Mavinkayi Chitranna Recipe | Raw Mango Rice Recipe [Video]

Mavinkayi Chitranna or Raw Mango Rice is a vegan South Indian sour and spicy mango flavored rice made from tart raw mangoes and leftover rice. Mango Rice takes less than 30 minutes to make. Raw Mango Rice is also gluten free.

In a hurry? Jump to Video or Jump to Recipe

A quick weeknight fix. That's exactly what this Mavinkayi Chitranna or Raw Mango Rice is.

We've had a week of thunderstorms here in Bangalore and it's been scary. I scare easy, but thunder has never scared me, but I have been pretty jumpy the last weekend. The sound was akin to the sky ripping apart and a few of these extremely loud ones even managed to wake me up. Although we've been swamped with unseasonal rains, I still believe it is Summer, because mangoes, you know. While Bangalore really doesn't have a season for most things, that is, you can find pumpkins and beets all year round, but Mangoes, come only once a year in Summer. So when Summer gives you mangoes, you make sure you make use of it to the fullest. Ripe, raw and everything in between. If you like Mangoes, as much as me, you may also enjoy these other Mango recipes:

AAM PANNA
INSTANT MANGO PICKLE
RAW MANGO GOJJU
HAGALKAI MAVINKAYI GOJJU
MANGO CHEESECAKE
FRUIT TART WITH MANGO CREAM
AAMRAS / MAVINKAYI SEEKARNE

I usually shop for the week on Saturday and then prep my veggies for the week ahead. Amidst the thunder and the crazy winds and the heavy downpour, I barely managed to get any meal prep done last weekend. So this Raw Mango Rice just pulled me through Monday. No prep really required, except may be cooking the rice.

Mavinkayi is the Kannada word for raw mangoes and Chitranna, well that's just colorful rice. In all other seasons, Chitranna is made using lemons or limes, but come Summer, tart raw mangoes are the preferred choice. Mavinkayi Chitranna is more of a South Indian fried rice in which leftover rice is tossed with a raw mangoes.

To make Mavinkayi Chitranna, use firm and tart raw mangoes. All green mangoes aren't raw, so pick carefully. Once you have the raw mangoes and some leftover rice, you are all sorted. To make the Raw Mango Rice, all we do is make a tempering of mustard seeds, a few lentils and then toss in grated raw mango along with turmeric and salt and allow the raw mango to cook down slightly. Then toss in the rice and add salt and mix well. Yes, it's as simple as that.

This tastes amazing with a side of Mango pickle, yes more mangoes, or a simple raita.

P.S. - This is a repost of a 2015 post. Only video is added and a few photos. Recipe remains the same.

If you made this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment here or on Facebook,  tag your tweet with @oneteaspoonlife on Twitter and don't forget to tag your photo #oneteaspoonoflife on Instagram. You can also email me at onetspoflife@gmail.com I'd love to see what you are upto.

If you like this recipe, do not forget to share it with your friends and family! 

You can follow One Teaspoon Of Life on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or you can subscribe to One Teaspoon Of Life and receive all the latest updated via Email

Video Recipe

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Mavinkayi Chitranna Recipe | Raw Mango Rice Recipe

Mavinkayi Chitranna or Raw Mango Rice is a vegan South Indian sour and spicy mango flavored rice made from tart raw mangoes and leftover rice. Mango Rice takes less than 30 minutes to make. Raw Mango Rice is also gluten free.

Recipe Type:  Main
Cuisine:            Indian
Prep Time:     10 minutes
Cook time:     20 minutes
Total time:     30 minutes
Yield:                Serves 2-3

Ingredients:

3 cups cooked Rice
0.5 cup Raw Mango, grated
2 Tbsp Oil
0.5 tsp Mustard Seeds
1 Tbsp Urad Dal
1 Tbsp Chana Dal
1 Sprig Curry leaves
1-2 Tbsp Peanuts
1 Green Chilli, finely chopped
0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
2 Tbsp Water
Salt to taste
Fresh grated coconut to garnish
Coriander leaves to garnish

Method:

1. Heat oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds.
2. Once the mustard seeds splutter, add in the chana dal and the urad dal and saute until lightly browned.
3. Add in the peanuts and curry leaves and fry until the peanuts are browned.
4. dd in the grated raw mango, turmeric powder, salt and a little water and cook until the mango softens slightly.
5. Add in the rice and mix well.
6. Garnish with the chopped coriander leaves and freshly grated coconut.
7. Serve hot.

If you liked this, you may also like:

Corn Spinach Pulao

Ghee Rice

Mint Rice

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Dahi Vada Recipe | How to make Dahi Vada [Video]

It's still Summer, the perfect time to have these chilled Dahi Vadas. Dahi Vada is a popular Indian snack that consists of soaking a savory lentil donut in yogurt and topping with a combination of sweet and spicy chutneys and some spice powders. 

In a hurry? Jump to Video or Jump to Recipe

Cool and refreshing! Just 2 words to describe this Dahi Vada.

Dahi Vada has been a favorite of mine since childhood, the soft vadas dunked in a sweet dahi (yogurt), what's not to love. And in a place like Goa which is always hot, the chilled vadas are always welcome.

Apart from eating cool stuff, how do you keep your cool?

A few months ago, I had posted the recipe for Medu Vada or Uddina Vada, that forms the base of this Dahi Vada. I never claim to be an expert or a chef, I am just a home cook who loves cooking and taking photos of food. But when I posted the recipe of Medu Vada on one of the Facebook Groups, a nasty man commented that it is okay for me to make misshapen vadas for home, but if I had to post it on Facebook, I should make them perfectly round. I was so upset when I read the comment, but Raj calmed me down and asked me to ignore it. And then I realized the power of women. By the time I woke up the next morning, a bunch of women had replied aptly to the man as well as asked me to continue posting. I haven't thanked each of those women personally, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of them once again. The way all the women got together and defended me, made me feel so special and loved. 

It reaffirmed my belief that Food Connects People!

Also, it got me thinking, why we assign so much importance to perfection and detail. Why do vadas or laddoos have to be perfectly round? Why do we want perfectly concentric circles in our Chaklis?Why to vegetables have to be blemish free and shaped perfectly? While I got thinking about all this, it reminded me of watching Jamie Oliver talk about "wonky vegetables" and how that desire for perfection led to so much food waste around the world. As a food blogger, it is my job to make my food look as good as possible, but I would never resort to using food coloring or wax or any of the other tactics advertising companies use to sell food. So while my food may be imperfect in shape and appearance, I can assure, it is food that I eat as well as I serve to my family. 

Deep thoughts, I know for a very light and refreshing recipe post, but I had to say it.

So don't worry if your food or your clothes or your hair doesn't look perfect. Own it! Ignore the bad and absorb the good.

Wishing you a Sunny day ahead!

If you made this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment here or on Facebook,  tag your tweet with @oneteaspoonlife on Twitter and don't forget to tag your photo @oneteaspoonoflife on Instagram. You can also email me at onetspoflife@gmail.com I'd love to see what you are up to.

If you like this recipe, do not forget to share it with your friends and family! 

You can follow One Teaspoon Of Life on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or you can subscribe to One Teaspoon Of Life and receive all the latest updated via Email

Video Recipe

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Dahi Vada Recipe

Dahi Vada is a popular snack in which a savory lentil donut is soaked in sweet and salty yogurt and then topped with sweet tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney and spice powders. Served chilled, this make a perfect summer snack.

Recipe Type:  Snacks, Breakfast
Cuisine:            Indian
Prep Time:     4 Hours
Cook time:     60 minutes
Total time:     5 Hours
Yield:                Makes 12 small dahi vadas

Ingredients:

1 cup Urad Dal
1 Tbsp Rice Flour
6-8 Curry leaves, finely chopped
1 Green Chilli, finely chopped
0.5 tsp Pepper, freshly crushed
A pinch of baking soda
500gms Yogurt
4-5 Tbsp Tamarind Chutney
4-5 Tbsp Green Chutney
1-2 Tsp Cumin Powder
1-2 tsp Red Chilli Powder
Salt to taste
Oil to fry
Water as required
Coriander leaves to garnish

Method:

1. Wash the urad dal and soak the dal in water for around 3-4 hours.
2. Drain the dal and grind into a fine batter. Use as less water as possible. The batter should be thick.
3. Heat oil in a kadhai to deep fry the vadas.
4. While the oil heats, add in the rice flour, green chilli, pepper, baking soda and salt. Mix well until combined. IF the dough feels watery, add a little more rice flour.
5. Once the oil is hot enough, wet your hands and take a spoonful of batter onto your fingers. Using the wet finger of the other hand, make a hole in the center. Watch the video for help on how to do this.
6. Gently drop the vada in the oil.
7. Fry on high heat for 1 minute, then lower the heat slightly and continue to cook until the vada becomes golden brown.
8. Now gently slide this batter into the oil. Stir the vada occassionally and flip it, so that it cooks evenly. Cook until golden brown on both sides.
9. Remove the vada from the oil and immediately drop in a bowl filled with water.
10. Gently immerse the vada in the water and let it soak for 30 minutes.
11. Meanwhile, whisk the yogurt (dahi) until smooth. Add in salt to taste. You can also add in a little sugar and a tempering of mustard seeds to the yogurt.
12. To serve, take 1-2 vadas and gently squeeze out the water and place in a serving bowl. Spoon over some of the yogurt (dahi) along with a little of the yogurt, top with a spoonful of tamarind chutney, green chutney and sprinkle cumin powder and red chilli powder. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve.
13. If planning to serve later, then squeeze out all the vadas and place in a large bowl, pour the yogurt on it and chill in the fridge. Top with the chutneys and spice powders before serving.

If you liked this, you may also like:

Boondi Raita

Dahi Sandwich

Medu Vada

Read more ...

Maharashtrian Tomato Saar Recipe [Video]

Nothing says Summer like red juicy ripe tomatoes. Use the tomatoes to make this simple vegan curry from India. The Tomato Saar is vegan and gluten free.

In a hurry? Jump to Video or Jump to Recipe

Red juicy tomatoes = Summer, right?

Summer is the best and worst time to be in India. Yeah. Let's go with the bad thing first, it is worst because of the heat. If it weren't for the summer rains in Bangalore, I would probably be swimming in a pool of my own sweat. Ugly visual, scratch that. But the best past about Summer, the best fruits and vegetables. 

If you want to have the sweetest fruits, the juiciest fruits, you have to come to India in Summer and then probably hide yourself in an AC room the entire day. 

Come April, I had a good list of recipes I wanted to cook for Summer and share with you guys. As predicted, I never stuck to that list. I really never do, I don't know why I bother. Instead of making what I had so patiently planned (I even set a Google Calendar reminder, I know, that's deep), I went on cooking with what I found in the market. I think it worked out better this way. At least I have been cooking seasonal to a large extent.

This Tomato Saar is just that, seasonal and delicious. But then you get tomatoes all year round, so what's your excuse to not make this? I assume you have nothing, so read ahead.

The history, I first encountered this Tomato Saar when I was in College. We were working to change the hostel mess menu when someone suggested this, and the cooks (lazy as they were) actually agreed to make this. They made it for the trial menu one weekday lunch and for some reason, while I really enjoyed it, it never did make the cut to the final menu. I tend to blame the cook's stubbornness to change, that led to it being out, because it was so delicious. A term I rarely used on anything that came out of the hostel kitchen.

Ever since, I've made this many times when I want a quick curry that does not require me to boil dal or make some elaborate masala. This Tomato Saar is simple, quick, vegan, healthy, gluten free and foremost, it is tasty. It is tangy and spicy and pairs perfectly with rice or with bread. 

To make the Tomato Saar, boil tomatoes, blend them with coconut, garlic and chillies, boil this puree again and season it. That's literally it! I'm really not giving you any excuses to chicken out, am I?

So wishing you a Happy Summer! May you cook with the best of the season's produce.

If you made this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment here or on Facebook,  tag your tweet with @oneteaspoonlife on Twitter and don't forget to tag your photo @oneteaspoonoflife on Instagram. You can also email me at onetspoflife@gmail.com I'd love to see what you are up to.

If you like this recipe, do not forget to share it with your friends and family! 

You can follow One Teaspoon Of Life on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or you can subscribe to One Teaspoon Of Life and receive all the latest updated via Email

Video Recipe

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Maharashtrian Tomato Saar Recipe

Maharashtrian Tomato Saar is a simple yet flavorful vegan curry made from tomatoes and coconut. The dish is made popularly in the Western state of Maharashtra in India. 

Recipe Type:  Curry
Cuisine:            Indian
Prep Time:     10 minutes
Cook time:     30 minutes
Total time:     40 minutes
Yield:                Serves 2

Ingredients:

3 large Tomatoes, diced
0.75 cup grated Coconut
2 cloves Garlic
2 Green Chilli, roughly chopped
2 Tbsp Oil
1 tsp Cumin Seeds
Curry leaves
Salt to taste
1 Tbsp Coriander leaves, chopped
Water as required

Method:

1. Boil the roughly diced tomatoes in water until soft.
2. Drain the tomatoes and allow to cool. Keep the water it was boiled in aside, do not throw away.
3. Blend together the tomatoes, coconut, garlic and green chillies along with a little water until smooth.
4. Heat oil in a kadhai and add cumin seeds.
5. Once they brown, add in the curry leaves. 
6. Add in the tomato-coconut paste. Add the water used to cook the tomatoes as required to reach the desired consistency.
7. Add salt and boil for 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and garnish with coriander leaves.
8. Serve hot with rice or bread.

If you liked this, you may also like:

Misal Pav

Dalma

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Vegan Jackfruit Burger Recipe [Video]

When Summer gives you Jackfruit, make Jackfruit Burgers. This vegan Jackfruit Burger has a shallow fried patty made with unripe jackfruit, potatoes and spices. The patty is topped with slices tomatoes, onions, lettuce and a vegan mayo.

In a hurry? Jump to Video or Jump to Recipe

I've had one of those weeks, where all I want to do is curl on my bed under my comfy blanket and call it a night and sleep off the whole weekend. A wish that I know I cannot fulfill, not this weekend. A busy weekend ahead :(

But I plan to have the next best thing going, a burger. A good burger to me is like that comfy blanket, it is comfort food when I am stressed out. What makes a good burger for you? For me, it is a delicious patty, preferably not too greasy, a bunch of veggies, a good bun (always!) and no ketchup. Yes, no ketchup. I am one of those ketchup haters of the world. I never understood ketchup, and I doubt I ever will. And this Jackfruit Burger is that and more!

I was super tempted to make a Jackfruit burger, because of 2 reasons - one, because it is Summer and Summer is definitely peak jackfruit season and you should always take full advantage of seasonal produce. And two, cause, ever since a cafe opened up near the house that sells Jackfruit Burger, I've wanted to have it! Those were reasons enough for me to attempt one last week, and may I say we were all very very impressed with this beauty. 

The internet says the Jackfruit burger is very popular. Most of the recipes out there are for bbq pulled jackfruit style sandwiches, something I wasn't game for. So I made what I am comfortable with and what I love eating - a jackfruit patty. Making the patty is super easy and it only requires a few ingredients. The patty is made with shredded boiled jackfruit, boiled potatoes and spices. I totally Indianized the burger with Garam Masala, because that is what we Indians do. We add our spicy touch to any cuisine and make it our own. Then I formed the patties and shallow fried it. Can I say (without bragging), that it was yum.

YUM.

The burger buns were homemade, and for the first time ever they ended up with that pretty brown color and they were soft, like burger buns are meant to be. I followed N'Oven's recipe to make the burger buns, I just eliminated the milk powder and it worked fine. I like Mayo in my burgers, so I used some vegan mayo. Use any sauce of your choice - mustard, sriracha, guac or even ketchup. Only after that, I may never speak to you again. Just kidding!

Have a burger filled weekend.

If you made this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment here or on Facebook,  tag your tweet with @oneteaspoonlife on Twitter and don't forget to tag your photo @oneteaspoonoflife on Instagram. You can also email me at onetspoflife@gmail.com I'd love to see what you are up to.

If you like this recipe, do not forget to share it with your friends and family! 

You can follow One Teaspoon Of Life on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or you can subscribe to One Teaspoon Of Life and receive all the latest updated via Email

Video Recipe

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Jackfruit Burger Recipe

Jackfruit burger is sandwich made with a patty made of unripe jackfruit, potatoes and spices. Topped with sliced tomatoes, onions, lettuce and a sauce of your choice. This burger is Vegan.

Recipe Type:  Sandwich
Cuisine:            International
Prep Time:     45 minutes
Cook time:     15 minutes
Total time:     60 minutes
Yield:                Makes 5 burgers

Ingredients:

200 gms unripe Jackfruit, cut into cubes
1.5 cups Potato, boiled and mashed
1 Onion, finely chopped
1 Tbsp Garlic, finely chopped
1 Green Chilli, finely chopped
0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
0.5 tsp Garam Masala
0.5 tsp Red Chilli Powder
Handful of Coriander leaves
Salt to taste
Oil as required
5 Burger Buns
0.5 cup Vegan Mayonnaise 
Sliced tomatoes
Sliced Onions
Lettuce leaves
Water as required

Method:

1. Pressure cook the jackfruit with water and 0.5 tsp of salt until completely cooked. Drain and leave aside to cool.
2. After the jackfruit cools slightly, with the help of 2 forks, shred the jackfruit.
3. Add in the chopped onion, chopped garlic, mashed potatoes, chopped green chilli, turmeric powder, garam masala, red chilli powder, salt and finely chopped coriander leaves and mix well until completely combined.
4. Divide the mixture into 5 and shape the patties. Refrigerate the patties for 30 minutes or freeze for 15 minutes.
5. Heat oil in a shallow pan. Place the patties and cook on medium heat.
6. Flip the burgers when one side is browned. Cook until both sides are browned and the patties are cooked.
7. To assemble the Jackfruit Burger, slice the burger buns horizontally. Spread vegan mayo or a sauce of your choice on the lower half of the bun. Place the patty, sliced tomatoes, sliced onions and lettuce and cover with the other half of the burger bun.
8. Serve hot with fries.

If you liked this, you may also like:

Beetroot Cauliflower Burger

Grilled Paneer Sandwich

Grilled Veg and Bean Sliders

Read more ...

North Karnataka Heritage Trail - Day 4 & 5 - Bijapur & Back

A five day car trip across North Karnataka exploring the ancient architectural wonders of Hampi, Badami, Patadkal, Aihole and Bijapur.

If you are an architecture and history buff, then this is the trip for you!!

We traveled across North Karnataka on a heritage trail end of last year in a 5 day trip including driving to and from Bangalore. Karnataka has been ruled by several powerful empires and each of these empires has left a mark on the architectural landscape of the state. From the intricate carving of 5th century temples to the giant domes of 17th century, North Karnataka has a lot to offer. So these holidays instead of visiting the tourist favorites of Bangalore-Mysore, take some time out to go see these ancient beauties.

 In our 5 day trip, we covered Hampi, Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole and Bijapur.

This trip is divided across 3 posts, so keep reading. Our itinerary was as follows:

Day 1 - Travel from Bangalore to Hosapete. Visit Anegundi.

Day 2 - Visit Hampi and TB Dam. Travel to Badami.

Day 3 - Visit Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole

Day 4 - Visit Bijapur

Day 5 - Travel back to Bangalore.

This post, details the Day 4&5

Read about Days 1 and 2 in Hampi here and Day 3 in Badami, Patadkal and Aihole, here.

Day 4

We set out for Bijapur or Vijayapura, as it is known today on Day 4 of our journey. After touring Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole, we halted at Bagalkot. We set out for Bijapur early next morning after having our breakfast at the hotel. The distance between the two cities is around 84 km and can be covered in 2 hours. 

While my first two post were all about Hindu and Jain temples, this one is different. Bijapur or Vijayapura has an Islamic past. It was ruled for over a century by the Adil Shahi dynasty and then passed on to the hands of other Islamic dynasties. So the architecture here is very different from the other places mentioned in my North Karnataka Heritage Trail.

Bijapur is an important town in Karnataka, and hence has several hotels, restaurants and markets. It even has a mall now. The place can get busy in peak seasons, so book your hotel in advance. Most of the monuments are open from 6am to 6pm. In peak seasons, we suggest you start early to cover the main ones.

Gol Gumbaz

No visit to Bijapur can be complete without visiting the Gol Gumbaz. Gol Gumbaz is the mausoleum of King Mohammad Adil Shah. This mighty monument is famous for its echoes and the whispering alley. To enjoy the monument, we suggest you beat the crowd and be there early, preferably before 8am. Unfortunately, we visited the monument when there were several school children on trip and the echoing of their screaming and shouting made us feel we were in a swarming bee hive. The security guard informed us that schools usually visit by 9am, hence we suggest being here as early as possible. You will need to purchase a ticket to visit the monument. There is parking available at the monument.

Upli Burz

This is a small, but famous watchtower with two canons on the top. You don't need to buy any ticket to visit it. The steps, though few in number are very steep, so climb carefully.

Ibrahim Roza

This is a 17th century monument that houses the tomb of Ibrahim Adil Shah II . It has 2 structures, one with the tomb and one mosque. The domes are beautiful and it rises from a lotus petal base. The complex is open from 6am to 6pm and requires you to buy a ticket to visit.

Bara Kaman

This is an unfinished mausoleum of one of the Adil Shahi Kings's. It was supposed to have 12 arches, but we counted less. The place requires no ticket to visit and has no parking available close by. Park near the road and walk inside.

Jod Gumbaz

This is a set of two mosques located close to the KSRTC bus stand. Both mosques are still being used for worship. No ticket required here. You can park on the road outside.

Other places to see in Bijapur, if you have time:

• Gagan Mahal
• Taj Bawdi
• Shivgiri Temple
• Torvi Narasimha Temple
• Malik-i-Maidan
• Jumma Masjid
• Mithari Mahal
• Asar Mahal

After we finished our history filled day, we started towards Bangalore the same night. We started from Bijapur around 6pm and halted at Hosapete for the night. We reached Hosapete around 9.30 pm. 

On Day 5 we continued our journey towards Bangalore from Hosapete.

Tips:

• You can hire autos or horse driven tangas in the city that will take you to all the monuments at a nominal price.
• You are not allowed to carry large bags inside Gol Gumbaz complex. You can either keep them in the car or in the cloak room near the ticket counter.
• Buy local terracotta vessels for cooking on the road between the KSRTC bus stand and Jod Gumbaz. They are very reasonably priced.
• Eat Joladda Rotti Oota near the KSRTC bus stand if you can tolerate spicy food.
• S Hypermart on the outskirts of the city is a huge super market that is open till 11 pm.

Read more ...

North Karnataka Heritage Trail - Day 3 - Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole

A five day car trip across North Karnataka exploring the ancient architectural wonders of Hampi, Badami, Patadkal, Aihole and Bijapur.

If you are an architecture and history buff, then this is the trip for you!!

We traveled across North Karnataka on a heritage trail end of last year in a 5 day trip including driving to and from Bangalore. Karnataka has been ruled by several powerful empires and each of these empires has left a mark on the architectural landscape of the state. From the intricate carving of 5th century temples to the giant domes of 17th century, North Karnataka has a lot to offer. So these holidays instead of visiting the tourist favorites of Bangalore-Mysore, take some time out to go see these ancient beauties.

 In our 5 day trip, we covered Hampi, Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole and Bijapur.

This trip is divided across 3 posts, so keep reading. Our itinerary was as follows:

Day 1 - Travel from Bangalore to Hosapete. Visit Anegundi.

Day 2 - Visit Hampi and TB Dam. Travel to Badami.

Day 3 - Visit Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole

Day 4 - Visit Bijapur

Day 5 - Travel back to Bangalore.

This post, details the Day 3.

Read about Days 1 and 2 in Hampi here.

Day 3:

After we covered the world famous ruins of Hampi, we moved on to visit the even older temples of the 4-8th century at Badami, Patadkal and Aihole. These temples are ancient and still so beautiful. I was as mesmerized as I was when we visited the Angkor Wat temple complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

After completing our site seeing in Hampi on Day 2, we proceeded towards Bagalkot in the evening. We had a late check-in at a hotel, but this ensured we could start day 3 early. We stayed in Bagalkot city as we couldn't find accommodation in Badami. We started out at around 8am from Bagalkot and had our breakfast in Badami. There are several Udupi restaurants in Badami that are open for breakfast.

Badami 

Badami is a small town in North Karnataka famous for the set of cave temples. Four caves are carved out of the sandstone hill that surrounds lake Agastya. Badami Caves open at 9am and close at 6pm. The parking is pretty much a nightmare, as it involves going through a single lane road that is being operated as a two lane (for entering and exiting). During peak seasons, the parking gets full pretty fast, so we suggest reaching the caves as early as possible. You need to purchase a ticket for entry and for parking. Guides speaking Kannada and Hindi are available around the entrance to the caves. There was no bargaining with the price (we thought it was slightly steep), but we still hired a guide. The guide showed us some unique carvings and puzzles on the pillars that we may have missed, had we chosen not to hire him. You can combine groups on your own and share the price too.

Cave 1:

The first cave is dedicated to Lord Shiva. On the outside of the cave you will see a Nataraja Statue. On the inside, there is a carving of Ardhanarishvara and Harihara on the right and left sides on the cave respectively. There is a Shiva Linga in the temple, however, it is not worshiped as of today.

Cave 2 and 3:

The second and third caves are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. There is no deity in the temple, but the carvings in the cave indicate there was once a statue of Lord Vishnu. The third cave is the largest in the complex with several carvings and paintings. These two caves depict various scenes from mythology and show the different avatars of Lord Vishnu. There are carvings on the ceiling too.

Cave 4:

Probably the simplest of the 4 caves, this cave is dedicated to Jainism. It has the statues of Bahubali Mahavira and Parshvanatha.

Apart from the caves, you can also visit the Archaelogical Museum (closes at 5pm) on the other side of the lake. There are also two Bhootnath Temples along the lake, while the Yellamma temple is closer to the parking.

Tips:

• Be very careful of monkeys, they can snatch your food.
• Parking is a nightmare, reach early to get a good parking. Caves open at 9am.
• English and Hindi speaking guides are available near the entrance to the caves.
• Plan to spend around 1-1.5 hours at the caves. 

Pattadakal

Pattadakal is temple town with 7th and 8th century architecture. It is 23 km from Badami and it houses a huge temple complex with 9 Hindu temples and 1 Jain Temple. The Hindu temples are close by and the Jain temple is 1 km away towards Badami. The temples depict scenes from Ramayana, Mahabharata and other epics. The Virupaksha Temple in the complex is still worshiped till date while the others are not. 

The Pattadakal temples are open from 6am-6pm. You need to purchase a ticket to enter the temple complex. Parking is available outside the temple complex. 

Tips:

• Eat Joladda Rotti Oota or the local thali that has jowar rotis and curries just outside the temple complex. 
• You can hire a guide at the entrance.
• Plan to spend 1.5-2 hours here including time for lunch.

Aihole

Aihole is around 10 km from Pattadakal and is the oldest temple town of the three. Aihole has several temple complexes spread out over the village. The village has more than 100 monuments. The temples in Aihole show that the architects tried different styles. There are temples which you cannot circumambulate (pradakshina) and some where you can. There are temples with gopuras and temples with a second storey. Some temples also have North Indian influences. 

There is parking outside the monument and you need to buy a ticket to visit the monuments. The temples are open from 6am to 6pm. 

Tips:

• There are lots of monuments beside the main Durga temple complex. If you have time, walk through them.
• Aihole is a village and there are not many places to eat, so carry your own food.
• You can hire a guide at the entrance.

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