Christmas Delicacies to Try When You Are in India

No festival in India is complete without an elaborate spread of delectable food and sweets. And Christmas is no different. Festivities are the best time to let our taste buds indulge in a gastronomic extravaganza. Give a break to the good ol’ turkey and pie this year If you are visiting India during Christmas, then these delicacies are a must-try for you:

1. Kaukswe

This delicacy is an integral part of Christmas feast in Manipur. Each household has their own way to prepare this traditional meal. Tender chicken prepared in a concoction of onion, garlic, ginger,and coconut milk. Combined it with noodles and your ultimate Christmas indulgence is ready.

2. Bebinca

Bebinca is a quintessential Goan layered cake and is a part of Christmas celebrations across the state. It takes a lot of hard work to prepare this layered beauty but the end result is worth the work you put into it. It commands your senses with its enchanting aroma. And as you take a bite, it kisses your taste buds with its the rich texture and gently melts into your mouth leaving behind a great aftertaste. If you have a sweet tooth, then Bebinca is one sweetmeat to die for.

3. Chilli Biscuits

This delicacy is widely prepared in Nagaland during Christmas and is a chilli lover’s delight. Exceptionally crunchy, these biscuits are packed with a sweet and spicy taste that continues to linger on your taste buds long after you have finished it. Christmas celebration in the North-Eastern states is incomplete without these chilli biscuits.

4. Marzipan

Goan people cannot imagine their Christmas spread without Marzipans. These traditional sweet is specially prepared during Christmas and is capable  of treating your senses with a sweet pleasure. People usually get creative with these sweets and given them any form or shape. Food colour is mixed with Marzipans to cast them in shapes resembling fruits and flowers. In many households, people use a paint brush to paint portions of this sweet while kneading them. A mix of almonds, sugar, cinnamon and other sweet spices give it a rich and voluptuous taste and each bite will leave you craving for more.

5. Perad or Guava Cheese

This chewy and fudgy delight is prepared with fresh guavas. This Goan delicacy is prepared in every household during Christmas. The roots of this fruity confection can be traced back to the Portuguese colonies on the coasts of Goa who introduced this dish to the parts of Western coastline in India. Though this dish is fast disappearing from the menu for its tedious preparation but, there are a number of shops who still prepare the good ol’ Guava cheese. So, this year, if you are celebrating Christmas in Goa, then do not forget romance the evocative taste of Guava cheese.

6. Garelu (Lentil Donuts)

This is a nice alternative for those who want to try something different. These lentil doughnuts are an essential part of the traditional Christmas spread in Andhra Pradesh. The deep fried lentil doughnuts are best enjoyed with spicy coconut or tamarind chutney.

Where To Celebrate Christmas in India?

Christmas celebrations have a unique flavour in India. Each culture of each region deeply influence the way this festival is celebrated. However, there are a few places in India which are not only famous for their unique splendour but are also well known for their yuletide extravaganza. Read on to find more about the best places to soak into the yuletide spirit in India:

1. Puducherry
This place has served as a French colony for long and that is why, you will find strong French cultural influences in Puducherry. Christmas, in Puducherry comes with a distinct flavour. This Little France of India is the best place where you can enjoy a traditional Christmas celebration. When in Puducherry, visit the Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception and Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. These churches are elaborately decorated with lights and scenes of the nativity. Along with that, the entire church premises is adorned with statues and paintings depicting the life of Jesus Christ.

2. Kerala
Each corner of this southern state of India decks up in with colourful decoration during Christmas. The brightly lit streets and pathways will instantly lift up your spirits. There are numerous Cathedrals and Churches across the state that comes alive with jubilation. There are a number of Churches in Kerala such as Parumala Church, Arthunkal Church that are famous for their architectural grandeur.

3. Darjeeling
This tiny but popular hill station comes alive with splendour and exuberance during Christmas. With carols reverberating around the alleys and corners of the city, the Christmas spirit is hard to miss. What more? The chills in the air add an additional charm to the festive ambience. If you are celebrating Christmas week in Darjeeling, the do not miss the celebrations at the Windamere Hotel, a colonial hotel in Darjeeling. The Christmas week at Windamere is celebrated from 18th December to 1st January. This tradition has been followed without fail since 1939. Each year, renowned entertainers come to Windamere during Christmas and delight the audience.

4. Goa
This place is not only famous for its sun-kissed beaches and extravagant nightlife, it is also flocked by tourists from all over the world during the Christmas week. It is the best place to enjoy the traditional flavour of Christmas with friends and family. The locals are usually high on energy during Christmas festivities and you can easily smell the excitement in the air. Roam around the city to witness the local decorations, enjoy the local delicacies or attend prayers and midnight masses, Goa always offers you the best ways to indulge yourself.

5. Chennai
This metro city has a huge population of Christians and, therefore, this festival is celebrated with much zeal and grandeur. The Churches, hotels, roads and shopping malls are adorned with colourful lights and elaborate Christmas trees. There are a number of Churches in Chennai where you can attend midnight mass. You can even take part in the fun-filled activities organised at the various shopping malls around the city.

6 of India's Can Not Miss Colonial Hotels

India is a vibrant country with a rich colonial past. There are a number of colonial  palaces and monuments that carefully preserves the footprints from the past; each has a story waiting to be unravelled. If you want to taste a slice of colonial India, then you must stay in these hotels:

1. The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace, Udaipur

Situated in the lap of the Aravalli ranges, The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace offers you a captivating view of the Fateh Sagar lake. This place captures the vibrant essence of Rajasthan. Laxmi Vilas Palace was built by Maharaja Fateh Singh in 1911 and reflects the charm of the bygone era. It features 55 well-decorated rooms and suites and is one of the most popular luxury addresses in Udaipur.

2. Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling

Set in the foothills of lesser Himalayas in Darjeeling, Windamere Hotel is a typical British-style colonial hotel in every aspect. Built in the mid-1800s, Windamere Hotel was formerly known as Ada Villa and served as a boarding house for the British. Step into the carefully restored suites of Windamere Hotel and immediately you will feel transported to the colonial era. Windamere has never been renovated – just restored. 

3. Hotel Le Dupleix, Pondicherry

This place served as a residence of the Mayor of Pondicherry during the colonial era. This majestic building was restored meticulously, following the 18th century architectural methods and style. The building reflects a typical French style architecture. The decor features colonial era paintings and artefacts that will immediately transport back in time.

4. Ferrnhills Royale Palace, Tamil Nadu

Built in 1844, the Maharaja of Mysore used this Palace as his summer residence. The architecture of this palace resembles a Chalet. During the mid-1860s, the palace was turned into a country club. The British used this palace to escape the Indian summer heat and take refuge in the refreshing weather of Ooty.

5. Gajner Palace, Bikaner, Rajasthan

Located at a distance of just 30 minutes from Bikaner, the Gajner Palace was once a premium site for the British to socialise with the Indian Royalty. This palace was primarily a hunting resort during the colonial era and  attracted many dignitaries including Governor General Lord Elgin, Lord Mountbatten, the Prince of Wales in 1905. Built by Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh, this palatial space was converted into a hotel in 1976. The panoramic beauty and architectural grandeur will make you lose yourself in its majestic setting

6. Divan’s Bungalow, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
 
This 19th century haveli was built by a British architect and was the residence of the Divan of Radhanpur. The colonial building stands tall with its 150 years old charm and is now being converted into a hotel. The corners of the bungalow is revamped carefully while maintaining its old world essence and offers an unparalleled experience to the guests. The architecture reflects a perfect blend of Western and Eastern architectural style and is one of the finest examples of colonial architecture in India.

10 Historical Facts on Darjeeling

Darjeeling is the most popular place for summer escapades for the tourists. This popular tourist destination is blessed with spectacular natural opulence and  stunning weather. However, do you know that this place has an elaborate and elusive history? Let’s take a step back in time and explore the fascinating history of Darjeeling:

1. This place was actually known as “Dorje Ling” and was named after the Lama who had a vision of this place and later established his shrine is the places currently known as the Observatory Hill. The lama made his pilgrimage from Pemeyangste Monastery, Sikkim, to this hill, which at that time was also in Sikkim.

2. During the Colonial era, the British were looking to build sanitoriums for their wounded soldiers. They leased this area from the King of Sikkim ( oka “TheChogyal”)  for their sick soldiers. It was when they re-christened this place as Darjeeling and moved their Bengal State administrative offices here (during the hot, sticky summers)

3. The climate of this place suited the British and soon, many Britishers flocked from the city of Calcutta. To accommodate this great influx of people, boarding houses were developed that served as a “home away from home” for the British people.

4. Windamere Hotel (formerly known as ‘Ada Villa’) was one such place that served as a boarding house for the British Planters and other Raj types who were working on contracts.  Ada Villa was built in 1841 and was turned into a boarding house during the 1880s. This place was later turned into a heritage hotel and is currently, one of the oldest colonial-era hotels in the Darjeeling Hills. In case you want to relive the colonial charm, stay at Windamere Hotel, the only truly authentic Colonial hotels in Darjeeling.

5. The narrow gauge railway, that runs through the nerves of Darjeeling, was originally a steam engine connecting different parts of Darjeeling. It is said that Mother Theresa gained her enlightenment during her journey from Calcultta to Darjeeling. She never completed that journey. While travelling to The Loreto Convent, Darjeeling for her summer leave, she got off the train midway and went back to Calcutta to serve the poor.

6. Darjeeling was originally a part of Sikkim. The Lepchas inhabited this land before it was invaded by the Gorkhas in the 1790s. The British prevented the Gorkhas from capturing the land, resulting in the Anglo-Gorkha war in 1814. This was followed by the Treaty of Sugauli in1815 where the territories annexed by the Gorkhas were surrendered to the East India Company. 

7. In 1817, with the Treaty of Titalia, the East India Company reinstituted the King of Sikkim and guaranteed his sovereignty.

8. In 1841, the British brought Chinese Tea seeds (oka as “the bud and two leaves’) and established tea plantations in Darjeeling. Many Britishers followed suit and soon, a number of tea estates started operating in the hills.

9. After the independence of India, Darjeeling was incorporated in the State of Bengal in 1947. A separate district was established. This included towns such as Kurseong, Terai regions of Siliguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong. 

10. When the People’s Liberation Army conquered Tibet in 1950’s, many Tibetan refugees took shelter in different places in Darjeeling.

5 Popular Shooting Places For Movies In India

Hotels in India have always in love with the B-town. Be it Hollywood or Bollywood, when it comes to shooting, there are always a few hotels that top the list of the directors. Here, we have discussed a few hotels in India that have not only featured in numerous films but are also preferred by stars:

1. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

Do you remember the extravagant wedding of Kalki Koechlin from the movie Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani? That particular scene was shot in this grand hotel. Standing tall at the bank of river Pichola, this majestic hotel boasts a rich architectural style that will bring back the memories of the Rajas and Maharajas who once occupied this place. Visit this place if you want to enjoy royal grandeur and make memories worth a lifetime.

2. Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling

This Colonial hotel in India was a shooting location for the Shah Rukh Khan star blockbuster movie Main Hoon Na. Not only did King Khan shot scenes from his movie here, he also stayed in this hotel. He stayed in the room named Rinzing Namgyal at Windamere Hotel during the shooting of Main Hoon Na. Windamere Hotel has been a top choice for stars such as Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra who stayed here while shooting for Barfi. Ranbir was smitten by the old world charm of this colonial hotel and was back again during the shooting of Jagga Jasoos. If you too want to relive the moments of your favourite stars then stay at Windamere during your next visit to Darjeeling. This is the only truly authentic Colonial hotel in Darjeeling. 

3. Woodville Palace, Shimla

This Palace hotel has been a darling of the B-town. Dating back to the Raj era, this magnificent hotel still enthralls people with its splendour. The vintage appeal of this palace has made it a perfect shooting location. A number of Bollywood movies were shot here. The list includes Raaz 2, Black, 3 Idiots (remember the wedding scene of Kareena Kapoor?).

4. Pataudi Palace, Haryana

This former palace of the Nawabs of Pataudi has been converted into a heritage hotel and has been a shooting location for a number of films. This palace turned hotel is the ancestral property of Saif Ali Khan and has always embraced Bollywood with its open arms. Movies shot here includes Mangal Pandey,Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Veer Zara. Even the Julia Roberts starrer Hollywood movie Eat, Pray, Love was also shot here. The whitewashed walls of the hotel exudes an old world aura and will take you back to an era of the royalty.

5. Baradari Palace, Patiala

This 19th century hotel has carefully preserved history in its whitewashed walls. Hemmed by a sprawling garden, this palace has been an integral part of movies such as Yamla Pagla Deewana, Bodyguard,and Mausam. If you want to enjoy the luxury of a regal life and the vivacity of Punjabi lifestyle, then a stay in Baradari Palace is a must for you.

10 hotels in India that take you back to the Raj Era

If you want to dig into the colonial history of India, then you can’t do better than these Raj-era hotels. Though these hotels have been wonderfully renovated, they still retain colonial charm with their lavish furnishings, hardwood floor, English style high tea and antiques.

1.The Imperial Hotel, New Delhi

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Imperial,_New_Delhi

Built in 1931, this luxurious hotel was designed by architect D.J Blomfield. This hotel is linked with last chapters of the independence of India. This is the place where prominent figures such a Gandhi, Pt. Nehru, Lord Mountbatten, and Muhammad Ali Jinnah met to discuss the partition of India.

2. The Great Eastern Hotel, Kolkata

Image Courtesy: flickr.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Eastern_Hotel_(Kolkata)

Also known as “The Jewel of the East” this hotel has hosted the likes of Elizabeth II, and Mark Twain. The design of this colonial era hotel combines the styles of Edwardian, Victorian and contemporary architecture. It houses 195 rooms that are aesthetically designed to take you back to the Raj era.

3.Hotel Bissau Palace, Jaipur

Image courtesy: bissaupalace.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bissau_Palace_Hotel,_Jaipur

This hotel will give you a taste of the Royal life of the Rajputana. Built in 1919, this palace was a residence of the Bissau family and was frequented by Lord Mountbatten. With an elaborate display of Royal portraits, mementos and personal belongings of the Bissau family, this hotel emanates an ethereal aura of the bygone era.

4. Jai Mahal Palace Hotel, Jaipur

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jal_Mahal

This 120 room hotel will gently court you to the colonial era preserved in the delicate architecture of this place. The labyrinths and walls tell stories of the Maharajas and their queens who once walked this place.

5. Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling

Image Courtesy: booking.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windamere_Hotel

Once a boarding house for the English, Ada Villa (now famous as Windamere Hotel) was turned into a hotel in 1939. Situated in the observatory hill, this remnant of the Raj era stands untarnished by modernisation. Do you want to experience a slice of the Colonial era? If yes, then when you come to Darjeeling, book hotel in Windamere, Darjeeling. The cosy ambiance of this Colonial hotel and personalised service makes it one of the best hotels in Darjeeling.

6.Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umaid_Bhawan_Palace

This is one of the largest private residences in the world. One part of this palace is turned into a Hotel by the Taj group. With a majestic 105 feet high dome, the design is influenced by Eastern and Western architectural style.

7. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Palace

Located in the middle of the beautiful Pichola Lake, this Palace was a residence of Maharana Jagat Singh II. Taj Lake palace served as a summer resort for many generations of Jagat Singh before it was transformed into a beautiful hotel in 1963.

8. Nadesar Palace, Varanasi

This is one of the most prominent hotels in the holy city of Varanasi. This palace was built by the East India Company in the late 18thcentury. You can still hear the wall echoing the stories from the Raj era. Its rich architectural style will give you a glimpse of the rich heritage of the city.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/uttar-pradesh/varanasi/hotels/nadesar-palace

9. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rambagh_Palace

Popularly known as the Jewel of Jaipur, this palace was a residence of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. After India’s independence, this palace was taken over by the Government. In 1957, it was turned into a hotel.

10.The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Taj_Mahal_Palace_Hotel

This luxury hotel was built in 1903, before the Gateway of India. This hotel features 560 rooms and 44 suites. During the World War I, this hotel was turned into a temporary hospital. This place has served many prominent dignitaries such as Mahatma Gandhi and Sarojini Naidu to name a few.

Places In India To Celebrate Christmas

Alleys and houses adorned with glistening lights, shimmering decorative pieces hanging in trees, beautiful nativity scenes and bakeries overflowing with the sweet aroma of freshly baked cakes- Christmas in India is celebrated with equal gusto and passion like the rest of the world. There are many places in India where you can enjoy the spirit of Christmas. Each place has added its own unique charm and flavour to Christmas celebration. Here are a few places where you can drown yourself in the Yuletide spirit:

1.Goa

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Famous for its sun-kissed beaches and colourful nightlife, this former Portuguese colony gets decked up during the Christmas week. During this time of the year, you’ll find the 

• Catholic population busy preparing sweetmeats and other delicacies for Christmas. 
• The air in Goa smells of fruit cakes, dodol ( sweets prepared from cashew and coconut), and Neureos (fried coconut dumplings). 
• The local Church premises are decorated with glittering lights. Christmas star, charming nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus adorn every Church premises in Goa. 

Enjoy the local Christmas flavour by attending a service in any of the churches in Goa. You can also visit the Se Cathedral or Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina in Old Goa.

2.Pondicherry

Soak yourself in the magnificent French flavours of Christmas in India’s Little France- Pondicherry. With a rich French colonial heritage, Christmas is celebrated in Pondicherry with great zeal.

• The Churches here has a rich Gothic architecture and during the Christmas week, they are festooned with stunning decorations. 

• You can visit churches such as Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, and Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges (The Church of Our Lady of Angels). 

• The pristine beaches, palm-lined shores and exquisite French cuisine will make your Christmas week an unforgettable experience.

3.Kolkata

This former Capital of the British India has a rich history of Christmas celebrations. During the British Raj, celebrating Christmas was a grand affair.

Image courtesy: scroll.in

Lavish dinners complete with turkey, puddings, wine and ball dance were the most striking characteristics of Christmas week celebration during the Raj. The then Calcutta still holds on to its colonial charm and celebrates Burra Din with great enthusiasm. You can attend the midnight mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral or watch the Park Street brimming with lights. A bite of the plum cake at bakeries such as Flury’s and Nahoum’s will take you back down the memory lane.