Daily we welcome over a quarter of a million customers on board. Each and every one, we warmly welcome and you’re one of them. Together with all my 30,000+ strong 6E colleagues, we’re putting our best foot forward to serve you. We want to be close to you as our valued customer. With that, we launch a new feature in this Hello 6E Magazine. Each time, one member of the 6E leadership team shares with you what is going on in a specific area, and more importantly, what the impact is on you as a customer. This first time I have the honour of sharing some thoughts with you.
Right from the start of IndiGo - 16 years back - our three brand promises have been:
1) Affordable fares, 2) On-time performance and 3) Hassle free and courteous service. It’s our collective commitment to you to continue doing that every day and for every flight. Given the scope and size of our operation, with by now some 470 routes to our 104 destinations, we named a fourth promise:
4) Unparalleled network.
We operate in the most vibrant and fastest growing aviation market in the world. With our flights we are creating more and more
connectivity, literally giving wings to the nation. In the coming year, we will further increase our destinations to around 115. Within India itself, we have recently added Nashik and Dharamshala as our 77th and 78th domestic destination. We will increase our international footprint too, offering more possibilities for Indians to travel abroad as well as attract international customers to visit India. After opening Ras al Khaimah last year, a few more will be added this year, including Nairobi and Jakarta. In addition, our codeshare agreement with Turkish Airlines offers connectivity to 32 European destinations for our customers.
For me, aviation is a great way to experience the country’s diversity. Since my move to India in September 2022, I try to travel often and discover the beautiful locations around the country. Both on and off the beaten path. Being a passionate (very amateur) photographer myself, I like to take many pictures of the scenery and the heritage. Therefore, I am glad to announce that in association with NatGeo we are launching a photography community at the end of this month, called #NoFilter by IndiGo. I will be joining for sure and hope to see you there!
ElbersPieter
CEO, IndiGo
We operate in the most vibrant and fastest growing aviation market in the world.
With our flights we are creating more and more connectivity, literally giving wings to the nation."
Let's guess. You are already humming (maybe silently) Cliff Richard's iconic "Summer Holiday" song and gazing out into the sky. Well, we are ready for the holidays with some inspiration from Europe! From the cover to the Offbeat section of the May issue of Hello 6E, indulge in the vibrant shades and varied flavours of the season from across Europe. What makes it even better is that in these warm months Europe plays host to a kaleidoscope of events and festivals. Mark your calendar now!
In Skyline, we travel to Khonoma, a serene village in stunning Nagaland, to explore its culture, traditions and breathtaking landscapes.
In Vignette, we peep into the fascinating world of Indian museums and their role in preserving our history and culture. From a dino museum to one that creates illusions, take your cool pick on a hot summer day.
In My City My Way, actor and poet Arunoday Singh speaks about his favourite getaway Kodaikanal. With him as your guide, discover the nooks and crannies of this quaint hillstation in Tamil Nadu.
This issue, we also launch a new section on views from 6E leaders, starting with IndiGo's CEO Pieter Elbers!
Happy reading and happy travels!
#goIndiGo
Including this ancient superfood in your diet can help with weight loss, say experts. Studies show that people who swapped rice for millets lost more weight and had better gut health. It's said kuttu (buckwheat millet) may also help in managing blood sugar levels!
"W e're all goin' on a summer holiday. N o more workin' for a week or two.
F un and laughter on our summer holiday. N o more worries for me or you; f or a week or two...”
– A song sung by Cliff Richard
If there is one thing that weighs heavily on the minds of students in the last few years of schooling, it is how to choose the right career path. It is the first stepping stone to achieving your goals and acquiring knowledge. In the process, one would experience the responsibility to lead them for the rest of their lives. In many Indian families, professional courses like engineering and medicine still top the list. However, building a career graph is not just about earning higher salaries or building an envious bank balance. There is much more to it than that, reminds Dr.
ManimekalaiMohan, Founder, and Managing Trustee of SSVM Group of Institutions, Coimbatore.
In an inspiring interview, the experienced educationalist provides you with a checklist to help you choose the right profession.
What are the prerequisites for selecting the right career path, and how should one narrow down the options?
One should ask value-based questions before picking a career path. For example, if you are discussing or coaxing your child to join a particular course, especially after Grade 10, their viewpoints can be analysed by asking the right questions.
What is their motivation in life? Do their motivations meet their priorities in life?
Are they finding meaning in what they are doing?
Do they want to be part of the change and support society?
Interesting, but can teenagers of this generation be empathetic and understand these prerequisites?
Absolutely. This generation of youngsters is far more responsible, concerned about society, and aware of their duties. However,
Dr Manimekalai Mohan Founder & Managing Trustee SSVM Institutions, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
It is widely believed that excellent education means a solid financial structure. So how should one help students strike a balance between both?
Education brings recognition, professional success, and money. These are package deals, but money should not be the only goal while making academic progress. For instance, if a child wants to become a surgeon, the parents and teachers must provide all necessary assistance in that direction. However, the student must also remember that high-quality medical care is still scarce for many and should be willing to facilitate affordable or accessible health check-ups.
Can ‘public welfare’ be achieved only through certain professions? Not true. We need all jobs, professions, and careers for society to progress. However, let us not forget the concept of dignity of labour. Plenty of employment plays a silent role in making our lives easier. This includes media, the banking sector, online deliveries, and service industries including hospitality, child welfare, and elderly care. Can we imagine our lives without their contribution? It is essential to recognize and value the role of each professional for harmony in society.
How about children with an inclination toward business?
with awareness comes a sense of liability. I have seen many teenagers volunteering with various NGOs over weekends or vacations to safeguard the environment. They extend their help to people in need and collect money and other things for noble causes. By asking the right value-based question, we will be able to show a mirror of the plaguing problems faced by the underprivileged in society.
Business establishments are our society's backbone and significant contributors to our economy. If children want to become entrepreneurs, encourage them. A successful business establishment means more employment, welfare, and phenomenal progress in our country. As I said, all jobs and professions are needed for every citizen's overall and remarkable well-being.
Indi
Business Head Niraj Batra Brand & Content C Leekhacustomer.relations@goIndiGo.in
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The ‘HELLO 6E’ magazine is published by MaXposure Media Group Private Limited (“Publisher”) for exclusive circulation on commercial flights operated by InterGlobe Aviation Limited (“IndiGo”). All articles, advertisement, content, images and photographs published herein are created by the Publisher and/or contributor at their own discretion and do not necessarily represent the views of IndiGo. All rights, title and interest (including intellectual property rights) in and to the materials shall vest either with the Publisher or any contributor (including IndiGo, in certain cases) of such materials. The Publisher is solely liable for any claims for breach of intellectual property rights by any third party in relation to materials appearing in the HELLO 6E magazine (except such materials and content which have been created by IndiGo, in which case IndiGo or its service providers shall be liable for such claims). IndiGo shall bear no liability for any article, content, advertisement, advertorial, image or photograph appearing in any issue of this magazine including any content which is communal, indecent, gender discriminatory, caste-creed discriminatory, racist, defamatory or libelous to any person, organisation, etc., except in case of content which has been created by IndiGo. All materials are strictly copyrighted and all rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced in whole or part without prior written permission of the copyright holder, Publisher and IndiGo. All articles marked as ‘Talking Point’ in the magazine are advertorials.
As Europe gets ready for a summer full of vibrant festivals and events, we offer you some great vacation ideas. On our cover, are some quaint doors representing the old and traditional architecture of countries from across Europe. Let's open the door to a great summer holiday!
FirstRow
Glimpses of domestic and international destinations of IndiGo network.
Discovering
Experience Europe's vibrant summer festivals and escape into a world of celebration, culture, and adventure.
Skyline
Uncover Nagaland's mystical allure as we collect stories from the green heart of the state.
Discover India's unique museums celebrating the evolution of mankind.
MyCity MyWay
Actor Arunoday Singh's love for Kodaikanal and fondness for theatre shines through in his nostalgic chat.
Top 5 experiences in Uttarakhand, exploring adventure, culture, art and food.
To refer to the passenger charter introduced by the Ministry of Civil Aviation stating your rights, please contact our crew.
aristocrats of the modern world meet at the Met Gala, the annual black-tie extravaganza held by the M etropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute, New York, the US, to raise money for its fashion wing. Held on the first Monday in May, this year it pays h omage to the late iconic fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld.
imming with captivating tales and cultural insights, The Korean Book of Happiness by B arbara J Zitwer showcases the beauty of Korea's vibrant society. From bustling Seoul to peaceful mountain temples and from unique theme parks to tropical islands, discover travel tips, delightful local recipes and heartwarming stories of understanding and connection. Through ancient philosophies of han, heung and jeong, the Korean way of life can enhance your happiness and fulfillment. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to explore the captivating culture of Korea.
Here's a sneak peek into what's in store from the genres of travel, lifestyle, events and festivals, books and films, and tech.
a r o u n d t h e w o r l d
cultural enthusiasts rejoice, as New York City Tourism and Conventions declares the revival of "It's Time for Culture", showcasing nearly a hundred cultural organisations across the five boroughs between May 9 and 21. With a beautiful array of seasonal events, concerts, tours, classes and family-friendly programmes, the unofficial beginning of the New York City summer cultural season promises to please all.
discover Keukenhof's flowery delights this summer while you stay at the Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam. As the city celebrates the annual tulip season, enjoy the vibrant blooms, the pleasant weather and the many activities on offer! Explore the hotel's display of hundreds of tulips too.
ea ger crowds will gather at Westminster Abbey, London, on May 6 to witness the coronation of King Charles III B uckingham Palace has announced various events for the weekend, including a concert at Windsor Castle on May 7, featuring Katy Perry, Take That and Lionel Richie. P ubs, clubs and bars across England and Wales will stay open for an extra two hours on Friday and Saturday of the coronation weekend. The entire city is bracing for the celebrations with street parties being planned and the Union Jack flying high!
films and art have always had a close relationship and an exhibition, 'Chitram', is celebrating this connection. The collection of artworks on display at the show capture the contributions of Indian film stars to the country's cinematic history. The exhibition is curated by Annapurna M and was inaugurated by filmmaker Muzzafar Ali. T he exhibition is being held at Art Magnum, New Delhi, and will be on till June 3.
ra re and endangered but exquisitely beautiful is the Shirui lily, which is honoured at an eponymous festival held every year. The state flower of Manipur, this lily is a rare sight and draws nature lovers to trek to the Shirui hills for a glimpse. Travel to Manipur to be a part of this unique event!
a tyajit Ray (1921-1991) was a polymath, polyglot, novelist, short-story writer, illustrator, designer, music composer, a nd one of the most eminent film directors of world cinema. His Pather Panchali (Song of the Little Road, 1955) established his position as a major film director, winning numerous awards. In 1992, he was awarded the Oscar for Lifetime Achievement and, in the same year, he was honoured with the Bharat Ratna. “Not to have seen the cinema of Ray means existing in the world without seeing the sun or the moon,” said legendary Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa. W hile Ray’s films are fairly well-known, his writings - fiction and non-fiction - in Bengali and English continue to a ttract attention. "From detective stories to science fiction, children’s’ literature, writings on film-making, design and music composition, among others, he gave a unique aesthetic expression to Indian culture,” says Premanka Goswami, associate publisher and head of Backlist, Penguin Random House India. Delve into the master’s writings with The Penguin Ray Library (by Penguin Random House India), a collection of books authored by Ray.
twinkling lights that dance around in the forest at night! That's the lure of the annual Firefly Festival. Every year, in May, tourists arrive in Purushwadi, a small and serene village near Nashik, Maharashtra to walk with glowing fireflies. As it gets dark, thousands of fireflies come out of hiding and fly around in the nearby forest, creating a magical sight!
unique but traditional is the ancient elephant ordination procession that takes place every year in Sukhothai, Thailand. During this festival, elephants parade across a river with young monks on their back. It's generally held in the summer months.
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted to work in the aviation sector and that dream came true in 2006 when I joined IndiGo as an Executive. 17 years down the line, I have grown, learned, and evolved into an able leader. There’s a place for every resilient dreamer at IndiGo as it encourages people to never settle and do everything they do with pride, empathy, and courage.
I joined IndiGo in 2012 and I haven’t looked back. Today as a Digital Manager, I feel proud to work towards increasing operational efficiency through technology in airports and operational departments. The people, the culture, and the opportunities that came my way have a big hand in making every bit of my ten years at IndiGo worth it. What seemed like a distant dream is now a reality, every single experience at IndiGo has led me to this moment.
My journey at IndiGo from a Customer Service Trainee at Delhi airport to Senior Manager, Process & Implementation at the Head Office has been very enriching. IndiGo taught me to lead from the front while consistently delivering results. 16 years of hard work, dedication, and networking have helped me reach new heights at IndiGo and can’t wait for what’s next.
I always knew I was not wired to sit idle, I wanted to fly. Becoming a pilot was my dream but due to financial instability and other family commitments, it didn’t come easy. From being a coordinator at a flying institute to clearing my Flying Instructor Rating to proudly donning my 6E uniform, it has and will always be IndiGo that kept my spirits high.
FACT
Tripura has an abundance of Agar trees, which is also the state tree. The wood of this tree is used to make incense, perfume and also small carvings
E AT RIGHT
Muya awandru is made with b amboo shoots, rice flour and berma (dried and fermented fish). Gorge on wahan mosdeng, a spicy pork delicacy.
HISTORY CALLING
I n the heart of Tripura's capital Agartala stands the grand Ujjayanta Palace set in the middle of beautiful Mughal-style gardens with a lake. It was built by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya during 1899-1901.
B est time to visit is Throughout the year, though the most apt is winter.
Currency Indian Rupee.
G IFTING ZONE
A part from cane and bamboo handicraft, Tripura is known for its art of weaving. Such traditional handwoven clothing as risa and riha are inseparable heritages of the local tribal women.
IndiGo to MYSURU w ww.goIndiGo.in
The C hamundi Hill has a famous temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Chamundeshwari. You can also visit St. Philomena’s Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in India, which is known for its Gothic architecture.
Relish the taste of such culinary gems of the city as the famous Mysuru masala dosa, the delectable Mysurustyle chicken curry and the sweet Mysuru pak Do try the local filter coffee.
The iconic Mysuru silk sarees are a must-buy. Mysuru is also known for a range of sandalwood products, including incense sticks and perfumes. Mysore Rosewood Inlay has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Government of India.
The magnificent Mysuru Palace is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. It is illuminated with 97,000 lights at dusk on Sundays and public holidays. B est time to visit is October to February.
IndiGo to K ANGRA AIRPORT, GAGGAL w ww.goIndiGo.in
Map not to scale Himachal Pradesh
McLeodganj, a hill station on the outskirts of D haramshala, is often called Little Lhasa and is home to the Dalai Lama. B est time to visit is March to June.
The magnificent St. John in the Wilderness Church lies under the shade of deodar trees in the green environs of McLeodganj. Step inside its cool interiors and marvel at the beautiful stained glass panels.
The mouth-watering alu phingsha is a delicious combination of mung bean noodles, potatoes, spices and tender mutton. The delicious chocolate Bhagsu cake is an absolute delight.
The famous Kotwali Bazaar has been a favourite spot for tourists. Located in lower Dharamshala, the shops sell a variety of Tibetan rugs, carpets, shawls and handicraft. The market is a must-visit.
M ALDIVES
Map not to scale
IndiGo to MALÉ w ww.goIndiGo.in
FACT
Malé is one of the world's smallest capital cities.
B est time to visit is November and April.
Currency Maldivian Rufiyaa
Gorge on such delicious local fare as garudhiya (a clear fish broth), mas huni (a dish made with tuna, coconut and onion) that is served with roshi (a type of rounded flatbread) and bon’di baiy (sweetened sticky rice).
The Grand Friday Mosque and the National Museum showcase the country's rich history. Do visit the pristine Rasfannu Artificial Beach and the Villimale Island.
Enjoy ad venture activities here, including scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, parasailing, jet skiing and others.
Images are for visual representation only
Basgo Monastery, situated on a hilltop, has a majestic view of the valley and is home to a gigantic statue of Maitreya Buddha. Other popular monasteries in the region include Hemis, Thiksey, Shey and Diskit, all showcasing stunning Buddhist art and culture.
Traditional dishes here include thukpa (noodle soup), momos (dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetables) and skyu (a stew made with vegetables and noodles). Yak cheese is also popular. Butter tea (made with salt; butter, usually made from yak milk, and tea leaves) is a musttry beverage here.
Mohinga, a popular breakfast made with rice noodles and fish broth, is Myanmar’s unofficial national dish. Other savoury fare include Shan-style noodles, curries and various meat and seafood dishes. Street food here is a delight!
Lamayuru, around 100 km from Leh, is a beautiful village known for its ancient monastery and stunning landscapes. The Magnetic Hill, on the outskirts of Leh town, is a unique natural wonder that appears to defy gravity.
Yangon is known for its lush green parks and lakes that offer a serene escape from the bustling city life. The Inya Lake is a popular tourist attraction. The Kandawgyi Lake, also known as Royal Lake, offers a tranquil setting for leisurely walks.
Leh is known for its rich culture and heritage. Matho Monastery is known for its unique collection of thangka artworks and the annual oracle festival. The Sindhu Darshan Festival, held by the banks of River Indus (Sindhu) near Leh, promotes the waterbody as a symbol of India’s communal harmony.
A popular festival is Thadingyut, when people light up their houses and temples to celebrate Lord Buddha’s descent from heaven. Another is Thingyan festival, which is celebrated by splashing water on each other. People also visit pagodas and make offerings during this festival.
The Tibetan Market in Leh is a must-visit destination for those looking for authentic Tibetan handicrafts, silver jewellery and woolen shawls. The Leh Market is another popular shopping destination where visitors can find traditional Ladakhi clothing, spices and dry fruits.
Visit Bogyoke Aung San Market (also known as Scott Market) where you’ll find locals shopping for everyday and fancy items. Experience how the locals live and venture into its many street markets, a feast for the senses with their colours and smells.
Recommendation: With huge walls and wooden balconies, the historic Leh Palace is a fine example of Tibetan architecture. The Yangon City Hall is a colossal colonial building adorned with traditional design details like peacocks, snakes and three-tiered pyatthat turrets.
T
Words
What's more?
In Basel, attend Art Basel, a prestigious international art fair that takes place in June.
The Netherlands is drenched in lively colours in summer, with tourists pouring in to see the world-famous tulip blooms (the flowering season lasts till May). The Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, near Amsterdam, is the main attraction! With a pleasant weather and amazing outdoor events, summer is one of the best times to visit Amsterdam. Explore it on foot or by bike. Take a canal boat tour, visit the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum and enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife. The Netherlands hosts many festivals during summer, including the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam and Tilburg Fair, one of the largest such in Europe.
What's more?
This year, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is celebrating its 50th anniversary with special exhibitions and a festive programme. For 50 years, the museum has been inspiring people with the artworks of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries.
Switzerland in summer is what dreams are made of! With pristine lakes glistening in the sun, ice-capped peaks and cosy mountain towns, the charms of summer are unending. Go hiking in the Alps to some of the most popular sites like the Swiss National Park, the Jungfrau region and the Matterhorn. At Lake Geneva, take a cruise or hop on a paddle steamer, or visit the charming villages that dot its shores. Try mountain biking at Interlaken, Davos and Grindelwald. Also enjoy global culture at the many summer carnivals that take place across the country.
What's more?
Enjoy a century of great opera at historic Verona's Roman amphitheatre, the Arena. The 100th Arena di Verona Opera Festival will be held from June-September 2023.
From Tuscany’s rolling vineyards to the picturesque
Amalfi Coast and from stunning islands like Sicily to rich cultural cities like Rome and Florence, Italy offers an exhilarating rendezvous. In Rome, visit the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and the Trevi Fountain and attend Isola del Cinema, an outdoor film festival that features independent cinema, documentaries and cult classics. When in Venice, enjoy a romantic gondola ride and be a part of Biennale Architettura, an international architecture exhibition (on till November), full of carnivals, shows and films.
With fiestas lined up across the summer months, France offers a truly immersive experience through films, fashion, food and music. While the Gothic architecture of Paris is alluring, discover the diversity of the French Riviera - from picturesque Nice to the world’s perfume capital Grasse. In Paris, visit the Louvre Museum and plan a trip to the serene Loire Valley. An offbeat summer experience is to attend the Lavender Festival in Provence that celebrates the lavender blooming season and features fireworks, parades, marching bands, lavender-decked boats and a grand ball.
What's more?
The Tour de France is one of the most prestigious bicycle races in the world and takes place annually in July. Enjoy the great outdoors and the exhilarating racing atmosphere.
What's more?
Explore the option of combining ancient and modern heritage at the Athens Epidaurus Festival (June to August). It's known as Greece’s premier cultural festival that celebrates music, theatre and dance.
With historic sites, a spectacular coastline and islands ranging from epicurean holiday hotspots to rural idylls - Greece remains one of the best places for summer in Europe. Soak in the cultural sights and dip your feet in the deep blue waters of Santorini's beaches, explore the ancient myth at the iconic Acropolis in Athens or try authentic Greek fare in family-friendly tavernas - there is no dearth of summer activities. The Greeks love celebrations and the summer months are replete with them - Rockwave Festival (near Athens), the August Moon Festival and many more!
Portugal’s coastline is incredibly varied making it a perfect summer destination. From the cleanest and stunning beaches of Algarve to surfing highs at Peniche and from Lisbon's charm to the vineyards of Douro Valley - Portugal is at its most exhilarating in summer. Get some Instagramworthy shots at AgitÁgueda, almost a month-long art festival held in Águeda that celebrates the diverse culture of Portugal. Another must-visit is the Festa do São João in Porto.
What's more?
In June, Lisboa (Lisbon) is all about festivals, music and food! The city's historic neighbourhoods are filled with street entertainment, concerts and shows.
Experiencing summer in Belgium is as heart-melting as the country’s exotic chocolates. From charming Bruges' canals and medieval landmarks, and the sea-side pleasures of Blankenberge to the forested heart of Ardennes, Belgium is a summer sensation. But it's vibrant Brussels that is the star with blooming parks and charming sidewalk cafés serving cold beer and ice-cream. Attend Ommegang, an annual historical procession with thousands of participants in colourful costumes, and the annual Brussels Summer Festival, a multi-genre musical in August!
What's more?
Belgium also hosts one of the biggest and most popular music festivals, Tomorrowland, in the quaint town of Boom that guarantees a magical experience.
What's more?
With over 400 islands, thousands of miles of gorgeous coastline, beautiful sandy beaches, rolling dunes and hidden coves - Denmark is the perfect summer destination. Enjoy canal boat tours and visit Tivoli Gardens, and the many museums and galleries in Copenhagen. Experience the Danish countryside and spectacular beaches like Amager Strandpark and Gilleleje. Denmark also hosts many festivals in summer including the Roskilde Festival (June-July) and the Aarhus Festival, a mega cultural event.
The land of picturesque hills and verdant landscapes, of brave head-hunters and fierce warriors, and a receptacle of ancient traditions – Nagaland is a sweet enigma waiting to be unravelled. A closer look and a warm interaction dispel many a myth about the quiet, shy yet very friendly people who love to tell stories about their deservedly proud state. A story seems to be hidden in every corner – from hunting legends to spiritual tales. I follow the story of Khonoma, India’s first 'Green Village'. Located around 20 km from
state capital Kohima, Khonoma is a scenic village overlooking green paddy fields and surrounded by horizon-kissing forested hills. It's home to the brave Angami Nagas, an indigenous warrior tribe.
My guide is Vibhu, an Angami inhabitant of the once “warrior village”. He starts with a story of how Khonoma’s fierce soldiers resisted the British. And then he narrates, with great pride, the story of how the villagers launched a campaign for nature conservation. Traditionally, the villagers
depended on the surrounding forests for their livelihood. Between hunting, foraging and logging, the forest cover was being depleted drastically, even leading to a fall in the numbers of the much-revered pheasant, Blyth's Tragopan, Nagaland's state bird. In 1998, the village elders decided to ban logging and hunting. A part of the forest was demarcated as the Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary, a conservation reserve. Villagers became
guardians of the green and members of the local bodies monitored conservation efforts. Over the years, the forest healed, wildlife was restored and conservation became a part of everyday life in Khonoma.
In the idyllic and spotlessly clean village, with flourishing kitchen gardens outside most houses, every drop of water is conserved and recycling is a habit. The villagers practice terrace farming, store water flowing down the hills in small reservoirs and their farm produce is organic. We walk along a winding cobbled path lined with red poinsettias and wild lilies, as life leisurely goes on inside the rustic tin-roofed houses with mud floors and bamboo walls. Men and women with khophis (conical cane or bamboo baskets) strapped to their backs, climb the stepped path effortlessly, carrying food and household goods. The forests here are rich in bamboo and cane, hence the art of basket making is quite evolved. A few other villagers tend to animals and warmly smile when they spot tourists.
Some of the women practice traditional weaving, producing shawls in unique colours, patterns and designs. After they finish gathering food from the nearby forests and doing their daily chores, they assemble in a village common room, where
The home-stays in Khonoma offer warm hospitality. Dimapur airport is around 70 km from Kohima, a two-hour drive.
Shop:
Buy delicious local farm products like dried wild apples, gooseberries, popped rice, turmeric, Naga king chilli, ginger powder and dehydrated pineapple etc, marketed under the brand MYKI. These are prepared by local women.
looms have been setup with the help of a self help group, to weave. A shawl takes about a day to be completed and fetches around INR 500. I choose a pretty red and black one with tiny motifs of crossed spears woven at the ends and make friends with its makers, Ano and Atono.
A wizened villager, Roko, who regales me with his battlefield stories, leads us to a morung (boys' dormitory), where we find young men chatting and drinking zutho (a local rice beer). Morungs are richly decorated traditional wooden houses with a pair of crossed swords on top and are centres for spreading of moral values, education, art and craft, and for resolving disputes by village elders. Inside, on the walls are displayed various weapons, a legacy of the warring days.
It's almost afternoon by the time I end my village tour and I pause for a bit by a bend, looking out over the terraced hills, the valley below and small houses set against the mountains. A sense of peace pervades and I wish I can carry this tranquility back with me, the way I am doing the stories!
Dzukou Valley
Nagaland’s most popular and exciting trekking destination, the Dzukou Valley is surreal and spellbinding! Though it is gorgeous at any time of year, in summer, the hills burst with wildflowers, especially the rare Dzukou lily. An hour’s drive from Kohima (25 km) will take you to Viswema, the starting point of the trek to Dzukou Valley.
Dzuleke
A hidden gem, Dzuleke is a tiny village nestled beside a stream. Around 20 km from Khonoma, you can ideally have a picnic here or stay overnight in one of the homestays. Spot wild bisons grazing by clean mountain streams. Try fresh crabs from the Dzuleke river served with aromatic rice.
Kisama
Kisama Heritage Village (around 12 km from Kohima) offers a glimpse of life in a traditional Naga village. Here, each of the major Naga tribes is represented by its characteristic morung. In December, it hosts the famous Hornbill Festival.
Japfu Peak
The second-highest peak in Nagaland, this vantage point is around 15 km from Kohima. A trekker's paradise, the Japfu range attracts tourists for its scenic beauty and thrilling trails. Enjoy majestic sunrise views from here.
Standing on the historic WW II battle ground of Garrison Hill, this site contains 1,420 Commonwealth burials, one nonwar burial and a memorial commemorating 917 Hindu and Sikh soldiers.
From the ancient world of dinosaurs to a modern world of illusions, museums are the keepers of human evolution. As the world observes the International Museum Day on May 18, here's a look at a few unique heritage hubs in India.
Tribal Museum, Bhopal Sitting in the heart of the City of Lakes Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, the Tribal Museum celebrates the ways of life practiced by the major tribes in the state. Through dramatic presentation in awe-inspiring galleries, the exhibits bring to life their art and craft and spiritual beliefs.
For many visitors, the charm of the iconic Victoria Memorial museum begins even before they step into the building. A grand symbol of British-era architecture, the building is a dream in white sitting in a manicured garden with statues, bridges and lakes. Inside, there are paintings by Indian and Western masters, sculptures and manuscripts from the British period, etc.
Paying tribute to one royal family's love for rare art, this museum is a symbol of opulence! Housed within a stunning building, the museum displays a huge collection of art objects and antiques that are mostly from the personal collection of three generations of Salar Jungs.
Museum of Illusions, New Delhi
A Vortex Tunnel that sucks you in; an anti-gravity room that beats all belief of science or the Beuchet Chair illusion that will cut you down to size!
Step into a world of illusions and mind-games at this popular contemporary museum.
When you drive towards the quiet city of Balasinor (around 90 km from Ahmedabad), it's tough to believe that this is the land where dinosaurs once roamed! Experts say more than 13 species of dinosaurs thrived here around 65 million years ago! A Dinosaur Museum and fossil park is where you can trace their journey!
One of the most innovative art and photography museums in India, this sleek landmark is home to over 60,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures and graphics, textiles, indigenous art, and Bollywood memorabilia. The 44,000 sq ft building, located in the heart of Bengaluru’s museum quarter, includes five galleries, a café and a rooftop restaurant with sweeping views across the city.
From a struggling story-writer Maanav in Mirch and a suave Dhruv in Aisha to desi cop Rudra in the web series Apharan – Arunoday Singh's acting prowess is a testament to his artistic soul. And we are not just talking about his performances in front of a camera. For those who follow him on Instagram (@sufisoul) would know that Singh is also a poet! In fact, a collection of his poems was published in a book titled Unsung last year.
An erstwhile student of literature, Singh, who chooses to define himself as “caring, considerate and carefree”, believes that there is a little bit of poet in everyone, irrespective of where they come from. Speaking about his passion for artistic expression, he says, "I love acting and writing. They both evoke the same feeling within me; there is no preference. Sketching also brings me immense joy. They all feel equally good to me.”
The story of Unsung Unsung offers a refreshing departure from his usual on-screen portrayal of grey characters. Like he had mentioned in an interview: “Having the persona [I have] doesn’t mean I’m not allowed to have a sensitive soul.” Through this collection, he explores the softer side of his personality and celebrates the myriad shades of love. The poems take the reader on a beautiful journey through the intricate depths of his complex emotions.
“Every poem in Unsung holds a part of my personal journey. Love poetry is particularly close to my heart as it speaks to the aspirations of my Sufi soul. Through my poems, I aspire to attain a soul that is connected to the higher power, the Earth and the life around us. However, I do not claim to have achieved this state yet. Rather, I see myself as someone who is searching for his Sufi soul – a soul that is
deeply connected to the world around us and to the divine,” explains the artiste, who believes that creativity is an essential aspect of exploring new destinations and immersing oneself in new cultures. He adds, “Writing brings me peace of mind, acting is like a catharsis and travel brings me a sublime transcendence that elevates my soul.”
As of the moment, he is quite caught up between his acting gigs while his new book of poetry takes form.
Kodai Love
Singh loves vacationing in India and one of his favourite destinations is Goa. “However, my heart truly belongs to Kodi [Kodaikanal]. I can't resist going back there at any given opportunity. I had the privilege of attending Kodaikanal International School, a boarding institute, where I discovered my passion for acting
through my love for theatre,” he says. His fondness for theatre began during his school days in Kodaikanal and after completing college, “it was only natural for me to pursue acting as a career”. Reminiscing about his fondest Sunday memories, he recalls breakfasts in the school cafeteria – pancakes under the mountain sun. "The pancakes were to die for," he exclaims.
Travelling
Singh loves to travel alone. “I do solo trips and it is highly recommended,” says the actor, who loves Prague, Italy and London. And if you want to escape the scorching heat of the summer, take a page off the poet's travel book and head to the mountains. "While vacationing, I enjoy a blend of excitement and relaxation – adventure during the day and leisure in the evening. In Kodaikanal, I would hike,” he adds.
H e is an actor and a self-confessed 'compulsive poet', but for debonair Arunoday Singh, there is more than meets the eye. From Bollywood and OTT platforms to the written word – his brilliance shines throughout.
Beautiful Kodaikanal, nestled in the Western Ghats, is located about 115 km from Madurai. One of the most sought-after hill stations in India, it is often referred to as the "Princess of Hills” with spectacular viewpoints and gorgeous waterfalls.
"I used to love the Bear Shola falls trek that is ideal during monsoons when the falls are at their peak. The spot also offers scenic views throughout the year. There are several other hiking trails in and around Kodaikanal," the actor says.
Anna Salai market is a bustling hub. From here, buy a variety of homemade chocolate and cheese and handicraft.
Kodaikanal is a culinary delight. From traditional dishes like idlis and dosas to popular snacks like momos and noodle soup, there is a lot on the plate. It's also known for restaurants serving delicious international cuisine.
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“When I was a young boy, I wanted to fly around the world. But we were a middle class family from Madurai, and plane tickets were always too expensive. So, we would hop into a car and go on road trips to Kerala and Kanyakumari. I loved spending time with my family as we travelled. But the desire to travel by plane was lodged in my mind since then. Still, I never resented our situation– I just waited patiently, because I knew my time would come someday, although I didn’t expect it so soon!
After I finished studying, I took up a job as a developer in an IT firm. That’s what I’ve been doing for the past 2 years, earning! Meanwhile, Dad had started saving for a trip. Between my salary and his savings, we could finally afford a trip. I was delighted because my mother and brother had never flown either. We chose Kashmir because we’d also never seen snow!
So just like that, in a few months, we were at Madurai airport for the first time ever. Since we were travelling with family friends, I stole their window seat to look out at the runway. Hearing the loud noise as the plane
took off– I don’t even have words to describe it. In a matter of moments, we could see our hometown looking so small. My mom gasped, ‘Oh wow!’ as she saw Madurai from above. And I marvelled at the clouds. Years and years of watching aerial photos online couldn’t come close to that view.
I wanted to soak in that view forever; 5 hours and 2 connecting flights felt like nothing. But then, our landing was delayed by rain. But even that worked out in our favour because the rain turned into snow! Looking out of my IndiGo flight window and seeing white snow everywhere was magical. All the movies set in snow had taught me exactly what to do when we got off the plane– make snow angels and throw snowballs, and drink hot chocolate in the cold! In fact, it snowed so heavily that our flight home was cancelled, and we got to spend 4 extra days there, surrounded by gorgeous mountains. It was our best trip yet!
It might be a small thing for others, but for me, flying above the clouds was a childhood dream come true!”
don’t even have words to describe it.
Nestled in the Himalayas, Uttarakhand offers a blend of experiences with adventure sports, spiritual sites, traditional cuisine and exquisite handicraft, all amidst stunning natural beauty.
Char Dham Yatra is one of the most popular pilgrimage routes in India. It covers four holy shrines - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath - all located in Uttarakhand. The high-altitude shrines in the Himalayas remain shut for around six months every year, opening in summer (April or May) and closing with the onset of winter (October or November).
Several ancient temples are located here, including the Mata Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple. These temples are important pilgrimage sites for Hindus and attract thousands of devotees every year. The city is also known for the evening Ganga aarti, a devotional ceremony held at the Har Ki Pauri ghat, where River Ganges is worshipped.
Hemkunt Sahib (also known as Hemkund Sahib) and Joshimath are important pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Sikhs. Hemkunt Sahib, situated at an altitude of around 4,329 m, sits on the bank of the pristine Hemkund Lake. Joshimath is a sacred town in the Chamoli district, housing several ancient Hindu temples. Govindghat in the Chamoli district is the starting point for the popular Valley of Flowers trek.
From the adrenaline rush of river rafting, bungee jumping and zip-lining in Rishikesh, and the peaceful serenity of camping in Chopta, to trekking to the Valley of Flowers National Park or Roopkund Lake - there's something for everyone. You can also try paragliding and boating in Nainital and skiing in Auli.
Uttarakhand is a nature lover's paradise boasting numerous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks like Jim Corbett National Park and Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also explore the Kumaon villages on foot or relax by the serene lakes of Nainital, Bhimtal and Sattal.
ALOO KE GUTKE
Aloo ke gutke is prepared by pan-frying boiled potatoes with a mix of spices, including cumin seeds, coriander powder, red chili powder and turmeric. The dish is usually garnished with
The hill-station of Mussoorie is one of the most famous in India. Overlooking the green Doon Valley, the notable landmarks here include Christ Church, George Everest House, Mall Road and Kempty Falls.
Sitting in the lush Doon Valley and framed by high mountains, Dehradun is Uttarakhand’s capital and the gateway to many hill-stations. The main attractions here are the historic Clock Tower and the grand Forest Research Institute.
SISUNAK SAAG
Sisunak saag is a popular dish in Uttarakhand made from sisunak (nettle) leaves. The leaves are boiled, chopped and cooked with garlic, ginger and spices. It is served with rice or roti
The Bhotiya community is known for its beautiful woollen handicraft, including shawls, rugs and blankets. Uttarakhand is also famous for wood carving and aipan art, a form of rangoli. You can buy woollen items from here and also home decor pieces with aipan art.
RINGAL CRAFT
Ringal weaving is an age-old craft of the state. The artisans use a special species of ringal plant to weave mats and other utility items. Also awarded the GI tag, ringal is more water resistant in comparison to regular bamboo.
As part of our campaign My City, My HeritageIndiGoReach and InterGlobe Foundation conducted its third heritage walk in Shillong, Meghalaya.
Popularly known as The Scotland of the East- this city houses a rich tapestry of heritage and culture. We explored iconic landmarks such as Dylan’s Cafe, St Edmunds Church, Laitumkhrakh Market, and Cathedral Catholic Church. The discussion during the walk helped all of us understand the history of this incredible city in India.
The senior Leadership team of IndiGo and InterGlobe Foundation, representatives from a few Government Departments, Academic Institutions and Civil society participated in the walk.
Through programs such as these, we intend to reach out not just with our planes but also with our hearts!
Pre-book from an exclusive menu of delectable preparations of local hits from kitchens and streets around the world, specially created by the chefs at our brand new Food Lab. Made today. Served today. Bon appétit!
Pre-booking from our exclusive menu means no extra perishable food items on-board. So food wastage is reduced. Pre-booking gets you a complimentary
Good things happen to those who do good things.
Biodiversity: A Shared Responsibility
The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 as the International Day for Biological Diversity to increase awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect it. The UN says, biological diversity resources are the pillars upon which we build civilisations!
