My tounges Favs # Momos ( I am calling it Momo Mania)

Many people are thinking that its Chinese, Thai or Japanese dish. But according to Wikipedia Momo (Tibetan; Wylie: mog mog, Nepal:, is a type of dumpling native to the Newa people of Nepal. It is similar to Mongolian buuz, Chinese jiaozi, or Central Asian manti, closely related to Russian pelmeni, German Maultaschen or Italian Ravioli. The Tibetan word Momo is a loanword from the Chinese mómo.

Thanks to Wikipedia for reducing our most of Mind Manthan (Brain Storming)

Making of Momos (All Compliment and Abuses must goes to Wikipedia)

Momos are made with a simple flour-and-water dough—white flour is generally preferred—and sometimes a little yeast or baking soda is added to give a more ‘doughy’ texture to the finished product. The filling may be one of several mixtures described, * Meat: different kinds of meat filling are popular in different regions. In Tibet, Nepal and North Eastern India, goat, buffalo, chicken, yak meat, and pork are the most popular, while in Ladakh, India lamb and yak are common, while in other Indian cities (e.g., Guwahati, Shillong), pork and chicken would be the most popular meat used in momos. Minced meat is combined with any or all of the following: onions, shallots, garlic, and coriander (cilantro). The mixture is spiced with salt, pepper, and often ground cumin. Some people also add finely puréed tomatoes, and many variations are possible.

1. Vegetarian or mixed momos are becoming increasingly popular in India and Nepal.
2. Potato, similar to Indian samosas, with small dice of firm potato in a tomato based sauce.
3. Cheese, usually a fresh cheese, this variety is common in Bhutan and Sikkim.

The dough is fashioned into small circular flat pieces. The filling is then enclosed either in a round pocket or in a half moon shape or crescent. The dumplings are then cooked by steaming over a soup (either a stock based on bones or tomato-based), which is served with the dumplings, as well as chili sauce. The dumplings may also be pan-fried or deep-fried after being steamed. They are often accompanied by an Indian pickle achar.

History

Momos are a traditional delicacy in Tibet, Bhutan, Sikkim, Nepal, and Ladakh. They are one the most popular fast food in those regions. They are also common in places with noticeable Nepalese diaspora, such as Assam, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, and West Bengal (particularly in Darjeeling). Over the last decade momos have become a very popular street food in many Nepalese cities such as Kathmandu, Pokhara, Dharan. In Nepal, Chicken, Buff i.e.Buffalo, Vegetarian, Mutton, Pork, Shrimp, Paneer Momo are made. Momo is often described as being “the best food ever.”

So after reading all the deadly material about momos, lets plan a tour for momos.

What is the Idea behind momos tour? Well, as I called it momo mania. As you know that I am a traveler by nature and momos is the dish which connecting many stats continents and countries.

1. So let’s start our tour from Leh and Ladakh. Leh and Ladakh is very much connected with Tibet from its cultural and traditional values. The hights and cold is putting its effect in the food and you will get absolute fantastic taste.
2. Himachal and Uttaranchal, I am calling this place is 2nd haven on the earth (After Kashmir). We will recognize and explore the different cultures here. With the fabulous variation of weather you will find pease of mind here. It’s a green valley and most romantic place on the earth. With lot of verities from nature to culture, you can explore the many verities of Momos here. On every 4 or 5 KMs you can get a new taste of momos here even somewhere you can also find the fried momos… Wow… you must explore the places like Manali, Dharmshala, Dalhousie, Shimla, Nainital, Masuree here.
3. Next Stop, Amritsar and Chandigarh (Common Capital of Punjab and Haryana), in India I must say the people of Punjab and Haryana are always keen for good, healthy and tasty food. Momos is becoming very common fast food here. Since last couple of years, you can find many momo stalls here. You can explore many points here and enjoy your trip to Punjab and Haryana, don’t forget to visit Swarn Mandir (Golden Temple) at Amritsar and don’t forget to taste LASSI here.
4. NEW DELHI… Do you remember the song of Delhi 6? “ye delli hai mere yaar.. bas isqu, mohabaat, pyar” in real Delhi is absolutely like this. We are also calling it the Food Capital of India as well. Evey single person in the city is a food lover. Delhi is the big city and has mix culture. People came in the city from different stats and build it according to their culture and also with the taste. If you called it a Small India, no doubt that this statement is absolutely true. With the combination of different cultures which brings from the people came in the city from different areas they also come with the different tastes, different recipes. Momos are very common in New Delhi, in ever small and big market you can find the momos stalls here, even the most of the small and big restaurants are also serving momos.
5. Next Destination …. Any guesses???  atleast try once.
   You can’t imagine its Kathmandu and Pokhra in Nepal. Beautiful destinations with tasty momos. No doubt if you visit at Kathmandu and Pokhra you will see the most beautiful place on the earth. At Kathmandu, you must visit to Pashupati Nath Mandir. For momos as you know that Nepal and Tibet located on neighborhood it is commonly use dish at Nepal you can explore that awesome taste there.
6. Sikkim… What a beauty. Queen of Nature has given its best to Sikkim. If you love travel I must suggest you that you should go there once in your life. People are so friendly there and it is for sure that you will enjoy your time there. For momos, as you know Sikkim has located at India’s north east area so no doubt that you will get some best momos there. Even you can find many verities are there and all the medium and big restaurants are serving that.
7. North East Reasons…. I must call that area as untouched beauty of nature. Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura are the real beauties of nature. If you are a nature lover, North East India is not less then heaven for you. And yes you can find some finest quality momos here.

So friends, what are you thinking for momo trip?… Lets pack you bag cause I have given you a excuse of holidays J

Commonwealth Games impair the commons wealth

Had read this view from Gaurav Sharma

The madness of government and sports officials to ‘prepare’ New Delhi for hosting Common Wealth Games (CWG) in October 2010 has once again come under severe criticism from social workers, civil society and intellectuals. The latest charge is that to create a glittery image of Delhi for CWG, poor and marginalized sections of the society are deprived of their basic human rights. The authorities are putting in the war like efforts for beautification of Indian capital for CWG. But instead of delivering benefits to the masses, holding of such mega events, which will cost Rs 30,000 crore to India, have done a great damage to the economic and social fabric of New Delhi.

A comprehensive report “The 2010 Commonwealth Games: Whose Wealth?” prepared by Housing and Land Right Network and released recently in New Delhi raises many disconcerting questions related to the big sporting event.

“When one in three Indians lives below the poverty line and 40 per cent of the world’s hungry live in India, when 46 per cent of India’s children and 55 per cent of its women are malnourished, does spending thousands of crores of rupees on a 12-day sports event build ‘national pride’ or is it a matter of national shame”, asks the report.

Forced eviction, diversion of funds, cost escalations, bypassing of democratic institutional framework and rampant exploitation of workers at CWG construction sites will have negative socio-economic impact on the city, points out the report.

“There are serious issues about the socio-economic impact which the forthcoming CWG will have on Delhi”, said Former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court Justice M P Shah while releasing the report.

“In the name of beautifying Delhi, the government can not throw street vendors, beggars, rickshaw pullers, and poor out of the city. These people play a pivotal role in the city by providing their services to common man”, remarked Justice Shah.

Ridiculing the Delhi government’s anti-beggar drive, Justice Shah said “The state government has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court to deport beggars to their states of origin. Fraudsters, thieves and corrupt politicians can stay in the city, but not beggars!”

The report highlights that beggars and homeless citizens are being arrested and arbitrarily detained under the Bombay Prevention of Beggary Act, 1959. The Department of Social Welfare had also announced “no-tolerance” zones in Delhi and there are plans to send the beggars back to their States of origin.

Dr Ambitabh Kundu, Professor of Economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University, described the Commonwealth games as very powerful tool to exclude the marginalised section of the society.

Shedding light on the ambiguity of slogans coined in run up to the Games like ‘slum-free city’ and ‘affordable housing’, Professor Kundu said “These slogans mislead people as poor think ‘slum-free city’ means better housing facilities for them whereas elite think that slum-dwellers will be thrown out.”

“The question is not the benefit of holding Commonwealth games but the beneficiaries who are politicians, private players, and elite class,” added Prof Kundu.

Director of Hazards Centre, a professional support group and resource outfit, Dunu Roy alleged that decision making process in planning Games was undemocratic in nature.

Mr Roy charged, “Much of the planning has not been done within the democratic institutional framework”.

Expressing dismay at the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s statement during Copenhagen Summit that Common Wealth Games will be green and add carbon credit to India, Roy said that such statements represent either poor information or ‘deliberate’ and ‘wilful ignorance’.

According to the report, the budget for the CWG has risen from an initial projection of Rs 1,889 crore to an official figure of Rs 10,000 crore. Independent experts have pegged the budget at Rs 30,000 crore.

In contrast to the report’s findings Roy said that if we include several related infrastructure projects, total budget estimate would reach Rs 80,000 crore.

The report also highlights that “While the total budget for ‘beautification’ projects on Delhi is undisclosed, the amount already spent by the government is hundreds of crores. The streetscaping of just one street, Lodhi Road, is estimated to cost Rs 1855 crore.”

The experts believe that CW Games are unlikely to improve level of sports in India since investment is concentrated on stadiums, which lie largely unused after the  event, as in the case of the 1982 Asian games.

The report demands a detailed inquiry into the decision-making and bidding process as well as the total expenditure on the Games. It states that the government should have a long-term legacy plan based on human rights and environmental sustainability.

There is also a need to investigate officials who had overstated the benefits of the Games, withheld critical information and misappropriated funds and also to investigate allegations of human rights violations related to the Games.

“A post-Games audit and detailed social and environmental impact assessment are also required,” the report said.

Reference link http://www.d-sector.org/

Monsoon Movements # 1 Lonavala / Khandala

In India have you heard about the Monsoon Vacations? Ask to a fisher man.

After facing 48 degree temperature now we are noticing silent hints of monsoon. Yes it is, it’s starting of Monsoon session, slightly feeling AHHH it’s raining. Chilling summer is going out and monsoon season is coming in, now prepare to chill rain, find your umbrellas, rain suites etc.

I am specially waiting for this season as it is one of my favorite seasons. I have enjoyed rain on many places in India. So it is my regards to rain and I am sharing some special movement with you.

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Lonavala / Khandala, Maharashtra:

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One of most beautiful place in the earth, especially in the rainy season it becomes a loveliest place and yes, very romantic. Situated at near Mumbai Pune express highway, not exactly at express way but there is a way to connect it.

I was staying there at a place which had organized by a BABA JI (Not a Saint). He was an old man (Sorry Baba ji), we called him Baba Ji, and I am really thankful to him because of that he had provided that very good room on very cheap cost where everyone is asking at least 3 to 4 time higher cost then the regular days. He has also suggested us where to go and how to go with the average cost of taxis.  BABA JI next time I will be there will defiantly stay with you once again, that’s my promise, god bless you.

I want to recognize Bulshy Dam, I really loved that place and enjoyed it very much. And those small points where our auto rickshaw (He was famous there as Fiber Wala) who bring us to some beautiful places and also help us to find Baba Ji’s guest house. Carla caves are very good must visit.

I would like to write about 1 special thing and famous there, whenever you go there must eat “CHIKKI”, I really loved it, very testy. It is available in different flavors and nuts.

Its kind of monsoon season as you and your partner will never forge the rainy movement here. Rest of things you can read any where on the internet.

Some Attractions:

To be continue……

New Delhi Meri Jaan (My Soul).

Hi Delhihights, friends since almost 1 yr, I am facing very much problem with renovation of Delhi, possibly due to Commonwealth games. I am saying “Possibly” because since last 25 years, I haven’t seen this type of renovation changes in Delhi. This is the 1st time I am noticing these kinds of major level changes in the city.

Anyways, it is really good and I appreciate the renovation change in Delhi. New Delhi is the capital of India. It is representing Indian icon in front of world and It should be very managed city as other World Class cities. That’s why I appreciate these kinds of changes and renovations.

But my question is “why we are always wake up on some special occasions?”
Why we are not providing a better live hood ship to its citizens. And why our we are always wakeup at the time when they feels that “now the time of shame”.

We are the citizen of India, living in New Delhi. Don’t we have rights to apt these kinds of facilities before any occasions? Or we are not that much important where government should think to provide better facilities to its citizens. It is not all; sometimes it hurt when you feel that upto 15% people don’t have roof in their head, having largest number of baggers in the city as compare to any other Indian city, highest crime Graff then any other Indian city. Our fundamental right is becoming “fund a mental” rights. About the rules and regulation situation, we have a very small law is “no smoking” in public area but I think less then a 1% people obeys this law. Now imagine the situation on high level laws.

If we have been developing our city on a planned structure since last 25 years, We had enough chances to build it as any other world class cities. Because many of Japanese, Chinese and US cities has been destroyed in storm and re developed in very short span of time. And “We are still stuck in traffic jam on every red light”.

Top 10 Weekend Destinations in India.

India is one of the most popular destinations for tourism and holidays. Every year a large number of tourists and vacationers visit India to make celebrate their holidays in Indian exotic holiday destinations. Even in India, people are very much travel lover. As per my previous experiences I have selected some Indian city which is most suitable to a short break where you can utilize your weekend time with peace.

1. Corbett, Uttranchal : The Corbett National Park is the first national parks of India. It has been on of the popular destinations for holidays in India. It attracts a big number of nature lovers, wildlife lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
2. Rishikesh, Uttranchal : It is also known as the gateway to the Himalayas  and is located around 25 kilometres  away from another holy city, Haridwar. Rishikesh is the starting point for traveling to the sites that form the Char Dham pilgrimage — Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
3. Agra, Utter Pradesh: Agra’s top two sights by far are the incomparable Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The Taj Mahal is an immense mausoleum of white marble, built between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife. Taj Mahal means Crown Palace; one of the wife’s names was Mumtaz Mahal, Ornament of the Palace. The Taj is one of the most well preserved and architecturally beautiful tombs in the world, one of the masterpieces of Indian Muslim architecture, and one of the great sites of the world’s heritage. The Agra Fort is similar in layout to the Red Fort in Delhi, but considerably better preserved, as much of Delhi Fort was razed by the British after the Mutiny. As much as palace as a defensive structure, it is also constructed mainly from red sandstone.

1. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra : Due to its high altitude, the town has a cool climate and offers many pleasant walks. There are several lookout points which offer spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. There is an old Shiva temple in the forest, which is the source of five rivers, including the Krishna river which is the second longest river of peninsular India.Its very good place to visit. Mahabaleshwar is visited by many thousands of tourists every year. It is well connected by bus with the important towns of the region. There are numerous hotels for every budget. The peak season is March-May; it rains very heavily from June to September.
   1. Although there are close to 25 ‘Points’ in Mahabaleshwar, lots of these points would give you the same view (of mountains/valley) from a slightly different angle. The following are a must: Lodwick Point, Arthur’s Seat, Babington Point, Wilson Point, Kate’s Point, Bombay Point (Sunset Point), Elephant’s head Point, Lingamala Falls,
2. Panchgani, Maharashtra : Panchgani is surrounded by mountains, hills and jagged cliffs. The Krishna River flows through Panchgani adding to the areas natural beauty. The town has a colonial style and in the past Panchani served as a holiday place for wealthy British families. English boarding schools are remnants of the areas colonial past. Penchgani is a refuge from city life and is the ideal place to relax. Visitors enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery. Penchgani must do’s include water sports, hill stations, caves and temples.
3. Pondicherry, Pondicherry U.T.: Though very small, Pondicherry was the largest French colony in India. The city has a long and interesting history of trade and war. There is a strong French influence in the city, especially in the old quarters, with Rues and Boulevards lined with Mediterranean style houses and bakeries, although the city remains very much Indian. French is still understood, and the whole city makes for rather pleasant mix of East and West
4. Hassan, Karnataka: Hassan is a very good place,often called as poor mans ooty. It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the heart of Karnataka architecture, greenery and water. It is about 185 km from Bangalore City. Hassan as require direct train facility from Bangalore. About 4 hours from Bangalore. Start early in the morning from Bangalore to avoid the traffic on the Bangalore-Mumbai Road till Nelamangala. After that it is a nice car trip. Carry a map along with you.
5. Coonoor, Tamilnadu: Coonoor is a famous hill station that is 17 km from Ooty in Tamil Nadu, India. It is probably the second most popular hill station in the Nilgiris. The hill station stands at a height of 1839 meters and is known for its great picnic spots and picturesque surroundings. Coonoor is also famous for tea gardens and tea factories. Coonoor provides the traveler with the panoramic view of the lush green Nilgiri hills, with its ravines, valleys, and waterfalls. Bird watching is a popular pastime in Coonoor, as the area boasts of a large variety of species like cormorants, pipits, thrushes, parakeets, skylarks, Nilgiri verditer, etc. Travelers can take a walk through the tea gardens. There are number of trekking and hiking trails around Coonoor.
6. Munnar : Also known as the Kashmir of India, Munnar is a very popular and beautiful hill station located in the charming and captivating state of Kerala. Refreshing air, adventure sport activities, lush plantations, etc are attractions of Munnar.
7. Goa : Goa is perhaps one of the most popular holiday destinations in India. It attracts vacationers with beautiful beaches, intricate churches & convents and exotic wildlife. It provides vacationers a wonderful opportunity to indulge in water sport activities like scuba diving, water scootering, water skiing, etc.

There are many other holiday destinations in India such Kashmir, Gulmarg, Kodaikanal, Kochi, etc where you can make your holidays in memorable ways. I have choose above destinations as per my personal experience.

National Zoological Park, New Delhi – Animal Prison

Last week I had a visit to National Zoological Park in Delhii. I am writing here because of my bad experience.

National Zoological Park is a most common tourist attraction in New Delhi and somewhere I read that, it is one of the finest Zoological Park in Asia. But as per my last experience I must say that it is the worst Zoological Park in Asia, even in world. It is just equal to Animal Jail where government keeps Animals and Birds into the prison for sentence cause.

I have observed the following things there:

1. The ZOO is not well maintained (Sorry Well maintain is greater degree, it should be maintain). The animals were in real bad health. One of the Deer had wound with infected of bug germs. To see that view it was real horrible situation. But we were not able to do anything. It is in really bad situation.
2. The size of Animal and Bird’s compartment is outstanding. Management has done hard work to build this much small compartment. I guess they are thinking that animals and birds are too small like a cave. compartment is enough for them to spend their complete life.
3. Management left some wild monkeys in the field and they always entertain you by snatching your bags lances, biting you but not to worry about that because it is for giving you some natural touch
4. Some animals are alone in the compartment because they don’t have right to be social. They are just animal.
5. You can see many big Mouse in to the Birds compartment. Management specially placed them as an added advantage.
6. The area was stinking very badly and there were no guides in view.
7. India has almost 350 types of snakes but National Zoological Park’s management loves only Python, that’s why among around 15 Cells there is around 10 python. Other 5 snakes has very shy type and difficult to see them.
8. If I leave some special cells, other has no option of water and it is remarkable to see thursty animals in the park..

There is long chain of points, if you would like to write. I am stopping here because of I think it is enough to indicate the current situation.

India has 1411 tiger left in the country and among all the tigers, more than 150 are in the prison (Zoological Parks) and waiting for their death.

This year Delhi has common wealth games and government is spending more then 3000 Billion for preparation. It is almost as equal to 30 Project Tiger. I am requesting the authorities to kindly look into the matter and preserve the wild life present and add more.

Travel Advice

I was recently on my holiday breaks and traveling many destinations . I met with many people and share good experience with them. I have noticed that most of the foreigner travelers facing some difficulties. here is some useful advices, which I think to write for traveling.

Health Advice

Immunisation

Before traveling to any destination, you must consult with your doctor about the necessity of immunizations from disease (eg. Tetanus, Hepatitis etc.) for the countries you intend to visit. Also it is necessary to collect your International Health Certificate, after any immunization done. It will be useful to show at immigration checkpoints and hospitals

Medication

It’s very important to carry sufficient amounts of medicines which will easily cover the trip with a bit left over to avoid any kind of emergencies. Sometime some particular medicines are not using or banned in different countries, in this case we always prefer to ask your doctor about it. If your medication requires a prescription, always make sure that while traveling you always carry a copy of prescription.

Travel Checklist

Here is some easy and useful checklist for you:

Plan a rough idea of your complete travel and explore your requirements eg. Tour, Car Hire, Accommodation etc. You can discuss these things with your consultant.

Read about your travel destination on net with details of culture, emergency contact number, local activities and transport.

Check all your travel related documents carefully for precision and for any small queries, immediately contact with your travel consultant. Carry Xerox copy (photocopy) of all your documents separate to your originals.

Always go with Travel insurance it is very important as like as your flight tickets.

Please check that your passport and visas are in order. Please reconfirm all your flights directly with the appropriate airline.

When reconfirming your flights, please check that any frequent flyer numbers, special meals and seating requests are in order.

Please retain all boarding passes and tickets until accrual of frequent flyer points has been confirmed on your statement.

Check your bags and do not carry unusual things with you also confirm the international baggage allowances. It is important to check all these before travel.