indian tourist destination nyt

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Tea, a Train and an Epic Sunrise at a Summer Retreat of the Raj

Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills, is famous for its tea, its elevated railroad and the view of dawn breaking over Mt. Everest. A writer fulfilled a childhood dream of visiting.

By Romy Gill

Romy Gill is an Indian-born chef and cookbook writer.

Ever since I was a little girl I’d dreamed of going to Darjeeling. My imagination was captivated by this town nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in the Indian state of West Bengal. Surrounded by lush, terraced tea gardens that extend across rolling hills, with the majestic snow-capped mountains behind them, Darjeeling is one of India’s most stunning hill stations, known as the Queen of the Mountains.

Originally set up in the 1800s as a summer retreat for British officials, it was leased to them by the Kingdom of Sikkim, and subsequently annexed to the British Raj in India. This history is still evident in its architecture and churches.

Darjeeling sits high above some of its neighbors at an altitude of 6,710 feet. I had visions of myself sipping tea amid the mountains, surrounded by natural beauty and tranquillity.

I visited Darjeeling for the first time in 2014 and it rained the whole time. For years I had longed to return and finally, in the spring of 2023, I made the trip again, this time with my father and sister-in-law in tow, spending four days. The plan was to explore Darjeeling itself, then visit Tiger Hill, famous for its sunrise; take in the tea gardens and the Batasia Loop, where the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway makes its famous 360-degree turn; and then to ride the train on its vertiginous climb through the mountains.

Starting at the crossroads

People all over the world associate Darjeeling most closely with tea — but little do they know that the fame of Darjeeling’s tea has come at a price, namely massive deforestation as the tea plantations have expanded.

Today, the population is largely immigrant and migrant workers keep the town’s tea trade flourishing. I learned a great deal about the history and culture of the tea industry from some of the town’s tea estate managers and owners. They explained how quickly the industry had grown and that their security teams kept a close watch over the laborers to keep production levels as intensive as possible. While we take great pleasure in enjoying our tea, it is always worth remembering how such enjoyment can sometimes come at the expense of other people.

Our first stop was the Chowrasta — or mall — the heart of the old town on the Nehru Road. It’s a lively, bustling place: home to a promenade where tourists and locals alike come to shop, eat or simply sit and take in the views. For me it was a great chance to people-watch, sitting with a cup of tea and listening to young people singing Bollywood songs, families bargaining with the vendors and conversations between passers-by.

While taking in the beautiful chaos around me, and surrounded by the heady smell of pine trees, I spotted a few women vendors selling bhuta (corn on the cob). I walked over to one to order some and as it cooked, I asked her about the four roads leading off from Chowrasta. She explained that the name Chowrasta means “intersection”: Each of the four roads that lead out of the mall takes you in a different direction.

We were staying at the Mayfair Hill Resort Darjeeling . The one-time summer retreat of the Maharajah of Nazargunj offered panoramic views of the surrounding tea gardens and snow-capped peaks. Mayfair Darjeeling is known for its colonial charm and old-world elegance. Its bright yellow buildings with their red roofs are perched on a hilltop overlooking the former summer house of the British governor during the Raj era.

The mail station

The next day we traveled to the village of Chimney, or Chimeni, home to the British Army during the First World War. During the colonial period, they built the 24-foot-tall chimney for which the village was named. Once the heart of a building called the Dak Bungalow, the chimney is the only part of the structure that remains in the forest beside the beautiful village in the Himalayas.

“Dak” translates as “mail”: These bungalows provided accommodations for the English mail carriers during the colonial period, as well as offering lodging for the British Empire’s government officials whose role was to maintain the outposts of the East India Company. Inside the bungalow you’d find a khansama (cook) who would feed these officials during their stays — giving their name to the famous Anglo-Indian curry known as the dak bangla, or mail bungalow curry, which was traditionally lighter on spices to please the English palate.

At Dak Bungalow I paid my entrance fee and stared up at the red brick chimney, which now stands almost in despair, offering a glimpse into the area’s history.

Suddenly the sunlight started to give way to darkness, and it was time to head back to our hotel in Darjeeling. We wanted to get a good night’s sleep before an early start to see the Tiger Hill sunrise.

Dawn on Tiger Hill

Seeing the sun’s first rays breaking over the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Kanchenjunga Mountain and Mount Everest has become a ritual among tourists. Because of the location of the sun, the best time to see this incredible sight is from mid-October to December or March to April, and you’ll want to leave early: Tiger Hill was about an hour and a half’s drive from our hotel and we made sure to arrive by 4 a.m. You’d be surprised by how many people were there at that hour.

I’ve seen some incredible sunrises over the years, but this was something else: It was an experience that stole my heart. As the very first rays of golden sunshine rose across the snowy mountain tops we were mesmerized. We sipped the sweetest coffee I’ve ever tasted, sold in flasks by vendors capitalizing on the crowds — the perfect way to warm up on a cold, windy morning. The entire experience at Tiger Hill lasts for about 30 to 45 minutes. It begins before dawn, as visitors gather to secure the best place to view the sun.

When I reached the viewing point, everything was enveloped in darkness. Suddenly the sky transitioned to deep indigo, creating an aura of anticipation. Then the eastern horizon started to illuminate with a soft, pale orange or pinkish hue. The sky took on a delicate, pastel color, with the sun peeking out. As the sun began to rise above the horizon, it was a moment of sheer awe and wonder as its rays illuminated the landscape. For me the entire spectrum of colors during the Tiger Hill sunrise created a magical and surreal experience, with the play of light and shadow against the Himalayan peaks.

The one big disappointment — both on Tiger Hill and elsewhere in Darjeeling — was the mess. Tourists leave their litter everywhere, putting these landscapes at risk: something we need to be more mindful of to preserve these sites for the generations to come.

Back in Darjeeling, after a simple breakfast I took a leisurely stroll around some of the town’s church buildings to admire the architecture while the others were freshening up. Walking is by far the best way to explore the town and see as much of its colonial architecture as possible. Many of the town’s colonial churches are still functional and are open for services and prayers, including the St. Jude Catholic Church , built in 1892. Erected to cater to the local Catholic community and British military, it was left vacant for several years after the English left but was reopened decades later by Darjeeling’s Catholic community. With its breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and landscape, its pointed arches, ornate carvings, stained glass windows and the intricate details on its facade, the church is a historical and architectural gem.

Riding the toy train

Rather than travel with my father and sister-in-law by car to Kurseong to visit some of the area’s tea estates, a distance of about 18 miles, I instead chose to travel by train. I wanted the time to marvel at the landscape around me — and I knew that the rattle of the train along the track would also invoke happy memories of the holidays I used to take with my family when I was little.

The narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly known as the Toy Train, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999. On a clear day, it was easy to see why. The train line runs on high, elevated tracks and climbs steeply through the mountains with more than 850 loops and curves. It gave me a glimpse of life around Darjeeling as it passed through the hill towns and villages, with shops and vendors selling things along the roads.

Riding the train I was like a child with a new toy. Along the way we stopped to take on water and I managed to hop on and off when the train was at slow speed. I was nervous as it passed through the steep curves but I was marveling at the same time. The most iconic section is the Batasia Loop, situated between Darjeeling and Ghum, where the train makes a 360-degree turn.

The train traveled through the Mahananda wildlife sanctuary, staggering along the sharp curves and beautiful hillside loops, before coming to a halt at the old Kurseong station where I met my family to visit some of the area’s tea estates.

Sampling tea culture

While there are plenty of tea estates in Darjeeling, I wanted to try something different. We stopped and looked at the Makaibari estate, where tea has been cultivated since the 1850s. It is one of the first tea estates in India to win a fair trade certificate and raises its tea organically. I served their tea when I had a restaurant, getting it from the Bristol Tea Company, a supplier specializing in organic and fair trade teas. A small hotel on the property, the Makaibari Bungalow, is the kind of place where you could sit and write novels, sipping the most delicious tea while enjoying its slow pace and tranquil luxury.

We also spent time at the Selim Hill Tea Garden, which borders the town of Kurseong and dates to 1870. Sitting at 4,000 feet above sea level, the estate is named after the tea plantation’s founder, called Selim Sahab by the locals. The current manager, Shahab Mallick, explained to me that the estate is 100 percent organic and that it has moved away from the commercial model of other tea plantations in the area. Instead, they’ve created the Selim Hill Collective, with an inclusive, sustainable approach to tea growing that’s designed to preserve biodiversity and treat workers fairly.

The estate’s 240 permanent staff receive accommodation, social security and medical care and we learned about the whole tea-production process from start to finish: plucking, weathering, rolling, drying, sorting and packing. Mr. Mallick showed me around the estate’s cottage, now inhabited by the owners. I was excited to learn that Rabindranath Tagore , the 1913 Nobel Prize Laureate for Literature, used to stay there.

Those who want to visit Darjeeling to be immersed in its tea culture can do so even more easily by staying overnight at a luxurious tea estate like the Taj Chia Kutir Resort and Spa , the Glenburn Tea Estate , the Ging Tea House or the Singtom Tea Estate & Resort .

As we drove along the hillside roads back to Darjeeling, we stopped at Timboor on the Trail, a restaurant known for its Nepalese food, that was surrounded by a terraced garden filled with a wide variety of beautiful flowers including azaleas and petunias. I wanted to experience a traditional Nepalese thali, a combination of different dishes, including dal, sabzi (vegetables), meat or fish, salad, pickle, chutney, raita (yogurt), rice and chapati bread. I was hoping to recapture the memories of meals shared with the Nepalese friends I grew up with in West Bengal. A sizable vegetable patch at the back of the restaurant provided the basis for many of the dishes on their menu, including creamy dal makhani made with black lentils and an indulgent butter chicken.

The Nepalese thali was an explosion of exciting flavors. An earthy mushroom sabzi, an organic black dal and lightly spiced gobi matar sabji — cauliflower and peas — sat alongside the Nepalese fried potatoes simply known as aloo fry.

In addition, we enjoyed various pickles: gundruk ko achaar (fermented greens), mooli ko achar (pickled radish with chili) and filinge achar — a powdered pickle made with nigella seeds. In addition, the thali included a creamy kheer (rice pudding), the perfect way to finish the meal.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

Kerala only Indian tourist destination to feature in 'New York Times' list of 52 places to visit in 2023

New york times released its annual list of places to visit in 2023. kerala which is the only tourist destination listed from india is described as a place where one can learn to climb a palm tree, visit a temple during an annual festival and get a sustainable taste of village life..

The @nytimes has selected Kerala as one of the 52 places to visit in 2023. Our exemplary approach to community tourism that allows travellers to relish Kerala's rich culture and breathtaking landscapes has been lauded. Yet another exciting achievement for @KeralaTourism ! pic.twitter.com/slnAPNRnyt — Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) January 13, 2023

• Crossword Tips

Clue: Indian tourist destination

Referring crossword puzzle answers, likely related crossword puzzle clues.

• African antelope
• Turkish title
• Taj Mahal city
• Taj Mahal site
• Eastern potentate
• Muslim leader
• Indian state
• Taj Mahal locale

Recent usage in crossword puzzles:

• Penny Dell Sunday - Oct. 10, 2021
• New York Times - July 1, 2020
• New York Times - Nov. 17, 2013
• LA Times - Jan. 15, 2013
• Washington Post - May 16, 2012
• Inkwell - Sept. 19, 2008
• LA Times - Dec. 26, 2007
• LA Times - Nov. 26, 2006
• Washington Post - Jan. 9, 2006

• Personal Finance
• Today's Paper
• Partner Content
• Entertainment
• Social Viral
• Pro Kabaddi League

Kerala selected as one of the 52 places to visit in 2023 by New York Times

Kerala chief minister pinarayi vijayan took it to twitter and said it was recognition of the approach towards community tourism.

In Kerala, the boat race has been packaged as a cultural event

Govt is committed to celebrate vibrant cultural traditions of Northeast: PM

Illicit trafficking in cultural property harms africa's identity: un, us govt announces new york's times square to become "gun-free zone", new york imposes new gun restrictions on concealed carry in sensitive areas, eam jaishankar visits temple in thailand, highlights shared traditions, cbi gets centre's sanction to prosecute lalu prasad in land-for-jobs scam, ticketing agent held for making hoax bomb call in spicejet delhi-pune plane, india has lot to offer to world in time of crisis: g20 sherpa amitabh kant, avalanche warning issued for 10 districts of jammu and kashmir, rs 1.5 lakh ex gratia for affected families in joshimath, says u'khand cm.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: Jan 13 2023 | 9:33 PM IST

Explore News

• Suzlon Energy Share Price Adani Enterprises Share Price Adani Power Share Price IRFC Share Price Tata Motors Share Price Tata Steel Share Price Yes Bank Share Price Infosys Share Price SBI Share Price Tata Power Share Price
• Latest News Company News Market News India News Politics News Cricket News Personal Finance Technology News World News Industry News Education News Opinion Shows Economy News Lifestyle News Health News
• Today's Paper About Us T&C Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Disclaimer Investor Communication GST registration number List Compliance Contact Us Advertise with Us Sitemap Subscribe Careers BS Apps
• Budget 2024 Lok Sabha Election 2024 IPL 2024 Pro Kabaddi League IPL Points Table 2024

‘Responsible Tourism’: New York Times features Kerala among ‘52 places to go in 2023’

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Bringing yet another feather to the cap of Kerala Tourism, ‘God’s Own Country’ has been featured in the ‘52 places to go in 2023’ by the New York Times. Kerala has been ranked 13th in the New York Times list which lauds the ‘Responsible Tourism’ initiatives of Kerala Tourism. 

Kerala is the only state from India to feature in the global list which featured places like London and Morioka, Japan. According to the list, Kerala is a spot to travel for its beaches, backwater lagoons, cuisine and rich cultural traditions like the ‘Vaikathashtami’ festival. New York Times lauded the Kerala government for its award-winning approach which allows visitors to experience village life. New York Times also specially mentioned Kumarakam and Maravanthuruth destinations in the article.

“In Kumarakom, one of several ‘responsible tourism destinations’ in the state, visitors can paddle through jungly canals, weave rope from coconut fibre and even learn to climb a palm tree. In Maravanthurtuhu, visitors can follow a storytelling trail and enjoy village street art before taking in an evening performance of a traditional temple dance” - the NYT article said.

Tourism Minister P A Mohammad Riyas said that being featured in the global list is international recognition. In a Facebook post, the minister urged for continued support from the people for the tourism policy of the Kerala government.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp  

Download the TNIE app to stay with us and follow the latest

Related Stories

Latest Stories

• more Entertainment Worth Health IPL 2024 Women's Day 2024

Kerala Only Indian State On New York Times list Of ‘52 Places To Go In 2023’

In a proud achievement for Kerala, the 'God's Own Country' has been featured by the New York Times in its list titled '52 places to go in 2023'. 

Only Indian state on the global list

The US news publication has placed the Indian state in the 13th spot among the most visitable places around the globe while lauding the southern state's 'responsible' tourism. Kerala is the only Indian state to find a place on the global list, which has featured places such as London and Morioka, Japan, among others. 

According to the list, Kerala's main attractions are its beaches, backwater lagoons, cuisine and rich cultural traditions like the 'Vaikathashtami' festival. NYT trumpeted the Kerala government for its award-winning approach that lets visitors experience village life. 

Kumarakom, Maravanthuruth get special mention

The list categorically mentioned Kumarakom and Maravanthuruthu destinations for their exciting offerings. Kumarakom, a small village in Kerala, is known for its picturesque backwaters.

Tourists visiting this site can engage in various fun activities such as weaving ropes from coconut fibre, paddling through canals, and climbing a palm tree. 

The list further mentions that tourists get to cherish village street art and traditional temple dance, among other fun events in Maravanthuruthu. 

Other global destinations on list

Apart from Kerala, other places that made it to the list are London, Japan's Morioka, Kilmartin Glen in Scotland, Auckland in New Zealand, Palm Springs in California, the Kangaroo Island of Australia, Vjosa River in Albania, and Tromso in Norway. 

Last year, Kerala was included by Time Magazine among 50 extraordinary destinations to explore in its list of "World's Greatest Places of 2022". "Kerala is one of India's most beautiful states. With spectacular beaches and lush backwaters, temples, and palaces, it's known as "God's own country" for good reason." the report had said.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit  Indiatimes News.      

Kumar Debvrat is a Copyeditor at Indiatimes. When writing, he likes to explore quirky and human-interest stories.

Visual Stories

Only Genius With Sharp Eyes Can Spot The Odd Butterfly In 5 Second

From Dhoni To Kohli: Cost Of Each-Run Scored By These Batsmen In IPL 2024

'Once I am done, I will be gone...' 8 Quotes By Virat Kohli

10 Sudha Murty Quotes On Love, Relationships, And Marriage

Cannes 2024: Indian Celebs Get Ready To Slay On The Red Carpet

Optical Illusion: Spot The Odd One Out In This Swarm Of Butterflies

10 Best Places To Enjoy Summer Vacation In Jammu And Kashmir

Cannes 2024: Viral Moments From The 77th Cannes Film Festival

9 Motivational Quotes By Vikas Divyakirti For Students

Happy Birthday Mark Zuckerberg: 10 Fun Facts About Meta CEO

Accept the updated Privacy & Cookie Policy

Major Indian tourist site NYT Crossword Clue

We’ve prepared a crossword clue titled “Major Indian tourist site” from The New York Times Crossword for you! The New York Times is popular online crossword that everyone should give a try at least once! By playing it, you can enrich your mind with words and enjoy a delightful puzzle. If you’re short on time to tackle the crosswords, you can use our provided answers for Major Indian tourist site crossword clue! To find out the answers to other clues in the NYT Crossword January 21 2023 page.

Major Indian tourist site NYT Crossword Answer is:

Other january 21 2023 nyt crossword answers.

• Electrically flexible NYT Crossword Clue
• Top-notch NYT Crossword Clue
• Home country, poetically NYT Crossword Clue
• Box with a view NYT Crossword Clue
• Bordelaise, for one NYT Crossword Clue
• Quick pick-me-up? NYT Crossword Clue
• Wear and tear NYT Crossword Clue
• Like Turkish coffee NYT Crossword Clue
• Comic actor who co-created “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” NYT Crossword Clue
• QB stats NYT Crossword Clue

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Crossword Nexus

Potential answers for "indian tourist destination", need help with another clue try your search in the crossword dictionary, from the blog, puzzle #117: vital discrimination (coded acrostic).

Read More “Puzzle #117: Vital Discrimination (coded acrostic!)” »

Tourist destination in Baja California Sur NYT Crossword Clue

Tourist destination in Baja California Sur Crossword Clue Answers are listed below. Did you came up with a solution that did not solve the clue? No worries we keep a close eye on all the clues and update them regularly with the correct answers.

TOURIST DESTINATION IN BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR NYT

• CABOSANLUCAS

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Indian tourist destination - Daily Themed Crossword

Hello everyone! Thank you visiting our website, here you will be able to find all the answers for Daily Themed Crossword Game (DTC). Daily Themed Crossword is the new wonderful word game developed by PlaySimple Games, known by his best puzzle word games on the android and apple store. A fun crossword game with each day connected to a different theme. Choose from a range of topics like Movies, Sports, Technology, Games, History, Architecture and more! Access to hundreds of puzzles, right on your Android device, so play or review your crosswords when you want, wherever you want! Give your brain some exercise and solve your way through brilliant crosswords published every day! Increase your vocabulary and general knowledge. Become a master crossword solver while having tons of fun, and all for free! The answers are divided into several pages to keep it clear. This page contains answers to puzzle Indian tourist destination.

• Indian tourist destination

The answer to this question:

More answers from this level:

• Post-workout feeling
• Serving two purposes
• Home to Bowling Green
• ___ Howard, "Rush" director
• Feeling or expressing a strong disapproval of something
• Online letters
• Michael ___, actor who played the same character as 29-Down in the film version of "CHiPs"
• Give moral guidance
• "Many eons ___..."

How this Indian takeout spot transformed a Calif. mall into a foodie destination

I t’s not quite noon on a clear spring Friday in the  Central Valley . Patrons are already forming a queue a half dozen deep, waiting to sample fare from one of the region’s buzziest and most sought-after restaurants.

But it’s not a must-stop on Interstate 5 , nor is it a sit-down joint in the heart of a historic downtown . The line stretches past more well-known food purveyors nearby, including Sbarro, Five Guys, Panda Express and Chipotle.

We’re smack dab in the center of the food court at the Valley Plaza mall . There, in the thick of the fast-casual food chains, is Heart of India, which offers combo platters, biryani, raita and chaat, along with specialty items made from scratch, often on demand, for discerning locals and patrons in the know.

Heart of India is a local restaurant, and it has become the beating epicenter of this food court.

The line in front of Heart of India moves quickly, and even though the grab-and-go at the Valley Plaza adheres closely to a standard cafeteria-style assembly line where visitors are making combo plate choices on the fly, several patrons ahead of me had their specialty orders already in mind. Their requests are written down with care by a cheery counter worker and immediately sent back to the open kitchen, where a five-person crew clangs pots and skillfully rotates in front of cranked-up ovens.  

“We have a big menu and a lot of people who customize beyond it,” a cashier told SFGATE during a visit in mid-March. “We’re at a mall, but this isn’t mall food.”

For some, Heart of India is worth the trip, especially for those who were raised in the region and are always on the lookout for a specific meal that will satisfy both their cravings and dietary requirements — something Bakersfield-raised Jonathan Fernandez said “hasn’t been easy at all.”

“It’s not just here that it’s difficult [for a vegetarian], basically anywhere you go,” he said, noting this was his first time at Heart of India in Valley Plaza. “I asked for vegetarian options, he was so kind, he pointed them all out. ... It’s very good, very delicious.”

The highlight of his meal? A custom batch of naan.

“They personally made vegetarian naan for me,” Fernandez explained. “The naan is especially delicious. I love bread. But it’s everything: the curry, the cauliflower, rice, potatoes, soup. It’s beyond expectation.”

Heart of India’s path did not come without stumbles. Kern County Public Health temporarily closed the restaurant’s first effort in southwest Bakersfield for various violations, but it has since reopened. The turning point came in 2024, when longtime Bakersfield Californian food critic Pete Tittl praised the Valley Plaza location.  

“The tikka wrap had a solid yogurt-based tomato sauce, some ginger and garlic noted, and the vegetables included with the tandoori chicken included green peppers and purple onions,” Tittl wrote in a glowing review in January. “The naan was good as you get at expensive restaurants, and the chili garlic version was not as spicy as you might expect.”

Tittl, who retired in February  after 43 years covering Bakersfield’s restaurant scene as an anonymous food critic , was known to make or break local eateries. And whether or not his review informed this Friday lunch crowd, for at least one other first-timer, the visit was an experiment to see if Heart of India in Valley Plaza got the basics right.

“We just moved from NorCal, and we’re trying to find good Indian food here,” Izzy Hernandez, a recent Bakersfield transplant from Woodland, told SFGATE, noting he’d yet to replace some of his favorite spots in the Sacramento area. “There’s a huge Indian population [here], but the Indian food, not the same.”

Hernandez said Indian cuisine is his favorite, and standouts he’s visited around the state include Bombay Palace in Beverly Hills and Swagat in Concord. He mentioned he had good luck not long ago at Viceroy Indian Cuisine & Bar , also in the southwest part of Bakersfield.  

The eager first-timer at Heart of India ordered up his three-item combo and naan. “I got chicken masala, some veggie [dishes], rice — the classics,” he said as he dug in. A few minutes later, he nodded in my direction to signal that Heart of India in Valley Plaza might make it into his rotation.  

Like Hernandez, I stuck with tried-and-true dishes during my maiden voyage to Heart of India, but that wasn’t necessarily by design.  

After being a little overwhelmed by the extensive menu, a frequent customer in front of me convinced me that the chicken tikka masala here had something of an extra kick and needed to be tried to be believed.  

The other choice on my combo plate was made for me as a fresh bin of palak paneer was dropped, steaming hot, from the kitchen right before me mid-order. I noted that the old tray that had been removed was still one-third full. Those who frequent similar spots can be reassured that Heart of India in Valley Plaza keeps the rotation moving.  

Fresh naan was also delivered from the oven, and I was given five generous New York pizza slice-sized pieces swaddled inside white Heart of India-branded paper. A heaping scoop of basmati rice and a side of pickled vegetables, which had a surprising spicy sweetness, completed my order. The two items, including the extras, ran me $11.99, plus a drink and tip, and I was still out the door for well under $20 for lunch — a feat few restaurants, even fast food ones, can still lay claim to.  

Try as I might, I barely made a dent in my flavor-packed Heart of India specials before having a flashback. The color, spiciness, freshness and consistency across several different items took me to the first time I tried the weekday lunch special at  Viks Chaat Corner in North Berkeley in the late-1990s.

It felt good to be at the front end of a trend. Heart of India has reinvented itself and is not only elevating mall cuisine in the Central Valley but drawing in new fans from around the state, it seems, every shift.

After I packed up the remainder of my lunch — Heart of India’s combinations come in a convenient to-go container, and I managed two additional meals from my leftovers — I ran into Hernandez one last time.

I asked him what he thought. “Great,” he said, smiling widely. “Feels good to find a spot.” 

• Insider Reviews
• Tech Buying Guides
• Personal Finance
• Insider Explainers
• Sustainability
• United States
• International
• Deutschland & Österreich
• South Africa

• Home ›
• travel ›
• international ›
• article »

Top trending international destinations for Indian travellers in 2024

Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Nothing Phone (2a) blue edition launched
• JNK India IPO allotment date
• JioCinema New Plans
• Realme Narzo 70 Launched
• Apple Let Loose event
• Elon Musk Apology
• RIL cash flows
• Charlie Munger
• Feedbank IPO allotment
• Tata IPO allotment
• Most generous retirement plans
• Broadcom lays off
• Cibil Score vs Cibil Report
• Birla and Bajaj in top Richest
• Nestle Sept 2023 report
• India Equity Market
• Best printers for Home
• Best Mixer Grinder
• Best wired Earphones
• Best 43 Inch TV in India
• Best Wi Fi Routers
• Best Vacuum Cleaner
• Best Home Theatre in India
• Smart Watch under 5000
• Best Laptops for Education
• Best Laptop for Students

• Advertising
• Write for Us
• Privacy Policy
• Policy News
• Personal Finance News
• Mobile News
• Business News
• Ecommerce News
• Startups News
• Stock Market News
• Finance News
• Entertainment News
• Economy News
• Careers News
• International News
• Politics News
• Education News
• Advertising News
• Health News
• Science News
• Retail News
• Sports News
• Personalities News
• Corporates News
• Environment News
• Richest people in India 2024
• Google I/O 2024 highlights
• Top 10 Richest people
• Top 10 Largest Economies
• Deleted Whatsapp Messages
• How to restore deleted messages
• 10 types of Drinks
• Instagram Sad Face Filter
• Recover Whatsapp Messages
• Check Balance in SBI
• How to check Vodafone Balance
• Transfer Whatsapp Message
• Dual Whatsapp on Single phone
• Phone is hacked or Not
• How to Port Airtel to Jio
• How to find website owner

Copyright © 2024 . Times Internet Limited. All rights reserved.For reprint rights. Times Syndication Service.

Tourist destination in Baja California Sur NYT Crossword

We solved the clue 'Tourist destination in Baja California Sur' which last appeared on May 11, 2024 in a N.Y.T crossword puzzle and had twelve letters. The one solution we have is shown below. Similar clues are also included in case you ended up here searching only a part of the clue text.

• Tourist destination in Baja California Sur

The answer for this clue is

• CABOSANLUCAS

  This clue was last seen on NYTimes May 12, 2024 Crossword Puzzle . Go to the puzzle page to help with other clues. Before each clue, you have its number and orientation on the puzzle for easier navigation. If you notice multiple answers it means that the clue has appeared multiple times throughout the years and we included historical answers for reference. You can also use the search field as a quicker way to find something. Search for:

Common Answers

The above clues share an answer the the current clue.

Recent Puzzles

The most recent puzzles.

Looking for older puzzles?

The Main Archive Page allows you review answers of old puzzles if you are feeling nostalgic and playing them at the moment.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Logout Login
• Adventure Holidays
• Weekend Getaways
• Driving Holidays
• Travel News

7 notorious tourist traps in America

TRAVEL TRENDS , UNITED STATES Updated : May 20, 2024, 16:01 IST

From coast to coast, the United States has a plethora of attractions that draw millions of visitors each year. However, amid the allure of iconic landmarks and popular destinations, some tourist traps lurk, promising unforgettable experiences, but often delivering disappointment. Here's a rundown of seven of the worst tourist traps in America, and caution you to tread carefully.

Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles

Tinseltown's famous sidewalk, adorned with the stars of Hollywood legends, may seem like a must-see for cinephiles. However, the reality is far from glamorous. Crowded, congested, and lined with souvenir shops hawking overpriced trinkets, the Hollywood Walk of Fame often leaves visitors feeling underwhelmed and overwhelmed by the tourist hustle.

Times Square, New York City

The epitome of urban chaos, Times Square dazzles with its neon lights, towering billboards, and bustling crowds. Yet, beneath the surface, this iconic intersection is more of a tourist trap than a cultural gem. Filled with chain restaurants, overpriced Broadway shows, and aggressive costumed characters vying for tips, Times Square can quickly drain both your wallet and your patience.

South of the Border, South Carolina

Billing itself as ‘America's Favorite Highway Oasis,’ South of the Border lures travellers with its garish billboards promising quirky attractions and kitschy souvenirs. However, beyond the eye-catching facade lies a tired roadside stop plagued by tacky gimmicks, lacklustre eateries, and a general air of dilapidation. Proceed with caution, or risk falling victim to this tourist trap.

Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco

Perched by the waterfront, Fisherman's Wharf lures visitors with the allure of fresh seafood, picturesque vistas, and lively street entertainment. However, beyond its superficial appeal lies a tourist hub bustling with pricey eateries, kitschy souvenir stores, and assertive seagulls eager for a share of your fish and chips.

The Alamo, San Antonio

Steeped in history and mythology, the Alamo stands as a symbol of Texan pride and independence. However, the reality of this iconic landmark often fails to live up to expectations. Surrounded by a downtown landscape devoid of its former grandeur, the Alamo's diminutive size and lacklustre exhibits leave many visitors feeling underwhelmed and questioning its status as a must-see attraction.

Gum Wall, Seattle

The Gum Wall, located in Seattle's Pike Place Market, is notorious for being a tourist trap due to its unconventional yet intriguing nature. Over the years, visitors have contributed to its growth by adhering chewed gum to the walls, creating a colourful and sticky mosaic. While some find it quirky and amusing, others consider it unhygienic and unappealing. Despite its status as a popular attraction, the Gum Wall's appeal primarily lies in its novelty rather than any significant historical or cultural significance.

Bourbon Street, New Orleans

Renowned for its vibrant nightlife, live music, and spirited atmosphere, Bourbon Street epitomises the essence of New Orleans' French Quarter. However, beneath the surface revelry lies a tourist trap teeming with overpriced drinks, rowdy crowds, and a cacophony of competing attractions vying for attention. While Bourbon Street may offer a taste of the city's famed joie de vivre, savvy travellers would do well to explore the quieter, more authentic corners of New Orleans beyond the tourist hubbub.

Visual Stories

Beautiful lake cities in India perfect for summer vacations!

7 astonishing facts about Jagannath Puri Temple that will leave you speechless!

10 reasons why Kinnaur should be on your summer wishlist

Most romantic destinations for your June travels

From Venice to Bali, 10 most overcrowded tourist destinations

Meghalaya's summer marvels: 9 must-visit attractions

7 countries every gadget lover should visit

World’s most peaceful countries to visit

8 incredible places on Earth where the sun NEVER sets!

Beautiful airports in India; where travel meets architectural beauty

Join Us On Facebook Close

Poll of the day, which of these is one of earth's oldest geographical feature, comments (0).

Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive . Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.

Comments ( ) Sort: Newest UpVoted Oldest Discussed Down Voted closecomments

SIGN IN WITH

Or post without registration, trending stories.

Perfect hill destinations in Uttarakhand to beat the summer's heat

• Heavy rains in Kerala: Emergency measures launched statewide

• Delhi traffic advisory: Major disruptions on key routes today from 4 to 8 PM

• Russia's strategic move: Targeting the Indian travel market for tourism revitalisation

• India’s ‘Pink City’ for the ideal mix of bazaars, palaces, and majestic structures

Sikkim: Unveiling the sacred secrets of Khecheopalri Lake

Maharashtra: Best places to enjoy the magic of fireflies this monsoon

From around the web, popular galleries.

Cities in India that are experiencing severe heatwave right now

Stunning locations that evoke memories of Dil To Pagal Hai

Follow us on

Latest news, congratulations.

You have been successfully added to the mailing list of Times of India Travel. To complete the subscription process, kindly open your inbox and click on the confirmation link which has been emailed to you.

Share with friends

Thank You for sharing! Your friend will receive the article link on email mentioned.

• (For more than one recipient, type addresses separated by commas)

From coast to coast, the United States has a plethora of attractions that draw millions of visitors each year. However, amid the allure of iconic landmarks and popular destinations, some tourist traps...