Spiceroute January 2013

Volume VlI Issue I January 2013

+

www.spiceroutemag.com

The inflight magazine of SpiceJet

On fears & fantasies

Jeet Thayil

Magic in Marble

Jabalpur

Step by step guide to

WEIGHT LOSS

Maldives 2013’s Must Visit

GROUP

New beginning Dear SpiceJetters, I take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very happy New Year! May the year 2013 be the harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity for everyone.

This New Year, SpiceJet, your favourite airline is all set to add many more cities for better connectivity.

On domestic sectors we have connected Belgaum and Hubli with Bangalore and Udaipur with New Delhi on our Q-400 aircraft. We have connected Maldives (Male) with Kochi, and Dubai with Kochi and Ahmedabad. We have planned connections from Delhi to Riyadh and Guangzhou, for which bookings are open. SpiceJet is currently the only Indian carrier flying into the Chinese province of Guangzhou.

SpiceJet received the final 3 aircraft from Bombardier taking the total size of the fleet to 51 aircraft.

Spiceroute, the monthly in-flight magazine brings you Male one of the latest additions in SpiceJet’s network.

The story tells about the great underwater sports that you can indulge in this island city. We also bring you a photo essay on Udaipur and its nearby cities.

Please send your feedback/suggestions custrelations@spicejet.com

at

Happy 2013!

Kalanithi Maran Chairman

GROUP

3

COO & Publisher: Vikas Johari CEO & Managing Director: Prakash Johari CFO: Kuldip Singh Editor: Florina Soren Information: info@maxposure.in Submissions: editor@maxposure.in Advertising: sales@maxposure.in Accounts: accounts@maxposure.in Careers: hr@maxposure.in E-mail: spiceroute@maxposure.in

MaXposure Media Group India Pvt. Ltd. Head Office Unit No F2b ( Second Floor), Mira Corporate Suites, Plot No . 1 & 2, Ishwar Nagar, Mathura Road, New Delhi -110065, Tel: 91.11.43011111, Fax: 91.11.43011199 West | Mumbai | T.V. Industrial Estate, Basement, B-22, A.K. Ahire Marg, Worli, Mumbai-400018, Tel: 91.22-61991111, Fax: 91.22.61991115 The Mall,

Ahmedabad | Office No. 4, Meagabyte Business Centre, Top Floor, Navrang Building, Opp Parth Complex, Swastik Cross Road, CG Road, Navranpura, Ahmedabad - 380015, Tel: 079 - 40193627 Indore | 7/1, 409, 4th Floor, Ratan Mani Complex, Opposite Inter Star Showroom, New Palasia, Indore - 452001, Tel: 0731-4248881 Raipur | Magnetto Offizo, Office No.546, 5th Floor, Magnetto The Mall, G.E.Road, Labhandi, Raipur. 0771-4264571 East | Kolkata | DPS Corporate Club, 1st Floor, 9A Sebak Baidya Street, Kolkata– 700029, Tel: 033 40680111 South | Bangaluru |1010 A Wing,10th Floor, Mittal Towers, M.G. Road, Bangaluru-560001, Karnataka, India, Tel: 91.80.40921037-38, Fax: 91.80.41510657 Hyderabad | 1-11-222/2 Ground Floor, Street No.4, Gurumurthy lane, Begumpet, Hyderabad-500 016, Tel: 040-40021545 Chennai | FL 9, Alsa Mall, First Floor, 149, Montieth Road, Egmore, Chennai-600008, Tel: 91.44.42015685, Fax: 91.44.42015684 International Sales Offices EUROPE | Germany | Claudia Scheil | Gruner+ Jahr AG & Co KG | Am Baumwall 11, 20459 Hamburg, Germany, Tel: +49.40 3703 2944, Email: scheil.claudia@guj.de Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg |Kathy Rosseel | Gruner + Jahr AG & Co KG | Coupure Rechts 64/1,9000 Gent, Belgium Tel: +32-9.2350212, Email: rosseel.kathy@guj.de France, Switzerland, Spain | Nicolas Devos | G+J International Media Sales | IMM International, 80 Rue Montmartre, 75002 PARIS - FRANCE Tel: +33 (0)1 40 13 79 01, Fax : +33 (0)1 40 13 00 33 Email: n.devos@imm-france.com, www.imm-international.com Italy | Sandra Bonini | G+J International Sales Italy Srl | Via Benedetto Marcello, 4, 20124 Mailand, Italy Tel: +3902.20526722, Email: bonini.sandra@guj.de Austria | Erwin Luthwig | Gruner + Jahr Verlagsges. mbH | Parkring 12,1010 Vienna, Austria Tel: +431.51256470, Email: luthwig.erwin@guj.de

London | Kevin Rolfe |INK | 141-143 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JE, UK, Tel: +44.20.76138777, Fax: +44.207.613.8776, Email: kevin.rolfe@ink-global.com Turkey |Tan Bilge | Media Ltd. | Ali Sami Yen Sok. No. 2 Kat 3, 34394 Gayrettepe/Istanbul, Turkey, Tel: +90 (0) 212 / 2 75 84 33, Fax +90 (0) 212 / 2 75 92 28, Email: tanbilge@medialtd.com.tr ASIA | SINGAPORE, HONGKONG, CHINA Peter Jeffery, Asian In-Flight Media Ltd. Unit 1802, 18/F, 88 Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, Tel: (852) 2850 4017, Fax: (852) 2850 4097 Email: peterjeffery@asianimedia.com Japan |Yoshihiro Igusa | PACIFIC BUSINESS INC, Akutagawa Bldg, 7-7 Nihonbashi Kabutocho,Chuo-ku Tokyo 103-0026 JAPAN, Tel:+81-(0)3-3661-6138, Fax:+81-(0)3-3661-6139, Email: Igusa-pbi@gol.com Malaysia |Shallie Cheng | Mind Sense Sdn.Bhd. No.107, 1st.Floor Menara Mutiara Majestic, Section 3, 46,000 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

Tel: 60-3 7781 7700 Email: shallie.cheng@gmail.com South Korea | Jung-Won Suh | SINSEGI MEDIA INC. Jungang Bldg,. room 817, 44-21, Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Korea 150-890, Tel: 82-2-785-8222, Fax: 82-2-785-8225, Email: sinsegi-2@sinsegimedia.info Middle East | Sanjeev Menon | Integrated Advertising Services FZ LLC 1105 - Grosvenor Business Tower, Tecom Site C, Near Media Rotana Hotel, Greens. P.O.Box - 27671, Dubai, U.A.E. Tel: +9715 57749205, Fax : +9714 4475761, Email: sajeev@iasmedia.com THAILAND| Stephen Marsh| Managing Director | Media Representation International Co. Ltd., 45/3 Sukhumvit Soi 31, Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand, Tel:+662 204 2699, M:+66 86 777 3417, Fax: +662 662 1173, Email: stephen@mediarepint.com; www.mediarepint.com Americas | Canada | Wayne Saint John| Publicitas Canada, 468 Queen Street East, 300 Toronto, Ontario M5A 1T7, Tel:+1 416-363-1388, Fax +1 416-363-2889, Email: wstjohn@aprcanada.com, www.publicitas.com/canadaapr USA West coast | Ralph Lockwood| Huson International Media, 1999 South Bascom Avenue Suite 450, Campbell, CA 95008, USA, Tel: +1-408 879 6666, Fax: +1-408 879 6669 Email: ralph.lockwood@husonmedia.com USA East coast | Dustin Guzowski | Huson International Media| 13-17 Laight St. Ste 401, New York, NY. 10013 Tel: 212.268.3344, Fax: 212.268.3355, Email: dustin.guzowski@husonmedia.com

For Advertising | 91.9892010669 M E M B E R

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

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

now follow us on twitter & facebook www.twitter.com/flyspicejet; www.facebook.com/flyspiceJet

January 2013 4 www.spiceroutemag.com

Contents 12 HOT DATES January happenings across SpiceJet network

Cover story 22

swim along Sun, sand and adventure in Male, SpiceJet’s latest international destination

30 City guide 48 hours in Kolkata Kickstart your New Year by visiting the City of Joy

36 Quick getaway Little wonder French flavours of Mahe in Puducherry

40

historical heritage A date with Bapu’s way of life in Sabarmati

46 Theme holiday Unexplored beauties Jabalpur is all about waterfalls, temples and great people

52

leopard mayhem Call of the leopards in Uttarakhand

JANUARY 2013 58 Festive Flavour Volume VlI Issue I January 2013

+

CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA Festive occasions this January

www.spiceroutemag.com

The inflight magazine of SpiceJet

GROUP

66 Spice trail

ON FEARS & FANTASIES

JEET THAYIL

MAGIC IN MARBLE

small wonder Add flavour to your meal with sumac

JABALPUR

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO

WEIGHT LOSS

70 Gourmet delight halwa flavours Variety of halwas for your sweet tooth

MALDIVES 2013’S MUST VISIT

78 In conversation Multifaceted thayil Jeet Thayil on his love for the written word and favourite cities

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

January 2013 6 www.spiceroutemag.com

Contents 82

happy feet How dance completes actor turned director Prabhu Deva

86 Glam world star attraction New promotional mantra followed by the Bollywood celebs

14

travel buzz

92 Well-being

118

no more weight worries 10 Winning commandments to maintain weight in 2013

GADGETS

122

FilmS

98

healthy you An overall health guide for corporate women

124

BOOKS

132

Games

104 Culture canvas

140

Predictions

crowning glory The saga of Puneri Pagdi

144

108 Good Samaritans

156

projecting possibilities Lending a helping hand: National Agro Foundation

157

114

SPICEJET DESTINATIONS SPICEJET ROUTE MAP Fleet Guide

New Leaf Nigel Akkara is reaching out to people through theatre

158

126 Kids’ corner

SPICEJET OFFICES

Are you game?

For a laidback yet fun picnic

SPICEJET SCHEDULE

170 172

SPICE BITES

134 ZOOM IN royal rajasthan Romancing the beautiful cities of Rajasthan

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

Spice mail

Letters from the

SpiceJet family Flying high I was travelling for the first time

by SpiceJet. I must say that I had a great flying experience. The staff is extremely helpful and the airline provides fabulous service. I am looking forward to fly more

by SpiceJet.

Pleasant experience I am a frequent flyer and it gives me immense pleasure to say that SpiceJet is my favourite airline. The ground staff ensures every possible comfort for the passengers, while the services offered by the cabin crew is exceptional.

Helpful staff It is a privilege travelling by SpiceJet. The kind of service the airline offers is applaudable.

The ground staff helps in smooth check-in procedures while the cabin crew assures comfort for each passenger.

Siddharth Jhansi

I Murali Hyderabad

Rishabh Lekhi Bengaluru

January 2013 10 www.spiceroutemag.com

HOT DATES

3 Musical extravaganza Ahmedabad will play host to the 33rd edition of the annual festival of music organised by Saptak. As the evening progresses, some of the most renowned performers in Indian classical music take the stage. At Amrut Mody School of Management, Opposite IIMA, Ahmedabad.

26 Contemporary dancing Attakkalari India Biennial, considered South Asia’s largest international contemporary dance and movement arts festival, is coming to Bangalore this year. Artists from various parts of the world come together to present their work, share their experiences, exchange ideas, explore new territories. At Jayamahal; Alliance Francaise; and Ranga Shankara in Bangalore.

4 Dubai shopping festival Shop till you drop! The Dubai Shopping Festival - a month-long extravaganza is on from January 3 to February 3. Gold, electronics and anything that you would want, can be bought during the festival.

5 Fitness fiesta Aircel Chennai Open is back with its brand new season. All tennis enthusiasts across the country are in for some superb entertainment in the next few days. So gear up to witness the zestful top-seeded performers as they battle it out for the prestigious title at SDAT Tennis Stadium, Chennai.

January 2013 12 www.spiceroutemag.com

JANUARY 2013

18 Folk fest The first-ever Harvest Music Festival is coming to Delhi. Keeping the cultural diversity of the country intact, this festival is an effort to celebrate Lohri, Bihu, Pongal and Makkar Sankranti at one venue along with folk dances, kite flying, multi-cultural cuisines, and bonfires at Zorba, Mehrauli Gurgaon Road, New Delhi.

9 Love for literature Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival is rolling out the red carpet for its fourth edition this month. Some of the prominent personalities attending the festival include authors like be Ramachandra Guha, William Darlymple, Shyam Benegal, Pavan Verma apart from others. At Western Quadrangle, Victoria Memorial.

19 12

Singing with gurus The travelling Indian music festival is back.

Pune’s music-loving crowd will witness CITI NCPA Aadi Anant from Here to Eternity where stalwarts of the the Indian music like Ustad Zakir Hussain (tabla) with Aditya Kalyanpur (tabla) and Navin Sharma (tabla) and more.

Soulful harmony The city of Chennai comes to life with Margazhi Music and Dance season. Taj Coromandel presents a ‘Margazhi in Madras’ offer that includes exclusive passes to a music concert or dance recital, a lavish meal at the iconic Southern Spice and an enriching conversation with a renowned musician and dancer.

13

Travel buzz

Travel news 1. DSC Jaipur Literature Festival 2013

2. Travel fraternity gears up for SATTE 2013

3. Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav in Odisha

The much-awaited sixth annual DSC Jaipur Literature Festival, where literary talents from across the globe meet, will be held from January 24 to 28 at Diggi Palace in Jaipur. The five-day festival will encompass a wide range of activities including debates, discussions, readings, music, and workshops for the audiences. The festival is open to all. The DSC Jaipur Literature Festival continues to be the largest free literature festival and among the five largest such festivals in the world. This year too, the festival will showcase the diversity of writing in Indian languages with over 16 languages. Some of the authors include Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, Neelesh Mishra, Orlando Figes apart from others.

SATTE 2013 will showcase various facets of the travel and tourism sector from across the world. Exhibitors will promote their best and latest tourism products to the Indian and International travel trade industry. With a wide array of tourism offerings participating countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Dubai, Spain among many others have set the bar high this year. State Tourism Boards such as Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Goa, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh plan on introducing new tourism activities and destinations at SATTE 2013. The latest edition of SATTE will witness global leaders and veterans from the fraternity discussing key issues in the travel and tourism domain with an all new agenda.

Organised jointly by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha and Orissa Dance Academy the 9th Dhauli Kalinga Mahotsav started with a spectacular show of fire show after one minute silence prayer in honour of the departed soul of the great Sitar Mastreo Pandit Ravishankar. The event saw musical orchestration called Mahodadhi by Vadya Vani depicting the day-to-day happenings in Shreekshetra and Mahodadhi with different traditional instruments of Odisha played by 18 artists. The artists of Odissi Vision and Movement Centre from Kolkata presented Mangalacharan Devi Varani taking the rituals and traditions followed in the temple of Goddess Samaleswari.

1

2

3

January 2013 14 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice Route 18.8 (w) x 25.2 (h).ai

1

12/20/2012

5:53:58 PM

Travel buzz

4. Salam Balak Trust turns a new leaf Children of Salam Balak Trust showcased an innovative photo exhibition in New Delhi with the cooperation of UNHATE Foundation and United Colors of Benetton. It was part of a workshop where the children were taught photography for a couple of weeks and their works were then exhibited. Salam Balak Trust is known to work with under privileged children in the field of street theatre and this was for the first time that they were working with the camera. Alessandro Benetton, chairman of the Benetton Group said, “It has been a great initiative to introduce these children to this completely new art and let them explore their creativity.”

4

5. Malaysia Tourism roadshows in India This month, Tourism Malaysia is organising their annual sales mission in India. Led by Director General, Tourism Malaysia, the delegation will be attended by individuals and groups from across tour, travel associates, service and hospitality sector from January 8th to January 18. With the aim of promoting Malaysia as a Asia, like never before, the sales mission will visit Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi. During the sales mission, Director General will meet key tour operators, associates from travel, service & hospitality sector in all cities to discuss and explore areas for collaboration to attract more Indian tourists to Malaysia. The schedule is - January 8 in Chennai, January 10 in Mumbai, January 14 in Kolkata and January 16 in Delhi.

5

6. New Fantasyland opens up in Florida Walt Disney once promised that Disneyland, and by extension all Disney parks, would never be complete as long as there is imagination left in the world. Taking the same thought forward Walt Disney World Resort in Florida continues to grow and now features New Fantasyland, the largest expansion in the history of the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida. New Fantasyland features attractions, dining, shopping, character interactions, recreation and more – laid out fairy tale-style amid waterfalls, grottoes, arched bridges, forests and circus big tops. A multiyear expansion project that doubles the size of the existing Fantasyland, the sprawling new area lies just beyond the existing Fantasyland in the shadows of Cinderella Castle.

6

January 2013 16 www.spiceroutemag.com

Travel buzz

7. A royal welcome in Rajasthan Reminiscent of the state’s royal heritage, ITC Rajputana offers yet another exclusive indigenous experience this New Year, the resplendent Jaigarh Lobby and Sheesh Mahal Bar. Borrowing its name from the majestic Jaigarh fort, the Jaigarh lobby showcases the grandeur of royalty and pays homage to ‘Rajputana’, the citadel of the brave and chivalrous Rajput cW lan. Rooted in the ethos of the land, the Jaigarh lobby imbibes various facets of Rajasthani culture with glimpses of distinctive characters from the region. Shining close by the lobby is the Sheesh Mahal Bar. A glow alabaster island bar with the convex simplified Jaipur roof-inspired ceiling brings an additional drama to the Sheesh Mahal Bar that draws its name from the Palace of Mirrors” in the historical Amber fort. Cozy, yet spacious, the Sheesh Mahal bar provides guests the privacy despite the luxurious spacing of the hotel.

9. Indulge in the villas of Port Antonio, Jamaica 8 8. Shop till you drop in Dubai It’s that time of the year that all the devout shopping enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for.

The Dubai Shopping Festival is a paradise for all the shopping connoisseurs. It’s a month long extravaganza that starts from January 3 to February 3 and takes you through a ride of thrilling and exciting activities that the festival offers. Avari Dubai Hotel offers an exciting double-room package for a period of 3 nights at an attractive price of `25,000 onwards. Avari Dubai Hotel is conveniently located adjacent to the famed Dubai Clock Tower, a short walk away from the Dubai Metro and the famed Al Riqqa food street.

7

Jamaica’s vast array of accommodations provide an idyllic setting for families looking to plan their perfect getaway full of fun, sun, and family-bonding in a uniquely Jamaican way. Port Antonio’s villas are famous for their splendid accommodation, excellent staff and incredible settings. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or family holiday, these villas will match all your desires and tempt you to stay forever. A typical villa day starts whenever one decided to roll out of bed, which really becomes a question of how long you can ignore the alluring, crystal-clear water outside your front door. Many of the hotels in Port Antonio offer villa accommodations. Two of the more popular rental companies are San San Villas and Blue Lagoon Villas. Should you crave to see more of Port Antonio or Jamaica, your villa is the perfect home base for day excursions.

9

January 2013 18 www.spiceroutemag.com

Travel buzz

10 Kerala, a global hub for Ayurveda Fresh from being added on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Western Ghats is set to propel ‘God’s Own Country’ as the global hub for Ayurveda. With the new tourism season in sight, Kerala is poised for a makeover, by extending world-class Ayurveda facilities and services for visitors. The Western Ghats, which is one of the eight hottest biodiversity hotspots in the world, will be key to the new Kerala Tourism campaign focusing on Ayurveda, because of its rich medicinal plants reserve.

“Kerala is naturally blessed to be the flag bearer of Ayurveda because of the state’s rich ecosystem available within the Western Ghats,” Kerala Tourism Minister AP Anil Kumar said.

10

11. Photography at Kumbh Mela Discover the chaos and joy of the Kumbh Mela, held once in 12 years. It is one of the largest human congregations on the Earth.

Travelling Lens in association with world class photographers Abbas, Raghu Rai, Prashant Panjiar, Tom Bourdon and Yannick Cormier is organizing a series of tailor made photography workshops at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2013.

These photography workshops are to be held at a luxury tented-camp on the banks of the confluence in Allahabad from January 24th to February 20th 2013. Travelling Lens offers customized tours and holidays for photography enthusiasts worldwide.These workshops are open to beginning photographers, serious amateurs, semi professional and professional photographers only. Those having a serious intent to learn under the tutelage of legendary photographers and imbibe in their genius can either log on to www.travellinglens.net.

PRASHANT PANJIAR

11

SpiceJet connects Delhi to Riyadh & Guangzhou at great fares.

Flights to Riyadh start on 04th Jan’13 & to Guangzhou on 08th Feb’13. Book Now.

Flight schedule and timing are subject to regulatory approvals and change.

January 2013 20 www.spiceroutemag.com

12 12. A splendid weekend in Udaipur This New Year, treat your loved ones at the Sheesh Mahal, the Leela Palace Udaipur’s Indian fine dining restaurant by Lake Pichola.

At Sheesh Mahal, you can enjoy Indian traditions in food and beverage created using recipes mastered by the palaces of royal kings with contemporary nuances at the two-level restaurant, taking them through a journey of exquisite Indian flavours under a sky full of stars. The mastermind behind this exclusive restaurant, Chef Anil Dutt Chamoli, says, “To dine at Sheesh Mahal is to partake in an experience open only to the privileged few in the days gone by. Each detail is hand crafted to deliver the finest Indian food experience.”

Cover story

Swim along One is left with no choice but to be one among them. So, swim with the whales and dive into the coral reefs and be a part of this unending beauty.

WOR D S

&

P h otog ra phS

|

G u s t a sp

&

J e roo

Iran i

January 2013 22 www.spiceroutemag.com

R

ainbows of different shades of blue greeted us as our Spice Jet aircraft made its final approach to Male, the capital of the Maldivian archipelago. Here, however, the rainbow was not in the sky or in a spectrum of colours but in the waters below. Marooned in this ocean of liquid glass, the urban sprawl of the city - brightly painted buildings, sleek glass complexes, gilded domes of mosques, boatspeckled harbours, rose to salute us.

Luxury resorts in the surrounding

23

emerald-green islands were laid out like driftwood art on powdered white beaches, some reaching out across the water as though to prevent villas from floating away into the blue expanse. There was nothing to restrain us from exploring these waters. In fact they were the very reason we had flown out to the islandnation that teetered on the edge of nowhere: to dive into an underwater wonderland where an explosion of marine life awaited us. Before we set off on our week-long adventure on a live-aboard diving yacht, a tender boat or

Cover story

dhoni (the airport is on a neighbouring island) ferried us to Male to sample the delights of Maldivian culture and heritage on the surface.

Historic Male A stroll through the city was like wading through a surge of centuries. Be it the coral rock walls of Hukuru Miskiyy, or Friday Mosque that dates back to 1656, Mulee-aage or the official residence of the President which was built before World War I, are interesting places. The more recent (1984) Islamic Centre, the artificial beach where residents come to relax at sundown, local vegetable and fish markets, streets lined with colourful shops are popular hotspots. Our last stop was at

one of many dive shops to pick up whatever we might need for our underwater adventure before boarding Sachika, the live-aboard yacht that would be our home for the next seven days. We fell in love with her as her accompanying dhoni (her man Friday and ever-present slave) ferried us and fellow divers across the waters once more to meet her.

Once inside the air-conditioned restaurant bar-cum-lobby, Max, the Italian cruise director, who wore many hats including that of captain and dive leader, briefed us about the facilities aboard the three-deck yacht which had nine air-conditioned cabins, including three suites with wrap-around

Above: The emerald waters of Maldives have rich marine life; Bottom: Here in Male, try your hand at parasailing and other adventure sports

windows. Sachika was a miniature floating resort with a nomadic streak.

Her ultimate aim, however, was to whisk us off to amazing diving sites around the island-nation. Over the course of the week – three dives a day, two straddled around breakfast and one post-lunch – we would set off on aqua safaris to coral forests where life as one knew it on the surface was redefined.

On our very first dive, we descended to an amphitheatre of coral reefs to witness the waltz of the manta rays. A squadron of these giant fish that looked like alien space craft circled over us, often hovering over divers so that escaping air bubbles tickled their underbellies. And while this grand drama unfurled overhead, the coral gardens around were bristling with marine life: elongated trumpet fish in gowns of brilliant yellow; green parrot fish with beak-like mouths; clown fish darting through the dancing tentacles of sea anemone, life there was startling in its diversity and interpretation of colours.

World of wonders Unlike a land safari, we did not have to January 2013 24 www.spiceroutemag.com

Marai Malai Nagar - Chennai

Trichy

Annexe Trichy

SRM Hotel Chain - hospitality across Tamil Nadu.

Guindy - Chennai

Opening Shortly

SRM Hotel - Tuticorin

CHENNAI ( MARAI MALAI NAGAR ) : SRM Nagar, Marai Malai Nagar, Near Ford Car Factory, G.S.T. Road, Chennai - 603 203. Phone: +91-44-4743 2000, Fax: +91-44-2745 4250 E-mail: srmhotel_chennai@yahoo.co.in TRICHY : Race Course Road, Khajamalai, Tiruchirappalli - 620 023. Phone: +91-431-2421 303 (5 lines), Fax: +91-431-2420 573 E-mail: royalsouthern@hotmail.com, srmhotel_try@hotmail.com TRICHY ANNEXE : No.8/6-3A, Tanjore Road, Tiruchirappalli - 620 008. Phone: +91-0431-2200 470 (4 lines), Fax: +91-0431-2200 439 E-mail: srmhotelannexe@hotmail.com

SRM Group of Hotels

Reservations: Phone: +91 – 44 – 2474 6811 / 2489 0359 Fax : +91 – 44 – 2474 2845 Mobile : -91 – 098844 03200.

Email : srm_rshotels@hotmail.com / reservations@srmhotels.com Website : www.srmhotels.com

SRM Hotel Pvt. Ltd Corporate Office / Marketing Office No. 3, Veerasamy Street, West Mambalam, Chennai - 600 033

#16/18, South Beach Road, Opp. Old Harbor, Tuticorin - 628 001.

Phone: +91 461 22 444 44 Fax: +91 461 22 444 45 Email: srmhotel_tcr@hotmail.com / reservations@srmhotels.com

SRM - Tuticorin

Extending luxury from traveling to accommodation is now easy. Our hotels are a lazy few minutes from the airport.

Every hotel is filled with everything you expect in a luxury hotel and then some more. So when you land make sure you do so in the lap of luxury.

As pulent as a perfect pearl

Cover story

Clockwise from right: Male is home to a beautiful port as well; Male is a beach paradise and numerous resorts dot its picturesque beaches

hold our breath – pun not intended as it was mandatory to monitor our breathing underwater and conserve the air in the tanks strapped to our backs – wondering what lay around the next corner. Here the wildlife, be it sea turtles, eels, gropers; we were right in there, swimming with the herds – make that shoals. On one dive, we swam into a mushroom cloud of colours only to discover that we were part of an enormous school of blue and yellow fish with pouting mouths.

On some dives, we swam with sharks: great big brutes circling some five metres away from us as we watched with wide-eyed awe. We also said hello to a 15-m long whale, the largest fish to swim the oceans (whales are mammals) as it glided past us with grace and elegance that belied its size. Often the excitement amongst the divers was palpable even underwater and it would burst into a babble of superlatives once we surfaced. Other dives were sobering visits to altars of creation, like the time we

We swam with sharks just five metres away from us as we watched with wide-eyed awe

January 2013 26 www.spiceroutemag.com

floated gently across the slopes of underwater mountains that were forested with brilliantlyhued coral gardens. Indeed, it was like flying without wings. One would imagine that with three dives a day, we would tire of it all but the truth was that our sense of wonder never diminished: in fact it grew, and like eager kids, we would wonder what the ocean had in store for us the next time we entered her ample embrace. After each dive, we would return to Sachika like explorers who had unravelled the mysteries of forgotten worlds. A full breakfast spread after the first morning dive; an equally sumptuous buffet lunch after the second; tea/coffee and biscuits after the third. This was followed by a fiery sunset spectacle over the many island resorts we cruised by in our wanderings across the Maldivian archipelago:

Cover story

SpiceJet now flies to Male.

See schedule, page 158.

time to reflect on our adventure into an aqua wonder-world and make jottings in our log books (all divers have one) before tucking into dinner. A team of on board chefs whipped up Italian and international fare and the yacht’s pastry chef was a master craftsman. Come evening and we would sit around the 42 inch LCD TV in the restaurant lounge and re-live the thrills of our dive down under as we watched video clips captured by Anees Adenwala of Orca Dive Club, the outfit which organized the live-aboard scuba diving adventure.

The younger members of our group would party into the night. One evening, the crew organized a barbeque beach party on a little island that seemed to hover on the edge of a watery universe. It was an occasion for Orca Dive Club to certify a handful of students who had joined the trip as novices and were now qualified divers with their own dive cards to prove it. On the final day we reclaimed our footwear and climbed into the tender boat one last time to be ferried back to the airport island of Male. Across the bay, the urban skyline of the city punctuated with gilded domes greeted us once more. And as our Spice Jet aircraft surged up into the blue sky, we looked down at the ocean below: a canvas of startling blue on the surface and a rainbow of brilliant colours and life under the surface.

Fact File Spice Jet operates daily flights to Male from Kochi.

Around 100 liveaboard yachts ply the Maldivian waters.

While 80 % of guests on the yacht are divers, it provides other activities like snorkelling, visits to islands and sand banks.

For more information visit the websites of Maldives Tourism at: www. visitmaldives.com

January 2013 28 www.spiceroutemag.com

Burning, tingling, diabetic foot pain can make life difficult.

If you or your patients suffer from symptoms like these, treatment with Anodyne® Therapy, has clinically proven to help.

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

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

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

Prospective patients and interested Health Care Professionals should contact the Anodyne Therapy Eqpt Pvt Limited at 91-80-23494345, or visit anodynetherapy.in for more information about Anodyne® Therapy products in India.

Distributors in India

Equipments Pvt. Ltd. #1383, 8th Main, 12th ‘C’ Cross, West of Chord Road II Stage, Mahalakshmipuram, Bangalore - 560 086. INDIA For Hospitals & Doctor Call : 91-80-23192394 For others Call : 91-80-23494345 Fax : 91-80-23594630, 23492315 sales@anodynetherapy.in www.anodynetherapy.in, www.anodynetherapy.com Toll Free for USA : 1.800.521.6664

48 Hours

in kolkata

City guide

It’s not without a reason that people call Kolkata the City of Joy. A trip to the city can be enlightening with ample doses of history, exciting with its array of options at every avenue and the simple pleasures it offers.

WO R D S

|

R I N K U

SA R K A R

P H OTO G R A P H S

|

di l ip

b an e r j e e

January 2013 30 www.spiceroutemag.com

DAY ONE 9:00 AM Dalhousie Square Start off your day with a hearty English breakfast and a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea at the iconic Flurys on Park Street. Trot off to the heritage section of the city past Esplanade and explore Dalhousie Square. Built around the Laldighi tank, the square hosts several notable

British era structures like Writers’ Buildings or the state government secretariat, the General Post Office and St John’s Church. The mausoleum of Job Charnock, widely regarded as the founder of Calcutta, is also worth a visit.

12:00 PM College Street A walk down the College Street is a rare pleasure. A far cry from sanitized airconditioned bookstores and websites that 31

deliver books to your doorstep, College Street offers a veritable book mart on either side of the tram track-laden road. Several pavement shops sell only textbooks ranging from middle school to medical school but there are many in front of which you can spend hours hunting for one rare book. Great bargains are up for grabs.

Drop by the Coffee House for a cup of ‘Infusion’ or black coffee and a chicken sandwich and soak up the laidback spirit of the quintessential Kolkata ‘adda’ at each of the tables.

City guide

Above: Trams are an intergral part of Kolkata; Right: Victoria Memorial is a quaint throwback at the British time

3:00 PM New Market You could walk into any of the swanky new malls in town but shopping at New Market has its own wistful charm. Built originally for the British gentry who disliked shopping alongside the natives, the market has been operational since 1874 although it was renamed Sir Stuart Hogg Market only in 1903. Inside the Gothicstyle building capped with a clock tower is a one-stop shopping destination. From ornate silver trinkets at Chamba Lama to pretty orchids in the rows of florists and garments to gourmet food, New Market is the place for the finest products at right prices. When your shopping bags are filled, stop by Nahoum’s for some chocolate pastries.

9:00 PM Park street This is where the party is every night. Park

Street is decked up in festive finery during the celebratory evenings and the twinkling lights are sure to induce the spirit of merrymaking in you. At the Park Street nightspots, the music gets louder as the crowds lap up the excitement. Sway to the wild rhythms at Tantra, the hip nightclub or lounge at Aqua at the poolside with some exotic cocktails, never mind the dipping mercury. At Someplace Else, the music destination, live music bands jazz up the night with their performances while the beer flows freely.

DAY TWO 6:00 AM Tiretta Bazar Set out early for your fill of steaming dumplings and prawns at the little Chinese district of Tiretta Bazar in the Chhatawala Gali behind Lalbazar. Early birds can choose from bowls of hot soup, bread stuffed with pork mince and Chinese sausages. The number of food stalls is directly proportional to the dwindling Chinese population in the city.

January 2013 32 www.spiceroutemag.com

Although the menu has grown rather limited of late, the flavours are still intact.

Just don’t be late; the bazaar folds up latest by 10 a.m.

11:00 AM Victoria Memorial The most easily recognized edifice on the city’s tourist map, Victoria Memorial attracts a steady stream of visitors round the day. Take a peek into the history of the colonial era as you admire the architectural marvels of the white wonder. The Royal Gallery, with rows of oil paintings of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, proudly displays as the centrepiece the desk and pianoforte belonging to the Queen.

The upper gallery of the Queen’s Hall has paintings depicting the life of Queen Victoria mounted within 12 arches in the rotunda and the Calcutta Gallery, often referred to as the city’s first gallery, has images of the city during the British Raj. Take a ride on one of the horse-drawn carriages in front of the memorial hall for the vintage feel. The museum is closed on Mondays.

SpiceJet flies to Kolkata.

See schedule, page 158.

12:00 PM Biryani lunch The ubiquitous Kolkata-style biryani with potatoes is the top draw at several famous city restaurants like Aminia, Arsalan, Shiraz, Sabir and Royal. You could walk into any of these places for a plate full of this delicious one-pot wonder. When Nawab Wajid Ali Shah moved from Lucknow to Kolkata in 1856, biryani happened to be the biggest gain for the City of Joy. Choose some meat preparations like rezala, korma or chaap to accompany the biryani. Pamper your sweet tooth with the famous Kolkata mishti, be it the rosogolla, sandesh or the mishti doi.

2:00 PM Kalighat temple The most celebrated religious shrine of the city, the Kalighat temple has a black stone deity of goddess Kali with golden hands and a red tongue. The original temple was a small hut and the current temple was built by the Sabarna Roy Choudhury family in 1809. One of the 51 Shakti Peethas where the right toe of Dakshayani is believed to have fallen, the temple is situated on the banks of the Adi Ganga. If you turn up on a Tuesday or Saturday, you will have to wait in an exceptionally long queue for a glimpse of the goddess.

4:00 PM Jorasanko Thakurbari While in Kolkata, how can you miss Tagore?

If you stop at any of the major intersections, January 2013 34 www.spiceroutemag.com

Clockwise from top: View of the Kali Temple; Life along the Howrah Bridge; Great architecture of Jorasanko mansion, the house of Rabindranath Tagore

you can’t miss the strains of Rabindrasangeet.

But to know the legend best, you must visit the Jorasanko Thakurbari, the house where the Nobel Laureate was born and breathed his last. The 18th century palatial building built

by Prince Dwarakanath Tagore has lately been restored. Besides a fine display of Rabindranath Tagore’s works, the museum also has works of his nephew Abanindranath Tagore. Don’t miss Tagore’s study and self-composed wedding invitation in his wife Mrinalini Devi’s room.

8:00 PM Bohemian One of the most interesting culinary experiments to have made its presence felt in the city, Bohemian is a restaurant with a difference. The food here is contemporary Bengali and chef-cum-owner Joymalya Banerjee makes sure you get the Bengali feel alright despite the modern makeovers he imparts to the dishes. Start off with the paanchphoronflavoured chicken escalope and the chilli pickle and cheese-baked crabs with kolmi greens and move on to the pan-braised bhetki with aam adaa sauce or the bacon-wrapped chicken supreme bundles with aam kashundi reduction. For desserts, try the gondhoraj soufflé and you are sure to be left licking your fingers.

own a plot or a villa in the first-ever oceanfront destination at vizag

Sunray Beachfront is an oceanfront lifestyle

destination at Vizag with an attached

beach resort. The project offers plots

and luxury villas in world class

Sunray

Beach Front

infrastructure nestled in a coconut grove.

The natural gradient of the site enables all villas with From direct sea view. Experience the joy of living amidst recreation facilities, landscapes and stretches of sand.

S U N R AY B AY O F B E N G A L

| Plots | Luxury Villas | Putting Golf | BCCI-standard Cricket Ground | | Infinity Pool | View Decks | Attached World class Resorts & Spa | For more information, visit www.sunraybeachfront.com Mobile: +91 98661 98000, 98481 29197, Phone: +91 891 252 6753 email: sales@sunraybeachfront.com SUNRAY GREEN SPACE, 10-50-40, Excelsior Apartments, Opp. Lions Club, Ramnagar, Visakhapatnam - 530 002 (AP) INDIA.

www.hitha.com

VIZAG

Sunray Green Space

Quick getaway

Little wonder

Part of the four unconnected districts of Puducherry, Mahe is unique in its diversity. With its French nuances, this place will entice fore sure.

WOR D S

|

C

P

R a j e n dr a n

T

hough a part of the Union Territory of Puducherry, Mahe is very much within the geographic boundary of Kerala. A cultural mix of Tamil Nadu and Kerala with people speaking both in Tamilian and Malyalee, Mahe is unique in its diversity. Just between Badagara and Thalaserry, Mahe lies south of the Mahe River just where the river meets the sea.

Small is beautiful Mahe looks like a miniature country and a visitor could easily mistake it for Goa, with its beaches and bars. Though once, Mahe had a January 2013 36 www.spiceroutemag.com

strong French presence, today the influence is fast disappearing with only a few French pensioners residing here. However, standing testimony are some old buildings built by Frenchmen including the Government house, built in 1855. The Headquarters of Mahe administration is a fine example of the French architecture. It is easy for a visitor to cover Mahe in a single day by foot, because it is too small for a drive. While walking through the narrow roads, one can see the newly built palatial houses; memorials for those who fought for the independence of Mahe, the

Quick getaway

While walking in Mahe, you can see the newly built palatial houses; the church built 160 years ago, the sea side and its many temples

C P RAJENDRAN

SpiceJet flies to Kozhikode.

See schedule, page 158.

Left: Picturesque beach in Mahe; Above: Celebrating a traditional occasion

Why Mahe?

✓ The nearest airport Kozhikode is 60 kms from Mahe.

✓ Neat, clean and economical

accommodation is provided by the Department of Tourism. There are quite a few guest houses besides few private hotels.

✓ Famous people from Mahe

includes M. Night Shyamalan, film maker and script writer and M. Mukundan, novelist.

✓ The best time to visit Mahe is from September to March.

church built 160 years ago by Frenchmen, the sea side and its many temples. Other main attractions include a tall flag mast, a lighthouse, remnants of a fort and sunset that is gorgeous.

Also there is Mahe boat house, 2 km from the Government house, from where visitors can hire speed boats, pedal boats and kayak boats, run by Puducherry Tourism Department.

The art centre was inspired by eminent painter K C Panicker and till today the courses being taught here are well respected. The centre also provides residential facility for students.

When in Mahe, one gets to see many temples - the most celebrated ones being Shree Krishna temple and Puttalam. Another most visited temple is the Shri Krishna temple, which is known to hold grand weddings. The tiny town is a true example of unity in diversity and along with the many temples, Mahe has equal numbers of churches. The most famous church in Malabar region of Kerala - St. Theresa Church is the reminder of the French rule.

The church today is popular among people of all caste and religion. Its annual fete held in October is a huge crowd puller and sees visitors from across India and also Sri Lanka coming here to attend this festival. Apart from its churches and temples, Mahe is also a haven for art connoisseurs. The Malayala Kalagramam is a centre of art, culture, music and sculpturing and is a home to art lovers across many cities.

Feel at home

January 2013 38 www.spiceroutemag.com

This tiny town with French flavour is famous for its hospitality. Mahe can be a quick getaway from Bangalore and many people come here on short weekend breaks. There are many restaurants serving great local food. Being a coastal destination, seafood is one of the must have’s here. What is amazing is the rate (cheap) in which you great excellent meal with a wide seafood fare. For those who are looking for some fun drinking, the good news is within the nine kilometre square town, there are more than 60 open bars offering Indian-made foreign liquor and typical traditional Kerala food like appam with chicken curry, Malabar porotta with fried seafood. Part of the four unconnected cluster of Puducherry, Mahe with its well connected railway can turn out to be a great relaxing holiday destination.

The companies that advertise in Dinakaran would form the who’s who of the Indian industry

 Average ABC certifed daily circulation of a whopping 12,43,284 copies  IRS certified readership of 49.99 lakhs  Published from eight centres in Tamilnadu  Also published from Pondy, Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi  Winner of Best Tamil Daily award from ILNA  All pages printed in colour  Weekend supplements that are colourful as well as informative If you have still not started advertising in Dinakaran, call or sms 98400 22729 now or email to advtdinakaran@gmail.com

D nakaran The only widely circulated Tamil Daily in India

Quick getaway

Historical heritage Sitting comfortably on the banks of Sabarmati river, the Sabarmati Ashram is a treasure trove of historical anecdotes.

WO R D S

&

PH OTOGRAPH S

T

he moment I reach past the entrance of the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, a freshly washed pathway meanders in the shade of trees. I pause to see the path that forks at the Upasana Mandir, a small slip of a place by the Sabarmati river where the Ashram’s inmates used to gather for morning and evening prayers led by Mahatma Gandhi, followed by his sermons. Here lies the ashram prayer ground where you can see lonely figures of men and women of foreign origin who sat in the warmth of the sun reading a book. I reached early in the morning. Only a few visitors were about the ashram when I followed the marker pointing

January 2013 40 www.spiceroutemag.com

|

An il

P u roh i t

to Hridaya Kunj, the cottage where Mahatma Gandhi and his wife, Kasturba, lived between 1918 and 1930.

Rich legacy Upon reaching here, I found myself alone among echoes of history. Gandhian memoirs from the, most notably the Champaran Satyagraha of 1917, the Kheda Satyagraha of 1918, the Non-Cooperation movement of 1920-22, the Dandi March of 1930 and many other national activities came back to live in front of my eyes.

Quick getaway

Clockwise from left: Bapu’s three monkeys at Sabarmati Ashram; View of the Sabarmati river from the prayer ground of the ashram; Bapu’s saying written on a board at the ashram

SpiceJet flies to Ahmedabad.

See schedule, page 158.

shifted to the years when Bapu vowed that he would not return to Sabarmati Ashram until he had achieved independence for India. Bapu embarked on the Dandi March in 1930 with 78 inmates of the Sabarmati Ashram and the Salt Satyagraha began. While he would succeed in his goal of winning independence for India, he was not destined to return to the Sabarmati Ashram. Before he could, he was felled by an assassin’s bullet in 1948. Back from the thoughts, silence hung heavy in his room.

Only imagination could part it and reveal voices from long ago.

Walking with history

Bapu vowed that he would not return to Sabarmati Ashram until he achieved independence for India

On the wall outside Gandhi’s room, on aging paper were listed the observances that had enjoined the inmates of the Satyagraha Ashram to live by them in their pursuit of the objective of the ashram. The paper stated, “qualify themselves for, and make a constant endeavour towards the service of the country not inconsistent with universal good.” To achieve this objective, Bapu emphasized on the need for following the path of truth, non-violence, chastity, control of the palate, non-stealing, non-possession of property, adopt swadeshi, fearlessness, removal of untouchability, equality of religions, and physical labour.

Originally founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1915 at Kochrab, the Satyagraha Ashram was subsequently shifted to its present location on the banks of the Sabarmati in 1917. This shift happened so that Gandhi (Bapu) could find space to introduce community spinning, farming, community kitchen and animal husbandry among other welfare activities that would involve the ashram’s inmates.

I read in silence before stepping to the opening in the door and trailing my eye about his room one last time. Except for the charka and writing desk he used, the room was bare.

But shapes of dedicated historical heroes morphed out of thin air earnestly. Of the two doors that opened at the back of the verandah, one led to the kitchen, with a store room to the back, constituting one wing of the house.

The other door opened into a pillared corridor that connected the two wings along the length of the cottage around an open courtyard. In a glass cupboard set in the kitchen wall, replicas of tableware of daily use are displayed. They lie

Laid out on a rectangular plan, the Hriday Kunj’s spacious verandah is flanked by a wall on one end where a charkha stood for demonstrating the spinning of yarn to curious visitors. Bapu’s room sits on the other corner where he would receive visitors and hold meetings to discuss national activities and movements. I brought my eyes to the opening in the door. Magically, the moment January 2013 42 www.spiceroutemag.com

Quick getaway

Clockwise from far left: Corridor of Mahatma Gandhi’s cottage at Sabarmati Ashram; Displaying the life of Bapu, the Gandhi Museum at the ashram

room of Kasturba Gandhi. Her room adjoins Bapu’s room that is entered from the veranda.

Stepping into the room I’m instantly drawn to the transitory window the sunlight etches on the floor. The bars remind of prison, as if in tribute to Kasturba’s own passing away in 1944 when imprisoned by the British in Pune. She breathed her last in Bapu’s lap. inert, just like the air in the room, stilled by the import of history.

Moving towards the wing that sits opposite the main one, I entered in to the world and

From the window of Kasturba’s room, one can see Nandini Guest House, where visitors to the Sabarmati Ashram were put up for the duration of their stay. I trail my eyes along to see a now defunct Khadi Techincal Institute

where all processes of khadi manufacture were taught to hundreds of students from all over India between 1919 and 1933. Historical date with Gandhian way of life comes to an end but legends live longer.

Traveller’s Fact File

✓ How to reach: Sabarmati Ashram is situated in the suburb of Ahmedabad in Gujarat.

Know more about the Sabarmati ✓ Ashram: http://www. gandhiashramsabarmati.com

Building bright futures: Alliance University

A

lliance University is a renowned university of higher learning located on an extensive state-of-the-art campus in Bangalore offering a variety of degree courses. The University has baccalaureate concentrations, postgraduate offerings, doctoral degree programs and several professional certificate programs.

Alliance University is a Private University established in Karnataka State by Act No. 34 of

year 2010.

The University is jointly recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), New Delhi.

Alliance University aspires to be among the best universities in the world by the year 2025 through a series of strategically

crafted moves, precisely calibrated action plans and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of excellence. While its oldest professional school — Alliance School of Business —is consistently ranked among the top ten private business schools in India by various ranking agencies, the University having already established Alliance College of Engineering and Design; Alliance College of Commerce; Alliance College of Law; and Alliance Ascent College, is in the process of establishing many other prominent academic units, viz., Alliance College of Arts and Humanities; Alliance College of Science; Alliance College of Medicine and Dentistry; Alliance College of Education and Human Services; Alliance School of Health Sciences; and Alliance College of

January 2013 44 www.spiceroutemag.com

Advertorial Media and Communications.

The ambience and serenity of a world-class infrastructure housed in a ‘green’ campus; faculty who have proven themselves in their respective fields by providing an excellent blend of rigor and relevance in their teaching; staff who are ever ready to reach out; robust industry interactions; research aimed at solving problems of the real world; a plethora of international collaborative arrangements; outreach activities that touch the lives of a wide cross-section of society; and an exemplary track record in career counseling and placement facilitation — combine to provide a rare synergy that transcends artificial barriers and enables students to follow their hearts with passion and confidence.

DINESH SHUKLA

Theme holiday

Unexplored beauties

With magnificent marble rocks and cascading waterfalls, this tiny town of Jabalpur is sure to catch your attention.

WOR D S

|

S h e elpa

Kot ha ri

S or t i

T

hough born and brought up in Madhya Pradesh and having been to many of its cities, I would have perhaps never planned to visit Jabalpur but for a pressing invite from a family friend. Until this opportunity to explore Jabalpur first-hand, my knowledge about Jabalpur was only limited to its association with some great personalities like Osho Rajneesh, poets Makhanlal Chaturvedi and Subhadrakumari Chauhan, musician January 2013 46 www.spiceroutemag.com

Aadesh Srivastava and actors Arjun Rampal and Raghuvir Yadav. I was told another significant name to the city’s credit was of the internationally famed artist-painter Beohar Rammanohar Sinha who designed the original preamble to the Constitution of India.

Wild and beautiful As I set my foot on Jabalpur, I realised that Jabalpur is developing handsomely from being

CT 178 TM

MRP: 4650/P. code: CT168

MRP: 6000/P. code: CT188

MRP: 8800/P. code: CT178

Theme holiday

a sleepy town to compete with any of the bigger cities in terms of infrastructure. Though there was very little in the town to capture a tourist’s attention, a short drive out of the long narrow plain holding the town, brings one to sub-montane lands: rocky, rugged and a natural bulwark against attackers. Actually, it’s geography is what makes Jabalpur unique.

Jabalpur is the most convenient base for visits to the world-famous Kanha (175 km) and Bandhavgarh (190 km) tiger reserves. And located just 23 km from the city, there are also the marble rocks at Bhedaghat village.

The limestone walls rise to a hundred feet on either side of the river Narmada. It is said, the beautiful stream of the holy river seems transformed into a sheet of molten silver and the limestone rocks into pillars to heaven on a full moon night. However, I could not witness that as on other days it closes at 5.30 pm. So, when you are visiting, do reach on time.

But you can see the many hues of marble

– white, cream, yellow, pink, gold and black and don’t miss a chance to make your way around the rocks in the rowing boats. The river varies in depth from 80ft at one point to 600ft at another. The guides point out to the various rock-faces, describing the shapes of sadhus, Shivalingas, automobiles, parrots and deities and also the bullet holes formed during the filming of the Sunil Dutt-Rekha starrer Pran Jaye Par Vachan Na Jaye. The ride culminates at Bundar Kudni (for monkeys were able to leap from rocks on one side to the other side of the channel), the spot where Kareena Kapoor shot for seven days for the song Raat Ka Nasha in Asoka.

The waters are infested with crocodiles and snakes. So, think twice before dipping your hand into it. However, during the winter months (and much of the boating season), the crocodiles move to warmer waters in Gujarat.

The 150-odd steps leading to the river from the main road are lined with shops selling

Jabalpur is the most convenient base for visits to the world-famous Kanha and Bandhavgarh tiger reserves

January 2013 48 www.spiceroutemag.com

Above: A tiger on the prowl at Bandhavgarh tiger reserve; Bottom: Sparkling waters of Narmada at Bhedaghat, a limestone formation in Jabalpur

Theme holiday

SpiceJet flies to Jabalpur.

See schedule, page 158.

Often compared with Niagara Falls, the Dhuandhar Falls makes for a great picnic spot beautiful rivertone and marble artefacts such as statues of Hindu ods, coasters, vases, ashtrays, trinklet boxes, lamps, agarbatti stands and even jewellery. Just five minutes away from the Bhedaghat are the spectacular Dhuandhar Falls. The Narmada, making its way through the marble rocks, narrows down and plunges into a waterfall that can be heard a kilometer away. Often compared in part with the Niagara Falls, the Dhuandhar Falls makes for a great picnic spot and is one of the biggest attractions in the state and features in both the Madhya Pradesh Tourism and Incredible India campaigns.

History to modernit y A 10th century Chausatyogini (Sixty Four

Lady Yogis) temple is another special place worth a retreat. Situated atop a hill rock and approached by a long flight of steps, the temple commands a beautiful view of the Narmada flowing through the jagged gorge of marble rocks (Bhedaghat). The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, has exquisitely carved stone figures of deities belonging to the Kalchuri period. As the local legend goes, this ancient temple is connected to the Gond Queen Durgavati’s palace through an underground passage. Jabalpur is also famous for eroded volcanic rock formations called as Balancing Rock. Surprisingly, this rock survived even in earthquake of 6.5 magnitude.

It is said that it’s impossible to disturb their balance. Pleasure resort and capital of the January 2013 50 www.spiceroutemag.com

Chausath Yogini temple is situated atop a hillock and gives a fabulous view of Narmada and the marble rocks

Gond Kings during the 12th century, Jabalpur was later the seat of the Kalchuri dynasty. The Marathas held sway over Jabalpur until 1817, when the British wrested it from them and left their impression on the spacious cantonment with its colonial residences and barracks.

Today, Jabalpur is an industrial city with a large component of defense industry and a lot of smaller cottage industry. It is a great education centre as well, with two universities, Rani Durgavati University and Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University, and with about 30 colleges with a range of faculties. It also has several engineering and medical colleges.

The best time to visit is September to March.

Summers should be avoided. Rains are beautiful too if you live in a better location.

Theme holiday

Leopard mayhem

Man-eaters in Uttarakhand are creating a menace as more than 70 people get killed by leopards every year. Here are some stories from the leopard land.

WOR D S

&

P H OTO G R A PHS

|

N av een

M

RAH EJA

I

t was a chilly December afternoon - December 17, 1997 to be exact - when my car broke down no sooner than I left the nondescript hamlet of Duggada for Haldupurao, which also happens to be one of the most beautiful and undisturbed spots in Uttarakhand’s Jim Corbett National Park. Little did I know then that the forced halt would open an altogether new chapter

in my life. That one incident would bring me closer to one of the least understood phenomenon of Uttarakhand. That of the maneating leopards!

Well, to come back to the story which sparked my interest in maneating leopards. I somehow located a dilapidated government rest house in Duggada while a local mechanic towed away my car for repairs. As I entered the rest house, the sun was rolling downhill

January 2013 52 www.spiceroutemag.com

Theme holiday

to my left. A closer look at the surroundings revealed that the area was actually quite strategically located on the edge of a valley. A huge lawn in front of the room beckoned me, and this is where I decided to have my cup of tea - in the dying evening light, under the shadow of an old Sal tree.

But as I descended on to a protruding rock, at the edge of the forest, the caretaker’s scream from the kitchen made me jump in shock. “Sahib,” the caretaker, now rushing towards me, said, “What are you doing?

Don’t you know this is the time when Poojari ventures out. Please come inside immediately and don’t forget to bolt the door.’’

Within the next 10 minutes, with stories from the caretaker and other staff within closed doors of the bungalow, I had become an expert on ‘Poojari’. A man-eating leopard, Poojari had killed over 30 humans in and around Duggada during the past two years.

All efforts to bag him alive or dead had failed.

I left for Haldupurao next morning, but a few questions refused to leave my mind: How come the man-eater has not been captured or killed even after 30 human deaths? What must be the reasons which made him a man-eater and what traits might have kept him alive despite the best efforts of forest authorities and local shikaris? Has the leopard started killing humans, not its normal diet, because we have ravaged its natural habitat? Who is at fault here - he or we?

The questions remained unanswered, for I learnt that Poojari was shot dead few months later by a local hunter. Strangely, even though I had not ever come face to face with Poojari, this particular leopard refused to leave my consciousness.

My further visits to Paudi district made me realise that the terror of a man-eating leopard was not confined to Duggada alone.

They exist and operate in large areas of Uttarakhand, afflicting damage to humans

I heard several horror stories - a school girl was snatched away from her mother’s hand by a leopard January 2013 54 www.spiceroutemag.com

Above: A close-up shot of a leopard traced in Paudi Garhwal; Bottom: The terrain around Paudi, where man-eating leopards are found

at regular intervals. Please note that Poojari of Dugadda is not to be confused with the man-eating leopard of the same name which stalked and killed humans in areas around Kotdwar, not far from Dugadda, in the early 70s. The ‘original’ Poojari which killed over 40 people was captured and sent to Lucknow zoo in 1972. It was named Poojari as it lived in a cave near the ‘Sidhbali’ temple.

Theme holiday

The cries of men, women and children who fall victims to man-eating leopards of Uttarakhand hardly reach the cities down in the plains. More than 70 people in Uttarakhand get killed by man-eating leopards every year. Compared to this, only a handful of people die in a tiger or an elephant attack all over the country.

More than anything else, I have been trying to find out why the phenomenon of man-eating leopards continued unabated in Uttarakhand for over the past eight decades?

Jim Corbett shot his famous man-eating leopard of Rudraprayag in 1926, but since then many more man-eaters have appeared on the scene. And also, why are people living in certain belts of the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand more prone to leopard attacks, than people living along the same mountainous stretch, but outside these belts?

In my quest to make a film on man-eating

leopards of Paudi-Garhwal, I made numerous subsequent visits to Paudi town, adjusting my extremely busy schedule as Managing Director of Raheja Developers, and found that people continue to live in perpetual fear of these leopards. These are the areas where I came across several horror stories: A school-going girl literally snatched away from her mother’s hand by a leopard; a man seeing a leopard dragging and disappearing with his wife into a thicket; a drunk man making the fatal decision of collapsing on the road-side and becoming a leopard’s victim.

A comment made eight decades ago stands relevant even today. In the concluding chapter of his classic bestseller The ManEating Leopard of Rudraprayag, the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett makes this observation: “Here was an old leopard, the best-hated and the most-feared animal in all of India, whose only crime - not against the laws of nature, but against the laws

SpiceJet flies to Dehradun.

See schedule, page 158.

of man - was he had shed human blood, with no objective of terrorising man, but only in order that he might live…”

Corbett is long gone from the scene.

Leopard, the handsome prince of the Indian jungles, is holding on to dear life in Uttarakhand. That it has turned into a maneater should not come as a surprise to us. Fact is, all of us have contributed in some way to this unfortunate phenomenon.

V.G. Hospital brings world’s second 3-D HD technology

T

he evolution of laparoscopic surgery leaped forward with the advent of new technology, instrumentation with uniquely designed co-axial instruments pair that allows a facile twohanded approach from single chip camera to 3-chip, Image one & Two D- High Definition Medical grade video-monitors, telescopes that provide sharpness and clarity of image were manufactured by different surgical companies world

wide. The surgeons learn to make slowed, calculated movements that are assembled into a tight chorea-graphed sequence for a safe laparoscopic outcome.

Mastery of both instrument use and technique affords a justifiable confidence to the laparoscopic surgeon enabling him (or) her to accomplish the goals of minimal access surgery, simultaneously improving patient care, reducing recovery time and health care

costs. .G. Hospital brings the world’s second 3-D HD technology to Coimbatore and the 1st 3-D HD training centre in the world.

V.G. Hospital, A land mark on the Mettupalayam Road, since 1955, is fully equipped centre offering advanced technology and well trained team under one roof, and easy access to quality at most affordable cost. All the cashless facilities can be availed 24 hours and 7 days a week for complete solution to all disorders.

Why 3-D System ?

It is secure, precise, more advanced and with total depth useful for tissue differentiation and eliminating the movement artifacts occurring in 2-D Image.

With its highly advanced techniques and using dual cameras, the surgeons can now view the internal parts of the

January 2013 56 www.spiceroutemag.com

body with high precision on a high definition 3D television medical monitor. The laparoscopic surgeries will now be performed with more precision and safety with this world-class technology and reinforce the depth perception of truly world-class safety measures. Einstein vision stereoscopic 3-D HD camera has a control unit & Two D-High definition monitors, A dual eye telescope which is also high definition mounted on a trolley with robotic arms. Normal human vision uses several cues to determine relative depth in a perceived scene with varied eye ball focus.

For further details contact: VG Hospital, Mettupalayam Road, Coimbatore – 641034, Contact: 0422- 2642071 / 2642772, V.G.Medical Centre, 166, 9th Street, Gandhipuram, Coimbatore

Festive flavour

Cultural extravaganza Welcome the New Year with a slew of festivals that celebrate the spirit of togetherness across borders.

WOR D S

|

Pa l l av i

S i n g h

Bikaner Camel Festival Held in the desert state of Rajasthan, the Bikaner Camel Festival begins with a parade of beautifully bedecked camels. The festival is a visual spectacle as you get to see hundreds of camels adorned in colourful tassels marching against the red backdrop of the Junagarh Fort. A gamut of activities are organised to keep the tourists and visitors glued to the celebrations that include competitions like camel races, camel milking, fur cutting design, the best breed competition, camel acrobatics and camel beauty pageants. Camel traders and craftsmen who come from different parts of Rajasthan converge in Bikaner and revel in the festivities. There are plentiful options for eating, souvenirshopping and clicking some memorable shots. You can sit back and enjoy the awe inspiring performances by the skirt-twirling dancers and the fire dancers. Savour the tea prepared from camel milk along with snacks available at the venue. Last but not the least, the fireworks, which add life to the otherwise drab environment of the city.

When: January 26 - 27 Where: Bikaner, Rajasthan

International Kite Festival Makar Sankaranti on January 14 is an occasion when the residents of the Ahmedabad along with Indian and foreign tourists throng the city for the kite festival. Seen in a boisterous and excited spirit, people hoot and revel as their kites share the sky with thousands of other kites on this eventful day. Coinciding with the Makar Sankranti celebrations, Gujarat’s International Kite Festival is held every year in Ahmedabad.

This is one day when the Ahmedabad skies come alive with kites in hundred different colours, shapes and sizes, fluttering and darting above the rooftops, triumphantly cutting another kite’s string. The Gujarat Tourism organises the International Kite Festival at a local stadium, where kite enthusiasts gather to show off their skills. A kite market is put up alongside the food stalls and cultural performances.

When: January 14 Where: Ahmedabad, Gujarat January 2013 58 www.spiceroutemag.com

Festive flavour

Bonjour India - Festival of France This year, France is literally coming to India with the second edition of Bonjour India.

Sixteen Indian cities will play host to more than 100 cultural events encompassing the entire gamut of people-to-people exchanges between India and France. From art to literature, cinema to education, the festival will highlight best of the Indo-French collaboration in sports, architecture, fashion, photography and

performing arts. The event will highlight works of well-known artists like light sculptor Patrick Rimoux and Nandita Palchoudhuri, Indo-French designer duo Hemant Sagar and Didier Lecoanet. Ballet Preljocaj will perform on the stage designed by the Indian artist Subodh Gupta. Other festival highlights include exhibitions on urban development and sustainable architecture, photography and painting exhibitions by Anay Mann and Gigi Scaria respectively revisiting French heritage in

India. The analogue-digital-acoustic-electronic signature music of Scratch Bandits Crew will also be organised. During the festival, there will be a strong French presence at major literary events in India: France is the Guest Country for World Book Fair 2013 in Delhi, while Prix Goncourt laureate Tahar Ben Jelloun (2007) will participate in the Jaipur Literature Festival.

When: January-March Where: Across 16 Indian cities

NEERU’S SET TO END THE YEAR ON A HIGH NOTE

T

he year 2012 has been special for Neeru’s with a successful wedding collection that was applauded by the patrons. And what better way to end this year on a high note. Neeru’s is all set to launch their new venture that will be a landmark in Hyderabad’s fashion history. Neeru’s presents its signature store Neeru’s Emporio, a luxurious 30,000 sq.ft. of wedding bliss. Located in the most celebrated Jubilee Hills – India’s answer to Paris’ Champs-Élysées, the store is a global destination for Indian wear.

The emporio boasts of luxurious interiors with plush Italian marble finished floorings and a sophisticated interior architecture that gives it an international appeal while the garments still being not

so grandly priced. Neeru’s Emporio does not only look international but is also equipped with advance technological based touch-points such as ipad enabled catalogues that looks suave and classy while interacting with customers.

Not forgetting TV screens at different spots in the emporio to keep the guests entertained and indulged. Indeed, a hi-tech store in a hi-tech city!

Not only will it be the cultural and traditional fashion hub, Neeru’s Emporio is all set to revolutionize Silk as used in ethnic fashion. With a bouquet of ensembles from Silk sarees, Lehengas to Tunics and Suits, here every woman is a queen of her own palace. While the women pick and choose ethnic creations that appeal to their senses, the men too can indulge in the Menz collection that is a reflection of the contemporary Indian male, traditional yet in mode. From fine fabrics to ethnic wear, the collection is a showcase of fine designs and haute couture.

The emporio also caters to the young fashion trends with an array of ethnic attires for the little ones.

The kid’s collection is on par to the men and women’s collection

January 2013 60 www.spiceroutemag.com

Advertorial

when it comes to designs and style.

Neeru’s Emprio – The wedding galleria, as it’s rightly called is ready to usher in the wedding season with its wide assortment of ensembles and attires to choose from. Premium ethnic wear that are moderately priced are the highlights of the emporio.

The designs showcased here are exclusive and will not be available in the other Neeru’s outlets.

Another thing that makes Neeru’s Emporio exclusive is its association with the stunning Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, who has signed up its Brand Ambassador.

With her grace, beauty and traditional elegance she beautifully encapsulates the brand persona and is the perfect face for it.

Launch pad

Shop hopping

Beautiful lifestyle products, just for you!

Winter wardrobe

Trendy eyegear

Watch it

This winter, dress up in style as Da Milano brings ultra comfortable, light weighted and stylist leather jackets to your wardrobe this season. The leather jackets are made from exclusive Italian leather which is tough, durable, and made to last.

Maui Jim India launches the best vacation accessory Waterways, the newest wayfarer ideal for the sun lovers and travel enthusiasts.

The collection features MauiGradient lenses that have a shady tinting at the top that gradually gets lighter moving down the lens.

If you follow trends quite closely and are a fashionista, then Xylys ceramic is one watch range that is tailor made for you. The watch range for women is a first of its kind and is fashionable while being edgy and modern at the same time.

Price: `10,000 onwards Available: All Da Milano outlets in Delhi NCR.

Price: `8,900 onwards Available: All leading optical stores.

Price: `75,995 Available: All World of Titan stores, Titan Flagship stores and Multi-brand outlets.

Pure water

Wine memories

Fly in the air!

Livpure ‘I’ RO Water purifier, most Advanced & India’s first ‘Touch Technology’ RO water purifier, is a state of the art product from Luminous Water Technologies. It is available in two models, Touch and Touch plus.

Celebrate the New Year with the Wine Celebration collection by Royal Selangor, which presents an array of wine accessories like the decanter, wine funnel, cork extractor, wine pourer, ice bucket.

Liberty introduces the new range of ‘Gliders Signature Collection’ exclusively for men.

These impeccably designed suede shoes comes in shades of black, beige, blue and green with and without laces.

Price: `16,000 onwards Available: Leading outlets in India.

Price: `8,500 onwards Available: Royal Selangor outlets in Mumbai

Price: `1,999 Available: All Liberty Exclusive Showrooms.

January 2013 62 www.spiceroutemag.com

Wedding wows

Beautiful timepiece

The wedding collection by Mirari reflects the confluence of many ancient decorative traditions with completely modern settings and offers an exquisite range of rings, haathphools, necklaces and earrings.

Swiss watch and jewellery maker Swatch has added three charming new models to the ever popular Swatch Skin line. These feature the characteristic slim, transparent 34 mm plastic case and minimalist dial visuals.

Price: `50,000 onwards Available: Mirari, M-Block Market, GK - 1, New Delhi.

Price: `6,100 Available: Swatch showrooms and leading watch stores in India.

Bag trend

Time for Skindulgence

Coinciding with the arrival of New Year is the arrival of the ‘Immortale’ Collection by Esbeda. Choc-o-bloc with totes and duffel bags in reds and whites, this collection complements your euphoric moods which are here to last.

Westside has launched a range of indulgent bath and body products in seven different collections. Indulge and pamper your skin with premium and hand-picked range of South African bath & body lotions, creams, gels and other nourishing essentials.

Price: `990 onwards Available: At all Esbeda stores.

Price: `599 onwards Available: All Westside stores in India.

January 2013 64 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice Trail

Small wonder

The latest Boeing 737 owned by SpiceJet has been christened as Sumac.

We bring you more on this little known herb and its specialty.

WOR D S

|

Saya nt i

Ba nerjee

A

Mediterranean ecstasy, the spice Sumac which is pronounced as ‘SOO-mak’ to be precise, is actually the fruit of a shrub that goes by the name of Rhus coriaria which grows throughout the Middle East.

Smart herb As far as the etymology of the word sumac is concerned, this word originates from Old French dating back to the 13th century, referring to Medieval Latin sumach which

literally means red. Interestingly, the unique selling point or the USP of Sumac is the fact that it has a tangy yet pleasant taste which makes this spice stand out amongst all others.

This spice is available as ripe or sun dried berries as well as in its fine powder form, according to personal preference. Not many people know that these berries usually vary in colour that range from brick red to dark purple -depending on the location of its January 2013 66 www.spiceroutemag.com

origin. Also, there is hardly any aroma except just a hint of citrus fruitiness. No wonder why, the smart Romans often used this herb as a souring agent much before they could lay their hands on lemons or vinegar for that matter.

The spice quotient When it comes to flavouring meat or vegetables, sumac is a much desired ingredient specially for exotic Mediterranean cuisine. Some of the best preparations of

Spice Trail

seafood, lamb or even chicken are made with this herb. Even the simple vegetables like eggplant, chickpeas and lentils get an interesting twist with the use of sumac.

Some simple dips also can be made with sumac in oil or even whipped yoghurt, and can be enjoyed with garlic bread, pita breads or even mouth-watering kebabs. Sumac can also be used in the form of an interesting salad dressings. When topped up with other flavouring ingredients like chilli, coriander, cumin, paprika and parsley, the taste gets enhanced with this perfect blend. The best part of the spice is that, it can easily be stored for quite a few months by simply making sure that the container is airtight.

Health benefits While Arabic or Lebanese cuisines cannot do without sumac, you too should incorporate

this spice in your food in order to enjoy its multiple health benefits. Sumac berries are believed to contain antioxidants and also possess some anti-microbial properties. The rich red colour can also be used as a food-dye easily to make any platter look interesting!

Though popular mostly in the Islamic countries in the medieval era, sumac has now crossed all regional boundaries. This herb has long been used as a healing medicine to cure basic ailments. As a part of quick, house-hold remedies sumac can actually help in promoting healthy digestion as well as cure an upset stomach. Even basic viral fever or cold and cough can be kept at bay with regular use of sumac as one of the key ingredients in the kitchen. In case if you have never used sumac in your kitchen, we bring you an easy recipe for your first date with sumac. And we promise, you will love it.

Even simple vegetables like eggplant and chickpeas get an interesting twist with the use of sumac

Sumac lamb salad

Ingredients ½ cup grounded Sumac powder, 500g lamb leg steaks ½ cup Olive oil 2 chopped tomatoes 1 sliced cucumber, 6 small radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves 1/2 cup fresh continental parsley leaves 1 tbs fresh lemon juice Method: Sprinkle sumac all over the lamb pieces and allow the flavor to soak in.

Now start heating the chargrill to a high temperature. Make sure that you brush it with oil gently to prepare a greasy base before you place the lamb for cooking.

After placing the lamb pieces, let them cook for at least 2-3 minutes, changing the sides occasionally. Keep it aside for 5 minutes.

In the mean time, get the salad base prepared with chopped veggies. Let the tomato, cucumber, radish, mint and parsley blend in the lemon juice, oil, salt and pepper. You can occasionally toss them up to help the spices settle in.

Once the lamb starts smelling nice, remove the foil and transfer the pieces into the salad mix. Remember to sprinkle an extra helping of Sumac in order to add to the lipsmacking taste!

January 2013 68 www.spiceroutemag.com

Gourmet delight

Halwa flavours

Give some rest to all your fad diets this month and enjoy chilling winter with delicious varieties of halwa.

WOR D S

I

|

N i t i ka

Ba jpay ee

t's greasy, it's utterly sweet and it's super rich in calories, but it is a wholesome snack or you can even term it a dessert. Rather an

irresistible one for many! A typical Indian halwa is all about calories and that melt-inmouth texture and taste. Though halwa is an all season dessert, it is the winter time when people actually enjoy it even more. It comes in different variants, colours and flavours. I

always thought halwa is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent till a recent article in a gourmet magazine refreshed my knowledge.

It is interesting to know that halwa or halva as the world calls this dense confection is relished and served across Asia, Middle East, Africa and in some parts of Europe. However, each region prepares halwa differently. And the ingredients? You name any, be it flour, nuts, seeds, lentils and even veggies. Chefs from world over have been busy mastering the art of making halwa and today we even have halwa made out of fruits and even chocolate!

Warm flavours January is here! Foggy mornings and nippy evenings greet us as we herald the first month of 2013, perfect time to enjoy the warm and succulent flavours of a halwa of any type. If you have been thinking about losing weight or simply want to stick to that New Year Resolution you've just made, we have a weight loss article in the magazine. Please refer to that! And those who want to make the most of the winter, read on! I don't want to dissuade fitness freaks but imagine having straightfrom-the-kitchen pipping hot gajar ka halwa as you quiver on a chilly winter evening? Well, no winter evening, especially in north India, is complete without relishing halwa. The situation is similar even in south India as none of the traditional meals is complete without a bowl of kesari bath or rava kesari.

Team it with crispy puris or have it with masala chai, halwa is a perfect snack for every occasion.

January 2013 70 www.spiceroutemag.com

Gourmet delight

Clockwise from bottom: Dried suji halwa for the diet conscious; Succulent gajar ka halwa is an Indian favourite; Karachi halwa is a gooey preparation

Halwa made out of rava or sooji or semolina is a very popular sweet dish across India, created by sautĂŠing semolina in clarified butter (ghee), mixed with sugar and water and garnished with dry fruits. Traditionally, sooji halwa is made in Indian homes on religious occasions as an offering to god (prasad). After the prayer meet, the prasad is distributed to those present in the pooja as a token of blessing. Even Sikhism gives a lot of importance to this sweet confection. In Gurudwaras across the world, kada parshad is first offered to the Guru Granth Sahib and then distributed among the devotees. Kada parshad however is made out of coarsely ground wheat flour but the cooking procedure is similar to that of sooji halwa. If you want to have the best kada parshad in the country, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi is perhaps the best place. Here, you get kada parshad that is pipping hot, no matter what time of the day it is. Many people make frequent visits to the Gurudwara for its peaceful ambiance and the delicious kada parshad from which ghee

keeps trickling. I am sure Delhiites would agree! Wheat flour or atta halwa is commonly prepared at the pre-wedding functions in Uttar Pradesh.

Indian snack In Indian households, halwa is one dish that has blissfully caught the fancy of one and all. Its fan following transcends its regional taste and makes its way to everyone’s heart through their stomach. Indians love gorging on crimson coloured gajar ka halwa that is made from grated carrots, milk, khoya, sugar and lots and lots of dry fruits. Today, people celebrate New Year's Eve at all the fancy hotels and restaurants. But I remember there was a time when middle class used to celebrate the New Year's Eve by watching Doordarshan and chomping scalding hot gajar ka halwa. Every city in the country (well almost) is home to at least one shop that serves the best in the city gajar ka halwa. And how can we forget the grand Indian wedding where serving gajar ka halwa is virtually a ritual. As the baraat comes

Badam halwa garnished with saffron is often given to pregnant ladies and lactating mothers January 2013 72 www.spiceroutemag.com

at the doorstep of the bride, members of the baraat are offered some of the best delicacies and a lavish spread of desserts. No typical Indian wedding is actually complete without desserts, and gajar ka halwa can aptly be termed as the king of desserts.

Halwa also holds a special importance in Indian folklores and legends. When kids undergo exam pressure, Indian mothers get in to the kitchen to make badam halwa. Almond or badam is known for its memory boosting qualities, hence the halwa that is bundled with generous dollops of ghee and sugar.

Gourmet delight

Badam halwa garnished with saffron is often given to pregnant ladies and lactating mothers as well. It is like a tradition in our country (where lives revolve around food), one has to have halwa as skies open up and winter breeze knock your windows.

All season dessert We Indians love our food. And when it comes to the sweet tooth, we love our food even more. That's precisely the reason why every nook and cranny of our country is mushroomed with sweet shops. Across western, southern, northern and parts of eastern India people swear by the 'sweet shop' culture where we get to relish some of the best desserts and oily yet delicious snacks like

Sweet savouries During navaratri, people break their fast by having Singhade ke atte ka halwa and Kuttu atta halwa Besan halwa is immensely famous in Rajasthan, UP and Madhya Pradesh Ande ka halwa comes from the land of Nizams, Hyderabad

chhole bhature, alloo tikki, pav bhaji etc.

These are the shops that master in preparing the 'can't be explained in words' type of moong dal halwa. Made out of lentils, moong dal halwa is prepared only in winters in parts of north, west and eastern India. Southern India however is happy with their rava kesari or kesari bath, yet another sooji halwa with gorgeous flavours. Indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. This super rich in calorie dessert (moong dal halwa) is very heavy on the palate and the stomach too . To make moong dal halwa, lentil called moong dal is soaked in water for 12 hours and then ground in to a thick paste. This paste is now sauteed in ghee and then normal halwa making procedure follows.

if you have a small portion of sohan halwa with milk, you won't age so quickly!

Straight from the Nizam's kitchen is the Khubani ka meetha, a sweet halwa made out of apricots. The tangy yet sinful flavours burst in the mouth the moment you relish this typical Hyderabadi dessert. A master chef contestant shocked everybody when she prepared her family's traditional dessert that was ande ka halwa or halwa made out of eggs. Interesting it is to know how people make halwa out of just anything! Karachi halwa is another specialty from Pakistan, which comes in a slightly gooey form, enough to keep you glued to it till it lasts in your plate. Sohan Halwa is another famous halwa variety, indigenous to the region of Multan.

This slightly thickened halwa is relished by people from all walks of life and it is believed

Clockwise from bottom: Moong dal halwa is available in parts of North India; Sooji halwa preparation at a sweet shop; Besan halwa

January 2013 74 www.spiceroutemag.com

The diet conscious and fitness freaks who actually want to indulge in the sweet flavours can now opt for the healthier version of halwas. You can also savour beetroot halwa or a halwa made from oats or pumpkin, rava kesari with pineapples or oranges and even doodhi halwa, which is made from lauki and is immensely popular in Uttar Pradesh. There's no fun consuming the calories all alone, share the calories to minus the guilt and make winter a happy occasion.!

In conversation

January 2013 78 www.spiceroutemag.com

Multifaceted Thayil A distinguished poet, a songwriter, a guitarist, and one-time journalist, Thayil’s debut novel, Narcopolis has been making waves around the world.

WOR D S

|

Sampat h

T

he book jacket of Narcopolis says that Jeet Thayil was born in 1959, but he looks at least 20 years younger. Of course, it helps that he doesn’t have grey hair – and never will, for he wears his baldness like a crown.

His latest release, Narcopolis (published in 2012) made it to the short-list of the Booker Prize this year, and last month, it was short-listed for the DSC South Asian Literature Prize 2013. Not surprisingly, the Delhi-based Thayil has been travelling a lot lately to promote his new book.

In an exclusive interview with Spiceroute, Thayil speaks about his favourite destinations, his love for the Chinese, and fear of flying.

You’ve obviously travelled quite a lot, and still do.

What are your favourite destinations?

G

P h o t ogr a p h

|

Johannesburg, Hong Kong. Also, I absolutely loved Singapore, which blew my mind. I just love cities. I especially love it when I arrive in a city for the first time. Johannesburg – I’d go back any time.

I haven’t been to Johannesburg, but I keep hearing that it’s a dangerous place for tourists.

Yes, it is a bit dangerous. But then, all cities are, and you have to watch yourself. You have to have a certain manner in a city, then nobody bothers you. If you’re in a place like Johannesburg, you certainly shouldn’t be wearing diamond rings. Or carrying an Ipod prominently, or have a bulging wallet in your back pocket – no.

Be low key, look around you, be alert, you’ll be fine.

B a sso

C a n n a rs a

What is it that you look forward to when you travel to a new city – is it the food, the cultural landmarks, the people?

It’s the rhythm of a city. That feeling you get when you walk on the streets of a strange city.

The first thing I do now when I land in a new city is seek out Chinatown. For instance, I was in Holland last week. I got off the plane in Schiphol in Amsterdam, and was driven to The Hague. It was a rainy day. I arrived in The Hague really cold, at a horrible hotel. They always put you up in a crappy hotel wherever you go in the world, unless you are Salman Rushdie or VS Naipaul, which I’m certainly not. But it’s ok – I set my bags down, walk out, and head straight for Chinatown.

I eat a nice Chinese meal, 79

immediately I feel at home, I feel better. I love to shop in Chinatown as well. I buy green tea, I buy those Chinese medicines. The Chinese are brilliant when it comes to things like that - they have a lot of little ointments made out of eucalyptus, and they are a cure-all for almost everything. They are best for long flights. You put a little bit on your lip so that it’s what you smell, and it kind of protects you, and puts you to sleep. It’s amazing.

As a writer, are you into literary tourism? In Amsterdam, for instance, did you go see the place where Anne Frank hid?

Jesus – I completely forgot that! Yes, I’ve done the literary pilgrimage thing – did it when I was much younger. In Paris, for instance, I went to Baudelaire’s

In conversation

grave, I went to Jim Morrison’s grave, I went to the place where certain artists lived in Montmartre, and so on. When I was in Rome recently, I went to the house where Keats died. I am very glad I went there, it was absolutely an emotional thing to see that house, the room that he died in, and how small the bed was.

I’ll let you know.

Thanks. Publishers gave up on poetry a long time ago, and that’s understandable if not forgivable. But you, an established poet, are also abandoning poetry - why?

I haven’t abandoned poetry. I think poetry has abandoned me. But also, I don’t really see a difference between poetry and fiction and nonfiction – I bring the same things to each kind of writing. So the new novel I am working on ends with a book of poems written by one of the characters. A 20-page book of poems. And there are snippets of poetry throughout the book.

In a way, I haven’t given it up completely, and I do write poetry occasionally. Every time I write a poem, I put it into a file, and one of these years, there will be enough for a book.

What kind of cuisine do you favour when you cook or travel?

I cook mostly Thai, but what I can eat everyday for the rest of my life is Chinese, real Chinese food, which is why I don’t eat Chinese in India. The thing that I eat when I go to Chinatown in strange cities is the most

Quick facts Jeet Thayil is the son of well-known editor and writer, TJS George.

Until the publication of Narcopolis in 2012, Thayil was best known as a poet. He has authored four collections of poetry: These Errors Are Correct (2008), English (2004), Apocalypso (1997), and Gemini (1992).

He is also the editor of the Bloodaxe book of Contemporary Indian Poets (2008) and a collection of essays, Divided Time: India and the End of Diaspora (2006).

His novel Narcopolis, set in the Bombay of the seventies and eighties, captures with arresting immediacy the low life milieu of the city’s opium dens at a time when opium was giving way to heroin.

Are you religious?

Every time I fly, yes, I pray. working class meal you can get.

It’s called Charsiufam – ‘charsiu’ is barbeque pork, ‘fam’ is rice.

Barbeque pork, it’s usually hanging in the windows, and they just cut it, heat it, and put it on a bowl of rice – that’s it. It’s like comfort food. That, with a plate of the greens that they have, it’s delicious.

What are you reading currently?

I am addicted to crime thrillers and to poetry, so I read those on a daily basis. At the moment I am reading Jo Nesbo, the Harry Hole series – they’re brilliant. I am going through them one by one.

Is your next book going to be fiction or poetry?

It’s a novel, it’s nearly complete.

If I had a month free, without travel, I would finish it.

Apart from fiction, do you also continue to write poetry?

Not so much, not even often enough to call myself a poet, which I am not anymore. I am a former poet. I am a reformed poet. I am a poet in recovery.

I want to set up a group called Poets Anonymous. Like Alcoholics Anonymous, where you sit around in a group and go, ‘My name is Jeet, and I am an alcoholic’? In this group, we’ll sit around a table and say, ‘My name is so-and-so and I am a poet’, and then share our horror stories.

Great idea! When do you plan to start the group?

January 2013 80 www.spiceroutemag.com

Otherwise?

Otherwise I am not religious.

Do you believe in God? Of course I do. But the belief doesn’t arise or erupt, until I am on a plane. That’s when I really believe in God. That’s when I pray, for deliverance.

You are really scared of flying?

I really am.

Do you realise where this interview is going to be read? (laughs) Well, I don’t know if this is the ideal thing to say to SpiceRoute…I take pills actually, every time I fly. To quell the anxiety. I take two melatonins about 10 minutes before take-off.

In conversation

Happy feet For Prabhu Deva, dance means the highest point of happiness. The soft spoken, always smiling dancing sensation shares his journey.

WOR D S

|

Saya nt i

Ba nerjee

A

two-time winner of National Film Award for Best Choreography, Prabhu Deva has moved beyond his dancing to become a successful director, January 2013 82 www.spiceroutemag.com

actor and choregrapher.

Riding on the success of Rowdy Rathore, and Oh My God, he is all set to appear in the movie ABCD.

In conversation

After so many years into dancing, what does dance mean to you?

Dance is everything to me as it gave me fame and money. It is an overwhelming experience that cannot be defined in words.

I started out with bharatnatyam when I was around 9 or 10 years. I used to find it extremely boring since it required waking up at 5 a.m. in the morning and practicing with guruji. But as I grew older, I fell in love with dancing.

How did you get into choreography?

My father Mugur Sundar was a popular choreographer who worked in South Indian movies.

Since the 11th standard my academic grades went down, so taking up dancing lessons was the best option I had at that time.

What has been your source of inspiration?

I have always admired Michael Jackson and I feel that it is very kind of people to call me the Indian MJ. I somehow connect with him, so knowingly or unknowingly, there is some element of his dancing style in

my performance.

Has Bollywood upgraded its dancing style over the decades?

Certainly! Everybody dances superbly now in Bollywood, specially Hrithik Roshan, Shahid Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh. More than just dance, it is their passion and energy that shows through. I also admire Sri Devi and Madhuri Dixit who have their own style and charm which they give to their performance.

So what must one keep in mind while dancing?

Nothing at all! Just dance and enjoy this ultimate source of happiness.

Do you enjoy being a director as well?

It is high tension job since the director has to be responsible for everything from A to Z of movie making. I do enjoy it, but only sometimes.

Is dancing more fun than doing choreography?

Dancing is a passion but I enjoy playing the boss when I don the

choreographer’s hat. I do have expectations from my performers and to make them perform well can be a big challenge sometimes. Also, one needs to keep up with different dance forms like folk to western dance that get modified from time to time and would become boring to repeat the same. But then I always do steps instinctively.

Is dance the secret of your fitness?

I am not sure why I do not put on weight in spite of eating sweets so often. So I follow, let’s say my own diet for three days and on the fourth it all goes for a toss.

But then dance is a super form of exercise that keeps me going.

Do you enjoy travelling?

I don’t like back packing tours since, I keep travelling for work.

So when I visit a destination, I like to sit back and unwind with my family and friends without much on the agenda. Also, instead of going shopping I rather like to play with my kids at a park there.

Where was your last holiday?

I recently visited my friends in London. The climate was amazing there and I allowed my friends to make all the plans for me, like which places to visit, where all to go and what restaurants to try out. It is quite peaceful and fun that way, to go with the flow.

Which is your favourite destination?

It has to be Ooty as I can never get bored of its serene beauty.

Also, Goa is another destination that I love. I personally feel that no international destination can woo me the way these two tourist spots appeal to me.

What are your current projects that are keeping you busy?

The movie ABCD (Any Body Can Dance) is coming up in which I am playing an important role.

The concept is that of my friend choreographer-director Remo D’Souza, so I am very excited. In fact I feel everybody in this movie dances better than me. Ramaiya Vasta Vaiya is a romantic comedy which I am directing at the moment with Girish Kumar and Shruti Hassan.

Know Him New movie Any Body Can Dance, in which he is acting Dancing high He performed with Hollywood singer Katy Perry at the 5th edition of IPL opening.

First film as a choreographer Vetri Vizha in Tamil

January 2013 84 www.spiceroutemag.com

Glam world

Star

attraction

Rising TRPs of Indian telly shows are now attracting Bollywood celebs who don’t really mind appearing on the idiot box, to promote their films.

WO RD S

|

Ni t ika

Bajpayee

Y

ou are watching your favourite saas bahu soap. The moment is high on drama and all eyes in your living room are on the television set. The scene is crispy enough for everybody to stay glued;, either the bahu will slap her ever conspiring sister-in-law or a major twist in the storyline is on the anvil.

Suddenly, a familiar face from the ‘Hindi Film Industry’ walks in, adding unusual twists to the otherwise straight and expected scene.

Last time when I was flipping through channels on television on a lazy Saturday afternoon, something caught my eye. I stopped to watch a famous crime serial that has been running on television ever since the cable mania struck our chords, and it still garners high TRPs. Bollywood star Akshay Kumar suddenly popped in to the scene with his co-star Sonakshi Sinha from movie Rowdy Rathore to save a couple from a group of goons.

And recently, even Salman Khan was seen promoting Dabangg 2 on different channels

January 2013 86 www.spiceroutemag.com

Glam world

Actors from the Indian Film industry on TV shows to promote their upcoming films

Today when the world is raving about the kind of films the Indian film industry is churning out, brand creators and promotion honchos are adopting newer ways to promote the latest Bollywood offering. Gone are the days when release of a film would only mean seeing tit-bits of the rushes or a few incomplete songs or at the most non-collaborated scenes from the making of the movie. As we all know the film industry brims with a whirl of talent, there’s no doubt some high intensity PR machinery takes care of the promotion aspect.

Today, when a film is promoted we as audience get to see the amalgamation of one dream factory with the other. The confluence of film industry and the television makes for a perfect promotional strategy.

Star power

and soaps. The trend of Bollywood actors stepping in to the television shows is the latest buzzword for the film promotion.

Promotion galore Over the last decade, Indian television has undergone a transition making the home entertainment go glitzy and glamorous. Of course, the larger than life drama of television soaps is enough to keep the viewers glued to their television screens. Since Indian television is now focusing more and more on progressive stories, dance and music competitions, there’s a dose of reality television that we also get on television today.

We have seen a visibly pregnant Vidya Bagchi aka Vidya Balan appear on the sets of Uttaran, engaging in a conversation with the protagonist of the show. Balan appeared on the show to promote her film Kahaani. Similarly, we’ve seen Kareena Kapoor promoting her latest release Heroine on the sets of Tarak Mehta ka Oolta Chashmah, dance reality show Jhalak Dikhla Ja and Comedy Circus. In an endeavour to tap the television audience, the Heroine team appeared on shows that are telecast on different channels. There’s hardly any actor who has not been seen on television to promote his film. Sridevi recently was seen shaking a leg with Madhuri Dixit on Jhalak Dikhla Ja and even engaged in crucial conversations with Big B on Kaun Banega Crorepati, all this to promote her film English Vinglish. Sridevi faced camera after a decade so it became evident that she will come out in full swing to promote her film, and she did just that. Result, her film became a hit.

Telly buzz The dream factory that the television is; more often surreal than the magic it creates

Film industry brims with a whirl of talent that takes care of the promotion of a film January 2013 88 www.spiceroutemag.com

Glam world

on celluloid. For television actors and their audience, promotion of a film is an important value addition concept. The plot of a television soap is projected in a way that it fetches rising TRPs. And when a bit of glam quotient of the Bollywood is added in to the drama packed performances, TRP projections rise. According to industry experts, television is constantly evolving with its offerings and people get to watch cultures and traditions that are manifold.

And to keep a tab with viewers’ aspirations, both television and films are utilizing the opportunity to show off some of their best offerings together. That’s precisely the reason

why today majority of A-list Bollywood celebs throng various television shows to promote their films. Trade experts also believe that such sequences are introduced before a particular film is about to release. Bollywood celebs keep entering your living room through the idiot box.

This happens especially when the television shows are shooting for an event or anniversary scenes. “Bollywood actors are more popular than small screen actors. This is why the serial makers rope in Bollywood icons to play a small part in the program.

They generally make guest appearances and take the applause of great publicity for their film. Similarly, if Bollywood celebs are blamed to drive TRP ratings then there is no fault in that. Moreover it has its positive side first of all the TV programs which showcases entry of a Bollywood star gains instant popularity and secondly the thespian gets an opportunity to promote his movie.” Whatever said and done, television viewers are the ones who actually get to see the best of both the worlds.

Silver showrooms by Abharan in Udupi & Mangalore more space and more exclusive pieces.

A

bharan Jewellers has opened exclusive silverw showrooms at Udupi and Mangalore this year on the occasion of Vijayadashami. At Udupi it is located in the ‘Sharada Building’ adjacent to the Gold Showroom and in Mangalore it is located in the same building as that of the Gold Showroom.

These showrooms will ensure that customers get a wider choice,

These exclusive showrooms have elegantly showcased an enticing range of corporate gifts, items for religious occasions, designer items, gift items, decorative items and silver jewellery to choose from. Through these showrooms Abharan wishes to offer its customers the latest and best designs in silver. Needless to say, Abharan does not compromise on quality. Each of Abharan’s jewellery is carefully crafted and undergoes a series of quality checks to ensure that you are served with only the best.

Delighting customers Abharan has a range of jewellery

that caters to the customer’s taste for the traditional and the contemporary. There is a significant emphasis on customer service. Well trained, polite and experienced staff is at the beck and call of customers at all times.

Customers also enjoy the benefits of a variety of customer-friendly schemes, offers and discounts.

First to its credit Abharan was the first in India to introduce the ‘Karatometer’. This imported device is used to check the Karatage/quality of the gold.

It also received the ISO 9001: 2008 certification for its quality management systems. Abharan has won the ‘Corp Excel’ National Excellence Award 2008 presented

by Corporation Bank for corporate

January 2013 90 www.spiceroutemag.com

Advertorial

excellence. All these awards are not surprising as Abharan has always been at the forefront when it comes to quality in all aspects of its business.

Click to buy Abharan’s retail is now available online too. Customers have to just go to the website (www.abharan. com), choose the jewellery and click to purchase. Abharan is always innovating to find new ways of making it convenient, easy and pleasurable for customers to engage with Abharan. Come, step into our exclusive silver showrooms in Udupi and Mangalore and discover the stunning range of silverware that will surely surpass your expectations.

Well being

worries No more weight

Ring in the New Year with 10 winning commandments. This step-by-step guide is sure to lead you to a healthy 2013.

WO R D S

|

N ami ta

Ja i n

H

ow is it possible to rein in the cravings? These 10 commandments will help you avoid weight gain. Just be strict with the three keys - right attitude, planning and determination - and you will be sorted in terms of weight management. Now you can sail through any occasion or party without gaining unwanted weight.

1. Avoid skipping meals before a part y Don’t starve yourself during the day in anticipation of an evening party. Broaden your palette of pleasures. Eat in a way that does not

place all the emphasis on the pleasure of food alone - such as great ambience, well-presented meals and good company. Try to place more emphasis on pleasures that assist your goals of a trimmer figure – plan a night dancing rather than a six-course sit down dinner. Be careful of all-you-can-eat buffets. Fill your plate just once making smart choices or order a la carte.

This way you avoid the temptation to over eat. Leave something on your plate. No one believes you have eaten enough if your plate is empty. If your plate has a little food left in it you won’t be coaxed to eat more. Do watchout for add-ons, don't cover your plate with January 2013 92 www.spiceroutemag.com

gravies, creamy sauces or dressings. They are laden with high fat. Instead, order sauces and dressings on the side and go easy on them.

2. Win at the drinking game Savour alcohol in small quantities instead of guzzling down your drinks. Mix your drink with carbonated water to cut back on calories.

Alcohol consumption slows down the fat burning capabilities of the body. One gram of fat is nine calories and alcohol is seven calories per gram. Too much will inhibit your inhibitions, making you careless about what you eat. Also, nibble on salted snacks. When

Well being

you drink your body naturally loses salt, which is why you readily reach out for salted peanuts and other salted snacks. A couple of handfuls, instead of one fistful can be a cause of concern.

Instead, check if salad sticks, low-fat dips, popcorn or other steamed low-fat, low-salt, savouries are available.

the body’s digestive system, excess is stored as fat. Plan ahead! You cannot predict hunger pangs so always make sure you have a healthy snack accessible. Keep some ready-to-eat foods such fruits, sprouts, a veggie wrap or roasted savouries, always handy.

3. Divide before you devour

5. Excuse proof your exercise routine

Don’t desert the dessert, divide it. Pleasure is best when shared. This way your taste buds are satisfied, portion size decreased and calorie intake reduced. It’s not always what you eat, but how you eat. Learn the art of satisfying your taste buds slowly. Eat so that you enjoy each bite.

Schedule 'workout' in your daily planner. Find an exercise trainer or a workout buddy to help you stay committed. Make exercise an important a part of your daily life and write it down so that you are more likely to keep the 'appointment'.

4. Multiply meals, shrink portions Eat six to eight small meals a day. Your body needs only few calories at a time for energy and metabolism. If you eat at regular intervals during the day, you are less likely to over-eat at night. The body has an internal clock and the metabolism is regulated by regular cycles.

Learn to respect these cycles. When you are fuelled right, it is easier to avoid a feeling of 'out-of-control' hunger. Large meals overload

While you are exercising, include the dynamic duo – cardio and weights.

Adding a well programmed weight training and cardiovascular workout will work wonders for you. You will burn calories, boost your metabolic rate and shape up. You might

manage thy Weight Eat atleast three portions of fresh veggies everyday.

Include four to five portions of fruits to your diet.

Drink 8-10 glasses of water everyday.

Cut down on greasy and spicy food.

Alcohol intake should be in moderation.

January 2013 94 www.spiceroutemag.com

consider hiring a qualified trainer to plan your exercise routine based on your goals.

6. Separate food from television Eating, drinking, napping and channel-surfing.

If these consume most of your leisure hours, you will end up gaining weight. Make healthy and light food choices; fill your plate with the quantity right for you. Be fully aware of what and how much goes into your system.

Making light food and healthy choices is the key to managing weight. For instance, eat egg white instead of the whole egg; whole-grain, instead of refined products; low-fat instead of

Well being

full fat. Did you know? Skim milk gets 5 per cent of its calories from fat, while whole milk gets 51 per cent from fat.

7. have lots of water with your meals Eat high water content foods that will fill you up and help you lose weight. Examples are watermelon, oranges, sweet lime, grape fruit, pineapples, tomatoes and cucumber. Starchy vegetables on the other hand, like corn, peas or potatoes are harder to digest than those that contain more water. In addition, drink at least eight to ten glasses of water a day.

8. Take breaks to deep breathe Do you binge eat when you are bored, angry or tense? Relax, deep breathe several times.

Decide to do something to take your mind off food. This will help you distinguish between actual hunger and eating due to emotional responses.

9. Do not get derailed if you

go off track It is inevitable that even the most determined, get off track occasionally. Just remember, it’s the final goal that’s important. So get back on track as soon as possible. Do not get immobilized with guilt. Weigh yourself regularly. This way you can gauge the smallest fluctuations in your weight. The quicker you do that you can catch your behavioral slips and get back on track.

10. Reward yourself Book yourself a relaxing massage or a spa treatment you enjoy. Buy yourself an outfit that looks good on you. Or indulge in a nice foot massage. The key to stay happy after all that planning and putting together the time and spirit to maintain weight is to reward all your efforts. This will also help you sticking to your fitness regimen and will help you when you go off-track. Promise yourself a reward after you lose the targeted pounds and kilos.

The writer is a well known nutritionist and an author of numerous health management books.

Own a Sleek kitchen

Lake Nahargarh Palace

S

L

leek, The Kitchen Specialist has grown as a renowned brand for over 15 years in the industry. Sleek, The Kitchen Specialist has everything that a modern homemaker needs and desires. Gone are the days when the kitchen was the last thing to be considered while renovating your home. The demand for a designer kitchen reflects your fine taste and sophisticated lifestyle.

For a homemaker who spends half her day in the kitchen cooking, absolutely deserves a change and these Modular Kitchens will transform your kitchen from a routine cooking space to one that looks inviting.

Surging forward with an eclectic range of shutters, Sleek, The Kitchen Specialist provides vibrancy and liveliness to an

otherwise drab kitchen. Shutters in Solid Wood, MDF, Marine Ply and Particle board, with finishes in Veneers, Membrane, lacquered, and glass will leave you spoilt for choice. Since Sleek is into appliances, the old-age appliances have gone in for a toss. Consider a chimney that not only looks urbane, but also matches up with revolutionary technology. Sleek chimneys come with high-suction capacity and low noise that leaves your kitchen totally smoke-free.

Another marvel from Sleek, the Kitchen Specialist is its sturdy range of hardware. Recently, the brand won two prestigious awards – the Kitchen Retailer of the Year 2012 at Kitchen Congress and The Most Preferred Kitchen Brand 2012 at Indian Home Congress. To know more about the Specialist Kitchen call 1800 2090 500.

ake Nahargarh Palace is situated in village Nahargarh of Parsoli . Nahargarh was hunting lodge made by royal family of Salumber & Parsoli . It was then bought over by Late Maharaj Nahar singh ji of Ralavata. Lake Nahargarh Palace is privileged by nature being surrounding by Aravali Hills and dense forests.

Where the lake meets green meadows, and grazing horse while unending meadows merge into the clear blue skies. In middle of this tranquil lake is the Nahargarh Palace. Pristine white domes are clearly visible from the moment you enter the palace gates. As you walk through the inner passages of the palace it truly feels truly of bygone era. A Central courtyard where you can sometimes watch a dance performance while you

January 2013 96 www.spiceroutemag.com

Advertorial

enjoy the barbecue. Though it a palace built in modern times it still looks and feels like the other Udaipur lake palaces. All rooms have a view of the lake and each view is unique from one another. The most amazing fact is its proximity to heroic Chittogarh fort where Rani Padmini, Meera Bai, Panna, and heroic Rana Pratap and the founder of Udaipur Uday Singh all of them hailed from this fort. The Chittogarh fort walls are clearly visible on your way to Lake Nahargarh Palace.

A cinematic view of the Aravalli range as you near Nahargarh.

A must visit of this heritage site which is a half an hour drive from Lake Nahargarh palace.

This property is the most unique in its location of Rajasthan. A must visit on your visit to Rajputana.

Well being

Healthy You

Women, those in the corporate world, have a lot of multitasking to do. With time it gets important for them to have a composite nutrition and fitness plan.

WOR D S

|

M a d huri

Rui a

D

eadline-driven, high-achieving, jet-setting lifestyles can make staying fit and healthy next to impossible for corporate achievers, and more so for women. Most women have running the home responsibilities in addition to the career-driven responsibilities.

Lengthy meetings, travel and conferences affect mealtimes, and limit food choices to what is easily available, not necessarily healthy.

Most corporate heads ususally find it easy to stay healthy for the first half of the day. They January 2013 98 www.spiceroutemag.com

eat healthy breakfast of oats, skimmed milk and/or egg whites and multigrain bread, but once at work, meal timings become erratic or meals are skipped and whatever is at hand and easily available is quickly consumed. As a result, ultra-busy women executives may end up having far too many stimulants such as coffee, tea, cookies and biscuits. Also, it is much more convenient to eat out or from the canteen while at work than to carry a tiffin from home. But the food available at most

Well being

Healthy nutrition works on a minuteto-minute basis and is indispensable in improving work productivity

Eat on time For women, ongoing nutrition at regular intervals of 3-4 hours is vital for maintaining beneficial metabolic processes and body weight, significantly improve mental stamina and sharpen intelligence. Macronutrients such as carbohydrates and proteins from healthy unrefined foods do the bulk of the work in maintaining blood sugar levels and supply energy consistent for both mental and physical work. The B complex vitamins, spread over several food groups such as milk and milk products, cereals such as oat or chappati, poultry and seafood, also play a significant role in providing energy. Omega nutrition found in nuts like almonds and walnuts; seeds, like sesame, and flax; and fish, improves concentration, mood and regulates menstrual flow. Antioxidants found in deepcoloured vegetables such as tomato, broccoli and spinach, and fruit such as orange and strawberries enable an improved handling of stressful situations without damaging or breaking down muscle tissue to fuel activity and release energy.

Regular exercise is a must for healthy lifestyle

office canteens does not provide sustained energy for day-long work. Most of these foods; burgers, frankies, rolls, white bread sandwiches, samosas and biscuits, contain large amounts of salt/sugar, oil and are made from refined flour. High consumption of such foods contributes to weight gain. Also, there is little control on the quality of the invisible fats such meals might have.

Undoubtedly, healthy nutrition and regular exercise are essential for healthy living, preventing weight gain, and conditions like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

But more important than that is the fact that healthy nutrition works on a minute-tominute basis and is therefore indispensable in improving productivity at work. We bring you few rules which will not only improve your overall health but also lead to a more energetic and alert you.

January 2013 100 www.spiceroutemag.com

Go for home cooked food Most lunch boxes sourced from outside comprise chappati and vegetables and lack protein-rich foods like paneer (cottage cheese), yogurt, eggs and beans. These meals do not provide sustained energy for day-long work. Inevitably, within a couple of hours of consumptions there's a need to have stimulants like coffee, biscuits or high fat snacks.

Well being

Quick fix Have at least 300-400g of vegetables such as beans, peppers, leafy greens, cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli.

Have at least 50-100g of skimmed-milk paneer, lean poultry, fish vor eggs, yogurt.

Include a high-fibre carbohydrate serving of a multigrain roti, bread or brown rice.

Wraps and rolls made with multigrain rotis and filled with vegetables, paneer or lean meat can make a wholesome main meal tiffin.

Clearly, the benefits of home-made tiffins far outweigh the inconvenience of carrying them. Home-made tiffins can ensure that you have five-six servings of vegetables per day, high-fibre carbohydrate foods like wholewheat chappati, brown rice, multigrain roti, oats and dalia, legumes, a fist-sized serving of firstclass protein like skimmed milk paneer, lean poultry or fish. Also, you can ensure that the tiffin you carry provides a main meal and at least two snack options.

nutrition for improved concentration and energy, and dry fruits provide vital nutrients like potassium that prevent muscle fatigue and aid stamina. Wholesome snacks that are also convenient include a yogurt dip with carrot and cucumber, buttermilk, a cup of strawberries or gooseberries, sprout chaat, or skimmed-milk paneer with coriander chutney.

Egg or roast-chicken sandwiches with dark green lettuce are also healthy fillers .

Snack healthy

Regular exercise teamed with healthy diet can work wonders. Though many offices these days have gyms for their employees, even if you are not the lucky one - few stretching exercises or a little walk at lunch time is

Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, dry fruits like figs, apricots, prunes and dates can be packed in small boxes and carried easily. Nuts provide healthy omega

Do not be a couch potato

January 2013 102 www.spiceroutemag.com

quite do-able. Regular mealtimes improve productivity, so give it and your exercise routine as much importance as any business appointment. Work your schedule around these mealtimes as far as possible. Get together with colleagues and plan your meal and mealtime reminder together. It is best if one can set aside a regular exercise routine either before going to office or in the evening.

Choose the form of exercise you enjoy and stay active throughout the day. If you travel frequently, always stock up on fruit and nuts or low-fat granola bars, and ensure you take a swimsuit or use the hotel treadmill.

The author is a well-known health instructor and Director of Integym-Intelligent fitness.

Culture canvas

glory

Crowning

The Puneri Pagadi, a native to the city of Pune, is an integral part of India’s varied turban heritage.

WOR D S

P

|

K h u rs h e e d

Di Nshaw

uneri Pagadi is made in Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra, and is an inseparable part of the city’s culture. It has always been a symbol of pride, honour, prestige, inventive skill and distinctiveness for Pune. The origin of the Puneri Pagadi dates back to the 17th century when there were 12 classes of people. Among them were the ‘Kostis’, whose profession was to make these pagadis. They visited houses on a fortnightly basis and constructed the pagadis at people’s homes. The fabric used for making these pagadis was approximately 65 meters long and 9 inches wide. This fabric, which was mostly cotton (though satin and silk could also be used), was dipped in water and starch was

added to fix its folds permanently. The Kostis used their head, knees or wooden logs as a base for making the pagadis. Once made, the pagadi lasted for precisely a fortnight. Hence the Kostis visited their patrons every 15 days to make new pagadis.

Though white was the basic colour of the pagadi, variations of different vegetable and fruit colours were also used. The pagadi is usually made in red colour which was obtained from the stem of the Parijat flower. The stem, being red in colour, was soaked overnight in water. Another flower called Terada was also used for making the red colour. The colour red was chosen because it looked impressive and January 2013 104 www.spiceroutemag.com

attractive, was easily available and didn’t get dirty easily.

Jewel in the crown The pagadi consists of five components - Koka, Matha, Jartar, Kamal and Ghera. Koka is the upper posterior protrusion and its making is very important as on it depends how expensive and good looking the pagadi would be. The Matha is the flat surface that slides from the Koka while Ghera is the thick strip of fabric that surrounds the pagadi from the sides. Its circumference depends on the size of the head of the wearer. The threads which are used to fix the Ghera to the pagadi can be handmade or synthetic. Kamal is that part of the pagadi

Culture canvas

Above: Nationalist Bal Gangadhar Tilak seen wearing a Puneri pagadi; Right: Ganapati adorned with a Puneri pagadi

A proud history Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade, also known as ‘Nyayamurti Ranade’, introduced the Puneri Pagadi in Pune society.

Since then, it has been worn by great leaders and personalities like Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, J S Karandikar, Dr D D Sathye, Tatyasaheb Kelkar, Belvalkar, Kavde Shastri, Khare Shastri and Dato Waman Pottdar (who was the last person to regularly wear the pagadi, until his death in 1975).

which covers the forehead and provides protection from heat. Jartar is the dangling golden coloured ribbon adjacent to the Koka and is placed on the right side of the forehead.

This was earlier made of pure gold braisal but is now made of synthetic fabric and consists of gold-coloured ribbons. The inner surface of the pagadi is covered with a thin fabric called ‘Aster’. Once the headgear is worn, the Koka (popat) comes exactly above the right eye. The Jari is a silky golden strip that is adjacent to the Jartar and is placed at the Koka’s posterior end.

The pagadi making was done using a plaster of Paris die. It had the basic shape of the pagadi and was made for various head sizes. Wet paper pulp was placed on the die and once it took the shape, it was referred to as a mould. This mould was then covered with cloth and then bound with threads.

Pride of Poona In due course, the Puneri Pagadi became an important part of Pune’s identity, especially during the time of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. It became a sine qua non for the elite, educationists and people in the legal profession. Later, different sections of Pune society began wearing the Puneri Pagadi. Soon, leaving home without it came to be considered unpleasant and inauspicious. The pagadi has now become a matter of heritage and is used in traditional folk dance festivals, Marathi drama and to felicitate guests of honour at inaugural January 2013 106 www.spiceroutemag.com

and valedictory functions. The dignitaries at the Punyan Bhushan Puruskar, Lokmanya Tilak Puruskar and other prestigious awards in Pune are honoured with the Puneri Pagadi.

Presently, the pagadi is made by stitching the folds together rather than fixing them with starch. Approximately a meter of fabric is used and while the colour is essentially red, instead of using Parijat or Terada for dyeing the cloth, the pagadi is made of factory dyed cloth.

The Puneri Pagadi has now been registered as per the Geographical Indications Act, 1999 and Geographical Indication of Goods (Protection and Registration) Rules, 2002. “Pagadi-making is a traditional heritage and legacy and its main production and manufacturing was done in and around Shaniwar Wada. Later, production expanded to the whole of Maharashtra. Students have been an integral part of getting intellectual property rights for our Puneri Pagadi,” explains Ganesh Hingmire of the Puneri Pagadi Sangh which is represented by GMGC (Great Mission Group Consultancy) that was responsible for the Puneri Pagadi getting the Geographical Indication (GI), the third GI in Maharashtra.

This Geographical Indication, apart from being a tribute to the great individuals who wore this pagadi, also helps to promote business, especially for the large number of women who are involved in its manufacture.

Good samaritans

Projecting possibilities

National Agro Foundation is adopting exemplary methods in the farms of Tamil Nadu to cultivate rural prosperity.

WOR D S

|

C h esta

Wa dhwa ni

Tr e h a n

M

ajority of India lives in its villages, but sadly there are not enough measures taken to support and safeguard the interests of rural India. The grim reality that shrouds us is the shrinking cultivable land area, declining soil January 2013 108 www.spiceroutemag.com

fertility, stagnating crop productivity levels and shortage of farm labour, which spells crisis.

This is when 60 per cent of our population is involved in agriculture and its allied activities.

Daring to dream and change the scheme of

USA's renowned Max, now offers

hair extension and

hair replacement

in India

No more balding.

USA's renowned Max, offers hair replacement and hair extension services you can always count on.

Max Skin Lace System Package starts from Rs.20,000/Max SLS (Skin Lace System)

Max Skin lace system is used to better the hair piece for those who lead an active lifestyle. We duplicate its texture to simulate your own hair. More over,with memory retention ability,It can even remember and retain your hairstyle.

It Is also heat and water resistant, so you'd have no problem using a hair dryer or going for a swim. Being soft and light weight max hair that looks and feels just like your own.

CHENNAI

10/21, Nageswara Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 34. (Behind Taj Coromandel), Next to Child Trust Hospital 044 – 28205566 / 9884607008

HYDERABAD

Plot No.1130/a, Road No.36, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad - 500 033. Landmark : Opp To Jubilee Hills Police Station Next To Porsche Showroom 040 - 65410001 / 23545452 / 9884507008

Time : 10.30 a.m. to 8.00 p.m E-Mail : info@maxhair.in Web : www.maxhair.in

Good samaritans

Watershed Development will conserve about 28,000 lakh litres of water and would benefit 20 villages in Kancheepuram district

things is National Agro Foundation (NAF), a public charitable trust founded in 2000 by C Subramaniam, architect of India’s Green Revolution and a Bharat Ratna awardee.

Throwing light The foundation comes to the rescue of small holder farmers owing less than five acres of land. These farmers happen to be major stakeholders in Indian agriculture but most of them practice only subsistence farming. In order to assist these small and marginal farmers pursue agriculture as a profitable venture and prevent urban to rural migration, the organisation is implementing various projects for agriculture development in Tamil Nadu.

The aim of these agriculture development interventions are to improve crop productivity through scientific farming and eventually enhance the quality of life led by farmers.

“National Agro Foundation works for Integrated Rural Development in the villages with thrust on agricultural productivity improvement, dairy cattle management, watershed development, social development, functional adult literacy, healthcare, training and capacity building and education,” says S S Rajsekar, Managing Trustee, NAF The foundation’s grassroots interventions have reached out to 26,000 poor rural families spread across 250 villages in Tamil Nadu.

The foundation constantly tries to introduce methods that turn rural prosperity into a reality.

Farming rich future

Top to bottom: Farmers Club federation meeting at Madurantakam village; Cattle health camp at Mambattu village; Dissemination of agri technology

January 2013 110 www.spiceroutemag.com

Among their many initiatives, FTTF project is currently implemented in six blocks of Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu covering about 15,000 small and marginal farmers’ families.

The interventions by NAF include formation of farmers’ clubs; joint liability groups; seed villages and vermicomposting that are intended to upgrade farmers from subsistence primary producers to a producer group. This enables farmers to be shareholders. and get higher price for their produce and also get inputs at cheaper rates through collectively bargaining.

Good samaritans

Recently NAF initiated its programme in Sodam village, Chittoor district

Training programmes NAF has established a Centre for Rural Development (CFRD) in a rural area in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu.

A Research and Development Centre in Chennai is also established for lab to land technology transfer.

NAF has conducted 1300 training programs for 38,000 beneficiaries.

Another inspiring project developed by NAF is Watershed Development. “This project will conserve about 28,000 lakh litres of water in an area of 850 Hectares (on a pilot mode, now being scaled up to 5,600 hectares).

This would directly benefit 20 villages in Kancheepuram District. This initiative would improve water harvesting and conservation; increase the green cover and create sustainable livelihoods for the community,” informs Rajsekar The NAF, envisioned by Subramaniam, is an institution not only to facilitate rural development in Tamil Nadu, but also as a replicable model suitable for implementation in other states of India where marginal and poor farmers live. Modern technologies on agriculture and dairy development have been disseminated to selected farmers across 26 districts of Tamil Nadu through their training programs. Recently NAF initiated its programme in Sodam village, Chittoor district January 2013 112 www.spiceroutemag.com

in Andhra Pradesh. The initiative focuses on agriculture, dairy development and training interventions for rural upliftment in Sodam and neighboring villages.

Setting benchmarks for other states to follow, Rajsekar explains as a grassroot NGO working closely with the community gives NAF opportunities to learn about the requirement of the community. “This assessment of felt and unfelt needs of the community has paved way for planning, designing, implementing, monitoring, carrying out midcourse corrections and evaluating various interventions. Our efforts are streamlined towards improving the quality of life of the rural community members through multi-pronged interventions,” insists SS Rasjekar who hopes that rural prosperity can see the light of the day.

Good samaritans

New leaf

Nigel Akkara, the well-known actor and theatre artist, is reaching out to people in his unique way .

WOR D S

N

|

Pa rt ha

Mukherjee

igel Akkara has seen life in all its shade.

From grace to fall and back at life’s high point, he has come a long way. Today, people know him for his show-stopper role in the Bengali caper Muktodhara, where he is being paired alongside the lead heroine, Rituparna Sengupta. But all this fame has come only after

nine years of ignominy behind the bars. What brings him to the pages of this magazine is the great work he is doing to rehabilitate prisoners.

Walking a new path On being released from Kolkata jail in 2009, Akkara joined Touch World, an NGO run by January 2013 114 www.spiceroutemag.com

Alokananda Roy, the dancer-choreographercum-social activist, whom he calls Ma. And this was just the beginning of the change that he would bring to the society. After his initial work with the organisation, Akkara started Calcutta Facility Management, a housekeeping and pest-control service unit. “What I kept

Good samaritans

I go to schools to discuss teenage problems and tell them what they should do to live their lives in high spirit

When Akkara, also a mega-film star now, is not busy with shooting or with his NGO, he visits various schools and interacts with students to discuss their teenage related issues and prevent them from straying. A documentary, The Jail, has also been made on his life in prison by Abhijit Dasgupta. “There are three types of students in every institution, one is oblivious of whatever is happening around them, the second group of students good students and always in the good book of the teachers. There is also a third group who come from affluent families and very soon they form a clout and do whatever they like, mainly flaunting their power and ultimately they tread the wrong path. My humble effort is to save these ‘slips’. I go to schools to discuss teenage problems and tell them what they should do to live their lives in high spirit,” Akkara reveals.

Screen success

in mind was I should be able to provide employment to ex-convicts. Today the company has 100 employees, out of which 38 are exconvicts,” says Akkara.

“In the last couple of years, work has only expanded. Many big orders started pouring and so did the number of employees, thereby giving livelihood to many people who came out of the prison after losing all hope. In fact I feel an urge to involve people in any kind of calling so that after their gruesome experience in the dungeon of ‘hell’, they can recover their bruised self. This is also an effort to bring them back to the mainstream,” he says.

Multifaceted man Nigel Akkara in action

January 2013 116 www.spiceroutemag.com

Today Akkara is recognized as a successful film actor. His role in Muktodhara has won him rave reviews and Tollywood has welcomed him with open arms. But for art, and more specifically dance, which changed his life, Akkara perhaps would not be the same person he is today. While serving his term at the Kolkata Presidency Jail, he met renowned Odissi dancer Alokananda Roy when she was working on a dance project with the inmates. Later, she went on to give him lead roles in many of her dance dramas. It was her dance therapy that slowly led him back to normal life. While performing Tagore’s dance drama Valmiki Pratibha, Akkara was spotted by many people from the art and theatre fraternity. And it was this powerful role that paved his way to the silver screen.

Muktadhara became a great hit and so did Akkara for his superb acting. The movie is mostly autobiographical for Akkara and he says his message to the whole society is “We have been punished enough behind the bars for all our misdoing so the society should not punish us the second time over by not accepting us”.

And this is exactly what he is doing by giving jobs to ex-convicts – giving them a second chance in society. Though he likes acting and continues to be part of the troupe of Valmiki Pratibha, Akkara’s main purpose in life is to make life easy for those who come back from behind the bars.

Gadget guru

Musts for the New Year This year, turn into a gadget geek with these uber cool gizmos, some of which are much awaited.

WOR D S

|

A s h ish

Bhat i a

Microsoft Surface If you love Windows and don’t want to labour with learning the Apple iOS or Android interface on your table, this one is for you. With the now familiar Metro interface, this soon to be launched in India device comes with a lot that you are already familiar with. Right from Microsoft Office Home ( Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote), Windows Mail and Messaging to SkyDrive, Internet Explorer 10, Bing, music, video and games.

Specs: 10.6-inch (16:9 ratio, 1366x768 resolution) display, Quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 1300 MHz, 2 GB RAM, 32/64GB storage

BlackBerry 10 This upcoming, much-delayed and highlyanticipated mobile operating system from the makers of the once ubiquitous smartphone is finally all set for a January end launch.

BlackBerry 10 has been designed with onehanded use in mind with a combination of intuitive combination of onscreen taps, singleswipes and gestures. It features revolutionary user interface enhancements that are aimed to make managing your work simpler.

Specs: QNX-based OS, graphical interface, separate full touch and QWERTY keypad smartphones, multilingual, FIPS 140-2 certified

Intel Haswell Processors Haswell is a new, yet to be launched, 4th generation Intel Core processor manufactured using the same 22nm process and ‘3D’ tri-gate transistors as the current Ivy Bridge processors.

Haswell processors have been optimized to deliver much improved compute and graphics performance while drastically reducing power requirements and hence increasing battery life.

Specs: 22nm 4th generation Intel Core processor, Intel HD graphics support, new hardware-based security features.

January 2013 118 www.spiceroutemag.com

Whatever your choice of Lifestyle or Location ... we have a Home for you!

INLAND ECHELON

Business Class Designer Apartrments Ballalbagh, Off. M.G. Road, Mangalore 3 BHK: 1956 Sq.ft. & 2129 Sq.ft.

INLAND ESPANA

INLAND

INLAND ETHOS

Mahamayee Temple Road, Mangalore 2 BHK: 1255 Sq.ft. 3 BHK: 1665 Sq.ft.

INLAND EON

Stylish Residential Apartment Bejai New Road, Mangalore 2 BHK: 1160,1255 & 1345 Sq.ft.

3 BHK: 1785 Sq.ft.

Matadakani Road, Gandhinagar, Mangalore 2 BHK: 1268 & 1280 Sq.ft. 3 BHK: 1581 Sq.ft.

INLAND SOVEREIGN

INLAND ELAN

2 BHK: 1360 Sq.ft.

3 BHK: 1755, 1825, 1950 Sq.ft.

International Standard Lifestyle Apartments

Airport Road, Maryhill, Mangalore

Duplex: 2720, 2730 Sq.ft.

SHOT AT LOCATION

CLUB HOUSE VIEW

Mission Gori Road, Mannagudda, Mangalore Matadakani Road, Gandhinagar, Mangalore 2 BHK: 1050 &1110 Sq.ft.

2 BHK: 1720 Sq.ft. with Private terrace 3 BHK: 1595 & 2210 Sq.ft. with Private terrace

Interiors by :

IN-LAND

INLAND IMPALA

Ullal - Mangalore 2 BHK: 1145, 1180, 1210 Sq.ft. & 1575 Sq.ft. with Private terrace 3 BHK: 1465, 1515 Sq.ft. & 2140 Sq.ft. with Private terrace

Actual Photo shot at INLAND WINDSORS Flat No. 102

INLAND IMAAD

Hegdenagar, Bangalore

2 BHK: 1145 & 1175 Sq.ft.

3 BHK: 1370 Sq.ft.

Gadget guru

Convertible & Hybrid Laptops With the advent of the iPhone and iPad, touchscreens have become quite the rage in this past couple of years. Circa 2013, a new silicon beast promises to grab your eyeballs and fingertips.

Part-tablet, part-laptop, this brave new breed of Ultrabook hybrids and convertibles seek to exploit the inherent abilities of Windows 8’s Metro user interface. These full-sized keyboard fitted combo contraptions serve as completely functional computers in themselves.

Specs: 10-12 inch HD capacitive screen with 10-finger touch support, full-sized QWERTY keyboard, Intel i3/i5/i7 CPU, Windows 8 OS

Microsoft Xbox You can expect this gaming console, -a longawaited successor to the nearly 7-year old Xbox 360, to only show up in the latter half of 2013. It is being envisaged to be much smaller than the current device and also cheaper. Some also expect that the Xbox 720 to be born with the Kinect 2 built in.

Specs: PowerPC CPU, AMD’s 7000 series graphics (28nm Graphics Core Next (GCN) Southern Islands), and a 4player, finger-tracking Kinect.

The price of the gadgets are yet to be finalised.

January 2013 120 www.spiceroutemag.com

Welcome to a world where the sky is your ceiling and the sea is your four walls.

SuperStar Virgo

Star Pisces

Ex Singapore

Ex Hong Kong

` 22,777*

` 5,666*

per person (3 Nights)

per person (1 Night)

SuperStar Libra

SuperStar Gemini

` 18,777

` 17,555*

Ex Penang

Ex Penang

*

per person (3 Nights) from 27th Jan 2013 onwards

per person (3 Nights)

It’s an artist impression

Welcome to Star Cruises, an adventure you will never forget in your lifetime. From high rolling poker games and entertaining nights to plush restaurants and luxurious rooms, your journey aboard Star Cruises promises to be filled with comfort and entertainment. So choose from our four exciting cruising options, hop aboard and enjoy the voyage.

For an unforgettable cruise experience,

Chennai : 044 Kochi : 0484

Chennai-Adyar Goa Mumbai

Hyderabad : 040 Kolkata : 033

: : :

New Delhi : 011

+91 44 42187460 +91 832 2437633 +91 9096757866

Preferred Sales Agent of Star Cruises

Silver screen

Films releasing in

January 2013 Upcoming Bollywood caper

Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola Vishal Bhardwaj is all set to test his hand at a comedy drama with an unusally named movie Matru ki Bijli ka Mandola. In the film, Harry Mandola, played by Pankaj Kapoor, is a day-industraialistcum-an-all-night-drunkard-villager who lives with his denim-clad desi daughter Bijli (Anushka Sharma) and as stiff as log face alliance Imran khan who played Matru in the rustic background of Haryana.

However, Bijli’s plan to wed the son of a politician, brings twists and turns in the lives of Matru, Bijli and Mandola.

BOLLYWOOD

Table No 21 Release date: Jan 4 Cast: Paresh Rawal, Rajeev Khandelwal, Tena Desae Director: Aditya Datt

Inkaar Release date: Jan 18 Cast: Arjun Rampal, Chitrangada Singh, Sandeep Sanchdev Director: Sudhir Mishra

Release date: Jan 14 Cast: Pankaj Kapoor, Imran Khan,

Race 2 Release date: Jan 25 Cast: Saif Ali Khan, John

Anushka Sharma Director: Vishal Bhardwaj

Abraham, Anil Kapoor, Deepika Director: Abbas Mustan

Upcoming Hollywood caper

The Impossible (English) The film tells the true story of a Spanish couple, played by Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor, and their three children. It’s a beautifully told, enormously moving story of a family’s experiences during and after the 2004 tsunami that hit a holiday resort in Thailand. The Impossible recreates an unthinkable event and its aftermath with breathtaking—and heartbreaking—credibility.

Release date: Jan 4 Cast: Naomi Watts,Ewan

Holly wood

Les Miserables Release date: Jan 18 Cast: Norm Lewis Director: Bille August

Promised Land Release date: Jan 11 Cast: Matt Damon, Frances Mcdormand Director: Gus Van Sant

Broken Cit y Release date: Jan 18 Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe, Director: Allen Hughes

McGregor

Director: Juan Antonio Bayona January 2013 122 www.spiceroutemag.com

by arun kumar

Book shelf

Interesting reads The Pondicherry Kitchen The coastal town of Pondicherry has seen the influence of a host of cultures, and it’s not surprising that its cuisine reflects this history. A fragrant potpourri of flavours, primarily from the Tamilian kitchen and—resulting from three hundred years of occupation by those universally acknowledged gourmands—the French, the food here also reflects eclectic borrowings from Indian, Moghul, French, Portuguese and Malaysian cooking. In The Pondicherry Kitchen, the author captures the unique culinary heritage of the town. Several years of research—digging out old recipes, collecting the culinary secrets of senior people, sourcing foodlore that has been transmitted orally through generations— have coalesced in this book. Spiced with anecdotes, this one is a wonderful, easy-to follow cookbook.

Author: Lourdes Tirouvanziam-Louis Publication House: Westland Price: `395 The secret wish list At sixteen, Diksha like any girl her age, finds her life revolving around school, boys and endless hours of fun with her best friend. But one day, all that changes. What starts as an innocent crush explodes into something far beyond her control. Eighteen years later, she finds herself at the crossroads of life. Urged by a twist of events, a wish list is born. But can a wish list help her piece back her life together? The Secret Wish List is a captivating, engrossing, racy tale about following your heart, chasing your dreams and the meaning of friendship Author: Preeti Shenoy Publication House: Westland Price: `250 the hacker All the hell breaks loose at a Gurgaon based software firm when one of its ex employees and a psychopath hacker, Shaitan Vikram swears to revenge his legitimate but ill timed dismissal from the company roles. As crisis after crisis strikes, making the new age management brass of the company to appease its major international clients and salvage its reputation. In a breathless story of vengeance and redemption, many facets of modern India come together and collide in this fast paced unputdownable.

Author: Stanley Moss Published by: Fingerprint Price: `150

Moin and the Monster by Anushka Ravishankar; Duckbill; Price: `160 My Lawfully Wedded Husband

by Madhulika Liddle; Westland; Price: `250 The Laws of Success by Ryuho Okawa; Jaico Books; Price: `175 Colonalism in India by Ram Chandra Pradhan; Macmillan; Price: `215 The Style Diary of a Bollywood Diva

by Kareena Kapoor with Rochelle Pinto; Shobhaa Dé Books, Price: `699 How It Happened

by Shazaf Fatima Haider; Viking, Price: `399

by nitika bajpayee

January 2013 124 www.spiceroutemag.com

Kids corner

It’s that time of the year when fun means loading your car with lots of goodies and heading to a spot that lets you unwind.

WO R D S

|

Pa ll av i

S i n g h

T

he moment I hear the word picnic, I am transported to a world of fun-filled days where we let ourselves break-free from the normal routine. It’s fun especially if you are a child because then you will not even have to bother about organising things – it will be taken care by the elders. Though for adults too, picnic means a day away from work and responsibilities. I have lived in various cities of India, but believe me going for a picnic has always been a fun experience.

January 2013 126 www.spiceroutemag.com

Kids corner

When to go Picnics are fun especially in the winters and so the moment Christmas season sets in, my thoughts keep flying to the idea of going for a picnic. Since childhood we as a family along with our relatives and close friends would surely go for a picnic on the New Year Day. And as it is said that there is more pleasure in pursuit than in attainment, we would spend more time making preparations for the D-Day. The idea of getting gifts for exceptional skills displayed during a sporting event or for one’s music or dancing skills was another attraction.

The same habits continue even today and even this time round our deliberations with respect to deciding the right day and venue have begun and there is a sense of frenzied activity prior to that one picnic day. We still have a month or two ahead of us to enjoy a day out in the open.

Let’s make the most of it

Where to go Generally a picnic spot has to have a large

open space preferably with a water body in the vicinity if possible; a practice that has caught up with us as a child when we always went to Hundru Falls, Dasam Falls or Johna Falls, having stayed in Ranchi in Jharkhand, a city popular for its waterfalls. Having moved to different cities our options kept varying from going to a nearby hill top, or a large playground with lush green surroundings. Having moved to the Capital, the experience has now shifted to parks and large grounds. Delhi offers immense options with places such as Jamaali Kamaali, Nehru Park, Deer Park, Lodhi Garden or the ever popular India Gate Lawns. If your idea is to have a quiet day out in the sun just head to the neighbourhood park because even that can be fun.

What to take Food is the first thing that comes when we are deciding what to take for the picnic. It has to be loads of finger food, chips, wafers, juices, and tea or coffee too. The trend now is to

Delhi offers immense options with places like Nehru Park or the ever popular India Gate lawns

Clockwise from top: Going on a picnic with family is always a fun experience; Beach picnic fun essentials; Organising a picnic in a forest or a national park can be an exciting sojourn.

January 2013 128 www.spiceroutemag.com

Quick Tips Choose a scenic venue for your outdoor meal. You can have a picnic almost anywhere.

Invite someone, or a group of people to join you in the fun.

Bring along a picnic blanket and/or folding chairs for your sitting and dining comfort.

Carry sunscreen, insect repellent and extra clothing layers. You never know when you’ll need them.

Get going. Hop on a bus, get in your car or walk over to your favorite spot and make memories.

Pack trash bags to carry away any disposables.

carry some ready-made food like sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, noodles while heading for a picnic. However, being of the old school, I would still like to cook fresh food at the spot with ingredients that we carry from home.

We did it as children and enjoyed every bit of the cooking process irrespective of the consequences. Besides food, playing items must form a part of the picnic bag. Mats, and bedsheets are must-carry items. Carrying a camera or even a video camera is essential for memories’ sake. Don’t forget to carry enough drinking water with you.

Games people play Eating, drinking and being merry is at the core of the very idea of going for a picnic. Activities could involve cooking on the venue or playing outdoor games. Some spots offer adventure games such as Burmah Bridge, rappelling, horse rides and camel rides. Playing frisbies, badmintons, shuttle corks, football, cricket kit, Tambola kit, or playing cards are all-time favourites among picnickers. Children with kids get them to forms groups and play Kabaddi, Chinese whispers, lemon and spoon race, kho-kho, blindman’s buff, or hide and seek, if the landscape so permits. It’s a good idea to reward the winners of games and races.

This will make them relish this one day spend so uniquely.

January 2013 130 www.spiceroutemag.com

Games

Mind teasers

by David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

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

YMOEDB

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

OEMISP

Answer :

BUEERK

IMPOSE IMPACT AFFORD EMBODY SINFUL REBUKE Even though he had many co-stars, it was this that got Harrison Ford rave reviews in “Star Wars” —

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

NOVEMBER 6, 2011

FARDOF

Solutions HIS SOLO PERFORMANCE

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

MATICP HIS

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

PRINT YOUR ANSWER IN THE CIRCLES BELOW

FNSLIU

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

PRINT YOUR ANSWER IN THE CIRCLES BELOW

FNSLIU

HIS

MATICP OEMISP BUEERK ©2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

NOVEMBER 6, 2011

YMOEDB

HIS SOLO PERFORMANCE

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

Answer :

IMPOSE IMPACT AFFORD SINFUL REBUKE EMBODY Even though he had many co-stars, it was this that got Harrison Ford rave reviews in “Star Wars” —

FARDOF

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

by David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

Find the difference

January 2013 132 www.spiceroutemag.com

Titanic the Exhibition is an amazing new interactive exhibition organized together with National Geographic, showcasing over 300 artifacts form Titanic and her sister ships and from famous films to tell the chronological, dramatic tale of the design, creation, launch, maiden voyage and tragedy of the largest and most luxurious ship in the world at the time. The artifacts are set inside beautiful recreations of the ship’s interior and tell the latest details of her sinking and discovery.

Titanic package (Valid from 22 October’2012 - 10 February’2013 ) The Venetian® Macao Rates

Holiday Inn Macao Cotai Central Rates

Royale Suite (1 King Size Bed)

King Superior Room

Mon-Thu

INR 10,888 per person on twin sharing basis

Mon-Thu

INR 8,444 per person on twin sharing basis

Friday

INR 12,666 per person on twin sharing basis

Friday

INR 9,777 per person on twin sharing basis

Saturday

INR 15,333 per person on twin sharing basis

Saturday

INR 12,444 per person on twin sharing basis

The Venetian® Macao Inclusions:

Holiday Inn Macao Cotai Central Inclusions:

One Night Package:

One Night Package:

• Accommodation for two in a luxurious Royale Suite • Choice of daily breakfast for two at Cafe Deco of Fogo Samba; or enjoy buffet lunch at Cafe Deco, Bambu or Fogo Samba • One-way CotaiJet Cotai Class tickets for two from Macao to Hong Kong*; or enjoy a Gondala Ride for two at Shoppes Grand Canal • Complimentary Titanic the Exhibition tickets for two** • Half day Macau city tour with lunch and Macau tower on shared basis

Two Nights Package:

• Inclusions of 1 night package • MOP300 Shopping Dollars to spend in selected outlets • Complimentary The Human Bodies Exhibition tickets for two**

• Accommodation for two in Superior room • Choice of daily Asian breakfast for two or lunch at yum Cha • Choice of Titanic the Exhibition or The Human Bodies Exhibition entry tickets for two • Half day Macau city tour with lunch and Macau tower on shared basis

Two Nights Package: • Inclusions of 1 night package • Choice of Titanic the Exhibition or The Human Bodies Exhibition entry tickets for two

Three Nights Package:

• Inclusions of 2 nights package • Upgrade to a spectacular Cotai View Suite *Terms & Conditions Apply

For the vacation of a lifetime,

Bangalore : 080 Chennai : 044 Kochi : 0484 Mumbai : 022

Hyderabad : 040 New Delhi : 011

Chennai-Adyar : +91 44 42187460 Goa : +91 832 2437633 Kolkata : +91 900 7050068 email: info@traveltours.in

Zoom in

Royal Rajasthan Regal palaces, rugged landscape and people in colourful attire, Rajasthan welcomes you with all these and much more. Udaipur, SpiceJet’s latest destination, along with Jaisalmer make for a great getaway.

P HOTO G R A P H S

|

S UPR A KA S H

G HOSH

January 2013 134 www.spiceroutemag.com

135

Zoom in

1

1. Camels in all their fineries are a common sight across Rajasthan 2. The Golden Fort in Jaisalmer

2 January 2013 136 www.spiceroutemag.com

1

2

3

1. A lonely traveller at the Jaisalmer desert 2. Tribal Rajasthani woman in colourful attire and tribal jewellery 3. A Jain temple inside the Fort 4. Jaisalmer is a small hamlet with many havelis.

4 137

Predictions

Yearly Astrological Predictions for 2013 By

Dr. Prem Kumar Sharma

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

Everything is going to happen the way you want it. Don’t be lethargic and perform regular yoga sessions for a good health. Your professional life will be dynamic. Year 2013 ensures your cash registers keep ringing throughout. Certain job opportunities will knock your door. Love will blossom this year. A few surprises can excite your partner for a cozy relationship.

Lucky number: 3 Lucky colour: Light red

Rejuvenate yourself with abundant energy as you will need it at workplace. Handle things with tact at work as there are people around you who may try to pull you down. Driving needs to be done with care and avoid confrontations of any sort on the road.

Students are likely to bring laurels.

Your good financial position will allow you to spend with both your hands.

Lucky number: 11 Lucky colour: Peach

Happiness surrounds you this year.

Don’t give up on your exercising regimen else things may show upon your health. People engaged in government jobs will find the year challenging. Housewives may plan to begin with small business. Some of you may upgrade your skill to improve your approach at workplace. Financial condition will remain very good.

Lucky number: 7 Lucky colour: Light red

It’s time to get a bit serious this year.

Don’t take anything for granted especially on the health and personal front.

Professionally, the first half sails quite smoothly; you might encounter some hiccups in second half. Income will rise but so will the expenditures. Legal formalities should also be checked while making any agreement. Your profession might demand more time.

Lucky number: 6 Lucky color: Lavender

Those planning to switch jobs or change their line of profession should do it as soon as possible. Health of elders will be a cause of concern. Those engaged in technical jobs may think of upgrading their skills. Investments of the past will bring good returns allowing you to plan your finances. Some long term relationship may convert into marital ties.

Lucky number: 22 Lucky colour: Dark grey

The energy graph attains a new height for you this year. Smile and stay positive to overcome all the hurdles.

Travelling to some religious place will bring peace of mind. Hard work in business will bring success. Widen your horizons and think of other investment options rather than only real estate. Investing in partnerships can also be a profitable deal.

Lucky number: 3 Lucky colour: Saffron

Year 2013 helps you shine through the year. You remain in the pink of your health this year. Positive energy will flow in your mind resulting in expanded business. You might even purchase a new property in the latter half of the year. Your never give up attitude will help you overcome hurdles at work.

Financial condition will remain stable this year. Avoid lending money.

Lucky number: 6 Lucky colour: Green

‘Regularity’ should be your mantra this year. Whatever you do, just stick to it until you receive rewards. Continue with regular exercises and meditation to keep yourself healthy. This positive attitude will also encourage you to get rid of any obstacles coming your way. Professionals from media and banking background may hear of some lucrative opportunities.

Lucky number: 3 Lucky colour: Coffee

There are certain lessons to be learnt this year. First, avoid being on your own but look for advices from the wise men too. Secondly, focus on what you want and don’t scatter your energies elsewhere. Thirdly, kick off all the laziness and get your priorities in order. Those preparing for competitive exams will find themselves lucky enough to crack the targets.

Lucky number: 5 Lucky colour: All shades of green

January 2013 140 www.spiceroutemag.com

Your tremendous energy will not let anything affect the peace of your mind. Small ups and downs cannot be ruled out. Freshers will hear of suitable opportunities and settle themselves with handsome salary packages.

The second half of the year will be good to invest in real estate, but do counter check. Family and friends will be supportive.

Lucky number: 2 Lucky colour: White

Your helping nature will bag you a laurels in society. Look for solutions in ayurveda or homeopathy for the health problems. Control your anger and handle things with a cool mind.

2013 will be one of your best periods in terms of finance. Your business will flourish which will indeed increase the balance in your bank accounts.Overall, the year will bring the good news.

Lucky number: 15 Lucky colour: Sea green

‘Good things come in small packages’ just suits you well this year. Stars advise you to stop rushing after things and focus on quality pursuits. Realize your strengths and apply them to step up the career ladder. Watch out what you eat as there is a tendency to develop some bulges around your belly. Real estate investments will bring handsome profits.

Lucky number: 17 Lucky colour: Light grey

Advertorial

A dash of ginger In a tête-à-tête with us, Prabhat Pani, CEO of Ginger Hotels, talks about the budget hospitality brand and its plans for the future

O

ne of the more recognised hospitality brands in the country, Ginger Hotels was indigenously designed and developed by Indian Hotels Company Limited and provides budget hotel services under the Taj Hotels & Resorts umbrella.

Speaking about the group’s portfolio, CEO Prabhat Pani said, “We currently have 26 properties across India and the other 8 hotels under construction would take us to 34. We have recently launched our first hotel in Mumbai, fourth hotel in the Delhi NCR in Faridabad and the second one in Chennai at Vadapalani. We intend to add another 40 to 50 hotels on the

existing number in the next 4-5 years and this would really happen in many of the bigger cities.”

He elaborates by pointing out the phenomenal expansion the group has witnessed in Delhi. “In Delhi NCR, we already have three properties,” he said. “One is next to railway station in New Delhi, the Rail Yatri Niwas and one in Vivek Vihar. Also, we have a hotel in East Delhi and we have a hotel in Manesar. We have two more hotels under construction, one in Noida and one in Greater Noida and we have signed up a hotel in Gurgaon.

So if you look at just Delhi NCR, there are 7 properties which are

already formed up and we think we can do another 2 or 3 more.”

Ginger’s strategy for growth is clear. “The idea is to pick up 8 to 10 of the biggest cities in India, and zero-in on their central business districts where real growth is happening, to make sure that there is a Ginger Hotel there.” The group, equipped with a flexible model that has hitherto worked splendidly for it, will focus on identifying and proliferating at locations that will prove most important for their customer base.

Ginger Hotels thrive in the tricky business of budget hospitality

January 2013 142 www.spiceroutemag.com

on the strength of their USP - a unique ‘space’ that is conducive not only for guest comfort and relaxation but also for their work requirements. Ginger Hotels characterise freshness and are modern, modular and scalable, providing guests with a consistent experience. The hotels normally have 100 / 150 well-appointed air-conditioned rooms equipped with a 20-inch LCD television etc.

Other guest facilities at the hotel include a meeting and conference room, net zone, gymnasium, vending machines, digital safe deposit boxes, as well as Wi-Fi connectivity in the public areas and individual rooms.

Destinations

Destinations Agartala

Ahmedabad

AMRITSAR

Aurangabad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Bagdogra

belgaum

Must See: Jallianwala Bagh is reminiscent of the India’s freedom struggle and is well known historical site in Amritsar.

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

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

Bengaluru

Bhopal

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

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

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

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

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

Road in Belgaum.

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

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

145

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

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

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

Destinations

CHANDIGARH

Chennai

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

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

Must See: Marina Beach is a 12

Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport is Sri Lanka’s only International airport.

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

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

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

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

Must Stay: SRM Hotel is spaciously laid on the Gateway to Southern Tamil Nadu, the GST Road.

Its proximity to the industrial hub of Sriperumbadur and Mahindra World City makes it perfect for a stay.

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

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

DEHRADUN

Delhi

Dubai

Goa

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

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

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

Airport: Dabolim Airport in Vasco is 30 kms from Panaji, Goa’s capital.

Taxis are available.

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

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

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

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

Must Stay: Atlantis The Palm is a luxury resort is located on Palm Island. The Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina Mall are about 6.5 km away.

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

Must Stay: Madhuban Hotel is a beautiful hotel with aesthetically designed rooms featuring modern amenities and culinary delights for all its guests.

Coimbatore

January 2013 146 www.spiceroutemag.com

Colombo

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

Must Stay: Bid farewell to your blues and relax at the White Pearl Suites situated near the Baga Beach in Goa. The hotel offers great view of the beach and the sea.

We all drink coffee for pleasure An inspirational drink that has become aspirational and a lifestyle beverage...

Do you know that Regular moderate drinking of coffee is also known to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes ?

Average Cup of coffee is packed with antioxidants as well and are compounds or nutrients in the food.

Coffee can keep you alert and therefore helps you perform better and reduce the stress level.

Coffee is not just a beverage, the

www.indiacoffee.org

dark brew intellectuals long for...

coffee in a measure is a treasure

Destinations

Guwahati

Hyderabad

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

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

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

Must See: Mecca Masjid is a

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

heritage mosque in the old city of Hyderabad, close to the historic landmark of Chowmahalla Palace.

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

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

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

MUST Stay: Radisson Blu Hotel, located in the heart of Indore’s business hub is ideal for the discerning business traveller.

Jaipur

Jammu

KABUL

Kathmandu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indore

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

January 2013 148 www.spiceroutemag.com

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

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

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

Destinations

Kochi

Kolkata

Kozhikode

Madurai

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

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

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

Airport: Madurai Airport is located about 10 km from the city centre.

Taxis are available.

Must See: Fort Kochi is a small village located near the large city of Kochi. Fort Kochi is all about 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 is dedicated to diplomat V.K. Krishna Menon, where his personal belongings are exhibited.

Must Stay: Relive the past at Cochin Heritage Home, located just next to the Bishop’s House in Fort Kochi area of the city.

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

Must Stay: Choose to relax at the Gateway Hotel, situated on the beach road in Kozhikode.

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

MALE

Mangalore

Mumbai

Port Blair

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

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

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

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

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

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

Must Stay: Try your hand at snorkelling and deep sea diving at at the Kaala Pani Resort.

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

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

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

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

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

January 2013 150 www.spiceroutemag.com

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

Destinations

Pune

Riyadh

Rajahmundry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Must Stay: Relax in the lap of luxury at the Four Points By Sheraton, a five star hotel.

Must Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre is a stylish business and leisure hotel located high in the Kingdom Tower.

Surat

Srinagar

thiruvananthapuram

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

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

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

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

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

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

Must Stay: The Gateway Hotel Athwalines offers plush accomodation with latest amenities

Must Stay: Offering panoramic view of the Dal Lake, Vivanta By Taj is a contemporary hotel.

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

January 2013 152 www.spiceroutemag.com

Destinations

Tirupati Airport: Tirupati Airport is situated at a distance of 14 kms from the Tirupati city.

Must See: The holy temple Sri Venkateswara is considered one of the holiest temple.

Must Stay: Having served some prominent personalities who thronged the holy town of Tirupati on their spiritual sojourns, Hotel Bliss serves its guests all the comforts and food options. Choicest variety of food is available here at the hotel.

Tuticorin

Udaipur

Airport: Tuticorin Airport is a domestic airport located 16.9 km. Taxis are easily available.

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

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

Must Stay: Poppys Hotel Tuticorin offers a home-away-from-home experience with services and rooms. While in Tuticorin, choose to stay here and you will be in for some pleasant surprises.

Must See: The splendid City Palace, posing over the fascinating Lake Pichola, is one of the most beautiful palatial structures in Udaipur.

Must Stay: The Leela Palace Udaipur, located on the banks of Lake Pichola, offers a spectacular view of the tranquil lake, the historic City Palace and the majestic Aravalli mountains.

Varanasi

Vijayawada

visakhapatnam

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

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

Airport: Visakhapatnam Airport is located about 7 km from the city centre.

Must See: Mogalarajapuram caves near Must See: Take a boat ride at the Dasawamedh Vijayawada are among the 3 cave temples Ghat to enjoy the divine ambience of Varanasi to known for the magnificent carving of the the fullest.

Ardhanarishwar.

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

Must Stay: Expect world class amenities and a wonderful experience at Fortune Murali Park.

January 2013 154 www.spiceroutemag.com

Must See: Kambalakonda is a wonderful nature reserve, about 20-25 minutes’ away from Vizag.

Must Stay: The Gateway Hotel, situated on the Beach Road in Visakhapatnam is a comfortable hotel in Vizag.

Routemap

January 2013 156 www.spiceroutemag.com

157

Spice schedule

Destination

Agartala Bengaluru (Via-CCU-BOM) Bengaluru (Via-CCU-HYD) Guwahati Hyderabad (Via-CCU) Kolkata Kolkata Mumbai (Via-CCU) Ahmedabad Bengaluru Bengaluru (Via-BOM) Chennai Chennai (Via-BOM) Chennai (Via-HYD) Kochi (Via-BLR) Coimbatore (Via-MAA) Delhi Delhi Goa Goa Guwahati (Via-BOM-BLR-CCU) Hyderabad Jaipur Jaipur Kolkata (Via-BOM-BLR) Kolkata (Via-DEL) Mumbai Mumbai Port Blair (Via-HYD, MAA) Port Blair (Via-HYD, MAA) AMRITSAR Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via - BOM-STV) Mumbai Srinagar Surat (Via - BOM) Aurangabad Delhi Bagdogra Chennai (Via-CCU) Delhi Delhi (Via-GAU) Guwahati Kolkata Bengaluru Agartala (Via-BOM-CCU) Agartala (Via-HYD-CCU) Ahmedabad Ahmedabad (Via-BOM)

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-874 SG-872 SG-873 SG-872 SG-872 SG-874 SG-874

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1630 1540 1300 1540 1540 1630 1630

2250 2115 1400 1925 1645 1725 2045

SG-285 SG-528 SG-281 SG-206 SG-917 SG-285 SG-281 SG-104 SG-106 SG-137 SG-137 SG-528 SG-917 SG-138 SG-138 SG-528 SG-104 SG-528 SG-206 SG-917 SG-917

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,6 7 Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,6 7 Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 2,6

1440 0555 0550 1905 0610 1440 0550 0700 0945 1150 1410 0555 0610 1610 1820 0555 0700 0555 1905 0610 0610

1640 0920 0810 2305 0940 1815 0950 0830 1125 1330 1540 1405 0755 1725 1935 1220 1115 0655 2010 1225 1355

SG-2323 SG-2114 SG-152 SG-152 SG-151 SG-152

Daily Daily 1,3,5 1,3,5 1,3,5 1,3,5

0825 1555 1550 1550 1250 1550

0940 1720 2205 1810 1325 1935

SG-162

Daily

0855

1050

SG-324 SG-885 SG-881 SG-881 SG-324

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1525 1040 1400 1400 1525

1855 1250 1820 1500 1625

SG-873 SG-871 SG-286 SG-529

Daily Daily Daily Daily

0615 1010 2030 1940

1220 1510 2230 2300

Destination

Belgaum Kozhikode Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai (Via-VGA) Chennai (Via-VGA-RJA) Kochi Coimbatore Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Guwahati (Via-BOM-CCU-IXA) Guwahati (Via-CCU) Hubli Hyderabad Hyderabad Jaipur (Via-PNQ) Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata (Via-BOM) Kolkata (Via-HYD) Madurai Mangalore Mangalore (Via-BOM) Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Pune Pune Pune Rajahmundry (Via-VGA) Srinagar (Via-DEL) Thiruvananthapuram (Via-MAA) Tuticorin (Via-MAA) Vijayawada Vijayawada Visakhapatnam BelgAum Bengaluru Bhopal Hyderabad Hyderabad (Via-IDR) Indore Chandigarh Delhi Delhi

flight no.

freq

January 2013 158 www.spiceroutemag.com

arrival

SG-3301 SG-3253 SG-3004 SG-3232 SG-1083 SG-3307 SG-3002 SG-3303 SG-3303 SG-285 SG-1081 SG-502 SG-224 SG-229 SG-216 SG-873 SG-528 SG-1084 SG-871 SG-1088 SG-342 SG-528 SG-524 SG-873 SG-871 SG-3302 SG-3231 SG-344 SG-873 SG-344 SG-529 SG-342 SG-228 SG-228 SG-3303 SG-224 SG-3307 SG-1083 SG-3303 SG-3303 SG-1144

Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily 1,3,5,7 2,4,6 Daily 1,3,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,6 7 2,4,6 Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 2,4,6 1,3,5,7 Daily

0740 1400 0905 1130 1240 1845 2140 1220 1005 1720 1005 0635 0845 1600 2015 0615 0955 1920 1010 2150 0555 0955 1940 0615 1010 0725 1400 1015 0615 1015 1940 0555 2200 2200 1005 0845 1845 1240 1005 1220 0805

0830 1505 1025 1225 1345 1945 2230 1450 1340 1815 1050 0925 1125 1845 2305 1400 1405 2015 1110 2300 0935 1220 2215 1100 1345 0835 1445 1400 0745 1155 2125 0725 2325 2330 1210 1350 2140 1515 1120 1330 0945

SG-3302

Daily

0850

0935

SG-1053 SG-1063 SG-1063

1,3,5,7 2,4,6 2,4,6

2015 1915 1915

2210 2210 1955

SG-2112 SG-2116

Daily Daily

0835 1920

0940 2020

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

dep

Destination

Delhi (Via - BOM-STV) Mumbai Srinagar Surat (Via - BOM) Chennai Ahmedabad Ahmedabad (Via-BOM) Ahmedabad (Via-HYD) Bagdogra (Via-CCU) Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru (Via-RJA-VGA) Bengaluru (Via-VGA) Belgaum (Via-BLR) Kozhikode Kochi Kochi Coimbatore Coimbatore Coimbatore Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-BOM-AMD) Delhi (Via-PNQ) Goa Guwahati (Via-CCU) Hubli (Via-BLR) Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Jaipur (Via-HYD) Jammu (Via-HYD-JAI) Kolkata Kolkata Madurai Madurai Madurai Mangalore Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai

flight no.

freq

dep

Destination

arrival

SG-152 SG-152 SG-151 SG-152

2,4,6,7 2,4,6,7 2,4,6,7 2,4,6,7

1600 1600 1240 1600

2205 1810 1325 1935

SG-282 SG-106 SG-916 SG-323 SG-3301 SG-3013 SG-3231 SG-1084 SG-3148 SG-3304 SG-3304 SG-3301 SG-3251 SG-3241 SG-277 SG-266 SG-281 SG-283 SG-312 SG-304 SG-306 SG-308 SG-106 SG-208 SG-1011 SG-321 SG-1084 SG-912 SG-1261 SG-1012 SG-916 SG-1265 SG-912 SG-912 SG-321 SG-323 SG-291 SG-305 SG-303 SG-3231 SG-106 SG-273 SG-296

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 1,3,4,5,7 Daily 2,4,6 1,3,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1150 0535 2000 1105 0615 0740 1245 1810 2015 1355 1510 0615 1030 1055 2110 0610 0845 1915 0705 1140 1655 1945 0535 0515 1410 0520 1810 0710 1100 1920 2000 2120 0710 0710 0520 1105 0830 1335 1710 1330 0535 0930 2010

1410 0915 2310 1455 0710 0845 1340 1900 2120 1750 1750 0830 1155 1205 2225 0710 0950 2015 0935 1425 1935 2235 1125 0930 1615 0925 2015 0815 1210 2035 2100 2255 1045 1250 0745 1315 0930 1430 1810 1510 0730 1110 2155

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

Port Blair Port Blair Pune Rajahmundry Thiruvananthapuram Thiruvananthapuram Tuticorin Tuticorin

SG-917 SG-917 SG-208 SG-3304 SG-3271 SG-3307 SG-3291 SG-1083

1,3,4,5,7 2,6 Daily 2,4,6 Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7

1020 1200 0515 1355 0555 2005 0715 1405

1225 1355 0650 1520 0810 2140 0835 1515

Vijayawada Vijayawada (Via-RJA)

SG-3304 SG-3304

1,3,5,7 2,4,6

1510 1355

1610 1605

Visakhapatnam Coimbatore Ahmedabad (Via-MAA) Bengaluru Chennai Chennai Chennai Delhi (Via-BOM) Delhi (Via-HYD) Delhi (Via-HYD) Hyderabad Hyderabad Mumbai Mumbai (Via-MAA) dehradun Delhi Delhi delhi Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Amritsar Amritsar Amritsar (Via - STV - BOM) Aurangabad Bagdogra Bagdogra (Via-GAU) Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Chandigarh Chandigarh Chandigharh (Via - STV - BOM) Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai (Via-AMD-BOM)

SG-3277

Daily

1710

1900

SG-282 SG-1082 SG-273 SG-282 SG-284 SG-264 SG-234 SG-236 SG-234 SG-236 SG-264 SG-273

Daily 1,3,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1020 1110 0740 1020 2045 1510 1030 1810 1030 1810 1510 0740

1410 1155 0830 1120 2140 1955 1430 2210 1150 1930 1655 1110

SG-2334 SG-2325

Daily Daily

1120 1620

1225 1715

SG-206 SG-148 SG-2321 SG-2113 SG-151 SG-161 SG-881 SG-885 SG-501 SG-223 SG-209 SG-509 SG-2111 SG-2115 SG-151 SG-301 SG-305 SG-303 SG-309 SG-206

Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,5 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 2,4,6,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1705 1945 0640 1415 0605 0635 1115 0555 0700 1215 1655 2040 0710 1755 0605 0630 1010 1350 1910 1705

1835 2120 0805 1535 1220 0825 1325 0955 0940 1500 1940 2325 0815 1900 1210 0915 1300 1640 2150 2305

159

Spice schedule

Destination

Chennai (Via-PNQ) Kochi (Via-BOM) Kochi (Via-BOM) Kochi (Via-HYD) Kochi (Via-PNQ) Coimbatore (Via-HYD) Coimbatore (Via-BOM) Coimbatore (VIA-HYD) Dehradun Dehradun Goa Goa Goa Goa Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati (Via-IXB) Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Indore Jabalpur Jaipur Jammu Jammu Jammu Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Madurai (Via-MAA) Madurai (Via-MAA) Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai (Via - STV) Mumbai (Via-AMD) Mumbai (Via-JAI) Mumbai (Via-JLR) Pune Pune Pune Srinagar Srinagar (Via - STV-BOM-ATQ) Srinagar (Via - STV-BOM-IXC) Srinagar (Via-IXJ)

flight no.

SG-219 SG-131 SG-103 SG-231 SG-217 SG-211 SG-109 SG-233 SG-2328 SG-2223 SG-261 SG-253 SG-255 SG-257 SG-885 SG-893 SG-881 SG-211 SG-231 SG-233 SG-221 SG-239 SG-2326 SG-2431 SG-133 SG-853 SG-851 SG-857 SG-104 SG-605 SG-607 SG-305 SG-303 SG-131 SG-109 SG-103 SG-852 SG-119 SG-894 SG-151 SG-206 SG-133 SG-2431 SG-217 SG-293 SG-219 SG-224 SG-151 SG-151 SG-851

freq

Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 6 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily 1,3,5 2,4,6,7 Daily

dep

2025 0555 1155 0740 0840 0600 1010 1345 1010 1505 0850 1045 1455 1715 0555 1520 1115 0600 0740 1345 1510 1940 1735 0810 0715 0730 0850 1430 0910 1420 2035 1010 1350 0555 1010 1155 1510 1740 2125 0605 1705 0715 0810 0840 1835 2025 1220 0605 0605 0850

For bookings, please call our 24-hour SpiceJet call centre at 1800 180 3333/987 180 3333 or visit our website at www.spicejet.com

Destination

arrival

0040 1035 1700 1150 1310 1000 1440 1740 1100 1600 1110 1310 1720 1945 0820 1745 1500 0810 0950 1550 1725 2145 1910 0950 0800 0900 1010 1550 1115 1620 2250 1430 1810 0740 1215 1410 1720 1940 2325 0920 2010 1025 1205 1045 2035 2230 1350 1325 1325 1115

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

Surat Udaipur

SG-151 SG-2435

Daily Daily

0605 1610

0755 1730

Varanasi Varanasi

SG-116 SG-114

Daily Daily

0935 1340

1100 1505

Varanasi Visakhapatnam (Via-HYD) GOA Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Chennai Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Hyderabad Hyderabad (Via-MAA) Jaipur (Via-AMD) Jaipur (Via-AMD) Kolkata (Via-BOM)

SG-127 SG-221

Daily Daily

1745 1510

1910 1850

SG-138 SG-138 SG-1012 SG-262 SG-254 SG-256 SG-258 SG-1072 SG-1012 SG-138 SG-138 SG-804

1,2,3,4,5,6 7 Daily 6 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,6 7 Daily

1400 1610 1640 1145 1340 1750 2015 1510 1640 1400 1610 1650

1540 1750 1840 1415 1610 2015 2245 1630 2035 1725 1935 2135

Mumbai Mumbai

SG-247 SG-804

Daily Daily

1330 1650

1440 1800

SG-874 SG-529 SG-885 SG-529 SG-874 SG-322 SG-881 SG-894 SG-885 SG-525 SG-529 SG-322 SG-874 SG-529 SG-894 SG-874 SG-525

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1445 1435 0855 1435 1445 1900 1535 1815 0855 0955 1435 1900 1445 1435 1815 1445 0955

1545 2300 0955 1910 2250 2315 1820 2050 1250 1105 1545 2010 1725 2125 2325 2045 1335

SG-1088 SG-1088

Daily Daily

2035 2035

2125 2300

SG-871 SG-916 SG-1031 SG-872 SG-1063 SG-1053 SG-1073

Daily Daily Daily Daily 2,4,6 1,3,5,7 Daily

1140 2135 0625 2015 1710 1710 1040

1510 2310 0745 2115 1855 1955 1230

Guwahati Agartala Ahmedabad (Via-CCU-BLR-BOM) Bagdogra Bengaluru (Via-CCU) Bengaluru (Via-IXA-CCU-BOM) Chennai (Via-CCU) Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-IXB) Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata (Via-IXA) Mumbai (Via-CCU-BLR) Mumbai (Via-DEL) Mumbai (Via-IXA-CCU) Port Blair (Via-CCU) Hubli Bengaluru Hyderabad (Via-BLR) Hyderabad Agartala (Via-CCU) Ahmedabad Bengaluru Bengaluru Bhopal Bhopal (Via-IDR) Kozhikode

Note Schedule subject to change and regulatory authority approvals.

1- Mon, 2-Tue, 3-Wed, 4-Thu, 5-Fri, 6-Sat, 7-Sun.

January 2013 160 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice schedule

Destination

Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Kochi Kochi Coimbatore Coimbatore Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Goa Goa (VIA-MAA) Indore Indore (Via-BHO) Jaipur Jammu (Via-JAI) Kolkata Madurai Mangalore Mumbai Port Blair (Via-MAA) Port Blair (Via-MAA) Pune Rajahmundry Tirupati Tirupati Varanasi (Via-DEL) Vijayawada Vijayawada Visakhapatnam Visakhapatnam Indore Bhopal Delhi Hyderabad Hyderabad (Via-BHO) JABALPUR Delhi Mumbai Jaipur Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Bengaluru (Via-PNQ) Bengaluru (Via-PNQ) Chennai (Via-HYD) Delhi

flight no.

freq

dep

Destination

arrival

SG-1262 SG-917 SG-1011 SG-913 SG-1264 SG-231 SG-1051 SG-211 SG-233 SG-116 SG-226 SG-234 SG-108 SG-236 SG-1071 SG-1011 SG-1053 SG-1063 SG-912 SG-912 SG-871 SG-3313 SG-1023 SG-402 SG-917 SG-917 SG-1022 SG-1061 SG-1041 SG-1048 SG-116 SG-1001 SG-1003 SG-401 SG-221

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,5,7 2,4,6 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 2,6 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

0600 0830 1230 1815 2105 1020 1845 0840 1625 0645 1030 1220 1435 2000 1310 1230 1710 1710 0845 0845 1140 0950 0825 2130 0830 0830 2030 1030 0720 1700 0645 0745 1610 0715 1755

0720 0940 1350 1915 2240 1150 2035 1000 1740 0840 1250 1430 1645 2210 1450 1615 1855 1955 1045 1250 1345 1150 1005 2315 1225 1355 2200 1130 0835 1825 1100 0845 1705 0820 1850

SG-1053 SG-2226 SG-1063 SG-1053

1,3,5,7 Daily 2,4,6 1,3,5,7

1915 1955 2015 1915

1955 2145 2210 2210

SG-2432 SG-2431

Daily Daily

1445 1010

1625 1205

SG-137 SG-137 SG-345 SG-345 SG-913 SG-218

1,2,3,4,5,6 7 7 1,2,3,4,5,6 Daily Daily

1005 1220 2115 2120 1515 2040

1120 1340 0055 0040 1915 2130

Goa (Via-AMD) Goa (Via-AMD) Hyderabad Jammu Mumbai Pune Pune

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-137 SG-137 SG-913 SG-912 SG-133 SG-345 SG-345

1,2,3,4,5,6 7 Daily Daily Daily 7 1,2,3,4,5,6

1005 1220 1515 1120 0830 2115 2120

1330 1540 1715 1250 1025 2255 2250

SG-913 SG-854 SG-852 SG-858 SG-913 SG-913 SG-852 SG-851

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1320 0930 1310 1625 1320 1320 1310 1040

1915 1050 1425 1740 1715 1445 1720 1115

SG-286 SG-286 SG-3242 SG-278 SG-118 SG-112 SG-108 SG-214 SG-108 SG-1052 SG-112 SG-118 SG-214

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,7

1900 1900 1800 1905 1840 1120 1235 1400 1235 2100 1120 1840 1400

2230 2000 1910 2040 2315 1620 1645 1835 1400 2255 1320 2040 1555

SG-873 SG-871 SG-529 SG-323 SG-523 SG-529 SG-874 SG-872 SG-324 SG-322 SG-219 SG-608 SG-255 SG-219 SG-803 SG-255 SG-321 SG-528 SG-883

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1130 1415 1645 1355 0715 1645 1800 1720 1655 2045 1710 0720 1155 1710 0805 1155 0815 1250 1635

1220 1510 2300 1455 0935 1910 2250 2115 1855 2315 0040 0950 1410 1940 1300 1720 0925 1405 1755

Jammu Chennai (Via-JAI - HYD) Delhi Delhi Delhi Hyderabad (Via-JAI) Jaipur Mumbai (Via-DEL) Srinagar Kochi Ahmedabad (Via - BLR) Bengaluru Chennai Chennai Delhi (Via- BOM) Delhi (Via-BOM) Delhi (Via-HYD) Delhi (Via-PNQ) Hyderabad Hyderabad Mumbai Mumbai Pune Kolkata Agartala Agartala Ahmedabad (Via-BLR-BOM) Bagdogra Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru (Via-BOM) Bengaluru (Via-HYD) Chennai Chennai Chennai (Via-DEL-PNQ) Delhi Delhi Delhi Goa (Via-BOM) Goa (Via-DEL) Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati

January 2013 162 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice schedule

Destination

flight no.

freq

dep

Guwahati (Via-IXA) Hyderabad Mumbai

SG-873 SG-872 SG-803

Daily Daily Daily

1130 1720 0805

1400 1925 1120

Mumbai Mumbai (Via-BLR) Port Blair Pune (Via-DEL)

SG-874 SG-529 SG-525 SG-219

Daily Daily Daily Daily

1800 1645 1135 1710

2045 2125 1335 2225

SG-3254 SG-3252 SG-1074

1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily

1220 1220 1255

1330 1440 1440

SG-304 SG-306 SG-296 SG-304 SG-306 SG-3317 SG-296

Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily

1000 1500 1840 1000 1500 1645 1840

1055 1605 1940 1425 1935 1835 2155

SG-3232 SG-341 SG-1024 SG-1024 SG-341

1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily 2 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily

1025 1515 1225 1505 1515

1110 1910 1200 1640 1645

SG-873 SG-106 SG-529 SG-151 SG-528 SG-341 SG-874 SG-151 SG-291 SG-274 SG-206 SG-131 SG-103 SG-109 SG-851 SG-114 SG-112 SG-264 SG-136 SG-118 SG-106 SG-218 SG-2432 SG-152

Daily Daily Daily 1,3,5 Daily Daily Daily 2,4,6,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

0815 0810 2200 1000 0735 1730 2120 1000 0605 1645 2100 0835 1450 1250 0550 1055 1415 1745 2015 2110 0810 1810 1230 1850

1220 0915 2300 1220 0920 1910 2250 1210 0755 1840 2305 1035 1700 1440 0755 1255 1620 1955 2220 2315 1125 2130 1625 2205

Kozhikode Bengaluru Chennai Hyderabad Madurai Chennai Chennai Chennai Delhi (Via-MAA) Delhi (Via-MAA) Hyderabad Mumbai ( Via-MAA) Mangalore Bengaluru Bengaluru (Via-BOM) Hyderabad Hyderabad Mumbai Mumbai Agartala (Via-CCU) Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Amritsar Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Chandigarh Chennai Chennai Chennai Kochi Kochi Coimbatore Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-AMD) Delhi (Via-JAI) Delhi (Via-JLR) Delhi (Via-STV)

Destination

arrival

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

Goa Goa Guwahati (Via-BLR-CCU) Guwahati (Via-CCU-IXA) Hyderabad Jabalpur Jaipur Jammu (Via-DEL) Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata (Via-BLR) Madurai (Via-MAA) Mangalore Srinagar (Via - ATQ) Srinagar (Via - IXC) Srinagar (Via-DEL IXJ) Surat

SG-803 SG-248 SG-528 SG-873 SG-401 SG-2432 SG-218 SG-851 SG-873 SG-804 SG-528 SG-291 SG-344 SG-151 SG-151 SG-851 SG-152

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,5 2,4,6,7 Daily Daily

1200 1515 0735 0815 0515 1230 1810 0550 0815 1855 0735 0605 1230 1000 1000 0550 1850

1300 1620 1405 1400 0635 1425 2010 1010 1100 2135 1220 0930 1400 1325 1325 1115 1935

Thiruvananthapuram Varanasi (Via-DEL) Visakhapatnam (Via-HYD)

SG-275 SG-114 SG-401

Daily Daily Daily

1145 1055 0515

1340 1505 0820

SG-272 SG-272 SG-883 SG-883

1,3,4,5,7 2,6 Daily Daily

1255 1425 1405 1405

1455 1640 1755 1600

SG-227 SG-345 SG-345 SG-219 SG-217 SG-208 SG-214 SG-294 SG-1025 SG-342

Daily 1,2,3,4,5,6 7 Daily 1,2,3,4,5,7 Daily 1,2,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily

0645 2320 2325 2300 1115 0720 1625 2105 2220 0755

0815 0040 0055 0040 1310 0930 1835 2315 2340 0935

SG-3304 SG-3303 SG-1062 SG-3304

2,4,6 2,4,6 Daily 2,4,6

1535 1230 1150 1535

1750 1340 1250 1605

Amritsar

SG-152

1,3,5

1445

1520

Bengaluru (Via-DEL) Chandigarh Delhi Delhi (Via - ATQ-BOM-STV) Delhi (Via - IXC-BOM-STV) Delhi (Via-IXJ) Jammu

SG-209 SG-152 SG-209 SG-152 SG-152 SG-852 SG-852

Daily 2,4,6,7 Daily 135 2,4,6,7 Daily Daily

1435 1445 1435 1445 1445 1155 1155

1940 1530 1605 2205 2205 1425 1240

Port Blair Chennai Chennai Guwahati (Via-CCU) Kolkata Pune Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Chennai Kochi Delhi Delhi Delhi Hyderabad Jaipur Rajahmundry Bengaluru (Via-VGA) Chennai Hyderabad Vijayawada Srinagar

January 2013 164 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice schedule

Destination

Mumbai (Via - ATQ) Mumbai (Via - IXC) Mumbai (Via-IXJ-DEL) Surat (Via - ATQ-BOM) Surat (Via - IXC-BOM) Surat Amritsar (Via - BOM) Chandigarh (Via - BOM) Delhi Mumbai Srinagar (Via - BOM-ATQ) Srinagar (Via - BOM-IXC) Tirupati Hyderabad Hyderabad Pune (Via- HYD) Thiruvananthapuram Chennai Chennai Mumbai Tuticorin Bengaluru (Via-MAA) Chennai Chennai Hubli (Via-MAA,BLR)

Udaipur Delhi Varanasi Coimbatore (Via-DEL,HYD) Delhi Delhi Delhi Hyderabad (Via-DEL) Mumbai (Via-DEL) Vijayawada Bengaluru Bengaluru Chennai Chennai (Via-RJA) Hyderabad Hyderabad Rajahmundry Visakhapatnam Bengaluru Chennai Delhi (Via-HYD)

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-152 SG-152 SG-852 SG-152 SG-152

1,3,5 2,4,6,7 Daily 1,3,5 2,4,6,7

1445 1445 1155 1445 1445

1810 1810 1720 1935 1935

SG-151 SG-151 SG-152 SG-151 SG-151 SG-151

1,3,5 2,4,6,7 Daily Daily 1,3,5 2,4,6,7

0835 0835 2005 0835 0835 0835

1220 1210 2205 0920 1325 1325

SG-1042 SG-1022 SG-1022

Daily Daily Daily

0855 1850 1850

1010 2010 2200

SG-3272 SG-3308 SG-276

Daily Daily Daily

0830 2200 1410

0955 2345 1605

SG-1084 SG-3292 SG-1084

1,3,4,5,7 Daily 1,3,4,5,7

1600 0855 1600

1900 1020 1710

SG-1084

1,3,4,5,7

1600

2015

SG-2436

Daily

1750

1910

SG-233 SG-233 SG-119 SG-128 SG-233 SG-119

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1130 1130 1535 1940 1130 1535

1740 1250 1655 2100 1550 1940

SG-3304 SG-3304 SG-3303 SG-3303 SG-1002 SG-1004 SG-3303

2,4,6 1,3,5,7 1,3,5,7 2,4,6 Daily Daily 2,4,6

1625 1630 1350 1140 905 1725 1140

1750 1750 1450 1340 1005 1820 1210

SG-1077 SG-3278 SG-226

Daily Daily Daily

1005 1920 0850

1145 2100 1250

Destination

Hyderabad Hyderabad Mumbai (Via-HYD)

flight no.

SG-226 SG-402 SG-402

freq

Daily Daily Daily

dep

0850 1930 1930

arrival

1000 2050 2315

INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULE Destination

Ahmedabad Dubai Chennai Colombo Colombo Chennai Madurai Madurai Delhi Dubai Kabul Kathmandu Kathmandu Riyadh DUBAI Ahmedabad Kochi Delhi Mumbai KABUL Delhi Kathmandu Delhi Delhi Kochi Dubai Male Madurai Colombo Colombo Male Kochi Mumbai Dubai Riyadh Delhi

flight no.

freq

arrival

SG-015

Daily

1700

1825

SG-001

Daily

0055

0200

SG-002 SG-3316 SG-3316

Daily 3 1,2,4,5,6,7

0300 1420 1435

0430 1520 1535

SG-011 SG-021 SG-041 SG-045 SG-031

Daily 2,4,6 1,3,5,7 Daily Daily

0950 0920 0840 1540 0345

1140 1020 1040 1740 0600

SG-016 SG-018 SG-012 SG-014

Daily Daily Daily Daily

1925 2045 2330 1250

2330 0225 0355 1710

SG-022

2,4,6

1120

1420

SG-042 SG-046

1,3,5,7 Daily

1140 1840

1315 2010

SG-017 SG-3901

Daily Daily

1710 1250

1950 1440

SG-3314 SG-3314

3 1,2,4,5,6,7

1230 1245

1330 1345

SG-3902

Daily

1515

1705

SG-013

Daily

2100

2225

SG-032

Daily

0700

1320

• SpiceJet flies to 39 domestic destinations covering the north, south, east and west of India. Whether you are flying for business, visiting friends or planning a holiday, SpiceJet is the smart way to travel. • SpiceJet now flies to 6 international destinations.

January 2013 166 www.spiceroutemag.com

dep

Spice offices

SpiceJet Offices Corporate Office SpiceJet Limited, 319 Udyog Vihar, Phase - IV, Gurgaon 122 016, Haryana Tel: +91 124 3913939 Fax: +91 124 3913844 Customer Services E-mail: custrelations@spicejet.com Reservations Toll Free: 1-800-180-3333 and 987-180-3333 Regional Heads North & Central India: Mr. Sumant Rautela Email: sumant.rautela@spicejet.com Delhi T1 & T3, Nepal & Afghanistan: Mr. Nelash Godara Email: nelash.godara@spicejet.com East and Andaman & Nicobar Islands Ms. Mitali Borgohain Email: mitali.b@spicejet.com West Mr. Rahul Bhakoti Email: rahul.bhakoti@spicejet.com Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Mr. Pankaj Handa Email: pankaj.handa@spicejet.com Tamil Nadu & Kerala Mr. R. Ranjeev Email: r.ranjeev@spicejet.com Agartala Station Incharge: Avishek Kar Address: Spicejet Ltd., C.A. Agartala Airport, Agartala - 799009 (Tripura) Email: avishek.kar@spicejet.com Ahmedabad Station Manager: Johnson George Address: Spicejet Ltd., SVP International Airport, Ahmedabad - 380003 (Gujarat) Email: johnson.george@spicejet.com Amritsar Station Incharge: Deepak Anand Address: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar-143101 (Punjab) Email: deepak.anand@spicejet.com Aurangabad Station Incharge: Keshav Moktali Address: Spicejet Ltd., New ATS Complex, Jalana Road, Aurangabad Airport, Aurangabad (Maharashtra) Email: keshav.moktali@spicejet.com Bagdogra Station Incharge: Saurav Raj Thapa Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Bagdogra, Siliguri-734421 (West Bengal)

Email: saurav.thapa@spicejet.com Bengaluru Station Incharge: Vivek Godbole Address: Spicejet Ltd., Bangalore International Airport, Devenhalli, Bengaluru - 560300 (Karnataka) Email: vivek.godbole@spicejet.com Bhopal Station Incharge: Faraz Siddiqui Address: Spicejet Ltd., Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) Email: faraz.siddiqui@spicejet.com Chandigarh Station Incharge: Manmeet Singh Barham Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Airport, Chandigarh – 16003 Email: manmeet.barham@spicejet.com Chennai Station Incharge: Gavin Jeffries Address: Spicejet Ltd., Kamraj International Airport, Chennai (Tamil Nadu) Email: gavin.jeffries@spicejet.com Coimbatore Station Manager: Santosh Kumar Nair Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Coimbatore - 641014 (Tamil Nadu) Email: santosh.nair@spicejet.com Colombo Station Manager: Rajesh Kumar Singh Address: Spicejet Ltd., Bandarnaike International Airport, Colombo (Sri Lanka) Email: rajesh.s@spicejet.com Dehradun Station Incharge: Manish Pandey Address: Spicejet Ltd., Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, Uttarakhand Email: manish.pandey@spicejet.com Dubai Station Manager: J. Venkatramakrishnan Address: Spicejet Ltd., Dubai International Airport, Departure level-Terminal 1, UAE Email: j.venkat@spicejet.com Goa Station Manager: Anish Dubey Address: Spicejet Ltd., Goa International Airport, Dabolim-403801 (Goa) Email: anish.dubey@spicejet.com Guwahati Station Manager: Debasish Choudhury Address: Spicejet Ltd., Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (Assam) Email: debasish.choudhury@spicejet.com Hyderabad Station Manager: Raghunath Singh Address: Spicejet Ltd., Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad (Andhra Pradesh) Email: raghunath.singh@spicejet.com Hubli Station Manager: Mahavir Gaur Address: Hubli airport, Gokul Road. Hubli 580 030 (Karnataka) Email: mahavir.gaur@spicejet.com Indore Station Incharge: Pavitra Shukla

Address: Spicejet Ltd., DABH Airport, Indore (Madhya Pradesh) Email: pavitra.shukla@spicejet.com Jabalpur Station Incharge: Jaimin Premasawala Address: Spicejet Ltd., Jabalpur Airport, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh Email: jaimin.premasawala@spicejet.com Jammu Station Manager: Deepak Koul Address: Spicejet Ltd., Jammu Airport,Civil Enclave Jammu (J&K) Email: deepak.koul@spicejet.com Jaipur Station Manager: Brijendra Sinsinwar Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Civil Airport Sanganer, Jaipur (Rajasthan) Email: brijendra.sinsinwar@spicejet.com Kathmandu Station Manager: Rajendra Krishna Joshi Address: Spicejet Ltd., Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (Nepal) Email: rajendra.joshi@spicejet.com Kabul Station Officer: Sunil Rehman Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Kabul International.

Airport (Afghanistan) Email: sunil.rehman@spicejet.com Kochi Station Manager: Shamon P.S Address: Spicejet Ltd., Cochin International Airport Limited, Kochi (Kerala) Email: shamon@spicejet.com Kolkata Station Manager: Sagarnath Das Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Terminal II, NSCBI Airport, Kolkata – 700052 (West Bengal) Email: sagarnath.das@spicejet.com Kozhikode Station Incharge:Sajith Kannoth Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Calicut International Airport, Malapuram – 673647 (Kerala) Email: sajith@spicejet.com Madurai Station Manager: Balaji Ramanan Address: Spicejet Ltd., Madurai Airport, Madurai - 625022 (Tamil Nadu) Email: balaji.ramanan@spicejet.com Mangalore Station Incharge: C.M.Biddappa Address: Spicejet Ltd., Bajpe Airport, Mangalore (Karnataka) Email: biddappa@spicejet.com Mumbai Station Manager: Naved Patel Address: Spicejet Ltd., Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai (Maharashtra) Email: naved.patel@spicejet.com New Delhi Station Manager: Nelash Godara Address: Terminal 1D, IGI Airport, Palam (Delhi) Email: nelash.godara@spicejet.com Port Blair Station Incharge: Arun M Address: Spicejet Ltd., Veer Sawarkar International Airport, Port Blair (Andaman &

January 2013 170 www.spiceroutemag.com

Nicobar Islands) Email: arun.m@spicejet.com Pune Station Manager: Adil Palia Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Enclave Pune Airport, Lohegaon, Pune - 411032 (Maharashtra) Email: adil.palia@spicejet.com Rajahmundry Station Incharge: Amit Naraian Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Rajahmundry Airport, Madhurapudi (Andhra Pradesh) Email: amit.naraian@spicejet.com Riyadh Station Manager: Irfan Hussain Kanth Address: Spicejet Ltd., King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) Email: irfan.kanth@spicejet.com Srinagar Station Incharge: Sartaj Ahmed Mantoo Address: Spicejet Ltd., Srinagar Airport, Srinagar (J&K) Email: sartaj.mantoo@spicejet.com Surat Station Incharge: Harin Rajguru Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Surat Airport, Surat (Gujarat) Email: harin.rajguru@spicejet.com Tirupati Station Incharge: N Nagaraju Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Tirupati-517520 (Andhra Pradesh) Email: n.nagaraju@spicejet.com Thiruvananthapuram Station Incharge: A.C.Ratheesh Address: Spicejet Ltd., Trivandrum International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram 695008 (Kerala) Email: ratheesh.ac@spicejet.com Tuticorin Station Incharge: Narasimhan S.R Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Tuticorin-628103 (Tamil Nadu) Email: narasimhan.r@spicejet.com Udaipur Station Incharge: Sumant Rautela Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Maharana Pratap Airport Dabok, Udaipur - 313023 (Rajasthan) Email: sumant.rautela@spicejet.com Varanasi Station Manager: Rajul Srivastava Address: Spicejet Ltd., L.B.S. Airport, Babatpur, Varanasi - 221006 (Uttar Pradesh) Email: rajul.srivastava@spicejet.com Vijayawada Station Incharge: Devendra Sunkara Address: Spicejet Ltd., Vijayawada Airport, Gannavaram - 521102 (Andhra Pradesh) Email: devendra.sunkara@spicejet.com Visakhapatnam Station Manager: Attanur Prasad Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Visakhapatnam Airport, Visakhapatnam - 530009 (Andhra Pradesh) Email: attanur.prasad@spicejet.com

Spice bites

January 2013 172 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice bites

January 2013 174 www.spiceroutemag.com