Travelzine

Kerala Cuisines: Best Kerala Dishes

If you love food then you must keep on checking different cuisines of different places, same with me. Whenever I do visit any particular place I make sure that I taste the unique food of that place which is not found elsewhere.

Now I am going to tell you about the unique delicious food of Kerala. Kerala is a state of India and located at the southern part of this country. It is covered by the Arabian Sea on the eastern side. Kerala is unique in many ways like for its food, backwaters, houseboat rides, eco tourism, its plush green vegetation, local unique culture, colorful festivals, and exotic beaches.

Sambhar

Last year when I was on a Kerala tour and visited different parts of Kerala, I still remember that whenever I went to outing I always tried to enjoy the local food which was really awesome. In local food which is worldwide famous for its unique and wonderful taste and really a very good treat for your taste buds is also served in many top restaurants in many countries including western countries worldwide.

The some of the cuisines of Kerala which is known for its wonderful flavor like Appam, Puttu, Idiypam, Idli, Dosa, etc are mostly taken as breakfast and served in the morning mostly, however it is up to your wish when you want to eat but all are very tasty.

The other wonderful dishes are Parippu[ a Dal i.e. pulse], Sambhar[ is soupy type dish cooked with pulses and some vegetables like brinjal, carrot, pumpkin, gourd, tomatoes, etc.] which is very delicious, Rasam[ a spicy sour soup made with different spices and tamarind, etc], Khichdi[made with rice, pulse, and different vegetables] is very yummy and is enough to bring water in your mouth, Chips[ made of Banana and jackfruit] which you can eat any time even while having tea, Avial [vegetables cooked in a paste of grated coconut, curd, spices, cumin and green chilly].

A Meal of Kerala

Generally, the Kerala cuisines are hot and spicy, fresh, aromatic, and flavored. As Kerala is a costal region and rice is the main staple crop of Kerala, thus local people thrive mostly on seafood [i.e. fish], coconut and rice hence they use rice, coconut and fishes in many different cuisines they prepare all over the Kerala.

Variety of dishes which are being served in Kerala are a result of the mixture of its local agricultural produce and its unique tradition; Coconuts and bananas have become an inseparable part of the variety of dishes of Kerala.

Payasam is a popular dessert dish of Kerala which is widely consumed all over the Kerala and is also loved by the tourists who visit this place. It is prepared by the coconut milk, brown molasses, spices, and later garnished by the pounded cashew nuts and raisins. Although there are different types of Payasams, like jackfruit payasam, lentil payasam and Bengal payasam. It is worth to taste all the payasam and you would like all that.

Idli and Doas are very famous not only in Kerala but all over the India as well as all over the world if you go to any Indian restaurant in any country you will find Idi, Dosa, Wada and Sambhar. Idli is prepared with the boiled rice and then crushed and moulded in the forms of small bowl size cakes. Wada is prepared by various pulses and is also like idli but a hole in the centre, and the Dosa is prepared with the mixture of rice, some pulses and then given a shape of big size chapatti by spreading the this paste over a large rectangular pan and then heated with some butter for some time so that it becomes rigid and look like a big chapatti. All these Idli, Wada and Dosa are served with the Sambhar and coconut sauce.

So if you haven’t been to Kerala so far and planning for a holiday in Kerala, then it is also wise to opt for a Kerala holiday package, and ask your tour operator to make sure that you visit all famous local restaurants and eating outlets, so that you can enjoy local food of Kerala.

Author is a travel consultant and has deep knowledge of India and is working with Hungry Bags, a tour providing company which is specialist for its Kerala holiday package and also provides packages for honeymoon in Kerala packages and family Kerala tour packages at very affordable prices.

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7 Cheap Holiday Destinations in Asia

India: Yes I will put this at first place in the list. In India you can enjoy your holidays at a very affordable cost. Everything be it accommodation, food, travel, etc is cheap here. Here you can even get a room in a small hotel for $8.00. But it is very necessary to have a guide or escorts with you otherwise the people of India would tend to fleece and dupe you. India you should visit Goa, Kerala, Shimla, Dalhousie, Dehradun, Kullu-Manali, Darjeeling, Nainital, Ranikhet, etc.

Thailand: This place is just ideal for any type of tourists at cheap cost. Here you can find wonderful cuisine, cheap accommodation, world class infrastructure, amazing scenic beauty, exotic beaches, dazzling mall, eye opening cities, and much more to explore. Here night life is also very popular in the Bangkok. Approximately 15 million tourists visit Thailand every year and it's worth noting there has been a big increase in female tourists since 2000, most attracted by the country's fantastic shopping, cuisine, health facilities and spas.

Nepal: As everybody knows that Nepal is a destination point for the tourist who just love trekking, mountaineering, hiking, and mountain sports. As this country is very affordable as well as it also has so much to explore like its unique culture, unique cuisines, and wonderful natural scenic beauty. This country borders India in its south and it is cheaper than India. If you are a adventure lover then this country has much for adventure and recreational activities.

China: Go to China! Like, Beijing or Qingdao. Things are pretty cheap in China if you convert everything to USD. 'd probably recommend mainland China (Beijing for sure). You can travel many destinations in China in very affordable cost. In China there are so many tourists place which you will love to visit, but just have look on any good China travel guide before travelling to this place so that you have a better idea of its geography and its best locations.

Bali and Lombok: Bali and Lombok are cheaper than other countries like Philippines which sound cheap but actually are not cheap when you travel there. Better to visit this country, it also has so much to explore for its visitors.

Sri Lanka: Situated south to India in the Indian Ocean this small country is also a good option for you if you are looking to budget holiday vacations. This small country has many attractions like wonderful beaches, wild life diversity, sanctuaries, national parks, dazzling cities, unique culture, tasty food, and so much to explore which you would like to. But be aware a little bit when going to its north and eastern areas as these areas sometimes remain politically and insurgency disturbed, so make sure everything is fine there before visiting that part.

Myanmar: This country has not been much explored by the visitors by one or some problems like lack of democratic government and political insurgency and militant dictatorship. But now the state has been opening its natural wealth to the visitors to explore its rich and unexplored culture and beauty to make this state visible on the map of world tourism this way this country would also grow and develop in some or many ways.

In Myanmar there are many good tourist destinations like Yangon, Mandalay, Inle, Bagan, etc. which are not costly but economic and within the budget. You can explore virgin jungles, wonderful beaches, splendid wildlife, and its unique and beautiful culture. Geographical this state is also much diversified as this state runs from the Andaman Nicobar Islands in Bay of Bengal right up to the eastern Himalayas. Here you can enjoy its exotic beaches; its plush green virgin jungles and can take a ride to its snow capped mountains in the north.

Author is associated with the leading travel company of Asia which is known for its best in budget Singapore holiday package, budget Singapore package tour, and tour packages to Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia, Dubai and other countries of Asia and other world class locations in the rest of the world.

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Kerala - Perfect Honeymoon Destination in India

India also emerged as a best honeymoon destination, beckoning thousands of tourists each year. Hungry Bags understands the demands of tourists planning for a honeymoon in India to make experiences which stay in their pleasant memories forever. Check out the honeymoon packages in India NOW!

A holiday in Thekkady, Kerala will introduce you to nature’s blessings in terms of beauty and tranquility. Thekkady is the ultimate tourist destination of Kerala that offers all kind of recreations. If thinking of a holiday here, check out some of the best Thekkady holiday packages and deals offered by many good travel companies here. Moreover, pleasant climate makes proves it to be an ideal destination for romantic couples who are on a honeymoon in Kerala. There are many hot spots in/around Thekkady, which are worth exploring.

There are some other wonderful holiday destinations in and around Thekkady, which are really worth visiting. So, don’t miss to discover this wonderful land when you are on a holiday in Kerala.

You shouldn’t miss Kottayam while traveling Kerala: Yes this beautiful town is surrounded by some of the most fertile scenery of Kerala. Green hills in the east and enchanting waterways to the west make Kottayam a paradise for nature lovers. The town itself is full of numerous entertainment options. So just don’t miss!!!

The amazing and beautiful backwaters of Kerala take people into a fantasy land that cannot be compared with anything else in the world. There are a number of backwater-infested destinations in Kerala like Kovalam, Kumarakom, Kollam, Kuttanad, Kasargod and Cochin that are simply worth visiting. The ubiquitous presence of lakes, canals and seas offer a great experience to tourists.

Kerala is one of the most beautiful tourist spots one can come across the world. Avid tourists and nature lovers from all over the world seek a holiday in Kerala with the dire wish of beholding the grand sight of these one-of-a-kind wonderful backwaters that this state has so magnificently preserved in its true pristine form.

Also consider climatic conditions while planning your Kerala tour in India:

· Being in proximity to equator, Kerala boasts a tropical climate.

· The state experience heavy rain through most of the year, and is among the wettest areas on the earth.

· Summer (From February to May) remains hot, and temperature can go as high as 35°C.

· As stated earlier, Monsoon (May to September) features heavy rain.

· Winter (from October to February) remains pleasant and witness a little bit cold.

· So, while planning your Kerala tour, don’t forget to consider the weather conditions in the state.

Cultural variations in Kerala are a real fascination for the travelers. From various dance forms to martial arts, and vocal & instrumental music to classic theatre arts, Kerala tour packages lets the tourists get through wonderful arts & cultures that will be nothing less than an enlightening experience. Local events & festivals in Kerala are also a perfect blend of grace and elegance.

For wildlife lovers, there are many wildlife parks and sanctuaries such as Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Tiger Reserve, and Wynad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala which visitors cannot afford to miss.

People on Kerala holidays also should not miss this exotic strip of Golden sand laced with lush greenery and tropical climate. Just 16km apart from the capital city of Kerala– Trivandrum, Kovalam is an ideal and perfect destination for the nature lovers and and the ones who sports enthusiasts. Beaches here are incredibly very beautiful, and offer a range of water sports to enjoy.

A lot of Kerala tour packages include houseboat rides of the backwaters as well. Kerala holiday package include visits to the ancient caves, sprawling tropical forests, spice plantations and savannahs. As Kerala has got all the ingredients of an idyllic romantic vacation place, travel companies offer carefully designed Kerala honeymoon packages for honeymoon in Kerala to give you unforgettable memories to treasure for life time. However, it’s always advised to buy such Kerala holiday package from a reliable source only.

I hope you would have enjoyed this article.
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Holiday Tips - Things to Consider Before Going on Holiday

10 Ultimate Tips for Overseas Holidays
10 Killer Tips for International Travel
Points to Consider Before Going on Holidays
10 Best Tips for Holidaying and Traveling

As most of the people love to spend some holidays in some different exotic locations in the world be it a adventure tour, be it a trekking in the forest, or roaming in a beautiful city. In today’s very tiring life we should get some time for ourselves and should enjoy the benefits of the holidays. There are some things which we should always keep in mind while going for a holiday anywhere in the world otherwise a holiday may also become a nightmare.

Here I am sharing some of the useful tips which I have come across with so far and found very useful. If we follow these traveling tips then any body can enjoy his or her holidays without any interruptions. So let us start:

The first most important thing while going on tour and travel is carrying proper documents with you like visa, passport and identity proofs, etc. So please do not be careless regarding these documents and always carry these with utmost care. So be ready with all your important documents or other things like traveler cheques, visa debit card, etc.

It is very necessary to have yourself covered with travel insurance. There are some good insurance companies which provide good insurance coverage at affordable cost during your tour and travel, thus who knows what miss happening may happen with anybody. So never ever go on tour without a travel insurance which covers any type of accident insurance, medical insurance, death insurance, and luggage theft insurance. So make sure to include the term of monetary assistance in case if your luggage or money is stolen.
Have enough food and water in your back pack so that in case if you do not get any food at any place then at least you would not sleep empty stomach that night. One day while traveling in an Indian city I got my wallet stolen in the morning and I did not have money at all to eat food or drink water. Thanks to my mother's advice who asked me to carry some food and water always with me otherwise that day I would have to travel with empty stomach.
If you have kids with you then it is better to put GPS navigator in their pockets as it has been seen many a times that kids get lost during the travel putting the parents in trouble. And also put important details with them like important phone numbers , addresses, some money, some food, Xerox of important papers if any, etc.

Carry proper medicine with you but after the consultation with your doctor. Sometimes medicines are needed so when in case of doctor’s absence it is useful, saves your money as well. Carry some bandages, cotton, anti-pyretic pills, paracetamol, medicine for cough, cold, vomiting, etc. Also consider a good antiseptic cream, mosquito repellent cream or spray, mosquito net if you are going to visit any remote like areas. If you are a couple or not still I would advice you always carry condoms with you. It is also advised to drink bottled water only as most of the diseases come through drinking water.
Before going to any place let yourself know about the climate and weather conditions of that particular place. For this you can ask your travel agent, or any of your friends who knows about that place. So that you can chose clothes to carry accordingly.
Take care of your health during your travel and holidays in other places. Do some searches in Google about the health precautions about that particular place so that you can be aware of any such risks if any and avoid them. Be very precautious about the hygiene and try to avoid having any food or beverages from any unhygienic place. A little bit of carelessness regarding hygiene may spoil your whole holiday and money and may turn into a nightmare.
Do all the bookings in advance like hotels, club, spa, cars, city tour, safari tour, or any other thing which can be booked online so that your time and money can be saved. You can also ask your tour operator to arrange for the passes to travel in the public transport buses or trains if such pass facilities are available there, as some country provides such facilities for the tourists. This way you can also tour the city without any problem at your own convenience.

Search the internet for more information about the places which you are going to visit so that you can get some extra information about that place which may be useful to you in any way. You can also search about the major attractions, any adventure sport, popular places for tourist, etc so that you can also consider these to include in your holiday.
You can also search internet for some good and cheap restaurant, bar, public park, any museum, club, etc near your hotel where you are going to stay so that during your stay you may also enjoy the specialty of that restaurant or club or whatever which is special there. It is also a good option to buy a tour guide about that particular place which would be very useful for you, and keep it with you during your traveling. Today lots of guides about different tourist places are available online as well and some good tour operator also provides them to their customers. Thus you may get some useful information like history and cultural information, eating out, sightseeing, transport, or any other useful practical information.
It is not wise to put all your clothes and your important items or any stuff in only one luggage case. If you are traveling with your family and carrying four cases then it is better not put all the clothes of one person in only one case but better to put some clothes of each person in each case, so that in case if you lose any case then everybody would have something to wear.
If you are going with a tour operator then keep one copy of the itinery with each family member so that in case if some body is lost then he or she would at least have some information about the next plan and may catch you there. I would also you to leave a copy of the itinery at your home so that in case of any emergency it would help your family members.

Have some electronic and emergency cool gadgets like gps device, camera, etc as in any emergency situation these gadgets may be very helpful.
We should also avoid to become the target of crime as it has been seen many times that some local thieves and other anti social elements tend to target tourists as it is easy for them to loot money from them. Thus do carry excessive amount of cash with you and do not wear jewelry, if you want then be aware of such elements. Do not accept any eatables or any other thing from the strangers at any cost as it is not safe. Never leave your luggage unattended even for few seconds as it may be possible some eyes are following you for any such chance.

If anybody follows all the tips listed above then I think he or she would not encounter any unwanted interruption or problem during the journey or their holiday. After we all go to enjoy our holidays then why we should let any unwanted problem in the way of our joy.

I have wrote this article with the help of Hungry Bags which is one of the most reputed and well-recognized travel agencies offering Singapore holiday packages, Singapore tour packages and exclusive tour package for Singapore in Asia and for many other exotic locations in rest of the world.

I hope you would have enjoyed this article.
Feel free to connect with me at Google+.