Author: Rekha

Trekking in High Altitude – A Beginner’s Guide

Published by Rekha

The craze for outdoors has seen a great high in the last few years. There are more number of people going on treks or doing adventure activities now than ever before. Its a good sign, but what is not good is the lack of preparation by the people before indulging in such trips. I have seen people coming on treks without even knowing what it is all about. This attitude can be dangerous both to yourself and the environment. While stepping into the wilderness, it’s our duty to follow the guidelines correctly. We need to respect the mountains only then will the mountains respect us. I consider myself as a nascent trekker that is yet learning about the mountains and trekking. Yet, I have made a simple guide from whatever learning I had through my years of trekking in the Himalayas. If you are a first-time high altitude trekker, I hope this guide helps you in becoming a responsible trekker and makes your first trek enjoyable: 1. No Alcohol   You would have often heard …

Ranthambhore Tales

Published by Rekha

Somewhere hidden in the heart of Rajasthan is the small district of Sawai Madhopur where lies the gorgeous and mystical forest of Ranthambhore. Perched between Aravalli and Vindhya hill ranges, Ranthambhore is spread across 500 kms and offers great sighting of wildlife. The forest takes you on a tour of the magical landscape that changes in every few kms. From dense, green foliage to the barren open spaces, from sun kissed long grasses to the mystical remains of the majestic fort. Ranthambhore is a paradise for wildlife lovers. As soon as you step into the forest, you get transported to a world of bygone eras where the forest used to be the hunting ground of Maharajas of Jaipur. Every stone, every rock, every structure tells you stories of these royalties. But what’s even more exciting is exploring the wildlife that is ruling the jungle now. And if you are a photographer or a wildlife enthusiastic, then just pack your bags and head to Ranthambhore like we did. Because there’s nothing like waking up to the …

RAIL ROKO ANDOLAN

Published by Rekha

Photo Courtesy – Atul Vaidya Being an Indian, one mode of transport which we all would have used at least once in our life is a train. A mere mention of trains can evoke in our life many memories like the fun filled train journeys during vacations, an exciting journey to reach your hometown or the boring train journey for business. I have always been a big fan of train journeys; it’s hard to tell you what I like the most, I still can’t figure out if it is the beautiful sceneries, the hustle and bustle in the train, the constant chattering of the people or the endless food items making the rounds at every station. But in midst all these things, there is something more to the Indian rails and that is “RAIL ROKO ANDOLAN.” It is a common terminology in India, literally meaning “Stop the Train Movement” and it’s mainly used by a group of people who want to make certain bodies, mainly the government, listen to their woes. So, what happens when …

The Local – New Secret South Mumbai Pub

Published by Rekha

Right now, Mumbai is experiencing a rapid change in food culture. Everyday one gets to hear about some new restaurant, pub or patisserie opening around the city. From specialized restaurants to world cuisine, from pop ups to cooking studios, you name it and Mumbai has it and adding on to this list is the new secret pub “The Local” in South Mumbai. The concept of “The Local” is quite unique, its a secret pub, the entry to which is only through a special code. And thanks to Mumbai Boss, I won a chance to experience “The Local” before it opened its doors for everyone. What’s the address? The place is nestled between the numerous shops standing still on M. G Road, Fort. We followed the directions given to us, still it took us a while to locate the place, remember its a secret pub, so there was no sign board. As guided, we were standing cluelessly in front of Currimjee Building, and we kept staring at the graffiti art wall. Suddenly, we hear a voice …

Peanut Butter French Toast with Maple Syrup

Published by Rekha

We all have our favorite meal that we look forward to having and for me that meal is my breakfast. Yes, I love gorging on breakfasts! A mere thought of freshly made eggs, toasted bread, butter, jam, poha, upma, steaming hot idlis makes me salivate 😛 You give me anything for breakfast and I will happily gobble it down. One of my favorite breakfast dish is French Toast, I love everything about French Toast, its smell, its golden brown color and crispy taste. So one sunny morning, I decided to treat myself with some yummy Peanut Butter French Toast topped with Maple Syrup. And boy, It really did pump up my day! Things you need: 2 – 4 Brown Bread Slices 1/2 Cup Milk 1 Egg Peanut Butter Sugar and Salt to taste Pinch of Cinnamon (Optional) Butter To Fry How it works: Spread generous amount of peanut butter on the bread slices and keep them aside. In a bowl, mix the milk, egg, sugar and salt, add a pinch of cinnamon.  One by one dip each bread into …

Ari Podi (Rice Powder)

Published by Rekha

There are recipes and then, there are recipes which are passed on from generations to generations. And, one such recipe is Ari Podi which is a family favorite and has seen many generations in our household. Its my all time favorite, and I am not ashamed to say that I can gorge on it anytime. Before, I go gaga about this dish, let me tell you what Ari Podi means, its literal translation is rice powder. “ARI PODI” is a Tulu word, I know I know, now most of you are wondering what Tulu is now? Tulu is a spoken language of Shettys from Karnataka, that’s where I come from. Coming back to Ari Podi, let me tell you the reason for loving this dish so much, its the easiest and the tastiest snack and it does not require many ingredients or lot of time to prepare it. So, here is the recipe for this simple and gorgeous dish.  Things you need: 100 gms Roasted Rice Powder. 50 gms Grated Coconut. 25 gms Grated Jaggery. …

Confessions Of A Non Runner

Published by Rekha

Photo Courtesy: Vivek Iyer Have you ever tried running? If you haven’t, then you should definitely give it a try now. You will be surprised to discover so many new things about yourself. I never ran in my life until, I decided to register for Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2013. This was my first half marathon and I was super excited for it, so excited that a day before the SCMM run I even dreamt about missing it. But luckily for me nothing like that happened and there I was at 5.15 a.m all ready for my run to start from Bandra Fire Station. Finally, it was the moment I was waiting for, the moment I had been training for, the moment to make myself proud. After meeting my trainers and wishing my running group and other friends, I headed to be in my running section that is C. As, I headed towards my start line, there were two guys walking behind me, chit chatting, suddenly I felt one of the guys face brushing my shoulders. Though the guy said sorry, …

Boondi Laddoo Kulfi

Published by Rekha

What happens when you have leftover sweets at home and you do not want to throw it away? All you need is little milk, some imagination and voila, amazing, creamy Boondi Laddoo Kulfi is ready. I thought about making this, when I ended up with, yes, you guessed it right “LEFTOVER LADDOOS” which nobody in the house wanted to eat anymore. So, I thought let’s experiment and I must say, it turned out pretty good and everyone loved my Boondi Laddoo Kulfi. You too should try it out, here is the recipe:  Things you need: 1 Litre Milk. 2 – 3 Laddoos. Nuts (Badam, Pista, Kaju) – Finely Chopped.  Sugar (Optional) How it works: Bring the milk to boil in a heavy bottom pan. Now, break the Boondi Laddoos and keep aside. Once the milk starts boiling, add the Boondis and keep stirring the mixture, till the milk reduces to half and thickens up to a creamy texture. This procedure is same like  making Rabdi. Once it reaches the desired consistency, add the nuts and …

Good Food Day At ITC, Parel

Published by Rekha

Ever wondered what is good food? For some, it might be the food that tastes divine, for some it might be simple home cooked food, for some its their favorite food and for me Good Food means, “A meal whose sight and bite makes me happy and content in life.” Its that happy rush which you get at every bite you take, which shoots straight to your heart and off course your tummy. And, that’s exactly what the idea was at BBC Good Food Magazine’s Good Food Day organized by Times Group at ITC Grand Central.  Good Food Day was a celebration of three cuisines Indian, Pan Asian and European at ITC’s Kebabs and Curries, Shanghai Club and Hornby’s Pavilion respectively.  The 8 course meals were cooked by some of the best chefs of Mumbai. The moment I got to know about Good Food Day, I had decided to attend it. And that’s what I did, I attended it with my foodie friend Sushant, we choose the European cuisine at Hornby’s Pavilion. So, here is my view on Good …

Zindagi

Published by Rekha

Zindagi ki bhaag daud mein, Choot jate hain  Kuch yaadein, kuch sapney,  Kuch beeti baatein,kuch log.  Aur hum kho jaate hain ek aisi bheed mein, Jahan na kissi ke sapney dikthe hain, Na kisi ki muskurahat, na kisi ki khamoshi, na kisi ke dard. Aakhir Kyun is ehaasas ko liye hum chale, Apne in khwaboon ko yun marode!