Travel 3sixty MARCH 2018

MAR 2018

ISSUE 12

India

Sail through my pages but keep me on this ship.

Read me online.

AirAsia Inflight Magazine

Fuel for the Wandering Soul

A Backpacker‘s Utopia

Issue 12

Navigator

Mar 2018

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Wanderlust – TravelHer

Wanderlust – Getaways

Wanderlust – Tamil Nadu

Wanderlust – Lenscape

Together With My Bestie

Tranquil Escapes

Akanksha Khanna travels to Alibaug, Maharashtra, with her childhood friend Jaya to catch up on the lost years.

Make the most of your weekends by heading to these destinations from Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Time Travel to the Chola Period

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Wanderlust – Special

Wanderlust – Uttarakhand

Globetrotting Athlete

A Trip to Nature's Lap

Paralympic champion Varun Singh Bhati talks about how travelling has helped him evolve in sports.

Uttarakhand is known for its natural environment and a rich flora and fauna, attracting tourists all year long!

The Chola temples are a testimony of the ideology of the erstwhile Chola Empire.

Charming Bylanes These charming alleys are a melting pot of new-age culture.

travel 360 won Gold in the 2017 Galaxy Awards (USA) for Best Design Bound Publications in the Travel and Tourism Category

Issue 12

Navigator

Mar 2018

Here’s the Buzz on AirAsia’s Social Media Had a great experience with AirAsia. Thanks to Sushant Kumar Rana for the support. ananya mohanty

It is certainly one of the best services I've experienced. Special thanks to Mr Anbazhagan for making me feel completely at home. rishab doogar

Good service on board and at Guwahati airport also. Appreciate the prompt services provided

by Trideep Bhattacharjee while I was travelling from Guwahati to New Delhi. amit charaborty

I am extremely happy with the customer service.

The crew members were really warm. The overall experience was pretty great. I'd especially like to mention Mr Rafie, one of your crew members, for his utmost gesture of hospitality and kind behaviour.

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From the Flight Deck

12 Incredible

AirAsia India

Tony Fernandes, Group CEO, AirAsia talks about how AirAsia India has grown from strength to strength

14 Red Fort

News update from

AirAsia

Calendar

16 Hot Dates Check out events happening across the globe this March

Cover to Cover

22 A Divine Connect Bhanumathi Narasimhan talks about her latest book on the life of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Movies & Music

26 Latest Releases

Latest movie and music releases

Future Forward

28 Safe in the Cloud

Backup your data from your device with these storage applications

Scoreboard

30 Take the Khelo

India Pledge

An initiative

to encourage

sports among schoolchildren

City Canvas

32 A Tapestry of Heritage Explore Mandalay, Myanmar

Hit list

36 Wayfarers' Pitstops

We take you through some of the must- visit travel cafes across India

Vanity Fare

84 Haute Speed For all your biking needs

Cabin Comfort

88 Joy of Flying Inflight exercises by fitness guru Troy Bantleman, who also happens to be personal trainer to Tony Fernandes!

89 In Touch 90 Route Map 94 Destinations

Seerat Wani

Humble service by Mr Rafiae at Srinagar Airport.

Thank you for making passengers comfortable by providing best services.

Sania Deen

Met Siva at the customer care desk during my checkin. He was really helpful and efficient in his work.

Really impressed. Thank you Siva.

Somvir Sindhu

I, along with my family, have completed 15 International flights with Air Asia. We loved them all.

Thank you team.

Susmita Biswas

India

Issue 12 Mar 2018

Airasia India

Singapore

Commercial Director Kiran Jain

51 Goldhill Plaza, #07-10/11, Singapore 308900, Tel: +65 31632622

Regional Managing Editor R. Rajendra

UAE

Manager, Social Media Ujjwal Shrivastav Executive, Social Media & Content Sanya Kaushik

Maxposure Media Group India Pvt. Ltd CEO & Managing Director Prakash Johari Director Vikas Johari Editor Abhishek Chakraborty Submissions airasia@maxposuremedia.com Advertising info@maxposuremedia.com Marketing marketing@maxposuremedia.com Website maxposuremedia.com India Maxposure Media Group India Pvt Ltd

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Dubai Media City, Building No. 8, Ground Floor, Premises No. EO10, P. O. Box 502068, Dubai, UAE Mob: +97 1582063140, Tel: + 971 44310793 info@maxposuremedia.com

Maxposure India offices Ahmedabad 4, Megabyte Business Centre, Navrang Building, Opp Samsung Showroom, Swastik Char Rasta, C.G.Road Ahmedabad-380009 Tel: +91 79 40193627 Bengaluru 409, A Wing, 4th Floor, Mittal Towers, MG Road, Bengaluru-560001, Tel: +91 80 40921037-38 Chandigarh SCO No. 866, 2nd Floor, Office No. 18, NAC Manimajra, Chandigarh-160101 Tel: +91 0172 4665839 Chennai 2nd Floor, X-42, Sindur Shopping Centre, 2nd Avenue Road, Chennai-600040 Tel: +91 44 42015684 Hyderabad 1-11-222/2, Ground Floor, Street No. 4, Gurumurthy Lane, Begumpet, Hyderabad-500016, Tel: +91 40 40021545 Indore 7/1, 409, 4th Floor, Ratan Mani Complex, Opposite Inter Star Showroom, New Palasia, Indore-452001 Tel: +91 731 4248881 Jaipur Shop No.B-18, Hotel Arco Palace, Opp. Metro Station, Sindhi Camp Station Road, Jaipur-302001 Tel: +91 141 4047655 Kolkata DPS Corporate Club, 1st Floor, 9A, Sebak Baidya Street, Kolkata-700029 Tel: +91 33 40680111 Mumbai Omkar - The Summit Business Bay 7th floor, Unit No.716, Chakala, Andheri Kurla Road, Behind Gurunanak Petrol Pump, Andheri (East), Mumbai - 400093 Tel: +91 22 61991111

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On the Cover

International Representation North America Canada, Wayne Saint John The New Base, Tel: +1 416 363 1388, wayne.stjohn@thenewbase.com

Europe France, Nicolas Devos IMM International, Tel: +331 40137905, n.devos@imm-international.com

London, David Simpson Simpson Media Ltd, Tel: +44 79 00885456

Photography: Ciclo Cafe, Bengaluru, Karnataka

david@simpson-media.com

Russia/Switzerland, Gleb Korotkov Halfbudget, Tel: + 7 9852243800, +41 767102525, info@halfbudget.com

Turkey, Tan Bilge, Media Ltd., Tel: +90 212 2758433, tanbilge@medialtd.com.tr

Far East Hong Kong/Indonesia Peter Jeffery Asian Integrated Media Ltd. Tel +852 39106388 peterjeffery@asianimedia.com

Japan, Michiko Kawano Pacific Business Inc Tel: +813 36616138 kawano-pbi@gol.com

Malaysia, Shallie Cheng Mind Sense Sdn.Bhd., Tel: +601 22873092 shalliecheng@gmail.com

South Korea, Jung-Won Suh Sinsegi Media Inc. Tel: +82 27858222 sinsegi-2@sinsegimedia.info

Thailand, Stephen Marsh Media Representation International Tel: +66 22042699, stephen@mediarepint.com

Australia Sydney, Charlton D’Silva Publisher’s Internationalé Tel: +612 92523476 charlton.dsilva@pubintl.com.au

CIN No U22229DL2006PTC152087 travel 360 India magazine is printed and published by Prakash Johari on behalf of AirAsia India and published at Maxposure Media Group (India) Pvt. Ltd. (MMGIPL), #TheAddress, Plot No. 62, Okhla Phase III, New Delhi-110020, India. travel 360 India is published monthly. All rights reserved. The writing, artwork and/or photography contained herein may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of MMGIPL. MMGIPL does not assume responsibility for loss or damage of unsolicited products, manuscripts, photographs, artwork, transparencies or other materials. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or AirAsia India. All efforts have been made while compiling the content of this magazine, but we assume no responsibility for the effects arising there from. For inquiries | MMGIPL tel: +91.11.43011111, www. maxposuremedia.com.

VIT

Vellore Institute of Technology

(Deemed to be University under section 3 of UGC Act, 1956)

READY. STEADY.

VITEEE EXPERIENCE EDUCATION THAT’S AT PAR WITH TOP UNIVERSITIES ABROAD

VITEEE 2018

4 t h A p r i l t o 1 5 t h A p r i l ( C o m p u t e r B a s e d Te s t ) Applications are invited for B.Tech Programmes Biotech., Bioengg., Chemical, Civil, CSE, CSE (Specialisation in Digital Forensics & Cyber security), CSE (Bioinfo.), CSE (Data Analytics), CSE (Gaming Tech.), CSE (Information Security), CSE (Networks & Security), ECE, ECE (Biomedical), ECE (Embedded Systems), ECE (IOT), ECE (Sensors & Wearable Tech.), ECE (VLSI) , EEE, EIE, Electronics & Computer Engg., IT, Mech., Mech (Auto), Mech. (Energy), Production & Industrial Engg., B.Des.Ind.Design

To apply online and to get details like eligibility and fee, please visit www.vit.ac.in LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION EXTENDED TO: 15 th MARCH 2018

ONLINE APPLICATION FEE: ₹1150

VITUniversity

International Transfer Programme (ITP)

VIT _Univ

VIT offers students the choice to study the first two years at VIT and the next two in the following universities abroad & get their degree United States of America: • Purdue University • State University of New York (SUNY) • Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) • University of Massachusetts (UMass) United Kingdom: • Queen Mary University of London Australia: • Australian National University •

Ranked as 13th best engineering institution in India by NIRF, MHRD, GOI, for 2 consecutive years in 2016 & 2017

Deakin University • Queensland University of Technology • Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) • Curtin University

Opportunities Unlimited VIT offers students, opportunity to get placed in companies with regular, dream (5L CTC & above), Superdream (10L CTC & above) offers. In 2016-17, 427 companies came for placement to VIT, which itself is a record, of which 45+ were Super Dream Companies.

Recruiting companies include: •Microsoft •Amazon

•Maruti

•ABB

•Deloitte

•Deshaw

•Paypal

•Hyundai

•L & T

•Morgan Stanley

•Oracle

•Visa

•Mahindra

•ITC

•KPMG

•SAP

•Cisco

•Honda

•Shapoorji

•JP Morgan

•Vmware

•Barclays

•TVS Motors

•Johnson Controls •PWC

Advantage VIT • Curriculum for Applied Learning (CAL)™

• 35,000 students from 60 countries

• Project Based Learning (PBL)

• 110 student clubs and chapters

• Opportunity for Semester Abroad Programme • One module of every subject handled by Industry experts

• More than 170 Adjunct Professors from reputed universities abroad

International Accreditations • ABET, US, http://www.abet.org has accredited 14 B.Tech Programs at VIT Vellore & Chennai Campus • 3 cycles of NAAC accreditation completed • Awarded ‘A’ grade for last two consecutive cycles • First Engineering Institution in India to get QS 4 Stars Rating

GET THE VIT EDGE • National Record in Slot 1 companies recruitment for 9 years in a row • Record 7943 job offers from Slot 1 companies (Accenture, Cognizant, Infosys, TCS, Wipro) at VIT for the year 2016 • Excellent international internship and placement opportunities

Offline application forms can be obtained: • From the designated branches of Post Offices on cash payment of ₹1200/- (list available on our website) •By handing over a DD for ₹1200/- drawn in favour of Vellore Institute of Technology, payable at Vellore.

Applications also available in VIT Chennai, VIT Bhopal & VIT AP. For enquiries contact us on our helpline number

+91-416-220 2125 | +91-416-330 5555

For more details visit www.vit.ac.in

VIT

VELLORE Vellore Institute of Technology C H E N N A I

(Deemed to be University under section 3 of UGC Act, 1956)

www.vit.ac.in

VI T - A Pl ac e t o l e arn; A Ch a n ce t o grow

from the flight deck

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03 18

Incredible AirAsia India AirAsia India is the future of AirAsia. There is a monstrous market opportunity in India. If you add up all the aircraft in India, it doesn’t match the number in Malaysia, yet the population is around 50 times larger. AirAsia India is the final piece of the puzzle for us, and we believe we can make a real difference in the market.

It hasn’t been easy, especially at the start, but despite the constant attacks we have grown from strength to strength, bringing the dream of affordable air travel to a growing number of Indians, many of whom have never flown before. In fact, one in four AirAsia India guests are first-time flyers, with even regular flyers prefer to travel with AirAsia once they have tried us.

But our love affair with India began earlier than that. India has always been close to my heart as my father came from Goa, but that’s not the reason we wanted to fly to India. It’s a market that’s too huge to ignore. So we launched

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our first service to India - Kuala Lumpur to Tiruchirappalli - in December 2008, when most airlines in ASEAN still had their eye on North Asia rather than South Asia.

We were the first international service to operate to Tiruchirappalli airport. Everyone said we were crazy to fly to a secondary city but I told them I’ll fly anywhere there are enough people, and there are close to three million people in the district, more than in Kuala Lumpur.

Since then, we have increased our international services to India spreading our wings to New Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar and Kochi, in addition to Tiruchirappalli from Malaysia and Thailand.

AirAsia as a group is now the second-largest contributor of seats between India and ASEAN, accounting for 16 percent

1. Tony Fernandes, Group CEO, AirAsia alongside S Ramadorai, Chairman, AirAsia India and Hari Marar, MD & CEO of Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru and Amar Abrol, MD & CEO, AirAsia India during an event held in Bengaluru. 2. Tony Fernandes, Group CEO, AirAsia.

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of capacity between the two markets. Not bad for just 10 years.

We are proud to be able to play a role in bridging the two regions as India Acts East and ASEAN turns increasingly westwards.

And with numerous Fly-Thru options via Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, we are able to bring our Indian guests beyond ASEAN to China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, even all the way to Hawaii in the US. The establishment of AirAsia India in March 2013 marked a deepening of our relationship with India, and a renewal of our commitment to bring true low cost to the Indian market.

Starting with our inaugural flight from Bengaluru to Goa in June 2014, AirAsia India now operates 32 routes from three hubs in Bengaluru, New Delhi and Kolkata to 17 destinations across the country. In the years since our first guests disembarked at Dabolim, nine million more have enjoyed our unique combination of world class service and low fares.

With the planned launch of international operations by AirAsia India in the near future, we will enter the third phase of our relationship with India.

AirAsia India will take on an even more prominent position in the AirAsia family as a base for overseas flights, first to the East and eventually to the West as well.

It’s not been an easy journey.

But we have a great team led by our CEO Amar Abrol and, with the support and backing of our local partners, AirAsia India is poised to reap the benefits of its hard work and perseverance.

Enjoy amazing deals exclusively on the AirAsia Mobile App! Download now:

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Red Fort

New Beginnings at AirAsia

16th Aircraft & 2 New Destinations

03 18

AirAsia India is pleased to announce the induction of its 16th aircraft, registered VT-GWH, dedicated to their Guwahati station. The airline welcomes Nagpur and Indore to its list of destinations, introducing new routes connecting Nagpur to Bengaluru and Kolkata and Indore to Bengaluru and Goa. This significant business announcement from AirAsia India in the very first quarter of 2018 is a testimony to its commitment, ‘Now Everyone Can Fly’.

Indore, Nagpur, Kolkata and Bengaluru have a unique mix of consumers comprising of students, SMEs and traders and corporates, among others and AirAsia India takes pride in empowering them to travel faster at affordable fares.

All these new routes will be operational in March 2018.

“2018 has started off on a great note for us as we have inducted our 2nd aircraft for the year in the very first quarter of 2018. With the addition of Indore and Nagpur, we are connecting across the length and breadth of India. With 26% of our flyers being first-time flyers ever, providing regional connectivity is of utmost priority for us. Our ultimate vision is to focus on revolutionising air travel in the markets that we operate in”. ~ Amar Abrol, MD & CEO, AirAsia India

Meet Pawan Setty, the New Head of People & Culture, Bengaluru AirAsia India is pleased to announce appointment of Pawan Setty to its senior management team. Pawan has come on board as the Head of People and Culture. With over 15 years of experience, Pawan spent a significant part of his career across multiple facets of HR such as organisation development, HR strategy, talent management and development, organisation change, compensation and benefits, manpower planning, performance management etc.

He is known for his leadership style and multiple transformation initiatives that he introduced in the companies he has been associated with. He was most recently the Head of HR, India at International Flavours & Fragrances India Pvt Ltd where he spent four years. Talent acquisition, building organisation culture and refining and implementing the right policies and procedures are some of the critical aspects that Pawan will be responsible for.

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AirAsia India is pleased to announce appointment of Sunmuga Kanaratnam to its senior management team.

He has joined as the Head of Engineering, replacing Nantha Kumar who is credited with setting up and leading the Engineering department for AirAsia India since February 2013.

Nantha Kumar, who has been with AirAsia Group for 15 years, has relocated to his home country and will pursue another position in the engineering department within the group in Malaysia.

Sunmuga Kanaratnam is an industry veteran with over three decades of rich knowledge and experience in engineering, mechanical, avionics and aircraft management. In the past, he has worked with some of the best players in the industry, viz. British Airways, Malaysian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Monarch Aircraft Engineering, Gulf Aircraft Maintenance Company, among others. At AirAsia, he will be leading the engineering department’s strategic business objectives and will be responsible for safe operations, establishment, and enforcement of ethical standards and conduct.

Speaking on the development, Amar Abrol, MD & CEO, AirAsia India, said, "Firstly, we would like to thank Nantha Kumar for his immense contribution and support rendered to AirAsia India during his stint and wish him the very best in his future endeavours. I would like to welcome Sunmuga to our Allstar family. This is a year of continued expansion for us; and we believe Sunmuga’s technical expertise will help us take AirAsia to greater heights in India.”

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calendar

Hot Dates Check out what's hot and happening in March!

Across India

Holi Mar 1-2 Holi, also known as the festival of colours, marks the arrival of spring in India. People celebrate it by playing with coloured powder with their friends and family. Sweet and savoury

snacks specific to this day are gujia (sweet dumplings), puran poli (sweet flatbread) and dahi vada (deep-fried dough balls soaked in yogurt) and are relished across India. Holi today is no longer a festival restricted to India; it is celebrated with much gusto in a lot of other countries as well.

Pune, Maharashtra

Pune Maha Marathon Challenge

03 18

Mar 25 Dedicated

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Painkuni Festival Mar 23-31 The Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple comes to life during the 10-daylong Painkuni Festival.

During the course of the festival, elaborate fibre-glass figures of the Pandavas (the five sons of Pandu in the epic Mahabharata) are placed at the temple's eastern entrance. It is said that these figures are there to please Lord Indra, the Rain God. The festival culminates with a grand procession and the immersion of the statues in the ocean. keralatourism.org

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to promoting fitness and health, the Pune Maha Marathon will start from Balewadi Stadium in Pune.

The marathon is divided into various distance categories such as the 10kms, 7kms, 5kms and 3kms. A nominal fee to participate applies. indiarunning.com

Goa

Shigmo

Mar 3-17 One of the largest festivals of Goa, the Shigmo festival is known around the globe for its extravagant display of colours, traditional music, folk dances and delicious food. The streets of Goa are a visual feast as huge floats, processions and dhol (a music instrument) take centre stage. goa-tourism.com

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If you love shopping for arts, crafts, home decor and unique handloom items, head to the Ugadi Shopping Festival at Elaan Convention Centre in Bengaluru, Karnataka, from March 6-11.

calendar

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Mewar Festival

Mar 18-20 Experience the 'City of

idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are taken out in processions through different parts of the city.

These processions are nothing less than a spectacle with Rajasthani folk music and dances adding to the festive fervour. udaipurtourism.com

File photo

Lakes' at its best during the threeday-long Mewar Festival. Celebrated with much pomp to welcome the arrival of spring, this festival is a colourful display of Rajasthani

culture. Immaculately dressed

Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh

Kasauli Rhythm and Blues Festival 2018 Mar 30-31 The Kasauli Rhythm and Blues Festival will bring together a line-up of exceptional live performances by artists such as Usha Uthup, Rabbi Shergill, Shilpa Rao, Leslie Lewis and many others.

Enjoy music in the lap of the Himalayas! genesisfoundation.net

03 18

new delhi

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

International Yoga Festival Mar 1-7 Yoga, the age-old science of health and wellness, is a global trend.

Taking it forward, the International Yoga Festival is held every year

on the banks of the holy Ganga in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. It will bring together yoga practitioners from all parts of the world who promote harmony of mind, body and soul through this ancient technique. internationalyogafestival.org

Javed Ali Musical Evening Mar 24 Think Sufi and Bollywood and the name of Javed Ali immediately pops into your mind.

He is all set to enthrall the audience at the Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi with his soulful musical renditions. Organised by the Gunjan Foundation, this performance is an ode to the success of the students from Swapna Sarthak School run by the NGO.

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attracts friends and families who

come together to hear the retelling of Jataka tales and to witness the grand procession of Phra Uppakhut (locally believed to be the son of the Buddha), accompanied by the beats of drums, sound of gongs and colourful flags. tourismthailand.org

Honolulu, Hawaii

focusing on his globally recognised

Roi et, Thailand Tokyo, Japan

Asakusa Kannon Jigen-e

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Byron Bay, Australia

Bluesfest

Mar 29-Apr 2 Byron Bay Bluesfest is an annual music festival that features a diverse array of renowned blues and roots performers from Australia and around the world. Touted as one of the largest contemporary music festivals of the world, Bluesfest will bring together Kesha, Seal, Lionel Richie and a host of other globally renowned artists. bluesfest.com.au

Mar 18 The ritualistic celebration of Asakusa Kannon Jigen-e marks the origin of the Sensoji Temple in Tokyo.

The parade of a marionette operated by eight people forms the central part of this festival. Tourists from across the world come to witness the grand gold dragon dance performance, a major attraction of the festival. gotokyo.org

Bun Pha Wet Fair Mar 2-4 The Bun Pha Wet Fair is one of the most important Buddhist ceremonies in Thai culture. The fair

Drezo Evil Live Tour Mar 17-18 The 24-year-old international musician Drezo is all set to kickstart his music tour

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brand of EDM music. During this Hawaii tour, he will collaborate with Arizonian artist Bijou to deliver original performances. drezolive.com

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cover to cover

A Divine Connect Bhanumathi Narasimhan, a meditation teacher and Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s sister, shares an affectionate account of the life of the spiritual guru in her book Gurudev: On the Plateau of the Peak. part offers a little more food for thought. Gurudev had once said, “The enlightened one is not on the peak. Rather, the peak is beneath the enlightened. One who goes to the peak comes down, but the peak seeks the one who is stationed in the plateau of the inner space.” This was my inspiration.

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What inspired you to write a biography on Gurudev?

People would often ask me, “How was he as a child? What games did he play? What was he like in school? How were his college days?

When did you find out about his chosen path?” So many questions!

I was inspired to pen down these precious memories so that I could share them with everybody.

How was it growing up with Gurudev?

Our family atmosphere was of simple living. There are several memories that bring a sense of wonderment. Gurudev would celebrate the birthday of every saint by making all of us enact his life story. He would direct the plays and also act in them. It was so much fun, and we learnt a lot about the high values the saints stood for in such a light manner! Even when he was just three, he would pray “for everyone to be happy”. Doing puja (ritual) was his favourite game. My cousins and I were his assistants who would collect flowers, leaves and other such things for the puja.

He would even chant mantras and I would catch the last syllable and

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pretend to chant with him. I never wondered or questioned how he knew them!

I remember I wanted to be with him wherever he was. I would end up going on his class trips also! I was a doting younger sister. The sensitive care and protection of an elder brother and the sense of togetherness was, and still is, very special. I feel grateful for having my brother, my Master, with me at all times.

How long did it take you to write it?

Initially, when I started working on this book, I was writing whenever I would find time for myself. When I was staying by the sea in California in July 2016, words would flow out effortlessly while I gazed at the waves from my window. However, it became a more focused effort since June 2017 as the plan was to complete the manuscript by September that year. I finished the book in about 14 weeks.

How did you come up with the title?

One part of it was easy – Gurudev – it is so clearly the essence of the book. The second

1. Bhanumathi Narasimhan 2. Cover of Gurudev: On the Plateau of the Peak, published by Westland.

Kali For Women Kali for Women is the first independent feminist publishing house in India which publishes books exclusively for and about women. It was founded by Ritu Menon and Urvashi Butalia in the year 1984. This publishing house aims to provide a platform for women to voice their concerns and to also increase the body of women writers and creative people in India.

In the book, what would interest people outside of the Art of Living community?

It is always interesting to learn about the lives of individuals who have walked an extraordinary path. India is a land where reverence for the Master is innate. So the wish to know the story of his transformation comes almost naturally to our people.

You have also written various articles on spiritualism and women empowerment.

What according to you is the power of literature and its effect on society?

Just the sound of laughter or crying immediately has an effect on your state of mind.

Similarly, when you listen to and read what uplifts the spirit and brings harmony, it can have a phenomenally positive effect on you and through you, on society.

Words can create and break concepts. They condition the mind, or help free it. When the words come from a Master, they directly translate into experience.

I have seen this, and felt it.

What about Gurudev, according to you, inspires millions to put their faith in him?

People feel closer to themselves when they meet him. In his presence, they are confident, they feel cared for. Their lives undergo phenomenal transformations, ranging from gaining good health to having deep mystical experiences.

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Internationally renowned Canadian author, Margaret Atwood, is the first to contribute her work to The Future Library Project. Conceived

by Scottish artist, Katie Paterson, this project aims to collect works of famous authors for 100 years and publish them in 2114.

cover to cover

Celebrating Womanhood Women writers have made an incredible mark in the world of literature. As we celebrate International Women’s Day this month, we bring you the latest reads by inspiring women.

Gurgaon Diaries

Sneak Peek

Debeshi Goopta; Rupa Publications

It is a little-known fact that the high-tech city Gurugram was a gift from the legendary Pandavas and Kauravas to Guru Dronacharya.

The author tries to trace the trajectory of the transformation of this mythical village into today’s millennium city.

There's Someone Inside Your House Stephanie Perkins; Dutton Books for Young Readers

Leaving her dark secrets behind in Hawaii, Makani Young decides to settle down with her grandmother in Nebraska. Soon enough, her life is disturbed by a series of murders that distress the students of Osborne Hugh, Young's school in Nebraska.

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Gun Love

Jennifer Clement; Hogarth Press

Central Florida is populated with people who love to sport guns, and it is this harrowing scene that Pearl and her mother have to go through every single day. This motherdaughter duo has to brave dangers of this gun-loving neighbourhood. Will their optimism help them survive in this community?

The Exact Opposite of Okay Laura Steven; Electric Monkey

We get to know about the events that affect the protagonist, Izzy O'Neill, through her blog posts. The story deals with the vulnerable situation of a young girl who finds herself in the middle of a national scandal when she gets intimate with a politician's son.

The Trees Told Me So Purva Grover; Niyogi Books

A beautiful collection of stories that deal with love, life and loss, The Trees Told Me So draws upon the lives of various characters.

A tree, symbolic of an old soul, stands witness to all the secrets and heartbreaks that unfold in front of it and is filled with wisdom and compassion for all these people.

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Indira by Devapriya Roy & Priya Kuriyan In a government school classroom in New Delhi, young Indira Thapa is given an unusual assignment by her favourite teacher: to write an essay around her name. Who was Indira Priyadarshini, the person after whom her grandfather named her?

What is her legacy as India’s first – and only – woman prime minister?

Over the course of a long, hot summer and a friendship with an artist who is working on the biography of Mrs Gandhi, young Indira gets tangled up in the life and times of her memorable namesake.

Real and imagined worlds entwine as Indira walks us through the formative decades in the political life of India.

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Asha Bhosle holds the record of being the most-recorded artist in the history of music in the Guinness Book of World Records. She was bestowed with this title in 2011.

movies & music

Latest Releases We bring you your monthly dose of entertainment.

Music Update your playlist with these latest soundtracks!

Hindi

Pari Anushka Sharma, Parambrata Chatterjee Plot A horror-themed romance, Anushka Sharma plays the role of an abuse victim in this film.

Pari is Anushka's third venture with her production house Clean Slate Films.

Mar 2 Cast

English

Love, Simon Hadeon Release Date Mar

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Artiste Pestilence Label Hammerheart Hindi

Hate Story 4 Urvashi Rautela, Karan Wahi, Vivan Bhatena Plot Hate Story 4 is a tale of desire, passion and murder set during the elections and political upheaval in London.

Mar 9 Cast

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Telugu-Tamil

Voter Manchu Vishnu, Surabhi In this Telugu-Tamil bilingual political thriller, the protagonist fights against the menace of corruption.

Mar 16 Cast Plot

Marathi

What’s Up Lagna Mar 16 Cast Vaibhav Tatwawaadi, Prarthna Behera, Vikram Gokhale Plot What's up Lagna is an urban romcom where an accidental meeting between two people takes a drastic turn as their professional and personal lives collide.

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Mar 16 Cast Nick Robinson, Logan Miller, Jennifer Garner Plot The plot revolves around 17-year-old Simon who is yet to inform his family and friends that he is gay. Meanwhile, he is completely unaware of the identity of the anonymous classmate that he met online and fell in love with. In Love, Simon, the protagonist goes through a turmoil solving all the mess in his life.

Firepower Release Date Mar 9 Artiste Judas Priest Label Epic

You Are Someone Else Release Date Mar 16 Artiste Fickle Friends Label Polydor

Boarding House Reach Release Date Mar 23 Artiste Jack White Label Third Man, Columbia, XL

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Bringing you the best and latest from the worlds of lifestyle, travel, entertainment and news

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Video consumption in India has seen a five-fold growth in just one year, says Hotstar, a digital and mobile entertainment platform

future forward

Safe in the Cloud Always running out of space on your smartphone? No time to run a backup? Try these storage apps - a blessing in disguise for those who need help in managing all that data.

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words: Rashi varshney

Internet on smartphones has provided us with the ease of downloading and transferring data in nano-seconds to any other device. However, this has also highlighted the limitations of storage in our gadgets. With internal storage in phones expanding and new technologies frantically foraying into the smartphone industry, the size of data downloads just keeps getting bigger and heavier! With the advent of cloud apps, backing up your data is just a click away.

These free apps safeguard your data inside 'clouds' without any hassle.

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100 GB Free Cloud Storage Degoo As the name suggests, it gives you 100 GB free and secure cloud storage. The company claims that it encrypts all your data using military grade encryption before uploading it to the cloud. The app has real-time sync, which means that as soon as you add

a photo to your mobile gallery, it automatically updates it in cloud storage.

MediaFire The MediaFire app gives you 10 GB of free online storage instantly. Users can increase it to 50 GB or more at no cost, by referring friends, downloading advertised software within the app, or simply posting MediaFire links on social media. They can also create one-time download links to share with others.

pCloud The pCloud app provides 20 GB of cloud storage space for free. Users can share folders and files with anyone and copy social media photos to their pCloud account. Through this app, users can also categorise files with folders and be more organised.

Future of Cloud Computing Sky Computing is an emerging computing model where resources from multiple cloud providers are leveraged to create largescale distributed infrastructures. In simpler terms, it is federated or multiple cloud computing architectures working together to form a giant cloud or 'sky computer.'

MEGA This cloud storage app provides you free 50 GB space.

The app is a browser-based, end to-end encryption, which means that it prevents third-party spies from invading users' privacy.

The app does not reset your password, so you must remember it or you will lose access to your stored files.

Box Offering 10 GB of free storage and support to various file formats and types, this app is suitable for busy professionals. It allows users to edit content, such as adding comments to documents saved in the cloud. It also allows user to e-sign documents.

Excerpt from International Journal of Computer Science and Information Technologies

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The 2024 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, will be hosted in Paris, France.

scoreboard

Take the Khelo India Pledge With the tagline of “Kheloge kudoge toh banoge lajawab” and highlighting the importance of playing sports, PM Shri Narendra Modi’s initiative Khelo India School Games aims at ushering a new era in sporting culture.

360 Degrees of Sports

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words: garima verma

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Today, when India is making steady progress in sports, what could have been better than tapping the tremendous potential of our youth at the grassroot level?

The Khelo India Programme, an initiative launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, focuses on revolutionising the sports industry by inspiring young talent.

With an aim to mentor and nurture talent for the 2024 Olympics, PM Modi’s initiative scouts young talent from schools across India and further trains them for future competitions. This initiative was launched by Olympic silver-medallist and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. The former double trap shooter has been promoting the project in various cities all over the country.

Key Highlights Khelo India School Games, the flagship event of the Khelo India Programme,

was held from January 31 to February 8 in the national capital. The games saw under-17 athletes from 29 states and seven union territories battle it out in 16 disciplines – archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, football, gymnastics, hockey, judo, kabaddi, kho-kho, shooting, swimming, volleyball, weightlifting and wrestling.

School children from Maharashtra, Haryana and New Delhi schools fought hard for the top spots in the medal tally. On the penultimate day, they stood at 24, 23 and 22 gold medals respectively. Haryana won the battle for supremacy by finishing with 38 gold, 26 silver and 38 bronze medals, emerging as the victorious state.

A movement that garnered attention from states across India, this initiative is just the beginning for young and budding sports talents to now hone their skills for the international arena.

"Sport is an important means of personality development and Khelo India is not a programme, it's a mission.

The Games will highlight India's young sporting talent and showcase India's sports potential," ~ Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

The Khelo India Programme has been divided into 12 verticals – play field development, community coaching development, state-level Khelo India centres, annual sports competition, talent search and development, utilisation and creation of sports infrastructure, support to national/ regional/state sports academics, physical fitness of school children, sports for women, promotion of sports among the differently-abled, sports for peace and development, and promotion of rural and indigenous/tribal games.

World School Games The International School Sports Federation (ISF), created by the International Olympic Committee promotes the values and interests of education through sport. The foremost competition held by the ISF is the Gymnasiade. Started in 1974, it is a biennial multi-sport event that features athletics, gymnastics and swimming events. Among their other major events are continental games such as the PanAmerican School Games, Euro Schools Football, Asian School Games, World School Championships, World School Winter Games, World School Combat Games and other regional events.

1. A hockey match being played during the Khelo India School Games Programme.

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City Canvas

A Tapestry of Heritage Mandalay, Myanmar’s former royal capital, is like a phoenix, having risen from near-ruin to become the country’s cultural hub.

Inside Scoop

Explore the glorious attractions in Mandalay.

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words: anita rao kashi

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Even though the city’s ruins are evocative of a long and colourful history, in reality, Mandalay is quite new at just over 160 years old.

Located at the foot of the Mandalay Hill, it was founded by King Mindon who made it the capital of his kingdom. Despite being quite young in existence, it boasts of a rich heritage and culture. The city was devastated during World War II, but has recovered spectacularly since then. The populace has truly shown grit and determination and today, Mandalay is a busy, thriving and happy city.

At its heart is Mandalay Hill, slopes of which are dotted with pagodas and beautiful old buildings. Mandalay also boasts

of several religious monuments (mosques, monasteries and temples), busy markets, a serene riverfront and a friendly teahouse culture, which often serve as centres for social interaction.

Traditionalists will argue that Mandalay reached its zenith between 1858 and 1885. After that, Myanmar was colonised by the British until it gained independence in 1948. But it has continued to steadily prosper. While it is no longer the political capital, the city has retained its edge for business.

It is the leading trade centre in the north of the country. Hence, Mandalay still holds a pre-eminent position in Myanmar.

1. Mandalay, the former capital city of the Myanmar Kingdom, is a spectacular destination for travellers who love exploring culture and history.

2. The Mahamuni Buddha Pagoda in Mandalay, Myanmar has a 6-tonne bronze, gold-covered statue of the Buddha.

A lesser known but interesting aspect of the Mandalay region is its ruins. They talk as much about this ancient city’s history as do the other buildings that are intact. At Ta Moke Shwe Gu Gyi, which is located west of Kyaukse, is a huge temple complex and a fabulous archaeological site. The two-storeyed temple marked by sturdy brickwork and magnificent stucco reliefs is a fascinating sight. Among the stuccos are beautiful scenes from the life of the Buddha, in addition to motifs of plants, animals as well as mythological beings. At the Pinya Stupa ruins, the site is indicative of the glory of a forgotten capital, which rose to prominence and then suddenly declined. Even though all that remains from the 14th century site is groups of brick stupa ruins and a general air of desolation, it also talks about the Mongol attacks and rival kingdoms across a river and the majesty that surrounded it.

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A Black Buddha, brought from India in 1839, can be found at the Eindawya Pagoda in Mandalay, Myanmar. This statue is carved from quartz.

City Canvas

Budget & Blowout Guide Treat yourself, or save your money? Our guide can help you decide.

Located in a historic building, Zegyo Market is a lovely place with an array of eclectic wares to tempt shoppers.

There are hundreds of stores and stalls selling everything from souvenirs and handicrafts to textiles and food items.

It provides visitors with a glimpse of Mandalay charm. A definite must-visit, not just for the affordable pricing, but also to feel the vibe of the city.

The quirky Peacock Lodge is situated on a residential street. The lodge has nine basic but comfortable rooms spread over two floors. The rooms here are bright and airy. It also serves simple meals in a quaint garden setting.

Eat

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From the outside, Pakkoku Dawlaymay might not seem very impressive. But this eatery makes up for its simple decor with absolutely delicious food. Located in a small space, this archetypal local restaurant has a large menu board that indicates the curries available. Every curry is accompanied by a bowl of rice and sides of salad herbs, a peanut salad, a delicious tomato-bean dish and a sweet lentil preparation.

Experience Mandalay in the lap of luxury with heritage tours that usually cover all the relevant places of interest such as the famous 1.2 km-long U Bein Bridge (said to be the world’s longest teakwood footbridge), the Mahamuni Buddha Temple, the Royal Palace and the Golden Palace monastery. Many tours end with panoramic views of the city from Mandalay Hill at sunset. You can also participate in wood carving and kalaga tapestry weaving workshops.

Bistro at 82nd is a chic restaurant and a perennial haunt of Mandalay’s jetsetting crowd. So, making a reservation before you visit is essential. They have some innovative cocktails and a menu full of yummy continental fare from Italian pasta to French roast chicken. Their special nights for mixed grills, with steak and chops imported from Australia, are crowd-pullers.

Shop

Get a taste of old-world Mandalay where colourful marionettes dance and cavort evocatively, recreating snippets of traditional tales at the Mandalay Marionette Theatre. The curtain is lifted occasionally to allow visitors a glimpse of what happens behind the screens. You can also buy puppets and take them home.

Do

Splurge

Jade Market is a niche, thriving precious-stone market. It is a showcase of the city’s vibrant gemstone trade.

Visitors get to watch skilled artisans making beautiful jewellery at close quarters as merchants haggle their way through hundreds of shops inside the market. For gemstone connoisseurs, this is the perfect place to find something precious and unique.

stay

Save

Possibly the best luxury hotel in the city, Mandalay Hill Resort stands in the midst of gorgeous landscaped gardens at the foot of the eponymous hill. A world-class hotel with a variety of room-styles to choose from, it is ideally located to give you stunning views of the walled Royal Palace and its moat.

Lavish halls, fully-equipped fitness centres and luxury surroundings add to the beauty of your stay here. The hotel also scores on the incredibly delicious traditional and international food available at its many restaurants.

Getting There AirAsia Berhad flies to Mandalay from various destinations. airasia.com

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Hit List

Wayfarers' Pitstops Travel cafes are hotspots for youngsters and travellers alike. It's a place to catch up, share travel stories or participate in a workshop over a nice, hot cuppa.

Image: Ciclo Cafe, Bengaluru, Karnataka

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words: rashi varshney

Bengaluru, Karnataka

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Ciclo Cafe & Bicycle Shop Inspired by the growing love for cycling and travelling, the Tube Investments Cycles of India & Absolute Speciality Foods Private

Limited collaborated to form the first-of-its-kind cycling cafe chain, Ciclo Cafe. Patrons can relish flavourful food offerings like Telangana mutton, black pomfret to name a few and enjoy the brightly done up interior with

the use of bicycle components built into the decor. One can also rent bicycles and ride through the chic lanes running adjacent to the cafe.

Address: 12th Main Road, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka

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Hit List Chandigarh, Punjab

Backpackers Cafe Spend your hours at this dreamy cafe in Chandigarh, which doubles up as a perfect stop-over for travellers. You

can flip through various travel guide books or go through their cheeky newspaper-style menu.

Backpackers Cafe is sure to catch the fancy of every traveller with like-minded people around.

From sandwiches to refreshing smoothies, this cafe has a lot of options for foodies.

Address: SCF 16, Inner Market, Sector 9 D, Sector 9, Chandigarh, Punjab

Recognising Talent

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Edward Stanford established his mapmaking business in 1853. His maps became the driving force for travellers, which in turn led to an explosion of travel writing. Today, the Edward Sanford Travel Writing Award recognises the best writers of this genre with their awards. edwardstanfordawards.com

Darjeeling, West Bengal

Gatty’s Cafe Gatty’s Cafe is a backpacker-friendly cafe with a free open mic and movie nights. It offers home-cooked pasta, ravioli and other mouthwatering dishes. Besides pocketfriendly food and drinks, the cafe also offers free Wi-Fi and karaoke sessions.

The closing time of this cafe is slightly later than the others in the vicinity, making it a hotspot for road trippers.

Address: Dr. Zakir Hussain Road, Below Omni Guest House, Darjeeling, West Bengal

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Hit List New Delhi

Kunzum Travel Café The brightly-lit Kunzum Travel Café in Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi, checks all the boxes as a great place for all your travel needs. Brainchild of Ajay Jain, a well-travelled writer and

photographer, Kunzum Travel Café is a reflection of his love for travel. A place for people to participate in interactive travelrelated workshops and music sessions, visitors also share their travel stories with the group.

Run by a team of travel writers

who are gracious and generous, people visiting this place are not required to settle a bill - you can pay as you wish! This cafe also houses a well-stocked library of travel books and journals.

Address: T-49, GF, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi

Pioneers for All Women Travel

Image: Kunzum Café

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More and more woman travelling is the inspiration behind Women on Wanderlust (WOW), a travel club that organises all-women trips all across the globe. It is the perfect solution for women who wish to travel and are seeking company for the same. wowclub.in

Old Manali, Himachal Pradesh

The Lazy Dog Tucked away in the hills of Manali, Himachal Pradesh, the Lazy Dog travel cafe is one of the most soughtafter cafes in Northern India. With drum circles and travelling artists performing almost every day, this cafe is split into two sections. One part of the cafe is on a riverside, a perfect ambience for day time, while the other part gives a colonial feel with cosy lighting and a wooden finish to the décor.

Address: Manu Temple Road, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

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Travelher

Located in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, Alibaug is a weekend getaway replete with picturesque spots.

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Together

With My Bestie Travel lover Akanksha Khanna never leaves a chance to explore new places. This time, she found company in her friend Jaya, who has been her confidante since they were teenagers. Taking a break from their daily work routines, they set out on a short trip to Alibaug in Maharashtra.

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Janjira Fort was built during 17th century and is known for its sculptures and architectural splendour.

I

have always been a mountain person. Not only do I travel to the peaks for leisure, I conduct treks and camps for children and adults in the Himalayas.

I had a week off until my next work assignment in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Since my bestie, Jaya, had a regular job in the same city, we decided not to head out too far for the weekend.

This trip was special as we both were going for a vacation together after a long time. Our main motive behind this trip was to rekindle the bond that we shared during

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"Alibaug is also a place of historical importance.

One can spend time here exploring the well known Siddhivinayak Temple, the dargah (shrine) of Haji Kamaluddin Shah and freshwater wells, all inside the fort premises."

childhood and catch up on the lost years. Taking some time off from our jobs and travelling with each other was an ode to our long friendship.

I flew from New Delhi, my home city, a week before my assignment was slated to begin. In Mumbai, I had my friend and soon-to-be travel

partner eagerly awaiting my arrival.

Without wasting any more time, we started planning our mini break.

After doing some research and getting information from friends and family, we decided to head to Alibaug and bask in the glory of this beautiful locale.

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BIODIVERSITY FOR EVERYONE’S LIFE SAVE BIODIVERSITY | COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE | GO FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

An IBSD Initiative

Rich Biodiversity North East India

Ms Mary Kom, World Boxing Champion and Olympian; Dr Najma Heptulla, Governor of Manipur and Prof Dinabandhu Sahoo, Environmentalist and Academician joined hands to save Biodiversity and combat Climate Change

D

ue to rapid industrialization, unplanned urbanization and increase in human activities, average global temperature has increased by 0.740C during the last 100 years.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) the temperature could rise by 1-6-4.30C by 2100. At the same time, global mean sea level rose between 12-27 cms during the last century. These changes

One horned Rhino under threat

have caused huge loss in biodiversity, affecting the entire world, from low lying areas to the vast polar regions.

At least 40% of the world economy and 80% of the needs of the people are derived from biological resources.

More than 700 species that are facing extinction are being hit hard by climate change. Therefore, there is an urgent need to join hands to make combined efforts to save our biodiversity.

Cherry Blossom

• Life on Earth originated about 3.5 billion years ago.

• Five major mass extinctions have led to large and sudden drops in biodiversity.

• Biodiversity positively impacts human health in a number of ways, with the bioeconomy expected to contribute to 2.7 % of global GDP by 2030.

• There are 34 global biodiversity hotspots in the world, out of which Four are in India namely; (1) the Western Ghats, (2) the Eastern Himalayas, (3) Indo-Burma and (4) Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Benefits of saving Biodiversity

What YOU can do to save Biodiversity

Biodiversity is important for everyone’s life.

• It will reduce incidence of floods • It will enhance agricultural productivity • It will provide you better health

Reduce | Rescue | Recycle Save Water | Save Trees Save Our Oceans

Join us at www.facebook.com /BiodiversityforEveryonesLife

The Director,

INSTITUTE OF BIORESOURCES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (IBSD) A National Institute of Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, Imphal, Manipur Email- director.ibsd@nic.in | website- www.ibsd.gov.in IBSD Manipur | IBSD Sikkim | IBSD Mizoram | IBSD Meghalaya

"Although there are a couple of other ways to get to Alibaug (such as by car or bus), we chose this ride to experience the thrill of travelling by sea. We sat on the top deck – it was lovely and breezy (and just a bit nippy)."

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Ferry to the Beach Side Jaya and I started early on Saturday morning.

We packed some food and headed towards the Gateway of India to take a ferry to Alibaug. Although there are a couple of other ways to get there (such as by car or bus), we chose this ride to experience the thrill of travelling by sea. We sat on the top deck – it was lovely and breezy (and just a bit nippy). During this hourlong sea journey to Mandwa, we were accompanied by hundreds of seagulls flying all around our ferry. It was a beautiful sight. From Mandwa, we took a bus to the Alibaug bus depot, a 45-minute drive away.

Touring the Fort A 10-minute auto rickshaw ride from the bus depot got us to Alibaug Fort, also known as Kolaba Fort. We spent the next couple of hours enjoying a long walk on the beach and around the fort premises.

Alibaug is also a place of historical importance. One can spend time here exploring the well known Siddhivinayak Temple, the dargah (shrine) of Haji Kamaluddin Shah

Kolaba Fort, also known as Alibaug Fort, is an old military fortification. It is situated on Alibaug Beach.

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Travelher

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1. Jet skiing is a preferred water sport activity in Alibaug among tourists.

2. Besties Akanksha and Jaya posing for a click. They took this trip together to catch up on long lost years.

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Image: Akanksha Khanna

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and freshwater wells, all inside the fort premises. We were lucky to be there during low tide so we could witness the grandeur of the giant boulders in the sea. We made sure to keep ourselves well hydrated throughout as it gets very hot during the day. After grabbing a bite, we headed towards our next stop.

An Evening at Nagaon Our journey to Nagaon, 12 kms from the fort, was through narrow roads with coastal farms and tall coconut trees on both sides. While I was excited and looking forward to finding a place to stay, my friend was slightly jittery as this was the first time she was on a women-only trip with no pre-booked accommodation! Since we had read a little bit about homestay options at Nagaon before starting out, I was certain that we would find something.

Our auto driver was quite helpful and suggested some good places. I have always found it very useful to interact with locals wherever I go. It gives in-depth knowledge of the area, facts that you will never find anywhere on the Internet.

We visited a few of the homestays that we had shortlisted, and finally chose one that suited our budget.

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Travelher About the Author

An Outdoor Educator by profession, Akanksha conducts treks and camps in the Indian Himalayas. When not travelling for work, she is often wandering outdoors, exploring the hills. She is also compassionate about environmental conservation and contributes to environment awareness programmes. During her free time, she takes up writing assignments. She has a keen interest in photography and has been blogging and sharing her travel experiences over the last few years. To read her travel stories, follow her on Instagram @mygallivantingsoul.

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To my pleasant surprise, and to Jaya’s relief, the place was superb.

The Nagaon beach was just a fiveminute walk away and it had plenty of water-sport options to offer. We took a stroll to the other end of the beach, away from the crowds. We drank fresh coconut water, tried our hands at few water sports like jet ski and banana boat rides and enjoyed a tranquil sunset. After gorging on some yummy coastal cuisine at a shack recommended by our host, we finally called it a day in our homely room.

The Rocky Side of Kihim On the final day of our trip, we had some hot poha (savoury dish made of flattened rice) at our homestay and bid adieu to our hosts. We then headed towards Kihim, 17.6 km from our homestay. While the beach there was quite different from the one in Nagoan, it was not as clean as we were told it would be. One needs to be extremely careful about venturing into the sea here during

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1. Mandwa Port in Alibaug from where Akanksha and Jaya took a ferry back home to Mumbai, Maharashtra.

2. Poha (savoury dish made from flattened rice and spices) is a staple dish, commonly available in different parts of Maharashtra.

low tide as there are sharp boulders and rock formations scattered all around. I would recommend wearing close-toed shoes for such trips. The beach, however, has lovely white sand and a beautiful backdrop of swaying coconut trees. It is a wonderful place to just relax and enjoy the view. After drinking more coconut water and rinsing the sand off us at the paid washrooms on the beach, we got on a local bus to Mandwa and finally took the ferry back to Mumbai.

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The beautiful sights and fun experiences made up for all the lost years and gave us some beautiful memories to cherish till our next trip!

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Ultimate Gaming Experience with Max Pro Keyboard Zebronics, India’s leading supplier of IT peripherals, Audio/ Video, and Surveillance products announced another extension to its very strong Gaming Portfolio ‘Max Pro’ premium mechanical gaming Keyboard. It offers an ultimate gaming experience with the excellent combination of

Many More to AirAsia India!

“Congratulations to AirAsia India for starting new flights to Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Happy landings!”. ~ AR Achal K Choudhari, President, IPS Group of Institutions, Indore

“I am delighted with AirAsia India starting new flights to Indore from various destinations. This is a positive beginning for state tourism”. ~ Dr Upinder Dhar, Vice Chancellor, Shri Vaishnav Vidhya Peeth, Indore

impeccable craftsmanship, excellent switches and premium feature set.

Embedded with 104 keys, the Max Pro Keyboard features high quality mechanical switches with suspended keycaps, which makes it every gamer’s dream. The amazing full size keyboard comes in a comfortable to use design, tactile feeling and RGB LED backlight along with 18 LED modes, 6 levels of brightness and 5 speed modes.

The sturdy and heavy duty mechanical keyboard also comes with suspended keycaps and a heavy metal base that allows the gamer to have a very urbane and comfortable experience.

Speaking of which, it comes with a retractable stand, rubber grip to not let it slip on any surface, and braided cable along with high-quality USB cable for reliability over time.

“Driven by Innovation and creativity the premium Max Pro keyboard was the most awaited launch for us. Looking at the success of other Max keyboards, we launched this keyboard with RGB backlight. It is a feature packed gaming keyboard at the very pocket friendly price,” says Pradeep Doshi, Director of Zebronics India Pvt. Ltd.

“Thrilled to have AirAsia India expanding its routes and connecting Indore, Madhya Pradesh to other states of India”. ~ KP Singh, Chairman, Opera Cinema 03 18

“Wishing AirAsia all the best in their recent endeavour of introducing flights to Indore. I believe now flying in and out of Indore would be much comfortable with AirAsia's world-class inflight services”. ~ Vinod Bapana, MD and CEO, Bonton Furniture, Indore

An Arty Affair Home & Design Trends is all set to bring an uber-luxurious experience to the connoisseurs of arts, crafts and design with its upcoming fair D/code. Being curated by award-winning architect Ashiesh Shah, the two-day event will showcase Mumbai as a go-to destination for arts, crafts and design on a global platform. The exhibition will bring together the best of international and homegrown design brands, product designers and artists under one roof.

Ashiesh's creative prowess will bring the best of innovation and craftsmanship to the fore at the expo. Over 12 industry categories and over 40 exclusive design brands from all over the globe are going to participate in the event.

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Wanderlust / Getaways

Tranquil Escapes The youthful and energetic vibe of the Silicon Valley of India make it a class apart. However, the daily grind of IT workplaces in Bengaluru, Karnataka, can be a tad overwhelming at times. Take a break from the monotony and head to these destinations a few hours away from Bengaluru, which offer peace and a much-needed break from the city life.

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Image: Anmol Rathi

Words Lakshmi Sarath

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Situated at a distance of 400 kms from Bengaluru, Malpe beach in Manipal is famous for its coastline flanked by three rocky islands on its western side.

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B

eing the IT Capital of India, Bengaluru in Karnataka is an eclectic mix of tourist attractions and a myriad of IT firms, making it a preferred destination for youth, corporates as well as global conglomerates.

With work taking precedence over leisure in a city as busy as Bengaluru, mini vacations are all the rage amongst Bangloreans.

With pleasant weather conditions prevailing all year long, Bengaluru offers a plethora of idyllic destinations that make for great weekend getaways. While the city roads are infamous for unending traffic snarls, there’s a dramatic change in the scenery as soon as you approach the highway. You drive past dense forests, bird-watching hotspots and evergreen valleys surrounded by mountains. Ancient monuments, which bear silent witness to our history, greet you along the way.

So dust off the frenzy of the city with our top recommendations for weekend breaks.

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"It is believed that Asia’s largest congregation of elephants assembles on the banks of the Kabini River during summer for water and food."

1. Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka, is located in the Baba Budan Giri Range of the Western Ghats where tourists can witness the beautiful view from its peak.

2. The view of the beautiful white, foaming waters of the Hebbe Falls is one of the most stunning in Chikmagalur.

Chikmagalur Nestled in the Western Ghats, Chikmagalur in Karnataka is a soothing getaway in Karnataka.

Situated at an approximate height of 1,090 m, the hill station of Chikmagalur remains shrouded in mist for almost the entire year. There is an interesting legend attached to the stretch of coffee plantations found here. It is said that a seer called Baba Budan smuggled seven seeds of coffee in his pocket all the way from Yemen and planted them in his backyard, on the slopes of

Chandragiri Hills. In those days, coffee was exported only by few countries and Baba Budan is said to be the first person to introduce coffee to the state. Thanking Baba Budan's efforts the local people of the area named an entire mountain range in his honour, called Baba Budan Giri Range.

Tourists can choose to stay at one of the many pleasant homestays here, trek in the forests and walk around the coffee plantations. Other attractions include breathtaking waterfalls in

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dense forests and hidden temples.

Destinations such as Mullayangiri, Kemmangudi, Kudremukh and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary are close by and worth a visit.

Distance by road: 245 kms approx.

Kabini Kabini has a unique claim to fame. It is believed to be the place where Asia’s largest congregation of elephants assembles during summer, mainly from April to June.

Herds of elephants make their way

through the jungles to the banks of the Kabini River for water and food. The jungles of Bandipur and Nagarhole are on the either sides of the river. Both offer wildlife safaris where you can see not just

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For a Happy Tummy!

Gorge on goli baje during your stay in Manipal. This deep-fried snack combines white flour, rice flour and curd and is best enjoyed with green chillies and ginger.

Try fish moilee while in Wayanad.

This rich fish curry is made with coconut milk, mustard seeds, curry leaves, turmeric and fresh fish.

While in Masinagudi, relish Koi Udaka (chicken curry), a Bagada cuisine specialty. The main ingredient of this dish is the koi uduka maasu hudi, a spice mix, which is roasted and ground to a powder.

Take back a pack full of nendran chips (banana chips made with a different variety of bananas). These chips are a staple snack of this region.

elephants, but tigers, leopards, wild dogs, gaur and deer, among several other animals. You can also opt for the river safari to spot resident and migratory birds.

Distance by road: 216 kms approx.

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Manipal If you like long coastal drives, head to Manipal for a relaxing weekend getaway! Located along the coast near Mangaluru, Manipal offers a captivating view of the Western Ghats to the east and the Arabian Sea to the west. If beaches excite you, lose yourself in the many that dot this town such as Suratkal, Malpe, Kaup or Kodi.

During your trip to Manipal, you can also witness the spectacular scenic route along the coast from Mangaluru to Karwar. Further, for those wanting to indulge in adventure activities, Netrani Island is the best jaunt to try out scuba diving.

Distance by road: 400 kms approx.

Agumbe The dense tropical rainforests of Agumbe are often referred to as the 'Cherrapunji of

Wayanad Ghat pass, also known as Thamarassery Churam, is one of the most scenic roads in the whole of South India.

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the South'. A small village in the Shimoga district, Agumbe is in a cosy corner of the Western Ghats and is famous for breathtaking views of the sun setting over the Arabian Sea. Besides posing for photographs at Sunset Point, you could train your lens on the many endemic species of frogs, reptiles, snakes and birds. Rustic countryside surrounds the forests and there are several temple towns such as Sringeri and Hornadu to be discovered around Agumbe.

River Tunga, which flows close to Agumbe, adds to the verdant charm of the town. A trip to Agumbe is incomplete without a visit to ‘Akka’s Mane’, the traditional house where RK Narayan’s Malgudi Days, a famous television serial for kids, was filmed. As for accommodation, there are a few homestays in and

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"Situated in the Western Ghats, the landscape of Wayanad is a mélange of coffee plantations and dense forests. It is also home to the wildlife sanctuaries of Tholpetty and Muthanga."

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around Agumbe and in the nearby towns of Sringeri and Teerthahalli as well.

Distance by road: 357 kms approx.

Wayanad The paintings on the Eddakal Caves in Wayanad date back to the pre-historic era. If you are interested in mythology, visit the temples dedicated to Luv and Kush of the epic Ramayana. However, it is the lush greenery of Wayanad that is most attractive to visitors. Situated in the Western Ghats, the landscape is a mélange of coffee plantations and dense forests. It is also home to the wildlife sanctuaries of Tholpetty and Muthanga. Chembara Peak and Banasura Hills offer great trekking routes. The main towns here are Kalpetta, Sultan Bathery, Vythiri and Mananthavady, and you will find a variety of homestays and hotels to choose from for a pleasant stay.

Distance by road: 283 kms approx.

Yercaud Probably the closest weekend getaway from Bengaluru,

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1. Agumbe provides a perfect environment for the lion tailed macaque. 2. Women picking tea leaves at Parisons Tea Plantation Estate in the Wayanad district of Kerala. 3. Striking view of golden sun rays surrounded by the colourful dense forests of Masinagudi, Tamil Nadu. 4. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Mudhumalai National Park, Masinagudi is a popular camping and trekking destination.

a safari ride as you spot wildlife along much of the road leading to the town. The route is built next to an elephant corridor but you might spot tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaurs and few local birds.

There are many resorts and wildlife lodges in Masinagudi, which offer comfortable accommodation.

Distance by road: 250 kms approx.

With so many choices available, the roads from Bengaluru lead to getaways that are sure to help you unwind, detox and rejuvenate amidst nature. So, the following weekend, pack your bags, grab your car keys and drive off to a welldeserved break!

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Getting There

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AirAsia flies to Bengaluru from various destinations. airasia.com

Yercaud is located in the Eastern Ghats, in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu. Literally meaning ‘lake forest’, Yercaud was one of the hill stations discovered and developed by the British, and their colonial influence lingers here. Yercaud Lake is the biggest attraction in town. The coffee plantations or the many orchards also draw in a large number of crowds. Don't forget to buy the homemade fruit jams here. Accommodation in Yercaud is never a problem as there are several resorts and homestays available fitting all budgets.

Distance by road: 215 kms approx.

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Masinagudi Located in the foothills of the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, Masinagudi is a haven for wildlife lovers. The forests of Bandipur in Karnataka merge into the jungles of Mudhumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, and Masinagudi is one of the ranges of this sanctuary. The journey through this beautiful place, blessed with nature's bounty, feels more like

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Wanderlust / Tamil Nadu

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Time Travel to the

Chola

Period

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With 33,000 temples dating back more than 300 centuries, Tamil Nadu has earned the epithet of the ‘Land of Temples’. It is home to three of these structural marvels built by the kings of the Chola Dynasty in and around Thanjavur, the capital of the ancient empire.

Words Shoma Abhyankar

The Brihadisvara Temple was built in 11th century AD by King Raja Raja Chola I. It is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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amil Nadu is a treasure trove of ancient relics.

The state is said to have the largest collection of heritage buildings in India. Be it the Madras War Cemetery or the Freemasons Hall Chennai or the Kamaraj Memorial House, Tamil Nadu never fails to leave an impact on travellers. While I have been to a few of these places, Thanjavur was one place that I had been wanting to visit for a long time. It was the ancient capital of the Chola kingdom and the cultural epicentre in that period.

Thanjavur is famous for temples dating back to the Chola period. Once you reach Chennai,

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"The Chola Dynasty dates back to 3rd century BCE, but it was between the 9th and 13th centuries that it emerged as an economic, military and cultural superpower."

it is about a seven-hour drive to this small town, covering approximately 350 kms.

It was worth the effort as I got to see three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Brihadisvara Temple, Airavatesvara Temple and Gangaikondacholapuram Temple. All these are gems of Dravidian architecture, built by erstwhile kings of the Chola Dynasty in Thanjavur and the neighbouring villages of Darasuram and Gangaikondacholapuram.

They are often called the ‘Great Living Chola Temples’, nothing compares to the sheer magnitude of these amazing structures, with their spires rising towards the heavens in reverence. Having survived the test of time, these temples function with the same fervour and vigour as they did centuries ago, keeping traditional practices alive and drawing in more and more devotees every day.

The Chola Dynasty dates back to 3rd century BCE, but it was between

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Useful Tips Photography inside the main shrines is not allowed in any of these temples.

It is advisable to go around the temples with a tour guide. This will help you understand the structural, religious and cultural concepts involved in building these temples.

Most of the guides speak English and Tamil and can understand Hindi too.

It is advised to be sensitive to the culture and dress accordingly. Seek advice from the locals on how to dress when visiting.

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1. Thanjavur is famous for its dancing dolls, a traditional Indian bobblehead made of teracotta (a clay-like earthenware ceramic). The doll usually resembles a king and queen to symbolise the many dynasties that ruled Thanjavur. 2. The intricate carvings on the walls of Brihadisvara Temple are a sight to behold. Each carving denotes a scene from mythology. 3. Brihadisvara temple is a sprawling complex with manicured lawns around the main temple complex.

the 9th and 13th centuries that it emerged as an economic, military and cultural superpower, occupying a vast area that extended to the present day Malaysia and southern Thailand, not to mention Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Accomplished builders and patrons of music, literature and art, the Chola kings left a legacy of exemplary Dravidian architecture in their temples.

I had the pleasure of exploring these beautiful temples in full splendour during my stay there.

Brihadisvara Temple My first visit was to the Brihadisvara Temple, one of the largest and tallest ancient temples in India. Built by Raja Raja I in 1010 AD, a glimpse of the shikhara (tower or spire) of this temple, soaring above the trees nearby, exemplified the grandeur of this place. Crossing a row of flower sellers, I entered one of the

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ornate Keralaanthakan gopurams (a large arched gateway) into an austere fort-like enclosure, only to be greeted by a grander gateway - the Raja Raja gopuram - flanked by two gigantic dwarpalas (temple guardians to protect the sanctum sanctorum) carved out of beautiful pink granite.

Everything about the Brihadisvara Temple is unique and colossal – the 16-storey vimana, (the central tower of the temple), the 20-tonne capstone, the 13-foot high Nandi bull carved of a single stone, the six-foot tall idols of Ashta-dikpalakas (the guardians of eight directions) and the 8.7 m high Shiva lingam (anthropomorphic symbol of Lord Shiva). Adjoining pillared corridors have an impressive row of 108 smaller Shiva lingams set against a backdrop of colourful murals and frescoes of mythological stories.

The structure of this temple is a

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Wanderlust / Tamil Nadu 1

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proof of the wealth, artistic expertise and power of the erstwhile Chola kingdom. It is said that the Cholas moved most of the stones with boats, but the much heavier ones, like the capstone at the summit of the tower, were moved with a combination of ramps and elephants.

After this visual treat, I finally joined the queue of devotees chanting Om Namah Shivaya, and awaited my turn at the inner sanctum. Reverberating with the hum of devotees, it was filled with smoke from incense sticks that gave its sombre interiors a mystic aura. With a prayer on my lips, I bowed down in reverence before being hustled away by the stream of devotees.

Later in the day, over a cup of hot filter coffee, I learnt about bronze sculptures from other travellers, another art perfected during the Chola rule. Excited to see more such sculptures during my trip, I planned to visit the two remaining Chola temples at Darasuram and Gangaikondacholapuram the next day.

Airavatesvara Temple Built by Raja Raja II in 12th century AD, Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram is all about exquisitely detailed carvings.

The temple is designed in the form of a chariot being pulled by an elephant and horse, with a flight of steps.

A towering wall led me through an ornate brick-and-lime gopuram (gatehouse tower) to the complex. Every panel on the wall was a discovery, and identifying mythological stories etched in stone was a delight. It confirmed the craftsmen's concept of nitya vinod or perpetual joy for the devotees. The fact that Chola art was at its zenith during this period can be seen in the 48 intricately carved pillars of the mandapam (temple porch) depicting Shiva’s legends and dance poses.

1. The Airavatesvara Temple, a masterpiece dating back to the Chola Dynasty, has been named after the white elephant - the vehicle of Lord Indra. 2. At the entrance of Gangaikondacholapuram Temple is a huge statue of the Nandi, the bullmount of Shiva.

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In & Around Thanjavur

Various temple tours, ranging from one-day excursions to week-long trips, are available from Thanjavur city.

Authentic Tamilian food is easily available at affordable rates. Adiyar Bhawan, Vasantha Bhawan and Chennai Darbar are some excellent restaurants famous for their delicious spreads.

For a luxury stay, Svatma Heritage Resort within the city and close to Brihadisvara Temple is a great option.

Sangam Hotel and Ideal Resort also make for good choices.

The town is famous for traditional Thanjavur gold-leaf paintings, bronzecast idols and colourful dancing clay dolls.

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"Gangaikondacholapuram Temple is smaller in scale, with the shikhara being 10 feet shorter than the one at Brihadisvara Temple and the Shiva lingam just 13-feet high."

I was keen to explore more but time was insufficient. I had to visit the next temple before sunset. Leaving behind the spectacular Airavatesvara Temple, I headed towards Gangaikondacholapuram, an hour away, to witness another remarkable example of Chola architecture.

Gangaikondacholapuram Temple Following his victory march to the River Ganges, Rajendra Chola I built a temple in the town

of Gangaikondacholapuram in 1035 AD. Gangaikondacholapuram Temple is sometimes referred to as a smaller Brihadisvara Temple. It is smaller in scale, with the shikhara being 10 feet shorter than the one at Brihadisvara Temple and the Shiva lingam just 13-feet high.

Though the encompassing fortifications need restoration, the temple inside the entrance is still in a good shape. Manicured lawns surrounding this temple are a treat

for the eyes. One can sit back and bask in the glory of this marvel. Its faรงade has carvings on granite stone as well as the figures of Nataraja and Saraswati etched onto the walls.

Humbled by the grandeur of these glorious temples, I returned home, hoping to revisit soon. There is much more to explore, many more stories to discover and multitudes to learn from these incredible storehouses of art and architecture.

Getting There AirAsia flies to Chennai from various destinations. Drive to Thanjavur with Zoomcar. airasia.com

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Kala Ghoda, Mumbai, Maharashtra Kala Ghoda in Mumbai is a potpourri of all things good - culture, food, art and music. It offers a complete package of museums, art galleries and heritage buildings. This crescent-shaped art district is famous for the annual Kala Ghoda Festival that brings together literature, food, music, dance, cinema,

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visual arts and street stalls under one banner. With gorgeous cafes, fabulous food and a trendy shopping scene, Kala Ghoda is also home to the oldest surviving cast iron building of India, the Esplanade Mansion. It attracts several art laureates during the Kala Ghoda Festival held in the month of February.

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Charming Bylanes

The cities of India are packed with tourist destinations that capture the attention of one and all. But, with famous landmarks monopolising the attention of visitors, the hotspots that capture the very essence of the city often get overlooked. These seemingly ordinary locations are filled with quirky stores and food havens, reciting a unique narrative of the city.

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Image: Vijay Nambiar

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1. Parvati Valley, Kasol, Himachal Pradesh Think hippie, think Kasol. Fragrances of Israeli food course through the air of Parvati Valley in Kasol.

Home to a large number of Israeli settlers, the food options available in this backpackers’ paradise are a delight for all taste buds. Some fantastic venues for food enthusiasts are the Jim Morrison Cafe, the Evergreen Cafe and the Shiv Shanti Cafe, where you can unplug from your daily life and chill out with some good music and mouthwatering food.

2. Champa Gali, New Delhi South Delhi’s Champa Gali is lined with design studios, eccentric cafes and unconventional handicraft shops. As you enter this French street, you’ll be greeted with wooden benches, gorgeous hanging plants and artsy signage. The backyards of these alternate cafes, that serve an impressive blend of culture and coffee, double up as venues for pop-up cultural events like gigs, art conclaves and book reading sessions.

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3. Fort Kochi, Kerala Fort Kochi in Kochi offers an interesting blend of culture and art. Colourful, zany cafes line its little streets. The cafes here are known for their more organic fare using local produce, flavourful spices and fish straight from the backwaters. A must visit here is the Kashi Art Cafe, an airy garden cafe, which doubles up as a gallery of modern art.

Others on the café trail in the area are the David Hall Gallery Cafe, the Pepper House Cafe and the Tea Pot Cafe, where you get a chance to enjoy your meal in an antique setting with eye-catching art installations.

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Image: Boombox Cafe, Gurugram

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1. Sector 29, Gurugram, Haryana Eat, drink, dance and make merry at the hip cafes of Sector 29, Gurugram. From exclusive restaurants to al fresco dining, this quirky hangout place has something for everyone. Visit the uber-cool Boombox Cafe in the evening, or go club hopping from the school-themed Prankster Cafe where you can enjoy your food with foot-tapping music. The inviting décor of these cafes are sure to exceed all your expectations.

2. Tito’s Lane, Baga, Goa Located close to the bustling Calangute Beach in Goa is the ever-popular Tito’s Lane. With hip cafes like the famous Tito’s Courtyard, Wicked Waffle, Sushi Bar and Club Bollywood, Tito’s Lane is a tourist magnet. It’s a place to sit and relax with some great food and the sound of the roaring Arabian Sea in the background. On most days, the cafes in the area host events and performances by international and Indian artistes.

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Wanderlust / Special

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Athlete

Varun Singh Bhati was diagnosed with polio in his left leg at a very young age. Determined to not let physical limitations deter him, he worked hard and went on to win the bronze medal for high jump at the 2016 Paralympics! His sporting pursuits have led him to journey across the world. Here he tells Aishwarya Vishwanathan about his love for travel and how it has opened up new vistas in his career.

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laces change, like people.

The best way to know you are in the right place is when you can't wait to go back to see how it has transformed.

Travel is a passion that keeps me going and growing – both personally and professionally. My motivation for travelling is also fuelled by such curiosity.

I have travelled to various countries for tournaments – it is a part of my work. Life is too short to stay in one place, and I try to make the most of any destination, whenever I visit it.

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Travel for Work and Pleasure My passion for exploring new places has contributed immensely to my growth in sports. I started out as a basketball player and participated in state-level open tournaments. However, I was not selected for the nationals. This failure, albeit small, motivated me to push even harder, and I started training in my other passion - high jump. Soon, I started winning medals. I also competed with many able-bodied athletes and excelled. It was in 2014 that I got the chance to represent India in the Asian Games

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"Rio de Janeiro gave me the most precious experience ever – winning the bronze medal for high jump in the Paralympics. I performed at a personal best of 1.86 metres."

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1. After being selected for the 2016 Paralympics, Varun visited Rio de Janeiro to get acclimatised to the weather conditions. He loved his experience of visiting the Prainha Beach. 2. Varun (leftmost) loves spending time with his friends when not on the practice field. 3. A destination that topped Varun's travel bucket list was Kerala. On his way to Alleppey, he loved gazing at the several tea plantations that dotted the roads.

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held in Incheon, South Korea. While the gold eluded me, I brought the bronze home. It was very cold in Incheon and my body didn’t adapt to the extremely low temperature there.

In hindsight, I realised that being an athlete, it is vital to visit a prospective tournament venue beforehand and travel around a bit to get acclimatised to the different weather conditions.

So, when I was selected to go to Rio de Janeiro in 2016 for the Paralympics, I visited the place beforehand to help my body adapt to the weather there. The breathtaking beauty of this city of beaches, waterfalls, mountains, lagoons, orchids and rainforests gave me a new perspective on life. I spent an entire day taking in the sights;

splashing at Prainha Beach, driving through the urban rainforest in a jeep and admiring the beautiful landscape. This formula helped me this time, and the city gave me the most precious experience ever – winning the bronze medal for high jump in the Paralympics. I performed at a personal best of 1.86 metres.

Travel Reminiscences Even today, I never miss any opportunity to travel, be it for work, or otherwise.

While I have journeyed to quite a few places now in India, a destination that is quite close to my heart for its scenic beauty and its remarkable cleanliness is Mawlynnong, a village in Meghalaya. I was stumped by how every villager, from toothless

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grannies to tiny toddlers, are passionate about cleanliness. I had gone there for a vacation with my family in 2017 and every bit of my experience there was amazing.

The best part about this trip was the stay at a treehouse resort. I am always fascinated with the sense of adventure this concept promises.

It offered a mesmerising view of Bangladesh on the horizon. I now understood why Mawlynnong is called ‘God's Own Garden’.

Beyond the Peaks Having grown up in the suburban city of Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh, I always wanted to explore the southern belt of India, especially Kerala. I had also read and heard a lot about this state. So when in 2017, I got the chance to visit Kochi for practice sessions, I happily geared up for this trip.

Studded with coconut trees and known for its charming backwater cruises, Kerala was the dream

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1. Varun was bowled over by the beauty of Mawlynnong in Meghalaya. It is the cleanest village in Asia.

2. A view of the frozen beach in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, South Korea during winter. Cold weather conditions at Incheon had hampered Varun's performance in the Asian Games held there in 2014.

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Know Your Athlete • Varun was recently a part of the IPC World Athletic Championships in Doha where he performed with established Indian para high jumpers such as HN Girisha and Sharad Kumar.

• He won a gold medal at the 2014 China Open Athletics Championship.

• Varun won the bronze Medal in the men’s high jump T-42 event at the Rio Paralympics in 2016 with a best effort of 1.86m distance.

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destination it had promised to be.

Once I was done with my practice sessions, I took some time off and visited Alappuzha (or Alleppey), about 53 kms from Kochi. My day was packed with varied experiences, ranging from a jungle trek in Periyar National Park where I spotted elephants, monkeys and wild boar; to buying carpets and antiques at the Parade Maidan at Mattancherry. The icing on the cake was a tea-estate walk where I went through narrow pathways. The tantalising aroma of tea varieties filled the air. My longcherished dream of visiting Kerala was finally fulfilled, leaving some lasting memories to cherish forever.

All my wanderings so far, be it in India or abroad, have shown me some awe-inspiring sights and helped me learn so much more about the world.

Travel has exposed me to new people, cultures and places. When you travel with your people, be it family or your fellow sportspeople, you really become a team – rejoicing in the happy moments and being ready to face all challenges that may come your way, together. This year, I plan to tick off a few more entries on my wishlist with trips to Bangkok and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

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advertorial Invest Wisely, Live Well!

Recently I went to a couple of MBA colleges for pre-placement talk. I met many enthusiastic millennials and got a chance to interact with them. Their life’s mantra was to live life, king size.

What was intriguing was their perspective on life. They were of the view that they do not want to live like their parents – saving for the future and sacrificing the present.

When we spoke of investments they were not as keen to live a conservative life to save for the rainy day. Alternately they fancied purchasing Bitcoins. This thought was rather disturbing as we were aping the west in consumerism and credit appetite. What excited them was quick money rather than a long term investment planning route.

There is also a start-up fever catching up with talks of early retirement. It is good to be an entrepreneur. But I wonder if they understand that an early retirement also meant higher financial security. These youngsters very well understand the nuclear way of

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life and that one needs to fend for himself/ herself in their sunset years. When it comes to saving for retirement, starting as early as possible is the most important virtue that would make a difference. If you have just started your career recently, my advice to you would be to start a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP).

Going forward there will be a change in Shyamali Basu, Senior the way we will live. Technology will ensure Vice President & Head - Products, HDFC Asset redundancy of many conventional jobs.

Management Co. Ltd. Saving for future is of utmost importance for this very reason.

To conclude, let me share a simple but effective thumb rule to inculcate the habit of saving. Whatever is your age, save the equivalent percentage of your monthly income in a financial asset.

For instance, if you are 25, set a target to invest at least 25% of your income each month.

So just do not focus on earning more and spending but starting to invest wisely and creating wealth should be the mantra for the Millennials.

"The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not of HDFC AMC, and should not be regarded as investment advice."

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In India, Optum employs over 22,900 health care professionals, working in state-of-the-art delivery centers across 5 cities: Gurgaon, Noida, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Panchkula. We have a team of experienced healthcare technologists (information security and integration, AI, robotics, IOT, mHealth, Block chain), healthcare data scientists (statisticians, economists and population health experts), MBBS doctors and surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, medical coders and more.

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Wanderlust / Uttarakhand

A Trip to

Nature’s Lap! AirAsia Allstar Sanmit Karandikar believes that Uttarakhand is a magical place! From conventional tourist hotspots to quiet getaways, this beautiful state has something for every soul.

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One of the major tourist attractions of Nainital in Uttarakhand is the Naini Lake. It offers various activities such as boating, kayaking and yatching.

W

hen I was younger, I was obsessed with travel shows, magazines, books – anything that could give me a glimpse of a world I couldn’t wait to explore on my own. I suppose it was only natural for me to opt for a profession that allowed me to travel often. I became a member of AirAsia’s Cabin Crew three years ago and consider myself lucky for being able to explore fantastic destinations in India and abroad as part of my job!

On my own, I visit a new place in India once a year, followed by an international trip the consequent year. This year, I decided to go to Uttarakhand from my must-visit list! Uttarakhand is known for its scenic beauty, charming hill stations and large glaciers. While Nainital is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations, I chose to take the road less travelled. Of all the options Uttarakhand has to offer, Binsar, Pangot and Jim Corbett caught my fancy owing to their old-world charm and natural beauty.

I started from New Delhi by taking a train to Kathgodam, a small village. The journey took me about five hours. After reaching the destination, I boarded the car which I had booked earlier for the entire duration of my trip as it is considered to be the most convenient mode of transport to traverse the hilly roads. My driver greeted me with a namaste and off we went, exploring the beauty

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"Jim Corbett National Park is home to leopards, sloth bear, different species of deer, Asiatic elephants, foxes, monkeys and about 500 different types of birds."

of Uttarakand. A two-hour drive from Kathgodam took us to Binsar, located on top of the Jhandi Dhar Hills, about 30 kms from Almora.

Binsar is a quiet place with only one resort, which belongs to the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam, run by the state government. It gets as cold as 30 C during the winter season. Offering a direct view of the Nanda Devi mountain range of the Himalayas, it is a haven for landscape photographers. The best way to soak in the charm of this place is to head straight to Vinayak Peak early in the morning. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the lovely red hue of the rising sun spreading over

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the Himalayan peaks and also spot some indigenous birds. For photographers, an evening walk would ensure stunning pictures of Himalayan owls and the moon.

After spending two nights in Binsar, we drove down towards Nainital and took a detour to Pangot, located 13 kms away from Nainital at a height of 6,300 feet above sea level. Pangot is famous among bird photographers. Here, you will find about 300 different species of birds, including the Himalayan bulbul, Eurasianjay, the Khaleej peasant, red-billed blue magpie, mountain hawk eagle, etc.

There are also about 10 different species of the kingfisher in Pangot.

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Traveller's Tips

Best time to visit February, March, April. The weather during these months is favourable to go on safaris, explore the forests and witness as many species of animals possible.

How to reach AirAsia flies to New Delhi from multiple destinations. From there, take a train to Kathgodam. Return by train to New Delhi from Ramnagar.

Advice Take along a goodquality camera, preferably a DSLR. Do not litter and don’t feed the animals.

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4

Know Your Allstar

1

2

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Sanmit Karandikar, Senior Cabin Crew, AirAsia India, loves to travel for work and for pleasure. He likes to explore new destinations and cultures. He believes travel opens one's mind to new experiences, doing away with prejudices along the way.

1. Nestled in Uttarakhand, the Valley of Flowers is a vibrant and splendid national park famous for its charming meadows.

2. A tiger at Corbett National Park. The park was established in 1936 to preserve and protect the endangered Bengal Tiger.

3. The Garhwal Himalayas are majestic mountain ranges located in the state of Uttarakhand. 4. Rufous Bellied Niltava in the protected zone of the Wilderness Orchard and Botanical Gardens.

After spending two nights in Pangot, we headed south towards Jim Corbett located in the Ramnagar district. Jim Corbett was one of the first national parks to initiate Project Tiger in India.

While tigers are the main attraction here, Jim Corbett National Park is also home to leopards, sloth bear, different species of deer, Asiatic elephants, foxes, monkeys and about 500 different types of birds. Since leaving Corbett without catching a glimpse of the tiger would have been heartbreaking, I decided to play it safe and booked five safaris into the forest to ensure every possibility to spot the tiger. I completed two safaris in Jhirna village, followed by two safaris in Dhikala village and the last one from Bijrani village.

I eventually spotted a mother tiger, famously known as Sharmilee (meaning shy). The drivers of the forest always say, “Expect the unexpected. Imagine that you have come here to see monkeys and get to see a tiger. Don’t frown if you don’t get to see one. The jungle belongs to everyone. And remember, they are watching you!”

A Memorable Voyage I finished my eight-day trip with countless memories in the arms of nature. With every trip and destination I uncover, my love for Mother Nature and travel increases manifolds. Now I know the true meaning of Incredible India, the diversity of nature it holds and the treasure it has to offer in terms of experiences and memories.

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vanity fare

Haute Speed Vroom in style with these trendy picks to fulfill your biking dreams.

Wheels of Wonder Avantura Choppers recently launched India's first and only production chopper motorcycle.

With 2000cc displacement, its model Rudra boasts of seats by US-based car giant Mustang, six-piston forged brake callipers by leading French company Beringer, LED turn signals by Germany-based Kellermann and 2000 CC V-Twin Engine by USA’s S&S Cycle. avanturachoppers.com

Accessorise Well

Created using breathable fabric, these gloves are made for riders looking for maximum comfort.

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Sturdy Bet Bell Helmets are built tough while providing a comfortable riding experience. This collection of middleweight ADV helmets comes in three sizes, ensuring a perfect fit. A good velocity-flow ventilation system along with removable and washable liner and cheek pads are some of the qualities that make it a prime choice for riders. bellhelmets.com

Providing superior safety to bikers, these boots ensure a comfortable ride on the road as well as on the racing track.

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store.royalenfield.com

Keep it Tight

Capture the Action If you love documenting what you see on the road, the Air Pro 3 Wi-Fi Lite is perfect for you. Connect it to the Wi-Fi PODZ™ that can be bought as an attachment and you’ll be shooting in no time. This camera is extremely light weight and waterproof, making it an all-weather tech accessory for bikers. trailsofindia.com

Top Gear If you love zipping around in style, the Explorer V2 Jacket from Royal Enfield is sure to add some excitement to your biking experience.

With an integrated rain liner, detachable winter liner and a super-ventilated outer shell, the jacket ensures a comfortable ride while adding to your style quotient.

Of highly advanced design, this back supporter is specially crafted for longdistance rides, providing support to your back.

All available at bikingbrotherhood.com

A belt has always been one of the most important accessories for men.

Corneliani, an international player in this market, has options in different shades of leather that are crafted in unique and elegant designs.

Keep your style game on point by pairing these belts with your biking gear. corneliani.com

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vanity fare

New Delhi-based interior designer Monica Khanna is the face behind the opulent design of two famous luxury trains of India - The Palace on Wheels and The Royal Orient.

Spruce Up Your Abode Add a touch of opulence to your living space.

Flower Power ArgentOr Silver, a brand offering fine-quality objects, unveils a series of flower vases that add a touch of elegance to your home. The collection incorporates floral motifs and gives you a range of stylish options to choose from. argentorsilver.com

Ceiling Beauty

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The Perfect Floor Pergo Wood Parquet Flooring is a unique engineered wooden flooring. The collection is designed for maximum durability. Oiled or lacquered, Pergo Wood Parquet floors allow the natural character of the wood to shine through, giving your interiors that classy edge. pergo.co.in

A 'Bench' Mark Enhance the look of your drawing room with a wooden bench from The Great Eastern Home. Their collection of benches adds warmth to your living area. All the pieces are crafted with much care, giving importance to detailing.

Brighten up your surroundings with the premium collection of lighting from Lladró.

The Niagara Chandelier is an exquisite creation

by German designer Bodo Sperlein where he takes Lladró’s iconic fairies as inspiration to create contemporary designs. Each one of these fairies is handmade and follows Lladró’s artisan process of production. lladro.com

thegreateasternhome.com

Re-defining Luxury ANSAVV brings you contemporary, classic, ethnic and outof-the-box furniture and home-decor pieces to suit all your needs. With state-of-the-art lavish bedroom fittings and posh ceiling accents, this brand has all the required accessories to decorate your dream house. ansavv.com

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cabin comfort

Joy of Flying Whether on a short- or long-haul journey, flying can be a pleasant experience if you are well-prepared.

Here are some simple steps to ensure you have a safe, smooth and comfortable journey.

Onboard Care

Inflight Exercises

Troy Bantleman, personal trainer to celebrity athletes and AirAsia big boss Tony Fernandes shows you how to perform easy exercises for a comfortable flight.

Aircraft cabins are generally very dry and dehydration can occur easily. To overcome this:

Drink lots of water but ensure the intake is slow and regular. Drinking too much water suddenly will cause the body to expel the water quickly too, forcing you to visit the toilet frequently.

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Tricep Stretch

Lower Back Stretch

Side Neck Stretch

Extend one hand down the centre of your back, while grasping your elbow with the other. Exhale slowly while pulling gently downward on your elbow, with your fingers aligned with your spine.

While seated, lift a knee up toward your chest and hold the position for 30 seconds. Gently lower the knee and perform three 30sec sets, alternating between both knees.

Gently tilt your head till you feel the stretch in your neck.

Hold the position for 30 seconds and release slowly.

Change sides and repeat until you have done three 30sec sets on both sides.

Prevent DVT Deep Vein Thrombosis can occur when a blood clot forms in the large veins of the legs or arms, blocking blood circulation. Inactivity during long flights may lead to the occurrence of DVT. If you are flying long distance, ensure you perform inflight exercises such as those listed above as a precaution against developing DVT. When possible and permissible, stretch your legs and walk along the aisle. Be aware of symptoms such as pain or swelling in the legs, which can happen even after you disembark. Seek medical attention if these occur.

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Beat the Lag

Lubricate your eyes with eye drops, as eyes are aggravated by dry atmosphere. Also, ditch the contact lenses and opt for spectacles during the flight.

Hydrate your skin by applying moisturiser or spraying a body spritzer on exposed body parts.

Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol, or keep intake to a minimum.

Ear Comfort

To counter the effects of jetlag, get as much sleep as possible when flying west to east. When flying in the reverse direction, try to stay awake as much as you can. AirAsia’s chic Snug-as-a-bug hoodie keeps you cosy with its neck pillow attached to a soft hooded collar, and is easily deflated for storage upon landing. Enjoy savings when you pre-book this item at bigdutyfree.com

Changes in air pressure or altitude cause our ears to ‘pop’ and sometimes ache during take-offs and landings. For a comfortable flying experience, suck on sweets or, mimic the act of chewing and swallowing if you do not have any sweets with you. This will relieve the discomfort and help stabilise the pressure in the ear canals. Pacifiers will work just as well for toddlers. If you have a cold, use a nasal decongestant to clear your nasal passage and alleviate the ache.

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in touch

Sales Offices & Stations Lot GL08, G Flr., Public Concourse, 98000 Miri Airport

XI’AN

PALEMBANG

No. 6 Kejishangmao Building, East of Xidian University Community, Keji Road, Yanta Dist., Shaanxi

Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Int. Airport , Jln. Tanjung Api-api No. 1 Palembang 30155

ZHUHAI

Pontianak

GL-02-G, Jln. Bintulu, Lapangan Terbang Bintulu, 97000 Bintulu

Brunei Darussalam

No. 399 QiaoGuang Road

Supadio Int. Airport, Jl Arteri Supadio

GF, Lot 4034, Parkcity Commercial Square, Phase 5,97000 Bintulu

Bandar Seri Begawan

Office 20, Mezzanine Level, Passenger Terminal, Macao Int. Airport, Taipa

PEKANBARU

JOHOR

Sales Office AirAsia, No.20G, Sultan Syarif Kasim II Int. Airport, 28284

Lot 57, Aeromall Airport, Senai Int. Airport, 81250 Senai

Bangladesh Dhaka Erectors House (5th Flr.), 18 Kemal Ataturk Avenue, Banani C/A, Dhaka-1213

Office No. 3, Departure Hall, Brunei Int. Airport, Bandar Seri Begawan BS2513

Cambodia Phnom Penh Group Desk office, #35-37, St 214, 2nd Flr.. CBM Building (T&C Coffee) No 179, Street Sisowath, Sangket Phsar Kandal 1,12204 AEON Mall, G Flr., #132, Street Samdach Sothearos, Sangkat Tonle Bassac, Khan Chamkarmon

MACAO

India Kolkata

A/2D, Dr. Md. Ishaque Chowringhee Mansions First Floor – Block-E Kolkata 700 016 Tele: +913346004800

new delhi D-85, First Floor 100 Ft. Road Chatterpur Enclave New Delhi 110 074 Tele: +911126303939

TERENGGANU

Ahmad Yani Int. Airport, Jln. Puad A. Yani Semarang, Jawa Tengah

Level 1, Terminal Building, Lapangan Terbang Sultan Mahmud, 21300 Kuala Terengganu

Komplek Pertokoan Simpang Lima, Blok C No.1 Semarang

SOLO Adisumarmo Int. Airport, Surakarta 57108

SURABAYA Lobby Int. Terminal, Juanda Int. Airport, Jln. Raya Juanda, Surabaya, Jawa Timur

Indonesia BALI

Plaza East UG Flr. unit 48 Tunjungan Plaza 1

Siem Reap

Ngurah Rai Int. Airport Int. / Domestic Departure Terminal, Jln. Raya Denpasar 80361

PTC Supermall, LG Floor A601A6-50, Jl. Puncak Indah Lontar 2

China Hangzhou Room 404 A, Departure Level, Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int. Airport, Xiaoshan Dist.

No. 567 Jianguo North Road (near Moyaying bus stop)

Chengdu 318, Int. Departure, Chengdu Shuangliu Int. Airport, Sichuan Province, 610202 No 172-5 Binjang East Road, Jinjang Dist.

Sun Boutique Hotel, Jln.Sunset Road No.23, Kuta

BANDA ACEH Sultan Iskandar Muda Int. Airport, Jln Banda Aceh Blang Bintang, Kode Pos 23372, Nangroe Aceh Daroesalam

BANDUNG Ruangan Pasundan No. 17, Husein Sastranegara Airport, Jln. Pajajaran No 156, Jawa Barat Grand Serela Hotel, Jln. L.L.R.E. Martadinata (Jln. Riau), No. 56, Jawa barat 40271 Jln. Kopo Bihbul No 36A

Beijing

JAKARTA

Room 0163A, Blk C, Chaowai Soho, Chaowai Street, Chaoyang Dist.

Jln. Bandara Soekarna Hatta, Cengkareng, Jakarta 19110 Terminal 3 Soekarno Hatta Airport

CHANGSHA

Jln. Boulevard Raya, Blok LA 4, No. 10 Kelapa Gading, 14200 Jakarta Utara

No.191 Laodong West Road, Tianxin Dist. Changsha City, Hunan Province

Lamongan, Jl. Raya Golokan, No.123, Lamongan-Gresik

YOGAKARTA Adisutjipto Int.Airport, Yogyakarta 55282, Jl. Solo KM 9, Jawa Tengah Jln. HOS Cokroaminoto No. 119 C, Kelurahan Tegal Rejo, KecamatanTegal Rejo

LUBUK PAKAM Jln. Bakaran Batu No. 189 B, Lubuk Pakam - North Sumatera

MALANG Komplek Ruko Sarangan KAV1-D, Jln. Sarangan, Malang, East Java

Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR Unit 30, Level 2 KLIA 2, Kuala Lumpur Int. Airport 2, 64000 Sepang, Selangor Jln. KLIA S3, Southern Support Zone, KLIA, 64000 Sepang, Selangor

Chongqing

Komplek Rukan Darmawangsa Jln. Darmawangsa VI, No. 43, Jakarta Selatan 12160

C3, Hongyadong No. 88 Jia Bin Road, Yuzhong Dist

Sarinah Plaza Jln. M.H Thamrim No. 11 LG Jakarta Pusat

Guang Dong

Jln. Marsekal, Suryadharma (M1) No. 1, Kelurahan Selapajang Jaya, Kecamatan Neglasari, Kota Tangerang, Propinsi Banten 15127

Lot No. K16 (New Wing) Utility Level, Stesen Monorail, PT 88, Seksyen 67, Jln. Sultan Ismail, 55100

LOMBOK

KEDAH Langkawi Int. Airport, 07100 Padang Mat Sirat, Langkawi

No.1108 Huancheng South Road

JLobby Departure Area, Lombok Int. Airport ( LOP ) Praya, Nusa Tenggara Barat

NANNING

Makassar

First Flr., No 8 Zhong Shan 3 Road, Guangzhou 510000 Shop 105-2, No. 50 Ti Yu Road West, Tian He Dist., Guangzhou

Kunming

Level 1, 3 of Ziyun Xuan buiding in MingYuan Hotel, 38 Xinmin Road, Nanning, Guangxi Province

Departure Terminal, Sultan Hasanuddin Int. Aiport, Makassar, South Sulawesi

SHANGHAI

MEDAN

No. 739, Changde Road, Jing'an Dist.

Arrival Terminal, Kualanamu Int. Airport, Deli Serdang, Sumatera Utara

SHENYANG 11 Door, Building C, Zuanshixingzuo 222#, Nanjingbei ST, Heping, Liaoning

SHENZHEN XY-10 Junting Hotel, 3085 Eastern Road Luo Hu, 518001

WUHAN Room A-1-2, No.728, Jianghan Dist., Hubei Province

Garuda Plaza Hotel Lobby Level, Jln. Sisingamanga Raja No.18, Medan, Sumatera Utara 20213 Jln. Asia No 548P Medan

PADANG Minangkabau Int. Airport, Jln. Adinegoro, Padang, Sumatera Barat Jln. Veteran, No. 75B Purus (Purus Baru), Padang Barat - Kota Padang

No.26 Jl. Bakri, 84000 Muar

SEMARANG

Phnom Penh Int. Airport, National Road No. 4, Kakab Commune, Posenchay Dist.

No. C1, Street Central Market, Mondul 1 Village Sangkat Svay, Dangkum

GF, Lot 946 Jln. Parry, 98000 Miri

G027B, G Flr., Podium Block Plaza Berjaya, No.12, Jln. Imbi, 55100 Lot 4, Level 2, Stesen Sentral, 50470

Level 1, Lapangan Terbang Sultan Abdul Halim , 06550 Kepala Batas, Alor Star Lot 1F TR 01, 1st Floor, Central, Square Shopping Centre, No.23 Jalan Kg.Baru, 08000 Sg.Petani

Kelantan GF, Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, Pengkalan Chepa, 16100 Kota Bharu

SARAWAK Lot L1L C15, Ground Flr., Arrival Level, Kuching Int. Airport, Kuching Pusat Komersil Swan, G Flr., No. 69, Lot 14508, Section 65, KTLD, Batu 4, Jl. Matang, 93050 Kuching Lot GFL01, Common Departure Area, Level 1 Landslide, Sibu Airport, 96007 Sibu No.36, Lot 1684 (G/F), Jln. Keranji, Brooke Drive 5, 96000 Sibu

SABAH Level 2 (Domestic Departure Hall Entrance), Terminal 1 , Kota Kinabalu Int. Airport, Jln. Petagas Kota Kinabalu, 88100 Kota Kinabalu Lot G24, G Flr., Wisma Sabah, Jln. Tun Razak, 88000 Kota Kinabalu FL 4, 1st Flr., Tawau Airport Building, Jln. Apas-Balun, 91100 Tawau TB228, Lot 5 G Flr., Istana Monaco Hotel, Jln. Bunga, Fajar Complex, 91000 Tawau Lot G-2, Ground Flr., Plaza USIA Building, Jln. Teratai, MDLD 7084, 91100 Lahad Datu Level, Lot 2, Sandakan Airport, 90000 Sandakan

PENANG Lot 8, Departure Concourse, Penang Int. Airport, 11900 Bayan Lepas No.12H-G, Jln. Tun Dr Awang, 11900 Bayan Lepas 332, G Flr. Kim Mansion, Lebuh Chulia, 10200 A-G-7, Jln. Todak 4, Sunway Business Park, Pusat Bandar Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai

PERAK No. 2, G Flr., The Host, Jln. Veerasamy, 30000 Ipoh

SELANGOR G2, Terminal SkyPark, Lapangan Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, 47200 Subang Lot No.G-35, Mydin Hypermarket, Persiaran Subang Permai, USJ 1, 47500 Subang Jaya Lot S141, 2nd Flr., Plaza Metro Kajang Section 7, Jln. Tun Abdul Aziz, 43000 Kajang LG-09, Shaw Centrepoint, Jln. Raja Hassan, 41400

Myanmar YANGON Group Desk office, #1007, Sedona Hotel No (37), Level 1, Room 111, La Pyae Wun Plaza, Dagon Township

MANDALAY Room 3, 26th (B) Road, between 78th and 79th Road

Nepal KATHMANDU IGC Business Lounge, Metro Park, 3rd Flr., Lazimpat-2, North Gate Royal Palace

Philippines CAGAYAN DE ORO Laguindingan Int. Airport, Brgy Moog, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental

Call Centre Numbers Australia +61 2 8188 2133 China +86 512 8555 7711 India 1860 500 8000 Indonesia 08 04 1 333 333 Call Centre National

+62 21 2927 0999 Call Centre Local

Iran +98 21 2620 0686 Japan +81 50 6864 8181 Hong Kong +852 3013 5060 Macao +853 6262 6352 Malaysia 600 85 8888

CEBU West Wing Domestic Area, Mactan Cebu Int. Airport, Pusok, Lapu Lapu City 3rd Flr. Service Lane, Elizabeth Mall N. Bacalso Ave.

MANILA Naia Terminal 4, Domestic Road, Pasay City,

Tesco Lotus - Rama1, 3rd Flr., 831 Rama 1 Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok,10330 Tesco Lotus - Sukhumvit 50, 1st Flr., 1710, Sukhumvit Road, Klong Toey, 10110.

CHIANG MAI Chiang Mai Int. Airport, Room No. 60, 1st Flr., Tambon Suthep, Muang Dist., 50200

G/F Colonnande Residences 132, C. Palanca Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City

416, Thaphae Road

Unit 126 South Parking Building, SM Mall of Asia Complex, JW Diokno Boulevard, Pasay City

Chiang Rai Int. Airport, Room No. 2305/2 404, Moo 10, Robwiang Sub Dist., Muang Dist., 57100

Unit 108 SM City North Edsa – The Block, SM City Complex, North Edsa, Pag-Asa 1, Quezon City

HAT YAI

CHIANG RAI

DAVAO

Hat Yai Int. Airport, Room No. 125, Moo 3, Klongla Sub Dist., Klong Hoi Khong Dist., Songkla 90115

Francisco Bangoy Int. Airport, Buhangin

69 Thumnoonvithi Road, Hat Yai, Songkhal 90110

2/L Victoria Plaza, JP Laurel Avenue

KRABI

KALIBO 1880 D Maagma St. Kalibo, Aklan

TAGBILARAN Talibon Commercial Center 1, Talibon, Bohol Airport Building, 2nd Flr, Airport Road, Tagbilaran City, Bohol

PUERTO PRINCESA Bgy Bancao-Bancao, Airport Compound

Krabi Int. Airport, Room No. 133, Moo 5, Petchakasem Rd., Nuaklong Sub Dist., Nuaklong Dist., 81130

NAKHON PHANOM Nakhon Phanom Airport, Level 1 40 M.6 ,Nittayo Road,Photak Dist., 48000

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport Muang Dist.

NARATHIWAT

AirAsia X Premium Line chargeable at RM1.95 per minute

TACLOBAN

Mauritius

DZR Airport, San Jose Tacloban City

Narathiwat Airport Room No. 330, Moo 5 , KhokKian Sub Dist., Muang Dist., Narathiwat 96000

Saudi Arabia

PHUKET

JEDDAH

Phuket Int. Airport, Room No. 312, 3rd Flr, Mai Khaow Sub Dist., Thalang Dist., 83110

+230 5869 0015 New Zealand +64 9887 6920 PhilipPines +63 2 722 2742 South Korea 050 4092 00525 Thailand +66 2 515 9999

Al-Hussein Building, Baterji St. Al-Hozaifi Centre, Sari St.

Singapore Row No. 4, Departure Level 2, Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 4

Sri Lanka

SURAT THANI Surat Thani Int. Airport, Room No. 73, Moo 3, HuaToey Sub Dist., Phunpin Dist., 84130

TRANG

256, Srimath Ramanathan Mawatha, Colombo 15

Trang Airport, House No.170, Village No.12, Trang-Paliean Road, Koklor sub-Dist., Mueang Trang Dist., 92000

Vietnam

UBON RATCHATHANI

HANOI

Ubon Ratchathani Int. Airport, Room No. 297, ThepYothee Rd., Muang Dist., 34000

COLOMBO

NoiBai Airport, Terminal 1, Int. Departure Hall, 3rd Flr. 55 Nam Ngu,Cua Nam, Hoan Kiem

HO CHI MINH CITY Room 601A, Centre Point 6th Flr, 106 Nguyen Van Troi, Ward 9, Phu Nhuan Dist.

84B Bui Vien, Dist. 1

DA NANG

UDON THANI Udon Thani Int. Airport, Room No. 224, Moo 1, MakKaeng Sub Dist., Muang Dist., 41000

PHUKET Tesco Lotus - Phuket, 2nd Flr., 104, Chalermprakiat Road,

108 Nguyen Van Linh

Rasada Sub Dist., Muang Dist., 83000

Thailand

PATTAYA

BANGKOK Suvarnabhumi Int. Airport, 6th Flr., Room No.TW6-037, No. 999, Moo 1, Bangplee, Samutprakarn 10540

Tesco Lotus South Pattaya, 2 Flr. 408/2 Moo 12, South Pattaya, Sukhumvit Rd., Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150

Don Mueang Int. Airport, Room No. 3307, 3rd Flr., Terminal 1.

Malé

222 Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd., Airport Sub Dist., Don Mueang Dist., 10210 Tesco Lotus - 2nd Flr., 3109 Ladpro Road, Bangkapi, 10240

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Maldives G.Fasmugoo, 1st Flr, Bodurasgefanuu Magu, Male' 20133

Tesco Lotus - Lad Prao, 2nd Flr, 1190, Phahonyothin Road, Jompol, Jatujak, 10900 127 Tanow Road, Bovornivet, Phra Nakorn, 10200

DIMDI, J.R. Borja St.

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Route maps

Tehran

NEW DELHI Kathmandu

Jaipur

Dhaka KOLKATA

Jeddah

Bhubaneswar Mumbai Visakhapatnam

Hyderabad

Chennai

BENGALURU Tiruchirappalli Kochi Colombo Malé

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INDIAN OCEAN

AirAsia International Destinations

Fly to over 130 destinations across Asia and Asia-Pacific with Skytrax World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, 2009-2017.

AirAsia Hubs

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CH

Maps not to scale and are just a graphic representation.

Maps do not reflect the opinion of the publisher with regards to the legal or geographical status of any country/territory depicted. Maps as at January 31, 2018.

Sapporo

Beijing

Beijing Seoul

Xi’an

Chengdu Chengdu Chongqing Chongqing

Seoul

Busan

Xi’an

Jeju

Wuhan

Sapporo

Jeju

Busan Osaka

Osaka

Tokyo (Narita/Haneda) Tokyo (Narita/Haneda)

Shanghai Shanghai Wuhan Hangzhou Hangzhou

Nanchang Nanchang Changsha Changsha Kunming Mandalay

ar

Mandalay Luang Prabang

Guilin

Taipei

Taipei

Guangzhou Guangzhou Shantou Shantou Nanning Kaohsiung Kaohsiung Shenzhen Shenzhen Macao Hong Macao Kong Hong Kong Hanoi

Nanning Luang Hanoi Prabang

HIANG MAICHIANG MAI Vientiane Yangon

Guilin

Kunming

Vientiane

Yangon

Da Nang

Da Nang

Clark Clark MANILA MANILA BANGKOK BANGKOKSiem Reap Siem Reap PATTAYA PATTAYA Nha Trang Nha Trang KALIBO KALIBO Phnom Penh Phnom Penh Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City CEBU CEBU SihanoukvilleSihanoukville KRABI KRABI PHUKET PHUKET HAT YAI HAT YAI LANGKAWI LANGKAWI Kota Bharu Kota Bharu KOTA KINABALU KOTA KINABALU Kuala Terengganu Banda Aceh Banda Aceh Kuala Terengganu Bandar Seri Begawan Bandar Seri Begawan PENANG PENANG Miri Miri MEDAN MEDANKUALA LUMPUR Bintulu KUALA LUMPUR Bintulu JOHOR BAHRU JOHOR BAHRU Singapore Pekanbaru Pekanbaru Padang

Honolulu

Honolulu

PACIFICPACIFIC OCEANOCEAN 03 18

KUCHING KUCHING Singapore Pontianak Pontianak

Padang Palembang Palembang Makassar Makassar JAKARTA JAKARTA Semarang Semarang Bandung Bandung SURABAYA SURABAYA Yogyakarta Yogyakarta Solo SoloLombok Lombok BALI BALI

Gold Coast Gold Coast Perth

Perth

Sydney

Sydney Auckland

Auckland

Melbourne Melbourne

SOUTHERN SOUTHERN OCEANOCEAN

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Route maps Sapporo

NAGOYA

Srinagar

Chandigarh NEW DELHI Jaipur

Bagdogra

Guwahati Imphal

Ranchi

Indore

KOLKATA

Nagpur Bhubaneswar Pune

Visakhapatnam

Hyderabad

Goa BENGALURU

Chennai

Chiang Rai

Nan Udon Thani Loei Nakhon Phanom Phitsanulok Sakhon Nakhon Khon Kaen Roi Et Ubon Ratchathani Buriram BANGKOK PATTAYA

CHIANG MAI

Chumphon Ranong Surat Thani KRABI Nakhon Si Thammarat PHUKET HAT YAI Trang Alor Setar Kota Bharu LANGKAWI PENANG Narathiwat Kuala Terengganu MEDAN KUALA LUMPUR

Kochi

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JOHOR BAHRU

CLARK

MANILA

Caticlan KALIBO Tacloban Iloilo CEBU Puerto Princesa Tagbilaran Davao

KOTA KINABALU

Sandakan

Labuan Miri Tawau Bintulu Sibu

PACIFIC OCEAN

KUCHING

INDIAN OCEAN Palembang

AirAsia Domestic Destinations

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Destinations India

India

India

India

India

Bagdogra

Bengaluru

Bhubaneswar

Chandigarh

Chennai

Airport Bagdogra Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 3556 Languages Bengali, English, Hindi, Nepali and Bhutanese Distance to City 12km Points of Interest Surya Sen Park, Coronation Bridge, Science City Transport

Airport Kempegowda International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 80 Languages Kannada, English, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi Distance to City 35km Points of Interest Lal Bagh, UB City, Bangalore Palace, Cubbon Park Transport

Airport Biju Patnaik International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 674 Languages Oriya, Bengali, English and Hindi Distance to City 3km Points of Interest Lingaraj Temple, Rajarani Temple, Mukteswar Mandir, Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves Transport

Airport Chandigarh International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 172 Languages Punjabi, English, Hindi Distance to City 10km Points of Interest Rock Garden, Government Museum and Art Gallery, International Dolls Museum Transport

Airport Chennai International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 44 Languages Tamil, Telugu, English, Malayalam Distance to City 20km Points of Interest Marina Beach, Kapaleeswarar Temple, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Covelong Transport

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India

India

India

India

Goa

Guwahati

Hyderabad

Imphal

Jaipur

Airport Goa International Airport/Dabolim Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 832 Languages Konkani, English, Hindi, Portuguese, Marathi Distance to City 42km Points of Interest Fort Aguada, Chapora Fort, Mangeshi Temple, Dudhsagar Falls, Museum of Goa Transport

Airport Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 361 Languages Assamese, Bengali, English, Hindi Distance to City 22km Points of Interest Nehru Park, Umananda Temple, Kamakhya Temple, Basistha Temple Transport

Airport Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 40 Languages Telugu, English, Hindi Distance to City 28km Points of Interest Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace, Salar Jung Museum, Laad Bazaar Transport

Airport Imphal International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 385 Languages Manipuri, English, Hindi Distance to City 8km Points of Interest Manipur State Museum, Matai Garden, Shri Govindjee Temple, Manipur Zoological Garden Transport

Airport Jaipur International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 141 Languages Rajasthani, Marwari, Dhundhari, Hindi, English Distance to City 13km Points of Interest Hawa Mahal, Jaipur Zoo, Jaigarh Fort Transport

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India

India

India

India

India

Kochi

Kolkata

Mumbai

New Delhi

Pune

Airport Cochin International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 484 Languages Malayalam, English, Hindi, Tamil Distance to City 45km Points of Interest Fort Kochi, Thrikkakara Temple, Indian Naval Maritime Museum, Cochin Cultural Centre Transport

Airport Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 33 Languages Bengali, English, Hindi Distance to City 15km Points of Interest Victoria Memorial, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Science City, Kalighat Temple Transport

Airport Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 22 Languages Marathi, Parsi, English, Hindi Distance to City 8km Points of Interest Gateway of India, Colaba Causeway Market, Film City, Haji Ali Dargah, Marine Drive Transport

Airport Indira Gandhi International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code:+91 11 Languages Hindi, English, Punjabi, Haryanvi Distance to City 15km Points of Interest Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, India Gate Transport

Airport Pune International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 20 Languages Marathi, English, Hindi Distance to City 10km Points of Interest Aga Khan Palace, Osho Ashram, National War Museum Transport

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India

India

India

India

Malaysia

Ranchi

Srinagar

Tiruchirappalli

Visakhapatnam

Kuala Lumpur

Airport Birsa Munda Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 651 Languages Munda, English, Hindi, Bhojpuri Distance to City 5km Points of Interest Sun Temple, Tagore Hill, Birsa Biological Park Transport

Airport Srinagar International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 194 Languages Kashmiri, Hindi, Urdu, English Distance to City 12km Points of Interest Dal Lake, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Nishat Bagh Transport

Airport Tiruchirappalli International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 431 Languages Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, English, Hindi Distance to City 6km Points of Interest Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Jambukeshwara Temple, Kallanai Dam Transport

Airport Visakhapatnam International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 891 Languages Telugu, English, Hindi Distance to City 7km Points of Interest Submarine Museum, Rishikonda Beach, Ramakrishna Mission Beach Transport

Airport Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA/KLIA2) Currency MYR (Malaysian Ringgit) Dialing Code +60 3 Languages Malay, Mandarin, English, Cantonese, Tamil Distance to City 58km Points of Interest Petronas Twin Tower, Central Market, Batu Caves Transport

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All information correct at press time. Some information contained here are approximates only. DIY research is highly recommended.

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