Travel - Best Places of Interest

May 26, 2016 Food

Top 5 Food Trucks In Hyderabad For a Lip-Smacking Foodie

Food trucks have become a trend in the culinary field. It is one of the effective ways of enjoying a lot of different styles of food uniquely. Many foodie travelers love Hyderabad because of the cuisine of the land. The cuisine was developed to win the hearts of Nizams of the land.

If you are in Hyderabad and are looking for some food truck experience, this article is right for you.

Chettinadu Villas

The lip-smacking dish of Southern India is idli (boiled rice cake) or dosa (Indian pancake). Do you know that there are more than 60 types of idli and dosa? If you want to enjoy some, you can visit Chettinadu Villas. They serve authentic Chettinadu-style food for a reasonable price. You can either call them to fix a place if you are traveling in a large group or, you can call them to locate them too.

Specials: Cheese Dosa, Mutton Idli, and Idiyappam

Where: Indira Nagar Service Lane, Gachibowli

Timings: From 6: 30 PM till midnight

Phone Number: 7799002711

Hungry Parrots

Lebanese food is known for its meat-filled flavors. They have a juicy mixture of meat and vegetables with soft Arabic bread. Shawarma is a very common and tasty Arabic food. If you are looking for Arabic food in Hyderabad, you can always rely on Hungry Parrots. This truck is known for its quick delivery time.

Specials: Different Styles of Shawarma

Where: Hitech City Road, Madhapur

Timings: 5:30 PM to 12:30 AM

Yum Stop

Yum Stop is a new food truck that is getting more famous in Hyderabad. This truck is famous for Indian and Chinese cuisine. The most interesting part of this truck is that the menu keeps changing every day. It is a bit hard to find the same menu again soon. You can call them to locate them. This truck has earned good reviews from the media. Seating is not available. High food quality can be expected and the proof of the quality is that the truck has a great crowd even after midnight.

Specials: Bread Omelette, Dosa Bandis, Sandwiches, Bonda

Where: Near Dapalla Hotels, Jubilee Hills

Timing: 10 PM till 3 AM

Phone Number: 7032997796

Chipotle

As the name indicates, this place is for Mexican food lovers. You would be astonished to see the quality of Mexican food that you can enjoy in South India. This truck is available for business even during the daytime. Tacos, burritos, and every other Mexican food can be found here. This place is for those who are ready to taste so spicy food. Home delivery is also available. Seating arrangements are not available and thus, only take-outs are possible.

Specialty: Nachos and Salsa

Where: Wipro Office, Gachibowli, or beside Phoenix Avance hub

Timing: 12:30 PM to 11:30 PM

Phone Number: 040- 3165016

Fat Cow Creamery

This is the truck for sweet lovers. While South India tour goers prepare themselves for spicy food, this truck is proof that the cuisine is capable of adding various flavors of frozen desserts to your plate. Starting from ice creams to all kinds of desserts, this truck is the home for sweet tooth holders. This adorable little blue trailer would remind you of the ice cream truck that used to ring bells to attract children in the suburbs. The specialty of this truck is ice cream served on a roll. It is your regular ice cream with exotic fruits and chips, still, it looks different. There are no seats available so only a takeaway is possible. Vegetarians can also enjoy these desserts.

Specialty: Berry Berry Ice Cream, Oreo and Cream, and Banana Ice Cream in Roll

Timing: 1 PM to 12:30 AM

Where: Usually At Banjara Hills

Phone Number: 7036111213

Food trucks have been common since the 18^th century. This is the best way for those who want to enjoy street food authentic to the local cuisine hygienically. Communicate with the locals or use any apps like Zomato to find some interesting food trucks near you.

*/ This is a guest post by Sophia Oatley. /*

Food trucks

Best Places of Interest in Hyderabad

The city was established by Mohammed Quill Qutb Shah nearly a century before the Mughals captured the region. The relics of Qutb Shahi and Nizam rule are still visible with the Charminar which symbolizes this city. Golconda Fort is another major landmark. The influence of Mughlai culture is also evident in the city’s distinctive cuisine, which includes delicious biryani and Haleem. Salar Jung Museum, Purani Haveli, Charminar, Golconda Fort, and the famous biryani. Guess, which place. I am referring to it here.

It is none other than Hyderabad. It is now the capital of southern India’s Telangana state. Earlier it was the capital of Andhra Pradesh. Historically, Hyderabad is known as a pearl and diamond trading center, and it continues to be known as the City of Pearls.

The city has many traditional bazaars, Laad Bazaar, Begum Bazaar, and Sultan Bazaar which have remained open for centuries.

Best Places of Interest

Salar Jung Museum– The huge and varied collection in the museum was curated by Mir Yusuf Ali Khan (Salar Jung III), the grand vizier of the seventh Nizam. The exhibits here are from every corner of the world which include Persian carpets, Japanese lacquerware, Chinese Porcelain, Mughal miniatures, famous statues of Veiled Rebecca and Marguerite and Mephistopheles and much more.

Hyderabad, Salar Jung Museum — Salarjung Museum
In Hyderabad
Image credit – Mannar K (flickr.com)

Purani Haveli– is an old palace, was the official residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad before independence. It is built in a u-shape and with two parallel elliptic wings, the residential part is the center of the palace. It also has the Nizam’s museum.

Hyderabad, Purani Haveli — Purani Haveli, Hyderabad
Image credit – www.hyderabadtourism.travel

Charminar – this renowned landmark was built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah to celebrate the founding of the city and the end of epidemics caused by Golconda’s water shortage.

Hyderabad, Charminar — Charminar |
Image courtesy ruffin_ready (flickr.com)

The four-column, 56-mm high structure has 4 arches facing the 4 cardinal directions. There are minarets over each column. The 2^nd floor has Hyderabad’s oldest mosque but that, and the upper columns are off-limits to visitors. Near the Charminar, there are small stalls that sell everything from berries to perfumes. There are shops where varakh (silver foil) is pounded to be put on sweets. If you go a little further then you can see Laad Market, which has best of South India’s wedding finery and the best pearl shops.

Birla Planetarium– The Birla Planetarium of Hyderabad was the first planetarium of the country. It was inaugurated in 1985 by late N.T. Rama Rao. The planetarium is equipped with the latest technology to bring you a thrilling and exciting experience while learning about the universe. The shows comprise of Haley’s comet, space explorations of the solar system, riddles of the Black Holes and the newly discovered Dark matter with interactive sessions resulting in a huge draw.

Lumbini Park– Located near Hussain Sagar Lake, Lumbini Park has a laser auditorium, boating facilities, well-maintained gardens and a number of musical fountains, an ideal spot for family entertainment. This auditorium has the capacity to seat 2000 people. It hosts show on Hyderabad’s history in English and Hindi for visitors. The park was renamed as T.Anjaiah Lumbini Park in honor of former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.

Lumbini Park entrance Image courtesy- Mspraveen at the wikipedia project — Lumbini Park entrance
Image courtesy Mspraveen at the Wikipedia project

Hussain Sagar Lake– Being at this lake is a pleasure. It is a man-made lake built by Hussain Shah Wali to provide irrigation water to the area, and now is an important link between the two cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad Image courtesy- Alosh Bennett, Flickr — Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad
Image courtesy- Alosh Bennett, Flickr

In the centre of this lake is a statue of Gautam Buddha, carved out of a single block of solid white granite.

Golconda Fort– This fort dates back to the 16^th century during the reigns of Qutb Shah kings which was built as a mud fort by the Yadavas and Kakatiyas. The fort was then expanded to into a massive and expansive fort of granite, with a circumference that extended around 5kms. It remained with the dynasty until 1590. The fort was then expanded to have an outer wall that enclosed the city. It is considered to be an engineering marvel for its acoustic effects: one handclap below the entrance dome can be heard at the highest point of a pavilion a kilometre away. It is believed that it acted as a warning from an enemy attack.

You may also like Weekend getaways and accommodations

References:

Wikipedia -for distances between cities.

Video: qaanso roobaad channel

May 17, 2016 Lifestyle

11 Best Secret Hotels You Should Visit for an ideal getaway

These hideaways are the sacred saviors from the city rush. You not only need tranquil swish of the wind and the silence of the forest but also a calm and undisturbed retreat to spend your days in absolute disconnect from the world. You want the luxury of nature on a silent mode at a zero gadget buzz zone. Here’s a tour list of hotels in India giving you the much sought after getaway from the world.

1. Elephant Valley Eco Farm, Kodaikanal

If you’re moving away from the civilization then it better be for the best. 20 km’s away from Kodaikanal, these eco farms attract eco-tourist year round. This old elephant migration route is a biodiversity hotspot and gives you more reasons to move away from the crowd and spend your days in one of the twenty eco-friendly bungalows in the wilderness equipped with solar light and firewood.

Click here to book now.

jasmine_03_full — Credits: duneecogroup.com

2. The Tamara, Coorg

Amidst the greens of the Western Ghats, The Tamara Coorg brings you a unique experience of blissful solitude in the luxury cottages overlooking the vast Kabbinakad Estate. With the freshness of the Arabica and cardamom plantation, this retreat in the lap of nature gives you immense opportunities to be one with nature. The Rudraksha trail, bird watching, and the rejuvenating studio spa would leave you with nothing more to ask for.

Click here to book now.

3. Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling

On the bank of River Rangneet, amidst the Kanchenjunga mountain range, this beautiful hillock is owned by The Prakashes, The Chaiwalla Family. This tea estate experience can be your ultimate blissful disconnect from the world. With a thousand acres of private forest and two rivers running across the marvelous property, there is nothing more you need to spoil yourself and spend lazy afternoons on a sunny balcony.

Click here to find the best places to stay in Darjeeling.

4. Otter Creek Tents, Mandrem, North Goa

These three candy-colored tents were the ancestral retreat for the Sequeira Family of Mapuca. This colonial hideout offers a double four-poster bed inside brightly draped tents. 100 meters from a serene beach, the tents face a silent creek running parallel to the sea. Closed during the monsoon season, Otter Creek tents are a perfect hideaway for summertime birdwatchers. The road ends 30 meters from the creek, making it a pocket of complete disconnect.

Click here to find hotels and homestays in North Goa.

5. The Captain’s House, North Goa

The heritage of the Sequeira Family has left us more scenic wonders and tranquil retreats than we can imagine. The house is named after the aviation pioneer of the previous century, Capt Cyril William Sequeira, who would fly over this vacation house in his tiger moth and leave the locals enrapt. This summer-house sleeps six and is probably your next summer escape resort.

Find stunning homestays in North Goa for your dream vacation.

6. Rajakkad Estate, Dindigul

An hour drive from Dindigul, Pallam Palace of Rajakkad in the hill country of South India is a silent getaway amidst the coffee estate. With private terraces facing lush gardens, Rajakkad estate is home to more than two hundred migratory birds. This seven bedroom garden hotel can also be a base for a short excursion to Kodaikanal or the temple town of Madurai. A leisure walk through the estate and the coffee drying yards would give you the ideal break from the city humdrum.

Book your stay at Rajakkad Estate.

rajakkad_2 — Credits: rajakkadestate.com

7. Cardamom House, Dindigul

The silent haven of Dindigul is home to yet another traveler utopia. Cardamom house is a family home to British physician Dr. Chris Lucas. Outside the small village of Athoor, these cottages with rooftop terrace overlook a beautiful monsoon dependent Kamarajar Lake. This remote retreat in the foothills of Western Ghats offers immense photographic opportunities with the flowers in bloom, butterflies in the pool garden and wonderful dawn at the adjoining lake.

Find the best vacation rentals in Dindigul.

8. Treehouse Hideaway, Bandhavgarh

This is the dream hidden amidst the 21 acres jungles of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The treehouse balconies overlook the exquisite Bandhavgarh National Park with the highest count of tigers in the country. A traditional jungle living experience that has been on your bucket list awaits you here.

Book your stay at Treehouse Hideaway.

9. Tranquil, Sultan’s Battery

From one treehouse to another, there is no reason to step down yet. Sultan’s Battery, watch tower constructed by Tipu Sultan 4km from Mangalore. The quaint tree houses at Tranquil Plantation Hideaway amidst coffee and vanilla plantation are an ideal escape into the wild.

Click here to book now.

10. Serenity, Vazhoor

Located at the Kanam Estate on a small hilltop, at Serenity, you are enrapt in the scents of tropical spices. This private villa hotel prides itself for its vintage architecture and heritage ambiance. If you wish to spend more time with elephants than with people, this is the choicest destination giving an exquisite Malabar escape.

Click here to book your stay at Serenity, Vazhoor.

11. The Auli Resort, Auli

The snow-capped peaks of Garhwal are a loner’s paradise throughout the year. These tourist bungalows on the heavenly white slopes are the Himalayan Elysium. If you wish to hide away, make sure that it’s a wondrous hideaway and the bungalows on the snow blankets at Auli give you a bite full of nature you can savor for life.

Find stunning hotels and homestays in Auli.

Booking.com

Source: Trip hotels in India

May 8, 2016 Interviews - travel bloggers

Interview with TeaCake Travels

Friends, I would like to introduce you to travel blogger Alice from Teacake Travels.

Me: For the readers, please could you introduce yourself and your blog?

Alice: Strong-minded, honest, inquisitive, straight-talking and in search of the next thrill, I’m Alice at Teacake Travels! It’s all about solo female travel in Asia and pushing your boundaries to reach your full potential through travel. It’s for the traveller who is on a path to find out more about themselves and test their limits but also for the armchair reader who wants to go deeper into life’s reflections and life lessons through all the experiences I put myself through.

Me: What was the motivation behind starting this blog?

Alice: What started out as just writing a piece for my friend’s blog about teaching English abroad quickly turned into an addiction to travel writing and promoting women’s rights. I always had it in my mind that I would write a book or make a zine but discovering blogging through all these ideas into one platform. I absolutely love it. It’s my baby, it’s real, it’s me and it’s proving to be a great resource for women to gain strength, courage and motivation to go out there on their own and conquer their adventurous dreams.

Interview with TeaCake travels — Alice peeking out from Cambodia

Me: How do you fund your travels?

Alice: Through many ways! I predominantly funded my travels for the first five years through Teaching English Abroad in South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. I adore teaching and get immense satisfaction by giving others the gift of English. Then the other things I love brought my money too. Playing the drums in bands, performing in Burlesque shows and now through Travel Blogging.

Me: Which are favourite travel destinations?

Alice: The challenging ones! I write about solo female travel in Asia and to date my most favourite country has been Bangladesh. The experience was fantastic because of the Bangladeshi people (possibly the nicest people in the world) and the food and the scenery and the architecture and (I could go on and on).

Me: Where is your next travel destination?

Alice: In July, I’m driving from the UK to Mongolia across 21 countries with four amazing women in 50 days to raise money for and document women’s rights. It’s all part of the Mongol Rally and it’s going to be one hell of a journey to follow. Make sure to follow along with us! After that, I think I’m gonna need some respite and TLC. I’ll be heading to Bali to catch some waves and recover.

Me: What is it like to travel solo? Any tips for the first-time solo travellers?

Alice: It’s the best! Please don’t be scared. This planet is awesome with amazing people and extraordinary places and if you want to find out who you are, what you want, what you need and what you want from life, solo travel is for you. There’s no better way to educate yourself on these matters. You’ll be challenged and treated to some life-changing experiences and your old-self will be thankful for taking the leap and deciding to travel. No one wants to leave this earth not having fulfilled their dreams. If you’re dreaming, seize the desire! If you’re travelling for the first time, check out my backpacking packing tips and build up for excitement and motivation here.

Me: The best meal you’ve eaten anywhere?

Alice: Kimchi Jiggae in South Korea. I’m nuts about Korean food. Even if I’m in Germany or made it to the North Pole, I’d go out of my way to find a Korean Restaurant.

Me: Who is (are) your inspiration in the travel world?

Alice: Women who do crazy stuff, strong stuff and stuff other women don’t do are pretty much my heroes. This includes Iris from Mind Of A Hitchhiker and Jessica from Comfort Is For Wimps.

Me: Are there any books you read as a child that inspired your travel interests?

Alice: Alice in Wonderland!

Me: What is your travel motto?

Alice: Grab fear by the balls, push your boundaries and reach your full potential through solo female travel. I use to travel for life lessons and to be the best person I can be by trying to learn from others and myself.

Me: Name three hardest things/setbacks that you experienced through your blog?

Alice: Setting up a blog is a bit of a minefield. I’m constantly learning new things and having to backtrack, making changes, chopping things up…it’s a never-ending learning process. I integrated Pinterest at a much later date than I really should have. I only learnt about SEO six months ago and I have a newsletter advertised but still haven’t sent one out! Rome wasn’t built in a day. That’s what I tell myself ><

Me: Name 3 (personal travel stories) setbacks that you experienced in your travels?

Alice: Oh man, where do I start? I accidentally became pregnant on my first serious backpacking trip and had to head to Cambodia for an abortion. Whilst I was there I witnessed a death at a funfair to add a cherry on top of it all and lately, I had to deal heavy-handedly with a Chinese guy.

Me: Have you ever faced a ‘writer’s block’? If yes, how do you overcome it?

Alice: Hell yeah. I hate it when that block comes and trust me, it can come every couple of months sometimes. I love writing and I love sharing my experiences with everyone. Sometimes the ideas and experiences come crashing across the ocean with full gusto but other times tumbleweeds are rolling across the desert in my mind. You can’t force yourself to write if the passion isn’t there. I just wait, keep on travelling and try to experience my days with full awareness for that next story to come along. It always does.

Me: Any tools you can suggest that bloggers could use in their first year?

Alice: Ooh yes! Travel Blogging is about 20% and 80% social media promotion. There’s no point writing a masterpiece if no one is going to see it. Get clued up on how to use social media and market yourself then use a couple of tools to help you manage all of it. I recommend Tailwind for Pinterest and Hootsuite for Twitter.

Me: Any comments, suggestions.

Alice: Feel free to pop me an email at aliceteacake@teacaketravels.com if you want to ask me anything and stay connected with the chaos on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram!