Hello 6E Inflight Magazine - IndiGo Airline July 2020

100th Issue, Jul 2020 For in-flight reading only

Poovar

Quaint village of

India

July

2-W

020 orld UFO Day 2

Keep your eyes to the sky Reminding the possible existence of aliens in the Universe, the World UFO Day is celebrated to increase awareness among people for any signs of aliens visiting Earth. In the 1950s, Edward J. Ruppelt, an officer in the United States Air Force, first coined the term UFO for unidentified objects in the skies. Before that, terms like flying saucers and flying discs were used for them.

“We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel next, to find ourselves.�

Pico Iyer

With unlocking and relaxation for some activities, the world is on the path of recovery. The country is back to work and we are back in skies.

Apart from flying to our regular destinations, IndiGo is also operating special international charter flights to bring Indian citizens back to the country. In its mission to support the nation, IndiGo also participated in transporting the stranded citizens/ migrant labourers to their home through charter flights. We further look forward to contributing to the country in every way possible in these trying times.

these times is to ensure a safe and hassle-free flying experience for all our passengers by rigorously following sanitisation of the aircraft and providing PPE kits to the passengers and the crew.

First Note

LaunchPad

Change is inevitable and post covid, travel will witness new trends. The Adhering to all the precautionary July issue of HELLO6E captures measures including the use of this essence of change in the travel face mask, face shield, gloves and sector. Visiting quaint places with sanitiser on-board, our team of the concept of sustainable travel crew and ground staff is showing will be the next big thing and exemplary resilience. Our focus in our cover story reflects that idea.

Explore some adventure activities in our OffBeat section and get face to face with Ashwin Sanghi, the renowned author. A glimpse of Violet colour, exploring Thailand through five different perspectives and many other articles will leave you mesmerised.

Explore the new world with IndiGo and stay safe. #LetsIndiGo

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INDIGO Business Development Aaliyah Saeed Dang Brand & Content C Leekha

Contents July 2020

customer.relations@goindigo.in PUBLISHER Maxposure Media Group CEO and Managing Director Prakash Johari Head Office | Maxposure Media Group India Pvt. Ltd. #TheAddress, Plot No. 62, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase III, New Delhi-110020, India Tel: + 91 11 4301 1111, Fax: +91 11 4301 1199 Advertising: info@maxposuremedia.com E-mail: indigoads@maxposuremedia.com INDIA OFFICES Bengaluru | 409, A Wing, 4th Floor, Mittal Towers, MG Road, Bengaluru-560001; Tel: +91 80 41510657 Chennai | Workafella unit no 415, 4th floor, #10, Uthamar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam High Rd, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034; Tel: +91-44-42015684 Indore | 7/1, 409, 4th Floor, Ratan Mani Complex, Opp. Inter Star Showroom, New Palasia, Indore-452001; Tel: +91 73 1424 8881 Jaipur | Shop No.B-18, Hotel Arco Palace, Opp. Metro Station, Sindhi Camp, Station Road Jaipur-302001; Tel: +91 14 1404 7655 Kolkata | DPS Corporate Club, 1st Floor, 9A Sebak Baidya Street, Kolkata-700029; Tel: +91 33 4068 0111 Mumbai | 7/711,The Summit Business Bay - Omkar Andheri Kurla Road, Behind Gurunanak Petrol Pump, Andheri - East,Mumbai - 400093.; Tel: +91 22 61991111 INTERNATIONAL OFFICES USA | Maxposure Media Group LLC 22 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 108, Mineola New York 11501, USA, Phone: +164 63672916 E-mail: info@maxposuremedia.com Bahrain | Maxposure Marketing Services WLL Suite no. 652, 6th Floor, The Lounge Serviced Offices Building 247, Road No. 1704, Diplomatic Area Manama, Bahrain, P.O. Box 11409 E-mail: info@maxposuremedia.com UAE | Maxposure Arabia FZ LLC Dubai Media City, Building No. 8, Premises No. 523, Fifth Floor, Dubai, UAE E-mail: info@maxposuremedia.com Bangladesh | Subcontinental Media Pvt Ltd Profficio 2nd floor, 4 Mohakhali Commercial Area Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh, Tel: +880 1862260427 E-mail: shohedul@subcontinentalmedia.com

Cover Showcasing the serene beauty of quaint countryside of India

Thailand | Maxposure Media (Thailand) Co. Ltd No. 4/1 Soi Lat Phrao 52 (Nivet 2), Wang Thongland Sub-District, Wang Thongland District, Bangkok, E-mail: info@maxposuremedia.com Malaysia | MMGM SDN. BHD. A-15-03 Tropicana Avenue, No.12, Persiaran Tropicana, Tropicana Golf & Country Resort, PJU3, 47410 Petaling Jaya Selangor Malaysia, Tel: +60 378860995, E-mail: info@maxposuremedia.com 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.

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Website: maxposuremedia.com

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FirstRow Glimpses of domestic and international destinations of IndiGo network

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OffBeat An off-beat approach to explore various destinations of IndiGo network

20 Skyline

Responsible travel is the new trend to explore a destination

Contents

32

Touch&Go

26 TakeOff

Exploring the life around the Majuli island in Assam

Explore the beauty of some enchanting villages of India

42 44 AceCorner

A heart-toheart chat with renowned writer Ashwin Sanghi

Vignette

Presenting Violet colour through a range of photos

49 Viewpoint

Discovering Thailand through five different angles

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Green Intentions Focussing on environmentrelated issues

OpenAir

around the world News from the world featuring interesting aspects of the world including travel, events/festivals, new book/film releases, and tech.

a

rchaeologists in Iceland have uncovered the remains of two ancient Viking longhouses that may have been among the island's very first settlements. Located in the Stöðvarfjörður fjord on a farm called Stöð, the remnants dates back to 800 A.D. Longhouses were long and narrow dwellings favoured by the Vikings.

f

d 4

July 2020

inal resting place of a young man Christopher McCandless, the green and white bus near the northern end of Denali National Park in Alaska was removed by the Alaska Army National Guard due to public safety concerns. Made famous by the bestselling 1996 book Into the Wild and the subsequent 2007 film adaptation, the bus, referred to as the 'Magic Bus' or simply 'Bus 142' was initially used as a shelter for workers building a road in the wilderness.

After reading the book and watching the movie, many adventurous travellers started frequenting the tough terrain.

rive-in theaters—traditional and popup—are once again gaining popularity in Western countries. The first patented drive-in movie theatre was opened on June 6, 1933, in Camden, New Jersey and their popularity peaked in the 1950s and 1960s. In 2020, the covid scenario made people to get out of the house for entertainment only if provided in a naturally safe place. These places are practicing guidelines for social distancing, in maintaining a space of six feet between two cars.

g

v

isitors to the Nordic country will soon be able to enjoy a dip in a geothermal lagoon attraction.

Equipped with amenities like a sauna, bar, and cold water pools – the Sky Lagoon will offer amazing ocean views to the visitors. Situated against the dramatic backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean near Reykjavik, the place will enable guests to connect with mind, body and spirit.

rowing awareness of sustainable architecture to reduce the large carbon footprint of concrete and steel has encouraged architects to come up with hybrid wooden towers. A new office of a software company in Sydney will be the tallest hybrid timber tower in the world. The building will have a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, including large terraces, arranged in a way that maximises natural ventilation to keep energy demands low.

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et in 11th century India, Amish Tripathy's latest fiction book Legend of Suheldev: The King Who Saved India, traces the epic adventures of Suheldev, a warrior-hero, who fights against the invasion of Mahmud of Ghazni, and his Turkic hordes. Published by Westland, it is the story of a hero, who fights to defend his motherland, making huge personal sacrifices, displaying glorious leadership, and courage beyond compare.

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w racing the history of Phulkari through the ages, here is a meticulously researched book with over 350 pictures that bring to life the nearly lost craft. Phulkari from Punjab: Embroidery in Transition is the outcome of the authors’ sojourns to the villages and by lanes of Punjab that are home to this form of craft. Written by Anu H. Gupta and Shalina Mehta, and published by Niyogi Books, the book is a source of inspiration for enterprising students of craft, culture and history, and also a befitting tribute to a distinct cultural tradition.

July 2020

ith a myriad of configuration options, the Sprinter cargo van by Mercedes-Benz is unique among big commercial vehicles. It has 21 total variations, ranging from pure cargo hauling to various passenger and cargo configurations.

There are two engine options for the 2020 Sprinter, including a turbocharged four-cylinder and a throatier V6 diesel engine. Starting at US$34,495, it is equipped with several driverassist and safety features.

z

ero-waste restaurants are on the rise around the world. They do not generate anything to throw away and don’t allow any type of singleuse plastic. Their décor is also a showcase for sustainable design. In some of the restaurants, cooking is done without electricity on a live-fire grill and guests dine by candlelight. Sourcing and serving more veg dishes highlighting the use of the whole ingredient significantly reduce a restaurant’s footprint.

FirstRow

A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF SOME DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS OF INDIGO

EAT RIGHT

Images are for visual representation only

Check List

When in Kashmir, it is customary to have Kahva.

It is a herbal green tea brewed with saffron spices, almonds, and walnut.

PLAN IT RIGHT

Terraced lawns, cascading fountains, bright flowerbeds, and panoramic views of the vast Dal Lake, Mughal gardens are the best place to visit in Srinagar.

SRINAGAR GIFTING ZONE

INDIA

Map not to scale

Jammu and Kashmir

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IndiGo to SRINAGAR www.goindigo.in

July 2020

FACT Srinagar is one of the several places that has more than one references such as 'Paradise on Earth' and the 'Venice of the East'.

Best time to visit April-October

Currency Indian Rupee

Population 1.2 million

Quite unique to Kashmir with colourful motifs and design on them, Paper Machie products are a must buy from the city.

INDIA

Map not to scale

Images are for visual representation only

Uttar Pradesh

GORAKHPUR Check List PLAN IT RIGHT

HISTORY CALLING

EAT RIGHT

IndiGo to GORAKHPUR www.goindigo.in

FACT Gorakhpur has the world's longest railway platform, with a stretch of around 1.36 km.

Best time to visit October to March

Gorakhnath Math is a temple of the Nath monastic group of the Nath tradition. The musical Light and Sound Show in the evening is its main attraction.

Gita Press, established in 1923, is the world's largest publisher of Hindu religious texts.

All 18 parts of Bhagwat Gita is written on its marble walls.

The city offers some lip-smacking chaats. Try the tangy kanji bada, saboodana vada, hari mirch bada, raj kachori, gol gappe, bhel puri or aloo tikki.

Currency Indian Rupee

Population 0.673 million

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INDIA

Map not to scale

Kerala

KANNUR

IndiGo to KANNUR www.goindigo.in

Check List PLAN IT RIGHT

EAT RIGHT

GIFTING ZONE

FACT Known as 'The land of Looms and Lores', Kannur is one of the major exporters of handlooms in India.

Best time to visit October to March

Thalassery biryani is a heavenly mishmash of rice, chicken and spices cooked together in a pot. The influence of Arabian and Mugal cultures is evident in its flavours.

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July 2020

Kerala’s only drive-in beach Muzhappilangad is about five km long. An unpaved road winding through coconut groves leads to the beach providing a good view of Kannur.

Kannur is famous for its ivory carvings, pottery, brocade fabrics and earthenware products. One can buy the famous wooden 'Kathakali' face as a remembrance of this beautiful place.

Currency Indian Rupee

Population 0.023 million

Images are for visual representation only

AURANGABAD INDIA Map not to scale

IndiGo to AURANGABAD www.goindigo.in

FACT A fine blend of silk with locally grown cotton is popular as Himroo textile.

Maharashtra

Check List EAT RIGHT

PLAN IT RIGHT

GIFTING ZONE

Mawa jalebis are a speciality of the city.

Made from thickened milk, they are thicker and stickier, and taste like gulab jamun. They are usually served in evenings.

Daulatabad Fort is the historical triangular fortress built around 1187. Built on a conical hill, the fort is surrounded by moat filled with water.

Do not miss to buy a famous Paithani sari.

Made from very fine silk, it is considered one of the most expensive saris in India because of its fabric and weaving.

Best time to visit October to June

Currency Indian Rupee

Population 2.1 million

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OffBeat

UNLEASH THE POWER OF WHEELS Two wheels or four wheels or a turbocharged ride, adventure means something that would make your heart beat faster. Combine the adventure with your passion for cars/jeeps/ bikes and breathe the excitement.

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July 2020

Where: Meghalaya

Distance: IndiGo to Shillong

When: Oct - May

Look out for: Lush greenery of the route

Cycling in Shillong

What more?

CULTURAL TRIP Umden is a remote village near Shillong, known for its Eri silk production.

Go for a cycling trip to Umden and watch the production of world famous Eri silk and traditional hand looms.

Take a heritage walk through the serene lush countryside and enjoy a Khasi lunch.

Images are for visual representation only

Explore the world from a saddle.

The activity combines leisure, physical fitness and adventure.

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, offers some of the most magnificent and awe-inspiring cycling routes in India.

This visually stimulating and physically challenging experience will let you explore the serene landscapes of the region along with a sneak peek into the culture of the state.

HIGHLIGHTS Paddle through scenic undulating terrain of Meghalaya.

Hike to double decker Root Bridges in Cherrapunji.

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The thrill of riding a bike on amazing terrains, overlooking the majestic Dubai skyline, is a fun experience. Ride through the seemingly endless desert and challenge sand dunes while taking in the stunning landscape. Enjoy tackling soft and hard trails along with rocky ravines and conquer the terrain. So get ready to scale the Arabian sand dunes and taking in some truly breathtaking scenery.

Quad biking in Dubai

Where: Dubai, UAE

What more?

CAMPING

Images are for visual representation only

Some tours offer quad biking experience along with camping in the desert. At camp, one can enjoy traditional Tanura Show, horse and camel ride, Bedouin dinner, belly dance, and lot more.

DUNE BASHING Along with quad biking, enthusiasts can also try a thrilling and absolutely safe desert safari, through dune bashing in 4x4.

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July 2020

Distance: IndiGo to Dubai

When: November March

Look out for: The beautiful sunset over the sand dunes.

Where: Gujarat

Covering an area of 4954 sqkm, the Little Rann of kutch offers one of the most fascinating and unique landscapes in the entire world.

The salt marshes of the Rann of Kutch make for a unique offroading experience. Enjoy this rugged, in-the-wilds activity in a conventional four-wheel drive jeep.

Off roading in Little Rann of Kutch What more?

Images are for visual representation only

WILDLIFE

Distance: IndiGo to Ahmadabad.

Little Rann of Kutch is 190 km from the airport.

When: NovemberFebruary

Look out for: The surreal terrain where the ocean and the desert meet.

Established in January 1973, Wild Ass sanctuary located in Little Rann is the home of Asiatic Wild Ass, one of the most endangered species in the world.

UNIQUE FACT The Little Rann of Kutch is also called a large ecotone, a transitional land where two different ecosystems, marine and terrestrial, meet.

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Where: LangjĂśkull, Iceland

When: March to October

Look out for: Admire the beauty of the smooth terrain of Iceland’s largest glaciers!

Snowmobiling in Iceland Experience the rush of skidoo or snow sledging in the Land of Ice and explore its mighty glaciers. This experience is invaluable. Get ready for an experience of heightened rush and excitement amidst this breathtaking, challenging and highly mountainous region. Here open plains of untouched snow and marvellous views across the stunning landscapes of Iceland await you. Ready for a ride?

What more?

TIPS TO FOLLOW Being self-confident and protected are two of the most important qualities for snow sledging.

Adventurers are required to bring with them: warm clothing, good hiking shoes, a camera and a packed lunch.

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July 2020

Images are for visual representation only

EXTRA POWER In spring, one can expect riding under a midnight sun, while in the winter, the aurora borealis is there to illuminate every ridable slope.

Also, explore the exquisite flora and fauna, geological monoliths and bird watching in the land of Ice.

AirAdventure

Thrill in the air The experience of air adventures might be short-lived, but the event is life-altering. One of the best advantages of these activities is that they offer some breathtaking views of the land from a height. The ultimate adventure come into picture when you fly over virgin jungles, mountains, rivers and local villages.

SkyLine

Travel responsibly

IT'S YOUR 20

July 2020

PLANET Recent lockdown in the world taught us some new concepts to be followed in life. The concept of responsible travel is one of them—to value the environment and looking after our finite natural resources.

Words Neel Sen

From preserving the ancient culture in Peru and protecting the environment in Indonesia, to wildlife conservation in Kenya and cultural preservation in Costa Rica, the way we will travel post covid will be changed completely depending upon individual requirements. Responsible travel is all about to be more aware of how tourism affects local people, businesses and native cultures and finding a way to travel without harming natural and cultural environments.

So if you’re planning to travel in 2020 onwards and want to have a positive impact on the world‌. you’ve to select the right place and right approach.

Costa Rica is one of the first countries in the world to promote responsible travel. Around 26 per cent of Costa Rica's land has been devoted to national parks, wildlife reserves and protected lands. The country boasts 26 National Parks, 58 wildlife refuges, 32 protected zones, 15 wetland areas, 11 forest reserves, and 8 biological reserves. From staying in an ecolodge to explore local farms and help the local farmers in their fields to whale watching under the strict supervision of marine conservators, and to relish the local drinks and cuisine, a tourist will not only experience the country's rich natural and cultural aspects but will also learn how its people pay back to the Mother Earth.

Be Considerate to Nature Tourism depends on the fragile ecosystems of a destination and as a traveller we need to conserve that. The nature provides ample travel opportunities in the form of snow-capped mountains, picturesque landscapes, colourful marine world, wildlife and thick forests.

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July 2020

Experience the rich undulated culture of Cambodia and peacefulness of the countryside without creating much pollution.

It's true

Less waste and pollution As a traveller we need to adopt eco-friendly travel habits that create less waste. This might mean carrying that used chips packet or empty juice can until we find a trash or recycling bin. Avoid food wastage, go paperless and enjoy walking tours.

Cambodia offers cycling holidays and experiencing long open stretches of road, emerald-green fields of rice, and an endless string of small villages while cycling gives you a different kind of satisfaction. Travelling by boat, ox cart, tuk tuk or on foot and exploring hidden preAngkor temples, floating villages, pepper and rice fields; strange river dolphins and faded French architecture, one can experience the rich undulated culture of Cambodia and peacefulness of the countryside without creating much pollution.

The husky sled dog farm in Finland prepares huskies to become sleddogs. The farm encourage its visitors to have high standards in dog sledding experience and to take part in humane mushing!

Each year, local schoolchildren come to the farm on work practice placements and to learn how to work with the dogs as to experience an international working culture.

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As a responsible traveller, aways prefer hiking, biking and horseback riding instead of driving when exploring a destination.

Reducing Carbon footprints Spending more time in one location rather than visiting several locations for fewer duration helps reduce your carbon footprint. At the same time it allows you to experience a destination in a better way and help support the local economy. Being mindful of local resources is the best option.

Iceland is the cleanest energy consumer in the world, and travellers can reduce their footprint by camping instead of staying in luxury hotels, or hiking, biking and horseback riding instead of driving when exploring the country. The country's tap water is better than most bottled water. It is pure spring water and available everywhere thereby reducing the use of bottled water. The country offers tours which are carbon neutral and encourage you to plant a tree at the end of a tour.

Be responsible and help Mother Nature breath a bit better.

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July 2020

What's unique Gansbaai in South Africa has many responsible tourism businesses that work together to make the place better for locals.

The Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is one of the best elephant sanctuaries and rescue centers in Thailand. Here, the focus is on the well-being of the rescued elephants and animals.

It’s a non-profit organisation, and the money they get from visitors goes for maintenance, food, and rescue operations.

AirAdventure

Paragliding A form of free flying There are two types of paragliding, single and tandem. Anyone can experience paragliding by doing a tandem flight with an experienced and qualified instructor. Paragliding is extremely dependent on the weather, the wind strength and direction.

TakeOff

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July 2020

MAJULI Assam's cultural hotspot Appearing in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Majuli is a wonderful mix of water bodies, green paddy fields and unique tribes Words Raktim Sharma

While the 'largest river island in the world' bill is good enough to raise the intrigue about Majuli, Assam, it is not its size that will strike out on your visit. A trip to Majuli is essentially a peek into its unique culture, long bicycle rides across its countryside and perhaps, the poignant stargazing sessions from its shorelines.

Majuli can be reached by ferry from Nimati Ghat, which lies north of Jorhat, the nearest airport. Crossing the mercurial Brahmaputra river and entering Majuli is like walking into a life-size time capsule, punctuated only by the odd billboards and the automobiles. Serpentine paver block roads take you through Majuli’s town squares and villages, bamboo groves and marshlands, prayer halls and paddy fields – every element gives a complete insight into the life in Majuli.

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A SEA OF GREENERY The simple and cheerful country folk of Majuli are mostly engaged in agriculture and cottage industries. Majuli has a few town squares around the major Sattras, while the rest of it is mostly farmlands and water bodies with villages scattered across.

The Mishing tribe features prominently in Majuli’s landscape. Ravaged annually by the Brahmaputra, farmers in Majuli have stood to nature’s test by improvising their farming techniques and crop patterns.

Majuli’s tryst with floods also ironically means that it has some of the best farming patches in the region. Its Bao rice, black rice, mustards, urad beans and jaggery are quite popular across the state of Assam, while its rice beer is quite popular among tourists.

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July 2020

Majuli’s tryst with floods also ironically means that it has some of the best farming patches in the region.

COUNTRY CRAFTS Among the people of Majuli who are not engaged in farming many are potters, fishermen and boat builders. The potters of Salmara village, for instance, are masters of hand-made clay products. Being one of the worst flood-hit regions in Majuli, farming is not an option for them, so they make the most of what the river leaves behind. What’s unique to watch it that they don’t even need any mechanical aid to make clay pots, plates and lamps, not even the potter’s wheel!

Boats are more of a necessity in an island like Majuli. There must be a boat in probably every household in Majuli. No wonder, therefore, that they are expert boat builders. These Ajaar and Uriam wood boats are their lifelines during monsoon. Authorities of the nearby Kaziranga National Park often use them to keep a check on the stranded animals during floods.

Majuli residents have great dexterity in handicraft, not just in pottery and boat making, but also in weaving, wooden works and bamboo crafts.

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VAISHNAVITE NERVE CENTRE Vaishnavite shrines densely dot the landscape of Majuli. For the followers, these shrines, locally known as Sattras, are much more than prayer halls. Sattras act as the tent pole to the surrounding villages for propagating all things religious, cultural and social. These Sattras promote the spirit of self-sustenance to the core. Be it daily chores, cultivation, cottage industry or culture, the resident monks of the Sattras follow an exemplary DIY lifestyle.

Apart from Vaishnavite religious practices, Sattras are the cradle for the classical dance Xattriya Nritya, theatrical enactments called Bhaona, folk songs known as Borgeet, musicianship through Bayan and Ojapali practices, and preservation of ancient scriptures and relics. An accomplished Sattriya dancer and Bhakat of Uttar Samaguri Sattra, Mr Tirtha Bhuyan explains, “Majuli upholds its centuries-old culture with great zeal and pride.” Sattras are at the forefront of this lifestyle, with cottage industry traditions like the world-famous masks of Notun Samoguri Sattra and the unique cane hand-fans of Auniati Sattra.

Tourists prefer to pedal their way across Majuli’s countryside in bicycles, where the bright yellow of mustard fields and the golden sparkle of its paddy cultivations often leave them spellbound. For your stay, Majuli offers enticing options when it comes to getting close to nature, with its idyllically set of resorts and cafés, but if you are looking for a village life experience, choose a bamboo hut. You wont be disappointed.

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July 2020

The resident monks of Vaishnavite shrines, locally known as Sattras, follow an exemplary DIY lifestyle. The world-famous masks of Notun Samoguri Sattra and the unique cane hand-fans of Auniati Sattra are an example of this lifestyle.

IT'S TRUE Best way to explore The best way to explore Majuli is by renting a bicycle and cycling your way around. Bicycles are also the most popular mode of transportation here.

River adventures The mighty Brahmaputra provides various opportunities for tourists to make the most of their stay.

Hire a boat and sail downstream on the Brahmaputra.

Visit the Samaguri Satra The people of Samaguri Satra are expert mask-makers who show exemplary skills in their field.

They make masks using bamboo base, dried cow dung, etc.

If you have time, do attend a maskmaking workshop.

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Touch&Go

Behold

the Beauty

With over six lakh villages, each with a unique identity, India fascinates you. Visiting one of these tiny hamlets will help you understand and cherish the true essence of India.

Words Abhishek Chakraborty 32

July 2020

MAWLYNNONG

Meghalaya Mawlynnong, located about 100 kms from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya in Northeast India, is known as the 'cleanest village of Asia'. Often called God’s own Garden, cleanliness may be the best aspect of Mawlynnong, but there is more to this small village.

Though it has a pleasant weather across the year, it’s best to visit during the monsoon. The rain brings out the true character of this village and the lush landscape of its surroundings. Another important attraction of this place is the living root bridges. Declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, these bridges are more than hundred years old and take years to self-construct. They can carry the weight of 50-60 people at a time.

FACT FILE Map not to scale

Cleanliness is a way of life in Mawlynnong.

Here, people not only clean their houses, they step out to sweep the roads. Also, bamboo conical basket cases (supposed to be trash bins) are placed almost everywhere in the village, locally called khoh.

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YANA

Karnataka

Limestone rocks, beautiful scenery, a hiking trail and lush backdrops – Yana Rocks is the biggest attraction in Yana Village, Karnataka. These unique rock formations in the Sahyadri mountain ranges can be reached through a trek through the forests. A major tourist spot as well as a Hindu pilgrimage site, people come here to visit two hillocks - Mohini Shikhara at 90m and the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara at an elevation of 120 m. Once here, don't miss the Yana caves – they contain a self-made Shiv Ling that is present in the Gangodbhava Temple.

Map not to scale

FACT FILE Yana is one of the wettest villages in the world and it is the cleanest village in Karnataka and second cleanest village in India. As per Hindu mythology, the place is closely associated with the legend of the demon king Bhasmasura.

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July 2020

Map not to scale

FACT FILE Khimsar is the starting point of the famous Thar desert which spreads across the state with a total area covering a distance of 20,8110 km.

Located as a part of the Nagaur district, the tiny hamlet of Khimsar is situated conveniently between Jodhpur and Bikaner. Once an independent kingdom ruled by the Thakurs of the region, the centre of the village has a water body, which appears as a picturesque oasis in the dry desert. It is more prominently known for Khimsar fort, a fortress built in 1523 AD by Rao Karamsji, the 8th son of Rao Jodha of Jodhpur. Another prominent landmark here is the Nagaur Fort. Larger than the Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur, it is a recipient of the UNESCO international award for restoration. While in Khimsar, do enjoy the golden sunrise and a colourful sunset amidst sand dunes which can only be accessed by jeep, camel or horseback.

KHIMSAR

Rajasthan

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FACT FILE Anashakti Ashram, the place where Gandhiji wrote his commentary of Anashakti Yog, Pant Museum, Tea gardens and Baijnath group of temples are some other places of attraction in Kausani.

A dreamland for many, Kausani is a quaint hill station of Uttarakhand. Famous for its 300 km wide scenic views of snowcrested Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nandakot and Panchchuli peaks of Himalayas, this place offers one of the best sights to view sunrise and sunset. Situated at a height of 1890 meters above sea level, Kausani is dubbed as the 'Switzerland of India', because of the panoramic views of the majestic Himalaya and lush green landscapes.

Map not to scale

Dense forest area with oak and deodar pine trees and silent valleys make this place a perfect quaint destination. A favourite place of Mahatma Gandhi, Kausani is also the birth place of the famous Hindi poet, Sumitranandan Pant.

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KAUSANI

Uttarakhand

A laid-back coastal village in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, Poovar is known for untouched nature and idyllic golden sand beaches. A paradise for people who want to have some 'me' time away from the crowd, Poovar is a place to appreciate nature and learn about the way of life in coastal villages. Go on a house boat cruise through the backwaters to catch a glimpse of the native villagers going about their everyday chores.

Poovar beach is the prime attraction here which is located at the juncture of the Neyyar River joining with the Arabian Sea. The place offers an idle location for yoga and meditation.

FACT FILE The Poovar Island and backwaters are rich in flora and fauna. Here one can spot water birds like Kingfisher, Brahminy Kite, Night Heron, Sea Egret, Black Darter, Indian Cormorant eagle and many more.

POOVAR

Map not to scale

Kerala 37

FACT FILE Scuba diving into the turquoise sea water of Tarkali makes you aware about its importance and conservation. Discover the opulent beauty of the underwater, spot exotic coral reefs and swim along rare species of fishes.

TARKARLI

Maharashtra

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A serene and tranquil hamlet, Tarkarli is a pretty village on the shores of the Arabian sea in Maharashtra. What make it different from others is the white sands of the Tarkarli Beach. People come here and laze around for the day or take part in various adventure water sports like parasailing and snorkeling.

Dolphin sighting is another activity that's quite common here.

The Sindhudurg Fort, located on an island near Tarkarli, is one of the most fascinating sea-forts in the country.

Designed by over 100 architects from Portugal, the architecture of this fort is simply brilliant.

AirAdventure

Hot Air Ballooning One of the most exciting ways to discover the sky, ballooning can take you to enjoy the great heights in sky. Hot air ballooning is best embarked in the morning or evening because balloons fly better in cold air.

During the battle of Fleurus, the French used the balloon for observation of the enemy.

DuelAction

Duel Action Fasten your seat belts as we take you on a 360 degree ride through two IndiGo destinations. Standing tall in the two secondary colours of IndiGo, there’s Kolkata in one corner and Kuala Lumpur in another.

KOLKATA

KUALA LUMPUR Historic lanes

While Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge are always there, the next time you are in Kolkata don't miss Belur Math. Established by Swami Vivekanand over 40 acres of land, it serves as a pilgrimage site and the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission.

Even though train service is stopped, you should tour the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station. The iconic building was designed by British soldier and architect Arthur Benison Hubback. The structure exudes an Indo-Saracenic style and stands as one of KL's most picturesque landmarks today.

The foodie tales When it comes to cuisine of Kolkata, there are endless surprises. If you are a fan of nonveg food, try the Kosha Mangsho, a Bengali-style mutton curry.

Savour it with rice, luchis, or paranthas.

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Char Kuey Teow is a popular noodle dish of Malaysia! The flat rice noodles stir-fried with egg, sprouts and prawns are not only delicious but easily available too.

Add a local touch to it by topping it with Chinese sausage!

IndiGo to Kolkata and Kuala Lumpur www.goindigo.in

Shoppers' delight Petaling Street is known as the most popular street market in Kuala Lumpur. It is a lively and vibrant shopping district in Chinatown, housing hundreds of stalls selling all kinds of stuff.

The place also has a lot of hawkers selling array of local cuisine.

A haven for bibliophiles, the College Street is one of the largest book markets in India. Come here to get your hands on some rare volumes of books at throwaway prices. Do visit the Old Coffee House while here. It bubbles with nostalgic feelings.

Romantic tours Rabindra Sarobar Lake is a quiet haven with lush greenery surrounding it. In winter, this place is home to several migratory birds. The lakeside walkways are perfect for a romantic stroll with your partner.

The lake also offers boating facilities.

An eco-tourism destination situated right at the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the KL Bird Park is a place to watch colourful and melodic birds perching and winging about freely.

What differentiates this park from others is the concept of free-flight.

For adventure junkies A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sundarbans are a part of the world's largest delta, formed by the mighty rivers Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna. The biggest draw here is the Royal Bengal Tiger. Go for a safari and explore the world's largest deltaic mangrove forests.

How does a scuba dip in the 2,500,000-litre Aquaria KLCC sounds?

Exciting enough to try? The catch is this underwater experience plunge you right into a curated reef, thus giving instant access to all the usually elusive wildlife in an actual ocean.

Recommendation: While in Kolkata, do not miss its specialised sweets like rasogollas or the sandesh. In KL, you should try the cultural icon nasi lemak. It's fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and paired with roasted peanuts, crunchy anchovies, etc.

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AceCorner

Ashwin Sanghi

Parallel

lives When I’m reading and doing research, I prefer the sounds of sufi, Qawwali, Coke Studio or ghazals.

Music is as vital to me as oxygen, water or food.

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I am the literary equivalent of bhel puri in a gourmet restaurant. I was born in a Marwari family for whom the two most important words were ‘debit’ and ‘credit’. Neither I had time for canteen chai in college nor the occasional matinee flick. All my spare hours were devoted to understanding the nuts and bolts of business.

I earned an MBA in Finance from Yale at the age of 24 and was the youngest in my batch. I wrote my first book, The Rozabal Line, when I was 36. Until then, my life had been entirely about revenue, cost, profit and loss; there was nothing remotely literary or artistic about it.

Parallel to my business life, though, was the world of books. The reading habit was due to my maternal grand uncle (I called him nanaji) who had established the wonderful tradition of gifting me a different book each weekend to read. I did not know it at the time, but those books were actually awakening the writer in me.

Despite my hectic writing, research and speaking schedule, I still take out time to read even today. No matter where I go, books are my permanent companions, from Dan Brown to Dalrymple and from Dickens to Dawkins.

Besides writing, I also do a fair amount of the lecture circuit. In particular, I love talking to students and address companies, associations, festivals and foundations. My talks are on a variety of topics, including modern-day applications of ancient knowledge, the creative process, unlearning and the extraordinary power of failure.

No matter where I go, books are my permanent companions, from Dan Brown to Dalrymple and from Dickens to Dawkins.

My fictional narratives are usually based on history, mythology, science and philosophy.

Crafting such books usually involves travel and I am happy to do lots of it. Writing The Krishna Key took me to Mathura, Dwarka and Somnath; writing The Vault of Vishnu made me visit Beijing, Shanghai, Luoyang, and Xi' and writing Chanakya’s Chant transported me to Lucknow, Kanpur and Prayag. Besides travel for research or lectures, I prefer to take two holidays a year with my wife and son.

Most of my writing happens during early morning hours between 5 am and 8 am.

If you were to walk into my study at that time, you would find strains of Haveli Sangeet by Pandit Jasraj or Raga Vitthal

by Bhimsen Joshi in the air. During the day when I'm in my car or on a flight, you may find me listening to Dire Straits, the Doors, the Eagles or Queen through my AirPods.

In the evening when I’m reading and doing research, you may hear the sounds of sufi, Qawwali, Coke Studio or ghazals. Music is as vital to me as oxygen, water or food.

My evenings are usually spent on research and you would find me sitting in an easy chair with a stack of papers by my side. In addition to documents and books, you would find a glass containing a generous peg of malt and a half-consumed havana on the side table. I believe that there is no writer's block that a peg of whisky cannot cure!

Ashwin Sanghi ranks among India's highest selling English fiction authors with two New York Times bestsellers to his name.

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Vignette

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Violet colour A reflective colour, violet is associated with nobility. It stimulates wisdom and power and inspires high ideals.

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Named after the flower whose shade it bears, the colour stands alone at the end of the visible light spectrum. The colour promotes stability and balance of the mind. Combining imagination and spirituality, it symbolises nobility, wisdom, and enlightenment.

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AirAdventure

Bungee Jumping Bungee jumping is the sport of jumping from extreme heights while attached to an elastic cord from a high platform. Swallow Dive is the best way to jump where the jumper take a nice leap away from the platform, arms stretched out wide and soar like a bird down towards the earth.

One Place

5Ways

Thailand

Viewpoint

IndiGo to Thailand. www.goindigo.in

Tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces and ornate temples of Lord Buddha, Thailand, the 'land of smiles', is always welcoming. Explore this magical country for a dream holiday.

Words Kritika Dhawan

BANGKOK

HISTORY

National Museum Showcasing Thailand’s largest collection of local art and artefacts and Thai architecture, the museum is located in the former 18th century Wang Na Palace in Phra Nakhon.

Free tours in multiple languages are available to explore the museum.

The Grand Palace The official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782, the palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. It is made up of numerous buildings, set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards.

Wat Pho Known as the 'Temple of the Reclining Buddha', it houses the country's most extensive collection of Buddha images.

Standing tall at 45m long and 15m high, parts of the Buddha statue, covered in gold leaf, are exquisitely decorated with precious stones.

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ADVENTURE PATTAYA Go-kart racing Pattaya offers different racetracks of varying difficulty along with a professional set-up. All races last for eight minutes whether you choose the Beginner Track or the Racing Track.

Extreme sports Try flyboarding, bungee-jumping, snorkelling, ziplining or slingshot in this enticing resort city of Thailand. One can also explore a unique journey at the Pattaya Dolphin World underwater or at the world museum in Pattaya.

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3 4

Bor Sang Handicraft Village The craft village specialises in the paper umbrella-making craft - a cultural symbol of Chiang Mai. The designs of these hand-painted umbrellas vary from the original floral patterns to depictions of Chiang Mai’s rural scenery and even abstract patterns.

CULTURE

CHIANG MAI

Old City A living museum, the old city has narrow streets, lined with beautiful temples, old shop houses and historical buildings. Surrounded by the crumbling ancient walls and the moat, the old city offers an interesting scenery.

FOOD KRABI

Street food Try some southeast Asian food in the town centre as well as the beach areas in Krabi. From Phad Thai to Som tam or green papaya salad and Kanom jeen along with tasty exotic drinks, Krabi offers many traditional desserts.

Oriental Cuisine Maharat Market is a paradise for street seafood.

From spicy Thai curries and finger-licking seafood to sticky rice and tropical fruits, Krabi's night markets have everything. Apart from Thai food, Krabi has some excellent food outlets for Indian cuisine and Western food.

Weekend Market The island's largest night market displays a lot of big clothing brands, bags, watches, accessories and even perfumes. Some excellent local designers also showcase their designs here.

Electronic items, shoes and exotic food are other attractions of this night market.

5

SHOPPING PHUKET

Walking Street A picturesque part of Phuket Old Town gets ready on every Sunday evening to offer some typical Thai culinary specialities as well as local handicraft and gift stalls.

Designed T-shirts, souvenirs, printed fabrics and accessories are a must buy.

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Green Intentions

MAKING A

DIFFERENCE Women build families, stand in the front lines in every walk of life, making a difference everyday.

The health of women and girls is of particular concern as a healthy woman is the key to social transformation.

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The Woman's Company believes that every woman deserves the highest quality of care and comfort.

Founded by women entrepreneurs - Anika Parashar and Roopam Gupta, The Woman's Company is a brand that has been designed and created to educate women about their choices and provide solutions for their wellness and hygiene needs. Created by women, for women, the Woman's Company believes that every woman alongside the myriad roles she plays, deserves the highest quality of care and comfort. And thus, the brand has attempted to curate the perfect eco-conscious essentials that are good for people and the planet.

THE PROBLEM: Despite COVID-19 life will go on. Travel will resume soon and the economy will require the movement of people in public places. While masks and gloves are essential commodities for those who are outside of their homes; there is an unaddressed contact point which can spread infection as ruthlessly – Public toilets.

For women, this will be a critical situation as public toilets, apart from being a cesspool of UTIs and other bacterial infections, will act as a major virus hotspot. Therefore, infection control becomes the need of the hour.

THE SOLUTION: INTRODUCING THE STAND AND PEE STICK •Reduces contact with public toilets by avoiding touching the toilet and related spaces •Pee Sticks act as a Barrier to infection spread in public toilets •Reduces the rate of airborne, contact and bacterial diseases from public toilets •Made of recyclable Kraft paper, it is a completely biodegradable product, leading to a sustainable India.

For more information contact: Anikaparashar@thewomanscompany.com roopamgupta@thewomanscompany.com

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Green Intentions

MANGROVES: PLAYING AN ECOLOGICAL ROLE Mangroves are extraordinary ecosystems and are vital for the wellbeing and protection of coastal communities. On July 26, the world celebrates the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem to raise awareness about the importance of mangrove ecosystems. Mangroves are disappearing at a faster rate and its management and preservation is the need of the hour. Here are certain facts about this unique ecosystem:

Mangroves can play an important role in reducing vulnerability to natural hazards and increasing resilience to climate change impacts.

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5

4 Mangroves have the capacity to take far more carbon out of the atmosphere than terrestrial forests.

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2 3 These forested wetlands provide a valuable nursery habitat for fish and crustaceans; a food source for monkeys, deer, birds, even kangaroos; and a source of nectar for honeybees.

Mangroves are the only species of trees in the world that can tolerate saltwater.

The largest amount of mangrove coverage can be found in Indonesia, where mangrove trees cover some 23,000 square kilometers.

Corporate Social Responsibility - IndiGoReach

Reshaping education Covid-19 and its resultant lockdown, has resulted in schools being closed, impacting the education of children worldwide. In India, the latest UNICEF report indicates that learning opportunities for around 247 million schoolchildren have been affected due to the pandemic.

This alarming scenario worldwide has increased the scope and demand for the e-teaching-learning process in the schools IndiGoReach is implementing a CSR program with SRF Foundation. Under this program, we have ensured that rural students continue their learning in the 75 identified Government Schools in Dibrugarh, Vadodara, Indore, Dehradun and Noida.

Virtual teaching learning process, in these districts, is being undertaken in the five GetSmart buses that we had earlier introduced as a part of our program. These buses are equipped with 20 computers, NCERT-based learning software, internet connection, video conferencing facilities and other equipment facilitating virtual teaching and learning.

Students attend their classes live on their smartphones from the comfort of their homes. Recorded videos are distributed across the school’s WhatsApp groups for further dissemination. These virtual classes are proving extremely useful for children’s learning during these times.

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