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Top 8 Dishes of Goa You Should Treat Your Taste Buds

Perhaps a tropical climate has something to do with delicious food.

There is no other reason why Goa, probably the smallest state in India, has all this kind of attention. Leave alone the nightlife and incredible views, locals in this place have amazing cuisine styles. Nothing can be compared to the cultural food in this part of India.

Whether you go to the South or North of Goa, no one compromises on quality of food.  The fact that it is within the tropics, the locals have access to a variety of natural condiments and spices that you attribute to most of the repeat visits to the state.

Coconut, fish, vegetables, Seafood, meat, and rice are the most common ingredients for the Goan cuisine styles. Kokum is a distinguishing addition to food in Goa. It is used both as a vegetable and fruit.



I must admit it was difficult to come up with this list. There is no way to compare dishes in Goa; they are all unique with different tastes. Also, everyone has their preferences. Here are some of the best dishes I could not let them to slip by;

Goan Fish curry

fish curry

The sight of this curry alone will trigger your hormones. It has a delicious look and its taste is not anywhere near disappointing. It is best served with steamed rice. While fish curry can be mentioned as one, the Goan locals do not generalize anything.




Multiple varieties of fish are used in preparing the curry; it can be mackerel, Pomfret, or shark fish among others. This means a different taste depending on the fish. It is ready after hours. ( Read 20 Best Beaches To Visit In Goa and  Where to enjoy the nightlife in Goa )

Prawn Balchao

prawn curry

Let’s start with the surprising part, the delicacy can be stored for more than a month without any artificial preservatives. It is a combination of pickle blend of ingredients mixed with special spirit produced traditionally in Goa.

The dish is popularly served with boiled rice or bread, culturally known as “pav.” Most people confuse prawn balchao with prawn tickle; they have the same appearance on the plate but the flavor and taste are completely different.

 Fish Recheado

Goa will surprise you with a crispy and brown fish served with salad. The dish is prepared by stuffing recheado paste into Pomfret and fried with onions. The golden brown color is the focus on the experts in Goa.

In this part of India, it is not just about the taste and flavor but also the appearance on the plate. “Recheado” is a Portuguese word to mean stuffed. Make sure you taste this when you visit Goa next.

Chicken Xacuti

There are millions of ways chicken is prepared in Goa but most people go for Xacuti. It is best described when it is on your table because of the multiple spices. It is the most famous chicken dish in India with its origin in Goa.

While the spices are like the Punjabi curry powder components as well as the same elements used in Garam masala, Xacuti remains unique. The chicken is seasoned with poppy seeds and star anise.



Chicken cafreal

Whenever you are in Goa, make sure you ask for this chicken delicacy. It will be worth the trekking to a specific restaurant for this dish. It is a blend of Portuguese and Goan cuisine.

Besides the careful selection of pieces, the green spicy taste together with the artificial aroma from spices makes it a popular dish in Goa.

Pork Sorpotel

It is a common dish in all Catholic homes, especially during Christmas. The preparation style and whole inspiration are from Portuguese culture. It is served after the third or fourth day.

After the first day, it is warmed for a few minutes every day till the fourth day when it is ready for serving.

 Mussel Rawa Fry

Snacks in Goa cannot be compared to any other unhealthy foods around the world. It is a crispy dish seasoned with alcohol. The inside is tender and delicious. The outside is crispy.

While you can eat it directly after deep fry to feel the rawa butter, most of the locals prefer to add green chutney or tomato Ketchup for a more tasty bite. What a snack.




Caldeirada

Goa is closely linked to Portuguese culture hence inspiration of some of the unique cuisine styles. Caldeirada is one of the Portuguese inspired fish stews, which is a combination of several fish.

You don’t have to taste each fish differently; it is all in one plate. If you love variety in seafood, you will find ultimate joy and experience with this Goan dish. It is best served with Portuguese rolls.

Read Top 10 Thai Food Recipes

Read  17 Punjabi Dishes That You Must Try

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20 Best Beaches To Visit In Goa

goan beach

    1. The Baga beach

      Located in North Goa it is one the best beaches to visit in that region. The Baga beach has a high count in terms of the international tourists that the local ones. It has its brown sand stretched all over making it look beautifully pale.

    2. Candolim Beach

      Any foodies in here? Here it is what I call heaven for you guys, with an amazing stretch of restaurants with all sorts of tastes and food the Candolin welcomes the tourist with its beautiful atmosphere.

    3. Calangute Beach

      Planning the vacation with family, hit on the select button on Calangute. The most attractive and lovely beach to spend time with family and loved ones here one could build sand castles with their children, leave foot marks and embed the pleasant tweet-up of the sea and the sand.




      Calangute beach has a high reputation for the water sports present around such as Sailing, Wind Surfing, Parasailing, etc.

    4. Sinquerim Beach

      The beach is an attraction itself but the presence of Aguada fort add to the beauty and history of both the Sinquerim Beach and Goa. 

      Vagator Beach Being the host of the famous Sunburn festival and located in the north region of Goa, music recites in the aura of this beach. It is one of the most talked places in the country due to the musical events from 28 to 31st of December every year.

    5. Anjuna Beach

      If you are a shopping freak, then this the place for you. Go and explore the market which varies from all sort of items such as jewelry, ornaments, and clothes with the essence of different states such as Gujarat, Kashmir, etc in them. This beach is the best host of markets in Goa.

    6. Arambol Beach It is one of the soothing places in Goa which are somehow managed to remain intact to its natural beauty and vibe. If you love to live in small wooden cottages with a perfect ambiance the accommodation here is very easy and simple. Also, the beach has some amazing dance clubs so dancers have got it all to show off.

    7. Morjim Beach
      Also called Little Russia because of the Russian tourist in abundance, one could really try the Russian food available there. This beach is said to be the most peaceful beach where one could relax and spend the day just strolling under the sky alongside the sea and counting stars, watching the sky changing colors and relax.

    8. Ashwem beach
      One could find the French delicacies here being cooked by the vendors around the palm trees.

      One of the main sources of attraction is the Morjai Temple located a little inside the forest. One could rent a bicycle or a bike to go there.

    9. Mandrem Beach

      Being the uniqueness of this beach the white sand and gentle breeze makes this place stand out of the other beaches. Here you would find the long sky touching coconut palm trees, with the number of restaurants builds up of the bamboos and coconut palm. It is considered a calm beach.



  1. Colva beach

    Stretched to a distance of 2.4km the Colva beach is a renowned beach in South Goa. The white sand all around makes the beach look more adorable both glimmering in the daylight and twinkling in the night. The other attraction center than the white sand is the Menino Jesus Statue standing tall at the local church.

  2. Palolem beach

    Located in the region of Canacona it is considered to be In the top 10 list of beaches in Goa. It has a 1.5km stretch of powdery sand with some cute huts built upon. The lineup of the sea and the sand Herby is so enchanting. One could have fun doing kayaking which is also the major reason for tourist attractions to this place.

  3. Agonda Beach

    Some amazing views and beautiful atmosphere this beach is a true heaven for everyone and especially for the ones newly married or are in love. The aura here could make happen things automatically. Those little contacts, smiles, and those unshared feeling itself carve a way out. Agonda is considered to be in some of the dream places to be.

  4. Benaulim beach

    Famous for shopping, water sports and the beautiful golden sand the Benaulim is one of the favorite placed. The Golden sand enchants the visitors with the high palm trees adding to the beauty. There are a number of water sports presents such as skiing, snorkeling, paragliding, and windsurfing and etc.

  5. Bogmalo Beach

    Put it in the list of must visit places. The beauty of this place is the scenic beauty itself allured by the dolphins which could be easily spotted around in the sea. the food here is excellent and the restaurants here could set up a table at the beach for the candlelight dinners for your better experience.

  6. Majorda Beach

    Love for shopping, get to this place, considered as the best beach for all the leisure activities. Here you can show off your love for buying items and have all the junk food you can. The Majorda beach is also famous for the Christmas festival in Goa with lighten up roads and dressed up markets you could enjoy the music and atmosphere here.

  7. Butterfly Beach
    This beach is said to be the place where you would find a thousand butterflies. There would by butterflies all around the beach making you run after them as you did in your childhood.

  8. Cavelossim Beach Located in the south goa region this beach has a unique look due to the presence of lava black rocks and white sand, a combination of both make the beach look like a chess board. The main attraction to this place is the dolphins which could be easily spotted here and also water sports.


  9. Velsao Beach

    Located in Consua region and is situated a comfortable distance from the rest of overcrowded places. With the abundance of trees and rushing sea waves, one could have a perfect place for solitude.

  10. Arossim Beach
    Located in the beautiful place of Cansaulim, it is one of those places where the conversation with your loved ones will carve out a way to be discussed. The Carlo Menze art gallery is also the source of attraction here.

 

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Best Places To Visit In Kerala

Kerala is a special place regarded as God’s own country thanks to its unique destinations, which hold the attention of tourists from around the world. It is known for its numerous hill-stations, commercial cities, hamlets, backwaters, and many more features to explore.

Both natural and man-made and naturally beautiful places fill the landscape making it a paradise. The rest of the things seem inconsequential as it stands out of the rest with its beauty.

It is the place many tourists choose to make memorable vacations especially honeymoon and romantic getaways infrequently. Here are some of the best places to visit if you are in Kerala.




  • Alleppey – This is the Backwater Hot Spot

  • Bekal – Nothing Less Of paradise on earth

  • Guruvayur – A Spiritual Spot recommended by the locals

  • Idukki – The undeniable Gem Of Kerala

  • Kannur – The Picture Perfect Coastal Town with unique panoramic views.

  • Kasargod – A spacious and amazing coast for parties In Kerala

  • Kavvayi Backwaters – The Stunning Backwater Landscape for boat riding and all water sports

  • Kizhunna Beach – For Complete Solace filled with activities

  • Kovalam – For Some family Beach Fun and picnics

  • Kozhikode – For Authentic Malabar Cuisine

  • Kumarakom – considered the most Tranquil Place in Kerala

  • Kuttanad – this is the proud rice Bowl Of Kerala

  • Malappuram – this is the Vedic Islamic Philosophy Centre for learning

  • Munnar – Perfect For A Romantic Honeymoon

  • Munroe Island – designed for an Exciting Canal Cruise

  • Palakkad – A true and undisputable Nature’s Delight

  • Ponmudi – The Golden Peak of Kerala

  • Poovar – The Tropical Stay Paradise for lovers

  • Thekkady – For The Love Of Wild game and enthusiasts of the wonder of the world

  • Thrissur – Experience Rich Indian Cultural Heritage

  • Vagamon – Solitude is Guaranteed here

  • Varkala – among the most Scenic Seasides of Kerala

  • Wayanad – The Land Of Heavenly Trails for family fun

Here are a few of the best spots in detail;

  1. Alleppey

alleppey

This is the renowned palace of backwater splashes with lots of fun, serene environment, houseboats, and all you would expect by the waters. It tops the list of tourist destinations in Kerala because of its history.

It has expanses of paddy fields, quaint chapels, lakes with water lilies, fishing lakes, and many popular places to check out. Many tourist reviews are positive and give more than a reason to repeatedly visit Alleppey.

Perhaps the fascination of the locals with coconut and banana leaves in almost all their food is another phenomenon everyone wants to see again.

This is a good experience to revisit even if you have been here before. Unlike most other places, you will notice the cobbled pathways and clean roads making you feel unique even within India.



  1. Thekkady

This is home to most wildlife in India thanks to the efforts to the preservation of the forests and wild vegetation. You can find the near-extinct animals and the threatened species among the common ones.

The government is keen on preserving the unique species to attract more tourists and continue the generations. For example, rare tigers, gaurs, tailed macaques, and sambars are protected in the sanctuaries and natural habitats. Others include lions, deer, boars, and many elephants.

Most tourists love to see the great Indian tiger, which is also the most protected and favored animal in the Kerala national park. You can also engage in boating on the coastline as a favorite pastime activity here.

  1. Wayanad

wayanad

Wayanad means the land of paddy fields and is situated in Malayalam where you will find the greenest places. The beauty is undeniable by any visitor while the atmosphere is rich in culture and free.

You can spend time enjoying the man-made heritage items with a perfect mix of natural landscapes as the backdrop. You may not find a place richer with culture than Wayanad after experiencing their tribal traditions. There are small, unnamed waterfalls lining the city ruggedly but magnificently.

  1. Munnar

munnar

If you are looking for a perfect romantic honeymoon spot in all of India, they hilly stations of Kerala are one of the best places to visit. It was once the summer capital of the British thanks to its gradient and alignment of hills designed for tea farming.




To date, there are at least 80,000 miles of tea plantation, which is of equal measure of romantic vegetation and misty valleys. Here you will enjoy the cool weather and low-flying clouds making it the best places in Kerala for a honeymoon.

There are cute bungalows and cozy homes to lodge if you want the lavish lifestyle. It brings back the memories of colonial years to the local elderly population but is luxurious and beautiful to the rest of the tourists.

  1. Kumarakom

Kumarakom is located near Vembanad Lake where you can find silence and calm to enjoy a picnic. The background of alluring sceneries is undeniably pleasant to watch especially the flowers.

This is one of the loveliest places to visit because of a good mix of attractions. You can sample everything from backwaters, local delicacies, fresh air from the exotic flora and fauna, the friendly and affable Keralites, to an abundance of fresh coconuts.



Conclusion

Kerala is obviously a place you will want to visit more than once because you cannot find a single visit to satisfy. Choose the best season to visit and enjoy the best moments of Kerala without a hassle.

Read 20 Best Beaches To Visit In Goa

Read Best Things To Do In Thailand

 



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Top 10 things to do in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is an awesome place to be due to its busy nature, beautiful features and most importantly its peaceful atmosphere. It is located in the center of Nepal and it’s the most visited city in the country as a result of numerous buzzing and fun-catching activities that take place in the city.

It’s not enough to be in Kathmandu, the important thing is to explore the land, engage in some interesting activities, learn new things about their culture and taste their dishes amongst many other things. Talking of exploring the land, we have come up with a list of ten most exciting things to do during your stay in Kathmandu

Before the list is unveiled, it is important to let you know that a nose mask is highly needed in all your trips, this because the roads are somewhat dusty and unhealthy during hot weather conditions.

So much for the talk, here is the list of top 10 things to do in Kathmandu, Nepal:




Visit Swayambhu Temple and reach its top

Swayambhu temple is an ancient temple which has been in existence since the 16th century. Often called the “Monkey Temple”, Swayambhu is one of the oldest temples in the whole of Nepal. Irrespective of its age, the temple still remains strong, attractive and important to the people of Kathmandu.

It contains a massive 300 rock-hewn steps that lead to the top. Endeavor to get to the top of the temple as that will give you the opportunity to view the whole of Kathmandu Valley.

A walk around the temple is equally useful as that provides you the chance to see many monkeys and also learn what they represent in Kathmandu’s history

  1. Take a trip to Bhaktapur and explore the UNESCO World Heritage City

Traveling to Bhaktapur shouldn’t take long as it’s said to be a just 30 minutes journey — depending on your location and the flow of traffic. Bhaktapur is known as UNESCO World Heritage City and it is made up of many interesting areas including Nyatapola Temple, Taumadhi Square, Durban Square, and Dattatreya temple.

All of these mentioned outskirts deserve your attention as you won’t regret doing so. You could equally take a look at 55-window Palace and Pujari math. The most interesting thing is that you can trek around these areas because they are close to themselves.



  1. Pashupatinath Temple is a must-visit for you

Pashupatinath Temple is the most sacred temple — not just in Kathmandu but — in the whole of Nepal. It is equally the most visited temple in the country as a result of its sacred nature. Many Hindus across the world often come to the Pashupatinath temple during the Maha Shivaratri festival.

Meanwhile, entering into the temple will cost you some amount of money, but the enjoyment and knowledge you will derive are worth more than the price you pay.

  1. Stop at Ason and Mangal Bazaars for shopping

As a visitor, you will need to bargain a lot with sellers in this area because they tend to increase the prices of goods for non-indigene. Notwithstanding, they sell the best of products when it comes to food, spices, goodies, street foods and other chewable products that will make you feel more comfortable while exploring the land.

  1. Pay a visit to Thamel District

As much as it’s safer to visit the Thamsel district by cars, it is very beneficial to take a walk around the city. This is because you will have a full picture of how beautiful the city is. It is one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu because it renders you the opportunity to see beautiful parks and eateries such as the Garden of Dreams.

  1. Explore the Shivapuri National Park

Shivapuri National Park is another attractive place to go during your stay in the Asian country. Should you decide to have a break from experiencing day-to-day hustling life in the city, you’re recommended to visit the Shivapuri National Park because of you will see some interesting features like the trail that runs through Vistas and forest.

  1. Fly past Everest

Whenever you’re tired of hiking, you can decide to board a cheap plane that will take you around Mount Everest – the highest mountain in the world. Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines are the best companies who rendered such service to tourists and they are relatively cheap and reliable. Isn’t that awesome? This is one of the pleasures you derive for exploring Kathmandu.



  1. Taste Kathmandu’s cuisines

What’s the essence of being in a strange land and not feel the taste of their meal? This is why it’s important you go for Momo — a Nepalese favorite dish. Momo is a delicious dumpling you will surely ask for more whenever you have a bite of it.

  1. Explore the Boudhanath Stupa

This is one of the largest stupas in planet earth, and it will be a great privilege to explore Boudhanath Stupa. There are many shops around the stupa; hence, you can buy some materials for yourself.




  1. Explore Taleju Temple

Located at the northern side of the Durban square, Taleju Temple is a great place where many Hindus stay. It is not open to the public; however, you are privileged to enter due to the fact that you’re a tourist willing to learn about Nepal’s culture.

You can’t regret traveling to Kathmandu because of their more fun-filled activities to make you feel comfortable and lively.

Read 10 best things to do in Colombo

Read 10 best things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Read 10 Best Things To Do In Kathmandu

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Best Things To Do In Thailand

Thailand welcomes more tourist than any other country in Asia. Whether you are a backpacker or a luxury traveler Thailand has something for everyone. Earlier perception of a tourist visiting Thailand was that of a tourist going to indulge in naughty things. With time this perception has changed and tourist now views Thailand as a “value for money” destination which offers a great vacation which suits every flavors and taste.

From north to central to south people are amazed by the raw beauty of this magnificent country.  Here are some of the best things to do in Thailand.



1. Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kew

Royal Grand Palace is one common attraction every tourist visiting Thailand have. Once the home of the King of Thailand, the Grand Palace it also housed official government buildings and the Royal court. It’s the great treasure of Thailand which contains an awesome display of architecture and Thai heritage. Inside the same compound, you will also find Wat Phra Kaew, home of the Emerald Buddha, an ornate temple in Thailand.

2. Visit Wat Pho, The Temple of The Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho is a Buddhist Temple located in the Phra Nakhon District of Bangkok.  It is one of the biggest temple complexes in the city known for its giant  golden reclining Buddha statue which measures 46 meters long. Wat Pho is also known for its Wat Pho school of traditional massage.

3. Visit Wat Arun, The Temple of Dawn

Standing proudly overlooking the Chao Phraya  River is Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn.  It is a temple named after the Hindu God Aruna.  As the sun rises on Bangkok’s horizon in the early morning, Wat Arun shimmers in the light.  Evening views of Wat Arun are magnificent from the other side of the Chao Phraya River.  Wat Arun is one of my personal favorite temples in Bangkok due to its waterfront view and magnificent construction

4. Visit Khao San Road

Khao San Road is a road in the heart of Bangkok. This road is often referred to as the “backpacker’s heaven”. This road is open daily and mostly the action starts in the evening time. On both sides of the road, you will see a different kind of bands playing live music. This road becomes super crowded at times which makes it difficult for the tourist to move around. This road is open until the wee hours of the morning.

5.  Indulge in a Thai Massage

Thai massage is a dry massage a no oil or lubricant is applied on the body. In fact, your Thai massage is given over the dress you are given to wear before the massage. Thai massage can be a little painful for a first timer and if you do it frequently you will not feel the pain. Thai massage effectively touches the joints in the body which relaxes the body and improves blood circulation.




6. Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest markets in Bangkok. The market is active at the weekends. The market is divided into many sections ranging from clothing, handicrafts, ceramics, furniture, food and beverage, plants, arts, books, antiques and more.

7.  Visit Ayutthaya

The Ayutthaya  Kingdom was one of the prosperous Kingdom that existed from 1350 to 1767. It was, in fact, the second Thai empire after Sukhothai. Many wars were fought for four centuries between Sukhothai, Angkor and the Burmese. Finally, the whole Kingdom was destroyed by the Burmese and the Kingdom ceased to exist after 1767.  In present-day Thailand, only the ruins of Ayutthaya Kingdom remain. Ayutthaya City is now a World Heritage Site. Visit Ayutthaya is usually done in a day trip from Bangkok.

8. Visit the Thai Islands 

You will be glad to know that the islands in Thailand are the best islands in the region. A trip to Thailand is not complete if you haven’t visited an island. Visit the southern islands of Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi and you will see the beauty that lies there. Other than these islands there are islands like  Phi Phi island, James Bond island, Koh Lipe which may like to visit.

9. Visit Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai




Visit Hua Hin is one of the best things you can do in Thailand. Apart from Hua Hin, Chiang Mai is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Thailand. Bordering Chiang Mai is Chiang Rai which you can also visit.

Founded in 1262, Chiang Rai is a sleepy town in Northern Thailand. Although a small town, Chiang Rai is full of history and culture. 

Temples of Chiang Rai

Wat Rong Khun, White Temple

One temple that every tour guide will take you when you visit Chiang Rai is the white temple. This temple is a brain child of Thai visual artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. He brings a non-traditional approach to the temple architecture fusing elements of his own imagination with traditional Buddhist architecture. Every day thousands of tourist throng this temple  to get a glimpse of the unconventional piece of magnificent art.



Visit the Floating market 

Not too far from the city are Tailing Chan or Khlong Lot Mayom home of the floating markets in Bangkok. Another market Damnoen Saduak is located a bit father. Floating markets are a unique way of shopping in Thailand. You can hop on a long tail boat and see the sights as the local traders sell various items. As the market gets busy it is best to go to the market early morning.

Read 8 Movies to watch before visiting Thailand