India Travel Blog

Popular South Indian Food

The most popular food items from Southern India are the Dosa, Idli, Medu Vada and Uttapam. Served along with the lip smacking sambhar these foods have become synonymous with Indian Culture - North, East, West or South. Though very popular as breakfast items these are ubiquitously consumed as main dishes as well for lonch and dinner. 

Expert culinary recipes may exist in South but these foods find connoisseurs every where in the country. The local offerings come with their own flavors a characteristic regional touch.  One man's dosa is another man's poison does not apply to this wonderful gastronomic delight.      

Anywhere in India idli dosa are devoured with haste and gluttony. This cuisine is available from street joints to five star cafes and hotels in India.

Dosa

Most popular of the foods is the dosa made of mixture of lentil and rice flour. The mix is fermented and then ground to a fine paste. Then a thin crispy pan cake is made on a pan sprinkled with oil of ghee. The dosa is then filled with spiced patoto mash lightly sauted. The dish is served with sambhaar which is a spicey and sour soup and chutney made of curd, coconut, chilly and some spices. 

Idli

This is made by mixing urad dal and rice flour which is then fermented overnight. The mixture is than placed in a utensil with moulds that give a round oval shape to the preparation. The utensil is then placed in a cooker and steamed till the idli's become soft and edible.  The dish is served with same accompaniments as the dosa.

Uttapam

This is like the other two pan fried dishes. But unlike the dosai Uttapam is a thick pancake filled with tomato, onion and sprinkled with gree chilly amd coriander. The batter is a mix of one part urad dal and three part rice.    

Medu Wada

This doughnut shaped dish is very popular as breakfast item along with the above.  The batter is made from dal, gram flour,  and sometimes patoto. The doughtnut shape arises whence it is deep fried in oil or ghee. The accompaniment is usually sambhar and chutney. 

These South Indian recipies come in mind boggling variations depending upon the region they are maded from. The rava items are a common variant. The filling vary a lot in the dosa from cheese to onions and event mince meat are used as filings at times.  

India Travel Specific - Hot Samosa & Chutney

The samosa is a preferred snack in North and Central India. It is popular all over the country and is made using wide variety of recipes. Samosa is a potato filled snack made by mixing potato mash with wide variety of spices, green or red chilly, pepper corns, garlic and ginger. For non vegetarians chicken, beef or mince meat replaces potato.

The amazing snack comes in mind boggling varieties and is characteristic flavor of each distinct region, town, city, shop and restaurant. The essential wrapping is wheat dough, folded into a triangle shape with all the goodies inside. This wrapping is universal and so is the shape but the size differs. Once the raw snack is prepared it is deep fried in large pans or kadhai as it is known in Hindi. 

The accompaniment is usually green or tamarind chutney and often tomato ketchup in homes. Some times a splash of curd, dash of onion or chick pea curry is added to eat.  It is often served in "Dona" - conical cup made of leaf palas leaf.   Hygienic and biodegradable this container is on the way being replaced by plastic plates etc. This is sad since the leaf container is by all means eco friendly  and cheap.

The goody is available everywhere in North and Central India from tea shops to sweet vendors, chaat wallahs and chai wallahs on hand cart. You can even find them in modern stores albeit packed. 

The samosa tastes hot and spicy mellowed a bit by the potato mash filling.

But it could taste the way it is made of red hot chilly, peppery, garlic, ginger and a tongue tingling mix of masalas. The nutrition value is zero but ask someone to stop eating.  Or stop your self from eating one. The doctors eat one too many.

The samosa is eaten for breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner or as in between snack. For the addicts it is any time. Who cares!

North Indian Chaat - Slurp!

Perhaps the origination is in North India in Uttar Pradesh. But Chaat a collective term for a variety of hot, spicy and delicious snacks finds place all over India. The variations are mind boggling but the basic items and ingredients are central. 

Chaat and women in India are inseparable. The proclivity for these tongue tingling heart burning delicacies entice women young and old. This is India's version of fast food besides some others. The health benefits are nil but gastronomic satisfaction is complete. 

Rich or poor, young or old people from all walks of life consume these items without hesitation at roadside stall on the  handcart.  The savory delight has taken India by storm and many parts of Asia as well.

The most popular items are:

Aloo Tikki
Pani Puri
Bhelpuri
Chatni Puri
Dahi Bhalla
Samosa Mixture
Bhajiyya Mixture
Kachodi
Mangode

Of these consumption of pani puri is the highest followed by Aloo Tikki. Pani Puri is a deep fried fluffy bread which is filled with spice water, tamarind chutney, curd, boiled chick peas and liberal doses of masalas.

Most of the items are deep fried and sprinkled with varieties of spices, green chillies, red chillies, ginger, onion and fine sev (Salty Noodles). Curd is often used as addition especially Dhai Bhalla which is deep fried patty mixed placed in curd and added with rock salt, red chillies, tamarind sauce and garnished with  herbs.

Herbal powder like amchoor and saunth (dried ginger powder) accord a tangy acerbic flavor which delights the taste buds no end. All chaat preparations have a regional touch and some have a unique characteristic flavor that makes it more popular. 

The stalls that sell are craftily designed wooden carts that are rolled down from home to a busy corner in an Indian Baazar. Most of the items are prepared on the home and basic heating, mixing and sprinkling  is done as the customers demand.

Regular chaat eaters are dedicated visitors to these stalls and often strike a rapport with the vendor.  Frowned by the health conscious chaat is here to stay and spread over in many parts of the World.  This Indian version of fast food sell more than other fast food sold in swanky uptown joints.  

India Travel Specific - Paan

It is almost everywhere North, West, East, Central, South just everywhere. The betel leaf when mixed with Katha, Chuna (Lime), areca nuts etc is called Paan. This is more omnipresent than chai as you step out in Indian streets you cannot help seeing the ubiquitous paan shop. 

The betel leaf is obtained from plantations grown in Central India and elsewhere. Katha is a powdered bark of Khair tree that grows wild in India.  Katha is the most important ingredient in it. The powdered bark is boiled in water till it turns into a thick resinous liquid. This is than pasted on the underside of the leaf along with slaked lime, cracked areca nuts (Supari) and plethora of spices, sugar syrup, menthol, tobacco and what not. The connoisseur prefer simple leaf without much additions. This is  called the "Sada Paan"  while one with sugar syrup and sweetened rose  petals is called "Meetha Paan". The latter is preferred by women and children most.

The leaf is subject of much addiction and is digestive in nature. There are addicts who keep it in damp cloth in a pouch and carry it everywhere so that they are never devoid of this magic leaf. In the country it is consumed on regular basis especially post dinner. It acts as a finish for sumptuous Indian meals as well.  The leaf offers a good excuse to meet and converse at the paan shop like the chai does.

The leafy concoction acts as a mouth freshener and has digestive properties.  The taste varies depending upon the leaf type, Katha quality and other ingredients used. The slaked lime is used in right proportion slight excess may result in sharp burning sensation that could lead to mouth ulcers.  Never mind your dedicated shop  will not make such a stupid error. The vendors come in all shapes and size young, old, women, men, girls and boys. The shops can be posh airconditioned in major towns selling alongside fancy paraphernalia and cold beverages.  

The paan wallah or vendor sells this delicious concoction from a small dingy shop tucked away in some corner of the market. On many occasions you will find a row of shops selling wide variety of paan along with cigarettes, bidis and other small things.   The vendor runs a small retail unit that sells related things but the leaf is the center of attraction always.  

The babus of India are most touted as paan lovers and you can find bloody stains etched on the walls of their office - East, West, North, South everywhere.  Indians have learned to consume this wonderful refreshener but have yet to learn to spit.  The clean walls of the houses and public places are obvious targets, walls everywhere contain blotches of paan filled bloody red sputum. Upon chewing, a red liquid mixture is produced in the mouth in contact with saliva this has to be spit out and not ingested. The red blotches on public walls, theatres, cafeterias, even hospitals are ubiquitous and bane of Indian public life. 

Walk carefully if you do not want your clothes to be stained by red on roads. The missile can come from everywhere from top, from the side, left or right. The source can be anywhere  "puthooooooooo". Sometimes the unlucky one receive an apology...most of the time the source has vanished before you turn your head.   

What could be described as horrible breach of etiquette is an accepted norm in India - people talking with mouthful of paan. The listeners can easily make out the guttural so used to it they are.

The leafy concoction wrapped in silver leaf with expensive ingredients signifies the preference of the rich and elite. Besides dinner table or in the drawing you will find the betel leaf container made of  fine silver. This is a tradition in India but not among all, the prerogative belongs to nawabs, maharajahs and high profile in the country.  The betel leaf is a necessary accompaniment of Indian cuisine and always compliments it.

The poor man's delight is in the local shop and not the expensive silver container.

Safety Rules:

Eat Paan only for taste and its health benefits - eat less of it.
Addiction may lead to health hazards including Oral Cancer.
Do not stalk paan in your mouth consume it quickly.
Do not use tobacco in your paan avoid it in totality.

Homestay a new concept

The concept is not that new but growing popularity of such accommodations is recent. In India home stay accommodations are very popular in Rajasthan, New Delhi, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and Goa. the concept finds greater appeal in niche destination which are hall marked for sightseeing and cultural experience.  

The home stay accommodations in Rajasthan and Kerala is more of a surviving tradition then rise of a concept. India is well known for the warmth and hospitality of its people. These places have some of the best accommodations which are well equipped and offer host services by the owners. Another advantage is that these lodgings can be established in remote places which are  less viable for hotel industry.

The experience of the stay is unique with doorway opening up to understand new culture and society. The biggest benefit part from personal care is the direct involvement with myriads of cultures and traditions.   

Deepawali - Hindu Festival

The country is a hub of religious and spiritual activities. India subsists on religion and the ensuing rites and rituals. The colors of festivities are most evident during the major festivals which usually signify an event or Godly phenomena.  

Diwali the festival of lights!

The festival celebrates the return of Lord Rama, Laxman and Sita and consequently victory over Ravana the evil King of Lanka. This tantamount to victory of good over evil. Diwali or Deepawali is also called the  festival of lights as firecrackers and colored lightening dazzle through the whole night. The buildings, temples and many offices are lit by colorful lights or traditional lamps the diyas. 

Normally four days of festivity takes places. Dhanteras: This is the negining of new financial year for most businesses. The second day is Naraka Chaturdashi, Lord Krishna overpowered the demon Narakasura and his on this day.  The third day is Amavashya on this day Lakshmi the Godess of wealth is prayed to for a successful financial year. The fourth day is the most significant day with ritualistic evening prayers taking place. The spiritual meaning of the festival is victory of good over evil. Large effigy of  Ravana who symbolizes evil are set to fire and complete destruction. The nights are spent bursting crackers and distributing sweets. Many people celebrate Bhai Dhuj on the Fifth Day whence sisters invite their brothers for celebration and feasting.

The dazzling colors and holiday mood makes this festival the most popular in India.  Diwali is usually held in the months of October or November a per Hindu calendar every year. It is a National Holiday and people of all religions exchange pleasantries and good wishes on this occasion.  

For traveler there are many resorts and hotels that perform the ceremonies with religious fervor. But the best celebrations take place in homes of Hindu families in the country. You can enjoy the revelry and feasting with your Indian friends.   

The mythylogy associated with Hinduism and the mystic rites and rituals have deep spiritual and philosophical meaning hidden in them. 

India diverse and beckoning

The country lives in various strata of history, it is diverse and colorful, that amazes and at times stuns. The Indian society is multicultural, multiethnic and tolerates multiplicity in beliefs.   On no land, such mind boggling variations occur amidst the humanity.

Being an old land the ancient history has left an indelible impression on the modern society. Vedic rituals still exists in practice and the song of the Lord Bhagwat Gita is growing in popularity.  People live in a modern society with past hinged to entity.

India is a spectacular array of festive colors, pot potpourri of culture and a cauldron of ethnic communities. The land varies from high reaches of Himalayas to plains of the lower reaches. The desert, forest, river deltas, grasslands, mangrove and vast stretch of beaches define India.

Hinduism has the largest followers in the country and is an open-ended religion without any didactics. It is an environment that nurtures the country with it liberal connotations and free spirit. It is a colorful religion with lots of rites and rituals. The festivals are path to expression of free spirit in belief, tradition and the way of worship.  Other ideologies that developed in India are
Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism besides many micro beliefs that exist without any impediment. 

The number of languages and dialects are uncountable confined to regions but large numbers of people speak Hindi and English. These languages are bridging gaps among innumerable tongues that exist here. The English that was once a symbol of foreign rule has been adopted with religious fervor thanks to it utility. English is an internationally spoken language and has benefited the expatriates and professionals in India the most.

The Indian cuisine is one of the fastest growing in popularity.  It differs from people to people, place to place and region to region. The style recipes have a commonality but the buck stops there. The food varies depending upon the local ingredients and styles. From the multiplicity has arisen many nationally popular foods like the tandoori, dosa, idli, kofta, pulao, biryani and what not. These are the International symbols of Indian Cuisine the range is realized only while taking the tour of India.    

Tourism in India is an ethreal experience if one can tolerate discomforts here and there. The sights and smells of approaching rural habitations and urbanity are imemorable etched in mind for ever. India is a treasure trove of history and historical monuments that stand testimony to its beleagured history.

The wildlife is enchanting with the World's top most charismatic animal the tiger. There more than 300 mammals found in the protected areas and 2000 bird species. Besides the Bengal Tiger, Asian Lion, Indian Elephant, Leopard, Snow Leopard,  Clouded Leopard, Wild Ass and bears are the star attractions.   

Holiday Travel in India

The holidays in India are linked to uncountable number of festivals it has.  India is a diverse country with great diversity of traditions religious beliefs associated with mythical and mystical practices. Hindu religion is a colorful religion with open minded approach to practice. Some morms may be basic to the religion but there exists plethora of mythical beliefs and traditions. Each major event linked to the religion is associated with Hinduism. 

Each region or state in India has it local flavor and way of celebration. Major Hindu festivals are:

Diwali

Holi

Dasshera

Nag Panchami

Shivratri

Onam

Bhai Duj

Rakhi

Baisakhi

Festivals of other religions are also celebrated with lot of gaiety in India. 

Christmas

New Year

Eid

The list is very large if all the festivals that the Nation Celebrates.

People partake in festival celebrations in large numbers especially people from rural communities. Hence the festival have an impact on daily lives of the people locally and nationally. Sometimes it effects all activities across the Nation. 

 On major festivals that are widely celebrated across India the schools, colleges other education institutions and businesses are closed. 

People in hospitality business like hotels, restaurants, shopping all experience rise in business. All over the country hotel accommodation are booked advance including famous five star hotels.  

The public transporters like taxi services, luxury buses and local transpostation also benefit a lot from festivites. People travel a lot during festival seasons they visit their families, friends and children to clebrate together.

The major burden of traveling populace falls upon the Indian railways. There is a great rush for tickets days in advance since trinas are always overbooked. Due online reservation one need not visit the reservation counters. A trevaler can book ticket or buy if itis in waiting. Then he or she can seek confirmation status online. There are search tools which enable pnr status enquiry in order to know if the ticket has been confirmed or not.

If the celebration takes in one destination like in the case of Kumbh Mela than there is no hope of traveling late by train. All means of transportation are employed to take the masses to that destination. 

India Travel

India is a vast country with a diversity that is mind boggling to those who travel in India. It is an admix of colors and plain simplicity that astounds the modern world. From jet planes to bullock cart India is surmised in one paradox.

A pot pourri of culture and amazing mix of religions that strive hard to survive the onslaught of modern Nationalism and liberal secular value and find succor in orthodox revivalism and fanatical zeal.

It is a country of modern industry and age of agricultural practice. No where, is such incoherence seen as in this amazing country, but India survives and progresses by leaps and bound.

India was in the hit list of centuries old invaders and explorers. No wonder that in the current scenario India travel is in vogue. If one can survive the heat and the dust or afford the expensive five star baggage then one can travel to India for exploring the many wonders it harbors not only the Taj Mahal.           

The Orient has always been a subject of mystical attraction be it the thought, culture, religious values, and intrinsic ethnicity that is totally bizzare to the West (sometimes).

From wild tiger safari in tiger reserves to religious pilgrimage India holds a charm like no other country does. Travelers to India experience not only its culture but delight in its history so effectively portrayed by the age old monuments that dot the urban and remote landscape along with towering modern structures and slums.   

The country is much visited on package tours by inbound tourists. As the propoganda increase along its the infrastructure the  lesser known destinations are being highlighted. The tourism fetches new source of income and expore to the country. From the impression of dark ages the country has emerged as a developed and modern country in the minds of the people of the World. Thanks to Tourism!