October2016

Corporate

October 2016 • VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 10 • ` 50

Manipur

Shangri-La of the North East

Dual forts of Avalabetta and Gudibande

Canada Not just colder, cooler!

October 2016 | Corporate Outbound 1

Contents

28 Other Stories

Managing Editor: Anurag Gupta Editorial: Garima Singhal Marketing: Don Jose Creative: Raj Toppo Printed, Published & Owned by Anurag Gupta @ 348, Amarjyoti Layout, Domlur Bangalore - 560 071 Ph: +91 80 41224331 Email: corporateoutbound@gmail.com Printed at Cosmos Printers & Publishers, Wilson Garden, Bangalore - 560 027

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Aviation News

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Hospitality News

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TAAI ‘s 63rd annual convention at Abu Dhabi

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Shangri-La of the North EastManipur

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Dual forts of Avalabetta and Gudibande

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Savour Corner

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08 Canada

Not just colder, cooler!

Explorez sans fin!

2 Corporate Outbound | October 2016

October 2016 | Corporate Outbound 3

Buzz

Aviation

Air Canada to start non-stop flights between Vancouver & Delhi

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ir Canada introduced non-stop flights between Vancouver and Delhi, from October 20, 2016. The seasonal, three times weekly flights will complement Air Canada’s Delhi-Toronto-Delhi, non-stop service launched in November 2015.Currently, it will be a three times a week flight, however, plans are afoot to increase its frequency. If Delhi-Vancouver route does well, progressively as and when more aircraft come in, Air Canada will start looking seriously to increase the frequency.Flights will operate with Air Canada’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft featuring 29 international Business Class lie-flat pod suites, 21 Premium Economy and 247 Economy class seats with upgraded in-flight entertainment at every seat of the aircraft.

THAI Smile Airways to connect 4 Indian cities with Bangkok

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HAI Smile Airways has started operating flights from Bangkok to Gaya and Varanasi from October 1, while the airline will connect to Jaipur from November 15 and Lucknow from December 1, 2016. THAI Smile makes it more convenient and effective in terms of tourism; segments like weddings, corporate entities, family, luxury travellers and commercial trades will be benefited. With this direct connectivity, we are very positive that it will boost the tourism from these cities to Thailand in the near future.The flights will operate with an A320 aircraft which will offer a Premium Economy Class (12 seats) and Economy Class (154 seats) and in-flight entertainment experience and specially designed Indian cuisine & beverages. All passengers of Royal Orchid and Premium Economy Class can enjoy a privilege lounge at Suvarnabhumi.

4 Corporate Outbound | October 2016

Thai Air Asia is expanding its Indian network with the launch of direct flights from Bangkok to Kolkata

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he new route will commence on 16 December 2016, with daily flights connecting the two Asian cities. Services will depart Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport at 0005 and arrive in Kolkata at 0110. The return flight will then leave at 0210 and arrive back in the Thai capital at 0640.Reservations have already opened for the new route. Kolkata will become Thai Air Asia’s fourth Indian destination, following Chennai, Bengaluru and Kochi.

Jet Airways has unveiled plans to add more flights to Nepal

Air India launches one more direct flight to Mumbai

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et Airways effective 31st October 2016 will introduce a second daily service between Mumbai and Kathmandu and a third daily flight between Delhi and the Nepalese capital. Both new flights will be operated using a Boeing 737 aircraft.

The new Mumbai-Kathmandu service, flight 9W 250, will depart the Indian city’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport daily at 0815 and arrive at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport at 1110 (Local Time). On the return leg, flight 9W 249 will depart Kathmandu at 1210 and arrive back in Mumbai at 1450.On the Delhi-Kathmandu route, flight 9W 282 will leave the Indian capital’s Indira Gandhi International Airport every day at 1040 and arrive in Kathmandu at 1230.

The return flight, 9W 281, will depart Nepal’s capital city at 1330 and arrive in Delhi at 1505.Jet Airways competes multiple airlines, including Air India and Nepal Airlines, on the Delhi-Kathmandu routes, but only with Nepal Airlines on the Mumbai-Kathmandu sector.

ir India will introduce another direct flight from Coimbatore to Mumbai from 30th October. The city currently enjoys five non-stop flights to the commercial capital of the country. The new flight introduced by Air India, will fly in the afternoons. This flight is expected to depart from Mumbai at 11.05am and reach Coimbatore at 12.50pm. The flight will again leave Coimbatore at 1.25pm and reach Mumbai at 3pm. It will fly on all days except Thursday.

October 2016 | Corporate Outbound 5

Buzz

Radha Hotels enters luxury segment with Feathers

Hospitality

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adha Group of Hotels has launched a luxury hotel Feathers in the western part of the Tamil Nadu. The 186-room hotel has come up on 3.6 acres near the Chennai Trade Centre, Feathers hopes to tap into the lack of luxury hotels in the area, which is close to the industrial corridors of Sriperumbudur and Oragadam.

Its proximity to hospitals such as MIOT and Sri Ramachandra Medical University will help in promoting medical tourism.

Feathers would aim to achieve cash break-even in about six months in view of strong traction in hotel occupancy levels.

ITDC launches their logo marking 50 years

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arking the Golden Jubilee of ITDC, The India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), towards the completion of its 50 years of inception launched a logo. The Logo was unveiled by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism and Culture in the presence of Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and other senior officers of Ministry of Tourism and ITDC.Special offers on room tariff and Food & Beverage outlets in all ITDC hotels, issue of Elite Card to every 50th guest during this period, plantation of 50 Saplings each in some hotels of ITDC, painting and slogan competition, lighting of all Delhi based hotels, presenting souvenirs to guests visiting ITDC hotels.

Hotelbeds looking at expansion to Tier-II & Tier-III cities in India

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otelbeds, a global bed bank, have moved beyond just operating in the biggest cities and are now working in tier two – and looking to tier three – sized cities where enormous growth potential still exists. They see even greater potential from a growing segment of ambitious and young Indians looking both to travel more and spend more, not just on accommodation but on activities and unique experiences.

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6 Corporate Outbound | October 2016

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heraton Hyderabad Hotel, Gachibowli recently unveiled 56 fully furnished apartments, adding to the hotel’s existing 216 rooms. Starting from Studio with variants of one bedroom and two bedroom options, they are perfectly suited to guests staying in Hyderabad for an extended duration of a week upwards.

Conveniently located just 20 minutes from the hi-tech city and close to 25 minutes from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, the apartments have been specially designed to offer a ‘home away from home’ experience to guests in the city for extended periods, fitted with a well-equipped kitchenette, spacious living and dining rooms and an exclusive landscaped patio, guests can choose from a Studio, Deluxe, Superior and Executive apartments.

94% Indians prefer free Wi-Fi at hotels as per report by Expedia Hotel Etiquette xpedia released the results of the 2016 Hotel Etiquette Report, an analysis of behavior and preferences of Indians while booking hotels highlighting that 94% of Indians obsessed with social media prefer a free Wi-Fi connection at a hotel, while 37% are unwilling to pay for the same. “The Hotel Etiquette survey highlights some interesting facts about preferences of Indian travellers while booking a hotel. According to the survey, the most preferred medium of booking a hotel amongst 35% Indians is a desktop/laptop/ computer followed by mobile app on smartphone/tablets used by 29% while 14% travellers book through mobile web using smartphone/tablets. It is interesting to note that 89% Indians consider hotel reviews as very/somewhat important while choosing a hotel.

Sheraton Hyderabad adds 56 serviced apartments to its inventory

Ibis Styles Opens in Goa Calangute

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he first ibis Styles Goa Calangute is launched in India offers 197 rooms as each ibis Style has its own distinctive character built around a Portuguese architecture.

The hotel also has a stylish conference and banquet facilities that can accommodate up to 180 guests for business events.ibis Styles Goa Calangute is the perfect beach destination for a family vacation, leisure retreat for two or team building.

October 2016 | Corporate Outbound 7

Feat ured

Canada

Not just colder, cooler!

Explorez sans fin!

As Will Ferguson said about his country, “With or without the Royals, we are not Americans nor are we British or French or Void. We are something else and the sooner we define this, the better.�

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Things to do Canada is more than its imposing mountains and rough coastline, which definitely adds to its rugged charm. But there are also extraordinary gastronomic experiences to be had, cool, hip culture to be enjoyed and wild, moose spotting, hay baling trips to be taken.

Sit at a sidewalk bistro in MontrĂŠal, just like you would in Paris, and sit on a cafĂŠ au lait and tear into a buttery croissant. Hop on over to the Asian night markets, a big flurry in all the big cities and slurp noodles, or join a wild, harp, harmonica, mandolin fiddling Celtic party on Cape Breton Island, look out for the aboriginal cultures in villages on Haida Gwaii. The range of experiences that Canada has to offer is as diverse and wide as the country itself. You will hear the cultural, ethnic and social diversity in the music, see it in the arts, smell it in the food and taste it in the cuisine.

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anada is a land of vast distances and rich natural beauty. Economically and technologically, and in many other ways, cultural and otherwise, it closely resembles her neighbor to the south, the United States, although there are significant differences between the two countries. Canada is happy with, and has treasured her British heritage. The country has historically been built and influenced by immigrants from two main European nations, Britain and France.

In some parts of Canada, particularly Quebec and parts of New Brunswick, the primary language spoken is French. Despite being a medium sized country with land to population ratio, Canada has earned the respect of the world for strong diplomatic skills, peacekeeping efforts, respect for human life, high quality of life, high scores on indices of economic and civil freedom, lack of corruption and so on.

As you fly in to Canada, look out your window. Or perhaps you are flying within Canada one peek outside and you will see how daringly low the pilots will fly you on amongst the sky-clawing Rockies. Once you land, visit the hot springs and relax in the hot mineral springs. The orcas can be seen gamboling in the frigid ocean waters from the decks in Newfoundland, Labrador and Ontario. Go snorkeling or scuba diving through Tobermory Bay just outside of Toronto. Float through the iceberg alley in Newfoundland and Labrador and enjoy the joy and panic that these arctic rocks drive into your heart. Drive across the farmland and prairies where wheat stands tall and a beautifully cool breeze blows. Listen to the tragically hip, and drink a hot cup of tea. Smoked salmon, maple cured ham and bacon, sharp cheddar and

Similar to her neighbor, this country is also a melting pot of different minorities from all over the world living in Canada, particularly the urban centers. They have influenced the culture of Canada hugely, as it stands today. People are very friendly and love interacting with people from different ethnic backgrounds.

Climate: Trying to distil the climate of Canada into an easily read and understood statement is difficult, given the vast area and diverse geography. Winters are harsh, but the more populated regions such as Toronto, Ontario etc., which are largely in the south, enjoy a less severe climate. This is also the reason that most of the Canadian urban areas are located primarily in the south of Canada. Summers are short and hot with temperatures over 35 degrees Celsius.

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Okanagan wine. The vastness compels you to explore it.

Go howl with the wolves in August and September in the Algonquin park, and very likely, they will answer back. Go on a polar bear safari near Churchill, Manitoba. Sit beneath the starry skies and watch the Aurora unfold the Northern lights in Yellowknife. Walk on the ocean floor at the Bay of Fundy, which hosts the world’s highest and lowest tides. At low tide, after over 100 million tons of seawater has receded, walk the ocean floor. Go fossilling in the Dinosaur valley or Drumheller. The largest standing dinosaur will welcome you to Drumheller. A visit to the Royal Tyrell Museum of Paleontology is a must.And if none of this entices you, there’s always a walk with the Vikings at the L’anse aux Meadows and home to Eric the Red’s son Lief will take you to the northern tip of this maritime province. See the wild bison in Alberta, and see Alberta’s oil sands, that helped her become the booming economy she is today.

There’s much to do that supersedes the Niagara falls, the CNN tower, the Rocky Mountains, maple syrup and ice hockey.

Of the food, art and culture Canada is the veritable smorgasbord of gastronomy, art and culture. Home to some of the biggest celebrations in the history of humanity, it is worth planning a trip to collide with one of these festivals. The Toronto pride parade, which celebrates sexual diversity and choice, has gone down as the most liberal in the history of the world, with the suave, charming Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau walking the pride, who is a delight to look at. Caribana is the Toronto Caribbean carnival parade, which takes place in Toronto. Masqueraders 12 Corporate Outbound | October 2016

in colorful and striking costumes, parade of the Mas Bands, guest bands, cultural and steel bands also participate and make for quite the experience.

The arts are an integral part of the Canadian culture. The international fringe theatre festival in Edmonton is a great opportunity to get swept up in an international artistic force, a journey and a celebration. Mega museums like the Ottawa National Gallery, the Montreal Jazz festival, and the Toronto’s star-studded film festival draw global crowds. An avantegarde ‘sound symposium’ at the St. John’s Street in Toronto is a great opportunity for the eclectic in you to explore acoustics. Also beautiful is the Stratford festival, an internationally recognized annual repertory theatre festival, which is one of the most prominent art festivals in Canada and recognized worldwide for Shakespearean plays. It also showcases productions of Greek tragedies to contemporary works and a must visit for the theatre enthusiast. Catch a theatrical performance at one of the many extravagant theatres in Toronto, like the Elgin and Winter garden theatre.

Food is what the Canadians live for. Graze from east to west, and you will find wild salmon and velvety scallops, Poutine and lobster, with a dab of melted butter. This fare is not touted worldwide like the French or Italian food, but this is distinctive seafood, piquant cheeses, and fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables to be had at the receivers’ discretion.

Rarely does one come across a country that has as much variety of culture, arts and scenic natural beauty, as Canada does. From highest tides to temperate rains, the country has all the seasons. Investigate everything in between. You will be enthralled for life.

Express Info Getting there Air: Canada is well connected to all our major cities by most common airlines, which run non stop flights with return fares starting at Rs. 77,000.

Local: Getting around the towns of Canada is very easy as the cities all have great infrastructure.

Every city has a version of the subway, metro or the underground, which connects almost every nook, and cranny of the city. Most cities also have a well-developed bus services and the cities are well planned and maintained and a joy to walk.

Travelling between cities in Canada is best accomplished by driving. The roads are scenic and give a great hand-on travel experience of the country.

Currency: Canadian dollar = ` 50.

October 2016 | Corporate Outbound 13

TAAI ‘s 63rd annual convention at Abu DhabiIndia holds out huge potential for Abu Dhabi’s tourism say TCA Director General

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ndia’s leading travel agents have been urged to seize the potential of Abu Dhabi’s diverse tourism offering to further boost their already growing business relations with the Emirate. The call came at a welcome gala reception for up to 600 agents, all members of The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) - the ‘voice’ of the country’s rapidly expanding travel and tourism sector - which is staging its 63rd annual convention at Abu Dhabi’s signature Emirates Palace this week for the first time in Abu Dhabi.

Addressing the agents, HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), which hosted the gathering, said the outbound Indian market is of paramount importance to the Emirate as it is now the largest overseas source of hotel guests.In the first half of this year 152,423 Indians checked into Abu Dhabi hotels which were a 20% year-over-year increase. Indian guests accounted for 7% of all hotel stays in the Emirate, with a longer-than-average stay of 3.4 nights.Ghobash said with three airlines now operating more than 300 combined flights a week to Abu Dhabi from 15 different Indian cities, the Emirate could be promoted within India as a convenient short-break choice, a luxury wedding celebration destination and a world-class meeting and convention venue in less than four hours flying time.

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“Abu Dhabi could cater to the various travel segments because of its product diversity which spans capital city luxury, Yas Island entertainment, UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Al Ain and superb desert and island resorts within Al Gharbia” said TCA Director General. He also pointed to new attractions taking shape on Yas Island and the near completion of the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island.

During their stay in Abu Dhabi, the TAAI delegates were hosted on city tours and visited Yas Island, the Emirate’s entertainment destination, where they experienced Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – the world’s only Ferrari theme park.

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Indore st nd rd 21 , 22 , 23 Oct 2016

Mangalore th th 18 , 19 , 20 Nov 2016

Madurai th th th 16 , 17 , 18 Dec 2016

Nagpur th th th 27 , 28 , 29 Jan 2017

Vijayawada th th 24 , 25 , 26 Feb 2017

Bhubaneshwar th th 24 , 25 , 26 Mar 2017

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th

th

Clicked by Anurag Gupta with Samsung Galaxy S6

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Fe at ured

Manipur Shangri-La of the North East

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anipur literally translates to the ‘Jewelled land’ and it is believed that the Gods cleared this space to dance with abandon. The state is a visual paradise with cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, winding rivers and mountainous roads. This state also has exquisite fauna and wildlife and is the last known reserve of the dancing deer called the Sangai.

The state teams in natural and cultural diversity and it can take a lifetime to see and absorb all of it. It makes sense to make Imphal, the capital of the state, your base, and base your excursions out of there.

The central market of Khwairamband in the city of Imphal is fascinating in the sights and sounds it has to offer. It is divided in two sections with over 3000 tribal women selling their wares. The first section sells textiles, shawls and fabric, along with the traditional dress of the Meitei tribe or the phanek, and another section of the market sells October 2016 | Corporate Outbound 19

pottery and doll making arts of the region.

household provisions. There are bamboo and wicker handicrafts. Language barrier can occasionally prove challenging, and it is usually good to bargain as the prices are generally inflated for tourists. Some government and handicraft council approved fixed price shops at GM hall and Paona bazaar also sell the same products and it might be worth one’s while to take a look. On the outskirts of the market are smaller shops selling cane, wicker, papier mache, decorative ivory The Manipur state museum focuses on the ethnological, cultural, geological, biological and archeological diversity of the state. The displays of tribal jewelry, costumes and weapons are of special interest and speak volumes about the philosophy and people of the state.

preserved memorial and commemorates the Indo Burma war and the Indian and British soldiers that were lost at the time of strife. Only a short distance of 5 to 30 kms from Imphal are the picturesque villages of Langthabal, a small hill town replete with relics from the past, temples, ceremonial structures amidst the beautiful pine and jackfruit trees. Andro, an ancient village is a stronghold for the scheduled castes of Manipur and displays exquisite

The Keibul Lamjao national park is the only floating national park in the world.

Orchids bloom in profusion, and April and May are great months for orchid seeing. 12 kms north of Imphal is the Khongkhampat Orchidarium, with hundreds of varieties of Orchids, largely blooming in the month of April and May. There are also abundant teak, bamboo, oak, magnolia and pine forests, great for flora and bird watchers. The park rests on the fringes of the Loktak Lake, fed by many rivers and dotted with floating islands.

The water is crystal clear and bottom visibility is close to 100% and makes for a great spot for snorkeling, if one is so inclined. The lake is home to an unusual community of fishermen who live on houses and rafts made out of wa-

One of the most prominent temples in the city is the Sree Govindjee temple, devoted to the lord Krishna. Majority of the population of Manipur belongs to the Meitei tribe who are Vaishnavite Hindus, and this is a place of significant religious interest. However, while the character of the temple is beautiful and devotional, it is not architecturally significant.

The temple offers puja or religious offerings in the morning and a visit to the temple early in the morning is advisable.

The British war cemetery is a well known and wonderfully 20 Corporate Outbound | October 2016

October 2016 | Corporate Outbound 21

terweed. The Sendra Island offers a bird’s eye view of the lake. On the western shore of the lake is the small town of Moirang, where the freedom fighter, Subhash Chandra Bose hoisted the first flag of independent India in 1943. Khongjom, a small village on the Indo-Burma road is where the general Paona Brajabashi fought against the British and refused to surrender.

the birthplace of polo tradition, and famous for the raas leela, Manipur is captivating in its beauty. Living in harmony, this is a land for everyone.

The last known reserve of the dancing deer or the Sangai, a species of Brow Antlered deer, endemic to Manipur and the state animal of the state, the Manipur Zoological garden is a sylvan picnic spot only 5 kms outside of Imphal. Located at the foot of pine-covered hillocks, this is a beautiful little spot.

The expansive, low-walled war fort of Kangla, the on-again, off-again regal capital of Manipur until the Anglo-Manipuri war of 1891 is an exciting war memorial and historical monument. After passing the majestic and exceedingly tall gate of Kanglapat, one approaches the interesting, older buildings, found at the rear of the citadel, guarded by the three dragons or the white Kangla sha.

The people of Manipur breathe music, dance and sports and exhibit tremendous zest for life. The popular naga-thongba (fish curry), ooti (a vegetarian dish), chagem pomba (fermented soya, mustard leaves), Chamthong or kangshoi, a seasonal vegetable stew are all delicacies to be tried and enjoyed.

Manipur enjoys a rich cultural tradition because of the religious and tribal diversity.

Most famously known for the ‘Manipuri dance’, the dance is devotional in nature and is a classical dance form, albeit very different from dances from other parts of the country. The dance is a depiction of the ‘Raas Leela’ or the love story of Lord Krishna and his consort, Radha. Each tribe has their distinct traditions. Ritualistic dances are performed at social occasions. The folk dances are less intricate, but rhythmic and colorful.

Shop at the Ima Bazzar, watch Hiyang Tanaba boat race, the temple at Bishnupur, boat on the beautiful Loktak lake, Manipur, the jeweled land has something to offer for everyone.

Bordered by blue hills and encased in its egg shaped valley, 22 Corporate Outbound | October 2016

Express Info

Getting there:

By Air- Tulihal airport at Imphal is the second largest airport of the north Eastern India which connects to Kolkata, New Delhi, Guwahati, Aizwal, Dimapur and Silchar by most common domestic carriers with fares starting at Rs 8,100.

By Rail- NH39 links Imphal with railhead at Dimapur in Nagaland, 215 kms to north. NH53 connects Imphal with the railhead at Jiribam 225 kms in the south east.

By Road- Private and managed deluxe coaches run daily from Imphal to Guwahati and Dimapur along NH3.

Internal travel is facilitated with numerous taxis and buses. Frequent buses connect Imphal city with all the districts. Auto rickshaws are the best option for sightseeing and getting around the city.

Stay in Manipur Most of the places for stay are concentrated in the capital city Imphal because Manipur is a small state.

Various kinds of accommodations such as the State guest house, Assembly guest house and a few private hotels are available for lodging.

Best time to visit Manipur is between October and March with a pleasant, sunny winter.

October 2016 | Corporate Outbound 23

Weekend Getaway

Dual forts of Avalabetta and Gudibande To reveal the hidden secrets of two mighty hills of Avalabetta and Gudibande fort, one needs to make only a short drive outside to the North of Bangalore. The drive is scenic and should take no more than 2 hours. It is ideal to start in the early hours of the morning if the traveller wishes to complete the trek and return the same day. If not, there is a guest house on the hilltop of Avalabetta, built by the Karnataka State department and many hotels in the nearby town of Chikkaballapur which provide appropriate lodging facilities.

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Avalabetta The mythological history of Avalabetta or Avalakunda is interesting when the ocean was churned by the gods and demons, many creations, both good and bad surfaced. One of them was the holy cow and it is believed to have landed here. The supposed hoof marks of the cow can be found on a rock. In later years large numbers of cows frequented this hill which gave the place the name Dhenugiri (Dhenu- cow, Giri- Mountain). The hill houses the Lakshmi Narasimha temple and villagers take great pride in offering the first milk of their cattle to the deity worshipped here. The place offers a lot of opportunities for climbing, bird watching or learning about rocks.

Terrain, travel and lodging There was only a trail covered in bushes until a few years back, but now, thanks to the involvement of the local government, some amount of construction has taken place, which makes the hike a relatively easy one. The state forest department of Karnataka has taken the initiative to maintain this place and also built a guest house here. This is a convenient place for staying the night for travellers wishing to cover both the hilltops in the village of Gudibande in one trip.

Adventure seekers often like to pitch tent in the forest and camp for the night and skip the hotel accommodations entirely. If this is what you choose, it is best to carry one’s gear all the way from the city, which includes tent and associated gear, water, climbing gear and shoes, food supplies which can ideally be eaten out of a can and basic health and first aid kit, as the nearest hospital of any standing is at least 20 kms away. A handy supply of high SPF sunblock never goes a miss .The town of Gudibande itself provides very meagre 26 Corporate Outbound | October 2016

opportunities where food, accommodation and emergency medical help is concerned so it is best to be prepared when traveling. If not camping, it is advisable to make arrangements for lodging and hotels in the nearby town of Chikkaballapur, Karnataka, 40 kms south of Gudibande, with tariffs starting at Rs. 1500 and above.

Gudibande fort Gudibande is a multi level fort built by the local chieftain Byre Gowda, over 400 years ago, located 24 kms from Avalabetta.

This fort can be said to be a concise replica of the Madhugiri fort. The fort has seven levels with interconnecting routes which would help soldiers flee in the case of emergency. The main feature of the fort is the rain water harvesting system with over 19 ponds cut out into solid rock at different levels of the fort. On the summit of the fort is a Shiva temple which is believed to be one of the 108 Jyotirlingas of the Lord Shiva.

The strong pillar with a strong base has well sculpted images.

One can also view the Byrasagara reservoir from the summit.

The fort is smaller than the other forts around Bangalore, and is completely deserted, as it is so off the beaten track.

There are reconstructed steps at the beginning, which make the climb relatively easier, but they ruin the historical beauty of the fort. However, these eyesore steps end very soon and then the hike is a picturesque one. At a normal, non climber pace, it takes about an hour to reach the summit. The fort offers a great opportunity for the architects and explorers as well as the hiking and climbing enthusiasts. After climbing a few turrets, one finds oneself at the summit at the temple of the Lord Shiva, and the atmosphere, with the silence that surrounds creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere. This has to be one of the most underrated treks in and around the city of Bangalore. It offers a very decent climb with exploration.

There are many other places to visit around the town of Gudibande. The Lakshmi Venkataramanaswamy temple constructed by the Cholas, the Narasimhaswamy temple, a sort of cave haven, hewn out of solid rock, also gives the town its name. Gudi is temple and Banda is rock. Surasadmagiri hill and Amani Byrasagara lake are beautiful hills and great places for hiking. The hill contains thirteen ponds and two temples, dedicated to the Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Amani Byrasagara lake was constructed by Byre Gowda in the 16th century. It makes for a beautiful day trip or a quaint weekend getaway, away from the beaten trail, full of adventure, natural beauty and excitement.

Express Info Place: Gudibande Fort Trek.

Distance: 100 x 2 = 200km from Bangalore, Karnataka, 139 kms from Ananthapur in Andhra Pradesh.

Directions: Bengaluru – Hebbal – Devenahalli – Chikbalapur – Gudibande Ideal for excursion with friends and family with minor exertion trekking, hiking, walking and sightseeing thrown in.

Getting there: Drive, some Karnataka state buses ply between Bangalore and Chikkaballapur district.

October 2016 | Corporate Outbound 27

INGREDIENTS

• 1.5 Ltr Water • 1 No Onion In Rings • 100 gm Chopped Spring Onion • 50 gm Chopped Coriander • 1/3 Of A Medium Sized Cabbage • 5 Florets Cauliflower • 50 gm French Beans chopped • 80 gms Button Mushroom sliced • Salt To Taste • 2 Green Chillies • 1 Ginger Leaf • 1 Thumb Size Ginger • 1 no Tomato • 2 no snow peas • 2 Tsp Ferment Soya Beans

Chef Vipul, a Professional in Industry with over 11 years of experience in India and Abroad, specializes in South East Asian and Modern Continental Cuisine. Currently, he is inspiring and nurturing young chefs as a Chef Trainer at IHM PUSA New Delhi.

Kangsoi A vegetable stew

Manipuri cuisine is simple, tasty, organic and healthy. Dishes are typically spicy that use chili pepper rather than garam masala hence healthy and organic. Most of the cuisines don’t use oil as its ingredients.

Kangsoi is a authentic Manipuri dish. This dish is a must have in celebration times, especially at New Year eve. It's a kind of a stew, easy to make, very healthy and ready in jiffy.

Method • • • •

Boil water and onion rings to which you should add sliced ginger, fermented soya beans, all the vegetables except tomato and ginger leaves and salt to taste.

Cook on low flame for a while. Add tomato, ginger leaves and coriander leaves.

Serve with rice or have just as a soup.

You can add fermented fish and roasted fish too then drop the fermented soya beans

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