Natural Disaster

Floods in India

Probably one of the worst floods in India managed to flow through the states of Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir in 1996. The main causes of floods are: excessive rains in rivers, poor natural drainage, change of river course,  landslide restricting river flow, cyclones and very intense rainfall.

A traditional dish

Curry in a hurry!

Here you can learn how to made one of India's most traditional dish, Curry!

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 6 x 150g single chicken breast fillets
• 1 brown onion, cut into thin wedges
• 1/4 cup Pataks Balti curry paste
• 1 cup reduced-salt chicken stock
• 400g can diced tomatoes
• 500g kumara (orange sweet potato), peeled, cut into 2cm pieces
• 200g green beans, topped, halved
• 1 1/2 cups basmati rice, cooked, to serve

Method

1. Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes each side or until browned. Slice.
   
2. Heat remaining oil in frying pan over medium heat. Add onion. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Add curry paste. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add stock, tomatoes and kumara. Cover. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, partially covered, for 10 minutes.
   
3. Add chicken to frying pan. Cover. Cook for 5 minutes. Add beans. Cook, covered, for a further 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Serve with rice.

ENJOY!

Fast facts !

Actress:

Aishwarya Rai-

Birth name: Aishwarya Krishnaraj Rai
Date of birth: 1/11/1973
Place of birth: Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Nicknames: Ash, Gullu
Accomplishments: She won Star Screen Awards, International Indian film Academy Awards, Zee Cine Awards, Star dust Awards and Sansui Awards in her movie career. She became Miss World in 1994, Runner up Miss India in 1994.
Movies: Iruvar, Bride and Prejudice, Devdas, Jodhaa Akbar and Guru.
Favourites: Collecting watches, Acting, Modelling, Zoology, Classical dancing and the film 'Casablanca'.

Animal:

 

The Bengal Tiger-

Sometimes called the 'Indian tiger'. They are powerful, nocturnal hunters that camouflage using their fur colour. They usually eat buffalo, deer, wild pigs and other large mammals.

 

Did you know? No two animals have the same stripes!

Found: India

Type: Mammal

Diet: Carnivore

Average life span in the wild: 8 to 10 years

Size: Head and body, 5 to 6 ft (1.5 to 1.8 m); tail, 2 to 3 ft (0.6 to 0.9 m)

Weight: 240 to 500 lbs (109 to 227 kg)

Protection status: Endangered

Litter: 2-6 cubs

 

Major disaster:

India plane crash in Mangalore

The Air express flight from Dubai took a turn for the worst, crashing near a Southern Indian city of Mangalore. There were 160 passengers and six crew on board, but only eight survived. Survivors thought they heard a sound of a tyre bursting before the crash.

Statistics

Interesting things !

Top ten interesting facts:

1. The famous boardgame, Chess, was invented in India

2. India originated Yoga about 5,000 years ago

3. India is the 7th largest country in the world, the largest democracy and one of the oldest civilisations

4. India has never Invaded another country

5. In India you drive on the left side of the road

6. About 50% of indian women marry before reaching 18 years old

7. India has the most post offices in the world

8. Until 1896, India was the only source for diamonds to the world

9. India has one of the world's highest rates of abortion

10. It's illegal to take Indian currency (Rupee) out of India

Climate

The best times to travel to India:

If you are going to Southern India - from January to September

If you are going to Northwestern India - from March to August

To the desert and Northwestern regions, - from July to September (monsoon season)

The summertime is best to explore mountain ranges

Seasons

Winter - (December to February) Dry and cool.

Summer - (March to May) Hot and dry

Monsoon- (June to September) Most of the country gets rain

Post- monsoonal season - (October to November)

Important Gods of India

There are many gods in India including:

Brahma - Lord of Creation

Vishnu - The God of Maintenance, protection and sustenance

Shiva - The God of Destruction and Creation

Saraswati - The Goddess of Wisdom

Lakshmi - The Godess of Wealth

Pavathi - Goddess Sakthi

Diwali, the festival of lights

This festival is one of the main festivals of India and happens every year. It is mainly associated with lights which is where its name is from. On the day of this festival, diyas, (small clay lamps) are lit up in everyones home. It symbolises the age- old culture of India. Diwali is a five day festival that begins on the 15th day of the Hindu calendar month of Kartika (Ashwin) in October/ November. People exchange sweets, wear new clothes and buy jewellery during this time.

The ten places you should be at!

So, you're thinking of travelling to India, but you're not sure where you should visit since there are so much amazing places. You have many options when it comes to the beautiful beaches, the city or the great wilderness. We highly recommend that these are the top ten places you should experience and have the time of your life!

1. Taj Mahal, which is located in Agra. This place was built in memory of the emperors third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It's very romantic and one of India's well known places. The Taj Mahal is one of three world heritage sites in Agra. Suprisingly, it is symetrical and is made from marble. Trust us, you will fall in love at the sight of the amazing Taj Mahal!

2. Palolem beach
Where? Canacona, South Goa, India
Features: Tall coconut trees, Bamboo hut resorts and restaurants.
Who can go there: Perfect for young families, backpackers and anyone who enjoys being outdoors at the beach.  The atmosphere is relaxed and you will be surrounded by many friendly people and a safe environment.
What to do? There are many things to get up to in Palolem beach including dolphin trips, eat fresh fish, enjoy a traditional Indian dish called Thali, join a yoga class and a have soothing Ayurvedic massage.

3. Jaipur City
Also known as 'The Pink City'. It was built by King Sawai Raja Jai Singh. It is so appealling to tourists because of it's forts, grandiose palaces, temples, colourful bazaars, busy streets and its pink colour, which is where the name comes from. Jaipur city is found in Rajasthan, North India.

4. Goa- The Party state
Goa is famous for its beaches, mountains, water sports, wildlife, art galleries, museums, towns and villages.
Things to do: Enjoy huge Goa parties, surfing, windsurfing, parasailing, go to carnivals and SHOPPING!
There is a wide mix of colourful cultures and the people of Goa are very friendly.

5. Kashmir
Described as 'Heaven' or 'Paraise on Earth. Its lakes, fresh watersteams, apple orchards, ice capped mountains, green meadows,  non- polluted air and beautiful landscape makes it impossible to leave! Kashmir is perfect for someone who likes adventure.
Things to do: Water rafting, Trekking, winter sports, wet lands, interact with wildlife and much more.

6. Shimla - Sometimes called the 'Queen of Hills'. this town is filled with unusual buildings that are surrounded by forest and has beautiful views, Shimla is very different from the rest of India. ' The mall' is where most people go to meet people, hang out and eat and there are also many clubs and bars.

7. Pondicherry- This city is filled with lots of colonial buildings, statues, churches and temples and has a very peaceful vibe to it.
Best areas: Paradise beach
                    The Auroville beach
                     Serenity beach
                     Promendae beach

8. The Backwaters of Kerala
Contains lakes and lagoons along the Arabian sea coast. There are also lots of villages and communities. Ferries will take you around and you are able to hire a Houseboat to stay in. You can watch boat races with boats that can hold up to 100 oarsmen.

9. Darjeeling
This is a very popular tourist town in West Bengal. Its green environment, nice, relaxing breeze and gorgeous views make Dargeeling so poular with tourists.
Famous for: Its tea production and everlasting scenery
Things to do:  Trekking, river rafting or scenic walks that have a lasting impression

10. Kodaikanal
Translation: "The gift of the forest"
This is easily one of the most beautiful places in India, consisting of rockey scenery, slopes and waterfalls.
Things to do: Visit the Kodikanal lake which is shaped as a star and is man made. You can rent horses and bicycles to ride around the shore of this lake. You can also visit the Botanical garden and walk on Coakers walk (a 1km long path along the south of Kodai)

ENJOY !

Getting to places

Need ways to get around? Here are some ways you can travel around India!

Buses - Buses are very cheap and every city in India has them.

Taxis - A little expensive, fast to get around in, you can always hire them.

Autorick shaws - also known as auto, rickshaw or tempo, a three- wheeled vehicle, no doors, no seatbelts and are usually yellow or green coloured.

Cycle rickshaws - Very common, like a big tricycle, two- seater, there is a driver who pedals at the front, quite cheap, made for short distances.

Metro - fast and cheap, not throughout India, found in Kolcata and Delhi.