Bandra, as you may know, is The Queen of Mumbai Suburbs.
But have you explored the Old Bandra?
It has undergone a huge transformation with the green cover reducing and giving rise to skyscrapers, clubs, and new restaurants.
The restaurants long ago were run by locals, bakeries serving fresh bread. The new restaurants that have come up serve modern, global cuisines and crowds throng to this part of the city to dine here.
There was a time when life in Bandra was much more pleasant and relaxed. There were heritage cottages and bungalows which are slowly being taken up by land sharks.
#Bandrabyfoot initiative was taken up by fellow bloggers Branded Bawi and Sweet Annu to take Bandra lovers on a heritage walk to explore this heritage of Bandra.
So, we decided to go for an old Bandra walk, and here is what we found.
The beautiful old cottages in old Bandra
Walking into the old lanes of Bandra in Ranwar village fascinated everyone.
Old Homes of Bandra postcards by Prashant Miranda
Street art
The Portuguese-inspired homes and beautifully carved decorated Crosses that we saw on the way on #Bandrabyfoot
Food joints found in old Bandra
Kalpana Snack Mart serves East Indian fare, the fugias were all sold out. We tried out their Mutton Pan rolls potato chops, flaky puffs, and Patti samosas were amazing. Then as we walked further there was another food joint called Jeff Caterers, known for their kebabs and khichda and Chicken samosas. It was a delicious treat.
Overall the day proved to be extremely memorable for us.
Children have incorporated varied interests in the early school days from dancing, singing, music, sports in their academic year. The schools have introduced this into their curriculum so that children develop all-round personality apart from their regular education.
I recently attended a children’s orchestra which left me quite impressed with the children’s performance. They performed as solo artists as well as with SOI (Symphony Orchestra of India) They have been coached under the special music training program.
The NCPA Special Music Training Program Hosts Its Annual Concert By students Image courtesy- http://www.actfaqs.com
The NCPA Special Music Training Programme was launched in 2012, to offer advanced instrument tuition to talented young children. The program offers a holistic music education that is inspired by the Russian Conservatoire method. Students receive substantial one-to-one tuition on their primary instrument, as well as second study piano lessons, group-singing teaching via the Solfeggio method, Music Theory classes and History of Music lectures. The Programme currently offers lessons on all orchestral string instruments (violin, viola, cello, double bass) and piano, as well as on select woodwind and brass instruments, with plans to considerably expand the instruments offered soon. The instructors of the NCPA Special Music Training Programme are all full-time members of the Symphony Orchestra of India. They are professional musicians from Eastern Europe and the United States and have a wealth of international teaching and performing experience between them.
The National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) is India’s premier cultural institution. It was inaugurated in 1969, a multi-venue, multi-genre, cultural center in South Asia. The center preserves and promotes rich and vibrant artistic heritage in the fields of music, dance, theater, film, literature, and photography.
The Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI) based at the NCPA is India’s first and only professional orchestra, founded in 2006 by NCPA chairman Khushroo Santook and internationally renowned violin virtuoso Marat Bisengaliev who serves as Orchestra’s Music Director. SOI has performed internationally at the Hall of Columns, Moscow, the Royal Opera House, Muscat; and the Emirates Palace Auditorium, Abu Dhabi. They also have performed at Tonhalle, Zurich, Victoria Hall, Geneva and the Tonhalle, St. Galen in Switzerland.
About the young solo artists–
Maira Noor Singh joined the Special Music Training Programme in July 2013 to learn the violin. Over the years, she has become quite disciplined about her practice. Maira loves being part of the children’s orchestra and is proud of her dexterity with the violin. She has the privilege to perform as a soloist with SOI at NCPA, Prithvi Theatre and Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in Mumbai. Besides this training, she is also a budding ballerina and a tennis enthusiast.
Shreyansh Sen has been learning the flute since the age of seven, in this training program. He has been trained in Western Classical Music in the style followed by the Russian conservatory, that requires rigorous practice, dedication and training. He has performed at several concerts at the NCPA, Prithvi and Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. Apart from music, he loves watching cartoon films and his superheroes the Avengers.
Nisha Ramakrishnan auditioned for this Special Music Programme at the age of six and has studied with Aida Bissengalieva ever since. Nisha has played piano solos at concerts held at NCPA, Prithvi, the Bombay Gym and the Turf Club. She was chosen to play three movements of a concerto at the annual concert at the NCPA in June 2016. For her, music is a source of happiness and comfort. She can’t imagine a time without her piano, which has brought so much beauty and adventure into her life.
Aliza Jetha started playing the violin at the age of 5 years. She switched over to the viola three and half years ago. Aliza feels having a scheduled time to practice each day also keeps her organized for her school work. She says she feels very privileged to play for children’s orchestra. It is great when many musicians play together to make beautiful music.
Naima Ramakrishnan was six when she accompanied her sisters to the NCPA one day. She happened to spot a cello and went up to examine it. Margarita Gapparova, one of the school’s cello teachers noticed this and asked Naima to try playing the huge instrument. Naima experimented with it and loved the sound. Soo Margarita and Naima decided that she would play the cello- and there was no looking back. She has performed cello solos at concerts held at NCPA, Prithvi, and the Turf Club. For a child who loves stories and writing, music is another way to connect with people and to help her imagination grow.
WATCH Watch recent performances by the students here.
Canada is a country where nature comes alive. You can experience nature in all its glory in campsite places in Canada. Canada is full of national parks that are perfect for camping. Tourists from all over the come to experience these parks, and revel in the abundant nature. It is one of the finest places to truly enjoy nature. From elegant slopes to maddening whitewater rivers, you can choose the habitat that appeals to you the most.
Beaver Glen Campground, Prince Albert National Park
Perfect for people looking for a camping experience along with a few man-made comforts, the Beaver Glen Campground is a great place to camp. Here, you can hire tents that look like a cross between tents and cabins, and have a comfortable stay. Campers also have access to clean modern toilets. Most of the camps are close to a lake, so, you can camp out, try fishing, go hiking, boating or even build a campfire. You can do a lot here. This campsite is more for relaxing and enjoying your Canada holidays.
Berg Lake Campground, Mount Robson
Forget relaxation, it’s time for some action and adventures. At the Berg Lake Campground, every moment carries an opportunity to do something different. This camp is located in Mount Robson in the Canadian Rockies. This is the highest mountain in the mountain range, and here hiking is an absolute must. You can also head out to explore nearby caves. But beware of bears. There are many water bodies here as well where you can boat, kayak, and fish. However, it is highly recommended that you try all the adventure activities. They are quite exhilarating.
Cyprus Lake Campground, Bruce Peninsula National Park
Located in Southern Ontario, Cyprus Lake Campground opens up into Georgian Bay. It is one of the most popular Canadian tourist attractions. All the campers love to enjoy a swim in this region. The main feature of this place is the cliffs. They are quite beautiful, and some adventurous souls also like to dive into the cool blue waters from the cliffs. Other features are the Bruce Trail, the grotto, and picnic areas that are perfect to enjoy nature and the company of your family. Campers here have access to basic washroom facilities and cold water, so they are quite comfortable.
Green Point, Pacific Rim, Long Beach
If you don’t want to camp in the forests or hills, try camping at the beach. Long Beach is a gorgeous beach where surfers from around the country come to enjoy the waves. However, the water is quite cold, and it takes a brave heart to enjoy a swim in such tough conditions. The campsite is close to the beach, so you have the soothing sounds of the wave to put you to sleep. However, the campgrounds are secluded enough for you to enjoy peace and quiet. 20 minutes from the site, head to the Amphitrite Lighthouse to watch Grey Whales. There’s a lot to do here that will make your Canada travel worth every moment.
Alice Lake Provincial Park
Easily one of the best campsite places in Canada, Alice Lake Provincial Park is located close to Squamish. Though this place is small, campers are treated to stunning views of mountains, lakes, and the ocean. This place is also known for mountain biking. There are biking trails that are as exciting as roller coaster rides. If you don’t like biking, try hiking. The trail from the park is steep and full of breathtaking views. After an eventful day full of adventures, you can take a relaxing swim in Alice Lake. This place is so beautiful and relaxing, you would never want to leave it.
Jasper National Park
Easily one of the most famous campgrounds Canada has ever produced, Jasper National Park is a place every mountaineer must visit. Why? Because this campsite is 2000 meters above sea level, and the place leads up to paths that take you to 11,000 feet summits. If you don’t want to venture out to these places on your own, you can hire a guide for Glacier walks. During the walk, the guide will take you to some amazing places near the Glacier. After the tiring walk, at the Icefield Centre, you can grab a beer, and buffet lunch, and enjoy them with an exceptional view.
Gros Morne National Park
On the West coast of Newfoundland lies the Gros Morne National Park. This park is also a world heritage site, so, you know this place is top-notch. The most popular activity here is hiking along the cliff near the freshwater fjord. The other activities you can enjoy here are biking, kayaking, or even taking a boat tour. There’s also a coastal village nearby where campers can relax, interact with the residents, and have a great time. Don’t forget to carry your digital camera with a good memory card, as you will be clicking many pictures.
Grasslands National Park
When you want to camp anywhere in Canada travel by car is not really an option, except for Grasslands National Park. This beautiful campsite gives you a true prairie feel. There are vast empty lands wherever you look, dotted with hills and valleys. You can park your car and camp almost anywhere. The weather is amazing throughout, and you can set up camp according to the weather of the day. So, to enjoy the vast openness of Canadian prairie lands, Grasslands National Park is the place to be.
These amazing campsite places in Canada are just some of the best. There are many other camping sites that provide unique experiences for everyone. From snowboarding down treacherous slopes to swimming in the most stunning lakes and waterfalls, one thing is for sure, you will not find natural beauty anywhere else in the world that can rival Canada. This amazing country is one of the best places to vacation, and getting a visa is not a problem. So, book a Canadian visa online, and plan a trip to one of these campsites to truly enjoy nature in Canada.
Priya Ghatol is an avid travel writer who specializes in adventurous travel writing. Her blogs and articles give deep insight about various tourist places and act as a perfect travel guide for someone who is traveling to a place for the first time. Priya has exemplary research, writing, and editing skills which make her easily match the reader’s intellect and interest. She has blogged extensively about her travel experience while traveling to several places like Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Europe, Dubai, USA, Canada, etc.
100 ml thick yogurt mixed with 2 tbsp. cashew powder
Method–
Heat the oil in a pan and fry caraway seeds, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Add the onion puree and ginger garlic paste and let it turn brown a bit. Next, add the salt, chili powder, and chopped chilies, and continue frying whilst stirring continuously.
Add a little water if browning too quickly, adds the chicken and cook for 5 minutes until it turns pale. Add the coconut milk, yogurt, cashew powder, and 1 cup water and let it come to a boil. Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked.
Coconut and cherry muffins
ingredients
150 gms self-rising flour,
60 gms butter chopped,
½ cup (35 gms) grated coconut,
½ cup (100 gms) Glace red cherries halved,
75 gms powdered sugar,
140 ml coconut milk,
1 egg lightly beaten,
2 tsp. cherry syrup or flavoring.
Method-
Sift the flour in a large bowl; rub in the butter with your fingertips till it resembles breadcrumbs. Sift in the sugar and stir with a spatula. Mix in the remaining ingredients and combine. Spoon the batter into six muffin molds and bake at 200c gas mark 6 for 25 -30 minutes.
Coconut and berry cake bars
Ingredients
Biscuit base and jam layer
100 gms butter chilled, plus extra for greasing,
175 gms plain flour, plus extra for dusting,
2 tbsp, desiccated coconut,
½ tsp salt;
2 tbsp powdered brown sugar,
1 egg yolk (reserve the white for the cake),
½ tsp vanilla essence,
3 tbsp. raspberry jam
Cake
175 gms butter,
150 gms yogurt,
3 eggs +the reserved egg white,
150 gms plain flour,
¼ tsp salt,
2 tsp baking powder,
175 gms powdered brown sugar,
100 gms desiccated coconut,
175 gms mixed raspberries and blueberries.
Method-
Lightly grease and dust a 23-cm square cake tin and line it with baking powder (grease and dust the baking paper also). For the biscuit base put the flour, butter, and salt into a food processor and pulse to fine crumbs, then pulse in the desiccated coconuts and sugar. Then in a separate bowl beat the egg yolk along with the vanilla essence and about a tablespoon of chilled water, add it to the crumb mixture with the beaters running, to make a soft dough. Remove and roughly press into the prepared cake tin with your hands.
Press down with the back of a spoon to push the batter into the corners and flatten evenly. Prick with a fork, and then chill for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200c, gas mark 6. Bake the biscuit base for 15 minutes or until pale golden. Cool for a few minutes and then spread the jam over the biscuit base. Lower the oven temperature to 180c, gas mark 4.
For the cake, melt the butter in a pan, then take off the heat and using a fork beat the yogurt, then the eggs and the reserved egg white. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl and stir in the desiccated coconut and the sugar.
Pour the egg and yogurt batter into the flour mixture and mix well with a spatula. Pour over the jam base, level the top, and scatter with the berries. Bake for 45-55 minutes until golden and risen all over and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the tin and then cut into bars and serve.
