The tale of travel in India for most Indians begins with a train journey. It is the beginning of an adventure, of a romantic escapade or return to grandma’s home after a year’s wait. Like blood vessels, Indian rails criss-cross across the nation carrying people, post and parcels from point A to B. But it would be a sheer understatement to call the railways just mode of transport in this country. For many the train journey is as important as the destination itself sometimes even more.

The Indian Railways has many variations. There are the express trains that connect cities and also the mountain rails travelling on their serpentine tracks. There are the locals that make life easier for big city dwellers and also the passenger trains that have more stops that the compulsory pauses between the words of a telegraph message. All in all the distinct services cover the needs of the entire nation and make train travel an adventure in itself.

Here is a peak into the many adventures that might be revealed in some of the Indian train journeys.

The Locals

The Local trains and metros running in cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the public domains where people greet strangers everyday on their way to work and share each other’s life history. For some it is that sacred part of the day when they are compelled to do nothing better than read a book, glance through the newspaper, say their prayers or contemplate in advance the day’s proceedings. The hubbub surrounding them dispels like the white noise giving precious moments of introspection in a hurried life.

For some multitasking working women the local train is also time to shell peas, cut okras or snap the beans for the evening meal. It is a social gathering where the lady sitting next to you does not need to be requested to help you with the peas or hold your daughter’s torn school uniform while you get busy mending the damage.

The local train journeys have their share of drama and action too. Irrespective of class, gender or age people consider it their fundamental right to grab an empty seat as soon as it is available. And this action not just requires physical agility but also verbal ability to nullify other’s claim to the prized seat through various gestures and high decibel utterances. For the mute spectators, some sitting some standing, it is a ritualistic event that changes faces but entertains every day.

The Express

These are the leading actors of the Indian railways. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Maharashtra to Nagaland the countrywide network of express trains is magnanimous. And considering they have to carry the weight of the second most populated country in the world, it is only just to have the world’s second largest railway network for the masses.

Most Indian households make quite elaborate plans when they have to board one of the express trains for a journey. There is the meticulous packing and the detailed food preparation. It is just to say that food is one of the reasons why Indians like traveling in trains so much. It gives an opportunity to munch on the local specialties at every stop via the station food and also relish the packed up meals made lovingly by your wife or mom at home. Some families even have specific journey meals that are especially prepared every time there is a train travel.

Your social skills are put to practice best in these trains. Many Indians believe that the reason why you are sharing your compartment with various other strangers who are travelling to the same destination is because somewhere you are connected and this connection can be sealed best by sharing meals and conversations. The moment you board a train and identify your seat, there will be people staring at you blatantly and asking the first of the series of questions to come, “Till where you are going?” The answer will help them understand many things instantly. Whether you will be a good company till the city they are also travelling to. Whether you will ask them to exchange their lower birth seat with them or whether they can propose the same thing to you. Whether you will make a good friend and be in touch even after the end of the journey. Whether your wife would share the secret of her glowing skin with their wife and much such contemplation.

Many a business deals, public debates, spiritualistic revelations and chance romantic rendezvous have been staged during these train journeys and continue to be the heart and soul of these travels every day. When your co-passenger opens the bundles of home-made goodies for you or when you exchange business cards with a man who was a stranger not an hour ago, you know that the infectious Indian rail travel bug has bitten you too.

The Luxury

Luxury trains are few plying on the Indian tracks but what lacks in quantity surely compensates with quality. The pride of Indian Luxury trains is unquestionably The Palace on Wheels that travels mostly through royal Rajasthan and promises a week long journey that is equally lavish. The Deccan Odyssey, Golden Chariot, Royal Orient are few others that pamper you in style while travelling amidst the beautiful Indian landscape, sometimes through deserts, sometimes through ravine or sometimes past the scenic sea.

Local presence is somewhat less in luxury trains because of the very reason that they are luxury coaches, reserved for the elite and the ones who can afford the royal pampering. But the journey is a good experience for those who want to experience the Indian railways minus the crowd.

Whether it is the luxury trains, the locals or the multi destination choo-chooing express trains, the train journeys in India will always leave you with an experience that you can fathom in India alone.

Image Credit

Flickr creativecommons by James Cridland, Ben Sutherland and Christian Haugen

When we first came to Chennai, several people told us that a visit to Dakshinachitra would be an apt introduction to the art and life of southern Indian states and would help us ‘north Indians’ feel inducted. Time flew by, months passed and finally one Sunday morning we decided to head to the road to Dakshinachitra.

As a definition, “Dakshinachitra” literally means ‘picture of the south’ and every effort has been put in by the makers of this unique exhibition to make it just that. It is a showcase of the art, craft, lifestyle and homes of traditional south Indians.

The southern states of India, namely Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh are more often than not clustered together as one group of homogenous species. But if you intent to look beyond the coconut, rice, palm trees, curly hair and burly figures, there arises a distinct flavour and soul of each region and each state. It is this essence of the different southern states of India that Dakshinachitra brings forth. Here too the states are clustered together but they assemble keeping their diversities alive.

Entering the Wonderland

The entrance to Dakshinachitra is like entering a typical south Indian home. There are the archetypal chocolate brown pillars, the thatched roof and the door that effectively restricts the view and thus the imagination of what we may find inside. And unquestionably the inside is well worth hiding because just like Alice’s wonderland once you enter through the door, the world you see is totally different from the world you left behind.

It all begins with the craft shop, the library, the exhibition hall and the restaurant. And while these delights are tempting, it is a wise decision to visit them on the way back so as to give more time to other things in the premises spread over 10 acres of land.

Dakshinachitra is divided into different sections according to the different southern states. There is the Tamil Nadu section, the Kerala section, the Karnataka and the Andhra Pradesh section all connected via maze of brick roads lined with palms trees and other green foliage. These provide shade as well as paint the view of a vivid and green Indian countryside.

Houses and Crafts

Each section has houses, not the miniature version or models, but the actual lived-in ones dating back to 18^th and 19^th century India. You can enter them, visit the different rooms, see the utensils that the residents used, the place they said their prayers, their favourite chair and favourite window to the world. These homes are also a glimpse of the social status of the people living in it and their trade. So while the agriculturist and the merchant of Tamil Nadu have sprawling mansions, the potter’s house or the basket weaver’s mud house represent their lowly means of income and spaces they have in their homes to accommodate their trade and their families.

To give the houses more of a lived in feel and involve the visitors, there are different artisans sitting at strategic points all over the premises. Some can teach you how to make a pot, some show and help you weave a basket out of dried palm leaves, some teach block printing while some others let you buy authentic musical instruments like the Rustic ektara – the Indian crude version of the violin with a single string.

To break the monotonous pattern there are also puppet shows, glass blowing demo, and folk dance classes for the enthusiastic ones. These activities apart from entertaining also are a way to show kids and teach them something of the rich Indian heritage.

Takeaways

As mentioned earlier, Dakshinachitra has a craft shop that is worth a visit because there lies many miracles of Indian handicraft and handloom. From handbags to sarees, upholstery to jewelry, books to book marks, you will find plenty of items stored here that could bring back pleasant memories of the visit. While the trinkets like beautiful carved keyrings, earrings and pens could be grabbed in plenty, there are also some stunning antiques, showpieces and gems that would attract the real collectors of art.

Puppet of Lord Krishna

Apart from this craft shop, there are also the stalls given to different artisans from various parts of the country. These have craftsman from Manipur selling pottery and weavers from Rajasthan selling their colourful garments. There are potters from Bengal displaying the famous terracotta pots and curios and also people of Kashmir showcasing woodwork of the heavenly land of the north in this distant southern land.  

You really do not need a pocket full of money to take some of these artefacts, just ample space in your handbags and suitcases to carry all these delicate artware back home.

Our Experience

What we found in Dakshinachitra is the essence of India that is fast losing itself in the crowd of malls and pizzas. It is a superb weekend gateway when you don’t want to go far and yet leave behind all your everyday troubles. It is an excellent teacher for those of the younger generation who can touch, feel and experience art, craft and architecture that are hundreds of years old and carry forward the beacon a little longer.  It is also a means of livelihood for all the artists who are becoming as endangered as the crafts they make. It is aptly a picture of South India for a tourist who cannot make it to all the southern states but still can feel their individual charm here.

When to go

Dakshinachitra is open all through the year daily from 10.00 am till 6.00 pm except Tuesdays. There are also guest houses within the premises that can be reserved in advance to enhance your experience of a South Indian holiday.

To know more visit Dakshinachitra 

Image Credit sowri, sudhamshu , poobesh via cc/Flickr

New Delhi, the national capital of India, is a city that is centuries old and yet can astonish you with the modern luxuries and conveniences it has to offer. It is a city that has buried in its many folds, legends, parables and architectural splendour of different dynasties who have at some point of time lived and enriched the place with their cultural heritage. It is also a city that lives as much in the present as it does in the past. While some parts of the city might tell you a story of the 12th century some are as contemporary and modern as any other 21^st century town.

 It is a city that you can see in parts and come back with totally different experiences in each. In fact, from a traveller’s point of view the immense contrast between the old and the new facet of Delhi is surprising and both well worth exploring.

Here are some places worth a visit in Delhi which truthfully are just a fistful of gems in a vast treasure trove,

Red Fort. Courtesy wseltzer via cc/Flickr

1. Red Fort – This imperial citadel gets its name from the red sandstone battlement surrounding it and is in many ways the symbol of India’s nationhood. Build by the Mughal emperors who were one of the strongest dynasties to rule much of India for many years, the Fort was the first place where the Indian national flag was hoisted when India gained independence in 1947. It might be a good idea to watch the sound and light show held inside the premises every evening to get a glimpse of the bygone era.
2. Jama Masjid – It is a marvellous treasure of the old city. The grand mosque, the largest in India, three imposing black and white marble domes and twin minarets framing its central arch. A climb to the top of the southern tower will reward you with stunning view of the rooftops of old Delhi.
3. Qutub Minar – This five storeyed victory tower is the tallest minaret in the world. Believed to be started by Qutubuddin Aibak, the tower was completed by Iltumish to announce the advent of the Muslim sultans in 1206. The entire minaret site has many other fascinating monuments true to the Tughluq architectural style.
   

   Lotus Temple. Courtesy Vandelizer via cc/Flickr

4. Lotus Temple – The Bahai house of worship is more of a modern creation popularly known as the lotus temple because of its arresting shape of unfurling petals of a lotus. It is an apt representation of Bahai faith that views all humanity as one single race. Keeping with the philosophy, people of all faith are invited to meditate and pray in the peaceful temple auditorium.
5. India Gate – It is a massive red sandstone arch which was built to commemorate the British and Indian soldiers who died in world war I. With time it has become a representation of all martyrs who died defending the nation and an eternal flame burns here in the memory of the soldiers who died in India-Pakistan war of 1971. The gate marks the eastern end of Rajpath, used for parades and banked with ornamental fountains, canals and gardens on either side.
6. Janpath – The main shopping centres of the city are in and around the area of janpath and Connaught place. Here state emporiums and cottage industries provide textile, jewellery and souvenirs at fixed prices. But roam the streets of janpath and you can find many a treasured treat tucked in the small shops selling handicrafts from India and Tibet. Bargaining is key to get some good buys.
7. Lodhi Gardens –A favourite haunt for joggers, yoga gurus, political bigwigs and picnicking families, this picturesque garden is the green lung of Delhi. The lawns and flowerbeds are laid around the imposing 15 century tomb of the Sayyid and Lodi dynasties and quiet a serene getaway from the bustling city.
   

   Humayun's Tomb. courtesy chopr via cc/Flickr

8. Humayun’s Tomb – The tomb of the second Mughal emperor Humayun is the inspiration behind the incomparable Taj Mahal. Because of this important significance it is interesting to see this site and observe the similar dome structure, fine trellis work and the tomb chamber made of marble.
9. Jantar Mantar – Sawai jai Singh the king of Jaipur was a keen astronomer and he built this observatory in 1724 to calculate planetary positions and alignments accurately. What makes the place stunning is the precision with which at that age and time these  mud instruments were built. UNESCO has recently added the Jantar Mantar at Jaipur into its list of world heritage sites and if not Jaipur, you can definitely see it at Delhi.
10. National Museum – Five millennia of Indian history can be explored at the national museum. It has a collection of nearly 200,000 Indian art and also a collection of Indus valley relics and treasures from the silk route of central Asia.

It is said Delhi is the city of people with large hearts, a connotation derived from its name pronounced as ‘dilli’ in Hindi language ‘dil’ meaning heart. In this city you might meet your share of people who would follow you like a shadow coaxing you to try their taxi services, food joint or even tail you to every place you visit as self proclaimed guides. But you might also find few of those citizens who smile whatever be the circumstances, who give without questioning and who make you feel right at home in a foreign land. It is then that you would have truly seen the city of Delhi and will fondly remember it as ‘dilli’ – rightly, the city of people with large hearts.

Travellers always have this fascination of  taking back a memorabilia from the city they are visiting as a glorious testimony of the journey to an unknown land. While each city has its array of emporiums and curio shops addressing this very need of travellers, it is another matter and an adventure in itself to skew through the unfamiliar surroundings, bargain with the locals and finally take home a souvenir that has somehow more value attached to it because of the preceding hunt.

In Ahmedabad, the vibrant city of Gujarat, India, this discovery may happen in a street market at Law Garden. While pockets become lighter and bags in the hands grow heavier, the eyes continue to be dazzled by the great traditional shopping fiesta offered from one corner of this busy street to the other.

Law garden is called so because of the Law College in the vicinity and it is indeed a peaceful garden in the heart of the city with plenty of play area, lush green lawns, and shaded green avenues for families to spend some relaxing moments all around. But what many come here for is not the peace and tranquillity offered inside the garden gates but the hullabaloo of activities present around it.

Shopper's Paradise. Courtesy Sudhamshu via cc/Flickr

The entire boundary wall of the garden has been utilised by enterprising gujaratis to open up their tea stalls, snack shacks, gaming shops, children rides, soda shops and to the uttermost delight of many traditional apparel hunters, hundreds of shop selling authentic Gujarati costumes and jewellery.  

It seems it is festival time 365 days a year on this side of the garden that plays host to these shops. The shimmering dresses and the glittering jewellery displayed temptingly all across the street coax every passerby to give a second glance and even stop for some impulse buy.

What you can find here

  Those who have visited the states of Gujarat or Rajasthan in India may have been greeted quite often with the sight of local women wearing a voluminous long skirt called the ghagra or the lehenga with a matching top and an unstitched cloth called odni or duppatta covering their head. It is the traditional wear of this part of India made hugely popular by bollywood movies and the great Indian weddings. What you can find in the law garden street shops is exactly the same apparels and ornaments coming straight from the creators of these items. Choices are plenty and before you splurge on the first design that you find, it is wise to traverse the length of the road and shortlist the best of the best.

The Vibrant Ghagra-Choli, Courtesy sudhamshu via cc/Flickr

Here is a list of the things you can get here,

Chaniya choli or ghagra choli – The Indian version of the skirt and top these are the most common of the items in display at every shop and interestingly with the most varied designs. Owing to the creative abilities of the creator each pair of ghagra and choli is a customised work of art. Although certain design elements prevail like the use of flower motifs, mirror work, stars and colored glasses, the ultimate costume is unique in its own respect and it is hard to find two pairs the exact replica of each other. If one notices there are regional difference too in the design patterns. While the more intricate thread work is visible in the Kutchi patterns, the other gujarati designs are adorned more with mirror and glass work. But regardless of their birth place, all are hand stitched and exquisite.

Kurta Tops – Ahmedabad is known to be a very fashion conscious city and there are many who have blended western influences with ethnic Indian wear giving rise to a new breed of garments called the kurta tops that can be worn with an Indian salwar or the ubiquitous blue jeans. The amazing design choices for this particular kind of tops is endless in the law garden shops and with the price range, any sane shopper may wish to take everything home!

Angarakha/Kurta Dhoti – Men may not feel left out after all, because there are plenty of shops selling traditional Gujarati wear for men too. The typical angarakha a frock style loose kurta for men is hugely popular garment choice during the festival season from September to November when the entire country celebrates Navaratri and Diwali. It is especially worn by men performing garba dance. There are special vivid colored, small sized costumes for kids too that can make your little boy the centre of attention of any party.

Silver Jewellery – As you keep buying your dresses it is easy to accessorize them then and there with some shops selling exclusively easy- to- wear silver jewellery. Most of course are not made of the precious metal and thus priced exceedingly low. From small studs, to drop earrings to complete set of a neck piece, matching earrings and bangles you can find almost any design complimenting your buy. The best part is, the shop owners are the creators themselves and if you ask for it, you can get a particular design of your choice with matching coloured stones, made to order in minutes!

Jewels galore , courtesy mckaysavage via cc/Flickr (This particular photo is of a shop in Rishikesh but the merchandise and display is very similar to the ornament shops in Law Garden, Ahmedabad)

Bed sheets/Cushion & Bolster covers – There is no easier way to make India come alive in your home than with these amazingly beautiful hand stitched bed sheets and bed covers. The colours are as dynamic as the country itself and patterns showcase the traditional Indian love for elements of nature and wildlife. There are again plenty of designs, shapes and sizes to choose from. For those who want a special something to adorn there walls there are also many wall hangings that you can get here. Peacocks, lotuses, creepers and the lovable Indian God Ganesha, the artisans have much in store for the connoisseurs of wall art. 

Stationary – Folders, visiting card holders and pen stands get a visibly new meaning around these street shops. The designs are simple and more essentially hundred percent eco-friendly made of cloth and hardboard. They not only make good souvenirs to gift friends back home, but also can be great to portray your love for the eco-friendly goods the chic way.

Hand bags – Cloth hand bags never cease to go out of fashion and that is why here too you can see unlimited shapes and sizes of bags that can be used anywhere, from carrying college notebooks to loose change or to just ethnically accessorise a party dress.

Handy tips

• Bargain, bargain and bargain. The rule of thumb at these street shops is to give less than half of what is asked for. Do stick to your price once you have quoted it and you would surely reap the rewards of buying much more than you expected at the same price.
• Take a local with you. It is best to have a local as an aid if you are here for the first time as the shop owners are quick to recognise an outsiders especially if you come from another country. Apart from the ease in conversation, the local friend may also save you from the job of bargaining.
• When buying any apparel, whether a chaniya choli or a top, make sure that the shop owner unpacks and shows the complete set to you. There are sometimes stitching errors that go unnoticed if you do not check before you buy.
• Always dryclean the first wash as the colors run and may spoil the entire dress if not washed carefully.

To know more about Ahmedabad, visit Gujarat Tourism

Good weather while traveling is like the precursor of all good things to come. When the sun is shining gently and the breeze is soft and cool, even the uninteresting start looking like the perfect setting for a photographic pause or simply a moment to introspect.

In India, the weather is hot almost all through the year and although a well versed tourist is ably prepared to deal with the extra hard sunshine, with lots of sun-screen lotion, hats, sunglasses and loose clothing, you might also want to double check and avoid the scorching summer months, before you embark on the journey to this land.

With India, another important reason to be extra cautious about the weather is because of the visible dissimilarity of the whole thing. Being such a dramatic combination of different topographies, the same month and the same season may look and feel quite different, depending on your choice of destination.

Here is a rough guide of the weather scenario in India and the best time to visit the different regions of the country.

The Weather

India is primarily a country of three seasons, summer, rains and winter broken by short spells of spring and autumn.

The summer temperatures in the month of April-June across the country can go as high as 47-48 degree Celsius though the northern parts like Kashmir are still blessed with cool climates. Winter months from October to February are cooler and pleasant and many trip advisors do suggest traveling during these months, to avoid extreme heat, humidity, sudden rain spells, and sunburns. Winter is also the time for many major festivals and therefore a good time to see the country in all its colorful glory.

North

Mountain Region, including Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The states have short spells of summer but prolonged winters that are cold and dry. The lowest temperatures are recorded in the Himalayan belt averaging below 7 degree Celsius.

Dal Lake, Kashmir. Courtesy Tony George via Flickr

North-East

Himalaya Region including Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. Cold, humid winter with short and pleasant summer months. The states are still worth a visit any time of the year except rainy months from June to September.

Rain. Courtesy judepics via Flickr

Northern and North-Eastern Plains

This area includes states like Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Jharkhand, and part of Assam and Sikkim and other north-eastern states. Also parts of central states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh.

The states broadly coming under humid subtropical category, experience very hot summers, followed by heavy rainfall and dry winters.

Hill-stations located in these states can be visited in summer months. Other destinations make good winter vacations.

West

Rajasthan and Gujarat are the major states of the region with low rainfall, and extremes of temperature in summers and winters. Months from September till March are good for traveling to these destinations especially if you are interested in the desert safaris.

Sun 'n' Sand, Rajasthan. Courtesy ManojVasanth via Flickr

South, South-West, South-East

The states in this area experience tropical Savannah climates with long, dry seasons, high summer temperature and mild winters. Coastal areas are mostly humid in summers and extremely humid in rainy season.  The eastern coast receives winter rainfall from the receding Southwest monsoon.

This area includes states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Again summer is avoidable, as is the monsoons.

Weather Enduring Tips

• To prevent dehydration drink plenty of fluids.
• Add an extra pinch of salt to the food.
• Stay indoors during the hottest times of the day.
• Use hats, sunglasses, sunscreens profusely.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Wear light, loose fitting cotton clothing.
• Prefer wearing sandals over covered shoes.

SXSW (aka South By Southwest) is fast approaching, and here in Austin this is a rather crazy time of year. (I mean, aside from the freak snowstorm we experienced yesterday!) Locals are trying to snap up wristbands to get into events, hotel owners are jacking up prices in anticipation of the rabid hoardes of film and music fans descending upon the city, and new venues are being slapped together literally at the last second to hold all of the shows that’ll fit into the space between March 12 and 21.

Just one example of some of the weird things you'll see at SXSW (photo by Scott Beale / Laughing Squid)

While I’ve, personally, never been a huge fan of attending live music events (call me crazy, but I like listening to music alone in the dark through my headphones), the SXSW festival is the best of three very different worlds: music, film and interactive technology (i.e. computer and video game nerdiness). So, really, there’s a little something for everyone.

While my husband has been getting psyched about all the neat experimental musicians who will be in town for the event (including the excellent neo-classical/avant cellist Zoë Keating), I’ve been poring over the lists of films that are going to be shown at this year’s festival. Man, there are a ton of good ones! How will I ever be able to see them all?!

Sad to say, since I do have to work for a living, I definitely won’t get to see everything on my list. However, if you’re trying to organize your SXSW schedule and make sure you check off every single item on your to-do list, I thought I would point you in the direction of a few good sites that will help you do exactly that.

1. The official website, SXSW.com, is obviously a good place to start. It’s got all the official news, announcements, lists of parties and performances, and the insane schedule for absolutely everything going on between March 12 and 21. Try not to be intimidated by the massive amount of things going on and pick one sub-section to focus on at a time (music, film, interactive) to avoid being overwhelmed.
2. Do512.com is another good place to cruise, especially in terms of the music side of things. They’ve got all of the musicians playing at SXSW listed alphabetically, by popularity, and even by hometown, so you’ll easily be able to locate all your favorites as well as some new finds. Current favorites on the site are Toronto’s Broken Social Scene, Austin’s own Spoon, and New York City’s We Are Scientists.
3. Angrysong is the blog of an Austin-based computer programmer named Donald Mason, who also happens to be a very dedicated SXSW-er. His suggestions on how to pick bands to see at the fest, as well as the very useful link to the Home of the Unofficial SXSW Torrents (which he says he sifted through in its entirety to devise his personal fest schedule), will definitely come in handy when your eyes start crossing and you begin mumbling “But… who… are all of these people?!” With 15 years of SXSW-ing under his belt, I think this is definitely news we newbies can use!
4. Need more good advice on where to go, what to do, and which bands to see? Check out this blog by Bob Knoxious, entitled “My 2-cents of Bad SXSW Advice,” where another 15-year veteran of the fest advises you to avoid shelling out for wristbands, refuse to “go easy” or “take it slow,” and try to cram as much fun and as many freebies into your SXSW experience as possible. Rock on!
5. Film lovers should absolutely check out Film School Rejects‘ extensive SXSW previews, especially those looking for advice on which flicks truly must not be missed. Shun the typical and figure out what’ll really fry your noodle, with the help of some true movie junkies who don’t give a darn about the hotshots from Hollywood.
6. And finally, SXSW Baby! is the festival’s unofficial blog, run by longtime fans and participants with lots of advice on the fest, as well as the city outside the fest. (Huh? There’s life in Austin outside of 1,800 bands, a buttload of movies, and all the computer geeks you can handle?!) They’ve even got links to ride and room shares that’ll help you save money on transportation and sleeping accommodations (y’know, if you actually plan on sleeping). Very wise indeed.

When you are in a country, that changes its ambience and culture every step of the way, it really becomes difficult to choose the one thing that you can take back home as a distinct memory of that place. The problem becomes more acute when you are in India where each state, even each city has a wide, dizzying array of handicraft, handloom, and other artistry to choose from.

Therefore, to make your job of souvenir hunting a little less complicated, here are a few things, that you can take home and that can remind you of this beautiful country even as the travel memories fade.

Carpets 

Kashmir is indubitably the carpet capital of India. This state has a history of carpet weaving that goes back centuries and the trade has been learnt from the original carpet makers-the Persians. With time the distinct, intricate weave of the Kashmir carpets has not only mesmerized royalties, but have become the focal point in many a commoners home.

Carpet from Kashmir. Courtesy Hewy via Flickr

If you cannot go all the way to Kashmir to get your prized carpet, the vast selection is available in most major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Darjeeling etc. Be sure to bargain and choose only the hand knitted original Kashmiri ones as there are many who sell carpets made of synthetic fibers nowadays.

The carpets are definitely a high end buy.

Woolens

The Northern and the North Eastern states are known for creating some warm winter clothing that are comfortable, trendy and very very affordable. Do your bargaining right, and you can buy some quality cardigans, shawls, stoles, gloves even woolen woven shoes for the whole family back home.

Handicraft

If tulips mean Netherlands, Handicrafts means India. The whole country is buzzing with artistic talents that have been passed on from generations to generations. Be it the terracotta wares of Bengal, the sandalwood carvings of Mysore, the carved metal art of tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh or the blue gazed pottery of Jaipur. Just ask about the particular handcraft specialty of the area and keep a look out for one while sight seeing.

Handicraft Market. Courtesy Brajeshwar via Flickr

 Jewelry

Indian jewelry designs are known for the intricate work involved and the use of precious stones. Rajasthan is a good place to find some nice collection in Silver and gold and also buy precious stone that can then be placed into a customized design of your choice.

Jewels of India. Courtesy jainshashikant via Flickr

If you are not the one splurging on precious metals, you will be amazed at the variety of jewelry that you can get here, made of other items like pearls in Hyderabad, lac work in Jodhpur or even terracotta jewelry worth few rupees but truly worth buying selling in Bengal.

Textiles

Again, each area has its distinct specialty when it comes to the art of weaving. While Punjab is famous for phulkari embroidery work, Rajasthan and Gujarat are known for the colorful tie and dye work and also the mirror work. Tamil Nadu is where you can buy some intricately woven silk fabrics and Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh for the chic chikan work. 

Try to scout for the unique handloom item of the area and you will be amazed at the variety of things made from that one style. From Sarees, stoles, bed sheets, cushion covers, evening dresses, kurtas, skirts, jackets to even caps, your entire wardrobe can get an instant Indian flavor if you so wish.

Spices

Spices grow in plenty in the Southern states of India and you can get them in bulk any time of the year to stock up your home for many days to come. The aroma and the pure quality you can get here, is hard to find anywhere else.

Chillies and peppers. Courtesy Sudhamshu via Flickr

Tea and Coffee

While south is where you head for your pack of coffee, tea is a must buy from the north eastern states and especially if you are visiting Assam or Darjeeling. The taste and aroma is sure to make you reminiscence the days you spend touring India.

Foot wear

For some traditional Indian footwear, the best place to look for is Rajashthan for the ethical Mojris and Maharashtra for the famous leather work shoes and sandals of Kolhapur and other areas.

It is really impossible to contain the vast range of authentic Indian artistry in one post, so I hope you just visit the country and see for yourself the multitude of things it has in store for you.

When planning a vacation, there can be several stressful financial factors leading to the actual trip, like how to afford the trip and expenses that could occur during travel. However, many experienced travelers have shared advice on how to alleviate the burden of worrying about finances.  Here is a compilation of some of their best cost-reducing tips:

• Plan, Plan, Plan: There is no substitution for planning. Experienced travelers agree that shopping around for the best deals on the Internet is the most effective way to reduce vacation costs. People should research every aspect of a potential trip and compare the cost of each segment (air, hotel, rental car, etc.), and continue to check rates even after making a reservation, one traveler suggests. People that are proactive in the early stages of planning usually find the very best deals.  

• Look For The Best Deals: Consider calling the hotels directly to inquire about discounts. Another great idea is to sign-up for email notices of sales and promotions from online travel sites, and be flexible with your travel dates when your destination goes on sale or runs a special promotion, recommends one traveler.

• Bring Food and Money: After scheduling for the vacation, people should consider bringing a cooler full of favorite foods and drinks when traveling by car to reduce or even eliminate the cost of dining out. Another tip is to avoid ATM fees by taking cash out at grocery stores. Many grocery and drug stores enable you to request some cash back with the each purchase (even when purchasing just a pack of gum, bottle of water or soft drink). Consider visiting local grocery stores to buy foods that are easy to store and prepare in your hotel room rather than dining out.

• Be Loyal: Frequent travelers are even planning to use their airline and hotel loyalty program points to defer their travel cost. A few even mention redeeming points for gift cards to gas stations, restaurants, and national retail chain stores, such as Target and Wal-Mart, for use on their trips. This will help cut costs in other areas.

• Bundle Packages: If your travels take you overseas to Europe, consider taking a cruise. Cruises typically offer an all-inclusive type package and may provide more “bang for your buck”, which should be considered given current exchange rates.

• Consider Alternative Routes: Several travelers recommended flying to a major European hub to connect to your final European destination on Europe’s low-cost airlines (RyanAir, Easy Jet, etc.).  The trains in Europe are another convenient and economical way to travel to your destination.

Whether the travels takes you on a road trip across the States or overseas in Europe, planning and researching for the best deals in addition to cutting basic costs with the tips from experienced travelers, you’ll be able to vacation without worrying about finances.

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This content is courtesy of Priority Club Connect. Priority Club Connect is an online community for Priority Club Rewards members. It provides a forum for members to connect and engage with other travelers and to learn about the Priority Club Loyalty program and the InterContinental Hotels Group family of brands. Topics of discussion range from exotic travel destinations and special offers to packing tips and financial travel information helpful for any traveler. To join the community and contribute your travel tips and experiences, please visit: http://community.priorityclub.com/.

In case you’re still hungry for Verdun, I’ve got a few more hot spots in my borough for you to explore. These are the gourmet places you’ll want to check out if you’re a foodie, from cafés and bistros to fromageries and specialty groceries.

Most importantly, however, I must correct a mistake from my last post about Gastronomie le Naked Lunch, which—as a restaurant, at least—is sadly no more. However, it lives on in its gourmet canned goods incarnation, found in grocery stores and upscale boutiques throughout the city.

Bistronomie Terre Ferme – 4816 Wellington

Bistronomie Terre Ferme (via Bistro Terre Ferme.com)

As for the restaurant at 4816 Wellington? It’s currently called Bistronomie Terre Ferme and has been taken over by two employees of Naked Lunch, according to an article in Voir. Their current menu (which changes weekly, just like at Naked Lunch) includes a table d’hôte consisting of an entrée of crème de maïs vanillée avec pétoncle fumé-poêlé, popcorn et huile de truffe (smoked scallops with a vanilla corn-cream sauce, popcorn and truffle oil… there’s a recipe and video in French here, to give you an idea of what this dish looks like, as my description/translation makes it sound a bit gross). The main dish is flanc de porc confit, purée de courge musquée, légumes racine, sauce chipotlé (pork flank confit with acorn squash purée, root vegetables and chipotle sauce). For dessert there’s panacotta à la fleur de lavande, compote de Kumquat, and tuile d’amande (lavender flower panna cotta with Kumquat compote and an almond cookie).

This sounds fairly similar to the types of meals you would have found at Naked Lunch, so I don’t think the set-up has changed very much. They’re also still selling the Naked Lunch canned items, so it looks like the Naked Lunch relationship is still strong here, despite a change in ownership.

For more menu items, be sure to check out the Terre Ferme website.

Fromagerie Copette & Cie – 4650 Wellington

Fromagerie Copette & Cie (photo by Laura Roberts)

For those seeking more of this upscale vibe in Verdun, there’s a great cheese shop (or “fromagerie” in French) just up the street on Wellington that you should check out. Fromagerie Copette & Cie offers approximately one-hundred (!) different kinds of cheeses, including a wide variety of Quebec-made artisan cheeses that you won’t find anywhere else in the city. Thrifty Table has a great article on this shop, which offers store co-owner Luc Gendron’s suggestions for four regional cheeses that create a harmonious appetizer for a party of six, all for under $25. Take this list with you when you go to avoid going bankrupt in this small but pricey shop, as they’ve got some cheeses with price tags that will really raise your eyebrows.

Cha Noir Tea House – 4646 Wellington

Cha Noir Tea House, after dark (photo via Cha-Noir.com)

Got an hankering for some tea or chocolates? Then you’ll definitely want to check out Cha Noir Tea House! Next door to Copette & Cie, this little Asian-inspired tea house offers plenty of excellent loose teas to choose from (whether you’re into black, green, or anything in between), as well as desserts, fine chocolates and fresh fruit juices.

Want to take some tea home with you? Looking for a great gift for a tea lover you know? They’ve also got teas for sale in bulk, by the pound or kilogram, and accessories like loose tea holders and fancy teapots available for purchase. Tea-sampling workshops are also available in French for those that are curious about trying new things, and the walls often feature works by local artists to stimulate your senses as you sip.

Marché Branche d’Olivier – 4342 Wellington

Marché Branche d'Olivier sign (photo by Laura Roberts)

Marché Branche d’Olivier is a total godsend for home cooks and anybody who actually likes their food to have spice. While the usual grocery stores may carry amenities like salt and pepper, if you start asking for serrano chiles, they’re going to give you the “What the heck are you talking about, lady?” look. (Trust me, I’ve been there. Now, stop giving me that look, IGA, and learn how to source items your customers want!) For those hard-to-find “ethnic” items, there’s Branche d’Olivier, or The Olive Branch, a fabulous little grocery store that stocks everything from bulk spices to Indian canned goods to that special brand of salsa you love (Herdez is in the house).

If you’re looking for speciality items in Verdun, there’s a good chance The Olive Branch carries it. They specialize in natural and organic products, as well as Oriental (Asian, Middle Eastern) foods and spices. They’ve got organic white tea, fair-trade chocolate, natural soaps made from olive oil, a wide assortment of spices, canned chiles, dried legumes, fresh tofu… if it’s a hard-to-find ingredient in a recipe that goes beyond your grocery store’s realms of possibility, check here before making the time-consuming trip down to the Atwater Market. You’ll be glad you did.

Café La Tazza – 3922 Wellington

If you venture all the way down to 3922 Wellington, you’ll find Café La Tazza, a tiny café that serves up a mean cappuccino as well as offering a variety of gourmet items to those looking for foodie-friendly gifts. Though the café only holds eight tables, it’s a great place to stop in for a hot drink on a cold day, or to treat yourself to one of their homemade desserts.

On holidays and throughout the year there are coffee tastings and special themed items for sale; an article in the Gazette mentioned pumpkin pie and Halloween cupcakes for October 31. My husband and I popped in looking for truffle oil, which they don’t carry, but the owner was very friendly and made suggestions about where to look. If you’ve got a hankering for a certain type of coffee, like say authentic Kona, she can even make a special order for you if you’re nice.

Verdun is for foodies

From sweet to savory, high-priced to affordable, Verdun is full of great gourmet finds. You’ve just got to know where to look!

Sunday brunch is a Montreal tradition, as I’m sure it is in many cities. We like to sleep in late, roll out of bed somewhere around the crack of noon, and then pack in a nice greasy American-style breakfast. If you love breakfast meats, eggs, and home fries, there are plenty of places to get a delicious and affordable breakfast any day of the week. Here are Montrealers’ top spots for Sunday—or anyday!—brunches.

Dusty’s
4510 Park Avenue

Breakfast at Dusty’s is served from crazy early in the morning (and it’s doubtful that any Montrealers have seen it open) until 7 PM, so you can get your brunch on here no matter how late you get started. If you’re hung-over from a night of partying, Dusty’s can cure what ails you. Plus, you’ll never be hustled out the door by servers trying to turn over tables. Come here to relax and enjoy life, read through the Sunday paper or a good book, and take advantage of the daily specials. Fast and friendly service, old school diner atmosphere, and you can even get your blintz fix here. If there’s more to life than brunch at Dusty’s, I don’t want to know about it.

"takeyourorder" at Dusty's (photo by Flickr user Sadax Golum)

Beauty’s
93 Mont-Royal West

Beauty’s is a Montreal landmark. Some may say the food is overpriced, given the fact that it’s another diner and just a walk away from the über-cheap Dusty’s, but others will argue that it’s well worth it for the Beauty’s Special: lox, onions, tomatoes and cream cheese piled high on a legendary Montreal bagel. Just don’t listen to the owner when he promises you that the wait is “only 5 minutes.” It’s totally not, but you’ll wait in the line anyway, grumbling along with the locals, knowing it’s worth it. Sometimes you’ve gotta suffer for your Beauty’s, kid!

Cosmos Snack Bar
5843 Sherbrooke West

Venturing off the Plateau and west into NDG, you’ll find Cosmos Snack Bar, a tiny little dive of a joint where the owner is infamous for never cleaning his grill. Though the Man of Grease himself is rarely at the helm, his daughters have taken charge and continue to serve the same deliciously greasy breakfasts we Montrealers know and love. And I’ve got one word for you: Mishmash! Order it when you’re hungry, cus they’ll make you eat it all, no matter what. The mishmash is a gigantic omelette monstrosity, consisting of eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, salami, tomato, onion and cheese, served with toast on the side.

B&M Restaurant
6200 Somerled

Also in NDG, B&M Restaurant is a brunch tradition at my house. They’re a bit on the pricey end of the spectrum, and you may have to wait for a spot on their terrasse during the summer months, but it’s well worth it for the delicious food. B&M serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, so you can satisfy other cravings, but their breakfasts are really divine. Try the unusual omelettes, like the avocado, sun-dried tomato and goat cheese marvel, or the tasty London steak and eggs. All of their breakfasts come with mashed potatoes piled high, and you can even class it up with a Mimosa on the side. Love!

For more tasty breakfast and brunch spots, be sure to check out local reviews at Montreal Breakfast Review, Eat Well Montreal, and Shoestring Montreal!