Spiceroute May 2013

Volume VII Issue V May 2013

www.spiceroutemag.com

The inflight magazine of SpiceJet

Pokhara

Blissfully refreshing

Mango tales

What’s in a name?

Frocktails

Sip to beat the heat

GROUP

hill holidays

Unexplored summer retreats

N E W A R R I VA L S F O R T H E W E D D I N G S E A S O N . S A R E E S , L E H E N G A S , K U R TA S , S A LWA R S , S H E R WA N I S , S U I T S A N D M O R E .

W O M E N : D E S I G N E R S A R E E S - S I L K S - L E H E N G A S - S A LWA R S - U N S T I T C H E D S U I T S M E N : S H E R WA N I S - S U I T S - K U R TA S - S H I R T S - T R O U S E R S 4 4 , C AT H E D R A L R O A D ( O P P. S T E L L A M A R I S C O L L E G E ) , C H E N N A I - 6 0 0 0 8 6 P H : 0 4 4 - 4 4 0 0 4 3 0 0 . W W W. M O K S H A AW O R L D. C O M

Flying high Dear SpiceJetters, It gives me immense pleasure to inform that we will be entering into 9 years of operations in the Indian skies from 23rd May 2013. From 3 aircraft to 52 aircraft, from 4 destinations to 53 destinations, from 12 daily flights to over 350 flights – we have come a long way. I take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who believed in us and help us achieve this significant milestone.

This issue of Spiceroute magazine we bring you hill station holiday ideas. Read some interesting articles on travel destinations and varied other topics. From folklore on the nomenclature of mangoes, recipes on refreshing frocktails and mocktails to articles on contemporary styles and trends; you are sure to find something engaging to read.

SpiceJet, recently, implemented the new state-of-the-art reservation and passenger service system-New Skies. We are the only airline in the country to upgrade to this newer and better system. You can look forward to a better service and experience while booking with us which will result in more efficient operational processes.

SpiceJet is happy to associate itself with the new IPL team –SunRisers Hyderabad. The IPL Season 6 began with a bang in April, and the excitement continues in full swing this month as well. Seeing your favourite cricketers play in different cities can be a fantastic reason for you to fly with us, as we offer great connectivity through our ever expanding network.

Feel free to share your feedback/suggestion at custrelations@spicejet.com Happy flying!

Kalanithi Maran Chairman

GROUP

3

COO & Publisher: Vikas Johari CEO & Managing Director: Prakash Johari CFO: Kuldip Singh Editor: Florina Soren Information: info@maxposure.in Submissions: editor@maxposure.in Advertising: sales@maxposure.in Accounts: accounts@maxposure.in Careers: hr@maxposure.in E-mail: spiceroute@maxposure.in MaXposure Media Group India Pvt. Ltd. Head Office Unit No F2b ( Second Floor), Mira Corporate Suites, Plot No . 1 & 2, Ishwar Nagar, Mathura Road, New Delhi -110065 Tel: 91.11.43011111, Fax: 91.11.43011199 West | Mumbai | Time Square Building, 3rd floor, Western Express Highway, Andheri (E),Mumbai-400069, Tel: 91.22.61991111, Fax: 91.22.61991115 Ahmedabad | Office No. 4, Meagabyte Business Centre, Top Floor, Navrang Building, Opp Parth Complex, Swastik Cross Road, CG Road, Navranpura, Ahmedabad - 380015, Tel: 91.79.40193627 Indore | 7/1, 409, 4th Floor, Ratan Mani Complex, Opposite Inter Star Showroom, New Palasia, Indore - 452001, Tel: 91.731.4248881 East | Kolkata | DPS Corporate Club, 1st Floor, 9A Sebak Baidya Street, Kolkata– 700029, Tel: 9133.40680111 Raipur | Magnetto Offizo, Office No.546, 5th Floor, Magnetto The Mall, G.E.Road, Labhandi, Raipur. Tel: 91.771.4264571 South | Bangaluru |1010 A Wing,10th Floor, Mittal Towers, M.G. Road, Bangaluru-560001, Karnataka, India, Tel: 91.80.40921037-38, Fax: 91.80.41510657 Hyderabad | 1-11-222/2 Ground Floor, Street No.4, Gurumurthy lane, Begumpet, Hyderabad-500 016, Tel: 91.40.40021545 Chennai | FL 9, Alsa Mall, First Floor, 149, Montieth Road, Egmore, Chennai-600008, Tel: 91.44.42015685, Fax: 91.44.42015684 International Sales Offices EUROPE : London | Seraphine Money | IMM International 10 Denmark Street, London WC2H 8LS- UK Tel: +44 20 3301 4900, Fax: + 44 20 7240 3258 Mob: +44 777 459 8220 France l Nicolas Devos | IMM International C/O 80 Rue Montmartre75002 PARIS - FRANCE , Tél: +33 (0)1 40 13 79 06, Fax: +33 (0)1 40 13 00 33, www.imm-international.com Switzerland | Nathalie DupuY | IMM International CHOffice Director IMM International Rue Tabazan, 91204 Genève Tel: +41(0)22 310 80 51, Mob: +41(0)78 95 25 900 Email:n.dupuy@imm-international.com Italy | Sandra Bonini | G+J International Sales Italy Srl Via Benedetto Marcello,4, 20124 Mailand, Italy Tel: +3902.20526722, E-Mail: bonini.sandra@guj.de Germany | Claudia Scheil | Gruner +Jahr AG & Co KG Am Baumwall 11,20459 Hamburg, Germany Tel: +49 40 3703 2944, E-Mail: scheil.claudia@guj.de

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Tel: 60.3.7781.7700 E-Mail: shallie.cheng@gmail.com Japan | Michiko Kawano | Pacific Business Inc Akutagawa Bldg, 7-7 Nihonbashi Kabutocho, Chuo-ku Tokyo 103-0026 JAPAN Tel: +81.(0)3-3661-6138, Fax: +81.(0)3-3661-6139 E-Mail: kawano-pbi@gol.com South Korea | Jung-Won Suh | Sinsegi Media Inc. Jungang Bldg., Room 817, 44-21 Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul Korea 150-890 Tel: 82.2.785.8222, Fax: 82.2.785.8225 E-Mail: sinsegi-2@sinsegimedia.info Thailand | Stephen Marsh | Media Representation International Co., Ltd. 168 Sukhumvit Soi 20, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110 Thailand.

Tel: +662.204.2699, Fax: +662.663.7048 E-Mail: stephen@mediarepint.com, www.mediarepint.com Middle East: Manoj Khimji | Red Dot Media 1107 Fortune Executive Tower, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (Cluster T), PO Box 358639 Dubai, UAE, Tel: +971 4 422 8900 Email id: manoj.khimji@reddot-media.com Americas: Canada | Wayne Saint John | Publicitas Canada 468 Queen Street East, 300 Toronto, Ontario M5A 1T7 Tel +1.416.363.1388, Fax +1.416.363.2889 E-Mail: wstjohn@aprcanada.com, www.publicitas.com/canadaapr USA West coast | Ralph Lockwood | Huson International Media 1999 South Bascom Avenue Suite 450 Campbell, CA 95008, USA Tel: +1.408.879.6666, Fax:1.408.879.6669 E-Mail: ralph.lockwood@husonmedia.com USA East coast | Francesco Lascari | Huson International Media Huson International Media | 13-17Laight Street | Suite 401, Box 7| NewYork, NY 10013 Tel: 212.268.3344, Mob: 646.407.6966 Email: francesco.lascari@husonmedia.com

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Spiceroute MAGAZINE. Printed AND PUBLISHED BY VIKAS JOHARI ON BEHALF OF MAXPOSURE MEDIA GROUP (INDIA) PVT. LTD. (MMGipl) for spicejet ltd. AND PUBLISHED AT MMGipl, Unit No F2b ( Second Floor), Mira Corporate Suites, Plot No . 1 & 2, Ishwar Nagar, Mathura Road, New Delhi -110065, india. Spiceroute MAGAZINE is published monthly.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE WRITING, ARTWORK AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHY CONTAINED HEREIN MAY NOT BE USED OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MMGipl. MMGipl DOES NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE OF UNSOLICITED PRODUCTS, MANUSCRIPTS, PHOTOGRAPHS, ARTWORK, TRANSPARENCIES OR OTHER MATERIALS. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or SpiceJet. All efforts have been made while compiling the content of this magazine, but we assume no responsibility for the effects arising there from. MMGipl DOES NOT ASSUME ANY LIABILITY FOR SERVICES OR PRODUCTS ADVERTISED HEREIN. FOR INQUIRIES | MMGipl TEL: +91.11.43011111, www.Spicejet.com, www. maxposure.in

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Contents 14 HOT DATES May happenings across SpiceJet network

Cover story 24

Mountain getaways Explore idyllic hill getaways

34 City guide 48 hours in Mysore Discover the city of palaces

42 Quick getaway Quaint Pokhara Pokharaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bewitching beauty

50

Spiritual Tryst Amarkanthak: A paradise in heaven

58 Theme holiday Soul the goal Rediscover a new you

62

Stars of the jungle What turns a tiger into a celebrity?

MAY 2013 Volume VII Issue V May 2013

70 Festive Flavour

www.spiceroutemag.com

The inflight magazine of SpiceJet

of fun & fiesta Cultural festivals this May

GROUP

78 Spice trail Tangy treat Add taste to your food with tamarind

82 Gourmet delight Pokhara

Blissfully refreshing

Mango tales

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in a naMe?

frocktails

siP to Beat the heat

vIRGIN PUNCHES Refreshing drinks for this summer

hill holidays

unexPlored suMMer retreats

88

Mango Mania Nomenclature of mangoes

SpiceJet now offers over 150 connections on its existing network For details log on to www.spicejet.com May 2013 6 www.spiceroutemag.com

Contents 92 In Conversation music of sound Resul Pookutty casts ‘sound’ spell

16

96

travel buzz

spinning words Teté-a-teté with Anuja Chauhan

166

GADGETS

100 Glam world PERFECT GLARES

170

FilmS

Beat the heat in style

172

106

BOOKS

Luxury for less Holiday now-pay later

182

Games

114 Well-being

190

healing touch Know what the future holds for you

Predictions

194

118

SPICEJET DESTINATIONS

fitness in style Try new age work out options

206

SPICEJET ROUTE MAP

207 132

Fleet Guide

return to roots Revamping traditional fabrics

208

136

218

Colour charisma Colours and the meanings they convey

142 Good Samaritans

SPICEJET SCHEDULE SPICEJET OFFICES

220

SPICE BITES

changing lives Makeover time for Nizamuddin basti

148

Health for all Yoga for the underprivileged

174 Kids’ corner Get set go Day outing with kids

126 Culture canvas Symphony in silver The art of Bidri

186 ZOOM IN tIMELESS APPEAL Ahmedabad: Of history & culture

SpiceJet now offers over 150 connections on its existing network For details log on to www.spicejet.com May 2013 8 www.spiceroutemag.com

Alstone International E: info@alstoneindia.com • www.alstoneindia.com Toll Free No. 1800-1233123 • SMS ACP TO 56161 Branch Offices: Ahmedabad • Bangalore • Chennai • Delhi • Hyderabad • Indore Kochi • Kolkatta • Lucknow • Mumbai • Noida • Pune • Ranchi

Spice mail

Letters from the

SpiceJet family Spic&span I have had a very good experience with SpiceJet for the last two years especially on the Bombardier aircraft. Cleanliness is high on their priority, therefore I always prefer to fly by SpiceJet.

Systematic functioning The baggage screening was done very professionally and systematically. The entire team of SpiceJet was very helpful. Thank you to the entire Spicejet team for such a great experience.

Sanjiv R

Harmit Kaur

May 2013 12 www.spiceroutemag.com

Warm staff I had a lovely time flying with SpiceJet. The staff was very friendly and warm towards all the passengers. Keep up the good work!

Srividhya Mouli

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HOT DATES

20 Young photographers' workshop The workshop on photography will train the children’s creative eye and arm them with the power of self-expression. Participants learn and develop new technical skills, an awareness of the creative process and the aesthetic aspect of composition. This event will be held at the Indian Council for Cultural Relations auditorium in Kolkata from May 20 – 27.

18 DANCE ALONG Enjoy old retro to classic and contemporary music with foot tapping numbers by renowned singer and vocalist ‘BISMARC’ with the Bizzy Bee Band at Royal China, Eros Corporate Tower, Nehru Place, New Delhi on May 18, 8 P.M onwards.

31 A TALE TO TELL Four men show, a Group Show of artists Binoy Varghese, Farhad Hussain, Jagadish Chinthala and Pratul Dash will be held at Chawla Art Gallery, Square One Mall, C2 District Center, Saket, New Delhi till May 31.

3 SCIENCE FAIR A Science Mela will be held at Muffakhamjah College of Engineering and Technology, Hyderabad from April 26 – May 3.

MAY

8

KS C I P T O H

A MUSICAL COMEDY Piya Behroopiya is Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night adapted in Nautanki style. Replete with palpable and contagious energy from the cast and live musicians, this laugh will be showcased at MLR Convention centre JP Nagar, Bangalore on May 8.

2 EXQUISITE PAINTING Artist Suraj Dutta is set to present his latest exhibition of artworks on woman as a part of “Moods of women” on canvas with gold leafing painting. The exhibition will be held at IQ Homes, 190/ 1520, Motilal Nagar 1, Sejal Park, BEST road, Goregoan west, Mumbai from May 2-9.

Here are the ongoing Hot Picks from various destinations:

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SECTOR

CAPTURING POTRAITS A Photography Exhibition by Magali Couffon De Trevros, based on the Orissa tribals will be held at Gallerie Romain Rolland, Alliance Française de Delhi, 72, Lodi Estate, New Delhi from April 19 - May 11.

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0987-180-3333

15

Travel buzz

Travel news 1. MOT joining hands with UNWTO

2. Travel bazaar

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Andhra Pradesh hosted the 25th Joint Commission Meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation Commission for East Asia and Pacific and the UNWTO Commission for South Asia in Hyderabad from the 12 to 14 April 2013. As part of this event, the Ministry in association with UNWTO also organized the UNWTO Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development to focus on this critical subject. The UNWTO Joint Commission Meeting brought together delegates from member countries and gave them an opportunity to review the tourism performance of the region and deliberate on measures for further development. UNWTO Joint Commission Meeting was held at the Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad recently.

The 6th edition of The Great Indian Travel Bazaar ended with euphoria among the travel trade. The ‘buyers’ and ‘sellers’ expressed great satisfaction on account of more than 8200 meetings held in the course of two days.

One of the prime highlights of the fair was the heritage division of the Travel Bazaar, said General Secretary of the Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA), Mr. Randhir Vikram Singh Mandawa. As many as 47 stalls of unique heritage hotels were under one roof. Furthermore, the quality of ‘buyers’ was outstanding, he said. The Director FICCI Rajasthan State Council, Mr. Gyan Prakash said that the next edition of the GITB will be held in mid April 2014 in Jaipur next year. The event has for sure carved a niche in the travel arena.

Many foreign buyers have expressed their desire to come again next year and participate in this inbound tourism bonanza.

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May 2013 16 www.spiceroutemag.com

3 3. STB initiates a new campaign STB rolls out a new campaign The Holiday You Take Home with You’ for its leisure travellers in India focused on Singapore’s emergence as a City in a Garden and throws the spotlight on its latest attraction, the acclaimed Gardens by the Bay. The campaign invites visitors to ‘Go as parents, return as children’ and is rooted in the attraction’s ability to engage, excite and captivate travellers of all age groups. Recognizing the Indian traveller’s shift in preference, from sightseeing trips to engaging holidays that offer enriching experiences, the campaign invites Indian holidaymakers to experience Singapore’s richness as a sophisticated, dynamic lifestyle destination under four enriching itineraries: Active Lifestyle, Family Fun, Romance and Culinary. Gardens by the Bay, is a gem on the “necklace of attractions” at Marina Bay boosting Singapore’s international appeal as a place to live, work and play. The Gardens is an integral part of Singapore’s ‘City in a Garden’ vision in which the island-state is woven into a green and floral tapestry. Mr Chang Chee Pey, Executive Director, South Asia, Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board believes, “The experiences offered in Singapore will continue to resonate strongly with the Indian travellers and draw them for trips to Singapore.”

Travel buzz

4. Bengal campaign

6. Experience serenity

To amply project the tourism potential of West Bengal, attract more domestic and foreign tourists and facilitate better interaction with investors and industry stakeholders like travel operators, the first-ever month-long intensive promotional campaign for Tourism in the State was launched in Delhi. This launch took place with the unveiling of an advertisement panel at the DTC bus shelter in front of the office of the West Bengal Information and Cultural Centre at Gole Market by Shri Krishnendu Nayaran Choudhury, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of West Bengal. As part of the campaign, with the attractive catch-line of “Chalo Chalen Bengal” (Let’s Visit Bengal), picturesque and high-quality advertisement panels depicting premier tourist attractions of the State will be displayed in 15 such bus shelters across Delhi, apart from the city airport and key railway stations. The day’s event culminated with a colourful ensemble of folk forms and cultural attractions from West Bengal.

Wildernest Nature Resort in the Swapnagandha valley in the Chorla Ghats, is a perfect place for you to unwind. Wildernest Nature Resort is based on the sound principle of ‘minimal interference’. It boasts of a natural aesthetic infrastructure that blends well with the location. With 18 eco-cottages, a restaurant serving local cuisine, a beautiful ionized infinity pool that uses minimal chlorine and an Ayurvedic rejuvenation centre, the resort provides an array of experiences including nature walks, treks, village visits, folk dances and other activities. The resort has been instrumental in the promotion of hinterland tourism in Goa, and has created a niche that has eased the burden on the state’s coastline.

Today, Wildernest supports 200 families, directly benefits six villages and is considered a role model for ecotourism by some of the country’s best known conservationists as well as hospitality experts. For more information contact: Afra Lobo: +91 981 953 4619 email: afra.barreto@gmail.com

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5 5. Arty affair The Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macau SAR Government presents the 24th Macau Arts Festival (MAF) with the aim of creating a platform for cultural exchange. This year, the Festival will open on 3rd May, for the period of one month, will feature 34 acts, half of which are local productions. An array of performances ranging from contemporary dance to traditional Beijing opera, from multimedia performances to shadow puppetry, from audiovisual architectural mappings to exhibitions of traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting will be showcased at the festival.

Drought and Rain, by renowned FrenchVietnamese director, choreographer and performance artist Ea Sola, lifts the curtain on this year’s edition.

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May 2013 18 www.spiceroutemag.com

Travel buzz

7 Pamper yourself

8. Ideal for summer vacations

Sohum Spa powered by Kenilworth Resort & Spa has specially created new spa packages to pamper its guests with rejuvenating indulgence amidst the heart of summer. Nourishing natural ingredients with cooling and rejuvenating properties of lemongrass with exotic polishing and cleansing of apricot which acts as a retardant gives a fresh look to your body and skin. A mixture of beta carotene, minerals and other plant compounds from this fruit seeps into the skin and triggers cellular maintenance and renewal, well known for its cooling effects exfoliates dead skin cells and expels body heat.

The highlight of this top-to-toe indulgence is the Apricot Scrub for 30 minutes to remove the dead cells, invigorating your skin. Lemon grass perfectly compliments apricot with its antiseptic and mood elevating properties. It is by far recommended as the best spa therapy during summers.

This summer Mana Hotels has made it easier for you to choose the best destination for your summer vacations. Mana is introducing summer packages which will be valid from 1st April to 30th September 2013 and will be priced at `3499 onwards. To make these packages more interesting Mana has added more quirk to it by adding activities such as leopard Safari, bullock cart rides and much more. To spend a nice evening with your family you can try tea and snacks at Ranakpur dam or you can go to the Jain temple to get the positive vibes. To make your trip more adventurous you can go to Kumbhal Garh Fort and treasure the old heritage hidden in the city.

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9 9. Lucknowi Food Festival Citrus Hotels and Resorts brings the aroma of Lucknow city to Bangalore by treating the patrons to the rich cuisine from the Nawabi state from April 23rd- May 3rd, 2013. Foodies in Bangalore can relish a range of authentic Lucknowi vegetarian & non-vegetarian delicacies from melt in your mouth kebabs to heart melting Desserts. Citrus offers unique dining experience by offering traditional mouth watering dishes like Galawati Kababs, Kakori Kebab Daal Shammi, Zafrani Paneer, Nehari Gosht, Lagan Ka Murg, Dum Ki Machli, Saag Gosht , Masaaledar Gobhi,Baans Singhar, Dabi Arbi Ka Salan and many more. Round off your feast with variety of yummilicious desserts like Shahi Tukda, Lahsun Ki Kheer,Sewiyan Ka Muzaffar, Shahi Tukra, Sheer Khurma , Tohfa-ENoor, Gosht Ka Halwa Gulathy Kheer, Annanas Ka Muzaffar among others.

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May 2013 20 www.spiceroutemag.com

Travel buzz

10. Korea’s Lotus Lantern Festival The Yeon Deung Hoe Lotus Lantern Festival is a modern-day annual tradition that offers visitors the chance to experience Buddhist culture that has been celebrated for more than a thousand years on the peninsula. Organized every year in honour of Buddha’s Birth, it is considered as Korean official national holiday.

This month long lotus lantern festival will pack its most highlighted events into three days, 10 - 12 May 2013. The festival officially begins with lighting of the Jangeumdang, a large lantern that symbolizes Buddhism and Buddha’s Birthday, at the Seoul Plaza. The main event of the festival is the Lantern Parade, during which more than 100,000 brightly-colored illuminated lanterns and lantern floats in various shapes flood the streets of downtown Seoul. Buddhist Street Festival, an event where participants get to experience Buddhist culture firsthand is the most interesting of all. Participants can make lotus lanterns, get their faces painted, create Buddhist art, try temple food and play folk games.

11 11. Serai to expand soon Coffee Day Hotels and Resorts, a subsidiary of Amalgamated Bean Coffee Trading Company Ltd. (ABC) and from the house of Coffee Day, is the largest chain of luxury leisure resorts in the state of Karnataka. Currently, with three resorts in Chikmagalur, Kabini and Bandipur, under the brand name of The Serai, CDHR has two more properties on the anvil, in Mangalore and the Andaman Islands, and plans to set up 10 properties in the next five years. The Serai is launching package - the Pure Serai Extravaganza for its Delhi market. A six day itinerary, covering all the three resorts in Chikmagalur, Kabini and Bandipur. Here the traveller is exposed to three very different and distinctive experiences. The package also offers an additional night to the guests - so one essentially stays for 7 nights but pays only for 6.

The package is valid till 15th June, 2013.

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May 2013 22 www.spiceroutemag.com

12 12. Moonlight kayaking in Goa Goa-based kayaking club, Goa Kayaking, in association with Goa Tourism and GTDC conducted a limited edition of special moonlight kayaking program this April.

Kayaking in the moonlight is a unique activity in India and Goa Kayaking is the only one to offer it so far. Moonlight kayaking was offered only for five days, daily on April 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28.

It started from Cortalim Ferry Jetty and ended at San Jacinto Island in approximately two hours from 9pm to 11pm. Participants were provided with all equipment, flotation devices, kayaks, and paddles along with instruction sessions from experts.

Cover story

May 2013 24 www.spiceroutemag.com

Mountain

getaways Stop the world and get off at some of these idyllic getaways and escape to the hills where life is lived in the slow lane. wo r ds

&

Photo g r a phs

|

Gu stasp

&

Jeroo

Irani

H

ill stations are the most sought after holiday destinations both for domestic and foreign tourists in India.

In India, there are many attractive hill stations like Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Srinagar and Nainital but apart from these, there are some untouched jewels of the Indian terrain which are equally amazing and exotic. This summer explore, a choice of hill stations off the beaten track that are yet to get recognition. Go ahead and plan your trip to these hill stations and get dipped in its unspoiled charm.

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Cover story

Fact file

Maneri ✓ Maneri lies 186km northeast of Dehradun

✓ Contact: Garhwal Tourism at: www.gmvnl.com

Chaukori ✓ Chaukori, via Nainital lies 460km north-east of Delhi

✓ Contact: Kumaon Tourism at: www.kmvn.gov.in

MANERI The road to Maneri, near Uttarkashi in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, carves its way through heart-stopping, almost harsh beauty ravines hewn by an impatient river that curves around cloud-cuddled mountains that stand firm against nature’s temperamental rage.

Maneri on the way to Gangotri is a lovely pause in a punishing Char Dham pilgrim circuit. Here the palette of colours is stunning – flower-spangled hillsides, a cobalt-blue sky, flaming sunrise. There are no urban distractions in Maneri and a holiday here is time to commune with nature. One can literally watch the grass grow and sit by the river listening to her secrets: the story about her journey from the mountains, her constant lively babble. Or go on wilderness treks brushed with the magic of nature that shaped and gouged this landscape seemingly in a fit of fury. Maybe even attend an evening aarti at a minuscule thatched waterfront shrine where the sonorous chanting of the priest and the tinkle of temple bells seem to weave in and out of the song of birds and insects and the laughter of the river.

Up here in the mountains, one imbibes nature’s tranquillity, and a sense of the rightness of things.

tips • The drive to Maneri is an integral part of the destination • Trek along the banks of the Bhagirathi River • Attend an aarti in a riverfront shrine • Proceed to Gangotri on the Char Dham circuit

CHAUKORI The sunrise extravaganza in Chaukori in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand starts well before dawn. As the visual symphony unravels across a row of the snowy Himalayan peaks in hues of pink and gold, nature seems to hold its breath as though amazed by her own brilliance.

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The little hill station, 6,600ft above sea level, is a one-street town with a major claim to fame being a spectacular view of the Himalayas, from Nanda Devi to Panchuli, posing like muscled body builders over the horizon.

Here, under the gaze of the mighty mountains, the rhythm of life is leisurely.

Fields of ripening corn, framed by blood-red rhododendrons, ripple in the wind scented with the fragrance of fruit and pine. And the ruins of a British tea planter’s cottage, bleached by the sun, whispers secrets of a vibrant past.

Come evening and the mountains flare in the dying rays of the setting sun. As darkness

Cover story

Fact file

Chuikhim ✓ Chuikhim lies 62 km north of Bagdogra airport.

✓ Contact: West Bengal

Tourism: www. westbengaltourism.gov.in

Matheran ✓ Matheran via Neral is located 90km east of Mumbai and 120km northwest of Pune.

✓ Contact: Maharashtra

Tourism at www. maharashtratourism.gov.in

Chuikhim to languish in a charming time warp.

A gentler route is via Kalimpong and a short break in this hamlet of 1,300 souls is an ideal extension to a Darjeeling-Kalimpong holiday.

In the course of your getaway, you could trek down to the river through a dense forest where birds flit around joyously. And at Sunset Point, the landscape is drenched in soft pastel brush strokes. Light up the night with a bonfire that sets a hilltop campsite aglow with warm camaraderie, nibble on hot-off-the-griddle momos and ponder on how small pleasures are eventually the stuff of life itself. reclaims the sky, the silhouette of white peaks stab a star-speckled sky.

Yes, life seems so insignificant in the larger scheme of things and yet so amazing.

tips • Catch the sunrise and sunset over the Himalayan peaks • Walk down mountain trails • Indulge in the zen of doing a whole lot of nothing • Visit the cave temple of Patal Bhuvaneshwar (35km)

CHUIKHIM Joy and hope can be as evanescent as a butterfly’s wings... especially when they flit across the weather- beaten face of a villager living in an isolated mountain-top village.

During the Indradhanush Chuikhim Earth Festival, held late last year, those emotions were indelibly etched on the faces of the inhabitants of Chuikhim village.

This almost-forgotten hamlet snuggles in the folds of the Kalimpong hills of West Bengal, and the main access to it is a 13-km road, more a vertebrae-jostling speed bump, which has left May 2013 28 www.spiceroutemag.com

tips • Explore the villages around • Trek down to the river • Hike up to Sunset Point • Drive to Lolegaon and Charkole to gaze at the Himalayas

MATHERAN Matheran which lies between Mumbai and Pune is all about long walks down trails that snake through mysterious forests, bouncing (in ungainly fashion) on horses, lazy afternoons snuggling up in bed with books and comics as raucous monkeys drum on the roof overhead…

Cover story

Yes, there is a timeless feel to the minuscule 7.35 sq-km hill station, situated 800m or 2,625ft above sea level: the rich smell of horseflesh, whiff of unpolluted air, red of the soil, green of the forests and blue of the sky which assaults your senses as you trek or gallop down red- earth trails that lead to scenic points with evocative names like Porcupine, Louisa and One Tree Hill and offer spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the valley below.

The most significant characteristic of Matheran, however, is that it is the only place in India where no vehicles are allowed inside the 200-horse town. To reach it, one must park on the outskirts of the resort and trek the last 2 km or catch the toy train that chugs into the heart of the hilltop hamlet.

tips • Go on long walks to a number of lookout points • Ride a horse • Watch the sun set at Porcupine point • Zip line near Charlotte Lake

AMBOLI Cascading waterfalls, cliff-top viewpoints with stunning vistas, quaint temples smothered in devotion, ancient forts flexing their muscles on distant peaks, night safaris through mysterious forests bristling with wildlife, picturesque trekking trails through mountains draped in lush green vegetation, the ruins of a royal retreat. Amboli, located at 690m above sea level in a fold of the southern Sahyadris, within striking distance of Goa and Belgaum, is a rustic playground.

Night treks with a qualified guide are exciting add-ons to a holiday in Amboli and a must try

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Fact file

Amboli

✓ Amboli is located 68km northwest of Belgaum and 90km northeast of Goa

✓ Contact: Maharashtra Tourism at www.maharashtratourism.gov.in

At one time, Amboli was the supply post for the British garrisons in south and central India, but subsequently slipped into near oblivion. And this has proved to be its main asset as it has not been marred by ‘development’ as is the case in many hill stations across the country. Here one can picnic at nameless waterfalls or at the foot of gushing Nangarta Falls, the most famous of them all; drive down to Kavlesad Point where thickly forested ravines unfold at one’s feet; trek up to a Pandava fort at Madhavgad which offers wraparound vistas of the Konkan coast.

Night treks with a qualified guide are an exciting add-on to a holiday in Amboli. In the

Cover story

Rub shoulders with the ghosts of the British Raj at Tranquilitea, a tea lounge in Kurumbadi day, the forest is alive with fluttering daubs of colour of butterflies and the song of birds.

tips • Picnic at Nangarta Falls • Drive to Kavlesad Point for a spectacular view of the Konkan valley • Trek to Hiranyakeshi cave temple, the source of the Hiranyakeshi River • Go on a night trek wildlife safari

KURUMBADI Tucked deep in the folds of the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, nature holds her own against the onslaught of civilization in the little settlement of Kurumbadi. Forest treks here are all about inhaling the fragrance of wild flowers, watching the swoop of Great Indian Hornbills, listening

to the tap-tap of red-crested woodpeckers and delighting in the antics of a bush-tail Giant Malabar Squirrel…maybe even crossing paths with a gaur or Indian bison or a herd of elephants.

Picnic by a gurgling waterfall and look out at Tipu Sultan’s demon-infested fort that sits Fact file

Kurumbadi ✓ Kurumbadi lies 54kn north of Coimbatore

✓ Contact: Tamil Nadu Tourism at www.tamilnadutourism.org

May 2013 32 www.spiceroutemag.com

on the summit of Pakka Suran Mountain across a forested valley. Drive to Upper Coonoor (Lower Coonoor is slabs of concrete plastered on to once verdant slopes) wrapped in the embrace of lush tea plantations and a colonial hangover. Explore the waterfall-streaked vales around Dolphin’s Nose and Lambs Rock. Rub shoulders with the ghosts of the British Raj at Tranquilitea, a tea lounge where many a stiff upper lip of our colonial masters would have quivered with delight as they tasted different kinds of tea.

Top off the adventure with a joy ride in the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a toy train that has aquired its place into UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

tips • Go on a forest / tea plantation trek • Visit a tea factory and indulge in tea tasting at Tranquilitea • Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway toy train • Visit Dolphin’s Nose and Lambs Rock at Upper Coonoor

Website: www.icsi.edu

48 Hours

in mysore

City guide

Known as the city of palaces, Mysore has loads of shopping opportunities and not to mention the delectable Karnataka-style cuisine.

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DAY ONE 6:00 AM Pilgrim tour Have a quick breakfast - go for the standard south-Indian fare namely Idli, Dosa, Pongal and Vadas or ask for the signature Karnataka dishes like Rava Idli, Mysore Dosa, Mysore Bonda, Rava Pongal, Uppittu and Davanagere Benne (butter) Dosa. All washed down with a strong filter coffee. Head to Chamundeshwari temple on Chamundi Hills. If the idea of visiting a temple after breakfast does not sound right to you, leave the breakfast for later. Also, the hilltop temple entails a climb over a long

35

City guide

photo | Sushila Nair

SpiceJet flies to Mysore. See schedule, page 208.

The picturesque Brindavan Gardens is a sight worth beholding

flight of steps so this may be another reason to eat later. Dedicated to goddess Durga, this temple also has an enormous blackgranite Nandi worth pausing at. Drive now to Philomena Church. Its architecture is styled after Germany’s Cologne Cathedral and it is an impressive structure with an imposing facade and towering - 175-feet-high spires. Inside, a catacomb below the main altar holds a relic of the fourth century Saint Philomena.

12:00 PM Mysore Palace Leave for the magnificent Mysore Palace aka Amba Vilas Palace, south India’s best-known and most-visited royal residence. The erstwhile royal family members still live in one section here. This impressive palace which reflects Indo-Sarcenic architecture with 145-ft storied tower and marble domes is the city’s big draw. The palace looks stunning during the

special illumination on certain days. Within the palace are rooms housing fabulous works of art from India and around the world which the Mysore Maharajas either specially commissioned, purchased during their travels or received as gifts. Among the highlights are ornate wooden carvings, a rich collection of Indian and European paintings and sculptures, a doll gallery, stained-glass ceilings, ornate chandeliers, the spectacular Kalyana Mandapa, royal jewellery and costumes.

seafood specialties and distinctive Coorg cuisine including pandi (pork) curry. It’s now time to check out the Mysore Railway Museum which has an interesting range of vintage locomotives on display giving an idea of the history of Indian Railways. And if you are the one who has a liking for the wild or have children, go to the Mysore Zoo officially known as Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens.

3:00 pM Railway Museum

Though a little on the outskirts, one should not give the Brindavan Gardens a miss. The site of countless south-Indian film shootings and a few Hindi ones too (featured mostly in songs), this garden has large patches of greens punctuated with beautiful flower beds and dancing fountains. The illumination after sunset makes it ideal to visit during late evenings and night time which is why it is open till 8 p.m on

Stop for a late lunch. The choice here is plenty.

For the vegetarians, a typical Mysore thali will have chitranna aka puliyodare (tamarind/lemon rice), sambar, rasam, papads, koshambari (a kind of salad), curd, pickles and an assortment of vegetable-based curries. Non-vegetarians can choose from the much-vaunted Mangalorean May 2013 36 www.spiceroutemag.com

6:00 PM Brindavan Gardens

photo | Sushila Nair

photo | Sushila Nair

City guide

From left to right: Painted storks in Ranganathittu; The 220-year-old Gumbaz tomb

weekdays and 9 p.m on weekends. It can be a perfect way to end your day.

DAY TWO 5:00 AM Bird Sanctuary Does that sound too early? But a visit to the nearby Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary will take some time. Also early morning is the best time to catch a glimpse of the avian species. The bird sanctuary at Ranganathittu is formed by a cluster of islets on the Cauvery river and provides rich sightings of a large species of local and migratory birds during the right seasons. It is Karnataka’s largest and bestknown bird sanctuary. Take a boat ride with a fully charged camera.

10:00 AM Srirangapatna After a date with nature, the Ranganathaswamy ( Vishnu) temple in Srirangapatna is a great place to visit. The temple is known for its

soaring, intricately carved gopuram. The deity of Lord Ranganatha is seen lying over a bed made of the coiled up serpent - Adi Seshu. The serpent is believed to be the great devotee of Vishnu in Hindu belief.

As the de-facto capital of the Mysore kingdom during Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan’s reign, Srirangapatna has many monuments related to their period. The must-sees are Jumma Masjid mosque, the well-maintained Daria Daulat Gardens and Tipu’s Sultan’s summer palace and his fort.

3:00 PM Art gallery Back in the city and after a local lunch of the state specialties like Akki Rotti, Jolada Rotti and Ragi Rotti, you can head towards the Jaganmohan Palace and Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery. The palace was once a retreat for the Mysore maharajas and is known for its miniature carvings, the mural paintings in the interiors and of course the splendid art gallery May 2013 38 www.spiceroutemag.com

The bird sanctuary at Ranganathittu provides rich sightings of local as well as migratory birds

City guide

S K C I P T HO

Top: 150-year-old Jagmohan Palace of Mysore; Left: The delectable Karnataka cuisine

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named after a famous king of this dynasty.

There is a large collection of paintings besides antique coins, brassware, old weaponry, musical instruments, etc., within this gallery.

beginning with the famed Mysore Pak. There are Dharwad Peda, Rava Kesari, Obbattu, etc., and savouries like the signature Medhu Vada and chakkilams.

5:00 PM Shop hopping

You can also go to Devaraj Urs Road which is the street for silks and handicrafts.

Nearby is Dhanvantari Road where you can buy traditional crafts and agarbatis.

Now it is shopping time. There are many Bangaloreans who visit Mysore only for shopping, especially for the famed Mysore Silk sarees, celebrated for their soft feel, smooth finish and fine fall. Mysore is also known for its sandalwood carvings and Mysore paintings and these are among the more costly objects you can purchase. The less expensive options are the colourful Channapatna toys, Ganjifa paintings, attars (perfumes), incense sticks or agarbathies, and simple wooden carvings including those of rosewood. Don’t leave without the well-known sweets of this state May 2013 40 www.spiceroutemag.com

9:00 PM Dinner After all the shopping, it is time for a sumptuous dinner. You can eat at Nalpak (close to both the above-mentioned places). Another option, closeby is Hotel Siddharta where you get good vegetarian cuisine. A little further away is Harsha Road which offers a range of options; from Andhra cuisine to traditional Mysore fare.

Quick getaway

Quaint

Pokhara

The second largest city in Nepal, this picturesque erstwhile farmland is steadily rising in popularity.

WORDS &

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epal first rose in popularity among wellheeled Indians as the one-stop retail capital just a hop-skip away. When malls became a culture in India, the little Himalayan country retained its sway â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this time among the summer crowd looking for weather and adventure â&#x20AC;&#x201C; of which there are lots. Today, Nepal does not begin nor end with Kathmandu or Thamel alone, the country has much more to offer.

May 2013 42 www.spiceroutemag.com

Quick getaway

Clockwise from top left:The World Peace Pagoda; The monument zone of Patan Durbar Square

A great number of travellers – tourism figures say one in every four – are heading to Pokhara, 200 km by road or half an hour by flight from the capital Kathmandu. The reasons are many – the gateway to trekking in the Annapurna Mountain Range is just one.

‘The only valley in the world from where you can see mountains higher than 8,000 metres from below 1,000 metres’, read the brochure I picked up from the tourism counter at the Tribhuvan International Airport. I admit I was almost immediately sold. Though the valley is situated at an elevation of 900 metres – quite lower than Kathmandu – accounting for the generally warmer weather and humidity, it more than makes up for any perceived inconveniences with attractions like the Fewa Lake, World Peace Pagoda, Devi’s Falls, the International Mountain Museum to name some.

There are also casinos if you go that way.

Of lake view & pagoda The lush green canopy of the Sarangkot and Kasikot Hills envelop the Fewa Lake, which is the second largest lake in Nepal. The biggest among the eight lakes in Pokhara, the Fewa is immensely popular among the domestic

Most of the peace pagodas have been built by Nichidatsu Fujii, a Buddhist monk from Japan revellers as well as international tourists.

Colourful boats dot the 2 km long lake, gently bobbing in the wind, like a fluttering canvas. You find many Nepalis honeymooning, holidaying or just out for a weekend picnic.

Tourists can try their luck at angling and you can request your hotel chef to cook it the way you want – curried, fried or grilled. Floating along the Fewa is one of the best ways to view the laidback Pokhara. The Golden Temple of Varahi on a shaded island right in the centre of the lake is a favourite among newly married couples.

The peace pagoda is a Buddhist stupa built to unite people of different races and religions in their prayers for world peace. Most of the peace pagodas have been built by Nichidatsu Fujii, a Buddhist monk from Japan. Fujii had a meeting with Mahatma Gandhi in 1931 and was deeply moved by the Mahatma’s teachings on May 2013 44 www.spiceroutemag.com

non-violence. He later decided to spend the rest of his life spreading the message of peace all over the world. Fujii then constructed many peace pagodas all over the world; the pagoda here is one of them.

None of these need to impress you to undertake the moderately strenuous trek to the top of the Min Hill where the peace pagoda is lcoated. But the views along the trek are too stunning to be missed. Pokhara Valley will unfurl before you all her verdant glory as you go higher up. Though it was a cloudy day I chose to trek, some of the eight-thousanders (read mountain range) began to reveal themselves albeit a bit grudgingly. The highlight was the reflection of Machhapuchhre’s ‘fishtail’ peak on the Fewa Lake, I stood gawking breathless till Shiba my local pal tugged at me to check if I was alright.

Quick getaway

SpiceJet flies to Kathmandu.

See schedule, page 208.

Fact file

✓ Pokhara is 200 km west of Kathmandu.

✓ Pokhara is known for its forests,

gushing rivers and beautiful lakes.

✓ This is the starting point for

many popular trekking and rafting destinations.

✓ International Mountain Museum

was set up as a tribute to all mountaineers who surrendered their lives to their brave endeavours.

Caves & falls There are numerous shops dealing in trinkets, souvenirs and religious articles shadowing the way to Gupteshwar Caves. The Caves are a popular pilgrim destination and you are likely to meet many Shiva bhakts from India and all over the world. There are stairs to reach the entrance that opens into the actual cave. Inside the caves, there are stairs that descend another 100 metres and goes on almost till the Devi’s Falls next door. The steps are well-lit. Still be extra careful on the slippery stones. Being an underground cave, the constant drip is almost like a slight drizzle. During the monsoon months of July, August and September, the cave is closed for obvious reasons. The Devi’s Falls next door, locally known as Patale Chhango, originates from the Fewa Lake. The gushing water makes for some great photographs and

the park around the Falls is a picnic spot. It is really quiet here that you can even take a forty-wink in case all the spelunking earlier has tired you out.

For keepsake Nepal is haven for natural fibre enthusiasts.

I personally am hooked to hemp fabric for its breathability and durability and Pokhara had many options. ‘Dhukuti’ is a village cooperative - ploughing back part of the profits into sustainable development of artisans and villages - and has an outlet in Pokhara. From yak bags to traditional jewellery, metal bells and paper products, you get it all here. In case you fancy any of the bigger items like hand-painted furniture or heavier ones like ceramic items and rugs, they will ship it to your address. Do not be lazy and stick to the

Top: View of Mt. Machapuchhare from Pokhara; Below from left to right: Casino at Nepal; Mountain museum

May 2013 46 www.spiceroutemag.com

lakeside - Baidam - shops, but venture out into town and explore. Other shops that are likely to grab your interest are the Mandala Book Shop, Fishtail Organic Garden and the Pokhara Cottage Emporium. While at it, don’t forget to pick up a Thangka painting - which is essentially Nepal in a nutshell.

Another major attraction in Nepal are the Casinos here. Kathmandu has some popular casinos while in Pokhara, though options are limited, there are still some. Or, if you are prudent (not me) or just plain broke (like me), head to one of the hotels which feature some equally exciting cultural evenings. Wash down spicy choyela with cold Gurkha beer as the infinitely gifted dancers narrate fascinating folklores with their mellifluous moves.

Quick getaway

Spiritual tryst Be it the pilgrim, the nature lover, the adventure seeker, or those in search of spirituality, Amarkantak attracts all.

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e know that all sinners make a beeline to the holy Ganga to cleanse their souls. But guess where the Ganga goes to unburden herself? “The holy river Narmada is the daughter of Lord Shiva, who has granted her more purifying powers than even the Ganga. It is said that when Ganga gets very polluted, she comes in disguise to take a dip in the Narmada to cleanse herself,” says our driver as we traverse through the green and hayyellow fields, forests and twisting hill tracts on a road trip from Jabalpur to the pilgrim town of Amarkantak, the source of the Narmada river.

May 2013 50 www.spiceroutemag.com

The story brings smiles to our faces.

“Yahan pe bhi competition,” says one of my friends and I start thinking about how myths evolve, fueled by imagination and unshakable faith, something we urbanized beings are often unable to comprehend.

In fact, when one of my companions suggested that we spend the second day of our planned three-day tour to the city of Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh and its nearby tourist spots for a visit to Amarkantak hills, we were a bit hesitant. Will it be worth to travel

Quick getaway

Fact file

✓ The nearest airport to this popular pilgrimage centre is Jabalpur (228 km)

✓ Nearest rail head is Pendra Road

(42 km) on the Katni-Bilaspur section of the South-Eastern Railway

‘Shree Yantra Temple’.

for four-five hours by road from Jabalpur in this heat to visit a religious place or should we instead choose some taste of adventure and a glimpse of the wildlife, taking a tour either to the Bandhavgarh National Park or the Pench National Park, both located within 200 kms from the city.

Amarkantak is often referred to as the ‘teerthraj’, or the greatest of all pilgrimage centres

Birth place of rivers Finally, though, we decided to go for Amarkantak, the place which has given birth to two rivers – Narmada, flowing westward and Son, going east;the place which finds mention in the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas as well as the poem “Meghadootam” (The Cloud Messenger) by Kalidasa. Situated at the meeting point of Vindhya and Satpura ranges at an altitude of 1065 metres, Amarkantak, often referred to as the ‘teerthraj’, or the greatest of all pilgrimage centres, today attracts lakhs of May 2013 52 www.spiceroutemag.com

devotees who come from all across India to pay obeisance to Narmada, believed to be millions of years older than the river Ganga.

Temple town The road journey from Jabalpur to Amarkantak is long and winding, but the scenery is worth it, dotted with streams, rivulets, trees and hills, as also occasional small towns and marketplaces.

The nerve centre of Amarkantak, where we reached after a four-hour early morning journey, is the Narmadakund complex, consisting of a string of pearly-white temples built above the greenish and clear stream of water. Here starts the Narmada, or, Rewa, as it has been called in the ancient texts. The main attraction, however, is ‘gaumukh’ or ‘Narmada Udgam’, a small well that is said to be the origin of the river worshipped as the “doorway to Niravana” by so many people.

Quick getaway

photos | Sunandita

SpiceJet flies to Jabalpur.

See schedule, page 208.

photos | Sunandita

Clockwise from top left: Shree Yantra Temple; Forest in Kapil Dhara; Dudh dhara waterfalls.

As you take a palmful of cold water from the Narmada Udgam and put it on your head, it suddenly occurs to you - the importance of the tradition, the fact that the same rituals were followed here for hundreds and hundreds of years. So many pilgrims have visited and so many more will visit the Narmada Udgam, where Adi Sankaracharya built a Surya Kund in the 8th century to specify the origin of the river. The river which is held so sacred till today that many undertake the arduous journey of “Narmada Parikrama”, circumambulation of the Narmada from its source till the sea and back.

On the opposite side of the Narmadakund are the ASI-protected ancient temples of Pataleshwar and Machhendranath. Most of these temples were built during the reign of

Kalachuri Maharaja Karnadeva (1042-1072 AD) and displays the Nagara style of architecture. A visit to this complex is a must to have a feel of the history of the town.

Beauty in abundance Afterwards, we drove through forest roads bordering Chhatisgarh to visit ‘Mai Ki Bagiya’, or the Garden of the Goddess, consisting of a variety of plants, several temples and holy wells. Along the road was Sonemuda, the origin of river Son and a sunset point popular with tourists. Some other attractions of Amarkantak are the Sarvodaya Digamber Jain Temple and the tantric Sri Yantra Temple. About 6 kms from Narmadakund is the Kapil Dhara waterfall, where the Narmada comes 20 metres down May 2013 54 www.spiceroutemag.com

into a basalt rock. Legends have it that Sage Kapil meditated here for 12 years and also developed the fundamentals of “Sankhya” philosophy. We trekked further down a rocky road to ‘Dudh Dhara’ waterfall. Again, it is believed that Sage Durvasa mediated here and received the blessings of ‘Narmada Mai’ in the form of milk, hence the name Dudh Dhara. You can actually walk on the slippery rocks barefoot and reach right beneath the two-streamed waterfall.

The jungles surrounding Kapil Dhara and Dudh Dhara are serene and silent, with the soft humming of water running though black rocks and the sound of the waterfall providing an apt background score, only to be disrupted occasionally by chatter of tourists. The forests are multi-hued, with the colour of leaves ranging from green, yellow and deep maroon as well as various shades of the three.

As the sun went down further west and we started our journey back, the cries of ‘Narmade Har’ were echoing in our ears, arousing that feeling of connection with mythology and history, that positive energy borne out of the faith and hopes for salvation of many, which is synonymous with the revered pilgrimage centres of India. The visit to Amarkantak was, really, a learning experience.

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D nakaran

 Average ABC certifed daily circulation of a whopping 12,67,104 copies  IRS certified readership of 49.99 lakhs  Published from eight centres in Tamilnadu  Also published from Pondy, Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi  Winner of Best Tamil Daily award from ILNA  All pages printed in colour  Weekend supplements that are colourful as well as informative If you have still not started advertising in Dinakaran, call or sms 98400 22729 now or email to advtdinakaran@gmail.com

D nakaran

The only widely circulated Tamil Daily in India

Theme holiday

Soul the

goal

May 2013 58 www.spiceroutemag.com

Leave aside the action for once and go for a ‘actionreplay’ break. With yoga, meditation and chanting you are sure to come back a refreshed soul.

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o how did you like the whole experience?

Balasundar was asking me with a glint in his eyes. He is a yoga expert who teaches Yoga Nidra at Shreyas Retreat, and he caught me red handed, sleeping off while doing Yoga Nidra.

For someone like me for whom deadlines and meeting are part of a daily life and stress levels are at breaking point and the word ‘sleep’ had been put to sleep, such peaceful nap is rare. But that is what Shreyas Retreat is all about-finding peace and tranquility.

Though I am one who always set off on a holiday with a long must do list; for once I wanted to ‘delist’ myself. Having heard a lot about wellness holidays, I wanted to try it out first hand. The entry into Shreyas Retreat, on the outskirts of Bengaluru, was itself soothing with tall coconut trees and firangipani blooming on all sides. This 25 acres retreat is like an oasis amidst the city humdrum, no wonder corporates who are in the city rush here for a break whenever possible.

Serene beginning The days here start with morning yoga at 6.30 a.m. This was my first brush with yoga. The initial few minutes went off fine accompanied by the chirping of birds and the fresh morning air. However, as the minutes passed my muscles started revolting. The asanas started getting difficult so I decided to sit back and enjoy the morning. What came as a shock to me was that two of the guests who were from Canada were doing the same asanas with ease. They completed 10 Surya Namaskar in quick succession to my utter bewilderment.

And as if this was not enough the guests went on to do the Jal Neti (where water is taken in from one nostril and drained from the other).

Throughout the day there were sessions on chanting, meditation and Yoga Nidra. One can also take personal lessons if they wish to. And when you are done with your classes, the pool at the centre of the resort welcomes you for a relaxing dip. The poolside is also the meeting point for guests. It turned out that during that particular day, we were six women, from 59

Theme holiday

SpiceJet flies to Bengaluru.

See schedule, page 208.

Clockwise from left: Children at the orphanage practicing pranayam; Pool at the centre of Shreyas Retreat; Guests enjoying candle-light dinner

The place is like an oasis away from the city humdrum and guests make a beeline here for some relaxation across the world. We were all here looking for a real break. In the evening we all shared a wonderful dinner beside the pool with the moon shining bright. We exchanged notes on child care, managing work-home and also some fun things. Most of them turned out to be Bollywood fans and liked Shah Rukh Khan.

Garden fresh Well being also means eating the right kind of food and there is nothing better than veggies from your own garden. The fresh smell of mint, thyme, rosemary all made me feel refreshed.

From red dates ripening, chikku laden trees and mangoes just about taking shape, to trees shedding cotton balls, one is bound to feel

one with nature here. Bengaluru in general has a climate great for horticulture. On my drive to the resort I was surprised to see many farms with heavily laden grapevines. Mangoes, coconut and other fruit trees are found in abundance everywhere.

The food served here came as a surprise too. A true non-vegetarian, I was a little apprehensive when I came to know that this place only serves vegetarian food. However, one meal here was enough to put all my doubts to rest. From most exotic vegetarian salads, red rice, bajra rotis, mouth watering dessert to the herbal tea, every meal here is sure to end in a high note.

May 2013 60 www.spiceroutemag.com

One for the soul Staying away from the city rush, following a completely different routine, this place can almost get you spiritual. It is all about slowing down and re-discovering oneself. As Balaji, CEO of Shreyas explains, â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the modern world where people are caught in the rat race, we try and work out a way of living through which guest can be healed of the tremendous stress and emotional burden they carry.â&#x20AC;? The feeling of well being is also about giving back to the society, charity always brings in that feeling of goodness and the resort also plays a catalyst in this area. Shreyas supports an orphanage nearby where guests make regular visits.

On this great note, I bid adieu to Shreyas Retreat, giving the city a miss to preserve the tranquility that this place had given me. On my way to the airport, juicy grapes lured me and I made a halt to pick some fresh fruit, which was my sovenir from the city which promised to take me on a healthy and holistic path.â&#x20AC;&#x201A;

photo | Nachiketa Bajaj

Theme holiday

Stars of the

jungle

Some tigers are more equal than the others. Just read on to find out what turns a tiger into a celebrity?

WORDS

&

P HOTOGRA P HS

|

Navin

M

RAHE J A

W

hen it comes to a highly endangered animal like a tiger, a question arises:shouldn’t all tigers be accorded equal importance. They should be, you may say. But the fact is, some tigers are more equal than the others.

sands of time, they have managed to imprint their pug-marks strongly in the mind-space of tiger lovers. No wonder, several of these striped wonders remain famous well after their departure.

To put it another way, if humans can have celebrities, why can’t there be celebrity tigers?

Well, there are- quite a few of them, actually.

There are special tigers who have made quite a name for themselves. In the ever shifting

The most famous among India’s celebrity tigers is undoubtedly Sita. It is argued that Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh would not have become such a hot-spot for tiger lovers, if Sita had not been there.

May 2013 62 www.spiceroutemag.com

Theme holiday

with a crocodile: till date, this remains the only documented fight between a tiger and a crocodile. It of course, propelled Machli to stardom and there is no looking back for her since then.

Even now, several old-timers in Ranthambore will tell you how Machli’s battle with the crocodile went on for several hours.

She killed the croc but lost three of her canines in the fight. Today, Machli is an aged tigress, but her charm has not diminished one bit.

Years ago, as a fiery summer Sun was plunging down the hills facing Milek Talab, I took a video of Machli with her cubs, ambling on the banks of the lake. To this day, that particular sighting remains a cherished memory.

Perhaps the most photographed tiger ever, 1990s saw Sita’s fame growing in leaps and bounds. She disappeared mysteriously in 1996.

During her long lifespan of 17 years, she raised six litters. And it is these tigers which filled up the nooks and corners of Bandhavgarh- which till 2010 had the distinction of having the highest tiger density in the country. And this became possible due to just one tiger-Sita.

During my jungle journeys, I came across Sita a couple of times. But that was over two decades ago. And at the time I had no inkling that Sita would emerge as a star tiger.

Clockwise from top left: Machli, the uncrowned queen of Ranthambore; Navin M Raheja capturing some breathtaking shots

But what about a living celebrity? There is one still alive. She goes by the name of Machli.

And you will have to travel to Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan to come face to face with her. During the past 16 years of so, Machli has been a photographer’s delight in Ranthambore. An extremely well behaved cat, she suddenly shot to fame about 10 years ago.

This happened after she picked up a fight

True, popular tigers - if they live long enough - tend to occupy that rarefied field of celebrityhood May 2013 64 www.spiceroutemag.com

In the recent time, no tiger has gained as much popularity as B2. Throughout his life, this magnificent male of Bandhavgarh behaved like a ‘perfect gentleman’, to paraphrase Jim Corbett. As any wildlife enthusiast will tell you, one of the great pleasures in Bandhavgarh was to witness a handsome B2 straddling the grasslands. By November of 2011, however, the star of Bandhavgarh realized his time was running out fast. A few days before, he had lost a territorial fight to another male tiger. Age was catching up with him.

The same month, B2 left Bandhavgarh.

On November 21, he was found in a cool shade some 80 kilometres from Bandhavgarh. It was obvious he was not in the best of spirits, but the gentle tiger that he was, he probably did not want to advertise its pain. The forest officials of Bandhavgarh, of course, did their best to save B2. They injected life-saving drugs into the tiger, through tranquilizing guns. But it was too late.

It will be pertinent here to draw a line between a celebrity tiger and a popular tigress. True, popular tigers- if they live long enough- tend to occupy that rarefied field of celebrityhood. But I am sure most wildlifers like me have their own favorite tigers, which may or may not be celebrities.

In the recent time, Bhola of Corbett Park was one tiger which caught my fancy in a big way. During my visits to Corbett, I would regularly come across this magnificent

Theme holiday

tiger on the stretch between High Bank and Khinnanauli. Bhola has a specialty. Unlike the camera-shy tigers of Corbett (who flee even before you can adjust the manual settings on your camera!), Bhola did not mind humans at all. Perhaps that’s why he got the name Bhola, which means simpleton in Hindi.

Because of his unique sightings, Bhola has become a huge draw among Corbett lovers.

For hours on end, he would squat in the middle of the jungle-road, least bothered about the Gypsies hovering around him and with tourist clamoring to take his shots. I am not sure if Bhola will become a celebrity tiger. But certainly, he has the makings of one.

In the past, Corbett has produced several popular tigers. Taimur, Sundari, Meaon…even Sheru and Dhithu, the notorious duo which turned to man-eating. But that is another subject, and soon I would like to share with the readers my experience with the aggressive tigers.

Other popular tigers which come to mind are Bamburam (it became a household name soon after the then United States President Bill Clinton laid his eyes on this particular tiger in the forest of Ranthambore), Noon (also of

Ranthambore), the giant Khali of Corbett’s Bijrani zone.

And last, but not the least: Charger. One of the few tigers in the world to have been accorded a heroes’ farewell, Charger’s mazaar (burial point) in Bandhavgar’s grassland at Tala still attracts thousands of visitors every year, even 12 years after his death. I have been fortunate to come close to most of these tigers. Though lately, my ever increasing responsibilities as CMD of Raheja Developers often keep me away from my favorite animal.

Rest assured that as long as there are tigers in India, there will be celebrity tigers. In stark contrast to the ‘forgotten tigers’, aptly named by legendary Billy Arjan Singh. He was referring to the tiger which move out of the safe boundaries of national parks and become easy prey for the poachers…But that is another story for another day.

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

May 2013 66 www.spiceroutemag.com

B2 of Bandhavgarh

Festive flavour

&fiesta

Of fun

Come May, its time to indulge in fun-filled festivals that mark their presence across India.

WORDS

|

Pall av i

Si n g h

Buddha Purnima Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti is a celebration of the birth of Gautam Buddha in 563 BC, a spiritual teacher and the founder of Buddhism. The most important of all the Buddhist festivals, Buddha Purnima is considered as the most auspicious day in the year. The festival commemorates the enlightenment and passing away of Buddha and is observed by way of lighting oil lamps before the image of the Buddha, reciting prayers or reading from the Buddhist scriptures and worshipping the Buddha statue. Meditation and offerings of flowers, silk scarves, incense and fruit are also part of the worship rituals.

Bodhgaya in Bihar and Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh are particularly known for their celebrations.

If you happen to visit Bodhgaya during this festival, you could be lucky to see The Mahabodhi Temple beautifully decorated with colourful prayer flags and flowers. Buddhist sermons offering special prayers under the Bodhi tree, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment is surely a sight worth watching.

Sarnath is the place where Buddha after attaining enlightenment in Bodhgaya taught his learning to the followers. Numerous visitors from around the world come to these places to participate in and celebrate the festival.

Though Buddhism originated in India, the religion has spread in places around the world such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia and Tibet.

When: May 25 Where: Nationwide May 2013 70 www.spiceroutemag.com

Festive flavour

Summer Festival Mt Abu

Sikkim Summer Carnival

The festival of music, art and culture at Mount Abu is ‘the’ place to be this summer. This three day festival is organised every year by Rajasthan Tourism in the beautiful hill station of Mount Abu The festival begins on a rhythmic note with ballad singing followed by a traditional procession which assembles at the Nakki Lake. Performances such as folk dances and classical music of Rajasthan and Gujarat add the fun element in this festival. The Gair and Ghoomar dances of Rajasthan are a sight to behold giving a glimpse of the ethnicity and culture of the state. Adding to the thrill of the celebrations are a variety of sporting events and competitions like Skating Race, Boat Race, Horse Race, Tug-of-War, Panihari Matka Race, Deepdan. The Sham-e-Qawwali is a much anticipated musical show where well-known qawwali singers enthrall the audience. At the grand finale the stunning fireworks leave the audience spellbound.

A conglomerate of snow-capped mountains, frothing rivers, forests of rhododendron and flowers all the way is what comes to mind when we spell Sikkim. This state tucked away in the Eastern Himalayas packs a punch when it comes to natural beauty. And what better way to celebrate the spirit of Sikkim than at the annual Sikkim Summer Carnival, held in Gangtok every Summer. Flower shows, exhibitions, cultural programmes and interesting competitions are all part and parcel of this event. Organized by the Sikkim Department of Tourism, the month-long Tourism festival has been held every year since 1981. The venue for the festival is the White Hall in Gangtok, and for 30 days the entire complex comes alive with performances of traditional Sikkimese dances, films on tourism, exhibitions of local arts and crafts, and flower shows highlighting the gorgeous flowers of Sikkim- orchids, rhododendrons and primulas among them. An interestingly offbeat ‘yak safari’, a local food festival and white-water

When: May 23-25 Where: Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Clockwise from left:Traditional dance being performed at Mt. Abu summer festival; The decorated tomb at the Urs festival, Ajmer; Traditional dance at the Sikkim summer carnival

May 2013 72 www.spiceroutemag.com

rafting on the Teesta are also a part of the festival which undoubtedly is a breathtaking experience.

When: First week of May Where: Gangtok, Sikkim

Garib Nawaz Urs Held to commemorate the death anniversary of the famous Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-Din Chisti also referred as Garib Nawaz, the Urs is the largest Muslim fair in India where more than five lakh people congregate. The six-day festival is generally held in the first week of Islamic month of Rajab which is the seventh month in the Islamic calendar, at Ajmer in Rajasthan. Drums are beaten which indicate the start of the ceremony. The celebration begins with hoisting a white flag by the member of Chistis on dargah and followed by opening the gates known as Jannati- Darwaza. It is believed that one can ensure a place in “jannat” if one crosses the gate seven times. The tomb is consecrated by sandal wood paste and sweet perfume is sprayed on it. The tomb is covered with an embroidered silken cloth and reciting recitations are part of the ritual. On the day of Qul ceremony after the Morning Prayer, people start gathering at the holy Tomb. The activities include recital of Holy Quran, Darood, Shijra-e-Chishtia and other verses. People tie small turbans on each other’s head and pray for peace and happiness. Another interesting aspect of Urs in Ajmer is the plundering of the milk pudding that is cooked in two capacious cauldrons. This blessed food is generously distributed among the devotees.

When: Mid May Where: Ajmer, Rajasthan

Launch pad

Shop hopping

Beautiful lifestyle products, just for you!

Fitness on the go

Global style with local touch Charagh Din have given Kurtas a worldly makeover for party animals. A CD kurti is shorter than a kurta but longer than a shirt, so it is just the right length for that elusive Desi Chic look. They come in linen and other natural fabrics with touches of embroidery and artistic embellishments.

Price: `1400 to `3000 Available: www.cdshirts.com or at The Charagh Din Store,Colaba, Mumbai

Don’t you just hate it when your Indian charger doesn’t work in those American/ European sockets? Well don’t worry any more because Basecamp has got you the worldwide adaptor from GoTravel. This helps you charge your electronics in over 150 countries worldwide.

So make sure to get this compact charging assistant and carry it wherever you go.

When you’re travelling for business, you can stick to your fitness routine — seriously!

Use the Hydraulic Multigym exerKing. With exerKING, a 6-in-1 multi hydraulic exercising equipment you are just 15- 20 minutes away from a fitter you. An all in one workout session from legs to abs to shoulders is what you get while working out on this machine.

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Always connected

Summer essential

Eye candy Up the glamour ante with this stunning Trussardi summer fashion accessory.

Handmade in Italy, these sunglasses are femininity and sophistication combined in a high quality, distinctive package. The seductive frame fronts are embraced by ornate temples in snake skin leather with a golden clasp.

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All that glitters CaratLane.com launches its new collection ‘Surya’ which is inspired by the bright and lustrous morning rays of the sun. The collection is characterized by a Ruby diamond surrounded by the sprinkled diamonds.

The collection offers an exclusive range of pendants, earrings and rings.

Price: `42,550 Available: www.CaratLane.com May 2013 74 www.spiceroutemag.com

For safe summer fun, protect your skin with Aaranyaa’s Sun block lotion with SPF-40 that provides protection upto 96% from the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun and shields your skin from damage.

It also provides hydration and nourishment to the skin that helps in restoring the essential moisture balance as it firms, smooth, and improves skin texture with antioxidant vitamins E and C. Price: `295 Available: All leading stores in Delhi/NCR

S K C I P T HO

Aesthetically yours

Here are the ongoing Hot Picks from various destinations: SECTOR

Rosemoore product line includes reed diffusers, room sprays, scent sacks, scented wooden balls, scented sachets, pillar candles, tea lights, votives, potpourri, etc. The aromatic experience is inclusive of color therapy as the products are available in varied colors which can suit the ambience of any area they are placed in.

Price: `75 to `1490 Available: Rosemoore, Select City Mall, Saket

This oil-free moisturizer from Faces has an exclusive blend of vitamins and botanical extracts, to offer protection against the environment before it can age your skin. It further helps slow signs of aging, and its SPF 15 sun protection benefits prevent wrinkles and age spots. Titanium dioxide heals the skin and acts as a shield from the sun.

Price: `1599 Available: Faces Canada, Moments Mall, New Delhi

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Price: `390 to `1530 Available: Through tupperware sales agents May 2013 76 www.spiceroutemag.com

Light and portable, the uRelax is a massage cushion that fits easily onto most chairs. Enjoy a relaxing back massage even on the way back from a tiring day at work by simply fixing the uRelax cushion to the car seat to enjoy a warm and relaxing massage. The OSIM uRelax is equipped with a host of options to meet your desired massage needs.

Price: `15,000 Available: All leading stores of OSIM across India

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Works as a standard pen with ink refills which is easily available in market

Handwriting meeting memo, handwriting e-mails, Math, Physics, Chemistry formulas, graphic, diagrams can be input on iPad screen freely.

Input very accurate and fine drawing and writing without changing your writing habits.

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Spice Trail

Tangy treat

Thanks to its versatile properties and impressive nutritional profile, Tamarind makes a good case for being on your â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;must-haveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; list.

WORDS

|

Saya nt i

Ba ner jee

W

hen you think of the word tamarind or better still the desi name imli, you almost chuckle at the thought of its sour taste and might want to avoid it completely. But those who have developed the taste for this rather off beat fruit since childhood, simply cannot do without it. Such is the impact of this fruit that you must indulge in its unique sweet and sour flavour and know it for yourself!

Tangy tale For those who live by the philosophy that Life is a happy mix of the sweet and the sour May 2013 78 www.spiceroutemag.com

tastes, will actually appreciate the essence of what tamarind has to offer. This spice (used in dry form) from the Indian kitchen dates back to the ancient times as a popular ingredient for household recipes. Ideal for the Indian palate, interestingly it is one of the most widely distributed spices across the world and what makes it special is the acquired taste that one needs to have in order to appreciate its unique tangy feel.

It is believed that as far as the origin of tamarind is concerned, it is a tropical plant

Spice Trail

Wet tamarind can actually bring back the shine on silver and gold ornaments easily as a natural polisher native to Africa as statistics show how this tree has been found to be growing wildly throughout Sudan. In fact, what is more interesting is that this fruit was popular among the ancient Egyptians and the Greeks as well, dating back to the 4th Century B.C.

for facilitating the digestion process. In fact, some of the other medicinal uses of tamarind are to provide remedy for biliousness and bile disorders, to cure inflammations, to soothe the sore throat while gargling, recover from alcoholic intoxication and so on.

popular pulp

Also, who can ever imagine that wet tamarind can actually bring back the shine on silver and gold ornaments easily as a natural polisher making the articles look dazzling!

Every fruit is unique and so does Tamarind.

The burnt brown colour pod is flattish in shape with random irregular curves and bulges that gives it quite an earthy and unfinished look.

But versatile as any fruit can be, this tropical tree is known to grow across a great variety of soils from deep alluvial to the rocky, porous, limestone for instance. If that is not enough, the tamarind tree can actually be planted near the seashore too as it withstands salty spray and high wind. Due to the popularity of tamarind across India and more interestingly, the date-like appearance of the fruit’s dried pulp, it is also referred to as the ‘Indian date’ by many people.

For a healthy you Whether you like it or not, the fact remains that as far as the medicinal properties of Tamarind is concerned, the pulp of this fruit is believed to be rich in minerals and vitamins like calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamine, riboflavin and is also a good source of niacin as well. It is also believed that the pulp of this tropical fruit is also considered to be very effective

Did you know?

In India, myths and superstitions are so common and that does not spare even a fruit like Tamarind for that matter. Among the many, the most common one that you can think of is when a woman craves for this tangy fruit it is believed that she is showing first signs of pregnancy! Also, if you are traveling abroad then never take a nap under a tamarind tree as it is considered unlucky in some parts of the world.

Thankfully, there are some positive beliefs also associated with this herb. To begin with, a set of African tribes actually worship tamarind tree as they believe that it is a highly sacred herb. In fact, some of the Burmese people hail the tree to be the abode of the rain Gods and how!

Summer cooler To beat the heat this summer, you can try the tamarind cooler, which can be had in accompaniment of pani-puri too.

May 2013 80 www.spiceroutemag.com

Ingredients Tamarind pulp -150 gms Salt – ½ tea spoon Sugar – ½ tea spoon Dried red chillies – ¼ cup Grinded black pepper – ¼ cup Cumin seeds – ¼ tea spoon ½ liter drinking water Coriander leaves Method • Take the tamarind pulp in an open vessel and mix in the salt and sugar to it while adding little water.

• As the solution looks thick brown, start blending in the other spices like red chillies, black pepper and cumin seeds. Let them all settle in well into the mixture.

• Now set it aside for two minutes and then pour in the rest of the water. Make sure that the entire solution turns into a semi-clear brown liquid.

• Store it in the refrigerator in a glass bottle and consume within an hour after cooling it.

If you care to enjoy a spicy and tangy drink, then have a glass full. If you want to have some accompaniments, then potato or moong stuffed pani puri shells can just boost the fun quotient as a great snacking option!

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Gourmet delight

Virgin

punches

Summer has set in, that means fresh watermelons and peaches, all flowing into your clinking glasses… YUM! WORDS

|

Sheelpa

Kot ha r i

Sorti

V

irgin, innocent or smoothie whatever you may call them, the truth is they give you the most divine experience when you come back tired from the sweltering heat.

Parties or no parties, tempting, colourful and refreshing looking fresh fruit juices in the form of frocktails, mocktails or virgin punches are the answers to beat the heat this season.

With increasing health conscious population; May 2013 82 www.spiceroutemag.com

aerated drinks, soda and iced tea seems to be passé but that surely does not mean a hightened effort to entice your guests with the drinks. Here’s the little secret of making very easy yet healthy and inviting drinks for children and adults alike-with no hassle at all.

The key is to pick some seasonal fruits like watermelon, musk melon, raw or ripe

Gourmet delight

Mango shake is passé try mango smoothie as a great refreshing drink this summer also supply potassium and fibre and are low in calories. The insoluble fibre, abundant in mangoes, aids the elimination of waste from the colon and prevents constipation.

Mango shake is made in every home but try mango smoothie as a great refreshing drink for any summer meal.

Method: • Peel the mango and cut the flesh into a blender.

• Add enough water to cover the mango and puree till smooth.

• Add yogurt and remaining water and blend until smooth.

• Blend again with fresh rose petals for that royal touch.

• Serve in goblets or tall mugs.

You will need • Watermelon • Mint twig • Tall glass

mangoes, peaches and our all time available banana. Just add a hint of mint for an instant cooling effect or garnish with a dime of lime and your beautiful treat is ready to serve.

Watermelon frocktail Health benefits of watermelon are as immense as its size. For instance, it is a natural diuretic and a very good source of potassium. It is also extremely alkaline-forming in the body and is the lycopene leader among fresh fruits and vegetables. This is one very easy and refreshing juice made with watermelon.

Method: • Cut up watermelon flesh into pieces and

deseed them.

• Put into the blender add few mint leaves.

• Blend till totally juiced.

• Serve this red juice in a tall clear glass with a garnish of mint twig, as it is so beautiful.

• A dash of lime juice can enhance the taste.

Mango smoothie Mangoes besides its yummy taste are rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, and Vitamin C. Antioxidants have been known to play an important role in the prevention of cancer and heart disease. They also contain bioflavonoids, the compounds that help plants capture energy from the sun, and when eaten they aid our immune system. Mangoes May 2013 84 www.spiceroutemag.com

You will need • 1/2 cup yogurt • 1 1/2 cup water • Fresh rose petals

Gourmet delight

You will need • 4 peaches • 1/2 cucumber • 1 thumb size ginger

Bananas are useful in the treatment of drug addiction especially alcoholism Peach-cucumber juice Rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber, peaches help prevent dental decay, relieve constipation and ease dry coughs. Low in natural sugars, and having no saturated fats, they’re packed with vitamin C and antioxidants lutein, zeaxanthin and B-cryptoxanthin, which protect against ‘free radicals,’ helping to fight skin aging. The

You will need • 1 banana per serving • 1 cup of orange juice per serving • Dash of lemon juice • Crushed ice

phytochemicals lycopene and lutein assist in maintaining healthy lungs, and prevent heart disease, macular degeneration, and cancer.

Peaches are one of the few fruits containing calcium. They are also rich in potassium, iron and fluoride.

Method • De-seed the peaches and peel the cucumber and ginger.

• Blend it all.

• Serve in broad based whisky glasses with a garnish of umbrella sticks.

Orange & Banana Smoothie In Traditional Chinese Medicine, banana May 2013 86 www.spiceroutemag.com

is a food with remarkable healing power.

Thermically it is very cooling. It strongly cools the body. It lubricates the intestines, moistens the lungs, treats dry lungs and dry cough.

Because of cooling nature and other properties bananas are useful in the treatment of drug addiction especially alcoholism marked by heat signs such as red tongue, face, feelings of heat...and sugar cravings.

Method • Blend until smooth.

• Garnish with a dab of whipped cream with a slice of banana and orange on top.

• This is a big hit with the kids as it is refreshing, colorful, and nutritious.

Gourmet delight

Mango

mania

What's in a name? The adage does not fit when it comes to mango. Here the name explains its history and much more.

WORDS

|

S u b hr a

Ma zumda r

T

May 2013 88 www.spiceroutemag.com

Illustration | Animesh Dev Nath

he best part of the hot and humid Indian summer is perhaps the king of fruits that is available only in this season. Though, mango has a thousand-year-old history, it is from the 16th century, that the fruit began to acquire a celebrated and even regal status in India. Over the years, mango has ceased to be a mere fruit but has become a cultural icon, a symbolic stamp of diplomacy among world leaders and definitely the stuff of myths and legends.

Gourmet delight

Myths & legends One childhood favourite in Indian homes is the story of Birbal and Emperor Akbar, when the duo were pitted against each other in a mango eating contest. Undoubtedly, the mango had earned regal favour across several regimes and among all classes. Kalidasa penned lyrical verses in its praise and the Emperor gifted Lakhibagh to his subjects. As per the Akbarnama, it was Akbar who become a pioneer to order the planting of one lakh mango trees in Bihar's Darbhanga district.

Supposedly, the grove long outlasted the imperial reign and became known in common parlance as Lakhibagh.

All for the name It is interesting to note that all varieties of mangoes have anecdotes behind their names. Since then many royals planted mango trees in large numbers. In Murshidabad(Bengal) when the British had establishing their power during the rule of Nawab Siraj ud-daulah, a number of Jain families had migrated to the region. These family groves had 124 varieties of the fruit and each of the stock was named in praise of one or other of their landed patrons. Thus, when the fruit were hawked in the market, it resounded with grandiose nomenclatures such as ‘Dilpasand’ 'Mirzapasand', 'Sarenga',

'Kalasur' and other romantic overtures.

Even queens who planted groves enjoyed meritorious acknowledgements in names such as ranipasand named after the Begum Raisunnessa who had a grove in her name.

Away from regal arc lights, the luscious summer fruit had an intimate appeal. The best loved variety of langda mangoes, a native of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, earned its proverbial stripes having been cultivated by a farmer who was

While dassehri is named after a village, langda got its name after a mango tree was 'lamed' by lightening

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physically lame. Another story has it that the tree bearing the fruit had been struck by lightning, leaving the mother branches of the tree 'lamed' by calamity. On a surviving side branch, the tree bore fruit and multiplied but the name had stuck eternally.

Mid-season, there comes the dassehri, named after a village six miles from Malihabad.

Its local satrap had arranged a gift hamper of dassehri mangoes for his lord, the Nawab of Awadh. Thereafter, and till date, the yield of that designated gift-bearing dassehri mango tree is handpicked, arranged in a basket and gifted to the nawab’s progeny. No fruit from the tree ever reaches the markets, or is consumed by ordinary mortals. Similarly, the Fazli mango, that comes at the tail end of the season, cocoons another personalised legend fruitfully. The English Governor Ravenshaw’s visit to the district, at the end of the mango season had left officials in a spin as the most trees in the area had already yielded their fruit. Only the widow Fazli’s mango tree still bore fruit which she willingly offered to the dignitary. In return, the variety, grown extensively across the mango belts of Bengal, and Odisha, was named after her, making the widow’s goodwill gesture live on in horticultural terminology.

In conversation

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music Sound of

Sound is truly magical when its soft, subtle and soothing, the soft spoken, simple, Oscar –winning sound designer Resul Pookutty embodies his skill through his personality.

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ound wizard, Resul Pookutty rued the condition of technicians in the country and how the contribution of a majority of them goes “unrecognised”.Spiceroute caught up with this Oscar award winning sound artist over a candid conversation before his upcoming film Shootout at Wadala.

What made you choose sound design as your career & what role does sound play in a movie?

I’m a graduate in physics and wanted to pursue my masters in physics but I couldn’t get admission and my dream of becoming a physicist came to a standstill. Thereafter, reading through the newspaper I chanced about a sound engineering course and appeared for the All India Entrance Examination, which I cleared but unfortunately failed at the interview and returned to Kerala. This was my first failure but I realized cinema

was my career. The following year I got selected and joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. That is how it all began. Talking about the role of sound in a movie I would quote Danny Boyle, “60 per cent of my cinema is sound”. Believing in the same philosophy I think sound is very crucial to a film as it creates a production value. If the sound is not right then the film would fall flat. Sound makes the film look real and captures the audience attention.

Tell us about a sound engineer’s role in a film.

A sound man does what a camera man does for a film. A cameraman is responsible for the visual aspect of the film. Likewise, a sound man is responsible for how a film is sounding. A film’s soundtrack is an amalgamation of different kinds of sound like dialogues, the ambience, sound effects and music. As sound designers, we put all this together in such a way that it gives the audience a perfect experience.

Who has been your inspiration in India and internationally?

I had mentioned earlier that I have been blessed with wonderful teachers who taught me about life outside college and I dedicated my award to them. Also, worth mentioning is A.R.Rahman – the one and only sound engineer of this country. Internationally, Andrei Arsenyevich Tarkovsky and Kislovsky are the ones I admire.

CAS , BAFTA and OSCAR.....

How does it feel to win all of these?

I was shocked beyond belief. I was shooting in a remote village in Italy when I received the nomination for Oscars. Yes, life has changed after these accolades but I’m still the same guy. I want to forget these awards and not let them hang on my shoulders and pressurize myself. I carefully avoid them and not even look at them...

That keeps me grounded and real.

In conversation

worship Danny Boyle and I didn’t have to think about it…I just jumped into it! It was an incredible journey but I had to unlearn everything I had learnt to meet the demands of the film.

What were the challenges you faced while recording for Slumdog?

Danny is such a big director, and he worked in the most unconventional way. Traditionally, a film is shot with one camera.

But Danny shot it with at least five. I had to totally reinvent myself as it was technically a very difficult film. I realized if I approach the film through the conventional way of recording sound, it won’t work. So I decided to record the soundscape of the city of Mumbai, not merely record the sound. Because I had taken that decision, I had to use a different mindset, and this made my life very difficult.

Short takes Favourite holiday destination: London Favourite shopping destination: Singapore Favourite cuisine: Native Kerala food Favourite author: Yasunari Kawabata Favourite sport: Cricket

Has your victory brought recognition to technicians?

The technicians in the industry have long been underestimated.

They have been denied the public forum since a long time. Not just sound artists but the entire gamut of technicians has come into light after the win. People have started taking technicians more seriously in mainstream cinema and have become aware and appreciate the technician’s work of adding value to the whole product.

Tell us about your experience of Slumdog Millionaire.

I call it Destiny. When I was a student at FTII, I had a poster of Danny Boyle’s film ‘Trainsporting’ in my room. Years later when the producers of the film contacted me I was stunned. I used to

Which Indian filmmakers have you enjoyed working with?

I have enjoyed working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Dev Benegal and Rajat Kapoor.

You have said earlier that Gandhi My Father has been your most satisfying work....

In Gandhi My Father, I knew I am dealing with a huge responsibility – it was on a man whose philosophy had been simplicity and truthfulness so I had taken a conscious decision to not do certain things. Practicing artistic restraint needs a lot of conviction, therefore I would consider it as my toughest film as everything had to be simple in it.

Tell us about your experience with AR Rahman.

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Rahman is a spiritual guru, a big brother, a guiding light. Our association began while shooting for Slumdog... in London.

Since then we have had a close association which became a strong personal bond during Ghajini. He instilled the belief in Allah in me and since then I have been keeping Rozas along with him.

Your first co-production ‘I.D.’ has won the best film award at the prestigious Deauville International Film Festival in France.

The kind of sound work I aspire to do I have to make my own films. This was the sole reason behind making a movie like I.D. It displays the realities every artist has to deal with every single day.

Tell us about your autobiography ‘Sounding Off’ I was never interested to do any commercial activity, therefore I told the publishers(Penguin India) I would write about my life in cinema. The book was written in a conversational manner because of which it was well received by people. People told me that the book had been inspirational for them in many ways and I felt really touched.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I don’t have much spare time. I would want to give my spare time to my two children because I think now they demand my time.

Your advice to budding sound designers.

I have nothing to preach. Hard work, perseverance and stability are the only things that can take you anywhere and is the only road to success.

In conversation

words Spinning

Author and adwoman Anuja Chauhan recently launched her third book. The story is about to open before its readers a whole new world from yesteryears.

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fter the success of The Zoya Factor and Battle of Bittora, the author is back with her third novel - Those Pricey Thakur Girls.

Having carved a niche for herself in contemporary writing, Anuja Chauhan is all set to keep her readers entertained with her writing skills and a freshness that has become her signature style. She is a woman of substance. In an interview with Spiceroute, Anuja spills the beans on what goes into her successful books and culling storylines from her own esteemed family.

19.5 cm x 25.9cm

In conversation

Quick take Loves to write onboard a flight Finds energy in small Indian market places Derives ideas and characters from real life Likes to work on the humour and romance of each book

Well, I write on planes! I used to write ads on flights, now I write fiction on flights Which books did you grow up on?

All the usual books one finds in Army Club libraries. Lewis Carrol, Enid Blyton, The Chronicles of Narnia, Ayn Rand, Agatha Christie, Georgette Heyer, Loius Lamour, PG Wodehouse, Earl Stanley Gardener, Alistair Maclean, Daphe Du Maurier.

Readers have connected with you over the years...how did you strike that cord?

Thank you! I just set out to write the kind of books I like to read, and hoped they liked. I was lucky that a lot of people have the same reading tastes as me.

What is it in Those Pricey Thakore Girls , that you think your readers will like most?

I work hard at the humour and on the romance. I like to keep things as real as possible, working with reality and then giving it just a little bit of a spin and polish.

You derive your characters from your family... any plan to outline the story on your mother in law, governor of Rajasthan, Margret Alva?

I do derive from life - almost exclusively. And my mother-inlaw has inspired me - but I do my lifting from life very very discretely - I don’t think you’ll be able to identify those little bits and pieces in my books that have been inspired by my interactions with her.

What role does travel play in your stories?

Well, I write on planes! I used to

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write ads on flights, now I write fiction on flights. It’s a great place to write, phones are off, so no one can disturb you, food and drink come right to your chair.

Which destination in India is truly inspiring to pen down your ideas?

I love small Indian towns. When the weather is fine, there’s no place on the earth with as much good energy as a small Indian marketplace. The street food, the people, the atmosphere.

Any advice for budding writers?

Keep writing. Talk less, write more. And keep listening. And never be touchy about honest feedback.

Glam world

Perfect

glares Get your hands on the perfect eyewear this season and beat the sun in style.

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or many shoppers, the only thing more stressful than buying a swimsuit is searching for a flattering pair of sunglasses.

Finding sunglasses can be challenging. People sometimes choose to have a certain style and base their decisions on the style rather than the fit. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not always the best for them in the long term. Get ready to make the most of summer this season and not let it take a toll on you. Protect your eyes from the catastrophic rays of the sun and fulfill your fashion and style desires too!

Look for UV protection â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ultraviolet rays(UV ) rays can be hazardous May 2013 100 www.spiceroutemag.com

Glam world

Get the perfect look A heart-shaped face Try: Rounded or square styles, with lower set sides. Top-heavy style that balance the width of the jaw.

Avoid: Styles which are wider at the top; these will reflect the face shape rather than balance it.

A round face Try: Styles that are wider and draw attention to your upper face. Choose styles with high set sides, and those with colour or decoration on the temples.

Avoid: Small and round shapes and very large frames which will make your face look rounder.

An oval face Try: Modern small, geometric styles.

Avoid: Styles that are uncomfortable to wear or that you feel do not suit your face.

A square face Try: Oval and round frames.

Avoid: Geometric and square shaped frames that accentuate angles of the face.

(Inputs by: Amrita Chatterjee, Head-Marketing & PR, Sterling Meta Plast India Pvt Ltd

to the eyes and can damage the cornea (photokeratitis) which further may cause cataract and pterygium(fleshy growth on the cornea) if the eyes are exposed for a longer duration to these rays. Best way to avoid this is to possess a good pair of sunglasses which would protect your eyes from harmful UV rays,” informs Dr. Suraj Munjal, Head Department Ophthalmology, Fortis Hospital I Rahumathullah, Managing Director, Maui Jim India puts light on an important note we must keep in mind while choosing the right pair of Sunglasses, “Sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory. In the harsh summer months when the glare of the sun can make you quite uncomfortable, sunglasses help protect your eyes against harm. Moreover a quality pair will protect you from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. The ultraviolet light rays called UVA and UVB have the potential to cause damage to your retina and corneas. Hence, make sure the sunglasses you pick up have a protective covering. Wear a good pair of sunglasses and you need not squint or shelter your eyes by cupping your hands over them.”

For the beauty conscious ones, he further adds “Another benefit that can accrue is a reduction in the appearance of fine lines May 2013 102 www.spiceroutemag.com

around your eyes. Wearing a polarized sunglass is all the more beneficial as it helps reduce the glare of the sun directly as well as through light thrown back by reflective surfaces like snow or water or sand.”

Sarat Binani, Director, Himalaya Opticals puts down some of the advantages of wearing sunglasses during summer, “ Sunglasses protect your eyes from trauma, enhance contrast, prevent glare, protect eyes from harmful radiations, ensure complete ocular comfort, improve visual performance, prevent ocular fatigue and allow uniform transmission of light across the entire visible spectrum.”

Eyecessorize!

Floral frames, circular sunglasses, animal prints and cat eye sunglasses are in fashion this season. Opt for a pair that breaks the norm.

Circular Sunglasses: No matter what size you get them in – small, medium or large they’re sure to make a statement. Both on the runway and on the streets, vintage style round sunglasses are a comeback this season.

Retro Cat eye: These cat-eye shades are a continuing trend for the year 2013, they’re a favourite among highly renowned high-end

Use good pair of shades and you need not squint or shelter your eyes by cupping your hands designers, and there’s no mystery why. Classic without being too safe, these glasses provide the perfect complement to a clean-cut look.

Bold: There is only one rule for spring sunglasses. The bolder the better! Rocking a bold print on your glasses alone will surely raise your glam quotient.

Colourful: Bright, fresh, hot pinks, seafoam greens, lemon yellows and shades of blue – go for the ones that stand out instead of mute in. Adding a pop of colour to an otherwise neutral outfit can be a sure-fire way to brighten your ensemble!

Mirrored: Mirrored sunglasses are a super-simple trend that just about anyone can rock. Reflective of the modern-day fashionista, they’re hip and have a bit of a retro feel. Stun on!

As sunglasses join the ranks of handbags and shoes as luxury status symbols, more and more designers are joining the fray. The market is growing, and so is the variety available to consumers as designs become more streamlined and sophisticated. People are starting to look at sunglasses differently, as a more premium accessory, whose stores offer visitors complimentary drinks and chocolates while they shop. That’s why it’s important to find a pair that suits your face shape. Therefore, its time to cast aside the traditional aviators and indulge in a bigger bolder, brighter look this season. Loud, bold and funky - these attention-grabbing sunglasses are a rage this year.

Glam world

Less uxury for

Travel now and pay later. With loans readily available you can be holidaying anywhere anytime.

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hat is the one spot in this beautiful world of ours that you simply canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to visit? One of its exotic beaches? Or the ancient civilisations of Egypt, or Latin America? Perhaps the backwaters of Kerala closer home? Or is it the indoor skiing in Dubai? And if the only consideration keeping you from fulfilling your wanderlust is paucity of funds, fret not! For the solution is within easy reach. A plethora May 2013 106 www.spiceroutemag.com

Si d h u

of banks and holiday portals are vying to offer you the most suitable holiday loan for your requirements.

Loan it out At the click of a button, collaboration between a bank and a travel company will put the wheels in motion. Book your holiday today and pay in easy instalments. You have the option of

Glam world

A picturesque getaway

either calling the travel concern or submitting a form online. It’s as easy as one, two, three.

Within 24 hours a representative will call you for your preferred destination, draw up a budget for it and the bank representatives contact you for loan formalities. Once the paperwork is completed, the loan is approved in a short span of 24 hours. And voila, you are all set for those dreamy therapies at luxurious Himalayan spas! Or the tropical resorts of Colombo, even.

Once the paperwork is completed, the loan is approved in a short span of 24 hours

easy Eligibility if you are a salaried employee with a company on the bank’s list of approved organisations, a corporate employee, a self employed professional or pensioner, you are totally eligible. Eligible to hike the Great Wall of China; eligible to dine at the Burj Al Arab. All you are required to be is a resident Indian.

Since banks disburse loans only to residents of major cities–Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Baroda, Pune and Chandigarh–it’s a good idea to verify May 2013 108 www.spiceroutemag.com

from them if your city has been recently added to their list.

Anyone between the ages of 21 and 58 years may apply. A comfortable minimum annual salary of Rs.98,000/- for salaried and Rs.48,000/- for self employed professionals should be reflected in your income tax returns in order to apply.

Amount, tenure and rate of interest These loans are expressly provided for undertaking a journey, either in India or abroad, by bus, air or train; and to meet expenses incurred for a visa, boarding and lodging, sightseeing, excursions, pilgrimages. Depending on the bank, you may borrow as low as Rs.10,000/-, and up to Rs.5,00,000/-. A few banks allow a loan of Rs.10,00,000/- if liquid collaterals such as National Saving Certificates, Kisan Vikas Patra’s and Life Insurance Policies are provided.

Rate of interest varies from 12.75% to 16.75% for duration between 12 months to 48 months. The loan is paid via equated monthly instalments as

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The word “Anodyne” means pain relief and Anodyne® Therapy products are newly available in India, and are directly imported from the USA. These systems emit infrared light at a wavelength of 890 nm, resulting in increased circulation and pain relief. This treatment is drug-free, and can easily be delivered during a 30 minute office visit.

Fifteen (15) studies have been published in peer reviewed journals demonstrating the effectiveness of Anodyne® Therapy Systems specifically for symptoms of neuropathy, restless leg syndromme and for non healing wounds.

Anodyne® Therapy treats the cause of neuropathy and other conditions resulting in true relief. Also, this treatment reverses the dangerous loss of sensation that diabetic patients often experience for which there is no known drug treatment.

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Glam world

Travel to these exotic destinations for a luxurious, out of the world expereince.

It is imperative to purchase the right travel insurance for yourself and your family being one such factor. It can completely ruin your holiday mood to arrive in Guangzhou and learn that your baggage is, in fact, in Dubai.

mutually agreed upon by the bank and you. Small price to pay, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you think, for your dream holiday in, say, the Alps?

Documents required: Proof of identity such as voters card, driving licence, employee identity card, photo credit card. Proof of residence like electricity or phone bill, ration card, voter card.

Proof of finances: You will need a copy of latest bank statement and salary slip along with income tax returns for the last two years.

insurance - a must As you verify the cameraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s backup battery and charger are neatly in place, remember to tuck in one other essential: travel insurance. For many years, travel agents were afraid to bring up the subject of travel insurance for fear of losing the entire deal. Most people still take travel insurance lightly and never discuss the finer details with their agent.

It is imperative to purchase the right travel insurance for yourself and your family when travelling overseas. In case unforeseen events end up causing financial setbacks; baggage loss May 2013 110 www.spiceroutemag.com

Another money guzzler is a medical emergency. Picture this: an exhilarating canopy ride in the Amazonian jungles results in an allergic reaction from tropical flora. Hospitals will replace hotels. God forbid if you find yourself sans insurance in such an event. Read on to learn how you could easily prevent these horrific situations.

The nominal cost of travel insurance is calculated based on a number of factors such as the age of the insured, the travel destination, length of stay, type of cover and any pre-existing medical conditions. An existing annual medical policy does not cover medical emergencies while travelling.

Glam world

Travel insurance is your friend in need when emergencies strike at home or in a foreign land Reasons to buy travel insurance International travel insurance gives a comprehensive coverage to passengers against medical expenses overseas, hijack, baggage and travel delays, repatriations/evacuation to India, and loss of travel documents/passport besides the usual coverage. Some insurance even covers handbags.

Opt for a luxurious cruise holiday

1. Flight cancellation, either at the originating station or a connecting flight. You are reimbursed travel expenses related to train, ship, or flight delays.

2. Lost baggage with medicines. You need to have an emergency prescription filled. You can be covered up to 85 years without a medical check-up.

3. You need emergency cash and a replacement passport since your passport and wallet are stolen in a foreign land.

Ideally, reimbursement should be adequate to cover costs of getting a new passport right away.

4. You’re involved in an accident where adequate medical treatment is not available. You need medical evacuation to nearest medical centre. Personal accidents are covered for reimbursement in case of permanent disability or death when you are away from home.

5. Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt. You need your non-

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refundable expenses covered to get to your destination.

6. You have a medical emergency in a foreign country. Coverage for in/out patient hospitalization expenses along with hospitalization allowance.

7. A terrorist incident occurs in the city where you’re planning to visit and you want to cancel your trip.

8. A hurricane forces you to evacuate your resort, hotel or cruise.

“Travel insurance covers different features and it is up to you to choose and ensure you are adequately covered” says Mr Gajender Singh of Matchless Travels.

Do not let inevitable events ruin the entire getaway. Travel insurance is your friend in need when emergencies strike at home or in a foreign land. Get enough compensation to return home or cover forced expenses as, when and if they occur!

Well being

Healing

touch U

With lifestyle disorders creating a menace in most of our lives, the new age methods of knowing what lies ahead are fast gaining popularity.

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May 2013 114 www.spiceroutemag.com

ncertainty seems to be the buzz word in in today's fast paced world. Whether it is health condition, career prospects, relationships or life itself, no one can be sure of the exact status and where it's heading. Though there are many who

would love to live in the present, it is always beneficial to know symptoms of ill health if any.

While nail reading can easily tell you about any deficiency or early signs of any illness, the aura that your body emanates say something about you, your personality and your future.

Well being

Be aware of your aura Aura reading is an ancient tradition which has gained popularity in recent times. The aura reader by scanning the body with her/his hand can sense the aura of the person concerned. A personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well being is clearly indicated through ones aura. Aura reading also helps the reader sense who you really are. The reader gets to find out where you come from and what path you wish to choose to grow as a spirit.

The more uniform the energy distribution in the aura, the healthier and more balanced the person is. Aura therapy is a type of new age healing that detects and treat diseases by reading and correcting a person's aura. The aura reflects our health, mental activity and spiritual state. It also shows disease - often long before the onset of symptoms. We can learn to measure and enhance our auras with the help of therapists. The readings help identify energy blockages and rectify them through hand

movements of the therapist around the person concerned. They also help you get in touch with your own energy, to help you know the truth about yourself and make the best possible choices for yourself.

Nail it right Nail reading is an important part of observing the characteristic of an individual. The texture of your nails may also say something about your health. Nails that are grooved or pitted could indicate psoriasis, malnutrition or even a respiratory disease. Square nails (if your cuticle makes a square outline) foretell a future filled with happiness, even in the face of struggle. The ride may get bumpy, but your life will never be without joy. This fingernail trait reveals a person is shy, loving and a hard worker. However, a circular or gently curving outline to your finger nail would mean that your future success is in

The aura reflects our health, mental activity and spiritual state

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your own creativity. Be it music, inventions, art or innovative ideas at workplace, you can achieve financial security by putting your imagination to work. And people with long oval nail are usually secretive, wise and fiercely protective of friends and family. Knowing your personality trait can just be one part of nail reading, the other being a reflection of your health condition. For example, nails that have turned completely white may be a sign of liver disorder, and if the skin beneath your nails has turned red, it could indicate heart problems.

So one should keep a close watch at ones' nail and take proper precaution if it brings in signs of any health ailments.

Equipped with these practices one can make small alternations for a better living.â&#x20AC;&#x201A; The writer is a well known I-ching, Tarot cards, Feng Shui & Aura consultant.

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VA R A N A S I

Well being

Fitness

in style The new age workout options are sure to add zing to your moves.

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here is no alternative to exercising, let’s face it. It’s your body, so nobody else can work out for you to ensure that you reap the benefits. For those who love to sweat it out need no excuse but those who need an extra push to get moving can try out some of the latest techniques of calorie burning. Well one does not need to kill oneself at the gym trying to hit the treadmill and getting nowhere literally. When you are bored, obviously you will not have the energy to push yourself and giving it up will be the only option. It’s like a vicious circle, that will make you feel guilty of piling on weight and then you take a second

Well being

What makes Zumba special is the fact that it blends in the dance and aerobic elements through fun choreography try and a third one at the mundane workout options. All that is no more of a concern as we introduce you to the fun side of exercising…

Do the Zumba So you think you cannot dance? Doesn’t matter, here is Zumba to get you going. It is believed to trigger ultimate weight loss at any age. Now if that is not motivation enough then here is what you can look forward to, a popular Zumba instructor, Lavina V Khanna shares, “What makes Zumba special is the fact that it blends in the dance and aerobic elements through

fun choreography. So you can be doing the salsa, mambo, meringue, hip hop, bollywood and belly dancing back to back along with some exercise moves. It is like a non-stop party time and you sweat your way to fitness without feeling bored.”

You can get as innovative as possible and use fun props to add more zing to your upbeat mood. So coin belts, colourful dumbbells, elastic bands, scarves, handkerchiefs, bandanas and the likes can be some creative options. So

thrice a week of Zumba workout if you fit into your schedule for an hour after office, it will not only uplift your mood but make you feel relaxed at the same time, like no ‘Happy Hour’ would!

The Bouncy effect The essence of functional training is flexibility not only of the body but also of the equipments used. So choosing from a paraphernalia of equipments make the training more personalized and directed to people’s specific requirements. The exercise ball popularly known as the Swiss ball has a fun quotient of its own. One needs to pick one according to their height and enjoy the jerk free exercise comfort even in the corner of their home. Simply sitting on and bouncing or crawling over a swiss ball can be a great workout without feeling exhausted.

Wilson Xavier and Rutuja Modak are the founders of Step n Dance Academy that specializes in various forms of aerobics and dance forms apart from yoga. The studio is well lit with mirrored walls and colourful workout equipments like purple yoga mats, blue dumbbells, yellow, green and red swiss balls all around. Having been in this profession for almost two decades, Xavier shares, “Swiss ball is usually used as a part of Pilates and personal training mostly. I prefer to use it for my group classes as well, since people enjoy

May 2013 120 www.spiceroutemag.com

Well being

What is more intriguing is that the name 'hula' in fact came from the Hawaiian dance form of the 18th century

working out with balls. The bouncing automatically pumps up the energy level and makes even simple crunches or lunges more rhythmic. There is also a child like playful element that helps the mind to destress completely apart from increasing the flexibility of the body at the same time.”

Spin with Hula hoops It is interesting to know that hula hooping has been a kind of popular exercising as well as play from, since the 5th century back in ancient Greece. What is more intriguing is the fact that the name 'hula' in fact came from the Hawaiian dance form of the 18th century, that were based on strikingly similar hip movements. This equipment will inspire one to try out interesting acrobatic moves by just trying to balance one around the waist and spinning around for the fun of it. So you can simply pick a colourful one and try out some fun moves at a park or an open space, on your own. Training classes to learn hula hoop workout are widely available, so you can join one and learn the tricks of those acrobatic movements that you have always admired.

Well known wellness expert Namita Jain has trained a number of celebs and models as a part of beauty pageants apart from being the author of a number of books. She shares “Hula hoops are excellent for toning up the core and the back muscles. Anybody can take it up at any age and children learn it by themselves. The moves are a bit similar to belly dancing and I often conduct a few workshops for hula hoops.

One should however check for their medical conditions before getting on with it.”

Well, getting started is no longer a problem, now that you have a lot of choices to indulge in as far as new age work-out techniques are concerned. All that you need to do is simply take your pick. You can begin with one that excites you the most and then proceed to another form as the adrenaline rush gets the better of you!

May 2013 122 www.spiceroutemag.com

Culture canvas

Symphony in

silver

Characterized by silver inlay work on black metal, the Bidri art has a muted appeal unlike any other ornamental art.

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magine an ethereal pattern of silver brilliance etched on a smooth coal black background, decorated with delicate motifs that represent beauty at its best. Now, imagine an object of such grace adorning the interiors of your living room. And voila! Here is one conversation starter that is never going to disappoint you.

Welcome to the world of Bidri handicrafts.

An art that finds its origins in India way back to the early 13th-15th century, Bidri derives its name from Bidar; a town in the southern May 2013 126 www.spiceroutemag.com

Culture canvas

state of Karnataka. Iranian craftsmen who were invited by the Bahamani Sultans - the then rulers of Bidar – to decorate their palaces and courts collaborated with the local artisans to give birth to the unique metalware. Today, Bidar in Karnataka and Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh account for the majority of Bidriware production in India. A few other parts of the country, like Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh and Purnia in Bihar, too play host to this regal craft.

Esteemed as a symbol of wealth and stature, Bidri articles are in great demand in the international market as well.

Steps to Perfection Bidriware appears striking to the eye owing to its alluring contrast of “black & white”. The intricate design patterns embellishing the distinctive metalware are not easy to achieve and are the final result of a long, complex process which comprises several stages.

which lends it a transient black varnish, over which the artisans etch designs. Commonlyused motifs include asharfi-ki -booti, floral arabesques and intricately patterned leaves and creepers. Some traditional designs also feature the Persian Rose and Quranic verses.

Phooljali (flowering vine) work is quite popular and requires intricately detailed execution. All designs are drawn in freehand. The casting is now held fast in a vise and the process of engraving initiated. Artisans use small chisels to meticulously carve the design that has been etched on the piece. Thin wires or flattened strips made of pure silver are now carefully pounded into these engravings. This step requires a very adept hand and minute detailing. After getting rid of the temporary

The first step is to prepare a mould from soil, which has been rendered malleable through the use of castor oil and resin. The molten metal, which is an alloy of Copper and Zinc in the ratio of 1:16, is then poured into this mould. The resultant cast piece is now filed in order to smoothen its surface. It is then coated in a potent solution of Copper Sulphate

Various Bidri handicrafts to add that ethnic touch to your home decor

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sooty coating, the piece is now ready for the penultimate step of oxidizing. For this, only the soil from the shadowy areas of the Bidar Fort is used. A paste is prepared using this special loam mixed with Ammonium Chloride and water, and applied onto the article’s heated surface. The result is the metal taking on a jet black hue, while the resplendent silver inlay stays as it is. Consequent application of a lubricant, and polishing using a soft cloth, renders the article all gleaming and striking in its contrast of deep black and brilliant silver.

Range of Wares The elegant collector has a wide array of articles to choose from. These include decorative bowls, trays, boxes in all shapes and

Culture canvas

Intricately ornamented busts of Lord Buddha are hugely popular with buyers of this rare art sizes, statuesque decanters and surayis, hookah and hookah bases amidst others. Intricately ornamented busts of Lord Buddha are also hugely popular with buyers of this rare art.

regular buyer. Barring a few southern states which form the bedrock of this handicraft, Bidriware has become increasingly rare to find and purchase.

Jewellery articles and accessories are also fast carving their niche in the market for Bidriware. Dainty earrings, elaborate neckpieces, chic bangles and cufflinks have become hugely popular with the art-savvy younger generation. One look at the young crowd thronging a Bidri stall at Dilli Haat in the national capital will suffice any doubts you may have about the timeless appeal of this craft.

These small articles are also priced reasonably, with a pair of earrings costing anywhere in the range of `150-250, which makes them financially accessible to the average shopper.

Woefully the same cannot be said as regards the physical availability of this art form to the

The National Capital Region, which boasts of several state emporiums and handicraft galleries can lay claim to being the one place in the northern part of the country where one can find a sizeable range of this metalware. The cosmopolitan capital of Mumbai, on the other hand, stands in stark contrast with very limited awareness and availability of Bidriware in the city. The state of Karnataka seems to be doing its fair bit towards preservation of this ancient art form. The Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation (KSHDC) has taken initiatives to set up dedicated craft complexes where artisans are provided with all amenities in living-cum-work sheds. Raw materials are

Dainty earrings, elaborate neckpieces, chic bangles and cufflinks have become popular in the market of Bidriware

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also made available to them at a subsidized rate in order to ensure that rare arts like Bidri do not succumb to the evils of inflation. Other organizations like the Bidar Bidri Youth Mandal, which claims to be employing around 180 artisans under its wing as of now, are taking concrete steps to ensure this age-old craft is sustained for the years to come. In keeping with the present age, these organizations have also launched their e-commerce portals through which far-flung art aficionados can purchase Bidriware. An invaluable legacy that has been handed down the generations, Bidri craft is indeed worth all the effort that goes into creating these objects of shimmering splendor that are nothing short of beauty personified. More measures need to be taken in order to ensure that this handicraft finds its due place under the sun as one of Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most exotic and stunning cultural product.â&#x20AC;&#x201A;

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Return to

roots

Traditional fabrics in a contemporary form are fast gaining popularity.

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umpsuits inspired by saree drapes, urban dresses in tribal cloth and digitally printed lehenga skirts — young designers have reembraced their Indian heritage. Despite the invasion by western and fusion wear and new range of fabrics, certain traditional prints, weaves and materials still hold the old world charm for many fashion enthusiasts. Centuries - old art forms are finding new meanings as well as new buyers. Designers are indulging in wrapping traditional techniques in modern attire for the changing world.

Divita Kanoria, founder of The Vedic collection has launched a new concept of Herbal clothing and this collection is designed by well known designer Jatiin Kocchar and is called ‘Tatha Vastram’. The concept of Herbal Clothing is derived from the ancient Indian system of Vedic Healthcare. Herbal Clothing is made from 100% organic cotton fabric that has been permeated with special herbs and oils that promote health and treats various ailments depending upon the blends of embedded herbs and oils. Herbal Clothing helps restore balance within the body’s system and strengthens the immune system. This process is carefully and precisely controlled and monitored and no chemical process is adopted in dyeing and processing the fabric and no May 2013 132 www.spiceroutemag.com

machine processing is involved in its making.

Nearly all of the herbs used in the fabric are sourced from local tribal communities who gather these from the country’s rich forest areas and this sustains them economically.

Designer Jatiin Kocchar gives his take on giving a new look to traditional fabrics, “ I believe in the fact that you have to move on with time.

Old things and old habits are not relevant in today’s time but they possess their own relevance and essence, which can be used to create a whole new creation. People have changed their habits whether in terms of eating or clothing. It is important to maintain the traditional value without loosing the essence of the fabric. Cotton is the oldest fabric and you cannot sideline the fundamental nature of the fabric but by innovating we can enhance the integral essence of the fabric. Same thing has been done in our collection at ‘Tatha Vastram’ where we have given an innovative and new look to the traditional fabric cotton.”

Bina Rao, director and co-founder Creative Bee exclaims, “Revamping of traditional fabrics is a very sensitive task. I personally believe that a designer needs to be aware of the indigenous character of a particular textile and strive to preserve it while simultaneously negotiating contemporary style, concept or colour. To say

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Culture canvas

Clockwise from far left: The traditional lehenga in a new contemporary avtaar; Age-old fabric cotton infused with herbs; The linen blended Kanjeevaram.

that fashion trends change at a rapid pace is a tired cliche. Keeping this in mind, I still find it is very important to contemporize these ancient textiles, not only to popularize them but many a time to resuscitate some of them.”

Advancement in technology and changing fashion trends have resulted in the dying out of textiles which boasts of a timeless appeal.

Keeping this in mind, Advaya, a designer label from the House of Angadi, talks about reinventing the traditional Kanjeevaram in a new Avatar for the discerning audience. The linen blended Advaya Kanjeevarams with their sheer like translucence and matte look provides an understated elegance and sophistication quite unlike any other genre of handloom saris.

Sandhya Shah from the label Palanquine gives her take on the market for such garments, “The market is greatly available if it is packaged into what the current demand is. All these crafts

Recognized fashion designers are working hard to revive ‘the old art’ by giving them a new life and fabrics are unique, attractive and luxurious, which is something everyone in the country is looking at. We need strong statements to be made with such fabrics and crafts that can influence the new generation. For my new summer collection, I have used neon coloured brocades along with light-weight fabrics such as linen and cotton to make young and bright dresses, tops and tunics. There is a touch of Indian in the modern day outfit.”

Working on the same note, Ritu Kumar, the designer for O Layla says, “ We take previously May 2013 134 www.spiceroutemag.com

loved art, fabrics and handicrafts those which may be out of style now, and give them new purpose and new life, while still retaining the original character and sentimental value. O Layla’s signature line is re-invented glamorous version of ethically sourced village hand-crafts.”

In this era of globalization, it is important that our culture is not lost in transit. Therefore, one needs to revamp traditional fabrics to suit the needs of modern day women. Hence blending the traditional with the contemporary is inevitable and the need of the hour.

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Culture canvas

Colour charisma Colour, in essence has been a large part of the Indian consciousness but did you know each has a meaning to convey?

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ow often have you given a deeper thought to the colours that you are surrounded with, in your home or outside? Hardly ever, right! Colour is an integral part of all facets of life and richly imbued with a plethora of symbolic nuances. In India, colour and culture go hand in hand. Here are a few colours each telling you a different tale about Indian culture.

Festive red Weddings in India are like a glorious burst of May 2013 136 www.spiceroutemag.com

colours. Given the diversity of cultures and faiths, the actual wedding ceremony differs from region to region. Yet, most common elements are the colours red and gold that definitely stand out in every culture. An Indian wedding without the colour red is hard to imagine. Traditionally red, considered auspicious, has been the most popular choice for brides. A red sari, red bangles, and red alta (red coloured dye) on the brides feet are symbolic of purity and fertility. The groom

Culture canvas

Spiritual white attire worn by followers at Sabarmati ashram

Blue is considered a bold and safe colour, especially for male puts sindhoor (red vermillion powder) on the bride’s forehead as a promise of togetherness.

This red vermillion powder, used throughout India on all auspicious occasions, stands for fertility, prosperity and commitment.

Another symbol in a wedding is the kalash, a metal (mostly copper) pot, in which a coconut is placed. The red coloured pot represents mother earth; it signifies fertility the earth and the womb, which nurtures and nourishes life. As a final tribute to this most auspicious of colours, the bride dips her feet in red coloured water before stepping into her marital home (griha pravesh) and embarking on her new role.

Green keeps evil at bay Ancient India has a wide range of traditions and old wives tales that are carried through generations. There are fast track remedies for

everything; right from how to banish fear of death to treating common cold and cough in children. The ‘Nazar Battu’ is a dangler made with seven chillies and one lemon and is a common sight across India; be it shops, homes and even trucks. It is the most widely used combination to keep evil at bay. Ever wondered what does it really represent? The two tastes that chillies and lemon bring; the hot and sour connote the avoidable extremities that one may face in life. Seven chillies represent every day of the week. It’s a sort of kitchen remedy that is accessible to ward off the unwanted extremities.

Sacred blue & spiritual white From spiritual beliefs to modern day applications, blue has evolved to symbolize the past and present in equal measures. In India, the past goes as long back as the mythological era where the colour got associated with Lord May 2013 138 www.spiceroutemag.com

Shiva and the avataars of Vishnu as their body colour. Legend has it that Lord Shiva, drank poison that came out of the ocean during its churning by the Gods and Demons in order to save the Earth. Hence Lord Shiva is always depicted in blue body colour. Consequently, blue also stands for immortality and heroism, which is apparent in the attire of a Sikh warrior sect – the Nihangs. And in modern day corporate dressing too, blue is considered a bold and safe colour, especially for male.

The colour white mostly has two connotations; one of purity and the other being spirituality. In India where bright and vibrant colours are part of celebrations, fertility, protection and even religion, white is mostly associated with renunciation or lack of worldliness. This is evident in the attire worn by saints or monks in many parts of the country. Considered as the colour of purity and devotion in some Asian cultures, white is a part of the attire worn during prayer for peace of mind and clarity of conscience. Higher enlightenment is also personified through white. Indian goddess of knowledge Saraswati, is always depicted wearing white and sitting on

Top: Colours of Asia displaying different wedding attires; Left: The traditional Indian bride displaying the symbolic colours red and gold

a white lotus. Mahatma Gandhi, considered as the father of Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s freedom struggle, started the practice of wearing hand woven white cloth as a mark of purity, simplicity and truth.

Golden glow India, geographically is blessed with abundant natural sunlight, which has become the source of inspiration for most reverential acts. Light and its various hues are treated like a divine glow, which is either received with great respect or offered as a humble prayer.

This offering could be in the form of scores of lamps lit together or beautiful marigold garlands or as simple as yellow turmeric powder thrown in jubilant devotion.

Since gold as a precious metal is held in high esteem in almost all Asian cultures, it is considered to be the most earnest offering one can make to the supreme power. It is not a rarity to find entire temples covered and decorated ornately with gold.

In a country as diverse and culturally vibrant as India, it is perhaps the common, simple expressions of colour that hold together the multitudes of outlooks, lifestyles, and traditions. The symbolism of colour stands out and controls every aspect of life in India, be it religion, politics, festivals, or celebrations. â&#x20AC;&#x201A; With inputs from Ashwini Deshpande, director, Elephant Design.

Good samaritans

Changing lives

With a comprehensive programme aimed at changing the face of an urban slum….Its’s makeover time for Nizamuddin basti.

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ill a few years back, the urban village of Nizamuddin Basti, surrounding the dargah of revered Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, was like any other typical urban slum – cluttered and chaotic with skeletal facilities for heath, education, sanitation and socioeconomic development for its residents. But it all changed when Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), came forward with a unique initiative to slowly change the face of Nizamuddin Basti.

The trust aimed at a multi-layered approach to urban renewal -– combining conservation of historical legacy, improvement of quality of life for the residents and instilling a sense of pride May 2013 142 www.spiceroutemag.com

among people about the rich cultural repository of the locality.

Cultural Crusaders Founded in 1988, the AKTC is a registered private philanthropic foundation based in Geneva. It is a part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a family of institutions created by His Highness The Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary spiritual leader of Shia Ismaili Muslims, to improve the condition of people in countries in the developing world.

One of the most significant cultural

Good samaritans

makeover TIME Nila Gumbad Isa Khan’s Garden Tomb Batashewala Complex Sundar Nursery Monuments Hazrat Nizamuddin Baoli Chausath Khamba

projects of AKTC India had been the restoration of the Garden of Humayun’s Tomb, the most famous of the medieval age Islamic buildings dotting the Nizamuddin heritage complex. The project, which was initiated in 1997, was aimed at revitalizing the lawns, pathways, fountains and water channels of the “paradise garden” surrounding the tomb. The USD 650,000 restoration project had featured planting of 12 hectares of lawn, re-setting and alignment of over 3,500 kilometres of path kerbstones, creation of 128 ground-water recharge pits, de-silting and creation of other wells, creation of a site exhibition, planting of 2,500 trees and repair of fountains.

“Building on the success of the project, in 2007, the AKDN signed an agreement with the Archaeological Survey of India,

Restoration work taking place in full swing

the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Central Public Works Department for an urban renewal project. The initiative has led to the conservation of over 30 monuments, work towards creating a 100-acre city park by landscaping the Sundar Nursery-Batashewala Complex and a string of socio-economic endeavors in the densely-populated area,” says Ratish Nanda, Project Director of Humayun’s Tomb-Sunder Nursery-Nizamuddin Basti Urban Renewal Initiative of the AKTC. The main focus of the conservation works was on the use of traditional tools, materials and building techniques. Among the key facets of conservation of the mausoleum and attached structures, such as the gateways, pavilions and enclosure walls, were repairing the sandstone platforms, replacing 20th century cement flooring with original stone paving and restoring glazed tiles to the canopies.

Holistic approach Simultaneously, the project prioritized socio-economic initiatives aimed at holistic development of the quality of life for residents.

“The project hopes to create a model for sustainable development of India’s historic city centres. Towards this objective, conservation works are coupled with education, health, May 2013 144 www.spiceroutemag.com

sanitation, urban improvement, culture initiatives,” says Nanda. Like any new venture, there was initial suspicion amongst stakeholders but with constant dialogue, suspicion was transformed into support for project activities, he says.

“At the municipal primary school, the programmes aimed at providing quality education to the children. Major renovations of the school building had been coupled with faculty development, the placement of community teachers and improved school management, which led to increased enrolment and attendance. Street computer kiosks have been set up to ensure improved access to computers,” he says.

Other aspects of the socio-economic improvement were carrying out of over 55000 free-of-cost tests at the pathology laboratory set up at the municipal polyclinic, establishment of a community health programme which employs 50 workers trained from the Basti to identify vulnerable individuals and ensure that they access required health facilities and the preparation of a landscaping scheme for increased utilization of neighbourhood parks which were once occupied by rag-pickers and drug dealers. Two community toilets have

Good samaritans

Two community toilets have been built providing a clean and safe facility, especially for women been built providing a clean and safe facility, especially for women, separate bathing and washing areas and child-friendly seats.

Emphasizing on the need for vocational training opportunities, he says a career development centre has now been established to prepare youth for the retail sector and computer related professions. For those with no prior education, courses in the building crafts, hospitality and service industry are organised. Over 600 youth have already been trained. Over 400 women have been trained in crafts such as tailoring and embroidery, Nanda adds. Sprawl

Future Plans Asked about the future initiatives, Nanda says, “Through empowerment of the local

community by providing training opportunities, the project aims to make the socio-economic activities self sustainable. We realize this will take many more years.”

Intensified efforts are also on for cultural revival in the area with special focus on documenting and disseminating the works of 13th century legendary poet-composer Hazrat Amir Khusrau Dehlavi, whose tomb lies in the dargah complex. The Trust has been holding ‘Jahan-e-Khusrau’ festivals to promote the Sufi musical tradition. It has also organized “Aapna Basti” fairs to highlight the skils of the youngsters of the area and to create a sense of community involvement in the project.

“The work of AKTC has led to visible improvement in Nizamuddin. Cases in point

Socio economic initiatives undertaken for holistic development of the residents

May 2013 146 www.spiceroutemag.com

are the renovation of Ghalib’s tomb and relaying of path along the by-lanes. However, there are areas which need attention, such as a crackdown on donation-seeking which cause problems for visitors to the dargah and the shifting of butchers from the surrounding locality which is a necessity in view of the fact that people from all religions visit the tomb,” opines Quamar Ashraf, a journalist who has seen the change in the last 10 years.

Benefactors of help Major national and international donors such as the Tata Trusts, Ford Foundation, World Monuments Fund, and US Embassy to fulfill the project objective have supported AKTC, the Project Director says. “Through civil society engagement the project can be replicated country-wide. We have demonstrated that culture is an effective tool for development,” asserts Nanda.

Among other initiatives of AKTC is the USD one million Aga Khan Award for Architecture, given every three years. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage and the Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, Ahmedabad are also contributing to a venture through partnerships with another AKTC programme, ArchNet. ArchNet is an Internet-based global community of architects, planners and educators developed by the AKTC in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Its central goal is to provide an extensive, globally accessible on-line resource focusing on architecture and urban development.

For more information please visit www.akdn. org; Email: info@nizamuddinrenewal.org.

Good samaritans

Health for all

Wellness classes are selling like hot cakes, but what makes this organisation special is the fact that it has taken wellness to those who canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay for it.

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oga in modern world is chiefly associated with the elite, urban and rich western mat-toters who either think about a toned body or consistently lowering their stress level. But in real sense it is technique for all, perhaps more for the poor so that they can stay warm while spending the night in tattered shelters, easing the pain in their body from a hard lifestyle, calming themselves when they might otherwise get into a fight and most importantly achieving fitness and health without spending money.

May 2013 148 www.spiceroutemag.com

its benefits For people who cannot afford any luxury even when it comes to their well being, there is a group of yoga and naturopathy volunteers, who visits houses of several labourers and also organizes free camps in areas across Delhi and NCR to teach them ways to remain healthy and fit. A team of experts teach these workers relaxation techniques, which is a combination of meditation, breathing exercises, yogasanas, naturopathy and ayurvedic treatments, when no other therapy works for them. Their sole

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Experts teach the workers meditation and breathing excercises intension is to help people get rid of their pains and ailments and provide them moral support without charging any money. Camps are organised by a team comprising Bharat Arya and the father-daughter duo of Dr Brijender Singh Arya and Dr Sujata Arya who help their patients with health tips.

“My tummy was bloating and my waist size had become 38-40. But with the help of pranayam and a few yogasanas I have reduced my waist size to 35-36 in just two months. I did not also have to make any changes in my food habits,” said an excited 36-year-old Narendra Singh Negi, who originally hails from Uttranchal and works with a garment export company.

Another beneficiary, Chandra is a housewife.

“My one kidney had completely failed and another was working with only 20 per cent efficiency. Doctors told me a kidney transplant,

costing Rs10-15 lakh, was the only option. But my son discovered Bharatji’s yoga camp and he treated me only with Ayurvedic medicines, naturopathy treatments and kapalbhati pranayam. I am feeling absolutely fit since last six months now,” said the 45-year-old. Hansa Kumari, who has not studied beyond middle school, was under trauma after doctors told her that she might be suffering from a ailment when she went to show her three lumps behind ear, neck and chin. “But remedies from the yoga camp of Bharatji helped dissolve my lumps and I am feeling much better now.”

Help at doorstep The vedic meditation sessions were “better than lunch and napping”, says all those who have attended camps from time to time. Some others say the programme’s results took effect “almost immediately”. Bharat, who is a brain behind the NGO ‘Arya Yog Sansthan’, said it was simply a matter of listening to labourers’

Yoga brings a healthy life for the economically weaker section

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problems and using easy remedies to fix them because “I don’t have money to spend on them neither my patients have it to give me.

So I use my knowledge of yoga, pranayam and Ayurvigyan shastra to treat people. I have worked under Dr Brijender Singh Arya, who runs a naturopathy center at Palwal, for a few years and his daughter Dr Sujata Arya helps me at the camp”.

A master of ashtanga yogasanas, Bharat Arya, had also worked with Baba Ramdev for 3-4 years and learned pranayama techniques under him. “The idea of helping the economically weaker section is what appealed to me most. I want to build a healthy world without expensive allopathy drugs and through indigenous techniques. That is why my camps are for all beyond caste, creed, class, religion and region.” Starting from 10 people a few years back, today his camps cater to thousands of people.

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Spotlight/education

Emergence of

professional education Today India’s youth have acquired a keener appreciation of professional education than in the past, thus making the country an important player in the emerging knowledge economy.

T

he confusion starts just after one completes Class XII. After years of structured education one has to choose a line or course which goes on to decide the person’s career and life in general. Often the option you are looking for isn’t available and sometimes you May 2013 154 www.spiceroutemag.com

don’t know which course is best for you. This is perhaps the most challenging choice that one has to make. It may not be the most difficult phase but it would certainly rank in the top three nerve-wracking time frames for anyone looking back at how their life has panned out.

Spotlight/education

Why choose professional education?

Mr. Ashok Mittal, Chancellor, Lovely Professional University

The aim of education is not only to make a person literate, education should be self supporting. In the view of Mahatma Gandhi, ‘Literacy in itself is no education’. Education should help a person become self dependent.

This has increased the importance of technical and professional education. The country which is strong in technical education becomes economically sound and developed.

Professional education helps a person to become self dependent and getting employed in any related sector instead of depending on the government to provide him employment.

Now a days, many institutes are providing technical and professional courses in our country. To make the decision easier, we list May 2013 156 www.spiceroutemag.com

down a few institutes which offer various courses across India.

Lovely Professional University Lovely Professional University is India’s Largest University in terms of On-Campus students with 600 acres campus, 25,000 plus students studying in 200+ programs offered at Doctorate, Post Graduation, Graduation and Diploma level. Some of the major fields in which programs are offered by the University are Engineering, Business Administration, Computer Applications, Pharmacy, Architecture, Performing Arts, Agriculture, Hospitality Management, Mass Communication & Film Production, Interior Design, Nutrition & Dietetics.

Spotlight/education

Dr. OP Agarwal, MD, NIET.

The status of accreditation amply proves the quality of teaching we have been imparting LPU believes that in order to take a high flight, the Indian economy need not only a vast army of hard working professionals, but a big mass of people capable of creating wealth. That is possible through giving a push to ‘Entrepreneurial Spirit’ amongst the young generation, and for that the University has started a separate ‘Entrepreneurship Cell’ for its students. To promote entrepreneurship, LPU has come up with ‘University Incubation Centre’ and live projects in form of entrepreneurship projects, business analysis, making new business plans and conducting surveys, which form a part of the course curriculum.

With nearly 6000+ placements, LPU has strived to get placements for students in 300+ global super brands like IBM, Infosys, HCL, Bharti Airtel, Accenture, Nokia, Siemens, Indian Army, Indian Navy, HDFC Bank, Union Bank of India. The University has earned distinction from the most trusted names in professional education with A++ ranking to its Management Institute. A national daily has ranked it as the 6th best Engineering Private University from North Zone. Zee News has ranked LPU as 11th Best Universities in Placement and as one of the Best for Study Environment.

May 2013 158 www.spiceroutemag.com

Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology With a state-of-the-art infrastructure including a multistoried air conditioned library, air conditioned Central Computer Lab, well furnished WiFi campus, air cooled hostels for boys & girls and separate departmental laboratories equipped with modern instruments, NIET proves to be a centre of excellence in terms of professional technical education.

“Education deficits can hinder a society in isolation, but in a globalized world these deficits can be even more detrimental to a country’s economy and development. By merging many national markets into one global market, globalization increases the competitive pressures faced by individuals, companies, and societies. Technical education has been a vital component of the successful globalized progress”, says Dr. OP Agarwal, MD, NIET. He further adds, “In this technical era the technocrats can be proved to be better asset for the development of the country if they are boosted up with quality technical education. I believe that competition is more of an opportunity than of threat. It instills hard work and a leeway to look for fresh realities of the world, therefore, competitive world is a level playing field for those who trust their own confidence. Action speaks louder than words and we are a recent instance to this maxim. We have also been awarded the status of accreditation in three core branches of engineering such as Computer Science, Electrical & Electronics and Electronics & Communication Engineering. The status of accreditation amply proves the quality of teaching we have been imparting.”

Spotlight/education

A holistic approach towards education has lead DIT to excellent placements in quality as well as in numbers Dehradun Institute of Technology With a rich heritage spanning over 15 years, Dehradun Institute of Technology (DIT Dehradun), flagship of the Unison group, is famous for its under graduate and post graduate programs and academic excellence.

The infrastructure, facilities, teaching methodologies and academic rigour make sure that DIT retains a special place in the academic landscape of northern India and in the hearts of those who live, study and teach here. In recognition of its exemplary performance, the State Government of Uttarakhand recently accorded DIT Dehradun the status of a May 2013 160 www.spiceroutemag.com

University; which has further been recognized by the UGC. This makes all our programs and degrees globally recognized, be it corporate, academics or government sector.

An educational oasis located in the peaceful and pristine greens of Doon Valley, DIT is a goldmine of opportunities for students. The programs have been developed in collaboration with leading industry professionals and academic stalwarts to ensure relevant content, to best prepare the students, for the workplace. Limited intakes in each of our programs ensure that the quality of each program is monitored closely. A holistic approach towards education has lead DIT to excellent placements in quality as well as in numbers making it outstanding year after year.

With an impressive array of facilities such as theater style lecture halls, modern labs, conference and seminar halls, high- tech Learning Resources Center, airy student residences, mess serving wholesome meals, indoor and outdoor sport facilities and a state-

Spotlight/education

of-the-art IT Center, DIT is a well proven route to future success.

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India With a vision “To be a global leader in promoting Good Corporate Governance”, ICSI is the only recognized professional body in India to develop and regulate the profession of Company Secretaries in India. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India awards the certificate of bestowing the designation of Company Secretary(CS) to a candidate qualifying for the membership of the Institute.

Recently, The Institute of Company Secretaries

ICSI is the only recognized professional body in India to develop and regulate the profession of Company Secretaries in India

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of India (ICSI) presented the 12th ICSI National Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance for promoting good governance amongst Indian corporates. Hon’ble Mr. Justice M.N Venkatachaliah, Former Chief Justice of India was the Chief Guest and Mr. Chris Pierce, CEO, Global Governance Services Ltd .was the key note speaker. The Chief Guest presented the award to two best governed companies, namely the Indian Oil Corporation Limited and HCL Technologies Limited. The Company Secretaries of Awardee Companies, CS Raju Ranganathan, Company Secretary, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., & CS Manish Anand, Company Secretary, HCL Technologies Ltd., were also honoured for their contribution in adhering to good corporate governance practices. Certificate of Recognition for Excellence in Corporate Governance were presented to other top five companies namely CMC Limited, Engineers India Limited, ONGC Limited Persistent Systems Limited and Powergrid Corporation of India Limited.

Spotlight/education

Institute of Management Studies, Ghaziabad

Dr. C.S. Nagpal,

Director IMS, Ghaziabad

IMS aims to develop the institution into a world class center for Management, Information Technology, Tourism, International Business, Bioscience and other emerging related areas.

With an orientation towards global thinking, their program builds management initiative, responsibility and discipline. The faculty is encouraged to consult for industry and contributes to contemporary research, while the students are encouraged to relate it to the current business practices. Education at

Education at the Institute has a well-rounded international perspective that imparts management skills and qualities to meet global needs

May 2013 164 www.spiceroutemag.com

the Institute has a well-rounded international perspective that imparts management skills and qualities to meet global needs. IMS is prepared to avail global opportunities for furthering its objectives in the near future.

Director of IMS, Ghaziabad Dr. C.S. Nagpal suggests some steps to be taken to create a Higher Education model that may work for India. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a starting point, the regulatory system should be overhauled to make the sector more appealing to private investors; but regulation at the same time also needs to be made more robust and focused on the student experience and educational outcomes and less on buildings and infrastructure. Public investment should be directed towards both the top and the bottom, thereby supporting excellence in research and teaching in select national institutions, which is already happening, but also to support those colleges which directly serve the new demand.

Market-based solutions work perfectly for an aspiring middle class and the government should withdraw its subsidies and allow private For-profit universities to open in India, which will greatly expand high quality provision and establish a cost-to-outcome link resulting from such market-led institutions.â&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;&#x201A;

Gadget guru

Make life easier

Finding the right gadgets for kids and the elderly can greatly ease our worries.

Here are some gadgets, especially for them WORDS

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A s h is h

Bhat ia

Polar FT7 Heart Rate Monitor In this day and age you don’t have to go all the way to a doctor each time you want to get your blood pressure checked. Worn on the wrist like a watch, the FT7 is capable of continuously monitoring your heart rate. Your heart rate is measured by sensors embedded in the wrist strap and displayed as beats per minute (BPM) or as percentage of the maximum heart rate. No additional sensors need to be placed anywhere else on the body. The FT7 reports more BP alone. Its fitness measuring functionality also calculates and displays the number of calories you burn during exercise as well as the duration of the activity. Further, it syncs all this data to your PC for analysis. Oh yes, it also functions as a regular watch too.

Specs: Backlight display, button-free operation of wrist unit, reports current heart rate, calories burnt during exercise time, date and duration, stores 99 entries (max), water resistant (50m), display in English, German along with dual time zone.

Price: `9,500

Microsoft Wedge Mobile Keyboard

Griffin Crayola MyPhones One look at this bright and attractive pair of headphones is enough to tell you that they are intended for youngsters. But what even a second look won’t tell you is the prime raison d’etre behind these earphones. They have been specially crafted with built-in volume-limiting circuitry that keeps the sound volume down to levels recommended as safe for young ears (at 85 decibels). Since MyPhones have been designed for children they can be adjusted to snuggly fit the heads of kids of varying age groups. Kids can also customize this sturdy and durable pair of sound muffs to their personal taste as they come with stickers.

Specs: 85 decibel max volume level, recommended for children age 3 and above, durable and 3 Crayola markers included.

Price: `2,000 May 2013 166 www.spiceroutemag.com

While tablets are steadily edging laptops into the background, there’s no denying that the later have a distinct advantage over these smaller, all-touch friendly upstarts when it comes to typing. You can type much faster and more accurately using a regular physical keyboard. The immensely portable wireless Microsoft Wedge Mobile Keyboard is the perfect solution to mitigate this liability while using a tablet. Compatible with Windows, iPad, and most Android tablets, the Bluetooth-enable keyboard comes with multi-purpose cover that not only powers down device when snapped on, but also metamorphoses into a tablet prop stand. The keyboard also features convenient Windows 8 Hot Keys and media to speed up access and help your productivity.

Specs: Wireless Bluetooth, Android, Apple iOS, Windows 8, upto 16.4 ft operating distance, hot function keys: Volume, Next track, Previous track, Play/pause, 236gm keyboard.

Price: `4,935

Gadget guru

iBall Senior Aasaan Touchscreen smartphones may be the rage, but using them is not all that convenient--especially for senior citizens. While it may not be a smartphone, the inexpensive iBall Senior Aasaan offers everything that the elderly could ask for. It offers a large keypad and buttons for easy access and visibility, big onscreen fonts, louder sound output, as well as an Emergency SOS button.

Pressing the SOS button activates a siren to alert people in the vicinity. At the same time, an SMS is automatically sent to 5 predefined numbers. Subsequently, the iBall Senior

Phone starts calling these numbers one by one until the call is answered. If the call remains unanswered, the entire loop gets repeated three times. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re constantly hassled about leaving an aging loved one alone, this could well be the perfect solution to your worries.

Specs: 1.65-inch orange monochrome LCD display with large characters, 2G network support, emergency SOS button, built in LED flashlight and 3.5mm audio out.

Price: ` 2,889

SatGuide Child Phone Worried about sending your little one off to school or on school outings? A SatGuide Child Phone will help you get some peace of mind.

Unlike a regular phone, the SatGuide Child phone offers unique features designed to track/ locate a kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s whereabouts via the Internet, a call centre or an SMS message. So not only can you call and talk to your child at any point of time, but you can also know his/her geographic location at all times. In an emergency your

May 2013 168 www.spiceroutemag.com

child can contact you at the press of a single button which generates an SOS SMS message with geographic location information to a preconfigured number, along with a voice call so that appropriate and immediate action can be initiated.

Specs: GSM frequencies 900/1800/1900MHz, no display screen, schedule tracking available at www.sattracx.com., CE certified product for children usage.

Price: `4,990

Silver screen

Films releasing in

May 2013 Upcoming Bollywood caper Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani As the name suggests, film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is about the passionate youth. It is the story of the modern relationship complications that are played out by two characters, Bunny (Ranbir Kapoor) and Naina (Deepika Padukone). They showcase two different phases of their lives.

First, when they are just out of college and then in their late 20s caught on the crossroads of a lot of decisions making that will shape their future. Colourful as every Bollywood movie promises to be, this much awaited romantic drama is already making waves with interesting dance numbers like- “Batameez Dil maney na….”

BOLLYWOOD

Shootout at Wadala Release date: May 1 Cast: John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, Ronit Roy, Manoj Bajpayee, Kangna Ranaut Director: Sanjay Gupta

Bombay Talkies

Release Date: May 31 Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone Director: Ayan Mukerji

Upcoming Hollywood caper Fast and Furious 6 For the regular movie buffs, this latest version of the Fast and Furious series is going to prove even more exciting. Those who already know the ongoing story, post the events of fast and the Furious 5, the professional criminal Dominic Toretto and his crew are unable to return to their home country, due to their criminal history. Now Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) agent Luke Hobbs is forced to offer the crew a deal which is that he will give them all full pardons for their crimes only if they will help him to crack down a lethally skilled mercenary organization that is led by a criminal mastermind.

Release date: May 24 Cast: Chris Morgan (screenplay);

Release date: May 3 Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor Directors: Anurag Kashyap, Karan Johar,Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee

go goa gone Release date: May 10 Cast: Saif Ali Khan, Kunal Khemu,Vir Das,Puja Gupta Director: Raj Nidimoru, Krishna D.K. Holly wood

Epic 3D

Release date: May 24 Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Josh Hutcherson, Beyoncé Knowles Director: Chris Wedge

The Hangover Part II Release date: May 24 Cast: Craig Mazin, Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis Director: Todd Phillips

Now You See Me

Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Luke Evans, Joe Taslim, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Gina Carano Director: Justin Lin (director)

April 2013 170 www.spiceroutemag.com

Release date: May 31 Cast: Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec Director: Louis Leterrier

by Sayanti Banerjee

Book shelf

Interesting reads The Hit Author of thrillers like The Innocent and Zero Day, David Baldacci is back with his latest offering The Hit, which is steeped in action. The story moves through different countries; from America, to Canada and the Middle East giving an exciting twist at every corner. The trap is set. A killer is sent to catch another killer. And this is just the beginning of the long saga of unending excitement.

Author: David Baldacci Publication House: Pan Macmillan India Price: `550 THE HOMING PIGEONS You will not find many books with double protagonists, but first-time novelist Sid Bahri has done a fantastic job of this. The Homing Pigeons pitch completely different characters together and that chance meeting at the bar changes the lives of both Aditya and Radhika. Aditya is penniless while Radhika is a widow with ample wealth at her disposal; one can only read on to find how their lives moves through lust, greed and much prejudices.

The flashbacks at times get a little confusing.

Author: Sid Bahri Publication House: Srishti Price: `150 PILGRIMAGE TO A MYSTERIOUS WORLD Kusum Ansal’s latest book is a compilation of spiritual poems and comprises of nearly 36 six poems. The essence of each poem is depicted with a pictorial hand painting making it further interesting to the reader. This book truly sketches the author’s quest to know the very being of the God Almighty. In her journey to seek the presence of God, she gets involved in a series of dialogue with her own self . It is through these dialogue that the author speaks out to every reader.

Author: Kusum Ansal Publication House: Roli Books Price: `795 The Other Side of Light Shortlisted for the prestigious Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, The Other Side of Light opens a new world for its readers. From the protagonist chasing her passion then finding a new beginning all over again. The book makes the reader travel through the protagonist’s experiences as well as the changing scenario in India. We also end up getting a glimpse of the Emergency and the 1984 riots. Makes for an interesting read.

Author: Mishi Saran Publication: HarperCollins Price: `250

May 2013 172 www.spiceroutemag.com

Kids corner

Get, Set, Go!

When summer gets going its time to escape with little ones even if it is for just a day.

WORDS

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Pall av i

Si n g h

May 2013 174 www.spiceroutemag.com

W

ho does not like taking a break from oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daily routine and spending a day out with friends or family? All the more so when the schools are closed and parents do not have enough time to go out of station. Outing could be in the form of a trek, a jungle safari, visit to an adventure park, waterfalls, zoological park, museum, or even a monument of historical importance. Of course, its more fun if one is going to an outside destination, say to a place like Agra from Delhi, even if it is just for a day.

To me the idea of getting oneself and the kids

,9769071673

Kids corner

As a mother with kids who love wildlife, a visit to the Zoo is an interesting option

ready, packing goodies and going on a ride, which I would like to term a fun ride with family is my idea of a day well spent, a perfect holiday. The hustle and bustle of life hardly leaves any of us enough time to spend in the company of our loved ones. A family day out is a perfect way to spend some quality time with each other. The rarity of the occasion makes it all the more special.

DELHI Living in the capital city of course gives us lots of options for outing. Come weekend and our extended family gets into the act of preparing goodies, packing games, mats, jugs, water containers, lots of munchies, music

system, etc., into the car before heading to either Nehru Park near Hotel Ashoka in Chanakyapuri, or maybe to Lodhi Garden for a day picnic. Other options are Jamali Kamali, a place with history attached to it. A visit to the Red Fort, Old Fort, the sprawling lawns of India Gate or Qutab Minar, the newly renovated Humayunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tomb are options for family who love to relive history. As a mother with kids who love wildlife, a visit to the Zoological Park is an interesting option. I also frequently take my children out on a drive of Lutyens Delhi, stop at the National Museum for an educational trip. A visit to the Doll Museum can take you down memory lane, kids simply love it. Aapno Ghar Water Activity Park on the NH8 Highway May 2013 176 www.spiceroutemag.com

is a place kids will adore. My seven-year-old son loves to discover the planetary system and for him a visit to the Nehru Planetarium is an eye opener and much relished. Taruwar, my elder son, freaks out on wildlife and when we are not going to Jim Corbett we take them to the Museum of Natural History, which has a sculpted dinosaur at the entrance. Our rendezvous ends with a wholesome meal at the Bengali Market comprising of golguppas, chaat and all those Bengali sweets. Must say my day is made.

MUMBAI Mumbaikars have their share of places that they love to hang out. A visit to the Gateway of India can be followed by a boat journey to the Elephanta Caves, which boasts of about 5-7

Kids corner

caves, trip to which is a journey back in time, to a time when art, faith and mysticism reigned supreme. These sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri, literally “the city of caves” in Mumbai Harbour, consists of two groups of caves—the first is a large group of five Hindu caves, the second, a smaller group of two Buddhist caves. Other interesting places include the Karla and Bhaja Caves nestled in the hills of Lonavala. Just outside Karla Caves, the Ekvira Temple is visited by thousands of devotees, mainly the fisher folk.

For those who want to escape the humidity of Mumbai, Matheran, 90 kms away is a good choice. Matheran is interestingly also India’s smallest hill station and an ideal weekend getaway for the family. The place is not only noted for its serenity given that vehicles are not allowed here, there are around 38 designated look-out points in Matheran, including the Panorama Point that provides a 360 degree view of the surrounding area and also the Neral

town. From this point, the view of sunset and sunrise is breathtaking. The twin hill resorts of Khandala and Lonavala find favour with the Mumbaikars seeking a convenient weekend holiday in the hills. A mere three hours by road from Mumbai, the beautifully landscaped Lonavala and Khandala are famous for their seemingly innumerable varieties of chikki.

But they also offer many sites worth visiting.

Trekking is a good way to get around, but having a vehicle even a bicycle is still better.

Some of the other attractions include the Bhushi Dam, Valvan Dam, Kaivalyadhama Yoga Hospital, Duke’s Nose, Ryewood Park and the Tiger’s Leap.

KOLKATA If Kolkata is where you stay, head to the Science City, the largest Science Centre in India barely 10 kms away. Falta, a place where the British took refuge after Nawab Siraj -Ud - Daulah captured Kolkata is a good place to May 2013 178 www.spiceroutemag.com

Kids corner

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology is a must see

BANGALORE Bangaloreans have the option of going to the historic and the most amazing Mysore City Palace, or the Mysore Zoo, a place I loved as a kid. Alternatively, visit the temple on the Nandi Hills. The drive is breathtaking. But, one certainly can’t give the Vrindavan Gardens a skip - the colourful fountains, the roses and the diversified hues of flowers and the landscaping is sure to leave all mesmerised. A must visit venue if you are in Mysore.

visit too. Digha alternatively known as the ‘Brighton of the East’ is a popular beach where one can watch the sunrise and sunset as well safely swim in the calm and shallow waters.

Diamond Harbour located in the southern suburbs of Kolkata is an exciting day out or a weekend tour. Located within driving distance from the pulsating metropolis of Kolkata, the Chintamani Kar Bird Sanctuary is the haven of huge varieties of butterflies, birds, ferns, epiphytes and orchids. Chandannagar, about 44 kms from Kolkata, located in the Hooghly district is famous for its French connection, its historical buildings, Jagatdhatri Pujo, the Ghats and the famous Jalbhara sweets.

CHENNAI If you live in the South of India, in Chennai, then Marina Beach is a must visit spot. Dakshin Chitra, an open-air, real-time museum as well as a popular cultural centre giving you a glimpse of art and craft, lifestyle, music and dance of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu is a must visit spot - a place that combines learning with fun. Alternatively if animal world fascinates you, don’t miss The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology, one of the largest reptile zoos in the world. Home to over 2500 reptiles the place provides visitors an opportunity to have an interactive experience with the

May 2013 180 www.spiceroutemag.com

various denizens at the zoo. For outdoor nature enthusiasts, the spacious Croc Bank grounds are covered by luxuriant coastal dune forest and provide a haven for native wildlife, including large breeding colonies of water birds and a secure nesting beach for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.

HYDERABAD I have lived in Hyderabad so I can’t miss out on this city-my favourite in India. You can head to the famous Charminar in Old city, a place where you cannot only do sightseeing, but can also shop for pearls, black metal products, bangles, a lot of zing bang. Watch women involved in frantic shop-hopping, not to forget relishing some authentic Hyderabadi Biryani in the numerous local restaurants strewn around.

Other interesting options in the city of Nizams is a visit to the Falaknuma Palace, Film City, the Golconda Fort, the Salar Jung Museum, and maybe the newly built hi-tech city.

India indeed is a storehouse of hotspots and getaways. While options are aplenty, the choice of when and where to go rests entirely on you. But fun we all must have.

Games

Mind teasers Solutions GOT CARRIED AWAY

OCTOBER 30, 2011

AWHILE SUITOR REFUSE AIRING SWAYED COLUMN There were able to win the hot-air balloon competition because they —

Answer : PRINT YOUR ANSWER IN THE CIRCLES BELOW Now arrange the circled letters to form the surprise answer, as suggested by the above cartoon.

EADSYW

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

by David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

Unscramble these six Jumbles, one letter to each square, to form six ordinary words.

OUIRST

Find us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/jumble

OUIRST

SEUFRE

Now arrange the circled letters to form the surprise answer, as suggested by the above cartoon.

PRINT YOUR ANSWER IN THE CIRCLES BELOW

by David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

Find the difference Answer : AWHILE SUITOR REFUSE AIRING SWAYED COLUMN There were able to win the hot-air balloon competition because they —

GOT CARRIED AWAY

OCTOBER 30, 2011

May 2013 182 www.spiceroutemag.com

Unscramble these six Jumbles, one letter to each square, to form six ordinary words.

EADSYW

MOLCNU

NIRIGA

©2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

LHIWEA

LHIWEA

MOLCNU

NIRIGA

©2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Find us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/jumble

SEUFRE

Launch pad

Shop hopping Surprise your kids with these products.

Dressing fun

Perfect drink Sip your way to coolness in the new Disney tumblers by Tupperware. Suitable for kids of all age groups, these tumblers are perfect for the summer months. And the best part is that it doesn’t leak, so sipping your refreshing drink would certainly be a delight.

It’s that time of the year again when the sun is out and hot. To beat this heat, Gini & Jony brings to you its unique collection of shorts and hot pants. Give your child the perfect cool summer look with light fabrics and fresh colors. These shorts are available in various colors and patterns like soft pink, electric blues and blacks, checks and stripes for boys, and more.

Price: ` 399 onwards Available: At all leading Gini & Jony stores in India

Price: ` 500 Available: Get in touch with a Tupperware salesperson.

Archos Child Pad

Essential things Bedbathmore.com gives you the great opportunity of bringing a lasting smile on your child’s face. The online shopping portal presents a wide range of bedsheets, bath towels and more in attractive designs of Tom & Jerry, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Harry Potter amongst a host of others.

With a gadget like the Archos Child Pad the kids will be able to make the most of content that has been specially curated for them. This provides 10,000 kiddie apps under 14 categories.

The easy to use interface has been devised and designed for children, with colorful icons, folders on the home page for direct access to games, entertainment, learning applications and reflection.

Price: ` 6,500 Available: Leading outlets across the country

Price: ` 479 onwards Available: Shop online at www.bedbathmore.com May 2013 184 www.spiceroutemag.com

Zoom in

Timeless appeal

With a combination of historical attractions, religious places and mouth-watering food, Ahmedabad is the most thriving city in west India after Mumbai.

P HOTOGRA P HS

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1 2

3

1. The historic Kankaria Lake during a carnival.

2. Sunset at Sarkhej, a complex of monuments.

3. Chabutra, the traditional feeding posts for pigeons.

187

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1

1. Delectable Gujrati food.

2. Shahibaug Palace built

by Shah Jehan now houses the Sardar Vallabhai Patel Museum. 3. Swaminarayan Temple at Kalupur.

4. Mangaldas ni Haveli, showcasing magnificent wooden haveli.

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Predictions

Forecast for May 2013 By

Dr. Prem Kumar Sharma

Aries You are likely to be in a competitive mood and will not let anyone undermine your authority; be diplomatic in your interactions with influential people. A good investment opportunity comes your way and makes you financially secure.

A piece of good news will spread excitement in the family.

Good Luck Tip: Fill a small red envelope with rice and place it on a kitchen shelf .

Taurus Disruptions divert your focus on your tasks. Impatience, irritibility and temper to be kept in check.

On the romantic front, you would win over the love of the one you desire. Take advice to go the right direction in a domestic matter. A celebration hints adverse impact on your savings. Study financial proposals in greater detail.

Good Luck Tip: Replace a washer in a leaky kitchen faucet.

Leo Do not take on more commitments than you can realistically handle. Monetarily, you spend what you earn this month. Be extra careful if driving at night. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t weigh everyone on the same scale to avoid affecting your output at work. Pay attention to your health.

Virgo Demonstrate flexibility and diplomacy when dealing with influential colleagues. On the emotional front, you may feel unsettled and out of your depth temporarily, but soon you would overcome this feeling. A raise or bonus is expected.

Good Luck Tip: Display a golden star in your work area probably on the notice board.

Good Luck Tip: Hang a wind chime in a window directly across from your front door.

Sagittarius Channelling your energy into something constructive leads to positive results. Strike a balance between leisure and work. Take up a freelance job on the side to augment income. Romantic relationships will be good. Pay attention to your finances.

Capricorn A troublesome individual can give you a difficult time at work.

Moodiness of a family member can spoil the domestic environment but handle him or her tactfully.

Budgeting can go awry due to impulsive buying. Lover will be more than accommodating.

Good Luck Tip: Tape any 3 coins underneath any plant within your residential premises.

Good Luck Tip: Replace low wattage light bulbs with brighter ones in your home and office.

Gemini Build a consensus with colleagues and pay attention to their suggestions. If you run into resistance, wait for a better time to bring up your ideas. The money you had been expecting is not likely to materialise soon. A minor ailment can bug you temporarily; see the doctor .

Cancer Be proactive and present your ideas. A real estate transaction to be a good investment. Your pet hobby would keep you happily engaged. A marriage proposal could bring joy for the eligible. All aches and pains, simply disappear. Make a deliberate effort to spend time with partner to strengthen bonds.

Good Luck Tip: Clear the passages to and through your home and work area.

Good Luck Tip: Tie 3 I-ching coins with a red ribbon and hang it above your stove.

Libra Creative projects will bring out the best in you. Close colleagues will lend a helping hand and ease your workload. An evening out can be spoiled because of an argument over a petty issue! Bank balance can get depleted, as unexpected payments arise. Be careful on the road.

Scorpio Be alert, you could come across some valuable information. Homemakers can feel burdened with household chores. A bonus or increment can be held in abeyance for a while. Finances are good, but gains could get jeopardized due to carelessness. Health needs care.

Good Luck Tip: Pot a plant (not cactus) in a red container in the kitchen.

Good Luck Tip: Put a live plant in your kitchen or workplace..

Aquarius You will find more avenues to increase earning. You may excel in your field this month. You feel apprehensive about a future issue on the domestic front. Financial security will encourage you to dream big. Reassess your investments and avoid betting money in speculation of any sort.

Pisces Work pressures could increase but close colleagues will be willing to help. Give your partner a voice in your decision making process as you may benefit. Whatever bad has happened in the past will disappear. Those in love should be upfront about it. Health of a family elder may cause some concern.

Good Luck Tip Vacuum or dust lampshades in your work area.

Good Luck Tip: Set a large stone just inside your back door.

May 2013 190 www.spiceroutemag.com

Advertorial

Sanghvi Institute of Management & Science

S

anghvi Institute of Management & Science (SIMS) was started in 2006 with financial support of Sanghvi Group of Companies and with an objective of educating wealth creators to fill the demand and supply gap of manpower in different professional areas. The Institute has schools in five professional areas; School of Management, School of Engineering, School of Computer Application, School of Undergraduate Studies and Department of Biotechnology.

SIMS sports Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the campus, high tech classrooms, state of the art auditorium, swimming pool,

playgrounds, poolside cafeteria, mess etc. Any educational institution starts with its syllabi which decide the direction of learning. Syllabi at SIMS are under continuous updating, providing add-on to university syllabi, based on feedback from industry and business for improving employability.The next stage after deciding contents of syllabi is imparting knowledge as per syllabi: one of the major sources of knowledge is library.

Our Institute has fully automated, well furnished, spacious library with 41083 volumes of 11011 titles, 75 national and 38 international magazines in print and 1792 international e-journals. The wifi library has rich collection of

2836 CDs/DVDs under its digital library. Students are provided with facilities of book-bank, referenceservices, documentation-services.

Membership of 15 professional bodies helps in sharing and updating of latest practical knowledge, for students as well as faculty members.

SIMS has been ranked 20th in Top Private B-schools of India according to Bhaskar Lakshya’s and 28th in All India Best B-School survey by Business Baron’s. The Institute has been rated A+ by Business India. SIMS was awarded as the ‘Best Management School in Madhya Pradesh’ for the year 2010 by ‘Indian Achievers ForumNew Delhi’.

Mr. Prateek Sanghvi, Vice-President, SIMS

Premshree group introduces innovative concept

P

remshree Group promoted by brothers Mr Prafull Jain, Mr Prashant Jain and, Mr Rajkumar Jain has a proven track record of developing prestigious housing properties in Indore, Bhubaneshwar, Raigad and Puri besides commercial cum residential property in Indore. The Jain brothers have over 25 years of rich experience in the real estate sector and are instrumental in successful execution of various residential projects by the Group in the above mentioned cities. Large numbers of families residing in the premium properties like Premashrem, Padmaprabh, Vaibhav Apartment, Shri Sumati Apartment, JSPL’s Housing Colony, Vaishnavi Palace and Shree Palace and many more constructed by Premshree Group is the testimony of the faith

reposed by customers in their projects. The housing properties having world-class amenities constructed by Group’s company Premshree Prime Properties Pvt. Ltd (PPPPL) are offered at highly competitive rates to the prospective buyers/investors.

In the present scenario Indore city is rapidly developing. This will be new face of Indore which has has prompted reputed IT companies like TCS, Infosys and other leading national level corporate sector and MNC to spread their wings in Indore. It in turn has offered new opportunities to leading real estate developers like PPPPL to develop quality housing and commercial properties in the city.

Accordingly PPPPL has developed ‘Corridor Exotica’ Township on the

Mr. Rajkumar Jain

Mr. Prashant Jain

sprawling land of Super Corridor which is also considered to be the heart of new Indore. This well planned township is closest to the upcoming projects of TCS as well as Infosys. It is mere 7 mins drive away from Devi Ahilyabai In addition to this, the city’s coverage

by CNBC Awaaz has motivated investors to invest in Indore.

Likewise Indore has secured place among top five cities in the rating of recently conducted surveys.

The developers in the interest of the valued prospective customers intending to invest at their coveted “Corridor of ‘Earning Homes.’ It has evoked tremendous response from large numbers of prospective customers.

May 2013 192 www.spiceroutemag.com

Destinations

Destinations Agartala

Ahmedabad

ALLAHABAD

AMRITSAR

Airport: The Singerbhil Airport is located about 12 km away from the city centre. Taxis are easily available from outside the airport.

Airport: Sardar Vallabhbhai International Airport is located 15 km from the city centre.

Airport: Allahabad Airport is located at a distance of 12 km from the city. Taxis are available.

Must See: Kankaria is an artificial lake that dates back to the time of the sultans. The lake has become a crowd puller in recent times.

Must See: The Allahabad Fort, built from the year 1583 onwards

by Akbar, stands at the junction of the two great rivers.

Airport: Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport is an international airport, located 11 km from the city.

Must Stay: Ginger Agartala on Airport Road offers convenient accommodation and services.

Must Stay: Experience a stay with all possible contemporary and plush comforts at The Gateway Hotel Ummed Ahmedabad.

Must Stay: Enjoy your time in the great city of Allahabad by staying at Guest House Bungalow, which offers well-furnished rooms.

Aurangabad

Bagdogra

belgaum

Airport: Aurangabad Airport is located at a distance of 10 km from the city centre.

Airport: Bagdogra Airport serves the towns of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Gangtok. Take a bus or private/ shared taxi to these regions.

Must See: In the heart of the city of Agartala lies the Ujjayanta Palace, a royal house carved and sculpted in Indo-Greek style.

Must See: The dark tunnels, passages, archways at the Daulatabad Fort, 13 kms away from Aurangabad, speak of its history.

Must Stay: Hotel Vits is a luxurious business class hotel, located on the Railway Station Road.

Must See: Jallianwala Bagh is reminiscent of the Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s freedom struggle and is well known historical site in Amritsar.

Must Stay: Enjoy your time in the spiritual city of Amritsar by staying at Radisson Blu, a fine hotel.

Bengaluru

Airport: Belgaum Airport is located Airport: Bengaluru International at a distance of 10 km from the city Airport is located 40 km from the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business district. Taxis, Volvo centre. Taxis are easily available.

Must See: Belgaum Fort is a huge buses are easily available from the airport.

Must See: There are several tourist fortress situated in the centre of activities that you can engage in Must See: Ulsoor lake is spread the city. Dating back to 1519, the over a huge area and dates back to Darjeeling, Dooars and Siliguri. fort stands tall telling the tales of the time of Kempe Gowda I and II. the era gone by.

Must Stay: Situated on the Bihar More in Bagdogra, Marinas Motel Must Stay: Relax at Hotel Adarsha offers a great stay option with finely Palace, situated on the College furnished rooms.

Road in Belgaum.

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Must Stay: The Gateway Hotel Residency Road is a perfect stay option.

Bhopal

CHANDIGARH

Chennai

Airport: The Raja Bhoj International airport is located in Bairagarh, 15 km from the city.

Airport: Chandigarh Airport is located at a distance of 8 km from the city centre. Taxis are easily available.

Airport: Chennai International Airport: Coimbatore Airport in Airport is 7 km from the city centre. Peelamedu is located 13 km away from the city. Taxis are available.

Must See: Marina Beach is a 12-

Must See: Bhimbetka, located about 50 km from Bhopal, is home to ancient rock shelters, which house amazing cave paintings.

Coimbatore

Must Stay: Revel in royal luxury at the Jehan Numa Palace Hotel in the upscale Shamla Hills area in the city.

Must Stay: Experience a stay with all possible contemporary comforts at the JW Marriott Chandigarh, a plush five star hotel which offers great ambience.

km stretch of pristine beach, the second longest in the world.

Must Stay: The Residency is nestled in the shopping hub of the city. It is strategically located near the Airport, Railway station and city Centre. For reservations, please feel free to contact the duty manager on 7401204255.

Colombo

DEHRADUN

Delhi

Dubai

Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport is Sri Lankaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only International airport.

Airport: Jolly Grant Airport is located some 30 km from the city centre. Taxis are easily available from the airport.

Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport is located 20 km from the city centre. Pre-paid and radio taxis are easily available.

Airport: Dubai International Airport is a major aviation hub in the Middle East, and is the main airport of Dubai.

Must See: Situated 8 km from the city centre, Guchchu Pani is a beautiful picnic spot.

Must See: The Purana Qila is an old fort or rather the remains of the 16th Century Shergarh.

Must Stay: Madhuban Hotel is a beautiful hotel with aesthetically designed rooms featuring modern amenities and culinary delights

Must Stay: At a convenient distance from the airport and NH8, Lebua New Delhi is a fine 5-star hotel situated in the Dwarka area.

Must See: While in Dubai, check out the Jumeirah Beach a famous beach resort just 15 km from central Dubai.

Must See: Gangaramaya Temple is not only a place of worship for Buddhists, but also a centre for learning about the religion.

Must Stay: When you are in Colombo, choose to stay at The Gateway Hotel Airport Garden, near the airport. The hotel is equipped with latest amenities.

Must See: Sukhna Lake is an artificial reservoir and a famous recreational spot.

195

Must See: An exciting journey to the centre of a dense forest, brings you to the magnificent Kovai Kuttralam waterfalls, about 37 kms.

Must Stay: Le Meridien Coimbatore sets a benchmark in modern luxury and offers a perfect combination of comfort and extravagance for business travellers.

Must Stay: Atlantis The Palm is a luxury resort is located on Palm Island.

Destinations

Goa

Guwahati

Hubli

Airport: Dabolim Airport in Vasco Airport: Guangzhou Baiyun is 30 kms from Panaji, Goaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital. International Airport is the main Taxis are available. airport of Guangzhou.

guAngzhou

Airport: Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is 25 km from the city.

Must See: Sri Mangeshi Temple in the Priol area is a beautiful temple situated amidst natural surroundings is revered by Hindus.

Must See: The Pearl River flows through the Guangzhou city. Take a boat tour on the river to admire the breathtaking night view of the city.

Must See: Assam State Museum operated by the Assam government is located near Dighalipukhuri tank.

Airport: Hubli Airport is the airport currently serving the twin cities of Hubli and Dharwad in Karnataka.

Must Stay: Bid farewell to your blues and relax at the White Pearl Suites situated near Baga Beach.

Must Stay: Crowne Plaza Science city is a plush hotel, perfect for your stay.

Must Stay: Located in Madhab Nagar, Khanapara, Greenwood Resorts offers a relaxing retreat.

Must stay: Hotel Clarks Inn on the Gokul Road is a modern day retreat complete with all the amenities.

Hyderabad

Indore

Jabalpur

Jaipur

Airport: Jabalpur Airport, also known as Dumna Airport is 11 km from the city centre. Pre-paid taxi services are available.

Airport: Sanganer Airport is 13 km from the city centre. Prepaid taxis are available.

Airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport is 25 km from the city.

Airport is located at a distance of 8 kms from the city.

Must See: Mecca Masjid is a heritage mosque in the old city of Hyderabad, close to the historic landmark of Chowmahalla Palace.

Must See: Rajwada is a remarkable mansion that sings the glory of the heritage of Indore.

Must Stay: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Banjara Hills offers 155 modern rooms with the finest world class facilities.

MUST Stay: Radisson Blu Hotel, located in the heart of Indoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business hub is ideal for the discerning business traveller.

Must See: Situated 25 km from Jabalpur are the mesmerizing Dhuandhar water falls, which call for a visit for sure.

Must Stay: Kalchuri Residency is a plush 3 star hotel in Jabalpur.

May 2013 196 www.spiceroutemag.com

Must see: Panoramic view of the city of Hubli, Nrupatunga Betta, 5 km from Chennamma circle.

Must See: Hawa Mahal is a beautiful historical monument, situated near Johari Bazaar. The surrounding area is great for shopping for souvenirs.

Must Stay: Gateway Hotel Ramgarh Lodge, Jaipur offers a royal experience.

Destinations

Jammu

KABUL

Kathmandu

Kochi

Airport: Satwari Airport is 8 km from the city of Jammu. Pre-paid taxis are easily available.

Airport: Kabul International Airport, also known as Khwaja Rawash Airport is located 16 km from the city centre.

Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport located in Kathmandu is the only international airport in Nepal. Taxis are easily available.

Airport: Cochin International Airport is situated just 30 kms from the city centre. Taxis are easily available.

Must See: Built in the late 19th century, Bagh-e Bala is preserved and the area around the palace has turned into a large park.

Must See: In the heart of the Kathmandu valley lies Darbar Square, an ancient square strewn with palaces and temples.

Must See: Fort Kochi is a small village located near the large city of Kochi. Fort Kochi is all about untouched picturesque beaches.

Must Stay: Make your stay memorable by choosing to stay at Kabul Intercontinental Hotel.

Must Stay: In the heart of Diplomatic Enclave and Durbar Marg stands Hotel Shangri-La.

Must Stay: Relive the past at Cochin Heritage Home, located just next to the Bishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House in Fort Kochi area of the city.

Kolkata

Kozhikode

Lucknow

Madurai

Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is 20 km from Kolkata city. Pre-paid taxis are easily available.

Airport: Calicut International Airport is located at a distance 25 km from the city centre. Taxis are easily available.

Airport: Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport: Madurai Airport is located Airport is located about 11 km from about 10 km from the city centre. the city centre. Taxis are available.

Taxis are available.

Must See: The Marble Palace at Chorbagan is now a museum, home to precious art by Rubens and Sir Joshua Reynolds.

Must See: Krishna Menon Museum is dedicated to diplomat V.K. Krishna Menon, where his personal belongings are exhibited.

Must See: Bara Imam Bara, constructed hundreds of years back when there was a famine, is one of the most popular monuments in Lucknow.

Must Stay: Chrome Hotel on AJC Bose Road offers relaxing in the tech-savvy interiors, latest amenities and fine food facilities.

Must Stay: Choose to relax at the Gateway Hotel, a brand from the Taj Group, situated on the beach road in Kozhikode.

Must Stay: Vivanta by Taj, Gomti Nagar offers splendid standards in accommodation and is equipped with all the modern facilities.

Must See: Amar Mahal looks like a French Chateau. It is now turned in to a hotel and houses rich collections of paintings.

Must Stay: Located on the banks of river Tawi, Fortune Inn Rivera is a cosy retreat, perfect for a business stay.

May 2013 198 www.spiceroutemag.com

Must See: Sri Meenakshi Temple is one of the most popular temples in the city that is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvati.

Must Stay: The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai offers high standards in accommodation and is equipped with latest amenities.

Stay with us, and feel like home.....

Destinations

MALE Airport: Ibrahim Nasir International Airport is the main international airport in the Maldives.

Must See: Sultan Park and the National Museum, just along from Muleeage is one of the last green spots on the island.

Must Stay: Cerulean View Boutique Hotel is one of the best hotels in Male.

Mangalore

Mumbai

mysore

Airport: The Mangalore International Airport is about 20 kms from the city centre.

Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is 30 km from downtown Mumbai. It is advisable to take pre-paid taxis.

Airport: Mysore Airport also known as Mandakalli Airport is the main airport serving Mysore. Taxis are available.

Must See: Take a walk in upscale south Mumbai.Visit Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Church Gate or Colaba Causeway.

Must See: Gumbaz is the burial chamber of Tipu Sultan,his father Haider Ali and mother.

Must See: About 15 kms away from Mangalore city is the Pilikula Nisragadham, a beautiful lake with boating facility.

Must Stay: Elegance and luxury go hand in hand at Gateway Hotel Old Port Road in Mangalore

Must Stay: Luxurious home away from home is the plush Novotel Juhu Beach.

Must Stay: Overlooking the breathtaking Brindavan Gardens, Royal Orchid Brindavan is a four star luxury Heritage Hotel.

Nanded

pondicherry

Port Blair

Pune

Airport: Shri Guru Gobind Singh ji Airport or Nanded Airport is well connected to all major cities. Taxis are easily available.

Airport: Puducherry Airport is an airport located at Lawspet in Puducherry. Taxis are available.

Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, is located 2 km from the city centre. Taxis are easily available.

Airport: Pune International Airport is situated at a distance of 10 km from main city. Pre-paid taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available.

Must See: Cellular Jail, a revered shrine dedicated to Indian freedom fighters, is situated at Aberdeen near Port Blair.

Must See: Saras Baug is a major landmark and has a Ganesh Temple. The place is a famous recreational site in the city.

Must See: While in Nanded, must visit Treasure Bazaar for great eating and shopping options.

Must Stay: Hotel City Pride is one the best hotels in the city, offering comfortable services and cuisines.

Must See: The stylish French War Memorial, located in the renowned Goubert Avenue, is a monument for those soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War.

Must Stay: The Dune is a Must Stay: Try your hand at fascinating eco-beach hotel situated snorkelling and deep sea diving at in vicinity of the sun-kissed sea. at the Kaala Pani Resort.

May 2013 200 www.spiceroutemag.com

Must Stay: Relax in the lap of luxury at the Four Points

By Sheraton, a five star hotel.

Destinations

Rajahmundry

Riyadh

Sharjah

Surat

Airport: The Rajahmundry airport is located in Madhurapudi, 18 kms north of the city.

Airport: Riyadh King Khalid International Airport is located 35 kilometers north of Riyadh.

Airport: Surat Airport is located in Magdala is around 11 km southwest from the city centre.

Must See: Sir Arthur Cotton Museum and the barrage at Dowlaiswaram gives some interesting insights on history.

Must See: The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is a must see. It offers excellent information on Arabia's history, culture and art.

Airport: Sharjah International Airport is situated some 15 kms from central Dubai. Taxis are available.

Must Stay: Simple, elegant and cosy rooms is what you can be sure of at Akanksha Inn which is one of the best hotels in this city.

Must Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre is a Must Stay: Offering picturesque stylish business and leisure hotel view of the city, Radisson Blu located high in the Kingdom Tower. Resort Sharjah is a nice hotel.

Srinagar

thiruvananthapuram

Tirupati

Airport: Srinagar International Airport is situated some 12 kms from the city centre.

Airport: The Trivandrum Airport is located at quite a central location.

Airport: Tirupati Airport is situated Airport: Tiruchirapalli Airport or at a distance of 14 kms from the Trichy Airport is 5 km from the Tirupati city. city centre.

Must See: The holy temple Sri Must See: The landmark of the Venkateswara is considered one of Trichy town is the Rockfort temple, the holiest temple. a beautiful structure perched atop a hillock.

Must Stay: Having served some prominent personalities who Must Stay: Situated on the Mc thronged the holy town, Hotel Bliss Donaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road, Breeze Residency is serves best comforts and food. one of Trichyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier hotel.

Must See: Hazrat Bal in Srinagar on the left bank of Dal Lake is a well known shrine where a hair strand of Prophet Mohammed is treasured.

Must Stay: Offering panoramic view of the Dal Lake, Vivanta

by Taj is a contemporary hotel.

Must See: The interactive Kerala Museum, opposite the Napier museum, is the first of its kind, with the touch screen terminals.

Must Stay: Former home of Royal British Officers, Mascot Hotel is now a heritage hotel, offering luxurious stay and amenities.

Must See: Souq al-Arsah, is one of the oldest souqs in the country and calls for a visit. Visit the traditional coffeehouse to have mint tea.

May 2013 202 www.spiceroutemag.com

Must See: Sardar V Patel Museum and Planetorium represents the rich history and eclectic ethnic mix of Surat.

Must Stay: The Gateway Hotel Athwalines in Surat is known for offering plush accomodation along with latest amenities.

Tiruchirapalli

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Destinations

Tuticorin

Udaipur

Varanasi

Airport: A domestic airport, it is located 16.9 km from the city.

Airport: Udaipur Airport or Maharana Pratap Airport is situated at a distance of 22 km from the city of Udaipur in Rajasthan, India.

Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport is 18 km from the city. Taxi and auto-rickshaw services are easily available.

Must See: The Palayamkottai Road area surrounds the Lord Bhagam Priyal temple, Lord Shiva and Lord Perumal temples, WGC road.

Must Stay: SRM Hotel offers an enticing home-away-from-home experience with services and rooms.

Must See: The splendid City Palace is one of Must See: Take a boat ride at the Dasawamedh the most beautiful palatial structures in Udaipur. Ghat to enjoy the divine ambience of Varanasi to the fullest.

Must Stay: The Leela Palace Udaipur, located on the banks of Lake Pichola, offers a spectacular view of the tranquil lake.

Must Stay: Offering comfortable stay, Clarks Varansi is one of the best options in the city.

Vijayawada

visakhapatnam

Airport: Vijayawada Airport is located in Gannavaram, just 20 km from the city centre.

Airport: Visakhapatnam Airport is located about 7 km from the city centre. Taxis are easily available.

Must See: Mogalarajapuram caves near Vijayawada are among the 3 cave temples known for the magnificent carvings of Shiva.

Must See: Kambalakonda is a wonderful nature reserve, about 20-25 minutesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; away from Visakhapatnam

Must Stay: Haailand Buddhism-based theme park and resort. Haailand is a unique holiday destination that evokes the area and mystique of South East Asia.

Must Stay: The Gateway Hotel, situated on the Beach Road in Visakhapatnam is a comfortable hotel in the city. Enjoy southern delights like dosas and peesarattu here in the port city.

May 2013 204 www.spiceroutemag.com

Routemap

May 2013 206 www.spiceroutemag.com

207

Spice schedule Destination

Agartala Bengaluru (Via-CCU-BOM) Bengaluru (Via-CCU-HYD) Guwahati Hyderabad (Via-CCU) Kolkata Kolkata Mumbai (Via-CCU) Ahmedabad Bengaluru Bengaluru (Via-BOM) Bengaluru (Via-PNQ) Chennai Chennai (Via-BOM) Chennai (Via-HYD) Chennai (Via-HYD) Coimbatore (Via-MAA) Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Goa Guwahati (Via-BOM-BLR-CCU) Hyderabad Hyderabad Jaipur Kolkata (Via-BOM-BLR) Kolkata (Via-DEL) Mumbai Mumbai Port Blair (Via-HYD, MAA) Port Blair (Via-HYD, MAA) Pune Pune (Via-JAI) Allahabad Delhi AMRITSAR Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via - BOM-STV) Mumbai Srinagar Surat (Via - BOM) Aurangabad Delhi Delhi Bagdogra Chennai (Via-CCU) Delhi Delhi (Via-GAU) Guwahati Kolkata Bengaluru Agartala (Via-BOM-CCU)

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-874 SG-872 SG-873 SG-872 SG-872 SG-874 SG-874

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1630 1540 1300 1540 1540 1630 1630

2250 2115 1400 1925 1645 1725 2045

SG-285 SG-528 SG-345 SG-281 SG-206 SG-917 SG-913 SG-281 SG-104 SG-106 SG-106 SG-138 SG-137 SG-528 SG-917 SG-913 SG-912 SG-528 SG-104 SG-528 SG-206 SG-917 SG-917 SG-345 SG-912

1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 7 1,2,3,4,5,6 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,6 Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 2,6 Daily 1,2,3,4,5

0935 0555 2120 0550 1905 0610 1850 0550 0630 0945 1010 2000 1435 0555 0610 1850 1125 0555 0630 0555 1905 0610 0610 2120 1125

1135 0920 0040 0810 2305 0940 2150 0950 0755 1120 1140 2125 1620 1405 0755 2025 1235 1220 1040 0655 2010 1225 1355 2250 1440

SG-2358

Daily

1650

1835

SG-2514 SG-2114 SG-2354 SG-152 SG-152 SG-151 SG-152

Daily Daily Daily 1,3,5,7 1,3,5,7 1,3,5,7 1,3,5,7

0825 1555 2045 1615 1615 1310 1615

0945 1720 2205 2245 1850 1410 2015

SG-164 SG-162

Daily Daily

0810 1940

1010 2130

SG-324 SG-885 SG-881 SG-881 SG-324

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1420 1040 1400 1400 1420

1810 1250 1825 1500 1520

SG-873

Daily

0615

1220

Destination

Agartala (Via-HYD-CCU) Ahmedabad Ahmedabad (Via-BOM) Ahmedabad (Via-PNQ) Belgaum Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai (Via-VGA) Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-BOM) Goa Guwahati (Via-BOM-CCU-IXA) Guwahati (Via-CCU) Hubli Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Kochi Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata (Via-BOM) Kolkata (Via-HYD) Kozhikode Mangalore Mangalore Mangalore (Via-BOM) Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mysore Pondicherry Pondicherry Pune Pune Srinagar (Via-DEL) Trivandrum (Via-MAA) Tuticorin (Via-MAA) Vijayawada Vizag BelgAum Bengaluru Bhopal Delhi Delhi Hyderabad

flight no.

freq

May 2013 208 www.spiceroutemag.com

arrival

SG-871 SG-286 SG-529 SG-342 SG-3301 SG-3004 SG-3232 SG-1083 SG-3306 SG-3306 SG-3307 SG-3002 SG-3303 SG-502 SG-224 SG-229 SG-216 SG-110 SG-245 SG-873 SG-528 SG-1084 SG-871 SG-1074 SG-1074 SG-1088 SG-246 SG-528 SG-524 SG-873 SG-871 SG-1073 SG-1023 SG-3231 SG-344 SG-873 SG-344 SG-110 SG-529 SG-3305 SG-3305 SG-1073 SG-342 SG-228 SG-224 SG-3307 SG-1083 SG-3303 SG-1144

Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 1,3,4,5,7 1,3,4,5,7 2,6 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,6,7 5 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,6,7 Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily 1,3,5 4,6,7 5 Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily

1010 1205 1940 0555 0740 0905 1125 1240 1510 1700 1845 2140 1055 0635 0845 1600 2015 1535 1200 0615 0955 1920 1010 1520 1520 2215 1520 0955 1840 0615 1010 1230 0855 1400 1015 0615 1015 1535 1940 1220 1220 1230 0555 2200 0845 1845 1240 1055 0805

1510 1405 2300 0905 0905 1025 1220 1345 1610 1800 1945 2245 1530 0925 1125 1840 2305 1955 1310 1400 1405 2035 1110 1640 1640 2335 1620 1220 2120 1100 1345 1325 0950 1455 1400 0745 1155 1715 2125 1310 1310 1330 0725 2325 1350 2140 1530 1210 0950

SG-3302

Daily

0925

1035

SG-2227 SG-2226 SG-1053

2,4,6 2,4,6 1,3,5,7

0825 2000 2040

1015 2200 2220

SpiceJet now offers over 150 connections on its existing network For details log on to www.spicejet.com

dep

Destination

Hyderabad (Via-IDR) Indore Chandigarh Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via - BOM-STV) Mumbai Srinagar Surat (Via - BOM) Chennai Ahmedabad Ahmedabad (Via-BOM) Ahmedabad (Via-BOM) Ahmedabad (Via-HYD) Ahmedabad (Via-HYD) Bagdogra (Via-CCU) Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru (Via-VGA) Belgaum (Via-BLR) Coimbatore Coimbatore Coimbatore Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-BOM-AMD) Delhi (Via-BOM-AMD) Delhi (Via-PNQ) Goa Guwahati (Via-CCU) Hubli (Via-BLR) Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Jaipur (Via-HYD) Jaipur (Via-HYD-AMD) Kochi Kochi Kochi Kozhikode Kozhikode Kolkata Kolkata Madurai Madurai Madurai

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

Destination

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-1063 SG-1063

2,4,6 2,4,6

1930 1930

2220 2020

Madurai Mangalore (Via-BLR) Mumbai

SG-303 SG-3231 SG-106

Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 7

1710 1240 0535

1810 1455 0730

SG-2112 SG-2116 SG-152 SG-152 SG-151 SG-152

Daily Daily 2,4,6 2,4,6 2,4,6 2,4,6

0835 1920 1620 1620 1310 1620

0940 2020 2245 1850 1410 2015

Mumbai Mumbai

SG-106 SG-273

1,2,3,4,5,6 Daily

0550 0925

0730 1110

SG-282 SG-106 SG-106 SG-912 SG-916 SG-323 SG-3301 SG-3013 SG-3305 SG-3231 SG-1084 SG-3148 SG-3304 SG-3301 SG-3012 SG-281 SG-323 SG-312 SG-304 SG-306 SG-308 SG-325 SG-106 SG-106 SG-208 SG-1011 SG-321 SG-1084 SG-912 SG-1261 SG-272 SG-1004 SG-1012 SG-916 SG-1265 SG-912 SG-912 SG-289 SG-3241 SG-3243 SG-3251 SG-3251 SG-321 SG-323 SG-362 SG-291 SG-305

Daily 7 1,2,3,4,5,6 1,2,3,4,5,6 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 7 1,2,3,4,5,6 Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily 7 1,2,3,4,5,6 Daily Daily Daily 5 2,4,6,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7

1150 0535 0550 0710 1955 0955 0615 0740 1035 1240 1805 2015 1415 0615 0655 0845 1840 0705 1140 1655 1850 2020 0535 0550 0515 1410 0520 1805 0710 1100 1530 1745 1920 1955 2125 0710 0710 0755 1040 1905 1030 1330 0520 0955 0630 0830 1335

1410 0915 0935 1030 2310 1350 0710 0845 1140 1340 1900 2120 1710 0905 0820 0950 1940 0940 1420 1935 2150 2305 1120 1140 0930 1615 0925 2035 0815 1210 1640 1905 2035 2100 2255 1110 1235 0915 1205 2040 1150 1455 0745 1210 0730 0930 1430

Mumbai Mumbai Mysore (Via-BLR) Pondicherry (Via-BLR) Port Blair Port Blair Pune Pune (Via-HYD-AMD-JAI) Pune (Via-HYD-JAI) Tiruchirapalli Trivandrum Trivandrum Tuticorin Tuticorin Vijayawada Vizag Coimbatore Ahmedabad (Via-MAA) Chennai Chennai Chennai Delhi (Via-HYD) Delhi (Via-HYD) Hyderabad Hyderabad dehradun Delhi Delhi delhi Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Allahabad Amritsar Amritsar Amritsar Amritsar (Via - STV - BOM) Aurangabad Aurangabad Bagdogra Bagdogra (Via-GAU) Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru (Via-DEL) Bhopal Bhopal Chandigarh Chandigarh Chandighar (Via - STV - BOM) Chennai Chennai

SG-276 SG-296 SG-3305 SG-3305 SG-917 SG-917 SG-208 SG-912 SG-912 SG-3165 SG-3271 SG-3307 SG-3291 SG-1083 SG-3304 SG-3277

1,2,3,4 Daily 1,3,5 4,6,7 1,3,4,5,7 2,6 Daily 1,2,3,4,5 7 1,2,3,4 Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily

1410 2010 1035 1035 1020 1145 0515 0710 0710 1030 0555 2005 0715 1405 1415 1710

1605 2155 1310 1310 1225 1355 0650 1440 1440 1140 0745 2140 0835 1530 1530 1900

SG-282 SG-3022 SG-282 SG-284 SG-234 SG-236 SG-234 SG-236

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1020 0850 1020 2010 1030 1810 1030 1810

1410 1015 1120 2110 1430 2210 1150 1930

SG-2413 SG-2325

Daily Daily

1120 1620

1225 1720

SG-206 SG-148 SG-2356 SG-2410 SG-2113 SG-2352 SG-151 SG-163 SG-161 SG-881 SG-885 SG-501 SG-223 SG-209 SG-509 SG-109 SG-2327 SG-2326 SG-2111 SG-2115 SG-151 SG-301 SG-305

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 2,4,6 2,4,6 Daily Daily 2,4,6 Daily Daily

1705 1900 1505 0635 1415 1910 0600 0535 1715 1115 0550 0605 1220 1655 2035 1010 0610 1735 0710 1755 0600 0630 1010

1835 2035 1630 0805 1535 2025 1230 0740 1910 1325 0955 0900 1505 1940 2325 1430 0800 1920 0815 1900 1235 0915 1300

209

Spice schedule

Destination

Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai (Via-AMD-BOM) Chennai (Via-PNQ) Coimbatore (Via-CJB) Coimbatore (VIA-HYD) Dehradun Dehradun Dharamshala Dharamshala Goa Goa Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati (Via-IXB) Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Indore Indore Jabalpur Jaipur Jammu Jammu Jammu Kochi (Via-BOM) Kochi (Via-BOM) Kochi (Via-HYD) Kochi (Via-PNQ) Kolkata Kolkata Lucknow Madurai (Via-MAA) Madurai (Via-MAA) Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai (Via - STV) Mumbai (Via-AMD) Mumbai (Via-JAI) Mumbai (Via-JLR) Nanded (Via-BOM,JLR) Pune Pune Srinagar Srinagar Srinagar Srinagar

flight no.

SG-303 SG-315 SG-309 SG-206 SG-219 SG-211 SG-233 SG-2328 SG-2223 SG-2382 SG-2383 SG-253 SG-255 SG-885 SG-893 SG-881 SG-211 SG-231 SG-233 SG-221 SG-239 SG-2327 SG-2326 SG-2441 SG-133 SG-853 SG-851 SG-857 SG-131 SG-103 SG-231 SG-217 SG-104 SG-607 SG-417 SG-305 SG-303 SG-131 SG-109 SG-103 SG-852 SG-119 SG-894 SG-151 SG-206 SG-133 SG-2441 SG-2441 SG-217 SG-219 SG-261 SG-868 SG-224 SG-863

freq

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,5,7 1,3,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily 1,3,5,7 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 2,4,6 1,2,3,4,5,7 Daily 6 Daily Daily Daily

For bookings, visit our website at www.spicejet.com

dep

1350 1720 1915 1705 2025 0545 1345 1005 1505 1110 1355 1055 1455 0550 1520 1115 0545 0740 1345 1510 1940 0610 1735 0800 0700 0730 0850 1330 0555 1200 0740 0840 0835 2035 1945 1010 1350 0555 1010 1200 1510 1740 2125 0600 1705 0700 0800 0800 0840 2025 0820 1045 1220 1420

Destination

arrival

1640 1930 2155 2305 0040 1000 1740 1100 1600 1200 1500 1330 1720 0820 1745 1500 0810 0950 1555 1725 2150 0805 1920 0945 0800 0900 1010 1450 1035 1700 1150 1310 1040 2250 2100 1430 1810 0740 1215 1410 1720 1940 2325 0920 2010 1015 1210 1350 1045 2230 0935 1200 1350 1550

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

Srinagar

SG-865

Daily

1510

1630

Srinagar (Via - STV-BOM-ATQ) Srinagar (Via - STV-BOM-IXC)

SG-151 SG-151

1,3,5,7 2,4,6

0600 0600

1410 1410

Srinagar (Via-IXJ) Surat Udaipur

SG-851 SG-151 SG-2437

Daily Daily Daily

0850 0600 1040

1115 0755 1210

Varanasi Varanasi

SG-116 SG-114

Daily Daily

0935 1340

1100 1505

Varanasi Vizag (Via-HYD) GOA Ahmedabad Bengaluru Chennai Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-AMD) Hyderabad Hyderabad (Via-MAA) Kochi (Via-BLR) Kolkata (Via-BOM) Mumbai Mumbai Guwahati Agartala Ahmedabad (Via-CCU-BLR-BOM) Bagdogra Bengaluru (Via-CCU) Bengaluru (Via-IXA-CCU-BOM) Chennai (Via-CCU) Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-IXB) Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata (Via-IXA) Mumbai (Via-CCU-BLR) Mumbai (Via-DEL) Mumbai (Via-IXA-CCU) Port Blair (Via-CCU) Hubli Bengaluru Hyderabad (Via-BLR) Mumbai Hyderabad Agartala (Via-CCU) Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru

SG-127 SG-221

2,4,6 Daily

1930 1510

2055 1850

SG-138 SG-246 SG-1012 SG-254 SG-256 SG-138 SG-1072 SG-1012 SG-246 SG-804 SG-247 SG-804

Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily Daily

1650 1340 1640 1400 1750 1650 1415 1640 1340 1650 1330 1655

1830 1450 1845 1630 2010 2125 1545 2035 1620 2135 1440 1800

SG-874 SG-529 SG-885 SG-529 SG-874 SG-322 SG-881 SG-894 SG-885 SG-525 SG-529 SG-322 SG-874 SG-529 SG-894 SG-874 SG-525

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1445 1435 0855 1435 1445 1825 1535 1815 0855 0955 1435 1825 1445 1435 1815 1445 0955

1545 2300 0955 1910 2250 2235 1825 2045 1250 1105 1545 1935 1725 2125 2325 2045 1335

SG-1088 SG-1088 SG-2452

Daily Daily 1,3,5,7

2055 2055 1430

2155 2335 1550

SG-871 SG-912 SG-916 SG-1031 SG-1023 SG-1073 SG-1073 SG-872

Daily 1,2,3,4,5,6 Daily Daily Daily 5 1,3,4,6,7 Daily

1140 0850 2135 0625 0710 1040 1040 2015

1510 1030 2310 0745 0830 1200 1200 2115

Note Schedule subject to change and regulatory authority approvals.

1- Mon, 2-Tue, 3-Wed, 4-Thu, 5-Fri, 6-Sat, 7-Sun. May 2013 210 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice schedule Destination

Bhopal Bhopal (Via-IDR) Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Coimbatore Coimbatore Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Goa Goa (VIA-MAA) Indore Indore (Via-BHO) Jaipur Jaipur (Via-AMD) Kochi Kochi Kolkata Kozhikode Kozhikode (Via-BLR) Madurai Madurai Mangalore (Via-BLR) Mumbai Pondicherry (Via-BLR) Port Blair (Via-MAA) Port Blair (Via-MAA) Pune Pune (Via-AMD-JAI) Pune (Via-JAI) Rajahmundary Tirupathi Tirupathi Varanasi (Via-DEL) Vijayawada Vizag Vizag Indore Bhopal Delhi Delhi Hyderabad Hyderabad (Via-BHO) JABALPUR Delhi Mumbai Nanded (Via-BOM) Jaipur Ahmedabad

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-1063 SG-1053 SG-1262 SG-917 SG-1011 SG-1003 SG-911 SG-1264 SG-913 SG-211 SG-233 SG-116 SG-226 SG-234 SG-108 SG-236 SG-1071 SG-1011 SG-1053 SG-1063 SG-912 SG-912 SG-231 SG-1051 SG-871 SG-1073 SG-1073 SG-3313 SG-3313 SG-1023 SG-402 SG-1073 SG-917 SG-917 SG-1022 SG-912 SG-912 SG-1061 SG-1041 SG-1048 SG-116 SG-1001 SG-401 SG-221

2,4,6 1,3,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,5,7 2,4,6 7 1,2,3,4,5,6 Daily Daily Daily 2 1,3,4,6,7 3 1,2,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily 5 1,3,4,5,7 2,6 Daily 1,2,3,4,5 7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1710 1710 0600 0830 1230 1605 1710 1935 2055 0840 1630 0645 1030 1220 1415 2000 1225 1230 1710 1710 0910 0850 1020 1930 1140 1040 1040 0915 0950 0710 2130 1040 0830 0830 2030 0850 0910 0935 0720 1700 0645 0705 0715 1755

1910 2020 0720 0940 1350 1725 1815 2115 2150 1000 1740 0845 1255 1430 1625 2210 1355 1615 1910 2020 1110 1235 1150 2115 1345 1230 1325 1115 1150 0950 2315 1330 1225 1355 2200 1440 1440 1040 0835 1825 1100 0800 0820 1850

SG-1053 SG-2227 SG-2226 SG-1063 SG-1053

1,3,5,7 1,3,5,7 1,3,5,7 2,4,6 1,3,5,7

1930 0825 1955 2040 1930

2020 1015 2200 2220 2220

SG-2452 SG-2441 SG-2441

Daily Daily 2,4,6

1830 1005 1005

2005 1210 1350

SG-913

Daily

1710

1820

Destination

Chennai (Via-AMD- HYD) Delhi Hyderabad (Via-AMD) Mumbai Pune Jammu Delhi Delhi Delhi Mumbai (Via-DEL) Srinagar Kochi Bengaluru Chennai Chennai Chennai Delhi (Via- BOM) Delhi (Via-BOM) Delhi (Via-HYD) Delhi (Via-PNQ) Goa (Via-BLR) Hyderabad Hyderabad Mumbai Mumbai Pune Kolkata Agartala Agartala Ahmedabad (Via-BLR-BOM) Bagdogra Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru (Via-BOM) Bengaluru (Via-HYD) Chennai Chennai Chennai (Via-DEL-PNQ) Delhi Delhi Goa (Via-BOM) Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati (Via-IXA) Hyderabad Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai (Via-BLR)

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-913 SG-218 SG-913 SG-133 SG-912

Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,7

1710 2040 1710 0830 1310

2150 2130 2025 1015 1440

SG-854 SG-851 SG-858 SG-852 SG-851

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

0930 1310 1525 1310 1040

1050 1425 1645 1720 1115

SG-245 SG-287 SG-3242 SG-3244 SG-118 SG-112 SG-108 SG-214 SG-245 SG-108 SG-1052 SG-112 SG-118 SG-214

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,7 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,57

1025 0615 1800 2110 1840 1120 1220 1355 1025 1220 2135 1120 1840 1355

1130 0725 1925 2240 2315 1620 1625 1835 1310 1345 2325 1320 2040 1555

SG-873 SG-871 SG-529 SG-323 SG-523 SG-529 SG-874 SG-872 SG-324 SG-322 SG-219 SG-608 SG-219 SG-803 SG-321 SG-528 SG-883 SG-873 SG-872 SG-803 SG-874 SG-529

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1130 1415 1645 1240 0715 1645 1800 1720 1550 2005 1710 0800 1710 0830 0815 1250 1635 1130 1720 0830 1800 1645

1220 1510 2300 1350 0935 1910 2250 2115 1810 2235 0040 1010 1935 1300 0925 1405 1755 1400 1925 1120 2045 2125

Port Blair Pune (Via-DEL)

SG-525 SG-219

Daily Daily

1135 1710

1335 2230

Kozhikode Bengaluru Chennai Chennai Hyderabad

SG-1074 SG-3252 SG-3252 SG-1074

1,3,4,6,7 5 2,4,6,7 2

1345 1210 1520 1255

1445 1325 1650 1440

May 2013 212 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice schedule

Destination

Hyderabad (Via - BLR) Lucknow Delhi Madurai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Delhi (Via-MAA) Delhi (Via-MAA) Hyderabad Mumbai ( Via-MAA) Mumbai ( Via-MAA) Mangalore Bengaluru Bengaluru (Via-BOM) Chennai (Via-BLR) Hyderabad Hyderabad Mumbai Mumbai Agartala (Via-CCU) Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Amritsar Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Chandigarh Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-AMD) Delhi (Via-AMD) Delhi (Via-JAI) Delhi (Via-JLR) Delhi (Via-STV) Goa Goa Guwahati (Via-BLR-CCU) Guwahati (Via-CCU-IXA) Hubli Hyderabad Jabalpur Jaipur Jammu (Via-DEL)

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-1074

1,3,4,6,7

1345

1640

SG-418

1,2,4,6

0735

0845

SG-273 SG-304 SG-306 SG-296 SG-304 SG-306 SG-3317 SG-273 SG-296

Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily

0800 1000 1500 1840 1000 1500 1645 0800 1840

0855 1055 1600 1940 1420 1935 1835 1110 2155

SG-3232 SG-341 SG-3232 SG-1024 SG-1024 SG-341

1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 2 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily

1010 1430 1010 1025 1515 1430

1105 1810 1220 1200 1650 1600

SG-873 SG-106 SG-106 SG-529 SG-151 SG-528 SG-109 SG-341 SG-874 SG-151 SG-291 SG-275 SG-274 SG-206 SG-851 SG-114 SG-112 SG-110 SG-136 SG-118 SG-106 SG-106 SG-218 SG-2452 SG-152 SG-803 SG-248 SG-528 SG-873 SG-2441 SG-401 SG-2452 SG-218 SG-851

Daily 7 1,2,3,4,5,6 Daily 1,3,5,7 Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily 2,4,6 Daily 1,2,3,4 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily 7 1,2,3,4,5,6 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily

0815 0810 0815 2200 1000 0735 1250 1630 2120 1000 0605 1145 1645 2100 0550 1055 1415 1745 2015 2110 0810 0815 1810 1615 1920 1200 1520 0735 0815 1240 0520 1615 1810 0550

1220 0915 0935 2300 1230 0920 1430 1810 2250 1235 0755 1340 1840 2305 0755 1255 1620 1955 2220 2315 1120 1140 2130 2005 2245 1300 1625 1405 1400 1410 0640 1810 2010 1010

Destination

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

Kochi Kochi Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata (Via-BLR) Madurai (Via-MAA) Mangalore Nanded Srinagar (Via - ATQ) Srinagar (Via - IXC) Srinagar (Via-DEL IXJ) Surat Trivandrum

SG-131 SG-103 SG-873 SG-804 SG-528 SG-291 SG-344 SG-2441 SG-151 SG-151 SG-851 SG-152 SG-275

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 2,4,6 1,3,5,7 2,4,6 Daily Daily 5,6,7

0835 1450 0815 1855 0735 0605 1230 1240 1000 1000 0550 1920 1145

1035 1700 1100 2135 1220 0930 1400 1350 1410 1410 1115 2015 1340

Varanasi (Via-DEL) Vizag (Via-HYD)

SG-114 SG-401

Daily Daily

1055 0520

1505 0820

SG-3306 SG-3306

135 135

1330 1330

1420 1610

SG-2452 SG-2452 SG-2452

2,4,6 2,4,6 2,4,6

1430 1430 1430

2005 1810 1550

SG-3306 SG-1074 SG-3306 SG-3306 SG-1074

4,6,7 5 4,7 6 5

1330 1350 1330 1330 1350

1420 1450 1610 1800 1640

SG-272 SG-272 SG-883 SG-272 SG-883

1,3,4,5,7 2,6 Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily

1255 1425 1405 1255 1405

1455 1640 1755 1640 1600

SG-342 SG-913 SG-227 SG-345 SG-219 SG-913 SG-208 SG-214 SG-1025 SG-913 SG-913 SG-217

Daily 1,2,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,7 Daily 1,2,3,4,5,7 Daily 1,2,3,4,5,7 1,2,3,4,5,7 1,2,3,4,5,7

0755 1510 0645 2320 2300 1510 0720 1625 2220 1510 1510 1115

0905 1820 0815 0040 0040 2150 0930 1835 2340 2025 1640 1310

SG-1062

Daily

1100

1155

SG-152 SG-209 SG-152 SG-262 SG-869

1,3,5,7 Daily 2,4,6 6 Daily

1450 1435 1450 1010 1235

1545 1940 1550 1135 1405

Mysore Bengaluru Chennai (Via-BLR) Nanded Delhi (Via-BOM,JLR) Jabalpur (Via-BOM) Mumbai Pondicherry Bengaluru Bengaluru Chennai (Via-BLR) Chennai (Via-BLR) Hyderabad (Via-BLR) Port Blair Chennai Chennai Guwahati (Via-CCU) Hyderabad (Via-MAA) Kolkata Pune Ahmedabad Ahmedabad (Via-JAI) Bengaluru Bengaluru Chennai Chennai (Via-JAI-AMD-HYD) Delhi Delhi Hyderabad Hyderabad (Via-JAI-AMD) Jaipur Kochi Rajahmundry Hyderabad Srinagar Amritsar Bengaluru (Via-DEL) Chandigarh Delhi Delhi

May 2013 214 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice schedule

Destination

Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via - ATQ-BOM-STV) Delhi (Via - IXC-BOM-STV) Delhi (Via-IXJ) Jammu Mumbai (Via - ATQ) Mumbai (Via - IXC) Mumbai (Via-IXJ-DEL) Surat (Via - ATQ-BOM) Surat (Via - IXC-BOM) Surat Amritsar (Via - BOM) Chandighar (Via - BOM) Delhi Mumbai Srinagar (Via - BOM-ATQ) Srinagar (Via - BOM-IXC) Tirupati Hyderabad Hyderabad Pune (Via- HYD) Tiruchirapalli Chennai Thiruvananthapuram Chennai Chennai Mumbai Tuticorin Bengaluru (Via-MAA) Chennai Chennai Hubli (Via-MAA,BLR)

Udaipur Delhi Varanasi Delhi Delhi Delhi Hyderabad (Via-DEL) Mumbai (Via-DEL) Vijayawada Bengaluru Chennai Hyderabad Visakhapatnam Bengaluru Chennai Delhi (Via-HYD) Hyderabad Hyderabad Mumbai (Via-HYD)

flight no.

freq

dep

INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULE

arrival

SG-209 SG-209 SG-864 SG-867 SG-152 SG-152 SG-852 SG-852 SG-152 SG-152 SG-852 SG-152 SG-152

Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,5,7 2,4,6 Daily Daily 1,3,5,7 2,4,6 Daily 1,3,5,7 2,4,6

1435 1435 1620 1700 1450 1450 1155 1155 1450 1450 1155 1450 1450

1605 1605 1745 1830 2245 2245 1425 1240 1850 1850 1720 2015 2015

SG-151 SG-151 SG-152 SG-151 SG-151 SG-151

1,3,5,7 2,4,6 Daily Daily 1,3,5,7 2,4,6

0825 0825 2045 0825 0825 0825

1230 1235 2245 0920 1410 1410

SG-1042 SG-1022 SG-1022

Daily Daily Daily

0855 1850 1850

1010 2010 2200

SG-3166

1,2,3,4

1200

1305

SG-3272 SG-3308 SG-276

Daily Daily 5,6,7

0805 2200 1410

1000 2330 1605

SG-1084 SG-3292 SG-1084

1550 0855 1550

1900 1020 1710

SG-1084

1,3,4,5,7 Daily 1,3,4,5,7 1,3,4,5,7

1550

2035

SG-2436

Daily

1235

1405

SG-128 SG-233 SG-119 SG-233 SG-119

3,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily

0810 1130 1535 1130 1535

0940 1250 1655 1555 1940

SG-3304 SG-3303 SG-1002

Daily Daily Daily

1550 1230 0820

1710 1350 0915

SG-1077 SG-3278 SG-226 SG-226 SG-402 SG-402

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1010 1920 0900 0900 1930 1930

1150 2105 1255 1000 2050 2315

Destination

Ahmedabad Dubai Dubai Chennai Colombo Colombo Chennai Madurai Madurai Delhi Dubai Guangzhou Kabul Kathmandu Kathmandu Riyadh DUBAI Ahmedabad Delhi Kochi Mumbai Guangzhou Delhi KABUL Delhi Kathmandu Delhi Delhi Kochi Dubai Male Lucknow Sharjah Madurai Colombo Colombo Male Kochi Mumbai Dubai Riyadh Delhi Sharjah Lucknow Varanasi Varanasi Sharjah

flight no.

freq

arrival

SG-015 SG-015

1,3,4,5,6,7 2

1700 1700

1815 1820

SG-001

Daily

0100

0220

SG-002 SG-3316 SG-3316

Daily 3 1,2,4,5,6,7

0320 1405 1435

0445 1505 1535

SG-011 SG-081 SG-021 SG-041 SG-045 SG-031

Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 2,4,6 1,3,5,7 Daily Daily

0855 1725 0920 0810 1550 0300

1120 0035 (+1) 1020 1000 1740 0515

SG-016 SG-012 SG-018 SG-014

Daily Daily Daily Daily

1925 2310 2055 1230

2330 0340 (+1) 0225 (+1) 1655

SG-082

1,2,4,5,6,7

0155

0545

SG-022

2,4,6

1120

1420

SG-042 SG-046

1,3,5,7 Daily

1100 1840

1305 2010

SG-017 SG-3901

Daily Daily

1710 1250

1950 1410

SG-055

1,3,5,7

2200

0100 (+1)

SG-3314 SG-3314

3 1,2,4,5,6,7

1215 1245

1315 1345

SG-3902

Daily

1445

1705

SG-013

Daily

1945

2135

SG-032

Daily

0615

1240

SG-056 SG-054

1,2,4,6 357

0145 0145

0635 0655

SG-053

2,4,6

2155

0100 (+1)

* All Time In Local. (+1) - Next Day.

• SpiceJet flies to 45 domestic destinations covering the north, south, east and west of India. Whether you are flying for business, visiting friends or planning a holiday, SpiceJet is the smart way to travel. • SpiceJet now flies to 8 international destinations.

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Spice offices

SpiceJet Offices Corporate Office SpiceJet Limited, 319 Udyog Vihar, Phase - IV, Gurgaon 122 016, Haryana Tel: +91 124 3913939 Fax: +91 124 3913844 Customer Services E-mail: custrelations@spicejet.com Reservations Toll Free: 1-800-180-3333 and 987-180-3333 Regional Heads North & Central India: Mr. Sumant Rautela Email: sumant.rautela@spicejet.com Delhi T1 & T3, Nepal & Afghanistan: Mr. Nelash Godara Email: nelash.godara@spicejet.com East and Andaman & Nicobar Islands Ms. Mitali Borgohain Email: mitali.b@spicejet.com West Mr. Vinod Saldanha Email: vinod.saldanha@spicejet.com Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Mr. Pankaj Handa Email: pankaj.handa@spicejet.com Tamil Nadu & Kerala Mr. R. Ranjeev Email: r.ranjeev@spicejet.com Agartala Station Incharge: Avishek Kar Address: Spicejet Ltd., C.A. Agartala Airport, Agartala 799009 (Tripura) Email: avishek.kar@spicejet.com Ahmedabad Station Manager: Johnson George Address: Spicejet Ltd., SVP International Airport, Ahmedabad - 380003 (Gujarat) Email: johnson.george@spicejet.com Allahabad Station Incharge: Vijay Yadav Address: Spicejet Ltd., Allahabad Airport, Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh) Email: vijay.yadav@spicejet.com Amritsar Station Incharge: Deepak Anand Address: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar-143101 (Punjab) Email: deepak.anand@spicejet.com Aurangabad Station Incharge: Vinod Saldanha Address: Spicejet Ltd., New ATS Complex, Jalana Road, Aurangabad Airport, Aurangabad (Maharashtra) Email: vinod.saldanha@spicejet.com Bagdogra Station Incharge: Saurav Raj Thapa Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Bagdogra, Siliguri-734421 (West Bengal) Email: saurav.thapa@spicejet.com Belgaum Station Incharge: Hemanth Kumar Address: Spicejet Ltd., Belgaum Airport, BelgaumBagalkote Road, Sambra (Karnataka) Email: hemanth.kumar@spicejet.com Bengaluru Station Incharge: Vivek Godbole Address: Spicejet Ltd., Bangalore International Airport, Devenhalli, Bengaluru - 560300 (Karnataka) Email: vivek.godbole@spicejet.com

Bhopal Station Incharge: Faraz Siddiqui Address: Spicejet Ltd., Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) Email: faraz.siddiqui@spicejet.com

Jammu (J&K) Email: deepak.koul@spicejet.com

Chandigarh Station Incharge: Manmeet Singh Barham Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Airport, Chandigarh – 16003 Email: manmeet.barham@spicejet.com

Kathmandu Station Manager: Rajendra Krishna Joshi Address: Spicejet Ltd., Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (Nepal) Email: rajendra.joshi@spicejet.com

Chennai Station Incharge: Gavin Jeffries Address: Spicejet Ltd., Kamraj International Airport, Chennai (Tamil Nadu) Email: gavin.jeffries@spicejet.com Coimbatore Station Manager: Santosh Kumar Nair Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Coimbatore 641014 (Tamil Nadu) Email: santosh.nair@spicejet.com Colombo Station Manager: Rajesh Kumar Singh Address: Spicejet Ltd., Bandarnaike International Airport, Colombo (Sri Lanka) Email: rajesh.s@spicejet.com Dehradun Station Incharge: Manish Pandey Address: Spicejet Ltd., Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, Uttarakhand Email: manish.pandey@spicejet.com Dubai Station Manager: J. Venkatramakrishnan Address: Spicejet Ltd., Dubai International Airport, Departure level-Terminal 1, UAE Email: j.venkat@spicejet.com Goa Station Manager: Anish Dubey Address: Spicejet Ltd., Goa International Airport, Dabolim-403801 (Goa) Email: anish.dubey@spicejet.com Guangzhou Station Manager: Vrushiket Bhise Address: Spicejet Ltd., Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Guangdong (China) Email: Vrushiket.Bhise@spicejet.com Guwahati Station Manager: R. Vishnu Address: Spicejet Ltd., Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (Assam) Email: r.vishnu@spicejet.com Hyderabad Station Manager: Raghunath Singh Address: Spicejet Ltd., Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad (Andhra Pradesh) Email: raghunath.singh@spicejet.com Hubli Station Manager: Mahavir Gaur Address: Hubli airport, Gokul Road. Hubli - 580 030 (Karnataka) Email: mahavir.gaur@spicejet.com Indore Station Incharge: Pavitra Shukla Address: Spicejet Ltd., DABH Airport, Indore (Madhya Pradesh) Email: pavitra.shukla@spicejet.com Jabalpur Station Incharge: Jaimin Premasawala Address: Spicejet Ltd., Jabalpur Airport, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh Email: jaimin.premasawala@spicejet.com Jammu Station Manager: Deepak Koul Address: Spicejet Ltd., Jammu Airport,Civil Enclave

Jaipur Station Manager: Brijendra Sinsinwar Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Civil Airport Sanganer, Jaipur (Rajasthan) Email: brijendra.sinsinwar@spicejet.com

Kabul Station Officer: Sunil Rehman Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Kabul International. Airport (Afghanistan) Email: sunil.rehman@spicejet.com Kochi Station Manager: Shamon P.S Address: Spicejet Ltd., Cochin International Airport Limited, Kochi (Kerala) Email: shamon@spicejet.com Kolkata Station Manager: Sagarnath Das Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Terminal II, NSCBI Airport, Kolkata – 700052 (West Bengal) Email: sagarnath.das@spicejet.com Kozhikode Station Incharge:Sajith Kannoth Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Calicut International Airport, Malapuram – 673647 (Kerala) Email: sajith@spicejet.com Lucknow Station Manager: Janardan Sahai Mathur Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport, Amausi, Lucknow - 226009 (Uttar Pradesh) Email: janardan.mathur@spicejet.com Madurai Station Manager: Balaji Ramanan Address: Spicejet Ltd., Madurai Airport, Madurai - 625022 (Tamil Nadu) Email: balaji.ramanan@spicejet.com Male Station Incharge: Alexis Anand Raj Address: Spicejet Ltd, Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Male (Maldives) Email: alexis.raj@spicejet.com Mangalore Station Incharge: C.M.Biddappa Address: Spicejet Ltd., Bajpe Airport, Mangalore (Karnataka) Email: biddappa@spicejet.com Mumbai Station Manager: Naved Patel Address: Spicejet Ltd., Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai (Maharashtra) Email: naved.patel@spicejet.com Mysore Station Manager: Pankaj Handa Address: Spicejet Ltd., Mysore Airport, Mysore (Karnataka) Email: Pankaj.handa@spicejet.com Nanded Station Incharge: Mahesh Taru Address: Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport, Nanded (Maharashtra) Email: mahesh.taru@spicejet.com New Delhi Station Manager: Nelash Godara Address: Terminal 1D, IGI Airport, Palam (Delhi) Email: nelash.godara@spicejet.com Pondicherry Station Incharge: S Mahesh Address: Spicejet Ltd., Puducherry Airport, Lawspet (Puducherry) Email: mahesh.s@spicejet.com Port Blair Station Incharge: Arun M

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Address: Spicejet Ltd., Veer Sawarkar International Airport, Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) Email: arun.m@spicejet.com Pune Station Manager: Adil Palia Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Enclave Pune Airport, Lohegaon, Pune - 411032 (Maharashtra) Email: adil.palia@spicejet.com Rajahmundry Station Incharge: Amit Naraian Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Rajahmundry Airport, Madhurapudi (Andhra Pradesh) Email: amit.naraian@spicejet.com Riyadh Station Manager: Irfan Hussain Kanth Address: Spicejet Ltd., King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) Email: irfan.kanth@spicejet.com Sharjah Station Incharge: Debasish Choudhury Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Sharjah International Airport, Sharjah (UAE) Email: debasish.choudhury@spicejet.com Srinagar Station Incharge: Sartaj Ahmed Mantoo Address: Spicejet Ltd., Srinagar Airport, Srinagar (J&K) Email: sartaj.mantoo@spicejet.com Surat Station Incharge: Harin Rajguru Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Surat Airport, Surat (Gujarat) Email: harin.rajguru@spicejet.com Tiruchirappalli Station Incharge: C.N. Kishore Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Tiruchirapalli Airport, Tiruchirappalli, (Tamil Nadu) Email: c.n.kishore@spicejet.com Tirupati Station Incharge: N Nagaraju Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Tirupati-517520 (Andhra Pradesh) Email: n.nagaraju@spicejet.com Thiruvananthapuram Station Incharge: A.C.Ratheesh Address: Spicejet Ltd., Trivandrum International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram - 695008 (Kerala) Email: ratheesh.ac@spicejet.com Tuticorin Station Incharge: Narasimhan S.R Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Tuticorin-628103 (Tamil Nadu) Email: narasimhan.r@spicejet.com Udaipur Station Incharge: R. Shyam Sharma Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Maharana Pratap Airport Dabok, Udaipur - 313023 (Rajasthan) Email: shyam.sharma@spicejet.com Varanasi Station Manager: Rajul Srivastava Address: Spicejet Ltd., L.B.S. Airport, Babatpur, Varanasi - 221006 (Uttar Pradesh) Email: rajul.srivastava@spicejet.com Vijayawada Station Incharge: Azhar Shaikh Address: Spicejet Ltd., Vijayawada Airport, Gannavaram - 521102 (Andhra Pradesh) Email: azhar.shaikh@spicejet.com Visakhapatnam Station Manager: Digvijay Wala Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Visakhapatnam Airport, Visakhapatnam - 530009 (Andhra Pradesh) Email: digvijay.wala@spicejet.com

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Spice bites

May 2013 222 www.spiceroutemag.com

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