2.

Nepal

1. India

Land of the Tiger

 Many Vegan dishes Staples: Bajra (pearl millet), rice, whole wheat flour and red lentils. Most curries cooked in vegetable oil. Commonly used spices: chili pepper, black mustard seed, cumin, garlic and coriander. Chai is the national drink
-Southern States: coconut, lots of rice, and bread (pancakes) made of rice -Northern: meat eaters, kababs are popular

Food differs by region:

Pav Bhaji

Chuski
Bhelpuri

Sev

Samosas

Chuski: Flavored Ice Sweet Lassi: liquefied sweetened yogurt, famous in Goa (beware of Bhang lassi) Alphonso Mangoes in Mumbai Indian Kulfi: creamy, rich ice cream flavored with nuts, seasonal fruits and saffron Common dishes: Samosas, Bhelpuri, Sev, Pav Bhaji Many of the street foods are deep fried -Be careful about foods that need water

Street Food:

Places To See/ Things To Do :

Golden Temple of Amritsar in Punjab

The temple began construction in 1574 and finished in 1601. Maharaja Ranjit Singh donated the 100 kg of gold added to the exterior. Many are welcomed, but inside one cannot eat meat, drink alcohol , or smoke inside.

Palace built by Wodevar kings in the 14th century. It was destroyed and constructed many times. The current palaces construction began in 1897, and it completed in 1912. Later it was expanded around 1940

New DelhiLotus Temple

Religious center, accepts all religions. No musical instruments are allowed inside. Is the most visited building in the world, with 4.5 million visitors a year.

Beaches in Goa

The city of Goa has many European influences due to the Portuguese. Tourists can rent shacks along the beach to live in or the town itself.

Established in 1845, Kodaikanal was a refuge from the high temperatures in the plains. 3.2 million tourists come each year. Hiking, boating, and mountain climbing are popular.

The Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, brown bear and blue sheep (goat) are found here. The locals thought it was the home of fairies. More than 500 species of plants.

Offers skiing and trekking. Best time to visit is last week of Jan to first week of March for skiing. Has the longest cable car in Asia.

Jahangir Palace

Built for the wives of Akbar. It is made of red sandstone. Contains the influence of Persian architecture.

Dedicated to the wife of Shiva, Parvati. 25,00 people visit every Friday and 15,000 everyday. 33,000 sculptures in the temple.

Aerial view of Madurai city

Casino Royale in Panaji: Floating Casino Cooking classes in West Bengal Yoga in Rishikesh Live music, plays, and traditional dancing at the National Centre of Performing Arts in Mumbai

Indian Rupee 1 Rupee = 2 American cents, 1USD = about 56 Rupees Hotel: $60 for a good place per day Food: $10 for a good meal per day Travel: $10 taxi and bus together Total: $80 for a couple, $70 for a person alone -12-15 Rupees for 1 liter of water -T-shirt : 50 Rupees -40 -60 Rupees for 3 hr bus trip - Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant $2.31

In the city to use: Tram (Train), Rickshaw ,Taxi -Seatbelts rarely work, hold on to hand rails in buses In temples, be prepared to take off your shoes or bring slippers with you Make sure you crush your water bottles when finished Women do not shake hands with men. Dress conservatively, no sleeveless shirts, miniskirts, anything see
through or tight, dress in local clothes

Expect To

Negotiate prices
Before going in a taxi, have a set price Do not accept any drinks on a bus People are fully clothed at the beach Police 100, hospital 102 , fire 101

What To Pack:
If staying in the south, dress for humid weather If in north, dress for cool, breezy weather and chilly in some parts. Bug spray Hair gel/hair wax , hair products are limited. If want to use laptop, bring voltage convertor and plug adaptor Sneakers/sandals, avoid open footwear Sleep sac (if not staying in decent hotel) Toilet paper and hand wipes Personal documents Iodine tablets, reusable water bottle

Pokhara

Pokara is considered one of the most beautiful places. You can rent a bike for about 100- 200 rupees a day. White water wafting, biking and paragliding are available.

Pokhara

Trek Muktinath Temple

3749 meters above sea level. Trek Muktinath Temple is a holy place for Hindus and Buddhists. Flight from Kagbeni is 6-8 hours, hiking from Pokhara is 8 days

Janaki Temple

The birthplace of the Goddess Sita and place of her marriage to the God Ram. The building is over 500 years old. Population of 90,000.

Bhaktapur

A 1934 earthquake severely damaged the city ($13 fee). Commonly called Living Heritage. No taxis or rickshaws in the city.

Hindu temple to Shiva in the form of Lord of Animals. Cashmere is notably cheap here, local crafts/clothes. Famous spa and massage classes.

Boudhanath Stupa

Built during the 5th century AD. Tale says that old woman tricked king into building it. Make sure you walk clockwise. Many locals walk three times around and chant 'Om Mani Padme Hum.

Patan

Check out the handicrafts. Traditional paintings (Thanka) are done here. Taxis are more expensive here, best to walk on foot.

Chitwan: A National Park

Established in 1973, this park has everything. Ride around on elephants or an ox cart. Tigers, rhinos, crocodiles, monkeys and more can be found.

Himalayan views are boasted by the city. Mountain biking and trekking are popular in Nagarkot. Can get there by bus but within, walking is the best way to go.

Mount Everest.
The tallest mountain in the world, 29,029 ft. Many guides are available to climb the mountain. You need a $25,000 permit to even attempt the trip.

 Nepalese Rupee 1 Nepalese Rupee = 1 American cent 1 American dollar= 84 Nepalese Rupees $10 will be enough for all your daily expenses on drinking and dining. Loaf of Fresh White Bread $0.44 Taxi (Normal Tariff)$0.22 Cinema, 1 Seat $4.31 Basic (Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)$22.35 Eggs (12) $1.17

Entertainment:
Kathmandu is the center for nightlife Stores, restaurants in towns begin to close around 10:30, 11:00 pm Bars stay open until midnight and later. In the evening, folk dancing and music occurs (locals dance with same gender) Kathmandu has many movie theaters, watch Bollywood and Hollywood movies Four casinos in Kathmandu

National dish: Daal Bhaat Tarkaari (lentil soup, curried vegetables with rice). A set meal will usually include rice, dhal (lentils) vegetable/meat curry, a vegetable dish, chutney and curd Chutney (spicy sauce), lemons, limes and chili peppers are common condiments Local cuisines vary with weather and ingredients available

Street Food:
Many of the foods offered are deep fried Momos (40 Rs, 10 pieces), (dumplings) Samosa (10 Rs each) (potato filled pastry) Fried noodles (50 Rs) Sekuwa- bbq meat Makkai and Badam: corn and peanuts, roasted

What To Pack:
Jacket/Parka Sneakers/ Hiking boots Gloves Hat Lots of socks Lots of undergarments Toilet paper Hand wipes/lotion Slippers Flash light with batteries Iodine tablets Reusable water bottle

What To Expect:
Do not eat with your left hand Power cuts in the summer Winter months have better views of the mountains than the summer Walking is most of the time the best way to get around Rickshaws and taxis available Have a set price before getting a ride Have a lot of Nepalese Rupees with you, not many have change for USD