Latest news with #KerSangri
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Destination dupes for the long Independence Day weekend
The much-awaited long weekend in the middle of the year is almost here, and folks have already blocked off their calendars to spend some quality time with their family and loved ones. Destination dupes for the long Independence Day weekend(Photos: Shutterstock) According to multiple booking agencies, Goa, Udaipur, Alibaug, Karjat, Igatpuri, Lonavala, Jaipur, Mahabaleshwar, Varanasi, Coorg, Ooty, Leh Ladakh, and Spiti are some of the top picks for a quick, fun escape from their busy lives. However, are you one of those who couldn't book a break before? Fret not, we spoke to some travel bloggers who suggested alternative places to check out for last-minute plans that are not too heavy on the pocket. Gokarna, Karnataka This spot offers the same seaside charm minus the party crowds of Goa. 'It's perfect for slow mornings, exploring secluded beaches, and enjoying seafood,' says Komal Singh. You can also check out monsoon treks and waterfalls at Mirjan Fort or Vibhooti Falls. Budget: Flights to Bengaluru from tier 1 cities for ₹5,000. Then take a train or bus to Gokarna priced between ₹1,200 and ₹2,000. Stay costs around ₹1,200 to ₹3,500 per night. Varkala, Kerala 'Further north from Kovalam, this cliffside beach town offers a rare mix of golden sands enveloped by cliffs, and beautiful views of the Arabian Sea,' shares Vaishnavi Patel. Budget: Take a flight to Thiruvananthapuram from major cities for ₹7,000 to ₹8,000 and then a cab ride to Varkala. Homestays cost around ₹2,000 per night. Kamshet, Maharashtra Just a couple of hours from Mumbai and Pune, this is a hidden paradise and a quieter spot than the crowded areas of Igatpuri or Lonavala. 'You can try activities like paragliding and trekking, visit Bedse Caves, explore Pawna Lake, and enjoy the rural setting,' say Priya and Sid. Budget: Take a flight to Mumbai or Pune from any major city for around ₹5,000 to ₹6,000, and then a bus, train, or shared cab costing between ₹500 and ₹ 1,500. Farmstays or eco-resorts can cost up to ₹1,800 to 4,500 per night. Jawai, Rajasthan Instead of the bustling towns of Jaipur or Udaipur, explore this wildlife gem in Rajasthan. Vaishnavi Patel says, 'The landscape is surreal with rocky hills, riverbeds, and you can also spot leopards!' A highlight is the rustic feast under the stars, including Ker Sangri and Laal Maas. Budget: Flights from major cities to Udaipur, Jodhpur, or Jaipur cost ₹4,000 to ₹5,000. Then take a bus or a cab to Jawai, costing ₹3,000 to ₹5,000. Safari lodges range from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 per night. Solan, Himachal Pradesh Instead of tourist hillside hotspots, Shimla or Chail, Deepanshu Soni suggests Solan, which also boasts of architectural beauties: 'You can visit Jatoli temple, Bhrshingh Mahadev temple, Menri monastery, or Dharon ki Dhar fort.' Budget: Take a bus or train from Delhi to Kalka, which costs between ₹2,000 and ₹3,000, then take a cab to Solan. Stays are priced around ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per night for cosy hillside hotels.
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Ker Sangri is now GI-tagged. And the world is finally noticing
Rajasthan's famous dish Ker Sangri has received a Geographical Indication or GI tag. This means it is now officially recognised as a special product that comes from a specific region and follows traditional ways of preparation. But what it is? Ker Sangri is made using two desert plants. The Ker is a small berry, while Sangri is a bean that grows on the Khejri tree. These ingredients grow naturally in the dry and sandy lands of the Thar Desert. In the past, people used them during times of drought when fresh vegetables were hard to find. What started as a survival food has now become a celebrated delicacy. The GI tag protects the identity of Ker Sangri. It means that only products made in Rajasthan using the local method can be called by this name. This helps stop fake or poor-quality versions from entering the market. It also supports local farmers and cooks by making sure they are fairly paid for their work. Preparing Ker Sangri is a careful and slow process. The Ker berries are often handpicked before animals like goats or camels can reach them. They taste bitter when raw but become delicious after being soaked, boiled, and cooked with Sangri, curd, red chillies, and spices. The final dish is tangy, spicy and full of earthy flavour. Ker Sangri is not just tasty but also healthy. It is high in fibre, low in fat and rich in nutrients. People in Rajasthan usually eat it with bajra roti and ghee, making it a filling and balanced meal. The Sangri bean grows on the Khejri tree, which is sacred in Rajasthan. The Bishnoi community has protected this tree for hundreds of years and considers it a symbol of life. Thanks to the GI tag, Ker Sangri now stands beside other well-known Indian foods that are linked to their home regions. Darjeeling tea was the first product in India to get a GI tag in 2004 and is known for its special aroma and light taste. Alphonso mangoes from Maharashtra, famous for their sweet and rich flavour, were awarded the GI tag in 2018. Bikaneri Bhujia, a crispy and spicy snack from Bikaner, Rajasthan, received its GI tag in 2008. Other notable GI-tagged foods include Kashmiri saffron, prized for its deep colour and strong aroma, which was granted the GI tag in 2020. Manipuri black rice, known for its rich nutrients and beautiful purple colour, earned its GI status in 2020.
