Discover the Best Beaches in the Maldives: Veligandu Island Resort

 When it comes to picture-perfect tropical getaways, the Maldives stands out as a slice of paradise that feels almost too beautiful to be real. With powder-soft white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life, the beaches of the Maldives are some of the most spectacular in the world. Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat or a bucket-list adventure, these breathtaking Maldivian beaches should be at the top of your must-visit list.

Maldives island, north-central,Indian Ocean

1. Veligandu Island Beach

Tucked away in the North Ari Atoll, Veligandu Island Beach is known for its tranquility and pristine beauty. The beach's soft white sand contrasts beautifully with the turquoise lagoons, making it perfect for both relaxation and water sports. Snorkeling here is a dream come true, with colorful coral reefs and an abundance of exotic fish just a few meters offshore.

courtesy of Veligandu Island Resort

courtesy of Veligandu Island Resort

courtesy of Veligandu Island Resort

courtesy of Veligandu Island Resort

Top Tip: Stay at the Veligandu Island Resort and Spa to enjoy overwater villas that offer direct access to the sea.

courtesy of Veligandu Island Resort

 Veligandu Island Resort is Known for its pristine beaches and beautiful turquoise lagoon, it offers a more laid-back, intimate atmosphere compared to some of the more extravagant luxury resorts. It features overwater villas and beachfront accommodations, many of which come with private jacuzzis. The resort is especially popular with couples and honeymooners.

courtesy of Veligandu Island Resort

courtesy of Veligandu Island Resort

courtesy of Veligandu Island Resort

 

Next, we feature Soneva Fush 

Located in Baa Atoll (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve)

Highlights:

Eco-luxury resort with private villas, many featuring their own pools. Soneva Fushi is known for its sustainability, barefoot luxury, and immersive experiences, such as dining in treetops or watching movies under the stars.

Best Indian Street Food Trails Across Different Cities

 India is a land of diverse cultures, traditions, and most importantly, flavors. Each state, region, and city has it's unique street food that showcases the local ingredients, spices, and culinary history. For food lovers, there’s no better way to experience India than through its street food—each bite is an explosion of flavors and a glimpse into the country's rich culinary heritage.

 

In this guide, we’ll take you through the best Indian street food trails across different cities, so pack your bags and prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable journey!

 

 1. Mumbai: The City of Vada Pav and Pav Bhaji

Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, has a street food culture that mirrors its bustling energy. From beaches to railway stations, you’ll find stalls serving mouth-watering snacks everywhere.

- Vada Pav: Known as the “Indian burger,” Vada Pav is the most popular street snack in Mumbai. A spicy mashed potato fritter sandwiched between a soft bun, served with chutneys and fried green chilies—this simple yet delicious dish is a must-try.

Mumbai Vada Pav

- Pav Bhaji: A spicy vegetable curry mashed and cooked in butter, served with soft buttered buns (pav). It’s a filling and flavorful dish, often enjoyed by families on Mumbai’s Juhu Beach.

Where to go: Visit Anand Stall near Mithibai College for the best Vada Pav, and try the Pav Bhaji at Sardar Pav Bhaji in Tardeo.

 

 2. Delhi: The Capital of Chaat

 

Delhi’s street food scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. Known as the “Chaat Capital of India,” Delhi offers an array of tangy, spicy, and sweet snacks that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

 

- Gol Gappe: Also known as Pani Puri or Puchka in other parts of India, these crispy puris filled with tangy tamarind water, chickpeas, and potatoes are a crowd favorite.

- Aloo Tikki Chaat: Aloo tikki, made from spiced mashed potatoes, is fried to perfection and topped with curd, chutneys, and spices. It’s a perfect combination of hot, cold, sweet, and spicy.

Where to go: Try Gol Gappe at UPSC Chaat Wala, and for Aloo Tikki Chaat, head to Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala near Chandni Chowk.

 

 3. Kolkata: The City of Puchka and Kathi Rolls

 

Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, offers street food that’s as artistic and flavorful as the city itself. The local street food here is influenced by Bengali, Mughlai, and Chinese cuisines.

 

- Puchka: Kolkata’s version of Gol Gappe, Puchka is filled with spiced tamarind water, mashed potatoes, and chickpeas. It’s tangier and spicier than its northern counterparts.

- Kathi Rolls: A flaky paratha rolled with skewered and grilled fillings like chicken, mutton, paneer, or vegetables, topped with onions, sauces, and sometimes egg. Kathi rolls originated in Kolkata and are now popular across India.

- Jhalmuri: A spicy, crunchy snack made with puffed rice, mustard oil, peanuts, onions, and green chilies. It’s a perfect on-the-go snack to enjoy while exploring the city.

Where to go: For the best Puchka, visit Vivekananda Park in South Kolkata. For Kathi Rolls, head to Nizam’s in New Market, the birthplace of the dish.

 

 4. Ahmedabad: The Land of Dhokla and Fafda Jalebi

 

Gujarati street food offers a unique balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat, is home to some of the best vegetarian street food in India.

 

- Dhokla: A steamed, fermented snack made from rice and chickpea flour, Dhokla is soft, spongy, and slightly tangy. It’s often garnished with mustard seeds, green chilies, and fresh coriander.

- Fafda Jalebi: A popular breakfast combo, Fafda is a crunchy, savory snack made from chickpea flour, and Jalebi is a sweet, deep-fried spiral soaked in sugar syrup. The contrast between the crispy, salty Fafda and the sugary Jalebi is a delight.

- Khaman: Similar to Dhokla, but fluffier and lighter, Khaman is served with sev, chutneys, and occasionally a drizzle of oil.

Where to go: Manek Chowk, a bustling night market, is the best place to sample these delicacies in Ahmedabad.

 

 5. Hyderabad: The Land of Irani Chai and Kebabs

 

Hyderabad’s street food is a blend of Nizami and Andhra influences, offering a unique mix of rich, flavorful, and spicy dishes. Street food here is more than just snacks—it’s a culinary experience.

- Hyderabadi Biryani: No visit to Hyderabad is complete without tasting the city’s world-famous biryani. The street food versions are quick, spicy, and flavorful.

- Kebabs: Seekh Kebabs, Shami Kebabs, and Patthar Ka Gosht are just a few of the many varieties you’ll find on Hyderabad’s streets. The smoky, marinated meat grilled over charcoal is a treat for any non-vegetarian.

- Irani Chai: Pair your snacks with Hyderabad’s signature Irani Chai—a strong, milky tea served in small glasses. It’s usually accompanied by Osmania biscuits or samosas.

Where to go: Charminar’s Laad Bazaar is the ideal spot for authentic street food, including Biryani and Kebabs.

 

 6. Chennai: The Hub of Idli, Dosa, and Filter Coffee

 

Chennai’s street food scene revolves around South Indian classics, but with its own local twist. If you’re a fan of rice and lentil-based snacks, this is the place for you.

- Idli and Dosa: These rice and lentil pancakes are staples of South Indian street food. Chennai’s dosas are crispy, and its idlis are soft and fluffy, often served with a variety of chutneys and sambhar.

- Sundal: A healthy street food made from boiled chickpeas, coconut, and tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves. It’s commonly sold on Marina Beach.

- Murukku Sandwich: A Chennai special, this unique snack consists of two crispy Murukku (rice and lentil crackers) filled with spicy chutneys, tomatoes, and onions.

Where to go: Head to Marina Beach for Sundal and Murukku Sandwich, and visit Murugan Idli Shop for iconic dosas and idlis.

 

 Final Thoughts

India’s street food is more than just a culinary experience—it’s a way to connect with the people and culture of each city. Each city offers a unique street food trail that tells its own story. So, the next time you plan a trip to any of these cities, make sure to explore their vibrant street food culture—you’ll find that the true flavor of India lies not in its fancy restaurants, but in the bustling streets.

The Wonderland of Mushroom Street, Alicante: “Where Shrooms Grow Tall and Selfies are Mandatory.”

 Welcome to Calle de las Setas, affectionately known as Mushroom Street, where the mushrooms towers over you like you’ve accidentally wandered into a Smurf village.

 

A street in Alicente

The first thing you’ll see when you get there is a sea of people with their phones out, trying to snap that perfect shot with their new fungal friends.

 

A Street full of Giant mushrooms, up to three meters tall that stand proudly in the middle of the street, sporting vibrant colors and goofy expressions that seem to say, “Welcome, human! You may not be high, but we sure are.”

Mushroom Street wasn’t always this whimsical. Once upon a time, it was just a regular pedestrian street, a tad on the dull side. The city wanted to liven things up, and when brainstorming how to turn it into a tourist magnet, someone must have said, “You know what people love? Mushrooms.”

 

And that’s how, in 2013, Calle San Francisco was transformed into the most bizarre yet delightful street in Spain. The mushroom theme isn’t random either—it nods to the fungi that are a regular part of Spanish cuisine. Though, ironically, you won’t find any edible ones here unless someone brings out a food truck.

And guess what, the street is like a surrealist fever dream come to life. Not only are there giant mushrooms, but there are also oversized ladybugs, massive snails, and even interactive toadstools that double as benches and slides for kids.

 

Mushroom Street is selfie heaven. If you don’t leave with at least 15 goofy photos, did you even visit this beloved (and slightly bizarre) landmark of Alicante.

Plus, it’s just fun. And in a world that can sometimes feel a little too serious, we could all use a bit more Mushroom Street in our lives, don’t you think?

 

 Final Thoughts:

So, next time you find yourself in Alicante, take a break from the beaches and paella, and take a stroll down Mushroom Street. Snap a selfie with a shroom, sit on a ladybug bench, and let yourself get lost in this weird and wonderful slice of whimsy.

La Mussara and the Prades Mountains: "Nature and Mystery in One Destination."

Whether you're into spooky folklore or just want to explore a hidden gem in Catalonia, La Mussara is a destination with a unique blend of history, nature, and mystery.

The remains of the church of San Salvador

It’s a small, abandoned village in the mountains of Catalonia, Spain. Once a lively town, it was gradually abandoned in the 1950s, and today it stands as a haunting yet fascinating ghost village with ruined buildings and a spooky, misty atmosphere. While  some accounts say the village was deserted due to insects (phylloxera) which destroyed the local vineyards, others say that the locals knew that the village was doomed and left.

a view from inside one of the few crumbling buildings still standing

amazing views from 995 meters above sea level

The village is part of the Prades Mountains, a region known for its stunning natural beauty, hiking trails, and dramatic landscapes.

But what really draws people to La Mussara is its reputation for strange phenomena. Locals and visitors alike speak of supernatural occurrences, with stories of people disappearing or experiencing disorienting sensations, as if they’ve stepped into another dimension. There's even a local legend about a "stone" or "portal" in the village that can transport you to another world!

At an altitude of 995 meters above sea level, it's a popular spot for hikers and adventure seekers due to the nearby routes, such as the scenic climb to the Mussara viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coast on clear days.

More amazing photos of La Mussara and Prades Mountains....

The 28-Hour Miracle: How China Built a 10-Story Apartment in Just Over a Day

 Imagine walking by a construction site one morning and coming back the next day to find a fully finished 10-story apartment building standing tall. Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? Well, believe it or not, this is exactly what happened in Changsha, China, in June 2021.

The living building china

In an incredible feat of engineering and speed, Broad Group, a Chinese construction company, assembled an entire 10-story apartment building in just 28 hours and 45 minutes

 

But how did they pull off this jaw-dropping accomplishment?

 The answer lies in an innovative construction technique that could very well be the future of urban development:  Prefabricated Modules (Living Building Units (LBUs)).

 The LBUs were manufactured in a factory and then transported to the site. Each module was designed with built-in insulation, plumbing, and electrical systems, allowing for fast and easy assembly.

Once on-site, workers quickly stacked and connected these prefabricated units like oversized building blocks. With everything pre-installed, the remaining work involved sealing and securing the connections between the units.

The results were a complete, earthquake-resistant, energy-efficient building ready for residents.

What makes this project so remarkable isn’t just the speed. - This project also highlights a shift toward more sustainable, efficient construction practices. Prefabrication doesn’t just save time; it also reduces waste, requires fewer on-site workers, and can be more energy-efficient. In the case of this Changsha building, these modules were designed to be earthquake resistant and energy efficient, proving that speed doesn’t have to come at the cost of safety or sustainability.

"Sark Prison: The World's Smallest Jail"

In one of the smallest islands between France and England called Sark Island, there lies the smallest jail in the world. 

The Sark Prison was built in 1856 and it is still used today for short-term detentions.

The prison has just two cells and can hold up to two prisoners at a time.

The Sark Prison

This quaint and historic building reflects Sark’s unique, small scale way of life, and despite its size, it remains fully operational. Sark, is known for its lack of cars and small population.

Sark, Channel Islands

worth noting that, The Rodney Jail, built in 1890, is also claimed to be the world's smallest jail.

The one-room structure measuring approximately 24.3 square meters (about 260 square feet) is located in Ontario, Canada!

• Rodney Jail, Ontario, Canada

Currently serves as a tourist attraction and historical site.

The Abraj Kudai, Mecca, Saudi Arabia

 The Abraj Kudai is an ambitious mega hotel project, expected to cost approximately $3.5 billion upon completion.

With the massive influx of pilgrims visiting the city of Mecca for Hajj and Umrah in mind, it's designed to be the largest world-class hospitality hub in the world upon completion in terms of features and amenities.

(Photo credit: Dar website)

 The Abraj Kudai Hotel is situated in the Manafia district of Mecca, about 2 kilometers from the Grand Mosque (Masjid AlHaram) making it a prime accommodation for pilgrims

 The towers are arranged in a circular formation around a large podium base with 12 towers that rise 30-48 stories towers. The design includes Islamic architectural influences, making it blend with the religious and historical significance of Mecca.

Designed to house 10,000 rooms, the hotel is potentially the largest in the world by room count. Rooms will range from standard to luxurious suites, with some towers offering ultra-exclusive accommodations for the Saudi royal family and special guests.

 The complex will offer 70 restaurants, with extra facilities like ballrooms, a luxury shopping mall, conference centers, and multiple helipads with plans for fitness centers, spas, and other wellness amenities to cater to high-end guests.

(Photo credit: Dar website)

The project was initially expected to be completed by 2017, but has faced several delays due to financial issues and other challenges, including the Saudi government’s budget cuts following the fall in oil prices. However, when finished, Abraj Kudai is expected to be not only the largest hotel in terms of room count but also a groundbreaking hospitality project in terms of luxury, capacity, and architectural design.

Until then, The First World Hotel in Genting Highlands, Malaysia prides itself as the biggest hotel in the world. This massive hotel has a total of 7,351 rooms.

The First World Hotel in Genting Highlands, Malaysia (Photo by Jeffry Surianto)