Crispy Travel Snacks: Channa Dal Vadas (Ambode)

When it comes to food, South Indians are highly versatile. They are not just rice eaters but prepare variety of recipes that can make the rest feel awe.

Apart from spicy rice recipes, they are masters with lentils, vegetable curries and gravies. They prepare excellent sweets with fried gram and even tangy starters to enjoy with chutney.
Vadas or fried gram puffers are also popular in their delicacies.

Once when we were travelling to Mysore, we stopped at the famous Kadambam (Iyengari Restaurant) and happened to relish Channa Dal Vadas or what they refer it to as Ambodes.

The proteinitious dal vada was such a favourite that we chucked all the potato frimes and chips stuffed in our back packs.

These vadas are great travel snacks as they contain comparatively less oil. They can also be preserved fresh for 2 days.

They taste best even when soaked in yogurt or chutney. Take a look to know the procedure to make this tasty travel recipe.

Making Channa Dal Vadas 

Ingredients:
About 2 bowls of soaked channa dal (soaked for 4 - 6 hours)
3- 4 Green Chillies (chopped)
Curry leaves (chopped)
Some Mint leaves/ Dill leaves (chopped)
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/4 tsp ginger paste
Chopped onions (optional)
2 big spoons of Rice flour/ Corn flour / fine Semolina
Salt to taste
Oil for frying

Preparation:
1. Coarsely grind the soaked channa dal without adding water.
2. To a vessel, add the ground dal, chopped leaves, cumins, onions, chillies, flour, ginger paste, salt and mix well.
3. Heat oil in a deep frying vessel
4. Make flat discs of the dal mixture and deep fry till golden brown. (fry vadas in simmer)
5. Pat the vadas with paper towels to remove excess oil.

Tasty Ambodes are ready to relish. Pack them in a zip pouch bag and enjoy while sipping a hot cup of coffee or chai.

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Is Your Footwear Right For Travel? : Fashion Tips

It was in 2004 and we (family), were on a temple visit to Ahobilam (Andhra Pradesh). I remember wearing bright pink heels to the travel as I thought it would go well with all my traditional salwars. The heels were pointed and were not very comfortable for long journeys.

Suddenly, the guide there, told us that we could trek the hills of Ahobilam and discover the sites where the demon king Kashyap was killed. All our family members got ready to climb the steep hills and I too, scaringly, agreed. We took off from the foot of the hills, the rocks were slippery due to waterfall and algae growth. All my cousins seemed so far away like as though they have reached the end point.

I hurried, I wanted to run but my heels almost killed me and that was when I realised that fashion isn't everything and what matters the most in travel is comfort. From then on, the first thing I do is plan my footwear for the place we are to visit. Here are some travel fashion tips exclusively for footwear.
Travel Fashion Tips For Footwear
1. Flip Flops: You may not be informed about these sudden travel plans so always carry simple flip flops. They are cheapest, light weight and can even serve as beach/bathroom slippers. Flip Flop make you look cool and casual.
2. Floaters: I still remember my Nike ACGs, they were, by far, the most comfortable for summer treks. They also look good with sock and are quite gripping. Floaters give you a rough, gutsy, casual and tom boy look.
3. Shoes: Prefer sneakers as they go well with clothes. They are stylish, light and give you a youth look. Sport shoes are also the hot choices for travel. Shoes are versatile for winter as they are practical and travel friendly. For women flat shoes are a perfect choice.
What's In? It is hard to carry matching shoes for every outfit and the best fashion tip for this would be to match your dress with the 'shoe lace' colours. In Germany, I found the youth matching their clothes with different coloured shoe lace for winter, trust me, it is the coolest in thing for now (specially the flourescent colours).
4. Heels: Even if you like to wear heels, prefer shorter platforms and heels. You, then, do not feel very elevated or as though you are straining foot too much. They are good for beach parties and holy visits.
Remember, a 'happy feet' can keep you happy all your travel and simple mistakes like I did can spoil all the fun and excitement you dreamt from long.
Be Grounded Yet Gorgeous, You Will Certainly Gain A Comfortable Travel!

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All That You Want To & Not Want To Know About Spain

Among the countries of rich European culture, Spain will surely win one of the top rankings. The country is happening, populated and totally recharged. Wide roads, great quadrilateral junctions, stone and metallic sculptures make it look majestic and royal. October 3rd was a holiday and we decided to discover Spain in our 5 day trip.

We reached Barcelona on 3rd afternoon and were greeted "ola" by taxi drivers. Our hotel was booked near the very famous "La Sagrada Familia" and it took almost 30 minutes to reach our apartment. In Spain, you get an option to book apartments and cook whatever you want. That evening we thought to take a walk to the La Sagrada Church. The beauty of the magnificent caught our eyes from a kilometer away and we couldn't take our eyes off. No artificial colour, not much construction material but yet the most toughest to replicate.

There is lots to Discover in Barcelona and its near by places. The beaches are well equiped, fun filled and luxurious. Bus, Tram and underground Metro facilities are top notch and can take to any corner within no time. For travellers, there is "hop on hop off" buses that take to every sightseeing location with audio guide all through the day.

The Gothic quarter, Mt. Monjuic, Tibidabo, World Trade Centre were some of the top sightseeing parts of the city. Travellers can also cycle, take autorickshaws or hire taxis for the same.
Barcelona is taken to great heights for its travel preferences. Everything is taken care to attract travellers from all over the world. People are friendly and help you with the routes.

What's not to be known about the Spain capital: Pick pocketing, yes, that is too common in Barcelona and travellers need to take care of their belongings than anywhere in the world.

Although the place is secure with police patrol, the pick pocketing issue hasn't been a matter of great concern, but to travellers it is. Even in the poorest nations it is never this worse. We find people holding on to bags like babies. Nevertheless, as travellers we need to consider all odds as part and parcel. Spain, undoubtedly, is one of the best tourist spots in Europe and one should definitely visit.

There are many scenic shore and islands in and around Barcelona. Costa Brava, Mallorca, Ibiza and Canary Islands are paradise locales of Espanio.

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Top Bollywood Movies That Promoted Tourism In A Big Way!

Some Hindi movies are known for the locales they are shot rather than the star cast, story and songs. Today, I would like to remind you of those movies which can be played in your four wheelers while driving to these places. These movies are beautifully made with the perfect location for a perfect scene. Here is how to find out.

10 Bollywood Movies That Are Based On Travel

1. 3 Idiots - Who can forget the lake scene in the movie when Kareena meets Aamir driving on a scooter with a bridal attire. That scene makes anyone to travel all the way to Leh to get the essence of reunion. That one scene could have even made the audience to comeback and watch 3 Idiots again and again.

2. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara - Spain was still new to Indian audience and this one movie promoted Spain tourism the big way. Now everyone would want to go to Spain for their bachelor's, enjoy Tomatina festival and do a lot of adventure.

3. Bachna Ae Haseeno - This movie had too many places. From Sydney, Venice to Switzerland, lots if observed keenly. Although the story doesn't demand the sense and soul of the audience, the locales of the songs had truly made us imagine us replacing them. 'Khuda Jaane' when we could make a magical trip to those spots but 'Aahista' we will. Not to forget Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge made justice to European attractions better than any recent travel films and that is why there is a permanent cut out of SRK and Kajol on Mt.Titlis, Switzerland.

4. Dil Chahta Hai - The Goa-Mumbai highway was never that thrilling until the title track of Dil Chahta Hai hit the television screens. After the movie's release, everyone had a dream of zooming in convertible cars to the beach city. Sydney, Lonawala were also picturised well in the movie.

5. Jab We Met - The movie based on a story of two strangers in a train was a blockbuster of the year. Bhatinda and Shimla backdrop was very scenic and pleasant in the scenes. This is one Bollywood movie that everybody wouldn't mind watching while travelling.

6. Cocktail - Recent Bollywood flick is also a funny movie that has good bits of Capetown beaches and some rare scenes of London. The Tumhi Ho Bandu song is a cool party song for fun lovers.

7. Barfi - The beauty of Darjeeling was utilised well in the film. It also added freshness to screenplay. The close to heart musical is also nice to watch with lover in car.

8. Robot - south superstar Rajnikanth movie had some rare South American locales like Peru. The songs locales are still fresh in the mind for Rajnikanth and Aishwarya's fans until their next releases.

9. Dhoom 2 - Brazil's Rio De Janeiro was a prime location of the film and almost all the scenes were shot in the capital city. Definitely a good timepass while 'wheel'ing.

10. Singh Is Kinng - Although few movies like Jeans, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham were shot in Egypt, I would prefer the latest. The teri ore song in the movie looked awesome with the gigantic pyramids behind Katrina and Akshay's romance. The pink and black Chiffon sarees could never get the viewer's eyes as much as it did in this African attraction.

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How To Choose My Travel Accessories?

It may be surprising but true, accessories depend on the destination you are travelling. Today, my focus is on arm accessories such as bracelets, bands and more that go with the travel locale. Take a look for more interesting details.

First of all, avoid too shiny, sequined accessories as they are most of the times party specific stuff. Beads, silver loops, bands and crystals match up to places that woman would love to flaunt. 

Travel Fashion Tips:

Beach Or Bikini Accessories - Tribal jewellery, terracota, colourful beads, sea shell types, crazy designs go well with casual and cool outfits. For beach, one would choose colourful or bright shades and that is why women get a chance to try out various fashion bands/bracelets to complete the trendy look.

Business Tour - Prefer simple beads or silver bracelets for your office. Choose blacks, whites and blues as they are perfect to your serious/ formal appearance. Branded steel strap watches go well with beady or pearl bracelets. 

Trekking/ Safari/ Adventure Travel - Normally, women avoid wearing too heavy accessories for such trips. I suggest bands that add to the sporty look or match your trek shoes. Natural wooden bead designs or army coloured bands look nice with cargos and Ganjis.

So What's For Party? - Crystals, Shining stones or even gold accessories suit your dress the best. Do not accessorize more than what your dress demands. Sometimes not flaunting anything with an over shiny dress itself is fashionable. 

What To Watch Out?

1. Too sharp and raw cut shells may prick and irritate your skin constantly so wear them and try before you buy. 

2. Metallic accessories may give a bad odour due to the chemical composition so stay away from these carcinogens. 

3. For a sun tan in beach, avoid wearing on hand as they almost permanently accessorize your skin.

4. Temporary tattoos are at times better than heavy beads and suit perfectly for beach dresses.

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Top 6 Highly Preferred & Healthy Travel Food

It isn't a great idea to experiment with snacks or drink while on a travel. As per a famous saying "everything that tastes good isn't very good for stomach" we need to watch out on our preferences when zooming with friends. Some drinks aren't legal to carry, some snacks can screw your happiness, some food choices can make you repent for having them in your bag. Take a look to know what type of travel food suit you the best and also keep you healthy.

6 Highly Preferred & Healthy Travel Food In The World
1. Berries With Yogurt/ Flavoured Yogurt - Whether your tummy is full or empty, whether you have the urge to eat or not, yogurt and a fruit (preferrably berries) can water your tongues anytime and as well as soothe your body in the best ways needed. A strawberry dipped in yogurt is what the Germans prefer for small munch between meals.
2. Coconut Water And Iced Tea - Definitely better than any artificial flavoured drinks. Tea is natural and energizing. It provides a fresh feel after a long travel and the antioxidant rich drink also tops with the health score than all the refreshments available in the market. Coconut water is even better as it is purely natural.
3. Dry Nuts - Nuts are perfect energizers as they not only fill stomach but are also good for body. Nuts contain natural oil and certain vitamins that are essential to keep you youthful and active. Munching cashews, almonds and hazelnuts will also avoid your bad fat intake.
4. Oatmeal and Multigrain Cookies - These protein rich cookies always taste good and satisfy your hunger pangs within no time. They are crispy, crunchy and normally not too sugary.
5. Breads, Buns And Plane Cakes are a safe option as they are never spicy or deep fried. Prefer wheat or corn flour baked breads or buns than maida ones.
6. Fruits & Veggies - Bananas, Apples, Pears, Citrus fruits are any day the best (unless allergic). Cucumbers, carrots, mint and tomatoes are best travel salads.
What Type Of Travel Food To Buy: Carefully choose dark chocolate candies, ice candies instead of artificially coloured, sugar coated and buttery stuff. Sometimes  a cup of coffee is better than any fruit drink as it is hot and safe. Coffee also prevents constipation.
Worst Travel Food: Deepfried potato snacks, too spicy and hot street food, salty peanuts, sweet dishes, sauces, uncovered snacks, greasy starters are a big no no while travelling. Also educate children about these.
Note that these highly preferred travel food are also safe in terms of calories. Store these facts in your permanent memories and we wish you a safe journey!

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New Zealand Travel - Very Different, Very Special!

For hard core travellers and adventure enthusiasts New Zealand is the ultimate holiday destination. It offers many interesting things that is no where in the world. From the natural flora and fauna to hot springs to gigantic ice mountains, everything in just a ticket away. (Photos by Deepthi Kiran)

What Is So New And Different In New Zealand?

1. Onsen Hot Pools, Queenstown - It is a private indoor/ outdoor pool which has a beautiful view of the cliffs and the famous river Canyon. The pool looks like a huge wooden tub with retractable roof. The water is hot and natural in which you can soak yourself and surrender to the fresh air for a while. Onsen hot pools in Queenstown charge about 40 $ per person for the first hour and 17 $ for every hour extension. For fruit drinks, mineral water and sauna package, they charge additionally. All in all, a wonderful bath experience.

2. Adventure Rides, South Island - Dirt bikes or trail rides, South Islands is the place for thrills and fun. There is a scenic route and you can slide all the way down from the hilltop. A cable car is waiting to take you to top again for another fun ride.

3. Thermal Springs, Rotoura - Though there are many such springs in New Zealand, this yellow lake is quite interesting. It smells like rotten eggs and is bubbling hot always. The sulphur springs in lake Taupo reach 100 degrees and are very deep. The spring, according to our guide, is due to the volcanic eruptions that occured many years ago. This place is 3 hours away from Auckland.

4. Milford Sound, South Island - Its called the marine reserve as it is the wettest area of our planet. Milford Sound is in the south west of South Island, in the Fiordland National Park. It is always raining in this reserve (200 days a year) and travellers need to carry umbrellas and rain coats for the journey. It is called the 8th wonder of the world.

5. Scenic Helicopter Flights - The helicopter tours are quite famous in New Zealand. To take a glimpse of the active volcano in White Island, Mount Tarawera, Southern Alps and West Coast glaciers, travellers prefer the quick and comfortable means.

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If Life Is Called A Travel..

For a happy living, one must move on and if the journey of life is called a long travel then one must learn how to make it a memorable one. Every individual will more or less wish for the same but the dreams and ambitions change. If the person is sure about his destination, he is the happiest and blessed.

The travellers in the journey are always hungry to know where they are and what they are. Some get lost in the crowd, some remain lost and some want to be lost. The price to be payed to achieve what one is desperate for is may be in the budget or rather too expensive. The second classers always want to move to the first and the first want to be in the best, the race is on for the entire journey.

The tickets that we buy are the 'good deeds' and one keeps losing or gaining it throughtout the journey. All that matters is whether the traveller has ticket when the collector asks it. Those who have it at the right time can travel all long or else get down forever. Sometimes companions share their ticket with you but that is only until you are worth it.

The youngsters are ready to race in the adventurous journey, the old try to hold their tickets tightly until the end but the middle aged have to battle it out for seats with the old and the young. Life keeps moving in the juggling journey.

There are all kinds of entertainment, there is song, dance and music. Some gifted perform and earn tickets for a good price as they mesmerise the ticket collector. Some gamble with collector but nobody disturbs the driver.

The journey can take you wherever you want at whatever time but doesn't wait for you always. One needs be fit and wit to understand the pace of the journey. Those who have a hint or rather call their life as a long travel are truly gifted as life is that simple.

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Misty, Music And Mozart: Salzburg, Austria

It was 2 weeks wait for the most awaited trip, a trip to Salzburg, Austria. Our cousins came down to Augsburg for a weekend and we zoomed in our Volkswagen Cabriolet to the neighboring Austria. From Augsburg, its hardly 300 kms and the journey was as splendid as Switzerland.

We, a group of four, had booked our stay in Innsbruck and our saturday was spent in Salzburg. We saw the famous "Sound Of Music" locales by being a part of the bus tour. The famous summer palace, the red dome church, the bridge, the Gazebo, the Pegasus fountain and the blue lakes, every single shot of the movie was covered. The beautiful songs were played in sync with the shooting locales and we hummed the tunes. 

Salzburg is famous for chocolate cake and we wanted to taste it what so ever. The cake order got delayed and we were late to the bus by 10 minutes. The annoyed Aussie traveller passed a sarcastic comment but our answer was simple "blame the cake as its caused the delay". How could one miss something so famous when one has travelled 1000s of miles for a 3 day visit?

The next bit of the day was spent in the Mozart museum. We bought a music box in remembrance of the world famous musician. There were chocolates too in the name of the music Zeus and we did taste them. The voice recorders gave a brief about the artist and the pictures reminded our text books.

From there, we drove all the way to Innsbruck as our accomodation was booked in Hotel Regina. Innsbruck is another jewel of Austria as there is the most famous Swarovski factory. It isn't easy to explain the beauty of the museum. An experience that has to felt atleast once in life. At Swarovski, there is a famous fountain called "Fountain Of Youth". I remember a Karishma Kapoor and Salman Khan romance in front of the fountain.

We purchased a few accessories from the store and that will be my sovereign of Innsbruck. This was our 2012 journey to Austria, do let us know if you have anything more to share.

Click here to view more photos
http://www.travelendura.com/2012/08/master-of-abstract-art-swarovski-austria.html
http://www.travelendura.com/2012/09/swarovski-jewels-preview.html

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Fashion Colours For Travel?

Yes, colours definitely have something to do with travel. They define your personality, common sense and comfort. We, often find fellow tourists dressed in funny colours that actually don't suit the place. They would look like as if they have just landed from an alien planet. I hope you wouldn't wish to be them so take a look at the basics of fashion colours for a fashionable travel. 

Get inspired by the colour of nature: Colours like blues, greens, yellows and whites are universally accepted travel colours. Either you can choose the shades of them or combine. These colours also make you look lighter, calmer and fresh for the day journey.

Whites are definitely the best choice for comfort. The pure cotton or linen outfits are always trendy and happening.

Denim trousers and jackets look cool with whites, yellows and greens. They are tough and stretchable for a tough travel.

Some floral colours like pinks, lilac and browns can also be preferred with the above combinations.
Blacks and dark blues aren't the colours of summer travel but for swim suits they can be a safe choice.

Safari Colours: Military green, greys and beiges are perfect for tom boy fashion. For jungle safaris, these are most preferred as they are not flashy (won't disturb the eyes of jungle beasts).

Florescent colours look nice for certain activities. Bicycle riding, trekking, swimming and go karting give you the freedom to choose these colours. They define crazy behaviour and are adventure colours.

What colours to avoid: Prefer colours according to skin tone. Too bright and flashy shades make you look unnecessarily jazzy and as though you are scheming for attention.

Avoid sequined clothes, satins and velvet for travel. Reserve them for parties alone.

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Kodachadri Hills: Trekkers Paradise

Karnataka, the southern state of India has all that the trekkers want. The western ghat that runs over 100s of miles offer a fair chance to trekkers to enjoy the rock climbing adventure. The hills are steep, the soil is wet and the climate is too cold.

One should have a good breakfast and relax for a while before beginning with the trekking adventure. Our class students decided "Kodachadri", one such a hill of western ghats. We took a bus from Bangalore to Kollur. From Kollur, Kodachadri is just a few kilometres away. There is local transport to the place.

The Karnataka government PWD guest house is the right choice for accomodation, food and sightseeing. The guesthouse is at the hilltop of Kodachadri. The dense forest is a dwelling place of many creatures and one has to be well equipped for the trek. While you trek, you will see some unusual flora and fauna. Here are some clicks of the tourist destination.

 Our College Team

 The View Of The Surrounding Hills

What A Greenery!

As We Were Reaching The Hilltop
Karnataka Tourism: 080-22352828

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