Dosa, a South Indian signature dish

DOSA: a thin, savoury pancake that is a signature South Indian dish.

Dosa à Pushkar (Rajasthan) by Ji-Elle Wikimedia

Dosas are made from a fermented batter of ground black lentils and rice.

Dosas are served hot, often with chutney and sambar, a stew made with lentils.

Though it is South Indian cuisine, the dish can be found across India.

I could eat this every day. 😀

Have you ever had a dosa?


India visas for Canadians resumes

UPDATE December 2, 2023: Tourist visas for Canadians travelling to India has now resumed.

Good news for Canadians planning to travel to India. The Indian government has resumed visa services for travel to the country. However, not all visa categories are available, such as tourist.

Following is copy from the news release issued yesterday by the High Commission of India in Ottawa:

October 25, 2023 – Ottawa, Canada

News Release

The High Commission of India in Ottawa, Canada and its Consulates General in Toronto and Vancouver were constrained to suspend visa services temporarily because of safety and security considerations.

After a considered review of the security situation that takes into account some recent Canadian measures in this regard, it has been decided to resume visa services for the following categories with effect from October 26, 2023:

(a) Entry Visa
(b) Business Visa
(c) Medical Visa, and (d) Conference Visa

Emergency situations will continue to be addressed by the High Commission and the Consulates General as it is being done currently.

Further decisions, as appropriate, would be intimated based on continuing evaluation of the situation.

 

As well, following are the links with information related to each of the categories for applicants:

Entry Visa: https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in/page/visa-entry/

Business Visa: https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in/page/business-visa/

Medical Visa: https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in/page/medical-visa/

Conference Visa: https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in/page/conference-visa/

 

Please note, however, what is not included is the tourist visa for Canadians to travel to India as tourists. I hope this resumes soon.


Opinion: Canada-India Crisis

A significant story broke this week regarding Canada’s relationship with India over the alleged assassination of a Canadian Sikh citizen by forces connected to the Indian government. Since I am planning a group trip for women to India next September 2024, I wanted to address it briefly.

At present, the relationship between nations has deteriorated with the Canadians downsizing the number of diplomats in India and India putting a freeze on tourist visas that are required for travel to the country. India has also advised against travel to Canada for the time-being.

While I am not an expert on the politics, I wanted to address this due to my upcoming trip for those who follow my blog and the trip details. I am aware of the situation and, while this is terribly unfortunate, I hope it will be resolved soon.

In the meantime, I will be watching to see how this event impacts travel for Canadians to India.

Lotus Temple, Delhi, India, Shannon Skinner

Lotus Temple, Delhi, India, Shannon Skinner

 

Love and wisdom,

Shannon

 

u


Round-Up: Wellness Travel

The beginning of September for many in the northern hemisphere is synonymous with new beginnings in life, whether it is business, career, a relationship or lifestyle change. It is also the time many of us start planning trips for the following year. Since Covid, there has been a growing interest in wellness travel — focussing on one’s physical and mental health and wellbeing. From spas to pilgrimages to retreats, or just relaxing getaways, people are looking to travel as a great life transformer – or simply a means of self-care.

Hotel Des Bains is a luxury thermal spa and resort located in Saillon, Switzerland. Saillon is the most beautiful village in Switzerland. I was a guest and it was superb.

 

I have curated a round-up of few helpful articles on wellness travel — my “top 5” list — highlighting relevant wellness travel news and destination/tourism ideas to consider as you plan for 2024. They are gathered from a range of media sources, and all offer some fabulous inspiration to find your next spa, retreat, spiritual pilgrimage or a relaxing holiday to unwind, destress, or focus on self-development.

 

Yoga retreats, ashrams, Yoga academies, India, travel, Shannon Skinner, yoga

The Atmantan Wellness Resort is located near Mumbai, India, where I recently was a guest, also superb.

Top 5 List: Wellness Travel Articles for Destination Ideas and Inspiration

1. National Geographic

The rise of wellness travel, from rewilding to yoga and pilgrimages

2. Euronews

Wellness tourism is booming but what’s behind the trend? 

3. Harper’s Bazaar

The great reset: the best wellness retreats in Europe

4. Vogue

The Best Spas in Europe that Mix Travel With Pure Relaxation

5. AFAR

What Your Wellness Vacation Will Look Like in 2023

 

A night shot at Hotel Des Bains in Saillon, Switzerland. 

 

RELATED ARTICLES:

Travel to India with me in 2024

Consider an India Yoga Retreat to Deepen Your Practice

Atmantan Wellness Resort in India: My Review

7 Days in Valais, Switzerland

 

Shannon Skinner is an award-winning inspirational TV host/producer of ExtraodinaryWomenTV.com, radio host, international speaker, public relations consultant and writer covering travel, wellness and wine. 


Consider an India retreat to deepen your yoga practice

The luxury Atmantan Wellness Resort near Mumbai, which offers yoga sessions in its wellness packages.

The first time I took a yoga class, I was in my twenties and working in the high-octane field of public relations, and in need of a way to relax and calm my mind. At that time (before the Lululemon craze), yoga was not popular or cool as it is now. The class was held in a school gymnasium and it must have worked because I fell asleep, which was a miracle for a 20-something body that was operating on little sleep and gallons of caffeine.

Since, yoga has increased in popularity across the country, attracting people from all walks of life, and I continue to learn more about this ancient Indian tradition, which is much more than just poses.

The benefits of yoga are well-known, including increased flexibility, muscle strength, improved energy and vitality, weight management, cardio health, reduced stress, among others. Interestingly, a recent study shows that meditation and yoga practice are linked to reduced volume in the brain region that is tied to negative emotions. Probably the most important reason, it can help us love ourselves a little bit more.

And so, if you are looking to start and/or maintain a daily practice, or deepen your practice, or are a beginner, one of the best ways is to immerse yourself in study and practice. Or consider including it in a wellness retreat. The ideal place to learn is where it all began: India.

There are many yoga academies and ashrams across India, though a number of them rank higher than others. Some offer retreats and others are geared to teacher training (note: in Sanskrit, ashram means “a place where everything happens effortlessly”). I have visited many of them in Pune and Lonavala, Maharashtra.

Here are some of the most popular yoga institutions in India. The ones I have visited have photos included.

List of most popular yoga institutions in India

  1. B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Institute, Pune

Created by B.K.S. Iyengar, considered to be the founder of modern yoga, this renowned institute attracts yoga students from around the world who are interest in training. 

The outside of Iyengar Yoga Institute. Indoors photos were restricted or forbidden.

Iyengar

 

  1. Nisargaopchar Ashram, Pune

Founded in 1946 by the legendary Mahatma Gandhi, it is a unique example of the field of naturopathy, which brings people from across India and internationally for its holistic approach to healing, which includes daily yoga.

Yoga room at the Nisargaopchar Ashram

Lovely views at the Nisargaopchar Ashram during the monsoon

  1. Kaivalyadhama Ashram, Lonavala

 A research institution and yoga college that teaches the Ashtanga yoga of Patanjali, the pioneer who laid down the foundation for traditional yoga.

Kaivalyadhama Ashram

Kaivalyadhama Ashram enterance

 

  1. The Vedanta Academy, Lonavala

Founded by legendary Swami Parthasarathy. Located 8 km from Lonavala and nestled in the hills of Malavli, the academy is set on a secluded, modern campus, providing an ideal atmosphere for peace, contemplation and reflection; and has a number of amenities.

The Vedanta Academy campus

The Vedanta Academy accommodations

  1. The Art of Living Ashram, Bangalore

One of India’s most popular ashrams, it was founded by renowned spiritual leader, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. It is a volunteer-based organization that also undertakes various initiatives geared to uplifting and enhancing quality of life internationally.

  1. Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore

 Founded by Sadhguru, it was designed to create an inclusive culture for global harmony and progress, as well as a centre working on literacy and conservation. Its “inner transformation” programs for physical, mental and spiritual wellness have been recognized by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UNESC).

  1. Bihar School of Yoga, Munger

Located in a 14th-century fort, the center integrates several approaches to personal development based on yogic teachings. Founded by Sri Swami Satyananda Saraswati, the yoga ashram (Ganga Darshan Yogashram) follows modern-day “gurukul lifestyle,” and the school offers yogic teachings. The center also guides yoga projects and medical research in association with corporations and government.

  1. Ashtanga Yoga Institute, Mysore

 Set in Mysore, the city of palaces and fountains, this institute was founded by Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois and offers yoga courses ranging from one month to six months, and intensive Ashtanga yoga classes year-round. Classes are also offered in Sanskrit.

  1. The Yoga Institute, Goa

 The Yoga Institute in Goa is located on Chorâo Island, the largest of the 17 islands of Goa, along the Mandovi river. This paradise for bird-watchers and nature lovers is less than a 30 minute drive from the state capital city of Panjim and a 15 minute ferry ride through scenic surroundings.

Although there are a plethora of places where you can learn and practice yoga in India, such as spas and wellness resorts like the luxury Atmantan Wellness Resort near Mumbai, as well as private retreats, these are certainly amongst the best to help you deepen your yoga practice.

 

Atmantan Wellness Resort lobby. It is not officially listed in this list because it is not a learning/teaching institution, though I stayed here and it offers fabulous wellness packages.

 

Shannon Skinner is an award-winning inspirational creator/host of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com, author, radio host, speaker and writer covering travel, wellness and wine.

 

 


Lotus Temple: India’s finest modern architecture

The Lotus Temple is one of my favourite attractions in Delhi. It is incredibly beautiful architecture, probably the most interesting house of worship in the modern era anywhere, and one of the most visited places on earth.

I had the opportunity to visit the temple on one of my trips to Delhi. I recently was going through my photos and panicked because I could not find my photos of Lotus Temple. Yesterday, I found them and I was inspired to post them on social media and decided to write about it.

Here are some fun facts about the Lotus Temple:

Walking through the gardens along the red sandstone walkway to get to the Lotus Temple

FUN FACTS:

• The Lotus Temple is famous for its distinct flower shape. It was designed to reflect the beauty and symmetry of the lotus flower.

• The lotus flower is an important symbol in Eastern and Indian faiths, including Bahá’i, Hinduism and Buddhism.

Truly magnificent architecture

• Lotus Temple is a Bahá’i faith house of worship. Bahá’i is a religious movement originating in Iran in the 19th century that emphasizes the spiritual unity of humankind.

• The design represents the “Oneness of God, the Oneness of all Religions and the Oneness of Mankind,” which are the guiding tenets of Baha’i faith.

• It is a popular attraction in Delhi, with more than 3.5 million visitors per year.

• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Anyone can visit Lotus Temple. It is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Be mindful, though, of the rules. Be sure to wear conservative clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, which is not uncommon for many places of worship around the world.

There are 9 reflecting pools of water, symbolizing the lotus leaves

• The building has 27 free-standing marble-clad petals arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. There are nine doors opening into a central hall with high ceilings. This is the space where people gather and music is played. There are 9 reflecting pools of water, symbolizing the lotus leaves.

•  All around the temple are walkways made of red sandstone with beautiful curved balustrades, bridges and stairs that surround the nine reflecting pools.

• It won many architecture awards and is considered an incredible architectural achievement.

• The Lotus Temple has a Canada connection. The architect is Farinorz Sahba, an Iranian. Though he currently lives in the United States, he once lived in Canada prior to moving to the U.S.

• Like many places of worship around the world, visitors are required to take shoes off before entering.

Walking through the vast property to get to the temple. This is why I suggest taking a bottle of water with you.

TIPS:

• You will be given a bag to hold your shoes. Beware the ground is hot on bare feet. Since you must remove your shoes, take a pair of socks.

• Take a bottle of water with you. It can be very hot while walking around the gardens and waiting in line to get in.

Shannon Skinner is an award-winning inspirational TV talkshow host and producer, speaker and writer covering luxury travel, wine and wellness for women.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Shannon’s Travel Bag articles on India


Travel to India with Shannon in 2024

If you follow me on my blog or in the media, you probably know that India is a destination that has captured my heart. India continues to beckon me to further explore its geography, culture, people and cuisine, and I would love to share this beautiful and fascinating country with you.

I am planning to organize a trip to India for a group of women in September 2024.

More details will be announced soon.

If you are interested in finding out more, email me at: info (@) shannonskinner.com.

Stay tuned!

In the meantime, here are a few photos from past trips to inspire you.

Much love xo

Shannon

 

Amer Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan

 

Amer Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan

 

The City Palace in Jaipur, Rajasthan

 

Me at The City Palace, Jaipur, India

 

My favourite boutique hotel, Samode Haveli

 

Shannon Skinner is an award-winning inspirational TV host/producer, writer and speaker, covering travel, wellness and wine for women.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Check out some of my past posts about my travels to India.


Tasting the world’s first black turmeric latte from Shunya India

This week, I attended an event “What’s Brewing in the Himalayas,” hosted by Consulate General of India in Toronto featuring a tasting of organic, herbal, caffeine-free beverages from Shunya India, an India-based company located in the foothills of the Himalayas. The company’s products are soon to be launched in Canada.

Consul General Apoorva Srivastava

Tasting of Shunya India’s beverages

Shunya India’s products are based on ancient Ayurveda medicine and all their herbs are mountain-harvested and organic. Many of the farmers are women.

We tasted four of Shunya India’s products, including the world’s first black turmeric latte. Black turmeric is known to have medicinal properties such as gut health and pain relief

“The name ‘Shunya’ is an ode to fresh beginnings, the immense potential, awareness, energy, and transformative powers that are associated with Shunyatha or Nothingness, from which wondrous creations are born.”

Tasting the world’s first black turmeric latte (the yellow beverage in the cup)

Another product, Himalayan Ashwagandha, has the ingredient Ashwagandha, which is anti-inflammatory and supports your immunity.

My favourite product of the ones we tried is the Damask Rose, a healthy alternative to tea and coffee. I drink a lot of tea and need to stop.

 

A take-away gift from Shunya India for all guests

 

An interesting fact about this company is many of the farmers are women who work hard to grow and harvest the herbs used to make these products.

Also attending the event was an Ayurvedic medicine expert from India, Dr. Tanuja Mano J. Nesari, who talked briefly about the health benefits of black turmeric and ashwagandha, as well as Ayruveda in general. There were also executives from Canada India Foundation in attendance.

Toronto-based Ravi Kumar, Eximpro, who imports Shunya India in Canada

Representatives from the Consulate General of India in Toronto and Canada India Foundation

I appreciate my friends at the Consulate General of India in Toronto. Meet Ratna.

Dr. Tanuja Mano J. Nesari, an expert and professor of Ayurveda at the University of Delhi

Lastly, we also said farewell to Consul General, Apoorva Srivastava, who is leaving for her new post in Slovakia.

I am inspired to learn more about the herbs and the ancient Indian medical system, Ayurveda. It is a natural approach to physical and mental health. I really enjoyed these and I will incorporate into my daily life.

Shunyal India is imported in Canada by Eximpro, specialists in international trade and trade services.

Shannon Skinner is an award-winning inspirational writer, broadcaster and speaker, writing about travel, wellness and wine.


India Consulate General in Toronto hosts media event

On February 10th, 2023, I attended an event for media hosted by the India Consulate General in Toronto.

I had the honour of chatting with Consul General, Apoorva Srivastava and all the other staff from the consulate. Ms. Srivastava provided highlights of this past year of achievements and updates regarding the important Canada-India relationship.

Watch for upcoming articles for more information.

Here are some photos from the event. I usually take photos of the food, but unfortunately this time I didn’t capture any because I had such a lovely time mingling that I forgot to take some snaps. Drat.

Consul General, Apoorva Srivastava

Pictured with Shuban Krishen, India Consulate General in Toronto, Com/Pol & CSO

 

Gursharan Mann, TV Host and Actor

Ms. Srivastava speaking to the group of media in attendance

 

Photo credit: Nisarg Lakhmani. Next to Ms. Srivastava, I might be the only non-Punjabi in this photo 🙂

Making new friends

 

Shannon Skinner is an author, international speaker, travel writer, and host and producer of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com. She is also a travel expert on India as a destination. Read about her journeys to Incredible India .

Other related posts you might be interested in:

Shannon’s Travel Bag: India Stories 


India Republic Day in Toronto

On January 26th, we celebrated India Republic Day at the India Consulate in Toronto, hosted by the Consul General, Ms. Apoorva Srivastava. In India, January 26th is considered the day the constitution was adopted, making India a republic. It was adopted in 1950. And so, every year, on January 26th, it is commemorated in India and abroad.

The Indian flag was unfurled by the Consul General, who gave a short speech, followed by lovely entertainment. Breakfast was provided by Chaska. They have several locations in Toronto and Mississauga (I love Indian food). Here are some highlights:

Consul General, Ms. Apoorva Srivastava. 

 

Pictured with my friend Ajay Tandon, who I will be forever grateful for helping me get to India

– and fall in love with the country.

Consul General, Ms. Apoorva Srivastava, unfurling the flag and singing the national anthem.

Punjabi media were on location as well as some celebrities.

Lovely entertainment

Young girl performer sings

 

The consulate was packed with members of the community

 

A breakfast box and mango lassi, provided by Chaska.com

 

Millet, paneer, samosa. I love Indian food.

 

Shannon Skinner is an author, host and producer of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com, international speaker and travel writer.


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Shannon Skinner
I am hosting a tour of India for extraordinary women, in partnership with Sunspots Holidays, this September 2024.Join me as we explore India's stunning architecture, such as the renowned Taj Mahal, royal palaces and ancient forts. Discover Indian culinary delights, cultural places, authentic textiles and learn about everyday way of life of Indians, including yoga, through a female lens.We will explore 5 cities, as well as India's breathtaking desert region, Rajasthan. As well, we are now offering an *optional* tour extension of Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world and the spiritual capital of India, after the completion of our main tour, adding a 6th city to our itinerary.I am excited to share with you the India I fell in love with. Join me!🔸women's tour🔸Sept. 16-27, 2024🔸12 days/11 nights - 5 cities🔸Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Jodphur-Udaipur🔸Optional Varanasi tour extension post-tour (2 days/1 night)🔸small group Presented by: Extraordinary Women TV. Book this exclusive offer now.For details, visit: ShannonSkinner.com.Contact: info@shannonskinner.com. *Tour can only be purchased with Sunspots Holidays (TICO registration 1030981).#shannonskinner #extraordinarywomentv #travel #india #toursforwomen #shannontravels ... See MoreSee Less
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I recently had the opportunity to speak at a travel industry event, “Evolving Tourism Landscape in India,” hosted by the India High Commissioner in Ottawa and India's Consul General in Toronto.I spoke about my northeast India travels and why a Bengal Tiger is calling me back.Photo: Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce (thank you) ... See MoreSee Less
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India is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. Take it from me, a travel writer.This September, I am hosting a guided tour of India for extraordinary women, in partnership with Sunspots Holidays. Join me as we explore India's stunning architecture, such as the renowned Taj Mahal, royal palaces and ancient forts. Discover Indian culinary delights, cultural places, authentic textiles and learn about everyday way of life of Indians, including yoga, through a female lens.We will explore 5 cities, as well as India's breathtaking desert region, Rajasthan.I am excited to share with you the India I fell in love with. Join me!🔸women's tour🔸Sept. 16-27, 2024🔸12 days/11 nights - 5 cities🔸Delhi-Agra-Jaipur-Jodphur-Udaipur🔸small group Presented by: Extraordinary Women TV. Book this exclusive offer now.For details, visit: ShannonSkinner.com.Contact: info@shannonskinner.com. *Tour can only be purchased with Sunspots Holidays (TICO registration 1030981).#shannonskinner #extraordinarywomentv #travel #india #toursforwomen #shannontravels ... See MoreSee Less
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