BY Sarmind SafiSep 21, 2021

Many of the countries in South America are popular for their exquisite and varied cuisine. However, the practices of Paraguay food are not known to many. The Paraguayan Cuisine has been influenced by the local indigenous tribe’s culinary traditions and practices brought by immigrants from Spain, Italy, and Portugal. Being a foodie myself, I love traveling around the world to have a taste of every new variety of food that the world has to offer. Visiting remote areas, meeting with new people, and trying out their traditional dishes is what I have always loved! I was also in your shoes when I first landed in Paraguay, a bit startled and confused. Although, as I began to explore, my first meal at a fancy restaurant in Asuncion changed my entire perception of the state.  Tid-Bits About Paraguay Food Classic Paraguay food includes some of the most exclusive dishes that are bound to beat any of the Peruvian or Argentine preparations. Traditional culinary elements in Paraguay food recipes consist of meat, maize, vegetables, manioc, cheese, fish, milk, and even fruits.  ‘Asado’ is a local term used for barbecue, which is referred to as both a cooking practice and a social event. In Paraguay, barbecuing is the most important mode of cooking their traditional Paraguayan food dishes.  Here in this article, I will elucidate the best dishes and popular foods in Paraguay that you must try in Paraguay this year. The Paraguay famous foods excite your taste buds and have an experience like never before.  1. Kivevé You will be stuck in a dilemma whether to count this as a main course or a dessert. Kieve is the most popular and loved Paraguay food. It is a vegetarian dish that is cooked out of andai (a type of juicy pumpkin), cornmeal, Paraguayan cheese, milk, and sugar. Kieve is a typical food in Paraguay. It has a very creamy and light texture and is orangish in color. This rich-flavored delicacy is served lukewarm and is often consumed as a side dish or even main meal, at breakfasts, and as an evening snack. 2. Chipa Considered a staple Paraguay food, Chipa is a simple bread roll that was invented by the local indigenous people in the 18th century. It is a bun that is made out of manioc or cassava flour, lard, and anise, and beaten eggs and cheese. There are different versions of Chipa available, varying over the regional influences. The bread has a very crunchy crust due to the addition of lard. The crumb is soft and has a unique flavor. It is prepared and consumed by every household in the state.  3. Bori Bori Bori-Bori (Vori-Vori) is a nutritious and flavorful thick soup that is prepared out of vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions. It is filled with meat (chicken or beef) and dumplings of cornmeal plus cheese. The prime flavoring ingredients in this soup are bay leaves, cloves, and parsley. The addition of saffron to this hearty broth makes it even more flavorful and rich golden in color. It must be served piping hot, garnished with some parsley and Paraguayan cheese on the side. It is especially popular during the winters.  4. Sopa Paraguaya This specialty is not what it sounds like. Even though SOPA translates to soup in the local language, it is not at all in the vicinity of any soupy preparations. It is the national dish of Paraguay, which resembles a cakey thick bread.  It is crafted out of cornflour, cheese, milk, and eggs. The flavor is inculcated through the use of onions and pork fat. It is usually baked and is often termed solid soup. It has a soft and crumbly texture and is served on special occasions as a side dish.  5. Mbeju Mbeju, when translated to the local Guarani language, means cake. It is a very simple and staple Paraguay food. It is a kind of starchy pancake that is prepared with cassava flour, salt, oil, milk, eggs, crumbled cheese, and even pork fat.  The dough is kneaded well and rolled out thickly like a pancake. It is then fried in hot oil. It is usually consumed during breakfast, sometimes dinner, alongside a bitter herbal tea or coffee.  6. Soyo This is another popular Paraguay food, which is a thick unpassed soup. It is made with beef grounded in a mortar, rice, and vegetables, including green peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Soyo is another good example of Paraguay’s famous food.  The dish is flavored with garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. The name is derived from the native Guarani phrase so’o josopy, meaning crushed meat. A whole bowl of soyo can be considered as a complete meal and has a high calorific value. Also Read: Unmissable Attractions In Surabaya 7. Tereré Since the climate in Paraguay tends to grow hotter every summer, Terere acts as a relief to many. It is a cold-brewed herbal tea that is bitter in taste and is commonly known as yerba mate.  Terere is one of the essential elements of export, and the natives can be seen carrying around a thermos flask, guampa (a spherical mug), and bombilla (a silver straw) everywhere they go. It is a very healthy and refreshing drink and has high caffeine content. 8. Dulce de Mamon Here comes our most awaited syrupy sweet dessert in the list of top Paraguay food you must try! Dulce de Mamon is one of the oldest and most traditional preparations of Paraguay, which has only two major ingredients. It is cooked by boiling small cut wedges of papaya in sugar syrup. The mixture is simmered for almost 2 hours in order for the papaya to achieve a soft texture. You can even add some cloves, lemon zest, and a little orange juice to enhance the flavors.  Also Read: 3 Intriguing Reasons To Cruise In Alaska 9. Pira Caldo Another most favored Paraguay food includes Pira Caldo. It is basically a light fish stew made with freshwater catches such as surubi, mandi’y, and tare’y. I have never in my life tasted such meaty textured fishes with a tinge of saltiness in them.  Initially, vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, leeks, celery, bell peppers, and carrots are fried in pork or beef fat and are cooked with other spices. It is then combined with milk and soft white cheese to improve the thickness and flavor. 10. Bife Koygua Bife Koygua, or hidden steak as it is known, is another popular Paraguay food that is a must-try.  It is a heavy preparation in which the beef steaks are covered with onions and tomatoes. Hence the name. According to the local language, bife means beef, and koygua means shy or hidden. The recipe calls for the steak to be pounded first with spices, then fried with onions and topped with tomatoes. Towards the end, an egg or two is added at the top, and the dish is garnished with parsley. Puchero Paraguayo Recipe The Paraguayan version of a traditional meat stew is called Puchero paraguayo. This stew has its origins in Spain and is now prepared in several countries throughout South America and the Philippines. The name of the stew, Puchero, comes from the Spanish word meaning "stewpot". Course: Main Course Cuisine: Latin American, Paraguayan Servings: 4 people Author: Nita Ragoonanan Ingredients 1½ lb beef (skirt or flank steak, cut into pieces) 3 cloves garlic, cut in half 1 onion, chopped 1 green bell pepper, diced 2 carrots 10 oz. pumpkin, cubed 2 potatoes, cubed ½ cup rice 6 tablespoons olive oil Salt Pepper Equipment Pressure cooker Instructions To start, get a large pot and fill it with 10 cups (2.5L) of water. Add in some onions, carrots, and bell peppers, and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for 15 minutes and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Set it aside. Next, heat some olive oil in a pressure cooker and add in some garlic and meat. Saute over high heat while stirring constantly until the meat is browned. Pour in the reserved broth and vegetables and close the pressure cooker. Cook for 45 minutes on medium-low heat. While waiting, rinse the rice. After 45 minutes, open the pressure cooker and add in the rice, potatoes, and pumpkin. Close the pressure cooker again and continue cooking for 15 minutes. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. What Is The Traditional Dessert In Paraguay? Mazamorra also known as Kaguyjy is one of the most popular traditional deserts in Paraguay. it is made of corn and sugar, mixed with honey or milk. Ka'i Ladrillo is a candy made of peanuts and molasses. 2. What Is Paraguay's National Dish? Sopa Paraguaya is the national dish of Paraguay. it is similar to cornbread and made up of corn flour, pig fat, or butter, with cheese and milk. it is very spongy and is rich in calories and protein. 3. What Is The National Drink Of Paraguay? Yerba mate tea is prepared with cold water. different variations of terre can be found in Brazil and Argentina. Its birthplace is Paraguay. Final Thoughts These are some of the most exotic preparations from Paraguay that made their way into my Top 10 list. Thanks to those Guarani friends that I had over there who guided me through to the best of their culinary traditions. And if you are hesitating about visiting this place, trust me, the experience is worthwhile. It is not only about their food but also their culture, traditions, and heritage. This beautiful country deserves all the appreciation in the world. You May Also Like:  Top 7 Places To Visit For An Asian Solo Traveler Top 7 Nantucket Beaches For Tourists In Massachusetts 10 Things To Do In Bogota – You Must Know Before Going

BY Ankita TripathyJul 26, 2022

India has so many things and places that will astonish you. It is one of the best places to visit if you are planning a vacation. You will not fail to get an excellent place to visit irrespective of your interests. India caters to some of the historical monuments that are not only wonders of India, but also wonders of the world. India is very famous for many historical and scientific wonders on the earth. All these reasons motivate people to visit India and experience the wonders. However, you may not experience these great opportunities unless you know that they exist. It is advisable to do some research to know what the area has to offer to the visitors. In this article, we are going to look at the top of the famous wonders of India. You will discover that the region has so much to offer to both the locals and visitors. It means that touring India is not a waste of your valuable time and resources. Top 13 Famous Wonders Of India: India is full of cultural and historic heritages, monuments, and national parks. Here is the list of the top 10 wonders of India that you must visit. Some of them are also marked as UNESCO world heritage sites. 1. Taj Mahal Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is also a famous monument in India by Shah Jahan. Visiting India and failing to visit the Taj Mahal means that missing great opportunities to explore India. The architectural styles and the marble work of the Taj Mahal attract tourists from all over the world. Millions of people visit this destination every year. Taj Mahal is well-known for its attractions of color changing and a beautiful garden, among others. Talk to your tour guard about the slot for you the best time touring the Taj Mahal. You will have an excellent opportunity to experience one of the great wonders of the world. Direction: The nearest airport of Agra is Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport. Agra is only 200 km away from the IGI airport. You can avail cab from the airport or rent a car. 2. Red Fort Red Fort is a great edifice by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.  It is one of the best architectural wonders in India. When visiting India, you should not allow the Ref Fort to be out of your list of the top places to visit in India. This architectural marvel was constructed with red andstone which makes it look like a red aura that is nice to see. Most people who visit India don’t want to miss out on this excellent opportunity of visiting Red Fort. It will be more beautiful during Independence Day that is full of decorations and has a royal appearance. There is a Sound & Light show at Red Fort that is held every evening. It describes the history, tradition, and culture of the Mughal Emperor. Who will not want to make a feel of this when visiting India? No wonder it falls among the top 10 famous wonders of India. Direction: The nearest metro station is Chandni Chowk, and the nearest railway station is old Delhi. However, the nearest bus stand is Kashmiri Gate Bus Stand. 3. Sanchi Stupa Sanchi Stupa is a famous Buddhist architectural and cultural monument in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the most popular tourist attraction sites that should not miss out on your list when touring India. It is a beautiful wonder in India with decorative images, designs, etc. Under the rule of Shunga, this monument was added with some more modifications like a beautiful harmonica on the top and stairways. It is excellent scenery for anyone who is visiting Australia. Direction: The nearest airport is Raja Bhoj in Gandhi Nagar. Sachi stupa is only 55 k.m away from the airport. 4. Gateway of India This famous Indo-Saracen-style monument was built by British architect George Wittet in the year 1911. Gateway of India was completely made of concrete and yellow-colored basalt rock which attracts a large number of people. This glorious architectural marvel adds glory to Mumbai city with its massive structure. You can be sure of having a good time when touring the Gateway of India. Most of that person who has stepped on this ground will tell you that it’s an amazing experience. Direction: Central Secretariat metro station is the nearest metro station. From the metro station is the only 3k.m.  5. Khajuraho Temples Khajuraho's group of temples are very famous for its architectural style and exotic sculptures. These temples are mainly dedicated to Jain and Hindu religions by the Rajput Chandela Dynasty. By visiting this wonderful monument, you can experience the skill of architects of the 10th century back time. It will give you an exclusive opportunity to learn about the great wonders of India. Direction: Lucknow is the nearest airport to Khajuraho Temple. In Khajuraho, there is a single terminal airport that connects the Lucknow airport. Flights to Khajuraho are available from Lucknow, Delhi, and Varanasi. 6. Qutub Minar Qutub Minar is a five-storied famous monument in Delhi by Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak that shows his victory over Hindu rulers. This beautiful wonder was designed in complete Afghan style, and it will be very interesting to experience this place. It has several destroyed monuments and tombs that are a must-watch for the visitors. It is an excellent opportunity for anyone who would like to experience the top 10 famous wonders of India. Along with the Qutub Minar, you can see the non rusted iron pillar of Delhi within the same campus. Direction: The nearest metro station is the Qutub Minar metro station. And Mehrauli Bus stand is the nearest Bus stand of the Qutub Minar. 7. Ajanta And Ellora Caves Ajanta and Ellora caves are the best examples of beautiful paintings, sculptures, and murals at the time of the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD. This destination also has so much to talk about the history of India. The art effects are dating between 600-1000 CE. Each and every cave are carrying significant art effects and all the time periods are different. These magnificent caves are dedicated to Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. However, these monuments are the best places to experience the arts of the bygone era. Most of the people get an opportunity to visit Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Direction: Aurangabad is the nearest city to the Ajanta Ellora Cave. From Mumbai, you are getting the train, bus, and flight facility to travel to Aurangabad. 8. Amer Fort Amer Fort is a famous majestic monument built by Maan Singh in Jaipur. It is a marvelous architectural wonder with a mixture of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. Amer Fort gives those people who visit this place a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the land. It is a unique monument with attractions of Diwan-e-Aam, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Mandir, and light show in the evening. Make sure you request the tour guard to include this site on the list of places you will be visiting while in India. Direction: Jaipur is the nearest airport. If you want to reach the Amer fort, pick a cab from the Jaipur airport or railway station. From New Delhi station, you get many options to reach Jaipur, and from new Delhi, you are getting the Jaipur connecting flights. 9. Charminar In one word, Charminar is the pride of Hyderabad. In a real sense, the monument is a sacred mosque built by Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah in 1591. It is some of the historical sites that are still defining the wonders of India. Due to the rapid growth of the population, it has remained in the center of traffic. The four minarets of Charminar symbolize the first four caliphs of the Islam religion. Get an opportunity to experience this beauty by slotting Charminar on your Indian trip. Direction: Charminar metro station is the nearest metro. Mahatma Gandhi Bus station is the nearest bus station from Charminar. And Charminar is just 2.6 km away from the Mahatma Gandhi Hyderabad Bus stand. 10. Konark Sun Temple Sun Temple in Konark is a famous temple in India.  The temple exists in the form of a huge chariot that is dedicated to Lord Surya Deva in the 13th century. A major attraction of this temple was depicting the mythological figures and images of animals when the first sun rays touch. It is an excellent place for anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of India.  Direction: From Puri, only 32 km away from the Konark Sun Temple. You can simply book a cab from Puri and reach the Sun Temple within one hour. 11. Gomateshwara Gomateshwara, located in Karnataka, is a monolithic statue that is dedicated to the Jain god Baahubali. The massive work of art, which is in Karnataka's Shravanabelagola, was chosen by voters as one of India's seven wonders.  The magnificent structure, which is one of the world's largest freestanding statues, appears extremely tranquil and peaceful. To keep the rock's luster and shimmer, the figurine is polished and washed with milk, saffron, and ghee during this celebration. The Mahamastakabhisheka festival takes place here once every 12 years at the temple. And THIS is a sight that you cannot miss! It was last held in 2018. So, it is going to be held again in 2024. This means, even if you do not visit this temple this year, make sure to go there next year! Direction: You can drive from Bangalore fr a distance of 144 km through the National Highway 75. This place is also located at a distance of nearly 95 km from the Mysore airport. 12. Golden Temple The most important Sikhism shrine is Harmandir Sahib, also known as Durbar Sahib and the Golden Temple. It is one of India's most visited religious sites, decorated both inside and out with portions of the Holy Granth Sahib.  The gold-plated structure has copper domes and walls made of sparkling white marble that look like floral patterns from the Islamic style. It is one of India's most well-known wonders due to its tranquility, charm, clean and sanitary environment, and spiritual solace. Direction: The Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) is 11 kilometers from the center of the city. There are daily flights from several international and Indian cities. You can also take a cab from Amritsar Railway Station to reach the temple. 13. Hampi One of India's most well-known historical sites is Hampi, which is in Karnataka and is on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. One of India's Seven Wonders, Hampi is renowned for its historical ruins and relics of the grand Vijaynagar Kingdom. Its magnificent art display has also made it one of India's Seven Wonders. The stunning architectural ruins of temples and monuments make up the charming location, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Direction: Through NH 48 and NH 50, the driving distance from Bangalore is 343 kilometers. The Hospet railway station is 13 kilometers away. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Now that you are aware of the wonders of India, it is time for you to learn about the most asked questions related to this topic. Check these out before you leave! 1. What Is The 8th Wonder Of The World In India? Ans: Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi outlines 10,000 years of Indian history in all its breathtaking charm, grace, erudition, and joy. It showcases brilliantly the fragrance of India's antique architecture, beliefs, and timeless spiritual messages. 2. Who Decided The Seven Wonders Of The World? Ans: The original Seven Wonders of the World (also known as Ancient Wonders) are often connected to Greek writer Antipater of Sidon. He gathered a list of the seven most remarkable constructions recognized by man. This list was created to be based upon what was widespread among travelers. 3. Why Seven Wonders Are Called Seven Wonders? Ans: The unusual works of art and architecture are known as the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World toil as a testament to the ability, insight, and sheer hard work of which human beings are capable. The first list comes from a work by Philo of Byzantium written in 225 B.C. called On The Seven Wonders 4. Is The Taj Mahal Removed From The Seven Wonders Of The World? Ans: Ultimately, in 2007, an informal list of the new seven wonders was published. The Taj Mahal in Agra, India, breaks the ice. Recognized as an architectural masterpiece, the 17th-century white marble mausoleum draws up to eight million vacationists a year. Conclusion These are the top 10 famous wonders of India that you must visit on your India tour. Each of them will leave a memorable experience in the back of your mind.  All these historical or mythological monuments are touristy because of the attractions of architectural styles and interesting facts. It will be very enthusiastic and enjoyable to visit these places.  You can be sure that you will have the best experience by visiting any of them. Besides, each of them will give you the best value for your money. Do your homework well so that you have no regrets after you visit India.   Read Also: Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try 10 Things To Do In Bogota – You Must Know Before Going Top 7 Nantucket Beaches For Tourists In Massachusetts Top 7 Places To Visit For An Asian Solo Traveler

BY Ariana SmithOct 11, 2021

If you are planning a vacation with your family in the monsoons, there can’t be a better place than Kerala. It is one of the best tourist attraction centers all over the world.   Known as God’s own country, the state of Kerala has several picturesque sites that serve as a perfect backdrop for selfies. No traveler will go to this place and fail to get a selfie for himself.   Add to that monsoon rain, and you are sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A few hours of rain give way to soft sunshine with the temperature never crossing the 30 degrees Celsius mark. Therefore you can be sure of enjoying the beauty of nature when you choose to visit Kerala.   When traveling to Kerala for vacation, booking a tour package is not enough for smooth sailing. You have to do a lot of research to find what will work best for you.   In Kerala, many locals are not well-versed in English and Hindi and this often results in a communication problem. That is why you must learn a few words in the regional language – Malayalam. You can get a reliable online tutor to help you go through this training session.   After all, it’s all about doing as the locals do. Here’s a list of few Malayalam words every tourist must know when traveling to Kerala. These tips will make sure that you have a comfortable stay in Kerala.   10 Useful Malayalam Words And Phrases To Learn Before Traveling To Kerala Here is the list of 10 famous Malayalam words and phrases for you that you can learn before going to Kerala. 1. Namaskaram One of the foremost words to learn in any language is the word used to greet others. In Malayalam you say “namaskaram” whenever you meet someone, it means “hello”.   It is a word that should come top on your list because you will be using it whenever you come across a person. It will make you feel that you are not strange as you tour Kerala.  2. Sukhamaano It is also crucial to know the meaning of this word while traveling to Kerala. “Sukhamaano?” is Malayalam for “how are you?” So, to know how someone is doing, say Sukhamaano?   When asked the same by someone, reply with “enikku sukhamaanu,” which means “I’m fine.” It is good to learn these basic terms so that you can have a good time interacting with the locals.  3. Dayavu Cheythu or Dayavayi “Dayavu cheythu” or “dayavayi” means “please” in English. It’s an important word to know as you may have to use it often when traveling. You will use it when you want to excuse yourself or remain cautious while dealing with other people.  4. Nanni “Nanni,” pronounced as nan-n穩, is Malayalam of “thank you”. It’s a useful word to have in your vocabulary as you may often need help or assistance from locals during the trip.   You can also use it to show gratitude after you receive a gesture from the local people. You will hear this word every time and then as you continue to interact with the locals.  5. Enikku Vishakunnu If you are hungry and have nothing to eat in your bag. Reach out to locals and say “enikku vishakunnu”, it is Malaylam for “I am hungry.”   You can be sure that the locals will provide you some refreshments. This word is critical because you will not go hungry because of a communication breakdown.  6. Ningalude Peru Enthaanu To strike a conversation with locals and know their name, say “ningalude peru enthaanu”, its Malayalam phrase for “what is your name?”   If you are asked the same, reply with “ente Peru” and mention your name, Malayalam for “My name is.” You will be able to communicate with the locals and tell them your name without any problem.  7. Njaan Ningalude Phone Upayogichotte You can face a situation wherein your phone is on low battery and you need to make an urgent call. You would require someone else to help you with his phone. This word will come in handy when you are facing such a situation.    To request them to use their phone, say “njaan ningalude phone upayogichotte”, which means “can I use your phone?” You will be able to get the assistance that you deserve within a short period. The secret is to know how you can use some of these Malayalam phrases.  8. Pinneedu Kaananam Thank the locals for their help and bid them goodbye by saying “pinneedu kaananam.” It is a word that you will use when exiting a particular destination.   It shows that you are thankful for your encounter with the locals. Use this phrase when bidding farewell to the locals of Kerala.  9. Engene Enikku _________ Etham? To find your way when you are lost, just ask “engene enikku _________ etham?” filling in space where you want to go, hotel, and restaurant, bus or railway station. It is Malayalam of “how do I get to _____?”  It is one of the most important terminologies especially if you are strange in the city. It will help you to get back to your destination within no time.  10. Ithinu Enthu Vila? “Ithinu enthu vila?” is a useful phrase when shopping for local goodies. It will help you know the price of commodities. It is Malayalam for “how much is this?”  Frequently Asked Questions? Is Malayalam compulsory in Kerela PSC? Public Service Commission (PSC) has given approval to the government’s proposal of making the Malayalam language the compulsory language in Kerela. Best app for Kerela PSC preparation? Kerala PSC kit, this the best app to get you prepared for PSC. Is Kerela PSC easy? No exam is easy to crack. It starts with a dream and ends with effort. PSC exams are considered to be the most toughest in India.  Wrap Up In addition to these words and phrases, you must also know directions and initial numbers in Malayalam. Knowing a few Malayalam words and phrases can help you communicate a little with locals and understand what they are saying can prove extremely useful during travel.   While learning these words and phrases will take care of communication, make sure you book a Kerala tour package for a comfortable and hassle-free trip. Whether you are in Delhi, Mumbai, or Ahmedabad, you can easily find several reputable tour operators that can help you with the travel package.  The most important thing is to have the desire and willingness to learn. It will help you to interact with the locals of Kerala at the most basic levels.   You will discover that you will have an easy time when interacting with these locals.  You can employ the services of an online tutor to get more insights into Malayalam words.   Read More : Top 10 Famous Wonders Of India Things To Do In Maryland – Free Places To Visit In Maryland The Easy Way To Travel In India Best Time To Visit New York – Know All About New York Weather