Where to go shopping in Kochi, India

Kochi or Cochin, popularly known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea” is a beautiful city in Kerala on the western Malabar Coast of India. The city cherishes Mother Nature and is definitely a traveler’s paradise! The straddling backwater, the coconut groves, shopping destinations and the authentic Kerala cuisine will definitely make you trip to Kochi again and again. If you are planning a trip to Cochin, here is out guide to shopping in Kochi.

M G Road

The most important commercial center in Cochin is at the M.G road, which is short for Mahatma Gandhi road. Here, you can buy stuff ranging from clothes to cosmetics to knick-knacks. The road is lined with small and big shops and many shops selling spices which are among the best places to shop in kochi.

The most popular items that are bought by tourists are handicrafts, spices and nuts. In handicrafts, the most commonly used raw materials are coir, brass, copper, bamboo, etc. Kairali Emprium at M G Road is one of the best place to shop for artifacts, clothes and crafts which are all typical to Kerala. A Kathakali mask makes a nice souvenir and comes in small, medium and large sizes and is available at Kairali Emporium. You can also look at large retail showrooms like Seematti, jayalakshmi Silks and Chennai Silks to get a taste for fashion and the finest quality sarees and other exquisite range of clothes and fabrics.

Lulu Mall Kochi

This biggest mall in India (in terms of land area) is undoubtedly the one-stop destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Cochin and definitely comes in the top of the list of shopping malls in Kochi. The Lulu Mall Kochi houses a wide range of national and international fashion and merchandise outlets like Zodiac, William Penn, Wills Lifestyle, Creyate etc. The Lulu Mall food court is exceptionally huge and can seat 3000 persons at a time. Other than western fast food, LuLu Mall Kochi has Vazhayila, Anjappar and Doner Kabab for those with a desi palette.

Bazaar Road

Running from Fort Cochin to Mattancherry, this two kilometer stretch of road is where Kerala’s commodities are sold. This is a narrow section of road filled with tiny open-fronted shops advertising wholesale, retail or commission sales. Green cardamom, Pepper, Cinnamon, brown cardamom, cloves, bay leaf and other unique things to buy in Kochi are all on offer in the shops here. Try and pick well-sealed packets rather than open spices as the vacuum packed spices will keep fresh longer.

There are many shops along Bazaar Rd, selling spices, pulses etc and is much cheaper to buy here than in Jew Town, where everything is more tourist-orientated. Some are actually whole-salers, but there are plenty shops selling small quantities of spices as well.This is also best option to buy great souvenirs to carry back from Kerala.

Oberon Mall

Oberon Mall is the first full format Mall in Kerala with Multiplex theatre, indoor gaming zone and one of the largest glass domes in South India and is among the most happening shopping malls in kochi. The mall houses shops that offer branded wear and other items, apart from food courts and amenities for children to play.

Marine Drive

One can get an amazing collection of readymade items and cotton items on the Marine Drive road and the GCDA shopping compleX. One great thing about shopping in Cochin is that there are many varieties of cotton clothes that would fetch high prices in Western shops. This means that a lot of them make it onto market stalls in Cochin and with a bit of clever bargaining and ‘bundling’ you will get some great buys for a fraction of what they would cost back in your country. There are many fast food joints and cafes on the roadside and one can always stop there to munch on some eatables while on your shopping spree.

Read more: 10 most beautiful states to visit in India

Source Internet

The interesting activities to do in Hiroshima

Hiroshima, although most known worldwide as a tragic event that happened during World War II, it is a city that has a lot to offer for those visiting Japan. Hiroshima has become a place that commemorates those that have died in the World War and a place that takes great importance in valuing peace. Because of this we can find many museums, statues, and commemorative places dedicated to peace in Hiroshima.

Apart from this Hiroshima is also worth visiting for its busy downtown area Kamiyacho, parks, Hiroshima Castle and art museums. Find out on what the top things to visit in Hiroshima are in the list below!

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial or Peace Park

Commonly known as the Atomic Bomb Dome, this is undoubtedly the symbol – for better or worse – most associated with Hiroshima. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1996, the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall was the only structure left standing after the bombing on August 6, 1945. The twisted metal of the dome and the rubble-strewn surroundings is left the same as it was 70 years ago, a testament to the power of the new weapon and an everlasting symbol of peace.

It is described as an intense experience that is not meant for the faint-hearted but is recommended to those that yearn to understand what that atomic blast did to the Japanese people, especially those in Hiroshima.

A Hiroshima Carp baseball game

Playing in the best-named stadium in all of baseball (Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima), the Hiroshima Carp is considered the little brother among the other professional baseball teams. Having not won any sort of pennant or championship since 1991, the team definitely isn’t a powerhouse akin to the Yankees or Red Sox. Can the team throw off the yoke of history and win it all this year? No, probably not.

What the Carp can do, however, is boast having the country’s most passionate and crazed fans. Watching a Hiroshima Carp baseball game is a full body, full senses experience. As opposed to your typical American baseball game, many Carp fans never sit down – the entire game. They also have an impressive amount of songs, cheers, and dances memorized for just the right occasion during the game. At first, it can be confusing, even intimidating, watching a Carp game alongside the diehards in the bleachers. However, after an inning or two, you’ll be yelling and stomping alongside 30,000 other fans for life.

Atomic Bomb Dome

This building was heavily damaged and exposed to radiation by the first ever used atomic bomb during World War I. The building has been preserved in the state it was immediately after the bombing, and has continued to testify to the horrors of the atomic bomb.

Perhaps the starkest reminder of the destruction visited upon Hiroshima in WWII is the Atomic Bomb Dome. Built by a Czech architect in 1915, it was the Industrial Promotion Hall until the bomb exploded almost directly above it. Everyone inside was killed, but the building was one of very few left standing near the epicentre. A decision was taken after the war to preserve the shell as a memorial.

Miyajima Island

A personal favorite, Miyajima (officially named Itsukushima) is a very small island a short jaunt from Hiroshima. After taking a 10-minute ferry, the striking view of the island is unforgettable. Sparsely populated and intensely rural, Miyajima is renowned throughout the country as being the best spot to see the autumn leaves change colors. The island’s many maple trees are turned a brilliant crimson in the fall, making it a top attraction for those looking to snap that perfect picture. And because the island itself is sacred, the trees are protected and cannot be cut. This protection also extends to the tame deer roaming the island, a sacred animal considered to be friends of the gods.

With charm to spare, this town should already be at the top of anyone’s Japan list, but it has an ace up its sleeve. The main feature of the island is undoubtedly the absolutely massive torii gate, a crimson reminder that the island hosts Itsukushima Shrine, a World Heritage Site colloquially known as the Floating Shrine.

Read more: Top 7 dishes to try in Hiroshima

Source Internet

5 most popular dishes in Myanmar

Burmese food is not what most people think of when they think of “cuisines,” but the mix of Indian, Chinese, Thai, and original Burmese influences makes these foods unique to this region. You won’t find many of these outside of the country, so be sure to try them while you’re here.

Mohinga

This breakfast dish has become more than just a morning start. It is now served at all times of the day—some restaurants in Yangon even open late to serve the after-party crowd. Whether you find this on the street or in a fancy five-star restaurant, the essential ingredients are fish soup, rice noodles, eggs, and banana stems. There are infinite variations that include fried beans, scallions, fish cakes, chicken, and more. Try a couple and see what you like, because this dish isn’t easily found outside the country.

Shan Noodles

Shan noodles are not just found in Shan State, and the dish is a national favorite. Sticky rice noodles are dressed in a mixture of chicken or pork, tomato puree, onions, and spices, then topped off with sour or fresh vegetables. This satisfies most cravings and is a go-to snack because it can be found nearly everywhere. However, venture to Inle Lake, Pindaya, or Taunggyi for some of the best, most authentic Shan noodles of your life. You won’t regret it.

Tea Leaf Salad

Myanmar is the only country in the world that consumes tea leaves regularly. Most people just drink them. But tea leaves are combined with peanuts, broad beans, cabbage, tomatoes, sesame seeds, chilis, and more. This salad is perhaps the most iconic food, dating back centuries to tea-drinking gossip parties and hosting visitors. Since it is so popular, it can be found in most dining establishments or tea shops.

Pork Curry

Pork is a prized meat in Myanmar, as is its curry. Curries are mixed with many spices and ginger, and are neither like Indian nor Chinese curries—they are uniquely Burmese. In many tea shops and restaurants, you’ll find curry served with rice and a plate of raw vegetables that is dipped in a fish sauce accompaniment. This satisfying meal will put you back only $2-4 so I suggest you let your taste buds experience this traditional style of cooking.

Noodle (or Rice) Salad

Many Myanmar dishes are simple and inexpensive street food. If you’re an adventurous eater, these are the dishes that will most satisfy your palette. Often, wheat noodles (or rice) are s mixed with dried shrimp, shredded cabbage, dressed with fried peanut oil, fish sauce, and lime, and it makes for a very easy, quick plate of yummy goodness. You’ll find this in most street stalls with noodles under a plastic colander.

See more: Visit Inle Lake, one of the hottest destinations in Myanmar

Source: Internet