140637.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCnf5uFATKoZ5XkClH8viOdVeiDJO_cqg0ZzXgS4zgx10RRL0Hdpsio1KsnGtM2fYdTwKJMQYZ0dKF1lXqFrqd56v96x9CkPr-LOy4OgSZXrzMHL_XWmcdROMeFs4wV1x0LuXoUTF58UCIsMxrWnejgkKejA4rN0v_vT6c-dl1NggmlKveKqM3Bx3O5Q/w640-h480/IMG_20240126_140637.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtsOWspiNIWzncGqJbFs_C63RIZBggEaOY6vJ3KsMs3hxg8I0mH9FwJtBkQoRwbun08ghE1_hzREYPHlooNG5g-SgxSFd6W2p9hBo_DrCS_FZLYrxoc9XQUah7pqBCFGrZlHvknVMdyOcmBzqgfFbJ0M82VCbBpGlOJOpkjmmU6ZZDhyChPSVQVJiuGk/s4608/IMG_20240126_141206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtsOWspiNIWzncGqJbFs_C63RIZBggEaOY6vJ3KsMs3hxg8I0mH9FwJtBkQoRwbun08ghE1_hzREYPHlooNG5g-SgxSFd6W2p9hBo_DrCS_FZLYrxoc9XQUah7pqBCFGrZlHvknVMdyOcmBzqgfFbJ0M82VCbBpGlOJOpkjmmU6ZZDhyChPSVQVJiuGk/w640-h480/IMG_20240126_141206.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>A metal bridge connects to a small jetty where the two houseboats are located. There is a small space in front of the bar and restaurant, where there are seats for enjoying the view of the river over a cup of tea. On the other side of the river, one could see the high-rises of <b>Rishra</b>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiS96fbaMi0Hs5luSYuM_0-8oXVBGCE6A-oBPCGcSOjMRf4_3Aea8YzS2degv3KqBaupc17u40rriztvCmB81NcN4H_xvpeBOGFEjoSNk2LhvL3YYFyfYoLk4PcKrExcmrGGnZCDDncDV0d0C0hyphenhyphenuFG8rFYBYK6gpM0hHS5pTBcvi6P31EDUuSLHMTNc/s4608/IMG_20240126_144245.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiS96fbaMi0Hs5luSYuM_0-8oXVBGCE6A-oBPCGcSOjMRf4_3Aea8YzS2degv3KqBaupc17u40rriztvCmB81NcN4H_xvpeBOGFEjoSNk2LhvL3YYFyfYoLk4PcKrExcmrGGnZCDDncDV0d0C0hyphenhyphenuFG8rFYBYK6gpM0hHS5pTBcvi6P31EDUuSLHMTNc/w640-h480/IMG_20240126_144245.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwwvwgi7UGXT7jt3mn1qCN0gpPeMwsS3xQ9sBMySqIKXfm9mMsBYxiSzAyTvO4lEgCjBfu6S3ew18YtP_prY0UM0QXULHQ8q635C8Ff7BQODkKQuCJtndQLBvwJbRF8LIkWm0igk7BJMRVQ9BXfIeHubXt2g6YlMdZ1MNlF6tJf_Y0pgT5_14oyTrAvg/s4608/IMG_20240126_144318.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwwvwgi7UGXT7jt3mn1qCN0gpPeMwsS3xQ9sBMySqIKXfm9mMsBYxiSzAyTvO4lEgCjBfu6S3ew18YtP_prY0UM0QXULHQ8q635C8Ff7BQODkKQuCJtndQLBvwJbRF8LIkWm0igk7BJMRVQ9BXfIeHubXt2g6YlMdZ1MNlF6tJf_Y0pgT5_14oyTrAvg/w640-h480/IMG_20240126_144318.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Our room on the first floor was spacious. The window overlooked the river, and as we found out in the evening, it provided a magnificent view of the sunset on the river. One must take care to book a river-facing room, it makes a lot of difference. One would have wished that the room window was bigger, maybe across the wall, it would have elevated the experience even more.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntMYnhEtYN9gJXOnf2jLPy9yvFk6UeaCu6VSLZrZG75407lqT5hnvUOZ1CHQE3ZEOTi3jkDOyPGSFzOcqOC9yW8g1eukXrHsE1G8MmIsGiyGedfMVmDhqp2xNyaUeGdue70V_0NiBOGvBlK8Rzb5BvIavOLhb6eNUT1XECpBN4EcjXP79-DGOdptADFs/s4608/IMG_20240126_133818.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntMYnhEtYN9gJXOnf2jLPy9yvFk6UeaCu6VSLZrZG75407lqT5hnvUOZ1CHQE3ZEOTi3jkDOyPGSFzOcqOC9yW8g1eukXrHsE1G8MmIsGiyGedfMVmDhqp2xNyaUeGdue70V_0NiBOGvBlK8Rzb5BvIavOLhb6eNUT1XECpBN4EcjXP79-DGOdptADFs/w640-h480/IMG_20240126_133818.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The restaurant on the ground floor serves breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner. Breakfast is included in the package, and is decent. You have a choice of <b>Luchi-Chholar dal</b> that I loved and repeated on the second day. They also serve your choice of eggs and a sweet. The restaurant is understaffed, but the staff present do work hard. In fact, overall we were satisfied with the service received in the property, it is much better than the apathetic attitude we get in the Harithas of Andhra Pradesh. During lunch and dinner, you can order river fresh fish, we had a decent <b>Pabda Maccher Jhol</b> one afternoon, apart from the usual Bengali Thali which was again pretty good.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEq5YPJMYAhcavqBNvW8P2wTFjcBfScBJvDCQSd98c6nXiQy8zCwa13_kNuenOg2Ne3cEWgqT_ig68q89qmTjT8iQTlAsk89nu3biqBhi9VDhXBWOd8EGVfLIW2bpHBub0yrxKasLgnYjRLWI9AKM8plpbQTcC5SN3GrcqSql3MAibiOqdrZu_qnXZSTs/s4608/IMG_20240126_164545.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEq5YPJMYAhcavqBNvW8P2wTFjcBfScBJvDCQSd98c6nXiQy8zCwa13_kNuenOg2Ne3cEWgqT_ig68q89qmTjT8iQTlAsk89nu3biqBhi9VDhXBWOd8EGVfLIW2bpHBub0yrxKasLgnYjRLWI9AKM8plpbQTcC5SN3GrcqSql3MAibiOqdrZu_qnXZSTs/w640-h480/IMG_20240126_164545.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVmv-ewHfr_Kut6lKX0mvNHGkoI3pR5k_HSbvNADYm7GN66TLGvdS6uZI6X37oygSUF5c43BRBnGh4QxtOlrvrb5g8Dq-mDry5qqS_dx8tu3f3US9gr-LBDcmFN0WLkIWjG9w5HnIEVS4YvcW7CtOmNXucwmlYRHPpczTDSTuNBkEVSNfyNVBfpY3Bsc/s4608/IMG_20240126_165134.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVmv-ewHfr_Kut6lKX0mvNHGkoI3pR5k_HSbvNADYm7GN66TLGvdS6uZI6X37oygSUF5c43BRBnGh4QxtOlrvrb5g8Dq-mDry5qqS_dx8tu3f3US9gr-LBDcmFN0WLkIWjG9w5HnIEVS4YvcW7CtOmNXucwmlYRHPpczTDSTuNBkEVSNfyNVBfpY3Bsc/w640-h480/IMG_20240126_165134.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNo3gMWFExtc4hwwkHNtjHK8ftUy4yYOEejcvedY8r4RV7JmkJBxhKAFqZU8gQsRtymWTtyJTOUTdHdIyKvcLG7I3FL6oBS0exWJ6JuGaaRpUzF74U96uTzvMO6pQ1vJoM-cy1ARNU0-IFMZ9OVIyBxhM3oNZiUIJ1SJ7BlKCuewZdSIimtBVyZHk9tWY/s4608/IMG_20240126_165445.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNo3gMWFExtc4hwwkHNtjHK8ftUy4yYOEejcvedY8r4RV7JmkJBxhKAFqZU8gQsRtymWTtyJTOUTdHdIyKvcLG7I3FL6oBS0exWJ6JuGaaRpUzF74U96uTzvMO6pQ1vJoM-cy1ARNU0-IFMZ9OVIyBxhM3oNZiUIJ1SJ7BlKCuewZdSIimtBVyZHk9tWY/w640-h480/IMG_20240126_165445.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>A full lunch and a sound sleep later, we were ready to venture out. The famed <b>Annapurna Temple</b> is only about a mile away and we decided to go there by foot. Just outside the resort, there is an auto and toto stand, from where you can get vehicles on contract to any part of Barrackpore. A shared service is also available to the railway station via the temple. Annapurna Temple was built as a smaller replica of Dakshineshwar Temple by the daughter of Rani Rashmoni. It is said that <b>Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa</b> was himself present on the day of its inauguration in 1875.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oD2opMIKEjqQv2dDrnU8WTSbR7SNL2bX8bCndZOJugXFsppT6Xu_scmw3J_3jubkPiSHjcq0nIYFn0VmcjaciA0XGNEE8w-B-2lz_g-e4rfdRrSYnJlmvdHqqn6Q_qKtGgZmDiOxSH3s2GMXdiQcFsCllPAAJJj64S14F_PyuWjOI3MXaKzpJQf8Yik/s4608/IMG_20240126_171508.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oD2opMIKEjqQv2dDrnU8WTSbR7SNL2bX8bCndZOJugXFsppT6Xu_scmw3J_3jubkPiSHjcq0nIYFn0VmcjaciA0XGNEE8w-B-2lz_g-e4rfdRrSYnJlmvdHqqn6Q_qKtGgZmDiOxSH3s2GMXdiQcFsCllPAAJJj64S14F_PyuWjOI3MXaKzpJQf8Yik/w640-h480/IMG_20240126_171508.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBgvB1n4jBWvek2_mt6xckY0PKg7uhuiFQm0u5MECe_Q7uLz8lfAOnZGhdJ39zhiHswXyGRDEm-gmdYYyPM83PJzNnZswAVm0AZHI1iWFZgDc9mPzwxtlf40I_jWqXaAnvJi_Oj5DbRhqCKFzvRD_e0N-Hl4r8zw97CFVCYDxCJlwNySXcn1XeDK7a6U/s4608/IMG_20240126_143206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBgvB1n4jBWvek2_mt6xckY0PKg7uhuiFQm0u5MECe_Q7uLz8lfAOnZGhdJ39zhiHswXyGRDEm-gmdYYyPM83PJzNnZswAVm0AZHI1iWFZgDc9mPzwxtlf40I_jWqXaAnvJi_Oj5DbRhqCKFzvRD_e0N-Hl4r8zw97CFVCYDxCJlwNySXcn1XeDK7a6U/w640-h480/IMG_20240126_143206.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The temple was quite crowded in the evening. After praying to the deity in the main temple, we also visited the six Aatchalas in the background. Behind the temple is the temple ghat from where we had a serene view of the sun setting on the Hooghly.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytj4UmBDR5OTi15rimjdXQpThUdMD0VRIIaBrwJY9ShDdxnmOk9RAtsKth6-mx7G7gq1vLxBZSbeuv_z21gF2KxDAGZjR71LHc-AM6PU82P5v_qgKDPof0Ct-TqtfnPLueAnPh8eivhTW77pb_pSzTo44wtGbkFyRyLBVq8KPSEOnNkPDSg5_XPKz248/s4608/IMG_20240127_124615.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgytj4UmBDR5OTi15rimjdXQpThUdMD0VRIIaBrwJY9ShDdxnmOk9RAtsKth6-mx7G7gq1vLxBZSbeuv_z21gF2KxDAGZjR71LHc-AM6PU82P5v_qgKDPof0Ct-TqtfnPLueAnPh8eivhTW77pb_pSzTo44wtGbkFyRyLBVq8KPSEOnNkPDSg5_XPKz248/w640-h480/IMG_20240127_124615.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5YomhcthZ2MPawexSgB4b_z9ftQXOg8-QlHkyDoivxAlMntoY5a4TqtVFPcED4F2PTxUA8Sif2vDB0JGwJXNworkmaBoeGC1nK_GozYnOwnfmax3tYprowmXGw14Qmwq0WwqaygXgGVzqaMC-x0LHSUkMEev91T3lasH5YFUkUTY3q1q8wyAUnKYYaA/s4608/IMG_20240127_125632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5YomhcthZ2MPawexSgB4b_z9ftQXOg8-QlHkyDoivxAlMntoY5a4TqtVFPcED4F2PTxUA8Sif2vDB0JGwJXNworkmaBoeGC1nK_GozYnOwnfmax3tYprowmXGw14Qmwq0WwqaygXgGVzqaMC-x0LHSUkMEev91T3lasH5YFUkUTY3q1q8wyAUnKYYaA/w640-h480/IMG_20240127_125632.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The next morning, we spent some time exploring the property, after which we travelled to the <b>Dhobighat Ferry Station</b> and took the ferry across Hooghly to the town of <b>Serampore</b>. Serampore was ruled by Denmark till 1845, after which it was sold to the British. The town still has a few old Danish-style buildings. We visited <b>Danish Tavern</b> close to the ghat. The property has been turned into a boutique hotel and is run by <b>The Park Hotel</b>. After a short tour of non-private parts of the property, we had lunch at the restaurant on the ground floor. While <b>Chicken Snitzel</b> was par for the course, I really liked the <b>Bhetki in Lemon Butter Sauce</b>. There is a <b>Flurys</b> branch right next to the hotel, and we bought some pastries on our way back.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJzNBnAAMeRaIh_4BMDr6uzMe4kCUkIBX_x9HEbgrcIZAwO-LvfCBkX1eMzKbjH8UsM8tQEvx6Wk_yPHX0hCBfSbnb8THHPXrrYlP-adjl2kr6dXWy0l6AFTId_6rqzi1D41ahx5LLzo1uamRPdLOWMcFx834lr-RJo3hIn1ocnAKYHZNvAY9Chd28cY/s4608/IMG_20240127_131317.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJzNBnAAMeRaIh_4BMDr6uzMe4kCUkIBX_x9HEbgrcIZAwO-LvfCBkX1eMzKbjH8UsM8tQEvx6Wk_yPHX0hCBfSbnb8THHPXrrYlP-adjl2kr6dXWy0l6AFTId_6rqzi1D41ahx5LLzo1uamRPdLOWMcFx834lr-RJo3hIn1ocnAKYHZNvAY9Chd28cY/w640-h480/IMG_20240127_131317.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHqply14NPoyw5r0r4q0WgFkroseZgKLpibNxN7__yjBkLur0r9Xzu6RENHRgfKv4mH2BB2lSiFN2ONi_GPLlXwuIK5XMklXHKgx3SgA3GAa6wNArdSdw_yzEIcQQFtzf95THaD4igcGXEWst8H6-b_y_IA3Nl64a7CoDIQLXrA_FnOU0rELm19JH_70/s3456/IMG_20240127_131241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="3406" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHqply14NPoyw5r0r4q0WgFkroseZgKLpibNxN7__yjBkLur0r9Xzu6RENHRgfKv4mH2BB2lSiFN2ONi_GPLlXwuIK5XMklXHKgx3SgA3GAa6wNArdSdw_yzEIcQQFtzf95THaD4igcGXEWst8H6-b_y_IA3Nl64a7CoDIQLXrA_FnOU0rELm19JH_70/w630-h640/IMG_20240127_131241.jpg" width="630" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXI3i45HmMGWjpxJTs5_jvoQYnOCRi0Ju8ubc-fddyDrWF8QvNwJjY4AScwC5u8mDMgGpA-j1zpIGDvqxDclotbYxEqDf2bYPUY4V1irZXrqcMPZujd5IMW-tBwrjniy_W-a0agoDH4Vjf-uO7rC-ljz0XX0Qgfm0-Yheb6gr4hzo-bhTfZLekVuc6hhU/s4608/IMG_20240127_132248.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXI3i45HmMGWjpxJTs5_jvoQYnOCRi0Ju8ubc-fddyDrWF8QvNwJjY4AScwC5u8mDMgGpA-j1zpIGDvqxDclotbYxEqDf2bYPUY4V1irZXrqcMPZujd5IMW-tBwrjniy_W-a0agoDH4Vjf-uO7rC-ljz0XX0Qgfm0-Yheb6gr4hzo-bhTfZLekVuc6hhU/w640-h480/IMG_20240127_132248.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCRjkAN2I6HkGTqWcb1PitO_CSx5ryg2eck_WVLrAr4gD2ohcO_Meu7nGJWSfu301ykzByDYN3uh0tpHAuf_zbGBltsqsPRConDjNH3uubhELaLI-8gBqkNmxZ6Nk1_EHFXTtE7vayTUXfEjQwVDYwMzkFW0alip1hPEJd57suK3ESB8c06kaKszJdSA/s4608/IMG_20240127_133530.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCRjkAN2I6HkGTqWcb1PitO_CSx5ryg2eck_WVLrAr4gD2ohcO_Meu7nGJWSfu301ykzByDYN3uh0tpHAuf_zbGBltsqsPRConDjNH3uubhELaLI-8gBqkNmxZ6Nk1_EHFXTtE7vayTUXfEjQwVDYwMzkFW0alip1hPEJd57suK3ESB8c06kaKszJdSA/w640-h480/IMG_20240127_133530.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwTDykKZpFQZDG4YYh9fq2q49M-hYU3O2Eab6uZ0qfjK892nqUwQSzcGHUaNcbwyumBg3MYl9bCID-t1LK0-ywb2Je7yRSn7Uqt75iPcDuQQXIS_0MFo-3dKjtp89e77ICFjyIhhrqdJ8jYO-bhk62IyFkKx4pmEPPqvIXbQxY3rqqboobytY1m2uuzY/s3398/IMG_20240127_133739.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3083" data-original-width="3398" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwTDykKZpFQZDG4YYh9fq2q49M-hYU3O2Eab6uZ0qfjK892nqUwQSzcGHUaNcbwyumBg3MYl9bCID-t1LK0-ywb2Je7yRSn7Uqt75iPcDuQQXIS_0MFo-3dKjtp89e77ICFjyIhhrqdJ8jYO-bhk62IyFkKx4pmEPPqvIXbQxY3rqqboobytY1m2uuzY/w640-h580/IMG_20240127_133739.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We were also planning to visit <b>Dada Boudir Hotel</b>, a restaurant that has acquired a lot of fame in the last decade for its <b>biryani</b>. From a humble beginning, the place is now thronged by food lovers, with a permanent queue of people waiting in front of the restaurant. However, we changed the plan as my friend Sujit, whose home at Ichhapur we were planning to visit next told us that he would arrange to get the biryani delivered in his place. The biryani is very nice, but the spice combo is quite different from the Kolkata Biryani we are familiar with. One can call it an innovative take on the same. The quality of the meat is just outstanding.</p><p>In the evening, we enjoyed the sunset at Mangaldhara before going across to Masjid More area to visit a relative. The next day was the time to check out, with my dear friend Sujit picking us up for a visit to his family home that we had been planning for many years.</p><p>Mangaldhara Tourism Property is by no means a high-end place. There is no swimming pool, no spa, and no blah blah. But for the people who want to spend a quiet weekend living by the river, this is an ideal location to explore. </p>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-84985721367423693562024-02-06T20:10:00.004+05:302024-02-19T11:53:54.625+05:30North East India - A Mishmash of Everything Fun<p><b>Thrillophilia</b></p><p>Most of the North Eastern region of India remains unsoiled
by human invasion keeping the beauty intact. For an avant-garde experience book
the North East Tour Packages and travel hassle-free to enjoy the bucolic charms
of the landscapes. It is made up of stately hills and bewitching cultures
simply waiting to be explored. Located in the core of Assam is the Kaziranga
National Park which is home to the one-horned rhino and big cats like panthers,
tigers and many species of birds. Cherrapunji and Mawsynram are situated at a
distance of eighty kilometres apart, are renowned for being the dampest of
places on earth and have beautiful trekking routes as well. Shillong also known
as the Scotland of the East is an ideal place for a calming and detoxing
vacation. Kohima in Nagaland is an enchantress with its beautiful lakes and
World War II cemetery. Manipur is lovingly called the Switzerland of India with
floating islands, exotic wildlife and tranquil landscapes. Nathula Pass located
at a height of 14,450 feet was once a part of the Silk Route and is a perfect
getaway from the maddening crowds with the Chinese border in near sight.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMGfb6FfudlCd7rvPEBjKafkpBevtXqCNaSXx4KOxvlODCmXWyEXceXZzCvHK96xxWDB7XnvxJSjYNDAM_0jEj7cPRJLZnZ7-0B_BeHXKMlqAQbnKleAKa5ZEC6bvjEbU0tPrUwKF1Lt1kuJAzAQXpoEg6hqUAKP1ahCntnpdeHV7owJ9yU3QYyShSfI/s4896/mountains-6905904.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3181" data-original-width="4896" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMGfb6FfudlCd7rvPEBjKafkpBevtXqCNaSXx4KOxvlODCmXWyEXceXZzCvHK96xxWDB7XnvxJSjYNDAM_0jEj7cPRJLZnZ7-0B_BeHXKMlqAQbnKleAKa5ZEC6bvjEbU0tPrUwKF1Lt1kuJAzAQXpoEg6hqUAKP1ahCntnpdeHV7owJ9yU3QYyShSfI/w640-h416/mountains-6905904.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Gangtok</b></div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Avail of the <a href="https://www.thrillophilia.com/cities/gangtok/tours"><b><span style="color: #1155cc;">Gangtok Tour Packages</span></b></a> as you
visit the capital state of Sikkim. Gangtok is located at the height of 1650
metres above sea level with an amazing view of Mt Kanchenjunga which is the
world’s third highest mountain. It acts as a base camp for adventure junkies
who are a group of campers and trekkers of the Himalayan mountain ranges. In March up to May blooming rhododendrons give the landscape a
facelift with colourful flowers everywhere. Nathu La Pass is one of the highest
motorable passes in the world. Located on the Indo-Tibetan border at 14450
feet and is known for its mesmerising beauty and beautiful environment. Tsomgo
Lake is a high-altitude lake located on the Gangtok -Nathu La highway and is
also popularly known as Changu Lake. The lake lies between the steep
snow-covered mountains and a green rug of alpine woods. Belonging to the Kagyu
sect of Buddhists is the Rumtek Monastery which lies on a hilltop twenty-three
kilometres from Gangtok with a temple and a monastery for the monks.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6Ly3XnPRjJhhyphenhyphenKCQCOsMQwlOJLQuf-jzLo2UbTMRxQ12xxRddje7zHvKCvrPiQIPitUT3EGbf2r6VfY7CMOQTJC3jPnMSWngkKku5kDC513Uk7OQahVEp7SwcJx8ukLusEgrD6Ic9SELZ53q32xNEcEFnkJhExRBzOHkYRIALTxiUqZTHME5wjIXGGU/s5184/omkar-rane-bUHe7-cx2Q0-unsplash%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6Ly3XnPRjJhhyphenhyphenKCQCOsMQwlOJLQuf-jzLo2UbTMRxQ12xxRddje7zHvKCvrPiQIPitUT3EGbf2r6VfY7CMOQTJC3jPnMSWngkKku5kDC513Uk7OQahVEp7SwcJx8ukLusEgrD6Ic9SELZ53q32xNEcEFnkJhExRBzOHkYRIALTxiUqZTHME5wjIXGGU/w640-h426/omkar-rane-bUHe7-cx2Q0-unsplash%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Kaziranga National
Park Assam<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> The mysteries of the <a href="https://www.thrillophilia.com/north-east-tour-packages"><b><span style="color: #1155cc;">North East Tour
Packages</span></b></a> unfold as you reach Kaziranga National Park in Assam.
This Indian national park resides on the banks of the Brahmaputra river and is
famous for its one-horned rhinoceros Ganges river dolphins and tigers. It is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site and has dense forests, swampy lagoons and grass
meadows for elephant grazing. Rich vegetation covers most parts of the national
park which includes marshlands and tropical broadleaf forests. The park is a
popular location for migratory birds which fly down from the north. The
visitors can easily spot black nested storks,white-fronted geese and the
ferruginous duck. Safaris are managed both during the day and night; even
elephant rides are famous among tourists, wildlife photographers and
enthusiasts. The park is divided into four zones -Kaziranga or Central range,
Bagori or western range, Agratoli and Burapahar range. The western zone is
regarded as good for elephant safari and rhino sightings and the eastern zone
is considered ideal for water birds.<o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie64U3lxihJbz-91ayTO16YQhQ8c0EiK9lzhtyNEUSEFTFW-g90FUBtAhyphenhyphen7NQoW7mQPfqXr7mA4OUKM-beO6p7ruzqIo9ek11t2SzlasLeQZ_ZGi8S0gUNow1h-TlNt1gZOM1gfTd5KwkQYdRJDy-Yi0dJ14d9GS5MF6H6weIgoFbjFUHyZEjnMpVF7kk/s5616/ravi-pinisetti-ySQXoZLAsmc-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3744" data-original-width="5616" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie64U3lxihJbz-91ayTO16YQhQ8c0EiK9lzhtyNEUSEFTFW-g90FUBtAhyphenhyphen7NQoW7mQPfqXr7mA4OUKM-beO6p7ruzqIo9ek11t2SzlasLeQZ_ZGi8S0gUNow1h-TlNt1gZOM1gfTd5KwkQYdRJDy-Yi0dJ14d9GS5MF6H6weIgoFbjFUHyZEjnMpVF7kk/w640-h426/ravi-pinisetti-ySQXoZLAsmc-unsplash.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Cherrapunjee
Meghalaya<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The next destination of<b>
</b>the<b> </b>Gangtok Tour Package<b> </b>glides you toward the living root
bridges of Cherrapunjee. Besides being famous as the wettest place it is also
known for these miraculous bridges which are an amalgamation of the human mind
and the magic of nature. The bridges are sprawled across the city and are built
on the roots of the trees. Jingkieng Nongrait is a Double Decker Living root
bridge which is three kilometres long and has a height of 2400 feet as the
Umshiang river flows underneath the bridge. The experience is one of a kind
where you get to witness and walk making the visit worthwhile. For avid road
travellers taking a drive through misty valleys and waterfalls of the region is
a must as you reach the popular Nohkalikai Waterfalls. Visitors who are facing
a crunch for time can visit the town of Dawki which lies on the border of
Bangladesh and can enjoy clear water boating during the winter season. In the
East Khasi district lies Asia’s cleanest village award winning village of
Mawlynnong which is often regarded as God’s own garden. It becomes more
beautiful during the monsoon season with flowers blooming near the waterfalls.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Tawang Monastery
Arunachal Pradesh<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Tawang monastery is the second biggest and oldest monastery
in Asia which is located around two kilometres from the town of Tawang in
Arunachal Pradesh a perfect place for solace of the<b><u> </u></b>North East Tour Package. It is also known as the Tawang
Ganden Namgyal Lhatse which is adorned with an eight-metre-high gilded statue
of Lord Buddha and is located at a height of three thousand metres above sea
level. Monastery is believed to be four
hundred years old and controls seventeen gompas. The monastery is also known
for its 16th-century architecture and is home to nearly three hundred monks.
The main attractions of the Tawang Monastery are the paintings and sketches of
Bodhisattvas and a silk casket which is in reverence to Goddess Shri Devi. As
it lies in the Himalayan ranges it encompasses a panoramic view of the Tawang
-Chu valley. The library at the Tawang Monastery is well-stocked with priceless
scriptures like Kangyur and Tengyur.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Loktak Lake Manipur<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Next pit stop of the Gangtok Tour Package is Loktak Lake.
The lake is known for its floating islands which are popularly known as Phumdis
is situated fifty kilometres from Imphal. It is one of the largest freshwater
lakes of North East India and also houses the floating National Park of Keibul
Lamjao. Loktak Lake is located in the Bishnupur district of Manipur where the
floating swamps are toured by a fisherman’s boat. The tranquil water, the maze
of boat routes and the lush verdant surroundings topped with a glowing sunset
are picturesque sites to behold. The lake and Sendra Island present a perfect
marriage of freshwater lake whereas the island is made up of organic waste from
the same lake.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>Note: This is a guest post on the blog</b></p>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-42559543243427884182024-01-16T21:46:00.003+05:302024-01-16T21:47:21.836+05:30A Journey to Jordan: Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum<p>While I was very keen to travel to Egypt, <b>Jordan</b> was not specifically on my bucket list. But the fact that many friends have done these two together, and our travel organizer <b>Travel with Neel</b> had paired them were the reasons I decided to tag along. All that I knew about Jordan was <b>Petra</b>, a place that is among the New Wonders of the World.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0x12fs77ixi04fKjiV0CYPsrxN1k9HgdQQGCER64NUekimkLfaDfc0lppvLP6FOpsqemKEjABI09kS7RzjYMMS06XiSfqn78l53OlP2HjWi79wyvPEDmyBRdYZ78L4iBoBeCUU6z_FNNUMRc-FOpmzSul2D_Op8uvL1SbyFc02Wl9cNMNAre5gFrTAg0/s1080/6b9b308e-dea5-45ab-90dd-d283e1a8a60d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0x12fs77ixi04fKjiV0CYPsrxN1k9HgdQQGCER64NUekimkLfaDfc0lppvLP6FOpsqemKEjABI09kS7RzjYMMS06XiSfqn78l53OlP2HjWi79wyvPEDmyBRdYZ78L4iBoBeCUU6z_FNNUMRc-FOpmzSul2D_Op8uvL1SbyFc02Wl9cNMNAre5gFrTAg0/w640-h480/6b9b308e-dea5-45ab-90dd-d283e1a8a60d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Once the trip was finalized I started looking for more information, especially from trusted sources. This is where I heard about the <b>Wadi Rum</b> deserts, and quite a few of my friends were gaga about it. So, by the time I embarked on the trip, I was much more charged up about Jordan compared to earlier.</p><p>We traveled to <b>Amman</b>, the capital of Jordan by Royal Jordanian Airlines from Cairo. The Israel-Palestine war had resulted in tight security at the airports in the neighbourhood, and we faced multiple luggage checks and frisking at Cairo and Luxor airports. As we drove out of Amman airport in the evening, the country looked much cleaner and more developed than Egypt. We came to know that the Jordanian Dinar was one of the strongest currencies in the Middle East, and due to their booming exports of phosphates and other chemicals, it was a rich country.</p><p>We checked into <b>Olive Hotel</b> for the night, a decent place with very huge rooms. We would again spend a couple of days here towards the end of the trip. Compared to the places we stayed in Egypt, the food aspect here was a bit lacking. Another thing that we realized over the trip (which may be a wrong perception) is that the Jordanians are not as easygoing and friendly as the Egyptians, in fact, many are a bit grumpy. The attitude towards tourists is also not that welcoming.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFC9nLwtZADsfrkvUcRRyoN7pCV6Go_wheZAR_4Og82ZMAP83YSrfbVkKE4JuVmf4orBf5MJ7kED4XqtAPl1r2qFrg4fmzv5Mq7fuCGnnKp3ymcVGEiRyHPMyYAU6pk2TqfQhDxQH2oNRY1tJdK0JGQY5zDHx8F1idSvisXxCjAZh8lovSHCifUNRWnM/s1499/e7cc07b8-112e-4b1e-8a9d-02379e56f407.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1499" data-original-width="1191" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFC9nLwtZADsfrkvUcRRyoN7pCV6Go_wheZAR_4Og82ZMAP83YSrfbVkKE4JuVmf4orBf5MJ7kED4XqtAPl1r2qFrg4fmzv5Mq7fuCGnnKp3ymcVGEiRyHPMyYAU6pk2TqfQhDxQH2oNRY1tJdK0JGQY5zDHx8F1idSvisXxCjAZh8lovSHCifUNRWnM/w508-h640/e7cc07b8-112e-4b1e-8a9d-02379e56f407.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRy7tuDhHd4RWuq0unPO15YJDa5k1jTUDa_HL4H08zooV9sCtob65Mk9Vi3EnsUQNxAEPXSGUuQwesVoJkMJKl89D87cZH11Bg_qfMrN11lMYVIZhs0_2C66DrJXFuzHIT8UlH5nm-wy3L6M3cCSEwHZqkmS1Ppt6rddC3yzCXr_J9T_bGS9t9vleBals/s4608/IMG_20231126_105816.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRy7tuDhHd4RWuq0unPO15YJDa5k1jTUDa_HL4H08zooV9sCtob65Mk9Vi3EnsUQNxAEPXSGUuQwesVoJkMJKl89D87cZH11Bg_qfMrN11lMYVIZhs0_2C66DrJXFuzHIT8UlH5nm-wy3L6M3cCSEwHZqkmS1Ppt6rddC3yzCXr_J9T_bGS9t9vleBals/w640-h480/IMG_20231126_105816.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The next morning was time to check out and move by bus towards the south of the country. Our first stop was <b>Mount Nebo</b>, mentioned in The Bible as a place from where <b>Moses</b> looked at the Promised Land. Most of the tourists were clicking pictures with the statue of a metal serpent that Moses invoked there. The church next to it is from the Byzantine period, adorned with some impeccable mosaic designs.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAB9Ulyj0N7qqmNtuR0YDcWJikaWwUrGl860WNtjZqsxFi1oAQn3dazKzQKoTe9lhLKo_QjD3kh08NDmL5_4WaFfGGXvdVKoXcU_h5lZuKA-vY3fkzazjBT7UByo6XUo-n9D5Nv_XO-15XxrG0Cg02Rq6lh6lnaJIqsvVQ8joSfPpj7Tf4exQ2xUdAilY/s3961/IMG_20231126_120151.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3961" data-original-width="3441" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAB9Ulyj0N7qqmNtuR0YDcWJikaWwUrGl860WNtjZqsxFi1oAQn3dazKzQKoTe9lhLKo_QjD3kh08NDmL5_4WaFfGGXvdVKoXcU_h5lZuKA-vY3fkzazjBT7UByo6XUo-n9D5Nv_XO-15XxrG0Cg02Rq6lh6lnaJIqsvVQ8joSfPpj7Tf4exQ2xUdAilY/w556-h640/IMG_20231126_120151.jpg" width="556" /></a></div><p></p><p>En route to our next destination Wadi Rum, we stopped at a store where among other artifacts <b>Donkey Milk and Camel Milk Soaps</b> were being sold. It seems these are good for the skin and even <b>Queen Cleopatra of Egypt</b> used to bathe in donkey milk. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Fk7ugCDSTaie-B_2-qeFW7X5scmhsGQd6q9B_sY58n7vBWiXxXP6zfP536tDt1Y4_6MVXjDxHDkksrvtFTRum9IzgrfORxxsLdpYMCd2YhAKgdAD9cEXOiF0MCaIxcelDz7_Dq2cwRJjGkUelLsdqMbVyCEMsnhlQEc_9JsJXemjE4fIrNrzMaGlKXA/s1152/c696d3cd-66de-4308-8d90-52914b28140b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Fk7ugCDSTaie-B_2-qeFW7X5scmhsGQd6q9B_sY58n7vBWiXxXP6zfP536tDt1Y4_6MVXjDxHDkksrvtFTRum9IzgrfORxxsLdpYMCd2YhAKgdAD9cEXOiF0MCaIxcelDz7_Dq2cwRJjGkUelLsdqMbVyCEMsnhlQEc_9JsJXemjE4fIrNrzMaGlKXA/w640-h480/c696d3cd-66de-4308-8d90-52914b28140b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Soon, we entered the huge desert area and reached Wadi Rum in the evening, with an exquisite sandstone look replete with rock formations in the background. There are quite a few camps for tourists in the Wadi Rum desert, and we checked in one of the lovely rows of cottages at the <b>Mazayen Camp</b>. The huge tent where dinner is served seemed straight out of the desert films we had watched in our childhood, and the spread there was the best in our entire Jordan trip. Wadi Rum was the location where the film “<b>Lawrence of Arabia</b>” was shot.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsHJEH-6zNbE2I0PSnhrZQtMfGLd6dg6CArjFUPO5rutKwl776nZmzsI5sI7puAMMeV03vk5fqe6dvyugZITAAAGXjsWddW_UvV2g87A5Tm8doT7chuQsrz6hYGQ1h8AqOX9mk1Q779qG9chaJD6UhTfKjBOOUAKOOkJhL2MtEFfTKPGyI3EPnd3PtN4/s1152/3cd5d23d-2a3d-477a-a213-3764a754febb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsHJEH-6zNbE2I0PSnhrZQtMfGLd6dg6CArjFUPO5rutKwl776nZmzsI5sI7puAMMeV03vk5fqe6dvyugZITAAAGXjsWddW_UvV2g87A5Tm8doT7chuQsrz6hYGQ1h8AqOX9mk1Q779qG9chaJD6UhTfKjBOOUAKOOkJhL2MtEFfTKPGyI3EPnd3PtN4/w640-h480/3cd5d23d-2a3d-477a-a213-3764a754febb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy18RQ0pJPCM7UphyBFdSJGssSfc1CeNkMPU1V2edoPN00IEklbbqr3o67WVXqBpAE01KvC5ztRN46PhW7bUGiw0epHtCzqp-J6vPtcWwYLbUt-r1EJQFy_h69SkSflQfGJ7GSNBdqMDdCeXjUAStXCBHTdLi5skv4I4pm1NjrCJO4l0oXMLF6XGMHBcY/s4608/IMG_20231126_190510.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy18RQ0pJPCM7UphyBFdSJGssSfc1CeNkMPU1V2edoPN00IEklbbqr3o67WVXqBpAE01KvC5ztRN46PhW7bUGiw0epHtCzqp-J6vPtcWwYLbUt-r1EJQFy_h69SkSflQfGJ7GSNBdqMDdCeXjUAStXCBHTdLi5skv4I4pm1NjrCJO4l0oXMLF6XGMHBcY/w640-h480/IMG_20231126_190510.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkXqOqE_NOh4sV2ZfQLEH6LPykRMEHWSFy-q8CaYwb7xQ7kcDAb5KreT582lpHOw4YTVSuCcA6hB9IjYzrxoALuzv0HpIUPlk0hs6lFCpAvhHaOUiXth87172H9BOXkJauvrx6lbNeM4CvEA4vSwO5Rk5ZjG33NOVUZvVt89On1ywZBlAO0Xe9ZD0KaU/s1152/01c6a810-6729-4d49-9c3e-8cf3c8d2df82.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkXqOqE_NOh4sV2ZfQLEH6LPykRMEHWSFy-q8CaYwb7xQ7kcDAb5KreT582lpHOw4YTVSuCcA6hB9IjYzrxoALuzv0HpIUPlk0hs6lFCpAvhHaOUiXth87172H9BOXkJauvrx6lbNeM4CvEA4vSwO5Rk5ZjG33NOVUZvVt89On1ywZBlAO0Xe9ZD0KaU/w640-h480/01c6a810-6729-4d49-9c3e-8cf3c8d2df82.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOJjmG1-wPBZ1hapxG930zPo2KjdL0M9HC16sF9pjH12BeKnvtNjciZ4zVf9PWO7KByGrZmcHaVc8bdEvd-42ov7g8WWRW267cPyiFsaQImWQ01Spr9jNWA0HOKeMo2a3_NKeo31yeuVpB4LvvyA_3n4jo1-8WEK4g59s0WfPMZj6kgBLwJnkdZn2d3c/s1280/2c3cce45-965a-4f3e-a800-836a181fa45b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOJjmG1-wPBZ1hapxG930zPo2KjdL0M9HC16sF9pjH12BeKnvtNjciZ4zVf9PWO7KByGrZmcHaVc8bdEvd-42ov7g8WWRW267cPyiFsaQImWQ01Spr9jNWA0HOKeMo2a3_NKeo31yeuVpB4LvvyA_3n4jo1-8WEK4g59s0WfPMZj6kgBLwJnkdZn2d3c/w640-h360/2c3cce45-965a-4f3e-a800-836a181fa45b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMhmgOor7B14lDclnIUDV3danus_9QodaUcQuyuiDpQegazf4-Bml7NcWpWTeX5XdgXAkcOEIDEFS_8Y98-ty1owuWMSlfZxlE62F19HvFdy5QBEZzRz-FM0Rpt1MLqiHD94a8HGdmUAIdybD86yCUa2o6YsmCUY5aNFRgTlPDQyUbJcqu5N1w6l2lTw/s1152/21eee543-7af1-4762-9857-b5304d401a26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMhmgOor7B14lDclnIUDV3danus_9QodaUcQuyuiDpQegazf4-Bml7NcWpWTeX5XdgXAkcOEIDEFS_8Y98-ty1owuWMSlfZxlE62F19HvFdy5QBEZzRz-FM0Rpt1MLqiHD94a8HGdmUAIdybD86yCUa2o6YsmCUY5aNFRgTlPDQyUbJcqu5N1w6l2lTw/w640-h480/21eee543-7af1-4762-9857-b5304d401a26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWmWKaqpIBZwMbgwAYiMG2T-jwnwieJ204w1aElSaUzw-syTf1TlTfo6f5XRtjJb1tgl_kOZ7qacVpWoOI3lWKcZHFm-yCNQeODHa2rlPKWlepMShNw3dWW0HjKON-gdgvXobB0GH_1A2DRKof0gGE_1JCmYhNBZYIwr4HN72YALqnkano8pAVuIjqGg/s4608/IMG_20231127_081035.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWmWKaqpIBZwMbgwAYiMG2T-jwnwieJ204w1aElSaUzw-syTf1TlTfo6f5XRtjJb1tgl_kOZ7qacVpWoOI3lWKcZHFm-yCNQeODHa2rlPKWlepMShNw3dWW0HjKON-gdgvXobB0GH_1A2DRKof0gGE_1JCmYhNBZYIwr4HN72YALqnkano8pAVuIjqGg/w640-h480/IMG_20231127_081035.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjl8NY1BRJMB8MWQ6DnseN6y-d7orK5CIeZVKYo3Zi256MjWF-2Ymym-7ZcNu239KE0z9fItll9UjKfl86-PaTks3InxMq5NOqVtdSzje92HjizSQVRADUYM_8LPienWJ2d2oNzh5_QUZGBmFJo95ZKnn6F7kCa3JUhqymXWU1ZABDbt9anQ5JZ7Z89yU/s1152/6ea859d4-7e82-4799-8cc0-9d72255d0c56.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjl8NY1BRJMB8MWQ6DnseN6y-d7orK5CIeZVKYo3Zi256MjWF-2Ymym-7ZcNu239KE0z9fItll9UjKfl86-PaTks3InxMq5NOqVtdSzje92HjizSQVRADUYM_8LPienWJ2d2oNzh5_QUZGBmFJo95ZKnn6F7kCa3JUhqymXWU1ZABDbt9anQ5JZ7Z89yU/w640-h480/6ea859d4-7e82-4799-8cc0-9d72255d0c56.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Wadi Rum was a place that touched our hearts with its magnificent views. In the morning, we took an open jeep ride into the desert passing by hordes of camels on the way and marveling at the beauty of the yellow sandy landscape. This was a major highlight of our short Jordan trip. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-WN5Yq8M-u-Y5B0J00O6pGTQ72wVy5WX1sbvBHLEX8O-MtqZZcblYwvl9qD_rezqhsP9noqSx_HwpB0HUBETcNRuAD-OBOpqJZYDfsCz1fsJErLoA-rvpm8WW2fC6x8x1V-vWnEKfQj8jQH9S_I4AaREazOGcN2xaI-eK-q3Runv7mC4mvs_Y-Qnzgg/s1152/ee18d8af-9670-40ec-8355-841d0880477e.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-WN5Yq8M-u-Y5B0J00O6pGTQ72wVy5WX1sbvBHLEX8O-MtqZZcblYwvl9qD_rezqhsP9noqSx_HwpB0HUBETcNRuAD-OBOpqJZYDfsCz1fsJErLoA-rvpm8WW2fC6x8x1V-vWnEKfQj8jQH9S_I4AaREazOGcN2xaI-eK-q3Runv7mC4mvs_Y-Qnzgg/w640-h480/ee18d8af-9670-40ec-8355-841d0880477e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuj0U64af9rixz63Oo-g63Y9SaQBVU86gi7yJqQt3Jq7nhKtY91lAmykCfOSCt4KYa-MgPbv0dVeYfBgxdI9SHVAYiIbPVihkqWHa1DaHQBwu3qrepydYiAUIaEirgpcJsTPIfTc3_AYNZQto-wzbXZiycrB9o9G5rOgnfI5HaGkHLl_hM2K64L832xDQ/s1152/fc18e505-a94f-4a75-920a-eccdd13e8235.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuj0U64af9rixz63Oo-g63Y9SaQBVU86gi7yJqQt3Jq7nhKtY91lAmykCfOSCt4KYa-MgPbv0dVeYfBgxdI9SHVAYiIbPVihkqWHa1DaHQBwu3qrepydYiAUIaEirgpcJsTPIfTc3_AYNZQto-wzbXZiycrB9o9G5rOgnfI5HaGkHLl_hM2K64L832xDQ/w640-h480/fc18e505-a94f-4a75-920a-eccdd13e8235.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoVFw5pn740GDr5c1A844dtW1CWY9BR-3ULlgy6ipJtOpu9oTyYP4QMCdcC_vIFRw37hi_XdJRLHudKSwJeSv3Xo7i6hzdGzGwHOfleE0PcY54xU4pa9H09OHG2mmpvED8QTY27jDOTieb9cIW5E9t4ERfufvMcFv0NwEDDlXvq5YcffuukJs7pjxncw/s1152/23e45596-7e91-48cc-a75f-1da79cd8a051.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoVFw5pn740GDr5c1A844dtW1CWY9BR-3ULlgy6ipJtOpu9oTyYP4QMCdcC_vIFRw37hi_XdJRLHudKSwJeSv3Xo7i6hzdGzGwHOfleE0PcY54xU4pa9H09OHG2mmpvED8QTY27jDOTieb9cIW5E9t4ERfufvMcFv0NwEDDlXvq5YcffuukJs7pjxncw/w640-h480/23e45596-7e91-48cc-a75f-1da79cd8a051.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>From Wadi Rum, we proceeded to the Lost City of Petra, one of the new <b>Seven Wonders of the World</b> announced in 2007, after a campaign selected them from 200 monuments. The rock-cut architecture of the lost city in South Jordan has really put the country on the world map. Built in the third century BC, Petra was part of the trader route between Europe and Asia.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZOrTCG3EszR5limBD7tgdQAuvjNBSMlbXIdr7IdxbnqadlVYIaeVWFEzJz_wxVleIajAveGYbEPD78TCOttdcHv6DaUDCueeC2QkV1DLT3DWUT0eePEOEcsDPvr5FM_Jg5UXVgRsfIbH5-XCX5y9RHYtG0W9TixRNHwy1kJiDNkRmNvWYxZRsu2wNRU/s4608/IMG_20231127_123912.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZOrTCG3EszR5limBD7tgdQAuvjNBSMlbXIdr7IdxbnqadlVYIaeVWFEzJz_wxVleIajAveGYbEPD78TCOttdcHv6DaUDCueeC2QkV1DLT3DWUT0eePEOEcsDPvr5FM_Jg5UXVgRsfIbH5-XCX5y9RHYtG0W9TixRNHwy1kJiDNkRmNvWYxZRsu2wNRU/w640-h480/IMG_20231127_123912.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ0-nqjlIsk6FlmvsF7l4ieJMmYW1tpd6R2mifv3bAN7334kfsIyXMAwoDoohOo5b7eoZlDDJ6XSbOcP4YMIAMRyet7fzmeg9fzNlCCNl2iBfaX3sFIWbdrPmARD_GstBL_6KfuhLTZgAWVcnzI0h3j0Fyt8u7uchJqiVroGk7iSiPj_PoC7KYtVz5-I/s4608/IMG_20231127_124256.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJ0-nqjlIsk6FlmvsF7l4ieJMmYW1tpd6R2mifv3bAN7334kfsIyXMAwoDoohOo5b7eoZlDDJ6XSbOcP4YMIAMRyet7fzmeg9fzNlCCNl2iBfaX3sFIWbdrPmARD_GstBL_6KfuhLTZgAWVcnzI0h3j0Fyt8u7uchJqiVroGk7iSiPj_PoC7KYtVz5-I/w640-h480/IMG_20231127_124256.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnobxIhxKsWgB0H8lrBOpZZGyBQf4Zn-red3aFkDj5fR_VTvOjpLqjM13Rs6eGZID0QXcKqVY7PzhixziiUcsqKf_dLwu35dcqWPvWqko_ylEw0Kj92BVuXvHvoErMZNP3oxNHy7G1fU0RflGtDyKtdIYpBBAX0q_vk3DTEhyphenhyphenQRSbMMv3k0U82iqwsks/s4608/IMG_20231126_124314.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnobxIhxKsWgB0H8lrBOpZZGyBQf4Zn-red3aFkDj5fR_VTvOjpLqjM13Rs6eGZID0QXcKqVY7PzhixziiUcsqKf_dLwu35dcqWPvWqko_ylEw0Kj92BVuXvHvoErMZNP3oxNHy7G1fU0RflGtDyKtdIYpBBAX0q_vk3DTEhyphenhyphenQRSbMMv3k0U82iqwsks/w640-h480/IMG_20231126_124314.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCcnxSRxeCQfHjq7r_E2ZlJm8pIf6TQDOtRZqOR90n9sTzyBUEJ330Zd1YWZrUAqHpj7Sn0tYwGvVbjapUHAw5iVnF9zTFgJVIbG73ixuSgX60zkjfrs8_eehhoImhICUF6zx8fl0OEvl2Twdp3iq6-2FZ_-tUMnaTYJY8MgTF492CoKJcONstqvWgeQ/s3939/IMG_20231127_163814.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3939" data-original-width="3435" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCcnxSRxeCQfHjq7r_E2ZlJm8pIf6TQDOtRZqOR90n9sTzyBUEJ330Zd1YWZrUAqHpj7Sn0tYwGvVbjapUHAw5iVnF9zTFgJVIbG73ixuSgX60zkjfrs8_eehhoImhICUF6zx8fl0OEvl2Twdp3iq6-2FZ_-tUMnaTYJY8MgTF492CoKJcONstqvWgeQ/w558-h640/IMG_20231127_163814.jpg" width="558" /></a></div><p></p><p>We had a buffet lunch at <b>Al-Qantara Restaurant</b> in Petra city. This was a completely Arabic lunch with a live Falafel counter, and ambience of the restaurant was totally ethnic. In the afternoon, we went for a walk visiting the different shops near the Petra gate. We saw one place where camel meat-based dishes were being sold, but we were already too full to try that out. Our dinner at the hotel that night served <b>Zarb</b>, the traditional rice and meat delicacy from Jordan, where the meat is cooked Bedouin style in pits.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6284HfxVv28_WZ29PJkwj0vFJEB6aHWJAhGV_xtxpcYQ7k5UDCblzc-qxj3NoLJ2UDhw1wEFDRbmEjav9rCtQMZCdHVarHJDdYLlwfFO_XrTlNqJDfBb2Qk45Drj7dNO-NLcMqSnFdnm6w8T6stAtm5kD_YkbbkznybADSmvt7Wl3QATnCOoU-70mXN4/s4608/IMG_20231127_193315.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6284HfxVv28_WZ29PJkwj0vFJEB6aHWJAhGV_xtxpcYQ7k5UDCblzc-qxj3NoLJ2UDhw1wEFDRbmEjav9rCtQMZCdHVarHJDdYLlwfFO_XrTlNqJDfBb2Qk45Drj7dNO-NLcMqSnFdnm6w8T6stAtm5kD_YkbbkznybADSmvt7Wl3QATnCOoU-70mXN4/w640-h480/IMG_20231127_193315.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhColQanEe_suumqdeBpICMZASVIFjb_bE2zQF_QoXDExG8K6cLtuYlLzOKQl0m1hXjJUSmYFWnFiAH-m5bVE0V4vqWxqn0cj8MGHAW5NrQc0Bv6PSGgufbqc2SAxBYNhDX6JPh7rUYKil025mykeFzEi0utgIqJ5EgW-V2exhhCJoaRy54nhcoRTXoEz0/s4608/IMG_20231128_093446.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhColQanEe_suumqdeBpICMZASVIFjb_bE2zQF_QoXDExG8K6cLtuYlLzOKQl0m1hXjJUSmYFWnFiAH-m5bVE0V4vqWxqn0cj8MGHAW5NrQc0Bv6PSGgufbqc2SAxBYNhDX6JPh7rUYKil025mykeFzEi0utgIqJ5EgW-V2exhhCJoaRy54nhcoRTXoEz0/w640-h480/IMG_20231128_093446.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>In the evening, we had the opportunity to take part in <b>Petra by Night</b>, a night walk with a group of about two hundred people through the rock city illuminated by a thousand candles. Petra by Night allows a limited number of visitors only three days per week, and it is not to be missed while visiting Jordan. It seems a very long and arduous walk and we had to rest for a while quite a few times, but the experience is exotic with the limited lights bouncing off the rocks and structures around. The walk culminated at <b>Al Khazneh</b>, the treasury of the ancient city, where a musical performance was held for a limited time. This definitely was another major highlight of our Jordan tour. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSoVLqhQQcenvXfK2BA7_6QXFq8wFJf33RlpfjumYYrscccS65Y9CeJ4dFrbkXUouG4V1p2HDs8pz-mJUI8REBleDwcX11RB3bHnuqXMOwwWJdg6jnr9XsutOWCwmvtTV-qjqTba-_YA9iWJutqUWGKDdX4AD3M30vVGlLmqTjhDrX8oPdJDggrtXUj4/s1152/9c143e72-c8d4-4846-8d71-e100370d0c3d.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSoVLqhQQcenvXfK2BA7_6QXFq8wFJf33RlpfjumYYrscccS65Y9CeJ4dFrbkXUouG4V1p2HDs8pz-mJUI8REBleDwcX11RB3bHnuqXMOwwWJdg6jnr9XsutOWCwmvtTV-qjqTba-_YA9iWJutqUWGKDdX4AD3M30vVGlLmqTjhDrX8oPdJDggrtXUj4/w640-h480/9c143e72-c8d4-4846-8d71-e100370d0c3d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Petra during the daytime becomes a hub of activities. We used buggy coaches to travel to the treasury and then explored the other buildings on foot. The city is huge and in a couple of hours, you can only cover a part of it. The whole area had a festive look with people screaming in Arabic, many small shops, horse-drawn coaches, and camels ferrying tourists around. </p><p>From Petra, it was quite a long drive to Amman and we checked back at the same hotel Olive House in the evening. Though the hotel in Jordan (Olive Hotel) had huge rooms, the dinner buffet was kind of average.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEi97S5fJIig69cK74ngCp8MjUJrxYoBHJG0p_GGIuH7LcBAUQNDz2OBllymv9yRGrrqTd-qZkKzOH2NQ-lmOk7wP6fvxjN4NcOQwM1hMbTrOH0Fs9Wd0lH3xdzTXssKxA9l0fIObpgnlsV-DaNESp5aTUW6Q8uUd4CDyLPW9UDarVR-L5JcNB5HN_tY/s4608/IMG_20231129_091803.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEi97S5fJIig69cK74ngCp8MjUJrxYoBHJG0p_GGIuH7LcBAUQNDz2OBllymv9yRGrrqTd-qZkKzOH2NQ-lmOk7wP6fvxjN4NcOQwM1hMbTrOH0Fs9Wd0lH3xdzTXssKxA9l0fIObpgnlsV-DaNESp5aTUW6Q8uUd4CDyLPW9UDarVR-L5JcNB5HN_tY/w640-h480/IMG_20231129_091803.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9d-1lKTYKRU0Kl5xX9f5mH66N2rHyb0vJS7KfL9YVUW0r2OHjV0vrUcrMzldyy6jf2T7uO2AFYSjVWKmc2ct_vQ-ZfFm9CxqLmHy_MgBG-zMtEm8KV34WrVSC-rWnTO5tnoa55xmLKc2Kx3urHGbNgQE9y7u2bmNFvOJx-4OA32E38Fp96zd3BW26Zg/s1152/6f7f37f4-e1e7-4329-a856-bb7f343ac641.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9d-1lKTYKRU0Kl5xX9f5mH66N2rHyb0vJS7KfL9YVUW0r2OHjV0vrUcrMzldyy6jf2T7uO2AFYSjVWKmc2ct_vQ-ZfFm9CxqLmHy_MgBG-zMtEm8KV34WrVSC-rWnTO5tnoa55xmLKc2Kx3urHGbNgQE9y7u2bmNFvOJx-4OA32E38Fp96zd3BW26Zg/w640-h480/6f7f37f4-e1e7-4329-a856-bb7f343ac641.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeeh3ExGdFCqRPPlZxV49lvCZs_WFT7_cOeJU4KWMVVt9jJ9qoE5xTKRMNCkCzI72lr2huLz_NT_U5vTHQ1WG_MaBN3zigTiitXFtaOffwLo8Fp4pCMiw2XdDKHercO7q-2POkYjn5c612VWU2Dwd5RvMR-J0kLmxwqwNTgP8fjgdhylKUyXGcNKWhg8/s1152/8b8087de-359f-4abf-8699-1e34b02bfe63.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeeh3ExGdFCqRPPlZxV49lvCZs_WFT7_cOeJU4KWMVVt9jJ9qoE5xTKRMNCkCzI72lr2huLz_NT_U5vTHQ1WG_MaBN3zigTiitXFtaOffwLo8Fp4pCMiw2XdDKHercO7q-2POkYjn5c612VWU2Dwd5RvMR-J0kLmxwqwNTgP8fjgdhylKUyXGcNKWhg8/w640-h480/8b8087de-359f-4abf-8699-1e34b02bfe63.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfxL8kgk6ZifyuP41XU4rYYI490JnW6vDJWvCo94kg3u_p1XMyrQ8zdF5_gAp_O72ujyxt8EfS8QJ_Y1iaCIoXMiU6c0iyDiGQdBV0JqEC-NUpY6IX_XTcMCnQv5i_-y0jE5pAqav6SEWj0rDH7hc6V1grYjtrGdOOUnN9JSSIlSRqC4ABuuU2k3uYwg/s3393/IMG_20231129_091606.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2723" data-original-width="3393" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwfxL8kgk6ZifyuP41XU4rYYI490JnW6vDJWvCo94kg3u_p1XMyrQ8zdF5_gAp_O72ujyxt8EfS8QJ_Y1iaCIoXMiU6c0iyDiGQdBV0JqEC-NUpY6IX_XTcMCnQv5i_-y0jE5pAqav6SEWj0rDH7hc6V1grYjtrGdOOUnN9JSSIlSRqC4ABuuU2k3uYwg/w640-h514/IMG_20231129_091606.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDK7gTtb2yIcgfKz0mC9qxgaSFZNuxIFblIPpVPE2LSSv37LfQxTQt8oPA0fTdtP_JGhwAoQntKPQAQ5dxoJIZCy5OyMFMXaWcIcN6aAv7znszwxJcItFEF0nazQIJxQEM4Srlac8AzCWlNtnSOAK6VQpfr-ntV60SEkno-icqcXNPZZQ_Q8tnsZ-8V7U/s4608/IMG_20231129_095239.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDK7gTtb2yIcgfKz0mC9qxgaSFZNuxIFblIPpVPE2LSSv37LfQxTQt8oPA0fTdtP_JGhwAoQntKPQAQ5dxoJIZCy5OyMFMXaWcIcN6aAv7znszwxJcItFEF0nazQIJxQEM4Srlac8AzCWlNtnSOAK6VQpfr-ntV60SEkno-icqcXNPZZQ_Q8tnsZ-8V7U/w640-h480/IMG_20231129_095239.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>There are quite a few places in and around Amman that merit a visit. The ancient Greco-Roman city of <b>Jerash</b> is the first. The city is supposedly there from the Neolithic age but came to full glory during the Greco-Roman period. <b>The Arch of Hadrian, Colonnaded Street, the Hippodrome, and the theatre</b> are some of the highlights here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_4gQP5L7LZq6wsZcMm005hyE5xJ20TJwhdSVw8-pO9n1rEm8nBsdSfOIF2flK09TgctjYzQMKrV8RkfQZXI74n2cKMyxXnQJN9rkaB6PU3HGJFTPLyJntaza8uLwPiHA9UezJInYbFfYf5dRLRwdhHKKmSox1aFwljfzoPNSRj-SZRnOWlpsK6H1I34/s4608/IMG_20231129_121805.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_4gQP5L7LZq6wsZcMm005hyE5xJ20TJwhdSVw8-pO9n1rEm8nBsdSfOIF2flK09TgctjYzQMKrV8RkfQZXI74n2cKMyxXnQJN9rkaB6PU3HGJFTPLyJntaza8uLwPiHA9UezJInYbFfYf5dRLRwdhHKKmSox1aFwljfzoPNSRj-SZRnOWlpsK6H1I34/w640-h480/IMG_20231129_121805.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguce9R9gjTGtIDPW97Lm7iZHfjsXGlSdPGpcv5dmKym2vmIaRuYsdAiXhPRIH_fYpVdXcygzYbmP3mPyuT27tFHNSJ8mbDvDFR3Ph-7H8Xt9JBKyOoXadDhHIvLaQjNuZQPjXfnPL3UnvgEf8p8NyiVbKgUMyQloCOf7NeiRuMZrz2xVSK_C9yPIIhRlc/s4608/IMG_20231129_123643.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguce9R9gjTGtIDPW97Lm7iZHfjsXGlSdPGpcv5dmKym2vmIaRuYsdAiXhPRIH_fYpVdXcygzYbmP3mPyuT27tFHNSJ8mbDvDFR3Ph-7H8Xt9JBKyOoXadDhHIvLaQjNuZQPjXfnPL3UnvgEf8p8NyiVbKgUMyQloCOf7NeiRuMZrz2xVSK_C9yPIIhRlc/w640-h480/IMG_20231129_123643.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hVr0AxyBu7GxvxqBw4kEFw3RSPiwOkihV78BXHhrrcx7oh8GE5p0HJKOSbbcbRCrIXVf9PVLQQ9e0C8BxsdgHycHpOpsT5grW8tcmANcIv5yOqymrJzeCOS4hkbnFyEaXnf29ve6HuZR9zIgv1NajCHNoWp_21X3UDAlg0VOmPAzZ6EIHZlXLKnAVwE/s4608/IMG_20231129_130436.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hVr0AxyBu7GxvxqBw4kEFw3RSPiwOkihV78BXHhrrcx7oh8GE5p0HJKOSbbcbRCrIXVf9PVLQQ9e0C8BxsdgHycHpOpsT5grW8tcmANcIv5yOqymrJzeCOS4hkbnFyEaXnf29ve6HuZR9zIgv1NajCHNoWp_21X3UDAlg0VOmPAzZ6EIHZlXLKnAVwE/w640-h480/IMG_20231129_130436.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Bethany Beyond the Jordan</b> is important as a pilgrimage center for Christians. This place, bang on the Jordan-Israel border is known due to the baptism of <b>Jesus Christ</b> by <b>St John the Baptist</b>. The Jordan River is only a few feet wide, and beyond that, we could see the Israel flag fluttering across the border. A visit here has to be done under strict vigilance by the Jordan army. There is an <b>Orthodox Church</b> near the site that impressed me.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthHN5AZ0MtzzBr1fEftJMJM3Xwsq-rBTXD4NZ3U8-vpb58X4iLzuMQw-oGEhGBl8LTPiC7B_HMpJg3XtI4Y26kqCpJz-2GB3LeHWDBnK87JuJc0swVojtWAGqsZiaHJHj4_uw3cHsqiCr-ssM-Y3MlLDQKhhdNoU-oX5RLCpPo8HIAnY4tYCmULn0Rqc/s4608/IMG_20231129_152728.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthHN5AZ0MtzzBr1fEftJMJM3Xwsq-rBTXD4NZ3U8-vpb58X4iLzuMQw-oGEhGBl8LTPiC7B_HMpJg3XtI4Y26kqCpJz-2GB3LeHWDBnK87JuJc0swVojtWAGqsZiaHJHj4_uw3cHsqiCr-ssM-Y3MlLDQKhhdNoU-oX5RLCpPo8HIAnY4tYCmULn0Rqc/w640-h480/IMG_20231129_152728.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We then proceeded to the <b>Dead Sea</b>, a salt lake near Amman. The mud pack therapy from the mud here is well-known and most of our group members had a bath in the salt-laden waters.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWB8FqMrfmhbMeDw33bpXNWO9-llJG7cyK6PcKOeyJ588Fmjmfl2PDZVZHOfI41I_I_wyiYX_IVKTtKWNqpDuyeI9oF1cmyQoYas2KsgSKpd_fbJlhRXuP0xogzA-rgB1VI5qnUaGNr0J5pB91ZRhrLk6s2eEDUoxCbgW3DU0ivJFyFM_kOMWEM8q70eQ/s4608/IMG_20231130_132552.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWB8FqMrfmhbMeDw33bpXNWO9-llJG7cyK6PcKOeyJ588Fmjmfl2PDZVZHOfI41I_I_wyiYX_IVKTtKWNqpDuyeI9oF1cmyQoYas2KsgSKpd_fbJlhRXuP0xogzA-rgB1VI5qnUaGNr0J5pB91ZRhrLk6s2eEDUoxCbgW3DU0ivJFyFM_kOMWEM8q70eQ/w640-h480/IMG_20231130_132552.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We also travelled to Amman City Centre and visited the 2nd Century <b>Roman Theatre</b>. The theatre which could accommodate six thousand people, now has an attached museum that gives a complete idea of the culture, dresses, and food of Jordan. We also tried the local dessert <b>Kunafa</b> from <b>Habibah Sweets</b>, where people queue up to buy the sweets. I have had Kunafa on many occasions in India, but this was far better.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbpxu8uCZhBUsyLNZzwpI9-f7JKoDBIp3lIK7vH-Z1U-R_TkOMbbLt1Vyg8fCnsep9Z9bFOF18av_Wztc6ABJDrsVZN6JVyKRRCPbtVHVsNf0A7xmdMG3WUqhzntm2BI2OQmDRfr4SsV3amfxEDz_DD6h2kSgOqeGBS4o96J25ZT5_0T_9Tx4Ml_YAa4/s3424/IMG_20231130_143126.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3019" data-original-width="3424" height="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbpxu8uCZhBUsyLNZzwpI9-f7JKoDBIp3lIK7vH-Z1U-R_TkOMbbLt1Vyg8fCnsep9Z9bFOF18av_Wztc6ABJDrsVZN6JVyKRRCPbtVHVsNf0A7xmdMG3WUqhzntm2BI2OQmDRfr4SsV3amfxEDz_DD6h2kSgOqeGBS4o96J25ZT5_0T_9Tx4Ml_YAa4/w640-h564/IMG_20231130_143126.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>On the final day our group split. One group went to the seaside resort of Aqaba, while some of us were booked in the evening Saudia flight to Hyderabad via Riyadh. The journey back was a bit of a bother with an unremarkable and uncomfortable night at Riyadh Airport waiting for the connecting flight, where the infrastructure was not up to the mark, including Wi-fi not working and poorly designed chairs. Actually, Indian metro airports are far better than all the airports we visited during the trip.</p><p>In my view, Jordan may not be worthwhile as a standalone trip, but if you are visiting a country near by, do add this to the itinerary. Wadi Rum and Petra will not disappoint you.</p>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-12651383984933316362024-01-02T20:17:00.002+05:302024-01-02T20:23:00.071+05:30Exploring Egypt: The Death on the Nile Cruise and the Temples of South Egypt<p>While the pyramid remains the star attraction of Egypt, the southern temples of <b>Luxor</b> and <b>Abu Simbe</b>l draw a huge number of tourists visiting the country. One more attraction to that part of the country is the <b>Nile cruise</b>, as any Agatha Christie fan would remember from the whodunit “<b>Death on The Nil</b>e”. As we assembled at Giza station at the end of our Cairo trip to travel by the <b>Watania</b> night train to Aswan, we were all looking forward to the second part of our Egypt sojourn.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4uxClnKQ9JJBNRfnpB12Ffm9hRPJ4QbpbdrEaqks66O0ms6hIcfD-FpnCpdvO8QgpbCEOrDRCv2D65R_HQcgfl0yhmvU2X4U4fmRb-kz_NKO9-KrOhgViw3OLX2JwRD_jfREmZLyQkkBuiVdJVYCjSKrdlPgRU7DJTxI7ws99nKMrVK3Ztd4dO3uBf8/s4271/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2772" data-original-width="4271" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4uxClnKQ9JJBNRfnpB12Ffm9hRPJ4QbpbdrEaqks66O0ms6hIcfD-FpnCpdvO8QgpbCEOrDRCv2D65R_HQcgfl0yhmvU2X4U4fmRb-kz_NKO9-KrOhgViw3OLX2JwRD_jfREmZLyQkkBuiVdJVYCjSKrdlPgRU7DJTxI7ws99nKMrVK3Ztd4dO3uBf8/w640-h416/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Giza station was a sea of humanity with different tourist groups occupying different cafes on the station waiting for their train. There were people from all over the world, enjoying sipping their coffees. The small shops in the station reminded me of India, with similar snacks being sold there. The paid toilets were not clean, unlike other parts of Egypt.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-TtbLHKhIMlK8PElE6M_nGxXy05R-uxMRJ-n4vrT41vr-9YblIgF4K5Vakt_wfm4s49vmxhtC1FnQRBwXfeCAaLUsH3lyQq9nGZ3ayZS5T5owTf1ENvzlRcUXbnYxMnLBF0PQG_nV4TVA4hGzlUieFslPxMVzrWaWIDZyTJsbNstFVKk23OXU8rVb1g/s887/2e75898f-9273-48a4-a3e5-36974a350890.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="854" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-TtbLHKhIMlK8PElE6M_nGxXy05R-uxMRJ-n4vrT41vr-9YblIgF4K5Vakt_wfm4s49vmxhtC1FnQRBwXfeCAaLUsH3lyQq9nGZ3ayZS5T5owTf1ENvzlRcUXbnYxMnLBF0PQG_nV4TVA4hGzlUieFslPxMVzrWaWIDZyTJsbNstFVKk23OXU8rVb1g/w616-h640/2e75898f-9273-48a4-a3e5-36974a350890.jpg" width="616" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wqeURfWaxwFd-p9NGoZ4GGIirRqMRUbHjU6jmJR7JPQvF2jaWS-_WJ3P_bl3UBxWx0lvTHb8FsaZ6TBelXt7qZz-kkDd_sk0C0oPI8XFyJtm4dVgd5Z195hVI_V-OCUvVEhbeA4DHG2xcKxj-Lk1TV5sFrmEdEPjIli65YNL7pP8q1z-r18HXCmbVYI/s4608/IMG_20231121_205348.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wqeURfWaxwFd-p9NGoZ4GGIirRqMRUbHjU6jmJR7JPQvF2jaWS-_WJ3P_bl3UBxWx0lvTHb8FsaZ6TBelXt7qZz-kkDd_sk0C0oPI8XFyJtm4dVgd5Z195hVI_V-OCUvVEhbeA4DHG2xcKxj-Lk1TV5sFrmEdEPjIli65YNL7pP8q1z-r18HXCmbVYI/w640-h480/IMG_20231121_205348.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuP0U6M9oRZwudiHLEwj4oabrsX6__kGODUviweLDIsyZqOdm1n26jNzPwOQB0tUaPlMaX_WciT96M08dY6YK1j6crX65DdFacLLpWddTKbnp41kiIeHTXmnIy_X-_Vi5z8N0giEtnHDPLZjAIzFvw4sAaP4iun0RQUrNd8IoFrE89LYE9Q3y8iVFNg0g/s1152/6ae7ba86-5a74-46b6-ba97-4df5efabb4c0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuP0U6M9oRZwudiHLEwj4oabrsX6__kGODUviweLDIsyZqOdm1n26jNzPwOQB0tUaPlMaX_WciT96M08dY6YK1j6crX65DdFacLLpWddTKbnp41kiIeHTXmnIy_X-_Vi5z8N0giEtnHDPLZjAIzFvw4sAaP4iun0RQUrNd8IoFrE89LYE9Q3y8iVFNg0g/w640-h480/6ae7ba86-5a74-46b6-ba97-4df5efabb4c0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strike style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hevq_I03XiCgz2VJyUCmRfBihz0DjwcgKASkZ7m7nlys97Q0U7M3Lfutya3MxGVFrcCxvrPPBKMtzl4F8D0kl0bdGp4KrppcfgI0l8bcbb7HoTYAj_fuZT6JnM87tFT5gRftaUcmrK8XrrNHxgIiL2N5Wdkaopzw4KbHJf2vWbVGq3LRba-C7C_vfjk/w640-h480/8afce241-60f1-493b-9bf7-886e58f2fff0.jpg" width="640" /></strike></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Watania train is much maligned with many bad reviews on the internet. A group of friends who visited Egypt in February with <b>Travel with Neel</b> rued the condition of coaches, especially the toilets and the quality of food. Luckily for us, we found the train quite clean including the toilets. The coupes in the coaches were very small, but me and my wife are accustomed to tough travel, so they seemed a cakewalk for us. The attendant on our coach was jovial and helpful and the food was manageable. In the company of friends, the overnight journey was quite enjoyable. The loveliest part of the trip is the view of The Nile flowing along the train route for a portion of the journey. Also, from the coaches we could appreciate this part of Egypt which was quite green, with some parts even resembling my native state, rural Bengal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdev3e3z8W7j9x8Djjb28w3cJbusEt0qhScku-1y4rpFABTrTz8ujFDUIPlFnYmrhsKnjOsK2KhROBrUDmxM1G1yhhXSom8PlE_NyGjNg-lEg4HMGLc-cjoMRc64nTQw8EybQ3Mab013ivceFv1LtCXkBDboHzX5JCBKdU8idk_iRYagWSqRf78qrB4LM/s4608/IMG_20231122_114250.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdev3e3z8W7j9x8Djjb28w3cJbusEt0qhScku-1y4rpFABTrTz8ujFDUIPlFnYmrhsKnjOsK2KhROBrUDmxM1G1yhhXSom8PlE_NyGjNg-lEg4HMGLc-cjoMRc64nTQw8EybQ3Mab013ivceFv1LtCXkBDboHzX5JCBKdU8idk_iRYagWSqRf78qrB4LM/w640-h480/IMG_20231122_114250.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We reached <b>Aswan</b> around 10 o’clock and headed for the <b>Aswan High Dam</b> on the Nile. This is one of the highest dams in the world, and the view was lovely from the top. We were soon near the Nile jetty at Aswan and boarded the famed cruise that would be our home for the next 3 nights. The cruise would take us back northwards to <b>Luxor</b> passing by many monuments and temples on the way. Our cruise ship Concerto-2 had four floors with around 60 rooms, the restaurant being in the basement. There was a bar on the 1st floor while the rooftop housed the smoking area, another bar, and a swimming pool. The rooms were cozy with all modern facilities and with a large glass window, from which one could see the blue waters of The Nile. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ux0RbLC51ooEW3U1jWa_lpx2FnYDKlt93FKFdH6WWw-8B_kNN3mP_dJB9cqo7i3QCkHFpGGURi7VMx5lQwua7dSaTMecVqgEM_67cirsjqfhQyWqfV2-V3qWvVoVlwtHhKmCw5ZW5MWMCR_5M6j8J3P58Olme9q1wW0RQhkvKmjytUeBGpwrQRH6vjY/s4608/IMG_20231123_153458.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ux0RbLC51ooEW3U1jWa_lpx2FnYDKlt93FKFdH6WWw-8B_kNN3mP_dJB9cqo7i3QCkHFpGGURi7VMx5lQwua7dSaTMecVqgEM_67cirsjqfhQyWqfV2-V3qWvVoVlwtHhKmCw5ZW5MWMCR_5M6j8J3P58Olme9q1wW0RQhkvKmjytUeBGpwrQRH6vjY/w640-h480/IMG_20231123_153458.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjFq3I30xQicviBPyNFhcoa6yFIYCtRWywFeF5gjEnFFSvYLd-u7HgFUb71gy0dRcdJKKdij1LWNaJdSxdVWwtbtvz5WayUN8Ea8DUe7q6sOjZcKUc4iWQUJuCwmvPi8FRF6WdXHrt1wjj2a_q6tNU0udn-hDHhbb5WXRa2ClF7BC2k4xWwPkRJ07m98/s1152/3ea2b052-2df0-4549-9333-a9fb2e87bb56.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjFq3I30xQicviBPyNFhcoa6yFIYCtRWywFeF5gjEnFFSvYLd-u7HgFUb71gy0dRcdJKKdij1LWNaJdSxdVWwtbtvz5WayUN8Ea8DUe7q6sOjZcKUc4iWQUJuCwmvPi8FRF6WdXHrt1wjj2a_q6tNU0udn-hDHhbb5WXRa2ClF7BC2k4xWwPkRJ07m98/w640-h480/3ea2b052-2df0-4549-9333-a9fb2e87bb56.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRo7-OK7hPHVhVCpHupOGWzZJ9wtqs1SBhvrgt1jixvEPxiJ-bmAyD0bdAtejZ4al3RzC2Hexx0RmuoL1hbSOkRKNT5Hwx35eJCW_GMw3jBVF0308yY21mBI4fnuHHaHnFhEt0Ux3W5mBqSluZikirJ10P-XRZ-S8tS958u-PLbRv2yVwvh_sGtWTf7g/s4608/IMG_20231123_180704.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRo7-OK7hPHVhVCpHupOGWzZJ9wtqs1SBhvrgt1jixvEPxiJ-bmAyD0bdAtejZ4al3RzC2Hexx0RmuoL1hbSOkRKNT5Hwx35eJCW_GMw3jBVF0308yY21mBI4fnuHHaHnFhEt0Ux3W5mBqSluZikirJ10P-XRZ-S8tS958u-PLbRv2yVwvh_sGtWTf7g/w640-h480/IMG_20231123_180704.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupkaf4hqJGFhDUQ-b4aGP4vQr1ZdMUqbrDJyhKyRzvjmen-fyjrnIwZx_psDGUcghjazJ8EX_gNs2ttT4UHaWXo5MAxUjdDtHXxLkZUF1QdFT-4gwFzGHzm3G6ffX4ZjrNZ5ljgcGJq6VTeoA-reAzqnsAmq9xTZ_V3MX43A7P3WKgaX3JR6dj-Tncq4/s4608/IMG_20231123_165358.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjupkaf4hqJGFhDUQ-b4aGP4vQr1ZdMUqbrDJyhKyRzvjmen-fyjrnIwZx_psDGUcghjazJ8EX_gNs2ttT4UHaWXo5MAxUjdDtHXxLkZUF1QdFT-4gwFzGHzm3G6ffX4ZjrNZ5ljgcGJq6VTeoA-reAzqnsAmq9xTZ_V3MX43A7P3WKgaX3JR6dj-Tncq4/w640-h480/IMG_20231123_165358.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApz5ZlVvpnrlMncvuihZmosD5hxnf_rKLAcVYZ-wakSGWlqRg5z5nIYj2WItLy2rZlP1ou2AQuXE_iCgpsqXtiIvjxLVZxHrEr8jJqYV2GfiTCiJ_gi7iuplYKcZZsnYknOv2vKYvcqww7xl-GNHlr1P_sZFEbEco_NvTRkdx2rCMuUCuixZX6_EhwgM/s1152/4b9cae23-349b-4ab5-888c-7aa28ee90e02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApz5ZlVvpnrlMncvuihZmosD5hxnf_rKLAcVYZ-wakSGWlqRg5z5nIYj2WItLy2rZlP1ou2AQuXE_iCgpsqXtiIvjxLVZxHrEr8jJqYV2GfiTCiJ_gi7iuplYKcZZsnYknOv2vKYvcqww7xl-GNHlr1P_sZFEbEco_NvTRkdx2rCMuUCuixZX6_EhwgM/w640-h480/4b9cae23-349b-4ab5-888c-7aa28ee90e02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The buffets that we enjoyed on the cruise for the next 3 days were sumptuous. With soups, a range of salads, many veg and non-veg dishes, live counters, and many desserts and fruit options, most of us indulged in overeating. On the first day though we retired early as we had to travel to Abu Simbel at 4 am the next morning. While moving around in different parts of the cruise ship, I could not help but think about the murder from the Poirot story taking place on the cruise.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbDLE1izpenW37rruhEC_JwkgqwpRMxaJECLNvdDPZJqvZUgf1kongiDrAAXt4FE9bKyc0KExee0mY7iXkrpwxL7ByRxN74QP-Yk5BxT3HuVw-osPpUalEJuV9uIc5G883d4k_5a-9QJrAVmpWcOyrRDVjeczPj3sYV-KJ0tTnodOp2vIdhKTrFydnlY/s1152/b1a2f71a-26a9-4324-9802-5a60ef1b01f8%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbDLE1izpenW37rruhEC_JwkgqwpRMxaJECLNvdDPZJqvZUgf1kongiDrAAXt4FE9bKyc0KExee0mY7iXkrpwxL7ByRxN74QP-Yk5BxT3HuVw-osPpUalEJuV9uIc5G883d4k_5a-9QJrAVmpWcOyrRDVjeczPj3sYV-KJ0tTnodOp2vIdhKTrFydnlY/w640-h480/b1a2f71a-26a9-4324-9802-5a60ef1b01f8%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4e9KgCGEs4blsHv_kWJ2sPj_EdlZ9Pd5KRwB0KCHgdUbpM8V_Fi9iWRo6_gJ-0Jt3b4hh-5mhghEhsLQRoHlDxwMhAI5vk00rGKGNQDhOgOaNqWrFkyB-0bDNV3GpZKgySlMephN_hgJoz3bQ7Jl9DBuaVvJ_zx-xhx8S7NDVBiG2wjGrfjtmxXSu8A/s1152/8022bdb0-7bdf-4795-8fae-d7ae9dcc2688.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4e9KgCGEs4blsHv_kWJ2sPj_EdlZ9Pd5KRwB0KCHgdUbpM8V_Fi9iWRo6_gJ-0Jt3b4hh-5mhghEhsLQRoHlDxwMhAI5vk00rGKGNQDhOgOaNqWrFkyB-0bDNV3GpZKgySlMephN_hgJoz3bQ7Jl9DBuaVvJ_zx-xhx8S7NDVBiG2wjGrfjtmxXSu8A/w640-h480/8022bdb0-7bdf-4795-8fae-d7ae9dcc2688.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;">Abu Simbel</b><span style="text-align: left;"> is almost a four-hour journey from Aswan. We left the cruise as early as 4 am and boarded the bus to the location. I am not a morning person, so usually these early trips are a bit of a bother for me. But nonetheless, at the strike of dawn, the look of the desert and countryside worked as a rejuvenator. Abu Simbel is possibly the most visited tourist spot in Egypt after the Pyramids. There was quite a crowd queuing up in front of the main temple of </span><b style="text-align: left;">Pharaoh Ramesses II</b><span style="text-align: left;">, but the wait was definitely worth it. The huge statues and the lovely carvings inside and outside the rock-cut temples were exquisite. We also visited the temple of </span><b style="text-align: left;">Queen Nefertiti</b><span style="text-align: left;">. Abu Simbel also has about two dozen shops on the way to the exit where one could pick up a wide variety of memorabilia. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzbNO1cEYBRD6FI-2mM6jIhnmeBkvcqdypZlOBBvg7zSX5OoNK8V6jFgkxpjypeQvDJdQ9cmGb7f00t5R03Tre-lvVNUQZ1E3SUgN2a0FQQwwdXNZx7meJqwWj3LVeMNmEIGnNGJimTvOnzi2VlHKDjG1L-2RtpT2Go3oNUg6OZcn6tyhYg6MPvRctMk/s1152/67e2793f-a6f5-4c4d-896b-533b6dc4e4f6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzbNO1cEYBRD6FI-2mM6jIhnmeBkvcqdypZlOBBvg7zSX5OoNK8V6jFgkxpjypeQvDJdQ9cmGb7f00t5R03Tre-lvVNUQZ1E3SUgN2a0FQQwwdXNZx7meJqwWj3LVeMNmEIGnNGJimTvOnzi2VlHKDjG1L-2RtpT2Go3oNUg6OZcn6tyhYg6MPvRctMk/w640-h480/67e2793f-a6f5-4c4d-896b-533b6dc4e4f6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We were back on the cruise in time for lunch. The cruise started to move for the first time, departing northwards towards Luxor. We enjoyed the scenic Nile River and the surroundings sitting on the top deck and next to the swimming pool, nursing cans of beer. I always find it enchanting to look at the happenings on the river banks from a moving boat, one can get a lot of ideas about the people and their livelihood. There were many cruises which were moving together in the same direction as us.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDCH4WRoUZUh1UFfsmFMhY8QIN0avKrCbVgYhC-bM1TWr9DcVRa0YynjvKpazimmxvZzErYeA7sDsdhf7P4ASvuAV9q8C98WBX9pwUTnExzJ1LIVEKDTVDiY7T5CvrblCM6E7xoJk5siO_RTByvXbgtsS7ChVsfyvuEAtW8YWOeuWyY4tRziREIYU1AY/s1152/bf7a5b30-01d9-43b4-9ec8-e49dc1ebcdc5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDCH4WRoUZUh1UFfsmFMhY8QIN0avKrCbVgYhC-bM1TWr9DcVRa0YynjvKpazimmxvZzErYeA7sDsdhf7P4ASvuAV9q8C98WBX9pwUTnExzJ1LIVEKDTVDiY7T5CvrblCM6E7xoJk5siO_RTByvXbgtsS7ChVsfyvuEAtW8YWOeuWyY4tRziREIYU1AY/w640-h480/bf7a5b30-01d9-43b4-9ec8-e49dc1ebcdc5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUDOmIEP-V1adsB19gt2bRJZBLJLMdFgwbecH6Hh-oSZ3UCOICqYu2qD7ZgasWBQzwWucJ2pj07GuAh2lXqZBlfgKhLZIPjbgMcgPV-qgs307hE1JYi6HHt2I9dpKrjC2XIrb_NKCwha10LYM6fYAIB4LmbReVVbQEn1WVsIVhHslMy7wPNKWGjeHSDg/s4608/IMG_20231123_183028.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUDOmIEP-V1adsB19gt2bRJZBLJLMdFgwbecH6Hh-oSZ3UCOICqYu2qD7ZgasWBQzwWucJ2pj07GuAh2lXqZBlfgKhLZIPjbgMcgPV-qgs307hE1JYi6HHt2I9dpKrjC2XIrb_NKCwha10LYM6fYAIB4LmbReVVbQEn1WVsIVhHslMy7wPNKWGjeHSDg/w640-h480/IMG_20231123_183028.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTFr_NJlqTuUcBxQs7x_7XtsnQrmhnVzPY2b7lXk6TKprGSpBba5_q8RiWL05E46J2AzQQcpyvUT3EbntaVCAhWePuE6I8TtB6hTpfeEOWrFTQNMOcfi6gD2Eh0NolnsGUwHXF_LIcVx8ZDIXseF28XoNv0xSbWvHVoYCIlswB-yjynz2zimGIPwPw_s/s3914/IMG_20231123_191619.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2741" data-original-width="3914" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTFr_NJlqTuUcBxQs7x_7XtsnQrmhnVzPY2b7lXk6TKprGSpBba5_q8RiWL05E46J2AzQQcpyvUT3EbntaVCAhWePuE6I8TtB6hTpfeEOWrFTQNMOcfi6gD2Eh0NolnsGUwHXF_LIcVx8ZDIXseF28XoNv0xSbWvHVoYCIlswB-yjynz2zimGIPwPw_s/w640-h448/IMG_20231123_191619.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2kgNVyKhCg3ZaPcjREf4N5e6j1fN_mtKLaOEkZMqcEZjyiB_A0MWXjyTSp6WW82uCz-4CRNXINcCbJIX-hZ78Jg3BIm8ylseMXYokWAsELWXhcyYEaFuRvhIQ3PQ2rzcNDb75LABLKUKzjPrKRgeR2YjhGrI4wmjMDgEc6N9aXMvG40_RBYLSx5EiLk/s4608/IMG_20231123_192030.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2kgNVyKhCg3ZaPcjREf4N5e6j1fN_mtKLaOEkZMqcEZjyiB_A0MWXjyTSp6WW82uCz-4CRNXINcCbJIX-hZ78Jg3BIm8ylseMXYokWAsELWXhcyYEaFuRvhIQ3PQ2rzcNDb75LABLKUKzjPrKRgeR2YjhGrI4wmjMDgEc6N9aXMvG40_RBYLSx5EiLk/w480-h640/IMG_20231123_192030.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>In the evening after dusk, we reached <b>Kom Ombo</b> temple right on the bank of the Nile. The temple which was not very large was lit up brilliantly. Part of the Kom Ombo temple was built for the crocodile God Sobek, who was revered and feared by the people at those times. We also had a look at the museum just next to the temple that housed mummies of crocodiles. The market here was the cheapest of the entire trip, the vendors were almost ready to hand over goods at any price.</p><p>The cruise stopped at Edfu for the night. The next day could be called “The Day of The Egyptian Temples”. We were planning to visit the temples of South Egypt on the eastern as well as western banks of the river. While we would be journeying on our bus from Edfu to Luxor, the cruise would also move to Luxor, a distance of around 80 km, and we would board back at Luxor in the evening.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1x91QE4B-xmagV2Fey-a52_aDtwOiTAgo5bVf6Lx7zVnGLUOuFYyeOB00UxVb5NQzgJYk2AcyNLOhRFMhypevoAPq95OP_TvRgMjcUZiBXyoEmk4JmFOMMTSJ8WxI86eE12lSqGQPqyIjIB2VACEVWFuXRfy5Ii8lwLQw8jg1HavynJQ1NnmnTqxUFQ/s4608/IMG_20231124_080005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1x91QE4B-xmagV2Fey-a52_aDtwOiTAgo5bVf6Lx7zVnGLUOuFYyeOB00UxVb5NQzgJYk2AcyNLOhRFMhypevoAPq95OP_TvRgMjcUZiBXyoEmk4JmFOMMTSJ8WxI86eE12lSqGQPqyIjIB2VACEVWFuXRfy5Ii8lwLQw8jg1HavynJQ1NnmnTqxUFQ/w640-h480/IMG_20231124_080005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3ScsAI4YhReqlnOiPK12xmBsMX_oV2DCKh5d6O9PN_rMPub0J8mRlwGStUV-qalyWLPyOxyvjQ7iCvWPY3TGMjAARaLhiGwyJ-k9RujzAeWTGlzsoLNMUyxKHfqAMuRLfczkedtgSx-t2KFQ1ob3C_EsSAAmJS8Q8VQG_BEuMG-4K_bqH_w_wRz5KcU/s4608/IMG_20231124_080933.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3ScsAI4YhReqlnOiPK12xmBsMX_oV2DCKh5d6O9PN_rMPub0J8mRlwGStUV-qalyWLPyOxyvjQ7iCvWPY3TGMjAARaLhiGwyJ-k9RujzAeWTGlzsoLNMUyxKHfqAMuRLfczkedtgSx-t2KFQ1ob3C_EsSAAmJS8Q8VQG_BEuMG-4K_bqH_w_wRz5KcU/w640-h480/IMG_20231124_080933.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5_cSCXi4qc1shwHiNn1zx-xA4e3CH2govjRZu4pWYoJ2ipNqyZ-psKukoPjeOZ1cSxffFjHHPAnvLQvWWvRhPWzqROpKrTqqCW7QR2cMVzRL7-WrfVEsUjHZqUnl27uH5nt-hIgV3lKk7XjbhfqM81uKlRw-Uoo7HpdJNEzzPtnMTVZzPcuBwwkc4Ms/s4608/IMG_20231124_130025.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ5_cSCXi4qc1shwHiNn1zx-xA4e3CH2govjRZu4pWYoJ2ipNqyZ-psKukoPjeOZ1cSxffFjHHPAnvLQvWWvRhPWzqROpKrTqqCW7QR2cMVzRL7-WrfVEsUjHZqUnl27uH5nt-hIgV3lKk7XjbhfqM81uKlRw-Uoo7HpdJNEzzPtnMTVZzPcuBwwkc4Ms/w640-h480/IMG_20231124_130025.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VetQjymFev5FVcGmglutdi5FOi4wvLATpxwImdCYeRmcHkFMXCQuhn7FYHQzFj9FkyeI7IiZ6aQsbdievb0SwW-MeReebcbG9efsHbCQib7nCk_pJa_ol-mpakci03rOJNyKefEKixjIxpfIlzsCclGRlXve7n2xKJ0UpBnS_9KL2aEjXwNPGqQkAZ0/s4608/IMG_20231124_124122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1VetQjymFev5FVcGmglutdi5FOi4wvLATpxwImdCYeRmcHkFMXCQuhn7FYHQzFj9FkyeI7IiZ6aQsbdievb0SwW-MeReebcbG9efsHbCQib7nCk_pJa_ol-mpakci03rOJNyKefEKixjIxpfIlzsCclGRlXve7n2xKJ0UpBnS_9KL2aEjXwNPGqQkAZ0/w640-h480/IMG_20231124_124122.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Edfu Temple</b> was built during the Ptolemaic reign, the period just after Alexander the Great when the Greeks made a sustained effort to embrace the Egyptian culture too. As it is with most Egyptian temples it also has huge pillars and large hallways. After a quick look in, we travelled to the <b>Valley of Kings</b>, another of Egypt’s major attractions. By now, I had a little grasp on Egyptian history, especially from the time of the Pharaohs. The Valley of the Kings, a site with tombs of the Pharaohs was especially interesting as it had the mummy of <b>Tutankhamun</b>, another name familiar from my childhood, for which there is a separate entry fee. We also visited a few other tombs that were open including that of Ramesses II. Again the carvings and decorations inside the tombs were fascinating to behold. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziBTD2Q61HlWALZEBNhbMsszn-BRaRfrj5LCeC9CSywYgtHABmA18iSmxR84UtZ_5R_wCJsDjm1S_Vj2SS5ay4yxPtXiKZ2w2KsmAj_ZkLpwB3vn5VpX-EsiSFRNfhXoNI_UMIWdqend4hzWh9h02TktzdNgj_AOMoxlqrKpJ4A8ZNoOVyMwj_HUclVo/s4608/IMG_20231124_143356.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziBTD2Q61HlWALZEBNhbMsszn-BRaRfrj5LCeC9CSywYgtHABmA18iSmxR84UtZ_5R_wCJsDjm1S_Vj2SS5ay4yxPtXiKZ2w2KsmAj_ZkLpwB3vn5VpX-EsiSFRNfhXoNI_UMIWdqend4hzWh9h02TktzdNgj_AOMoxlqrKpJ4A8ZNoOVyMwj_HUclVo/w640-h480/IMG_20231124_143356.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxRTs-weKRLUMbuaV_X6MxCluYPs6dcd8GsG8bDkHYBsDHYYvdprulWk3f7DIQBZYsMzWDWgzmraG3itaiCOfO-v0WYYftbD_96IGBbQlKpI1ZFYPYso3unIw9Yi56rAV_W1kdCzTwE5LWa8yVLnJS_cBwN0wOpqUREcJ1sd2qwMcqVrU_R78DPUFwPo/s4608/IMG_20231124_144637.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxRTs-weKRLUMbuaV_X6MxCluYPs6dcd8GsG8bDkHYBsDHYYvdprulWk3f7DIQBZYsMzWDWgzmraG3itaiCOfO-v0WYYftbD_96IGBbQlKpI1ZFYPYso3unIw9Yi56rAV_W1kdCzTwE5LWa8yVLnJS_cBwN0wOpqUREcJ1sd2qwMcqVrU_R78DPUFwPo/w480-h640/IMG_20231124_144637.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>The lunch on this day was a highlight as we were taken to an<b> African restaurant</b> on the banks of the Nile. The food was wholesome and tasty despite having very few spices, and I especially loved the soup and the roasted chicken served. As I always feel on my different trips with them, Travel With Neel has a special focus on local food on their trips, something that tour operators often ignore.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBJ-DikzY03AVZ90D5uGMj-VzfZFLHVZVWbk4eB2-JKNFpueSF-BE3arN7lcUOFlW6V1Fbi2a4b5BW3c0_nex9FSLZ_HtHV4ZYusXq_2j4e2cAQGso8orxyleqen2T6XHF6paFJA94m_1sBP1IAmZFsLOhuAUEqZOLggzIYE7tjErnOrHkFNeMLy54lY/s1152/c71baca8-4ea8-4b38-a1b1-cd84aeb5cf5e.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBJ-DikzY03AVZ90D5uGMj-VzfZFLHVZVWbk4eB2-JKNFpueSF-BE3arN7lcUOFlW6V1Fbi2a4b5BW3c0_nex9FSLZ_HtHV4ZYusXq_2j4e2cAQGso8orxyleqen2T6XHF6paFJA94m_1sBP1IAmZFsLOhuAUEqZOLggzIYE7tjErnOrHkFNeMLy54lY/w640-h480/c71baca8-4ea8-4b38-a1b1-cd84aeb5cf5e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTPGF-p-eOaT0J3NEJLPwZOdjstGsJYixLMOSiI5hjFYG08r6TCBI5J8F16T4iOPYE2McXSSJxFvGuIHO7_YlPIFJflOxNCxeFTDnlki29xQdnZ_Geq08iIAvRGDyV-KjSh85VqibHJ-uAx7TQniTPk-vwimW0tTFlBOnWRhHw_2CJQ0vZgeWgH646Ns/s4608/IMG_20231124_170042.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTPGF-p-eOaT0J3NEJLPwZOdjstGsJYixLMOSiI5hjFYG08r6TCBI5J8F16T4iOPYE2McXSSJxFvGuIHO7_YlPIFJflOxNCxeFTDnlki29xQdnZ_Geq08iIAvRGDyV-KjSh85VqibHJ-uAx7TQniTPk-vwimW0tTFlBOnWRhHw_2CJQ0vZgeWgH646Ns/w640-h480/IMG_20231124_170042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We then had the opportunity to take a ferry ride across The Nile reaching the huge temples of <b>Karnak</b> and <b>Luxor</b> that were only a few miles away from each other. Frankly, by now the marginal keenness of visiting a new temple had decreased for many of us. But Karnak impressed us with its vastness, with huge columns, statues, and bylanes. Our guide told us that this was a temple that was developed over centuries by several Egyptian rulers. In fact, it is the ruins of a town by itself. Karnak is famed for having a great Sound and Light Show, but we had to miss it due to time constraints.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUczE58wFD4LVA_i4OuDpS8Plq9gpLN4S49e8I3hzRJpvTa3RnI3g-k-falOWEJrPQ5UjbyPXK7x8Kn9CfxOR64-sVmkjUmxcJD0Z9yksZT7kdUsYKufYfUtH0U_UzzlhCagTat89TVeESKI5ljMPP1-wD7yAs7cC1hpRC9IHMne_ajTtOVg-ROJNM2-E/s1152/21563044-b5f3-4547-8853-01bc9ccbcb76.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUczE58wFD4LVA_i4OuDpS8Plq9gpLN4S49e8I3hzRJpvTa3RnI3g-k-falOWEJrPQ5UjbyPXK7x8Kn9CfxOR64-sVmkjUmxcJD0Z9yksZT7kdUsYKufYfUtH0U_UzzlhCagTat89TVeESKI5ljMPP1-wD7yAs7cC1hpRC9IHMne_ajTtOVg-ROJNM2-E/w640-h480/21563044-b5f3-4547-8853-01bc9ccbcb76.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEurTu8hbXtG1KxfbpzytV9QvgryrC-x1VaQJeIRlkqf79ivCW3EBT_DqKllcMH46xzqzkoQfCGR5Nuf8qETC1e2xsbAgbVQS8YM-ZFUSEkpbPuqKVWpWnuCXmcYJx7yk82J-6QKxETTcA9fDXQ41kBY1JbaAIU2ml4oRKJuiXXioTCwpv1HAGg80m0w/s4608/IMG_20231124_175849.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEurTu8hbXtG1KxfbpzytV9QvgryrC-x1VaQJeIRlkqf79ivCW3EBT_DqKllcMH46xzqzkoQfCGR5Nuf8qETC1e2xsbAgbVQS8YM-ZFUSEkpbPuqKVWpWnuCXmcYJx7yk82J-6QKxETTcA9fDXQ41kBY1JbaAIU2ml4oRKJuiXXioTCwpv1HAGg80m0w/w640-h480/IMG_20231124_175849.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The temple at Luxor was just a few miles away. It was dusk by the time we reached, and the temple premises were beautifully lit up. The statues and pillars looked beautiful against the light. The Café inside the temple campus rejuvenated us with some good coffee before we came back to board our cruise.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSMRUwdzRDTKDSZtgGl5e-BTZcDS4VWx7JX6UpYALirxFKkU3OyztSdmzxhIl-kH2jIoup1OxUpOnFNGZr1GnTGLRvR0KB8MRFqjsvDMnGM3_gZin1KPAzKHYqx6mHQIFANOBNQDnTr_uKY-gTJzO9J90LYuNeULcOohi5ko2MKNCf2dtMySkdbPQzfo/s848/e59f7851-9183-47c3-9bb8-9119132bde4c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="848" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSMRUwdzRDTKDSZtgGl5e-BTZcDS4VWx7JX6UpYALirxFKkU3OyztSdmzxhIl-kH2jIoup1OxUpOnFNGZr1GnTGLRvR0KB8MRFqjsvDMnGM3_gZin1KPAzKHYqx6mHQIFANOBNQDnTr_uKY-gTJzO9J90LYuNeULcOohi5ko2MKNCf2dtMySkdbPQzfo/w640-h576/e59f7851-9183-47c3-9bb8-9119132bde4c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-7RejQpAWp9PzVfrkNWf7PEFcvF05TTeaxru-lBEhcIxC9tFXTIHZZ2fC_w5HeD7MowCuF9s6xevO0gf1pZ0eLeGQJ-CWcH8UYIvbnykkqGo_P8hKoA4ZqeoXgGcsB2yrMZYXWC5ltgl08MSwgYZYujePFkO5JyjffyrVXWYGbvRCB98emfoxhaB0IY/s4608/IMG_20231124_153420.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-7RejQpAWp9PzVfrkNWf7PEFcvF05TTeaxru-lBEhcIxC9tFXTIHZZ2fC_w5HeD7MowCuF9s6xevO0gf1pZ0eLeGQJ-CWcH8UYIvbnykkqGo_P8hKoA4ZqeoXgGcsB2yrMZYXWC5ltgl08MSwgYZYujePFkO5JyjffyrVXWYGbvRCB98emfoxhaB0IY/w640-h480/IMG_20231124_153420.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The last night at the cruise was festive. The management had arranged for a cultural program, with a belly dancer to boot. This was followed by a <b>Whirling Darvesh </b>dance. I had missed the latter in Turkey last year and appreciated the fitness of the dancer here. The next morning it was time to go, our flight to Cairo and subsequently to Amman in Jordan for the next leg of the trip was scheduled on the same day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6eCc5kbQfMSmRiF_fqMoXHhK7A0ZMA0U_KUFy1EddytEJIO2KT30Ax3ZJojhCDLh2ZBtGcrFN1gN4rFmArCrnV0ZhLdsM-7bBM1peEdxeLUm1XikaMpYlAhuI1IQrPyQA8L1S8P-1jTeF78DnE69OecR_QBEmqMoBe2FaT_Qb_QuEX6pCEXLei0z2Po/s4608/IMG_20231125_063602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6eCc5kbQfMSmRiF_fqMoXHhK7A0ZMA0U_KUFy1EddytEJIO2KT30Ax3ZJojhCDLh2ZBtGcrFN1gN4rFmArCrnV0ZhLdsM-7bBM1peEdxeLUm1XikaMpYlAhuI1IQrPyQA8L1S8P-1jTeF78DnE69OecR_QBEmqMoBe2FaT_Qb_QuEX6pCEXLei0z2Po/w640-h480/IMG_20231125_063602.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>A big shout out to Ali and Bassam, our guide and organizer for this Egypt trip. Both the brothers were ever smiling, and the latter was a repository of knowledge about Egypt, ready to share with anyone willing to grab it. Under the able guidance of Indranil our tour organizer from Travel With Neel, they were always forthcoming to sort out any small glitches on the trip. For a place like Egypt with lots of places with historical significance, it is important to have someone with deep knowledge guiding you and Bassam fitted the bill absolutely well.</p><p>Also Read: <b><a href="https://www.foodaholix.in/2023/12/Egypt%20.html" target="_blank">Cairo, Alexandria and The Pyramids</a></b></p>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-73412006197256138532023-12-19T10:53:00.001+05:302024-01-02T20:24:42.820+05:30Exploring Egypt: Cairo, Giza and Alexandria<p>The trip to <b>Egypt</b> was planned almost a year ago by my friends at Jadavpur University Alumni Association Hyderabad. Initially planned for February 2023, the planning and execution were entrusted to my friend Indranil Chowdhuri of <b>Travel with Neel</b> fame. The unavailability of some of us led to the dates being rescheduled to November, and the team size bulged up to more than 40, including members from not just Hyderabad, but Delhi, Kolkata, and Pune.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbOehE3iCyN9O3qJJrywGjx-vnfjiJvZ4yK7zWGmIjoBCV28F9LJVw-H7q6Ue39KfVgqemsfRJm7SmDADaw3KICP-Nbh6mvF-zUFfXm9rAaJWCE7P5_xUwp_s6mWSLUtLYkIf4G8u_7C6i5n63GLnOQ0vKMCQNuMDN97VNvoyntL7XdjfKjdYeGX2Zew/s3392/IMG_20231119_110005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2640" data-original-width="3392" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbOehE3iCyN9O3qJJrywGjx-vnfjiJvZ4yK7zWGmIjoBCV28F9LJVw-H7q6Ue39KfVgqemsfRJm7SmDADaw3KICP-Nbh6mvF-zUFfXm9rAaJWCE7P5_xUwp_s6mWSLUtLYkIf4G8u_7C6i5n63GLnOQ0vKMCQNuMDN97VNvoyntL7XdjfKjdYeGX2Zew/w640-h498/IMG_20231119_110005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>It was a complex assignment for Travel with Neel, with three countries (Egypt, Jordan, and Israel) planned over 20 days, with people joining and leaving the tour at various points. However, on 7th October, Hamas, the Palestinian fringe group attached Israel leading to a full-fledged war between Israel and Palestine, and as a result the Israel part of the tour had to be cut out of the itinerary. After lots of permutations finally on November 17th night, 30 of us assembled at RGI Airport Hyderabad, boarding a Saudia flight to Jeddah en route to Cairo.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZlt6fP1cYwb1EWCbIk7-OGoVJ95isHqpfbAzOb55fbAdHzjjEXKT8LN2SaeMS9m3JYii7YEbAeoOvXH92ifenKc-Nhsy4Os1qu25Dhggivj4Iyx_uqfnAbrZAcC8w_qekdc7ZV6mYjlIa7F7IBdYBpPImbNpT7Evl9mE6Npx3IQWFSesCpxbXttb0xU/s1280/3a83099e-e069-4ea0-8616-d96972406dcf.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZlt6fP1cYwb1EWCbIk7-OGoVJ95isHqpfbAzOb55fbAdHzjjEXKT8LN2SaeMS9m3JYii7YEbAeoOvXH92ifenKc-Nhsy4Os1qu25Dhggivj4Iyx_uqfnAbrZAcC8w_qekdc7ZV6mYjlIa7F7IBdYBpPImbNpT7Evl9mE6Npx3IQWFSesCpxbXttb0xU/w640-h480/3a83099e-e069-4ea0-8616-d96972406dcf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuAb-Dg2jRVidM3cG58UQE7CSh_ZvUflCVqffjFcgN53jgtVkNacAUmUN7925RZZU-NGNRUu_9DSFJcuRBL3sX_VvedwjN5pS1hXWbUrgzMRdunqqGlyDIQG5Jd5N1UloamOCnQmt1-6MIwy-qm9vBu_49wlY8hZLGUMVNV0C3wB7bhw8xkrAhTWdpmg/s4608/IMG_20231121_124259.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuAb-Dg2jRVidM3cG58UQE7CSh_ZvUflCVqffjFcgN53jgtVkNacAUmUN7925RZZU-NGNRUu_9DSFJcuRBL3sX_VvedwjN5pS1hXWbUrgzMRdunqqGlyDIQG5Jd5N1UloamOCnQmt1-6MIwy-qm9vBu_49wlY8hZLGUMVNV0C3wB7bhw8xkrAhTWdpmg/w640-h480/IMG_20231121_124259.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We reached <b>Cairo</b> around 11am on the 18th, and the journey was a breeze in the company of good friends. A special mention needs to be made to how Travel with Neel smoothly handled our needs at the airports. At Hyderabad, at the behest of Travel with Neel, the Saudia staff were waiting for us outside the airport making the check-in process a breeze while in Cairo airport, a person from Neel’s team joined us inside the airport, helping with immigration, baggage collection as well as procurement of local SIM. In fact, throughout the trip, all small requirements of the tour members were catered to by Travel with Neel. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvyMReC5ck8qJFly-QZvy_30RYNHPiHABif92obCKlj7KP9cydA_67jvlaR3BWBHIEbcWfAhteKrvZZGpBLwfkwjx4nkHaO7Uv0QGjGzVaTOrb4GZv-SfHxlyb3yCaYP-9m5ihovdm7T5a1tPr5O32Eo6rnV8EHM3QI8scezB5LTEsxW7wC_HjQFdNRk/s4608/IMG_20231118_141031.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvyMReC5ck8qJFly-QZvy_30RYNHPiHABif92obCKlj7KP9cydA_67jvlaR3BWBHIEbcWfAhteKrvZZGpBLwfkwjx4nkHaO7Uv0QGjGzVaTOrb4GZv-SfHxlyb3yCaYP-9m5ihovdm7T5a1tPr5O32Eo6rnV8EHM3QI8scezB5LTEsxW7wC_HjQFdNRk/w640-h480/IMG_20231118_141031.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWqdvPc0YEWpXbXkDY0sZrZxaxrDMJ-WDHa5LBQIXxVeFEkPsHvQ9dDrXM_x2RoC9fWTl0zeG_dbs-rOZllXwIRlxKrnH1ahDydecv4AH9W7Dk0TLTCr_fWm1utMmlNDX6DlMev74SPPzXrs_i9u3jk3C9nMPayWR9TR8V2Q5CRnmjtCLGqMnzcMBkpI/s3856/IMG_20231118_140529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3856" data-original-width="3443" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWqdvPc0YEWpXbXkDY0sZrZxaxrDMJ-WDHa5LBQIXxVeFEkPsHvQ9dDrXM_x2RoC9fWTl0zeG_dbs-rOZllXwIRlxKrnH1ahDydecv4AH9W7Dk0TLTCr_fWm1utMmlNDX6DlMev74SPPzXrs_i9u3jk3C9nMPayWR9TR8V2Q5CRnmjtCLGqMnzcMBkpI/w572-h640/IMG_20231118_140529.jpg" width="572" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Wr17rcH7Jv6CmY9FSkq6Kx_mx0z6K9ZZkEbM3HAEiFNzqDvYDIpb9uQEdkAedX7UPgSDpsfYWtKeN9ofb9vin57zfcdYTu4YpBrm_qvSen8Zjy5AWslN0OJixCdBjuFoWRjclz775E5r3XuPMbMdBpI0nf1Gf_fgDhnNF3Hd5zlZAP554QD-i5w4Jjg/s4608/IMG_20231121_143824.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Wr17rcH7Jv6CmY9FSkq6Kx_mx0z6K9ZZkEbM3HAEiFNzqDvYDIpb9uQEdkAedX7UPgSDpsfYWtKeN9ofb9vin57zfcdYTu4YpBrm_qvSen8Zjy5AWslN0OJixCdBjuFoWRjclz775E5r3XuPMbMdBpI0nf1Gf_fgDhnNF3Hd5zlZAP554QD-i5w4Jjg/w480-h640/IMG_20231121_143824.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>From the airport, we headed towards <b>Giza</b> on our tour bus, our first stop was at an eatery “<b>Tasty House Egypt</b>”. The buffet there had about a hundred items and introduced us to the local Egyptian food. There were many creamy dip-type dishes, so typical of Mediterranean mezze platters. Eggplants are very popular in Egypt and apart from the dip <b>Babaganoush</b>, there were at least three other preparations. There was <b>Koshari</b>, the Egyptian national dish of rice, macaroni, and lentils served topped with tomato sauce. There was <b>Falafel</b> too. But the dish which impressed me the most was the <b>Beef Stew</b>, it went well with the not-so-soft Egyptian bread.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6sbhuOcM3uSSx-U0Y7xsJgKEj4qo-C6LrSG48_HIzTbdlIc10FbF-TMgmuWVFJt9S3KIkveAasJuvYt3l9xa_sC7ZsPG4kzsM6qo2AHl0AhT__NXjjlBySV_pyiCcrxKnRrFuPaEt-t6w_fs4KVsnIc6jerwoJSWqc4KPEbP8BRiQSBioYwAFf_Nf-M/s1280/4e257c40-68c9-48b4-8eb9-e8498e547b38.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj6sbhuOcM3uSSx-U0Y7xsJgKEj4qo-C6LrSG48_HIzTbdlIc10FbF-TMgmuWVFJt9S3KIkveAasJuvYt3l9xa_sC7ZsPG4kzsM6qo2AHl0AhT__NXjjlBySV_pyiCcrxKnRrFuPaEt-t6w_fs4KVsnIc6jerwoJSWqc4KPEbP8BRiQSBioYwAFf_Nf-M/w640-h480/4e257c40-68c9-48b4-8eb9-e8498e547b38.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a sumptuous lunch, we headed towards the hotel in Giza. The first glimpse of the three huge pyramids was seen on our right. <b>Pyramid</b> was something I was very familiar with from my childhood, the most popular wonder of the world to the people in India after the Taj Mahal. We were at the site in the evening for the <b>Sound and Light Show</b>. While the show was very informative, I felt that for such a popular tourist spot, the audio quality did not do full justice in terms of quality and clarity. Perhaps time to upgrade.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-gmZtnXIdLidrnKf28aMdU_Za0_nj2-t-RUxH3K6LZCYHDZBXQBgSJl8MY6N9UMepcaTDvSxCHV_kdDQvBmZ8nMyk-jy54d9jcwgRzxQQwNSixQoijP2gqMOGXf3oqueR_a3Gr37heX9YvS_A7MbGlQ45fd5bYfaOGrbwN4PKkNuvQo3rGqNTU9-xYk/s1152/4855fe6c-acbd-4340-86fb-ab478ab74f01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-gmZtnXIdLidrnKf28aMdU_Za0_nj2-t-RUxH3K6LZCYHDZBXQBgSJl8MY6N9UMepcaTDvSxCHV_kdDQvBmZ8nMyk-jy54d9jcwgRzxQQwNSixQoijP2gqMOGXf3oqueR_a3Gr37heX9YvS_A7MbGlQ45fd5bYfaOGrbwN4PKkNuvQo3rGqNTU9-xYk/w640-h480/4855fe6c-acbd-4340-86fb-ab478ab74f01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>While coming back from the sound and light show, we purchased some papyrus paintings being peddled by street vendors. The next day, while visiting the <b>Papyrus Museum</b>, we were exposed to more such paintings. The intricacies of the painting as well as the quality of the papyrus differentiate these paintings with costs ranging from a paltry thirty to a few thousand Egyptian Pounds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRaQCBZDu4F99Yp5ygLCZWz9o825XdYBESTzGhYkwJwbFzehwh5tO05gkb4jBzO8OECjbTd_KnUmEDllt_jQbFtY3F1yng8ZW0e6pT7kbpkZQgVzwMveT-dAXGCejtll9Tvn7EpLCP8npV_6UOMHnzXdU-qJ1sBAmY377vMYL-XjPlY3_5auSyCY8YgQ/s4608/IMG_20231119_115436.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRaQCBZDu4F99Yp5ygLCZWz9o825XdYBESTzGhYkwJwbFzehwh5tO05gkb4jBzO8OECjbTd_KnUmEDllt_jQbFtY3F1yng8ZW0e6pT7kbpkZQgVzwMveT-dAXGCejtll9Tvn7EpLCP8npV_6UOMHnzXdU-qJ1sBAmY377vMYL-XjPlY3_5auSyCY8YgQ/w640-h480/IMG_20231119_115436.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Day two was the most anticipated day of the tour, it was time to visit the <b>Great Pyramids of Giza</b>. The three towering pyramids stood next to each other as we jostled for pics and selfies nearby. The pyramid of <b>Khufu</b> was the biggest while his son <b>Khafre</b> and grandson <b>Menkaure</b> had smaller ones. The area had a festive look with tourists, camels, peddlers, and carriages. We hung around to get a feel of the place, visited the <b>Great Sphynx</b>, and bought some memorabilia from the small vendors. A travel tip, many locals will volunteer to take your pics, if you hand your camera to them, they will not let you go without parting with a hefty bakhshish. The memorabilia that we bought from there even after bargaining was much overpriced. You could get a better variety and cheaper ones at Khan Khalili market in Cairo. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXEFT96BcXRQ_tEz5XDEb5koK9E_XH7nq6cO2eydlhw0U1o0CI4r3S2loPDCZD4e4ZtDOpka-QPe6Ypma5b6zK1nbMN7Jw2EtRRuKYKZ-ImQfd9qQ2kqwmgEutQ8txPFLUQ-SPuFqI0pCvn1TWWUcCcP9DpZVoeNmk2B3K42WfVkupH-ULDug4_8BcOE/s4608/IMG_20231119_152753.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXEFT96BcXRQ_tEz5XDEb5koK9E_XH7nq6cO2eydlhw0U1o0CI4r3S2loPDCZD4e4ZtDOpka-QPe6Ypma5b6zK1nbMN7Jw2EtRRuKYKZ-ImQfd9qQ2kqwmgEutQ8txPFLUQ-SPuFqI0pCvn1TWWUcCcP9DpZVoeNmk2B3K42WfVkupH-ULDug4_8BcOE/w640-h480/IMG_20231119_152753.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We proceeded by bus to the step pyramids at <b>Saqqara</b>, the structure of which was different from the smoothness of the Great Pyramids. As the name suggests the pyramid here had a step structure making it unique. These were possibly the first pyramids in ancient Egypt.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55H_-EBwNWVn4UF4gPzHQR9iXxkgRsbeecvbjcHjiz7cVEmp7AJB4hpmaMoiazdKvoB15xqxgii9YIzc_ID9YDFz7OpPOg-3CUjRHOXNc5qQ9tQhdpgCxF8fSWLpmFxYC0stzukxPAYqPEn4Vxiv_jafPSK_ffMrsDGl9tG_fNS6xARsrhlqiJ72imUE/s4608/IMG_20231120_120827.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55H_-EBwNWVn4UF4gPzHQR9iXxkgRsbeecvbjcHjiz7cVEmp7AJB4hpmaMoiazdKvoB15xqxgii9YIzc_ID9YDFz7OpPOg-3CUjRHOXNc5qQ9tQhdpgCxF8fSWLpmFxYC0stzukxPAYqPEn4Vxiv_jafPSK_ffMrsDGl9tG_fNS6xARsrhlqiJ72imUE/w640-h480/IMG_20231120_120827.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfSdNaix6pQ5KVHUqYGDbjCjtWjaw3s5bCF8cC59Ug3D5DmTGRURvF9SAWBzJOGIToEohbGHGZrZe2mv0-lxrzIcrgpVsARcPGfKT971Dezhj1KwyPBznxHPhIXBod6n5zPuGls1tPqaS-hLy9WkrA_HzRY6puCcYUSSustAgxuDTwPIWvNLC49FEXos/s4608/IMG_20231120_120423.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfSdNaix6pQ5KVHUqYGDbjCjtWjaw3s5bCF8cC59Ug3D5DmTGRURvF9SAWBzJOGIToEohbGHGZrZe2mv0-lxrzIcrgpVsARcPGfKT971Dezhj1KwyPBznxHPhIXBod6n5zPuGls1tPqaS-hLy9WkrA_HzRY6puCcYUSSustAgxuDTwPIWvNLC49FEXos/w640-h480/IMG_20231120_120423.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>On the following day, we traveled to the seaside city of <b>Alexandria</b>, about three hours away from Cairo. The city located on the blue Mediterranean was named after Alexander the Great and was the capital of Egypt during ancient times. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWtdswRNoRdFq9e2_Xezz4EKawd-c5B6t24LS_H-Wc-Zs14zLp8Qkb5OM43E6n_pTQEEqBeaJUwHHtD1zo6m9TWBcukFr5ZNauO2i2hX3WpiUXs_DRIcjlOij1hyGMoVBxm90ZYNCzhFVqHn8IqKMcHapHKqVZacklL-Ro-KA5fICA454eBlbYUE89sY/s4608/IMG_20231120_121324.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWtdswRNoRdFq9e2_Xezz4EKawd-c5B6t24LS_H-Wc-Zs14zLp8Qkb5OM43E6n_pTQEEqBeaJUwHHtD1zo6m9TWBcukFr5ZNauO2i2hX3WpiUXs_DRIcjlOij1hyGMoVBxm90ZYNCzhFVqHn8IqKMcHapHKqVZacklL-Ro-KA5fICA454eBlbYUE89sY/w640-h480/IMG_20231120_121324.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-pywmdMJGItwYNEkDmjhZ446mHHkuAPp0ZZ9lR7mch4ywNA0tk0mAghdtrxbBGHKrGnEinuCwFO42lqgBQgvr0I-add7DXNC0Z5GHXIFYJ5-4UqErvL4hRCAmpZdyVC_bFo5PCNkpZJLide67wW0LBYYMhT-bp2uJldQc4qnQ1kEytTTjTeHe0Acux8/s4608/IMG_20231120_122306.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP-pywmdMJGItwYNEkDmjhZ446mHHkuAPp0ZZ9lR7mch4ywNA0tk0mAghdtrxbBGHKrGnEinuCwFO42lqgBQgvr0I-add7DXNC0Z5GHXIFYJ5-4UqErvL4hRCAmpZdyVC_bFo5PCNkpZJLide67wW0LBYYMhT-bp2uJldQc4qnQ1kEytTTjTeHe0Acux8/w640-h480/IMG_20231120_122306.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEUDjh4J_4np2mfgTZexu4KMHQsLk99th1d1W4oL7-TsYP2__yQxY385lVJoy9qvGsD-Yoh3HxY5CCTMib3Ocw9CI2FpZcBA19kSPxopSp6qA2Pi1p-yQSc3w_yban6SQEOCePnqxOjSzLBHGrycxh0SLGXXb6wj0i7cprnZLgyPmT8NBuQwM6ijztpU/s1152/1eaa1e88-ce51-40c4-bbbc-774ffbe7d159.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEUDjh4J_4np2mfgTZexu4KMHQsLk99th1d1W4oL7-TsYP2__yQxY385lVJoy9qvGsD-Yoh3HxY5CCTMib3Ocw9CI2FpZcBA19kSPxopSp6qA2Pi1p-yQSc3w_yban6SQEOCePnqxOjSzLBHGrycxh0SLGXXb6wj0i7cprnZLgyPmT8NBuQwM6ijztpU/w640-h480/1eaa1e88-ce51-40c4-bbbc-774ffbe7d159.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Our first stop was the <b>Kom El Sharafa</b>, an ancient archaeological site having three levels and housing some of the tombs from the Greek times. We went down three stories to look at some of the finest carvings and paintings and the stone sarcophagi in the central chamber. Next, we stopped at s and the stone sarcophagi in the central chamber. Next, we stopped at <b>Kom El Dikka</b>, the ruins of the Roman bath complex and Roman theatre. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx23yEUiqRgSzzJ_KT5JSu5nyMl4XR4jjxkj3JJBq37fLe9pvJFujV-kY5zFqzdtAi3-aNfozzIBogUb3wL8nnOeJCBxtGfnqIowUq5ijBpgzhTZzo04EH20NlB1ckVvH4OysXltH_bqnYn0VUmU2_BT0lhr2IFycRqEWslhYilPAP1LgLxqxRuE2hcuU/s4608/IMG_20231120_151359.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx23yEUiqRgSzzJ_KT5JSu5nyMl4XR4jjxkj3JJBq37fLe9pvJFujV-kY5zFqzdtAi3-aNfozzIBogUb3wL8nnOeJCBxtGfnqIowUq5ijBpgzhTZzo04EH20NlB1ckVvH4OysXltH_bqnYn0VUmU2_BT0lhr2IFycRqEWslhYilPAP1LgLxqxRuE2hcuU/w640-h480/IMG_20231120_151359.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodK_4pXC0AL4Pz_ASQ1vHm2cHMsrlSV9LUORr38dlfAzLu41o-JFin0dtPRpKMf97FRJnFbWBN6mQGSG4JXyW3D_PdpJES2vZiE59z1WhPm9ObNjJcVPu7o0amkqeCoLm-S4-F6mf6WBtHravsG1ktOQSS0BI1Wr8IW7crQRVRbpjUeNHt_JyRX6U3uE/s3949/IMG_20231120_144153.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3281" data-original-width="3949" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodK_4pXC0AL4Pz_ASQ1vHm2cHMsrlSV9LUORr38dlfAzLu41o-JFin0dtPRpKMf97FRJnFbWBN6mQGSG4JXyW3D_PdpJES2vZiE59z1WhPm9ObNjJcVPu7o0amkqeCoLm-S4-F6mf6WBtHravsG1ktOQSS0BI1Wr8IW7crQRVRbpjUeNHt_JyRX6U3uE/w640-h532/IMG_20231120_144153.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhB8oSpD2BWt0lH08Gz72SfTXTAVZMj4Npvz8mhIsrMJJFKe0JtA_iie3gDpuhYps23AcTW_ER-Neqy6tnKciOy_cwR71pAM26431UFKpNWF3nRF9YBOeAj6v5EATJgJ13wA6zVC9iiz8cqVHebumxBzX-N1ZnZvSeoGqk-ZYIUGr8sFQT88MnfuAya8/s4608/IMG_20231120_144854.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhB8oSpD2BWt0lH08Gz72SfTXTAVZMj4Npvz8mhIsrMJJFKe0JtA_iie3gDpuhYps23AcTW_ER-Neqy6tnKciOy_cwR71pAM26431UFKpNWF3nRF9YBOeAj6v5EATJgJ13wA6zVC9iiz8cqVHebumxBzX-N1ZnZvSeoGqk-ZYIUGr8sFQT88MnfuAya8/w480-h640/IMG_20231120_144854.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>Our lunch was arranged at <b>Branzino</b>, a restaurant right on the <b>Mediterranean seafront</b>. A sumptuous lunch of fresh fish, squids, and prawns made our day followed by spending some time at the seafront. A big advantage of traveling with Travel with Neel is that you get to try out a lot of local food at the choicest restaurants in the city. It is a delight for a gourmand like me. We also visited the Alexandria library and then returned to Cairo by dusk.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWSaXYvhyjOFXXXhZCYmc4GI_Qd6I1x-IknKpycYDNBeed5xXrX5Behz1LhZ8x_A3L-m0tBt8lcB6sG8KM1Wf_zfHq3W9iwLo0Z1O0TXCTo1h7rNdMc7Vr7h30DjNCTgfUNT-z9M-bzYUOQ0Qvu2KJa0Seh9-O0cFS8RoBN4QP-biKrHbRWHzQR2w4ts/s4608/IMG_20231120_155043.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWSaXYvhyjOFXXXhZCYmc4GI_Qd6I1x-IknKpycYDNBeed5xXrX5Behz1LhZ8x_A3L-m0tBt8lcB6sG8KM1Wf_zfHq3W9iwLo0Z1O0TXCTo1h7rNdMc7Vr7h30DjNCTgfUNT-z9M-bzYUOQ0Qvu2KJa0Seh9-O0cFS8RoBN4QP-biKrHbRWHzQR2w4ts/w640-h480/IMG_20231120_155043.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYHVk4H_Pz8aHaioHA6n00ERO9VE4wmcbk9PoyBm_KxFa6FranipqgW4hyphenhyphenf6WfZxUAsN_lojwagJ8GvfiqeqrNG1vJH_JhzdjZ_pX7hj09tKDdkDUCJgB1x8RrMOv4XKBak-DunF6CeZEHO5GKAZrwmJ6fofjrYwidAvDSPgnEIILiWY68BnXdMdJq04/s4608/IMG_20231120_134044.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYHVk4H_Pz8aHaioHA6n00ERO9VE4wmcbk9PoyBm_KxFa6FranipqgW4hyphenhyphenf6WfZxUAsN_lojwagJ8GvfiqeqrNG1vJH_JhzdjZ_pX7hj09tKDdkDUCJgB1x8RrMOv4XKBak-DunF6CeZEHO5GKAZrwmJ6fofjrYwidAvDSPgnEIILiWY68BnXdMdJq04/w640-h480/IMG_20231120_134044.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMwN44tAtCMzVYLf0ctnyv6u9nTKqnDf3CRdK8oYen_jEss1ducQ-Of3zNS79ougwREFq8wbsTIzDzFaEMps-mzo7uUu3wiW-PB191sZ3GMvcLdmhKOqKnfgEHV9kzqbOUiGN1jcEccw5KpAPpcsS0o0Jm5MbH8ZIHhFSWHnIzdkDekYxbyig6WkoXhA/s1152/698682a3-29fa-4df8-ac34-e71b294f8cde.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMwN44tAtCMzVYLf0ctnyv6u9nTKqnDf3CRdK8oYen_jEss1ducQ-Of3zNS79ougwREFq8wbsTIzDzFaEMps-mzo7uUu3wiW-PB191sZ3GMvcLdmhKOqKnfgEHV9kzqbOUiGN1jcEccw5KpAPpcsS0o0Jm5MbH8ZIHhFSWHnIzdkDekYxbyig6WkoXhA/w640-h480/698682a3-29fa-4df8-ac34-e71b294f8cde.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>A late evening visit to <b>Khan El-Khalili</b>, an Egyptian market from the 15th century regaled us. The whole place had a festive cheer, with the youth thronging the cafes and some even bringing their guitars along for the loud chorus. Small street vendor were peddling their wares on the street, while gift shops and restaurants abounded in the lanes behind. We had a nice time going around the bylanes, bargaining at shops for some of the huge collections of memorabilia that they were selling.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5Ya1gAPGTK60QqJaYZ9Q-j0NEPLX6msktGf2jfcTGDtyMvAN7wsHCzLOUJyrYZ5YSbY0Qt1szyLY4dkoiphMOfhYAhOb-8GCyUwiFfowDusUfRoWa0b-BrFoyOI4xL58if3fr-Ta8BsV1GCmmb15LjDLm4kU3eY1oo2_n2SSO6qzlfsk3W1v_qo1aL8/s4608/IMG_20231121_101444.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5Ya1gAPGTK60QqJaYZ9Q-j0NEPLX6msktGf2jfcTGDtyMvAN7wsHCzLOUJyrYZ5YSbY0Qt1szyLY4dkoiphMOfhYAhOb-8GCyUwiFfowDusUfRoWa0b-BrFoyOI4xL58if3fr-Ta8BsV1GCmmb15LjDLm4kU3eY1oo2_n2SSO6qzlfsk3W1v_qo1aL8/w640-h480/IMG_20231121_101444.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The mosques and museums of Cairo were kept for the last day. The <b>Muhammad Ali Mosque</b> is grand, the interior resembles the Hagiya Sofia mosque in Istanbul that we visited last year. Till now in Egypt we had only viewed empty sarcophaguses, now it was time to see the actual mummies at the new <b>National Museum of Egyptian Civilization</b>. The mummies were shifted here from the Cairo Museum a few months back. The museum is swanky and extremely well-run. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed in the Mummies Hall, section hosting the mummies. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8LdS2dkJpTTj1AjvnrlpWatP63foRtBamsLwJdwaiEZ7b8JEq6B1sc_cZE3p-Or-Zc3A17X-piVnH4ffkK1Qrp53pI7GcqQ8kHd4LSzr4eT5OjpXrVWg5K1-pGFfX49_WMNlH1gZLdlgX2bs_ZEF4r43uK9bf6ZUWtOozx5DmhgbZd_n2lQxbM-tDGs/s4608/IMG_20231121_115950.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8LdS2dkJpTTj1AjvnrlpWatP63foRtBamsLwJdwaiEZ7b8JEq6B1sc_cZE3p-Or-Zc3A17X-piVnH4ffkK1Qrp53pI7GcqQ8kHd4LSzr4eT5OjpXrVWg5K1-pGFfX49_WMNlH1gZLdlgX2bs_ZEF4r43uK9bf6ZUWtOozx5DmhgbZd_n2lQxbM-tDGs/w480-h640/IMG_20231121_115950.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIVJAglwiR72tnhMeLBRqeAMCn3xEzGrzvlXrfzuvfjaWhLKW-n_iNRVzQLRyc705rAz-JyeGXZqz0H_wbTvgR5GpMj5MOWT2O44bD9-ChNMCQXTJnVJEJkbuL5oG7U6DsfjUnCnA3tU6ztcvBA85WzZqs2jNui9xPIR9yesGlK8j63Muxss_T-L94B4/s4352/IMG_20231121_160931_Bokeh.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4352" data-original-width="3264" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGIVJAglwiR72tnhMeLBRqeAMCn3xEzGrzvlXrfzuvfjaWhLKW-n_iNRVzQLRyc705rAz-JyeGXZqz0H_wbTvgR5GpMj5MOWT2O44bD9-ChNMCQXTJnVJEJkbuL5oG7U6DsfjUnCnA3tU6ztcvBA85WzZqs2jNui9xPIR9yesGlK8j63Muxss_T-L94B4/w480-h640/IMG_20231121_160931_Bokeh.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>Finally the <b>Cairo Museum</b>. We really had to rush through it due to the paucity of time, but we decided to concentrate on the first floor – especially the rooms of <b>Thutmosis</b> and <b>Tutankhamun</b>. The amount of gold on display was dazzling and the intricate work impressed. The thrones and mummy masks were really exquisite. A thumbs down for the rough behavior of the museum staff, I saw them heckling and pushing tourists after the time was over.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpfEMAnNU_OIKa8hsqUDmaDbTGruzZ5hS3zdh3ndER01o-N-NYe5M95apEt3wYBQabg_4PW6JqXY5je59qbIBGvrq5p_Rmge2wY5q2ktwesApUj6R3CO6KtcBdVt47pBr-aBoYtlG7Rp0IEV-MwU8QKo-6MqGLIpQ_ClV7GTwmYQmM76uO4cQ1DGvSvo/s4608/IMG_20231121_120234.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvpfEMAnNU_OIKa8hsqUDmaDbTGruzZ5hS3zdh3ndER01o-N-NYe5M95apEt3wYBQabg_4PW6JqXY5je59qbIBGvrq5p_Rmge2wY5q2ktwesApUj6R3CO6KtcBdVt47pBr-aBoYtlG7Rp0IEV-MwU8QKo-6MqGLIpQ_ClV7GTwmYQmM76uO4cQ1DGvSvo/w640-h480/IMG_20231121_120234.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgCPn0mtSokr6Tj8KH1o7g1WV6NEELRrjikUa9avFAOHPQlCfvI7aD52wUbySU6UV81e2_tphHRtw7j-bu_-AjLXl00J32U04wbjU70FEZnQANrvjp7ow-SakcDGBKxpxCHbHC9koYLxnJ6X6sP8SejKYFokdUT4l2KvDtZw4aec5e5Vo0Cf-otWW1ks/s4608/IMG_20231121_162030.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSgCPn0mtSokr6Tj8KH1o7g1WV6NEELRrjikUa9avFAOHPQlCfvI7aD52wUbySU6UV81e2_tphHRtw7j-bu_-AjLXl00J32U04wbjU70FEZnQANrvjp7ow-SakcDGBKxpxCHbHC9koYLxnJ6X6sP8SejKYFokdUT4l2KvDtZw4aec5e5Vo0Cf-otWW1ks/w640-h480/IMG_20231121_162030.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwvZp4blr6Ocm3dHaqIagld8y-iIONctw4HX6K9eHYA07F10uubO9TFWj5uw5nIl5TZ9DqBHDZa_hSQRqXZDE1ty4OzCiD7zQ639WjMU8yqa7efemzRWmGTgJThtSauGxZ0EaV7VAuUALicEYWstXyEbRgN1WAThjKO_U9KsBikvfg8jvvWT1asfuIRw/s4608/IMG_20231121_163153.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwvZp4blr6Ocm3dHaqIagld8y-iIONctw4HX6K9eHYA07F10uubO9TFWj5uw5nIl5TZ9DqBHDZa_hSQRqXZDE1ty4OzCiD7zQ639WjMU8yqa7efemzRWmGTgJThtSauGxZ0EaV7VAuUALicEYWstXyEbRgN1WAThjKO_U9KsBikvfg8jvvWT1asfuIRw/w480-h640/IMG_20231121_163153.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>Our North Egypt tour ended with a journey to the Giza railway station for a train ride to Aswan, about which I will talk in a separate post. Cairo is an ancient city, dusty with sandstone being the color used everywhere. The people were nice and friendly and some were very poor. I hated seeing small kids begging in the streets all through our trip to Egypt. It is sad to see the plight of the poor, not just in our country but all over the world. </p><p>Continued: <b><a href="https://www.foodaholix.in/2024/01/AswanKarnakAbuSimbel.html">The Temples of South Egypt</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccVhX3sK09t9xAW-Opfm7kU90Sx-iGM8VghNmfYpaW63GS2wBZK_KMmnyk84l-KgwPL-Ha-doQuB6cd5nmhz2PmojU9b1XmOWf1ZZs-5c4oHOGHMXuxWboLGc9KorVpMEkNkMTxLmhAzHbiScm0JwYK0eQGQo-Zv878enFy2oYHzTd92m7OE12COH4Cw/s1600/738a21a6-8e92-464c-9d9a-7d76e8a98313.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiccVhX3sK09t9xAW-Opfm7kU90Sx-iGM8VghNmfYpaW63GS2wBZK_KMmnyk84l-KgwPL-Ha-doQuB6cd5nmhz2PmojU9b1XmOWf1ZZs-5c4oHOGHMXuxWboLGc9KorVpMEkNkMTxLmhAzHbiScm0JwYK0eQGQo-Zv878enFy2oYHzTd92m7OE12COH4Cw/w640-h480/738a21a6-8e92-464c-9d9a-7d76e8a98313.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-32892277421640032982023-09-28T12:11:00.003+05:302023-09-28T12:11:56.069+05:30Novotel Vijayawada Varun: An ideal Staycation Location off Hyderabad<p>We were travelling to Vijayawada on some work towards the end of the week. We needed a little time to relax and I remembered that a few of my friends had recently visited <b>Novotel Vijayawada Varun</b>, and had a good experience there. My <b>Accor Plus</b> membership ensured a good weekend deal in the hotel, and on a Saturday afternoon, we arrived at the hotel after a nice time in the Tadepalli-Mangalgiri area. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJP_LFadk9zfgXwA3JB0Nj-n-abx2HC0CvPGkWCSYZbtSYg-4TrybSh1tP5Nm47YWtZg7ckcNU4x2SXuPqjo4FVFH9bHtDU9ddYiOfWzdUAwy5NW8LHn_9VgmPiAXpN7pR7n4antTxLKSBXQ5vCGQulUBfZYp43ITdJqk-MZ_lvLhd6Yivmqh8LYfm_cM/s1198/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="1142" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJP_LFadk9zfgXwA3JB0Nj-n-abx2HC0CvPGkWCSYZbtSYg-4TrybSh1tP5Nm47YWtZg7ckcNU4x2SXuPqjo4FVFH9bHtDU9ddYiOfWzdUAwy5NW8LHn_9VgmPiAXpN7pR7n4antTxLKSBXQ5vCGQulUBfZYp43ITdJqk-MZ_lvLhd6Yivmqh8LYfm_cM/w610-h640/3.jpg" width="610" /></a></div><p></p><p>The hotel is located near Benz Circle Flyover, bang in the middle of the city. We had a quick check-in and were allotted a room on the fifth floor. I have some friends in the Accor Group, and a word from one of them ensured a tremendous welcome – a specially designed Welcome Hamper in our room when we occupied it. The <b>Executive Chef Mr Suraj</b> was personally present to deliver the hamper of dry fruits and goodies.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2a5objMFwNxTJYLQlAklzSV2mIICN64CIrJ-Ak4FE0jZxF4XXy1-PSdZw_x7-GLyres_gtJHh_9ynyewh9kN5v3yTw_-7W4B4yLTRxD81sFZ4QcWMay7OT7sSBKdx5aqTxjdsUR5O0m6ejx2QOP4D6E5lwtVoSHKZerTFaIdc2jy3A64xIXoyb7jDq8/s4608/IMG_20230910_094444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2a5objMFwNxTJYLQlAklzSV2mIICN64CIrJ-Ak4FE0jZxF4XXy1-PSdZw_x7-GLyres_gtJHh_9ynyewh9kN5v3yTw_-7W4B4yLTRxD81sFZ4QcWMay7OT7sSBKdx5aqTxjdsUR5O0m6ejx2QOP4D6E5lwtVoSHKZerTFaIdc2jy3A64xIXoyb7jDq8/w640-h480/IMG_20230910_094444.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfU42XKCgEpYe1i8tQC1SV8C1L1mAVYWgjP_jA1Xqnm3B7zftMbObJnscX2R8SjHVyK6XNb__N-Rx34atlpn93B4k9n0QvsyOv37oJvKWk9oXoiu8YRISjGiK3jS2rqBOYhqQVuqv0wyALHLNDATMieZXErLUexSetAQ-KgzGK8r5aUDqeZbyqErtBXrY/s4608/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfU42XKCgEpYe1i8tQC1SV8C1L1mAVYWgjP_jA1Xqnm3B7zftMbObJnscX2R8SjHVyK6XNb__N-Rx34atlpn93B4k9n0QvsyOv37oJvKWk9oXoiu8YRISjGiK3jS2rqBOYhqQVuqv0wyALHLNDATMieZXErLUexSetAQ-KgzGK8r5aUDqeZbyqErtBXrY/w640-h480/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The room provided some excellent views of the hills and the surrounding localities. I was told that the rooftop had an even better view, and after some freshening up, we went up there. You can almost see the entire Vijayawada city from the tenth floor, which also houses the swimming pool, the <b>Calm Spa</b> and the <b>Skydeck</b> restobar. The hotel rooms are completely non-smoking, so if any guest wants to smoke, a smoking corner is available on this rooftop.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaYIX5dyZSr2lhD0Gz8SQuqWSVFD-4qRTRxwVxI7GWidztVPQRKiCrCNglk1cxkAc4EMJplSGMhnNttw-XvqUccMHk2cUItl0JmQIHbIH1NLOHw9TU8zEt0zCa1a8OBUjmb8g98BG5V1ST7jcuzk64FoubluUA-zg86Wp20grofrwmbVvOdOY9AdSBCA/s4608/IMG_20230909_133000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaYIX5dyZSr2lhD0Gz8SQuqWSVFD-4qRTRxwVxI7GWidztVPQRKiCrCNglk1cxkAc4EMJplSGMhnNttw-XvqUccMHk2cUItl0JmQIHbIH1NLOHw9TU8zEt0zCa1a8OBUjmb8g98BG5V1ST7jcuzk64FoubluUA-zg86Wp20grofrwmbVvOdOY9AdSBCA/w640-h480/IMG_20230909_133000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSZsqaw1-6S_O9TaP8h4qA_XUebQ0an4NNatQB6Cm4CVpcKKD5VNhLsYzU13u0Ay5oF3cCRZ2r4E5MwSKHPx4NhoKNOE2cPeV6-__cHNkR33C6xN7C6YQy0KDa5Qcb4AbIOyMYihDCNfI0JECU3oDWWNDfRuLinAoELIFP6wmV7l834LN9G5h-H5-q20/s4380/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3447" data-original-width="4380" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSZsqaw1-6S_O9TaP8h4qA_XUebQ0an4NNatQB6Cm4CVpcKKD5VNhLsYzU13u0Ay5oF3cCRZ2r4E5MwSKHPx4NhoKNOE2cPeV6-__cHNkR33C6xN7C6YQy0KDa5Qcb4AbIOyMYihDCNfI0JECU3oDWWNDfRuLinAoELIFP6wmV7l834LN9G5h-H5-q20/w640-h504/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-hy7qP4XDrNtwi90-MXTmXAgiKCa6dVroOSQhyphenhyphenjEE8PE_WcLF85GIBPGLoBZpSbeoMk8lv__0S1WXoq6WRjpL0JNVfNtpslr6A85fwhjtMGw6cHoI5e56afOQ687RWf_rXv2TbEXDLUgad65QyQL63dCs6k96Gu7kwAwT5eTlAarBY307ArtI7eItAU/s4608/IMG_20230909_155341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-hy7qP4XDrNtwi90-MXTmXAgiKCa6dVroOSQhyphenhyphenjEE8PE_WcLF85GIBPGLoBZpSbeoMk8lv__0S1WXoq6WRjpL0JNVfNtpslr6A85fwhjtMGw6cHoI5e56afOQ687RWf_rXv2TbEXDLUgad65QyQL63dCs6k96Gu7kwAwT5eTlAarBY307ArtI7eItAU/w640-h480/IMG_20230909_155341.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The hotel has four food and beverage outlets, - <b>Food Exchange</b>, the buffet place, <b>Gourmet Bar</b> in the lobby, SkyDeck the resto-bar on the rooftop and <b>Wugan</b>, the pan Asian place. As a food enthusiast, I wanted to try out all the four places. In the early evening, I went down to the Gourmet Bar at the lobby level to taste a special Hi-Tea session there. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_UiQAeO9WJ3RWdxfehpJmKwfaKPupbYRTns5T7Lir0PYObfoo4LSDnR1CJEGLTObvI8V4S6_lpp-j7-3FEm-Ubc-wpMKEtnuHNqMiOZ6cWCDt0Sqb-wf_JsolFZ65b8jOzWLFnKp8T-82XRGqLSG6p85h4C9_Ucn5GCJu5ST30abcuJTObTGzWDBJAo/s4608/IMG_20230909_173936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_UiQAeO9WJ3RWdxfehpJmKwfaKPupbYRTns5T7Lir0PYObfoo4LSDnR1CJEGLTObvI8V4S6_lpp-j7-3FEm-Ubc-wpMKEtnuHNqMiOZ6cWCDt0Sqb-wf_JsolFZ65b8jOzWLFnKp8T-82XRGqLSG6p85h4C9_Ucn5GCJu5ST30abcuJTObTGzWDBJAo/w640-h480/IMG_20230909_173936.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eBIMKwQHCUEextpNOIkQbRvkUtelvu2MZSWKvbMLduQcpkm9UAnZtG3P6hyphenhyphenOwACao9-34HVMSc3I9sclhL5kKoYh4FQJMs7W3jcgPkiQApd6rkD6W1ybXIBQ7tiBRl2rKwDGNoSIRPyGD3Pbrj3cdKUk5fT17rlfKgyJPt-o03DmKQwE-nSCcwEUrIk/s4049/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4049" data-original-width="3226" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eBIMKwQHCUEextpNOIkQbRvkUtelvu2MZSWKvbMLduQcpkm9UAnZtG3P6hyphenhyphenOwACao9-34HVMSc3I9sclhL5kKoYh4FQJMs7W3jcgPkiQApd6rkD6W1ybXIBQ7tiBRl2rKwDGNoSIRPyGD3Pbrj3cdKUk5fT17rlfKgyJPt-o03DmKQwE-nSCcwEUrIk/w510-h640/5.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYJN_K5gLV0BftK8bOEJV7t3w7_9qBNpPcOAgFvY_s7gWhVf31BPx4GbvwrGDzkWhxMeXfj615Er_Kn1L_-YGUtXEDenOSBzylF3uiXisdgYq2GUtgivwQVDtQFsrIeOxnUxy7GU0LWA2UXCntJBiz4jmGjfRKpOE8eRlbV05awKkYPna8u1uo7GeCSw/s4608/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYJN_K5gLV0BftK8bOEJV7t3w7_9qBNpPcOAgFvY_s7gWhVf31BPx4GbvwrGDzkWhxMeXfj615Er_Kn1L_-YGUtXEDenOSBzylF3uiXisdgYq2GUtgivwQVDtQFsrIeOxnUxy7GU0LWA2UXCntJBiz4jmGjfRKpOE8eRlbV05awKkYPna8u1uo7GeCSw/w640-h480/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>A mélange of savouries and sweets were presented for the Hi-Tea, <b>Shrimp Cheese Quiche, Root veggies Feta Bruschetta</b>, and <b>Stuffed Cut Mirchi Bhajji</b> were some of the highlights from the former. Vijayawada is known for its <b>Punugulu</b> and aptly, there was Punugulu with assorted chutneys. Among the sweet items, there were <b>Strawberry Macarones, Clair Pistachio</b> and <b>Raisin Scones</b>. The Gourmet Bar also has the best liquors available there, and the bar person there can make some kickass cocktails and mocktails.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaymww6WoNExrwHxGbGmwL6vD0XWy5BAUsozzZnuZr1Mg9WDM7mqY_AMUouofz4u5LFC9C5E_nXbWW9IlAh-DrjFb501pYL6FDU6rcjvHoqA-b7YdL5pPkK21nOjNRMd0lpSfImupPmOp5FNLHnPrBreDkoO2IH1ZKrklKizWNA7bWppe2lHYYv8pYL14/s4608/IMG_20230909_170528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaymww6WoNExrwHxGbGmwL6vD0XWy5BAUsozzZnuZr1Mg9WDM7mqY_AMUouofz4u5LFC9C5E_nXbWW9IlAh-DrjFb501pYL6FDU6rcjvHoqA-b7YdL5pPkK21nOjNRMd0lpSfImupPmOp5FNLHnPrBreDkoO2IH1ZKrklKizWNA7bWppe2lHYYv8pYL14/w640-h480/IMG_20230909_170528.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAivZ0AevtwGEQGWnskoqxA2YIj9q7TjM21PQp5VNAINmBmlc1gjpjMtgHcW421KYh_qxIb7Fjvk2inF1AF_IPXBgBHLNV6grSO25IZkIJanh4rTN1QpmzdUoKQzp-LXba9VhqWHfUmdVtuXmceIsTLu3PZPRyq4AjSbTNE0n2cWILRnzdkDuTvYCCGo/s4608/IMG_20230909_134352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAivZ0AevtwGEQGWnskoqxA2YIj9q7TjM21PQp5VNAINmBmlc1gjpjMtgHcW421KYh_qxIb7Fjvk2inF1AF_IPXBgBHLNV6grSO25IZkIJanh4rTN1QpmzdUoKQzp-LXba9VhqWHfUmdVtuXmceIsTLu3PZPRyq4AjSbTNE0n2cWILRnzdkDuTvYCCGo/w640-h480/IMG_20230909_134352.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy11NJlagDm3WRQqCxmcu-cMidcWB3vrUlbYd1LMTW7ONiNT6UNfFZP-YKbMs8DZdwyyVMF-dDb47IW2dTBKsyWn2Y1c-amQ5PkWX0PrC2DXgu_2BhzQXqyzOg8sRZRHC8IPhte1OzgUE7geTgN5JFrdu3BsMQiA3kBHYn-8ASaWddCcvp-cHyBtJvmN8/s4608/IMG_20230909_165933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy11NJlagDm3WRQqCxmcu-cMidcWB3vrUlbYd1LMTW7ONiNT6UNfFZP-YKbMs8DZdwyyVMF-dDb47IW2dTBKsyWn2Y1c-amQ5PkWX0PrC2DXgu_2BhzQXqyzOg8sRZRHC8IPhte1OzgUE7geTgN5JFrdu3BsMQiA3kBHYn-8ASaWddCcvp-cHyBtJvmN8/w640-h480/IMG_20230909_165933.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The hotel has two types of rooms in terms of views – the city and hill views respectively. On the top two floors, they have single and double-bedroom apartments where long-duration guests usually stay.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43dLfTv8Ljm8NByMR8D81A_3K3K_6im1DyT5QE48lv8o3ONEbVZFsFnQaOPBqwxYEibc5ZhqpbluAOldfTlnCLVfO66W5KIQxMdzCMesgUfw4VUkUzXbCd3AFVhvJkcfeGIlSJj5ykLWmdQFQXOHfo-Bkl2gYsRYcy2bvnqXVerDY8wFSHUxvtXGgI1Y/s4608/IMG_20230909_170439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi43dLfTv8Ljm8NByMR8D81A_3K3K_6im1DyT5QE48lv8o3ONEbVZFsFnQaOPBqwxYEibc5ZhqpbluAOldfTlnCLVfO66W5KIQxMdzCMesgUfw4VUkUzXbCd3AFVhvJkcfeGIlSJj5ykLWmdQFQXOHfo-Bkl2gYsRYcy2bvnqXVerDY8wFSHUxvtXGgI1Y/w640-h480/IMG_20230909_170439.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhQJ8gXgiIHKlu4CCJMpVuMBNhLzKNaKpQdOTknRnR9V8N-Dyr2uJDXEbWnGAlaxFUdlp9fNfQ-NcffmMS6Il_6qKGfU96DHCq2fsdB2vPnegxj0M5UyIaokq9efRmvjKtqSI4WRQ0UzqzSr6KUGBRT4R0b7g1noJL3l9QiGSUiyjPaiJf7FKoD3KH7A/s4608/IMG_20230909_192316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhQJ8gXgiIHKlu4CCJMpVuMBNhLzKNaKpQdOTknRnR9V8N-Dyr2uJDXEbWnGAlaxFUdlp9fNfQ-NcffmMS6Il_6qKGfU96DHCq2fsdB2vPnegxj0M5UyIaokq9efRmvjKtqSI4WRQ0UzqzSr6KUGBRT4R0b7g1noJL3l9QiGSUiyjPaiJf7FKoD3KH7A/w640-h480/IMG_20230909_192316.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We went back to the rooftop Skydeck in the evening. The outlet has two levels, sitting on the top level with a beer and snacks and enjoying the night view of the city was surreal.</p><p>Our dinner was at the buffet place Food Exchange, which is also located at the lobby level. The dinner had a good spread, the highlights for me being the Telugu starters and main courses. <b>Miryala Chicken Fry</b>, and a hot <b>Andhra Mutton Curry</b> were my picks from this section. The Pan-Asian and continental sections were also adequate, though I missed a pizza oven here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbTtC7YwOa7VHQ-V7Z5HAVi49VyTCYhp9E44xQ0pspJsr2vPzsQF-W2vR64G__SFR6uqpiNJDSlTB33SluM24aIbaARaBCFXDZuQPq6iiCI5koiblOXj3s4-j4OhzkWqE3a86iN466lmmNjYzJKurxQ6m0iROnKIoEBdXoyXFw6y7X2HNxdlJQF-6U_o/s4608/IMG_20230909_202419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijbTtC7YwOa7VHQ-V7Z5HAVi49VyTCYhp9E44xQ0pspJsr2vPzsQF-W2vR64G__SFR6uqpiNJDSlTB33SluM24aIbaARaBCFXDZuQPq6iiCI5koiblOXj3s4-j4OhzkWqE3a86iN466lmmNjYzJKurxQ6m0iROnKIoEBdXoyXFw6y7X2HNxdlJQF-6U_o/w640-h480/IMG_20230909_202419.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsnHZCuami32D4-04Ql0PstFqduBPmResDLQwOYSaT5v2KRHWdRzfnrxw0wOQsq6-OjHlphmEyAREfeEnZNQU5kBMCujWaepw4Vvc1bi76uHNigZZy0RMN0vRJG0gu46Ta1EaXMHEypGcyoHXcQGG17ybqtkrLwPOaQeW6vlYgzjUKUCByviBt_RK5GQ/s4608/IMG_20230910_094928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsnHZCuami32D4-04Ql0PstFqduBPmResDLQwOYSaT5v2KRHWdRzfnrxw0wOQsq6-OjHlphmEyAREfeEnZNQU5kBMCujWaepw4Vvc1bi76uHNigZZy0RMN0vRJG0gu46Ta1EaXMHEypGcyoHXcQGG17ybqtkrLwPOaQeW6vlYgzjUKUCByviBt_RK5GQ/w640-h480/IMG_20230910_094928.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>After a good night's rest, the next morning we were back for breakfast at the same place, and this was a delightful experience. They have several types of dosas that they make at a live counter – <b>Ragi Dosa</b> and <b>Egg Dosa</b> to mention a few. The <b>Tea and Coffee counter</b> was quite crowded with people opting for their favourite versions of tea and coffee. Down south for me, it is always the filter coffee. The idlis were also available in a couple of varieties – <b>Thatte Idli</b> from Karnataka, and a yellow ural dal-based one, the name of which I forgot. There were vadas of different types too, not to speak of about ten types of chutneys accompanying these delicacies. These made me skip the other types of breakfast available, except for a huge <b>Cheese Masala Omelette</b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrK4w2eE3r7SYqFmhoXdvgeVVQGoemGtSpbHfJVnTLGNFboXB2JYjgB62OUjY7Sq9vBKYrpE7r-DIYIjdlhx2jnjz6mOrvkXZYktjY9rT7YC8qt1V4-Vf4IQBg12SC-LNk9MUltasCc_d1jywIOQTakSdCXOo_jZjNvK8ksVTR8o7TPM4KCTCJx-J0aXQ/s4608/IMG_20230910_100940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrK4w2eE3r7SYqFmhoXdvgeVVQGoemGtSpbHfJVnTLGNFboXB2JYjgB62OUjY7Sq9vBKYrpE7r-DIYIjdlhx2jnjz6mOrvkXZYktjY9rT7YC8qt1V4-Vf4IQBg12SC-LNk9MUltasCc_d1jywIOQTakSdCXOo_jZjNvK8ksVTR8o7TPM4KCTCJx-J0aXQ/w640-h480/IMG_20230910_100940.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The heavy breakfast was followed by a leisurely walk in the colony next to the hotel. The place mostly had independent houses that had an old-world charm. There were carts selling dosa, idli and other delicacies and people were thronging to them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhf-7VtWUXlwkUPJxRgjcBI3AffxOcrTFR9RcVFPhmWqy25m6tm2XLU47mNLHXnghiLOCjg2ozaxjtbo8RooFjT19AuHGqph5KyZ4moZe2qyAPfs3Tz8Dd0DlVBft053LPws3q0CPk3dZ9Eg5oEFFr9vLpoqqilyZOhId0AUOokmqaYIMES5nqDd7pk4/s4608/IMG_20230909_202537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhf-7VtWUXlwkUPJxRgjcBI3AffxOcrTFR9RcVFPhmWqy25m6tm2XLU47mNLHXnghiLOCjg2ozaxjtbo8RooFjT19AuHGqph5KyZ4moZe2qyAPfs3Tz8Dd0DlVBft053LPws3q0CPk3dZ9Eg5oEFFr9vLpoqqilyZOhId0AUOokmqaYIMES5nqDd7pk4/w640-h480/IMG_20230909_202537.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We had visited Vijayawada on at least half a dozen occasions earlier, so the major sightseeing locations were all familiar to me. However, if you are here for the first time on a vacation hire a transport to visit the <b>Kanakadurga Temple, Bhavani Island</b> on River Krishna as well as the <b>Mangalgiri</b> town about 15 km away to have a look and purchase their iconic cotton products like saree and kurta cloth. The hotel will be most happy to make the arrangements.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeaETMd1sYeygIGwZqcOD_3ZNloCHd-veHmXArrcOumkhgbAo3wEthRLofKtj9_9Zu4lSuYbJkHdgeijacOofBUeRxnFnuaqGxKuoF3wKC_0iIc9ZMC3hOaD-1Xd1J3hX275VZ6sPbyPBb7g1i33bJk9LQZEt_bpF_h9lFNHzUPpTjKwCOOu6i0VLVlg/s4608/IMG_20230911_130329%20-%20Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeaETMd1sYeygIGwZqcOD_3ZNloCHd-veHmXArrcOumkhgbAo3wEthRLofKtj9_9Zu4lSuYbJkHdgeijacOofBUeRxnFnuaqGxKuoF3wKC_0iIc9ZMC3hOaD-1Xd1J3hX275VZ6sPbyPBb7g1i33bJk9LQZEt_bpF_h9lFNHzUPpTjKwCOOu6i0VLVlg/w640-h480/IMG_20230911_130329%20-%20Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULOiRuFeP239GKuIzI2wl_lgKAp1Jk_BorBoA0Yr8xNyjNS3JfyZD8uwDlxOE87HWUnhgDG_IbbQBFLSBUnznRbZmKvtGLfqmx63yWNEQrX1oBsDTMAMHOgJxslFnWAbPPST6XEcQfo8lC5l76DCx_J6kg7PFPkmBPhCqAXZi9xv4EEx3cpwdzK-pKJE/s4608/IMG_20230911_133421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULOiRuFeP239GKuIzI2wl_lgKAp1Jk_BorBoA0Yr8xNyjNS3JfyZD8uwDlxOE87HWUnhgDG_IbbQBFLSBUnznRbZmKvtGLfqmx63yWNEQrX1oBsDTMAMHOgJxslFnWAbPPST6XEcQfo8lC5l76DCx_J6kg7PFPkmBPhCqAXZi9xv4EEx3cpwdzK-pKJE/w640-h480/IMG_20230911_133421.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>A highlight of our stay at the hotel was the food of Wugan, their Pan-Asian restaurant. Arguably the best oriental place in town, the restaurant was closed for renovation, but the management arranged for a special tasting session on the last day of my visit so that I could have a feel of its dishes. And, I was very pleasantly surprised, the food was as good as the best in Hyderabad. And it is the only place in Vijayawada to have a teppan.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzQKe28a9M0Wk1Z4t3pjO5rEZNlPc_d3bfosHUkD4si0MhrUPTQLFySEWwbs-a2UmAzesBqcrv7r-Fm34A0Vp0YaEdGkVx_jvtBY3kVQ6x7AYlHWg9zD1PhdMDnN-go2AjkeyRznjYZpd8HHdcdJf_AYeOu37ORUBaiQJRhPJwHcKDpjj-_Zb2ZFA7yo/s4608/IMG_20230911_133841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzQKe28a9M0Wk1Z4t3pjO5rEZNlPc_d3bfosHUkD4si0MhrUPTQLFySEWwbs-a2UmAzesBqcrv7r-Fm34A0Vp0YaEdGkVx_jvtBY3kVQ6x7AYlHWg9zD1PhdMDnN-go2AjkeyRznjYZpd8HHdcdJf_AYeOu37ORUBaiQJRhPJwHcKDpjj-_Zb2ZFA7yo/w480-h640/IMG_20230911_133841.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfq00RPP4RGyg1YxqE469Yp-byBx5ysFSmRtxwO5bhMpuYWOdIS2u6rEPd86GSHKJ9ah_l413eEyzqQXNaIFwA8uYywo68S8Q9Bu94WDfGMXUW2i9edqDvuSUEEDUSCfsX_tKxL3FDfsdwLP21wzELJKeCeQLz-AfHpAO8WNKLyGYMwgFihW0_ZjakTA/s4608/IMG_20230911_133203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfq00RPP4RGyg1YxqE469Yp-byBx5ysFSmRtxwO5bhMpuYWOdIS2u6rEPd86GSHKJ9ah_l413eEyzqQXNaIFwA8uYywo68S8Q9Bu94WDfGMXUW2i9edqDvuSUEEDUSCfsX_tKxL3FDfsdwLP21wzELJKeCeQLz-AfHpAO8WNKLyGYMwgFihW0_ZjakTA/w640-h480/IMG_20230911_133203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We started with <b>Salmon Nigiri</b> and went on to taste their <b>California Roll </b>and <b>Asparagus Bell Pepper Maki</b>. The <b>Prawn Tom Kha</b> was nicely presented inside a tender coconut, and the taste complemented the looks. This was followed by some lovely dim sums. The star of the afternoon was the <b>Chicken Yakitori</b>, while the <b>Donburi</b> impressed too. The other dishes we tasted were <b>Kung Bao Chicken</b> and <b>Basil Crispy tofu</b>. The taste overall was excellent. Look up the restaurant when you are in Vijayawada, it is scheduled to reopen after a renovation soon.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUq4HPg1ywZWOZKHWiGeECRyGPuu-OxitT5I-P3ok4oj46DvEOi01YCx2FgxZrQQcusiN7Pjm8L_f2i7cimWLvQW8KvroBkrKF1CFRzi7J-TK62KYVUa_QCAEwIuvArlNH8rpdPw_Z7YturEgMX9LDf1KdmbZaLk_bp2aGWo5Iklvf1dFKj9dHJHPXfQ/s4458/IMG_20230911_135012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3044" data-original-width="4458" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUq4HPg1ywZWOZKHWiGeECRyGPuu-OxitT5I-P3ok4oj46DvEOi01YCx2FgxZrQQcusiN7Pjm8L_f2i7cimWLvQW8KvroBkrKF1CFRzi7J-TK62KYVUa_QCAEwIuvArlNH8rpdPw_Z7YturEgMX9LDf1KdmbZaLk_bp2aGWo5Iklvf1dFKj9dHJHPXfQ/w640-h438/IMG_20230911_135012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSemMO9y5z7lECRIEr-6k60XXVXndoEhFyVsN_QEg9k-HNYb_td9W0bBRZDlMDS5k5hzwlO1YA-7y1qOo6_hqEnkFad9vOsZD0AoYVQKcvRxGEX0k_FysOlOKwqrpftS-nhc4uuCzwx4HJ-Xl-jzxKkJMT4KiZN8Ot82LK4FNQ8KcY8DojD3b9xVhD04w/s4352/IMG_20230911_140725_Bokeh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4352" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSemMO9y5z7lECRIEr-6k60XXVXndoEhFyVsN_QEg9k-HNYb_td9W0bBRZDlMDS5k5hzwlO1YA-7y1qOo6_hqEnkFad9vOsZD0AoYVQKcvRxGEX0k_FysOlOKwqrpftS-nhc4uuCzwx4HJ-Xl-jzxKkJMT4KiZN8Ot82LK4FNQ8KcY8DojD3b9xVhD04w/w640-h480/IMG_20230911_140725_Bokeh.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Was very pleased with the cosiness of the hotel, where all the staff had a smile on their faces. Every staff member was eager to help and chip in with their suggestions regarding the food and surroundings. Novotel Vijayawada Varun is definitely a good place to visit for a short break from Hyderabad. If you are an Accor Plus member, you can get special vouchers with your membership that will make your stay quite economical compared to the rack rates.</p><p><b>Location:</b></p><p><b>Novotel Varun Vijayawada</b></p><p>near Benz Circle, Bharathi Nagar, Vijayawada 520008</p><p><b>Telephone</b>: 0866 666 8999</p>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-22407182956092492912023-08-30T20:33:00.002+05:302023-08-30T20:39:57.499+05:30Three Cafes Serving Delightful Food in Hyderabad<p> Cafes and restobars are the two formats that have become most popular during the post-Corona revival in Hyderabad. Every day at least one outlet of either format is starting up in the city. Surprisingly to me, even the meh ones are having beginner's luck, as there is a boom in eating out. I am a little apprehensive about the future though and expecting a shakeout in the times to come.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1yVaQjiGFxhH0VR9RxY6INeREaeAmcQvEsF1oQIRrLKrcP6BwKsFU70Cdna-D_tmuQPFDbTdvcYGOxzVF0ei8iaLEud48vsMUfoaqYEi6yAulHFCOiowDQ8iqlK0g1dmfB-WbEyYGT2N3whgjxGFb_Vvnqk6VEu2i5Of48ODXUt7VZvjkZM4aOWYcag/s4608/IMG_20230823_123830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1yVaQjiGFxhH0VR9RxY6INeREaeAmcQvEsF1oQIRrLKrcP6BwKsFU70Cdna-D_tmuQPFDbTdvcYGOxzVF0ei8iaLEud48vsMUfoaqYEi6yAulHFCOiowDQ8iqlK0g1dmfB-WbEyYGT2N3whgjxGFb_Vvnqk6VEu2i5Of48ODXUt7VZvjkZM4aOWYcag/w640-h480/IMG_20230823_123830.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Among the many cafes I visited, I will talk about three that are different, especially in the quality and variety of food offered by them. They have not followed the standard practice of aping the menu of the popular neighbor, instead have worked hard on their dishes. Though I am not a person who gives a lot of weightage to ambience, all three outlets of my choices have very good vibes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFkpFwEhFREtV7xavMU58aprm155M_lRRgBZUniSwWgCZNJAx_xNQWE4kzOho73FM23iWvRpeUfkukFPkPr7n5DwSghRRyiwV7woHNEE8a9EZHwKju_Br1AFaSep4OTuF5HwOfij4LVGLmyCnV-AHP87eQOPVrNZvOnjFxB6TPCwC2YLyEQDOHuiy5y0/s4608/IMG_20230823_110820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFkpFwEhFREtV7xavMU58aprm155M_lRRgBZUniSwWgCZNJAx_xNQWE4kzOho73FM23iWvRpeUfkukFPkPr7n5DwSghRRyiwV7woHNEE8a9EZHwKju_Br1AFaSep4OTuF5HwOfij4LVGLmyCnV-AHP87eQOPVrNZvOnjFxB6TPCwC2YLyEQDOHuiy5y0/w640-h480/IMG_20230823_110820.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0W3UkFV_omVCNIm0E3NRf9EjZ-5B881yccuhnqqNskylYn_qOwifTn8cW1lSZ-2_sYcfKYcCQOpfNuWx6zg_FTuLbszryRoKbsTCMa8FErjq2ebI6IHN8mBrhlLZHswa7oUprvA0-5QaCduWN3VqwovgSGXQjqMxbLF9jngAXwuYVRzr6zgqWgjUfkM/s4608/IMG_20230823_123755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0W3UkFV_omVCNIm0E3NRf9EjZ-5B881yccuhnqqNskylYn_qOwifTn8cW1lSZ-2_sYcfKYcCQOpfNuWx6zg_FTuLbszryRoKbsTCMa8FErjq2ebI6IHN8mBrhlLZHswa7oUprvA0-5QaCduWN3VqwovgSGXQjqMxbLF9jngAXwuYVRzr6zgqWgjUfkM/w640-h480/IMG_20230823_123755.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Churrolt</b>o, known as you can guess for their Churros, is no stranger to the food lovers in the city. Starting as a small “bandi”, they now have three restaurants in Filmnagar, Banjara Hills, and Madhapur, boasting close to 400 covers. Their central kitchen is in Tolichowki. is huge with modern equipment and very meticulously planned for the rapid expansion of the brand both in the dine-in and delivery segments.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdKsxXdgW0xzt1KJGmZPE_Cy9xA4sGUi1MuRGNR6MUVuh1t5FwD0DU2ouUb-xwMVQFcdDVh1UJ1xG7Sm7ToAUaT7WLtphP3A7YAT8tg4V2zrPL8rMwDDNFlLbDQAnITyzD1GCbDqMLoK75zaA2RaHf78_YE6acxu6KrJ-Mk6kmpAcowiXsqg7HmZicwc/s4608/IMG_20230823_135957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdKsxXdgW0xzt1KJGmZPE_Cy9xA4sGUi1MuRGNR6MUVuh1t5FwD0DU2ouUb-xwMVQFcdDVh1UJ1xG7Sm7ToAUaT7WLtphP3A7YAT8tg4V2zrPL8rMwDDNFlLbDQAnITyzD1GCbDqMLoK75zaA2RaHf78_YE6acxu6KrJ-Mk6kmpAcowiXsqg7HmZicwc/w640-h480/IMG_20230823_135957.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKME1unmhAdkmsUXyHTMgEgEVUn7yU4pGZo1KXKHRn_SpoEa7LpDkXy0EU_Gs0TawaIUyOHCrKQ4OCPl6Yw7d4RMyi_SeTeglgzhMi8UyufoUqklTFxMFzfluQ0SFNuCgthaYvMvR5ESTATpTYs1rEhHWbTy2UfUekskYpuzkbOo5fqU4-StEkHpdyD8/s4608/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKME1unmhAdkmsUXyHTMgEgEVUn7yU4pGZo1KXKHRn_SpoEa7LpDkXy0EU_Gs0TawaIUyOHCrKQ4OCPl6Yw7d4RMyi_SeTeglgzhMi8UyufoUqklTFxMFzfluQ0SFNuCgthaYvMvR5ESTATpTYs1rEhHWbTy2UfUekskYpuzkbOo5fqU4-StEkHpdyD8/w640-h480/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfLaOUBVp88duVsTxwD7V1BMK9AjIWnUj6ijRfaM1kGR4mJDb5gigvvIXxF-WvUn0ZqYTNVvK2DLPI81UphFe3BQ6T3RVnOWcXfSB0eZqqx7Dy5nZcN7Rn93OJ9eooU8pglci7J5TwXQgY3j9awIhFxASD7XS2a31STsw2iEEBut9C1EWncIi1-tMSk4/s4608/IMG_20230823_135543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfLaOUBVp88duVsTxwD7V1BMK9AjIWnUj6ijRfaM1kGR4mJDb5gigvvIXxF-WvUn0ZqYTNVvK2DLPI81UphFe3BQ6T3RVnOWcXfSB0eZqqx7Dy5nZcN7Rn93OJ9eooU8pglci7J5TwXQgY3j9awIhFxASD7XS2a31STsw2iEEBut9C1EWncIi1-tMSk4/w640-h480/IMG_20230823_135543.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The café chain has recently revamped its menu. I was part of two separate tastings here and can vouch for the quality of their food. For me, the highlights were their breads, a lot of research has gone into them. The Japanese-style milk bread (they call it Kyoto bread) is an ideal component for their sandwiches - <b>Madras Curried Chicken</b> and <b>American Cheese Sandwich</b>. Another innovation <b>Cloudy Pav</b> was the perfect foil to <b>17th century Kheema</b> as well as <b>Paneer Akhuri</b>. But my top pick here is something called <b>Feather Bread</b> which they serve with their main courses like <b>Dhaka Lamb</b> and <b>Saival Tofu Thai Curry</b>.</p><p>Then they had bread bowls accompanied by <b>Veg Stew, Massaman Prawn Curry</b>, and <b>Curried Lamb</b> among the choices.</p><p>The thinnest-crust rectangular pizzas that they have introduced are claimed to be the thinnest version in the world. These are called Paper Thin Pizzas, we tried the <b>Spicy Chicken</b> and <b>Barbeque Paneer </b><b>Pizza</b> versions.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06WHfaYolKPYv3vAgqJKIIbxJaUBcoSxi5TpdihsdQwGlFQvYAR1FM5T0p3IzruZNXyZFsgmd8jnbN96WU9HOaFsu_HEBYVOa7jmaAkpIf-XAImKxR_BXs5HGVK2eVe-uFYhOVUCBiOBO0shmdnaxzYP2RjYzsJO7qC6WT6RV1lJWzf9UgbBKOBnx5EE/s4608/IMG_20230823_135524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06WHfaYolKPYv3vAgqJKIIbxJaUBcoSxi5TpdihsdQwGlFQvYAR1FM5T0p3IzruZNXyZFsgmd8jnbN96WU9HOaFsu_HEBYVOa7jmaAkpIf-XAImKxR_BXs5HGVK2eVe-uFYhOVUCBiOBO0shmdnaxzYP2RjYzsJO7qC6WT6RV1lJWzf9UgbBKOBnx5EE/w640-h480/IMG_20230823_135524.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVe5MeF0wT6X0UGOnOJZimRBHHqb24Rhlv7sQIOaah_MTfF87wDzhuOqLMc6dYjQXOskKXe9H7sA_zuh3w_J078dtzqnyXp4HiG8wCgyRbm2TfVQyzHVCCqgq_OKQHtZwSGEK2NDyoalid1Ok6WNmQeJDBjSOUtcZp_Dv_Sanj7vxXVuRpFuKxZDsOJ00/s4608/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVe5MeF0wT6X0UGOnOJZimRBHHqb24Rhlv7sQIOaah_MTfF87wDzhuOqLMc6dYjQXOskKXe9H7sA_zuh3w_J078dtzqnyXp4HiG8wCgyRbm2TfVQyzHVCCqgq_OKQHtZwSGEK2NDyoalid1Ok6WNmQeJDBjSOUtcZp_Dv_Sanj7vxXVuRpFuKxZDsOJ00/w640-h480/6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRIFA4KXfo50sR0uzi5n7QxVS_bMilXlno-Sj9CXtGQ5f4BBbn88x3p3r7vIq36kbvX4j5FQndaH_n6iuzQqNXcZnoGWZtyDMgAaJZZqZkyRWHHQ3IeYQ_M66CsonU-KyMJXgEUzqkQuEnFNSSEScDy-LhFxpBtc2eFbNqQBfq9zDdSRm3CZUedYvM4U/s3393/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3202" data-original-width="3393" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRIFA4KXfo50sR0uzi5n7QxVS_bMilXlno-Sj9CXtGQ5f4BBbn88x3p3r7vIq36kbvX4j5FQndaH_n6iuzQqNXcZnoGWZtyDMgAaJZZqZkyRWHHQ3IeYQ_M66CsonU-KyMJXgEUzqkQuEnFNSSEScDy-LhFxpBtc2eFbNqQBfq9zDdSRm3CZUedYvM4U/w640-h604/10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>As far as desserts are concerned, they have what they call a Boutique range. The <b>Lite Brownie Bytes</b> use Stevia, a sugar substitute that does not spike your sugar level. The <b>Biscoff Cheesecake</b> was pretty good too. And finally, loved their open space cafe opposite GVK Mall in Banjara Hills, an ideal place to drop in before or after a movie there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMi5bcfToPx81C1LTt59kffA52CHQkAEOO7M9-tXzEckDBVMas9o70Rs_ol0GezhyJzVecgW7J-fSqP1smt8uFN9uBTfB49ZXuxE4K7sNS1G_96c9bvgJMNGVMQ-V34VzeL6BKLxAjbhkTfaZqm7o7iKdlTnshSA46vq6lC0DT76l4wONyiE3VpQFmSs/s4608/IMG_20230804_200526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMi5bcfToPx81C1LTt59kffA52CHQkAEOO7M9-tXzEckDBVMas9o70Rs_ol0GezhyJzVecgW7J-fSqP1smt8uFN9uBTfB49ZXuxE4K7sNS1G_96c9bvgJMNGVMQ-V34VzeL6BKLxAjbhkTfaZqm7o7iKdlTnshSA46vq6lC0DT76l4wONyiE3VpQFmSs/w640-h480/IMG_20230804_200526.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Brews & Blends</b> started as a beverage brand and extended into the cafe business with its first outlet at T-Hub last year. Now the second outlet has just been started in Whitefield. A 50-cover place, it serves a wide range of exotic teas and coffees. It helps that the owner Vidya is a tea sommelier as she can curate the beverage menu very adeptly. She has researched the tea concoctions for a few years before curating the beverage menu.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WF5k3AeFsKqqQUAJHBZR8S7lc3EggCrRbVc0Wi8d1oufnpIbzt7FQu-e9cSV2UfDKA_TmQlHmvk8xCHCbsSd70PAngLWaJrPobGpcEJiXq4rwPoA_apx5jlAQKq45HCVqbg6UXK1DJh8y0_MyCR22wp-YycIh5DBgJcZx7IVnxB-tFLaouEZEWaxzSE/s4608/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WF5k3AeFsKqqQUAJHBZR8S7lc3EggCrRbVc0Wi8d1oufnpIbzt7FQu-e9cSV2UfDKA_TmQlHmvk8xCHCbsSd70PAngLWaJrPobGpcEJiXq4rwPoA_apx5jlAQKq45HCVqbg6UXK1DJh8y0_MyCR22wp-YycIh5DBgJcZx7IVnxB-tFLaouEZEWaxzSE/w640-h480/13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoiQcMTa2dM8YPW-XeIHVd5RGq0ZvdbjcLkKsOxuY2aOgkyHIzgf9fddKEK7Cym8qjD0hCpyHCDIKG42jcw19_7F_rqYMUqiE7sOfHjFt1MCILR41E_C1_U3t8jgdtPK74z1UT7aOwkcBSL10Dc4mNnEwQH-dFmNYZwvpuUDaEKDjSvu3aqZv7yi72pw/s4417/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3274" data-original-width="4417" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoiQcMTa2dM8YPW-XeIHVd5RGq0ZvdbjcLkKsOxuY2aOgkyHIzgf9fddKEK7Cym8qjD0hCpyHCDIKG42jcw19_7F_rqYMUqiE7sOfHjFt1MCILR41E_C1_U3t8jgdtPK74z1UT7aOwkcBSL10Dc4mNnEwQH-dFmNYZwvpuUDaEKDjSvu3aqZv7yi72pw/w640-h474/9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Their signature is the <b>Make Your Own Blend</b> experience where you can choose your tea base (Green Tea, Black tea, etc.) and add flowers, aromatics, and condiments. The cold brews are interesting too, I especially liked <b>Sun Riser</b>, a cold brew with mango. <b>Coffee XX</b>X has three small portions of different fruit-based coffees. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSQJYTz4jVDQaA-0A3Tml_yoWmL6D62yS4pjb3y3xUee6F2dUPoQ3Xv8sGEteM1HMiXN9Pc7rvxASlfm3b7qRgwB7J3HC1N3LQDNCBiNGadmal90QfLEfpywB1qgsilBCspSC1WpTogFAM_ffeDljDo7pkjC9v2xwesFOyPR8olwKDHlG68f954K9nkE/s4608/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSQJYTz4jVDQaA-0A3Tml_yoWmL6D62yS4pjb3y3xUee6F2dUPoQ3Xv8sGEteM1HMiXN9Pc7rvxASlfm3b7qRgwB7J3HC1N3LQDNCBiNGadmal90QfLEfpywB1qgsilBCspSC1WpTogFAM_ffeDljDo7pkjC9v2xwesFOyPR8olwKDHlG68f954K9nkE/w640-h480/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40KZxK2aV0t4_oqySXJMy58usu12tBq6ptHDxbin_tSWxhMzbo9eECjafGkfNJe9JCl_EleJyxtVT5Ql5my4J0O5YuvkOuwSA3Er_VlHMSvbx1yF0gmq40UQGRGuQpCrsYoolzj5U6On-xfPeu5p2C5KL6wFFjQEQwC90SANJ0F-j6hs3uKPj7d2D0s8/s3728/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3422" data-original-width="3728" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40KZxK2aV0t4_oqySXJMy58usu12tBq6ptHDxbin_tSWxhMzbo9eECjafGkfNJe9JCl_EleJyxtVT5Ql5my4J0O5YuvkOuwSA3Er_VlHMSvbx1yF0gmq40UQGRGuQpCrsYoolzj5U6On-xfPeu5p2C5KL6wFFjQEQwC90SANJ0F-j6hs3uKPj7d2D0s8/w640-h588/10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The food is not to be left behind, with a large menu designed to keep in mind the pairing with the beverages. The humongous <b>Caesar Salad</b> with chicken, egg, and pork is a meal by itself. The <b>Mascarpone Stuffed French Toast</b> served with maple syrup and vanilla ice cream is another dish I can recommend wholeheartedly. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKOw4r6guk-s42xoJht6n1bj8FBkwV5TmynKUbG3LkZexsQmkIjmEP24jxYr8IdKb-NEaOmxRZ6J9N2DGTPrigwgoO0MgEV27CKlAUlW7UzCQdB_M6rzh6mmj1q4h5hKTfSiJEXmDezseqsGN0oiKtOzrIyOGvPPb-IofK9Gb8lSU-bK8kpmOUGhbte0/s4002/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3447" data-original-width="4002" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAKOw4r6guk-s42xoJht6n1bj8FBkwV5TmynKUbG3LkZexsQmkIjmEP24jxYr8IdKb-NEaOmxRZ6J9N2DGTPrigwgoO0MgEV27CKlAUlW7UzCQdB_M6rzh6mmj1q4h5hKTfSiJEXmDezseqsGN0oiKtOzrIyOGvPPb-IofK9Gb8lSU-bK8kpmOUGhbte0/w640-h552/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGQ_84Yw8QhXa8vWyho2RvYf3ol2y_tLTdrlPLaFxZsnNdLt3emfjCgGpc2NZBp07B7DrK19ucsmXaRGhMvLI72PVgY72JovrjFAePfbFMooRd2enm7-Vyorcztp5FtsQigUOECTUtdxnC3DS1Qc1hxxel31ZfMuTsNvHO015CC54-N4qPHFAyobCiuA/s4608/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGGQ_84Yw8QhXa8vWyho2RvYf3ol2y_tLTdrlPLaFxZsnNdLt3emfjCgGpc2NZBp07B7DrK19ucsmXaRGhMvLI72PVgY72JovrjFAePfbFMooRd2enm7-Vyorcztp5FtsQigUOECTUtdxnC3DS1Qc1hxxel31ZfMuTsNvHO015CC54-N4qPHFAyobCiuA/w640-h480/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Lamb Cigars, Spaghetti Carbonara with pork</b>, <b>Tom Kha Broth</b>, as well as vegetarian and non-vegetarian pizza, are some more noteworthy ideas to try out here. Apart from these, we tried a whole range of dishes including pizzas and pasta, <b>Mushroom Arancini, Loaded Nachos</b>, and <b>Broccoli Soup</b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-D5NnT_oSENDCW90DkvRe_5rJae5nu59uG5bPpFDH1mwqZKrElKISbVUE8YlGLi_VMHvzSiuwLZpTh400GKkeak-Lf-2v4MqrTG5rsW4M17NKAMHCSopCaTVOrMG5DaPPBnYVDltwVpftjxYuLx8rV-l07WpBTZLFSJf8gOXKShOf4PdOqQ8VfjcJnqs/s4608/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-D5NnT_oSENDCW90DkvRe_5rJae5nu59uG5bPpFDH1mwqZKrElKISbVUE8YlGLi_VMHvzSiuwLZpTh400GKkeak-Lf-2v4MqrTG5rsW4M17NKAMHCSopCaTVOrMG5DaPPBnYVDltwVpftjxYuLx8rV-l07WpBTZLFSJf8gOXKShOf4PdOqQ8VfjcJnqs/w640-h480/14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddyxX4WteWsj0mTKepRgpZuuLcQiu3InEf3JPCkxA69wKx_s9lO2Vyp-AW1w09ZwFnFmRZRkrXDmpc1JV9hN_MIVqtsyJjEpjdtRzX9Jh0TvPEBWVXsD5-xGGq2WDLPIjUKCTxSyQXo-XYXabgRL4mxsbHXefibu7eyM4j2cdUKUrLXEPww8y5D8W3NQ/s4608/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddyxX4WteWsj0mTKepRgpZuuLcQiu3InEf3JPCkxA69wKx_s9lO2Vyp-AW1w09ZwFnFmRZRkrXDmpc1JV9hN_MIVqtsyJjEpjdtRzX9Jh0TvPEBWVXsD5-xGGq2WDLPIjUKCTxSyQXo-XYXabgRL4mxsbHXefibu7eyM4j2cdUKUrLXEPww8y5D8W3NQ/w640-h480/12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Brews & Blends is open early with a full-fledged breakfast menu to boot. The interior is nice with a special platform where musical or cultural soirees are held. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwlXVBDZ48ycOTo4VgphhShGT93W-jQMfyhHYnkebAiGh0LqfePwwptNE934D_TObXFEpAac8RXMMjBfgmhJaMZI7S6qYjemNig55Z4SWN6ekW8i_Tern8caE57fHCNjOAoll9jbizLpiP3VzalDSRZuXZc4II0YerXPGdJJhaGEv3QcqdPM7vEJ1b_0/s4608/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwlXVBDZ48ycOTo4VgphhShGT93W-jQMfyhHYnkebAiGh0LqfePwwptNE934D_TObXFEpAac8RXMMjBfgmhJaMZI7S6qYjemNig55Z4SWN6ekW8i_Tern8caE57fHCNjOAoll9jbizLpiP3VzalDSRZuXZc4II0YerXPGdJJhaGEv3QcqdPM7vEJ1b_0/w640-h480/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The third café that I like is <b>Enchante Café & Confectionary</b>, a cafe tucked inside Road No 81 in Filmnagar. A cute place with cozy indoor and outdoor seating, the cafe has been quite well-known, especially for its confectionery.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhoDb6miqECjUrs9KvcxyUzrvJoSt7kahAPkBJbzQ0fuSecxpxz-HeWS-q-u5QAVpgKYfpG7HhOcdz2hiZy48C0Svws0VwKOt__uDeO_3E19bZQ8elZIWUWPaD5MKheEPkKxFljSPYWI-6S6duFPKo64S0CpA1fkXNVmHJJU3LNsFNEamg95ElMRAeJA/s4608/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhoDb6miqECjUrs9KvcxyUzrvJoSt7kahAPkBJbzQ0fuSecxpxz-HeWS-q-u5QAVpgKYfpG7HhOcdz2hiZy48C0Svws0VwKOt__uDeO_3E19bZQ8elZIWUWPaD5MKheEPkKxFljSPYWI-6S6duFPKo64S0CpA1fkXNVmHJJU3LNsFNEamg95ElMRAeJA/w640-h480/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvZO6RNE6vJMS3P_1xphhZbIKo5_aVRQTthHGIMueOQo5_wWHm13gp1ISQFn4xCL2amzuG8U0xNh3XKHG5vgk3Ey7bUAnnH71tyg-mteVZsQu_gE_XN7R91TNW0FArMT2I_MO2JAUfyKBx74UP-KkMX9GEqotIa_zBVzrxpGi77VEQ6QWKKloKx-Ye-A/s4608/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvZO6RNE6vJMS3P_1xphhZbIKo5_aVRQTthHGIMueOQo5_wWHm13gp1ISQFn4xCL2amzuG8U0xNh3XKHG5vgk3Ey7bUAnnH71tyg-mteVZsQu_gE_XN7R91TNW0FArMT2I_MO2JAUfyKBx74UP-KkMX9GEqotIa_zBVzrxpGi77VEQ6QWKKloKx-Ye-A/w640-h480/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Recently, the café has launched a new menu with diverse dishes. The menu has a fine balance of all kinds of dishes ranging from European to Middle Eastern. The dish of the day for me was the <b>Broccoli and Almond Soup</b>, a thick but smooth concoction that appealed to my palate. Other items like <b>Rosemary Chicken Crostini</b>, <b>Wings of Fire</b>, and <b>Southern Fried Chicken Burger</b> impressed me too. It was a pleasure to meet Chef Upender whom I knew from his earlier assignments.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGDyLF449zzl9s4bHlLLrL3MfoHlTWU01TO2sEDzjw3brYD3t_GBC-q-8wPBP87aQ85Oss0ZwzkbP2xLSPpqACad0AI7_uzWMEsY_bMlyC02SqsgJe6X0ghPLVouO1U537bUr2K6v0W7qzLCW4YfawG84Qwv-F0oOGEK2-uszO1f-x_SH8s0oRcoH5ho/s3932/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3437" data-original-width="3932" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGDyLF449zzl9s4bHlLLrL3MfoHlTWU01TO2sEDzjw3brYD3t_GBC-q-8wPBP87aQ85Oss0ZwzkbP2xLSPpqACad0AI7_uzWMEsY_bMlyC02SqsgJe6X0ghPLVouO1U537bUr2K6v0W7qzLCW4YfawG84Qwv-F0oOGEK2-uszO1f-x_SH8s0oRcoH5ho/w640-h560/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The <b>Lebanese Platter</b> with a range of dips is something that will work out very well with <b>Falafel</b>. <b>Olive and Sundried Tomato Bruschetta</b> is another dish that impressed me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmwaOKGJasdHiboCX5im4yfJs2qGubaP6nriSkL0ZZRHfajqZlDdUJMOaP4GuKBFYtNLnhsRNvojeLvqysiNxZO-6_99i5GGQBr19I-uwsytMjn7A_8gy5Y7xMyo1UNLMqPye-ugNHTwSWQlQogdKSQ5iKt4CcHsCGXjGky5w6BJxxrwfpfNWyKY6we8/s4608/IMG_20230714_200124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmwaOKGJasdHiboCX5im4yfJs2qGubaP6nriSkL0ZZRHfajqZlDdUJMOaP4GuKBFYtNLnhsRNvojeLvqysiNxZO-6_99i5GGQBr19I-uwsytMjn7A_8gy5Y7xMyo1UNLMqPye-ugNHTwSWQlQogdKSQ5iKt4CcHsCGXjGky5w6BJxxrwfpfNWyKY6we8/w640-h480/IMG_20230714_200124.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcUZOFyFWXqukVczhtn3ff0n2dNk6DHd7KXtZNozh2ohn_Bmf_9fLa8QDyF7r7kUR2QjE_Jb5H4xOOoFJSdYc3aQw1vUUjbLAH3w_J0cZ_S6-HsoL9Ie0TOL8AEkja82rVeG4eVHJd45lrlA_lZ59lDe9rCpuT6uzKGTMFYqEaSxeVPkqIkyPbP79BEw/s4258/4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2760" data-original-width="4258" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcUZOFyFWXqukVczhtn3ff0n2dNk6DHd7KXtZNozh2ohn_Bmf_9fLa8QDyF7r7kUR2QjE_Jb5H4xOOoFJSdYc3aQw1vUUjbLAH3w_J0cZ_S6-HsoL9Ie0TOL8AEkja82rVeG4eVHJd45lrlA_lZ59lDe9rCpuT6uzKGTMFYqEaSxeVPkqIkyPbP79BEw/w640-h414/4b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The desserts were so good that even a diabetic like me could not resist going for a second spoonful of some of them. <b>Tres Leches, Manhattan Pastry, White Chocolate Berry Log, </b>and <b>Biscoff Cheesecake</b> are a few names that I can safely recommend. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLG21YoAjorMuEduUeatWJeqJVs1ssmAyf04YKvk4udfxqdbyTkpP5A4CqmwKyJAGsBFzmo0OslWmznFB6hbCXhzzrDl2bsOcCwqaR-Ultdm7cip4qtuEjTY4yOtbO46ffjaJsaVHntKb6e74kBs6H0RUHjhAcJ8ETb_WKrdJIeNFyQo7j3b3jbdxn30/s4608/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLG21YoAjorMuEduUeatWJeqJVs1ssmAyf04YKvk4udfxqdbyTkpP5A4CqmwKyJAGsBFzmo0OslWmznFB6hbCXhzzrDl2bsOcCwqaR-Ultdm7cip4qtuEjTY4yOtbO46ffjaJsaVHntKb6e74kBs6H0RUHjhAcJ8ETb_WKrdJIeNFyQo7j3b3jbdxn30/w640-h480/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXK6avDK1YG_gf-oqCBXgQuYNXN4r7drJNfpdTJ4PbHbn0sjL1pMC1R1z-l61HYrvmPMpwcEs10SrHF5YvJl_VRjfiNhnHIp5mbY8er7TCETMhxhKiUnkCKngp4YVQdFP-s040JO8UdHbDwQ13NF5WLPN_ISnLb8gLXFhGvnoxTAGfk4lXlfTvuWj3g0/s4608/IMG_20230714_195805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXK6avDK1YG_gf-oqCBXgQuYNXN4r7drJNfpdTJ4PbHbn0sjL1pMC1R1z-l61HYrvmPMpwcEs10SrHF5YvJl_VRjfiNhnHIp5mbY8er7TCETMhxhKiUnkCKngp4YVQdFP-s040JO8UdHbDwQ13NF5WLPN_ISnLb8gLXFhGvnoxTAGfk4lXlfTvuWj3g0/w640-h480/IMG_20230714_195805.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRRdGSZwsPVzM4Ew8k6aoKqFB20ykEOAC2SIrC_IbztEA8e0Jt7SkaOI8ml1c3so8hXIn0OAIsUSoUWiQWdTWuuV4zkcw3pbKN3v9UmYYpqBBGrM102nlHk7ssZ9HVV0VW0YT5M6StLkRwTgwookIKfVPRf5bqdNRPDU2G6tEW2Gt_jBLXgQBJEDL1mI/s4608/IMG_20230714_220115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRRdGSZwsPVzM4Ew8k6aoKqFB20ykEOAC2SIrC_IbztEA8e0Jt7SkaOI8ml1c3so8hXIn0OAIsUSoUWiQWdTWuuV4zkcw3pbKN3v9UmYYpqBBGrM102nlHk7ssZ9HVV0VW0YT5M6StLkRwTgwookIKfVPRf5bqdNRPDU2G6tEW2Gt_jBLXgQBJEDL1mI/w640-h480/IMG_20230714_220115.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>A special note on the presentation of dishes, a lot of effort has gone into giving the dishes a ravishing look. A huge shout out to the bakery staff here, they have really done a very fine job. You can also visit their counter at the outdoor area and pick up the desserts that appeal to you.</p>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-76701803520588020612023-06-24T23:19:00.002+05:302023-06-24T23:19:47.990+05:30New Place in Hyderabad: Mountain Taste of Hyderabad<p><b> Chef Pradeep Khosla</b> has a lot of admirers in Hyderabad and elsewhere for his culinary knowledge. In recent times, two of his initiatives <b>Zaika-E-Ramzan</b>, a special food festival for the <i>aam aadmi</i> during the Holy month, and <b>Zaiqa-E-Hyderabad</b>, the specialty restaurant which was one of the few places to serve authentic Hyderabadi food had received rave reviews. With the latter closing down during COVID, I personally missed a good place in our side of the city where I could host my outstation guest to an authentic Hyderabadi meal. The new <b>Mountain Taste of Hyderabad</b>, a new restaurant from Chef Khosla that opened recently at Road No 2 Banjara Hills will fill that void.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh024BlKPCUWtqM6GfyesBWZfiAWnwrDfLqGVH4D15PCkDl0NlL-QehdnA82zvIiLWek2ElU3AvhxqMIYLFMUSZuUym6l5H2NmFPUPuL6tB2GbaTxbXnZaHWJ44_FBzGyMpeABmfmVgJRosNlgbQkls0fr-0613f7ET0JVmDf6Bz0bgPpO1LSCzpqnUXEc/s4089/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2801" data-original-width="4089" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh024BlKPCUWtqM6GfyesBWZfiAWnwrDfLqGVH4D15PCkDl0NlL-QehdnA82zvIiLWek2ElU3AvhxqMIYLFMUSZuUym6l5H2NmFPUPuL6tB2GbaTxbXnZaHWJ44_FBzGyMpeABmfmVgJRosNlgbQkls0fr-0613f7ET0JVmDf6Bz0bgPpO1LSCzpqnUXEc/w640-h438/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The restaurant is in collaboration with the well-known <b>Mountain Bakery</b> group and is located a few buildings away from their famous outlet at Banjara Hills. Spread over two floors, the restaurant has a couple of private dining areas for small parties. The team remains mostly the same from Zaiqa, with <b>Chef Paswan</b> and <b>Chef Vikas</b> leading the kitchen. A welcome addition to the menu is the continental section that features some of the items that the Nizams of Hyderabad served to his foreign invitees and guests. The dishes in this section have a lot of British influence, and I was reminded of the Anglo-Indian food that Kolkata is known for.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIXi1VbYKTotKXOO6xZnsaEZx-U4ec0PcJpFqEGRK5AnYLlhED-jDqFHsondfSBS1uZI4o44IJzl5lvLaQXvkQJMDiqEjo-WDEIAzf1CFkkwWDRhxSzT_YvG_9hMT_XJ5i9ocHwuXQmpEqyBb4kO6H-XmJFuy6vBXndMOSZyg29E0jicoWCRYwappkQw/s4608/IMG_20230511_131716.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlIXi1VbYKTotKXOO6xZnsaEZx-U4ec0PcJpFqEGRK5AnYLlhED-jDqFHsondfSBS1uZI4o44IJzl5lvLaQXvkQJMDiqEjo-WDEIAzf1CFkkwWDRhxSzT_YvG_9hMT_XJ5i9ocHwuXQmpEqyBb4kO6H-XmJFuy6vBXndMOSZyg29E0jicoWCRYwappkQw/w640-h480/IMG_20230511_131716.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIc5U11b4BSyXQAP-9amyOOx5z7W6-iLTZGlx-jKDvKOKUrbLuBNcTAfz_7UkTZBryWs38846r7myKFIJRyqtPxh9NvGcGWurHdUo7k3EJ0lah3oI74nr7gRRx1wCB13j46ouLHiS_f7tpdG6SQhHWkRbsfmUJkBqsQxbAliWyrSWY4ItIEY-fbwkfJb4/s3481/IMG_20230511_140443.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3481" data-original-width="3427" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIc5U11b4BSyXQAP-9amyOOx5z7W6-iLTZGlx-jKDvKOKUrbLuBNcTAfz_7UkTZBryWs38846r7myKFIJRyqtPxh9NvGcGWurHdUo7k3EJ0lah3oI74nr7gRRx1wCB13j46ouLHiS_f7tpdG6SQhHWkRbsfmUJkBqsQxbAliWyrSWY4ItIEY-fbwkfJb4/w630-h640/IMG_20230511_140443.jpg" width="630" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxF8ABVJxIuUMxNhkNzFPLvpI-ibn21papWo1gZN_no8EVp6BPAV9Ve_ZVWEKFqXq5TsMX6mdOsoERT_IBlPpRISJSVkvcP4h5LgJXBpKzrVNKgax34ozXXYxTDh33m38Kr-THPc5ZgJuiLPb2ywQxPlAXZLCxBuo_JwJBuB48m0cz8rIIHiXiFlrEfI/s3550/IMG_20230511_140447.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3550" data-original-width="3397" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVxF8ABVJxIuUMxNhkNzFPLvpI-ibn21papWo1gZN_no8EVp6BPAV9Ve_ZVWEKFqXq5TsMX6mdOsoERT_IBlPpRISJSVkvcP4h5LgJXBpKzrVNKgax34ozXXYxTDh33m38Kr-THPc5ZgJuiLPb2ywQxPlAXZLCxBuo_JwJBuB48m0cz8rIIHiXiFlrEfI/w612-h640/IMG_20230511_140447.jpg" width="612" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Marag (middle) and Haleem</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>But let us talk about the Hyderabadi food here first. From the erstwhile Zaiqa menu. <b>Marag</b> (the mutton broth), <b>Haleem, Lukmi</b> (stuffed with keema), and <b>Shikampur</b> (the Hyderabadi "belly-full" kabab) are all not to be missed here, as well as the biryani which is not the spicy type you get in other restaurants. For lovers of mutton, it has to be noted that the chefs personally supervise the daily supply of mutton ensuring its quality. The size of mutton chunks in biryani is bigger too compared to the usual Hyderabadi places, though the pricing is also at a little premium. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbA7_N8YErnHCgK4yo6l4pOtYRy1fvlqlh6f9JpQPnxyu4Q17WQGH9jFnPupCKoVlDja9YKnb-S6KRSOWIkeXAs5j8yAya6-wOq2rUqVRjsJ0W38C7TjBIxETaTjD84A4p0jQoNoiGtCG2TM3ag3LOUKByAlgjDqcxY6CUH8wOwDC0bFRpEcWjC0HEcow/s4608/IMG_20230511_140933.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbA7_N8YErnHCgK4yo6l4pOtYRy1fvlqlh6f9JpQPnxyu4Q17WQGH9jFnPupCKoVlDja9YKnb-S6KRSOWIkeXAs5j8yAya6-wOq2rUqVRjsJ0W38C7TjBIxETaTjD84A4p0jQoNoiGtCG2TM3ag3LOUKByAlgjDqcxY6CUH8wOwDC0bFRpEcWjC0HEcow/w640-h480/IMG_20230511_140933.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFQBNqcdUAuVwbTYsaCPdDH4EcYTw4INpWmqPSj8oU-fTCxHOxxprdpnX3u5jsdIVF_4V-ls5Ku18SZP2lk6f3iL18FYumGhBoxdNcHqOfs9wyROdY0yAK56v3tlduR79j9FK8r2CLXT9NoEV4n6LqfGTf0P8mM4ivbdFhXx6sV8V9PB-b7AJpmazKU8/s4608/IMG_20230511_140942.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFQBNqcdUAuVwbTYsaCPdDH4EcYTw4INpWmqPSj8oU-fTCxHOxxprdpnX3u5jsdIVF_4V-ls5Ku18SZP2lk6f3iL18FYumGhBoxdNcHqOfs9wyROdY0yAK56v3tlduR79j9FK8r2CLXT9NoEV4n6LqfGTf0P8mM4ivbdFhXx6sV8V9PB-b7AJpmazKU8/w640-h480/IMG_20230511_140942.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Lukmi (top) and Shikampur Kabab</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><b>Patthar ka Gosht</b> (a Hyderabadi delicacy where marinated mutton strips are cooked on stone) is another dish I can safely recommend here. I loved the <b>Keema Naan</b> which I tried recently, Chef Khosla recommends having it with just raita. Among the mains, my favourite curry here is <b>Barkati Bhuna Gosht</b>, a proprietary recipe of a well-known family in Hyderabad.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6K2YK-TYCLDReWmK4xDDPTzi4J4yUUMzCGwyO9feGv5WSgD2SkuW735eT4_OIgNM6f8N_oL410CdVgCHPcAugZhpREoCGBR5rDiLkkn2xkbHeABcwqvpbQKzrTRKV1qr5kGpTWWL8ve1zsi9zSme0eV5M4Ex-Mdu9PfJmFonb8AOwp5iuQ70ejC87To/s4608/IMG_20230511_140924.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6K2YK-TYCLDReWmK4xDDPTzi4J4yUUMzCGwyO9feGv5WSgD2SkuW735eT4_OIgNM6f8N_oL410CdVgCHPcAugZhpREoCGBR5rDiLkkn2xkbHeABcwqvpbQKzrTRKV1qr5kGpTWWL8ve1zsi9zSme0eV5M4Ex-Mdu9PfJmFonb8AOwp5iuQ70ejC87To/w640-h480/IMG_20230511_140924.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Patthar Ka Gosht</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>The <b>Talawa Gosht</b> and <b>Shaadi Ka Red Chicken</b> were a couple of dishes I used to love from Zaiqa, and was delighted to note that these are on the menu. The <b>Seena Dry Fry</b> is one dish I want to try on my next visit, a recipe where the preparation involves marinating in milk. Others on my wish list include <b>Dum Ka Raan</b>, <b>Bheja Masala</b>, <b>Nalli Rogani</b>, and <b>Hussaini Murgh Masala</b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0z9ijfaYhXWdNzoE8uBzh-TPftFdgxKON7nTqyRu0ZOBebwKR62F1_t75prJ3s_Bbq1CQvrr7V3-1xdv01uB1aFRRDXrwq-MQEPNRlNRZIWdsSGNaE9VT0RTFshjhHFirdNEWeuiWxzQFIsK8vfrQ2qTI-O8ZJYvqEc-vwqlNs0lhhLTGiCuWYDUA5SA/s4608/IMG_20230511_141901.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0z9ijfaYhXWdNzoE8uBzh-TPftFdgxKON7nTqyRu0ZOBebwKR62F1_t75prJ3s_Bbq1CQvrr7V3-1xdv01uB1aFRRDXrwq-MQEPNRlNRZIWdsSGNaE9VT0RTFshjhHFirdNEWeuiWxzQFIsK8vfrQ2qTI-O8ZJYvqEc-vwqlNs0lhhLTGiCuWYDUA5SA/w640-h480/IMG_20230511_141901.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Not many people are familiar with too many vegetarian dishes in Hyderabadi cuisine, but Zaiqa has quite a large number of items in this section too. I must confess that I have only tried <b>Bagara Baigan</b>, and the dish exonerated itself with aplomb. Some dishes of interest may be <b>Himayati Bagara Aloo</b>, <b>Paneer Hazrat Mahal</b>, <b>Rogani Mughlai Gobi</b>, and the <b>Subz Biryani</b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAgTVk_ef14139HKPxZwhEVO3HPpXPLIvZUKOm3xFdAuyHNm05gHGN-4fdUvnuugj-KX3TqARIbl-DsXitbPJ22N6FRYul_Nu6z6KFARn_HIcR7uDMMSJ7F-uDHaCxEwjIRTw4DGQ81kHs3iE10ytsZS2K0kR3q0QSafiw0cOMPLd2_SqMOvQ-B-f3G4/s4608/IMG_20230620_144655.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAgTVk_ef14139HKPxZwhEVO3HPpXPLIvZUKOm3xFdAuyHNm05gHGN-4fdUvnuugj-KX3TqARIbl-DsXitbPJ22N6FRYul_Nu6z6KFARn_HIcR7uDMMSJ7F-uDHaCxEwjIRTw4DGQ81kHs3iE10ytsZS2K0kR3q0QSafiw0cOMPLd2_SqMOvQ-B-f3G4/w640-h480/IMG_20230620_144655.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzsbxl0ee9BUmLHV1hRZ0CKS2YoN4KFQRZI0opEwaBAXXLiTgEGJdpokAuEyUoZW9S0WYQ5HgPWYgBT-6h6DQ4Dvp_5EBeXhaX2QWdSjw_QaS-GS7Rye0cVIYfswda6o3OraDoVwxTFzMGWuNDp_VaithVnXiTaPOC_uzLHFUaru-kgS714TKnTNuIbQ/s4608/IMG_20230511_144013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzsbxl0ee9BUmLHV1hRZ0CKS2YoN4KFQRZI0opEwaBAXXLiTgEGJdpokAuEyUoZW9S0WYQ5HgPWYgBT-6h6DQ4Dvp_5EBeXhaX2QWdSjw_QaS-GS7Rye0cVIYfswda6o3OraDoVwxTFzMGWuNDp_VaithVnXiTaPOC_uzLHFUaru-kgS714TKnTNuIbQ/w640-h480/IMG_20230511_144013.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kulfi Falooda (top) and Ashrafi E Nazakat</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>They have many choices for desserts, but I always prefer the almond halwa (a.k.a <b>Badam Ki Ku</b>nd). Do not miss this - period. <b>Gajar Ka Rishta, Khubani Anjeer Trifle</b>, and <b>Asrafi E Nazakat</b> are dishes that may impress dessert lovers. On one of my visits, I had some excellent <b>Kulfi Falooda</b>, served with Pista Ice Cream.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSUcuf3wM2hW1q2NZcLCJYfeJ_-BpbQGcyrT3HLohtMqCuSXejgXsYVFeAhdCmIq9fOfozYaMBW_oOT8gyKOvyick4F43rQBl2TYeu9bAaIDunpcaLd8p3Zno_lZYkcaO3sf0v8cspt1n9EIRQkAjnLnJjlP5yBk75L09fYZE1WNTDMAU5nYH2pxvX84/s4608/IMG_20230511_133139.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSUcuf3wM2hW1q2NZcLCJYfeJ_-BpbQGcyrT3HLohtMqCuSXejgXsYVFeAhdCmIq9fOfozYaMBW_oOT8gyKOvyick4F43rQBl2TYeu9bAaIDunpcaLd8p3Zno_lZYkcaO3sf0v8cspt1n9EIRQkAjnLnJjlP5yBk75L09fYZE1WNTDMAU5nYH2pxvX84/w640-h480/IMG_20230511_133139.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xn7caqLREVuTT7sSMyV6M4iIjqeL3QU6xud5dVYJ9ndXWM2w6AnfO4wGbttftpgTm66KHnj026DXKYSSeKMn1EAZmlTgoa9SNddKkkZ2EKfuZwlN4d1hho_Irif9gvECHOQq5fNi4PBYSF47CE3dGztNtGTRID7GZgTnsqLuhUXcMOLbPqTFFyFsL94/s4608/IMG_20230511_131851.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xn7caqLREVuTT7sSMyV6M4iIjqeL3QU6xud5dVYJ9ndXWM2w6AnfO4wGbttftpgTm66KHnj026DXKYSSeKMn1EAZmlTgoa9SNddKkkZ2EKfuZwlN4d1hho_Irif9gvECHOQq5fNi4PBYSF47CE3dGztNtGTRID7GZgTnsqLuhUXcMOLbPqTFFyFsL94/w640-h480/IMG_20230511_131851.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4sdOGh3BHOBDgZj_u27SPKdmITKwVYLwarkLHzUcVjjkXnsz1dEmPRXyONUwb5M9WLbES3eawODyRxQFrwOffCOJ3lHQAVjFbIrFs99AZgqSrU0mqqsKoE_pJOcgb2OJBcNynuIXsq7lOcN7gjmVkDB0b74rJX9ECAzvfNV6y-h9DdZniBipBqptOKI/s4608/IMG_20230511_131830.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4sdOGh3BHOBDgZj_u27SPKdmITKwVYLwarkLHzUcVjjkXnsz1dEmPRXyONUwb5M9WLbES3eawODyRxQFrwOffCOJ3lHQAVjFbIrFs99AZgqSrU0mqqsKoE_pJOcgb2OJBcNynuIXsq7lOcN7gjmVkDB0b74rJX9ECAzvfNV6y-h9DdZniBipBqptOKI/w640-h480/IMG_20230511_131830.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pesto Chicken Nuggets (top), Chicken Hawaiian Salad (Middle) and Prawn Cocktail</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Next, let us come to what I think is the very novel section of the menu. The section is headlined as “<b>Western Food from the Nizam’s Kitchen</b>”, and this is the section that I chose to repeat when I visited the restaurant again with my wife. Chef Khosla says that he has picked up the dishes and thumbnails of the recipes from the late doyen of an aristocratic family in Hyderabad, which is known for their love and knowledge about the local food. This gentleman who used to be frequently a part of feasts at Nizam’s had narrated the dishes to him.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkU9JSiT-bPp6W3iMAnDmCATP6cb1Dc_EPQDxPF9IyFGuJEq5zDGGL_2lSt6jZGBIXWK5QXs6VNU2OpL4sePsKPo8hjq7rlgHgsTcdhxmd27JE3-FaQvSt8o3kaXYlNi05PZ9VwtRcr80bT9H9NeLANRy8FH-WAg5BC7p8D-KqMt8pjuaSDNw_ZWysbU/s4125/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3378" data-original-width="4125" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkU9JSiT-bPp6W3iMAnDmCATP6cb1Dc_EPQDxPF9IyFGuJEq5zDGGL_2lSt6jZGBIXWK5QXs6VNU2OpL4sePsKPo8hjq7rlgHgsTcdhxmd27JE3-FaQvSt8o3kaXYlNi05PZ9VwtRcr80bT9H9NeLANRy8FH-WAg5BC7p8D-KqMt8pjuaSDNw_ZWysbU/w640-h524/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi836yK_PzJv9GNK3qbCwhgidN1_7UvXSRsBF0GcSxL9BIptuQ6ct8spUSyxcHlTFdq3tJ6RhcBSFYkfDw2MNghUTAsaCMsWYdG851O3-Gf56VDhtsVtzJoxDZZOiZkrMEo4PE0TRgQ0oyVzkH2UlOF1FBwRbbS2Ety1WJP9Zix-0T_BFgiu6P71hmoyms/s4608/4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi836yK_PzJv9GNK3qbCwhgidN1_7UvXSRsBF0GcSxL9BIptuQ6ct8spUSyxcHlTFdq3tJ6RhcBSFYkfDw2MNghUTAsaCMsWYdG851O3-Gf56VDhtsVtzJoxDZZOiZkrMEo4PE0TRgQ0oyVzkH2UlOF1FBwRbbS2Ety1WJP9Zix-0T_BFgiu6P71hmoyms/w640-h480/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Fish in Lemon Butter Sauce (Top) and Fish Orly</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>My absolute favourite here is <b>Grilled Fish with Asparagus and Lemon Butter Sauce</b>. Done with Tilapiya fillet, the dish is enhanced by the superbly tasting sauce, that I use the soft bread to mop up and have. <b>Fish Orly</b> is a dish many Bengalis are familiar with, however here it is small fillets coated with egg and flour batter before frying. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sgxKpmQJG0NYjcpjmsb09RUrc9EERGlLLGldRx0oqeUqJ72GKwERbv0Wcly_yEp3rSNlriNOFFeflUFnO92Wml67yuzc1IHU-Nfcz86rZnr6qsVXbTNYgJXEzBL-UPLIsdN-Ns8bNAUwNxXU3DSMmS8wwIB9-axfWj6qEA0uDHaijjJEB69iAGR3U0Q/s4532/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2969" data-original-width="4532" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7sgxKpmQJG0NYjcpjmsb09RUrc9EERGlLLGldRx0oqeUqJ72GKwERbv0Wcly_yEp3rSNlriNOFFeflUFnO92Wml67yuzc1IHU-Nfcz86rZnr6qsVXbTNYgJXEzBL-UPLIsdN-Ns8bNAUwNxXU3DSMmS8wwIB9-axfWj6qEA0uDHaijjJEB69iAGR3U0Q/w640-h420/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfLZyNssSgO7RM4o_zY3H_0_qh3Lwr1oIyHQ10eH8n0NqykUwb051_PEyvhz4jbGKgWy73Eq_NoD6ijFV04gYOt1cOQDBGyoqtbG-FP2iOQkRSzZlWIQH0qTqe9PxbEhHFdLf1SADcdOVjZE8RTyCFp15GUXioqG-DEjCw6NUKXJJZMlNsVOnwCOHasg/s3656/IMG_20230511_135945.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3376" data-original-width="3656" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfLZyNssSgO7RM4o_zY3H_0_qh3Lwr1oIyHQ10eH8n0NqykUwb051_PEyvhz4jbGKgWy73Eq_NoD6ijFV04gYOt1cOQDBGyoqtbG-FP2iOQkRSzZlWIQH0qTqe9PxbEhHFdLf1SADcdOVjZE8RTyCFp15GUXioqG-DEjCw6NUKXJJZMlNsVOnwCOHasg/w640-h590/IMG_20230511_135945.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">Roast Chicken in Mushroom & Pepper Sauce (Top) and Chicken in Basket</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Other dishes which I can recommend are <b>Roast Chicken in Mushroom & Pepper Sauce</b>, and <b>Chicken in Basket</b>, the latter beats the other fried chicken available in the market hands down.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MHMySam75kNcsEm02m3E0J-2A8yijjCSQIxaIPviRcATofnlCram-P4Z_an9MMo_PVewvlVybiiXCuD-OHJVMcsq5hrQtvRW5UlVBmGn-sKmjBFPcXSK-2tWIaM99rYOrXrO8doMWLdr4zoOxBqhsG10tWx91CT8Ym5cU0jFZiMbXcrBVuJV7hjMaHM/s4608/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MHMySam75kNcsEm02m3E0J-2A8yijjCSQIxaIPviRcATofnlCram-P4Z_an9MMo_PVewvlVybiiXCuD-OHJVMcsq5hrQtvRW5UlVBmGn-sKmjBFPcXSK-2tWIaM99rYOrXrO8doMWLdr4zoOxBqhsG10tWx91CT8Ym5cU0jFZiMbXcrBVuJV7hjMaHM/w640-h480/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmycBgpKQLFBZcYz3zvA7iCLJtu9q-BsF6hNkw0Wy4QDDgLUHFprXb5b8s1UXM8b-siBG7c0rKLo_nPM8FIbHdNUbrFS59iNrEuu4s9z1sbWzDGNLE0z26R7N13eZ488fiOCRBCZYO-ca7nDcYLbGP346zjtbteAiv2_mSA8Rr_Ah4_lUT9ltIMWR-knQ/s4608/6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmycBgpKQLFBZcYz3zvA7iCLJtu9q-BsF6hNkw0Wy4QDDgLUHFprXb5b8s1UXM8b-siBG7c0rKLo_nPM8FIbHdNUbrFS59iNrEuu4s9z1sbWzDGNLE0z26R7N13eZ488fiOCRBCZYO-ca7nDcYLbGP346zjtbteAiv2_mSA8Rr_Ah4_lUT9ltIMWR-knQ/w640-h480/6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mixed Meat Sizzler (Top) and Cashewnut Croquet</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>You can opt for the <b>Mixed Meat Sizzler</b> that has lamb, prawns, and fish. Here again, there are many options for vegetarians, <b>Cashewnut Croquet</b> being one of the dishes that I have tried and liked. As I said earlier, the preparations remind me of the British culinary influence rather than European.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Jsv4LyvTWozsOJPgoFmqPM09W_6F3Ch3rsUE-gQH1NQLqikfXcft77zLGEPkumSZoK8_84k8JYNC367lQU86sJPPvkm4pal6upVpiPEGDBDoreonnFhGNyDTby9OcdMzSnTT0H-xKmGepy8TqBxmOGctECztd4xQ-cRaZTuT0fofVaWuRIVGfuQJSoY/s3455/IMG_20230511_144028__01.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3352" data-original-width="3455" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Jsv4LyvTWozsOJPgoFmqPM09W_6F3Ch3rsUE-gQH1NQLqikfXcft77zLGEPkumSZoK8_84k8JYNC367lQU86sJPPvkm4pal6upVpiPEGDBDoreonnFhGNyDTby9OcdMzSnTT0H-xKmGepy8TqBxmOGctECztd4xQ-cRaZTuT0fofVaWuRIVGfuQJSoY/w640-h620/IMG_20230511_144028__01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">Apple Pie with Kulfi</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><b>Apple Pie with Kulfi</b> is the dessert I have tasted in this section of the menu. <b>Walnut Banana Choco Lava</b> and <b>Banana Custard</b> are some other options.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXW4ulgHpXrwRtDrjX0-WSSMeYY1z-TMU2wiPmGodTooqP0r5cRbkhq5lRMfSfJyrZ0cZ5G5LNJT6urRcF4NaSLErctKU178-X0nMDjUMRWthLPVPQ5nOa_h1t8zyD8H4vihk7SgWsmCsJQQYIIJzj4xI7iM8rs-Do22JT1GxeAnGfnrQ51ykhZGjUc8/s4608/IMG_20230511_140005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXW4ulgHpXrwRtDrjX0-WSSMeYY1z-TMU2wiPmGodTooqP0r5cRbkhq5lRMfSfJyrZ0cZ5G5LNJT6urRcF4NaSLErctKU178-X0nMDjUMRWthLPVPQ5nOa_h1t8zyD8H4vihk7SgWsmCsJQQYIIJzj4xI7iM8rs-Do22JT1GxeAnGfnrQ51ykhZGjUc8/w640-h480/IMG_20230511_140005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVN17QTpEctbppzwRsTEXKJnFGz5kxFG3jlLVAZAgP4zNNklwatx2GIHhWI9WzrZlas0Mo-ueruFC1JGgWWBPwG1b14GeL5rZEgaj-3ACI77ZVssHJ-xU7NlijF9hXvyZFlCKdwXaO-ntBT0HQki5IdgRyTdMUcR95juV8QityB-GNC6ivLwyUXHW9RIw/s4608/5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVN17QTpEctbppzwRsTEXKJnFGz5kxFG3jlLVAZAgP4zNNklwatx2GIHhWI9WzrZlas0Mo-ueruFC1JGgWWBPwG1b14GeL5rZEgaj-3ACI77ZVssHJ-xU7NlijF9hXvyZFlCKdwXaO-ntBT0HQki5IdgRyTdMUcR95juV8QityB-GNC6ivLwyUXHW9RIw/w640-h480/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Team</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>In summary, the food rocked. This is one of the few places I will consider visiting again and again in the city.</p><p><b>Mountain Taste of Hyderabad</b></p><p>8-2-272/10, Road No. 2, near Mountain Bakery, </p><p>Shawkatnagar, </p><p>Banjara Hills, </p><p>Hyderabad 500034</p><p><b>Call:</b> <b>8977005415/16</b></p>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-77268013599966555182023-06-01T19:40:00.005+05:302023-06-08T20:14:24.507+05:30New Place in Hyderabad: Sachii Skybar & Kitchen<p>Among the many new restaurants opening in the city, there are two major formats that seem to be popular. First are the cafes, with open areas, and an impressive menu of hot and cold beverages and food, mostly contemporary or with a twist. The second is the watering holes, as the city crowd likes to let their hair down, especially on the weekends. The ambience is a very important attribute of the latter places, Alfresco and rooftops being more in demand for the people.</p><p><b>Also read: <a href="https://www.foodaholix.in/2023/05/Mota-Kababi.html" target="_blank">Mota Kababi Hyderabad</a></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmxElc0zFrLSL3C99G0V7BwImVHrqW_Cd3SyIFNz9TcAW2XepcqKm8SZPrS1SsINOcHMz1LjK9BTjifyh7QTKx6GK45_PFIY9pGRwgwXA_tFlooQyixXexy_Q0L_WDwB1cpyoteyUhgcVPPQ92shzEoH77XlXaOcVqOM5XZjJOcN0-sC4Yr4rwbTK/s4608/4a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTmxElc0zFrLSL3C99G0V7BwImVHrqW_Cd3SyIFNz9TcAW2XepcqKm8SZPrS1SsINOcHMz1LjK9BTjifyh7QTKx6GK45_PFIY9pGRwgwXA_tFlooQyixXexy_Q0L_WDwB1cpyoteyUhgcVPPQ92shzEoH77XlXaOcVqOM5XZjJOcN0-sC4Yr4rwbTK/w640-h480/4a.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p></p><p><b>Sachii Skybar & Kitchen</b> is the new kid in the block (opened during the last week of March 2023), a swank place on the rooftop of the same building in Road No 12 Banjara Hills that hosts the Hyundai showroom. It is known as a sky bar as the place is located on a swank rooftop and prides itself in serving one of the best cocktails in town. The total seating capacity is about 150, including an indoor private dining area that can host 40 people. Corporate parties, they can accommodate up to 250 people.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yoWCypHhWHsVTRHRgghR0bADkC-HlMiyhlp5NJPsPJsb6-5akOf22ILKK8yNR7i7TzZ-ULFdHnv0k5TXmiIUFh3nrjUO7iQPvyiTkCfZPJ3XMzvYxhnJgJuwvip5H-19HJpaRA1jy-bnwSUAAXOcbM8vSOU7vmJzkwfyNCW0G-nG2lT9ZvtZTAT9/s4352/8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4352" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-yoWCypHhWHsVTRHRgghR0bADkC-HlMiyhlp5NJPsPJsb6-5akOf22ILKK8yNR7i7TzZ-ULFdHnv0k5TXmiIUFh3nrjUO7iQPvyiTkCfZPJ3XMzvYxhnJgJuwvip5H-19HJpaRA1jy-bnwSUAAXOcbM8vSOU7vmJzkwfyNCW0G-nG2lT9ZvtZTAT9/w640-h480/8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhene4XlDg_1mU5RwoAoomQ0rD2OD445YJHgQjkeyvuiUUZouDvfQtDhYviV6z0kKPfg333_PJvlD9MyvnS0kGVSJngP4fZzdvf-FnccEiA8KEtSPVuMQ4wZGJxBO-GMvGPRRXTUo-KUQSC_Jbm0PPTUdboRE8Q4Ce6-hO7Kspcsd8--yDCvzoIY3ii/s4352/IMG_20230419_200002_Bokeh.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4352" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhene4XlDg_1mU5RwoAoomQ0rD2OD445YJHgQjkeyvuiUUZouDvfQtDhYviV6z0kKPfg333_PJvlD9MyvnS0kGVSJngP4fZzdvf-FnccEiA8KEtSPVuMQ4wZGJxBO-GMvGPRRXTUo-KUQSC_Jbm0PPTUdboRE8Q4Ce6-hO7Kspcsd8--yDCvzoIY3ii/w640-h480/IMG_20230419_200002_Bokeh.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJ6Sbi-lOrM89bA82sQq-i1-v_8vbrp_v2FcfSAxEK-y5Bfycr5z6rOv2CBm8SZU7Ji1B1dn9c1gU3GjjmrO1aeE9XSMzN0sZGjspzyMn2v_fm05CuEkvPXWbWboImb3AHY2sBxHjde4bJPVBaAxDoMcPR5mT9lwIriO2101g_pkRC6ucxZnn4Fot/s4352/IMG_20230419_200109_Bokeh.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4352" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJ6Sbi-lOrM89bA82sQq-i1-v_8vbrp_v2FcfSAxEK-y5Bfycr5z6rOv2CBm8SZU7Ji1B1dn9c1gU3GjjmrO1aeE9XSMzN0sZGjspzyMn2v_fm05CuEkvPXWbWboImb3AHY2sBxHjde4bJPVBaAxDoMcPR5mT9lwIriO2101g_pkRC6ucxZnn4Fot/w640-h480/IMG_20230419_200109_Bokeh.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>As I entered the place the openness of the design struck me. The bar here is I– shaped with about 360 degrees of visibility. We preferred to sit under the open sky in very comfortable sofas with cushions. You can choose to dine indoors or enjoy your drinks on bar stools as well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPlutXkXak615spl-uKC7xxliOYpXfHjcAS9-E0ebiJS57dsmY1c5xjA50qhNIMZN1oApWgMtX1XcJTfsJN_RuerfIPRgc_ltRzIjam7B7739NgRYeuroth8FsUC9ouERhjl5rM6ABfN8NLNHWqQ2HOhzPByS4dkLOaaG2-bZSDHl5-MEhhRknSpL/s4608/11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPlutXkXak615spl-uKC7xxliOYpXfHjcAS9-E0ebiJS57dsmY1c5xjA50qhNIMZN1oApWgMtX1XcJTfsJN_RuerfIPRgc_ltRzIjam7B7739NgRYeuroth8FsUC9ouERhjl5rM6ABfN8NLNHWqQ2HOhzPByS4dkLOaaG2-bZSDHl5-MEhhRknSpL/w640-h480/11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkFyw206P0zSuRs9pFFGLFQSeSAp9KwRO5FBv_zWgtDzEcUKQJN2D1KBFgX3690Mc6VEXYZZHzN3_q82eVFkjMAj9O45E0_DaBCm7xDul_ykvJOb8o4ThqO1FSDV7lVPVKtQaniR2qyM4ZLnkw8vjlg7maM1FtXhH3_zLQ48CidpWOONeNqj8V5Tc/s4608/13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkFyw206P0zSuRs9pFFGLFQSeSAp9KwRO5FBv_zWgtDzEcUKQJN2D1KBFgX3690Mc6VEXYZZHzN3_q82eVFkjMAj9O45E0_DaBCm7xDul_ykvJOb8o4ThqO1FSDV7lVPVKtQaniR2qyM4ZLnkw8vjlg7maM1FtXhH3_zLQ48CidpWOONeNqj8V5Tc/w480-h640/13.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzjMLGgaezmCegIii_mL3xjH93-pkue_8rQco5fY4_Et4sT_UIPw6WkwgIZo8E5pS3v9D5S9nQypEdc7Cn8GvPB_XHptzeU1LjqWSk32JrwTA28xQu_UfrSrSoPAoi-POQ7QoGH6nqfT3l1yL9jyRKH27ISMPsWKcioVvyO5SI3qzuU0tnMFAm-3p/s4608/5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzjMLGgaezmCegIii_mL3xjH93-pkue_8rQco5fY4_Et4sT_UIPw6WkwgIZo8E5pS3v9D5S9nQypEdc7Cn8GvPB_XHptzeU1LjqWSk32JrwTA28xQu_UfrSrSoPAoi-POQ7QoGH6nqfT3l1yL9jyRKH27ISMPsWKcioVvyO5SI3qzuU0tnMFAm-3p/w640-h480/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>From top - Edamame Shikampur, Renkon Chips & Blueberry Dahipoori</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>The food here is quite unique, many dishes are crossover food with influences from different cuisines. For example, their <b>Sriracha Khakra</b> is inspired by nachos and they are served the same way with hot hot Sriracha as the dip. The <b>Edamame Shikampur</b> was lovely, prepared from the beans and stuffed with cream cheese inside. The <b>Mango Paneer Shammi</b> is another example of the same style.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9J35xAkfNrvMLXPF-VjaiCDQ5u2NPTBPamnkHk76XweKZP1ukedOxzNyquSp3oySjXPrXLzYH1YVQ_UKuV6fRcUVdkoEpH-0wB2woW6yzAaAhR8YY5KzP3u1UXUPtITAi5gu_qs-sdVtKfARxcO8wabe70N2UIEsZ6K8F57Ot6edX1w5X98J6opy/s4608/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9J35xAkfNrvMLXPF-VjaiCDQ5u2NPTBPamnkHk76XweKZP1ukedOxzNyquSp3oySjXPrXLzYH1YVQ_UKuV6fRcUVdkoEpH-0wB2woW6yzAaAhR8YY5KzP3u1UXUPtITAi5gu_qs-sdVtKfARxcO8wabe70N2UIEsZ6K8F57Ot6edX1w5X98J6opy/w640-h480/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjag7CCPPpsW5QLYnD5vEpnJiq2EUYz9cMl4C6yw-I1AZlf3pvSejBYnn9XFyLCv6gH483IFlcBiJ3i0-kGfnwM-I41xES4kHfqYOuYjtdthEh51TyuDAReIRfECh_u8cv6ZYMC9hL_kOHAyR8XNNvswXkNOSb_sXuisGC31d7oGhmdVkvZSvDIOKKE/s4608/IMG_20230419_204803.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjag7CCPPpsW5QLYnD5vEpnJiq2EUYz9cMl4C6yw-I1AZlf3pvSejBYnn9XFyLCv6gH483IFlcBiJ3i0-kGfnwM-I41xES4kHfqYOuYjtdthEh51TyuDAReIRfECh_u8cv6ZYMC9hL_kOHAyR8XNNvswXkNOSb_sXuisGC31d7oGhmdVkvZSvDIOKKE/w640-h480/IMG_20230419_204803.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83IPARpXk9_Cz2Q4E6Nz6LPvHSuDWikwrOzk8wYwYBQ_ylosTWv7sCvqFdduPQRa_-_c7ji6AwJkJ_b33qex-mjanDdeq3fLJjFp16gMvqYGjhA5TtzXclqaGZekZm7W4Iq1mGE_R6DCfr9si2dXWbwSnq0TzKeY_aDZpPSe1HU5YeFb9m29b-4gJ/s4608/7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83IPARpXk9_Cz2Q4E6Nz6LPvHSuDWikwrOzk8wYwYBQ_ylosTWv7sCvqFdduPQRa_-_c7ji6AwJkJ_b33qex-mjanDdeq3fLJjFp16gMvqYGjhA5TtzXclqaGZekZm7W4Iq1mGE_R6DCfr9si2dXWbwSnq0TzKeY_aDZpPSe1HU5YeFb9m29b-4gJ/w640-h480/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>From Top - Sriracha Butter Garlic Crab, Seared Teriyaki Salmon and Caesar Salad Croquette</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Among the non-vegetarian dishes do not miss <b>Sriracha Butter Garlic Soft Shell Crab</b>. The crabs are tossed in a wok to make the item really crispy. Seared <b>Teriyaki Salmon</b> is another highlight served with guacamole, and red wine jus caviar. <b>Caesar Salad Croquette</b> has chicken croquettes served with Caesar dressings and parmesan cheese.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRQ9yl5zKbltDS8k4s6zccdQZ64GwcTgxrH4agI4HK1Phip-KpLJ-ZueVBpIYH4x9r5l-xhVMhbUvxskp4KvSszbK52KA3plGWoTlO4pkyg9kj8sUx6V1XjHmn-Z5ElgWvzuTealaKn-5Jp3RYjcbAdYTTfk2EPzma94jvAohcrScPf6VibCHKxYS/s4608/IMG_20230419_204707.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRQ9yl5zKbltDS8k4s6zccdQZ64GwcTgxrH4agI4HK1Phip-KpLJ-ZueVBpIYH4x9r5l-xhVMhbUvxskp4KvSszbK52KA3plGWoTlO4pkyg9kj8sUx6V1XjHmn-Z5ElgWvzuTealaKn-5Jp3RYjcbAdYTTfk2EPzma94jvAohcrScPf6VibCHKxYS/w640-h480/IMG_20230419_204707.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93mEZqhBWAQy2eW8gOdUiNVMnJHFapWI-dk8Pcy989MPErSac-nouc_Nsvkk6TvGXzG8gGjbAI_NbbT0QzN9e6bZxMx5lgYHIB9N_ZdSiL9zl_VMbEkXVzDsB84BLyf6ci0a-DHh_hv2InazbTjQKrXOjglpc1WZxc2jW5nqoNkDW15OKFbDSpsqg/s4608/14.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93mEZqhBWAQy2eW8gOdUiNVMnJHFapWI-dk8Pcy989MPErSac-nouc_Nsvkk6TvGXzG8gGjbAI_NbbT0QzN9e6bZxMx5lgYHIB9N_ZdSiL9zl_VMbEkXVzDsB84BLyf6ci0a-DHh_hv2InazbTjQKrXOjglpc1WZxc2jW5nqoNkDW15OKFbDSpsqg/w640-h480/14.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Makhan Tomatilla (Top) and River Fish Steak</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><b>Makhan Tomatillo</b> broth was to my liking, consisting of creamy butternut squash and tomatoes and roasted along with pinenuts and cheese meringue. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuUuEpXSWjFk-s8jxkkFL9EeNli-kX1gl1XXMckD_EjeAQtQKPMtblRsyyZraOxTrXLMCK7S73W255uFwnqcsTLRALR0D9VWG52m-p_gYdocdGW2_FFn2VZRB6YyeAc7mWs6WOw9ZsIn8MxGbr-4aDrktwbWPDuzuLmV69fVEcv708I3LtM2bAmL2/s4086/8a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3382" data-original-width="4086" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuUuEpXSWjFk-s8jxkkFL9EeNli-kX1gl1XXMckD_EjeAQtQKPMtblRsyyZraOxTrXLMCK7S73W255uFwnqcsTLRALR0D9VWG52m-p_gYdocdGW2_FFn2VZRB6YyeAc7mWs6WOw9ZsIn8MxGbr-4aDrktwbWPDuzuLmV69fVEcv708I3LtM2bAmL2/w640-h530/8a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQjiklzEfU4yBUYH_HK2vw49NXWtlReUhD6bvsdHnKeHpE9ZgMV9VWvRzEyuXS4cgsew6JCrhWW4k7W26FP51aeOlePuq4Z0b413nbiIKvc3aYpQbS6kB5on_BMgIHZUJJSnMI86VT0-4hk7DrFnjIg9tEBGMicOffSbUF0RWOq7DkbPj2AI09HgX/s4085/9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3379" data-original-width="4085" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQjiklzEfU4yBUYH_HK2vw49NXWtlReUhD6bvsdHnKeHpE9ZgMV9VWvRzEyuXS4cgsew6JCrhWW4k7W26FP51aeOlePuq4Z0b413nbiIKvc3aYpQbS6kB5on_BMgIHZUJJSnMI86VT0-4hk7DrFnjIg9tEBGMicOffSbUF0RWOq7DkbPj2AI09HgX/w640-h530/9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Artisanal Dal Khichdi with accompaniments (below)</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><b>Artisanal Dal Khichdi</b> is something I can recommend to everyone. A signature dish of the restaurant, it has truffle oil and porcini mushrooms as ingredients as well as the special Hallikar Cow Ghee from Karnataka. The huge number of tasty accompaniments served with the dish makes it even more special. A plate can easily be shared by two people.</p><p>For lovers of local food,<b> Chicken 65 Poppers</b> and <b>Andhra Allam Prawns</b> are two dishes not to be missed. The restaurant also has burgers, pizzas, and Sushis. <b>Galouti Bao</b> served with green chutney is another differentiator.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyeOodA6SewTZZULyBSIUGbbNv8FwikPkCwD8N56MCXPeuEt8j2QSPAhnO1fyNSQaicLFNp9FK1jmkXtcOvlaTxSNEdKpBXIyIe4PxUYPe7Z5zxa4IThwMZiq9JLi6vyBtHGtr0mhDnVoXmVwquSBObHGSKtpZ-KidrbfwdDWXRZzf9uJXFn2EXFH/s4352/12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4352" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyeOodA6SewTZZULyBSIUGbbNv8FwikPkCwD8N56MCXPeuEt8j2QSPAhnO1fyNSQaicLFNp9FK1jmkXtcOvlaTxSNEdKpBXIyIe4PxUYPe7Z5zxa4IThwMZiq9JLi6vyBtHGtr0mhDnVoXmVwquSBObHGSKtpZ-KidrbfwdDWXRZzf9uJXFn2EXFH/w640-h480/12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJSvouEBp0IPX2SGeYcWuiaWweeIk5fmmjkS7JawY4uUiwCcntd274tpdf6BORCBs_hLNtTm_Sd92WtMbHr7QrWBDs9M0T70d_7IbFcC0uKw28jrlmE58fGePE4bP6dsl3EPwpqAYsWiOUJTPxY6LXj4_AX2EzjjMinSS5eo6acHHMUEyro1SbzX9/s4608/3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJSvouEBp0IPX2SGeYcWuiaWweeIk5fmmjkS7JawY4uUiwCcntd274tpdf6BORCBs_hLNtTm_Sd92WtMbHr7QrWBDs9M0T70d_7IbFcC0uKw28jrlmE58fGePE4bP6dsl3EPwpqAYsWiOUJTPxY6LXj4_AX2EzjjMinSS5eo6acHHMUEyro1SbzX9/w480-h640/3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Himalayan Sour</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Talking about cocktails, <b>Himalayan Sour</b> (Whisky, burnt wine, egg white, lemon, and red pepper) was an absolute winner for me. <b>Botanical Lemonade</b> is a smoked drink flavoured by thyme shrubs. A balanced mocktail is <b>Peach and Lavender</b>. The syrups used for both cocktails and mocktails are mostly made in-house. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_Kkj-gj1V-ObmxUn5uXD0O76YqWp2VxdAtRG0MCYfrN9B4oluDZb1iVvwywx-CxXo-R_ZY1kJq0liC3D-YjmXLtdu06AsOYthuK9UYXnKzpf2ELSTRgLwIIpPTU135iARZya5Zvav-MhxPGIqCvIqjRcJbJ9157BRHOH-9vTo-pFbGwIqhy3jXxu/s4608/IMG_20230419_221518.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_Kkj-gj1V-ObmxUn5uXD0O76YqWp2VxdAtRG0MCYfrN9B4oluDZb1iVvwywx-CxXo-R_ZY1kJq0liC3D-YjmXLtdu06AsOYthuK9UYXnKzpf2ELSTRgLwIIpPTU135iARZya5Zvav-MhxPGIqCvIqjRcJbJ9157BRHOH-9vTo-pFbGwIqhy3jXxu/w480-h640/IMG_20230419_221518.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sachii</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>And finally about <b>Sachii</b>, their signature dessert, with a bit of table theatrics. Its ingredients are pannacotta, orange marmalade, and a cone on top through which honey is poured down. As the honey drips down on top of the other ingredients it really enhances the taste. They do have other interesting desserts too.</p><p><b>Location:</b></p><p><b>Sachii Skybar & Kitchen</b></p><p>5th Floor, Mansingh Square, </p><p>Road No. 12, Venkateswara Colony, </p><p>Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034</p><p><b>Phone 77025 91379</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMiSgLv1Ql9qt8lDUqbco1WXnq4-Lzgbz5W0CPind0PoVsg2abw3TjyuY-wT3j2y72K3w36utWdg14SxZQiYqeNn8PwgPxjVysAUekeC3PKqH_F7vU2PSuImi3zRDK5gltkpiLaa_MZ0a6IfjhrF8S-pSa17VJA7dgVcDvipS9OKDpY3VnW_8BYqt/s4352/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4352" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMiSgLv1Ql9qt8lDUqbco1WXnq4-Lzgbz5W0CPind0PoVsg2abw3TjyuY-wT3j2y72K3w36utWdg14SxZQiYqeNn8PwgPxjVysAUekeC3PKqH_F7vU2PSuImi3zRDK5gltkpiLaa_MZ0a6IfjhrF8S-pSa17VJA7dgVcDvipS9OKDpY3VnW_8BYqt/w640-h480/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-46729515343306427462023-05-08T21:25:00.000+05:302023-05-08T21:25:09.131+05:30Quick Bytes: Mota Kababi Presents Regional Delicacies from UP and Bihar in Hyderabad<p>Among the current trends in dining out is an increased interest in regional cuisines. In fact, enthusiastic food lovers are going beyond regional food to what is being called micro-cuisines, the food of a particular area in a state, examples being Malwani or Coorgi food. Though Hyderabad is perceived as slightly lagging in this aspect, recent times have seen restaurants exploring much beyond the usual regional suspects such as Punjabi and Bengali. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPD81agaS398F1MKBGl8J_0_jgc70N--w4tSO985clz8f7VWj-I5NL4beoliwdF_Wbv_IDV3C7doX6QDFTEAnYdUGsts_hQqLvkuyE4fCxpfJdNuAplqM3-i_pa-dcKnds8g7qSq5LoWk6LgFv1bVnjRT2pmkZjCEArH1pbzGb-vXZagRniFO5jAsI/s4608/IMG_20190301_171814.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPD81agaS398F1MKBGl8J_0_jgc70N--w4tSO985clz8f7VWj-I5NL4beoliwdF_Wbv_IDV3C7doX6QDFTEAnYdUGsts_hQqLvkuyE4fCxpfJdNuAplqM3-i_pa-dcKnds8g7qSq5LoWk6LgFv1bVnjRT2pmkZjCEArH1pbzGb-vXZagRniFO5jAsI/w640-h480/IMG_20190301_171814.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>A small place near Botanical Gardens in Kondapur is catching the fancy of diners due to its diverse regional dishes. <b>Mota Kababi</b>, the twelve-seater place is owned and operated by Pratyush Anand, an IT professional and food enthusiast. Interested in cooking since childhood, Pratyush hails from Araria in Bihar and has spent a significant number of years in Nagpur and Lucknow. His place thus has delicacies from all of these three places. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAMm2aAqab8frvmk4dGF35BEhw1_6roa4AsimEWrI-erOYgLoV6HJPJf5iNUBLUR_pDX3c98VU6onH1LuGKmySobwidumkSWqIgYQjzwkcAT09EWo6X1F31OhUsZA5hFhkl4c1WRYWhCbxzRz9lT03m6N8tNA78-1kW8ObVa6nk0ScqUMZm5Fhc3s/s4608/IMG_20190301_163307.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAMm2aAqab8frvmk4dGF35BEhw1_6roa4AsimEWrI-erOYgLoV6HJPJf5iNUBLUR_pDX3c98VU6onH1LuGKmySobwidumkSWqIgYQjzwkcAT09EWo6X1F31OhUsZA5hFhkl4c1WRYWhCbxzRz9lT03m6N8tNA78-1kW8ObVa6nk0ScqUMZm5Fhc3s/w640-h480/IMG_20190301_163307.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKqcTKY6f90cHHhoeVah9Dg-mTgsXNyqT0jQVb8Z1Vw-Wn4e0NsiLfIJ7xdI2ZUoM2jXC89KuSoDefau6nHN6xQm8e9AoTgLKK_SrhJr4dp_DQ5DjIXP2bhNw1cI14FPFZhpsQniYvKApNJO2QIbRWn0818p7bCk14REdovI2BHFzgKvUs-eksu6c/s4608/IMG_20190301_163654.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKqcTKY6f90cHHhoeVah9Dg-mTgsXNyqT0jQVb8Z1Vw-Wn4e0NsiLfIJ7xdI2ZUoM2jXC89KuSoDefau6nHN6xQm8e9AoTgLKK_SrhJr4dp_DQ5DjIXP2bhNw1cI14FPFZhpsQniYvKApNJO2QIbRWn0818p7bCk14REdovI2BHFzgKvUs-eksu6c/w640-h480/IMG_20190301_163654.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Among the Bihari dishes is the well-known <b>Litti Chokha</b>, where the sattu stuffed litties are available in baked or fried versions. The potato chokha is accompanied by Baigan Bharta. You also have the option of going chicken curry along with the litti. He has also introduced the chicken version <b>Litti Murgh</b>, as well as the one of the current favourites from Bihar’s street food, <b>Tawa Litti Murgh</b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLWQhKQB1IgNljpwdCZ0L-ma-Kp3Rrn7YCLfwuq8-eJdttsrKZ4V2s1gYGZLggx6f83-R_1FWA73Z14mD7WuZKJN1eGCW_DxAdZP4VnqrTrBzcoL5KPYvUDtLno3ZngcFIN-MP-0DpLkPun_lBVIlYSu79rnGnjovYIs_hrb1_XDQd3L4Y1lwP0t_/s1600/be209697-6c8d-4974-91ec-50a4672791cf.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLWQhKQB1IgNljpwdCZ0L-ma-Kp3Rrn7YCLfwuq8-eJdttsrKZ4V2s1gYGZLggx6f83-R_1FWA73Z14mD7WuZKJN1eGCW_DxAdZP4VnqrTrBzcoL5KPYvUDtLno3ZngcFIN-MP-0DpLkPun_lBVIlYSu79rnGnjovYIs_hrb1_XDQd3L4Y1lwP0t_/w640-h480/be209697-6c8d-4974-91ec-50a4672791cf.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The signature dish for me here is the <b>Bihari-style Ghee Mutton</b>. The mutton is slow-cooked over coal for hours after marinating in a special masala which is brought from Bihar. Mustard oil, ghee, whole spices, and whole garlic bulbs add to the taste. The result is pure bliss when combined with the Indian bread choices from the menu. Pratyush tells me that in the villages this preparation is usually done using cow dung cakes as fuel, which gave a different flavour to the dish. Another dish here that Pratyush recommends is <b>Saoji Mutton</b>, a recipe from Vidarbha. The fiercely spicy curry from a community of weavers from the region has recently won a lot of admirers all over the country, but it is not commonly available in Hyderabad.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLGZIHUoM_gl74jPv5rlJC_PpKVVpRW1mzhJBcN_0A-e0v5jFekAxvYFeDnzPgAEZBdL2vwm1CGoZ6zCZ-wqivybxQGVjuds0tS9mf0kR874e8orQ1G85PSk5ucauXflGuHvpXJlP3mIDFQOmwBOFPvqnqdvraHx5Yj_EY5fwypbnNzXcvcrOuiFc/s1600/da5b6226-96d0-4764-8f6d-d92715d7fee0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLGZIHUoM_gl74jPv5rlJC_PpKVVpRW1mzhJBcN_0A-e0v5jFekAxvYFeDnzPgAEZBdL2vwm1CGoZ6zCZ-wqivybxQGVjuds0tS9mf0kR874e8orQ1G85PSk5ucauXflGuHvpXJlP3mIDFQOmwBOFPvqnqdvraHx5Yj_EY5fwypbnNzXcvcrOuiFc/w640-h480/da5b6226-96d0-4764-8f6d-d92715d7fee0.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64hkjoBCNxuiyA73FuznKicV7YOft4HHbCsD5Qwpop4ATaCtWBE7OubWXBTykiDx-cYrSXKDUaxOTpnjYeM8cK4lhV53y8xCV8h3w4FfZ9DeeqdHSOHzsJTFKDOBAdQNwbo1iSY6EoWc3ilD-BscV-HdRrvo-EI0gj442cQQdFDw6ESPVxXnVIdxY/s4608/IMG_20190301_170503.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64hkjoBCNxuiyA73FuznKicV7YOft4HHbCsD5Qwpop4ATaCtWBE7OubWXBTykiDx-cYrSXKDUaxOTpnjYeM8cK4lhV53y8xCV8h3w4FfZ9DeeqdHSOHzsJTFKDOBAdQNwbo1iSY6EoWc3ilD-BscV-HdRrvo-EI0gj442cQQdFDw6ESPVxXnVIdxY/w640-h480/IMG_20190301_170503.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUt8aBQ8i6GLcTtpePYnGYCPrABFo2O6jpBwXAareB0WSQWSLFjqhJ99TgWyYUetBGojh1KZdLSMxMIDmac4UfPG_vvZ2DhMnCpx0Oll-1n0AgGgPQhNX9p_KkKPXZBS-HloadXk7VWbscvoa4u2Fz3g1o_DayAZrksyLzZ79iMOF9GkOrPqXPOXe3/s1240/b5843c08-d67c-4161-8940-b53dec553879.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1190" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUt8aBQ8i6GLcTtpePYnGYCPrABFo2O6jpBwXAareB0WSQWSLFjqhJ99TgWyYUetBGojh1KZdLSMxMIDmac4UfPG_vvZ2DhMnCpx0Oll-1n0AgGgPQhNX9p_KkKPXZBS-HloadXk7VWbscvoa4u2Fz3g1o_DayAZrksyLzZ79iMOF9GkOrPqXPOXe3/w614-h640/b5843c08-d67c-4161-8940-b53dec553879.jpeg" width="614" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvnK8l1lxMQrhne27mcAB7bTssk48sH5GmyYhhC6FXeZFpe6pdg63qxIuwvbaXAzlUECbAReBMUCv9XbAo_QoO-Qw7KqiyXTmHhjkSO3npcet2efJdCzhdS_Zb3HjnE786TKt0kX1Nj5jcenUWqQiPmYMoqAHrScDl-0rEXhNCGxOnAHtw7YJnHhK/s4608/IMG_20190301_172336.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvnK8l1lxMQrhne27mcAB7bTssk48sH5GmyYhhC6FXeZFpe6pdg63qxIuwvbaXAzlUECbAReBMUCv9XbAo_QoO-Qw7KqiyXTmHhjkSO3npcet2efJdCzhdS_Zb3HjnE786TKt0kX1Nj5jcenUWqQiPmYMoqAHrScDl-0rEXhNCGxOnAHtw7YJnHhK/w640-h480/IMG_20190301_172336.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNa458ckWTZh-v2DCZtBTpXJSO8YFaZtCojSqE9aCBojq5MpBcw56HFPa2cg0uSEJxlIyX2vp3aCuMXOXvXwQAkdQfsQQMlWyEdGsJw4j8jazLAD-6qbUxvYlxQP-IC44tjp6w1vjO_ocL7HH49001qs2UDD1NSvs15sGsrPl2UznS1wy-5etSyHJ/s1600/c2c13f14-17b3-4b56-9efb-a07daeb48efb.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNa458ckWTZh-v2DCZtBTpXJSO8YFaZtCojSqE9aCBojq5MpBcw56HFPa2cg0uSEJxlIyX2vp3aCuMXOXvXwQAkdQfsQQMlWyEdGsJw4j8jazLAD-6qbUxvYlxQP-IC44tjp6w1vjO_ocL7HH49001qs2UDD1NSvs15sGsrPl2UznS1wy-5etSyHJ/w640-h480/c2c13f14-17b3-4b56-9efb-a07daeb48efb.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>A few dishes from Awadh here also deserve a mention too as the chef here is from Lucknow and an expert in Nawabi dishes. The <b>Awadhi Biryani</b> is moist and aromatic, but leave your Hyderabadi inhibitions behind when you try it. The biryanis from the two princely states are as different as chalk and cheese. Do not expect the strong masala that you are accustomed to, and instead, soak in the flavours of the dish. A number of kababs such as the <b>Galouti, Shammi Kabab </b>and <b>Boti kabab masala</b> should also be tried here, to be enjoyed with Awadhi <b>Ulte Tawa ke Parathe</b>. For customers who are in a hurry, Mota Kababi has kabab rolls wrapped in paratha, and Karachi-style <b>Bun kababs</b>, where galouti or shammi kababs are stuffed in a bun.</p><p><b>Address: Mota Kababi</b></p><p><b>Plot No-616, 3rd Street, 40 Feet Road, B-Block, Sri Ram Nagar, Kondapur, Telangana 500084</b></p><p><b>Call: 9704712786</b></p><p><b>Note: This is an updated version of the article originally published in New Indian Express Hyderabad on 23rd March 2019.</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkWpeq7AvK0p8nY7ItZfsedMEmd-nTP2UaG4CPgxkAD3x9BEm3pzz_N5QAeIFBJM8-iKD7ylJfsPKbuHne4xDziej-9GIUAy0jcb7OtMYeTD_T5XXQXYl7g2B93cx7gFBW-5-YN5dOHzRbLXuN8A5aRpLWJ55BmsxKmyYw4Qjp2eafsqgLx-u1VTW/s960/Mota%20Kababi%2023%20March%2019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="960" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtkWpeq7AvK0p8nY7ItZfsedMEmd-nTP2UaG4CPgxkAD3x9BEm3pzz_N5QAeIFBJM8-iKD7ylJfsPKbuHne4xDziej-9GIUAy0jcb7OtMYeTD_T5XXQXYl7g2B93cx7gFBW-5-YN5dOHzRbLXuN8A5aRpLWJ55BmsxKmyYw4Qjp2eafsqgLx-u1VTW/w640-h502/Mota%20Kababi%2023%20March%2019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-863753381013326582023-04-21T13:05:00.004+05:302023-04-25T11:56:16.819+05:30Arunachal Pradesh Travelogue 2: Tawang and Bumla Pass<p>As we crossed the <b>Sela Pass</b>, we entered the border district of Tawang which was in the news only a few months ago due to the attempted incursion of Chinese troops across the Indo-Tibet border. Our first stop was <b>Jaswantgarh War Memorial</b>, the memorial of <b>Martyr Jaswant Rawat</b>, who during the 1962 war fought valiantly with the Chinese intruders and killed 300 of them. You will find lots of vehicles parked in front of the memorial, some carrying tourists and normal traffic too, as the army canteen here provides free unlimited tea to any passerby, and some other excellent stuff on payment – we ourselves tasted bread pakodas, vanilla cake, and rajma. </p><p><b>Also Read: <a href="https://www.foodaholix.in/2023/04/Arunachal.html" target="_blank">Dirang & Sela Pass</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZqdMDB-wwFLRikc1OXWode0_cpMZxW2h2uw6rUx5BSdFf-B0MwT49LF7rfpGsd2Sd7voNup0ZZHdBrKG_DTCTPYYBIAiZ6RGLpUdsK7Dv4jcUFuIJGApLXOobU5ZnQwnKPiRKqsLQcGlPIh5uPn5SfcCMDk0tImnC6o-_VLvuHy7JYUppMatnqwk/s4608/1a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZqdMDB-wwFLRikc1OXWode0_cpMZxW2h2uw6rUx5BSdFf-B0MwT49LF7rfpGsd2Sd7voNup0ZZHdBrKG_DTCTPYYBIAiZ6RGLpUdsK7Dv4jcUFuIJGApLXOobU5ZnQwnKPiRKqsLQcGlPIh5uPn5SfcCMDk0tImnC6o-_VLvuHy7JYUppMatnqwk/w640-h480/1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The memorial is a somber place at 10,000 feet, you go in and pay respects to the martyrs of the gallant <b>Garhwal Rifles</b> at the Battle of Nuranang with China. Amidst heavy rain, only a few tourists were there at the Smriti Sthal, but we visited all the spots inside before proceeding toward Tawang. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnZBxhPs2bGIT6FOvtGeDBz6kfSrNCMgWYuTTxaYPScB4JJ0OjZMwcBKsCmibW0mi4hadvVFD6fam1RttcNCJB-nCfI2qMkxA7UrQR_cjosh_N2on3PrA2N6RE7qed_2-z4kT6XMdfeEf5iKYSsyyyTfhy-8CM4W_qkUa8akAPgUzz-DdcRxz6XLp/s4608/IMG_20230323_120212.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnZBxhPs2bGIT6FOvtGeDBz6kfSrNCMgWYuTTxaYPScB4JJ0OjZMwcBKsCmibW0mi4hadvVFD6fam1RttcNCJB-nCfI2qMkxA7UrQR_cjosh_N2on3PrA2N6RE7qed_2-z4kT6XMdfeEf5iKYSsyyyTfhy-8CM4W_qkUa8akAPgUzz-DdcRxz6XLp/w640-h480/IMG_20230323_120212.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZ3SWV7vRpakC44XYxQbdC7wKa6Cd6zY_vNriqepH_8QAQhkeev5iZmqZKuaFf8m3GajwmmXlvssrbGPX73On6ZnpLDyCiMvz19HfPB_HXT-fHrIYsb8IhsGt9ZnwhQwIJFIE29a4Sno-VhoKbkYr0OQojjcxftNv6ItGAqUSFObSVD-guRQPTmrB/s3417/IMG_20230320_134141.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2708" data-original-width="3417" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsZ3SWV7vRpakC44XYxQbdC7wKa6Cd6zY_vNriqepH_8QAQhkeev5iZmqZKuaFf8m3GajwmmXlvssrbGPX73On6ZnpLDyCiMvz19HfPB_HXT-fHrIYsb8IhsGt9ZnwhQwIJFIE29a4Sno-VhoKbkYr0OQojjcxftNv6ItGAqUSFObSVD-guRQPTmrB/w640-h508/IMG_20230320_134141.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWPr8iop6RKDde4AoDtM8dsfWn99NDf3Z-ZDtN7v-508__Zi8YjbK4MwD9P5IMiOMmK42g9J56XpOa__9ErJsMUJsR1YgzaoyOdVaPu25zEXr5m_bEq1iJ73Aly4RWiOIbE3u6hl1wPgAtzBK6skAR-5s4JOWMZQ8NH9dBWC5SGIh0iaUCi3ZWA5Z/s4608/IMG_20230320_134309.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWPr8iop6RKDde4AoDtM8dsfWn99NDf3Z-ZDtN7v-508__Zi8YjbK4MwD9P5IMiOMmK42g9J56XpOa__9ErJsMUJsR1YgzaoyOdVaPu25zEXr5m_bEq1iJ73Aly4RWiOIbE3u6hl1wPgAtzBK6skAR-5s4JOWMZQ8NH9dBWC5SGIh0iaUCi3ZWA5Z/w640-h480/IMG_20230320_134309.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EFcnWiAksKuqTb8kjX0jNP2ja7A3I_r4Vj74m39VcUk_Kw9am096nQZNMnaJVf8JruKYZLPANksbGbOv8n0HjqqAvthbKmDi9z7CByfF7inGB3EqVWO5gSXtih8PyhOQ45pyPTt3XEi4K7hhiGlZP4Zgkt2HO76qFXnInSgVOsjAWvFjdSax60S8/s4608/IMG_20230320_143343.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EFcnWiAksKuqTb8kjX0jNP2ja7A3I_r4Vj74m39VcUk_Kw9am096nQZNMnaJVf8JruKYZLPANksbGbOv8n0HjqqAvthbKmDi9z7CByfF7inGB3EqVWO5gSXtih8PyhOQ45pyPTt3XEi4K7hhiGlZP4Zgkt2HO76qFXnInSgVOsjAWvFjdSax60S8/w640-h480/IMG_20230320_143343.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Another 25 km away was the mighty <b>Nuranag Waterfalls</b> at Jang. The fall looks regal, and after a photo session there we had a quick and delicious thali lunch at a roadside eatery. The thalis in Arunachal, called “<b>Rice Thali</b>” are comfort food, simple but tasty. The locals are primarily Buddhists, and the cuisine has some similarities to the other hilly regions of the Eastern region such as Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Bhutan. When we reached <b>Tawang</b> by the evening, we could not help but notice that the small hill station has a lot of army movements given how sensitive it is. Our homestay <b>LD Retreat</b> was located right below the Tawang Monastery. It was more of a small hotel with around ten cozy rooms.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGZBme-DTN3p68j7Sd2u4ueVHnml_bRwhij_p82PKwPn3I9fW3BII_WeBqxlrdi5y-qRlQfxkb71XMdzs7w9c61lFY22GaaZKr_lR2-dTWQZXBcA6LGqYLC6qfshMfm5wBEgLM5KBxRqO4GbaHrHDHJML3VxhUGFwWJ-kdx2GxNOC-i0IeAGy5jwp/s4608/IMG_20230321_093916.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGZBme-DTN3p68j7Sd2u4ueVHnml_bRwhij_p82PKwPn3I9fW3BII_WeBqxlrdi5y-qRlQfxkb71XMdzs7w9c61lFY22GaaZKr_lR2-dTWQZXBcA6LGqYLC6qfshMfm5wBEgLM5KBxRqO4GbaHrHDHJML3VxhUGFwWJ-kdx2GxNOC-i0IeAGy5jwp/w640-h480/IMG_20230321_093916.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nnNHd-Wsidqg4tz9HXOtW0I-lco7olvDoLuRrdHdrwuS0-TTn6oFiS_qNCYolZzokXm1cimn94EfQWaFNZwGmVS7OKv_mTYkts-cjCXRMWbAZsIZxmmI0h-fvoeCWuX0tqqOO25yzpvpoAf0U1E6XnFXvmMjPKTiHVBrQA5XPtkwVz1Su9fPd36M/s4608/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nnNHd-Wsidqg4tz9HXOtW0I-lco7olvDoLuRrdHdrwuS0-TTn6oFiS_qNCYolZzokXm1cimn94EfQWaFNZwGmVS7OKv_mTYkts-cjCXRMWbAZsIZxmmI0h-fvoeCWuX0tqqOO25yzpvpoAf0U1E6XnFXvmMjPKTiHVBrQA5XPtkwVz1Su9fPd36M/w480-h640/3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzhHjLmD-_V3bibyTKk1N8sogwDFPBWchAn8qBf-6ziZXkOSZ7lrhsQ8XSi4Sfawn5IysUeT3KwLHakPpnS33g8dwVSLceh5Ezb3lfGJi2TnDH_gWTqRYmvjNiU-MNj80sYMQS87BPlzqT1T4N39SdC4hSSYLiWRreFsLuKlT2ti0_0e0BateTnAl/s4608/IMG_20230321_092515.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzhHjLmD-_V3bibyTKk1N8sogwDFPBWchAn8qBf-6ziZXkOSZ7lrhsQ8XSi4Sfawn5IysUeT3KwLHakPpnS33g8dwVSLceh5Ezb3lfGJi2TnDH_gWTqRYmvjNiU-MNj80sYMQS87BPlzqT1T4N39SdC4hSSYLiWRreFsLuKlT2ti0_0e0BateTnAl/w640-h480/IMG_20230321_092515.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjtGNbxWSWZiicU44NNyPuZ1RiaU9lAik0sHZ2GjVH-gN8ktddqNEc65tJ4rOYlNBaB4SaWtNZfSAX0ybAXc7iBhy6QLsY0N1jWnmsuR1i4-Rc_20GO--w2SDwYITjp-DjxRlLb_d2FaBshOvp7sbcROqS5sIe5eW-grIcIPDnabdX7NuNmmMue3r/s4608/IMG_20230321_094406.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjtGNbxWSWZiicU44NNyPuZ1RiaU9lAik0sHZ2GjVH-gN8ktddqNEc65tJ4rOYlNBaB4SaWtNZfSAX0ybAXc7iBhy6QLsY0N1jWnmsuR1i4-Rc_20GO--w2SDwYITjp-DjxRlLb_d2FaBshOvp7sbcROqS5sIe5eW-grIcIPDnabdX7NuNmmMue3r/w640-h480/IMG_20230321_094406.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Tawang Monastery</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The weather continued to be wet and rainy the next day too. Our friends dropped out of the sightseeing on this day. <b>Tawang Monastery</b> is the second largest in the world, after the Lhasa monastery in Tibet. The inside of a monastery campus resembles a small town with monk and student quarters as well as a museum displaying old Tibetan artifacts. The <b>Monpas</b>, who are the predominant inhabitants of this part of Arunachal are Buddhists, unlike most of the other tribes in the rest of the state, and that is the reason there are more monasteries in the eastern part of the state. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPbgaks6ypqpB_BHI46y7DUNIAqeHHHmV_XwvvL8ekhnF-aQ0AgZ_dmQkAxZQZRJuCogGmxuS87V1a-WP2LOa1rchss_xbRcUShZxdcydDeuWadKbc4_4fketiWnr8SzLHheWtwgHzEHWe7S3rA6ZU9gQnuPTSDgHUip5NtI89bzY4qgygjWUiMmp/s4608/IMG_20230321_132220.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPbgaks6ypqpB_BHI46y7DUNIAqeHHHmV_XwvvL8ekhnF-aQ0AgZ_dmQkAxZQZRJuCogGmxuS87V1a-WP2LOa1rchss_xbRcUShZxdcydDeuWadKbc4_4fketiWnr8SzLHheWtwgHzEHWe7S3rA6ZU9gQnuPTSDgHUip5NtI89bzY4qgygjWUiMmp/w640-h480/IMG_20230321_132220.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJFjqrf-uoLoj_JHi1N44yxK2DdIZj4UxsDUau1_vvG7G0_VvrhrK4o6fxl2DK3UoX3va4WnwbWt45V5SvmmPug4uoyqexpbBMGx4bn2O15sT8yhHVAb3-xDZ2JBDR5n5wZObNNWzMl5DbXo8ha4AAKBh0Z5PxYilWwLGhfdEIFMQfBoSfhoL_vpz/s4608/IMG_20230321_140749.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJFjqrf-uoLoj_JHi1N44yxK2DdIZj4UxsDUau1_vvG7G0_VvrhrK4o6fxl2DK3UoX3va4WnwbWt45V5SvmmPug4uoyqexpbBMGx4bn2O15sT8yhHVAb3-xDZ2JBDR5n5wZObNNWzMl5DbXo8ha4AAKBh0Z5PxYilWwLGhfdEIFMQfBoSfhoL_vpz/w640-h480/IMG_20230321_140749.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMrpwrF0s4pt2n_B8ezrIHaEiceyH_o4r_XSkfbxbwQfcjEvFrBMrry_l-hghRX45bxxaHq83fdPT9GzBYOVTba8eUVm2SV9LcBlXG8gk9txLVoYFsXyIirytQPqZuvFpjzju9x6SqyFEji6oP6fbr6DTqhJNtQxrzk0rJg-BTUN5KBEsl-oWZ74y/s4608/IMG_20230321_132315.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMrpwrF0s4pt2n_B8ezrIHaEiceyH_o4r_XSkfbxbwQfcjEvFrBMrry_l-hghRX45bxxaHq83fdPT9GzBYOVTba8eUVm2SV9LcBlXG8gk9txLVoYFsXyIirytQPqZuvFpjzju9x6SqyFEji6oP6fbr6DTqhJNtQxrzk0rJg-BTUN5KBEsl-oWZ74y/w640-h480/IMG_20230321_132315.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>It was still raining as we progressed through rain and fog to <b>Zemithang</b>, a village known for its beauty located 80 km away near the Bhutan border. As you go along the hilly tracks, you can see the border villages of <b>Bhutan</b> on the next mountain separated by a river Manas flowing in between. We passed numerous rivulets and waterfalls, the best view was of a waterfall inside a cave. As we reached Zemithang, a local fair near the Gorsam Chorten resulted in a traffic snarl with literally about a hundred cars parked on the road. On the way back the weather became clearer, and we marveled at the lush green surroundings. The Bhutan villages could be clearly seen across the hill. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJJrJrvKqhkcFWns_L5S-CqVyUBHmps8LgL7Ika2weAy8ToYW9HfKwI1f4DjhU-1fFmqqMmcUuFMEt596yVZDW956O9NQ5_hwhC30QIMlH32QZlF6YnK8hRPHW3kHbyz4BvNGBPDqN5KxBRCcxuJneHliWxhmBJ6AqsEU4I96AXDBNfdoe1rVlUUU/s4608/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJJrJrvKqhkcFWns_L5S-CqVyUBHmps8LgL7Ika2weAy8ToYW9HfKwI1f4DjhU-1fFmqqMmcUuFMEt596yVZDW956O9NQ5_hwhC30QIMlH32QZlF6YnK8hRPHW3kHbyz4BvNGBPDqN5KxBRCcxuJneHliWxhmBJ6AqsEU4I96AXDBNfdoe1rVlUUU/w640-h480/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAuwXmaouErhld-otvXCLebTrS7DLkuI6OOCka8kZHyf7xeMKW-cCi-raYU7D9ohKemJXQdoPBp557hY-a1Y6sBk5W70L2BDTnX-Tt1bF2260G8HXm7H_tysOTWECgVDzjVjcuB-Cm-iyvfaEwIC6WtKfERJQCOt7scAeIZ_aA2oxJFeZH25qFo_n/s4608/IMG_20230322_111730.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAuwXmaouErhld-otvXCLebTrS7DLkuI6OOCka8kZHyf7xeMKW-cCi-raYU7D9ohKemJXQdoPBp557hY-a1Y6sBk5W70L2BDTnX-Tt1bF2260G8HXm7H_tysOTWECgVDzjVjcuB-Cm-iyvfaEwIC6WtKfERJQCOt7scAeIZ_aA2oxJFeZH25qFo_n/w640-h480/IMG_20230322_111730.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The jewel on the crown of our Arunachal trip was the much-expected visit to <b>Bumla Pass</b> and <b>Indo-Tibetan border</b>. For a trip to the pass, you cannot take your own vehicle, you need to hire a local vehicle for the same (the whole trip costs Rs 5500, a price fixed by the local syndicate). During most of the 35 km journey, it was snowing very heavily, and the white surroundings looked out of the world. Our vehicles had to stop to wrap chains around the wheels to negotiate the snow. We passed the <b>PT Lake</b> and another few lakes, before reaching Bumla at 15,100 ft. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9oZFcUhALucxvWYa0LSRwsA_faLodE8xSjn7pvyiBoY2g-cocfKzQhqLRdqovH0LD8-8MxTo1jzA9wg2Y3MacatGOQtNOcGpzD21sQOq1PBQhzZG53pky65rDAuvpPVlH47MoJ92NiNXjvvnvz167YEJHuP7la2g5Z7gE6P7gePkDKmdiqwJcolQ/s4608/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF9oZFcUhALucxvWYa0LSRwsA_faLodE8xSjn7pvyiBoY2g-cocfKzQhqLRdqovH0LD8-8MxTo1jzA9wg2Y3MacatGOQtNOcGpzD21sQOq1PBQhzZG53pky65rDAuvpPVlH47MoJ92NiNXjvvnvz167YEJHuP7la2g5Z7gE6P7gePkDKmdiqwJcolQ/w640-h480/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LRMXedfTefXSn3jQn22ntQyXY4HyllpXpz2L_MWzS9dIGhakqJuUa1BtoFdImeXfvYZyafLx792uDpmrN8uwrw2IHgDs9OTOqZ2v1dO5G67I_DfWkHPMvhR9ZOjYO-2WlBnky6MRJHDKrCriwHDVZJC2IrrcqUnr5B-hz1mgUpfVEtlADnjyXwA7/s836/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="627" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LRMXedfTefXSn3jQn22ntQyXY4HyllpXpz2L_MWzS9dIGhakqJuUa1BtoFdImeXfvYZyafLx792uDpmrN8uwrw2IHgDs9OTOqZ2v1dO5G67I_DfWkHPMvhR9ZOjYO-2WlBnky6MRJHDKrCriwHDVZJC2IrrcqUnr5B-hz1mgUpfVEtlADnjyXwA7/w480-h640/1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>Bumla Pass is the border of India and China-occupied Tibet, and vehicles can only travel to the army canteen there. Here we recharged ourselves with some hot tea, before the army took over, walked us down to the Indo-Tibetan border post, and gave us a detailed overview of the place through a very nice presentation. Listening to them, our heads bow with respect at the tremendous sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces in such difficult terrains. After some more snacks and sweets at the army canteen on our return, playing around and posing in the snow, we came back to Tawang. The white surroundings, the snow drizzle, and the lakes en route made our journey truly surreal. It was easily the best day of our trip.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_otjDq_fNgEqnX3j1-4HoZrubVIKWde8Mw5GMHgtsRYpMkXS4yi2D1MiQa9hsd4SzdZv8GAtLxP623iyaFlG8l3S2CLL4hPSv2yrhNXju1vP0ib65iXsOvcMjG9H8nfonRo3UFe_p483cQydZKrE-GpxSazpm8AkFO-FMff8uz78oyGUoex1py4P/s3403/IMG_20230322_142028.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3403" data-original-width="3397" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_otjDq_fNgEqnX3j1-4HoZrubVIKWde8Mw5GMHgtsRYpMkXS4yi2D1MiQa9hsd4SzdZv8GAtLxP623iyaFlG8l3S2CLL4hPSv2yrhNXju1vP0ib65iXsOvcMjG9H8nfonRo3UFe_p483cQydZKrE-GpxSazpm8AkFO-FMff8uz78oyGUoex1py4P/w638-h640/IMG_20230322_142028.jpg" width="638" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrob6Whqtf37Zx-ZEb7iFc7I8jg2p7B1HgXahxxnVzsuFhSo3dd_ytA1hNuBeMKvHPwTPnfHX-qtzSRun6U8LqOz200SeFhgsIaXU0lRNRm72k_7tQnON-_ACcd-oicLpHaCXjHH3z7mclRClSmn8xr_fSWbIbf-f6mCR2dnK-D-3Wx0ZPZ39S-us3/s836/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="836" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrob6Whqtf37Zx-ZEb7iFc7I8jg2p7B1HgXahxxnVzsuFhSo3dd_ytA1hNuBeMKvHPwTPnfHX-qtzSRun6U8LqOz200SeFhgsIaXU0lRNRm72k_7tQnON-_ACcd-oicLpHaCXjHH3z7mclRClSmn8xr_fSWbIbf-f6mCR2dnK-D-3Wx0ZPZ39S-us3/w640-h480/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The whole journey from Guwahati to Tawang is 540 km, and most of it is in hilly terrain. So it takes at least two days to travel between the two places. Our Tawang trip was complete, and it was time to head homeward. On our way back, we had planned our night halt at <b>Shergaon</b>, a quaint hill station on the foothills. From the Tawang-Bhalukpong road, you need to take a right at Tenga Valley through Rupa to reach here. It was nighttime, and the well-constructed 25km stretch between Rupa and Shergaon was near empty, we barely had about a dozen vehicles coming from the other side during the 25 km run. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO08nVX4l-UMVUsArKFApgoCzBS0-542yCZJqIMTmPsS5zseyc4IK2B4lCY9sqS-QewXSehUB5popIJPsswtEDQU67hGxju84wdd9aZ6oq7-7ae45Ia72HwODPxTk4Ki5Ea3falLnmJwUpWSZ7KcPOcjxVMxn9Z0dzlR3MYo2ZX2e8jp1ccKVaMewW/s4608/IMG_20230323_164824.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO08nVX4l-UMVUsArKFApgoCzBS0-542yCZJqIMTmPsS5zseyc4IK2B4lCY9sqS-QewXSehUB5popIJPsswtEDQU67hGxju84wdd9aZ6oq7-7ae45Ia72HwODPxTk4Ki5Ea3falLnmJwUpWSZ7KcPOcjxVMxn9Z0dzlR3MYo2ZX2e8jp1ccKVaMewW/w640-h480/IMG_20230323_164824.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagkxSdeZyCeL31iyQ0p-EBePs7G0a4-jh6xH9XGW6PXudujdU5ySBfcvcFEVCK162eMIY-DtE-Wgtl11cKdbr_i2sR4Ov9vUrCvm2GN7d8D-G0Ko9lGqmgY4JhrLppPnfaGl38MGBwFvQX6V7PbwTcza1ko3cUaSbq0jlQ6PZrkEzkoGZHNaPIEG1/s4608/IMG_20230324_061854.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagkxSdeZyCeL31iyQ0p-EBePs7G0a4-jh6xH9XGW6PXudujdU5ySBfcvcFEVCK162eMIY-DtE-Wgtl11cKdbr_i2sR4Ov9vUrCvm2GN7d8D-G0Ko9lGqmgY4JhrLppPnfaGl38MGBwFvQX6V7PbwTcza1ko3cUaSbq0jlQ6PZrkEzkoGZHNaPIEG1/w640-h480/IMG_20230324_061854.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCU9bolSuSfTNEQZ-zew-X-1WyZlSE2jlz2aGDFM6nsumLyRYxmJEAts8ZajTz1lAs5PvWkczIT7ckwlOfMgZxxUmF6N6bMfpx3JEGckOsrEkMXtkkWA8o-MhFWVMWBHybPQS6OOXEAmOQfJ2zwh0TKnebeCJmRkn8R5ytFJrjEC77uqU-K01USCI/s4494/IMG_20230323_211905.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2979" data-original-width="4494" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCU9bolSuSfTNEQZ-zew-X-1WyZlSE2jlz2aGDFM6nsumLyRYxmJEAts8ZajTz1lAs5PvWkczIT7ckwlOfMgZxxUmF6N6bMfpx3JEGckOsrEkMXtkkWA8o-MhFWVMWBHybPQS6OOXEAmOQfJ2zwh0TKnebeCJmRkn8R5ytFJrjEC77uqU-K01USCI/w640-h424/IMG_20230323_211905.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The <b>Shergaon Farmstay</b>, a new property we stayed in was a few kilometers inside Shergaon located on a hill. The owners invited us to their home for some lovely local dinner including some exceptional <b>Chicken Curry, Kewa Datshi </b>(potatoes cooked in churpi, the local cheese, Bhutanese style), and some brilliant pickles made from fruits like Kiwi and local cheese. As a nice gesture, some pickles made from fermented churpi were given to us in a bottle to be carried back to Hyderabad. We had a fulfilling discussion with our hosts who gave us nice insights into the lifestyles of the local people there. As you travel through the length and breadth of the country, you truly marvel at the diversity we have, and this makes our unity even more special. In the morning we looked at their farm that breeds Turkey birds, and swans among others. We were told that each egg from Turkey is sold for Rs 100 at the local market and each egg of the swan at Rs 50.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYfdXSu3-txzNny1LuCCkkkmuyQd6K4gCaBUm9_pfT61qMMH8ALAOwIQvO8SeODhRSXuBA5wGVkUspdjd9ImCMah_N47gAh_DtWGKSXSVBdeWGM7gxY_tC3ndf3hJY4AKM78mCZpSKNTKuUjsRYTa3BZCekAB7WXe2aswdvCutQcRuFTSGrYod7Hm/s4608/IMG_20230324_114502.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYfdXSu3-txzNny1LuCCkkkmuyQd6K4gCaBUm9_pfT61qMMH8ALAOwIQvO8SeODhRSXuBA5wGVkUspdjd9ImCMah_N47gAh_DtWGKSXSVBdeWGM7gxY_tC3ndf3hJY4AKM78mCZpSKNTKuUjsRYTa3BZCekAB7WXe2aswdvCutQcRuFTSGrYod7Hm/w640-h480/IMG_20230324_114502.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmtPerZDu3q5Gsj2oSCBSWN4W-ITUFIzsB36Xp7JHxBWTeWKv5_aO7VkUx9i31SRErO3anpTwZG_ilgc59F2MxnNzDHiLDhIcnno0-bEVafS40guZxCqPSUvbWa30CkZPfeAxrwDO2jLoA9vDISn11aFBxkrOctXSfjcftfpi7PpjqhtncF3ertSw/s4608/IMG_20230324_142149.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmtPerZDu3q5Gsj2oSCBSWN4W-ITUFIzsB36Xp7JHxBWTeWKv5_aO7VkUx9i31SRErO3anpTwZG_ilgc59F2MxnNzDHiLDhIcnno0-bEVafS40guZxCqPSUvbWa30CkZPfeAxrwDO2jLoA9vDISn11aFBxkrOctXSfjcftfpi7PpjqhtncF3ertSw/w640-h480/IMG_20230324_142149.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmY297FvGW0uSJHiPZbiEwY59ZGzWP6SksEG7EZmSuVHURt5qBD5IB2on4wTDdSQup8BtsCZxtqtu26-qB6GAjjBwAZGy1Aj2GZYxnKo14LLwbBGQJMOELTRC-qM7WmVMMU_vuoe76SKcZCOgo4Oj9DhsJoKTOa810V4Plss4Fekks7zFog10KeaO/s4608/IMG_20230324_142538.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmY297FvGW0uSJHiPZbiEwY59ZGzWP6SksEG7EZmSuVHURt5qBD5IB2on4wTDdSQup8BtsCZxtqtu26-qB6GAjjBwAZGy1Aj2GZYxnKo14LLwbBGQJMOELTRC-qM7WmVMMU_vuoe76SKcZCOgo4Oj9DhsJoKTOa810V4Plss4Fekks7zFog10KeaO/w640-h480/IMG_20230324_142538.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The drive through the plains from Shergaon to Guwahati was equally scenic, we moved past the <b>Dhunseri Tea Estate</b> and later along the north bank of <b>Brahmaputra</b>. We stopped at <b>Khar Khowa</b>, a well-known Assamese restaurant near Mangaldoi, where we tried the local fish <b>Bhangun</b> cooked in Tenga style, the local mutton curry, and the <b>Assamese Thali</b>. Assamese food has its own distinctive flavours, and it is a wrong perception that it is an offshoot of Bengali food. They have their similarities only till a certain point and believe me it is a lovely cuisine not to be missed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvswOuInHb2KNLTdzFAnOr0EIQDgI5W8Duke7hF9nzOmRMon_iX1pHVdt8RlIhiEHfNQYKvyfrGJbIg5SXO3zGScq_bn0Ab-NRn7u394wd5iKwBceAvFnJ1kQkYSi1FGhzOZXUFgzOZkzWWvPnQcVejl-S92RHNqabTmLIISTMUqWqEhcaTVnIkRl/s4608/IMG_20230325_132539.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvswOuInHb2KNLTdzFAnOr0EIQDgI5W8Duke7hF9nzOmRMon_iX1pHVdt8RlIhiEHfNQYKvyfrGJbIg5SXO3zGScq_bn0Ab-NRn7u394wd5iKwBceAvFnJ1kQkYSi1FGhzOZXUFgzOZkzWWvPnQcVejl-S92RHNqabTmLIISTMUqWqEhcaTVnIkRl/w640-h480/IMG_20230325_132539.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALT3TogjuLQDrKYG91djq_Www7zM7aYEs5rxTOj_uldWn-dy4fa7AGEmAk18MldH9toFLOiQ52ApTVeUxt6lRoH-cpGaRPrV87fqM22BtR4XxQpZvS5ERus4QDn4mQRZ0WQkcxrwb_edZMLRz0WheD0ZkKI9uamdsllApKqoiHelFVVst7f2zeO0x/s4608/IMG_20230325_133112.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALT3TogjuLQDrKYG91djq_Www7zM7aYEs5rxTOj_uldWn-dy4fa7AGEmAk18MldH9toFLOiQ52ApTVeUxt6lRoH-cpGaRPrV87fqM22BtR4XxQpZvS5ERus4QDn4mQRZ0WQkcxrwb_edZMLRz0WheD0ZkKI9uamdsllApKqoiHelFVVst7f2zeO0x/w640-h480/IMG_20230325_133112.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>As we were waiting for our Hyderabad flight at the Guwahati Airport, we did not forget to try out the <b>Naga Smoked Chicken Thali</b>, at a stall name <b>Local Foods</b> inside the airport, as advised by Kaustuv. A grand gastronomical way to end our nine-day Arunachal sojourn. There are many others locations still waiting to welcome us to the North East in the future. Inshallah, some other time. </p><p><b>You can contact our Tour Organizer Kaustuv Khaund at 91018 51344. He is based out of Guwahati, and organizes tours to Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal.</b></p>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0Arunachal Pradesh, India28.2179994 94.7277528-0.092234436178845414 59.571502800000005 56.528233236178849 129.88400280000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-35802009862341653442023-04-12T08:45:00.000+05:302023-04-12T08:45:08.820+05:30Quick Bytes: Gaurang’s Kitchen Brings Vegetarian Dishes of Different States to Hyderabad<p>Hyderabad has its fair share of exclusively vegetarian restaurants, and some of them are quite sought after too. Vegetarian food from the Telugu states, as well as from up North are available in many restaurants in the city, but there is no place that presents vegetarian dishes from all regions of India under the same roof. <b>Gaurang’s Kitchen,</b> a restaurant in Jubilee Hills which has just celebrated its first anniversary is one place that presents the diverse cuisines of the country presenting unique dishes from all over the country.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxTLOuD6QIZ86y7SepOn9_mZ4rOSql2H-l31WwXczDF_13lUS8Zc5pL5hf_WwlqFOcOpZ47692xEJ-N7AdYndqCV_iDaNHBj-QD-BheJIVp2y5kmENYYw-EPgHo1uKDFX96Rbmi5qDrJ_YhvIUsd14wdKtt31uVLcEogKY2mZE0RZgde8vlsQsMJ1/s4608/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxTLOuD6QIZ86y7SepOn9_mZ4rOSql2H-l31WwXczDF_13lUS8Zc5pL5hf_WwlqFOcOpZ47692xEJ-N7AdYndqCV_iDaNHBj-QD-BheJIVp2y5kmENYYw-EPgHo1uKDFX96Rbmi5qDrJ_YhvIUsd14wdKtt31uVLcEogKY2mZE0RZgde8vlsQsMJ1/w640-h480/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The restaurant is the brainchild of <b>Gaurang Shah</b>, a noted designer from the city. The swank place can accommodate close to four hundred diners at a time and boasts of al-fresco as well as indoor sections. The seating consists of different styles including the comfortable floor-level traditional low seating. One cannot but notice the creative and soothing design of the place which is based on an open form. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qLrsIOLUY7S9HTMiKruwxzbmXDaFHiHDkHcEkOq1uYMAGCUzMMq58fXTWm7LVjMjSqEW4vsifxtUtJIBM4L6pOPzZsfbkfKVM2DTrKhqyMGpOpfjtoEPalqSYCXMFxz8MFwX0NIKrLPX3w8tlzLTuMTzvI87kj5m5pojdBpzgk4PMbvejSUdStnP/s1024/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qLrsIOLUY7S9HTMiKruwxzbmXDaFHiHDkHcEkOq1uYMAGCUzMMq58fXTWm7LVjMjSqEW4vsifxtUtJIBM4L6pOPzZsfbkfKVM2DTrKhqyMGpOpfjtoEPalqSYCXMFxz8MFwX0NIKrLPX3w8tlzLTuMTzvI87kj5m5pojdBpzgk4PMbvejSUdStnP/w640-h426/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYq6yjza92frfbW3X-vnR-Xn1-xUhxpIXAsSbnjeuL39vXKrVfHH44ETm3E_SAnmG_KjblamFGH3zMi55C-NoRnucbCJLPRBwjP_GzWTsjUztJTl-NGK7oQopKMEEOekCS9KEPjSPgc_9AtOZ0woNY_wvKypuGDiJEdffc56b2hSRoTcr0ztICgwt/s4608/4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYq6yjza92frfbW3X-vnR-Xn1-xUhxpIXAsSbnjeuL39vXKrVfHH44ETm3E_SAnmG_KjblamFGH3zMi55C-NoRnucbCJLPRBwjP_GzWTsjUztJTl-NGK7oQopKMEEOekCS9KEPjSPgc_9AtOZ0woNY_wvKypuGDiJEdffc56b2hSRoTcr0ztICgwt/w640-h480/4a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizdOrURY-WTDU2smndvYWyYGPa0hRsM7ePEOlxB8JyDoXUf74og3VyiUAK-aQKQ27aqfGYS_9Qv5wQiVIpRONJ9cbtPONAeI8zxrEZFqDAyVRoDmTMMmqSrj63a5jb6CFR-LCYv9SX99KwlBVUJODsygLF4ApAnC8Kgmcv47Nvwg7MaCEZVMaYWvT/s4608/IMG_20230403_205124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizdOrURY-WTDU2smndvYWyYGPa0hRsM7ePEOlxB8JyDoXUf74og3VyiUAK-aQKQ27aqfGYS_9Qv5wQiVIpRONJ9cbtPONAeI8zxrEZFqDAyVRoDmTMMmqSrj63a5jb6CFR-LCYv9SX99KwlBVUJODsygLF4ApAnC8Kgmcv47Nvwg7MaCEZVMaYWvT/w640-h480/IMG_20230403_205124.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYa7OsgBb7FyGFIofyNOkk0GNTqx6IfPZ0AXLp0R9hkKPJyOGc8mTEerFEGJPqCtMBuJp4wKlfITf4qUpZjaOzyh0vNBAXwjPE9g-CQsvHzmqQxhcwmJsMpM-uBboIVWqw29jpsOLfQ-JKOfDrUx103ZFXgUu5PYNttCSJuXi-WgLSVMRE5ADSzFnD/s4608/IMG_20230403_205157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYa7OsgBb7FyGFIofyNOkk0GNTqx6IfPZ0AXLp0R9hkKPJyOGc8mTEerFEGJPqCtMBuJp4wKlfITf4qUpZjaOzyh0vNBAXwjPE9g-CQsvHzmqQxhcwmJsMpM-uBboIVWqw29jpsOLfQ-JKOfDrUx103ZFXgUu5PYNttCSJuXi-WgLSVMRE5ADSzFnD/w640-h480/IMG_20230403_205157.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>For Gaurang, a big foodie himself, this restaurant provides an opportunity to champion lost and unknown dishes from different regions of India. He is personally involved along with Chef Prakash Lobo in designing a culinary treat for his customers. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUFUNwOYyekh1-SD2ngeo7Iubke4h2hN3wrrInVKOVNNKHz_qDxf-5mGCuofd0-I9RgSXCQsnm3SIJkflTXr762ZO38tfMYPntpCSCUBZmJ8faU3aKfbPXUZKbIjXaQvvJu9AODoVSdGtrUHsZ7-T0zqxDTtFqBNLInJbM5nKFq5jiFBb8KGUEjkO/s1024/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUFUNwOYyekh1-SD2ngeo7Iubke4h2hN3wrrInVKOVNNKHz_qDxf-5mGCuofd0-I9RgSXCQsnm3SIJkflTXr762ZO38tfMYPntpCSCUBZmJ8faU3aKfbPXUZKbIjXaQvvJu9AODoVSdGtrUHsZ7-T0zqxDTtFqBNLInJbM5nKFq5jiFBb8KGUEjkO/w640-h426/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe86ggz6Z_w-t9LG9-rVSNMVmkdgqg4WGV4BfeMbIQ0R224Pzfltp3sKsXhrwVkR3RaZTYF8WX8ZXAIB2QJs8ODlfv0dii7vWGeqqvhBqsmWDrMxJiid33JW7zRYQgwj5BAP9R8jqC9MXaYaYvpYR1o45dVjo_bjjLtl6Zv1xWr85b9BlpbKBUxso3/s3471/IMG_20230403_203308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3471" data-original-width="3436" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe86ggz6Z_w-t9LG9-rVSNMVmkdgqg4WGV4BfeMbIQ0R224Pzfltp3sKsXhrwVkR3RaZTYF8WX8ZXAIB2QJs8ODlfv0dii7vWGeqqvhBqsmWDrMxJiid33JW7zRYQgwj5BAP9R8jqC9MXaYaYvpYR1o45dVjo_bjjLtl6Zv1xWr85b9BlpbKBUxso3/w634-h640/IMG_20230403_203308.jpg" width="634" /></a></div><p></p><p>Coming to the food, the place is known for its <b>thali</b> with the constituent dishes changing every day. As per <b>Chef Prakash Lobo</b> who heads the kitchen, a tremendous amount of attention goes to the menu composition and balance. Thus the thali often has dishes from the mountains as well as coastal areas, as well as a combination of rich and comfort food. Chef Lobo is always on a journey to track new dishes from different parts of the country and bring them to the table. The thali on two days will never be the same here. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkwtX-VP0BNHwCYOUP1aSaPpcV3fu-yH2wgkbL2GulegY1VrlNddj8a3B1DaU4xZ-YDTJg2sPFcL_DtY0w3keEszfHBFaC0eWtbG9Bmaa_zqWCRBjskIZ7Nb9iG44kP79yR2lZGegfjP25m98xyWub1i9CZnUfsuRt1RxURKF4xMZM0csMbtl5Aiz/s1024/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkwtX-VP0BNHwCYOUP1aSaPpcV3fu-yH2wgkbL2GulegY1VrlNddj8a3B1DaU4xZ-YDTJg2sPFcL_DtY0w3keEszfHBFaC0eWtbG9Bmaa_zqWCRBjskIZ7Nb9iG44kP79yR2lZGegfjP25m98xyWub1i9CZnUfsuRt1RxURKF4xMZM0csMbtl5Aiz/w640-h640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>On the anniversary day, the restaurant launched sixteen new starters to mark the occasion. Some of these dishes were inspired by known dishes of regional cuisines. Thus there was <b>Maharashtra Poha Patti Samosa, Bajri Crackers with Chana Dal Dip,</b> and <b>Tandoori Paneer Calzone</b>, dishes that were a twist on the popular dishes. My favourites for that day were the <b>Tandoori Chaap, Khandvi Chaat,</b> and <b>Tandoori Fruit Chaat</b>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLE6XsrO_kIVFr6e0InrZI7POUqVITVWqA7fLciTxnIWsOREhyjDENDQ7s9Oo05xfu2k9cpqCjQ8Rz3WGS6ezQR0_NlNdnY97npBOOt_186AAokoNxcRxsz6JKtmzTbYYW-sOw2omJ0sPfmSjBRMhce2JPn6ZC3OgfFi5J-VgSd0zjBDP-7V8aHwjd/s4608/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLE6XsrO_kIVFr6e0InrZI7POUqVITVWqA7fLciTxnIWsOREhyjDENDQ7s9Oo05xfu2k9cpqCjQ8Rz3WGS6ezQR0_NlNdnY97npBOOt_186AAokoNxcRxsz6JKtmzTbYYW-sOw2omJ0sPfmSjBRMhce2JPn6ZC3OgfFi5J-VgSd0zjBDP-7V8aHwjd/w640-h480/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1kUCUHeoJmIgoVKUBkH61GVg4AhM9Jk0G3ZP1mLaLuJBdaJ7oaVj1upJ4tTTvm3WqUac9Oa40YPwKXX0vaXp6lrKBUR-kxInnFDGZWKSVEDa19InZydNgkYdYNP1Fs9Jj2PiuRGjw3c3yoQXcWKMm9oSU1HLg8Wgl8Hmmv6n_rlFZAFXhCFpsqHv/s4608/IMG_20230403_195949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1kUCUHeoJmIgoVKUBkH61GVg4AhM9Jk0G3ZP1mLaLuJBdaJ7oaVj1upJ4tTTvm3WqUac9Oa40YPwKXX0vaXp6lrKBUR-kxInnFDGZWKSVEDa19InZydNgkYdYNP1Fs9Jj2PiuRGjw3c3yoQXcWKMm9oSU1HLg8Wgl8Hmmv6n_rlFZAFXhCFpsqHv/w640-h480/IMG_20230403_195949.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsTeKHcLfDMDuIm96WRCSw8qIUxWnryc82xwy0I182zuKO1wLHWNkNuOeU5RuGBJEY81aUzmjKQRgD4-2TF32HizXii202NpLLzsVYOa5czPYfJhg6tVt2yPJNgF7-zE3LJNkuT5IX2LyJiBXAugtf_3x9f4C7NP1pDTWiEweRNm5qRw-6XtTRt_Z/s4073/IMG_20230403_201328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4073" data-original-width="3396" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgsTeKHcLfDMDuIm96WRCSw8qIUxWnryc82xwy0I182zuKO1wLHWNkNuOeU5RuGBJEY81aUzmjKQRgD4-2TF32HizXii202NpLLzsVYOa5czPYfJhg6tVt2yPJNgF7-zE3LJNkuT5IX2LyJiBXAugtf_3x9f4C7NP1pDTWiEweRNm5qRw-6XtTRt_Z/w534-h640/IMG_20230403_201328.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirk6Sdvrbw5fDa-GlxDoRTXZq_CMBA9kSwlQ1w2ak22EfCwugkgZNmbMFgEmJXtUBRhpnzzVu7E9iHnQ6ZbGPFFnsBCwl4UVH2Az3KrJrV9VfWdwhrmV1DBTHHVyRCCCxKCE0sI4Vq2oyhhluD8xwf2b3Fjb86rBpNfQs7m345x4KwB0SG2ZEKwlbL/s4034/IMG_20230403_204629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3440" data-original-width="4034" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirk6Sdvrbw5fDa-GlxDoRTXZq_CMBA9kSwlQ1w2ak22EfCwugkgZNmbMFgEmJXtUBRhpnzzVu7E9iHnQ6ZbGPFFnsBCwl4UVH2Az3KrJrV9VfWdwhrmV1DBTHHVyRCCCxKCE0sI4Vq2oyhhluD8xwf2b3Fjb86rBpNfQs7m345x4KwB0SG2ZEKwlbL/w640-h546/IMG_20230403_204629.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>There were items for the health-conscious too, like <b>Beetroot wrap</b> and <b>Lauki Idli</b>. They served the biryani was served in a mug covered by purdah. Both the desserts I tried <b>Cookies N Cream Kulfi</b> and <b>Rose Coconut Jalebi</b> made their mark. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3g7DUhi-BvB31dN1Nmfk5i7q6Ta1okgVIaKAsaZ2xnEWnsnxWolPWYOzEzG6K6cHSoXcWZzt_Kk8kRrQRgsoUQWnLDif3Z_t-BhorCh-b_D-JHHVl-6s6TUh9JagiyOmanA-qHAk2tBKGh3j7KF89nlhZWM_dWH5dWyaWqrbELk59FQLknC_e55E2/s3444/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3444" data-original-width="3421" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3g7DUhi-BvB31dN1Nmfk5i7q6Ta1okgVIaKAsaZ2xnEWnsnxWolPWYOzEzG6K6cHSoXcWZzt_Kk8kRrQRgsoUQWnLDif3Z_t-BhorCh-b_D-JHHVl-6s6TUh9JagiyOmanA-qHAk2tBKGh3j7KF89nlhZWM_dWH5dWyaWqrbELk59FQLknC_e55E2/w636-h640/6.jpg" width="636" /></a></div><p></p><p>Being Ramzan time, one of the best dishes was the <b>Vegetarian Haleem</b>. Substituting meat with soya, the dish mimicked the mutton counterpart very closely. Another highlight was the <b>Mobile Pani Puri Counter</b> you could beckon to serve Pani Puri at your table side.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEchCg_W7llo5yterlBWSeE_rx7NLkGh3o4qkrbsPOOHU2bT74OVqXaww8STIaZpbjJFV2I74QZknUb5MsUM0IrwRoYku-5vuzCmN1s9JGfG5ERHCAfqKvzAmhYfecOBFANxWwwQ6m8jiYnH_5-N1xhQLEVBD-51y3V-3hCCG00XoFdlU84BEOFDP/s4608/IMG_20230403_201137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEchCg_W7llo5yterlBWSeE_rx7NLkGh3o4qkrbsPOOHU2bT74OVqXaww8STIaZpbjJFV2I74QZknUb5MsUM0IrwRoYku-5vuzCmN1s9JGfG5ERHCAfqKvzAmhYfecOBFANxWwwQ6m8jiYnH_5-N1xhQLEVBD-51y3V-3hCCG00XoFdlU84BEOFDP/w640-h480/IMG_20230403_201137.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwh5N8gNPReDXnTyzbhiBTCOj7Y45BrSiaJGwcwL9NeYheYzQ2bINNb3jjLc6h6umUBPGG-DgtbCuYAp0V3C_SL7P9J0avq1KPF4xhDgkoMZv_yS6u-fgrYbo5ALtEK0pINqTeLUvGwmucKOaPipwqJr7uqI35h0023poi834m6W_LQ6bOa7aj_15/s783/a89361cd-8ca8-43f1-bfa3-e29741378e05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="783" data-original-width="759" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwh5N8gNPReDXnTyzbhiBTCOj7Y45BrSiaJGwcwL9NeYheYzQ2bINNb3jjLc6h6umUBPGG-DgtbCuYAp0V3C_SL7P9J0avq1KPF4xhDgkoMZv_yS6u-fgrYbo5ALtEK0pINqTeLUvGwmucKOaPipwqJr7uqI35h0023poi834m6W_LQ6bOa7aj_15/w620-h640/a89361cd-8ca8-43f1-bfa3-e29741378e05.jpg" width="620" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is an exceptional culinary journey, especially for vegetarian food lovers. If you are in a group, you can book a separate room exclusively for yourselves. The regional food festivals held here from time to time are also huge draws. </p><p><b>Address: Gaurang’s Kitchen, Plot Number, 1147, Rd Number 59, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033.Phone: 086888 20077</b></p><p><b>Note: Some pics are courtesy Gaurang's Kitchen</b></p>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-17683099912276144322023-04-05T20:00:00.016+05:302023-06-14T09:05:36.761+05:30Arunachal Pradesh Travelogue: From Guwahati to Dirang<div class="separator"> Arunachal Pradesh was on my bucket list for a long time. I had been discussing with <b>Kaustuv Khaund</b>, a fellow foodie and travel connoisseur based out of Guwahati regarding travelling to the hills. As per him, Arunachal Pradesh had to be covered through multiple trips, and the best place to start was the western region, where one can travel through the hills up to the Indo-Tibet border. So after a lot of deliberations, we drew up an itinerary for about eight days aiming to visit the border districts of Tawang. We were a team of four (two families) from Hyderabad. Kaustuv had made all the arrangements and offered that he will personally take us around during the trip.</div><div class="separator"><br /></div><div class="separator"><b>Also Read: <a href="https://www.foodaholix.in/2023/04/Tawang-Bumla-Pass.html" target="_blank">Arunachal : Tawang & Bumla Pass</a></b></div><div class="separator"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyi7xB4ox6cVw9TZXpGZ0uO_k3aC_j_Yiem_jf4jErteaa3B9Yd2pS5M4MGcC2tRyWKNywR0EWfVlkfU8Uw3S9ghviAQ_CmfDT_QAD6Bzr9Riljrzs8WEYJutcqpYSpDxj6vwvYPedopD1lTA3lTNhoQaP_DWla5rIjMvm5eKpc4rV6flsN3Bn1AJn/s4608/IMG_20230320_122555.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyi7xB4ox6cVw9TZXpGZ0uO_k3aC_j_Yiem_jf4jErteaa3B9Yd2pS5M4MGcC2tRyWKNywR0EWfVlkfU8Uw3S9ghviAQ_CmfDT_QAD6Bzr9Riljrzs8WEYJutcqpYSpDxj6vwvYPedopD1lTA3lTNhoQaP_DWla5rIjMvm5eKpc4rV6flsN3Bn1AJn/w640-h480/IMG_20230320_122555.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sela Pass, between Dirang & Tawang</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>So, on an appointed day in March, we were at <b>Gopinath Bardoloi Airport</b> in Guwahati, Assam. The idea was to move straight out of the city and proceed towards Arunachal Pradesh along the lower bank of Brahmaputra River. It takes two to three days to reach the interiors of the state, so the itinerary was designed in such a way that we have multiple stops, which would help us to acclimatize for the high altitudes too.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikf2EzK4rPIJ93Ef1bz7SGnElJctwXFIzMI2vNceRUnzVY369vO9oO8n6eCpvJl7wIdAT984aQbsky1D1hizClSu3AmctIzePELiGE86inLaZRSoUSuaZ0kt8lIZ3HgHwMS6ClM-al7tIXzVRWbhxNAgl0gskky54R66IcPCJG4rEH2NpKuNNys6Tb/s4608/IMG_20230317_172934.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikf2EzK4rPIJ93Ef1bz7SGnElJctwXFIzMI2vNceRUnzVY369vO9oO8n6eCpvJl7wIdAT984aQbsky1D1hizClSu3AmctIzePELiGE86inLaZRSoUSuaZ0kt8lIZ3HgHwMS6ClM-al7tIXzVRWbhxNAgl0gskky54R66IcPCJG4rEH2NpKuNNys6Tb/w640-h480/IMG_20230317_172934.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-r4x3PDbUDOjMoRUZjmQxJejMzrasafmkneeYil-9283Tvqm2xrwl7iVrjs6HYjSNPzOGJvfAEfEKEmgKs5RrIGbYkqENiJIoKVONVeRA3woKU1N6T5CUWBKq1YCBzwCPJckJlSJ5VEL4_tevJV7eg45AEV-APd7jPk2O1QE_Sv-xcs4TttqgNG9/s4608/IMG_20230317_173125.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-r4x3PDbUDOjMoRUZjmQxJejMzrasafmkneeYil-9283Tvqm2xrwl7iVrjs6HYjSNPzOGJvfAEfEKEmgKs5RrIGbYkqENiJIoKVONVeRA3woKU1N6T5CUWBKq1YCBzwCPJckJlSJ5VEL4_tevJV7eg45AEV-APd7jPk2O1QE_Sv-xcs4TttqgNG9/w640-h480/IMG_20230317_173125.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKLFXMGRY7TgLXc4nOYorImYu3DoOJQwpLv1uywp10gLLxIA-kk6r3_vOE3mJiRGu2UdPSW7btZEi020Snzl1MXRFFApahEVUL6W0kdDKxj06cNZxvi9VctTlO1kpkvXQtuwgENSWGLyeRFezU4NZWjztXw6MQXD7WJGyAfaafNoCmUvAxC0Iz59E/s4608/IMG_20230317_173416.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKLFXMGRY7TgLXc4nOYorImYu3DoOJQwpLv1uywp10gLLxIA-kk6r3_vOE3mJiRGu2UdPSW7btZEi020Snzl1MXRFFApahEVUL6W0kdDKxj06cNZxvi9VctTlO1kpkvXQtuwgENSWGLyeRFezU4NZWjztXw6MQXD7WJGyAfaafNoCmUvAxC0Iz59E/w480-h640/IMG_20230317_173416.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Misa Polo Club</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Our first-night break was to be at a homestay inside <b>Nameri National Park</b>, about 250 km from Guwahati. We had started from Guwahati in the afternoon, and at dusk, we took a quick stopover at <b>Misa Polo Club</b>, a club catering to tea planters in a section of lower Assam. The club located inside a tea garden had a vintage look with rich décor, and the tea served there was superior quality Assam tea. We came to know that the club bungalows are also available for a night stay, but that part for us was already sorted. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXILPAIQj9I98zGhN4vqczlq3-_-SddCl2Y8OGsLHRmFm4-B3MYOAQ7N0r9V50IDHva4pjEsCMQIoUiVgpL7QFYc6sb8BuK_HYvQlOpf1UwLzykd6_8kBeRneL3lHNlEzzaBo36m6oP2HuQ-GPWP74_MD_LXFmoFoLEZ3jgsG-DMcCKdcwBBLbkAn/s4608/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXILPAIQj9I98zGhN4vqczlq3-_-SddCl2Y8OGsLHRmFm4-B3MYOAQ7N0r9V50IDHva4pjEsCMQIoUiVgpL7QFYc6sb8BuK_HYvQlOpf1UwLzykd6_8kBeRneL3lHNlEzzaBo36m6oP2HuQ-GPWP74_MD_LXFmoFoLEZ3jgsG-DMcCKdcwBBLbkAn/w640-h480/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><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/AVvXsEhw-04VmfKHImUa6nrWaPJ0RhTA6jhlDqQQTYL_ANJZ-HeOqmqfDali7A0tp5seJTjMhD4tJcFYCOKFaHCpm8KlPjV0wlUoRW8D-Gqjlok1uKu8VrsVpaGFbeJDC3rp09Hl9urpwJAHBDQWyhr8bNjZRgM9oje4m-UtFuctt8PcubvucAH7bC4rotq6/s4608/IMG_20230317_202445.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-04VmfKHImUa6nrWaPJ0RhTA6jhlDqQQTYL_ANJZ-HeOqmqfDali7A0tp5seJTjMhD4tJcFYCOKFaHCpm8KlPjV0wlUoRW8D-Gqjlok1uKu8VrsVpaGFbeJDC3rp09Hl9urpwJAHBDQWyhr8bNjZRgM9oje4m-UtFuctt8PcubvucAH7bC4rotq6/w640-h480/IMG_20230317_202445.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Our huts at Nameri (top) and Along, the Local Rice Beer</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Soon we took a left turn from the highway and moved past Tezpur towards Nameri. It was getting dark, and Kaustuv told us that this is elephant country, and often while driving one can run into a herd passing through the area. It is a pity that we humans have encroached into the forest lands which belong to the animals, and as a result, they are forced to move into localities in search of food.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1adTm3xCydQEY6juMjTi0nJ5Q8PRZ9QHLZfn_zs6suZDa2Gvq4Wl7V9C5lCHCjwKe9V30JYrM4kq2TNlBkArhb3RuipAj6IqA0Ox8-ZV7jIDv_7lW6RPvRp1tFwCIMd9mvVhwgTF64iPgHaAW67ST-8hTkNtDXI3WwyABjfZGpTlYxYRspzErlJBT/s4608/8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1adTm3xCydQEY6juMjTi0nJ5Q8PRZ9QHLZfn_zs6suZDa2Gvq4Wl7V9C5lCHCjwKe9V30JYrM4kq2TNlBkArhb3RuipAj6IqA0Ox8-ZV7jIDv_7lW6RPvRp1tFwCIMd9mvVhwgTF64iPgHaAW67ST-8hTkNtDXI3WwyABjfZGpTlYxYRspzErlJBT/w640-h480/8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our huts inside Nameri village were pretty. There were only two huts in the particular homestay we were putting up. The huts were clean, and they organized a local dinner in the open space in front of the huts. Assamese-style chicken and Aloo Pitika were the highlights of the dinner. We also had a taste of <b>Apong, the local rice beer</b> from the Mising tribe, who are inhabitants of the foothills of Arunachal. The slightly sweetish beer is offered in a brass bowl to you if you visit any home of the Mising tribe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsR1XBPw_N9Iax6NprKHOnkc-afIHbPSE7KkD9lKqvSHd5992VDTz2NPxiJvE9tu7gg8_Yw1ZPTcpWmNjLSvsPsc4uJa0RRNcwhIrbXehT4a5zt0mOs77yNXR6ePmJA3vSKmjp9ovOmSlVmSdBV_8IgxqgqaWfJ8H8ovXaBOIfVj0ZUw3Spwba5y_x/s4608/9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsR1XBPw_N9Iax6NprKHOnkc-afIHbPSE7KkD9lKqvSHd5992VDTz2NPxiJvE9tu7gg8_Yw1ZPTcpWmNjLSvsPsc4uJa0RRNcwhIrbXehT4a5zt0mOs77yNXR6ePmJA3vSKmjp9ovOmSlVmSdBV_8IgxqgqaWfJ8H8ovXaBOIfVj0ZUw3Spwba5y_x/w640-h480/9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJN4wxO6ULkxhJW1UgsNp5iR7Va8Q7UJA-G3ZCwufbrJ1zdhBXn8w5ANwmb-oDi12lWJK4-qY3wJjydl6kRxrEpvpScMKeQmUyGSumXjclYgqxbaNZQP89wy_NkYDNG-6gPT_-sAZqtwza-tHpufFsD15XtxaInth9cvNGrUyBzRWAh-F_9eXWbzzT/s4608/IMG_20230318_092336.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJN4wxO6ULkxhJW1UgsNp5iR7Va8Q7UJA-G3ZCwufbrJ1zdhBXn8w5ANwmb-oDi12lWJK4-qY3wJjydl6kRxrEpvpScMKeQmUyGSumXjclYgqxbaNZQP89wy_NkYDNG-6gPT_-sAZqtwza-tHpufFsD15XtxaInth9cvNGrUyBzRWAh-F_9eXWbzzT/w640-h480/IMG_20230318_092336.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Arunachal has about 26 tribes each speaking its own language. Hindi is thus the common language of communication in the state. Western Arunachal is predominantly inhabited by a tribe called Monpa, who are Buddhists and are also a predominant tribe in Eastern Bhutan. </p><p>The next morning, we went around the village. The villages in Assam are very green and pretty, they reminded me of the Dooars area of North Bengal. We explored the small village before we started our journey early moving towards Dirang, our next destination.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivda6yRA7jEH5dJyQRwRTmaqfeBndpzktDbdYP5OCLwhizsNNdGu1fr6gb3ieP0YnG7lunwY-09e61ICPIoJH9C-eQF1T4caD3OJ5Z_F_0N-HuZNwv3Z6-Dh-NZFT8u4NCQHVKVEPnhO74gMM5y5Ocl08T81QnTJkbm8AXuT_Q7RX5ZPGvxLfH8qA/s4608/13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivda6yRA7jEH5dJyQRwRTmaqfeBndpzktDbdYP5OCLwhizsNNdGu1fr6gb3ieP0YnG7lunwY-09e61ICPIoJH9C-eQF1T4caD3OJ5Z_F_0N-HuZNwv3Z6-Dh-NZFT8u4NCQHVKVEPnhO74gMM5y5Ocl08T81QnTJkbm8AXuT_Q7RX5ZPGvxLfH8qA/w640-h480/13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>As we moved on the <b>Kameng River</b> accompanied us. We had a short visit to the river bank in Nameri, a wide riverfront that has been spoilt by garbage left behind by tourists. The Arunachal check post at <b>Bhalukpong</b> took a bit of time to cross, as we had to make the Inner Line Permits here. The border is dotted with wine shops, as alcohol in Arunachal is about one-third cheaper than in Assam. </p><p>The roads in Arunachal are among the best among the hilly tracts of India. A large credit goes to Border Roads Organization (BRO) which builds and maintains them. Throughout Arunachal, you see a lot of movement of army trucks, as this is one of the most sensitive border areas of India. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjly-R3QMvZZNTGSpC0qif_Hob75Cz_MFzW-E120Rz9oL3WqEaG04oPAhlC-WpgtM1OPyBShCToDS10PggeRgitiBRmGAbhIBBTa6dxgPFVQVfUsVg_g9O3mHLJ6IP2chT2Tj-GFDywS3Oz-ZLy4PIfYiiNOJ16MIZIBUz-gJJCC-MevwfSnVUA3OiY/s4608/11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjly-R3QMvZZNTGSpC0qif_Hob75Cz_MFzW-E120Rz9oL3WqEaG04oPAhlC-WpgtM1OPyBShCToDS10PggeRgitiBRmGAbhIBBTa6dxgPFVQVfUsVg_g9O3mHLJ6IP2chT2Tj-GFDywS3Oz-ZLy4PIfYiiNOJ16MIZIBUz-gJJCC-MevwfSnVUA3OiY/w640-h480/11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zQ7q1Kj88rU5l6xVQnWn60VUlJEO3yiZJzIHN8iMwVPl9dhqTEnix_yb1uL-IcCDxtZtrejGRz9tgB7yY0jqmIF354gaNvXOeK2G52VC6--IJAw8YksFlqeaq0_hnfmEu_8rSHroabidYh0WUpfLBHYhN78IUfMECT-01Ae-IaLgV3UtWnOBxpNL/s3597/IMG_99.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3336" data-original-width="3597" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7zQ7q1Kj88rU5l6xVQnWn60VUlJEO3yiZJzIHN8iMwVPl9dhqTEnix_yb1uL-IcCDxtZtrejGRz9tgB7yY0jqmIF354gaNvXOeK2G52VC6--IJAw8YksFlqeaq0_hnfmEu_8rSHroabidYh0WUpfLBHYhN78IUfMECT-01Ae-IaLgV3UtWnOBxpNL/w640-h594/IMG_99.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8FN4Gk586bIoee5NU91a0SHTLEQ27S8v-tlWYJIDpj0VyRWAMMBx6NDPtXwT0KX4W4nNcexg0UbtnDly8-JW6dQFIc7Wz5K10Pv4-sAR1RKIyq5Tg2ml-fRkkcjy22MjIIq_9GpjQJ06sAP8rp6oWJKqggRoQyv7iST3uwv9kwGGBe4ZCmqvmoWT/s4608/16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8FN4Gk586bIoee5NU91a0SHTLEQ27S8v-tlWYJIDpj0VyRWAMMBx6NDPtXwT0KX4W4nNcexg0UbtnDly8-JW6dQFIc7Wz5K10Pv4-sAR1RKIyq5Tg2ml-fRkkcjy22MjIIq_9GpjQJ06sAP8rp6oWJKqggRoQyv7iST3uwv9kwGGBe4ZCmqvmoWT/w640-h480/16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfCfekY-cv76pPv9cSznDlIwYc-pMSQcCJ3QID_SlrOEo3rqFuLS8eNSh_joABFen_MVaN1UiT_bQ6QwC6gDvDpWtgKS7VabwnoVlnkiDzgCURKSC9gSmEfeTdqswgj104KOhy-N4JzFbov6wmB86Zoia1q2_07DUXxmG2-hjn3KgqZRFx4W8Et39/s4608/IMG_20230318_134847.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvfCfekY-cv76pPv9cSznDlIwYc-pMSQcCJ3QID_SlrOEo3rqFuLS8eNSh_joABFen_MVaN1UiT_bQ6QwC6gDvDpWtgKS7VabwnoVlnkiDzgCURKSC9gSmEfeTdqswgj104KOhy-N4JzFbov6wmB86Zoia1q2_07DUXxmG2-hjn3KgqZRFx4W8Et39/w640-h480/IMG_20230318_134847.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>At Tenga Valley, the food, the road and the vegetable market</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Our lunch was at a small place in <b>Tenga Valley</b>. We tried both the Assamese Fish Thali as well as the local Momo and Thukpa. While bypassing the town of <b>Bomdila</b>, we had to negotiate extreme fog where visibility was only a few feet. At dusk, we reached the town of Dirang and directly proceeded to the Dirang monastery.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTN_NbR-Mo2VVLRs8Mj_7e1W16hoPkwYqIPTnFUzw2WdZbZe1vxpQXDGJX3zmGNOt9q3M2XwppivnOA9e44BZkRvMDbtpLDIWjqE59J97AojEojuy3xfC_MUSJLbbkG0Y71NVhyVJanANKfsQdAkEg35Tb2hn-Rn1GRhV21TXxu6_tEFgDoJJP-Nfc/s4608/12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTN_NbR-Mo2VVLRs8Mj_7e1W16hoPkwYqIPTnFUzw2WdZbZe1vxpQXDGJX3zmGNOt9q3M2XwppivnOA9e44BZkRvMDbtpLDIWjqE59J97AojEojuy3xfC_MUSJLbbkG0Y71NVhyVJanANKfsQdAkEg35Tb2hn-Rn1GRhV21TXxu6_tEFgDoJJP-Nfc/w640-h480/12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0qagQHPiIJSQm4HfOLfZh8k-vJJBEXoXPukbPu2ImBX86hHpM7Pa0rrFhBahmZLp5v5fS9E1enQqR6WI_slIMAJLPZZz3yzCCDGAD0_0vZw5Hj33DIF9OwFzWHGwJ5biJ9oS5jKr7yNhXnt-7KsoV9MsAXCMcme_ZQHStgo2MOJWH5gx5dyF1Vku/s4608/15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs0qagQHPiIJSQm4HfOLfZh8k-vJJBEXoXPukbPu2ImBX86hHpM7Pa0rrFhBahmZLp5v5fS9E1enQqR6WI_slIMAJLPZZz3yzCCDGAD0_0vZw5Hj33DIF9OwFzWHGwJ5biJ9oS5jKr7yNhXnt-7KsoV9MsAXCMcme_ZQHStgo2MOJWH5gx5dyF1Vku/w640-h480/15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dirang Monastery</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><b>Dirang</b> is a small town in the West Kameng district in Arunachal. It is a preferred stopover en route to Tawang, though certain tourists prefer to spend the night at Bomdila too. The monastery is located at the top of a mountain, and in good weather conditions, you can get a phenomenal bird eye view of the town. We were not so lucky on a cloudy day. The monastery was one of the cleanest that I have seen (and with my travels I have seen many of them). The hot tea in the canteen refreshed us before we went down to check in at our homestay.</p><p><b>Gonpalok Homestay</b> was more like a small hotel. We were provided rooms in the annex building. The rooms were large and had all amenities. The issue that we faced during the two-day stay was that the attendants were mostly in the main building, so service often took a bit of time. That said, overall the stay was very comfortable, and the food was decent too.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLjHuXj5Ofm5wQMT_tw86v9EZaYMseCKnRHgNDK5pHtluE7IgafPpDQkwHqCWJSq9dPgHCMJXWhvtpeSyR5qj_TCQyYhPwibeNlktcRV6JeWcwUpB6GTy3QAtUSxNmgmTsjPf4_vIzAPi_WPrD7b1AdRryTrJPOAZ3zirsaSJEg7K8B7vFeRLfGWF/s4608/17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLjHuXj5Ofm5wQMT_tw86v9EZaYMseCKnRHgNDK5pHtluE7IgafPpDQkwHqCWJSq9dPgHCMJXWhvtpeSyR5qj_TCQyYhPwibeNlktcRV6JeWcwUpB6GTy3QAtUSxNmgmTsjPf4_vIzAPi_WPrD7b1AdRryTrJPOAZ3zirsaSJEg7K8B7vFeRLfGWF/w640-h480/17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTj1gZVXocJfxS88W0udU4MBUxi0vOndnxFPr41_EnPygo3ixWPQzbK9sZ2ex-AEPpqpmpAYPc3VMtuRbbiHYk3ot1oa6wpHoCNVyph-1a78SLUil71NebPLiguws8ncWhOrFaiKu2rsVJRgPoDxhDPCzPQ0OwPqCufd5rcQ-45wuNAD_UZ9NREYz/s4608/20.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTj1gZVXocJfxS88W0udU4MBUxi0vOndnxFPr41_EnPygo3ixWPQzbK9sZ2ex-AEPpqpmpAYPc3VMtuRbbiHYk3ot1oa6wpHoCNVyph-1a78SLUil71NebPLiguws8ncWhOrFaiKu2rsVJRgPoDxhDPCzPQ0OwPqCufd5rcQ-45wuNAD_UZ9NREYz/w640-h480/20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mandala Top Chortens (Top) and Thembang Monpa Houses</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>The next day, we visit <b>Mandala Top</b>, 26 km away. Bad weather did us in again, the top at 10,000 ft was completely covered by fog. The Mandala top has 108 Chortens, with religious inscriptions on all of them. Our next stop was <b>Thembang</b>, a model village of the local Monpa tribe, which is a UNESCO Heritage site. The Monpa homes made of stone and wood have been maintained in the traditions of yesteryears, and the shapes and architecture of the houses made for an interesting sight.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcyk9bWLeyIS0bu0RKH98SgLmeKFIfaoB0cIUvgGzPb535K6B2-GlniYBBe6y016Awmed3_YZno61L1FMztCJgLJGnrsMSPem_COyd6CYTymyo7Eu_naFH7mw8IIRgBnT0q9mUb8tNdPzVN1XHgp7TSRq-YRTkbGr6VFVRVfwUgYOmzMknzLuktFZ/s721/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="622" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcyk9bWLeyIS0bu0RKH98SgLmeKFIfaoB0cIUvgGzPb535K6B2-GlniYBBe6y016Awmed3_YZno61L1FMztCJgLJGnrsMSPem_COyd6CYTymyo7Eu_naFH7mw8IIRgBnT0q9mUb8tNdPzVN1XHgp7TSRq-YRTkbGr6VFVRVfwUgYOmzMknzLuktFZ/w552-h640/1.jpg" width="552" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcFOIGSnAjwwkizIt1opFfiBckIiOq7LbVMMBw3_bb6zZ7Bs4GV33u2BP-a-sT6qxF4JumwpC_GDlAjks5a18NxX4CAk8YUb8iW15TV4leHcPtMoP4A_P9t7awufnrYF_BBH9bW2S3AAvIouqMYZfHxm7aaEVBq8IobpE4V7l4yD_bNv8gXnGtlPq/s4608/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcFOIGSnAjwwkizIt1opFfiBckIiOq7LbVMMBw3_bb6zZ7Bs4GV33u2BP-a-sT6qxF4JumwpC_GDlAjks5a18NxX4CAk8YUb8iW15TV4leHcPtMoP4A_P9t7awufnrYF_BBH9bW2S3AAvIouqMYZfHxm7aaEVBq8IobpE4V7l4yD_bNv8gXnGtlPq/w640-h480/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>It was time to move on from Dirang. The weather did not let up, and that helped us to a fascinating view of <b>Sela Pass</b> top. It was snowing, and the whole top was covered with snow, including a half-frozen <b>Sela Lake</b>. We stopped to pose for photographs and play with the snow. There is an army canteen here offering hot tea and snacks. Sela is at 13,700 ft and it is the gateway to the border district of Tawang which was our next destination. The lovely surroundings along with the lake make you stop for a good amount of time here, before you move further ahead. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzwtiCr5WoWdYdFD6ug3UPQ7XW8-WlNgaxTfglaqqsL8MKGolqVa_7xsxWEnAIIlYpsKL0TYD4FtWV027rqHzQ4oWHiilRmwoTVa91g3bjpXWvonrg3aq0swyvndqySQx-jVsy62MaTxeXt0Kgd6srcRdWJzPNizRZjxT-bmhEWnXW9y7UEhS5edO/s4608/IMG_20230320_123037.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzwtiCr5WoWdYdFD6ug3UPQ7XW8-WlNgaxTfglaqqsL8MKGolqVa_7xsxWEnAIIlYpsKL0TYD4FtWV027rqHzQ4oWHiilRmwoTVa91g3bjpXWvonrg3aq0swyvndqySQx-jVsy62MaTxeXt0Kgd6srcRdWJzPNizRZjxT-bmhEWnXW9y7UEhS5edO/w640-h480/IMG_20230320_123037.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sela Lake</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>You can contact our Tour Organizer Kaustuv Khaund at 91018 51344. He is based out of Guwahati, and organizes tours to Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal.</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br /></div>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-31642924360897841612023-03-15T20:18:00.008+05:302023-04-12T23:28:16.441+05:30Legacy: Blended Whisky from Bacardi India<p>Among alcoholic drinks, whisky is very popular in India, it is said that one out of every two bottles of whisky in the world is consumed in India. The <b>IMFL (India-made foreign liquor)</b> whisky market is growing at a great speed. And one of the star segment here is the mid-range market, selling at above Rs 1000 a bottle, where there is plenty of activities.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfbEWqA4nsYoBZz0yM2scQYfWS1I-LyzLLRP9g8IpvbjeINuzHudlLIitT6hr2GpzFak-_lVtyiKALdpeY-5YY4gxqJE1QTGKk9HlnlikF2OpUC4UW7fMlFhhmnAAdlof8QS7507mo2UksbqW7U_kyeJvGRRQHsoH3H0OvEZBwiQZlkTRN9lpYn15/s4608/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfbEWqA4nsYoBZz0yM2scQYfWS1I-LyzLLRP9g8IpvbjeINuzHudlLIitT6hr2GpzFak-_lVtyiKALdpeY-5YY4gxqJE1QTGKk9HlnlikF2OpUC4UW7fMlFhhmnAAdlof8QS7507mo2UksbqW7U_kyeJvGRRQHsoH3H0OvEZBwiQZlkTRN9lpYn15/w640-h480/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>There have been quite a few recent launches in the segment, the latest being the brand <b>Legacy</b> from <b>Bacardi India</b> – a whisky made in India, and made for India. The bottle has a sub caption “<b>The Spirit of India</b>” right below the Legacy trademark. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2ksfX5RBUlnZzrSbkMi0limDGbN-0CedmGuqfRz9ngY5_8bUgA2_bX91_GlC6_O2WQiDWHeBBOO-zWZSoVxY2GI-kw5rbYy5zIYMgdBfOxdVY69swmzjS3o82hOmfbZwp1VWJmM0VRYU5VhZK3fr3EkI9C7PBtbVCk1CZEyZ1WGW4otdCqW0Hj6P/s4608/3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2ksfX5RBUlnZzrSbkMi0limDGbN-0CedmGuqfRz9ngY5_8bUgA2_bX91_GlC6_O2WQiDWHeBBOO-zWZSoVxY2GI-kw5rbYy5zIYMgdBfOxdVY69swmzjS3o82hOmfbZwp1VWJmM0VRYU5VhZK3fr3EkI9C7PBtbVCk1CZEyZ1WGW4otdCqW0Hj6P/w640-h480/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is the first foray of Bacardi into the India-made segment of whisky. A blended whisky, Legacy combines Scottish and Indian malts along with Indian grains. At the launch of the brand in Hyderabad at <b>Taj Falaknuma</b>, I was exposed to this new product. There were multiple presentations on the product from <b>Zeenah Vilcassim</b>, the Marketing Director, and <b>Ishrat Kaur</b>, the Brand Ambassador of Bacardi. This was followed by Legacy being paired with some lovely Hyderabadi food, from the kitchens of Taj Falaknuma.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzG1JW_rialIdVBd6N4Ta0yIlunnmVUEn06D5Sdh8ekDAG2uh_xpcsNsN8XNpe8weLieEx3gr9gr8eqYiJN2sUHhaAP1AiQTXWOyHYgyCw8a_-a6rBpHTKWBm4iaJpZcgZN9QlsQNFE_thp1K5hQ01f7BFFNklQgHmOMONFC6k-pJJtWpOlr4m3FAr/s4608/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzG1JW_rialIdVBd6N4Ta0yIlunnmVUEn06D5Sdh8ekDAG2uh_xpcsNsN8XNpe8weLieEx3gr9gr8eqYiJN2sUHhaAP1AiQTXWOyHYgyCw8a_-a6rBpHTKWBm4iaJpZcgZN9QlsQNFE_thp1K5hQ01f7BFFNklQgHmOMONFC6k-pJJtWpOlr4m3FAr/w640-h480/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCnWkJ0lUm5Y7lVFYYhFelOlKzoADtQiV4oTEmnL5Ws7DiQOPR67bClyUEjJxyk68i-kutGulmjMquXd9HPkVSlkS2FUJpXlGDuaco23wuDhyIKlbo2dbGNQv2UHdxVHf72M1kQ4xEP1tY1ad6flAIT9s-Cz1ID_t23CxhWdyaA1II2lJJwTQmmqG/s4608/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCnWkJ0lUm5Y7lVFYYhFelOlKzoADtQiV4oTEmnL5Ws7DiQOPR67bClyUEjJxyk68i-kutGulmjMquXd9HPkVSlkS2FUJpXlGDuaco23wuDhyIKlbo2dbGNQv2UHdxVHf72M1kQ4xEP1tY1ad6flAIT9s-Cz1ID_t23CxhWdyaA1II2lJJwTQmmqG/w480-h640/6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>On nosing, one found that the whisky has a peaty aroma to it along with fruity notes. On the tongue, there is no strong aroma, and there is a mild note of Oak too. With the addition of a little water, it became very muted and smooth as well as mildly sweet with a little taste of spice. At the finish, one could feel a little smokiness. The whisky has artificial peat added to the blend, which differentiates it from most brands. We had some spicy Hyderabadi kababs to try out with the drink, and these were perfect foils to the smooth taste. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY51tHsWdHUDzZ_u29Quetr3BakUbZsJHsQnuyefUBbVzGsBYcqdzl3fDnxsDvL6SQPIX0lZbEzFTsflkN1g7IuWWoybTgSn11DVfTkHtDgx0tUzAu52sbiKTVZLPPfsHSuZB8NV2wl1owxxehGwNf2JXC0oCOw1GaE8m_jA6xBjM1ZwLvFY1qP1Br/s4608/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY51tHsWdHUDzZ_u29Quetr3BakUbZsJHsQnuyefUBbVzGsBYcqdzl3fDnxsDvL6SQPIX0lZbEzFTsflkN1g7IuWWoybTgSn11DVfTkHtDgx0tUzAu52sbiKTVZLPPfsHSuZB8NV2wl1owxxehGwNf2JXC0oCOw1GaE8m_jA6xBjM1ZwLvFY1qP1Br/w640-h480/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Legacy is from the Indian operations of Bacardi, the Mexican spirit company with a presence in more than one hundred countries. The whisky has been launched as of now in three states of India, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana. A 750 ml bottle is priced at Rs 1560 in Hyderabad, positioning it against brands like 100 Pipers and Teachers Highland Cream. Tastewise the smoothness should find favour with the people who enjoy a smooth drink, and the brand is expected to do well. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2mhx9u62n49QY6sIXl3HXWCIvwrt0k9C9EJ0Yb-o8PW2f82WzE8jy0vpGLBLqaKZL-u9YtBjrnqqhdCz6mZXXv_aCXrnif9x9x3aqxd4dL2ttcqgPkHq0m8a8mx_69MZm3fhhYHfvtLUptCRsWrY141_OUKva7ZM8FNvrBsaVk1hB0f3cIQO7HcW/s3436/7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3358" data-original-width="3436" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2mhx9u62n49QY6sIXl3HXWCIvwrt0k9C9EJ0Yb-o8PW2f82WzE8jy0vpGLBLqaKZL-u9YtBjrnqqhdCz6mZXXv_aCXrnif9x9x3aqxd4dL2ttcqgPkHq0m8a8mx_69MZm3fhhYHfvtLUptCRsWrY141_OUKva7ZM8FNvrBsaVk1hB0f3cIQO7HcW/w640-h626/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh82pO6r_cLW3wl5-Vw2oR1UcfWV8c6lC77Jp4PAIeexA182pH6NonvriKhOMejo1SYqwiHEImfiqImXyAMZSE5VQ-hx2GDR9lbYpjWV873u9MbMTwsK29cet8O6-sRmNqRX6fb7DWRmJFi-C1sAj7VMX578I37Uz_52fICjaNRL_fALaGFrzasoky/s4608/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh82pO6r_cLW3wl5-Vw2oR1UcfWV8c6lC77Jp4PAIeexA182pH6NonvriKhOMejo1SYqwiHEImfiqImXyAMZSE5VQ-hx2GDR9lbYpjWV873u9MbMTwsK29cet8O6-sRmNqRX6fb7DWRmJFi-C1sAj7VMX578I37Uz_52fICjaNRL_fALaGFrzasoky/w640-h480/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-83609138007970393392023-02-19T15:34:00.001+05:302023-06-15T15:05:09.194+05:30Bangla Mishti Hub: For the Best of Bengal’s Sweets<p>Bengal and sweets go hand in hand. When we talk to our non-Bengali friends, one of the main topics that arise apart from the decadency of the state is definitely its sweets. We Probasi Bengalis often find solace in proclaiming that our mishti is the best in India, and that is corroborated by all or sundry. Often, when some of our non-Bengali friends visit Kolkata, they ask for names of iconic sweet shops in the city, and believe me there are lots of them. If someone wants to cover them, they have to possibly crisscross the city a few times. But no longer. The<b> Bangla Mishti Hub</b> at Rajarhat is a useful step in the direction where Bengali sweets from many a top brands can be tasted under the same roof. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2ot8_oqagpkxr0K8lwtjHUa4KtLDuCFrRNvsHi6RIYaZxfQ8s8g4l_ItOgjlr_mEyAi21t9cT8zfz0rSTIElIp3HEJDIqj2niyaLv4Yc9lA2MTogvziP0Eo3DHHfs0-4tRIdAo2jSQCkqXYYPwqs5WT08I9cw1A4mML9AMb5njEViaUzrP9HcAvQ/s3496/IMG_20230201_132731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3496" data-original-width="3423" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2ot8_oqagpkxr0K8lwtjHUa4KtLDuCFrRNvsHi6RIYaZxfQ8s8g4l_ItOgjlr_mEyAi21t9cT8zfz0rSTIElIp3HEJDIqj2niyaLv4Yc9lA2MTogvziP0Eo3DHHfs0-4tRIdAo2jSQCkqXYYPwqs5WT08I9cw1A4mML9AMb5njEViaUzrP9HcAvQ/w626-h640/IMG_20230201_132731.jpg" width="626" /></a></div><p></p><p>Bangla Mishti Hub promoted by HIDCO, a Government of West Bengal corporation, is located just off Gate no 3 of <b>Eco Park</b> in New Town Rajarhat, not too far from the famed Biswa Bangla gate. The place was started in 2017. As you enter you can’t help but locate a stall of Biswa Bangla selling various products from all over Bengal. Your first thought is whether this is a place promoting sweets in isolation or other products too.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdOPOQgmvJq_62WJs0UXrmNWineex_q-M-Cf9ELi5wSohiRTcswRTrF81gad_SlY9Ygy7MyDVWUkjs56ENl87ltuF8W7b1HJDUxYo-EF8h-vqYDZUlbMe2Odya4XcT1jv8lOBh93RyNeATS_0W-6cKXMnqhg8YAVpyhzg6hu9UNXoS7OPq9U7PzXO/s4608/IMG_20230201_133403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdOPOQgmvJq_62WJs0UXrmNWineex_q-M-Cf9ELi5wSohiRTcswRTrF81gad_SlY9Ygy7MyDVWUkjs56ENl87ltuF8W7b1HJDUxYo-EF8h-vqYDZUlbMe2Odya4XcT1jv8lOBh93RyNeATS_0W-6cKXMnqhg8YAVpyhzg6hu9UNXoS7OPq9U7PzXO/w640-h480/IMG_20230201_133403.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>It is good to note that Biswa Bangla stall is the only aberration, the rest of the shops, or rather stalls in a huge hallway are all from Bengali sweet vendors. In fact, there are close to a dozen different stalls of sweets here. Of these, <b>Nabakrishna Guin</b> was closed for the day. And I was a little surprised to see <b>Haldiram’s</b> as they are not traditionally not known for their Bengali sweets. However, the stalls did have many delicacies of Bengal. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nyEfjCm3_7Xn7rlUlNrFwnU2FS-jWAyQPN2N9u9cYOJmuHZx-vicMZIZ8hPkxCcNpyOwzYRvVUbwe6_L9BCVTiwEVlFPDV8xISi2hIneckSaI9qqErWVmiV72S7cwhutcHqmNSlxcvYY3blIsEz_yhLUVFFlvdGM6aJBWAyGTQDmk04L8-G_1ay9/s4608/IMG_20230201_134103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nyEfjCm3_7Xn7rlUlNrFwnU2FS-jWAyQPN2N9u9cYOJmuHZx-vicMZIZ8hPkxCcNpyOwzYRvVUbwe6_L9BCVTiwEVlFPDV8xISi2hIneckSaI9qqErWVmiV72S7cwhutcHqmNSlxcvYY3blIsEz_yhLUVFFlvdGM6aJBWAyGTQDmk04L8-G_1ay9/w480-h640/IMG_20230201_134103.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>Our first stop was at <b>Bheem Nag’s Brother Srinath Nag</b>. Well, this is not the famed Bhim Chandra Nag, a 200-year place in Bowbazar which is world famous for its sandesh. I was told that this place had a lineage from his brother’s family. I however do care more for the taste of the sweets. The Kheer Kadamba here was just super, and the Sharbhaja (a milk cream-based sweet from Krishnanagar in Nadia district) also acquitted itself well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyq-_UMP-XqtnHl4xaLUfc_GigoC53tOnQ-TRC7jopgFC6NmyzlCEJd50G7oF7bJ9aKOtqUL3KF6Hx-6ZaTmWjhzbPzdteRunz84-CmUtqxPWNeoDhlr8XSjXGyOoEg7r02XsCuxQy2a8tgiIKjYnqq8G_5ZX-J1K4TB-84K3oIG-v4GgqqA3K402E/s3834/IMG_20230201_134056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3834" data-original-width="3441" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyq-_UMP-XqtnHl4xaLUfc_GigoC53tOnQ-TRC7jopgFC6NmyzlCEJd50G7oF7bJ9aKOtqUL3KF6Hx-6ZaTmWjhzbPzdteRunz84-CmUtqxPWNeoDhlr8XSjXGyOoEg7r02XsCuxQy2a8tgiIKjYnqq8G_5ZX-J1K4TB-84K3oIG-v4GgqqA3K402E/w574-h640/IMG_20230201_134056.jpg" width="574" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFG_2z8AcUVSG8Dzs8frvsZt2kGh_dkZRc4FKWfpzp6sBnc4j_To29lO0JiqlkegodYBIt8n0szcw374IoAc6Kt3MmhMXlhSksKsQsWoM0xKTrPA5QifKoaGuokc2yclhnOxSser2ERS4mvmdN5iFp0MYXu6aJt1Iv6JBYacLWlv-DmSfgYIvtzrmP/s3877/IMG_20230201_140016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3877" data-original-width="3434" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFG_2z8AcUVSG8Dzs8frvsZt2kGh_dkZRc4FKWfpzp6sBnc4j_To29lO0JiqlkegodYBIt8n0szcw374IoAc6Kt3MmhMXlhSksKsQsWoM0xKTrPA5QifKoaGuokc2yclhnOxSser2ERS4mvmdN5iFp0MYXu6aJt1Iv6JBYacLWlv-DmSfgYIvtzrmP/w566-h640/IMG_20230201_140016.jpg" width="566" /></a></div><p></p><p>I am from Golpark, and was happy to see my friendly neighbourhood <b>Ganguram</b> here. But I do consume their Mishti Doi and Radhaballavi frequently at home, so decided to pass it for today, given my limited capacity. But my wife still went for their Baked Sandesh. Noticed that Ganguram, and many other outlets were selling tinned and packed sweets so that people can do their purchases in very little time. As Mishti Hub is not too far from the Kolkata Airport, many people flying out collect a few delicacies en route their flight to other cities.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhka8T2VW3THo-6PIsX0WAUQuhPw4pw5L0TNgPb0tVsK87-hPSChzFX6Jot3-r6OwpMGtvT6UPoecxfJiOLNn_EYu_Iy-VLxncMtcxlFEWgExMu0XLUBXQkQRShRX03_iw1cXOyMwgb9yM-OHmEPJEteFV9XZsnDcZ0C4Ayc-os94Oh1z5TTy79YCfS/s4608/IMG_20230201_133800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhka8T2VW3THo-6PIsX0WAUQuhPw4pw5L0TNgPb0tVsK87-hPSChzFX6Jot3-r6OwpMGtvT6UPoecxfJiOLNn_EYu_Iy-VLxncMtcxlFEWgExMu0XLUBXQkQRShRX03_iw1cXOyMwgb9yM-OHmEPJEteFV9XZsnDcZ0C4Ayc-os94Oh1z5TTy79YCfS/w480-h640/IMG_20230201_133800.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsmygjeUPIvJA_DPSa0Imss5IhJejMVCgW7NbyUVx2J6cOy2Redtuhe7Rs5-5jz4OnHq8JpJqhKyA_Qd24GvK5Io5i6QohFJsdsDXCLjmuPdBzVtuaUvMrRO8Y_apPHhQjLOjzxcfdyrM4C6_KQtI4B2QtDNrTLZsCxXqW_a-oecpGekxJoguERII/s4608/IMG_20230201_133101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsmygjeUPIvJA_DPSa0Imss5IhJejMVCgW7NbyUVx2J6cOy2Redtuhe7Rs5-5jz4OnHq8JpJqhKyA_Qd24GvK5Io5i6QohFJsdsDXCLjmuPdBzVtuaUvMrRO8Y_apPHhQjLOjzxcfdyrM4C6_KQtI4B2QtDNrTLZsCxXqW_a-oecpGekxJoguERII/w480-h640/IMG_20230201_133101.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Nalin Chandra Das</b> is another iconic sweet joint in North Kolkata that is more than 150 years old. Again a sandesh specialist, had on display about ten types of Nolen Gurer Sandesh, as well as contemporary stuff like Chocolate Sandesh, Rose Sandesh, and Black Currant Sandesh. Their Rasogollas were the largest among all displayed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMl1znpwERgjBJ9E6nFJuDVlSF23C6oh4Lt5NxTnNaMffMVfIsItCNedfLzLClqID9JxR3EIJs2xWbDq4bGVxiqex3QflzhegYEaFJPoxffPgQ2ow17Bknz2mgE7bBIeuO8Nefjw7za8oYww1KcV2CYygA-R_r9pI7r-O5GjG16oUS73rFX8rjt9Ze/s3271/IMG_20230201_132946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3025" data-original-width="3271" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMl1znpwERgjBJ9E6nFJuDVlSF23C6oh4Lt5NxTnNaMffMVfIsItCNedfLzLClqID9JxR3EIJs2xWbDq4bGVxiqex3QflzhegYEaFJPoxffPgQ2ow17Bknz2mgE7bBIeuO8Nefjw7za8oYww1KcV2CYygA-R_r9pI7r-O5GjG16oUS73rFX8rjt9Ze/w640-h592/IMG_20230201_132946.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Hindusthan Sweets</b> is a more contemporary name in Bengali sweets. They are also into the restaurant space with their brand “Bhooter Raja Dilo Bar”, and the management is known for its savvy marketing. Their Am Doi and traditional Rasogollas are things that I love, but on this day we tried a plate of Mihidana, a micro-sized sweet from Bardhaman (the closest cousin it has in Bonde or Boondi, though there is a huge difference in taste). The Mihidana was well made. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTAWKNQK8hLrmEqDBRmFSzdYB5I1bBpa-SR4Bb6_lvfmQ1qxGBeACde07uUmma-IDvsI9N1UnVxMnMA4Klr65fcsThULWhsNrMAc6D61SnO1K14A3qg6NC3MJ4EHkIIz9yiK3ZO4Y4l9_4NDzurw8MvQsL1Bx3db5P4yxWuFgpm4jX7yTnQxOg_R2/s3635/IMG_20230201_134257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3635" data-original-width="3433" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTAWKNQK8hLrmEqDBRmFSzdYB5I1bBpa-SR4Bb6_lvfmQ1qxGBeACde07uUmma-IDvsI9N1UnVxMnMA4Klr65fcsThULWhsNrMAc6D61SnO1K14A3qg6NC3MJ4EHkIIz9yiK3ZO4Y4l9_4NDzurw8MvQsL1Bx3db5P4yxWuFgpm4jX7yTnQxOg_R2/w604-h640/IMG_20230201_134257.jpg" width="604" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhcgU63OiLWlWAy8jqLq0eSwqgfjngga1k7IJUS6cA2-6uXr7jU_R6Zh7Ao1BKEH1-WOTWZmXnABZ96BDEmdDVubyZpNDvUXXQ0deGBGr6bT8y0PvMsllsRlW3zx2kpTpR38mXdRzXTbMAK9IZMSv56mmNmPwpEGNgah1BTryjlJMFXeswKeIMROh/s4608/IMG_20230201_135236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhcgU63OiLWlWAy8jqLq0eSwqgfjngga1k7IJUS6cA2-6uXr7jU_R6Zh7Ao1BKEH1-WOTWZmXnABZ96BDEmdDVubyZpNDvUXXQ0deGBGr6bT8y0PvMsllsRlW3zx2kpTpR38mXdRzXTbMAK9IZMSv56mmNmPwpEGNgah1BTryjlJMFXeswKeIMROh/w480-h640/IMG_20230201_135236.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Gupta Brothers</b>, known more for their chaats and non-Bengali sweets had some random sweets and were even selling Pringles potato chips! Was tempted by their Kachori-sabji, but decided to give it a pass. <b>K.C.Das</b> the originator of rasogolla was in full cry serving a range of delicacies. Recently I have become a fan of their savouries too like Radhaballavi Cholar Dal, Chhanar Chop. They have their signature creations such as Lalmohan and Rasamalancha which are not to be missed. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_nBJyZj3eBcmYwIxAgHrVRiHbHfAEr6EZ7FWTVmocBexmSUPDUjC6izJpfthbRT6rj9Fz1uiT2CzY0uQruOys71J4Z2FiuzIEwcAlMdTKHs05GRotbo5Nl7Nm3uQgmXhUxcJZ6A1wofGZfBVNBVKG5622hof5MFYCdCiDtw14PWibNP4K5asBK9Z/s3445/IMG_20230201_132906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3445" data-original-width="3404" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_nBJyZj3eBcmYwIxAgHrVRiHbHfAEr6EZ7FWTVmocBexmSUPDUjC6izJpfthbRT6rj9Fz1uiT2CzY0uQruOys71J4Z2FiuzIEwcAlMdTKHs05GRotbo5Nl7Nm3uQgmXhUxcJZ6A1wofGZfBVNBVKG5622hof5MFYCdCiDtw14PWibNP4K5asBK9Z/w632-h640/IMG_20230201_132906.jpg" width="632" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Mithai</b> was distinct in offering huge-sized sandeshes, a couple of them proudly adorning their counter, weighing more than 500 grams. Of course, they are so well-known for their Mishti Doi as well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcqkP63-P8q6Gj-aq90oyrhPCrPgKTcJKCm8ooYx5X4gwIJMK-6bafAEgfbvbSQboJQ5HOa3y5-B7h2A0vbH2JMT2A1_T7cSP6uiGlgviI7-AZCGfKbqDhbtyL2mJfiVlRFdeNUDCylEpFFqONU1FngVzcIvpfO2MyaTWdhTAOVm3v7KQg4K645Vg/s3072/IMG_20230201_133933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3032" data-original-width="3072" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcqkP63-P8q6Gj-aq90oyrhPCrPgKTcJKCm8ooYx5X4gwIJMK-6bafAEgfbvbSQboJQ5HOa3y5-B7h2A0vbH2JMT2A1_T7cSP6uiGlgviI7-AZCGfKbqDhbtyL2mJfiVlRFdeNUDCylEpFFqONU1FngVzcIvpfO2MyaTWdhTAOVm3v7KQg4K645Vg/w640-h632/IMG_20230201_133933.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Balaram Mallik and Radharaman Mallik</b> perhaps has the most corporate model among all the sweet chains in Kolkata, with outlets in almost every locality. Apart from other delicacies they are known for their Baked Rasogollas, which are in high demand. <b>Banchharam</b> is another famous shop making its presence felt here, their lyangcha in my mind is even better than Saktigarh, the original town known for this delicacy. Their Bengali home sweets such as patisaptas and pithes are also in great demand. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dzy2najGHT51w8L2njmOXUEUuCWHma_IGS50jpxVA57MD34QdDpdA641Cfx81fjuxdJ9ZOp3dCJR4f6Ujajn65yxSdswpE469La-gPT0hCTIlGKVl0T4RKs_hwhFXFjGCBXLcl7FPeTPb6nUt6nwXvtC2EoxtcO0ZCwl_quFMx32TVf3lxMU3GCs/s4608/IMG_20230201_134146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dzy2najGHT51w8L2njmOXUEUuCWHma_IGS50jpxVA57MD34QdDpdA641Cfx81fjuxdJ9ZOp3dCJR4f6Ujajn65yxSdswpE469La-gPT0hCTIlGKVl0T4RKs_hwhFXFjGCBXLcl7FPeTPb6nUt6nwXvtC2EoxtcO0ZCwl_quFMx32TVf3lxMU3GCs/w480-h640/IMG_20230201_134146.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>All over the hub, there are boards giving information about the various sweets of the state, enriching your knowledge as you savour the sweets. For food connoisseurs, these informations come very handy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tqysurt-LkcDy5xW1_e27dRYtOtxJYJLIbxUKMIlJlIIl_99KgcE9nJB-hB3g8_m7U3hZiGybzNf35nhmC0kzbGCYw6p1AygCSTBqgSadzH2MzfBFXUYXx_IzdC1SxjOYqgunksCVKl1vafsaML7Cwn7Zo5ZEiC52VWC2PYudAVndS2e9ukA8FX9/s4608/IMG_20230201_134502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_tqysurt-LkcDy5xW1_e27dRYtOtxJYJLIbxUKMIlJlIIl_99KgcE9nJB-hB3g8_m7U3hZiGybzNf35nhmC0kzbGCYw6p1AygCSTBqgSadzH2MzfBFXUYXx_IzdC1SxjOYqgunksCVKl1vafsaML7Cwn7Zo5ZEiC52VWC2PYudAVndS2e9ukA8FX9/w480-h640/IMG_20230201_134502.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>One aspect which I missed was the representation of sweets from different districts of Bengal in a big way. On quizzing the various stalls, I was told that the district special stalls are sometimes given space during special occasions like Durga Puja, but usually, the stalls are restricted to the Kolkata biggies. Each Bengal district has its signature sweets, so there is scope to even plan a district mithai hub, either here or somewhere else to popularize and promote them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBE49z60DNYjsJNnuTftt3JvpUWfS-jqdFwuTELXICSieV5UnkS2gBmqHRR5uam9goAmO-5lxg-zA29IGIuP_L487CL74iVj7nn7G-bccf29OSGaJK_9cwIgzBkpY5gGDAG3uoVwLaSsQCUHpzUuidFbeOyov5zidk-bVP0UlqADVwyg8mNkZIOmb/s3433/IMG_20230201_134936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3386" data-original-width="3433" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBE49z60DNYjsJNnuTftt3JvpUWfS-jqdFwuTELXICSieV5UnkS2gBmqHRR5uam9goAmO-5lxg-zA29IGIuP_L487CL74iVj7nn7G-bccf29OSGaJK_9cwIgzBkpY5gGDAG3uoVwLaSsQCUHpzUuidFbeOyov5zidk-bVP0UlqADVwyg8mNkZIOmb/w640-h632/IMG_20230201_134936.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The other issue was the facility lacked a toilet, the only option for relieving yourself is to walk down to the nearest place inside Eco Park. Maybe the authorities can look at building a public toilet either on or around the premises. </p><p>All that said, Bangla Mishti Hub is definitely a great idea well-executed. For the uninitiated, it can give a holistic idea about Bengali sweets in a very short time. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3NR_HGEUyN4vxebRpFMKQHwANUpDx6UOoSttCgYA56V45vWh7P4jIrZJ_o1Z60BLozfhnrJRDWsaj3RgBBolt5vUk4dzf0ia46OT3rfhzZsVIqkzSbQHp0c5K98bgELSqdIN654Ps6r-_SUVfzac9va9QEeSX-qlyIrFQbcBetsKCkneXIQfiCSs/s3619/IMG_20230201_132734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3619" data-original-width="3412" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3NR_HGEUyN4vxebRpFMKQHwANUpDx6UOoSttCgYA56V45vWh7P4jIrZJ_o1Z60BLozfhnrJRDWsaj3RgBBolt5vUk4dzf0ia46OT3rfhzZsVIqkzSbQHp0c5K98bgELSqdIN654Ps6r-_SUVfzac9va9QEeSX-qlyIrFQbcBetsKCkneXIQfiCSs/w604-h640/IMG_20230201_132734.jpg" width="604" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-46107031642835704162023-01-19T11:19:00.003+05:302023-01-19T19:18:45.003+05:30Eating Out on a Trip to Turkey<p> In my travelogue of Turkey, I briefly touched upon Turkish food. But there have been quite a few queries asking for details on the cuisine and the various dishes that we tasted there. The need for a separate post about Turkish food stems from that.</p><p></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Times New Roman"; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9f9bEfF3HIopMrJpizezYabZCgjzvbnvAnTrI7Mh-0z6nb17GHSB_6v0HZ8JGP_fThTcdD6ACrP2ZXvuK1k3qSbkezGiEqgIWdjbw2LC3B025gOqvKnmMCKwoyZqNFYb-iAY3oa6AtlelYdGjgnFWT0Jjce_4_mRDail8zOjMRSU36KtOjaoG9c9c/s4608/IMG_20221018_144928.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9f9bEfF3HIopMrJpizezYabZCgjzvbnvAnTrI7Mh-0z6nb17GHSB_6v0HZ8JGP_fThTcdD6ACrP2ZXvuK1k3qSbkezGiEqgIWdjbw2LC3B025gOqvKnmMCKwoyZqNFYb-iAY3oa6AtlelYdGjgnFWT0Jjce_4_mRDail8zOjMRSU36KtOjaoG9c9c/w640-h480/IMG_20221018_144928.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Adana Kebap Platter in Istanbul</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p>My earlier exposures to Turkish food were in Hyderabad. Hyderabad has a <b>Turkish Consulate</b> fostering closer ties of that nation with our city. The erstwhile rulers the Nizams had a deep connection with Turkey and there were many marriages between the Turkish royals and the Nizam’s family. The Consulate does an annual Turkish festival in well-known hotels in Hyderabad, usually flying down chefs from Turkey. I had the good fortune of attending quite a few of these, fostering an interest in me the cuisine.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Turkish cuisine has a strong influence of the food of both Europe (especially the Mediterranean) as well as Western Asia. <b>Istanbul</b> and cities like <b>Kusadasi</b> and <b>Antalya</b> are dotted with small restaurants and street stalls, serving essentially meat-based delicacies. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3O1M1f8DMKRBtYLvleTB-LGwiiRKambU-fgT3aZhn3MaBLjDD4sQrlHafBFetKtDyXQ-qLgaKP4gUECzOtYk0eltocwST-lEgFTUiQkdrbipLUPq0Y5FBU4h7zkS0z2No5En-9jcURvNtdum74N_bGtLDDMmoR_VZsna7z7R3yfFt4V0mfPP0cG4P/s3471/IMG_20221022_191155__01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="3471" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3O1M1f8DMKRBtYLvleTB-LGwiiRKambU-fgT3aZhn3MaBLjDD4sQrlHafBFetKtDyXQ-qLgaKP4gUECzOtYk0eltocwST-lEgFTUiQkdrbipLUPq0Y5FBU4h7zkS0z2No5En-9jcURvNtdum74N_bGtLDDMmoR_VZsna7z7R3yfFt4V0mfPP0cG4P/w640-h638/IMG_20221022_191155__01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtJHilCG7YVcQ3PaOmZhj-2nw0s_OniwnkA_0buBpzk7QqZoXfsIYnvp3FEdmxjBKpTdhB9OfGikjScysfIsfjVin-n6wBvSQTgbcsZbkoHSzJcbN2TY5Ern1-38jjLj6GAqeJltJZRn_XwAqdJoyMhR4OrJZ2nO-t-sKw9Fz_0MfZDiisHZRQfJN/s4608/IMG_20221023_201431.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtJHilCG7YVcQ3PaOmZhj-2nw0s_OniwnkA_0buBpzk7QqZoXfsIYnvp3FEdmxjBKpTdhB9OfGikjScysfIsfjVin-n6wBvSQTgbcsZbkoHSzJcbN2TY5Ern1-38jjLj6GAqeJltJZRn_XwAqdJoyMhR4OrJZ2nO-t-sKw9Fz_0MfZDiisHZRQfJN/w640-h480/IMG_20221023_201431.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Doner Sade - Istanbul (top) and Antalya</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>One of the most popular snacks is <b>Durum</b> (doner, what we call shawarma rolls here. There are usually two versions <b>Tavuk</b> (chicken) or <b>Et</b> (beef). A typical durum (doner) in Turkey costs Lira 40-50, about Rs 200-250, and can easily fill in for lunch. You can opt for <b>Doner Sade</b> where the meat is not rolled into the bread and is served separately. Some even ask for <b>Pilaf</b> instead of bread along with the shawarma meat.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCOSd5XaJTIRigQbIntbo-BzG9AH9zOHjd5YH-jgj0TuMfnp0Um4DbDVlvKxKbiLbKLNROPa-2SqfnIjOdis1C3ezqjXYWjeWTHRpe0Qr16KYEtycl54Tn9g6Y4l2tgwWIvkHshVwdpi5p_SE479cgLN9QB7oQKb2bM7jbDBCRfkiXc06vVQ6TSPs/s4608/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimCOSd5XaJTIRigQbIntbo-BzG9AH9zOHjd5YH-jgj0TuMfnp0Um4DbDVlvKxKbiLbKLNROPa-2SqfnIjOdis1C3ezqjXYWjeWTHRpe0Qr16KYEtycl54Tn9g6Y4l2tgwWIvkHshVwdpi5p_SE479cgLN9QB7oQKb2bM7jbDBCRfkiXc06vVQ6TSPs/w640-h480/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_pDpq2E7oR-QNDZom83Q6ZACEqfGiXeGrT5wr_rynv_Ss-Qaoxqavshyz4tGHH58wSnhQbzRJxQUb8JacuYSOb5rl_3L7SH0PAagxHuO-AgOBue01P3aMPI3OlcBpBURzb5umPiebN9CIlABrFZyGPwyvJ5wOKkVJP9hINbNRU7ZPXdalaEDwesM/s4608/1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_pDpq2E7oR-QNDZom83Q6ZACEqfGiXeGrT5wr_rynv_Ss-Qaoxqavshyz4tGHH58wSnhQbzRJxQUb8JacuYSOb5rl_3L7SH0PAagxHuO-AgOBue01P3aMPI3OlcBpBURzb5umPiebN9CIlABrFZyGPwyvJ5wOKkVJP9hINbNRU7ZPXdalaEDwesM/w640-h480/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Hummus & Kebaps on Bosphorus Cruise</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>We enjoyed a full Turkish meal on the <b>Bosphorus River Cruise</b> in Istanbul. Here the spread started with soup, followed by mezze platters and then a huge assortment of kababs (or kebaps as they call there). Finally, there was dessert. But mostly as we toured Turkey, we found people doing their lunch with mezze, salads and kebaps.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdcV3xIcSL1sfbCnnjF5Hi76bto32rSC4CaKUsYQMRez6HT-b6OEEYqrs3pesVZ_txz8dI70zwLw3BvCMQEb4RI8-EE3xDGVlrhvCVQNzaY05_Nhj1IaGxL-GXCb3tiUXPJS_Iir6OHYqMs1bK7HCJD9v0DGyfIuDYFB02SXMxRRM-tb9EkUr50ZT/s3455/5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3455" data-original-width="3103" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdcV3xIcSL1sfbCnnjF5Hi76bto32rSC4CaKUsYQMRez6HT-b6OEEYqrs3pesVZ_txz8dI70zwLw3BvCMQEb4RI8-EE3xDGVlrhvCVQNzaY05_Nhj1IaGxL-GXCb3tiUXPJS_Iir6OHYqMs1bK7HCJD9v0DGyfIuDYFB02SXMxRRM-tb9EkUr50ZT/w574-h640/5.jpg" width="574" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Urfa Kebap</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Among the kebaps, the most famous is <b>Adana kebap</b>. A long sheekh of beef is served with bulger (a cereal popular here), salads, and often a large piece of smoked chili. A variant <b>Urfa Kebap</b> is less spicy. Chicken lovers usually go for <b>Chicken Shish</b>. Kebaps are served with bulger, vegetables and dips. You can substitute it with Turkish bread or French fries.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sxOduMDhUrxMB34nw9oYA6aq2Sm8p-E6jeJ1tH4MQETJM2y6kcTKP1qWH56KA7KTALiGo0V9w55rMl8XGINum8Rqdun6Qt_zfd58sOSpVsMBr-imauBgAJpgpwNpIlqQI7skNV5rpzY4hLj3nBGHEdjCFkBul7HyAlzFO2GCcKuTWSORSZyEdco8/s4608/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sxOduMDhUrxMB34nw9oYA6aq2Sm8p-E6jeJ1tH4MQETJM2y6kcTKP1qWH56KA7KTALiGo0V9w55rMl8XGINum8Rqdun6Qt_zfd58sOSpVsMBr-imauBgAJpgpwNpIlqQI7skNV5rpzY4hLj3nBGHEdjCFkBul7HyAlzFO2GCcKuTWSORSZyEdco8/w640-h480/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWPTeYt442RHbTE5fM82VsZMFSHASHLd-H_hSU7hC_EiPKrDOPYk7NV40h_lmUnpJqjkkNzD7Qf1jhTfXOXK_scAwlGQJjcDdOIl7A5DCJ2rxqqT8lM9KsSjaRAnTtTsKgP2RHLszR6KMkDPjKRE8GMJoELf4wVjew0bH3IIjNLi48e569zKEACkI/s4608/IMG_20221017_161151.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWPTeYt442RHbTE5fM82VsZMFSHASHLd-H_hSU7hC_EiPKrDOPYk7NV40h_lmUnpJqjkkNzD7Qf1jhTfXOXK_scAwlGQJjcDdOIl7A5DCJ2rxqqT8lM9KsSjaRAnTtTsKgP2RHLszR6KMkDPjKRE8GMJoELf4wVjew0bH3IIjNLi48e569zKEACkI/w640-h480/IMG_20221017_161151.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Isgara Kofte (Top) and a Street Side Kebap Place in Istanbul</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Kofte or meatballs is another popular food. <b>Izgara Kofte</b> is juicy grilled meatballs with little spices again served with salad and bulger or French fries. We loved these at a small place next to our hotel in Istanbul and often went back for the food.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-DOMo-edjnWZq6_24rS1tTMQ8pdXPANOP4kCxu04__ogSM73sDExU2bhexjmyiBwVwgL6Ev7Bk2jd3zNEDV5d-bY0AnqyfSrVMkBoEhDZ2ncwjxTp8JQciI5i85EPUUjDfTPnAaj7EO-QiJeX53xzCHAIONbiFG2xSQKaKTS6iS1oBavGMsO-vqQ/s4608/IMG_20221019_192229.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-DOMo-edjnWZq6_24rS1tTMQ8pdXPANOP4kCxu04__ogSM73sDExU2bhexjmyiBwVwgL6Ev7Bk2jd3zNEDV5d-bY0AnqyfSrVMkBoEhDZ2ncwjxTp8JQciI5i85EPUUjDfTPnAaj7EO-QiJeX53xzCHAIONbiFG2xSQKaKTS6iS1oBavGMsO-vqQ/w640-h480/IMG_20221019_192229.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXniAnZAKYeTGYBPjwNULgJM0FYkn37VFZt-2YjPqKX_uvz31Nl19i5bPgA70-ZbWwO9m1SVfu7JnjOtligbSOpLmN5qnevadNk3OSCKh91B1HkijA0KPTWQ3vZ-2EpyFhT1uIHhhvOHlBfjn7H1EM9bg_4jQMu_9x2i5djxiW5fg450vEGB2Z8AGL/s4608/IMG_20221024_130329.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXniAnZAKYeTGYBPjwNULgJM0FYkn37VFZt-2YjPqKX_uvz31Nl19i5bPgA70-ZbWwO9m1SVfu7JnjOtligbSOpLmN5qnevadNk3OSCKh91B1HkijA0KPTWQ3vZ-2EpyFhT1uIHhhvOHlBfjn7H1EM9bg_4jQMu_9x2i5djxiW5fg450vEGB2Z8AGL/w640-h480/IMG_20221024_130329.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3eC62EUnHw1D307I1mnATwyBNKBxcsuaXsuBhlxm2dTq0FhvL4orffQ0mS6fYmcFqj2ScUC6NkZNg72gogP485RkeS6msyQ4mxGp_zjTOc11EG4XZVh6umRONrhd4hIDH50DLfN-AU0CkxmUglqwY5OKG3K7T-Iomhs4wsipDx-nRZeyhHYmwBWT/s4203/IMG_20221017_204831.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2402" data-original-width="4203" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3eC62EUnHw1D307I1mnATwyBNKBxcsuaXsuBhlxm2dTq0FhvL4orffQ0mS6fYmcFqj2ScUC6NkZNg72gogP485RkeS6msyQ4mxGp_zjTOc11EG4XZVh6umRONrhd4hIDH50DLfN-AU0CkxmUglqwY5OKG3K7T-Iomhs4wsipDx-nRZeyhHYmwBWT/w640-h366/IMG_20221017_204831.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dolma (top), Beef Stew (Middle) and Mezze Platter</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>The cheese, salads, and cold cuts in the buffets were often meals by themselves. At least three varieties of olives used to be there along with lots of vegetables. Among the cooked dishes were stews, eggplant is extremely popular here, but we enjoyed the <b>Chicken and Fish stews</b> also. We encountered the famed <b>Dolmas</b> (stuffed vegetables) in very few places. Our hotel at Kusadasi served the best dinner buffet of the trip with the food very local, while the breakfast at Hilton Istanbul was sumptuous. The salad bar at the Kusadasi dinner buffet had more than twenty varieties of salads.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdgWOsTE5zTEcR-taOtqapF8_AWrDUsOZLm94PsTx3NHN3cAC4C4JweyPV_ZbOq57OeZcw-anDND95kZv2NpRuDIjMhx_duZ8J4-R2VOD8eHO2MnNOWszrIxY6zeA4Oz1SZvX0Ju9japwGuSrIT91xRcd4PetcWkWCwEzyTR2YHcMh9bZtaIDz4SK/s4608/IMG_20221018_123254.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdgWOsTE5zTEcR-taOtqapF8_AWrDUsOZLm94PsTx3NHN3cAC4C4JweyPV_ZbOq57OeZcw-anDND95kZv2NpRuDIjMhx_duZ8J4-R2VOD8eHO2MnNOWszrIxY6zeA4Oz1SZvX0Ju9japwGuSrIT91xRcd4PetcWkWCwEzyTR2YHcMh9bZtaIDz4SK/w480-h640/IMG_20221018_123254.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFfgjy8Cwuwc49Ylb--vdHvuNBnhhpyRRUtz7kwwoFExgY_m7OioC5pBENof0L8cWhIi9KMNDlYTRWO9M6zmdldCmS1K1hsUNDKeCtX2mz4eOu52-H6X3NhzXIcyF2CzP7mGj7ktjFieMizVqsSXISw4ocmqlyjB33Mg8fzKzCD7D5daWiJV3jaie/s3315/IMG_20221018_123303__01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3315" data-original-width="2990" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPFfgjy8Cwuwc49Ylb--vdHvuNBnhhpyRRUtz7kwwoFExgY_m7OioC5pBENof0L8cWhIi9KMNDlYTRWO9M6zmdldCmS1K1hsUNDKeCtX2mz4eOu52-H6X3NhzXIcyF2CzP7mGj7ktjFieMizVqsSXISw4ocmqlyjB33Mg8fzKzCD7D5daWiJV3jaie/w578-h640/IMG_20221018_123303__01.jpg" width="578" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxuD9reMKpW3MrzFS8LankGnCQkbCTAip-jw8MNQX3WgOWpwl_OSi96plWsmqWWCuhGO7wGhGim20VMN33plwucF2lWEWYrwt-HW0TejmGlGiKaibt5_3Ch1Gcdy12TzOmu1n88_qGamKMnCm8chv57kHgKPZBDRIovvMsJty8KuEuypx1BoGq4tP/s4608/IMG_20221018_124614.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxuD9reMKpW3MrzFS8LankGnCQkbCTAip-jw8MNQX3WgOWpwl_OSi96plWsmqWWCuhGO7wGhGim20VMN33plwucF2lWEWYrwt-HW0TejmGlGiKaibt5_3Ch1Gcdy12TzOmu1n88_qGamKMnCm8chv57kHgKPZBDRIovvMsJty8KuEuypx1BoGq4tP/w480-h640/IMG_20221018_124614.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Simit Stall (top), Simit (middle) and Kumpir Stall in Istanbul </b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>The most popular street food seemed to be<b> Simit</b>, a donut type of bread served with chocolate and other dips. <b>Kumpir</b> is another common street food where baked potatoes are stuffed with vegetables, sauces and even meat.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubpDEtwk9SgNeEe40K9sgrSzxUHFCqCQlCUXhlx7MG3P8CsOo6hFdS4gr5BlHrUQKiys9O2wjEnGNiGkF8SieshmmCjqrWqaqsVoeZtepxOylX40bU7l9i5FhFD68mm4GbENOZxH7eb_9wOc5-qY8Ae33AGtqmGYeNT9xmuaVl3NEfEeRqCh_3SBE/s4608/IMG_20221026_140648.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubpDEtwk9SgNeEe40K9sgrSzxUHFCqCQlCUXhlx7MG3P8CsOo6hFdS4gr5BlHrUQKiys9O2wjEnGNiGkF8SieshmmCjqrWqaqsVoeZtepxOylX40bU7l9i5FhFD68mm4GbENOZxH7eb_9wOc5-qY8Ae33AGtqmGYeNT9xmuaVl3NEfEeRqCh_3SBE/w640-h480/IMG_20221026_140648.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgUKIsJgy8KR8lBhfX3165ZJALsINvwYPQ_aXQ3a3M5PeU6kg0EBmZXvD9xUrJEqN6A8zKnaZ_9KDENVO8hFKHmDKmou9wLhsJ4JA1GcSarqm7DB_AA5YsioSWgVuVU6TwndnIjdzURb7apKXt3TrvViz9fg8IanC8L_QCL5R12EXueSh8KFNOVHT/s4124/IMG_20221026_141907.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3435" data-original-width="4124" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgUKIsJgy8KR8lBhfX3165ZJALsINvwYPQ_aXQ3a3M5PeU6kg0EBmZXvD9xUrJEqN6A8zKnaZ_9KDENVO8hFKHmDKmou9wLhsJ4JA1GcSarqm7DB_AA5YsioSWgVuVU6TwndnIjdzURb7apKXt3TrvViz9fg8IanC8L_QCL5R12EXueSh8KFNOVHT/w640-h534/IMG_20221026_141907.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUd8nA6r_S7v9YuQIhJeVixJlUqvMF5JBmRh6WtCKuZhgitHJOsAz_DfLe954M5s3C2HHvNWEQ2pe4vkl6Kmj-i_IN6ZUgIihZm2sIpwmEgXJZLqbjzMdvZY3mla3ad-pHkFcYvWomQSyNvxyIMgSKLZP1i8iVpgPEYtRmn5riMAkSzekQtFknWJRe/s4608/IMG_20221026_142649.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUd8nA6r_S7v9YuQIhJeVixJlUqvMF5JBmRh6WtCKuZhgitHJOsAz_DfLe954M5s3C2HHvNWEQ2pe4vkl6Kmj-i_IN6ZUgIihZm2sIpwmEgXJZLqbjzMdvZY3mla3ad-pHkFcYvWomQSyNvxyIMgSKLZP1i8iVpgPEYtRmn5riMAkSzekQtFknWJRe/w640-h480/IMG_20221026_142649.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pide Beef (top), Cured Meat (middle) and Pide shop in Cappadocia</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Turkish are fond of the local pizzas – called <b>Pide</b> or <b>Lahmacun</b> here. The pides are long flatbreads and can have toppings such as beef, cheese, or vegetables. In Cappadocia, we went to a village-style pide shop and witnessed how they make the pide. The pides in this area are very long and cut into pieces before they are served. One pide, good enough for a couple of people cost Lira 50 (Indian Rs 225).</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAwiuESwIWQiiDjtt-lN9XZt9fisSq7Sn0JdBCJUB9n2bXXY-STCpMYm619J5iVHAZyFAcyLs0qNmEEaBipnBu1eE1MseHkWw4c-1vCxHZ3Kx72_yOpnVj95ZgvjxjlIkWI2_igs4GTcuxh2C2vOWra_fP-Kje8do2IPejbHioL-KIztQDfg31grr/s2805/IMG_20221023_131229.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2140" data-original-width="2805" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAwiuESwIWQiiDjtt-lN9XZt9fisSq7Sn0JdBCJUB9n2bXXY-STCpMYm619J5iVHAZyFAcyLs0qNmEEaBipnBu1eE1MseHkWw4c-1vCxHZ3Kx72_yOpnVj95ZgvjxjlIkWI2_igs4GTcuxh2C2vOWra_fP-Kje8do2IPejbHioL-KIztQDfg31grr/w640-h488/IMG_20221023_131229.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Gozleme</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>In Antalya, very near the Duden waterfalls, we tried <b>Gozleme</b>, meat mince stuffed parathas very similar to our Moglai Paratha or Baida Roti. The preparation is also like these except for a little olive oil used instead of oil, and the mince is almost bereft of spices.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrdfd2dWxkVXlwDteE5b-dPeHVb6LZXTDZ4Z2thTwLQjaevHEnHe5VWUeZvZpyqJzsjgHEJKoOZnXNjt679TT0JW8ojONV2dJ9HnfhvVTx-EI41SJ3o6GvXvBR9ixklEhL2Bn1k8e9ZtuNLSHCo6XO7GMIm9E1uzXIUHN5CZ9YOUWphDB1srKFIkM/s3649/IMG_20221026_124537.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3649" data-original-width="3413" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrdfd2dWxkVXlwDteE5b-dPeHVb6LZXTDZ4Z2thTwLQjaevHEnHe5VWUeZvZpyqJzsjgHEJKoOZnXNjt679TT0JW8ojONV2dJ9HnfhvVTx-EI41SJ3o6GvXvBR9ixklEhL2Bn1k8e9ZtuNLSHCo6XO7GMIm9E1uzXIUHN5CZ9YOUWphDB1srKFIkM/w598-h640/IMG_20221026_124537.jpg" width="598" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-jbXrP8rf3YNX9FfMOtXczwgGbFTYSPJIZxfw3vk1DGFBbFeRUsa5ZAwYomyCN-AbK8FAU0myOpdMeU59GfmlvvfAx1Q8T9MM93qoV3SFSipqhe_MHCXkmVK6dkEaTwkAVC26cE9jgy5zR69GO4ZMlvgUylXGR8lWjsVUvStXqb9EPXG8WVSK2cw/s4608/IMG_20221018_155104.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-jbXrP8rf3YNX9FfMOtXczwgGbFTYSPJIZxfw3vk1DGFBbFeRUsa5ZAwYomyCN-AbK8FAU0myOpdMeU59GfmlvvfAx1Q8T9MM93qoV3SFSipqhe_MHCXkmVK6dkEaTwkAVC26cE9jgy5zR69GO4ZMlvgUylXGR8lWjsVUvStXqb9EPXG8WVSK2cw/w640-h480/IMG_20221018_155104.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Baklava (top) and Baklava varieties in a shop in Taksim</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Regarding sweets, everyone knows about <b>Baklava</b>. The usual baklavas found on street corners are simple and without any toppings. But the main shops have many variants of baklava with different shapes and toppings. More popular is <b>Turkish Delight</b>, a slightly chewy sweet from Ottoman heritage available in many variants. Istiklal Street near Taksim Square has the best baklava and Turkish Delight shops, having more than a dozen of each delicacy. But the prices are the most expensive here. </p><p><b>Turkish Ice cream</b> is popular, not just because of its taste, but also for the theatrics of the ice cream vendor as he serves them. I had experienced it in one of the Turkish festivals in Hyderabad, and again went for it in the busy Sultanahmet area of Istanbul. Dondurma as it is known has a special resin named Mastik added to it, which gives a hard and thick texture.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutuAbdgxFPJJlISO6CXgLc7ftD6km_tYKtvVAoAZ3kWDy1qSWVzvQ-L3cclpl-451ha2nTlWQNk20Qy3YsKqyngBWlDWn3f1Qdn2Mp0DmI7H9OfuM_Kec-R1-x2BRZn-afdY2Nk0rZAplBcjEXlwJ5sVvSg41NiUs6vceHk9_xbcS6lFDRFvP9ILO/s4608/IMG_20221020_164817.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutuAbdgxFPJJlISO6CXgLc7ftD6km_tYKtvVAoAZ3kWDy1qSWVzvQ-L3cclpl-451ha2nTlWQNk20Qy3YsKqyngBWlDWn3f1Qdn2Mp0DmI7H9OfuM_Kec-R1-x2BRZn-afdY2Nk0rZAplBcjEXlwJ5sVvSg41NiUs6vceHk9_xbcS6lFDRFvP9ILO/w480-h640/IMG_20221020_164817.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Turkish Tea</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>The Turkish love their tea and coffee served in all restaurants including lunch and dinner places. The coffee is extremely flavourful often a little bitter. Some places serve a small piece of chocolate to chew with the coffee. This is one thing that one needs to pick up for bringing it to India.</p><p>Also Read: <b><a href="https://www.foodaholix.in/2022/12/Turkey-Istanbul.html" target="_blank">Turkey Travelogue</a></b></p>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-18041913481159803392023-01-12T10:33:00.001+05:302023-06-06T12:24:54.801+05:30Go Turkey: Cappadocia, the Land of Fairy Chimneys<p>If I was given the option of just visiting one place in Turkey, my answer would have been <b>Cappadocia</b>. You would have not seen this kind of landscape anywhere in the world, a large number of rock formations resembling chimneys caused by weathered volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46bxpMmNmk2O9xKt3hv5z-tzeHP4O9C82lsNQWoMszb8O-6VehX4Lklnbr5VO5xuBfrD8OM4j2mFv6sP8hEIJS4aga_khjZXCUQ-_laerHgoRA8FjItITzZbifyNh9Tu2JETl7LSOZN12JAMFs6lDteCgrS95YziePvJOKA1q5qclm6xOCV1ppIH_/s2048/314507188_10160526496026810_8285704215074319267_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46bxpMmNmk2O9xKt3hv5z-tzeHP4O9C82lsNQWoMszb8O-6VehX4Lklnbr5VO5xuBfrD8OM4j2mFv6sP8hEIJS4aga_khjZXCUQ-_laerHgoRA8FjItITzZbifyNh9Tu2JETl7LSOZN12JAMFs6lDteCgrS95YziePvJOKA1q5qclm6xOCV1ppIH_/w640-h480/314507188_10160526496026810_8285704215074319267_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We approached the region from <b>Konya</b> in the evening, a journey of about three hours. As we entered the main city of <b>Nevsehir</b>, we could see statues of horses all over the town. It was here that we came to know that the word Cappadocia means “<b>Land of beautiful horses</b>”. Over the next few days, we could see many horse ranches spread all over the region.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5Rt5MS_SsTmUj9AHqqUlOwA0x9XVJEY2umdpTgtDP3aYRvENd0_RPS7w8cVw1z3rxfmkomgmqsB-boRRUw9y7fH47_tr2dSi6PFT_13YpdrCn_UXJSZi_6zguQ_IM61DaFA_lD1c9Mvt9Fqhz3LhLUdofp0aPrPxuWza0uvToDHB-bKbaaRaXAw7/s2048/313167549_10160526493481810_5529774691341645754_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5Rt5MS_SsTmUj9AHqqUlOwA0x9XVJEY2umdpTgtDP3aYRvENd0_RPS7w8cVw1z3rxfmkomgmqsB-boRRUw9y7fH47_tr2dSi6PFT_13YpdrCn_UXJSZi_6zguQ_IM61DaFA_lD1c9Mvt9Fqhz3LhLUdofp0aPrPxuWza0uvToDHB-bKbaaRaXAw7/w640-h480/313167549_10160526493481810_5529774691341645754_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCml_5CvFQlRV_0XCUFkOgxWtxCY7x7mfdVSjTU0Hg5KuVMhvx6epIHD7ezwaXwGmDNH0iCG7b976T99n2zeLau3QZ-zGnr78DbvkBm9cCKYHABh2u0qMa9mCbJFKvQ6lVvdnjZEPO51PHl8Ac2H3dEntrBKOksGMz6UrBXZP9s81SxHmOU6nW-yk/s2048/313414049_10160526491616810_1641871398882513415_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCml_5CvFQlRV_0XCUFkOgxWtxCY7x7mfdVSjTU0Hg5KuVMhvx6epIHD7ezwaXwGmDNH0iCG7b976T99n2zeLau3QZ-zGnr78DbvkBm9cCKYHABh2u0qMa9mCbJFKvQ6lVvdnjZEPO51PHl8Ac2H3dEntrBKOksGMz6UrBXZP9s81SxHmOU6nW-yk/w640-h480/313414049_10160526491616810_1641871398882513415_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_QmDAylVH1Ce0rkCrdYYsZ_WfRj6JcKghtQc9pDQb81K4C7sosUjshi5C2Fz_syzYwnBOaSIo4-ZRzz3qogcUG86reyqHNiV6DAakv8Npzq_tRx63DnUzJ2_J-DTRBFPm4Ka_LlQjLCPIF5p8XA56nDo8C5RTdw-NzLaiteoHHD5aYb1vTKLwtj-/s1908/314449163_10160526493631810_2278523027001969857_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1658" data-original-width="1908" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_QmDAylVH1Ce0rkCrdYYsZ_WfRj6JcKghtQc9pDQb81K4C7sosUjshi5C2Fz_syzYwnBOaSIo4-ZRzz3qogcUG86reyqHNiV6DAakv8Npzq_tRx63DnUzJ2_J-DTRBFPm4Ka_LlQjLCPIF5p8XA56nDo8C5RTdw-NzLaiteoHHD5aYb1vTKLwtj-/w640-h556/314449163_10160526493631810_2278523027001969857_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Cappadocia is known for its caves and hotels that are located inside caves. Our hotel <b>Demisos Cave Hotel</b>, located at <b>Mustafapasha</b> was one of them. The climb to the hotel was quite steep, but once inside we found a completely stunning experience altogether. Each of our rooms was actually a cave, with all facilities like an attached bathroom and modern amenities. Since there were no windows, initially we felt a bit claustrophobic, but soon got accustomed to the place. The hotel run by a lady had about ten rooms and had a coffee shop outside to cater to the guest. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYZJKXl_FuGELHIcUcPN9uyKUZf3SJwfyXfYqkVGv5MshOVaP60yXIejpxLqiQMNi5GNaf2KJrwEIboq52_GYMVdHwYRJZLkBumx22ARNzOJ_GjavIl5uCeX7oHuGwo-CoNgAkaD17JRV3Ej4sGRQdOdHktgzey9znmdXY09v_lzY4NDmi7nFBghU/s2048/314449163_10160526491701810_865909624956807333_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYZJKXl_FuGELHIcUcPN9uyKUZf3SJwfyXfYqkVGv5MshOVaP60yXIejpxLqiQMNi5GNaf2KJrwEIboq52_GYMVdHwYRJZLkBumx22ARNzOJ_GjavIl5uCeX7oHuGwo-CoNgAkaD17JRV3Ej4sGRQdOdHktgzey9znmdXY09v_lzY4NDmi7nFBghU/w480-h640/314449163_10160526491701810_865909624956807333_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next morning was balloon time. Cappadocia is known for <b>hot air balloon rides</b> to watch the sunrise. I am not too comfortable with heights and adventure sports so opted out of this experience. My wife along with my niece left at 4 am for the hot air balloon experience, which costs around Rs 18000 per head in Indian currency. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrvCop-5W6L0dv5p1NwWIzk4Y6_BWmthsm8IO05HesKd0ULgIrW7hA9iSep79iGN8ErFqmj8w0FhWfGMnUja5L6fcZmwqFfKGRNpbmbSBpxm2qrsj_xZSlCxc2BBqySxh9YOzgcA9Iz80zEHz-m0pHdh_J9mPjmPTN6yN3fygHd7d32N0bcvIduQt/s1503/313173488_10160526493536810_4312171050092654130_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="1503" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrvCop-5W6L0dv5p1NwWIzk4Y6_BWmthsm8IO05HesKd0ULgIrW7hA9iSep79iGN8ErFqmj8w0FhWfGMnUja5L6fcZmwqFfKGRNpbmbSBpxm2qrsj_xZSlCxc2BBqySxh9YOzgcA9Iz80zEHz-m0pHdh_J9mPjmPTN6yN3fygHd7d32N0bcvIduQt/w640-h494/313173488_10160526493536810_4312171050092654130_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The team returned around 8 am when we were having breakfast in our cave hotel. The balloon experience starts just before sunrise, as you see the first rays of the sun lighting up the Cappadocia chimneys. There are about one thousand balloons that go up every day for a short ride of around one hour. About a dozen persons are huddled in a basket that is attached to the balloon. The overall experience is exquisite.</p><p>However, the ride is not without risks. A week before we reached, a hot air balloon crashed while landing killing three of its passengers – all Spanish tourists. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyG-hZIgETbXIDxl2oWBXHpIL7EvQesKhlVPzieKVRAM0jXEkSpf7LRUs00LC8IMpK0D2KVKnDcgvIROLp1OECYCMuboRGXWBEzDm6r70O31577eDy9TNzvBp8nGrP2bh-qvw0kTCmsRiF3jXh-3zF1wOoswnSpWWCqrs0ZvKpeuw8_CO0lTmiaGZ/s2048/313403571_10160526492126810_959963054870926587_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyG-hZIgETbXIDxl2oWBXHpIL7EvQesKhlVPzieKVRAM0jXEkSpf7LRUs00LC8IMpK0D2KVKnDcgvIROLp1OECYCMuboRGXWBEzDm6r70O31577eDy9TNzvBp8nGrP2bh-qvw0kTCmsRiF3jXh-3zF1wOoswnSpWWCqrs0ZvKpeuw8_CO0lTmiaGZ/w640-h480/313403571_10160526492126810_959963054870926587_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>After a sumptuous homemade breakfast at our hotel, we were ready to explore Cappadocia. Our guide was a young lad just out of college, and he showed great enthusiasm in showing us around. The region has a number of valleys, and each has its own style of fairy chimneys. The volcanic eruptions had resulted in soft rock formations in the region, and wind and rains washed away part of these deposits with the harder part protruding out to the extent of even a hundred feet. These rocks were malleable and easy to carve out, so persecuted groups in many periods found it convenient to carve out homes, churches, and even stables for their horses inside these chimneys. Entire underground cities also came up to protect them from the enemy, and the larger ones even had ten stories below the ground level.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCayl_wAZ3YmpfGWTuqXczFcOl3V2Mk8pEaW8afxVJSvRyB_D7kZe6hJxxIEn7d8wePKQiv7yhpyyBXTyOxxnTf8pgcuxeW6ulwBtcPe06lzrUok-NvQ9eEWkJhe4VymqbM9HLHW8LtulNG_ek-P7Uy6lS4c5-1sXhj-WJfaNeEwYSswhBTZ7PC0s/s2048/313317609_10160526492936810_4699348499797782465_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCayl_wAZ3YmpfGWTuqXczFcOl3V2Mk8pEaW8afxVJSvRyB_D7kZe6hJxxIEn7d8wePKQiv7yhpyyBXTyOxxnTf8pgcuxeW6ulwBtcPe06lzrUok-NvQ9eEWkJhe4VymqbM9HLHW8LtulNG_ek-P7Uy6lS4c5-1sXhj-WJfaNeEwYSswhBTZ7PC0s/w640-h480/313317609_10160526492936810_4699348499797782465_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSl_OK1XyFkWvUafAQSka_9fOr7WQSEcAJ2E-XJEyOpertaL3biil66d8anrg0xCpvShz3bbTeQFa8deInL1SaPSq_3wBtMaYzboAUdSJZhNDU-VA20RMPHwgyTy9MO74MukuzSWpbL14C8Qy9AZr93iM_IG8NlzGCgzo5D1jqyl5fYkIqUPxdCxz/s3396/IMG_20221025_113623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3027" data-original-width="3396" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSl_OK1XyFkWvUafAQSka_9fOr7WQSEcAJ2E-XJEyOpertaL3biil66d8anrg0xCpvShz3bbTeQFa8deInL1SaPSq_3wBtMaYzboAUdSJZhNDU-VA20RMPHwgyTy9MO74MukuzSWpbL14C8Qy9AZr93iM_IG8NlzGCgzo5D1jqyl5fYkIqUPxdCxz/w640-h570/IMG_20221025_113623.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Cappadocia is known for its rocky valleys. Our first stop was the <b>Love Valley</b>, where it was our first look at the phallic natural structures. Next was the <b>Fairy Chimney Valley</b>, where the structures were different, looking like mushrooms. In fact, the local police station was housed in one of the mushroom-shaped structures. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSaMBhBPUH828UCariDpYgA4vL7riP9fJn8DZQQ6GuuzCk4S2KYCHfmhHnMTV5yKphnjzqS5q4btyejn2yUWZuldlUq7vATY9vnmFX0ITj4NVwiy9sPe_Fk16Dl0RDm8QCY164hx9gGPo_KaWtqLJOhr4QyFUuhzJfCgQq2CWlt_ZBluv9JYVeIoTl/s2048/313418295_10160526492061810_7805501213225049301_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSaMBhBPUH828UCariDpYgA4vL7riP9fJn8DZQQ6GuuzCk4S2KYCHfmhHnMTV5yKphnjzqS5q4btyejn2yUWZuldlUq7vATY9vnmFX0ITj4NVwiy9sPe_Fk16Dl0RDm8QCY164hx9gGPo_KaWtqLJOhr4QyFUuhzJfCgQq2CWlt_ZBluv9JYVeIoTl/w640-h480/313418295_10160526492061810_7805501213225049301_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Cappadocia also has a couple of castles built out of the rocks, and <b>Uchisar</b> is perhaps the most famous of these. A huge rock structure with windows like pigeon holes used to house a few hundred people. After visiting one of the palaces our last stop for the day was <b>Goreme Open Air Museum</b>. The museum houses the large monasteries that were cut out from the tuff or soft rocks. We took a walk around the structures and visited a church located in one of them. The Christians persecuted by the Roman Empire had taken refuge at Cappadocia, and thus there are many multi-storied sites with religious inscriptions in the caves and the chimneys. There was a large community dining room and kitchens too. The structures are as old as 1800 BC. </p><p>In the evening we visited a local café in Mustafapasha for dinner. He assembled very tasty and fresh local sandwiches which we enjoyed with Turkish coffee.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBt4cRFYOjgMQhB-Wysu9m_5UqFYsYug4j59_gqe2FFPMMNQt8ge5oYVSvmd-4-np-51ljOv0J4Smr1oV9kCzBG6WG8Ypt3qWVsCdVA2oQJCWFB2yQqCCgwtTNdqxpPcJLDKMBy3KRQt0jqFO3K_acYsRE6245mxwBZpsyMq0j2hr68FbimjyHVxy/s4608/IMG_20221026_162558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBt4cRFYOjgMQhB-Wysu9m_5UqFYsYug4j59_gqe2FFPMMNQt8ge5oYVSvmd-4-np-51ljOv0J4Smr1oV9kCzBG6WG8Ypt3qWVsCdVA2oQJCWFB2yQqCCgwtTNdqxpPcJLDKMBy3KRQt0jqFO3K_acYsRE6245mxwBZpsyMq0j2hr68FbimjyHVxy/w640-h480/IMG_20221026_162558.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8IuZFWSchacr31LpSBYqbRcMA8iWikUqqf5cUP0tGZNFGL7vNbd-asLMR6J5lJZ5MdyR814Leqo5388CE0LX-ibFnJO2KgsA9HoUORz6-GEAJ7AijPra6CxWAHzKugLE9v90bwfY_JwwMfUWrleFE_lwetYuzaJ5VhPMhJPLtpelNARSCoYVwzHW/s2048/313363849_10160526493916810_8508158287813558122_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1935" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8IuZFWSchacr31LpSBYqbRcMA8iWikUqqf5cUP0tGZNFGL7vNbd-asLMR6J5lJZ5MdyR814Leqo5388CE0LX-ibFnJO2KgsA9HoUORz6-GEAJ7AijPra6CxWAHzKugLE9v90bwfY_JwwMfUWrleFE_lwetYuzaJ5VhPMhJPLtpelNARSCoYVwzHW/w604-h640/313363849_10160526493916810_8508158287813558122_n.jpg" width="604" /></a></div><p></p><p>The last day at Cappadocia took us to <b>Rose Valley</b>. The valley is thus named because the chimneys here are colored rose. There is a long trek that we attended but as it was too steep, none of us except our niece could handle it. We visited the <b>Avanos pottery town</b> as well as a pottery workshop. Avanos has had a tradition of making pottery since the BC period, and even now the locals are continuing it. Some of the products are very intricate and can be compared to the best in the world. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tM_v1iPTxtqvBInl5-jDjX4GBfnzxI__1F-RMCnmSMpYHXswnJG55CTAa5o5DAxtsT2pNiY4m0uyYR3Ydcq9_RFSNzkfpFqabsSNYRa7UwmXr2iOznLgwI7nB3l4Ay6YFsO7SlIIJ6IfKI1kwVXY7c9jgi_UmywwOda2DKhEXFBbLH8WLjVNnN-M/s4608/IMG_20221026_140648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tM_v1iPTxtqvBInl5-jDjX4GBfnzxI__1F-RMCnmSMpYHXswnJG55CTAa5o5DAxtsT2pNiY4m0uyYR3Ydcq9_RFSNzkfpFqabsSNYRa7UwmXr2iOznLgwI7nB3l4Ay6YFsO7SlIIJ6IfKI1kwVXY7c9jgi_UmywwOda2DKhEXFBbLH8WLjVNnN-M/w640-h480/IMG_20221026_140648.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We were pining for <b>Pide</b>, the Turkish pizza ever since we landed in the country. Our guide took us to a village pide place, where we could try cheese and beef pides. The specialty of pides of this region is that it is extra long. The preparation of the pide was also shown to us.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HvxY8wXJjimvnL8AHl7JLF7zqrFbvCO9aQl3wrAXSvEUpN1ipEnhlvfl_Bu_OMOBE8YIygft4SSTHpEG40A8IjWtqgKW6CgJWN2yFbNgq2JO5NYAh00hOxir6Kmi_tGkIPbJYRs5yBnQeIoZuAQLT6pZwoFpPV3vAYYfRjscdaRZOfd-YTxySl3E/s2048/313421244_10160526492311810_2752941730294993994_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HvxY8wXJjimvnL8AHl7JLF7zqrFbvCO9aQl3wrAXSvEUpN1ipEnhlvfl_Bu_OMOBE8YIygft4SSTHpEG40A8IjWtqgKW6CgJWN2yFbNgq2JO5NYAh00hOxir6Kmi_tGkIPbJYRs5yBnQeIoZuAQLT6pZwoFpPV3vAYYfRjscdaRZOfd-YTxySl3E/w640-h480/313421244_10160526492311810_2752941730294993994_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jLRJJhc1R3cMnMjccCApVDIb3W-HGiWQeVWi-GVjlhKIu8l5COOlVQGnDdk6xZAFGFaJZJSICrKe1jclMqhxn-Y6ypkBvEhd19uDCxGDe2XVRNiKHWohdRrBNK46CpaX42W3_V00EMDhfbky7UkxikBNPV7Dpe5ja36Pzn_FrhYnRWqvepjYQfSX/s2048/314318710_10160526492411810_4350252615499655498_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jLRJJhc1R3cMnMjccCApVDIb3W-HGiWQeVWi-GVjlhKIu8l5COOlVQGnDdk6xZAFGFaJZJSICrKe1jclMqhxn-Y6ypkBvEhd19uDCxGDe2XVRNiKHWohdRrBNK46CpaX42W3_V00EMDhfbky7UkxikBNPV7Dpe5ja36Pzn_FrhYnRWqvepjYQfSX/w480-h640/314318710_10160526492411810_4350252615499655498_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8yZep9vStICqC0p42_XzLeRe4X8FfU6asz5sKtdSBz7BbrESae42ncGdJdRyCJww1BgrAz3Hr1_rh1T6YXNFV8ZpDLJyq_bt7PFHAai5tRNqwmALiJoN16q5XCkX_I2EoB45hfCI0agyzsdCW8cDVmh4IeaySk7wEw5ze4osUKcBqjlCovsqdHM2/s4608/IMG_20221026_110934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE8yZep9vStICqC0p42_XzLeRe4X8FfU6asz5sKtdSBz7BbrESae42ncGdJdRyCJww1BgrAz3Hr1_rh1T6YXNFV8ZpDLJyq_bt7PFHAai5tRNqwmALiJoN16q5XCkX_I2EoB45hfCI0agyzsdCW8cDVmh4IeaySk7wEw5ze4osUKcBqjlCovsqdHM2/w480-h640/IMG_20221026_110934.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>Our final visit was to the <b>Underground City at Kaymakli</b>. There are many underground cities in Cappadocia, most built by Greeks to protect them from attacks by Persians. Later during Ottoman rule, refugees used to still live in these cities. Kaymakli has eight floors all underground, and one can only reach up to five. Some of the pathways and narrow and low, in some places you have to crawl. You can be privy to an entire city with stables, churches, oil factories, kitchens, storage places, and wine factories. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4XNLzybNR2y1UwfRgfH-rnB5_Or9JoAAGOYVq9hlYx05DjocueCfJ2vV2HHpBpxuR8K3Cn6BuIJJbsxEeAqUFaxaVlQgcz6MsX_lr1M_6YhX3C0L7z6uII-SKe5HokzJeKi_wXVtdg-zVXWreJ3SsgwvL9akjjREbkUMvLv7B6WARXtqwwboPt7h/s1811/314326876_10160526495946810_8163833490969732981_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1811" data-original-width="1526" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4XNLzybNR2y1UwfRgfH-rnB5_Or9JoAAGOYVq9hlYx05DjocueCfJ2vV2HHpBpxuR8K3Cn6BuIJJbsxEeAqUFaxaVlQgcz6MsX_lr1M_6YhX3C0L7z6uII-SKe5HokzJeKi_wXVtdg-zVXWreJ3SsgwvL9akjjREbkUMvLv7B6WARXtqwwboPt7h/w540-h640/314326876_10160526495946810_8163833490969732981_n.jpg" width="540" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIdvT6dpkEpt1BEnR4QnQy68QyMZS1J3TqZ89TymsF2lxs-Tq4lpUInI3Gb9vG9xNfI2C_Rbgw8N8Yo0JBHvECBI1YQYM4aJy0Cb9LaFjmSieEeURniPseDNT7vZQbDElAuu_Y1DHr-2Ol9MlVJ7ZiKF8UuRR0kEySgHOYxuQ8N6IF1cZ4LcHOO8f/s4608/IMG_20221026_165908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIdvT6dpkEpt1BEnR4QnQy68QyMZS1J3TqZ89TymsF2lxs-Tq4lpUInI3Gb9vG9xNfI2C_Rbgw8N8Yo0JBHvECBI1YQYM4aJy0Cb9LaFjmSieEeURniPseDNT7vZQbDElAuu_Y1DHr-2Ol9MlVJ7ZiKF8UuRR0kEySgHOYxuQ8N6IF1cZ4LcHOO8f/w640-h480/IMG_20221026_165908.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We spent two days in Cappadocia but actually, you can definitely spend a couple of days more. There are many walks, treks, horseback viewing, and exploring the caves that you can do. Many people visit Turkey just to visit Cappadocia. </p>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-39773551033694505772023-01-05T21:21:00.002+05:302023-06-08T20:16:51.922+05:30Go Turkey: Antalya<p>While the entire trip to Turkey keeps you engrossed with the rich history of the nation, the geographic divergence in this country is noteworthy too. At the end of a trip to this country, there will be a realization that no two locations are similar. Also, usually the western and central parts of Turkey is part of the itinerary whereas the east is avoided, I was told that though there are beautiful spots in the eastern region too, they are not deemed too safe for international tourists.</p><p><b>Also Read: <a href="https://www.foodaholix.in/2022/12/Turkey-Istanbul.html" target="_blank">The City of Istanbul</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiJye8WgSytPz6PVycsmvRyrfwy7XcQd7xjLGBN03jNh0Wh2GJOZ4o7yRNpm1TPcPm63e8Bv7HZc0LfWMPNmhBa9n_ie6yilioIPV80wOaImkgpzwkf1FzNe63jEWRvxsQeaTmCDl33xG4yD5JoQmXs4APqvk3CbGH1_2c1QruwBMzQq5LC2VBX5R/s4608/IMG_20221022_171307.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiJye8WgSytPz6PVycsmvRyrfwy7XcQd7xjLGBN03jNh0Wh2GJOZ4o7yRNpm1TPcPm63e8Bv7HZc0LfWMPNmhBa9n_ie6yilioIPV80wOaImkgpzwkf1FzNe63jEWRvxsQeaTmCDl33xG4yD5JoQmXs4APqvk3CbGH1_2c1QruwBMzQq5LC2VBX5R/w640-h480/IMG_20221022_171307.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>From <b>Pamukkale</b>, our destination was <b>Antalya</b>, a commercial city on the <b>Mediterranean Sea</b>. Antalya is among the five largest cities in the country, known for its deep blue sea, waterfalls, and greenery. After a journey of about five hours, our tourist bus dropped us at <b>Ring Downtown Hotel</b> located at the centre of the city. The area was buzzing with restaurants, and foreign exchange dealers and looked like a shopping destination. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6N2nikAxC0SQCkG0JeTeq3yEeDnIOJW5cwySsATRaV0vWRRR2oiUlAUIJphQjzDyVCwQIgOGOEiswLU6k6de-mCmDQNSHh8T0xobk41beWkZ6Mo1yHkRACZJ7veg1B_FWFkVnAemz_YL0UlkrBolueLetE5B5UQ1YZM1es2FQrUQz9PFfvuPCKIG/s2048/313439198_10160514054931810_3890320750925606333_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6N2nikAxC0SQCkG0JeTeq3yEeDnIOJW5cwySsATRaV0vWRRR2oiUlAUIJphQjzDyVCwQIgOGOEiswLU6k6de-mCmDQNSHh8T0xobk41beWkZ6Mo1yHkRACZJ7veg1B_FWFkVnAemz_YL0UlkrBolueLetE5B5UQ1YZM1es2FQrUQz9PFfvuPCKIG/w640-h480/313439198_10160514054931810_3890320750925606333_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We wanted to get to the seafront and asked people for directions. By now we were familiar with Turkish words like “Su”, “Durum” etc., and a new addition was “Deniz” the Turkish for sea. The seafront was a longish walk away. At the end of the road, there was a park from where we could see the sea from the top. There was a multi-level restaurant a distance away that attracted our attention. Boats of all shapes and sizes were visible too. At sunset, the Mediterranean looked fascinating with a myriad of lights from the shore as well as the boats.</p><p>On our way back we stopped for dinner at a Turkish roadside eatery. <b>Durum</b> or shawarma roll (also known as Doner) is one of the most popular foods on the streets. There were two variants, Et (Beef) and Tavuk (Chicken). You can also have the bread and meat separately as <b>Durum Sade</b>. In this case, you can ask for some rice or bulgur instead of the bread too. Typically, doners cost 30-80 Liras (Rs 120 to 320) and can serve as a complete meal along with some tea or coffee. The durum here had some tahini provided with it, which added to the taste.</p><p>While walking back to our hotel from our dinner, we were stopped by the police to check our passports. Unlike many countries, you have to have your passport on you all the time in Turkey, you cannot leave it at the hotel.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0kWxnFaDeDsOzn5QdriiUJlP6ORbE86lVmIQV7PoOANeH924-qRy7B8LQD67rDMUoEpGHGdlbnufx1RSkjYClVQW5Sb9AI5fH55Q_gFKLOKqtxKS_pspE-eM_uq6aisFJkU12cs0opdEGk8P2Ka5ptRPug3f0aaR399qKXHEY7hUOi-OR1ZNi9Ci/s4608/IMG_20221023_102359.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0kWxnFaDeDsOzn5QdriiUJlP6ORbE86lVmIQV7PoOANeH924-qRy7B8LQD67rDMUoEpGHGdlbnufx1RSkjYClVQW5Sb9AI5fH55Q_gFKLOKqtxKS_pspE-eM_uq6aisFJkU12cs0opdEGk8P2Ka5ptRPug3f0aaR399qKXHEY7hUOi-OR1ZNi9Ci/w480-h640/IMG_20221023_102359.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQfrl5UYlktCOaqMNAoV1Dhc4Ul0yr_sqpBnUD-Ul1jEJmECY9BGq8ePKogvqUJE9wrzqTvZ84HhD9b21g8W7X6l4keLzJjPIbM5JKRFyCuqhF-_6nSaAH14_W0NZiUUnSLS5rUCbBPuNeP0NmbZJJnYlTqkTDCyr8AbBKoX5SJZ4iSIehcCP8dsz/s2048/313953520_10160514055191810_4544840270844057862_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQfrl5UYlktCOaqMNAoV1Dhc4Ul0yr_sqpBnUD-Ul1jEJmECY9BGq8ePKogvqUJE9wrzqTvZ84HhD9b21g8W7X6l4keLzJjPIbM5JKRFyCuqhF-_6nSaAH14_W0NZiUUnSLS5rUCbBPuNeP0NmbZJJnYlTqkTDCyr8AbBKoX5SJZ4iSIehcCP8dsz/w640-h480/313953520_10160514055191810_4544840270844057862_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6T59TY7xE0AbuyGFDxx-AeaDa-s8DAeW0vu3SetBVIBdP6qBgT62SYc7V3EM5bj29IfBfjl39MJMBGAGfrs5VQVaNcV7cHY0txEQrjEqh9yKyoSB84zEiQuvhNWlbUFTJAZp4HCshJRzIO6QZ7FQWfB3NYgjNLEFukokpxBnAHInKIBtf6Lxeolx/s4608/IMG_20221023_103647.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6T59TY7xE0AbuyGFDxx-AeaDa-s8DAeW0vu3SetBVIBdP6qBgT62SYc7V3EM5bj29IfBfjl39MJMBGAGfrs5VQVaNcV7cHY0txEQrjEqh9yKyoSB84zEiQuvhNWlbUFTJAZp4HCshJRzIO6QZ7FQWfB3NYgjNLEFukokpxBnAHInKIBtf6Lxeolx/w640-h480/IMG_20221023_103647.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The next day, we started early for the sights of Antalya. Our guide first took us to <b>Tunektepe</b>, the highest point in the city which you need to reach via a cable car. The top has a small café serving short eats and beverages. The views from both the car and the top are breathtaking, you can see a large stretch of sea, the harbor, and the city. We spent an hour here before moving to the next destination, <b>Duden Falls</b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpEQHk-m1Icb3byqfcO-V0gIRfwRD5UwgCW7nonfXKr3gWttzNu0jGf5JiJGey2pIgrq9gqAjOpWwoSV2TlQc4awbm-dOSJQCQHI9v6bo9QWmL-1BhUytQyK4BfTkx8fEuJTDUcPohAtRhAkB4f9WJ2aGv66F9KeEhIyRMZuxPuJdvPx5VjDx0vr_/s4608/IMG_20221023_123530.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpEQHk-m1Icb3byqfcO-V0gIRfwRD5UwgCW7nonfXKr3gWttzNu0jGf5JiJGey2pIgrq9gqAjOpWwoSV2TlQc4awbm-dOSJQCQHI9v6bo9QWmL-1BhUytQyK4BfTkx8fEuJTDUcPohAtRhAkB4f9WJ2aGv66F9KeEhIyRMZuxPuJdvPx5VjDx0vr_/w640-h480/IMG_20221023_123530.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>There are actually two Duden Falls in Antalya. The <b>Upper Duden Falls</b> is located inside a park at the outskirts of the city. The location is nice, though it is not a novelty as we can see many such huge falls in our own country. The way to the fall is a little steep as you need to travel through a few caves. There are food stalls and shops just outside the entrance, and here we got to taste Gozleme, the stuffed Turkish paratha, the making of which resembles our Moglai Parota and Baida Roti closely.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMnLOZT_z7FM7Pn7XnWboP4j50Ua1AP6hF4D1-3V0w_obH598FVzf2rUT4AqulflV8mGA5RUfWeZEnN9j1m_tW2fBX_CKJYeKZKwZHVbdYbdF4DYYLRhcf-sL_zyHXhanwCLvW4G2BIATW-wubvjBPpv2DelhViHufyG94HNPoPKo8ivJpdY_x8Qr/s3397/IMG_20221023_143636.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2620" data-original-width="3397" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMnLOZT_z7FM7Pn7XnWboP4j50Ua1AP6hF4D1-3V0w_obH598FVzf2rUT4AqulflV8mGA5RUfWeZEnN9j1m_tW2fBX_CKJYeKZKwZHVbdYbdF4DYYLRhcf-sL_zyHXhanwCLvW4G2BIATW-wubvjBPpv2DelhViHufyG94HNPoPKo8ivJpdY_x8Qr/w640-h494/IMG_20221023_143636.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The <b>Lower Duden Falls</b>, half an hour away was a unique place, as the Duden River falls over a cliff into the sea. It is a fantastic view, and for me perhaps the best site in Antalya.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkv3DBmUWBcWnGy2vPhJL5OMw6g58qh7mHWdCSXE4B0tJKV8MKiE7_OqdTz9M8yPd6gQrujymebtsQUBELm5V0mek3zpBp2Ci0zIhyHfbU8bY4XbAqCktLjkYh9tIn_Yj6O-SqYvUEP-xWpFBAheE7c0Rk-wlWeRAdxehhtBBIiWKVpqNf-pBx45Kk/s2048/313047208_10160514054676810_8271966829756875570_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkv3DBmUWBcWnGy2vPhJL5OMw6g58qh7mHWdCSXE4B0tJKV8MKiE7_OqdTz9M8yPd6gQrujymebtsQUBELm5V0mek3zpBp2Ci0zIhyHfbU8bY4XbAqCktLjkYh9tIn_Yj6O-SqYvUEP-xWpFBAheE7c0Rk-wlWeRAdxehhtBBIiWKVpqNf-pBx45Kk/w640-h480/313047208_10160514054676810_8271966829756875570_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4n7DyEaKiuKUfm40vgPury5YqpTqi20kGYuc08OGbu4kvUYZ8iVh_SbF6vf-5IUZETUFbPhvgm_KtyGnYOBo3FzmENsAO06WiFy2mkO_lVyd-IFG3EE8wwg2mb-qbwT8s1-z4Bx09SuNWkP0kM0jJtR2FXbHmSRlMXHz8SJfoM7JALtWj1910201/s4608/IMG_20221023_161722.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4n7DyEaKiuKUfm40vgPury5YqpTqi20kGYuc08OGbu4kvUYZ8iVh_SbF6vf-5IUZETUFbPhvgm_KtyGnYOBo3FzmENsAO06WiFy2mkO_lVyd-IFG3EE8wwg2mb-qbwT8s1-z4Bx09SuNWkP0kM0jJtR2FXbHmSRlMXHz8SJfoM7JALtWj1910201/w480-h640/IMG_20221023_161722.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>Our last but significant stop was at <b>Kaleici</b>, the old Roman city of Antalya. The place is 2200 years old though most of the area has been modernized. <b>Hadrian’s Gate</b>, the entrance to this area is one of the few remains of the olden times. However, a new Antalya awaits you in the narrow alleys flanked by curio shops, stores, hotels, restaurants, and bars. The offerings in the shops are very interesting, and we witnessed intense bargaining by some of the locals. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxY4IBoV1Fy1FY05P_5CYzvoOVjN25pmiPXzxrzVZ0IMvub-hmL-_n8rxB8Hkt1Zi-ia9cPahkKgut3FBRvuRVV6vkZy-Dby3EsVFJZ6-aYCAJWA0QzTDYIKzueiGqAScEGteeIF6Rctt4ONaCnQzRArSr1p_R7IDizoOZ4Bcmv_HktagCAhRxJAyZ/s2048/314413122_10160514055076810_1670888033750897666_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxY4IBoV1Fy1FY05P_5CYzvoOVjN25pmiPXzxrzVZ0IMvub-hmL-_n8rxB8Hkt1Zi-ia9cPahkKgut3FBRvuRVV6vkZy-Dby3EsVFJZ6-aYCAJWA0QzTDYIKzueiGqAScEGteeIF6Rctt4ONaCnQzRArSr1p_R7IDizoOZ4Bcmv_HktagCAhRxJAyZ/w640-h480/314413122_10160514055076810_1670888033750897666_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gVCtFDYXWH1rI-NKLrtr4VBefU5BfEhogZmLD8_t67pgo_PeuJxcTqQh_pHtjoihr-k-9EFcaqHh48BYoxVSQmIM9nxmfv3VfHFoPyUkGuAyR5L7Zqx0XP4XRMseyPaQpSyGNbChXBWZgAhSBli_LjQ9GlElDzp4DqaPP9GXKvVY1SU5qXxa3yzG/s4608/IMG_20221023_154600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gVCtFDYXWH1rI-NKLrtr4VBefU5BfEhogZmLD8_t67pgo_PeuJxcTqQh_pHtjoihr-k-9EFcaqHh48BYoxVSQmIM9nxmfv3VfHFoPyUkGuAyR5L7Zqx0XP4XRMseyPaQpSyGNbChXBWZgAhSBli_LjQ9GlElDzp4DqaPP9GXKvVY1SU5qXxa3yzG/w640-h480/IMG_20221023_154600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The main artery ends on the seafront where you can have a view of <b>Hidirlik Tower</b>, another old Roman structure. We were unanimous that this area is the best to stay in Antalya, though the boutique hotels on inquiry turned out to be pretty expensive. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjMQGWQQuNXX1QuXh9U6IpGIYhe-lxlxpLTW7kzhl1MqxB8F7PTLEXOaVIJ9V5u7y3LtSz9c_s49Js_AGvq_6Z91WbRAYZeHJ85k8hZfFltFHk6UmbvB4zdsXOByy8Bjlvm-ytNLi6WM5aVXBklOruH9o_IaCxKYu4Th0eTeThndXWz9oPzhJ5nQC/s4251/IMG_20221023_162012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3286" data-original-width="4251" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGjMQGWQQuNXX1QuXh9U6IpGIYhe-lxlxpLTW7kzhl1MqxB8F7PTLEXOaVIJ9V5u7y3LtSz9c_s49Js_AGvq_6Z91WbRAYZeHJ85k8hZfFltFHk6UmbvB4zdsXOByy8Bjlvm-ytNLi6WM5aVXBklOruH9o_IaCxKYu4Th0eTeThndXWz9oPzhJ5nQC/w640-h494/IMG_20221023_162012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We enjoyed our stay in this city but were looking forward to the next destination too. It was a two-hour stopover at <b>Konya</b> en route to <b>Cappadocia</b>, where we wished to visit the <b>Mevlana Museum</b> and Mausoleum of <b>Jalaluddin Rumi</b>, the Sufi scholar many of us are familiar with. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEe-yiOiUuZUnH23m9fCyQNQ0nAExW-utPk_SL1hlJGnDZGzyUvjygsO2okbiur9E_b-6sOXdWmwvRxYgzXRZ7ugvDTxQG5PMouV50Yp7JjhdNSoXQTVDYD-rwcE6cLwQSnuECkYdGlbMRulpWUZfpLQpeBrsESu_1n_2y-dowD4FtKOO3zPIYG0A/s2048/314246893_10160514055651810_335035763817590297_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEe-yiOiUuZUnH23m9fCyQNQ0nAExW-utPk_SL1hlJGnDZGzyUvjygsO2okbiur9E_b-6sOXdWmwvRxYgzXRZ7ugvDTxQG5PMouV50Yp7JjhdNSoXQTVDYD-rwcE6cLwQSnuECkYdGlbMRulpWUZfpLQpeBrsESu_1n_2y-dowD4FtKOO3zPIYG0A/w480-h640/314246893_10160514055651810_335035763817590297_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqe8PkGSs_5gREaplCeS71I5jxPqhw2NMEkq9AVwW9eYog9wBr4F1mieREnshQXtELxWB0gcwG8S25aB94L3VVYpstRIIC5oGObXmeVycpz7W_gs_H1sXNDeDxm4zEC00KtkYzURf-Fl_9vL0jpClzgOdXJo2y8cTav1vShCKDE84RLnVb7oA1u1lT/s2048/312973201_10160514054831810_4519967912883894094_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqe8PkGSs_5gREaplCeS71I5jxPqhw2NMEkq9AVwW9eYog9wBr4F1mieREnshQXtELxWB0gcwG8S25aB94L3VVYpstRIIC5oGObXmeVycpz7W_gs_H1sXNDeDxm4zEC00KtkYzURf-Fl_9vL0jpClzgOdXJo2y8cTav1vShCKDE84RLnVb7oA1u1lT/w640-h480/312973201_10160514054831810_4519967912883894094_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKd7CEfSELBUMfne7PA9l32m_7hR2cW-9sjajPcsFg44zOByHDJ7xDC5scfiSSzxLxCHEGZLa3mSwYxIaox1RHJErekFruDqCF_N05fAxFf8fagG5HM5AYckJN8qtVn5nfTibSKcLxol8sh5KVUyBshtixf5KA8T2awcP67JKyrDbWvNiw9I__5YyR/s2048/312809802_10160514055731810_5569591897719424044_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKd7CEfSELBUMfne7PA9l32m_7hR2cW-9sjajPcsFg44zOByHDJ7xDC5scfiSSzxLxCHEGZLa3mSwYxIaox1RHJErekFruDqCF_N05fAxFf8fagG5HM5AYckJN8qtVn5nfTibSKcLxol8sh5KVUyBshtixf5KA8T2awcP67JKyrDbWvNiw9I__5YyR/w640-h480/312809802_10160514055731810_5569591897719424044_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The museum located in a large compound in the centre of the city was thronging with visitors when we reached there in the afternoon. Rumi is considered a Saint in Turkey, and his mausoleum is a holy place. A large number of artifacts belonging to the Mevlana order which his father had founded can be seen in the small cells leading to the mausoleum where the dervishes used to live. To enter the mausoleum, you have to cover your shoes with plastic shoe covers which are kept there. Inside, you can find the tomb or Rumi as well as other dervishes of the contemporary period. In the museum, you can see a few models of contemporary times. In the evenings the famous <b>Whirling Dervish</b> programs are held here, though we could not experience them as we were proceeding to Cappadocia.</p><p>Konya is about three hours from Antalya and can be done in a day trip. It is halfway to Cappadocia our next destination, so instead of travelling to Cappadocia by flight, we started from Antalya in the morning, visited the mausoleum, and reached Cappadocia in the evening.</p>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-37821426312030771072022-12-30T12:27:00.009+05:302023-06-06T12:25:28.078+05:30Go Turkey: Kusadasi & Pamukkale<p>The history of Turkey makes a very interesting reading. In ancient times Hittites were the original inhabitants of the Turkish region, but after their fall the Persians took hold of the region. Alexander the Great led the Greeks in conquering the country in the 3rd Century BC, but after a few centuries, the Greeks lost control to the Roman Empire. Soon the Eastern part of the Roman Empire established its own independence and was known as the Byzantine Empire.</p><p>Also read: <b><a href="https://www.foodaholix.in/2022/12/Turkey-Istanbul.html" target="_blank">The City of Istanbul</a></b></p><p> <b><a href="https://www.foodaholix.in/2023/01/blog-post.html" target="_blank"> Antalya</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1mcODITLTC3jxv50ysPd01Ckfy8uDs3zPo_ae_dCVhE8pXWORWuWzHM0kgildPQoa0TtYSRNRhbW4Vu03I_jWF6UJK8tB9LsDECejwpdcat4G1Gev8KD0W62BmWp6ELF6mK-7VQw9f2NmrvEivvbqKOZICfPRWiS53jRdT6AHoq-6ms28Vwle8Ar/s2048/313295711_10160506847421810_1410006696428389770_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1mcODITLTC3jxv50ysPd01Ckfy8uDs3zPo_ae_dCVhE8pXWORWuWzHM0kgildPQoa0TtYSRNRhbW4Vu03I_jWF6UJK8tB9LsDECejwpdcat4G1Gev8KD0W62BmWp6ELF6mK-7VQw9f2NmrvEivvbqKOZICfPRWiS53jRdT6AHoq-6ms28Vwle8Ar/w640-h480/313295711_10160506847421810_1410006696428389770_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The ruins of <b>Ephesus</b> and <b>Hieropolis</b> bear testimony to the changes during these periods, and no trip to Turkey is complete without visiting these two locations. We flew down from Istanbul to <b>Izmir</b>, a city in Western Turkey, and then drove down to the seaside town of <b>Kusadasi</b>, which is the gateway to the old city of Ephesus.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwQ2pqwiPHMMV5USeKkUJJJfljbIFpX8benJu_L17ZzFo5qbrD92s84NiA8WHki2H2zUYcd0qvEXJOlaDWlx8TF8GGV5vwF16jmIt5x8PuqXlMUXAmX1yt6exmI-7tIw0gyI4JGqp9ik-zKqRM9JzKpmIcu6GhW5NZCNCsn9frQxfUNSs_88g-Yfj/s4608/IMG_20221020_073444.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwQ2pqwiPHMMV5USeKkUJJJfljbIFpX8benJu_L17ZzFo5qbrD92s84NiA8WHki2H2zUYcd0qvEXJOlaDWlx8TF8GGV5vwF16jmIt5x8PuqXlMUXAmX1yt6exmI-7tIw0gyI4JGqp9ik-zKqRM9JzKpmIcu6GhW5NZCNCsn9frQxfUNSs_88g-Yfj/w640-h480/IMG_20221020_073444.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The tourist town of <b>Kusadasi</b> is located on the Aegean Sea, which separates Turkey from Greece. The small town has a population of only about a lakh. The harbor is known for luxury cruise liners coming in from Greece bringing in tourists from across the world, who are mostly headed for Ephesus an hour’s drive away.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVs2zck0N78MT4EeyaGd-4jcLhBQwMPv2rHjvN2OcgWlBuvoy-7kKt_-HniPQJp1yYcLb0NLu88pQvLn3-9xvvHCVKxwFNptmrW3-rNxPurs_0XJF8DLv50DFtEDbdwTIJ88P7G7e1-13nPqJO3Hgym_gKfl6GijaZPdgvqqfXQut-Gm51pJDykceF/s2048/313028861_10160506847961810_7555402064923285339_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVs2zck0N78MT4EeyaGd-4jcLhBQwMPv2rHjvN2OcgWlBuvoy-7kKt_-HniPQJp1yYcLb0NLu88pQvLn3-9xvvHCVKxwFNptmrW3-rNxPurs_0XJF8DLv50DFtEDbdwTIJ88P7G7e1-13nPqJO3Hgym_gKfl6GijaZPdgvqqfXQut-Gm51pJDykceF/w640-h480/313028861_10160506847961810_7555402064923285339_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITAaX06CfnnVR1Ed8pqYyfPH_sezorGEClBIgY_Vl7feB2eciGvyNgEF-5YvfV_bj42b4RTks4ofbP1w9somwU4oJ4JvFOZdeOXdPeWXiY40m9VXaSyo_ccJBdRnh5YEadAUeGw6UbcAyDZqCcfS6DepufW03vZHNSYBOOqOy7Ck5eVh0jvPdECpd/s2048/312324689_10160506848006810_5144563593235049920_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITAaX06CfnnVR1Ed8pqYyfPH_sezorGEClBIgY_Vl7feB2eciGvyNgEF-5YvfV_bj42b4RTks4ofbP1w9somwU4oJ4JvFOZdeOXdPeWXiY40m9VXaSyo_ccJBdRnh5YEadAUeGw6UbcAyDZqCcfS6DepufW03vZHNSYBOOqOy7Ck5eVh0jvPdECpd/w640-h480/312324689_10160506848006810_5144563593235049920_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We reached Kusadasi in the afternoon. <b>The Marina Hotel</b> where we checked in was close to the seashore, and from our rooms, we could get a clear view of the blue sea and many boats of different shapes and sizes there. Multiple cruise liners were seen at a distance. In the evening we visited the seafront, a buzzing space with many tourists and dozens of restaurants lined up on the coast. We again tried some Turkish Ice Cream here. The dinner at the hotel had a nice spread, extensive mezze dishes, different varieties of olives, and the Turkish dolma were some of the highlights.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Af8YguZ1kwc8sokWmvoLiPU9rK8t_NaBur0sgrzFFMZv_3h2NOU4dV4k6Ny4c8NwntfDvsCMPIXW_lbzGyh6G1cbzfGE3KSAOeuLOdqYAIy9AWjLy4BcUsHSR0--s6CnImL8lPv34_D67gDLiheZwkDYMcUQaiADjBr69Jc4LxdQNHvJ84oa6hOL/s2048/313218888_10160506848811810_2744282664581975993_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Af8YguZ1kwc8sokWmvoLiPU9rK8t_NaBur0sgrzFFMZv_3h2NOU4dV4k6Ny4c8NwntfDvsCMPIXW_lbzGyh6G1cbzfGE3KSAOeuLOdqYAIy9AWjLy4BcUsHSR0--s6CnImL8lPv34_D67gDLiheZwkDYMcUQaiADjBr69Jc4LxdQNHvJ84oa6hOL/w480-h640/313218888_10160506848811810_2744282664581975993_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocTctTxQUiZL5skbkq6Po_VYjufr8DFp2Jz_BBHujSkacKzOJ4eV49yQvAxt_0OamKj5La9RJZsP4K3eIZdoJvMc-NF8590DlBr527qrJdcz9SZzsh_hpm9fbUY8clateBPA9sk5xhHii4IQ_iiielnpDfIJvdO9wg84j-q6J4llBbRedqIDeDw-T/s4608/IMG_20221020_115359.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocTctTxQUiZL5skbkq6Po_VYjufr8DFp2Jz_BBHujSkacKzOJ4eV49yQvAxt_0OamKj5La9RJZsP4K3eIZdoJvMc-NF8590DlBr527qrJdcz9SZzsh_hpm9fbUY8clateBPA9sk5xhHii4IQ_iiielnpDfIJvdO9wg84j-q6J4llBbRedqIDeDw-T/w640-h480/IMG_20221020_115359.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The next morning we moved out early. Our destination today was Ephesus. After a touristy visit to a leather factory, we headed to the <b>House of The Virgin Mary</b> located on top of a small hill. Mother Mary used to live here towards the end of her life after she was brought there by Saint John who was designated by Jesus to take care of His Mother. The place was thronging with tourists mainly visiting the chapel and the wishing wall, where people can write their wishes on a piece of paper and leave the strip here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapGvj_W0k0ci3AhcQyEF-Ta3Je_-E8rahfviiCv0P4_zK3YiWLflpSLfZhghBI2WpZJwBeFvpg0gzxUgKxhAcHFvnHJ-jHk7fzTH3WpxoWFbHPUWHCszu5e17r8RLYneTqcO_IFiSIx1rBX8olSkaiVLz79MtZc9vZQG4hpaTIqyl-KtwgG8tE7f8/s2048/312377517_10160506848236810_3811894339617011388_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapGvj_W0k0ci3AhcQyEF-Ta3Je_-E8rahfviiCv0P4_zK3YiWLflpSLfZhghBI2WpZJwBeFvpg0gzxUgKxhAcHFvnHJ-jHk7fzTH3WpxoWFbHPUWHCszu5e17r8RLYneTqcO_IFiSIx1rBX8olSkaiVLz79MtZc9vZQG4hpaTIqyl-KtwgG8tE7f8/w640-h480/312377517_10160506848236810_3811894339617011388_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LrRR_Ehbm-Yy-VcthwjQbz3uSgDOjskEotPdMRwpAUxOjarMBnr_tQSBNp8BFXB5URZTZueQGofekJNeBoL4RYroSvphEcR1WrHyj7Bc8P_WbLhjIuB_x9GxRILhNiKP_sytBEPTA6XEAWNsmw-TT-aVnaCrvw8kQjfF38-_v7U9xgcrvVf1f647/s2048/312293506_10160506847626810_1474741562980735435_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6LrRR_Ehbm-Yy-VcthwjQbz3uSgDOjskEotPdMRwpAUxOjarMBnr_tQSBNp8BFXB5URZTZueQGofekJNeBoL4RYroSvphEcR1WrHyj7Bc8P_WbLhjIuB_x9GxRILhNiKP_sytBEPTA6XEAWNsmw-TT-aVnaCrvw8kQjfF38-_v7U9xgcrvVf1f647/w640-h480/312293506_10160506847626810_1474741562980735435_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The ruins of Ephesus were a few kilometres away. The city, popular during the Greek and Roman rules was built during the 10th Century BC and was destroyed by the Goths in the 3rd century AD. The main places to visit in the huge area were the <b>Gate of Augustus,</b> <b>Amphitheater, Temple of Hadran,</b> and the <b>Library of Celsus</b>. As the guide was explaining the rich history of the place, one feels transported to a different civilization itself. I did not have much idea about Greco-Roman history, but still had one of the best days of the trip.</p><p>The following day, we left Kusadasi for the quaint town of Pamukkale. The trip to Pamukkale involves a road trip of a couple of hours. Many tourists do this location through a day trip, but we decided to stay in the village for a day before proceeding to Antalya.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlnPuGDWuCortOtJw0SAWJPQaZaYkph-PxD0ELmL1DQqCguWQFsZalwcO6u4WLmgcFlMiseepYTye1O7ro_NZYCOAd5pTQrgrG2c53LU8tUxT7n0cuy5JsG09qakluUCY8GzYQl7va4FsiXN4lv9RpxDy9mZB-6dTpf3cFQjON5jbRw_VCqGQOETB/s4608/IMG_20221021_142906.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlnPuGDWuCortOtJw0SAWJPQaZaYkph-PxD0ELmL1DQqCguWQFsZalwcO6u4WLmgcFlMiseepYTye1O7ro_NZYCOAd5pTQrgrG2c53LU8tUxT7n0cuy5JsG09qakluUCY8GzYQl7va4FsiXN4lv9RpxDy9mZB-6dTpf3cFQjON5jbRw_VCqGQOETB/w640-h480/IMG_20221021_142906.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKW74V7RtwpDrGscvWPFW6Ta8ouPXFAPIYP3c7ij3hwWQks0AXepWgm-gRBCtDeKjGuyayMM9FYiSUqkDSBNU71TAhOxKNFaKQlloQdgbsaqijjBEqYMi5EgiV5ESzEBKumhwYnk14-f6Uqg9dIUiHMais8jGJ4Dj7x_wdD_WEynd1X8m2E3zfPvig/s4608/IMG_20221021_144412.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKW74V7RtwpDrGscvWPFW6Ta8ouPXFAPIYP3c7ij3hwWQks0AXepWgm-gRBCtDeKjGuyayMM9FYiSUqkDSBNU71TAhOxKNFaKQlloQdgbsaqijjBEqYMi5EgiV5ESzEBKumhwYnk14-f6Uqg9dIUiHMais8jGJ4Dj7x_wdD_WEynd1X8m2E3zfPvig/w640-h480/IMG_20221021_144412.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Pamukkale is known for its hot springs and <b>travertine terraces</b> formed out of carbonate mineral deposits from the hot spring water. As you travel, you come across areas with huge white deposits, just next to the springs. The name “Pamukkale” comes from “cotton castle”, stemming from the fact that the white deposits resemble cotton. The water from the hot thermal springs supposedly has healing power which leads to many people taking baths in the water bodies which get created from the water from the springs. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-mKw5njKTQUj2X5h2BeTLkiwdXAFxtrOQ0DidLVMx92PXVWsHWpicipcIpwgylocO95U8GSCRL_TBa56igdRZSl41L1v30M8bcM7DjuQmefMidRhGBM14Byy-rbpVnRV0mkzNkMMiY2g-gNmg8bxYcJNKF2WZjbVL6XPZx7xMTSr-9bKzXCMelPR/s2048/312230039_10160506848111810_3438292941849378073_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-mKw5njKTQUj2X5h2BeTLkiwdXAFxtrOQ0DidLVMx92PXVWsHWpicipcIpwgylocO95U8GSCRL_TBa56igdRZSl41L1v30M8bcM7DjuQmefMidRhGBM14Byy-rbpVnRV0mkzNkMMiY2g-gNmg8bxYcJNKF2WZjbVL6XPZx7xMTSr-9bKzXCMelPR/w640-h480/312230039_10160506848111810_3438292941849378073_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>It is the healing powers of the water here that led to the setting up of the city of Hieropolis around the 7th century BC as a healing centre. It was initially a Jewish settlement that later became part of the Roman Empire. The city was destroyed due to an earthquake later, but from the ruins, one can get a very good idea about the civilization at that time. We looked at the remains of the streets and the gates, an amphitheater that remained quite intact, as well as a necropolis with graves and tombs. A thermal pool where Queen Cleopatra used to take bath during her visits here is aptly named <b>Cleopatra’s pool</b>. Many tourists take bath here. And finally, there is a museum, with artifacts and statues that had broken off from the structures.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwV3KZYMLT_MMYxGyK_rRgKiR3u0nxX-sQEv_I1R05i9Qso1VsE7dLMGgjlWCIdA2ORlWrQsohPahqXH-hdHXESo9HKwWvm0Maxui1tpETBEmQFA8Etdy-_AgFOZbEg0HFT7jsMPUf-qY3zvbFcWTaYGud9TEQVe8KAECEmHwVGyL6jau4IWNG1n5q/s4608/IMG_20221021_131940.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwV3KZYMLT_MMYxGyK_rRgKiR3u0nxX-sQEv_I1R05i9Qso1VsE7dLMGgjlWCIdA2ORlWrQsohPahqXH-hdHXESo9HKwWvm0Maxui1tpETBEmQFA8Etdy-_AgFOZbEg0HFT7jsMPUf-qY3zvbFcWTaYGud9TEQVe8KAECEmHwVGyL6jau4IWNG1n5q/w640-h480/IMG_20221021_131940.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-cOkdixqd6bsqCGveU1lR1qeJY5Mk1xaFo3I4S8AXtpCi5fTH5ZxzqoJRDPHbiE-bZDIw4cUWt3ZtOJb0zXkZvL2NUszr3BXsa2q5Fe-CsFrJQzOibjRsTCUwmXRzRt3qtx8Ed1DDfjNUGBT0v4JowHbdmQXcnhia-cw2haEQCl0Zl256_Fsub1A/s4608/IMG_20221021_141334.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-cOkdixqd6bsqCGveU1lR1qeJY5Mk1xaFo3I4S8AXtpCi5fTH5ZxzqoJRDPHbiE-bZDIw4cUWt3ZtOJb0zXkZvL2NUszr3BXsa2q5Fe-CsFrJQzOibjRsTCUwmXRzRt3qtx8Ed1DDfjNUGBT0v4JowHbdmQXcnhia-cw2haEQCl0Zl256_Fsub1A/w640-h480/IMG_20221021_141334.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We enjoyed our bath in the hot spring as well as went around the ruins on a conducted tour in a buggy. The Hieropolis is one location that narrates the history of the land, and again it is important to take a guide along with you.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YC83IzcdEuqEpJ2tIa-s0Xs94tP-ikfR8m8w7OHYZzB_WwEDIh6vwSMxY4s_AJm7pz463o6tH_LxAXRlFq3fn_Rm5LkkeMOhUjQMqqWrkpl6kvEqGS7KGLXV2FNGB9QL8M7_wKPqqIEOSw_yC-2Ncgn1zEEEexx1lvlwEOB59dAs-8s7YKgqS0Vr/s2048/312434312_10160506848721810_1586021964935024947_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YC83IzcdEuqEpJ2tIa-s0Xs94tP-ikfR8m8w7OHYZzB_WwEDIh6vwSMxY4s_AJm7pz463o6tH_LxAXRlFq3fn_Rm5LkkeMOhUjQMqqWrkpl6kvEqGS7KGLXV2FNGB9QL8M7_wKPqqIEOSw_yC-2Ncgn1zEEEexx1lvlwEOB59dAs-8s7YKgqS0Vr/w640-h480/312434312_10160506848721810_1586021964935024947_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Late afternoon, we checked into our hotel at Pamukkale. The novelty of many hotels here is that the bathrooms attached to your room have a connection to deliver thermal spring water so that you can enjoy a thermal bath privately. Our hotel also had a swimming pool with this water.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FNz4ptS888ULv95YHi8XJpfnWsp--jM4p2jOFOV0VpiBT4OU1rUA3zG0mrj0mbS-t0eWk7Rqd7a0vwDiVK_a80-F-d5tneWvpibP8EfEIbOJeshZmMu5-MM_8wA2vK6KmtYy-taHJQHxMsHOHxD7yqfNOOigEY7XPD9pNHYu1HvacMS4vFl3krDM/s4608/IMG_20221022_112848.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FNz4ptS888ULv95YHi8XJpfnWsp--jM4p2jOFOV0VpiBT4OU1rUA3zG0mrj0mbS-t0eWk7Rqd7a0vwDiVK_a80-F-d5tneWvpibP8EfEIbOJeshZmMu5-MM_8wA2vK6KmtYy-taHJQHxMsHOHxD7yqfNOOigEY7XPD9pNHYu1HvacMS4vFl3krDM/w480-h640/IMG_20221022_112848.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>The town of Pamukkale is quaint and enjoyable. There is a hot spring bang in the middle of the town. We walked through the local market, stopped by at a local café for sandwiches and coffee, and checked out some goodies at a local grocer. This was the part of the trip where we could get a feel of the local life.</p><p>We had a long trip ahead to the coastal city of Antalya the following day. We left Pamukkale the next morning with happy memories and wished we could have a longer stay here. </p>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-2247657447404022322022-12-20T15:41:00.005+05:302023-06-06T12:25:41.541+05:30Go Turkey: The City of Istanbul<p>When I was a small child, I first heard of Istanbul through a popular Manna De song in Bengali that talks about a chef named <b>Bhajohori Manna</b>, who learned to ply his trade in Istanbul, Japan, and Kabul. From that time, I believed that food in Istanbul must be something extraordinary. So many years later, on my maiden trip to Turkey in October 2022, this was one of the things on the top of my mind.</p><p><b>Also Read: <a href="https://www.foodaholix.in/2022/12/go-turkiye-kusadasi-pamukkale.html" target="_blank">Kusadasi & Pamukkale</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz49kBcfLjjE_e-KkinsVZQtIvfFRoU2cR1WSth6FAr3GJGModXbQPENkVaUBphxAMrt9eJwxo7ualaRKf7dnbUsIIj5Z69NFaG8-qZLxoLHRukR18QF9eahJ9mI0xgXiRHbsK_-jUdWPadsy4SVxD5T3zQqfWzAeZNIIYzMLjrii0LBMCOXZvZ4L/s4608/IMG_20221027_213000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz49kBcfLjjE_e-KkinsVZQtIvfFRoU2cR1WSth6FAr3GJGModXbQPENkVaUBphxAMrt9eJwxo7ualaRKf7dnbUsIIj5Z69NFaG8-qZLxoLHRukR18QF9eahJ9mI0xgXiRHbsK_-jUdWPadsy4SVxD5T3zQqfWzAeZNIIYzMLjrii0LBMCOXZvZ4L/w640-h480/IMG_20221027_213000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Istanbul is not the capital of Turkey, it is the largest city. It is possibly the only city in this world, with one half in Europe and the other in Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Straits, which runs across the city.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49vGvNq0sFq-x-0FlQnmf17nR3SJy0-GXE500vXykSd1xzHf8xKEYBz9_kKOqGZBylQ-EjBGcHL8NKkWMO0TCp3ESYsAQveKsp7-udyUM5wwW7TPUlhXIcF4BdDR1OWRejVeQnrW4YBY3Y5j1XK3MoLhJyes6AwoP_AumdQD1I3libJ3YEFCJPbui/s4608/IMG_20221017_132213.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49vGvNq0sFq-x-0FlQnmf17nR3SJy0-GXE500vXykSd1xzHf8xKEYBz9_kKOqGZBylQ-EjBGcHL8NKkWMO0TCp3ESYsAQveKsp7-udyUM5wwW7TPUlhXIcF4BdDR1OWRejVeQnrW4YBY3Y5j1XK3MoLhJyes6AwoP_AumdQD1I3libJ3YEFCJPbui/w640-h480/IMG_20221017_132213.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDolxYHlVn4lig2Y5JTEKqobB0OXOG0a1laqeAQ1YaEX-U4FV62uIPQOltx-EnA20i1S4pPWGpG4zYzweOaJX835x45s4qNFNIGAQAfOPa7g73fk5NEONeVlpWks2mOP4Ef8OI3R7I_dMSqj8Xy52u2hx6o0xMTqur9cJ3qriwKbUbCpaBzsr50E3/s4608/IMG_20221017_165530.jpg" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDolxYHlVn4lig2Y5JTEKqobB0OXOG0a1laqeAQ1YaEX-U4FV62uIPQOltx-EnA20i1S4pPWGpG4zYzweOaJX835x45s4qNFNIGAQAfOPa7g73fk5NEONeVlpWks2mOP4Ef8OI3R7I_dMSqj8Xy52u2hx6o0xMTqur9cJ3qriwKbUbCpaBzsr50E3/w640-h480/IMG_20221017_165530.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Our travel team consisted of seven people, me and my brother’s family along with his friend's. The Indigo flight from New Delhi was uneventful and brought us to Istanbul around late morning. From the traveler bus which transported us to our hotel <b>Hilton Garden Inn Green Horn</b>, the large city looked very much like any other cosmopolitan city in the Middle East that I have visited like Dubai or Muscat. Nice roads, many mosques, and abundant street food stalls. One thing I noticed is that even if Turkiye is an Islamic country, very few women here cover their heads. </p><p><b><a href="http://www.foodaholix.in/2022/12/go-turkiye-kusadasi-pamukkale.html">Next: Kusadasi & Pamukkale</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5odQSI0qJ0-5JgqdqxDR83qfAV_ysuI1cwMrYayn6r5gwcVCojUnEZmGAZPnUUSRD4pb_jG1azEf-G0zt6jI7oqzF7dJSL33i4p7_SaKD-aVkdu0Ia1QPE69fBqxbGQo3FUobybBRVVi4q_cRjLc1intw3j-0InlnDnJoTGFk-uaplr03Ng45rku/s3332/IMG_20221017_151100.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3229" data-original-width="3332" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5odQSI0qJ0-5JgqdqxDR83qfAV_ysuI1cwMrYayn6r5gwcVCojUnEZmGAZPnUUSRD4pb_jG1azEf-G0zt6jI7oqzF7dJSL33i4p7_SaKD-aVkdu0Ia1QPE69fBqxbGQo3FUobybBRVVi4q_cRjLc1intw3j-0InlnDnJoTGFk-uaplr03Ng45rku/w640-h620/IMG_20221017_151100.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Hilton Garden is located in an area called Sutluce in European Istanbul. The hotel room gives a nice view of the <b>Bosphorus Straits</b> where you can see many small boats plying. We were famished, as the Indigo flight offered very few good choices of food, and immediately took to the streets, looking for some local food. A restaurant named <b>Cinaralti Et Ve Ukyuluk</b> caught our attention. It was a completely Turkish local restaurant. As per our discussions with the waiter we ordered some <b>Hummus</b> with bread, followed by <b>Adana Kabab</b> (something I had heard of from India), and <b>Urfa Kabab</b>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGonxOlVsKYX1r4-CT1LZTMGPYPrPpQMSb_SWLzy8VqCuBDVGn82zphv2gCugFsK8R3FuibC1SAHJFL1LIhtOghTQUVc4A_yvs2z9y9pVKsvcX3D1SjrffszLhSi4zRt_8TOIMbFJFMGSUGsaXB1H9Z1U9RGLuTx49nznxLYOa9TZ3Yn3u_1TV5Wr1/s4608/IMG_20221017_161151.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGonxOlVsKYX1r4-CT1LZTMGPYPrPpQMSb_SWLzy8VqCuBDVGn82zphv2gCugFsK8R3FuibC1SAHJFL1LIhtOghTQUVc4A_yvs2z9y9pVKsvcX3D1SjrffszLhSi4zRt_8TOIMbFJFMGSUGsaXB1H9Z1U9RGLuTx49nznxLYOa9TZ3Yn3u_1TV5Wr1/w640-h480/IMG_20221017_161151.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Adana Kabab is named such because it is a specialty of <b>Adana</b>, a city in Southern Turkey. A plate of thick seekh kababs were accompanied by rotis, bulgar (a rice-like dish of cracked wheat grain), and salad. Urfa Kabab is similar to Adana, but with very few spices. We loved both the dishes and ended our meal with some hot <b>Turkish tea</b>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzC6h9pTnfyTHOkqOYg7B9H1cHkrcDpQn_gJ0r_n4lQmIkAaIl55u9mp8rjvNqLI90jntsMkkKN_lTSekKLpbuO_z-d6nMVfUsuZqmN_0KXqQoU8Ts6wQO66G269hMpV29SxaaL3fBL0CnSrwnq1KPNoj8ZxJ9_Pw1FWyPrNdr-VKfStRazOrqArW/s4608/IMG_20221017_202604.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzC6h9pTnfyTHOkqOYg7B9H1cHkrcDpQn_gJ0r_n4lQmIkAaIl55u9mp8rjvNqLI90jntsMkkKN_lTSekKLpbuO_z-d6nMVfUsuZqmN_0KXqQoU8Ts6wQO66G269hMpV29SxaaL3fBL0CnSrwnq1KPNoj8ZxJ9_Pw1FWyPrNdr-VKfStRazOrqArW/w640-h480/IMG_20221017_202604.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyna3jHVt9w0S0VKj4u80Zfmjl7595xtUVGM9I4lgZkpicxbW_GPLRJxmLREYGDpdKSgVPIWm_1eTT8QA9BIWewmaFoLoDzxxvSPbvHIM8DcK3aNH7rUVj7-ejNb-qHJGhySrGkrjL8QlpQvtl87ZzOQKbQX2bjJR2UzQy48QkqcalzABuWEHj5ZJs/s4608/IMG_20221017_212225.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyna3jHVt9w0S0VKj4u80Zfmjl7595xtUVGM9I4lgZkpicxbW_GPLRJxmLREYGDpdKSgVPIWm_1eTT8QA9BIWewmaFoLoDzxxvSPbvHIM8DcK3aNH7rUVj7-ejNb-qHJGhySrGkrjL8QlpQvtl87ZzOQKbQX2bjJR2UzQy48QkqcalzABuWEHj5ZJs/w640-h480/IMG_20221017_212225.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Late afternoon, our travel agent sent a bus for the first sightseeing visit to the city, the <b>Dinner Cruise on the Bosphorus</b>. On our way, we weaved through the crazy traffic of Istanbul, traveling through the <b>Taksim Tunnel</b> and picking up more tourists from Taksim (the city center) and finally reaching the Bosphorus near the <b>Galata</b> Bridge (which separates European and Asian Istanbul). The two-hour cruise was fun, one could stand on the deck and look at the nighttime Istanbul, with many people thronging the shores, as well as minars, mosques, and palaces on the side of the straits. The multi-course dinner was nice, especially the multi-dish mezze and the kababs. Some music and dance followed on the cruise ending with the famed Belly Dance of Istanbul. We were dropped back at our hotel at around midnight. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfT7iSo7KfWYbZdTGsRzyDoNvEzFLCxTe0E0SWaC-abiuHgxIvHDHleRgZihG1jeZqX-E5EkXZKWBqyBKY9ipjugNOmk09Pz51dCpjqTyXWQBMlRynSpaJ8MMWts_PdEYJ_q1IcdOFxTdygga4R_KoSJBwDQyVmGUxa2ze02xsUc84f3ms9xvWr-6/s2048/311975721_10160499487186810_5886913396349354049_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1916" data-original-width="2048" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfT7iSo7KfWYbZdTGsRzyDoNvEzFLCxTe0E0SWaC-abiuHgxIvHDHleRgZihG1jeZqX-E5EkXZKWBqyBKY9ipjugNOmk09Pz51dCpjqTyXWQBMlRynSpaJ8MMWts_PdEYJ_q1IcdOFxTdygga4R_KoSJBwDQyVmGUxa2ze02xsUc84f3ms9xvWr-6/w640-h598/311975721_10160499487186810_5886913396349354049_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkqCgY3jR9hT_L1Qdr9849h6-aFFWtxVCg_su5gBSFc7REpv-mzuIn42BTXVphWUdfZ7v6hWam518h9BvpEun4vYwSRoknGHHPFPXGJnFngmbDd_VjCSGsZql4VcAGSl8t0f-1TKhMd09fvLnCfdwdrE6dQ-RElpcnpbAG6QzN15Rt39IzBeooutp/s4608/IMG_20221018_132014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkqCgY3jR9hT_L1Qdr9849h6-aFFWtxVCg_su5gBSFc7REpv-mzuIn42BTXVphWUdfZ7v6hWam518h9BvpEun4vYwSRoknGHHPFPXGJnFngmbDd_VjCSGsZql4VcAGSl8t0f-1TKhMd09fvLnCfdwdrE6dQ-RElpcnpbAG6QzN15Rt39IzBeooutp/w640-h480/IMG_20221018_132014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The second day started early, just after breakfast we moved to the <b>Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque</b> in the Sultan Ahmet square area. The area is possibly the most crowded and touristy area in the city with attractions like Sophiya Mosque, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar located close to each other. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpldoet1SKS7xP1i5Igf_tY764Ig4yyYzuxlgSkvEuaoxn4l8PIjWKNMi-pnHfcQ49hMPAUgKDygUfLzYyfh_xHYC6h9nZLtRLxxEZXsXlb2k2N7kdzhF3QVqv4DLs9aZiKFhQzTQpOat2qwaDIxmN1OCtKBuPQdSvJV9w8f6QiHyLcXWVqQRlTU50/s4608/IMG_20221018_133147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpldoet1SKS7xP1i5Igf_tY764Ig4yyYzuxlgSkvEuaoxn4l8PIjWKNMi-pnHfcQ49hMPAUgKDygUfLzYyfh_xHYC6h9nZLtRLxxEZXsXlb2k2N7kdzhF3QVqv4DLs9aZiKFhQzTQpOat2qwaDIxmN1OCtKBuPQdSvJV9w8f6QiHyLcXWVqQRlTU50/w480-h640/IMG_20221018_133147.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>Originally built in the 6th century as a Christian cathedral, the Sophia mosque has had many metamorphoses. The church was there for thousand years, after which it was converted into a mosque by Ottoman Turks which took over Constantinople (the old name for Istanbul). While the architecture remained, many Christian mosaics and statues were removed. In 1931, when Turkiye became a secular republic, the mosque was turned into a museum, and again in 2018, it was changed into a mosque under the current President Erdogan.</p><p>The mosque visit took us close to three hours. The interiors are just outstanding with intricate Christian and Islamic elements, and it is a pity that some parts of the mosque were burnt during the many transitions. The monuments located in the Hippodrome of Constantinople area are rich in histories like the Obelisk of Theodosius and Serpent Column. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7jaMnk75vvQxTtZaij5HD9yodcESWuVXaqgRm6GXk7xUZUcCAaqntuNkbDf89OqndTxqbfWonuB0z_fa_WR7d2sucDa1O1p1lS3_hJkXKIW5lEn8qZPi7K0_81-N6rbf8dKFwoV07kDVLRY4RB9D_Ri54y8DZ-SX2OALAzZnxKS07fhkmnKnue2r/s4608/IMG_20221018_122341.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7jaMnk75vvQxTtZaij5HD9yodcESWuVXaqgRm6GXk7xUZUcCAaqntuNkbDf89OqndTxqbfWonuB0z_fa_WR7d2sucDa1O1p1lS3_hJkXKIW5lEn8qZPi7K0_81-N6rbf8dKFwoV07kDVLRY4RB9D_Ri54y8DZ-SX2OALAzZnxKS07fhkmnKnue2r/w480-h640/IMG_20221018_122341.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0H3ReSPotTMjPWNvOALPQKW41i4HSS4lLYAPctFXmHb_26fj9uKTaxzvPALys4CoX2zKUMIkZXoBCwItvAmbwoXgV-cBbLjRpl-X-jxPq_tvpmpSkAWI5O3T2LgplBOjuYLq32-nSkh0wp5pYgM2Arzb3R5SBKbUiAVEw0j9-UWlt1riAs-Di_-G5/s4608/IMG_20221018_144928.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0H3ReSPotTMjPWNvOALPQKW41i4HSS4lLYAPctFXmHb_26fj9uKTaxzvPALys4CoX2zKUMIkZXoBCwItvAmbwoXgV-cBbLjRpl-X-jxPq_tvpmpSkAWI5O3T2LgplBOjuYLq32-nSkh0wp5pYgM2Arzb3R5SBKbUiAVEw0j9-UWlt1riAs-Di_-G5/w640-h480/IMG_20221018_144928.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The <b>Blue Mosque</b>, just across from Hagiya Sophia is closed for renovation for a long time, and we could only manage a view from outside. A quick lunch at a restaurant nearby and the theatrics of a <b>Turkish Ice Cream</b> vendor in the streets were the other attractions on that day before we headed to the Grand Bazaar. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgymL7ZGVUugfNUscXMJdg_W42FZQcmDOscfRhQGUsExcB6uSF3P6XefdjuvQObW7ArR83FKiS5-pEazWwOw3v0mmu3INmLkdEsTQsVICg6zT2m_kVMBKTfymdpDNEGUA-LJH86rEWSabI2RtKEHti-jJDDH96ju_2c51STal7PBbe_t3KVNjx4NR/s4608/IMG_20221018_160229.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgymL7ZGVUugfNUscXMJdg_W42FZQcmDOscfRhQGUsExcB6uSF3P6XefdjuvQObW7ArR83FKiS5-pEazWwOw3v0mmu3INmLkdEsTQsVICg6zT2m_kVMBKTfymdpDNEGUA-LJH86rEWSabI2RtKEHti-jJDDH96ju_2c51STal7PBbe_t3KVNjx4NR/w480-h640/IMG_20221018_160229.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aa_FggTvFRf0F_19CnoPr9u9AaOd2ut5XY3R1XHEK3Od3D5vQ-KxuazLH42OV_VOpV6_htXK90gMmApPvkghUUQ9t5fZoRfgZrkfbf1FQYOe65o9eTawWHUDV4CAmZ7RGBq-lTjcTlIIo4jIHKBNkyUVIY3sUTyrs45D_rUSc7N_7bEBtr66EJrL/s4173/IMG_20221028_143153.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4173" data-original-width="3436" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6aa_FggTvFRf0F_19CnoPr9u9AaOd2ut5XY3R1XHEK3Od3D5vQ-KxuazLH42OV_VOpV6_htXK90gMmApPvkghUUQ9t5fZoRfgZrkfbf1FQYOe65o9eTawWHUDV4CAmZ7RGBq-lTjcTlIIo4jIHKBNkyUVIY3sUTyrs45D_rUSc7N_7bEBtr66EJrL/w526-h640/IMG_20221028_143153.jpg" width="526" /></a></div><p></p><p>The <b>Grand Bazaar</b> one of the largest in the world has more than 4000 shops. We visited some of the places selling Turkish goodies like <b>Turkish Delight</b> and <b>Baklavas</b>, as well as mementos like Evil Eye key chains, shot glasses, and fridge magnets. The clothes, jewellery, gold, and chandelier shops were some that caught my eye. For an Indian, Turkey is not a very expensive place, especially in the current scenario where the Turkish Lira has dropped from Rs 8 to Rs 4.4 in one calendar year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5-rg1m1IM9btp9Z99rDPW4TIZ0nwqqy5i7c9u6wNrCxqr_4yePy0VNeffOPn9n-9jJ3YSXXE9Ii94PSCaPw5hfNiFojHfbR9FLJd2F7eMDbuALVp3EZA8ointsKElEpydYvTiAEVJcVCwtOYa9moxVXTwAyIkEef_ZajQXYM4UrwOh03NPxTMf3Z/s4608/IMG_20221018_202528.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5-rg1m1IM9btp9Z99rDPW4TIZ0nwqqy5i7c9u6wNrCxqr_4yePy0VNeffOPn9n-9jJ3YSXXE9Ii94PSCaPw5hfNiFojHfbR9FLJd2F7eMDbuALVp3EZA8ointsKElEpydYvTiAEVJcVCwtOYa9moxVXTwAyIkEef_ZajQXYM4UrwOh03NPxTMf3Z/w640-h480/IMG_20221018_202528.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Our dinner that night was light, as we had to retire early. Our flight to Izmir was a late-night one. A small place next to the hotel had some lovely and soft <b>Izgara Kofte</b> (grilled lamb patties) as well as some nice Turkish coffee. We left Istanbul for the next leg of our trip, but our experiences did not end here.</p><p>After, a terrific trip to <b>Kusadasi, Antalya,</b> and <b>Cappadocia</b>, we were back for our final hurrah at Istanbul again. Time was short as we landed at <b>Sabiha Gokchen</b> in the late afternoon, the old airport of Istanbul. Our flight to India was scheduled for the next day, so we wished to see some of the other important places in the city. This time the focus was on nightlife. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_BP3jJs19LtBqUM0t0cc4fQZz_A8mDKmgNJ6TAnKXcGwq5p7tPxXBgh6RnCn4Uk758eLso88WXwJxVSBDDjvAdP_c3jy_iuVJ0GVsHBSUq7msrf0JOkjlKCzPlmd6qZmPlvOWh6grpJOsQM5fzLAHgFsycboV8-POrlk0e9ok_A981Z91JCeEIJ5/s2048/312845300_10160499488101810_1358786829032719744_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1947" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_BP3jJs19LtBqUM0t0cc4fQZz_A8mDKmgNJ6TAnKXcGwq5p7tPxXBgh6RnCn4Uk758eLso88WXwJxVSBDDjvAdP_c3jy_iuVJ0GVsHBSUq7msrf0JOkjlKCzPlmd6qZmPlvOWh6grpJOsQM5fzLAHgFsycboV8-POrlk0e9ok_A981Z91JCeEIJ5/w608-h640/312845300_10160499488101810_1358786829032719744_n.jpg" width="608" /></a></div><p></p><p>Our first visit was to a neighbourhood called <b>Balat</b>, which was traditionally the area where Jews lived in the city. The houses and stairs there were painted in multiple bright colours, and there were many buzzing street cafes. We even visited a small room where an auction was taking place. However, one should visit this place in daylight.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtoHpDWKjy1SOCGe63iW8CCBvrfKqxoDo4vYjmHrnbMD3CETi7-bMhrz2cQ-t-9QLM2uuYxY6GXOXnOSECciJHKllh9XWLMhAqpFus6JZ6LkAzuCn48dXImNVrJgIQF-9lRXJmdW_kfcD63ueB7_1cVJgmRZLehYS0npdyYj0RbcjVzmvzOXG79y4/s4608/IMG_20221027_204841.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtoHpDWKjy1SOCGe63iW8CCBvrfKqxoDo4vYjmHrnbMD3CETi7-bMhrz2cQ-t-9QLM2uuYxY6GXOXnOSECciJHKllh9XWLMhAqpFus6JZ6LkAzuCn48dXImNVrJgIQF-9lRXJmdW_kfcD63ueB7_1cVJgmRZLehYS0npdyYj0RbcjVzmvzOXG79y4/w480-h640/IMG_20221027_204841.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>Our next stop was the famed <b>Galata Towers</b>, a huge watchtower built in the twelfth century. In the evening, the tower was brightly lit, and the place was abuzz with hundreds of people dancing to a live musical performance taking place just next to the tower which was draped with the Turkish flag. It was really great soaking into that ambiance and enjoying the time there. We moved from there to T<b>aksim Square</b>, the modern downtown area, and took a stroll down the buzzing <b>Istiklal Street</b>. Istiklal means independence in Turkish. The street is pedestrian-only, with shops lined up on both sides. We went into a large Baklava store and tasted the Baklava there, and then listened to some performances by local bands on the street corners. The whole atmosphere was totally celebratory, and you can’t but feel happy in those surroundings.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-AB_2Ihk1k5UANkTCS5njq7BqG9xByjEFSqz5jkvvjuV1GtWoszVYOc85O6bN3ARy6FkoWjPCGEVF7-g7fA7Jct3ZLzqiQZvJ5KnuDuhh6W0-rPOrgyMcbny3v4Sqs9Q02KmXUos7zaabDRQyl47d4tmRayg1jvqL2tOJrGOupNvzY-tNgT-zTZq/s4608/IMG_20221027_214024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-AB_2Ihk1k5UANkTCS5njq7BqG9xByjEFSqz5jkvvjuV1GtWoszVYOc85O6bN3ARy6FkoWjPCGEVF7-g7fA7Jct3ZLzqiQZvJ5KnuDuhh6W0-rPOrgyMcbny3v4Sqs9Q02KmXUos7zaabDRQyl47d4tmRayg1jvqL2tOJrGOupNvzY-tNgT-zTZq/w640-h480/IMG_20221027_214024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Our disappointment during the Istanbul trip was not being able to visit <b>Topkapi Palace</b>. While we tried on the last day, we had to abandon the same due to huge queues. We had no time left as our flight back was on the same afternoon. Possibly the only regret while visiting this interesting city.</p><p>One note of caution about Istanbul. Like many other cities, the Taxi Drivers here are not very reliable and can ask for exorbitant prices. Buy the travel pass which gives you access to trams, buses, and metro to have a seamless visit. Also, while coming into the country, do not convert your dollars into Lira at the airport. Go to an area called <b>Eyup Sultan</b>, where you get very good Forex rates. The difference can be as much as 10%.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-60820017583803004192022-11-14T09:12:00.007+05:302023-06-21T16:43:19.756+05:30Eating out at Leh Ladakh<p>While our 2 week-long trip to <b>Ladakh</b> was very hectic, and given the schedule we were mostly eating lunch at roadside places (dinner was usually at our hotels), we could not resist the temptation to try out some Ladakhi food on the two days we were free to hang around in the capital <b>Leh</b>. I would have loved to explore the local cuisine a bit more, but time did not permit the same.</p><p>Also See <b><u><a href="http://www.foodaholix.in/2022/11/Srinagar-Leh.html">Ladakh Diaries</a>, a Travelogue</u></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy1m-8MadVMitKISZ5mswWkT2uR7QQea4vegxNZ-K2NfQGq1ZtdT76gXn8gx_ZvOMk4-_zK_2rsslr5T1sa6dBcxTHqn5kLvLV4J1a7DzPkkRvU7955NUkfsXmIy45rz0mmC5a4cb9FruNs1DSvMmM5jGs2wSioLFXPfN4bwHB3AESaa1vf8vVzwZ/s4514/1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3200" data-original-width="4514" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy1m-8MadVMitKISZ5mswWkT2uR7QQea4vegxNZ-K2NfQGq1ZtdT76gXn8gx_ZvOMk4-_zK_2rsslr5T1sa6dBcxTHqn5kLvLV4J1a7DzPkkRvU7955NUkfsXmIy45rz0mmC5a4cb9FruNs1DSvMmM5jGs2wSioLFXPfN4bwHB3AESaa1vf8vVzwZ/w640-h454/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Yarkandi Pulav</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>I had some exposure to Ladakhi food from a food festival about five years ago at <b>ITC Kakatiya Hotel</b>, Hyderabad. <b>Nilza Angmo</b>, who is the owner of the well-known <b>Alchi Kitchen</b> in Alchi (70 km from Leh) was in Hyderabad curating the festival. She introduced the cuisine of Ladakh to us with dishes like <b>Skyu</b> (local handmade pasta in veg sauce), <b>Chutagi</b> apart from the usual <b>Churpi</b> (delicious Yak cheese), <b>Mok Mok</b> (Ladakhi Momos), and <b>Pakthuk</b> (Soupy lamb broth with veggies and cheese). But more than that she had kindled an interest in the cuisine, which I followed up in this recent visit. It is a pity that we could not visit Alchi this time to try out some more of her food.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTciyDhTSs4MxyHrXLIROxpd1WqHT5FC2OO7uNr8xtDHfI6DV-Ju27M90ezUXs_9Sh_NXBVeOpAFH7Toa0oXwtAFmYMaikqmYkqodLMG4NJfd8tM3yY2uBL0jyAaX-45jVYBxrSZBE2Y5oq1VeB2g6juB5MC6mtZeZhh_5plKqnlKy_Sd64SwYxiBQ/s2048/22792202_10155847194036810_2925225424081831543_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1608" data-original-width="2048" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTciyDhTSs4MxyHrXLIROxpd1WqHT5FC2OO7uNr8xtDHfI6DV-Ju27M90ezUXs_9Sh_NXBVeOpAFH7Toa0oXwtAFmYMaikqmYkqodLMG4NJfd8tM3yY2uBL0jyAaX-45jVYBxrSZBE2Y5oq1VeB2g6juB5MC6mtZeZhh_5plKqnlKy_Sd64SwYxiBQ/w640-h502/22792202_10155847194036810_2925225424081831543_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11MJ4JsRDLmQBQuYgNdUHKkpRgNgMpFay3elJ61sdNc384CUbnGJnDKJw0AbU4NCNcehIsIxdNdJRQjr0mktEBbYr2uaAsgYcgOk_bXxZW47Aa-sCqNdqHREXWkBq5lkeyWB2LNQVxmIN2X-qyXuk9jcfBgmw7C_9kHrCiFkhQu5FQU-85UAqQ785/s2048/Skyu.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="2048" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11MJ4JsRDLmQBQuYgNdUHKkpRgNgMpFay3elJ61sdNc384CUbnGJnDKJw0AbU4NCNcehIsIxdNdJRQjr0mktEBbYr2uaAsgYcgOk_bXxZW47Aa-sCqNdqHREXWkBq5lkeyWB2LNQVxmIN2X-qyXuk9jcfBgmw7C_9kHrCiFkhQu5FQU-85UAqQ785/w640-h392/Skyu.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxXJGkQzFHULA2m2tcDtbcxj12RQfaviwrpnCjwA2q2CjfKqLsY29Chc5RhS3-MnSVP-o1dVi3kBoJqLVvvqY6yWER_eBFAVolS_LaA_X4_6wpAqFvTq-Q9nrSmEpaCfOrCEIesawpfMxJQvMPaL7tpOtLofndUQIoVNv0aRkAoXz1s39-kQPc4nm/s2048/22712532_10155847194511810_59014633530171854_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxXJGkQzFHULA2m2tcDtbcxj12RQfaviwrpnCjwA2q2CjfKqLsY29Chc5RhS3-MnSVP-o1dVi3kBoJqLVvvqY6yWER_eBFAVolS_LaA_X4_6wpAqFvTq-Q9nrSmEpaCfOrCEIesawpfMxJQvMPaL7tpOtLofndUQIoVNv0aRkAoXz1s39-kQPc4nm/w640-h360/22712532_10155847194511810_59014633530171854_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vopJx_FsRSeFGr76c4l9WLzjkAsl1TPlKCT8fOW4yFH-dnxRwrMksYlrUB8gYNpxZ-Sos8TD8XAoNGw8gOBNr5ZmdfPYZDF_eeuq8LeMNrWTmrocCeLpueWGCWT8jENe7ki6BgGWkRJ9SvxXVc1TwwpSOFaJ1ZVyHwIyFYQ9J6U_RIsSWDd3qQc_/s1380/22769828_10155847195811810_8218477635366812515_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="1380" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vopJx_FsRSeFGr76c4l9WLzjkAsl1TPlKCT8fOW4yFH-dnxRwrMksYlrUB8gYNpxZ-Sos8TD8XAoNGw8gOBNr5ZmdfPYZDF_eeuq8LeMNrWTmrocCeLpueWGCWT8jENe7ki6BgGWkRJ9SvxXVc1TwwpSOFaJ1ZVyHwIyFYQ9J6U_RIsSWDd3qQc_/w640-h528/22769828_10155847195811810_8218477635366812515_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Churpi, Skyu, Chutagi & Buckwheat Rolls</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Ladakh, the land of passes is one of the northmost states in the country, also the international line of control with China and Balti-Gilgitstan of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. While the mountain passes served as barriers for many intruders into India, they also served as an important part of the Silk Route. Thus the local cuisine has influences from the Uyghur Muslims who used to pass this trading route, Baltis, and Muslims from Central Asia as well as Tibet as Buddhism came here around the second century AD. Thus, Yarkandi Pulav (from Yarkand in China) and Tingmo, both coexist as part of Ladakhi food. Butter, Yak meat, barley are some of the ingredients very common in Ladakhi food.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM119HoysRyhNmCeUIYTuyVPmCq62WNSeyIPTaL9bJ2ISNx_kQvxmhLExFzMGqeHO172tu6dvJRSTcizbmfErhMKT5myVdDw9K9L8vozlhZN9cRKrBjGberH9P543W2SNp3OXXyIJxxgz88gJfKNVI6rY0ohwNKlQVoFZ7VesMfaHeHwLUj3wf209s/s4608/11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM119HoysRyhNmCeUIYTuyVPmCq62WNSeyIPTaL9bJ2ISNx_kQvxmhLExFzMGqeHO172tu6dvJRSTcizbmfErhMKT5myVdDw9K9L8vozlhZN9cRKrBjGberH9P543W2SNp3OXXyIJxxgz88gJfKNVI6rY0ohwNKlQVoFZ7VesMfaHeHwLUj3wf209s/w640-h480/11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZitjzeJlq06cvxshsEiXm3rRTY_J3BB_hp2fLS3zUWob7CMTqaaVxD70RMU_KYqJ8PbOjbfP7twbfeWedjcmeWFACMzAvNT4PwbfUU3k5LVBse_GjQb3xuSBiTT2oYc5IjnLMSOp4HyM2AXTqBi9pZTR6ELGSqQDyShWjnFIfVNgUeMb3fI-58Ih/s4608/6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZitjzeJlq06cvxshsEiXm3rRTY_J3BB_hp2fLS3zUWob7CMTqaaVxD70RMU_KYqJ8PbOjbfP7twbfeWedjcmeWFACMzAvNT4PwbfUU3k5LVBse_GjQb3xuSBiTT2oYc5IjnLMSOp4HyM2AXTqBi9pZTR6ELGSqQDyShWjnFIfVNgUeMb3fI-58Ih/w640-h480/6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHp3MW3aaid34mM-16SlEzvlp6CSk2m4jHRdoUlAO1_MV2Pjduq53abUw9YCL5HyXdHvGfC_0uS5fh-Czvd1dxRcUMWcX9ycoNmskfHh7oUQQEe8SD77PlBG3t-2zi9Kb932OD0TK6ZmSGVrvHsxU9m9aAphk_yecXDnwpTlVLk2CcB3oDVPAiVIh/s4608/5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvHp3MW3aaid34mM-16SlEzvlp6CSk2m4jHRdoUlAO1_MV2Pjduq53abUw9YCL5HyXdHvGfC_0uS5fh-Czvd1dxRcUMWcX9ycoNmskfHh7oUQQEe8SD77PlBG3t-2zi9Kb932OD0TK6ZmSGVrvHsxU9m9aAphk_yecXDnwpTlVLk2CcB3oDVPAiVIh/w640-h480/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Pee Shee Soup and Shapta at Tibetan Kitchen</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>In Leh, we were recommended a place called <b>Tibetan Kitchen</b>. The place is just off Leh market and has both indoor and outdoor seating. It has a large Tibetan and oriental menu, with Ladakhi dishes occupying a couple of pages. Only me and my wife visited this place as others in our team were busy. We tried <b>Mutton Pee-Shee</b> (a cheese-based broth with mutton dumplings) as well as <b>Tingmok</b> (Tibetan steamed bread) and <b>Mutton Shapta</b>. The Shapta is a Tibetan semi-gravy dish where sliced meat is stir-fried with abundant vegetables. The place also has various versions of <b>Thukpa</b> and <b>Bagleb</b> (bread stuffed with meat). The lunch was immensely satisfying, and we looked forward to trying some more Ladakhi food soon.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQ9AfG8Pk5sZy4rRy5Q5Q4I3wzKCIpHQXtMySbGB24f-9eMeXWF5oqEjH1Gf8RdIhL0iMd4XfNHt6_4qdEkN_jgebF2YeWMwNQVVib4sfaU8Dve_Ae6YsAaEOisjNzcJenii54_1HnylPt0R2Ex2m8cF0-bSHa461nC0yt8IX9irxk1qsSvVGiBIT/s4608/12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCQ9AfG8Pk5sZy4rRy5Q5Q4I3wzKCIpHQXtMySbGB24f-9eMeXWF5oqEjH1Gf8RdIhL0iMd4XfNHt6_4qdEkN_jgebF2YeWMwNQVVib4sfaU8Dve_Ae6YsAaEOisjNzcJenii54_1HnylPt0R2Ex2m8cF0-bSHa461nC0yt8IX9irxk1qsSvVGiBIT/w640-h480/12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQZXPVEA88g2_P40TOGRJZjETAFQR4Crobq62yMIwkIGHVI8C1Hjwt670OyvhgWwLmcEIQ4SXG4aNXTwFQry0FnNkeMRwVOoOFZvZZ5fqFJMwF7ssEQGdcSck3-iMPBm9zo1B2j5G3yO1LA_k-vqsGbItH0jQzc42OvmfWzxx1YLZ7xxMKyYiIR_c/s4608/13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXQZXPVEA88g2_P40TOGRJZjETAFQR4Crobq62yMIwkIGHVI8C1Hjwt670OyvhgWwLmcEIQ4SXG4aNXTwFQry0FnNkeMRwVOoOFZvZZ5fqFJMwF7ssEQGdcSck3-iMPBm9zo1B2j5G3yO1LA_k-vqsGbItH0jQzc42OvmfWzxx1YLZ7xxMKyYiIR_c/w640-h480/13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoD6U3fAWsFayNaqXd3nvjGMwrPjxuPT4f47WsN4n9qngi-xgKRFY2pnaVMEJkvUMRFiXFzszfeMCh2oI2tMnxWxvWamSqpJTFc32QRXyje_Fpi6vZOrOJzyx5zU3lKh2GircUAlfuItGR3RTQNROLbkkK-vnjQTlfvETHuPboTLfh5RBR-ofdh58/s4608/IMG_20220918_140512.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoD6U3fAWsFayNaqXd3nvjGMwrPjxuPT4f47WsN4n9qngi-xgKRFY2pnaVMEJkvUMRFiXFzszfeMCh2oI2tMnxWxvWamSqpJTFc32QRXyje_Fpi6vZOrOJzyx5zU3lKh2GircUAlfuItGR3RTQNROLbkkK-vnjQTlfvETHuPboTLfh5RBR-ofdh58/w640-h480/IMG_20220918_140512.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Namza Dining</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>My friend and travel organizer, Indranil from “<b>Travel with Neel</b>” had read about <b>Namza Dining</b>, another restaurant centrally located in Leh, which exclusively served Ladakhi food. We reviewed the menu and found it very interesting. It had <b>Yarkandi Pulav</b>, a rice and meat dish recommended by many earlier tourists here. So about twelve of us landed here for lunch so that we could try many items on the menu.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsnpczA_VIG0TVmfAmOCDgNS_d68vHC5sBEOQJM7YSbWa6KH9mgkkaLa1D1XmbRqdaI46V6qXPZkaqL_snVf8Qgweg-sJGZLns0nqDpIAv421CPnHn_sGdq5IFLk1UoauZaquf5P69-411iwkxmWuX_p2y_oO5p-KuIoID-0Bcjrso_CKWNJQJxaa/s4608/4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsnpczA_VIG0TVmfAmOCDgNS_d68vHC5sBEOQJM7YSbWa6KH9mgkkaLa1D1XmbRqdaI46V6qXPZkaqL_snVf8Qgweg-sJGZLns0nqDpIAv421CPnHn_sGdq5IFLk1UoauZaquf5P69-411iwkxmWuX_p2y_oO5p-KuIoID-0Bcjrso_CKWNJQJxaa/w640-h480/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Shapta with Ting Mo</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><b>Namza Dining</b> (<a href="https://namzadining.com/">https://namzadining.com/</a>) was very close to our hotel. We loved the décor here, both indoors and outdoors. Apart from the usual seating, it also has some traditional Ladakhi seating where you have to sit on a low platform enjoying your meal from a small table kept in front. The restaurant has its own garden behind where its vegetables are grown.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincZ4Q7Ue2ksEDp-tElyKDCl2pVa3qmTLgDEN2VMzj6VFAhRZy-2BKIVn4knBuSY3_b2VROMTo6FQc6WCI_XZyHYojGKK6ucsJKpkdWQ5JFADfcD310-qcoYnJSPiOCuDJLqysdXjB8kFoM8PlNaLzDKGEK-srgJQlwwBtBd1VwRopeajZLSvBxRny/s3715/8.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3715" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincZ4Q7Ue2ksEDp-tElyKDCl2pVa3qmTLgDEN2VMzj6VFAhRZy-2BKIVn4knBuSY3_b2VROMTo6FQc6WCI_XZyHYojGKK6ucsJKpkdWQ5JFADfcD310-qcoYnJSPiOCuDJLqysdXjB8kFoM8PlNaLzDKGEK-srgJQlwwBtBd1VwRopeajZLSvBxRny/w596-h640/8.jpg" width="596" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Mok Mok Soup</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>As explained, their signature dish is <b>Yarkandi Pulao</b>. Yarkand is the homeland of Uyghur Muslims in the current Xinjiang state in China. Their traders used to pass through Leh as part of the ancient Silk Route for trading, and somehow this dish was embraced by the locals. Chunky mutton cubes and rice together are slow-cooked and served with soup. A small <b>Mok Mok</b> is also in the soup. One could notice fried onions and nuts in the dish too. The dish had a bit of fat too to keep the body warm.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUpgg6hZs5_ONyewKsLFM9FLldNcCOx6c5AuCEZPbNH1ker3FFRlqsFBPKlLqEtHXLEQ48P5EAFSoGOT7VHqTwOLNjMoDfGqFSGK6QBtIn-3xARFIiv_9tpCqmbzUfRz2G-Yqq2UKmmPX9pwzStgNXgTuLeeFLc42pGYDo9UXI3ef2xJcZ-v9KHvt/s4516/3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3199" data-original-width="4516" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUpgg6hZs5_ONyewKsLFM9FLldNcCOx6c5AuCEZPbNH1ker3FFRlqsFBPKlLqEtHXLEQ48P5EAFSoGOT7VHqTwOLNjMoDfGqFSGK6QBtIn-3xARFIiv_9tpCqmbzUfRz2G-Yqq2UKmmPX9pwzStgNXgTuLeeFLc42pGYDo9UXI3ef2xJcZ-v9KHvt/w640-h454/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Gyuma</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Among the other dishes, we all loved was <b>Gyuma</b>, the Ladakhi sheep sausage. Traditionally Gyuma was made from Yak meat. The filling here has ground meat, fat, and even some rice. Absolutely delicious stuff.</p><p><b>Mutton Mokthuk</b> Soup (momos with leafy veggies in mutton broth), and <b>Mutton Shapta</b> with <b>Tingmok</b> (baked Tibetan bread) were the other two dishes we tasted. The other Ladakhi bread, apart from Tingmo is <b>Khambir</b>, a thick wheat-based flat bread which is very filling.</p><p>Loved both the places we dined at in Leh, but if you can do only one, choose Namza.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuCxeIw5sOCh2AaPJMVRutUxM1dX51uDoOfZ2mBT0XK3m0OLi5kvQULvfijmkbfPpEcXS2ok5u_SAz-K1ttXbPdNKMoDZ1KlLJQSzHT0WEsnrrtr3NQPXstFmpgxM-mkEcU-U2oCS1G54sOY44ylc62Q8wtr2CSouINFV4n6lb32rlG0TAK6S4NAJ/s4608/IMG_20220914_130558.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuCxeIw5sOCh2AaPJMVRutUxM1dX51uDoOfZ2mBT0XK3m0OLi5kvQULvfijmkbfPpEcXS2ok5u_SAz-K1ttXbPdNKMoDZ1KlLJQSzHT0WEsnrrtr3NQPXstFmpgxM-mkEcU-U2oCS1G54sOY44ylc62Q8wtr2CSouINFV4n6lb32rlG0TAK6S4NAJ/w480-h640/IMG_20220914_130558.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVjZUBDNWYdkcouNw70iXHGop1T5XxvX03iPPJHRrHYKCLfGphKlCdlYZvpGRT34gsFzvWI5jN75lfsA3feZEKE2d-Ba7ER-SrALFRuljnIGe0wJyHk9DT9regYDbP9eGtCQ7RJi1YJNYrX988XKnv39gy0GEaq0lxFyPY-e_-cUSkNQn_HLlBvZB/s4608/IMG_20220914_130543.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVjZUBDNWYdkcouNw70iXHGop1T5XxvX03iPPJHRrHYKCLfGphKlCdlYZvpGRT34gsFzvWI5jN75lfsA3feZEKE2d-Ba7ER-SrALFRuljnIGe0wJyHk9DT9regYDbP9eGtCQ7RJi1YJNYrX988XKnv39gy0GEaq0lxFyPY-e_-cUSkNQn_HLlBvZB/w480-h640/IMG_20220914_130543.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Butter Tea & Ginger Tea</b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>A talk about Leh food is incomplete without the mention of Ladakhi tea. There is the usual <b>Butter Tea</b> that you get in all places. The tea is slightly salty and the butter keeps you warm. Almost all monastery canteens serve this tea. Apart from this, another one we loved was <b>Ginger Tea</b>, which has fresh thin slices of ginger in the tea itself.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-54311516715127075552022-11-12T11:08:00.003+05:302023-09-07T13:23:57.687+05:30Ladakh Diaries: The Tso-s of Ladakh: Pangong and Tsomoriri<p>The word “<b>Ladakh</b>” means country of passes. Broken down “<b>La</b>” is mountain passes and “<b>Dakh</b>” means country. Over centuries, these passes have long served as protection from intruders as well as important routes for trade.</p><p><b>Read the complete Ladakh Travelogue: <a href="http://www.foodaholix.in/2022/11/Srinagar-Leh.html" target="_blank">The Ladakh Diaries</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_S63S7SffOM-a3yVCydjMaleDYH8oeXLzI4dVKaHHzkPVGS93CPlD7Zt0jQ9VRu--1xtOhitgsDMjYG_bPvDjfwfAm0Q9qYOo5mefwQgoLlzG0OS9Og6joEiqeWdatLH7Bnf4J6DwRtJ1fHv610GIl5DB3w1oo3DaxrSo2dFict4FA-Jf91E2GJC/s4608/IMG_20220917_131905.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_S63S7SffOM-a3yVCydjMaleDYH8oeXLzI4dVKaHHzkPVGS93CPlD7Zt0jQ9VRu--1xtOhitgsDMjYG_bPvDjfwfAm0Q9qYOo5mefwQgoLlzG0OS9Og6joEiqeWdatLH7Bnf4J6DwRtJ1fHv610GIl5DB3w1oo3DaxrSo2dFict4FA-Jf91E2GJC/w640-h480/IMG_20220917_131905.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>During our 12-day trip from Srinagar to Leh and other prominent locations of Ladakh, we passed through five La-s, the last three among the highest motorable passes in the world. These are</p><p>1.<b> Zojila</b> – Height 11649 feet between Srinagar & Kargil</p><p>2. <b>Fotul</b>a – Height 13479 feet between Kargil and Leh</p><p>3. <b>Khardungla</b> – Height 17982 feet between Leh & Nubra Valley</p><p>4. <b>Changla</b> – Height 17688 feet between Pangong & Leh</p><p>5. <b>Taglangla</b> – Height 17482 feet between Tso Kar & Leh</p><p>The world’s highest motorable pass is also in India. The lesser-known <b>Umling La</b> at 19024 feet, located in Ladakh, gets the honour after a road was constructed through this pass by Border Roads Organization in 2017.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-L7VD3LK8W88PM0JWsrC98Y9AINskMzl6oFOe87A4jbI-rGF_RoqpWXax0rzoCu5cYoA0BJK8wrD7JvOIOd4zX_SPq9WxMuQbGpe9gpjRXfCW696diGAqZDytRx7bbqAyCf25lo5P2RbUtaZ6k0ay5zNFZa-BA757srkkFlJwQVfFfk84wqVEvLO/s4608/IMG_20220917_093522.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-L7VD3LK8W88PM0JWsrC98Y9AINskMzl6oFOe87A4jbI-rGF_RoqpWXax0rzoCu5cYoA0BJK8wrD7JvOIOd4zX_SPq9WxMuQbGpe9gpjRXfCW696diGAqZDytRx7bbqAyCf25lo5P2RbUtaZ6k0ay5zNFZa-BA757srkkFlJwQVfFfk84wqVEvLO/w640-h480/IMG_20220917_093522.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>But a pass is only a route, for us travelers it is sometimes strenuous to negotiate this kind of height. We all do that for what lies beyond. The high-altitude lakes of Ladakh (or <b>Tso</b>-s as they are known in the local language) are huge and serene, the best–known among these is <b>Pangong</b> Tso, around which frequent border skirmishes with China keep the lake in national news. About one-third of the lake is under India’s occupation currently, whereas two-thirds has been illegally occupied by China. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Hs4J99qaLRG9-DMGZMQSZujsx5JFnNkfPAiLz34GKKMTVOCAgd6rNvR1PZSE6k_TQ7Ea3efCT34rERCF8QTdjunvUpNrfdLGnqXVmiEdpENK9pOhJcuftaiuhHlVhQjAOfv87nUi2hJpg7GQ8oifZEMPkCSHFvrnf06LHub-_H0nLosEMiJOd0by/s1920/IMG_20220917_110701.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Hs4J99qaLRG9-DMGZMQSZujsx5JFnNkfPAiLz34GKKMTVOCAgd6rNvR1PZSE6k_TQ7Ea3efCT34rERCF8QTdjunvUpNrfdLGnqXVmiEdpENK9pOhJcuftaiuhHlVhQjAOfv87nUi2hJpg7GQ8oifZEMPkCSHFvrnf06LHub-_H0nLosEMiJOd0by/w640-h360/IMG_20220917_110701.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Pangong is located at a height of 13,800 feet and can be accessed from two routes. One that we took was after our trip to Nubra Valley as we wanted to directly go there. The road was quite bad in some parts of the journey, whereas manageable in other parts. The route (250 km) which goes through <b>Shyok, Durbuk</b>, and <b>Tangste</b> has quite a few small canteens en route for snacks and tea. The view was magnificent with the Shyok river accompanying a significant part of the trip.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXeyomLOZz3HWUXjLyVjfM_cN-nv32MG1luD8WcW0fgKFXD6XkyOmgFeVOqa6fxn-JUj9b2PYBc81UpJVEx3OHIHb97wOKc1l1DO_W93CMpTfbwWGeyi3wUSqcp9pLg1DXt535Qdc57tntHz3PlDuGkEBuqub3WKVMPjCalodiB4eZfjdoDP7_4gt/s4608/IMG_20220917_132517.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXeyomLOZz3HWUXjLyVjfM_cN-nv32MG1luD8WcW0fgKFXD6XkyOmgFeVOqa6fxn-JUj9b2PYBc81UpJVEx3OHIHb97wOKc1l1DO_W93CMpTfbwWGeyi3wUSqcp9pLg1DXt535Qdc57tntHz3PlDuGkEBuqub3WKVMPjCalodiB4eZfjdoDP7_4gt/w640-h480/IMG_20220917_132517.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>As we reached closer to Pangong, the thrill of sudden sighting a portion of the lake reminded me of childhood visits to seaside spots where the first look at the sea at the end of the road used to make us so happy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVn1b0mRFxK8aez5hAXwMfRuAIk453BlP_KsXkygYrmLhdpshvqDa2eV82sqSuf4pjkEaV_g59BeVwTyZwqvjDN7CLonDzc8-scBLmp6ZcARBPWKpB3zWVAM8CeF7Vzhm92RFExK53ytfC2dEuytLoOgOBtFiNacigEfVfAHo9Y6qTF6gCAsExT6k/s4608/IMG_20220917_132447.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVn1b0mRFxK8aez5hAXwMfRuAIk453BlP_KsXkygYrmLhdpshvqDa2eV82sqSuf4pjkEaV_g59BeVwTyZwqvjDN7CLonDzc8-scBLmp6ZcARBPWKpB3zWVAM8CeF7Vzhm92RFExK53ytfC2dEuytLoOgOBtFiNacigEfVfAHo9Y6qTF6gCAsExT6k/w640-h480/IMG_20220917_132447.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Pangong was blue, very blue, but actually the colour of the water changes depending on the position of the sun and the time of the day. The snow peaks seen on our right side further enhance your experience. The lakeside has become much more commercial since our last visit about a decade ago with scooters and other fun stuff. After taking the customary pics and staying there for an hour or so, we left for Tangste to have lunch.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYzIuIFzGbY_nYpA7GyLaB0B3at91hwTLjsJ_1QLY_zhSVzM8gI9g0HvDsLh5Su2IC-mABvbzJiU1D4trHUHst5t0vLsq0zvnN379m9-XXAetx90bEbOSUF1GvHr9Q_dRRHwF1AnFrsGyKbdQeJeJtauidLcnAtoj0JihznlVAxYtqTV8NZopb3ZH/s4608/IMG_20220917_135853.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYzIuIFzGbY_nYpA7GyLaB0B3at91hwTLjsJ_1QLY_zhSVzM8gI9g0HvDsLh5Su2IC-mABvbzJiU1D4trHUHst5t0vLsq0zvnN379m9-XXAetx90bEbOSUF1GvHr9Q_dRRHwF1AnFrsGyKbdQeJeJtauidLcnAtoj0JihznlVAxYtqTV8NZopb3ZH/w640-h480/IMG_20220917_135853.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Pangong has tent accommodation available near it, as well as homestays. You need to be vigilant about the oxygen levels, it is better to travel with oxygen cylinders on this route. On the way back to Leh, we encountered Chang La. This was the first time I felt a little breathless during our total tour. Our car driver made me sit in the vehicle, and rushed downhill and I started feeling better.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKIGAgvbPoC0v4SHfz68GGvd1HFOsNk2EULW1OaCBh11kZVvQh5VUOVC8wDAe102EOi_58f1jbBTxfgryts0vaJios-EG3g9e_qDz7G_NKrAFgbtVVwctGHxfSs2D8Q3YxmvrFMfSfG7xl_zhWqjIUnDxjsZZb5DE7fdzKEVrbU8I_65saGIffCtL/s4608/IMG_20220917_181439.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKIGAgvbPoC0v4SHfz68GGvd1HFOsNk2EULW1OaCBh11kZVvQh5VUOVC8wDAe102EOi_58f1jbBTxfgryts0vaJios-EG3g9e_qDz7G_NKrAFgbtVVwctGHxfSs2D8Q3YxmvrFMfSfG7xl_zhWqjIUnDxjsZZb5DE7fdzKEVrbU8I_65saGIffCtL/w640-h480/IMG_20220917_181439.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>After a day's rest back in Leh and we were out to visit the other beauty, <b>Tsomoriri</b>. The lake takes about seven hours from Leh. Here we were planning to stay a night in a tent, so our journey was less hurried. Unfortunately, I had a bout of hill diarrhea since the previous day, which forced me on a conducted tour of local toilets en route.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxg6FQ7lDBa4g9Tinx3Q3o6miCtxXLBIRJMlhWl0hBQJv5xxFzwo47b1H5_ZJA5nLLV3g1qYWg3G2pPqV5_Q_0gLopwzMU3lvqjQ35ffFZrl9oeDE9ko2hGDtQ8vHa5Dq-NcoUfht7PmLLVmCa4xqBunhLbtMr39XGBaaPXDk_qmey8ipMQDMfpGub/s2048/Small%20lake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1430" data-original-width="2048" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxg6FQ7lDBa4g9Tinx3Q3o6miCtxXLBIRJMlhWl0hBQJv5xxFzwo47b1H5_ZJA5nLLV3g1qYWg3G2pPqV5_Q_0gLopwzMU3lvqjQ35ffFZrl9oeDE9ko2hGDtQ8vHa5Dq-NcoUfht7PmLLVmCa4xqBunhLbtMr39XGBaaPXDk_qmey8ipMQDMfpGub/w640-h446/Small%20lake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The journey to Tsomoriri is smooth till <b>Upshi</b> (which is on the Manali-Leh highway). From Upshi we proceed to <b>Chumathang</b>, where most of the road is unpaved. After Chumathang there is hardly any road, and your vehicle literally dances over stones to proceed. We crossed <b>Karzok</b> and reached Tsomoriri almost at dusk. Tsomoriri is very secluded with nothing but an army camp and few homestays and tent accommodations. We virtually had the full lake to ourselves. The experience of this place is further enhanced by the complete attention you get from the lake. As the evening progressed the sky almost lit up for the sunset a view that photographs cannot capture.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJspL57g5xSvXN4QUcjHvBrQLjAG3tVjM3QfAtRrqU0wIJA_ZucN7jExNgmVg7yNRgbRW5_n7Oc0zaDHiBeafAYSv_w-TGuHUliRx9rcb12czV6EEuys4ZYzEJ_PuO5TbM5pz6ZJkRNO-3It1k6Gcc3v2JDKdxb1ubnFR0oD530H8b8OUepbJzc9x/s1152/Tsomoriri.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJspL57g5xSvXN4QUcjHvBrQLjAG3tVjM3QfAtRrqU0wIJA_ZucN7jExNgmVg7yNRgbRW5_n7Oc0zaDHiBeafAYSv_w-TGuHUliRx9rcb12czV6EEuys4ZYzEJ_PuO5TbM5pz6ZJkRNO-3It1k6Gcc3v2JDKdxb1ubnFR0oD530H8b8OUepbJzc9x/w640-h480/Tsomoriri.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>It was freezing cold at night, and to make matters worse there was no power in the area. But early morning a view of the lake from the tents brought back our energy. If you ask me to choose one high-altitude lake in Ladakh, Tsomoriri will be surely my choice. Though travelling to the lake is quite a handful, the rustic beauty of the surroundings really amazes you.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGHY9qmUdet9xtRYZ-RiPj44Y5VasbuCv9tj8I1vXYiaOXuwfHI5nIXwJCQeigHzABJ6uKRMDXVB2CZjEa-uDTljSxeL41EwkA_Z-YSEbDJ01UKYg-Yw_D8KKrwXphgpzVnzKgdVrxM2J7vbs0Al71Vyphtw39lFC7LqZoXwc3O05fk_m3eB5JOJN/s1600/Sunset%20at%20Tsomoriri.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGHY9qmUdet9xtRYZ-RiPj44Y5VasbuCv9tj8I1vXYiaOXuwfHI5nIXwJCQeigHzABJ6uKRMDXVB2CZjEa-uDTljSxeL41EwkA_Z-YSEbDJ01UKYg-Yw_D8KKrwXphgpzVnzKgdVrxM2J7vbs0Al71Vyphtw39lFC7LqZoXwc3O05fk_m3eB5JOJN/w640-h480/Sunset%20at%20Tsomoriri.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>On our way back, we took a different route, visiting another lake <b>Tso Kar</b> (15280 feet), 50 km away and close to the Manali Highway, and joining the highway near the <b>Taglangla Pass</b>. Tsomoriri was one of the reasons I went to Ladakh for a second time, and it did not let me down. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtr8VAR7x-XSKQHKy2G_LGfP7yZbdeyKfY2RvHe5Xk8WoVzW0jd93CjT7RR3WOsuJ3GUBBQwZqP9H4HPTnEr8ALNsBjuR9MVvDZLxZH1ozbfN6FTuedKPMWZ_K1oHgWTQi7kYkaUtmEmnXNbbX_YRWY2SpZgozN6xuuPIGteVUr6qY99so4-Vy57n/s4608/IMG_20220920_123720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtr8VAR7x-XSKQHKy2G_LGfP7yZbdeyKfY2RvHe5Xk8WoVzW0jd93CjT7RR3WOsuJ3GUBBQwZqP9H4HPTnEr8ALNsBjuR9MVvDZLxZH1ozbfN6FTuedKPMWZ_K1oHgWTQi7kYkaUtmEmnXNbbX_YRWY2SpZgozN6xuuPIGteVUr6qY99so4-Vy57n/w640-h480/IMG_20220920_123720.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>One piece of advice. </b>Though Tsomoriri is nearer to the Manali Leh highway, it is not recommended to visit here on your way to Leh. The sudden sharp climb to 15000 ft and staying a night there can easily result in high altitude sickness. It is better to go up to Leh, acclimatize there, and again come down to visit Tsomoriri. </p><p><b>Tour Organizer: Travel with Neel 9848018178</b></p>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-83826348971925739802022-11-08T10:22:00.004+05:302023-04-20T16:43:51.551+05:30Ladakh Diaries: Aati Kya Khardungla<p><b>Leh</b>, the capital of Ladakh, is not like the other high-altitude towns that you visit. The topography is markedly different, and because of its height (<b>11,480 feet</b>), there is always the chance of altitude sickness if you do not take proper care. Two of our co-travellers had to be admitted to a hospital for half a day each, as they complained of a lack of oxygen. The best part is that they recovered quickly and were back with us the next day after spending a night at the hospital with an injection and drips being administered to them. One of them even went to <b>Khardungla</b> and <b>Pangong</b> and was with us till the end of the trip.</p><p><b>Also Read: <a href="http://www.foodaholix.in/2022/11/Pangong-Tsomoriri.html" target="_blank">The Tso-s of Ladakh</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKTOP9uyyAP27kNFRZUvkn0COvR0L_mlf8zCuV7knNC7k5aCfFuX3WXlp3qZmHXbHkq06Exsud_UkUP08Hm1JdJxmjtueSLNaDCrEioE6Ewtz36lcgYiMcunfioZjlfD2yi5dLuSAwWlhlx2EsbXBUhDF6myX6C-TixtODcmMtGJP__u2cDEvW0h4/s4608/IMG_20220915_100407.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKTOP9uyyAP27kNFRZUvkn0COvR0L_mlf8zCuV7knNC7k5aCfFuX3WXlp3qZmHXbHkq06Exsud_UkUP08Hm1JdJxmjtueSLNaDCrEioE6Ewtz36lcgYiMcunfioZjlfD2yi5dLuSAwWlhlx2EsbXBUhDF6myX6C-TixtODcmMtGJP__u2cDEvW0h4/w640-h480/IMG_20220915_100407.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Though there are many opinions on this, I strongly feel one should take the medications (<b>Diamox</b> or <b>Coca</b> in homeopathy) as it definitely helps in keeping a person safe from altitude sickness. Also, it is extremely important to relax in the hotel on the first day that you reach Leh.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFsnu-OWukrnkWwGUxwCvjHNvRivfps6lIsiIuTZ2YTH_FAEBpz4df18-iTwgj4ZsdqSfTjT8XRep2kFW4yHUeSmWmkyoDz_yfxkvy6euR0yMLMA1LSPCjmv5P642kH33GYJQbJBYj1e77mTYYpJ2e3lx2AQsAeCVYlgJchNN8Ih45X4518u06VQS/s3858/IMG_20220914_113958.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3858" data-original-width="3246" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFsnu-OWukrnkWwGUxwCvjHNvRivfps6lIsiIuTZ2YTH_FAEBpz4df18-iTwgj4ZsdqSfTjT8XRep2kFW4yHUeSmWmkyoDz_yfxkvy6euR0yMLMA1LSPCjmv5P642kH33GYJQbJBYj1e77mTYYpJ2e3lx2AQsAeCVYlgJchNN8Ih45X4518u06VQS/w538-h640/IMG_20220914_113958.jpg" width="538" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXRdld--uf3MwZAQuL3AELoVyvZNZ-83yJDMhRJFdm91kIjNB04v8If2Hn9P2imv_ffxofQOq1F1d2e3zXKeohoSfJ0NOo9hsqfeEJRncncTC9NXwEUdpQQ9tlrbXeuhIgg5Rx4LdgAhrYMQzYCbrScQKJp9vSlnnVCDOu2ppA4HEDsvhOhebKYmG/s4608/IMG_20220914_111924.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXRdld--uf3MwZAQuL3AELoVyvZNZ-83yJDMhRJFdm91kIjNB04v8If2Hn9P2imv_ffxofQOq1F1d2e3zXKeohoSfJ0NOo9hsqfeEJRncncTC9NXwEUdpQQ9tlrbXeuhIgg5Rx4LdgAhrYMQzYCbrScQKJp9vSlnnVCDOu2ppA4HEDsvhOhebKYmG/w640-h480/IMG_20220914_111924.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>On our earlier trip, we visited most of the landmarks of Leh, so the local sites were mostly a repeat for us. <b>Sangam (the confluence of Indus and Zanskar), Magnetic Hill, Shanti Stupa</b> (where you get one of the best views of Leh), and <b>Thiksey Monastery</b> were all part of the day trip that we took.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvNyRoixUcKMtmkozn1VyVQm2D0GTqfvxJ1920cc3f7_hlbKCAx6i-Wmo8NhlLsJSxn-JH8EpWdUhtNAaaYkynwWwcQd926ByY_VLrbian_B7VUcAdOeCT8vB1lp7nUz_Q-RbA3SEVjMHkAV9NwIWhlIvt2XUneQkGsEaebZiJ5WoivhEWhpf4CuB/s4608/IMG_20220913_115557__01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUvNyRoixUcKMtmkozn1VyVQm2D0GTqfvxJ1920cc3f7_hlbKCAx6i-Wmo8NhlLsJSxn-JH8EpWdUhtNAaaYkynwWwcQd926ByY_VLrbian_B7VUcAdOeCT8vB1lp7nUz_Q-RbA3SEVjMHkAV9NwIWhlIvt2XUneQkGsEaebZiJ5WoivhEWhpf4CuB/w480-h640/IMG_20220913_115557__01.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDiKmktCoQNnfz2b1x-5siA6zOFPVyn7F5sxxO44BSkDARK_X94AYuzK5SnTFIZ_PQ794YZblypdVmHvStg8IpV-nOXYJ6ukx9pDva2xhApFwOVrd2zfl37u6qVyOkS3XHy2QGcTxoQWNWTXqUOFLLUXt27f2ev7QtVR2zelFUcm6r2tA2mLGHxKLf/s4608/IMG_20220913_123324.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDiKmktCoQNnfz2b1x-5siA6zOFPVyn7F5sxxO44BSkDARK_X94AYuzK5SnTFIZ_PQ794YZblypdVmHvStg8IpV-nOXYJ6ukx9pDva2xhApFwOVrd2zfl37u6qVyOkS3XHy2QGcTxoQWNWTXqUOFLLUXt27f2ev7QtVR2zelFUcm6r2tA2mLGHxKLf/w480-h640/IMG_20220913_123324.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A highlight was the <b>Ladakh Army Hall of Fame</b>, where we were treated to some elaborate presentations about the Kargil war and a brilliant sound and light show in the evening. The new place that we visited was the <b>Rancho’s School</b> made popular by the movie Three Idiots. It was more of a gimmicky place in my opinion. And finally, the <b>Leh Market</b> provided a good diversion for some shopping and food.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tQHdtxm_fYPYarrpkKPr5Am5BsvIxzB8qsTNCA9ok5Rg8cYT17Mf0nQhue4jpVgPyHvYShBKuVCScz1ENOFFSld5GODIkB4TCMb7lf3b2rAucBlv_XO27rw4E44SLOUrk3GMyZKaz6Rqy1zUqMs17WH3lnFQ-QH9jroUnxH-xCfwmeeUxXCuGnhm/s4608/IMG_20220914_142017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tQHdtxm_fYPYarrpkKPr5Am5BsvIxzB8qsTNCA9ok5Rg8cYT17Mf0nQhue4jpVgPyHvYShBKuVCScz1ENOFFSld5GODIkB4TCMb7lf3b2rAucBlv_XO27rw4E44SLOUrk3GMyZKaz6Rqy1zUqMs17WH3lnFQ-QH9jroUnxH-xCfwmeeUxXCuGnhm/w480-h640/IMG_20220914_142017.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Both I and my wife are big mountain buffs, visiting the hilly terrains at least twice a year. Ladakh is special because apart from the landscape, it has some of the highest motorable passes in the world. Khardungla is often the reason many people visit Ladakh. The road goes up steeply a few kilometers after Leh to cross the 18000 feet pass in a couple of hours. Beyond that, it is the green and lovely <b>Nubra Valley</b> with its <b>Diskit Monastery</b> and then leading into Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCT0R03WG52ArCWliGQcm-x7zAFe1-AzlIZp8eFEEZLyg_1o_5P9-1zwTmbjfbuCu_qQJxLfRC0jTjSoa3tJLo6HQIpvw3-CzLTCD-3L4DTwgrfrfcQfH2H0qNq9OVYAYjrJPbFFVsYQ6cgohJRtJT_cRRAk4JSZWuWGS1gKTcDC3fVqBdY-ZkXJ1/s1920/IMG_20220916_112927.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCT0R03WG52ArCWliGQcm-x7zAFe1-AzlIZp8eFEEZLyg_1o_5P9-1zwTmbjfbuCu_qQJxLfRC0jTjSoa3tJLo6HQIpvw3-CzLTCD-3L4DTwgrfrfcQfH2H0qNq9OVYAYjrJPbFFVsYQ6cgohJRtJT_cRRAk4JSZWuWGS1gKTcDC3fVqBdY-ZkXJ1/w640-h360/IMG_20220916_112927.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We started as early as possible and soon reached the top after having breakfast of Alu Samosas at an army canteen on the way. Our convoy had about twelve Innovas, and every alternate car had an oxygen cylinder. Our driver <b>Stanzing Namgya</b>l was very experienced and filled us in on titbits of the village life here, and how they stock food for themselves and their animals for the harsh winters. He explained the need to have a little water every fifteen minutes when you are approaching a La (mountain passes are called La in Ladakhi). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3prmzf1jbaAsxNuBiLnLo2efuXIQbJigTNiK0eWTrFQnrVaizN3DLWG4sVHxTgWoIQn3irl7Twzbv0FuxruHOaZzMTxoSjkoauygPOlxarh8U4IrUvYPPFKrSs0R4SH_baFIjMmqq9NOTUmtZaNpixeg1GrGt9SA4P46twq7rbeuNxQ-E606iV0qb/s4608/IMG_20220915_102019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3prmzf1jbaAsxNuBiLnLo2efuXIQbJigTNiK0eWTrFQnrVaizN3DLWG4sVHxTgWoIQn3irl7Twzbv0FuxruHOaZzMTxoSjkoauygPOlxarh8U4IrUvYPPFKrSs0R4SH_baFIjMmqq9NOTUmtZaNpixeg1GrGt9SA4P46twq7rbeuNxQ-E606iV0qb/w640-h360/IMG_20220915_102019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Khardungla</b> looked like a celebratory place to me. There were two milestones for you to pose for the pictures so that you can announce on social media that you have been here. The toilets were clean, and there was a canteen serving warm tea and snacks. Quite a few army personnel kept a close eye on the tourists, as many fall sick complaining about lack of oxygen here. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6Rdzr1q7s2z-LPLWVUXsOF_ym7rg8WPya3SWYWBGVcuhzFTOnLo8l8sCnuUZAUFYDsTY8xjwjNL3S-bl2Taua28OZxvpOkrWQhi2gPe4L1TVY1u3N3GB6HZTsccdUEwYn6ILlUV9enI9sOlTYQ4Q8T78Jos8LwMXmu4bIVeCBbvWFWif6gl0UEKD/s3424/IMG_20220915_110040.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3378" data-original-width="3424" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6Rdzr1q7s2z-LPLWVUXsOF_ym7rg8WPya3SWYWBGVcuhzFTOnLo8l8sCnuUZAUFYDsTY8xjwjNL3S-bl2Taua28OZxvpOkrWQhi2gPe4L1TVY1u3N3GB6HZTsccdUEwYn6ILlUV9enI9sOlTYQ4Q8T78Jos8LwMXmu4bIVeCBbvWFWif6gl0UEKD/w640-h632/IMG_20220915_110040.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGFVFeyvfyMYbEoWl6Kh485Nvd1obDT9VTDd9Cldtm8a1lUUKIIBhC5-3PJ2UTp9Irv5_xEHlcQbKeih8JQjSk-bEDm-6HbZmekf-kXxm883bklGeNnR6jSH1peDbvoA0H-LyvuG2SYuR5cDRf2r7bPtTK0sGAn-io1hnedELWuYtOuvSKxETnJ9u/s1280/309075783_10159786873293726_3169625367186907513_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGFVFeyvfyMYbEoWl6Kh485Nvd1obDT9VTDd9Cldtm8a1lUUKIIBhC5-3PJ2UTp9Irv5_xEHlcQbKeih8JQjSk-bEDm-6HbZmekf-kXxm883bklGeNnR6jSH1peDbvoA0H-LyvuG2SYuR5cDRf2r7bPtTK0sGAn-io1hnedELWuYtOuvSKxETnJ9u/w640-h480/309075783_10159786873293726_3169625367186907513_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>After crossing Khardungla, we were moving along the <b>Shyok River</b> towards Nubra Valley. Of all things, we came across a Bengali dhaba here, serving snacks from Bengal. The Shyok originates in Siachen, flows through Nubra Valley, and then enters the Gilgit-Baltistan state in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. We stopped at <b>Riverside Restaurant and Raftin</b>g, where some of us had our lunch. And some others, including my wife, went for a <b>river rafting</b> session on the Shyok. It was late afternoon when we reached <b>Diskit Monastery</b> with a huge statue of Maitreya Buddha. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfYS9Rz5HBcq2CNjpMdMEL-BeveH0DeOI7lTG_RxUGAKmCzOMkvhCjs61JZFJKkibz9AkYmzhdLFgRHhEU4QbnPM9XCdkzeQ0Hm_f4Fc58F5pXnCOGj222YzSx1jsrTaWLfZ4eBR9AE32Q8jR5VFeKpKsb9cf4f9JFSlR7o5yX-4hJN_tIm1n8_XO/s4608/IMG_20220915_170423.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfYS9Rz5HBcq2CNjpMdMEL-BeveH0DeOI7lTG_RxUGAKmCzOMkvhCjs61JZFJKkibz9AkYmzhdLFgRHhEU4QbnPM9XCdkzeQ0Hm_f4Fc58F5pXnCOGj222YzSx1jsrTaWLfZ4eBR9AE32Q8jR5VFeKpKsb9cf4f9JFSlR7o5yX-4hJN_tIm1n8_XO/w640-h480/IMG_20220915_170423.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlz7avZ92IJ2H7u5jRxEEFQ8e3f45Y4yQjlXYBmCnGOl5r4b2HheOO1uGWrgbu4IR1WUm-Bd0QquW5xUf4buGbvNsfj2TvhHQyi-iyXMoTHL7uPapbONucbIjT-dh1GqbMeUJ89Df4LQQA5hcCPhGqotCKSOOg9UCkETSQsbMz5dPfjT1lxoFTlntu/s4608/IMG_20220915_170554.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlz7avZ92IJ2H7u5jRxEEFQ8e3f45Y4yQjlXYBmCnGOl5r4b2HheOO1uGWrgbu4IR1WUm-Bd0QquW5xUf4buGbvNsfj2TvhHQyi-iyXMoTHL7uPapbONucbIjT-dh1GqbMeUJ89Df4LQQA5hcCPhGqotCKSOOg9UCkETSQsbMz5dPfjT1lxoFTlntu/w640-h480/IMG_20220915_170554.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Our hotel at <b>Hunder</b>, Nubra Valley was not too far from here. I was slightly disappointed looking at Nubra Valley, compared to what we saw in 2011. The valley has become very congested with narrow roads and lots of hotels mushrooming up here. Infrastructure is not keeping pace with the growth. If the government does not interfere, this place will soon become a concrete jungle.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbZiyNxdx_KB-wtQyiq-P61iljgEkMLFWQLivyMEkJ_2iKMLXlGk1srdhDREwQOfjyuao9CAbV5q412qsgkEXj195MKEGagKKn96ddjq0IZGAPTMkTov1vtx5836pNIC2ju-Jjwr0IXlRn60W7VpKctlgYAMskQB84uOKkkOg-278SQZeBEzWS7Nm/s4608/IMG_20220916_113150.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIbZiyNxdx_KB-wtQyiq-P61iljgEkMLFWQLivyMEkJ_2iKMLXlGk1srdhDREwQOfjyuao9CAbV5q412qsgkEXj195MKEGagKKn96ddjq0IZGAPTMkTov1vtx5836pNIC2ju-Jjwr0IXlRn60W7VpKctlgYAMskQB84uOKkkOg-278SQZeBEzWS7Nm/w640-h480/IMG_20220916_113150.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The next day, we went further into the Nubra, towards the Pakistan border. As we travelled along the Shyok, we visited two villages that came into India during the 1971 war. <b>Thang</b> is the last village on the border, it was part of the twin villages which are now on different sides of the Line of Control. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOTn3wO5Kxgcssz6iLkxiTp6kz51THEZUVT9THduDKjcexNLzKEVPvhIm2Q1Pw2PaxSp6KN-GsuMvPWeuoy9No2j7P9YwF2aLe8Aws6upwiOO-1zqzlHui_kgJdLMfAlIqlr8rPAgOk3Qa9FrXDH41QyCzr836dD7j-iE8WdC3VPVnVzOrbtr2BI8/s4608/IMG_20220916_134349.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOTn3wO5Kxgcssz6iLkxiTp6kz51THEZUVT9THduDKjcexNLzKEVPvhIm2Q1Pw2PaxSp6KN-GsuMvPWeuoy9No2j7P9YwF2aLe8Aws6upwiOO-1zqzlHui_kgJdLMfAlIqlr8rPAgOk3Qa9FrXDH41QyCzr836dD7j-iE8WdC3VPVnVzOrbtr2BI8/w640-h480/IMG_20220916_134349.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC29i9uBAkO0KpVu2pdp7WYeIB-CmQlochwhwE4MtVp2FFxVjPoxPm_o1boBg4RkPpx8LJ4wUvP7dQrxIofaQvKT9bc00cjFLqkcn_VlCLzu5pHb4Le--8j-6701Xf0sft_4sD6F3v-Uy5ECwhw62rf3CFMGsZDnJVg3PO8HR870Um5y5eHnjOMnt7/s4608/IMG_20220916_140229.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC29i9uBAkO0KpVu2pdp7WYeIB-CmQlochwhwE4MtVp2FFxVjPoxPm_o1boBg4RkPpx8LJ4wUvP7dQrxIofaQvKT9bc00cjFLqkcn_VlCLzu5pHb4Le--8j-6701Xf0sft_4sD6F3v-Uy5ECwhw62rf3CFMGsZDnJVg3PO8HR870Um5y5eHnjOMnt7/w640-h480/IMG_20220916_140229.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Turtuk</b> is a densely populated place where you can visit the local King’s (zamindar) palace and interact with him, where he and his family gave us a presentation of his ancestral line and the history of his kingdom. We looked at the palace rooms, with the displayed arms as well as utensils used by their ancestors displayed in a very orderly fashion. The King was affable and very forthcoming in taking selfies with all of us.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3FdfyMkEP-DH1kOQC4q-Vwp9wSIQVObzbKgwqpne3gTIXvHLuJ8Bx6u7ZCB9dcfVHZk-6nYkT5nwrI316F09RE1dR4erhW-3ozDpILTfLKoyQ5zwN4QABujOBmveTCqjOCe5aVo1lJpsSeB3bjO3_U-YqrFqXL1y0_oLoNUOoC8CXfynmdm1nFks/s4608/IMG_20220916_164059.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3FdfyMkEP-DH1kOQC4q-Vwp9wSIQVObzbKgwqpne3gTIXvHLuJ8Bx6u7ZCB9dcfVHZk-6nYkT5nwrI316F09RE1dR4erhW-3ozDpILTfLKoyQ5zwN4QABujOBmveTCqjOCe5aVo1lJpsSeB3bjO3_U-YqrFqXL1y0_oLoNUOoC8CXfynmdm1nFks/w640-h480/IMG_20220916_164059.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLz1Zu19uqYjAvEmc47cT_ChGQjvMaP8gzWUGsnEjh4yZocWnJTDJCQUT9O6fZD-uwFTvIFs_LxFLQNbxxHQKn-OUvUR6wzgMjU9t88P3mWOG97OtQIp1kJQm1z8c3pXryhH7_lnfkJaxo5F1nM-3zKDo4bL9r7iX06Twesw07Fao-2OKLHwh0kLWf/s4608/IMG_20220916_171046.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLz1Zu19uqYjAvEmc47cT_ChGQjvMaP8gzWUGsnEjh4yZocWnJTDJCQUT9O6fZD-uwFTvIFs_LxFLQNbxxHQKn-OUvUR6wzgMjU9t88P3mWOG97OtQIp1kJQm1z8c3pXryhH7_lnfkJaxo5F1nM-3zKDo4bL9r7iX06Twesw07Fao-2OKLHwh0kLWf/w480-h640/IMG_20220916_171046.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Nubra Valley leg of our tour was disappointing in parts, mainly because of the congestion we witnessed in the area. Commercialization has set in, like in parts of Uttarakhand and Himachal, and it is high time some caution is exercised about the mindless expansion of tourism infrastructure. On the flip side, the quaint villages we saw in 2011 have transformed into buzzing tourist destinations, possibly providing employment to a lot of locals.</p><p>Also Read: <b><a href="http://www.foodaholix.in/2022/11/Srinagar-Leh.html" target="_blank">From Srinagar to Leh via Kargil</a></b></p><p> <b><a href="http://www.foodaholix.in/2022/11/Pangong-Tsomoriri.html">The Tso-s of Ladakh</a></b></p>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-43240110612362508962022-11-06T15:30:00.010+05:302023-04-17T12:35:14.161+05:30Ladakh Diaries: Travelling Up North From Srinagar to Leh<p>On my first and only visit to <b>Ladakh</b> in 2011, I had travelled from Manali by road, crossing two passes for an enchanting journey to Leh. While in Ladakh, I had visited most of the known tourist spots, but one place on my wish list which remained unfulfilled due to bad weather conditions was Tsomoriri Lake. Over the years, some trusted traveler friends had done the other route from <b>Srinagar to Leh</b> and their opinion was that the experience is very different, as you find a different kind of topography here. So, we decided to do a repeat tour of Leh, as part of a 12-day trip with 43 people (organized by <b>Travel with Neel</b>), this time approaching it from the Kashmir side.</p><p>Also Read: <b><a href="https://www.foodaholix.in/2022/11/Khardungla-Nubra.html">Aati Kya Khardungla</a></b></p><p> <b><a href="http://www.foodaholix.in/2022/11/Pangong-Tsomoriri.html"> The Tso-s of Ladakh</a></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcXc27bSkxjrjciRxst7DY49glYP7ta1WAuLBIHtN_0uqWVoCeoYc2UYWCf-Kn5peJbvTJhUSnTuNcBXiiwYLbnoy2CxWTOm4aFzZkKuaxIq2fFr30BDKIZ--Z1K_JJCaJkD0dhCmmQNzKidgq0J6FASyGhxGuELLHTwmF89MzYvLgrsAaj5wdGcY/s4608/IMG_20220912_165259.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcXc27bSkxjrjciRxst7DY49glYP7ta1WAuLBIHtN_0uqWVoCeoYc2UYWCf-Kn5peJbvTJhUSnTuNcBXiiwYLbnoy2CxWTOm4aFzZkKuaxIq2fFr30BDKIZ--Z1K_JJCaJkD0dhCmmQNzKidgq0J6FASyGhxGuELLHTwmF89MzYvLgrsAaj5wdGcY/w640-h480/IMG_20220912_165259.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Our first stop was Srinagar where we flew from Hyderabad. If you go to Srinagar, how can you miss the houseboats? We stayed at a nice and simple houseboat called <b>Karnai Palace</b> right across Jetty 13 of the <b>Dal Lak</b>e. The caretaker Abdul was a simple man, and he made sure that the rooms of this three-bedroomed place were clean, and the food served at a common location with two other houseboats were adequate. Many people talk ill about the facilities at Kashmir houseboats, but my experience both times have been quite good. We had visited most of the tourist locations during an earlier trip, so we had a relaxed time enjoying a long shikara ride at dusk through the backwaters of the lake. We only ventured out for a visit to the local <b>Ramakrishna Mission</b> (where the local doctor tended to my wife’s injured leg) and of course to the iconic Ahdoos for a meal.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNb0SAGhzLQCqKyG9c4TZrHPr270NkLbnd6YpnF_Llix-9UtsUjZ-rv5pLbcSSzFZL1oRBpIOiJ46-irAo7GIw9clsnyWnbhUWFaWXz_kJEhJCMUCzfJKr9CY-lhBm2GOeRXZKSNiL70KtcK9vFgzsJyXWFgTghV61UW7B6KYWr-yWOCVuRB-laTWX/s4608/IMG_20220909_180604.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNb0SAGhzLQCqKyG9c4TZrHPr270NkLbnd6YpnF_Llix-9UtsUjZ-rv5pLbcSSzFZL1oRBpIOiJ46-irAo7GIw9clsnyWnbhUWFaWXz_kJEhJCMUCzfJKr9CY-lhBm2GOeRXZKSNiL70KtcK9vFgzsJyXWFgTghV61UW7B6KYWr-yWOCVuRB-laTWX/w640-h480/IMG_20220909_180604.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSpd4HyDuogbTbqp0BkEPnZ0VU6pmBcEs1MPwvzG-D-gVi7ap9plk82UtBMxZSqocYX6fMRsXPJHQ_ZbwtLrvqADfyEIfXKO1OUNLN7FMkSxX04HSOozFTuQUw2Yw2d-IcnTFYD7A-qqju9-dfTOfvnDQ7Xi4nCrGMEgwd9MqqjKxeWUzMQTyv1sm/s3397/IMG_20220910_061120__01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3242" data-original-width="3397" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSpd4HyDuogbTbqp0BkEPnZ0VU6pmBcEs1MPwvzG-D-gVi7ap9plk82UtBMxZSqocYX6fMRsXPJHQ_ZbwtLrvqADfyEIfXKO1OUNLN7FMkSxX04HSOozFTuQUw2Yw2d-IcnTFYD7A-qqju9-dfTOfvnDQ7Xi4nCrGMEgwd9MqqjKxeWUzMQTyv1sm/w640-h610/IMG_20220910_061120__01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The lunch at <b>Ahdoos</b> however was quite disappointing. The <b>Tabak Maaz</b> was very stiff and the <b>Gushtaba</b> did not have taste. I guess it was an off day for the chef. My friends that same evening enjoyed the Kashmiri dinner at Mughal Darbar, another place well-known for its food.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzGyLJQcotYweX6Mlh2417JdhWpcRZdoCRQKUBMUmNUijD-eUUQYiB64KGFhj8rN6Pylh1TRWf4gnzPw5084N5AS6E44IXaFBNfut6WbVNBcm1vKkkbo5dYvYu6HMxniDCRfu2BoJrNfnpglyBUjoVwL_LMdo0NZl1G4mAfiue8zwWJ0nhmVBlr36/s4608/IMG_20220910_150947.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzGyLJQcotYweX6Mlh2417JdhWpcRZdoCRQKUBMUmNUijD-eUUQYiB64KGFhj8rN6Pylh1TRWf4gnzPw5084N5AS6E44IXaFBNfut6WbVNBcm1vKkkbo5dYvYu6HMxniDCRfu2BoJrNfnpglyBUjoVwL_LMdo0NZl1G4mAfiue8zwWJ0nhmVBlr36/w640-h480/IMG_20220910_150947.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjY4touDer7Lqq27wImdM_V4O3Le_uUnpsvKm_h97Jh9m8-2IwMOjj44Vds-6l0OJ4Dsg4JJHsZOhOLH8NLjud2A52dZdpdBIDdxKTiAEJRWCJjvwjRntGoROawmRV7HtppoYmjXS539GTJEThUm8yVNpybsm_yXTzTwWK9VE6tSpBrq07ci5lDBYe/s4608/IMG_20220910_151010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjY4touDer7Lqq27wImdM_V4O3Le_uUnpsvKm_h97Jh9m8-2IwMOjj44Vds-6l0OJ4Dsg4JJHsZOhOLH8NLjud2A52dZdpdBIDdxKTiAEJRWCJjvwjRntGoROawmRV7HtppoYmjXS539GTJEThUm8yVNpybsm_yXTzTwWK9VE6tSpBrq07ci5lDBYe/w640-h480/IMG_20220910_151010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Early next morning we started towards Ladakh from Srinagar on the strategic NH1D. The distance from Srinagar to Leh is approximately 450 kms. This highway is very crucial as it is the lifeline of the two northmost states (sorry UTs) of India. During the Kargil war, the strategy of our enemy was to try to cut off and capture part of this highway near Drass. As we proceeded from Srinagar, the drive through the green valley was captivating.Soon we were near <b>Sonemarg</b>, seeking the mother’s blessings at the <b>Kheer Bhawani Temple</b>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyuvDL_m7Txg1lWmTT6asHWYFQUSjS8Eo9Q6DvOIqDUFHfDRo-LXKd6Q8S5k3bVL73AGl1gy5Z8AZjLMa2y0HIB1lbaFlpBoVDnAc9emaNpKGRwp_aSJp9PUqoHT1k7NVXnDPANyqrAfzgSnismhs2zm02fgx1UNxxDG4B5d-1glvQkFgCvG8PCMf/s4288/IMG_20220911_121323.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3008" data-original-width="4288" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyuvDL_m7Txg1lWmTT6asHWYFQUSjS8Eo9Q6DvOIqDUFHfDRo-LXKd6Q8S5k3bVL73AGl1gy5Z8AZjLMa2y0HIB1lbaFlpBoVDnAc9emaNpKGRwp_aSJp9PUqoHT1k7NVXnDPANyqrAfzgSnismhs2zm02fgx1UNxxDG4B5d-1glvQkFgCvG8PCMf/w640-h448/IMG_20220911_121323.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMehPwHpEfhB-9TJdAC2g3FT_LC5YXthBCiRV1Y3IJPRkuRA1WmcKybhBcRKvTnWMkQ69c4n9G6mCkqsVxsG_cxK-sM--tHSKxXvwMlt4w_NXar7MiQBrMJLgxp52bv4qJEYBz3ywO9cz4pBT6DHHPaWmswNt3GL8Z7INtyZalnVdxHUsfRiL7v8B/s3726/IMG_20220911_135437.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3726" data-original-width="3422" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMehPwHpEfhB-9TJdAC2g3FT_LC5YXthBCiRV1Y3IJPRkuRA1WmcKybhBcRKvTnWMkQ69c4n9G6mCkqsVxsG_cxK-sM--tHSKxXvwMlt4w_NXar7MiQBrMJLgxp52bv4qJEYBz3ywO9cz4pBT6DHHPaWmswNt3GL8Z7INtyZalnVdxHUsfRiL7v8B/w589-h640/IMG_20220911_135437.jpg" width="589" /></a></div><p></p><p>We stopped for lunch at a dhaba in Sonemarg (85 km from Leh), and an hour or so later we were at the <b>Zojila pass</b>, possibly one of the most strategic points near the border. The pass is at a height of around 11500 feet, and it was raining when we reached making it almost freezing cold. We jumped off our cars to drink some hot Kahwa and take some photographs at the top of the hill. The topography started changing after the pass as the terrain became more rugged. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bRdtkvVJSRoI0RPdSAlHP5xuN10jkbP_ykkhLGSIXp3O0K3iatewe9nrecgPByD3zDB8Q1_1IzynUSEKvp8FR3mzP7BzSPDWwfT0oRXMOK38BKoOsfNK5mFSl3_DpN8AadByCuKPFmosxQiQV7rLaofd7dQag0Ix6FpJRl04dDaY-YpBrXVj68sN/s3136/IMG_20220911_163914__01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3136" data-original-width="2762" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bRdtkvVJSRoI0RPdSAlHP5xuN10jkbP_ykkhLGSIXp3O0K3iatewe9nrecgPByD3zDB8Q1_1IzynUSEKvp8FR3mzP7BzSPDWwfT0oRXMOK38BKoOsfNK5mFSl3_DpN8AadByCuKPFmosxQiQV7rLaofd7dQag0Ix6FpJRl04dDaY-YpBrXVj68sN/w564-h640/IMG_20220911_163914__01.jpg" width="564" /></a></div><p></p><p>By dusk we reached the town of <b>Drass</b> which at 10,800 ft is the highest town in this section of the road. we were at the <b>Kargil War Memoria</b>l (actually at Drass), such a humbling experience about the brave soldiers who successfully thwarted the enemy in the last war. A stone with the names of all the soldiers who laid down their lives during Kargil war is the chief attraction of this place, along with the Amar Jawan Jyoti. Tiger Hill, the epicenter of the war is visible from the memorial. Our stay was at a hotel in <b>Kargil</b>, a nice clean place that offered a grand view from the rooftop, almost of the entire Kargil town, mountains all around, and the Suru river passing through it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwH2do7-nM7vqewXTtp4WsqPXPRJPzztZTUnLHGDD_KuuqO3mrL5i7DZwPs7q-exa0BQzqEmH4Lve_45ihFAAajPKA9ofkkE5eD1A1hf-dDPP-v0RrlbVe6tSTBVLR-BBjW9g-1Ch34TYEwDcjLfaZ9K6uq6y_jptDjii8gxvaIkdMiZo7HoCQCe-x/s4608/IMG_20220911_171324.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwH2do7-nM7vqewXTtp4WsqPXPRJPzztZTUnLHGDD_KuuqO3mrL5i7DZwPs7q-exa0BQzqEmH4Lve_45ihFAAajPKA9ofkkE5eD1A1hf-dDPP-v0RrlbVe6tSTBVLR-BBjW9g-1Ch34TYEwDcjLfaZ9K6uq6y_jptDjii8gxvaIkdMiZo7HoCQCe-x/w640-h480/IMG_20220911_171324.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpyFmTURmooFARKVWqZZyJOgimmCs29dR0cgm36ZNdkfn2VaV3nSIjphHJa5y9yKAaUhx7xjfdwBf0t4OotbhHjGusaXuz8LX72snOGDfSEmlf6Ym1VOuigt-tG5dFPXbJfsTsjL2MsxmGeZs8nV0pXTHGLzuTpC2oU550YxSApqNSdOg0T3ADBXg/s3384/IMG_20220911_175727.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3093" data-original-width="3384" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpyFmTURmooFARKVWqZZyJOgimmCs29dR0cgm36ZNdkfn2VaV3nSIjphHJa5y9yKAaUhx7xjfdwBf0t4OotbhHjGusaXuz8LX72snOGDfSEmlf6Ym1VOuigt-tG5dFPXbJfsTsjL2MsxmGeZs8nV0pXTHGLzuTpC2oU550YxSApqNSdOg0T3ADBXg/w640-h584/IMG_20220911_175727.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7ApewoyDLDLz5bS-i0JjhIYRIrQ2SxjF7FT5g2-PVvzUHX-gMP0U-QDZA0pr1-DcvqPg4tvXFBQbeUY2HKm5IHpcmfFqUNhSJsZKEy7WE9sKnIGIM4X05Y6wKnQBK_zI_3vO5aPCwn0PP965XkEgp-fR7T3rwZRuSARlwKmGCciEn8a_Rw3zgvRb/s3408/IMG_20220911_181003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="3408" height="582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7ApewoyDLDLz5bS-i0JjhIYRIrQ2SxjF7FT5g2-PVvzUHX-gMP0U-QDZA0pr1-DcvqPg4tvXFBQbeUY2HKm5IHpcmfFqUNhSJsZKEy7WE9sKnIGIM4X05Y6wKnQBK_zI_3vO5aPCwn0PP965XkEgp-fR7T3rwZRuSARlwKmGCciEn8a_Rw3zgvRb/w640-h582/IMG_20220911_181003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The next morning we started from Kargil towards Leh. From Kargil, it was a smooth ride to Leh, as the roads are very well maintained. As you gain height we first crossed <b>Fotula pass</b> at 13,480ft. En route, we visited the <b>Lamayuru monastery</b> and the <b>Sangam (where the Indus and Zanskar rivers merge)</b>. The journey from Kargil to Leh is about 220 km and this is definitely the best section of the long road trip. The mountains slowly get devoid of the green shrubs and soon we have a magnificent collage of colours on different hills. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9Tog3keDPyjTJ2BpjMnRpTBN2QWeTDEjkXul_AJsQRw_BUljaH7xdHMKutuzX-ZxzoakHjhCcYRueCfcyMj6ClCODSfbncgdTCCrWquTRvaNhMc5VpIETJsixNTrtFqSjXwOV7OkGI8lIl5oaZjd-6EdoSdKWG4NlXvTqQdMklrINahK4UhG9okj/s3498/IMG_20220912_125726__01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3498" data-original-width="2570" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9Tog3keDPyjTJ2BpjMnRpTBN2QWeTDEjkXul_AJsQRw_BUljaH7xdHMKutuzX-ZxzoakHjhCcYRueCfcyMj6ClCODSfbncgdTCCrWquTRvaNhMc5VpIETJsixNTrtFqSjXwOV7OkGI8lIl5oaZjd-6EdoSdKWG4NlXvTqQdMklrINahK4UhG9okj/w470-h640/IMG_20220912_125726__01.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QBOITeSnvOVXm8N4pNvPBslpR059Kr1Yagq_GsxcjwsOEjVPk21aUZud78Sc3y2bziMJuAIvngeyf5m6q92asfFLWJokIze5BjsjtJDfexY1nK7n4T-v7keaWVHDM2eLlrnSK8xfy_vVhE4nuczm2UaT-cTpcvATgul2L1uFSUg5UjG5rXvjbgXv/s4608/IMG_20220912_105705.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QBOITeSnvOVXm8N4pNvPBslpR059Kr1Yagq_GsxcjwsOEjVPk21aUZud78Sc3y2bziMJuAIvngeyf5m6q92asfFLWJokIze5BjsjtJDfexY1nK7n4T-v7keaWVHDM2eLlrnSK8xfy_vVhE4nuczm2UaT-cTpcvATgul2L1uFSUg5UjG5rXvjbgXv/w640-h480/IMG_20220912_105705.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We did Srinagar to Leh in two days with a break at Kargil for the night. One has to mention that the NH1D is very well-maintained by the <b>Border Roads Organizatio</b>n. Only around the Zojila does the road conditions become a bit rough. We had a strange experience once during our trip, where a huge herd of sheep took over the highway, walking down the road in a gingerly fashion and stopping all vehicles. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YSlnLQnwVIaeyHQaeMb94pCKKDqXsLAlGKzExKIrCEJFS4sIqwbcp6sfTPP-qfJuk7oQJ-GW5XE9PHN9UIfFoo4_W24Slq8E0hTMEj9MkAyfnqJibStNTUUG3_dmxjr_DJc9pPZDRU4ZJefpHoPoDetVH7H-kaznkJ9FHWYua7XW_3lkg7V3tsK5/s4608/IMG_20220912_134850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YSlnLQnwVIaeyHQaeMb94pCKKDqXsLAlGKzExKIrCEJFS4sIqwbcp6sfTPP-qfJuk7oQJ-GW5XE9PHN9UIfFoo4_W24Slq8E0hTMEj9MkAyfnqJibStNTUUG3_dmxjr_DJc9pPZDRU4ZJefpHoPoDetVH7H-kaznkJ9FHWYua7XW_3lkg7V3tsK5/w640-h480/IMG_20220912_134850.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQSAi36YvNe9yZVyN-6bJNX8NsLcoNGvQyvzDeq92paEtdZleRoM3GpTlxL9yoffq_vomnqzG2sPR_3aD0i50QBaXwsVmGZWl0aBuQIzgk9ott9o1zyGFDDAcptwrcIL4_j1YLJJ1HQG04uWsQiXvqdipjyj_J9RPRwOSvJ8Pr9Ayu_v5xrWKf_f3/s4608/IMG_20220912_171142.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQSAi36YvNe9yZVyN-6bJNX8NsLcoNGvQyvzDeq92paEtdZleRoM3GpTlxL9yoffq_vomnqzG2sPR_3aD0i50QBaXwsVmGZWl0aBuQIzgk9ott9o1zyGFDDAcptwrcIL4_j1YLJJ1HQG04uWsQiXvqdipjyj_J9RPRwOSvJ8Pr9Ayu_v5xrWKf_f3/w640-h480/IMG_20220912_171142.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>For those who are interested in knowing, the road from Manali to Leh is much more rugged with fewer villages on the way. For me, it seemed more among nature. The NH1D is much more urban, with many more vehicles driving through it, possibly because of its strategic importance. If I have to choose, I will definitely like to travel the Manali Leh route once more.</p><p><br /></p>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8405080368338014683.post-75512278278532151062022-06-19T11:07:00.005+05:302022-06-26T14:02:51.006+05:30Park Hyatt Hyderabad Unveils New Menus at Its Restaurants<p>After the last two dark years for the F&B industry, things have finally started to look up. The diners have started returning to the restaurants in large numbers. We have all missed the dine-in experiences for a significant period and look forward to some exciting fares in the ensuing days.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxYBF0yu79D9MlttBoGP9_MlTAoeUPTEDBMIL-95qHdA3R5HpCDtWWz5FDQ5cPChGNcjekGdbYei7UmhuzOdTBupLAbEtrW3mHEEMBR9SmH7dM-bdpDFgOOJUW_tmrFILdEU8RP7Md_xsltbWhC3TSHO_vUMGRcUjVkBTfjjQ45NTvFT_wAvpXMag/s4608/R1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOxYBF0yu79D9MlttBoGP9_MlTAoeUPTEDBMIL-95qHdA3R5HpCDtWWz5FDQ5cPChGNcjekGdbYei7UmhuzOdTBupLAbEtrW3mHEEMBR9SmH7dM-bdpDFgOOJUW_tmrFILdEU8RP7Md_xsltbWhC3TSHO_vUMGRcUjVkBTfjjQ45NTvFT_wAvpXMag/w640-h480/R1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Park Hyatt Hyderabad</b> has really geared up to provide their guests the top-of-the class experiences for the last few years. Among the new initiatives taken post-pandemic are the revamped menu in two of the restaurants – <b>Rika</b>, serving oriental fare and<b> Treforni</b>, the Italian restaurant which is one of my most favourite places in the city.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuA_8M2tr3cwq-rc0HQTg1WyGbVoESS4ngU5zKhF9bJ0IBacPkAFx0NGyomnycZ7EJbl6pOEvB7tbCXPzYZagmmaoLCAQYosFxcTYfrGxF2DyHcdQmVO65kfDrMhxHAuTt7LEOUyhClrQDgmYPQBdz_8fOXSE6pnVxopp9npKusaxrGvoob_IGoK2_/s4151/R2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3171" data-original-width="4151" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuA_8M2tr3cwq-rc0HQTg1WyGbVoESS4ngU5zKhF9bJ0IBacPkAFx0NGyomnycZ7EJbl6pOEvB7tbCXPzYZagmmaoLCAQYosFxcTYfrGxF2DyHcdQmVO65kfDrMhxHAuTt7LEOUyhClrQDgmYPQBdz_8fOXSE6pnVxopp9npKusaxrGvoob_IGoK2_/w640-h488/R2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALjTy_5rIjceMTaB_NAwLvCcOAwfaPKtcxwf1WLVIyhMa2Y57g5OoxkmXYClJ2itNkcVGeApg4lGOHWixkbO2es1U-g9_ef6J15JwmRMr-f8UdlPw1bYK7-BNdLCs9xuzeal611Utn8Xn_48HV6PCYV04LwE0rgyH35QswRmUT4283M4OQY7i-C7y/s4608/R8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALjTy_5rIjceMTaB_NAwLvCcOAwfaPKtcxwf1WLVIyhMa2Y57g5OoxkmXYClJ2itNkcVGeApg4lGOHWixkbO2es1U-g9_ef6J15JwmRMr-f8UdlPw1bYK7-BNdLCs9xuzeal611Utn8Xn_48HV6PCYV04LwE0rgyH35QswRmUT4283M4OQY7i-C7y/w640-h480/R8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Rika, the Pan-Asian fine dine restaurant has augmented its offerings through a new and expanded Chinese menu. This is apart from the signature oriental dishes which are already very popular. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqC1nAEavFFbUJYp38hpvLitynJtOEJegkuSMUALaFkd7eDGM9b_EUZixP2IOIk5HXvZsCv_7G4S4RC_zv4dJD9Ji1cvfsk0ucierLoJwSLwrKQmYo2d3AffNThvfIOQyVYt3hRAkhisDx3WPzqfxEgebwqvoOeSNH64RZtU2k1M8p-8tl23QixO9S/s4608/R3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqC1nAEavFFbUJYp38hpvLitynJtOEJegkuSMUALaFkd7eDGM9b_EUZixP2IOIk5HXvZsCv_7G4S4RC_zv4dJD9Ji1cvfsk0ucierLoJwSLwrKQmYo2d3AffNThvfIOQyVYt3hRAkhisDx3WPzqfxEgebwqvoOeSNH64RZtU2k1M8p-8tl23QixO9S/w640-h480/R3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8h1QYaRDT_-vTlWtnJUICD0ksyxHPvuciw2P1ozhYnMPWGai6RGClIMNUT2gw3L9RvWWAj8gNYhTGRpksGrWxKt1AgQfCF062-y4ddKK0pqaT-A3ZEe0Vvx0nxZqIeZLvkVgftPOjUAsha2q0CMpvjyxPbVUcd8eKKHCB7Ze0I0Kkd-byaUbzdrU/s4482/R4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3092" data-original-width="4482" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8h1QYaRDT_-vTlWtnJUICD0ksyxHPvuciw2P1ozhYnMPWGai6RGClIMNUT2gw3L9RvWWAj8gNYhTGRpksGrWxKt1AgQfCF062-y4ddKK0pqaT-A3ZEe0Vvx0nxZqIeZLvkVgftPOjUAsha2q0CMpvjyxPbVUcd8eKKHCB7Ze0I0Kkd-byaUbzdrU/w640-h442/R4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Chef Yozuo Han</b> from China House at Grand Hyatt Mumbai in collaboration with <b>Chef Krishna Rana</b> at Rika has curated the new menu items offering about thirty delicacies. The menu has a special emphasis on authentic Chinese dishes with a little bias towards Szechuan food.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcxBRtaGCCUwLRg8_QWo3nT5soV1kfeMg9_NmioTNBX4v7Y1wVqZ4VVNW4AvTMVE5ogsX2LzwuV6Yrsn9Mi-hm3AaBM9CMumDKTKXLiWt1aCRrKPPtM7bzMizlzU32OItXc7DBxwefjmU-sz5OI7_fKv-b68mG8xLtNrSqTS9xCUf9I2DAr-fycT0/s4608/R5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcxBRtaGCCUwLRg8_QWo3nT5soV1kfeMg9_NmioTNBX4v7Y1wVqZ4VVNW4AvTMVE5ogsX2LzwuV6Yrsn9Mi-hm3AaBM9CMumDKTKXLiWt1aCRrKPPtM7bzMizlzU32OItXc7DBxwefjmU-sz5OI7_fKv-b68mG8xLtNrSqTS9xCUf9I2DAr-fycT0/w640-h480/R5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>I had the opportunity to taste quite a few of the newly introduced dishes. <b>Duck Breast with Red Green Bell Pepper </b>was something that was extraordinary. <b>Quick Fried Prawns Tossed in Sauce, Szechuan style Fried Fish, Mushroom laden Moon Fan Rice</b> and <b>Claypot Vegetarian Crispy Noodles</b> were some other dishes I loved. Among the varieties of <b>Dimsums</b> served, <b>Crystal Spicy</b> as well as <b>Edamame and Wasabi</b> ones stood out. As usual, Rika has maintained its highest standards in its new menu.The food is quite different from the Indo-Chinese that is available </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8OhNXD46KQx5p66YfDrvgWbtTnkeJQVdXBtb_BvZgrC0FZco2zA18KZCXmXLwWzOuzeAd4OPt7H8EVZV6YZe--Y_blN-Ek4SV7quABw3nLfnvtWLgUhY18erZE3PU7LCjGDiOf41pYbb1PG1uAkNJn07yOL0fGAT2_VhZAgTmOX_UD8ur5Sio1YJ/s4608/R7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8OhNXD46KQx5p66YfDrvgWbtTnkeJQVdXBtb_BvZgrC0FZco2zA18KZCXmXLwWzOuzeAd4OPt7H8EVZV6YZe--Y_blN-Ek4SV7quABw3nLfnvtWLgUhY18erZE3PU7LCjGDiOf41pYbb1PG1uAkNJn07yOL0fGAT2_VhZAgTmOX_UD8ur5Sio1YJ/w640-h480/R7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Deviating a bit from the new menu, Rika is also known for its signature cocktails. <b>Five Elements</b>, a cocktail with Jack Daniels, vermouth and bitters is something I can wholeheartedly recommend. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTHr1tpcyKLb_MKyCQLIBjPkRFk4U8ggVcuijs00rNdxedpHVGSQ19zep996tbU2WjVUDX7Zs7voZ7KvTIySTTPXfs0tMAIK8EV5e3XEFLihDuuZv97KfzL3hM3op9uYIBn74XQrSU4QksxBZLRA1lvdj5t9JGScKEfm6TV2OEpF1GA-7bgFCN0-N/s4608/T6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTHr1tpcyKLb_MKyCQLIBjPkRFk4U8ggVcuijs00rNdxedpHVGSQ19zep996tbU2WjVUDX7Zs7voZ7KvTIySTTPXfs0tMAIK8EV5e3XEFLihDuuZv97KfzL3hM3op9uYIBn74XQrSU4QksxBZLRA1lvdj5t9JGScKEfm6TV2OEpF1GA-7bgFCN0-N/w640-h480/T6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0CdY4wQSkNM2JqN3NDoIJQNjH5hyf-f0CCj_UwxezMVPk8Cga-WJjvRwVJDGIGj7usHz5VdiPxbV_jhvLE1uEGNlTmBkHswBtrs11C3P6JJWOagb6HY6xqvqy4efOVWU9f7xceUvb8YdLxQ5X1Y6AoEkQLD3nSejKnZ9UyalEd7mNqECoy7XpOdc/s3219/T4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3219" data-original-width="3181" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0CdY4wQSkNM2JqN3NDoIJQNjH5hyf-f0CCj_UwxezMVPk8Cga-WJjvRwVJDGIGj7usHz5VdiPxbV_jhvLE1uEGNlTmBkHswBtrs11C3P6JJWOagb6HY6xqvqy4efOVWU9f7xceUvb8YdLxQ5X1Y6AoEkQLD3nSejKnZ9UyalEd7mNqECoy7XpOdc/w632-h640/T4.jpg" width="632" /></a></div><p></p><p>Another jewel in Park Hyatt Hyderabad’s crown is <b>Treforni</b> its Italian restaurant. Though the city has a handful of Italian restaurants even in the fine dine space, Treforni has always been known as a place which serves traditional food from different regions of Italy. However, this time it has come in with a new menu where a little contemporary touch is added to the traditional dishes especially in presentation.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSOH7K7UBvqn2pVsQvGnEW6TqKn9I20IBmi5b80o4TxaQI9QW3gWHQqAf2b7WJesQhJjceA5_5S_XbgfLHml5NPN8N6-lRLewQrBCrDZdMv3bbMpRGV7mt8au4P6cey_8tjfwYJWnma95o0rL3BSbd7tKy1IgMy1fU4hcinWSoxQ9nxnCKw4zVv_C/s4608/T1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSOH7K7UBvqn2pVsQvGnEW6TqKn9I20IBmi5b80o4TxaQI9QW3gWHQqAf2b7WJesQhJjceA5_5S_XbgfLHml5NPN8N6-lRLewQrBCrDZdMv3bbMpRGV7mt8au4P6cey_8tjfwYJWnma95o0rL3BSbd7tKy1IgMy1fU4hcinWSoxQ9nxnCKw4zVv_C/w640-h480/T1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5V-RCEF160Xkv8lLDHU70vTBQ8lwUmrAunbr7k-OYkWQ2IDRemh2N3kwNu1zZg0JBzyh0MUyrNX1q6m7tklhzNYHYNs1caESDlMe8qPK-Not0oWKNnvnc8I1kDoUDY6BJdRFZ9S1OmrorRsgvm8ArBCSADO6lOmkjBmSznWGO9Hc69KnBrfBcnxy/s4608/T7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5V-RCEF160Xkv8lLDHU70vTBQ8lwUmrAunbr7k-OYkWQ2IDRemh2N3kwNu1zZg0JBzyh0MUyrNX1q6m7tklhzNYHYNs1caESDlMe8qPK-Not0oWKNnvnc8I1kDoUDY6BJdRFZ9S1OmrorRsgvm8ArBCSADO6lOmkjBmSznWGO9Hc69KnBrfBcnxy/w640-h480/T7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Chef Daniele Macioce</b>, Chef de Cuisine at the restaurant along with <b>Executive Chef Hameed Farook</b> are the main architects behind this menu. One highlight is the introduction of <b>Pinsa</b>, a handmade soft and light Rome style pizza with truffle shavings sprinkled at the table itself. <b>Rigatoni Cacio E Pepe</b> is augmented by Vodka flambing. Food enthusiasts love table theatrics, and many of the dishes demonstrate interesting work in this area.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8bT0VX9bHw5q-sKf6OyfKlv6fFxQ5vMizFFXN6TZcf-ZBHnCoLaXnt2hdWKFeFsHTRdbrr_ER3pj8SWNWvnCSBRL5qVUcEgyyQJcSBdy95WeGjKy4sLm6JJGaHXx0NcD8Q8IghC6gyb7-AdwSOau8IWbnjbBmfdCZ36HRo0S8dXPbluDTLbtfmo9/s3843/T2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3027" data-original-width="3843" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8bT0VX9bHw5q-sKf6OyfKlv6fFxQ5vMizFFXN6TZcf-ZBHnCoLaXnt2hdWKFeFsHTRdbrr_ER3pj8SWNWvnCSBRL5qVUcEgyyQJcSBdy95WeGjKy4sLm6JJGaHXx0NcD8Q8IghC6gyb7-AdwSOau8IWbnjbBmfdCZ36HRo0S8dXPbluDTLbtfmo9/w640-h504/T2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTD15hYXBDPOMzKGQilMb53dUOYdyldOa4H6OMiUn8kWYo_pqgxorUcX3SVYF_ocTzUAnlalcv7qmPGUDRXaHTbSa0Pw0XOzDRJqyxHDedMk-h1OMR-SGQPOEe-wE4de0O7WLsl41C0LWrIoiZztZ5C2L7i_TF3cSYHQuipqDzS2xdN_0OmbDOJHn8/s3829/T8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="3829" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTD15hYXBDPOMzKGQilMb53dUOYdyldOa4H6OMiUn8kWYo_pqgxorUcX3SVYF_ocTzUAnlalcv7qmPGUDRXaHTbSa0Pw0XOzDRJqyxHDedMk-h1OMR-SGQPOEe-wE4de0O7WLsl41C0LWrIoiZztZ5C2L7i_TF3cSYHQuipqDzS2xdN_0OmbDOJHn8/w640-h578/T8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>My top dish from the new menu is <b>Stinco Di Agnello</b> (Slow cooked lamb shanks served with risotto), which scored both in presentation and taste. <b>Cannelloni Di Parmigiano</b>, where the pasta is stuffed with ricotta on a bed of parmesan is another dish that is not to be missed. The<b> Bottoni</b> iwas delightfully presented. Desserts include among others big chunks of <b>Tiramisu</b> as well as <b>Crostata Di Arance</b> (Orange Tart with chocolate and sorbet).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7hreHwwFjn_YeZ_L-3m1h6yVtQ_o5Eh6LDRus219l24F3UZxOB7YqCL-5Yq43fVa3VexwQqZ4eDzIwrZ1l9yc5mhPW2Ax3MP8041fF1rSOOkO_YG-a7PFonruBRvAVOJDHpd2ZOuBcHhSxEjO4R3vA3iOyRUMfzDo5HqBQXgqbZWSXeaemm0Q1aI/s4608/T3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7hreHwwFjn_YeZ_L-3m1h6yVtQ_o5Eh6LDRus219l24F3UZxOB7YqCL-5Yq43fVa3VexwQqZ4eDzIwrZ1l9yc5mhPW2Ax3MP8041fF1rSOOkO_YG-a7PFonruBRvAVOJDHpd2ZOuBcHhSxEjO4R3vA3iOyRUMfzDo5HqBQXgqbZWSXeaemm0Q1aI/w640-h480/T3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAC6z6wcZHBZ_ubOzKYzjaszPsjUg-buqHDvmutD0_JMBewhygP8vaOOPUUHfRLVJK5qdHNnPB68Z5WkRSyKDv7DlrdCKp6yf7-Rbp1ex-gm0Y9-u3yimhBhXt4aCNmg9Mfid7wRg_u-fBCZTfdjavmIXHBU1sLoqm7DSKw9Qyme-NjreUjtfybEC/s4608/T5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijAC6z6wcZHBZ_ubOzKYzjaszPsjUg-buqHDvmutD0_JMBewhygP8vaOOPUUHfRLVJK5qdHNnPB68Z5WkRSyKDv7DlrdCKp6yf7-Rbp1ex-gm0Y9-u3yimhBhXt4aCNmg9Mfid7wRg_u-fBCZTfdjavmIXHBU1sLoqm7DSKw9Qyme-NjreUjtfybEC/w640-h480/T5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Sabyasachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16428732936519499217noreply@blogger.com0