Fermented alcoholic drinks have been part of different local cultures since time immemorial. They have been part of local traditions and the art has been transferred from generations to generation. Many survived and many modified themselves. In India, wherever you go, you will find such local flavours in deep interiors of the hinterland. One such famous drink is Tongba. You go into hills of Sikkim and West Bengal and you won't be able to miss it. During my treks to Sandakphu and in North Sikkim over the years, we could see it everywhere and actually enjoyed it... if not for taste then for its culture, and of course the unique way it is served in a container which itself is called as Tongba. This drink is actually traditional and indigenous drink of Limbu people of eastern Nepal and
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The annual holiday season is right at the corner and one has got many options to choose from. Adventure tourism in general and trekking in particular is always flavour of the summer vacations when it comes to youth. Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI) has been a pioneer in India for economical group trekking in himalayas and elsewhere. This time around we are listing top ten summer national trekking/adventure expeditions of YHAI in India which one would love to join. Treks are open for everybody, but unless we rush limited seats might not be available in each group. Have a look meanwhile- Glorious Sar Pass trek In the beautiful Parvati valley of Kullu District in Himachal Pradesh, SAR Pass is one of the most popular trails of the Shivalik range of the mighty Himalayas. Parvati...
Read MoreOne of those things which you crave to have photo of as a photographer- this idol of Buddha in Embrace was my that moment. On trek to Sandakphu in West Bengal, there is a small village named Meghma (in the clouds) because it remains surrounded by clouds all over most of the time. Village is so closed to Indo-Nepal border that half of village falls within the Nepalese territory. There we found this monastery from one of the schools of Vajrayana sect of Buddhism. Nobody there, had tough time in getting somebody to open it, and when it did, it was a true delight. ...
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