Category: Travel

Process for getting Overseas Citizen of India visa for NRI Kids

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In India, the process for obtaining permanent residency is called the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme. The OCI scheme provides foreign nationals of Indian origin with the right to live and work in India without the need for a visa.

To be eligible for the OCI scheme, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

  1. The applicant must be a foreign national of Indian origin or a spouse of a foreign national of Indian origin.
  2. The applicant must have held an Indian passport at any time, or their parent or grandparent must have been a citizen of India.
  3. The applicant must not be a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh.

To apply for OCI, the applicant must follow these steps:

  1. Submit an online application: The applicant must submit an online application through the OCI website and upload all required documents.
  2. Pay the fee: The applicant must pay the fee for OCI application processing.
  3. Submit the application: After completing the online application and paying the fee, the applicant must submit the application to the designated office.
  4. Provide biometrics: The applicant must provide biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs, at the designated office.
  5. Wait for processing: The application processing time for OCI is generally 4-6 weeks, but it may vary depending on the Indian embassy or consulate where the application is submitted.

Once the OCI application is approved, the applicant will receive an OCI card, which serves as proof of their permanent residency status in India. The OCI card is valid for the lifetime of the holder and provides many of the same rights and privileges as Indian citizens, except for the right to vote, hold public office, and purchase agricultural land.

Gourmet Baklava – Sarth City Mall – Hyderabad

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Was delighted to see Baklava in Sarath City Capital Mall, Hyderabad. So just tried the three options recommended by the shop keeper.

Mamul Math 1 piece – INR 190

Baklava Special 1 Piece – INR 167

Blueberry Kunafa Small – INR 366

Not really sure how did he do pricing calculation because the most delicious one was either mamul math or Baklava Special You can refer to the images ( will be uploaded soon)

Ingredients of Baklava

  1. Phyllo dough – thin sheets of dough made from flour and water
  2. Nuts – typically chopped walnuts, pistachios, or almonds
  3. Butter or oil – for brushing the phyllo dough layers
  4. Sugar or honey – for sweetening the pastry and making the syrup
  5. Water – for making the syrup
  6. Lemon juice – for balancing the sweetness of the syrup (optional)
  7. Spices – such as cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves, for flavoring the nut filling (optional)

Some recipes may also include additional ingredients like rose water, orange blossom water, or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the pastry.

History of Baklava the Sweet Dessert

Photo by Valeria Boltneva on Pexels.com

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The history of baklava is somewhat disputed, as it is believed to have originated in the Middle East or Mediterranean region, but its exact origins are not clear. Some sources suggest that the dessert was first created in the Assyrian Empire around the 8th century BC, while others attribute its creation to the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century.

Regardless of its origins, baklava quickly became a popular dessert throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean, and it has been enjoyed by people in these regions for centuries. The dessert is often associated with special occasions and celebrations and is traditionally served during religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Easter.

As trade routes opened up between the Middle East and Europe, baklava also spread to other parts of the world, and today it is enjoyed in many countries across the globe. Its popularity can be attributed to its delicious taste and unique texture, which combines crispy layers of phyllo dough with a sweet, nutty filling.

Tours Tuesday – Visiting places near Shivamogga Karnataka

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Hi Friends,

I am planning to post tourist places of interest on every Tuesday, hope this will be of interest to you. Please let me know in comments below.

Today lets discuss some of the places of interest in Shivamogga Karnataka

  1. Jog Falls: It is one of the highest waterfalls in India, located on the Sharavathi River. The falls are around 50 km away from the city and offer breathtaking views.
  2. Koodli: Koodli is an ancient town located at the confluence of the Tunga and Bhadra rivers. It is famous for its beautiful temples, including the Rameshwara Temple and the Narasimha Temple.
  3. Sakkare bailu Elephant Camp: The camp is located around 14 km from Shivamogga city and is a popular tourist attraction. Here, visitors can watch elephants bathing, feeding, and playing in the river.
  4. Gajanur Dam: It is a beautiful dam located on the Tunga River, around 10 km from the city. The dam is surrounded by lush green forests and offers a scenic view.
  5. Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary: The sanctuary is located around 30 km from the city and is home to a variety of birds, including migratory birds. It is a great place for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
  6. Shivappa Nayaka Palace Museum: The palace was built in the 16th century by the Keladi Nayakas and is now a museum. It showcases the history and culture of the region.
  7. Kodachadri Hill: It is a beautiful hill located around 20 km from the city and is a popular trekking destination. The hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
  8. Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Reserve: The reserve is located around 10 km from the city and is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and leopards. Visitors can take a safari and watch these majestic animals in their natural habitat.
  9. Kuppalli – Birth place of famous poet Ku.Vem.Pu Kuppalli Venkatappa avara maga Puttappa, also known as K.V.Puttappa.
  10. Kudremukh National Park: Located around 40 km from Theertha Halli, Kudremukh National Park is a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park is known for its dense forests, rolling hills, and diverse flora and fauna.
  11. Sringeri: Located around 20 km from Theertha Halli, Sringeri is a historical town known for its ancient temples and religious significance. The town is situated on the banks of the Tunga River and is home to the famous Sringeri Sharada Peetham.
  12. Horanadu: Located around 30 km from Theertha Halli, Horanadu is a popular pilgrimage site known for the Annapoorneshwari Temple. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Annapoorneshwari and is a popular destination for devotees.
  13. Balehonnur: Located around 25 km from Theertha Halli, Balehonnur is a picturesque village known for its coffee plantations and scenic beauty. The village is also home to the Kavishaila, a monument dedicated to the famous Kannada poet Kuvempu.
  14. Kalasa: Located around 40 km from Theertha Halli, Kalasa is a small town known for its ancient temples and natural beauty. The town is situated on the banks of the Bhadra River and is surrounded by lush green hills and forests.
  15. Agumbe: Located around 70 km from Theertha Halli, Agumbe is a small hill station known for its scenic beauty and biodiversity. The town is situated in the Western Ghats and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the king cobra

Where to stay in Coorg Kodagu Madikeri?

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Here are some of the best places to stay in Coorg:

  1. Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa: A luxury resort located on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
  2. The Windflower Resorts & Spa: A luxury resort located amidst coffee plantations, offering luxurious rooms, spa treatments, and adventure activities.
  3. Coorg Wilderness Resort: A luxurious resort located in the midst of a lush green forest, offering luxurious villas, spa treatments, and adventure activities.
  4. Evolve Back Coorg: A luxury resort located amidst a coffee estate, offering luxurious villas, spa treatments, and adventure activities.
  5. Orange County Resort: A luxury resort located amidst coffee plantations, offering luxurious villas, spa treatments, and adventure activities.
  6. The Ibnii: A luxury eco-resort located amidst coffee plantations, offering luxurious villas, spa treatments, and adventure activities.
  7. Coorg Cliffs Resort: A mid-range resort located in the midst of a lush green forest, offering comfortable rooms, spa treatments, and adventure activities.
  8. The Tamara Coorg: A luxury resort located amidst coffee plantations, offering luxurious villas, spa treatments, and adventure activities.
  9. Coorg Coffee Hills Homestay: A comfortable homestay located amidst coffee plantations, offering comfortable rooms and home-cooked meals.
  10. Kabbe Holidays Homestay: A comfortable homestay located amidst coffee plantations, offering comfortable rooms and home-cooked meals.

Places to visit in Coorg Kodagu District Karnataka

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Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a beautiful district located in the southwestern part of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is known for its lush greenery, scenic landscapes, and coffee plantations. Here are some of the top tourist places to visit in and around Coorg:

Coffee beans by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0
Photo by Jonathan Meyer on Pexels.com
  1. Abbey Falls: A breathtaking waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, located around 10 km from Madikeri.
  2. Dubare Elephant Camp: A natural habitat for elephants located on the banks of the river Cauvery, where visitors can participate in activities like elephant rides and feeding.
  3. Raja’s Seat: A popular viewpoint located in Madikeri, known for its stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
  4. Nisargadhama: A beautiful island formed by the river Cauvery, featuring lush bamboo groves, sandalwood and teak trees, and a deer park.
  5. Talacauvery and Bhagamandala: Talacauvery is the birthplace of the river Cauvery and Bhagamandala is the confluence of three rivers – Cauvery, Kannike, and Sujyoti.
  6. Omkareshwara Temple: A beautiful temple located in Madikeri, known for its unique blend of Gothic and Islamic architecture.
  7. Coorg Wildlife Society: A nature reserve located near Madikeri, known for its diverse flora and fauna, including several endangered species.
  8. Iruppu Falls: A magnificent waterfall located near the Brahmagiri mountain range, known for its religious significance.
  9. Chelavara Falls: A beautiful waterfall located around 40 km from Madikeri, surrounded by lush greenery and a great spot for trekking and camping.
  10. Mandalpatti: A beautiful hill station located around 20 km from Madikeri, known for its panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

International Courier – Telangana

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I am happy that we have an International Couriers in Medchal Telangana. Some of the pro’s and con’s

Pro’s

  1. They come to your home collect things.
  2. They are available on phone / whatsapp
  3. They charge reasonable amount

Con’s

  1. They say they will pack in front of you, but they did not pack in front of me.
  2. The staff who came to my house were not knowledgeable enough to understand what is allowed and not allowed in the package.
  3. They told me I can send lighting balloons and took it along with the greeting card, but only greeting card was sent, and I did not get back the lighting balloons.
  4. They said it will reach in a week, but later said we said it will reach in 6 working days. My card was supposed to reach before Christmas but it reached few days later.

May 20 2020

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  • City of Falls Church
    44 total cases, including 9 hospitalized and 5 deaths; 297.9 cases per 100,000 people
    (Compared to yesterday: 1 more death)
  • Fairfax Health District (includes the City of Falls Church, City of Fairfax, Fairfax County, and towns within the county)
    8,254 total cases, including 1,148 hospitalized and 310 deaths
    (Compared to yesterday: 143 more cases, 20 more hospitalizations, 11 more deaths)

Kuser Mansion Christmas tours at Kuser Mansion

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Kuser farms have been hosting christmas tours since many years. This picture is from our visit in 2019. Here is some latest events happening at Kuser mansion.

Kuser Farm Mansion will be open for tours starting Saturday, March 18, 2023, through Saturday, October 21, 202, from 11 am to 3 pm. The last walkthrough tour will start at 2:15 pm. We will be open every Saturday and Sunday with the exception of April 9th for Easter. Please call 609-890-3630 for information.

Get to know more by visiting their website and join the latest tour at Kuser Mansion

New Jersey Spring-Summer-Fall plan

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I just thought of sharing my – want to go places list for Spring – Summer – Fall in and around New Jersey

  1. Longwood Gardens – address 1001, Longwood road, Kennet square PA – 19348 Dates from April 1st to May 5th Spring blooms
  2. Bowman’s Hill’s wildflower Preserve – 1635, River road, New Hope PA – 18938 My Groupon ticket is valid till July21 but I would like to visit it before May 31
  3. Diggerland  – This is expensive and they are open during spring break.
  4. Crystal Caves – 963 Crystal Cave Rd, Kutztown, PA 19530 I might visit this in fall as its indoor or somewhere in June-July when its hot. Tickets Adults $20 and Kids $12
  5.  Valley Shepard creamery – 50 Fairmount Road, Long Valley, NJ 07853 Spring lamb tours April 13 to end of june only on Saturdays valleyshepherd.com/spring-lambing-tours/
  6.  BranchBrook Cherry blossom festivalIMG_7171
  7. Casino Pier – Breakwater beach –
  8.  Duke farms – Many interesting events at Duke Farms
  9. Strasburg Rail Road