'Kodava Food Festival' at ITC Kohenur: A warm hug from Kodagu
All the dishes were plated so professionally, but Chef Smitha revealed that this is the effect of modernity; traditional Kodava cuisine draws from its warrior culture, which prioritises bulk cooking for sustenance and togetherness. But then there are commonalities too — a staple loved across the southern states, the dosa appeared in its Kodava avatar: Neer Dosa. We had two versions: one filled with veg poriyal, the other with prawns marinated in kachampuli. Though quite full, we were treated to more of that famed Kodava hospitality.
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Time of India
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- Time of India
Independence Day Long Weekend Guide: Where to Go for the 15 August Long Weekend in India
Best Long Weekend Trips in India- 15 August Long Weekend Guide 1. Munnar and Thekkady, Kerala – Nature's Retreat Why go: Highlights: How to reach: Best for: 2. Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh – Hills with Heart Why go: Highlights: How to reach: Best for: 3. Pondicherry – Coastal Calm with a French Touch Why go: Highlights: How to reach: Best for: 4. Udaipur, Rajasthan – Lakeside Majesty in Monsoon Why go: How to reach: Best for: 5. Wayanad, Kerala – Monsoon in the Mist Why go: Highlights: How to reach: Best for: 6. Coorg, Karnataka – Coffee Country Bliss Why go: Highlights: How to reach: Best for: 7. Rishikesh and Haridwar, Uttarakhand – River Spirituality Why go: Highlights: How to reach: Best for: 8. Meghalaya – Northeast's Monsoon Masterpiece Why go: Highlights: How to reach: Best for: Planning Best Practices- Your Personal Weekend Travel Checklist With 15 August 2025 falling on a Friday, you have a golden opportunity for a three day break. Whether you're craving lush hills, heritage charm, or riverside peace, this weekend is perfect for stepping away from the daily grind. Here's a thoughtfully curated guide to make the most of the rolling tea estates and Thekkady's spice scented forests offer a calm escape. Expect fresh air, misty mornings, and cozy evenings, ideal for unwinding.- Morning walks through tea gardens- Spice plantation tours in Thekkady- Boat ride on Periyar LakeFly into Kochi and embark on a scenic 4 to 5 hour drive to families, nature loversThese twin towns blend Tibetan culture with Himalayan serenity. They offer peaceful hikes, spiritual immersion, and great food.- Treks to Triund or Bhagsu Nag- Cafés with mountain views- Monastery visits and local Tibetan marketsReach via train to Pathankot followed by a road trip, or fly directly to adventurers, backpackers, spiritual seekersA blend of quaint colonial architecture, quiet beaches, and relaxed café culture. It's peaceful, photogenic, and nostalgic.- Stroll along the Promenade- Explore Auroville- Sample French Indian fusion cuisineEasily accessible by road or train from ChennaiCouples, culture enthusiasts, leisure travelersUdaipur's palaces and lakes shine during the monsoon. It is romantic and less crowded compared to peak winter Boat rides on Lake Pichola- Evening at Gangaur Ghat- Heritage walks around City PalaceWell connected by flight, train, and couples, culture loversWayanad's waterfalls, green forests, and wildlife make it a soothing yet immersive escape.- Trek to Edakkal Caves- Visit Meenmutty Falls- Stay in forest lodgesAccessible via Calicut or Bengaluru followed by a scenic travelers, couples, nature enthusiastsKnown as Scotland of India, Coorg offers lush coffee plantations, mist kissed hills, and laid back charm.- Walks through coffee estates- Visit Abbey and Raja's Seat Falls- Enjoy Kodava cuisineDrive from Mysuru or couples, weekenders from BengaluruA blend of adventure and calm. Combine temple visits, rafting, and riverfront rituals.- Attend Ganga aarti in Haridwar- Try rafting or yoga in Rishikesh- Explore Beatles AshramTrain to Haridwar or fly to nearby Dehradun seekers, spiritual travelers, familiesLandscape filled with living root bridges, waterfalls, and rolling green hills make Meghalaya a soul reviving escape.- Exploring living root bridges- Visiting Elephant Falls and Nohkalikai- Walking through Shillong marketsFly into Guwahati followed by a 3 to 4 hour drive to Shillong or explorers, monsoon enthusiasts, nature loversConsideration and Guidance:Book Early - Trains, flights, and stays fill up fast during national holidays |Weather Prep - August brings rain so pack waterproof jackets and shoes |Travel Light- A suitcase or duffel bag suffices for the weekend |Add Local Flavour- Try local foods, stay in homestays, or join small tours |Flexible Itinerary- Build in buffer time for travel delays or spontaneous slow mornings |- Check transport options and book round trip as soon as possible- Pack according to monsoon conditions- Keep local contacts and guide details handy- Include cozy downtime and do not cram every minuteThis Independence Day, turn a long weekend into a mini vacation that refreshes you. It does not have to be anything grand, just the right mix of peace, nature, and a break from the usual rhythm. Whether you choose the misty hills of Munnar or the quiet shores of Pondicherry, you are giving yourself a meaningful best weekend getaway is the one that feels like home but feels new at the same time.
New Indian Express
19-07-2025
- New Indian Express
'Kodava Food Festival' at ITC Kohenur: A warm hug from Kodagu
We started off with the Balekai Barthad, plantains marinated in kachampuli, shallow-fried and coated with rice flour. This dish was simply superb, with the right amount of sourness, crisp and texture. Its non-vegetarian counterpart, Meen Barthad, where the fish was marinated in kachampuli, chillies, and salt, was just as irresistible, with everyone going back for more. The Bollary Barthad, shallow-fried cucumber with spices and green chillies, was moderately spicy yet soothing. The Nallamalu Erchi and Koli Barthad — lamb and chicken fry respectively — stood out. The lamb, with subtle hints of cinnamon and cardamom, took you on a flavour ride. 'Traditional Kodava cooking uses minimal oil for meat, relying on the lard instead. We also don't favour overly spicy food, and because of our proximity to Kerala, we love using coconut; almost every dish has it,' Chef Smitha explained with a chuckle. All the dishes were plated so professionally, but Chef Smitha revealed that this is the effect of modernity; traditional Kodava cuisine draws from its warrior culture, which prioritises bulk cooking for sustenance and togetherness. But then there are commonalities too — a staple loved across the southern states, the dosa appeared in its Kodava avatar: Neer Dosa. We had two versions: one filled with veg poriyal, the other with prawns marinated in kachampuli. Though quite full, we were treated to more of that famed Kodava hospitality.
India.com
17-07-2025
- India.com
Want To Experience The Monsoon Magic? 7 Scenic Spots In India That Will Leave You Speechless
photoDetails english 2933158 Updated:Jul 17, 2025, 02:48 PM IST 1 / 9 When the cooler air settles in and marks the change of a season, India seems to come even more alive. The skies turn into the warmest hues of blue, and fresh gusts of breeze wrap around everything they touch. This is when the monsoon breathes its magic into the landscape. From waterfalls cascading dramatically through forest trails to hilltops hiding under veils of mist, and there's a certain charm in the rain that's hard to describe but so easy to fall in love with. Here are 7 breathtaking spots in India that look like they've leapt straight out of a storybook during the monsoon: Cherrapunji 2 / 9 Famous for being one of the wettest places on Earth, Cherrapunji truly comes alive during the monsoon. Here, rain isn't just weather but much greater than that, its part of the landscape. Imagine sipping hot tea under a tin roof while the rain drums its rhythm above, the cool breeze swirling around you. This is monsoon at its most authentic, and it's an experience of a lifetime. Darjeeling 3 / 9 Darjeeling sits gracefully at around 2,050 meters above sea level. During the monsoon, the lush tea gardens and rolling hills turn even more vibrant, shrouded in mist and mystery. Don't leave without tasting its world-famous tea as its s a treat that makes the chill in the air feel even cosier. Coorg 4 / 9 In Coorg, the monsoon doesn't just arrive but also transforms everything from within. Coffee plantations shimmer with raindrops, secret streams emerge along forest trails, and the air feels deeply fresh and alive. It's a dreamy, quiet escape perfect for losing track of time. While here, explore local tribal handicrafts and traditional Kodava cuisine. Spiti Valley 5 / 9 While most of India is drenched, Spiti remains relatively dry, but no less spectacular. The rain comes gently, accentuating the cliffs, ancient monasteries, and patches of green against a rugged backdrop. It's serene, almost a spiritual and unforgettable experience. A haven for adventurers and soul seekers alike. Munnar 6 / 9 Tucked in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Munnar turns ethereal during the rains. The tea plantations look freshly washed in glowing shades of green, and waterfalls like Attukal and Lakkam roar back to life. Despite the monsoon, roads here are typically well-maintained, making it a safer and more accessible destination than the higher Himalayan regions. Mount Abu 7 / 9 As Rajasthan's only hill station, Mount Abu becomes a quiet paradise in the monsoon. Mist rolls over Nakki Lake and the surrounding hills, offering travelers peace and cool relief from the desert heat. Stroll through local markets, discover tribal crafts, and indulge in traditional Rajasthani dishes. Udaipur 8 / 9 Udaipur receives moderate rain, which refreshes its iconic lakes and marble palaces without overwhelming the city. Monsoon is a perfect time to visit the Monsoon Palace for panoramic views over the city's skyline. The rains add a soft romance to Udaipur's historic streets, making it a dream for history lovers and photographers alike. 9 / 9 For travellers, monsoon is an ideal season to experience India's beauty without the crowds. The landscapes look their most photogenic under shifting clouds and mist. Yes, travel during the rains requires flexibility as roads tend to get slippery, and delays can happen, but the extra effort is totally worth it. Cool mountain air, lively festivals, quiet temples, and scenes you'll remember forever. Offering an experience that's soulful, cinematic, and completely unforgettable.
