indian travel food ideas

Best Ideas of Indian Food for Travel

Being Indian is all about travelling to explore the world, experience and fun with friends and family. With all this, we generally get concerned on the what dishes to cook while travelling, what food to take along on long distance while doing bus or train travel, what easy recipes can be prepared for such journey much more. Here we bring you the suggestion on such food you can carry while travelling with easy to cook food recipes.

Key to preparing food which can last for long hours in car / train / plane journey is to remove the moisture / water content from the vegetables or ingredients. It is important all the ingredients are deep fried and crispy.

Indian Food for Car Travel Time of 6-8 Hours:

If the temperature outside is below 35 degrees or less, then you can choose any of the below to taken along with you on the journey:

• Masala Aloo Sandwich
• Grilled Paneer Sandwich
• Bread Rolls
• Garlic Bread
• Aloo Palak Pakora
• Bread Pakora
• Vegetable Pulao with pickle
• Sweet Corn Pulao
• Puri – Aloo : This is one of the best liked and relished travel food of all time. You can pack some mango pickle or tomato thokku along.
• Curd Rice with tomato thokku.
• Tamarind Rice
• Lemon Rice with peanut chutney

Sukhe Kale Chane

Indian food for bus or train travel time of 12-18 hours:.

• Stuffed Bhindi with Besan – Paratha / Roti / Poori : The stuffed bhindi can be rolled inside the roti. Just perfect when your are driving in the car .
• Methi Paratha with 10 Minute Sukhe Chole . You can also pack Jeera Aloo with the methi paratha.
• Urad Dal Ki Hing Puri with Sukha Aloo along with some pickle
• Stuffed Karela with paratha / roti.
• Bhindi Fry Without Onion with roti / poori.
• Masala Puri with tariyal aloo . These aloo are fried. Fried aloo stays well for over a day. You can pack along some pickle too.
• Methi Thepla with Pickle
• Puri with Crispy Karela Fry
• Sukhe Kale Chane with Plain Paratha

Indian Dry Snacks for Bus/ Car/ Train Travel

• Kurkure Murmure
• Chakli 
• Dry Kachoris
• Banana Chips
• Punjabi Mathri

You can also pack some ready made bhujia, aloo wafers, biscuits, cookies and tea cakes.

Easy Indian Sweets which can be carried in Bus/ Car/ Train Travel :

• Churma Laddoo
• Mithi Bread
• Besan Ladoo

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Traveler's Guide to Popular Indian Food by Region

Traveling around India is the only way to gain an appreciation of the true variety of Indian food that actually exists. It's so much more vast than the staple Punjabi dishes that are served up at most Indian restaurants across the world. Each region has its own specialty, and there's no better way to sample Indian cuisine than at a homestay in India . You'll get fresh ghar ka khana (home cooked Indian food) and you can even learn how it's made. Discover what kind of food to expect from the most popular regions of India in this Indian food guide. Also check out these delicious curries to try in India.

Want to learn how to make Indian food? Here are 12 places to take cooking classes in India. If you're serious about cooking, some of them offer extended programs up to a week long.

Punjab and North India

Meat and Indian bread are the main features of north Indian food. It's hearty and commonly cooked in a tandoor (clay oven fired by charcoal). North Indian curries usually have thick, moderately spicy and creamy gravies.

Popular dishes: Roti, naan, seekh kebab (minced meat on iron skewers), chicken tikka (small chunks of marinated and grilled chicken), butter chicken, tandoori chicken, aloo muttar (curry made with potatoes and peas), rajma (curry made with red kidney beans), chana masala (curry made with chickpeas), samosa, daal makhani (daal made with butter).

Many migrants from Kashmir have moved to Delhi and other north Indian cities. There you can sample their cuisine, usually consisting of hearty meat cooked in curd or milk.

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South India

South Indians can't do without rice. It's the staple in their diet. In Kerala, most dishes are coconut-based and seafood is a specialty. In Tamil Nadu , watch out for Chettinad cuisine, perhaps the most fiery of all Indian food. Cuisine from Andhra Pradesh is also hot and spicy. Hyderabad is famous for its biryani. And, the Udupi region of Karnataka is renowned for its simple but vast vegetarian fare.

Popular dishes: No South Indian meal is complete without rice in some form or other -- either boiled rice or idlis (steamed cakes made from rice batter), or dosas or uttapams (pancakes made from a batter of rice and lentil flour). Perhaps the south Indian food that's most enjoyed by travelers is the masala dosa . It's a thin crispy pancake filled with spicy potato and onion. Cheap and tasty!

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Rajasthan's cuisine has evolved to suit the state's harsh dry climate. Dishes are often made to be stored for several days and served without heating. Dairy products are used extensively due to scarcity of water, and liberal dousing of food with ghee (clarified butter) is regarded as a sign of prosperity. Unrefined regional grains such as millet and jowar (sorghum) are common as well.

Popular dishes: You can't visit Rajasthan and not sample d aal-baati-churma . This hearty and iconic dish consists of daal (lentil preparation), baked round baati (bread), and baati crushed and fried in ghee and jaggery. It's also widely consumed in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

The food in Goa is dominated by seafood (of course, being a coastal state) and pork. The Portuguese influence shows up more obviously at dinner in the evenings, when roast beef may even be served (most Goans are Catholic, and as a result eat beef). Goan food also features elaborate puddings and cakes. Xacutti (coconut-based curry), cafreal (marinated and fried/grilled), sorpotel (stew), recheado (stuffed), ambot tik (sour and spicy), and vindaloo (fiery curry marinated with garlic and vinegar or wine) are common types of dishes. And of course, Goan chourico (sausages) and Goan pao (bread).

Popular dishes: Goan fish curry, pork vindaloo , pork sausages. All washed down with a chilled King's Beer. (Goans also love a drink!).

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Gujarat and West India

Gujarat's cuisine is known for its slight sweet touch (at least a pinch of sugar is added to most dishes!) and is traditionally entirely vegetarian. This makes it a delight for those who don't like to eat meat. Rest assured you don't have to go to Gujarat to get lip-smacking Gujarati food. It's widely available in Mumbai .

Popular dishes: Don't miss feasting on a Gujarati thali (platter with a wide range of different food items).

Bengal and Odisha

Bengalis and Odias LOVE fish! It's fried, stewed lightly with vegetables, or made into jhol (curry with thin consistency). Hilsa (ilish) is the most savored variety of fish in Bengal. Equally adored when it comes to food are sweets, usually milk-based. The most renowned item in Odia cuisine is perhaps dalma -- a hearty stew made out of lentils and vegetables.

Popular dishes: Maacher jhol (fish curry), sorshe maacher jhol (curry with mustard paste), daab chingri (coconut prawn curry), sandesh (sweet made with condensed milk and sugar) rasgulla , (sweet made from balls of Indian cottage cheese cooked in light sugar syrup), mishti doi (sweet made from curd and jaggery and served in an earthen pot).

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Ladakh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh

You'll find a significant Tibetan and Nepali influence in the cuisine of the mountainous areas of northern India, due to migration and proximity to the borders of these countries.

Popular dishes: Thukpa (hearty noodle soup), momos (steamed or fried stuffed dumplings), gyakho (stew). In Sikkim, try tongba (famous Himalayan millet beer).

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North East India

Also very different to typical Indian cuisine, food in North East India is largely devoid of oil and masalas . However, it is hot and spicy! Rice, vegetables and meat stew make up most meals. Pork is very popular and beef is not forbidden. You'll also come across some rather usual ingredients, such as ant eggs, dog meat and hornet larvae.

Popular dishes: Pork stew with bamboo shoots in Nagaland. Masor tenga (sour fish curry from Assam), dawlrep bai (spicy beef or pork curry from Mizoram), chamthong (vegetable stew from Manipur), pasa (spicy soup with raw fish from Arunachal Pradesh)

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Best Indian Food : 15 Indian Dishes to Try

Indian food is particularly famous for its spices and flavors, rich color, distinct aroma, and wonderful taste. Traveling to India is embarking on your own culinary adventure. But before you go, it's a good idea to have in mind a few things you want to try.

India has such an array of dishes available that we cannot cover them all, but this guide will explain the 15 top Indian dishes that are great for people who are new to the cuisine and seasoned veterans alike.

1. Chicken Tikka Masala (Chicken in an Orange Sauce)

Chicken tikka masala is a delicious dish with a thick and creamy sauce that is unforgettable after the first bite.

The chicken is marinated overnight, grilled, and then cooked in a spicy sauce. This sauce is made with a tomato-yogurt base and is then spiced with chili, garlic, ginger, and garam masala. This dish includes classic Indian spices, smells great, and is the perfect dish to try first for people who don"t have much experience with Indian cuisine.

Chicken Tikka Masala is often paired with basmati rice or naan bread as these two are perfect for soaking up the sauce.

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2. Butter Chicken (Chicken in a Creamy Sauce)

Butter chicken is one of the most popular Indian dishes with westerners and Indians alike who love it for its creamy qualities and delicious flavors. This dish is usually not spicy but includes plenty of classic Indian flavors. 

Butter chicken is very special to North Indians, Punjabis in particular. Comfort food like no other, nothing beats the satisfaction of lapping up the delightfully thick gravy with a crisp garlic naan while sipping on a cold beer.

The chicken included in this dish is traditionally cooked in a clay oven called a tandoor. A thick and rich gravy is then slathered onto the chicken to create this delicious dish.

3. Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry)

Sometimes called chole bhature, this much-loved street food and home-cooked dish is one of the most popular in the country. This dish can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as an evening snack and is commonly sold in North India, especially Delhi. 

While you"ll see chana masala being sold with bread at street food stalls, this dish is also served in restaurants across the country. Chana masala is a filling and decently healthy meal that delivers good flavors, vitamins, and protein. 

This dish is often eaten with a type of puffed bread called a puri or bhature . To enhance the taste, chutney, pickles, and onions are given on the side.

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4. Biryani (Spiced Rice with Meat)

Biryani is an all-time favorite food amongst Indians. This is because there are approximately a hundred types of biryani and every one of them tastes heavenly. Biryani is a combination of rice, spices, a variety of vegetables, meat, nuts, dried fruits, or paneer.

Biryani can be served vegetarian or with chicken, mutton, or fish. A blend of spices like garlic, turmeric, chilies, cardamom, coriander, and more are mixed into the rice to make the dish flavorsome. Meat and eggs are added as desired.

5. Masala Dosa (Thin Crepe Served with Sauces)

A dosa is a thin bread that is cooked similarly to a crepe. But, instead of the usual flour, its main ingredients are fermented rice and black lentils. Traditional dosas are served with a stuffing of potatoes or spices. Dosas are often eaten dipped in sauces called sambar (a veggie stew) and coconut chutney (a creamy coconut sauce).

Dosas are mostly eaten in South India, but this delicious treat has also spread to other parts of the country. Traditionally dosas are eaten for breakfast but also make great snacks and light meals. 

6. Rogan Josh (Lamb Curry)

Rogan josh is a staple of Kashmiri cuisine and was originally brought to India by the Mughals. Rogan josh consists of braised lamb chunks cooked with a gravy made from browned onions, yogurt, garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices such as cloves, bay leaves, cardamom, and cinnamon.

The brilliant red color of the sauce comes from the liberal amounts of dried Kashmiri red chili powder that is added.  The dish"s spiciness is one of fragrance rather than heat and it is often mild enough to be appreciated by western palates that may not be used to spicy tastes.

This dish is one of the most famous in North India and the Delhi region. You can also find other types of lamb curry across the country, but it"s hard to beat rogan josh for its delectable flavor and perfect combination of spices. 

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7. Palak Paneer (Indian Cheese in a Spinach Gravy)

Palak paneer is a dish that is popular in North India and beloved by travelers. The gravy of this dish is a deep green because it is made by cooking down spinach, onions, and tomatoes then blending them together into a tasty sauce. Paneer is a type of Indian cheese that has a mild flavor and firm texture. 

This dish is a great choice for people who love Indian food but don't want to eat dishes that are too spicy. 

Palak paneer is great for its mild but wholesome flavors and is often eaten with Indian bread like naan, roti, or paratha. It can also be served with rice. 

8. Dal (Lentil Stew)

Dal is probably the most commonly eaten food in India. The word  dal just means "lentils" and refers to a variety of lentil stews. Dal is eaten almost once a day in most Indian households.

There are three different types of dal including yellow dal (the most commonly cooked at home), mung bean dal (moong dal), and red/black dal (often called dal makhani in restaurants). Every type of dal dish tastes slightly different but is delicious in its own way.

If you are looking to try traditional home-cooked Indian food, then definitely try yellow dal. This dish often has a thin consistency and is eaten with rice. If you are looking for a dish that is delicious, creamy, and restaurant-quality then look no further than dal makhani. 

9. Tandoori Meats (Marinated Meat Cooked in a Tandoor)

A tandoor is a cylindrical clay oven that can reach temperatures up to 900°F on the inside and is often used to cook meats, veggies, and bread. Tandoors give food a pleasant smokey flavor that can"t be achieved when cooking with gas. 

Although there are many dishes cooked in tandoors, it would be a sin to miss out on trying the tandoori meats the most famous of which is Tandoori Chicken. Tandoori Chicken is first marinated in yogurt and spices overnight then given a smoky flavor when cooked in the clay oven.

The tenderness and flavors of meats that are cooked in a tandoor are unparalleled. 

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10. Chicken 65 (Marinated with 65 Spices)

Chicken 65 is a fried chicken dish that is famous for its heat and ample flavor. This dish is said to have gotten its name from the 65 different spices that are used in the recipe and originates from a famous hotel in Chennai, India. 

To make the dish, the chicken is first marinated in spices like red chili powder, turmeric, ginger, and garlic for at least an hour.  Afterward, it is coated in an egg and cornflour batter and deep-fried. As soon as the chicken is finished frying, it is removed from the hot oil and plunged into a spicy yogurt sauce before serving. 

11. Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower)

Aloo gobi is a classic Indian dish that is served in most North Indian homes. This is one of the few dishes that is dry and doesn"t include a gravy. But don"t worry, no gravy doesn"t mean no flavor. This potato and cauliflower dish still includes plenty of spices and flavor without red chilies or heat.

Aloo gobi is commonly eaten with Indian breads like parathas which are used to grab the pieces of potato and cauliflower and soak up any extra spices. 

12. Malai Kofta (Veg Meatballs in Sauce)

Malai kofta is a very popular dish with a mild flavor that includes meatballs in a pleasant and creamy sauce. The kofta or meatballs in this dish are almost always vegetarian and are typically made from potatoes, mashed vegetables, or paneer. 

The sauce in this dish is rich and flavorful but not too spicy and is made from tomatoes and onions. Malai kofta is often topped with cream and goes well with Indian breads like  naan and cumin rice. 

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13. Fish Curry (Fish in Red Gravy)

Fish curry is often served in coastal regions and is especially popular in Kerala and Goa. Goan fish curry is usually made with white fish and incorporates both North Indian and South Indian ingredients. South Indian fish curry has a more tangy flavor and may include coconut milk as one of the main ingredients.

Every part of India uses different ingredients in its fish curry so if you visit a coastal region, a great way to enjoy fresh seafood is to indulge in the local version of the dish.

14. Pav Bhaji (Spiced Veggie Mash on Bread)

Pav bhaji is a traditional Mumbai street food but has become so popular that it is served at Indian restaurants and even cooked at home by many families. Pav bhaji is made from a mixture of mashed vegetables that are flavored with typical street food spices like red chili powder, cumin, chaat masala, and turmeric. 

The veggie mixture is then served on buttered and toasted buns along with another slice of butter on top. While it"s not the most healthy meal, pav bhaji is irresistibly delicious. 

15. Matar Paneer (Pea and Indian Cheese Curry)

Matar paneer is a frequently ordered vegetarian dish that consists of peas and paneer that are served in a tomato-based sauce. This dish is typically not spicy but packs flavor in its slow-simmered onion and tomato sauce. 

Matar paneer is also a great dish for kids or others who don"t like strong flavors as it can be cooked without onion or garlic. 

Great Indian Starters and Sides

Now that you know all about the top dishes to try on your trip to India, let"s talk about what to get as a side dish. In India, there are plenty of options for sides and it all depends on what kind of addition you would like for your meal.

If you want to eat in truly authentic Indian fashion, a great side to order is  raita . Raita is a yogurt dish that is mixed with veggies and spices and served cold. This side is meant to help cool your stomach after eating spicy food.

Another great addition to any meal is Indian kebabs . There are many different varieties of kebabs from meats like lamb and chicken to vegetarian versions like paneer, vegetable, and hara bhara which is a kebab made from mashed green veggies that are rolled into balls. 

If you want a more filling side then you can order samosas which are fried triangles stuffed with spiced veggies. Samosas are a favorite street food in India and are often served as appetizers in restaurants. 

What Makes Indian Food Special?

What makes Indian food special is that it breaks all the traditional rules of cooking. Instead of using a fork and knife, most Indian dishes are gravy-based and eaten with rice or bread . Unlike western food, Indian dishes are based on ingredients whose flavors don't overlap and that come together to create a unique and complex taste.

On average, a traditional Indian dish has at least nine spices such as cumin, coriander, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, red chili powder, garam masala, and mustard seeds. When starting a dish, most of the spices are added to a pan with hot oil to help the spices "bloom" and bring out their full flavor profiles.

Not only is Indian food a joy to eat, but most of it is also pretty good for you. Although many dishes include  ghee , or clarified butter, the main ingredients of most dishes are a combination of spices and veggies which are packed with vitamins and have many health benefits.  

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India Food: 25 Most Popular Traditional Dishes To Eat In India

Traditional Indian food is renowned worldwide for its wonderful use of herbs and spices, and its diverse range of deep-fried snacks, pastries, curries, gravies, sauces, rice dishes, tandoor-cooked meats, vegetable dishes, chutneys, breads and sweets.

Indian cuisine replicates a 5000-year history of the melding of various cultures, leading to diverse flavors and regional cuisines. The arrival of the Mughals, the British, and the Portuguese further added fusion and variety. Yet, while delicacies vary by region and state, most are built from the same taste foundations and there are many similarities in terms of spices and flavors, regardless of the geographical region.

The main differences are largely divided into South Indian and North Indian cuisine. A lot of the northern regions of India are vegetarian, and therefore many of the most inspiring vegetable dishes originate from the northern states. Staple ingredients in Indian cooking include rice, tomatoes, potatoes, lentils, chickpeas, onions and yoghurt, and the most common spices used to flavor authentic Indian food include turmeric, cumin, coriander, mustard seeds, cardamom, chili, garlic, cloves, saffron, fennel, nutmeg, star anise, and fenugreek.

In the same way that food influences traveled to India, Indian cuisine has also traveled overseas. Particular dishes have gained esteem and have trickled into cuisines all over the world, however for the most authentic of flavors and dining experiences, these dishes should really be tried in situ in their destination of origin.

Here is a selection of some of the most popular Indian dishes to eat in India on vacation:

Fretting about which fried food to try? You can’t go wrong with a pakora – a delicious, deep-fried spiced fritter.

Pakora is a savory, deep-fried Indian snack made with chunks of vegetables such as potato, cauliflower and eggplant, or meat of choice, which is then dipped in chickpea flour, seasoned with turmeric, salt, chili, or other spices, and deep-fried in ghee.

It is a quintessential Indian snack, easily found on numerous street corners and most popular during spring, when the locals choose to celebrate the monsoon season by eating fried foods.

Chaat and chat anyone? Head for the nearest street vendor selling these snack-size mini-meals and socialize!

The name chaat encompasses a wide variety of Indian street foods, snacks, or small meals which usually combine salty, spicy, sweet, and sour flavors. They are usually small, consumed on their own as a snack, or combined with other dishes to form a big meal.

Throughout India, chaat can be found at chaatwallas – street vendors serving various dishes, from stuffed bread to deep-fried pastries with accompanying dipping sauces.

When hungry in Mumbai, the abundant Vada Pav vendors can satiate your appetite with these burger-style beauties.

3. Vada Pav

Vada Pav is a favorite sandwich-style snack from Mumbai , named after its ingredients: vada, or spicy mashed potatoes, which are deep-fried in chickpea batter; and pav, or white bread rolls. This iconic street food is said to have originated from a street vendor named Ashok Vaidya, who worked near the Dadar train station in the sixties and seventies, and came up with a way to satiate the hungry workers.

Cake for breakfast anyone? Idli is a favorite savory morning staple in South India.

Idli is a traditional, savory Indian cake that is a popular breakfast item in many South Indian households, although it can be found throughout the country. It is made with a batter consisting of fermented lentils and rice, which is then steamed. These savory cakes are commonly served hot and consumed on their own, dipped into sambar or chutneys, or seasoned with a range of spices.

Popular throughout India, paratha are perfect just on their own and often served with a whole host of accoutrements

Paratha is a flaky, layered, golden-brown Indian bread, which is typically consumed for breakfast. It consists of whole wheat flour that’s baked in ghee, Indian clarified butter, and comes in round, triangular, square, or hexagonal shapes.

Very often, parathas are stuffed with ingredients such as boiled potatoes, cauliflower, garlic, ginger, chili, paneer, or radish. They are sometimes accompanied by pickles, yogurt, homemade chutneys, and occasionally served as a side to meat and vegetable curries. In Punjab, paratha is eaten with lassi, a popular yogurt-based drink.

Leavened heaven – the favorite accompaniment of curries across the Western world, naan is mainly eaten in the Punjab region and the north of India, without the rice!

Naan is a well-liked flatbread with a chewy texture. It consists of white flour, yeast, eggs, milk, salt, and sugar, baked in a tandoor oven. Its characteristic tear-drop shape is achieved due to the way that the dough droops as it cooks on the tandoor walls.

If you like potatoes and cauliflower, you’re in for a treat – Aloo Gobi literally translates as potatoes & cauliflower and is a true classic.

7. Aloo Gobi

Aloo Gobi is a vegetarian dry curry, consisting of potatoes (aloo), cauliflower (gobi), and Indian spices. It has a warm, yellow-orange color because it contains turmeric. Other common ingredients include kalonji, curry leaves, garlic, ginger, onion, coriander stalks, tomato, peas, and cumin.

Butter? Nom. Chicken? Nom. Butter chicken? Non nom nom nom.

8. Butter Chicken

A dish of tender chicken in a mildly spiced tomato sauce. It’s traditionally cooked in a tandoor (a cylindrical clay oven). The gravy is always made first by boiling down fresh tomato, garlic, and cardamom into a bright red pulp. This pulp is then pureed after cooling. Butter, various spices, and khoa (dried whole milk) is then added. The dish originated in Delhi during the 1950s.

It’s all in the tadka process – the flavored oil tempering brings out all the spices’ health benefits and add piquancy to this divinely delicious dal dish.

9. Dal Tadka

This classic lentil-based dish originates from the northern parts of India. Although there are variations, the dish is usually prepared with toor dal (split yellow peas), garlic, ginger, onions, tomatoes, garam masala, red chili peppers, ghee, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and fenugreek leaves. Once prepared, dal tadka is usually garnished with coriander leaves and served hot with jeera rice and roti on the side.

Masala dosa are sumptuous savory snacks not too dissimilar in appearance to crêpes.

10. Masala Dosa

The traditional southern Indian dish known as masala dosa is popular throughout the country, made from a batter of soaked rice and black lentils, which are ground into a paste and blended to create a thick batter, usually left to ferment overnight. The mixture is enriched with a handful of fenugreek seeds, which gives the dosa its distinctive golden-brown color and a delicious, crispy texture.

It is then baked on a hot oiled griddle into a thin pancake and often stuffed with potatoes, onions, and mustard seeds before being garnished with grated coconut and chopped coriander. It is usually consumed as a quick snack, but can also be a breakfast dish.

The stupendous stew of Tamil Nadu state, the Sambar is now popular across South India and has even been adapted into Myanamr’s Burmese cuisine.

Sambar is a tamarind-based broth, prepared with lentils and vegetables. It originates from Tamil Nadu, but it is also very popular throughout South India. The dish is traditionally served with steamed rice or various Indian flatbreads.

A buttery beauty , dal makhani , is a rich lentil dish often topped with cream which delights the tastebuds, and is popular on special occasions across India.

12. Dal Makhani

Although it originated in Punjab, dal makhani has become a favorite Indian lentil dish all over the country. It consists of black beans or red kidney beans and whole black lentils, called ‘ urad ’. The dish is prepared with plenty of ghee and seasonings such as ginger, garlic paste, and chili, and it is slowly cooked in a rich, tomato-based sauce.

The name makhani , meaning butter, is due to the addition of cream and a drizzle of melted ghee or butter that provides the typical velvety flavor of this classic.

Chana massala is probably the most popular vegetarian dish in India, and arguably the most healthy, with chickpeas coming loaded with folate, iron, fiber, and vitamin B, and a tomato-and-onion sauce filled with garlic, ginger, chilis, and good-for-you spices.

13. Chana Masala

Usually eaten as a snack, main meal, or breakfast, this North Indian specialty is a tangy chickpea curry, which is probably the most popular vegetarian dish in India, commonly found on railway platforms and in school canteens.

The chickpeas are simmered in a combination of spices and herbs, often served with rice or Indian flatbreads such as roti or naan, and garnished with yogurt.

One of the most popular delicacies of Mughlai cuisine, shahi paneer was popular with Mughal emperor royalty (from where it gets its name – “ Shahi ” means royal in Urdu), and its creamy richness most apt! The dish is still popular in northern parts of India and neighboring countries.

14. Shahi Paneer

Originating from India’s Mughlai cuisine, shahi paneer is a rich, hearty and nutritious cheese curry, prepared with paneer cheese, onions, almond paste, and a rich, spicy tomato-cream sauce. The dish is typically accompanied by Indian breads such as naan, roti, or puri, and garnished with coriander leaves.

The red meat and red sauce combination of rogan josh makes for a delicious, vibrant dish … and notoriously difficult stains to remove from white shirts.

15. Rogan Josh

Rogan josh is a staple of Kashmiri cuisine. It consists of braised lamb chunks cooked with gravy made from browned onions, yogurt, garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices. Known for its brilliant red color, a classic rogan josh uses liberal amounts of dried Kashmiri chilis.

With origins dating back some 5000 years, but named after the tandoor clay ovens found in the Punjab it is cooked in, tandoori chicken is a healthy, meaty masterpiece of a meal.

16. Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori chicken is one of the most famous Indian dishes. It is made by marinating chicken meat in yogurt, and is seasoned with tandoori masala, nutmeg, and cumin, before being placed on skewers. Traditionally, it is cooked at very high temperatures in cylindrical clay ovens called tandoor , resulting in succulent meat with a smokey flavor.

Some like it hot, for those that like it hotter, eat a vindaloo.

17. Vindaloo

Vindaloo is a flavorful curry dish, well known in Goa and Konkan. It is typically made with marinated pork, but it can also be made with chicken, beef, mutton, or paneer. The dish is named after the Portuguese dish, carne de vinha d’alhos , meaning meat marinated in wine vinegar and garlic. Many Indian spices are incorporated into the dish, such as tamarind, cinnamon, cardamom, and hot chilis.

Malabar curry is a south Indian dish particularly associated with the Keralan region, where the coastlines, climate and cultural history make spicy fish curries popular.

18. Malabar Fish Curry

This authentic fish curry originates from Malabar, Kerala . The curry is typically made with seer, sea bass, tilapia, or sardines. Other ingredients include onions, tomatoes, hot chili peppers, chili powder, curry leaves, coriander, turmeric, garlic, fenugreek, tamarind, oil, and coconut milk, which lends the dish its rich creaminess. It is flavored with deep and earthy Indian spices such as fried curry leaves and tamarind.

Spice up your life with spiced-up rice – the brilliant and bright biriyani is one of the most well-known Indian-Pakistani dishes on Indian menus.

19. Biriyani

Biriyani dates back to the Mughal Empire. The main ingredients are basmati rice, spices, a base of meat, eggs, or vegetables, and many optional ingredients such as dried fruits, nuts, and yogurt. It is believed that Mumtaz Mahal – Emperor Shah Jahan’s queen for whom the Taj Mahal was built as a tomb for – inspired the dish in the 1600s.

Originally named Samsa, the samosa – India’s favorite street food – has medieval Middle Eastern origins, its name deriving from the Persian word sanbosag , for “triangular pastry”.

Samosas are a tasty, deep fried, or baked, golden brown pastry triangles with savory fillings, usually spiced potatoes, onions, peas, and lentils, although sometimes, they are made with ground lamb, ground beef or ground chicken. Samosas are typically served hot and accompanied with chopped onions, yogurt, or fresh, homemade Indian chutneys and sauces made with a variety of ingredients such as mint, coriander or tamarind.

These puffy treats are common Indian street food and are believed to have traveled to India along the old trade routes from Central Asia.

Rarely maligned, ras malai is simply too delicious for food critics to say a bad word about this sweet-smelling (and tasting!) spongy treat.

21. Ras Malai

Ras Malai is a much-loved, delicious Indian dessert of West Bengali origin made from white cream, sugar, milk, and cardamom-flavored paneer cheese known as chhana . Cashews, almonds and saffron are often added. Spongy, soft, and aromatic, it is typically served chilled and garnished with cardamom seeds or dried fruits. It is commonly consumed during festivals such as Holi and Diwali .

Ice-cream lolly-style. Holla a kulfiwallah (Kulfi street vendor) and try out this delicious, unmissable dessert.

Kulfi is a classic Indian ice cream made with slowly simmered whole milk. Although the long-simmering process results in a loss of volume, it makes up for it with a delicious, nutty, caramelized flavor. The ice cream is characterized by its unusual, conical shape, a result of using traditional, special molds with tight-fitting lids.

Kulfi is usually flavored with ingredients such as pistachio, rose water, green tea, and saffron. It is believed to have been invented by the early inhabitants of the Himalayas during the Mughal Empire era.

Sticky and sweet, Gulab Jamun is the national dessert of India.

23. Gulab Jamun

Gulab jamun is a dessert based on milk solids that are kneaded into a dough, shaped into balls, and deep-fried in ghee. The balls then get soaked in a sweet thick syrup, flavored with saffron, green cardamom, and rose water. When served, gulab jamun is often garnished with dried nuts to further enhance its flavors.

No they don’t make you want to barf – barfi actually originate from the Hindustani word for snow. These pista barfi are flavored with ground pistachios.

Even though its name originates from Persia, barfi is an original Indian sweet that resembles a fudge. It is made from a base of condensed milk solids (khoa or khoya), granulated sugar, and ghee, and the most common ingredients added to this include nuts, usually pistachios, cashews, and peanuts. However, fruits, saffron, rose water, gram flour, or almonds are also found in some regional varieties.

Last but not least, lassi are as dependable as Lassie when it comes to quenching your thirst and satisfying your desire for dessert.

Traditionally served in a handle-less clay cup called a kulhar , lassi is a frothy yogurt-based drink, blended with water and various fruits or seasonings. It originated in Punjab and there are many varieties, but most are either sweet or salted. Mmm mango lassi. That thought alone makes us want to go to India !

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Long-Lasting Food To Carry While Travelling In India

Getting proper food is one of the biggest concerns during long journeys in India , especially if you’re travelling by train. Unlike road travel, you can’t stop at dhabas and restaurants for your meals. In case you are travelling on a flight , you have plenty of options at the airport.

During train travel, IRCTC provides food and catering for certain travel classes, but everyone is not a fan of railway food. I myself prefer to carry homemade food while travelling or buy food before boarding the train.

Fresh food cooked in the pantry cars is available only to first-class travellers, while passengers in 2A and 3A coaches receive food loaded from kitchen setups at different stations.

Being an avid traveller myself, I’ve learned the pain of not getting proper food during train travels . While I’m not very picky about food, there are obvious health concerns to worry about. With that said, the purpose of this article is to guide you on different ideas for Indian food to carry while travelling . I’ve tried to be as inclusive as possible to accommodate different food preferences.

Breakfast Ideas During Travel

Let’s start with breakfast since nobody loves to start the day in a ruined mood. You may either buy your breakfast from vendors or at stations or carry homemade breakfast items. Here are the best breakfast ideas, some of which I personally carry during my train travels.

1. Sandwiches – The Best Option

When it comes to readymade food for travel , sandwiches are one of your easiest options. Not only are they mess-free, but there are plenty of sandwich ingredients that won’t go bad quickly.

Besides, one can make sandwiches with anything from fresh vegetables and dairy products to cooked fillings . This makes it a suitable breakfast item for travellers with dietary or religious restrictions.

The only issue with carrying sandwiches for long periods is that the bread can turn soggy. You may have to carry the bread and the other ingredients in separate containers to prevent this. Sandwiches made with some ingredients like cheese, jam, or cream can stay for a few more hours without getting soggy. You can check and prepare various Indian sandwich recipes for your next trip.

2. Fruits – Essentials To Stay Healthy

Fruits are always a good choice if you’re trying to stay on a healthy diet . You may either carry them from home or buy them from vendors during your travels. Apart from the fruit sellers at almost every major railway station, vendors boarding the trains sell bananas, apples, oranges, and other fruits too. Just grab a good mix of different fruits and start your day with a healthy breakfast.

3. Egg or Butter Toast – Your Personal Choice

These are one of the most common items available on Indian trains during breakfast hours. A hot and fresh egg toast or simply bread toast with an omelette can make a delicious breakfast too. In case you’re a vegetarian and don’t eat eggs, you can always go for butter toast instead. Besides being simple and healthy, this is very affordable food for train journeys.

4. Idli And Vada – The Long Laster

If you’re fond of South Indian food, idli and vada are among the best long-lasting Indian food for travel on trains. Neither of the two would get spoiled any time soon as long as you pack them properly in foils and airtight containers. Carrying the sambar might be a problem, but focan simply eat them with chutneys instead.

5. Kachori – Most Popular Indian Travel Food

It is a popular food that most of us love, and commonly available on trains. Kachori vendors board trains at various times of the day, especially in the morning. Unless you’re on a diet or don’t want to eat any sort of unhealthy food from vendors, you might want to go for it.

Dry kachoris (khasta kachoris) are also a good choice if you need food to carry while travelling in India. Firstly, you can carry them for long periods without worrying about them going bad. Secondly, they’re dry items and don’t cause a mess. You may either make them at home or buy them before boarding the train.

6. Upma – Minimal Yet Nutritious

For travellers who love North Indian food, Upma is always a great choice. The dry texture of this dish makes it mess-free, and you can carry it for long periods without any problem. The light texture of upma makes it a perfect breakfast item during travel , while the ingredients make it healthy and nutritious. It’s easy to see why I listed upma among the best food for the train journey.

Lunch And Dinner Ideas For Indian Travel

Now that we have covered the breakfast items, let’s find out what you can have for lunch or dinner when travelling by train. This is often a problem as most of the common Indian meals involve gravy or curry-based foods, which might create a mess. Thankfully, there are a few relatively dry and non-messy options too.

1. Paratha And Puri – Delicious Travel Food

Parathas and puris are one of the most common tiffin choices in India. However, they’re also one of the best travel food recipes for lunch and dinner as they’re easy to make, can be stored for a long time, and are quite satisfactory for the stomach.

If you’re setting out in the morning and have some time, you can make parathas or puris and pack them for lunch. However, make sure the food accompanying the parathas is something dry and won’t go bad if you leave it packed for a long time.

Alternatively, you can just go for parathas made with the fillings already inside them, such as aloo paratha or onion paratha . In this case, all you’ll need is some pickle.

2. Thepla – Best Alternative to Paratha

Similar to rotis and parathas to come extent, theplas are a great option for long train journeys too. For train travel, it’s better to go for different thepla variants like methi thepla , doodhi thepla , zucchini thepla etc., rather than regular theplas.

The added flavour will make up for the lack of a good side dish. In this regard, remember not to use curd when making the theplas. Curd lowers a thepla’s shelf-life , which is the exact opposite of what you need.

3. Roti – Most Preferred Dinner Choice

Rotis are another good type of homemade food for travelling. Parathas are delicious, but rotis are admittedly healthier as they don’t contain oil . Being a common staple, rotis are widely available, and you can easily buy some before you board the train.

The same advice I mentioned for parathas goes for rotis too – eat the rotis with dry side dishes to avoid creating a mess . If you decide to eat the food provided by IRCTC, you may have rotis among your options there too.

4. Rice With Side Dishes – Best Alternative To Roti

I mention rice only because it’s a staple food in India and one of the most popular meals. However, this isn’t a viable option unless you’re travelling in a train class with IRCTC catering or you are on a road trip .

A variety of thalis, including both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, are available on Indian trains. Even if the official catering service isn’t available to you, getting good food during train journeys won’t be a problem. Speaking of IRCTC , did you know that online catering services with price list are also available on trains?

IRCTC has launched an e-catering service that delivers restaurant foods to railway passengers . If you’re picky about your meals or would just like something special for a change, this is the perfect solution.

On the other hand, carrying rice and its side dishes during long journeys is not only inconvenient but there’s a high chance of the food going bad.

5. Pasta – My Favourite

If you’re more in the mood for some spicy homemade food for travelling other than Indian cuisines, you may carry pasta for your train journey. Seasoned with vegetables and sauces , pasta is one of the most popular Italian dishes.

It’s particularly preferred by Indian mothers to cook tiffin for their kids as it doesn’t take much time to make. The same reason also makes it a great choice when you have a train to catch.

Being a fried or boiled dish, pasta can last a long time in an enclosed container . Apart from homemade pasta, you may also buy pasta at various fast-food corners.

Snacks To Carry While Travelling

When it comes to snacks for travelling in India, there’s no dearth of options. In fact, the diverse range of snacks available during road, flight and train travels greatly adds to the experience. I don’t think I have ever had a train journey in which I didn’t buy snacks along the way. Here are some of the best and most popular snack options for you:

There’s no way one can talk about Indian snacks without mentioning samosas. Affordable and delicious, they have always remained one of the top choices for Indian travellers. You can easily buy them from vendors boarding the trains or the small snack shops on railway platforms . Even IRCTC sometimes provides samosas among the food they offer through their catering service.

It is not only available for train travel, but also at airports and roadside shops. Especially if you get some tea or coffee, there’s no better way to enjoy it than having it with a couple of samosas.

Like samosas, pakoras are another great choice for snacking. If you travel in sleeper class, it’s quite common to find vendors selling various types of pakoras . However, if you’re strictly sticking to homemade food for travelling, you may even make the pakoras at home and carry on your trip.

For any dietary restrictions due to religious factors or health issues, you’re free to pick what to fill the pakoras with. Besides, deep-fried items like pakoras last very long. If you seek long-lasting Indian food for travel, it’s easy to see that pakoras are among your top options.

3. Dry Fruits

Can’t have samosas or pakoras because you’re on a diet? Don’t worry, here’s an option for travellers who need healthy snacks for the train journey.

Dry fruits like raisins, cashews, and nuts are not only good for your health but also have a very long shelf-life. You may even carry a container full of dry fruits for a train journey that’s going to last a few days. The next time you visit Kashmir or any other place well-known for dry fruits, feel free to buy some for your return journey.

While dry fruits are tasty and healthy, they’re rather small and light. Dhoklas make good snacks for the train journey if you’re looking for a healthy item with low oil content . You may either make them at home or buy them from a snack shop on your way. With their beautiful blend of sweet and sour taste, dhoklas are a good solution if you’re travelling with children and it’s hard to make them stick to healthy foods.

Moving away from the healthy stuff again, chips are one of the most popular packed food items for travel in India among snacks . Ranging from simple salted potato chips to flavoured chips from well-known brands, there’s a diverse range of options to pick from.

Besides, chips are pretty much ubiquitous in India – available almost everywhere. In case you’d love to enjoy this crunchy snack during your journey, but are worried about the ingredients, homemade chips are the way to go. There are various homemade chips recipes like potato chips, sabudana chips, banana chips , etc.

6. Cookies And Cakes

Maybe you’d like to carry some packed food items for travel in India but would prefer something healthier than chips? Well, you can always go for some cakes and cookies. They’re available almost everywhere – even at the small tea stalls along the roads or airport. Besides, baked food have a very long shelf-life, making them a suitable option for longer journeys .

In Conclusion

As for carrying homemade food on train and road journeys, just remember to pick items that won’t go bad by the time you plan to consume them . I personally go for potato-based preparations for my rotis and parathas since they’re dry and less likely to cause a mess.

Apart from the above food ideas, you can also carry chocolates, biscuits, cold drinks, fruit juice, puffed rice, namkeens, and sweets like laddu and rasgulla on your next trip.

In case you plan to travel by plane during your journey, keep in mind that food for air travel deserves special consideration due to various restrictions . Check with your airline to know what kind of food you’re allowed to carry on the flight. Hopefully, you found this guide helpful and can now enjoy your travel on train, air, or road as much as I do.

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• Food & Drinks

12 Yummy Yet Healthy Indian Snacks To Pack For Your Trip

Packing snacks for a trip is a ritual followed by most travellers. Here are some healthy Indian snacks that can serve as a source of energy and nutrition.

Some travellers carry food for their trip or journey—either as a wholesome meal or snacks to munch on at intervals. While it isn’t advisable to carry multiple boxes of food for your journey, you can always carry snacks that are light on the luggage as well as your waistline. There is a large variety of snacks that you can carry—from chips and biscuits to homemade brownies or health bars. It’s usually always a better idea to go for the healthier option by making healthy snacks for kids and yourself. India is a diverse country when it comes to culture, traditions, and cuisine and there are a lot of healthy Indian snacks to choose from for your travels.

2 ‘Bimaro Wala Khana’, Khichdi

This is simply a one-pot rice and lentil dish and is made in a wide variety of ways in different parts of the country. An iconic Indian dish, it is known as huggi in Karnataka, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, and khichdi in many parts of north India. Khichdi is one of the most ancient foods in India and once cooked, can be paired with anything from yogurt to spicy pickles. Khichdi is known as ‘ Bimaro Wala Khana ’ (food for the sick in Hindi) as it is easily digestible and nutrition-rich, making it one of the many healthy Indian snacks. It is the perfect balance of carbohydrates and protein. According to Ayurveda, Khichdi is used for detoxifying and cleansing the body. It is the perfect snack as it is easy to make, healthy, filling, easy to pack, and tasty either hot or cold. However, it is best consumed within at least 12 hours of preparation. Fun fact : 

Khichdi is one of the first solid foods that is fed to babies in many parts of India as it features in the list of healthy snacks for kids.

Mughal emperor Jehangir favoured lazizan , a very rich Gujarati khichdi in his days of abstinence, according to ‘A Historical Dictionary of Indian Foods’ written by historian KT Achaya.

3 Cholesterol-Buster, Thepla

This is a Gujarati breakfast flatbread ( roti ) made primarily of methi (fenugreek), wheat flour, yoghurt, gram flour, ghee, and water. Theplas are made in a similar way chapatis are made, where the dough is rolled into a ball and then flattened into a circular shape and fried. Theplas are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and iron and are known for lowering cholesterol. According to NDTV Food, one of the University of Michigan Health System’s studies states that the steroidal saponins found in fenugreek seeds seem to slow the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. Theplas are also said to be able to control diabetes, lower blood sugar levels, and aid digestion. One of the many healthy Indian snacks around, theplas are travel-friendly as they are easy to carry and eat. They are also easy to make as all the ingredients are found in almost all households, but you will need to give yoghurt a miss if you’re making theplas for travel, as it reduces its ‘shelf-life’.

• The more oil you use while cooking the thepla , the longer its shelf life.

5 The Most Versatile Indian Snack, Khakhra

The khakhra is a circular crisp roti -like food item from Gujarat that is commonly eaten as a snack. The primary ingredient in these healthy Indian snacks is wheat flour. Others are gram flour, milk, and oil, but you can add various spices to customise it. Much like rotis , khakhras are roasted in a heated pan, although here, pressure is applied till they become crisp. Khakhras are considered to be healthy snacks in India as they are made of whole wheat. They are rich in carbohydrates and proteins and also contain dietary fibres which help with weight reduction, digestion, and maintaining blood sugar levels. Khakhras are not only easy to pack, but can also be eaten with anything from tea to jam, sabzi (cooked vegetable dish) or plain.

• Khakhras are said to have been invented by Jains many years ago. As they are not allowed to eat stale food, they started dry roasting leftover rotis to take out the remaining moisture so they don’t spoil and food is not wasted.

6 The Snack That Made Chitale Bandhu Famous, Bhakarwadi

A disk of dough stuffed with dried coconut, poppy, cumin, sesame seeds, dried mango, and chilli, bhakarwadis are a popular Indian snack that originated from Gujarat, although it is quite popular in Maharashtra too. These bite-sized mini rolls are a perfect mix of crunchy, sweet, and spicy, and are best enjoyed with a cup of tea.

The original version of bhakarwadis does not make it into the list of healthy Indian snacks, but there are variations that are low-fat and fibre-rich. Baked versions of these are stuffed with flax seeds, grains, pulses, soybeans, methi, or dry fruits. They are dry and therefore easy to pack and carry and are available at all farsan (a collective name for multiple varieties of Gujarati and Maharashtrian snacks) shops.

Fun facts : 

• It is believed that the grandfather of the current owner of Jagdish Farsan, a famous farsan store in Vadodara, invented the snack.
• It was introduced in Maharashtra in the 1970s.
• It made Chitale Bandhu, a shop in Pune, very famous for its wares.

7 South India’s Go-To Snack, Lemon Rice

A tangy yellow dish made from basmati rice mixed with other ingredients like peanuts, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and lemon juice— these are the ingredients in the healthy snacks recipe for lemon rice. It originated in south India, and can also be made with leftover rice, making it an easy and convenient breakfast or snack dish. It can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to prepare, depending on whether you are using pre-cooked rice. The dish can also be made gluten-free by skipping the hing (asafoetida). Lemon rice is very nutritious as it contains carbohydrates, proteins, fats, potassium, fibre, vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, iron, thiamin, niacin, phosphorus, and more. Lemon rice, also known as Chitranna in Kannada, can be eaten with yoghurt or spicy pickle, or plain. It also counts as a healthy snack for kids as it can be packed in a tiffin box easily. However, it needs to be consumed within a day of it being made.

• Its distinctive yellow colour comes from turmeric, also a strong anti-inflammatory.

8 A Health-Buff’s Best Friend, Dalia

Dalia is made of broken wheat, cooked in different ways, according to personal preferences. It is consumed mainly in the Indian sub-continent and features high as a favourite on the list of healthy Indian snacks. You can cook it with spices to make it savoury or sweet by adding coconut and jaggery. This dish is a super-food and a great source of protein, making it a big hit among fitness buffs. Dalia is rich in fibre, helpful for weight loss, a good source of minerals, helpful in suppressing hunger pangs, low in fat, and great for diabetics and children. While it makes for great healthy snacks for the evening or even for breakfast and dinner, dalia needs to be consumed within a day of it being made.

• It is healthier than wheat flour as it contains wheat husk too, which is rich in fibre.

10 The Indian Version Of Nougat, Chikki

Chikkis is a crunchy and sweet snack made of jaggery and a variety of different nuts and seeds, primarily roasted peanuts. These sweet treats are generally flat and readily available in most stores across India. It is said that chikkis were invented by a man named Maganlal, the country’s largest and oldest chikki maker. Chikkis are considered healthy Indian snacks as the main ingredient is jaggery, a solid or semi-solid natural sweetener, usually a concentrate of sugarcane juice. Jaggery contains protein, minerals, and vitamins and is also a great source of iron and copper. Chikkis makes for a great travel snack as they last long (days and even weeks) and are easy to pack and carry.

• Chikkis is considered the Indian (and vegan) version of nougat, a confection made of whipped egg whites, sugar, or honey with nuts and/or fruits. 

11 The Best Snack For Your Gut, Poha

Like most Indian foods, poha has many variants in different parts of the country and is a preferred breakfast item in many households. The dish has its origins in the Maharashtra-Gujarat-Madhya Pradesh region. Poha is made with cooked rice that is flattened and dried resembling flakes of varying thickness. You can make poha sweet or spicy (with peanuts, curry leaves, and onions), depending on your taste. As poha can be cooked with a variety of vegetables, it is considered healthy, nutritious, and filling. It is a great source of carbohydrates and iron, low in calories, and easily digestible. Poha , also known as beaten rice, is easy and quick to make and serves as a delicious healthy snack while travelling.

• Poha is a good probiotic as it undergoes fermentation during its preparation, retaining its microbial flora—great for gut health.

12 The Snack That Comes In Its Own Biodegradable Wrapper, Patholi

This is a snack made with a little extra effort. Patholi (which means steamed dumpling or pudding in Konkani), originates from the Konkan belt (parts of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka), and is made primarily of grated coconut and jaggery stuffed into rice dough and turmeric leaves. The ingredients are mixed and lightly fried till they turn golden brown. While this dish is primarily prepared during the Nagarapanchami/Nag Panchami festival and the monsoons, it is also prepared as a tasty snack for family gatherings and other special occasions.

Patholis are considered healthy Indian snacks because they are cooked in turmeric leaves which have a host of health benefits. Turmeric leaves are said to boost digestion and reduce gas and bloating. These also make for great travel snacks as they come in their own packaging (the turmeric leaves), are easy to pack, and can be eaten hot or cold. They can also be stored for a maximum of two to three days (preferably consumed within two days) in a cool environment.

• Patholi is made primarily during the rainy season because it’s when turmeric leaves are abundantly available.

13 The Ancient Medicinal Snack, Til Ke Laddus

Til (sesame) laddus are one of the simplest healthy Indian snacks and brimming with health benefits. Commonly known as Maharashtrian til che laddus (as they are originally traditional sweet from Maharashtra), they are round, sweet, bite-sized snacks made with sesame seeds ( til ), peanuts, ghee, cardamom ( elaichi ), and jaggery. It is believed that til ke laddus were used in the 4th century BCE by Susruta, the father of Indian surgery and medicine as an antiseptic for his patients. While these can be eaten at any time during the year, they are primarily consumed in winter to generate heat and energy in the body. Til ke laddus are also known for increasing hair growth, having anti-ageing properties, boosting the health of your skin and teeth, and aiding digestion. They are a great source of energy. Til ke laddus also serve as great travel snacks as they are easy to pack, readily available at most general stores, and can be stored for days.

Fun facts :

• You don’t need a lot of ghee to prepare these snacks as the crushed peanuts and jaggery provide enough stickiness.

14 South Kanara’s Low-Calorie Snack, Mutlim/Mutlin

This is another of the many healthy Indian snacks originating from the South Kanara (Dakshina Kannada) district of Karnataka. It’s a dimpled, circular, steamed snack made of a mixture of rice and grated coconut. Mutlims , also known as pundis , can also be made with rava or semolina. These are great breakfast dishes, as well as filling and healthy snacks in the evening. Mutlims can be accompanied by a spicy gravy, chutney, or just eaten on their own.

These also serve as healthy snacks for kids, and older generations, as they are easily digested and contain carbohydrates. They are also useful for those looking to maintain their weight, as it is pretty low on calories. Mutlims are also suitable as a travel snack as they can be eaten either hot or cold and can be easily packed. They can last for about a day or two when stored in airtight containers.

• You can stuff mutlims with a mixture of coconut and jaggery (a south Kanara variation) to make a sweeter variant of this snack known as god (sweet) mutlim .

15 The Savoury Cake, Dhokla

Originally from Gujarat, dhoklas are healthy Indian snacks that are most often consumed in the evening. These light and fluffy cube-shaped snacks are made from a fermented batter of gram flour ( besan ) and mild spices and can be had at any time during the day. Since dhoklas are steamed, it is preferred by those counting calories, and as it is fermented, it is easier to digest and improves gut health. This fluffy savoury cake is also packed with proteins. It has a low glycemic index which makes it good for diabetics. They are easy to pack and carry for travel.

• The snack is versatile, so instead of gram flour, you can also use rice flour, chana dal or semolina. The dhokla that is made with gram flour is known as khaman dhokla and the one made with rice flour is known as rice dhokla .

Snack Often But Not Too Often To Stay Healthy

Snacking is an important aspect of a daily diet, as it can boost your energy in the middle of the day or when you exercise. Healthy snacks between meals can help decrease hunger and prevent overeating during regular meals. Snacking is especially important during travel, as it will help you stay alert and energised. Going for something healthy that won’t spoil fast is a bonus as you do not want to risk your health mid-travel. And although snacking is inevitable, you must remember to keep the snacks healthy in order to stay fit.

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Lip-smacking Recipes

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10 Travel Food Ideas For Indian Cuisine – Step By Step

Traveling to new places always comes with its share of food challenges. From the food you can eat on the go to the cuisine you’re supposed to enjoy, there’s always something to fret about. But worry no more.

This blog will compile a list of 10 travel food ideas for Indian cuisine that will make your travels a breeze. We’ve covered you, from masalas and curries to starters and desserts. Get packed and start exploring the world.

Table of Contents

What Are Travel Food Ideas For Indian Cuisine

Travel food ideas for Indian cuisine can be as simple as packing a jar of masala sauce or chutney to introduce some of the flavors and spices of India to your meals while you’re on the go. Alternatively, you could make a traditional dish like dal or tandoori chicken at home and bring it with you on your trip.

Another great way to enjoy Indian food while on vacation is by finding restaurants that specialize in Indian cuisine. This will allow you to try some dishes you might not usually have access to at home.  A lucky person may even order some authentic dishes that food is rarely seen outside of India.

What Is The Benefit Of Travel Food Ideas For Indian Cuisine?

Travel food ideas for Indian cuisine can be a tasty and convenient way to explore new places while staying healthy . Here are some of the benefits:

• They’re budget-friendly.  Because travel food ideas for Indian cuisine are typically lower in calories and fat, they’re a great way to save money on your vacation costs.
• They’re easy to prepare.  Most of them only require a few minutes of preparation time, so you can have them ready when you arrive at your destination.
• They’re delicious.  There’s nothing like experiencing the unique flavors and spices of different cultures through their culinary traditions; travel food ideas for Indian cuisine provide just that.
• They’re convenient.  Some of the people are carrying with you in lightweight luggage. So you’ll never have to miss out on a fantastic dish again.

Best Travelling Food Ideas For Indian Cuisine

No matter where you are in the world, you’ll be able to find great food if you know where to look. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 10 best food ideas for Indian cuisine. Some of our favorites include dosas (a savory crepe), tandoori chicken, palak paneer (a creamy cheese dish), naan pieces of bread, and chai tea lattes. Pack various snacks and drinks, and you’re good to go.

1. Paneer Tikka

If you’re looking for a delicious and spice-laden dish to cook up, check out paneer tikka. This classic Indian dish makes from cottage cheese and can spice it up with various spices such as ginger, garlic, and cumin. Often served with naan bread or roti bread, it makes for a great meal! Pair it with rice or naan on the side for a fantastic taste experience that everyone will love.

2. Dal Makhani

Dal Makhani is a delicious dish that can match your taste preferences. It can serve with rice, naan bread, or any other side dish you may fancy. Dal Makhani is also perfect for traveling, as it goes well with almost anything! This versatile meal is sure to please even the most discerning palate.

3. Kerala Kadhi

Kerala kadhi is a dish that’s full of flavor and has a delicious coconutty taste. Often served with rice, you can spice it up to your liking with chilies and onions. It’s perfect for those who want something filling but not too spicy. Whether traveling or eating at home, Kerala kadhi is an incredible food choice everyone will love.

4. Darjeeling Tea Leaf Salad

Darjeeling Tea Leaf Salad is a simple, delicious salad you can easily enjoy anytime. Made with fresh dal (lentils), paneer (cottage cheese), and seasonal vegetables, this recipe is easy to follow and incorporates the flavors of Indian cuisine perfectly. Try seasoning it with cilantro, green chili peppers, and chaat masala for an added flavor boost.

5. Spice-Rubbed Lamb Chops

Are you looking for a delicious and spice-rubbed way to enjoy lamb chops. Look no further than this recipe. The spices give the chops a unique flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish is easy to follow, and it prepares in 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for an occasion or want something delicious and satisfying, spice-rubbed lamb chops are the perfect meal option.

6. Cashew Nuts

Cashew nuts are a perfect snack for those who want something healthy and flavorful. Roast cashews made from these nuts as part of the Indian cuisine you are serving. They can be enjoyed fresh or stored in an airtight container for later use. Add them to your next meal to give it that extra spice and flavor.

7. Tamarind Paste

Tamarind paste is a popular all-purpose condiment in Indian cuisine. You can use it in savory dishes like dal or as a sweet and sour sauce. You can also use it to thicken soups or make chutney. It’s easy to store and doesn’t spoil, making it the perfect travel food choice.

8. Curry Leaves

Many Indian dishes use Curry leaves are a vital ingredient and can operate in various ways. They impart a wonderful aroma and flavor to any dish they are added to, making them perfect for rice or other grains as an appetizer. Pack some curry leaves when you head out on your next trip.

9. Mushroom Biryani

Mushroom biryani is a popular dish that is perfect for anyone looking for a homemade taste with layers of sautéed mushrooms, rice, and spices. It can be made vegetarian or with meats – both are equally delicious.

It’s also an ideal starter or main course – the choice is yours. Whether you’re traveling the world and want to enjoy your favorite food from back home, or you love trying something new, mushroom biryani will disappoint.

10. Paneer Tikka Masala

If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting dish to enjoy, Paneer Tikka Masala is perfect! Made from cottage cheese and chicken cooked in tomato-based gravy, this meal will leave you feeling satisfied. To make it even more special, try out some essential spices that give this dish its unique flavor – cumin, cardamom, ginger, etcetera.

You can also serve Paneer Tikka Masala as an appetizer or main course, respectively, with rice or naan bread. Alternatively, try out Korma Chicken – another popular Indian recipe made with creamy chicken breast in a rich tomato sauce.

If you’re looking for delicious and nutritious food on your travels, you’ve come to the right place. This blog has compiled 10 Travel Food Ideas For Indian Cuisine to make your Indian cuisine experience much more enjoyable. From starters to main courses, we’ve got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Start packing your suitcase and prepare to explore some of the best food in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular indian dishes that can quickly adapt for a travel meal.

Suppose you’re looking for Indian dishes that can quickly adapt to a travel meal. In that case, Dal Makhani, Paneer tikka masala, chicken tikka masala, masala dose, and biryani are all great options. You can make Dal Makhana with kidney beans, tomato sauce, and spices.

Paneer tikka masala can replicate using chicken instead of paneer and a mildly spiced tomato. According to Chicken tikka masala, your taste preference can substitute with grilled fish or shrimp.

How Can I Ensure My Food Stays Warm On A Long Flight?

There are a few ways to ensure that your food stays warm on long flights. One popular option is to bring a hot coffee or tea thermos. Alternatively, snacks like hard-boiled eggs, fruit, and nuts can help you stay energized and fed during the flight. In addition, some excellent travel food ideas include balushahi patty (a savory Bombay street snack made from flatbread stuffed with spiced chicken) and dose samosas (a lentil-based appetizer).

Is It Safe To Eat Leftover Indian Food When I’m Not In The Country Where I Made It?

It’s safe to eat leftover Indian food, no matter where you are in the world. This is because most Indian cuisine is typically made with fresh and healthy ingredients quickly cooked over medium or high heat. So, by cooking your food outside of India, you’re limiting any potential contamination risks.

What Would Other Foods Be Good To Pack For A Trip To India?

Some other food items you may want to pack for your trip to India include paneer, chicken tikka masala, uttapam, baingan bharta, or eggplant curry with tamarind sauce and chapatis – a type of flatbread. Additionally, you can try chaat (roadside snacks), samosas (deep-fried pastry shells filled with vegetables and spices), pakoras (fried crispy chickpeas), and puri (savory sea bream balls made from refined flour dough).

Do Any Of These Foods Have Specific Dietary Restrictions In India, Such As Dairy Or Meat Products?

There are no dietary restrictions when it comes to Indian cuisine. Many of the best food ideas for Indian cuisine include samosas, masala dosa, uttapam, tandoori chicken, aloo gobi, and baingan bharta. You can also try out some Gujarati delicacies like pedha (peanuts), Pani puri (rice balls), chutney, and lassi.

Michael C. Herrera

I’m a travel blogger with a focus on safety. I’ve been to all seven continents, and I love sharing my tips for staying safe while traveling. I also have a lot of experience with travel hacking and finding the best deals on airfare and hotels. My blog features reviews of restaurants, hotels, and attractions around the world.

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Best carry along travel food for vegetarians.

In the good old childhood days, when we made long journeys by train, we carried our food for the whole journey. Yes, the food, fruits, and chai vendors popped up at every station. If there was Agra petha at Agra station, there was Sweet Milk at Bhopal Station, and Mathura Peda at Mathura Junction. Travel food for vegetarians was never a problem.

We used to love observing the size of Bananas going shorter as you move south. Picking up oranges at Nagpur, Jhalmuri at Bengal stations, or eating Dosas at Manmad station are some of my fondest travel memories.

While we did eat outside food, we carried our staple food along with us. In my family, dry potato sabzi and poori were my favorite travel foods. Neatly packed in old cardboard sweet boxes that could be disposed of once used, Poori and aloo sabzi survived easily for 2-3 days depending upon the weather.

Water was always from the public taps in railway stations. Bottled water was yet to become mainstream and food delivery apps were in the realm of science fiction.

Switch to the third decade of the 21 st century, we are flooded with food options while traveling. There are more outlets than we can explore at airports and railway stations. Add to it the food delivery apps that deliver you anything you wish to eat. But, the quality of food is deteriorating so fast that I have again started carrying my own food. I discovered that I am not alone, many people have started doing it again – going back to their childhood ways.

Best Travel Food For Vegetarians

As usual, I asked my Twitter family, what is their favorite food to carry along. Here is a list that came up:

Theplas and Khakharas

Bless the vegetarian Gujjus for inventing these absolutely travel-friendly dishes. I knew Theplas but discovered them as travel food when I was based in Goa. Gujarati ladies in our neighborhood used to sell a pack of 5-6 Theplas with a bite of pickle inside them. It was perfect to pack one such pack per person. Theplas easily last for 4-5 days. Just pull out one, roll it, and eat it. A complete food that requires no paraphernalia.

Khakharas are even easier to find now. Every supermarket has them. Earlier, they used to be larger in size, breaking easily. Now, you can find them in small shapes that are easy to consume on the move. They are dry in comparison to Theplas, but if you are a vegetarian traveling to primarily non-vegetarian countries, they are a must-pack in your luggage.

Chundo is a classic pickle to go with both Thepla and Khakhara.

Aalu Puri with Pickle – Travel food for Vegetarians

As I already mentioned, this is an easy-to-make and long-lasting food. Like Theplas, you can just eat them out of the box you carry them in. Fried puris taste as good when they are cold as they do when they come out piping hot from the frying pan.

As a North Indian, my favorite go-to pickle with this combo is Mango.

You can have your own variations of this combo like you can have Gobhi or Peas or Matar added to the sabzi. Ajwain Puri tastes very good. You can have Palak or Pumpkin puri if you have enough time to prepare them before travel.

Paranthas are my current favorites to carry for my travels. Now, these paranthas are slightly different as I want them to be soft enough and last a little longer. So, I make the dough using milk instead of water, and that makes them soft.

I do not want any complicated packing, so I stuff all the masalas, even the pickle masala inside the Parantha. I avoid usual stuffings like potato or cabbage as they tend to become soggy.

Stuff your favorite stuffing and keep eating paranthas on the go. A complete and fulfilling meal – perfect travel food for vegetarians.

I discovered this wonderful travel food for vegetarians during my Hong Kong visit. As you know, it is a primarily meat-eating region and it is not easy to get vegetarian food. So, I had to carry ample stuff, especially for my dinner as I tend not to step out for that.

So, during most days, I could manage vegetarian pizzas and dumplings, but at night I used to just open a packet of single-serving pack of Upma powder. Add hot water to it and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes. Upma is ready to eat.

Yes, it is the same Upma that we pay a huge amount for on domestic flights these days.

Some companies like MTR have a single-serve pack that is easy to carry and use. Otherwise, you can simply roast rava at home along with Kadi Patta, Cashews, and spices as you like with a bit of ghee. Pack them in small packets in one box. All you need to have is some hot water and maybe a spoon.

Another healthy and hot meal to eat during travels.

I discovered Sattu on a road trip in Bihar . Sattu is nothing but finely ground-roasted chana. Just add water, salt, sugar, or jaggery as per your choice and you have a fulfilling healthy drink in your hands.

If you have access, you can add lemon juice, finely chopped onions, and fresh green chilies.

Feel free to try your own version of Sattu. It is easy to carry, and a healthy and comfortable drink, especially in summer. Epic Mahabharat also mentions Sattu and Malpua as the two foods that travelers used to carry with them. So, this is an age-old living tradition.

Nuts – Travel food for Vegetarians

For snacking, just carry a box of nuts – almonds, cashews, walnuts, peanuts. You can add your seeds if you like. Easy to eat and they keep you charged for a long time.

Remember, many combat professionals carry only nuts with them.

On a road trip, I love to keep my car stuffed with fruits. In India, you can pick them up on the road. The more interior you go, the more local and fresh fruits you get, generally. You don’t need to wash them or cut them to eat, making them travel-friendly.

Bananas are the wonder food that can substitute a meal easily. I remember once we were completely lost during a road trip . All of us were vegetarian and we could not find a single shop selling vegetarian food. Bananas came to our rescue. We simply picked up all the bananas we can and gorged on them.

Tomato, Butter Sandwich

If you do not find any good vegetarian food, just walk into a superstore. Pick up tomatoes, butter, and bread – make your own sandwich. If you find additional items to put in, try them and enjoy.

My criteria for including travel foods for vegetarians in this post include:

• Healthy vegetarian meal
• Easy to pack and eat, no dripping, flowing kind of items
• Last for a reasonable amount of time
• Tasty – you feel happy eating it

Do you have any more ideas for vegetarian food well suited for travelers?

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13 comments.

South Indians carry lemon rice or tamarind rice which are good for two days. We roll idlis in gun powder which are superb during travel. Thick Curd rice made with milk with just a small dollop of dahi is heavenly. Dry Mango pickle and fried pappads go with everything.

theplas cruble though, right?

From wiki: “When made for travel, the flour for theplas is bound into a stiff dough using milk instead of water, and with extra ghee/oil. This is done in order to increase their shelf life.”

Amazing Article! thanks for the information.

How long does a aalu puri last without being non-edible? And would you recommend aalu paratha? I think Satoo would be the best as it contains tons of nutrients.

2-3 days easily if packed properly.

Great article.. Keep posting more

Fantastic recommendations! As a vegetarian traveler, these carry-along food ideas are a game-changer for maintaining a delicious and satisfying journey!

Useful Post

Very nice blog.

Your suggestions for carry-along vegetarian foods are not only practical but also seem delicious and easy to prepare.

I enjoy that there is a focus on healthy options, such as Sattu and Dry Upma, which provide satisfying and nutritional options for extended travel. Not to be overlooked is the value of nibbling, with fruits and nuts like bananas making excellent travelling companions.

All things considered, this post has motivated me to be inventive with the foods I bring on my travels and rediscover the pleasure of cooking for myself. We appreciate Anuradha Goyal sharing these insightful thoughts with us and bringing back the joys of simple travel meals.

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If you’re looking for delicious Indian picnic food ideas, you’ve come to the right place! Are you tired of the same old sandwiches and chips for picnic outings? Why not spice things up and bring a taste of India to your next outdoor adventure?

India is known for its flavorful cuisine, rich in spices and aromatics. From savory snacks like samosas and pakoras to refreshing drinks like mango lassi, there is a delicious option for everyone. 

Are you a vegetarian? Don’t worry; Indian cuisine has an extensive range of meat-free dishes that are just as tasty and satisfying.

So, grab a picnic basket, fill it with these delectable treats, and indulge in a delicious picnic!

35 Indian Picnic Food Ideas

Whether you’re planning a laid-back lunch or an alfresco feast, eating outside needs great planning. From choosing easy-to-pack to the most delicious treats, this article has got you covered.

1. Spinach wrap

The spinach wrap has 4 ingredients: cold water, flour, baby spinach, and table salt. This food is not only vegan but delicious as well. There are several spinach wraps, but the healthiest is the whole-wheat wrap. It’s more nutritious than plain flour wraps. 

2. Sexy spinach

Here spinach is blended with chia seeds, mint, lime, cucumber, and green grapes. Lime adds freshness, cucumber adds hydration, and chia seeds are for proteins. As its name suggests, this food is quite sexy because spinach is essential in our lives. 

It has low calories, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. This makes it the best super green food that helps gain muscles lose weight, and maintain great health. 

In addition, it has loads of nutrients that help the skin, such as vitamins A and C, improving skin tone and repairing skin, respectively. 

3. Vegan Palak Patta Chaat

The palak patta chaat is a popular snack in India. This vegan version of this food is a great picnic idea and delicious. 

During the winter season, almost all chaat corners usually sell the palak patta chaat, which has crispy spinach crackers topped with dahi, chutney, and more. 

4. Spiced Almond Banana Jaggery Cake

One thing that makes this cake appear on this list is how sweet (the spice) and healthy it is. Jaggery is a type of sugar known as a superfood because of its vast minerals and vitamins. 

Plus, it has lower sucrose content compared to white sugar. If you’re keen on your health, you should go for this cake; it has super benefits. 

5. Paneer Tikka Sandwich

The paneer tikka sandwich is a spicy vegetarian with mint chutney, coriander, cheese, vegetables, paneer, and cheese. 

The best time to take paneer is at least an hour before sleeping since our height, muscles, etc., grow while we sleep. Our body needs many proteins for all these, and paneer is a good option. 

You can also take paneer during lunch, but avoid taking too much of it during the day. 

6. Greek Honey Cake

Do you want sweet delicacies during a picnic but want to keep everything health-conscious? If yes, the Greek honey cake is the best option for you. 

This recipe is made using honey, and no sugar is involved. Meaning it’s tasty and also healthy. In addition, the honey cake recipe is deliciously moist and has an alluringly crisp edge. 

7. Rainbow Sandwich

The entire idea behind this rainbow vegetable sandwich is to layer vegetables in various colors to have a color spectrum. In as much as the food looks beautiful, it has a whole lot of benefits. For example, it’ll help you maintain weight and avoid bacterial infection. 

In addition, it also prevents serious illnesses such as colon cancer, etc. Note that this sandwich has a lot of veggies that make it so good amount of fiber. 

8. Mile High Chocolate Pastry

This food is 6 layers of chocolate sponge with layers of chocolate cream garnished with chocolate crumbs. It’s a must-try recipe for a chocolate lover that wants a dream dessert. It’s pretty tasty or, let’s say, delicious. 

9. Kerala-Style Soya Roast

It is a highly aromatic spicy side dish. The soya chunks are prepared using tomato, onion, and other dry spices. Most people find the soya chunks an excellent replacement for meat dishes. They are tasty and nutritious and can be served with almost any meal. 

10. Tandoori Chicken Nugget

The tandoori chicken is highly juicy because it is marinated in various ingredients, including lemon zest and Greek yogurt. This gives it a trademark red color. The tandoori chicken nugget name comes from the cylindrical clay oven – tandoor – in which it is cooked. 

11. Corn Dogs

A corn dog is simply a sausage – usually, a hot dog deep-fried, skewered, and coated in cornmeal batter. 

It’s a staple American food that has become popular across the entire globe because of how easy it is to prepare. It’s delicious and will do as great as picnic food. 

12. Cheddar Jalapeno Baked Samosa

If you’re a fan of spiced food, then you should try this food. It’s great as a snack or with sandwiches, burgers, and nachos. The cheddar jalapeno baked samosa has enough spice, i.e., pepper and cheese. 

13. Oats Dal Kebab

As its name suggests, this kebab is made using dal and oats. The entire process of making it is so easy. A roundel of soaked moong dal mixture is put in the corn flour mix and then rolled in oats. It is healthy and an ideal meal for breakfast. 

14. Tandoori Chicken popcorn

The tandoori chicken popcorn recipe is easy; thus, you can prepare it from home. You’ll get a fantastic taste of chicken that’s relatively healthy. Unlike fried foods, tandoori chicken popcorn has fewer calories. It’s not associated with weight gain or high BP and cholesterol risk. 

15. Dried Mango Bars

It is made using dried mango and then dusted with powdered sugar, which makes it tasty and loved. Dried mango bars are a healthy and convenient snack. However, you should be mindful of the amount you serve and consume. Do it in moderation. 

Overall, it’s a great source of vitamins and other plants bioactive such as antioxidants that protect our bodies against anti-inflammatory diseases.  

16. Plum-Ginger Juice

The plum-ginger juice not only soothes the throat, relieves the heat, or quenches the thirst but also has fantastic health benefits. They include improving digestion and appetite and preventing the build-up of lactic acid in one’s body. 

17. Jackfruit Tacos with Dips

This fantastic Indian picnic food is easy to make and is meat-free. You can eat it any time of the day. The jackfruit tacos with dips are a crowd-pleaser and ideal for vegans and non-vegans. 

Its recipe is simple, and they include wraps filled with jackfruit and salsa. You can make it tastier by topping it with cheese.

18. Cheese Burst Garlic Bread

Most people call this food mild cow’s milk cheese seasoned with garlic powder and baked golden. It’s gluten-free; you can always use extra toppings to make fancy garlic bread for dinner. But of all, cheese is the answer. 

19. Egg Lollipop

If you look around and explore, you’ll learn an egg recipe for almost all moods or palates. The egg lollipop recipe is quite simple and easy. Any egg recipe is usually so versatile, and the ingredients in this one allow it to go perfectly with almost anything. 

20. Mango Bread

There are various mango bread recipes to try. The best part is that they are easy – you can tweak any recipe to suit your palate. 

You’ll surely love the fresh taste of the mango incorporated into the bread. If you’re a mango lover, then it’ll please you. 

21. Roast Chicken Bagelwich

This food is unique and tasty. It’s a toasted bagel that has been topped with pulled roast chicken. It’s then topped with veggies, aioli, cheddar cheese, and Hawaiian salad. The Bagelwich is best for a wholesome breakfast. 

22. Eggless Pav

The eggless pav is a puffy and soft Indian-style bread. It’s made using dry yeast and plain flour. It is similar to the dinner roll but doesn’t have a crisp texture – it’s softer. 

Serve it with misal pav, pav bhaji or vada pav. In addition, you can also serve it with any choice, bhurji recipes or curry. 

23. Salsa Potatoes

Once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back. You’ll always ensure you have it during picnic time. The salsa potatoes are easy to make not only for your family picnic but also for guests. 

24. Salt and Pepper Chicken

Salt and pepper chicken is a popular dish. The chicken is coated in a well-seasoned, gently spiced corn flour mixture. After this, it’s fried to make it more flavorsome. 

Traditionally this food is made using Sichuan peppercorns, but if they aren’t available, you can use black peppercorns. You can marinate it to add flavor using oil, acid, salt, and other seasoning spices such as little natural sugar, crushed garlic, herbs, etc. 

25. Coconut Popsicles

The coconut popsicles are tasty, healthy treats that spice up your picnic. This food is excellent for dessert, lunch, and even breakfast. They’re low-carb and only contain refined sugar, eggs, and no dairy. If you try them, there’ll be no going back, ever. 

26. Roti Pizza

Do you want an excellent picnic pizza you can make from home? The roti pizza is the best solution for you. The best part of its recipe is using any pre-cooked roti or rotis left from the previous day. 

27. Mango Phalsa Chaat

This tangy chaat is a fantastic food to make for your picnic. If the weather is humid, the food will refresh you. You can take it anytime time, i.e., for lunch or breakfast, etc. 

28. Suji Cheese Balls

There are many recipes when it comes to cheese balls, but the Suji cheese balls recipes always catch most people’s attention. That’s because it’s so easy to make, which makes it a great starter. Additionally, the Suji cheese balls are loved by all age groups. 

29. Cheese Chips

The cheese chips are thin, extra crunchy, and crispy. The snack is only made using 2 ingredients; you can have it ready in 10 minutes. It doesn’t contain any eggs, potatoes, flour, etc., but you can’t tell. Lastly, note that this food is quite tasty and seriously addictive. 

30. Egg Chapati

The popular and best egg chapatis for a picnic are stuffed with eggs and minced meat. It should also contain other spices such as chilis, coriander, onions, etc. The significant part is that it’s easy to make; it’ll just take some minutes.  

31. Methi Ka Bhajiya

The preparation time of this food is only 10 minutes. They are spiced fried fritters with gram flour batter, herbs, spices, and fresh fenugreek leaves. It is super munch and goes well with a cup of hot chai. It does taste well without bananas. 

32. Bite-Size Chicken Balls

There are various chicken balls recipes to pick from. However, this chicken ball recipe is super tasty and superb for adults. In addition, its juicy, crisp, and succulent nature makes it great for special occasions such as picnics. 

33. Keema Roll

Keema is a simple food made of minced meat, tomatoes, onions, herbs, and spices. To make the keema roll, you have to roll a ball of dough, cook it on tawa and add some oil till both sides are completely done. 

The simple keema roll is an excellent food for a picnic because it is easy to pack and carry. 

34. Mango Chili Chicken

This is a popular Asian dish that’s so delicious. It is made from juicy fried chicken, sweet mangoes, bell pepper, crunchy onions, etc. They are all then dunked in savory spicy-sweet sauce. This mouth-watery dish will make you enjoy your picnic a lot. 

35. Minced Chicken Lollipop

The minced chicken lollipop is a fantastic Indian picnic food idea. It is easy to make, and thus you will only spend a little time in the kitchen. 

If you follow the recipe well, you should mix minced chicken with garlic cloves, ginger, and much more, then you’ll have a juicy and enjoyable bite. 

Conclusion 

Indian picnic food ideas offer a unique and delicious way to enjoy the outdoors. Whether planning a family outing, a romantic picnic, or a day out with friends, adding an Indian twist to your picnic spread will impress your guests.

With a rich history and diverse culinary traditions, Indian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors and textures. 

So, pack your picnic basket with your favorite dishes, grab your loved ones, and head out to a beautiful location to enjoy a day of fun, food, and adventure the Indian way.

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So Yummy Recipes by Devy

28 Indian Street Food to Make at Home and Save the Trip to Restaurant!

Posted: February 22, 2024 | Last updated: February 22, 2024

Are you craving the delicious taste of Indian street food? Check out our carefully selected collection of authentic and easy-to-make recipes from the Indian subcontinent! 

With choices ranging from starters to desserts, you will find classic dishes like papdi chaat, chicken tikka masala, and ras malai. These recipes are easy to make but guaranteed to satiate your taste buds. 

Impress your family and friends with these mouthwatering dishes and bring the flavors of India to your kitchen without the restaurant price!

28. Papdi Chaat

Papdi chaat is potato and chickpea salad with a unique taste. It’s sweet, creamy, spicy, and savory at the same time. It’s just a delicious starter.

Get the recipe: Papdi Chaat .

27. Sev Puri

Sev Puri is a classic Bombay street food with delightful flavors and textures. The interplay of two classic chaat chutneys adds to the taste adventure – the tangy tamarind sweet and sour chutney beautifully contrasts with the refreshing coolness of the cilantro-mint chutney. 

Get the recipe: Sev Puri .

26. Bhel Puri

Bhel Puri is a popular Mumbai street food snack prepared using crispy puffed rice, puri or papdi, vegetables, sev (gram flour vermicelli), and three types of chutneys. This street-style bhel recipe is a quick and easy recipe that tastes similar to the bhel puri recipe found in the streets of Mumbai.

Get the recipe: Bhel Puri .

25. Gujarati Khichu

Gujarati Khichu, a popular savory dish, is known as Papdi no Lot or Khichiya papdi lot. This easy and quick snack or side dish is made with rice flour, green chilies, and basic spices and is served hot with peanut oil and pickle masala.

Get the recipe: Gujarati Khichu .

24. Aloo Pakora

This Aloo Pakora is sliced potato discs coated in a spiced gram flour batter. It’s crispy on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside.

Get the recipe: Aloo Pakora .

23. Aloo Paratha

This Aloo Paratha recipe is what you want to try for a savory snack or a light meal when you like something simple but a little bit more elaborate than a sandwich.

Get the recipe: Aloo Paratha .

22. Onion Bhaji

Onion bhaji, also known as onion pakora, is a crispy and spicy onion cake that is great to eat with chutney.

Get the recipe: Onion Bhaji .

21. Chana Chaat

Chana Chaat is a tasty snack that you can make in no time. With chickpeas as its main ingredient, it offers refreshingly tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors—a perfect choice for a snack and appetizer.

Get the recipe: Chana Chaat .

20. Samosa Chaat

This samosa chaat is the no-ordinary snack you ever come across. It’s light but hearty, savory yet tangy and sweet at the same time. In short, it’s just delicious. 

Get the recipe: Samosa Chaat .

19. Matar Kachori

Matar Kachori (Peas kachori) is a delicious North Indian snack of crispy, flaky, deep-fried pastry stuffed with tangy, spicy green peas filling. This proper winter appetizer is the best companion with a cup of hot masala chai. This Shasta matar ki kachori has all the crunch and flavor to hit the right spots. 

Get the recipe: Matar Kachori .

18. Keema Samosa

This delicious mutton Keema Samosa is the perfect handheld snack. Filled with a bright, spicy, smoky meat filling and fried to crispy golden perfection, you will love this tasty and savory patti samosa appetizer.

Get the recipe: Keema Samosa .

17. Aloo Chop

A simple Niramish street food recipe from Odisha that anyone can follow. Seasoned mashed potato balls dipped in chickpea flour/besan batter and then deep-fried to perfection. Enjoy these slightly crispy cutlets, crispy from the outside and soft from the inside, as your evening snack with tea or coffee.

Get the recipe: Aloo Chop .

16. Bengali Vegetable Chop

Bengali Vegetable Chop or Croquette is a popular snack made with beetroot, carrot, potatoes, spices, and breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden brown. It is a well-known street food from Bengal and is entirely vegan.

Get the recipe: Bengali Vegetable Chop .

15. Chicken Kathi Roll

Chicken Kathi Roll is a popular Indian street food made with juicy chunks of chicken kebabs, freshly sliced onions, green chilies, coriander leaves, and mustard sauce rolled in soft, flaky parathas. Kati roll, also known as Kathi, has its roots in Kolkata. Hence, it is also known as the Kolkata Chicken Roll.

Get the recipe: Chicken Kathi Roll .

14. Shami Kebab

Shami Kebab is one delicious kebab with a beautiful texture and delicate spiciness mixed with savory meat. It’s one of the must-have snack items in Pakistani/ Indian households simply because they’re too good to exclude.

Get the recipe: Shami Kebab .

Ghugni is a curry that uses white or yellow matar (peas) and potato in a whole load of spices, topped with onion, chilies, and coriander. Its taste and flavor will surely make you crave more. It is light, fulfilling, yummy, and relatively easy on the pockets.

Get the recipe: Ghugni .

12. Masala Peanuts

Crispy, crunchy, and coated with a delicious blend of spices, these Air Fryer masala peanuts will become your next favorite healthy snack. 

Get the recipe: Masala Peanuts .

11. Kala Chana Chaat

Today, I am sharing a recipe for one popular street food that is near and dear to me. Kala Chana Chaat! It’s a simple, easy-to-make snack that is perfect for all occasions. This low-fat, protein-rich dish is a versatile street food that you can adapt to your liking for spice and flavor.

Get the recipe: Kala Chana Chaat .

10. Chicken Tikka

This chicken tikka kebab uses aromatic spices and yogurt for marination and then grilled to perfection to get a flavorful and succulent chicken on the skewer. Perfect for a light lunch or barbecue menu.

Get the recipe: Chicken Tikka .

9. Paneer Tikka Masala

This Paneer Tikka Masala recipe is a delicious example of Indian cuisine. The dish comprises paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a creamy tomato sauce loaded with delicious Indian spices.

Get the recipe: Paneer Tikka Masala .

8. Chicken Seekh Kabab

Enjoy the sizzle of Chicken Seekh Kabab: a fiery, tender blend of minced chicken grilled to perfection on skewers. Perfect as an appetizer, these succulent kababs pair wonderfully with fluffy naan and a tangy tomato chutney kick. A must-try treat!

Get the recipe: Chicken Seekh Kabab .

7. Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken tikka masala is an ever-popular Indian dish you should try making at home. With this super easy recipe, you can create a tasty, succulent grilled chicken dish in a creamy, spicy tomato sauce without a restaurant bill.

Get the recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala .

6. Keema Paratha

Keema Paratha is minced meat stuffed flatbread that is delicious with a dollop of plain yogurt. The beef has well-balanced spices, and the bread is crispy and moist.

Get the recipe: Keema Paratha .

5. Lamb Nihari

Simply indulgence for a weekend brunch. That is what this meltingly-tender lamb nihari has to offer. Its aromatic gravy is so delicious to mop with your naan bread.

Get the recipe: Lamb Nihari .

4. Rasmalai

Try the delight of Rasmalai crafted from milk powder: soft, fluffy dumplings drenched in lightly sweetened, fragrant milk. This dessert is easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, making you want a second serving. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a treat that promises satisfaction with every spoonful.

Get the recipe: Rasmalai .

Kheer is one of the most loved desserts in Pakistani and Indian cuisines. It’s the rice pudding at a different level compared to others alike. 

Get the recipe: Kheer .

2. Besan Barfi

This sweet Indian mithai will remind you of sweet fudge. However, Besan Barfi uses besan flour/ chickpea flour, a rich protein and fiber source. So this mithai tastes richer and will make you feel less guilty when enjoying it.

Get the recipe: Besan Barfi .

1. Besan Ladoos

Like the Barfi version, Besan Ladoos also uses besan flour/ chickpea flour. The difference is that this mithai does not use milk like its cousin. With the crumbly buttery texture and the right sweetness (unlike the overly sweet store-bought ones), you will not worry too much about enjoying this mithai with your cup of coffee or tea. 

Get the recipe: Besan Ladoos .

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Home » Travel » 75 Trip Ideas | The India Edition

75 Trip Ideas | The India Edition

• Editor's Desk
• August 12, 2022

India is home to some of the most intriguing places in the world. With its diverse geography and culture, it is no wonder that India offers so many unique locations for tourists to explore. From bustling cities with ancient history to breathtaking natural landscapes, there are countless fascinating places in India worth seeing.

We have curated 75 trips that puts particular emphasis on the best sustainable experiences in India, to drive travelers to seek out destinations that are not only beautiful but eco-friendly because ‘Responsible Travel’ is not just a buzzword. It’s about undertaking explorations that cause as little damage as possible to the natural surroundings, that supports the local economy, that lets local culture and traditions thrive, ensuring travelers have a positive impact wherever they choose to go.

FOR LOVERS OF NATURE AND WILDLIFE

1. Gir National Park, Gujarat: Near Junagadh in Gujarat lies the Gir forest, the last haven for the majestic Asiatic lion. Spread over 1400 sq. kilometers of deciduous forest, the Gir National Park is a crucial repository of biodiversity in Gujarat. Apart from the king of the jungle, Gir supports megafauna like deer, antelopes, leopards, hyenas, and reptilian species like the marsh crocodile, kraits, pythons and the monitor lizard. The forest also teems with a wide variety of birds like thrushes, eagles and storks, making it the best destination for birding in the state of Gujarat.

2. Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh: There’s never been a better time to go tiger-spotting. Thanks to anti-poaching efforts by conservationists and rangers, tiger numbers have shot up from 3,200 in 2015 to 4,500 in 2022 —and more than 70% of these cats can be found in India. See the striped star up close at Bandhavgarh, which has one of the highest tiger densities of any reserve. Tigers can also be spotted at Kanha, the largest and most picturesque park in Madhya Pradesh.

3. Ranthambhor National Park, Rajasthan: Ranthambhor is one of the most renowned national parks in the country located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Southeastern Rajasthan. Ranthambore is the home to a large variety of wild animals such as nilgai, Bengal tiger, wild boar, sambar deer, Indian leopard and so on. It also has a rich variety of birds and around 539 species of flowering plants.

4. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttrakhand: Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest and the most prestigious national park in India. It was made to preserve and protect the endangered Bengal Tiger. It is located in Uttarakhand and was established by the hunter and a naturalist, Jim Corbett and makes for a wonderful weekend getaway if you want to catch the tigers in their natural habitat and spend some quality time in the lap of Nature. It has a large and healthy population of tigers, barking deer, sloths, Indian grey mongoose and also a number of fish-eating crocodiles.

5. Periyar National Park, Kerala: Periyar National Park is located in Kerala and is the home to a significant number of tigers and elephants. It is one of the most renowned national parks in South India located in the Cardamom hills and the Pandalam hills in the Western ghats. The forest here is a home to a large number of semi evergreen trees as well as deciduous trees such as teak, sandalwood, rosewood, jamun, mango and so on. You can also find a variety of animals such as the Asian elephants, gaur, White tigers, Indian wild dog and sambar deer.

6. Malvan Marine Sanctuary, Malvan: Established in 1987, Malvan Marine Sanctuary is the only marine sanctuary in the state of Maharashtra.  This sanctuary is rich in coral and sea life. It is spread over an area of 29.1 km2. Located in the town of Malvan which is famous for its Alphonso mangoes.It has an unexploited environment for marine life and has a variety of corals, pearl oysters, seaweeds, molluscs and over 40 species of fishes. One can go scuba diving and snorkeling in the town, the waters are clear and hence is a perfect spot to view the diverse, colourful marine life.

7. Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha: This sanctuary will overwhelm you with its beauty, lush green surroundings and the murmuring of the Mahanadi River. It has a wide variety of plants, animals and birds. The wildlife sanctuary is a habitat for tigers, leopards, gaurs, spotted deers, four-horned antelopes, sambal, sloths and many more.

8. The Silent Valley National Park, Palakkad: A perfect destination for nature and wildlife lovers, this national park is filled with lush green forests and rich fauna. Located in the Kundali Hills of the Western Ghats in Kerala, it is over 89 square kilometres of beauty and adventure. The site is the last remaining location of the tropical evergreen forests in India. The park is filled with majestic peaks and calming waters of rivers.The most commonly spotted animals are the tiger, elephant, lion-tailed macaque, wild pig, panther, and sambar deer.

9. Kaziranga National Park, Assam: Kaziranga is home to the rhinos, elephants, swamp deers and wild water buffaloes along with a large number of migratory birds like the black necked stork, the Asian openbill stork, geese and ducks. It makes a for a fun filled weekend getaway since you can reside amidst the heart of Nature while also experiencing the art and culture of Assam.

10-14. New Tiger Reserves, PAN India : Four new sites have been formally declared tiger reserves in India this year, taking the total number of TRs to 56, and the Centre has agreed in-principle to give its nod to one more. The four sites which got the approval are MM Hills in Karnataka , Guru Ghasidas National Park in Chhattisgarh, Ramgarh Vishdhari in Rajasthan and Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh . The fifth one awaiting approval is Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary in Bihar.

FOR ADVENTURE SEEKERS

15. Bungee Jumping at Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: Jumping from a height of 273 feet and suspending in the middle of the sky and the ground is a thrilling feeling that everyone should experience once in their lifetime. One can try the free-fall bungee jumping experience with Jumping Heights located at Mohan Chatti village in Rishikesh. Rishikesh is also a popular spot for Himalayan treks.

16. Scuba Diving at Netrani Island, Murudeshwar: Scuba Diving lets you witness the beauty of life underwater. Also known as the pigeon island, Netrani Island is located off the coast of Karnataka. The heart-shaped island has a rich marine life and crystal-clear waters – making it one of the best places for scuba diving in India.

17. River rafting at Teesta River, Melli: If you are up for some thrilling, serious water sports then you should visit the Teesta River, famous for its rafting. Teesta River rises in the Himalayas and flows through Sikkim and West Bengal from where it enters the Bay of Bengal.

18. Paragliding at Kamshet, Maharashtra: Paragliding is a fun recreational sport that any adventure junkie must have on their bucket list. You can now glide over lush valleys and plains over Kamshet, located between the hills of Lonavala and Khandala. Some of the paragliding spots here are Shinde Wadi Hills, Tower Cliff, Shelar and Kondeshwar Cliff.

19. Skydiving at Narnaul, Haryana: You can cross off skydiving from your bucket list at Narnaul, a historic town in Haryana. The Bachhod Airstrip of Narnaul is the only international skydiving zone in India. There are two types of skydiving offered by SkyHigh Diving Company – Tandem Jump and Static Line Jump. The height of the fall is 10,000 feet.

20. Bouldering at Hampi, Karnataka: Rock climbing is very popular with adventure enthusiasts in India. India with its diverse landscapes has many places to engage in rock climbing. Bouldering is similar to rock climbing except this is done without a rope and one does not climb as high as rock climbing. The ancient city of Hampi is known for its unique and stunning rock formations. There are many spots for rock climbing here. All the bouldering takes place across the river from Hampi Bazar.

21. Snorkeling at Tajpur Beach, West Bengal: A popular sport that both swimmers and non-swimmers can engage in is snorkeling. Enjoy the vibrant and breath-taking aquatic life of the Bay of Bengal by going on a snorkeling trip and watch the beautiful underwater life while floating in the crystal-clear waters of the Bay of Bengal. Tajpur Beach is a beach town located in West Bengal. Unlike the other overcrowded destinations, this is a quiet and serene spot for snorkeling.

22. Hot Air Ballooning at Lonavala, Maharashtra: Lonavala is an ideal getaway to engage in hot air balloon rides. With beautiful and scenic landscapes, this place is perfect to view from the air. It is adorned with green lush mountains, calm lakes and breath-taking waterfalls. The balloon ride lasts for 60 minutes and one is taken up to a height of 4000 feet.

FOR THE CALL OF THE MOUNTAINS

23. Mussoorie, Uttarkhand: Also known as ‘The Queen of Hill-stations’, Mussoorie is one of the most popular hill stations in North India. The hill station stands with the Shivalik range of the Himalayas in the background on an elevation of 7000 feet above sea level. With many hotels and churches built in British architectural style Mussoorie gives a colonial era vibe. One of the most popular spots in Mussoorie is The Mall or the Mall Road, which is a steep boulevard with shops lining it on either side. Some of the other popular tourist attractions in the vicinity are Gun hill, Kempty falls, Lake Mist, Lal Tibba and Cloud’s end viewing point, and the quaint town of Landour located along the lower western Himalayas.

24. Munnar, Kerala: This beautiful hill station is located in Kerala at an altitude of 5250 feet. It is situated on the banks of three rivers- Madupetti, Nallathanni and Periavaru. Munnar is blessed with beautiful viewpoints and amazing tea plantations. Some of the popular tourist attractions include: Echo Point, Lock Heart Gap, Anamudi Peak, Chokramudi Peak and Meesapulimala, Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Valara Falls, Pallivasal Falls, and of course a tea-tasting trail around Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Lockhart Tea Museum, Pallivasal Tea Garden, Tata Tea Museum and Sevenmallay Tea Estates.

25. Kurseong, West Bengal: Also known as ‘the Land of White Orchids’, this hill station is located close to Darjeeling.  It is a quiet hill station with serene waterfalls and is famous for its temples and Buddhist gompas. The landscape is of lush green forests, tea plantations with snow tipped mountains in the backdrop. You also get magnificent views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Kabru and Jannu. It is 4,864 feet above sea level.

26. Amboli, Maharashtra: This gorgeous hill station dwells in the heart of Sahyadri ranges located in Sindhudurg. Titled as the ‘Mahabaleshwar of the Konkan’ this placid and exquisite hill station extends bird’s-eye view of the Konkan coast. This paradise is home to some of the beautiful waterfalls such as Bada Dabdaba or the big waterfall, Amboli Falls, Shirgaonkar Falls, Mahadev Falls and Nagatta Falls. One can enjoy bathing in waterfalls and participate in various water sports activities such as Sitting Bumper Sleeping Bumper Speed Boat Jet sky and Banana Ride. Other attractions include Maruti Mandir, Durg Dhakoba Kavleshet Point, Mahedevgadh Point and Shirgaonkar Point. These points offer panoramic views of the confluence of the Arabian Sea and the Konkan Coast.

27. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu: Known as the “Princess of hill stations”, Kodaikanal is one of the famous honeymoon spots in India. It is a lake house resort town with serene climate, misty hillside and waterfalls that make it a perfect weekend getaway. Kodaikanal means “the gift of the forests” and is located on the slopes of the Palani Hills at an altitude of 7200 feet above sea level. You can relax and connect with nature and de-stress from the rigorous city life. Some of the popular tourist attractions include Kodai Lake, Green Valley View, Bear Shola Falls, Pillar Rocks, Devil’s Kitchen, Thalaiyar Falls, Coakers Walk, Bryant Park, Silent Valley View, Silver Cascade Falls, Kurinji Temple, Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, Pine Forest, La Salette Church, Pambar Falls, and Vattakanal Falls,

28. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh: This birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama is known for its beautiful monasteries. It is located at a height of 10,000 feet. The area is renowned out for its many sacred and famous monasteries. Sela Pass, Tawang Monastery, Madhuri Lake, Nuranang Falls, Tawng War Memorial, Gorichen Peak, P.T. Tso Lake, and Jaswant Garh are some of the popular tourist attractions here. One could also go trekking among the beautiful peaks or go rafting in the Kameng River, meditate at the Taktsang Gompa and shop at the Tibetan settlement market for souvenirs.

29. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh: This little Indian Switzerland is located 6,460 feet above sea level. The tiny town is a paradise hidden amongst the hills of Himachal Pradesh. The hill station was one of the favourite summer spots for the British during the Indian colonial era. No wonder this town is blessed with Scottish and British architecture which gives a Victorian, old-world charm to the place. Some of the popular sightseeing places include Panchpula, Khajjiar, St. John’s Church, Kalatop Kajjiar Sanctuary, Satdhara Falls, Dainkund Peak, Chamera Lake, Bakrota Walk, Chamunda Devi temple, Chamba, Rock Garden and Garam Sadak.

30. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir: Gulmarg is known as paradise on earth and rightly so for the breath-taking experiences it provides with breathtaking mountains all around you. The feast of your eyes begins the moment you step into this paradise, whether you are out exploring the famous Gulmarg Gondola, or skiing in the Apharwat peak, visiting the Alpather Lake and the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve for spotting mammals or simply taking a leisurely walk through the local markets with the magnificent mountains as the backdrop.

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

31. Bhandardara, Maharashtra: A quiet and serene hill station in the Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra, Bhandardara is filled with lush greenery, scenic waterfalls and surrounded by majestic mountains which makes it a perfect weekend getaway. This place with its serene beauty and relaxing climate is a great place to get away from the hustle-bustle of the cities. Some of the tourist hotspots include: Wilson Dam, Umbrella Falls, Randha Falls, Kalsubai Peak, Ratanwadi Village (home to the famous Ratangad fort and Amruteshwar Temple) and Arthur Lake.

32. Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh: A small town, rich in history and culture in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Kurnool is also known as the Gateway of Rayalaseema. In its domain are the ruins of the palace of Gopal Raju, the last Hindu King and also the ruins of a medieval fort built by Vijayanagara Empire.Kurnool is derived from the terms Kandanavolu which used to be a crossing across the river Tungabhadra. Some of the popular sightseeing places include Belum Caves, Sri Yagantiswamy Temple, Konda Reddy Fort, Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Oravakallu Rock Garden, Buddha Statue, Jumma Masjid, and Adoni Fort.

33. Mandu, Madhya Pradesh: Mandu is a city located in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh. It is a haven of architectural beauty. It is a testament to the love between Prince Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati. The remnants of the ancient city are of rich cultural and historic heritage. The glorious lives of the kings and queens are visible from the stunning architecture, palaces and lawns of the place.

34. Sonajhuri Forest, West Bengal: This hidden gem lies in the state of West Bengal. One of the cleanest forests of India, it is a great retreat for someone who loves nature and wants to escape from hectic city life. Filled with lush trees and the splendour of flowers, it has quite a lot of places to see and explore – Sonajhuri Sonibarer Haat, Tagore’s Ashram, Kopai River, Bonerpukur Gram, Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kankalitala Temple to name a few. It is untouched by industrialization. A river flows alongside the forest making it seem like something out of a fairytale.

35. Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh: Located in the Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, Tirthan Valley is perched on an altitude of 1600 m above sea level. It derives its name from the Tirthan River that flows through the valley. The place is full of adventurous activities and is a haven for nature lovers. With the magnificent Himalayas in the background, one can enjoy trout fishing, trekking and other activities in its stunning guesthouses. Serloskar Lake, Jalori Pass, Jibhi, Great Himalayan National Park, Chhoie Waterfalls are some of the tourist hotspots here.

36. Bhedaghat, Madhya Pradesh: Bhedaghat is known for the Dhuandar Falls, which cascade down a height of 98 feet. Also known as the land of Marble Rocks, this town is known for the 100ft rocks that border both the sides of the Narmada. Some of the must-visit tourist spots are Marble Rocks, Dhuandar Falls, Chausath Yogini Temple and Bandar Kudini, well- known as a spot where two cliffs are so close to each other that monkeys hop from one side to another.

37. Mawsynram, Meghalaya: Acknowledged as the wettest place in the world, with the highest rainfalls, the fascinating village of Mawsynram is a treat for nature lovers. The rains are so powerful in the region that the local villagers use thick grass to sound-proof their homes from the thunderous rains. The “Maw” in its name is a Khasi word meaning stone. It stands for the unique megaliths unearthed in the Khasi Hill area. The village is also known for a huge formation of stalagmite which takes the form of a ‘Shivaling’. Some of the well-known tourist attractions nearby are Mawsmai Caves, Mawsmai Falls, Nohalikalai Falls, and Cherrapunjee.

38. Savandurga, Karnataka: Savandurga is considered to be one of the largest single rock formations in Asia. It comprises of two hills: Billigudda and Karigudda. Most trekkers chose Billigudda due to its gentler slopes. The Arkavathi River flows nearby and makes the area a tranquil and scenic place to enjoy your weekend getaway. Savandurga is a great spot for nature and adventure lovers.

FOR LOVERS OF HERITAGE, ART, AND CULTURE

39-42. New UNESCO Heritage Sites, PAN India: Two landmark decisions were taken during the 44th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee last year, with the inscriptions of the Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana and Dholavira: A Harrapan City, Gujarat on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Thereafter, UNESCO designated Srinagar as a part of UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). After Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Varanasi and Jaipur, Srinagar is the sixth Indian city to enter the club of 295 creative cities network across the world. UNESCO also inscribed ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. As a ten-day celebration, Durga Puja represents the collective worship of the Hindu Goddess Durga. During this time, masterfully designed clay models of the Goddess are worshipped in “pandals” or pavilions where communities get together and celebrate. Several folk music, culinary, craft, and performing arts traditions add to the dynamism of this celebration. While Durga Puja is one of the most important festivals of West Bengal, India, it is widely observed across the country and in major cities of the world by the Bengali diaspora. Over the years, the Indian city of Kolkata has emerged as the geographical and cultural heart of the national and global celebrations of the festival. This year Durga Puja will be celebrated from Oct 1-5

BUCKET LIST DESTINATIONS TO DEAL WITH THE FOMO

43. Darjeeling in West Bengal: Darjeeling is a picturesque place located in West Bengal where you can dive into the history of tea culture, indulge in hiking, and immerse yourself in the magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga. It makes for a wonderful weekend getaway destination due to its lush green beauty and cool temperature. When in Darjeeling you must definitely visit the Tiger Hills to enjoy a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga and Mt. Everest, trek to Sandakphu, the highest peak in West Bengal, explore the Rock Garden, visit the Ghoom Monastery, take a tour of Darjeeling’s tea, and ride the Ropeway which travels from Singmari to Singla Bazaar.

44. Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu: Kanniyakumari in Tamil Nadu, also known as Cape Comorin during the British rule, is the southernmost point of India and a site where the three oceans meet – the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. Since this place is a meeting point of three different water bodies, the beaches here are adorned with multicolored sand making it an exquisite place to behold. It is a place worth exploring due to its history, cultural heritage, and its architecturally rich temples. Some of the popular tourist attractions include: Kanniyakumari Amman Temple, Vivekananda Rock memorial, the Thiruvalluvar Statue, the Gandhi Memorial, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Vattakottai fort, Tsunami Memorial Park. Read more here .

45. Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand: The Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is located in North Chamoli and Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand. It is a home of a wide range of flora and fauna. Here you will find the snow leopard, the Asiatic black bear, brown bear, musk deer, and red fox. This place has also been a site for meditation since ancient times for Indian yogis. It makes for a refreshing weekend getaway destination to spend some time amidst Nature.

46. Lonavala, Maharashtra: Lonavala, also known as the ‘Jewel of Sahyadri’ has everything to offer starting from spectacular landscapes to historical sites. It is one of the closest destinations from Mumbai and makes for an amazing weekend getaway destination. It has phenomenal views and resorts for you to rejuvenate yourself. Tiger Point, Rajmachi Fort, Pawna Lake, and Bhushi Dam are some of the popular tourist spots. When in Lonavala, you can also take a tour of Imagicaa, a theme park with a variety of slides and rides which makes for a fun filled, thrilling experience.

47. Bodh Gaya, Bihar: Bodh Gaya is a famous place of pilgrimage vastly known for its Buddhist sites which are associated with the Mahabodhi Temple Complex. It was the birthplace of Gautama Buddha and is surrounded by hills and the Phaglu River. It is a serene and spiritual place and worth a visit for a weekend getaway. Some of the must-visit sites include Mahabodhi temple – a UNESCO world heritage site, the majestic 25 metres tall Buddha statue consecrated by the 14th Dalai Lama, and the Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple.

48. Almora in Uttrakhand: Almora is a hill station located on a ridge at the southern edge of the Kumaon Hills. Almora is a land of temples (most popular ones being Kasar Devi temple, Jageshwar temple, Katarmal Sun temple) and attracts a large number of tourists every year due to its rich cultural heritage. One can visit the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary which is around 33 kms away from Almora and home to the chital, jungle cat, musk deer, red fox, gray langur and many more species. Don’t miss the Zero Point. It treats your eyes with a majestic view of the Himalayan Range, Nanda Devi and the Kedarnath Temple.

49. Srinagar in Kashmir for the Tulip Festival: Srinagar is one of the most beautiful cities in the country with striking landscapes, mouth-watering food, mesmerizing lakes, houseboats and colourful markets. It makes for a perfect weekend getaway which is worth visiting to relax, indulge in photography and explore the rich culture of Srinagar. If that wasn’t enough then Asia’s largest Tulip Festival happens at Tulip Garden in Srinagar in April. The celebrations include various cultural programmes, musical events, food fests and conferences. Some of the other unmissable experiences in Srinagar are a Shikara ride on the Dal Lake, a tour of Pari Mahal, a visit to Shankaracharya temple, long strolls in the Mughal Gardens of Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashmeshahi, and of course feasting on the traditional Kashmiri Wazwaan for the ultimate gastronomic experience and washing it down with uncountable cups of Kehwa. Read more here .

50. Andamans (Off The East Coast of India)

The islands in Andamans are one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in India and rightly so. You can lose yourselves into the clam and serene air of these beaches and enjoy a fulfilling and a relaxing weekend getaway. Along with its breath-taking beauty, Andaman has a variety of water sports to offer starting from swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving and so much more. Andaman has a large number of islands for you to sit back and relax for the day, the Havelock Island being the most prominent destination. You can also visit the Rose Island for its rich heritage of British India, the Baratang Island for its mud volcanoes, caves and mangrove creeks, the Viper Island for the infamous cellular jail, and the North Bay Island for its corals.

51. Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra: Mahabaleshwar is located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra and is one of the most beautiful hill stations in the country. Mahabaleshwar is famous for its production of strawberries, mulberries, and blueberries, and for its large number of vantage points for tourists and visitors. This place has a lot to offer in terms of scenic beauty and picturesque landscapes and makes for a perfect weekend getaway to relax and feel refreshed.

52. Kalimpong, West Bengal

Kalimpong in West Bengal is a treat to the eyes with postcard worthy landscapes that you definitely must not miss!  It is a pleasant hill station with snow-capped mountains at the backdrop of this town. It is a town full of ethnic diversity and an abundance of art, craft, flora and fauna. Kalimpong also used to be the gateway for trade between India and Britain during the British rule. When in Kalimpong, you must definitely visit the Deolo Hills, Cactus Nursery, Durpin Monastery. Gorge on the world famous Tibetan momos and thukpas all the way.

53. Ooty, Tamil Nadu: Ooty, also known as the ‘Queen of Hills’ is one of the finest hill stations in the country. You can visit this hill station any time throughout the year to indulge in a variety of adventure filled activities while also losing yourself into the lush green landscape, waterfalls and plantations of this region. Some unmissable experiences in Ooty include: a ride to Conoor in the Nilgiri toy train, camping by the Avalanche Lake, trekking to the Doddabetta Peak, visit the Dolphin’s Nose for a topmost view of the tea plantations, exploring the bamboo settlements of the Toda tribe, and relaxing at the Botanical gardens, home to around 650 species of plants.

54. Goa Carnival, Goa: Goa is the perfect destination to drown yourself in the sight of the soothing waves, and relax and soak some vitamin D! While Goa is a year-round destination, the Goa Carnival will be takes place in February. The blend of cultural and adventurous spirit makes it a colourful and a mesmerizing sight to behold. While the Goa Carnival will keep you engaged with its parades, gigs, sports competitions, traditional dances and a range of food stalls, you can also explore the tourist hot spots like the Dudhsagar Falls, the Fontainhas, Vagator Beach, and Basilica of Bom Jesus. For an adrenaline kick and an unforgettable experience, water sports in Goa are a must try. There are a wide range of activities to indulge in such as snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing, fishing trips, banana boat rides, flyboarding, kayaking, rafting and canyoning.

55. Rann of Kutch festival, Gujarat: The Rann Utsav is everything that you would want in a weekend getaway. It provides a breath-taking landscape and a delightful sight of pristine white sand reflecting in all its glory during the full moon nights! The Rann Utsav is filled with festivities like folk music, dance, art and craft. It is an amalgamation of the beauty of the white salt desert and the cultural carnival! Rann Utsav will be held from 26th Oct 2022 to 20th Feb 2023.

56. Coorg, Karnataka: Famous for its coffee plantations Coorg is ‘the’ paradise for coffee lovers. If you are a nature lover and an admirer of scenic beauty and landscapes, Coorg is the place for you. It has a lot to offer in terms of freshness and lush greenery, and surrounds you with misty landscapes. Coorg is an incredible place for camping amidst nature which you can avail through camping packages. Some of the popular tourist attractions nearby include the spectacular Namdroling Monastery and the Dubare Elephant Camp, Tadiandamol peak which is the highest peak in Coorg, the Abbey Falls, Madikeri Fort, and Bhagamandala. If you want an adrenaline rush, do not miss out the Barapole river rafting or opt for mountain biking amidst the bewildering landscape of Coorg.

57. Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh: Khajuraho is a town located in Madhya Pradesh which has a group of Jain and Hindu temples known together as the Khajuraho Group of Monuments. The art of these temples which were built in the 950-1050 AD are worth a mention as they capture the essence of Indian aesthetics. They were built by the Chandela dynasty and are famous for their erotic sculptures and nagara-style architecture. While the temples in Khajuraho are the primary attraction of this place, one can try out the safaris through the Panna National Park which is around 100 kms away from Khajuraho or visit the Ajaigarh fort located at a distance of around 80 kms from Khajuraho.

58. Shillong, Meghalaya: Shillong, known as the Scotland of the East, is the capital of Meghalaya, and a hill station located in the north-eastern part of the country. In Shillong you will come across the friendliest tribes, the Khasi tribe which follows the matrilineal tradition. It is a home of waterfalls, picturesque landscapes and parks. Elephant falls, Umiam Lake, Laitlum Canyon, are some of the must-visit attractions here.

59. Roing in Arunachal Pradesh: Roing in Arunachal Pradesh is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. It is the district headquarter of the lower Dibang Valley in Arunachal. It makes for a refreshing road trip away from the hustles and bustles of the city life. It has beautiful sights to behold with untamed flowing rivers, shimmering snow-capped mountains, enormous waterfalls and archaeological sites. You can visit the Mayudia Pass from Roing which is around 60 kilometres away, explore the Mehau wildlife sanctuary which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, and and also visit the the Mehau Lake in Roing.

60. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: Jaisalmer, also known as ‘the Golden City’ is located in Rajasthan. It is home to several beautiful temples and forts and it makes for a fulfilling weekend getaway destination. Some of the must-visit attractions here are the Jaisalmer fort, Jain temples and the havelis, Patwon ki Haveli, Gadisar Lake and the Khaba Fort. Last but not the least, do try out an overnight camel safari for a breathtakingly beautiful experience of the Thar desert.

61. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu: Winters are the perfect time to visit Mahabalipuram. The weather remains pleasant for sightseeing and exploration during this season. It is one of the most popular places for visitors as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Hindu Group of Monuments built by the Pallava dynasty in the 7th-8th century. It is a culturally rich town providing a historical experience to its visitors and is a treat for history lovers.

62. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh: Spiti Valley is known for its picturesque and breathtaking landscapes. It has stunning mountains and majestic rock structures which makes every corner a sight to behold! Spiti Valley is a perfect destination for a long weekend getaway for trekking enthusiasts (as it has a large number of trekking trails) and people who love exploring rocky terrains. Visiting Spiti is one-of-a-kind experience. If you are a professional biker who loves adventure, the Baralacha Pass and the Kunzum Pass are the places for you. You can also visit Suraj Taal, the third highest lake in India.

63. Saputara, Gujarat: Located in the Dang district of Gujarat, Saputara is full of lush green surroundings that welcome a large number of visitors every year. It is a beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats or the Sahyadris. This place has a range of sightseeing locations – Hatgadh Fort, Sunrise Point (Valley Viewpoint), Saputara Tribal Museum, Sunset Point (Gandhi Shikhar), and Vansda National Park making for a fulfilling weekend getaway destination amidst Nature.

64. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Varanasi, also popularly known as Benaras, or Kashi, is a spiritual, sacred, and a colourful place located on the banks of the river Ganges. The ghats of Varanasi attracts a large number of travelers from around the world due to the vibrant celebration of festivals and the positive energy that it delivers. Varanasi is an attractive destination, glimmering with lights, diyas, and happy vibes. While the main attractions of Varanasi are its architecturally rich temples you must definitely indulge in a boat ride amidst calm and serene waves of the river Ganges during the sunrise, and attend the Aarti Ceremony in the evening which you can witness from the Dasawamedh Ghat. Lamps are lit during this event as thousands of devotee chant prayers, creating a holy ambience full of lights and colours.

65. Pahalgam, Kashmir: Pahalgam, also known as the ‘valley of shepherds’, is one of the most picturesque locations where you can spend your weekend in. It is an ideal place to indulge in a variety of activities such as trekking, fishing and many more. It is a beautiful place to explore, a place full of scenic beauty and breathtaking experiences for you to dive into. Some of the most popular tourist hotspots include: The Avantipur Temple, Mamaleshwar Temple, the Betaab Valley, Sheshnag Lake, and the Baisaran hills.

66. Jodhpur in Rajasthan: Jodhpur is one of the most colourful, vibrant, and the second largest city in Rajasthan. It attracts a large number of tourists due to its majestic forts, lakes and temples. Set amidst the Thar desert, Jodhpur is also popularly known as the ‘Blue City’ since the Brahmins in the city used to paint their houses blue to repel insects as well as to keep their homes cool during the summer months. While in Jodhpur, you must visit Mehrangarh Fort, Ghanta Ghar, Umaid Bhawan Palace, and Kalyana Lake. You can also indulge in camel safari in the Thar desert for an unforgettable experience or opt for a tour of Osian, which is an ancient town located in Jodhpur.

67. Puri, Odisha

Puri is a peaceful city located in Odisha, eastern India. Puri attracts many visitors as it is a home of the famous 12th century Jagannath Temple also known as Sri Jagannath Dhama. Puri’s temples have a rich architectural, religious and cultural value making it a place worth visiting. The Puri beach on the shore of the Bay of Bengal is a cherry on top which makes it a perfect destination for a long weekend getaway. You should take a tour of the Chilika lake in Puri, and visit the Konark Sun Temple, a great example of architectural excellence.

69. Pushkar, Rajasthan: Located in the northwest of Ajmer, Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in the country. Pushkar in Rajasthan is a beautiful amalgamation of sand dunes, temples, hills and lakes making it a diverse place to explore. It has a rich mythological history with serene Ghats and temples as well as a wide range of street food to satiate your taste buds.

70. Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab: A visit to Amritsar makes for an enlightening trip as it has the spiritually and architecturally rich Golden Temple and various other sites of historical significance. Amritsar has a lot to offer in terms of its scrumptious Punjabi cuisine and mouthwatering food and desserts. Amritsar has a beautiful ambience and is one of the most important cities in Punjab and a place worth visiting for a long and fulfilling weekend getaway.

71. Ladakh : Ladakh is a land of stunning Gompas, whitewashed stupas and red-robed monks. It is also known as the world’s coldest desert. The rugged mountains, winding roads and vibrant cultural life make up the charm of this region. During winters, the mountain peaks are covered with white snow and make for a stunning view to behold. The Leh-Ladakh bike trip, Snow Leopard Trek or the Chadar Trek are some adventures that you must partake in on your trip to Ladakh. Enjoy a stay in a Ladakhi house to experience Ladakhi culture to the fullest and to get into the vibe of the place.

72. Mt. Katao, Sikkim: At a distance of 144 km from Gangtok, Mt. Katao is a stunning sight to behold. Known as the Switzerland of Sikkim, Katao is unrivalled in terms of beauty. It is a perfect spot for adventure lovers for skiing, snow tubing, snowboarding, and grinding during winters. However, a permit is required from the army to enter the areas as Mt Katao is located in a military base. The place remains covered in snow almost throughout the year and is the best spot to partake in various adventure sports activities.

FOR SUN CHASERS AND BEACH BUMS

73. Paradise Beach, Puducherry: This little, quiet beach with golden sands, also known as Plage Paradiso is located in Chunnambar. It is located close to Puducherry town. You have to take a ferry through the backwaters with rich mangroves to reach the beach. Some of the popular tourist hotspots include: the Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville, Seaside Promenade, Serenity Beach, Pondicherry Lighthouse, Raj Niwas, French War Memorial and Pondicherry Museum.

74. Gokarna, Karnataka: Gokarna is a city located in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It has pristine beaches and breath-taking sunsets. The beaches are meant for a slow, relaxed getaway. The out-of-town beaches like Om Beach are great places to unwind, full of coconut and palm trees, the ocean, and clean sandy beaches. The area also attracts many Hindu devotees as according to a popular mythological belief, it is here that Lord Shiva emerged from the incarnation of Mother Earth in the form of a cow. The town is home to many ancient temples, which are also worth a visit.

75. Alibaug, Maharashtra: This beautiful coastal town is situated south of Mumbai. It is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides. It is a tranquil seashore and is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the region. It can be reached from Mumbai by either road or even by ferry. It is a perfect place for a weekend getaway for adventurous folks who love to learn about history and culture. Engage in fun camel and horse rides, or some peaceful bird-watching at Kihim beach, satisfy your daredevil by parasailing or yacht sailing, or spend the day cycling on the beach (pick from Varsoli Beach, Kihim Beach, Akshi Beach, Murud Janjira or Nagaon Beach).

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22 things you need to know before visiting India

Dec 15, 2023 • 14 min read

India is a feast for the senses and we've got everything you need to know before you visit © Andrii Lutsyk / Ascent Xmedia / Getty Images

India is a place that overwhelms your senses in the best possible way – nowhere else delivers quite the same barrage of sights, sounds and sensations as this continent-sized country at the heart of Asia.

It would take a lifetime to see all of India , let alone understand every nuance and facet of this nation of 1.4 billion inhabitants. But with a little preparation, you can learn to navigate the richness of this country, from its snow-capped peaks and velvety beaches to its historic temples and luxuriant palaces.

We've collated the top things you need to know about visiting India, but the journey begins before you leave home. Apply for your Indian visa online for a smooth arrival on the subcontinent. Read on for 22 more insider tips that will help make your vacation unforgettable.

1. Plan your trip around the seasons

India has a reputation for being hot and humid, but with beaches, mountains, hills, coastlines and plains all jammed into a relatively small geographical area, the climate is quite diverse. The southwest monsoon brings rainy weather to most of the country from June to September, but this is the best time of year to visit the high-altitude deserts of Ladakh , although depending on the route you take, you risk encountering landslides and floods.

In the far south, there’s also a milder rainy season from October to December. The ideal weather window for travel is from October to May, though temperatures and humidity climb to agonizing levels from March onwards in the run-up to the monsoon. If you find yourself in India in the spring, head to the Himalayan foothills for milder temperatures and good trekking conditions.

2. Get your jabs before you travel

There is no official requirement for vaccinations to enter India (although yellow fever vaccination is needed if you are traveling from a country where the disease is endemic).

That said, it is important that you contact a health professional at least eight weeks before you travel to ensure your jabs are up to date. Vaccinations for diphtheria and tetanus, hepatitis A and B, polio and typhoid are usually recommended, on top of childhood vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella.

Vaccinations worth considering for longer trips include Japanese B encephalitis, meningitis and rabies. Monkeys, dogs and cats can all carry the rabies parasite, and infection is fatal if untreated.

3. Take malaria precautions

Depending on where in India you are traveling to, you may want to speak to your healthcare provider about taking a course of anti-malarial tablets. For instance, northeastern and eastern parts of India, as well as the city of Mangalore, have a higher malaria risk.

Always take precautions to avoid mosquito bites – this will also help you avoid dengue fever, a viral infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes to humans. Sleeping under a mosquito net, wearing long sleeves and trousers in light colors, and using a repellent and/or a plug-in mosquito killer with a high concentration of DEET (diethyltoluamide) is advisable.

4. Get insured

Travel insurance is essential for India. Depending on where you travel to, you may find public hospitals are poorly equipped. Additionally, most private clinics and hospitals require payment ahead of treatment. Make sure you are covered for emergency evacuation and also for any adventure activities you plan to get involved in.

If you’re unlucky enough to be a victim of crime, contact the local police station or dial 100 or 112, the national emergency number. You’ll need to get the police to file a report (a “FIR" – First Information Report) to make a claim on your travel insurance.

5. Book ahead for busy times and festivals

India can get very busy from November to February, so affordable accommodation is usually swamped in peak season. It’s a good idea to book ahead, either directly with the venues or via booking aggregator sites such as Agoda and MakeMyTrip .

Also, book train tickets in advance where possible , particularly for popular routes. Tickets can be booked (with a fair amount of hassle) via the government booking site IRCTC or more easily through local booking sites such as 12Go or Cleartrip .

6. Plan your comms before you travel

Many things in India (including train bookings or ordering food online) get easier if you have a local SIM card. Bring an unlocked phone from home (or pick one up locally) and get a phone shop to sign you up for a local pay-as-you-go SIM package on arrival. You’ll need to bring passport photos and photocopies of your passport ID pages to complete the application.

7. Check your lunar calendars

While India officially follows the Gregorian calendar, the major festivals for Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and several other religions follow lunar calendars and fall on different dates from year to year. Always check festival dates before you book your trip (bearing in mind these dates are subject to change); the Indian government maintains a useful online list of public holidays .

8. Learn local etiquette

English is the  lingua franca in most metropolitan areas in India, and you’ll get away with polite hellos, goodbyes and thank yous in smaller towns too. However, if you’re traveling in northern India, you can say "namaste" (I bow to you) with your hands together in a prayer-like gesture in front of your chest. Similarly, when meeting Muslims in north India, you can say "salaam alaikum" (peace be with you) – the correct response is "alaikum salaam." Most of the time, it’s the effort that’s welcomed over pronunciation, so don’t be shy!

Shaking hands is a standard business greeting between men, but outside metropolitan regions, men and women rarely shake. Only ever use your right hand. The same rule applies when passing things to people – including money.

If you get invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift (flowers or sweets are always a safe bet) and remove your shoes before entering. It’s polite to eat and drink what you are offered, even if you don’t really fancy it.

9. Dress modestly

Depending on where in India you are, modesty is taken seriously – especially for women. Travelers of any gender will have an easier time if they wear loose-fitting clothing that covers their legs and arms. Swimwear is only appropriate for the beach – although it is not uncommon to see locals swim fully clothed. To fit in, consider investing in a kurta pyjama (a traditional garment resembling a long shirt and loose trousers for men) or a salwar kameez (a long shirt, loose trousers and scarf for women).

10. What to eat and how to eat it

Many religions in India have their own dietary rules. Muslims avoid pork, many Hindus avoid beef, and some Hindus and Buddhists are vegetarian or vegan. Many Jains are vegetarians who avoid some vegetables (most notably onions, garlic and potatoes) and who try to avoid causing harm to all living creatures. These rules mean vegan and vegetarian food is often easy to find in India.

Eating with your hands is the norm in many restaurants, particularly in parts of southern India. Take your cue from other patrons in the restaurant, and remember to eat with your right hand. Mix rice and curry into balls with your fingers and push it into your mouth with your thumb. Some thalis (plate meals consisting of multiple dishes served in tandem) are served not on a plate but on a washed and flash-heated banana leaf.

11. Haggling is not a game of life and death

Haggling for a fair price when buying things – in street stalls and open-air markets – is a way of life in India. Although it can sometimes be a frustrating experience, losing your temper is extremely bad form – if you can’t agree on a price with the vendor that you are both happy with, politely decline and shop somewhere else.

The rules of the game are as follows. The vendor will quote you a price that is more than the item is worth, then you’ll come back with a counter-offer, working up from there until you reach a mutually agreeable figure.

The “walking away” trick may bring a few last-minute adjustments, but before long, you’ll reach a threshold that the vendor won’t go below. Throwing in extra items may bring a discount on the overall cost. Many travelers prefer not to haggle in places where the money goes directly to artisans.

12. Respect etiquette at religious sites

Religion is taken very seriously in India, so it pays to know the rules and expectations for visits to temples, mosques, monasteries, gurdwaras (Sikh shrines), synagogues and churches. Always check if you are allowed to enter – some temples and mosques are closed to people who don’t follow the faith. Mosques may also be closed to visitors during prayers or on Fridays.

If asked to do so, remove your shoes before entering any religious building, and be prepared to cover your head with a scarf or shawl. Generally, always cover your legs and arms (a sarong can be handy as an emergency cover-all). Some temples also ban leather goods, and many religious sites do not allow photography.

Avoid pointing the soles of your feet towards a person or deity – this is considered disrespectful. The same goes for touching any person or effigy on the head. It is conventional to walk around Buddhist and Hindu shrines in a clockwise direction, in a ceremonial circuit known as a parikrama .

Making an offering or leaving a donation is often expected – locals always offer something, but be wary of people waving receipts showing huge donations. Giving something is appropriate, but don’t feel pressured into leaving large sums.

13. Giving alms is common but up to you

The giving of alms has a long history in India, and foreigners can expect to be approached regularly with requests for money. Whether you give or not is a personal choice, but many Indians give on a daily basis, particularly when visiting temples and mosques. Be aware that some requests for money will be scams, and you may be able to do more good by giving your time or cash to charity or aid organizations you’ve taken time to research, rather than handing out cash.

14. Respect local social attitudes

India has complex social rules about respect for elders. Depending on where you are traveling to, older people are often greeted with the honorific “auntie” or “uncle,” and the ending ji may also be added to someone’s name as a sign of respect.

Outside bigger cities, India can be quite conservative when it comes to interactions between unmarried men and women. Also, most parts of India are conservative when it comes to same-sex relationships. Whatever your sexuality, it’s best to avoid public displays of affection.

15. Street harassment is unfortunately common

Although harassment can happen anywhere, parts of India are constantly in the news owing to a lack of women’s safety. Beyond long, unwelcome stares and persistent attempts to start a conversation, more serious assaults are also a risk. Groping is common in crowds (particularly during festivals).

Exercise caution like you would anywhere else, and remain alert. Never get into a taxi or auto rickshaw containing anyone other than the driver, and avoid walking alone in quiet areas, particularly at night. Decline offers of food or drinks from strangers.

If traveling by public transport as a woman, it's best to seek out train carriages and designated seating reserved for women. Wearing a wedding ring (even if not married) and using dark sunglasses and headphones can buy you some privacy on public transport. If you are being hassled, drawing loud attention to the intrusion may encourage others to come to your aid.

16. Keep track of security situations in India

India has seen deadly attacks by separatist and Marxist groups and Kashmiri insurgents. Monitor the local news and be alert for suspicious behavior, particularly around major tourist sites. Always check the security situation before traveling to Srinagar and the Kashmir Valley in case of flare-ups of unrest. Strikes, demonstrations and protests are also best avoided, as violence is a risk. It goes without saying but in the event of trouble, obey local curfews and stay inside – your hotel is probably the safest place to be.

17. Take the altitude seriously when hiking

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a risk when traveling above 2500m (8202ft), which covers most of the Indian Himalayas . AMS can be fatal, so always ascend slowly and take rest days to allow your body to acclimate to significant elevation changes. If you begin to feel ill while hiking in the mountains, stop, and if your symptoms don’t improve, descend immediately.

18. Familiarize yourself with local rules and regulations

India has a few laws and regulations that visitors might be unfamiliar with. For instance, taking photographs of bridges, the periphery of military camps and border crossings – or flying drones over them – is considered a serious security issue.

When traveling by plane internally in India, you may be asked to surrender batteries from devices in your cabin bags. Smoking is banned in most public places, and a few states also have bans on the consumption of beef – killing or injuring a cow in a road accident, even accidentally, can lead to violent reprisals.

To avoid sticky situations, take the time to research where you’re going, and talk to staff at your hotel or hostel or your B&B host for advice on things to be aware of.

19. Steer clear of drugs

India may have a reputation amongst travelers as a place to push boundaries, but its drug laws are strict. Possessing even small amounts of drugs for personal use can lead to a prison sentence.

Some religious groups are permitted to consume marijuana for ceremonial purposes, but that often doesn’t extend to tourists. You can, however, find bhaang – a marijuana mixture made with the leaves (rather than the bud) of the cannabis plant – at government-approved bhaang shops.

20. Avoid the tap water

The tap water in India is not potable. Drinking or brushing your teeth with it can be a fast track to stomach troubles – the most common illness tourists experience in India. Stick to purified or bottled water (or even better, purify your own to avoid contributing to India’s plastic waste mountain).

The water rule extends to ice (be wary of ice in drinks and ice cream) and to uncooked foods, particularly salads and dishes such as coriander chutneys, which may have been washed with contaminated water. When eating fruit, stick to things you can peel or wash thoroughly yourself, and be cautious of freshly prepared juices. Hot drinks are generally fine, so drink your fill of chai (milky tea, often spiced and sweet).

21. Watch local news to keep track of natural disasters

Some geographical areas in India are prone to natural disasters, and the risk is higher in certain seasons. Hilly areas of Himachal Pradesh, for instance, often see flash flooding and landslides during the monsoon. Be alert to signs of natural disasters and keep an eye on the local news so you know which areas to avoid. Follow the Indian Meteorological Department’s website as well as their social media handle for timely updates.

If you are caught up in a natural disaster, follow the advice of emergency workers and try to leave the area quickly.

22. Spot the scams

India has a reputation for scams designed to separate tourists from their money, and touts and confidence tricksters can often be found where tourists gather. Get tourist information and make bookings at official offices, rather than “tourist offices” you have been led to by people offering unsolicited help.

If anyone steers you to a hotel, shop or other establishment without you asking, they may be angling for a commission, which will be added to the price you pay. Be dubious of claims that the place you want to go is “closed” – always check yourself to be sure.

Exercise common sense and be wary of deals that sound too good to be true – for example, the gem scam, where travelers are tricked into buying worthless gems to “sell at a profit back home.”

This article was first published March 2022 and updated December 2023

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• Where to Go in 2024 Overview: Where to Go in 2024

The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024

• An Insider's Guide to Paris — Luxury Hotels, Vintage Shops, and the City's Best Restaurants Included
• This Southern U.S. City Was Named One of the Best Places to Travel in 2024
• 5 Coastal Towns in Alaska That Are Adorable in Any Weather
• T+L's Review of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur
• This Exclusive Helicopter Dining Experience Is the Best Way to See the 'Grand Canyon of Mallorca’
• Where to Go in 2024 The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024 An Insider's Guide to Paris — Luxury Hotels, Vintage Shops, and the City's Best Restaurants Included This Southern U.S. City Was Named One of the Best Places to Travel in 2024 5 Coastal Towns in Alaska That Are Adorable in Any Weather T+L's Review of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur This Exclusive Helicopter Dining Experience Is the Best Way to See the 'Grand Canyon of Mallorca’ CLOSE Part of Where to Go in 2024

Where to go in 2024, according to Travel + Leisure editors — for cultural immersion and major travel bragging rights.

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

Well, you knew it was coming. This year, more than 20 Travel + Leisure staffers weighed in to create this hand-picked list of the places that thoughtful, curious travelers should consider in 2024.

These are the destinations that have captured our imaginations, the spots where T+L editors want to spend their own time in the year ahead. Among the picks are Canada's Métis Crossing, which headlined our October 2023 issue ; Istanbul, for which our editor in chief makes a compelling case ; and Paris, because there's a little thing called Les Jeux Olympiques coming up.

Other, lesser-known places are on the rise. Consider the small towns of Sonoma County, where new businesses are doing big things ; a remote corner of Australia, where expedition ships are the way in; a Himalayan hideaway where visitors are left breathless and not just because of the altitude.

We hope this list inspires you to see the world in a new way in the coming year. We'll see you out there.

— Edited by Paul Brady and Maya Kachroo-Levine  

Travel + Leisure

Destination by Category

For cultural immersion, ålborg, denmark.

Alexander Farnsworth/Getty Images

It rates as Denmark’s fourth-largest city, with around 120,000 residents, but out-of-the-way Ålborg might seem an unlikely international-travel hub. That's not stopping Scandinavian Airlines, which is betting on the compact, alluring city with newly launched flights from Newark Liberty International, which will run three times a week from April through October. The cobbled streets of Ålborg’s old town are lined with half-timbered houses and pastel exteriors; the attractively refurbished waterfront — where you’ll find the newly renovated Pier 5 Hotel — is another walkable district. The city’s rich cultural scene includes a modern art museum , an architecture center, and, a short drive away, Regan Vest , a Cold War museum that opened in a former bunker in February 2023. Indeed, Ålborg is a gateway to the wider region of North Jutland, with its dramatic coastline around the town of Skagen, long a draw to Danish artists; windswept dunes of Thy National Park ; and 2,000-year-old Viking ring fortresses which have, at long last, been collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site . — Peter Terzian

Cartagena, Colombia

Sofia Jaramillo

A perennially hot destination, Colombia is coming into its own as a luxury escape these days, thanks to a ton of excitement in and around Cartagena, on the country’s Caribbean coast. In 2023, the city welcomed Casa Pestagua , a 16-room boutique hotel within a restored 17th-century building, in the historic center. Now, the same owners are working to open bungalows on Isla Barú, a popular day-trip spot, before the end of 2023. Sustainability minded travelers can find their fit at Blue Apple Beach , an eco-hotel on Tierra Bomba Island, just off the coast, that’s B Corp certified and generates half its power from solar, as T+L recently reported . In 2024, Disney's “Encanto”-themed tour of Colombia will debut, shining more light on Cartagena, one of the many stops on the itinerary. And there’s even more growth in the pipeline: Delta Air Lines is adding new nonstop flights to Cartagena from Atlanta in December 2023, a Four Seasons hotel is on the horizon, and the nation is investing in an airport expansion that will serve an ever-increasing number of visitors. — Susmita Baral

Eastern & Oriental Express, a Belmond Train

Courtesy of Belmond

After a four-year pause, this luxury train that crisscrosses Southeast Asia will ride again in February. Several new itineraries will be available on the revamped Express, which has 15 cherry wood–clad cabins and vibrant Malay-inspired decor. The Essence of Malaysia journey, for example, takes travelers from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, with side trips to Langkawi, for snorkeling in Pulau Payar Marine Park, and Penang, among the greatest food cities on the planet. Alternatively, a Wild Malaysia option includes a stop at Taman Negara National Park, where visitors might spot a Sumatran rhino or tiger. “These ‘slow travel’ journeys give our guests the opportunity to rest their mind, rekindle, and reconnect,” said Dan Ruff, the CEO of Belmond. Much like a storied ocean liner, the majestic Eastern & Oriental Express is a destination unto itself, with a sultry piano bar car; an open-air lounge with wicker furniture where passengers can watch the Malaysian jungle rush by; and two restaurant carriages serving Peranakan food. You may not have had "eating laksa on a luxury train" on your 2024 bingo card, but you really should. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Christian Kain

For one month between June and July, soccer — or should we say fußball — will take over Germany, as the nation hosts the 2024 UEFA European Football Championship. Held every four years, the tournament for men’s national teams will take place in 10 cities across Germany, including Berlin, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich. “This will be an incredible, not-to-be-missed moment,” said Sofia Markovich , a travel advisor on T+L's A-List who specializes in Austria and Germany. “I expect interest to go through the roof as this is a major sports event — second only to the World Cup.” Even casual fans should find the atmosphere thrilling, Markovich said, particularly those who happen to pass through game-day destinations while cruising the country’s rivers . One host city deserves a particular spotlight thanks to the new Rosewood Munich , which opened in October. Set across two buildings (one, formerly the headquarters of the State Bank of Bavaria, the other, a Baroque residence), the 132-key property is steps from the charms of Old Town, including the leafy Maximiliansplatz, and walkable to one of Europe’s most surprising surf spots: the rapids of the Isar River . — Liz Cantrell

Métis Crossing, Alberta

Amber Bracken

“This is not a place where you look at old things behind glass,” said Juanita Marois, the CEO of Métis Crossing, one of Canada’s most compelling Indigenous tourism projects. “This is an immersive destination where you experience the culture and the warmth of the Métis people through our land, water, skies, buildings, food, and programs.” The 688-acre retreat, which writer Carleigh Baker detailed in T+L’s October 2023 issue , is today home to a 40-room lodge, a cultural center, and campgrounds. Depending on the season, visitors can learn about traditional crafts, enjoy festivals held on-site, or head out for bird-watching, canoeing, or snowshoeing. A new addition to Métis Crossing is a collection of eight Sky Watching Domes , luxe stand-alone suites with panoramic skylight windows. From the Domes, Marois explained, “guests can listen to Indigenous stories of the night skies, see the stars, and view the aurora borealis." — Jalyn Robinson

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, Georgia

Getty Images

It’s not every day the U.S. gets a new national park, but 2024 could see this central Georgia destination enter the fold. Presently managed as a national historical park, Ocmulgee is home to large earthen mounds, including temple complexes, created by numerous Native American peoples over thousands of years. Should Congress approve the new designation in 2024, Ocmulgee will become the first national park in the state and the first in the U.S. to be co-managed by a nation whose ancestors were removed from the area: the Muscogee (Creek) were forcibly relocated from central Georgia as a result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830. “We now have an opportunity to come back and not feel like we are visiting, but to feel like we are coming home,” said Tracie Revis, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the director of advocacy for the Ocmulgee National Park & Preserve Initiative, a community group. The gateway to the park is the city of Macon, where the Muscogee (Creek) Nation flag flies alongside the Stars and Stripes, and the street signs are being replaced with ones written in both Muscogee and English. A particularly opportune time to visit will be in September, for the town’s annual Indigenous film festival . — Liz Cantrell  

Rajasthan, India

Aparna Jayakumar

India’s northwestern state of Rajasthan, with its wealth of iconic hotels and cultural attractions, is one of the best-known among U.S. travelers. It also promises new delights in the coming year, with several new addresses in Jaipur worth planning a trip around. There's Villa Palladio , a delightful nine-room hotel on the outskirts of town created by the Swiss-Dutch team behind Bar Palladio , an Instagram favorite in the city center. The Johri is a beautifully designed five-room property with a chic cocktail bar and organic vegetarian restaurant on the ground level, tucked away in a heritage townhouse in Jaipur's Old Town. Meanwhile, the Anantara hospitality group is set to launch its first-ever property in India next year. The 150-room, new-build Anantara Jaipur Hotel is designed with India's ballooning market for destination weddings in mind: it will have event facilities that can accommodate as many as 2,500 guests. In the meantime, the city and wider region are becoming more accessible than ever, thanks to a new six-lane expressway that connects Jaipur to New Delhi, a major hub for international flights. — Flora Stubbs

Shinta Mani Mustang, Nepal

Courtesy of Shinta Mani Mustang

A once-forbidden kingdom is now home to some truly palatial digs. Nepal’s Mustang district, which opened to outsiders in 1992 , is a place to watch in 2024 thanks to this stunning, 29-suite hotel, which welcomed its first guests in August. Shinta Mani Mustang, the latest property from the Bensley Collection, delivers the luxurious wellness experiences and thoughtful design that devotees of the brand have come to expect. Guests can spend their days trekking the surrounding Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, searching for rare wildlife like the Pallas’s cat and Tibetan wolf, horseback riding, and visiting local villages. “What caught my attention was that the outstanding aesthetics and architecture are in sync with sustainable and responsible tourism,” said Carole Cambata, an advisor on T+L's A-List and expert in Himalayan travel. “They sourced local building materials and used Indigenous construction methods.” The noteworthy opening comes at a time of positive change: in April, the Nepal Mountaineering Academy and the Nepal Tourism Board partnered on a program to educate the country’s first-ever class of LGBTQ+ trekking guides, CNN reported , in an effort to make Nepal’s hiking and climbing industries more inclusive. “Nepal is one of Asia’s most progressive countries for LGBTQ+ people due to laws that forbid gender identity discrimination,” said John Clifford , another A-List advisor. “Visitors to the country can even select ‘other’ as an option for gender identification on their visas.” — Samantha Falewée

Tallinn, Estonia

Nina Ruggiero/Travel + Leisure

This country’s literacy and secondary education rates consistently rank near the top in Europe, especially among women, so it should come as no surprise that Tartu, the university city to the southeast of Tallinn, has been designated Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2024 . Still, for first-timers to the Baltics, there’s no better place to get schooled than the country’s capital city, Tallinn: its walled Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of Medieval architecture in the world. PoCo Art Museum , which opened in May with pop art by Andy Warhol, Banksy, David Hockney, and Jeff Koons, is now one of nearly 50 art institutions in the city, joining Fotografiska (world-renowned photography), Kumu Art Museum (contemporary Estonian art), and Kadriorg Art Museum (early European and Russian art). After soaking in the culture, head for the Noblessner district , an industrial shipyard area turned seafront hot spot that’s now bursting with stylish cafes, shops, and Estonia’s first restaurant with two Michelin stars, 180° by Matthias Diethe . (You might also try a “ smoke sauna ” at Scandi-chic Iglupark .) As for where to stay, the new Nunne Boutique Hotel has views over Old Town’s Towers Square . —  Nina Ruggiero

Warsaw, Poland

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

The thriving contemporary art scene in Warsaw, which is home to art-circuit stalwarts like the Foksal Gallery Foundation and Raster Gallery , will get a big boost in 2024, when the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw finally moves into its own headquarters. Founded in 2005, the museum has burnished the city’s art reputation for two decades, with its holdings of both foreign and Polish work, despite operating out of temporary spaces. The new HQ will be part of a 22-acre arts district centered on the existing Palace of Culture and Science, a Stalinist skyscraper that towers over the city. The museum, along with a new 800-seat TR Warszaw Theater nearby, was designed by Thomas Phifer and Partners , the architecture firm behind other notable institutions, including the Glenstone Museum in Maryland and portions of New York’s Corning Museum of Glass . — Denny Lee

For the Food and Drinks

The austrian countryside.

Journey south of Vienna and you’ll find two of the regions that give the countryside of Austria its fairy-tale quality. Styria has rolling hills and hiking trails, with the medieval city of Graz at its heart. Mellow, rural Burgenland is home to Lake Neusiedl, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both regions have a long, rich history of winemaking, and in recent years, have become the site of a burgeoning natural wine scene. Cult producers such as Winery Maria and Sepp Muster and Alice & Roland Tauss should be at the top of any visitor’s list, as should Burgenland’s beloved vintners Gut Oggau and Meinklang . Then, round out a visit to the country with a stay at Rosewood Schloss Fuschl , a meticulously restored 15th-century castle opening on the shores of a small lake near Salzburg in spring 2024. — Peter Terzian

Mérida, Mexico

Itzel Garrido/Travel + Leisure

The capital of Yucatán, this city has long been popular with Mexican travelers drawn to its Maya ruins, cerulean-blue cenotes, restored haciendas, and incredible food . But it has a growing acclaim among international visitors — especially LGBTQ+ travelers, who often describe Yucatán as very gay friendly . Mérida’s historic beauty and laid-back cantina culture might explain why LGBTQ+ retirees have embraced the city in recent years, buying homes and bringing their friends along. Those not ready to make a full-on move will find lots of designer hotels carved out of stately mansions, not to mention wonderful shopping and plenty of food tours, both in the city and in the surrounding countryside, which is punctuated by haciendas, many of which host pop-up events or even overnight guests. Plans for a sprawling new “ Yucatán Central Park ,” with a food market and amphitheater, remain hazy, as does an exact timeline for the arrival of the ballyhooed Maya Train , which is nearing completion and should make it easier to hop between Mérida and popular seaside spots such as Cancún and Tulum. — Denny Lee

Sonoma County, California

Gentl & Hyers

More than double the size of Napa, Sonoma might offer twice as much to do. It’s not just about the wine — though with the addition of a new American Viticultural Area (AVA) called West Sonoma Coast last year, Sonoma County now has 19 AVAs slinging chardonnay, pinot noir, and zinfandel at established wineries, such as Flowers and Scribe , and new ones, including Vérité Wines . There’s also a long coastline to explore, from Bodega Bay up to Sea Ranch, where the dreamy, cliff-top Sea Ranch Lodge is newly renovated . Inland, the opening of Dawn Ranch shines a spotlight on Guerneville , a crunchy town along the Russian River known for its LGBTQ+ scene and proximity to the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Tear yourself from the 22-acre haven, with tree house–like cabins, creekside glamping tents, and alfresco redwood tubs at the idyllic spa, to bike into town where the reimagined Piknik Market serves one of Oprah’s favorite biscuits . The changes coming to Sonoma County in 2024 are largely shaped by the area’s most famous chefs: in Healdsburg, California, Noma alum Stu Stalker debuted the plant-based restaurant Second Story, above Little Saint and down the street from Michelin three-starred SingleThread and chef Dustin Valette’s The Matheson . Restaurant powerhouse Charlie Palmer plans to launch his hotel brand, Appellation , in Healdsburg by the end of next year. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

For Big-city Thrills

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

“It’s a classic Asian megacity: frenetic, neon-lit, and overwhelming to the senses,” said Jack Tydeman , a Southeast Asia specialist at Audley Travel and member of T+L's A-List. But change is coming to Bangkok, in the form of many megaprojects, including Dusit Central Park, which is slated to open in 2024, with the 259-room Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel and a multi-terraced roof park. Also coming soon will be King Rama IX Memorial Park, a park that honors the sustainability initiatives of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Meanwhile, Lumpini Park , Bangkok’s original public green space, is getting a massive refresh next year that will add a new food hall, a vegetable farm, and a sports club ahead of its centennial. Even while sprinting to finish these new developments, Bangkok is finding time to slow down and prioritize wellness. Luxury travel network Virtuoso recently named Thailand as just one of five “emerging self-care destinations” worldwide, noting that “travelers are seeking a more spiritual journey, turning to Thailand for more than the traditional Thai massage.” The forthcoming Aman Nai Lert Bangkok , slated for 2024, is sure to deliver, with 52 spacious suites overlooking Nai Lert Park and a multifloor wellness sanctuary. — Susmita Baral

Courtesy of Cleveland Museum of Natural History

The year ahead has the Land set to shine, thanks to national and international events, world-class cultural expansions, and the rebirth of historic hotels. It all starts in April, when the NCAA Women’s Final Four comes to the state-of-the-art Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and a total solar eclipse sweeps over the city on April 8, 2024. Cleveland will see even more action when the Pan-American Masters Games crisscross the city July 12-21. And in November, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which was held in Brooklyn in 2023, will return home. Meanwhile, many institutions are in the midst of revitalization. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is nearing completion of its multiyear $150-million expansion, with updated exhibits and new public spaces in University Circle. Karamu House , the nation’s oldest Black producing theater, will debut a new restaurant, outdoor stage, and an additional venue in the Fairfax neighborhood. The city’s oldest hotel will reopen in 2024 after extensive renovations as a Marriott Autograph Collection called Hotel Cleveland. Also coming is the Fidelity Hotel, a new boutique property with a speakeasy that's slated to launch in a landmark building downtown. There’s development along the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie, too, where paved hiking and biking trails are livening up a waterfront that has, for many decades, been underutilized. — Jennifer Salerno Yong

Fort Worth, Texas

Mariah Tyler

Offering classic Western experiences like bull riding, cattle drives, and stock shows, Fort Worth, Texas, is booming, bringing in $3 billion in tourism revenue last year alone. With all of the renewed interest in the city, luxury hotels are flocking to Cowtown’s Cultural District. The Crescent Hotel, Fort Worth opened in November, home to the first-ever wellness club by Canyon Ranch and a Mediterranean restaurant by Food Network chef Preston Paine. Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection , is slated to open its doors December 2023, with a tree-lined pool terrace, chic spa, and upscale chophouse called Bricks and Horses. Walking distance from both hotels is The National Cowgirl Museum , which will run a 2024 exhibit honoring the Mexican female horseback riding tradition of escaramuza charra . Looking ahead, the National Juneteenth Museum is scheduled to open in the city’s Historic Southside neighborhood in 2025. — Mariah Tyler

Turkey’s style capital is seeing a resurgence of life along the Bosphorus, thanks in part to the Galataport, the world’s first underground cruise ship terminal with a pedestrian promenade and the Renzo Piano–designed Istanbul Museum of Modern Art just above. Another neighborhood anchor is the 177-room Peninsula Hotel , spread out over four buildings, three of which date to the early 1900s. Highlights include a glittering pool facing the Hagia Sophia; a sprawling, subterranean spa; and Gallada, a rooftop restaurant from whiz kid chef Fatih Tutak, whose eponymous restaurant is Turkey’s first to earn two Michelin stars. The hotel staff wears posh uniforms courtesy of Arzu Kaprol, a designer who has a boutique in the nearby Paket Postanesi, a historic post office turned chic shopping mall. Also on the waterfront, in Beşiktaş, the lavish Çırağan Palace Kempinski has been reimagined by local interior designer Serdar Gülgün, with rooms that lean into Ottoman-era grandeur (think tulip-pattern motifs and mother-of-pearl furniture). Finally, don’t miss The Basilica Cistern, open again after a five-year closure, and now hosting contemporary art exhibits amid the ancient columns. — Jacqui Gifford

Kansas City, Missouri

Jonathan Tasler/Courtesy of Visit KC

World famous for barbecue and jazz, KC is now staking a claim as a global leader in sports and entertainment — and not just because of Taylor and Travis . In March, the Kansas City Current, of the National Women's Soccer League, will open the first-ever purpose-built stadium for women’s pro sports. “It will be a destination for sports lovers and will inspire generations of girls to follow their dreams,” said Katie Mabry van Dieren, CEO and curator of The Strawberry Swing , a brand that organizes events and pop-ups in the city, as well as Shop Local KC , a string of boutiques. The stadium’s construction has spurred other developments around the city, including the forthcoming Origen Hotel KC , a 118-room boutique property; the massive Berkley Beer Garden; and an extension of the free KC Streetcar that will serve the Berkley Riverfront area. Also coming soon is the country’s first entertainment district of its kind, the Rock Island Bridge , a reclaimed rail crossing over the Kansas River. “Visitors will be able to enjoy two levels of entertainment with food from two restaurants and three bars, plus a covered event space with a dance floor and open veranda seating overlooking the river and city,” a source told T+L of the High Line–inspired project that will connect Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas. — Jalyn Robinson

Raf Willems/Getty Images

Just when you think Sin City can’t get any bigger, louder, or glitzier, Las Vegas turns it up another notch. On the heels of blockbuster residencies from Adele , Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga, U2 kicked off their inaugural stint at the long-anticipated Sphere this fall. Filmmaker Darren Aronofsky’s immersive sci-fi production “Postcard from Earth” will also show off the new arena’s 16K LED display, beginning this fall and continuing through 2024. Formula 1 and Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive captured a growing American audience for the international racing circuit, and the Las Vegas Grand Prix will hit The Strip Nov. 16-18, 2023, and again Nov. 21-23, 2024. It won’t be the only megaevent on the sports calendar: Las Vegas will host Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium, marking the first time the game will take place in Nevada. Still not enough? The 67-story Fontainebleau Las Vegas will open in December with 3,700 rooms and a ton of buzzy restaurants, including a Casa Dragones Tasting Room and a Chinese noodle den from the restaurateur behind Wagamama and Hakkasan. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Louisville, Kentucky

Nick Simonite/Courtesy of Hotel Genevieve

The Kentucky Derby will celebrate its 150th anniversary on May 4, 2024, as well as the debut of the redesigned Churchill Downs Paddock, which is coming off a multiyear, $200-million renovation. Those that can’t make race day can brush up on the event’s history and culture year-round at the Kentucky Derby Museum , which has interactive exhibits on subjects like Black horsemen’s contributions to racing . Continue on theme at Derby City Hotel, a Canopy by Hilton property, which will open in downtown Louisville this summer with 168 rooms plus a rooftop pool and bar, or opt for another new property, such as The Myriad Hotel, Common Bond Hotel Collection , or the trendy Hotel Genevieve by Bunkhouse Group. Also coming in 2024 is “Ali,” a musical about the Louisville icon, which opens at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in the fall. There’s news on the spirits scene, too, including the launch of Bourbon and Belonging – Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week, a statewide celebration running Oct. 3-6, 2024, that will have events in Louisville and beyond. — Elizabeth Rhodes

Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure

As close as you can get to Europe without the transatlantic flight, this island city of nearly 2 million is newly relevant in the year ahead, thanks to forward-thinking infrastructure that’s made it one of the greenest and most visitor-friendly spots in North America. The Réseau Express Métropolitain, or REM, is a new automated light rail system that Canada’s Globe and Mail calls “ Montreal’s biggest public transit project in more than half a century ,” with a growing number of stations coming online in the years ahead. (All of them are or will be “ universally accessible .”) The Grand Quay, the city-center pier that many cruise ships use, has a new attraction in the form of the Port of Montreal Tower , a blocky observation spire that echoes the look of the famed Habitat 67 nearby. Meanwhile, the city’s bike-sharing program, Bixi, which launched back in 2009, is still going strong and now offers an all-you-can-bike monthly pass for just $14 that makes using the system a no brainer; the city’s 560 miles of bike lanes help, too. The recently renovated Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton , and the new-in-2023 Honeyrose Hotel, Montreal, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel , join the four-year-old Four Seasons in adding a touch of luxury that had, perhaps, been missing in the heart of the city. That said, Montreal has more than 24,000 hotel rooms — and plenty of Airbnbs — across the metro area, which will make it an ideal last-minute destination for eclipse watchers who want to be in the path of totality on April 8. — Paul Brady

When Paris hosts 329 distinct sporting events next summer, the whole city will be on display: the first-ever Olympic Games breakdancing competition will be at Place de la Concorde; beach volleyball courts will skirt the Eiffel Tower; and the opening ceremony’s Parade of Nations will sail down the Seine River. The host city of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) and Paralympic Games (August 28-September 8) will welcome visitors with a flurry of new hotels and restaurants. Chateau des Fleurs is an extravagant new stay in the eighth arrondissement with 19th-century style and an haute Korean restaurant. Celebrated hotel designer Martin Brudnizki just unveiled two projects : the 50-room Grand Mazarin , in the Marais, and La Fantaisie in the ninth. And the hoteliers behind the Hôtel Dame Des Arts , which appeared on T+L’s 2023 It List , unveiled their train-themed Hôtel des Grand Voyageurs in Saint-Germain-des-Prés in October. The legacy establishments have new life, too: Hotel Plaza Athénée , named the best hotel in Paris by T+L readers, has a French restaurant, Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée, which recently scored two Michelin stars, to say nothing of the property’s brand-new Dior Spa. And the sumptuous La Tour d’Argent restaurant just got a sensational facelift. Meanwhile, “numerous museums and institutions will host sports-related exhibitions, films, performances, workshops, and kids’ programming throughout the summer,” writer Lindsey Tramuta reported in T+L’s November 2023 issue. For those in need of a sports break, La Galerie Dior and Fragonard Musée du Parfum are two new additions to the scene worth checking out. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

For Moments on the Water

Coastal alaska.

Cruising is back in a big way, and Alaska's Inside Passage is leading the charge. In 2023, the state saw ships including Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer and Carnival’s Luminosa for the first time, while Royal Caribbean recently sent Brilliance of the Seas north for the first time in years. The new Klawock port, on Prince of Wales Island, is poised to welcome large ships in the 2024 season with food and retail outposts, exhibits detailing Indigenous culture and history, and nature trails. Skagway, a well-known port that’s home to Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and the scenic White Pass and Yukon Route Railway, is getting a 550-foot floating pier, which will allow the port to host two megaships simultaneously beginning in the 2024 season. Lately, that season has been getting longer: most companies run trips May to September, but Norwegian Cruise Line had October sailings in 2023, which gave passengers a look at Alaskan life during a quieter season. Considering Alaska is projected to notch 1.65 million cruise travelers on around 700 voyages this year, opting for a shoulder season trip in 2024 might not be a bad idea. —  Nina Ruggiero

Coastal Norway

Sebastian Lamberg Torjusen/Courtesy of Salmon Eye

Long known for its cutting-edge design and architectural marvels like the Oslo Opera House, Norway has lately doubled down on building big. “Over the last few years, we’ve seen a surge in new attractions,” confirmed Katrine Mosfjeld, the chief marketing officer for Visit Norway. In seaside Oslo, the new luxury hotel Sommero is a study in adaptive reuse, inside a landmark building from 1930 originally designed by famed Norwegian architects Andreas Bjercke and Georg Eliassen. Four hours southwest, in Kristiansand, the Kunstsilo , or Art Silo, is another repurposed wonder: the one-time industrial complex will reemerge in 2024 as a museum devoted to Nordic modernist art. Up the coast, in Bergen, Iris Expedition Dining is a new tasting-menu destination located in Hardangerfjord, inside a floating sculpture known as the Salmon Eye. North of the Arctic Circle, the long-awaited Six Senses Svart promises to be one of the hottest openings anywhere when it finally debuts. The ring-shaped resort, at the base of the Svartisen glacier, aims to be off-grid, carbon-neutral, and emissions-free, with a zero-waste dining program and a “design lab,” as the hotel calls it, meant to foster further innovation. — Taylor McIntyre

Douro River, Portugal

Courtesy of Tauck

As recently as a decade ago, almost nobody was talking about wine tourism in Portugal. These days, “you have to see the Douro River,” said Sheree M. Mitchell , a T+L A-List advisor based in the country and the president of Immersa Global. “It’s non-negotiable.” Mitchell’s preferred way to do it is on a yacht charter, which gives guests the chance to spend a few hours or days hitting quintas , or wine estates, and dining at Michelin Guide–approved restaurants like Castas e Pratos . Cruises are a more affordable option, and lines are expanding their presence on the river, which cuts across Spain and Northern Portugal before reaching the Atlantic in the city of Porto. Tauck , a favorite among T+L readers, unveiled the Andorinha in 2021, which will sail 33 wine-country itineraries in 2024. Another T+L reader favorite, Viking, will have four ships on the Douro in the year ahead, visiting towns such as Peso da Régua and Pinhão, in the heart of port country. And AmaWaterways recently announced a special November 2024 departure that will “explore the history of the Black and African diaspora in Lisbon and along Portugal's stunning Douro River,” according to the brand. — Maya Kachroo-Levine

Faroe Islands

This remote, starkly beautiful archipelago in the North Atlantic just got way more accessible. Summer 2023 saw Atlantic Airways launch nonstop flights from New York Stewart International, 70 miles north of New York City, to Vágar Airport, in the islands. “This direct flight is not only about easier transport to our great ocean nation, but a means of creating a bridge between two worlds,” Jóhanna á Bergi, CEO of Atlantic Airways, told T+L. The news seems to have been warmly received by U.S. travelers. Melissa Lee , a Northern Europe specialist on T+L’s A-List said she has seen an uptick in interest in the Faroes. "Previously, you could only get there from Copenhagen, or Reykjavik, Iceland.” Once there, a world of adventure awaits, with activities including cold-water surfing , traditional knitting , and hiking to places such as Sørvágsvatn, the so-called lake above the ocean . Then there’s the top-flight dining: the restaurant Roks in Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands’ capital, is an offshoot of Koks, the Michelin two-starred restaurant in Greenland which is presently on hiatus. — Liz Cantrell

Kimberley, Australia

Bruno Cazarini/Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

This destination in northwest Australia, also called The Kimberleys, is home to ancient wonders: dinosaur tracks; striated geological formations, some 350 million years old, known as Bungle Bungles; waterfalls and reefs that seem unmoored from time; and Aboriginal history from what some call the world’s oldest continuous culture . Lately, though, some of the world’s top cruise lines have caught on to all the upside and are racing to offer thrilling expedition-style itineraries that combine all this history with modern-day adventures, such as sightseeing flights by helicopter, paddling, Zodiac tours, scuba diving, and cultural excursions. Silversea will have its Silver Cloud in the region from May through September, doing 10- to 17-day trips, with a maximum of 200 passengers. Seabourn is also bullish on the destination, and its newest expedition ship, the 132-suite Seabourn Pursuit , will spend June, July, and August cruising the region. (Both lines are perennial favorites among T+L readers .) Also operating on this remarkable stretch of coast are several Australian companies , including Coral Expeditions and True North Adventure Cruises , as well as private yacht charters like those organized by Yotspace . — Paul Brady

The Mississippi River

Courtesy of Viking

New ships are bringing fresh interest to one of America’s most storied waterways, meaning now’s the time to consider river cruising closer to home. “The Mississippi River is such an important part of American history,” said Adam Peakes, president of Hornblower Group, the parent company of American Queen Voyages. The line will have two ships on the Mississippi in 2024, both of which are already booking up for summer. “Many of our cabin categories are nearly at capacity almost a year in advance,” Peakes added. Other brands are also betting on the river: the Viking Mississippi launched in 2022, with 193 Scandi-chic suites, all with private verandas; American Cruise Lines has launched three new ships on the Mississippi in the past three years. There are new draws on land, too. In Memphis, the newly completed riverfront Tom Lee Park has an installation by artist Theaster Gates and a pavilion named for Tyre Nichols; the expansive riverfront attraction — a collaborative effort from Studio Gang, Scape Studio, and numerous other architectural and design firms — sits just south of Beale Street and is connected to the city via the River Line, a walking and cycling path. Meanwhile Natchez, Mississippi, is these days “filled with surprises, thanks in large part to a cohort of young natives who wandered away and then returned home with new ideas,” according to Southern Living ; come December, the town hosts holiday markets akin to those in Central Europe, as T+L recently reported . In St. Louis, the newest 21c Museum Hotel recently opened in a renovated, century-old YMCA building, with numerous permanent art installations as well as rotating shows and a beautiful, all-day cafe. And, of course, there’s always New Orleans . — Paul Brady

Courtesy of Cunard

Few voyages are as iconic as a transatlantic crossing aboard a Cunard ocean liner. So when the new Queen Anne departs Southampton, England, in May 2024, expectations will be sky-high for the first new Cunard ship to launch since the Queen Elizabeth in 2010. The 1,498-cabin vessel is slated to sail to Lisbon and will then spend its first summer in the Mediterranean. It will also represent an evolution for the 183-year-old brand: Queen Anne will have four new restaurants, including an omakase venue and an Indian dining room, alongside more familiar options such as the Princess Grill and Queens Grill, all overseen in partnership with U.K. chef Michel Roux, Jr. A top-deck wellness studio, with yoga and other fitness classes, will be another noteworthy addition to the ship. A third distinction: Queen Anne will be captained by Inger Klein Thorhauge, the first woman to hold that rank for Cunard. For all the new, some familiar traditions will remain, including proper high tea service and, naturally, an outpost of the Golden Lion pub pouring Cunard’s own microbrews. — Paul Brady

Seven Seas Grandeur

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Slated to launch in November 2023, Seven Seas Grandeur will be the sixth ship from Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a luxury line that T+L readers consistently say is one of their absolute favorites thanks to no-nonsense, all-inclusive pricing and fabulous suites. The newcomer will feature fresh takes on the elevated dining, shore excursions, and entertainment already found on ships such as Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Explorer , said Andrea DeMarco, the brand’s president. “ Grandeur is inspired by our rich heritage, but we’re reimagining signature restaurants and offering 15 exceptional suite categories to only 746 guests,” she explained. Among the no-expense-spared features of the new ship will be a multimillion-dollar, 1,600-piece art collection that counts among its trophies a handful of Picassos and a custom Fabergé Egg. (Fittingly, the ship’s godmother is Sarah Fabergé, the director of special projects for the jewelry house.) Grandeur ’s inaugural season will be in the Caribbean, but it will head for the Mediterranean in April before returning to the U.S. in August. — Elizabeth Rhodes

For Nature Lovers

Amboseli national park, kenya.

Courtesy of Angama

This 151-square-mile expanse, close to the border with Tanzania, is famed among safari insiders for its big-time wildlife: Amboseli has a well-earned reputation for elephant spotting, with massive herds roaming the dusty plains, along with all sorts of other charismatic creatures including cheetah, giraffe, and zebra. Camps and lodges surrounding the park tend to be basic, which is one reason the fall 2023 opening of the richly appointed Angama Amboseli is so exciting. The second? The 10-suite lodge is the first spinoff of the Angama Mara , a destination hotel that's among the best safari lodges in the world, according to T+L readers . The new property, located about 45 minutes driving from Amboseli National Park, on a private wildlife conservancy, will offer game drives as well as cultural experiences organized in partnership with local communities. Another draw: Angama Amboseli will have unparalleled views of the peak of nearby Mount Kilimanjaro, including from private patios attached to every suite. — Paul Brady

Aspen Mountain, Colorado

Jesse Hoffman/Courtesy of Aspen Snowmass

The legendary ski destination is getting its biggest makeover in four decades this season, with the opening of a new lift, a high-speed quad known as Hero’s that will make accessible a fresh 153 acres of fluffy powder. The project will increase the mountain’s skiable terrain by some 20 percent, adding more than a dozen new chutes, glades, and trails for intermediate and expert skiers. “The quad is a game-changer for Aspen,” said Maureen Poschman, a spokesperson for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association. “The new terrain is a big area, it’s high-altitude skiing, and it’s a bit of a hedge against climate change,” she noted. Not that you have to be a pro skier to find something to love in ever-evolving Aspen, which experienced an influx of residents the past few years . The cultural calendar is as packed as ever; Balenciaga and Hermès now have shops in the heart of town; and scene-y restaurants, including a Sant Ambroeus coffee bar, keep popping up. Where to stay? Mollie Aspen is the newest luxury hotel in town, slated to open in December with 68 rooms designed by Post Company, plus a rooftop plunge pool and terrace, right in the middle of it all. — Denny Lee

Big Sky, Montana

Mark Hartman

Just an hour from Yellowstone National Park, this wild, wide-open area offers heart-pumping activities such as fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and skiing at every turn. So, thankfully, a new retreat from hospitality brand One&Only is slated to bring some rest and relaxation to Big Sky in 2024. Situated between Lone Mountain and the Spanish Peaks, the 73-room Moonlight Basin will provide convenient access to 5,850 skiable acres, with a dedicated gondola connecting guests to Big Sky’s terrain, plus a private ski lodge and a Chenot spa. (The resort will also have 19 villas and 62 private residences.) The first U.S. outpost of One&Only, Moonlight Basin arrives a few years after another five-star resort, Montage Big Sky , which opened in 2021, with 139 rooms, six dining venues, a bowling alley, a huge spa, and, naturally, ski-in, ski-out access. — Alisha Prakash

Hokkaido, Japan

Courtesy of Club Med

Travelers are flocking back to Japan , but in the year ahead, they should look beyond Tokyo and Kyoto. Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, has a sterling reputation for food — its biggest city, Sapporo, is famous for miso ramen — and its Shiretoko National Park is a natural wonder with excellent hiking and photogenic waterfalls. Hokkaido is also, insiders know, one of the world’s premier ski destinations thanks to simply phenomenal snow . The center of the action is the village of Niseko, which has plenty of hotels, homestays, and resorts — but has gotten a touch easier to visit thanks to the 2022 opening of Club Med Kiroro. The something-for-everyone property has two distinctive concepts, Club Med Kiroro Peak , for guests age 12 and older, and the new-in-2023 Club Med Kiroro Grand , a family-friendly alternative. These all-inclusives are helping to eliminate the intimidation factor when booking a Japanese ski week, by rolling up everything from accommodations and equipment rentals to off-the-mountain entertainment and kids' clubs. Another perk? Club Med Kiroro Grand will also have the brand’s first-ever Japanese onsen alongside other wellness facilities including soaking tubs and saunas. — Danielle Pointdujour

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Sven Musica/Courtesy of Madwaleni River Lodge - Babanango Game Reserve

This out-of-the-way South African province, sometimes shortened to KZN and located on the country’s eastern coast, is moving into the spotlight. “KwaZulu-Natal has two World Heritage Sites — the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the majestic uKhahlamba Drakensberg National Park — and is popular for its beaches, safari parks, green hills, and temperate weather,” said Julian Harrison , a safari expert and longtime member of T+L’s A-List. It’s also home to an ambitious rewilding project backed by the Emcakwini Community Trust , which began reintroducing once-endemic species including black rhino, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, and lion in 2018; today, it’s known as Babanango Game Reserve . Harrison also points to other conservation efforts, such as those underway at andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve , which is monitoring critically endangered Temminck’s ground pangolins. The newly opened Madwaleni River Lodge is the place to stay, said Raza Visram , another A-List expert. “The intimate lodge has 12 beautifully designed tents that overlook the White Umfolozi River,” he explained. There’s also Sala Beach House , an oceanfront escape on Thompson’s Bay that writer Heather Richardson detailed in T+L’s September 2023 issue . Coming soon in KZN will be The Homestead , a 12-suite eco-lodge in the province’s western Nambiti Game Reserve. — Samantha Falewée

Mababe, Botswana

Dana Allen/Courtesy of Wilderness

Long considered one of Africa’s most exclusive safari destinations, Botswana has a huge array of five-star lodges, operated by the likes of African Bush Camps, andBeyond, and Great Plains Conservation. But the most compelling new place to stay isn’t one with high thread count sheets or over-the-top amenities: Mokete, a new safari lodge from Wilderness , is worth the trip because it will only exist until 2026, when the operator pulls down the tents and carries away any sign the nine-suite escape was ever there. The temporary enclave will be situated east of the famed Okavango Delta, in the heart of a 124,000-acre tract known as the Mababe Concession, which has considerable populations of lion, elephant, and buffalo, plus a huge variety of birds. Wildlife watching is the thing here, with all-day game drives and guided nature walks. Mokete is all about an elemental connection with the outdoors, down to the design of the guest quarters: each tent will have a retractable roof so guests can stargaze from bed — and hear the calls of hyenas from the surrounding bush. — Paul Brady

New Zealand

It’s time to take it off your once-in-a-lifetime list and just go : earlier this year, Delta launched service from Los Angeles to Auckland, and United Airlines plans to start a San Francisco to Christchurch route in December. That’s on top of an existing Air New Zealand nonstop between Auckland and New York City that launched in 2022 . “Any time of year is a great time to visit,” said Sarah Farag , a member of T+L’s A-List and the Auckland-based owner and director of Southern Crossings , a luxury travel firm. “Our summer months are always popular,” Farag said of the December to March period, “but those who come at other times are well-rewarded with captivating colors during autumn harvest season, snow-capped adventures and spectacular stargazing in the winter, and fabulous fishing and hiking in spring.” There’s a growing number of enticing stays, including the new exclusive-use villas at Flockhill Lodge , set on a working sheep station, and the Clifftops at Anderson Cove , a tented camp above the Northland coast. Christchurch has recently seen the opening of two new boutique properties, the sleek, modern Mayfair and the artsy Observatory Hotel ; meanwhile the beloved Huka Lodge in Taupo is getting a makeover. If the outdoors are a priority, turn an eye to the North Island’s Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve , the country’s second, which was certified earlier this year, or the new Tom Doak–designed golf course which just opened at Te Arai Links . — Peter Terzian

For Beach Vibes

Anna maria island, florida.

Flavio Vallenari/Getty Images

Compared to some brand-name Florida destinations, this island south of Tampa Bay is way under the radar. But it's cultivated a loyal following, thanks to its no-high-rises shoreline, incredible sunsets, and small-town feel. Case in point: Anna Maria Island is a place where most people tool around by golf cart or beach cruiser, and almost all the sherbet-hued clapboard homes are vacation rentals. In an effort to keep things copacetic, the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, which works on the island, inked a partnership with Leave No Trace this summer, making Anna Maria the first destination in Florida to work with the nonprofit. Meanwhile, new developments fit right in with the vibe: Mello on the Beach , a hotel that opened in July, offers vibrant retro-style apartments on the Gulf of Mexico, while the villas of Joie Inn , which opened in 2021, still feel super-fresh. On the dining scene, the cocktail bar Doctor’s Office recently added a “dining room” to its string-lit outdoor garden, and coming soon to the island is Bohemian, a restaurant from repeat James Beard semifinalist Jeannie Pierola. Getting there has gotten easier thanks to growth at Sarasota-Bradenton International, which added nonstops to four new domestic destinations in 2023. A planned terminal expansion looks to be right-sized, too: the airport aims to add five gates next year. — Jennifer Salerno Yong

Coastal Campania, Italy

Courtesy of Hotel La Palma

It’s no wonder Campania — the southern Italian region that’s home to Amalfi, Capri, Positano, and Sorrento — is having a bit of a hotel boom: visitors have been flocking to this splashy coastal destination over the past few years. The renaissance kicked off with Il Capri Hotel , which opened on the island last spring, offering travelers a boutique option inside a neo-Gothic villa reminiscent of a Venetian palazzo. Next, Oetker Collection, the luxury hotel brand behind the celeb-loved Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, France, debuted its first Italian hotel in June: the glamorous, 50-room Hotel La Palma is a fresh take on a property that originally opened in 1822. Then there’s the new Convento di Amalfi , a 52-room Anantara with a cliffside pool, set in a 13th-century Capuchin convent. Airlines have also taken note of the increased demand: American Airlines and Delta are both launching new routes to Naples next year, the former from Philadelphia, the latter from New York City. Lindblad Expeditions, meanwhile, will have its new Sea Cloud II in southern Italy this coming May, for an 11-day itinerary that will take guests to the ancient ruins of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast’s most beautiful seaside villages, with a focus on Italian food and wine. —  Nina Ruggiero

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

The land of pura vida just keeps getting better, which is why Costa Rica was just named T+L’s 2024 Destination of the Year . Surfers can find their bliss at the new, boho-chic Sendero hotel, which opened in February in oceanside Nosara, on the Nicoya Peninsula. A few hours north, the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo has added the new Virador Beach Club, updated its golf course (while cutting water usage), and opened Wellness Shala, a spa that offers healing treatments with local ingredients like cacao, coconut, and volcanic mud. Nearby, the community of Las Catalinas has announced a new mixed-use space, La Rambla, which will promote spending time outside and car-free living. Forward-thinking tour operator Intrepid Travel has launched new trips that shine a light on the Terraba community, one of Costa Rica’s eight Indigenous groups. Meanwhile local outfitters such as UrriTrek are now offering guided hiking trips on the 174-mile Camino de Costa Rica , a trail connecting the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. — Samantha Falewée

The self-declared Nature Island, Dominica has been voted the best island in the Caribbean for the past two years in T+L’s World’s Best Awards , thanks in part to its serene tropical rain forests, enticing hot springs, and gushing waterfalls. There’s also an ever-growing number of resorts and hotels, such as the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa , which opened this year, and the forthcoming Anichi Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection , and Tranquility Beach Resort — Curio — a Collection by Hilton . Also of note is the new 32-nautical-mile Waitukubuli Sea Trail, which takes sea-kayakers along the island's western coast from Scott’s Head to Capuchin; Soufrière Outdoor Centre can supply equipment, an itinerary, and a guide. And there’s another element to Dominica’s story that’s capturing the attention of travelers who care about sustainability. The volcanically active country plans to commission its first geothermal power plant in 2024, and in the meantime gets about a quarter of its overall power from hydroelectric sources. It’s also home to what T+L has called one of the world’s most eco-friendly resorts, Coulibri Ridge . — Annie Archer

Hawai’i Island

Courtesy of Rosewood Resorts

“We welcome mindful visitors to Hawai‘i Island,” said Ilihia Gionson, the public affairs officer of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, in an interview with T+L. Commonly known as the Big Island, the destination is planning for a meaningful 2024, with the help of returning visitors. “Travelers have the opportunity to help mālama , or care for, our natural resources and support our community to ensure a regenerative model of tourism that is sustained for generations,” Gionson said. The theme of mālama is more significant than ever this year following the devastating fires that impacted both Hawai’i Island and Maui in 2023. Those looking to support relief efforts have many choices, including the Hawaii Red Cross, the Lāhainā Restoration Foundation, and more . Travelers ready to return might consider Kona Village, an iconic hotel that reopened in 2023 as a Rosewood Resort following its closure in 2011. “Each villa feels like your own little beach house,” Nicole Hollis, the interior designer of Kona Village, told T+L . Various events are on the island’s cultural calendar in the year ahead, including the Kona Brewers Festival in March and the Big Island Chocolate Festival in April. — Christine Burroni

Los Cabos, Mexico

Mariah Tyler/Travel + Leisure

With its rugged desert-meets-ocean landscape, 350 days a year of sun, and stunning five-star resorts, Los Cabos isn’t exactly an unexpected choice for a dreamy vacation. But 2024 promises to be a big year for the Baja California destination, thanks to all the new resorts coming to Cabo del Sol, the 1,800-acre community just east of Cabo San Lucas with two miles of beach and two 18-hole golf courses. Four Seasons Resort Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol and Soho House Beach Club are expected to open in the first part of 2024; Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo Del Sol will join them by the end of the year. On the southern shore of the peninsula — and not far from the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal , a T+L reader fave — there’s even more happening: the resort community of Quivira Los Cabos will welcome the 120-room St. Regis Los Cabos at Quivira by late 2024, with access to 2.5 miles of beach and its own Jack Nicklaus golf course. — Danielle Pointdujour

Mallorca, Spain

Lara D'Agostino/Travel + Leisure

The sparkling waters, delicious food, and laid-back atmosphere are all still here — and Americans are loving United’s summertime nonstop service from Newark Liberty International. In the year ahead, though, they’ll be visiting for the booming luxury hotel scene, which is poised to help this island steal the spotlight from its western neighbor, Ibiza. One must-see is Son Bunyola , a Virgin Limited Edition retreat on Mallorca’s northwest coast, with three miles of beautiful coastline backed by olive groves. Sir Richard Branson first purchased the property in 1994, as T+L recently reported , but it only opened to guests this summer, with 26 rooms and suites, plus three villas. Nearby is The Lodge Mallorca , a Small Luxury Hotels of the World retreat that opened in May, which has wood-fired dining and extensive wellness programming. Then there’s the first hotel from 22-time Grand Slam champion and Majorcan Rafael Nadal, whose new Zel lifestyle brand has opened — what else? — Zel Mallorca , an approachable, beachy hotel in partnership with Meliá, the Spanish operator. Coming soon, said Clare Watkins, an expert in the Balearic Islands at Red Savannah , are more exciting properties: Four Seasons Resort Mallorca at Formentor will be a top-to-bottom refresh of a century-old hotel, while Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, Mallorca, will have 131 rooms, plus 44 suites and nine bungalows, overlooking the sea just outside Palma. — Danielle Pointdujour

For Adventurous Travelers 

Alula, saudi arabia.

Didier Marti/Getty Images

Of all the ambitious tourism developments in Saudi Arabia, AlUla may be the most enchanting, which may explain why Qatar Airways recently launched new flights to the destination from its Doha hub. This huge sweep of red rocks and desert in the country’s northwest is home to Hegra, a 2,000-year-old archeological site filled with soaring tombs carved by the Nabataean civilization, the same one that built Petra, in modern-day Jordan. After touring ancient history, visitors can retreat to decadent contemporary hotels, including a forthcoming 36-room luxury resort at Hegra that will sensitively incorporate parts of an old railway station and fort. A short drive away, in AlUla’s Old Town, the contrast of old and new continues; the new 30-room eco-hotel Dar Tantora , for example, eschews electricity in favor of candlelight. In the year ahead, more fresh thinking will touch down in AlUla, courtesy of Wadi AlFann, or Valley of the Arts, a permanent showcase of works from big-name international artists. The best way to see it might be from on high, duringca April’s “AlUla Skies” festival, when helicopters and hot air balloons will soar above Instagram-worthy monuments. —  Jacqui Gifford

Bahia, Brazil

Marta Tucci

This coastal state, situated between the Amazon and Rio de Janeiro, is the sort of place most Americans never quite get to — and that’s a shame. Its coastline offers some of the most mythical surf-and-sand spots in the world, including Itacaré, which is home to the community-minded Barracuda Hotel & Villas , and the boho-chic enclave of Trancoso, a place that “first captured the imagination of the international creative set back in the 1980s,” as T+L reported in the September 2023 issue . “The beaches are some of the most picturesque in Brazil,” said Paul Irvine , an expert in the country and member of T+L’s A-List. But, he added, there’s more to Bahia than the coast. “We’ve started sending our more adventurous clients to the Chapada Diamantina National Park ,” he said, “which has its own vibrant, off-grid hippy culture.” While high-end hotels in the area are in short supply, more villa accommodations are popping up all the time. One thing to keep in mind for 2024: Brazil stopped requiring a visa for U.S. citizens back in 2019, but the country’s tourism officials have said that the mandate will return on Jan. 10, though further details on how to apply and any fees have yet to be announced. — Paul Brady

Northern Pakistan

Courtesy of Intrepid Travel

The northern reaches of this South Asian nation have a growing profile in the adventure-travel world, thanks to striking topography, high-elevation lakes, and precipitous peaks. Consider that, in 2023, Intrepid Travel launched a 12-day women-only expedition to the region, a first for the tour operator, which has similar trips in places such as Jordan, India, and Morocco. Intrepid will return in 2024 — with departures in May, September, and October — taking women to ancient villages, alpine lakes, and historic forts; travelers will have ample opportunity to meet with locals in areas that would be off-limits if men were part of the group, according to Intrepid. Other outfitters are heading to Northern Pakistan as well. Wild Frontiers will debut a brand-new, 14-day walking adventure that will no doubt challenge the bodies and minds of those who are up for it, with several full-day hikes, some above 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). The payoff comes in the form of staggeringly beautiful landscapes — not to mention the chance to make connections with people you meet along the way and see historic gems in Islamabad, the trip’s jumping off point. — Alisha Prakash

Peru's Trekking Routes

In a country where all roads seemingly lead to spectacular scenery and historic finds, there’s much more to explore beyond majestic Machu Picchu. These days, travelers have more options for getting off familiar routes thanks to the efforts of companies such as Alpaca Expeditions , an Indigenous-owned outfitter that will lead its first-ever, all-women hiking trip on the Salkantay Trail in 2024. Operated by women — including guides, porters, drivers, chefs, and other staff — for women, the seven-day adventure will include stays high in the Andes and cultural experiences such as cooking classes and farm visits that aren’t typical on more popular Inca Trail trips. Meanwhile the tour operator Intrepid Travel debuted in 2023 a 12-day expedition on the Great Inca Road in northern Peru. Starting in Huaraz and culminating at the Inca site of Huanuco Pampa, the trek will immerse hikers in this less-visited region’s nature and culture, including plentiful archeological sites. — Alisha Prakash

South Australia

ROBERT LANG/Courtesy of South Australia Tourism Commission

Visitors to this low-key state may feel like they’re in on a big-time secret with all that’s happening lately. The biggest news may be Australia’s new national park, Nilpe­na Ediacara , which opened in April and gives travelers a look at the oldest known fossils on the planet. “They’re about 550 million years old,” Mary L. Droser, an American paleontologist, explained in a recent interview with T+L . Across South Australia’s wine country, meanwhile, hotels such as Le Mas Barossa , Sequoia Lodge , and The Vineyard McLaren Vale are gateways to the hundreds of vineyards and cellar doors just outside of Adelaide, the state capital. “South Australia is known as the wine state for a reason,” said Tim Duval, the winemaker at John Duval Wines . Travelers can learn about small-batch wineries (including Duval’s) at Artisans of Barossa ; sample eco-conscious shiraz at Bird in Hand ; and enjoy a tasting in The Cube, a five-story structure fashioned after an unfinished Rubik’s Cube, at d’Arenberg . Another notable stay can be found on Kangaroo Island, where the famed Southern Ocean Lodge is slated to reopen in December after the disastrous bushfires of 2020. — Samantha Lauriello

Tatiana Kashko/Getty Images

This small South Asian island nation has big things on offer. “You can cover a lot of ground in two weeks, with loads of variety in the landscapes, from gorgeous beaches to lush jungles to high mountains to historic cities,” said Catherine Heald, co-founder and CEO of Remote Lands, a luxury travel firm. This year, the tea company Dilmah opened two boutique stays under its Reverie brand, Kayaam House and Ahu Bay ; Sri Lankan–owned hotel group Uga is debuting Uga Riva in Negombo this November; and for foodies, Red Savannah recently rolled out a culinary tour of Sri Lanka. Political unrest in 2022 took the destination off the table for many travelers, acknowledged Rachel Cooper , a South Asia travel expert at Red Savannah. But, she added, "the new government has introduced measures to protect and encourage a positive traveler experience throughout the country.” — Susmita Baral

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Gujarati recipes

Gujarati recipes | Gujarati dishes | Gujarat food recipes |

Gujarati recipes, dishes | collection of 750 Gujarati recipes. Gujarat has a wide-ranging cuisine, which includes everything from sweets, Gujarati fasrans, Gujarati rotis and theplas, famous Gujarati khichdi, mithai and snacks to sabzis and one-dish meals.

The farsaans and mishthans especially are much-loved aspects of Gujarati cuisine. It is an amalgam of flavor and mostly vegetarian.

Gujarati Recipes like Khaman Dhokla , Bhatia Kadhi , Dabeli and Patra have an unmatchable and unique regional touch.

Patra, Gujarati Patra, Alu Vadi

Come lunchtime and Gujaratis do not like to settle for anything less than a balanced meal, which they fondly call the “Dal Bhaat Rotli Shaak” combo. But, when in a hurry, one-dish meals like Dal Dhokli will come to your rescue. Let’s talk about the different aspects of the grand Gujarati thali.

It generally consists of rotli (roti)/puri ,dal/kadhi, shaak (subzi) , bhaat (rice), farsaans with a wide range of chutneys, kachumber, homemade athanu ( pickles ) and finally mishtaan(sweet) to end the meal on a sweet note.

Meals are incomplete without a bowl of curd or glass of buttermilk .

A stack of leftover rotli, rotla, rice or khichdi are transformed into delicious treats like Whole Wheat Roti Chivda , Wagharelo Rotla , Bhaat Na Poodla .

Bhaat Na Poodla ( Gujarati Recipe)

Crunchy on the outside and chewy inside, this flavourful Khichdi Pakoda is made by enhancing moong dal khichdi with besan, sesame seeds and coriander, shaping this ‘dough’ into balls and deep-frying till nice brown and crisp.

Khichdi Pakodas

Dahiwali Roti is a zesty soup-style breakfast made with a balance of refreshing ingredients like bland buttermilk, sweet jaggery, spice powders and finally an aromatic tempering.

Dahiwali Roti

At times of emergency or in a mood to eat something spicy instead of the basic dal-bhaat, this tasty Vagharela Bhaat can be made in a jiffy with a handful of ingredients that are easily available in our kitchen shelves.

Tea-time or Diwali, if the kitchen shelves are not filled with air-tight containers hoarding suka nasta ( dry snacks ) , it’s not a Gujarati house.

Chakli, Chivda, Nimki, Shakarpara, Namkeen Shakarpara , Khakhra, etc. are some jar snacks that come to rescue when hunger strikes. You can even take them to work and relish anytime!

Namkeen Shakarpara

Coarse besan mixed with spices to make cylindrical rolls, that are deep-fried to make delicious Phoolwadi is a crispy snack that tastes amazing with a cup of hot chai.

Also, fafda / ganthia are other savory snacks that are popular tea accompaniments. My grandmother prepares snacks like Papad Poha , Sev Mamra in bulk and stores in an airtight container so that we can munch on it whenever we are hungry.

Along with this, a wide variety of farsaans or snacks prepared on different occasions and to entertain guests, but also enjoyed with tea on any normal day.

Sev Murmura, Sev Kurmura, Sev Mamra

Soft, steamed dhoklas, pankis, deep-fried kachoris, ghughra, masala puri , tava-cooked pudla, simple delights like khichu, dabeli,… the list is endless!

Masala Puri ( Gujarati Recipe)

Gujaratis are hardcore sweet lovers.

Dabbas of laddoos, Golpapdi or Mohanthaal are always present in the kitchen.

Also, special occasions are celebrated with rich desserts like Basundi , Shrikhand , Fada ni Lapsi , Doodh Paak . Try your hand at Gujarati special mishthans and enjoy with your friends and family!

Gujarati Shaak

Phulka smeared generously with ghee / Chapati / Bhakri with a texture similar to biscuit is a quintessential part of most Gujarati meal especially lunch.

These flatbreads are accompanied with shaak made using vegetables especially local produce,combined with an array of spices, a dash of jaggery or sugar and sometimes tamarind too.

These subzis are tongue-tickling because they believe in balancing the khatash-methash (sour-sweet) flavours and can also, be enhanced by the addition of Gujarati farsaans like muthia , patra and sev.

Gujarati’s believe in eating seasonal vegetables and make elaborate preparations like Oondhiya and Panchkutiyu Shaak with a myriad of native vegetables and special combinations of spices to season them, resulting in homely and satiating dishes.

Panchkutiyu Shaak ( Gujarati Recipe)

Dry subzis are generally combined with batata (potato) to make delectable delights like Kobi Batata Nu Shaak , Tendli Batata nu Shaak , Karela Bateta Nu Shaak .

They even eat a lot of kathol (pulses). Khatta Moong / Sukha Moong on Wednesday and Rasawala Chana on Friday are a fixed menu at my home and I believe it is consumed this frequently in every Gujarati household.

Vaal Ni Dal , Mixed Kathol , Masala Chawli are other popular Kathol cooked on a regular basis. A side of Gujarati Dal , Khatti Meethi Dal and Kadhis like Bhinda ni Kadhi .

And Dapka Kadhi are some of the everyday favourite fluid preparations to make food easier to ingest. Check our Gujarati Dal & Kadhi section to explore more delicacies from this region.

Gujarati Recipes (dishes), Rotis

Thepla is a popular Gujarati flatbread that is an important part of their travel food bag because they stay fresh for almost over a month. They can be perked up with the addition of nutrient-rich vegetables like methi, mooli, doodhi to make Methi Thepla , Mooli Thepla and Doodhi Thepla .

Mooli Thepla

Also, you can add multigrain flour to gehun ka atta and make Multigrain Methi Thepla . As I mentioned earlier, they love seasonal produce , be it vegetables or fruits.

Come summers and most households are seen enjoying keri no ras (aam ras) with garma garam puri or Padvali Roti which is an authentic flatbread made with a pair of the rotis layered for rolling and cooking, in order to make thin rotis that can be cooked perfectly without crisping them on a tava.

Also, they make Fajeto that is a special type of curry made by combining mango pulp with dahi and besan and finally tempered with aromatic ingredients.

Shrikhand is replaced by Aamrakhand and refrigerator are stuffed with Doodh Keri . Bajra no rotlo with Ringana no olo , jaggery with safed makhan is a classic Gujarati winter special. Rotla can also be made using jowar or nachni flour, ensure you roll the rotlas uniformly to make them puff up.

Mango Custard, Doodh Keri

They can also be blended into smooth powder and cooked with ingredients like onions, ginger, garlic and green chillies, to make Wagharelo Rotla which is surely an irresistible dish.

Similar to the Punjabi sweet lassi, Piyush is an authentic Gujarati drink made using shrikhand and buttermilk, this thick and luscious drink is simply irresistible!

Gujarati Recipes, One Dish meal

Appease your hunger and pep up your mood with mouth-watering Gujarati one-dish meals . Khichu is an authentic Gujarati snack, soft, melt in the mouth, it has a soothing taste, and is sure to warm your soul.

A drizzle of oil and sprinkle of red chili powder or koro sambhar perks up the taste. This one-dish meal is quick and easy to make, usually made with grain-based flours like rice flour or jowar flour, try this different variant Yellow Moong Dal Khichu and enjoy it hot.

Handvo is a traditional savory cake made by mixing a myriad of vegetables, an array of spices and mixed dals/flours.

Mixed Dal Handvo , Moong Dal Handvo , Mixed Vegetable Handvo , Potato Handvo are some varieties you must try! Looking for a sumptuous meal to prepare in a jiffy after a long day? Fada ni Khichdi made with nutritious broken wheat and yellow moong dal simmered with vegetables and spices is quite wholesome and takes not more than 25 minutes.

Ek Toap Na Dal Bhaat is another Gujarati rice-dal combination dish cooked together with vegetables and spices.

Dinner generally consists of simple khichdi made by combining dal and rice.

They can even be enhanced by substituting/adding vegetables, pulses and various spices to make different preparations. The humble Moong Dal Khichdi is surely my comfort food.

Khichdi ke chaar yaar – dahi, papad , kadhi aur achaar is rightly said! Instead of moong, you can even make Toovar Dal Ni Khichdi , Bajra and Moong Dal Khichdi that take hardly any effort. Also, kathiyavadi popular Ram Khichdi , or the royal Badshahi Khichdi , nutritious Panchamel Khichdi are some other variations that you must try!

Gujarati Drinks recipes Gujarati Dry Snacks recipes Gujarati Faral, Faraal recipes Gujarati Breakfast recipes Gujarati Dal / Kadhi recipe Gujarati Farsans recipes Gujarati Kachumber / Chutneys / Achar recipes Gujarati Kathols recipes Gujarati Khichdi  recipes Gujarati One Dish Meals recipes Gujarati Rotli, Gujarati Thepla recipes Gujarati Shaak Sabzi recipes Gujarati Sweet Mithai recipes

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What foods are associated with the solar eclipse?

Looking to create an eclipse-themed menu here are some ideas from ancient and modern cultures.

By Alyssa Bradford

Trying to come up with meals or snacks that celebrate the upcoming solar eclipse?

You can draw inspiration from historic culinary traditions or get creative with more modern eclipse-themed foods.

Are there foods associated with a solar eclipse?

Some ethnic or religious groups do not eat or drink food during a solar eclipse.

In Navajo tradition, for example, it is believed that during a solar eclipse, the sun experiences a process of rebirth. During this sacred time, members of the Navajo Nation sit and reflect, according to Sherene Goatson Ing, who is a member of the Navajo Nation and director of the First Nations Educational and Cultural Center at Indiana University Bloomington.

“The Navajo do not eat and drink or do any activity during the event; we just sit in reverence,” Ing told News at IU . “Because it’s a moment of rebirth, we just try to show respect.”

Similarly, many Hindus believe no food should be cooked during the eclipse. Some may put tulsi or Indian basil leaves on leftover food items to cover them for safety, according to India Today .

This food avoidance stems from the belief that during the solar eclipse, bacteria multiplies at a faster rate and contaminates food. Additionally, in the Skanda Purana, Hindu scripture, individuals are told not to serve food during this time or else they will suffer from bad health, per The Times of India .

According to NASA , eclipses will not poison the food you eat.

What did ancient civilizations believe about the solar eclipse?

Have you ever wondered how ancient civilizations interpreted the disappearance of the sun’s light during a solar eclipse? Often, the event was viewed with fear, as the Deseret News previously reported.

Here are some facts about responses to eclipses over time, including some food-related details.

In China, it was believed that, during an eclipse, a celestial dragon attacked and ate the sun. To frighten the dragon, individuals would make loud noises, such as banging drums, per Britannica .

Zongzi, also known as sticky rice dumplings or Chinese tamales, are a popular food item to have during the Dragon Boat Festival. You can find sticky rice, meat, salted duck egg yolks, Chinese sausage, beans or sweet fillings inside a bamboo leaf, according to The Woks of Life .

The Woks of Life shared six different recipes for Zongzi depending on what ingredients you would like and how you want to cook it.

In Hindu mythology, a demon named Rahu tried to drink the gods’ nectar for immortality but was caught by Vishnu and beheaded. His flying head is said to eclipse, or eat, the sun, per Britannica .

While not a recipe for immortality, try making a mango lassi, a traditional Indian drink to represent the gods’ nectar. The ingredients in this recipe from Swasthi’s Recipes include mangoes, curd, milk, sugar and cardamom powder.

The Inca worshipped Inti, the sun god, and believed solar eclipses signaled his anger. Spiritual leaders sought sacrifices and the emperor fasted during and after eclipses, according to Britannica .

If want to model Incan traditions, fast for a short time during and after the eclipse.

During his last voyage to the New World in March 1504, Christopher Columbus used his understanding of an upcoming lunar eclipse to persuade Jamaican natives to give him food. He warned them that his god would take away the moon if they weren’t generous. When the eclipse happened as he predicted, the Jamaicans brought food to Columbus and his crew, per USA Today .

Instead of tricking someone else into giving you eclipse-themed food, try bringing them a Jamaican dish. You can make a friend ackee and salt fish, the national dish of Jamaica, following Jamaican Foods and Recipes .

During an eclipse, the Vikings believed the wolf Sköll caught up to the sun goddess Sól. If Sköll was able to swallow Sól and bring darkness, it signified the beginning of Ragnarok, the ultimate battle between the gods, and the end of the world, per News Nation .

To fuel up before a possible Ragnarok, it might be good to eat a typical Viking meal, which included fruit and berries, meat and fish, beer and mead, and bread or porridge, according to the National Museum of Denmark .

Solar eclipse-themed foods

As you learn about ancient cultures and their beliefs surrounding eclipses, you can consider how to reflect those beliefs in your solar eclipse celebrations.

But you can also embrace more modern traditions and more modern menu items.

Here’s a list of fun things to eat before, during or after the solar event:

• Astronaut ice cream.
• Black and white cookies. If you’re making them at home, try this recipe from Preppy Kitchen .
• Black bean hummus or dip and chips.
• Capri Sun juice pouches.
• Crescent rolls.
• Eclipse cupcakes. This recipe from Sugar Hero describes how to decorate the cupcakes to look like the stages of the solar eclipse.
• Eclipse or Orbit gum.
• Fruit and veggie skewers. Cut fruits or vegetables into sun, moon and star shapes, then stick them on a skewer.
• Galaxy popcorn. Try this recipe from Raising Whasians .
• Lemon Berry Tartlets. When finished, this tasty treat from Allrecipes looks like a creative replica of the moon (the berry) blocking the sun (the lemon).
• Pizzas decorated like planets.
• Space-themed candy or treats like Milky Ways, Starbursts, Moon Pies, Cosmic Brownies, Space Dunk Oreos or Mars Bars.
• Squid or cuttlefish ink pasta. Here is a recipe from Platings + Pairings .
• Star shaped cheese on crackers: Feel free to add toppers such as sun dried tomatoes.
• Sunflower seeds.