Gau Mutra (cow pee) is known as a super drink in India. On its own gau mutra has a foul acidic taste, so I thought what better to balance it out than by mixing it with sweet lassi. Introducing Karl’s Yellow Happiness Yoghurt Drink.
Photo by Joey https://flic.kr/p/7j3Drh.
Ingredients (makes 1 litre)
700ml thick cold yoghurt
200ml cold water
100ml gau mutra
4 tsp rose water
5 tbsp sugar (or use powdered sugar, it dissolves faster)
1tspcardamom powder
Method
Take a 1-litre lota (bowl), add all ingredients and stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth (Alternatively you can use a blender).
Bon appétit!
Medical Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor and I don’t recommend you drink gau mutra! Do it at your own risk.
I’ve been learning Hindi slowly for 3 years now, and I got to the point where I was just not happy with my progress. I felt progress was too slow and I wasn’t making the most of actually living in India. So I went search for the answer to speed up my language learning.
After watching hours of language learning videos on YouTube, I was able to separate the fake from the real. There are a lot of fakers on YouTube with language learning videos with The below 3 videos formed my decision to renounce English and begin only speaking Hindi. I’m quitting English for an entire week to see if it helps speed up my learning. I won’t even talk in English to my family and friends, they’ll have to use a translator app.
I expect it’ll help immensely because it’s replicating how we all learnt our mother tongue as kids: listening > speaking > screwing up > repeating. What I think is that language learning is 80% practice and 20% grammar, so I’m going to put that to the test. Goodbye English.
I arrived in India with none of these things, but I quickly learnt their importance! Here are the stop 7 things you need to travel India comfortably.
1. Ditch the suitcase & change to a travel backpack
Suitcases are useless in India. The roads and footpaths (if there are any!) are full of holes, dirt, and dust. Good luck wheeling your case around on these streets.
Use a large 55 L backpack instead. When it’s on your back, there’s no dragging it through the mud, and you have both your hands-free.
2. A cloth to clean your shoes
Your shoes collect a ton of dust, dirt, and if you’re “lucky” (as they say in India), cow poo. Don’t let the muck build up. Bring a disposable kitchen cleaning cloth and clean your shoes each night with water. Leave it out overnight in your room to dry.
3. Baby wipes, not toilet paper
Toilet paper is a weird shape to pack and ends up getting squashed and perishing. Baby wipes are easier to pack, you get more use out of an 80 pack, and they do a much better job where it matters.
4. Carry flip-flops
When you get back to your hotel, you’ll want to remove your shoes, but still, you don’t want to walk barefoot on the floor. Leave your flip-flops (sandals) by the door to change into when you enter.
5. Microfibre travel towel
Don’t use towels provided by hotels. People commonly use them to clean the muck off their shoes, and after all the stinky towels I’ve encountered I doubt they’re washed well. You’ll frequently see them drying on a dirty fence in the middle of busy roads.
A half-sized travel towel is small and will do the same job as a regular sized towel plus dry much faster. Most hotels have washing lines on their rooftops.
6. Sweat-wicking clothing
If you want to travel comfortably in summer what you wear will make a vast difference to how comfortable you are in 40 degrees. Use sweat-wicking clothing to achieve this. When summer comes, I’m thankful for my Dri-FIT t-shirts.
7. Padlock
Some hotels use old-school padlocks to lock their rooms. Use your own instead, that way you know no one has access.
8. Power bank & adapter
You can buy an adapter in India easily for around $1 USD but one thing to bring from home is a power bank. You never know when you’ll run out of battery on a bus or train. The higher classes on the train have power outlets, but only a few in each carriage and in weird locations.
I wasn’t aware of Indore being a foodaholic city until the moment I reached there and saw Sev-Poha-Jalebi shops all around the city. The people of Indore are known as “Indoris” and they call themselves “Khawda” – a term that means they can eat a lot and at any time of the day, as you can literally get food at any time of the day.
A Little on Indore
A city that hones pride for different food varieties, and cleanliness. It was ranked first in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Survey – 2017 for amazing waste management, and cleanliness initiatives. Recently it also topped the airport service quality ranking in Asia Pacific region.
It is the only city in India that’s home to both an IIM (established in 1996) and an IIT (2009) that makes it lively because of the young crowd being in majority. It is also the commercial, and booming IT capital of Madhya Pradesh.
56 Dukaan (Shops)
As the name suggests, it is a street consisting of 56 food shops (obviously more than that) where you will find cuisines from every part of India.
Khopra patties at Vijay Chaat house, Indore. Photo courtesy: Zomato
Vijay chaat house is one of the oldest food shops in Indore. Khopra Patties is a must eat dish there. A perfect place to start the day off if you are willing to have sev-poha, jalebi, khamand (dhokla) and samosa-kachori as your first meal.
Jalebi at Vijay Chaat, Indore. Photo courtesy: Zomato
Sev-Poha at Vijay Chaat, Indore. Photo courtesy: Zomato
Khamand at Vijay Chaat, Indore. Photo courtesy: Zomato
Johny Hot Dog
$ – Multiple branches: 56 Dukan and Navlakha – Amazing hot dogs
Egg Benjo at Johny Hot Dog, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Specializing in hot dogs or some may call it the Vada Pav of Indore, Johny Hot Dog has been serving hot dogs for decades at a very economical rate. A properly managed veg and non-veg distribution of hot dogs, even when it caters to a huge amount of people every day. Egg banjo is a must try, apart from veg hot dogs, mutton hot dogs, and egg mutton hot dogs are available.
Madhuram Sweets
$$ – 56 Dukaan – A real healthy shikanji
Shikanji at Madhuram Sweets, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Madhuram Sweets is famous for Indian sweets and Indori Namkeens. Its uniqueness lies in shikanji, which is not the usual Nimbu-Shikanji (Lemonade), but a highly nutritious drink made of dry fruits, saffron, and milk.
Live Tawa Ice Cream
$$ – 56 Dukaan – Different ice-cream
Gulaab Jaamun Icecream at Live Tawa Icecream, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
If you got to taste and experience an amazing and totally different icecream, head to this place. They explain the creating process as well. Ferrero Rocher tawa ice cream and fudge brownie tawa ice cream are good. You can also try the blend of Gulaab Jaamun and ice cream over here.
Joshi Dahi Bada House
$ – Sarafa Bazaar – Amazing process and awesome dahi bada
Dahi vada at Joshi Dahi Bada, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
This is one the best dahi bada seller in Indore. It’s not only the taste that is awesome, but also in the process of how its made. If you are looking for some an awesome dahi bada and butte ka kiss, must visit this place. You won’t be disappointed for sure.
Indore lies in the heart of Malwa region. If you are in this region, you have to try this regional food. Best Dal Baafle in town without a doubt. Quantity for one Thali is sufficient for 2 people. Thali Includes Dal Baafle, Kadhi, Rice, Aloo Sabji, Churma laddoo, Salad and Chutney.
Pishori Dhaba
$$ – Sapna Sangeeta – Delicious Non-Veg
Chicken lollipop at Pishori Dhaba, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Pishori his known for its non-vegetarian delicacies. It has gained the pride of one of the best non-vegs of the city and that too at an economical price. There are two portions. One for alcoholics and the other for non-alcoholics. You must try out the chicken lollipop, Boti Chicken, Amritsari fish, and butter chicken.
Sarafa at night
One of the most famous midnight eating streets of India that offers you a wide range of dishes. To experience Sarafa at its best, head there around 11 PM, and stay till 1.30 AM. Some of the dishes that are must to try:
$ – Chhole tikiya at Sawariya Chaat house
Chhole tikiya at Sawariya Chaat, Sarafa, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
$ – Sweet dishes – Jalebi, jaleba, maal pua and rabdi at Bhairvanand
$ – Kulfi at Agarwal Icecreams
Late night food shops
Indore is well known for 24×7 food availability. Here are some cafes that you can go into if you crave food late night.
Make my Sandwich
$ – Teleperfomance, Vijay Nagar – Sandwiches
If you are craving for food at 2 am, head straight to this place, and have Pizzawich, and Strawberry Fizz. This cafe is 24×7 up and running.
Sandwich at Make my sandwich, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Maggie at L. I. G. Square
$$ – LIG Maggie – Maggie and Pasta
If you want something at the stroke of the day at 4AM, go to LIG Maggie, at LIG Square. They have a food truck and they specialize in Maggie and Pasta. You would get to know how crazy Indoris are when it comes to food.
Cheese Maggie at LIG Maggie, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Masala Maggie at LIG Maggie, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Food truck at LIG Maggie, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Khopra patties at Vijay Chaat house, Indore. Photo courtesy: Zomato
Vijay chaat house is one of the oldest food shops in Indore. Khopra Patties is a must eat dish there. A perfect place to start the day off if you are willing to have sev-poha, jalebi, khamand (dhokla) and samosa-kachori as your first meal.
Jalebi at Vijay Chaat, Indore. Photo courtesy: Zomato
Sev-Poha at Vijay Chaat, Indore. Photo courtesy: Zomato
Khamand at Vijay Chaat, Indore. Photo courtesy: Zomato
Johny Hot Dog
$ – Multiple branches: 56 Dukan and Navlakha – Amazing hot dogs
Egg Benjo at Johny Hot Dog, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Specializing in hot dogs or some may call it the Vada Pav of Indore, Johny Hot Dog has been serving hot dogs for decades at a very economical rate. A properly managed veg and non-veg distribution of hot dogs, even when it caters to a huge amount of people every day. Egg banjo is a must try, apart from veg hot dogs, mutton hot dogs, and egg mutton hot dogs are available.
Madhuram Sweets
$$ – 56 Dukaan – A real healthy shikanji
Shikanji at Madhuram Sweets, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Madhuram Sweets is famous for Indian sweets and Indori Namkeens. Its uniqueness lies in shikanji, which is not the usual Nimbu-Shikanji (Lemonade), but a highly nutritious drink made of dry fruits, saffron, and milk.
Live Tawa Ice Cream
$$ – 56 Dukaan – Different ice-cream
Gulaab Jaamun Icecream at Live Tawa Icecream, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
If you got to taste and experience an amazing and totally different icecream, head to this place. They explain the creating process as well. Ferrero Rocher tawa ice cream and fudge brownie tawa ice cream are good. You can also try the blend of Gulaab Jaamun and ice cream over here.
Joshi Dahi Bada House
$ – Sarafa Bazaar – Amazing process and awesome dahi bada
Dahi vada at Joshi Dahi Bada, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
This is one the best dahi bada seller in Indore. It’s not only the taste that is awesome, but also in the process of how its made. If you are looking for some an awesome dahi bada and butte ka kiss, must visit this place. You won’t be disappointed for sure.
Indore lies in the heart of Malwa region. If you are in this region, you have to try this regional food. Best Dal Baafle in town without a doubt. Quantity for one Thali is sufficient for 2 people. Thali Includes Dal Baafle, Kadhi, Rice, Aloo Sabji, Churma laddoo, Salad and Chutney.
Pishori Dhaba
$$ – Sapna Sangeeta – Delicious Non-Veg
Chicken lollipop at Pishori Dhaba, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Pishori his known for its non-vegetarian delicacies. It has gained the pride of one of the best non-vegs of the city and that too at an economical price. There are two portions. One for alcoholics and the other for non-alcoholics. You must try out the chicken lollipop, Boti Chicken, Amritsari fish, and butter chicken.
Sarafa at night
One of the most famous midnight eating streets of India that offers you a wide range of dishes. To experience Sarafa at its best, head there around 11 PM, and stay till 1.30 AM. Some of the dishes that are must to try:
$ – Chhole tikiya at Sawariya Chaat house
Chhole tikiya at Sawariya Chaat, Sarafa, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
$ – Sweet dishes – Jalebi, jaleba, maal pua and rabdi at Bhairvanand
$ – Kulfi at Agarwal Icecreams
Late night food shops
Indore is well known for 24×7 food availability. Here are some cafes that you can go into if you crave food late night.
Make my Sandwich
$ – Teleperfomance, Vijay Nagar – Sandwiches
If you are craving for food at 2 am, head straight to this place, and have Pizzawich, and Strawberry Fizz. This cafe is 24×7 up and running.
Sandwich at Make my sandwich, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Maggie at L. I. G. Square
$$ – LIG Maggie – Maggie and Pasta
If you want something at the stroke of the day at 4AM, go to LIG Maggie, at LIG Square. They have a food truck and they specialize in Maggie and Pasta. You would get to know how crazy Indoris are when it comes to food.
Cheese Maggie at LIG Maggie, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Masala Maggie at LIG Maggie, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Food truck at LIG Maggie, Indore. Pic courtesy: Zomato
Counterfeit cash is always in circulation in India. There are hundreds of millions of dollars of it floating around. To avoid getting stuck with it on your trip you need to know what’s real and what’s not as shopkeepers will always try to pawn off their fake currency to unsuspecting foreigners. Once it’s in your hands, no one will take it off you. All shopkeepers scrutinise cash before accepting it. You’ll see them holding notes up to the light to check authenticity. They’re not being rude, they’re just they’re trying to avoid counterfeit money too.
But never fear, here’s how to easily spot the most circulated counterfeits – the 10 rupee coin and 500 and 2000 rupee notes.
How to spot counterfeit currency in India
₹10 Rupee Coin
UPDATE: It’s been brought to my attention that the Reserve Bank of India has issued a statement saying both ₹10 coins here and in my video are real. HOWEVER, the coin on the right is considered by shopkeepers to be fake in New Delhi and surrounding areas, so it’s best that you avoid it if you don’t want to get stuck with it.
I got stuck with a bunch of these and when I tried to use them absolutely no one would take them. 10 rupee coins are the most common counterfeit floating around, especially in Delhi at the moment. They were made in the nearby state of Haryana.
Real 10 Rupee Coin. Photo by Vignyana.
Fake 10 Rupee Coin. Photo by Vignyana.
Spot the difference? On the real coin, there are only 10 flower petals, it has the ₹ symbol, and the 10 crosses both the silver and gold part of the coin. Royal fail by the counterfeiters!
The same also applies for ripped notes: no shopkeeper will take a ripped noted from you, but they’ll sure try and give you their ripped notes. Always check every note you receive immediately in front of the person who gave it to you to make sure they’re in good condition with no tears or weird stains all over them. If there’s something wrong with it, hand it back to the cashier and ask for another – they’ll replace it for you.
If you do end up with a ripped note, take it to a bank and they will usually change it for you.
Arriving in India is a culture shock. It’s chaotic and intense. Our Quick-Start Safety Guide organises the chaos for you, allowing you to confidently and safely travel in India.
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