Useful Travel Tips

Selfie Time in Public Transport

Less baggage more fun

Pack your bag with clothes, travel gears, essential medicines but make sure your bag is not too heavy to carry from one place to other. You can’t find helpers everywhere. The less you carry, the happier you feel.

Keep cash at different spots

Don’t keep all of your cash and cards in one wallet. Keep them separately – some in wallet and some in other pockets or bags just to avoid theft or robbery.

Carry first-aid kit

Your first aid kit should have medicines for fever, stomachache, headache, loose motion, vomiting, cough/cold and allergy. Also keep antiseptic ointment/lotion, cotton and Band-Aid. If you are on regular medication, carry your medicine.

Carry ID card

Due to terror threats, travelers should carry their ID cards. It’s mandatory for checking-in hotels.

Keep an internet ready device

Be it your mobile or tablet, it will help you in getting directions, useful information about your itineraries, bookings and keeping you updated with latest news.

Carry extra camera battery

Have you experienced a beautiful epic sunset and just realized that your camera battery is dead and you do not have a backup battery? Carry at least an extra set of batteries on your trips so that you won’t miss out that perfect shot.

Early wake up

If you are driving to your destination, wake up early and hit the road to avoid heavy traffic. And if you are already at your destination, wake up early and enjoy the nature - It’s a magical time for photos due to soft diffused sun light. Most of the locals go out in fields or to their daily work, interact with them.

Go slow

People generally want to get to their destination as quickly as possible. Don’t plan your trip to see too many places in just a few days. Spend time at each itinerary for maximum enjoyment. As you travel slowly, you’ll discover more.

Be flexible and patient

Patience is very important while traveling. Some weird things may happen so try not to get upset when things go wrong. Be flexible with your travel plan for maximum fun in your trip. Be ready to sleep anywhere when in crisis, try any weird food, going out and try new things for fun.

Get lost there

If you really want to enjoy your trip, get lost and explore the destination. Visit the places where real people live and work. The best way to do this is on foot – without knowing exactly where you are going. Keep the address and phone numbers of your hotel handy so that if you are really lost, it will help you.

Unleash yourself

Break out from your comfort zone and try doing things that you have never done or you normally do not do. Go for trekking, talk to strangers, taste weird food and do much more. All these will give you different experience and you will really enjoy it.

Take lot of pictures

You may not be visiting that place again in your lifetime, so take lots of photos. Capture natural beauties, local customs, people you meet, and what you think interesting. In this digital world, thousands of photos won’t take space in your luggage and make them heavy to carry back home. Great photos are the ultimate souvenir.

Use little local language

Learn a few local phrases and use them when you meet locals. Speak to them and experience their culture. Always make eye contact and smile as you walk by. If people smile back, say hello in English or in the local language if you know. This is the best way to make new friends.

Eat local food

You are traveling to the new place not to eat pizza, burger and chowmin. You already eat these at your place. So, try local street food. If you are unaware nice place to eat, ask locals where they eat. Go there instead.

Be respectful

Be respectful to locals and respect their local customs. Do not comment on local dresses or anything you find weird. You are a visitor. Be respectful.

Stay in touch

Do not forget to call your family and friends when you get time. Keep them updated.

Use public transport.

It's easy, it's cheaper and it will give you a real travel experience.

Delhi: The Capital of Street Foods

We all know Delhi as a capital of India. But food lovers across the world take it other way, the capital of street food. Not only Indians, but people across world love Indian food and Delhi is the place where you can get all famous dishes of India. Dilli Haat (opposite INA market near AIIMS), a famous cultural market where you can visit stalls of all the Indian States. On these stalls, you can buy famous goods and foods of that particular state.

For food lovers, Delhi is NOT TO MISS destination. Everyone can't afford eating in luxury hotels but in Delhi, even a poor person can enjoy mouth watering street food on reasonable price. These food items are common and can be found at any nearby market places. Following street foods are the top 10 street foods of Delhi:

Chole Bhature

The big fluffy bhature attracts thousands of people in Delhi and it makes Chole Bhature the king of all street food. It is served with chole (spicy vegetable made of chana), onion rings, lemon and pickles.

Where to find: You can find chole bhature easily on any outlets where major snacks like Aloo Tikki chaat, pav bhaji are sold. Few famous places are: Sitaram Diwan Chand (Paharganj), Baba Nagpal Corner (Lajpat Nagar), Chache di hatti (Kamla Nagar), Nand ke Chole Bhature (Sadar Bazaar), Giani’s di Hatti (Chandni Chowk), Roshan’s (Karol Bagh) and outlets of Haldiram's, Bikanerwala, Om Sweets, Nathu’s Sweets etc.

Parathe

Paratha is made of wheat flour and stuffed with different vegetables, eggs, mutton and chicken keemas (minces). It's the most preferred breakfast of North India. In Delhi, whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner, Parathas are always in the menu. In Old Delhi near Chandni chowk, there is a lane, Parathe Wali Gali famous for different types of parathas.

Where to find: You can find parathas in any restaurant and on street outlets across Delhi-NCR. Few famous places are: Parathe Wali Gali (Chandni Chowk), Moolchand Parathe Wala (South Delhi), Not Just Parathas (Rajouri Garden) and Kakke di Hatti (Fatehpuri, Old Delhi).

Kachori Sabji

Khasta Kachori, Pyaz Kachori and Kachori Sabji... Other varieties of Kachories are also available. Kachori is served with aloo sabji (potato cooked in spicy gravy).

Where to find: You can find it in major market places across Delhi-NCR. Few famous places are: Dinesh Kachoriwala (Nai Sarak, near Chandni Chowk), Jung Bahadur (Chandni Chowk Metro), Sharma Kachoriwala (Pitampura), Baba Nagpal Corner (Lajpat Nagar) and outlets of Haldiram's, Bikanerwala, Om Sweets, Nathu’s Sweets etc.

Samosa

Samose are triangular in shape, stuffed with fried potato, paneer, dry fruits, masale (herbs). This is a very common street food not only found in Delhi but you can find it most of the parts in north India. It's served with chole/subji, green and red chutney.

Where to find: You can find Samosas in major market places across Delhi-NCR. Few famous places are: Munni Lal Halwai (Gole Market, CP), Bittu Tikki Wala (Pitampura & Karol Bagh), Tilak Munjal (Pitampura),Annapurna Sweets (CR Park) and outlets of Haldiram's, Bikanerwala, Om Sweets, Nathu’s Sweets, Aggarwal Sweets etc.

Dahi Bhalla

One can't resist of having this street food served with sweet dahi (curd), red and green chutney and pomegranate sprinkled on top of that.

Where to find: You can find it easily on the outlets where Aloo Tikki chaat are sold. Few famous places are: UPSC building (Shahjahan Road, Near India Gate), Bittu Tikki Wala (Pitampura & Karol Bagh), Prabhu Chaat Bhandar (Khan Market),Daulat ki Chaat (Chandni Chowk), Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala (Chandni Chowk) and outlets of Haldiram's, Bikanerwala, Om Sweets, Nathu’s Sweets etc.

Aloo Tikki & Chaat

There are two aloo fried dishes - One is aloo chat and another is aloo tikki. Aloo chat is fried potatoes cut in small pieces, mixed with chat masala and onion rings. Aloo Tikki is made of mashed potatoes and flour, served with chole, green/red chutney, dahi (curd) and sprinkled masale (herbs).

Where to find: You can find Aloo Tikki walas in major market places across Delhi-NCR. Few famous places are: UPSC building (Shahjahan Road, Near India Gate), Bittu Tikki Wala (Pitampura & Karol Bagh), Prabhu Chaat Bhandar (Khan Market),Daulat ki Chaat (Chandni Chowk), Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala (Chandni Chowk) and outlets of Haldiram's, Bikanerwala, Om Sweets, Nathu’s Sweets etc.

Golgappe

Delhi Golgappas are similar to Mumbai’s pani-poori and Kolkata’s puchka but Delhi golgappas come in different verities. Golgappa is made of either suji or atta.

Where to find: You can find golgappe walas in any market place across Delhi-NCR. Few famous places are: UPSC building (Shahjahan Road, Near India Gate), Bittu Tikki Wala (Pitampura & Karol Bagh), Daulat ki Chaat (Chandni Chowk), Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala (Chandni Chowk) and outlets of Haldiram's, Bikanerwala, Om Sweets, Nathu’s Sweets etc.

Kababs / Rolls / Shavarmas

Shami kabab, kabab rolls, chicken tikkas, chicken rolls, chicken egg rolls, egg rolls, Shavarma rolls.... endless list of kabab and rolls you can find in all the major eating joints of Delhi-NCR. These are served with sauce, onions and mayonnaise.

Where to find: You can find kababs and rolls in any market place across Delhi-NCR. Few famous places are: Ustad Moinuddin Kebabs (Lal Kuan, near Chawri Bazaar Metro), Ghalib Kebab Corner (Nizamuddin), Nizam’s (Connaught Place), Salim’s Kebabs (Khan Market), Khan Chacha (Khan Market), Qureshi’s Kabab Corner (South Extension-II), Brahmaputra Complex (Noida), Chawla’s (Tilak Nagar), Al Kakori (Vasant Place Market), Kebab Factory (Saket), Al-Bake (New Friends Colony) and Karim's outlets across Delhi-NCR.

Momos

Stuffed momos are available generally in two formats - Steamed and fried. At few places, the third option, Tandoori Momos is also available. Whether you are vegetarian or non-vegetarian, momos come in both versions. It is served with fiery hot chilly sauce.

Where to find: You can find Momos in any market place across Delhi-NCR. Few famous places are: Nagaland & Sikkim Food Stalls in Dilli Haat, Sikkim House (Panchsheel Marg), Cafe Brown Sugar (GK market), Yashwant Complex (Chanakya Puri), Sector-14 Market (Gurgaon), Brahmaputra Complex (Noida), North Campus (DU) and Kamla Nagar Market.

Kulfi (Dessert)

In India, it's a tradition to have sweets after every meel - Khane ke baad kuchh mitha ho jaye! Kulfi is famous as street food sweet across Delhi-NCR. Kulfi is made of milk, sugar, dry fruits, added flavour - similar to ice-cream, served as chilled in plates with spoon or with a inserted stick to hold.

Where to find: You can find Kulfi in any market place across Delhi-NCR. Few famous Kulfi outlets are: Giani di Hatti, Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfiwala, and Ghantewala Halwai in Chandni Chowk (Old Delhi); Big Chill Cafe, Khan Market (South Delhi), Jain Kulfi Bhandar at Shahdara, Mangle Di Kulfi (Gurgaon) and Roshan di Kulfi (Karol Bagh).

Regliance Jio – Prepaid and Postpaid Plans

We all are curious about knowing the Raliance Jio Plans and offers. Jio seems to be a big hit in the Indian telecom market and major players like Airtel, Vodafone, Idea have no choice but to cut their tariffs and give freebies to their customers to retain them.

Regliance Jio – Prepaid Plan

Jio Tarrifs	Free Voice Unlimited Local & STD Roaming Free	4G Data	WiFi Data (JioNet Hotspot)	JIO Apps Subscription worth Rs.1,250	Unlimited SMS (L+N)	Validity (Days)
Rs 99	Yes	0.1 GB Unlimited at Night	0.2 GB	Yes	Yes	1
Rs 129	Yes	0.75 GB Unlimited at Night	1.5 GB	Yes	Yes	7
Rs 149	Yes	0.3 GB Unlimited at Night	0.7 GB	Yes	100	28
Rs 299	Yes	2 GB Unlimited at Night	4 GB	Yes	Yes	21
Rs 499	Yes	4 GB Unlimited at Night	8 GB	Yes	Yes	28
Rs 999	Yes	10 GB Unlimited at Night	20 GB	Yes	Yes	28
Rs 1499	Yes	20 GB Unlimited at Night	40 GB	Yes	Yes	28
Rs 2499	Yes	35 GB Unlimited at Night	70 GB	Yes	Yes	28
Rs 3999	Yes	60 GB Unlimited at Night	120 GB	Yes	Yes	28
Rs 4999	Yes	75 GB Unlimited at Night	150 GB	Yes	Yes	28

Regliance Jio – Postpaid Plan

Jio Tarrifs	Free Voice Unlimited Local & STD Roaming Free	4G Data	WiFi Data (JioNet Hotspot)	JIO Apps Subscription worth Rs.1,250	Unlimited SMS (L+N)	Validity (Days)
Rs 149	Yes	0.3 GB Unlimited at Night	0.7 GB	Yes	100	Billing Cycle
Rs 499	Yes	4 GB Unlimited at Night	8 GB	Yes	Yes	Billing Cycle
Rs 999	Yes	10 GB Unlimited at Night	20 GB	Yes	Yes	Billing Cycle
Rs 1499	Yes	20 GB Unlimited at Night	40 GB	Yes	Yes	Billing Cycle
Rs 2499	Yes	35 GB Unlimited at Night	70 GB	Yes	Yes	Billing Cycle
Rs 3999	Yes	60 GB Unlimited at Night	120 GB	Yes	Yes	Billing Cycle
Rs 4999	Yes	75 GB Unlimited at Night	150 GB	Yes	Yes	Billing Cycle

Terms and conditions:
1. Voice is truly free – no charge towards voice or the data used to make 4G voice calls.
2. "Unlimited at Night" pertains to data used between 2am – 5am.
3. Wi-Fi data benefits in the plans pertain to Wi-Fi data availed in the Public Wi-Fi hotspots of RJIL.
4. The subscribers can avail the above plans effective from 1st January 2017.
5. The data used by the consumers for Jio applications, Video calls and other content available on internet would be uniformly debited against plan data allocation.
6. Unutilized free benefits will be forfeited at the end of validity.
7. The prepaid packs with denominations Rs.19, Rs.129 and Rs.299 cannot be availed as a First recharge by new subscribers.
8. 25% additional 4G and WiFi data benefits will be provided to students on providing a valid identity card, as per process.
9. Prepaid tariffs are inclusive of all applicable taxes.
10. On Postpaid tariffs applicable taxes will be charged. The Postpaid subscribers opting for the Auto-debit option using credit/debit cards/online transfer to pay their monthly mobile phone bill and opting for e-bill will be accorded an additional 15% discount on the bill value.
11. The above plans can only be availed by customers possessing a LTE compatible handset.

All About Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a viral disease that is spread by infected Aedes type mosquitoes, principally A. Aegypti. When a mosquito carrying dengue fever virus bites a healthy person, the virus travels in the blood stream and starts multiplying itself in the whole body. Dengue fever is not contagious, which means one person can't pass it directly to another person. Mosquitoes typically bite during the early morning and in the evening but they may bite any time of the day. After the mosquito bite, it takes 4 to 7 days in showing symptoms and in some cases it may surface in upto 14 days.

Dengue fever can occur to people of all ages. Children usually have a milder disease than adults.

Dengue Symptoms

Symptoms of dengue fever include high fever (usually above 104°F), headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, low blood pressure, loss of appetite, pain behind the eyes, mild joint pain, low level of blood platelets, swelling, muscle pain, skin rashes and mild nose bleeding or internal bleeding. In some rare cases, shock and coma also noticed. Dengue fever can be a severe and life-threatening.

Please note that Dengue has some common symptoms with Chikungunya, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common. The common symptoms of Dengue fever may subside in around 10 days, but complete recovery from the disease can take more than a month.

Dengue Treatment

There is no specific antiviral drug or medicine available for Dengue. Treatments are given to Dengue patients are based on symptoms to control the complications. Patients are advised to take complete rest, drink plenty of water, take more liquid food and medicines to relieve pain (paracetamol). Cold water patti (pad) can be applied on forehead to reduce body temperature.

Ayurveda Remedy

Papaya leaves are very beneficial in controlling dengue fever. It elevates blood platelets count significantly. Dengue patient's situations worsens when blood platelets count goes down drastically.

Tulsi (Basil leaves) has medicinal properties and has soothing effect on nervous system and strengthens stomach. Tea prepared with tulsi leaves, ginger and cardamom can be taken throughout the day after couple of hours intervals. Also, boil tulsi leaves with black pepper in water and drink that water throughout the day to improve immune system.

Fenugreek (Methi) Leaves are beneficial in reducing fever, pain and improves sleep of the patients. You can soak the dry leaves in water and then drink it or you can  mix methi powder with water and have it.

Pomegranate (Anaar) or black grape juice can be taken to increase blood count.

Homeopathic Remedy

Eupatorium Perfoliatum: For fever with bone breaking pains
The alternative name of Dengue is "Break Bone" fever due to terrible pain in bones. This medicine is very effective in relieving terrible bone pain in Dengue fever. Usually throbbing type of pain occurs in the head and limbs. Pain may be felt in the back part of the head and also on the top of the head.

Bryonia: For Dengue fever with body pain and intense thirst
Muscle pain leads to pain in whole body. Whenever the patient tries to walk or move or even turn in bed, the pain becomes intolerable. Patient feels better while at rest and does not want to move. Bryonia is helpful in easing out body pain and reduce intense thirst.

Phosphorus: For hemorrhagic dengue fever
In this type of Dengue fever, burning and numbness of the hands, arms and feet and intense thirst accompany the fever. In this case, the patient wants to have cold water or even chilled water. Phosphorus homeopathic medicine is useful in such conditions.

Carica Papaya: For increasing platelet count
Carica Papaya is a homeopathic medicine made from papaya fruit. Papaya is used in Ayurveda too for increasing platelet count. It improves the platelet counts in patients significantly.

Dengue Prevention and Control

Currently, there is no vaccine commercially available to protect against dengue fever. Hence, prevention is the only protection from Dengue. The Aedes albopictus mosquitoes use indoor sites like flower vases and water storage vessels for breeding. The mosquitoes also breed in outdoor areas like stagnant water, coconut husks, water in pots and coolers. It is important to keep these areas clean and dry. People should use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, put mosquito screens on windows & doors, use mosquito nets during day for small children and elderly people. Since Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes mostly active during daytime, it is important to take protective measures to prevent mosquito bites throughout the day.

June 15 is being observed as International Anti-Dengue Day. The main objectives and goals are to increase public awareness about dengue, mobilize resources for its prevention and control.

Note: Please consult your doctor before taking any medicine.