Who makes the best Lassi of India?

No one in their right mind will not like the Indian Lassi! Arguably India’s most popular and famous drink, this thick and sweet yoghurt drink that comes in many flavors and thickness can send you on a dizzy path to foodie heaven. Whether it is the traditional sweet lassi, mango lassi, dry fruit lassi, elaichi lassi, zafrani lassi or any of the many other flavors, this drink is had all through the year. Some have it in the morning on an empty stomach as a daily dose of probiotic. Some have it to beat the summer heat. And some have it to digest a heavy Indian meal. And each of them enjoy the happiness quotient that comes along with it.



But, the key question here is, where to find the best lassi of India? While there are lassi shops galore in all the towns and cities of India, not everyone gives you that foodie heaven trip. I am an extremely big fan of this sweet drink and have tried it almost in every single Indian village, town, city, highway that I have visited and where it was available.



There are a few that have left a long lasting effect on me. They are:

1) The simple, but fresh and thick lassi served with no sugar early in the morning on the small bylanes of Amritsar old city. It one of the top Amritsar food experiences and is definitely my favorite for its sheer simplicity, texture and taste.

2) The divinely creamy and thick Elaichi and pista lassi of Shri Mishrilal hotel at Ghanta Ghar, Jodhpur. This lassi is literally like ice-cream and is to be had with a spoon. Goes extremely well with spicy chilli bajji and kachori. A great breakfast idea in the blue city of Jodhpur and a hot favorite for those who like their lassi rich and creamy.

3) A fresh glass of thick lassi served with malai at the iconic Lassiwala of Jaipur, one of the top foodie experiences of Jaipur.  This lassi is not as rich as the Jodhpur one, but still packs quite a punch.

4) The lassi available on the highway dhabas in Delhi, Punjab and Haryana who have their own cows. This fresh lassi goes so well with the traditional Punjabi food that these dhabas dish out.



Well, these are my favorite places to have the best lassi experience in India. I would love to hear your lassi experiences so that I can try them out when I visit that place next. Let’s share this love for lassi!

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6 Tips to take the Best Instagram Photos

Travel photography seems to be the rage on Instagram these days and the photos are so amazing that they tempt us to visit the destination portrayed in the photo. Have you wondered how the photos come out so vibrant and appealing? Well, as a travel photographer, I have figured out my own techniques to capture the best moments and these tips and tricks can help you take those eye-popping Instagram pictures.



I have prepared these tips keeping the pink city of Jaipur in mind, but these handy tips and tricks can pretty much be applied to all locations in India if not the world over.

1) Make use of the golden hours



A couple of hours during sunrise and sunset is what the photographers refer to as the golden hours. If you make a habit of getting up early, you will be able to make use of the soft color tones during these times. Not only do you get some of the best light during this moment, but you will also be able to see action that regular people miss. This is also the time to capture that mist, fog, dew drops, first rays of the sun, golden hues of the setting sun, frenetic activity of the starting day and so much more.

2) Engage in a conversation with the locals



Candid portraits and street scenes are a great way to get to know the destination. But, if you wish to make a solid connection, engage in a conversation with the locals, get to know them, ask for their permission and pretty much get invited into their comfort zone or homes. Not only do you get a solid personal story, but you bring some some amazing portraits and stunning frames.



In the case of Jaipur, get to know about the iconic Rajasthani moustache, their colorful turbans, their delicious cuisine, their festivals, their language, their culture and so much more.

3) Explore the local hangouts


The best Instagram photos don’t necessarily come at the top tourist attractions, but at the places that are frequented by locals. In Jaipur, it is the markets, temples, lake sides and forts that attract the most locals who dazzle with their colorful attire and interesting mannerisms. For other cities, local hangouts could be bus or train stations, local bazaars, vegetable and flower markets, street business hubs, gardens or parks among others.

4) Keep a track of happening local events and festivals



We all know how colorful our Indian festivals are! Add to it performances by local troupes portraying their culture and you have a cultural photography extravaganza. Before you reach a destination, do some background research for such events and festivals and if time permits, do try and experience these events and festivals up close and in real.

5) Hit the local eating joints



Food is an integral part of Rajasthan’s culture and appeal. Personally, I would visit Jaipur simply for its lip smacking food. Starting from the iconic lassi to the famous Rajasthani Thali and from the mawa kachori to the ghewar dessert, not only is the food in Jaipur a gastronomic high, but these drinks, dishes and servings in traditional plates, glasses and other crockery make for fantastic photographs. If you want a win-win tip, hit the local eating joints and go home with a happy stomach and a camera full of yummy food pictures.

6) Check out trending destination hashtags and popular Instagram accounts



While it is certainly a lot of fun to discover the destination on your own, it requires a lot of time and effort and not everyone can afford that. Hence, for that quick boost, I would recommend checking the popular hashtags for a destination on Instagram along with popular destination related Instagram accounts. This way, you can check out the photo feed and select pictures that you would like to re-create or experiences that you would like to have for yourself. And when in doubt, you can always drop the owner of the Instagram account for tips and suggestions. You might also get lucky and get invited to a fantastic photography opportunity.



I hope these tips and tricks makes your travel and travel photography experience a richer one. For more ideas, look up Expedia’s pet Instagram project where in they have created an Insta Guide to India. This guide which has been built in collaboration with popular travel photographers allows you to see and learn about some of the best spots to click those super attractive Instagram photos. I too have collaborated on this project with Expedia and you can see my suggestions for the pink city of Jaipur all complete with quick details and colorful pictures.

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Jaipur: The Best Place to begin your India Sojourn

Rajasthan, a name synonymous with opulence, palaces, forts, rich Indian weddings, razzmatazz, rich culture, colour and delicious food is popular the world over. In all probability, it is one of the one of the first locations from where foreign travelers begin their India journey. And what better place to start this India sojourn than Jaipur, the Pink city and the capital of the state of Rajasthan where glitterati, rich culture, luxury palace hotels, mighty forts and much more roll into one.

Named after Maharaja Jai Singh ji, Jaipur was established in the year 1762. More or less equidistant from both Delhi and Agra, Jaipur is hot on the tourist map. It’s low cost international airport hub, excellent rail and road connectivity gives it great access. This excellent access also serves as a great getaway to other attractions of Rajasthan, such as Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Pushkar, Bikaner, Ranakpur and may more. It is here in Jaipur that tourists from all over the world flock to witness the beauty of the landscapes where the forts stand tall depicting the glory and valor of Indian Maharajas. As for the hotels in Jaipur, they offer world-class accommodation that fits every class of traveler.

Places to Visit in Jaipur

City Palace



Maharaja Jai Singh consulted renowned architects and considered architecture textbooks before laying out the plan of this vast city. The lavishness of the royal families is clearly visible in the City Palace, which includes the premises of Mubarak Mahal and Chandra Mahal inside its boundary. Its museum depicts the opulence of the 18^thcentury rulers of this golden land and the constructions reflect the effect of Mughal architecture.

Hawa Mahal



This iconic structure is one of the most admired tourist locations in Jaipur. The main feature of the Mahal are the high-screen walls specially designed for the royal ladies to watch the market proceedings without being spotted by the men.

Amber Fort



It comprises an elegant example of a hill fort. While it construction depicts the Hindu architecture, the cobblestoned paths and huge ramparts follow the Maota Lake. The beautiful views of the highland along with the fort beside a lake are priceless.

Jantar Mantar



This architecture marvel is the conglomeration of 19 astronomical erections constructed according to the celestial coordinate system. This UNESCO heritage site has the largest sundial in the world. The then highly advanced patrons of astronomy measured time predicted eclipses and tracked locations of famous stars in the galaxy.

Nahargarh Fort



Situated right on the brim of the Aravalli Hills it is among the most visited sites in Jaipur. If you want to witness the beauty of the entire city from an admirable height, then this fort is the right place to go.

Jal Mahal



Another world-famous site to visit in this city is Jal Mahal. The iconic fort is situated right at the center of the Man Sagar Lake. The palace is made of red stones and the majority of its construction is under water. The entire structure along with the renovation of the water body was done in the 18^th century.

Man Sagar Lake

It is a great example of artificial lakes in India. The panoramic views of the dam built across the Dharbawati River will be an ultimate experience for the tourists.

Mesmeric Museums

The Jaigarh Fort, which was built to safeguard Amber Fort, stretches up to 3 km and features a museum. It displays the contemporary artefacts used by the royal families. For the history and art buffs, Albert Hall Museum is another ideal place to visit and enjoy the displays. Jawahar Kala Kendra also displays art, architecture and culture-related collections. It was built by the government to preserve the age-old Rajasthani arts.

Temples

If you are looking for a religious tour, then you must visit Govind Dev Ji Temple, Birla Mandir, and Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple. The hotels in Jaipur that are situated near the locations will be convenient options for accommodation to stay and enjoy all the nearest tourist locations at once.

Gardens and Zoo

The flora and fauna admirers will enjoy the glimpse of varieties of animals in the Jaipur Zoo. Ram Niwas Garden, on the other hand, is a great place to enjoy the serene environment in the lap of nature. Central Park, on the other hand, is the largest green space in Jaipur that has stone statues and jogging paths. Big trees in the lush green sprawling lawns offer ecstatic natural views. If you want an all-in-one package of a palace in a garden surrounded by hills, then Sisodiya Rani Bagh is the place. Kanak Vrindavan is a garden on a valley that leads to Amer Fort and is surrounded by Aravalli Hills.

The charisma of the city compels the tourists to come back and enjoy the elegant forts and natural landscapes all over again. The royal architecture and the rich artistic culture will surely provide a never before experience, while you ensure a comfortable stay in any of the friendly hotel properties in Jaipur that span a whole range of genres and budgets.

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Narendra Bhawan: Regal Address for your Bikaner Holiday

To stay in a palace or a king’s ex-residence on your holiday is quite something, but to be actually treated like a king…now, that’s something I call a ‘WOWIE’ experience! Such a regal experience can be found at Narendra Bhawan, a grand residence of the last reigning Maharaja of Bikaner, Narendra Singhji. I stayed at this royal home turned hotel property recently on a trip to offbeat Bikaner, a hidden gem of Rajasthan and the experience was so pleasant that I cannot stop raving about it. 



My stay at Narendra Bhawan lasted 4 amazing days and these are the various reasons why I love this place so much. May be, after reading this review, you might also be tempted to plan your own royal offbeat holiday to Narendra Bhawan and Bikaner.

Hospitality like no other



As a travel blogger, I get in and out of more hotels in a year than many do in a lifetime. While most properties are good, serve the purpose and provide value for money, it is only a select few that touch your heart and make you wish that every other hotel could emulate their quality. Narendra Bhawan is one such place that bowls you over with their heart-warming hospitality. Every single member of the Narendra Bhawan team breathe this hospitality mantra and make you feel comfortable, happy and at home while you are staying with them. Right from small things like remembering your name, your dietary preferences to actually ensuring that you are having a great holiday (not just a great stay), Narendra Bhawan does it all. I absolutely treasure all the conversations and interactions I have had with the Narendra Bhawan team. Now, that’s something right?

Tastefully Designed Contemporary Royal Home



What I like about Narendra Bhawan is how it portrays the stories of Maharaja Narendra Singhji’s life, his hobbies, his military background and travels and the past and present of Bikaner through various design elements. In a beautiful contemporary traditional fusion design, Narendra Bhawan brings this royal past to life. Right from the time you enter the verandah lounge area that has been influenced by the Bombay Art Deco movement to the time you enter the rooms that mirror India’s past and present, each nook and corner of Narendra Bhawan has a story to tell.



This royal home is not only perfect for a romantic getaway to exquisite Bikaner, but ideal for those intimate family gatherings like baby showers, key birthday or anniversary celebrations or even a cosy wedding. With about 80 tastefully designed luxury rooms, a central courtyard emblematic of a Royal Bikaner, a fantastic kitchen that provides you a slice of heaven with every bite you eat, exquisitely themed dining and drawing rooms and a state of the art spa, your intimate family gathering will have its own royal story to tell.

Enchanting Curated Experiences and Explorations



Like the popular adage goes…It is not about the destination, but the journey! Narendra Bhawan Bikaner helps you make that journey special through its curated experiences and explorations. How about watching the sun go down while sipping a drink in the middle of the Bikaner desert? Or how about a resplendent dinner served at the Ratadai Talai on full moon nights? Or may be, a chaperoned exploration of the ancient merchant trail of Bikaner, its royal legacy and its rich temples? Each one of these experiences are bound to dazzle. I can vouch for it from personal experience. These are the ones that I opted for, but Narendra Bhawan offers more of these unique curated experiences.

Regal Culinary Experience



Food is an integral part of my travels and it seems like it is an important element of Narendra Bhawan too. No wonder we became thick as friends. Right from the freshly brewed coffee, puddings and pies, toffees and rum balls of the Mad Hatter Bake House to the lip smacking Marwari, Indian and continental foods that come out of the swivelling kitchen doors of Narendra Bhawan, you are bound to eat like a king. It would be hard to pick any favorites as each and every single of their culinary creations are bound to delight. Their specialty desserts and well stocked international quality bar are just the icing on the cake.

Very Affordable


Now, you might all be thinking that it will cost you a bomb to stay at this regal residence. That’s where you are mistaken. Narendra Bhawan is surprisingly very easy on your wallet. With rooms starting in the range of INR 6000 to 7000, a lot more of us can call make this our regal address for our Bikaneri holiday. And that’s not it. They do throw in off season discounts from time to time. May be, all the more reason to take your entire extended family with you!

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10 Iconic Vegetarian Food Joints of Jaipur

Don’t visit the pink city of Jaipur just for its iconic Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, Amer Fort and other forts and palaces, but also for its sumptuous food. When I think of food in Jaipur, I think of iconic ghewar, thick creamy lassi, hot piping pyaz kachori, dal baati choorma, kulfi, gatte ki subzi, missi roti, bajra roti, lehsun chutney and so many more mouth watering dishes that can be had all through the day. So whether you are exploring the top attractions of Jaipur while eating your way through Jaipur heaven or you on a specific foodie trip to Jaipur, food is always on the top of things to do in Jaipur.



Here are a list of 10 iconic vegetarian food joints in Jaipur that offer a slice of heaven to all food lovers. Do make it a point to include some of these places in your itinerary on your next Jaipur holiday or even better if you experience all these places as part of a foodie trip to Jaipur.

Lassiwala

Lassi is possibly one of the most popular drinks of India. Even though it is most popular in the state of Punjab, I like the Lassi of Jaipur the best. And no better place to have it than iconic Lassiwala who started lassi operations way back in 1944. Served in earthen pots, this thick creamy yoghurt drink is a sure shot way to experience paradise.



Do note that there are a bunch of lassi shops on MI road just beside the original lassi wala. While all of them dish out these tasty yoghurt drinks, the original Jaipur lassi is to be had at the Lassiwala (1944 – Kishan Lal Govind Narian Agarwal).

Laxmi Misthan Bhandar or LMB



Popularly known as LMB, the Laxmi Misthan Bhandar is one of the best places in the city to taste the iconic Ghewar dessert. Known for its snacks and sweets, do remember to try out their Mawa Kachori and Mirchi bada. Most of the LMB chains have an in-house restaurant where you can try out the traditional Rajasthani Thali or the traditional Marwari Thali which includes the famous Dal Baati Choorma. Personally, I think they offer the perfect thali experience without the drama of a staged dance environment where the food is sub standard and the prices are exorbitant. If you wish to go a-la-carte, try out their Lehsun chutney, Govind Gatta, Kher Sangri and Rasmalai.

Niros

A slightly more upmarket restaurant, Niros is known for its food served in a rich environment. While it is not a pure vegetarian joint, they do serve delicious Indian, continental and Rajasthani cuisines. This is a perfect place to head to with your family for a long lunch. For all meat lovers, this place is famous for its Laal Maas.

Ramchandra Kulfi Bhandar



While the Faluda Kulfi at Bapu Nagar and Pandit Kulfi at Bhagwan Das road are the well known ones, I like the Ramchandra Kulfi Bhandar located on MI road. A simple road side stall, this place serves amazing kulfi and gajar ka halwa cooked in desi ghee. A true iconic street food joint of Jaipur!

Rawat Misthan Bhandar

Located near the bus stand (Sindhi Camp), the Rawat Misthan Bhandar, like its competitor, Laxmi Misthan Bhandar is known for its sweets and snacks. It’s specialty is the Pyaz Kachori, Ghewar and Mawa Kachori. Whether you are going for a traditional Halwayi breakfast or for an evening snack, Rawat is bound to offer you a lip-smacking experience.

Indian Coffee House

Masala chai is more the norm in Jaipur, but if you are a coffee lover, especially the traditional Indian filter coffee, head to Indian coffee house on MI road, a place with an old world rustic charm. And while you are sipping on the filter coffee, chomp into their famous cutlets, toasts, dosas or other snack items.

Falahaar

Extremely popular with locals for its iconic dishes of Sabudana Khichdi and Shrikhand, this food joint located in the Saraogi Mansion is known for its delicious treats and affordable prices. In addition to their iconic dishes, I liked their sabudana dahi vada and makkan lassi.

Jal Mahal Ice cream Parlor

If you feel like having ice cream in Jaipur, Jal Mahal Ice cream parlor is the place to go. Located right opposite the famous Lassiwala, Jal Mahal specilizes in all kinds of ice creams, especially sundaes. Their italian shakes, Ice cream pizzas and ice cream cakes are also extremely popular. And all this comes in so many flavors that it will take you multiple visits to try them all.

Purana Pandit Pav Bhaji

Another street food icon of Jaipur, the mobile cart of Pandit Pav Bhaji, located on JLN mark right opposite Birla Mandir is the place to head to for some of the most mouth watering Pav Bhajis of Jaipur. With rich dollops of butter, specially made Garlic chutney and very affordable prices, the pav bhaji here is supremely famous. Again, like lassiwala, there are a lot of phonies with the same name doing business, so when you head to the place, ask the locals for advice or head to the shop that has the most crowd.

Chawla’s PaniPuri and Nand’s Golgappa

Whenever you find a need to take a break while shopping on fashion street, head to Chawla’s PaniPuri or Nand’s Golgappa (located right opposite) for some mouth watering pani puri, golgappe, chat items and sweets.

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