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The Pretty City Girl | Indian Travel & Lifestyle Blog


After making brownies, I still had some ingredients left. And I was eager to bake something else, on which my mom suggested wheat cookies. She has been wanting wheat cookies for almost two years now. So I started hunting down recipes using wheat flour. However, I wanted choco chip cookies and not those boring plain wheat cookies. Finally, I found a recipe, and though the original recipe used butter, I thought of replacing butter with ghee. You can either use butter or ghee.  

Enjoy this recipe and let me know how it tasted!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Makes: 11-12 cookies
Veg/Non-veg: Veg


INGREDIENTS FOR WHOLE WHEAT CHOCO CHIP COOKIES

1 cup wheat flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup ghee/butter at room temperature
1/8 + 2 tbsp milk
1/4 cup + 1 tbsp choco chips
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
1/4 cup powdered jaggery



HOW TO MAKE WHOLE WHEAT CHOCO CHIP COOKIES

1. Sieve wheat flour, baking powder, and baking soda twice. Keep aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, take ghee and powdered jaggery. Whisk.
3. Add 1/8 cup milk and vanilla essence. Whisk.
4. Add wheat flour and mix using your fingers. The batter formed will be crumbly and it's absolutely okay if it does. 
5. Meanwhile, preheat the oven at 180 degrees for 10 minutes.
6. Add 1/4 cup choco chips to the batter and mix.
7. Add in about 1-2 tbsp milk to form a wet batter. You should be able to mould and the batter should not fall apart. (Add more wheat flour if the batter is too liquidy.)
8. Take about 1 tbsp scoop quantity to make balls out of the batter. Flatten out the balls.
9. On a baking tray, smear ghee/butter or place a butter paper. 
10. Place the flattened balls on the baking tray and press a few choco chips on every cookie. 
11. Keep the baking tray inside the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes for 180 degrees. 
12. Take it out of the oven and let it cool down. Enjoy with tea or plain milk!
December 29, 2018 No comments
It had been quite some time since I'd baked and my mom was after me to bake something (wheat cookies especially). I was just going through the internet and came across brownies. That's when I had the sudden urge of eating them and I'd even planned a dessert date with my friend but then thought I should bake them at home instead. My cousin was home then to play with my new puppy (wait, what?!) and he casually told me his friend is pursuing a course in hotel management and that she makes heavenly brownies. I immediately asked him to take the recipe from her and viola, just within 5 minutes, I had the secret with me! 

My mom bought the ingredients and I thought I should give them a try. I was not too sure of the success (especially because the chocochip cookies I'd made the last time were a flop) so I did not take images while making. However, the brownies turned out to be the yummiest brownies I've ever tasted! 

I say, definitely, definitely try this recipe and let me know in the comments below if you made it.


Heartfelt thanks to Juilee for sharing the recipe with me, my cousin Pratik for asking her, my mom for getting the ingredients, and my puppy Kurama for standing (ahem, sitting) by me throughout the process. Enjoy the brownies!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Makes: 15-16
Veg/Non-veg: Non-veg (contains eggs)




INGREDIENTS FOR MAKING BROWNIES

170 gms butter, unsalted
1 cup sugar, grounded
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla essence
225 gm chocolate bar
¾ cup flour (maida)
¼ cup cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
Chocolate chips
Pinch of baking powder



BROWNIES RECIPE

1. Whisk melted butter and grounded sugar together.

2. Add eggs and vanilla essence; whisk slowly. Keep the batter aside. 

3. On a double boiler setting, melt the chocolate bar preferably in a glass bowl. 
4. Add the melted chocolate in the batter and fold (using a rubber spatula preferably). 
5. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, salt (if your butter is unsalted), and baking powder. Add it to the batter. Fold again.
6. Take the baking container and grease it using butter. You can use a butter paper too instead. 
7. Pour the batter and spread evenly. Sprinkle some chocolate chips/chunks all over. You can top it with walnuts or other dry fruits of your choice. 
8. Preheat the oven at 180 degrees for about 6 and a half minutes (anytime between 5 to 10 minutes).
9. Place the container inside and bake for 21 minutes  (anytime between 20 to 25 minutes) at 180 degrees. 
10. Check if it's baked using a toothpick.
11. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes until it's hardened a little. Cut the brownies and enjoy with vanilla ice cream!
December 21, 2018 No comments

Each one of us has our own travel preferences. Some of us love to visit the popular destinations because they guarantee security and a cent per cent chance of finding transportation and other facilities, whereas some of us love to run away from the crowd and explore the lesser explored. For a few of us, travelling equals visiting the tourist-friendly destinations and for the rest, travelling means relaxing and rejuvenating oneself without any nuisance.

For those who belong to the latter group – the ones who love travelling to secluded, lesser known places – you might always search for offbeat places around a locale. Well, this post is for those who want to achieve much more from Nainital. This list includes places at the most 2 hours away from this city, so you can enjoy your stay at Nainital and still visit these offbeat destinations nearby. 


BHIMTAL


Bhimtal or "Bhim Tal" is named after Bhima from Mahabharata who is said to have made the Bhimtal lake, which is a significant attraction in this town. Bhimtal is relatively calmer than Nainital, the reason why people have started visiting it. The town is located at an elevation of 1,370 metres above sea level and is one of the attractions in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. One can enjoy activities here like boat roading, kayaking, zorbing at the Bhimtal lake as well as other adventure sports like trekking, paragliding, and camping. One can visit the aquarium that lies in the mid of the lake via a boat ride.




The tourist attractions in Bhimtal include the 17th-century Bhimeshwar temple, the Garg Parvat, the Hidimba Parvat, the Karkotaka temple, the Victoria dam (and its adjacent garden), and the folk culture museum. Bhimtal is about 11 km from Nainital. One can even shop shawls and other woollen garments from Bhimtal.



GHORAKHAL & BHOWALI


View from the Ghorakhal temple (left); the bells inside the Ghorakhal temple


Ghorakhal and Bhowali lie about 11 km from Nainital and are home to some really beautiful places. The Ghorakhal temple here is very popular amongst the locals and boasts of a unique feature; the temple has over a hundred bells in different sizes hung by the devotees. Golu Devta, the presiding deity here is an incarnation of Shiva, and people believe their wishes are granted here. The devotees write their wishes on a piece of paper and hang them inside the temple periphery. Whenever their wish is granted, they return to the temple and tie a bell in exchange. You can come across a sea of bells here along with scribbled notes! Just outside the temple, there's a market with limited shops that sell bells in different sizes and forms. The Ghorakhal temple gives a taste of our culture and is a must-visit place. The view near the temple is mind-blowing and you are sure to forget your worries amidst the twinkling of the bells and the cool winds blowing.


Yet another attraction in Ghorakhal is the tea garden and factory. You can buy your own organic tea from their tiny shop, and I believe, the Uttarakhand tea is a perfect souvenir to take back for your friends and family. You can shop the Himalayan Orthodox Long Leaf tea and for the green tea drinkers, you have that available here too. The tea garden is well-maintained with clean toilet facility. If you have some time, just relax with a good book as the surrounding tea aroma soothes your soul. The ticket is Rs 20 to enter the garden and factory. One can even view the process of how tea is made at their adjacent factory from collecting the leaves to drying and finally crushing them (enquire the timings from the factory beforehand).



KILBURY

Kilbury is about 12 km from Nainital and is located at an elevation of 2,528 metres. It is an ideal place for a weekend getaways. It is popular for its greenery and birds. One can view the Himalayas along with Tarai and Bhabhar regions. Kilbury is a charming, picturesque place which is lined by lavish oak, pine and rhododendron forests. On the other hand, you can watch Brown Wood-Owls, Collared Grosbeaks, White-throated Laughing Thrushes, Forktails, etc. Kilbury is a notable birding ground with about 580 types of birds. There is a forest lodge for accommodation purposes. The Kilbury & Pangot Bird Sanctuary is a must visit for birders.

Chauli ki Jali (left); Naag Fana (right)

MUKTESHWAR

Mukteshwar is a popular place among travellers, if not tourists. It is famous for its temple and the breathtaking views of Himalayas. Just near to the Mukteshwar temple lies two minor sights: the Naag Fana and the Chauli Ki Jali. The former is a rock that looks like a snake's hood hence the name Nag Faana. Chauli Ki Jali, on the other hand, is a cliff with a hole. It has a lot of legends associated with it. Walk near the cliff for a beautiful view of the snow-clad Himalayas. 

Mukteshwar is situated at an elevation of 2,285 metres above sea level and boasts of apple orchards and coniferous woods. For nature lovers, you can come across many short trails around. The stay options here range from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly cottages. Mukteshwar is largely an unruffled site where solitude is guaranteed. Adventure activities include rock climbing, paragliding, trekking to Almora or Peora, and camping.

PANGOT

Pangot or Pangoot is a hamlet about 15 km from Nainital. The whole drive is through the forested region of Cheena Peak Range and is incredible for birding. Pangot is the perfect escape to be with birds and an untamed life. One can see an assortment of Himalayan birds here. About 150 bird species were recorded at Pangot and neighbourhood areas. This area is also home to leopards, yellow-throated Himalayan martins, Himalayan palm civet, ghoral, barking deer, etc. Pangot have one of the most extravagant oaks, pine and rhododendron woods in the territory. This land boasts of a gigantic assortment of Himalayan vegetation. There are many trails through the encompassing wilderness. You can pick your own trail. One of the well-known trails is from the Kilbury forest lodge to Pangot. 
One can get a look at the Himalayas and that of the Terai region of Nepal.

Stays can be booked online. This small place is dotted with many resorts for a pleasant stay amidst nature. The Kilbury & Pangot Bird Sanctuary is a must visit for birders.

Khurpatal village as seen from the UT SH 41

KHURPATAL

Khurpatal is yet another hamlet near Nainital. At a height of 1,635 metres, it is 12 km away from the city. Khurpatal has a crystal clear lake, which is visited in a lesser degree and the reason why its virgin beauty touches one's heart. You can get a top view of this hamlet on your way towards Ramnagar on the Uttarakhand State Highway 41. Khurpatal is preferred for its charming atmosphere and clear lake. One can do fishing or angling at this lake. Khurpatal has active vegetable ranches. This place is hidden in the hills, because of which it is rejuvenating. One can visit it simply to get lost in nature and admire the unending green fields. 
December 20, 2018 No comments

Settled among the elevated Himalayas, Nainital is a genuinely reviving change from the dullness that portrays a townfolk's life. Pleasant valleys, quiet lakes, wandering waterways, wonderful views from the cliffs and the chilly weather...they all add to the magnetism of this place. Nainital has a variety of spots that you can explore, from natural surroundings to bustling milieu. 

I recommend the early winters as the apt time to visit Nainital if you wish to experience this hill station at its best. The crowds are less and the prices are cheaper as compared to the hyped seasons. With that said, here's a rundown of things for you to do when you are in Nainital.


NAINI LAKE - BOAT RIDING, SHOPPING, WALKING


The city "Naini Tal" literally means the "Naini Lake". So it is undeniably essential to do things around this lake to get the real taste of Nainital. I highly recommend taking a boat ride for its foggy horizons and quiet waters. Come here during the offseason (November-end to the first week of December) to have the most amazing experience. The summer months are crowded and you won't enjoy as much as you would on a quiet winter afternoon. (The ticket is surprisingly affordable; Rs 210 for a full ride and Rs 160 for a partial.) Apart from the boat riding, there are stalls selling seasonal goodies. In winters, you come across shawls, cheap woollen coats, beanies, and other interesting items. After boat riding and shopping, just take a walk along its shores. Happiness is guaranteed. 


THE MALL ROAD 

The Mall Road was built during the British days and is a prominent street in Nainital. It runs parallel to the Naini Lake and witnesses tourists and locals alike. It is home to shops, cafes, departmental stores, and restaurants. With cool winds blowing all over, a night walk through the street has its own appeal. (Mall Road has some traffic rules: The entry of heavy traffic is not allowed in May, June, and October from 8:00 am to 10:30 am and then from 2:30 pm to 10:30 pm and for light vehicles, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Parking is strictly prohibited on the Mall Road except for some designated parking spaces.)

The 'Tiger' Cave inside Eco Cave Park

ECO CAVE PARK 

The Eco Cave Park includes six manmade caves that give you an idea of the structured habitats of certain species. At present, you can come across caves belonging to tigers, panthers, bats, squirrels, flying foxes, and apes. The park is well-maintained and is ideal for families, especially for families with kids. The entry fee is Rs 20 for adults and Rs 10 for children. (Extra charges for professional cameras Rs 25.)


NAINA DEVI TEMPLE 

Admired as one of the fifty-one Shakti Peeths of India, the Naina Devi Temple is a sanctified site close to the Naini Lake. It is committed to Devi Sati's eyes, hence the name 'Naina Devi'. The temple goes back to as old as 15 A.D. The presiding deity is Maa Naina Devi also known as Mata Sati. There are idols of Maa Kali and Lord Ganesha too.



TIFFIN TOP 

Surrounded by the Kumaon area, the Tiffin Top is an ideal place for family picnics. It is a place for nature lovers. For the adventurers, there are activities like rappelling and rock climbing. Tiffin Top is otherwise called Dorothy's Seat since it is given to the English craftsman named Dorothy Kellett. Encompassed by Oaks and Deodars, this pretty site overlooks Naini Lake, Nanda Devi and Kumaon Hills. 

The mango-shaped Naini Lake as seen from the Naini Lake Viewpoint


NAINI LAKE VIEWPOINT 

Wonder how people click photographs of the mango-shaped Naini Lake? That's from this viewpoint. You can hire a local cab to reach here as it is easily accessible by road; rather, this viewpoint is situated at a small cliff by the roadside. From here, you can view the Naini Lake and adore its mango shape. You have food stalls with Maggi, chips, and the like. Another interesting thing is the guy with the telescope. He shows you some points like the place from Main Hoon Na (where Shah Rukh Khan saves his brother) and a couple of more things. The charges to use this telescope vary, but you can certainly bargain.

HORSE RIDING 

Horse riding is a standout amongst the most essential attractions of Nainital. Horses are used here as a method of transportation to visit faraway places in the city. In spite of the fact that horse riding is restricted inside the city, you can still enjoy it at the Bara Pathar. You can do horse riding at the horse stand for Tiffin Top and Naina Peak as well as at the Himalaya Darshan point. 

Posing at the Himalaya Darshan Point (notice the horse behind?)

HIMALAYA DARSHAN POINT 

This viewpoint lies by the roadside too. It is while in the transit to Kilbury, about 5 km away from Nainital, the elevation being 2,310 metres. You can have a look at the Trishul peaks from here along with lush green valleys and forested edges. You can opt for horse riding too. And, similar to the Naini Lake Viewpoint, even here you come across a man with the telescope who shows Trishul peaks up close, a distant monastery, a temple, and a few more places. He charged Rs 100 (for four people).

NAINITAL ROPEWAY 

The Nainital Ropeway is a noteworthy attraction in Nainital that draws several tourists every day. Taking this ride gives you stunning views of the Naini Lake. This ropeway takes you from the Mallital to the Snow View Point. The ride is about 9 minutes long (1.8 km). The ticket is Rs 150 for adults and Rs 100 for kids (not sure of the current rate). 

NAINITAL ZOO 

Nainital Zoo is extraordinary compared to other attractions for nature lovers. Formally named as Bharat Ratna Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant, it is also known as the High Altitude Zoo. It is a well-maintained zoo and is in fact, the only zoo in the entire Uttarakhand state. The zoo is spread across 4.693 hectares and has various endangered species. It is situated at a height of 2,100 meters. It is locally called as 'Sher ka Danda'. Timings are 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and the ticket is Rs 50 for adults and Rs 20 for kids. 

Clicked at the Lover's Point/Suicide Point

LOVER'S POINT & SUICIDE POINT 

Lover's Point and Suicide Point are two close-by points in Nainital which are well known for the picturesque views they offer. In summers, this place is a major fascination amongst the visitors. These points are loved by those who do not have mountains around their home and those who miss on breathtaking valley views. One can have roasted corn and shop little souvenirs from here. The Horse Stand lies close to these points. 
December 19, 2018 No comments
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