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Inside Shilpa Shettys Varanasi trip: Banarasi lassi, sari shopping; 5 things to do in the ancient city

Inside Shilpa Shettys Varanasi trip: Banarasi lassi, sari shopping; 5 things to do in the ancient city

4 min readMay 16, 2026 11:00 PM IST

From walking around the narrow lanes, shopping for silk sarees, to relishing street food, Varanasi offers myriad experiences to travel enthusiasts. Recently, Shilpa Shetty visited the “spiritual capital of India” and shared glimpses of her time in the city on Instagram.

The actor’s trip includes enjoying local cuisine, immersing in the traditional vibe at Assi Ghat, and soaking up the city’s atmosphere. One of the photos she shared showed multiple kulhads of lassi neatly placed on a counter. Sharing the photo, she used hashtags like #BanarasDiaries and #BanarasiLassi.


Screengrab taken from Shilpa Shetty’s Instagram story

Further, Shilpa visited a local shop, exploring exquisite Banarasi silk saris, which attract thousands of fashion enthusiasts and bride-to-be every year. After exploring the city’s rich craft and handloom, the actor took a spiritual stop at the Maa Vindhyavasini Temple in Vindhyachal, Mirzapur.

Screenshot taken from Shilpa Shetty’s Instagram story

Varanasi is situated on the northern banks of the Ganges, where its two tributaries- Varuna and Assi- form the city’s boundaries. We have collated a list of things to do when in Varanasi.

Early morning boat ride on the Ganges

Boat ride in Banaras on the Ganges (Image

For travellers chasing the sunrise in Varanasi, boat rides are ideal. These rides navigate the Ganges starting from Dashashwamedh Ghat, the central ghat on the Ganges, near Godowlia crossing, to Manikarnika Ghat, which is one of the most sacred riverfront cremation grounds on the western bank of the Ganges River.

Evening at Assi Ghat

Assi Ghat Ganga aarti (Image

Assi Ghat is a quintessential location to live Bollywood’s Ranjhanaa moment, along with the Ganga aarti. Located in the south of Varanasi, this ghat is the confluence of the Ganga River and Assi River. The best time to visit the ghat is during early morning and evening to enjoy the magical aarti, and take some Instagram-worthy photos.

A pit stop at Kashi Chaat Bhandar

Banaras tamatar chaat (Image

Varanasi is synonymous with lip-smacking chaats and other street food. Kashi Chaat Bhandar has emerged as one of the go-to spots to rub taste buds after Indian billionaire businesswoman Nita Ambani visited the shop in June 2024 and gorged on the famous tamatar chaat and aloo tikki. The team was then hired to serve its signature dishes at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding.

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Ramnagar Fort

Ramangar Forst, Banaras (Image

For travellers seeking an offbeat experience, Ramanagar Fort offers a magnificent view. Built entirely in sandstone by Raja Balwant Singh in the 18th century, the fort is a 30-minute boat ride from the Assi Ghat. In the fort, resides the Saraswati Bhawan museum, featuring vintage automobiles, ivory carvings, royal artefacts, and more.

Shop for Banarasi saris

Banarasi sarees shopping (Pinterest)

Varanasi is famous for its finest hand-woven Banarasi saris, representing the Indian heritage for several decades. The city offers a wide range of shops with contemporary yet traditional sarees for every occasion, based on the budget.

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Can a pre-diabetic stop taking Metformin by eating garlic instead?

3 min readNew DelhiMay 18, 2026 09:28 AM IST

Garlic has long been valued in traditional medicine, and some studies suggest it may help regulate blood sugar and reduce inflammation. So, can a pre-diabetic stop taking Metformin by eating garlic instead? Answering this Quora query, Dr Pranav Ghody, a consultant endocrinologist and diabetologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, dispelled the myth and said that garlic cannot replace metformin or any medication prescribed for pre-diabetes. “Pre-diabetes indicates the body is starting to face insulin resistance. While lifestyle changes like healthy eating, regular exercise, weight management, stress control, and proper sleep can improve blood sugar levels, depending on a single food like garlic is not safe or scientifically valid,” said Dr Ghody.

DISCLAIMER:This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

Notably, Metformin helps by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing hepatic glucose production. “Its effects are well-studied and monitored by medical professionals. Garlic might provide health benefits, but it does not have the same reliable impact.”

In fact, adding more garlic while “neglecting other lifestyle changes or stopping medication without guidance can delay proper treatment and increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes”.

Many people with pre-diabetes can reduce or even stop medication over time, but this typically results from lasting lifestyle changes, not from consuming one ‘superfood’. “A balanced diet with fibre, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins is much more effective than focusing on individual remedies,” said Dr Ghody.

Stop relying on one-stop measures (

There is also a growing trend of promoting kitchen ingredients as “natural cures”. “People should be careful with these claims. Natural does not always mean effective or safe for everyone. Consuming excessive garlic may lead to acidity, bloating, interactions with blood thinners, or worsen gastric issues in some people,” said Dr Ghody.

Do not rely on supplementary methods (

The best approach is personalised care. “If blood sugar levels improve through weight loss, exercise, and diet, a doctor may reconsider the need for medication. However, stopping metformin on your own and replacing it with garlic is not a good idea,” reiterated Dr Ghody.

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Think of garlic as a healthy addition to your meals, not a replacement for medical treatment.

DISCLAIMER:This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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Chunky Panday hustles for muscle; trainer shares a glimpse

3 min readNew DelhiMay 18, 2026 06:00 AM IST

Actor Chunky Panday, 63, was recently seen working out at the gym, doing a range of bodyweight exercises, including push-upsand weight training. “Hustle for the muscle @chunkypanday,” wrote Panday’s trainer Rohan Apte on his Instagram.

“The push-ups and dumbbell chest press primarily target the chest, shoulders, and triceps, helping build upper body strength and improve functional pushing movements. The chest press, where he lies on a bench and presses dumbbells upward, is especially effective for controlled strength building,” said consultant dietitian and fitness expert Garima Goyal.

DISCLAIMER:This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

This highlights a refreshing and realistic approach to staying active with age. “Instead of chasing extreme transformations, his routine reflects consistency, functional movement, and sustainability, which are the real pillars of long-term fitness,” said Goyal.

From a clinical perspective, workouts at this stage of life should focus on maintaining muscle mass, improving joint mobility, and supporting cardiovascular health. “With increasing age, there is a natural decline in muscle strength and flexibility. Regular movement, even if moderate in intensity, helps slow down this process and supports daily functioning,” said Goyal.

What stands out in his routine is the emphasis on controlled movements rather than high-intensity strain. “Exercises that focus on balance, coordination, and stability are especially important because they reduce the risk of injuries and support better posture. This kind of training is more sustainable and easier to maintain over time,” said Goyal.

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Another important factor is metabolic health. “Staying active helps improve insulin sensitivity, supports weight management, and reduces the risk of lifestyle disorders such as diabetes and heart disease. Even short, consistent workouts can have a significant impact when done regularly.”

Nutrition continues to play a key supporting role. “Adequate protein intake helps preserve muscle mass, while proper hydration and micronutrients support recovery and energy levels.”

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What does your routine look like? (

What his routine reflects is a mindset shift. “Fitness is not about intensity at every stage of life. It is about consistency that you can sustain,” Goyal shared.

You don’t need extreme workouts to stay fit. “You need regular movement that your body can maintain consistently,” said Goyal.

DISCLAIMER:This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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5 dangerous places on Earth that people still pay to visit

3 min readNew DelhiMay 17, 2026 11:00 PM IST

Adventure tourism is no longer limited to beaches and mountain retreats. Around the world, travellers are increasingly drawn to places known for extreme temperatures, dangerous terrain, toxic environments, and harsh survival conditions. Despite the risks, these destinations continue to fascinate people seeking unique experiences and natural wonders.

Here are five of the most hostile natural places on Earth, and why tourists still visit them.

1. Death Valley

Death Valley holds the record for some of the highest temperatures ever recorded on Earth, with summer temperatures often crossing 50°C. The dry desert environment, scarce water sources, and extreme heat make survival difficult.

Yet tourists visit for its surreal salt flats, dramatic desert landscapes, colourful canyons, and stargazing opportunities. Winter and early spring are considered the safest times to explore the region.

2. Danakil Depression

The Danakil Depression is one of the hottest and most geologically active places in the world. The region contains acidic hot springs, toxic gases, salt plains, and brightly coloured hydrothermal fields that resemble another planet. Despite the extreme heat and dangerous volcanic activity, travellers visit for its rare geological formations and otherworldly scenery that few places on Earth can match.

Danakil Depression (

3. Antarctica

Antarctica is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth. Temperatures can fall drastically, and the isolated environment poses serious survival challenges.

Still, tourists travel there to witness massive icebergs, glaciers, penguin colonies, whales, and untouched polar landscapes. Expedition cruises have made Antarctica one of the most sought-after bucket-list destinations for adventure travellers.

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4. Mount Everest

Mount Everest remains one of the world’s most dangerous tourist destinations due to avalanches, extreme altitude, oxygen deprivation, and unpredictable weather conditions. Despite the risks, climbers from across the globe continue attempting the summit for personal achievement, adventure, and the prestige associated with conquering the world’s tallest mountain.

5. Snake Island

Officially known as Ilha da Queimada Grande, Snake Island is home to thousands of venomous golden lancehead snakes, making it one of the deadliest islands in the world. Public access is heavily restricted by Brazilian authorities. Although tourists cannot freely explore the island, its terrifying reputation continues to attract global fascination through documentaries, researchers, and adventure storytelling.

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With my mom: Vikas Khanna opens up about his last meal and the comfort of methi aloo

3 min readNew DelhiMay 17, 2026 10:00 PM IST

Michelin-star chef and restaurateur Vikas Khanna — who recently made TIME Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world —shared some of the best places and dishes in India that have shaped his culinary journey.

In a conversation with Culinary Culture Reco, Khanna named several food destinations in India that he believes every food enthusiast should experience at least once. Among them were Sasuma in Surat and two iconic food hubs in Indore: Sarafa Bazaar and Chappan Dukan. He also emphasised that Indore has a food scene that remains widely underestimated despite its rich culinary heritage.

Khanna further pointed to the dosa as one Indian dish that New York has embraced, but still does not fully understand. When asked about the best dish he has created, Khanna chose Dahi Ke Kebab, a popular appetiser in North India and a wedding staple, for its delicate texture and balance of flavours.

When asked about his New York restaurant, Bungalow, he shared that for him, it means “promise” to him.

Among the places he visits quietly, away from social media, Khanna mentioned Veselka, a well-known Ukrainian restaurant in New York’s East Village. He also named Russ & Daughters among his go-to dining spots in the city.

Khanna also said one chef in India he deeply respects is Sanjeev Kapoor. When homesick, he turns to a simple plate of methi aloo, a dish that reminds him of home. Asked about his last meal, the chef answered, “with my mom.”

Reflecting on Indian cuisine as a whole, Khanna said that what sets India apart from other food cultures is its extraordinary hospitality. “I have never witnessed any country with this level of hospitality,” he said.

Watch here:

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Chef Gautam Kapoor, a consultant chef with 30 years of experience, revealed the specific ingredients or spice blends unique to Indore that people don’t talk about enough. “Indore offers a hidden treasure known as Jeeravan Masala—a fantastic, slightly bolder version of a seasoning sprinkle,” he said.

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Explaining the difference between a regular Chaat Masala and Jeeravan Masala, Chef Kapoor said, “While Chaat Masala relies heavily on Amchoor (dried mango powder) and black salt for its tanginess, Jeeravan Masala offers a more complex profile. It provides a unique combination of flavours, blending the tang of Chaat Masala with the warmth of Garam Masala, roasted cumin, and a hint of clove.”

“The incorporation of these diverse spices creates a deep, multi-layered taste that makes Jeeravan incredibly interesting. It is this specific balance that gives Indori cuisine its signature kick,” he added.

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Why lighting your essential oil diffuser daily might not be such a good idea

4 min readNew DelhiUpdated: May 17, 2026 09:48 PM IST

The internet is filled with countless de-stressing guides, with a large chunk of them suggesting one easy hack—turn on your essential oil diffuser and boom! Your room smells better, the aura is calming, and the Pinteresty-spa quotient is high. But is it a good idea to turn to this hack daily? Not really, says an expert.

According to Dr Sagar Srivastava, Consultant Pulmonologist, Kailash Hospital, Greater Kailash, the key concern is ventilation. “The use of essential oil diffusers should be avoided in spaces that lack proper ventilation and which remain closed throughout the day,” he tells .

Diffusers release essential oils into the air through a process called aerosolisation. This spreads volatile organic compounds (VOCs) indoors. While the fragrance may feel soothing, continuous release in a poorly ventilated space allows these compounds to accumulate.

How does it affect your body?

“Asthmatic patients and those who suffer from chronic respiratory disorders face greater health risks”: Dr Srivastava (

“The continuous release of volatile organic compounds through aerosolization builds up in indoor spaces and creates potential respiratory tract dangers,” warns Dr Srivastava.

The combination of sufficient cross-ventilation with short exposure periods, as per the pulmonologist, establishes the foundation for “decreased inhalation impact” and the protection of indoor air quality.

Beyond air quality, daily exposure can also affect the body directly. “Yes, repeated exposure to the vapours of essential oils may cause irritation to the mucous membrane lining and, in susceptible individuals, may trigger cough, wheezing, irritation of the throat, or allergic reactions,” he says.

Furthermore, some essential oils contain compounds that may irritate the skin as well, potentially leading to contact dermatitis or worsening rhinitis symptoms. If you notice throat discomfort, coughing, or skin reactions after diffuser use, it may not be coincidental.

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Who should be more cautious?

Certain groups are particularly vulnerable to this seemingly harmless ritual. “Children and elderly people together with asthmatic patients and those who suffer from chronic respiratory disorders face greater health risks,” Dr Srivastava notes. Developing airways in children, age-related changes in older adults, and pre-existing respiratory conditions can all increase sensitivity to airborne irritants.

“Even mild aromatic compounds can cause bronchospasm and breathlessness together with allergic flare-ups in highly sensitive populations,” he adds.

So are diffusers a total no? Absolutely not!

The risks do not mean that you have to give up on this soothing practice completely. It is the frequency and duration that matter. “The ideal diffusion process should take place in 20 to 30-minute intervals, which occur once or twice between the two daily sessions,” Dr Srivastava advises.

He also recommends maintaining proper dilution levels, avoiding high concentration settings, and discontinuing use if respiratory discomfort occurs. “Individuals who have lung problems need to obtain medical advice before they start using diffusers in their daily activities,” Dr Srivastava adds.

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So while the calming scent is inviting, like most things indoors, moderation and ventilation are what truly keep the air safe and experience holistic.

DISCLAIMER:This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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