Travel & Flavors June 2014

RNI No: 122229 KERENG/2013/49674

www.travelandflavors.com

June 2014

Delightful Denmark

5 Monsoon

Live it up with the happiest people on earth

Sensual Bali

Resorts in Kerala

Ancient temples, exotic beaches await you

Istanbul Where old and new go hand in hand

`50, AED 7, $5

Karnataka Cuisine Incredible India Tuck into the mouthwatering and sumptuous fare

Through the eyes of a traveller

INside

28 cover story

5 monsoon Resorts in Kerala

Cover photo: A young woman enjoying the beauty of a waterfall in Bali

India

72

68

38 Incredible invisible India 48 The other side of Andamans 52 Sights and sounds of Mumbai 56 A divine retreat 58 A tribute to the constant gardener

Global

60 Panoramic villages and cities 64 Shoppers stop at Bogyoke Market 68 Plain and noble island 72 Street-hopping through Istanbul 76 Where the happiest people live

Luxury Travel

82 Cruise lovers’ dream 84 A floating palace in the sky

76

90

Flavors

88 Flavors from Afghanistan 90 Karnataka’s own authentic recipes 93 Brewing world’s favourite coffee

Regulars Into the Wild 10 Travel News 12 Unique Festivals 15 Thus Spake the Shot 18 Go Green 19 The Big Picture 20 My Shot 22

38

Floral Fantasy 26 Travel Tip 63 Travel Kit 83 Strange Travellers 94

Volume 2 Issue 6 | June 2014 Founder & editor Ravi Deecee Executive Editor Ratheema Ravi DC MEDIA - OPERATIONS

dc media - ADVT SALES

dc books

General Manager M Kumar T&F - EDITORIAL Associate Editor Dipin Damodharan Chief Copy Editor K S Rajagopal Coordinating Editor Savithri S Iyer senior reporters Lakshmi Narayanan Tony William Photojournalist Jose Jacob reporter Vaisakh E Hari DC MEDIA - EDITORIAL Sr editorial team TKV Mani Vishnu Rageev R Prashob K P Sumithra Sathyan Sandeep P S K R Rejeesh editorial team Sujeesh K S Renku k Haridas Lijo V Joseph Remya Nair

head - marketing Vinu V Nair Senior Managers Kainakari Shibu Rajasree Varma Anu P M Blessy Susan George Vijimon P B M K Haridas Vinod Joseph Rohil Kumar A B Managers Febin K Francis special projects Devika Venugopal sales coordination Divya Harish admin coordination Abhilash G Krishnan

Administration General Manager S Arun Kumar Manager-Administration Anil Kumar B Manager-Corporate Relations Joseph AG Manager-Media Relations Venugopal G Finance & accounts General Manager Santhosh Kumar M Sr Manager-Costing Christo Antony Sr Manager-Accounts Emy Liju Editorial - Mango Saraswathy Rajagopal Editorial - DC Books Jayadev KV AV Sreekumar Ramdas R Eswaran Namboothiri Honey Thomas Anoop G Prakash Marahi Sanjeev S Muraleedharan Sreedevi P Tency Jacob Aravindakshan NV Sunoop Chandrasekharan Nimmy Susan Deepthy Dinesh Purchase Lekha Pradeep Nisha Sunil Online & Portal Jacob Varghese Jeevan K Augustine Rights Sumitha Jyothidas Dileep Kumar T

CREAtive visualiser Kailasnath Design & Layout Vipinesh T Viswambharan Sangeeth K M Anoop U K Arathi R Nair online & portal S Sreenath dc books Systems Prasanth K P Pradeep Kumar K T

DC Media - Circulation SENIOR Manager Sabu Varghese Mathew Logistics coordination Mobin E Mathew agency coordination Liju P John Sunilkumar P S finance & accounts Josy John Anjali Madhu Credit management Maya Murali support team Athul P M Sone Varghese Vishnu P M

dc books

Store Sales Jaison P Mathew R.Suresh Kumar Tomy Antony Satheeshan Nair Mani VK Rajmohan

SUBSCRIPTION

For subscription queries, write to info@dcmediacorp.com or call 0484 3047405 SERVICES

If Travel & Flavors is not available at your news stand, or for other news stand queries, write to info@ dcmediacorp.com, or call us 0484 3047405 PERMISSIONS

For permissions to copy or reuse material from Travel & Flavors, write to editorial@dcmediacorp.com Views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of DC Books, its publisher or editors. We do our best to verify the information published but do not take any responsibility for the absolute accuracy of the information. We do not take responsibility for returning unsolicited material sent without due postal stamps for return postage. No part of this magazine can be reproduced without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Travel & Flavors reserves the right to use the information published herein in any manner whatsoever.

Contact Info DC MEDIA , DC Books, 234/C, Adjacent to YMCA, Chittoor Road, Cochin – 35, Kerala, India, Contact, Ph: +91 484 3047 405, Fax: +91 484 4021 145 Business Office - International, DC Books Pvt Ltd, # 1, 601, DSC Tower, Studio City, Dubai, UAE Mail: editorial@dcmediacorp.com, info@dcmediacorp.com Published from DC Books, D C Kizhakemuri Edam, Good Shepherd Street, Kottayam – 686001, Kerala, India and printed at Five Star Offset Printers, Nettoor,Cochin-40 for DC Press Pvt. Ltd., Industrial Development Area, Poovanthuruth, Kottayam – 686012, Kerala, India. Printed, published & owned by Ravi Deecee

DC Media Publication www.travelandflavors.com

contributors Rathika Ramasamy is India’s first woman wildlife photographer and one of the world’s top 10 wildlife photgraphers

Salim Pushpanath is a renowned photographer based in Kerala, South India. He has published several photo books based on his many travels

Renuka C Sekhar is a Bangalore based fashion designer and travel writer. Being a travel maniac she loves to explore new places and meet new people

Richi Mohanty works as a User Interface Designer in Bangalore. She is an avid traveller who loves meeting new people and experiencing various cultures

Jenny Thingshung is a food writer and journalist based in Delhi. She is also an ardent travel buff, who specialises mainly on the diverse cuisines of the North East

Aswathy Kumar is a traveller and a journalist who has worked with Times of India and CNN-IBN

Amit Kishor Subedi is an avid traveller and documentary film maker based in Pokhara, Nepal. He is involved in documentaries which promote art and culture in Nepal

8

travel & flavors June 2014

letter from the editor

I

t is that time of the year again! The sky is overcast with dark, heavy clouds and no sunshine for days, trees sway in strong winds, heavy rain with intermittent lightning and thunder continues through day and night, low-lying areas are marooned, all ponds and wells are filled to the brim, rivers and canals overflow breaching their banks.

Monsoon has arrived in the southwest coast of India. All of us in Kerala welcome monsoon after a long spell of summer.

Watching rain by simply sitting in your room beside a lake or river is a cool experience, which can calm down your disturbing thoughts and tumultuous emotions.

Nowadays, people from other regions of the country and abroad come to Kerala during the time only to experience this phenomenon. They enjoy rain to the fullest by taking boat rides in the backwaters and travelling by road or rail as much as they can. So hotels and resorts here are swarmed by visitors when the season sets in.

The rainy season is also ideal for Ayurvedic treatments and therapies because the body benefits greatly from these treatments during the period. Traditionally, locals used to undergo rejuvenation treatments in the time of pouring rain as they in the field knew about its advantages. Now foreigners make a beeline for Kerala exactly this time of the year seeking mental and physical health rejuvenation.

Our cover story provides all details regarding some of the best resorts in the state that offer Ayurvedic rejuvenation treatments and therapies in a relaxed ambience with all modern facilities necessary for a guest on vacation. Guests are entertained with sight-seeing, cultural programmes and special delicacies. Every health conscious person can make use of this wonderful opportunity.

The story on Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the country’s economic, cultural and historical heartland, takes you innards of the European capital of culture. With a blend of ancient and modern, Istanbul entertains everyone.

Hip-hop restaurants, bars and night clubs in the city attract party goers while historians find the place a haven because it was the centre of Greek, Roman and Islamic cultures.

Food lovers can come to know more about mainly two popular cuisines- Afghan and Karnataka delicacies. If you ask which is more popular, there would be no clear answer as both are influenced by the North Indian flavour. While Karnataka cuisine is dominated by vegetarian dishes, Afghan cuisine is topped with non-vegetarian dishes, particularly lamb meat. But rice is common for both.

Karnataka cuisine is noted for its varieties and comprises Udupi cuisine, Davanagere dishes and Coorg or Kodagu delicacies which are spicy and sumptuous. If you have a palate for Afghan food, visit Hauz Rani, a neighbourhood of South Delhi. The stalls in the narrow street will serve the authentic Afghan dishes. You will certainly ask for more Afghan bread along with lamb meat.

Mail Box

Burj Khalifa, Dubai

Real Arabian scent

Informative articles

E-MAIL YOUR LETTERS TO: editorial@dcmediacorp.com

Your anniversary issue looked quite appealing and the cover story, ‘Landmarks of Arabia’ was a visual treat.

It was a different approach to the Middle East altogether and I was impressed that you were able to cover the kind of experiences anyone would look forward to.

Avanthika Nataraj Chennai

The segment on Yangon was informative as well as entertaining. All the information that you provide at the box at the end each articles will no doubt be a great help for travelers on the road. Good work, Team T&F! Ramesh Sharma, New Delhi

FAX THEM TO: 0484 4021 145

Brilliant article

CONTACT INFO WRITE LETTERS TO: DC MEDIA, DC Books Pvt Ltd, 234/C, Adjacent to YMCA, Chittoor Road, Cochin-35, Kerala, India

TO SUBSCRIBE: 0484 3047 405 FOR SUBSCRIPTION QUERIES: info@dcmediacorp.com

Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. facebook.com/TravelAndFlavors

The article, ‘Smokey delights of Naga Cuisine’ was incredible.

One doesn’t find a lot of authentic coverage for the North East region of our country but you have come up with an outstanding article on the same. Kudos to Jenny Thingshung on a great work.

Saji Joseph GM, Le Meridian, Cochin

Splendid Oslo Oslo seems like a dreamy place to spend a vacation in.

Plus, who knew that education was free of cost there!!Great work by the writer in bringing out such a fun article. I was blown away by the excellent presentation of a place as wonderful as Oslo Mahesh Rao, Mumbai

June 2014 travel & flavors

9

Into the wild

A

sarus crane (Grus antigone) and a spotbill duck at Sultanpur National Park which is a paradise for birdwatchers. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is located on the Gurgaon- Farukh Nagar Road in Haryana, 50 km from Delhi. It is famous for migratory and resident birds that include more than 250 species.

Migratory birds are from distant regions like Siberia, Europe and Afghanistan. The park is buzzing with migratory birds during winter. The best season is March-April.

How to reach Nearest railway station: Garhi Harsaru on the DelhiRewari railway line From Delhi: Take Metro from New Delhi to Huda City Centre in Gurgaon and make arrangement for local transport from there

Accommodation Rosy Pelican Tourist Complex, Sultanpur

Best season March-April

Rathika Ramasamy is India’s first woman wildlife photographer and one of the top ten wildlife photographers of the world

10 travel & flavors

June 2014

Birdwatchers’ delight

June 2014 travel & flavors

11

Travel News

Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2014

Travel and Tourism Fair

(Bangkok) Thailand: The largest B2B event in the country, Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2014 offers a gateway to the Greater Mekong Sub-region. The event, first organised in 2001, aims to promote tourism and service business in Thailand and Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS).

Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) have also been supported at the international stage with their products on offer. The major markets include Europe, South East Asia, Eastern Asia, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as emerging regions such

Guwahati (India): With expected visitors of over 186,000 and more than 2,500 exhibitors from 70 countries and 35 Indian states and Union Territories, Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) is India’s leading travel trade show network. Started in 1989, TTF covers nine top domestic and outbound tourism markets of India – Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Surat and Pune.TTF is the ideal platform for travel and trade to meet and market. When it comes to business, nothing can beat the face-to-face marketing opportunity of TTF as it follows

as the CIS countries, Eastern Europe, Middle East, South America and South Africa.

Scheduled to be held from June 4 to 6 at the Exhibition Centre Hall in Muang Thong Thani, TTM Plus will focus on trade and business talks among operators and participants. An added benefit, TTM plus buyers and the media can also enjoy a full range of post tours showcasing Thailand’s world-renowned natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

International Luxury Travel Market

Shanghai (China): Asia’s leading luxury travel eventInternational Luxury Travel Market- (ILTM)is where the best travel agents and advisors from across Asia meet the world’s best luxury travel experiences. The event will take place at Shanghai Exhibition Centre from June 2 to 5. The four-day event will have the presence of prominent members of the luxury travel industry.

Royal Ascot London: The world’s most famous horse race in London’s sporting calendar, Royal Ascot will take place from June 17 to 21. Steeped in tradition, and pageantry, Royal Ascot dates back to 300 years and is attended by the royal family. Founded by Queen Anne in 1711, Royal Ascot features a daily horse-drawn procession from Windsor Castle to Ascot Racecourse led by the royal carriage. At the venue, Ascot Racecourse, Ascot in the United Kingdom, you can enjoy the centerpiece of the British racing and social calendar.

12 travel & flavors

June 2014

the latest travel and tourism trends with focus on serving the needs of its extensive B2B clientele.Starting from June 27 to 29, the maiden Northeast TTF will take place at Guwahati.

The unexplored region with one of the largest biodiversity spots to its credit will provide open new avenues for the travel industry.

FIFA World Cup Brazil (Brasila)Brazil: Football fans across the world can rejoice from June 12 this year. The biggest football event in the world will take place for almost a month. Brazil will host the 20thedition of the FIFA World Cup from June 12 to July 13. Thirty-two national teams participate in the event, including Honduras, Iran, Ghana, Russia, and Korea Republic.

Venues are in 12 cities across Brazil. $35 million awaits the World Champions of 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Wimbledon Championships

London: Tennis enthusiasts across the world will be in for a treat from June 23when the biggest tennis tournament of the year gets underway.

The 128thedition of the Wimbledon Championships and the third Grand Slam event of the year will take place at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club from June 23 to July 6. Widely touted as the most important of the Grand Slams, the Wimbledon Championships, played on the grass courts during the brief summer months of England, attracts a number of tennis enthusiasts and the who’s who of the tennis world.

ATM plays key role in travel and tourism sector Dubai: The leading international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals from across the globe, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2014 which took place from May 5 to 8 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre drew huge crowds.

There was a tremendous increase in the number of visitors and exhibitors this time. The visitor figures touched 23,000, up by over 2,100 or more than 10% as compared to the previous event.

The record-breaking show accommodated over 2,700 exhibitors, including 120 first-time participants, 68 national pavilions and a packed schedule that includes seminars and other sessions.

“The preliminary figures for this year’s show underscore Arabian Travel Market’s relevance to the regional travel and tourism sector and reflect the healthy performance and confidence of the industry and its vital role as a major economic driver for the region,” said Mark Walsh, Portfolio

Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

Independently ABCaudited, ATM 2014 had already recorded an 8% increase in exhibitors compared to 2013, with a record travel-focused floor space of over 24,500 square metres, including one extra hall– all reserved months in advance.

“The halls were thronged by travel trade professionals and the feedback from the exhibitors, speakers and our 115 hosted buyers has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing our position as the regional industry platform for tourism and hospitality professionals to

share their views, network with decision-makers, meet potential partners and exchange insight and ideas,” said Walsh.

Main stand holder numbers also grew by 10 % to 420.

New exhibiting destinations such as Taiwan and Slovenia, and a diverse array of companies made their ATM debut.

The newly launched ‘Spotlight on Luxury’ theme, which featured a programme of focused seminars and hosted buyers representing high-end travel companies and luxury exhibitors, including wellknown hospitality brands and premium destinations,

added further value to the 2014 line-up of events.

Other new initiatives providing exhibitors and visitors with up-to-theminute news and product information included the ATM Exhibitor Showcase Theatre and ATM Live Wall, which broadcast live interviews and panel debates. The VISA affluence report which took an insightful look at the spending patterns of wealthy regional travelers added glitter to the show.

“As usual, as the show wraps up, we are eagerly anticipating the next.

Re-bookings for 2015 are extremely encouraging.

We also have a number of creative ideas for the next year to continue our growth pattern in line with the regional development,” Walsh added.

Arabian Travel Market is held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE. Over its 22 years, the show has grown to become the largest travel trade show in the region and one of the biggest in the world.

Monsoon Tourism Promotion to be launched

(Cochin) Kerala: Conducted by Tourism Professionals Club, for the travel and hospitality industry in Kerala Shoot the rain – the soccer tournament festival will be

held on 28th and 9th June 2014 at the Parade Ground, Fort Kochi. Supported by the Department of Tourism – Government of Kerala this Monsoon tourism event has been ongoing for the past seven years.

Over 22 teams representing major hotels, tour operators, house boat owners association, various destination promotion councils and other teams will battle for the Joseph Dominic Memorial Ever Rolling Trophy sponsored by the CGH Earth Group.

Kerala Tourism and major hotels will have stalls at the event. The event will highlight the theme of Responsible Tourism.

Participating teams include Tourism Professionals Club-Monsoon, TPC Thunder, TPC Storm, Le Meridian Hotel, Brunton Boat Yard, Dream Hotel, Flora Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott, Casino Hotel, Gokulam Park, Raviz Hotels, Malabar House, Abad Hotels, Coconut Lagoon, Marari Beach Resort, Igloo Hospitality

Hotels, Kondai Lip, Turtle on the Beach, UdaySamudra, TDPCThekkady, and Pioneer Travels.

“This year the response has been overwhelming” said George Scaria, the President of the Tourism Professionals’ Club. The Technical guidance for the soccer festival will be provided by soccer legends Rufus D’souza and TA Jaffer. For more details, contact: shoottherainmedia @gmail.com June 2014 travel & flavors

13

Travel News

AIAA Aviation and Aeronautics Forum and Exposition

Georgia(US): AIAA Aviation and Aeronautics Forum and Exposition (AIAA AVIATION) 2014will take place at Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Georgia in the United States from June 16

to 20.The event will explore new and emerging aeronautics technologies and examine the important issues, both domestic and international.

It will also discuss the integration of UAVs in the airspace, the cybersecurity threats in air travel and the technology and policy advances to combat them, and the technologies that will enable the next generation of aerospace flight systems.

Splash 2014 from 11 July (Wayanad) Kerala: The sixth edition of Wayanad Monsoon Carnival- Splash will take place from July 11-13, 2014 at the Hill District Club, Meenagadi, Wayanad. A joint initiative

by Kerala Tourism, Govt of Kerala and Wayanad Tourism Organisation, Splash is hosted every year in the month of July to showcase various tourist destinations and attractions of Wayanad. It is an opportunity for meeting and interaction of

buyers and sellers. More than 400 travel agents participate in Splash B2B meet section and interact with various property owners in Wayanad every year.

Hotels, resorts, homestays, tour operators, medical tourism, ayurveda resorts and plantation resorts will offer services and exhibit their properties and products.

Resorts and homestays from neighbouring areas like Coorg, Nilgiris, Mysore, Kannur, Kasargod and Bekalare are expected to participate in the event.visits, property The mud football held on the last day is a charming attraction of the event.

June Events Calendar 2014 DATE

EVENT

June 1-8 June 2 June 7-8

June 12-14 June 12-14 June 12-15 June 13-15 June 13-21 June 15-17 June 16 June 17 June 19 June 18-22 June 22 June 25-29 June 26 June 29 June 23 June 24 June 26-29 June 27-29 June 27-29

SunSplash Music Festival Dragon Boat Festival Field Day Feast of St Anthony Sonar Isle of Wight Festival Meadows in the Mountains Festival of World Sacred Music Qoyllur Rit’I Bloomsday Regatta of St Ranieri Los Diablos Danzantes Stonehenge Summer Solstice Baby Jumping Festival Glastonbury Festival Lajkonik Festival Battle of the Wines Festa De Sao Joao Inti Raymi Fusion Festival Donauinselfest Boi Bumba

14 travel & flavors

LOCATION

June 2014

Antalya, Turkey Hunan Province, China London, UK Lisbon, Portugal Barcelona, Spain Newport, England Bulgaria Fes, Morocco Sinakara Valley, Peru Dublin, Ireland Pisa, Italy Venezuela Wiltshire, England Burgos, Spain Somerset, UK Krakow, Poland La Rioja, Spain Porto, Portugal Cuzco, Peru Germany Vienna Austria Parintins, Brazil Dragon Boat Festival

Diablos Danzantes / Unique Festival

I Dancing Devils of Yare streets Watch how the small town of San Francisco de Yare in Venezuela celebrates Feast of Corpus Christi.

It is unique and quite fun to see people dressing up as ‘devils’ and dancing through the streets Dancing Devils When: June 19

Where: Venezuela

t is a celebration of triumph of good over evil. Evil spirits are symbolically chased and scared away from the earth for good to prevail.

Unlike many religious festivals across the world, in the Los Diablos Danzantes festival, townspeople dress up like ‘devils’, donning fierce masks and dance frantically around the town square. That’s what the Dancing Devils or Los Diablos Danzantes is all about and though it is celebrated across the nation, each community has a different take to the celebration. But it is the celebration observed in the town of San Francisco de Yare that makes you sit up and take notice.

The small town of San Francisco de Yare in the state of Miranda has a queer custom where the ‘devils’ dress up in red and wear masks resembling winged dragons. Most of the groups of dancers perform their dances with accessories ranging from maracas, whips, crucifixes rosaries and almost anything that can help ward off evil spirits. Live music and percussion

and stringed instruments accompany the dancers and the colourful parade makes its way all the way up to the local church where the sacrament is laid out. The devils surrender to the sacrament in an ultimate symbol of triumph of good over evil.

The celebrations usually start on a Wednesday with a wake where native music and poetry are recited followed by rosaries and prayers until dawn. The next day, the chosen ‘devils’ perform their dances around the major town squares and also parade through the streets. The dancers also known as promeseros belong to a community that passes on their rich cultural heritage to future generations.

The dancers take great pride in their costumes and masks and make them by hand. Los Diablos Danzantes has recently been added to UNESCO’s Representational List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This unique celebration which blends faith and artistic expression has gone on to promote the sense of cultural identity of Venezuela.

June 2014 travel & flavors

15

Unique Festival / Quyllur Rit’i

Pilgrimage to mountain shrine Are you Ready to strap on your hiking boots and climb all the way up to the summit of a mountain for a pilgrimage? Then pack up and head to Cusco in Peru right on time for the annual Quyllur Rit’i or the Star Snow Festival Quyllur Rit’i

When: June 15-17 Where: Peru

T

he festival of Quyllur Rit’i may not be as popular as the other festivals in many parts of the world, and you may not be so keen on hiking all the way up to a mountain valley just for a 16th century festival. But the peak atop which the shrine of Quyllur Rit’i perches is truly worth a climb. Especially during the first full moon right before Corpus Christi which falls on June 19 this year.

It is during this festival that one can see a conflux of pilgrims which could go as high as 10,000 braving the crisp thin air and freezing temperatures just for a three-day spiritual celebration which involves music, dance, a costume parade and of course the 5,000-foot ascent up Mount Ausangate.

Just like many celebrations in the region, the festival is a blend of two cultures and beliefs. The Catholic version of the festival dates back to 1780 when an image of Christ appeared on a boulder leaving its imprint on the rock. But long before Christianity

was brought to the highlands of Peru, the people of the region had regarded the mountain as a sacred site. Today, the festival honours both Jesus as well as the mountain gods who South Americans revere deeply. As they make their way up the trail from Mahuayani, a town located east of Cusco, the Christian pilgrims carry images of Jesus. Some of them even chant or beat drums during the climb. A few times during their journey, they stop at the lavishly decorated crosses and kneel down and pray. Your trip up the mountain is enlivened with food stalls on the way. Atop the mountain, you see the sacred shrine that consists of a wide grassy plain on which hundreds of tents and tarp shelters are seen. The shrine would be the major attraction of all despite the spectacular scenery all around. Once there, prayers, offerings to the deity and candle lighting are all part of the custom that makes up the festival after which the great exodus down the mountain begins.

Quick Festival

Feasting on seafood delicacies Feast of St. Anthony When: June 12-14 Where: Lisbon, Portugal

T

he Feast of St. Anthony is one chance for seafood lovers to gorge on their favourite delights and it gets even more exciting when the craze takes place in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.

Being the birthplace of St. Anthony, the patron saint of the sea, the Alfama district of Lisbon goes into frenzy on this day. It gets better with single

girls trying anything and everything in the book to get the attention of the matchmaker saint. The tradition might be working because the Feast of St. Anthony is also the time for mass weddings at the local churches.

Do you have healthy appetite for seafood and a penchant for the traditional fado music? Then get ready for the festival this month.

Transcendental music World sacred Music Festival When: June 13-21 Where: Fes, Morocco

T

he mysterious power of music to sooth one’s inner senses and refresh you is taken to a whole new level in the ancient city of Fes, Morocco, where Sufi music, whirling dervishes and a Balinese gamelan orchestra are played.

Interested? Then pack up your bags and you might be in time for the World Sacred Music Festival held in Fes, Morocco, every year.

The festival which enters its 20th year is not your average music festival with loud music and screaming singers. It’s the kind of music festival that would appeal to those with a taste for tranquility and that is exactly what you get here. The week-long festival has plenty of choices to satisfy your appetite for art and spirituality, and you will definitely not want to give it a miss.

A ritualistic solstice Summer Solistice When: June 21 Where: Wiltshire, England

N

ow, this is one ritualistic festival that has caught the fancy of the world for quite some time now . The Stonehenge located in Wiltshire County, England, draws crowds on an average day but on June 21, it draws strange crowds, ranging from neo druids, hippies and other groups. Though the Stonehenge has been a gathering site for thousands of years, it’s only

in recent years that the number of people worshipping the sun here has risen so dramatically. The event now garners a staggering 20,000. Even if you’re not a whiterobed druid or a person looking for some fun, the atmosphere of utter devotion and the pleasant summer air make you rejuvenated and when you walk back, you can’t help wonder if you should make it an annual thing.

June 2014 travel & flavors

17

Thus spake the shot

Rangers of the wild

Salim Pushpanath

T

he Asiatic Wild Ass, the last of India’s wild horses, is an endangered species found in herds in the Little Rann of Kutch wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat.

Only 1,000 of them survive today and almost all of them can be seen in the sanctuary.

Spread over almost 4954 km, it is the largest wildlife sanctuary in India. It was established in 1972, and came under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Being the only place

18 travel & flavors

June 2014

on earth where the Wild Ass roams freely, it has become the only spot for wildlife lovers to catch a glimpse of these beasts in the wilderness. I took this picture in January, 2013 when I was on the road, traveling for my book, ‘Unseen India’. I had travelled across the country by car in three different schedules. To visit the sanctuary had been a dream I cherished since my childhood days. I had hoped to catch a glimpse of flamingoes, the

salt desert and most of all, the famous Wild Ass. I spent nearly five days there trying to do something interesting when this photo opportunity came my way. I was running along with the animal hoping for the best shot I could get of it, many of my shots did get out of focus but they are part of a collection I cherish quite close to my heart. After all, not everyone can get to see the Wild Ass, the last of its kind on earth on a daily basis.

Eco-tourism / Go Green

Save nature for better future In this era where a blind rush towards modernisation and people’s avarice to quench their thirst for money and leisure have occupied most of our life, it is mother earth that suffers the repercussions Jasneet Kaur

I

f we take a close look of the issue of environment, we discover that the beauty of mother earth is gradually dwindling at a fast pace. Thanks to the mushrooming tourism industry which successfully generated employment opportunities and increased revenue, but failed at maintaining the earth’s beauty which is the platform on which the tourism industry thrives upon.

Hence eco-tourism is the need of the hour. Preserving the natural beauty of the environment, its flora and fauna and causing no harm and imbalance in the cycle of nature while travelling,and the norms of

eco-tourism. The sheer audacity to explore new places without a second thought about the environment is detrimental. In such a situation adopting the principles of ecotourism will save the grace. The biggest example of this in India is the iconic and historically significant Taj Mahal. There was a time when its marbles used to looked pristine and crystal clear. But now,, the marbles are gradually turning yellow due to air pollution from nearby factories.

Eco-tourism in India is still quite rudimentary, but we the travellers on our part can contribute towards the environment while travelling,

through a number of ways.

The time is not far when ecotourism becomes the buzzword of the travel industry. Since the birth of the earth, man and environment have complemented each other. It was the covetous nature of man that led to the immense exploitation of nature and it is necessary to go hand in hand with nature to reap the best results. All in all, adoption of eco-tourism will lead to a troika effect which includes environmental balance, industry development and revenue generation, and hence will pave the way for an even more mesmerizing earth.

June 2014 travel & flavors

19

The Big Picture / Pyramids of Giza

Masters of Sahara

N

o one could watch the great pyramids in Giza without wondering at the sheer size and architecture of the structure, at a time when technology and innovation were virtually nonexistent. While many of these structures have given in to the ravages of time, the best preserved of them rest at Giza, the most popular of them being the pyramids built for Pharaoh Khufu. The tall, imposing structures have been the centre of much speculation and arguments since time unknown, given the manpower required to lug the huge stones through the desert. Explanations range from a technique used by the Egyptians to wet the sand and thus reduce friction, enabling them to transport the materials in a modified form of handcart to the more bizarre explanations that include alien invasions. Its sure worth a visit, though.

20 travel & flavors

June 2014

June 2014 travel & flavors

21

MY SHOT

Weird Look: The branches of a tree covered in mist look mysterious, at Guna Cave also known as Devil’s Kitchen in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu.

Amal Prasad Amateur photographer

22 travel & flavors

June 2014

MYSTIC EXperience: Oracle or the ‘Velichappadu’ in a trance at the Kodungalloor Bharani festival. The legendary festival is well-known for the kaavu theendal in which oracles run in a trance around the temple and smite their forehead with swords, proclaiming communion with the goddess.

Arun Thampi Freelance Photographer

LAKE CITY: A view of Udaipur from the Mansapurna Karni Mata Ropeway. The ropeway in Udaipur starts from a point close to the Dudh Talai and is almost a four-minute ride. A view of the lake from the ropeway cabin is spectacular, especially after sunset.

Anilkumar R Amateur photographer

June 2014 travel & flavors

23

Smooth Sailing: Youngsters riding a boat Mulavukad in Cochin, Kerala, which is well known for its splendid backwater tourism that has captured the imagination of tourists worldwide.

Tom Joseph Lower Primary School Assistant

THE TURNING POINT: The Cape of Good Hope is a rocky headland at the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula, South Africa. Although it was once considered to be the dividing point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, from a sailor’s view, it marks the point where a ship begins to travel more eastward than southward.

Arun Mohan Chartered Accountant

24 travel & flavors

June 2014

MY SHOT

MAJESTIC MYSORE: KR Circle in Mysore at night. Mysore is the third largest city in Karnataka and had served as the capital city of the Mysore Princely Kingdom for almost six hundred years.

Located at the base of the Chamundi Hills, it is well-known for its palaces, including the Mysore Palace, and for the grand celebration that takes place during the annual Dusshera Festival.

Govind Viswanath Photographer

Send us your pictures and tell us the stories behind them Please note that the entries for the My Shot’ segment must stick to the following guidelines if the pictures are to be published Profile photo along with personal details to be sent along with the entries Photos being featured have to be alteast 2 MB in size A clean description of the photo must be sent along with the entries

email: editorial@dcmediacorp.com

June 2014 travel & flavors

25

Floral Fantasy / Maple Trees, Canada

Leafy

wonders 26 travel & flavors

June 2014

You are unlikely to travel to a foreign location just to see a bunch of leaves but the maple trees are different and can attract you too Lakshmi Narayanan

A

t first sight from a distance, you tend to think that the tree is in full bloom with flowers in attractive colours like yellow, red or silver.

But actually, these are only beautiful leaves of the maple tree which is one of the main attractions for tourists in Canada.

People who come to Canada are very much attracted to its natural beauty, snowfall and endless stretches of green meadows. Maple trees also add more colour and glitter to the beautiful landscape. For the

people of Canada, maple leaves are a symbol of national pride as it is the national emblem of Canada.

Maple trees grow in the provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick, Ontario, Nova Scotia and a small amount in Prince Edward Island.

Green, red, silver and golden maples are found everywhere in the country. You can see at least 50 maple trees from the vantage point of any Canadian home. For Canadians, maples represent reserve, an attribute that reflects

Canadian heritage and values, and are associated with the strength necessary to build a nation in the North.

Red maple, silver maple, autumn blaze maple, sugar maple, big leaf maple, canyon maple, vine maple and the full moon maple are some maple varieties found in Canada.

Sugar maples are a favourite among the landscapers of southeastern Canada. Red maple grows in pyramid shape, different from silver maples. Each category of maple

trees seems different from the other in its shape and features.

Maple syrup

Maple syrup, the extract from maple trees, is of great medicinal value. It helps prevent diabetes and cancer. It also helps to strengthen the male reproductive system. Maple syrup prevents cholesterol and it acts as a food catalyst and helps to hasten the processing of food in the body.

The product is very rich in carbohydrates, proteins, iron, and potassium along with zinc and manganese.

Maple Trivia

Maple trees are tapped to produce maple syrup, a common breakfast delicacy all over the world. The tree has to grow to a definite size before it can be tapped to produce the syrup. In cold weather, carbon dioxide inside the trees forces the sap up from the roots.

June 2014 travel & flavors

27

Cover Story / Monsoon Resorts

5 monsoon resorts in Kerala

Summer is over and monsoon is on its way to grace the God’s own country. The age-old belief that summer is the best time to travel finds no relevance now as monsoon travelling and frolicking have become the charm of the season. It’s time for tourists to get best deals in hotels, resorts and spas.

Hoteliers call it the offseason but for a true traveler, there is no such thing. Travel and Flavors presents you five best resorts in Kerala where you can enjoy the rain in all its glory and get real feel of rain hitting your body Tony William

Camp Noel, Munnar

For every hardship you suffer, there’s something wonderful awaiting you. These words seem to echo in our minds as we set out to Camp Noel Nature Resort in Munnar.

A secluded resort hotel, Camp Noel is inconveniently located in the Western Ghats of Kerala at an altitude of 7000 ft.

The breathtaking scenery of Kodaikanal Highway via Mattuppetti and Kundale Dam to Camp Noel is the perfect way to start with for your appreciation of nature.

Don’t compare the experience of staying at Camp Noel with any other resort or hotel. If you are to enjoy nature at its pristine best, check in Camp Noel, for it is a destination in itself, offering enchanting nature walks where you can enjoy some stunning vista, treks of varying durations to suit your preference, including through deep forests, camp fires and the occasional wildlife rendezvous. Camp Noel on request arranges trekking and sight-seeing with a personal guide and a camp fire is also arranged for you on special request. .

Camp Noel supports the local community in numerous ways, including purchasing locally grown produce, hiring and training locals. Building a new lower primary school and a medical clinic (currently there’s no medical facility at Pazhathottam) are the projects in pipeline for the community by Camp Noel.

Ecologically safe practices at Camp Noel include leveraging solar power, wind mills, wood fueled water heaters, waste/ compost recycling, organic farming of fruits and vegetables. It is a proud member of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) which helps to keep abreast of the state-ofthe-art in ecotourism and best practices.

Close to nature

Club House rooms and cottages are there for you to relieve and unwind in home comforts and modern facilities. The sight of fire flies illuminating the valley on a starry night or discovering a new star through telescopes can be fun. A spacious room at Club House will provide you exclusive access to the club lounge and balcony overlooking mountains and valleys. Wellappointed double bedrooms attached with luxurious bathrooms are there in Club House.

If you are with family or friends, a two-bedroom cottage with views of the majestic mountains, the lush valleys, and spectacular vistas is recommended. A living

area with a beautiful stone fire place, just like the one you watch in movies is there in each cottage. Over 1000 sqft, cottages have got kitchen, dining area, two bath attached bedrooms and all other amenities. Camp Noel has commissioned one

Camp Noel Trivia

There are different packages to select from. The Family Holiday package for two nights and three days

elevated cottage or the hunters’ cabin. Plans to construct five more of such structures are in the pipeline. There are also plans to construct a windmill, modeled in the Dutch style along with a caravan park which would have 6 caravans in it

comes with, guided trekking and walk to nearby plantations.

The rate is Rs.34, 000 The Honeymoon package for two nights and three

days comes with candle light dinner, guided trekking, and a honeymoon cake.

The rate is Rs.25, 000. For fare and more details visit www.campnoel.com

June 2014 travel & flavors

29

Monsoon Resorts

Greenwoods, Thekkady

Kumily, a little town near Thekkady and Periyar Tiger Reserve in Idukki district, is loved by nature enthusiasts. A major spice trading centre surrounded by dense forests and spice laden hill slopes, discovering the different shades of Kumily, staying close to nature will be a unique experience. Greenwoods Resort, set atop a hillock beneath a canopy of tropical trees, welcomes guests with its abundant charm.

In the six-acre nature reserve, you have a fascinating variety of trees, plants and birds to welcome you back to nature.

30 travel & flavors

June 2014

A view of the cottages painted white, with gabled roofs and brick walls, on the slope of the hillock provides a warm feeling. Stone-paved pathways that wind through a lawn take you to the reception. Adjacent to it, there are a banquet area and an open air restaurant.

Ignite the magic of holidays at Greenwoods for everything there sets the mood- the pathways lit by lamps fashioned out of rustic lanterns, wooden benches set in quiet corners on the lawn and hammocks beneath the dense canopy of branches.

The resort’s coffee shop is

a charming attraction in itself.

Beside the reception, on the crest of a slope, it is built in the manner of a ‘machan’, with wooden walls and thatched roof. Cross the rope bridge to reach the coffee shop.

Along with wonderful coffee and snacks, you get a breathtaking view of surroundings. There are recreation and exercise areas, and a shop selling spices nearby.

Vanya Tree House

The star at Greenwoods is Vanya Tree House. Guests who wish to stay in Vanya can either trek the entire distance or use a four-wheel vehicle to get off where the path ends and then walk the

In the sixacre nature reserve, you have a fascinating variety of trees, plants and birds to welcome you back to nature

rest of the distance glancing at the cardamom bushes, teakwood and sandalwood trees, small clumps of vividly coloured wild flowers. The tree house is built on a single stump of a tree. A drawbridge takes guests to

the tree house. At sunset, the drawbridge is withdrawn in order to ensure the safety of residents. A resident butler who lives next to the tree house and can be contacted on an intercom takes care of the guests.

Guests can also choose standard rooms Aranya, deluxe rooms Kanana, private villa Rithika, premium suite Amaravathy, pool suite Indeevaram and presidential pool with warm pool Indraprastham.

Greenwoods Trivia

Among the numerous hotels in Thekkady, it still enjoys one among the top ranks in Tripadvisor. The

standard roomsAranya, range from Rs 6,000, inclusive of all taxes. For fare and more details,visit www.greenwoods.in

June 2014 travel & flavors

31

Monsoon Resorts

Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kottayam

National Geographic Traveler described it as one of the 50 paradises on the earth. Set in the backdrop of Vembanad Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Kerala, it is known for its rich migratory birds, blue waters, numerous little canals and the rich greenery surrounding it- yes, we are talking about Kumarakom, the cozy little island just 16 km west of Kottayam.

There are plenty of hotels and resorts to stay at Kumarakom but nothing could replace the royal experience at Kumarakom Lake Resort. Traditional mansions were built across Kumarakom Lake Resort’s lush 25 acres on the banks of the famed Vembanad Lake. Purchased from different parts of Kerala and dismantled from the original locations, these mansions were reassembled here without losing its charm. The resort has 59 heritage luxury villas and rooms. Every wall, every door, every window, every lattice of each structure at the property has been recreated from the ancestral homes.

32 travel & flavors

Marvel at the captivating lull of the lake, enjoy the pristine beauty of the overflowing green landscape, savour the mouthwatering traditional delicacies and undergo rejuvenation treatments at the 200-year-old, Green Leaf certified Ayurmana Spa At Kumarakom Lake Resort, guests can enjoy morning village walks and

or relax on the hammocks rocked by cool breeze.

A visit to the world of pottery,sunset cruises in Vembanad Lake and a souvenir shopping are on offer. Indulge in indoor games, water sports or use the library or internet café.

There are also evening performances like Kathakali recitals, traditional music and dance for the guests.

There are plenty of hotels and resorts to stay at Kumarakom but nothing could replace the experience at Kumarakom Lake Resort visits to nearby locations.

Catch a glimpse of the local life on the canal banks during a slow canal cruise.

Adventure seekers can try out the speedboats or water-skiing. Get refreshing dips in the infinity pool

June 2014

Boredom is a word seldom heard at Kumarakom Lake Resort.

The Royal Stay

It has a wide array to choose from- nine Luxury Pavilion Rooms, seven Heritage Lake View Villas

Kumarakom Lake Resort Trivia Kumarakom Lake Resort has been honoured with innumerable accolades. It is a four time winner of the acclaimed World Travel Award and winner of the National Tourism Award as India’s Best 5

and 15 Heritage Villas with private pools, the much talked about 22 Meandering Pool Villas, four Meandering Pool Duplex Villas with a pool winding past its door and two Presidential Suites with private pools by the waterfront and houseboats.

Traditional delicacies

Choose from Ettukettu Restaurant or Vembanad Seafood Restaurant and Bar or Thattukada, which will make you wonder at the offerings in Kumarakom Lake Resort’s kitchen. Ettukettu, the main restaurant, offers delicious multi-cuisine fare. Vembanad Seafood Restaurant and Bar provides the best seafood and cocktails. Guests can relish them while watching the glorious sunset in the gentle breeze from Vembanad Lake. Thattukada, the open-air teashop, serves hot teas and local snacks.

Star Hotel. It was in this resort that Prince Charles stayed last year on a visit to Kerala along with his wife Camilla and celebrated his 65th birthday.

The rates for the Luxury Pavillion rooms range from Rs 21,000. For more details,visit www.kumarakomlakeresort.in

Monsoon Resorts

The Windflower, Wayanad A mild climate, peaceful stay, adventure trails, waterfalls, hill stations, and wildlife Wayanad district in Kerala is a complete package for you. There are plenty of attractions in Wayanad to keep you inspired during your holidays. Away from the hectic office hours, in the finest spots in the district, you relax in the charm of hospitality offered by the Windflower group. Vythiri is one such location.

34 travel & flavors

June 2014

The Windflower Spa and Resorts has carved a space in the hospitality industry in a short span by establishing luxury resorts at various locations in India namely

provides guests the best personal experiences in their lives.

In simple words, the Windflower provides luxuries that nurture the indigenous feel in design,

The group believes in ‘business with values’ and provides guests the best personal experiences in their lives Mysore, Coorg, Bandipur, Vythiri and Pondicherry.

The group believes in ‘business with values’ and

architecture and service.

The peace and tranquility of the environment are never spoiled by the huge

number of visitors, a sole reason for providing only a limited number of rooms and thereby allowing for exceptional and inspired service.

In a bid to minimise the impact on nature, the furnishings and finishes are crafted from renewable and sustainable sources. Yet, there is generous personal space fashioned with nature to provide the guests a memorable holiday.

At 6900 ft above sea level, Chembra Peak is the highest in Wayanad. At the Windflower Vythiri, you can enjoy the view

of Chembra Peak in the cool, tranquil coffee and tea estate. The 38 Suites and Villas offer generous, well-appointed spaces and elegantly designed spacious bathrooms with privacy.

Moreover, the Villas are all fitted with a private Jacuzzi with a view to the lush greenery outside.

The Windflower also offers an enticing infinity pool, four treatment room spas which boast of an extensive Ayurvedic spa menu and a well-equipped conference hall. Activities are planned throughout the day for guests and special care is taken to ensure that

children are kept occupied at the resort. The resort also arranges sight-seeing trips and adventure events for guests.

Restaurant with lounge, activity room with board games, steam, sauna and chilled shower, outdoor badminton court, kids play area, plantation treks and camp fire on request are some other facilities guests can avail at the Windflower. Conference rooms and boardrooms with a banquet hall are there for businessmen.

Windflower Vythiri

Vythiri, your rooms aren’t just concrete blocks but places where you can connect with nature. Kerala themed architecture and dark wooden floors lend an aesthetic air while roomy interiors and high ceilings enhance the sense of space. Each room has an independent relaxation or recreational hub, courtesy-free Wi-Fi, cable television and DVD players. Complete it with King beds and twin beds, individually controlled air-conditioning, hair

The Windflower Trivia The Windflower resort provides a variety of options for guests like one hour

dryer in the bathrooms, electronic safe, electronic kettle and tea making facility, and express laundry service.

Imagine zipping a cup of steaming coffee in the balcony enjoying the greenery around.

The Windflower Suite provides you enough space to relax and entertain. If not, retreat into the Windflower Villa where you can immerse yourself in the outdoor Jacuzzi with the gifted views of the majestic Chembra Peak. plantation walk or half day visit to Uravu (Bamboo craft) or five hours trekking on Chembara Peak or half day Tribal village tour or two hours night safari at Muthanga. The rates for the Suite rooms range from 9,900, exclusive of all taxes.

For more details visit www.thewindflower.com

At the Windflower

June 2014 travel & flavors

35

Monsoon Resorts

Vasundhara Sarovar, Alappuzha

Far from the madding crowd- you are reminded of these words each morning when you wake up at Vasundhara Sarovar Premiere in Vayalar, Alappuzha. Indeed, peace and harmony seem to have checked in with us. A five-star resort, Vasundhara

Thrissur Pooram is depicted here. There are large paintings which portray crowds at festival grounds on the walls. Pillars in the lobby are adorned with small hanging bells and in the midst of it all is a huge stone lamp or Kalvilaku.

Environment-friendly measures are adopted by the hotel by making use of locally available products.

Environment-friendly measures are adopted by the hotel by making use of locally available products Sarovar Premiere offers you the ultimate luxury where you can unwind and feel the essence of Kerala.

First things first- the grand lobby at Vasundhara Sarovar Premiere can’t be missed out. The Kudamattam (a ritual of changing umbrellas on top of elephants on the occasion of the festival) of the famed

Coconut wood is used for flooring and coconut shells are used in the mini bar and other room amenities. Handmade paper is also used for the wall of Ayurveda treatment rooms.

Up above, you will find coir and jute mats aesthetically used on the ceiling.

Heard of a temple inside any resort with

rituals in every morning and evening? Well, find one at Vasundhara dedicated to Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurvedic medicine.

Experience the sanctity of a temple here with the herbal garden and the soothing breeze from the backwaters.

Pleasant stay

Choose from Superior rooms, Deluxe rooms, Deluxe suites, Floating Cottages, Heritage villas and Luxury houseboats.

Each has its own specialtiesdeluxe suites with private Jacuzzi, floating cottages in the private lake in the property with the comfort of private Jacuzzi, Heritage villas with a typical Naalukettu (four halls joined together with a central courtyard open to the sky) and Luxury houseboat stay with stopover at select locations.

Dining in style

There are four dining places at the resort that tempt your palate. Mystic Spice captures not only your

taste buds with sumptuous buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner but also your eyes with the aesthetically designed hall which has got a charming glass wall filled with spices. Zephyr is the poolside café and bar and Chemmeen, is the sea food restaurant. At Madira, the bar, you can take hot drinks with sea food.

Vasundhara Sarovar Trivia

Vasundhara Sarovar is the winner of numerous awards like Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice- Top 25 hotels in India 2013, and IIA Asian Paints Gold Leaf Award for Excellence in Architecture 2012. The rates start at Rs 16,999, exclusive of all taxes.

For more details,visit www.vasundhararesorts.in

June 2014 travel & flavors

37

Exclusive / Incredible India

India

Incredible Invisible

India is one of the few countries blessed with exceptional natural beauty but its people take it for granted and don’t respect this gift Neil Ashford

I

ndia was my home for seven months. My first six months was at a public school near Neyyattinkara near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala and the last month was for travelling from South to North of the country. This is one of the great things about teaching English. It opens up the world before you. I had previously taught at private schools in Indonesia, Japan and Europe and in state schools in China. I had never been to the world’s second most populous country, so this was a real adventure for me and I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. So I went in with an open mind.

I had been working in India for a few weeks when I took a short break to Kovolam, a beach resort, a 40-minute auto rickshaw ride from my home in Neyyattinkara. I was sitting in the lobby of the hotel flipping the pages of some of the tourist industry magazines when I came across an article discussing India’s famous marketing slogan ‘Incredible India’. I learnt that it was now over 10 years old. The tourist industry, according to this magazine, was calling for the marketing slogan to be revamped, which got me thinking that perhaps it is time for the country to look beyond the veneer of strap lines and at some of its real issues.

Six months stay here was a fantastic opportunity for me to view this wonderfully complex country in more depth than say, a typical tourist. For me, it was a truly unforgettable experience and the memories will stay with June 2014 travel & flavors

39

Incredible India

India is the largest democracy and the 7th largest country in the world.

Until 1986, diamonds were found only in India.

Qutub Minar, Delhi

40 travel & flavors

June 2014

me forever. For example, in the school staff room, three of the female teachers regularly brought dosas for my breakfast, curries for lunch and bananas from their plantations.

Their warmth and generosity were humbling. The students were fantastically polite and extremely well behaved. In addition, they had a wonderful sense of fun which was contagious. I would teach them nursery rhymes and songs which they loved, and while singing, choreographed dance goes with them. Also, they were very proud of their country. During weekly assemblies, they would recite mantras imbibing the greatness of India and the brotherhood of its people.

India is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been to. Kerala, lush, green, a tropical paradise, most definitely is ‘Gods own country’.

So, this coupled with the people’s obvious pride in their homeland always astonished me when I witnessed the lack of respect Indians appeared to have for the natural

beauty of their beloved land. India is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been to.

Kerala, lush, green, a tropical paradise, most definitely ‘Gods own country’.

So, this coupled with the people’s obvious pride in their homeland, it always astonished me when I witnessed the lack of respect Indians

People treated the streets and countryside and seas as their trash cans.

Household waste was simply dumped at the side of the road or on vacant building plots to be hopefully burnt by someone else at a later date.

The pristine beauty of the land and the truly exotic greenery does have a number of people

Everywhere I went there was the persistent wanton disposal of waste; plastic bottles chucked out of train windows, plastic bags thrown in the sea and whole garbage cans nonchalantly tipped over previously beautiful cliffs appeared to have for the natural beauty of their beloved land. Everywhere I went there was the persistent wanton disposal of litter; plastic bottles chucked out of train windows, plastic bags thrown in the sea and whole garbage cans nonchalantly tipped over previously beautiful cliffs. As far as I can recall, I never once came across a rubbish bin in Kerala.

flocking here. The Ayurvedic Spas scattered around Kerala offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for those who wish to escape the reality of their own lives.

And indeed, the tall coconut trees, the pristine beaches with sand caressing the feet, the fresh smell of the ocean seemed to be a healing therapy like no other. It’s no

India Gate in New Delhi

Incredible India

Jama Masjid, Old Delhi

wonder that people living here seem more energized and vitalized after a heart to heart with the ocean, I mused.

It is thought there are over 45,000 different species of flora in India; one of the world’s richest.

It holds a fantastically diverse variety that no other country can boast of. This natural beauty is certainly a big draw for many of the 6.29 million tourists who visit every year. Tourism is something no country can take lightly or indeed for granted; for India in 2012, it contributed a significant 6.6% of its GDP and supports almost 40 million jobs. During the Christmas holidays, one of my friends came to visit

and we did a houseboat trip for a couple of days around the Alleppey backwaters. It was a truly stunning experience.

Here, the river systems seemed generally clean

kingfishers, unnaturally bright blue. As we floated along the river system, as Westerners, it was nice to enjoy the odd beer with lunch or dinner.

Procuring this alcohol

I had never been to the world’s second most populous country, so this was a real adventure for me and I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect and the amount of wild life we saw was amazing diving grebes which then proceeded to sunbathe on rocks, wings outstretched to dry themselves and unimaginably beautiful

from a government run alcohol shop was my first experience -my friend and I patiently waiting in line with scores of local men, in what can only be described as a caged queue, before

being confronted with another cage that had the alcohol contained in it.

There was a distinct feeling of doing something wrong here; as soon as the men had made their purchase, the bottle would be hastily wrapped in newspaper and then many of them would hurriedly stick the offending item down their trousers before scurrying off. All we wanted were a few bottles of beer to enjoy on a hot summer’s day. In Europe, this is a common place, but here it seemed shrouded in a cloak of shame.

Kerala treats alcohol as if it didn’t really exist. Bars are few and far between, and there is a covertness to them that makes you feel

Ayurveda is the earliest school of medicine known to mankind. The Father of Medicine, Charaka, consolidated Ayurveda 2500 years ago.

42 travel & flavors

June 2014

Chandni Chowk, Delhi

Incredible India

Games like Chess and Snake and Ladders were invented in India.

The students were fantastically polite and extremely well behaved. In addition, they had a wonderful sense of fun which was contagious guilty for entering. At home in England, I enjoy a beer or two in a bar chatting with friends over an evening.

In my Indian home of six months, Neyyattinkara, there was just one seedy bar tucked behind the high street. My first visit there for a cold beer was a real eye opener. Sat at a table, I was joined by two nice young

lads who were having a cocktail; two inches of rum in a large glass then topped up with high alcohol beer, which they drank rapidly.

I looked across and saw numerous men enter, each order two glasses containing enormous measures of rum which they then proceeded to down within seconds, not minutes, seconds, before

Red Fort in Delhi

44 travel & flavors

June 2014

quickly leaving. On the sign outside the bar and on all the beer bottles, it warned: ‘alcohol is injurious to health’, this has never been scientifically proven, alcohol in excess, yes, of course, is injurious, but in moderation, highly doubtful. In fact, the odd glass of wine has been proven to be beneficial to health. I believe that the excessive drinking culture in Kerala is not helped by it being pushed underground and not discussed. Kerala has the highest alcohol consumption rate in the country, so the invisibility cloak is clearly not helping this problem.

During my last 10 days

in India, I met another friend, a female, to travel to what is called the Golden Triangle. On our itinerary was one of the most recognizable tourist destinations on the planet, the ethereal looking Taj Mahal in Agra. No visit to India seems complete without a trip to the Taj, it seems. Part of me was slightly apprehensive as the Taj Mahal has been so widely photographed and filmed. I had a fear that it could prove underwhelming as it is difficult to live up to that amount of hype. I needn’t have worried. The monument seems to have been cleverly constructed so that visitors cannot see it

Tea plantation at Munnar, Kerala

Incredible India

Sushrutha, considered as the father of surgery, was born in India. With the limited technology available at that time, he performed complex procedures like plastic surgeries successfully.

from a distance, so it really does just suddenly appear in front of you as if by magic. It was breathtaking -magnificently glowing white against a blue sky, a testament to the memory of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan’s third wife, Mumtaz

Mahal, who died whilst giving birth to her 13th child. In my view, it is quite rightly recognised as “one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage”. Plus, for my friend and me, it was great fun finding the bench that

Princess Diana may or may not have sat upon to have our photographs taken.

Indeed, I was expecting a scrum for these seats, but most of them were empty. Although we visited the mausoleum in April, not a peak season, I was surprised how few Western tourists were about, it wasn’t nearly as crowded as I had read in all the guide books it would be.

India certainly seems to be an enigma for me.

There appears to be much paradox, a contrasting element of modernity and tradition that seems to go hand in hand. It wouldn’t surprise me to see a temple priest riding a Royal Enfield or perhaps a group of youngsters with the latest gadgets and musical

Chinese fishing net in Kerala

Must Try

Taj Mahal: The first

word on any foreign visitor’s lips, this amazing monument of love by emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal is a must see for anyone visiting India. Its splendour cannot be described by words alone.

Ajanta and Ellora caves:

46 travel & flavors

June 2014

It is thought there are over 45,000 different species of flora in India; one of the world’s richest. It holds a fantastically diverse variety that no other country can boast of

First discovered by a hunting party, the caves had served as Buddhist institutions before the wane of Buddhism in the region.

Golden Temple: An

architectural masterpiece, the temple is a top site for contemplation and meditation set against the atmosphere of Guru Granth sahib, the holy

book of Sikhs.

Khajuraho: The mural

art in the Khajuraho temples make for some of the finest temple art in the world. The erotic sculptures evoke a different feeling entirely: admiration and awe.

Jaipur: A perfect

microcosm of India, Jaipur still retains some of its old

instruments strumming tunes from a classical music piece. It must be this enigmatic paradox that has made me fall in love with this wonderful nation during my time here. My overall experience was so wonderfully positive, and my seven months encountering the places and the people of India was a magical experience.

I have commented on these concerns because I feel so strongly that these are important issues that need addressing. I think India is too great a country to ignore these blights because they, arguably, are having such an impact, not just on foreigners coming to the country but also, more importantly, on the Indians who live in Incredible India.

charms amongst the hustle and bustle of city life.

Don’t forget to try out the bazaars there.

Kerala backwaters: A visit to India warrants a ride through the backwaters of Kerala in houseboats. The atmosphere just cant get any more calm and serene than that. Visitors can also try out the Ayurveda clinics in the area

Lighthouse at Kovalam, Kerala, India

Travel Blog/ Andamans

The other side of

Andamans

The islands in and around Andamans are like dream lands. Clean and beautiful beaches here are ideal for walking, cycling, sunbathing and snorkeling. A tourist can never forgo bathing in the deep teal waters and delicious sea foods Richi Mohanty

M

y previous article talked about the history and culture of Andamans through the buildings, museums and old tales but the island is much more than that. It is an embodiment of various experiences put into one.

Andamans too needs

discovering and breathing in the stories the places tell as we walk through or rather sail through it. After the typical building visits in the first two days, we were on a ferry ride spree.

The first destination was Ross Island which is about 2 km from Port Blair and a half day affair

by the ferry. One step on the Island and it seems like the city from the lost world right out of some movies. The Island was the British administrative headquarters, fondly called the Paris of the east but an earthquake in 1941 left the place shattered. The entire Island looks like the ruins

of an ancient kingdom.

The tsunami has added its own story too to the Island, leaving the beaches barren. The buildings were shattered and you can still spot some shards here and there. There are buildings held only by the roots of trees giving an eerie texture to the place. It is a

The Andaman islands were once known as the Black Waters or Kalapani, for their role as a penal settlement in the earlier times.

48 travel & flavors

June 2014

The first destination was Ross Island which is about 2 km from Port Blair and a half-day affair by the ferry. One step on the Island and it seems like a city from the lost world right out of some movies

small island and visitors are only allowed to walk and in the course of the walk around, you chance upon a couple of deer that live there along with a few rabbits.

The joy of riding in ferries is only known to a person brought up in a landlocked city. Dashing across the water to smaller pieces of land, cutting through the dolphin trail, seeing them jump as the water gushes from the propellers and watching the setting sun on the horizon will leave lasting impressions in your mind.

The next in line was Neil Islands, known for their exotic culture and cycle-able distances.

It is about 40 km from Port Blair and takes half of the day and

June 2014 travel & flavors

49

Andamans

An island in Andamans

Havelock Island, Andamans

more. Once you are there, do take a bite of the fresh sea food on the beach shack platters. After all, for walking and cycling, you probably need all the salt and sugar to keep you going for the next day.

The next day, there were some very exciting activities, first being the trip to the most gorgeous beach on Havelock Island and second being snorkeling. Havelock is often called the paradise as the snow-like sand and the teal-coloured water strike a contrast against each other.

The beach is clean and beautiful. I wish I could use an exotic word for it, but it is just plain beautiful and nothing else is just enough to describe the place. It is the best diving spot in Asia and often lures tourists to spend the entire trip under the glorious sun.

Havelock completes the image in your head of the perfect beach and if you’ve visited it, then you can put a tick across a beach for you’ve seen one of the most beautiful ones. We spent the whole morning bathing in the deep teal waters and relaxing in the small shacks along the beach.

Snorkeling really gives you an insight into how the life underwater is colourful and every bit exciting as the one on the land. Being able to walk makes us rather ignorant of creatures that swim and this activity just reminds you of an exceptionally beautiful life that we don’t see much. We went to Jolly Buoy Beach for snorkeling. The guide straps on the life-vest and you have the snorkeling glasses on. In a minute, you are afloat on the water staring at the amazing

creatures swimming ever so elegantly right under your belly. We spotted a lot of corals, varieties of fish, and a rather poisonous eel that swam right under my left foot. The other exciting thing you can do would be scuba diving which, unfortunately, was a thing I did not know and had to skip.

To top it, we had an exquisite variety of sea foods served at every place we visited. The lovely trip ended with a walk in the evening along the beach and I secretly smiled to myself as I thought of the warm glow the trip left in me. It rejuvenated me and brought out fine feelings in me. If you feel inspired like me, then do visit the islands for they are worth every minute you spend there. And go beyond the tourist places, take a walk

A shoal of fish

or a ride to the next island and let the place lead you rather than you rushing through the streets like a bull. The best time to visit the place is between December and early April when the sun is warm and the nights are rather pleasant.

Andaman is famous for the sightings of dugong or sea cow, an endangered marine mammal species.

50 travel & flavors

June 2014

Travel & Flavors Presents

Kerala Tourism

Tourism Industry

Business Conclave 2014 Awards 2014 Conference on Kerala Tourism what Next?

State Level Awards for Excellence in Tourism Promotion

October 2014 - Cochin Kerala Tourism 600+Organisations 1000+Entrepreneurs 4+ billion dollar industry The first-ever brainstorming event on its future

Travel & Tourism Industry Awards More than Who should attend: Ceos i directors i entrepreneurs i Investors i Management consultants i Tourism professionals i strategic planners i industry vps/gms i Sales & marketing professionals

awards in different categories

Reach Us: Award Nomination Conference Partnership & Sponsorship info@dcmediacorp.com vinu@travelandflavors.com Supported by

events@dcmediacorp.com

events@dcmediacorp.com vinu@travelandflavors.com

Research & Knowledge Partner

Colonial Grandeur / Mumbai

Sights and sounds of Mumbai

The city of Mumbai with its vibrant people and cosmopolitan culture wins your heart and mind soon after you spend some time there. No matter what you are and where you are from Vinoy Scaria James

52 travel & flavors

June 2014

T

he largest city in India and among the largest in the world, Mumbai has a heart big enough to reflect the persona of the visitor and stamp it with experiences that are unique. It is no wonder that Mumbai remains one of the ultimate destinations to fly to for the overwhelming crowd of travelers. If you live in Mumbai for some time, you will certainly love the city of dreams and would say “Mumbai meri jaan�

(Mumbai my life). The city never disappoints anyone who comes here and works hard to fulfill his dreams. And for them, the sky is the limit in the bustling metropolis.

The kaleidoscope of Mumbai presents before me the patterns of excitement, merriment and deep-rootedness with the visual delights of waterfronts, historical and modern architecture sumptuously laced with the legends of the land. Mumbai is truly an enigma with her quality of being unique to diverse people. It has the capacity to fulfill the yearnings of

a visitor disregarding the various shades and moods that the visitor may bring along with him. The city is so generous with its offerings on hand that your stay here will be a memorable one for a lifetime.

The visitor on a holiday is likely to have a memorable one for the city is generous

by the drive across the Marine Drive, the three km ride is a showpiece of the famous Mumbai spirit.

When illuminated at night, the street lights along this shoreline from Nariman Point to Malabar Hill resemble a string of pearls of a necklace.

Watching the sunset from Marine

The kaleidoscope of Mumbai presents patterns of excitement, merriment and deep-rootedness with the visual delights of waterfronts, historical and modern architecture laced with the legends of the land with its offering on hand. The Arabian Sea weaves its magic along the shoreline of Mumbai. A drive down Marine Drive can set adrenaline propelling as the vibes around are pregnant with the challenging wafts of the unknown. The 3-km ride is a showpiece of the famous Mumbai spirit. Best epitomized

Drive is one of the most captivating moments during your trip to the city. During monsoon, it is wonderful to see waves in the sea rising and splashing against the protective wall at Marine Drive. Lying north of the Marine Drive is the Chowpatty beach. An evening at the lively beach are nice and beautiful and it

Mumbai is an eponym derived from Mumbadevi, the Goddess, and Aai meaning mother.

Mumbai is built on what was once an archipelago of seven islands.

June 2014 travel & flavors

53

Mumbai

looks like a carnival with a plethora of snake charmers, small vendors and hawkers exhibiting their stuff. The robust liveliness of the city is exhibited on the sands of the beach especially in the evenings, when the city descends on its sands.

The weekends infuse further energy into the whole atmosphere with the arrival of horse rides and donkey rides. The acrobatic displays by monkeys and tricks by snake charmers and parrot trainers add to the colour.

Another of Mumbai’s famous beaches is the Juhu beach. Situated in the suburbs of the Mumbai city, the Juhu beach is a relatively quiet compared to the Chowpatty. It is famous for its serene character and the scenic splendour . An evening visit to the Juhu beach is a gastronomic delight. The stalls that line the beachside serve lip-smacking snacks. True to its nature, Mumbai is a melting pot even down to the foods it serves. From the mouthwatering North Indian dishes to the South

Indian idlies and dosas, the city has imbibed it all and made them its very own. Also on offer are a number of Chinese and Italian restaurants.

A city that never sleeps, it is the epitome of vitality, abuzz with energy and vibrancy.

The energy that permeates the Marine Drive, Mumbai city is especially soak in the merriments of resonant during Holi. festivals and fairs that Mumbai is also famous frequent the Mumbai for its architectural calendar. The Ganesh wonders that dot the Chathurithi Festival of skyline. From the high Mumbai is iconic. The din rise buildings to the and merriments engulf looming majesty of Gothic the whole city, especially structures like Chatrapathi the Chowpatty beach Shivaji Terminal, Mumbai to immerse the idols of showcases both old and Lord Ganesha. The citynew architectural styles. dwellers come together to celebrate other festivals like Besides being the business hub of the country, Shivrathri, Id, Muharram, Mumbai is the centre of Durga Puja and Deepavali. fashion and entertainment Holi is also celebrated with industry. Like everything in much flaunting gusto. The Mumbai, the architectural ideal rejuvenation therapy structures are pregnant for an explorer is to call on with awe stimulating the city of Mumbai and

Getting There

By flight: Chhatrapathi Sivaji international airport is the easiest way of entry into the sprawling city.

By train: Trains can be availed from all parts of the country to the different terminals in Mumbai .

By bus: One can easily avail the service of buses from Asiad bus terminal, from where buses of all types ply to Pune and cities like Satara and Nasik. Private buses are also available for travel to almost every major city in the country.

Mumbai

Must See

Gateway of India: Built in remembrance of the 1911 visit by King George V, the

Maharashtra

54 travel & flavors

June 2014

majesty. The business nerve of India with its rich cultural heritage, its historical prominence in the Indian story and a very proud populace contribute to mould the spirit of Mumbai. The spirit of the city and its people never dies down which makes the metropolis dynamic, and is the secret of its survival after every adversity.

Mumbai is not just a tourist destination, but an experience that will pump energy and enthusiasm along with a fighting spirit in one’s life

beautiful monument is a hard to miss sight in Mumbai, populated by hawkers and small scale merchants.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus: Make sure that you don’t miss the central Railway station in crowded hours to get a feel of the pulse of the city that is Mumba

Must Try

Don’t leave Mumbai without getting a taste of their signature Vada Pav. Get a feel of the nightlife in Mumbai via the many pubs open there. A variety of cuisines are available at the various restaurants and small shops, a tingle for the taste bud indeed.

STARK.Tvm.5042

Exclusive tour packages

❚

Authentic Ayurveda

❚ Comprehensive MICE facilities

Over 30 properties across the beaches, backwaters, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries and islands of Kerala

www.ktdc.com

Bolgatty Palace | Lake Palace | Mascot Hotel | Samudra | Water Scapes| Ayur Village | Aranya Nivas | Tea County | Bolgatty Island Resort | Marina House | Tamarind Easy Hotels | Budget Hotels

A seamless experience of Kerala.

Offered only by the Official Host.

Book online & get discount

Central Reservations, KTDC Hotels & Resorts Ltd., Mascot Square, T hiruvananthapuram 695 033, Kerala Phone: +91-471-2316736 Email: centralreservations@ktdc.com

❚ ❚

Road to sanctity / Thiruvannamalai

A divine retreat Thiruvannamalai, the holy shrine of the Shaivites, is one of the Panchabhoota Sthalas and the abode of Lord Shiva.

This soul-stirring sanctuary is visited by millions of devotees from all over the world seeking peace Photos & Text: Srinath Rao

O

ne of the most important Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvannamalai Temple or Annamalaiyar located at the base of the Annamalai hills is associated with the five elements, specifically the element of fire. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Annamalaiyar and is

It houses gateway towers, the tallest being the eastern tower at a height of 217 ft which is one of the tallest temple towers in the country. The present structure of the temple was built during the reign of the Cholas in the 9th century while the renovations later were attributed to the Vijayanagara rulers. The

The exquisite beauty and the astounding architecture of the temple and the stupendous gopuras were truly a sight to behold represented by the lingam.

The temple complex consists of approximately 10 hectares and is one of the largest in the country.

56 travel & flavors

main shrine of the temple faces east, housing the images of Nandi and Surya.

Thiruvannamalai is believed to be even older

June 2014

than the Himalayas.

According to local legends, this hill was a mass of fire in the Satya Yuga; gems in the Tretha Yuga; gold in the Dwapara Yuga; and a hill of stone in the Kali Yuga which is the present epoch. Badly in need of a spiritual journey to calm my senses and bring me some sort of hope and peace, I narrowed my choice down to Thiruvannamalai. My 14-km walk around the temple led me to the south gopuram, Indra Lingam (First Ashta Dik Lingam), and other shrines dedicated to deities like Indra, Ramanashram and a prayer at the Nandi shrine and the Kama Kaadu darshan, a spot where devotees are expected to give up improper and lustful desires.

Offering my prayers at several other important shrines, I proceeded to the front and crossed the flag staff, the ‘bali peetam’ and

A view of the Thiruvannamalai Hill

Landscape with the Thiruvannamalai Hill in the backdrop

Adhikaara Nandi to enter the second prakar. The second precinct is bounded on its South, West and North by the Murthis of the famous Tamil saints and poets, the Utsava Murthis, the Saptamatas, the 63 Shaivite saints, the shrine of Lord Nataraja, the different lingas

and many other important deities. I came out through the ‘Swarga Vaasal’ and entered the separate temple of Goddess Unnamalai Nayaki or Abhithakujambal, the charming, graceful and inseparable partner of Sri Arunachaleswarar seated in the ‘Garbagruha’. The lovely

temple gardens, the stately mandapas and vimanas with their meticulous carvings spoke great detail about the architectural skills of the masons of that era.

Other attractions in the area include the Sathanur Dam, the Jawadhu Hills and the Thennangur

Other attractions in the area include the Sathanur Dam, the Jawadhu Hills and the Temple of Thennangur The Thiruvannamalai Temple Complex

Temple. The Sathanur Dam is one of the major dams constructed across the Pennaiyar River in between the Chennakesava Hills. Jawadhu Hills is situated about 75 km from Tiruvannamalai. Places of interest here include Bheema Falls, Komutteri Lake, Kavalur Observatory, Amirthi Forest, and a Glass House. The temple town of Thennangur is a twoand-a-half hour ride from Thiruvannamalai. This temple is famous for its unique style that blends Northern and South Indian architecture. The main tower which stands over 120 feet high, is done in the style of the Puri Jagannath Temple in Odisha. The eastern entrance is done in a typical South Indian (Chola) style. Beautiful paintings adorn the walls.

The entire hall facing Lord Panduranga, is decorated with the fiberglass art.

June 2014 travel & flavors

57

Tribute

Leela Nair and Capt. Nair surrounded by palm trees at The Leela Goa

Garden at The Leela Palace Bangalore

A tribute to the constant gardener 58 travel & flavors

June 2014

The founder of Leela Group, Capt. CP Krishnan Nair, passed away recently leaving behind a rich legacy that will outlive time in the hospitality sector T&F Team

T

he founder of Leela Group, late Capt. CP Krishnan Nair, was a devout apprentice of the nature and his devotion to it resulted in splendid gardens springing up at each property of The Leela. The sprawling gardens and the austere beauty of the trees and plants at The Leela property stand testimony to the vision of the man who envisaged buildings like the ones in our concept of paradise.

The Leela Hotels in Bangalore and Goa are the proof of his architectural brilliance and love for nature. Emerald golf courses, ruby and malachite studded flower beds, azure lagoons and pearly white walkways stand

With coconut trees, mango trees, jackfruit as well as tamarind trees all around him, it is hardly surprising to see the incredible hold that the nature had on him out here. With coconut trees, mango trees, jackfruit as well as tamarind trees all around him, it is hardly surprising to see the incredible hold that the nature had on him. Beautiful gardens and well-maintained lawns rolled out like a green carpet all along the road leading to The Leela Hotel in the commercial city of Mumbai and entertainment sites are a phenomenal achievement of Capt. Krishnan Nair. Barren lands were converted into sprawling gardens which became habitats of banyan trees, eucalyptus, neems, jacaranda, laburnum, songasur, pepper and vanilla.

One would be marveled at the sheer devotion and passion that he had for the best and perfect gardens at The Leela. Maintaining such landscaped gardens is no mean feat but Capt. Krishnan Nair was able to manage it with ease. He had similar enthusiasm for other projects as well and he was thinking of means to improve whatever our country was offering to guests. He firmly believed that since the tourism industry was blossoming on such a large scale,

one had to put only the best foot forward.

Keeping this idea aloft, The Leela Palace in Bangalore looks to recreate the Royal Palace in Mysore with its gold leaf domes, ornate ceilings and the grand arches along with the spectacular gardens which take your breath away. The Leela Goa has recreated the beauty of the architecture of the Vijaynagar Palace, combining the 18th century Mediterranean design and the South Indian temple tradition.

Capt. Krishnan Nair’s insistence on checking minute details makes each property truly unique. The Leela Palace in Udaipur resembling the splendid palaces of the city has remarkable gardens with exotic plants and a guava orchard next to the spa.

A trip to South Africa and a meeting with the legendary Nelson Mandela resulted in the latter gifting Capt. Krishnan Nair with five rare mango seeds that have blossomed into elegant trees bearing green, yellow and red mangoes. On another trip, a Thai princess presented him with saplings of lotus plants which now produce splendid flowers and at Rio, he handpicked a beautiful plumeria with shades of red, orange and yellow, and was even able to find a blood red and pink shades of the plants. It was this attention to detail and the passion for having nothing but the best which has made The Leela a splendid Eden today. The greenery beatification that has been done around the Chatrapathi Sivaji International Airport was done by Capt. Krishnan Nair. His passion for gardens and trees can be seen by his Mumbai house which is surrounded by trees like jackfruits and coconuts.

June 2014 travel & flavors

59

Roof of the world / Nepal

Panoramic villages and cities

There are places in Nepal that are far removed from the hustle bustle of the busy cities and where you find peace, quiet and the relaxation you crave. A view of the naturally beautiful Daman villages and cities with lovely and happy people will give you immense pleasure Amit Kishor Subedi

60 travel & flavors

June 2014

What is beauty?

The most common answer is ‘beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder’, which is far truer than any definition on beauty.

I travel because I find myself closer to my heart while travelling.

It’s not just beautiful landscapes but the

people I meet while travelling that gives me immense pleasure and knowledge of the world I inhabit.

In turn, it is this knowledge that ultimately makes me more humble and energetic. For this and some other reasons, I have chosen to

become traveler. This time, I have chosen the villages of Daman for a trip that lasted for a few days. These villages lie around 100 km east of Kathmandu in Makawanpur district. Even though I have travelled through a few parts of the district, I haven’t

I started my journey from Kalanki Kathmandu in a highway bus. If you just listen to the passengers of the bus, you will get to know what is happening around

been completely connected with its roots. These villages have some sort of a magnetic pull of the spectral beauty of nature I find here and of course, the love of the villagers who live here I started my journey from Kalanki Kathmandu in a highway bus. If you just listen to the passengers of the bus, you will get to know what is happening around in the place. There were

interesting and funny stories about how they surpassed challenging moments in their life, all of which caught my attention.

I have planned an anthology of short stories on the passengers of public vehicles. I reached Naubise after approximately 45 minutes.

It was a good place to have a highway coffee and a cigarette.

Then, instantly came into my mind an idea of travelling in a

June 2014 travel & flavors

61

Nepal

truck. I needed to travel further and hitchhiking was the only option open to me. After a few attempts at stopping vehicles, a lorry stopped, to my utter relief.

The driver who appeared to be in his late 50s was a local of Palung. The highway is quite risky and only a few vehicles run. Hill highways are steep. As you go up, the cool breeze welcomes you to Daman. The lush green forests, the small and quaint huts of peasants

road. He is happy with his life as all his children have grown up and are finishing off their academic pursuits.

We took a cup of tea, locally brewed, in a motel. It was this peace and solitude that had me wishing that man would stop destroying nature and replace it with concrete jungles in the name of civilization and development. In around three hours, I reached Shikharkot in the Daman valley in the evening.

The highway is quite risky and only a few vehicles run. Hill highways are steep. As you go up, the cool breeze welcomes you to Daman and of course the solitude all around are really captivating The driver had his story about this road and the people here. He said it has been around 25 years since he started driving on this

The lorry driver and I have already established a bond of friendship and we exchanged our phone numbers. In spite of my best effort, he refused to take a fare from me. Next day, early in the morning,

The colourful forest on the way to Daman

The statue of Lord Buddha

the sun was rising and the air was cool. A beautiful stream was flowing down in the middle of a field surrounded by the dense hill forest of Alpine trees.

I looked around and saw vegetables and crops. I walked around the field and talked to the workers who spend their whole life with crops. These hardworking people seemed happy and content as they engaged in the most productive job ever.

There is a statue here of Rup Chandra Bista who was a philosopher, a politician and a rebel. He contributed to transforming this village. On another day, I went to the Daman hill, also known as the Daman tower, which is a famous tourist destination in Nepal for the scenic view of Shangri-La. More than ten mountains can be seen from this tower, including the majestic Mount Everest.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t see any of them because of the cloudy weather. During

the winter season, frequent snow falls attracts a large number of local tourists.

There is a man-made tower too, which facilitates binoculars to observe the mountains.

The next day, I packed my rucksack and took yet another lorry for a 70-km journey to Hetauda which is the headquarters of Makawanpur district which is just 54 km away from the India-Nepal border. A hill located to the east of the city has a memorable place to visit- Sahid Smarak or the Martyr memorial park where you can see the faces of thirteen martyrs carved in stone. The Nepal tower and a fun park are among the other attractions there. There is also a small zoo that accommodates deer, leopard, crocodile, tortoise etc. I stayed there and observed the monkeys playing with each other, carefree and relaxed and somehow found that it seemed to be making me emotional somehow

Mountain trekking and rafting are some of the famous hobbies in Nepal, which boasts of the some of the highest peaks in the world.

62 travel & flavors

June 2014

Monsoon Kit / Travel Tip

Pack it right for

monsoon trips It’s that time of the year again when the umbrellas and raincoats make a dramatic comeback in the traveler’s kit. While many of us don’t travel when it’s pouring, some others get set for vacationing. So here we provide a few tips that will help you in battling the wet weather Savithri S Iyer

Mosquito repellants: A heavy rain means stagnant water which gives way to mosquitoes. You really don’t want to spend your holiday trying to swat mosquitoes and end up with the worst time of your life. So make sure you pack up a really good mosquito repellent to keep mosquito-borne diseases at bay.

Rain gear and easy-to-dry clothes: Although it’s quite obvious that you need to have the proper gear to fight the rain, many tourists do take the great Indian monsoons for granted and end up with a battle against torrid rains and howling gales. A plain PVC raincoat would be more advisable than a fancy rain jacket and it provides ample rain cover for you. Travelling during monsoon calls for easy-to-dry clothes that are quite comfortable, so pack those too.

Rain friendly footwear: Think you’re better off with your Prada, Gucci or other designer footwear in the tropics during monsoon? Well, think again. You’ll want shoes that make it through the slush and wet roads. The best thing for your feet would be sandals which would help you through the slush and wet roads. All you need to remember is to dry your feet back in your hotel room and you’ll be good for the wet weather.

Hygiene first: Germ killers like hand sanitizers must make it into your bags this monsoon so should SteriPen water purifiers that treat iffy looking water. It could cut down the risk of water-borne diseases. The humid weather could make your bags all mushy and damp, and your best bet would be to pack silica gels that suck up ambient moisture and keep your bags dry internally at least.

Heritage Cities / Yangon

Shoppers stop at

Bogyoke Market

Yangon is not just about pagodas that bear testimony to its great culture. Step into the streets of Yangon, especially the famed Bogyoke Market, you will find a world of shopping and what’s more, even more shopping Aswathy Kumar

I

still remember the glee on my face when my husband told me we were to stay at a lavish five star hotel for two whole weeks. We had just moved to Yangon. The packing, the travel, the shifting and all the stress that came with a change of location was done. We were finally here

64 travel & flavors

and it was time to relax and enjoy all the perks that came with a big move.

I was neither a spendthrift nor a spoilt housewife. Yet I felt no ounce of guilt when I saw my husband swipe his credit card at the hotel reception. I needed it. Felt I deserved it. After all, it

June 2014

was only a meager paycheck for all that I had to endure living in a developed nation like the USA. Two years, two long years I had spent mopping, vacuuming, organizing play dates, cooking and what not and it was finally payback time!

I no longer had to cook or make beds in

the morning. Instead an extravagant breakfast awaited me every morning at the restaurant cafe.

Cinnamon buns, honey glazed croissants, pecan crusted donuts adorned the baker’s aisle followed by delicacies from every South East Asian country one could possibly think of.

No tourist visit to Yangon is considered complete without stopping by this famous market, also known by its English name, Scott’s Market

There was the Singaporean Kaya toast, a traditional breakfast dish comprising sweet coconut and egg jam spread over bread, rice and Maldivian fish curry, Chinese pork dumplings followed by masala dosa and parippu vada from my very own home state of Kerala.

The sumptuous breakfast was often followed by a movie session and hours and hours of lounging around at the rooftop pool sipping chilled raspberry Mojitos.

Life couldn’t get any better than this or so I thought. I had done this routine for three whole days.

But then something strange happened. The very same delicacies, the posh lounge bars and the glittering chandeliers began to bore me. The array of different flavored cheesecakes at the bakery, the free flowing lattes and the mochas or the exquisite teak wood furniture in my master suite failed to excite me. I was bored of the luxury that I so

yearned for in the past two years. It was time, I thought, to step out of the glitzy shell and explore the streets of Yangon. Time for some reality check, I thought!

Bogyoke Market

My first stop was obvious being the shopaholic that I was and considering its proximity to the Traders Hotel that I was staying at. It was going to be the famous Bogyoke Market. No tourist visit to Yangon is considered

June 2014 travel & flavors

65

Yangon

While most countries set their time in one hour increments from GMT, Yangon sets it in 30-minute differences.

complete without stopping by this famous market, also known by its English name, Scott’s Market.

Agreed, the Aung San Road, where the market is located was more chaotic than I had expected. Or maybe not! Maybe it was the clean, beautifully landscaped and snooty pavements of DC that had spoilt me. I had forgotten the noise of honking cars and overloaded buses. I had forgotten the sound of kids playing a game of ball on a lazy afternoon or the sound of an elderly vendor spitting paan on the already tobacco smeared walls.

It was no different from any of the famous shopping streets back in New Delhi

Here you can find beautiful pieces of necklaces, bangles and earrings in rubies, jade and sapphire at a really good bargain where I had grown up. It felt nostalgic as I slowly made way through the different vendors selling various varieties of fruits, fried food, old second hand books in Burmese and little tea stalls selling biscuits stored in glass bottles along with a number of other baked delicacies. It was chaotic but I loved it. One of the scariest parts for an expat like me in Yangon was the fact that there were no proper

pedestrian crossings or traffic lights and here no one was in a mood to stop no matter how long you waited. So it was a big relief to see that there was a huge bridge for pedestrians to crossover to the other side of the road, leading straight to the market.

Now, if it is your first time here, I would recommend starting with the central part of the market. Not only is it cleaner and a bit less chaotic than the other

sections, it also houses all that a tourist would potentially want to buy in Yangon. From jewellery made of different types of stones like jade and turquoise, hand woven lungis and colourful flipflops to paintings by local artists to my personal favourite; shops selling exquisite lacquer ware and wooden and metal religious artifacts.

Ask any woman what you should pick up while in Myanmar and you can almost be certain that she will answer with a glint in her eyes “the rubies�.

Though there are several high-end and pricey gems and jewellery stores spread out all through the city, the locals feel

A horsecart at a market in Myanmar

66 travel & flavors

June 2014

The author with a friend holding traditional umbrellas at Bogyoke Market

that the Bogyoke Market is equally a great option when it comes to buying authentic rubies. Though one can never be hundred percent sure in either place, I would recommend going for the latter especially as I personally believe when it comes to authenticity, Bogyoke is all in the mind.

Here you can find beautiful pieces of necklaces, bangles and earrings in rubies, jade and sapphire at a really good bargain. If you prefer designing your own jewellery, there are several shops on the top floor selling just the stones.

Unlike the street markets in India where shopkeepers would hover over around you and literally badger you with their goods, here there is no such thing. And I

Don’t Miss

Shwedagon Pagoda: : The brilliant monument Shwedagon Pagoda contains many holy relics of the Buddha.

Mahasi meditation centre: Make sure that you pay a visit to Mahasi meditation centre if you have a week to spare for an intense

felt perfectly safe walking around the market with my curious six-year-old daughter, who made it a point to touch every single artifact displayed in the front of the shops. But here the shopkeepers had no complaints and responded affectionately with a smile or a friendly pat on her tangled curly hair.

Unlike India, people here are calmer, welcoming and pleasant making it a blissful experience for anyone new. So unlike in Delhi where I would recommend tourists to bring their A-game when it comes to their bargaining skills, here in Myanmar, I would advise you to be gentle and less aggressive.

A few hours of callously hanging around the market and a quick lunch

experience of selfrealisation and peace.

Asian trail: Check out this particular one as it arranges for a trip around Myanmar however you choose; be it trekking or cycling.

Must Try Anug Thuka restaurant: Eat your heart’s fill at

Boats at Yangon Port

of chicken curry noodles at a nearby Singaporean restaurant for less than $5, it was time to head back to the hotel. As I opened up my plastic bag, exposing a printed blue loungyi, a pair of neon pink flip flops and a sparkly spring bracelet that I had picked up for my daughter, I could see the beige coloured walls of the Bogyoke Market through

Anug Thuka restaurant, boasting spicy dishes with a distinct touch of herbs.

Feel Myanmar Food restaurant: This little jungle cabin is a superb place to get hooked on to the different varieties of authentic Myanmar cuisinewith herbs.

Pansodan gallery: The

my bedroom window.

There was nothing glossy or glamorous about the ancient building; quite unlike the brand new Parksons Mall that lay right adjacent to it. But she was unique, she was charming and full of character unlike any other shopping markets in the city. And I couldn’t wait to tread its streets yet again.

gallery houses myriad authentic Myanmar art and photographs. Worth a visit.

Elephant House: Don’t let the women folk enter this place unless you are prepared to waste an hour of your time looking at various Burmese household items.

June 2014 travel & flavors

67

Charming south east Asia / Bali

Plain and noble island

68 travel & flavors

June 2014

Bali with enthralling beaches, deep woods, ancient monuments, haunting merus, dancing lovely girls and indigenous music is one of the main tourist attractions in Asia Syam Viswanath

“T

he gods and the spirits dwelling in the legendary temples and merus, built all along the magical island, are so bonded to Balinese that they protect them from innumerable invasions.

A land with a difference in all aspects,” said one of my co-passengers. As I stepped off the plane in Denpasar, I could sense that distinction in the warmth of the reception from Cok Bagus, our guide, in the tranquility and wisdom seen on the faces of people around, in the simple architecture of the low buildings all along, in the tidy roads, in junctions with huge statues and in the temples in the northeast corner of every Balinese house.

Further to the enthralling beaches, deep woods, ancient monuments, haunting merus, dancing lovely girls, unheard melodies of its indigenous gamelan notes, the land has a spiritual identity. Yes,

really I felt I am safer in that spiritual corona than under the surveillance of the men in uniform. On the way, we stopped at Jagatnatha Temple and Pasar Badung, reputed to be the largest and oldest market in Bali. I checked in at the Aston Kuta Hotel near Kuta Beach. I spent the evening at Sanur Beach, the second popular diving spot in Bali.

The watching area that projected into the sea gave magnificent views of both the sea and buildings. “It was the most popular beach destination before the growth of Kuta and Nusa Dua,” said Bagus.

The Le Mayer Museum, Seiki Tariges Open Space Gallery, Griya Santrian Gallery, Danga Gallery, Blengang Temple, Sekenan Temple, Padang Galak Memorial Monument, innumerable boutiques, antiquities, artshops…Sanur has everything for exploration, shopping and nightlife. Yes, Sanur looked like a noble

Bali

beautiful old lady in the evening shades of the rainbow in the western horizon. Back in the night, I just wandered on the long sandy stretch of Kuta Beach, possibly the best beachfront in Bali. I thought I was late there for the famous sunset but I could find many tourists still swimming in the water. Discovery Shopping Mall and the Esplanade in the backyard of Kartika Plaza that

when I reached and the magnificent creatures were rushing to the caretaker for sea weeds.

There were tiny baby turtles to fully grown ones weighing over 90kg.

Other creatures like snakes, bats, owls, eagles and monkeys are kept here for the visitors to watch.

We took our route to Uluwatu after lunch.

We travelled through the villages of friendly people,

On the way, we stopped at Jagatnatha Temple and Pasar Badung, reputed to be the largest and oldest market in Bali offers real shopping experience and the Bali Bombing Memorial Monument were the other three things I missed in Kuta that evening.

The next morning, we drove to Nusa Dua, the ‘all inclusive’ tourist destination in Bali.

An ideal venue for snorkeling, diving, coral fishing, parasailing, Jet Ski, water skiing and all other water sports, it’s truly remarkable. We then took a glass bottom boat to Turtle Island, stopping along the way to observe life underwater.

It took about five more minutes to reach Turtle Island that has been set up as a breeding and conservation centre to preserve sea turtles. It was their feeding time

natural attractions, pleasant climate and surfing tourists on the beaches. We could see content old people sitting on the roadside and beautifully dressed women walking gently through the contour paddy fields. The Balinese community revolves around each family’s ancestral village, to which the cycle of life and religion are closely tied. Around 3 pm, we reached Uluwatu Temple (Pura Uluwatu), one of Bali’s nine key directional temples. This is the place where Sage Kuturan worshipped centuries ago; the place where Sage Dang Hyang Nirartha constructed the Padmasana shrines and attained Moksha. Perched

A Legong dancer

on a steep cliff 70 metres above the roaring Indian Ocean, the temple has more steep headlands on both sides and a very scenic cave underneath. The temple is also the natural habitat for a large number of monkeys.

Some funny long tailed little friends snatching the guests’ personal belongings troubled me at first, but I was soon laughing my head off on realising that it was their simple trick to get something

in return. The rhythm of chatters echoed even in the heights of Uluwatu’s wooded hills.

Everyone was on wait amidst the fun around as there was a showdown of Kecak at 6 pm at the open stage with the temple and the sunset as the backdrop.

This performing art can be witnessed in many tourist spots in Bali. But the natural beauty of the sky tinted by the setting sun

Bali is famous for its black sand beaches, formed due to the presence of active volcanoes in the island.

70 travel & flavors

June 2014

and the picturesque landscape set by the Uluwatu temple on the edge of the cliff tempt the tourists to come to Uluwatu for the paramount experience of this special art.

Kecak, the most dramatic dance form created in 1930 by a Balinese artist together with Dutch painting artist Walter Spies, has become so popular

A paddy field

One of the beaches in the island

What To Do

To witness the alter ego of Bali’s tourist life, pay a visit to the Ubud landscape that is punctuated with paddy fields and greenery.

Try out the Skygarden lounge in Bali for some coffee, snacks and an

open bar in stylish surroundings.

Make sure you don’t miss the Cak Asm restaurant in Indonesia, for authentic dishes that make your tastebuds weep.

Bali offers endless opportunities for diving and surfing, in the form of pristine sandy beaches

harmony of “chakachakachak” sounds, while swaying their bodies and waving their hands. Then colorfully dressed dancers came and impressed the audience with their rhythmic body movements and facial expressions.

Taken from the Hindu epic, Ramayana, the dance unfolded the story of Prince Rama

Everyone was on wait amidst the fun around as there was a showdown of Kecak at 6 pm at the open stage with the temple and the sunset as the backdrop among travellers from all continents. Stories from the Hindu epics are often portrayed in performing arts that include legong, topeng, gong kebyar, pendet, baris, barong and kecek.

Of all the dances seen in Bali today, the Kecak dance is perhaps the most dramatic one. It all started with lighting the lamp by the priest after religious ceremonies. A troupe of over 100 barechested men started making a wondrous

and blue oceans. Some of the most popular sites are Kuta in Lombok and Tulamben.

Bali has a very lively nightlife scenario in the form of clubs such as Ku Te Da and Potato Head.

Don’t forget to try out the Bumbu Bali and Blu da Mare restaurants here

and Princess Sita, who had been kidnapped by the evil King of Lanka and the dance ended with a happy union of both. There was enough fun, fire and drama in the dance. The epic was haunting me all the way back to Jimberan. More spirits and legends than the subcontinent has and more rituals than the Chinese Buddhists perform, Balinese sandwich them all in the wrap of their megalithic local magic.

Don’t Miss

Bali boasts a number of spas, where you can spend hours being massaged into a blissful, comatose state.

Don’t forget to give the roast suckling pig a try from one of the local restaurants.

June 2014 travel & flavors

71

Heritage Cities / Istanbul

Street-hopping through Istanbul With a blend of ancient and modern, Istanbul entertains everyone. Hip-hop restaurants, bars and night clubs in the city attract party goers while historians find the place a haven Savithri S Iyer

I

stanbul is the largest city in Turkey and is widely hailed as the country’s economic, cultural and historical heartland. One would wonder what made it one of the largest agglomerations in Europe. The strategic position of the city along the historic Silk Route, rail networks to Europe and the Middle East and the lone sea route between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea may have worked in its favour in making it one of the most popular cities of the world.

Istanbul certainly has come a long way in terms of development and since 1950 it has been on course of rapid development while retaining the ethos that made the city so enigmatically beautiful.

Approximately 11 million foreigners have visited the city since it was named European Capital of Culture which has made it the fifth most popular tourist destination in the world. In spite of the active night life and the rapid modernization that the city has undergone in the last few decades, it is the cultural centre, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is located in northwestern Turkey within the Marmara Region and the Bosporus which connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea.

The rise of Istanbul

Istanbul’s vast and vibrant history dates back to as far as the 7th millennium BC. The

history of the city has been recorded from the beginning of 660 BC when Greek settlers established Byzantium on the Bosporus. The rise of Constantine the Great set forth a chain of events which has led to the formation of Istanbul and in many ways Turkey as we know it today. Constantine the Great became emperor of the Roman Empire in 324 BC after which elaborate plans were made to establish a new Christian city to replace Byzantium.

The city though initially called ‘Nea Roma’ was known as Constantinople, a name that stuck even as the city moved into the 20th century.

The establishment of the city has become Constantine’s most commendable achievements as the city grew into a centre of Greek culture and Christianity.

Several churches, including the Hagia Sophia, were built during the reign of Justinian the Great. Hagia remained the largest cathedral in the world for almost thousand years. Major renovations and expansions were undertaken in the city during the reign of Constantine. The city’s location inadvertently ensured that it would stand the test of time for many centuries to come, and it was the largest and the wealthiest city in Europe for a long time. Although the city declined and was looted during the Fourth

Crusade after which it became the centre of the Latin Empire created by the Catholic Crusaders, it saw a surge after this disastrous invasion which stands as a blemish on its rich history. Its resurgence began after the invasion of the Ottomans who quickly transformed the city into a symbol of Islamic culture with ornate imperial mosques, schools, public baths and hospitals. The Ottomans claimed the status of the last caliphate in 1517 with the city remaining the capital of this last caliphate

for 400 years. The era was a period of architectural rejuvenation with several iconic buildings and the city of Istanbul emerging once again as the centre of all cultural activities. In the modern era, Istanbul was overlooked in favor of Ankara and served as the capital of Turkey.

With a long history of empires having established themselves in the city, Istanbul offers plenty of sights to take on. Many of the historic spots date back to the Roman, Byzantine and even the Ottoman periods, and include Hagia

Hagia Sofia

It is at the Pera Palas hotel in Istanbul that Agatha Christie wrote her famous novel Murder on the Orient Express.

June 2014 travel & flavors

73

Istanbul

The Grand Bazaar is the oldest and largest market in the world.

Sofia, the Sultanahmet Mosque and many more.

Museums and galleries

Any talk of famous museums and galleries in Istanbul would most likely start with the famed Hagia Sofia, also known as Aya Sofya built to restore the greatness of the Roman Empire in the city. On entering this brilliant architectural masterpiece, you see the brilliant mosaic of Christ above the Imperial door, the 9th century mosaic portraits

of St Ignatius the Younger, St John Chrysostom and St Ignatius Theodorus of Antioch visible at the base of the northern tympanum beneath the dome. The upstairs galleries housing the best of the Aya Sofya mosaics are not something you want to miss nor are the portrait of Constantine the Great. You catch a glimpse of as you leave the museum from the narthex. From Aya Sofya, your search for the best of museums would take you to the Istanbul Archeology Museums. The complex

is divided into three buildings, the Archaeology Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient and the Tiled Kiosk. The museum houses some of the greatest treasures from the empires that have ruled this historic city. Although the number of Museums and galleries in the city is quite huge, the Galata Mevlevi Museum that pays a tribute to the Whirling Dervishes that have fascinated ages and ages of people who see this haunting mystic dance is worth a visit. Built in 1491 and renovated in 1608, the complex is quite sacred and pays tribute to the mystic saint, Celaleddin Rumi.

Religious and cultural hotspot

In a land where both Islam and Christianity have left a lasting impression, it gets quite tough to pick the best places for a pilgrimage but we have picked some of the best places you don’t Topkapi Palace in Istanbul

Taksim Istiklal Street in Istanbul

74 travel & flavors

May 2014

Ortakoy Mosque and the Bosphorus Bridge

want to miss when you’re here. A religious visit to Istanbul would begin with the Sultan Ahmed Mosque or the Blue Mosque, named after Sultan Ahmet I who wanted to build a mosque that would prove to the world the might of his empire. With six minarets and a huge courtyard, it is without doubt the biggest of the Ottoman mosques.

The mosque is so popular that admission is restricted and only worshippers can gain access through the main doors. The Patriarchal Church of St George is part of the Greek Patriarchate where you get a glimpse of artifacts ranging from Byzantine mosaics, religious relics and a wood and inlay patriarchal throne. An ornately carved wooden iconostasis is perhaps the most eye catching feature of the church. Other treasures you get here include an 11th century

Blue Mosque

Approximately 11 million foreigners have visited the city since it was named European Capital of Culture which has made it the fifth most popular tourist destination in the world

mosaic icon on the south wall of the iconostasis.

Sights and sounds of the city

Still not fed up of history? Then visit the opulent Topkapi Palace with its magnificent architecture and the stories of some of the eccentric people who lived here. A visit to the palace would require more than three hours. Don’t forget to check out the Harem, the Treasury and the rooms around the Iftariye Baldachin. You could also

Don’t Miss Out Topkapi Palace Take a trip back in time through the Topkapi Palace, home to some of the most colorful stories in the world. It was the Topkapi Palace which saw the rise and fall of Selim the Sot, Roxelana and Ibrahim the Mad. Hagia Sofia Hagia Sofia was first built by Emperor Justinian before Mehmet

visit the Dolmabahce Palace with its neoclassic exteriors and extravagant interior and its beautifully maintained gardens. The palace itself is divided into two sections- the Harem and Concubines’ Quarters and it would take at least two hours to visit the palace. Your trip to Istanbul doesn’t end unless you breathe in the heady mix of spices and herbs from the Egyptian Bazaar and take an invigorating cruise on the Bosphorus for splendid views of the ethereal

the conqueror had it converted into a mosque. Legend has it that if you put your finger into the hole here and if it comes out moist, you diseases will be cured Blue Mosque Rivalling the Hagia Sofiia in grandeur is its neighbor, the Blue Mosque, built by Sultan Ahmet 1 for just that matter. Perfectly proportioned and curved, the magnificent structure is certainly a

city. You can cruise past the Dolmabahace and Beylerbeyi palaces and see the iconic Asian and European shores as well.

From the 17th century spice bazaar, one of Istanbul’s most colourful and bustling attractions, to the great mosques and fortresses and the 19th century mansions to the modern entertainment centres scattered across the city, the time you spend in this city where history and legend peep at you from every nook and cranny is quite remarkable.

beauty to behold.

Grand Bazaar The Bazaar is a treat for the shopaholics in the form of a labyrinth of shopping caravans. Be sure to check every nook and cranny for hidden goodies.

Must Try

Don’t leave without trying your hand at the Turkish cuisine, favourably from Lokanta Maya restaurant.

June 2014 travel & flavors

75

Renuka’s Travels / Copenhagen

Where the happiest

people live

Fancy a trip to Copenhagen, the happiest city in the world? Where you can go frolicking on your bike and walk around amidst happy people. You may wonder what makes Danes so happy and content Renuka C Sekhar

I

have been a dreamer all my life and will be one for the rest of my life. I do go back to myself at times, to my past, where nostalgia can take a safe trip of its own, that too free of cost. One of my favourite subjects in this context is time

76 travel & flavors

June 2014

travelling, recollecting and reconstructing happy memories. I am on that mission right now and the true calling of a traveller has awakened my spirit to explore the ultimate happiness. I barely have any memory of the happiest day in my life,

may be that is yet to come, but I always wanted to meet the happiest people in the world. I am on the planet’s most diverse continent- Europe. On my way from Norway, I reach the place where the happiest people on the planet live- Denmark.

But what makes them the happiest people on the earth?

Hunting for happiness on the grounds of Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark, the first thing to notice on the streets was not the overcrowded cars

popping out pollution but the bicycles. My first reaction was when was my maiden bicycle ride?

Don’t remember, but for sure I was excited and biking gave me freedom and joy and while on the bike, my thoughts fly freely and I can be

creative. Copenhagen is world famous for its biking culture and is now officially the first Bike City in the world. May be that’s why, it has the lowest air pollution. The Danes are well known for their love for cycling and cities all around the world are now

looking at ways to copy this phenomenon. Like a lot of Copenhageners, I feel happiest on my bike. It’s such a privilege to be in a city where you can cycle to any place you need to go. I got my bike as well.

When you’re on a bike, bear one thing in mind –

the wind! It is often windy in Denmark and according to Murphy’s Law, you will always have headwind when you’re in a hurry.

And my discovery goes like this, everybody seems to be healthy and fit here, may be they cycle a lot. Even though I don’t have excess

Copenhagen was voted the world’s happiest city in 2007. It was also dubbed 4 th most expensive in 2009.

Copenhagen

The quaint windmills found in Denmark

calories to cut down, I took a resolution to cycle at least once in a week. Danes, you guys are really inspiring!

It’s always windy in Denmark. And that fact helps explain why Denmark is leading the way in integrating

roller coaster rides to gourmet restaurants to amphitheatres where local and international stars perform throughout the season.

It’s magic and you will love it.

The statue of Little Mermaid has a story

Like a lot of Copenhageners, I feel happiest on my bike. It’s such a privilege to be in a city where you can cycle wherever you need to go wind power into the electricity system and it is great to see giant fans standing tall against the beats of the sea.

It is the right green energy. I too wanted a windy stomachtickling experience here - in one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, Tivoli Gardens. It’s like a small fairytale village in the heart of Copenhagen. A very special amusement park where you will find everything from

to tell which goes like another fairytale. “A little mermaid who falls in love with the prince whom she saved while she breaks free of the sea for the first time.” It reminded me of the first time when I bunk class to see my first-ever movie.

The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen continues to be the most popular tourist attraction in Denmark and one of the most photographed statues in the world.

The Little Mermaid sits

close to the harbour Langelinie on her granite resting place, in the old port district of Nyhavn. I never thought I could get a glimpse of my beloved Disney character Ariel this close.

I saw pedestrians waiting for the green man to cross the signal even though the streets were vacant and women leaving their children in the prams outside the shop. My other logical reasoning behind the happy people go this way- Copenhageners are very serious about coffee and drink a lot of black filter coffee which has traditionally made them more picky about the quality of the roasted coffee than any other

Famed Carlsberg beer

• •

Copenhagen is the largest city in Scandinavia.

Denmark is a constitutional monarchy.

countries. There’s been a huge focus on single-origin coffees of high quality, which means they can roast very light and really showcase the terrier, great news for coffee lovers like me.

Denmark has so much to offer than Danish Bacon.

Denmark produces Carlsberg too- one of the best beers in the

It is often windy in Denmark and according to Murphy’s Law, you will always have headwind when you’re in a hurry world and the official brewer of the Danish Royal Court.

So one could enjoy sipping Carlsberg, walking down the street eating some deliriously delightful (and overpriced) hot sugar coated burnt almonds, and marvelling at the happy people around. Perfect! What more the Scandinavia’s most cosmopolitan capital has to offer. I had mixed emotions when I won a lottery here, a

lottery I mean a food lovers lottery winning a table reservation at Noma, one of the world’s best restaurants, where passion and flavour are treated as ingredients to create a heavenly dining experience and a foodie like me can never expect anything more. Its excellent pork, seafood, root vegetables, berries, pulses, grains and forages of herbs and plants are skilfully prepared in a Scandinavian way with no tomatoes or olive oil.

These Nordic delicacies are filled with aromatic ingredients such as strained yoghurt, sea buckthorn berries, reindeer moss and beetroot granite.

I choose 7 course meal as a 12-course meal was not easy for me to accommodate. From Greenlandic snow crab to Danish Limfjord oysters and mussels, variety wines, open sandwiches, pastries, hot dogs and more, my taste buds still see lots of colours. On the way back, I was thinking what I I missed on my travel?Looking back, I realised that I didn’t miss anything. Instead, I am taking something with me- the secret of their happiness. And as long as I live, I will spread that secret with a smile, I promise.

What to do •

•

Make sure that you pay a visit to the Tivoli amusement park situated in the centre of the city.

A unique combination of stage shows, food courts and flower shows adorn the park.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is sure to be a treat for all the art lovers out there. The museum is packed with great sculptures and works like those of Alex

•

•

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen

Calder.

La Fontaine is a jazz club that you can use to spend the occasional odd hour, listening to the local talent or performing yourself in the late hours. Load up your musical gear, all you jazz players.

If you have the time, Copenhagen’s planetarium will also be a nice change of pace. Boasting the state-of the-art machinery, capable of

magnifying more than 7500 planets, one can spend quite a bit of time idling with the instruments.

Dont miss

Take a bicycle ride around the town centre, using free bicycles that can be found in centres scattered all around the town. The principle is to insert a coin to release hold on the bikes.

Upon returning it to a similar stand, the coin is returned.

June 2014 travel & flavors

79

Cruise Journey / Princess cruises

Cruise lovers’ dream

Aboard Princess Cruises, you get the luxury of a lifetime and a chance to sit back and relax. With world class luxury and unique settings, Princess Cruises is the place to be T&F Team

P

rincess Cruises is the third largest cruise line in the world. Renowned for innovative ships, an array of onboard options and an environment of exceptional customer service, Princess Cruises today carries 1.7 million passengers each year through its 17 modern vessels.

Princess Cruises is also known for introducing new concepts in its ships considering the needs of

80 travel & flavors

cruise lovers. The company has long been the leader in building ships with an extensive number of private balconies which are the most soughtafter luxury. In the 1980s, Princess pioneered the concept of the affordable veranda which was an exclusive feature in only the most expensive suites.

Today, Princess’ fleet offers the highest number of balcony cabins in the industry- across all cabin categories.

June 2014

It introduced a wide range of flexible onboard facilities and services in order to create a vacation experience like the 24hour dining restaurant where the traditional seating or restaurantstyle can be availed, and where diners can eat with whom they chose, the first wedding chapel hosting modern-day weddings at the sea, the unique Times Square style movie screen in the open air by poolside and The Sanctuary, an

adults-only oasis.

Amenities aboard Sun Princess

Sun Princess cruise of Princess Cruises has got a passenger capacity of 1,998 lower berths and 924 crew members take care of the guests. The amenities it offers is par excellence.

Guests can choose from suite rooms which range from 695 sqft to 135 sqft like the suite with balcony, premium mini-suite with balcony, mini-suite

The Steak House aboard Sun Princess

The company has long been the leader in building ships with an extensive number of private balconies which are the most soughtafter luxury

balcony, premium ocean view, ocean view and interior.

For dining, Sun Princess has got a traditional dining and other specialty restaurants like Sterling Steakhouse, Verdi’s Pizzeria, International Café, Kai Sushi Bar, Horizon Court – Buffet Restaurant, Trident Grill– Hamburger and Swirls – Ice cream bar. For entertainment, there is Princess Theatre, Vista Show Lounge, and lounges like Wheelhouse Bar, Crooners – Martini Bar, Atrium Lounge and Shooting Stars

Nightclub. Guests can also avail services like The Sanctuary, a blissful haven for adults, spa and fitness centre, kid’s and teen’s centres, sports deck, casino, library, art gallery and duty-free boutiques.

Ports of call

The eight-day trip starting on June 8 from Kobe in Japan will have five ports of call- Amami Oshima, Okinawa, Ishigaki, Hualien and Kobe.

The grand Atrium Lounge aboard Sun Princess

June 2014 travel & flavors

81

Princess Cruises

The Riviera deck

Kobe is a cosmopolitan port city. It is also Japan’s fourth busiest container port. Famous for the Kobe beef, interesting things at Kobe include Golden Pavilion at Kyoto, Ryoanji Temple with Zen rock garden, the majestic 410 years old Nijo castle, the former mansions of foreign merchants at Kitano-cho, Mt Rokko with a 3000-ft

vantage point, the ricebased liquor museumSake Brewery Museum, Awajishima Island with the world’s longest suspension bridge and the Ishiyamadera temple.

Situated off the coast of Kagoshima, Amami Oshima Island is blessed with a subtropical climate, beaches with ‘star sand,’ and an abundance of flora and fauna.

Interesting features like Amami Park, Cape Ayamaru, Amami Nature Observation Forest, Oriental Galapagos, Kinsakubaru Virgin Forest, Oshima Tsumugi Pongee Village, Amami Cycads The Princess Theatre aboard Sun Princess and Kuroshio No Mori Mangrove

82 travel & flavors

June 2014

Park will be sweet memories to cherish.

On the fourth day of your journey, you will reach at Okinawa, the largest island in the Ryukyu archipelago, and the birthplace of karate.

Okinawa has been the centre of trade. Naha is the island’s largest city and the capital of Okinawa Prefecture. A glass-bottom boat ride watching the colourful underwater world and coral reefs at Kabira Bay, a visit to Tojin Tomb (Chinese Tomb), a ferryboat ride to Taketomi Island, Iriomote Island, the views at Tamatorizaki Observatory and local crafts will be awaiting you on the fifth day at Ishigaki in Japan.

On the sixth day, you will get to Hualien in Taiwan. This well-kept seaside secret is your

gateway to the heart of Taiwan. Its serene beauty belies the continuing conflict with the mainland China and welcomes you with open arms. At Taroko Gorge National Park, you can enjoy the nature, wildlife and a dip in the mineral hot springs which offer rejuvenation and bliss. Traditional Chinese and Japanese temples with their unique architecture and magnificent landscape design awaken the senses and transport you to a world of grace and timeless heritage. There are other things of interest like Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallow’s Grotto, Tunnels of Nine Turns, Pine Garden, Keishuin and Kang-Ten Temple.

The last two days, you can enjoy different shades of the sea as you begin your return journey to Kobe.

Handy Gadgets / Travel Kit

Handy gadgets for business travelers A business traveler has it the worst. From emerging disheveled, sleep depraved and jet lagged after long boring hours of flight, it’s on to them to dress crisply and arrive right on time for that dreaded meeting where they just have to charm their audience looking well rested and alert even if they have taken a turn for the worst. Here are a few gadgets that might make the job easier for a business traveler Vaisakh E Hari

Shirt shuttle: Possibly the most important thing in a business traveler’s arsenal, a shirt shuttle keeps your dress perfectly folded and perfectly ironed, so that even if you alight the flight in a haze of jetlag, there is at least one thing that you can tick off your list.

Toiletries for in flight use: Same principle. Use if you must look good immediately after alighting a 12-hour flight.

Echo smartpen: It’s right in the midst of your flight on your way to that business meeting that you suddenly recall a very important schematic for your meeting. Take out your laptop and plug in your smart pen, it is time to go digital.

Nightshade: Don’t you just hate it when frequently flashing lights from laptops and passengers disturb your well earned sleep on a flight? Tilt back your seat, put on the nightshade and perhaps a noise canceller for a good measure. A good night’s sleep assured.

Universal travel adapter: A one stop shop for charging all electrical appliances, the name says it all. Now, there can be no more question of an out-of-juice laptop or mobile phone slowing down your business unnecessarily.

June 2014 travel & flavors

83

Luxury Aircraft/ Emirates A380

A floating palace

in the sky

One of the youngest airlines in the world, Emirates offers exceptional service, the best in-flight entertainment and utmost comfort creating a world class experience for travelers T&F Team

S

olitude and boredom are often an inevitable part of long journeys on a flight but it is not so on Emirates flights.

Aboard the flights, flying itself is an entertainment and a pleasant experience.

Emirates, as you know, is the youngest air service in the world and is the provider of the best comfort for air travelers around the world.

The first class private suites in Emirates give you the chance to experience

84 travel & flavors

luxury on a whole new level.

For a luxury air traveler who values privacy and personalised service the most, an Emirates flight is a ‘Pushpaka Vimana’ (A flying chariot described in the epic Ramayana). Each suite is equipped with a sliding door, personal minibar, adjustable ambient lighting, its own vanity table, mirror, wardrobe and a privacy divider for central suites. What more, if you want to stretch out and sleep in style, the seat can

June 2014

be converted into a flat bed.

On board Emirates A380, you can enjoy lie-flat comfort with Business Class seats. It has also been equipped with an in-seat power supply for laptops and an extra-large table providing comfortable workspace. Be it work or relaxation, it has been so much fun on air. A large-screen personal entertainment system, built-in mini-bar in every seat, personal storage area and a privacy divider are

some of the amenities you can avail on board Emirates A380. Don’t be concerned about the internet on air.

Emirates’ On Air Wi-Fi service lets you connect to the internet while in the flight. Select A380 flights also offer mobile phone use and data roaming using GPRS/EDGE. If that’s not enough, every seat on board Emirates A380 has a satellite telephone and onscreen email/SMS services.

Fancy a stir-fried lobster

Timeless Spa shower kits, made from the finest natural ingredients.

If you are in no mood to work, switch over to the entertainment systems provided

by Emirates. Its ace entertainment system has got more than 1,600 channels which will deliver on demand. Movies,

cards for children.

Emirates even offers its own air show channel for children to experience a pilot’seye view of takeoff and landing.

Emirates goes out of its way to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Complimentary chauffeur service and lounge access

Each suite is equipped with a sliding door, personal mini-bar, adjustable ambient lighting, its own vanity table, mirror, wardrobe and a privacy divider for central suites

The Private Suite aboard Emirates A380

in black bean sauce or Arabic mezze or glazed duck breast than regular sandwiches or snacks in a flight.

Yes, in Emirates, you can enjoy all these. Experience cuisine and service worthy of the world’s finest restaurants in Emirates First Class, with a range of dishes carefully selected and prepared, which are available on demand throughout your flight.

And dine in style with Royal Doulton fine bone China with the exclusive Robert Welch cutlery. There

is also a selection of the finest wines served

by Emirates. Not to mention the extras such as High Tea and hors d’oeuvres in the onboard lounges.

Your journey is a feast which will satiate your appetite completely.

A perfect mid-flight diversion is readily available if you’re for a snack, a beverage or casual conversation.

The First Class and Business Class on board lounges, located on the upper deck, offer a place for you to sample hors d’oeuvres and may be

a Grand Cru. Savour five-star delicacies prepared by some of the world’s leading chefs as well as fine wines carefully chosen by the sommeliers.

You will never miss your favourite cocktail onboard Emirates A380. The dedicated bartender will ensure you have your favourite cocktail on air.

Two on board Shower Spas are there to get you refreshed during your long flights. And, to complete the spa experience, Emirates offers their signature

TV programmes, endless music choices, video games and news from around the world all are at your fingertips. Emirates is unmistakably a family favourite.

Special meals, rewards for young travellers, priority boarding, changing tables on every aircraft and many more options are there to lure the young travellers into Emirates. It has collaborated with Quiksilver, the iconic sports lifestyle brand, for travel inspired giveaways like travel folios, surf-styled Velcro wallets and fun-fact game

are there for the First Class and Business Class customers as well as Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members. Emirates new A380 hub at Dubai International Airport built for the A380s offers customers a seamless and unrivalled experience. Spread across 11 floors, you can avail amenities like direct boarding from the lounges for the First Class and Business Class passengers, the expanded duty-free shopping, dining options from cafes to fine dining, a full service Timeless Spa and hotels.

June 2014 travel & flavors

85

Our Publications Travel & Food

Economy & Politics

Monthly

Health

Monthly

`50 $5 AED 7

Monthly

`50 $5 AED 7

`50 $5 AED 7

Education

World Subscribe to es from in z a g a m s s cla ks o o B C D f o e s u the ho

Business Magazine Malayalam

FaÀ-Pn-Mv tIcf t amÀ¨v 2014

Monthly

Monthly

`50 $5 AED 7

`20 $5 AED 5

Yes, I would like to subscribe to the magazine(s) as indicated below: Term

Travel & Flavors

Money Indices

Education Insider

Future Medicine

Emerging Kerala

1 Year 2 Year 3 Year

`600 `1000 `1500

`600 `1000 `1500

`600 `1100 `1500

`600 `1000 `1500

`250 `500 `750 Total Spend (In `)

Name: Mr/Ms. Address:

Travel & Flavors Money Indices Education Insider

Pin:

E-mail ID: Phone Res: enclosed cheque/DD No.:

Company:

Future Medicine Emerging Kerala Total Amount

(Please make Cheque/DD for the total amount)

Date of Birth:

Mob: Dated:

Please fill in this order form and mail it with your remittance to:DC Media, DC Books, 235/C, Adjacent to YMCA, Chittor Road, Cochin-35, Kerala, India.

To subscribe online: log on to www.onlinestore.dcbooks.com/publications

favouring DC BOOKS Pvt Ltd

` Date: Signature:

Fill this up and go

Now 3 Months

Free!

globetrotting!

Subscribe Today Yes, I would like to subscribe to the Travel & Flavors Magazine Term

Travel & Flavors

1 Year (12 issues)

`600 $90 AED 80

Nilh

2 Year (24 issues)

`1000 $180 AED 150

3 Months Free

3 Year (36 issues)

`1500 $280 AED 225

3 Months Free

Name: Mr/Ms. Address:

Pin:

E-mail ID: Phone Res: enclosed cheque/DD No.:

Company: Mob:

(Please make Cheque/DD for the total amount)

Date of Birth:

Dated:

Please fill in this order form and mail it with your remittance to:DC Media, DC Books, 235/C, Adjacent to YMCA, Chittor Road, Cochin-35, Kerala, India.

To subscribe online: log on to www.onlinestore.dcbooks.com/publications

favouring DC BOOKS Pvt Ltd

` Date: Signature:

Culinary Tales / Afghan Cuisine

Flavors from Afghanistan Afghani cuisine is very subtle with mild use of spices and is influenced by Persia, India and Mongolia. Afghan bread is so tasty that you can eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner along with any side dishes Jenny Thingshung

H

auz Rani, a neighbourhood of South Delhi, is home to a number of Afghan refugees. The place boasts of a number of Afghani eateries for its residents, which have become quite popular outside. Afghan cuisine is mainly influenced

by Persia, India and Mongolia. Afghanis are fond of rice and have a flair for cooking some mouthwatering rice-based

88 travel & flavors

dishes. I have encountered and interacted with some Afghani refugees who have been living in Delhi for over five or more years, however, it had never occurred to me to know about their food habits. In fact, this place is a potpourri of cultures where Arabians, Nigerians, Afghanis and Indians inhabit. And surprisingly, they all take Afghani cuisine and enjoy Afghani hospitality.

June 2014

The first instance that draws me towards this absolutely gorgeous cuisine is the eye-catching Afghan bread which is an essential ingredient for every meal. I had observed how the bread was being made in the clay oven and Afghanis waiting in queue to get their share. It’s much like a ritual every day for the male member of the family to collect the bread for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The bread which

is an equivalent of India’s ‘naan’ is very delicious and better flavored. When I first took a bite, I was blown away by its fluffiness and rich flavor. The huge bread can be shared by at least three people and goes really well with anything that is spicy and hot. Afghanis are big meat eaters, especially lamb meat.

With a couple of eateries along the main road, there’s no dearth

Mantoo Afghani meatball

Afghan bread Yoghurt

of Afghani cuisine in this neighbourhood. Afghani cuisine is very subtle in its use of spices. They don’t believe in preparing the dish with dollops of spices like Indians do.

Their use of dry nuts and raisins in servings calls for healthy cravings. Kabli/ Kabuli Pilau is among the most popular dishes in Afghanistan. It is rice mixed with lentil, raisins, and carrots and layered with tender meat. They prefer lamb meat but alternatively use buff meat too. I find the pilau very light, easy and utterly healthy. The meat is very tender and tasteful. It’s the kind of dish I can eat every day because it isn’t oily and heavy but sits easy on

stomach and is wholesome too.

I was a little surprised by a dish called Mantoo which is more or less a version of Chinese dumpling. This is in fact influenced by a Mongolian dish but altered to meet

and healthy. With dollops of brown beans thrown in along with shredded veggies, it is ideal for breakfast and afternoon snacks. Yoghurt is used as an assortment in many of its servings and as a refreshing drink. Chilled

The first instance that draws me towards this absolutely gorgeous cuisine is the eye-catching Afghan bread which is an essential ingredient for every meal their taste buds. It is a meat stuff dumpling topped with yoghurt, boiled brown beans and shredded veggies. It is nutritious

yoghurt drink is wonderful to fight the summer heat.

Tea, especially green tea, is also a favoured drink of Afghanis.

Afghani meat balls, kormas, kababs are dishes one could not miss. These are unlike its Indian counterpart and is more subtle and mouthwatering.

The use of mutton fats in the dishes gives a distinct taste and flavor. It gives the dishes its signature taste.

One reason why you cannot stop raving about their food is its taste which never goes overboard with spices.

For some North Indian people, Afghani cuisine may seem rather too bland for their taste, however if your palate calls for light and easy food, Afghani cuisine may be the perfect choice for you. Afghani dishes will never crave for attention but draws you in with its natural taste.

June 2014 travel & flavors

89

Exploring flavors / Karnataka

Karnataka’s own

authentic recipes

The Karnataka cuisine mainly comprises Udupi cuisine, Davanagere dishes and Coorg or Kodagu delicacies which are vegetarian and non-vegetarian, spicy and sumptuous Vaishak E Hari

I

n Karnataka, the cuisines are as varied as its culture and heritage. A tour of India warrants a visit to the state in South India as it is hard to miss the World Heritage Sites like Hampi, Pattadakkal

On a personal note, one must try the tasty Bisi bele bath, Idli vada sambar, Davanagere benne dosa and the famous Masala dosa

and the ruins in Bidar and Bijapur. The travel and tourism industry has also highly evolved here, unlike some other states, making it a hotspot for tourists. Quiet and sprawling tea and coffee plantations here also evince interest among tourists.

The Kannada cuisine is a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes from North India and South. On a personal note, one must try the tasty Bisi bele bath, Idli vada sambar, Davanagere benne dosa and the famous Masala dosa. Mughlai dishes are also very common in Karnataka and its sale is boosted by thousands of IT professionals dwelling in various parts of the state, predominantly in

Bangalore. The streets of the IT city also serve the ultra modern foodies with beer-and-steak joints and top class pubs.

While in Karnataka, try the authentic Udupi cuisine. Meals served on a plantain leaf may be a little awkward for a first-time visitor. Once you are used to it, you will

discover a certain tint in the flavor that is hard to find in the meals served in steel and ceramic plates.

An Udupi meal consists of steamed or spiced rice, rasam, sambar, salt, hot pickles, ghee and sweets like laddoo and payasam.

The Masala dosa is a dish indigenous to South India and its origins could be

Rava idli

June 2014 travel & flavors

91

Karnataka

Masala dosa

traced back to the Udupi cuisine. Try the tasty Masala dosa during your visit to the state.

A truly indigenous dish of Karnataka is the Benne dosa or the Butter dosa made by adding butter to the normal dosa. The Butter dosa has become synonymous with

Karnataka flavor is the Malnadu cuisine which is indigenous to the inner areas of Malnadu, such as the Halasina hannina kadabu, Brinjal chutney and Amla uppina kayi.

Try the ‘fish in plantain leaves dish’ available there. Apart from that, the Coorg or Kodagu cuisine is

The Masala dosa is a dish indigenous to South India and its origins could be traced back to the Udupi cuisine. Be sure to try out the tasty and sumptous Masala Dosa during your visit to the state Davanagere in Karnataka where it is said to have originated from. Crisp and thin, it possesses an aroma and flavor to kill for. Another must try dish is the Vermicelli upma, a traditional South Indian breakfast dish made from semolina/ rava, with vermicelli or oats as main ingredients.

Popularly known as semiya and sevai, it is also called Shevayin. The Vermicelli upma, along with a glass of tea, makes for a very rejuvenating breakfast.

Another specialty of the

92 travel & flavors

June 2014

supposed to be the tastiest in South India. Varieties of pork are served on special occasions in the Kodagu region. Southern Karnataka has also been noted for dishes such as Bisi bele bath, a combination of rice, lentil, assorted vegetables and spices all mixed and cooked together, Akki rotti, Raagi rotti, Rasam, Huli, Devanagere benne dosa and Uppittu. In the spicy and rice-based cuisine of Mangalore, pork curry and rice dumplings are given much importance. A popular

cuisine predominantly in the coastal districts of Karnataka, Navayath is prepared with fowl, ova, coconut and rice.

Though the desi dishes are an integral part of the Karnataka experience, the streets and malls of Bangalore teem with Mc Donald’s, Pizza King, KFC, Dominoes or whatever brand that a visiting foreigner might want to try in a bout of homesickness.

ALSO TRY!

The Thindi Beedi Street in Bangalore is a must try for any visitor. It is a long,

Masala dosa, Iddli, Cream puff and Masala corn. In the weekends, a casual visitor might think that the entire city of Bangalore is cramped into the space of this thin alley. It is a common man’s joint where prices are much lower than the other eateries in the city. No seating facilities are available here. Customers just stand in the open air and eat their favourite dishes. Don’t leave the Thindi Beedi Street without trying Holige, a sweet made of jiggery.

North Indian delicacies like Paav bhaaji, Gulab jamun

Butter dosa

narrow alley lined with food carts and eateries. A foodie paradise, the food outlets here will serve an array of mouthwatering dishes like Honey cake,

and Gopi manchurian are also available. End your trip with a visit to the Gulkhand centre where mouthwatering dishes are served at low prices.

Starbucks coffee / Quirky Food

Brewing world’s favourite coffee Coffee lovers in India welcome the arrival of Starbucks as there are limited coffee choices in the country Jenny Thingshung

S

tarbucks is an American household coffee outlet known throughout the world since 1971. Until recently, coffee lovers in India were content with limited coffee houses but with the arrival of Starbucks in the country, they can truly smell and drink the frothy roasted brew made from the finest coffee beans. Starbucks provides an environment that spells comfort and ease for its coffee lovers. With the recent launch of ‘Oprah Chai Latte’, conceptualized

and personally created

by Oprah Winfrey after visiting a family in Mumbai and being drawn deeply to the aromatic Indian flavor, Starbucks creates an Indian connection to the world’s favourite brew. When it was launched in India in 2012, there was a huge excitement in all quarters. Delhi got its first outlet last year and it was a celebration for coffee lovers across the capital city.

Personalising the coffee cup with the drinker’s name makes it extra special.

But more than its exterior innovation, the real taste and smell of Starbucks coffee absolutely lived up to its image and hype. Its

When it was launched in India in 2012, there was a huge excitement in all quarters

collection of hot and cold coffee along with choices of sweet pastries and cakes, croissants and puddings makes the outlet a wholesome coffee shop. It’s a place where you can sit by yourself and finish your last minute assignments at ease.

And with free Wifi in its outlets, you have everything that you need to spend time and rejuvenate yourself. It’s a perfect zone to be with your excited groupies for gossip and of course the yummy roasted and brewed Starbucks coffee.

June 2014 travel & flavors

93

Strange Travellers

A ‘nano’ trip through bumpy Indian roads If you ever ask a foreigner what’s the worst thing about India, most of them would be quick to respond, ‘roads’ or maybe ‘traffic’. Others would come up with something as wild as ‘crazy Indian drivers with no respect for travelers’.

Well, what does Vanessa Able say about India after making a pan Indian journey in her Tata Nano?

Tony William

V

anessa Able, a freelance writer born in Jersey, England, decided to give it a try and emerged unscathed to put it in her own words. What really amazed her is owning a car which won’t cost as much as her laptop makes news in India.

Vanessa recalls that Abhilasha, (Sanskrit for desire, aspiration and affection) her yellow Nano car, was an instant hit among locals as well as foreigners It was in 2010 that Vanessa made her journey and Nano hit the Indian roads only by the

end of 2009. Her car with a Maharashtra registration had a two-cylinder, 33 horsepower engine and unlike most basic models, it had an air-conditioning unit and electric windows.

Vanessa started her journey in February 2010 from Mumbai, travelled through Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Kolkata, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and back to Maharashtra.

It was at Rajapur in Maharashtra that her gauge recorded exactly 10,000 km since she began her journey.

Vanessa says this remarkable

feat was achieved after negotiating city traffic, gridlocks and honking horns, facing negligent truck drivers, battling high beam lights, dead ends of motorways, being attacked by an elephant and nearly running out of petrol.

But she was happy as she could get a vague idea of the land’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage through visits at Osho Ashram in Pune, the residence of Satya Sai Baba in Puttaparthi, Auroville, Tibetans at McLeod Ganj during The Dalai Lama’s visit to India, Golden Temple in Amritsar and the lowering

of the Flag ceremony at the Wagah border by India and Pakistan.

After the journey, she wrote a book titled ‘The Nanologues’ based on her experiences on roads in India. Her diary on the trip can be read at www. nanodiaries.com Vanessa holds masters’ degree in Fine Arts from London and worked as editor-in-chief of Time Out magazine in Istanbul.

She moved to Mexico City in 2008 and worked as freelance writer for The New York Times, Esquire and National Geographic Traveler.

The bright side of Vanessa’s Nano journey is that the fund raised from this scheme will go to Women’s World Banking, a network that provides loans to low-income female entrepreneurs in India.

94 travel & flavors

June 2014