Exotica magazine june 2015

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EDITOR’S T L E

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he main street in almost every Indian town has a name in common. No two guesses about what that is. Almost invariably this thoroughfare is known as MG Road. For once, I visited a town whose main road is named not after the Mahatma but another Gandhi. In the bustling commercial town of Chikmagalur in the heart of coffee country in Karnataka the main street is named IG Road after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

There is a reason for this unusual choice of Gandhi here. After the mighty Indira was defeated

by Socialist leader Raj Narain from her pocket borough of Rae Bareli in 1977, she sought entry into Parliament from the “safe” seat of Chikmagalur through a by-election. Her opponents made it a prestige issue and thousands of motley Indirabaiters flocked to this picturesque town cradled amid verdant hills and coffee plantations, to try and prevent her re-entry to the Lok Sabha. Many of my friends and seniors from the Delhi University packed their bags, slung the ubiquitous jhola on their backs and made a beeline for this sleepy town, 240 km from Bangalore.

Needless to say, Indira Gandhi had the last laugh, trouncing her Janata Party opponent by over two lakh votes. Ironically, the man she defeated, Veerendra Patil, was back in her pallu in no time and ended up as Karnataka Chief Minister shortly thereafter.

Apart from her immense nationwide popularity, Indira Gandhi is specially remembered in Chikmagalur for being the only “outsider”, North Indian to boot, who spoke no Kannada, to have won a seat in the deep South. She is still remembered and respected with awe-inspiring reverence.

This accounts for the town’s bustling High Street being called IG Road. To the best of my knowledge, there is no such road in Rae Bareli and few cities in the country have streets named after her.

Chief Designer Anand Singh Rawat Senior Designer Santosh Kumar Yadav Pre-press Manager Syed Nawab Raza Production Manager Dhiresh Gaur Staff photographer Pankaj Kumar

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A LOT HAPPENS OVER COFFEE

[CHANDAN MITRA]

Manager’s bungalow in Tata coffee estate

Sales & Marketing [Group President] Aparna Sengupta 09958000128

As I travelled through Chikmagalur, I tried to visualise what this town must have been some 40 years ago. Today it is no different from any prosperous commercial centre, with automobile showrooms and mini-malls coexisting with shops selling locally-grown Arabica and Robusta variants of coffee beans and powders. I paid a visit to a Tata Coffee Estate, which has bucked the trend and grows only the Arabica species. This variety being less resistant to the nightmare of planters (a pest named White Stem Borer), is fast disappearing from plantations to be substituted by the sturdier but less tasty Robusta variant. The widespread Café Coffee Day chain is omnipresent here and its owners also run a spectacularly beautiful boutique hotel, The Serai, on Chikmagalur’s outskirts, located in the heart of a 70-acre coffee estate.

Here I learnt that coffee came to India from a hill overlooking the Chikmagalur Valley. An itinerant fakir, Baba Budan, once travelled to Arabia about four centuries ago, and returned with seven coffee seeds, which he planted outside his hermitage on a hilltop now called Baba Budan Giri. Interestingly, on the slopes of this and other hills tea plants grow side by side with coffee, The Sea boutique hotel the temperate weather making it ideal for both popular beverages to flourish.

Although its dominance over the coffee trade is much diminished, the Indian Coffee Board has done a lot to promote coffee at home and abroad.

Despite competition from Brazil and Columbia, Indian coffee remains the preferred choice of most connoisseurs of this classy drink. With chains like Café Coffee Day becoming popular among youngsters, the drink is undergoing a revival in the country. Understandably, the buzz in Chikmagalur today is: “A lot can happen over coffee!”

Mumbai Office General Manager Devendra Adhikari 09867575933 Senior Manager Jaya Mokal

General Manager Kumar Gurudutta Jha Deputy General Manager Ravi Khatri Manager Bharat Singh Sajwan Assistant Manager Neeta Rai Media Coordinator Neelu Sharma

Kolkata Office Vice President Suzanna Roy 09830197332 Chief Manager Arindam Gupta

Government & PSU General Manager Tapan Ghosh

General Manager (Circulation) Rajeev Gautam

DISTRIBUTED BY: LIVING MEDIA INDIA LIMITED Printed and published by Chandan Mitra for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd, printed at Thomson Press, Faridabad and published at 2nd floor, Link 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, Link House, 3, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110002 Phone: 23718296/40754136 Fax: 23755275 Email: exotica.pioneer@gmail.com

COVER PHOTO: SANJEEV KUMAR

Editor Chandan Mitra Editorial board Vice-chairman & joint managing director Amit Goel Chief Executive Officer Abhishek Saxena 09818600128 Editor-in-charge Rinku Ghosh Managing Editor Navneet Mendiratta Consulting Editor Ritu Pandey

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CONTENTS JUNE

2015

VOLUME

9

NO

8

INCONVERSATION The wedding planner p66

Travel The divine consort p44

FEATURES:

FEATURES:

Summer Special Happy campers p18 Beauty Gorgeous on the go p21 Sunproof p80 Eye-to-eye Shield the glare p22 Jewellery Holiday highlight p24 Travel Culture trail on chopsticks p26 Cut the cliches p32 Parisian style statement p40

Hotwheels Digital sensation p50

‘THE LEELA IN KOVALAM, ZURI KUMARAKOM, UMAID BHAWAN PALACE JODHPUR AND DEVIGARH IN UDAIPUR ARE THE BEST WEDDING VENUES IN 2015’ ROHIT BAL, PARTNER, RBLW&E TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES 92 INCLUDING COVER

OUR PARTNER HOTELS

Food Burger bandwagon p58 A click away p62 The ultimate cooler p78 Music Break away p64 Sports India on horseback p70 Drinks A truly happy place p76 Diet Mane course p86

INSHORT

ith growing ecological concerns and rising awareness towards developing eco-friendly tourism, a strong community is bonding together over conscious travelling. What makes for a conscious traveller you’d ask? Honestly, as I see it, it is about how responsible you are in your choice of destinations, your mode of transport and how mindfully you behave as a traveller.

At the same time, the number of people opting to spend quality time near home is gradually increasing.

Once again efforts are being made to “rediscover” the neighbourhood.

You too can be a part of this movement. All you need to do is reconnect. Go for a green spa. Holistic healing is great to relax tired minds and body. Join meditation camps in and around the city or

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TOURIST IN MY BACKYARD

NAVNEET MENDIRATTA navneetmendiratta@gmail.com

head for the nearest national park. As you do that, choose railways over road or air transport. A lot many properties falling in the vicinity offer eco-vacations.

Plan a farm visit. Those who grew up in the 80s, would remember their annual summer visits to the grandparents at their farm.

Recreate that experience for your kids where they get to learn about sustainable agriculture and indulge in life’s simple pleasures, such as waking to a rooster’s call and then digging into a farm-fresh breakfast. That you can teach them a thing or two about milking cows or feeding chicken is an experience they would live with for the rest of their lives.

In short, we can actually have fun playing tourists in our own backyards and support sustainable, local businesses we discover along the way. Think about it.

O U R C O L U M N I S T S

Parents must ensure their kids develop strong roots before they branch out, says spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

10 EXOTICA / JUNE 2015

From wishlist to your must-do list, Sommelier Magandeep Singh brings you some interesting travel must go-tos

The cooling properties of mint make all the summer complications fade away, says food and nutrition consultant Sangeeta Khanna

THELITTLEBLACKBOOK F A V O U R I T E

H A U N T S

O F

S T Y L I S H

P E O P L E

Olive Bar & Kitchen is a universal brunch favourite among Delhiites. I love the vibe and the fact that on any given Sunday, everyone there knows everyone.

Twelve years ago, Saheba Singh, floated This Is It Designs to weave together her dreams. Over the years, she has created a niche for herself in the interior decor of restaurants in Delhi

These days I’m juggling between two Jimmy Choos and a Tods.

One of my Jimmy Choos is a classic and is discontinued now, so I take special care of it. It is my favourite.

In terms of decor, Buddha Bar, Dubai has impressed me the most.

The sheer scale of the space and the way they have managed to make different layouts and operations seamlessly flow from one to another is commendable. Love the energy of the place.

In Delhi/NCR, it’s definitely one of my own — Farzi Café. I think it is one of our best works and I swear by the food there.

I love Victoria Beckham and Angelina Jolie for the kind of effortless style they have. It’s never I am a big fan of cuff bracelets fussy or blindly and I pick up most of them from trendy. They make Pout, a store I designed myself. their look work for They have some unique them in an statement pieces. I also pick up admirable way. a lot of rings and necklaces from Pout and Curio Cottage.

Dubai is great place to shop. My last trip there was with the girls and we raided everything in the malls. Bought some particularly nice cocktail dresses from Marciano. One is a long gold one which I’m dying to wear!

FESTIVITIES

HEMIS FESTIVAL: The two-day commemoration of the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tantrik Buddhism in Tibet. It is held at the 300-year-old Hemis Jangchub Choling, the biggest and richest Buddhist monastery in the Ladakh region. The highlight of the festival is the masked dance performed by the lamas illustrating the victory of good over evil.

WHAT TO DO: Stay in tents or lovely village homes, trek to Pangong Tso and other stunning lakes and peaks in the vicinity and visit Khardungla, the highest motorable road in the world.

WHEN: June 26-27 WHERE: Hemis Monastery, near Leh

CULTURAL

CONNECT June links the north and south of India in quaint religious celebrations almost around the same time SAO JOAO FEAST OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST: The fertility feast of Saint John the Baptist is the most popular Goan festival when revellers high on local brew jump into water bodies yelling, ‘Viva São João’ (Long Live St John The Baptist) and young brides and single women make offerings for good luck.

WHAT TO DO: Enjoy local feni, boat races, singing, dancing and feast on patodio, a sweet dish prepared from rice, with a stuffing of grated coconut, raisins and jaggery.

WHEN: June 24 WHERE: North Goa, particularly Siolim.

14 EXOTICA / JUNE 2015

FEAST OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL: This monsoon celebration by Goa’s local fishing communities sees people sailing up river on rafts while performing plays, folk dances and songs.

WHEN: June 29 WHERE: All over Goa, particularly in the riverside villages of Candolim, Siolim, Ribandar and Agassaim.

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TRAVEL

WAVES & THE WILD O

MARARIKULAM (KERALA)

Hit the beach or check out the wilderness.

There’s enough this season for vacationers depending on whether you’re a leisure-seeker or a nature-lover

ne of Kerala’s best isolated beaches to spend sluggish weekends. Its blue water and yellow sand inspire poetry and life goes on at a slow pace, so much that one can exist forever in that slow rhythm. Every morning, fishermen go to the sea to return in the afternoon with abundant catches. Huts made in the image of the fishing lodges and equipped with all necessary amenities, can be rented. At dawn, one can go fishing or just laze and try some amazing food. During the day engage in windsurfing or parasailing.

TO GET THERE: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (75 km). Mararikulam railway station is well connected with the rest of India. It is also well connected by road. NH 47 passes through S.L.Puram, 5 kms away.

NAMIBIA (AFRICA) amibia’s stunning coastal desert has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. A sweeping swath of sanded wilderness that looks out onto the Atlantic Ocean, this 75 million-year-old desert is home to tribes steeped in tradition, rare desert elephants, wild horses and massive colonies of seals. With some of the most spine-tingling views of the night sky in the world and the best of Africa’s raw landscapes, a wildlife safari in Namib-Naukluft National Park can be a lifetime experience.

But that doesn’t make other parks like Erosha, Mangetti and Khaudom are any less interesting.

TO GET THERE: Hosea Kutako is the main international airport serving the capital city of Windhoek.

There are enough luxury and budget safari tours from Windhoek to different national parks of Namibia.

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SUMMERSPECIAL

HAPPY CAMPERS

With options aplenty, let your child make the best of his summer vacations

by RITU PANDEY

18 EXOTICA / JUNE 2015

MOMS & KIDS t’s vacation time and if you want your child to experience the outdoors without being hassled about his whereabouts, a Mom and Kid camp could just be the place for you. Growing safety concerns for kids among city dwellers are pushing organisers to arrange summer camps where one or both parents can accompany a child, thus allowing them to understand and bond better with each other. At Mumbai-based Empower Activity and Pune’s Pugmarks Eco Tours, moms and kids can participate in joint activities like cooking, cleaning, archery, bull ring, trekking and even risky adventures like high ropes course, wall climbing and raft building.

Empower Activity camp also includes with this interactive workshops on parenting.

AGE: 4-12 years FEES: `5,500 (includes camping, all meals, transport and taxes) http://empowercamp.com/

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GO WILD ummer vacations are an ideal time for outdoor exploration for which there’s little scope during school.

Little wonder, adventure-based camps are a big attraction to leave home temporarily. Delhi-based Youreka has camps in destinations like Sitlakhet, Tirthan valley, Yercaud (Tamil Nadu) and Dharamshala with high-endurance activities such as mountaineering, mountain-biking, outdoor survival, whitewater rafting, rock climbing and riverside backpacking. Chandigarh-based Himadvantures is taking students on trekking and climbing trails from common to lesser known places in the Himalayas under the supervision of qualified and experienced instructors. http://www.youreka.in/ http://www.himadventures.net/

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NATURAL INSTINCT ven as they bond better, Mumbai-based Smita Kharbanda and her Ecokids run summer courses that make both parents and kids sensitive towards the bounties of Mother Nature. Her nature trails for three to 12year-olds promote gardening, vermiculture and recycling. http://www.ecokids.in/

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xpect to learn everything from reptile biology to acquiring bush skills with Chennai herpetologist and conservationist Gerry Martin, who is conducting the Leporiang Photographic Herp Survey in Arunachal Pradesh from June 15 to 25. Martin will be surveying the reptiles and amphibians of the region over 10 days. http://gerrymartin.in/

E oty-based

Frolicboonies is a nature, science, art and adventure camp in destinations like the Mudumalai forest, Wayanad, Coorg and the Andamans. The camp offers activities like wildlife tracking, bird watching, kayaking, art and craft, chocolate-making, campfire, night nature walk, bamboo rafting, outdoor cooking, horse riding, fish identification and sky watching.

AGE: 8-18 year olds FEES: `14,500 (includes transport, meals, accommodation and activity charges) http://www.frolicboonies.com/

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SUMMERSPECIAL

GET CREATIVE

the activity is courtesy a shopping bill.

Sahitya Kala Parishad and the Delhi Education Department are also holding free music, dance, theatre, fine art and craft workshops at government schools across the city.

The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) Delhi is holding a Summer Art Carnival, where painting, woodcut and printmaking, artbooks and paper mask making, puppetry, film screenings and lectures will be organised from May 25 to July 1. www.ngmagov.in

hile adventure-lovers have a ball outside, there’s no dearth of creative opportunities indoors. DLF Place in Delhi is running Summer Safari, a recreational pop–up from May 15 to to June 14 with a Reading Club, an art and craft workshop, a cooking class and the first ever Squap Championship in India. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) will make kids aware about animal rights. Participation in

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BEYOND BORDERS f children want to go exploring the world, Inme allows them to opt for camps in foreign locales too. The Great American Bicycle Race is an 18day expedition though the West Coast of the USA. The programme stretches 1417 year-olds to cycle on an average 80 km every day. Being a self-contained expedition, children learn to manage resources like wood and water, cook food; learning to work together and lead.

June 13 to July 6 http://www.inme.in/

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SPECIAL KIDS nterestingly, government organisations have ensured their summer activities are inclusive.

Special workshops have been planned also for differently-abled kids at NGMA as well as at Delhi’s National Museum where the line-up includes everything from storytelling sessions and workshops on theatre to calligraphy, archaeology, miniature painting and script-writing.

Playtime at NM 2015 is on from May 17 to June 28. Age: 7 to 17 years. http://www.nationalmuseumindia.gov.in/

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xplore Singapore, France and Switzerland in June with Youreka. For Rs 1.45 lakh per child, the week-long trip includes accommodation in tents/ dormitories, meals, return airfare, surface transfer, sightseeing and activities. Call 011 40801100.

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BEAUTY

GORGEOUS ON THE GO Can travel and beauty go together?

KANIKKA TANDON tells you how MOISTURISE IN ADVANCE: Apply heavier

moisturiser a day before you are going to travel.

This will keep skin hydrated when you are exposed to the dehydrating effects of cabin pressure and AC. TIE HIGH: Tie a high pony or a high bun to combat bad hair at the end of a long flight. Make sure you always carry a wide-tooth hair brush.

MINERAL WATER TOUCH-UP: Never add extra foundation or blush while touching up your make-up while travelling. Instead drizzle some mineral water and add a dash of moisturiser.

AVOID FOUNDATION: Skip foundation while travelling. Instead opt for a moisturiser or some light cream for a fresh and healthy look.

BE A NUDIST: Avoid bright coloured nail polish while travelling as it chips too easily and gives an unfinished look. Instead go for a neutral, sheer or a nude hue that won’t attract attention even if it chips.

CLEANSER’S YOUR MATE: If you can carry just a single skin care

item from home go for a cleanser. A change in the cleanser can affect the skin’s acid balance and result in breakouts.

HANDS OFF YOUR FACE: Your hands carry bacteria. Don’t touch your skin while travelling to avoid breakouts.

Before applying make-up use an antibacterial handwash.

NO EYE MAKE-UP: Skip any eye make-up like mascara and shadow while travelling. You will love your naked eyes.

DON’T STICK TO LIPSTICK: People prefer using a long-lasting lipstick while travelling but this dehydrates lips. Applying gloss instead will keep them supple.

NO ORNAMENTS: Never opt for heavy ornaments during journey, specially a long one. It can cause allergic skin reactions.

— The author is a make-over artist

EYETOEYE

Sunglasses are no fashion accessories.

Make them an everyday essential for protection against UV rays

ur eyes are extremely light-sensitive and can be easily damaged by overexposure to radiation in the visible and non-visible spectra. Bright sunlight can merely be a distraction but extended exposure to it can cause soreness, headaches or some times permanent damage to the lens, retina and cornea. Short-term effects of sun exposure include a temporary reduction in vision, known as welder’s flash or snow blindness, while long term effects could be cataracts and loss of night vision. In both these cases, the damage is caused by ultra-violet (UV) light, which literally burns the surface of the cornea. Sunglasses reduce the glare of the sunlight and protect our eyes from dust, wind and harmful UV rays. Eyes experience less squinting and pain while wearing them. That’s why sunglasses are no seasonal or fashion accessory.

Hundred percent UV protection is vital for sunglasses because without them, eyes can develop problems in just a few hours. While buying sunglasses, make sure the chosen pair is close-fitting and covers the entire eye area including eye-lids to block UV rays from filtering in from the top and sides.

Sunglasses bigger in size are better as they provide larger surface protection. Avoid smaller, shallow frames. A small sticker or label on the product tells you if it is UV400 or offers 100 per cent UV protection. If it doesn’t, don’t buy. Your sunglasses must also suit your face cut. Pick a frame shape opposite to that of your face. If you have a square face, then pick circular frames. Also pick a cool tone and coordinate the colour with your hair and your skin tone.

— Courtesy: Lenskart.com

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SQUARE FACE FRAMES TO TRY (√) o Oval and round frames o Glasses with temples that are centre-set or that connect at the top of the frame o Butterfly-shaped glasses United Colors Of Benetton Designer Black Aviator Unisex Sunglasses `3,990

(√)

OVAL FACE FRAMES TO TRY (√) o Most frame shapes work with oval faces. o Square, rectangular and geometric shapes which add angles to soft curves Gucci Square sunglasses `11,398 FRAMES TO AVOID (×) o Frames too large or small for your features.

(√) (×)

FRAMES TO AVOID (×) o Geometric and square shaped frames that accentuate angles of the face o Low-set temples or colour accents on the bottom of the frames that draw emphasis to the chin

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DIAMOND FACE FRAMES TO TRY (√) o Upswept styles like cat eye that emphasise the cheek bones. o Oval frames that maintain balance. o Rimless styles that allow cheek bones to shine.

Tom Ford Bug Eye `20,849 FRAMES TO AVOID (×) o Narrow frames that draw attention to narrow eye line.

ROUND FACE

(√)

(×)

HEART FACE

FRAMES TO TRY (√) o Angular and geometric frames that sharpen features o Rectangular and horizontal styles that make faces appear longer and thinner o Upswept frames that draw attention to top of the face o With temples that connect at the top to add length Fendi Bug Eye `18,040

FRAMES TO TRY (√) o Semi-rimless frames that accentuate the upper face. o Top-heavy styles that balance the width of the jaw. o Frame bottoms that angle inward.

Christian Dior Brown `5,000

FRAMES TO AVOID (×) o Small frames that are out of proportion. o Short frames that accentuate face length.

FRAMES TO AVOID (×) o Low-set temples that widen the jaw. o Narrow frames that are out of proportion.

(×) (×) (√)

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JEWELLERY

o Since comfort is paramount on vacation, the idea should be to pack minimal and still look great.

Casual and playful stuff is the ideal choice here. o Versatile and convertible pieces, which can be mixed and matched, not only serve as more than one piece of jewellery but also make packing easy. o Sometimes when you have to wear shorts, skirts or a summer dress, anklets are barefoot bliss.

They also look fabulous on a beach vacation. o Lightweight pearl earrings add class and

Packing the right jewellery for a vacation is always a dillemma. AKASSH K AGGARWAL makes things easy

sophistication without getting in your way while navigating through airports. o Trendy hoop earrings or studs with a pop of colour lend a modern and summery edge to a simple or classic outfit. It’s way easier than packing another dress. o Everyday baubles like a simple ring or a gold chain too, are good travel accessories. But anything with high monetary and sentimental value should stay at home. — The author is a jewellery designer

Dramatic and stylish is the Disney collection.

PRICE: `500 onwards AVAILABLE AT: All leading e-commerce sites

A little tropical flair in tangerines, pinks and zippy blues.

PRICE: `600 onwards AVAILABLE AT: www.Eristona.com

A refreshing touch of cool diamonds for the hot season.

PRICE: On request AVAILABILITY: http://www.shreemjeweler.com/

Lightweight, fabric wrapped bead necklaces specially for summer.

PRICE: `650 AVAILABILITY: http://www.saiesta.com/

Pearl elegance everyday.

PRICE: On request AVAILABILITY: 2633, Bank Street, Karol Bagh, New Delhi

Diamond pieces for luxury connoisseurs.

PRICE: On request AVAILABILITY: http://www.zoya.in

TRAVEL

A pair of shoes and an appetite to experiment are all you need to see China in a new light, says AMBA SUHASINI JHALA

Culture trail on

chopsticks ever in my wildest dreams had I ever thought of travelling to China. And that’s an honest admission. Despite the fact that it seems to be in the news almost every day of the week, China — impossibly vast and fascinatingly diverse — remains a travel destination with an unquestionable mystique. I mean, how much do we really know about this country that is a fifth of the world’s population?

For instance, did you know the mortar used to bind the Great Wall’s stones was made with sticky rice! I knew very little and since I had learned troves from travelling to places, I decided to go to a place I knew nothing about. And which, let’s be honest, scared me a little bit. I had heard

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all these stories and read so many articles and I still hadn’t even been able to scratch the surface of this country that squeezed five time zones into one.

TRAVEL (clockwise) Octopus on a stick; the picnic snatchers; at ShuiGao Farland and Park; kebabs like ours

So I packed up my bags, waved zài jiàn to my rather startled family and jumped aboard the Air China flight to Beijing. Needless to say, I had my fair share of prejudices and stereotypes about China and its ways. I mean, from being one of the four most ancient civilisations in the world to becoming a veritable super power, China was an undeniable conundrum for me. nd the most intriguing thing, without doubt, was its food. China uses 45 billion chopsticks per year. This is a country serious about its food.

I landed in Beijing and decided to head to Tianjin, China’s third largest city. Its name means “the place where the emperor crossed the river.” My first impression of China was its sheer size. A huge vastness that just went on for miles and miles. And Tianjin was a microcosmic example

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TRAVEL

of this China: it was like a world in miniature with all nationalities, architectural styles and kitchens. here wasn’t history at every turn — three decades of perpetual development and socialist townplanning have taken their toll — but travel selectively in China and rich seams of antiquity await exploration. With tumble-down chunks of the Great Wall, mist-wreathed, templetopped mountains, quaint wood block making villages, dainty little tea houses passed down the family for generations, China insists on a few requirements: a well-made pair of travelling shoes and a strong stomach for all kinds of experimenting.

Ice cream was invented in Tianjin around 2000 BC. The first ice cream was soft milk and rice mixture packed in the snow. And you can still get green bean flavoured ice lollies which are simply delicious.

I’ve eaten Chinese food in a few different parts of the world: London, Delhi, Zurich (Switzerland), Paris and Dublin. And I have never enjoyed it. I just could not figure out the appeal. When you eat Chinese food in China, however, it’s a whole new ball game. I never

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TRAVEL

(clockwise) Shi Mansion; Five Avenue area; ancient Cultural Street; on the Hai He river cruise at Tianjin

thought I’d say this but it was DELICIOUS. It tasted nothing like the MSG-infused fried food that I had eaten.

In fact, Chinese food, when authentic, is probably the healthiest food in the world.

China is a country with a 1,000-year-long history of ritual and etiquette and eating is an important feature of China’s culture, so naturally dining etiquette has been exquisitely refined.

Most restaurants have a private room that can be booked for large or small groups. The tables are circular, so everyone can conveniently face one another. With a motorised lazy Susan in the middle. And unless you’re the chopstickwielding version of Edward Scissorhands, be prepared to let some food slip by as you struggle desperately to pincer a water chestnut. Never ever use your fingers or stab your food with chopstick — food that has chopsticks stuck in them are offerings to the dead. hinese dining etiquette is built on tradition, not dexterity. And the Chinese believe it is inhospitable if anything runs out at the table. So dish upon fascinating dish is served until you are fit to burst. So even if you miss a few times, you’ll still have enough.

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(Clockwise) At Tianjin Eye; flying kites at Binhai Aircraft theme park to commemorate Qing Ming Day or Tomb sweeping day; the Binhai Aircraft Theme Park is modelled after Ukraine; an adorable girl offers her pretty candy

Tea (of all kinds) is drunk through the course of the meal. It helps with digestion, and trust me you need it. Your host or members of your dinner party will regularly refill the cups of those around them, who tap the table in response. The tapping is a show of thanks.

According to a legend, there was once an emperor who regularly impersonated a commoner in order to get acquainted with his people. One night, while at a teahouse, the emperor poured tea for his accompanying servant. Traditionally, the servant would have kneeled down to show respect but that would have betrayed the emperor’s identity, so he tapped the table instead. nother interesting tidbit I picked up was that fish was always to be served whole.

And never flipped over — that implies that you’ve capsized the boat. The fish symbolises the boat, by turning it over, you’re casting the hapless fishermen into Davy Jones’ locker.

After Tianjin, I travelled to Nanjing, Shanghai’s satellite town. Nanjing means “southern capital” (versus Beijing meaning “northern capital”). It was one of the first cities awarded the title of “Famous Historic and Culture City” by the State Council.

Its speciality? The Jinling Boiled Salted Duck.

With a history of over 1,000 years, it is also known as the “Osmanthus flower duck” or meat that is endowed with the fragrance of the osmanthus flower.

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TRAVEL Spellbinding martial arts performance at the Huo Yuanjia School of Martial arts; and Yangliuqing wood block painting

ut the Chinese rice wine which I discovered here really took the cake.

With an average alcohol content of 50 per cent and above, it is not for the faint of heart. It is served in tiny porcelain cups and the traditional way to drink it is to toast someone by lifting your cup to them and then downing it. But the important part: You must tilt your empty cup towards them to show that it is finished — which implies that you are an honest person, true to your word.

We drank far more than was necessary, of course.

I loved the history of China, its people and its customs. But what bought all of these together was truly the food and how it was shared and eaten. It brought China to life for me. — The author, an avid traveller, is anchoring a new series Check-Out China on NDTV Good Times

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Cut the

clichés The historic town of Hansi and its two sons of the soil reveal there’s more to the Haryana badlands than just blood-thirsting khaps and regressive Jats

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Asigarh Fort and Badsi Gate

ooking for a needle in a haystack and finding the farmer’s daughter there, if that’s what they call serendipity, I was truly having my moment or hours of it. The farmer’s daughter, in this case, were the remains of an ancient city and a simple school teacher who has devoted his life to unravelling and preserving the history of his town.

I couldn’t help but be delighted at my luck for having discovered the two when just a day back even finding a soul who had heard of Hansi seemed difficult.

Jagdish Saini was a friend’s reference. He has written a book on the place, I was told. I took the number with the seriousness with which I take today’s dime a dozen writers and called on it an hour after I landed in Hansi, a historic town 87 km ahead of Rohtak. We decided to meet the next

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day at Badsi Gate, one of the five gates — Hisar, Dilli, Gosain and Umar — that once formed the city’s defences. The next morning as my photographer and I waited at the spot, my guide, an avuncular figure with a camera slung on his shoulders, emerged from behind the crowd and led us inside the gate, which forms the ramparts of the Hansi fort.

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IRISH ROYAL RETREAT uilt by Alauddin Khilji, Badsi Gate today is the centre of the busy bazaar as the city sprawls around it. An inscription in Persian on the 30 metre-high imposing structure dates it back to 1304 AD. Though Hansi is believed to have been founded by Anang Pal, the Tomar king of Delhi, Saini said its most important monument, the Asigarh Fort was built by Prithivraj Chauhan. Hansi is said to be a distortion of Asi, the Sanskrit for sword, the most famous export of the town to the Middle East in the 12th century.

Stepping inside the gate, we passed by stables, the fort entrance and vast stretches of flat land around which ran a flight of brick stairs. From the claustrophic din of crowded town, this was a refreshingly secluded world where young boys played cricket, sat chatting or just enjoying a quick puff under the sun. But the much heard of fort seemed illusive.

Turns out a famine in 1783 resulted in Hansi being deserted. The settlement was revived in 1798 by George Thomas, an Irish sailor, who after

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serving as a mercenary in several royalties, set up his kingdom here, thus becoming the only European to rule an Indian principality independently for a decade! Thomas made several additions to the fort, obviously inviting the East India Company ire. His reign got over with the Battle of Hansi in December 1801, when the British along with the Scindias forced him to

surrender. The Scindia guns in this battle caused great damage to the once-impenetrable fort.

And from what appears now, left nothing of it.

Thomas left the town for his country but died midway in Behrampur.

Saini is working on a book on Thomas and spoke about the man with

great passion. At his home later, I saw a library stacked with books, archival material and documents related to Thomas. Expectedly, he was a wee bit disappointed with my fascination with another of Hansi’s legends, Colonel James Skinner, son of a British soldier and a Rajput woman (pardon my lack of information about George Thomas, Sainiji).

Ruins of the fort. (Top) View of Hansi town from the fort

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Sultanate period mosque inside the fort

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WHITE HINDUSTANI magine my surprise when Saini revealed the link between the two — Col Skinner, it turns out, was present during the siege of Hansi, fighting on the Scindia side. In fact, the best available details of the battle are his memoirs. It was in 1803 when the British set up a cantonment here that Col Skinner founded the two Skinner’s Horse regiments, which are still part of the Indian Army’s cavalry units.

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Sadly, little remains of Skinner’s (fondly known as Sikandar Sahab in the region) legacy today except for derelict tombs of his two wives.

His Mem ka bagh residence and a fortress in Dhana village have been replaced with new constructions. Even in the villages — Alakhpur, Anipur and Sikandarpur that he set up (after son Alex, daughter Annie and himself ) — nobody remembers their real owner.

Tombs of Skinner’s wives

British jail inside the fort

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HOWTOGETTHERE ansi is situated on NH10 (Delhi to Hisar) around 130 km from Delhi, which makes it an ideal weekend getaway. The best way to reach Hansi from Delhi is by car or bus. The journey takes around three hours.

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STEEPED IN ANTIQUITY ut availability of recent accounts hardly takes away from Hansi’s historic importance, says Saini. Certainly not when it goes back well into the Harappan era. Excavations carried out a decade ago and ongoing research in Rakhigarhi area, point to the existence of a Harappan era site bigger in size than even Mohenjedaro and Harappa.

There are also indications of the region being the location of the mythical river Saraswati. Subsequent excavations, most of which were carried out following Saini’s persistent efforts, throw up relics of the Indus Valley civilisation, Mahabharat period and reigns of Kushans, Tomars, Chauhans, Sultanate and the Mughals. This is the place where Raziya Sultan was murdered and Baba Farid spent 12 years of his life meditating. Said to have been a Jain

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Jain relics excavated from the fort

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Sultanate period stables with Jain era pillars

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(inset) An ancient clay oven in the mosque; Jagdish Saini; an old tomb

as well as a Sufi stronghold at different points, the town is littered with Jain religious relics and monuments, as well as khanqahs and dargahs — all wasting away gradually. It breaks your heart to see modern buildings use up ancient bricks and intricately carved pillars, and stunning frescoes whitewashed inside dargahs. Amid administrative and public apathy, Saini appears like the only beacon of hope — a rare Jat who researches, preserves and records the history of his hometown for anyone who cares.

Dargah Char Qutub

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TRAVEL WelcomHeritage Sheikhpura Kothi

BREAK THE STEREOTYPES y Jat stereotypes, in fact, got a more serious correction at WelcomHeritage Sheikhpura Kothi, a 150-year-old French chateau set amid a 100-acre wheat farm and an orchard with fragrant lemon blooms. Built by Seth Sir Chhajuram Lamba, a leading jute merchant, stock broker and philanthropist of Calcutta of pre-independence India, as his native home, it is the only building in the country for which special permission was sought from the Privy Council in England since residences of ordinary citizens back then could not have high concrete ceilings and pillars. Designed by a European

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architect, the white marble building is now counted among the best heritage hotels in Hisar. It has six rooms and suites maintained with antique decor, a multi-cuisine restaurant, pool, a well-stocked library, a billiards room and conference facilities for corporate travellers. Despite coming from a poor family of farmers, Lamba was a visionary who made his fortune through education, hard work and superb business acumen. Early in life, he realised the importance of education and his real achievement lies in how he promoted it in the area by building hostels, school, colleges and libraries, and financing needy students, some of whom like Sir Chhotu Ram went on to do bigger things.

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Parisian style statement Designer GAUTAM GUPTA shares why Paris is his favourite city

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ne has to really travel and get lost in Paris to understand why it is called the fashion capital of the world. On my maiden trip, I fell in love with the city and its sense of fashion. Never in my life before had I seen fashion everywhere — on the streets, in museums, shops, cafes, bars and just about everywhere.

Parisians are so effortlessly stylish and they just carry themselves with such ease that you end up ignoring their natural arrogance and unfriendly hospitality.

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And that’s a lesson I would want people in India to learn — Be Yourself. I really feel we try to overdo a lot of times. We are very conscious as a country and this is the reason we dress to be someone we are not. At any fashion fair in Paris, you can see people wearing fashion in a minimal way and yet making statements as compared to lot of people I see in our fashion weeks.

The art and style is incorporated even in the smallest coffee shops there. One can just sit outside those cafes with a favourite book taking in the amazing smell of coffee beans and bakery and

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stay mesmerised for hours. uring my stay, I visited two museums — The Lourve, Musée d’Orsay and the Palace of Versailes — and I have to say the locals really value their art and the artisans. This is the other practice we have to emulate here. It is one of the reasons why a lot of designers work in Paris or showcase their work in the city.

Creativity is respected and applauded in the French capital, encouraging one to think infinitely.

During my interactions with the Parisians, I learnt that India has a strong presence in France as a country of impeccable vintage art and craft, a country of colours and of various cultures. They respect our handloom and handcraft and envy us for it.

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t night, the city is abuzz with bars and dine out place with endless cuisine options spoiling you for choice. I particularly recommend the amazing dance club, Wanderlust. The experience there is real fun. A local dance group was partying while we were there and they performed a small session of zoomba for us. With people so open and friendly, it is hard not to break free and party with them till the wee hours.

You can’t go to Paris and not shop. I always have a long list of must buys on each trip. I particularly recommend Grand Magasins on Boulevard Haussmann, Rue Tronchet and La Madeleine for the best deals. The street is quite electric in itself. I also saw a lot of small boutiques and studios on the way. Some of them had great stuff displayed, reaffirming my belief that fashion is just not on the runway. Is it a wonder then that my heart yearns to get more of Paris?

Yours would too.

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The

divine

consort

As presiding deity of the second richest Hindu temple in the world, Lord Venkateswara, is the one devotees queue up to be with. But beyond his temple, Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh is an aesthetic little smart city that nurtures everything that’s good about religion and life

by RITU PANDEY Photos SANJEEV KUMAR

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STEP-BY-STEP: The hundis are ubiquitous in Tirupati. Reaffirming its reputation as the second richest Hindu temple in the world. But it’s the mythological significance of the place that remains largely unknown. Like why is the presiding deity of Tirumala referred to as “Tiru pati” or “the divine consort?”

Turns out an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Sri Venkateswara married Padmawati in Tirupati and settled down as a family man in the hills of Tirumala repaying the huge loan he took from Kubera, the lord of wealth, for the nuptial.

Scores trace his footsteps everyday helping him monetarily while looking for their own familial happiness.

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PILGRIM’S PROGRESS: Tirupati is the preferred spot for several Hindu rites of passage like weddings, initiation and mundan. The starting point of the pilgrimage is Alipiri, from where it’s a 3,500-steps climb to the shrine, which takes about four hours. Marking the steps with haldi-kumkum and burning camphor is a ritual but devotees make the walk unique — postrating, on their knees...

Tirupati is also known as the “Temple of Seven Hills” and the route through these hills is marked with gateways, small shrines as well as a deer park.

Though believed to be the land of Sri Venkateswara, the Seshachalem forest atop these hills is a dangerous territory. It is world’s primary source of red sandalwood and recently made news for the alleged encounter of 20 smugglers. The temple town too doubles up as the local hub of both smugglers and anti-smuggling forces.

Monsoon is the best time to enjoy this verdant wild when it’s all gushing waterfalls and mist.

NO WORSHIP WORRIES: As the main deity of the land, Balaji has his own set of legends related to Tirupati. Which makes it a town of some really historic temples. So Govindarajaswami Temple is the abode of his brother, Padmavathi Ammavari Temple of his wife and Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple is where he got married. While the black rock cut architecture of all these shrines is stunning, what impresses you the most is their size, cleanliness and management of crowd. There are queues and tickets at most places, which keeps things a lot organised. The temple town of Kalhasti, a few kilometres away, is a centre for the Kalamkari hand-painted textiles.

TOGETTHERE AIR: Tirupati Airport is located 15 km from the city centre and has regular flights to Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam.

Chennai is the closest international airport 130 km away.

RAIL: Tirupati Main is the primary railway station serving the city.

ROAD: Sri Hari bus station is one of the largest in the state and has direct buses to major towns across South India. There is a bus terminal at Alipiri for buses to Tirumala. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam also runs free buses from railway station and Central bus stand to Alipiri.

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CITYSCAPE: But the riches of the holy abode of Lord Venkateswara aren’t just limited to the beautification of Tirumala. In fact, their investment goes in the better upkeep of the hills and beyond. Like most of Tirumala’s energy needs are met through solar, water and wind power. Good accomodation is available for as little as `50 along with free transport and food.

Tirupati, in the foothills, too has sufficient water and power, an airport, good colleges, well maintained public places as well as a proposed metro-rail. But along side all these urban amenities, it’s the town’s amazing sense of aesthetics, heritage and most importantly ORDER that really makes it Tirupati stand out among temple towns across India. In fact, the municipal attention to sanitation and public acceptance of queues here can be an eye-opener for most North Indians. Stroll down MG Road any time of the day and the scent of jasmine and colour of button roses and tulsi hold you at every step. And history springs up unexpectedly in the form of old chaultries and mutts with stunning wood work amid fancy stores and restaurants. It is all this that won Tirupati the Best Heritage City award in 2012-13. Turns out, modernity has settled here just as easily.

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IN THE LAP OF LUXURY: Pilgrimage, once was a long, arduous journey usually taken for a devotional purpose at the fag end of life when one was free of responsibilities. Improvement in modes of commute and other amenities turned it into a convenience. But augmented hospitality services are taking things to the next level.

“Luxe Nirvana” as they call it, does not require a pilgrim to give up on material comforts. “At Marasa Sarovar Premiere in Tirupati, people can go about their spiritual pursuits sitting in the lap of luxury,” says general manager Rishu Roshan.

So you follow up your temple trail with a nice swim, a relaxing spa, some amazing veg and non-veg food from across the world and then gymming to shed the piled up calories. The new hotel from East Africa-based Madhwani Group is

themed around Dashavatar to go with the mythological temper of the town. Which is reflected in divinity-inspired aesthetics of the property. The swimming pool is Matsya (fish); Lotus cafe is Narsimha (half lion/half man); indoor games area Varaah (boar); fitness centre Parashuram (axe); vegetarian restaurant Krishna; spa Buddha and so on. The hotel where brass dokra and golden Kalamkari murals fill up the walls, has 121 rooms, suites and three board rooms, which are running packed these days thanks to the summer rush.

With Tirupati set to become a major revenue generator for the newly bifurcated Andhra state, the luxury hotel industry is eyeing a bigger share of the region’s spiritual tourist pie. Marasa Sarovar Premiere, overlooking the Tirumala hills, is likely to take the lead.

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KUSHAN MITRA

he Audi TT has always been a special little car, a great sports car albeit not all the way high up in the pantheon of sports cars. But consider it in a class with the Porsche Boxster and technically that is its only competition in India and it does not fare too badly. But the latest generation of the Audi TT is a class apart and although there are other very nice, even sporty cars in its price bracket, as a package this car is almost impossible to beat.

Audi makes good cars and their permanent four-wheel drive system “Quattro” has always made their cars incredibly easy to drive. And frankly, despite the car’s acceleration being frightening to the unprepared, the TT does not misbehave even when pushed hard. Maybe that is not coming out quite right.

What I mean to say is that the latest generation Audi TT can push the limits even of grip, if you know what you are doing. Think of it like this, the car is willing to be a bit naughty if you want it to be naughty but it does not want to

T Auto & tech expert

A fine sports car, Audi TT Coupe just drives into your heart with its virtual brilliance

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HOTWHEELS

actively harm you, let alone kill you. And while the acceleration is frightening, if you decide to use the incredibly responsive flappy-paddle gearbox and have the back straight of the Budh Circuit at your disposal, the car can manage 0-100 kilometres per hour in 5.3 seconds, all the way until a top speed of 250 kmph. And as we have

indicated, if turned into a corner hard with a quick movement of the hands, the Quattro system recats brilliantly. his is all very surprising when you consider that the Audi TT is neither very expensive nor has an incredibly stupid amount of horsepower at its disposal. Audi does sell cars such as the manic RS7 Sportback with over 550 horsepower but the light, agile TT is like a welterweight boxer, it doesn’t need the power of a heavyweight. The 230 horsepower from its blown 2-litre petrol engine is more than adequate.

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ven better though is the fact that because the Audi TT does not have a silly amount

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of power, it is actually quite easy to live with on the city streets. Sure, at night with the sharp LED headlights and taillights on you, it will attract a fair bit of attention but keep the gear-lever in “normal” mode and the car does pretty well. It is also fairly unfazed by most of what city roads throw at it, so the bad roads and potholes are dealt with fairly well. Not as smoothly as say a sedan such as the Audi A6 would handle it but believe me a sedan would not turn into corners the way this car does.

The Audi TT is a very good car and a real pleasure to drive, as long as you drive with a single passenger and no one at the back. The rear bench in the TT is designed for really short people and storage space, well a couple of small overnight airbags or a large carry-on size strolley but not much more than that. But when you buy a coupe, you really shouldn’t expect things like storage space and rear legroom. Fact is, the front passenger and the driver are extremely comfortable and in a car like this that is what matters.

HOTWHEELS AUDI TT VITAL STATS 2+2 SEATER 2.0 TURBOCHARGED PETROL ENGINE WITH 230HP POWER/370NM TORQUE 0-100 KMPH IN 5.3 SECONDS TOP SPEED 250KMPH

ow that the easy bit, the mechanical handling, has been dealt with, let me come to the part of the Audi TT that really impressed us, the “Virtual Cockpit.” Other cars have had digital displays before and most are coupled with some physical element. But the TT takes this a step further. The entire instrument cluster has been replaced by a 12-inch screen. And to couple this review with a review say of a mobile phone, this screen is powered by its own Nvidia Tegra processor. What is utterly brilliant, and we must admit if this is the direction that future cars are headed, we like it, is that the screen changes depending on what you want.

So say you want to see your speed and rev counter full size, great that is the default setting, but what if you want directions and want to see a full-size map. One press of a button on the steering wheel and voila, the screen changes.

Every thing is on the display, and while it is so

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addictive, at least at the start of a drive that your eyes are pointed lower than they should be, it is utter blast to use. With music, maps, even changing aspects of the car, your eyes are still pointed straight ahead, you don’t turn to the central console.

The same thing applies to the airconditioning vents — the controls, temperature, fan speed and so on are on the turbine-engine shaped vents. Brilliant and you do not need to look down, the traditional central command post has been replaced. And brilliantly well. Coupled with Apple CarPlay, the iPhone syncs brilliantly well to the system.

The TT maybe a fine car mechanically but digitally it is a different league. And for Rs 60.34 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi, it is a bit pricey but it is the world’s first iPad-generation car and is incredibly great fun. We only wish we had it for longer.

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Unlucky Ustad 54 EXOTICA / JUNE 2015

WILDLIFE

The raging “man-eater” debate around Ranthambore’s killer tiger T24 also raises questions about the implications of human intrusion into animal privacy

by NAVIN M RAHEJA ay 8 2015, after a day full of meetings and conferences, I was having dinner with my wife when M D Parashar called from Ranthambore.

As I picked up the call, Parashar told, "Ustad killed Rampal Saini". Unbelievably unfortunate! I started calling from the dinner table to the forest officials to get more details of the incident.

Ustad has been a prominent and fearless tiger of Ranthambore, generally known as T-24. He already had 3 deaths to his credit between 2010 and 2012; the last was reported in October 2012 when he killed assistant forest officer Ghisu Singh who was relieving himself behind a jungle bush.

I have kept my fingers crossed from the time it made its first human kill in June 2010. Though everyone labeled him a man-eater, I could at the most label him a man killer as it had never killed to eat.

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is last victim Rampal Saini was on a routine patrol with two other members in the evening of 8th May when T-24 attacked on him. The incident took place near Atal Sagar area, around 100 meters from the main entrance of the park. I remember Rampal Saini as a forest guard near Sherpur gate who would often share greetings whenever my car/gypsy crossed the barrier a little ahead after main entrance since last over 20 years.

Ustad was a dominant male of Zone No.1 of the park. Born to Tigress T-22 sometime in 2005 in Lahpur area of the park T-24 grew with his two brothers, T-23 and T - 25. Ustad has been the most ferocious, handsome and recently most photographed male tiger of Ranthambore, who had lost fear of human beings and had developed habit of venturing out of the forest quite regularly and could often be seen on the Ranthambore road, in the outskirts of Sawai Madhopur town.

Ustad has been a doting father and an honest spouse too. At times I spotted him with Noor (T-39), another magnificent tigress of the park. Ustad ji shared his territory with four year old Sultan from the first litter of Noor (T-39) and her two male cubs of

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NAVIN M RAHEJA, Chairman and Managing Director, Raheja Developers Limited, is a wildlife enthusiast and a passionate photographer.

In the past 35 years, he has made several contributions in the field of conservation at various levels. A former member of Project Tiger’s Steering Committee, under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, he worked persistently to ensure that the big cats survive in India. He is also Chairman, Wildlife Conservation Society of India. One with a holistic vision, Raheja believes that development and protection of environment can happen simultaneously.

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fourteen month old. At times, all of them could seldom be seen together too.I was always comfortable while filming and photographing him from a close distance from my gypsy as I always believed him to be magnanimous and harmless. I believe, the killings by him were more territorial, circumstantial and instinctive rather than targeted human killings. share equal sympathy with families of Saini and other victims but I am still defending Ustad‌ Yes! I am, not because for my love towards tigers but for I have got some fair logics.

The road to famous Ganesh temple inside the park was a part of his territory. Every year, lacs of pilgrims visit the temple but there were no cases of him attacking a pilgrim. In fact, the last case of him killing a human was of 2012. No casualties were reported after that. I am sure something might have really gone wrong that provoked Ustad.

When I called Shri Y K Sahu, the chief conservator at Ranthambore Tiger reserve on the

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evening of May 12, we had a detailed discussion on on his fate and the fate of his two two fourteen month old cubs from Noor and for his elder son Sultan. In case T-24 was shifted his territory was likely to be overtaken by other male may be T-25 or T-34 or T-28. s both the cubs of Noor were males, she alone cannot defend her two new cubs ‌ and for now Sultan seems to be no match to be able to defend the territory and chances are Noor and Sultan might get injured or killed in a male territorial fight. But we also discussed and recalled when T-24 had killed the 18 year old young boy Ghamandi on July 3 2010. The uncontrollable mob was ready to lynch even the local SHO when he tried to defend forest officers for retrieving the partly eaten body of the boy.

Unfortunately the risks weighed more against Ustad. Our discussion ended with leaving the things to the committee constituted by the forest minister Shri Rajkumar Rinwa. I am a tiger lover but my

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only point is, Tiger needs space to survive, and we humans must respect their privacy.

Deputy Field director Sudarshan Sharma was keeping an eye on the movements of Ustad.

While all the debates were going on in the media whether Ustad will be relocated, the committee has discretely sealed the fate of his freedom. On the morning of May 16, Ustad was sauntering in his territory when forest officials tranquilized him. As the tourist came out of the park he was picked up in a swift and secret operation. No one even knew while the poor fellow found himself in one hectare enclosure of Sajjangarh Biological Park Udaipur after the darkness has set in. Sadly his freedom is over in Ranthambore. ne of my most memorable encounters with T-24 was of a monsoon evening while I was having a drink in the lawn of Jhumar Baodi- the RTDC run heritage Haveli situated within a short distance of the park. It was still two hours to midnight and silence had crept in unannounced, as it usually does in places situated near a forest. Suddenly, a spotted deer gave an alarm call some half a kilometer away. Nevertheless, a single deer call is enough to arouse a wild-lifer and I am no exception.

Ten minutes later, a sambhar made another alarm call and was joined by one more sambhar call.

Then I heard that unmistakable sound which all wildlife lovers yearn for in a forest; the deep growl of a tiger. “Looks like T24 is around.”

I immediately bolted to the first-floor terrace

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of Jhoomar Baodi, to its very edge from where it is possible to look at the ground outside the main entrance, right until the wide parking lot situated some 70 m away on a downward slope. Luckily, I was armed with my high-powered torch. y patience was finally rewarded.

The third growl reached my ears after 10 minutes or so and almost instantaneously my thumb — as if acting on its own volition — pressed the yellow knob on the torch. The parking lot was awash with white light and in the middle stood T24. He threw one carefree look in my direction, turned back and vanished into the darkness – the darkness which will never come alive again.

Unfortunately, T-24 bore the brunt just because it had history of conflicts with humans. It's heartbreaking; I will not have any more encounters with him. What will happen to Sultan, Noor and its two male cubs of just 14 months now? Well, time and destiney will take its course. Ustad is sentenced to life imprisonment, for he was intolerant and had repeatedly objected to too close intrusion into his life and privacy. His freedom of hundreds of square kilometers is caged into less than a hectare and a prison cage cell of a few square feet.

(For already published stories and films on wildlife which have run on National Geographic channel, Doordarshan National channel and Doordarshan (India), please log on to www.rahejagroup.org)

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FOOD

Pitching junk food as a healthy and gourmet meal option, premium foreign food chains queue up in India making their first halt in Delhi

by RITU PANDEY all it a ripple effect of the beef ban in Maharashtra. Wendy’s, the third-largest hamburger chain by sales in the US after McDonald’s and Burger King, has dropped beef from its menu for its India debut. The decision means the chain is not serving its standard Dave’s Hot ‘n Juicy Triple or any other burgers with beef at its first outlet in Delhi.

Instead, Wendy’s has crafted a new menu for the country’s largely-vegetarian consumers, ranging from spinach-and-corn burgers to those stuffed with standard potato patties, falafel and

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mushrooms. Meat lovers can choose from nine chicken and two lamb burgers. Bacon on the menu is in the form of Baconator, the burger that uses chicken patties instead of beef.

“During our two-year long research with the Wendy’s team, we discovered that what the Indian consumer wants is real quality and distinctive, great-tasting menu choices at an affordable price.

While staying true to Wendy’s values, we’re customising the brand experience to make it relevant to 2015 India,” says Sanjay Chhabra, one of the directors of Sierra Nevada Restaurants, franchisee owners of Wendy’s in India.

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FOOD

LOCAL FLAVOUR

FAST FOOD FACTOR

endy’s comes to India six months after Burger King arrived here minus its signature beef Whoppers but received warm welcome thanks to innovations like online sale on eBay. Another US chain, Fatburger, which opened at Cyber Hub Gurgaon a little earlier, too, has specially designed vegetarian burgers in options like bean and soy.

If localisation is the key for foreign food chains to unlock traditional markets like India, that key is becoming bigger in an oversupplied and increasingly competitive quick-service restaurant (QSR) segment that is meat-sensitive and is also turning healthconscious. McDonald’s, the oldest and biggest player in the segment, already has all-vegetarian outlets in the temple towns of Amritsar and Katra and has recently even started giving choice of buns in West and South India.

And the competition isn’t just from burger chains. Indians’ growing fancy for stuffed bread is such that it’s the only country where American chain Dunkin’ Donuts hardsells burgers, pushing back its mainstay, donuts.

e are witnessing a ‘Burger Revolution’ in our country, a phenomenon parallel to what was witnessed in the pizza and pasta category a decade ago,” says Sam Chopra, group chairman and founder of CybizCorp of Carl’s Jr India, that is scheduled to arrive in Delhi soon.

However, to avoid any junk food associations with the product for the health-conscious consumer, the stress is on trimming it off its fatty frills. Hence Carl’s Jr’s menu is likely to include a

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But what distinguishes a burger as premium or gourmet? “The term ‘premium’ refers to simply high quality ingredients and cooking whereas ‘gourmet’ refers to all that is premium plus inclusion of exotic ingredients — kobe, angus, foie gras, truffles, venison, wild boar, lobster, caviar, porto bello, porcini, morels, brioche, etc — in a quantity which contributes to the overall quality of the product. Simply put, all gourmet burgers are premium but not all premium burgers are gourmet,” explains chef Bakshish Dean, CEO, Prime Gourmet, owner of Johnny Rockets restaurant franchisee in India. The hamburger chain, which launched last year in Delhi, is marketing its burgers as “a complete meal and not a snack.”

range of specially-designed products for the Indian palate along with its premium-quality charbroiled burgers. Fatburger is already focussing its marketing on “freshly made-to-order gourmet burgers,” says CEO Andy Wiederhorn (See box).

whether the country is ready for such a largescale QSR intrusion. Chopra and Emil Brolick, Wendy’s CEO, cite factors such as rising incomes and growing discretionary spending to reply in the affirmative. But more than it could be the Crisil report predicting that the `60-billion worth India’s QSR market is expected to grow 26 per cent annually to touch `117 billion by 2017. Chef Bakshish Dean, however, differs. “The average annual growth of the QSR segment in India is pegged at 28 per cent, which is phenomenal if you compare it to the 3-4 per cent or lower in countries from which these chains are coming.

With business within their country slowing, India is the new playground. However, at this point I would say, only the tier I and tier II cities in India have ready markets for this business. Large-scale QSR intrusion will take another decade or more,” he concludes.

QSR QUESTION o with innovative marketing strategies that pitch their gourmet burgers in Indianised flavours not as snack but complete meal options, as premium foreign food chains make a beeline for India (curiously all making their first stopover in Delhi), one can’t help but wonder

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A CLICK AWAY Taste and health can go hand-in-hand.

Eatonomist, a Gurgaon-based online food delivery service, shows us how

ealthy or calorie-counted food often reminds of you those mundane salads or diet meals which make it difficult for you to stick to your healthy schedule. But Eatonomist, a new online meal delivery service put together by two exmanagement consultants, Anisha and Nupur in Gurgaon, is more than just that.

“Our quest was to make Eatonomist a way of life,” says Nupur. “For, where would you find a mutton rogan josh made under 500 calories?” she questions. Eatonomist, she shares, comes with a vision wherein a customer gets hooked to the flavours and doesn’t think twice before reaching out for his/her favourite fast food joint’s number to place an order.

HOW IT WORKS: For starters, Eatonomist is an online delivery service, wherein a 10-day menu is put on display. The menu offers dishes under two calorie counts — 500 and 300 along with soups and salads. With that count, new dishes are displayed everyday taking the total count to over 80 dishes. All you have to do is log in, pre-order or order on the same day, select the dish, select the time and you have it delivered to your work or home. That’s as simple as it gets.

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atonomist also has on board a life coach (counsellor, fitness coach and health coach) along with a dietician to offer complete health and dietary solutions to the customers. The website has been planned to let every customer access their personalised page and profile and track their calorie count throughout the day. The life coach and dietician offer consultation and meal combinations to the consumers. So one can take care of his/her health sitting on the office desk and meet his/her fitness and health goals.

HOW IT STARTED: Having worked as management consultants, the duo realised that there was a big gap when it came to options for lunch while at work. It was either resorting to home food, which could get boring, or eating cafeteria food with around 700 calories and no portion control or stepping out to a restaurant, which was time consuming. “We had colleagues, bosses, friends and companions who would complain about the ‘limited’ options on a daily basis, especially those who were trying to watch their weight and yet remain healthy,” says Anisha.

One of the obvious challenges here was to figure out what would be healthy and yet tasty option to a normal and not so healthy avatar. So, they got an ex-Taj consultant and a nutritionist on board, went through a myriad of recipes and selected those that really worked.

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“We did not try to push boundaries with dishes like daal makhni etc because we realised that a daal makhni would not be a daal makhani without the makhan (butter). We twisted and adapted the recipes to meet the required calorie counts by substituting dairy creamers with nondairy creamers, high cholesterol oil with olive oil and flour with whole-wheat,” says Nupur.

In the process, they ended up creating innovative dishes such as the Veg Rogan Josh and the mock meat whole wheat spaghetti. They have kept equal options for both vegetarians and nonvegetarians and divided the menu into international and Indian cuisine, thereby ensuring that palates of all regions are satiated. The packaging, they tell us, has been carefully chosen and imported from Malaysia. The boxes are not made from recycled plastic and hence don’t emit any harmful rays when microwaved, they insist.

THE WAY FORWARD: As of now, Eatonomist delivers only in Gurgaon. They are looking for market space to open kiosks in high footfall areas. These kiosks would serve as small boutique stores where customers can come and pick up their meals for the day. The kiosks will have heating devices and the food will be prepared in a centralised kitchen. With this model they plan to expand to Delhi and Noida and then later to other cities such as Pune, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and others.

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Break away Musician son NISHCHAL ZAVERI leads TBZ jewellers to diversify into entertainment

by RITU PANDEY

MUSIC

OUT OF TUNE

WINNING STRAIN

budding musician in a business family is a typical black sheep. The more discouraged the better. Nishchal Zaveri, however, has been a fortunate exception. Scion of Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri Group of jewellers, he was introduced to music by his grandfather Kishorebhai Zaveri, who gifted him his first instrument, a tabla at the age of two. “I’m lucky that both my parents’ families, though deeply business-like, were very musically inclined.” At six, Nishchal started learning Hindustani Classical music and went on to graduate in vocal and tabla from Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad. He also studied piano at AR Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory in Chennai.

t was a risk but we were prepared,” says Nishchal. And it has paid off. This May, the studio picked up its first Indian Recording Arts Award for the best equipped mixing facility. Its productions like Winds of Samsara, a Ricky Kej and Wouter Kellerman collaboration, won a Grammy under the Best New Age Album category this year. “Recently, Nachom-ia Kumpasar (Let’s Dance to the Rhythm), a Konkani period film on the unsung musicians of Goa bagged two National awards. Work is now on for the music of ABCD II and Bajrangi Bhaijaan.”

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CREATIVE CORE CHORD OF HARMONY ith the harmony that existed between music and his family, it made sense that Nishchal’s career choice incorporated the two. It helped that his parents were equally keen to join in. So in 2012, armed with a degree in Music Production from Los Angeles Music Academy (LAMA) with President Roll of Honor, he landed in Mumbai to set up ENZY Studios, a state-of-the-art music recording and pre/ postproduction facility. But in a city crowded with music production facilities, what makes Enzy stand out? Well, it is among the two biggest (worth `600 crore) such units along side Yashraj Studios. It is also the first entertainment venture of TBZ group.

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ut then mixing music can be too mundane a job for someone who has a hand in everything from tabla to keyboard, piano, guitar, bass and drums. “I love making music. In the US, I was a part of two bands called OCE and EYM and also performed at events as DJ Enzy. So the running of the studio has been left to a trusted team while I compose,” says Nishchal whose two songs Raakh and Tham Ja are already a sensation on Youtube. “Two new qawwali compositions are ready but unreleased. We don’t want to sell them independently. We’re in talks to get them into a film, which are the biggest launchpads in India.”

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INCONVERSATION

The

wedding planner India’s leading couturier ROHIT BAL has partnered with J&S Events, a leading events company with over 15 years of experience, to create Rohit Bal Luxury Weddings & Events. We spoke to him about his journey

by NAVNEET MENDIRATTA

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INCONVERSATION

How it began: When the opportunity of wedding planning presented itself to me, I looked at it as an endeavour worth undertaking as it was a mutual symbiosis of two great minds — my aesthetics and work over time and J&S events with their vast experience of managing and executing events all around the world over the past 20 years. Also, all of us have been friends for a while and I believe when two creative minds meet, beautiful things are manifested. The company Rohit Bal Luxury Weddings and Events was thus set up in December 2013.

A space beyond fashion: To put it simply, design is design whether it is to do with Sagrados in Goa, fabricating attires for my shows or establishing sets and themes for a wedding. The fundamentals and aesthetics remain the same and the transformations happen according to the project in hand. So the two have a very definite close association, as the quintessential elegance that I try to deliver through my clothes on the runway is the same that I hope to propagate through my wedding designs and decor.

Challenges in the luxury wedding market in India: Achieving the level of perfection in accordance with the high standards maintained at RBLWE down to the last look and finish of every small detailing in layout and design of chairs and tables, flowers and accessory arrangements requires constant vigil and alertness which can definitely pose as a challenge in this particular industry. A very strong creative vision is required to convince clients that what you want to create for them is going to be spectacular, especially since luxury weddings involve big investments. This, I feel, is always going to stimulate a challenge.

Services on offer: We, as a company, provide all the services as well as all the designs. These include venue and destination management, design and decor, wedding communication,

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wedding coordination, event planning, catering, entertainment, pre-wedding functions, styling, choreography and photography To plan a full-scale wedding... Ideally the meeting with a client should happen a few months before the wedding, say about four to six months ahead. We have about 25-30 people working for us right now. We have an entire team of different floral designers, another team which help us with manufacturing our furniture and so on. Coming closer to a particular wedding day, there could be up to 600 people working on an event and then of course this number decreases when we do not have an event happening.

What do Indians want It all depends from client to client actually. You can have understated elegance and yet make it seem opulent in a quietly delicate fashion. The reception ceremony

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of Naina Bachchan and Kunal Kapoor, which took place in April, reflected understated elegance. However, the Royal Rajasthan event that we did was elegant but at the same time quite opulent in nature.

So you see, there are clients with all kinds of preference varieties here in India. You have to recognise that propensity and conceptualise along those lines.

What’s trending in 2015: Royal Rajasthan, 18th century French ballroom, Ivory Silver and Gold Lakefront, Jewel colours of a Persian carpet and a flowery lemon grove by the Amalfi coast are the types of settings I would recommend as I feel such trends would reinvent and delineate the idea of luxury weddings.

Destinations 2015: Resorts such as The Leela in Kovalam and luxurious Zuri Kumarakom, near Alleppey in Kerala. The extraordinary Umaid

INCONVERSATION

Bhawan palace hotel, with a hilltop location overlooking the “blue city” of Jodhpur, is another mesmerising wedding location.

For those who still want to get married in an authentic palace but in more contemporary style, there is Devi Garh in Udaipur.

A perfectly planned wedding: One wedding event in particular that comes to mind is that of Mr and Mrs Bali, for whom we contrived a sort of Regal Rajasthan but with a European look. The entire set-up was made special by the use of handdraped silk velvet canopies in a lovely deep Boudreaux or burgundy colour.

We also had Venetian mirrors along with cut glass crystal chandeliers. It was an all velvet theme with rangolis done with candles and desi flowers.

The whole mandap was like a rainfall of roses and white flowers with something like a ‘Bengali Dhau’ on the top, which was curved and arched

from which the flowers were showered. It was a quintessential Rohit Bal creation where we brought out all the elegance of India.

Budgets start? Every wedding has a different budget. However, keeping in mind the competitive nature of this industry, RBLWE is a very cost-effective machinery as we do not charge premium from our clients and keep our charges at par with other players of the industry.

The crux of the situation is that even though it is Rohit Bal, we are in sync with what is happening otherwise because in India it is very easy to replicate sets and designs. Hence, we are very competitive with the prices because of the uncontrollable nature of plagiarism.

We have something for everyone and it is what we like to call “affordable luxury”. Whatever the situation, we work within the given budget to create something spectacular.

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India on horseback For a country with a rich history of games, wars and peace, its people’s relationship with horses is a beautiful one

by PARUL

SPORTS

hink of the thunderous sound as the four-legged handsome beast gallops down the field… fighting battles, marching in prestigious parades, racing ahead of the pack on the race-course and giving his rider the edge on the polo field. “Ask me to show you poetry in motion, and I will show you a horse,” an anonymous quote rings true.

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ON THE POLO FIELD ince Independence, the country now has only two mounted regiments — the President’s Bodyguards with their royal four-legged fleet and the 61st Cavalry of the

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Indian Army who have now assumed the role of keepers of the game of polo.

As the Spring Polo Season 2015 concluded in Delhi with overcast skies yet a record turnout at the Amity Polo Cup and galloped ahead to Mumbai, the role of the 61st Cavalry became both pan-India as well as crucial in working with the Indian Polo Association in keeping the game competitive and objective.

The highlight of polo in the country are the autumn and spring seasons (between October and March) in Delhi and the elite season (in December) in Jodhpur, which also has an international association with the British Polo Day.

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“While races in Mumbai, especially the derby are power-packed with the finest horses, the hippest jockeys, owners as well as the hottest faces from Bollywood; Bengaluru’s cool breeze, smartbut-easy attire and high-energy races are also a winner,” explains Malesh Narredu, one the country’s most successful jockey-turned-trainers.

Gallop to the finishing line in Kolkata with the longest history of racing or find some charm in the national capital where quite a few people including breeder and trainer Daksh Oberoi are working hard to up the glam factor on an otherwise lack-lustre race course. Oberoi confesses “Horses are my life, my love and my passion. My first ever love affair was with my horse called Black Hawk (the last horse my father owned). There’s nothing more thrilling than watching your favourite horse cantering across the finishing line.”

DID YOU SAY SHOWJUMPING? nless of course, it’s watching a horse sail across a jump bar of several feet in height.

India’s most glorious moment on an international field comes from Eventing, a complex form of showjumping. Colonel Rajesh Pattu, Commanding Officer of 61 Cavalry, is among the country’s finest showjumpers. Put forth a set of bars no matter the height and watch him sail in the air.

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OPEN THE START GATES… f you find yourself in pleasant or almost chilly Bengaluru in the month of June, or in Mumbai in the first quarter of the year, do take out time on the weekend to visit the Bangalore Turf Club or the Mahalaxmi Race Course. The shrill sounds of a rapid oration from the commentator, nervous seconds as the gates open and the sheer energy of each race makes you wonder why you haven’t ventured to the race courses of India.

The sport of horse-racing is conducted on approximately nine race tracks by six racing authorities. Famous jockeys and trainers, international names from Europe and the US and even women jockeys and trainers — they’ve all made their mark based on a key qualification — talent and its corresponding ability to compete and win at the highest level.

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(left) Amita and Pooja Chauhan with Vivek Anand of Tourism Mauritius; and 61 Cavalry, winning team of Amity Polo Cup

Carefully crafted each year on the lines of the Dublin Horse Show is the Delhi Horse Show, held in the month of April. Children from schools across the length and breadth of the country and competitive showjumping athletes from the armed Forces and the civilian circuits come together for a week-long outing that includes serious and challenging jumps, fun-yet-competitive relays, dressage of the finest quality and gymkhana events to put a smile on the faces of young talent. Six hundred competitors across events scheduled twice a day for several hours, moments of national records set with number of riders and height of fences and serious bonding with the horses — all this puts together the Delhi Horse Show.

TENT PEGGING more thrilling sport also part of this circle is Tent Pegging — barely lasting a few seconds, where the rider is expected to come at full gallop and sweep a “tent peg” off the ground. Sudan (677) emerged the winner at the recent International Equestrian Tent Pegging Championship in Noida. Oman (620.5) finished second behind India (586) which took the third place.

The recently concluded edition of the tent pegging championship made history of sorts with two women riders participating after a gap of nearly four decades. This followed the Women’s Day celebration in the first week of March, where women-led polo teams competed in the Mauritius Spirit of Polo Cup. “Gender equality and equal access of education and extra-curricular training to both genders is essential for the future of this country. Almost every leading athlete today comes from a humble background and only when we provide equal opportunities to both men and women, that true gems will emerge,” says a confident Pooja Chauhan, vice chairperson of Amity Humanity Foundation, organiser of the Amity Polo Club. And that sums up big plans for the year ahead on the horseback — it’s not just about man and the beast but also woman and the four-legged champion.

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SRI SRI RAVI SHANKAR

Spiritual guru

RAISING THE FUTURE Parents must ensure their kids develop strong roots before they branch out ccording to the Shastras, an individual’s life and character is shaped by four factors. One fourth of it comes from the parents.

Another one fourth is acquired through education, upbringing and exposure to people and media. Karma and one’s own experiences make up the remaining half.

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CHILDREN hildren normally are keen observers. They observe everything, every moment. Unfortunately, most parents are oblivious to the fact that children are scrutinising them every moment. When the parents get angry, tell lies or scorn at people, children imbibe them. It is important for the parents to be free from stress because the parents’ stress or joy and their character and attitudes get transferred to the child. If the parents are violent, the child will also become violent. It they are devoted or at least they act devoted, the seed of devotion will sprout in the child and they will become genuinely devoted and matured.

By nature children have trusting tendencies. But as they grow old, somewhere their trust is broken or shaken. A healthy child will have three types of trust — in the divinity,

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GURUSPEAK

in people and in the goodness of people. These three types of trust are the ingredients to make a child talented and a genius. If you keep telling children that everyone is a cheat, the child loses trust in the people and the society. When we create an atmosphere of trust, children grow up to be brilliant.

But if we create an atmosphere of negativity, distress, dejection and anger then when they grow up they reflect that right back at us.

It is a skill to bring up children who are creative, confident, and emotionally mature. Parents

need to learn the ability of pointing out the mistake of a child without making him or her feel guilty.

The courage to confess without the fear of alienation needs to be inculcated in children. The greatest challenge of the parent is to guard against their children getting an inferiority or superiority complex. As parents, you can play a very important role by gauging your child’s behaviour with different age groups. By observing this, you can understand whether they are developing any kind of complex or are being too much of an introvert or extrovert.

Children having an inferiority complex will interact more with the younger ones and run away from the elder ones. Those with a superiority complex try to shun the young ones and only relate to those who are elder to them.

A little bit of religiosity, moral and spiritual values can make an impact on children. Every day when you come back from work, just play or laugh with them. As far as possible, sit and have food with the whole family. Take your children out on a Sunday, give them some chocolates and ask them to distribute to the poorest kids or take them to some slum and ask them to do some social service once or twice a year. Make them do a bit of singing, chanting, meditation and pranayama. Research has shown how pranayama and meditation improve the performance of children. They feel calmer, attentive, alert and are able to perceive better.

The parent must also ensure that the child’s intellect is not clogged with prejudice and inhibitions. In today’s world, people have prejudices about race, religion, professions and many other things. Children must be able to communicate and be friendly with one and all. It’s important that children have the required exposure to broaden their vision and deepen their roots. Modernisation is a natural phenomenon — like a tree branching out.

That’s why parents should make sure that their children have a strong root before they branch out. A cultural and spiritual foundation is vital to help a child grow up as an intelligent and unbiased individual.

(To be continued...)

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DRINKS MAGANDEEP SINGH

Sommelier

A TRULY HAPPY PLACE From wishlist to your must-do list, we bring you some interesting travel must go-tos

y recent jaunts took me through the lovely locales of London, Prague, Budapest before I landed up at the beaches of Jesolo in Italy. At each stop I had a chance to indulge in some very rare and exquisite experiences and am listing a few, should you wish to add them to your must-do list. o Make time for the Gong bar at the Shangri La at The Shard. The tallest structure in Europe affords you a view of the Queen’s City like none other. Sink into a comfy couch and unwind over an evening with some very intricate signature cocktails. The Mezcal-based El Jimador was a favourite. o When in Prague, have the St Thomas dark lager available exclusively at The Augustine, which is their secret recipe, originally brewed by monks and now passed on down. The hotel itself is actually an ancient monastery converted into a very zen-yet-luxurious space (some monks still live

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on the premises but in a modest house, not in the hotel of course!) Staying here is pretty central and it is a quiet sanctum right in the heart of bustling Prague. Other restaurants like U Fleku also have their own brews and are interesting pitstops with great local fare. Another place for good beer is the Strahov monastery, which is up on a hill. So not only do you get a lovely panoramic view of the “The City of a 1000 Spires” but you also get to build up a ravenous appetite as you make the steep trek up the hillside. o Hungary makes some fantastic wine and make sure to make your way to Kadarka. This is off the tourist-beaten path and offers an excellent selection of wines at great prices. The staff knows their grapes and can help you find a good glass.

Not far from Kadarka bar is the Gozsdu Udvar, a narrow gallery that passes through building courtyards which are packed with restaurants, which are in turn packed with the teeming masses, all eating, drinking and generally having a good time. The variety and quality are both laudable and once again, not too touristy.

o Jesolo: Although food here is good, for the real seafood lover, it might be advisable to make a short excursion to the nearby town of Caorle.

Tucked away and right behind a very popular Chinese joint you will find the Ristorante All’Anguilla. The food is par excellence, fresh and well prepared but it was their extensive wine collection (and the surprising affordable prices) that was the real clincher. Even though they had English translations, they barely spoke any English and most of the clientele was Italian. So definitely didn’t appear to be a tourist trap. Don’t know why but I always look out for such signs of local patronage to signal statistically and reliably good food.

All in all a fruitful few days away from routine. As a side-note I would like to add that in spite of this lovely sojourn, sometimes I wonder if I should just up sticks and move to Belgium. They make the best beer, the most delectable chocolates, and hey, they invented fries! And in case you get bored with all that food and drink, they also have the most envious stacks of comics and graphic novels. Tintin, Asterix, The Smurfs and these names barely scratch the surface of their talent with caricatures. All in all, could be one awesome place to live. I wonder why then it’s not even in the list of the top 10 happiest places on Earth, losing out to places like Switzerland and Finland?

Ah well, the more one travels, the lesser one seems to comprehend.

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THE ULTIMATE COOLER GREEN TEA & MINT GRANITA [FOR 4 CUPS]

INGREDIENTS: o Green tea leaves: preferably hand rolled 1 tbsp o Fresh mint leaves: a handful or mint powder ½ tsp o Filtered water: 4 cups o Honey to taste METHOD: o Fill a large kettle with green tea and mint leaves. o Heat the water till it starts making tiny bubbles in the base of the pan, do not bring the water to boil. Pour this water into the kettle and cover, let the leaves seep for an hour. o Strain and pour the infusion into ice trays and freeze for 3-4 hours. This mint tea in ice form stays well for a few weeks so you can make it in advance and in larger quantity if you wish. o Crush the tea ice cubes in a food processor or ice crusher till it gets crushed completely.

Scoop out immediately in tea cups, drizzle honey and serve with a straw to sip.

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herb that tackles stress on ndian summer comes many levels. Right? More flavoured with mango and reasons to plant a few pots mint. Think of all the raw with mint in your garden. mango and mint that we guzzle down in the form The cooling properties of The good thing is that mint can even be grown using stem of aam panna. And then we mint make all the summer cuttings and spreads really devour more mint with our complications fade away fast. I grow mint from the lemonades, shikanji, jaljeera, stem cuttings that we get in chutney and raitas. by the markets as fresh mint.

Mint and tulsi are the SANGEETA KHANNA first herbs we grow in our gardens. The sight of lush hile fresh mint is green mint growing wild by always better, good the roadsides on mountain trails is something one quality mint cannot ignore. There are many varieties of mint powder is available in the markets. But one must known for their varied aromatic properties, all of be cautious while using mint extract and essential them used in traditional medicine, perfumery and oil as larger doses of mint essential oil and extract the cuisines of the world. Peppermint and lower blood pressure immensely and can be fatal if spearmint are the most common in India. used undiluted.

Of course, one can never go wrong with fresh mint leaves which can be used in interesting ways ehydration and stomach discomfort are to make the long unbearable summers pleasant. the most common summer complaints Moroccans use them to make a sweetened hot due to the seasonal microbes in food, cut tea with loads of mint in the teapot. This fruits, salads and even drinks. But the cooling overpowering sweet and aromatic tea is poured properties of mint make these complications fade from the kettle into the glasses with great panache, away. Phenolic compounds like carvacrol, thymol holding the kettle quite high, as it is supposed to and menthol found in its leaves make mint a spread the aromatic oils in the air, making the tea stomachic, hepatic, carminative and a great home irresistible for the guest. Moroccan mint tea is, in remedy for indigestion and flatulence. Its leaves, fact, an infusion of green tea and fresh mint and fresh or dried, do the trick. has become popular all over the world.

When dried in shade during summer months, mint leaves retain their green colour as well as their oroccan mint tea is appreciated quite a essential oils. The dried leaves can be powdered or lot in India too but in hot summer crushed and bottled for use over long time.

Did you know mint can also make a great months, fewer people find a hot tea mouthwash when put in warm water and salt? desirable. I converted this tea into a granita and Add a couple of guava leaves to this infusion served the way we love having chuski in summers. and it makes the best mouthwash that even The taste, the aroma and the freshness is just so alleviates toothache. potent that one feels like sipping it through the Fresh mint paste alleviates headaches when day. This green tea and mint granita makes a great applied as a cold poultice or pack. Warm compress welcome drink for guests or an everyday coolant of mint leaves can ease out the muscular pain after for everyone. intense workouts. It is also a sedative that relaxes — The author is a food and nutrition consultant, and works as an anti-depressant. That sounds like a gardener, birder, blogger and a photographer

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BEAUTY SHAHNAZ HUSAIN

SUNPROOF Ayurveda offers some great remedies to remove tan and refresh the skin yurveda advocates a way of life that is aimed at raising the level of fitness and good health. It maintains that internal health and external beauty are two sides of the same coin and that applies to your glowing skin. Ayurveda is a holistic system of healing. The treatment it prescribes takes into account diet, exercise (yoga), relaxation, massage and external care. Ayurveda also recommends plant ingredients and natural substances for skin care and seasonal changes. Many of these are available at home.

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It’s that time of the year when the sun and heat play havoc with our skin.

Here are some tips to cope with the effects of the sun: o Avoid going out in the sun during the “peak hours” of noon till 3 pm, when the sun’s rays are directly overhead and intense. Protect yourself by applying a sunscreen and carrying a parasol or wearing a hat. o Apply sunscreen about 20 minutes before venturing out in the sun. This forms a protective barrier between the skin and harmful UV rays. If your skin is oily, use an oil-free variant. Anti-tan sunscreens are also available. A “sun-block” is different from the sunscreen. Sun-blocks reflect harmful UV rays and prevent them from entering the skin. They are white and show on the skin. We often see sports people wearing sun-block. A sunscreen lotion absorbs UV rays and filters them,

Beauty expert

BEAUTY

minimising sun damage. For ensuring sun protection for a longer duration, sunscreens should be reapplied after swimming, heavy perspiration or sun-exposure for long durations.

Always apply sunscreen while holidaying by the sea or snow, as these are reflective surfaces and sun-damage is more. o A sunscreen has a certain SPF or Sun Protection Factor. This is denoted by a number and should be mentioned on the label of the sunscreen product. SPF, related to individual sun-sensitivity and duration of exposure, is also an indication of the amount of protection that we can expect from the sunscreen. o If you normally burn in 10 minutes without a sunscreen, then when you use a lotion with SPF 15 that means you will be protected from sunburn for 150 minutes. Normally a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 to 25 is more than adequate for the average Indian skin. However, if the skin is more sensitive to the sun and prone to dark patches or severe burns, a sunscreen with a high SPF of 30 or 40 may be applied. o Extra attention should be given to children as they spend a lot of time outdoors, in games and other recreational activities. Infants should not be exposed to long periods of sunlight.

o Since children perspire more because of their vigorous activities and complete ignorance of the pros and cons of sun and heat exposure, sunscreen should be applied at regular intervals. Specialised sunscreens are available for children, keeping their tender skins in view.

For excessive perspiration, Ayurveda gives some dietary suggestions: Sip nimbu paani. Sip ginger tea before and after your meals. Chop fresh ginger root finely and mix with a pinch of salt. Chew a little of this before your meal.

Sipping warm water with your meal may also help. Light diet and less spices are advised. Eat smaller meals.

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BEAUTY

o Colognes can be added to bath water. Or to a mug of water and used as a last rinse. It has a cooling effect. o Rose water can always be added generously to bath water. It is a natural coolant and fragrant. o Add two drops of tea tree essential oil to two tablespoons of water or rose water. Apply this on pimples, using cotton wool.

Here are a few home remedies to soothe sun burn and refresh the skin. o Applying fresh aloe vera gel to the burnt area soothes and heals the skin and helps it recover faster. Aloe vera contains zinc, which is actually anti-inflammatory. o For a soothing effect, place chilled cucumber slices on the burn or dab on some cucumber juice with the help of a cotton ball. You can even grate the chilled cucumber and apply it on the sunburns to reduce inflammation. o Watermelon juice is also a good skin toner and relieves summer dryness. It cools, refreshes and softens the skin. o Try coconut water to tone and soothe the skin this summer. It helps remove tan and brighten the skin over a period of time. Apply on the skin and leave on for 20 to 30 minutes.

o For a cooling mask, cucumber juice (or pulp) can be mixed with two teaspoons powdered milk and one egg white. You can put the ingredients in a blender for a smooth paste. Apply on face and neck and rinse off with water after half an hour.

For oily skin, omit milk powder. o Rose water is a natural coolant. Sunburns can be effectively treated by regularly applying rose water. It is also a great natural skin toner and refreshes the skin. o Cold milk applied daily, using cotton wool, helps soothe and soften the skin, lightening skin colour over a period of time.

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ASTRO

DADDY COOL 84 EXOTICA / JUNE 2015

Or not? This Father’s Day (observed on the third Sunday of June), TANIA GUPTA lets you find out what kind of a father you are to your kids

ASTRO

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19): An Aries father wants his children to have what he didn’t and achieve what he wasn’t able to. He wants his children to be successful in everything. Aries dads can make quite a fuss with children, especially when it comes to daughters.

TAURUS (APRIL 20 – MAY 20): Taurus dads are laid-back and calm.

They do not force their children to be overachievers and are filled with encouragement.

Taurus daddies are very generous and responsible.

They may oftentimes be scary when it comes to disciplining but given enough time to recover, their sense of humour will be back full-force.

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): Gemini dads are often absorbed with work so they hardly have time for their children. But when they do, the children of Gemini daddies will always have a great time.

Charming and communicative, Gemini dads will offer never ending stories of their kids without exhaustion.

CANCER (JUNE 21 – JULY 22): Cancer fathers are considered as the ultimate fathers in the horoscope. They embrace domesticity and will not complain about doing chores. Although they can be moody, Cancer fathers have hearts of gold and will go all out for their children.

LEO (JULY 23 – AUGUST 22): Leo daddies can be strict and very demanding but they will do everything in their power to provide their families with a good life. Leo fathers are extremely protective and would never betray the trust of their children.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23 – SEPTEMBER 22): Virgo fathers do not profess their love for their kids openly but they will find other ways to show affection by spending time with them. Fussy and perfectionists by nature, Virgo daddies want their children to be the best in all things.

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 – OCTOBER 22): Libra fathers are fair with a great sense of being just, which makes them unbending when it comes to handing out punishments. Overall, they are loving and very fond of their children.

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 – NOVEMBER 21): Scorpio daddies exude masculinity and power and they are not afraid to use it when it comes to disciplining kids. They are loyal and want to always be near their children and family.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22 – DECEMBER 21): Sagittarius daddies have a childlike attitude that makes them really fun and cheerful parents. Although these daddies seem like they don’t want to spend time with their babies, they tend to make it up to them when they are older.

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 19): Capricorn daddies are traditional by nature and expect their children to be well-behaved and orderly at all times. They are outright disciplinarians but won’t hesitate to reward good behaviour as well.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 18): Aquarius daddies make great dads! They are often impatient and want their children to grow up fast.

They are not dull parents and are always looking for a good time with their kids. Aquarius fathers are strict and need to always have the last word in everything.

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 – MARCH 20): Pisces fathers are often silent but they encourage their children to make friends and have a social life.

They are very devoted and quite attached to their children. Pisces daddies are very public about their emotions and always tell their children how they feel.

— The author is celebrity astrologer

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DIET

ealth is not merely the absence of disease, it is a state of physical, mental and emotional well-being.

In today’s hectic yet sedentary lifestyle, we are asking more of our bodies than at any other time in the history of civilisation. When the body is under stress, it reflects instantly on skin and hair. Hair loss and greying are common complaints and what you are eating, more than anything, can help resolve them.

But strangely, people look for quick-fixes and antidotes to these problems forgetting that hair loss isn’t just about looks. There could be something seriously wrong with the body.

Desperation drives people to go for gimmicks like calorie, sugar and fat-free diets. But this only means cutting down on complete nutrition and depriving the body of essential nutrients.

When it comes to healthy hair, let food be

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86 EXOTICA / JUNE 2015

the medicine and heal inside out. Have a balanced diet, rich in good quality protein, antioxidants such as Vitamin A, C, D, E and minerals like zinc, selenium and iron. These nutrients can be found easily in our regular food. They not only decrease the oxidative stress in the body but also provide nourishment and revitalise the cells for proper growth. Consume a mixture of protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals rather than too much of any one thing to avoid hair problems.

ESSENTIALS PROTEIN: Hair is made of a protein called keratin and ensuring you have enough protein in your diet is crucial for tissue repair, construction of new tissues and replacement of worn-out or dead cells. Lack of protein may result in dry, brittle and weak hair leading to hair loss. Meat,

DIET

Mane course With food as medicine, heal your body and hair inside out, says DR LOVNEET BATRA

poultry, fish, eggs, milk — all dairy, cheese and soy items are excellent sources of protein along with vegetarian sources such as legumes and nuts.

CARBOHYDRATE: Carbohydrate-rich foods such as bread, rice and pasta are calorically dense and removing large quantities of these from the diet also removes a significant source of calories. Lowcarb diets rob the body of its preferred fuel, forcing it to break down fat for energy. These types of diets may also create vitamin and mineral deficiencies, depending on the severity of the restriction. Consume complex carbohydrates like whole grains, amaranth, porridge and quinoa which feed you energy over a longer period of time instead of refined and high glycemic carbohydrates like simple sugar and fructose which produce dandruff.

FAT: Fat is a dirty word in today’s figure-obsessed world. But fact is that fat is a must for the body to

burn fat. There are many healthy fats that can reduce high cholesterol, promote good cholesterol and be a part of a heart-healthy diet. The secret is to focus on the healthy fats that ensure adequate oil production from sebaceous glands preventing hair breakage. Healthy fats are monounsaturated fats found in olive oil and nuts and polyunsaturated fats found in omega-3 rich items such as fish, walnuts, flax and pumpkin seeds.

VITAMIN A: Vitamin A is needed by the body to make sebum, a natural conditioner for a healthy scalp. Lack of sebum results in an itchy scalp and dry hair. Orange/yellow coloured vegetables such as carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene — which makes vitamin A. VITAMIN B12: B complex vitamins are important for maintaining body metabolism. They’re also essential for healthy skin and hair. But it’s the more popular B vitamins like B-12, a water

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DIET

soluble vitamin found in animal-sourced foods such as meat and dairy, biotin and niacin that help strengthen and condition hair.

VITAMIN C: Vitamin C helps in the production of collagen that strengthens the capillaries that supply the hair shafts. It is also an antioxidant so is used readily by the body. The best sources are broccoli, leafy greens, berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, peas and papaya.

VITAMIN E: Foods rich in vitamin E provide lustre and protection to your hair. Nuts are nutritional powerhouses, providing zinc and selenium as well as vitamin E. ZINC AND SELENIUM: Minerals like zinc and selenium are essential for scalp protection. Lack of

zinc can lead to a dry, flaky scalp and hair loss.

Wholegrains and chick peas are a good source of zinc.

IRON: Iron is an especially important mineral for blood circulation and too little iron (anaemia) is a major cause of hair loss. Lotus stem, black chana, lentils, spinach and other leafy green vegetables are important sources of iron.

Every meal we eat is either a net gain or net loss. It is important to make choices that make you look fit, feel healthy and help you perform your best. — The author is a nutritionist advising Advanced Fitness Programme at the Delhi-based Advanced Hair Studio

ATLEISURE

CULTURE CONNECT [CALENDER OF EVENTS]

AMBUBACHI MELA

BOOKWORM [WHAT A TRAVELLER IS READING]

AHMEDABAD: A CITY IN THE WORLD: AMRITA SHAH ndia’s seventh-largest city, a 600-year-old former textile town where Mahatma Gandhi launched his struggle against British rule is also the hotbed of communal violence. Today, the city is known for the model for a new, market-led vision of development. In this intimate biography, Amrita Shah travels through time and a landscape of abandoned mills and urban beautification projects; neighbourhoods divided by sectarian violence and ghettos borne on the city outskirts.

This is the story of roadmaps and rivers, kings and kingmakers, merchants, labourers and women bootleggers, displaced Muslims and a euphoric middle class. A searing and illuminating insight into a bustling metropolis and through it into contemporary India.

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GO YOGA [WHAT TO DO] une 21 was declared as the International Day of Yoga by the United Nations General Assembly. The declaration came after the call for the adoption of the date as International Day of Yoga

by PM Narendra Modi during his address to UN General Assembly last year. It should “not be just an exercise for us but a means to get connected with the world and with nature,” he said.

This June 21, when the PM and his Home minister get down to perform asanas together on Delhi’s Rajpath, yoga enthusiasts across the world will be contorting with them. Events have been planned in — different parts of the US including New York’s Times Square, Chulalongkorn University and the Royal Thai Army Stadium in Bangkok, in various regions of Russia, Morrocco, Bali, Bangladesh, Argentina, China, Budapest, Havana, Trinidad and Tobago, Jordan and Oslo. Kumaon Vikas Mandal Nigam is also holding a three-day yoga festival to mark the day at Jageshwar in Almora. For details, contact www.kmvn.gov.in

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n unusual Tantric fertility festival, the Mela marks the menstruation period of Goddess Kamakhya considered extremely auspicious and powerful.

The temple is closed for three days while the Goddess menstruates and reopens on the fourth to distribute pieces of cloth soaked in reddish water as prasad. Sadhus and seekers from around the world converge on the temple meditating and attempting difficult Tantrik rituals.

Kamakhya during the period becomes a world with amazing stunts and sorcery on display. When: June 22-26 Where: Kamakhya temple, Guwahati, Assam

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WANDERLUST [FESTIVALS & HAPPENINGS] o Lucknow Mango Festival and and Farmers Market Sample the finest mangoes of Malihabad, savour mango delicacies, participate in mango eating contests and other activities including folk music and dances under the mango trees. When: June 14 and June 21-22 Where: Habibullah Estate Orchard, Saidanpur village, Barabanki. Market at UPSTDC Paryatan Bhawan, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow o Kundalini Shakti Festival A psy-trance music event with over 30 local and international performances.

When: June 5-7 Where: Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

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SIGNOFF

RIVERSIDE STORY

scoop of tutti-fruity, a gentle breath of a breeze, a country boat bobbing up and down with the river tide and the mesh of willowing creepers getting torn by the eddies in the water: the ghats of Kolkata have remained timeless, calm and still, washing over the turbulence of destiny.

And lives.

The Scoop, the glass-fronted overhanging restaurant, is still the best vantage point on the promenade that has recently been the focus of Kolkata’s municipal authorities as part of riverside development. At one time selling the best Italian pizza in town, it now keeps the old world charm alive with its still yummylicious tutti fruity.

But it is the Victorian imitation gas lamps along the cobbled pathways, the Raj era portside colonnades and sitouts, the jetty where the supplies of World War II landed that give the riverfront character. Its sepia glow in the waters is complemented by the LED-lit Vidyasagar Setu, spanning the river, its moving cars shimmering in the black waters. If ever tradition and modernity crossed the bridge, the Vidyasagar Setu and the Howrah bridge show how it can be done with perfect symphony. The girders of the Raj feat still look Herculean enough to hold up the night sky. The Setu pays its ritual obeisance to it with a string of golden lights. It is just the beginning but the Kolkata

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riverside has borrowed all the right lessons from the Thames in London, the Seine in Paris and the Nile in Cairo. The walkway between two bridges attracts nostalgia tourists like me as well as residents who have found fresh breath energy in their otherwise regimented lives, sitting next to the cool waters.

River cruises on the Hooghly are just about taking baby steps, with a ride along the restored ghats and stretches showcasing the city’s complex history in a swathe. And with Kolkata still birthing arthouse talent, the time is not far from artists’ studios and concerts on the banks becoming more the rule than an exception. Meanwhile, lovers will continue to seek their moments of solace and the adda makers continue to redefine the general state of the nation.

Increasing access may bring with it a host of problems surrounding sanitation and overcrowding but as the Metro has proved, if citizems are proud of their surrounds, they keep it clean. Otherwise there are the litter patrol squads, private waste disposal systems and fines to infuse some discipline in the city’s public life.

As a riverine country, most key cities wrap themselves around banks, living on and off them. If only we could have given something back to the river, show a little care, the waters would caress our distressed lives with their balmy cadence.

— RINKU GHOSH

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