6 Travel tips you need to know #TravelTales

These are some of the Best 6 Travel Tips You Need to Know

Its always important to download Google Maps for use offline by typing in “OK Map”, this is incase the internet connection of that place isn't working while you roaming. You know where you are and places you need to visit. I'm totally dependent on Google maps whether its local travel or travel away from home.

Save money on your travel booking. By spending sometime online and searching different sites you get to know what fits your budget and book travel tickets and hotel accommodation accordingly. If possible avoid travelling on weekends and public holidays since it falls expensive and places you visit are crowded too.

Pack your essentials and travel light. Its important to travel light and only pack whats essential during your stay, Its good to buy a bag-pack that you can carry on your back and a waist pouch for carrying your valuables. A bag-pack is spacious and can fit clothes and daily essentials for your entire travel and you can comfortably carry it around on your back too.

Always know the weather of the place you are traveling to and pack accordingly. If you traveling where the weather is low then remember to take your woolens along since you wont want to freeze and shop for clothes using up your travel time.

 

Carry your basic medicines since you never know when you will need them. Its always better to be safe than sorry. You are visiting a new place and trying out different food and flavors which might lead to a stomach upset. So remember basic medicines always help and they don't occupy space as well.

Camera and charger - Don't leave your house without these two. You want to return home with a loadful of memories so remember to capture the moments and save them in your camera. You need your phone to be connected with family, friends and social media so remember your charger too.

Photo credit - The Internet

Knowing more about Republic Day

India happily celebrates the nation's Republic Day, which is a gazetted holiday on January 26 each year. It is a day to remember when India's constitution came into force on January 26, 1950, completing the country's transition toward becoming an independent republic.

What Do People Do?

Lots of effort is put towards organizing events and celebrations that occur on Republic Day in India. Military parades are held in New Delhi and Representatives of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force and traditional dance troupes take part in the parades.

A grand parade is held in New Delhi and the event starts with India's prime minister laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, to remember soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country. India's president takes the military salute during the parade in New Delhi while state governors take the military salutes in state capitals. A foreign head of state is the president's chief guest on Republic Day.

Awards and medals of bravery are given to the people from the armed forces and also to civilians. Helicopters from the armed forces then fly past the parade area showering rose petals on the audience. Many school children participate in the parade by dancing and singing patriotic songs. The parade concludes with a "fly past" by the Indian Air Force, which involves fighter planes saluting the president. These leave trails of smoke in the colors of the Indian flag and is a very beautiful sight.

Symbols

Republic Day represents the true spirit of Independent India. Military parades, displays of military equipment and the national flag are important symbols on this date. India's national flag is a horizontal tricolor of deep saffron at the top, white in the middle and dark green at the bottom in equal proportion. A navy-blue wheel in the center of the white band represents the chakra. Its design is that of the wheel which appears on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. 

Schools and colleges celebrate Republic Day in advance. Here are some things they inculcate

• A General Knowledge competition with questions on India.

Knowing different sections, history, geography, current politics etc. 

• Students from different states put on a cultural show.

The show can be on various things such as local art styles, crafts, music and dance.

• March and have a parade with a band.

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• Photo credits - The Internet and my Redmi phone.
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The House of Tipsy

After the successful and continuous run of Tipsy Gypsy in Andheri comes their second offering in the swanky form of House of Tipsy in Pali Hill Bandra. For people who are not a regular to Bandra this is exactly where 5 Spice used to be, with its minimal décor and open space, House of Tipsy is spread across 3 storey; the Ground & Third are reserved for Dining while the First floor is where the Sheesha section is. Cocktails ordered - House of Tipsy has some crafty cocktail menu priced rightly at INR 499 which is definitely going to be a crowd puller. The more Potent ones are priced slightly higher at INR 649 and they also have an extensive menu for imported beers and wines. Stage Show : First sip and we had a winner here! Scotch blended perfectly with strawberry, lime, pineapple juice & cherry shrub made this the perfect potion; went on to have 2 of them.  Life in a Metro : Unlike the life which tends to get mundane in metro; this one sure did lift our spirits and kept things in perspective. Vodka mixed with creamy beetroot, citrusy cardamom, honey and lime juice garnished with a Smoked Rosemary for the aromatic effect.  Curried Appletini : Two part vodka with one ounce each of green apple liqueur & lemon juice shaken well to create a foam and garnished with curry leaves on top. Looked sophisticated and tasted equally well. Rise N Shine : Just like the name suggests, time to blow some steam and wake up to a perfect brew of Gin infused with Coffee and aromatic water made from distilled kewra. The preparation of this cocktail gets a perfect 10/10. Signal Freeze : Vodka with green mango, cucumber & lime, a bit too tangy for my taste; again depends on how you prefer your cocktail. Appetizers & Mains ordered - House of Tipsy offers you a wide choice of Indian, Mexican, European and Continental dishes. Cottage Cheese Piccata : Pan seared Cottage cheese with Romesco sauce, beautifully presented and perfectly cooked and we enjoyed every bite of it. Hot Rod Chicken : Green coriander Chicken skewers with pepper mayonnaise; cooked perfectly and tasted well. Murgh Banno Kebab : Traditional chicken kebab but well marinated and cooked so perfectly that it simply melts in your mouth. (Recommended) Cilantro Prawns : Presentation a perfect 10/10. Taste a perfect 10/10. Coriander prawns cooked to perfection and juicy in every bite accompanied with a neatly placed poached egg. A Fishy Affair : Tender chunks of charcoal grilled fish to perfection and each bite was savory; unfortunately the affair with boiled eggs was not a perfect match. Charcoal Chicken Pizza : Thin crusted chicken pizza with mozzarella cheese and homemade sauce completed out dining experience for the day. Dessert : A sweet ending is always required and they only have Dessert of the day! Hazelnut Chocolate Mousse Cake : Smooth and creamy texture of this mousse and the spoon glided right through this one, had the perfect flavors of hazelnut & chocolate. House of Tipsy is a place where you can come and kick back at any time of the day and enjoy the leisure ambience they have to offer or drop in to have sheesha with our buddies or enjoy couple of drinks, basically House of Tipsy will cater to all your moods and needs! ReplyForward

8 Foods To Keep You Happy and Healthy

8 Super Foods That’ll Help Uplift Your Mood And Keep You Happy and Healthy

Do you find yourself irritated and in a foul mood for no apparent reason? Don't worry because these 10 food items are not only healthy and delicious, they can also improve your mood and make you feel better instantly.



1. Banana

Vitamin B6 converts amino acid tryptophan into the hormone serotonin which is responsible for lifting one's mood and aiding in better sleep. So be it a banana smoothie , milk shake or banana cupcakes, remember its good to include them in your daily diet. 

2. Eggs

Choline, present in eggs, is a nutrient that can boost the mood, help in the production of antioxidants and neurotransmitters to ensure proper functioning of the brain. So its a healthy option to start your day with eggs for breakfast.

3. Lentils

Its complex carbohydrates help in improving the production of the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin that ensures a happy state of mind.

4. Cereals

The presence of calcium in cereals helps in reducing stress and anxiety. So fix up a healthy cereal and snack on it to feel good.

5. Dark chocolate

Consuming dark chocolate causes the release of endorphins, the feel-good hormones that can lower anxiety and stress levels. So keep this handy in your refrigerator and enjoy a piece or two while watching Television at home.

6. Chia seeds

Omega 3 fatty acids, protein and magnesium in Chia seeds act as natural relaxants that keeps your spirits high.

7. Fish

Omega 3 fatty acids present in fish have anti-depressant benefits.

Eat your way to a happier state of mind by enjoying fish of your choice.

8. Ginger tea

Antioxidants in ginger tea are responsible for the secretion of endorphins that maintain calmness. So remember to add some ginger in your tea. 

Photo credits - The internet 

Parabola - Buffet lunch to remember for life, its that good

Rodas Ecotel Hotel is a well knows name in the hospitality industry with their impeccable service and niche client segment that they have been catering to for over a decade.

Located across the prime corporate hub of Powai and easily accessible via road from major town areas they house a beautifully designed restaurant by the name of Parabola.

True to their name, Parabola is cone shaped restaurant creating a symmetrical design on their ceiling which runs uniformly across the restaurant and is an intriguing pattern to look at.

Having a seating capacity of 50 people this multi-cuisine restaurant & coffee shop caters to you round the clock, specializing in sumptuous lunch and dinner buffets 7 days a week at a modest price of 699++ which is a steal.

We were here for Sunday lunch, we were seated as soon as we entered and greeted by Parabola’s Head Chefs Mr. Abdul & Mr. Tarun (Truly humble guys), they inquired on our meal preference (Veg or Non Veg) and stated they will send the appetizers to the table.

A total of 6 appetizers were served to us and we are still trying to figure out which was our favorite of the entire lot!

-          Sugarcane Infused Lamb Seekh kebab : Mined mutton meat tandoored over a sugarcane stick for the fusion of flavors. A bold experiment and loved the taste on this one.

-          Veg Galouti Kebab : Always a mutton galouti fan but this one got me surprised, melt in mouth & bite sized kebabs – a perfect combination! Any veg lovers delight!

-          Chicken Koliwada : Shallow fried but no trace of oil and soft texture, this is a perfect appetizer to go along with your drinks.

-          Fiery Chicken Wings : Served on a sizzling tray and probably a dozen of fiery flavored wings, this one got me getting my hands dirty to enjoy the flavors completely. Well marinated and easy to eat as the flesh came out of the wing bones easily. Chicken Wing lovers paradise!

-          Murg Gilafi Seekh Kebab : Seekh kebab is generally reserved for mutton as that’s what tastes good, but my opinion changed after having this, beautifully presented minced chicken kebab with onion and mint leaves dressing garnished with chili powder on the side. Something rare and an absolute delight to be had here!

-          Rajasthani Murg Tikka : Your usual tikka but well flavored, succulent, perfectly tandoored and topped with a bit of cheese.  These magical chunks of chicken disappeared in no time from our plates.

Standard set so high already and the mains lifted the bar only higher to our satisfaction.

-          Gosht Nalli Nihari : Love at first sight for me! 4 portions of nalli with the softest mutton chunk on them served in a flavorful gravy, these went perfectly with the paratha served and probably one of the best mutton dishes I’ve had. Do not miss out on this if you are dining at Parabola!!!!

-          Chilly Garlic with Pepper Parsley Rice : Another sign true dish, the garlic flavor complimented the Parsley rice perfectly, recommended if you are a vegetarian & have an inclination towards oriental cuisine.

Dessert : Custom designed ‘France Pastry Dessert’ comprising of whipped cream, strawberry, Churros shaped lemon tart along with dusted sugar & chocolate mud pile, tasted as good as it was artistically presented. Sweet tooth satisfaction 100% guaranteed!

We left Parabola with a feeling of content in our heart & tummy; a dual feeling very few restaurants manage to satisfy!

GO ahead and book your table now for an awesome soul satiating meal, Parabola is also an apt destination for parties or any social events if you are looking for one.

Photo credits - My Redme Camera 

Hitchki - A must visit for amazing cocktails and starters

Hitchki opened their newest and the 4th outlet in R City Mall Ghatkopar a month back and we have one more reason to rejoice, having visited the other 3 outlets and being a fan of their brand we ended up in their Ghatkopar outlet.

Seating capacity is almost the same as all their outlets and the ambience makes you feel welcomed as always, glass panel as a wall on one side it gives an open view of the outside area and they have their own smoking room which is a plus for me.

We were a group of 4 and decided to party out on the occasion of Children’s day.

Cocktails ordered - If there is something I love; that is cocktails and when at Hitchki this cocktail love is very strong and it comes in big glasses!

Madeira Ki Matki : True to its name 1 litre of Sangria (Red/White) option to choose from mixed with vodka and loaded with fruits. A Wine lovers ultimate drink!

Scorpion Bowl : A strong combination of Rum (Dark & White) with Gin and Vodka mixed with grenadine for the tart & sweet flavor poured in with Pineapple & Orange juice.

Bubbly LIIT : A perfect blend of Tequila, Gin, Vodka & White Rum mixed with mango & pineapple juice with jalapeno gives it the sour & spicy flavor.

Hum Saath Saath Hai : Gin, Vodka, White Rum &Tequila mixed with Apple punch; this deadly combination will hit you back. Potency Level 200% (Recommended)

Hail Mogambo : A version of Whiskey Sour with the extra ingredient being wine, this one comes in a skull shaped glass & is quite colorful to look at and tastes well too.

Whiskey Sour : A classic cocktail and Hitchki makes it the way I like it, with a little extra egg white in it.

LIIT Straight form Bihar : Hitchki’s take on your traditional Thandai mixed with Vodka, Rum & Gin, loved the taste on this one.

Starters and Main course
With their quirky names of dishes which brings a smile to your face, it also tickles your taste buds in the right way.

Mere Tandoori Momos Aayenge - A personal favorite and I always order it at Hitchki. Your regular Momos but tandoored and spiced perfectly.

Naan Achi Tang - Chicken Leg with Paratha, Chicken here is tandoored to perfection and served along with a Naan. (Highly Recommended)

Kakori Mail - Mutton Seekh served with your green chutney.

Calamiri Kalimiri - Fried squids, a perfect finger food to go along with your cocktails, don’t forget the accompanying dip.

Rawas Mall : Succulent chunks of Indian Salmon made in tikka style and served.

Cheese mala Chitakli : Hitchki’s version of Chicken Malai tikka with melted cheese on top, soft and juicy.

Savji Mutton : Tender boneless mutton pieces cooked in a flavorful gravy and served along with Roti.

Ja Surmai Ja : 2 large pieces of Surmai fish cooked in red gravy and served along with rice. This is simply soul satisfying food.

Dal Khicdi - Indeed a comfort food and Hitchki’s version will give you the satisfaction of a complete meal.

Desserts - Some real quirky names, beautiful presentation & high on sweetness – Hitchki has a lot of desserts to satisfy your sweettooth cravings.

Chocolate Lava Kulfi : Best of 2 worlds come together here! Choco Lava Cake with Kulfi, the hot & cold combination will definitely confuse your taste buds into thinking what should it enjoy more.

Jungle Mein Mangal : Hitchki’s take on Black forest pastry with some beautiful chocolate petal dressing. 

Hitchki has maintained the standard & the quality of food they serve in their newest outlet and as always we had a gala of a time at Hitchki and waiting to go back for more!

Happy Lohri 2019

Happy Lohri 2019 - Knowing more about the traditional harvest festival

In the ancient times Lohri was celebrated at the end of the traditional month when winter solstice occurs. It celebrates the days getting longer as the sun proceeds on its northward journey. The day after Lohri is celebrated as Maghi Sangrand.

Lohri is celebrated to mark the end of the peak winter, this festival is traditionally associated with the harvest of the rabi crops.Hence, Punjabi farmers see the day after Lohri as the financial New Year. 

The meaning of Lohri

There are two meanings based on two different stories , in the first story the word Lohri has come from the term ‘loh‘, which means a big iron griddle or tava, used for making chapattis for community feasts. According to another tale the word is originated from ‘Loi’, who was the wife of reformer Kabir Das.

How Lohri is celebrated

Lohri is celebrated by lighting a huge bonfire in the yard after the last of the rabi crops are chopped. Idols of Lohri goddess are made with cattle dung and place beneath the fire.The bonfire is lit at sunset and people dress in traditional new clothes.

They circle around the fire and throw sesame seeds, jaggery, and rewaries in it. Later they sit around the fire till it dies out.

They pray to the fire god, to bless their land with abundance and prosperity. Following this people exchange greetings with their friends and family.

Sugarcane products such as gajak, jaggery are an important part of Lohri celebrations, as these are made from the crops harvested in the month of January. Peanuts, and popcorn are also distributed among the people as Prasad. Makki ki roti and sarson ka saag is prepared and served as dinner.

Here's wishing everyone a Very Happy Lohri!

 Picture credit - Internet

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