When in 2010 I visited Vizag, I fell in love with sea food. There I tried stuffed mackerels, which was delicous and one of the best dishes. I will share the recipe with you, go and try back at your home. STUFFED MACKERELS three mackerels, cleaned scaled and slit mid way for stuffing: three cloves of garlic one inch piece of ginger two red chillies half teaspoon of turmeric one teaspoon of jeera one teaspoon of dhania some tamarind salt to taste Grind together all the ingredients of the stuffing. use this mixture to stuff the mackerels and rub some of it on top along with some lemon juice. Brush the tops with vegetable pil. Shallow fry on a tawa until the fish is cooked and the skin is crisp. Serve hot.

Corn has sure come a long way from being a mere accompaniment at barbeques to its use in more complex dishes like makkai ke kabbab, that's served with fresh mint chuttney. Many years ago, I tasted these few corn recipes on my way to Punjab, India. ALOO MAKKAI TIKKI 3 potatoes, boiled, peeled and mashed half cup sweet corn kernels, boied one green chilli, finely chopped one table spoon of freshly grated coconut half tea spoon of dhania jeera powder 1/4th tea spoon of garam masala 1/4th cup of carrot, grated juice of half a lime salt to taste oil to fry Mix all the ingredients except the oil and potatoes, together and keep aside. Divide the mashed potato into equal portions, take one of them and flatten into a disc, fill this with the stuffing and close it. Repeat for the rest of the potato. Shallow fry them in oil until golden brow. Serve hot with tamarind chutney SWEET CORN BHEL two cups of sweet corn kernels, boiled one onion, chopped one tomato chopp...

I am a huge foodie and I love Punjabi food. But ever since I've embarked on travel routine, I have embraced a healthier way of eating. This doesn't mean that I am constantly dieting but it just means that I eat what I want very sensibly. These days I don't skip my breakfast and it's usually something simple. I space my meals throughout the day and ensure I munch something simple whenever I have time. The one thing that I absolutely love is chicken and I simply can't get enough of it. Tandoori chicken is one of my favourites and I can eat it just by itself too. The foodie in me tempts me to cheat on my diet once in a while, but I try to curb it as much as I can. Tandoori Chicken

I keep traveling from one place to other, and keep tasting food as food defines the culture. One of my favorite dish is Kadai Paneer. Kadai Paneer can be made in many ways, but this recipe is very delicious. INGREDIENTS 500grams Cottage Cheese or Paneer 150grams tomatoes 100grams capsicum 80grams chopped onions 30grams pure ghee 20grams butter 20grmas crushed coriander 10grams ginger jullienes 10grans chopped coriander 10grams black pepper corns 5grams flaked red chilly 5 grmas dhaniya powder 4grmas tumeric powder 2 lemons salt to taste METHOD Slice panner into dices or batons and lightly fry it to a golden colour. Soak it in water to retain softness with about two grams of turmeric and keep aside. Use hundred grams of tomatoes to make tomato puree and use the rest to make batons or dices along with capsicum. Heat ghee and cook the onions. Add paneer, tomato, puree, turmeric, red chilly and coriander powder to it. Sprinkle water and cook for a few second...

This was the first time when I was rejoicing Onam festival but not in Kerla. There was an onam food festival at hotel Aditya Park at Ameerpet, which gave chance to harvest festival of Malayalee's in style. The place had Kerla look with flower carpet and Malayalam songs playing in the background. The spices were specially brought from Kerla to serve up the lip smacking dishes. Mushroom ulli theeyal Kozi In main course the featured vegetarian delights were aila, a mixed vegetable curry simmered in curd and coconut paste; mushroom ulli theeyal, a gravy of mushroom and shallots; urulai mezhukku peratti, potato cubes fried with shallots and reed chilli, vegetable stew and erussery. The non vegetarian banquet includes chemmeen peera that's prawn in roasted spices, kozi roast which is pot roasted chicken in aromatic spices and karimeen polichathu, shallow fried pearl spot fish. The non vegetarian dishes were hit among the guests. Chemmeen Peera

Hyderabadi Biryani I am not basically from Hyderabad, but I have always felt like I am at home when I am in Hyderabad. Trust me, you can get the same food your mother would cook at home. You can find many places serving food from Rayalaseema and telagana regions. Telagana is famous for its Hyderabadi Biryani. Nellore is famous for its seafood. And prawns are every foodies delight. Bommidala Pulusu at Southern Spice in Banjara Hills I met a media professional from nellore. She knows exactly where to get delicious food when she is home sick. Her favorite is fish curry. Whenever she wants to eat it, she head to southern Spice in Banjara Hills and Madhapur. Gongura Chicken at Souther Spice in Banjara Hills Southern Spice also serves Gongura Mutton and prawns, which is a specialty of Guntur region. Ragi Sankati at Kritunga in Punjaguta Natu Kodu Pulusu at Kritunga in Punjagutta If you are looking for food from the Rayalaseema region l...

I was in Delhi, sleeping tight in my hotel room after various sleepless nights. I had to catch a bus in morning at 7, and when I woke up, it was 0630hrs. I had just 30mins to catch my bus, and before that I had to pack my bags and had to take shower. I did quite fast but realized the need of a traveler alarm clock. I had a wrist watch, and mobile phone. In mobile phone I had switched on alarm, but coincidentally I left my phone on silent. Due to small mistakes, I wasn't able to wake up on time. Thought I caught my bus on time which was not less than a miracle for me. In the evening I went to shop and purchased this handy alarm clock, which operates on a single pencil battery. Since then I always carry alarm clock with me. May be its not that essential on a trip, but you never know, it may become very useful. My advise will be always carry some form of alarm clock, as on a trip your body is tired, and you won't realize that when you fell in deep sleep.

I always keep a tomato sauce packet in my backpack. Its quite handy. As you can eat whenever you want, just keep few snacks in your bag and then use sauce to lift its taste. I keep a packet of bread in my bag while traveling. For a budget traveler it is a best option to survive for few days. I eat two slices of bread with sauce to shut my tummy. If you are on hiking or crossing some jungle, and you are not able to find anything to eat and on the worst part, you lost your way, then the most handy thing is eating few slices of bread with sauce. It will kill your hunger, and you will survive easily in such a challenging situation. A bread is eatable for few days, but never eat a rotten bread, as it will lead to more issues while traveling which you really don't want to face it. I think after reading this tiny post, most of the doctors gonna sue me. Doctors, this is my just a small method of survival, and if you dare to sue me then I will make sure that you face same kin...

 I am not huge supporter of Chinese products. But one of my basic requirement is charging my mobile phone on the move like in train or at any railway station. In India, only one socket is provided in one compartment, and in one compartment around 72 people travel, and when socket is away from my berth then I can't prefer to leave my phone on charging socket, as any one can take it away. In my search of solution of this problem, I came across this amazing charger, which is quite simple in made and is made in china. Its light, and best thing is that it can charge anything have terminals. Charge your camera, phone etc etc by removing battery from the system, and then connecting battery to this charger, and then leave it on the socket. Now, you are tension free. As battery cost quite low, even thugs don't try to steal it, as they won't get anything after selling it in the market. I use a Nokia phone while traveling, and i have purchas...

When I was about to start my first trip, I was tense about safeguarding the money. I did google and came to know about money belt, which is quite useful to carry money safely.I wanted to make my own money belt at home, but didn't find any tip on google. I used my brain, and got an idea to make my own money belt. I used it for a long trip and I felt secured in carrying money with me. Now I am using a very simple and tested trick to make your own money belt, which is totally free. Wallet  Wrist Band Belt To make money belt at home, we need very few things, which are easily available at home. First and foremost thing is your wallet. Keep your cards, cash, passport in it. It is going to be your carrier. Keep another purse in pocket of your pants, in which keep minimum cash, for small needs. Now, we need a wrist strap or wrist band with a strong strap. It should have good elastic resistance. It is very important for making a money belt. And in l...

I am very much sure that every traveler dreams to travel for free. At least I do. I always try to cut short my expenses on travels. Its not that easy as it sounds, but it is fun. I remember my college days, when I used to get pocket money which wasn't sufficient for the level of expenses which I had those days. I used to walk from college to back home which was about seven kilometers, to save some money. It wasn't that my parents can't afford my expenses. I was a freak, and used to enjoy life in low budget. Walking for seven kilometers used to give me chance to observe the beautiful landscapes. Plus, I used to spend those money in more useful thing like on internet and sometimes also used to lend money to my brother. But the bottom line is that I learnt to live life in low budget.  Traveling for free, is one thing which I seriously want to do, and not for short distances but want to travel for thousands of kilometers without spending single penny. In India its quite ...

I was going through few websites, and came across a very interesting kind of camping known as URBAN CAMPING. Its new for me because I never heard it before. Japan is very famous for its urban camping culture. Best thing of urban camping is that you can travel on a very tight budget. Urban Camping Prepare If you choose to do urban camping, you will obviously need a tent, a sleeping bag and ideally a sleeping mat. You will need to carry your entire stuff all day and everyday so a good expedition backpack is also essential (around 60L is a good size). Because you always carry everything, it is in your advantage to bring the lightest stuff you can find, and carry very few clothes and non-essential items, as it makes a much bigger difference than in regular backpacking. Understand Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and Japan already has its own tradition of people (usually students) sleeping in train stations, on benches, etc., called  nojuku . On to...

I never knew that there is a term for the travel which I do. Going through google, I came to know that I usually go on a singles travel. Well, I really don't care that what name is given to the journey which I do, but I found it funny cum interesting. Singles travel  is travel undertaken by single people, at least partly with the purpose of meeting other single travellers. Almost any form of travel can be singles travel. Resorts like Club Med and others cater to an upscale singles market, as well as to other vacationers. For a younger and more budget-conscious set, urban backpacking can offer many opportunities to meet people. Organised activities such as scuba diving or rock climbing can bring together people who share a common interest. Almost any resort area, surfing beach or tourist town offers some opportunities as well. There is also increasing marketing aimed specifically at singles. In particular, many cruise ships offer c...

Everyone has some fantasies in their life. I am also no exception. I too have a fantasy, but its related to traveling. My fantasy is to travel about 700 Kms from Hyderabad to Bangalore on a bicycle. Its very difficult to bring in reality, specially riding a bicycle on national highways full of trucks and buses. But in a positive way, its very adventurous, as one is unaware about the challenges coming ahead. Another best thing about traveling around the world on bicycle is that one can see landscapes which can't be seen by traveling in train or in flight. Several villages and small towns which will come on the way, will give an impression of their unique culture. Advantage of such journey is that, it will make you physically fit. Though, to ride a bicycle for 700 km requires good fitness. I will not prefer to go alone on such trip. Surely, will do it with friends. May be not now, but sooner or later, I convert my fantasy into reality. 

Packing For a week hiking Packing for hiking can be very tricky. You need to keep weight of your bag less, as you have to carry your bag all the way for seven days during hiking. To help you, here is the list of things needed to be packed for hiking. Though, it might not be sufficient, few things will be unnecessary and few things may vary depending upon the season and terrain.  Wear 2 synthetic undershirts 2 long-sleeve shirts 2 t-shirts 2 pair of pants (suitable weight for current weather) 2 pair of underwear (long underwear if needed) 2 pair of wool socks hiking boots sandals (for wearing when not hiking) waterproof windbreaker, or at least a jacket. raingear - ponchos can drape over your pack and save you the expense of a waterproof packcover. swimsuit? women: 2 good sports bras Eat oatmeal, cereal bars, trail mix, sausage freeze-dried meals cooking pots gas camping stove waterproof matches/lighter/fire starter plate, cup, utensils dish cloth, sc...

Well I won't agree with the title, as I have heard many freaky travelers, traveling for years without money, but as I haven't done that, so for me at least, money is an essential part of traveling. The biggest challenge for a traveler is to carry money safely, as in most part of the world, thugs looks for tourists. Best thing to protect yourself from such kind of situation is to take precautions. In my previous trip, I made use of money belt to protect my money source. Carry, multiple credit or debit cards, which is accepted world wide, and keep in different pockets of your bag or in different purse. I kept two purses, one having little amount for small miscellaneous expenses, and in other purse rest of the amount and credit and debit card. Always keep the purse having more money in your money belt. money belt with sox Money belt Your bank and experienced travelers regularly recommend that you: Keep your card-issuing bank(s) advised about any travel . It/they ca...

Rod On road After spending so many days in Delhi, now its time for me to say good bye. I had a fun time here. People of Delhi are very friendly, and food they cook is so delicious. It was heaven for me. There were so many things for me to see from old monuments to the modern commercial complex. I am in love with this city. Statesman House Statesman House at Connaught Place was one of the buildings in Delhi, which was delight to see. In evening time, it was a treat to see this commercial complex. Its architecture is quite attractive. In delhi, I made new friends, had great time with them. Then I met my school friend in Vaishali, and we were just talking about old memories. Sometimes, I feel world is quite big but few things keep on proving that world is a small place. Inside Delhi Metro Rod with travel companion in Delhi Delhi Metro Train Delhi Metro Train Rod with school friend New Delhi Railway Station ...

Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliyaa Dargah is located in New Delhi, across the road from Humayun's tomb. The 'dargah' of revered Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliyaa has its devotees all over the Islamic world. A settlement has sprung up here, known as 'Nizamuddin' for short. This shrine also houses the tomb of Amir Khusrau, a famous poet and the saint's beloved disciple. Encroachments plaque, the shrine, and the area itself, seem to belong to another century. The shrine was built by Muhammad Tughluq & is one of the sacred places of pilgrimage in India. Other tombs situated inside the complex of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliyaa Dargah belong to Begum Jahan Ara, Shah Jahan's favorite daughter, and Mirza Ghalib. Every Thursday, one can hear qawwalis here, around sunset. According to the legend of Nizamuddin, Shaikh Nizamuddin was born at Budaun in 1236. He came to Delhi with his mother and became the disciple of the famous saint Shaikh Farid Shakarganj. The rulers, such...

The tall and ever  attractive monument of Delhi  which can be seen from most parts of the city is called the Qutab Minar. Every body has the same question when one sees the structure for the first time. The question that is often being put up is "Why the monument is that big?" or "Was there any specific reason to build such a tall building or it was just a wish of the person who built it?" Well, the exact reason is assumed to have something related to commemorating the victory. Mughals used to build victory towers to proclaim and celebrate victories. Some say the minaret was used to offer prayer but it is so tall that you can hear the person standing on the top. Also, the minaret is not joined on to Qutuddin's mosque and the Iltutmish's mosque. Qutab Minar is among the tallest and famous towers in the world. The minaret is 234 feet high and the highest individual tower in the world. Other towers in the world are the Great Pagoda in Pekin, China and the Lea...

Safdarjung's Tomb  or  Safdarjung ka Maqbara , as it is known in Hindi, is an architectural marvel of India of the Mughal era. The Tomb was built in the year 1753-54 in memorial of Mirza Muqim Abul Mansur Khan popularly known as Safdarjung by his son Nawab Shuja-ud-Daulah of Awadh. Safdarjung was the prime minister of Muhammad Shah who was a Mughal emperor from 1719 to 1748. In fact, it was Emperor Muhammad Shah who gave him the title of 'Safdarjung'. Safdarjung Tomb  is a garden tomb built in the style of other great Mughal architectures, the  Safdarjung tomb is located in Lodi Road, New Delhi . This was probably the only noteworthy structure being erected after the death of Aurangzeb. The architecture of the  Tomb of Safdarjung  was more or less inspired by  Humayun's tomb , though the cost was much less. The actual tomb was placed in the middle of a garden of approximately 300 square meter area, which was again based on Mughal Style. Besides...

Jantar Mantar is very popular among tourists and the people of Delhi. The structure is another great masterpiece of  Indian architecture  which shows the  scientific acumen of ancient India . Jantar Manter is situated at Parliament Street, very close to Connaught Place. Jantar Mantar is also called Delhi Observatory. It is maintained by the Jaipur government because it was built by  Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II  of Jaipur in 1710 A.D. It is a remarkable structure which consists of fourteen geometric devices used for measuring time, forecasting weather changes, predicting behaviour of planets and finding extraterrestrial altitude. All these devices are fixed structures and point to a specific direction. The largest device or instrument is the Samrat Jantar which is 90 feet high and its shadow is plotted in such a manner so that is shows the exact time of the day. Any weather change or the onset of monsoons can be ascertained by the Hindu Chhatri, which is a smal...

The  Parliament House , known as  Sansad Bhavan  in Hindi, is the place where the  Indian Parliament  meets. It is the place where parliamentarians of our country sit and discuss various issues of national interest. The  Parliament House is located on the northwest of Vijay Chowk, at the end of  Parliament Street in New Delhi . The  Parliament House  is constructed in the shape of a circle standing at a height of 75 feet and measures 570 feet in diameter. The  Indian Parliament  is regarded as the supreme legislative body of the country. It consists of the two Houses – the Upper House and the Lower House – and the office of the president of India. The Upper House of the Parliament is known as the Lok Sabha and the Lower House in known as the Rajya Sabha in Hindi. For any bill to become an act, it needs to be passed by both the  houses of the Parliament  and also requires the consent of the President. The Central Hal...