The Staple of the Indian Diet

Cereals, as the seeds of the grasses, are the basic staple food consumed in India. India boasts a staggering variety, with some of the most prominent being:

Rice: Rice is the most popular cereal grain in the Indian diet. It comes in various types such as Basmati rice, which is famous for its pleasant smell, and Sona Masuri, considered for its softness. From the green fields of Kerala to the fertile plains of Punjab, this crop is grown all across the country.

Wheat: Another staple cereal is wheat, which is used in making rotis, parathas, breads, and a lot of other preparations. Harvested golden fields of wheat dancing under the sun are famous for the states of Punjab and Haryana in India, which play a crucial role in feeding the country.

Millets: These small-grained powerhouses, such as jowar also known as sorghum and bajra also known as pearl millet, are making a comeback due to their rich nutritional profile and ability to withstand drought conditions. Especially suitable for the climatic conditions of India, millets used to be common in many areas. Due to awareness of healthy eating and returning to indigenous crops, millets are slowly appearing on Indian plates again.

Maize (Corn): Corn, commonly consumed in animal feeds, is gradually making its way into snacking and local cuisines. Though not as prominent as the major cereals, corn is incorporated into the Indian diet, though not as commonly or as frequently in certain regions of the country.

Oats: Commonly known for their nutritional values, oats are widely used either as porridge or breakfast cereals. Relatively new to India’s breakfast palette, oats have risen to the occasion and targeted the health-conscious, urban populace.

India’s Biodiversity – Species Richness

India is one of the mega diverse countries among 12 countries of the world because it has much variety of plant and animal species. Here’s just a glimpse of this incredible diversity:

Mammals: Ranging from the regal Royal Bengal Tiger, the national animal, roaming across the jungles of Madhya Pradesh to the shy One-Horned Rhinoceros residing in the plains of Assam, India hosts more than 400 types of mammals only. The Himalayas also host specific mountain creatures such as the snow leopard and the bharal or blue sheep.

Birds: India is a paradise for bird watchers as the country is home to more than 1300 species. Some of the birds found in India are the national bird, the Indian peafowl, which is known for its colorful feathers, and the Great Indian Hornbill, which boasts of its large wings. From the Himalayan Griffon vulture soaring high in the Himalayas to the bright Malabar Grey Hornbill in the Western Ghats, India has them all.

Amphibians and Reptiles: India has a diverse population of frogs, snakes, lizards, and turtles with more than 400 species of amphibians and 600 species of reptiles. The Western Ghats boast the maximum amphibian species while the scorching deserts of Rajasthan have hardy lizards such as the Monitor Lizard and the Indian Sand Boa.

Plants: Different terrains characterize India, making it possible to host a variety of plants with over 45,000 species of flowering plants. The mighty Himalayas have alpine vegetation, and the tropical rainforests of the south have many species of plants endemic to the region. From the gorgeous flowers of the northeast to the magnificent banyan trees that can be found across the country, India’s flora is ever fascinating.

Why India is Special?

There are so many types and species of cereal crops that can be grown in India due to its diverse geographical areas and production systems. This variety offers several benefits:

Food Security: Availability of cereals provides adequate food supply to feed the large population of the country. As India has diverse crops that can be grown in different climates, food grains can be produced in large quantities, thus controlling imports.

Dietary Needs: It offers options for all dietary restrictions and preferences. Be it gluten-free millets or protein pulses, India’s food basket has it all in store for everyone. This leads to a rich, diverse, and healthy diet that adequately supports the population.

Economic Opportunity: These cereals and species are grown and traded in India and play a big role in boosting the economy. The agricultural sector plays an important role in supporting the livelihoods of millions of people in India and earning foreign exchange through the exportation of spices, basmati rice, among other agricultural produce.

Ecological Balance: The number and variety of different creatures that inhabit the world are thus important in regulating the natural environment. The pollinating insects which are necessary for the production of fruits and seeds, the large herbivores that control plant growth are all beneficial to the ecosystem. Such biodiversity is crucial for the sustainability of ecological systems in the country.

Conservation and Sustainability

Though India has a vast number of varieties of cereals and species, it becomes essential to conserve them for the next generation. It is currently threatened by climate change, loss of habitat, and improper use of agricultural practices.

Here are some efforts being made to preserve this rich heritage:

Conservation Programs: The Indian Government has done a lot to protect the endangered species and their abode through various conservation measures. National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and bioreserves are set up to serve as a shelter to flora and wildlife.

Sustainable Agriculture: Measures such as crop rotation, organic farming, and water conservation practices should be encouraged to minimize the effects of agriculture on the environment and sustainability of these cereals.

Community Involvement: Education and engagement of the local population are critical for the success of such projects. Raising farmers’ awareness of sustainable practices and cultivating their responsibility for the environment are important prerequisites.

India has an enormous and diverse number of cereals and species, which makes people proud of their country. The sustainable practices and the culture of conservation keep India’s diverse ecosystem alive, which will be beneficial for future generations.

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Location, Location, Location!

This is a common saying that can be applied in hotels. Think about what you would want to be near. If one is a tourist in a busy city, then he or she may wish to be in a place close to the things to see and do. In regards to beach destinations, the closer to the water the better. Consider also how you will be moving from one place to the other. Do you need to find a hotel close to public transportation or do you need to rent a car? It is advisable to have a central location because it will help you save on traveling during your travel.

What’s Your Style?

They range from basic hostels to five-star resorts. Determine what type of experience you want. Are you looking for a large hotel with numerous attractions available or an intimate hotel for rest and calmness? Traveling with family? You should focus on hotels that have amenities such as pools or kids’ clubs. Solo traveler? It’s also a good idea to stay at a hostel as this will help one meet other adventurers. Keep in mind your travel attitude as well. Do you want a buzzing venue or a quiet space? The ambiance of the hotel must be in tune with your personality.

User Reviews

Reviews from guests provide a great source of information. Check reviews on travel websites and booking sites. They can reveal to you everything from the cleanliness of the rooms to the competency of the staff. Both positive and negative reviews should be taken into consideration and some topics might be consistent. A few reviews complaining about acoustic from a neighboring bar can be ignored if you used to sleep lightly but continuous negative feedback regarding the level of cleanliness demands a closer look.

Amenities That Matter

What accommodations are most crucial to you as a customer? Can you do it when you don’t have a gym nearby? Does free Wi-Fi help to stay connected? Traveling for work? Find a hotel that has a business center and meeting rooms. Having the extra amenities you need can make the stay a lot more convenient. There are even hotels that include special attractions such as a rooftop swimming pool or spa which will make your stay even more enjoyable.

Don’t Forget the Budget

Guests may choose a low-cost facility to a high-end establishment. Establish your hotel budget as soon as possible in the planning stage of your trip. Booking sites also have filters for searching hotels based on their prices. Think about additional costs such as resort fees or parking fees which are not reflected in the price. Add the extras to have a realistic valuation of the hotel.

Additional Needs

Consider any disabilities or additional requirements that you might have. Are you looking for a room that’s handicap accessible or do you have dietary restrictions? Traveling with pets? Besides, consider hotels that accept pets and provide pet amenities such as pet walks and pet sitters. Some hotels are targeted at specific groups such as resorts for adults only for a room with a view or family hotels offering babysitting and children’s entertainment for kids.

Unique Stays

Popular booking sites can be a good beginning but there is also a lot to learn outside of these platforms. Boutique hotels can provide a special and even local experience at an affordable price. Lodging homes or vacation properties are another option that can fully immerse the visitor into the local environment. These little secrets will come in handy and give that extra touch of authenticity to your journey.

Loyalty Matters

If you often travel, it is essential to become a member of the hotel’s loyalty program. Such programs can provide members with additional perks such as redeemable points for free stays, special room upgrades, or discounts. Other programs also include priority check-in and late check-out among other rewards which can be helpful when you are on the road. Similarly, other programs also offer participation with airlines or travel cards where participants can earn and redeem their points.

You Need To Be Flexible

Flexibility is everything and can occasionally lead to even better deals on rooms and dates. Check shoulder seasons – the periods of time between the high and low seasons – to capitalize on lower prices and fewer tourists. Consider whether a few square meters less or a more remote location would be a reasonable trade-off to stay within your budget. Hotel reservation is a game; one can bargain, change dates, and even the type of rooms that one is booking. With the right approach and these factors in mind you can easily find the hotel of your desire that will make your trip memorable. Well, good booking, and enjoy your travels!

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Just walking around, you’ll find surprises everywhere – ancient temples or brand new shops with the latest gadgets; someone simply strolling down a street nearby with his pet bird in tow. There is a combination of old customs and daily modern behavior in the city.

Hong Kong is more than just city life. If you step away from all the bustling areas, you will find green mountains and hiking paths as well as lovely beaches with islands and quiet fishing spots. It combines both the dynamics of city life and the serenity of nature.

Even though Hong Kong is a part of China, it has its own distinct blend of old Chinese traditions and independent history from the rest of the country.

Hong Kong is an amazing city, but there’s much more beneath the surface. Hong Kong is not just a point on the map; it’s an incredible adventure full of interesting experiences. Dive into our list of cool places to visit, and you will surely agree.

1. Star Ferry

Jump on the old-timer of Hong Kong – the Star Ferry, which first came into service in 1880. It’s super cheap, only a few Hong Kong dollars, and one of the best deals in the city. Victoria Harbour is always busy with boats of various shapes and sizes, while the Star Ferry captains are like professionals because instead of crashes, they avoid them so masterfully.

Whether you are sailing from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island or, say, Tsim Sha Tsui to Central, the high-rise buildings on the island and green mountains in the backdrop nearby never cease to amaze anyone. The water breeze is just so lovely, a refreshing change from the confined city spaces.

Do not worry about getting your ferry time correct; it runs every few minutes all day and night, making it simple to snag a nice spot up front or along the rail for some cool breezes. The return journey from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui is no less exciting.

Catch Symphony of Lights at the right time in the evening. It’s free and spectacular, with lasers illuminating the skyscrapers on both sides of the harbor. It is a must-visit place and one of the coolest night activities in Hong Kong.

2. Repulse Bay and the Beaches

The city of Hong Kong is typically not a place you associate with beaches. But guess what? You don’t really have to travel far for some beautiful sandy areas. Repulse Bay Beach is the coolest beach in Hong Kong with beautiful landscapes and good for swimming. Plus, it is not very touristy.

Hong Kong’s fancy style is all over the day at Repulse Bay. There are cool restaurants and shops along the street by the beach. Amalfitana is a nice place for eating pizza while looking at the beach.

For a more laid-back beach day, consider Big Wave Bay as nearby. The water there is calm, creating a huge U-shaped bay with an extensive shoreline. It’s much more laid back than Repulse Bay. To hike part of the well-known Dragon’s Back trail to Big Wave Bay and go for a dip is also quite popular.

Near Big Wave Bay beach, there are BBQ spots that make delicious seafood. When you are prepared to get back from the city, there’s a parking area where buses and taxis wait.

3. Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland, located on Lantau Island, is like a fairy tale land with Disney characters and stories. The park is divided into seven lands, each of which has its own feel such as Adventure Land, Fantasy Land, and Toy Story Land.

You can have shows and parades round the clock with your favorite characters in them. From Jungle Cruises to Tarzan’s Tree house, everything is there. And when the night sets in, beautiful fireworks near the castle lighten up the sky.

Recently, they made some cool changes in 2019. They constructed the Castle of Magical Dreams highlighting Cinderella’s Coach and other magical things. Plus, there’s the new Frozen area with a fun ride called Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleigh where Olaf and Sven take you sleigh riding.

Getting there is easy. Take the MTR Disneyland Line and get off at Disneyland Station. It’s a day full of excitement and adventure for everyone!

4. Lan Kwai Fong

Lan Kwai Fong is considered to be where the city’s food scene comes alive, right in the heart of Hong Kong. The streets become full of people rushing to the coolest eateries when it sunsets. If you want to eat a good dinner in Hong Kong, particularly during the evening hours, then Lan Kwai Fong is where to go.

Just picture yourself sitting on outdoor patios right by the sidewalks, eating delicious food while watching people and sounds from outside. It is a classic Hong Kong experience, with yummy tastes and the bustle of people everywhere.

Lan Kwai Fong is more than just street-level dining; restaurants are piled one on top of another in the nearby buildings. Check the directories at entrances to find different types of world cuisine. Whether you crave Italian at Bistecca or Mexican at Brickhouse, Lan Kwai Fong is always consistently great for dining.

While we have D’Aguilar as the main street, consider taking a walk in those small lanes. There, you will discover hidden restaurants serving some of the best food in Hong Kong. Located on Queens Road in central Hong Kong, not far from the MTR Central Station, is Lan Kwai Fong where locals and visitors alike can embark upon a mouth-watering gastronomic tour of one part at least of Hong Kong’s culinary pulse.

5. Tsim Sha Tsui

Tsim Sha Tsui, or TST, is a vibrant shopping and amusement area in the south of Kowloon, which provides you with Hong Kong’s flavor.

The main street here is Nathan Road, where one will find many restaurants in addition to a variety of shops and rather special vendors. If you’re interested in the luxury shopping Hong Kong is known for, then check out the posh shops on Canton Road nearby.

To the south is where you will find the famous Clock Tower and Tsim Sha Tsui Cultural Complex. Hong Kong Space Museum and the Hong Kong Museum of Art are among its attractions. The waterfront is an ideal location in the evening to see the fireworks shows that light up both the sky and buildings across as well.

6. Hong Kong Skyline

The Hong Kong skyline really is something special, one of the coolest and most recognizable in the world. It’s like a collection of huge apartment buildings on both the island and Kowloon, encircled by mountains and an active seaport. It is identified by the combination of old Chinese junk boats and classic Star Ferry against a background of super modern skyscrapers. This is an entirely different scene at night when everything lights up.

The best places to view the skyline are on top of Victoria Peak and along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade in Kowloon, near the clock tower. There, you can sit on benches by the water and gaze over to Hong Kong. And a night visit will really impress you with the A Symphony of Lights show. It is this amazing laser and light ballet to music that makes the skyline brighten up, twinkle, sparkle, and dance. It is an absolute must-see, especially from the waterfront of Kowloon.

The post Hong Kong’s Cheap But Luxurious Highly Visited Destinations appeared first on TripALoud.

You can easily change the formatting of selected text in the document text by choosing a look for the selected text from the Quick Styles gallery on the Home tab. You can also format text directly by using the other controls on the Home tab. Most controls offer a choice of using the look from the current theme or using a format that you specify directly.

To change the overall look of your document, choose new Theme elements on the Page Layout tab. To change the looks available in the Quick Style gallery, use the Change Current Quick Style Set command. Both the Themes gallery and the Quick Styles gallery provide reset commands so that you can always restore the look of your document to the original contained in your current template.

On the Insert tab, the galleries include items that are designed to coordinate with the overall look of your document. You can use these galleries to insert tables, headers, footers, lists, cover pages, and other document building blocks. When you create pictures, charts, or diagrams, they also coordinate with your current document look.

You can easily change the formatting of selected text in the document text by choosing a look for the selected text from the Quick Styles gallery on the Home tab. You can also format text directly by using the other controls on the Home tab. Most controls offer a choice of using the look from the current theme or using a format that you specify directly.

To change the overall look of your document, choose new Theme elements on the Page Layout tab. To change the looks available in the Quick Style gallery, use the Change Current Quick Style Set command. Both the Themes gallery and the Quick Styles gallery provide reset commands so that you can always restore the look of your document to the original contained in your current template.

On the Insert tab, the galleries include items that are designed to coordinate with the overall look of your document. You can use these galleries to insert tables, headers, footers, lists, cover pages, and other document building blocks. When you create pictures, charts, or diagrams, they also coordinate with your current document look.

You can easily change the formatting of selected text in the document text by choosing a look for the selected text from the Quick Styles gallery on the Home tab. You can also format text directly by using the other controls on the Home tab. Most controls offer a choice of using the look from the current theme or using a format that you specify directly.

To change the overall look of your document, choose new Theme elements on the Page Layout tab. To change the looks available in the Quick Style gallery, use the Change Current Quick Style Set command. Both the Themes gallery and the Quick Styles gallery provide reset commands so that you can always restore the look of your document to the original contained in your current template.

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