Butter Chicken
1/4 pint/150ml natural yogurt
2 ounces/50g ground almonds
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp crushed bay leaves
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp garam masala
4 green cardamom pods
1 tsp ginger pulp
1 tsp garlic pulp
14 ounce/400g can tomatoes
1 1/4 tsp salt
2 pounds/1kg chicken, skinned, boned and cubed
3 ounces/75g butter
1 tbsp corn oil
2 medium onions, sliced
2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
4 tbsp cream
Method:

• Place the yogurt, ground almonds, all the dry spices, ginger, garlic, tomatoes and salt in a mixing bowl and blend together thoroughly.
• Put the chicken into a large mixing bowl and pour over the yogurt mixture.
• Set aside. Melt together the butter and oil in a medium karahi, wok or frying pan. Add the onions and fry for about 3 minutes. Add the chicken mixture and stir-fry for about 7 to 10 minutes.
• Stir in about half of the coriander and mix well. Pour over the cream and stir in well. Bring to the boil. Garnish the indian butter chicken with the remaining chopped coriander to serve the chicken curry.

Source: http://www.indianfoodrecipes.net/non-veg-recipes/chicken-recipes/recipe-butter-chicken.html

Manali

Manali, located in Kullu valley, about 45 minutes drive time from Kullu city, is one of the most beautiful spots of India (in my opinion)! There is no doubt in my mind why this majestic place is known as the "honeymoon capital" of India. Located just at the base of the Himalayan mountains, Manali is central for those who enjoy a variety of outdoor sports - Kayaking, paragliding, hiking, and heli-skiing are just to name a few.

If you're in an adventurous mood (as I expect you are if you are in Manali), then you may want to consider driving the Rotang Pass. The Rotang Pass is the highest highway in the world sitting at approximately 14,000 feet high. After some time of driving up, you will come across a little market that sells soup, noodles, chai tea, and some souvenirs (remember, don't let the salesmen take advantage of you).

Manali has a fairly similar climate compared Canada. Usually winters can get quite chilly and some years may even see a snow base, while summers is short and t-shirt weather.

Manali is one of the main cities that GoIndiaTravel tours. If you are interested in traveling to Manali, India, contact us and we would be more than happy to help you.

Mussoorie, India

Mussoorie is a city located in North India in the state of Uttarakhand, about 30km outside Dehradun. About 6000 feet in altitude, Mussoorie is known for its stunning mountains overlooking the plains of India. Typical travellers of Mussoorie tend to be infatuated honeymooners local to Indian soil, curious foreigners looking to learn a second language, or various others just wanting a refreshing escape from the mayhem of India.

Mussoorie is unlike the rest of India in terms of design and layout. In the fall season, these roads are covered with leaves and pine which is actually indescribable in terms of beauty, and winter make for a white and slippery surface.

The view in Mussoorie is unlike no other. During certain times of the year the sky is split from night and day, meaning on one half is night and the other is day. The forest that surrounds the city is Canadian-like thick and even more so filled with wild life.

If you would like more information, pictures, or questions, email us at tours@goindiatravel.ca The road has a consistent feature of rigid grip throughout and is extremely steep due to the slope progression within the city. Small, 2 foot pillars completely shoulder the road whic and we would be more than happy to hear from you.

Goa

Goa is a state located on the west coast along the Arabian Sea in a region called Konkan. Goa is the smallest state in India but is very well known by the international traveller population. December through March are by far the best months to travel Goa. It gets incredibly hot during the day and cools to quite a nice temperature at night.

Personally, I had such a great experience in Goa. I was with a small group and together we rented a guest house. We spent about 10 days along the beach of Palolem. It was AMAZING! Let me describe a day in Goa. . .

I would go for a morning run along the Arabian Sea, return to my massive guest house and take a shower, and then make my way to the beach to eat breakfast. Along the beach of Palolem are several beyond several bamboo hut restaurants. Each restaurant consists of different foods: some Indian, some American, and some a mixture of both. Following breakfast I would shop, experience awesome sea fishing, or take my motorbike for a stunning cruise along the sea-side.

Motorbike rentals are incredibly cheap. I believe I paid about about $10CAN/day plus maybe another $2/day for gas. Other than walking, riding a motorbike is the most sufficient way to travel Goa. Traffic differs from the rest of Goa in the sense they are slightly more civilized.

Feel free to email us at tours@goindiatravel.ca to learn more about the Goan life.

Feeding Monkeys

Monkeys all over the world are well known to be mischievous creatures. They are rambunctious, screechy, but intelligent. In India, monkeys have a status that, in essence, is higher then a large percentage of the human population. The Hindu worship of the monkey god, Hanuman, has developed a high social status for monkeys in India. For this reason, people feel the need, privilege, and right to feed the monkeys, even when the government demands that they not.

Monkeys are not safe to feed. No matter what, if a bite occurs from a monkey, make sure to receive medical attention... AND FAST! Many monkeys carry Rabies. Rabies is a virus that causes inflammation to the brain and if left untreated, is usually fatal. ALWAYS seek medical treatment if you receive a bite or even a scratch from a monkey. Monkeys may look cute and cuddly, but the truth is that they are actually quite aggressive.

Two Types of Monkeys:

Langur - The Langur monkey is known to be more aggressive. The bread is generally larger and more territorial.

Bandar - Bandar monkeys are not as aggressive but still can be dangerous when provoked. Either way, they should NOT be fed.

Not only are monkeys dangerous and carry diseases, they are ANNOYING! When I was going to school in North India, I lived in a small home that had a metal roof. Constantly I would wake up to the sound of roaring monkeys storming across the roof of my house, making loud, screeching noises.

Though the negatives seem to overpower the positives when it comes to Indian monkeys, please make sure that when you travel in India to respect the creatures. Remember that you are travelling on their land and that the people see monkeys as holy - So be sure to keep that in mind.

The Indian Railway

The Indian Railway is one of the most efficient and effective railway systems in the world. Though it is completely notorious for being late, it is still considered to be fantastic. Not only is it cheap, but what better way to see the country? A first class round trip ticket from Delhi to Agra (Taj Mehal) will cost about $60US. This experience is great! When you board your train there will be a news paper and a mineral water waiting for you. After a short while into your trip, a server will come around and serve both chai (tea) and coffee along with biscuits. Shortly after this, breakfast is served. You will always have the option of Veg or Non-Veg. On top of the service, you also see the most magnificent scenery. Just imagine, it's 6:00am and the morning is still crisp. You are staring out your window viewing the golden plains of India where village women are working in the fields, the smell is foreign and weird, you are having a fascinating conversation with an educated business man who wants to discuss Indian economy and you are sipping away at your hot chai. What not a better experience.

The Indian Railway System strives to create an enjoyable, relaxing journey, especially for those who have money. Like anywhere else in the world, India is driven around a class (cast) system. The trains range from sleeper class to first class, each being VERY different extremes. With the sleeper class, you will find an overwhelming number of Indians’ confined to an overly small space. First class you will find a shockingly small number of people spaciously spread through beautiful rooms stocked with bedding, a table, and electrical plug-in. Let me tell you, this is definitely the way to go.

When planning your trip, you can book all your travel destinations online. This is a great enhancement to India tourism because it attracts people beyond just India. Look at me for example, I have used this service several times now and I even refer it to others.

To book online tickets for the Indian Railway, follow this link: India Railway Reservations