Monday 31 August 2015

Fascinating Tribal museum, Ooty- Tamil Nadu

Viharin.com- Various clothing and lifestyle showcased in Tribal Museum
Various clothing and lifestyle showcased in Tribal Museum
Tribal Museum houses artifacts and photographs of tribes of Tamil Nadu and Andaman Nicobar Islands. There are many tribe's tools, clothing, lifestyle depicted in the museum. Kattunayakan is a scheduled tribe in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Kattunayakan means the King of Jungle. This tribe is completely dependent on forest produce like Money, wax, tree barks etc. Kattunayakan worships Lord Shiva.


Viharin.com- Information
Information

Thursday 27 August 2015

Mango Masala, a true food friend

Viharin.com- Mango Masala
Mango Masala
After visiting Ajmer Sharif Dargah walking down the street with empty stomach, we reached Mango Masala. Such a breather it was. As we entered the restaurant with a sigh of relief thinking of food, we occupied a corner table. All of us six people started glancing through the menu. We quickly ordered snacks and got busy in our gossips.

Ambiance

It was a busy air conditioned restaurant with jazzy lights. I was not missing Delhi at all. Furniture was chocolate brown with rustic big tables. There were some cars, jeeps, scooters hanging on the wall which attracted attention.

Food

Viharin.com- Bhel Puri
Bhel Puri
We had ordered bhel puri which was irresistible, hygienic and spicy. I loved its taste and presentation. Bhel Puri was crisp and had appropriate ingredients which my palette loved. Next in line was Pasta which was equally delectable. I had dosa sambhar to my stomach's appetite. It was awesome. I relished it. Then was the turn of sweet dish. I had ordered Love dip, vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate sauce. This is my favourite ice cream. I also tasted Mango Marsala, Triple Sundae. It was super delicious.

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Nidhi KM

Tuesday 25 August 2015

Where are we heading for taste?.... Puratos tell

Desserts by Puratos India
Desserts by Puratos India
Well, this question arises many more questions in my mind! On one hand we want us to have a balanced healthy diet and on the other hand we want it to be delectable as well. We also want food to be quick and hygienic. How can all these wishes together produce a food that takes care of all aspects.
Flower Bruffin by Puratos
Flower Bruffin by Puratos
Most of these questions were answered in the workshop organized by Puratos, a leading global food ingredient company. Puratos showcased the result of research of survey Taste tomorrow 2015. The survey was to determine consumer trends in baked goods industry.
Release of the report was at Taj Mansingh in Delhi. Four keynote speakers (Chef Manjit Singh Gill, ITC hotels. Sandeep Gugnani, Head of Supply Chain, Dunkin Donuts, Dev Lal – Bakers Circle, Chef Varun Inamdar- Chef, Chocolatier ) addressed the gathering. I attended the session by Chef Manjit Gill and Sandeep Gill.

Nidhi KM

Monday 24 August 2015

How my Diu trip became most memorable!

Viharin.com- Heavenly hour at Ilha de Calma, Diu
Heavenly hour at Ilha de Calma, Diu
Diu is one of the India’s untouched pearl. Like Daman and Goa, Diu was a Portuguese colony until taken over by India in 1961. Along with Daman, it is still governed from New Delhi as a Union Territory rather than as a part of Gujarat.The former colony includes the island of Diu itself, about 11 Kms long by three Kms wide, separated from the coast by a narrow channel. There are also two tiny mainland enclaves.
Viharin.com- On the way to Diu
On the way to Diu
We reached Diu in the morning and first of all hunted for our resort. Although I had done my homework for the accommodation but wanted to confirm the difference between virtual world and real world of hotels. After lots of back and forth visits along Ghoghla and Nagoa beach, we settled down at Ghoghla beach facing property - Sugati Beach Resort which was actually my choice through virtual hunt.
Viharin.com- Board for sight seeing
Board for sight seeing
After resting for a while, we started our sightseeing trip. Although it was quiet late but we tried our luck. What we noticed was that every little crossing had a beasitiful innovative structure in the middle.
Viharin.com- View of Jail from the fort
View of Jail from the fort
Various tourist attractions in Diu are the Diu Fort, Fortress of Panikota, Nagoa Beach, St. Paul's Church, Jallandhar Shrine, Gangeshwar Temple, Diu Museum, Ghoghla Beach and Gomtimata Beach. We selected few sites for the evening.
1. Diu Fort was an awesome structure for which I have written a separate article. It was distinctly visible from far by the sea.


Nidhi KM

Friday 21 August 2015

Quan Spa at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu…sponsored

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Quan Spa Treatment Room, JW Marriott Mumbai
Quan Spa Treatment Room, JW Marriott Mumbai
Indulge in the divinity of tranquil therapies at Quan Spa at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu. Encapsulating the essence of soulful healing, Quan Spa has introduced a novel range of therapies to rejuvenate your body and your soul!  The spa offers an oasis of luxurious and revitalizing therapies ranging from body massages to facials and therapeutic body soaks. Treatments like Nirvana, Cane Sugar and Tamarind Body Polish provide the body with the essentials and Silicium Facial, Indoceane Journey, Prithvi and Couple Haven are truly luxury indulgences specially designed to rejuvenate your senses.

Thursday 20 August 2015

Herbalife & Mary Kom felicitate Special Olympic Champs

Viharin.com- Mr. Ajay Khanna, Mary Kom and Air Marshal Denzil Keelor
Mr. Ajay Khanna, Mary Kom and Air Marshal Denzil Keelor
Herbalife International India Pvt Ltd, and Olympic Medal Winner, Mary Kom at Imperial Delhi, together felicitated the Indian contingent to the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, held from July 25-August 2, 2015, in Los Angeles
Viharin.com- Athletes
Athletes
I am glad to witness the event and bring it forth to you. Out of  214 athletes from the Special Olympics Bharat team, 47 brought back gold, 54 silver and 72 bronze medals. Isn't it great ? Yes of course! It was such a proud moment for athletes and their parents. Getting felicitated by Mary Mom is indeed a big thing!
Viharin.com- Mary Kom addressing the conference
Mary Kom addressing the conference
After a warm welcome by the anchor, Mary Kom addressed the conference reiterating the need of string focus and will power to achieve the goal. She said, fight again and again to achieve your goal until you succeed. The killer instinct is a must to achieve a certain objective be it discipline of life. She said - " The Herbalife nutritional food products that form a regular part of my dietary regimen have been an immense help to me to maintain the strength and concentration that I require to excel in boxing, my chosen discipline."

Viharin.com- Athlete being awarded by eminent personalities including Mary Kom
Athlete being awarded by eminent personalities including Mary Kom

Nidhi KM

Tuesday 18 August 2015

Jaipur Marriott enthralls you with best of best!

Outdoor Pool
Outdoor Pool at Jaipur Marriott
Jaipur Marriott Hotel is entrenched with the cultural legacy of the Pink City and complemented by inviting spaces that stand for refined elegance and a contemporary look. Strategically located near the airport, guests can delight in spacious guestrooms adorned with traditional characteristics, yet complete with modern amenities.
The Jaipur Marriott is a contemporary abode offering elevated experiences in the bustling capital of Rajasthan. The Hotel displays the finest blend of contemporary architecture courtesy Arcorp Associates with subtle ethnic design elements brought in by renowned interior designers Bobby Mukherjee and Zoran Djunick to bring in the local flavor;.
The property offers over 317 well-appointed rooms featuring Marriott signature Revive bedding, Four fixture bathrooms, I docks and plush interiors to make each stay memorable. The 31,000 sq ft of flexible meeting space, comprising of multiple breakaway venues and huge ballrooms make it an ideal destination for Meetings Incentives Conferences and Events in the state.  The Jaipur Marriott offers multiple fine dining options, set against beautiful, spacious backdrops, matched with authentic flavours to create that perfect setting for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Okra
Location: Lobby level Timings: Open 24 hours At Okra, our guests can experience a world of flavors. This all day dining restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet, supported by an exotic ala carte menu.  The sumptuous buffets and a la carte menu are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offer a wide array of continental and Indian delicacies, the Dimsum, Teppinyaki and Sushi live stations, Wood fire pizza oven and open grill stations beckon to all tastes and styles with an endless choice of all day dining.

Banquets and Meeting Rooms
The state-of-the-art banqueting facilities in the hotel are spread over an area of 31000 sq. ft., indoors and outdoors and have been named after the precious gem stones that the Pink City is famous for. The spaces include 2 Ballrooms, 6 Break away venues and Meeting Rooms, and a lawn to accommodate 1000 people. The multi level Ballrooms named Sapphire (6500 sq ft) and Ruby (8500 sq ft) possess a majestic ceiling height of 20 ft are both further divisible into 3 breakaway halls each; Sapphire can accommodate 1000 people and Ruby  accommodates 1700 people free style. There is a pre function area attached with each of the ballrooms with a separate entrance which makes your functions a private and exclusive affair. The separate entrance to the Convention block makes it an ideal destination for MICE and Weddings
Business Centre
Our state-of-the-art business centre facilities include four meeting rooms with a seating capacity varying from 12 to 32 persons and two private offices. All meeting rooms are equipped with an over head projector and clip boards, TV, VCR, Dictaphone, LCD panel, laser pointers and laptops. We also organize for secretarial services, colour photocopies, facsimile, internet connection, scanning, lamination, binding, translation, transcription, notary services, private secretary, courier services and video conferencing. The operational hours of the business centre are from 07:00 pm to 12:00 midnight.
Accommodation and many more

Monday 17 August 2015

Enriching experience at Chhatbir Zoo, Chandigarh

Viharin.com- Lion as seen from Lion Safari
Lion as seen from Lion Safari
Chhatbir Zoo is in Chandigarh near Zirakpur district of India. I had heard a lot about Chhatbir Zoo , so was curious to visit. We were going to Barog and saw the signboard of Chhatbir Zoo. It was totally unplanned. We simply took this opportunity to show Chhatbir Zoo to kids.
Viharin.com- Ducks enjoying
Ducks enjoying
Chhatbir Zoo houses many mammals, reptiles and birds. At the entrance was a pond where ducks were having a gala time. There was a lot of noise.
First of all we wanted to experience Lion Safari on which I have written a separate post since it was an amazing experience. Awe moved further, we came to know Lion Safari was at a good km distance.
Viharin.com- Close up of Tiger
Close up of Tiger
Since Lion Safari was a kilometer away, we got to see Tiger, Zebra, Elephants, Hyena, White bucks, white peacock and many more on the way. Kids were delighted to see these animals.
Viharin.com- Zebra
Zebra
Zebra showed us its face afer a long wait. But it was worth it. It was busy drinking water.

Nidhi KM 

Saturday 15 August 2015

California Pistachios introduced in Foodhall, Saket

Viharin.com- California Pistachio Blanc Mange
California Pistachio Blanc Mange
California Pistachios, one of the best antioxidants and popular nuts used in most of the desserts. Add Nutrients, not weight, with California Pistachios in your sweet treats and main course. One-ounce serving of pistachios equals 49 nuts, more per serving than any other snack nut. In addition, they contain a significant amount of potassium, 300mg, and 3g fiber per serving. They are cholesterol free and contain just 1.5 grams of saturated fat and 12.5 grams of fat per serving, the majority of which comes from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat.
Viharin.com- Cannoli Batter on cone maker
Cannoli Batter on cone maker
Chef Olivier Vincenot, Corporate Chef of Foodhall known for his style, innovation and culinary magic hosted a live cooking demo preparing innovative & delicious dishes using California Pistachios at Foodhall @DLF Place, Saket. On the menu were the melt – in – mouth dishes such as Pistachio Cannoli, Ricotta Cheese and Pistachio (using waffle cone mix), Pistachio Blanc Manger and Pistachio Hummus. He said, pistachios are packed with plenty of health benefits. Hence, I have come up with these innovative and easy recipes using pistachios so that everyone can easily fit it in their day – to – day life.’
Viharin.com- Crisp cone roundel prepared
Crisp cone roundel prepared
Viharin.com- Making a Waffle
Making a Waffle

My experience at the California Pistachios cooking demo @Foodhall

Viharin.com- Loads of waffles
Loads of waffles
Chef Olivier actually prepared Cannoli very nicely and neatly. I was looking at the preparation for the first time and it was very interesting. Captured crucial steps. Waffles were crisp and thin.
Viharin.com- Cannoli
Cannoli
As waffles piled up one after other, they became more and more enticing. The final outcome was highly satiating having optimum sugar and I just loved it. Chef filled in these waffles and finally dipped them in Pistachio powder.
Viharin.com- Hummus
Hummus
Next in turn was Hummus. 



Nidhi KM

Friday 14 August 2015

Enticing Independence Day Package at Westin Mumbai

Independence Day  Room Package1
Independence Day Room Package

THREE GREAT EXCUSES, TO TRAVEL THIS AUGUST

Offer: On the 69th Independence of India, The Westin Mumbai Garden City gives you three reasons to celebrate! Book now for two nights and the third night is on us, renew in the heavenly environs while you enjoy 20% discount on Spa and Independence Day special brunch. Offer Details: 1. Complimentary Buffet Breakfast & Dinner for a couple at Seasonal Tastes 2. Complimentary High Speed Wireless Internet 3. 20% discount at Heavenly Spa By Westin™ 4. 20% discount on Food & Non Alcoholic Beverages including the Sunday Brunch/ Independence Day Brunch at all our F & B Venues 5. Stay between 13th August to 16th August 2015
The Westin Mumbai Heavenly Bed
The Westin Mumbai Heavenly Bed
Duration of Offer: Stay/ Occupancy Dates: 13th August – 16th August 2015 Sell Dates: 13th July – 13th August 2015 Call to Action: For reservations, please contact The Westin Mumbai Garden City at +022 6147 0000 /+022 6736 1102/ 90044 95140 or email reservations.mumbaigardencity@westin.com Log on to www.westinmumbaigardencity.com www.facebook.com/thewestinmumbaigardencity Booking Link: http://bit.ly/1Dgo17n

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Thursday 13 August 2015

Carl’s Jr. Chargrilled Burgers now in India

Viharin.com- Carl's Jr Restaurant
Carl's Jr Restaurant
Carl's Jr. Burger Chain, world's favourite burgers now in India. The chain that started in 1949 just from a cart now grown to more than 3500 outlets chain in the world has entered India.After opening its first restaurant in New York and New Jersey, they are in 44 states of USA and at 33 International locations. This known for one of its kind menu items such as Black Angus Thickburger, biscuits and hand breaded Chicken Tenders.
I went to review this newly opened restaurant in Select City Walk.


Nidhi KM

Tuesday 11 August 2015

Bogo Cards, that lets you travel sharp!

Bogo cards for domestic travel
Bogo cards for domestic travel
Bogo cards- A crisp and transparent travel tool that let's you travel sharp. Few days ago I came across this sharp travel tool, Bogo Card that lets you just enjoy leaving aside any worries of hotel or flight booking!

Monday 10 August 2015

Dashavatar Hotel Marasa Sarovar Premiere,Tirupati

View of Marasa Sarovar Premiere in the lap of Tirumala Mountains
View of Marasa Sarovar Premiere in the lap of Tirumala Mountains
India’s first Dashavatar Hotel now open in Tirupati Marasa Sarovar Premiere: First world class hotel at the holy feet of Tirumala
Hoping to make your Tirupati visit more comfortable and rememorable? Look no further… for you will have more reasons to visit this divine place again!
Interiors at Marasa Sarovar Premiere
Interiors at Marasa Sarovar Premiere
Having carved a distinct niche for itself in the hospitality sector and acclaimed as one of the fastest growing chain of hotels in India in offering innovative and refreshing concepts for modern day travelers, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts has touched yet another strategic destination by launching a brand new property Tirupati-Marasa Sarovar Premiere at Tirupati. Uniquely conceptualized and designed around the Dasavatars of Lord Vishnu, it offers a perfect combination of divinity inspired aesthetics that instantly connect with the soul. With the launch of Marasa Sarovar Premier, the devotees travelling from across the world to the Holy feet of Tirumala Hills will now have a special reason to cheer. The Marasa Sarovar Premier was formally launched by Mr Anil Madhok, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts at a press conference today.


Saturday 8 August 2015

Three Aces of Pushkar, Rajasthan

Viharin.com- Pushkar LakeThree Aces of Pushkar , a must visit!
Viharin.com- Scenic view
Scenic view
This time friends, I had gone to this religious place renowned over the world for its one and only Brahma Temple and lake- Pushkar I was very excited to visit the same. Pushkar, the holy city is amidst Arravali ranges. As we boarded the cab from Ajmer Railway station, hills all around embraced us with their natural beauty having trees, pink coloured flowers. Weather was awesome. The rainy season had already started. It was a scenic drive from Ajmer to Pushkar.
Viharin.com- View with the swimming pool
View with the swimming pool
In next 45 minutes, we were at Pushkar Resorts, a nicely laid down landscapes with strategically placed accommodation. Just loved the ambiance.
Viharin.com- View on the way to Brahma Temple from Camel Cart
View on the way to Brahma Temple from Camel Cart
Next day evening, we visited Brahma Temple by camel cart. On the way to Brahma Temple, there was a vast land of sand dunes. It was quiet interesting but we decided to visit it while coming back. It took us only 45 minutes to reach Brahma Temple. Traveling in Camel cart was a very  nice experience. I loved it.
Viharin.com- One and only Pushkar Temple in the world
One and only Pushkar Temple in the world
Brahma temple is an ancient temple with a story as per the guide. When Brahma ji was doing a ritual ceremony, his wife Savitri took a long time to get ready. Savitri's son Shri Narad Muni wanted a fight between his parents so provoked his Mother to get ready like a bride as esteemed guests were expected at the ceremony. As a result, Savitri ji took a lot of time to get ready. As per the pundit, the auspicious time was passing by and there was a need to begin the ceremony soon. So, it was suggested to Brahma Ji to get married to Gayatri , cow's daughter so that the ceremony could be performed. When Savitri Ji came down, she was shocked and enraged at the scene leading to cursing Brahma ji. She cursed that he will be deprived of being worshipped in the world anywhere. She also cursed that Brahma temple would be the only temple of Brahma Ji.


Nidhi KM

Friday 7 August 2015

Tri-Colour Food festival @ Nom Nom, Hotel Ashok

Tri-Colour Food festival at Nom Nom

Tricolour festival at Nom Nom
Tricolour festival at Nom Nom
Aug 8th till 31st 2015
Nom Nom, Delhi’s most favoured Pan Asian restaurant at Hotel Ashok is celebrating the spirit of Independence with a Tri-Colour food festival. 

Thursday 6 August 2015

'Visit Kerala Year' April 2015 - April 2016

Viharin.com- Beautiful backwaters viewKerala popularly known as God’s Own Country is the perfect holiday destination of India encompassing picturesque landscapes, breathtaking beaches, mesmerizing backwaters, beautiful hill stations and more exciting getaways, rich culture and heritage, traditional cuisine.
Viharin.com- Welcome by Tiger
Welcome by Tiger
I was at The Leela Gurgaon on 4th August,2015 to attend the 360 degree preview of India’s favorite destination Kerala to witness the rich culture, heritage, magnificent landscapes, cuisine, music and art all in one show. As I entered the venue, a Tiger received us. It was an innovative welcome.

After warm welcome, Mr. P.I. Sheikh Pareeth, IAS, Director, Kerala  Tourism lit the lamp. He then took us through various important aspects of Kerala Tourism which are described in next sections.
P.S.- You will see photographs of performances of various dances and art forms along the post. These were performed to provide the glimpse of Kerala's cultural heritage.
Viharin.com-Mr. P.I. Sheikh Pareeth, IAS, Director, Kerala  Tourism
Mr. P.I. Sheikh Pareeth, IAS, Director, Kerala  Tourism
Mr. Pareeth emphasised on the reasons why Kerala is a comprehensive and perfect holiday destination owing to its tranquil sunrises,spice plantations, wildlife, hill stations, Ayurveda. The temperature in Kerala ranges from 25 to 35 degrees celcius. Nat Geo Traveller has recognized Kerala as one of the top 50 travel destinations.

A glance on important numbers

Viharin.com- Mohiniyattam dance form
Mohiniyattam dance form
  • In 2014, foreign tourists’ arrival up by 7.60%
  • Domestic tourists’ arrival up by 7.71%
  • Increase in foreign exchange earnings by 15.07%
  • Total Revenue Rs: 24885.44 crore
  • Kerala as the most preferred destination for both Domestic and Internationals Tourists…
  • Foreign Tourist arrival to Kerala during the year 2014 is 9, 23,366; it shows an increase of 7.60% over the previous year’s figure of 8, 58,143. Domestic Tourist arrival to Kerala during the year 2014 is 116, 95,411. It shows an increase of 7.71 % over the previous year’s figure 108, 57,811.
  • Foreign exchange earnings for the year 2014 are Rs: 6398.93 Crores which recorded an increase of 15.07 % over the previous year.
Viharin.com- Dance of feminine emotions
Viharin.com- Kathakali dancer
Kathakali dancer
Kerala Tourism will also focus on new unique attractions, to strengthen Kerala’s position as ‘God’s Own Country’ and to create a destination pull. Food festivals will be conducted in cities like Delhi and Mumbai to market Kerala’s authentic cuisine, one of the tourist attractions of the State.
Nidhi KM
Viharin.com- Kalaripayyattu
Kalaripayyattu