Spiceroute September 2013

Volume VII Issue IX September 2013

www.spiceroutemag.com

The inflight magazine of SpiceJet

GROUP

Fear Conquest

Adventure shows on high

ARTISTe & MUSE

TEACHER’S DAY SPECIAL

Tintin Trail

Brussels Escapade

PV Sindhu

badminton’s rising star

Muscat ystical

FOR OUR NEW FRESH AND HOT MEALS Turn to pg. 216

Moving

ahead Dear SpiceJetters, We continue to expand our footprints in the international destinations. With the launch of Ahmedabad-Muscat flight, your favourite airline, SpiceJet now flies to 9 international destinations spread across the neighbouring Asian and Gulf countries.

You would be glad to know that SpiceJet is now connecting Pune-Sharjah with direct flights.

India is a great holiday destination beckoning not only the international travellers but also the Indian travellers offering a wide spectrum of holiday spots ranging from sunny sea sides to the mesmerising mountains, from rainy forests to hot desert and from religious places to party destinations. All this and much more of our new revamped menu with mouth watering delicacies for you to savour on-board makes SpiceJet your obvious choice.

Onam and Ganesh Chaturthi make September a festive month, so avail our new offerings and travel in greater comfort for your family reunion.

In this issue of our monthly in-flight magazine—Spiceroute, we feature our latest international destination—Muscat. Vegan diet, hair trends and easy office exercises also form a part of this month’s reading. Celebrating Teacher’s day we also bring you an article on celebrated artistes and their gurus.

Please feel free to reach out to us at custrelations@spicejet.com for any feedback or queries.

Happy Flying!

Kalanithi Maran Chairman

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

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

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

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

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

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September 2013 4 www.spiceroutemag.com

Contents 14 HOT DATES September happenings across SpiceJet network

Cover story 26

MAGICAL MUSCAT Discover the old world charm

34 City guide 48 hours in ahmedabad Take a tour through this city of rich culture

44 Quick getaway Colonial charm Head to Shimla for perfect serenity

50 Theme holiday begums’ land A sneak peek into the royal city of Bhopal

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Tiger tales Story of the magnificent tigress T37

66 Festive Flavour Auspicious start Cultural festivals this September

SEPTEMBER 2013 Volume VII Issue IX September 2013

76 Spice trail

www.spiceroutemag.com

The inflight magazine of SpiceJet

sweet chilli Add taste to your food with Cayenne

GROUP

80 Gourmet delight on the food trail Enjoy Lucknowi delicacies

86

FEAR CONQUEST

ADVENTURE SHOWS ON HIGH

ARTISTE & MUSE

go vegan Shifting to the new green diet

TEACHER’S DAY SPECIAL

TINTIN TRAIL

BRUSSELS ESCAPADE

PV SINDHU

BADMINTON’S RISING STAR

Muscat ystical

92

FOR OUR NEW FRESH AND HOT MEALS Turn to pg. 216

home cooks Homemade delicacies for sale

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

Contents 98 In Conversation sMASH HIT Teté-a-teté with PV Sindhu

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104 Glam world THE R FACTOR

travel buzz

166

Adventure reality shows on a high

GADGETS

112 TWISTED TRESSES

170

FilmS

Try the new braided look

172

118 Well-being

BOOKS

strengthen those bonds Best ways to spend time with your family

186

Games

124

194

fitness funda Take time out for these exercises during work

Predictions

202

130 Culture canvas

SPICEJET DESTINATIONS

antique beauties Traditional yet contemporary antique furniture

214

SPICEJET ROUTE MAP

215

Fleet Guide

136

creative muse Artistes and their inspirations

142 Good samaritans ENGLISH VINGLISH Teaching spoken English to the labour class

216

SPICE BITES

218

SPICEJET SCHEDULE

230

SPICEJET OFFICES

148

tree of life Paint trees to save them

174 Kids’ corner Tintin trail Discover his adventure spots in Brussels

180

Tiny couture For our young fashionistas

190 ZOOM IN Delhi’s charm A tour through the city’s historical sites

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

Alstone International

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

Spice mail

Letters from the

SpiceJet family Quick check-in The check-in process at SpiceJet is very smooth and hassle-free. I am also impressed by the positive attitude of the SpiceJet staff.

Keep up the good work.

Mardik Panchal

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

September 2013 12 www.spiceroutemag.com

HOT Meal I’m a frequent traveller with SpiceJet and I appreciate the systematic functioning of the airlines. I especially like the hot meal that is served onboard.

H. Madasu

HOT DATES

20 Cycling fun India International Cycle Expo is a top bicycle and spare parts sector trade event. Apart from highlighting latest industry updates and market happenings, topical meeting sessions between sellers and buyers will be hosted. In over 250 booths, an extensive collection of bicycles, accessories and more will be displayed. On from September 20-22 at the B M Birla auditorium, Jaipur.

30 Step up Dance enthusiasts can view contemporary dance performance NH 7 by Deepak Kurki.

This dance duet depicts the intricate, confused, rapid urbanisation and vividly captures the fervent need to build, demolish and re-imagine the city. The dance performance will take place on September 30 at The Park Hotel, Chennai.

27 Literature Festival Entering its second year, the Bangalore Literature Festival has become the mecca for writers and readers from across India and worldwide. Brilliant and remarkable authors and luminaries will come together to participate in an unforgettable experience here. On from September 27 to 29 at the splendid Jayamahal Palace, Bangalore.

1 Dance blend 3 Dhara is an hour-and-a-half-long dance solo performance in three different styles simultaneously – Vilasini Natyam, Odissi and Kathak, by three talented artistes – Pujita Krishna Jyoti, Raman Kumari and Mitha Vinay. This solo classical dance event will be held on September 1 at Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.

September 2013 14 www.spiceroutemag.com

26 waste treatment Watertech Gandhinagar is one of the largest waste water treatment and recycling sector trade shows in India, with several conferences and roundtables. More than 102 companies from 15 states will participate. On from September 26-28 at Gujarat University Exhibition Hall, Ahmedabad.

SEPTEMBER

10 14

Creative workshop Zen Ideas presents a workshop in scriptwriting, filmmaking and acting by Shriram Yadav. Learn script writing with technical words and writing format; the filmmaking technique with budget planning and film distribution; and acting with stage daring, camera facing and meditation sessions to develop a sound personality. On till September 14 at The Zen Hall, Pune.

Art y affair United Art Fair announces its second edition with paintings, sculpture and photography on display along with examples from all fields of design including graphic art, fashion, textiles, furniture and ceramics. On from September 14 to 17 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, this art fair is surely a not-to-be-missed event for all creative enthusiasts.

15 biryani Festival Relish different flavours of special biryanis such as Hyderabadi chicken biryani, Hyderabadi mutton biryani, Rang birangi biryani, Rilley Milley Biryani and Kerela Fish Biryani at the Biryani Festival, Tempting restaurant, Karol Bagh, New Delhi from September 1- 30.

21 Metal effect Professionals who belong to metal fabrication and robotics as well as laser technology enterprises must visit Fabintec to view the latest advancements in these fields.

This show is useful for the growing Indian steel and metal industry, where there are investment opportunities for domestic as well as international business owners and entrepreneurs. On from September 20-23 at CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex, Coimbatore.

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Travel buzz

Travel news

1 1. Tourism exchange Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cross-promotion of tourism during the visit of Chandana Khan, Special Chief Secretary, Tourism & Culture, Archaeology & Museums, Archives & Youth Services & Sports, NCC, Government of Andhra Pradesh, to Bengaluru according to a media report. Now travellers from Karnataka can easily book train tickets and hotels to various destinations in Andhra Pradesh, and also enjoy a 50 percent discount on these bookings. “Karnataka is a market with tremendous opportunities and we want to tap this to maximise tourism in our state.

The proximity to Andhra Pradesh and the multiple options of modes of travel make it an easy holiday option for people from the state. We are looking to expand and build this market,” Khan said.

Dr. C D Dyavaiah, IFS, Managing Director, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, added, “We are optimistic that this will be a step forward in terms of increasing tourism initiatives in both states.” Significantly, the Andhra Pradesh government is aiming to focus on the development of unexplored destinations.

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2. Domestic hotels in demand

3. Ahmedabad Airport best

According to the HVS Hotels in India Trends and Opportunities in 2012-13 report, the Indian hotel industry will be on a high again with demand for rooms in tourist towns such as Agra, Jaipur, Goa and Kerala growing last fiscal, helped by a 20 percent rise in domestic tourist visits. The falling rupee is inevitably making holidays abroad more expensive and Indian tourists are turning to domestic destinations.

With the rupee continuing to depreciate, this trend is expected to continue. Manav Thadani, Chairman, HVS India, said, “This shows that the negative sentiments that were breeding in the industry are not really true. Just as the economy, hotels too have seen a down cycle and they will soon start seeing positive momentum in the next 12-18 months.” The surge in domestic tourism will open up newer opportunities for development along the coasts of Odisha and Maharashtra, Andaman and Nicobar Islands; and help newer townships such as Lavasa.

According to a survey of 11 airports in the country, conducted by the Airports Council International (ACI), the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad is the best in India. Airport Services Quality (ASQ), Ahmedabad Airport was judged the best when it came to passenger services. “We have introduced many facilities at the airport – they include medical assistance and care for senior citizens,” said R K Singh, Director, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport.

The survey was carried out at the 11 airports run by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) — Chennai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Goa, Ahmedabad, Pune, Lucknow, Srinagar, Calicut, Guwahati and Trivandrum. Among these airports, Ahmedabad stood first with the satisfaction index of 4.13 on the scale of five and was followed by Guwahati, Lucknow and Srinagar. The Airports Council International is an international body of the confederation of airports which carries out this survey independently.

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September 2013 16 www.spiceroutemag.com

Travel buzz

4. New at The Leela The Leela Palace New Delhi has dedicated one of its guest floors to single lady travellers.

Called Kamal, this exclusive floor is equipped with CCTVs and has restricted elevator access.

Bathrooms have high-end feminine essentials, hair dryers, mood lighting, hands-free telephones, mirror televisions and dedicated female staff. You are received at the airport by a hotel representative, and transfers – both arrival and departure – are in a BMW sedan with en route dining food order service.

Besides, there’s private access to the spa, and a host of complimentary relaxation and beauty treatments to help you unwind; priority ontable reservations; packing/unpacking services by the butler and incoming call screening in case you need it.

The Leela will also be launching ‘Spa and Spiritual Journeys’ at The Leela Palace Udaipur.

You can avail three-, five- or seven-day wellbeing programmes to balance, nurture and rejuvenate your body and mind. All these options are an intelligent blend of ancient ayurvedic and modern western spa treatments, yoga and meditation sessions, traditional temple rituals, healthy spa cuisine, serene boat cruises and visits to spiritual abodes.

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5 5. Skills show The Reitaisai Festival is on from September 14 to 16 at the 800-year-old Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, Yukinoshita, Kamakura City in Japan.

It consists of events such as a tea-offering ceremony to the gods and classical Japanese dance. One attraction is the gallant Yabusame (held on the 16th) which passes down the ancient traditions of the Kamakura Period. This Shinto ritual of shooting arrows on horseback combines equestrian skills and Japanese-style archery which was popular among ancient Samurai warriors. The 14th is the Yoimiyasai, or the eve of the festival. On the 15th, there is the Big Annual Festival when numerous worshippers are welcomed by the shrine head and staff, unmarried women serving gods and young girls serving gods as well as performing dances to the accompaniment of music. The Shinkosai parade of parishioner carrying portable shrines is also held followed by a procession of several hundred meters marching through the streets.

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September 2013 18 www.spiceroutemag.com

6. Exhilarating Wales Be part of an array of exciting festivals in Wales this month. On September 8 is the bike race Ironman Wales at Pembrokeshire. From September 13 to 15 is the Roald Dahl Day in Gwynedd. The Portmeirion Festival No. 6, an intimate boutique music and arts festival, is on between September 13 and 15 at Portmeirion Village. On September 16, celebrate Glyndwr Day at Corwen in Denbighshire to mark the day the Welsh rebel leader started his revolt by torching the town of Ruthin in 1400. The Abergavenny Food Festival on September 21 and 22 at Abergavenny comprises around 220 stalls and 50 individually ticketed events.

Visit the Tenby Arts Festival on September 21 at Tenby for theatrical and literary events.

On September 21 and 22 is the Great British Cheese Festival at Cardiff Castle in Cardiff where you get the finest selection of British cheese. If you are an Elvis fan, visit Porthcawl between September 27 and 29 for the largest Elvis event in Europe.

Travel buzz

7. Record guests onboard In its 45-year company history, Royal Caribbean International welcomed the 50 millionth guest onboard its fleet of 21 ships recently.

The occasion kicks off a year-long celebration honouring the cruise line’s guests, business partners, employees and crew. “Royal Caribbean International has been successfully delivering the WOW experience and firstat-sea innovations to our Indian guests for decades. With state-of-the-art amenities, ground-breaking innovations and outstanding services from professional and dedicated crew members, our guests experience unforgettable moments and are inspired to repeatedly sail onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise,” said Ratna Chadha, Chief Executive of TIRUN Travel Marketing, India Representative of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Each Royal Caribbean ship will recognise the milestone with shipboard festivities. The onboard events will mark the start of a year-long campaign.

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8. Voluntourism at Panna

9. Wedding special

Taj Safaris is India’s first and only wildlife circuit in the country that provides guests with Voluntourism – an exciting wildlife experience, based on a proven sustainable ecotourism model. It is a joint venture between Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces, and &Beyond. Apart from a luxurious stay in its four lodges in Madhya Pradesh – Pashan Garh, Mahua Kothi, Banjaar Tola and Baghvan – the Voluntourism packages include two safari drives, visits to ancient temples, nature walks, sojourns to villages, sharing meals and engaging in various activities.

Guests can also impart a skill to the locals and participate in installing smokeless chulhas provided by Taj Safaris as a replacement to the traditional smoke-generating chulhas. They can also volunteer at Asha Bhavan – a home for differently abled girls, and pitch in day-to-day chores like cooking, cleaning, gardening and the like. They are also working on imparting education to the children of the neighbouring villages about importance of conserving our eco-system.

Stone Water Eco Resort in Goa has introduced two packages. The first is the Wedding Lawn Area Package 1 with venue, excluding food. The venue cost is `1,50,000 and includes provision of chairs and tables, lights, centre drapes on dance floor, music/DJ, generator, 15 service boys and bartenders, three bar setups, room for the wedding couple, dance floor, and stone bar + restaurant setup. Outside caterers are allowed. Bar will be provided by the venue, but you can carry your own liquor. In the Wedding Lawn Area Package 2 with venue, bar & food, the venue cost is `75,000 to `1,00,000 and will include all mentioned in the first option, plus buffet set up with cutlery, crockery and food from Stone Water at `600 per head.

Stone Water also arranges for theme décor and ceremony setup, and a wedding planner. These packages are valid up to December 2013. The Resort also caters to birthday parties, wedding anniversaries and all kinds of celebratory functions. For more information, contact afra. barreto@gmail.com; +91 9819534619

September 2013 20 www.spiceroutemag.com

Travel buzz

10

12

10. Ozo in Hong Kong

12. Weekend indulgence

OZO Wesley Hong Kong has opened its doors in Wanchai. Located on Hennessy Road, a prime business and commercial district on Hong Kong Island, this hotel is a five-minute stroll from the brands and boutiques of Pacific Place, as well as the restaurants and bars. Their 251 guest rooms and suites have been designed for comfort and convenience. There are up-todate amenities to keep the guests connected, including IPTV, a multimedia connectivity panel and free Wi-Fi internet access throughout. A healthy breakfast and espresso jolt at grab-andgo outlet O2Go will invigorate guests, whilst the chatty staff and interactive orientation screens in the lobby give them all the area information they need to plan their day. Their fitness centre, Tone has everything from free weights to cardio equipment. The property features an aptly-named meeting space, Talk, that can accommodate a range of meeting or event types.

11 11. Gateway Hotel in Chennai The Gateway Hotel recently opened its plush doors on the IT Expressway Chennai.

A refreshing blend of traditional hospitality and modern cosmopolitan efficiency, the hotel is divided into eight zones – Enter, Stay, Hangout, Meet, Work, Workout, Unwind and Explore. One unique feature – many services like breakfast and laundry are available 24/7.

Plus, they ‘deliver’ fitness through options such as in-room yoga and active food (healthy eats with low glycemic index). They have 200 rooms, including four executive suites. For dining, you can choose from Buzz which offers regional and international cuisine; Sian, for Chinese food; or just unwind at the bar Swirl.

September 2013 22 www.spiceroutemag.com

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Hyderabad has introduced a special stay offer for couples who are looking for a weekend getaway as part of its first anniversary celebrations. The stay package will cost `12,999 for two nights and three days and will include breakfast, Wi-Fi connectivity and late check-out facility. This offer is valid till September 30. To add to the fun, this package has been designed like a bag of surprises – guests availing of this special offer will be allowed to choose three useful and lucrative services that will be complementary with their stay package. Services include the following: cab for 8 hours/80km, drinks at Movida with Tapas food, one-hour spa treatment for the couple, buffet dinner on all days, Dilmah Real High tea on all days (4pm to 6pm) or Happy hours at Bar 41 (6.30pm to 8.30pm). So go ahead, choose the weekend you want to indulge yourselves this month, and book your package at the earliest.

Travel buzz

14 14. Comics fiesta

13 13. Tex Mex dining Rodeo, the Tex-Mex Restaurant & Pub in Connaught Place, New Delhi serves a wide range of authentic Mexican cuisine. Based on the cowboy theme, Rodeo has a well-stocked bar and foot-tapping live music. The waiters are in Stetson hats and dressed as cowboys.

There are saddles in place of bar stools to add to the atmosphere. With a new menu and changed decor, a visit to Rodeo is a new experience altogether. You can choose from fajitas, enchiladas and taquitos for starters; hongos pinchidos, steaks and pan pollo asado for main course; and tartas de coco and death by chocolate for dessert, among many more mouth-watering options.

Brussels is going to experience a colourful weekend from September 5-8, with the famous Comics Festival taking place in Place des Palais.

It includes a 3D projection mapping on the Place Royale, the Balloon’s Day Parade, the Tintin magazine, guided visits and comics exhibitions at the festival and throughout the city. Highlights include the Marquee area where comic lovers will be able to visit bookshops, publishers, museums, exhibitions, boutiques and numerous animations for both adults and children. The comic-strip themed dinner, a lively event with a “street food” theme, will have exquisite creativity, a cartoon universe and animations rich with drama, all served up in the famed Brussels Food Trucks!

Diners will also be able to see a sound-andlight show. At the Tintin magazine car rally in collaboration this year with Moulinsart, around 40 cars and motorcycles represented in the boards of different comic strips from the Tintin magazine will be showcased. The most authentic car will be officially named ‘The Tintin magazine car’.

September 2013 24 www.spiceroutemag.com

15. Do the dance Do not miss the 6th Dubai International Dance Festival – a spectacular event filled with music and dance. It is a unique multi-arts event and has a reputation for attracting some of most the well-known dance companies, classical dance academies, youth orchestras, bands, and music ensembles from around the region and the world. Claimed to be the largest dance event of the year, this the Dubai International Dance Festival will include three days of performances, live entertainment, workshops, themed dance parties, dance competitions, international guest DJs and more.

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Cover story

Magical

Muscat

The capital of Oman mixes a breathtaking coastal setting and an old-world charm with a trendy cosmopolitan culture to make the perfect cocktail.

WO R D S

&

P hotog ra phs

|

Rupali

Dean

September 2013 26 www.spiceroutemag.com

ooking out from my cab as I was being driven to the hotel from the airport, I felt as if a painting had come to life. Loose brush strokes of beauty marked Muscat on the Arabian Sea, alive with fishing dhows. It is one of the few cities in the region embracing old-world charm as much as its glass-and-steel modernity – truly the work of a confident grandmaster. The great expanse of sea, the stunning Al Aalam Palace keeping watch over the placid harbour, a few people ambling by, eateries just opening shop… Muscat seemed like a spray of icy water on a humid day – refreshing! Within an hour of my arrival, I was out to explore.

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Photo | Oman Tourism

L

Cover story

Fact file

✓ Best Way to Reach: SpiceJet has

reasonably priced flights to Muscat.

✓ Language: Arabic is the native

language of the country. But English is widely spoken.

Like a Prayer

Lots to see!

After a dekko of the Mosque I hopped on to

Clockwise from left: The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque; Worshippers assemble for prayer; The harbour holds special charm

the Big Bus tour which took me to many of the city’s greatest landmarks, from the modern Royal Opera House to the traditional Old Quarter, and from royal palaces to boutique shopping areas. The tour highlighted the rich history of Muscat while showcasing its many attractions. I made a mental note of the places I would come back to see at leisure.

Taste of Oman Small coffee shops, occasional Lebanese or Turkish restaurants and roadside shawarma

(shaved meat) stands dot the city. But being an appreciator of local culture and tradition, I tracked down Bin Ateek, a restaurant highly recommended by my guide. It has a few floors, divided into private rooms, named after various places in Oman. We were made to sit on the carpeted floor. Foodie that I am, I ordered all the specialities on the menu. The meal was brought on large traditional round trays to be eaten community style, just like you would in any Arab home. The highlight being the shuwa – lamb marinated in herbs and spices such as

Photo | Oman Tourism

I started with the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. As I walked through the wroughtiron gates, donning my head scarf, I was mesmerised by the stupendously photogenic archways that meet a dazzling white courtyard which can hold up to 20,000 worshippers when full, I am told. The Persian carpet at the main prayer hall (for men only) was woven by 600 Iranian over four years, and brought here in 85 pieces that were stitched on site.

The Swarovski crystal chandelier, the French stained-glass windows, interior walls panelled in grey and white marble with ceramic flowers, Omani fort-inspired ceilings and Quran scriptures on the wall are simply spectacular.

The women’s prayer hall is smaller though, as most pray at home. Even losing yourself out here is an experience to cherish, but be alert – you may just walk into a time warp.

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Cover story

SpiceJet flies to Muscat.

See schedule, page 218.

Top: The oasis offers welcome relief after a tiring ride through the Wahiba Sands desert Left: Camel rides add to the charm and give you an unparalleled view of the scenic sand dunes

My Land Rover was driven over a large dune, sand spraying in a wide arc behind me – yes dune bashing is fun

red pepper, garlic, cumin and coriander. It is then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked for up to two days in an underground clay oven.

The mashuai aka spit-roasted fish served on a bed of lemon rice was a sheer delight. Also not to be missed is maqbous, a saffron-flavoured rice dish cooked over white or red meat – their version of our biryani. The other native curry dishes are based on various meats and do not disappoint either. Try the beef with green beans and potatoes or spicy fish in lime and coconut milk.

Unforgettable excursion On the itinerary next day were dune bashing, September 2013 30 www.spiceroutemag.com

meetings with local Bedouins (a predominantly desert-dwelling Arabian ethnic group ), an oasis visit and a camel ride, for which we excitedly drove through the Wahiba Sands via Al Mudayrib, Al Mintirib and Wadi Bani Khalid.

The trip took us further afield into the Wahiba sands desert which is also home to amazingly rare wildlife and the hardy Bedouin people.

The sand dunes are soft, silent and gorgeous. If you lust for the exotic and nature like me, you would love this.

My Land Rover was driven over the crest of a large dune, sand spraying in a wide arc behind me... I suddenly realised what was happening – dune-bashing! I was with a Bedouin driver racing through the undulations of the Wahiba sands, and loving it.

After a hearty picnic lunch, a chat with the Bedouins and a camel ride, we left for the oasis. Interestingly, the ancient Falaj system of water supply and irrigation responsible for most of the oasis, is basically channels cut into the side of the mountains, running across miniature aqueducts and tunnels.

Driving past the Hajar Mountains, enjoying the spectacular scenery, we were at Wadi Bani Khalid – an oasis-like valley replete with clear, deep blue water that maintains a constant flow

Cover story

KNOW more Currency: Omani Rials (OMR) is the national currency.

Currency can be exchanged in banks or at exchange booths in the main cities, the airport and major hotels.

In the middle of the old town is a souk selling all things Omani from giant pans to daggers and more

Clothing: The dressing style is usually informal and comfortable.

Shopping: Oman is famous for the Omani khanjars, silver jewellery, frankincense, dates, perfumes and electronic goods at amazing prizes which are available in the souks and shopping malls.

of water throughout the year from several spring sources. Steep but fairly low wadi (a dried-up river bed) walls enclose the deep green-and-blue pools, although the stream in the wadi does disappear into a satisfyingly narrow rushing canyon. The exposed geology is dramatic and interesting.

Walking in this cool mountain oasis was an absolute pleasure. It was oh-so-refreshing to dip my feet in the water after the morning full of adventure. So you will understand why the next morning was spent lazily!

Top: The Al Aalam Palace keeps watch over the harbour Left: Omanis enjoying a drink in the oasis

Old-town charm This was a special place. I stood there looking out for several minutes. There were some remains from the Portuguese influence – small houses, alleys and forts built atop the hills overlooking the sea. But there was also a soothing loveliness that is hard to describe. It’s not all about history and architecture though.

Walking through a traditional fish market is one of the essential experiences here. Nothing can be more important than enjoying one’s meal, they think in Oman, and they do so correctly in my opinion. In the middle of the old town September 2013 32 www.spiceroutemag.com

is another sort of treasure – the souk that sells all things Omani, ranging from giant pans, beads and daggers to frankincense. A day is not enough for shopping of course, but I had to make do. And yes, later in the day after a lunch of shawarma and baklava, I also took a mini Dhow cruise, which was fun!

Bid adieu My last night in Muscat was spent at Le Pub at the Al Falaj Hotel, definitely the hippest and oldest in town, with panoramic views from the eighth floor. It houses a trio that doesn’t unnecessarily jump about, yet belts out excellent songs. In a haze, I and a few friends left the bar and gathered in my room’s spacious balcony to chatter away late into the night. It was cool and breezy and there was wine in our glasses. A fitting end to a beautiful journey.

City guide

September 2013 34 www.spiceroutemag.com

48 Hours

in AHMEDABAD

Soul-satisfying food, heart-warming hospitality and a bouquet of historic landmarks make this city a must-visit. &

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DAY ONE

7:00 AM tea time

My first morning in Ahmedabad started with tea at the Lucky Tea Restaurant. This small teashop, now a restaurant, is built around an old neem tree and three graves. Do not shudder – this stall is a favourite among locals!

This teashop has also been frequented by the likes of late M F Husain. Along with tea, I had their signature maska bun.

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Photo | Dave Morris

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City guide

Lucky Tea restaurant has even been visited

by M F Husain 8:00 AM The Sidi Saeed Mosque Just across the road from Lucky Tea is the Sidi Saeed Mosque. Constructed in the year 1572 by Sidi Saeed, the mosque is popularly known as Sidi Saeed ni jaali. The marvellous filigree work on one of its walls makes this monument really special. After the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, this Sidi Saeed ni jaali has become the identity of Ahmedabad city.

10:30 AM Swaminarayan temple On way to the Swaminarayan temple in Kalupur area, I had a glimpse of the pols (the traditional set up of houses) in the walled city of Ahmedabad. The temple looks colourful and majestic in the bright morning light. It was established by Shri Sahjanand Swami and is one of the first temples of the Swaminarayan sect in the world. As a photographer, this was the perfect time for me to visit, as I got to capture the many

devotees and visitors coming for the morning aarti through my lenses. You just cannot miss the well-carved pillars made out of wood in the premises.

12:30 PM Lunch at MG

I made my way to the House of Mangaldas built in memory of Mangaldas Girdhardas.

Gujarat is a great place for foodies and the choice is unending. I decided on specialties like khaman and methi na gota which were

filling, but I could not resist sukhadi – a sweet dish made out of ghee, wheat atta and gud.

Agashiye, which is their rooftop restaurant, is a favourite of the crème de la crème Gujaratis for the authentic thali.

2:30 PM Shopping galore Maneckchowk and Ratan Pol are the havens of shopping when in Ahmedabad. So after a hearty lunch, I headed there straight. The shops lined next to each other, without any

Clockwise from top: Alpha One Mall is the biggest in the city; A devotee prays at The Sidi Saeed Mosque; the mosque is famous for its filigree work

September 2013 36 www.spiceroutemag.com

City guide

gap in between, make it a most colourful and crowded place. You can shop here for traditional gold and silver jewellery, antiques, sarees, household items and even brinjal and potato for your evening meal. I have heard that at night, Maneckchowk is a different place. The place gets crowded with street-food carts and street-food lovers.

4:00 PM Kite museum Once again I took an auto ride to visit the city across the river Sabarmati. On the way to the Kite Museum I saw the Calico Mill which now stands in ruins. The Sanskar Kendra houses the Kite museum and the Karnavati Atit ni Zanki City Museum. All Amdavadis are passionate about kite flying. The museum showcases the artistic kites made by an artist named Bhanu Shah. It also happens to be the only kite museum in India.

Photo | Siva Subramanian Vasanth

SpiceJet flies to Ahmedabad.

See schedule, page 218.

9:15 PM Bhatiyaar Gali Time for dinner. Mani, my friend had recommended Bhatiyaar Gali for non -vegetarian food. I was visiting the place on the occasion of Eid and it was buzzing with people, the festive spirit at its peak. With stalls lined up on both the sides of the road, there were people calling out to you to come and dine at their stall. It didn’t take me too long to succumb to those invites. I tasted the heavenly chicken tandoori and mutton bhuna served with two large naans at a small eatery called Z K Fry Centre, which has been in existence for more than 15 years. After having my dinner, as

Clockwise from top left: Bhatiyaar Gali is known for nonvegetarian food and thick sweet paranthas; Charkha at Gandhi Ashram; Law Garden – the ethnic shopping hub

September 2013 38 www.spiceroutemag.com

I walked further down the lane, I came across stalls selling packed naans and paranthas – thick and puffy breads made out of ghee, sugar and flour. My sweet tooth took me to Mansoor Sweets where I gorged on doodhi halwa.

DAY TWO

8:00 AM Gandhi Ashram I decided to begin my second day in the city with a visit to Mahatma Gandhi’s Ashram.

Situated on the banks of river Sabarmati, the Ashram is a must-visit. Gandhiji made a hut called Hridaykunj inside the Ashram and stayed there from 1918 to 1930. During his stay in Hridaykunj, Gandhiji had adopted the method of using the charkha, which became an integral symbol and part of the Swadeshi Movement. One can go on a guided tour of the Ashram and see the gallery where there are paintings of Gandhiji made by Chandulal Shah and Hiralal Khatri, and the library where there are more than a thousand of books on Gandhiji, pre-independent India and biographies of other freedom fighters and leaders. One can easily spend half a day here.

12:30 PM Law Garden After spending a good four hours at the Ashram, I headed for the Law Garden. On the way I crossed the Indian Institute of Management built by the famous architect Louis Kahn. I had promised to catch up with

Photo | Addison Godel

City guide

in the monsoon. You can also see the graves of some of the queens inside the complex. My camera loved the magnificent latticework done on the walls of the main Roza, with the evening light passing artistically through the lattices.

Clockwise from top left: HussainDoshi Gufa; Sarkhej Roza mosque; The Juvaani kaarigari umbrella act by a local artiste; Traditional village restaurant Vishalla

Law Garden is famous for its street food and embroidered ethnicwear some old friends at NID (National Institute of Design), also designed by Kahn. Inside NID is NIDUS, a store where all products on sale are designed by NIDians. After having Lalu’s chai at NID’s chai gate I went to Law Garden, the favourite traditional and ethnic shopping hub for every visitor to Ahmedabad.

Though I am not too fond of shopping, I could not resist the place as I wanted to gift myself a kedia (a high-waist top worn by men for garba). In fact, the place is a paradise for bargain hunters. Apart from kedia the shops sell exquisitely embroidered chaniyaa choli, kurtas, ghaaghras, dupattas, handbags; a few of the stalls sell artificial jewellery as well. Law Garden is also famous for its street food. Here I indulged in Ahmedabad’s own delectable creation – the chocolate sandwich.

5:30 PM The Hussain-Doshi Gufa The Hussain-Doshi Gufa cafe inside the campus of Centre for Environment Planning & Technology (CEPT) is a true rendezvous of incredible art and architecture. This shell-like structure is a result of the friendship of M F Husain and architect B V Doshi. Next to the Gufa is an art gallery, the alfresco Zen Café which is a hangout point for youngsters and also an adda for creative minds.

7:30 PM Sarkhej Roza The Sarkhej Roza probably covers the maximum area out of all the mosques in the city. Inside the campus of the Roza is the palace built by Sultan Mahmoud Begada, the tomb of Ghizali-Mash Hadi, and the lake where children of the surrounding areas take a dip September 2013 40 www.spiceroutemag.com

8:00 PM Dinner at Vishalla My last day in Ahmedabad ended with a lavish Gujarati thali at a traditional village restaurant called Vishalla, near Sarkhej Roza. Their hospitality is remarkable – the staff welcomes you with a rose and shows you the way to your table, lantern in hand. I saw artistes performing a traditional puppet show, and a Rajasthani artist performing a splendid umbrella act Juvaani kaarigari! I also got to see the famous garba. The food served here is rich, delectable and organic. You need a big appetite! It was a soul-satisfying experience to eat sitting crossed legged on the floor under the open sky...

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D nakaran

 Average ABC certifed daily circulation of a whopping 12,67,104 copies  IRS certified readership of 47.08 lakhs  Published from eight centres in Tamilnadu  Also published from Pondy, Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi  Winner of Best Tamil Daily award from ILNA  All pages printed in colour  Weekend supplements that are colourful as well as informative If you have still not started advertising in Dinakaran, call or sms 98400 22729 now or email to advtdinakaran@gmail.com

D nakaran

The only widely circulated Tamil Daily in India

Quick getaway

September 2013 44 www.spiceroutemag.com

Colonial

charm

Steeped in history, Shimla offers travellers a peek into its former glory.

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commemorative plank in the heart of Shimla says it all: “...as the summer capital of British India for well over a century, it was the seat of one of the most powerful governments in the world. From its cedar-shaded heights, one-fifth of the human race was ruled and the decisions made those decades ago affect our lives to the present day.” Keeping aside all the drawbacks of colonialism, a visit to Shimla allows one to relive an era long gone by.

Arrive in style What better way to begin one’s sojourn in the hills than to take the century-old heritage railway line from Kalka to Shimla?

Since 1903, this narrow-gauge line has chugged over 4,000ft up and down the hills, treating travellers to spectacular views of the countryside. Book yourself into the luxurious Shivalik Deluxe Express or the Himalayan Queen and sit back to enjoy the breathtaking journey over 800 bridges and 100 tunnels cutting across pinewood forests. This UNESCO World Heritage line terminates at the pitchedroof and old-worldly Shimla Railway Station and brings one right into the midst of the town.

Quick getaway

The charm of the hills was strong enough for Shimla to be crowned summer capital of India in 1864 Clockwise from top left: Bird’s eye view of the city; A busy market street; The Viceregal Lodge is a mustsee heritage building

Cool environs While Shimla began as a military outpost, the English soon found themselves drawn to its cool environs, especially during the harsh Indian summer. The charm of the hills was strong enough for Shimla to be crowned summer capital of India in 1864. And with this came the viceroy, the secretariat, foreign envoys, Indian princes and all the fanfare, pompousness and grandeur associated with the Raj. The Ridge and the Mall roads are located on the highest points in Shimla’s town centre.

While walking down these pedestrian-only avenues, with glorious vistas on one side and colonial buildings on the other, it’s rather

easy to be transported to a European town.

Begin exploring from the Christ Church on the eastern end of The Mall. Built in 1857, its yellow tower is visible from miles away and remains the most prominent landmark of the town till date. Inside, the military origins of Shimla are evident with the many memorial tablets and gravestones commemorating various officers of the Imperial Army.

Down the Ridge is the elegant Gaiety Theatre which was inaugurated during Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Year. Still used for performing arts, the theatre’s fine acoustics ensure that even a whisper on stage is heard by the audience, without the aid of an amplifier.

One can join in a guided tour of the complex September 2013 46 www.spiceroutemag.com

and also explore its many art galleries and exhibition halls. The theatre, along with the Town Hall, allows for many photo-ops, especially in the twilight hours when the buildings are illuminated.

Fine architecture Walk further westwards and one comes across more administrative buildings designed in various architectural styles. Keep an eye out for the timber-framed post office, the castiron-and-steel structure of the Railway Board, and finally the Gorton Castle – a neo-Gothic building that proudly flaunts Rajasthani jaali work, in spite of its Himalayan setting!

No visit to Shimla can be complete without heading to Observatory Hill to marvel at the queen of all things colonial in Shimla – the summer residence of the viceroys of India. Completed in 1888, this grand residence includes a ballroom, state drawing room, billiards room, a gracefully spiralling central staircase and even an indoor tennis court. The richly-decorated interiors and sprawling estate grounds played host to many lavish parties hosted by the viceroy. The Lodge was also

Quick getaway

SpiceJet flies to Delhi. See schedule, page 218.

Left: The centuryold heritage railway line from Kalka to Shimla.

Bottom: The Mall road makes for a charming walk

the place where many historic decisions that shaped the subcontinent were taken. Since the 1960s, the building has been occupied by the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. Free tours make its history accessible to all visitors.

and engravings and you are bound to find something priceless. For handicrafts, local knitwear and footwear, fruit juices and jams, head to the lower bazaar; for wooden toys and walking sticks, visit the Lakkar Bazaar.

Great buys

Stay and dining

Walk down the Mall road in the afternoons and you can spot several elderly couples looking rather distinguished in their suits and sarees, window shopping while catching up on the latest gossip around town. There is a variety of shops situated in the quaint timberframed, pitched-roof structures that line the Mall – from carpets and shawls to Himachali souvenirs, you get them all here.

Stay at the Oberoi Cecil for all the trappings of a luxurious five-star heritage hotel – from an indoor heated swimming pool to a billiards room and a fully serviced spa. Other heritage hotels include the Woodville Palace and the Clarkes Hotel.

For an authentic royal experience you can check into the Chapslee, a former home of the kings of Kapurthala that has been converted into a heritage hotel. Enjoy the treasures that cram every nook and cranny of the hotel while being pampered with bed tea or indulging in a game of croquet. The HPTDC-run Ashiana is the best restaurant in town for peoplewatching and gets top mark for its location – bang on The Mall. Soak in the afternoon sun with a chilled beer on its terrace, or head underground to the Goofa Bar if you prefer something stronger.

Stop by Maria Bros, an interesting antique store that has many treasures hidden within its jumbled shelves. Browse the collection of old books, maps, fading photographs

Photo | R. Karthik

There is a variety of shops situated in the quaint timber-framed, pitched-roof Mall structures September 2013 48 www.spiceroutemag.com

Theme holiday

Begums’

land

Bhopal, once a city of queens, is still known for its old-world charm and royal taste.

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f appearances are anything to go by, Bhopal is much like any other large Indian town.

Beautiful mosques are cheek-by-jowl with car repair workshops, dusty palaces appear in the most unlikely places, congested alleys reveal elegance within and markets housing expensive branded outlets conceal street stalls with stuff at throwaway prices. Every now and then, amidst the peculiar mix of chaos and peace that is Bhopal, a visitor finds strands of its past. And the strands encompass a wide range, from the current era to a period where there was no organised way of recording man’s activities in the form of ‘history’.

Exploring history Ideally, a person interested in exploring the city of Bhopal should proceed in chronological order. The beginning, hence, is the Museum

September 2013 50 www.spiceroutemag.com

Theme holiday

Bhopal has become the hub for Bollywood with films like Rajneeti and Aarakshan having been shot here of Man located in a picturesque setting on the Shamla Hills. The Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangahalaya, to give the museum its formal name, is a massive depiction of the evolution of Man over time. Life in rural areas, the intricate customs and objects that are used in daily life, and art and culture are showcased in a manner that few other places in India can boast of.

The physical setting of the museum adds to its charm. Located on a hill, it overlooks one of Bhopal’s lakes and is inside the Van Vihar National Park, a belt of thick forested cover which acts as the city’s green lungs.

The museum – part of which is open air – extends to a tiny corner of the park where it houses some living heritage, going beyond the sanitised objects within its walls.

While the painted rock shelters of Bhimbetka, south of Bhopal, have found fame as a UNESCO World Heritage site, what is less

Top: Rock cutouts at State Archeological Museum; Left: Detailing inside Taj Mahal Palace; Below: Jama Masjid

known is that the rock shelters in Bhimbetka are merely the tip of a large iceberg. The belt of painted rocks stretches north from Bhimbetka into Bhopal, through thick forests, and goes eastward towards places in Raisen district and into the tourist spot of Panchmarhi.

A short distance from the Museum of Man is another great museum, this one managed

by the State Archaeological department of Madhya Pradesh. If the former is a vivid depiction of Man’s evolution in terms of his daily life and cultural patterns, the latter brings to life recorded history. The place is a riot of sculptures, depictions of gods and goddesses, historical architecture, paintings found in sites such as the Bagh caves, weapons used over the years, the Freedom Struggle and personal collections of the Bhopal royals.

Royal touch Now that the word ‘royals’ has been used, it is time to speak of those who created and later, transformed Bhopal. While popular folklore speaks of the Parmara King Bhoja as the one who founded the city, this is a claim historians do not validate. The credit of founding Bhopal is given to an Afghan soldier called Dost Mohammad Khan, who is believed to have carved out the state in the 1720s, during the years that the central authority of the Mughals was beginning to weaken. But Dost Mohammad’s death in 1728 led to an overall September 2013 52 www.spiceroutemag.com

Theme holiday

Clockwise from left to right: Gauhar Mahal; The spectacular Taj-ul-Masjid; Statue of Raja Bhoj by the Bhopal Lake

weakening, and the city came under Maratha suzerainty in 1737 and thus it remained till 1818, when it turned into a princely state run with the blessings of the British. The century that followed became the most interesting for the city and constituted a period of unabashed growth which gave the place the foundation of a modern city that it is today.

Beginning 1819 and going on till 1926, Bhopal was ruled by a succession of begums.

That an Indian state in that era – or any era for that matter – could have been ruled successfully for over a century by women rulers is incredible. While Qudsia Begum (reign 1819-44) took the first steps towards Women’s Liberation in the city when she came out of purdah at the tender age of 18, following the assassination of her husband,

her daughter Sikander Jahan Begum (1844-68) proved a worthy successor and fought many battles. Third in line was Shah Jahan Begum (1868-1901), under whose patronage several elegant buildings came up in Bhopal of which the best known is the Taj Mahal palace. The last of the begums was Kaikhusrau Jahan Begum, who abdicated the throne in favour of her son in 1926.

Everywhere in the city, footprints of the begums are visible. The highlight is undoubtedly Moti Masjid, or pearl mosque built

by Sikander Jahan Begum. The Jama Masjid and the Gohar Mahal also stand as does the Tajul-Masjid, one of the largest mosques in Asia.

The Sadar Manzil and Shaukat Mahal, former palaces both, also add to the old-world charm of Bhopal.

Food paradise While cities like Lucknow and Hyderabad have earned a reputation for their cuisine, Bhopal has been rather silent on this aspect of its popular culture. Places like Swad Bhandar, located in Itwara Road near the Jama Masjid, make it proud. Every morning the place witnesses a rush, with people queuing up for a breakfast comprising poha topped with sev and eaten with hot jalebis. For those with a non-vegetarian preference, a nearby shop serves delicious biryani – and that too at 7am. Those seeking to eat Nawabi food in a regal setting could head for the Noor-usSabah Palace, another former royal palace. An open-air restaurant here with great views of the Bada Talao offers equally good food with dishes such as khada masala ka gosht and chicken korma. But there is nothing here to quite match the food served in the lanes of old Bhopal. From shami kebabs to murg rezala and from sabudana khichdi to barfi rasmalai, the streets truly rule over the foodie’s mind.

The Bhopal of today has moved on from its begums, as the thickening dust in the old palaces indicates. In a dramatic transformation in recent years, the city has become the hub for Bollywood, with many films being shot here.

The pioneer in this is Prakash Jha whose films such as Rajneeti, Aarakshan and the latest Satyagraha have all found the city’s precincts most favourable for their storylines. Bhopal has truly come a long way from the place the noble ladies contributed so much to.

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Theme holiday

Tiger

tales

Destiny is not limited to humans alone; it also happens with animals in the forest. This stands true in the life of Ranthambore’s magnificent tigress T37.

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was scanning the newspapers before proceeding to a business meeting when the report caught my eye: “T37, the young tigress of Ranthambore, dies” was the headline of a twocolumn story buried inside page 7 of a national daily. The day was March 18 or 19. I started reading it slowly, word by word. “This cannot happen,” I muttered to myself, shaking my head in disbelief. I immediately instructed my September 2013 56 www.spiceroutemag.com

secretary to cancel the business meet and called up Ranthambore’s ACF, Ranglal Choudhary, as also my good friend M.D. Parashar in Sawai Madhopur. Certainly, he could give me the lowdown on T37’s abrupt death.

T37 was the largest tigress of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. And also the most beautiful.

Ranthambore enthusiasts will tell you that T37

Theme holiday

Clockwise from above: A view of the beautiful Ranthambore National Park; T36 (left) and T37

was as dynamic as the famed Machli. Only, their fate-lines didn’t match.

Let me rewind the clock, because T37’s untimely death in March 2013 is inextricably linked to the events which started unfolding in September 2008. This was the period when the Guda tigress, as any regular visitor to Ranthambore will tell you, was a joy to behold.

And when she gave birth to two cubs – T37, the female, and its brother T36 – a wave of euphoria swept through the national park.

And then, like a bolt from the blue, the Guda tigress was killed by another tigress while defending her territory and her cubs. This was on September 1, 2008. Guda tigress’ death was unfortunate, but these things do happen in a forest. Little did I know then that much worse was to befall the two hapless cubs.

For several days, the two cubs could not be located. Ranthambore’s forest authorities launched a massive search operation. They even set up a control room at Guda. The field director of Ranthambore, R. Shekhawat, was leading the rescue team himself. But the search did not yield any result, until three days later, they were found hiding in an undergrowth, weak and helpless. They had probably not eaten anything for over a week.

The officials decided against sending the cubs to the zoo. Let Mother Nature take care of them, they reasoned. On September 10 – six days after they were located – the officials tranquillised and radio-collared the two cubs.

While the female, T37, was let off in the Qualji range of the reserve, her brother T36 was set free in Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary bordering Ranthambore National Park.

The next few weeks were uneventful for T36 and T37. And then I started hearing disturbing reports about the male. He had started lifting cattle from villages near the September 2013 58 www.spiceroutemag.com

Ranthambore enthusiasts will tell you that T37 was as dynamic as the famed tigress Machli

Theme holiday

Machli, a celebrated tiger in Ranthambore, has seen 16 springs sanctuary and had even attacked and injured a forest guard. Following this, the forest authorities shifted T36 to the Falaudi range of the reserve, some 40km from Sawai Madhopur, hoping the comparatively secluded terrain of Falaudi would keep him out of harm’s way.

But my hopes were shattered. On October 22, 2010, Parashar informed me that T36 had been killed by T42, a dominant male tiger. T36’s death was a cruel blow, given that I had shared some great personal moments with him (read about it on Raheja.com in an article titled The Life and Times of T36). According to some anecdotal evidence I gathered later, it was said that T36 had ventured into his sister’s territory and was killed

by T42, the dominant male there. Since then, no other tiger entered the Qualji range and it was occupied by only T42 and T37. My attention then shifted to T37, the sole survivor of the Guda family. “She is such a fine-looking tigress. She has done no harm to anybody. I hope she will not go the way her mother and brother did,’’ I prayed whenever I came face to face with T37 in the Qualji area of Ranthambore.

The year 2012 was fabulous for T37.

Her popularity grew and tourists and wildlife photographers began to make a beeline for Qualji to see the two tigers. T37’s death in the prime of her youth, therefore, came as a shock to me. It threw up questions I feel I am not competent to answer. Why was this family of tigers not given a fair chance by Mother Nature?

Was their untimely demise part of a bigger

Top: T36 rests in peace; Below: The gorgeous T37

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Navin M Raheja, Chairman & Managing Director, Raheja Developers Ltd. is a wildlife enthusiast and a passionate photographer.

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

picture that is unclear to me? One doesn’t have to look far for contrasts. Machli, probably the most celebrated tiger of Ranthambore, has seen 16 springs, presiding over her family of nine children – four male, five female, and 14 grandchildren at the last count.

But the Guda family had no such luck.

Strange are the ways of nature.

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Festive flavour

Auspicious

start

Come September, the rains have lulled but the atmosphere is charged with the rolling of drums, marking the beginning of the festive season.

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Ganesh Chaturthi This festival marks a celebration to honour the elephant God Ganesha. Vinayak Chaturthi, as it is alternatively called, is an important festival especially in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. It’s about bringing brilliantly crafted idols of the God home, where he sits till Ganesh Chaturthi – the day when he is devotedly immersed in water. Preparations for Ganesh Chaturthi – which marks the birth of Lord Ganesha – begin

up to 10 days in advance, and sometimes even months in advance. Grand pandals or stages are set up and filled with fresh flowers, and the idols are dressed up in colourful clothes and glittering ornaments. On the day of the Ganesh festival itself, sweets – especially laddoos and sugary modaks, a favourite of Lord Ganesha – are distributed, and Ganesha temples are crowded with devotees. After all the festivities are over, the idols which have been worshipped over the past 10 days are taken out in a grand September 2013 66 www.spiceroutemag.com

procession. During this, the much-adored God is hoisted on shoulders, or rides in open trucks and carriages. Accompanied by firework displays, beating drums and the sound of thousands of voices singing devotional songs, the idols are ritually immersed in a water body.

The immersion ceremony, or visarjan, marks the end of the festivities.

When: September 9 Where: Maharashtra

Festive flavour

Ladakh Festival The Ladakh Festival highlights the sports and culture of the region, in a week-long extravaganza of dances, music, handicrafts and sports. The inauguration of the festival in Leh takes place on a large scale with a cavalcade of various cultural troupes from across the city. The festival begins with a long procession of local leaders, schoolchildren and dancers, which makes its way through Leh. Attired in colourful Ladakhi dresses, the procession then terminates at the polo ground, performing their best dances and songs. The festival, which lasts 15 days, includes programmes being held in most of the villages.

The programmes include polo, archery and mask dances being performed by monks from the monasteries. A series of musical programmes and dance concerts are organised in the main town of Leh. What follows is seven days of lion dances, yak dances, craft stalls, excellent local food and plenty of the heady barley beer known as chang!

All one needs to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the beauteous moments amidst the picturesque mountain backdrop.

When: September 1- 15 Where: Leh (Ladakh)

Onam The Onam festival as per legend is a celebration of the visit of demon king Mahabali to the land he once ruled. Held annually in Kerala, it is a 10-day festival which includes boat races, song

and dance, good food, and loads of merrymaking. Onam is celebrated in gratitude of the bounties of the land, for all that nature provides for the people. Homes are cleaned and thresholds are decorated with a flower mat called a pookalam; everybody’s in new clothes, and there’s much feasting on delicacies such as the rice pudding payasam. Pujas take place in homes and temples, and grand processions that include richly caparisoned elephants, dancers and musicians, wend their way through towns and villages, accompanied by fireworks and cheering crowds. The most important feature of Onam celebrations is a grand feast known as Onasadya that is prepared on Thiruonam, which is an important day of the celebrations. The feast is essentially a ninecourse meal featuring 11 to 13 dishes and is traditionally served on a banana leaf. Kathakali performances and boat races – locally known as vallamkali – are also permanent fixtures during the celebrations.

When: September 16 Where: Kerala

Tarnetar Fair If you think you are prepared to walk out of your mundane experience and freefall into a whirlwind of colours, romance and music, then head for the Tarnetar Fair. Based on the legend of Draupadi’s swayamvara, this fair is a celebration of ethnic Gujarat’s folk dance, September 2013 68 www.spiceroutemag.com

music, costumes and the arts, centered around young tribal men and women seeking marriage partners. Many kinds of folk dances are performed; by far the most popular is the raas in which dancers hold sticks which they strike against those held by other dancers. As many as 100-200 women perform rasadas in a single circle, to the beats of four drums at a time and the tunes of jodia pavas (double flutes) – an impressive visual delight. You may also see people break out into a spontaneous hudo, another traditional folk dance. Numerous sadhus and bhajan mandlis (religious music groups) are engrossed in singing continuously, accompanied by folk instruments.

When: September 4 onwards Where: Surendranagar District, Gujarat.

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September 2013 70 www.spiceroutemag.com

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Spice Trail

Sweet

chilli

Cayenne pepper may not have the fire of its other brethren, but this herb is packed with many health benefits and brings a happy tinge to any dish.

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ayenne pepper may not boast of the fieriness of bhut jolokia (ghost chilli), but when it comes to adding zing to a dish, this hot Mexican capsicum has no parallel. The famous Tabasco sauce is the perfect example.

Cayenne is in fact one of the oldest herb known and used by mankind – as early as 2500 BC. In Ayurveda, Cayenne was primarily used to orally treat peptic ulcers, dyspepsia and flatulence. A combination of Cayenne, garlic and any liquid is used as an external paste to make a local stimulant. In Jamaica, Capsicum September 2013 76 www.spiceroutemag.com

frutescens (a specie of chilli pepper) was used to treat diabetes mellitus. In the West Indies, a preparation called mandram was used to bolster digestion and stimulate appetite. In Mexico though Cayenne is considered a snack and is commonly eaten, much like a doughnut.

It is a popular treatment for Montezuma’s Revenge, a particularly devastating kind of amoebic dysentery that mostly inflicts visitors to the country.

CAYENNE TRAIL Cayenne pepper gets its name from the town

Spice Trail

The hot herb is known to equalise blood pressure and minimise mucus in the venous system Cocoa Cayenne Cake

Ingredients 1 1/2 sticks Sweet Cream Butter 90gm Dark Chocolate (chopped) 1 cup Sugar & 1 cup Hot Water 1 cup Organic Flour 1/2 tsp Baking Powder & 1/2 tsp Sea Salt 2 tbsp Cocoa Powder 1 tsp Cayenne pepper ( powdered form) 2 Eggs (beaten stiff ) Method Combine the butter, chocolate, sugar and hot water in a pan over low heat until the chocolate melts.

In a bowl mix the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, Cayenne pepper and sea salt; then add in the eggs.

Gradually add the melted chocolate.

Butter a round cake pan and preheat the oven to 165˚C. Pour the cake batter in the pan and bake for 45 minutes. Allow to cool in the cake pan for about 30 minutes before serving.

You can also dust the cake with a mix of chocolate shavings and coarsely chopped Cayenne pepper.

in French Guiana where it was first cultivated.

Cayenne is identified with its heat. If the heat is 1 BTU, it is called paprika; from one to 25 BTU, it is red pepper; but over 25 BTU means its Cayenne, making it the strongest-flavoured member of the capsicum family. According to ancient historians, South American warriors would burn peppers to use the smoke against the invading Spanish. During the Vietnam War, Buddhist monks used a mix of lemon juice, curry powder and Cayenne to hold fort.

CURE THY Ails One of the most important uses of Cayenne was (and is) as a circulatory stimulant, a herb that feeds the necessary elements into the cell structure of the arteries, veins and capillaries so that they regain youthful elasticity, and so that the blood pressure comes down to normal. The hot herb is also known to equalise blood pressure and minimise mucus in the venous system. As one of the richest and most stable sources of Vitamin E, Cayenne was a known gastric stimulant and digestive aid. In the West Indies, a preparation called Mandram is used for weak digestion and loss of appetite – a few pods of Cayenne are mashed well into it, along with the other ingredients.

September 2013 78 www.spiceroutemag.com

Cayenne is also said to work powerfully in arresting bleeding. You can place Cayenne powder or tincture directly upon an open wound, even one that is gushing blood, and by the count of ten, the bleeding will cease.

THE ZING THING Available round the year, Cayenne pepper is mostly used as a condiment at the table, generally with seafood such as oysters, sardines, smoked salmon and trout, scallops, fried mussels, crab, lobster and crayfish. It is sprinkled over soups and hors d’oeuvres and can be eaten with eggs cooked in any way. It is good with roasted, grilled, fried or stewed meats. It can be sprinkled on bacon prior to frying and used in the dusting flour for fried chicken, fish and vegetables. It adds piquancy to stews, casseroles and sauces, especially cheese, barbecue and shellfish sauces; and is a much-loved flavourant in cheese straws and biscuits, marinades, pickles, ketchups, chutneys and smoked foods. It is an ingredient of Worcestershire sauce and is frequently used in curries. When stored in a dark container, Cayenne which is otherwise a fast-depleting herb, lasts for a good few days. The dried version can stay on for four weeks if stored in airtight containers, and not refrigerated.

Gourmet delight

On the

food trail

Home to centuries-old food tradition, Lucknow offers some brilliant creations which have been passed through generations.

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city with an enviable food culture, Lucknow has always drawn both food connoisseurs and foodies alike. It is a city of biryanis, kebabs, kormas and rotis. However, along with the heavy duty food, street food is an integral part of the city’s cuisine. In fact, the street-food concept in Lucknow is pretty mature and capable of giving serious competition to the star-rated eateries across the country. Delhi, Kolkata and Amritsar are probably few cities in India along with Lucknow that have such a rich history of street food.

September 2013 80 www.spiceroutemag.com

You could have all your four meals in a day here, along with sweets and chaat. If that is hard to believe just follow our ‘street food directions for a day’ in the City of Nawabs and you won’t be disappointed, only stuffed!

Best of the best For breakfast, head straight to Raheem Hotel situated at the Chowk for kulcha and nihari.

The kulcha is multi-layered, and nihari is a stew consisting of slow-cooked beef or lamb garnished to taste. The meat melts in your

Gourmet delight

mouth, so you might not realise how much you have eaten! It is said to have originated from Lucknow and spread to other parts of country.

After some cooks migrated to Pakistan during partition, the popular dish acquired the status of being the national dish of Pakistan.

For lunch, don’t think twice – just head straight to Pata Nala Chowki, opposite which stands Idris Biryaniwala. It is a ramshackle structure, but hey, you are not going there for ambience. They prepare one of the best biryanis in town. Everything is served in side plates – biryani, onions and lemon, and meat gravy... Bet you can’t have just one serving!

The rice is flavoured perfectly and the meat is nearly falling off the bones. People from all walks of life share the same space and you dare not eat it with a spoon because it is fingerlicking good. If you are still not satisfied and want to have more, get it packed.

After that heavy duty lunch, no one will grudge you an afternoon nap. Once you are up, it is time for the evening snack. Head to Hazratganj for poori-sabzi at Ramjipooriwala.

Beware, the queues are longer than the ones you find at an enquiry counter. If simplicity is the key, then this joint highlights it like nobody else. The sabzi is clearly the showstealer with simple ingredients highlighted by an incredible mix of spices. It can also be polished off with bhatura and kachodi. The only deal is that the stuff flies out in no time, so it is advised that rather than strolling towards the shop, you should be proactive enough to take long steps and up your chances of a gourmet meal!

Clockwise from top left: The delectable nihari kulcha; Lucknow's famed biryani; Hazratganj's pooriwalas are known for long queues outside

Chaat capital Some may say the chaat capital is Mumbai, some Delhi and some Kolkata. But it can be stated in complete confidence that all these hardcore supporters of the respective cities haven’t had chaat in Lucknow. Hazratganj has scores of chaatwaalas and Shukla Chaat House is a good place to try. Start with jaljeera paani batashas, then have a plate of tikki.

Dahi batasha is a must-try. Also sample the special matar which you get only in Lucknow.

Follow it with papri chaat – small papri pieces with slices of potato, matar sprinkled on top, with chutney and dahi. Of course you get the regular golgappas, but do try out the dahi wale golgappe – they are simply delightful.

From the chaat capital, Lucknow turns into the kebab capital at dinner time. Kebabs or the meatballs come in different varieties. Some of the most famous and delicious varieties of September 2013 82 www.spiceroutemag.com

From the chaat capital in the evening, Lucknow turns into the kebab capital at dinner time

kebabs are kakori kebabs, shami kebabs, boti kebabs, patili-kekebabs, ghutwa kebabs and seekh kebabs. More than a century old Tunday Ke Kabab near Akbari Gate is the most famous outlet for kebabs even today. Tunday kebab is so named because it was the speciality of a one-armed chef. The kebab claims to be unique because of the zealously guarded secret recipe of homemade spices, prepared by the women of the family. It is said to incorporate 160 spices. Since you can’t steal the recipe, have as many kebabs as possible!

The shami kebab is the star hit. It is literally a meat paste made from minced meat, usually with chopped onion, coriander and green chillies. The kebabs are round patties filled with a spicy mix and tangy raw green mango. Served with a roomali or maida ki roti, it’s irresistible and you can go on till your stomach pleads for a break. Wash it down with delicious cold drinks near the Golewaza entrance to Chowk. Try thick lassi with blobs of cream at Sri Lassi Corner and thandai, a refreshing cashew-milk concoction, at Raja ki Thandai.

Sweet delights If you have a sweet tooth and you will after such a hectic day of gorging, head either to Chowk or Hazratganj. Ram Asrey sweet shop is strongly recommended. Established in 1805, it has since then been the epitome of traditional Indian sweets. It has an incredible story attached to it. They first had only dry sweets called sukhi mithai. Such sweets had flourished in that period because people were travelling long distances or going for war which would last for months. The second stage had come with the spread of the Mughal empire. Habshi halwa, balushahi and nukti are all Arab preparations with Arab names. The third stage had come when a lot of badam, kesar and khajur were used in making sweets. That’s when badam-kesar burfi became popular. The fourth stage is the period of andolan when mithais revolved around our freedom struggle. Ram Asrey had come up with sweets called Gandhi Gaurav, Subhash Bhog, Jawahar Laddu, Moti Paak, Priyadarshini and so on.

Malai ki gilori and chana nilkul are must-haves. Go ahead, visit Lucknow to indulge your gastronomic cravings.

Gourmet delight

Govegan

Red is passé in the culinary universe, gourmands are now gorging on greens. Tastebuds are slowly evolving, and this trend is here to stay.

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or many of us, a diet that incorporates meat is an essential part of a satisfying life. We cannot imagine a meal without ‘non-veg’. But recently, there has been a wave of support for a green diet. Researchers have warned us that in the next 40 years or so, the world’s population may have to turn vegetarian to cope with the rapid climatic changes. Small wonder then that many have already begun to make the shift.

And they are not complaining.

It is a myth that vegetarian food is boring. One can take inspiration from so many vegetarian-centric cuisines. These have an endless array of exciting dishes to choose from. Why go far? Our own Indian cuisine is traditionally vegetarian, and replete with flavoursome dishes like palak-anjeer ki tikki, Panipat ke achari gobhi aur shalgam,nimbupudina khichdi and more. One merely needs to be innovative.

Fusion food If traditional is passé for the palate, then Chef Subroto Goswami, executive chef at Radisson Blu Hotel New Delhi Paschim Vihar, shares a secret. Regular Indian vegetarian food can be made exciting by converting it into fusion food, which is fast catching diners’ fancy. This does not look like the same “old stuff ”, and lends September 2013 86 www.spiceroutemag.com

Gourmet delight

a different dimension to your meal. There are several takers for sure. At The Grand Bhagwati Surat, Chef Manoj Bijlani too relies on Indian fusion vegetarian cuisine – a mix of Indian traditional recipes prepared with hints of other techniques, especially from Europe and the Orient, to lure his guests.

There are myriad examples of meatless dietary traditions all around the world.

Mexican, Lebanese and Pan Asian cuisines have a plethora of healthy and tasty dishes which are completely vegetarian. The chef just needs

Lebanese dishes are generally high on vegetables and full of flavour

to be creative; there are plenty of takers. Who can resist a coconut-cheese artichoke bake with saunf-aubergine tadka or a paneer-sundried tomato bakharkhani calzone?

Lebanese dishes are generally inspired from the Mediterranean, high on vegetables and full of flavour. The mezze – a selection of dips, pickles, salads and nibbles with Arabic bread - is world famous. It also includes an abundance of fruits. With a significant influence of Turkish and Italian cuisines, Greek food centers around olive oil, vegetables and herbs specific to the Mediterranean region. Known for its quality ingredients and the usage of seasonal produce, Japanese cuisine is rapidly becoming a trend worldwide. White rice and soybeans are ingredients you may expect to find in almost any Japanese dish.

Dighe from Sahara Star Mumbai concurs, “Vegetarian food nowadays is not only confined to vegetables, but makes use of a variety of exotic ingredients like quinoa or chia seeds.

Soya products are popular too. Paired with vegetables, these give a distinctive texture to the dish. Rice or potatoes were used to make a ‘bed’ for the main dish. Not anymore. Chefs are thinking up interesting substitutes now.”

Indeed today chefs clearly need to stretch themselves and unleash their creativity to add that wow factor to vegetarian food. Chef Bijlani agrees that chefs are now transforming dishes to provide their consumers with a completely unique indulgent experience which is full of variety. With chefs going all out and people in a mood to experiment, vegetarian fare has never been so sought after.

Versatile fare

Simple yet elegant

It’s definitely unfair to say that vegetarian food is limited and lacks variety. Chef Sameer

Variety apart, the quality of ingredients and cooking styles play a vital role in the popularity of vegetarian food. Simply cooked, ingredientled food made from fresh, seasonal or speciality local produce is clearly ‘in’ today. Foodies are no longer ready to settle for anything but the best. “The focus is on using fresh ingredients, avoiding over-seasoning, and keeping the flavours bold,” says Rahul Akerkar of Indigo.

Clockwise from left: Mushroom and soy kebab; Pizza with basil and olives; Crispy honey chili lotus stem

September 2013 88 www.spiceroutemag.com

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Gourmet delight

Ravioli, a traditional Italian filled pasta

No matter what the cuisine, simple, healthy, home-style, authentic food is the latest trend.

“People prefer to consume food which they are familiar with,” quips Chef Amitesh Virdi, executive sous chef, Grand Hyatt Mumbai.

No wonder penne arabiatta, margherita pizza, vegetable lasagne, Thai green curry and jasmine rice never go out of fashion.

How the food looks is also a crucial factor in making one want to sample vegetarian fare.

If presented well, vegetarian food can also be appealing. “Food presentation is nearly as important as taste. If presented well, food will look appetising, encourage people to try new recipes and may even influence them to adopt better nutrition,” analyses Dighe of Sahara Star.

Out-of-the-ordinary ingredients and the way a vegetarian plate is garnished makes normal food look appealing and exciting. Chefs, instead of loading the vegetables with gravies, prefer to serve dry dishes with subtle hints of curry.

This makes the dish more colourful as all the ingredients that go into the dish can be seen. At Sahara Star, for garnishing sprouts like alfalfa or snow pea, shoots are used. These enhance the visual appeal of a dish and take it to a different level. Adding whole ambada leaves or grapevine leaves makes the dish look more exciting.

Texture too enables a chef to entice his guests. Just an addition of nuts, or some other crunchy ingredient, often breaks the monotony of rice dishes or dishes with a smooth, uniform texture, turning them into something magical.

It’s all very well to go green, but it is imperative that vegetarian diets are wellbalanced. If one can ensure that and inculcate variety in one’s daily diet, vegetarian food is a winner all the way. You may choose to eat simple everyday kind of food or unusual creations. The options are versatile enough to make each day’s meal unique.

Clearly, the going has never been so good for vegetarian food, no matter what the reason.

So rethink your decision, and reach out for that plate of greens!

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Gourmet delight

Home

cooks

Every city has a growing number of women who are now busy in the kitchen, whipping up delicacies to sell to friends and acquaintances.

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once had a delicious cranberry pickle that my friend’s mother had made. While I would have loved to carry home a small jar of the pickle, I refrained from asking for it. Would I have hesitated if it was for sale? Certainly not!

These days, the popularity of reality TV cooking shows like Masterchef has encouraged September 2013 92 www.spiceroutemag.com

many homecooks to bring their talents to the fore. After all, these shows have gone on to prove that one doesn’t need to be a certified chef to dole out delectable food. A passion for food, fine taste and keenness to experiment with different ingredients, flavours and cooking techniques can result in the creation of unique specialties. What’s interesting, and appetising,

Gourmet delight

to note is that some of these specialities are now on sale as homecooks are more-thanwilling to offer their products to a niche clientele. It turns out to be a win-win situation where the cook doesn’t need to bear the cost of ingredients and makes a profit, while people get to enjoy some fantastic culinary creations.

Initial step Converting a passion into a business is usually a big jump out of one’s comfort zone. Noidabased Apeksha Jain had been interested in cooking ever since she was a teenager. At one point she even contemplated opening a café. While she and her husband were living in Paris, needless to say, they got to taste some fine food. It was in France that Apeksha

realised that jams needn’t be merely sugary jelly spread on toast. She had tried a banana jam at a French orchard which she attempted to replicate when they moved back to Delhi.

“I did some research on the Internet. Since I understand cooking, I combined a few recipes, and added my twist to it – rum!” And voila! The first batch turned out fabulous, and Apeksha was motivated to make gourmet jams and preserves. Intrigued by exquisite flavours and combinations, she started making fancy stuff like mango and jalapeno preserve and spicy onion relish. She went on experimenting and creating unique jams and preserves, adding spices like cinnamon and nutmeg or alcohol ranging from whiskey to cointreau.

“People in India were not exposed to jams as Clockwise from left: Homemade pickle; Unique strawberry jam; Melt-in-the-mouth besan ki barfi; Packaged jams ready to be sold

a sophisticated adult product,” she says. After getting a fantastic response from friends and family, in May 2012, she decided to label it “Gourmet Jars” and started working on the packaging and branding. Apeksha promoted Gourmet Jars online through Facebook and Twitter and by Diwali, she had more orders than she could handle.

On the other hand, Delhi-based Tara Chopra started making and selling pickles out of sheer boredom. “When my kids went off to boarding school, my mother came up with this business idea to utilise our free time.” The duo enjoyed the entire process of preparing the pickles, putting labels on jars, and participating in fairs and exhibitions. Their green chilli pickle and garlic pickle became popular instantly.

Encouraged by the success, she also started bottling apple juice, made with apples from her family orchard in Shimla. Soon after, Tara opened a playschool – The Learning Tree – in her backyard. While the school takes up a lot of her time now, it has also helped expand her clientele. People who have tasted her goodies, made from the freshest ingredients and free from artificial preservatives, love to go back for more.

Mumbai-based homemaker Kusum Khanna decided to use her mother’s recipe of besan barfis to pull her family out of a financial crunch. “My Guru encouraged me to start my business of barfis,” she says graciously.

When asked whether she would like to open a store or supply to shops and restaurants, she says nonchalantly that she is content with her success. Attributing her accomplishment to her Guru’s and God’s grace, Kusum shares that

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Having your own venture gives you the flexibility of working at your convenience her business grew by word of mouth. Made in pure ghee, with the best quality ingredients, this barfi just melts in the mouth! “I could have never imagined that I’ll ever become a business woman or that my barfis would go all over the world,” she admits.

Next level There are many advantages of cooking from home. Those with a family have the flexibility to work at their own pace and convenience. It is completely their choice whether they want to expand their business or enjoy the easy pace by taking on only as many orders as they can comfortably manage. Since Tara is anyway busy with school, she refrained from getting into the hassle of obtaining licenses that are required to supply to stores or restaurants. “Just the appreciation from people who eat my fare makes me happy,” she confesses. Being able to supply to friends and family, all through the year, gives her a lot of satisfaction.

Apeksha, in the meanwhile, has already started supplying the jams and preserves to some September 2013 96 www.spiceroutemag.com

gourmet stores in the capital. She likes to work with seasonal ingredients and hence continues to add to her repertoire. Interactions with clients in exhibitions where she even gives tips on using the preserves as marinades, or to enhance salad dressings and smoothies, have given her the confidence to take her business to the next level. She’s all set to open her store, where she also plans to hold regular workshops, promotions and events.

Key to success One thing that is common in all the cases is passion. “You need to enjoy what you make,” says Tara, who has been in the business for almost two decades now.

Apeksha feels that along with passion one needs to create a unique product. Whether the uniqueness comes from an age-old family recipe or constant experimentation depends entirely on your inclination, willpower and taste. At the end of the day, if you’re in the business of food, you need to enjoy it before making it available to the world.

In conversation

Smash hit

Arjuna awardee at 18 and the first Indian woman to win a singles medal at a world championship, P V Sindhu is making the right kind of buzz.

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aving courted the racquet since she was eight, it took Purasala Venkata Sindhu only a decade to change history. In the recent World Badminton Championships held in Guangzhou, China Sindhu defeated two world champions before she lost to Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand to settle for a bronze. Not missing any of the regular joys of teenage, she says the court and her racquet keeps her happy all the time. In a free-wheeling interview with Spiceroute, she reveals her love for music and the highs and lows of her game.

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In conversation

How has life changed after Guangzhou?

Not much has changed as straight after the World Badminton Championships I got busy playing the Indian Badminton League tournament. It is back to practice now and a series of matches. But yes it feels good that I could win a medal for the country.

You are one of the youngest Arjuna Award winners. Did you ever dream of this?

When I was around seven years old, I attended my father’s Arjuna Award ceremony and till date I vividly remember that moment.

Probably it was then that I thought of achieving the same at the earliest, but then it was a

distant dream. I am glad I could achieve it so fast.

What were your expectations when you started for the world championship?

I take each match as it comes.

For this world championship, I specifically did not have much expectation as my draw was very tough. However, I wanted to go out and give my best shot at every match till my exit.

Thankfully, all the long hours of practice and training paid off.

How is it playing with world champions? You defeated two champions before winning your bronze...

Long hours of practice and training reflect in every match as she tackles difficult shots and regular strokes with equal ease

It is satisfying that I could defeat the two world champions before winning the bronze. It builds one’s confidence.

Your parents are volleyball players. When did you realise that badminton was your calling?

Though my parents play volleyball they gave me a free hand to choose my game. I always liked badminton and

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My day starts at 4am when I reach the Academy

In conversation

Below: Sindhu and her sister on a day out; At her sister’s wedding Right: All smiles with her parents

Recent wins World Badminton Championships at China – Bronze Malaysia Open Grand Prix – Gold Yonex Sunrise India Open Super series – Bronze India Open Grand Prix Gold – Silver China Masters – Bronze Asian Badminton Championship – Gold

after my meeting with Pullela Gopichand, my coach, I was sure this is my game. He has nurtured me since then and here I am.

How many hours do you practice every day and what is the toughest part?

My day starts around 4 in the morning when I reach the Academy and the practice sessions continue for not less than seven hours. And yes, running is the toughest part in my training schedule.

Being a champion requires a lot of dedication and sacrifices. Do you miss the life of a normal teenager?

I know many girls my age have a completely different lifestyle, but I miss none of those. For me my game and spending time at the Academy with fellow players gives me maximum fun and enjoyment.

How do you celebrate your victories? Which was your first big win?

I celebrate my victories with my parents and friends and obviously winning a Bronze at the World Badminton Championships is my biggest victory till date.

What is your secret indulgence?

Secret indulgence... It should be secret no?

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Your favourite pastime?

Listening to music.

Last movie you really liked?

I recently watched Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and I really admire the commitment and dedication of the athlete.

Whom do you call first after your match or when you are nervous?

Obviously my mother, when she is not travelling with me.

One best thing about your coach Gopichand.

I respect and admire his dedication for the sport and how he keeps us all motivated.

R Glam world

The

Factor

Watching someone grapple with extremes keeps viewers glued to the idiot box. Little wonder then that reality shows are a great success today.

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ave you ever imagined your favourite celebrity slogging it out in the midst of a jungle or doing some of the most deadly acts ever on live television? This seemed next to impossible a few years back. Welcome to the era of reality television, a place where fiction meets reality.

Reality television broke the monotony to create interesting scripts and out-of the box ideas,

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that made these new shows stand out from run-of-the-mill fare. Although drama lovers are still glued to their idiot boxes at prime time, reality shows are now hogging the limelight big time.

Gone are the days when people preferred to watch saas-bahu serials. Today, the educated

Glam world

Indian youth wants something extra to escape the boredom of daily life.

People love to watch struggles and enjoy voyeuristic viewing, making adventure shows popular

Survival of the fittest Adventure-based reality shows such as Survivor India - The Ultimate Battle, Khatron Ke Khiladi, Roadies and Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao are just a few which give the viewers a good dose of voyeuristic content to watch.

These also come under the category of ‘real survivor’ shows where participants are put into a different terrain and their survival skills are put to test.

“People love to watch struggles, and enjoy voyeuristic viewing – these shows get the September 2013 106 www.spiceroutemag.com

maximum popularity. The underlying idea is survival – by hook or by crook,” affirms Keith Alphonso, business head, UTV Bindass.

No doubt most of the shows are inspired by, or are direct copies of western reality shows, but many of them are interesting and keep the audience hooked on to the action, and craving for more. Survivor India, a reality show where 22 contestants – 11 celebrity and 11 non-celebrity participants – are shown marooned on an uninhabited tropical island of the Philippines where even basic minimum amenities aren’t available, became a major hit.

Its well-encapsulated tagline Kya jee paoge? was a testimony that only the fittest, the grittiest

Glam world

Clockwise from top left: A still from Khatron Ke Khiladi; Karan Patel in Survivor India; Biting more than you can chew!

and the ruthless would survive and be the ultimate winner of the show.

Producers are ready to pump in whatever it takes to bring the best of action, drama and thrill to the viewers today

Another celebrity adventure reality show which deserves attention is Khatron Ke Khiladi. Though this show was inspired by the English reality show Fear Factor, it was a superhit in terms of TRPs and content. What made it interesting for viewers was the fact that famous celebrities from various genres were fighting their fears of height, water, insects, fire and more. It was known for its challenging tasks, often involving eating bugs or worms.

But it also pays to have the common man in a reality show. Indian audiences are celebrity obsessed, but at times they also love the underdog and want to see the best win.

In fact, the idea of bringing ‘the aam aadmi September 2013 108 www.spiceroutemag.com

on television’ is an instant hit simply because viewers can identify with the common man and get a feel-good high. Based on this concept, MTV came up with Roadies, is a youth-based adventure reality show with a touch of voyeurism in it. Every year, participants are selected after a grilling interview session from lakhs of wannabes. These selected few face dangerous situations, perform tough stunts, and ultimately the one who survives is the winner. Roadies by far has been the most wellknown platform for any common man to win fame and money.

Popularit y quotient Reality shows are the trump cards for the producers in the television industry. Audiences have become bored of the melodramatic daily soaps which inevitably get dragged on for

The creative mind behind each of the tasks deserves an applause as Indian adventure is no more limited years. From the urge to see something new, the idea of reality shows sprang up. The popularity of these shows lies in the fact that they are short termed, yet present the perfect dose of entertainment. They put people or celebrities in real-life situations and allow peeping toms to enjoy the thrill of watching them face the challenges of life. The characters are real so the audience relates with them, which in turn makes them popular.

International v/s Indian Until a few years back we could pinpoint that Indian adventure-based reality shows are no match to the international adventure shows.

But now, with Indian producers investing huge September 2013 110 www.spiceroutemag.com

sums of money in their shows, India is surely at par with the much-acclaimed western shows.

The creative mind behind each of the tasks deserves an applause as Indian adventure is no more limited. Producers are ready to pump in whatever it takes to bring the best of action, drama and thrill to the viewers. Most of these shows are shot at various exotic destinations across the world and all the provisions for the safety equipment are made full proof.

Some of these shows also indulge in flying in international trainers to help the team of the show to make it a success. The show makers leave no stone unturned to match international standards. And looking at the rising TRPs, it’s obvious that they’re reaping the benefits.  

Glam world

tresses Twisted

Braids aren’t just for kids anymore. Ladies of all age groups are roping this latest trend into their look for a great effect.

W O R D S | G u n e e t O b e ro i

hether it is a Scarlett Johanson, a Kim Kardishain, or our very own Chitrangadha Singh, they all have donned the braided look on and off the red carpet. Braids are no longer just an option on a bad-hair day; they are now one of the hottest hair trends to follow.

The year 2013 predicts an increasing demand for beautiful braids – whether it is simple or intricate; for a wedding or just a walk in the park, braids will be a sought-after hairstyle this year. “Gone are the days when there was little experimenting when it comes to braiding; now we have a multitude of variations – inside out, fishtail, five rope, twist, cross over... the list goes on and on. It is no longer restricted to a bad-hair day or when you are simply running out of time for work. Braiding is in, and is only limited to your imagination,” asserts Rod Anker, director, Monsoon Salon.

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www.zealadvt.com

Glam world

A single braid along the hairline functions like a headband; only, it looks more interesting Tangled tale I still remember every morning, just before going to school, the chaos I used to create over the plaits my mother used to make for me. Back then, tying a plait was compulsory in school for children with long hair. Going back further in the past to the days of our mothers and grandmothers, a young girl looked the best when her hair was plaited because it gave a neat and simple look. But as we say, it’s a big vicious circle – times, fashion, all come back after they have taken a full circle. So has the fashion of braids – but now, much more trendy and in demand. All things twisted is the new rage and one has innumerable options to choose from. People have become more fashion conscious these

days and so they love to indulge in newer hairstyles to create impact.

People who do not like to experiment too much with their hair can go with a regular look – a few random braids can be tied into soft waves or straight hair to make you look a little different from your regular self. Who needs a hairband if you can make one from your hair! This is one of the most popular ways to braid your hair this season. One single braid along the hairline functions like a headband; only, it’s more interesting. This looks best with a Barbie doll gown or with Indian ethnic wear. Don’t think that every braid has to be perfect; in fact the idea of a messy braid is here to stay. For this look, the hair needs to have September 2013 114 www.spiceroutemag.com

a lot of volume and natural texture. Let hair part naturally and style bangs or front pieces.

Pull the rest of your hair back to just above the nape of your neck and start the braid there, securing it at the bottom with an elastic band.

Go back and pull out a few pieces so it’s not so polished. Next in line is the famous red-carpet look of a fishtail braid. Made famous by the celebrities and fashion mavens, this seainspired style adds the glam quotient to your look. It goes best with fitted gowns and maxis.

One could also try a side braid which gives a more Indian feel. Most Bollywood actors have been seen donning this look at weddings, events and awards nights. With a pretty saree this chic hairstyle is sure to make eyeballs turn your way.

Glam world

Avoid going over the top – stick to colourful bands to finish the braid or opt for a studded hairband at the crown Avoid faux pas It’s a known fact that when something comes in fashion, people tend to go overboard with it. If you do not wish to be the butt of ridicule, try not going over the top. Yes, using hair accessories can definitely add an ounce of glam to your look, but it is important to keep in mind that using too much of anything can cause a fashion disaster. Teaming big hair bows, glittering ribbons and huge flowers with your braid is surely not a good idea. If you want to adorn your braid with accessories, try sticking to colourful bands to finish the braid or a studded hairband at the crown.

Braid benefits Hot summer days call for a no-fuss hairstyle.

Everyone wants an easy-to-get look which is comfortable yet chic. Braids help you achieve this – your hair doesn’t fall on your face, preventing breakouts on your skin in the sticky weather. Also, since your hair is tied, you tend to feel less hot and can be more comfortable.

One added advantage of braids – they enhance your facial features as all the hair is tied back sleekly, and doesn’t fall over your eyes.

“Braiding is a soft styling technique that can give an edge to your look or change the overall feel dramatically with little effort. With so many variations to choose from, traditional braiding has come back in vogue in a big way from the runway to editorial collections in fashion magazines,” says Rod. Quick and easy to make, and comfortable to carry, braids can surely make a style statement and complement your looks.

Popular choices Try braids identified with certain countries such as the French braid or Dutch braid.

Incorporate other materials like ribbons or even rope braids.

A braid updo gives a refreshing new look to the regular braided look.

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VA R A N A S I

ell being

Strengthen those bonds

Life’s busy, but you can always steal a few precious moments for your family.

Here are some suggestions to make them special and memorable...

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o feel part of a family and really get to know each other, you must take time out for your loved ones. A study from Emory University found that children who knew a lot about their family history, through meals together and other interactions, had a closer relationship with each other, higher self esteem, and a greater sense of control over their own lives (Duke, Fivush, Lazarus, & Bohanek, 2003). Try our list of daily and weekly activities which you can indulge in together...

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Weekend fitness Get up early and exercise – yoga or aerobics work well and the entire family can do most of the workout together. Or if you’re feeling a bit lazy and want to catch a few more winks, all of you can head to the nearest sports complex a little later in the day. Choose a new activity each time you go to keep up interest levels – swimming, table tennis, tennis, badminton, squash... Older members of the family can play a game of chess or head to the billiards table.

Well being

If these don’t appeal to your little ones, just plan a dance session – create a CD of your favourite tracks, hit play and start. Hop, skip, jump – just let yourselves go in the evening time! End the party with a refreshing drink and a few fun snacks to make the evening even more memorable.

Most children love to nurture, so give them the responsibility of ‘bringing up’ one plant in the garden

Gardening date

and leaves on the way. Wash them carefully and dry on newspaper sheets. Now place them in the middle of fat books (at the letter M in case you choose a dictionary) and leave for a week to let them dry and flatten out... Then make a fun collage on the following weekend – get your child to stick them creatively on chart paper to make wall art; you can even get it framed. Else get them to paste the flowers and leaves creatively on thick cardboard strips to make pretty bookmarks, or on folded chart paper to make greeting cards with a personal touch for the upcoming festive season.

Most children love to nurture, so give them the responsibility of ‘bringing up’ one plant in the garden (choose a hardy one like curry patta or ficus which will survive even if your little one forgets to water it one day).

Whenever you work in the garden, ask your child to wear his/her gardening gloves and join you as you water the plants or weed the beds – he/she can work on his/her own or help you with the rest of the garden. They can also help you sow seeds in a new garden bed, or pluck out dead leaves and stems from all the plants. Older family members can participate by telling the children more about the plant, its benefits, the kind of flowers or fruit it yields, and so on. Always discuss how the garden is growing and what new changes you are planning on an everyday basis so that children feel more involved.

Creative corner The weekend again is the perfect time to get all your creative juices flowing. Go for a nature walk together and pluck a few pretty flowers

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On your walk together, you can also collect a few smooth pebbles on the way. Encourage your child to paint them (geometrical patterns, floral motifs... just about anything) and show them off on your drawing room coffee table. Or give as a return gift to friends at the next party – these can be used as paper weights or decor pieces. Give creative inputs wherever required, and help smaller children with the scissor work.

The best way for smaller children to bond with their grandparents: Keep a collection of

Well being

Expert tips On a daily basis, designate a time when the whole family will sit together. Having a meal is a good idea. Aim for an hour daily.

If you have older children, you can go swimming every evening – it’s good exercise and great fun.

Even the time spent driving together can give you a great opportunity to bond.

(get the children to help, if they are old enough to do so without making a mess); place the sandwiches in the freezer for an hour or so. Bite in! Prefer strawberry? Try adding a layer of strawberry ice-cream between marie biscuits – it tastes great. You can also make fruit lollies together – just whiz a banana in the blender and freeze – even smaller children can help you peel the banana. Or just blend mango, milk and sugar together, pour into a box and freeze for homemade mango icecream. Make this a regular weekend activity and celebrate your togetherness.

On weekends, take out specific time for recreation. You don’t always have to be on the go – just play an outdoor game together in the colony park.

Every quarter of the year, take a short vacation of 2-3 days (more if possible). Try trekking.

Indulging in an activity together, where you work as a ‘team’, is a great way to understand each other.

Plan a long annual vacation – at least for a week – where you indulge in activities of common interest. Catch a theatre performance with the elders and go visit a fort with the children.

Dr. Rachna K Singh, expert in holistic medicine and lifestyle management

Picnic time sketch pens or colour pencils ready for the toddler who would love to join his grandpa in drawing a doggy, a tree or a house...

Kitchen fun This one is ideal for mothers and children to bond, while dad can help by appreciating (eating up!) the results. Get the children to join in as you whip up a delicious treat in the kitchen. You can try ice-cream sandwiches – just melt vanilla ice-cream at room temperature and use a spoon to spread it between cakes slices or chocolate chip cookies September 2013 122 www.spiceroutemag.com

Head to the zoo, or simply choose a clean and green neighbourhood park for an outdoor bonding session on a common holiday or the weekend. Carry along frisbees, balls and badminton rackets for some fun activity. A pack of cards and a record player can be good additions if grandparents are coming along.

Pack a fun meal. Get the children to pitch in too by adding their favourite chocolate bars, biscuits, toffees and the like to the picnic basket. In case the park has a pond, carry some food for the ducks or the fishes – nothing delights a child more than feeding a hungry animal.

Well being

Fitness

funda

Stressed out by long hours, deadlines and tough targets? Try these simple exercises while you are at your desk and feel the change.

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t the end of the day, when you come back exhausted from office, the thought of exercising never even crosses your mind. But unless you take out that half an hour for your workout, you will not be able to sustain your present work pattern without inviting health problems, especially those related to stress and lack of exercise.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, at least 30 minutes of exercise per day is recommended for all. Continuing ill-health plagues the unfit and immunity is found to be low in people with sedentary, stress-filled lifestyles. Manifestation of stressrelated ailments can be varied; many times, it is

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ALSTRONG’S ACP ALWAYS LOOKS NEW   ’     

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Alstrong Advt Spice 23-Aug.indd 1

26/08/13 12:52 AM

Well being

Stay mobile Do your own fetchand-carry jobs.

Take a short walk daily after lunch.

Stand periodically (at least five minutes per hour) while working.

Stretch as often as possible at your desk.

Avoid too many cups of tea and coffee.

Drink plenty of water. arry at least two C snacks in addition to your lunch. Try nuts, dry fruits, fresh fruits and roasted gram.

rather difficult to put a finger on the root cause of the disease. These diseases can be as varied as dermatitis, respiratory ailments, diabetes, hypertension, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, postural defects which lead to spinal issues... the list is endless. The best way out? Workout at the workplace! Just use your time prudently and stay active through the day.

Agreed that we are always hard pressed for time, but workouts too have become smarter, ready to accommodate your time constraints.

You need as little as 20 to 30 minutes a day to stay fit. There are now efficient programs stretched over a week designed to give you optimum benefits in less time.

Here are some stretches and exercises that you can do at work. These can be done at any time, specially when you are tired and stressed, or at the very beginning of the day. You need not do all of them at one go. They can be broken up into convenient segments – just try to do all of them within the day.

Immunity is low in people with sedentary lifestyles Limber up • Turn your face up to look up at the ceiling and then take your chin towards the chest.

Repeat eight times, slowly.

• Turn your face to the left and then towards the right. Repeat at least eight times, slowly.

• Rotate your shoulders from front to back 10 times, and then from back to front. Lift the shoulders as high as possible each time.

• Stand up, interlock your fingers and stretch September 2013 126 www.spiceroutemag.com

both arms above your head. Go up on your toes as you do this. Hold for at least a minute and feel a good stretch in your whole body.

• Stand with your feet together and arms by your side. Bend laterally to the side. Reach sideways to touch the outside of your knee and feel the stretch in the opposite side of the body. Repeat on the other side. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds.

• Stand upright and lift your knees towards the chest one at a time. This will be like an

Well being

Health tips Give up smoking completely and restrict alcohol intake, especially during the working week.

Sleep early and wake up early. Late nights contribute to weight gain and acidity.

If you travel frequently for work, then a pair of walking shoes should be part of your luggage.

Even a 20-minute brisk walk helps.

Avoid wearing high heels for long hours. If you do, stretch your calves frequently.

Take the staircase whenever possible.

Never skip breakfast.

exaggerated march. Inhale and exhale deeply throughout this exercise.

• Stand with your legs shoulder width apart, bend forward from the hip and place your palms on your thighs. In this position, curl and relax your spine at least 10 to 12 times.

• Stand with your feet together, point and flex the feet several times. For the hands as well, just flex and extend the wrist several times and rotate it both ways.

For strengthening • Stand from a sitting position as often as you can. Do not take the support of your arms as you do this.This exercise imitates the squats which are a strengthening exercise for all the muscles of the lower body.

• While seated, contract your abdominal wall to pull your navel towards the spine and hold it tight (without holding your breath). This

not only strengthens the abs but also provides support to the spine. Hold for 30 seconds each time and do this as often as you can.

• Sit away from the backrest of your chair for at least a couple of hours in a day. This will strengthen the postural muscles in the back. Remember not to slouch as you do this, maintain good posture.

• Occasionally push your chair away from the table to give yourself ample space to stretch your legs. With your back straight, extend both the lower legs till the knees are locked and legs straight. Hold this posture for at least a minute at a time, and do this three to four times.This will keep your knees healthy as it strengthens the muscles supporting the knee joint.

All these exercises will at least keep you free of aches and pains, and help you stay active. A more organised exercise program can be done under the guidance of a trainer over the weekends. Recreational sports are the other way to stay fit – tennis, badminton, team sports and running will all help you maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle. Adopting activity and correct eating habits should be a part of your daily routine as well.

Nisha Varma is a renowned fitness expert and a certified Reebok master trainer.

September 2013 128 www.spiceroutemag.com

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Antique

beauties

Almost three centuries old and going great! Antique furniture is stylish yet durable, and retains its utilitarian value.

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f you visit any antique shop or auction, you’ll find that a large portion of surviving antiques are furnishings. Inheriting a whole lot of antique wooden furniture, which is not less than 250 years old, was nothing less than discovering a sepia-coloured treasure for me. A beautiful sofa set, which even my three-year-old can move, a round corner table which would September 2013 130 www.spiceroutemag.com

fold into a sleek rectangular corner piece when not in use, and a comfortable arm-chair, apart from beautifully carved false ceilings, and door and window frames... All these pieces are still relevant in my small Delhi house. Just a coat of wood polish and they are as good as new! In most houses such old pieces are left unused, having given way to modern-day furniture and

Culture canvas

It takes skilled workmanship to get the intricate detailing in each piece

Traditional designs and motifs are painted on chairs, tables, cabinets and picture frames shrinking home space. Chrome, PVC, plastic and glass are some of the exciting materials used in many colours to create modern bar stools, kitchen furniture, shelving as well as office furniture.

Laminating steam-bent timber brought costs down and raised new designs in chairs and tables. The armchairs and chaise-lounges of the past became sprung sofas with padded cushioning, in a range of textiles that were unthinkable before. But ‘newest and boldest’ does not suit every home. Besides, these pieces have a limited lifespan and demand high maintenance.

Refound glory Once again, there has been a remarkable upsurge in demand for traditional wooden furniture in the urban market, where the

trend is to transform pieces of wood already existing in houses into usable pieces of furniture – for instance, window grills and doors are converted into coffee tables and cupboards. The enhanced interest can also be attributed to the fact that people wish to reconnect with their past and want their living rooms to be a reflection of history, legends and folklore. This style of furniture is not only aesthetically appealing, but also scores in terms of functionality.

“Modern furniture has its flip side too.

It does not last for more than six months and demands frequent repairs,” says Narapat Singh, owner of WoodnChoice furniture shop in Pune. “Even the regular plywood furniture is now out of vogue because it is very heavy. But antique furniture is making a comeback for its looks and the fact that it is so light despite September 2013 132 www.spiceroutemag.com

being made of solid wood. Besides, it comes at competitive prices. Antique-look furniture pieces have carving in them, but even if you get them custom made, the prices are only marginally higher than the range of plywood furniture. In addition, they are sought after because they are durable.”

The advantages of antique wooden furniture are undeniable. Not only does the piece of furniture exude a sense of class and elegance, it adds warmth and character to any room. Moreover, it is extremely resilient as wood is a long-lasting natural material that can withstand constant abuse, such as spills in the kitchen or scratches in the dining room. Solid wood furniture can last for generations with minimum care. Besides, dust can just not play havoc with your wooden furniture unlike the pieces made of plastic or metal.

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this can be given to the wide variety of wood available in India, such as sheesham, Indian rosewood, teakwood as well as sandalwood.

Practical yet exquisite, these furniture pieces add charm to your home decor

Wood’s natural grain also guarantees that each piece of furniture is unique. Plus, wood furniture can be changed over time to give it a second, third or fourth life – through procedures of polishing, sanding, staining or painting, one can refinish wood furniture and give it an entirely new look.

In western countries such as the US and Europe, pine, maple, oak and mahogany are most commonly used to make wooden furniture. Indian wooden furniture relies on sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo) or oak because it provides protection against termites and fungal infections, commonly found in wooden furniture, especially in the humid regions of India. The latest trend is to use a metallic structure with wooden furniture because it enhances the strength and provides protection against environmental changes.

Scoring high Furniture making in India has a long tradition.

Historically, a class of artisans (called sutars or badhai) were entrusted with the task of making furniture. It is said that furniture making reached its zenith in 1336 AD, at the time of the Vijayanagar Empire in southern India. The craftsmen were a highly respected tribe and were patronised by kings and nobles. The felicity of Indian craftsmen to turn wood into amazing objects was recognised worldwide. To a large extent, the credit for September 2013 134 www.spiceroutemag.com

Like all other crafts, Indian woodcraft derived its inspiration from mythology, art and literature. It is interesting to note that while ebony wood was the icon in the south, particularly among the royalties, wood from walnut was popular in the north. States like Rajasthan and Gujarat are famous for colourful painting on furniture. Traditional designs and motifs are painted on chairs, tables, stools, boxes, cabinets and picture frames, making them look elegant and attractive. Rajasthani furniture that comes from Shekhawati holds its unique importance in the market because this furniture is made from local timbers like sheesham, mango (Mangifera indica), and babool or kikar (Acacia nilotica).

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Creative

muse

This Teacher’s Day, we ask top artistes about the people behind their exceptional talent, and what makes each of their mentors so special.

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or many, parents have been the biggest inspiration; others have picked up valuable bits of knowledge from the gurus of their art, fellow artistes, and ‘regular’ people around them.

All the ‘teachers’ are remembered fondly, and continue to be passionately admired.

mexican inspiration Satish Gujral (artist) There has been no permanent guru in my life.

It is the change in my mood that affected me and according to it, I changed my style. I was inspired by Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco, both famous Mexican painters. Orozco was my earliest guru. I am indebted to him for his style of dashing brush strokes to achieve motion. I was also affected by female Mexican artist Frida Kahlo who in the later years turned to be a world master. I never met Orozco in person – he was dead before I arrived in Mexico. It was Frida Kahlo with whom I had a friendship that lasted up to her death in 1954.

The effect of these earlier gurus remained with me during my years in Mexico – 19501957. Ever since then, I kept changing without guidance. Mexico and its artists have remained among the best of my memories.

mom and my gurus Shovana Narayan (kathak dancer) I had four gurus in my life. I credit everything – my development as a person, respect for time management, understanding of Indian philosophy, my approach to dance and academics – to my mother. If it had not been for her, I would not be what I am today. My first dance guru was Sadhana Bose, a famous dancer and actor of those times and granddaughter of social reformer Keshab Chandra Sen. My September 2013 136 www.spiceroutemag.com

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mother literally took me by the hand when I was around three years old to meet her.

She initiated me into the world of kathak. I remember her holding my legs with her hands, and guiding them saying “taa thaii”.

My father got posted to Mumbai from Kolkata where I started training under Guru Kundan Lal – he taught me the technical aspects. He was open-minded and embraced all gharanas. He also taught me how to dance on beds of nails and swords in the green room at a Filmfare Awards function, within 10-15 minutes!

I performed on stage on a bed of swords and got a standing ovation. But it was the first and last time I did because my father was livid!

When I was 13 years old, I came to Delhi and started training under Birju Maharaj. He taught me aesthetics – the beauty of every mudra. He used to choreograph ballets and I internalised a lot – about utilisation of stage space, combination of dance steps and more.

stalwarts at every step Sivamani (percussionist) My first guru was my father SM Anandan, a well-known percussionist in the south Indian

Clockwise from left: Danseuse Shovana Narayan; Percussionist Sivamani in his younger days; Drumming with former President APJ Abul Kalam

film industry. I’ve been hearing him since I was in my mother’s womb. I used to enjoy watching him play but he would tell me to concentrate on studies. One day, when I was seven years old, I saw dad going out. Taking the opportunity, I sat down on the drums.

He came back. To my surprise, told me to go on! He realised I had a rhythm. Dad took me to the studio, where I met my second guru Noel Grant. His music was different – the sound and dynamics stood apart and touched my heart. The fascination was such that I used to bunk school see him play. Singer SP Balasubramaniam was my mentor. One day, when I was 14, I had to substitute for my dad at the studio. The great singer recognised my talent and asked my father’s permission to take me on his roadshows. I got to travel across India and abroad. My idol is well-known jazz musician Billy Cobham. He came to meet me in September 2013 138 www.spiceroutemag.com

one of my shows in Mumbai and I was floored!

Percussion legend Trilok Gurtu too has played a crucial role in my life. I first saw him at a fusion concert in Chennai, sitting on the floor with his drum kit almost on his lap. I admire his style. And I still remember my meeting with tabla maestro Zakir Hussain. Believe it or not, he made the effort to come to the studio in Chennai to meet me when I’d told him I was busy! He saw me play on my drum kit, set up the Billy Cobham way, and was impressed. In 1984, he offered me a platform at the Taala Vadya Utsav in Mumbai where I got to play with him and Trilok Gurtu. My journey with music legend Louis Banks started in 1990, at a show in Rang Bhavan, Mumbai. We went to Russia together, where we started the world fusion band SILK with Shankar Mahadevan, Sridhar Parthasarthy and Karl Peters. I continue to learn from all of them and my fellow musicians.

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Left: Singer Palash Sen with his band Euphoria; Iconic British-born Indian theatre director Barry John

‘My parents were my first classroom from whom I learnt values, how to remain honest and strong...’ – Palash parents & mentors Palash Sen (singer) My father was a doctor and singer; my mom a doctor, and they taught me by example... I studied at St Columba’s School and University College of Medical Sciences, and have a lot of love and reverence for all my teachers.

However, my school principal Brother Eric D’Souza, who taught me in Class IX and X was responsible for bringing my talent to the fore.

He was a young headmaster and a dedicated teacher. He encouraged me to be part of theatre, elocution, debating and Western singing. I came on stage in the play The Wiz, a musical adaptation of The Wizard of Oz in which the main parts were played by Shah Rukh Khan and me. Today, Brother D’Souza is in Shillong at St. Edmund’s School. He had recently come to Delhi for a few medical tests and I had gone with him for moral support.

Another person I’ve learnt a lot from is Gulzar sahab, who I met through his daughter Meghna while shooting for Filhaal. He is an honest, calm and strong person and I look up to him as a father. He too treats me like a son.

Throughout, each one of my band mates has been my teacher. They are all great musicians and I have learnt a lot from them.

Also, my children are my teachers. It’s truly said that child is the father of man. My 18-year-old son Kinshuk and 10-year-old daughter Kyna are children of the new world. I might miss something new – books, music, or anything else; but they ensure I remain clued in.

genius teacher Barry John (theatre director) I have learned things of great value from countless people over the years, but the person September 2013 140 www.spiceroutemag.com

I consider to be my guru is pre-eminent among them. My guru is John Hodgson, Head of the Drama Department at the college in the UK where I studied from 1964-67. For the three years that I studied there, he became a major role model when I was still so impressionable, and impacted my life and career so deeply that he is still the primary inspiration, even though I have not met him since 1968.

I came to India in 1968, and it was after consulting with him that I made the decision to come. Now, 45 years later, I am still here and I am now an Indian citizen. He was a great believer in the educational benefits to be derived from practising theatre. “In making people better actors, you are making them better people,” he often said. He had us mulling over the paradox: it’s a pretence, but it is also real. Another one was: it’s you, but it’s not you. He always emphasised that theatre is a social event – it brings people together to make it, and it brings people together to watch it. In theatre, you are exploring yourself and the world. To be involved in theatre is to be enriched, fulfilled and empowered. I remember John Hodgson every working day.

Good samaritans

English

vinglish

BAFEL aims to eradicate backwardness by joining hands with knowledge. Teaching spoken English to the labour class is a step towards achieving this goal.

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t won’t be wrong to say that conversation is the second most important thing in the world.

The most important is language. And English is one language which, over the years, has become a widely accepted mode of communication in India. With the huge influx of foreigners in the country, auto rickshaw and taxi drivers and rickshaw pullers had started finding it really tough to communicate with their passengers. From educating these people September 2013 142 www.spiceroutemag.com

to setting up educational institutes in Naxalite hit zones, Alka Gupta has done everything possible for the past 25 years to uplift the backward sections of society.

“This idea came to my mind during the Commonwealth days when various tours and travel companies came forward to train their cab drivers,” elaborates Alka, the brainchild behind BAFEL – an organisation which works

Good samaritans

The training approach in BAFEL incorporates methods like active listening and public speaking towards teaching English and life skills to the labour class. A strong believer in dignity of labour, Alka asserts that if people in America can pay the paddy cab driver well, why can’t an Indian rickshaw puller get the same respect and remuneration?

Bringing change Keeping this in mind, she designed a module which included spoken English, communication skills and life skills, especially for this section of society. They cannot be

taught grammar; they need to be taught English in the conversational style, which helps them communicate in the language and makes their lives easier. This in turn would help increase their employability prospects and confidence to be at par with the urban people.

The training approach in BAFEL incorporates a combination of methods like active listening and public speaking. These are done through various role plays which are based on day-today situations that the ‘students’ face. Alka feels that for speaking any language, the first step is to “comprehend” it by active listening. This ensures that an individual’s first introduction to language is in its spoken form; and then he gets acclimatised progressively for being receptive towards the more complex genres of teaching/training techniques. So at the end of a productive training session, a trainee of BAFEL is an overall package – of a wellgroomed individual who has comprehended the art of effective English speaking and is well versed with oral communication, etiquette and manners, social behaviour and business communication.

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Alka Gupta with a group of rickshaw pullers

BAFEL believes in focusing on a curriculum based on situations. The situations are structured in the form of role plays which not only trains them to speak in English but grooms them on personal and social hygiene as well as personal and public manners.

Success stories Shiv Kumar, a rickshaw puller, never went to school. When he came to BAFEL, he didn’t know a single word of English. Now he has learnt to communicate in English with his customers. He has understood the importance of the language, sends his children to regular school and also to BAFEL centres, to learn English and life skills. He earns much more and is able to save `5,000 every month, which he sends to his parents in the village.

He is a better professional who speaks to his customers fluently; his attitude has improved as he has been trained in interpersonal skills as well.

Good samaritans

After learning to communicate in English, rickshaw puller Anil’s income increased manifold Anil, 20 years old, is also a rickshaw puller. Since he came to BAFEL, he wants to study more from open school so that he can ‘earn and learn’ together. After learning to communicate in English, his per day income has increased and now he can save up to `3,000 every month.

opportunities. This improves their status in society, ups their self-esteem, and gives them a sense of pride in their jobs. They learn to greet customers pleasantly, impressing them enough to earn additional tips. So the training curriculum achieves its aim of providing the trainee business value as well as financial value.

There are many like Shiv and Anil who have benefitted from BAFEL’s trainings. It also grooms them in various faculties of personality development, making them better and more sought-after individuals. Plus, the training curriculum sharpens their decision-making skills and educates them on various other factors like managing stress, finance and also their children, by giving them proper education

Crossing challenges Any social work involves various kinds of challenges. This organisation was no exception.

The money to fund these programmes has been a constant worry for Alka. “The main challenge has been regarding the finance to support and carry out this work at a larger level, in the rural areas,” she says. Then there are the challenges related to safety, security September 2013 146 www.spiceroutemag.com

Enthusiastic ‘students’ ready with their answers

and cooperation from the local administration – these can be taken care of, but providing salaries, travelling, lodging, boarding and the daily commuting the team does, all require a certain amount of funds.

This class cannot pay the fees, but why should they be deprived of this kind of training which can bring so much of enthusiasm and awareness in their lives? “These kinds of ventures are looked after by the profits made by my commercial ventures,” Alka tells us.

“Do not give a fish to the hungry; instead, teach the hungry how to catch fish,” has been the motto of Alka’s life. The lower strata of our country needs to be made capable of equipping themselves to earn well. Learning the language will open more doors of information and opportunities for them – a whole new world of enlightenment.

Good samaritans

Tree

of life

Artists in Bihar paint roadside trees to save them from being chopped down and to do their bit to save environment.

W O R D S | A M A R NATH TE W A R Y & P H O T O g r a p h s | P R A S ANT R A V I

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f you happen to travel on State Highway 52 in the Madhubani district of Bihar, you are likely to be welcomed by painted tree trunks in this land of world-famous Madhubani paintings. This pleasant sight of roadside trees painted with colourful motifs of illustrious Madhubani paintings is neither a government initiative nor a corporate effort to promote tourism in the state, but a novel drive by the local artists to save trees from rampant cutting, and to protect the environment.

Madhubani paintings are essentially a tribal art form named after the villages of the Madhubani district which date back to the 16th century. Traditionally, womenfolk of the

Good samaritans

This initiative makes the trees look uniquely beautiful while helping the environment

district depicted religious and mythological events by splashing natural colours on walls and floors during festive occasions. Over time, this art form spread and came to be known as Madhubani art. Lately, men have taken to this age-old local skill and Hindu deities like Krishna, Radha, Rama, Sita, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati and Dhanvanti have become their common subjects. Most of the time, these paintings are done using a variety of tools – fingers, twigs, brushes, nib-pens and matchsticks, and are characterised by eyecatching geometrical patterns.

who now runs an organisation in Ranti village which promotes handicrafts, Madhubani paintings as well as jute, Sikki and Sujani paintings of Bihar.

Madhubani paintings have also been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by virtue of their typical methodology and distinct characteristics. The depiction of Hindu deities makes these paintings pious and virtuous. It was after he saw the social impact of this art form that Shasthinath Jha was struck with the idea of using it to protect trees. “While crossing the road one day, I saw a row of trees being chopped down to widen the road. It was then that I decided to protect them,” shares Jha

However, the journey wasn’t easy for Jha and his unique venture. “When I first shared this thought with the villagers, they laughed at me. But when they saw the impact these paintings made in saving trees, my efforts were appreciated. Soon, the word spread and other villages approached me with the request to paint and save trees. Perhaps they realised that if these trees are chopped today, how will their children breathe tomorrow?” he says.

At present, the campaign has made its way

A few days later, Jha devised a plan. He started painting the lower half of the tree trunks with Madhubani art depicting Hindu deities. Soon, he found that nobody cut them.

So Jha sought permission from the local forest department and engaged a handful of local artists to paint tree trunks on SH-52. The result was awesome. No trees were cut thereon.

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The villagers realised that if trees are chopped today, how will their children breathe tomorrow? through the villages of Rajnagar, Jitwarpur, Basavpatti, Saurath and Jagatpur.

Today, the lone mango tree near the main gate of the Madhubani Jail proudly houses hundreds of nests and gives shelter to many only because deities and other mythological characters were painted on the lower half of its trunk.

This unique effort to dissuade people from cutting down trees took off in September last

Good samaritans

For their innovations and experiments, these talented artists have been bestowed with a number of recognitions year, and over the last six months, hundreds of trees have been painted, inviting unusual curiosity and positive response from the villagers from the district. “Not even a single painted tree has been brought down,” says artist Arti Kumari, adding she’s happy to contribute in her own little way to protect the environment.

The modus operandi for Jha and his 10-member artist team is simple. ”We first shortlist the neglected roadside trees and then paint them so that they stay protected.

If you travel on SH-52, you are likely to find one of these artists busy painting trees. With the tremendous response, I’ve now requested the government, railways and other agencies to support us as it is an expensive exercise.

Depending on its size, painting a tree requires `2,000-3,000,” shares Jha. At present, there are around 10,000 artists in the twin districts of Madhubani and Darbhanga who pursue this traditional art form for its promotion and their livelihood.

For their innovations and experiments, these talented artists have been bestowed with a number of national and international awards and recognitions. Though these artists, hailing from the villages of Ranti, Jitwarpur, Basavpatti and Rajnagar, used natural colours earlier, they have now turned to synthetic colours due to

their durability and brightness factors. He also draws attention to the fact that though the government spends a huge amount annually for planting trees, it is least bothered when it comes to protecting them.

Interestingly, Bihar has one of the lowest forest coverage areas – under seven percent.

Expressing concern over the depleting forest cover, the state government had recently launched a drive to plant trees, but with little success. In fact, a large amount of seeds

The villagers of Madhubani district have made good use of the local art

September 2013 152 www.spiceroutemag.com

were spread on the hills of Rajgir in Nalanda district by helicopters but experts feel nothing substantial came out of this effort too. “One needs to create awareness against unnecessary cutting of trees else we will face numerous problems in the coming years,” observes environmentalist-social activist Arpita Bose.

Meanwhile, artists in Madhubani are busy giving an attractive new lease of life to unattended trees in the district — and to themselves too!

Spotlight/health

September 2013 156 www.spiceroutemag.com

Health is wealth

India’s health sector is growing with each passing year. Today, we have the best medical facilities drawing people from across the world.

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ndia is writing a new chapter of growth in healthcare services. Today, almost every city in India has hospitals with state-of-the-art medical facilities and high-tech patient treatment systems.

Even in smaller towns, new hospitals are mushrooming, improving the quality of health care across the country. Many factors have contributed to this growth story, which includes various initiatives from both government and private sectors. Another factor that has helped the growth is the new-age-patient, who looks for the best treatment money can buy. India’s medical facility has reached such a level that people from across the world come here for treatment. Even while on a holiday, many do not might getting a dental or eye procedure done, while many come for knee replacement and fertility treatments.

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Spotlight/health

Delivering Authentic Ayurveda

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erala Ayurveda Ltd (KAL) is one of India’s oldest Ayurvedic groups. Founded by the eminent Vaidyan K.G.K. Panikker in 1945 it is today part of the global, multi-business Katra group.

Alternate route Even as state-of-the-art hospitals are treating unending stream of patients, there is a growing popularity of Ayurveda.

An increasing number of people are discovering the health benefits of ancient herbs that play an essential role in this millennia-old system of healing. Ayurvedic resorts have become popular destinations for relaxation and rejuvenation in India, while Ayurvedic hospitals cater to people seeking treatment for more serious health problems as well.

Ayurvedic medicine is particularly effective for metabolic, stress related, and chronic conditions. Treatments are also helpful in relieving the effects of surgery and debilitating treatments such as chemotherapy. Ayurveda is also gaining popularity nowadays for general rejuvenation and beauty care. This is a pranic system of medicine, which works to balance the body’s life energy, referred to as the doshas.

This is achieved by diet, different types of massages, pouring of herbal liquids onto the body, and covering the body with herbal leaves and powders. You’ll be assessed by a qualified doctor and a treatment program will be tailormade to address the root of your problem. Generally, at least a couple of weeks are needed to complete a full course of Ayurvedic treatment.

However it’s also possible to get simple renewal treatments, such as Ayurvedic massages, as standalones.

Ayurvedic medicine is effective for metabolic and chronic conditions

KAL’s 30 clinics and 4 hospitals throughout India see over 70,000 patients a year. The clinics offer doctor’s consultations, in-house medicines and over 45 Ayurvedic therapies delivered by therapists trained in KAL’s Training Academy in Kochi in Kerala. The Kochi hospital is a Green Leaf certified full service hospital which delivers affordable healing to patients who come to it from across the globe.

River Retreat is a full service upmarket hospital beside the beautiful Periyar river in Kerala.

Ayurvedagram, a Heritage Wellness Retreat on the outskirts of Bangalore, combines authentic Ayurvedic healing with great natural beauty, historical Kerala cottages from the 18th and 19th century and an atmosphere of complete serenity.

Awarded Hospitality and Wellness Service awards by Frost & Sullivan and Dun & Bradstreet, visited for healing by people of the likes of the Ayurvedic scholar David Frawley, Anoushka Shanker and the Maharaja of Jodhpur, Ayurvedagram embodies the gentle magic of Ayurveda.

KAL has one of the largest herbal gardens in India, with a collection of over 1,200 species.

The team also produces the “Gold Standard” in purified active pharmaceutical (healthcare) ingredients from Natural Origins, for use in dietary supplements, fortified foods and beverages and the cosmetic industry. From its modern GMP certified manufacturing facility

September 2013 158 www.spiceroutemag.com

over 350 classical and proprietary herbal formulations are sold all over India and in the USA. Apart from the above, KAL is focused on developing contemporary medicines for a global audience,by marrying the authentic, Kerala Herbal tradition with modern scientific methodologies. Renovel Discoveries, USA, a joint venture ( JV) of Katra in the USA, works with KAL to validate medicines through rigorous clinical trials evaluated on the three key tenets of Safety, Purity and Efficacy.

Renovel’s Pharma discovery platform validating Ayurveda, is complemented by KAL’s JV with Asthagiri Herbal Research Foundation, Chennai. These two divisions synchronize optimally with KAL’s own heritage knowledge to deliver innovative solutions for wellness.

The KAL Training Academy in Kerala has now expanded into USA. As KAL’s first foreign foray its rapid growth is a source of pride to the group.

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Experience the gentle magic of Ayurveda

Spotlight/health

Scary statistics: • 12,782 persons underwent diabetes screening • 13.61 percent (1,739) persons had very high sugar levels (160-500 mg%).

• 5.92 percent were women • 7.63 percent were men • 3 percent were in 0-9 age group (juvenile diabetes) • 5 percent were 10-19 years old

Deadly Diabetes Type 2 diabetes, believed to worry the 40-plus age group, is growing younger. Patients are now increasingly in the 20-29 age group. There are two main types of diabetes. Both types are caused by problems in the levels of the hormone called insulin, that helps regulate blood sugar. Over 90 percent of all diabetes is type 2 diabetes. In this type of diabetes your body makes insulin but can’t use it properly. At first, your body overproduces insulin to keep blood sugar normal, but over time, you lose your ability to produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels in the normal healthy range.

The result? Blood sugar rises to high levels.

Over a long period of time, high blood sugar levels due to diabetes can cause heart

• 21 percent (2,713) with symptoms of diabetes are in 20-29 age group

September 2013 160 www.spiceroutemag.com

disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, leg and foot amputations, and pregnancy complications. Diabetes can be a deadly disease: over 2,00,000 people die each year of diabetes-related complications. Almost 90 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight. And, in turn, people who are overweight are at much greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes than normalweight individuals. The extra weight puts added pressure on the body’s ability to properly control blood sugar using insulin, and therefore makes it much more likely for such people to develop diabetes. Lifestyle issues are making youngsters more prone to diabetes. Of the 12,782 persons who underwent diabetes screening in the past year, 2,713 (21 percent) suffering from high sugar levels were aged 20-29 years. It’s a clear indicator that Type 2 diabetes - attributed to genetic causes and lifestyle - is affecting the youth. Type 1 diabetes is seen in children and adolescents, where the body’s malfunctioning affects insulin production. The causes were increased stress levels due to exam pressure, improper dietary habits, obesity and other lifestyle changes.

The disease itself may not discriminate on the basis of gender, but when it comes to healthcare for patients with diabetes, women in India find themselves at a disadvantage as compared to men. This is the conclusion of

Spotlight/health

Almost 90 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight a study, which analysed gender roles, norms and values in a household and found women patients to be more vulnerable.

This vulnerability influences all phases of diabetic care. Even when they suffer from diabetes, women cannot abandon the “caretaker role” in the family and have to continue to prioritise the health of other family members above their own, the study found.

Good to know Mangoes are a whole lot more than just a delicious, refreshing treat produced by nature. As evidenced by copious scientific research, mangoes are also a powerful medicinal food as they contain nutrients that can help clear up skin, promote eye health, stave off diabetes, and even prevent the formation and spread of cancer. Research has revealed that eating mangoes every day can help moderate and even lower blood sugar levels, despite their natural sugar content. This is good news for people with type2 diabetes who may benefit from consuming mangoes regularly as part of a low-sugar diet.

Take Care of Your Feet; You Need Them for a Lifetime

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t’s easy to take your feet for granted. Diabetics should do the opposite; pamper your feet!

Your feet are especially vulnerable to diabetic complications. Once those problems begin, it’s much more difficult to keep your feet and yourself healthy. In fact, foot problems caused by diabetes are the leading cause of hospitalisations for diabetic patients and ulcers are the leading cause of lower extremity amputations. Don’t be a statistic; treat your feet well.

Why Your Feet are Especially Vulnerable People with long-standing or poorly controlled diabetes can suffer nerve damage to their feet, a condition called Peripheral Neuropathy (PN).

PN sufferers may be unable to sense if their shoes are rubbing on the feet.

PN can also disrupt normal sweat secretion and oil production that lubricates the skin of the foot. These factors together can lead to skin breakdown, sores and infections on the feet.

When blood sugar frequently goes above 250 mg/dL, your white blood cells, which fight infections, become sluggish, making infections more difficult to control. Plus, poor blood flow means that antibiotics cannot get to the site of the infection easily. Bottom line, diabetics are more prone to foot wounds, less able to notice them and experience more difficulty with healing.

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Don’t Ignore Foot Problems Common problems can be more serious for a diabetic. A cut or blister can turn into an ulcer that becomes infected; dry, cracked skin can lead to wound; muscle weakness can create hammertoes and bunions.

Contact your doctor promptly for any of these symptoms.

• Persistent mild-to-moderate pain in the feet or legs • Any new blister, wound or ulcer • Any new areas of warmth, redness, or swelling on the feet or legs • Constant itching on the feet or legs • Loss of sensation • Pain in the legs or buttocks that increases with walking but improves with rest • Hair no longer growing on the lower legs and feet • Hard shiny skin on the legs Treatment with Anodyne® Therapy May Help If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, you may be a candidate for a new treatment offered in India called, Anodyne® Therapy. An infrared therapy system, this device has been clinically proven to reduce symptoms of diabetic foot disease. Over 18 published clinical studies support the efficacy and safety of this product. If you are interested in learning more about Anodyne® Infrared Light Therapy products, visit www.anodynetherapy. in or call +91 80 23494345.

Jennifer Turtzo, R.N, B.A

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

Spotlight/health

Coffee Cures Grown in more than 70 countries across the world, coffee is one of the most widely researched foods. The growing body of scientific research shows that this beverage, when drunk in moderation (not more than four to five regular-size cups a day) is safe for healthy adults and can even have a beneficial health implication as part of a healthy diet and physically active lifestyle. Medical and scientific organisations around the world advise pregnant women to consume no more than 300mg of caffeine per day (equivalent to three regularsize cups of coffee). Eleven sources of caffeine should be considered when considering total daily intake, including coffee, tea, cola drinks, energy drinks and chocolate.

It may even make you smarter, if you drink it without the milk and sugar.

Studies have shown that caffeine blocks the neurotransmitters in the brain associated with sleep, so even if you are not getting enough sleep, all your physical faculties will function well to a large extent if you have your cuppa daily.

Health benefits

Wards off cancer: Coffee drinkers may be less susceptible to certain kinds of cancer.

While there isn’t a cause-and-effect association, coffee consumption has been linked to lower occurrences of prostate cancer, oral cancer and breast cancer recurrence, and liver cirrhosis and cancer as well.

Lowers risk of Parkinson’s disease: Not only does coffee help lessen the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, it may also lessen a person’s likelihood of developing it in the first place. So you can thank caffeine for helping you avoid this disorder which causes muscle stiffness, slow movements and tremor.

Some people also suffer from imbalance and problems with communication such as writing, speech and facial expression. The symptoms begin to appear when the brain cannot produce enough dopamine, a chemical messenger responsible for transmitting signals within the brain. This occurs when dopamine-producing nerve cells or neurons present in a part of the brain called the substantia negra, die off and there is not enough dopamine produced to control the nerves and muscles involved in balance, walking and other movements.

Fights depression: We know coffee sharpens our minds in the short-term, but what if it had a similar effect in the long-term as well?

Apparently, it does. It may even prevent coffee drinkers from developing dementia, which affects 36 million people worldwide.

September 2013 164 www.spiceroutemag.com

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 thangeAverage 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

Gadget guru

Slim is in

Sleek and stylish gizmos are here to stay WOR D S

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decent 2020mAh battery. Svelte and handsome on the outside, this gadget is ready to play with! The phone will be available in black or white colour options and will give great value for money too.

Specs: 5 inches, 441 pixels per inch; 1080p full HD AMOLED display; 1.5GHz quad-core Cortex-A7 processor; 32GB internal memory, expandable via microSD card slot; Android Jelly Bean 4.2; 13MP autofocus rear camera, 5MP front-facing camera; 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0; GPS, unibody design; 2020mAh battery; 128gm weight.

Price: `25,000 approximately.

Genius SLIMSTAR I220 Keyboard Gionee Elife E6 Heading for launch this month, the Gionee Elife E6 is one of the slimmest power smartphones you will see this year. Elife E6 occupies a mere 6.18mm in the calipers as compared to the iPhone 5 which takes up 7.6mm and the Samsung S4 that notches up 7.9mm. Packed into the lean frame is a bright, sharp and vivid five-inch HD capacitive touchscreen display, snappy 1.5GHz quad-core Cortex-A7 processor, sizeable 32GB of built-in memory, an able 13MP rear camera, and a

If you are looking for an inexpensive, lightweight, ultra-slim multimedia keyboard, the Slimstar is a good pick. With a polished piano-black surface finish, the plug-n-play USB keyboard comes with 10 hot keys along with function keys for quick and direct media playback and PC control functions. Laser engraved printing technology has been used on the “Apple-style” key caps. Plus, the keys are well-spaced, soft and springy, and provide a comfortable typing experience, especially for those who need to hammer away for extended hours.

Specs: Windows PC compatible wired keyboard; 48.4cm by 16.8cm by 3.4cm dimensions; USB 2.0 connectivity; multilanguage user support; 1 year warranty; 499gm weight Price: `700

LG E2290V Monitor This über-sleek and natty looker from LG is all of 7.2mm. And that, according to LG, makes it the slimmest 21.5-inch LED backlit monitor ever. Apart from the skinny vital statistics, prime highlights of this metallic-finished monitor include a mega contrast ratio for better picture quality, fast response time of 2ms, and EZ cabling. It offers wide viewing angle and a good colour depth of 16.7 million colours. Power consumption in normal conditions is rated at 26W. Specs: 21.5inches (54.61cm) LED monitor;

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be

THE MOST STUNNING

beauty Manufacturer l Wholesaler l Exporter Dress material l Readymade Dresses l Kurties l Mix-n-Match l Available at more than 1500 stores across india l Inquiry No : 9099609000

Gadget guru

1920 by 1080 resolution; 250 nits brightness; 10000000:1 contrast ratio (DFC); 2ms (GTG) response time; f-Engine; HDCP, HDMI. 170/160 degree viewing angle; 2.8kg weight.

Price: `12,280

Solar Ultrathin Calculator Incredibly slim and surprisingly light, this transparent-bodied calculator is both fun and easy to use. You can just keep it in your pocket, ready at hand. To top that, it doesn’t need any external power source or battery as it depends on solar energy to do your bidding when it comes to calculations. Since this makes Solar Ultrathin Calculator qualify as a green gadget, by using it you will automatically be doing your bit for planet Earth.

Specs: Solar power-driven calculator; 20 printed buttons; 8cm by 11.8cm by 0.5cm dimensions; available in red, blue and black.

Price: `500

Ultrathin Hard Disk Drive At 5mm thickness, this is being touted by global storage major Seagate as the thinnest hard disk drive in the world. The hard disk, dubbed Seagate Laptop Ultrathin HDD, is about as thin as four stacked credit cards and tips the weighing scales at less than 100gm!

The hard drive is designed to be integrated into ultrathin, lightweight mobile computing devices – laptops and ultrabooks. It will be available in 320GB and 500GB capacites and occupies about 25 percent less space than its 7mm counterparts of the previous generation.

The drive has 6Gbp/s SATA interface and supports SED encryption on the 500GB capacity version.

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Specs: 2.5 inches form factor; 5mm thickness; 93gm hard disk drive drive; 320GB and 500GB data storage capacities; 5,400 spindle speed; 16MB cache; 600 MB/s transfer rate, 100MB/s sustained data rate OD; standard SATA 6Gb/s interface for integration, self-encryption drive (SED) option with TCG Opal protocol (500GB only).

Price: `5,500

Silver screen

Films releasing in

September 2013 BOLLYWOOD

Upcoming Bollywood caper SHUDDH DESI ROMANCE The movie has a tongue-incheek suggestion for sure. This romantic comedy sets out to explore what happens after love and before commitment.

Directed by Maneesh Sharma and produced by Aditya Chopra, there is a quirky fun element about Shuddh Desi Romance. The young breed of actors Sushant Singh Rajput, Parineeti Chopra and newcomer Vaani Kapoor look fresh and convincing as real-life characters.The laws of attraction are explored in this modern world, through believable circumstances.

The promos look exciting and colourful with catchy and upbeat lyrics of songs like Shaam gulabi, sehar gulabi.

ZANJEER Release date: September 6 Cast: Ram Charan Teja, Priyanka Chopra, Sanjay Dutt, Director: Apoorva Lakhia

MICKEY VIRUS Release date: September 13 Cast: Manish Paul, Elli Avram, Varun Badola, Manish Choud Director: Saurabh Varma

PHATA POSTER NIKLA HERO

Release date: September 13 Cast: Sushant Singh Rajput, Parineeti Chopra, Vaani Kapoor Director: Maneesh Sharma

Release date: September 20 Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Ileana D’Cruz Director: Rajkumar Santoshi Hollywood

THIS IS THE END Release date: September 20 Cast: James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel Director: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg

Upcoming Hollywood caper GROWN UPS 2 While some of the actors of Grown Ups remain constant, the cast has grown bigger with a few additional members. This comedy promises to be a laughter riot for sure. The plot has Lenny (Adam Sandler), who has now relocated and gone back with his family to the small town where he and his friends grew up. Though a bit nostalgic in mood, the fun element is what the film plays up on, and makes it worth a watch. As they say, life is like a classroom and there is no end to learning; though apparently grown up, these adults get a few light-hearted lessons, surprisingly from their own children. In fact, ironically, it turns out to be the last day of school for these kids!

DON JON Release date: September 27 Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, Tony Danza, Glenne Headly, Brie Larson Director: Joseph GordonLevitt

2 GUNS So you can sit back with your bowl of popcorn and laugh at the little idiosyncrasies that life brings on a day-to-day basis – they do manage to keep things fun!

Release date: September 13 Cast: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade and Salma Hayek Director: Dennis Dugan

September 2013 170 www.spiceroutemag.com

Release date: September 20 Cast: Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Paula Patton, Bill Paxton, James Marsden Director: Baltasar Kormákur

by Sayanti Banerjee

Interesting reads The Cuckoo’s Calling The book begins with the paparazzi and common men mobbing the body of a successful model who’s fallen to death from a snowcovered Mayfair window. They wait for the ambulance to arrive and in those few minutes the author sets stage the most gripping mystery of recent times. Then comes private investigator Cormoran Strike, who opens before the reader, facts which are scary and dangerous. Rowling, in writing under a male pseudonym, has given away her gender at few places (or so I feel); rest is fantastic reading.

Author: Robert Galbraith aka JK Rowling Publication: Hachette India Price: `599 Rajasthan: Under the Desert Sky Bird’s eye view of the verdant countryside, terrific composition of a man sitting on a rock besides a water body, cattle grazing in herds... All this and more will keep you glued to this latest offering by well-known photographer Rajesh Bedi. This book of photography has breathtaking shots from across Rajasthan. The nature, local community and animals come alive through these photos. This highaltitude shots taken from hot air balloons and cameras mounted in high-flying kites are a treat to treasure.

Photographs: Rajesh Bedi; Text by Gillian Wright Publication: Roli Books Price: `3,995 Talking Cinema A must read for lovers of Bollywood, the book takes you through a panoramic journey of films with reflections from actors, directors and music directors. The author has been an inseparable part of film journalism and this book takes us back in time. Stalwarts like Gulzar, Amitabh Bachchan and Hrishikesh Mukherjee pour their hearts out as they talk about the characters they play and create, and the soulstirring music that one can still hum. This book is like a behind-thescene of popular movies.

Author: Bhawana Somaaya Publication: Harper Collins Price: `299 Until I say Good Bye A gripping tale of a dying mother celebrating life to the hilt.

The author, Susan Spencer Wendel, is diagnosed with a slowly degenerating disease which does not leave her with much time.

However, she uses whatever time she has to create and leave behind memories for all around her. She goes on holidays with her three children, and takes that final trip to Budapest with her husband where they started their lives together. The novel celebrates the spirit of life till the very end. Worth a read.

Author: Susan Spencer Wendel Publication: Hachette India Price: `350

by Florina Soren September 2013 172 www.spiceroutemag.com

Kids corner

Tintin trail

This iconic comic character of the early 20th century has survived many adventures across the globe. We follow the locales of his exploits in the city of Brussels.

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C

reated by Georges Prosper Rémi more commonly known by the pen name Herge, Tintin is one of the iconic comic characters of the early 20th century. Being a hard core Tintinologist like many others, both me and my 12-year-old son Arun have a world-record collection of Tintin comics in 102 languages, with a room completely dedicated to Tintin memorabilia. The collection includes postage stamps, commemorative coins, posters, T-shirts, old Le Soir and Le Petit Vingtieme newspapers in which Tintin first appeared in comic strips, old Tintin journals and other Tintin-related paraphernalia. A Tintin trail to see the places that inspired Herge had long been on the cards. A chance meeting with fellow Tintinologists at a Tintin exhibition in Delhi fuelled this desire. Since the trail spanned three countries – Belgium, France and Italy – we decided to do it in two phases.

Phase 1 last year covered Brussels while Phase 2 this year covered Paris and Milan.

Great beginning It is best to start the Tintin trail at Rue de l’Etuve, near the Grand Place in Brussels.

Tintin, Haddock and Snowy are painted on

Clockwise from left: On a whirlwind adventure; Tintin’s bustling world; Tintin chocolates at Neuhaus Chocolatiers at Grand Palace, Brussels

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Kids corner

Clockwise from top left: On a space adventure; Leopard man from Tintin in Congo; Tintin’s car at the Belgian Centre for Comic Strip Arts

The Belgian Centre for Comic Strip Arts traces Tintin’s evolution from an almost faceless line drawing to a fullcolour character

a wall, just a stone’s throw from Mannequin Pis, the most famous Brussels citizen after Tintin. This scene is taken from The Calculus Affair (Page 50, Frame 3C). Tintin and Captain Haddock go through the fire escape, from hotel Sznorr, where they had been held captive. Next on the agenda was Belgian Centre for Comic Strip Arts nearby, located in a beautiful Art Nouveau building designed by Victor Horta. There is a life-size moon rocket and a stone bust of Tintin displayed in the big hall at the foot of the staircase which leads to the exhibition rooms. A dedicated section in the museum traces Tintin’s evolution from an almost featureless line-drawing in The Land of The Soviets to a fully-formed, full-colour September 2013 176 www.spiceroutemag.com

character in later editions. Comic culture is a big hit in Belgium and this museum beautifully documents the growth of comics here. For the little ones, there are enough distractions such as a pirate treasure hunt and photo opportunity with Haddock’s ancestor – Sir Haddock. We then took a tram to De Brouckere for Hotel Metropole. In The Seven Crystal Balls, (Page 20, Frame 2B) the taxi which takes Mark Falconer – one of the explorers of the SandersHardiman expedition – to Tintin’s home goes at full speed past the Hôtel Métropole.

The next stop can be the Gare du Midi station where a fresco depicts a scene from the black-and-white version of Tintin in America (Page 30, Frame 1D). This cartoon mural shows Tintin on the steam engine train following Bobby Smiles, a gangster from Chicago. A cab ride to Musée Royal d’Afrique Centrale (The Royal Museum of Central Africa) can be an easy option from here. The leopard-man (Aniota) in Tintin in the Congo (Page 46, Frame A1), was possibly inspired by the famous leopardman sculpture on display in this museum.

After spending time with the Leopard man and going through the rich African collection of this museum, one can go to the Stockel station.

Kids corner

Hergé produced sketches for the murals that were installed by Studio Hergé 1987/88, in parts by Bob de Moor, before the station went into operation in September 1988. The mural consists of two 135-meter long reliefs with 140 figures from various Tintin comics. There is a piece from Tintin in Tibet where a Sherpa porter shouts at captain Haddock “Kyon jee dekhtee nahi samnee kya hai?”.

Comic recall In Parc Royal or Parc de Bruxelles opposite the Royal Castle, Tintin finds Professor Alembick’s briefcase in the beginning of King Ottokar’s Sceptre. The statue, in the first frame of the story (Page-1, Frame 1A), suggests that Hergé was inspired by the many statues in the park.

In the evenings one can see people playing in the park or walking their dogs. The lawns are well cared for and there are many beautiful fountains and pools in the park. The music hall where, in The Seven Crystal Balls (Page 11, Frame 2D), Haddock hopes to penetrate the secrets of Bruno the master magician, is largely based on the beautiful Italianate auditorium of the Théâtre Royal du Parc. The theatre is located close to the Park. However to go inside

Top: On another exciting chase with pet dog Snowy; Left: Theatre Royal du Parc from The Seven Crystal Balls

one must have tickets for the play that is being staged on that particular day. Then it was off to the Neuhaus chocolatiers at Galeries Royales for special-edition Tintin chocolates. Neuhaus is credited to have discovered famous Belgium pralines. We had a tough time selecting which chocolates to buy and which ones to leave.

After reliving Tintin’s adventure for the last few days, we decided to end our Brussels trip with a visit to the Herge museum. Designed by architect Christian de Portzamparc, the museum is a Mecca for September 2013 178 www.spiceroutemag.com

all Tintin enthusiasts. More than 80 original plates, photographs, documents and objects have been brought together under one roof.

Sadly no photography is allowed inside the museum. If you want to continue the trail, you can go on to visit the Cheverny castle in Blois.

A two-hour rail journey from Paris Austerlitz, followed by a 30-minute cab ride brings you right in front of the castle. Herge modelled the ancestral home of Captain Haddock, Marlinspike hall, after this castle... The Tintin trail continues – we’ll take you to Paris and Milan soon.

Kids corner

Tiny couture

Gone are the days when children wore anything that you bought for them. Enter the world of kids fashion where little ones are the real masters.

September 2013 180 www.spiceroutemag.com

F

ashion, today is no longer about adults alone. Tiny tots are equally enthusiastic about what they want to wear and have their own preferences. Children are already in line with the ever-changing fashion trends which keeps the many kidswear designers on their toes.

You can now find colourful, stimulating, and appealing clothes for both girls and boys. From superhero costumes and outfits to accessories for girls, the choices are unending.

Comfortably casual Dressing your little one for a casual day is something that one doesn’t need to fret over

Kids corner

Clockwise from left: Smart nightwear from Bodycare; Fuchsia sports shoes from Ralph Lauren; Cute bright-hued shoes from Crocs

It is important to make your child wear comfortable shoes on regular days as well

anymore as there are wide choices available.

If you are going for a park visit or a casual evening out, you can choose from cotton floral dresses to hot pants with strappy tops for girls, while the boys can be comfortable in a trackie or maybe chinos and khaki pants teamed up with their favourite cartoon character or superhero T-shirt. It is also important to make your children wear comfortable shoes on a regular day as they need to take proper care of their feet too. Here the staple sports shoes for boys is the best option to go with (keep in mind that it should have soft soles). For the more stylish girls one can get bright-coloured flip flops with a floral print which go well with most clothes. “Kids today are much more fashion-savvy. Immaculate and prim cut-dresses have entered their fashion industry now. With September 2013 182 www.spiceroutemag.com

seasonal changes, new style soft-fabrics like lycra and cotton are preferred as they dry easily in the monsoon season; plus these fabrics don’t cause undue itchiness. The trend of lace is in vogue as well for girls and for boys, prim cotton T-shirts with round necks are the current favourite,” says Mithun Gupta, Director, Bodycare International Limited.

Party on my mind Children always love to dress like adults. Little girls are either trying to walk around in their mother’s heels or making faces before the mirror wrapped in their mother’s dupatta.

The boys too like pretending to get busy with office files or trying out their father’s blazers which nearly touch the floor. Keeping this in mind, today the market is flooded with ‘adult’

Kids corner

Ethnicwear from Inaya Couture

clothes for the little ones too. From elegant long dresses to shorts, blazers and suits, there are enough choices for children today. So for special functions, the little ones have enough options to party in. While the boys can get dressed in jeans and shirt or a dapper suit for a more formal function, ballerinas for girls and loafers for boys can complete the party look for our the young stars.

Ethnic chic India being a land of festivals, there are many such occasions when one would like to dress their children in ethnic best. In marriages too,

children need to dress according to the ethnic dress code of that particular region. So a child in North India will wear a salwar kameez while in South India they have their long skirt and blouse. To keep in line with our more fashionconscious genX, designer labels have come up with some of the most stylish ethnic wear. From ghagras to Patiala salwars and sherwanis to Lucknowi kurta pyjamas, everything is available in the market today. A-line ghagras with short-halter cholis and a stylish dupatta makes for a great ensemble. The other option could be the trendy Patiala salwar with a short kurti and dupatta. Punjabi jootis and a

From ghagras to Patiala salwars and sherwanis to Lucknowi kurta pyjamas, everything is available September 2013 184 www.spiceroutemag.com

French braid can be added to complete this look for stylish little girls. For the boys one can try the traditional sherwanis with small motifs on it, or a Lucknowi kurta pyjama for a more comfortable look.

“The kids fashion industry is flourishing.

Children have become very choosy of late, and their fashion obsession is growing with each passing day. Kids today keep themselves up to date with the latest clothing. Ethnic gowns and kurta pyjamas for kids are all the rage this season. It’s important to use soft, breathable fabrics and tagless, covered elastic bands. We try and avoid metal parts, heavy embroidery or applique as kids’ skin is very sensitive,” informs Chitra Agarwal from Inaya Couture.

So, if you thought fashion is only for adults, think again. And mind you, the little ones are also particular about the accessories they carry.

Games

Mind teasers Solutions ASSEMBLY “LIONS”

APRIL 14, 2013

ASYLUM PULLEY PUBLIC JERSEY OPAQUE SHAKEN If felines built cars, their factory could feature —

Answer :

“

” THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

PRINT YOUR ANSWER IN THE CIRCLES BELOW

by David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

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

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

PRINT YOUR ANSWER IN THE CIRCLES BELOW

“

”

©2013 Tribune Media Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

PUEQOA

HASNEK

LUYPEL

SLUMAY

JYRSEE

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

SLUMAY

JYRSEE

HASNEK

LUYPEL

©2013 Tribune Media Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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

BIPCUL

PUEQOA

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

BIPCUL

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

Find the difference

by David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

Answer : ASYLUM PULLEY PUBLIC JERSEY OPAQUE SHAKEN If felines built cars, their factory could feature —

ASSEMBLY “LIONS”

APRIL 14, 2013

September 2013 186 www.spiceroutemag.com

,9769071673

Launch pad

Shop hopping Surprise your kids with these products.

Teen eyewear The new Teenz collection from Titan Eye+ has 20 styles for both boys and girls. The frames are made in a combination of materials like plastic, acetates and metal and have been designed to enhance the durability of the product and wearing comfort for users. The collection is available in vibrant colours like blue, purple, pink, red and green, as well as in patterned acetates which are quite popular among teenagers.

Price: `795 onwards Availability: Titan Eye+ stores across the country

Studying made fun This study table by Qboid Design House is made keeping in mind the fact that the space available per individual is shrinking day by day. The product looks good, fits into your child’s room, and also provides extra utility and storage capacity.

Price: `39,000 Availability: Qboid Design House, 2nd Floor, South Point Mall, Golf Course Road, DLF Phase 5, Gurgaon

Prett y pink

Sip in st yle

Star fish earrings from AKS Jewels are attractive and easy to wear for young members of your family. These earrings come in pink, undoubtedly every girl’s favourite colour.

The new Dora and Fanboy collection inspired from Nickelodeon by Laken from Basecamp displays exciting patterns on aluminium cylindrical bottles. They come with a bike cap and a hygienic top.

The wide mouths of these bottles allows you to introduce ice cubes or solids easily, while also making them easier to clean.

The bottles are safe for dishwasher use as well. So grab them while they last!

Price: `1,194 onwards Availability: AKS Jewels, B-17, Sector 55, Noida

Price: `1,030 Availability: D-5, Inner Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi.

September 2013 188 www.spiceroutemag.com

Zoom in

Delhi’s

charm

The city is an elegant blend of history and a cosmopolitan culture, with iconic architectural landmarks and refreshing green pockets PH OTO G R A PHS

|

S ri n at h

G

M

September 2013 190 www.spiceroutemag.com

2 3

1. T he historic Jama Masjid which often is the backdrop of many films.

2. A garsen-Ki-Baoli also known as the well of solitude.

3. A quaint door at the Mehrauli Archeological Park.

4. A vibrant shot of Jantar Mantar.

4

1 191

Zoom in

2

3

1. J amali Kamali Masjid is richly ornamented with stuccowork.

2. C yclists on their way to Rajaon ki Baoli.

3. Y et another discovery - Tomb of Quli Khan.

September 2013 192 www.spiceroutemag.com

Photos | Opera Software

1

Predictions

Forecast for September 2013 By

D r . P r e m K u m a r S h a rm a

Aries Be careful with finances; study the bigger picture before investing.

A bodily ailment can aggravate.

Your balanced approach at work endears all. A family member’s decision may cause friction; be cautious. A school-time crush may re-enter your life. Students may hear news about higher education.

Taurus Networking and seminars bring opportunities. Regular practice pays professionally. An excellent time with family and friends. A distant journey gets you excited.

A new employee takes on most of your workload. Good advice works wonders for family. Invest in commercial property.

Gemini Don’t make commitments without verifying facts; emotions may cloud your judgement. Keep cool despite delays or glitches. Trips abroad are memorable. Your suspicions in love are unfounded.

A financier helps you invest right.

Your help is appreciated. Health is good with regular workouts.

Cancer Avoid emotions in disagreements; just state your views. A family get-together is not that exciting.

Family gives you time to tie up loose ends. Property may yield less returns. You may be invited for a lecture or competition. Be cautious in new relationships. Don’t be lax with your health regimen.

Good Luck Tip: Clear bedroom passageways to enhance health and love relationships.

Good Luck Tip: Repair broken furniture. It may cause breaks with friends or business colleagues.

Good Luck Tip: Avoid taking calls or chatting while eating, arguments can upset digestion.

Good Luck Tip: Keep your kitchen clean to prevent health risks and financial decay.

Leo Be discreet in meetings till you get an overview of the situation. Avoid decisions without your partner. An outing is expensive. It’s difficult for women to balance home and office. If freelancing, the later fortnight may bring challenges. You need guidance in education.

Virgo You’re energetic and enthusiastic.

Analytical skills and a razor-sharp memory are your assets. Postpone real-estate investments. A chance meeting signals a long love bond.

Avoid angering spouse or parents; be diplomatic. A sibling or friend may tattle. A malady is foreseen.

Libra Double check everything – you may take wrong decisions due to miscommunication. You counter politics at work. Friends or relations come and stay with you.

Change your routine for overall health. Be alert to subtle hints from your lover or spouse!

Scorpio If in two minds, be patient – you’ll get clarity soon. You keep up on the professional front and get the approval you seek. Good earnings lead to innovative investments.

There’s a risk of losing a lover; be careful. Don’t neglect family. Avoid junk food.

Good Luck Tip: Ensure electrical appliances are functioning to reduce frustration and waste.

Good Luck Tip: Organise closets to reduce clutter that can produce confusion or discord.

Good Luck Tip: Keep kitchen passageways clear to prevent accidents; allow energy flow.

Good Luck Tip: Eliminate clutter to allow money and opportunities to come into your life.

Sagittarius With increasing work pressures, you may not have time for loved ones; but do make the effort.

Don’t forget their support for a venture; ignore the costs involved.

Tackle a financial crunch head on.

Choosy eating keeps you in shape.

Romance distracts students.

Capricorn Family talks are productive. You start home-improvement. A dip in work performance gets noticed.

Creative people may not get recognition at present. You miss a bargin due to financial constraints.

Initiatives succeed. A hectic social life in the second fortnight.

Aquarius Resolve domestic disputes quickly.

Be assertive. Avoid commitments that take a financial or emotional toll. You catch the eye of the one you love, but don’t know how to take things forward. Cultivate an eye for detail to succeed at work.

Seize all financial opportunities.

Pisces Your acumen benefits business.

If taking calculated risks, hedge your bets. Follow precautions for lifestyle diseases. Doing your thing at home is difficult; plan another venue. A friend gives good advice.

Spend time with your lover. Be discreet and restrained otherwise.

Good Luck Tip: Install good lighting to see clearly, increase energy and vitality.

Good Luck Tip: Close toilet lids to keep chi (energy) and money from going down the drain.

Good Luck Tip: Don’t store things under your bed – clutter affects romantic relationships.

Good Luck Tip: Keep your bed away from the door so that your sleep is not disturbed.

September 2013 194 www.spiceroutemag.com

Promotion

A tranquil retreat

With state-of-the-art facilities, a peaceful ambience and exquisitely crafted decor, Resort Rio is the perfect getaway this season.

R

esort Rio in Arpora is a luxurious abode and its hospitality needs a special mention. To start with, the name of their all-day dining multi-cusine restaurant Pickled Mango is quite inviting. The spread of the buffet is a treat to the eyes as the variety of colours and patterns are overwhelming. One should surely take a dip in the pool at the resort as it looks beautiful and the water is crystal clear through which the turquoise blue tiles shine.

Post the swimming session, head for breakfast at Rio Café Bar

which is a coffee shop by the day and a lounge at night. It offers an exotic spread of cakes, pastries and freshly baked cookies.

The Italian restaurant by the name Mama Mia, that opens for lunch and dinner mostly, has an intriguing ambience. The pristine white walls showcase colourful masquerade props just behind the bar and there is a tree and a horse motif at the centre of the dining room. The space opens out into a beautiful balcony overlooking the turquoise pool below and the mesmerising scenic view

all around. The ambience is so pleasant and relaxing that it would almost lull you into sleep.

Open for lunch and dinner, Jalsa is an all-you-can-eat veggie delight!

Incidentally, Jalsa has also won an award for being the ‘Best Vegetarian Restaurant’ in North Goa. Resort Rio also has a luxury spa and salon, Zaara, which can be a perfect relaxation zone for all the guests. Their fitness centre is fully equipped with modern fitness machines and workout accessories, apart from the rejuvenating spa. With a salon attached, the resort is equipped to satisfy your complete beauty and wellness needs.

Apart from all these, the conference facilities can accommodate up to 450 guests theatre style, making it the perfect location for trainings and off sites. Their dedicated team of professionals puts together special occasions like weddings and banquets that are truly

September 2013 196 www.spiceroutemag.com

memorable. Overall, Resort Rio is a feel-good hotel, where the owner, Anoop Shah, has given his best. Most of the employees here have been hired locally, much of the hotel’s furniture has been made on the premises using the expertise of local craftsmen and almost all their vendors are locals from the area, thereby creating jobs and opportunities for the residents around the resort. There is talk of a hospitality school which Shah plans to start soon that will train a lot of the youngsters in the field so they can either join the resort as trained professionals or work abroad. One can see that a lot of thought has gone into making this property what it is today – an inclusive fun space where people can rest, enjoy and in some way, give back to the community that hosts them.

The exquisitely crafted architecture of the Resort, the colourful furniture and the peaceful ambience, all make a pretty picture and ensure you go back with some great memories as well!

Advertorial

Dazzle on your D-day

A

s the season of nuptials beckons, Frontier Bazar sets a new benchmark in the bridal couture segment with its New Collection 201314 of Wedding Trousseau. The designs showcase a sense of style and drama coupled with the playfulness of Indian silhouettes, along with an adventurous palette and neo-modern detailing. You can choose from exquisite bridal lehengas reminiscent of heirlooms and heritage karigari over breathtaking fabrics like velvets, raw silks and tissue, to glamorous cocktail sarees featuring latest trends with hints of traditional detailing and ethnic suits highlighted by sweeping gheras, and kalidaar

anarkalis ideal for mehendi and sangeet ceremonies, Frontier Bazar’s Collection 2013-14 echoes the coveted desires of every brideto-be. In addition, the collection comprises an exclusive range of chic gowns and IndoWesterns that combine ethnic sensibility – achkans and kotis are perfectly paired with voluminous tulle skirts. Available exclusively at Karol Bagh, every piece has been thoughtfully crafted with rich textures, flamboyant cuts, regal appeal and a surreal theme that promises to transcend dreams to reality. Frontier Bazar is now also at C-7 Ring Road, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi, with its second luxurious store in the city.

Fun and frolic

S

uraj Water Park is located at Thane Ghodbunder Road in Mumbai and spread over a 17-acre expanse, Har Har Gange, Asia’s biggest man-made waterfall, is the main highlight of this park. This artificial waterfall showcases Lord Shiva’s face, and water flows down from his locks (jata) from a height of 82ft. The width of the waterfall is 88ft. Up to 350 people can enjoy

Suraj Muchhala, MD, Suraj Water Park

Power-packed performance bathing under the fall at a given time. This intricately criss-crossed Rainbow Water Ride with 16 slides on a single staircase ending into a single pool is 40ft long and constructed as a three-storey structure. This ride has also got its entry into the Limca Book of Records and is one of a kind.

The line of water rides will leave you breathless, and asking for more. Suraj Water Park Managing Director Suraj Muchhala aptly puts it when he declares, “God created water and we just added some thrill to it. “It is a place where the family can spend good and quality time together.” Suraj Water Park built by Muchhala Magic Land Pvt Ltd has appeared six times in the Limca Book of Records. The Park has also received the International Golden Pony Award in 2005 at Genoa in Italy. It has also been honored “pride of Maharashtra” by the state department of tourism.

E

xxonMobil opened its new Asia Pacific Signum Laboratory at the ExxonMobil Shanghai Technology Center. The new laboratory in China is the company’s first in the Asia Pacific region and provides customers direct access to highquality oil analysis to help improve their equipment performance.

Signum, ExxonMobil’s oil analysis program, leverages more than 40 years of oil analysis expertise and is designed specifically to help evaluate the condition of in-service lubricants. It is a quick and non-invasive way to gauge the health of a machine and help achieve optimum performance.

The Signum Laboratory at the Shanghai Technology Center is designed to exacting laboratory standards and complies with stringent quality requirements.

ExxonMobil has full control of all the laboratory operations, quality assurance, data integrity,

September 2013 198 www.spiceroutemag.com

equipment reliability, as well as safety standards.

Signum oil analysis helps extend oil life by pinpointing proper oil drain and filter change intervals of different lubrication systems.

By doing this, customers can reduce waste and also improve the efficiency and durability of their industrial equipment, further also supporting the cause of our precious environment.

Destinations

Destinations

Agartala

Ahmedabad

ALLAHABAD

AMRITSAR

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

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

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

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

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

by Akbar, stands at the junction of the rivers Yamuna and Ganga.

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

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

Must Stay: Formule1 off SG Road is a centrally located hotel. A free Wi-Fi zone, it offers comfortable rooms with quality bedding.

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

Aurangabad

Bagdogra

belgaum

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

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

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

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

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

Must See: Jallianwala Bagh is reminiscent of the Indian freedom struggle and is a well-known historical site in Amritsar.

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

Bengaluru

Airport: Belgaum Airport is located Airport: Bengaluru International at a distance of 10km from the city Airport is located 40km from the centre. Taxis are easily available. city’s business district. Taxis and Must See: Belgaum Fort is a huge Volvo 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 at the city. Dating back to 1519, the Must See: Ulsoor lake is spread Darjeeling, Dooars and Siliguri. fort stands tall by telling the tales of over a huge area and dates back to the era gone by. the time of Kempe Gowda I and II. 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.

September 2013 202 www.spiceroutemag.com

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

Bhopal

CHANDIGARH

Chennai

Coimbatore

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

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

Airport: Chennai International Airport is 7km from the city centre.

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

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

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

Must See: Marina Beach is a 12km stretch of pristine beach, the second longest in the world.

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

Colombo

DEHRADUN

Delhi

dharamshala

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

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

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

Airport: The Gaggal Airport also known as the Dharamsala Airport, is located 14km from the city.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Must Stay: When you are in Colombo, choose to stay at The Gateway Hotel Airport Garden, near the airport.

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

203

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

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

Must See: One of the major tourist attractions of Dharamshala is the Kangra Art museum.

Must Stay: Himachal Tourism Hotel Dhauladhar offers a commanding view of the mountains. It is situated in the heart of the town.

Destinations

Dubai

Goa

guAngzhou

Guwahati

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 30km from Panaji, Goa’s capital.

Taxis are available.

Airport: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is the main airport of the city.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hubli

Hyderabad

Indore

Jabalpur

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

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

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

Must See: Mecca Masjid is a

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

Must Stay: Atlantis The Palm is a luxury resort built on the scenic Palm Island.

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

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

Must Stay: Radisson Blu Plaza Must stay: Hotel Clarks Inn on the Hotel, Banjara Hills offers 155 Gokul Road is a modern-day retreat modern rooms with the finest of world-class facilities. complete with all the amenities.

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

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

September 2013 204 www.spiceroutemag.com

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

Must See: Situated 25km from Jabalpur are the mesmerising Dhuandhar waterfalls, which call for a visit for sure.

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

Destinations

Jaipur

Jammu

KABUL

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

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

Kathmandu

Airport: Kabul International Airport, also known as Khwaja Rawash Airport, is located 16km Must See: Mubarak Mandi was the from the city centre. royal residence of the Maharaja of Must See: Built in the late 19th Jammu and Kashmir during the century, Bagh-e Bala is preserved Dogra rule. and the area around the palace has Must Stay: Fortune Inn Rivera is a been turned into a large park.

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

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

cosy retreat, perfect for a business stay as well as for a family vacation.

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

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

Kochi

Kolkata

Kozhikode

Lucknow

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

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

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

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

Must See: Fort Kochi is a small village located near the large city of Kochi. It is home to untouched picturesque beaches.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 2013 206 www.spiceroutemag.com

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

®

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Destinations

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

Taxis are available.

MALE

Mangalore

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

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

Maidan with its green grass and lush vegetation are must-sees.

Must Stay: The Gateway Hotel

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

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

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

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

Pasumalai offers high standards in accommodation and is equipped with latest amenities.

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

Must Stay: Elegance and luxury go hand in hand at Gateway Hotel, Old Must Stay: Luxurious home away from home is the plush Novotel on Port Road in Mangalore Juhu Beach.

muscat

mysore

puducherry

Port Blair

Airport: Puducherry Airport is located at Lawspet in Puducherry.

Taxis are available.

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

Airport: Seeb International Airport Airport: Mysore Airport, also is located 32km from Muscat, the known as Mandakalli Airport, is the capital of Oman. main airport serving the city. Taxis are available.

Must See: The Grand Mosque which displays modern Islamic Must See: Gumbaz is the burial architecture also houses the chamber of Tipu Sultan, father world’s largest carpet (70m X 60m). Haider Ali and his mother Fatima.

Must Stay: With a great location near the beach and a cluster of little restaurants, Omani Beach Hotel is the best place to stay.

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

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

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

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

September 2013 208 www.spiceroutemag.com

Starry Dreams.

Shimmering Luxury.

Sparkling Lifestyle.

P

Palacio Imperial White The Solitaire Life

Enjoy the privilege of being part of an address that pampers you, realizes all your dreams, and envelops you in an aura of luxury. The fully furnished service apartments at Palacio Imperial White, come attached to the joys of a retail arcade, business and club facilities, and spectacular views. Strategically located in the green surroundings of Sushant Golf City, this is where starry dreams come alive!

TULSIANI CONSTRUCTIONS & DEVELOPERS LTD.

Head Office: 37, Elgin Road, (Opp. Hotel Ajay International), Civil Lines, Allahabad-211001, Ph.: 0532-6534014 Fax: 0532-2422476 Site Office : Plot No.1, Sector B, CBD Area, Sushant Golf City,Lucknow. Phone 09235505022, 07388800475 City Office: T.C. - 34, V/2, First Floor, Cyber Tower, Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow - 226010 Ph.: 09235506485, 0522-4067758 Visit us at: www.tcdl.in Email: info.palacio@tcdl.in

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Building lifestyles since 1967

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Hi-end Features: High Street Shopping • Offices • Serviced Apartments • Health Club • Spa • Indoor Swimming Pool • Conference Room • Library • Café • Restaurant

Destinations

Pune

Rajahmundry

Riyadh

Sharjah

Airport: Pune International Airport is situated at a distance of 10km from the main city. Prepaid taxis and auto rickshaws are available.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Sheraton, a five-star hotel.

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

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

Srinagar

Surat

thiruvananthapuram

Tirupati

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

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

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

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

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

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

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: Offering panoramic view of the Dal Lake, Vivanta by Taj is a good option.

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

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

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

September 2013 210 www.spiceroutemag.com

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

Must Stay: Having served some prominent personalities who thronged the holy town, Hotel Bliss serves good comforts and food.

Destinations

Tiruchirapalli

Tuticorin

Udaipur

Airport: Tiruchirapalli Airport or Trichy Airport is 5km from the city centre.

Airport: Tuticorin domestic airport is located 16.9km from the city.

Must See: The landmark of the Trichy town is the Rockfort temple, a beautiful structure perched atop a hillock.

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

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

Must Stay: Situated on the Mc Donald’s Road in the heart of the city, Breeze Residency is one of Trichy’s premier hotels.

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

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

Varanasi

Vijayawada

visakhapatnam

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

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

Airport: Visakhapatnam Airport is located about 7km from the city centre. Taxis are easily available at all times.

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

Must Stay: Haailand Buddhism-based theme Must Stay: Offering comfortable stay, Clarks park and resort is a unique holiday destination Varansi is one of the best options in the city. that evokes the mystique of South East Asia.

September 2013 212 www.spiceroutemag.com

Must See: The splendid City Palace is one of the most beautiful palatial structures here.

Must See: Kambalakonda is a wonderful nature reserve, located about 20-25 minutes away from the city.

Must Stay: The Gateway Hotel, situated on the Beach Road in Visakhapatnam, is a comfortable hotel. Enjoy southern delights like dosas and peesarattu here.

Routemap

September 2013 214 www.spiceroutemag.com

215

Spice bites

September 2013 216 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice schedule Destination

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

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 1450 1300 1450 1450 1630 1630

2250 2010 1400 1830 1550 1725 2045

SG-285 SG-528 SG-345 SG-281 SG-206 SG-913 SG-917 SG-281 SG-106 SG-138 SG-104 SG-106 SG-137 SG-528 SG-913 SG-917 SG-912 SG-528 SG-104 SG-142 SG-206 SG-528 SG-142 SG-104 SG-917 SG-917 SG-345 SG-912

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

0935 0555 2120 0550 1905 1900 0610 0550 1010 2000 0635 0945 1435 0555 1900 0610 1125 0555 0635 1015 1905 0555 0930 0635 0610 0610 2120 1125

1135 0920 0040 0810 2305 2215 0940 0950 1140 2125 0755 1120 1610 1405 2040 0755 1235 1220 1040 1115 2010 0655 1035 1335 1225 1355 2250 1440

SG-2358

Daily

1600

1745

SG-2114 SG-2354 SG-2514 SG-152 SG-152 SG-151 SG-152

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1455 2045 0825 1615 1615 1310 1615

1620 2205 0945 2245 1850 1410 2015

SG-162 SG-164

Daily Daily

1940 0810

2130 1010

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily

1420 1420 1040 1400

1810 2000 1250 1825

Destination

Guwahati Kolkata Bengaluru Agartala (Via-BOM-CCU) Agartala (Via-HYD-CCU) Ahmedabad Ahmedabad (Via-BOM) Ahmedabad (Via-PNQ) Belgaum Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai (Via-VGA) Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-BOM) Goa Guwahati (Via-BOM-CCU-IXA) Guwahati (Via-CCU) Hubli Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Kochi Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata (Via-BOM) Kolkata (Via-HYD) Kozhikode Mangalore Mangalore Mangalore (Via-BOM) Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mysore Pondicherry Pondicherry Pune Pune Srinagar (Via-DEL) Thiruvananthapuram (Via-MAA) Tuticorin (Via-MAA) Vijayawada Vizag BelgAum Bengaluru

flight no.

freq

September 2013 218 www.spiceroutemag.com

arrival

SG-881 SG-324

Daily Daily

1400 1420

1500 1520

SG-873 SG-871 SG-286 SG-529 SG-342 SG-3301 SG-3232 SG-1083 SG-3306 SG-3306 SG-3307 SG-3002 SG-3004 SG-3303 SG-229 SG-216 SG-502 SG-224 SG-110 SG-1106 SG-873 SG-528 SG-1084 SG-1074 SG-1074 SG-1088 SG-871 SG-246 SG-524 SG-528 SG-873 SG-871 SG-1073 SG-3231 SG-1023 SG-344 SG-344 SG-110 SG-529 SG-873 SG-3305 SG-3305 SG-1073 SG-228 SG-342 SG-224 SG-3307 SG-1083 SG-3303 SG-245

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

0615 0920 1205 1940 0555 0740 1125 1240 1510 1700 1845 2140 0905 1055 1600 2015 0635 0845 1535 1420 0615 0955 1920 1520 1520 2215 0920 1145 1840 0955 0615 0920 1230 1400 0855 1015 1015 1535 1940 0615 1220 1220 1230 2200 0555 0845 1845 1240 1055 0745

1220 1420 1405 2300 0905 0905 1220 1345 1610 1800 1945 2245 1025 1530 1840 2305 0925 1125 1955 1550 1400 1405 2035 1640 1640 2335 1020 1245 2120 1220 1100 1300 1335 1455 0950 1400 1155 1715 2125 0745 1310 1310 1330 2325 0725 1350 2140 1530 1210 0915

SG-3302

Daily

0925

1035

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

dep

Spice schedule Destination

Bhopal Delhi Delhi Hyderabad Hyderabad (Via-IDR) Indore Chandigarh Delhi Delhi Chennai Ahmedabad Ahmedabad (Via-BOM) Ahmedabad (Via-BOM) Ahmedabad (Via-HYD) Ahmedabad (Via-HYD) Bagdogra (Via-CCU) Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru (Via-VGA) Belgaum (Via-BLR) Coimbatore Coimbatore Coimbatore Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-BOM-AMD) Delhi (Via-BOM-AMD) Delhi (Via-PNQ) Goa Guwahati (Via-CCU) Hubli (Via-BLR) Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Jaipur (Via-HYD) Jaipur (Via-HYD-AMD) Kochi Kochi Kochi Kolkata Kolkata Kozhikode Kozhikode Madurai Madurai Madurai

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-2226 SG-2227 SG-1053 SG-1063 SG-1063

2,4,6 2,4,6 1,3,57 2,4,6 2,4,6

2000 0825 2040 1930 1930

2200 1015 2220 2220 2020

SG-2116 SG-2112

Daily Daily

1920 0835

2020 0940

SG-282 SG-106 SG-106 SG-916 SG-912 SG-323 SG-3305 SG-3231 SG-1084 SG-3148 SG-3301 SG-3013 SG-3304 SG-3301 SG-324 SG-3012 SG-281 SG-304 SG-306 SG-308 SG-325 SG-312 SG-106 SG-106 SG-208 SG-1011 SG-321 SG-1084 SG-1261 SG-272 SG-1004 SG-1012 SG-916 SG-1265 SG-912 SG-912 SG-912 SG-3241 SG-3243 SG-289 SG-321 SG-323 SG-3251 SG-3251 SG-305 SG-303 SG-362

Daily 7 1,2,3,4,5,6 Daily 1,2,3,4,5,6 Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 7 1,2,3,4,5,6 Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 7 1,2,3,4,5,6 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 5 2,4,67 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily

1150 0535 0550 1955 0710 0955 1035 1240 1805 2015 0615 0740 1415 0615 1905 0610 0845 1140 1655 1850 2020 0705 0535 0550 0515 1410 0520 1805 1100 1530 1745 1920 1955 2125 0710 0710 0710 1040 1905 0840 0520 0955 1030 1330 1335 1710 0630

1410 0915 0935 2310 1030 1350 1140 1340 1900 2120 0710 0845 1710 0905 2000 0715 0950 1420 1935 2150 2305 0940 1120 1140 0930 1555 0925 2035 1210 1640 1905 2035 2100 2255 0815 1110 1235 1205 2040 0955 0745 1210 1205 1505 1430 1810 0730

Destination

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

Madurai Mangalore (Via-BLR) Mumbai

SG-291 SG-3231 SG-276

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

0830 1240 1410

0930 1455 1605

Mumbai Mumbai

SG-296 SG-106

Daily 7

2010 0535

2155 0730

Mumbai Mumbai Mysore (Via-BLR) Pondicherry (Via-BLR) Port Blair Port Blair Pune Pune (Via-HYD-AMD-JAI) Pune (Via-HYD-JAI) Tiruchirapalli Thiruvananthapuram Thiruvananthapuram Tuticorin Tuticorin Vijayawada Vizag Coimbatore Ahmedabad (Via-MAA) Chennai Chennai Chennai Delhi (Via-HYD) Hyderabad Hyderabad Pune (Via- HYD) dehradun Delhi Delhi delhi Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Allahabad Amritsar Amritsar Amritsar Amritsar (Via - STV - BOM) Aurangabad Aurangabad Bagdogra Bagdogra (Via-GAU) Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru (Via-DEL) Bhopal Bhopal Chandigarh Chandigarh Chennai

SG-106 SG-273 SG-3305 SG-3305 SG-917 SG-917 SG-208 SG-912 SG-912 SG-3165 SG-3307 SG-3271 SG-1083 SG-3291 SG-3304 SG-3277

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

0605 0835 1035 1035 1020 1145 0515 0710 0710 1030 2005 0555 1405 0715 1415 1710

0745 1030 1310 1310 1225 1355 0650 1440 1440 1140 2140 0745 1530 0835 1530 1900

SG-282 SG-282 SG-284 SG-3022 SG-234 SG-234 SG-1022 SG-1022

Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5 Daily Daily Daily Daily

1020 1020 2030 0735 1030 1030 1855 1850

1410 1120 2125 0845 1430 1150 2010 2200

SG-2413 SG-2325

Daily Daily

1120 1620

1225 1720

SG-206 SG-148 SG-142 SG-142 SG-2356 SG-2113 SG-2352 SG-2410 SG-151 SG-161 SG-163 SG-881 SG-885 SG-223 SG-209 SG-509 SG-501 SG-109 SG-2326 SG-2327 SG-2115 SG-2111 SG-305

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

1705 1900 0725 0815 1410 1320 1910 0635 0600 1715 0535 1115 0550 1220 1655 2035 0605 1010 1715 0610 1755 0710 1010

1835 2035 0900 0945 1540 1435 2025 0805 1230 1910 0740 1325 0955 1505 1940 2325 0850 1430 1900 0800 1900 0815 1300

September 2013 220 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice schedule Destination

Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai (Via-AMD-BOM) Chennai (Via-PNQ) Coimbatore (Via-CJB) Dehradun Dehradun Dharamshala Dharamshala Goa Goa Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati (Via-IXB) Hubli (Via- JLR-BOM) Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Indore Indore Jabalpur Jaipur Jammu Jammu Jammu Kochi (Via-BOM) Kochi (Via-BOM) Kochi (Via-HYD) Kochi (Via-PNQ) Kolkata Kolkata Lucknow Madurai (Via-MAA) Madurai (Via-MAA) Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai (Via - STV) Mumbai (Via-Ahmedabad Mumbai (Via-Ahmedabad Mumbai (Via-AMD) Mumbai (Via-JAI) Mumbai (Via-JLR) Port Blair Pune Pune Srinagar Srinagar

flight no.

SG-303 SG-315 SG-309 SG-301 SG-206 SG-219 SG-211 SG-2328 SG-2223 SG-2382 SG-2383 SG-253 SG-255 SG-893 SG-885 SG-881 SG-2441 SG-233 SG-221 SG-239 SG-211 SG-231 SG-2326 SG-2327 SG-2441 SG-133 SG-857 SG-853 SG-851 SG-103 SG-131 SG-231 SG-217 SG-607 SG-104 SG-417 SG-305 SG-303 SG-109 SG-103 SG-852 SG-119 SG-894 SG-131 SG-151 SG-142 SG-142 SG-206 SG-133 SG-2441 SG-104 SG-219 SG-217 SG-868 SG-224

freq

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,57 1,3,57 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,57 Daily Daily 3,5,7 1,3,4,5,7 Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 7 1,2,3,4,5,6 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,57 Daily Daily

For bookings, visit our website at www.spicejet.com

dep

1350 1720 1915 0630 1705 2025 0545 1005 1505 1055 1355 1055 1455 1520 0550 1115 0735 1345 1510 1940 0545 0945 1715 0610 0735 0700 1330 0730 0850 1200 0555 0945 0840 2035 0835 1945 1010 1350 1010 1200 1510 1740 2125 0555 0600 0725 0815 1705 0700 0735 0835 2025 0840 1045 1220

Destination

arrival

1640 1935 2155 0915 2305 0040 1000 1100 1600 1230 1500 1330 1720 1745 0820 1500 1410 1555 1725 2150 0810 1205 1900 0805 0945 0800 1450 0900 1010 1700 1035 1400 1310 2250 1040 2100 1430 1810 1215 1410 1720 1940 2325 0740 0920 1035 1115 2010 1015 1210 1335 2230 1045 1200 1350

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

Srinagar Srinagar

SG-863 SG-865

Daily Daily

1420 1510

1550 1630

Srinagar Srinagar (Via - STV-BOM-ATQ) Srinagar (Via-IXJ) Surat Tirupathi (VIA-HYD) Udaipur Varanasi

SG-261 SG-151 SG-851 SG-151 SG-233 SG-2437 SG-114

6 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

0820 0600 0850 0600 1345 1020 1340

0935 1410 1115 0755 1740 1155 1505

Varanasi Varanasi Vizag (Via-HYD)

SG-127 SG-116 SG-221

1,2,4,6 Daily Daily

1930 0935 1510

2055 1100 1850

SG-2384 SG-2385

Daily Daily

1255 1255

1430 1430

SG-138 SG-1107 SG-1012 SG-254 SG-256 SG-138 SG-1072 SG-1012 SG-804 SG-247 SG-804

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

1640 1610 1615 1400 1750 1640 1415 1640 1640 1330 1640

1830 1740 1800 1630 2010 2125 1545 2035 2135 1440 1745

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

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

1445 1435 0855 1435 1445 1825 1535 1815 0855 1435 1825 0955 1445 1435 1815 1445

1545 2300 0955 1910 2250 2235 1825 2045 1250 1545 1935 1105 1725 2125 2325 2045

SG-1088 SG-2452 SG-1088 SG-2452 SG-2452

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

2055 1430 2055 1430 1430

2155 2035 2335 1810 1550

SG-871 SG-916 SG-912 SG-1073

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

1050 21,3,5 0850 1040

1420 2310 1030 1200

Dharamshala Delhi Delhi GOA Ahmedabad Bengaluru Chennai Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-AMD) Hyderabad Hyderabad (Via-MAA) Kolkata (Via-BOM) Mumbai Mumbai Guwahati Agartala Ahmedabad (Via-CCU-BLR-BOM) Bagdogra Bengaluru (Via-CCU) Bengaluru (Via-IXA-CCU-BOM) Chennai (Via-CCU) Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-IXB) Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata (Via-IXA) Mumbai (Via-CCU-BLR) Mumbai (Via-DEL) Mumbai (Via-IXA-CCU) Hubli Bengaluru Delhi (Via-BOM-JLR) Hyderabad (Via-BLR) Jabalpur (Via-BOM) Mumbai Hyderabad Agartala (Via-CCU) Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Bengaluru

Note: Schedule subject to change and regulatory authority approvals.

1- Mon, 2-Tue, 3-Wed, 4-Thu, 5-Fri, 6-Sat, 7-Sun. September 2013 222 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice schedule Destination

Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bhopal Bhopal (Via-IDR) Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Coimbatore Coimbatore Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Goa Goa (VIA-MAA) Indore Indore (Via-BHO) Jaipur Jaipur (Via-AMD) Kochi Kochi Kolkata Kozhikode Kozhikode (Via-BLR) Madurai Madurai Mangalore (Via-BLR) Mumbai Pondicherry (Via-BLR) Port Blair (Via-MAA) Port Blair (Via-MAA) Pune Pune (Via-AMD-JAI) Pune (Via-JAI) Rajahmundry Tirupathi Tirupathi Varanasi (Via-DEL) Vijayawada Vizag Vizag Indore Bhopal Delhi Delhi Hyderabad Hyderabad (Via-BHO) JABALPUR Delhi Hubli (Via- BOM)

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-1073 SG-872 SG-1023 SG-1031 SG-1063 SG-1053 SG-1011 SG-1003 SG-911 SG-1264 SG-913 SG-1262 SG-917 SG-1048 SG-211 SG-226 SG-234 SG-108 SG-236 SG-116 SG-1071 SG-1011 SG-1053 SG-1063 SG-912 SG-912 SG-231 SG-1051 SG-871 SG-1073 SG-1073 SG-3313 SG-3313 SG-1023 SG-402 SG-1073 SG-917 SG-917 SG-1022 SG-912 SG-912 SG-1061 SG-1041 SG-233 SG-116 SG-1001 SG-221 SG-401

5 Daily Daily Daily 2,4,6 1,3,57 Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,57 2,4,6 7 1,2,3,4,5,6 Daily Daily Daily 2 1,3,4,6,7 3 1,2,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily 5 1,3,4,5,7 26 Daily 1,2,3,4,5 7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1040 1910 0710 0935 1710 1710 1230 1605 1710 1935 2110 0600 0830 1700 0840 1030 1220 1725 2000 0645 1225 1230 1710 1710 0910 0850 1235 1925 1050 1040 1040 0900 0950 0710 2130 1040 0830 0830 2030 0850 0910 0935 0720 1630 0645 0705 1755 0715

1200 2010 0830 1050 1910 2020 1350 1725 1815 2115 2215 0720 0940 1825 1000 1255 1430 1925 2210 0845 1355 1615 1910 2020 1110 1235 1400 2125 1300 1230 1325 1100 1150 0950 2305 1330 1225 1355 2200 1440 1440 1040 0835 1740 1100 0800 1850 0820

SG-1053 SG-2226 SG-2227 SG-1063 SG-1053

1,3,57 1,3,57 1,3,57 2,4,6 1,3,57

1930 1955 0825 2040 1930

2020 2200 1015 2220 2220

SG-2452 SG-2441

Daily Daily

1830 1005

2035 1410

Destination

Mumbai Jaipur Ahmedabad Chennai (Via-AMD- HYD) Delhi Hyderabad (Via-AMD) Mumbai Pune Jammu Delhi Delhi Delhi Mumbai (Via-DEL) Srinagar Kochi Bengaluru Chennai Chennai Chennai Delhi (Via- BOM) Delhi (Via-BOM) Delhi (Via-HYD) Delhi (Via-PNQ) Hyderabad Hyderabad Mumbai Mumbai Pune Vizag (Via-BLR) Kolkata Agartala Agartala Ahmedabad (Via-BLR-BOM) Bagdogra Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru (Via-BOM) Bengaluru (Via-HYD) Chennai Chennai Chennai (Via-DEL-PNQ) Coimbatore (Via-MAA) Delhi Delhi Goa (Via-BOM) Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati (Via-IXA) Hyderabad Mumbai Mumbai

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-2441

Daily

1005

1210

SG-913 SG-913 SG-218 SG-913 SG-133 SG-912

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,57

1710 1710 2040 1710 0830 1310

1825 2215 2130 2040 1015 1440

SG-851 SG-858 SG-854 SG-852 SG-851

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1310 1525 0930 1310 1040

1425 1645 1050 1720 1115

SG-245 SG-3242 SG-3244 SG-287 SG-118 SG-112 SG-108 SG-214 SG-108 SG-1052 SG-112 SG-118 SG-214 SG-245

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,57 Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,57 Daily

0605 1800 2110 0655 1840 1120 1535 1355 1535 2150 1120 1840 1355 0605

0705 1925 2240 0805 2315 1620 1925 1835 1655 2330 1320 2040 1555 0915

SG-873 SG-871 SG-529 SG-323 SG-529 SG-523 SG-874 SG-872 SG-324 SG-322 SG-219 SG-324 SG-219 SG-608 SG-803 SG-528 SG-883 SG-321 SG-873 SG-872 SG-874 SG-803

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

1130 1330 1645 1240 1645 0715 1800 1620 1550 2005 1630 1550 1630 0800 0830 1250 1635 0815 1130 1620 1800 0830

1220 1420 2300 1350 1910 0935 2250 2010 1810 2235 0040 2000 1905 1010 1300 1405 1755 0925 1400 1830 2045 1120

Mumbai (Via-BLR) Port Blair Pune (Via-DEL)

SG-529 SG-104 SG-219

Daily Daily Daily

1645 1135 1630

2125 1335 2230

Kozhikode Bengaluru

SG-1074

1,3,4,6,7

1355

1455

September 2013 224 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice schedule Destination

Chennai Chennai Hyderabad Hyderabad (Via - BLR) Lucknow Delhi Madurai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Delhi (Via-MAA) Delhi (Via-MAA) Hyderabad Hyderabad Mumbai ( Via-MAA) Mumbai ( Via-MAA) Mangalore Bengaluru Bengaluru (Via-BOM) Chennai (Via-BLR) Hyderabad Hyderabad Mumbai Mumbai Agartala (Via-CCU) Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Amritsar Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-AMD) Delhi (Via-AMD) Delhi (Via-JAI) Delhi (Via-JLR) Delhi (Via-STV) Goa Goa Guwahati (Via-BLR-CCU) Guwahati (Via-CCU-IXA) Hubli Hyderabad Jabalpur Jaipur

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-3252 SG-3252 SG-1074 SG-1074

5 2,4,67 2 1,3,4,6,7

1225 1525 1255 1355

1355 1650 1440 1640

SG-418

146

0735

0845

SG-304 SG-306 SG-296 SG-273 SG-304 SG-306 SG-3317 SG-3317 SG-296 SG-273

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

1000 1500 1840 0800 1000 1500 1615 1645 1840 0800

1055 1600 1940 0855 1420 1935 1815 1845 2155 1110

SG-3232 SG-341 SG-3232 SG-1024 SG-1024 SG-341

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

1010 1430 1010 1025 1515 1430

1105 1810 1220 1200 1650 1600

SG-873 SG-529 SG-106 SG-106 SG-151 SG-109 SG-341 SG-874 SG-528 SG-275 SG-274 SG-206 SG-291 SG-114 SG-112 SG-110 SG-136 SG-118 SG-851 SG-106 SG-106 SG-218 SG-2452 SG-152 SG-803 SG-248 SG-528 SG-873 SG-2441 SG-401 SG-2452 SG-218

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

0815 2200 0810 0815 1000 1250 1630 2120 0735 1145 1645 2100 0605 1110 1415 1745 2015 2110 0550 0810 0815 1810 1615 1920 1200 1640 0735 0815 1240 0520 1615 1810

1220 2300 0915 0935 1230 1430 1810 2250 0920 1340 1840 2305 0755 1310 1620 1955 2220 2315 0755 1120 1140 2130 2035 2245 1300 1745 1405 1400 1410 0640 1810 2010

Destination

Jammu (Via-DEL) Kochi Kochi Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata (Via-BLR) Madurai (Via-MAA) Mangalore Srinagar (Via - ATQ) Srinagar (Via-DEL IXJ) Surat Thiruvananthapuram Varanasi (Via-DEL) Vizag (Via-HYD) Thiruvananthapuram Varanasi (Via-DEL) Vizag (Via-HYD) Mysore Bengaluru Chennai (Via-BLR) Pondicherry Bengaluru Bengaluru Chennai (Via-BLR) Chennai (Via-BLR) Hyderabad (Via-BLR) Port Blair Chennai Chennai Chennai (Via- CCU-DEL-PNQ) Delhi (Via - CCU) Hyderabad (Via-MAA) Kolkata Pune (Via - CCU-DEL) Pune Ahmedabad Ahmedabad (Via-JAI) Bengaluru Bengaluru Chennai Chennai (Via-JAI-AMD-HYD) Delhi Delhi Hyderabad Hyderabad (Via-JAI-AMD) Jaipur Kochi Rajahmundry Hyderabad Srinagar Amritsar Bengaluru (Via-DEL) Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi

September 2013 226 www.spiceroutemag.com

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-851 SG-103 SG-131 SG-804 SG-873 SG-528 SG-291 SG-344 SG-151 SG-851 SG-152 SG-275 SG-114 SG-401 SG-275 SG-114 SG-401

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 5,6,7 Daily Daily 5,6,7 Daily Daily

0550 1450 0835 1855 0815 0735 0605 1230 1000 0550 1920 1125 1055 0520 1145 1055 0520

1010 1700 1035 2135 1100 1220 0930 1400 1410 1115 2015 1320 1505 0820 1340 1505 0820

SG-3306 SG-3306

1,3,5 1,3,5

1330 1330

1420 1610

SG-3306 SG-1074 SG-3306 SG-3306 SG-1074

4,6,7 5 4,7 6 5

1330 1350 1330 1330 1350

1420 1450 1610 1800 1640

SG-272 SG-272 SG-219 SG-219 SG-272 SG-219 SG-219

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

1255 1425 1405 1405 1255 1405 1405

1455 1640 0040 1905 1640 1600 2230

SG-342 SG-913 SG-345 SG-227 SG-219 SG-913 SG-214 SG-208 SG-1025 SG-913 SG-913 SG-217

Daily 1,2,3,4,57 Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,57 1,2,3,4,57 Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,57 1,2,3,4,57 1,2,3,4,57

0755 1510 2320 0645 2300 1510 1625 0720 2220 1510 1510 1115

0905 1820 0040 0815 0040 2215 1835 0930 2340 2040 1640 1310

SG-1062

Daily

1100

1155

SG-152 SG-209 SG-262 SG-869 SG-209 SG-209 SG-864

Daily Daily 6 Daily Daily Daily Daily

1450 1435 1010 1235 1435 1435 1620

1545 1940 1135 1405 1605 1605 1745

Spice schedule Destination

Delhi Delhi (Via - ATQ-BOM-STV) Delhi (Via-IXJ) Jammu Mumbai (Via - ATQ) Mumbai (Via-IXJ-DEL) Surat (Via - ATQ-BOM) Surat Amritsar (Via - BOM) Delhi Mumbai Srinagar (Via - BOM-ATQ) Tirupathi Hyderabad Delhi (Via-HYD) Hyderabad Tiruchirapalli Chennai Thiruvananthapuram Chennai Chennai Mumbai Tuticorin Bengaluru (Via-MAA) Chennai Chennai Hubli (Via-MAA,BLR)

Udaipur Delhi Varanasi Delhi Delhi Delhi Hyderabad (Via-DEL) Mumbai (Via-DEL) Tirupathi (Via-DEL,HYD) Vijayawada Bengaluru Chennai Hyderabad Vizag Bengaluru Chennai Delhi (Via-HYD) Hyderabad Hyderabad Kochi (Via-BLR) Mumbai (Via-HYD)

flight no.

freq

dep

INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULE

arrival

SG-867 SG-152 SG-852 SG-852 SG-152 SG-852 SG-152

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1700 1450 1155 1155 1450 1155 1450

1830 2245 1425 1240 1850 1720 2015

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily

0825 2045 0825 0825

1230 2245 0920 1410

SG-1042 SG-236 SG-236

Daily Daily Daily

0855 1810 1810

1010 2210 1930

SG-3166

1,2,3,4

1200

1305

SG-3308 SG-3272 SG-276

Daily Daily 5,6,7

2200 0805 1355

2330 1000 1605

SG-1084 SG-1084 SG-3292

1,3,4,5,7 1,3,4,5,7 Daily

1550 1550 0855

1900 1710 1020

SG-1084

1,3,4,5,7

1550

2035

SG-2436

Daily

1215

1350

SG-233 SG-119 SG-128 SG-233 SG-119 SG-233

Daily Daily 2,3,5,7 Daily Daily Daily

1130 1535 0810 1130 1535 1130

1250 1655 0940 1555 1940 1740

SG-3304 SG-3303 SG-1002

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

1230 1230 0820

1350 1350 0915

SG-2,4,6 SG-3278 SG-226 SG-402 SG-226 SG-246 SG-402

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

0945 1920 0900 1930 0900 0945 1930

1115 2105 1255 2050 1000 1245 2315

Destination

Ahmedabad Dubai Muscat Chennai Colombo Colombo Chennai Madurai Madurai Delhi Dubai Guangzhou Kabul Kathmandu Kathmandu Riyadh DUBAI Ahmedabad Delhi Kochi Mumbai Guangzhou Delhi KABUL Delhi Kathmandu Delhi Delhi Kochi Dubai Male Lucknow Sharjah Madurai Colombo Colombo Male Kochi Mumbai Dubai Muscat Ahmedabad PUNE Sharjah Riyadh Delhi Sharjah Lucknow Pune Varanasi Varanasi Sharjah

flight no.

freq

arrival

SG-015 SG-061

Daily 1,4,5

1640 2130

1815 2300

SG-001

Daily

0100

0220

SG-002 SG-3316 SG-3316

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

0320 1350 1435

0445 1450 1535

SG-011 SG-081 SG-021 SG-045 SG-041 SG-031

Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 2,4,6 Daily 1,3,57 Daily

0855 1645 0900 1550 0800 0300

1120 0035 (+1) 1020 1740 1000 0515

SG-016 SG-012 SG-018 SG-014

Daily Daily Daily Daily

1925 2310 2055 1230

2330 0410 (+1) 0225 (+1) 1655

SG-082

1,2,4,5,6,7

0155

0510

SG-022

2,4,6

1120

1450

SG-042 SG-046

1,3,57 Daily

1100 1840

1240 2010

SG-017 SG-3901

Daily Daily

1710 1250

1950 1410

SG-055

3,5,7

2200

0100 (+1)

SG-3314 SG-3314

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

1200 1245

1300 1345

SG-3902

Daily

1445

1705

SG-013

Daily

1945

21,3,5

SG-062

2,5,6

0030

0420

SG-051

Daily

2230

0030 (+1)

SG-032

Daily

0615

1255

SG-056 SG-052 SG-054

146 Daily 2,3,5,7

0145 0110 0145

0635 0600 0655

SG-053

1,2,4,6

2155

0100 (+1)

* All Time In Local. (+1) - Next Day. • SpiceJet flies to 45 domestic destinations covering the north, south, east and west of India. Whether you are flying for business, visiting friends or planning a holiday, SpiceJet is the smart way to travel. • SpiceJet now flies to 9 international destinations.

September 2013 228 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: Sumant Rautela Email: sumant.rautela@spicejet.com Delhi T1 & T3, Nepal & Afghanistan: Nelash Godara Email: nelash.godara@spicejet.com East and Andaman & Nicobar Islands Mitali Borgohain Email: mitali.b@spicejet.com West Vinod Saldanha Email: vinod.saldanha@spicejet.com Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Pankaj Handa Email: pankaj.handa@spicejet.com Tamil Nadu, Kerala, SriLanka & Maldives R. Ranjeev Email: r.ranjeev@spicejet.com Agartala Airport Manager: Avishek Kar Address: Spicejet Ltd., C.A. Agartala Airport, Agartala(Tripura) Email: avishek.kar@spicejet.com Ahmedabad Airport Manager: Johnson George Address: Spicejet Ltd., SVP International Airport, Ahmedabad(Gujarat) Email: johnson.george@spicejet.com Allahabad Airport Incharge: Vijay Yadav Address: Spicejet Ltd., Allahabad Airport, Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh) Email: vijay.yadav@spicejet.com Amritsar Airport Incharge: Deepak Anand Address: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar(Punjab) Email: deepak.anand@spicejet.com Aurangabad Airport Incharge: Vinod Saldanha Address: Spicejet Ltd., Aurangabad Airport, Aurangabad (Maharashtra) Email: vinod.saldanha@spicejet.com Bagdogra Airport Incharge: Saurav Raj Thapa Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Bagdogra, Siliguri(West Bengal) Email: saurav.thapa@spicejet.com Belgaum Airport Incharge: Hemanth Kumar Address: Spicejet Ltd., Belgaum Airport, Belgaum (Karnataka) Email: hemanth.kumar@spicejet.com Bengaluru Airport Manager: Vivek Godbole Address: Spicejet Ltd., Bangalore International Airport, Bengaluru (Karnataka) Email: vivek.godbole@spicejet.com Bhopal Airport Incharge: Rajul Srivastava Address: Spicejet Ltd., Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal

(Madhya Pradesh) Email: rajul.srivastava@spicejet.com Chandigarh Airport Incharge: Manmeet Singh Barham Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Airport, Chandigarh Email: manmeet.barham@spicejet.com Chennai Airport Manager: Gavin Jeffries Address: Spicejet Ltd., Kamraj International Airport, Chennai (Tamil Nadu) Email: gavin.jeffries@spicejet.com Coimbatore Airport Manager: Santosh Kumar Nair Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) Email: santosh.nair@spicejet.com Colombo Airport Incharge: N. Kalidassan Address: Spicejet Ltd., Bandarnaike International Airport, Colombo (Sri Lanka) Email: n.kalidassan@spicejet.com Dehradun Airport Incharge: Manish Pandey Address: Spicejet Ltd., Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, Uttarakhand Email: manish.pandey@spicejet.com Dharamshala Airport Incharge: Rahul Garg Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Kangra Airport, Gaggal(Himachal Pradesh) Email: rahul.garg@spicejet.com Dubai Airport Manager: J. Venkatramakrishnan Address: Spicejet Ltd., Dubai International Airport, Departure level-Terminal 1, UAE Email: j.venkat@spicejet.com Goa Airport Manager: Anish Dubey Address: Spicejet Ltd., Goa International Airport, Dabolim(Goa) Email: anish.dubey@spicejet.com Guangzhou Airport Manager: Vrushiket Bhise Address: Spicejet Ltd., Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Guangdong (China) Email: vrushiket.bhise@spicejet.com Guwahati Airport Manager: Bhaskar Borgohain Address: Spicejet Ltd., Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (Assam) Email: bhaskar.borgohain@spicejet.com Hyderabad Airport Manager: Raghunath Singh Address: Spicejet Ltd., Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad (Andhra Pradesh) Email: raghunath.singh@spicejet.com Hubli Airport Incharge: Mahavir Gaur Address: Hubli airport, Hubli(Karnataka) Email: mahavir.gaur@spicejet.com Indore Airport Incharge: Pavitra Shukla Address: Spicejet Ltd., DABH Airport, Indore (Madhya Pradesh) Email: pavitra.shukla@spicejet.com Jabalpur Airport Incharge: Jaimin Premasawala Address: Spicejet Ltd., Jabalpur Airport, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh Email: jaimin.premasawala@spicejet.com Jammu Airport Manager: Deepak Koul Address: Spicejet Ltd., Jammu Airport,Civil Enclave Jammu (J&K) Email: deepak.koul@spicejet.com

Jaipur Airport Manager: Brijendra Sinsinwar Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Civil Airport Sanganer, Jaipur (Rajasthan) Email: brijendra.sinsinwar@spicejet.com Kathmandu Airport Manager: Rajendra Krishna Joshi Address: Spicejet Ltd., Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (Nepal) Email: rajendra.joshi@spicejet.com Kabul Airport Incharge: Sunil Rehman Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Kabul International Airport (Afghanistan) Email: sunil.rehman@spicejet.com Kochi Airport Manager: Shamon P.S Address: Spicejet Ltd., Cochin International Airport, Kochi (Kerala) Email: shamon@spicejet.com Kolkata Airport Manager: Sagarnath Das Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Terminal II, NSCBI Airport, Kolkata (West Bengal) Email: sagarnath.das@spicejet.com Kozhikode Airport Incharge:Sajith Kannoth Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Calicut International Airport, Malapuram (Kerala) Email: sajith@spicejet.com Lucknow Airport Manager: Janardan Sahai Mathur Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport, Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) Email: janardan.mathur@spicejet.com Madurai Airport Manager: Balaji Ramanan Address: Spicejet Ltd., Madurai Airport, Madurai (Tamil Nadu) Email: balaji.ramanan@spicejet.com Male Airport Incharge: Alexis Anand Raj Address: Spicejet Ltd, Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Male (Maldives) Email: alexis.raj@spicejet.com Mangalore Airport Incharge: C.M.Biddappa Address: Spicejet Ltd., Bajpe Airport, Mangalore (Karnataka) Email: biddappa@spicejet.com Mumbai Airport Manager: Tarun Kalwadia Address: Spicejet Ltd., Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai (Maharashtra) Email: tarun.kalwadia@spicejet.com Muscat Airport Manager: Irfan Kanth Address: Spicejet Ltd., Seeb International Airport, Muscat (Oman) Email: irfan.kanth@spicejet.com Mysore Airport Incharge: KP Bopanna Address: Spicejet Ltd., Mysore Airport, Mysore (Karnataka) Email: bopanna.kp@spicejet.com New Delhi Airport Manager: Nelash Godara Address: Terminal 1D, IGI Airport, Palam (Delhi) Email: nelash.godara@spicejet.com Pondicherry Airport Incharge: S Mahesh Address: Spicejet Ltd., Puducherry Airport, Lawspet (Puducherry) Email: mahesh.s@spicejet.com Port Blair Airport Incharge: Arun M Address: Spicejet Ltd., Veer Sawarkar International

September 2013 230 www.spiceroutemag.com

Airport, Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) Email: arun.m@spicejet.com Pune Airport Manager: Adil Palia Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Enclave Pune Airport, Pune (Maharashtra) Email: adil.palia@spicejet.com Rajahmundry Airport Incharge: Amit Naraian Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Rajahmundry Airport, Madhurapudi (Andhra Pradesh) Email: amit.naraian@spicejet.com Riyadh Airport Incharge: Azhar Shaikh Address: Spicejet Ltd., King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) Email: azhar.shaikh@spicejet.com Sharjah Airport Manager: Debasish Choudhury Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Sharjah International Airport, Sharjah (UAE) Email: debasish.choudhury@spicejet.com Srinagar Airport Incharge: Sartaj Ahmed Mantoo Address: Spicejet Ltd., Srinagar Airport, Srinagar (J&K) Email: sartaj.mantoo@spicejet.com Surat Airport Incharge: Harin Rajguru Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Surat Airport, Surat (Gujarat) Email: harin.rajguru@spicejet.com Tiruchirappalli Airport Incharge: C.N. Kishore Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Tiruchirapalli Airport, Tiruchirappalli, (Tamil Nadu) Email: c.n.kishore@spicejet.com Tirupati Airport Incharge: N Nagaraju Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) Email: n.nagaraju@spicejet.com Thiruvananthapuram Airport Incharge: A.C.Ratheesh Address: Spicejet Ltd., Trivandrum International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) Email: ratheesh.ac@spicejet.com Tuticorin Airport Incharge: Narasimhan S.R Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Tuticorin (Tamil Nadu) Email: narasimhan.r@spicejet.com Udaipur Airport Incharge: R. Shyam Sharma Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Maharana Pratap Airport Dabok, Udaipur (Rajasthan) Email: shyam.sharma@spicejet.com Varanasi Airport Manager: Rajesh k. Singh Address: Spicejet Ltd., L.B.S. Airport, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) Email: rajesh.s@spicejet.com Vijayawada Airport Manager: Pankaj Handa Address: Spicejet Ltd., Vijayawada Airport, Gannavaram (Andhra Pradesh) Email: azhar.shaikh@spicejet.com Visakhapatnam Airport Manager: Digvijay Wala Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Visakhapatnam Airport, Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) Email: digvijay.wala@spicejet.com

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