Thursday, December 29, 2022

Places to Visit in Haryana, India

Traveler posing at a roadside stop in Kurukshetra, Haryana, during a visit to North India.
India, the seventh-largest country in the world by land area, is located in South Asia. It shares borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. The country is often divided into regions like South India  (KERALA TOURIST SPOTS) and North India. North India, located just northwest of Delhi, includes states such as Himachal Pradesh to the north, Uttar Pradesh to the east, Rajasthan to the south, and Haryana, which surrounds Delhi on three sides.

There are countless tourist spots to explore in North India. Even after multiple trips, you'll likely find there's still more to see and do. Most visitors arrive at the Delhi airport and from there take different routes to the various sightseeing destinations in North India. If you’re heading to Shimla, Kullu Manali, or Chandigarh, you’ll likely pass through Haryana, a state in North India that borders Delhi and is well-connected by road and train (TAJ MAHAL AGRA INDIA).

Monday, September 26, 2022

Easy Drumstick Egg Curry Recipe

Drumsticks and boiled eggs in a thick, spicy curry made with aromatic spices, yogurt, and curry leaves.
What a combination - drumsticks (moringa fruits or murungakkai sticks) and boiled eggs. All simmered in a spicy curry that tantalizes your taste buds with every mouthful, Aha! Is drumstick egg curry one of your favorites too? Maybe I shouldn’t assume, but this dish is truly a delight to your food senses. And the best part? You don’t need a million ingredients to whip it up. Budget-friendly cooking can be just as delicious, especially with yogurt enhancing the spices and elevating the curry’s flavors. Come on, let’s cook. 

Saturday, March 19, 2022

Shivan Panching & Sri Marathandavar Temples

While exploring sightseeing spots in Kuantan (KUANTAN COASTAL WONDERS) I discovered the Shivan Temple in Gua Charas Panching, which led to an unexpectedly profound journey. We parked at the base of the hill, where the ascent up a steep, uneven stairway tested our resolve. My friends, initially skeptical and grumbling about the difficulty, were reluctantly drawn onward by our determination to reach the temple. The drive to the foothill was equally challenging, with its bumpy, rocky terrain (VARANASI SACRED GANGES, MADURAI SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS, KERALA TEMPLE & KATAGARAMA TEMPLE). 

Thursday, March 17, 2022

Kuantan: Coastal Wonders and Tasty Eats

Visiting Kuantan (SULTAN AHMAD SHAH MOSQUE) is incomplete without exploring its stunning beaches, known for their mesmerizing natural beauty. These beaches are a favorite among Malaysians from various regions, especially during weekends, public holidays, and school breaks. They also attract tourists from around the globe.

With the beaches already on my mind, we made our way to one of these scenic spots. I can't pinpoint the exact location, as there were no signboards, but the experience was unforgettable. The blue waters were simply breathtaking, and just gazing at them felt incredibly fulfilling (KUALA PENYU TRANQUIL NATURE & CAPE TOWN NATURAL STUNNER).

Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque: An Unexpected Divine Encounter

I ended up in Kuantan. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, just a drive with no plans whatsoever, going with the flow. Actually, it was to break free from the mundane life and welcome something new. Landing in Kuantan, I checked into Vistana Kuantan (now known as AC Hotel Kuantan). The room was lovely, with nothing to fault. Next, I made a call to meet up with two friends who fetched me from the hotel, and we took a drive around Kuantan town before I chanced upon the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque (Masjid Negeri, Masjid Sultan Ahmad 1). 

Friday, February 11, 2022

Creamy Cucumber Yogurt Salad Recipe

A no-cook salad made with grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, yogurt, crushed black pepper, and salt.
Keep it uncomplicated in the kitchen, yet bold, tasty, and nutritious. Gone are the days when people spent hours cooking, except for specific occasions or individuals. For the rest of us, we want meals that are easy to put together. Wouldn’t you agree? Especially with takeaways and eating out trending. Yet, nothing comes close to the goodness of home-cooked meals.

Saturday, January 22, 2022

Best Saffron Rice - Turkish Style

Cooked rice made with chopped red onion, garlic, saffron strands, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Saffron strands are among the most expensive spices in the world. Their cost depends on the grading or quality and their country of origin. That said, nothing compares to the premium ones for their stronger aroma, richer flavor, and vibrant color. You only need a pinch or two for a dish like this Turkish-style saffron rice.

Friday, January 21, 2022

Kota Kinabalu, North Borneo: Unmasking Food and Business

During my stay in Kota Kinabalu, I decided to step out of the hotel (RANAU ECO-TOURISM GEMS) in search of breakfast. After walking a bit, I found myself at a humble halal kopitiam that seemed to call out to me. To my surprise, the breakfast spread was more like a lunch buffet, with a tempting array of dishes. I savored, lost in the enjoyment of the food, but I forgot to jot down the name of the place. Classic case of being caught between hunger and the chaos of a wandering mind!

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Things To Do in Sabah, Malaysia

Sabah, Malaysia’s second-largest state, is located on the northern tip of Borneo and is known for its unspoiled nature, from rich flora and fauna to highlands, beaches, jungles, and coastal towns. It easily wins the hearts of travellers from all over the world, especially nature lovers. With its cool weather and laid-back pace, there's much to discover and experience.

From landing in Kota Kinabalu to exploring places like Kuala Penyu and Kota Belud, don’t miss out on Ranau and Kundasang, two spots that should be on your travel checklist. Start in Ranau, then head up to Kundasang for the cool highlands experience (KOTA BELUD SABAH TRAVEL GUIDE).

Monday, January 17, 2022

Kota Belud Travel Guide, Sabah Malaysia

Indian lady holding a slender tree in a nature setting, Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia.
While Kuala Penyu (KUALA PENYU TRAVEL GUIDE) offers a quiet coastal escape, Kota Belud deserves equal attention on your Sabah itinerary. Located in the northwestern part of Sabah, it’s easily accessible whether you're travelling from Kuala Penyu (approximately a 2-hour drive via Putatan, Inanam, Suromboton, and Kampung Kobusak) or from Kota Kinabalu (about 1 hour via Inanam and Kg. Kelawat).

Along the drive, you’ll pass by small towns, rural stretches, and roadside stalls,  ideal for a short stop to enjoy local snacks or a meal before arriving in Kota Belud.

Saturday, January 15, 2022

Kuala Penyu, Sabah Travel Guide

ndian lady waving a scarf and posing in the shallow water at Sawangan Beach, Kuala Penyu, Sabah, Malaysia.
For those exploring Sabah, Kuala Penyu is often included as a quiet stop worth visiting. Sabah, fondly known as “The Land Below the Wind,” is all about nature, beaches, local life, and cultural heritage. While Kuala Penyu may not be packed with major attractions, it offers something many travellers crave, space to slow down and enjoy the moment (SURAKARTA INDONESIA TRAVEL).

Whether you're passing through or planning to stay overnight, Kuala Penyu, Sabah offers a peaceful escape. You can book a beach lodge, a simple villa, or a guesthouse near the coast. Even a short half-day visit is enough to appreciate the calm setting and laid-back atmosphere.

Penang Food: Indian-Muslim Food (Seberang Perai)

Indian-Muslim food, or Mamak food, is a key part of what to eat in Penang ( BEST THINGS TO DO IN PENANG ) Whether bold or subtly spiced, the...