Dear Friend.

I am pleased to report that the monsoons are in full swing. Adding to our enjoyment of the rains are the ever-popular garam chai (hot tea), roasted bhutta (corn on the cob) and pakoras. For an unusual holiday, why not do a culinary tour of India? Our cuisine is as diverse as our culture, languages, regions and climate, and every region has its own style of cooking, as well as subtle variations to popular dishes. Cruise the spice coast of Kerala. Take in a wine tasting in Nasik. Experience life on a tea plantation in Assam or a coffee estate in Coorg. If you get a chance to do so, attend a wazwan, the traditional Kashmiri Muslim banquet. Gorge at a Lagan Nu Bhonu, a Parsi wedding feast. Savour a Gujarati or Rajasthani thali. For sure … you’ll never think of Indian food as just curry or chicken tikka any more!
   
   
     
 
A number of Indian hotels, including the ITC Group, the Oberoi Group and the Park Group, are now demarcating rooms, and even floors, for their female guests. Access is by swiping a special card, there is extra security, the rooms have special facilities, and guests are offered special discounts on spa treatments.
         
The modern megapolis of Mumbai, India’s financial capital, serves up many surprises for visitors, including some fine Gothic architecture and pockets of local traditional culture. Take these in with a heritage walk. Choose from the quaint East Indian settlement of Khotachiwadi in Girgaum, the bustle of Crawford market, the massive open-air laundry of Dhobi Ghat or the Fountain/Fort area that houses the High Court of Judicature and the University. Email heritagewalks@hotmail.com
         
 
 
Only in India

"Let your food be your medicine", said Hippocrates, the Greek Physician who is regarded as the father of modern medicine. Ayurvedic nutrition, based on the principles of Ayurveda, India's 5000-year-old medical system, does just that! In the Ayurvedic tradition, a balanced diet does not revolve around fats, carbohydrates, proteins, calories, vitamins and minerals. It takes into account body tissues, water levels, salt levels, electrolytes in the body, gunas or properties of food, dosha or properties of the individual, tastes, qualities present in the food and food sadhana or assimilation by our body. It attempts to balance six tastes (or rasas): sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent.
   
 
     
 
     
  Stephan Wilkinson accepts the
challenge of driving in India … and lives to tell the tale in Great Drives, Conde Nast Traveler, June 2005.		  
       
 
  Should I use red onions or white onions when cooking Indian food?

Both taste as good – use whatever is available!

  
 
     
   
 
   
  Garam Masala and Curry Powder, so ubiquitously used in Indian cooking, are not spices per se, but a blend of spices. Most Indians prefer to mix their own and regard off-the-shelf products as sawdust.  
  While the world tends to use “curry” as a generic word for Indian food, to Indians, “curry” means a (stew-like or soupy) dish with gravy, spices and seasonings.  
  Curry may or may not be made with curry powder.  
  Typically, making a curry involves the following:Sautéeing a base of spices in oil - Adding herbs and seasonings like curry leaves or
fenugreek - Adding a secondary level of seasonings, along with (all or some of) onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes - Adding coconut milk, almonds, cashews or cream – Adding lime juice, tamarind, mango powder, kokum or yogurt to give it a sour taste		  
       
 
 
  Note:

The Red Fort, Delhi, will remain closed to visitors from 8th August, 2005 to 15th August, 2005 in view of the Independence Day celebrations.

  
 
 
 
 
             
   

Amitabh Kant
Joint Secretary, Ministry of Tourism,
Transport Bhawan, Parliament Street,
New Delhi - 110 001.
T: 91 + 11 + 23715084
F: 91 + 11 + 23710518
M: amitabhk@incredibleindia.org
W: http://www.incredibleindia.org

 

While others may claim breathtaking locales, the mysticism of the east, the draw of civilization, the call of the wild.... India is that and much more.....
It is a journey of mind and soul.
It is a journey of the five senses
It is a journey of self-discovery
It is a journey of self-fulfillment.

  
     

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