Top must-see destinations to visit in South India

South India really has a distinct culture that sets it apart from the rest of the country. Not only that, each state has managed to retain its own distinct identity. Intricate temple architecture, historical ruins, palm-fringed canals, spirituality and beach will provide you with a varied and interesting trip.

Hampi, Karnataka

One of India's top historical destinations, the laid back village of Hampi was once the last capital of Vijayanagar, one of the greatest Hindu empires in India's history. It has some extremely captivating ruins, intriguingly intermingled with large boulders that rear up all over the landscape.

Varkala, Kerala

The fairy tale setting of Varkala beach is enough to take your breath away, with a long winding stretch of cliff and views that extend over the Arabian Sea. A paved footpath runs along the length of the cliff, bordered by coconut palms, quaint shops, beach shacks, hotels, and guesthouses. Nestled at the bottom of the cliff is a sparkling beach, reached by steps leading down from the cliff top.

Read more: Top 5 amazing temples in India

Fort Kochi, Kerala

Known as the "Gateway to Kerala", Kochi is an enchanting city that's had an eclectic influence. The Arabs, British, Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese have all left their mark on the city. Most people recognize Kochi from pictures of the famous Chinese fishing nets that line the waterfront. Fort Kochi is full of architecture and historical sites and is a marvelous place to stroll around and explore on foot.

Mysore, Karnataka

Mysore has an impressive royal heritage, with the city's main tourist attraction being the imposing Mysore Palace. There are many other interesting buildings, palaces, and temples to see. Its zoo is one of the best in India. Mysore is also an excellent place to shop for sandalwood and study Ashtanga yoga.

Coorg, Karnataka

For fresh aromatic of south Indian coffee and stunning scenic beauty, head to Karnataka's Kodagu region (often referred to as Coorg, the English version of its name). This picturesque and alluring mountainous area in southern Karnataka, not far from Bangalore and Mysore, is renowned for its plentiful coffee estates. And, you can stay on one! The magnificent Golden Temple, one of the top Buddhist monasteries in India, is not to be missed as well.

Read more: Visit Rajasthan, the Land of Kings in India

Source TripSavvy

Where to have local lunch in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Cambodian cuisine attracts many tourists with its unique taste. If you want to try a great local lunch, here is a list of amazing lunch spots for you.

Friends The Restaurant

Running as one of two training schools for NGO Friends International’s hospitality and chef students, Friends the Restaurant cooks up a range of creative tapas dishes, all centred around contemporary Cambodian cuisine. Dishes include palm sugar and cinnamon braised duck leg with cranberry orange relish, prawn and glass noodle salad with fresh herbs and chilli lime dressing, and sun-dried tomato hummus with crispy wontons.

54 Langeach Sros

Definitely one of Phnom Penh’s culinary bright spots, 54 Langeach Sros is a local Khmer-style barbeque and beer garden that serves a mean plate of ribs, tangy with a hint of sweetness and slightly spicy. Do not bother ordering just one plate. The ribs can take a half-hour to arrive, but they are always worth it. Goat with black ants, “fried fish on the fire lake” and crab with young green pepper are all excellent and remarkably affordable.

Mok Mony Restaurannt

Specialising in authentic Khmer and Asian cuisine, diners can enjoy their food in the tropical garden or air-conditioned glass section. The menu takes in a range of delights, including grilled betel leaf with marinated beef, Khmer red chicken curry, blue Mekong prawns and Kampot pepper squid. It also serves daily and weekly specials.

Tummy Filler Cafe and Pub

If you cannot decide whether you are in the mood for traditional Khmer or Western food, Tummy Filler Cafe in Toul Tom Pong offers the best of both worlds. Their menu boasts Asian soups, fried rice, noodles, and Khmer classics like lok lak and amok. But it also serves up Western salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes and fish and chips. Tummy Filler opens early every day with a range of breakfast foods and specialty coffee drinks. Their bar menu includes wine, beer, and mixed drinks with a selection of unique fruity and frozen cocktails.

Phka Slaa Restaurant

Putting a modern spin on Cambodian comfort food, Phka Slaa presents a range of delicious dishes that are served in style. Offering a range of breakfast options, the cool contemporary setting is a great place to indulge in a leisurely lunch and sits right around the corner from the Royal Palace and National Museum, making it the perfect spot to take a break from sightseeing.

Khmer Surin Restaurant

Spread across three floors, each offering its own atmosphere, Khmer Surin serves authentic Khmer food in sumptuous surroundings. The ground level is a great spot to enjoy breakfast, and people-watch from among the tropical foliage. Traditional Cambodian food can be enjoyed throughout lunch, taking in salads, steamed dishes, curries, soups and fried options.

Read more: 7 reasons why you should visit Cambodia at least one time

Source Internet

Some useful tips for first-time travelers in India

Do you think that India is chaotic, bamboozling, intoxicating, crazy, exasperating, wonderful, squalid, beautiful, daunting, overwhelming or fantastic? How can you possibly prepare yourself? Start with these tips for taking the ultimate travel plunge: going to India for the first time.

Bring a scarf

If you have a scarf handy, cover your head. If you do not have one, you will be offered one. Wear it. This goes for both men and women. India is an inspiring country and for solo female travelers, it is not as scary as you might think.

Indian people are so friendly but they are shy

You absolutely can try to talk to them on trains and buses, they will even let you take photos of them. They might stare sometimes, but it is just curiosity and is not as rude in their culture. On the other hand, if you try to chat to an Indian businessman, you might be surprised to see that he spends half his time abroad and looks down on you.

Place your plate and cup on the ground

Volunteers will come around dispensing food from shiny stainless steel buckets. You should indicate whether you want a small portion. If not, you will get the full serve.

Money matters

Use travel cards, debit cards, credit cards, travelers’ cheques and money wallets for transactions. You can exchange money at the airport, banks or travel companies. Access to international banks and ATMs is quite easy in Indian cities. If you need money and for some reason cannot get it at an ATM, you can have it transferred to you via Western Union.

How to receive your chapattis

For this flatbread treat, cup both hands, raise them to the volunteer with the basket and one will be dropped into your hands with a plop, etc. bring your hands and chapatti close to your forehead in a gesture of thanks.

Read more: Top 5 amazing temples in India

Dress modestly

In India, you should also dress according to the place and customs. Some tourist spots, like a mosque, temple or other holy places require you to dress modestly by covering your head with a scarf and taking off your shoes before entering. In big cities you can wear whatever you want, but when visiting small towns, dress modestly. It is good to aim to blend in with the rest of the population.

Source Internet