August 2018 - The Pretty City Girl | Indian Travel & Lifestyle Blog

Serene and poised, Sikkim is one of the lesser explored states located in the North-Eastern part of India. With its magnificent mountain views, quaint villages, and a network of prayer flags across, Sikkim is a paradise for travellers who love to explore new and unexplored destinations. But, in recent years, Sikkim has turned into quite a popular tourist spot, which is why you would bump into tourists at a few places.

A little crowd is okay but anyone would prefer a pristine and calm place to visit on their journeys than a hustling one. And the good news is, that Sikkim still has some hidden, offbeat places.

So, if you are bored of visiting Gangtok, Yumthang Valley, Tsomgo Lake, and other popular hill stations of Sikkim, then here are a few offbeat places for you to consider.

ZULUK

This quaint village in East Sikkim is certainly one of the most tranquil and mesmerizing places you would ever discover. One of the best things about this hill station is that there is hardly any network here so it is a great way to break yourself free from the social media craze and rewind. You won’t find too many tourists here because this place isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

The reason being, reaching here is a task as you have to hire a private Sikkim vehicle to cruise through the Silk Route. Yes, there are no shared taxis or cabs to this place which is why it is still somewhat unexplored and untouched, giving it a truly magical feel. From here, you can actually see the Zig Zag road in its full glory and trust me, it is a sight to behold.

Apart from the peace and serenity, this place also offers you the most mesmerizing view of the Kanchenjunga mountain range and the East Himalayan range. You would witness some of the most beautiful sunrise and sunsets here!

If there is a place which could resemble your childhood stories then it would probably be the Zuluk hamlet.

Rimbi Riverside in Pelling

PELLING

Not many people venture towards West Sikkim when exploring this tiny yet beautiful state. This is why Pelling often gets overlooked by tourists even though it has some amazing sights and landscapes to offer.

Do you love waterfalls and picturesque places? Have you ever wanted to stay in a town where everyone knows everybody? Then, Pelling is the ideal destination for you. With its historical palace ruins and magnificent waterfalls, Pelling is ideal for travellers who are looking to cut off from the outside world to enjoy some peace and tranquillity.

This spot is not on every tourist’s radar as it is not commercialized much which is why it is the perfect place to get the feel of authentic Sikkim. From Pelling, you can also explore the numerous trekking trails and have an adventurous time while enjoying the views of the Kanchenjunga mountain ranges.

KATAO

Katao is probably one of the least touristy places in Sikkim because of a simple reason, it is a small village in North Sikkim and doesn’t have a lot of activities to offer. But, then again, if you aren’t interested in exploring the touristy places in Sikkim, then Katao should definitely be on your list.

This small village is located near Lachung and can be reached from the Lachung-Yumthang Valley package by paying an extra 150 INR. Or if you are driving to the North Sikkim yourself then you can take a detour and spend a night in this charismatic village. Here, you will find pure snow covering the roads which you can play with to your heart’s content.

If there is too much snow then you might not be able to go further, but trust me the drive itself to this place will be completely worth it. And, you get to spend half a day just making snow angels and snowmen. Doesn’t that sound like a dream come true to you?

RAVANGALA

Another amazing offbeat place in Sikkim which is sure to take your breath away is Ravangala. Here, you will be left awestruck while looking at the clear blue sky and lush green mountains surrounding you. But what will be most bewitching about this place is the 130 feet statue of Buddha which can be noticed from afar.

Silk Route View from Zuluk

The tall Buddha statue in Ravangala is glorious and is placed inside the Buddha Park where you can stroll around for hours, doing absolutely nothing. The entire park is surrounded by lush green trees and colourful prayer flags which certainly give this place a more enchanting feel.

You can also enter the room which is situated beneath the statue to either meditate or just observe the colourful paintings that cover the space here. In all honesty, if you are looking for a peaceful place with a touch of spirituality then Ravangala should definitely be on your itinerary.

GYALSHING

Another beautiful location in West Sikkim is Gyalshing, which lies just 10 km before Pelling and is the main hub to connect to West Sikkim. This is yet another place which is not bustling with tourists and isn’t commercialized so you won’t find a lot of facilities and luxuries here. But that is exactly why you should visit the place!

‘Gyalshing’ translates to King’s Garden and is said to be one of the Royal Gardens of the Rabdentse’s Palace, which was the former capital of Sikkim, till the 18th century. You can explore the old local market and the famous Pemayangtse monastery here, which is quite dazzling to look at.

You will also witness Mendang – the holiest wall in the state – and can actually learn more about the local ways of the Sikkimese along with their fascinating history. Also, this is the place from where you can reach other parts of Sikkim like Ravangala and Gangtok without having to change too many taxis.

LACHUNG

Remember all those Christmas movies where the houses are laden with snow and surrounded by pine trees? Well, Lachung is exactly like those places in movies. Although it is not common to experience snowfall here, it is not impossible.

And if you do witness snowfall in Lachung, you can be sure to have a hard time forgetting it because it is absolutely pictorial. Imagine, standing on the balcony, watching all the rooftops covered with snow while the moon lights up the whole place. It is a Christmas miracle and one that you should certainly not miss out on.

Snowfall in Lachung

Not many people plan to stay in Lachung which is why it is a perfect place for you to chill and relax at. Here, you can just walk and explore and mingle with the locals while breathing in the cool crisp air. And, consider yourself lucky if it snows because that is a sight you will forever cherish!

GURUDONGMAR LAKE

Finally, I am sure a lot of you might have heard about this famous lake in Sikkim but not many people have time to actually explore it. You need to take a package to reach this place but oh boy, how completely worth it is! Known to be one of the highest situated lakes in the world, Gurudongmar Lake lies at an altitude of 17,800 feet.

This is known to be the holy lake of Sikkim and actually freezes during the wintertime which is when you will witness several Yaks and Blue Sheeps surrounding the lakeshore. It resembles Pangong lake but is so much harder to reach!

↠ TPCG TIP: Plan your trip to Sikkim in November so that you don’t miss out on experiencing the beautiful Gurudongmar Lake.

Have you ever visited Sikkim? What would you add to this list?

August 30, 2018 No comments

When my mom watches cooking shows on her favourite Marathi channels, I sometimes sit with her and enjoy watching the recipes. These cooking shows usually come between 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm when we're having our lunch. So it's like a lovely bonding time for me and my mom as we watch different recipes, are amazed seeing a few, and totally grunt after seeing some.

I came across a similar recipe that involved a bitter gourd and the masala, but there was no stuffing. The chef just smeared the masala instead of stuffing the mix in the bitter gourd. I did not pay much attention on the ingredients but was sure of making something similar. I asked my mom to shop for bitter gourd the next time she hits the vegetable market.

I did try searching a recipe before making, but then ended up with a dish that was completely different than the one seen on the cooking show!

If you dislike bitter gourd, you might want to try this out to change your mind. Well and if you love bitter gourd, then I'm sure you will love this recipe too!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 8
Veg/Non-veg: Veg

INGREDIENTS FOR BHARWA KARELA

¹⁄4 kg bitter gourd, peeled, deseeded, and cut in two
1 tbsp gram flour
salt
oil

FOR STUFFING
5 kashmiri chillis, roasted
8 flakes of garlic
1 large onions, chopped
1 tbsp fennel seeds (saunf)
2 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp goda masala
2 tbsp gram flour (besan)
1 tbsp tomato ketchup or 1 medium tomato
salt for taste
sugar for taste
oil

HOW TO MAKE BHARWA KARELA

1. Wash bitter gourd and soak it in salt-infused water for five minutes. This is to reduce the bitterness.

2. Pat dry and peel off the rough skin. Cut the bitter gourd horizontally into two parts. Slit open each part from the middle and take off the seeds.

3. Sprinkle and spread salt on each part of the gourd to further reduce the bitterness.

4. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan and fry bitter gourd while you cover the pan. Ensure to turn sides from time to time. Repeat this until the bitter gourd is cooked.

5. Meanwhile, for the stuffing, heat 1 tsp oil in a wok and roast kashmiri chillis until they turn brownish. Grind the roasted chillis along with fennel seeds and keep aside.

6. In the same wok, heat 1 tbsp oil and fry chopped garlic cloves. Sprinkle some salt to speeden the frying.

7. Add chopped onions and fry until they turn translucent and brownish. Add red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and goda masala. Add in the kashmiri chilli-fennel seeds paste. Fry.

8. Allow the stuffing to cool down and then grind it lightly, for about a few seconds. This is to reduce the size of chopped onions.

9. Take the stuffing in a bowl and add tomato ketchup and sugar. Mix. Add gram flour.

10. Your bitter gourd must be cooked by now. Take each slice and fill in the stuffing. Press down the stuffing and then sprinkle some gram flour on top. (The gram flour acts as a protective shield and stops the stuffing from falling while you fry.)

11. In the pan, add 1 tbsp oil and carefully place the stuffed bitter gourd pieces upside down, meaning, the stuffing should be facing the pan. Keep the stove on a low flame throughout this process.

12. Turn the pieces and fry the backs for a minute. Turn off the stove and carefully place the bitter gourd on a serving dish. Enjoy with tomato ketchup or pudina (mint) chutney!

August 29, 2018 No comments

After going through a horrible hair phase – which lasted for about two months – I finally thought of doing something about it. I applied a homemade hair mask that transformed my hair from dull, lifeless, thick, and rough to smooth, silky, and nourished hair. I was surprised seeing the result and loved looking at my hair in the mirror (which was contrary to what I felt for the past two months). I was determined to nurture my hair henceforth so finally decided to purchase a shampoo and conditioner meant for coloured hair.

Read: Homemade Hair Mask Treatment for Smooth & Bouncy Hair

I had recently met a hair stylist on a trip and he suggested me the MuruMuru shampoo, conditioner, and hair mask from the Amazon Series collection. I had even placed the order but cancelled it thinking I needed products to preserve the hair colour prominently. So I bought the Tucuma Color Preservation conditioner and after reading its ingredients, was sure about its quality.

ABOUT AMAZON SERIES TUCUMA CONDITIONER

The Amazon Series Tucuma Color Preservation Conditioner by DeFabulous combines all the benefits of tucuma butter along with advanced colour preservation technology to infuse moisture and protection to dry, chemically stressed hair. The natural acids and vitamins found in the tucuma butter along with the anti-fade technology infuse the Amazon Series Tucuma Color Preservation conditioner with protection, detangling and intense hydration. High in Vitamin A, the antioxidant properties in this exotic Amazonian butter formula help to keep the hair soft, smooth and nourished.

Specially formulated for highlighted and colour treated hair
With Tucuma Butter, Acai Berry, Keratin, Brazil Nut, and Collagen
Contains no parabens

DIRECTIONS TO USE, APPLICATION, PACKAGING

The product comes in a brown, translucent bottle with a black cap. The brand, product name, directions to use, and other details are printed on the bottle, however, the printing can easily come off after using the product for a good amount of time. There is a rectangular opening through which one needs to squeeze out the product. But the consistency doesn't allow the easy slip of the conditioner, which makes it very difficult to take the conditioner on your palms. You need to keep the bottle upside down for the cream to reach the cap. While using the product, I had to take out the entire cap and then push the bottle downwards several times to get the conditioner out on my hand. This is a major concern as far as the packaging goes. There should have been a pump dispenser instead of the rectangular opening.

DIRECTIONS TO USE: After rinsing off the shampoo, squeeze excess water from your hair. Apply a generous amount of the conditioner on damp hair and comb through. Rinse and towel dry.

CONSISTENCY & FRAGRANCE

The consistency is typical conditioner-like. It isn't liquid at all so the chances of spilling seem very low. As far as the fragrance goes, it is going to linger on your strands for a very long time (and you might even catch its whiff on the second day after the wash). The fragrance is delicious! You would feel like licking the product; it's that tempting! It's towards the fruity side and is not strong at all. It is mild yet sticks in your hair for a long time. Loved the way it makes me feel!

HOW I TESTED THE PRODUCT + MY REVIEW

To test this conditioner, I used a little amount of my previous DeFabulous Reviver Hair Repair shampoo and then rinsed it off. I then squeezed out excess water from hair and smeared a generous amount of the Tucuma Color Preservation conditioner and kept it for 3 minutes. I finally rinsed it off using cold water. I did not apply any hair serum thereafter.

REVIEW: My hair was soft, fragrant, bouncy, and nourished. The conditioner seemed to have worked pretty well on my strands. After using it once, this is how I conclude, however, if, on future washes, I ever feel the conditioner is not up to the mark, I shall edit the part here, and will update you on social media too. (For an overall review, read the To Sum It Up section & read my 3-year review towards the end.)

WHAT I LIKED

- Fruity fragrance
- The silky, smooth hair
- The powerful ingredients (it has Amazonian wonders + includes keratin too!)
- The overall hair after application
- Doesn't weigh down hair
- No hair fall noticed
- Paraben-free

WHAT I DISLIKED

- It is a little pricey
- Difficult to take the product out of the bottle

TO SUM IT UP

You can take a look at the above collage and clearly see how smooth and voluminous my hair look. They're smooth to touch too and have become easy to manage. The fragrance is mesmerising and I definitely vouch for it. The ingredients include some of Amazon forest's wonders, that of which has been proved to be really nourishing for your hair. I noticed no hair fall or any side effect after the application. My scalp did not produce excess oil, hence, did not weigh my hair down. No dryness of scalp sensed. Overall, I loved the Amazon Series Tucuma Color Preservation conditioner, however, shall wait for some more applications and then be the best judge. Like mentioned above, if there is any change in my thoughts, I shall edit the copy on this post. But for the time being, I definitely recommend the product, as it is paraben-free plus is keratin infused!

REVIEW AFTER 3 YEARS

Three years later, 3 bottles later, and another bottle sitting in my cart, I can definitely say, it's the best conditioner I have ever purchased! Makes my hair super smooth, bouncy, nourished, and voluminous. I recommend it to everyone with coloured and damaged hair. I just hope they never stop manufacturing this product.

EXTRA DETAILS
Weight: 250 ml
Price: Rs. 1530
From: Amazon.in

August 28, 2018 No comments

Whether undergoing cysteine treatment or straightening my hair, I always find a way eventually with which I can make my tresses look and feel good. If you see my hair––may it be in pictures or in reality––you would possibly not think I have done anything to my hair. They just look natural. You possibly won't think I have smoothened or straightened them because I don't like displaying that. I treat my hair as though I have not undergone any treatment whatsoever. I have become a pro in understanding what my hair requires and how I need to condition them in order to get the desired result.

Recently, about two months back, I coloured my hair for the very first time. I had never even tried henna on hair before so this was like a big deal for me. I continued using the same shampoo and conditioner I used on my cysteine treated hair and thought that things would work fine. However, gradually, my hair lost all its shine and softness, and with a lot of travelling (Psst! Monsoon + waters from other regions), my hair looked dry, dull, lifeless, absurdly thick, and rough. After shampooing, sometimes the oil from my scalp would retain and sometimes, hair would turn dry.

Maybe I should have quietly agreed to my hair stylist and buy the shampoo-conditioner she had recommended. But I had recently purchased a brand new bottle of DeFabulous shampoo (the one I have been using for a year) and so I wanted to pause before I make another huge purchase. It was a mistake on my part and I agree. Using some other shampoo not only toned down the colour of my hair but did not provide the necessary nutrition it required. Over the last eight years, I have straightened my hair once, smoothened twice, and undergone cysteine treatment but this was the first time I did something and refrained from using the recommended shampoo and conditioner. This is also the first time when my hair looked damaged.

Read: Everything about the Cysteine Treatment!

So I wondered what could be done. I had done cysteine last August, exactly a year ago, and was bending towards doing it again. But my friends suggested me to try homemade treatments before chemically treating hair again. And I agreed. Yesterday I was researching online as to what could be done to get back the previous shine and smoothness, and seeing the list of ingredients required in one particular hair mask, I was over joyous. I mixed the ingredients, asked my mom to apply the mask on my hair and then washed it to get completely transformed hair. Trust me, my hair was so damaged, I disliked looking at myself in the mirror.

But finally, now my hair is back to normal (rather, even better) and yes, I have bought a new shampoo and conditioner meant for coloured hair, so I think I should relax now!

HOMEMADE TREATMENT FOR SMOOTH, FRIZZ-FREE HAIR

4 tbsp aloe vera
3 tbsp curd
2 tbsp carrier oil (coconut oil)

Stir the ingredients well to achieve a smooth consistency and apply the mask to hair as well as the scalp using a brush or your fingers. Secure your hair with a shower cap or simply clip them up. Allow the mask to sit on your hair for 30 minutes and then rinse using your shampoo. Smear a conditioner, wait for about 3-5 minutes, and then rinse using cold water. (I used the DeFabulous Reviver Hair Repair Shampoo and Conditioner.) Pat dry your hair and later allow them to dry naturally. (I did not use a hair serum as I wanted to see how well this mask works. You can use a serum to add more shine to your strands.)

Try this mask once every two weeks or whenever your hair runs out of hands. I am thinking of applying this mask after each of my trips since my hair needs a nutrition boost post-trip; the water from other regions and the crazy winds there make my hair crazier too!

Which is your trusted anti-frizz hair mask?

CAUTION: This hair mask might not prevent your hair colour from fading and in fact, might even result in toning down the shade of your hair colour further, so please apply the mask on your own risk. This mask has worked wonders on my hair; precisely why I'm sharing it with you.

August 24, 2018 No comments

DIFFICULTY LEVEL Moderate
ELEVATION 2,300 ft

HOW TO REACH Prabalgad is accessible both from Mumbai and Pune. By road, drive to Panvel's Shedung Naka and then take a turn for Thakurwadi village, which is the base. By rail (or if coming by bus), get down at Panvel station and then take a cab for Thakurwadi village or just tell the cabbies 'Kalavantin', 'Prabalgad' or 'Prabalmachi'.

ABOUT PRABALGAD FORT

Set in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, the Prabalgad fort is a part of the Sahyadri ranges and lies between Matheran and Panvel. The now government-owned, Prabalgad fort was controlled by the Maratha empire initially. The fort is alternatively called as Muranjan, Prabalmachi or Pradhangad fort. The sister fortress, Irshalgad, is located about 14 km away from Prabalgad. The nearest fortress, Kalavantin Durg, is one of the most difficult treks in Maharashtra and shares the same base village as Prabalgad.
Read: Kalavantin Durg Trek Details

FOOD AND STAY AT PRABALGAD FORT

Camping is allowed on the fort. People usually pitch tents on the open land near Prabalmachi village, which actually is the base for the main trek. Carry sufficient amount of food and water because there is only one home restaurant at Prabalmachi village. If you prefer drinking bottled water, then carry your own bottles; for those okay drinking well water, there's plenty available at the home restaurant.
It is advisable to give a heads up to the restaurant owner (Contact +918422047131) and place your order for food and tents prior to the visit. You can place an order for breakfast (usually includes pohe or egg bhurji) or your favourite Maggi. The lunch/dinner includes authentic Maharashtrian food like bhakri 'Indian flatbread' made of rice (tandalachi bhakri), pithla/zunka which are made of gram flour, dal, rice, and chicken curry, sided by raw mango pickle and sliced onions. If you're new to the state, you will get to taste authentic Maharashtrian cuisine here. I highly recommend having meals at this home restaurant.

Besides, you would come across shacks selling quick snacks like wada pav and onion fritters (kanda bhajji) throughout the trek, however, make a note: the shacks are open only on weekends or on holidays. (Psst! I had climbed the fort once on a weekday in July, and though it is a peak season, being a weekday, there was not a single stall functional throughout the trek. The home restaurant was open but there was no stock of Maggi so we had to eat egg bhurji with chapatis.)

Therefore, no matter which season or day you go, always inform the home restaurant owner to keep your food ready. The same applies to hire tents.

You can see the peaks of Prabalgad and Kalavantin Durg almost throughout the climb

CLOTHING

The pinnacle can get slightly chilly on a winter night but a light sweater would be sufficient. As for monsoon, wear your raingear. Additionally, you would come across a few minor waterfalls so pack some extras if you decide to have fun. Also, since the trek involves walking through a rainforest, wear fuller clothes or smear your body with bug repellant. Wear shoes with good grips, super vital.

TO PACK

The most essential items that should go in your backpack would be a pain relief spray and band-aids as the trek majorly has a rocky patch and a quick twist in the ankle or a bruise on your kneecaps can ruin the fun. Besides, carry an extra pair of clothes (not very important though), a pair of slippers (for post-trek relief), and a lot of water. The ideal backpack should be between 10-20 litres.

Watch: What to Pack for a Trek

THINGS TO DO AROUND/WHAT SHOULD ONE EXPECT

Start early in the day so that you can cover both Kalavantin and Prabalgad forts. People usually prefer camping overnight on the open land at Prabalmachi and climb one fort on day one and the second, the next morning, by waking up really early. You will come across lovely people throughout the trek and the stay.

And wild animals? There aren't any. A night trek is safe (beware of snakes though). Locals are not nosy either, so Prabalgad could easily be a good option. Apart from Kalavantin Durg, if you have many days at hand, you can climb Irshalgad or Karnala forts, which lie nearby.

Sometimes, going independently can be overwhelming, especially if you have never trekked before. I suggest you go with trek organisers (Contact Shivdhara Trekkers +918268295820). They take large groups, arrange your meals, carry basic first-aid with them, and are good leaders to be with.

August 23, 2018 No comments

Image source

Java is an island in Indonesia, similar in size to England. It is the 13th largest island in the world and the 5th largest in the country. More than half the Indonesian population live on Java, a figure of over 141 million people. It is also where the capital city of Indonesia – the popular tourist destination, Jakarta – is situated.

Formed mainly from volcanic eruptions, its natural landscape is rainforest, which supports a huge and varied amount of flora and fauna. Most of the forests are now on the mountain slopes, as the development of the island resulted in many of the flat ground forests being felled off. For nature lovers though, Java is a paradise because along with the unusual plants and flowers, it has over 450 species of birds and more than 130 species of fishes. There is also wildlife such as the Javan rhinoceros and the Javan warty pig.

ACCOMMODATION IN JAVA

Whether it is small boutique hotels or large resorts, Java has all types of accommodation you would find in a tourist locale. If you truly want to be a part of the action, you should consider staying at the local properties, some of which are listed on https://www.rumah.com/rumah-dijual/di-area-surabaya-idji29/dibawah-400juta-rupiah, rather than staying in a hotel. The local properties are cheap, comfortable and situated right near the major attractions in Java. You will have stunning views and be made very welcomed by locals, who also love to have photos taken with their visitors.

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EATING IN JAVA

Traditional Javanese food, which you can read about at http://indonesiacalling.com/25-javanese-foods/, is known for its spices, freshness, and simplicity. Compared to other parts of Indonesia, the food cooked here is sweeter since a lot of palm sugar is used along with the sweet soy sauce in the preparation. Rice is a staple part of the Javanese diet and is served at most meals.

Fresh produce is bought from the markets daily and prepared for lunchtime. You can buy traditional meals from the carts by the streets and local cafes, where you will get a lot of food for very little money. For example, a plate of Nasi Goreng, which is a delicious fried rice dish with chicken and vegetables, will cost you less than 100 rupees.

There is also fine dining if that is what you prefer, and international cuisines are served too. If you're missing your friendly burger and french fries, then you would find your beloved snacks across Java.

TRANSPORT IN JAVA

Java is one of the few places in Indonesia that has public buses, and they are mainly in Jakarta. The service is good and cheap. There are also public minibuses that go to some of the more outlying towns and villages. When at the bus stop, you will come across motorcycle riders who carry passengers, but hey, negotiate before you jump on it! These motorcycles are a safe and fun way to travel, but they could try to charge you more! However, if you stay wise and assertive, then you might land the best ride.

Taxis are readily available, most of which have meters. And yet again, if your taxi does not have a metre, do not get in the car until a price is agreed upon. You will also come across private cars offering to give rides, but these are certainly not regulated and the safety standards could vary.

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BOROBUDUR – THE 9TH CENTURY BUDDHIST TEMPLE

The Javan island has a ton of wonderful places to visit but when you're in Indonesia, visiting a Buddhist temple should unmissably be on your list. Borobudur is a sacred temple situated in central Java. It lies just outside the town of Jogjakarta and dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Built on nine levels, it is still a sacred place for Buddhist monks who walk seven times around each level every morning. If you visit at sunrise, the sunrays light up the temple, which makes it a beautiful opportunity for photographs.

TOP-RATED VOLCANOES IN INDONESIA

As Java was mainly formed from volcanic eruptions you would expect to see some volcanoes on the island and be able to cross off 'Visit a volcano' from your bucket list finally. There are several volcanoes, including Mount Merapi which is one of the most dangerous and active volcanoes in the world, having last erupted in 2010. Mount Bromo, which is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Java, lies in the middle of a sea of sand and Ijen is close to a wide turquoise lake that together with the volcano is used for very labour-intensive sulfur mining.

It is advisable to take a guide with you to most volcano sites, as getting lost is apparent here.

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TEMPLES OF PRAMBANAN

The World Heritage site of Prambanan has the remains of some 244 Hindu temples built in the 9th century. It is one of the largest places of worship in Indonesia, the central compound being the highlight of any tour. This has eight main and eight minor temples, the largest and finest being Candi Shiva Mahadeva that can be found in the main courtyard.

The site has suffered damages from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions but is now restored to its former glory (however, you might still find some bits of it fenced off while the work is finished).

NIGHTLIFE IN JAVA

Nightlife in Java is varied and plentiful. There are movies, theatres, bars, nightclubs and restaurants dotted about all over the island. If you want a quiet meal for two, or to party the night away, you will have no shortage of options in Java.

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BEACHES IN JAVA

A tropical paradise is how some of the beaches in Java feel. Soft white sand and clear blue waters are ideal for a lazy day on the beach, or to take part in many of the water sports. Surfing is especially popular here, but you can try diving and snorkelling too. Boat trips are another option and are the only way to access some of the exotic bays around the coastline.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

Each one of us has different expectations, but with Java, you are almost guaranteed not to be disappointed, no matter what type of holiday you prefer. With delicious cuisine, stunning scenery and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet, Java has something for everyone...

August 22, 2018 No comments

Anything made using oats always catches our attention. A few weeks back, my mom had made this delectable oats uttapam and I remember licking my fingers after finishing about three of these. If you ask me why I dislike dosas, uttapams, and idlis (from a cooking point of view), it is because of the overnight fermentation process. For most South Indian families, making these dishes is a walk in the park since they always have the batter ready. However, for families like mine, pohe or upma is a frequent breakfast dish and so we don't always have the batter ready in the fridge. Therefore, we cannot have these healthy breakfast dishes whenever we feel like.

The reason why I loved this oats uttapam recipe is due to its instantness. We always have the required ingredients at home and making this recipe is super quick and super easy. You can have it whenever you feel like. You require less than 10 minutes to prepare and the result is mind-blowing. It's a great dish for dieters and is kid-friendly too (just reduce the number of chillis and masala). Begin your day with a couple of instant oats uttapam and you'll be energetic for the rest of the day!

Preparation time: 10 mins

Cooking time: 5 mins (for one uttapam)

Makes: 4

Veg/Non-veg: Veg

INGREDIENTS FOR MAKING INSTANT OATS UTTAPAM

1 cup oats, grounded

¹⁄4 cup semolina (rawa)

6 tsp rice flour (tandalachi pithi)

5 tsp curd

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 small green chillis, finely chopped

2 cups water

2 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)

1 tsp carom seeds (owa/ajwain)

Salt to taste

Coriander leaves, finely chopped

TOPPINGS

Pickle masala to taste

Butter

HOW TO MAKE INSTANT OATS UTTAPAM

1. Grind oats to make a powder. Finely chop an onion, some coriander leaves, and green chillis.

2. In a large bowl, mix grounded oats, semolina, rice flour, curd, chopped onion, chopped green chillies and coriander leaves, cumin and carom seeds, and salt. Add water and mix to make a thick batter (consistency should be like the regular uttapam batter).

3. Heat a non-stick pan (tawa); keep it on a high flame initially. Pour the batter and try to spread it delicately using a spoon or a spatula.

4. Quickly top it up with pickle masala (you can use any masala).

5. Add some butter (or ghee) on top as well as the edges for greasing.

6. Change the flame to the medium setting. Using a spatula, check if the bottom side is roasted. If it is, turn it upside down.

7. After roasting both the sides, turn the stove to the low flame (for your next uttapam) and serve it hot with coriander chutney.

August 21, 2018 No comments

The first thing that occurs to your mind as soon you think of shifting your base to another city in India is your pet. It's still effortless if you are moving intrastate as you can simply drive down to the new city. However, if you want to transport your pet from the western part of India to the eastern or from the northern to the southern, then the roads don't seem like a good option--or simply, you don't think of them at the first go. And then you start your research. Sometimes it might happen that your parents ask you to give your pet for adoption but you know that it's not even an option. It can get disappointing, especially if you don't find answers to your questions anywhere.

Recently, I had popped a question on my Instagram about transporting a pet within India and I had received multiple options of doing so. Whatever information I collected--and the mode we finally settled for in order to transport my cousin's pet dog Mufasa from Kolkata to Mumbai--I shall share it below, along with the contact of a pet transporter I spoke to.

No matter what mode you choose, the only aspect to look for is the way your pet is being transported. Some ways might be near to torture for your pet, and some would be near to being comfortable. Also, some might be too expensive for you and some, a little tedious, but surely worth it.

Before we discover our modes of transport, it is necessary to know the details required for the transportation. Before choosing a mode, you are asked to arrange documents regarding your pet:

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO TRANSPORT A PET WITHIN INDIA

1) Whether it is fit to travel - a document signed by a practising vet stating he/she has examined the pet and that the pet is fit to travel. The document also includes the age and name of the pet along with the name of the owner.
2) Vaccination documents - this is not always compulsory, but it is good to have it handy with you.
3) ID proof - you also need to submit your identity proof

These documents are for the dog breeds like Labrador, Indian, or a Lab-Indian mix. You might need more document(s) if your dog is an imported breed like Husky, Saint Bernard, etc. Contact the subsequent services/people and they shall help you with all the details.

HOW TO TRANSPORT YOUR PET IN INDIA BY ROAD

The best option to transport your pet via road is in your car. I would suggest you go on a road trip from Destination A to Destination B. Even if the kilometres are astonishing and the expense, possibly a lot, you would have your pet by your side when you travel. Nothing is as relaxing as having your beloved wagging its tail or meowing next to you. And, the total cost required for a road trip (including the stay, petrol, and food) will be lesser than transporting your pet via pet transporters. When I had enquired about transporting the 6-month-old Mufasa from Kolkata to Mumbai, the charges were Rs. 60,000.

Let's calculate how much an independent road trip would cost for the same distance:

Mumbai to Kolkata distance is 2,055 km. Let's say you drive 500 km per day, then you would require around 5 days to reach Mumbai, which means you will have to spend about four nights in a hotel. Keeping a budgeted hotel in mind, you shell total Rs. 4,000 for your stay. And for food, keep aside Rs. 1,000 per day. Therefore, you spend around Rs. 9,000 for your stay and food. The petrol needed would be around 147 litres and considering your car gives a mileage of 14, you would spend about Rs. 12,500 on petrol. If it's a diesel car, then you pay only Rs. 10,300.

Therefore, the total cost of transporting a dog in your own vehicle would be Rs. 12,500 + Rs. 9,000 = Rs. 21,500

You save more than 30 grand if you drive and transport your pet yourself.

Besides, if you want to transport your pet through a pet transporting service, then the rate is around Rs. 60,000 inclusive of the person travelling to and fro, your pet's food, and its care. However, the rate increases along with the weight/age and the breed of your pet. (Contact Laxmi on +919773509151.)

HOW TO TRANSPORT YOUR PET IN INDIA BY RAIL

There's another option for transporting your pet within India: the railways. The pet transporters do transfer your pet via railway too, however, the charge is the same (Rs. 60,000). If you want to travel with your pet on a train, you have to book a first class coach and buy two coupe tickets. This would cost you around Rs. 45,000 (but the good thing is, you travel with your pet).

Another inexpensive way to transport your pet via railways is using the cargo. As usual, you need to submit the respective documents and then transport your pet in the cargo compartment. The charges depend on the weight and might cost you around Rs. 2,000 one way (depends on the distance and type of train too). This is the cheapest option but leaving your pet in the cargo compartment, that too inside a cage, is torturous. I don't recommend the cargo option.

To inquire about this, go to the Destination A railway station's Cargo department.

HOW TO TRANSPORT YOUR PET IN INDIA BY AIR

Lastly, the best option is transporting your pet via air. The government-owned Air India lets you transport your pet via its cargo and the rate is affordable. You need to buy a plane ticket for yourself and then before boarding a flight, just like you weigh your luggage, you weigh your pet (including its cage). Just give them a heads up before! Check out their website for details.

Airways was the winner in our case as my cousin flew Mufasa from Kolkata to Mumbai on Air India flight. The cage weighed around 28 kgs for which he had to pay about Rs. 9,500 plus my cousin's flight ticket, which was around Rs. 3,500. So he had to shell around Rs. 13,000, which is a cheap option as well as the quickest way to transport your pet, thus ensuring it is back on a stable land within a few hours only.

Which option did you like more?

August 19, 2018 No comments

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HOW TO TRANSPORT YOUR PET IN INDIA BY RAIL

HOW TO TRANSPORT YOUR PET IN INDIA BY AIR

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