All posts by : traveldemystified.com

Are you planning a visit to Rajasthan and can’t wait to try the local grub? Tasting Rajasthan’s legendary cuisine is a must! The region’s amazing Famous Foods of Rajasthan uses secret spices and ingredients from the desert to create drool-worthy dishes fit for kings and queens. From fiery red meat curries to creamy milky puddings bursting with flavour, you wouldn’t believe what they can do!

Daal Baati Churma

Daal baati churma is a beloved Rajasthani meal with spicy lentils, baked wheat balls, and sweet crumbly dough. First, scoop up hot daal curry made from mashed-up lentils and spices. Then break a smoky, charred baati ball to dip or crumble over your curry. Finally have a few bites of decadent churma for dessert! This soul-warming combo is the ultimate Famous Foods of Rajasthan to beat hunger after long days of exploring.

Laal Maas

If you like fiery dishes, try laal maas – tender lamb pieces swimming in rich hot gravy that gets its red colour from tons of red chilli! This classic Rajasthan curry will make your mouth tingle. Scoop it up using pieces of fried Indian bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious juices. Definitely among Rajasthan’s most popular signature dishes, laal maas ranks high up there with the Famous Foods of Rajasthan to taste.

Mawa Kachori

For breakfast, dig into mawa kachori – round pastry shells stuffed with a sweet mixture of dried fruits, sugar, and khoya cooked in ghee till crispy! Biting into hot-from-the-oil kachoris bursting with molten khoya filling is simply divine. This Rajasthani speciality makes the ultimate sweet breakfast snack you’ll want to enjoy every single morning. Mawa kachori is easily considered one of the Famous Foods of Rajasthan in Rajasthan.

Mohan Thaal

Mohan thaal platter is a fancy Rajasthani appetiser assortment perfect for special occasions like weddings or festivals! An edible silver leaf plate gets piled with mini portions of spicy fried snacks like samosas and kachoris plus unique chutneys and raita dips. Trying little bites of so many flavours together is fun – the ultimate party food! Royal Mohan thaal trays are rightfully regarded as one of  Famous Foods of Rajasthan.

Ker Sangri

Ker Sangri is a popular Rajasthani curry made from dried berries and beans found in the desert. Ker is dried bitter berries while sangri are dried beans – sound weird but taste delicious together! The tangy berry and bean combo cooked with local spices is considered a local delicacy. Trying unique ker sangri curry lets you taste the desert’s natural bounty. This unique dish is rightfully among Famous Foods of Rajasthan.

Gatte Ki Khichdi

Gatte ki khichdi is a dish made with rice, curry and tiny dumplings called gatte. Gattes are made by pounding chickpea flour then rolling into little balls and simmering in a flavorful yoghurt curry loaded with spices. They melt in your mouth! The soft gatte dumplings paired with rice and rich creamy curry are incredibly comforting.

Boondi Raita

To balance spicy mains, boondi raita is the perfect cooling side. Homemade yoghurt gets mixed with boondi – tiny deep-fried chickpea balls that stay crispy when soaked in creamy yoghurt! Sprinkle in spices like red chilli and black pepper too. With its mix of temperatures and textures, sweet-tangy boondi raita is the best cooling accompaniment to complete any Rajasthani feast. This yoghurt dip is indeed one of Famous Foods of Rajasthan.

Rajasthani Kadi

Kadi is a popular Rajasthani yoghurt curry made with sweet and tangy flavours. Besan gram flour dumplings get cooked until soft in a thin tangy, mildly spiced yoghurt gravy tempered with curry leaves and chilli. Both cooling and comforting, kadi often completes meals. And nothing beats dipping hot crusty Indian bread straight into a bowl of kadi! This curd curry is much loved in Rajasthan, putting it firmly among the region’s Famous Foods of Rajasthan to savour.

Churma Ladoo

Churma laddoo are round dessert balls made of flour, ghee and sugar moulded into balls and then rolled in coconut flakes. Biting into a rich, nutty coconutty churma ladoo melts in your mouth! These tasty treats are a favourite Rajasthani sweet to enjoy with tea or to finish your meal on a sweet note.

Badam Ka Halwa

Badam ka halwa is a pudding made by slow-cooking almonds and milk until creamy smooth. Then it gets finished with loads of sugar and cardamom. Hot bowls of incredibly rich and decadent badam halwa make an amazing dessert all across Rajasthan. Be sure to save room for second helpings!

Whether paddling a sea kayak alongside reefs bursting with colorful fish or floating gently on aquamarine shallows after strapping on a snorkel mask, best water sport in Havelock Island serves up stunning tropical landscapes above and below the water that adventurers traverse via thrill-inducing water sports and activities yielding bucket list worthy memories amongst Andaman archipelago gems.

Scuba Diving

Diving in Havelock Island is insane – we’re talking shimmery reefs with millions of neon fish and sea turtles gliding by. For beginners, places like Dixon’s Pinnacle offer shallow dives to get your feet wet. More advanced divers head to spots like Pilot Reef where the seafloor suddenly drops for this wild underwater landscape. There’s even a scuttled shipwreck you can explore near the Lighthouse. It’s no wonder diving remains one of the best water sport in Havelock Island year after year.

Snorkelling

If scuba seems like too much gear and training, go snorkelling! Newbies can join a snorkel tour group and have their minds blown when they spot clownfish and angels swaying near colourful corals. The beaches even offer some gentle reef action – I saw funky anemones and sea stars in the shallows off Radhanagar once. When it comes to easy underwater adventuring where you’ll be wowed by marine life, snorkelling totally makes the best water sport in Havelock Island list.

Kayaking

All that diving and snorkeling, not your jam? Take to the waves in a kayak! Paddling along the shores and mangroves is beyond peaceful and lets you glimpse monkeys along jungle trails. Locals say some uninhabited islands nearby have gorgeous hidden beaches – imagine having your own private shoreline for a picnic! Kayak rental shops dot the island so with access and ideal conditions, the sport remains among Havelock’s top water sports activities in Havelock Island.

Jet Skiing

For thrill seekers drawn to speed and adventure, jet skiing brings waves of excitement. Zooming across the Andaman Sea by rugged Elephant Beach or weaving between the lush mangrove forests of Kalapathar Beach provides awesome views of Havelock’s natural scenery. Tour companies offer jet ski rental by the half hour so both beginners and advanced riders can enjoy cruising at their own pace. With memorable vistas and customised ride time, jet skiing earns a reputation as one of the best water sport in Havelock Island.

Parasailing

Looking to soar above dazzling beaches with spectacular aerial sightlines? Parasailing now offers bird’s-eye panoramas of Havelock’s iconic sandy shores and glittering waters. Most companies dock boats offshore so riders launch 300-500 feet in the air with colourful parachutes capturing the breeze. From up top, one enjoys breathtaking views over popular beaches like Radhanagar and Govind Nagar.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

In search of a leisurely way to experience Havelock’s natural aquamarine habitat? Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) brings accessibility and tropical flavour. Rent boards near Kalapathar Beach and paddle out amongst the shallow reef colonies with vibrant fish friends. Head over to Neil Island crossing glassy straits where flying fish burst from the sea. Even yoga enthusiasts can try balancing in Warrior Pose atop a floating board! With ample locations catering to all skill levels, SUP qualifies handily as the best water sport in Havelock Island.

Underwater Walk

For a unique walking adventure, Havelock now offers underwater walking excursions. No swimming or gear needed! An oxygen helmet lets people simply walk along the seafloor near Elephant Beach, taking in views of vibrant coral and schools of fish. Certified guides ensure safety as well as point out cool aquatic species. In just 20-30 minutes, underwater walking grants up close encounters with Havelock’s marine ecology without certification or even knowing how to swim. It’s fun for all ages and Fitz a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list activity for land dwellers.

Banana Boat Ride

Prefer fast-paced thrills over underwater exploration? Banana boat rides present family-friendly adventures. These bright yellow inflatables speed through the waters off popular beaches with room for up to six riders. After clinging to handles through waves and sharp turns, expect to get bounced or even dumped happy and laughing into the sea! Banana boating promises screeches and smiles as groups skim across the surface soaking in salty breezes and adrenaline. It’s a quick, exciting way to tap into your inner daredevil with bonus views of the island’s sensational shores.

A tiny speck of land barely a mile long, Rose Island’s outsized role across centuries belies its petite proportions today. Originally inhabited by indigenous tribes, the island transformed when the British established a penal colony and prison here in the late 1700s to house political dissenters and mutineers. As Britain’s most secure jail location at the time, Rose Island operated for over 50 years as everything from storehouses to administrative offices supported the burgeoning village that included guard residences. Prison conditions remained notoriously harsh with extreme torture tactics employed under the island’s long-term superintendent Sir Hugh Rose.

During WWII, Rose Island lived on as a strategic British naval and air base during the Japanese occupation of the Andamans until Indian independence in 1947. Today this former colony exists as a quiet tourist day trip destination operated by the Andaman government. Visitors arrive by ferry to explore poignant ruins that serve as haunting reminders of the suffering within these shores. Key relics span abandoned jail cells, decrepit structures and a British cemetery. Yet amidst the devastating history, the island now fosters new life as a spotted deer refuge and location of tropical hiking trails through mangrove lagoons.

Deer Park

Rose Island‘s Deer Park serves as a refuge for chital deer rescued from around the Andamans. Visitors can get up close to these gentle creatures marked by their rust-coloured fur with white spots. See impressive antlers on the males as they graze and lounge around in the shade of tropical almond trees. Feed bags let you interact directly with these incredibly tame deer that wander the park. For delightful wildlife encounters, don’t miss Deer Park.

British Colony Ruins

History buffs flock to Rose Island seeking remnants of the former British penal colony and village here prior to Indian independence. While structures no longer stand, plaques denote locations like the bakery, church and stores. Imagine the daily lives of guards kept close watch. Nearby find the overgrown jail cell remnants as well as a British cemetery paying homage to lives lost so far from home.

Light and Sound Show

After sunset, an entertaining light and sound production recounts Rose Island’s unique legacy as both a British colony and WWII base. Not only does the 50-minute show spotlight the island’s role in housing political prisoners and dissidents, but it also covers the Japanese occupation and later transition to Indian rule post-1947. Narrated scenes shine colourful lights on the ruins while the audio plays voices from the past.

Man Made Caves

A unique aspect of Rose Island’s history can be witnessed by touring its man-made cave network carved deep under the island’s surface. Dating back to the late 1800s when used for British food and ammunition storage, the tunnels prove impressively constructed with ocean access and ventilation systems still intact. Now mostly abandoned bat habitats, the caves provide cool respite as visitors imagine bustling naval activity from centuries past. Emerge back into the sunshine and sounds of tropical birds at Rose Island’s central pond reportedly built for British naval commander recreation in the early 1900s.

Pond

Tree-lined and dotted with bright pink water lilies, the pond offers a serene backdrop seemingly at odds with Rose Island’s notoriety as a high-security prison island for decades. An iconic photo stop for travellers, pause here imagining British officers rowing for leisure long ago as lizards skitter past and raptors soar over emerald palms swaying on the breeze. A place of reflection amid Rose Island’s complex history.

With its remote location on forested Havelock Island, accessing the world-renowned Radhanagar Beach requires some extra effort which pays off tenfold when you emerge from the palms to be greeted by velvet sands fronting jewel-toned waters, consistently rated as one of Asia’s most beautiful beaches where fiery sunsets launch many an island daydream.

Paradise Found on Radha Nagar Beach

Flanked between lush tropical foliage on Havelock Island, the creamy sands of Radhanagar Beach consistently capture accolades as one of Asia’s most beautiful beaches. Forming part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, the natural landscape astounds with towering palms giving way suddenly to dusty pink sand lapped by emerald and turquoise waves.

Swimming and Water Activities at Radha Nagar Beach

Despite monsoon storms that can roll through, the gentle bay provides relatively safe wading for swimmers of all ages. Clear waters offer good visibility for snorkelling to spot coral and plentiful fish. Several rustic beach shacks rent out kayaks and stand up paddleboards perfect for exploring the coastline dotted with local fishing vessels. Come high tide after 4pm, one can body surf gentle waves or just soak in the panoramic views of colourful marine life below and cotton candy skies above.

Sunsets at Radha Nagar Beach

As the most photographed site in the Andaman Islands, Radhanagar Beach draws flocks at dusk finding spots on the fine sand or low sea wall to watch the sunset. There’s perhaps no better vantage point in the archipelago to take in the fading golden light over turquoise waters that gives way to cotton candy skies eventually fading to inky blackness under a canopy of stars.

Staying Near Radha Nagar Beach

With its remote Havelock Island location 57 km northeast of Port Blair, overnight stays in the area maximise time to appreciate Radhanagar Beach. Small eco-resorts like Barefoot at Havelock with its picturesque thatched roof bungalows get you closest to the sea. Choose beachfront dining at the acclaimed Wild Orchid Resort just a 15 minute walk north along the sand from Radhanagar’s main entrance.

Looking to reconnect with your special someone? Goa is one of the most beautiful states that make up India, and it provides romantic settings to lovers. You’ll learn that there are as many and varied activities from heart-stopping exploits to luxurious pampering sessions. Kiss during bicycle trips through picturesque lanes, hug during couple’s massages, stare into each other’s eyes as you share seafood by a candlelit dinner on the beach. Without a doubt, Goa offers some of the best things in Goa for couples seeking quality bonding time filled with remarkable experiences and lasting memories.

Watch the Sunset on the Mandovi

A laidback sunset cruise along the Mandovi River tops the list of romantic must-do’s for visiting couples. Cuddle close on the deck and watch the evening sky erupt in vibrant hues of orange and pink as the sun slowly sinks. Gaze into each other’s eyes reflecting the warm glow across the rippling river. A stunning backdrop for connecting with your special someone at best things in Goa for couples.

Steal Kisses During a Beachside Stroll

Escape to Palolem Beach near dusk for an intimate seaside wander. Its swaying palms and soft, powdery sand provide a peaceful backdrop. Walk hand-in-hand along the shoreline, pausing to sneak in tight hugs and sweet kisses bathed in golden light. Conclude your beachy romance at a cute shack restaurant under strands of twinkling bulbs.

Toast with Moonlit Views

One of Goa’s best cliffside restaurants, Thalassa serves up a side of sweeping Arabian Sea vistas with its candlelit Mediterranean cuisine. The tiered wooden decks make a sophisticated spot for relaxing over wine and fine dining. Capture selfies of you and your honey engulfed by the moon’s magical glow. A one-of-a-kind special dinner for two.Couples

Massage at a Beach Shack

A couples massage at a laid back beach shack is a relaxing way to start your day together in paradise. Pick a cute hut with views of the sea and sink into cushioned mats as the sound of waves calms your mind. Skilled therapists gently work out knots using flowing strokes to leave you both feeling blissfully stress-free.

Hot Air Balloon Ride in Assolda Grounds

Cuddle close aboard a hot air balloon ride for two and watch as vibrant balloons fill the blue sky above Goa. From up high, the rainforests, beaches and rivers below look incredible. Capture fun selfies floating peacefully over incredible scenery before heading back to land – an awesome way to make memories together.

Dudhsagar’s Adventures

Get your hearts racing as you customise and book daring exploits with Dudhsagar Adventures. Options range from racing whitewater rapids to zipping high above thick jungles – whatever gets your adrenaline pumping. End your thrilling day fireside under the stars, relaxed in each other’s arms.

Private Party on Butterfly Island

For an exceptionally memorable date, book a private beach dinner on Butterfly Island, just the two of you. Take a boat ride at sunset across the shimmering river to your own personal island paradise. Toast to your love as a personal chef prepares a gourmet candlelit meal on the sand. As the stars emerge, relax in each other’s arms to the gentle lapping of waves. No doubt this ultra-exclusive experience tops the list of best things in Goa for couples.

Walk around in the Old Latin Quarters

Meander side-by-side through Panjim’s charming Old Latin Quarters for glimpses into Goa’s unique heritage. Admire the colourful colonial Portuguese-style houses adorned with decorative tilework, oyster shells, and wrought-iron balconies. Stop to snap selfies in lively Fontainhas Square before ducking into a quaint cafe for local snacks. Observe locals going about their day as you immerse yourselves in the slower rhythms of this atmospheric historic neighbourhood.

Enjoy Cycling Tours

Pedal together past shimmering rice paddies and picturesque villages during scenic cycling tours customised for couples. Spread out a picnic blanket midway and toast with a bottle of feni – Goa’s famous spirit – as friendly guides share insider stories about Goa’s rich culture and history. Cycle tours promise active immersion in the region’s one-of-a-kind landscapes, ending at a secluded beach to watch the sunset in each other’s arms.

Go Crab Catching

For an adventurous and totally unique couples’ experience, head out on a crab catching excursion at sunset. With strings and woven traps in hand, you’ll navigate the intricate backwaters as your guide shares the best tricks to nab crustaceans of all shapes and sizes. Giggles and playful teamwork promises to bring you closer as the evening light bathes lush surroundings in a golden glow. Once your bucket overflows with the day’s wild catch, head to shore for a beachside crab boil under the stars – finest sea-to-table dining. This interactive culinary adventure undoubtedly deserves a spot on the list of best things in Goa for couples.

Visit Tambdi Surla Temple

Journey together through verdant forests draped in mountain mist to uncover Tambdi Surla, one of India’s oldest surviving Hindu stone temples. Meander hand-in-hand through lush courtyards while admiring exquisite 12th century carved artwork and bas relief murals depicting tales of Lord Vishnu. Find a quiet granite outcropping with views over the temple’s still reflecting pond made serene by a herd of grazing deer. Lay side-by-side taking in the tranquil setting, blanketed by lush green wilderness as far as the eye can see. With its remote location and untouched ancient ambiance, Tambdi Surla makes for an unforgettable spiritual escape perfect for duos, earning it a solid spot among the best things in Goa for couples.

Nestled amidst snow-capped Himalayan peaks, alpine lakes and conifer forests, Sonamarg promises magical holiday experiences. Its sheer mountain beauty earned it the moniker of ‘Meadow of Gold’ from Mughal rulers who camped here every summer. Though famed as a Srinagar-Ladakh road trip halt, Sonamarg woos adventure junkies, families and solitude seekers alike with its wealth of nature and leisure.

Vishansar Lake

Accessible only by a rigorous 16 km uphill trek from Sonamarg, gorgeous Vishansar Lake rewards mountaineers with emerald waters ringed by sheer mountain walls. Go trout fishing, raft its crystal clear waters or camp under brilliant starlit skies after a steep ascent. Considered holy by locals, they flock here during the annual Kheer Bhawani festival too. Surely among the most gorgeous high-altitude getaways among the best places in Sonmarg.

Baltal Valley

Just 14 km ahead of Sonamarg along the Srinagar-Leh highway is striking Baltal Valley. Surrounded by snow-dusted mountains, it acts as a basecamp for the annual Amarnath yatra. But the highlight remains rafting along the gushing Sindh River raging through this scenic valley connected by a tree-lined road. Sedate pony rides along flower-dotted meadows are also popular here.

Gangabal Lake

At an incredible height of 3,500 m lies placid Gangabal Lake ringed by emerald meadows that remain frozen for 8 months annually. The site attracts Hindu pilgrims but enthrals trekkers camping overnight more. Don’t miss stunning photo opportunities of Nanga Parbat massif mirrored in its deep blue waters. Truly among the best places in Sonmarg.

Thajiwas Glacier

Among stunning glaciers accessible from Sonamarg, Thajiwas glacier enchants after just a 6 km uphill hike rewarded with stunning sights. Milky blue waters originate from icy crevasses in the glacier snaking down alongside wildflowers and meadows with horses grazing. Set up camp by the boulder-strewn glacier framed by snowy mountain peaks and capture Instagram glory against this sublime backdrop. Certainly ranks among the best places in Sonmarg for both nature lovers and photographers.

Zojila Pass

At a dizzying altitude of 11,649 feet along the Srinagar-Ladakh highway, Heart-stopping views of peaks like K2 and Nanga Parbat await those who successfully navigate the zigzagging Zojila Pass. Often called ‘Gateway to Ladakh’, its scenic views of mountain ravines covered in glistening snow make it among the most scenic highway mountain passes in India.

Nilagrad River

Famed for trout fishing, the aquamarine waters of Nilagrad River present captivating sights zigzagging through Sonamarg Valley dotted by flowering orchards. Spend languid afternoons angling for rainbow and brown trout on its banks or capture perfect postcard frames showcasing the river ambling alongside. Definitely among the best places in Sonmarg.

Nichnai Pass

At 13,500 feet, the dizzying heights of Nichnai Pass promise unmatched views of surrounding snow clad Himalayan masses besides heart-stopping sights of deep ravines down below. Adventurous trekkers crossing over to the Ladakh side are rewarded with the pass’s breathtaking vantage points showcasing the valleys and meadows of Sonamarg from such an incredible height.

Yusmarg

Just 47 km from Sonamarg lies the panoramic meadow of Yusmarg flush with towering conifers, acres of grasslands and surrounded by imposing hill ranges. Its tranquil ambience dotted with quaint Kashmiri villages, cascading Nilnag waterfalls and scenic hiking trails make for idyllic picnics. Don’t miss trying local ghee laden cuisine best enjoyed here amidst nature.

The Western Mountains

Forming an imposing backdrop to Sonamarg’s aesthetic beauty lies its Western Himalayan mountain range where amazing trekking trails await adventure seekers. Attempt scaling dizzying Afarwat Peak or weave through flower-strewn alpine meadows in quaint Hajibal Pass dotted with Gujjar shepherd settlements along the way. Sweeping sights of the entire Lidder valley down below is the rewarding payoff after navigating the western mountain slopes around among the best places in Sonmarg.

Shri Amarnath Cave Temple

At an incredible height of 12,756 feet amidst scenic Himalayas lies iconic Amarnath Cave discovered over a century back by a Muslim shepherd. Naturally formed icy stalagmites shaped as the famous Shivling inside the cave transform into a place of profound divinity. Brave challenging 14 km rocky trek from Chandanwari to marvel at Lord Shiva’s earthly abode accessible only during the brief summer months. Witness sublime spiritual energy pulsating through the sacred cave swathed in legends and mysticism.

White River Rafting

For an adrenaline rush, hop onto rubber rafts to navigate 15 km along the frothing Sindh River raging through breathtaking valleys. It’s Grade 2 rapids passing pine forests and quaint villages make for a thrilling ride suited for amateurs too. Led by experienced guides, rafters splash about rollercoaster rapids before culminating at the picturesque Shitkadi village famous for apricot orchards.

Zero Point

At dizzying heights of 15,739 feet amidst rocky mountain faces lies Sonamarg’s ultimate offbeat destination Zero Point situated just ahead of Zojila Pass. Only accessible in Summers owing to heavy snowfall otherwise, it promises unmatched 360-degree vistas of surrounding snow-clad peaks besides sights of Sindh River Valley down below. Its remote location and challenging access only amplify Zero Point’s allure among adventure lovers exploring the best places in Sonmarg.

Naranag

Just 6 km from Sonamarg, the alpine village of Naranag charms visitors with its crystalline lakes and rippling trout streams winding through flower-strewn meadows. Legend traces the lakes’ origins to sage Kashyap who drained a vast lake to reveal seven smaller ones now held sacred by locals. Capture postcard-perfect frames of Gujjar grazers’ camps reflected in placid waters set against towering Himalayan cliffs. Visitors enjoy lazy angling for plump trout beside Naranag’s rejuvenating lakes ideal for picnicking.

Sonmarg Market

Ringed by towering pine forests, Sonmarg’s humble market area makes for the perfect launchpad for exploring nearby sights. The main bazaar street sees vibrant activity with road trippers stocking up on supplies and fuel while locals mill about selling fresh fruits and handicrafts. Transport booking agents arrange SUVs for day tours to Thajiwas glacier or cabs for crossing the dizzying Zojila Pass ahead. Munch hot samosas between bargaining for woollen wear with amiable old shopkeepers oozing small-town warmth and slowing down the pace of life. Surely the heartbeat binding appeal is among the best places in Sonmarg for connecting with local hospitality before embarking upon mountain adventures nearby!