Spiceroute feb 14

The inflight magazine

Volume VIII | Issue II | February 2014

52 98 104

Unique travel trends Caravan vacation, cycling tour, yoga holiday and more

Inflight Diet

Tips and tricks to eat right when you fly

Old is gold Glimpses of Bollywood’s glorious past

www.spiceroutemag.com

Pg

24

Mumbai’s Pride

Terminal2 welcomes you

THE HANGING GARDENS OF BANGALORE

Located in North Bangalore, opposite Manyata Business Park and five minutes from Hebbal, one of Bangalore’s most prosperous regions.

Hanging Gardens comprises of uber luxury apartments with private sundecks and club-class penthouses with private terrace gardens that combines the best of residential luxuries and connectivity conveniences. You couldn’t possibly ask for more.

DISCOVER THE BEST Designed to be IGBC platinum-rated residential project

Spacious and landscaped private sundeck

Italian marble flooring for living & dining rooms Fully air-conditioned homes with VRV system 3 & 4-BHK homes ranging from 1860-4355 sq. ft.* 3 sides open with no common walls ensuring villa-like privacy Equipped with home automation system and modular kitchen Exclusive 11000 sq.ft.* clubhouse with fully air-conditioned gym Temperature-controlled swimming pool

Near Hebbal, North Bangalore BBMP Approved | Approved by leading Banks / HFIs

+91-7676-222-666

Project by

enquiry@hanginggardens.in | www.hanginggardens.in

Images displayed are an artistic impression. The developer reserves the right to add, delete, alter or modify any part of the offering described herein.

BENGALURU

*1 sq.mtr=10.76 sq.ft.

giving more

Dear SpiceJet customer, It gives me immense pleasure to announce that SpiceJet, your favourite airline, has been recently ranked the best in On-Time Performance by DGCA. We thank all our customers in helping us achieve this feat.

With a view to serve more destinations we have acquired another new Boeing aircraft last month and we will soon start flying to Hong Kong and Dhaka from Kolkata. These additions will take our international destinations to 12.

Also, with our recent partnership with Tigerair, passengers can now connect to Singapore via Hyderabad from 14 Indian cities.

Continuing the theme on Indian airports, we bring you a glimpse of the newly built state-of-the-art Terminal 2 of Mumbai airport in this issue of our Spiceroute magazine. A masterpiece in itself, the new terminal is a magnificent example of airport infrastructure at its best, and its seamless integration with art. The Mumbai terminal with the white peacock as its central theme has become a one-stop destination showcasing India and its rich culture. I also take this opportunity to congratulate GVK and MIAL on the successful inauguration of T2 at Mumbai airport.

I am sure you must have started to experience the all-new SpiceJet. Do send in your suggestions at custrelations@spicejet.com to help us serve you better.

Happy flying!

Kalanithi Maran Chairman

GROUP

1

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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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update 14 16

Hot dates Travel buzz

Tete-a-tete

explore 48 hours in Singapore 36 Romantic getaways 46 Road less travelled

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Venice of the east: Udaipur

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Contents

36

THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

Volume VIII | Issue II | February 2014

52 98 104

UNIQUE TRAVEL TRENDS Caravan vacation, cycling tour, yoga holiday and more

INFLIGHT DIET

Tips and tricks to eat right when you fly

126

OLD IS GOLD Glimpses of Bollywood’s glorious past

www.spiceroutemag.com

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24

MUMBAI’S PRIDE

Terminal2 welcomes you

Cover Photographs: Rohit Dhingra & GVK

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

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

In conversation with Archana Sardana 58 In conversation with Papon

58

62

Alstone International

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

concern

indulge 68 Flavourful flowers 72 Surrender your senses 78 A date to remember 82 Home delivered libraries 88 De-stress your life 92 Eat right in flight 98 Old is gold 104

Furry friends

Spice trail

Magical weaves of chikankari Green time for kids

potpourri 120

120

Festive flavour Launch pad Gadgets Films Books Games Kids product Predictions

132 136 142 146 150 152 154 156

110 114

114 8

cover story Airport of the millennium

24

inside spicejet Letter from the management

161 SpiceJet family 162 SpiceJet news 164 Premium products 166 Inflight menu 168 Story behind baggage tags Cockpit mystery Destinations Fleet guide

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

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

170 172 176 190

Letters from

SpiceJet customers godsent helping hand

letter month

I am inking this mail from my heart. I was flying from Kolkata to Ahmedabad via Delhi with my wife and two small daughters on of the flight SG-883. The flight reached Delhi at around 8pm, but was cancelled at 12pm due to heavy fog. There was chaos at the airport and I felt utter panic growing inside me. I saw an unassuminglooking man wearing a SpiceJet I-card helping passengers. He made some calls and in 10 minutes, told me that SpiceJet has arranged our night accommodation, and gave me a choice of flights back to Ahmedabad. He arranged everything, even called to ask whether we have reached the airport in time, and got our boarding passes issued on fast track mode. I have no words to express my gratitude.

I can only say: ‘Abu Ben Adhem (Satish Kumar) – may his tribe increase’.

I just booked my ticket from Chennai to Delhi at an unbelievable price of `6,786 for 2 adults as compared to `11,570. I saved `4,784. Thank you SpiceJet! Parthiben Sivaprakasam

ASHIS GUHA & family, on email

Lovely experience

Excellent service

Six year old Rushil Dhar travelled from Jammu to Hyderabad on 6th of November, 2013 with his father. He read the magazine onboard and drew the SpiceJet aircraft in a drawing competition he participated in.

We were a group of 18 passengers travelling on the Delhi-Khajuraho sector on December 24, 2013 (SG2394) and return on December 26 (SG2395). Outbound we got friendly service from the cabin-incharge Sachin Sharma. He even made a birthday announcement for us on the PA. Inbound, we were very well looked after by Bharat Ahlawat and Geetanjali Sharma. Bharat even went across to a SpiceJet Boeing parked alongside at Varanasi to get some hot meals for us. Thanks for going out of the way to look after us.

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HERE’S THE BUZZ ON SPICEJET’S SOCIAL MEDIA

Pankaj Sahgal, on email

Happy SpiceJet Guest I am a frequent flyer between Bangkok-Bengaluru. In my last round trip, I have seen a huge step up on all services dimensions – boarding pass issue, inflight magazine, food, flight, flight attendants. As a patriot and a grounded Indian I believe SpiceJet will excel with simplicity and neat service. What you are offering now and with addons of privileges – air miles etc, I am sure you will very soon become 1st choice. Wishing you all the success and congratulations.

Chandrashekhar Sinha on flight SG91, January 5, 2014

I am going home after 8 months, to Dehradun... got my tickets done at an amazingly low price! Love the prices, thanks.

Rajan Barbhuiya

The best part is you were before time and very much appreciate your service and hospitality... Keep it up! All the best wishes!

Imurjubz

Thanks for the SpiceJet Super Sale! Will be with family this Holi!

Rohit Gupta

Decided to @flyspicejet HYD-VNS-HYD. Friendly service. Before time arrivals.

Glad you’re catching up :) Don’t stop now!

Nevermuddy

Nice gesture shown by SpiceJet. A breakfast box was provided as the flight was delayed SG 116 to Varanasi. Thank you Mr. Sanjeev.

Unshoe

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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HOT DATES

Click it!

Rock and roll

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In Goa till February 1 Rock on to the tunes of bands from India and Russia at The Great Live Music Festival Goa 2014.

Goa is set to wear a new face this season, with the sound of sweet music replacing the regular clubbing. World-class artists from both countries promise to set the stage alive at Elliot Resorts, Baga Bridge.

Family time In Delhi till February 2 Amity Schools present 7 Days To Wonderland – a first-of-its kind original musical theatre production by Humour Me along with Tricon Media. It’s an exciting musical fantasy that is guaranteed to change our perception of life.

The venue for this event will be Siri Fort Auditorium on August Kranti Marg.

Soulful sufi

Tickling the funny bone In Chennai on February 2 Directed by Abhinav Suresh, Amitash Pradhan and Karan Ram, this evening is a laugh riot strictly for those aged 16 and above.

Gautam Raja, one of Bengaluru’s leading playwrights in English, takes us through three plays based on the lives of young urban Indians and their travails. You can see the play at T.N. Rajarathinam Kalai Arangam.

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

In Mumbai from February 15- 21 Photographer Michael Kenna will be showcasing his work at an exhibition called “A Journey through Asia”. The exhibition presents 48 black-and-white photographs, taking us on a journey through Asia, across India, Thailand, Vietnam, China, South Korea and Japan. At Arttd’inox in Lower Parel.

Sing along In Mumbai on February 15 and 16 The Mahindra Blues Festival returns with highly acclaimed musicians from around the globe. Amped up with an all-star ensemble of international and Indian blues artists for 2014, the festival promises to be a highenergy dose staged at the iconic Mehboob Studios.

In Jaipur from February 21- 23 Patronised by internationally renowned artist Sting, the World Sufi Spirit Festival (WSSF) is all set to play host to some of the leading exponents of Sufi from across the borders this year. Through dance, music and singing, treasures of the global cultures will be revealed at the Mehrangarh Fort.

women power In Pune on February 22 The 6th edition of Lavasa Women’s Drive will see 2,000 women participating in an exciting drive from Mumbai and Pune to Lavasa.

They get to celebrate a day in the lap of nature, and let their hair down. The participants will spread awareness about various issues affecting women by displaying impactful social messages on the cars they will be driving.

Paintings galore In Bengaluru from February 5 to March 30 V Ramesh will be putting up a solo show which will include significant paintings done by him from 2003 to 2013. His recent works titled "Remembrances of Voices Past", will be on display at National Gallery of Modern Art. The exhibition will be supported by Threshold Art Gallery, New Delhi.

Creativity at its best

Art of Puppetry In Chandigarh from February 24 The Ishara International puppet theatre festival brings a wide and exciting range of performances this year. It has modern and traditional forms, ranging from rod, string and shadow puppets; to mixed performances with dance, theatre, music – all this and much more at the Tagore Theatre.

In Delhi till February 28 Celebrated print maker Zarina Hashmi’s solo show ‘Folding House’ at Gallery Espace in New Friends Colony will showcase her exquisite artwork with paper and ink. Most of her work is in black, with some specks of gold. Her work consists of dyeing papers in liquid. Sumi ink penetrates its core and imbues it with the fragrance of burning incense.

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what’s new Eco-beach at Kasarkod

Casuarina plantations and other attractions such as children’s park, trampoline jump, boating facility and plinth stone form part of the recently opened Kasarkod eco-beach at Honnavar taluk in Karnataka. The beach is a model to promote eco-tourism in coastal areas. Inaugurated by R.V Deshpande, Minister for Tourism, Government of Karnataka, the eco-project has been developed on 100 hectares along the shores of Kasarkod beach. The Minister said the government is planning to promote eco-tourism in the state in a big way, and a proposal has already been sent to the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India for approval.

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South African Tourism roadshow South African Tourism (SAT) organised their annual roadshow recently in Delhi, with around 66 South African companies as participants. Ms Evelyn Mahlaba Regional Director, Australasia, South African Tourism, talked about the importance of the Indian market. “India has seen positive growth as far as tourists to South Africa are concerned. Since South Africa is a one-stop destination for wildlife, art, spa as well as night life; there is something for all age groups. We also have a high number of women travellers coming from India,” she said. She also discussed the length of stay and spends related trends to Indian travellers to South Africa, the recent initiatives taken by SAT in India and future plans, newer activities that Indians are

taking up in South Africa including voluntourism, unique adventure activities, self-drive holidays, destination weddings and the likes. These roadshows have proven to be an effective platform for reaching out to travel trade partners and tourists from India.

Indian travel preferences According to the new IBM Social Sentiment analysis of 2,50,000 online conversations, the preferred international holiday destination for 2013 is London and preferred domestic holiday destination is Goa. The analysis also states that travel and hospitality was trending as high as 33 per cent of all social conversations tracked.

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Shopping fun in Japan

Known for offering a unique retail experience, the country has launched a new kind of shopping event, the Japan Shopping Festival. On till February 28, the festival brings heavy discounts, wide selections, and world-class entertainment to stores in all of Japan’s famous cities - Tokyo, Kansai, Fukoka and more. The stores will be filled with radiant light fixtures that offer great photo opportunities as well to its guests. Over 5,000 stores are participating in the event and many are offering huge discounts, of up to 70 per cent. A number of interactive events will also be held alongside.

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Concern

potpourri

Dubai Food Festival To enhance the emirate’s position as an emerging gastronomic destination with more than 5,300 restaurants, the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), will organise the Dubai Food Festival from

Global online competition

Kerala Tourism is conducting an online painting competition for children across the world, till May 31. The Clint Memorial International Children’s Painting Competition was recently launched by A.P Anilkumar, Minister for Tourism, Government of Kerala and is in memory of Edmund Thomas Clint, a prodigy who created more than 25,000 artworks on Kerala before he died one month short of his seventh birthday. Coordinated by Kerala Tourism’s IT solutions provider Invis Multimedia, the competition is open to children between 4-15 years. The paintings can be on any theme related to Kerala and each participant can submit up to five entries through the Kerala Tourism website. There is no entry fee. The idea of the competition is to let the world see God’s Own Country through a child’s eyes.

February 21 to March 15. The festival will bring together some of the emirate’s most popular business and consumer food events, including Gulfood and Taste of Dubai. It will also feature a wide range of food-related activities, tastings, offers and events. His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General, DTCM, said, “It is a platform to showcase our leisure and business events sectors, as well as the world-class restaurants and chefs in our city.”

Yas Island showcased in SATTE Yas Island, a popular tourist destination, is set to woo Indian travellers. Participating in SATTE, South Asia’s leading travel and tourism event, held in Delhi recently, Yas Island showcased itself as a unique destination for weddings, business events and family holidays. The island is situated only 7 minutes from the Abu Dhabi International Airport which makes it an attractive and accessible destination for both leisure and business travellers.

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Snow fest

Football-themed hotel

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Thailand-based ONYX Hospitality Group has announced the opening of the first football-themed hotel in Thailand – Amari Buriram United. The 60-room property is located in the North Eastern province of Buriram and is adjacent to the Thunder Castle Stadium, home to the celebrated local team, Buriram United.

Designed by I’ll Design Studio, the hotel pays tribute to football.

It is modelled on a sports stadium. Most rooms look onto a mini football field and swimming pool. Rooms are in the signature crimson blue and white of the football team’s home kit. Bathrooms are made to resemble player’s changing rooms.

Wine tourism on high Wine tours in Stuttgart in Germany are conducted between July and September, coinciding with the summer vacation in India. It’s followed by Stuttgart Wine Village, the world’s largest wine festival in August, which attracts one million visitors annually. So the marketing arm of the capital city of Baden-Wurttemberg, Stuttgart is looking at promoting Wine Tourism in the Indian market. Speaking at the recent Stuttgart Meets Mumbai event, Hans-Jorg Hadbawnik, Regional Director India and Russia, Stuttgart Marketing said, “Stuttgart is a year-round destination... this year we thought of focusing on wine tours to Stuttgart besides Europa-Park, Porsche and Mercedes Museum, etc.” They expect 2,00,000 overnights from India by 2015.

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

The Sapporo Snow Festival, one of Japan's largest winter events, attracts a growing number of visitors from Japan and abroad.

Every winter, about two million people come to Sapporo to see a large number of splendid snow statues and ice sculptures which line Odori Park, the grounds at Community Dome Tsudome and the main street in Susukino.

The impressive snow statues are made by piling up and carving out snow. they vary in size from large statues over 15m to small statues with a height of about 2m.

The 65th Sapporo Snow Festival will be held from February 5 to 11.

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Odisha-Thailand packages

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) will start tour packages to Thailand from Bhubaneswar in Odisha on February 21. “The bookings are now open for the ‘Thrilling Thailand’ trip,” said Sanghamitra Roul, Supervisor (Tourism), IRCTC. The four nights/ five days trip costing `34,780 onwards includes air travel from Bhubaneswar to Kolkata and Kolkata to Bangkok, three-star hotel accommodation, all meals and sightseeing.

“We provide lunch and dinner at Indian restaurants. Tourists don’t have to pay for visiting different places of interest. There are no hidden costs,” said Roul. The IRCTC would be sending a local escort with the travellers. There will also be a local tourist guide in Thailand.

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lounge with a view Spread across a lavish 10,000 sq ft, High Ultra Lounge is a modern Asian bar and restaurant based on the theme of ‘timelessness’. It blends the outdoors and indoors with breathtaking views of Bengaluru city. The lounge offers classic and comforting Pan Asian food with a modern twist, beverages that use contemporary mixology to create concoctions flavoured with natural spices and herbs, and an unmatched ambience. It sits atop the World Trade Centre at a height of 420ft, making it the tallest point in South India. Cuisines available include Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Thai.

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Snow machines in Jammu & Kashmir

The Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) government is going to buy snow-making machines to sprinkle manmade snow and carpet the Gulmarg slopes so that tourists can have a better experience in the skiing season. Water vapours are sprinkled in the air through the snow-machines, and the temperature around will freeze the droplets into snowflakes on the desired area. The snowflakes will create a snow layer of three to four inches, making it ideal for skiing. “We are analysing the technical specification and hope by next year we will be able to have the machines. The snow machines will only try to supplement till there is a natural snowfall,” said Talat Parvez, director Tourism, Kashmir.

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Airport of the

Millennium

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To start operations on February 12, the Mumbai T2 has set a new benchmark in airport history.

W O R D S | f l or i n a sor e n P h o t o g r a p h s | ro h i t d h i n g r a

P

egged to be India’s Louvre, the all-new Terminal2 at Mumbai is the place to be.

A terminal par excellence, it is also India’s largest, spanning over 4 million sq ft area. Having easily secured its position among the top airports of the world, it takes the passenger experience to a completely new level in terms of comfort and convenience.

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Spiceroute special

It is home to India’s biggest public art programme, in the form of a 3km multi-storey Art Wall illuminated by skylights, that has over 7,000 pieces of artwork from across India Titled Jaya He, it captures the beauty of Indian art, craft and cultural heritage, while initiating the visitor into an experiences that

conveys India’s incredible diversity.

Built in four years, the new T2 is an iconic global mega structure and India’s first and most advanced

spicejet congratulates GVK, MIAL and mumbai city for this terminal. the airline will be operating mumbai-dubai flight from t2 soon.

Quick facts Operations at T2 to begin on February 12, 2014 for international passengers T2 receives LEED Gold certification for its environmental stewardship New integrated T2 houses world’s largest art programme Jaya He

Photo: GVK

The glass panel throughout the airport has beautiful motifs and allows for ample natural light

vertical passenger terminal that integrates world-class design, architecture, infrastructure and operational efficiency, with a rich infusion of Indian heritage and cultural character.

Terminal2's design draws inspiration from India's national bird – the peacock Facilities galore

GVK has built the new integrated Terminal 2 as an iconic megastructure that will set global benchmarks in airport infrastructure development. Featuring a highly compact design by a New Yorkbased firm, T2 will have the ability to handle 40 million passengers annually. Traversing across four levels, the vertical and compact design of T2 integrating all operations (International, Domestic, Cargo,

Ground Handling, Security, Retail) under one roof enables enhanced passenger servicing and great operational efficiency.

All international, and later, domestic passengers will enter the new Terminal Head House on the fourth level, that is accessed by a sweeping elevated road from the Western Express Highway in a couple of minutes. At the entrance, the lanes split, making room for wide drop-off curbs with ample space for departure rituals, with passengers and their guests protected from Mumbai’s heat and unpredictable monsoons by the Head House roof that extends to cover the entire departure roadway.

A 15-meter-tall cable-stayed glass wall, the longest in the world, opens to the soaring space of the check-in hall, with the transparent façade allowing accompanying well-wishers to watch as their friends and family go through the pre-flight procedures. Once inside, travellers

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“The opening of Terminal 2 is one of the most important milestones in the history of CSIA as well as Mumbai.

It is my dream to create icons which will last for generations.”

Dr G V K Reddy Executive Chairman, GVK, Mumbai International Airport Pvt. Ltd.

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Did you know?

15-meter-tall cablestayed glass wall – the longest in the world.

11 acre long-span mega roof supported by only 30 columns.

1.85 million sq ft of granite used here can cover 27 football fields.

30,000 sq ft Skylight glass, enough to cover Wimbledon’s Centre Court six times over.

4Km of LED lighting used to illuminate façade.

5,200 car multi-level car park, largest in the country.

Mr. G V Sanjay Reddy Managing Director, GVK Mumbai International Airport Pvt. Ltd.

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

enter the warm, open, light-filled and monumentally large check-in hall, featuring 188 + 20 check-in counters, sheltered underneath the 11-acre long-span roof, supported by an array of only 30 mushrooming multistorey mega-columns. Small disks of colourful glass recessed within the canopy’s coffers speckle the hall below with light, whose constellation of colours makes reference to the peacock, India’s national bird, and the inspiration for the airport.

After check-in, 60 emigration counters, 124 security check positions, 41 travellators, 47 escalators and 73 elevators will efficiently and swiftly process passengers for boarding. The

common check-in hall leads to a retail hub for international travellers, while domestic passengers proceed down to Level 3 along the spectacular palm and waterfall gardens to their own dedicated domestic retail hub.

These commercial plazas, spread over a combined area of 2,00,000 sq ft, are centrally located at the junction of the concourses and the terminal core, to provide close proximity to the 52 convenient departure gates for maximum passenger convenience.

Level 2 is dedicated for all Arrivals with 10 fully-automatic baggagehandling carousels and 72 arrival immigration counters, while Level 1 is designed for ground transportation.

The automated baggage system

Photo: GVK

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“The new Terminal 2 is a monument to the beautiful spirit of Mumbai. it will make CSIA a gateway to the city and India for domestic and international passengers. This airport will redefine global benchmarks in aviation & airport development. the prevalence of local art & culture, coupled with warm colours elevates the ambience beyond the typical, to create a sense of place & identity that truly celebrates India.”

The multistorey Art Wall has over 7,000 pieces of artworks from across India

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can handle 9,600 bags per hour.

Interconnecting light slots and multi-storey light wells ensure that light penetrates even into the lower floors of the four-storied mega structure, acting as a constant reminder of the surrounding city and its landscape.

For the first time in India, the terminal also features an Airport Joint Control Centre that will house all stakeholders – from security to airline officials and airport operations included to facilitate collaborative and speedy decisionmaking every time.

Peacock theme

The design of Terminal 2 draws inspiration from India’s national bird – the peacock. It portrays the magnificent character of

Photo: GVK

SpiceJet's crew poses next to one of the 41 travellators

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurating T2 along with Civil Aviation Minister Mr. Ajit Singh, and other dignitaries

Number highlights • 208 check-in counters as well as 23 domestic and 30 international security pedestals • 60 emigration counters on departure as against

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

the white peacock, representing flight, as well as rare beauty. The architecture of the new airport terminal quintessentially reflects India’s proud heritage and draws from its rich culture – it unmistakably and proudly presents a new contemporary India and its possibilities. Throughout T2, there are fixtures and details, such as 1,000 chandeliers inspired by the lotus flower, a Diya curtain with 10,000 diyas waiting to welcome international travellers and the check-in hall which is inspired by 1,000 white peacocks in the sky.

And once you step outside, you will be greeted by a grand 2,00,000 sq ft landscaped garden...

Along with a comfortable experience, the terminal surely promises a feast for the eyes!

just 38 now and 72 immigration counters on arrivals as against just 40 now • 10 baggage carousels, expandable to 14 when required

• 10,900 seating capacity, 102 toilets, 161 elevators, escalators, travellators • Retail footprint of 2,00,000 sq ft

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Brilliant

makeover

Recently the Bengaluru airport got a brand new name as well as a fantastic new look, making it one of the best in India.

W O R D S | f l or i n a sor e n

Photos: GVK

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I

f you are landing at the Bengaluru airport after a long time, you will be pleasantly surprised by the new look of the airport and also by the name. Renamed as Kempegowda International Airport in honour of the founder of the city – Hiriya Kempe Gowda, it brings in a new lease of life.

Keeping pace with the rising status of Bengaluru as India’s Silicon city, the airport brings in top-notch passenger facilities With 26 boarding gates, 15 aerobridges (including 1 Code F to facilitate A380) and a new, high-tech

AOCC (Airport Operational Control Center) to boot, the airport ensures smooth and hassle-free functioning,

it has a Total area of 1.5 million sq ft, 86 check-in counters, 24 departure emigration counters, 24 arrival immigration counters, 30 Common User Self Service Check-in, and 26 Boarding gates February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Quick facts New Capacity • 13 baggage reclaim belts • 32 domestic security consoles • 16 international security consoles • 15 boarding bridges including a Code-F stand that can accommodate an Airbus A380 Indigenous plants have been used to add that 'green' touch

adding to the travel experience of each passenger.

Known to be frequently visited by international and domestic travellers, the design of the terminal takes into account the existing core strengths like short walkways, ease and convenience of usage, linear flow and a flexible design. Now passengers can enjoy the comfort of many more check-in counters, seating areas, a large security hold area as well as added aerobridges.

Gateway of the South

Befitting the Garden city, the airport has been designed with over 100 acres of landscape greeting the traveller. The aim being to bring out the essence of the city as a tranquil and green zone. Indigenous plants, trees and shrubs have been used to reflect the abundant natural beauty of the region.

The airport also reflects the rich art and culture of the region. On the interiors, elements of Mysore painting and relief works, which are emblematic of Karnataka art, are given prominent display using modern materials. To add to the ambience, artwork by renowned artists such as Yusuf Arakkal, Jatin Das, Siddartha Das and Satish Gupta

were commissioned to enhance the experience of the travellers.

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The airport has been designed with over 100 acres of landscape greeting the traveller Keeping in mind the needs of the passenger, care has been taken to provide enough leisure activity within the airport itself. Food and beverage, and retail concepts have been carefully created to provide a platform for local cuisines and artforms. Products created by over 500 artisans, from Channapatna toys to Bidriware and Mysore silks, will be available here.

For first-time visitors, a few minutes spent in the airport offer an interesting glimpse of the city and its authenticity.

Enhanced facilities • A new VIP Terminal of 10,000 sq ft • Baby care rooms • Smoking rooms • Prayer room • 2 new lounges • 1 day hotel • 1 bus lounge • Spa • 25 retail outlets • 13 new restaurants

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Better than ever

The Goa airport received a massive facelift last month with better facilities and increased capacity.

Photos: AAI

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G

oa is a one of most popular tourist destinations among foreign as well as domestic travellers. With a record increase of 12 per cent in the number of tourists visiting the state in 2013 as compared to the previous year, the Goa airport is one of the most visited airports in India.

Keeping in mind the increased footfall, the new integrated terminal was recently opened offering hassle-free experience to passengers

need for more

Goa is one of the most soughtafter tourist destinations in India.

The city sees more foreign footfall in the peak season (December to February) than domestic travellers.

Keeping in mind the huge rush, there was a rising need of better facilities at the airport. As an answer

As an answer to the rising need for better facilities and increased capacity, the new terminal can now handle up to 2,750 passengers during peak hours, the equivalent of an annual capacity of 4.5 million passengers February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Beautiful beaches make Goa a popular tourist destination

new facilities 34

Terminal can now handle 2,750 peak hour passengers at a time.

Five passenger boarding bridges

CUTE enabled check-incounters Inline compatible baggage handling system Software-based building management system More elevators and escalators

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

to this increasing need for improved facilities and growing capacity, the new terminal was given a makeover.

It can now handle up to 2,750 passengers during peak hours (2,000 domestic and 750 international passengers approximately), the equivalent of an annual capacity of 4.5 million passengers.

Spacious & modern

The new terminal is now an integrated building capable of handling both domestic and international operations with equal ease. The terminal building is equipped with modern, stateof-the-art facilities. Five passenger boarding bridges, CUTE-enabled check-in-counters (Common User Terminal Equipment) which make the

The terminal has modern, state-ofthe-art facilities check-in process more comfortable during rush hours, inline compatible baggage handling system, softwarebased building management system, elevators and escalators... all these and much more will all enable the airport to handle more passengers, with ease. With more space and modern designing, the terminal is now all set to welcome visitors to Goa. According to Airport Authority sources, the next plan is to further develop the western side finger of the terminal building, to enhance the handling capacity and operational efficiency.

If you’re among the who’s who of the Indian industry, it’s time you chose to advertise in

D nakaran

 Average ABC certifed daily circulation of a whopping 12,67,104 copies  IRS certified readership of 47.08 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

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48 hours in

SINGAPORE

You are sure to be drawn into an emotional connect with this place – it promises an engaging experience of a lifetime.

W O R D S A N D P hotographs | R U P A L I D E A N

2

days in a city

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C

ertainly the model of an ‘ideal city’, Singapore is friendly without being ‘in your face’. It also has strong economics, great shopping, solid infrastructure, lots of green space, unique multiculturalism, good food and more. There is loads of public art and an incredible tube system. And the city is cheap and reliable.

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Public art, clean streets and fun places... you return home enriched, as you get to explore an ‘experiential touch-do-and-engage vacation’ instead of a mere ‘checklist holiday’

Spicejet AND tIGERAIR, SINGAPORE'S LARGEST BUDGET AIRLINE, HAVE SIGNED A THREE-YEAR INTERLINE AGREEMENT FOR GREATER CONNECTIVITY

fast facts The name Singapore actually comes from the name Singapura meaning ‘Lion city’. A statue of the Merlion is based in Merlion Park, with its back to the city skyline, spewing out a massive unceasing stream of water.

Singapore is a rapidly growing city-state of nearly 6 million people. It is one of the smallest countries in the world.

DAY ONE

9 AM: HAWKER CENTRE A visit to the Hawker Centre is perhaps the best way to start your Singapore tour as there can be no better way to sample authentic local favourites without forking out too much moolah. Most of the hawker centres are open air and yet offer shelters, letting you enjoy your food even if it’s raining (which is certainly not an uncommon thing in Singapore)! Go to Maxwell, just next to China Town. Recommendations go all out for the huge tumblers of refreshing and sweet sugarcane juice and chai tow kway (fried carrot cake) in both black and white versions.

Also try some congee, paper roast chicken, duck noodle soup, the famed kaya toast with half-boiled egg… astonishingly decadent. Truly nowhere else in the world can one find such an eclectic array of food!

And I must admit the cleanliness of the place is a big plus.

10 AM: CHINA TOWN Interestingly this cultural hub of the Chinese community, alongside being a historical district, is known as ‘ox cart water’ owing to the fact that ox-drawn carts were used to transport water in the past in this area. The architecture here is very Victorian with red rooftops to be seen everywhere. The food street

Don't forget to try the famed kaya toast with half-boiled egg has around 100 hawker stands, selling seafood in particular. It is also a great place to buy inexpensive souvenirs – from fashion goods to electronic gear.

Not to be missed are the three restored shop houses showcasing the rich heritage and serving as a repository for memories, sights and sounds. Needless to add, this China town is also the cleanest in the world.

By 1827, the Chinese became the largest ethnic group in Singapore.

Many Singaporeans have a habit of adding ‘la’ to the end of their sentences. For instance, ‘okay-la,’ is one example of Singlish.

Changi Airport is an awardwinning facility. Unlike any airport, it has vast shopping centres, dining options and entertainment features. You have access to free gaming rooms, movie theatres and high-speed Wi-fi.

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A little more Spend a day at Sentosa, an island off Singapore which is being built into a playground for locals and tourists alike, with resort hotels, manmade beaches and theme parks.

You will love the 4D Magix – where you get to watch a 3D film, sit in seats that move, get splashed by water as wiggly things brush past your legs, making for an all-new experience.

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The Underwater World is packed, probably because it is the most interesting attraction. The main part is an underwater walkway and travellator that takes you inside a massive water tank filled with all types of fish.

The best bit for me however was playing around with the pink dolphins and of course I enjoyed watching ‘songs of the sea’ – a stupendous lightand-sound show.

Another must-see is the new Universal Studios, set out with seven different themes for different areas that form a circle for one to follow.

11.30 AM: WALK ALONG

ORCHARD ROAD

Considered the hub of Singapore’s retail and entertainment scene, this popular road attracts both locals and tourists alike owing to it being a shopper’s paradise. Interestingly this name was based on the numerous orchards that could be found in this area before the 20th century. But a time came when plague infested the land and killed all the trees. And now, it’s like being at the 5th Avenue of New York among hundreds of high-end shops that populate the area. Needless to add, like true Indians, you can shop till you drop out here. Have your lunch at any of the restaurants around that catches your fancy – they’re all good.

6 PM: SINGAPORE FLYER Nothing quite beats the romance of a sky-high drink amid an unbeatable aerial view of Singapore’s Marina Bay including the new Marina Bay Floating Platform, which is used for Singapore’s National Day parades and even the island city’s central business district. As the capsule gradually climbs towards the apex, one can see the lights which

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Clockwise from top: Shop at the famous Orchard Road; Walk along the river at Clarke Quay

make the city skyline glitter. The 360˚view of the city throughout the experience is thrilling.

7.30 PM: CLARKE QUAY Walking along the river, you will come across the statue of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles who is known to have converted Singapore from a tiny fishing village into a major British trading port.

A little ahead you can spot three leaning

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Visit some of the restaurants at Dempsey Hill

towers on the other side of a bridge. This is the G-Max reverse bungee right at the entrance of Clarke Quay, unique to Singapore, and is unlike the conventional one.

In this case, you are strapped up in an open-air capsule, thrown up and then spun around. Of course you scream. Post this thrilling experience you can check out the various bars and restaurants (former warehouses), and treat yourselves to a Singapore Sling (a cocktail) and some seafood dinner.

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DAY TWO

8 AM: BEHIND THE SCENES Jurong Bird Park is the world’s largest aviary. After a look at the whole park, you can scoot

The National Orchid Garden is home to more than 1,000 varieties off literally (on battery operated scooters), for some behindthe-scene feeding frenzy. It is an unforgettable tour which provides an opportunity to get up close to long-legged

flamingo beauties, tallerthan-life ostriches, three-toed cassowaries, white-tailed Nicobar pigeons and lacelike crested-crowned pigeons among many others. It was also interesting to discover how the avian team incubates eggs and cares for chicks.

2 PM: BOTANIC GARDENS

and LUNCH

Whether you want to smell the flowers, learn about medicinal plants or just enjoy the open space, the Botanic Gardens deserve a place on your Singapore to-do list. The National Orchid Garden (one

must see

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

• Clarke Quay

• Riverfront

• Bugis Village

• Maxwell Hawker Centre

• Dempsey Hill

• Ion Orchard Mall

• Singapore Zoo

• Jurong Bird Park

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of the biggest attractions, with a small entrance fee) within is home to more than 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids. The other themed gardens are completely free and just as enjoyable.

Highlights include fragrant frangipani, fruit trees, the ginger garden with a walk-through waterfall, and a swatch

The best part of the night safari is the flying squirrel. It may even fly over you! of virgin rainforest with trees reaching heights over 40 metres. For your lunch break check out Halia, which whisks you away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore, transporting you into a charming world of flora and fauna, fine wines and above all, one of the most delectable multi-dimensional palate experience.

6 PM: FAMED MERLION Take a boat ride from Clarke Quay and sail along into the open water in front of the Merlion fountain and just along the esplanade, across

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the Singapore River and you arrive at Merlion Park. The Merlion is a mythical creature said to have been dreamt up by the founding father of Singapore. Legend has it that a Sumatran prince, the son of Alexander the great, discovered an island when out sailing the oceans.

Upon landing on the island the prince was confronted by a ferocious lion.

By showing respect to the lion he survived to see another day. The lion, combined with the marine nature of the island, inspired the Merlion – a creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish.

10.30 PM: NIGHT SAFARI End your day with a tram ride through the Zoo, after dark, when all the night animals are out and in their natural environments. The Singapore Zoo is huge and they really do let the animals roam wild, some of them come right up to the tram!

You would come across rhinoceros, giraffe, elephant, ox, lions and all manner of local beasts and animals including an Asian tiger. But the best part is the flying squirrel. You may actually find one flying over you... an unforgettable experience.

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Romantic getaways

Be it a honeymoon, or a break years after marriage, these hideaways promise special moments for any couple.

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W ords | neharika mathur sinha

Y

ou’ll find you connect on an all-new level through your journey... from boarding your train or flight to the return home in a cab – planning together, meeting people and just experiencing something new.

Maldives The best part about this collection of coral reef islands is that it has fabulous weather almost through the year, so you can plan your romantic escape at a moment’s notice. In fact, spontaneity is what your trip will be all about. You may dedicate a day to experiencing sea treasures through a snorkelling expedition on

your chosen island resort. Or spend long lazy hours at their spa. Or just forget all your cares and lounge on a deck chair next to the turquoise sea.

Palm trees and pearl-white beaches promise a tranquil visual treat daily.

Some resorts also offer live music and dance shows. Your bungalow will be

You take back beautiful memories, right from the time you board a seaplane and then a speedboat from Male to reach your resort, to the final goodbye...

next to the sea or standing on stilts on the waters, so take an impromptu dip anytime. Don’t forget to plan a private beachside candle-lit dinner.

AT MALE

Before your flight takes off from Male, you can plan a trip to the National Museum to witness a collection of local weaponry and other paraphernalia. You may also factor in a Whale Submarine ride.

Give yourselves two hours for the experience – a boat trip to the submarine, the 45 minutes you spend inside watching the variety of fish that comes close to the sub’s windows (attracted by food the sub dispenses), and the ride back to the airport.

SpiceJet operates flights to Male and Port Blair. For Diu, you can take a flight to Ahmedabad and then a cab. For Gangtok, take a flight to Bagdogra – it is 125km away

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Dense forests, exotic birds and flowers create a perfect romantic setting in the Andaman Islands, along with the aquamarine waters and white sands. If you're in the mood for a relaxed bonding session, head to Corbyn’s Cove Beach – a serene spot with lush green coconut palms in Port Blair. You can also discover a lot here together... the Cellular Jail will give you a taste of history with its Light & Sound Show that depicts the saga of the martyrs of Indian Independence. The Anthropological Museum houses models of the aborigines and their tools, while the Naval Fisheries Museum houses nearly 350 species of fascinating marine life including live coral, sharks, polyps as well as starfish. You can also take a ferry to Havelock Island for a snorkelling session or ride in a glass-bottomed boat to enjoy breathtaking sea-life views.

Head to Ross Island to meet friendly flocks of deer, or just take a walk together on the beautiful lush green trails that abound in the Andaman Islands.

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

diu A compact secluded island at the southernmost end of Gujarat, Diu has a coastline of just 21km... With a small-town charm, this relatively ‘undiscovered gem’ promises time for you to bond with your loved one in splendid isolation. Hire a bike, scooter or even a cycle to navigate the quiet and clean streets together, a delightful way to also absorb the Portuguese influences in the architecture.

You can head to Diu Fort for beautiful sea views and a mesmerising sunset. Do pay a visit to their beaches – each has something unique to offer. The sea at Ghoghla beach is shallow and you can paddle deep into the sea together. The horseshoe-shaped Nagoa beach is a 25-minute drive from Diu and offers options like para sailing, water skiing, jet skiing and wind surfing. The pretty Chakratirth beach is sought after due to the availability of changing rooms.

You can pray for a happy future together at the Jalandhar beach which also houses the Jalandhar shrine on a small hillock and the temple of Goddesses Chandrika. Another interesting sight is the Gangeshwar

photo: Srinath Rao

Port Blair

Temple in Fudam village, around 3km away from Diu. Here, a shivalinga called Gangeshwar is set in the midst of rocks and is washed by the tidal waves of the sea.

Don’t miss visiting the Sea Shell Museum which displays more than 2,500 sea shells – it’s a treat for the eyes. For a taste of history, visit

The Nagoa beach is a 25-minute drive from Diu and offers water sport options Diu Museum (earlier the St Thomas Church) to view wood carvings, statues and other artefacts. The Fortress of Panikota is a magnificent stone structure with a lighthouse and a small chapel. You can even consider making some additions to your home – invest in leather products, bamboo mats and baskets from here...

Seafood is another great attraction – mussels, pork chops and stuffed crabs are on many menus thanks to the Portuguese influence.

View of Diu Fort from the Lighthouse

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Bird’s eye view of the scenic city

gangtok 50

A delightful mix of natural beauty and spirituality, Gangtok is perfect for a twosome to create unforgettable memories. Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain, forms the backdrop to this city.

Dedicate one early morning to Ganesh Tok, the highest point around Gangtok (6,500ft), the steep ascend accessible in a taxi. On a clear day, you will be able to witness the beauty of the city. Tashi viewpoint is another option with breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga. And if you want fulfillment of joint wishes, go to Hanuman Tok – a Hindu temple complex dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

There are also picturesque waterfalls on view, including

Bakthang Waterfalls and Banjhankari Falls. In the latter, statues demonstrate how the Jhankari tribesmen heal people using natural products and herbs. For enchanting

If you want fulfillment of wishes, go to Hanuman Tok, a Hindu temple views of flowers, go to Tsomgo Lake, 40km away. Clear waters are surrounded by snow-capped mountains, along with eyecatching blue and yellow poppies, rhododendrons and primulas that bloom between May and August. Add

Best ways to bond • Since you disconnect from regular life when you travel, you forget all your problems.

• While relaxing or exploring a new place together, you bond on an all-new level.

• You create memories of a lifetime

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

to the experience – ride a yak here!

For a spiritual high, visit Rumtek monastery, 24km away.

The largest monastery in Sikkim, it has many sacred objects including a magnificent golden stupa containing the relics of the 16th Karmapa. Or go to Temi tea garden, 124km away. Spread out on a gentle hill slope, it provides panoramic views.

Many tour operators offer mountain biking excursions – if you’re up for the challenge, it’s a great way to bond as you explore the lush green hills and dales with a hint of thrill. Don’t forget to feast on momos and thukpa. Avoid visiting during the rainy season.

as you share experiences. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures and make the effort to create a physical photo album of the trip.

• The best part is that you both have the same time constraints, so there’s never a moment when you’re ‘too busy’ for your partner.

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Road Less

Travelled

From holidaying in a caravan to cycling tours in Ladakh, India has a lot to offer to those seeking unique experiences.

W ords | S hibani B awa

D 52

espite international travel becoming increasingly popular among Indians, there’s no denying that Incredible India still has a lot to offer. If you’ve been there and done most of the regular touristy stuff it’s probably time to get off the beaten path and try out unique and interesting ways to explore India.

And if you’re the outdoorsy sort, there’s good news.

While adventure holidays involving mountain climbing, white water rafting and such have been around for years, the plethora of options now available also include running holidays, cycling tours, war tourism and more Caravans

For those who like road trips, caravans provide an experience unlike any other. They give you

Goa now has European-style silent parties that allow revellers to party hard without disturbing others.

Music is channeled through wireless headphones rather than `over loud' speakers February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Best Reads Born To Run by Christopher McDougall: The semiautobiographical story of McDougall’s journey to run with the Tarahumara Indians in Mexico, joined by a collection of elite ultra-runners and mixed with historical anecdotes on the science of running, captures the zeitgeist of a rapidly changing running industry.

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Dare To Run by Amit Sheth: An inspiring story of Amit and Neepa Sheth, a husbandwife duo who took up running as a sport in their late 30s. This collection of essays written over five years is not just about running, but about the need to relentlessly follow your dreams and passions.

To Be a Runner by Martin Dugard: This tome is about how racing up mountains, running with the bulls, or just taking on a 5-K makes you a better person (and the world a better place).

Luxury setting inside a caravan

the convenience of living and driving your own vehicle to chosen destinations without spending on hotel rooms or worrying about the availability of air or train tickets. All you need to do is hire a caravan, get behind the wheels and set off for a holiday at your own pace.

Victorinox India’s Basecamp claims to deliver the caravans to owners within 45 to 90 days from the date of order. The caravan will be attached to the pulling vehicle with a special clamp. It will be electrically connected with the vehicle and use the brake light inputs and turn indicators and also the braking inputs from the vehicle pulling it. The comfortable interiors boast beds, dining areas, toilet and bathroom, kitchen and cabinets. Basecamp is also working with the state tourism development board to facilitate caravan parking facilities.

Running Holidays

The increasing popularity of marathons is only an indicator of how seriously Indians have taken to running. The sport is no longer a chore, but a thrilling routine for those who’ve taken to it. Running holidayers have motivated travel companies to tailor breaks for them, which can be extended to additional February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

destinations. If it’s marathons that you’re seeking to participate in, indiarunning.com has an updated running calendar for 2014, listing the marathons scheduled all over the country. Running tracks along scenic routes or through historic sites add to the thrill for runners. While city marathons like those in Mumbai and Delhi remain the most popular, there are several other niche runs outside cities. Sangla and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, Satara in Maharashtra, Corbett National Park and Goa are boutique race destinations, which also have holiday potential. Besides marathons, runningandliving.com assists in organising running events and shares various tips for runners.

Book a caravan, get behind the wheels and set off for a holiday at your own pace War Tourism

Even if nobody likes to glorify war, the fact remains that there is quite an interest among people for visiting battlegrounds or related sites to remember, to pay homage or for educational purposes. In Amritsar, the Jallianwalah Bagh is a revered site

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till today, where visiting tourists go to solemnly remember the ghastly massacre. As a pioneering initiative in war tourism in India, the Manipur-based Battle of Imphal Tours (battleofimphal.com) take you back in time through a collection of tours around Imphal and across Manipur showcasing sites such as war cemeteries, the battlefield, and a Second World War era airfield. Few people know that the Battles of Imphal and Kohima were the turning point of one of the most gruelling campaigns of WWII. The tour also showcases why the UK’s National Army Museum named Imphal/ Kohima as Britain’s Greatest Battle in April 2013.

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Yoga Vacations

Enjoy a yoga session amid serene environs

If you like the dynamic style of Ashtanga yoga, head to Mysore

Saree Trail Dakshinachitra in Chennai is a beautiful 10-acre site by the sea which introduces visitors to the cultures and craft traditions of Tamil Nadu and other provinces. Pochampally is a traditional weaving village in Nalgonda District of Andhra Pradesh.

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hiking safaris exploring the culture, heritage and countryside of India.

They offer day bike trips, a great adventure in the most beautiful areas around Bengaluru, Cochin, Pune, Jaipur and Udaipur. If you have the time and inclination, their signature classic bicycle trips can be organised in the states of Kerala, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Himalayas or Sikkim. They even encourage you to design your own adventure.

Cycling tours

Bicycle trips offer simple and unique ways to intimately experience the real India. Biking at your own pace and assimilating a destination in your own time can be highly gratifying. Kalypso Adventures (www.kalypsoadventures.com) offer cycling holidays across India. Their Kerala rides let you explore the manicured tea gardens of Munnar and the rain forests at Periyar. You can enjoy a relaxing ride along the beaches, the country roads and the backwaters. Their itineraries range from five to 14 days. Art of Bicycle Trips (www.artofbicycletrips.com) designs unique cycling, walking and

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While yoga may not be a thrilling sport, it certainly embodies the essence of India. If you’ve never been on a yoga vacation, we suggest that you try it once. The sheer thrill of getting energy flowing through your body may surpass that of any adventure activity. If you like the traditional form of yoga – Hatha Yoga – the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram offers it in a pristine setting amidst 12 acres of tropical splendour in the foothills of Kerala’s Western Ghats, next to Neyyar Dam. The ashram program covers classical yoga techniques, and courses such as Yoga Teacher Training Course (TTC), Advanced Teacher Training Course (ATTC), Ayurvedic Wellness Course, Panchakarma Detoxification Program, Fasting & Detoxification Program and Yoga Ayurveda Cultural Program (YACP). If you like the dynamic style of Ashtanga yoga, head to Mysore.

There are a number of other weaving villages in the district producing Ikkat fabric in different designs, textures and colours. Some of them are Koyyalagudem, Bogaram and Siripuram (cotton centers), Choutuppal (mainly mercerised cotton), Puttapaka, Pochampalli, Ghattupal and Vellanki.

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Adventure Buff

Disc jockey, mountaineer, skydiver, BASE jumper, deep-sea diver... Archana Sardana balances all with style.

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orn and bought up in Jammu, Archana Sardana holds the distinction of being India’s first woman skydiver and BASE (Building, Antenna, Span and Earth) jumper. The adrenalin rush also prompted her to try other challenges including mountaineering and scuba diving.

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She's busy being a homemaker, except for the time when adventure calls her to test limits and establish yet another milestone What was your childhood like?

I am from a business family. Women don’t work and I hadn’t even walked a mile in my life.

I just got married to a Submariner of the Indian Navy and life went for a skydive!

How did you get into mountaineering?

My supposed honeymoon was an adventure course at Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling.

Then followed the Basic Mountaineering Course at Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling before my first son was

I am just a regular housewife. I take off when I have to. My husband manages the schedule and kids

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Archana freefalling from a height of 13,000ft at the Palm, Dubai

59 born. Labour pains at childbirth, comparatively speaking, were a joy! Next was the Advance Mountaineering Course at Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi. I worked as a guest instructor with an adventure company, taking kids to the mountains. Although the salary was poor, it felt great to be outdoors.

How about BASE jumping?

I am India’s only woman BASE jumper and have jumped in India, Malaysia and USA. It’s one of the

'I learnt to swim with my sons! Today I am a master scuba diver trainer' world’s most dangerous sports, if at all you call it a sport! But someone had to do it to get Indian women to be a part of this elite group of crazy people. But again, there is no opportunity in India – there are no other jumpers who can accompany me when I jump.

Tell us about your first jump.

It was in Perris Valley, Los Angeles, in 2009.

And skydiving?

I’ve done 345 skydives. I have jumped in the USA, Laos, Dubai and India – all from different aircraft, helicopters, and hot-air balloons.

It’s an expensive sport and I don’t have any more jewellery to sell and I can’t mortgage the house again. So it happens only once a year when I travel to the USA. India has no opportunity for civilians.

Breaking records First woman BASE jumper On July 13, 2010, Archana completed 25 BASE jumps off a 400ft high bridge above a canyon in Utah, USA. Unfurling the tricolour during a skydive On August 15, 2010, Archana unfurled the Indian tricolour while performing a dive from 13,000ft at Perris Valley, Los Angeles, USA. She is the first woman to do it on India’s Independence Day.

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Child’s play My children are India's youngest scuba divers. If children abroad can start at eight, why can’t we Indians! It was to prove a point. I have myself trained more than 700 kids in scuba diving.

It not an expensive sport so I am sticking to it. I earn a bit of money and fund skydiving! My kids will obviously skydive too. When they were young, they wanted to be submariners but they have been seeing me skydiving so I guess they will be doing it too.

60 Quick ones Favourite movie: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara Favourite hobby: Reading Favourite book: The Alchemist

by Paulo Coelho Favourite historical character: Gandhiji Favourite sportsperson: Cristiano Ronaldo

With her sons Pranav and Ayush – both hold world records in scuba diving

You’re also a trained disc jockey and a drummer...

I trained at DJ Aqeel’s Academy for more than a year as a disc jockey, but did not play commercially thereafter. Partied enough at the right age though! My sons used to play drums and I did take a few classes with them. Then they went to boarding school along with their piano, and the drum set went to the local church!

And now you are into scuba diving.

Tell us about it.

I learnt to swim with my sons! Today I am a master scuba diver trainer from Professional Association of Diving Instructors, USA. I have started my own company – Archana Sardana Scuba Diving Academy.

What is your first love?

George Michael, who else! Just kidding. Skydiving is my favourite.

Any burning desire, another milestone you want to conquer?

I went to base camp Everest a few years ago. I wanted to be the first Indian woman to attempt

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

the Everest skydive – you skydive from 30,000ft and land at 11,000ft.

But I had to come back due to lack of funds. So that’s one of my unfinished projects.

Describe your daily training schedule...

Nil! Where is BASE jumping and skydiving done in India?

I have BASE jumped a bridge near Jammu. Skydiving is almost non-existent for civilians. The only reliable person who can organise some skydiving is Wg Cdr (retired) Sanjay Thapar of the Indian Parachuting Federation.

Your best jumping destination?

Dubai.

How do you relax?

I keep to myself, watch song videos.

What do you do before and after your jumps?

Concentrate on safety aspects before the jumps and have fun with fellow jumpers after the skydive.

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Melody maker

Angaraag Mahanta aka Papon talks about his love for folk music, his children, his film commitments and more.

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is rendition of Pritam’s Jiyein Kyun in Dum Maaro Dum was arguably one of the best musical debuts in Bollywood. Those who have followed Papon before that would know this debut would come as but a small step for a man whose past collaborations include names like Indian Ocean and Midival Punditz.

After being known to the public eye thus, the man seemed to be all over the place in 2011, mainly courtesy Coke Studio @ MTV and Dewarists

Towards the fag end of year 2012, Papon launched his debut Hindi album, The Story So Far, which received rave reviews all around 2013 was an eventful and busy year for you. Are Hindi films top priority right now?

Everything is at the same level priority wise for me – my band,

I’ve also got other collaborations coming up, including Troikala which I did last year with the tabla virtuoso Bickram Ghosh, and Scottish singer-songwriter Rachel Sermanni

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showtime BACARDI NH7 Weekender was great, as usual.

My set featured Benny Dayal as a guest vocalist.

Towards the end of the concert, it started raining, and some people told me it rained through one song and ended when the song ended. that was a magical moment for me 64

Quick bytes Favourite artiste: That’s a very difficult question to answer Favourite cuisine: Mongolian Favourite sport: Cricket

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Papon at the NH7 Weekender

films, festivals. My priority actually is to do good work across the different kinds of projects that I’m involved in, whether it’s independent music, festivals, Bollywood, or anything else.

You are born to well-known folk legends; how difficult was it to convince them about your contemporary version of folk music?

Initially, my parents were concerned.

But then they understood that I was still keeping the essence of folk music intact. I spent a lot of time understanding why and where folk comes from, and then worked on making it own. After that, they were happy with the results.

Do you think combining electro and folk results in a wider appeal?

I think contemporary folk acts are getting younger people interested in folk. Folk is coming back into our lives with a ‘now’ tag to it. It’s all the same old stories, but in a new way. People are opening up, and are open to trying new things. I think electronica is quite ‘now’. It’s not even been a decade since it’s been so mainstream; of course electronica has been around for much longer than that, but it’s really become popular now. With electro and folk, you’re able to take melodies and stories that

are hundreds of years old, tried-andtested stories, and immediately use them with what’s happening now.

And people connect with that.

My priority is to do good work across different kinds of projects From being an independent singer in the first two seasons of Coke Studio to being the producer-composer of the entire season 3, how has the experience been?

It was a whole new story. There were so many different tracks, musicians and styles – it was completely a different game. It was also a really great learning process for me. When I was first started working on Coke Studio@MTV, I thought it was going to very hectic and perhaps a bit serious. But when we started rehearsals, it was so much fun. I really enjoyed working with all the musicians on my episode. I also loved working with such a variety of styles – from Assamese folk to beatboxing to new-age electronica to ghazals, and so much more – there’s such different styles of music across my songs. It has

Rest Assured Stay H otel Formule1 by Accor, the largest operator in Asia Pacific, is a hotel for a comfortable ‘Rest Assured stay’ and is renowned to deliver a great sleep and shower experience.

Bringing a unique concept in the hotel segment, the rooms are cleverly designed and more stylish. The soft, relaxing colors and the new enhanced approach to light, space and materials gives it a warm, trendy atmosphere.

With an aim to appeal to domestic corporates, frequent travelers for work and leisure that are looking for outstanding value combined with quality service standards, Hotel Formule1 will be the first such hotel brand in the country filling the void for standardized comfort with the best value assured.

The hotel offers complimentary Wi-fi, refreshing breakfast, 24/7 safety and security, great location, 100% cotton bed linen and access control elevators.

Formule1 has recently launched a hotel in Pune.

Strategically located amidst the business and IT hub of Pune in Hinjewadi Phase 1, the hotel features 104 rooms.

Speaking about the brand’s debut in Pune, Philip Logan, Vice President Hotel Formule1, India says, “Pune

is a key focus market and we are excited with the opening of our fourth Formule1 hotel. With great potential in the city, Hotel Formule1 Pune Hinjewadi will appeal to the customers with its added benefits, making it the perfect choice for them with a promise of ‘Rest Assured’ with the best value”.

With 24 X 7 security and access control lifts, keycard-operated door locks, visual alarm for common areas, break glass emergency phone and CCTV Cameras; the hotel provides undoubted safety to its guests.

The Formule1 hotel design concept steers away from conventional hotels. The generous use of natural materials, fresh colours and attractive lighting takes Formule1 a step above traditional hotel models.

Using contemporary furnishings, clever layouts, and a whimsical twist of designer graphics, Formule1 creates a new atmosphere that brings life and fun into the spaces.

Hotel Formule1 is now present in India in cities like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Pune Hinjewadi and Greater Noida and opening soon in Gurgaon, Pune Pimpri and Hyderabad in 2014.

For more details log on to www.hotelformule1india.com

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In the past, you have collaborated with various artistes. Are there any in the near future that you have planned for?

I’ve got other collaborations coming up, including Troikala which I did last year with Bickram Ghosh, the tabla virtuoso, and Scottish singersongwriter Rachel Sermanni.

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Among your contemporaries whose work do you like the most?

Of all of them, I've really been enjoying Rachel Sermanni. I’ve also been listening to a new act from the UK called The Staves.

shaped up beautifully. The entire episode has come out better than I had originally perceived.

A singer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer... What’s up next for you?

I’ve just started working on my next album, so that’s definitely a focus for me. I’m doing two folk albums in Assam, the traditional way. And then of course, I’m working on some new projects for Bollywood.

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Are your kids musically inclined?

It's too early to say, but it seems like they enjoy music.

Which is the one country you would like to travel to once again?

Brazil I would say.

I’m doing two folk albums in Assam, the traditional way

What is your favourite holiday destination and do you prefer family holidays to travelling alone?

The Himalayas – places like Uttarakhand appeal to me. I like both family holidays and travelling alone; it just depends on what kind of travel I'm doing.

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Golden Spice of Life

Considered one of the culinary essentials in the kitchen, the virtues of turmeric as a super spice are legendary.

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it is a potent healer against allergies, diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease

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n the entire cornucopia of medicinal herbs, if there is one spice that continues to be used as a culinary essential and as a healing herb, it has to be Turmeric.

Known since 4,000 years, the use of this yellow spice (also known as haldi or Indian saffron) has been as much as a flavouring agent and pickling spice as for treating fever, stomach infection, healing wounds and beautification. It is also every homemaker’s secret to a delicious meal. Interestingly, not much has changed today. Haldi still remains the wonder herb in every kitchen

cabinet, one that can effectively treat anything, and is safe enough to give to newborns.

The yellow spice, identified by its vibrant colour and distinct balmy aroma, has outperformed many pharmaceuticals in the treatment of a wide range of chronic, degenerative diseases

What makes this averagelooking spice such a great wonder?

Curcumin, a water-soluble phytochemical that gives turmeric its signature golden hue. It is this component that makes it a potent healer against various malignant diseases, including diabetes, allergies, arthritis and Alzheimer’s, to name a few.

The Herbal Legacy

The history of turmeric is legendary.

In the Indian Ayurveda system, turmeric is well known to improve digestion, intestinal flora, eliminate

Each SpiceJet aircraft has been named after a particular spice. In this section, we bring you the history and usage of each of these spices

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Golden Goodness PREVENTS CANCER Turmeric can help prevent prostate cancer, stop the growth of existing prostate cancer and even destroy cancer cells.

RELIEVES ARTHRITIS The anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric are great for treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

CONTROLS DIABETES It improves glucose control and increases the effect of medications used for the treatment of diabetes.

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REDUCES CHOLESTEROL LEVEL Regular, doctor-administered consumption of turmeric can help maintain cholesterol levels.

IMMUNITY BOOSTER Turmeric’s lipopolysaccharide helps stimulate the body’s immune system through its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.

HEALS WOUNDS Turmeric is known to be a natural antiseptic and anti-bacterial agent, and has shown promising results in treating inflammatory skin conditions.

Fresh Turmeric Pickle Ingredients 1 cup fresh turmeric roots (amba haldi) 1/4 cup raw mango, grated 1/2tbsp fenugreek seed

worms, relieve gas, cleanse and strengthen the liver and gall bladder, normalise menstruation, relieve arthritis and swelling. Ancient Hawaiians used it for the prevention and treatment of sinus infections, swimmer’s ear and gastrointestinal ulcers. Turmeric came to the notice of the western/American herbalists in 1870, when chemists discovered turmeric’s orange-yellow root powder turned reddish brown when exposed to alkaline chemicals. It was only in 1920 that turmeric oil began to be used to treat bile and other stomachrelated issues in Germany. It was in 1990 finally when prominent western herbalists, came to acknowledge turmeric as a healer.

1/4tsp asafoetida 1tbsp split mustard seeds (red) 1tbsp red chilli powder 2tsp fennel seeds 1/4 cup refined oil Salt to taste Method Peel off the skin from turmeric roots and cut it into small strips.

Heat the oil till smoking point. Then,

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Versatile Herb

Turmeric is an excellent preservative.

Eaten both raw and cooked, turmeric root is more chewy, crunchy and succulent. The fresh root has a somewhat sweet and nutty favour mixed with its bitter taste. Also used as a dye, haldi is an amazing alternative to saffron. It’s also nature’s best skin lightener and cleanser. In the US, turmeric is used for colouring foods, especially mustard, bread-andbutter, pickles, chow-chow relish, butter, meat and cheese. People in Brazil use it to give colour in stews and chicken dishes, and in Portugal, it is used to colour shrimp, chicken and clams dishes. In Spain, turmeric is a substitute for saffron in paella.

set aside and allow it to cool down to a warmer temperature.

Now add salt, asafoetida, fennel seeds, split mustard seeds and chilli powder, and temper.

Add the grated mango and julienned turmeric to the masala and give it a good stir. Allow it to cool.

Store the pickle into a clean, sterilised glass jar. The pickle is ready to eat after 2-3 days, and can stay for a month.

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Flavourful

Flowers

If you thought blooms are used in decor only, think again.

Edible ones can add a whole new dimension to your dishes.

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one are the days when flowers were meant for ornamental purposes only.

Culinary experts have discovered that flowers can tantalise tastebuds. After all, food is not only meant to satiate hunger, but appease other senses too.

Flowers are used in several culinary ways to augment a healthy and tasty meal

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Usage of flowers in cooking is becoming fashionable, but it is not a new tradition. The ancient Greeks were known to add violet petals in their wine and the Romans were famous for cooking with rose petals, which are also widely used in Middle Eastern cuisine to flavour Turkish delight and in Indian cuisine to make rose water. Similarly, squash blossoms in Italian food have been around since ages.

Also, flowers as a garnish are fairly common, but chefs are now giving it a makeover and have taken to these as an ingredient too.

Executive Chef Marin Leuthard, Hyatt Regency Delhi feels that flowers are mainly added to enhance the flavour in some cases, and on a large scale floral garnish gives an aphrodisiac appeal to the dish.

the

top

Edible Flowers

Lavender

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rose

Marigold

Calendula

Violet

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Flowers add an exotic feel to any dish

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unforgettable flavours

Poetry on plate may be important today, but chefs are clear that they cannot put something in front of the customer just for show. The flavour and texture that flowers add to a dish are the primary reason.

Aesthetics can wait. According to Chef Jitendra Nakhwa from Da Luigi, Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa, calendula, is slightly spicy; violet adds scent to everything; begonia has a citrus flavour and some spices like cloves can be immersed in wine, caramelised, or used as decoration for cakes. And chrysanthemum flowers will add a pleasant bitter bite to your delicacies.

Chrysanthemum flowers will add a pleasant bitter bite to the delicacies on your table Nasturtium flowers are paired effortlessly with duck and are used in cooking. These have a sharp peppery note that cuts through the meat. Nasturtium can be added to fish cakes or mashed potato with herbs as well. And the flavour of this flower in a gazpacho is matchless.

Larger flowers such as courgette are extremely popular in Italian

cuisine, where they are generally stuffed with a filling or sometimes shallow fried or dipped in batter and deep-fried. Pan-fried courgette flowers with goat’s cheese is the favourite of many a chef. Lavender flower compliments desserts, as nothing does. Not surprising therefore that chefs love it when preparing desserts like cakes, mousse, cheesecakes and so on. Its floral flavour is perfect for infusing into sugar. The bright yellow and orange marigolds have citrus-like notes similar to saffron and are thus used in savoury dishes such as risotto, pasta and scrambled eggs.

Chef Vineet Bhatia of Ziya, Oberoi

not to forget • Remember to wash flowers carefully before eating.

• Don’t use anything bought at a florist.

• Never use flowers gathered

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

from the sidewalks.

• Use only the petals, and throw away the green parts.

By Chef Jitender Nakhwa

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Flower Bhajias Ingredients 3-4 hibiscus flowers, 3-4 gulmohar flowers, 5-6 lotus petals, 1½ raw mango, 2tbsp sliced onion, salt to taste, 1tsp finely chopped green chillies, 1tsp finely chopped coriander, 1tsp finely chopped ginger, ½tsp turmeric powder, ½tsp red chilli powder, 2tbsp gram flour, gram flour-and-water batter as required, gram flour as required, coriander leaves as required

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Method Remove stems of the hibiscus and gulmohar flowers. Cut the raw mango into juliennes.

In a bowl, add the raw mango juliennes, sliced onion, salt, green chillies, coriander, ginger, turmeric powder, red chilli powder and gram flour and mix well. Let this mixture rest for 2 to 3 minutes.

Coat the hibiscus and the gulmohar flowers with dry besan and then dip it into the besanand-water batter.

Fry the flowers in hot oil and remove on a tissue paper.

Then fry the raw mango and onion mixture in the oil till crispy and remove on a tissue paper.

Place fried raw mango and onion bhajia on a plate decorated with banana leaves. Add the fried flower bhajias on top.

Garnish with coriander. Serve.

Recipe by Ranveer Brar, Executive Chef, Novotel, Mumbai

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

has served marigold saffron cream soup with crushed garlic peas.

Staying away from artificial flavours and colours has also led chefs to turn to flowers. Calendula petals when soaked in warm milk lend a beautiful orange colour, which is then used in cakes and puddings. Flowers can also be used in flavouring and colouring oils, dressings and marinades. Desserts are no exception. Roses, lavender and hibiscus add a subtle, sweet and slightly scented flavour and are thus naturally the first choice of chefs.

an important floral garnish used for Indian sweet preparations.

Using flowers innovatively is not enough. One must exercise caution too. These should be soaked in salt water immediately to free them of impurities and insects, and the petals dried completely before use.

Chef Jitendra Nakhwa sums up.

“As the latest trend in haute cuisine, edible flowers have brought new botanical species to our plates.” The novelty value of eating flowers has been rediscovered by chefs and is

Indian Culinary Rage

Indian cuisine is no stranger to flowers. The usage of rose petals is legendary. “Stamens of saffron are a royal staple. Another flower that was used to lend colour is gulmohar.

Gulmohar gosht is a typical shikaar recipe from Mewar,” reveals Ranveer Brar, Executive Chef, Novotel Mumbai. Fritters or bhajias, which are popular in Indian cuisine, can also be made using edible flowers, according to Chef Brar. Ask any Bengali, and he will tell you how much he enjoys his kumro phool bhaja or pumpkin flower fritters. Chef Marin Leuthard points out that in India rose petal is

Flowers can be used for colouring oils, dressings and marinades probably irresistible to gourmets.

After all, a special ingredient gives you the special taste that a normal ingredient just does not. And foodies are not complaining.

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Surrender

your senses

Today a spa is not just about massages, it is a sensory journey which transports you to a world filled with peace and tranquility.

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n today’s world of hustle and bustle, spas are becoming a valuable and necessary part of a person’s complete health and care regimen. It has become as important as a trip to the hair dresser, the dentist or the gym. From the day spa to the glamorous destination spa, the services, products and support offered are vital contributors to overall wellness.

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More and more spas are taking a holistic approach to wellness, moving away from a `menu' of individual treatments, to a more complete packaging of experience, products, activities, food and beverage to further enhance your spa experience Soothing sounds

Lilting words chanted in yoga class and soothing music played during massage sessions are more than background noise. They’re healing tools. The sounds heard at spas serve a definite purpose.

Sound therapy is a recognised form of healing that spas incorporate into their treatment protocols.

This is similar to the way hospitals use classical music compilations to relax patients and as well as the surgical staff during surgical procedures. Music is still a vital part of the sensory experience. Some

black forest cake and cupcake-shaped soaps make for interesting gift items. These products are from Quinta Essentia Organics by Art Gaur

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Popular spa foods Healthy Finger Foods: Some of the finger foods served at a health spa include cucumber or watercress sandwiches, fruit trays, vegetable trays, veggie wraps, hummus and cheese with crackers.

people like classical music while some prefer heavy metal. Some sounds are spa appropriate while some are not. The music and sounds in your spa must be part of the expression in the identity of the spa, helping set the energy level of each space and varying according to the needs.

From a sound perspective you can divide a spa into four different zones... reception and public areas: calm with character; corridors: feel it more than hearing it; relaxation: meditative, soothing, melodious... a drifting resonance; treatment room: calming effect (can be as per client’s choice).

Dr. Deepika Salvi, Spa Manager, Novotel Goa Shrem Resort explains, “We have an I - Touch and a dock station in every spa treatment room which has the entire music collection.

The collection gives our customers a selection of music such as various chants and chimes sound of nature – water, forest, birds chirping, dolphin and the like. Additionally if guests want to download a specific type of music or a song, they have the option to that as well.”

With the spa industry expanding in leaps and bounds in terms of

technology, new entrants are being constantly added. One of them being the new treatment table with vibration and sound therapy capabilities that has an internal sound system which plays individual CDs. The tone seems to come alive and resonate from the depths of the table itself – a truly amazing way to experience the healing powers of

Experts suggest listening to slow music for relaxation music.

Samir Khandwala, Founder & CEO - iMusti.com says, “Instrumental, classical and semi-classical music

Tasty Finger Foods: Some day spas spare no expense for patrons and offer luxurious fingers foods such as shrimp appetisers and gourmet pizza with toppings like goat cheese, avocado and tomatoes.

Other high-end day spas also offer exotic gourmet cheeses with wheat or grain crackers and small salads with a variety of gourmet dressings.

Decadent Desserts: Even though the overall theme of a spa is usually health, some spas still offer several indulgences for patrons.

Many of them still have healthy properties too. For instance, dark chocolate is full of antioxidants.

Other desserts served at spas include muffins, mini cupcakes and pound cake with chocolate fondue.

Beverages: Many spas offer a range of beverage choices which include tea, cappuccino, smoothies, and bottled water.

Some also serve spirited drinks such as mimosas, bellinis and bloody marys.

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Herbal tea enhances your experience while making digestion easy

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have been ideal for spas. They are also used as a method for stress management, meditation and for a peaceful atmosphere. Experts recommend listening to slow music for relaxation. The therapeutic use of music has been known for a long time.” According to Divita Kanoria, Chief Wellness Officer at The Vedic Collection, the Tatha experience spa at Clarens Hotel has developed soothing music keeping the tunes of nature in mind as it helps bring about a balance both physically and emotionally. “We have created our own spa music called Swarmangal which is played in all our outlets,” she tells us.

The recently opened Vivanta by Taj in Surajkund, Delhi has one of the best spas which expands over

For a detox treatment, serve a salad with capsicum as an ingredient as it helps burn calories 18,500 sq ft. The Jiva Grande spa is known for its soothing music.

Inspired by the ancient Indian baoli in design and concept, it provides a sanctuary of tranquility. The moment you enter the spa area, soothing notes welcomes you.

Here, music is not restricted to the treatment rooms alone; guests are surrounded by the light and mesmerising melodies the moment

they enter the spa area. Says the Spa Manager Dr Nair, “Music plays a major role in the holistic spa experience and hence we play light instrumental melodies which helps in calming the senses. Also, music is an integral part of Ayurveda which promotes a happy and healthy lifestyle.” Keeping its healing power in mind, Jiva Spa has put together a careful selection of Indian music that helps comfort the senses.

Within the calming environs of the spa, guests can relax to soothing tunes along with a gentle uplifting fragrance and the restorative touch of spa therapists.

Tantalising treats

Different body types require different foods for enhancing

Popular music collections • Relax: De-stress series • Divinity 5: Music for enlightenment • Divinity 3: Divine music to invoke inner peace • Shaant: Spa Music and Healing

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

• Harmony: Music for Yoga and Healing Therapy • Inner peace: Music for the mind, body and soul

By: iMusti.com

The luxurious Jiva Grande Spa at Taj Vivanta, Surajkund

well being. For example some lean towards light and dry foods. In contrast some body types need cool and heavy foods with sweet, bitter and pungent flavours to douse the fire. Similarly, some others need light food, with bitter, pungent and astringent flavourings – such as thyme, rosemary and mustard.

Spa menus are designed in such a way that it would help the effect of your treatment linger on and make you feel more relaxed and energised. It stimulates the mind by de-stressing the body and purifies the system. The demands vary from farm-fresh natural foods low in fat and calories with an emphasis on whole grains, fresh fruits and

vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, and the avoidance of added or artificial salts, colours, flavours, or preservatives. Zorem Siami, assistant spa manager, Hyatt Pune informs, “Spa food can also be designed as per the treatment offered... for example, for a detox treatment, it will help if the guest is served a salad with capsicum as an ingredient as it helps burn calories.

Fluids are equally important to remove toxic elements from the body, hence we serve herbal tea after every treatment, which is a soothing concoction of hibiscus and lemongrass with honey.”

At Jiva Grande, wellness cuisine also holds great importance and there is a three-course meal especially designed for guests who want to complete their wellness experience. Every treatment here starts and ends with a vishudi drink.

Their wellness menu serves both vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian dishes, complete with soups, starters, main course and dessert.

Nowadays spa menus are being revamped and spa cuisine has been taken to a whole other level – it looks good, tastes good and smells good, and is healthy too!

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A date to

remember

Want to create a perfect Valentine's Day for your beloved?

Try these charming ways and impress your sweetheart.

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alentine’s Day is a time to reflect on your feelings of love and admiration for your partner, no matter how long you’ve been together. Even if you have children, you do not need to let that limit your ability to create a special and romantic date with one another. However, deciding on the perfect Valentine’s Day date with your partner can be challenging.

With so many people making the same kind of romantic plans – roses, chocolates, dinner – you may want to do something unique. These ideas should get your creative juices flowing!

Plan a surprise

It’s always nice to have your expectations surpassed. This is why you must plan at least one surprise that you know she wouldn’t expect in a million thoughts.

Some surprise ideas include – mail a handwritten letter and a card the day before (or in as much time ahead as needed to reach

bring back memories of where you first met one another; your first date. Try your best to recreate the happenings of that evening, from the type of attire you wear to the places you go to eat February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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gifts for her Picture cube frame Immortalise your love – give her a cube frame with pictures of the two you.

Go the extra mile: Make one for yourself also – you both will have the same frame. special date There’s no going wrong here. It can be lunch, brunch or dinner. Spare no expense.

Go the extra mile: Send her an invitation via mail and tell her to wear the dress you bought her specially for the occasion.

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Body care basket Women never have enough – get her a set of every lotion, toner, soap and bath salt she can use.

Go the extra mile: Include her favourite perfume in the basket and give her a massage with the body cream.

Jewellery Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but other valuable gems and metals come pretty damn close for the wallet-conscious romantic.

Sleek rings and bracelets with precious stones will surely please your lady and complement the sparkle in her eye Go the extra mile: Present it to her in a jewellery box.

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

the mailbox). Postage is so romantic, simply because few people use it to send messages now. Insert a handwritten poem as your dedication along with the letter.

You could also show up with a cup of chocolate mousse in bed as a breakfast appetiser. Beginning the day with something sweet sets the perfect tone for the rest of the day.

Another romantic option could be to text her a poem. A love sonnet is great, but lyrics to a love ballad from her favourite era works just as well.

And you can be more imaginative than just taking her out to dinner in the evening, you know you can.

Pamper her

Take her out for dessert, and if she can’t decide which one she wants, order both. Buy her a stuffed toy, or a bouquet of balloons big enough to lift a small child off the ground. Take her back to her childhood for a bit of fun, just so that she feels worth it.

Bring home so many flowers it looks like you bought out the flower stand, or pick a bouquet of wild flowers. Buy her a beautiful vintage

Posting a letter is so romantic because few people use it now hand-held mirror and say a woman so lovely deserves to look at herself in a mirror as delicately crafted as she is.

Less is more

This is a day to give in. In the morning, have her favourite breakfast with her. In the evening, rent the chick flick she wants to see. If you buy chocolates or flowers, make sure they're her favourite; bonus points if they’re ones she rarely has because of their price and exclusivity. She will

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Chocolate Fondue Ingredients 8 ounces semi or bittersweet chocolate 1 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons of brandy (optional) Fruit cake Cubed French bread and other accompaniments

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Method 1. Chop chocolate into small (1/4”) pieces using a sturdy strong chef’s knife or food processor. Place chocolate in a medium, heat-proof bowl.

2. In a small saucepan bring cream to a full boil (watch closely, since cream can boil over in an instant if it is left unsupervised).

3. Remove saucepan from the heat and pour the hot cream over the chocolate.

4. Let it sit for one minute, then whisk until evenly combined and smooth.

(If the chocolate does not melt fully, microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between.)

5. Whisk corn syrup and brandy into the warm ganache.

6. Pour the warm mixture into a fondue pot and serve with strawberries and other items for dipping.

By Jameel Ahmed, Executive Pastry Chef, Jaypee Vasant Continental.

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

adore you if you learn the proper way to put flowers in a vase.

Bring home a bouquet and tell her to sit down and talk about her day while you put your new skill to work. She'll be impressed at your handiwork and ability to listen at the same time. Taking time to think about your partner’s needs, whether it be a day to relax or to get away from his or her everyday hassles, is a very thoughtful way to treat your partner on Valentine's Day.

Unique option

Think of a memory of a favourite past date (or your partner’s favourite date) that signifies something special to you as a couple. For example, bring back the memory of where you first met one another, your first date together, or where you said “I love you” for the first time. Try your best to recreate the happenings of that evening from the type of attire you wear, to the places you go, to the food you eat.

And do remember – Valentine's Day is not only meant for lovers. You can also celebrate this day with your friends, parents, siblings or even

grandparents. The idea behind this day is to spread love all around, and you could do this with anyone who means a lot to you.

She will adore you if you learn how to put flowers in a vase Make this Valentine’s Day a memorable one by doing something creative while focusing on what would be meaningful to both of you as a couple. Whether you stay in for a romantic evening alone, provide your partner with a much-needed “escape” from the everyday routine, or simply get dressed up for a fun night out, your partner is sure to feel adored!

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Home-Delivered

Libraries

Are you a time-crunched reader looking for ways to re-ignite your passion for books? Online libraries are your answer.

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f you are an avid reader it is very likely that at some point in life you spent hours browsing through books in a library. It could be the neighbourhood library, the one in your college, or in one of the premier libraries in your city. This may have changed now – either because of time constraints, or the library itself may have closed down.

The good news is that online libraries or book-rental services in a number of cities are helping busy individuals satiate their appetite for reading

These libraries are a godsend for book lovers who do not want to splurge on buying books, and for those who can afford books but want to avoid hoarding them. Online libraries offer you the convenience of choosing books from the comfort of your homes, and also have the books delivered and picked at your convenience from your home. If

With our schedules getting busier, online libraries will definitely gain popularity. Our online library is popular with people who are busy, yet love to read, and cannot spare time to visit a physical library.

Nidhi Verma, Founder, bookmeabook.com

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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for children

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Online libraries are an excellent way to introduce your child to the world of books. Long hours at school, followed by activity classes leave no time for library visits. Enrol with an online library and see your child snuggle in bed with a book.

Online libraries may not have the charm of a physical library, however they are becoming popular by the day

you are a slow reader, you need not worry about overdue fines since the duration for keeping books can be extended at the click of a mouse. The packages offered by these libraries are very reasonable. Bookmeabook.com offers membership packages starting from `600 for six months along with a refundable security deposit to the tune of `500.

Online libraries may not have the charm of a physical library, however they are becoming popular among

book lovers who are now flexible both in the way they procure their books, and also in the physical form of the book. If the Kindle can share shelf space with real books, there is surely enough room for traditional libraries and their online counterparts to co-exist. With many book lovers unable to spare time to walk the extra mile for a muchcoveted novel, it definitely means that online libraries are here to stay!

Online libraries

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

• www.friendsofbooks.com

• www.easylib.com

• www.indiareads.com

• www.doorstepbooks.com

• www.myonlinelibrary.co.in

• www.library4kids.com

• www.bookmeabook.com

• www.clickabook.in

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De-stress

your life

Exercise can help you unwind, and you can choose from a variety of ways to do so, gaining good health in the bargain.

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tress is a perfectly normal response to a challenge which enables you to rise to the occasion and take the appropriate action. Under your control, stress can be a potent source of energy, creativity and enjoyment in your life. Uncontrolled stress can lower immunity levels.

The way our bodies respond to stress is pre-programmed. When

the senses perceive any threat to our existence, the brain triggers a flood of chemicals throughout our body – such as epinephrine and norepinephrine – that prepare the body to fight or flee.

The heart beats faster & immune responses slow down in times of stress

Dancing: Dancing is therapeutic;

it is a good way to unwind and de-stress. Today the popular dance forms are many, from Bollywood to belly dancing, from hip-hop to bhangra-rap, from jive to ballroomdancing and from zumba, salsa, Latin-American to aerobic dance.

Running: You really feel alive and

exhilarated when you run. Running

Regular health checks are important. Consult your physician when needed. when preoccupied with work, you tend to overlook signs of physical tension building up

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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TOP TIPS • Avoid eating whenever you are upset.

• Eat slowly.

Chew well. Stay conscious of the process.

• Honour your appetite. Eat when you feel hungry and stop when you are satiated.

• Sit quietly for a few minutes after finishing your meals.

• Eat at regular intervals.

• Beware of stimulants. Quit smoking. Switch to decaf or restrict the intake of caffeine by limiting tea/ coffee consumption to 2 to 3 cups a day.

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BEAT THE STRESS

1. If your job is making you tense, find another that you love. If you enjoy what you do, there will be no place for stress in your life. Or find a job that matches your skills and abilities.

2. Make your work setting more pleasant. Have happy pictures on your desk, and if you are close to the window, do let the sun stream in occasionally.

3. In case you are feeling overwhelmed, retire to a quiet place and breathe slowly and deeply.

Try to fill your mind with plenty of positive thoughts.

4. Maintain a diary of things that need to be done instead of relying on your memory.

Ticking them off as they get done will give you a sense of accomplishment and keep you more positive 5. Be more assertive; learn to say ‘no’ to tasks that aren’t suited to your skill set.

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

is an excellent way to feel energised, both physically and mentally. If you prefer working out indoors, treadmills are great machines on which to run. On the other hand, if you prefer working-out outdoors, you have many options – such as running in a stadium, in the park, on hills or on the beach.

Strolling: This includes walking in the garden, countryside, footpath or walking trails at your own leisurely pace. It is your 'time out' to relax the body and mind. This excellent measure is a wonderful way to unwind from the stresses of life.

Barefoot walking: When you walk barefoot in a park or the garden, you establish a connection with nature.

When you walk barefoot in a park or the garden, you establish a connection with nature Just like animals and plants, you share the sensation of the warmth, or the chill or the freshness of the revitalising moisture of the soil. This sensation relaxes the mind, the eyes and your entire being.

Power walking: Need to burn more energy? Try this. Walk at such a fast pace that it would be actually easier to break into a run. This way you not only burn more calories, but also increase muscle strength and power.

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Identify events and emotions that are most likely to prompt you to use food as a comforter

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Kick-boxing: Kick-boxing can be

a contact or non-contact exercise session. It involves kicking and punching moves. This workout needs great coordination and power to keep up with the fastchanging drills and routines. As the routine picks up speed, the heart rate rises and the workout becomes power-packed.

Tai chi: This is an ancient Chinese

exercise characterised by slow, graceful movements. In Chinese philosophy, Chi is the energy force that gives the body vitality. Tai chi is meditative and the emphasis is on inner strength.

Food fads

Food is often consumed to help deal with stress and disappointment. But you need to realise that there are smarter ways of comforting yourself.

Eating mindlessly will only add to stress because you get into a habit of consuming unnecessary calories.

Identify events and emotions that are most likely to prompt you to use food as a comforter. Once you recognise these, find other ways to deal with stress. Write a list of distracting activities – you could instead choose to meet a friend, read a book, meditate, hear music, or watch your favourite film.

Keep in mind Get your life in balance. You will have space for your relationships, interests...

Mind is king. When the mind is at rest your innate self-healing powers come into play; reversing the stress response.

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Regular health checks are important.

Consult your physician on when and how often.

Regular sound sleep improves overall productivity and reduce stress.

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Eat right

in flight

The food you have before boarding a plane, and while in flight, can make a huge difference to your overall well-being.

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our palms sweat as you board the plane. Searching for your seat twists your stomach into a giant knot of dread. And then you have an entire flight to endure. According to nutritionists, however, the usual complaints of a flyer miss the point.

It has to do with where and how you are eating your meal – at an altitude of 30,000ft At that height, it’s not about the food... the human digestive system changes the way it processes food, making it difficult to work off the excess fat and carbohydrates.

Why complications

At high altitudes, intestines swell up like an unopened bag of potato chips, and the dry, re-circulated air in the cabin causes the body to lose

SpiceJet offers the option of a special Jain menu for its guests. It has to be chosen at the time of booking your flight. Valid only for group bookings.

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Eat your inflight meal at the same time as you would your regular meal

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water necessary to move food along the tract. The intestine becomes like a dry, windy riverbed, where food either moves along very slowly or gets stuck in pools and stays in one place, experts say. So it’s best to eat what is most easily digestible, which is small amounts of carbohydrates.

So if you’re going to be on a long flight, you probably don’t want to eat a big, heavy, fatty meal with bacon and ice-cream. Fat will just sit in your stomach because it requires more water, time and energy to be broken down than do simple carbs like vegetables and whole grains.

Moving about and drinking water, one glass every hour, are especially important on long, transcontinental flights, where the slow flow of blood is more apt to increase the chance of clotting.

Passengers should have a balanced diet – one based on starchy carbohydrates such as breads, potatoes, pasta or rice, while ensuring that there is a good supply of fruit and vegetables and that some protein is also included, be it fish, meat or a vegetarian source such as tofu. It is also quite important to reduce the amount of sugar in foods and to ensure that there are some products foods as well. Passengers should eat at the

Have small meals, ideally carbohydrates like whole grain pasta, which are easy to digest

right time. Jet lag, the temporary disruption of the body’s sleep and hormone cycles, occurs whenever someone travels high-speed across several time zones. To avoid it, passengers should eat their in-flight meals at the same time as they would at their intended destination, experts say.

Think about what you take on your flight. Even those small soft drinks and tiny bags of pretzels add unneeded calories and refined

carbohydrates. Ask for water, fruit juice or tomato juice.

Special meals

Airline food is carefully prepared to give complete nutrition. However, there are concerns if you have nut allergies or other food constraints.

Also, the nutritional value of food served on airlines varies depending on what the meal is and where you are in the world.

Most passengers will be seated for

Frequent traveller challenges Travelling a lot also takes its toll. Nutrition, especially, can be a real challenge.

If you don’t go prepared, you can be forced to do the dirty deed of eating poorly, February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

sabotaging all of your good intentions. What is worse, if you fly often, your patterns of eating poorly will eventually catch up with you.

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Fluid benefits

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You should try to drink a lot of fluids because dehydration is an issue. Rather than having highcaffeine drinks such as tea, coffee and colas, drink water and fruit juices.

Alcohol causes dehydration and can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If you really want to drink on the plane, alternate between a soft drink and an alcoholic beverage.

It is certainly not advisable to get drunk inflight.

Have a light meal before you board the flight

the whole flight, and therefore the energy requirements are not that high as compared to what we require in everyday life.

Many airlines will prepare food that is low in salt, energy or fat for people who are concerned or have any specific dietary requirements. You need to order 24 hours in advance.

Airline caterers may add a lot of salt to their food because our taste buds do not work efficiently at altitudes.

However, there are consequences... it leads to dehydration, which may increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It can also make you uncomfortable. For example, your ankles might swell. It also increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

At an altitude, stomach gases can expand by as much as 30 per cent, so swollen stomach is a common complaint. Having small, light meals helps. Try to keep the fibre content small. My advice: have a light snack before boarding the plane; continue to eat light throughout the flight.

Medical problems?

If you have health issues such as diabetes, blood pressure or heart disease, going on vacation requires extra planning. Changes in meal patterns, activity levels, and time February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

zones can affect your blood glucose levels with diabetes.

For passengers with allergies, some airlines are ready to provide alternate snacks Allergies can be a real problem for some passengers. Many airlines actually cater for such cases, so do ask beforehand. Some airlines are prepared to give another snack as an alternative to peanuts, which are often found to be a cause of allergies.

And if given enough time airlines can provide you with a gluten-free meal, which is useful for people with celiac disease or maybe just a fresh fruit salad if you so wish.

Dr. Rachna K Singh is Director - The Mind & Wellness Clinic, New Delhi

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Old is T gold

he sweet and simple melody of songs, meaningful interludes and the charisma of natural expressions in the olden times is a regaling experience. The look of the sixties and seventies has a charm of its own.

There were all kind of films then, namely action, suspense thrillers, or the Indian family drama.

Flip through the pages and let the forgotten traditions of Bollywood come alive...

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Films then were mostly shot in rural settings to which the audience could relate easily, and harped on socialistic themes in a way that was exasperatingly moralistic

A scrapbook titled Filmi Jagat, scribbled in hand on the cover, was acquired from the streets of Mumbai. it has The stamp of the original and alleged owner/creator, Mangaldas V. Lohana

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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good to know

Snapshots from the scrap book

Old-world charm

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For longterm stability, store your photographs in specially designed storage materials. keep them away from bright light, extreme humidity and fluctuating temperatures.

Avoid touching the image, finger oils can attract dirt, make it collect, and may provide for mole spores. Try wearing light cotton gloves when handling old photos

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Dev Anand, who lived his life to the fullest and impressed the audience with his ever-lasting charisma, was unarguably the most anglicised hero of Hindi films. He was considered a legend and his death a few months back marked the end of an era. His inimitable style, active lifestyle and never-say-die spirit was appreciated and once had girls swooning over his former self. Dev Anand gave us unforgettable cine-flicks and timeless classics including Guide and Kalapani.

Starting from Tumsa Nahin Dekha to his last appearance in Rockstar, Shammi Kapoor entertained the audience throughout his career with superb energy and great talent. His films left one and all mesmerised and sold like hot cakes. Our ‘Yahooooo’ star has given us many awardwinning performances.

Call it the filmmaker’s confidence in the bygone era or their love for romanticism of the retro look, Bollywood’s recent movies have oodles of the past in their look and feel. There are different examples of films experimenting with some distinct looks of the past – some focus on bell-bottoms and some on fitted short kurtis, while others

are inspired by the Sadhana cut, the bouffant, the cat-eye makeup, the over-sized glasses and the hair bands, as well as the unique saree drapes.

The cat-eye makeup can still be seen in many movies Picture perfect

Apart from remakes and retaining some of the iconic looks of those times to reinvent the past, a new interesting discovery has come into play. A scrapbook, titled Filmi Jagat (the Cinema Universe) – scribbled in hand on the cover – was acquired from the streets of Mumbai and is currently in the collection of well-

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The book with these blackand-white pictures will be launched in March

known curator Rahaab Allana. The stamp of the original and alleged owner/creator, Mangaldas V. Lohana, within the scrapbook, shows how he used clippings from film magazines, song booklets, and advertisements

They managed to date the scrapbook to pre-Independence years, probably between the 1930s and '40s from the mid 1930s to the late 1940s, to produce a unique and fragmented history of film. Several reels of films, such as Apni Nagariya, Kunwara Baap, Duniya Kya Hai and Tasveer no longer exist in the present. Allana sent the scrapbook to cinema scholar Debashree Mukherjee and Kaushik

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Bhowmick, Professor of Cinema Studies, JNU, for appraisal. “After going through it carefully, they managed to date the scrapbook to pre-Independence years, probably between the 1930s and ’40s. This means that most of the films, whether they have been cut from magazines, posters or old newspapers, don’t exist anymore. These have been destroyed over time,” he says.

The scrapbook and the world it celebrated was the subject of an exhibition – which was held at Shridharnini gallery in Delhi on December 23, 2013, as well as a book which will be launched in March this year. Both are titled Filmi Jagat: Shared Universe of Hindi Cinema and mark the centenary of Indian cinema.

A second exhibition on Bollywood, featuring contemporary artwork by MF Husain, Arpana Caur and Bharti Verma was held at Art Heritage recently in Delhi.

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Magical Chikankari

The colours are soulful and serene, the thread work flamboyant, in this traditional and much-appreciated art of Lucknow.

W ords | L avanya

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s we walk through the corridors of time and scan through centuries, we realise that with every invasion, India has embraced a new art form.

Lucknowi chikankari is an art form that Mughal Empress Noor Jehan introduced to this country

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Then & Now

The narrow back alleys of India’s Lucknow even today house the rich heritage of the bygone era. Meticulously and painstakingly, the artisans engage in chikankari, an intricate embroidery form.

Clusters of women and men can be seen turning plain boring cotton fabrics into royal pieces with a touch of the hand.

Elaborate and elegant embroidery, commonly known as “shadow work” is spread over a piece of cloth as if it is child’s play. While the origin of this Persian art form is uncertain, it primarily refers to the usage of white cotton thread on white cotton ground. It is nothing less than pure white moonlight magic dazzling in all its beauty. Un-dyed white shazaada

Approximate cost: women's range – Sarees: `800, Unstitched suits: `800, Kurtis: `600, Duppattas: `500, Lehengas: `20,000 Men's range – Shirts: `500, Kurta set: `700

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Did you know?

Chikan derives its origins from the Persian word Chikaan meaning drapery.

It was introduced

by Mughal Empress Noor Jehan.

To make one handmade saree in chikan, it can take about six months.

Heavy sarees take about two years.

cotton or Dhaka ki mulmul were sourced from Bangladesh or West Bengal traditionally for chikan.

However, with changing times, this `white-on-white' art form is giving space to more colours.

Chikan today is leaving the comfort of pleasing colours and simplicity to clinch fashion with beads and sequins. As this ancient art form continues to charm the modern society, cotton is being replaced by chiffons, georgettes and nets. The artisans tell you a tale of spending about 20 days on embroidering nineyard sarees to a few hours on short skirts and shirts worn by girls from “bigger cities�.

Chikankari is the main source of income for many artisans even today. Interestingly, the word chikan is a derivative of the Persian word chikaan meaning drapery. So would you be interested in knowing what goes behind the scenes in bringing this elegant dose of clothing antiquity to your wardrobe?

Though chikankari was first introduced in Lucknow, there are various clusters of villages in and around the city where fabric is

developed and designed. A rough estimate says that there are over half a million people involved in the trade. The fact that these numbers are dwindling is another story as attributes like patience are becoming rare. Those elaborate chikan sarees can take over six months to be made.

But, artisans claim that China can produce over 60 such pieces in one day. No wonder then that the artisans are campaigning for patent rights.

Machines can make over 60 sarees in a day.

111 Chikan was originally made on un-dyed white shazaada cotton or Dhaka ki mulmul sourced from Bangladesh or West Bengal.

Interestingly, the word chikan is a derivative of the Persian word chikaan meaning drapery Wonderful weaves

The process of creating a chikan garment is multi-staged.

Interestingly, each stage involves a different person. First a tailor cuts the fabric into the required shape of the garment. Then a basic preembroidery is carried out to ensure that all the prints are in the right

Chikankari was first introduced in Lucknow, but there are various clusters of villages in and around the city where fabric is developed and designed till date.

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After the design is complete, the garment is carefully checked to ensure that it is perfect.

The cloth is then starched and ironed

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place. After this, a seasoned artisan weaves those threads of magic or, in case of machine-made fabric, the design is printed.

After the design is complete, the garment is carefully checked to ensure that it is just perfect.

However, artisans claim that the finer flaws come forth only after washing. After the final quality check, the cloth is then starched and ironed.

To create the embroidery, the artisan works with long needles and threads using a stencil. Frames usually about 1.5ft high are used to secure the cloth. One hand secures the needle and the thread while the other handle moves the needle on the top of the cloth. Interestingly, preparation of the thread according

to its embroidery is in itself quite an art. There are different types of chikan forms with unique and traditional names.

The forms differ in stitches such as phanda, chana patti, ghaas patti, jaali, tepchi, bakhiya, zanzeera, rahet, banaarsi, kharau, keel kangan, bubul and hath kadi. Artisans have divided these embroidery forms amongst themselves and it is passed on from one generation to another. The most unique form is the jaal which is a very intricate and painstaking job. The artisan has to tease apart the threads of a fabric to make neat holes throughout the garment.

The best part of chikan is that since it is handmade, each and every piece is unique in style

Where to shop?

If you have time and can fight it out in small lanes, head straight to Chowk.

This market hosts most of the wholesalers of chikan in Lucknow. You can find

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

and design as well as flaws. But, hundreds of thousands of metres of cloth is today being made on machine, and these machine-made garments are also finding special place in most shop shelves.

This embroidery has caught the attention of Bollywood artists and fashion designers alike. Many international personalities have also endorsed this art form. Various factories have importers from Australia, Spain, Italy and Paris, the well-known Meccas of the international fashion arena.

While chikan work is traditionally available in sarees, suits, lehengas and duppattas, if you are in the land of nawabs, do check out formal shirts, trousers, skirts and evening dresses.

a great variety at around 40 per cent cheaper prices. You can also try out Aminabad. In case you are in a rush, head straight to Hazratganj, Kapoorthala or Janpath. These have

an amazing variety, western clothes as well as accessories like potlis and bags. We recommend you check out pure cotton elegant chikan bedsheets too in myriad colours.

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Green Time

for Kids

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Kids today are occupied with swanky gadgets, but spending time with nature plays a significant role in shaping them.

W ords | J ac q uiline R oberts S ingh

I

s your child spending more time in front of electronic screens than in a natural environment?

A study by Public Health England has found that children who spent more than four hours a day watching a screen were quite likely to have a number of anxiety and depression problems.

This may be the right time to reduce your child’s exposure to electronic media and to gently nudge him towards greener choices I am sure you will agree that a toddler chasing butterflies with the hope of catching one is a more pleasant sight than watching little

fingers manipulate a joystick to get a smooth hairpin-turn on a gaming console. Research shows that children who are more exposed to

research shows that children who are exposed to nature do well in school. they have better attention spans, good observation skills and low stress levels

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Green Ideas Let your child celebrate his birthday in a green space. Delhi

By Foot (www.delhibyfoot. in) organises ‘Green Birthday’ events where a child and his friends go on a nature walk inside a sanctuary, under the guidance of a naturalist. They also get to enjoy a game of ‘Nature Treasure Hunt’.

nature do well in school since they have better attention spans, good observation skills and much lower stress levels.

The neighbourhood park is the best and easiest place to begin your child's green journey Walk and Watch

Your nature trip with kids does not have to be an ambitious one or planned much in advance. The neighbourhood park is the best place to begin your child’s green journey; it can provide the muchneeded daily dose of greenery.

Let your child find a small patch of soil to dig up with a toy spade.

Watch his eyes light up as he rubs his palm against the mud, stones and grass, and gets down to some serious work. Help him spot snails, earthworms, lady birds and various bugs crawling by, and see him get mesmerised by their colour, size and gait. Seeing a praying squirrel, a nagging crow or a shy mongoose can help your child get familiar with the animal stories he has been reading. Watching an ant hill being made makes for interesting viewing, but the challenge lies in keeping those little feet away from stomping it down! I can recall how earlier the use of a magnifying glass to burn ants was considered a lesson in science, but now we also need to teach our kids to respect every

“We’re seeing that increasingly, our children are growing up with no connection to the other species we share the planet with. So any form of contact they have with nature – be it even watering a potted plant or playing with a pet (dogs, birds and even fish) – is

Encourage your child to gift nature-related presents.

Saplings, fish bowls, handmade recycled gifts and other such items make excellent gifting options for kids.

Plan picnics during late winter and early spring.

It gives kids and adults a chance to bask in some sunlight and enjoy the greenery around them.

Help kids grow vegetables at home. Tomatoes, mint, chillies, peas and potatoes are good options.

great. Nature-related activities give children a whole new world of sights and colours as stimuli.

Besides the obvious health benefits, being in a green space touches them at multiple levels.”

Anita Vachharajani Mumbai-based author

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Encourage your child to try activities like pottery or building sand castles – it'll help them form a connect with nature and also teach a new skill life. Exploring nature in groups is popular among children, and very often parents also join them. Ramit Mitra, Founder, Delhi by Foot, organises nature walks for children, covering various green spots in and around Delhi. He says, “Children learn best from ‘experiential learning’. What they read and are taught in schools translates into experiencing it in real life, which then turns into a permanent imprint on their impressionable minds. A walk amidst verdant greens means initiating kids to the ever-increasing importance of conserving our forests and the natural habitats of animals and birds. During our walks,

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Saving Nature

Children as young as three can be taught an environment friendly existence – to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle • Your child can collect empty paper cartons (Tetra Pak cartons)

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

naturalists and bird specialists help children to understand various natural habitats, identify bird calls, recognise varieties of trees and appreciate the bio-degradation of wastes.”

Bird watching

Indulging in bird watching is another enriching experience for a child of any age. This can be done at a bird sanctuary, a park, and for the really time-crunched parent, the humble balcony can also give a good view! Encouraging your child to identify birds, sometimes just by their sound, can help him bond with these winged beauties. Peeping into

of items, and you can deposit them at designated collection centres for recycling • Inculcate the habit of segregating waste; plastic, paper and glass. Teach kids

what can be recycled and what cannot. Let them come up with some ideas.

• Stress on saving water, electricity, fuel. Use cycles for short distances.

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Bird watching can even be done from your balcony

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a bird’s nest is ‘highly unethical’, but if it is at a visible distance, let your child have a glimpse of the eggs or fledglings – it’ll calm a curious mind.

You can hang a bird feeder outside your house as it would ensure a regular stream of feathered visitors, and will give your child some quiet time with nature. Sometimes you may see scores of pigeons and doves flock together at road roundabouts and near historical places. Feeding these birds can be fun for children.

While with nature, should children take pictures or not?

Ideally it is best to stay clear of taking pictures since one tends to go overboard clicking everything in sight, and the beauty of the moment gets lost while the child is busy looking through a lens.

Green Time

According to Ajay Mahajan, environment educator, Kalpavriksh and Vividhara, “When children are exposed to nature they follow a natural learning process, and do not need any structured instructions.

I believe that children who spend time with nature experience a sense of peace and tranquillity. When kids connect well with their natural surroundings, their chances of feeling alienated are reduced and they find solace in nature during difficult times.”

Reducing the time spent by children with electronic media is an uphill task that most parents face.

You will notice that when adults become enthusiastic about any activity, their children follow. Parents

and educators must therefore set an example for kids and help them build a relationship with nature.

When author Mariam KarimAhlawat holds workshops for kids, she talks to them about animals and trees so that they may live in the world around them, and not just interact with technology. She says, “Kids can learn so much from nature since it is soothing, friendly, accepting; and gives joy, peace and harmony. We must respect and preserve our natural surroundings.”

The simple joy of running around the park crunching dry leaves underfoot and smelling different flowers is something every child would enjoy. So the next time your child wants to go to the mall, try suggesting a walk in the park!

Outdoor fun Family vacations are good opportunities for children to have some green time.

Fishing, trekking, climbing trees, plucking fruits, farm walks, making pottery, building sand castles, listening to the ocean waves, or simply watching the February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

sunset can all be learning experiences for your young ones. Children love surprises, so each time they bond with nature there is a good chance of them finding something new which they would cherish for a lifetime.

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Furry friends Every dog should have his day, and this is what Red Paws Rescue believes in.

The NGO works actively towards the adoption of homeless dogs.

W ords | S imran M ultani

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T

here was a little dog crying in our apartment complex’s compound, night after night. I kept wondering if it was hungry or lost, and more importantly, how it had come inside the premises. The poor soul seemed to have entered the complex when it was driven desperate by hunger.

I think of that moment of discovering the dog as the moment when I woke up to the fact that there are several such homeless and helpless stray animals in our localities, neighbourhood and cities Out of sheer interest, to become more aware of their situation and if anything at all was being done for their well-being, I tried searching for NGOs and shelters in Delhi/NCR. In my search I found out about Red Paws Rescue which had been started by a very young girl, Sadhwi Sondhi when she was only 17-yearsold! The NGO’s vision was to create awareness

In the past few years, RPR has gotten more than 200 stray dogs and puppies adopted into loving homes.

Few of the puppies have also found amazing homes in USA and Europe, where they now live February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

know her

Zoey has been recently adopted

within the communities and general population about the pathetic condition and suffering of stray and abandoned animals in New Delhi.

Apart from raising awareness, the NGO also associates itself with several shelters, works on rescuing injured animals and rehabilitating abandoned ones. It also focuses its energy towards mass sterilisations and providing medical care.

in supporting such an NGO. RPR advocates adoption of Indian pups so that there is an end to the cruel process of breeding and rebreeding, as well as puppy mills.

Those who cannot adopt for some reason, can still help by fostering pups as they wait for their ‘forever homes’. They can also assist in a big way by sharing information about adoptions. As I read more about it, I realised that I needed to play a role, even if it was one of sharing information to begin with. So I started by sharing pictures of dogs available for adoption, articles about the importance of the Indian native dog and the various issues related to foreign breeds.

Taking it a step forward

RPR advocates adoption of pups to minimise rebreeding The more I read about it, the more I realised that each individual who has compassion for other living beings, has a role to play

RPR also works closely with their supporting shelter – the Sai Ashram Shelter – which currently houses 60 rescued puppies in their puppy pen. Recently, through donations by warm-hearted people, RPR was able to buy puppy de-worming liquid and send it over to the ashram so that all the puppies remain healthy and worm free. If you also want to help in a small way then you could donate food and medicines to them,

Seven years ago, I stumbled upon a mother and her puppies outside my house. At that point I was not aware of how to go about with adoptions... so I tried and failed, and the puppies did not survive. I continued to take care of their mother but the experience give me the idea of setting up my own non-profit charity. Red Paws Rescue was officially started three years ago by me after I was already actively involved in the adoption of street puppies through my former blog. After that we started supporting the Sai Ashram Shelter in Chattarpur which was doing great work in rescuing and rehabilitating street animals.

Now we are looking at starting our own animal birth control unit in collaboration with Sai Ashram. We believe that spaying and neutering street animals is the only answer to stop their pain and suffering. We plan on starting zone-wise sterilisation in and around south Delhi as of now. We urge every individual to start feeding, sterlising and vaccinating all their neighbourhood street dogs with the help of any animal NGO. Sadhwi Sondhi Founder, Red Paws Rescue

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Encouraging our children to be sensitive towards these animals is another role we can play as responsible citizens

Sterilised stray dogs in Sai Ashram

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and most importantly by visiting and spending some time with the puppies at the shelter. You can carry puppy cerelac, dog food, biscuits and toys for them. RPR initiatives towards the Sai Ashram Shelter in Chattarpur were shared regularly through their pictures along with their stories. If even one single

person reads the information and becomes aware, one has created another volunteer in a small way.

Encouraging our children to be sensitive towards these animals is another role we can play as responsible citizens.

In the past few years RPR has gotten more than 200 stray dogs and puppies adopted into loving homes. Few of their puppies have also found amazing homes in USA and Europe, where they now live.

They have recently started an ABC program in which they sterilise adult dogs and release them back in the same area. Red Paws Rescue also organises a shelter visit every Republic Day, wherein one can

Provide Aid An active volunteer works towards fundraising, pet-adoption drives, post-adoption home checks, and provides basic medical

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

spend time with the injured and abandoned animals of Sai Ashram Shelter. If we can spare even one hour of our day to visit these souls, it can make a huge difference.

Pet parents

Reading and sharing such information slowly gave me the courage to foster a pup in need. My worry always had been that while we love dogs, my husband and I had full-time jobs and keeping the dog alone at home the whole day might not be feasible.

However, if we didn’t foster, we were denying one voiceless creature the warm and clean environment of our home, as well as a sense of

care to the stray animals.

As a part of their fundraising campaigns, RPR makes a few gift items.

Do your bit by buying these fun products and help these homeless and lovable friends...

• Calendars: `300 • Magnets: `100 • Notebooks: `300 • Keychains: `50 • Coasters: `250 • Photo frames: `400

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Sparkle sun bathing in her new house

safety and security which eludes them on the roads.

We would see the large gap that existed in the number of foster parents available for these dogs through the messages and posts shared by NGOs such as Red Paws Rescue.

We got our first and only foster – a motherless Indian pup, all of 25 days, who we named Elsa. To cut the long story short, we were a classic case of foster failures, since we just couldn’t find it within ourselves to give her away to someone else, despite finding some good homes. Finally we adopted her and she currently sets the rules in our house!

I spoke to people who shared the same sentiments as me. Reem and Sidharth who adopted Kishmish from RPR couldn’t express their joy and

A large gap existed in the number of foster parents available for these dogs thrill at getting home this little four-legged child.

Already being pet parents of another Indian dog named Mia, they were glad that now Mia would have company to play with and enjoy being an elder sister to the young Kishmish.

Another case is of Shikha Chaki. “Hope was a 30-day-old puppy rescued by me when I found that some of the local people were hitting and kicking her! She was in foster care with me in Kotabagh, Nainital. We ran adoption activities for her but in the end my family and I decided to adopt her and make her a part of our family,” says Shikha.

And speaking for myself... As a volunteer, no matter how active or passive I have been depending on my work commitments and time availability, taking out some my time for these voiceless creatures has never been difficult.

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126

Venice of the east

Udaipur

Lakes play a big role in giving this city a unique charm. It also promises an experience of a lifetime for culture and history lovers.

P hotographs | sanjay singh badnor

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Like a gigantic pearl, the shimmering Lake Palace hotel seems to emerge from the placid waters of Lake Pichola

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February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

In this particular photo shoot, I have used a Nikon D-80 which I find incredibly easy to use, and not too heavy. A mid-sized tele-photo lens is usually a good bet Sanjay Singh Badnor

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1. The Ashva Pujan or Horse worship ceremony is an annual event held at the City Palace complex 2. The Jagdish temple area of the old city is very popular 3. A guard at the entrance of the City palace museum sports a moustache akin to a Rajput warrior on the wall painting 4. Vintage car Collection of the Mewar Royals on display at the museum

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click it right Thanks to giant memory cards, it's easy to go on clicking away unlike earlier times when one had to ration slide film. So always shoot multiple frames in various modes to ensure good results.

If shooting people, try and do it as quickly as you can; most get rather conscious and camera shy and end up looking stiff. my advice on time of photography: early morning and late afternoon light gives amazing results.

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While shooting monuments, it's always nice to have some people or objects in the foreground to break the monotony.

3 February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

1. Udaipur is a shopper's paradise 2. The Crystal Gallery Museum at the Fateh Prakash Complex houses a unique and spectacular collection of crystal artefacts 3. The City Palace complex as seen from across Lake Pichola

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Festive

fervour

Even as February reminds you of Valentine's Day, there are other festivals that promise to keep your spirits soaring high.

W ords | P allavi S ingh

Surajkund Crafts Mela

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The Surajkund Crafts Mela first organised in 1981 is now an annual, fortnight-long event conducted by the Haryana Tourism Department. This year, the 28th mela has Goa as the theme state and Sri Lanka as the partner country. The festival has seen phenomenal increase in international tourists as well as domestic tourists. The setting is perfect as master craftsmen from across the country sit on raised wooden platforms, exhibiting and selling their products. Handicrafts include wood and inlay work, rosewood and sandalwood carvings, embroidered materials from different parts of India, jewellery, carpets, paintings, brassware and much more. There is food, music and dance too at the mela.

One of the more popular aspects is definitely the chance to sample different types of cuisines. Different kinds of Indian food is served here, ranging from Punjabi to South Indian. There is also a special area where traditional foods and sweets of various states are served. The crafts mela also has an open-air theatre called Natyashala. Folk dance, music and theatre performances are held here every evening.

When: February 1-15 Where: Faridabad, Haryana, 8km from Delhi

The International Yoga Festival will be held from March 1-7, at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh (Himalayas), Uttarakhand.

For registration, visit www.internationalyogafestival.com

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Wishing you a Happy New Year Sandhiya Mehhta the ACE Numerologist and vastu consultant has unmatched knowledge and profound experience . In her own words “to the most unsuccessful people my system of numerological calculations will bring success, happiness and prosperity. Once successful, this helps to augment the success and higher conception of lifestyle. It aims at providing overall well being and content.

Sandhiya Mehhta

Numerologist and Vastu Consultant She is been titled as "INDIAN NOSTRADAMUS with solution " and rewarded with precious INDIRA GANDHI PRIYADARSHINI and NARI RATAN AWARDS.

4+3+2=9 How to calculate your d-o-b for e.g.

13-3-1982 (ruling no is 4 and controlling no is 9 ) both the ruling and controlling is connected with planet and energy.Most of the time your ruling number and controlling number do not agree with each other, and also some numbers are missing in your numeric chart. This creates a lot of problem and imbalance in your life concerning finance, success, Health etc.

Eg : Your d-o-b is 13-3-1982. In this you are missing 4, 9, 7, 6 that creates Imbalance and obstructing you from availing the full power of these numbers. This numeric graph and its findings are wholly researched and developed by Sandhiya Mehta Due to Your past birth karma this Birth Graph

3 1 7 2 8

Your Character / Yourself Your Field / Career How much you get ?

Your birth graph is created on the basis of your past birth karma Your Character / Yourself missing ultimate power Your Field / Career Creating instability in career How much you get? Low returns on hard-work According to this, imbalance exists, disabling you from attaining the full power of these numbers despite the fact that you are hardworking and intelligent.

Sandhiya Mehta recognizes the problems first and then balances the charts using the power that has been bestowed upon her and the findings of her research.

This helps to create balance in one's life and optimizes the person to his/her full potential, allowing the person to reap the benefits they deserve.

IMP-only stone, name spelling, mantra, or fasting cannot change your destiny; you have to follow the scientific and proven method to lead a successful and content life.

Sandhiya Mehhta posseses spiritual powers that have been bestowed by lord Shiva. Using this blessing she is able to fill the graph. She is known to have created a huge difference in the lives of many.

Her findings show that nearly 70% people in this world are born with number 4 & 8 and it is now understood that these numbers can give you a lot of sorrows, disappointments, hurdle, postponements, and

How will be year 2014 for all field of people.

2014 is ruled by no 7. That is connected by planet Neptune (Ketu). This year specially shows lots of change in political fields in most of the nations , in Indian politics historical change is taking place. Unexpected change in all fields other than political are seen. Like natural calamities , lots of up and down will be there. In different part of world and even in India. People may become more spiritual and start having faith in supreme power of I can say they have to believe. Partition of some places are seen. Misunderstanding and revolution will be seen no stability in any of work or project will be there. One should take care of accident. Try to solve your pending matters. Do immediately what your soul says as answer is within you only.

People has to be calm , spiritual or believe in your own power . avoid faster decision.

In Indian drastic change is seen in central government. Modiji will be able to take command in his hand.

For some peace and safety, green and white colours are good. The numbers 2, 7 and 5 will be giving you very good result.

I wish you all A very happy and prosperous, peaceful 2014, god bless you all.

make your life imbalanced as compared to other numbers. “I don't ask you to change your life. I ask you to live it with all you that you want.�

According to her research, numerology is fully linked with business and career. As per your d-o-b, your ruling and destiny number, your missing number (in d-o-b) and your career line play a role in your business and career.

Your missing number that is connected with planet and energy, instead of giving you a raise, tends to pull you back and all your efforts and knowledge can go in a vain.

She says, on studying the DOB, a particular year can be found that is crucial in deciding about your career change, promotion, new ventures, alone or in partnership. Further, the your name and the name of your organization is very important to generate good energy.

Q) How successful have you been with the numerological advice and remedies that you give?

Ans: An overwhelming number of people from my clientele list have found the success they were looking for and more. The rest is dependent on the universal energy, but no one ever has been disappointed. It's only gains, no loss. All kinds of people coming from all walks of life, be it a know- politician or a doctor, have come in and found a better way of life.

Q) People belonging to what age bracket can use your knowledge and remedies ?

Ans: People of all age, infant to adult. I personally think the remedy is the best given to a child as it helps them to select and stay on a right career path from the very start and boosts confidence.

Q) How long does it take for the remedies to start showing results ?

Ans: ideally the effects are begin to take place within a few days and then continue for the entire life span.

The universe is always listening to you. There is nothing wrong to know about yourself in a scientific way, as this is has no connection to any myths and blind faith or religion. Open your mind to universal energy. Your success is one call away.

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FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC

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The sixth edition of the Festival of Sacred Music, Thiruvaiyaru (near Thanjavur), which is hosted by the Prakriti Foundation, is all about reviving the best of Thiruvaiyaru – its arts and music, its landscape and the local life. The festival aims at restoring the pride of the Music Centre that existed at the time of Saint Tyagaraja, and showcase it for the benefit of non-resident Indians, tourists, as well as the local populace. The festival wishes to expose people to the various forms of sacred music around India and the world, help local artisans find more outlets to increase revenues, and get local musicians to perform more often so that the town can become a destination for tourists, for people who once hailed from this area to come by more often, and for artistes to find their own space.

The festival will feature Hindustani vocal concert by Vidya Shah at the courtyard of an old Maratha Palace on February 21; percussion concert by Sri Umayalpuram Sivaraman at the Pushya Mahal Ghat, on the banks of river Cauvery, on February 22; and flute concert by Shashank Subramanyam, near the Amman Sannidhi of Panchanatheeswara Temple on February 23.

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Goa Carnival The Goa Carnival, initiated by the legendary King Momo involves dancing, singing, drinking and feasting for three days. Tourists come here to experience the lively Goan traditions and culture.

Streets are extravagantly decorated and come to life with the procession of merrymaking. This carnival is the only festival of its kind celebrated in the country. Origins of the festival date back to the enormous hedonistic feasts held in ancient Greece and Rome. The Portuguese and Spanish brought the carnival culture to Goa. It was started by the Portuguese in 1961. Earlier the festival was limited to the natives; but, with a huge impetus in the state’s tourism sector, the festival is thronged by tourists from all over the world. Goa carnival is unique with its huge parades and bands marching through the city of Panaji. It is meant to be a merrymaking-feasting-drinking orgy before the 40 days of austerity during Lent. The festival comes to a closure with the popular red and black dance performed by Club National in Panjim.

When: February 9-12 Where: Panaji, Goa

When: February 21-23 Where: Thiruvaiyaru, Tamil Nadu

Khajuraho Dance Festival This week-long classical dance bonanza is held against the exotic backdrop of the beautifully decorated and lit temples. Renowned dancers come here to perform classical dances such as Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Manipuri and

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Kathakali. Some modern Indian dances have been added to the festival recently. An open market is also organised beside the dance podiums where handicrafts are on sale.

When: February 21-26 Where: Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

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HOT Picks

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Exquisite gifts for your loved ones on Valentine's Day...

Funky eyewear

The new Switchers frames from Titan eye plus come in six new styles. Available in full rim, semi-rimmed and rimless options with an ensemble of temples in trendy colours like turquoise, red, pink, purple, fluorescent green along with white, black, blue and brown.

Price: `3,990 onwards Availability: All Titan eye plus outlets

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Reincarnate

This season opt for vibrant party shirts from Charagh Din available in optical prints, graphic patterns and embroideries. Colours like blueberry, burgundy, canyon, citric, army green, butter, camel, black forest and chickoo are some of the must buys.

Price: `1,790 onwards Availability: The Charagh Din Store at 64, Wodehouse Road, Colaba, Mumbai

Watch it

Tommy Hilfiger men’s watch is a dynamic timepiece with a sophisticated dial colour. It is a classically appealing watch with multi-eye movement function in a 44mm stainlesssteel case with water resistance. Straps are elegant brown leather.

Price: `11,600 Availability: All leading stores February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

silken style

Your V-day gift is an expression of your love and affection. Gift your loved one a pure silk handwoven tie available in the colour of love and add some vibrance to his regular business suit.

Price: `3,700 Availability: Craft House-The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa

Promise of love

This Valentine’s Day bring a smile on her face by enhancing your bond with a promise. Make her feel special by gifting her a ring from velevetcase.com. These are called promise rings and are a way of expressing an attachment. They are meant to be a symbol of your love and commitment.

Price: `30,000 Availability: www.velvetcase.com

Stylish silhouette

For a chic and unique look, Ekru presents the flamboyant red georgette drape style tunic. The crème coloured embroidery around the neck adds to the bold look and makes for a statement piece.

Price: `24,300 Availability: COLLAGE, Wood Street, Opposite Brigade Tower, Bengaluru

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toast to love

This Valentine’s Day, jumpstart the mundane to the fabulous with a bottle of Chandon Brut Rosé and add a sparkling ingredient to your celebration.

Price: `1,400 Availability: All wine retailers across the country

For a glowing you

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The gorgeous limited edition bath and body ranges from The Body Shop are bursting with irresistible aromas to get you into the festive mood this winter. Whether it is the exciting new limited edition Ginger Sparkle, the festive limited edition Cranberry Joy or the invigorating limited edition Vanilla Bliss range, there is an indulgent fragrance to suit every need.

Price: `595 Availability: All leading outlets across India

Sparkling you

Challani Jewellery Mart has its true expertise in designing bridal jewellery, bracelets, fusion pieces with meenakari and uncut gem stones. The antique/ vintage varieties depict traditional values with present day’s modern trends.

The collection of jadau brings back the era of royal elegance of kings and queens for today’s woman.

Price: On request Availability: 19/1, Raghaviah Road, T Nagar, Chennai

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Bejewelled bride

For your D-Day, try the Divine wedding collection from PP Jewellers. Inspired by a bride’s beauty, it compromises kundan neckpieces, sparkle hand cuff, choker necklace set, kundan rani set, kamarbandh and more.

Price: On request Availability: P.P Chowk, Gurudwara Road Corner, Gurudwara Road, Beadonpura, Karol Bagh, New Delhi

Bold & Beautiful

This Valentine’s Day, celebrate with these sunglasses from the most recent collection of Salvatore Ferragamo’s take on classic elegance...

Oversized butterfly silhouette is in a zyl/metal combination universal fit frame. A crystalembellished Gancino buckle detail forms the hinge.

Available in black, brown horn, havana purple and red.

Price: On request Availability: At all leading stores across the country

Dazzling diva

Fine embellishments like Swarovski crystals, semiprecious stones, sequins and handmade beads along with fine embroidery in gold and silver threads are the highlights of Pam Mehta’s ‘Kisneel’ collection. Fabrics used include georgettes, chiffons and net, making for stylish yet comfortable wear.

Price: On request Availability: The Opal Kisneel By Pam, D-23, 3rd floor, Defence Colony, Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, New Delhi

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Goodbye acne

Aaranyaa brings to you a mild, non-sensitising, non comedogenic, low-foaming facial wash designed with natural extracts of ingredients including water, amla, tomato, mango, and tamarind, tea tree oil, sodium chloride, kathon CG and sodium lauryl ether sulphate. It removes dirt, grime and pollutants from the skin, cleans pores and prevents acne and pimples.

Price: `120 Availability: www.healthkart.com/brand/ beauty/Aaranyaa

skin Hydration

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FACES Daily Dose Moisture Lotion is a dewy oil-free fresh lotion that energises and rehydrates dull, lifeless skin. With green tea and hyluronate, it spreads effortlessly to leave your skin feeling deeply moisturised and looking much younger, without a heavy oily feel.

Perfect for all skin types.

Price: `1,699 Availability: www.faces-canada.com

Safe & Pure

The world’s largest consumer durables brand Electrolux has designed an ultra-modern water purifier. The idea of a well-designed water purifier is incorporating latest technology in your modular kitchen, adding convenience to the necessity of safe drinking water.

Price:`18,000 onwards Availability: At all leading white goods appliance stores

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Drop of health

Olive oil from the Mediterranean is a universal choice. KSMD Impex (India) Pvt. Ltd. brings the best from Greece and Italy. Consuming the right olive oil ensures a healthy life and they have an amazing product range and offers to help you relish your food.

Price: `550 onwards Availability: Log on to daily. ebay.in to buy one today

Tasty treats

To fight irregular hunger pangs while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, salads and soups are your best bet. Cremica brings four international salad dressing options for making a variety of mouth-watering salads, including Thousand Island salad dressing, Russian salad dressing, Italian salad dressing as well as Caesar salad dressing.

Price: `88 Availability: All leading departmental stores

Beautiful inside out

Black Diamond Advanced Formula Skin Regenerating Serum by Shahnaz Husain has been combined with natural antioxidants and vitamins like ginseng, aloe vera, green tea, niacinamide and Vitamin E to recharge the skin powerfully and restore its youthful properties.

Price: `1,699 Availability: All leading outlets across India

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gadgets for

the elderly

A pick of gizmos for the seniors at home, to make their everyday life easy and independent.

W ords | A shish bhatia

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Home Cleaning Robots

Instead of dealing with the idiosyncrasies of a domestic help, let your seniors use the Milagrow cleaning vacuum robot. This autocharge robot can scrub, clean and UV disinfect every square inch of accessible floor and carpet area in a room (including corners). Obstacle detection sensors prevent it from banging into objects; cliff detection sensors ensure it doesn’t fall down stairs; a removable mop underneath soaks up any moisture.

Specs: Four models, auto-intelligent and remote controlled, cordless, auto-charging, dirt detection sensors, up to 1 litre bagless dustbin,

UV protection option, 45-90 minutes work time on a charge, 4590 minutes charge time.

Price: `11,990 - 21,990

Ring Pen

Anyone with a tremulous hands, arthritis, muscular joint pain, Raynaud’s or carpal tunnel syndrome knows how difficult it is to write legibly. This instrument comprises of a ring through which the writing finger goes through for a comfortable and firm grip. The broad pen barrel allows a natural resting place for fingers.

Specs: Available in small and large

sizes, black with silver cap, black ink, includes two refills, lightweight.

Price: `700

Digital Talking thermometer

This thermometer can speak out your temperature at the press of a button if you have weak eyesight.

Models are available for monitoring fever via mouth, ear or forehead. A visual check is possible too.

Specs: Digital reading, washable sensor tip, Centigrade/Fahrenheit readings, battery powered.

Price: `2,500 onwards

Cataract, Astigmatism, Presbyopia, Myopia and Lazy Eye are all age-related eye problems that spoil vision. the best solution is gadgets that talk, or those with bigger displays

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Automatic Pill Dispenser

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Automatic pill dispensers work as pill holders as well as electronic medication reminders. This means that besides holding pre-sorted doses of various pills, they also help alert you at the appropriate time for the medication. So even if you forget, your pill dispenser shall remind you! Depending on the model you buy, the alert can be in the form of a low/high volume alarm. In some devices the alarm is accompanied by a flashing light. Some models have tablet compartments for a week’s medication with days indicated, while others can hold a month’s supply, with dates marked. A few even come with interchangeable compartment disc trays for morning and evening medications. Of course,

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the alarm times have to be set up manually. A pill dispenser can prove to be a boon for not just senior citizens but also anyone who has a complicated prescription to follow.

Specs: Multi-alarm, flashing light alert, multiple compartments with day/date markings, interchangeable discs trays option, metal lock option models, food-grade plastic.

Price: `1,500 - `4,500

EZ High Contrast Keyboard

This is a regular USB plug-in keyboard with a very visible difference! Yes, it is what your grandfather or grandmother will be more comfortable typing their emails and to-do lists on.

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This is because the numerals and alphabets printed on the keys are four times larger and bolder than those on a standard, ubiquitous personal computer keyboard. Also, the yellow and black combination of the key vis-a-vis letter printing is high contrast, thereby making typing far easier for senior citizens and people with poor eyesight. The durable EZ High Contrast Keyboard has also been made spill-resistant to withstand the vagaries of any possible mishandling.

Specs: Easy to read 4x larger font size, black on yellow high contrast colours, PC and Mac compatible, plug and play USB compatible, spill resistant.

Price: `2,200

Swissvoice MP03 It is virtually impossible to think of life without a mobile phone. However, as phone screens are getting bigger, their pixel density is increasing and font sizes are getting smaller – inconvenient for older people. Swissvoice boasts an uncluttered menu, lucid and legible display and large keypad.

Specs: Dual band GSM (900/1800MHz), 128 x 64 pixel TFT display, 300 number phonebook, large keys, radio, games, LED torch, 4-hour talk time, 150-hour standby time. Price: `2,700

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Films releasing in February

Bollywood Other Releases

Gunday Release Date: February 14 Cast: Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra Director: Ali Abbas Zafar Highway Release Date: February 21 Cast: Randeep Hooda, Alia Bhatt Director: Imtiaz Ali Shaadi Ke Side Effects Release Date: February 28 Cast: Farhan Akhtar and Vidya Balan Director: Saket Chowdhary

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Release Date: February 7 Cast: Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra Director: Vinil Matthew Hasee Toh Phasee Hasee Toh Phasee has been a popular pick-up line so far with youngsters and now it is the title of a romantic comedy directed

by Vinil Mathew. The interesting pairing of Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra as Nikhil and Meeta seems to come as a

refreshing change. In fact, more than a rom-com it promises to be a family entertainer with a story spun around two `senti-mental' families. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, this movie is going to be a crowd-puller for both the young and ‘young at heart’ audience.

by Sayanti Banerjee

top 10 movie ticket booking websites 1. BookMyShow 2. Inox Movies 3. Ticketnew 4. TicketPlease 5. PVR Cinemas

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

6. Big Cinemas 7. Cinemax 8. EasyMovies 9. Ticket4U 10. Kyazoonga

SUMMER HOLIDAYS! Ex Singapore, Singapore 3 Nights `24,999* Ex-Hong Kong, SAR - China.

April onwards

SuperStar Aquarius Ex Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia 3 Nights `21,999*

SuperStar Libra Ex Penang, Malaysia 3 Nights `21,999*

Star Pisces

Ex Hong Kong, SAR-China 1 Night `5,999*

SuperStar Gemini Ex Sanya, China 3 Nights `20,999* Ex- Singapore, Singapore.

April onwards

Genting World Ex Penang, Malaysia Charter Ship

D速1540114

SuperStar Virgo

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Films releasing in February

Hollywood Other Releases Robocop Release Date: February 14 Cast: Joel Kinnaman, Abbie C Director: José Padilha

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Release Date: February 14 Cast: Gabriella Wilde, Emma Rigby, Alex Pettyfer, Robert Patrick Director: Shana Feste Endless Love As the name suggests, Endless Love is about undying romance that we all love to cherish. Raising a toast to Valentine’s Day, this upcoming American romantic drama captures the story of a rich girl falling in love with a poor guy and

how both have to battle against the world, including their parents, all for love! This film is directed

by Shana Feste and is co-written with Joshua Safran. It is actually a remake of the 1981 movie by the same name and promises to be as entertaining.

Her Release Date: February 14 Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde, Scarlett Johansson Director: Spike Jonze 12 Years a Slave Release Date: February 28 Cast: Brad Pitt, Michael Fas Director: Steve McQueen

by Sayanti Banerjee

top 10 websites to watch movies 1. YouTube movies 2. IMDb 3. Crackle 4. Los Movies 5. Topmovies

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

6. FreeFullMovies 7. Film.FM 8. B Movies 9. JustClickToWatch 10. Hulu Tv

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Interesting reads Mirror City

Prisoner, Jailor, Prime Minister

A story of a daughter, wife and a lover, the novel takes the readers through changing Bangladesh. In the midst of this upheaval, Uma, a Bengali from Calcutta, moves to Dhaka with her husband Iqbal. As the young woman learns to make the new city her home, she faces upheavals of her own. What is Uma’s further course of action, one has to read on to find out.

Author: Chitrita Banerji Publication: Penguin| Viking Price: `499

Good medicine

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A great hand-book on natural remedies, the book offers nutrition-based approach to almost all ailments. For each disease, there are suggestions for best and worst food; as in food that should be made a part of regular diet and others that should be particularly avoided. What adds value are the people’s recommendations. A good doctor at home.

Author: Patrick Holford Publication: Hachette India Price: `599

With an intricate plot, the author weaves an unputdownable political thriller. The novel approaches politics in a different light; a third front supremacy and a fight for the Constitution.

It borders on the precipice of mortality, power play and insanity and is a perfect read in today’s tumultuous political climate.

Author: Tabik C Publication: Hachette India Price: `350

More than just biryani Do not be fooled by the title, the book has more than some biryani to offer. A story of two friends, the tale takes the readers back to three generations. Life lessons are learnt with the help of familiar dishes and sumptuous delicacies cooked by Zubi, becoming part of her identity.

Author: Andaleeb Wajid Publication: Amaryllis Price: `399

by Florina Soren

wEBSITES TO BUY BOOKS Some websites from which you could buy books from are: Amazon, Ebay, Flipkart, Books at half.com, AbeBooks

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Mind Teasers 1

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Sudoku - I

7 1

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Answers 2

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1 6 3 5 4 2 9 8 7

7 9 6 3 5 4 2 1 8

4 2 8 1 9 7 5 6 3

5 3 1 6 2 8 7 9 4

6 4 5 7 8 9 1 3 2

9 8 2 4 1 3 6 5 5

3 1 7 2 6 5 8 4 9

Sudoku - II 8

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1 5 7 3 9 8 4

5 8 7 4 9 6 2 3 1

1 9 3 7 8 2 5 4 6

4 6 2 3 1 5 8 9 7

3 5 6 2 4 9 1 7 8

2 1 8 6 3 7 4 5 9

7 4 9 1 5 8 6 2 3

Sudoku - I February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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ACROSS 1. Came across a record concerning journalist (10) 6. Language of old city belonging to the French (4) 9. They’ll get wrongly blamed for heading off escape by animals (10) 10. There’s potato in Mum’s pudding (4) 12. Style of cooking providing contrasts (5-3-4) 15. Country-loving Irishman in charge of containing disturbance (9) 17. Giving note to terrorists makes one angry (5) 18. One who latches on to another is a sucker (5) 19. Sailor’s intent perhaps is to be self-restrained (9) 20. A comment sure upset in due proportion (12) 24. Man told to get on his knees? (4) 25. Boundary rope may produce such a decision (10) 26. E.g. dogs returning from walk (4) 27. Not quite one’s best friend on the ship (6,4)

4

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Sudoku - II

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crosswords 1

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10 11 12

13 15 18 20

14 16

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19 21 22

23

24 25 DOWN 1. Pretty girl gets some food (4) 2. Animal found in sea location (4) 26 27 3. Fat little Edward is biased (12) 4. The First Lady touring Oklahoma will awaken memories 14. Steam railway takes on head of Railtrack to improve (5) efficiency (10) 5. The thresholds of delights (9) 16. To perform in a different key, one’s parts must be 7. Heartless robbers go off with a pet. The villains! (10) arranged (9) 8. Below, below, below (10) 21. Went on horseback round cowboy show (5) 11. Managed to get clergyman in dead awkward situation (12) 22. Junk mail from the capital (4) 13. They are seeking work after demolition of aspic plant (10) 23. Nothing but a lake (4)

Answers ACROSS: 1. Discovered 6. Urdu 9. Scape goats 10. Spud 12. Sweat and sour 15. Patriotic 17. Irate. 18. Leech 19. Abstinent 20. Commensurate 24. Neil 25. Borderline 26. Step 27. Secondmate

2

down: 1. Dish 2. Seal 3. Over Weighted 4. Evoke 5. Entrances 7. Reprobates 8. Underneath 11.

Administers 13. Applicants 14. Streamline 16. Transpose 21. Rodeo 22. Lima 23. Mere

Sudoku

Rules • Each column must contain all of the numbers 1 through 9 and no two numbers in the same column of a Sudoku puzzle can be the same.

• Each row must contain all of the numbers 1 through 9 and no two numbers in the same row of a Sudoku puzzle can be the same.

• Each block (9 boxes arranged in 3 rows and 3 columns) must contain all of the numbers 1 through 9 and no two numbers in the same block of a Sudoku puzzle can be the same

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Shop hopping Surprise your kids with these products.

Candy eyewear

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This candy-coloured frame is the next big fashion sensation.

The Californiainspired look features an iconic front in monotone hues of pink, rose, black or navy.

The cool visage is gloriously offset by gregarious temples in colourful preppy stripes or ice-cream marble prints.

Price: `2,250.

Available at all leading retail stores

Style diva

Kids today keep themselves up to date with the latest in clothing. Inaya Couture has ethnic gowns and kurta pyjama for kids. They use soft, breathable fabrics, are tagless, have no metal parts, no heavy embroidery or applique, making them good for your child’s skin.

Price: On request Availability: B-183, Lok Vihar, Pitampura, New Delhi

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Step up

The classic clog gets a modern and colourful twist with these multicoloured Duet Kids shoes. Dual density technology allows for cool colour combinations. Fullymolded dual density Croslite material construction promises profound lightweight cushioning.

Price: `1,396 Availability: All leading Crocs stores

tender feet

Keeping the tender feet of the kids in mind, Bonjour launched an exciting, colourful and adorable range of Ben 10 socks in fabrics of cotton and lycra. Ben is a cartoon character superhero loved by children everywhere.

Price: ` 88 onwards Availability: www. bonjourretail.com

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Forecast for february 2014 B y D r . P rem K umar S harma

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Good Luck Tip: Place red and yellow flowers on the right hand side of your work desk to stimulate financial growth.

Good Luck Tip: Place a vase of yellow flowers in the kitchen for fulfilment in the life cycle.

Good Luck Tip: Illuminate dark corners in your office with candles for positive energy.

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Good Luck Tip: Create a balance of all five elements in your kitchen to improve metabolism.

Good Luck Tip: Combine the colours red, yellow, white, black and green in your office area as it improves your earning ability.

Good Luck Tip: Hang a mirror above your desk so that the entrance to your work area is reflected in the mirror.

Good Luck Tip: If you are in the need to multiply your finances; carry a small crystal in your purse daily.

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

Good Luck Tip: Place a quartz crystal on your computer or beside the phone to improve communication levels.

Good Luck Tip: Put an eggshaped object in your office to attract new business.

Those in uniformed services will find promotional prospects brightening up. If you have a chip on your shoulder against someone, you will forgive and forget. Innovating something at work will add a new dimension to your performance. Health matters will be resolved satisfactorily.

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New opportunities could come your way. Software professionals are likely to add to their skills by undergoing some course or training.

There appears to be a distinct improvement in your monetary condition. Someone will repose full confidence in you to get him or her out of a tight spot. Love at first sight may actually work for you!

Be diplomatic, especially at work, to minimise chances of a run-in with influential seniors.

Sometimes you feel that things are not going the way you want them on the home front. Issues about your children may be on your mind but only thinking won’t work; get into action.

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Some misdemeanour on your part on the social front is likely to get tongues wagging.

Some of you may fall out of love because you won’t hesitate to call a spade a spade. Avoid driving in traffic or using busy roads. You may not like the attitude of a co-worker towards you, so it will be better to maintain a low profile.

Different cultures, foods, dresses and people may fascinate you enough to travel abroad on a vacation. There is a strong possibility of finding a suitable match for the eligible.

Students should plan their future course of action keeping their long-term career plans in mind. Speculative activities could be disappointing.

Open agreements and discussions with seniors and colleagues will pave the way for you to reach out to new opportunities. On the academic front, you are likely to leave your competitors way behind. Wealth is likely to come to you from various sources. On the health front you are likely to bounce back fitter than ever.

Diplomatically assert yourself if you feel that others are taking advantage of your decency. You will need to be focussed on your deadlines as hectic activity will cause delays. Good news awaits some on the family front. Someone is likely to guide you correctly on a legal issue. Prayers of those seeking love are likely to be answered soon.

You may want to implement certain changes on the personal front. Though loved ones will be unable to understand your motivations, they will gradually come around.

You can expect to have a good time at work. If there is a major expenditure, tighten your fist till it is not recovered.

Be very proactive and energetic and you will welcome the kind of changes that are in store for you. This will lead to a positive transformation in your attitude and perspective to your career.

Efficient handling of some pending issues will help lighten your workload to a large extent.

Romantic relationships will bring you happiness throughout this month.

Good Luck Tip: Place a piece of amethyst on your desk to cope up with stress.

Cancer

Be well prepared with your facts and figures. Excellent showing will help you establish a niche for yourself on the professional front. Your advice on some project will be much valued.

Marital front will remain blissful as you manage to strengthen your loving bonds.

Good Luck Tip: Hang a small, faceted crystal ball at a kitchen window to boost your money generating potential.

You will be in a cheerful and optimistic mood as this month begins.

Those feeling dissatisfied with their current vocation will get the peace they seek. Wise investments in property and shares will keep you financially strong. You are likely to focus on health now and succeed in your efforts at keeping physically fit.

Your performance is likely to be rated somewhere amongst the top.

Chances of sealing a lucrative property deal cannot be ruled out for some. You can get a bit concerned about the future of a family youngster. A relationship not going anywhere can make you feel stagnated, but there are ways and means of igniting your love life.

Good Luck Tip: Place a small black stone in your office to hold money.

spotlight

The Motor Show- Auto Expo 2014 Asia’s largest and complete automotive show, the Auto Expo, becomes bigger and better.

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uto Expo 2014 was conceived in 1985 and had its debut at Pragati Maidan in 1986, showcasing the best of Indian automotive industry along with new technologies being used by the developed world. Today, it provides a platform to the Indian automotive industry to showcase its expertise as a sourcing hub and the global industry to launch itself in the Indian market. The first one was organised by Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Society of Indian Automobile Manufactures (SIAM). Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India Over the years, Auto Expo has evolved into a focused and modern motor show, used for brand promotion and corporate image development by Exhibitors, a venue for global launches by vehicle manufacturers. Auto Expo has Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India always witnessed large footfall of more than a million Confederation of people, and has emerged as the largest exhibition in India.

Indian Industry Participants include all automobile majors from India,

SIAM Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India

Confederation of Indian Industry

Accredited by

Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers

South Africa, Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States of America and more. Because of increasing participation, the 2014 edition will be will be held at two venues. The Component Show will be held at Pragati Maidan in Delhi from February 6 to 9; The Motor Show at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida from February 7 to 11. The total display area at the Motor Show has increased by more than 45 per cent. Vehicles will be exhibited across 15 halls and three outdoor locations. Apart from having outdoor activity areas to keep visitors busy, there will be a vintage car display, electric vehicles and a super car pavilion. Visitors can win a vehicle every day through special lottery.

There will be over 60 food stalls, 20 F&B kiosks, a food yard serving Indian and continental buffets, snack counter and two five-star restaurants. Over 8,000 cars can be parked.

Visitors can avail free shuttle buses from Botanical Garden Metro Station in Noida and Pragati Maidan in Delhi. Tickets can be booked online at Bookmyshow.com.

The Auto Expo 2014 smartphone application is now available at Windows Phone, iTunes, Android and Blackberry.

SIAM my world of books Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers

As a bookworm, New Delhi World Book Fair is a favourite event...

Confederation of Indian Industry

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here are many reasons why the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) is a class apart. Organised by National Book Trust (NBT), India, it’s among the largest book fairs in the Afro-Asian region. The first NDWBF was organised in Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers 1972 and NBT India has successfully organised 21 editions of this signature event. Due to rising popularity, beginning 2013, the fair was converted from a biannual event into an annual one. I’m looking forward to the 22nd NDWBF, to be held in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 15 to 23 February 2014 in collaboration with India Trade Promotion

SIAM

Organization (ITPO). The fair will be inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee. Nearly 1,700 stalls will be set up by hundreds of publishers. For the tech-savvy, there will be a dedicated e-book pavilion where e-book publishers showcase their publications. At the e-Zone, experts will discuss hot topics related to electronic publication. The Guest of Honour Country is Poland, and the aim is an exchange of literary thoughts.

My daughter has options galore... with a spotlight on children’s literature, NBT’s National Center for Children’s Literature (NCCL) will organise children's activities, including book exhibitions, story telling, seminars, workshops and Do It Yourself (DIY) events. The new Kid’s Bubble is a dedicated space for kids to enjoy magic shows, film screenings, and to learn various arts and crafts – on from February 16 to 23.

We have a chance to meet and greet well-known writers at the Authors’ Corner, where they talk about their work. Daily newsletters about the fair will keep visitors updated. A notto-be-missed literary indulgence!

- Neharika Mathur Sinha

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Inside SpiceJet

Inside…

• Routemap • Letter from the management • SpiceJet family • SpiceJet news • Premium products

• Tasty treats • Tag tales • Cockpit story • Destinations • Fleet guide

GROUP

Coimbatore

Inside SpiceJet

inside SpiceJEt

CHANGING FOR Better

Dear Customer, SpiceJet is changing! Little by little, we are putting the pieces in place to build the New SpiceJet. We are looking into every aspect of the airline, and making changes where necessary. Our product. Our network. Our pricing. Our on-time performance. Every aspect is changing for the better.

On-time performance, you ask? Yes indeed! In December 2013, SpiceJet was the #1 on-time airline as per official DGCA statistics, which in turn is based on data reported by the six largest metro airports. A whopping 82.3 per

cent of our flights were on-time, more than any other airline. Now we know that the title of being #1 on-time is not one any airline can take for granted anymore; we also know one swallow does not a summer make, and resting on our laurels is the last thing we want to do. However I can say on behalf of SpiceJet that competition for this trophy is going to be getting tougher, and we intend to win it more often as we transform ourselves. Isn’t competition great?

On products, there are several changes afoot. We launched the Corporate Frequent Flyer program recently where passengers travelling on corporate fares will get one free flight for every six paid flights, and two for every 10; the free tickets are assignable to anyone. We launched SpiceMAX last month, where for a nominal fee, you get a premium seat with more legroom, along with priority check-in at dedicated SpiceMAX counters, priority checked baggage handling, and enhanced hand baggage allowance; all you need to do is preselect a premium seat to become a SpiceMAX customer. We have an all-new menu in the seat pocket in front of you, and will continue to make enhancements to our food and end-toend on-board service. Cabins on our aircraft are being gradually refreshed.

An all-new on-board ambience is being created to make your flight more pleasant and memorable, delivered by our warm, friendly, and caring cabin crew who have been given a simple guideline: use your judgment and do the right thing by the customer. And feel free to let your hair down, no robotic rigidity at SpiceJet. On pricing, last month SpiceJet

launched the Super Saver 3-day sale, with 50 per cent discounts for all flights if booked 30 days in advance.

The response was tremendous, there is huge pent-up demand that we can unlock in certain periods of the year when airlines tend to have lower loads.

No point in flying empty seats around, we figure that is a waste. Better to offer them at a discount for the leisure traveller who is otherwise getting priced out from spontaneous air travel.

While such discounts year-round may not be feasible, SpiceJet is proud to be the initiator of such discounts in low season, for the third year in a row, for you, our dear customer. And contrary to what the media claims, these are not “fare wars”, this is just common sense.

And remember, it is SpiceJet that first brings these low fares to you!

I want to close by congratulating GVK, MIAL, and the city of Mumbai for the fantastic new Terminal 2 at CSIA airport. Mumbai finally has an airport terminal worthy of the great city, and we are proud to feature it on the cover of this magazine and as the lead story, and thank MIAL for their cooperation always.

We will be operating our Mumbai-Dubai flight from this terminal soon!

As always, please feel free to drop an email to customerfirst@spicejet.com with any feedback or questions, and a member of senior management will respond to you personally.

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Thank you for flying SpiceJet.

Sanjiv Kapoor, Chief Operating Officer

GROUP

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meal magic

Piyush Mathur loves the challenge of ensuring the food served on your flight is nutritious and delicious.

What are your responsibilities in current role?

My responsibility is to ensure high standards of food and beverage on SpiceJet flights. I also coordinate with various caterers, along with internal departments.

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Name: Piyush Mathur Designation: Senior Manager-Catering Current Role: Looking after onboard catering (F&B) for complete network

i love the working environment at spicejet. Every day is as challenging as the previous one. so we get to learn and improve constantly...

When did you join SpiceJet? What do you love about working here?

I joined SpiceJet on May 5, 2005.

I love the positive working environment in office.

What excites you about your job?

Food is very important in the service industry. I enjoy the challenge of ensuring that the meals that SpiceJet passengers are served every day in the flights are of the best quality.

The challenges that you face?

Providing fresh, hygienic and topquality food, day in and day out.

What is the best thing about working in the aviation industry?

Pressure of timely delivery of quality food continuously and regularly brings improvement every time we perform.

Family time I wake up at 5am. I prepare my children for school, while my wife gets ready for her job. I come to office at 9am and work till the day ends or the work ends – whichever is later. Once home, I have a cup February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Tell us something about your family members.

It’s a joint family that includes my parents, brother, his wife and their two kids, along with my wife and two children.

How do you manage to balance work and life?

Work while you work; but enjoy yourself when it’s family time.

What do you do on a holiday?

I spend quality time with family; we usually go out for a picnic.

Which is your favourite SpiceJet destination?

Kochi Is there any experience that you would like to share while working in SpiceJet? Each day is as challenging as the previous one. So every day, we learn and improve.

What is your fitness mantra? How do your ensure good health?

I have long hours at work, so I eat sensibly and make it a point to go for a walk everyday.

of tea with my wife, chat with my kids and spend time with my parents. We always have an early dinner and then go to bed – I believe in the saying ‘early to bed and early to rise makes you healthy wealthy and wise’.

inside SpiceJEt

what’s new Timely arrivals and departures In December 2013, 82.3 per cent of SpiceJet flights were on-time, more than any other airline in India. This made SpiceJet the #1 on-time airline that month as per official DGCA statistics, based on data reported by the six largest metro airports.

On the SpiceJet Joy Ride 164

As a special treat, SpiceJet flew 30 wonderful kids, ages 4-14, from Sneha Bhavan and Shishu Kunj in Kolkata to Delhi for a day of fun and sightseeing in December 2013. We received overwhelming response from both the NGOs, as well as kudos on our social media pages...

From Sneha Bhavan We are grateful and happy for your engagement... the whole day went smoothly and was greatly enjoyed and appreciated by all the children. The SpiceJet staff was ever-helpful, and always ready with a big smile! All the children said that “tomorrow” they are ready to go again – a

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

simple expression that they liked it.

Children speak Puja: “I enjoyed the plane ride and saw many new things. I enjoyed and played with my friends.”

Prince: “I saw many places. I went up the steps to a tall building (Qutub Minar).

Afterward, we got into a train and I could see many things.”

From Shishu Kunj We are thankful to you for giving a great opportunity to our underprivileged children to fly to Delhi by your SpiceJet flight. It was really an awesome experience for the kids.

Our 14 children really enjoyed a lot. We are very obliged to your full team.

Noble gesture by the airline... keep up the good work!

Kavneet Randhawa Keep up the good work SpiceJet...

God bless you.

Anjali Barla

Children speak Taniya Khatun: “I went to Delhi in a SpiceJet plane.

We went to see the Qutub Minar, Parliament, National Railway Museum... We took pictures with the pilot and air hostess. I will never forget this trip.”

Suchitra Mondal: “I went to Delhi for the first time. I saw India Gate, National Railway Museum, President House...

We enjoyed a lot.”

Heartwarming... keep up the good work. Karan Mota Great work SpiceJet. Keep it up.

Tarun Madaan Great initiative...

Harish Unnikrishnan A nice initiative... a budget airline taking a step like this... Dhruv Shah Awesome... Kudos to SpiceJet for such a gesture...

Akshay Sambamoorthy

inflight Music

What’s Playing This Month SpiceJet flights play soft rock music for boarding & take-off, and again for landing & disembarkation. Here's our track list...

Orleans Still The One

U2 I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For This Irish rock band, formed in 1976, has released 12 studio albums and are among the all-time best-selling music artistes, having sold more than 150 million records worldwide.

Louis Armstrong Thin Lizzy Still In Love With You

Peter Sarstedt

What A Wonderful World

Where Do You Go To My Love

Mr Mister Gerry Rafferty

Broken Wings

This American jazz trumpeteer and singer was known for his charismatic presence on stage.

Baker Street

Andy Williams Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You

Eric Clapton John Lennon Imagine This English musician, singer and songwriter rose to world fame as founder-member of the Beatles.

He’s known for his rebellious nature and acerbic wit, reflected in his creations.

Foreigner Waiting For A Girl Like You

Bruce Springsteen

Crosby, Stills, and Nash

I’m On Fire

Doobie Brothers You Belong To Me

Journey

Just A Song Before I Go

Who’s Crying Now

Knocking On Heaven’s Door This English musician, singer and songwriter is known as one of the most influential guitarists.

Dobie Gray

Guess Who

Drift Away

These Eyes

Atlanta Rhythm Section

U2

So Into You

One

Foreigner I Want To Know What Love Is

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Benefits galore

SpiceJet promises irresistible offers with its two new premium products – SpiceMax and Corporate flyer program.

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piceJet, your preferred airline, has introduced products to make your flight experience much more convenient.

Maximum benefits, minimum hassle

SpiceMax provides exclusive privileges to its valued customers and aims to better your flying experience. From providing extra space for people travelling with infants to premium seats for the elderly who want to be closer to the lavatory and for those who need extra legroom, SpiceMax offers many benefits including: SpiceMax Premium Seat Choose SpiceMax Premium Seat in the first

or emergency rows and give your legs extra room to stretch.

Priority Check-In With Priority Check-in, leave the others in the queue behind and enjoy a faster and much smoother checkin process.

Special Cabin Bag Allowance A 10kg Special Cabin Bag Allowance means that you have the privilege to carry more baggage than others.

Priority Baggage Delivery Collect your baggage and be on your way out before anyone else.

To avail of these exclusive privileges, keep the following in mind. SpiceMax is a combo offer and is available along with any fare, up to one hour prior to departure. It can be booked per passenger per sector. SpiceMax is available for both our domestic and international passengers. You can select a SpiceMax premium seat while booking your ticket or using ‘Manage my booking’ option once your ticket has been booked. Please note that SpiceMax is not available for group bookings (booking for 10 people and above) and infants. Once you book a ticket, SpiceMax cannot be cancelled in isolation. So, whenever you fly SpiceJet, enjoy the comfort of SpiceMax.

To maximise your travel experience, all you need to do is pay a nominal amount of `500. it's a steal deal especially tailormade for you, our valued customers

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

For our frequent corporate flyers

Keeping the busy schedules of corporates in mind, SpiceJet has launched the Corporate Frequent Flyer Program – an especially designed product for frequent corporate travellers. This program includes an offer to get 1 free ticket against 6 one-way completed journeys. Similarly, you can get 2 free tickets against 10 one-way completed journeys.

The offer is only for corporate frequent travellers and on bookings with valid corporate/web promo codes under the corporate deal.

It is applicable on only SpiceJet’s domestic network. This offer is valid on direct and on via flights.

All you need to do for the redemption process is this – download the redemption form, fill it, and email it to corporatedesk@ spicejet.com. Within 96 hours you will receive a reply along with a confirmed ticket. Along with these exclusive privileges, there are some

The processing time for SpiceJet to confirm the Redemption ticket is 96 hours things you need to keep in mind before you avail of this offer. For instance, this offer is valid only on SpiceJet’s domestic flights. The offer is open to only registered corporates. Also, SpiceJet will bear only the base fare and fuel surcharge on the free ticket; all applicable fees/ taxes payable are to be borne by the customer. It is applicable for corporate bookings only – so tickets booked under the assigned corporate code(s) will be eligible for the offer.

It is valid on Direct and Via flights only – connecting flights will not be eligible for the offer or for redemption ticket requests.

The travel for all eligibility tickets should be completed to avail of

the offer. Eligibility tickets are valid for bookings and travel between December 23, 2013 and March 27, 2014. Redemption ticket is valid for booking and travel from March 31, 2014 to September 30, 2014, on SpiceJet’s domestic network.

The processing time for SpiceJet to confirm the Redemption ticket is 96 hours. Redemption ticket can be issued in the name requested by the passenger in the redemption request form.

Remember that this offer is not valid for infant or group bookings (travel together for 10 passengers or more).

Once you enroll with us as a corporate client you can avail of the benefits which come with the Corporate benefit program.

Some of the many benefits include attractive corporate fares, complimentary snack on board, flexibility in cancellations and rescheduling, simplified booking process, free web check-in and frequent product updates.

For more information: Please refer to the same at http://www.spicejet.com/corporateflyer.aspx

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Tasty treats SpiceJet's new inflight menu coming soon...

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Breakfast Masala Uttapam, Medu Vada, Sambhar, Coconut Chutney Vegetarian

Plethora of choices

Keeping affordability and convenience of the passengers in mind, SpiceJet offers a simple yet delicious onboard food menu with numerous options to choose from.

Now you can pick from a range of two delicious vegetarian and two scrumptious non-vegetarian dishes from the hot meals served onboard.

Secret of pre-booking

To experience hassle-free and convenient flying it is recommended you pre-book your meals on SpiceJet and save 20 percent on your meals onboard.

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

lunch/Dinner Vegetable Biryani, Mirchi Salan

snacks non Vegetarian

Chicken in Garlic Sauce, Fried Chicken Noodles, Salad

This way, you can have your preferred choice of the delicious meal options onboard. When you pre-book your meal online, you get to choose from a host of options. All options under breakfast, lunch/dinner, snacks and sandwiches are available for prebooking online. Buying In-flight serves you only with limited options.

snacks Chicken Schezwan, Kathi Roll, Salad

Know the time

Vegetarian

sandwiches Grilled Vegetable Sandwich

Now your routine will not get disrupted as the meal timings are the same onboard as they are at home. Breakfast is served between 5am and 11am, lunch between 11am and 3pm, snacks between 3pm and 7pm and dinner between 7pm and 11pm. In addition, we offer quick-picks from sandwiches to a-la-carte items. It is important to keep in mind that breakfast, lunch/dinner and snacks are served only on Boeing flights with a scheduled flying time of more than 60 minutes. On other flights, sandwiches and quick picks are always available. 

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Tag Tales

Here's the story behind SpiceJet’s new baggage tags...

They showcase special offers tailormade for passengers.

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Vritti Mehra – Delhi Base, SpiceJetter since 2012

Pre-book excess baggage

Now enjoy savings upto 20% on pre-booking your excess baggage until 12 hours before your flight. So, Travel smart.

Carry a lot more for a lot less.

Richa Sibal – Delhi Base, SpiceJetter since 2009, Priya Maria Jaydas – Hyderabad Base, SpiceJetter since 2012

Corporate frequent flyer Our frequent registered corporate travellers can now save big. On 6 completed one-way journeys get 1 free one-way ticket while 10 completed one-way journeys give you 2 free one-way tickets.

Nilakhi Nirjary – Delhi Base, SpiceJetter since 2008

More hot meal choices

Now both vegetarians and non-vegetarians can choose from two meal options each on SpiceJet flights. The choices are much more if you pre-book your meal online.

do remember to pick your baggage tags while collecting your boarding pass. each hand baggage must have one tag attached

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Bharat Chadha – Delhi Base, SpiceJetter since 2012

International baggage allowance

Passengers travelling on SpiceJet domestic sector to SpiceJet international sector or vice versa will get the Free Baggage Allowance of International sector.

Sandhya Behl – Delhi Base, SpiceJetter since 2008

SpiceMAX

With SpiceMax passengers get benefits including premium seats, priority check-in, priority baggage delivery and 10kg hand baggage allowance.

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Somesh Gohai – Delhi Base, SpiceJetter since 2012

Priya Maria Jaydas – Hyderabad Base, SpiceJetter since 2012

Reena Pathania – Hyderabad Base, SpiceJetter since 2012

Multiple Booking option (MBo)

Empty Seat option (ESo)

Preferred flight option (PFo)

Booked on our flight! Want travel flexibility? Opt for SpiceJet FlexiFly - Multiple Booking Option (MBo), which allows you to book 1 more flight and you can decide (up to 1 day before departure), which of the two flights to fly on.

Get your 'virtual private zone' with SpiceJet FlexiFly - Empty Seat Option (ESo); a popular offer for travellers to get a chance to secure empty seats next to their seat at a nominal price, elevating your comfort and travel experience.

Booked on our flight! But wish to fly on another date and/or time, just sign-up for Preferred Flight Options (PFo) and you may get to fly on your preferred flight for a nominal price!

inside SpiceJEt

cockpit unplugged

Have you always wondered what goes on inside the cockpit?

Here is Captain Puri unravelling the mystery for you.

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oday, I was scheduled to fly to Jammu. On a winter morning, flight to any North Indian airport is exciting as well as challenging due to low visibility.

Deepak is my co-pilot for the flight, a warmnatured person, calm under pressure 172

07.45am: I reach the airport and find Deepak already waiting for me at Dispatch. We go through the Briefing papers. It’s Cat-3A certified (so are Deepak and me). The weather doesn’t look so good though. The visibility at the aerodromes in North India is relatively poor. We need a minimum of 125 meters to takeoff from Delhi (both of us are LVTO-Low Visibility Take Off qualified). We decided to go with lots of extra fuel, enough to hold for more than an hour and a half and then enough to go to either Amritsar or Chandigarh, if Jammu, visibility reduces to ‘below minima’.

08.00am: We arrive at the

airplane. Deepak goes into the cockpit to setup while I do the ‘walkaround’. The airplane looks

good. Shiny after a recent wash.

The Engineer seeing us off wishes us luck with the visibility.

08.15am: The CCIC (Cabin Crew In Charge) tells me that we’re carrying 180 passengers including two wheelchair passengers today.

She’s made them comfortable in the first row where the legroom is adequate for them. I wish them a quick ‘hello’ and join Deepak in the cockpit. We go through our FMC (Flight Management Computer)

and systems checks and finish our briefing for the Delhi-Jammu leg. I will be the Pilot Flying (PF) today as the weather is marginal.

08.30am: Latest reported

visibility at Delhi is 125 meters so we decide to depart as planned.

The passengers are all on board and settled and we ask Air Traffic Control for “PUSHBACK”.

08.40am: We taxi out for Runway 28. Taxiing a little slower than usual

A Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) is used to record audio environment. This is achieved by recording the signals of the microphones and earphones of the Pilots’ headsets and of an area microphone February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

data expert

Audio Compressor Board (in cockpit voice recorders only) Aircraft interface board

Memory interface cable

high-temperature insulation Stack of memory boards

stainless-steel armor

The flight data recorder is used for accident investigation and safety issues

Acquisition processor board

Underwater locator beacon

due to the poor visibility. The lower speed allows for better ‘look around’ for other airplanes and ground vehicles on the Apron.

08.50am: Cleared for lineup. As I taxi onto the runway, Deepak sets up the cockpit for a ‘Low Visibility Takeoff’. I take my time to crosscheck the cockpit preparation and then announce “Ready For Departure”.

08.52am: As we roll down the runway, I can see about eight runway centreline lights ahead of me at any given time – enough to stay steady on the centreline. Deepak of course is completely ‘Heads Down’, monitoring the Instruments to ensure I stay on the centreline and call out and warn me of any malfunction, if it were to occur. “EIGHTY”, “V1” and “ROTATE” and we’re on our way.

09.12am: We settle down at Flight

Level 340 (34,000 feet) for our Cruise towards Jammu. At this level, the skies are clear and we turn the

FASTEN SEAT BELTS signs off (we’d kept them ON during the climb because there was light turbulence).

I talk to ‘Northern Control’, ‘Alpha Control’ and a Military Control and give them our ‘position estimates’.

A Flight Data Recorder (FDR) is an electronic device employed to record any instructions sent to any electronic system on an aircraft. It is a device used to record specific aircraft. The data recorded by the FDR is used for accident investigation, as well as for analyzing air safety issues, material degradation and engine performance.

09.22am: I slow down to

‘Endurance Speed’. Knowing that airplanes are holding over Jammu, I decide to conserve some fuel. While I maintain radio contact with the three enroute ATS controls, Deepak talks to Jammu ATC to get the latest weather picture. Managing the Radio on this route is a bit like juggling three balls simultaneously. There are three different ‘controls’ and a fair amount of military traffic. So the radio ‘chatter’ can be quite a bit.

09.32am: We complete our ‘Approach Briefing’ and start a slow descent into Jammu. I put my radar on the TERRAIN mode to see the hill features nearby. It improves my ‘Situational Awareness’ and keeps me well informed of my ground position

Capt N.P Puri EVP - Flight Operations

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relative to the Runway and the surrounding hills. I go onto the PA system and inform the passengers of the latest weather at Jammu and the Estimated Time of Arrival.

09.42am: We join the ‘Holding Pattern’ over the JAMMU VOR (a radio navigation system). We’ll be ‘Number 2’ on approach behind another airplane. As we finish one hold, Jammu ATC tells us to expect another 5-minute delay due to a departing airplane. I ask Deepak to inform the passengers. The CCIC tells me that the passengers are relaxed and comfortable thanks to our keeping them updated.

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09.47am: The airplane ahead of us starts its approach for Runway 36.

We know that this will take about 9 minutes so we wait patiently, monitoring his approach and listening to the other airplanes (some military) talking on the same frequency.

09.53am: We monitor that the

airplane ahead of us has landed. We then crosscheck the latest visibility with Jammu ATC. It is reported to be ‘600 meters’. This is our ‘minima’. We decide that we will go ahead and attempt an approach with ‘Flaps 40’ as this will give us the best ‘over the nose visibility’ and also give us the lowest possible landing speed – always an advantage when landing in poor visibility. Deepak and I review the ‘Go Around’ procedure and then ask

Passengers are relaxed and comfortable thanks to our regular flight status updates Jammu ATC for permission to start our approach.

09.57am: We start our approach.

As we leave the ‘holding pattern’, Deepak is completely focused ‘Heads Down’. We both monitor our flight path extra carefully here because we’re flying quite close to the International Border. I configure for the approach early so as to be completely settled with Flaps 40 and “Landing Checklist Complete” by the time that we are 5 nm (nautical miles) on ‘Finals’. By this

time, Deepak is calling out short, sharp, ‘Standard Callouts’. I hear him say “1,000 feet, stable” (pause) “winds right 4 knots” (I respond with a “Check”). “500 feet, stable” (our speed at this stage is 142 knots which is the safe minimum for today's weight and configuration).

“Approaching Minimums” – at this point we are about 350 feet about the ground. I look up over the nose and see the beginning of the ALS (Approach Light System) emerge out of the fog, just as expected. I wait for a second to properly distinguish the lights and loudly say “VISUAL”. Another second and Deepak announces loudly and flatly “MINIMUMS”.

I disconnect the autopilot and respond with “CONTINUING”. I can see the Runway threshold markings and edge lights. I decide that I’m comfortable with what I see and announce “LANDING”. We cross the threshold at about 50 feet and I give the first ‘check’ to reduce our rate-of-descent. A moment later I ‘flare’ the airplane and bring the Thrust levers to Idle. We touch down firmly and Deepak calls “speedbrakes are up”. I bring the Thrust reversers to ‘max reverse’ and keep my eyes fixed outside at the runway centreline. There's a nice loud comforting roar from the engines spooling up to ‘max reverse’ and in about 10 seconds we are down to slow taxi speed.

What follows is the standard ‘After landing procedure’ and we slowly taxi to our parking stand

Perfect Landing At the parking stand, engines shut down, the ground staff starts rolling the ladders up to the airplane and I get up to say bye to the passengers. Some of them smile back and some just look sleepy and bored. The latest Srinagar weather report February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

proclaims visibility there is 1,300 meters, the minimum required for landing there.

Oh well. All in a day's work. We’re in the business of taking passengers safely from Point A to B and today was ‘business as usual’.

inside SpiceJEt

Where SpiceJet flies

176

Agartala

Ahmedabad

AMRITSAR

Aurangabad

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

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

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

Airport: Aurangabad Airport is 10km from the city centre.

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: Kankaria is an artificial lake that dates back to the time of the sultans.

Must See: Jallianwala Bagh is reminiscent of the Indian freedom struggle and is a well-known historical site in Amritsar.

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

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.

Station Manager: Avishek Kar

Station Manager: Johnson George

Station Incharge: Deepak Anand

Email: avishek.kar@spicejet.com

Email: johnson.george@spicejet.com

Email: deepak.anand@spicejet.com

Bagdogra

Bangkok

belgaum

Bengaluru

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

Airport: The Suvarnabhumi International Airport is 17km away.

Airport: Belgaum Airport is 10km from the city centre.

Must See: Visit the famed floating market in Old Bangkok and also visit The Wat Pho temple to see the reclining statue of Buddha.

Must See: Belgaum Fort is a huge fortress situated in the centre of the city. Dating back to 1519, the fort stands tall by telling the tales of the era gone by.

Airport: Kempegowda International Airport is 40km from the city’s business district. Taxis and Volvo buses are available.

Must See: There are several tourist activities that you can engage in at Darjeeling, Dooars and Siliguri.

Must Stay: Situated on the Bihar More in Bagdogra, Marinas Motel offers finely furnished rooms.

Must Stay: The Banyan Tree hotels & resorts houses the Vertigo restaurant which offers a spectacular view of the city from the 61st floor.

Station Incharge: Saurav Raj Thapa

Station Incharge: Gavin Jeffries

Email: saurav.thapa@spicejet.com

Email: gavin.jeffries@spicejet.com

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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

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

Station Incharge: Ajay Chib Email: ajay.chib@spicejet.com

Must See: Ulsoor lake is spread over a huge area and dates back to the time of Kempe Gowda I and II.

Must Stay: Relax at Hotel Adarsha Palace, situated on the College Road in Belgaum.

Must Stay: Hotel Formule1 Bengaluru Whitefield is close to shopping and corporate hubs.

Station Incharge: Komal Jani Email: komal.jani@spicejet.com

Station Manager: Salim Choudhary Email: salim.choudhary@spicejet.com

inside SpiceJEt

Bhopal

CHANDIGARH

Chennai

Coimbatore

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

Airport: Chandigarh Airport is 8km from the city centre. Taxis are easily available.

Airport: Chennai International Airport is 7km from the city centre.

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

Must See: Bhimbetka, about 50km from Bhopal, is home to ancient rock shelters with cave paintings.

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

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 comforts at the JW Marriott Chandigarh, a plush fivestar hotel.

Station Incharge: Rajul Srivastava

Station Incharge: Manmeet Singh Barham

Email: rajul.srivastava@spicejet.com

Email: manmeet.barham@spicejet.com

178

Must See: Marina Beach is a 12km 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.

Must See: An exciting journey to the centre of a forest brings you to the Kovai Kuttralam waterfalls.

Must Stay: Le Meridien Coimbatore sets a benchmark in modern luxury and offers comfort with extravagance.

Station Manager: Sujith Menon

Station Manager: Email: sujith.menon@spicejet.com Santosh Kumar Nair Email: santosh.nair@spicejet.com

Colombo

DEHRADUN

Delhi

dharamshala

Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport is Sri Lanka’s only international airport.

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

Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport is 20km away. Taxis are easily available.

Airport: The Gaggal Airport also known as the Dharamshala Airport, is located 14km from the city.

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

Must See: Situated 8km 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 See: One of the major tourist attractions of Dharamshala is the Kangra Art museum.

Station Incharge: N. Kalidassan

Must Stay: Madhuban Hotel is a beautiful option 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 five-star hotel situated in Dwarka.

Must Stay: Himachal Tourism Hotel Dhauladhar, in the heart of the town, offers a commanding view of the mountains.

Email: n.kalidassan@spicejet.com

Station Incharge: Manish Pandey

Station Manager: Nelash Godara

Station Incharge: Rahul Garg

Email: manish.pandey@spicejet.com

Email: nelash.godara@spicejet.com

Email: rahul.garg@spicejet.com

Must Stay: The Gateway Hotel Airport Garden, near the airport.

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

inside SpiceJEt

Dubai

Goa

guAngzhou

Guwahati

Airport: Dubai International Airport is a major aviation hub in the Middle East.

Airport: Dabolim Airport in Vasco is 30km from Panaji, Goa’s capital.

Taxis are available.

Airport: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is the main airport of the city.

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

Must See: Check out the Jumeirah Beach a famous beach resort located just 15km from central Dubai.

Must See: Sri Mangeshi Temple in the Priol area is a beautiful temple in refreshing natural surroundings.

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

Must See: Assam State Museum is located near Dighalipukhuri tank.

Must Stay: Atlantis The Palm is a luxury resort built on the scenic Palm Island.

Must Stay: Crowne Plaza Science City is a plush hotel.

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

Station Manager: Bhaskar Borgohain

Station Manager: Anish Dubey

Station Manager: Vrushiket Bhise

Email: anish.dubey@spicejet.com

Email: vrushiket.bhise@spicejet.com

Email: bhaskar.borgohain@spicejet.com

Hubli

Hyderabad

Indore

Jabalpur

Airport: Hubli Airport is the airport currently serving both Hubli and Dharwad in Karnataka.

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

Airport: Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport is located at a distance of 8km from the city.

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

Station Manager: J. Venkatramakrishnan

180

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

Email: j.venkat@spicejet.com

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

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

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

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

Must Stay: Radisson Blu Hotel, located in the heart of Indore’s business hub.

Station Incharge: Mahavir Gaur

Station Manager: Raghunath Singh

Station Incharge: Pavitra Shukla

Email: mahavir.gaur@spicejet.com

Email: raghunath.singh@spicejet.com

Email: pavitra.shukla@spicejet.com

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

Must See: The mesmerising Dhuandhar waterfalls near Jabalpur call for a visit for sure.

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

Station Incharge: Jaimin Premasawala Email: jaimin.premasawala@spicejet.com

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

inside SpiceJEt

Jaipur

Jammu

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

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

Must See: Hawa Mahal is a beautiful historical monument.

The surrounding area is great for souvenir shopping.

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

Airport: Kabul International Airport, also known as Khwaja Rawash Airport, is located 16km Must See: Mubarak Mandi was the from the city centre. royal residence of the Maharaja Must See: Built in the late 19th of Jammu and Kashmir during the century, Bagh-e Bala is preserved Dogra rule. and the area around the palace has been turned into a large park.

Must Stay: Fortune Inn Rivera is a

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

Must See: Darbar Square, an ancient square strewn with palaces and temples.

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

cosy retreat, perfect for a business stay as well as for a family vacation.

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

Station Manager: Deepak Koul

Station Incharge: Sunil Rehman

Station Manager: Rajendra Krishna Joshi

Email: brijendra.sinsinwar@spicejet.com

Email: deepak.koul@spicejet.com

Email: sunil.rehman@spicejet.com

Email: rajendra.joshi@spicejet.com

Khajuraho

Kochi

Kolkata

Kozhikode

Airport: Khajuraho Airport is just 3 km away from Khajuraho town.

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

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

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

Must See: Fort Kochi is a small village located near the large city of Kochi. It is home to untouched picturesque beaches.

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 dedicated to diplomat V K Krishna Menon, exhibits his personal belongings.

Must Stay: Make yourself feel at home at Hotel Clarks, Khajuraho which is located at a convenient distance from the Khajuraho temples.

Must Stay: Relive the past at Cochin Heritage Home, located just next to the Bishop’s House in the Fort Kochi area of the city.

Must Stay: Chrome Hotel offers relaxation 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.

Station Manager: Shamon P.S

Station Manager: Sagarnath Das

Station Incharge: Sajith Kannoth

Station Incharge: Jai Prakash Singh

Email: shamon@spicejet.com

Email: sagarnath.das@spicejet.com

Email: sajith@spicejet.com

Station Manager: Brijendra Sinsinwar

182

KABUL

Must See: The prestigious Khajuraho temples which are ornamented with most striking, erotic and aesthetic sculptures that expose the philosophy in the Hindu religion.

Email: jai.singh@spicejet.com February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

inside SpiceJEt

Lucknow

Madurai

MALE

Mangalore

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

Airport: Madurai Airport is located about 10km from the city centre.

Taxis are available.

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

Must See: Bara Imam Bara, is one of the most popular monuments in Lucknow city.

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

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

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

Station Manager: Janardan Sahai Mathur

184

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

Must See: The National Museum in Sultan Park and the Jumhoree Maidan with its green grass and lush vegetation are must-sees.

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

Must See: About 15km 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 Station Incharge: C.M.Biddappa

Station Manager: Balaji Ramanan

Station Incharge: Hemant Kumar

Email: janardan.mathur@spicejet.com

Email: balaji.ramanan@spicejet.com

Email: hemanth.kumar@spicejet.com

Mumbai

muscat

mysore

puducherry

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

Airport: Seeb International Airport is located 32km from Muscat, the capital of Oman.

Airport: Mysore Airport, also known as Mandakalli Airport, is the main airport serving the city.

Taxis are available.

Airport: Puducherry Airport is located at Lawspet in Puducherry.

Taxis are available.

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

Must See: The Grand Mosque which displays modern Islamic architecture also houses the world’s largest carpet (70m X 60m).

Must Stay: Luxurious home away Must Stay: With a great location from home is the plush Novotel on near the beach and a cluster of Juhu Beach. little restaurants, Omani Beach Hotel is the best place to stay.

Station Manager: Tarun Kalwadia Email: tarun.kalwadia@spicejet.com

Station Incharge: Rohit Rajput Email: rohit.rajput@spicejet.com

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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

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

Email: biddappa@spicejet.com

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

Station Incharge: KP Bopanna

Must Stay: The Dune is a fascinating eco-beach hotel situated in vicinity of the sunkissed sea.

Email: bopanna.kp@spicejet.com

Station Incharge: S Mahesh Email: mahesh.s@spicejet.com

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186

Port Blair

Pune

Rajahmundry

Riyadh

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

Airport: Pune International Airport is situated at a distance of 10km from the main city. Prepaid taxis and auto rickshaws are available.

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

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

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: Sir Arthur Cotton Museum and the barrage at Dowlaiswaram give 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.

Must Stay: Try your hand at snorkelling and deep-sea diving at at the Kaala Pani Resort.

Must Stay: Relax in the lap of luxury at the Four Points By Sheraton, a five-star hotel.

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

Must Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre is a stylish business and leisure hotel located high in the Kingdom Tower.

Station Incharge: Arun M

Station Manager: Adil Palia

Station Incharge: Amit Naraian

Station Incharge: Azhar Shaikh

Email: arun.m@spicejet.com

Email: adil.palia@spicejet.com

Email: amit.naraian@spicejet.com

Email: azhar.shaikh@spicejet.com

Sharjah

Srinagar

Surat

thiruvananthapuram

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

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

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

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

Must See: Souq al-Arsah is one of the oldest souks in the country.

Must See: Hazrat Bal in Srinagar is a well - known shrine where a hair strand of the Prophet Mohammed is treasured.

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

Station Manager: Debasish Choudhury

Must Stay: Offering panoramic view of the Dal Lake, Vivanta by Taj is a good option.

Email: debasish.choudhury@spicejet.com

Station Incharge: Sartaj Ahmed Mantoo

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

Must Stay: Offering picturesque view of the city, Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah is a nice hotel.

Email: sartaj.mantoo@spicejet.com

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Station Incharge: Harin Rajguru Email: harin.rajguru@spicejet.com

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

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

Station Incharge: A.CRatheesh Email: ratheesh.ac@spicejet.com

inside SpiceJEt

Tirupati

Tuticorin

Udaipur

Airport: Tirupati Airport is situated at a distance of 14km from the Tirupati city.

Airport: Tuticorin domestic airport is located 16.9km from the city.

Must See: The Sri Venkateswara temple is considered one of the holiest temples.

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

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

Must Stay: Having served some prominent personalities who thronged the holy town, Hotel Bliss provides good comforts and food.

188

Must See: The splendid City Palace is one of the most beautiful palatial structures here.

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

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

Station Incharge: N Nagaraju

Station Incharge: Narasimhan S.R

Email: n.nagaraju@spicejet.com

Email: narasimhan.r@spicejet.com

Station Incharge: R. Shyam Sharma Email: shyam.sharma@spicejet.com

Varanasi

Vijayawada

visakhapatnam

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

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

Airport: Visakhapatnam Airport is located about 7km from the city centre. Taxis are easily available at all times.

Must See: Take a boat ride at the Dasawamedh Ghat to enjoy the divine ambience of Varanasi to the fullest.

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

Station Manager: Rajesh K. Singh Email: rajesh.s@spicejet.com

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Must See: Mogalarajapuram caves near Vijayawada are among the three cave temples known for the magnificent carvings of Shiva.

Must Stay: Haailand Buddhism-based theme park and resort is a unique holiday destination that evokes the mystique of South East Asia.

Station Incharge: Srikanth Yalla Email: yalla.srikanth@spicejet.com

Must See: Kambalakonda is a wonderful nature reserve, located about 20-25 minutes away from the city.

Must Stay: The Gateway Hotel, is a comfortable hotel. Enjoy southern delights here.

Station Manager: Digvijay Wala Email: digvijay.wala@spicejet.com

190

February 2014 | www.spiceroutemag.com

A Glimpse into, the Future.

Check us out at, Auto Expo, Hall No-1 Stall No. E-2, Indian Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi NCR India.

6th to 11th February 2014.

Ahmedabad Showroom- +91 8156008153 Bengalooru Showroom- +91 9686987576 Chennai Showroom- +91 9841605757 Chandigarh Showroom- +91 8284000033 Gurgaon Showroom- +91 8130333444 Hyderabad Showroom- +91 9030000890 Ludhiana Showroom- +91 9023111133 Mumbai Showroom- +91 9870133333 / 9821015369 New Delhi Showroom- +91 8130000003 Pune Showroom- +91 8805068555 / 8380040661 Raipur Showroom- +91 9669955770 Surat Showroom- +91 9099919303