On a warm December morning, we decided to take a trip to Qutub Minar, more to make up for our daughters missed school field study. So we packed for a picnic at the Qutab Minar. Being busy on Sundays, due to the huge turnover of people, our early trip could only begin at noon. But once we were in the complex, the stress associated with it was gone.
Passing through the security, we reached the first threshold, marked by an arched structure. It was then that nostalgia hit me- I had returned to the monument almost after 10 years. Faint memories began to cloud my mind. I knew this trip was going to be more than a picnic.
Moving on, we caught the first glimpses of the tower. My camera was soon out, although photography was never my forte and I became the self appointed tour guide for our small group of three.
Taking the other route we first saw the Alai Minar, the other victory tower which never got completed.
Alia Minar, incomplete, solid rubble building.
Alia Minar, incomplete, solid rubble building.
By now the history buff in me had met the amateur photographer. As we approached, the expression on my three-year-old face was priceless. There stood the awe-inspiring Qutub Minar in all its glory.
Now a UNESCO world heritage site, it was built around the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque. It served as a minaret to the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque but its design and architectural style make it one of the most significant buildings in Indian architecture. It marks the rise of Indo-Islamic architecture in India.
Built in red sandstone, marble, limestone and rubble masonry, it has five storeys accessed by an internal spiral staircase. First three storeys are built in sandstone while the top two are built in marble, the change in material marking its evolution over time. Each storey is separated by beautiful balconies supported on intricate stone brackets.
The desire to erect towering structures to reflect the might of monarchs and the need to create large congregational spaces for a new religion, led to the development of a new pattern of spaces. The use of Hindu craftsmen, local building material fused with Islamic construction techniques, lends the Qutub complex a unique character.
The walls of the minar are inscribed with, beautiful verses of the Quran and tales of the towers history.
Colds in Maharashtra are never as harsh as they are in the northern states. But this doesn’t stop the fun-loving Maharashtrians from enjoying the many charms of winters, particularly, staging mind-relaxing getaways. Within the state, there is no shortage of places to enjoy a few days of the cold in. In this article, we have listed ten that you should definitely visit.
Mahabaleshwar is an old hill station known for its scenic beauty and many vantage points. There are many points like the Arthur’s Seat, offering an encompassing view of the Jor Valley, the Elphinstone Point, or the Wilson Point, which is the highest (~1400 metres) on this vast plateau spread over 150 kilometres. Nearby, in the Old Mahabaleshwar you can find a number of ancient temples like the Old Mahabaleshwar Temple, or the Panchganga Temple. Most importantly, Mahabaleshwar is also the source of the river Krishna.
This beautiful hill station is located about 100 kilometres from Pune, sitting in the middle of five mountains of the Sahyadri Range. Remarkably, the volcanic plateau in Panchgani, known locally as “Table Land” is the second highest in Asia. It is an extension of the Deccan Plateau. Among popular spots are the Sydney point, which offers a stunning view of the Dhom Dam Lake, and the Parsi Point that provides a vantage of the Krishna River Valley.
Chikhaldara is a famous hill station in the Amravati District, located 230 kilometres from Nagpur. This place has a fair share of beautiful landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife. Also situated nearby is the Melghat Tiger Reserve that has a sizeable population of Bengal Tigers (around 41 in 2017), along with 80 other mammalian species. Shakkar and Kalapani are the two prominent lakes.
Located less than 300 kilometres from Pune is the small hill town of Gagan Bawda. If you take a detour to 60 kilometres north, for Mudagad Fort, or similar distance south for Shivgad Fort, you will find soul-quenching trekking opportunities in the misty Western Ghats. Among the must-see spots here are the Gagangad Fort, the Karul Ghat, and the Bhuibawada Ghat.
This lakeside paradise is located in the Ahmednagar district. Lake Arthur is a hotspot for camping enthusiasts and there are many treks leading to and from it, like the Kalsubai Peak Trek. Around 7 kilometres from the camping site, one can experience water falling from 170 feet at the Randha Falls of the Pravara river. Maharashtra’s highest peak is also in Bhandardara- the Cenozoic-era Kalsubai, with a modest elevation of 1645 metres, is roughly 13 kilometres by road from Lake Arthur, and is easily accessible by trek. When you have the latest Makemytrip coupons & cashback offers, there are all the more reasons to visit this place.
Located just 100 kilometres south of Mumbai, this coastal town is known for its beaches, like the Nagaon Beach or the Varsoli Beach. Another attraction is the Kanakeshwar forest, and with its up close animal encounters, it makes a great place for a leisurely trek with family. The seventeenth century Kolaba Fort is also a popular tourist destination.
Ganpatipule can be easily defined by its clean beaches. The Ganpatipule beach, lined with resorts, and the Ganpatipule Temple, is a perfect place to marvel at the Arabian Sea. There is also ample provision for water sports enthusiasts. Arey Ware is to the north of the Ganpatipule and is less crowded, particularly during the winters. Further north is the Malgund beach.
Another in the long list of Western Ghat hill stations is the isolated town of Igatpuri. This place is sure to provide you with a peaceful environment. Among the places to visit is the centuries-old Tringalwadi Fort, and the Ashoka Falls, which is surrounded by lush hills.
Located in the Satpura Ranges, this humble hill station is as serene as it is beautiful. There are two lakes in the vicinity, the Yashwant Lake that spans over 1.5 kilometers, and the Lotus Lake that gets laden lotus flowers during the blossom season. Other attractions include the the Sita Khai waterfall.
This reserve was formed in 1995, as part of ‘project tiger’, and encompasses the Tadoba National Park and the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary. The 625 square kilometres of lush green forests are dotted by the towns of Chimur, Moharali, and Kosla that are full of luxury wildlife resorts. On a wildlife safari, if you’re lucky you may spot one of the 88 Bengal Tigers, or you can witness the biodiversity marked by birds like the crested serpent eagle, and reptiles like the endangered Indian Star Tortoise.
So if you’re planning a long winter vacation, or a short getaway, you know which places should be on your list. Don’t forget to get the Latest Coupons and Offers from DesiDime.
Stepwells, locally called baolis or baoris, are a reminder of how civilizations have flourished in the north by tackling the dry, arid climate.
These water harvesting systems are special form of wells, in which the water can be reached by descending a set of steps. During their days of relevance, these reservoirs tapped into underground water tables and stored clean potable water.
A typical stepwell is linear, and comprises of a central stepped corridor, covered on three sides, pavilions, leading to a well. Over time, these simple designs evolved into more elaborate structures.
Typically, a stepwell can be several storeys deep, with lattice work on walls, carved columns, decorated towers, and intricate sculpture work. They are exceptional examples architecture of the time.
The designers also employed a number of anti-earthquake techniques. Pilasters, multiple symmetries, a low centre of gravity, pavilions (both steadying and cross bracing), and careful fitting of rectangular blocks made it nearly impossible to roll a stone out of place.
The magnificence, however, of these structures lies in the sensory experience that is provided by spatial organization of their various architectural elements. The pilasters of the pavilion at the entrance mark the only existence on ground, almost hidden in plain sight.
As one starts to descend down, the process of moving through the space itself becomes an event. The horizontal movement contrasts linear organization of elements, accentuated by inclined movement on the vertical steps, continuously changes the visual frames. The experience is also enhanced due to change in scale and proportion as one descends down this unique spatial arrangement.
This moment on, the senses are engaged in a sublime experience. Soon the cacophony of the outside world becomes hushed, and the bright light begins to darken gradually. The intense summer heat cools down at subterranean levels. The air is filled with mystery and intrigue as one observes the structure rising.
Problem of Irrelevance
Plan and section, Vikia step well, Gujarat. Image source: Aesirlab.cc
For historical communities, the significance of this public utility building has been beyond its utilitarian purpose. For Hindus, for instance, the presence of water invested in these wells carried religious meaning. The micro-climate inside also provided a respite from the heat, making them appropriate resting places for travelers (sarai).
However, with changing times, these structures have lost value, not only as water harvesting systems but also as community buildings. In time of bottled water and perennial taps, use of a stepwell is nothing short of impractical. Also, the structural decay has rendered their use impossible even as water systems. However, despite this functional irrelevance, these architectural marvels continue to intrigue their visitors.
“Adaptive reuse enables a historic building to continuously derive relevance from use, and thus remain dynamically evolving.”
Adaptive Reuse as the Solution
The solution to this problem can be found in the concept of adapting the stepwells for uses that are compatible with the modern community.
One example of such reuse is The Neemrana ki Baoli, which is being converted to a Crafts’ Haat. Built in 1760s by Raja Todar Mal, this 9-storey well was to serve as a guard against famine. But in the last few decades, the baoli stood neglected- mainly because the feeding well, from which the baoli-well draws water through seepage, was ceded to private ownership, and as a result the water was rendered inappropriate for use.
The project, being undertaken by the Union Ministry of Tourism, involves restoring many roofs, re-doing the brackets, flooring, plastering, and ensuring security through metal gates and katheras (stone parapets). The steps, about 200 in number, will also be given a new birth. Undoubtedly, the interventions in the project are intentional and are meant to be permanent.
Being only 125 kilometres from Delhi and in close proximity to the Neemrana Fort-Palace, the renewal is expected to fetch substantial tourist traffic.
Crafts’ Haat Work in Progress at Neemran ki Baoli – Image Source – Sandeep Subhash
But there is another way of adaptive reuse, where the interventions are not directly intentional and the changes are only temporary. The In 2008, the Agrasen ki baoli, located in central Delhi, was used as the background for an art installation as part of ‘48℃ Public-Art-Ecology Festival’. Thus, for three days, the baoli served the function of an exhibition space.
Temporary Exhibition Space at Agrasen ki Bavdi Image Source
The concept of adaptive reuse can be applied to any public monument or building of historical value. Historic buildings are essentials of cultural heritage, valuable resources with architectural and historic value, and with smart reuse techniques, they can also be economically and practically valuable.
Here are some more arguments:
● Adaptive reuse helps in preserving architectural and cultural heritage, which also serves educational purpose of displaying techniques and lifestyles of bygone days.
● Adaptive reuse also helps in providing job opportunities to the local craftsmen and laborers. Since most of the building is already built, the work needed to fit new function requires less money, making them economical.
● These old building are also environmentally beneficial, as they are designed to include natural light and ventilation, thus conserving energy.
● Water buildings will never return to serve as they did, but it is possible to reuse them for a new use, while still preserving the unique typology.
Being a full-time artist is a tough job. Financial suffering aside, what breaks an artist, or simply makes it harder and harder for her to continue, is the state of not being able to find appreciation, or in worse cases- even acknowledgement. But some artists break all these barriers to become truly celebrated and their work becomes world renowned. Jamini Roy also belongs to this league.
Roy was born in the Bankura district of present-day West Bengal, and at an age 16, joined the Government School of Art and Craft at Calcutta (Kolkata). This was a time when the Indian elite was showing greater participation in patronizing and creation of new art, as is evident from the fact that Abanindranath Tagore became the first Indian to join the school. During his time here, young Jamini studied the western academic styles, particularly the post-impressionist style prominent in his early works.
But that style wasn’t to be permanent, and only a few years into his professional career, he started experimenting with various styles, eventually finding inspiration in folk art. This led to the complete turnover of western style and materials. Soon watercolors were substituted by tempera on diverse materials, from simple paper, to canvas, cane weaving, boards, and cloth.
Direct associations can be drawn between his paintings and the Kalighat style. His treatment of subjects, which ranges from the early-career commissioned portraits to the Santhal tribal life, is defined by strict lines, fluid calligraphic strokes, simple symmetrical, and high-value colours.
His oeuvre features a simplification of human expressions, with eyes being emphasised through size. This can be ascribed to his experience with impressionism, and is probably meant to communicate what he thought of as the simple nature of his subjects- the Santhals in particular, or women in general. One can find this feature in the tempera on paper work titled ‘Santhal Dance’.
‘Santhal Girl’ on plyboard is another example of Roy’s proficiency in combining the western and folk styles. Curved line of the woman gives a sensual, youthful appearance, leading the eye to the decorative head flower. The posture of hands makes the subject appear as if she is self-aware of the beauty. Expression details and bodily features have been masterfully kept subdued in favour of the carnal posture.
Other than the Santhal lifestyle, his works frequently dealt with religiosity. Examples are the works depicting the Hindu God Krishna like the ‘Kalia Mardan’ and ‘Yashoda and Krishna’ and those depicting Christ, like the one titled ‘Crucifixion’. The painter apparently also had an affinity to the mother and child relationship, and his works frequently depicted a mother caring for her child, almost always with a gesture of protection combined with the characteristic purity of his style.
Before laying down the brush in 1972, this great artist would have received accolades like the 1935 Viceroy’s Gold Medal and the 1955 Padma Bhushan. Today, he is one of the only nine Indian artists whose works have been regarded as ‘art treasures’ by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Following the same schedule day in and day out can take its toll even on people with the strongest of mindsets. Thus, it is required for you to take that break once in a while to offset the proceedings and explore something new. One of the better ways of doing so is to opt for a solo trip and that too on a bike.
Being on a solo trip is slowly becoming popular among bike owners and enthusiasts. On solo trips, you do not have to depend on an entire team. You can stop anywhere and as many times as you want to get that perfect click or try out local cuisines. You are not restricted on the destination as well, as it is all your wish.
One could go on and on about the benefits of going on a solo trip. However, it is this very nature for which you might need to take the extra precaution as well. Here are the top 10 must-haves, if you are planning on a solo trip.
#1 Attire
Have you packed your bags? If not, you might want to take it a bit slow. It is recommended to ride with a safety gear when you are setting out for long rides. A good pair of boots, jackets, gloves and a clean helmet are must-haves. To increase the comfort and safety levels, you can opt for jackets with extra padding on the chest and back. Similarly, look for gloves with excellent grip and the same goes for shoes as well.
#2 Bluetooth System
Since you expect to ride for a longer duration, getting a Bluetooth system for your helmet might be worth the investment. It frees you up from using the messy wires or from the constant need to stop to pick up calls while on the go. Backup for Battery
When you are on a solo trip, you need to take care of all the devices. Such as navigation, cameras, Bluetooth devices and so on. Thus, it is important to carry sufficient power backup, so that none of your devices run out of power.
#3 Sufficient Fluids and Food
One cannot be too sure about the availability of good eateries on the road. Thus, packing your bags with a healthy dose of fluids and snacks is important. It lets you take a break on the side of the road, enjoying the scenery and munching on your favorite snack.
#4 Toolkit
If you are planning on a trip to hilly or unknown territories, having a proper navigation system is imperative. Google maps will help you, but at times the good old navigation maps can be extremely helpful. And for unknown terrain, it is important that you carry a good toolkit as well. If the bike were to break down and throw some tantrums, you can take care on your own.
#5 Rain Cover
It might not even be the rainy season when you wish to travel. However, carry rain cover is crucial as the weather might change through different towns and cities that you will cross on the way.
#6 Check Up
Before you set out for the long ride, having a quick pit stop at a garage will protect you from any potential pain. Check for all the fluids, wiring, battery and tires. Top up any fluid that is close to its minimum levels.
#7 Engine Oil
If you are going for really long rides, carry some extra fluids for your bike. The most common one being the engine oil. You can top it up on the way if you want to.
#8 Two wheeler insurance
When you are on a solo trip, you will be venturing into a lot of unknown regions. Buying a two wheeler insurance is the base of the trip. A 2 wheeler insurance is important for various reasons. For starters, it offers you legal clearance so that you can zip on any public roads without ever having to worry about a traffic police caught hold of you.
Secondly, a 2 wheeler insurance will ensure that you can ride without any worries. If you face any unforeseen incident or accident, the policy will take care of the same. If you do not already own a two wheeler insurance, make it a point to buy one before you start.
You can buy bike insurance online with Acko general insurance. Buying bike insurance online helps you save a considerable amount on premiums and yet receive all the benefits. In fact, riding without an insurance is as dangerous as riding without any safety gear on the highways. Scary isn’t it?
Delhi is an historic city. From ancient to medieval and modern, it serves as both the origination and the conclusion of many diverse storylines in Indian history. It is also a busy place, where its dwellers practice the art of fast city life. In all this hurriedness, traces of those old storylines are passed by, unacknowledged. In respect of that, we have created this infographic to help you find places to go the next time you take a break from city life. Here are the Ten Offbeat Destinations in Delhi that you should definitely visit.
Ghalib Ki Haveli
Now a heritage site, this haveli was once the residence of Mirza Ghalib, the celebrated Urdu poet. He spent last years of his life in the building until his death in 1869. The building provides a peek into the Mughal architecture and noblemen lifestyle of the time.
Delhi Ridge
The ridge is a part of the Cenozoic era Aravalli Range. The hills are covered densely with a variety of wild trees and are home to hundreds of bird species. There is also the Biodiversity Park set up by Delhi Development Authority (DDA), which serves two purposes, of making people aware of Delhi’s natural heritage, and of preserving its ecological balance.
Mehrauli Archaeological Park
Located near the Qutub complex, this peaceful site offers a mix of archaeological and natural beauty. The site houses more than 400 monuments, with dates ranging from the Sultanate period to the Mughal era.
Bul Bulaiyan (or Bhool Bhulaiya)
Officially known as Adam Khan’s Tomb, this 16th century monument earns its common name because visitors can easily get lost. Although there isn’t any actual maze, its pseudo-mysterious character can be attributed to the confusing passages, and the thick woods located just behind the complex.
Roshanara Garden
The garden was commissioned by the Mughal princess, Roshanara Begum. The well-maintained lawns cover a wide area and are speckled with remnants of its heyday, like the canal, the gateway, and the tomb.
Agrasen Ki Baoli
A protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), this less-known seasoned stepwell is believed to be from the 14th century. Although much of it has seen restoration, a mysterious historical feeling is not lost.
Okhla Bird Sanctuary
The sanctuary is actually located just outside Delhi (in Noida) and is home to more than a 130 migratory and resident bird species. In addition to this, animals like the native Nilgai, Indian Mongoose, and the Black-Naped Hare can be spotted.
Old Fort
The fort was commissioned by Sher Shah Suri, the Afghan ruler. The walls of the fort run for almost 2 kilometres. Interestingly, the structure was on the bank of Yamuna, before it changed its course.
Deer Park
Located in South Delhi, this part is a beautiful place for morning runs. It has rabbit and deer enclosures, an artificial lake, and is home to many native plant and bird species.
Tughlaqabad Fort
This fort, onne of the biggest remnants of the Delhi Sultanate, was built in the 14th Century. Much of the original fortification walls still stand, giving an essence of the original.
As a cultural enthusiast, I find it exciting how the Indian culture is not bound by political boundaries. Malaysia is a great example. I knew vaguely about the country’s South Indian cultural connection and had a craving to know more. A visit to the beautiful country was due for sure.
The holiday season brings a lot of exciting offers for travellers, and thanks to Malaysian Airlines, my flight was smooth, budget friendly, and hassle-free. After a bit of research for easy booking hotel online I opted to stay at the wonderful One World Hotel. You can book one world hotel here
Indian Temples in Malaysia
The modern states of India and Malaysia share a long history, from old history trade and territorial relations, to the modern British imperialism. From the time of Pallava Kings, and maybe before that, there has been a steady interaction between the people of the Indian subcontinent and the Malay.
Although, there is evidence from the early centuries of people from the southern India, particularly the Tamils, migrating to the Malay peninsula, the present Indian population there is mainly made up of direct descendants of those taken as soldiers and labourers during the British rule.
Even today, the Malaysian-Indians, making more than 7% of the population, remain working class by engaging mainly in blue-collar jobs. A substantial share of professionals, especially that of doctors (almost 25 percent), is also contributed by people of Indian heritage.
Tamil Hindus make up for most of the 2 million Indians, so in areas like Selangor, or Penang, it’s not uncommon to see people dressed in sarongs, speaking both Tamil Bahasa and Malaysia fluently.
The Malay term Peranakans loosely translates to ‘born of’. It is used to refer to peoples who are descendants of centuries-old immigrants. In addition to the Chinese Peranakans, there are the Tamil, Jawi, and Eurasian Peranakans.
Chittis, also called Tamil Peranakans, are a closely-knit community of a few thousand people. Descendants of Tamil traders that came during the 18th century, stayed back and married local women. Today, the Chittis, although still Hindus, reside mainly in the Melaka region, and demonstrate physical and cultural features of their Indochinese fore-mothers.
Jawi Peranakans, on the other hand, are descendants to Tamil-Muslim and Malay parents. The term, however, is also used to refer to those of Arab parentage. Jawi is an Arabic word used for South Asian Muslims. This shrinking elite community was once highly influential in commerce of the region during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Thaipusam
Murugan Statue at the entrance of Batu Caves
Thaipusam festival is a true celebration of the Malaysian-Indian cultural heritage. The festivities are organized in honour of Lord Murugan (also known as Kartikeya) and take place at Batu Caves, in Selangor. Devotees congregate from throughout Malaysia. Many carry Kavadis– heavy tableaus worn around waist that are meant to serve as self-retribution of misdeeds- while others subject themselves to cheek or tongue piercings, in show of enduring devotion to God. Deepavali is also a major festival for the Malaysia-Indians and is a national holiday.
Shared history means that the countries will be forever connected by the Indian-origin diaspora and its unique culture, which is a confluence of Malaysian and Indian practices.
Recently I read news about ‘Udayaravi’ – the house of legendary Kannada poet Rashtrakavi Kuvempu in Mysore would be soon converted into a museum. While this comes as rejoicing news for fans like us, it brought back fond memories of my visits to Kuppali, that enchanting house nestled in the greenery of Malenadu hills. For those who came in late, Kuvempu is the pen-name of Kuppali Venkatappa Puttappa and Kuppali is where he was born on 29 December 1904.
Kuppali Kuvempu Kavimane
Way back in 1990s, we were a bunch of college students from Shimoga Quiz & Adventure Club, who used to regularly visit the hills of Malenadu near Kuppalli for trekking and nature study. Reading the books of Kuvempu “Malegalalli Madumagalu” and “Kaanuru Heggadati”, we were fascinated to actually see the old house and village that formed the backdrop of these novels.
Kuppali is a tiny village nestled amidst the Malenadu range of hills in the Western Ghats on the border of Shimoga and Chickmagalur districts in Karnataka. In his autobiography, “Nenapina Doniyali”, the poet Kuvempu describes how the Kavimane house (village) got the name Kuppali: “As one had to hop his way to reach the house, the village got the name ‘Kuppali’. In Kannada, the word ‘KuppaLisu’ means ‘hop’. The house is a large three-storeyed mansion with huge front door, a spacious courtyard, and massive compound wall. The grandeur of the house is befitting a zamindar who presided over a vast agricultural property.
kavishaila-Panorama
Dense evergreen forests crown the hills around the Kuppali house. A few yards away from the house, a path leads us into the forest through a small hill. Located on top of this small hill is a rock monument made of megalithic rocks named Kavishaila, which is dedicated to Kuvempu. The place has a majestic view of the surrounding valley and rocks are arranged in a circular fashion to resemble the Stonehenge in England. At the centre of this rock monument, Kuvempu was laid to rest after his death and a memorial has been constructed at that location.
Kuppali-Google-Map
Today, the house has been converted into a museum by the poet’s trust, Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Pratishthana. The Kuvempu Memorial Trust has also built Ranga Mandira, a large multipurpose auditorium and amphitheatre that is regularly used for various literary workshops and cultural events. Participating in an event in such a verdant surroundings is truly appealing for non-literary buffs as well! The screenshot of Google Maps vividly depicts the lush greenery that envelopes the poet’s memorial.
Just besides the Ranga Mandira lies the memorial for Kuvempu’s equally renowned novelist son, Poornachandra Tejaswi or Poochanthe. Interestingly, Poochanthe’s memorial is built in a similar manner mimicking the Stonehenge design of Kavishaila.
I personally believe the literary works of the father-son duo of Kuvempu and Poochanthe have broadened the horizon of every Indian. Particularly, Kuvempu’s message of Vishwamaanava Sandesha clearly states “O nanna chetana, Agu nee aniketana” (“Be unhoused O my soul, only the infinite is your goal”). Every child, at birth is the universal human. But, as it grows, our society turns it into “a petty human”. It should be the function of our education to turn it again into the original “universal human”.
This year, The Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Prathishtana is organising a workshop involving study of Kuvempu’s works to commemorate the 50th year of Kannada’s first Jnanpith award and also mark the 114th birth anniversary of the poet on 29 and 30 December 2017.
The amazing time of the year is already here. Cold breeze, festive vibes and foodie thoughts have already started clouding the minds. And why not? There is something special about this season that keeps people, especially kids longing for it to come. Now that Christmas is just around the corner, this is the right time to prep up the party menu.
Pleasing adults with a variety of dishes is easy, what’s difficult is to please the young guests. So, here we have a listed 5 Christmas cookies ideas that your friends and their kids will relish. On the day of the party, your dinner table will be overflowing with homemade treats and the house with happy kids. So, let the festivities begin!
Easy to make and yummy to taste, snowman cookie is an all-time favourite among kids. There are two options to make this yummylicious cookie – from scratch and by using packed cookies. If you are planning to make them from scratch, you can easily prepare the dough (enriched with raisins and almonds) in the atta maker for added convenience. On the other hand, use of packed cookies calls for minimum efforts. All you need is a few marshmallows (white), icing and cookies.
Ginger Bread Cookies
Believe it or not, no holiday cookie platter is complete with these gorgeously amazing gingerbread cookies. The good thing is that kids love them, and they are super easy to make. Cookie cutters in the shape of Christmas tree, house, snowflakes and more is what to need to mould the cookies into the desired shape. Once baked, let the frosting do the magic to these delicious cookies.
Quirky Cookies
Not only kids, but other people in the party will also love this amazing idea. A basket full of cookies in the shape of moustache, bow, hat and more will surely become the highlight of the party. Cookie cutters, icing (preferably in black) and a few toothpicks are all you require to get the final result. However, be sure of preparing these hours before the party, because we don’t want the toothpicks to fall off if served fresh out of the oven.
Star Cookie Trees
What’s Christmas without a Christmas tree? And what if the tree is edible? Make full use of the star-shaped dye to create a few cookie Christmas trees. Use round cookies to create a base and icing to hold the stars together. Sprinkle powdered sugar to add a snowy finishing touch to your lovely creation. When the trees are all done, prep a tray with all of them and add a few other elements as well to enhance the look of the presentation.
Personalised Cookie
If you have the guest list ready, preparing these will be super fun. Kids will love the idea of cookies having their names. This can also be an amazing exercise for the kids to find out cookies labelled under the best friend’s name or their own. Cookie cutters, frosting cone and edible glitters are all you need to prepare these delicious treats for the little munchkins.
Use these cookie ideas to make your little guests feel special at the upcoming Christmas party. For added comfort, bring home an atta maker from any of the healthcare brands like KENT that will help you prepare cookie dough in no time. In addition, this amazing appliance will also help you prepare other delicious dishes as well.
Hawaii is indeed a paradise for all kind of vacationers, no matter what age or type. There is a fantastic scenery of rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches that will get permanently etched in your memory. Hawaii is indeed a very special and unique place to visit, and its extraordinary destination and amazing Hawaii beachfront home make for some of the best accommodations. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the most popular spots of Hawaii, but it sure can be exciting to visit those less touristy places that create a unique and unforgettable experience. Take an off beaten path while in Hawaiian and discover some of the hidden gems that promise an amazing experience to every holidaymaker. Go ahead and pick your own neighborhood and explore the locals-only spots. Meet the people on the island and interact with them. Hawaii is a long haul, no matter where you’re traveling from.
Here is a list of those top offbeat spots in Hawaii!
Also known as the Stairway to Heaven, it seems as those stairs on the island of Oahu disappear into the sky. It is a simple wooden ladder that is attached to the cliff. Installed during World War II, the purpose was to help set up a giant VLF transmitter that used antenna cables spun between the cliffs. It is Hawaii’s beloved hike but requires a $1 million insurance plan as the Stairway to Heaven was damaged during a storm. One has to be careful with the narrow, and steep steps are a lot more treacherous than ever. Still, it those 3,922 stairs remain the greatest attraction on the entire island and leads one to the imposing mountain ridge.
Pineapple Maze happens to be the most massive plant maze in the world. Located at Dole pineapple plantation, it is made up of two and a half miles of paths that weave through two acres of native plants. A current Guinness record holder, the garden is not a labyrinth but a maze as there are so many possible routes. Today, it boasts of more than 14,000 plants and has a pineapple-shaped garden at the center. One can follow those fastest times signs posted at the entrance. However, most visitors take about an hour to complete the maze while some have done it in just seven minutes!
In Hawaiian, Kilauea means “much spreading.”. The Kilauea volcano is the world’s most active volcano and located on the Island of Hawaii. You get transfixed watching those giant curtains of fire at the base of the volcano, forming a specter of color and a shifting wall of magma Those curtain of fire are not based on the explosive activity from the volcano and the cause behind is the expansion of gas within. The shallow slopes of Kilauea make it work as a shield as they direct the heavy fluid lava away from the volcano. As the lava stretches under the force of its own weight, fiery curtains of magma erupt from the fractures or fissure vents that develop.
Papakōlea Beach is one of the only four green beaches in the world! Also famous as the Green Sand Beach, it is located near South Point, Hawaii. It gets the distinctive coloring because of the mineral olivine. The beach is circled by Puʻu Mahana, a cinder cone that was created about 50,000 years ago. The secluded sandy beach is shaped like a giant bowl. Those greenish, semi-precious stones get deposited on the sand by the ocean’s wave. Surrounded by pasturelands, the beach is accessible by foot, and one would need to go for that additional climb down the cinder cone to reach the green beach.
If in Hawaii, one should not miss the chance of sleeping in tree houses. After all, it is indeed an amazing experience to sleep in an open-air, solar-powered treehouse. Located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the treehouse is fully equipped and comes with a warm-water shower and a flushable toilet. Surrounded by rainforest, one gets an eerie experience and at night can gazer at the stars in clear dark skies. Enjoy the experience of staying put in a secluded bamboo treehouse. Nestled on top of the local flora, you get amazing views all around.
Waipi’o Valley is indeed magical hat with its scenic viewpoints. Those wilder black-sand beach and lush waterfalls beckon explorers and hikers. One can opt for hiking or ride a mule-drawn wagon to reach there. One can even kayak in, but only when the conditions are just right. Get ready for the most spectacular views on the way as you head towards the Waipi’o Valley.The valley is deeply carved into the mountain and filled with thousands of foot cliffs and waterfalls. The largest of the seven valleys on the windward side, one gets a scenic drive as they cross the sugar cane plantation, many other flowers, and foods.
The famous manta ray dive in Kona during the night is regarded as one of the most memorable dives around the planet. This is one activity one should not miss. Diving at night is very thrilling and what adds to the thrill is the experience of swimming with the manta rays. Enjoy the corps de ballet of Pacific manta as their wingspans of 10ft and javelins like tails swim near you. Snorkeling is even better as you get the chance to get closer to these graceful animals. The manta rays that exist in the Hawaiian waters and the reef manta rays found here are the second biggest species of manta rays in the world.
It is only at the fantastically diverse Hawaii Island s that one can look forward to creating a unique holiday experience. There are snow-capped peaks, sandy beaches, modern mega-resorts, age-old fishing and a lot more. You can take your pick to experience a tropical splendor in the dramatic terrain of Hawaii.
