The best places to have desserts in Penang, Malaysia

It takes a lot for Penangites to swap their ais kacang (sweet shaved ice dessert) and pisang goreng (banana fritters) for other desserts – but swap they have, because these places have made Penang a sweeter place all around.

Dolce Dessert

The desserts at Dolce aren’t just dolce (sweet), they’re also incredibly pretty. Exquisite crème brûlées, lemon pralines and passionfruit pavlovas are presented with such Instagrammable flair that it’s almost a shame to eat them. This dessert place is also known for its macarons, which are a light, fluffy, not-too-sweet affair running the full gamut of flavours from orange butternut to pistachio and coffee.

Merry Me

The reason you’re here is simple: You want your Kopitiam (coffee shop) white coffee hot, and your salted egg cookies and your tau fu fah (soft beancurd in gula melaka, Malaccan palm sugar) iced, sweet and in a cone. Between salted egg Oreo ice cream and tau fu fah flavours topped with swirls of sticky gula melaka, this is the best place to indulge in your post-meal cravings without hitting the street stalls.

Norm

If you want waffles, coffee, cocktails and a bit of joy, this is the place to have it all. Warm, crispy waffles are the norm here – from the Regular Joe waffle topped with rich, melting butter to the Monkey Business banana split drizzled with chocolate sauce. We recommend the Go Go Coco, with coconut ice cream, homemade kaya (coconut jam) syrup and toasted palm seeds – because joy should be the norm, really.

Fourspoons

Bring your friends, because Fourspoons shouldn’t be a one-person secret. This delicious hideout in Icon City, the new strip mall in Bukit Mertajam, delivers apple crumble pancakes, sweet potato waffles and black sesame soft-serve ice cream to your table or your door (even if it’s in Kuala Lumpur). Paralysed by choice? Go for the classic chocolate banana waffle – you may even forgo the optional four spoons and have one all to yourself.

The Craftisan

Minimalists will love The Craftisan’s decor, coffee enthusiasts will love its cold brew, and sweet-toothers will love its dessert. The delicately crafted delícias de serradura (sawdust pudding) is served with soft gelato, while the decadent jackfruit panna cotta is topped with coconut flakes and gula melaka. For novelty, you can also try the unique Stacko Valentino: a crispy donut layered with whipped cream, fresh fruit and chocolate glaze.

Crepe Cottage

Ever thought you could combine fresh honeydew, green tea and crepes? Well, it’s time to expand your gastronomic horizons at Crepe Cottage, where crepe-based sweets and savouries reign supreme. Between strawberry rolls, coconut parcels and mango crepe cups, you’ll be spoiled for choice at this simple, no-frills, cottage-style establishment.

See more: What to do in Penang, Malaysia 

Source: Internet

Top Buddhist sites to see in India

Buddhist Tourism in India is a pilgrimage tour to the world famous sites related to Gautama Buddha. These religious sites and Buddhist place of pilgrimage are the most important holy place for Buddhists in India. There are three main pilgrimage sites in India for Buddhist Tourism, Bodh Gaya, Kushinagar and Sarnath, Lumbini is in Nepal and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO along with Bodh Gaya in Bihar.

Gaya, Bihar

Located some 110 kilometers from the state of Bihar’s capital city Patna is Gaya district, home to one of the holiest pilgrimage sites revolving around the life of Gautama Buddha for followers of Buddhism. The Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment while sitting under a large peepal tree known as the Bodhi tree at a location which is today known as Bodh Gaya. The Maha Bodhi Temple which features a huge statue of the Buddha in a deep meditation, is another major attraction in Gaya which attracts numerous Buddhists and those curious about the life of the Buddha.

Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh

Kushinagar is one of the four sacred Buddhist places in India as this is where at the age of 81, Buddha passed away. This is also the site of his last lesson where he said “All things must pass. Decay is inherent in all things”. The area houses the Rambhar Stupa which is said to have been built at the same place as where Buddha was cremated. There is also a Mahaparinirvana temple which holds a magnificent statue of Buddha in reclining position. Other than these, there are some temples, stupas, shrines and a museum here. It is one of the most important Buddhist places in India.

Shravasti, Uttar Pradesh

Photo UP Tourism

This ancient town in ruins today was one of the six largest cities in India during the Buddha’s lifetime. The city is the place where the Buddha lived for the longest amount of time. Ancient remains indicate that his teachings had a great following in Shravasti. Several age-old stupas and temples from the Buddha’s times still remain in the town, attracting tourists and followers from around the globe.

Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh

Sarnath marks the beginning of Buddha’s sermons and preaching. It was in a deer park, in this very district that Buddha gave his first sermons, after enlightenment. Sarnath is one of the four sacred Buddhist places in India with structures such as Dhamekh Stupa and Chaukhandi Stupa that celebrate its historical significance.

Barabar Caves

These Buddhist cave temples are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India, dating back to the 3rd century B.C.E. Located some 24 km north of Gaya in the state of Bihar, these caves were used by generations of Buddhist ascetics as well as by Jains. The caves are said to have been built by the famous Buddhist Emperor Ashoka. Featuring four major caves, called Karan Chaupar, Lomas Rishi, Sudama, and Visva Zopri, each of which are detailed with inscriptions and elaborate sculptures, these cave structures are said to have greatly influenced the likes of the Ajanta caves in Maharashtra.

Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

Dharamshala is an important Buddhist tourist destination in India, along with suburb of McLeod Ganj. It is the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh and also one of the famous bird watching spots in India, located in the Kangra Valley and part of the Tea Tourism industry known as Kangra tea. Tsuglagkhang or Dalai Lama Temple Complex near Mcleod Ganj is the official home of the 14th Dalai Lama and a must visit place in Dharamshala.

See more: Conquer the best hiking destinations in India

Source Internet

Top destinations to visit in North India

Remnants of ancient empires, cosmopolitan cities, spiritual towns, scenic mountains, picturesque lakes and lush valleys are all part of North India’s vast and diverse landscape. This is a list of some of the best places to visit in North India.

Delhi

Delhi is a uniquely historic and cosmopolitan city that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Its historic monuments, landscaped gardens, amazing food, bustling markets, vibrant art and nightlife scene, diverse cultures and youthful liveliness all make this city wonderfully dynamic. Some notable attractions include the iconic India Gate, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Chandi Chowk, Lotus temple and Lodhi Gardens.

Agra

Certainly one of the most well-known places in North India, Agra is famed for its historic sights, which are reminiscent of the Mughal-era. From the iconic Taj Mahal and 16th-century Agra Fort to the ancient city of Fatehpur Sikri, Agra is a dream for architecture aficionados and history buffs.

Varanasi

Dating back to the 6th century BC, Varanasi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the country. For centuries, it’s been an important site for Hindu pilgrims and spiritual seekers from across the world. People come here to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and attain inner peace, beside taking a dip in the sacred waters of the Ganges – part of an ancient ritual of purification of soul, body and mind. You’ll see around 87 ghats (flights of steps leading to the river) and more than 2,000 temples, mostly dedicated to Hindu god Shiva. Do not leave without attending the Ganga aarti (prayer ritual held every evening) and enjoying a boat ride along the Ganges.

Amritsar

Amritsar is a treasure in terms of history, culture and gastronomy. The city impresses thoroughly with its breathtakingly beautiful Golden Temple (sacred seat of Sikhism), the Wagah border (crossing lying on the grand trunk road between India and Pakistan) and the Jallianwala Bagh (a massacre memorial and garden). Make sure you try the local Punjabi food, especially the langar at the Golden Temple.

Parvati Valley

Parvati Valley beckons to nature lovers and keen adventurers. Here, visitors can discover picture-perfect villages of Kasol, Malana and Tosh – complete with unspoilt natural beauty, hippie vibes, and outdoor activities such as trekking and riverside camping. Ideal for those seeking respite from bustling city life.

Manali

At an altitude of 2,050 metres in the Beas Valley lies Manali, Manali is one of North India’s best ski places in winter. Come summer when the snows have retreated, it becomes one of the best spots for adventure enthusiasts, who can indulge in river rafting in Beas River, trekking in Rohtang Pass and Beas Kund; paragliding, zorbing and yak riding in Solang Valley. Adventurous outings not your thing? Fret not! Manali has plenty of other places on offer, including ancient temples, Tibetan monasteries, wildlife sanctuaries, art and cultural centres.

Leh-Ladakh

With Himalayas in the south and the Karakoram mountains in the north, Leh-Ladakh is a favourite retreat for trekkers and biking enthusiasts. The place is also home to several Buddhist monasteries overlooking a spectacular panoramic vista of snow-clad mountains and icy glaciers. Those seeking peace can stay at the monasteries and partake in the spiritual retreats.

Rajasthan

Dubbed the ‘Land of Kings’, Rajasthan has been captivating the hearts of locals and tourists alike for years, with its ancient forts, glamorous palaces, exquisite havelis (mansions), diverse landscape, vibrant art and culture, and traditional cuisine. Though there are many worthwhile places to explore in the royal land, the best ones include the imperial cities of Jodhpur, Bikaner and Udaipur, the pink city of Jaipur, the golden city of Jaisalmer and the holy city of Ajmer.

See more: The best destinations for extreme sports in India

Source: Internet