Panchgani-The Scenic Summer Resort

Panchgani is an illustrious hill station situated very close to another hill station Mahabaleshwar in the state of Maharashtra. The hill station which is evergreen with plush trees has very pleasant climate throughout the year, though it is difficult to access it during heavy monsoon rains. Pachgani was discovered and established by John Cesson, as a refuge for the British from the seething heat of summer heat of India. The summer resort which roughly translates as five hills derives its name from the five hills which surround it, which is host to villages in its vicinity, namely Godavli, Khingar, Taighat, Dhandegar and Amral.

Cesson fell so much in love with the place that he developed the place to meet all the needs of the British retirees by planting trees from western world, building roads and establishing a community of service men like tailors, dhobis, vendors, builders etc so that the place would be independent of  outside world. He died in Panchgani is buried in St. Peters Church.  The British have left their inedible mark on the summer resort through the numerous cottages built in typical colonial style which are strewn across the hills. There are many buildings which are created in the style of British architecture of 19^th century.

What is so special about Panchgani

Panchgani is a hill station which is thronged by tourists throughout the year though not many visits the place during the monsoon season due to heavy rains lashing the hill station. The main attraction of the place is its serene environment which is surrounded by the beautiful nature. The choice of trees from foreign land, like the Silver Oak and Poisnsettia, planted by John Cessan add their own unique and mystic aura to the place. The unpolluted and fresh air of Panchgani is known for its high content of oxygen in the atmosphere which is known to help people recover from their illnesses. This is the reason why Dr. Rustomji Bomanji Bilimoria decided to set up a sanatorium for people suffering from then incurable disease of tuberculosis, so that they could recover their health in its pleasant, cool, calm and refreshing environment.

Those people who wish to spend some time in total seclusion in the lap of Mother Nature, then Panchgani is the right place for them. The exquisite ambience of the place makes sure that the tourists will spend a memorable time in the hill station which is going to be cherished by them for a lifetime. For those seeking a luxurious holiday, Panchgani has arrangements even for that in their exclusive cottages and hotels. Relaxation comes naturally in this place as the cool soothing air brushes past bringing the mysterious scent of the wild trees, without any pollution. Though it is thronged by tourists, the place has maintained its noiseless serenity.

Tourist Attractions in Panchgani

The places of tourist attraction in Panchgani are

• The Table land – the second largest mountain plateau of Asia
• Sydney point – atop a hill giving breathtaking view of river Krishna
• Karthikeya Temple in Rajpuri caves
• Wai of seven ghats
• Parsi Point which gives enthralling view of Dhom dam
• Mapro Garden where one can purchase fresh products from the factory
• Devils Kitchen -the huge caves with mythological background

Establishment of Famous Schools

The place is also known for the high quality education it provides for students from all over the country and also from abroad. The retired Britishers who settled in Panchgani attracted others by spreading the word about the pleasantness of the place. The Kimmins School was established in 1890’s exclusively for European boys and girls. This led way to establishment of few more schools, which became renowned all over the country in a short span of time. The boarding schools of Panchgani were inspired by the English way of education and were affiliated to the famed Cambridge University. Even the question papers were prepared in England and then sent over to India by sea route. Though the exams were conducted in India, the correction was made in England.

Following the suit, Indians started their own education centers including those catering the needs of Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Parsi students. The Saint Peter’s boarding school, which was the segregated branch of the original Kimmins School was put on the international map when one of its students whose musical talent was spotted by the music teacher of the school went on to become the famous singer of band Queen – Freddie Mercury. He was known as Farrokh Bulsara back then.

How to get there

Once you are in the hill station you can easily get around by hiring taxis. There are also bicycles and horseback rides available. The best time to visit Panchgani would be between the months of September and May. Those who are travelling by airways will have to arrive in Pune which is situated at a distance of 98 km and then travel either by either road or train to Panchgani. The nearest railway station is Wathar which is at a distance of 45 km, therefore those who travel from Pune can always opt for road transport. The Maharashtra state transport runs has the buses connected to Panchgani from Mumbai, Pune, Wai, Mahabaleshwar, Mahad and many more.

Panchgani, Maharashtr

Accommodation

It is not difficult to find a place to stay suiting your requirements and budget as there are many different resorts, cottages, inns and hotels available at Panchgani for accommodation. The restaurants here have variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, along with chats and other snacks which are available in the roadside shops.

Booking.com's best hotels and and where to find them

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How to eat Indian food with your hands

 

Now if you are travelling to India then most likely you will use cutlery to eat in a good restaurant. But if you are in a small town or cheap restaurant like a dhaba then you will find people eating with their hands. This should not come as a surprise to you because eating with hands in India is perfectly normal. Most people will use their right hand to eat. The left hand is reserved for cleaning the back side after using thetoilet. (Here’s how Indian toilets look like if you want to know). Indian food is mostly chapatti and rice based along with curry or lentils (daal). 

Trick is to use your fingers of the right hand. If you are eating rice then drop a little of bit of curry, daal or vegetables on small portion of rice and then pick them up with your fingers as if you are scooping them up. The use of the thumb is important here. Use your 4 fingers at one end and then use the thumb to pick up the curried rice. Bring all four fingers together and curve them a bit. Then put them in your mouth. Some of the curry or lentins will certainly drip from the sides of your hand but it will get better with practice. 

If you are eating naan or chapatti then you will have to use both hands in the beginning till you perfect the technique of breaking it with one hand. Break a small piece of naan bread with your hand then scoop a small amount of curry or dip in lentils and then put in your mouth. 

With these tips you should be able to completely eat Indian food with your hands.

Aftermath 

When you are done eating your food with your hands, you will wipe your fingers with a napkin or washcloth. For extra washing, go to the sink and rinse your fingers in soap and water again. Try them with a towel. If you don’t have access to a sink and you’re eating outside, then use a natural body of water to wash your fingers off in.

How to go to sleep fast

 

One third of our lives go out in sleep and the rest while working, people who sleep late in the nights twisting their bodies from one corner of the bed to the other wished it was true. “A healthy mind resides in a healthy body”, its true and most of us believe in this saying, but the core question which arises over here, is the fact that where does the healthy body resides. The answer is simple, which is, in a good night sleep. But here another hurdle arises which is both the answer and the question, “sleep”. On an average a normal human sleep should not be less than seven hours, but quite a number of us fail to sleep fast and are astounded by this problem. Even worse people are illusioned, that they are suffering from some kind of disease like insomnia which still adds to their psychological stress leaving vacant eyes in the night. 

However one of the crucial reasons which is responsible for late sleeping habits is the stress which has become the inevitable cause of many other psychological disorders, especially when the entire human race is engulfed in the rat race of economic existence lured through technology and ambition to prove to the society and themselves in general. Following are some of the ways through which one can sleep fast. 

How to go to sleep fast

1)      Exercise:- 

I was a late sleeper myself but found that if I exercised for at least half an hour which consists of aerobics and push ups only, it was enough to wear down my stress and go to sleep fast 

2)      Drugs:- 

Drugs not necessarily heroine or smack or cocaine, but it covers caffeine found in coffee, nicotine found in cigarettes and tea also, contribute to late night sleep. Avoid drugs of any sort to get a quick sleep in the night. 

3)      Television:- 

Watching television excessively, though  is not advisable for most of us but instead of watching television in the morning make a habit of watching television in the night you will soon find yourself dozing off to sleep even sooner than before. 

4)      Music:- 

Instrumental music especially ones from saxophone and Indian classical music makes you sleep not only soon but also a comfortable sleep is experienced. Many music stores sell compact discs and DVDs with the OM mantra being repeated; believe me it helps not only in getting you to sleep soon but also flushes out stress from your body. 

5)      Stay awake:- 

Sometimes our routine is disturbed when we work late in the nights and sleep in the morning, and one fine day when the work is over our brain simply does not instructs our eyes to doze out. The key of regaining our old routine is to stay awake for a day or two in the morning hours and by the third day your body is ready to relax and sleep quickly in the night. 

6)      Reading:-

Reading is a good habit and a prudent exercise for our eyes. Reading, a novel in the night, surly helps in a quick sleep. Especially if you are tired and exhausted from your days work at the office or the site. 

7) Meditation:-

Meditation before sleep flushes out all the stress in the body which quickly relaxes as soon as the person lies on the bed.

8) Medicine:-

Medicines such as Dionil and Compose can be taken under strict medical supervision if nothing works out for you. However it is the lender of the last resort and should be your ultimate choice when all natural means have failed.

Baba Ramdev Kalpabhati Pranayam

Baba Ramdev is everything that you could hope and expect from a guru.  Baba Ramdev might also be referred to as Swami Ramdev: an Indian Hindu swami and celebrated yogi rishi.  Baba Ramdev is like Patanjali muni (guru) of the present times.  He is the icon of yoga of Pranayama and celebrated Yoga teacher and an Ayurveda Guru.  The guru has traveled across the world and making people aware of Yoga and Pranayam.  

Baba Ramdev has deep knowledge of Samkhya doctrine and the holy Bhagavad-Gita.  He concentrates on the attaining Samadhi through the use of applying meditation (Pranayam).  He has managed to spread Yoga to such an extent that sooner or later, every one has to embrace it.

Baba Ramdev's current central office is on 500 acre site in Haridwar.  Baba Ramdev has created a vast following through his “Yog-Gyan”. The Baba is the existence and the embodiment of music of Pranayama.  Baba Ramdev is now accepted as the icon of Pranayama. 

Kalpabhati Pranayama. The heart of the pranayamas, yoga asanas, and acupressure and home remedies is to cope with problems of high blood pressure.  Kalpabhati is a kriyas of purification besides being a pranayama. The Kapalbhati pranayam  is the yogistic inhalation to form of yoga  pranayam  meditations.

Kapalbhati is a simple way to start your day. The idea is simple, you inhale normally but exhale forcibly. You can do this quickly as it does not take a lot of time. But mind you, do not do this if after you have eaten. It is best done before having your food. 

Some of the named benefits of this Pranayama includes

purification of the frontal air sinuses
helps reduce headaches
it is useful in treating cold
rejuvenating the body
keeps the face young and energetic
strengthens the nervous system

Best Places To Visit in Kochi

There are as many best places to visit as you can imagine. Though you will love the place as it has the ancient look and incredible spots that are worth travelling to. Reaching Kochi can be accomplished by Dubai to Kochi tajawal flight. You can either plan to land in a different city or land directly in Kochi. Here is the list of some amazing places in Kochi to visit.

Mattancherry Palace

A gift from the Span to the ruler of Kerala in 1545, the Castle was erected. It was dubbed Dutch Building after 1663 when the Dutch renovated and extended the house. The sahib also added to it by improving it more.
It’s now a portraits gallery again for Cochin Rajas also home to several of India’s greatest mythical paintings, which would be in the grand tradition of Temples painting. In order to satisfy the monarch, the house was erected after they looted a neighbouring temple.  In 1498, when Da Gama, the Spanish conquistador, landed in Kochi, local Kochi authorities greeted him.

Factory construction was given to them as an exclusive privilege. In the end, the Portuguese defeated the Zamorians, as well as the Cochin Rajas, and were reduced to the status of client states under the Portuguese. It wasn’t until 1663, when the Netherlands took control of Mattancherry, that the Spanish lost power. Hyder Ali and indeed the East Indies took control of the region in the following centuries.

With such a main plaza, the house is a triangular-shaped edifice constructed in Kerala’s Nalukettu design. One of Kochi’s protecting goddesses, Pazhayannur Bhagavati, has a tiny shrine in the backyard. One temple is devoted to Hindu Mythology, another to King Siva, and they are located on each side of something like Fulham’s entrance.
Nalukettu architecture is influenced by Greek architectural features, such as the domes and chambers proportions. With handcrafted hardwood elaborate ceilings, the Dining Commons is graced with a collection of brass mugs. Kerala carpeting is unusual in the palace; it seems like nailhead trim stone but is mainly a mix of burning coconut husk and ashes with lime, other vegetable juices as well as egg yolk for a glossy finish.

Saint Francis Church

1498 was the year when Portuguese explorers arrived at Kappad near Trivandrum (Developed the following). Pedro lvares Carvalho as well as Afonso de Albuquerque were the next two. It was erected on the Royal Kochi Seashore with the consent of the Cochin Raja. They constructed a wooden chapel church of St. Bartholomew inside the garrison. As a result, it has been renamed Fort Cochin. The Portugal regent Fernando de Gama was granted permission by the Maharaja of Cochin around 1506 to rebuild timber structures in stone or brick.

Assumed by Franciscan missionaries, bricks & cement were used to rebuild the timber cathedral and a thatched roof was added. Saint Antony became the patron saint of the church building, which again was finished in 1516. The Franciscans maintained possession of the cathedral until the Netherlands conquered Kochi in 1663 when the Detoxing was forced to surrender. The Spanish became Church Members, whilst the Dutch became Protestants and vice versa.

Besides one, all of the buildings were destroyed. They refurbished it and turned it into a governmental church, which is now open to the public. Despite the fact that the British seized Kochi from the Netherlands in 1795, they let them keep the cathedral. Anglican Community took control of St. George’s Cathedral in 1804 when the Netherlands gave it up of their own will. As a result, the Indian administration placed it underneath the theological ministry.

The Christian churches are thought to have altered the patronage saint’s identity to St. Francis. Under the Endangered Buildings Act of 1904, the cathedral was proclaimed a protected landmark in April of 1923. The Archeological Council of India protects it, although the Kochi diocesan of Christianity of Southern India owns it. The church has ceremonies on Fridays but on other occasions. It is open to the public on Mondays.

Hill Palace located in Tripunithura

The Prince of Kochi erected Hill House in 1865, and it is currently the greatest archaeological institution in Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram used to be the former ruler of the Country of Kochi, and indeed the imperial offices of the Monarch and the palace were both housed there. Envazhi Thampuran was considered the imperial capital because of the Cochin royal mother’s matriarchal customs. The monarch has been seen as a ruler of the kingdom under which jurisdiction the Majesty reigned, according to ceremonial practises.

Having resided in Tripunithura from 1755, that city became the formal headquarters. Prince Rama Varma, who was born and reared in Tripunithura, chose to remain in the town after his consecration as king, but instead move to Trivandrum following his installation. As a result, a royal chamber was built in 1865 for his use. Starting as a royal office, courthouse and regal secretary’s desk, it was quickly expanded to include a variety of other structures for diverse functions.

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

As the next Portugal ship under Francisco lvares Cabral arrived at Sta . Cruz around 24 December 1500, this same chronicle of the Santa Barbara Canonization Ceremony began. The Monarch of something like the Province of Kochi, Unni Goda Maharaja Thirumulpad, welcomed them with open arms. The Employees and employees of Kozhikode declared war on the Prince of Kochi as a result. King Alfonso of Albuquerque, the Portugal general who arrived in Kochi in 1503, overcame the Prince of Cochin’s opponents and received permission to erect a fort in Ernakulam.

By 1505, the very first Portugal President Dom Francisco Gama had gotten approval to create a cathedral employing stone with cement, which would have been unusual at the time since local biases were opposing this kind of construction for any use beyond royal palaces or temples. This majestic structure was called Saint Cruzochi because the basic framework was placed on May 3rd, 1505, the festival day of the Discovery of the Blessed Sacrament.

5 Best Places to Enjoy Indian Food in Croatia

Croatia is a destination worth visiting. Its rich history, coupled with scenic beauty, makes it a perfect holiday destination. As such, it is common to find many Indians visiting Croatia. Despite the many things to do and see, Indians who visit Croatia often face the challenge of finding authentic desi food.

Not that there are none. In fact, it’ll surprise you to know just how many Indian restaurants there are in Croatia for your desi indulgence. So where can you go to satisfy your craving for authentic Indian food during vacation in Croatia? In this article, we show you some of the best places to enjoy Indian food in Croatia.

Let’s indulge:

Time Restaurant and Bar (Split)

You don’t want to miss a moment in this restaurant if your itinerary allows you to be in Split. This is the place to stop by for pan Asian and Indian cuisines. However, it shouldn’t surprise you that this place is popular for Indian and Thai dishes. Some of the dishes you can eat here include fish fingers, chicken kebab, chicken grill, noodles and chicken teriyaki. The thing about this restaurant is that apart from the authenticity of the meals that will make you feel home away from home, their ambience crowns it all. Not to mention the wide variety of drinks and wine. The desserts are mouthwatering so make a point of sampling their cakes, kheer and gulab jamun.

Royal India Restaurant (Zagreb)

This authentic Indian restaurant sits strategically at the heart of Zagreb. It’s undoubtedly the best Indian eatery you’ll find in Croatia. While here, you’ll certainly have a piece of India in Croatia. Whether you want to start with mouthwatering starters like samosas, poppadums, fried prawns or chicken tikka, you’ll find them here. You can then have sambar, rice with dal, fried rice, biryani, curd and naan with paneer/chicken butter gravy for your main course.

You can also not run out of options for side dishes like garlic lamb, chili potato, cream soup and honey chilli chicken. For your dessert, you can choose from Gulab jamun, Badam kheer, Nimbu pani, kulfi and some authentic Badam lassi. Overall, not only does this restaurant promise, but also delivers a typical Indian food experience.

Incredible India (Dubrovnik)

This is another top restaurant you’ll find in Croatia offering a variety of Indian foods. When you get here, you’ll satisfy all your desi cravings. It’s not only authentic but also offers something more: charm and vibe. If you prefer to start with kebab, tikka, Manchurian and bajji, you’ll be at home with Incredible India. As a vegan friendly restaurant, they offer gluten-free and vegan food options. So, you shouldn’t worry about food allergies. They also offer an extensive variety for a main course that includes chole bature, chana masala, naan, fried rice, lamb, curry, chicken kebab and fish tikka among others.

You can crown it with amazing drinks, desserts and wines. At his point, you can sample some fresh juices and Croatian wine with desserts like Rasmalai and Gulab jamun.

Black Pepper Indian Restaurant (Hvar)

Hvar is popular as one of the leading party islands world over. This island is dotted with restaurants in every corner of the city and this Indian restaurant is one of them. The Black Pepper Indian restaurant offers great Indian cuisine alongside Mediterranean and European cuisines.

From starters to the main course, dessert and drinks, they have a rich menu that you will enjoy in a restaurant in India. Some of the foods you must try at this restaurant include mushrooms. Grilled chicken, spicy Indian curries, lamb, bread pudding, fried potatoes and fish. You can wash it down with drinks or premium wines on the most exciting Croatian Island.

Umami Grill (Zagreb)

This is another very popular Indian fast-food restaurant specializing in high quality cuisine with exquisite taste. This restaurant is popular for its mushroom pakora, keere vada, chicken pakora, chaat, chicken, onion pakoras, chicken, mushroom tikka, lamb, paneer kebab and chicken tikka. As a fast-food joint, this restaurant is ideal as a good place to stop by for your evening snack before you can proceed to have dinner in another restaurant! If you are considering private boat hire, you can grab some snacks to nibble on as you enjoy the magnificent sight of the sun setting from the water. 

Although you may want to sample Croatian cuisine while on your visit, it’s equally important to know where to find your Indian cuisine for a scrumptious meal. Make a stopover at any of the restaurants listed above and you’ll feel so much at home while you indulge your taste buds.