The Top 5 Main Characters of The Jungle Book

It's unlikely to find an adult Indian today who hasn't read the Jungle Book or at least watched it on TV. This book was written by Rudyard Kipling in 1894, but the fact that a movie based on it is releasing today in 2016 is proof of the book's timeless essence. Set in India and featuring animals of the Indian forest, this story is particularly close to our hearts, which is why we're more than excited about Disney's latest venture. So before you plan to watch the movie, we thought we'd give you a little refresher on all the main characters, as well as a little peek into how they look today!

1. Mowgli

Mowgli is the main character in the Jungle Book, a feral child lost and found in the forest. Mowgli is separated from his parents during a tiger attack in the village and he is found and raised by a pack of wolves as their own. He even ends up crawling on all fours with his wolf-brothers! It takes a while for Mowgli to realize that he isn't really a wolf, but his difference does come in handy, especially when it comes to pulling out splinters from his brothers' paws!

Mowgli is played by Neel Sethi, a newcomer in the movie.

2. Bagheera

Bagheera is a black panther who like Mowgli, has grown up among members of another species. He was a cub who lived with the Udaipur royals, and hence has much more insight into the ways of humans than Mowgli himself! He is a smooth talker and quite cunning, but sincere and loyal. It is Bagheera, along with Baloo, who vouches for Mowgli when he's discovered by the wolves and the two become fast friends from then, sharing several adventures together.

In the movie, Bagheera is voiced by none other than the impressive Ben Kingsley.

3. Baloo

Besides Bagheera, Baloo is another one of Mowgli's close friends, although his nature is quite different from that of Bagheera's! Baloo is a big brown bear, who is entrusted with the job of teaching Mowgli the Law of the Jungle. Unfortunately, Baloo is rather a fan of the good life, and he loves sleeping and eating fruit and honey! Nevertheless, he's always by Mowgli's side when he's needed and is a great friend.

Baloo's voice is provided by the inimitable Bill Murray, which indicates a good fun-fest!

4. Kaa

Kaa is a rather interesting character in the Jungle Book. He is a really, really long snake, more than a hundred years old and has special hypnotic skills. He has a slithery, slimy quality about him, making you always suspect his intentions even though he speaks in the softest tones possible. Kaa has a more pronounced positive role in the original story, but the Disney version has cast him in shades of grey.

This interesting character is voiced by the beautiful and talented Scarlett Johansson.

5. Shere Khan

Shere Khan is the main villain of the story, and is after Mowgli from the start. Mowgli's protection by the wolves only makes Shere Khan more determined to get him, and much of the story is about Bhageera and Baloo trying to save Mowgli from the evil tiger's clutches. Shere Khan is lame from birth, but extremely arrogant and cunning. The only thing that he fears is fire, a fact that Mowgli realizes later and puts to good use!

A villain like Shere Khan needs a grand voice, ably provided by Idris Elba.

We're pretty sure you're itching to watch the movie now! There's something nostalgic and exciting about watching an old childhood favorite on the big screen, that too in 3D! Do come back and let us know how you liked the movie!

(All images from IMDB)

7 Traditional Cooling Drinks for Summer

The weather is quite hot in many parts of the country and is all set to get hotter! It's time to get the air conditioners serviced and the sweaters packed away. But most of all, it's the time to eat light and sip on some refreshing coolers throughout the day. And if you want to stay healthy, you'll stay away from those aerated drinks and packaged juices - so try out our list of traditional cooling drinks instead!

7 Traditional Cooling Drinks for Summer

1. Jal Jeera

The very traditional jal jeera isn't just a cooler, it's also a great appetizer! This recipe at Flavors of Mumbai uses an assortment of spices including black pepper, cumin and fennel to create a lovely drink that gives a true kick to the tastebuds!

2. Piyush

Piyush is a yogurt based drink, similar to lassi, but creamier!! This recipe from Veg Recipes of India is a spiced piyush that makes use of cardamom, nutmeg and saffron for a delightfully sweet n spicy drink!

3. Shikanji

Lemonade is one of the most refreshing drinks you can have during summer, and this recipe from Saffron Trail takes it a notch higher by including mint, tulsi and ginger - it doesn't get any more Indian than this!

4. Mango Lassi

Speaking of summer drinks, we can't exclude the lassi, can we? The Wanderlust Kitchen takes the king of fruits and the regular lassi to come up with the most delectable looking Mango Lassi. Add some saffron for extra deliciousness!

5. Pudina Chaas

Sometimes you don't feel like anything sweet and you want something to really tickle your taste buds. That's where this Pudina Chaas recipe from Veg Recipes of India comes in - tangy buttermilk piped up with the minty flavor of pudina.

6. Kesar Badam Milk

We all love recipes that can multitask, and this Kesar badam milk from Rachna's Kitchen works perfectly well hot or chilled! With the lovely aroma of saffron and the nuttiness of almonds, this is one drink that'll relax you instantly on a hot day!

7. Thandai

Don't you love a drink that has 'cooling' in it's very name? And that's Thandai for you! Cook with Manali features a recipe that's loaded with spices (pepper, cardamom), dry fruit (almonds, pistachios) and seeds (watermelon, poppy) - it's an all in one drink!

With hearty and refreshing drinks like these, who wants packaged sodas? Stay healthy and refreshed all summer - traditionally!

Festa de Diu - Asia's Longest Beach Festival

"A beach is not only a sweep of sand, but shells of sea creatures, the sea glass, the seaweed, the incongruous objects washed up by the ocean." - Henry Grunwald

Thinking about this quote today, you might find that it applies most to the pristine beaches of Diu, the tiny Union Territory surrounded by the sea. And why not, since Diu is currently the most happening place with Asia's longest beach festival, the Festa de Diu - a 75 day extravaganza that goes on till February!

Diu is not generally the first spot for a beach holiday in India, with Goa usually being the more popular choice. However, the Festa de Diu is all set to change this, with a festival that celebrates music, food, art and life in general!

Diu is a lovely place with plenty of coast, making it the ideal destination for beach lovers. But Diu is also a great spot for adrenaline junkies, with many options for water sports along with bungee jumping, zip lining and hot air balloon rides. And if relaxing and rejuvenating is more your thing, there are plenty of spa facilities available.

The festival will see many luxury beach tents for accommodation, in addition to existing hotel rooms. These tents offer free access to all the areas of the Festival village including cultural performances. Speaking of which, this year, there are many top performers at the festival - Shreya Ghoshal, Benny Dayal, Neeraj Sridhar, Kailash Kher, Shubha Mudgal and more. When you're not attending a performance, you can stroll through the all day flea market.

Even when it's not festival time, Diu has many places that are worth visiting. Here are the top 5 picks by us:

1. Diu Fort

The Diu fort was built by the Portugese during their colonial rule in 1535. The fort is a large and impressive structure, with a beautiful view of the sea. The fort also has a rich history of many rulers and kingdoms, making it a must visit!

2. Naida Caves

The Naida caves are truly a breathtaking sight, and entering the caves feels like entering another world! The caves have several tunnels inside and are just outside the Diu fort along the Jalandhar beach.

3. St. Paul's Church

The St. Paul's Church in Diu is one of the most active churches built by the Portugese, and is a fine example of baroque-style architecture. While the exterior of the church is impressive in itself, the interiors are also full of exquisite carvings and details.

4. Shell Museum

The Shell Museum is truly a unique kind of museum, built by a Merchant Navy Captain. On his travels around the world, the captain collected shells from around fifty different countries and each one has been labelled with great care and displayed.

5. Zampa Gateway

The Zampa Gateway is a structure that just cannot be missed, with it's bright color and massive size! This landmark also features carvings of animals and religious themes, and is close to a chapel. The gateway is also said to feature artificial waterfalls.

So if you're looking for a break to refresh yourself for the New Year, you know where to head to! So book your tickets, pack your bags and prepare for a trip you'll never forget!

Top 10 Winter Destinations in India

“Winter is a season of recovery and preparation” – Paul Theroux

In many poems and songs of old times, winter usually has a negative connotation, while spring and summer are described with more cheerful words. Winters are associated with dullness and greyness, when everything dries up and even animals go into hibernation or fly south.

However, no one who’s visited India during winter will agree with such a description; it is, in fact, anything but dull! If you know India, you know that it’s pretty impossible for us to be grey, such a colourful people we are! But there are some locations in India that truly bloom during winters, when their real beauty comes through. For some others, winters provide the respite they need from an otherwise hot and humid climate. In any case, there are many destinations in India that are worth visiting especially during the winter season, and here we list out our top ten picks of these destinations.

Top 10 Winter Destinations in India

1.    Shimla 

Source

When you talk of winter destinations in India, Shimla is probably the first one to come to mind! This is a place that completely transforms itself with snow, and becomes the kind of stuff dreams are made of – a perfect place for kids and the young at heart!

2.    Mussoorie 

Source

Known as the Queen of Hills, and rightly so, this otherwise green hill station turns into a winter wonderland. If you love the mountains, then Mussoorie is the place for you! There are many activities too, so that the whole family can enjoy!

3.    Kerala 

Source

If you are from a place that gets really cold in winters and want to enjoy some warm sun and lots of greenery, come to Kerala!! Kerala’s otherwise tropical climate takes a break during 

winter, making it the ideal time to discover the lush greenery of Wayanad or Munnar.

4.    Manali 

Source

Manali is another popular winter travel destination in India, and with good reason! Around mid-December, a blanket of snow descends upon the place, and converts it into a snowy paradise. With lots of adventure sport opportunities, this is the perfect spot for adrenalin junkies!

5.    Rajasthan 

Source

Known for its deserts, winters bring out a different side of Rajasthan, and a lovely one at that! Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer are just some of the many places in Rajasthan that play host to the many travellers from across the globe.

6.    Gulmarg 

Source

You can’t leave behind the paradise on earth when talking about top locations to visit in India, in any season! Gulmarg is the kind of place that will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty and you’ll want to make that sight your permanent wallpaper!

7.    Darjeeling 

Source

Darjeeling is a hill station that has the most breathtaking views in all seasons. During winter, the greenery still persists, giving rise to a lovely scene that’ll have you wondering why you didn’t visit earlier!

8.    Lachen 

Source

Lachen in Sikkim, is a treat to behold, especially in winters as the snow casts its magic all around. A treat for photographers, Lachen is a gem that has many little tourist spots where you can make some great memories.

9.    Ooty 

Source

Ooty is a hill station that requires no introduction, being a popular spot for movie locales for decades! Ooty is a great place to visit in winter, being cold but not inhospitably so. This is a great spot for people of all ages – there’s something for everyone to do!

10. Kutch 

Source

The Rann of Kutch is not a place popular in summers due to the hot weather, but winters are another story altogether! The weather is lovely, and the place comes alive with the Rann Utsav, a cultural festival that celebrates the spirit of Kutch.

So tell us, where are you planning your trip to this winter?

9 Must Try Biryanis of India

Eid-ul-Adha is coming up later this month, and this is the Islamic festival that celebrates the spirit of sacrifice. As with any Eid, the feast for this one will also be one worth looking forward to!! In most parts of India, an Eid feast is incomplete without a biryani, a mouth watering rice, spices and chicken or meat. You can almost smell it now, can’t you?

Now biryani is a very generic term, and there are many kinds of biryani within India. While it’s not really possible to list all of them here, let’s take a look at the most popular biryanis that you’re likely to find in most places in India.

1.    Lucknowi Biryani

Source

Lucknowi Biryani is the kind of biryani that is popular in the northern part of India, and is believed to be a direct descendant of the original Persian biryani introduced by the Mughals. This is a pakki biryani where the rice and meat are half-cooked separately, then layered together and cooked completely using the dum method.

2.    Sindhi Biryani

Source

This is a biryani that originated from the Sind province in Pakistan and is extremely popular in India as well! This biryani is characterized by its generous use of fresh herbs like mint and coriander, giving the biryani a beautiful aroma.

3.    Calcutta Biryani

Source

The story goes that when the last Nawab of Awadh was exiled to Calcutta, he took his chef along with him, who cooked some delicious biryani. Soon the biryani became famous, and poor households managed by substituting meat with potatoes. Today, potatoes with meat have become the trademark of the Calcutta biryani!

4.    Bombay Biryani

Source

As its name suggests, Bombay biryani originated in Mumbai, and it has some Iranian flavours, which some believe are due to the large Parsi community in Mumbai. This biryani uses some flavours not generally found in Indian biryanis, like kewra essence, an assortment of spices and deep fried potatoes.

5.    Hyderabadi Biryani

Source

Eating biryani is probably the first thing visitors to Hyderabad do, it’s that famous! Hyderabadi biryani was developed during the Mughal period, but this one differs from traditional Mughal biryanis in the use of spices. An authentic Hyderabadi biryani packs a good amount of heat and fills the senses!

6.    Dindigul Thalapakatti Biryani

Source

The Didndigul Thalapakatti Biryani originated in the Dindigul town of Tamil Nadu. This biryani uses a good mix of spices, resulting in a darker color. It also avoids tomatoes completely, relying on sour curd and lemon juice for that tang. This biryani also uses a shorter grain rice rather than Basmati.

7.    Bhatkal Biryani

Source

Bhatkal Biryani is a dish of coastal Karnataka that derived from the Bombay biryani but then went on to evolve into something different. The main characteristic feature of this biryani is the use of onions, which is more than in other biryanis. The meat is cooked in an onion based sauce, which lends a different, strong taste to the finished dish.

8.    Ambur Biryani

Source

This biryani is from Vellore in Tamil Nadu and is a meat heavy dish. However, the thing that differentiates this biryani from the rest is the brinjal based gravy that is served alongside the biryani. Other accompaniments include a curd dish called a pachadi.

9.    Thalassery Biryani

Source

Thalassery Biryani is also called Malabar biryani, being a well known dish from the Malabar region in Kerala. Some experts believe that while the Persian biryani was introduced in the North, Arab traders introduced their version of the biryani in the South, which has evolved into the Malabar Biryani. This biryani is lighter on the spices and makes use of a short grain rice called Kaima rice. Cashews and raisins are used generously as a garnish.

We’re pretty sure you’re drooling all over your computer right now, so we’ll stop here!! So this Eid, go ahead and indulge yourself; for a change, you can also try multiple biryanis this year!

6 Delectable Thalis of India

There’ll be hardly anyone visitor to India who returns without having at least some kind of a thali meal!! While a thali literally translates into a plate or platter, it has come to represent a complete meal, usually a flat bread or rice with an assortment of vegetarian dishes along with a dessert. But this simplistic description does no justice to the huge variety of thalis available across India!

A thali is a great representation of the oft repeated phrase ‘unity in diversity’. While a basic thali follows the description above, each part of India has its own unique combination of flavours, and these are beautifully represented in the thali of each region. Here is a look at 7 of the most popular and delectable thalis across India.

  

Source

6 Delectable Thalis of India

 1. Gujarati Thali

Source

Thalis from Gujarat are quite popular, being really lavish spreads with a large number of dishes! A huge part of the Gujarati population are vegetarian and popular thali dishes are Khichdi, Kadhi, undhiyo, buttermilk, assorted pickles and a variety of flatbreads made from millets, sorghum, corn flour, along with regular whole wheat flour. A special feature of Gujarati cuisine is that even savoury dishes have a certain sweetness and the overall flavours are quite delicate. Shrikhand and laddoos are popular desserts served with the thali.

2. Punjabi Thali

Source

When people think of Punjabi food, they often think of loads of butter, but butter isn’t the end-all of a Punjabi thali! Punjabis are generally people with a certain joie de vivre, and this enthusiasm is reflected in their thalis as well! A Punjabi thali features predominantly whole wheat breads like parathas, which may be plain or stuffed with potato or paneer. Other dishes comprising a grand Punjabi thali are Chana masala, dal makhani, baingan bharta, aloo gobhi along with non vegetarian delicacies like butter chicken, chicken tikka, tandoori chicken and the like. And of course, no thali is complete without a lassi on the side!

3. Maharashtrian Thali 

Source

Maharashtra has a mix of vegetarian and non vegetarian population, the latter owing mainly to a lovely long coastline. Maharashtra is a place where wheat and rice are equally popular in a thali, with both often served together. Breads made from millet and gram flour are popular, and are often served alongside onions, lime and green chillies. Another unique Maharashtrian feature is the addition of peanuts to many of the vegetarian dishes on the thali like paatal bhaji, sukhi bhaji, paale bhaji and salads like koshimbir. Non vegetarian thalis often feature fried fish, usually coated with semolina for a crispy layer. Puran polis are a popular sweet dish in Maharashtra and feature on thalis occasionally.

4. Kannada Thali 

Source

A Kannada Thali is also called a Kannadiga Oota, sometimes referred to as a Mysore Thali. Karnataka’s Udupi cuisine is extremely popular and nearly every district in India will have its own version of an Udupi restaurant! Like thalis from other South Indian states, a Kannada thali has a banana leaf cut into a circle and placed inside the plate. Flavored rice like bisi bele bath is popular, although plain chapathis or puris may feature on the side. Predominantly vegetarian, common thali dishes are chitranna, kosambari, palya and sambar. Unlike the papads from the north, south Indian pappadums are generally plain and non-spicy. The sweet dish is usually semolina kesari or mysore pak.

5. Bengali Thali 

Source

Like South Indians, Bengalis prefer rice over wheat; maybe the fish just goes better with rice! A good number or Bengalis are non vegetarian, and fish forms an important part of Bengali cuisine. A bitter dish is often part of the thali, and other dishes include masoor or cholar dal, aloo posto, chanar dalna, begun baja, lao ghonto and melt in the mouth fish delicacies like doi maach or sosrshe ilish. Desserts generally include the famous Rasgulla, Sandesh and Misti Doi.

6. Kerala Sadya 

Source

With Onam just behind us, we can’t not feature the Kerala Sadya! While this isn’t a thali in the traditional sense, being served on a banana leaf, it still features here on account of its deliciousness! Kerala has an abundance of banana trees and coconut palms which explains the banana leaves and the generous use of coconut in all the dishes. Kerala sadyas stick to rice alone, and a variety of vegetarian dishes like inji puli, avial, kootu curry, pachadi and thoran. Sambar and dal is served with the rice, and dried banana or jackfruit chips are common. There are usually more than one kind of payasams to end the meal along with small bananas which cannot be left out!

While these are immensely delicious thalis, they don’t even begin to cover the large variety of thalis in India!! We’ve still got Rajasthani thalis, Assamese Thalis and many more; describing them all would fill a book!! Tell us, which one is your favourite Indian thali?

6 Easy-to-Make Independence Day Crafts for Kids

“What light is to the eyes - what air is to the lungs - what love is to the heart, liberty is to the soul of man.” - Robert Green Ingersoll

Every year, we get a holiday to ‘celebrate’ Independence Day, which is actually supposed to be an opportunity to commemorate the brave souls who fought for our freedom. For today’s kids however, this day might not mean much beyond a ritualistic flag hoisting in the morning, and a day off from school. But the freedom we enjoy today was hard won, and is a part of the legacy that we leave our children.

So, this Independence Day, don’t let the holiday be just another excuse to laze on the couch and watch hours of TV. Use it as an opportunity to bond with the family while learning about the country that we call our motherland. And with kids, what better way than to involve them in crafts? The best thing about crafts is that it requires the use of your hands, which makes it more likely to stick in your memory long after the day has passed. Here we have 7 easy to make crafts for Independence Day, all of which require just basic craft supplies.

6 Independence Day Crafts for Kids

1. Tricolor Glass Jars 

Recycling never looked so good! Put old glass jars to good use by painting them in our national colors! To make them look even better, place candles inside and light them after dimming the lights in the room. Spectacular!!

2. Paper Plate Tiger 

India’s national animal needs no introduction! Make this super easy tiger craft that looks really impressive! Explain to kids how the number of tigers is dwindling in India and what rules are in place to help them.

3. Fan Peacock Craft 

Few birds are as gorgeous as the national bird of India! The peacock is a beautiful symbol of India’s colourful heritage and this easy craft is a lovely way to make your own peacock. Tell kids about how a peacock starts dancing when it’s about to rain.

4. Taj Mahal Art 

For many people around the world, India is synonymous with the Taj Mahal, the grand monument of white marble in Agra. This art project is a great way to learn new art techniques and create a beautiful masterpiece in the process. Teach children about how we need to preserve our ancient monuments.

5. Paper Plate Elephant

Elephants are another common group of animals associated with India, and decorated elephants are a common sight during festivals, especially in Kerala. Make your own decorated elephant with a paper plate and shiny fabric or lace. Show children videos or books about how elephants were used by kings in old times.

6. Tricolor Bunting 

This is a super idea especially if you’re having an Independence Day party!! This bunting is actually a lot easier than it looks and can be made in a very short while. This is a good opportunity to look up the various rules for the Indian national flag with your kids.

So there you go, 6 simple crafts which the whole family can get together and make, including even the littlest members!! So tell us, what are you planning to do with your family this Independence Day?