Shimla, India - Things to Do

At an altitude of about 2,200 metres above sea level, Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh in northern India, is fondly known as The Queen of Hills. Also referred to as The Summer Capital of British India, it lies along the southwestern ranges of the Himalayas. This hill town in India is surrounded by valleys, mountains, greenery, and colourful flowers that brighten the hills through the seasons (HARYANA INDIA SACRED SITES). 

Still preserved from earlier times, the colonial-style buildings, narrow lanes, fresh air, and sunshine say it all about Shimla as one of the top hill stations in India. It remains a peaceful place, away from the rush of city life, where calmness and simplicity fill the days.

Haryana, India Sacred Sites

Incredible India often begins upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi, the primary gateway to other states and regions of India. Alternatively, travelers can arrive through other airports in the country to reach attractions in Kerala in the south, Rajasthan in the west, or the Himalayan regions in the north. Delhi is generally considered the main entry point and a gateway to North India (TAJ MAHAL, AGRA, INDIA). 

Haryana, India

Haryana is one of the top sites in North India, with its capital in Chandigarh. Haryana by itself has several cities and towns, such as Gurgaon (Gurugram), Faridabad, Panipat, and Kurukshetra. In this state of India, sightseeing spots range from Pinjore Gardens, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Morni Hills, Pehowa, and Panipat.

Egg Curry with Moringa

Eggs are a staple in many kitchens. Versatile, affordable, and packed with nutrients. They provide high-quality protein with all essential amino acids, vitamins (B12, B2, A, D, and choline), and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin for eye health. While moderation is recommended, eggs remain a go-to ingredient for quick and nutritious meals (CUMIN RICE: RICE-COOKER STYLE).

Moringa sticks, also known as drumsticks, were once considered humble “poor man’s food” but are now recognized as a superfood, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Only the inner seeds and flesh are edible, while the tough outer skin is discarded.

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). 

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). 

Cucumber Yogurt Salad Recipe

Time is the number one thing in current living. It’s time that decides if it’s cooking at home and the types of dishes cooked. Quick meals are generally the go-to, something related to easy recipes and simple cooking. Depending on what the meal is, a vegetable dish (QUICK CHINESE VEGETABLE STIR-FRY) is a must for the fiber, wellness, and healthy living. Furthermore, apart from the quick stir-fry vegetables, there are also salads. What can be a better salad recipe than the raw and no-cook salad?

Enter cucumber yogurt salad. Refreshing, healthy, minimalist, and made with common ingredients. Grated, sliced, or chopped cucumber with garlic, then tossed with yogurt, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

How to Make Saffron Rice

Homemade saffron rice isn’t something cooked regularly. It’s usually reserved for special occasions and celebrations. However, easy saffron rice can also be a treat for home dining (VEGETABLE KURMA CURRY).  The central ingredient is, of course, saffron strands. For Malaysians, saffron is imported and can be rather pricey, with flavor and price varying depending on the country of origin.

Over time, more choices have become available from Bangladesh, Iran, and Spain, with Iranian saffron being the most popular in Malaysia due to its affordability without compromising quality.