Krazy for Kerala

Kerala is one of India’s most special states. Founded quite recently, in 1956, today Kerala is extremely popular with tourists from around the world.
It’s so popular in fact that National Geographic Traveler magazine has named it one of the “ten paradises of the world.”  High praise indeed! This is a relatively new designation – as recently as the 1980′s, travellers hadn’t even heard of Kerala. It used to be well off the beaten track for travellers in India.
What’s the attraction to Kerala?  Well, there are countless reasons.  First and foremost is its natural beauty, located on the lush and tropical Malabar Coast. It’s home to nearly 10,000 square kilometres of forest, and 1/4 of India’s plant species. It’s considered the global ayurveda captal, a popular form of traditional medicine. The state also has the highest literacy rate in all of India and one of India’s highest standards of living.
Kerala is also well-known for its ecotourism initiatives, and its unique cultural traditions.  Some popular attractions include the hill stations of Munnar (photo), Nelliampathi, and Ponmudi. There are numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to explore, including Periyar and Eravikulam. Heritage sites in the region include the Mattancherry Palace, and the Padmanabhapuram Palace. Shoppers should be sure to hit the cities of Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, and take in the traditional theatre and musical performances.
A good friend of mine from Mumbai is originally from Kerala. He returns to visit his family there, perhaps once every year. Whenever he describes Kerala to me, he always uses the word ‘special.’   Some places we travel truly are special. Most who have been, seem to agree that Kerala is one of those special places.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Kerala is known as God's Own Country and why not? Nature has blessed her abundantly right from Hill Stations, sun kissed beaches, dense forests, beautiful backwaters and friendly people.Share in Cochin’s famous heritage before riding the rails deep into Kerala’s remote southern forests, accompanied by the fragrant aromas of coffee and spice, and maybe even catch sight en route of India’s famous wildlife too. Finish your trip by exploring Kerala’s stunning waterways on your own private houseboat.

TAKE ME THERE, contact travel & more at sujit@travelandmore.in; OR visit website page for Kerala: www.travelandmore.in/domestic/kerala

10 of the World’s Best Street Foods

When visiting any new city, it’s probably most important to dig into the local cuisine. Where better to learn from than the people on the street. Street food is where it’s at right now, so here’s a round-up of ten great street foods to try in ten fantastic foodie cities:

1. Amsterdam: Frites with mayo
No Dutch meal is complete without a dash of mayo. Now, one deep-fried treat you shouldn’t miss, whilst strolling along the canals, is frites. Especially those sold at Rembrandt square. They are to die for!

2. Istanbul: Kumpir

Pay a visit to the neighbourhood of Karaköy, where you’ll find streets laden with food stalls selling these huge baked potatoes, topped with an array of dips, olives and more.

3. Paris: Nutella Crêpes

A visit to the city of love is not complete without a taste of their delicious choc-nut crêpes. Pop over to Montparnasse, where you can find them from a vendor for under 6 euros.

4. Tel Aviv: Falafel
You’ll know this one, but where better to try it than in Tel Aviv? Find this yummy, savoury pita stuffed with veggy falafel balls (made from chickpeas) around any street corner, for next to nothing, in this bustling city.

5. Marrakesh: Tagine

Visit the busy night market of Jemaa El Fna for some fantastic veggy tagine. This will set you back just over R20 – depending on your bartering skills of course.

6. Mexico City: Re-fried Bean Burritos

We all know this one, but nowhere in the world will you find a better re-fried bean burrito than downtown Mexico city. They go for around R20.

7. Hong Kong: Shumai dumplings

If you’re in the mood for a greasy and cheap meal, you can find these pork-filled dumplings at almost any of Hong Kong’s best known night markets.

8. Kuala Lumpur: Kway Teow noodles

This fried ricecake-strip dish is a seafood lover’s favourite. Noodles are fried with prawns, soy sauce and cockles.

9. Mumbai: Chaat snacks

The streets of Mumbai offer and amazing variety of chaat snacks. The best snack to try is definitely the papri-chaat. This dish is usually served with sweet and sour tamarind chutney and chilled yogurt. The real taste of India.

10. Frankfurt: Currywurst

Find some delicious German sausage covered in curry sauce anywhere in the Innenstadt. Try Pommes Freude for a super cheap (and scrumptious) wurst.

Tea Time Around The World

I’m sure most of us enjoy a good cup of tea every now and again. Now, see how the rest of the world takes their tea:

Japan

We all certainly know this one by now. Green tea is loved here because of its amazing health benefits. It is a great antioxidant and is rich in vitamins. It can also help to lower cholesterol. Most people drink theirs without sugar and definitely without milk.

South America

Try Yerba over a social chat with a local in South America. It is made from dried leaves of the Yerba plant. How is it made? It is dunked in really hot (not boiled) water. It has a very herbal taste, yet it contains a lot of caffeine. Some drink this tea as a somewhat healthier alternative to coffee. Well worth a try!

Taiwan

They love their bubble tea, which is now starting to gain popularity outside the country’s borders as well – especially in the U.S. It can be prepared two different ways: tea, fruit and milk mixed or as a smoothie blended with ice. Delicious!

China

When visiting China be sure to have some black tea. It is much stronger that other types and is enjoyed with light meals. Also make sure you stop by a tea house during your stay to take part in a traditional tea brewing ceremony.

Turkey

Here you’ll find a lot of fruity teas, yet one of their favourites is Apple tea. Served black with a bit of sugar, the locals tend to indulgence in this tea whenever they get the chance. Locals are also happy to offer you a cuppa any chance they get!

Can A Romantic Getaway Renew Your Relationship?

Are you looking for a way to reconnect with your one true love?

Do you have kids now and never seem to find time to do those little things to show you care?

Do you or your mate feel your relationship has grown old or boring?

Do you or your mate seem to prefer being at work rather than home?

Are you or your mate afraid that the love you show now will diminish in years to come?

 If you can answer “Yes” to any of these questions, then this is a terrific time to think about planning a romantic getaway.  Our daily lives  force us to choose how we will spend our time, and often it is our relationships that suffer.  We spend every day and every week working, caring for the kids, taking care of the house/vehicles, and paying bills.  We often feel our best efforts are not enough to keep everyone we love happy.  Sometimes we have to think back to the last conversation we had with our mate that didn’t involve bickering.  Is it any wonder that many couples find themselves growing apart?

Planning a romantic getaway together can help you remember one another’s tastes and preferences; but surprising the love of your life with a romantic getaway to their favorite destination can also be rewarding.

Take 5 minutes and picture a place you’ve always wanted to go.  Picture you and your mate doing all the things you’ve always heard were so great about that place.  Picture yourselves “catching up” on all the details about each other’s lives you’ve missed lately, and remembering all the things you love about that person. This month I’ll be posting a few ideas for romantic getaways. If you want to go through a few ideas right now click here

Feel free to share your romantic getaway ideas in the comments.

If you would like assist with, please contact me at sujit@travelandmore.in / +919930602334.