DESTINATION DELENG/2016/69841 | Volume 1 | Issue 8 | July 2017
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EXOTICA
EXPLORE THE WORLD
Done Done
London
Aamchi
Mumbaaii...
Contents 10
Corners of the world
London is as much about wide-open vistas and leafy landscape escapes as it is high-density, sight-packed urban exploration. Read in detail.
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06 MoT Update
Ministry of Tourism has been accomplishing plenty of initiatives that consistently proffer for the growth of India Tourism. Read yourself to know about the recent updates by MoT.
08 News
News from around the world on tourism, hospitality, travel, food, etc, know more about the recent developments in the sector.
16 Extraordinary Destinations
Mumbai is in all ways a mega-city driven by power, wealth, glamour and fame which attracts people to give shape to their dreams and aspirations. But it is also a city with strong historical links, wonderful British architecture, museums, beaches, places of worship, and above all, a true galaxy of stars where Bollywood reigns supreme. Read the complete story...
20 Starry Diaries
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FOUNDER AND PUBLISHER INDRANI GHOSH
Senior Designer ASHOK KUMAR
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ANURAG RAO GADDAM
DESIGNER UMESH
SENIOR EDITOR PRIYANKA SAXENA RAY
Administration Mayank Kandpal
destination exotica | july 2017
Marketing Bhawna Shukla, Aarthi Bhalla manager publications arushi bajaj
We all love to know where our favourite celebrities are holidaying and how are they enjoying themselves, right? Have a look at Parineeti’s vacay in Dubai.
Disclaimer: All information is derived from sources we consider reliable. It is passed on to our readers without any responsibility on our part. Opinions/views expressed by third parties in abstract or in interviews are not necessarily shared by us. Material appearing in the magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part(s) without express permission from publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse, withdraw or otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation. All advertisements must comply with the Indian Advertisements Code. Destination Exotica is Published, printed by Indrani Ghosh on behalf of Global Buzz Makers Pvt. Ltd. 19-B/A, Lower Ground Floor, Kalkaji, New Delhi–110019. Printed at Modest Graphics Pvt. Ltd., C-53, DDA Shed, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase 1, New Delhi-110020.
From The Editor’s Desk 24 Gourmet Delight
Enjoy sliced mango all by itself or get creative and make boring foods exciting with the exotic mango varieties – there is much you can do with this fruit. Here we bring for you some interesting experiments you can try this season…
28 Gypsy Rhapsody
Wondering where to head the upcoming long weekend? Worry no more and head to Uttarakhand!
36 Miles and Smiles
Make your journey rewarding….With Cathay Pacific, read more on the recent developments
42 Rooftops and Flip-Flops
Food has something magical in it that lifts up the mood instantly. Read our review on Mei Kun restaurant...
44 Get, Set, Go
Getting ready during the monsoons can be a little challenging. To help you get that ideal outdoorsy look for the rainy season – one that makes you feel comfortable and chic at the same time, here are a few things to keep in mind...
47 Wellness and More
Keep your skin away from dampness because damp skin to microbes and fungi is what a candy store is to a child. Here is the perfect monsoon skin care by Shahnaz Husain...
48 Stars Speak
Find out what the stars have in store for you this month.
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Dear Friends, Most of my ‘family readers’ (especially those in North) would have definitely undertaken the compulsory ‘summer vacation trip’ recently. Well, I did too to London and though it was my nth visit to the country, it still left me speechless and clicking pictures of every attraction like a first time traveler. But well, in my defense, London does that to you. Its charm is infectious and grips you every time you visit it. I have tried to list down few ‘must-see and must-try’ things in London, which are not much different from the usual yet a compulsory tick on your visit to the city.
Edit page
Monsoons are raining in most parts of India, turning the country greener and more beautiful. One such city that receives downpour in galloons and yet remains its ‘pretty self’ is Mumbai, which only becomes more vibrant during the rainy season. Read all there is to see and experience in “aamchi Mumbai”. Well, getting ready during the monsoons can be a little challenging. To help you get that ideal outdoorsy look for the rainy season – one that makes you feel comfortable and chic at the same time, we have outlined a list of few things to be kept in mind while venturing out in the rain. There’s lots more stuff to read in terms of mango recopies – unique and quick, the long-weekend road trip to Haridwar-Rishikesh and how India is fast becoming popular as a Medical Tourism destination. We hope you will like browsing through the array of articles we have carefully put together for you. Happy Reading!
Anurag Rao Gaddam
Priyanka Saxena Ray
Editor-In-Chief
Senior Editor
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MoT Update
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MoT celebrated ‘3rd International Day of Yoga’
he Ministry of Tourism recently celebrated the 3rd International Day of Yoga (IDY) through various initiatives. A 30 second Radio Spot promoting Yoga was developed and aired on 17 AIR FM stations from June 14 - 21. A 60 second Television commercial promoting India as a land of Yoga was developed. A month long TV campaign promoting Yoga was launched on Doordarshan network on 21st June. A campaign promoting Yoga ran on all social network channels of Ministry of Tourism from 15th May 2017 to 21st June 2017. IDY 2017 posters and standees developed were
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offices overseas played a prominent role in the organising of International Day of Yoga celebrations in the countries under their jurisdictions. Indiatourism offices in India, Institutes of the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) and Indian Institutes of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM) also organised International Day of Yoga events. The private sector also encouraged participation in Yoga Day events with Tour Operators planning special trips to Yoga camps and special Yoga Experiences for groups who visited on the Yoga Day.
MoT releases ‘Compendium on guidelines for AYUSH facilities’
he Ministry of Tourism released the ‘Compendium on Guidelines for Ayush Facilities. The National Medical & Wellness Tourism Board under the chairmanship of Minister for Tourism Dr. Mahesh Sharma has been repeatedly stressing on the need for benchmarking of facilities offered by the various service providers in the field of Medical and Wellness Tourism on the basis of globally accepted standards. The constant endeavour of the Ministry of Tourism has been to promote institutions and processes that have achieved such standards in order to provide excellence in service quality. On the demand from the industry and stakeholders including Ministry of Tourism; the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) has brought out accreditation standards
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used by Indiatourism international and domestic offices. A group of 53 international guests comprising tour operators promoting Yoga, Journalists and photographers, Yoga Gurus and opinion makers from across the globe were invited by Ministry of Tourism on a familiarisation trip. The group participated in the main IDY celebrations that on June 21 in which the Prime Minister also participated. The group then visited various Yoga institutions and Wellness Centres in the country in order to have first-hand knowledge and promote India as a destination for Yoga in their own countries. The Indiatourism
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and guidelines for AYUSH facilities in the country including Wellness Centres and Panchkarma clinics that are used by tourists. The compendium includes accreditation available for the facilities such as Ayurveda Hospitals, Yoga and Naturopathy Hospitals, Unani Hospitals, Sidha Hospitals, Homeopathy Hospitals Panchkarma Clinics and Wellness Centres. The Minister mentioned that accreditation
against globally benchmarked standards would help the industry in providing uniform level of service quality. The Ministry of Tourism provides Market Development Assistance (MDA) to Wellness Tourism Service Providers like Hospitals accredited by National Accreditation Board of Hospitals (NABH) and Medical Tourism facilitators (Travel Agents/Tour Operators engaged in Medical Tourism and approved by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India for participation in events related to promotion of Medical and Wellness Tourism outside India. The Ministry of Tourism under the direction of the Minister of Tourism Dr Mahesh Sharma has therefore compiled the accreditation standards for the various AYUSH facilities and urged the industry for wide acceptance of these standards.
Cruise tourism will be game changer in forex, jobs
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ruise tourism will emerge as a “game changer” helping in earning valuable foreign exchange and job creation, Union Tourism minister Mahesh Sharma said. He made the remark during the inaugural session of a workshop on ‘Action Plan for Development of Cruise Tourism in India’ which was chaired by Union Shipping minister Nitin Gadkari. Dr. Mahesh Sharma said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was keenly interested in tapping the tourism potential of the country and cruise tourism. “The arrival of tourists has gone up and India, which was placed on 52nd
spot in world tourism and travel index of 2015, has improved its ranking further by 12 notches getting placed at 40th spot in 2017,” he said. Gadkari said the action plan for cruise tourism in the country will be ready in next 3-4 months. “The report prepared on cruise tourism by the foreign consultant will be discussed and the action plan will be ready in next 3-4 months. Next year is going to be very good for cruise tourism in India,” he said. The government intends to promote cruise shipping and tourism in a big way through the coordination of Shipping and Tourism ministries. Development
of cruise tourism in India has been announced as a project of national importance by the government. The Netherlands-based consultant Bermello Ajmali has prepared a report on cruise tourism in India, which has a low penetration rate in the sector. At present, India has a very small share in world cruise tourism market, as against 23 million passengers globally in 2016. Current estimates indicate that approximately 1,20,000 Indians book a cruise each year. As per Singapore Tourism Board statistics, over 90 per cent of India’s cruise tourists travel to that country for cruising experience.
Dr. Mahesh sharma Chairs 3rd meeting of National Medical and wellness Tourism Board
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he Third Meeting of the National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board was held under the chairmanship of Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism and Culture. The meeting was attended by the Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Smt. Rashmi Verma, other senior government officials and members of the Board comprising of stakeholders in the travel and hospitality industry and experts in the field of Medical and Wellness Tourism as well as other systems of Indian Medicine. In the Second Meeting of the Board held on 28th March, 2017, it was announced that comprehensive framework and roadmap on Medical and Wellness Tourism would be prepared and presented before the na-
tion in time for the International Yoga Day on June 21st 2017. Following this decision of the Board, a committee was formed under the chairmanship of Dr HR Nagendra, President Shri Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, Bengaluru to formulate a comprehensive framework and roadmap on medical and wellness tour-
ism. The committee presented its report for adoption by the Board in which a standard framework for assessment and accreditation of all AYUSH facilities that cater to tourism has been created. The institutions can apply online for self-assessment which would then be reviewed for accreditation. All organisations that are already accredited and/or qualified and/or certified by NAAC, NABH, ISO-9004, Indian Yoga Association (IYA), Center of Excellence (CoE), organisations affiliated by universities, approved integrative hospitals and government AYUSH institutions and Green Leaf / Olive Leaf organizations approved by department of tourism, Government of Kerala were listed on the Ministry of Tourism website on 21st June 2017. july 2017 | destination exotica 7
News Meliá Hotels International boosts Malaysia portfolio with signing of Meliá Melaka
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lated for 2020, Meliá Melaka, the new hotel with a panoramic view of Malay Peninsula in the center of Melaka reaffirms Meliá Hotels International’s commitment to Asia Pacific. Meliá Hotels International, the leading Spanish hotel company with more than 370 hotels worldwide, announced the signing of Meliá Melaka, a new property located in the heart of Melaka, Malaysia. This marks the group’s fourth property in Malaysia, and its first entry into Melaka. The new agreement expands Meliá’s footprint in Malaysia, satisfying its guests’ diverse demands, ranging from cultural visits, medical tourism and investment opportunities for both local and international markets. Managed by the Meliá Hotels & Resorts brand, and owned by Haleton Group, a multiaward winner and a leader in Malaysia’s property development, investment and asset management industry, the hotel is scheduled to open in 2020. As one of the largest mega-corporations in the region, Haleton Group has successfully integrated core businesses in project development and construction, commercial
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hief minister Yogi Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh has enough potential for religious tourism but earlier people used to refrain from taking the name of ‘Ayodhya’ as it was considered communal. Addressing a seminar organised by UP tourism department, the CM said UP has all the resources to
and asset management, retail leasing and hospitality divisions. The group firmly stands by its values of reliability, commitment and long-term relationships in order to maintain its legacy as the most trusted quality brand and has been the trendsetter for unique concepts.
Say ‘I do’ in Jordon and get a sponsored luxury honeymoon!
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ordan is fast making a mark as the most coveted wedding destination and is the perfect spot for a luxury honeymoon! Jordan is full to the brim with cultural and historical landmarks for the newly married. The country’s well-deserved reputation as a stable and prospering Arab nation has proved to be an oasis in the desert for tourists and newly -weds! The Dead Sea is particularly known to hoist off newly-weds in a remarkable style! It is the most popular wedding destination in Jordan; the Resorts and Spas established around the Sea’s peripheral, use healing salts to relax and recuperate. There are many resorts in the Dead Sea area that play host to a multitude of events such as Kempinski, Movenpick, Crowne Plaza etc. It is simply a dream-like destination for honeymooners; world class hospitality, picturesque horizons and pinkhazed coastal sunsets! The beauty of seeing a watery horizon matched by exquisite resorts offering breathtaking views and lavish arrangements, it’s all to wish for while looking for that perfect romantic vibe. Petra
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destination exotica | july 2017
Uttar Pradesh has immense potential for religious tourism
is another must-do for both a wedding and a honeymoon. World famous for its architectural ruins, particularly Petra also called as “the Rose City” dating back to 300 BC
and is renowned for its rock-cut architecture. This destination has premiere chain of Hotels and Resorts which maintain standards of an international tourist destination and is perfect for a romantic getaway. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Jordan is officially referred to as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Jordan Tourism Board is offering a luxury honeymoon of 7 nights in lieu of destination wedding in Jordan.
become a tourist destination. “We need to tap the resources and promote tourism,” he said. The CM launched tourism department’s portal ‘One-stop travel solution’. Taking pot shots at the previous government, Yogi said: “Religious tourism can be the state’s mainstay but people earlier used to avoid taking the name of Ayodhya as it was considered communal. They wore a band of secularism on their eyes.” Citing the example of Indonesia, Yogi said even after being the biggest Islamic country in the world, people and places there had Sanskrit names and Ramleela was a part of the country’s culture. Assuring the people that all facilities will be made available in Allahabad for the 2019 Ardh Kumbh, he said, “The number of devotees arriving at the Kumbh Mela is more than the population of some countries.” The CM instructed the officials of the tourism department to launch an advertising campaign to make people aware of historical and religious places of the state that could attract tourists. Yogi said all tourist destinations would be connected with a helicopter service and 10 airstrips lying defunct would be reactivated. Lucknow, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayag (Allahabad), Naimisharanya, Chitrakoot, Kushinagar, Mathura and Vrindavan are likely to be connected with helicopter service. He announced that after Jewar airport in Noida, the state would get another international airport in Kaushambi, a world famous tourist destination for Buddhist pilgrims. Presently, Uttar Pradesh stands on the second position in the country in terms of tourist footfall.
Tourism New Zealand to organise Kiwi Link India 2017 in New Delhi
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ourism New Zealand’s annual travel trade event, Kiwi Link India, is scheduled to take place from July 12- 14, 2017 in the country’s national capital, New Delhi. The event serves as a platform for Indian travel agents, product managers and planners to interact with New Zealand operators and understand the new developments and market insights in the tourism sector. It will be comprised of two full day workshops followed by a frontline training session for travel agents. Kiwi Link India 2017 will see participation from 35 tourism operators from New Zealand, four airlines, Immigration New Zealand and Indian delegates from 42 companies. Tourism New Zealand will also be hosting key buyers from around India in New Delhi for the first two days of the event. During the event Tourism New Zealand will be introducing the new, improved version of the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme. The programme features a Gold, Silver and Bronze tier structure, and will provide
India’s travel market to reach $48 billion by 2020: Google, BCG
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ndian passenger travel market is projected to grow at 11-11.5 per cent to $48 Billion by 2020 with the biggest contributor, air travel, expected to grow at 15 per cent to $30 billion. Hotels will grow at 13 per cent to $13 billion by 2020 while railways will remain $5 billion, according to Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Google India report, ‘Demystifying the Indian Online Traveller’. Additionally, as more people come online, smartphone penetration increases and use of digital payments goes up, the report estimates that India’s online hotel market will grow to $4 billion with 31 per cent penetration at a CAGR of 25 per cent. Vikas Agnihotri, Industry Director, Google India, said, “India’s domestic travel market is on an acceleration path. One of the key findings of the report is that by 2020, one in three hotel rooms will be booked online — a clear indicator of the growing importance of digital in travel research, planning and booking. There are several actionable insights for domestic online travel players including the role of mobile and the level of curation and personalisation that Indian travellers are looking for.”
benefits and incentives for members of each tier such as: access to in-market training webinars and events; Tourism New Zealand’s Explore New Zealand Discount Programme; and 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist branded items. The revised trade training programme will make it simpler for travel sellers to
become New Zealand experts. It will enhance their knowledge of New Zealand through online and in-person training and provide an opportunity to potentially increase their sales and referrals. Their details will be listed on Tourism New Zealand’s website, further adding to their credibility.
IndiGo awarded best ‘Regional & Low Cost Airlines
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ndiGo, cou\ntry’s youngest and largest growing low cost carrier, received the best ‘Regional & Low Cost Airlines - Asia Pacific’ award at Travellers’ Choice Awards 2017 for Airlines by TripAdvisor. The award was received by Mr. Aditya Ghosh, President and Whole-Time Director, IndiGo at the Global Business Park in Gurugram. 6E becomes the only Indian carrier to win an international award in this category. The award has been bestowed upon leading airlines across Asia Pacific for their services and operational excellence. IndiGo is also the only Indian carrier from the Asia Pacific region to receive an award in this category. Receiving this award, Mr. Aditya Ghosh, President and Whole-Time Director, IndiGo said, “We are delighted to receive this recognition. The award is a testimony to the continued support and trust of our flyers. It’s such a great feeling that our customers reviewing their experience with IndiGo have rated us to be the best in the Asia Pacific region. It’s once again a proud feeling to put India on the world map. We are grateful to our customers and
travel partners for their constant support and encouragement. I owe this award to the thousands of my colleagues to create that unique and consistent IndiGo experience that our customers love!” The Travellers’ Choice Awards are the awards conferred by TripAdvisor in the field of service and hospitality based on overall reviews by passengers and aggregators on the services. It is an annual awards conferred in various categories. Airlines is one of the five travel categories identified for the Traveller’s Choice Awards and the winners are decided on the basis of an algorithm that assesses the quantity and quality of airline reviews and ratings submitted by travellers worldwide over a period of 12 months. july 2017 | destination exotica 9
Corners of the world
Done Done London I know it sounds cheesy, but well, I am a Shahrukh Khan fan and loved the way he would say ‘done done London’ in his movie Jab Tak hai Jaan, which like most of SRK movies, was shot in London. Well, we have all seen the city in numerous Bollywood flicks – dancing at Oxford Street, singing on the Thames Cruise and walking by the Westminster area – our actors have done it all, yet nothing prepares you for the beauty, the ambience and the magic that engulfs you as you tour London…
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Priyanka Saxena Ray
ondon is as much about wideopen vistas and leafy landscape escapes as it is about high-density, sight-packed urban exploration. Immersed in history, London’s rich seams of eye-opening antiquity are everywhere. The city’s buildings are striking milestones in a unique and beguiling biography, and a great many of them – the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben – are instantly recognisable landmarks. There’s more than enough innovation (the Shard, the Tate Modern extension, the planned Garden Bridge) to put a crackle in the air, but it never drowns out London’s seasoned, centu-
ries-old narrative. Architectural grandeur rises up all around you in the West End, ancient remains dot the city and charming pubs punctuate the historic quarters, leafy suburbs and river banks. London is deeply multicultural, with one in three Londoners foreign-born, representing 270 nationalities and 300 tongues. Britain may have voted for Brexit (although the majority of Londoners didn’t) but for now London remains one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, and diversity infuses daily life, food, music and fashion. The British ruled our country for many decades and while ‘India’ may not be ‘ruling’ London, the density of Indian populous – both residents and tourists, will leave you in no doubt that the country is indeed a hot favourite with Indians. Though there is much seen, written and filmed on London, yet we will try and give you a list of atleast 7 must-experiences in London. Here goes –
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour An open-top bus tour of London is undoubtedly the best way to sightsee the various sites that the city has to offer. Uninterrupted views of the beautiful buildings and
parks, with the freedom to jump on and off as you please – the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour should be a must on every tourist’s itinerary. You should ideally pick this tour on the first day of your trip as it will give you a complete overview of all there is to see, which you can later on explore at leisure. There are numerous companies offering Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours so pick the one which offers you the best deal! On any tour, you would most-likely get to see Trafalgar Square, Marble Arch, Piccadilly Circus, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and much more, all from the vantage point of a London double decker bus. These tours have Live English speaking guide and audio guides in about 10 – 12 languages.
Walk around Westminster Abbey This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for any tourist – coming for the first or the 10th time. Dating back to the 8th century, glorious Westminster Abbey is filled with over a thousand years of fascinating history. The existing Abbey was constructed in the 1200s, though additions have been made over the years, including the iconic western towers by Nicholas Hawksmoor, a student of Sir Christopher Wren. The architecture here is regarded as one of the finest in the
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Corners of the world
At 135 metres, the Coca-Cola London Eye is the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel; a feat of design and engineering, it has become the modern symbol representing the capital and a global icon.
world; by turns imposing and intricate, with a medieval, Gothic style. Hundreds of monarchs have been crowned, married, buried and remembered at the Abbey. See the coronation chair where 35 monarchs have been crowned, including the current Queen, Elizabeth II. 16 royal weddings have been held at Westminster Abbey. Prince William married Kate Middleton here in 2011 – you can even relive the magic and stand in the exact spot where she became the Duchess of Cambridge.
Ride the London Eye The Ferris Wheel that has become synonymous with the London skyline. At 135 metres, the Coca-Cola London Eye is the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel; a feat of design and engineering, it has become the modern symbol representing the capital and a global icon.
The experience showcases breathtaking 360-degree views of the capital and its famous landmarks and has been the number one visitor experience in the city for the past decade. The gradual rotation in one of the 32 high-tech glass capsules takes approximately 30 minutes and gives you an overview of the ever-changing London. Within each capsule, interactive guides allow you to explore the capital’s iconic landmarks in several languages. An experience on the Coca-Cola London Eye will lift you high enough to see up to 40 kilometres on a clear day and keep you close enough to see the spectacular details of the city unfolding beneath you.
Enjoy coffee by Tower Bridge London Along with Parliament and Big Ben, Tower Bridge is London’s next must-see architectural marvel. It is undoubtedly the most famous bridge that crosses the Thames. Built a mere 120 years ago, the bridge not only stands out for its stunning detail but moveable roadways that lift up when large ships need to pass through. The views from the bridge are an added bonus. From the elevated sidewalks visitors get a prime view of the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral’s iconic dome and one of the newest additions to London’s skyline, The Shard. If you’re interested in viewing the city from a higher vantage point (about 137 feet), consider a tour of the Tower Bridge Exhibition. For a fee, this exhibit will take you to the top of the bridge, equipped with a glass floor, as well as to the bottom to the bridge’s engine rooms. And in case you want to do none of this, there are plenty of cafes around the area where you can sit back and enjoy the splendid view of the Tower Bridge and if you are lucky, you might even be able to see the roads lift to let a ship pass by.
Shop @ Oxford Street London’s Oxford Street spells action where you can shop ‘til you drop’ (literally) along England’s most famous shopping street. Oxford Street has more than 300 retailers ranging from designer outlets to department stores and is the most
visited shopping street in Europe. With its heady mix of unrivalled shopping, fascinating history, captivating architecture, mouth-watering cuisine and unbeatable deals there’s nowhere better to shop than at London’s Oxford Street. Selfridges’ original flagship store on Oxford Street is where shopping is about entertainment, inspiration and, above all, fun with innovative windows setting the tone for what’s in store. The Apple store at Oxford Street again should be a must-visit on your list. Topshop’s flagship is THE fashion destination on the British high street and the world’s largest fashion store attracts 200,000 shoppers a week from their teens to their 40s searching for a retail fix. Oxford Street has an array of high street, boutique and luxury brands – a place where you will find anything you’re looking for.
Enjoy a day doing nothing at Hyde Park Once the recreational stomping grounds for King Henry VIII, this long swath of green stretching from Kensington Palace in the west to Oxford Street in the east is now open to the public and a must-visit for travellers looking for a relaxing moment away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Among Hyde Park’s meandering july 2017 | destination exotica 13
Corners of the world
Oxford Street has an array of high street, boutique and luxury brands – a place where you will find anything you’re looking for. foot and bike paths and flourishing flora and fauna, you’ll find a few standout attractions that are worth exploring – in addition to the charming ducks and swans. Watch the swans and boats glide over the serene Serpentine Lake (or rent a vessel yourself), visit the Diana Memorial Fountain or stop by the Speaker’s Corner, a site for public speeches and debates since the 19th century (previously used by Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin and George Orwell). If you continue on the memorial walk you’ll likely pass through Kensington Gardens where you’ll find the ornate Albert Memorial, the Italian Gardens and the Diana Memorial Playground. Hyde
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Park is free to all visitors and is open year-round from 5 a.m. to midnight, while Kensington Gardens opens at 6 a.m. daily.
Witness the change of Guard ceremony @ Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace, the London home of Queen Elizabeth II, is open for tour (except for the queen’s private quarters, of course) in the summers. On the tour, you’ll have access to the 19 State Rooms where the queen and members of the royal family host guests for state, ceremonial, and official affairs. For tours in the summer, it is best to take help of the
audio guide (included with admission), so that you hear a detailed history of each room at your own pace. The Palace advises you set aside at least two hours to see the State Rooms (and that you wear comfortable shoes). If you’d rather skip the admission fees altogether, you can still experience Buckingham Palace by witnessing the storied Changing of the Guard (also referred to as Guard Mounting), which occurs daily at 11:30 a.m., from April until late July, and on alternate days the rest of the year (except during inclement weather). Make sure to get there early, as many previous visitors say the area gets crowded very quickly, making it hard to see anything if you arrive shortly before the ceremony starts. De
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Extraordinary Destinations
Aamchi
Mumbaaii... The business capital... the fashion capital... the entertainment capital... There are many tags used for Mumbai, each of them with their own distinct reputation. From the quintessential vada-pao to the gothic architecture decking up its sea side, Mumbai, as they say, is a city that never sleeps and helps achieve every go-getter his dream. Monsoons, unlike many other places in India, is not messy in Mumbai and adds a charm to the city – washing away the dirt, dressing it pretty in browns and greens with the high tides roaring to welcome you... Care to visit? Arushi Bajaj
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umbai is in all ways a mega-city driven by power, wealth, glamour and fame which attracts people to give shape to their dreams and aspirations. But it is also a city with strong historical links, wonderful British architecture, museums, beaches, places of worship, and above all, a true galaxy of stars where Bollywood reigns supreme. It is said that every train that comes to Mumbai brings on it hundreds of people from across India who are not only drawn to ‘experience’ the city’s mesmerising attractions but would also like to make it their home. A city of diverse cultures and a melting pot of commerce, industry, entertainment, enterprise, and politics, Mumbai’s trysts with wealth and fame have, however, been recent. So if you are planning to visit anytime soon, make sure you tick mark all the places of interest to see mentioned below –
Take a walk along the Marine Drive This place gives identity to Mumbai and
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defines the city appropriately. Popular for being an island city, Marine drive is a long stretch that has been made by the Arabian Sea and stretches up to 3.5 km. You may have seen this every time you paid a visit to Mumbai, but one really can’t take off eyes from this and admiring this iconic beauty. The best time to visit Marine Drive is at night when there is comparatively lesser crowd and there is a distinct peace in the cool air. It is an inverted ‘C’- shaped six lane road in southern Mumbai, running along the coast of the Arabian Sea. Celebrated for a large number of Art Deco buildings that were built by wealthy Parsis during the early 20th century, this necklace-shaped stretch is worth exploring. Listed among the most posh areas of the city, Marine Drive features many high-end hotels and restaurants. The cool breeze, the flowing waves and the lights all make the feel of sitting here a cherish-able one.
Say a prayer at Siddhivinayak Temple Siddhivinayak Temple is one of Mumbai’s most elegant temples, dedicated to
Lord Ganesha. The temple is prominent for its design and architecture and stands as a testament of beauty. The temple was constructed in 1801 by Deubai Patil and Laxman Vithu. The shrine was reconstructed for accommodating more devotees after considering the opinions of many religious experts. Anyone who visits this sacred temple will surely admire its divine architecture and magnificent Lord Ganesha’s idol.
Mumbai Hills Mahabaleshwar
Winding roads, a cool breeze at all times, vantage points offering breathtaking views of hills and valleys, plenty of strawberries to gorge on and a main street full of shops offering all kinds of curios and snacks. Doesn’t it sound exciting? Well, that’s Mahabaleshwar for you who along with Panchgani makes for a wonderful holiday or even just a weekend getaway.
Tamhini Ghat
If you would like to see nature at its best and also pack in a little adventure, one of the best choices, especially during the monsoon, is Tamhini Ghat. It is during this time that the deep brown hills turn a verdant green and provide a feast for the eyes. The value addition is that you can also explore the backwaters of Mulshi Dam and spice up your vacation with a bit of river rafting.
Stand in awe at Gateway of India Gateway of India is India’s most valued structure, which was built in 1924. Any visit to Mumbai is incomplete without taking a selfie to this picturesque destination. Located at the tip of Apollo Bunder, the gateway overlooks the Mumbai harbour, bordered by the Arabian Sea in the Colaba district. The Gateway of India is a monument that marks India’s chief ports and is a major
Panchgani
If it hadn’t been for the constant search of the British for scenic hill stations with invigorating climate, Panchgani probably wouldn’t have been discovered. It was developed as a retirement place but soon became one of the most popular hill stations in Maharashtra. Its beauty is enhanced by a flat piece of land which is called the ‘table top’.
july 2017 | destination exotica 17
Extraordinary Destinations
tourist attraction for visitors who arrive in India for the first time. Visited by tourists and locals alike, the gateway and its promenade affords a great view of the boat-studded sea and is the connecting point for boat rides to and from the famous Elephanta Caves.
Drive on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link This is one of the newest addition to Mumbai’s iconic landmarks that has beautified the city’s landscape. It was completed in the year 2010. This sea link has made the life of the commuters easy. The views are breath taking from there and even from Bandra Fort. Take out some time and head to any of these places and enjoy the views of sunset. You
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are definitely going to love the view. The bridge connects the western suburb of Bandra to the centre of the city, Worli. The sea link is one of the most magnificent assets of infrastructure not only in Mumbai but all around the country, eventually adding one more gem to the city’s horizon.
embarking on a pilgrimage to Mecca. The architecture of this monument reflects the styles and patterns of Mughal and Indo-Islamic architecture. The Haji Ali Dargah is famous for being pleasing to the eye and is the best place to head towards, if you are seeking solace and serenity.
Visit the religious landmark Haji Ali
Enjoy the Mumbai ‘chaat’ at Juhu Chowpatty Beach
The Haji Ali is a renowned mosque and tomb (Dargah) located in South Mumbai. Being a historical landmark, it is one of the most prestigious Islamic symbols. The Haji Ali was built by a wealthy Muslim merchant who became a saint named Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. He renounced all worldly pleasures before
Juhu Beach is one Mumbai’s favourite tourist attractions situated close to the city center. The beach is considered to be a summer blessing as it breaks the summer heat with its never ending sea waves. This beach attracts lots of tourists as it has sea facing star hotels and is a place for affluent to stay. The beach
Mumbai Festivities Ganesh Chaturthi
A festival synonymous to the city. Both are incomplete without the other. Mumbai comes alive during this year and worships bappa like no other. It is said that the elephant head epitomises everything related to wisdom - small shrewd eyes, large ears that miss nothing, a long nose that can smell out anything and his vehicle, a mouse, reflects how much importance a wise man gives to the smallest of the life forms. Displayed at gateways and on doors, either by visuals or symbols, generally facing the rising sun in the East, Ganesh (or Ganapati) is revered across India as Vighnaharta, the one who removes obstacles.
Navratri
Festival of Navaratri is celebrated by Gujarati community which is a part of Hindu Community all over India and very famous for Dandiya and garba ras. Speciality of this festival is Gujarati people following typical rituals by getting ‘GARBO’ which is a small Pot made up sand very well decorated with colors and other decorative stuff and believes it as being Goddess AMBE for next 9 days also call it ‘MATAJI’ or ‘AMBEMA’. As Gujarati’s keep a small ‘Diya’ (Small Candle type Fire light) inside the ‘GARBO’ which has several Holes inside for
is famous worldwide for its street chaat, pani puri, baraf gola (ice candy kind), chana masala and lots more for those junk food lovers. Next, this beach is a heart favourite of kids because city lacks open space now and on top the excitement of beach mud is something that can’t actually be describe in words, that is felt by those children.
Go back in time at Elephanta Caves Elephanta Caves are a conglomeration of complex temple structures located just off the coast of M umbai. This place is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the oldest rock cut structures in the country, the Elephanta Caves are the perfect expressions of archaic Indi-
an art associated to the cult of Lord Shiva. Primarily believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, the Elephanta Caves are an epitome of Hindu Cave culture and are a unique testimony to a bygone civilisation. The origins of the Elephanta Caves have been debated time and again, though the sculptures and the art speak volumes about the time from when they could have been popular-6th or the 8th century. The island on which the caves are built was originally known as Gharapuri, and the Portuguese re-titled it as Elephanta Island when they discovered a large stone structure of an Elephant on the island. The temple was primarily built for the worship of Lord Shiva and ‘Shivaism’. However, it is believed that the Portuguese destroyed many other structures and even
used the idols of Hindu Gods within the caves for target practice. Today, the site is a popular tourist hotspot.
Ride the Mumbai Local The lifeline of the city, Mumbai is not Mumbai without its local trains, the fastest way to reach from one end to the other. It is the defining feature of the city. There is almost no one who has lived in the city, who has not travelled by the local trains. While most of the inhabitants gripe and grumble about the train service, everyone appreciates how impossible life would be without it. The service is appreciative with a few ‘Ladies Special’ trains that run along scheduled routes at fixed intervals.De july 2017 | destination exotica 19
Starry Diaries
Pari in Dubai!
We all love to know where our favourite celebrities are holidaying and how are they enjoying themselves, right? Well, the social media was recently set on fire by some amazingly fun pictures from Parineeti Chopra’s latest visit to Dubai. Looks like the diva had loads of the fun in the Arab capital and had a ball of a time. And ‘food’, we believe, was the highlight of the trip!
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july 2017 | destination exotica 21
Get, Set, Go!
How To Make Your Trip
A Memorable Experience
Travelling is something everyone longs for. It turns one into a storyteller and not just a mere tourist. If you are also bored of listening to someone else’s travel stories, its high time to create your own archives and make your travelling experiences a memorable one. Here’s more on how you can ensure your trip a cherished one. Mr. Gun Nidhi Dalmia, Author of “Harp” (A romantic novel) shares his views and dos and don’ts for first time travellers.
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xploring new and unexplored places around the world is an exhilarating experience.Travelling is a way to sooth and rejuvenate one’s mind, health and soul from the mundane aspects of life and it provides you a broader perspective on the world, as you learn about new cultures, their history, language, values and norms. Travelling around the globe, especially in lesser known places such as Bergen, Trondheim and Oslo in Norway, I have learned and gained wisdom about the hidden beauty of places and how to make your next trip a delightful one. For first time travellers, here are some Do’s and Don’ts one needs to keep in mind to ensure that your trip shall be a memorable experience to cherish for a lifetime. The first thing, many travellers forget is to research about the destination they are visiting. For
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instance there is a saying and rightly so that, tourists squander and travellers wander. I wouldn’t say there is no real wrong ways to travel but there are certainly better ways. As the trend nowadays, is to travel on tour packages which have a predefined list of destinations to visit which eventually erodes the adventure aspect of searching for new exotic places to explore.It’s important for travellers to lose their maps, forget their pre-defined sights and paint their own picture of a city. The beauty of travelling is to discover unexplored or unknown places to adventure out and become I in a sense your own version of a Coplay Indian Jonesexplorer. Being a traveller, you would rather go off the grid and unearth these locations bybeing on the street, meeting new people and discovering the undiscovered as you take a walk on a beautiful breezy sunny day. Often times these not so common places are in fact more beautiful and breath-taking to witness. A tip to keep in mind for travellers to make the best of an overwhelming experience, is to never fear culture shock. Most people on their tour experience a degree of homesickness and distress in the beginning of their journey. Being exposed to an entirely new culture, different language, smells, sights can be an
exhilarating experience, and it is nothing to be afraid of. It’s always fun to wander, stumble over a language as you learn, and engage with people who breathe the life into the city.With the help of technologies such as language based apps,you can now remember some common local phrases that willbe useful during your stay, especially if the country you are visiting is not familiar with the English language. There may be instances where you encounter some obstacles along the way, by learning these phrases you can manoeuvre around sticky situations. A note of caution, avoid insulting the locals during your visit unless you’re looking to get yourself in trouble. . For instance, in the United Kingdom,a gesture such as sticking your middle finger and index finger with your palm facing towards yourself is considered extremely offensive and should be avoided altogether. Our most important discoveries and memorable experiences come from those we meet along the way. One of the exciting things about travelling or living abroad is meeting people who have different perspective, background, life experiences which can be a transformative experience as it shapes you into a more open-minded individual. Make it your mission to learn as much as you can about their culture, how they are, and how they live. Explore their cultures, languages, history and traditions, their beliefs and make your trip a tremendously exciting and liberating experience. The allure of travelling is that no matter which country you are, there will always
be something new and exciting to discover. Remember to try street food with locals, take part in the festivals of that country like a local, do something adventurous such as bungee jumping, zip lining, paragliding, rock-climbing, etc. Try something new every day on your trip to expand your horizons and truly live in the moment. You will soon discover your strengths as true inner growth comes from stretching one’s boundaries. The effective art and way of travelling is to savour and relish in the surroundings of the place you are visiting completely. An ideal way to plan your foreign trip is my delving into and discovering the charm of one place at a time. A thorough memorable experience is not achieved by haphazardly travelling and staying in a location for only a day or two. You won’t be able to truly bask in the beauty and serenity of the place you have travelled. To make most of your opportunity take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the moment. As a traveller, one should know when to snap a picture and when to take it all in.. Travelling gives you the opportunity to interact with new people that you otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to connect with. It helps you to secure a broader perspective, not only of the world, but also about yourself. Real memories are made by the experi-
A tip to keep in mind for travellers to make the best of an overwhelming experience, is to never fear culture shock. ences discovered at first glance with all the innate senses one has. Many people cherish the memories they have made along their trip through the medium of photographs. The most common thing tourists do is take numerous photos on their phone, then upload it on their various social media accounts. But, another way to ensure that your memories do not fade away is to keep a diary and write down your experiences you have witnessed along the way. This might seem like a tedious task, but writing down your experiences shall act as vault for your memories which you can open and reminisce in the future with your loved ones
.There would be times that even your camera won’t be able to capture the exact details of your trip, seize the moment and embrace everything you see for it may not happen again.No matter how vivid the experience feels during your stay, it will fade away with time. With a written diary, your memories shall stay intact through the beauty of words, even if the years pass by.Enjoy and experience life, get excited and live every moment with passion during your vacation. A famous quote by author Kate Douglas Wriggin that is “There is a kind of magicness about going far away and then coming back all changed”, it beautifully and exquisitely captures the thrill of travelling where you not only discover the word and its magnificence, but through the process you also discover yourself and come back changed in a positive way. In reality, the experience gained from travelling will differ from people to people, but these are some tips to keep in mind to make the journey unforgettable.De
About the author
Nidhi Dalmia is an alumni of St Stephen’s College in Delhi, and pursued his post graduate education at Oxford University. Thereafter, he graduated from the Sorbonne and Management education at Harvard Business School. july 2017 | destination exotica 23
Gourmet Delight
Kairi aur pyaaz ki sabji
The Magic of
Mangoes
Mangoes are a healthy snack (well, fruit really) that tastes great any time of the day. Enjoy sliced mango all by itself or get creative and make boring foods exciting with the exotic mango varieties – there is much you can do with this fruit. Here we bring for you some interesting experiments you can try this season... Priyanka Saxena Ray
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he world is divided in two – those who love mangoes and those who don’t. I say love and not like because people usually have extreme reactions when it comes to mangoes… there are some (like me) who eat all possible varieties of mangoes and then there are some, who find the fruit ‘too sweet’ for their liking. Well, assuming you stand in my category, here are few dishes that you can try experimenting this season –
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Ingredients l 1 TotapariKairi (Raw mango) l 1 medium size onion l 1/2 tsp Jeera (Cumin seeds) l 1/2 tsp Rai (Mustard Seeds) l 1/2 tsp Red chilli powder l 1/2 tsp Dhaniya powder
(Coriander) l 1/2 tsp Saunf (fennel seeds) l 1/2 Haldi powder (Turmeric)
l salt to taste l 1 tbsp Oil
Method l Finely chop the Kairi and Onions l In a pan take some oil and add the jeera and rai, saunf into it. l Once it crackles, now add the onions and fry for half a minute. l Now add the Kairi and all the masalas into it along with salt as per taste. l Mix well and let it cook for 2-3 min on slow flame. l Serve Hot
Ingredients l 2 cups ripe mangoes peeled and chopped l 1 cup yogurt l 1/2 cup milk l 3 tablespoons sugar (Adjust to taste) l ½ cup Aamras l 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
Method l Blend yogurt, mango and aamras, and sugar l Add the cardamom powder and blend l Pour into a tall glass, garnish with cardamom powder and chopped mangoes
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Gourmet Delight
Ingredients l 3 mangos (about 3 pounds), peeled, pitted and diced l 6 ounces raspberries l 6 ounces blueberries l 2 cups coconut water l 2 tablespoons light agave nectar
Method l Gently push raspberries into bottom of Popsicle mold l Place diced mango into mold on top of raspberries, top with blueberries l In a liquid measuring cup, mix coconut water and agave nectar, pour into each mold, about ¼ inch from the top l Insert Popsicle sticks into each pop mold l Freeze overnight l Remove from molds and serve immediately
Mango Mania l Mangos are one of the most popular
l A mango tree can grow as tall as 100
fruits in the world Mangos were first grown in India over 5,000 years ago Mango seeds travelled with humans from Asia to the Middle East, East Africa and South America beginning around 300 or 400 A.D. The paisley pattern, developed in India, is based on the shape of a mango A basket of mangos is considered a gesture of friendship in India Legend says that Buddha meditated under the cool shade of a mango tree Mangos are related to cashews and pistachios
feet The bark, leaves, skin and pit of the mango have been used in folk remedies for centuries A one-cup serving of mango is almost 100 calories Mangos provide 100% of your daily vitamin C, 35% of your daily vitamin A and 12% of your daily fiber Don’t judge a mango by its color – red does not mean ripe Squeeze gently to judge ripeness, a ripe mango will “give” slightly and a firm mango will ripen at room temperature over a few days
l l
l l l l
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l
l l
l l
l To speed up ripening, place mangos in a
paper bag at room temperature l Once ripe, mangos can be moved to the
refrigerator to slow down ripening for several days l Mangos can be enjoyed with salt, lime juice or chili powder for a unique flavor experience l Mangos have natural tenderizing properties, making them a perfect ingredient for marinades l Try the versatile mango in smoothies, salads, salsas, chutneys, on fish, chicken or pork, as a dessert or just plain as a delicious snack
Ingredients l Mango Chow-Chow (Yield: 3 cups) l 2 firm ripe mangos, diced small l 1 large shallot, minced (optional) l 1 large jalapeno, seeded, minced l 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice l 3 tablespoons roughly chopped cilantro l 1-1/2 teaspoons coarse sea salt l 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper l Sweet Chili Dust (Yield: Âź cup) l 3 tablespoons turbinado raw cane sugar l 1 tablespoons ground chipotle powder l 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
Other Ingredients l 6 cups lime sorbet 12 ginger snap cookies, wafer style
Method l To prepare the Chow-Chow: Combine the mango, shallot, jalapeĂąo, lime juice and cilantro. Season to taste with salt and pepper. l To prepare the Sweet Chili Dust: Mix the sugar, chipotle powder and salt. l To serve: Scoop 1/2 cup sorbet into a bowl. Top with 1/4 cup Mango Chow-Chow. Sprinkle with Sweet Chili Dust and serve with a cookie.
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Gypsy Rhapsody
Haridwar – Rishikesh
Head to the Himalayan Foothills
There are no dearth of ‘long weekends’ this year and while taking long leave from work may be a problem with most of us, one can easily take one or maximum two days off, club it with a long weekend and enjoy a road trip nearby. I recently did the Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh tour and it was definitely worth it. So if you too are wondering where to head the upcoming long weekend, worry no more and head to Uttarakhand!
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Priyanka Saxena Ray Day 1 Delhi to Haridwar (210 km) The perfect way to start the road trip would be to head out early and reach Haridwar by lunch time. Don’t make too many stoppages enroute and try to be in the city latest by 4 pm so that you can check-in at a rest house, relax and freshen up in time for the evening Ganga Aarti. A paradise for nature-lovers, Ha-
ridwar (literally translated as ‘Gateway to Gods’) presents a mixture of Indian culture and civilisation and is the point of entry to DevBhoomi and Char Dham (Four main centres of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand) viz. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Legend says that King Bhagirath brought the river Ganga from heaven to earth in order to provide salvation to his ancestors. Sincere believers feel that they can go to heaven by getting their salvation after a dip in the sacred river Ganga. Being one of the oldest living cities, Haridwar finds its mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as it waves through the life and time stretching from the period of the Budha to the more recent British advent.
Day 2
Relax in Haridwar Amidst other things, Haridwar is also one of the four places where MahaKumbhMela takes place on rotation every 12 years and ArdhKumbhMela after every six years. Haridwar enjoys the long standing position as a great source for Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies as well as its unique gurukul way of traditional education. Haridwar is one of the first towns where Ganga emerges from the mountains to touch the planes. In the evening the ghats look breathtakingly beautiful as thousands of diyas (lamps) and marigold flowers float and
illuminate the holy waters. Walk along its ghats, soak in the holy water and enjoy traditional vegetarian food from the numerous joints dotting the city. Some of the must-visit places and things to do in Haridwar include – Har ki Pauri Ghat: Literally meaning the ‘footstep of God’, it is a holy bank on the river Ganga. The place is teeming with people waiting to take a dip in the holy waters. Every evening at sundown, the ghat is a sensory spectacle when the Ganga aarti is performed, with bells ringing and flaming torches everywhere. Temple Hopping: Haridwar has several temples dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses. The hilltop temple of Mansa Devi is very popular as she is considered to be the wish-fulfilling goddess. You can either walk up the hill or take the cable car. The Maya Devi temple on the riverbank and the Chandi Devi temple on Neel Parvat are some of the other important temples. Ashrams: If you’re looking for a peaceful abode for meditation, head to one of the many ashrams in the city. Shanti Kunj Ashram is set in a beautiful garden and provides lodging, meals and spiritual activities. Patanjali Yogpeeth is another popular ashram, especially for practising yoga. Adventure Tours: Rajaji National Park, 10 km away from Haridwar is also a popular destination for nature and adventure lovers. It has 23 species of mam-
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Gypsy Rhapsody
mals and 315 bird species while the river shelters fish in abundance! Food Trail: Street food of Haridwar is renowned, especially the aloo puri at Mohanji Puriwale and the kachoris at Kashyap Kachoriwala. Don’t leave the city without tasting them!
Day 3 Haridwar – Rishikesh (20 km)
Enjoy Rishikesh Rishikesh has been a part of the leg-
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endary Kedarkhand, or the present day Garhwal. Legend has it that Lord Rama did penance here for killing Ravana, the demon king of Lanka; and Lakshmana, his younger brother, crossed the river Ganges at the point, where the present Lakshman Jhula bridge stands today, using a jute rope bridge. The jute-rope bridge was replaced by iron-rope suspension bridge in 1889, and after it was washed away in the 1924 floods, it was replaced by the present stronger bridge. Another similar suspension bridge Ram Jhula was built in 1986 at Shivanand
Nagar nearby. In Rishikesh, walk through the famous suspension bridges – Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula, admire the beauty from the ghats and attend the calming Ganga aarti. Most of Rishikesh consists of narrow lanes and thus, is best enjoyed on foot. Go through various lanes and discover great shopping opportunities for religious items as well as other exciting bargains. Dine at famous and much loved places like ‘Chotiwala’ or ‘Ramana’s Garden Restaurant’. Also rejuvenate yourself by indulging into a short yoga
class. Some of the must see / do things include – Adventure Trails: Rishikesh is very popular with adrenaline junkies who are lured by the white rapids of the river Ganga. White water rafting is very popular and you can choose the grade (ranging from 1 to 4) based on your age and appetite for adventure. Bungee jumping is another activity you can indulge in here. Yoga Retreats: Ever since the Beatles popularised transcendental meditation years ago, Rishikesh has been a haven for
those seeking spiritual enlightenment through yoga and meditation. Parmarth Niketan on the banks of the Ganga is the foremost yoga centre in the city. Alternatively, try Sanskriti Yogpeeth for a more luxurious stay. Temples: Rishikesh is the starting point for the Char Dhaam Yatra and there are several ancient temples around Lakshman Jhoola, the bridge that spans across river Ganga. The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and the Trimbakeshwar Temple are most popular temples in the area. Triveni Ghat: The confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati is the main ghat for taking a holy dip. The ancient Rishi Kund and Raghunath Temple nearby are also worth a visit. Shopping: The bazaars of Rishikesh are a shopper’s paradise. Here you can buy beautiful wall paintings and wood-
en furniture to give your home a rustic haveli look. Aarti at Parmarth Ghat: Rishikesh is popularly known for its ghat-side aartis that take place at dusk. The aarti at the Parmarth ghat is a spectacular sight and is also a photographer’s delight.
Day 4 Going back home Once you have ventured into the interiors of Rishikesh and experienced new things, it is time to head back home. With your short trip coming to an end, say goodbye to the paradise-like Haridwar – Rishikesh and get started on your road trip to home. Enjoy the peaceful drive and take in the scenic beauty as you leave the Himalayan foothills. Drive along, halting as you please and recalling all the wonderful memories that you created over the last few days. De july 2017 | destination exotica 31
Business in Style
Philadelphia
MICE, food, shopping and more! ‘Philly’ as it is lovingly called, is the perfect ‘combination’ city for it seems to have the best of many other cities put together. The second largest city in the East coast, Philadelphia is just 100 miles from New York City and 130 miles from Washington D.C., making it a perfect weekend getaway, for not just pleasure but also business. Yes Philadelphia seems to be fast emerging as a hot favourite in the MICE market.
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Team DE
hether you are organising a tour for international visitors or planning a group visit, Philadelphia is the clear choice for your next meeting. With a state of the art Pennsylvania Convention Centre located at the heart of the city with the largest ballroom on the East coast plus world class tax free shopping, vibrant night life and ample restaurants for dining in Philadelphia and more than 10,000 hotel rooms are within walking distance, Philadelphia is the undisputed MiCe hub in the USA. Philadelphia’s location in the centre of the Northern Corridor makes the travel easy and affordable for the attendees. In fact, 40 per cent of the U.S population is just a day’s drive away. The Market East Regional rail station is also linked to the Pennsylvania Convention Centre and Philadelphia International Airport is just short ride south. Located at the heart of the City of Philadelphia - both geographically and culturally, the Convention Centre boasts of famed landmarks with short walk tours including Independence Hall,
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which is the birth place of America as a nation and is known as America’s most historic square mile, China town and its Friendship Gate and Rittenhouse Square. Outside the western entrance of the convention centre is, museum mile, which stretches along Benjamin Franklin Parkway and also attached to the facility is the culinary melting pot known as Reading Terminal Market, which offers a vast choice of mouth watering regional and international food. With one million square feet of saleable space, comfortable, welcoming lounge, the Convention Centre is considered as one of the nation’s premier meeting and convention facilities. Pennsylvania Convention Centre is an award winning architectural gem that has consistently hosted successful attendance – record breaking meeting and trade shows following the completion of a major expansion in 2011. The project increased the centre’s capacity by nearly 60 per cent, making it one of the largest facilities in the country. It also boasts of the largest ball room in the Northeast. With well-appointed amenities that ensure a comfortable experience high-tech
capabilities and flexible meeting rooms the Convention Centre offers a strong focus on innovation and education for attendees. There are 82 meeting rooms, 45 loading docks, 23400 sq ft atrium overlooking the Avenue of the Arts, 34960 sq ft Grand Hall and 2 Ballrooms which are 32,000 sq ft and 55,400 sq ft respectively. It also has a massive area to host exhibitions and events with a 528,000 sq ft Exhibit Hall with 7 more Exhibits Halls with a total space of 6, 79,000 sq ft. Your Mice experience in Pennsylvania Convention Centre would have you coming back for the excellent service that they provide, with the rate of people leaving happy and satisfied being
very high. It guarantees a well streamlined load in, efficient set up and breakdown and well coordinated service by highly-trained and diverse work force. It definitely is not just a MICE venue but an investment for a wonderful experience.
PHILADELHPHIA: THE LAND OF MANY FIRSTS Often overshadowed by its illustrious neighbours, Washington DC and New York City, Philadelphia, is like a breath of fresh air that invigorates your senses. Bathed in history that contributes to the very foundation of America archives, Philadelphia boasts of significant numjuly 2017 | destination exotica 33
Business in Style ber of museums for one to visit. However, in Philadelphia there is more than what meets the eye. Tax – free apparel and footwear shopping, ease of connectivity, and a unique culinary landscape await you in this city. If you are looking to plan your event here, we list down some of the reasons why Philadelphia should feature prominently on your MICE radar.
Unparalleled Historical Significance Philadelphia has a special significance in American history and boasts of a sig-
Philadelphia is also the location of the world’s first fair to take place in America in 1876 by the name of The Centennial International Exhibition at Memorial Hall, which was especially built for the world’s fair.
nificant number of ‘firsts’ to burst onto scene. Be it the sweet symphony of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the first orchestra to appear in a motion picture in 1937 or resilience of the Walnut Street Theatre, the oldest Theatre since 1809. Head with your group to Elfreth’s Alley, the oldest residential street in America’s since 1713 or engages in a team visit to the Philadelphia Zoo, America’s first zoo. Soak in the vibes at the Philadelphia stock exchange, United States first stock exchange dating back to 1728 or offers prayers at Mother Bethel AM.E Church, the first Africa America Church started in Philadelphia establishes in 1794. Coincidentally, Philadelphia is also the location of the world’s first fair to take place in America in 1876 by the name of The Centennial International Exhibition at Memorial Hall, which was especially built for the world’s fair. From Independence National Historic Park to The President House to National Constitution Centre to Liberty Bell and everything in between, there is never lack of things to see and enjoy. The Independence Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage that changed the world when fathers of the nation used the location to debate and adopt both the Declaration of Independence and U.S Constitution, is a MUST VISIT. Make sure your group doesn’t miss out on these magnificent structures.
Convenience and Connectivity Philadelphia is the second largest city in the East coast and is just 100 miles from New York City and 130 miles from Washington D.C. Philadelphia’s location in the centre of the Northern Corridor makes travel easy and affordable for the attendee. In fact, 40 percent of the U.S population is just a day’s drive away. The Market East Regional rail station is also linked to the Pennsylvania Convention Centre and Philadelphia International Airport is just a short ride south. For Indian groups, a number of air carriers operate from Mumbai and Delhi namely Lufthansa, Air France, United Airlines, British Airways and Air India. Since, the travel time is significant; groups are destinations New York and Washington D.C to make the most of Their MICE itinerary.
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Elevate your next MICE experience With more than 10,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of the Pennsylvania Convention Centre, located in the heart of the city, Philadelphia has what every MICE programme needs. The Centre boasts of famed land marks with short walk tours including independence Hall, America’s most historic Square mile; China town and its Friendship Gate and Rittenhouse square. Outside the western entrance of the convention centre is, museum mile, which is also attached to
the culinary melting pot known as reading Terminal Market, which offers a vast choice of mouth watering regional and international food. However, if you are looking for something unique, host your next MICE activity at The Barnes Foundation for MICE. Located in the iconic Benjamin Franklin Parkway in the heart of the parkway Museum District, the venue offers a wide range of versatile spaces ideal for a hosting 30700 people. The accessible downtown facility provides a dramatic backdrop for cocktail parties and dinners. With exclu-
sive access to galleries and special exhibitions, guests will have added benefits of touring world – renowned collection of post impressionist and early modern art.
Food for thought Do Cheese-steaks and pretzels get you salivating? You’ve wound up in the right place then. Catering to a board range of cultures, you can find foods from almost every country imaginable in Philadelphia. If you’re pressed for time and have to rush from one meeting to another grab a ‘Hoagie’ – the official sandwich of Philadelphia, an experience you will remember for days to come. Make sure your group stops by to indulge in some ‘Water ice’ from the street vendors, a cool and refreshing frozen treat. Indulge in a unique event experience at R2L, one of Philadelphia’s most dramatic dining rooms featuring wall-to-wall unobstructed, breathtaking panoramic views that span for over 40 miles. Pay a visit to Di Bruno Bros, an old World European-style cheese shop featuring more than 400 different types of cheeses and gourmet foods or simply heat to the historic Reading Terminal Market, home to 80 renowned merchants who offer the best of Philadelphia’s famous specialities. If Indian food is what you’re craving, Indeblue is Phliladelphia’s hot, new Indian restaurant and bar located in Midtown Village, just blocks from Philadelphia’s major theatres and the Pennsylvania Convention Centre. The Extensive menu includes modern and traditional favourites – ample vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices for your group. Dine Room that can host up to 70 people and try the Chef’s tasting menu along with a wine pairing, a popular choice.
Tax-free shopping H(e)aven! Philadelphia ranks the highest in America as a tax \– free shopping destination. With no dearth of brands, if your team comprises shopaholics, let them on the loose in one of Philadelphia’s Shopping haunts. With world-class shopping facilities, every shopper in Philadelphia benefits from tax-free apparel and shoe purchases. So, hurry up event planners, it’s time for you to indulge in your very own ‘first’ hand experience in the land of firsts.De july 2017 | destination exotica 35
Miles and Smiles
Make your journey rewarding...
With Cathay Pacific Cathay Pacific a Hong Kong-based airline offers scheduled passenger and cargo services to nearly 200 destinations worldwide, using an ultra-modern fleet of more than 140 wide-body aircraft, including the technologically-advanced Airbus A350. Cathay Pacific, along with Hong Kong Cathay Dragon Airlines Limited, an affiliate member of one world, a Hong Kong-based international airline, and a member of the Cathay Pacific Group, believes in providing its customers with superior products and services at every stage of their journey, in line with its philosophy of a “Life Well Travelled”. Read more on the recent developments –
H
Arushi Bajaj
ong Kong Cathay Dragon Airlines Limited, an affiliate member of one world, is a Hong Kong-based international airline, and a member of the Cathay Pacific Group. Established in 1985, the airline now operates a fleet of 42 passenger aircraft and serving 53 regional destinations. Cathay Dragon has been recognised for its product and service quality, and has been named the “Best Regional Airline” at various international forums. Cathay Drag-
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on and Cathay Pacific Airways currently operate 48 weekly departures from 6 cities in India to Hong Kong. Cathay Dragon operates daily flights from Bengaluru and 6 weekly flights from Kolkata to Hong Kong whereas Cathay Pacific operates from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad. In a recent development, Cathay Dragon has grown its Mainland China network through the expansion of codeshare arrangement with Shenzhen Airlines that will see the airline add three
new destinations to its network in Mainland China. The airline is expected to add Yantai, Jinan and Harbin to its growing list of destinations following new partnership development. In the strengthened agreement, Cathay Dragon’s “KA” code will be placed on Shenzhen Airlines’ flights between Hong Kong and Yantai, Jinan and Harbin, while Shenzhen Airlines’ “ZH” code will be placed on Cathay Dragon’s services between Hong Kong and Nanjing and Xi’an. Cathay Dragon customers travelling on Shenzhen Airlines code-share flights will enjoy the convenience of checked-
through baggage service to their final destination. Tickets for the new codeshare services are open for sale for travel commencing July 11, 2017. The airlines’ existing agreement, which has seen Cathay Dragon codeshare on Shenzhen Airlines flights between Hong Kong and Jinjiang, has been in place since January 2015. With the addition of Yantai, Jinan and Harbin, Cathay Dragon’s network in Mainland China will increase to 27 destinations. In a further boost, effective July 11, 2017, Asia Miles members will be able to earn and redeem miles on selected Shenzhen Airlines flights. The eligible routes encompass domestic sectors within Mainland China and sectors between Mainland China and Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. This is another milestone for Cathay Dragon and partner Shenzhen Airlines. Both airlines have demonstrated great commitment to the customers and this latest arrangement will provide more choice and greater convenience for the passengers travelling between Hong Kong and Mainland China. In addition to this Cathay Pacific has also announced new code-share agreement with MIAT Mongolian Airlines, which is set to benefit the customers of both the airlines. Starting on July 12, the agreement will provide Cathay Pacific customers with a direct link to Ulaanbaatar, one of Asia’s fastest-growing business and tourism capitals. At the same time, MIAT Mongolian Airlines will place its “OM” code on selected Cathay Pacific services between Hong Kong and Singapore, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Eligible MIAT customers connect-
“Last year we entered into a code share with Air Canada and this year the code shares with Mongolian and Shenzhen Airlines have been another important landmark for Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon. We always place our customer as the center of all our initiatives and are delighted to announce these partnerships to be able to provide more choice and greater convenience to our passengers. Adding to our wide network of 26 destinations in Mainland China our passengers can now also connect to Yantai, Jinan and Harbin. Our customers can also connect directly from Hong Kong to Ulaanbaatar, Asia’s fastest growing tourist and commercial destination. With superlative service on board, better connections and a wider choice of flights, passengers can travel with ease and have a Life Well Travelled experience with Cathay Pacific and Cathay Dragon.” Mr. Rajesh Menon, Regional Sales and Marketing Manager, Cathay Pacific Airways
ing on Cathay Pacific flights via its Hong Kong hub can choose to relax at one of the airline’s premium lounges conveniently located at Terminal 1 at Hong Kong International Airport. These include The Wing, The Cabin, The Bridge and the much-lauded lounges at The Pier, which have been designed to embody Cathay Pacific’s philosophy of a Life Well Travelled. The agreement underlines the airline’s commitment to provide its customers with enhanced connectivity to an ever-increasing number of new destinations. Mongolia is an attractive destination in that it appeals to both tourists
and business travellers alike thanks to its pristine natural landscapes, rich culture and rapid development. Ulaanbaatar is quickly making a name for itself as an important business hub, one which is expected to grow on the back of this new agreement. This will provide the passengers with convenient access to Singapore and Australia via the super hub in Hong Kong. The code-share and interline agreement brings advantages for the passengers of both MIAT Mongolian Airlines and Cathay Pacific because the route networks complement each other perfectly.De
july 2017 | destination exotica 37
Get Well Soon
Medical tourism gains
prominence in India
Skilled and experienced doctors, international level hospitals with Indian-style personalised care and affordable packages with little or no waiting time – all these factors collectively make India a perfect destination for medical treatment for patients across the globe. And once the patient is cured and healthy, he definitely cannot leave the country without seeing the various facets and pleasures that India has to offer. Medical Tourism is here to grow...
I
Priyanka Saxena Ray
ndia is home to a thriving medical ecosystem – hospitals, doctors, nurses, paramedical staff and home-care institutions. All this is mostly in the private sector. Though medical care provided by these players looks to be on the expensive side, it is about one-tenth of the prices prevailing in the Western countries. Sensing the possibility to exploit this opportunity for the benefit of all stakeholders, the government has pitched in and extended many facilities to these private players to offer medical care (low-cost and high-quality) to foreigner citizens travelling to India to avail these services. A while ago, the government approved a new liberalised visa policy for people coming for medical treatment
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that includes a long-term multiple-entry comprehensive visa. The government did this by merging tourist, business, medical and conference visas into one
A while ago, the government approved a new liberalised visa policy for people coming for medical treatment that includes a long-term multiple-entry comprehensive visa.
comprehensive visa. The government also decided to extend the e-Tourist Visa to eight more countries. Thus, this facility is now extended to a total of 158 countries. The new rules have made entry into India easier for foreigners for tourism, business and medical purposes. Naturally, this has and will in future too stimulate economic growth, and push up earnings from medical tourism, as well as other forms of tourism. Under the new rules, the government will provide long-term, multiple-entry visas, valid for up to 10 years. However, under this category the visitor will not be allowed to work or stay permanently in India. Citizens from Pakistan and China are not covered under the new liberalised visa policy. The new policy envisages medical visas to be granted within 48 hours from
submission of the application in case of emergency. The government says it will set up help desks and immigration counters to help medical tourists. According to the latest government estimates, the revenue from medical tourism is worth US$3 billion. And it has put a target of US$8 billion by 2020. During the years 2012, 2013 and 2014, the number of foreign patients who travelled to India for medical treatment stood at 171,021, 236,898, and 184,298, respectively. According to the latest government estimates, the revenue from medical tourism is worth US$3 billion. And it has put a target of US$8 billion by 2020. Thanks to technology, the sector is booming like never before as new and innovative ideas have come in to make patient’s journey smooth and hassle free. According to a Grant Thornton report, Africa, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) regions offer the maximum opportunity for the Indian healthcare sector. The report states that Indian cities, such as, Chennai, Mumbai, Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad and the National Capital Region (NCR) are the most favoured medical tourism destinations in India. A number of patients from Ban-
gladesh and Afghanistan too travel to India for medical care; this segment of the medical tourism industry is termed the Medical Value Travel (MVT) proposition. Says Dr. Jatinder Kumar, Senior Neurosurgeon and Medical Director at Paras Hospitals, “When a patient is recommended for a surgical procedure and that too critical in nature, such as Or-
gan Transplant, Oncology Surgery, Bypass etc. the patient and the family are surrounded by series of questions on right diagnosis, right treatment, right selection and right cost. At this juncture technology can play a major role and can change the whole dynamics. However, the use of technology in medical tourism is still at a nascent stage in India july 2017 | destination exotica 39
Get Well Soon and the digital benefits are yet to reach the medical travellers. With right and relevant dissemination of information, it can empower patients to take informed decisions. For instance, e-diagnoses and e-consultations may inform medical travellers of their options before they travel. Electronic health records and digitised medical devices help healthcare providers to easily make more informed decisions.” India is home to a thriving medical
prevailing in Western countries. Sensing the possibility to exploit this opportunity for the benefit of all stakeholders, the government has extended many facilities to these private players to offer medical care (low-cost and high-quality) to foreigner citizens travelling to India to avail these services. Earlier this month, the government approved a new liberalised visa policy that includes a long-term multiple-entry comprehensive visa. The government did this by merging tourist, busi-
India is home to a thriving medical ecosystem – hospitals, doctors, nurses, paramedical staff and home-care institutions. All this is mostly in the private sector. Though medical care provided by these players looks to be on the expensive side, it is about a tenth of the prices prevailing in Western countries. ecosystem – hospitals, doctors, nurses, paramedical staff and home-care institutions. All this is mostly in the private sector. Though medical care provided by these players looks to be on the expensive side, it is about a tenth of the prices
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destination exotica | july 2017
ness, medical and conference visas into one comprehensive visa. The government also decided to extend the e-Tourist Visa to eight more countries. Thus, this facility is now extended to a total of 158 countries. The new policy envisages medical
visas to be granted within 48 hours from submission of the application in case of emergency. The government says it will set up help desks and immigration counters to help medical tourists. Avers Managing Partner of India Virtual Hospital and a seasoned healthcare expert with over 20 years of real onground experience in the Indian healthcare space, “With technology as the backbone, we want to minimize all the challenges faced by medical travellers right from availing second opinion to cost and quality analysis of Indian hospitals to forex and visa documentation to travel, stay, food to hospital admission and discharge and finally post operation recovery assistance in his home country. Our mission is to help medical travellers (international and domestic patients) to make an informed decision, find the right healthcare solution and to provide them seamless experience through their patient journey. We are investing in technology and processes to provide consistent support to prospective patients both before they are on board and after they have been discharged. It aims to build a long term engagement with them leveraging technology,”De
Rooftops and Flip-Flops
Enjoy fine
dining @ Mei Kun
Food has something magical in it that lifts up the mood instantly. If you too, like me, are keen to try all the new cafés, restaurants, etc., then Mei Kun at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi is a must visit! Come and try the authentic, oriental food in a cosy elegant decor. The chef – Vir Pratap attended us and informed about the preparation of the dishes. Here’s my take on the restaurant –
I
Arushi Bajaj
have always been fond of trying new places so when someone mentioned Mei Kun to me, I decided to instantly check out the place and have to say – was not disappointed. The ambience at the restaurant is easy yet formal offering a perfect setting for fine dining in a candid atmosphere. The chef attended to us personally and had a wide range of personalised dishes he wanted us to experience. The interiors of the restaurant comprises contemporary architecture, with classy modern art paintings which are completely breathtaking. The place is ideal for all the guests both young and old. The place once visited will be remembered for weeks together for the kind of service and the cosy dining experience it offers. Having a quality time here will give you a realisation that you were making memories and not just relishing food We started the meal with delectable appetizers that were energisers in true sense. The must-try in veg include Som Tam or Papaya Salad - it was a perfect combination of spicy, sweet, sour and salty. The dish is a specialty from Thailand and it is absolutely healthy, nutritious and delicious. The salad is crunchy and refreshing as it is prepared out of fresh papayas. Yum Som O – Pomelo Salad is one of the most famous Thai salads. It tasted tangy with rich and traditional ingredients, innovative and clean fla-
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vours. The salad is most likely served during the warm months. The next item in veg was a very simple yet appetizing corn salt and pepper. Crispy corn that was served hot tasted well while waking up the taste buds. Alongside, we were served with a popular soup from Malaysia and Singapore, named Singaporean Laksa. It’s a noodle dish with a curry soup base. It was scrumptious and it is even getting popular outside Southeast Asia. There was a basket of fryums that were being refilled from time to time. For the non veg lovers, there is a wide variety of appetizers. The options include (I believe) chicken are satay and basil chilli prawns and both the dishes are utterly tasty. The main course was the high point.
Address: 1, CBD, Near Yamuna Sports Complex, Maharaja Surajmal Marg, New Delhi, Delhi 110032 Meal for two: Rs. 3000 plus taxes
Wok tossed broccoli asparagus with water chestnut was a simple dish with continental taste as it was more of boiled vegetables. It is a delight to all the veggie lovers. Malaysian curry with vegetables was another veggie rich dish; it is a complete package if you are always looking for ways to add more vegetables to your diet. Mee Goreng vegetables.i.e. noodles were really thin and tasted well. The recipe was excellent with lots of veggies. The way recipe was experimented, it came
out very well. A must try for a vegan. Jasmine steamed rice was perfect as it retained fluffiness and had an aromatic jasmine flavour. It was properly steamed and had a chewy texture. Non veg dishes in the main course will make the non vegetarians smack their lips. The options included Prawn Penang curry and Phad Thai with chicken. The luncheon ended with a sweet treat to satisfy our sweet tooth that any coconut lover would enjoy. It was coconut ice-cream that was a perfect combination of coconut and vanilla – indeed an ideal ending. Apple fritters, having this in dessert, it sweetened not only our tooth but our lives in no time. Apple slices bathed in buttermilk batter and fried to golden brown perfection were, well, perfection.De july 2017 | destination exotica 43
Get, Set, Go
Get a trendy
makeover this monsoon
The monsoon is the much awaited time of the year as it brings cheer and takes the entire depressing and lifeless feel away from us (not to mention the heat). However, getting ready during the monsoons can be a little challenging. To help you get that ideal outdoorsy look for the rainy season – one that makes you feel comfortable and chic at the same time, here are a few things to keep in mind...
A
Arushi Bajaj
thumb rule of dressing during monsoons is to avoid wearing ‘long’ or floor touching clothes. Thus, the best option is to go for knee-length skirts and capris are comfortable and trendy too. One should go for half sleeves or sleeveless and frilly,
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flowing fabrics. Use of synthetic clothes should be preferred as they dry easily after getting drenched. All kinds of monsoon germs reside in soiled clothes. Therefore, clothes should be washed as soon as one gets home. During monsoon season avoid wearing tight or straight fitted clothes that stick to the body. In-
stead, opt for light and colourful fabrics. There are several colour options to choose from like hues of green, purple, pink, orange, beige to give a distinctive look. Avoid wearing white as it will get dirty very easily. Cotton and linen serve best during monsoon. They are excellent for the humid climate as it allows air to flow in and around the skin, creating a cooling effect while keeping you dry and
to get that perfect outdoorsy look for the rainy season, a colourful crepe dress is just perfect. If you are up for some skin show this monsoon, stock your wardrobe with polyester crop tops. They are chic, comfy and apt for the rainy season. Instead of working them up with clingy jeans, wear these crop tops with breezy cotton pants instead. Put on a pair of strappy PVC sandals and you are good to go. Those who prefer to wear Indian outfit should avoid saris, salwars, palazzos, patialas and long kurtis. Any flairs are a big ‘No’. Wear churidars with shorter kurtis. Replace long dupattas with shorter scarves and stoles. Avoid coloured fabric whose colours are likely to run when wet. Do not forget the difference between a boat and a dress when setting foot in water. Floor length dresses are an invitation to muck-coasted disaster in a season that calls out for ‘the shorter, the better’ mantra. Avoid wearing leather shoes or sandals when it rains as water can soil the shoes and sandals. Choose footwear that
Choose footwear that are water resistant, yet goes well with the clothes you are wearing. While floaters are ideal, avoid wearing ill-fitted or loose sandals. They can squirt dirt up your clothes. are water resistant, yet goes well with the clothes you are wearing. While floaters are ideal, avoid wearing ill-fitted or loose sandals. They can squirt dirt up your clothes. Carry a pair of formal clothes and shoes if you can. You can change into them when you reach your work place. That way you can look smart and professional always. Avoid leather and big bags. They look ugly when wet. Car-
ry smaller and simple handbags that are resistant to water. Waterproof bags come in different vibrant colours, pretty prints and trendy designs. Splurge on them. They look smart, stylish and fashionable. Denim is the perfect material for every season and if you want to wear it right this monsoon, there is nothing better than ripped denim shorts. Pick a faded pair and work it up with your graphic tees. Team up your bright monsoon outfits with bright and fancy accessories such as pretty earrings and necklace. They will make you look more fashionable. Also, bright or strong lip colour can give you the perfect gorgeous look on a rainy day. In terms of jeans opt for stretchable denims as they have a small percentage of spandex which dries faster and its stretchable character doesn’t allow it to stick to your body when wet. Keep the makeup minimal as rainwater can smudge it all up, Just a dash of brighter shade of nail paint that matches with your rich lip colour can glam up your office look. Hats and caps are imjuly 2017 | destination exotica 45
Get, Set, Go
portant monsoon accessories as these can protect your hair during this sticky weather. Monsoon is all about sultry weather; therefore one should avoid metal embellishments. Nothing ruins the look of clothes more than rusted buttons, collar clips and more. Because of the high rate of moisture in the air, the metal embellishments on your dressy tops and dresses can get rusted. This will also spoil the fabric underneath the embellishments. The extreme humidity in the air tends to spoil your gadgets so get them nice waterproof covers. The damp atmosphere is also likely to make your hair frizzy so tie them up in a neat bun or a pony tail. Hairstyles that involve hot blow drying or curling or straightening irons are a strict no as they tend to mess up the minute your hair comes in contact with moisture. Tying your hair into a neat bun or a ponytail or a braid is a great way to keep it under control. You can team up your western attire with a trench coat or jacket to keep you warm during chilly evening breeze.
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destination exotica | july 2017
Monsoon is all about sultry weather; therefore one should avoid metal embellishments. Nothing ruins the look of clothes more than rusted buttons, collar clips and more.
Avoid leather and cloth bags since they tend to get soggy and breed fungus when wet. Instead, keep your possessions safe and dry in a trendy bag made up of waterproof material. One should always wear minimal jewellery during the rains. Go for fake plastic necklaces and earrings stir clear of silver jewellery as it will turn black due to the moisture. Also, make sure to park your car safely in a dry, shaded area. If you leave it out on the road, it is going to be difficult reaching it without stepping into puddles that are formed with every shower. Every organisation has a different work culture and follows an unspoken dress code, so make sure that you follow the rules while keeping in mind your style and comfort. Dress well this monsoon! De
Skin Care
Look a million dollar
this rainy season
Monsoon along with rains also brings with it skin problem. Slkin and hair should be properly taken care of and protection from harsh moist humid rainy weather during the monsoon is important to keep looking radiand. Keep your skin away from dampness because damp skin is to microbes and fungi what a candy store is to a child. Here is the perfect monsoon skin care by Shahnaz Husain Arushi Bajaj Sharose Rose-based Skin Toner Price: R710 /It contains extracts of rose, date and sandalwood. It is specially designed to tone and refresh the skin. Removes oil and deep cleanses pores in pimple-prone skin. It also helps to energise and invigorate the skin, making it look clearer and brighter.
Shahnaz Forever Tulsi Neem Face Wash Price: R410 /This soap-free face wash has been specially designed to cleanse impurities and restore the natural balances. It contains plant extracts of neem, lemon peel, tulsi and aloe vera juice. It soothes and protects the skin, reducing the oily look. It leaves the skin afresh, soft and bright, with a healthy glow.
Diamond Plus Exfoliating Scrub Price: R1895/-
There are many ‘monsoon care’ products in the market but it is advisable not to experiment much, especially during monsoon, and go for the tried and tested.
A powerful blend of Diamond “bhasma” and botanical extracts, specially formulated to exfoliate the skin on the face and body. It removes dead skin cells and brightens the skin, leaving it smooth and radiant.
Pearl Naturally Whitening Rehydrant Moisturiser Price: R1030 /Containing the powder of real pearls, it is based on an ancient formula. It protects the skin against the drying effects of the sun and abuse of the elements. Moisturises the skin and makes it look radiant. It also revitalises and rejuvenates the skin surface, producing an even color tone.
and babul gond, it controls dandruff and restores health to the hair. It also promotes growth and enhances hair beauty, adding strength, body and shine. DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Mix the desired quantity of professional power henna precious herb mix with warm water into a thick paste. Apply on the hair after 30 minutes. For conditioning, leave on for 30 minutes. For colour, leave on for 2 to 3 hours. For better effect, leave on overnight.
Shahnaz forever henna precious herbs mix Price: R120/- for 100 gms This powerful combination of plant extracts, is specially formulated to control hair problems and condition the hair. Containing a powerful combination of plant extracts, like henna, amla, neem, shikakai, brahmi, hibiscus july 2017 | destination exotica 47
Stars Speak
What the stars say…
Horoscope July 2017
Pandit Parashar is a well-recognised professional Astrologer based in California and has been practicing astrology for more than 34 years. His work and predictions are carried on regular basis in prominent nationwide Indian newspapers, magazines, periodicals and on Internet. He can be contacted at Parashar@parashar.com
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ARIES (March 21 to April 20) With your ruling planet Mars in a more comfortable position this month, there is no need to convolute or over-complicate things. You don’t have to weigh the consequences, second guess the issues, or try and keep one step ahead. Just go straight ahead, say what you mean and ask for exactly what you want. Take no nonsense from anyone and dish none out. If things get sticky around the 23rd, you may need to find a Plan B for a special social occasion, but this turns out to be a welcome test of your powers of charm, persuasion and ingenuity. TAURUS (April 21 to May 20) Getting the right words out poses problems in the earlier half of this month, though things look more promising by the 26th. Putting yourself over in a plausible light at the workplace proves more difficult than you intend, because you are not sure how to portray yourself. Are you an aggressive career junkie with an eye on the big job, or a dedicated idealist happy to provide a service? If your aims and ambitions aren’t answered by your ordinary occupation, then it’s time to summon up your strength and make a move away from the mainstream. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Special days signified by Venus veering through your sign this month may not signify much, but it won’t stop from you enjoying the experience. Hazy light, soft edges and a sweet sensation
of drinking in the best of life may not open doors or awaken your mind, but you’ll cope. You are seen in an admirable aura and an oasis like this opens up outstanding possibilities, when people think you have time for them. Make sure you mark the moment with a suitably swish social event, and console yourself with the prospect of connections set in concrete. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Facing up to important projects that absolutely need to be addressed isn’t always a welcome experience. While you would rather go about your business and leave the heavy lifting for some other time, this option may not be open to you now. Before you roll your eyes up into your head, however, take heart from the fact that trouble shooting tedious tasks lurking in the corner of your consciousness is a liberating feeling. Embracing enforced change also brings relief as the pieces on your personal chessboard are rearranged to spring you into a positive position. LEO (July 23 to August 22) You may enjoy the coming month, but be careful of the reckless energy raging around so that it doesn’t land you in a retrograde position. Speak up and speak out, say what is on your mind of course, but remember the company you are keeping. Telling the boss what is troubling you and what you really think is a fantasy scenario, but you are all too likely to act upon it now. If there’s really something you must get off your chest, try and use a little tact, especially around the 11th, to
ensure your bravery and honesty doesn’t leave you with your walking shoes. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Putting your heart back together again can be slow going, but the results become more obvious as you move on. A healing, helping hand has been extended to you and the world seems alive with possibilities. Hold off on the comfort food however, for the full feeling following you around demands satisfaction and your enlarged appetite for life may start to show itself. Engaging your energies into just one endeavour is an enlightened use of the time, which well handled, leaves you with a lasting monument to the time when you finally found your feet. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Pushing ahead with work is worthwhile for the wider picture it gives on what you are doing. Your burning ambition may be tested by bosses, and your competence contested by co-workers, but what you really want is a little freedom from the norm. More excitement, better options, finer skills and perhaps prospects for a future that is yours to seize and shape will come your way this month. A career shake-up doesn’t have to lead to a break-up, so your revolution can comfortably take place within the confines of what you are already doing. But the changes have to come. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 22) Life takes on a more flamboyant flavour this month, when you feel the time has come to flaunt what you can do. An injection of Mars confidence gives outward expression to the sense you have had for some time that all is right in your world. People may be surprised at your sudden showy self, but the worst that can come of it is the question on everyone’s mind: ‘why aren’t you like this more often?’ The way you feel at present reflects the real you better than when you are in reserved mode, so don’t hide your light for fear of giving too much away.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 to December 22) Your relationships are set up in such a way that you can benefit from someone else’s good mood this month. While you may not like being dependent on this rather unpredictable factor, you can relax in the knowledge that people in general present you a smiling face and like having you around. Going along with plans put forward by others can also lead to profit and if you have any business propositions yourself, then there may be someone around waiting to hear them. Put your faith in partnership, and pleasure shared will be pleasure doubled. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) In time, you may learn to welcome your present trials for the perspective they offer on where you are heading. While your energy is low and morale may need a massage, don’t push yourself too hard, but give yourself some time away to consider your position. Take it easy. If it were not for the obvious pressure being put on you at present, you may persevere with paths that are totally inappropriate for you. Soon, your strength and willpower return, leaving you feeling lighter and less burdened, like a load has been lifted from your limbs. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Disputes with those closest to you may turn out for the best if an important truth gets aired. Tackling a tough topic head-on may be a hard threshold to cross, but if someone sees that you are sincere, you may yet win the
day. Your current feisty mood may also overcompensate for recent times when you have been too easy-going and were willing to believe what somebody said. However, the full Moon in your sign on the 31st adds an attractive aura around you that allows you to smooth the edge off your words, and ease the impact of your impatience. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Big characters in your love life will have their work cut out if they want to impress you or grab your attention. Your new idealistic outlook allows for no interference and you have decided the time has come to do something about the daydreams you would like to live out. The favourable position you are in means you can have fun and be free while keeping crucial career balls in the air, so you should seize upon this while it is working for you. A gentle, painless revolution is all that is required to rev up your routine, with no need to throw anyone overboard. De july 2017 | destination exotica 49
Someday this day
Auckland Harbour Bridge New Zealand’s new night light experience
C
oloured lights will soon shine across Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour in a world-first bridge lighting display. New Zealand’s biggest city icon, the Auckland Harbour Bridge is about to get a new fancy lighting treatment with sustainable permanent coloured lighting that transforms for special event lighting displays.
The display will be powered by 630 solar panels and one gigantic energy storage battery producing enough energy for 200 homes. The energy system will power the bridge lighting while also producing enough power to supply the nearby waterside entertainment precinct in the Wynyard Quarter. Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city is set between two harbours and offers
Fast facts
• First bridge in the world to be fully lit by solar generated energy, stored in batteries • Nearly 90,000 individual LED lights and 200 LED floodlights will be used • 2,716m of linear strip that will contain nearly 70,000 of the LED lights • More than 630 solar panels • One mega battery that stores enough energy to power 200 houses
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destination exotica | july 2017
magnificent coastal expanses. The bridge across the Waitemata Harbour connects the central city with the North Shore suburbs and dominates the city’s waterfront. As part of the multimillion dollar energy efficiency partnership between Vector and Auckland Council, the iconic Harbour Bridge will be the first bridge in the world to be lit entirely by solar-stored energy. The individually controlled LED lights will be capable of transforming the bridge with customised lighting shows for special events and occasions in the style of other world monuments such as the Sydney Opera House, Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building and Dubai’s BurjKhalifa skyscraper. There will be a special event to mark the official turning on of the lights and the transformation of an Auckland icon into a global icon. The launch date is yet to be confirmed but it is hoped this will be before the end of 2017. De
Posting Date 8 & 9 July 2017. No. of pages 52
PR: DL(S)-17/3514/2017-19 RNI: DELENG/2016/69841