Andaman Islands!

Though Andaman Islands is an island away from mainland India but its very much Indian in its culture, language and history. The main language spoken here is hindi and it shares a great deal of happenings during Indian Freedom Struggle.
The main Landmark which makes it special and historical is Cellular Jail, Port Blair. 
Any Indian would feel pain and proud at the same time while standing in front of the Cellular Jail. 

Though we had lot many options to choose from for our honeymoon, we chose Andaman Islands. 

The best part was Havelock Island. Both the place and journey to it was adventurous  and romantic. We went in a regular Wood kind of big boat. Old times Cruise ship, i would say :). Travelling there from Port Blair takes about 2 hours, but the journey is fun. The best time would be Morning. 
Havelock Island has few resorts which have their private beaches and serve delicious food and a range of beverages. It was the most romantic part of our trip to stay there for 2 days and enjoy the lovely white sand beaches throughout the day and take small breaks whenever we feel hungry :P. I am always ready to go back to Havelock and enjoy the serenity of the island for a week. 
Return from Havelock to Port Blair was like Icing on the cake. It was during sunset time and witnessing changing colors of the sky and sea sitting on the deck of the ship can the bestest evening for anyone. It was serene and lovelyyyy.  I loved that journey and never wanted sun to hide itself and  ship to reach Port Blair. Though the journey had to end but the impression of it will be fresh in our memories forever and made our honeymoon special. 

Other plcaes worth seeing are Marine Museum, Andaman Market for buying souvenirs.
Should not miss Glass boat ride to see Coral under sea bed. They are beautiful. 

Picturization of the above description:- 

  

Dry Fruit Pulao

A unique recipe which can be enjoyed occasionally. Its healthy and filling, especially for kids. 

Name:- Dry Fuit Pulao

Ingredients:- 1/2 Kg rice, 50 gm sugar, 50 gm ghee, 100  gm almonds, 50 gm cashew nuts, 25 gm dry grapes (Kishmish), 50 gm walnut (taken out), 1 table spoon salt, 2 bay leaves, one big cinnamon strip, 4 cloves (laung), 6 green cardamom (elaichi)

Note:- Remove tip from cloves, break bay leaves in 3 pieces, break cinnamon in small pieces

Procedure:- 

To make sugar syrup :- Put sugar and little water in a pan n keep it on low heat till all the sugar melts. Keep aside.

Keep the rice soaked for 1/2 hour.  Soak Almonds and dry grapes for 2 hours in lukewarm water.  Soak Walnuts for 1/2 hour.  Peel almonds and cut them long and thin. Also cut Cashew and walnut not into small pieces. Strain water from dry grapes and keep it aside.

Put rice on the heat and bring it to boil. Put more water in the rice. Let the rice boil. Strain excess water once rice is little soft (it should not be cooked fully). Add a spoon of ghee after straining water. Remove rice from the stove once it is 80% cooked. Now take a round utensil and add ghee to it. After ghee is heated reduce the heat and add bay leaves and wait till they are brown. Add Cinnamon, Cloves, Cardamom and stir them a bit till they are a bit fried.

Now add all the dry fruits except Dry grapes.  still them till they are brown. Add rice in portions while stirring properly to mix all the ingredients well. Also add salt and keep adding sugar syrup in portions and keep mixing everything. All Dry grapes too. 

Once all the ingredients are added, keep rice on low flame and cover it well with a heavy lid or place something heavy in the lid not to let steam go out. keep it covered on low flame for 5-8 mins and then remove from the heat. 

Yummy Pulao is all set to be served hot. 

Enjoy!!!