(This article first appeared online on 25th June 2024 on Live Mint, India https://www.livemint.com/mint-lounge/food/mumbai-koli-cuisine-food-walks-festivals-restaurants-11719248145962.html)
Showing posts with label MAHARASHTRA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MAHARASHTRA. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Pathare Prabhu Cuisine
(This article first appeared online on 22nd March 2023 in Mint Lounge, India https://lifestyle.livemint.com/food/discover/what-makes-pathare-prabhu-cuisine-mumbai-s-best-kept-secret-111679456746628.html)
Sunday, July 7, 2019
Rain Chasing…
Once again, it’s that time of the year
when the monsoons has us all under its aqueous spell. Raul Dias takes you to four Indian
states where the rains create pure magic!
By Raul Dias
There is something about India’s
monsoon season that has always generated vastly polarised opinions. You either
love it or you absolutely loathe it. There is no middle ground here. Luckily
for me, I’m a member of the former tribe. A tribe that has people like me wait
in fervent hope for the cooling rains after the brutality of an Indian summer
year after year. And while I can go on ad nauseum about the magic of the rains
and the smell of wet earth and the other assorted monsoon accoutrements, I’m
not so chuffed about wading through the muck and grime that all but covers my
home city of Mumbai from mid-June right through to the end of September.
So, to remedy that, for the last couple of years, I’ve made conscious efforts to see the monsoon magic from other perspectives. And that has entailed taking short breaks to places in India that truly bask in the glory of the rains.
Here’s my round up of the top states of India that celebrate the monsoons the way it was meant to be:
So, to remedy that, for the last couple of years, I’ve made conscious efforts to see the monsoon magic from other perspectives. And that has entailed taking short breaks to places in India that truly bask in the glory of the rains.
Here’s my round up of the top states of India that celebrate the monsoons the way it was meant to be:
Rajasthan
I might be courting controversy by starting off my list with a state like Rajasthan. But believe me, the magic of the rains has never been more alluring for me anywhere else than here. Udaipur is one place that springs to mind the fastest. A place that truly reflects its glorious past of the maharajas with umpteen number of palaces and beautiful lakes, Udaipur blossoms during the monsoons with a lush carpet of green spreading everywhere you look with its lakes brimming with their aqueous bounty.
With a gentle shower every now and then, the city of Pushkar too is another great option to enjoy the rains in Rajasthan. This beautiful and soothing side of Rajasthan is replete with all he tropes of beauty, be it waking up to the call of peacocks to early morning camel rides around town to sipping some warm kullad walla chai in the bazar. Pure, undiluted bliss!
I might be courting controversy by starting off my list with a state like Rajasthan. But believe me, the magic of the rains has never been more alluring for me anywhere else than here. Udaipur is one place that springs to mind the fastest. A place that truly reflects its glorious past of the maharajas with umpteen number of palaces and beautiful lakes, Udaipur blossoms during the monsoons with a lush carpet of green spreading everywhere you look with its lakes brimming with their aqueous bounty.
With a gentle shower every now and then, the city of Pushkar too is another great option to enjoy the rains in Rajasthan. This beautiful and soothing side of Rajasthan is replete with all he tropes of beauty, be it waking up to the call of peacocks to early morning camel rides around town to sipping some warm kullad walla chai in the bazar. Pure, undiluted bliss!
Meghalaya
No list about India’s monsoon havens could ever be complete without an ode to the state that has the word ‘monsoon’ written in big bold alphabets all over it. Why, even its name “Meghalaya” means “abode of the clouds”. Places like Cherrapunji and nearby Mawsynram have often been credited as being the wettest places on Earth, where the rains seep into (pun intended!) every part of life in these magical and misty towns.
The state capital of Shillong too is often considered one of the best places in India to visit during monsoons. Surrounded by the dew-covered Khasi and Jayanti hills which are adorned by numerous waterfalls, Shillong is always on my monsoon must-visit list.
No list about India’s monsoon havens could ever be complete without an ode to the state that has the word ‘monsoon’ written in big bold alphabets all over it. Why, even its name “Meghalaya” means “abode of the clouds”. Places like Cherrapunji and nearby Mawsynram have often been credited as being the wettest places on Earth, where the rains seep into (pun intended!) every part of life in these magical and misty towns.
The state capital of Shillong too is often considered one of the best places in India to visit during monsoons. Surrounded by the dew-covered Khasi and Jayanti hills which are adorned by numerous waterfalls, Shillong is always on my monsoon must-visit list.
Kerala
Though I may hear some of you shout “cliché!”, my rebuttal would be “what’s wrong with a little cliché every now and then?” It would be stating the obvious to say that the rains and Kerala go hand-in-hand, with enough written about the backwaters of Alappuzha and beaches like Kovalam that embody the season. But I prefer something a little different when in Kerala for the rains. Yes, I’m talking about hilly Munnar, that, for me, is God’s very own playground. With silvery mist, incredibly vast tea gardens, lush green hills, a romantic atmosphere and pleasant climate, this hill station is truly one of the most underrated places in Kerala during monsoons.
Still on the Kerala hill station trail, I truly believe that Wayanad is another gem of a place to visit during monsoons in all of South India. Interestingly, for the last couple of years, Wayanad has been hosting a special three-day monsoon festival called ‘Splash’ that celebrates the monsoons in Kerala the way it ought to be.
Though I may hear some of you shout “cliché!”, my rebuttal would be “what’s wrong with a little cliché every now and then?” It would be stating the obvious to say that the rains and Kerala go hand-in-hand, with enough written about the backwaters of Alappuzha and beaches like Kovalam that embody the season. But I prefer something a little different when in Kerala for the rains. Yes, I’m talking about hilly Munnar, that, for me, is God’s very own playground. With silvery mist, incredibly vast tea gardens, lush green hills, a romantic atmosphere and pleasant climate, this hill station is truly one of the most underrated places in Kerala during monsoons.
Still on the Kerala hill station trail, I truly believe that Wayanad is another gem of a place to visit during monsoons in all of South India. Interestingly, for the last couple of years, Wayanad has been hosting a special three-day monsoon festival called ‘Splash’ that celebrates the monsoons in Kerala the way it ought to be.
Maharashtra
I can’t possibly not wax eloquent about the monsoons and rural Maharashtra. The heady twosome that have a bond so very tight. Replete with attractions like the Kulaba Fort, Alibag Beach, Murud Beach and Khanderi, the Konkan coastal area close to Mumbai is a great escape from the city to start with. Known for its rich history, appetizing seafood, culture, and a plethora of cute and cozy homestays, Alibag is the best place to base oneself at for a week of uninterrupted monsoon bliss.
Situated in the Palani hills of Maharashtra’s Western Ghats, Lonavala is a great hill station destination to chase the rain. Offering everything from enchanting waterfalls, lakes and lush greenery and not to mention spectacular views of the ghats and hills, this quick getaway that lies exactly halfway between Mumbai and Pune makes for the perfect weekend monsoon jaunt.
(An edited version of this column first appeared in the 7th July 2019 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Weekend section on page 3 https://www.freepressjournal.in/travel/4-indian-states-and-the-magic-of-rain)
I can’t possibly not wax eloquent about the monsoons and rural Maharashtra. The heady twosome that have a bond so very tight. Replete with attractions like the Kulaba Fort, Alibag Beach, Murud Beach and Khanderi, the Konkan coastal area close to Mumbai is a great escape from the city to start with. Known for its rich history, appetizing seafood, culture, and a plethora of cute and cozy homestays, Alibag is the best place to base oneself at for a week of uninterrupted monsoon bliss.
Situated in the Palani hills of Maharashtra’s Western Ghats, Lonavala is a great hill station destination to chase the rain. Offering everything from enchanting waterfalls, lakes and lush greenery and not to mention spectacular views of the ghats and hills, this quick getaway that lies exactly halfway between Mumbai and Pune makes for the perfect weekend monsoon jaunt.
(An edited version of this column first appeared in the 7th July 2019 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Weekend section on page 3 https://www.freepressjournal.in/travel/4-indian-states-and-the-magic-of-rain)
Sunday, August 12, 2018
There’s No Place Like Home!
This Independence Day week, we urge you to forget about planning that next international getaway and look inwards. Confused? Then Read on. Raul Dias brings to you a lineup of a quartet of India’s lesser known destinations that each offer a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.
By Raul Dias
1. Shani Shingnapur, Maharashtra—Where Honesty is Alive and Kicking
Imagine an idyllic little place somewhere in rural Maharashtra where the houses are totally devoid of any doors whatsoever. In their place you only find door frames. A village that has never seen crime and where not a single incident of theft has ever been officially reported. Now, before you begin to disregard this as pure fiction, let us assure that such a place truly exists. Yes, the village of Shani Shingnapur that’s situated in the state’s Ahmednagar district is not just known for its popular temple of Shani, the Hindu god associated with the planet Saturn, but also for the above-mentioned lack of doors. Apparently, the villagers believe that due to the fear of Lord Shani, none of the structures, be it dwelling houses, huts, shops, even the local post office, situated within a one-kilometer radius of his temple have either doors or locks. And that anyone attempting to steal will be prevented from doing so by the god who will send his wrath down upon any such person who will be immediately struck down. So popular is this temple that it is visited daily—and specially on Saturdays—by thousands of devotees praying for Lord Shani’s favour.
Getting There: Shani Shingnapur is a short 35km away by road from Ahmednagar city.
2. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya—Asia’s Cleanest Village with a Living Wonder
Never mind the rather tongue-twister of a name and get ready for this place to totally blow your mind away! Nestled in the verdant East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, overlooking Bangladesh is the bucolic village of Mawlynnong that truly sets the bar very high with its cleanliness initiatives and not to mention natural beauty. Not only are the streets and laneways of the village spotless and litter-free with waste collected in bins made of bamboo that are then directed to a pit to be later used as manure, but unpleasant habits like smoking and the use of polythene is totally banned. A community initiative mandates that all residents should participate in cleaning up the village. And this superb initiative has not gone unnoticed. The travel magazine Discover India declared the village as the cleanest in Asia in 2003, and the cleanest in India in 2005. But it’s not all about cleanliness that will draw you to Mawlynnong. Don’t miss out checking out attractions like the 1,100-year-old living bridge made from tree roots that show us the far-sighted vision of the village’s past generations. Other must-sees here are ‘balancing rock’ and another rock formation called ‘shark’s jaw’. Do all this, and much more, while taking in the pollution-free air and mingling with the ever-smiling villagers who are only too proud and happy to show you their village.
Getting There: Mawlynnong is a 90km drive south of the state capital Shillong.
3. Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh—Where Fragrance is Everywhere
Though it is one of the oldest cities in Uttar Pradesh (UP), very little is known about Kannauj by most. Travellers often give it a miss in favour of the ‘Golden Triangle’ of the famed trio of Lucknow, Varanasi and the hallowed Agra! But the next time you find yourself in UP, treat your olfactory senses to a virtual celebration and visit Kannauj—India’s perfume capital. A small town on the banks of the river Ganga that has been guarding the secret of traditional Indian perfumes for centuries, Kannauj is the place where the lost art of ittar making is very much practiced almost everywhere. Situated on the once historical scent trade route that brought perfumes from India to the Middle East, Kannauj’s perfumeries were famed for their magnificent ittars, specially the petrichor fragrant of the geeli mitti or wet earth, giving this town the moniker of ‘Grasse of the East’. The perfumers of Kannauj also made the scented oils Mughal Emperors were so obsessed with. But thankfully you can still find an entire range of perfumers here ready to customise for you your very own little vial of fragrance.
Getting There: Kannauj is 125km away by road from UP’s capital Lucknow via Agra.
4. Kannur, Kerala—Where Colonial Grandeur Meets Classical Dance
Known as ‘The Crown of Kerala’ thanks to it lying slap bang in the middle of the Western Ghats in the east, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the south, Lakshadeep Sea in the west and Kasargod in the north, Kannur is one of those hidden gems simply waiting to be discovered. Also called Cannanore by its Portuguese colonists, this is an idyllic coastal city, boasting some of the best beaches in Kerala. It is also famous for having the imposing St. Angelo Fort that was built in 1505 by Dom Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India. Kannur was also home to Kerala’s only Muslim Royalty called the Arakkals. Interestingly, Kannur is popularly known as ‘The City of Looms and Lores’. This is because of two important aspects of Kannur. One, the city has a thriving loom industry functioning in the district. Two, fans of Indian dances, here’s a tip for you: Make sure to visit Kannur anytime from months of November and April as you can see the Theyyam ritual dance performances that this place is famous for in its many temples.
Getting There: Kannur is well-connected to the rest of India via rail with the Kannur Train Station being a popular stop.
(An edited version of this article first appeared in the 12th August 2018 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Weekend section on page 3 http://www.freepressjournal.in/travel/kannur-to-mawlynnong-indias-lesser-known-unique-destinations/1333523)
By Raul Dias
1. Shani Shingnapur, Maharashtra—Where Honesty is Alive and Kicking
Imagine an idyllic little place somewhere in rural Maharashtra where the houses are totally devoid of any doors whatsoever. In their place you only find door frames. A village that has never seen crime and where not a single incident of theft has ever been officially reported. Now, before you begin to disregard this as pure fiction, let us assure that such a place truly exists. Yes, the village of Shani Shingnapur that’s situated in the state’s Ahmednagar district is not just known for its popular temple of Shani, the Hindu god associated with the planet Saturn, but also for the above-mentioned lack of doors. Apparently, the villagers believe that due to the fear of Lord Shani, none of the structures, be it dwelling houses, huts, shops, even the local post office, situated within a one-kilometer radius of his temple have either doors or locks. And that anyone attempting to steal will be prevented from doing so by the god who will send his wrath down upon any such person who will be immediately struck down. So popular is this temple that it is visited daily—and specially on Saturdays—by thousands of devotees praying for Lord Shani’s favour.
Getting There: Shani Shingnapur is a short 35km away by road from Ahmednagar city.
2. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya—Asia’s Cleanest Village with a Living Wonder
Never mind the rather tongue-twister of a name and get ready for this place to totally blow your mind away! Nestled in the verdant East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, overlooking Bangladesh is the bucolic village of Mawlynnong that truly sets the bar very high with its cleanliness initiatives and not to mention natural beauty. Not only are the streets and laneways of the village spotless and litter-free with waste collected in bins made of bamboo that are then directed to a pit to be later used as manure, but unpleasant habits like smoking and the use of polythene is totally banned. A community initiative mandates that all residents should participate in cleaning up the village. And this superb initiative has not gone unnoticed. The travel magazine Discover India declared the village as the cleanest in Asia in 2003, and the cleanest in India in 2005. But it’s not all about cleanliness that will draw you to Mawlynnong. Don’t miss out checking out attractions like the 1,100-year-old living bridge made from tree roots that show us the far-sighted vision of the village’s past generations. Other must-sees here are ‘balancing rock’ and another rock formation called ‘shark’s jaw’. Do all this, and much more, while taking in the pollution-free air and mingling with the ever-smiling villagers who are only too proud and happy to show you their village.
Getting There: Mawlynnong is a 90km drive south of the state capital Shillong.
3. Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh—Where Fragrance is Everywhere
Though it is one of the oldest cities in Uttar Pradesh (UP), very little is known about Kannauj by most. Travellers often give it a miss in favour of the ‘Golden Triangle’ of the famed trio of Lucknow, Varanasi and the hallowed Agra! But the next time you find yourself in UP, treat your olfactory senses to a virtual celebration and visit Kannauj—India’s perfume capital. A small town on the banks of the river Ganga that has been guarding the secret of traditional Indian perfumes for centuries, Kannauj is the place where the lost art of ittar making is very much practiced almost everywhere. Situated on the once historical scent trade route that brought perfumes from India to the Middle East, Kannauj’s perfumeries were famed for their magnificent ittars, specially the petrichor fragrant of the geeli mitti or wet earth, giving this town the moniker of ‘Grasse of the East’. The perfumers of Kannauj also made the scented oils Mughal Emperors were so obsessed with. But thankfully you can still find an entire range of perfumers here ready to customise for you your very own little vial of fragrance.
Getting There: Kannauj is 125km away by road from UP’s capital Lucknow via Agra.
4. Kannur, Kerala—Where Colonial Grandeur Meets Classical Dance
Known as ‘The Crown of Kerala’ thanks to it lying slap bang in the middle of the Western Ghats in the east, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts in the south, Lakshadeep Sea in the west and Kasargod in the north, Kannur is one of those hidden gems simply waiting to be discovered. Also called Cannanore by its Portuguese colonists, this is an idyllic coastal city, boasting some of the best beaches in Kerala. It is also famous for having the imposing St. Angelo Fort that was built in 1505 by Dom Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India. Kannur was also home to Kerala’s only Muslim Royalty called the Arakkals. Interestingly, Kannur is popularly known as ‘The City of Looms and Lores’. This is because of two important aspects of Kannur. One, the city has a thriving loom industry functioning in the district. Two, fans of Indian dances, here’s a tip for you: Make sure to visit Kannur anytime from months of November and April as you can see the Theyyam ritual dance performances that this place is famous for in its many temples.
Getting There: Kannur is well-connected to the rest of India via rail with the Kannur Train Station being a popular stop.
(An edited version of this article first appeared in the 12th August 2018 issue of The Free Press Journal newspaper's Weekend section on page 3 http://www.freepressjournal.in/travel/kannur-to-mawlynnong-indias-lesser-known-unique-destinations/1333523)
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