Biryani is a rice and spice based dish commonly prepared with Chicken or Lamb in South Asia. Though everyone claims to be an expert in the preparation of this dish, logically only the richest man in the world or his family could have come up with something like this.
The Hyderabadi Nizams, the rulers of the Indian Deccan, are to be credited for this dish. Mixing Mughalai and Irani cusine in the Nizam’s kitchen led to the most addictive food in the world.
The Nizam of Hyderabad Osman Ali Khan became the richest man in the world in 1937. The family dish was of course meant to be lavish.
The Hyderabadi Biryani was originally conceptualized to serve the hungry army that would return from patrols in the evening. Seeking to build an empire, the soldiers needed the best food to charge them up.
Food rich in meat, dry fruits and flavor. The food needs to fill you up. Hence, Basmati rice should be used.
This Indian rice dish is nothing like the Italian Risotto. It is dry with long Basmati rice grains. The perfect Biryani has uneven spice on the rice. This could be sorted out by mixing it on the plate.
Mixing earlier in the pot is done lightly to prevent breaking of the delicious long rice.
Hyderabadi Biryani is a dish you definitely want to add in your most addictive food list.
Is Biryani an acquired taste?
If you move to Hyderabad, you should quickly get addicted to this food. But tourists on a visit may not feel the same. Many reasons for this.
Firstly, they are vegetarians. They eat veg biryani and that is just not the same. It has to be a Chicken or Mutton based.
The spice levels may need some adapting time. Try to sample all the different food available in Hyderabad on a visit and then try the Biryani at a good place. I would recommend Bawarchi and Paradise. For convenience of take away or eat in. In Bawarchi, try to go to the AC room.
You hate carbs. This should be the number one reason. To be a Biryani lover you should be a Beer lover. Not a Wine, Cheese and Salad guy.
You love wheat and bread too much. Rice is not filling for you. The Nizam definitely had something in store for your taste anyways.
For everyone else, it is an addictive dish. While we Indians have a lot of variety, this best chicken and rice dish is very popular in Pakistan and Bangladesh too. I am sure even the Sri Lankans enjoy this.
The only good Biryani is a plate of hot Hyderabadi
But having tried the dish around the world in different restaurants, I can proudly say that the Hyderabadi Biryani is the best.
I remember trying some really good biryani at a high end restaurant called the Veda in New Delhi. They had an incredible white yogurt sauce. More creamier than the one we get in Hyderabad.
The Hyderabadi side dish includes an onion and chillie spiced butter milk called raita with a chilli based sauce called Mirchi ka salan.
The perfect Biryani eating experience includes eating much more than just the Biryani. A visit to the Nizams Club, introduced me to some genuine Hyderabadi Biryani eating experience.
The side dishes and the desserts are all a treat. Hyderabad is a food paradise. You can sample food prepared in the fresh herbs and spices.
Biryani goes well with Pepsi. The spice and the sweetness negate each other very well.
I remind you again, a Biryani eating experience can get very addictive so you need to take it easy.
One week of simple vegetarian food and then you can unleash yourself with one packet of Biryani. Yes, one packet is always too much for one person. A sign of prosperity in Hyderabad.
Eat Biryani and know the Nizam: Perfect Travel Theme for 2017
Find your way to the perfect Biryani and you will find yourself in the city of pearls. A city boasting Facebook, Microsoft, Google and Amazon offices. A city once ruled by the richest man in the world.
Fortunately, all his wonderful assets accessible to the public now. A visit to the Sala Jung Museum should be in your list. There is a collection of stuff from all over the world. From weapons to ornaments and statues. If you love History, then you will enjoy a walk that will take you back in time. The Nizams had a huge collection of really impressive stuff.
If you are prepared to spend a bit for a luxury, stay at the Falaknuma Palace in hyderabad. Otherwise just go for a morning walk in Osmania University for free.
The marvellous structures in the massive campus have been a part of my childhood. As I jogged by all alone in the mornings in the holiday season. The fresh air in the campus was ensuredwith great vision. Hopefully, there is someone still there to improve and celebrate the heritage of the place built by the Nizam.
Summer in Puglia and Sicily: Travel by the road not taken
My first summer in Italy was meant to be a boring one. As a student at University, I was really hoping to spend my time on some studies and job applications. Somehow the idea of a brief visit to South Italy got planned with a friend. Hoping to spend a few days at the beach and then book a flight back to Milan, I booked my one way ticket to Brindisi, Puglia.
Little did I know what I had in store ahead. I meet my friend Tim who tells me that we are not spending time at the beaches here. Instead we would be heading down further south to Lecce. My South Italy trip would finally end in Sicily 15 days later.
This was to become the most spontaneous trip ever. Maybe even more than the IIT Delhi 3 Idiot’s trip to Goa to celebrate success in Solid Mechanics.
In the next 15 days, I learned to swim like a pro in the salty rocky beaches, watched Miss Italia live, learned to fry fresh fish, party in the coolest club in Salento and hustle for a short term apartment at a local bar.
I also enjoyed hospitality at a Sicilian home in Palermo, hanged out with the locals who taught me a cool magic trick and discovered a beautiful private beach by swimming into it.
Life lessons from South Italian Travel: Thinking spontaneous
This trip prepared me for an eventual Sales Job in Italy years later. The trip actually did much more than just that. I became a changed person after this trip, filled with compassion and a sense of adventure.
Moments like waking up in the morning in the ferry to Sicily or the moment when I swam into a cave by the sea leave me an everlasting feeling of fulfillment.
23 year old me was super active, energetic and strong. Years later, as I blog about the adventure in South Italy, I hope my recollection of the past inspires me to return once again.
From Brindisi, we caught a train to Lecce and managed to find a nice apartment at a moderate price. Tim had great interpersonal skills. He would always start talking with people around him and gather loads of information.
Learn to Hustle from a Pro from a South Italian
This one evening, we were chilling with a beer after a swim at bar by the sea.Hoping to make the most of vacation time, Tim was really hoping to get his application documents ready for university admissions. Needing help with his cover letter, he somehow managed to find a local university admission official who was very happy to help him out right at that bar.
This was right after my first year in Italy. I spoke enough Italian to live and get by in the country. In other words I knew how to use my hands very well adding an o after the English words.
But an adventure like this prepares you to step out of your comfort zone. Travel has always kept me motivated. The uplifting of the mind and mood can prepare you to take on big challenges ahead in life.
santa cesarea pugliasanta cesarea pugliaPalazzo Sticchi Santa Cesarea, PugliaRocky beaches of Salento, Puglia
Remembering the weekend nights in Lecce
Full of young crowd the beautiful historical city of Lecce has a bustling night life. Life in the Italian cities apart from Milan is definitely more fun for the social person. Making friends in South Italy can be quite easy. Everyone is trying to offer you something all the time.
The city is full of Baroque architecture and can be a visual treat to the culturally inclined tourist.
With a pretty city square, a Roman Amphitheater and beautiful churches, Lecce is a hidden gem in Irresistible Italy.
Our next destination was some of the most beautiful rocky beaches I have ever been to.
Diving point, santa cesarea, pugliaOtranto, Puglia
Swimming at castro and partying at Blubay club
Filled with holiday homes, many Italians working in cities try to return to their beach houses in the summer. Fortunately as we were there in the beginning of July, we managed to find a huge old apartment on rent at a price of 40 euros a day.
This massive palace of a house had huge rooms. I have never slept in a bedroom so big in my life before.
Typical day at Castro was heading out to the water and sun in the day and to relax with an aperitivo in the evening. While heading back, we would grab ourselves some of the fresh fish from the local market and prepare ourselves a full course Italian meal.
Somehow the food tasted good down south. I had the best pasta in my life while eating lunch with an Italian family. The speciality of the pasta was the red dry chillies that were offered along with the penne arrabiata.
The Blubay Club is a favorite among the local youth. During a party night, you cannot miss not knowing about the event. Search lights let everyone know where to come.
Streets in Lecce, ItalyLecce Cathedral, Puglia, South ItalyBaroque architecture, LecceBasilica di Santa Croce, Lecce, Puglia, ItalyBasilica di Santa Croce, Lecce, Puglia, Italy
Discovering the home of the Godfather: Sicily
After almost ten days spent at the beaches, we headed back to Lecce. Getting hold of a few tracks of some Salento music, we took the bus to palermo that would head to Reggio calabria before crossing over by a ferry onto sicily.
Palermo was awesome. The city reminded me of a bustling Indian city full of life. Staying at Tim’s grandparent’s house, I still remember the beautiful window view of the sea. The sun and the heat felt familiar. The food prepared by Tim’s Grand mom was heavenly.
Making up for the hospitality, I helped Tim out with some Math for his exams one day and the next day we went to the beach to relax. The beach at palermo was a sandy one, but still very clear.
At the beach you can also relish some Sicilian snacks like fried fish and gelato. The cakes and desserts from Palermo are very popular. Most noteworthy is the Cannoli.
Making friends at Sicily is also very easy. There is a lot of curiosity about the foreign world. A bunch of Sicilians would be meeting an Indian for the very first time in their lives. Somehow the chemistry felt great.
After 15 days since I left Milan, I was finally heading back, taking along with me experiences of a lifetime.
Most people who know me would agree that I am a movie buff. Or perhaps I was one. Having spent most of childhood in front of a screen watching almost everything international I could find in India. I would have loved Netflix back then.
But lately as I approach 30, I realize that I may have begun to suffer from diminishing marginal utility. That feeling when you keep consuming but don’t enjoy it the same anymore. Or the feeling when you enjoy your first bite of the dessert but not the 10th bite.
Television is very boring these days. Though I still try to watch the best of the latest movies when I can. Game of Thrones was really fun earlier when I first discovered it one night before a holiday morning flight in 2011. Should have been resting for my fun trip to Puglia. Instead I spent the whole night finishing the first season before I belted along in the morning to catch my flight.
Akrasia with Game of Thrones before a busy day
I suffered from a heavy dose of Akrasia that night. In all my binge tv series watching...read more on www.milankaraja.com
Sorry young Indians, we older Indians love to bully you
When a country faces excessive restrictions on the civil liberties of its young population, it is nothing but bullying by older lawmakers. A sign of mistrust in the integrity of the young reflects bad on own actions.
Recently trending in India is the rise of the “Anti-Romeo” squads. Instead of stopping eve teasing, a bunch of cops are empowered to harass the general public. Roaming around to pick on mixed sex groups, moral policing on free will.
It is never a great idea to let people act without a code of conduct. Cops free from a code of conduct will of course abuse it. Not trusting the Integrity of Indian youth is what leads to such drastic measures.
By restricting interaction between the sexes, such a draconian practice hinders economic development. It is like spitting on the face of the idea that boys and girls can be just friends. Why shouldn’t women have the authority to make friends with men?
Nothing can be more insulting to women empowerment. Minimizing contact between the genders is forcing the young of both the sexes to live in ignorance. The women unfortunately will be more affected as they will face the brunt of the new curfew. Maybe the “Elders” feel that the children need to study rather than get distracted.
For these older Indians, this is what I have to say.
Message to supporters of moral policing
I used to binge drink alcohol in India in the weekends because of high utility and limited availability. Whereas in Italy, in-spite of having bottles lying around my house, I haven’t had a proper drink for more than a month. Not like I do not drink in Italy, I just drink less.
Have more important things to worry about than how to find alcohol and waste away my evening.
Hope you understand my feelings on this issue. Your actions are counterproductive if not a waste of limited police forces.
As you sow, so shall you reap
Adding hassles is not the best strategy to control our country’s population. Instead, we need to facilitate learning from across the spectrum. So that they develop a broad mind capable of accepting new ideas. Giving them more flexibility to achieve greatness should be our role. Instead we treat our young like cattle herd.
Think about it, if we Indians treated our animals better we would treat each other much better.
Recently, I saw a video on NDTV of some forest officials in India bring a loose tiger down by smashing it with an earth mover. The Jugaad in this example cannot be applied to the future of our children.
Young Indians need to be smarter, productive, prosperous and happy. Any approach of governance that promises greatness by authoritativeness ignoring the above will not go far.
Fascism will lead to many of the privileged leaving the country. There are better solutions available in governance. Like how in Delhi, the AAP government is striving to educate all of its masses.
By doing this, they are empowering women by creating a more educated environment. You will need lesser wild cops hitting the streets to control a mob when everyone is educated. Any protests would take to the social media or the Internet instead.
Thinking about it, Is this just a part of encouraging digital India?
All the crazy stuff in the world points to: Digitalization
I mean for every force there is an equal and opposite reaction. Restricting physical interaction will only boost digital interaction among the masses.
Maybe our “Elders” feel that the Indian youth should develop a more platonic relationship based on extensive communication digitally. A relationship with more depth than the wildest imaginations of our Bollywood films.
They might have thought, if the youth wants to flirt, let them do it digitally.
Digital India is a big project. The more I think about it the more excited I get.
The possibilities of my Blog being read by a much bigger Indian market in a few years is high. India can become the country with the most people on-line if everything goes well.
For everything to go well you need to add a catalyst.
Something that goes viral and also encourages the masses to use the Internet more. And Oh Boy, our government does deliver in creating viral content. So often, that I am now convinced that its all done on purpose.
The script is quasi-fascism. As everyone loves stories of Hitler and Mussolini.
The logic here is:
First they enjoy the Internet, then they use it to do useful stuff, then they start creating content for the Internet.
Young India is under a big game plan. Most possibly in their best interests by some parameters. But by some other metrics, not very much so.
Everyone has a tough job and life is tough. Life is tough every where. In every country the cleaner the road, the more the taxes you pay for it. Life will never get easy if we do nothing and just wait for charity.
Nobody is going to take care of you. You may get lucky with the Universal Basic Income (UBI), but it really won’t be much. You will of course need to do more to live a decent life.
The only way you can ensure your happiness is by acting on it by yourself. You need to catch life by its two horns and wrestle it down to win.
Life and mathematics?: Nerdy uncle talk
Easier said than done. Life isn’t a y= mx, where m is a high positive number. It is more like the price time charts of stocks.
Life and Stocks?: Nerdy uncle from CNBC talk
Based on how you live your life, you can be a high dividend paying blue chip or a zero dividend paying penny stock.
By dividend paying, I refer to the act of returning back to those who have invested in you. Parents, family and good friends tend to be the Promoters in your Life – Stocks analogy.
The point I am trying to make here is that just like the average stock price having its ups and downs every day, your life too faces similar hurdles and opportunities.
Just like a multi bagger stock, you will need to invest in yourself appropriately to heap big returns in the future. As a young Indian, your biggest resource is time. Just like most stocks, with time your gains get compounded to grow exponentially.
Integrity and patience to succeed
At a young age, you may fail to see the returns of your hard work. But with time, over the years the experience you gain gets compounded to give bigger returns.
Present hurdles in civil liberties in India can be a real pain in the @$$. Nonetheless, it is every man for themselves. If with patience and determination, you invest enough time productively you will see big returns over time. An opportunity to live the better life you have been deprived off.
Remember the key to a better life is to add value in society. The more value you add, the better you get at it.
If you have helped 10 people with a task for free, you are now an expert and can charge the 11th person a hefty fee for your expert service.
So don’t worry if nobody is looking, Integrity is not just a respected attribute. It is the smart thing to do. The lesser you copy in your exams, the more you have learned.
Why you need to disconnect with the Yaks at the Himalayas?
Why disconnect with the yaks at Jispa, India?
Pandas and Cats have really made life better for the busy urban employee. The social media stars from the Animal kingdom are yet to see competition from the Yaks. These beautiful creatures live in the most incredible parts of the Trans-Himalayas in India. Unfortunately the Yak populations are declining and it has become difficult to see them around these days. As an adventurous biker, you may still have a chance to wander around in its natural habitat. Are you prepared for a trip to the Himalayas?
A Biking trip across the scenic Jispa valley is nonetheless a marvelous idea. Apart from endangered fauna like SnowLeopards and Ibex , the valley is laden with beautiful rare flowers in the summer. Covered with snow most of the year, summer makes a paradise out of the valley.
But, how do you get to the Himalayas?
Mountain adventure experience at Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh
Break free and disconnect with a trip to Jispa, a village in Lahaul, in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The village is connected by the Manali-Leh highway, along the Baga River. It is located 20 km north of Keylong and 7 km south of Darcha.
Situated 135 km away from Manali (5-6 hours drive). Accessible through the Rohtang Pass, Jispa village is situated about 330 km from Leh (10-12 hours drive).
Don’t worry about the long drive. You can spend a perfect easy holiday at the Hotel Yak.
Also recommended for travelers searching for a hotel on the NH3 Leh Manali Highway.
Long drives are fun, in the day. When you hit the Indian outback in the Himalayas you need your night’s rest.
Situated at an elevation of 10500 feet this is the closest you get to sleeping directly underneath the stars. Though a 3 star property, you can call a stay at the Hotel Yak, a billion star experience.
Billion Star Experience at Jispa
Listening to the ripples of the Baga river can be a relaxing break from annoying App notifications we receive everyday.
Abundant with natural beauty, Jispa can take anyone’s breath away. Travelers takes back memories of tranquility and peace after a stay in the Himalayan valley.
Hence, here are 7 reasons why you should spend 7 incredibly relaxing days at Jispa
7 Reasons to plan a 7 day Biking trip to Jispa, India
Firstly, Jispa is a tiny mountain hamlet in the Himalayas:
Located in the most picturesque and sought after drives in the Trans-Himalayas.
Look for fish in the clear waters of the Bhaga river:
Bhaga originates from the 21st highest lake in the world. The Suraj Tal or the lake of the sun gods collects water directly from the glaciers.
Bhaga then joins the Chandra river to form the Chenab which flows into Jammu & Kashmir and then on to Pakistan.
Himalaya Travel sights from Jispa: Deepak Tal, Suraj Tal, Baralacha Pass (Clockwise from left)
Ask directions at the Bara-lacha la pass:
More-noteworthy, It connects the 4 regions of Lahual, Spiti, Zanskar and Ladakh.
Find spirituality at the Monasteries and ancient Temples:
Visit to Jispa can set you off on a spiritual journey. Nearby, you have the Kardang monastery, the Mrikula temple and the maginificent Triloknath temple.
All of these centuries old institutions have extensive history preserved over the years. Most-noteworthy, the Triloknath temple is the only temple in the world frequented by Hindus and Buddhists. Both pay reverence to the same deity in this unique temple.
Triloknath, Prayer wheels at Triloknath, Kardang Monastry, Mrikula Mata Temple (Clockwise starting from left top)
Get fit and march on a life changing Trek
Treks and walks are organized with the help of local travel agencies at Jispa. Therefore, you don’t have to go alone to face a hungry snow leopard.
Trekking in Jispa Valley, Himalayas
Go National Geographic with the Flora and the Fauna:
Endangered animal species and rare seasonal flowers, what else can you ask for? Moreover, if your lucky, you might see a Yak.
Snow Leopard, Ibex and Flora, Jispa Valley
Finally, find an authentic affordable hotel with in house chefs.
The Yak Hotel is a 3 star establishment furnished with local wood located very conveniently near the highway.
Hotel yak rooms at Jispa, India
With warm cozy rooms the Yak Hotel serves as an ideal resting point for adventure seekers.
Try the local Himalayan delicacies prepared with locally sourced organic vegetables.
Organic Food at Hotel Yak, Jispa in Trans-Himalayas
Relax like a Maharaja (Emperor) and let the staff at Hotel yak spoil you with 3 time meals in the dining hall decorated with traditional Buddhist art. From fresh farm butter and jams to diverse cuisines, Hotel yak makes sure to seek out for returning guests.
Dining at Jispa, Yak Hotel
Jispa Valley: Treasure Island within the Himalayas
Apologies for the picture quality, as there was so much I wanted to show you about the Jispa Valley. Page loading speed is unfortunately very important. So had to convert all the pictures into gif format and compromise on the picture quality.
Also, like a typical Treasure map which is old and crumpled with vague pictures, this blog aims to entice just enough to get you interested to visit. If the pictures were much better, the Jispa Valley would not be a hidden undiscovered gem.
For those who love to take the “The Road not Taken”, here is is an adventure you may wish to seek out.
The Road not Taken: Only for the brave travelers ready to take on the Indian outback
Frequently Asked Questions for conquering the Himalayas
So those of you ready for this dare devil adventure, here is some helpful information.
When is the best season to visit the Himalayas at Lahaul?
July to October is the season to visit the Himalayas at Lahaul. As the snow melts the roads open up. However, the Rohtang pass does open early in may, while the others open in June and July.
Hence, best time to visit will be just before the peak season starts. Preferably, in the months of June, July and August. The lush greenery in the valley after snow melt, should help you to meditate peacefully. Moreover, its the perfect season for a spiritual adventure in the Himalayas.
2. Where can you find Hotels and Accommodation at Jispa Valley, Himalayas?
Here is a list of the top hotels in Jispa. You can read the reviews on trip advisor to find out which one is the best hotel. The Yak Hotel in Jispa is a new establishment and is a subsidiary of Yak Hotel Manali. Considering the rush during the peak seasons, hope this list helps you to plan your adventure.
5. Really liked this Blog and would like help promoting your hotel. What do you do?
Thank you! As a continuous learner, I try to update my articles to the latest standards of usability, SEO and readability. Still have loads to learn and implement. Would nonetheless, love to help you out.
Seeking to promote hidden tourist gems around the world, MilanKaRaja welcomes your proposals. Please drop by an email to admin@milankaraja.com or naik.vineeth@gmail.com
