Restaurant review- Penthouse GK-I, Delhi

Penthouse as the name suggests is a Three storied building with partial open terrace on the top. The restaurant being located in the happening market of GK 1 stands prominently. I was invited to review the same.

Penthouse Image- Photo credits Penthouse

Ambiance

1st and 2nd floor were nicely done up with brownish furniture and hanging lights creating an aura for a romantic and sophisticated dinner time. Top floor was the place where media review event was held. It being January, was quite pleasant and nice in the open air. At the entrance was bar. The rest of section was divided into enclosed area and hope area. Small tables were laid with high chairs.

Penthouse - Photo credits Penthouse

Food and drinks at Penthouse

When it came to food, I tasted Chicken Tikka Trio served with three different sauces. I liked chicken as well as sauces. Amritsari fish which was very soft and juicy and also had a perfect taste.

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Amritsari Machchhi on top and Chicken Tikka Trio

Nidhi KM

What you can experience at Sarnath Museum in Varanasi

Sarnath Museum

As part of package by IRCTC Heritage Circuit Special Train, we visited Sarnath Museum. This museum was one of its kind. It had a grand entry, was neat and clean and one could see enormous footfall. 

To the left of gate was Sarnath Museum shop that had good and quality stuff. There were souvenirs, stoles, India's National Emblem, Buddha mini statues and a lot of interesting stuff.

We were not allowed to take cameras inside. So , I deposited my purse and camer in safe.

In museum many Buddha Statues were displayed. This museum was built with the intention to display excavations from the Archaeological Site of Sarnath.

Most of statues were broken as found during excavations. The museum had about 6,800 sculptures and artifacts.

Where to shop near Sarnath Museum

Outside Sarnath Museum is a long and massive market of street side vendors selling souvenirs. One must buy stuff from there. Its a good market and stuff needs to be bargained. One will get a lot of variety in terms of Buddha mini sculptures, art and craft stuff, lucky charms, key chains, our National Emblem mini sculptures and many more. One can easily spend minimum one hour shopping there.

Art and craft stuff

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Nidhi KM

Pecans, life rejuvenating nuts from USA

Pecans

Due to hectic lifestyles including sitting jobs for more than eight hours, travelling in cars and least priority to exercises, yoga and other fitness regimes, people are just glued to their laptops, TVs or smart phones. So, to provide a healthy future to ourselves and our future generations, it is very important to start working towards the cause now.

Pecans in their shell

Along with inculcating healthy eating habits like inclusion of fruits, curd and proteins in our diet, we should also add dry fruits. Mostly all dry fruits are rich in anti oxidants and help in one or the other system of our body. Through recent research, scientists have discovered many positive benefits of Pecans.

Pecans care relished tree-nuts by American natives since centuries. They provide strong nutrient value like minerals and vitamins. Pecans are regarded as highest amongst all nuts. They are one of the highest provider of anti oxidants thus helping in reducing the risk of cancer, coronary heart disease and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Apart from good buttery taste, Pecans are blessed with below crucial health benefiting properties

1. Pecans have the highest antioxidant content of any nut.Presence of Oleic acid and Phenolic antioxidants helps in reduction of coronary strokes and other artery related diseases.

2. Pecans contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Colic acid, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, several B Vitamins and Zinc.

3. Pecans are cholesterol free and naturally sodium free and can add to the total cholesterol reduction by 16%

4. Just one ounce of pecans has more zinc- an important nutrient for proper growth and strong immunity – than a 5 ounce piece of skinless chicken (typically a good source of zinc)

5. Pecans can be frozen and refrozen for at least two years without loss of flavor or texture.

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Visit to Dhamekh Stupa Sarnath Varanasi- India

Entrance at Dhamekh Stupa

One of the other crucial site to be visited as part of Varanasi tour is Dhamekh Stupa.

Beautiful tree at the entrance

Dhamekh Stupa is the point in Deer Park where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. This site is estimated to house about 1500 priests with wells. The site was destroyed by invaders and is currently under excavation. The site is under the Archaeological society of India.

Dhamekh Stupa complex

At the entrance, there were huge gardens. Very neat and clean with seating at certain places. I was amazed to see similar structures all over. There were small sections as if it was a room to some during older times. Everywhere there were stairs leading up to open space clearly indicating some inhabitants in the site long ago.

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Nidhi KM

Place of first Sermon for Buddha

Sarnath Temple at Varanasi

I had read about Sarnath Temple during my school days as part of history subject. So had always silently wished if ever I would be able to visit Sarnath. My wish was granted by IRCTC's heritage Circuit Special train. I felt very happy upon hearing the news about my visit to Sarnath Temple.

Positive notes by Buddha

How to reach Sarnath Temple

Sarnath is 13 kms from Varanasi. We reached Varanasi by train. On the station, our buses were already parked and waiting for us. It took about half an hour to reach the temple. One can even hire cabs outside the station.

Preachings of Buddha

My experience at Sarnath Temple

As I entered, I could feel a lot of positive vibes.There was a walk way to reach the temple. Many boards were containing Buddhist preachings. We took off our shoes and headed inside. There was a hollow dome like structure. The temple was very neat and clean. Floors were shining. One could easily meditate there.

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Nidhi KM

Restaurant review - The Ocean, Rivatas, Varanasi

Rivatas

After the sightseeing of Varanasi, we were supposed to have lunch. Lunch was the part of package by IRCTC. Venue was a 3* property Rivatas.

Being in Varanasi for the first time, I wasn't aware of this property but was curious to visit.

Ambiance

As I entered the property, it was a vast lobby area with sparkingly clean and shining marble floors. Blue lights in the front with seating on right and a statue of Buddha made the whole ambiance a beautiful and elegant one. There were two small shops to the left of the lobby. There was an adjacent restaurant to Blue Bar which was The Ocean. The Ocean appeared to be a good restaurant where one coukd spend nice time with loved ones. In the middle of room of The Ocean was a partition of buffet table.

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Nidhi KM

©Viharin.com

Hotel Rivatas

Aarti at Ganga Varanasi, India

Beautiful sunset at Ganga Varanasi

I had heard a lot about Ganga Varanasi since childhood. Had known this place as a world renowned pilgrimage. When I heard about the trip to Varanasi in the Heritage Circuit by IRCTC I was excited. As we reached Varanasi, after visiting Sarnath Temple, Museum and Dhamek Stupa, we were supposed to attend Aarti ( Worship) of Ganga Ji (Respected River Ganges) in the evening.

Scenic view

Being December, it was very cold in the evening. IRCTC team had decided to arrange for boat rides to enable passengers witness Aarti from the river. This was done keeping in mind huge crowd on Ghats ( Sides) of Ganga Ji. As we got ready with scarves, caps and jackets, it was getting dark and sun was about to set.

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Nidhi KM