sanket odisha tourism 2016
$VWDUDQJD %HDFK $ SHUIHFW GHVWLQDWLRQ IRU D SHUIHFW VXQVHW H[SHULHQFH
:HEVLWH RGLVKDWRXULVP JRY LQ ZZZ YLVLWRGLVKD RUJ‡ ( PDLO RULWRXU#JPDLO FRP ‡ 7ROO )UHH 27'& &HQWUDO 5HVHUYDWLRQ &RXQWHU DP SP 7HO
,I \RX·UH ORRNLQJ IRU DQ H[WUDRUGLQDU\ EHDFK KROLGD\ 2GLVKD LV D VXQ VDQG DQG VXUI SDUDGLVH OLNH QRQH RWKHU 'RWWHG ZLWK VRPH RI WKH ZRUOG·V ILQHVW SULVWLQH EHDFKHV VXFK DV 3XUL $VWDUDQJ &KDQGLSXU %KLWDUNDQLND *RSDOSXU DQG 7DODVDUL 2GLVKD SURPLVHV WR EH D RQH LQ D PLOOLRQ KROLGD\V
&KDQGLSXU ² &RPH WR VHH WKH VHD SOD\LQJ KLGH DQG VHHN
PLAY WITH THE WAVES & RELAX YOURSELF ON THE PRISTINE BEACHES OF ODISHA
004_CM_MESSAGE(1).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 4
FROM THE EDITOR
Editor-in-Chief CHANDAN MITRA EDITORIAL BOARD Vice-Chairman & Joint Managing Director Amit Goel Chief Executive Officer Abhishek Saxena 09818600128 EDITORIAL Editor-in-Charge Rinku Ghosh Feature Writers Devi Singh Priyanka Joshi Chief Designer Anand Singh Rawat Senior Designer Santosh Kumar Yadav Pre-press Manager Syed Nawab Raza Staff Photographer Pankaj Kumar SALES & MARKETING General Manager Kumar Gurudutta Jha Senior Manager Madhukar Saxena Managers Bharat Singh Sajwan & Prabhakar Pathak Senior Marketing Executive Komal Sharma Media Coordinator Srinija Chakraborty GOVERNMENT & PSU General Manager Tapan Ghosh Senior Manager Neeta Rai MUMBAI OFFICE General Manager Devendra Adhikari KOLKATA OFFICE Vice President Suzanna Roy General Manager (Circulation) Rajeev Gautam Printed and published by Chandan Mitra for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd, printed at JK Offset Graphics (P) Ltd, B-278, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-1, New Delhi-110020 and published at 2nd floor, Patriot House, 3, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110002. Editor: Chandan Mitra. Entire Contents Copyright (C) 2006 CMYK Printech Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation in any language in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Requests for permission should be directed to CMYK Printech Ltd. Opinions carried in Exotica are the writers’ and not necessarily endorsed by CMYK Printech Ltd. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited material or for material lost or damaged in transit. All correspondence should be addressed to CMYK Printech Ltd; 2nd Floor, Patriot House, 3, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110002 Phone: 23718296/40754136 Fax: 23755275 Email: exoticapioneer2016@gmail.com
AN UNEXPECTED NOTE
INDIANS
have not seen anything like this in living memory. The last one month has been a life-changing experience and we are still undergoing its ups and downs. In this period there has been only one subject of conversation. Even the fog in North India, an annual hardy which throws travel schedules haywire, or the worth of the latest Bollywood offerings are not being widely discussed. Since the night of November 8 this year, demonetisation and stories real or apocryphal have been the only conversation points. This is not the place to discuss the merits and demerits of this drastic move. What can however be said without putting a political perspective to it, is that there is some uncertainty over how the future will unfold. One automobile dealer told me that he had not sold a single luxury vehicle since November 9. When asked whether people bought expensive SUVs with sacks of currency, he said it was not that but the uncertainty had made customers withhold their assets and await better times. The travel trade is in similar tizzy. Tour operators say many bookings have been cancelled, again because people are in no mood to spend. In other words the demand push in the economy has been badly hit, although optimists are confident that after December 30 when all old notes will have been sucked out of the system and new currency would be readily available, things should be back to what is now being called the “new normal.” So, one can look forward to 2017 being a year of growth and prosperity. Tragically foreign tourists who reached India in the second week of November found themselves totally unprepared for this turmoil. Many had exchanged their cash dollars for Indian currency immediately upon landing here, much of which ceased to be legal tender. Foreigners have a fear of transacting through credit/debit cards in India because many of them have doubts about the security component and rightly doubt the efficacy of our cyber security laws. Of course India is not Nigeria or not even Russia for that matter, where foreigners are widely advised not to use plastic currency. So, perhaps some special arrangements could have been made for foreign tourists reaching India these days to use their cards to draw new currency from designated official centres. But the new `500 or `2,000 notes have been in short supply for Indian citizens too. Personally, I discovered that outside big metros such as Delhi and Mumbai and possibly Bengaluru, people bore with the cash crunch with equanimity. On a recent visit to suburban Bengal where social values emphasise frugality (the philosophical spin used is “Simple living and high thinking”), I found most have dealt with the shortage stoically. But at my small farm on the outskirts of Delhi, local farmers and artisans seem unable to carry on with their daily business in the absence of small denomination currency notes. Many queue up at a local ashram daily hoping they can exchange bigger notes and even change discontinued currency for donations received at the temple, usually in small notes. The head of the ashram told me that donations too were drying up making it difficult to purchase fodder for cows and buffaloes. On the whole, the “note ban” presents a mixed, even confusing picture. But one thing is for certain. I am yet to meet a single person who has questioned the motive for this move or slammed the idea of the war on black money. This unified resolve augurs well for India, current difficulties notwithstanding.
[CHANDAN MITRA] Editor-in-Chief
006_CONTENT(1).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 6
[p48]
[14]
I N S I D E DECEMBER 2016 VOLUME 11 NO 2
[p28]
[p54]
Little black book [p14] Zorawar Kalra: A quick peek into his style file The buzzword [p20] Luxury trends Heritage travel [p28] King-size moments: Maharajas’ Express Royal vignette [p42] Our heritage is our real luxury: Diya Kumari Heritage walk [p48] Palace of happiness: Udaipur’s Lake Palace Delhi durbar [p54] Neo Mughals: Luxe hunt across the city High life [p62] Check-in comfort: A smart blend of refined decor and a relaxed residential feel
COVER COLLAGE: THE BEST OF LUXURY
CONTRIBUTORS Sri Sri Ravi Shankar [p90] GURUSPEAK: Think less, live more Bharat Thakur [p92] FITNESS: Be an eyewitness Magandeep Singh [p94] BLITHE SPIRIT: The brown life Kushan Mitra [p96] HOTWHEELS: A slice of Arizona Sanjay Jumaani [p105] NUMBER GAME: Count your fate
The walkthrough [p66] Great to be a sewer rat: Paris underbelly Eco logic [p72] A view to live for: Tree houses in and around Munnar have reinvented themselves with comfortable and functional add-ons Jet set [p100] The better sorts: Celebrityowned properties that will give you vacation goals you might need to rethink Skin deep [p102] A pretty addiction: A good day’s skin
[p96]
TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES 108 INCLUDING COVER
OUR
PARTNER
HOTELS
Send us your feedback at exoticapioneer2016@gmail.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/Exotica-394686670715776
008_012_TRAVEL_NEWS(3).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 8
TRAVEL NEWS
HIGH SPIRITS
CONSERVATORIUM
Hotel in Amsterdam is celebrating the festive season with a wonderful range of luxurious room packages, unique spa treatments and an indulgent food and drink menu. Whether guests are looking to refresh mind, body and soul at Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Christmas tree designed by Italian jeweller Buccellati or take a boat tour, there is something for everyone. This year the tree-lighting ceremony will take place on December 9 with a performance by the best Opera Company in the world, the Dutch National Opera and Ballet.
BEACH CALLING
THE
Soneva story continues with Soneva Jani, the latest luxury resort in the Noonu Atoll, Maldives. The primarily overwater resort comprises 24 water villas and one island villa situated in a 5.6 km lagoon, one of the largest in the Maldives. The resort comprises 18 units of one to four bedroom water villas, as well as a four-bedroom island villa. At more than 410 sq m, the one-bedroom villas are the largest entry-level villas in the Indian Ocean. All villas include a private pool, a walk-in mini bar with uninterrupted lagoon views.
EXOTICA [8] DECEMBER 2016
Full Page Ad_20.5cm x 27.3cm + 3mm Bleed allowance
EUROPEAN RENDEZVOUS WITH MAHARAJAH
Madrid
Birmin gham
Paris
rt Frankfu
Milan
London
Ro
m
e
w
sco
Mo
Vienn a
Air India introduces its first ever non-stop flight from
Delhi to Madrid Flight Route Departure Arrival AI 135 Delhi (DEL) - Madrid (MAD) 1455 2020 AI 136 Madrid (MAD) - Delhi (DEL) 2150 1110 (+1)
Maximum reach across 69 domestic and 42 overseas stations
More legroom
Good food
Days of Operation Tue, Thu & Sat Tue, Thu & Sat
More baggage allowance
Stay connected /airindia /airindiain Toll Free: 1800 180 1407 www.airindia.in
008_012_TRAVEL_NEWS(3).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 10
STARRY AFFAIR
THE
heartthrob of millions of Indians, who recently returned from his maiden trip to the beautiful country, has been named the first Indian ambassador for Switzerland Tourism. From wakeboarding on Lake Zurich, ski jumps at the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne, to bogganing on Mt Pilatus, paragliding and skydiving in Interlaken, Ranveer Singh tried them all. He will now be in charge of promoting Switzerland Tourism’s campaign for 2017 — Nature wants you back! On the other hand, Dubai’s Department of Tourism announced an exciting new collaboration with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The project, comprising a series of short films, will see the actor unravel the secrets of Dubai, offering his fans a chance to see the exquisite city through his eyes.
NEW BEGINNINGS
THE
Roseate New Delhi recently won the ‘Best City Resort’ award at the North India Travel Awards 2016, while Roseate House New Delhi topped as the best debut hotel. The uber hotel at Aerocity even offers a private lounge-style cineplex.
VIEW FROM THE TOP
IMAGINE
flying over the Taj, looking down on a wonder of the world in its spectacular symmetry, a slice of human perfection among untamed greens. And while we are used to looking up at the Taj on the ground, its silhouette growing bigger and bigger walking along the central verge, on a balloon, we see it turn into a tiny white casket. Colourful hot air balloons sail over the skyline, catching the morning sun that lights up the central dome of the Taj or the dulcet glow of sunset that turns the white marble roseate. The Taj Balloon Festival, in association with the Uttar Pradesh government, is a luxury experience like no other for it shows you how Taj is just a pivot of a larger sprawl of heritage structures and forts dotted all over and Agra is a much bigger draw, the rolling countryside threaded by the Yamuna. This year 15 balloons from 12 countries lifted off the PAC Ground, piloted by experts and managed by an Indian crew. There were two women pilots from Malaysia and Poland. For a change, residents of Agra woke up to a new wonder, lining their
terraces and looking up at the sky. Participant countries included India, the USA, UK, Canada, Spain, UAE, Netherlands, Turkey, Switzerland, Belgium, Poland and Malaysia. Specially-shaped balloons featured iconic characters like Happy Egg, Bob the Lobster and the Smurfs.
EXOTICA [10] DECEMBER 2016
AIMS HOSPITAL.qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 2
008_012_TRAVEL_NEWS(3).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 12
FAMILY CHRISTMAS
THE
Imperial, New Delhi, is offering a luxurious Christmas stay at its Grand Heritage room for `21,999 starting from December 24 to 25. A stay for a night for two includes check-in at 1000 hrs, on Decemeber 24, late check-out on December 25, 2016 till 1600 hrs. Extra room for two children can be availed at `10,500 with breakfast with gifts. There will also be a Christmas eve dinner for two at the iconic restaurant, 1911 with another one at San Gimignano at `6,000 for two.
WATER GAMES
THIS
Christmas, Ocean Park Hong Kong, the unique world-class awardwinning theme park, will turn into the perfect destination for the holidays. Cyber Illusion Spectacular will kick off on December 17, featuring breathtaking magic acts, cutting-edge visual effects and amazing live entertainment performed by internationally-acclaimed illusionists. To immerse guests in even more holiday cheer, the entire park will be decked out with Christmas decorations.
EUREKA MOMENT
AN
ancient tomb has been discovered in Jordan in the northern town of Beit Ras during an excavation project to expand a local waste-water sanitation network. The tomb includes a cave with two burial chambers. The larger chamber contains a basalt stone rock-cut tomb decorated with raised etchings of two lion heads with several human bones enclosed. Oil frescoes decorate the walls of the chamber portraying human figures, horses and other mythological scenes, some of which have partly eroded but remain intact for the most part.
EXOTICA [12] DECEMBER 2016
FASHION(1).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 2
014_LBB(1).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 14
I mostly wear lace-up shoes from Berluti.
FAVOURITE HAUNTS OF STYLISH PEOPLE
When it comes to eyewear, it’s Louis Vuitton for me.
I love wearing Audemars Piguet watch.
I usually read biographies or business books. Currently I’m reading How Starbucks Built A Company One Cup at a time.
ZORAWAR KALRA is a restaurateur carrying on dad’s Jiggs Kalra’s legacy. He is passionate about his brand of molecular gastronomy. He also judged MasterChef India Season 5
Smelling good is really important to me. My favourite fragrance is Allure by Chanel.
I absolutely love Gucci and my prized possession is a jacket by Loro Piana.
I love vacationing in Spain and Tokyo is on my travel list.
EXOTICA [14] DECEMBER 2016
Exotica_27.3x20.5 cm (5 mm Bleed)
12-10-2016
016_WATCHES(1).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 16
W AT C H O U T
Longines DolceVita steel and gold watch in solid rose gold crown with a touch of pink on the dial. It also has a version set with diamonds. The models are available in four sizes and house a quartz movement. A silver-coloured “flinqué” dial adorned with painted Roman numerals and a black lacquered or white mother-of-pearl dial enhanced with diamond indexes, all featuring a rose gold hourglass, characterise the models. Price: `1,10,500
Guess c0002m6 connect smart watch for women. Features include call and voice command, ability to receive notifications, camera and music control, as well as other tricks. Both iOS and Android compatible Price: `29,400
time
in
They come in all shapes and sizes to suit your personality
Slim line moonphase automatic men's watch by Frederique Constant. Price on request.
A bespoke watch with a case made out of 18 carat gold and diamonds embellished by Jaipur Watch Co. Price: `6,00,000
Apple series2 smart watch. The addition of GPS and better water resistance make it more of a fitness tracker. Price: `95,900 Black crystal bezel and black sunray dial by Swarovski. Price on request.
The 34 mm Ladymatic by Omega is available in 18k gold and steel. Price on request.
EXOTICA [16] DECEMBER 2016
Airport Authority.qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 2
Airport Authority.qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 3
PRIDE HOTELS.qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 2
020_027_LUXURY(8).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 20
THE BUZZWORD
A material object, service, etc, conducive to sumptuous living, usually a delicacy,
A pleasure obtained
elegance, or refinement of living
only rarely
Words, they are just a tussle of interpretations. Like the two meanings of the word ‘luxury’ we came across in the dictionary. One specific and limited, the other fluid and expansive. Which will hold good for us on the threshold of a new year? EXOTICA attempts a few answers in this special luxe issue
EXOTICA [20] DECEMBER 2016
020_027_LUXURY(8).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 21
WHAT
is luxury? Performing the most outlandish feat, riding the craziest frontiers of conspicuous consumption or being a classicist to the core. Innovation or exclusivity, luxury in contemporary lexicon has meant demonstrable truths or possibilities. But in a world deluged by sensory excesses, is that all what we are looking for? Are we in a state of mind to overcome and transcend the physicality of experience to a more sublime contentment of the mind? As the wise say of our age, “true luxury is time, silence and space.” As we proceed into the new year, it is the luxury of the soul that is the most wanted. The luxury to seek something beyond gratification, and more importantly, to relish the thought of purposeful nourishment of the soul, are driving the new benchmarks in our social life. The gettable is eminently forgettable, it is the ungettable and limitless thought that is drawing millennials. It is all about “feeling the environs” and an emotionally-driven response. It is not about “what I am” but “who I am”, more responsive, interactive, ethical and subliminal. The travel sector is the most visible mirror of this shift with experientials already undergoing
customisation of new demands. So, it is not just enough to tour the Gobi desert, with the Siberian wilderness to the north and the Tibetan plateau to the south, dotted by Bactrian camels, mountain sheep, golden eagles and endemic reptiles. You have to visit the Flaming Cliffs with a local paleontologist and learn about the extraordinary dinosaur finds (including the first dinosaur eggs) made in this area. Trend reports indicate more unique experiences, like attending a traditional bride-price ceremony on the Solomon Islands, hot-stone cooking, coconut husking, sagopalm house-building and natural medicines.
EXOTICA [21] DECEMBER 2016
020_027_LUXURY(8).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 22
THE
South Pacific is the top draw with French Polynesia offering pearlharvesting as a tourist experience, a sort of “know and respect your planet” initiative. Then there are the “moai,” or the famous monolithic figures that are now part of trails, mostly for their metaphorical and spiritual value. Almost all of them face inland, as if imbued with spiritual powers, watching over and protecting the island’s living inhabitants. Balancing adventure tourism with ecological sensitivity has focussed awareness-based excursions like aerial sweeps of volcanoes and the ice fields of Antarctica. You can fly over the dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano, which is large enough to house the Statue of Liberty and into which you descend. Environmentally sustainable and immersive expeditions are the order of the day. If the Northern Lights tour with a guest astronomer in the Arctic Circle is the done thing, consider the South Pole, where ecological camping comes with its own share of luxuries. We are told trekking into blue ice caves, kite-skiing, abseiling, warming up at the local sauna and visiting researchers at the South Pole are part of the package.
WILDLIFE
tourism is not about just camping out and jungle safaris. It is about embracing people in the eco-system. If you are a woman traveller, you would perhaps experience the entrepreneurial spirit of Maasai women by visiting their boma or circular mud homes. Photo tourism is a new sub-segment with players like Patagonia Myths, Mountains and Mammals, which
is topping lists of wildlifers particularly because the trail spans the Los Glaciares National Park to Chile’s renowned Torres Del Paine National Park and abounds with reclusive pumas, guanacos, the Darwin fox and soaring condors. There is a renewed focus on South America with the ancient Inca photo tour, offering spectacular and intensive insights into Cusco, the imperial city of the Incas, the pristine and awe-inspiring landscapes and villages of the Sacred Valley and
EXOTICA [22] DECEMBER 2016
020_027_LUXURY(8).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 23
finally the majestic Machu Picchu, one of the most coveted and beloved places in the world.
TRAVEL
for your quintessential self rather than for sensory gratification. So while voluntourism (staying within a community, bleeding into it and helping it better lives) has been your conscience keeper, add self-realisation to that list. It is not just about the spiritual retreats or vipasana, it is about stretching your limits, even the physical ones. Marathons are on everybody’s to-do list after the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona unveiled two luxury programmes for people running in the March run. Its marathon package includes three night’s accommodation, personalised coaching, a running T-shirt and two spa treatments. Luxury hotel chains like the Four Seasons are offering customers a private jet experience, a string of extraordinary itineraries that crisscross the globe. Just design your pitstops. Food tours are getting an upgrade to customised, artisanal experiences. For example, Four Seasons is offering a special welcome from Rene Redzepi, one of the most influential chefs in the world, allowing you to forage with the Noma team and enjoy aperitifs on Amanger beach. Gather for a full private meal with Noma, including exclusive behind-the-scenes access.
EVEN
pop culture icons have woken up to the need for everything educational and experimental. In January, Pepsi announced plans to launch Kola House, a luxury bar and lounge in Manhattan’s meatpacking
EXOTICA [23] DECEMBER 2016
020_027_LUXURY(8).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 24
T H E H O M E LU X E C H A R T Sukh Niwas and Suryavanshi Suites at Rambagh Palace, Jaipur: With stone arches and a regal elegance, these suites are most in demand for the rich at `10 lakh per night.
Bugatti Veyron Grand Sports: The Bugatti Veyron tops the chart of India’s most expensive cars with a price tag of `38 crore. It is available within eight months after an order is placed, depending on the level of customisation. The sports car comes with an 8.7-litre engine producing 987 bhp of power at the rate of 6000 rpm and generates 1250 Nm maximum torque at the rate of 2,200-5,500 rpm coupled with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. The car, which takes only 2.7 seconds to touch 100 kmph, has a top speed of 407 kmph and a mileage of 3.3 kmpl on city roads and 5.3 kmpl on highways. The Grand Sport’s body consists of a carbon fibre monocoque suspended from an aluminium frame in the front and a carbon fibre/stainless steel frame in the rear, making it safer and luxurious.
Rajbhog, Bengaluru: Known for its gold-plated dosa for `1,011. Adorned with 24K gold, this creation is the feather in the crown of the creator who can make a dosa out of almost anything — silver, chocolate and of course a myriad of vegetables. A gold-plated dosa rightly deserves a silver platter along with a tumbler of tender coconut water. Library Bar at the Leela Palace, Delhi: The Leela Palace aims to bring the best of luxury to its patrons with 30 ml of cognac for `1.5 lakh. Remy Martin Louis XIII Black Pearl, of which only about 50 cases exist the world over, is one such luxury. Holding the custom decanter made of black crystal and platinum crafted by Baccarat spells luxury.
Cruise Ship Between Mumbai & Maldives: A casino, a theatre, a library, a discotheque, a ballroom, numerous dining options, a bar, and a wellness centre that will include treatment rooms, sauna, a steam room and a jacuzzi, are just some of the great luxuries available to you. From Mumbai, the ship will sail via Mangaluru and Kochi. But on its return trip, you might stop over at Colombo and Goa.
EXOTICA [24] DECEMBER 2016
020_027_LUXURY(8).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 25
district. The bar will offer a “full artisanal menu” built around the kola nut, and a resident cocktail curator will be on hand to mix speciality drinks.
GO
in search of the Matsutake mushrooms, found under fallen leaves of the Japanese red pine, and, therefore, are extremely difficult to find. New York food experientials will continue to top lists, be it their white Alba truffle infused bagels, eggs with the most expensive caviar or Bombay Brassiere’s Samundari Khazana Curry, a burst-in-your mouth combination of Devon crab, white truffle, Beluga caviar with gold, Scottish lobsters, four abalones and four quail eggs.
At Ibiza’s Hard Rock Hotel, Sublimotion is part high-end eatery and part theatrical experience. You take the elevator to a high-ceilinged, windowless oblong room – empty but for a single, neon-lit communal table. The table and walls then serve as a canvas for an elaborate light/art installation. Food is served with a distinct flourish. A journalist described the experience: “We make our own Bloody Mary cocktails using test tubes presented to us in a giant book. Nitrogenfrozen olive oil is added to bread and tomato in an unusual modern twist on the traditional Spanish dish pan con tomate, and separate olive oil parcels are presented to us suspended on a mini washing line – complete with pegs.
020_027_LUXURY(8).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 26
My favourite dish is a sweet dessert served up on a spinning, levitating plate, which eventually slows down enough to allow me to eat it.” The 20course meal is not the only variable in the experience. Room temperature, humidity and even scents are altered to suit each dish, along with the musical accompaniment.
IF
decluttering from the madness of novelty for novelty’s sake is your calling, go for anti-gravity meditation and mindfulness sessions. Launched in January at New York’s Crunch Gym, anti-gravity cocooning is a meditation class that puts members in sling-style hammocks suspended from the ceiling. The class consists of 20 minutes of
EXOTICA [26] DECEMBER 2016
020_027_LUXURY(8).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 27
stretching and abdominal exercises, followed by 15 minutes of guided relaxation. Even the greatest self-indulgences can fuel self-improvement. The Mood Menu from London cocktail bar Barts includes three cocktails designed to “enhance happiness, facilitate focus and encourage relaxation.” For example, the Relax cocktail is made with calcium and magnesium-rich ingredients that combat stress, such as camomile, lavender and cardamom, as well as Zafferan Tanqueray gin. The cocktails also feature ingredients rich in serotonin, which can help regulate neurotransmitters and hormone activity. In other words, there is an interconnectivity of experiences and fluidity of concepts. Just like fashion , which is no more about elitism but more about diversity of influences. So the US now has yogurt infused with flavours of carrot, beetroot, sweet potato and tomato for a savoury accompaniment – rather like sour cream. Or take London Cafe Royal’s perfume-inspired cocktails, as part of which it has teamed up with Givenchy to create 10 fragrance-led cocktails.
IN
the end, it is not just about what the mind can conjure. For ideas are born everyday. It is about how much the mind can still itself to tap into the core of our being. Senses are manifested outside. Like the 612-diamond tattoo. Now we are slowly travelling inside. Is the tattoo motif our most primal form of self expression or not?
EXOTICA [27] DECEMBER 2016
028_041_MAHARAJAS(14).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 28
H E R I TA G E T R A V E L
Luxury is a state of mind they say. Not when you are aboard one of the most luxurious trains in the world, waited upon and pampered. Here are some of the most exotic experiences from one of the week-long journeys the Maharajas’ Express offers. Money indeed can buy you dreams, royal ones too, says DEVI SINGH
028_041_MAHARAJAS(14).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 29
028_041_MAHARAJAS(14).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 30
EXOTICA [30] DECEMBER 2016
PHOTOS: IRCTC
“LUXURY
must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.” No, that certainly is not me. That is Coco Chanel who always had a high sense of things around her, way ahead of her times, and holds absolute validity even today. In the times we are in, luxury has been reduced to Chanel’s summation — comfort and quality. This is something most of us can relate to in this fast-paced life. It’s all about experiences now, fulfilling the bucket list, seizing the day, living your dreams before it’s too late... And with the pace comes instant gratification. Fortunately, there are travel experiences that let you, mind the cliche, luxuriate over each moment well-spent, savour the slowness of warmth and touch the inner core of felt experiences. Where timelessness creeps up on you like the curl of a winter duvet. And your environs attend to your every need. So I take my ease aboard the Maharajas’ Express and experience the artful royalty of not only India’s past but of making each moment memorable. My journey starts from Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station where a red carpet is laid out. A bunch of local performers is dancing as I zoom in just in time while sari-clad women mark me with a vermillion, and I start feeling touristy all of a sudden. I don’t know if it’s a good feeling to be courted so but the warmth of a send-off does lend a sense of purpose to a rediscovery of India. As I sip my drink, I see a bunch of young Russian girls beaming like little girls, getting clicked and filmed with the staff of the Maharajas’ Express, documenting what marks a journey of a lifetime for them. I’m going to be aboard the train for a week where we will disembark each day for fresh experiences beginning with Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur and ending with Balasinor as the leg of an Indian Splendour comes to an end. My first dinner on board is at Rang Mahal, one of the two finedining restaurants. The carpet is hand-woven from Kashmir, the glass is from Paris and the walls are adorned with Burmese teak, the best wood money can buy. The rug which goes long way above is painted by a 68-year-old man from Moradabad, hand-painted with stable hair. The finesse on the tapestry calls for some appreciation. The colour scheme of the two restaurants is well thought out, breaking the monotony. The menu changes every day I’m told, with the likes of strudels, to marquis, to waterzoois with a mandatory Indian thali representing a different region of the country each day. Finesse here is about artistry of every kind and while there is a sensory over-indulgence, there’s also an attempt to connect with and save the best of where we come from.
028_041_MAHARAJAS(14).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 31
(Above) A guest enjoying the vistas. (Below) The mahogany-finished safari bar and the ceremonial send-off
028_041_MAHARAJAS(14).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 32
Guests enjoying drinks at the Rajah Club where the bartender is an eager listener
HEAD HELD HIGH
A
brainchild of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the train runs on five circuits covering the erstwhile princely states which explains the name and the coaches thereof. Having bagged “The World’s Leading Luxury Train” four times in a row at The World Travel Awards since 2012, it’s claimed to be the most expensive luxury train running in the world. “The credit naturally goes to IRCTC’s deployment of the right kind of people and professionals who have made the Maharajas’ Express what it is today,” says General Manager Sunil Tarneja. With the current number of luxe trains in the country, some of them aggressively selling themselves while others losing out on their vibe, Maharajas’ Express sure has an advantage. It is in a league of its own. “We are extremely confident of our product and we take pride in it. We rely on word of mouth as that’s the most genuine way of flattery and appreciation. We have successfully tapped into a segment so niche where penetration was very difficult,” Sunil informs.
So who are these sophisticates who would have the luxury of time to travel at leisure? The average guest age is 65 and more as he has lived his life and now wants to enjoy twilight years hassle-free, packing and unpacking only once. From Hollywood to royalty, the Maharajas’ Express has had almost everybody on board. “We want to tap into the market of royal families…we have had royalty from Brunei, Saudi Arabia and Queen of Monaco recently expressed her willingness to travel with us,” he adds. So what sets apart the Maharajas’ Express from its contemporaries and what exactly explains the craze for it? Sunil explains, “Our cabin space is the biggest than any other train in the world and the only one to have an en-suite bath. And of course our time-flexible multi-cuisine restaurants. Then we also have bath tubs which again are a rarity besides Wifi on board, personal valets, live TVs with DVDs... You name the pamper and we have it. Coming up are a spa and salon.” Too much indeed.
EXOTICA [32] DECEMBER 2016
028_041_MAHARAJAS(14).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 33
THE MARBLE LOVE
IT’S
day two and you can’t go wrong with Taj Mahal when it comes to living the ultimate Indian dream. The tripper appeal of Taj Mahal has only increased over the years as I see women of foreign origin queuing up for an exotic photo op having wrapped their saris over their skirts and jeans in an oddball manner. Their sneakers scream for more attention than their tasteless saris. So much for a dream click in a dream set-up? Maybe local guides are selling a clichéd India to the foreigners too much, making Taj Mahal too commercial for an uppity. But Taj comes with different connotations to different people and it does sell to many in many ways. As one of my fellow guests asks our incisive local guide, Ali, as to “Why he can’t paint the Taj for it’s just a white marble?” To this he retorts, “The day we start getting travellers instead of tourists we might just allow them to paint the Taj.” Ali just about manages to hit the nail right on its head ceasing the vagaries of the ever curious American guest.
Many would even think that this city majorly runs on tourism which actually comes only after agriculture. That again comes as an eye opener. We then proceed to Taj Khema to satiate our hunger building for long and of course with the promise of the white beauty standing in front of us, formidable with notes of a past love from an era untouched, unknown, stirring up a thousand emotions within. There are other charmers here too, rather distracters. The ones who bring me back from my rather sedated thoughts of an arcane India of the past to the India of blandishments. I come back to the present, touch the reality, in this case, a glass of chilled bubbly. I see the champagne lose its fizz, as my racing
(Above) Lunch under the shadow of the Taj; (below) the Rajah Club reminds you of colonial luxury
028_041_MAHARAJAS(14).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 34
Guests enjoying lunch at Mayur Mahal
thoughts about past, present and future start to dwindle and I choose to stay in the present and enjoy the majestic views instead. Taj according to me is best understood by the spectator, its moods varying with the sun and the moon.
TIGER IN HIDING
IT’S
a torture for nocturnal birdies like me to pull up their pants and lace up their boots in the wee hours of the morning especially after a night of revelry. Well not exactly, but when you are aboard the Maharajas’ Express, every night is a celebration. We are in Sawai Madhopur heading to Ranthambore National Park in our jeeps, braving the cold air biting into our skins, sand settling in
our hair. Almost all the eyes in the jeep I am in are searching for a tiger to come out of its homey habitat as the cameras wait to capture the capricious animal. But it’s not our day after all. “A tiger reserve with no tiger in sight,” is what I hear from one of the group mates. But then, the tiger rules in absentia, feeling and watching us like an omnipresent being, perhaps watching us thump through the undergrowth. Or perhaps it has retired for the night like a king, near the ruins of an old palace and chhatris. He holds the cards, eyes peeled for us, measuring us with disdain, and determined to prove he is not available to intruders. Disappointed we return to the luxury of the train and the dampened spirits start perking up again.
028_041_MAHARAJAS(14).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 35
One of the crew members preparing meals in a smart kitchen; the Indian thali with bespoke crockery
THE PINK TINT
AS
the train makes its way to Jaipur, I catch up with the delightful Chef John Stone who is responsible for maintaining the kitchen on board. As I enter his busy kitchen, I see a tray full of croissants being prepared by one of his crew. The kitchen is built in one complete coach segregated into two parts — the left is where they make continental and the right side is for confectionery and Indian cuisine. The best thing is they prepare everything on board and don’t use open flames. The entire cooking takes place on
induction. The other good thing is the chef is always prepared for everything. Well most of the things if not everything. “If a guest asks for a Caribbean chicken, I can get it to him as I have the masala for it. And if a guest wants something smoked, I have a trick for that too up my sleeves and that is liquid smoke,” he tells me. While the chef explains things to me, I’m in my own stream of consciousness as to what these people do for entertainment..and call it telepathy, John starts narrating how he and his boys enjoyed a match of volley ball at one of the stations last night. Pursuit of happiness is what keeps us going. The fridge is stacked and well stocked. I see the bacon has been imported from Germany and the vegetables are in organic packaging. Obviously they don’t like compromising on quality. “We get supplies and refills only from three places on every journey of ours — Delhi, Jaipur and Udaipur. I don’t even think about taking supplies from anywhere else,” says John. He also informs me about the chemicals used to sanitise the work hubs. Feasting should not be about the richness of food but about the presentation as well. So the
EXOTICA [35] DECEMBER 2016
028_041_MAHARAJAS(14).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 36
crockery they serve their food in is from Paris. The Indian thalis are pure silver and designed in Jaipur. The normal dishes are 18 carat gold-plated costing anywhere around `40,000. They have left no stone unturned matching the royal house of Jaipur. A boisterous reception awaits us at the city station. The folk dancers entertain each guest stepping out of the train. Now pretty familiar and accustomed to the good old garlands and vermilion, my copassenger asks me, “Isn’t there too much of auspice going on in India?” erupting a laughter out of me. We hop on to our deluxe coach and soak up the sights of the pink city as it’s called. Though I would prefer pink panther for it sounds better. We enter the gates of City Palace, where a royal procession welcomes us at the exclusive entrance meant for Maharajas’ Express.
028_041_MAHARAJAS(14).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 37
(Clockwise) The en-suite bath in the presidential suite; bedroom with a glow-in-the-dark star ceiling and a lounge room for coffee and conversations
They are definitely good at making commoners feel like royals as I see the guests rejoicing each and every moment of it. As people get busy painting, feeding and riding elephants, I decide to get a feel of a freshly-made warm lacquer bangle in my hand and the breeze cooling it off. It’s sanative in a way to watch how it’s made and to be able to touch and feel the warmth of it. In front of the palace, there is an evening service going on at the Krishna temple. The bells ring in our ears, adding more character to the evening. Inside the main hall, there are portraits and frames of members of the royal family gracing the place even in their absence. A distinct Diya Kumari looks resplendent as always. Sure the evening ends on a royal token and with the ultimate Indian exotica.
028_041_MAHARAJAS(14).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 38
Guests take a break before their sight-seeing tours and (below) sundowners at the dunes
THE DESERT SAFARI
STARRY NIGHTS
next haunt is Bikaner, the land of camels and more camels and famous for its annual camel festival. And that’s exactly what we are here for. Camel carts on sand dunes — I won’t like to call it a desert but good enough to enjoy sundowners by the bonfire and barbeque. We are not here to bash the dunes anyway. It’s peaceful, sequestered and works for most of us. After a long day of sightseeing at the grand palace and ornate merchant mansions, this simplicity is what you need. The Kalbeliya dancers gyrate to the high pitch notes of Langa men, a shout-out enough for the guests to join them. The sight is compelling enough for many to forget everything and just jive to the moment.
between stations, disembarking and half held conversations, I decide to spend some time in the lounge flipping through a number of magazines and coffee tables. I also check the onboard boutique called Sandouk comprising a wide range of souvenirs to carry back home like jewellery, artefacts and handlooms. We are in Jodhpur now, where we get to spend a moon-lit night atop Hanwant Mahal overlooking a lit up Umaid Bhawan under a sky lit up with fireworks for Maharajas’ guests. Next day it’s the panoramic views of the city of lakes, Udaipur with a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Desperately hoping to explore something on my own rather than being waited upon.
OUR
IN
028_041_MAHARAJAS(14).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 39
A fossilised egg of a dinasour and its limb; (below) the fossil park
WILD THINGS
THE
sun has gone strong and is beating on my skin as I along with my group carefully edge a way through remnants of limbs and jaws of dinosaurs strewn across. We make sure not to step on the fossils which more or less look like everyday rock. This is India’s very own Jurassic Park, one of the largest dinosaur sites in the world. Princess Alia from the royal family of Balasinor and a dinosaur enthusiast gives a guided tour to us delving deep into how the paleontologists come to know about the dinosaurs and their behavioural patterns. “It’s all because of coprolites — the fossilised droppings of the dinosaur. When you find a jaw it tells you whether a dinosaur was a herbivore or carnivore. Similarly
coprolites form a major part of the history of these giant lizards,” she enlightens us. Pointing out to a site where the bones of both the titanosaurus and rajasoraus, the Indian T-Rex, were found together, she tells us that this indicates that they must have died in a combat. She also tells us how she discovered an egg of a long-necked herbivore. “I was on a nearby village tour once when I saw a woman grinding masala with what looked like a dinosaur’s egg to me. That’s how I very lovingly named it my masala egg.” The Balasinor royals are the hosts for the day, so we head to their residence, the Garden Palace, where a unique set of performers awaits us. A bunch of dark-skinned men, almost a dozen of them, lines up in front of us contorting their facial
028_041_MAHARAJAS(14).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 40
muscles in a rather bizarre way. One of them jumps in front of us with those gnomic expressions. We are not able to grasp what he’s doing while the other does something in an instance. He throws a coconut in the air and breaks it open with his head. These incredible performers are the Dhamal dancers, also called the black sufis, from the Siddi community prominently found in Gujarat. Some are also dispersed to corners far and beyond such as Karnataka, Goa and Hyderabad. These descendants of African slaves were brought to India by the Portuguese and sold to Indian
Mughals. “We speak in Hindi and Gujarati but are basically Muslims. We have adapted to India’s customs but our ethnic African traditions are still intact. The Siddis in Karnataka are Hindus, Muslims and even Christians but in Gujarat we are all Muslims,” one of the community members tells me. They sing in a mix of Hindi and Swahili and dance in obeisance to a sufi saint, Baba Gor, whose shrine is in Ratanpur. “As you can see, their animal instincts come out while dancing, which is basically their passion for the saint,” says Prince Salauddin. It’s now a meetand-greet with the Balasinor nawab who was only 11 months old when crowned and is now 72-yearsold. One of the picture postcards on the train has him as a child. The royal family has been here for the past 650 years. “We made to Gujarat from Delhi as part of the Mughal entourage and were made the governors of this particular region. We used to be the bodyguards of the Mughal emperors. I’m the tenth generation here. It’s a beautiful blend of cultures as we follow both Muslim and Rajput customs,” says the prince.
(Above) The Garden Palace heritage hotel at Balasinor; (below) a performance by Dhamal dancers from the Siddi community
028_041_MAHARAJAS(14).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 41
INDIAN AVATAR
THE
last night is a heady carousel with the guests dressed in ethnic Indian wear dancing up a storm to Bollywood numbers. No inhibitions allowed. The women just about manage their heavy traditional saris and the men, well they have no sense of time or place left in them. For me it’s just another jamboree with a different flavour. As a Scottish guest bids adieu to me, he says his bucket list is now almost complete. Almost! I see faces with a myriad of emotions and expressions. I see nostalgia, happiness, moist eyes but not exactly sadness. Most of them are already planning to come back and how.
ESCAPIST BY NATURE
WITH
the major chunk of passengers coming in from overseas and the main clientele being people from the foreign lands, will Indians living in India ever get attracted to come aboard? Answers Sunil, “We have had queries from Indians who wanted to charter the entire train for a wedding but the only glitch was that they wanted to pay in cash and we couldn’t allow that. Also the Indians have a psyche where they want the maximum return out of their money which doesn’t happen on such a train.” He adds, “But we do get a lot of NRIs though. Maybe they want to see India through a foreigner’s eyes, in a cocooned, protected way. They don’t
(Above) Guests playing board games; (below) evening glow at City Palace, Jaipur
really want to go through the dust and grime of India. It’s like being an escapist, passing by the stations where the poverty is evident but they just ignore. That way there’s a lot of irony going on, it’s hot outside but you are comfortable in the air conditioned environs of the train sipping on your favourite wine.” Luxury might work in an escapist form, like someone rightly put it; luxury comes with a bastard mirth and goes with a stinging tail. Well that someone, again, is not me for sure. Whether you have waited all your life, made money and decided to splurge on yourself or whether you were born a blue blood with silver everything at your disposal, you definitely can’t miss the quaint charms of being aboard a luxury train and experience how it feels like to travel like a maharaja or a maharani for that matter.
042_046_DIYA_KUMARI(5).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 42
R O YA L VIGNETTE
Our
heritage IS Our REAL
luxury Princess DIYA KUMARI of the House of Jaipur is elegance personified as she has emerged as the most rooted royal in contemporary times. She may have been to the manner born but she is committed to sharing it with the rest of the world. She has been at the forefront of saving dying royal traditions of craftsmanship and weaving and recasting them for contemporary times. And use. She believes creating something of lasting value is the best brand-building there is. A tête-à-tête with UNNATI JOSHI
042_046_DIYA_KUMARI(5).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 43
We have heard that you were very conscious of being called a princess or a rajkumari initially. Why was that? Did you abhor the entitlement by birth? As a kid, I was a little conscious because I thought people just looked at me in a different way. When it comes to being a royal descendant, people think you are to the manner born with a silver spoon and have everything laid out for you. This is not true at all. The burden of legacy is too much of a disadvantage because the expectations are sky high and you cannot be “just normal.” That would disqualify your worth. You always have to prove much more to people. Had I not been from this background, I would be spared of the pressure of setting an example. Having said that, I am not conscious anymore. I am really proud of my family and everything that I have today, I owe it to them. I am proud of reinventing a royal legacy and using my familiarity to do things that matter for people. Is that why you are reviving the textile heritage of Jaipur? How did you begin? Real luxury lies with its makers and our weavers have left us a tradition of some of the most unique hand-made crafts and designs. No couture lookbook can match their imagination, inspiration or colour palette. I was always interested in textiles. We have a museum of old textiles and garments that we have restored and conserved but interest in which was dying out simply because nobody wanted or could afford their intricacy and grandeur. I thought if we contemporised traditional skills for modern sensibilities, we could save a dying tradition and ensure that the weavers’ families found it profitable to continue what they are born with, their genetic skills. We have a museum shop in the city palace where we work with a lot of craftsmen and hold educative workshops. I also have a foundation where we teach women dyeing techniques and embroidery among other things. You are actively engaged in the management of family hotels, museums and schools. Tell us about your involvement. I think education plays a vital role in transforming
042_046_DIYA_KUMARI(5).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 44
Real luxury lies with its makers and our weavers have left us a tradition of some of the most unique hand-made crafts and designs. No couture lookbook can match their imagination, inspiration or colour palette both individuals and society. It leads to the luxury of allowing your mind a free run. Therefore, I took the initiative of establishing two educational institutes in Jaipur, The Palace School and Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh School. I am also engaged in the management of three palace hotels. We have started two co-ed schools which are up to class XII. Now that I am in politics, I cannot devote as much time but I monitor their functioning closely. The project started when my kids were ready to go to school, over 15 years ago. I thought why send them to an alien place when we had all the resources at home to groom them with the right value systems. I think it’s very important to give the right kind of education or at least do our bit for spreading it. Since time is a luxury now, do you get to spend enough time with your kids? It’s not so easy to manage time and I don’t think I am doing a great job at balancing everything. But I try to spend as much time I can and keep communicating with them. My eldest son, Padmanabh, is studying in England, while my daughter Gauravi is at Mayo College in Ajmer. Our youngest son, Lakshraj, is with us in Jaipur. It’s a different day every day. I wake up and go to office at
042_046_DIYA_KUMARI(5).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 45
home for a couple of hours. Then I leave for my party office. After that, I come home for lunch, which is quite late but that’s the time when my son comes home. So I spend some time with him. Postlunch, work takes up my time. By the time I come back home, guests drop in. Jaipur being a popular tourist destination, everyone keeps visiting. We get a lot of guests every evening which is nice in a way. This is how heritage can be kept alive. How would you define luxury? What is the ultimate luxury according to you? I think everything that is beautiful, that gives you happiness and ever-giving nature are true luxuries. To be in a beautiful environment, city, countryside and home, you don’t necessarily have to be in a palace. I may have grown up in palaces but I would appreciate a smaller, warmer home. It is the sense of putting everything together in harmony that’s important. Also luxury is fine craftsmanship. I don’t just look at brands or follow them blindly if the soul of
I don’t just look at brands or follow them blindly if the soul of the creator is missing in them. Luxury is a feeling more than anything else
the creator is missing in them. Luxury is a feeling more than anything else. The royals are considered to understand luxury, having grown with it. What is modern luxury to a royal? I think whatever we have been given is a blessing. Carrying it forward is a responsibility and making it relevant for future civilisations is true luxury. That’s extremely important in India, where you get almost everything. To have a Rolls-Royce is not the ultimate benchmark. Looking after what you have is the most important. Value it and treat it well. Are there any luxurious goods or products that you consider necessary or important? Also, do you think you need to overpay for a product just for the sake of leading a luxurious life? There is nothing that’s necessary; these are all additions to whatever you already have, your core being. I mean a bag is a bag, be it local brand or imported. So, it’s not a necessity for sure. Stay within affordable limits and do something that creates value. That will brand you.
EXOTICA [45] DECEMBER 2016
042_046_DIYA_KUMARI(5).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 46
How do you know you are leading a luxurious life? Possessing rich items in your living room, going to expensive restaurants, shopping at boutiques....are these enough to label a person’s life as luxurious? I do not lead a luxurious life. It is very normal. Your life is more luxurious than mine! (laughs) India’s five new luxury experiences according to you. Honestly speaking, I think we have the most amazing forts and palaces that have been turned into hotels. I think that’s the most luxurious aspect ever reinvented. They have been done up beautifully and most of them are taken care of and managed by the families themselves, so there is a personal stake. My luxury must-dos would include visiting India’s hill stations, beaches, the Northeast, the southern temples and savouring our most amazing festivals. Our heritage and culture are more luxurious than anything else in the world. What is luxury of the mind compared to the luxury of physical world? I think luxury of mind is extremely important because if you don’t feel or think that you are in a place of comfort or luxury, nothing materialistic is going to work for you. Material satiety is secondary. To be able to keep good company is a hard-earned luxury these days. Time is a luxury, being with your friends is a luxury. Being on your own is a luxury, listening to amazing music is luxury. The highest luxury of them all is reconciling yourself to the simplicity of life. You are often compared with your grandmother (Maharani Gayatri Devi) for your fashion sense. What is your style mantra? Personally, I like it to be simple. I don’t like complicated dressing. I think you should be comfortable and confident in what you are wearing. That’s where it all begins and ends. You need to be a good person and be connected to your soul.
I think luxury of mind is extremely important because if you don’t feel or think that you are in a place of comfort or luxury, nothing materialistic is going to work for you. Material satiety is secondary. To be able to keep good company is a hard-earned luxury these days. Time is a luxury, being with your friends is a luxury. Being on your own is a luxury, listening to amazing music is luxury. The highest luxury of them all is reconciling yourself to the simplicity of life
EXOTICA [46] DECEMBER 2016
047_CHRISTMAS(1).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 47
HOLIDAY HUGS Mughal mosaic lamp
Sparkly reindeer
gives your home a classy
makes a delightful
makeover by Curo Carte.
centrepiece for your
Price: `20,000
Christmas table by Maddhome, Price on request.
Candle stand sovereign by Frazer and Haws. Price: `63,500 Ethnic camera, flower vase with copper tray by Room Therapy. Price on request.
Christmas gifting ideas that are fun, quirky and splendid
Waterproof outdoor yard decorative owl lamp by
Stone candle holders with an
Maddhome, Price on request.
eco-friendly look by Room Therapy. Price on request.
Precious jewellery can be kept in this marble heirloom box by Curo Carte. Price on request. A unique and exotic fragrance is what you get when you add
The classy luxurious feel of straight-
a dash of luxury byKrixot.
grained reddish-brown mahogany by Curo Carte. Price: `85,000
Price on request.
EXOTICA [47] DECEMBER 2016
048_053_UDAIPUR(6).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 48
INSIDE OUT
Palace of
happiness EXOTICA [48] DECEMBER 2016
048_053_UDAIPUR(6).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 49
UDAIPUR
Is there anything new about Udaipur’s Lake Palace? Except royal luxuries? Turns out there is a heritage walk that shows you what went on in the inner chambers
is so much about exaltation, be it the all-pervasive romance or the royal house of Rajputana, that you often tend to overlook the luxury of details. Or the fact that it begins with ordinary people, who are luxuriantly warm and pamper the visitor without any expectation. So it all begins at the pier as we await our boat to the iconic Lake Palace. Liveried staff take our bags and hand-hold us to the rattan sofas as they sit us down for the finest Darjeeling. The winter sun casts a loving shrug of warmth through the iron mesh canopies, in perfect imitation of the stone variants at the real palace. The idea of a tea is not so much as a primer but a mood-enhancer for the dainty barge ride ahead. In the distance, the sun glints off the parapet of the floating palace that has cemented itself in the imagination of Hollywood as the symbol of Indian exotica, about four films being shot there. We are led into the barge, walking on red carpet and under a giant umbrella, our lifejackets pinned on us. And then we slice through the glistening waters of Lake Pichola for high tea. Turns out the royal butlers at the heritage hotel are descendants of palace retainers and are born with the “hows” and “whys” of pampering. Even when you don’t know if you need to be taken care of or not. The palace looms up before us, from an intricately carved dark silhouette to a white wonder as we glide in to the receiving pier in front of the entrance or Sadarghat. Someone hurries out with a tangy watermelon juice as Baldev, a resident heritage expert, leans across the balustrade, pointing to the sun-washed gleam of the City Palace and havelis on the promenade, the waters — now a deep azure — kissing their steps. “The Lake Palace was built
EXOTICA [49] DECEMBER 2016
048_053_UDAIPUR(6).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 50
between 1743 and 1746 under the direction of Maharana Jagat Singh II (62nd of the Mewar line) as a winter palace. It was constructed on an island facing east, allowing its inhabitants to pray to Surya, the sun god, at the crack of dawn. However, successive rulers used this palace as their summer resort, holding meetings and conclaves in its courtyards lined with columns, pillared terraces, fountains and gardens. It was aptly known as Jag Niwas; It came to be known as Lake Palace once it was converted to a hotel in 1963,” he tells us.
WALKING
the wraparound verandahs, done up in classic black and white marble, he tells us that the spirit of the palace is actually stowed away at Jag Mandir, on another islet, so to speak, hidden by heavy boughs and willows. “I would call Jag Mandir the pleasure palace of the Maharana. There are old paintings to suggest how life was lived in these quarters, the king taking his evening walks with his retinue of aides, picnics on the terrace, get-togethers under the pergola, music by the arabesque gazebo and watching dancers tiptoeing among lamps at a moon-lit soiree.” Apparently when Jag Niwas was built, it was meant to be a very reclusive retreat. There were hardly six or seven rooms, most of them on the far side — Kushmahal, Badamahal and Phoolmahal. The rest was a tropical domed garden in the best traditions of Mughal paradisiacal layouts with plunge pools, passages and open terraces, pavilions and spaces. But as more members of the royal family preferred to stay back here during the summer months, including the queen and other women, rooms were added over the subsequent years. Over time the king even held his durbars, more like a Diwan-e-khaas. Boats came at Sadarghat where his guests and councillors alighted. They would walk into the foyer, deposit their arms and ammunition at the guard cabin (which today is a shopping arcade) and clear the security barrier. Then they would move into a room that is today called Gyaan Sagar or the “ocean of knowledge”,
048_053_UDAIPUR(6).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 51
R O Y A L E X C E S S E S folklore, Maharana Kumbha, who built Kumbhalgarh fort, used to burn massive lamps that consumed 50 kg of ghee and 100 kg of cotton to provide light for the farmers who worked during the nights in the valley. The fort wall is the second largest in the world, after the Great Wall of China
and is known as the Great Wall of India. Sajjangarh, or Monsoon Palace, sits happily on a hilltop in such a manner that you can actually see the clouds rumbling as they get sucked into the valley bowl and shedding swathes of rain. It also offers the most beautiful sunset views, the sun almost melting its inner light before sinking below the distant hills.
the place for animated exchange of ideas. “This is the reading room of the Lake Palace. And the room on the far side is Amrit Sagar or ocean of nectar. Except today the nectar is measured in 30 ml, 60 ml, a bottle or a pint,” says Baldev with a naughty laugh. There’s a profusion of blue and green tile work in the dining and bar areas, separated by a courtyard which was once a garden. There’s a
classic white fountain in the middle which apparently is what remains of a spherical pool with marble slides. The nautch girls of yore would glide in to the waters and present a water ballet for soirees. Though additions were made to the palace complex over time, from Islamic to colonial, there was a sameness of facades that is admirable for its time.
ACCORDING
to popular
EXOTICA [51] DECEMBER 2016
048_053_UDAIPUR(6).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 52
a side passage that was connected to the garden and the swimming pool without attracting too much attention. But it was at the lily pond courtyard where there was merry abandon. It came alive for ten days in the run-up to Holi. The Maharana has now ceded his spot for a Ganesha idol. But in the good old days, he would receive his ministers, nobles and guests and push them in the coloured waters to take a dip. It was about unbridled bonhomie beyond custom. The pool is back-ended by a marble latticed screen covered by lush green foliage. “That was the private courtyard of the Maharanis, their rooms strategically placed in the corners,” says Baldev. Sometimes there would be lilies, sometime lotuses; the pool would assume a new character each season. Little wonder then that the makers of the James Bond film Octopussy shot their tropical hideaway portions at Lake Palace. The crew gifted the famous barge, now called the Octopussy boat, to the hotel which is now used for private dinners and parties. There’s also a spa boat if you want to soak up the sun, gently lulled by the waves of the Pichola, and work out your stress knots with the help of traditional Ayurvedic masseurs.
YET
THE
private court sessions were usually held in the Amrit Sagar, followed by dances and performances in the garden. There’s an intricately inlaid alcove done in gemstones, which was the royal perch. Adjacent to it are the latticed sitouts of the zenanas, who could take part in the proceedings. They would flit in and out of
it is on the terrace that you feel the panoramic sweep of the elements. Under the patented Udaipur chhatris, all inverted lotuses, you see the length and breadth of the legacy of the Sisodia clan, big palaces and temples sheltering the mansions of noblemen and loyal courtiers. The royals still protect their brood, which is why the promenade has a series of establishments today tomtomming their best perches — Lake View, Lake Palace View, Sunrise View, Sunset View, Natural View, Unnatural View. Legacy doesn’t need a patent. The royals were always humane. During the First War of Independence in 1857, though the popular mood was demolishing everything European, several European families, comprising mostly women and children, fled from Nimach and used the island as
EXOTICA [52] DECEMBER 2016
048_053_UDAIPUR(6).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 53
top priority. For if the lake goes, the blessing of the gods will go. There’s an elaborate sewage system which ensures that every solid waste is fragmented and flushed out safely.
THE
an asylum, offered to them by Maharana Swaroop Singh. To protect his guests, the Rana destroyed all the town’s boats so that the rebels could not reach the island. Today, the royal scions are more worried about acting responsibly for their erstwhile subjects. The palace ensures that waste management is given
royals were always receptive to changing times. So when Jag Niwas lost some of its sheen because of seepage of water and maintenance issues, Bhagwat Singh decided to convert it into Udaipur’s first luxury hotel. Didi Contractor, an American artist, became a design consultant. His accounts give an insight to the life and responsibility of the new Maharana of Udaipur: “I worked from 1961 to 1969 and what an adventure! His Highness, you know, was a real monarch – really like kings always were. So one had a sense of being one of the last people to be an artist for the king. It felt the way one imagines it was like working in the courts of the Renaissance. It was an experience of going back in time to an entirely different era, a different world. His Highness was actually working on a shoestring. He was not in dire straits, mind you, but when he came to the throne he inherited big problems like what to do with the 300 dancing girls that belonged to his predecessor [Maharana Bhopal Singh]. He tried to offer them scholarships to become nurses but they didn’t want to move out of the palace so what could he do? He had to keep them. They were old crones by this time and on state occasions I remember they would come to sing and dance with their ghunghats (veils) down and occasionally one would lift hers to show a wisened old face underneath. He had something like 12 state elephants, and he had all these properties which were deteriorating. The buildings on Jag Niwas were starting to fall down and basically the Lake Palace was turned into a hotel because it seemed the only viable way that it could be maintained … It was really a job of conservation.” As we sip a glass of wine after the walk, I am not overwhelmed by the luxury of human creation but that of emotion, one that keeps this place breathing.
EXOTICA [53] DECEMBER 2016
054_060_ACROSS_THE_CITY(7).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 54
DELHI DURBAR
Delhi is often easily dismissed as a power capital with perhaps little time to appreciate the fine print of life though it doesn’t mind acquiring it. But on a luxe hunt across the city, the EXOTICA team comes up with many secrets that are as much valued as they are subliminal
NEO MUGHALS EXOTICA [54] DECEMBER 2016
054_060_ACROSS_THE_CITY(7).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 55
NIZAMI KHICHDI
FOR
Arun Sundaraj, who has reinvented the Indian palate as executive chef of Taj Mahal Hotel, luxury is sipping his favourite wine at home. Ask him about the most luxurious spread that he has ever created, and he takes a deep breath. “A khichdi.” Hold your breath, this is a Nizami upgrade with 21 ingredients and most meticulously prepared to get the balance of nutrients and flavours right. “We have just reinvented heritage and given it a contemporary twist. I owe my inspiration to my days at the Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad. My research led to Lazzat-eMehbubia which was written by the cooks of the sixth Nizam. It’s written in Parsi-Urdu, which we had to first translate with the help of a Unani doctor. Once we identified the ingredients, we could revive a lot of dishes.” And that’s where he found many versions of biryani and the lavish khichdi, almost a contradiction in terms. “Well, it has got three types of dal, rice and four
KHICHDIRAFAT [Recipe]
types of meat, is cooked in mutton stock and finished with cream and almond paste. When we talk about khichdi today, it is just ghee, jeera tadka and we are there. But this has got close to 21 ingredients and after cooking it we realised it was too heavy to be a comfort food or delicacy. So we captured the flavours but cut down on the heavyweights, like malai, ghee and almond paste. We got the flavours right in terms of the stock, meat and the spices. We have done quite a few lost recipes, close to 42. Our food luxury has everything to do with our royals, who were connoisseurs of not only taste but also the science of food.” Explaining the evolution of modern Indian food, he said, “Quite a few people these days are going back to authentic recipes. Everyone is definitely looking at the organic part of Indian cuisine and exploring a process that reminds you of your heritage. When you say modern, all people are looking at are the presentation and essence.” — Unnati Joshi
INGREDIENTS
PROCEDURE
Rice: 500gm Duck cubes: 200 gm (with bone) Lamb cubes: 200 gm (with bone) Chicken cubes: 200 gm (with bone) Moong dal: 100 gm Ghee: 40 gm Milk: 100 ml Almond pulp: 70 gm Green chilies chopped: 20 gm Cumin seeds: 5 gms Mint leaves: 20 gms Chopped ginger: 20 gm Cinnamon stick: 1 no Turmeric: 1 pinch Salt: as required
o Take a heavy bottom pan, add ghee o Add sliced onions, cinnamon stick,ginger, chilies, cumin seeds, turmeric and sauté well o Add almond pulp and salt and sauté for a few minutes o Add all meats and 2 litres of water. Let it simmer for 2 hours. o Now add soaked rice, lentil on the same mixture and let it cook for 12 minutes. o Add mint leaves, milk and finish with coriander
EXOTICA [55] DECEMBER 2016
054_060_ACROSS_THE_CITY(7).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 56
A GAME OF POLO
AFTER
a long shot, JP Clarkin picks up the ball from the centre ground and pulls it towards the goal post. With his horse stretching himself in an effortless glide and galloping in the direction of the post, he suddenly lowers his mallet from a 40-yard distance from the goal post and hits hard on the ball, converting it into a goal for Jindal Panthers. It’s the final championship match between Jindal Panthers and Rajnigandha Achievers on a vibrantly green and immaculately groomed field. Standing in the Taj Mahal Hotel lounge at the Jaipur Polo Ground with a glass of fine Scotch and the players ready to rally undoubtedly gives you the privilege of being a velvety royal. But as former polo player Samir Suhag says, there is more to the “game of kings” than what meets the eye. “It is not only about riding the horse in those leather boots and swinging the mallet. The player needs to coordinate with the horse, sync up his movement with the animal, communicate without words and at the same time keep an eye on the field for the ball. So apart from being an elegant sport, it is also about multi-tasking and team-playing. Which is why it is now a favourite corporate sport, ” he says. Further talking about the development this
game has seen, Suhag adds, “Polo is developing very quickly, in both traditional and emerging destinations. There are beautiful polo facilities being built and young players are drawn to the game.” In fact, this ancient sport is enjoying a regal renaissance as its luxurious persona attracts players and spectators from emerging markets across the world; keen to indulge in the rich traditions shared both on and off the polo pitch. A game that’s older than recorded history, polo was first played as a simulated war game by Central Asian nomads, with up to 100 players battling it out on each team. The sport taught essential equestrian skills and helped forge that timeless bond between man and horse. It was eventually adopted by the Persian royal family as a training regime for the king’s elite cavalry. However, modern polo is said to have originated in Manipur, where Silchar Polo Club was founded in 1859 by British cavalry officers and plantation owners, who observed the locals playing a strategic and fast-paced match on stout ponies. It wasn’t then long until the game’s place as an essential of high society was cemented. “Polo, till a few years ago, was a virgin sport. Those who played were the ones who watched. Now, the audience has grown and changed. These days polo remains above all a popular spectator sport among the independently wealthy and the upper classes. The high stakes game has now attracted sponsors and investment from uber brands. As a result polo clubs have acquired an air of exclusivity, played within an ambience that is still decidedly privileged and aristocratic,” says Suhag. “This game is more popular because of the legacy it holds. Once reserved only for the royals, it is now aspirational, open for anybody and everybody to learn and play. However, the game still needs to be promoted as it’s a part of our heritage,” he concludes. — Jigyasu Joshi
EXOTICA [56] DECEMBER 2016
054_060_ACROSS_THE_CITY(7).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 57
GOLDRUSH
THE
gold hub of the Mughals, Dariba Kalan continues to be a treasure trove in contemporary times. As Tarun Gupta, president of the market owners’ association and owner of Ratan Chand Jwala Nath Jewellery, says, “Our shop was established in 1752. It has been more than 250 years. I belong to the eighth generation of this legacy. Other shops are at least 100 years old and we can still recreate the designs and delicate intricacy of royal jewellery. Some of us have the old lookbooks with us.” Something that they fall back upon to dictate trends. The fad for antique finish owes it to the sales pitch devised by Dariba jewellers. The market came up during the time of Emperor Shahjahan and was designed by his daughter Jahanara Begum. She ensured that all the shops were built in a half-moon shape, so as to maximise the comfort of buyers poring over riches on the counter. Originally, there were 1,560 shops and the market was especially set up for the rich to splurge in precious gems, gold, silver, diamonds and much more. It eventually developed as a major centre of trade for rare stones and the finest pearls. “My grandfather told me that Mughal emperors were lovers of gemstones. The Timurids began the tradition of naming stones of outstanding quality and cuts. The large spinel beads were their favourites,” says Gupta. “Both men and women chose motifs that were geometric with foliage mesh and had stand-out birds and flowers. Basically the makers play with the stone and motif even now.” Though homogenised with several brands co-existing alongside the traditional, Dariba’s silversmiths and goldsmiths are still well-versed in techniques. Says Somen, who is a descendant of a family of traditional artistes, “Earlier, there was no fixed shape of the gold, it came rough and the making was
EXOTICA [57] DECEMBER 2016
054_060_ACROSS_THE_CITY(7).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 58
(Clockwise) Gold in its pure form; rough cuts and sheets; workers melting old gold pieces to extract silver and copper; the metals are being mixed in a furnace; workshops use machines to shape gold, sometime beating them with a hammer; each design, stud and embellishment is recreated individually; a goldsmith soldering the add-ons in the frame of a necklace
tedious and lengthy. The shapeless mound of gold was put inside an earthenware pot and heated at high temperature. After the metal cooled down, it was cleaned and emerged in its purest form, all bright and yellow.” These days 24 carat gold is rarely used and usually alloyed to make it stronger and get coloured accents. Dariba’s artistes are high on innovation and customisation. That’s because in the Mughal era, the jewellery designs were first drawn on paper and put to production only after being approved by the royal court. The time taken to make a single piece of jewellery was entirely dependent on the complexity of the design. Some of the old-style tools and manual techniques are still prevalent. “Once the base is complete, it’s time to design and shape the gold piece. There are many tools used including various techniques like
smiting, sawing, rolling, forming, filing, stamping, dapping, soldering, pickling, casting, overlaying and polishing,” says Somen. For shaping rings and bangles, they use a wooden mandrel and use pliers to bend wires. Although technology has helped the jewellers cut down time on recreating a design from six months and smoothen delivery schedules, you cannot patent vintage, patience, time, hard work and an eye for detail, all of which went behind every single piece of royal jewellery. At Dariba, you can even customise your silver jewellery, which requires more expertise as makers have to create new moulds, and rest assured that they are 92.5 sterling silver. You can still get your own signature piece. — Priyanka Joshi
EXOTICA [58] DECEMBER 2016
054_060_ACROSS_THE_CITY(7).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 59
PASSIONFORPASHMINA
PASHMINA
shawls and outfits are much sought after. But rarely do we see someone pay attention to the hard-working Kashmiri weavers who do the job of painstakingly collecting the discarded wool of a special variety of goat
before hand-spinning and weaving them. With their perseverance, these weavers make sure that the rare and exorbitantly priced pashmina products are out in the market but the grim reality is that they themselves live in abject poverty. Rampant production of fakes outside Jammu
EXOTICA [59] DECEMBER 2016
054_060_ACROSS_THE_CITY(7).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 60
and Kashmir, involvement of middlemen and other factors are making the sustenance of weavers difficult. Taking this into account, Varuna Anand, a textile designer, who is originally from Delhi and is married to a Kashmiri, is popularising the original art through workshops and product showcases. “The art of pashmina shawl weaving is dying out. There are very few who are carrying it forward,” says Varuna. So is authenticity the only reason to pick up her works? “No, you buy a pashmina only because you value its artistry. It can take anywhere between 18 and 24 months to make a single shawl. A kani jamyavaar will take about nine to 12 months to get an impeccable weave, one where the wearable surface and the reverse are equally neat,” says Varuna. Prices start from `10,000 for a plain shawl and can go up to `1.8 lakh, depending on the type of work that has gone into it. “It’s not the cost of the material or labour that one is paying for. It’s for the art of weaving and embroidery, a true luxury in today’s times,” she explains. “While the technique is traditional, we innovate in terms of the colour palette. So while most pashmina shawls are in earthy, grey tones, we’ve introduced vegetable dyes to have a vibrant colour palette for woven Jamewar shawls,” informs Varuna. “The embroidered shawls, on the other hand, retain the traditional motifs but we’ve added colour to the base shawl and in the threads,” she adds. With clients like the Maharana of Udaipur and the Maharaja of Indore, Varuna says it is a pleasure to interact with people who know the value of the work that she displays. “I travel around the country to constantly keep the fine art of Kashmiri design alive in people's minds. In the North, buying a shawl is a necessity because of weather conditions. Perhaps four out of 10 customers will buy a piece simply for what the artwork means. For the rest, it is just another shawl. In Delhi, however, only those who admire and appreciate the art will buy it,” she says, explaining why this city is her favourite place to showcase her collection. She is definitely worried about the future of the
craft, as she finds that the weavers' children are more enamoured by the computer and the prospect of quick money with minimal work. “This is not something you can learn in school. It is a tradition, passed down from parent to child. But the next generation feels that it is too much effort and not financially rewarding enough. The shawl was always a luxury commodity and has survived for so long on royal patronage, but this collector’s art is dying out,” she rues. She hopes through her initiative to preserve the tradition of pashmina weaving, she will be able to encourage the weavers’ children to take up this art as their profession in the future. While she retails the shawls online, Varuna does not take orders for specific designs. “I do not believe in replicating designs. Two pieces cannot look exactly alike even if done by the same weaver. Our customers can choose from the stock we have in our collection,” she says. Varuna is planning to come up with her own designs by the end of 2017. “It will take around one year to complete designing it,” she concludes. — Ankita Jain
EXOTICA [60] DECEMBER 2016
061_WINTER(1).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 61
WARM UP
The wrapped Essentials to hit your wardrobe this winter
4
2 1 1. Abstract print ridged coat by Valentino looks great with indigo pleated jeans.
2. Burberry fluid top with the label’s iconic trench coat.
3. A broad notch collar and double-breasted coat by Guess.
4. Oversized knitwear lends
the man of Giorgio Armani an edge.
5
5. Coat dress trimmed with woven braid by Chanel.
3
6. Unlined draped coat by Dior.
EXOTICA [61] DECEMBER 2016
6
062_065_LUXURY EXPERIENCE(4).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 62
HIGH LIFE
Check-in A smart blend of refined decor and a relaxed residential feel, these hotels have a lot to offer
The Imperial New Delhi
THERE
are no thriftier ways of experiencing luxury than at The Imperial New Delhi’s presidential suite called The Royal Imperial suite, whose guests have included Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Prince Albert of Monocco, Kate Winslet, Saudi Arabia Prince Bander Bin Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz and many more eminent names. Accessorised with a four-poster king-size bed with exclusive linen from Porthault, France and pocketed spring mattress in the master bedroom, structured with a separate seating for three guests along with a cloakroom, its opulence goes beyond definition. Perhaps the greatest return on the stay at the suite is the spa-like master bathroom, enclosed by a large shower cubicle and outfitted
EXOTICA [62] DECEMBER 2016
062_065_LUXURY EXPERIENCE(4).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 63
with beautiful marble baths from Kohler (USA), steam, sauna and jacuzzi facilities. It also has a double vanity counter and WC cubicle with bidet equipped with Bvlgari bathroom amenities, a dressing room and not to miss, a walk-in closet. Bang & Olufsen TV with an in-built DVD player, Bose clock cum radio and TV channels in various international languages. Minibar comes stocked with goodies and tea and coffee maker, skillfully equipped with individual climate control. The entrance to the suite transports the guest to the old world charm and instantly brings out rich history which is carefully woven with luxury and beautifully spread out at each corner of this 3,000 sq
ft huge apartment like suite. The 500-year-old big clock, which is still working marvellously, dining area with elegant mahogany table for eight guests, butler pantry equipped with Gaggenau, study with office equipment and collection of 80 books, antique furniture with rare and fine artworks by Prince Alexis Soltykoff, separate entry for butler, hand knotted Persian rugs‌all add to the magnificence of The Royal Imperial suite. Control panel by Crestron for individual control on lights, A/C, privacy and security, makes this suite extremely secure for presidential visits. The verandah lounge spans over 675 sq ft and connects the guest to the study and to the living area, offering an experience which stays with him forever.
EXOTICA [63] DECEMBER 2016
062_065_LUXURY EXPERIENCE(4).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 64
The LaLiT Mangar
DRIVE
out from the capital, and in about an hour, you will reach The Lalit Mangar. With skyscrapers trying to outdo one another, this bulwark rests peacefully in Delhi’s own backyard, surrounded by a fragile ecosystem in a captivating natural ambience. The
Lalit Mangar is a place that enables you to listen to your heart’s calling and helps you indulge in a myriad of things you’ve always wanted to do. Start your day with an invigorating yoga session or inhale fresh air as you move through the valley. You can also take part in strenuous activities such as rock climbing under expert guidance. Relax those knotted muscles at Time Reversal Spa, where Dr Mosaraf Ali’s therapies will rejuvenate you. Hear the sound of silence and spend hours star gazing. Spot your favourite constellation or planet with the little observatory in a clear wide sky. Hop down to the local village and observe Indian rustic life for that cultural dose — milk a cow or eat food cooked on a chulha. Enjoy a night listening to the folklore along with some music and dance. The Lalit Mangar offers 35 opulent rooms, all with stupendous views of the valley. A heady mix of the distinctive luxury, comfort and limitless hospitality, a signature of The Lalit Hotels. Palatial yet equipped with all contemporary amenities and services, your private room at The Lalit Mangar is an idyllic refuge.
062_065_LUXURY EXPERIENCE(4).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 65
Hyatt Regency Delhi
HYATT
has its most exclusive social space “The Lounge” designed by Michelle Evans & Associates. It is a multifunctional space that lets you connect, engage and be social. Located just across the lobby, it spans across 1,426 sq ft of area comprising multiple spaces that include an exclusive wine and cigar room, a whisky bar, a multifunctional room, ‘The Study’, and a Studio and Front Room for engaging and connecting. The Lounge can be transformed right from a shared working space during corporate hours to private spaces for evening get-togethers, exclusive launches and personal social events. The residential feel of this venue offers guests the option to personalise their event as per their preference. Multiple options for both plenary and midsized events, The Lounge provides an ideal place for a corporate meeting of 10 guests to a social gathering of 150 guests. Combined with The Living Rooms that can be
booked in conjunction with The Lounge, the entire venue provides the perfect platform for guests to host a plethora of unique and exclusive events. A dedicated planning team, impeccable service and innovative menu options ensure that every event is made memorable.
EXOTICA [65] DECEMBER 2016
066_071_PARIS_SEWERS(6).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 66
T H E WA L K T H R O U G H
An example of the cleaning balls used to flush waste out of the sewers
066_071_PARIS_SEWERS(6).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 67
Paris has another Paris under herself; a Paris of sewers; which has its streets, its crossings, its squares, its blind alleys, its arteries, and its circulation, which is slime, minus the human form. — VICTOR HUGO in Les Miserables
SAMRAT MUKHERJEE likes bending the rules. So instead of romanticising Paris, he indulges in exploring its underbelly. And comes out pleasantly surprised. For smart water management is indeed a luxury for the cities of the future. And Paris has been doing it for hundreds of years
The underground galleries offer a glance of the water cycle and the way Paris sewer workers are handling their work through a visit that takes about one hour
A
well-organised city above the ground requires an equally well-developed sewer network below. So why are we listing Parisian sewers as one of the rarest experiences considering overground Paris is the synonym of luxury and a tourist haven? Simply because the drainage network of one of the world’s most romantic cities has vaulted arches and is a mirror image of the grand halls and cobbled pathways on the surface, an engineering and artistic feat like no other. In a word, it is one of the most luxurious urban underbellies that exists.
EXOTICA [67] DECEMBER 2016
066_071_PARIS_SEWERS(6).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 68
But was Paris always as clean as it is today? What was the need for building such an elaborate sewage system? Who were the people who devoted their resources and time to build a system that would support the beautiful city for years to come? The streets of Paris in the early 19th century were full of filth. Diseases like cholera and typhoid were very common. Even the rich and the famous were affected; famous microbiologist Louis Pasteur lost three of his sons to typhoid. Public health and sanitation was grossly neglected as drinking water became scarce because of a burgeoning population. Women carrying buckets of water from the River Seine were a common sight. The city became unliveable, often dismissed as a mound of stink. The streets of Paris were first paved around 1200 by King Philippe Auguste. In the middle of the paving, he had drainage gutters installed. In 1370, a vaulted walled sewer was built on Rue Montmartre, leading to the Ménilmontant stream. It was Napoleon Bonaparte who became aware of the enormity of the civic problem and the citizens’ need for clean drinking water. He initiated drawing water from nearby waterways such as the River Oise through canals. Under his supervision, the first Parisian vaulted sewers were built of sandstone, running 30 km. His initiative temporarily dealt with the problem of clean water. But with an ever-growing population and more water being brought to the city, disposing of the waste water started to become a bigger problem. The waste water at the time was disposed into fields or unpaved streets but ultimately flowed into the River Seine. This not only polluted the river but aggravated hygiene issues on the streets. Until Napoleon III came to power, nothing much was done to deal with the problem of waste water. And the threats of epidemics like cholera and plague were ever growing. Napoleon III decided to re-design and rebuild Paris from 1852 till 1870. He appointed the “Prefect of Seine” Baron Georges Haussmann to take charge of cleaning the city. This man destroyed the old Paris, where streets were filthy and narrow and encroached upon by
EXOTICA [68] DECEMBER 2016
066_071_PARIS_SEWERS(6).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 69
(Clockwise) Sewers gallery; a model of a boat that goes through the sewers for inspections; a sectionally dismantled ball which is rolled through the passages to clear up clogged water
slums. And he built a new city from scratch with broad avenues, symmetrical buildings and an adequate sewage system. He worked very closely with an efficient civil engineer Eugene Belgrand for building the sewers. Belgrand built many aqueducts or water supply systems to address the problem of clean drinking water. These aqueducts almost permanently solved the problem of fresh water coming to Paris. It is Haussmann and Belgrand’s designs on which the present-day Parisian sewers and water supply are based. They built the tunnels in which both drinking and non-drinking water could flow separately. By the year 1878, they already had laid out a 600-km network of sewers, the best in the world at the time. The government even started taking people for sewage tours on a boat to make people aware of its importance and functioning. In the 1860s, Gaspard Felix Nadar, one of the pioneer photographers who used artificial lights, made multiple trips to the sewers and took many photographs. These later became very useful for
EXOTICA [69] DECEMBER 2016
066_071_PARIS_SEWERS(6).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 70
MUSEUM CRAWL
AFTER
descending the stairs from the ground ticket office, you’ll enter a long gallery beneath the Quai d’Orsay that runs parallel to the Seine. Here, you can see pipes and a fivetonne “flushing boat” in what once was the main sewer line between the Place de la Concorde and the Pont de l’Alma. You’ll pass a large basin that traps solid material from waste water (the sewers recover more than 15,000 cubic metres of grit per year). At the end of the tunnel are a footbridge and a feeder sewer from the rue Cognacq-Jay; from there, you’ll head right to the Belgrand gallery, the main exhibit area of the museum, which is built above the sand trap of the Bosquet main sewer that runs to the Ecole Militaire near the Eiffel Tower. During your visit, you’ll see
the successors of Belgrand, helping them ideate and remodel the sewers for the future. Even today, the technique of flushing the sewer tunnels is the same as hundred years ago. There are these huge cannon balls, each a size smaller than the contour of the tunnel. They fit in like concentric circles. This reduces the surface area through which the water can flow. The pressure created by the ball and increased velocity of water pushes the muck, dirt and filth towards the desired direction for collection. The collected solid waste is then treated and used for manure in agricultural fields. The rest of the water is treated twice before flowing back to the River Seine. The modern-day Parisian is still reaping the benefits from all the hard work that went into building the sewage system. In 1982, there were only ten species found in River Seine. Today, there
are more than 29 species found in the river. Every tap of Paris receives potable drinking water 24x7. “The water from Parisian taps is so safe that it can be even given to new-born babies,” says Dr Kartowski. The water that comes through the taps is treated many times. First, the thicker particles are separated by simple filtration. Then the water is stored and treated with alum to extract the finer impurities. Thereafter the water is treated with chlorine to get rid of all the microorganisms. And before it is sent to the taps of every house, its chemicals are separated. The Parisian administration claims that the quality of water flowing in city taps is at times better than that of packaged drinking water, which is far more expensive. Even today Paris has the best sewer network in the world. It has almost 2,100 km of tunnels.
EXOTICA [70] DECEMBER 2016
066_071_PARIS_SEWERS(6).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 71
sewer-maintenance equipment from past and present, mannequins of sewer workers in underground gear, huge wooden balls used to clean tunnels beneath the Seine, fascinating exhibits about the history and design of the Paris sewer network, and rushing drainwater from the streets above. You can also watch a video in the small theatre and browse through the gift shop.
These are not just conduits for drinking and waste water but also for telecommunication, pneumatic and traffic light management cables. Every day 15,000 cubic metres of solid waste is extracted and is used for farm manure. Each day Paris produces about 1.2 million cubic metres of waste water, which is stored in these sewers for treatment. To reduce the inflow of untreated water in the River Seine, civic officials have put valves which control the flow of the storm-drains and street wash. During heavy rains, the same valves prevent the river water from getting into the sewers. Today, Seine has become one of the cleanest rivers of the world. If Paris can do that, why not any city in India? Considering that the Indus Valley civilisation had the best drainage system.
Paris sewer museum; the engineer Belgrand who led the modernisation of the Paris sewers gleams amid the displays
EXOTICA [71] DECEMBER 2016
072_079_JAYARAJ(8).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 72
ECO LOGIC
EXOTICA [72] DECEMBER 2016
072_079_JAYARAJ(8).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 73
PHOTO: CHALLENGER V ARAVIND
Tree houses in and around Munnar have reinvented themselves with comfortable and functional add-ons. Nature though is still unchanging and serene. Nothing beats the luxury of feeling it on your skin, says VR JAYARAJ
EXOTICA [73] DECEMBER 2016
072_079_JAYARAJ(8).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 74
WHY
do we love tree houses? Is it because we are forever searching for an idyllic retreat to Arcadia? Is it because we want to disengage from our man-made realities and become one with our primal identities as children of nature? Or is it because we clutch to the umbilical cord of Mother Earth and shoot up with the trunks and boughs in a metaphorical ascension to our higher selves? Whatever be the reason, a tree house, perched high above the ground, loosens the walls between us and the outside world and takes us closest to being free-spirited like a bird. And back to the innocence of childhood. When you thought you could touch the sky. And so it was atop a jamun tree — in a fourchamber luxuriant nest with Swiss cottage comforts, a pulley cart to ferry up and down what I need, a lookout to skim along treetops and a spiral ladder to climb down to reality — that my memories flooded in. My memories of erumadams (as tree-top houses are called in these parts) go back to the many Octobers and Novembers when they would be set up on giant peepal and tall jackfruit trees on the fringe of the vast rice field bordering our village. Days would be cool and nights cooler inside those palm-fronded and grassthatched sky homes that would be stubbornly sturdy till they encountered the whistling winds and the pounding rain of the Kerala monsoon. It would be our little secret, a home away from home and a school away from school, where we would read a book, turn a painter, spin endless dreams and imagine fulfilling them. It was the only place where we could hear the voice in our heads. Building the tree houses, under the supervision and guidance of village elders, was literally a festival. We would walk into the nearby forest, collect the appropriate branches for pillars and wall-ribs, climb up palmyra trees to lop off their fronds, bark up the Chadachi tree to make ropes and take all these materials up to the aerial platform wedged between trunks and on which the houses would be built. Then when they were complete, we boys would plead with our parents
072_079_JAYARAJ(8).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 75
to spend our nights there, 50 or 60 ft above the ground, hoping to catch the stars and drop our fears into the dark abyss below. Those tree-top houses, inseparable parts of an agrarian life and culture, used to be the watchtowers that protected the rice, which would be harvested in January and would look after our food needs till June, the other harvest season of the year. By five in the evening — those were the times when we slept and woke up with the buffaloes in the dairy — we would clamber up rope ladders with a simple supper packed in warmed plantain leaf, kerosene and wickers for the hurricane lamps. Our meals would be done by 6 pm; not a big affair as six or seven of us lodging in the house would have brought almost the same food: Kanji (rice gruel), some
vegetable and/or chammanthi made out of chillies, salt, tamarind, shallots and, sometimes, coconut. We would light the hurricane lamps and retreat to the world of stories as elders smoked over small talk in the balcony, preparing for a night vigil in shifts. Nights at erumadams united everybody; it was time for the elders to share tales of their adventures, allowing them to fancifully colour reality a bit, and for us to draw the first designs of life in the constellations above. But the elders couldn’t drift away completely; they had to be alert. Many intruders had an eye on our crop. Wild boars and foxes from the nearby forest would trample the supple rice plants in their search for food, cows that loathed to return to their homely sheds would munch on stalks and,
EXOTICA [75] DECEMBER 2016
072_079_JAYARAJ(8).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 76
of course, stealthy and greedy humans would look for stocks. There were no watches to tell time. So we depended on particular stars of the sky by which we measured nazhikas (2.5 nazhikas made an hour) to hand over the job at the end of each shift. A day is divided into 60 nazhikas during which time the earth rotates by 360 degrees. This means that a nazhika is the time taken by earth to rotate by six degrees. It was quintessential rural, agrarian joy. The tree house was also where we dared to tread forbidden territory. I remember how my old friend Gopi tasted charayam (country alcohol) during one of those nights. Even now, he is not sure how he had climbed down the tree the following morning. The giant jamun tree at Jungle Jive resort, which held my treehouse, looked at least 400 years old in the late morning sun that stood above the canopy, a grey reminder of the nightly fog. Surrounding us was an amazingly tall elavu tree that should be over half-a-millennium old, judging
by the trunk’s rough swells, evolved thorns really that were young and sharp several centuries ago. A long, loud and full cry that rose obviously from the throat of a Malabar hornbill filled the forest that was yet to shed the last drops of dew clinging to leaflets. The day had dawned quite a bit but the crickets were yet to go to sleep and kept up their choral act, not lost in the morning chatter of birds. Rows of cardamom plants and circles of teabush rows surrounded me as a cuckoo cooed ceaselessly. Down below were burnt out ends of twigs and teakwood logs of a now-extinct bonfire. Host and owner Paulson told us how his resort, near Muthuvankudy village, about 13 km off Munnar, was a starting point for the not-so-difficult treks that can cover all the difficult terrains around Munnar. “How do I welcome you? With regular tea, green tea, coffee or a horn of passion fruit wine?” asked Paulson after his assistant Rajesh took our bags to the upper floors via a very practical contraption: a pulley lift fixed to the roof of the tree house.
EXOTICA [76] DECEMBER 2016
072_079_JAYARAJ(8).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 77
GETTING THERE
Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International which is110 km. By road: Hire a cab to get to Munnar from Cochin.
“We will keep the ambrosia for evening. Let us have green tea now,” I told him. The chamber allocated to me was a 13X12 affair with a very wellmaintained toilet-bath. The house was strapped all around with yellow bamboo, some of the logs even encasing utility pipes. The jamun tree that split into two some way up the base went right through the middle of the verandah and the rustle of the branches on the roof as they swayed in the breeze sounded like music. “What if a branch breaks in the winds?” I asked Paulson. “That has not happened so far. We don’t control nature. What if there is a storm?” he posed a counter-question in good humour. “I would love that,” I said without thinking. Challenger V Aravind, the photographer, had already started his work: He parted the curtains, peeked outside, squatted on the floor, climbed on the window frame and adjusted the panes looking for the angles he wanted. But the vistas were too panoramic for any human effort to do justice to. Lunch was served in the rest area
under our uber nest, furnished with tables made of planks sawed off from wild wood. It was a sumptuous spread of home-grown delights with only the rice and salt brought from outside. I had never thought that twilight in the valley could be this mesmerising. It happened gradually with the scant shards of the sun dulling out and the treetops glowing, trying to hold some of them. The air was filled with end-of-day bird calls, their varied pitches harmonising into a scattering hum. Darkness descended on the earth so rapidly that I thought heavy showers were about to pound the valley but Paulson told me otherwise. As the night gathered mass like a marauding army on the horizon, the sweet monotony of the crickets grew louder and louder. They were singing everywhere. In the joints of the bamboo cover of the tree house, in the cracks of the jamun tree, on the rooftop and all over the valley in general. I for one had difficulty believing that Nature could be this wonderful an orchestra, rising, falling, then rising again in a
EXOTICA [77] DECEMBER 2016
072_079_JAYARAJ(8).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 78
crescendo, ultimately petering out. A city-dweller would never be able to imagine that darkness could be this thick and impenetrable. And so was the chill that bit into the bones when a gentle breeze rustled the tree leaves atop the house and all around. But we had our bonfire in the pit below. And lovely dinner to go with it, thrown back to the days when man was a forager in the forest, yet to tame or conquer it. Cocooned by the hush, the moon tucked us in and sleep came nice and easy. It was only at 7 in the morning that I realised how short such a sleep could be despite the 11-hour length of it. Morning found me sitting in the swinging chair
on the tree house verandah looking through the rare gaps between the tall trees. The scalding hot, black coffee gave out an indescribable heady aroma that filled the entire verandah. And the crevices of my mind. There was nothing to do but to listen to the morning cries of the awakening birds and the light mist wafting across the folds of the valley. Then I understood that the essence of human life need not be activity but inertia, just like Isaac Newton saw it. I was sure I would not continue to be in that state of absolute rest unless some external force compelled me to get out of it. That is exactly what Sijo, the man behind the Innova’s wheel did by blaring the horn, tearing the still sheet of Nature’s calmness. As the vehicle negotiated with difficulty the ragged and curvy incline of that beautiful setting, I felt I was leaving home yet again. It took me three decades since my boyhood days to behold an ethnic erumadam although I had seen and stayed at a couple of luxurious tree-top houses of the tourism industry kind in between. This was at Meppady in Wayanad, Kerala’s northern hill district, known for its huge population of Adivasis, rich wildlife, serene nature, brooks of crystal clear water and rapid cultivation by settler farmers. I was studying how Adivasi workers were lured by farm-owners with jobs on their ginger plantations along the hills of Madikeri on the Karnataka side of the border. But these tribals could not be happy, away from their oors (tree colonies) in Wayanad, and many fell ill, aggravated by poor working conditions at the farms and being grounded on terra firma. The
072_079_JAYARAJ(8).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 79
tribal tree huts were sturdier, higher and bigger and most importantly, their permanent abodes. A tribal farmer, Kuttappan, told me tree houses were a practical solution from marauding herds of wild elephants and meant to be an early warning system of their potential attacks on paddy fields. The tribals had a signalling system with lights and a relay of voice calls that would echo all around. I remember how a fat tree trunk ran through the middle of his bamboo hut like an axis. The rooms, walled by bamboo mats and hugging the trunk radially, were spacious. Vertical poles, tied to one another using bamboo ropes, held the external walls of the house, distributing the weight equally on all sides, a marvel of local engineering. The roof was thatched with tall grass supported by a bamboo ceiling. That was a long time ago, when the Adivasi areas of Wayanad, Idukki, Kannur, Malappuram and Thrissur had numerous tree houses, built as living units and watch towers. The number of these sky homes have dwindled markedly with new housing policies. “There was a time when I regularly walked into the interiors of Thekkady forests to spend several days in Adivasi tree houses, cut off as the rains pounded the rich tropical jungles. We would measure the intensity from the pitter patter on our roofs to the gentle, swathe-like flow, and the ceaseless hammering that would result in waterfalls down the eaves. The clouds would look bewitching in the distance, gradually vapourising everything in its path and dissolving into the bright green of the foliage around us. Every rain-washed detail
would give me a naked clarity till the horizon. On a recent visit, most houses had vanished. Which Adivasi wants a life in isolation on tree-tops when they are provided with small, modern houses in newly developed colonies?” asked KP Jayakumar, a nature enthusiast. Velayudhan, a 65-year-old Adivasi from Marayur, was disappointed that the native technology is on the threshold of oblivion. “Tree houses are coming up in tourist resorts everywhere in the high ranges of Kerala, just like houseboats are a craze in the coastal areas. But the technology is an extension of modern construction methods. The materials are different, the bamboo poles and latticed walls have given way to wooden planks and painted artificial weather boards. Even the lighting is a distant imitation of what we have been using in the huts. For us, it was life but for the modern man they are mere opportunities to imitate our lives in total comfort,” said he. True, it is a life on rent. A temporary escape into our pastoral past. But when I hear the squirrel slip on the roof and dart across the window, ostensibly to breakfast on luscious berries, look out to see the crowns of trees basking in the golden rays of the sun and oxygenating the air, follow a flock of birds swooping down a shaft to the forest floor, tearing down clingy tendrils and creepers bent on shutting out the light, I know. A view from the top is far more enlightening than the view from below. For here, and only here, you know how the circle of life is meant to be. And comforts are but temptations, gettable once you climb down.
080_084_SUPP_CHHATTISGARH(5).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 80
IN FOCUS
CHHATTISGARH
THE
GREEN BOWL of INDIA India’s youngest state is also being billed as the fastest developing in the country. The state government, under the leadership of CHIEF MINISTER RAMAN SINGH, has come up with a slew of new schemes and projects, one that will make Chhattisgarh India’s central energy and investment hub
STATE
governments report development stories as a measure of their success. But Chhattisgarh has scored another level ahead of development and evolved a formula that will help it sustain its growth curve. The state has been acclaimed as “one of the best fiscally managed states” by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It attracted a cumulative FDI worth US$ 1.29 billion from April 2000 to March 2016. Correct policies, focussed schemes and pilot programmes, coupled with a positive approach, have helped the Chhattisgarh government make a mark on the national and international level.
Land of the farmer Since its inception, the state’s agriculture sector has been empowered with subsidies and investments that have contributed to a growth curve in agronomics. It still holds its position as the “rice bowl of India” and is home to over 22,000 varieties of indigenous rice. Not only has this boosted the state economy and prosperity, it has also affected the varied domains of state infrastructure, be it the basics, logistics or transportation systems. Now farmers of insurgency-ridden Dantewada district in Bastar division have floated their own firm to market and sell organic rice, a unique effort at mainstreaming with the country.
080_084_SUPP_CHHATTISGARH(5).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 81
Farmers Ratiram, Ludhru and Shambunath are not merely farmers but partners in a company called Bhoomgaadhi, which makes and sells organic products in all parts of the country, officials informed. There is a lot of demand for their products and hence the farmers in the region are adopting organic farming on a massive scale. The income of most of the farmers has increased by `60,000 to `70,000 per head over the last year. The state government has been setting up “organic products outlets� across the country to boost sales. A project for organic farming in Dantewada has been planned for the next three years. The authorities are providing assistance for production, distribution, marketing and procurement. Apart from this, solar energy will be utilised for irrigation purposes in the agricultural fields. Pump sets will be provided to farmers on a huge subsidy, officials informed.
Connectivity corridors Roads have been widened and rural and remote areas connected. A tar road or even a CC road surges life into the heart of rural Chhattisgarh, providing a channel for connecting the village with electricity and basic amenities of life. Although the state boasts of surplus electricity,
there are still hoods in the outlying areas that remain dark and glum due to the unavailability of electricity, telecommunication and basic health care. Despite the insurgency-infested stretches, authorities have worked their way round with the help of the paramilitary. Many an infested area is now accessible to civilisation and development. The Chhattisgarh Road Development Corporation (CGRDC) has identified 61 different projects. The State Government is planning to construct roads measuring 13,000 km with an investment of ` 42,000 crore over the next three years. The budget allocation during 2016-17 for this is a massive `6,101 crore, representing an increase of 56 per cent over the preceding year. Notably, a total of 12
EXOTICA [81] DECEMBER 2016
080_084_SUPP_CHHATTISGARH(5).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 82
roads have been marked under Chhattisgarh State Road Development Project, out of which work on developing six roads has already started and construction of 123 bridges is in progress. BSNL starts NOFN project: BSNL will soon start laying optical fibre cables in its Kanker (Zone II) area with trenching work to be taken up in 30 village panchayats in the district, officials informed. Notably, with a view to providing a major boost to expansion of telecommunications services in Chhattisgarh, BSNL is going to install 2,000 new mobile towers in the state during the next two years. Not only that, the state currently has 27 Wi-fi hot spots. During the next one-and-a-half years, this facility will be extended to 220 more places. Looks like the state will soon catch up with the information highway. Rail track project to be ready by 2020: The Jagdalpur-Kirandul project, which involves 45.50 km of rail track doubling work till Silkjuri, will be completed this year. The remaining project will be completed by 2020. The Titlagarh-Raipur Project — track doubling work of 30 km till Kantabhanji — will be completed this year and the entire project will be completed by 2019. Notably, for execution of the project, the Railways has divided the 150 km length of doubling work into three sections namely, Jagdalpur to Silkjuri 45.50 km, Kirandul to Gidam 52.23 km and Silkjuri to Gidam 52.73 km. NMDC is also developing a full-fledged Railway transportation infrastructure at its 3 MTPA integrated steel plant at Nagarnar in Bastar
district. It has begun the process of constructing a railway station, traction sub-station and other necessary infrastructure at the private railway siding coming up at the site of the 3 MTPA integrated steel plant at Nagarnar in Bastar district. The Chhattisgarh government has targetted spending `5,036 crore for augmenting rural electrification and energy distribution system, officials informed. The State-owned Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Ltd (CSPDCL), which is implementing the project, has sought additional funding support from the Central government for achieving 100 per cent electrification of villages in Bastar by FY 2018.
State of the economy The state’s high growth rate is fuelled by an increase in industrial production. None other than the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has ranked Chhattisgarh as one of the top three states with highest spending on development work. Startup Yojana: has opened the doors for entrepreneurs so that they can work with new ideas and are able to innovate and implement them. The state government will organise boot camps across all 27 districts to identify a potential start-up idea which can be incubated and turned into successful business. The startups selected for incubation will be provided support by the state government in all aspects of nurturing the idea. The government will provide support in developing the business plan, building a prototype, market testing of the product, service and funding. Under this initiative, the state government also aims at nurturing startup companies which are much closer to the local environment. Preference will be given to startup in priority sectors, healthcare, animal husbandry and value addition of core sector products.
080_084_SUPP_CHHATTISGARH(5).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 83
The scheme supports farmers, too, by providing them different kinds of loans for their farming practice and even allowing debt relief on account of harvest crops.
Education City Children in over 100 government schools, who are suffering from absentee teachers, are now learning basic mathematics through an innovative method of video lectures in Hindi. The video lecture titled Setu is the brainchild of Kanker collector Shammi Abidi, and is currently being used for running a remedial course in mathematics for class IX students and for weekly training of primary and middle school maths teachers who do not have a subject background. Kanker district lies in the under-developed Bastar region where government schools suffer from lack of teachers as skilled staff from outside are reluctant to work in a conflictridden zone, thus hampering training of locals. Realising the problems that this “boycott” can pose for future generations, Abidi took it upon herself to do something to change the situation.
A team from South Korea's Posco recently visited Bastar and inspected the site. NMDC is investing about `20,000 crore in the project, which has been part of its expansion, value addition and forward integration programme, and is likely to be commissioned by mid-2017. The state-owned company has major mining facilities in the Dantewada district of Bastar. Though Posco officials could not be contacted, officials in the Bastar district administration confirmed the visit of the South Korean company’s executives. Besides Posco, Tata Steel, which had abandoned its 5-MTPA steel plant plan in Bastar six months ago, has also expressed interest in the project.
Industrial development The state has been ranked fourth in the “ease- ofdoing business” category by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) and World Bank for 36 Indian states and Union Territories. Mineral resources are one of its greatest strengths — it has vast deposits of limestone, iron ore, rock phosphate, bauxite, coal, asbestos and mica. Recently, leading steel companies across the globe are showing interest in buying the Nagarnaar steel plant of the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), which is coming up in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district. The plant is among the entities that the government has earmarked under its ambitious plan to sell loss-making state-owned companies, subsidiaries and select manufacturing plants to strategic buyers. The three-million tonne-perannum (mtpa) steel plant is expected to start trial production by mid-2017.
Handicraft clusters The fertile soil of the state yields various products like wood, bamboo, spices, honey, wax and tamarind, copper ore, limestone, coal and phosphate, some of which go into making handicrafts. Locals know how to use their reserves of natural resources to the optimum. Folk art and Pithora paintings are interesting in their use of traditional motifs and natural dyes. Tribal men and women of Chhattisgarh wear traditional folk ornaments made out of beads, which have made their mark in urban stores. Overall, bamboo work, wood-carving, folk paintings and tribal metal craft and jewellery are the primary picks. The State Government has approved `83.59 lakh for implementation of the ‘Bastar Handicrafts
080_084_SUPP_CHHATTISGARH(5).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 84
Development Project’ in Taragaon and Bhanpuri villages under Bastar Development Block. Notably, the Chhattisgarh Khadi and Village Industries Board has been churning out trained youngsters through its various training programmes from rural areas with complete knowledge of availability of raw material, marketing and financial management to run their units, officials said. Beneficiaries of this scheme also have easy access to bank loans.
Tourist haven The state is an interesting tourist destination considering its blend of tribal tourism, history, nature and wildlife. The bulk of tourist attractions in Chhattisgarh, however, ties virtually unexplored. The virgin forests, dotted with picturesque waterfalls, scenic plateaus and winding rivers are a feast for the eyes and the camera lens. The tourist attractions have infinite prospects of harbouring a flourishing industry. The small town of Kawardha offers breathtaking views of nature and a rich tribal life. The royal palace at Kawardha is one of the major draws. Bastar, apart from offering a vivid glimpse of the tribal life, presents sweeping panoramas of nature. The Chitrakote Falls, also called the Niagra of India, is located deep in the heart of Bastar forest and plunges down from 100 feet to make for a
wonderful frothy tumble and spectacle. The Chhattisgarh tourism department offers camp sites near the falls for adventure lovers. Apart from the tribal villages, waterfalls and springs, Chhattisgarh is rich in wildlife. The state has 11 wildlife sanctuaries and three national parks within its bounds. The Indrawati National Park, Kanger Ghati National Park and Achanakmar Sanctuary are a must-do. The red corridor in Chhattisgarh is gradually turning into a green corridor of development and progress. Bastar today is being talked about for its innovative experiments in education, culture, health and employment. Today, youth in Bastar are demanding better educational institutions, skill development training and medical engineering colleges for higher education.
085_SUPP_FRONTIER(1).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 85
B E S P O K E FA S H I O N
Eternal charm
Frontier Bazar goes beyond the ordinary with its designs that complement your persona, style and preference
FRONTIER
Bazar has woven magic for over 16 years, crafting finest designs poised to bring coveted bridal dreams to life. Imbibing Indian heritage with latest techniques and contemporary styles, the showroom with its presence in Karol Bagh and Rajouri Garden in the capital, houses an eclectic collection of bridal trousseau and ceremonial wear. Frontier Bazar has been setting unmatchable benchmarks since its inception in 1947 in the picturesque city of Phagwara in Punjab laid by Late Bansi Lal Batra. Gracing the Indian culture and inculcating it in the foreign arena since decades, today the brand has crafted its path of success under the exemplary leadership of its Chairman Tarsem Lal Batra and Directors Anuj Batra and Atul Batra. Recently they launched a ‘red carpet’ worthy collection called ‘Timeless Elegance’ — a
culmination of the brand’s love for India’s vivacious craftsmanship and rich history of textiles. On display was an exquisite line of fairytale bridal lehengas, anarkalis, hand-crafted saris and voluminous gowns. “With this range, we explore modern hues that are big on the international ramp, cuts that are a global rage and yet at the same time pay a tribute to the Indian couture that complements the woman of today,” said Tarsem Lal Batra, CEO Frontier Bazar. Frontier Bazar has carved a niche with its unique designs, colossal variety and bulk manufacturing. Besides, it’s made-to-fit tailoring and customisation services have given it an edge over other brands. Felicitated with Power Brand Awards, Frontier Bazar’s popularity goes beyond the bounds of our country. Having participated at several international fashion and lifestyle shows, the name is renowned among its NRI and foreign clientele.
EXOTICA [85] DECEMBER 2016
086_089_SUPP_AAI(4).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 86
CARGO TRAIL
AIR
Up in the
The National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) aims to promote air cargo as one of the major revenue sources
THE
increasing global economy is bringing new investments in commodity-dependent and developing economies like India. This is more so relevant when it comes to the aviation sector in the country. The government has recently released the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016, which aims at providing an ecosystem for the harmonised growth of various aviation sub-sectors like airlines, airports, cargo, aerospace manufacturing and skill development. One of the frameworks expected to ensure growth of air cargo business is the constitution of ‘The Air Cargo Logistics Promotion Board (ACLPB)’ by way of cost reduction, efficiency improvement and better inter-ministerial coordination. The Board and the industry is to submit a detailed action plan after stakeholder consultation, with the objective of reducing dwell time of air cargo from “aircraft to truck” in a phased manner. The action plan
086_089_SUPP_AAI(4).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 87
P Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, lighting the lamp during the launch of AAICLAS. Also seen in the picture are R N Choubey, Secretary (MOCA), Guruprasad Mohapatra, Chairman, AAI, Sudhir Raheja, Member (Planning) and Neera Rawat, ED (Cargo) proposed by ACLPB will be forwarded to the Central Customs Coordination Committee (CCFC) to achieve the stated objectives. Air cargo promotion of both domestic and international circuits and express delivery services are a key objective of the government, given its importance from ‘Make in India’, e-commerce and exports perspective. Revenue from air cargo helps Officers from the aviation sector attending the launch
airlines subsidise the cost of passenger tickets and take flying to the masses. Air cargo, particularly domestic, has a high employment potential, especially for semi-skilled workers. Within the air cargo ecosystem, Express Delivery Services (EDS) has a distinct operational nature and is becoming pivotal especially in the light of double digit growth in e-commerce.
CURRENTLY,
air cargo volumes in India are very low as compared to other leading countries. It is observed that during 2015-16, while international cargo increased, the domestic air cargo stagnated. This clearly explains the shift from air to road or rail due to high charges and high turnaround time which points to national loss in spite of tremendous growth of the domestic passenger during the same period. In order to bring us in line with internationally achieved norms, the need for speedy handling of cargo and reducing its dwell time through cargo clearance round the clock needs to be ensured. With the growth of the Indian economy, there has been tremendous growth of air cargo at metro
EXOTICA [87] DECEMBER 2016
086_089_SUPP_AAI(4).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 88
or non-metro airports with considerable scope for improvement in the basic infrastructure to tap the potential. The potential growth in air cargo movement across the country can be tapped if basic or nominal cargo facilities are created at 2-tier cities in India which can also work on the Hub & Spoke theory essentially required for overall development of all regions in India. It needs no second opinion that airport development has a direct bearing on the accelerated development of the region and hinterland. The Airports Authority of India was entrusted to look after the development and management of cargo terminals at international and domestic airports. AAI has been in the business of international cargo handling and storage since the past four decades, having created and successfully managed Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata airports. Further, AAI also ventured into the domestic cargo handling at Kolkata airport in the year 2008 (interim) followed by Port
Blair airport in 2010 which have proved to be a success story.
AAI
is the pioneer when it comes to bringing the concept of Air Cargo Terminal which is the nuclei of economic activity. In fact, under the social mandate to establish, develop and manage cargo terminals at the airports under the provision of AAI Act, 1994, AAI has developed several Common User Domestic-cum-Courier Terminals so as to facilitate the cargo growth by creating the basic cargo infrastructure as done for the passenger terminals by AAI at 2-tier cities in India in the recent past. In order to facilitate the trade or user community and to utilise the redundant passenger terminals where new terminal buildings have been commissioned, AAI has initiated the creation of Common User Domestic Cargo-cumCourier Terminal after carrying out minor modifications since these facilities have city-side and airside access.
EXOTICA [88] DECEMBER 2016
086_089_SUPP_AAI(4).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 89
An independent cargo subsidiary company by corporatisation of AAI’s Cargo Department in the name of “AAI Cargo Logistics & Allied Services Company Limited” was formed in August with an authorised capital of `25 crore for focussed attention to promote cargo at AAI airports. And the company was formally launched in October in a glittering ceremony wherein the AAICLAS logo, website and mobile app were unveiled by P Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Minister of Civil Aviation and R N Choubey, Secretary, Civil Aviation in the presence of Guruprasad Mohapatra, Chairman, AAI and other Board Members of AAI at Taj Palace, New Delhi.
AAICLAS
will promote, represent, establish, conduct, handle, arrange, own, operate, participate, facilitate, sponsor, encourage and provide the business as cargo terminal operator, free trade zone, air freight station, inland container
depot and ground handling agency for cargo and passenger terminals. The vision of the company is to become the foremost integrated logistics network operator in India with primary focus on air cargo handling and allied services. This new subsidiary will be allowed to develop its own distinct culture, organisation, structure and business model while at the same time draw upon the strength of its large parent organisation, AAI. All the activities currently being carried out by the cargo department of AAI will be merged into AAICLAS. It will majorly focus on the following verticals — air cargo handling and allied services, warehousing and contract logistics and air cargo road feeder and air freight stations. It is hoped that the efforts being taken by AAI in establishing regional connectivity through air cargo movement across the country would be ensuring easy access to all EXIM Traders ensuring overall air cargo growth.
EXOTICA [89] DECEMBER 2016
2/13/1950
GURUSPEAK
090_091_GURUSPEAK(2).qxd
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Spiritual Guru
The real luxury in life is happiness which can’t exist without peace
7:25 PM
Page 90
THINK LESS, LIVE MORE
090_091_GURUSPEAK(2).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
WHEN
Page 91
we look at successful people, do they look very vibrant? No. That’s because we work so hard with no consideration towards our health and keep on having some problem or other and can’t enjoy any of the comforts of life. Half the wealth is spent in gaining back the health. And I tell you this is not an intelligent way of making money, and will never make us happy. To me, an undying smile, confidence that cannot be shaken and a fearless attitude is a sign of success. But what is the way to this real success? It is by sharing happiness. When you spread happiness, it grows. When you don’t spread it and keep it to yourself, it starts to dwindle and then vanishes. Peace and prosperity go hand in hand. Where there is no peace, there cannot be prosperity. If you have mental peace, you have energy to work. Develop your intuition and increase your peace and enthusiasm through meditation. The term for spiritual practice sadhana is evolved from money. “Dhana” means money and “Sa” means true wealth. That is the real currency you can use anywhere. Money is important in life but keep it where it belongs. Do not keep it in the head or in the heart. You become rich when you do something useful for the society. If you keep thinking about yourself all the time, you will only keep thinking. Trust the universe and ask whatever you need. Those things will always be taken care of when you have confidence and deep faith. Happiness and success
are linked. We wish each other happiness, prosperity and peace but only a few seem to know how to be really peaceful. Here are some steps to prosperity: Take time for yourself: Often, we become so engrossed in our day-to-day activities that we simply end up gathering more and more information, and do not take time out to think and reflect. A few quiet moments everyday are the source of creativity. Silence heals and rejuvenates and gives us depth and stability. Know the impermanence of life: Millions of years have passed and millions more will come. Nothing is permanent. In this broad, universal context, what is your life? It is not even a drop in the ocean. Just open your eyes, and ask, “Who am I? Why am I on this planet? What is my lifetime?” An awareness will dawn, and you will stop worrying about little things. Perform random acts of kindness: Make a commitment to make this world a better place. Do some acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. Service alone can bring contentment in life. It creates a sense of connectedness. When you bring some relief to someone through selfless service, good vibrations come to you. Be a student always: Know that you are a student forever. Do not underestimate anybody. Knowledge may come to you from any corner. Each occasion teaches you something new. The world is your teacher. When you start to learn, you will stop underestimating others. — www.artofliving.org
EXOTICA [91] DECEMBER 2016
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 92
FITNESS
092_093_BHARAT_THAKUR(2).qxd
N A E
B EXOTICA [92] DECEMBER 2016
TNES
If health is the ultimate luxury, then your body deserves the best. Yoga is the numero uno choice
W E Y I E
S
Bharat Thakur is a yoga guru and founder of Artistic Yoga
092_093_BHARAT_THAKUR(2).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
LOOK
Page 93
around you...what kind of world do we live in? Fragmented and against a backdrop of world issues. It’s a place that’s always busy, always running, competitive, even our kids have busy schedules, sometimes even more than us. The challenge is to find a lifestyle and ways of healthy living that are good for you and your family. What does healthy living mean? A good diet, enough exercise, good sleep, emotional and mental health. Health and happiness is what we ultimately live for. What is life without the either two? If you find cracking the big code of health and happiness difficult, then I would suggest yoga. The best way to the road to healthy luxury. More than a lean look and being healthy, what everyone wants is to look younger. The anti-ageing effects of yoga are long known to the world. Yoga is the only science and an art which can be practised by a four-year-old to a 90-year-old. The target is to improve the blood circulation and prana (life force) in every cell in the body. The vision of yoga has always been the complete development of humans leading to the actualisation of their highest potential. The yoga industry can therefore span the segments of fitness, health and wellness. Yoga and meditation is all about awareness,
“
silence and being a witness onto yourself, whether you are in pain or in pleasure whether you are broke or rich, lonely or are enjoying yourself at a party, only witnessing is important. Nothing else. You can reach a state of bliss in exactly the situation in which you are. Nothing needs to change externally. You don’t have to leave your wife and go to the Himalayas. Although witnessing is the best practice, you have to be productive in life in some way. It is essential. It is part of accepting that you have been given two hands and legs and a brain which has got certain talents and abilities. The goal is not to stop action or to give up ambition. The idea is to live exactly as if there is nothing else but this material world and what it offers. The ancient science of yoga was not always available to all. It emerged from being a practice of ancient adepts and entered the public domain in the early decades of the 20th century, when a few yogis travelled the world exposing the science across the continents. Since then, it has evolved from being a spiritual methodology to an alternative means of therapy to being a form of fitness for the rich and famous. A gift, a legacy, the study of nature passed down to us to navigate our way in these fast-paced, tumultuous times. Can you afford it? Or rather, can you afford not to?
You don’t have to leave your wife and go to the Himalayas to achieve a state of bliss. You have to be productive while being a witness to life
”
EXOTICA [93] DECEMBER 2016
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 94
BLITHESPIRIT
094_095_MAGAN(2).qxd
Magandeep Singh Sommelier
Nothing feels cosier than nursing something aged, toasty and a shade of burnt ochre in the cold pitch of a wintery sunset
THE
BROWN LIFE
094_095_MAGAN(2).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 95
WINTERS
can make for grey skies and dull cold environs. Perhaps then it helps to have some colour by way of our drinks. Here, without wasting words, are my top picks for brown spirits to line your top shelf this season. Ron Zacapa XO: This solera-aged Guatemalan rum is made from the purest of sugarcane extracts. It merges fresh fruits with deep spice and dense toast. A ripe lush rum best enjoyed by itself, this is how a great rum should taste. The high-altitude ageing allows for the aromas to develop gently imparting much character. The final product is a blend of rums between age 6 and 25. The Balvenie 17 yo Double Wood: Balvenie is as classic as Scotch can get for me. While almost every major Scotch brand is discarding age and trying to focus on quirky blend names, Balvenie is sticking to the age-statement. The malt is complex and layered but it is also extremely gentle and soft — one needn’t add water or ice. Balvenie is all about elegance and this class act reinstates their philosophy of making whiskies that are understated yet memorable. Four Roses Single Cask Bourbon: Since some time now my favourite tipple has been Bourbon. Scotch is fantastic but I have found my palate shift somehow to prefer whiskies from the other side of the pond. But many an American whiskey can be
overdone with dripping sweetness of ripe tropical fruits and mouth-jarring toastiness in every sip. Balance is the key and often not easily attained. In a single cask malt this task can be even tougher as there is no mixing to tone down the strength of whatever the cask has imparted. And yet, this one manages to be a tersely balanced and restrained sip. Patron Tequila Extra Anejo: Who said that white spirits can’t come in a brown avatar? Tequila straddles both sides of the spectrum and with much elan. When un-aged and clear, it packs in freshness and zing but in its seven years aged rusty robe avatar, the Extra Anejo is almost ethereal — toasty oak, dry fruits and the entire range of the spice rack, all of which stay and linger leisurely at the end of every sip. Also expensive and rare! Rampur Indian Single Malt: Following on the success of other Indian single malts like Amrut and Paul John, we now have Rampur. Well it is still not formally launched but once it does, this will be the new one to hunt down. Aged in ex-Bourbon casks this is a ripe fruity whisky with a lovely toasty linger. They have been ageing whiskies for over two decades now, so last year when the master distiller decided to prepare this new blend, he had quite the options to choose from. The whisky shows depth and elegance, power and balance. If only it would show up and fill the void in our cabinets, it would be great.
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 96
HOTWHEELS
096_099_KUSHAN(4).qxd
Kushan Mitra Auto & tech expert
A
slice of
Arizona
096_099_KUSHAN(4).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 97
The third-generation Hyundai Tucson marks the return of Hyundai’s best-selling product in India
THE
night before we headed out to drive the new Hyundai Tucson, there was a dinner with several Hyundai India executives. One of the most notable things that Y K Koo, the managing
director of Hyundai India, mentioned is how grateful the Korean company was to Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan. When Hyundai came to India, they were an unknown brand, not just in India but globally.
096_099_KUSHAN(4).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 98
“Shah Rukh did not come onboard the first time we approached him,” Koo says before praising the marketing team of Hyundai for convincing the actor to sign up with the Korean company. And Shah Rukh continues his association with the company, an 18-year old bond, one of the longest brand associations by a celebrity in the world. And now, Hyundai is no longer the unknown brand, far from it, indeed it is one of the strongest car brands in the world. Yet, Hyundai became a strong brand not on the basis of driving dynamics of the cars they make, but more for their perceived “value for money”. After all the Santro was never a looker, and driving the Accent aggressively felt like being a very bad roller coaster ride. But of late things have changed. The new Elantra for example is possibly
the most fun car to drive in its class despite being more affordable. And that brings us back to the Tucson. It is in a rather unique segment in India, there is no other vehicle in this category. Rather at this price-point. The large five-seat sports-utility vehicle in India only has luxury brands present, so there is a BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC. This has not been an easy segment to sell cars in. Do you want a nonluxury brand SUV at this price, or do you want a bigger car? The Tucson, at least the versions that matter, cost between `22-25 lakh — those are the diesel automatics. Prices for which are extremely close to the prices of the new Toyota Innova and Ford Endeavour. The only other cars in this segment currently are the Honda CR-V and Skoda Yeti, both cars not setting the charts alight right now.
EXOTICA [98] DECEMBER 2016
096_099_KUSHAN(4).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 99
The Tucson is not a small vehicle. Indeed the first thing you notice about this vehicle is that it is a lot larger than it seems, particularly with the 18inch wheels it comes equipped with. There is also no doubt that this is a Hyundai car, as the vehicle clearly has the fluidic look replete with the “family” hexagonal grille. The new elements of Hyundai’s “fluidic sculpture” design are a bit more subtle than before. In fact, the third-generation Tucson looks nicer and smoother than the sharper edges on the second-generation Tucson. The insides of the car are also very nice, particularly the front fascia, where everything seems to be where they should be. The eight-inch touchscreen on the Tucson is quite responsive and the infotainment comes with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The navigation system is very good, but that is the same story across all Hyundai cars and the carmaker and MapMyIndia must be complemented for this. The audio system is again, very good. But most importantly, the seats, both front and back are comfortable, and the driving position is solid although a bit more shoulder support would be appreciated. But how is the car to drive? We drove the new GLS spec diesel automatic. In this version, in addition to standard dual airbags and Anti-Lock Brakes, there are also side-impact airbags, “Hill Start” assist, downhill brake control and electronic stability control, so there is no doubt that the topend model is loaded. To be fair, in a highly competitive market, particularly for cars in the `25-lakh price range, such features are now becoming increasingly common. The big news from Hyundai under the hood is the new 2-litre diesel engine; this new 1995cc turbocharged engine with 182 horsepower is quite a revelation. It is definitely quite punchy in the middle of the rev-range and the six-speed automatic gearbox does get a bit confused dealing with the power if you mash your foot on the pedal. This is the same engine that might make it onto some other Hyundai cars, notably the Elantra in a few months time. The gearbox and engine, however, are very well-matched for city
driving and the Tucson will feel very smooth to drive in the urban jungle. The auto-hold function with the electronic parking brake is quite useful and a feature that has only made it onto cars in this price segment. But then we come back to the basic problem with the Tucson, its price. If you want a large car and if you think the price of a car should reflect the amount of metal on the car, then you may not want the Tucson. For those sort of folks, there is the Innova and Endeavour. Here is the funny thing, people won’t mind spending almost double the price of the Tucson on buying a Audi Q5 but then they are buying into a brand. The Tucson is a very good and solid vehicle with lots of features but doesn not come cheap. But it is worth the money.
EXOTICA [99] DECEMBER 2016
100_101_CELEB_RESORT(2).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 100
JET SET
sorts The better
These celebrity-owned properties will give you vacation goals you might need to rethink
Donatella Versace Probably the most obvious of the bunch, the Palazzo Versace is owned by the House of Versace, whose most famous living family member is designer Donatella. While the original Palazzo Versace is located in Australia, there are plans for two more Palazzos to be opened in the near future — Macau and Dubai.
Hugh Jackman After spending a few weeks at the Gwinganna Health Retreat on Australia’s Gold Coast, Hugh eventually became the co-owner of the property. The wellness luxury resort offers spa treatments, outdoor activities, stress therapy and more, all in a serene Australian setting.
Robert De Niro He has been given the green light to build a new luxury, boutique hotel in London’s Covent Garden. The proposed 83 room property will have spa facilities, two restaurants and a deli or cafe, built around a central courtyard conservatory. It will also include a members’ club.
100_101_CELEB_RESORT(2).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 101
Emilio and Gloria Estefan Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa is a beachside resort located in Vero Beach, Florida. The petfriendly property offers gorgeous waterfront views, a luxury spa and water activities like snorkelling.
Leonardo DiCaprio Though the property won’t be opening until 2018, DiCaprio’s ambitious undertaking to build a luxury, eco-friendly resort on the island of Blackadore Caye in Belize saw the environmentalist purchase the island for 1.75 million dollars alongside hotelier Jeff Gram.
Richard Gere The Bedford Post Inn located in the charming town of Bedford in New York dates back to the 1860s and is situated among lush, rustic surroundings. What guests may not know, however, is that the inn is co-owned by Richard Gere, a Westchester resident himself.
102_103_BEAUTY(2).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 102
SKIN DEEP
A
pretty addiction Ever thought of going beyond employing sheep to catch a good night’s sleep? It can give you a good day’s skin too
MOTHERS
down the ages have told their children to count sheep when they close their eyes at night to get sleep. Now, women the world over are using sheep in another bizarre way that’s apparently as effective. Sheep placenta is the newest beauty treatment on the block — a medical facial that gives deep hydration and a complete rejuvenation. A big hit with A-listers like Kim Kardashian and Victoria Beckham, this routine takes over an hour and is now gaining popularity in India. How it works The skin is first primed with a choice of treatments and then the sheep placenta extracts are applied to the area. The facial starts with a thorough cleansing followed by surface exfoliation after which the skin is gently polished using fine
102_103_BEAUTY(2).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 103
crystals. Sometimes, a chemical peel may also be needed to prepare the skin for the application of the luxuriously hydrating mask. The sheep placenta stem cell concentrate is infused in the skin with the help of a massaging or light device. It is followed by application of a placenta extract mask. The facial leaves the skin hydrated and smoother with a healthy, youthful glow. Who needs it Practically anyone who needs a skin rejuvenation. It’s good for dull, uneven complexions. However, it also has benefits for skin that is prone to more serious skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis or acne. Older, sun-damaged or overexfoliated skin sees good results. It can even help in collagen regeneration. Since it is natural, it can be done once a month. A single session can give an instant glow and visible results. However for longterm results, especially as a curative procedure, six would be required. Care and cure Research shows no significant side effects.
However, the treatment is new, so caution needs to be maintained with after-facial care — a good sunscreen, moisturiser and night serum must be used. Do follow the instructions of the dermatologist. Also, if the treatment is recommended by a doctor, make sure to clear all your doubts beforehand. The science behind it Sheep placenta facials have stem cells and several other nutrients that have powerful anti-ageing properties. The core ingredient is rich in proteins, amino acids, essential minerals and enzymes as well as growth factors and anti-oxidants which are the life force of cells. Placenta is an effective skin-firmer, lifter and hydrator. Since sheep placenta promotes collagen production, it increases skin elasticity. A survey conducted this year found that 80 per cent women aged 30 and over preferred a placenta-derived face mask as an anti-ageing solution. — Courtesy: Dr Reema Arora, Medical Head, Facial Aesthetic, Cocoona Centre for Asthetic Transformation
EXOTICA [103] DECEMBER 2016
104_SUPP_ODISHA(1).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 104
BEACH HOP
coastal town located in the southern part of Odisha — Gopalpur situated near the Bay of Bengal — is considered as one of the top three tourist destinations in the state. Thousands of tourists visit the place every month. Known for both sailing and surfing, it is nestled amidst the placid beauty of nature. Being one of the least discovered tourist spots in India, you can experience nature in its untouched form. Once a small fishing village, its fortune changed with the invasion of the British. The East India Company used the port as a significant trading centre. Even today the daily trading with the other southern states runs smooth for this commercial hub of Odisha.
A
Shell on the shore
The pristine, untouched and hidden coastline of Gopalpur beckons all and how
MUST VISITS: Gopalpur offers a number of tourist attractions. Places of religious interest include the Maa Tara Tarini Hill Shrine, Bala Kumari Temple and Sri Sri Sri Sidhibinayakya Pitha. The Sonepur Beach, Aryapalli Beach and the Gopalpur Beach are visited by hundreds every day. A visit to Potagarh will narrate the stories of Gopalpur over the ages. Panchama and Ballipadar are neighbouring villages of Gopalpur that revitalise its traditional lifestyle and festive celebrations. The Satapada Dolphin Sanctuary and Bankeswari are other important places to tick off. GO SHOPPING: Gopalpur gives a great opportunity to shopaholics to buy novelties from the city market. The place is famous for handicrafts made from sea shells and its silk saris. Gorgeous hand-made items of sea shells are put up for sale by the locals. Bracelets, necklaces and other trinkets made from sea shells can be collected as souvenirs.
HOW TO REACH
AIR: Biju Pattanailk International Airport in Bhubaneswar RAIL: Berhampur Railway Station
EXOTICA [104] DECEMBER 2016
2/13/1950
NUMBERGAME
105_NUMEROLOGY(1).qxd
Sanjay Jumaani Numerologist
7:25 PM
Page 105
COUNT YOUR FATE
NUMBER 1 (Ruled by Sun, people born on the 1st, 10th, 19th and 28th) The past few days might have been hectic but it’s time to relax now. Things will look good on the professional front. The restlessness which you might have been experiencing in the past will vanish giving you a better perspective. Interact more with people to gain an insight into their thoughts.
NUMBER 4 (Ruled by Uranus, people born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd and 31st) Planning things to the bare minimum has been your forte which will probably see you through this month. Unexpected circumstances might spring up and you will as always be better prepared than others. People in the field of research and analysis will achieve fruitful results. Manage your stress.
NUMBER 7 (Ruled by Neptune, people born on the 7th, 16th and 25th) Those planning to travel can see their plans materialise. Loved ones will lend their support and enthusiasm to your plans. Things at work will be the way you always wanted them to be. You might catch up with old friends who will add that dose of nostalgia and bring some happy memories to you.
NUMBER 2 (Ruled by Moon, people born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th and 29th) The financial situation might become better. The efforts put in at work will show results and a steady phase will come which might continue throughout the month. Try to weigh the negative aspect of things around you to get a grip of the situation you are in. It will ease in achieving what you desire.
NUMBER 5 (Ruled by Mercury, people born on the 5th, 14th and 23rd) Loose ends are probably getting tied up and new horizons will open up for you this month. You might be able to focus more on your career which you were neglecting since a long time. Some creativity will smoothen the rough patch in your professional life. Try and control your finances.
NUMBER 8 (Ruled by Saturn, people born on the 8th, 17th and 26th) The ride this month will be full of twists and turns. Keep your patience and enjoy the ride. Don’t let the bumpy road ahead scare you. The universe has better plans for you, so keep the faith. Remember that time is the best healer. On the domestic front things might get resolved and sorted out.
NUMBER 3 (Ruled by Jupiter, people born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st and 30th) Teamwork will resolve issues at work. Change the negative opinion your colleagues might have about you. Share the appreciation for your accomplishments with your colleagues and they might go out of the way to do things for you. Your love life might experience a steadiness.
NUMBER 6 (Ruled by Venus, people born on the 6th, 15th and 24th) Your toil and hard work will be finally noticed at work. There might be instances where you will be able to connect with likeminded people in a social gathering which can lead to fruitful partnerships in the long run. Be optimistic about your approach to things. Don’t be afraid and hope for the best.
NUMBER 9 (Ruled by Mars, people born on the 9th, 18th and 27th) You might get a little emotional in taking decisions requiring more practicality. Try to be a little less sensitive to the unfair demands of your colleagues. If one wants to be successful in the professional world, then emotions should be kept at bay. Loved ones might be a bit difficult to handle.
EXOTICA [105] DECEMBER 2016
106_LAST PAGE(1).qxd
2/13/1950
7:25 PM
Page 106
SIGN-OFF
By RINKU GHOSH
T
DEAR ZINDAGI he current demonetisation has elicited extreme reactions, either for or against. Its implementation, however, laden as it is with its practical share of problems, has definitely brought out the worst among us. Screaming, shouting, sweet-talking, renting, bribing, wrestling, conniving, proxy-sit-ins, all of us are dealing with queue chaos at ATMs and cash withdrawals at banks with our own ingenious ways. Being a transactional race, we have devised our own methods and a code of mutually agreed conduct to get round the problem. I guess never has there been such unanimity about decision-making in the country. Yet somewhere, something shines through and you end up believing that crisis does bring out the best of human behaviour too, that the cash crunch is the proverbial trial by fire. I’ve got my lessons from the most ordinary, unremarkable strangers, people I do not even know except the cosmic power that binds us. During the first few days of the cash crunch, it was the neighbourhood vendors who stood as a bulwark against tough times with little thought about how they would roll their business, pay their daily wagers, transporters or get fresh supplies. They created a local barter economy on the implicit trust that both sides needed each other and would not, therefore, take advantage of or harm each other. Contrary to expectation, they were the ones to provide solutions, devising a system of issuing promisory notes on ice cream sticks, paper scraps and visiting cards. Some of them even signed up to learn all about online payment gateways in return. Others like my fish vendor decided to help me with changing the `2,000 note, a feat I should have managed given an office infrastructure and resources. But since nobody is talking about exchange possibilities in an already stretched system, my fish vendor said he would help me if I
guaranteed `800 worth of buys. He even offered me prawns at a 30 per cent discount to seal the deal. He couldn’t hoard perishables and so had evolved a way of helping his clients too in the process of exhausting them. The neighbourhood had clearly warmed up again despite the chill of an uncertain future. And if the privileged were stashing unaccounted cash by dumping them on unsuspecting recipients like slum dwellers and rickshawallahs, exposing them to harassment and scrutiny by the taxman, the local ice candy man did better. Instead of slum children, he distributed scoops to all his regular clients and their kids free of cost. Hoping this one goodwill gesture would keep his clients intact. But the most amazing experience I had was in a queue. It was 10 pm and I thought of trying my luck at the ATM below our office, where around 30 men had already queued up before me in the late November chill. One of them said, “Please go ahead and swipe your card.” I was reluctant saying those ahead of me had waited much longer and I certainly didn’t want to disturb the status quo. To this, all 30 heads turned in my direction and said, “Madam, this could take easily 40 minutes. And delay your return trip home. Besides, it is cold, late and it is not nice for all of us men to stand here and let a woman suffer. Please go ahead.” They would not have it in any other way. Normally, I do not like gender privileges but on this occasion, the chivalry and humanity of a motley crowd of Delhi men no less, clearly won me over. A busy working day could not have ended in a better way. And I did not crib or crow. Life surprises you in small moments. They hold the biggest lessons. In the end there is always humour despite fatalism. A guard periodically fans the ATM of a government bank, considering it slows down and hangs due to sustained overuse. It seems the overhead ACs do not work. So much for a smile.
EXOTICA [106] DECEMBER 2016