Pondicherry: The Coolest Holiday Destination

One of the most happening and sought after destination of the holiday revelers is the erstwhile French settlement Pondicherry. 

Pondicherry has its own unique beauty and old world charm which appeals to the expats, backpackers as well as adventure seekers. It is a destination next to paradise for people seeking a relaxing and peaceful holiday

Likewise any other holiday destination, Pondicherry has an array of things lined for the holiday goers, ranging from yoga classes to cooking classes, from enjoying diving to getting engaged in community service with the NGOS. Holidays here never boring and forgettable as the wide gamut of activities inspire the people to seek out newer avenues in the town. Pondicherry is a quaint little place where you can relax, unwind and seek solace in the most mundane activity.

Shopping in Pondicherry

Shopping for souvenirs in Pondicherry is one of those artsy human endeavors which every holiday goers would once indulge into. The markets are flooded with handmade intricately designed lampshades, jewelleries, Indian wears, perfumed candles and beautiful paintings, which you can carry back home as souvenirs from a beautiful trip as well can gift to the loved ones.

Enjoying Water Sports

Pondicherry is known for its enviable beaches and holidaying there let you enjoy a variety of water sports like boating, kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving and surfing. Karaikal beach and paradise Beach are the most popular beaches which are famous for their variety of water sports. Safety and security of the guests are assured as they are performed under the supervision of trained individuals.

Yoga and Meditation

The presence of Aurovile and Shri Aurobindo Ashram has given Pondicherry the status of a spiritual holiday destination. Far from the maddening crowd and the usual hustle bustle of the city, one gets respite from the city life over here. It provides the opportunity to explore the inner self, as one can practice yoga or meditate peacefully at the Aurobindo Ashram or can go on peaceful walks along the beach.

Adventure

The houseboats of Pondicherry offers an unforgettable experience of adventure and thrill, as relaxing in the middle of a lake can be quite exhilarating and adventurous. Chunnabar Boat House claims to b one of the best and finest boat houses in the Union Territory.

Enhancing Culinary Skills

Pondicherry is home to SITA Cultural Centre which is considered as one of the best places in India where anyone can learn South Indian as well as French Cuisine over a short duration of time. They run short duration cooking classes spread over a day or two aimed at foodies who can select one or more courses to gain proficiency in traditional Tamil and Kerala menu as well as in basic French Cuisine.

In the recent years, Pondicherry has emerged as one of the most preferred holiday destinations, not only because of its European style ambience but also because of the modern fun activities which heightens the cool quotient of any holiday and keeps the memory fresh in the minds of the people for ages. The old Lighthouse, the Churches, the French War Memorial will attract any lover of history and architecture. It is the place to be for the next holiday as it quenches the thirst for the search of spirituality, history and adventure.

Summer Travel Tips for Your Family

Summer has finally arrived! You have planned a summer trip with your friends and family? Want to explore the destination peacefully? Yes, this article will offer some amazing summer travel tips for you. You can make a note of these tips and enjoy your summer holidays with much fun.

Let’s get into the list:

Always Apply Suncream

One of the best ways to protect yourself from heat is by applying suncream. Ensure to use sunscreen lotion of atleast SPF 30 so to stay away from harmful UV Rays. If you have a sensitive skin, then you can apply a mineral-based sunscreen and stay cool. It is better to avoid sitting in sun under peak hours i.e 10 AM to 4 PM. People who are planning to sit in sun for a long time can reapply sunscreen every two to three hours.

Drink Plenty of Water

It is essential to drink a lot of water and stay hydrated. This is because the heat and sweat will leave your body dehydrated. Every person should drink at least eight to nine glasses of water a day. Bored of drinking water again and again? Add some exotic fruits or choose healthy alternatives like coconut water, green tea, etc.

Stay Away from Healthy Smoothies

Fruit smoothies are considered to be a healthy food option in summer season. It keeps you refreshed all throughout the day. But, try to avoid smoothies made using frozen yogurts and ice cream. Instead, you can make use any fresh fruit and keep in freezer for a while.

Keep Up the Exercise Regime

Never forget to do exercise in summers!  You can join in a gym and work indoors. It is always important to stay fit at all seasons. Schedule a time and work out in the gym to stay healthy.

Take Up A New Hobby

Summer is the perfect time to learn a new activity. Gardening is an amazing activity to try in the season. Start trying to plant new herbs and create a beautiful garden of your choice. These activities will definitely chill and cool in your vacation.  

That’s it! So, people enjoy summer by following these tips. 

4 Reasons Why Pondicherry Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

Pondicherry is one of the lovely destinations that will definitely sooth your mind. This place had been through the French dominance for which this place shows a lot of similarity with the French culture. There are some outstanding places over here, which deserves to be visited. This place is a mixture of culture and traditions.

Some of the best reasons to visit this place are discussed below. Take a look at them for a better idea about the place.

Aurobindo Ashram

This ashram was founded by Sri Aurobindo in the year 1926. This ashram was made for the sake of spiritual growth. Thousands of visitors visit this destination for seeking spiritual understandings. People visit this place to know more about the unity of mind body and soul. This is one of the major attractions in Pondicherry.

Auroville

Auroville is the place where people visit for being a part of various workshops and therapies. Mirra Alfassa who is also known as the Mother in the year 1968 founded this place. She wanted to build a place where people of all communities and nationalities can live in peace and harmony.

Beaches

Pondicherry is most famous for its beaches. This place has four main beaches popularly known as, Promenade beach, paradise beach, Auroville beach and Serenity beach respectively. These beaches give a soothing experience to the visitors. These places are never much crowded and are very clean and peaceful. You can surely enjoy the beautiful ambience at these beaches.

Foods

If you are in Pondicherry, then you can never miss out the outstanding cuisines. This is one of the major attractions of this destination. The cuisines of Pondicherry show a mixture of different culture and customs. You will get here excellent sea foods and south Indian dishes. Undoubtedly, the French influence is also seen over here with the availability of steak and wine.

These are top four reasons for which you will feel like coming to Pondicherry. Other than this, there is so much to explore over here. The excellent ambience and visiting spots over here will surely make your trip memorable.

How To Make Your Hotel Stay Comfortable?

With the development of online hotel booking system, travelling has become an easy task for all the people across the world. There is no need to stand in long queues for booking the hotel accommodation or flight tickets anymore. Once you confirm the holiday destination, you can start reserving the hotel, flight and transport options from the comfort of your home. For those who are looking to experience the best stay in your hotel can have a quick look at the following:

Early Check-in

It is essential to opt for early check-in your hotel. Travellers who look for any room upgrade can do at an ease. In some cases, travellers may not be satisfied with their room selection and so early check-in can help to shift the rooms.

Make a Call To The Hotel

When booking your rooms online, ensure to make a call to the hotel and ask about the special online deals available. Doing a call can save your money and avail great discounts. You can enquire the hotel manager about the amenities and services offered by the hotel.

Check the Star Rating

A star rating of the hotel determines its improved services and hospitality level. Instead of checking hotel ratings in official website, check travel portals like Trip Advisor to read the true reviews. You need to check the reviews and book the hotel rooms online. It is always a better idea to follow this method as it enables to experience a comfortable stay in your destination.

Check the Complimentary Stuffs

Everyone would be excited to see a basket of cookies, water bottles and flower basket in their room. Before using that, check whether are available for free. Some hotels charge extra price for the stuffs and finally you will be billed up. Ask the receptionist about the complimentary items offered for you.

Added to this, ensure to have a smooth relationship with the housekeeping staff. This can enable you to enjoy a better service and add comfort to your stay!

How to Do Vegetable Spring Rolls? Check This!

One of the popular Chinese dishes in India is the Vegetable Spring Rolls. It is an exotic snack that is adored especially by kids. You can serve the dish with red chilli garlic chutney or tomato ketchup. Most of the people prefer to cook this rolls as it is healthy stuffed with lot of vegetables. We have shared the Vegetable Spring Rolls recipe for our readers below. Have a look and try this dish in your weekend.

Ingredients

Spring Roll Wrappers- 10

Spring Onions             - 5

Carrots                        - 2

Oil                              -  2 tbsp

Salt                             - as required 

Soy Sauce                  - 1tbsp

Bean sprouts              - ¾ cup

Cornflour                   - tbsp

Method to Prepare

• Take a pan and pour some oil. Add some onions, spring onions, capsicum, cabbage, salt and carrot.

• Add pepper powder, soya sauce and mix well. You can now add the bean sprouts, greens and mix.

• Leave the vegetables to cook.

• Take a separate bowl and make cornflour paste by adding 2 tbsp of water.

• Spread the vegetable mix in the spring roll wrapper and apply the cornflour paste on the corners.

• Seal the mixture well and slowly put in hot oil. Leave till it gets golden colour.

• Your hot spicy Vegetable Spring Roll is ready to serve!

What Does Pondicherry Offer For You?

Do you love to explore majestic travel destinations? Planning to visit any new place for this year? How about checking a French connected place? Well, you are in the right page.

Pondicherry is the place that has a long French connection over the past years. The beautiful city has been regarded as a major tourist paradise and cultural hub for many international travellers visiting the city. Now, let’s have a quick look and find out what Pondicherry offers for you:

French Riviera on the East

Pondicherry, the beautiful heritage city is located on the south-east coast of India. This is a place where Ang Lee’s latest hit movie “Life of Pi” was shot. Being a former French Colony, this pretty hamlet is filled with large boulevards, clean & well-laid streets with French name plates, gothic churches, serene backwaters, authentic French cuisine and much more. It is popularly called as the Pondy or French Riviera of the East.

For the Party Lovers

Those who are interested to party this season can head straight to Pondicherry’s sun kissed beaches. The Serenity Beach, Auroville Beach, Promenade and Paradise Beach are some of the most visited beaches all throughout the year. Step into the destination and explore great trip than ever before.

For the Heritage Lovers

If you have an idea to discover the heritage Pondicherry, then take a walk to the French buildings and monuments around the town. It enables to understand the real traditions and culture of the city. Make a visit to the Parisian styled side cafes and the popular monuments like French War Memorial, Old Light House, The Governor’s Residence. You can also take your kids to the Puducherry Museum and check out the charm of French furniture, pottery, crockery and upholstery.

For the French Foodie

Pondicherry is a major hub that offers a wide range of international cuisines from around the world. You get the opportunity to explore the French and Dutch flavours integrated with spices like black pepper, savory crepes and more. Don’t forget to try the broiches, bonafide French baguettes and pastries.

So, what are you waiting for? Just, make your plan and fly to this fabulous destination with your friends and family.

  

How to Make Fried And Spicy Tofu?

One of the most popular vegetarian recipes in India is Fried Tofu Delight. It is an easy recipe that anyone can prepare in their home. Fried Tofu is prepared using a mixture of spices and other breading ingredients. You can serve the recipe along with a plain yogurt or with eggplant brinjal. Let’s get into the recipe now!

Ingredients

Tofu- 1 full pack (drained and pressed)

Vegetable broth- 2 cups (sauce of all vegetables)

Flour- ½ cup

Vegetable Oil- 3 tbsp

Nutritional Yeast- 3 tbsp

Salt- 1 tbsp

Fresh Black Pepper- ½ tbsp

Cayenne Pepper- ½ tbsp

How to Prepare?

• First, take the tofu and cut into medium pieces. Place them in a bowl and pour broth over it. Leave it for sometime to soak.

• Take a separate bowl and add flour, yeast, salt, pepper and cayenne.

• Now, heat a pan with medium heat.

• Check the tofu and see whether they have been completely soaked. Take the tofu and roll in the breading mixture. Deep fry in the hot oil.

• Ensure to fry till you get crisp and browned on all sides.

• Hot spicy tofu is ready to serve.