5 Offbeat Summer Destinations in India

With the sun shining in its full glory now, it’s about time to find solace in the green and cool pastures. Yes, we are talking about taking a relaxing vacation to escape the sizzling days of the season. If you are weary of holidaying at the run of the mill hill stations year after year, we recommend visiting the following offbeat yet serene destinations this time around.

Khajjiar

Khajjiar, often referred to as the mini Switzerland of India, is one of the best places to visit during the summer season. Located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Khajjiar is known for its beautiful range of hills, mesmerizing meadows and serene lakes. Another reason for recommending this place is that you won’t see a maddening crowd of tourists here, as is the case with popular hill stations. You can even experience here adrenaline rush sports such as horse riding and paragliding. You may also trek along the Dalhousie-Khajjiar road to breath in fresh air and experience a visual delight. Khajjiar lake, Khajjinag temple and Dauladhar mountains are the main attractions for site seeing in Khajjiar.

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Tirthan Valley

Another beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh, Tirthan Valley is known for its breathtaking landscapes and fresh aromatic air. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, this is a great place to spend some quality time with your family and friends. No, it is not just a place for the peace lovers, but would also excite the adventure freaks with activities such as trout fishing and trekking. The best time to visit the place is between March and June especially if you are aiming to go trout fishing in the Tirthan river.

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Naukuchiatal

Naukuchiatal, located in the Nanital district, is another unusual destination that offers a great respite from the summer heat as well as the chaotic city life. Naukuchiatal encompasses a splendid nine-cornered lake that stretches for about 1 kilometer. All sorts of boating options are available here. The valley that surrounds the lake is equally magnificent. The Brahma Temple located here also attracts several tourists.

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Kalimpong

A lesser unexplored hill station, Kalimpong is located in the state of West Bengal. The place is home to several Tibetan monasteries and churches. If you have a heart for the Indian handicrafts then you will get ample stuff to shop here. When you are there, do include Kali Mandir, Mangal Dham Temple, MacFarlane Memorial Church, St. Theresa Church, Tharpa Choling Monastery and Relli River in your itinerary.

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Tawang

If you are looking for a destination in the eastern side of the country, Tawang in Arunchal Pradesh, could be a superb option. As it lies close to the Tibetan and Bhutanese border, it is surrounded by peaks that offer a picturesque view.  The place boasts of a rich and vibrant culture and you can feel a positive energy all around. Did you know that Tawang Monastery dates back to the 17^th century and is the world’s biggest monastery? The major attraction at this monastery is an eight meter high statue of Lord Buddha. The Urgelling, Taktsang Gompas and Khinme monasteries and Sangester Tso lake are some of the other site seeing places here.

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Have you visited any other offbeat or an unusual destination in India?

5 Quick Munchies to Host a Cricket Tea Party at Home

With the cricket world cup going on, millions of cricket fans around the world are watching one of the most religiously followed and loved sporting events. In our cricket-crazy nation, watching a cricket match is like a ceremony in itself. With the Indian team winning four consecutive matches, the excitement has reached fever pitch. It’s only natural that we all are waiting with bated breath to watch our team making it to the finals.

With all this cricket fervour around, how about inviting your friends over for a cricket tea party? Fun, excitement, food and cricket – you couldn’t ask for a more perfect setting to spend time with your friends. To make your party easy peasy, we have rounded up 5 delectable munchies to treat your friends, without spending much time in the preparations.

Tea & Snack Pack

Watching a thrilling cricket match, sipping a cup of tea with your friends really sets the mood for the game. Keep a tea and snack combo pack handy in your kitchen cabinet. The  aromatic whiff of the tea, coupled with ready to eat snacks such as bakarwadi, mathri or brownie would add more cheer to your get together.

Dry Bhel

Bhelpuri or Jhalmuri, whatever you call it, is one of the yummiest, yet healthy and filling Indian snacks. To add that spicy, tangy zing to your food party, dry bhel is all you need to serve instant bhelpuri. Just throw in some diced tomatoes, diced onions and your favourite chutney to this dry bhel mixture. Garnish it with pomegranate seeds and coriander leaves. Viola, you are ready to spice up the cricket match!

Chakli

Also known as Murukku, chakli is loved by all for its sesamy taste. Raise a toast to these crispy chaklis and a cup of tea, every time the Indian team hits a four or sixer or takes a wicket.

Kukure

Kurkure can be a nice snack too, preferred by all age groups. The crunchy texture and finger-licking taste makes it a perfect munching snack to keep the cricket momentum rising. If simple kurkures are not enough to beat your hunger pangs, make a kurkure fruit chat. We are not kidding. Cut different fruits into cube sized shapes and add crushed kurkure instead of the chat masala. You will love it! For a healthier option, try kurkure with sprouts.

Mango Chilli Jam

More hungry kya? Try the hot and sweet combination of alphanso mango chilli jam. Err…not just the jam. We recommend spreading a generous amount of this jam on bread, puri or paratha for a quick stomach fill. Good enough to enjoy the steaming excitement of the game!

Now that your cricket tea party menu is all set, pick up your handsets and invite your friends to your home.