My Heart on the Road

  Blogging the Travel World

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Make Delicious Custard Every Time You Step into the Kitchen!

Don’t you just love a smooth and velvety custard? Now you can treat your diners to a perfect custard every time with this custard powder!

Given that baking is such a precise art, it takes time and numerous trial-and-error experiments. A chef will try different recipes, different ingredients and different measurements to finally achieve end results that you are most happy with. Talking about ingredients, we have one such product that will change the way you cook and make working in the professional kitchen so much easier.

Brown & Polson Custard Powder is a purely vegetarian product that delivers in perfect consistency and great flavour. You can now whip up some great vegetarian custards in your kitchen using this custard powder. It lends a subtle vanilla flavour to your dish. In just 4 easy steps you can have the most delicious results. The custard powder is an ideal base which could be used to make desserts like Custard, Kulfi, Fruit Salad, etc. It dissolves in milk without forming any lumps and also holds on very well in low temperature. With this vanilla custard powder, you will never have to worry about fluctuations in cost or consistency. It is the secret to consistently delicious tasting and good looking desserts!

 Check out this recipe Dutch Coffee Custard using the Custard Powder:

INGREDIENTS:

●       4 tbsp Brown & Polson Custard Powder

●       5/8 cup Milk (divided)

●       5/8 cup White Sugar

●       7 tbsp Coffee (strong brewed)

●       1 Egg Yolk

●       1 Egg White

METHOD:

●       In a small bowl, mix together the custard powder with milk. Save 1/2 cup milk.

●       In a saucepan, sprinkle sugar over medium heat. When the sugar begins to caramelise, add the remaining milk and coffee to the pan. Mix and bring to a boil. At this stage, the caramel will start becoming very crusty. Reduce heat to low and cook until the sugar dissolves for 5 minutes.

●       At this stage, stir in the custard powder mixture and cook, stirring continuously till the custard thickens. Remove from heat and whisk in the egg yolk.

●       In a clean glass or metal bowl, whip the egg white until soft peaks form. Fold the egg white carefully into the custard mixture. Transfer to a serving and refrigerate until firm.

●       Serve cold with whipped cream.

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5 steps to get your Singapore visa

Getting your Singapore visa is a piece of cake, if you follow the right steps – we outline them for you.

Taking a break in the world’s fabled Garden City, Singapore, is a rewarding experience.  A Singapore holiday can rejuvenate you and your loved ones. So, how about planning a vacation there, this year?

But are you aware of the Singapore visa formalities? They are easy enough to complete. Do make the time to understand the Singapore visa requirements and follow these 5 steps to get your Singapore tourist visa:

1 Download the visa application form: Fill out the form (also known as Form 14A) correctly and specify that you want a tourist visa. Indian nationals holding the country’s passports can get a Singapore tourist visa for 30 days stay, which is valid for two years from the date of issue. The visa is a multi-entry one. It’s advisable to book your Singapore visa at least one month prior to the date of departure.

2 Supporting documents: With your application form, the Singapore visa requirements include the following documents: passport valid for at least six months, two latest passport size photographs in white background and matte finish only, bank statements of at least two years prior to the date of application, confirmed round trip air tickets, a letter introducing yourself and the reason to travel to Singapore (also include dates of travel and place of stay), and proof of address in India.

3 Pay the visa application fees: Amounting to $30, it can be paid online (only if you are applying for the Singapore visa online), plus service charge of Rs 300 per visa.

4 Enlist a tour operator to get the visa: Reputed tour operators can easily get you the Singapore visa. You can also pay for the Singapore visa online after the tour operator sends you the payment link. You don’t even have to step out of your house – the visa is delivered to your doorstep.

5 Check the application status: Once you have made the application, you can check the status of your visa by clicking on this link (if you have not opted for a tour operator to handle the visa arrangements). On this page, you can go to Visa Save > Status inquiry > Application Reference Number > Travel Document Number. The page will tell you if your application is approved – proceed to print a copy of the visa.

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5 things to do on your alone-time in Bangalore

Your solo trip to Bangalore can be twice the fun with the right blend of sightseeing and downtime.

Whenever we book a holiday, we often do it with friends and family members. But in recent years, travelling solo has become something of a trend. It is seen mostly among well-paid millennials out looking to rediscover themselves away from the rush of life. Bangalore is the perfect city for a solo trip.

On your alone-time in Bangalore, you could:

1 Do a temple run. You can start your solo holiday with some much-needed dose of spirituality. Bangalore abounds with the most beautiful temples where you can just sit silently and be one with God. We love the ISKCON Temple devoted to Lord Krishna and Radha. You can listen to the aartis, or chant with the other devotees. Also, the temple hands out free prasadam and meals.

2 Have some wine. You’re on your own, you would like to be amused and you would like some wine – combine these three factors into one. Head to the famous Wine Tasting Tour through the Grover Vineyards at Doddaballapur. It is quite close to the airport and a very scenic spot. They also serve the best wines in the city.

3 Be one with nature. The entire purpose of going on a solo trip is to reconnect with oneself. That objective is best achieved by communing with nature. Bangalore has the best spot for this – the Lalbaug Botanical Garden, which is always well-maintained and which has spectacular flower shows many times a year. This can be a good spot if you’re yearning to be around people, because families come here and there is plenty to just sit back and observe. Plus, there is a beautiful lake where you can go boating.

4 Have a spa day. When you’re alone, the best way to rejuvenate your senses is by going to a spa. Bangalore has a wide variety of spas and therapies to offer, but you should go for the best. Book an exclusive pampering session at the best spa in Bangalore, at The Leela Palace Bengaluru. They offer Ayurveda, wellness, holistic and fitness therapies that will take away the tension from your body and reduce your stress – it is among the few spas in Bangalore to offer such a varied range of therapies.

5 Eat like a Bangalorean. If you’re in Bangalore, eat like the locals do. And where the locals eat is at their favourite eatery, Nagarjuna’s. This is a South Indian canteen-style eatery with authentic food of the region served on banana leaves. You can opt for an unlimited thali if you’re starving, and if you want to eat a little of everything on the vast menu. You will love their mutton biryani and prawn kebab.

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The 5 best amazing foods you get in Bangalore

Bangalore offers a culinary feast for both the tongue and the senses with some lip smacking food that is hard to resist.

Erstwhile IT capital of the country, Bangalore, has several tricks up its sleeve, apart from its awesome weather. If you’re on a Bangalore trip, you can certainly take in the sights and sounds, but more importantly, you must take in the sheer amount of unique food you get here.

There are a variety of eating out options, from really affordable street food to buffet dinner in a Bangalore fine diner. Needless to say, prices vary from location to location, but one thing’s for sure: you will always come back for more!

These are our top picks for the 5 best food items to try in Bangalore:

1 Lobster neeruli: This one is a special find, from the balmy beaches of coastal Mangalore. You can savour this authentic recipe at Jamavar, a signature Indian restaurant at The Leela Palace Hotel, Bangalore. This dish is a traditional feasting recipe in the State’s coastal villages, and it offers up an intricate preparation process with flavours that burst on the palate.

2 Naati Manae’s rustic preparations: From village style meat curry to rough-around-the-edges parotta, this Koramangala-based restaurant serves authentic rural Karnataka fare at a great price. The food is sometimes spicy, so ask for details before you place your order. You will not find such excellent traditional recipes, especially for non-vegetarian food, elsewhere in the area.

3 Filter coffee: The South of India teems with joints selling hot and impressive filter ‘kaapi’ but only a few places in Bangalore let you savour the experience. If you would rather not rush through your cup of coffee but dawdle over it with a good book or conversations with friends, you can find the perfect cuppa at Koshy’s, St Mark’s Road, along with a cosy ambience. Or if you want filter coffee that blows your mind, head straight to Brahmin’s Coffee Bar at Shankarapuram.

4 Mutton biryani: You might be surprised if somebody recommends eating an authentic Muslim biryani in Bangalore – why not go to Lucknow to do that? But one spoonful of the mutton biryani or the chicken variant at Richies Rahhams in Frazer Town will make you forget every other biryani you’ve ever had in the country. Spicy, rich and easy on the pocket, these biryanis pack booming flavours with each bite.

5 Steaks and barbequed meats: Food trucks are a relatively new phenomenon in Bangalore, but they are immensely popular among the IT crowd. Try the wide variety of steaks, sandwiches and grilled food by The Spitfire BBQ at Kamanahalli. Their chicken burgers and hot dogs are to die for!

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Long weekends and 5 awesome road trips from Mumbai

Year 2017 has several long weekends, and these give you the perfect chance to pack your bags and hit the road. We list five of the best road trips you can make from Mumbai.

A true car lover will tell you that there is something deeply mystical about one’s connection with the road. With a trusted car on hand, the road unites with one’s soul and leads one on to bigger and better adventures. A road trip is a personal yet shared experience of bonding and camaraderie.

Fortunately for you, there are several long weekends in the year 2017. These afford the perfect excuse for you and your gang to pack your bags and leave on a short road trip. If you’re in Mumbai, you could go to:

1. Murud: The beaches of Alibaug are stunning enough, but Murud village is the stuff of legends. Tranquil, friendly and full of peace for the weary city traveller, Murud offers a lot in terms of rest and great seafood. Plus, you can hop over to the historic 10th century Janjira Fort if you want something to do.

2. Igatpuri: Close to Nashik is a stunning little hill station that takes the breath away with its virginal beauty in the rainy months. It gets really cold, so wear jackets and rain-repelling parkas. You can even drop in during the summer for a dekko at its small hills and many flowers. The roads are small but winding, just like in the movies!

3. Khandala: The closest pit stop from Mumbai is also one of its most scenic. Khandala is just a couple of hours away from Mumbai and offers many options to just bum around. If you’re going in the monsoons, sit yourself down to fresh bhajji-samosas and piping hot masala chai.

4. Nashik: Nashik has several beautiful vineyards that are more than pleased to offer you a tour of the premises. You can feast on cheese and wine, or stay overnight at a farmhouse in complete peace and quiet. There are many small villages and cottage industries to look at, too.

5. Kamshet: It is best to go to Kamshet if you’re an adrenaline junkie. Head to this spot when the paragliding season picks up in the summer. You will end up paragliding over fields of colourful flowers and fruit orchards! As if that sight isn’t amazing enough, you can drive around admiring the area’s many colonial bungalows and hills.

Road trips are great fun if your vehicle is properly serviced and your car insurance is valid. We recommend checking on your car insurance the second you decide to embark on your road trip. Remember, driving with expired insurance is not just illegal, it can set you up for grave danger if there is an accident on the trip. Make sure you have a good car insurance plan that offers accidental damages and a good coverage amount for major accidents.

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If it’s Delhi, it HAS to be these 3 fine dining places

Having a yen for a buffet meal in Delhi? We have three excellent options for you.

It is true what is said about the purest love one feels being the love of food. And if delicious food is available in abundance, it’s like finding the heights of heaven. Which is why all of us love buffet meals – there’s so much to eat and they are quite easy on the pocket, too!

If you’re out and about in New Delhi and looking for buffet meals, we have three suggestions to offer:

1) The Qube. The Qube at The Leela Palace New Delhi is the best gift you can give to your gastric juices. One of the best five star hotels in New Delhi also houses this excellent all-day dining restaurant with its all-you-can-eat buffet that features the most scrumptious dishes in an awesome setting. Many flock to Qube every day for its signature dishes, some of them being Mexican Sarrandeado Chili Glazed Red Snapper, Nizami Biryani, Mee Goreng Vegetaria and Maryland crab cakes. Typically, you can spend about a couple of hours here and not notice how the time flies! It also serves some of the best buffet dinners in Delhi.

2) The All American Diner. Located inside the India Habitat Centre, this all-day eatery has the best pancakes, waffles and fresh coffee in all the land. It has a pleasing retro ambience and a menu that changes at a minute’s notice, so it is better to find out what they are serving before you make a reservation. You can have a big breakfast or lunch here – expect large portions served with hearty swigs of juice and a wide variety in desserts.

3) Jungle Jamboree. Located at Connaught Place, this eatery is known for its diverse menu (pick from Mughlai, continental, Italian, Chinese and Thai cuisines) and its affordable prices, it is very popular for its mocktails and drinks menu. The buffet offers unlimited food and drink packages and the restaurant opens for business at noon and offers a full day a la carte on festive days.

Some of the premier hotels in New Delhi feature all-day buffets in their restaurants, but you can find a wide number of buffet eateries in stand-alone restaurants as well.

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5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHILE APPLYING FOR UK VISA

If you are applying or are considering applying for your UK visa, you’ve come to the right place. This article will decode the entire process for you. Getting your UK visa for travel may seem like a daunting task, but with these 5 essentials you will find the procedure to be a surprisingly easy and timely one. 

UK visa for Indians - 5 things to consider. Here are a important few things you need to know before you apply:

BEFORE SUBMISSION

Know your Visa Type. 

Before you start filing your application, you must know which visa you want to apply for. For example, if you’re visiting the UK for a holiday or to visit relative and friends you need to apply for a ‘Standard Visitor Visa’. You will however need a ‘Visitor in Transit Visa’ if you are arriving on a flight and will pass through immigration control before you leaving the UK.

You can also consult a Visa Expert to guide you through the entire process.

Know your Eligibility

Once you know which type of UK visa to apply for, you must check your eligibility. There are different criterion for standard visa for adults and minors travelling alone or with guardians.

For travel visa to UK, you also need to prove that you can support yourself and your dependents during the visit and intend to return back to India on completion of your travels.

Filling the Visa Application Form

You can apply for your UK visa up to three months prior to your travel date. It is therefore best to not confirm any travel arrangements before your receive your visa.

The essential list of documents to be submitted while applying for the visa includes visa fees receipt, appointment confirmation,passport-sized photographs. Make sure you have a valid passport with at least two blank pages.

AFTER SUBMISSION

Choose whether you would prefer to collect your documents in person at the visa application center or have them delivered to you by post.

Ensure that all the details on the visa such as validity dates on the visa, passport details are correct and cover the entire duration of your stay.

The Visa Appointment  

It is recommended that you reach the visa application center a little earlier than your appointment time to accommodate all the general visitor entry procedures and checks. 

You should carry your appointment letter and application pack, documents such as originals and copies of identity proofs, passport size photographs, a self-attested copy of your online application form and all the documents listed as essential in your visa application form.

Important Note: Once your visa is filed successfully, collect and save the acknowledgment receipt issued. This receipt is required to collect your documents at a later stage.

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Banquets that will Make Your Celebration a Long Lasting Memory for Everyone

Be it a wedding or a business meeting, make the occasion memorable by hosting it at a top hotel and banquet hall in Mumbai. Read on.

Apart from being the entertainment and fashion hub of the country, Mumbai is also the economic and financial capital of India. It is among the richest cities in India, which makes the city a very popular migrant destination. Since there are a large number of multinational and national enterprises in the city, Mumbai also plays host to some of the largest events in the business world. And to make both business and social events a success, the best course of action is to choose to host them at the best hotels in Mumbai. One of the top hotel groups in the country, The Leela, also offers among the best banquet halls in Mumbai, ensuring that your event will be memorable with their great service quality and amazing packages for all your business and personal events. Located just 5 minutes from the Chhatrapati Sivaji International Airport, this hotel offers luxurious accommodation and amazing dining experiences. Here’s a look at the venue and facilities that can make your event unforgettable.

Banquet Halls

The Leela Mumbai is one of the favourite wedding destinations in the city, with a Grand Ballroom that extends to about 12,000 sq ft. The Grand Ballroom can be further divided into 5 small ballrooms, depending on the size of the event. There also are several smaller conference rooms to choose from. These smaller board rooms can be used for any corporate or business meeting. These are some of the top banquet halls in Mumbai, which apart from offering great services also provide great discounts. You can save up to 5% on various conference billing plans. These savings can amount to about Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 2,50,000 or even higher, depending upon your billing amount. Apart from this, they also offer complementary WiFi facilities and one complementary two-way transfer from the airport to the hotel and back.

Facilities

The Grand Ballroom is extensively used for big events, such as traditional Indian weddings, for which there can be a need to accommodate more than 1,000 guests. This banquet hall also gives the option of customized menus for every occasion, be it a marriage or a business meeting. Various other celebrations, like birthday parties, anniversaries, graduations, baby showers, etc, are also taken care off in the same specialized way. They also make sure to give specific discounts on rooms for various guests and delegates. They also provide experienced planners that help you to plan any event of yours perfectly. So, create memorable moments and make the most of the facilities at one of the best hotels in Mumbai.

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4 Reasons Thailand should be on Your Travel Bucket List

Four reasons why a Thailand visa is an essential bucket-list item and offers a complete package for a backpacking bachelor.

The Far East has become the treasure trove of backpackers. Along the shores of the South China Sea, there is no denying of the magnetic attraction of Thailand for the free-spirited and adventurous tourist. Here, on the Land of the White Elephant, there is something for everyone. From the single backpacking bachelor to the family reunions that are looking for a place that everyone can fly to. You can find a nightlife that doesn't end till dawn as well as a spiritual retreat that can help you unwind from life in the fast lane. Thailand offers the complete package.

Why Thailand?

Here are four undebatable reasons why a Thailand visa will adorn your passport!

1. Haven for food lovers: Start your meal with mouthwatering appetizers. Krathong tong or delicate fried shells filled with chicken, potato, corn and a spicy cream sauce, is a must-try. There is a variety of noodle soups with seafood, chicken or other meats. You could also try rice dishes with scrumptious curries. Don’t miss the papaya salad. Street food is equally finger-licking good, especially satays and fresh fruits like mangoes, guavas and pineapples.

2. Bangkok has it all: The biggest reason to get a Thailand visa is to visit Bangkok. This amazing city gives you an immediate immersion into the cultural melting pot of south-east Asia and has royal palaces, ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples and other stellar examples of Thai architecture. It is also a shopper’s paradise with street-side stalls, weekly markets and bigger shopping centres. This is also the sin city of Asia with one of the highest number of massage parlours, private saunas and hotels that charge hourly rates. However, Bangkok is also the publishing and media capital of Thailand, location of the largest public art exhibition space in the country and a major sports hub. If you’re looking for a gateway, Bangkok should be where you will take your first step on Thai soil.

3. Space to find or lose yourself: This fascinating country has some of the most breathtaking beaches. You can find spots that are quiet enough to meditate as well as busy ones that are dotted with quaint restaurants and offers adrenaline-pumping water sports.

4. Adventure of a lifetime: Go on a wildlife safari and see tigers up close. Feed ostriches and watch a dolphin show. Go on a trek through a forest on a remote island. Rent a motorcycle and cruise along all night. Go scuba diving in the morning, see a kick-boxing match in the evening and drink from a bucket at sundown. Choose a Thailand package that has the right amount of thrill to make it an experience of a lifetime.

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3 Places Not to Miss Out When You Visit Europe Next

For a truly international honeymoon package, explore lesser known destinations with a Schengen visa that lets you make the most of your romantic revelry.

Everyone wants a memorable honeymoon. An unforgettable experience combined with the ability to share your incredible romantic destination with others. In which case, the last thing you want is your friends telling you that they went to the same place for their honeymoon. Here's our approach on finding the international honeymoon destination, great hospitality and unforgettable memories all in some of the most off-beat packages in Europe.

If Others Have Heard Of It, Don't Go There

Finding unknown destinations is difficult, but once discovered, there is a certain modicum of time before their attraction starts to wane. Here are three places that won't lose their charm for some time to come. Two of these are located in Schengen common visa region, so do look into the advantages of open border travel.

1. Lapland (Finland): Being one of the least populated Finnish towns, this region gives you an opportunity to have one of the longest honeymoon nights on the planet. Falling in the Arctic region, this snowy and icy land of the Midnight Sun can also experience days with no sun to be seen in the sky. Winter temperatures are sub-zero but summers are pleasant at around 15 degrees centigrade. See the Aurora Borealis light up the eyes of the one you love and spend an ethereal night (or nights) in a glass igloo like the ones at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, take pictures of reindeer and explore the beautiful landscape and succumb to what the locals call Lapland Fever that makes visitors fall hopelessly in love with this place.

2. Zakynthos (Greece): The third-largest island in the Ionian Sea, it is a small (410 sq. km) island  known as the 'flower of the east' as mentioned in Homer's Iliad. Here you will find more than 100 km of untouched white, sandy beaches and a national marine park dedicated to loggerhead sea turtles. Some of the beaches can only be reached by boat and the island's cliffs are a favourite with BASE jumpers.

3. Bodrum (Turkey): As mentioned before, if you take advantage of the Schengen visa agreements between EU countries, you can combine your trip to Finland and Turkey in the same international honeymoon package. On the south-west coast of Turkey, this is home to Bodrum Castle, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Witness to Persian rule, Alexander the Great's invading armies, crusading knights, this quaint and quiet town is relaxing with its sunny lanes lined with citrus and jasmine and is frequented by celebrities looking for quiet getaways.

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When you visit Udaipur, do as royalty does

A trip and stay in Udaipur are all about experiencing the true meaning of royal living. The best 5 star hotels in Udaipur will help you live your royal dream.

If you have grown up on a staple of fairy tales, you know that there is a secret place in your heart for kings and queens. You are drawn to palaces and luxurious settings due to your early life fascination for wealthy living. In the usual routine of life, one hardly gets to experience luxurious comforts. Stress, overwork and constant deadlines make you yearn for a holiday in a setting that is so full of opulence that it takes your breath away!

You can now have your wish easily – just stay at a five star hotel in Udaipur.

The royal Udaipur experience

Long known as a bastion of Rajput kings and dashing princes living inside their large castles, Udaipur wears its princely past well even into the present day. There is an aura of royalty around the city, and you can feel it when you book yourself into the best hotels in Udaipur. They signify luxury fit for a king, and the most beautiful part is that everyone can enjoy this experience in their lives.

Many people see the merit of having a destination wedding in Udaipur. It is the stuff of legends and folklore, and Udaipur is simply the most prime wedding spot in all of India. Even if it is for just a day, the bride, the groom and their guests can feel like true blue royalty as they celebrate the most important day of their lives amidst the most stunning settings.

For a stay with family or friends, too, Udaipur promises many unusual experiences and delivers many of them. Walk down long corridors lined with imported stone and rare paintings, or frolic about in vast private courtyards. Live in a suite fit for a king and his consort, enjoying rare luxuries that you’ve never experienced before.

You can also step out to explore this magical city, revelling in its ancient architecture, its narrow streets and its ever-smiling people. Besides, you can get a taste of authentic Rajasthani cuisine – trust us, it is truly delectable and you will keep returning for more!

So if it’s a royal interlude you seek in your humdrum life, just check into a five star hotel in Udaipur. You will remember your royal Rajasthani holiday for the rest of your life.

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4 clubs you MUST visit during a weekend in Mumbai

Your brief stopover in Mumbai is full of ‘spirited’ company and a neat ambiance at the city’s four best clubs.

Oh, Mumbai! Glamorous, garrulous and glitzy, the city that never sleeps has the busiest, friendliest vibe in all of the land. Anyone coming to Mumbai for the first time is befuddled by its fast pace of life. But when one understands the method to the apparent madness, one is just a few steps away from falling completely in love with Maximum City.

But if you’re in Mumbai for a brief spell of time, do check out these awesome clubs over the weekend:

1 Six Degrees, The Leela Mumbai. Located at Andheri-Kurla Road, Sahar, it is very close to the airport so out of towners can quickly hop across for a drink and eats in an awesome setting. It is one of the best night spots in the city, and regular visitors swear by its ambience, excellent choice of music, great service and the best in terms of drink and food. You will love its beautiful outdoor seating area. The bigger advantage is that you can have a nightcap here – simply book a room at one of the best 5 star hotels in Mumbai to sleep off your fatigue.

2 Opa! Bar and Café, Saki Naka. Located inside the Hotel Peninsula Grand, it is one of the newest and trendiest night clubs in Mumbai. It is also a hotspot for those wanting to watch major sporting events on a big screen with like-minded pub hoppers. Besides, it has a great collection of music, spirits and finger food. Regular visitors love its rooftop ambience and seating. It is also one of the few clubs in the city to serve Jain food.

3 Blue Frog, Lower Parel. The Blue Frog venues are known all over the country for their live music acts. Blue Frog regularly features new artistes and bands, which is a welcome addition to the laidback vibe of this club. Besides, it allows entry to adolescents and teenagers accompanied by their parents. Patrons also get access to free Wi-Fi here.

4 Shiro, Worli. Shiro serves authentic Japanese and Asian fare, and its drinks collection is an enviable one. It is also one of the city’s inclusive night clubs, with special entry for physically disabled patrons. It provides live music daily and guests can also request their favourite music. As if all this wasn’t enough, Shiro delivers food and drinks for free to nearby areas on phone and website orders!

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Singapore, the perfect family trip destination

Your family vacation to Singapore is about to get even more awesome with these five awesome things you must do when you’re in this gorgeous city.

Singapore is an enigma. Arguably one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in, it goes much beyond its metallic, glitzy image. Despite being a city with a hefty price tag, Singapore surprises in many different ways with its riotous colour, food and culture. So where you find staggering wealth, you also find other-worldly charm completely at odds with its initial glossy appearance.

Your vacation to Singapore will be doubly interesting if you do fun things that the locals recommend. Before you actually get down to planning your itinerary, you should get your international flight bookings out of the way. After that is done, you need to book your Singapore holiday package to include:

1 The Botanical Gardens. Begin your trip with the city’s famed Botanical Gardens. Its lush greenery, many varieties of flowers and fruit and the many sightings of pretty birds will calm your senses. The expansive gardens are free for entry and open early in the morning as well, so you can visit the gardens first before exploring other places.

2 The Singapore Flyer. It is the (unofficial) duty of every tourist to visit the Singapore flyer at least once. It is a large observatory in the form of a wheel that moves a whole circle. We recommend visiting it on your first day in Singapore – you will be left stunned with the panoramas of the beautiful city, which will set the tone for the rest of your holiday.

3 The Night Safari. It is a complete experience to be enjoyed, which takes visitors into animals’ nightly habitats where one can observe them after dark. It starts at 7.30 pm and is made lively with fire dance performances and other entertainment. There is a sumptuous meal to be enjoyed aboard the tram as well.

4 The Hawker Centre. If you want to try something different for your meal; and have a satisfying, inexpensive plate of food – head to the Hawker Centre where there is an astonishing variety of street food on offer. The city offers the best street food in the form of savoury noodles, spicy Chinese and Indian curries and the famed Hainanese Chicken Rice with broth.

5 Leisure fun times at Pulau Ubin. How about taking the family to a charming village via boat? Spend the day at Pulau Ubin, which is a village on an island. You can hire cycles here and roam the streets. Once you’ve seen the entire island and eaten some sumptuous seafood, hire a kayak and enjoy the afternoon.

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The Best Hotel near Delhi Airport with the Best Spa in Delhi

Read on to know how staying at a five-star hotel near the Delhi airport can give you a glimpse of the flamboyant Delhi lifestyle.

Delhi, the capital of India, is a city that has its own charm and is home to a mix of millions of people from varied backgrounds. With the presence of people from all over the country, the National Capital is among the top cosmopolitan cities of the world. It is a lesser known fact that the city is also ranked among the top “green cities” of the world, with 20% ecology covering and is the second most bird rich capital of the world. There are many things that make Delhi one of the most special cities in India and around the world, but what makes the NCR more recognizable among the masses is the flamboyant lifestyle of the people. The nightlife, malls, top five star hotels and rich historical heritage and much more makes this an ideal destination for people wanting to live their life king size.

Nightlife in Delhi

Nightlife is getting busier day by day, with the customers becoming more and more demanding. There is an array of pubs, clubs, discotheques and dine-ins to support to this huge demand. With specific party locations like Hauz Khas Village and Connaught Place, Delhi is among the top party and nightlife destinations in India. The clubs also have a lot to offer the party crowd, such as celebrity DJs, vibrating dance floors and well stocked bars with world class liquor.

Mall Culture

The city is also known as India's mall capital, with around 95 malls in the entire NCR. No other city comes even close this, with Mumbai at second place with around 35-46 malls. The number is on a constant rise, considering the rising footfall in the existing malls. The success stories of these malls gives an idea of the lavish lifestyle of the people living here.

Luxury Hotels

With amazing 5-star hotels like the Leela, Delhi has some of the best 5-star hotels around the country. The Leela is also among the best hotels near Delhi Airport, which is South Asia's largest aviation hub and the busiest airport in the nation. With rooms starting from 548 sq ft and all-day dining facilities, the hotel stands at par with the signature luxury lifestyle of the people of the city. This hotel also has one of the best spas in Delhi, with options for Aromatherapy or amazing Swedish massages. The best part is that its location brings it not only close to the most happening areas of the capital, but also in close proximity to the throbbing life of Gurgaon. So, if you are visiting the capital of the nation, make sure you choose one of the best hotels near Delhi Airport.

[myheartontheroad]

The EU unrest and the Schengen visa: What happens now?

Do any requirements for the Schengen visa change owing to the European Union crisis? We find out.

The European Union has been in a state of unrest for a while now. Already grappling with a crippled economy following Greece’s financial woes three years ago, the surge in migrant populations drifting to different European countries since last year has caused even graver problems for the EU countries. These problems are largely internal in nature and not operational – populations of such countries as Germany, Hungary and Sweden, for example, feel that there should be greater control over their borders.

Sweden is about to deport close to 85,000 asylum seekers currently living on its soil, while Hungary was the first country in the EU to erect a wall stopping migrants from crossing over from the South. The Syrian refugee crisis, meanwhile, goes on unabated and the migrants’ hopes of finding homes in different European countries dim with every passing day.

It is safe to say that the fabled European integration is reaching a state of collapse. This has a direct implication for movement of people across the EU countries, and this includes tourists and travellers moving about for work.

The Schengen visa fix

The genesis of the Schengen visa is an interesting one. Schengen is a tiny village in Luxembourg, sitting cheek by jowl with France and Germany. In 1985, these three countries agreed to do away with internal borders that did not allow residents to pass over into each other’s territories without separate visas for each country. Then Holland and Belgium were included in this treaty in the same year, but the actual common visa policy took shape only a decade later.

Today, 22 European countries and four non-EU countries like Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Norway comprise the EU and allow over 1.25 traveller passages across its internal borders every year. These journeys can be made by way of a single Schengen visa. But after recent economic and social developments in the region, the Schengen is touted to be teetering on the verge of collapse. This means stricter controls on who gets the Schengen visa, duration of the same, and the very real possibility of taking separate visas for different European countries in the future, if the Schengen territory is ever derecognised.

The Schengen member states have the constitutional authority to shut down borders in the wake of internal security threats for a period of 30 days, or longer controls (in times of wars, cross border infiltration and emergent migrant populations moving across the borders) for up to two years.

Already, border controls have been imposed by Germany, Austria and France, apart from Hungary, Macedonia and Greece. It is time for the EU to work out a solution to the migrant crisis or the Schengen area would completely collapse. It is likely that severe curbs on granting visas and length of stay by visitors would be put in place soon.

[myheartontheroad]

5 amazing beaches to visit in Sri Lanka

A visit to Sri Lanka is a must for every traveller who wishes to witness goodness and purity in large measure. Sri Lanka is friendly, welcoming and really dedicated to tourism, so there is hardly a visitor who goes away dissatisfied. Apart from being stunningly beautiful, it offers many opportunities for leisure. Once you get your Sri Lanka visa, make sure you mark out some of its best beaches to visit. Which ones, you ask? These:

1 Mirissa. A hushed silence greets you at gorgeous Mirissa Beach, a tropical paradise located close to Sri Lanka’s southern tip. It is a bit hot at most times of the year due to its proximity to the Equator, but you will revel in its secluded beauty that gives you ample time and privacy to relax. Weary city travellers will love its laidback vibe and the stunning sunsets and sunrises one can witness here. Plus, there are good hotels and resorts dotting the beach.

2 Arugam Bay. This beach is a crescent-shaped, pristine one that accords opportunities for sailing and surfing. The Arugam village adjacent to the beach is a quiet retreat for a walk with your loved one. You can string a hammock between two palm trees and snooze, or you can dig into sumptuous seafood at one of the many restaurants lining the beach.

3 Unawatuna. This beach has gained prominence among tourists in recent times, and has developed into a mini activity hub. You will find swanky resorts cheek by jowl with curio shops, and scrumptious seafood treats with stores selling clothing. The waters of the beach are cobalt blue and really clean, encouraging you to take a swim before lunch. This beach gives opportunities for turtle watching (from a distance, in the winter months) or just quiet contemplation on the soft sands.

4 Hikkaduwa. If it’s beachside activity you’re looking for, you could do no better than Hikkaduwa Beach, where scuba diving, banana boat rides and sunbathing are indulged in by all visitors. If you’re not the adventure sports kinds, simply slather on some suntan oil and sunbathe on the white sand. If you’re tired from swimming or playing in the water, head to the little restaurants here for some delicious local fare, then stroll along the shops to buy trinkets and local clothing.

5 Negombo. This beach town also draws many sun and surf lovers, the way Hikkaduwa Beach does. It is known for its fantastic sunset views, and honeymooners and retirees on holiday will love to walk along the sands with their beloved. The beach comes alive in the evening hours, when live bands play at the restaurants close by, or pop-up stalls sell everything from fried snacks to books. Locals recommend staying at Negombo for a few days to really enjoy its festive vibe.

[myheartontheroad]

What’s wrong with living to eat?

Though most of us do not realise it, our mood and temperament is linked to the food we eat.

One of our earliest associations with food begins with milk, and from then on, our food knowledge expands as we eat a range of vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs, milk-based products, sweets and savouries. It is said that our propensity to like certain foods may even be linked to the foods our mothers ate when they carried us inside their wombs, but one thing is for certain: food gives pleasure and a temporary respite from the world’s troubles.

Food is comfort, food is a pain. Our mood quickly switches from mildly irritable to full blown angry if we are deprived of food for long. Our systems begin to slow down and eventually close if we do not receive our meals on time. On the other hand, eating something really tasty – such as a rich mud cake or a plate of Hyderabadi biryani – activates the pleasure centres in the brain, making everything appear mellow and lovely. Food has tremendous implications on not just our physical health but also our emotional state.

Luckily for us foodies, there are options galore when it comes to choosing buffet dinners in Mumbai. The city is a veritable foodies’ paradise: being a melting pot of several cultures and communities, you can confidently expect to find a dazzling variety of many cuisines in the city. But if you’re looking for a sit-down dinner, buffets in Mumbai are a good choice.

We recommend these three spots:

Umame, Churchgate: Dig into the most delectable Asian eats such as bibimbap, Hamachi tiradito, scallop and shrimp dumplings and khowsuey. The taste and authenticity of these dishes is enough to make you go for seconds of everything!

Citrus, The Leela Mumbai, Sahar: This all day dining restaurant allows patrons to instruct chefs on exactly how they want their food prepared, apart from offering a staggering variety of Japanese dishes, apart from other international cuisines. Choose from a selection of sushis and sashimis, fresh juice with your meal or sample its famous Sunday brunch.

Amadeus, Nariman Point:

This place is popular among office goers working in the area and who are looking to unwind with sumptuous food and good conversation with colleagues. Dig into varied and authentic dishes from Arabian, Greek, Iranian and Spanish cuisines. We recommend the braised lamb knuckle, lobster bisque, arancini of barley risotto and chicken pilaf.