Travelling has always been fun, from the days when I was
tiny and used to travel to my nani’s place in summer vacations with my family, till
today when I take de-stress holidays with my husband. But no matter which exotic
destination I choose to travel now, it would not match the childhood excitement
we used to have while travelling in a second class train compartment, digging
in every passing local snack, making new friends, be over joyous to meet
cousins, shop in local markets, gorge on the favourite roasted chicken and play
and sleep on the terrace together. Those days have carved a deep memory line in
my mind.
Today, given a chance I would like to travel with all those
people including my late mom and go to some place where time stops at that
moment and relive those sweet memories all over again.
But everyone says ‘Live in present’, and I too abide by it. So,
If I have to plan a trip in future, being a great food lover and food explorer,
I would like to book me and my husband on a 15 day coastal food tour of India
and let him wonder exactly what our destination is. A combination of food, travel
and exploration is what can create happy travellers like us. Here goes my trail
story………
My South India Food
Trail ….
Start off from our all-time favourite destination GOA, and make it a point to try a new
place for every meal, no repeat is the only rule. Sample the Indo-European
romance delicacies from local Goan Masala fish fry and Vindaloo, to Xacuti and
Balchao. Witness the Russians indulging in raw oysters plates after plates and
wonder if we should also try it. Truly there is no other place like Goa. One
place, endless experiences!
Saying bye to the ever welcoming Goa we would head to our
next stop, that is MANGALORE, which
is known for its Konkani food and pickles. What more motivation would we
foodies need. Following our rule, we take the highway, inquire with locals
about popular eating joints amongst them and start ordering the best on the
menu. Not to miss are the city’s coconut curries, neer dosas and variety of
fish, prawn and shrimp pickles. A great souvenir for friends back in Delhi.
After stuffing ourselves enough at Mangalore, we move on to KOCHI, the most famous coastal town of
Kerala. Pick up some fresh fishes, crabs and prawns from the local stinky fish
market, make a special request to the hotel chef to make something aunthentic Keralian
for us and what a treat it would be to have our handpicked sea food. Other
popular eateries of the town are awaiting us too, so move on to the next,
without missing the local street food at the beaches.
KOVALAM calling!
Moving on to another darling of Kerala, we head out straight to the neat
gorgeous beaches. Lay back sip some amazing fresh mocktails, bite on some
amazing fried fishes and go slow as the destination calls for a laid back
attitude. Relax, before the last luxurious meal in the city and say bye to the
God’s own Country ‘Kerala’and Hello to Tamil Nadu!
Though there are many awesome coastal destinations Tamil
Nadu also boasts off, PONDICHERRY retains
its position of being the beloved one. Unlike any other place in India,
Pondicherry is more of a French colony, so its cuisine also speaks similar
language. Mix is not only shown in it’s traditions and culture but also in the
food. Special Pondicherry masala Mackarel fry is not to be missed at all, along
with the authentic French and Vietnamese cuisine offered by many restaurants.
There is still a lot to explore here. Can we eat while trying the Yoga
positions at the Ashram too?
The whole idea of this food trail is like a cool breeze,
that goes as quickly as it comes. Our final destination – CHENNAI! Eat, Shop, Roam is our agenda. Take it easy and just soak
in the whole aroma South India has given us. Take back the exclusive flavours, this
part of the country has treated us with. We aimed for eating fresh and
authentic only and followed it religiously. Fly high back to our everyday dal
roti sabzi, with unlimited memories, delectable taste on tongue, a few Malayalam
and Tamil words on the tongue and unlimited photographs capturing our journey.
Many of us travel, but forget to travel with open minds to
be ready to live like the locals do and eat what the locals do. If you search
for butter chicken in Kerala and Goa, the whole point of travelling is lost. Go
out explore without any regrets coz Journey is the real Destination!
Yatra will help you plan your dream holiday or turn your holiday ideas into reality. Indulge in Travel. Travel On!
Yatra will help you plan your dream holiday or turn your holiday ideas into reality. Indulge in Travel. Travel On!
