North- India Trip ( Explore Efficiently)

Today embarks the First Day of my North India trip and my first destination in "The Taj Mahal"- the exact image of love we share in India. Situated in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India; it is an epitome of Mughal Architecture and love. But I also learned my first lesson of traveling today and I am going to share it here:

TajMahal is the emblem of love between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. What is the emblem of love between you and your partner?⁣

Is it relatable memes? Or mentions in comments? Or posting pictures and stories of each other on social media handles? As Social Media continues to reshape our lives, isn't old age love fading amongst its chaos? But why should we bother if it is?⁣
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I am not questioning if you're putting enough effort onto your partner. Love is not about efforts. But then, isn't there a stark difference between the way your father loves your mother and you love your partner? I can reckon you'd say yes. Our generation, in the process of becoming cooler, has forgotten a lot. We think moving on is cool; not giving a damn is cool. No, effort is cool; reciprocation is cool. ⁣
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I am not sure why this thought struck me but I want you all to pause for a moment and think about this. Let's not be a generation of heartbrokens, let's be a generation of lovers!

Fatehpur Sikri is a nearby city of Agra and Agra Fort is the famous anticipated destination here.
Red Sandstone buildings will make you awestruck and fall in love with their architecture.
However, since I was traveling in June, the scorching Sun made it extremely difficult for me to click pictures and explore it to the fullest.
I'm sure many of you here must have had the same traveling experience as me somewhere!

My next destination was Shimla, Himachal Pradesh; one of the most beautiful hill stations of India. I reached here about  4:30AM in the morning and after checking into my hotel, I came out for a stroll. The below are some pictures I clicked during my walk. Nothing just two guys reminiscing, an uncle selling newspaper and tourists exploring.

If you ask me about what I hate the most, I'd say 'waking up'.
But why exactly am I sharing it with you? That's because just like me, many of you are also night-owls and have forgotten what mornings look like. I now understand why Robin Sharma said- "Own Your Morning, Elevate Your Life."⁣ ⁣

My next day in Shimla involved exploring the streets and trying out unique food. Among them, one special dish I tried was Himachali Siddu.

The Mall Road in Shimla has got a list of unique things to try and Siddu is one among them. This ready-to-go street food is Shimla's very own and don't leave your chance if you have the opportunity to try it on. Made with wheat flour, it is stuffed with walnut, dal(lentils), peanuts, paneer(cottage cheese), peas, boiled potatoes and some spices. Well, the stuffing varies from place-to- place. Normally, eaten or served with Desi Ghee “Clarified Butter”, Dal (Mainly Lentil Broth) or with Green Chutney (made from mint ‘Pudina’). Also found in Himachal Pradesh, Kullu, Manali, Rohru and Mandi; it is one of their most loved dishes. ⁣
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Being on the healthier, this dish doesn't hamper your stomach and brings hurdles in your travel plan. Shimla definitely has got some great gems under its nose.⁣

One more is Chana Kulcha!
Being a shift from the traditional Channa Kulcha, it contains Channa and tangy potatoes alongwith the chole giving it a burger like taste. Yeah, that's why the name. Although I still love our traditional Chole Kulche more, but this one is definitely something new to try on.⁣ ⁣

Did you know the oldest post office in Northern India is in Shimla GPO and it was constructed in 1882 when it was known as the Conny Cottage.
If you didn't, no shame. Even I got to know it during my visit.
There are so many things we can't know about a place until and unless we don't pay it a visit. I hope you're getting me!

If one fine day you ask me what did I love the most about Shimla? Is it chock-full of spectacular colonial-era buildings or lively shopping alleys or charming toy-town trains or quaint houses or Mall Road or its weather?

My answer would be wearing their traditional outfit! Maybe it has the charismatic aura of making you feel connected to the city more. Maybe it sums up all your memories that you had in Shimla. Maybe.

Shimla is over and I am heading to Mussorie now. Mussorie in Uttarakhand is another drooling hill station in Northern India.
One of the most visited tourist destinations in Mussorie is Kempty Falls, a breathtaking waterfall which will give you travel goals.

This is my first-ever travel for a longer period away from my home town and I just reminded of a prose:
You say I am a kite ⁣
and sky is my home⁣
But you cut down the strings⁣
And made me go somewhere alone. 🌸

My next stop is Naintal- The City Of Lakes. And the most magnificent of all, in true senses. I guess this was the best of all hill stations.
Just look at the charming weather and breathtaking views and the hoards of boats.

The building that you see here is FRI (Forest Research Institute), Dehradun; one of the most premiere institutes for higher education in India.
But did you know Student Of The Year 1 and Student Of The Year 2 was shot here?⁣
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It's also one of the most archaic and anticipated places in Dehradun. In its "Greco-Roman Architecture", it houses 6 museums within an area of 2000 acres. ⁣
Enough for maintaining 75% attendance? 😂⁣

Well, I am mostly completed with the hill stations of Northern India. Its now time to explore the heart of North India- Jaipur. Jaipur, also called as Pink City has something different about it.

Anyone who has visited Jaipur will relate to me in this- The Pink City of India has a characteristic vibe in its aura.⁣ 🥀
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The marvelous forts, minarets, palaces, hotels and their artwork has given the city its unique identity. Its distinct artwork on its walls is something you won't find anywhere else. You must be knowing that Jaipur is also famous for its exotic jewelry, leather market and handicrafts found none else in the world.⁣
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Everything that is found in Jaipur, can't be found anywhere else in this world.⁣

Being a vegetarian, it's hard to find good quality home and company in my hometown and majority of places. But Jaipur was an exception.

According to a 2014 survey released by the Registrar General of India, Rajasthan has 74.9% vegetarians, which makes it the most vegetarian state in India. 😋⁣

🌿Rajasthani Thali 🍱⁣
It had Makke Ki Roti, Jeera Rice, Lahsun Ki Chutney, Tinde Ki Sabzi, Gatte Tamatar Ki Sabzi, Dal-Bati, Dahi-Cheeni, Rasgulla. ⁣
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🌿Punjabi Thali 🍱⁣
I also wanted to try my hands on Punjabj Thali, hence I ordered this. It had Tandoori Roti, Papad, Jeera Rice, Dal Makhani, Paneer Kadhai, Chana Masala, Mix Veg, Dahi and Rasgulla.⁣
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I also got to know that Rajasthani cuisine was influenced by both the war-like lifestyles of its inhabitants and the availability of ingredients in this arid region. Food that could last for several days and could be eaten without heating was preferred. Scarcity of water and fresh green vegetables have all had their effect on the cooking.⁣

After Jaipur, I headed to Amritsar in Punjab. The must visit place here is the famous Golden Temple- Harmandir Sahab🙏.

Harmandir Sahib: The Golden Temple With A Golden Story. 🌟⁣
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The moment I entered the complex, the melodious hymns and devotional songs surrounded me.⁣
See that artificial water body across me? Pilgrims take a dip in the divine body of water that is believed to have nectar with healing powers. Stories of how people are healed from their ailments are etched in the walls around the tank.⁣
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The inside of the 3- storeyed house of God feels more spiritual and magical. This temple is simply a grandeur spiritual virtues.⁣

Unfortunately, my North India Trip has graced its end and I am returning to my home town- Bhubaneswar was a lot of memories, experiences and definitely awesome pictures😛