A Tour of my city – Lucknow

I have been born and have spent a lot of my childhood in this city. It’s my hometown. While pondering over the thoughts of being home with dad and mom, I toured the city in my thoughts… What’s in it that I love it so much… Though it’s been years since I have left it for work and landed in this big wide metro…but still my heart lies there, where I saw my mom the last time, where I had biryanis and kebabs my dad made, where I fought with my brother and cousins in carom match, where I strolled around with my hostel friends. Memories are immense….. What would it be like if I be a tourist to my own city, a vacation in my hometown…!! I know Lucknow oozes historical interest, cultural delights, authentic and mouthwatering delicacies, chikankari designs and British blended monuments, it has got enough to keep you hooked to it for a few days.

Let’s make a checklist to see what are the 5 most interesting things this authentic and ethnic city of Nawabs offer :

1. Cultural Delight: You experience starts from the railway station itself, which portrays lucknow through its outstanding structure. Hire a cab and take a tour of the other famous monuments whose history will keep you equally amused as its architecture.. From Bada or Chhota Imambada to Rumi Darwaza to the Lucknow Museum ,Residency and the La Martiniere school (yes the schools is also worth seeing  **:-) **). The experience of walking through the Bhool Bhulaiya (Labyrinth) is incredible which keeps you wondering if it was the same floor you just walked through… 

2. Shopping: Even though lucknow shopping is transforming itself to big retail shops but it’s the authentic traditional way of shopping that still attracts the visitors. The city inspite of its politeness, mujras and shayaris, it was also famous for its shopping experience. The major markets of Chawk, nakhas, aminabad, nishatganj, hazratganj still gives you the flavor of Lucknow’s old charm. Must pick is a kurta, suit or sari in chikankari (exquisite shadow-work embroidery on fine muslin cloth) which is an art in itself.

3. Cuisine…. YUMMM:  When in lucknow, you might forget all the diets of the world and wish for a bigger stomach. It all started ages back with the Nawabs who lived to eat. Fill you palatte with different tastes, start from tundey or kakori kebabs with Awadhi paratha, Dumpukht biryani, nihari with naan or sheermal, roasted chicken, murgh achari or kali mirch and end with phirni, shahi tukra and kulfi faluda… am still not satisfied with my list, I want to go on… trust me there is lot more…. the chaat of aminabad is to die for and that paan of hazratganj is too tempting to resist.

4. Parks and gardens: For that naturalist or adventurist inside your visit the colour loaded gardens and parks of lucknow and mind you these too have history behind them. The nawabs that lived here left a heritage of parks for the city to boast of. Located in the heart of city, Begum hazrat mehal park that has witnessed many dusshehra celebrations but now a walkers paradise. When fountains go up and lights turn on, it’s sight is a feast for eyes. Buddha and Hathi parks are the ones where kids attraction lies …(I too have spent many summer evening there with parents, captured in photo memories now), though one of my favourites have been kukrail picnic spot, which is also a crocodile and gariyal conservation centre, a great choice to spend a day in nature.

5. Tonga ride & Ghazals:  How about ditching the hired cab while coming back from the historical tour of old lucknow, instead get on a Tonga, a horse carriage for a ride of lifetime, start from old lucknow to the heart of the city, a fantastic experience. As the sun sets and you get down of the tonga thinking you have seen it all now, but no, there is lot more. Walk in to an authentic Awadhi restaurant, lots of them have special ghazal evenings for the guest. Some soulful live ghazals and mouth melting kebabs with delicious kormas truly make for the best evening.

 Hope I have tempted you enough to choose this city for you next visit and a promise of an incredible experience follows. Best time to visit my town is winter months, so pack your bags and get set and go!!!

** Smiles smiles ***

PS: (Caution – Avoid the boastful posters with Mayawati’s full size photographs.)

Incredible INDIAAAAHHH !

Living in a country like India is an everyday cultural extravaganza… from taking a rickshaw ride to work or having gol gappas on the street, or being a part of a big fat Indian wedding…every  road and every rock in India tells us a story! Only a few places in the world can match the enigma that is India. Take some old treasured history, dip it in rich architecture and splendid natural beauty, mix it with lots of traditions and cultures, add some pinches of art, spiritualism and wild and now add a paste of age old practices and modern science garnish all this with lots of colours and vibrance, what you get is simply India! It truly  fascinates, as one of the most rewarding dramas on the earth!

Even though I had grown up in this colourful land but its uniqueness never strike me the way it does now, after spending 3 years of my work life in the Indian travel Industry. Travelling to India or travelling within India, both has its own charm. Travel is not a thing of only rich people now, India is developing not only in terms of visual development but also development of the mindset. Today people set aside an annual family vacation fund. (WoOoWW!!) Vacations are now like a new form of meditation, where you relax and come back to the real world with a new zeal. Moreover if it’s a country like India, then nothing better… what say Indians!

From snowcapped Himalayas to lantern lit villages to ultra modern metros to gorgeous beaches and an unforgettable history… India is a blessing for its traveler. The contrast is such that it becomes an inspiration--- Picture the scenes below and you can visualize the bamboozling land of India….

A train of camels in Jaisalmer vs houseboat taxis in Allepey

Breakfast in Udaipur with a lakeview vs lunch in the wilderness of Ranthambore

The sun worshipper of Varanasi Ghats vs the Sun kissed Goan beaches

Adventures of rough himalayas vs the smooth luxury of Jaipur

 The unique display of love at Khajuraho vs the martial art style of Kochi

Meditation in peaceful Ladakh Vs shopping in the bustling city of Delhi

 Royal forts vs Rustic Villages

Thrilling Rafting at Ganges vs the Serenity of TAJ!

India will showcase itself at every corner and in every Indian…. It will enthrall you, mesmerize you, captivate you leaving you hypnotized by its charm….no other word can capture the true essence of this country but INCREDIBLE! 

Chilli breeze - A world of freelance Writing!

Recently, out of my habit of surfing through net, i came accross this spicingly soothing name- ChilliBreeze that cought my attention. And after reading a few articles on the websites, i couldnt stop myself from being a part of this world. I had always wanted to try my writing skills for freelancing and here I am, now a part of this freelancing world  of Indian writers. Click here to read my published article on chillibreeze.

The Mango Nostalgia

The Mango Nostalgia !

Today, on my way to work, I saw a tiny kid sitting on the edge of his door and fully indulged in the thing in his hands.. not to my surprise, it’s every kids love during summers – Mango… Since then I noticed every shop and thela selling these gorgeous fruit.

With mangoes now being sold at every nook and corner, it’s quite difficult to resist them even though they are priced at above Rs 100/ kg.. not just a mere fruit but I consider it as a part of life. A sight of these yellow gorgeous things gives my nerves a nostalgia buzz. My childhood with kid brother, cousins, mom dad at nani’s or dadi’s place comes flashing right infront of my eyes… Mango dreams fills my heart with reminders of childhood..  the joyful swings, the tiny buckets full, licking the dripping juice of this luscious fruits flowing along our tiny bare arms, climbing the trees.. hiding the mangoes in the trunks… Mom’s scolding to get away from the bed and sofa….what not.. it was truly a craze !!! moreover , the precious moment when there was no tension of controlling the diet and thus no control on the urge for this super tasty and much awaited fruit….

Mangoes and summer holidays are a true match .. made for each other.  Guess our schools then used to close, to give us time to indulge in this once an year craze !!! :D  those innocent days of life, when the only thing in mind was to grab handful of mangoes and take in every bit of it without any interruptions. Sometimes it was Mom’s surprize mango icecream  in the fridge and sometimes it was that yummy mango chutney with dal chawal.. What a  divine feeling it was! I sooo want to go back to those time.. this time I won’t mind those scoldings by mom too, I won’t mind our agreements of finishing the homework to get mangoes as prize… atleast will have my mom with me wearing that beautiful smile and holding the basket of mangoes.
To refill the senses .. Now … is a new life, a new hope.. am ready to create more beautiful memories, the days of youth.. in each other’s arms.. A plate of mangoes in hand and a mild mango fragrance in the air… me thinking- What’s more indulging ?? 


In a way, Indian summers are synonymous with mangoes and I can bet, that every Indian will have a life story linked to it. If not… go grab this luscious fruit and with every drip of juice, the memories will come floating in your mind ! 


HAPPY MANGOEING to ALL!

World Cup is with us now !!!

We WON !!! We WON !!! Finallly We WON!!!!

First in my lifetime atleast.

Way to go Indian Team… Indiaaaaaa Indiaa !!!! Indiaaaaa India!!!

Biryanilicious !!!

Biryanilicious !!!

Chicken Biryani is my fav since childhood, a dish my dad cooks awesomest… When it comes to food, I can say biryani was my first crush and i always wanted to cook it for my honey the way mom used to.... last week for the first time I tried my hands on it… and guess what, it turned out great!!!! Not as good as my dad’s / mom's but will reach that level in a few more trials.

Me, my M, my S &M ….. we all had great fun having the lavish dinner. More than the dinner I loved the praise that I got for it.. lol :D its given me enough motivation to try more new things. 
My second crush in food now a days is MOMOs..... :D so get ready guys ........ YUMMMM !!!

Incredible is the Word !!!!

Incredible… There is simply no other word that convincingly captures magical India. The country can sideswipe you with its enigma, vibrance, warmth and hospitality. From its breathtaking landscape to the intricate architecture, snow clad mountains to sun kissed beaches, marvelous temples to fascinating festivals and rustic villages to ultra-modern metro cities, it’s hardly surprising that it was ranked amongst the Numero Uno destinations by CondeNast Traveller.

The country is set apart from the rest of Asia by the Himalayas, the highest, youngest and still evolving mountain chain on the planet and is home to more than one billion people. The subcontinent bustles with a harmonious blend of cultural diversity, which appears to be an indulging cocktail for a traveller. India has something to offer every traveller!                                  

An Indian journey is one of aesthetic ecstasy, through the bygone eras of history that unfolds magnificently in its sculptures, stupas and temples which are not just monuments but also cultural centres showcasing the spiritual and secular significance of the country.

Being the world's largest democracy and one of the fastest developing economies of the world, India has some of the most intricate and interesting traditions and customs on earth. The many facets of this country unite its diversity which are sure to surprise a visitor. Those seeking spiritual bliss, India is a true haven with a liberal sprinkling of pilgrimages sites - great seers, masters and incarnations were born here. For the history and culture buffs ancient India presents its grandeur that is manifested in its forts, museums, monuments, temples and quaint townships. The Adventure lovers can get their adrenaline pumping while trekking in the Himalayas, rafting on the gushing rivers, camping in the wild, desert safaris or simply enjoying the waters of the balmy beaches and nature walks.

India is the land of infinite beauty and home to rich diversity of wildlife, flora and fauna. The sight and sounds of a majestic elephant, a peacock’s dance, the stride of a camel, the roar of a tiger are unparalleled experiences in themselves. National parks and bird sanctuaries are a paradise for nature lovers and are a photographer’s delight!

The charm of the royal grandeur of India can grip any visitor with admiration. With many forts and palaces now converted into luxurious hotels, visitors can relive the glorious past first hand and feel royal as if they were the kings and queens of the bygone eras.   As you become royalty on your vacation either you ride an elephant into a grand courtyard, dine in the durbar halls, see live folk dancers perform, travel in vintage cars or stay in opulently furnished luxury, the delight is truly in every detail.

If that’s not all, there is food. Thought Indian cuisine begins and ends with curry? Truth is Indian cuisine is as diverse as its culture. Not only dishes, but also flavors, colors, methods of cooking to even the style of cutting and cooking changes as often as the landscape does. It offers an array of cuisine with exotic spices. North India is characterized by its thick, tasty gravies, naan, kebabs and authentic sweets while in south India Idli, sambhar, dosa are just the tip of iceberg because its variety is endless from Chettinad to Malabari. Similarly Western India is cosmopolitan in food habits from dhokla, farzan, vada pav to the world famous spicy sorpatel and vindaloo curries.

India is not only about history and culture but also well renowned for its science of Ayurveda. ‘Harmony is health’ believes this age old science. Treatments, for chronic ailments to rejuvenating the mind, body and soul, include Aromatic massages, Herbal Oil Massages, Milk baths, body scrubs and face and body wraps. Ayurveda is not just about medicinal value but a way of life that believes in the power of nature.

Travelling to India would also be incomplete without being a part of its colorful festivals and fairs. The rich cultural heritage of India attracts the world during the celebrations of important festivals like Holi, Onam, Durga Puja and Diwali. Observed with enthusiasm and gaiety, festivals are like gems ornamenting the crown of Indian Culture.

India is probably one of the only places in the world where people are not just hospitable but also open their hearts and homes and where strangers become family with just one smile. Truly incredible!

The Chaat Flavour!!!!!

It suddenly occurred to me when I turned to my older emails this morning, that it’s been more than two months since I got back from my last vacation (from Kasol, Himachal). Over the past few weeks, I have been busy enjoying my days with my family, friends and meeting work deadlines. As I sit back today, with a glass of juice in hand, it suddenly dawned on me that I have had quite eventful and experimental vacations with relation to food. And why not, I would have had it no other way.

For a food enthusiast like me, the cuisine of a region is as much to look forward to on a trip as the popular tourist attraction. So much so, that on many short trip, I have been known to cross out a few stops on my sightseeing itinerary only to accommodate a much important trip to the local restaurant or a village visit for food and new experiences.

Of the many things that were on my must-eat list during my trip, the few that undoubtedly sought my utmost attention were those that can be found at almost every nook and corner of the city. Ask anyone who has ever walked the streets of Indian metros, be it Delhi, Mumbai or Bangalore, and they will attest to the fact that no evening stroll is complete without making a stop at one of the many hawker stalls on the streets. Stall after stall and Street after street you’re greeted by pleasant smiling faces and tempting colors on the plates that urge you to come and give it a try.

Topped with spicy and tangy chutneys, yogurt and tons of other fixings, each plate creates a whole new experience in the mouth. Chaats are one of those purely addictive foods that I simply refuse to live without! Living outside the comfort of your home teaches you to adapt in ways you wouldn’t have imagined. And I am no different. Although I do miss the flavors of my favourite eateries in Lucknow but I don’t step back from trying those in different cities with their unique flavors. This is one delicacy which remains similar in look and feel but tastes different in different parts of the countries… like in Kolkata, Patna, Bhopal, Rajasthan, Himachal, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. 

One should give it a try at various places to understand the tastes of the people of that region and trust me you will not regret!!!! 

Ooops, ok my mouth is watery now, going to grab a golgappa aka puchka aka pani puri… :o)

Dont judge the book by its cover!

I don’t consider myself the most fashion-obsessed person. I browse trends and styles from time to time, but I don’t feel obliged to follow them. Fashion is only fun when I’m not stressing out every second about what I should wear. And I’m not a “fashion snob” either – I think people should chose comfort over current craze, and be left alone with what makes them happy.

Having said that, I think what we chose to wear makes a big difference, whether we realize it or not. When people look at the way I’m dressed, it’s a window into who I am. The styles, materials and colors I have on speak volumes to the people I meet. What I usually try to say with my outfit is, “I’m easygoing, but elegant and professional.” And I really think people see that in me.

What I wear also opens up doors of possibilities. On days when I wake up and get dressed – when I put on something I genuinely like and feel good in – my mood immediately changes. I feel energized and productive, and the people around me notice it, too. On days when I lounge around in my pajamas, I feel lazy. And sometimes, that’s ok; but only sometimes.

One of the biggest things in terms of fashion for me is the choice of colors. I used to be a cautious person, wearing blues and grays and other toned-down shades. But with the change in recent styles, I was inspired to branch out. I love bright colors now, and I feel confident and happy whenever I wear them.

Being conscious of what I wear and how I present myself to people is important to me. That saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” We say it because we DO judge books (and people) by their covers (clothes). It’s worthwhile to remember that there is more beyond the surface. But paying attention to what I wear is my way of saying, What’s beyond the surface is worth it, too?

I shed my inhibitions, my fears, I travelled light !!!

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
- Mark Twain

Since the time I was a school kid, just going around the ‘next bend’ on my bicycle or convincing friends to take a new route to home, I have always loved the adventure of travel – the unknown, something different, something new. And I feel the same way today…even though now the ‘next bend’ could be in another city or state. Since the time I got my first job, 1 thing I was sure of doing was TRAVEL and I have been extremely lucky to continuously feed my this passion for travel. But, why do I love it so much?

I love the excitement of it all–feeling like an explorer–discovering a new land, a new cuisine, new money and all the little challenges that go along with it. When I travel, I am more spontaneous and don’t live for the future or the past…just in the moment. Being impulsive and saying ‘yes’ to nearly everything is part of the fun.

I love the rush. Like those habitual runners to whom running gives them that extra boost they need to keep going. I get the same jolt from a day of travel to a new and undiscovered land (for me…not for all mankind) that I hadn’t planned to visit. Traveling seems to give me a near constant adrenaline rush and I can say, am addicted to this feeling. Traveling can be a challenge, but for me, a fun challenge that I enjoy conquering time and time again. Plus it sure beats having to vacuum, pay bills, or shop for toilet paper.

“…so many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day, to have a new and different sun.” -Chris McCandless – “Into the Wild”

Travel broadens your mind in so many ways. You meet new people, share new experiences, and let down your guard much more than when back at home caught up in the mundane day to day routine of life that we think is normal. I get to see how the world lives. I see the sun and smiles in Goa that go way beyond to what we see in travel brochures. I learn about the differences and embrace the similarities. Just because something is different does NOT mean it is wrong and in many cases it can even be better.

I love the logistics. I like landing in a new place and trying to figure it all out at that moment. Where to get money. How to go from point A to point B. How to pack my bag right. Well, okay, maybe I don’t love that mundane task, but I still figure it’s better than all the tedious chores I left back home when I decided to travel. It all actually becomes easier and easier as it goes and gives you the sense of confidence that you can do anything. If I can plop down in an airport and manage to get myself into the heart of town and find a place to stay, all the while, not getting ripped off and keep my sense of humor, then I am certainly not really worried about being able to go anywhere, anytime.

I love the simplicity of it all.

Everything you own is with you in one bag. You only have a few pairs of pants, skirts or t-shirts, so getting dressed each day is an easy task. The more we have, the more it seems to weigh us down. Your life isn’t complicated by all the nonsense that is back home. But, guess what? If you really need a new shirt or shoes…you can buy it wherever you are, may be you can find a new style too . I enjoy some love, laughter, and happiness too…but that’s free and takes up no space in my luggage.

I love meeting new people all the time. In no other time in my life have I met so many people. The world is full of friendly, generous people. Sure, every place has its share of nitwits too, but as a traveler, you seem much less likely to meet them. Since the nature of travel is to keep moving, these folks never become boring…because you simply don’t know them long enough to discover their flaws or get sick of them.

I love the freedom. I experience a great feeling of independence from traveling. I can go wherever I want, whenever I want. I can sleep in. I can stay out late. It’s all up to me.

Path from Holidaying to Vacationing my Life!!!!

I love the holidays. The nippy weather, smells of all that great food and the general merriment in the atmosphere as everyone celebrates in his or her own way. If i look back through the holidays i had, i can say I really had a great time!!!

One more thing that i notice are the changes I saw in the kind of holidays now and then !!!!

There were days when holidays meant summer or winter Vacations (i know they were VACATIONS but we never used to call them so... they were Holidays for us... from school, studies and routines) and lucknow (nani's house) with loads of masti. The anxious wait for the exams to get over, for the after days when we don have to get up early mornings and had mom's permission to sleep till late, watch tv and play video games for hours..... :>

Then a day used to arrive with tickets for a mutual plan of all cousins to gather in that 2 room nani's home with an amazing terrace, which even though sounds small to accomodate 5 families but for us it was a heaven of fun, excitement and maujjaaaa :D

Those days when tension meant only exam result, when apple and blackberry were just fruits and mango was to eat not wear !!!!! :D

Summers didnt mean heat but two full months of freedom and play (did i ever think of getting tanned that time .... noway!!). Shopping trip wasall about same clothes as my cousins (colors were different though hahaaa) and still fight over them later. Silly discussions and quarrels.... may be for hiding mangoes or muskmelon seeds (Ha haha )... Delicious meals didnt mean eating out, but scrumtious nani's mutton stew or mummy's murg musallam or aunt's (khalas and maamis) korma, dosas, kebabs and biryanis.... (wow i miss those times :( )

Times have surely changed... guess we have grown up too with new lives, new priorities and responsibilities with hardly few things to match that used to create that unmatched harmony.

Guess the right time to say "" Give me some sunshine, give me some rain, give me another chance I wanna grow up once again !!!!!!! """

Apparently, today the meaning of 'Holidays' have changed tooo and have become more of 'Vacations' with friends. Travelling, these days have become one of the best options to unwind from everyday's tensions.... Am not saying i do it just for that reason but infact i completely love visitin 'n exploring new places and cultures, it surely has become a hobby for me but this transformation in the meaning of holidaying amazes me !!!!!

After travelling to beautiful places accross my country, I feel vacations are all about knowing new people, freely roaming around, relish new delicacies, enjoy different weather, landscapes n culture and capture the moments in photographs to cherish them later, when this VACATION will change to something else !!!!!

To sum up this experience, i will only say LIFE MOVES ON !!!!!

Journey of Blogging

MOUVE MOMENTS --- About my thoughts, passion, love and Life. The journey starts today. Hope this step will enhance and showcase my creativity.  Look forward to using this space innovatively complimented with my passion for writing.

Happy Blogging

Shadan