Dehradun's BEST Cinnamon: Where to Buy the Spiciest Sticks in India!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's hotel review! We're diving headfirst into Dehradun's BEST Cinnamon: Where to Buy the Spiciest Sticks in India! – and yeah, it's gonna be a wild ride. Forget the sterile hotel brochures, we're going full-on REALITY here.
Right, so, let's be honest, I wasn't really here for the cinnamon (though the promise of the spiciest sticks in India? You had me at "spicy"). I was after a getaway, pure and simple. And this place, whatever it's called, promised some serious R&R. Let's see if it delivered, shall we?
First Impressions (And the Initial Panic): Accessibility & Security
Okay, first hurdle: getting to the place. I swear, my GPS had a meltdown multiple times. Accessibility is a huge deal for me these days, you know? I like a smooth entry, not a goat track. Thankfully, the main entrance seemed alright, though I didn't personally need a wheelchair, I made sure to check for my friends, and it seems this has all the bases covered, there's even a lift! I’m not checking the outside security cameras, or the 24-hour security, it is just the feeling I had. So, thumbs up on the "not-completely-lost-in-the-wilderness" front. They had the usual stuff, fire extinguishers, the whole deal. Makes you feel somewhat safe, though I still check the locks twice out of habit. Especially with those exterior corridors.
The Room: Sanctuary or…Slightly Dated Cell?
Alright, the room. Here's where things get… complicated. The Air Conditioning was a godsend. Absolute godsend. Dehradun gets HOT, people. And the Blackout Curtains? Another win. Needed my beauty sleep.
The bed? Comfy enough, I guess. I’m not a princess and the pea type, but I can definitely appreciate a good night's sleep. The pillows were decent… but not amazing. No room decorations to speak of, which, honestly, is fine by me. I don't need a ton of frills. But at that price point I would expect a bit more luxury to be honest.
Now, the bathroom. Here's where the "dated" aesthetic started to creep in. The bathtub was… functional. The shower felt a little cramped, but it had good water pressure, and let's be honest, a good shower is half the battle won, right? The complimentary toiletries were basic, but hey, they were there. No complaints. But no "wow" factor. A very adequate bathroom.
The Internet? Well, it's 2024, so let's hope for good internet, right? They offered Wi-Fi [free] and also Internet access – LAN. Seriously? LAN? That's like… a throwback to the dial-up age. Okay, okay, it’s a solid backup for me. The Wi-Fi was solid enough, even in the room, there was no problems. The desk was fine for my laptop.
Food, Glorious Food (And the Cinnamon Hunt Begins!)
Okay, this is where it gets interesting. I'm not gonna lie, I was REALLY hoping for some mind-blowing food. They boasted a lot – Restaurants, a Coffee shop, a Poolside bar… They even promise Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant. That's a lot of promises.
I started with the breakfast. They offer Breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast service and even Breakfast takeaway service! I went for the buffet, because, well, hello, buffet! Overall, it was… okay. The Western breakfast was pretty standard, with bread, eggs, and bacon. The Asian breakfast was interesting, but nothing to write home about. The coffee/tea in restaurant was fine, but not as fresh as I would have liked.
Now, about that cinnamon hunt… Let’s just say I was slightly disappointed. I asked, I searched, I sniffed around the Coffee shop. Nothing. I got vague answers and pointed in the wrong direction more than once. That’s the fun of travelling, I suppose.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (or Not!)
The hotel was promising Things to do beyond eating, but ultimately, I did other things. I skipped the Fitness center and the Pool with view… I just had other priorities. The truth is, the spa sounded tempting. However, the price of the Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom seemed a bit… steep. I’m a spa-goer, but I'm going to be choosy. I'd say I'll skip it because I wasn't spending a week there.
Services and Conveniences (The Good, the Bad, and the "Meh")
They had all the usual stuff: Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Room service [24-hour]. Good. That's what you want. I also noticed they offered stuff like cash withdrawal, which is convenient, I guess. The convenience store was handy for late-night snacks. There were a lot of them, like the Ironing service for example.
For the Kids (Because, you know, families)
They had Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids meal, so that's a plus.
My Verdict (With a Side of Cinnamon-less Sadness)
Okay, so overall? Dehradun's BEST Cinnamon: Where to Buy the Spiciest Sticks in India! is… a decent place. Not amazing, not terrible. Good value for the price I paid. Would I recommend it? Yeah, probably. Would I go back? Maybe. The room could use some love, and the cinnamon hunt was a bust. But the location was convenient, the staff were friendly, and the AC was a lifesaver.
Final Score: 6.5/10 (Plus a bonus point for the AC. Seriously, bless the AC.)
And now, the REAL offer (because you deserve better than a generic hotel listing!):
Tired of the Same Old Travel Ruts? Ditch the Ordinary, Embrace the Unexpected!
Book your Dehradun getaway at Dehradun's BEST Cinnamon: Where to Buy the Spiciest Sticks in India! and get:
- A Special Welcome Gift: Since you probably won't find cinnamon, we'll throw in a complimentary local treat to try!
- One day of fully paid spa access: Rejuvenate yourself with a massage in the spa.
- Bonus Tip: Ask the front desk staff for the real cinnamon hotspots. (I’m betting there’s a hidden gem they’re not telling everyone about!)
- Peace of Mind: We're committed to cleanliness and safety, with Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and staff trained in top-notch safety protocol. Room sanitization opt-out available for the eco-conscious.
Don't wait! Book your Dehradun adventure now and experience the "slightly quirky, mostly awesome" side of India!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Aonang Pool Villa Awaits in Krabi, Thailand
Alright, strap in, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is a Dehradun deep dive, narrated by yours truly, and trust me, things are gonna get a little… unhinged. Buckle up!
Cinnamon Dehradun: A Messy, Magnificent Adventure (aka, Pray for My Sanity)
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude Sickness, and the Elusive Dhaba of Dreams
- Morning (ish, because jet lag is a beast): Arrive in Dehradun. The air hits you, a weird mix of pine needles and exhaust fumes. And oh god… the altitude. I have this ridiculous fear of looking like a goldfish gasping for air, and the altitude is making everything blurry, not a great first impression.
- The Hotel Craziness: Cinnamon. It's supposed to be a "boutique" experience. Let's hope so because the taxi driver thought it was another hotel with rooms that are never clean. After multiple phone calls we found the actual place. It's cute, I'll give it that. But the staff is a charming bunch of people, bless their hearts, that's the best way to describe them.
- Lunch (or, the Great Thali Hunt): Okay, so my guidebook promised the "best thali in town" at this little Dhaba (roadside eatery, for those of you living under a rock). After an hour of wandering around the streets (the "guides" were lost), dodging cows, and battling the insistent vendors, I gave up. Let's just say, my stomach feels like it's been through a war zone. Managed to find a half-decent momos that I would rate as a 2.5 rating.
- Afternoon: Nap. Necessity. Then a walk, a slow, slightly panicky walk, trying to acclimatize to the altitude. Tried to find a local market but quickly got overwhelmed. Lost. Found some chai. Felt slightly better. Realized I'd forgotten sunscreen. Damn. The sun here is a demon.
- Evening: The Dhaba hunt. Still. Obsessed. Finally, after a serious conversation with a friendly rickshaw driver (who, after much pointing and gesturing, finally understood my desperation), managed to find a place that looked vaguely promising. It was fine. Nothing to write home about, but at least it wasn't a complete disaster. Feeling a little too full. Going back to the hotel. And hoping I won't spend the night hugging the toilet.
Day 2: The Tapkeshwar Temple and the Waterfall That Tried to Drown Me (Literally)
- Morning: The altitude is still a jerk. Coffee: the only hero. Decided to be all "spiritual and cultural" and head to Tapkeshwar Temple. It's inside a cave! Neat. But the climb down to the cave was brutal, and I felt like I was going to topple over.
- Temple Time: The air in the cave is cool and damp, and there's this incredible natural Shiva Lingam dripping with water. It's kind of beautiful, actually, in a slightly creepy, ancient-gods-judging-your-sins kind of way. Soaked in the spirituality, which was a nice breather from the chaos.
- The Waterfall of Doom (aka, Sahastradhara): Okay, this is where things get interesting. Sahastradhara is a waterfall, and it is glorious. But the "path" is more of a treacherous, slippery, rock-hopping nightmare. I swear I almost bit it about a dozen times. There were kids, happily skipping along, and I was convinced I was going to become a human pancake.
- That ONE Moment: I'm talking about the time when I found a nice spot to chill. Enjoying the sounds of the mountain and the refreshing water. It was so peaceful and full of life. I felt grateful for the simplicity.
- Afternoon: Tried (and failed) to buy some local handicrafts. Everything was so… shiny and overpriced. Ended up with a cheap, slightly wonky scarf. It's okay, I'm not a fashion guru.
- Evening: Ordered room service. Needed to recharge. Watching Bollywood films on TV. Honestly, the plotlines are ridiculous, but the dancing is amazing. And the food? Better than the Dhaba, sadly.
Day 3: Mussoorie Madness and the Fading Hope of Finding Real Peace
- Morning: Decided to be a tourist and head to Mussoorie, the "Queen of the Hills." The drive up was a curvy, nausea-inducing rollercoaster. I swore I saw a yak. Maybe. The altitude at Mussoorie is even higher…
- Mussoorie (the Tourist Trap): Mall Road. Overcrowded, loud, and full of the same souvenir shops I saw yesterday. The scenery, though? Spectacular. Like, breathtakingly beautiful. But still a chaotic mess of humanity.
- Gun Hill: Took the cable car up to Gun Hill. The views are insane. You can see the Himalayas! Took a picture. Immediately started arguing with some dude about whether the picture was "the right angle."
- Lunch Disaster: Tried to find a "quaint cafe" for lunch. Ended up in a touristy place with overpriced, bland food. Fumes.
- Afternoon: Walked around. Saw a sad little dog. Wished I could take him home. Bought a postcard. Probably won't mail it.
- Evening: Back in Dehradun. Feeling a bit deflated. The beauty of the Himalayas is undeniable, but sometimes, the crowds just suck the life out of you. Finding a good restaurant is a challenge right now. The next one is the last chance.
- Final Thoughts: Dehradun is a whirlwind. It's messy, chaotic, beautiful, frustrating, and utterly unforgettable. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just be prepared for the mess, the altitude, the questionable food, and the overwhelming feeling that you're just constantly trying to keep your head above water. And maybe, just maybe, you'll find a little piece of yourself, somewhere along the way. And don't worry if you don't. It's all good.
Dehradun's BEST Cinnamon: Where to Find the Spiciest Sticks in India! (Let's Get Real)
Okay, So, Is Dehradun Cinnamon REALLY That Good? Like, Worth the Hype?
Alright, let's cut the crap. The internet LOVES to hype things up. And the word "best" is thrown around like confetti. BUT... Dehradun cinnamon? Yeah, it's pretty darn good. Look, I'm a cinnamon FREAK. I put it in EVERYTHING. Coffee, oatmeal, even a sprinkle on my scrambled eggs (judge me, I dare ya!). And I've tried a LOT of cinnamon. This? This is the real deal. It's got this *warmth*, this *depth* that just… it slaps you in the face with flavor (in a good way!). Think less generic, supermarket spice rack and more: 'My grandmother's secret recipe' kinda magic.
Honestly? I was skeptical. I'd heard the whispers. "Dehradun... the cinnamon capital..." But the first time I actually CRUSHED a stick between my fingers and smelled it? My eyes watered. In a good way! It was like… pure, unadulterated spice-joy. So, yeah. The hype is *mostly* justified. Just don't expect a religious experience every time. Sometimes you get a dud stick, just like anything in life.
Where Can I Actually BUY this Magical Cinnamon? (And Avoid the Tourist Traps!)
Okay, here's the REAL tea. Forget those swanky, air-conditioned "spice emporiums" in the touristy parts of town. They'll charge you an arm and a leg, and the cinnamon will probably be… well, *okay*. The good stuff? You gotta go where the locals go.
My top picks (and personal experiences, because that's what you really want, right?):
- Paltan Bazaar: This is where the fun *really* begins. It's a total sensory overload, smells of a million spices, and the vendors can be... characters. You'll find smaller spice shops, often run by families who know their stuff. Don't be afraid to haggle a little! I once spent a solid hour arguing with a very proud shopkeeper about the origin of his cinnamon (he claimed it was smuggled from Nepal). I didn't even *care* if it was true, the story made the spice taste better! He finally folded and gave me a discount just to get rid of me. Worth it.
- Local Markets Near Clock Tower: Similar vibe to Paltan Bazaar, but maybe a bit less chaotic. Look for stalls overflowing with colorful spices. Again - chat with the vendors. Tell them you *adore* cinnamon. They’ll give you extra samples. (Trust me on this one.)
- Warning! Supermarket Cinnamon is NOT the Same! Don't. Just. Don't. You'll be deeply disappointed. I went through a period of laziness once and tried supermarket cinnamon. It was like comparing a sad little instant coffee to a perfectly brewed espresso. A complete, utter letdown. Learn from my mistakes.
Pro Tip: Always, ALWAYS smell before you buy. Good cinnamon should have a strong, intoxicating aroma. If it smells… meh… walk on. Also, look at the color. It shouldn't be faded or dull. That's a sign it's been sitting around for ages.
What Kind of Cinnamon Are We Even Talking About? (Ceylon vs. Cassia... Help!)
Alright, spice nerds, let's get technical for a sec. This is where things get a tad… complicated. You’ll hear words like "Ceylon cinnamon" and "Cassia cinnamon" thrown around a lot. And it matters. It *kinda* matters.
Basically:
- Ceylon cinnamon (also known as "true cinnamon") is generally regarded as superior. It's more delicate, sweeter, and the bark is thinner and rolls into tight quills. It’s what you *hope* you’re getting.
- Cassia cinnamon is what you usually find in supermarkets. It's bolder, spicier, and the bark is thicker. It’s cheaper, which is why it’s everywhere.
Here's the real kicker: IN DEHRADUN, you might find EITHER. This is why smelling it is *crucial*. Ask the vendor! They *should* know. If they look at you blankly? Probably Cassia. But honestly? Even the Cassia I've gotten in Dehradun is often better than the "fancy" Ceylon I've found elsewhere. It's about freshness, too.
My most embarrassing moment? I once walked into a shop, with a HUGE grin, and asked the shopkeeper: "Do you have any of that *Ceylon* cinnamon, the *true* cinnamon?" He looked me dead in the eye and said, "Madam, we have only the REAL cinnamon here." I blushed so hard I nearly exploded. Learned my lesson. Always be humble, people!
Okay, I’ve Got the Cinnamon… Now What?! (Ideas for a Cinnamon Overload)
You've got the goods. You've successfully navigated the spice markets. Now... let the cinnamon-fueled madness begin!
- Breakfast Bliss: Oatmeal, French toast, pancakes… basically anything that benefits from a warm hug. Don't be shy with the sprinkles. Think of it as therapy.
- Coffee Boost: Add a generous sprinkle to your coffee grounds *before* brewing. Or, even better, make a cinnamon-infused simple syrup for your lattes. (Pure. Cinnamon. Heaven.)
- Baking Bonanza: Cinnamon rolls, apple pie, banana bread… You know the drill. Just make sure your kitchen is well-ventilated. The aroma will intoxicate your entire neighborhood.
- Savory Surprise: Yep, even savory! Try a tiny pinch in your curries, stews, or even sprinkled over roasted vegetables. It adds a subtle warmth and complexity. I once put a tiny pinch on my dal. Mind. Blown.
- The Ultimate Cinnamon Experiment: I once, in a moment of pure, unadulterated cinnamon lust, made a cinnamon-infused honey. It was so good I almost fainted. This is a slightly involved process, but if you are REALLY serious about getting cinnamon into you, just do it!
Warning: You might become obsessed. You might start carrying a cinnamon stick in your purse. You might start judging everyone else's cinnamon game. And that's perfectly okay. Embrace the Spice Life!
Any Tips on Spotting "Fake" Cinnamon? (Or, Cinnamon That's Past its Prime?)
Okay, let's play Sherlock Holmes, spice edition. You don't want to be fooled! This is where your senses come in. There are a few red flags:
- The Smell Test is EVERYTHING! If it smells *weak* or cardboardy, walk away. Fresh cinnamon should have a strong, vibrant aroma that tickles your nose. ThinkHotel Bliss SearchCinnamon Dehradun India
Cinnamon Dehradun India
