Travel 3Sixty August 2018

AUG 2018

ISSUE 17

INDIA

India celebrates 71 years of Independence! Read me to join in, but leave me behind.

AirAsia Inflight Magazine

On the Tiger‘s Trail Wild and Free

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Issue 17

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AUG 2018

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Wanderlust – TravelHer

Wanderlust – Tiger Reserves

Wanderlust – Amritsar

Wanderlust – Lenscape

The Road to Kalinga

On the Tiger's Trail

Travel blogger Lakshmi Sharath takes a road trip from Bhubaneswar to Puri and explores Odisha's many moods and hues.

This Independence Day, take a trip to five sanctuaries in India that are enabling the free spirit of the national animal to thrive in the wild.

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Wanderlust – Events

Wanderlust – Food

Wanderlust – Voluntourism

Save the Dates From a race that lets you splash about in mud to an autorickshaw ride through the country, four mustattend events this month and where to stay near them.

A Dip in Nectar Amritsar is a rich amalgamation of heritage, delectable food, exquisite handcrafted textiles and one of the most revered Sikh shrines in the world.

More Than Vindaloo

Growing with the Trees

Eat your way to Goa's heart as you sample some of its most delicious local preparations and discover some of its best eateries.

A day at Sadhana forest, an initiative to resurrect an evergreen grove across 70 acres of arid land in Tamil Nadu.

Faces of the Forest The tribal heartland of the state of Chhattisgarh, Bastar is home to a fascinating culture that thrives in the middle of thick jungles.

travel360 won Gold in the 2017 Galaxy Awards (USA) for Best Design Bound Publications in the Travel and Tourism Category

For any feedback, please write to nodalofficer_in@airasia.com. Alternatively, you can also write to sugam.dgca@nic.in or visit www.airsewa.com.

Issue 17

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AUG 2018

Here’s the Buzz on AirAsia’s Social Media A big shout out to Chanchal, who works at the AirAsia desk at the newly opened airport in Surat. She is extremely courteous and proactive, and will go a long way in setting an example for excellent customer service.

Thank you #Chanchal and #AirAsia.

SANDEEP JAIN

Really impressed by the treatment I received from the staff at AirAsia's checkin desk at the Hyderabad airport. Special mention to Ms. Koka Ramya for being friendly and providing me with full assistance. Kudos to the AirAsia team.

GURUDUTT RAUTRAY

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From the Flight Deck

Cover To Cover

City Canvas

10 Championing Dreams

22 Interview

Author Chanchal

30 Nagpur, Maharashtra

Sanyal on his search for urban happiness and his new book, The Glass House.

Discover the winter capital of the state of Maharashtra.

14 A Recordbreaking Win!

Movies & Music

84 Vegan in Style

Movie and music releases in the month of August.

Future Forward

Employees and guests are the pillars of AirAsia's success.

Special

AirAsia named the World’s Best LowCost Airline for the 10th year in a row.

Calendar

18 Hot Dates Events across the globe in August.

26 Latest Releases

28 Bass on your Bookshelf

This season's most

coveted bookshelf speakers.

Vanity Fare

Give your wardrobe

a chic, animal-friendly spin.

85 Man in Pink

How to make the most of this season's hottest fashion trend.

Cabin Comfort

86 Joy of Flying In-flight exercises for your health and well-being.

87 In Touch 88 Route Map 92 Destinations

I would like to convey my thanks to the AirAsia staff at the Ranchi airport, especially Mr Rahul for his assistance during my recent flight (I5-545) to Kolkata with my oneyear-old child. I wish them all the best for their future endeavours.

Amazing AirAsia!

DIVYA SINGH

Undoubtedly the best service I have ever received from an airline. I had forgotten my laptop on a late night AirAsia flight.

Thanks to the active support team at T3 of the IGI Airport in New Delhi, I was given back my laptop within 30 minutes! Special thanks to Kunal, Akshay, Manpreet and Aaqib.

VEDANT GUPTA

INDIA

Issue 17 AUG 2018

AirAsia India

Singapore

Regional Managing Editor R. Rajendra

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Manager, Public Relations Divya Kumar

Maxposure Global Pte Ltd

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International Representation North America Canada, Wayne Saint John The New Base, Tel: +1 416 363 1388, wayne.stjohn@thenewbase.com

Europe France, Nicolas Devos IMM International, Tel: +331 40137905, n.devos@imm-international.com

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A royal Bengal tiger in Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan.

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CIN No U22229DL2006PTC152087 travel360 India magazine is printed and published by Prakash Johari on behalf of AirAsia India and published at Maxposure Media Group (India) Pvt. Ltd. (MMGIPL), #TheAddress, Plot No. 62, Okhla Phase III, New Delhi-110020, India. travel360 India 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 AirAsia India. All efforts have been made while compiling the content of this magazine, but we assume no responsibility for the effects arising there from. For inquiries | MMGIPL tel: +91.11.43011111, www. maxposuremedia.com.

FROM THE FLIGHT DECK

Get to Know Tony

What is your pet peeve when travelling? Bad airline food – something AirAsia beats even the full service carriers at!

If you could swap jobs with anyone (in AirAsia) for a day, which department/job would you choose, and why?

Ground staff. Companies charge thousands for customer data but nothing beats face-to-face interactions with our guests to get insights.

If stuck at an airport (think Tom Hanks in The Terminal), which airport would you choose, and why? Heathrow Airport. It brings back many good childhood memories.

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Championing Dreams 08 18

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You can have all the money in the world, you can have all the brilliant ideas, but if you don't have the people, forget it.

I ran my business with this belief when we were just 250 people, and still do at 24,880 Allstars (employees). Being named the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline by Skytrax for the 10th year in a row is an affirmation that people are the pillars of our success.

The Skytrax World Airline Awards is the ‘Oscars of Aviation’, and a global benchmark of airline excellence with over 19.9 million customer surveys completed worldwide by more than 105 nationalities. The awards measures 49 key performance indicators of an airline’s frontline products and services.

That makes the award all the more special, knowing that we were voted World’s Best by our people.

Thank you to our Allstars, partners and guests, for believing in us.

In AirAsia, employees are number one, guests are number two. A happy workforce will ensure satisfied guests, and satisfied guests will ensure a healthy business.

The diversity that comes with working across 25 different countries, and hundreds of different languages and cultures, is an asset many businesses cannot claim. We

have seen some of the best business ideas come from all across the organisation, right from our ramp boys and girls, to cabin crew.

Our guests too inspire the way we work. In February, we announced that we will move our Melbourne operations to Avalon Airport by the end of this year, inspired by our guests to keep fares affordable while delivering quality service. That same month, we unveiled the Fast Airport Clearance Experience System (FACES), Malaysia’s first airport facial recognition system with selfboarding gate, at Senai International Airport, Johor Bahru, improving the airport experience.

You drive us to create and innovate our products and services.

We recently had a 100-year-old lady who flew with us from Japan to Malaysia leaving behind the winter season. It reaffirms our decision to never give up on AirAsia Japan despite many setbacks.

Aviation is a challenging industry but good business partners ensure we stay true to our tagline, ‘Now Everyone Can Fly’.

Amidst rising fuel prices and stiff competition, this year we signed a partnership with GE Aviation enabling us to fly more efficiently and reduce carbon emissions. We built similar mutually beneficial partnerships with Airbus, Rolls

1. FROM LEFT Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X Malaysia; Dato' Fam Lee Ee, Board Member of AirAsia and AirAsia X Berhad; Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Executive Chairman of AirAsia Group Berhad & Group CEO of AirAsia X; Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Chairperson of AirAsia X; Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia & Co-Group CEO of AirAsia X; Aireen Omar, Deputy Group CEO of AirAsia – Digital, Transformation & Corporate Services; and Dato' Mohamed Khadar, Board Member of AirAsia Berhad with Allstars at the opening ceremony of RedQ – AirAsia's global headquarters in Sepang, Malaysia.

Royce, various local tourism boards, government ministries and airports. In our 17 years, we have worked with some of the most passionate, hardworking and humble people who inspire us.

This year we celebrate all those who make us the world’s best.

Our global brand ambassadors – Grammy award-winning composer and producer David Foster, football legend Roberto Carlos, swimming Olympic medalist Ben Proud and cycling world champion Azizulhasni Awang – inspire the champion spirit in AirAsia.

Our Allstars and our partners are the champions behind our success. But most of all, the real champion is each of you, who cross borders to live your dreams.

You are the champions who have made us a world champion.

Look out for our #weareallchampions celebration series that runs until the end of the year.

As we innovate and digitalise, our people continue to set us apart, and in return, we promise to stand with all of you and conquer each dream at 30,000 feet in the sky.

Tony Fernandes Group CEO of AirAsia & Co-Group CEO of AirAsia X @tonyfernandes fb.com/tonyfernandes

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BEST QUALITY EDUCATION AT YOUR DOORSTEP!

SPECIAL

A Record-breaking Win!

AirAsia was named the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the 10th year in a row at the 2018 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held in London, and AirAsia X was presented the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline Premium Cabin award for the sixth consecutive year. The airline also took home the title of Asia’s Best Low-Cost Airline. Dubbed the ‘Oscars of the Aviation Industry’, the Skytrax Awards are the global benchmark of airline excellence, with over 20.36 million customers surveyed worldwide by more than 105 nationalities, measuring standards across 49 key performance indicators of an airline’s frontline products and services. Allstars are an asset to us. This success and achievement by the AirAsia Group and AirAsia X Group is a direct contribution of every Allstar. Here are our Allstars from India, sharing their experiences with AirAsia!

"It fills my heart with joy to congratulate AirAsia for this achievement. Allstars from across the AirAsia network have come together with one vision to emerge as the World’s Best! I am proud to say that my experience with the airline has been a combination of fun, freedom and teamwork on a path towards victory!" ~ Sachin Darveshi, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer

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"My first job after school was with an airline in Malaysia. I had joined as a cabin crew in 1984 and retired in 2010. I met Tony Fernandes while on duty on a flight to Kuala Lumpur and he said to me, “You must join the best airline in the world, which is mine, after you retire. You will succeed. See you soon.”

His words made me take a landmark decision. I joined AirAsia in 2010 and moved to India in 2014 to assist in AirAsia India’s operations. I’m proud to be a part of the champions journey with AirAsia!" ~ Magaret Gaberil, Lead SEP Instructor

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"I joined AirAsia in Malaysia on October 5, 1996 and here I am in India, more than 20 years later! I feel proud to see AirAsia scale such great heights. For those who love the skies, AirAsia is home. I am lucky to be a part of such a great team. I’ve seen AirAsia India grow rapidly since its inception and I thank our leadership for guiding us this far." ~ Sarjit Singh Sohan Singh, Head, Project Management Office

"Working with AirAsia for more than four years has been a great journey for me. It is a place of opportunities that makes us believe in the impossible and push our boundaries to get things done. Proud to be a part of the Allstar family! Coming together was the beginning, staying together is progress and working together has resulted in great success." ~ Vishal Rajulu, Chief Instructor, Load & Trim, Flight Operations

"AirAsia is an organisation that truly stands by its motto: ‘All for One. One for All.’ I am blessed to have had the chance to switch from finance to guest services through an internal opportunity.

I consider myself lucky to have been part of several milestones with AirAsia!" ~ Ashwin Muralidharan, Guest Services Assistant

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"I joined AirAsia in September 2014, in the security department. I came from a small town in Assam and little did I know that I would be part of a brand that would be celebrated across the globe. Every day here is a fresh learning experience for me!

I am thankful to have been part of this meritorious journey of AirAsia!" ~ Jyoti Saikia, Aerodrome Entry Permit Coordinator, Security

"I have had a great journey with AirAsia over the last five years, getting a chance to experience its unique work culture and be part of a team that puts people first. I have grown a lot during my time here, interacting with guests from across the AirAsia network.

I’m all set for my new role at the AirAsia headquarters in Malaysia and there couldn't have been a better time for it, when we've been named the World’s Best Low-Cost Carrier for the tenth time!" ~ Mohammed Haffez, Group Desk Supervisor

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to AirAsia for having taken me under its wings. It's been a year and four months since I became an Allstar and our leaders have been a source of tremendous inspiration for us all. AirAsia’s win at the Skytrax Awards is an inspiration too, motivating us to persevere in our mission of Now Everyone can Fly." ~ Stella Jebakani, Technical Publication Officer, Engineering

"Staying motivated about what you do can be difficult but if you have the right kind of people around you, it becomes easy. That's what we do at AirAsia - we help each other grow and motivate each other to bring out our best.

Working with AirAsia has been the best decision of my life so far. I feel blessed to be part of a company where everyone is given equal opportunities to flourish in their departments or explore something new. Congratulations to everyone at AirAsia for this achievement. It’s a proud moment for all of us." ~ Tanvir Bains, Senior Cabin Crew

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"I joined the AirAsia family as a designer a few weeks ago, at the corporate office in Bengaluru. Within a week, I took my first flight with the airline to Jaipur, my home town, and it was an unforgettable experience. I am so happy to be a part of an airline that is enabling countless people like me to experience the joy of flying." ~ Rishabh Tailor, Junior Graphic Designer, Commercial

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CALENDAR

Hot Dates Check out what's hot and happening in August!

THRIPUNITHURA, KERALA

Athachamayam August 15 Offering a rare opportunity to witness nearly all the folk art forms of the state of Kerala, Athachamayam marks the

beginning of the 10-day Onam festival with a grand celebration. A magnificent procession representing the legendary king of Kochi and his entourage takes to the streets, accompanied by elephants, floats, musical ensembles and an array of folk performances. keralatourism.org

CHANDIGARH

Musafirs Spiti Ride August 12-22 The Musafirs Motorcycle Club, one of India's most renowned clubs of its kind, has announced its biggest ride of the year. Hop onto your mean machine as the event kick-starts in Chandigarh, and ride along some of the most challenging roads in the country to the mystical Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh. themusafirs.com

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BENGALURU, KARNATAKA

Bengaluru Poetry Festival

Zayn Malik Live in Concert

August 4-5 The third edition of the popular literary event, previously attended by the likes of lyricist Gulzar, will bring together singers, performers and musicians from across the world to promote and popularise vernacular languages.

The festival aims to renew engagement with verse across forms, formats and languages. bengalurupoetryfestival.org

August 3 The popular One Direction star is finally coming to India! Starting off his multi-city tour of the country with Mumbai, the pop sensation will be travelling to cities such as Kolkata, Hyderabad and New Delhi. Malik has always taken a keen interest in Indian music, and if he decides to sing one of his Kailash Kher covers (Allah Ke Bande, Teri Deewani) on stage during the tour, fans are in for a treat! inzayn.com

Poet and lyricist Gulzar

MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA

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CALENDAR SINGAPORE

Singapore Night Festival August 17-25 Watch the Bras Basah/ Bugis heritage precinct transform into a midsummer night's dream as the Singapore Night Festival brings the best of the country's art and culture on to the streets after dusk.

Several spectacular international acts will also be on view alongside interactive light installations that are unique to the event. visitsingapore.com

JAKARTA-PALEMBANG, INDONESIA

Asian Games 2018

August 18-September 2 The 18th Asian Games will be held in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, and Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra Province. Events including track cycling, boxing, softball, baseball, archery, badminton, athletics and artistic swimming will also be spread out across venues surrounding the two cities. The theme of this edition of the sporting event is "Energy of Asia". asiangames2018.id

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA CHAIYAPHUM, THAILAND

Dok Krachiao Blooming Festival Till August 31 Behold the beautiful white, green and pink dok krachiao (Siam tulips) bloom across national parks and enjoy a colourful parade, musical performances, a walking competition and even a rock climbing rally! You can also enjoy special sightseeing tours tailormade for the blooming season. tourismthailand.org

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Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week August 8-12 This year, the mega fashion event will spotlight the work of 20 highly soughtafter Malaysian designer brands including Afiq Mohamed, Alia Bastamam, Atelier Fitton, Cassey Gan, Eric Choong and Ezzati Amira. klfashionweek.com

MANILA, THE PHILIPPINES

Boyzone Farewell Tour August 26 The Irish band behind popular hits like Words and Nothing at all will perform one last time at the Mall of Asia Arena as part of their 25th anniversary and farewell tour. The boy band has decided to split up for good, but not before regaling the world with their greatest hits. boyzonenetwork.com

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William Dalrymple's City of Djinns is a popular non-fiction narrative of New Delhi, introducing readers to the stories and people behind the making of the national capital.

COVER TO COVER

The Capital of Happiness In his new novel, The Glass House, Chanchal Sanyal takes readers through the streets and bylanes of New Delhi as he attempts to navigate its many moods.

Tell us about your engagement with fiction. When were you first drawn to it as a writer?

I have always been a reader. My generation grew up with books as the major source of entertainment.

I feel that every serious reader has a writer in them. The latter just blooms at different times. Mine did once I had settled my business and domestic responsibilities.

New Delhi is a central character in your new novel. Which is your favourite aspect of it?

Definitely the historical. It is the city

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of seven cities, and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. History lives and breathes in every stone and street corner here.

The Glass House takes on the notion of 'urban happiness'.

Besides having a house of your own, what does 'urban happiness' constitute for you?

Living not only in one’s own house, but living in a city whose air you can breathe, whose water you can drink, whose streets you can walk along without

Quick five Fiction or reality?

Fiction Writing or reading?

Reading Novels or short stories? Novels Pen or keyboard?

Keyboard Lounge or library?

Lounge

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fear, whose roads you can drive on without interminable traffic jams, cave-ins or life threatening incidents of road rage - these are the very basic building blocks of urban happiness. In many cities, these are taken for granted.

How much of the fictional story reflects personal experiences?

Many people who know me professionally as a hard-driving, street smart entrepreneur, and have read the book, often ask me "Where did you dredge up this limp-wristed, beta type loser from?" But then again, as Yeats once posed, "How do you separate the dancer from the dance?"

There must be bits of me and my experiences scattered here and there across the story, in characters and incidents alike. I have been a tenant in New Delhi as well as a landlord in Gurugram - so that aspect of the novel is real. I have been picked up by the police in New Delhi; I have been a lecturer at Hindu College, Delhi University, though only for four sweet months; and finally, my love for the city and my distress at what we have done and continue to do to it does come through in the novel.

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COVER TO COVER Guru: An Autobiography Narendra Raval and Kailash Mota; Bloomsbury India

This is the inspiring story of Narendra Raval, fondly known as "Guru Bhai [brother]", a man from a little-known village in Gujarat who went on to set up a $500 million company that is now one of the largest steel products manufacturers in East and Central Africa.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone: Illustrated Edition JK Rowling and Jim Kay; Bloomsbury Children's Books

The smaller-format paperback edition of the first Harry Potter novel brings magical new illustrations to new readers, with full-colour pictures, French flaps and a poster pull-out at the end!

The Long Haul: A Trucker's Tales of Life on the Road

Liar Liar James Patterson and Candice Fox; Century

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The third book in the Detective Harriet Blue series, Liar Liar is a fast-paced narrative that sees the detective pursuing a vicious serial killer down the Australian South Coast.

The Pagoda Tree Claire Scobie; Unbound

Finn Murphy; WW Norton & Company

This is a fictional love story set against the backdrop of 18th-century India that brings together a diverse set of characters including a temple dancer, a clergyman and an ambitious Englishman.

The Mystery of Three Quarters Sophie Hannah and Agatha Christie; HarperCollins

In this new Hercule Poirot mystery set in 1930s' London, the legendary detective receives intriguing letters accusing various people of murder. He must find the victim before more lives are endangered.

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Offering an interesting perspective on life on the road, the story comes from someone who has been a long-haul trucker for over three decades.

The author reflects on the changes he has seen occurring in the USA over the years, and narrates some poignant anecdotes of the people he has met.

The Man Who Saved India Hindol Sengupta; Penguin Random House India

A look at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first deputy prime minister of India, this book evocatively describes how he sought to illuminate the nation with pragmatic and sensible ideas of nationbuilding. Also known as the "Iron Man of India", he came up with ideas that played a key role in stitching together more than 500 of the erstwhile princely states of India into the united nation we are living in today. His achievements were commemorated by recognising his birthday (October 31) as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day). The book gives one deep insight into Sardar Patel and his vision of the nation.

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ADVERTORIAL Home is Where the Savings are Don’t reel under the burden of home loan interest rates. Make a smart investment by opting for a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP).

Almost all Indians would wish to own at least one house of their own, and this often leads them to think that real estate can also be an investment option. The difference between equity and real estate, however, is that the equity cycle is short and people tend to associate it with volatility.

Real estate tends to have longer performance cycles and as a result, is not Ms. Shyamali Basu, Senior Vice President & associated with volatility.

Head - Products & Marketing, HDFC Asset Management Co. Ltd. Consequently, real estate and gold occupy almost 77 per cent of household savings. Since real estate in India comes with some of the most expensive prospects in the world, relative to the earnings of the populace, a home loan is a popular option.

However, they also mean tying ourselves down to EMIs for the next 20 years. The average age for borrowing such a loan is around 30, when one has a family. Expenses begin to mount soon after, and the instalments leave little scope for savings.

But what if we gave you a way to recover the interest you pay to the home loan company? For instance, you take a loan of INR 25,00,000 and the EMI, at 8.4 per cent interest (assumed for a 20-year loan), works out to INR 21,538. In effect, you end up paying INR 51,69,120 to finally own the house, paying INR 26,69,120 as interest - which is actually more than the principal borrowed! Every home loan borrower endeavours to avoid defaulting on loan EMI to avoid the wrath of a Housing Finance Company. What if you extended the same discipline beyond EMIs and tried to recover the interest you pay over the loan term?

The day your loan gets disbursed, start a monthly Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in the mutual fund scheme of 0.15 per cent of your loan principal. In the case illustrated, let’s say you sign up for a monthly SIP of INR 3,600 (INR 3,750 is 0.15 per cent of the principal) in a diversified equity fund. You let the SIP continue for 20 years. If we assume a modest return of 12 per cent in equity SIPs, then in 20 years you would have invested INR 8, 54,968.

The valuation of your investment would then be INR 35,24,089.

The capital appreciation of INR 26,69,121 on your SIP investment offsets the interest on the home loan. Thus, some discipline in setting aside a small portion of your income along with your EMI payments can go a long way in offsetting the interest payment made over the years. If you plan to borrow for buying a house or if you already have a home loan, start an SIP and avoid being burdened home loan interest in the long run.

Note: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not of HDFC AMC, and should not be regarded as investment advice. Investors should obtain their own independent advice before taking a decision to invest in any securities. Returns are not assured / guaranteed. MUTUAL FUND INVESTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO MARKET RISKS, READ ALL SCHEME RELATED DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY.

In an attempt to throw other filmmakers off his trail as he shot a scene involving icebergs for Titanic (1997) off the coast of Nova Scotia, director James Cameron claimed that his project was a science fiction movie called Planet Ice.

MOVIES & MUSIC

Latest Releases We bring you your monthly dose of entertainment.

Music

HINDI

Karwaan

Update your playlist with these latest soundtracks!

Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar Plot A light-hearted comedy, the film focusses on three strangers whose lives intertwine with a mix-up in the delivery of two dead bodies. Not nearly as morbid as it sounds, the movie takes its three protagonists on a bizarre journey towards finding themselves.

AUGUST 10 Cast

ENGLISH

The Meg Know Release Date August

10 Jason Mraz Label Atlantic Records Artiste

HINDI

Gold AUGUST 15 Cast Akshay Kumar,

Amit Sadh Plot This period sports drama takes the audience back to the 1940s and recreates a significant moment in Indian sporting history: the country's first Gold medal at the 1948 Olympics.

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PUNJABI

Dakuaan Da Munda Dev Kharoud, Jagjit Sandhu Plot Bringing to life the inspiring story of former kabaddi (an Indian contact sport) player Mintu Gursariya, the story follows him through various trials and tribulations along his journey towards overcoming a lifethreatening addiction to drugs.

AUGUST 10 Cast

Jason Statham, Ruby Rose, Rainn Wilson Plot After an international undersea observation programme center is attacked by a creature previously thought to be extinct, it lies disabled at the bottom of a trench in the Pacific Ocean with its crew trapped inside. Deep-sea rescue diver Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) is recruited to save the day.

AUGUST 10 Cast

Keep Up Release Date August

3 Loose Tooth Label Milk! Records Artiste

Time Flies Release Date August 3 Artiste Jim Lauderdale Label Yep Roc Records

TAMIL

Yen Endru Kadhal Enben Ram, Tamannaah Bhatia Plot When the daughter of an Indian ambassador in a foreign country meets a Chennai boy with excessive freedom to do what he wants, a love story begins.

AUGUST 15 Cast

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Treat Myself Release Date August 31 Artiste Meghan Trainor Label Epic Records

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FUTURE FORWARD

The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom is being touted as one of the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers in the world. Dunk it in the pool and wash it off when you're done!

Bass on your Bookshelf

The finest home theatre setup can fall flat if the audio doesn't pack enough punch. Take your pick from this season's best bookshelf speakers and give your living room some serious surround sound!

Sound On

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Bose Soundtouch 10 A frontrunner in the mid-range powerful speakers range, this one boasts rich sound that belies its size. It is the perfect companion for any occasion and lets you play music directly from a phone or tablet using Bluetooth. You can also connect the speaker to your Wi-Fi network for instant in-home listening. Another advantage with a Soundtouch speaker is that you can stream music via Spotify, Internet radio stations and your stored music library. Price: `17,500 (approx.)

JBL Control X Wireless Compact, rugged and power-packed, the Control X lets you connect your TV, phone or any music player via Bluetooth or an aux cable. It also makes your living room look good, with a quirky design that fits seamlessly into your decor setup. While other powered speakers can distort at high volumes, this one provides clean, undistorted audio at any volume. Each speaker also comes with a proprietary High Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide technology. Price: `14,990 (approx.)

Panasonic UX100 This mini system delivers powerful bass and room-filling sound. The UX 100’s luxe design looks great in any room, while mobile streaming and DJ Jukebox features make it the life of the party every night! The UX 100 mini system also features a built-in equalizer to maximise sound quality by adjusting audio frequency according to the genre of music playing.

Price: `14,990 (approx.)

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Whether you are investing in expensive premium floor-standing speakers or a budget Bluetooth speaker, where you place it in a room actually determines how good it will sound. Always place bookshelf speakers at the same level as your ears when you are seated. Listen to around 30 seconds of a piece of music or movie soundtrack, something you are familiar with, then move the speaker to the position that sounds the best.

Bookshelf speakers can work even better if placed on top of foam or similarly absorbent material, which reduces the reverberation of wood and adds a unique depth to the audio.

Boston Acoustics A25 Along with a sleek design, the A25 boasts clear sound that'll add excitement to every kind of playlist. With internal bracing and a reinforcement disc for enhanced sound quality, each speaker in the A series is housed in highcontrast finish cabinets with scratch-resistant panels, textured tops, magnetic grilles and rounded edges for a superior build.

Price: `22,900 (approx.)

Edifier R1700BT Set with an edgy design from the house of Edifier, the R1700BT produces a 66W RMS from the fourinch bass driver and 19-mm tweeter driver in each speaker.

With a complete MDF wooden enclosure to minimise acoustic resonance, the brown-and-black look makes it fit perfectly on your living room shelf. Price: `16,990 (approx.)

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CITY CANVAS

Nagpur, Maharashtra One of the five greenest cities in India, Nagpur is the winter capital of the state of Maharashtra and serves as an important gateway to several national parks.

Insider's View Don't miss this attraction near Nagpur.

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Pench Tiger Reserve, about 80 km from Nagpur, offers many an opportunity to spot tigers and a host of other wildlife including 33 species of mammals, over 160 species of birds, reptiles and fish. This tiger reserve shares its borders with Maharashtra as well as Madhya Pradesh, and comprises the Indira Priyadarshini Pench National Park, the Mowgli Pench Sanctuary and a buffer zone.

WORDS: SHRABASTI MALLIK

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Nagpur is the third largest city in Maharashtra and was recently ranked among the five greenest cities in India.

Maharashtra's winter capital, which is also the exact geographical centre of the country, was founded by the Gonds in the first half of the 18th century. It was ultimately taken over by the East India Company in the 19th century and made the capital of the Central Provinces and Berar. Across the country, Nagpur is most renowned

for its oranges and the best season to savour them is summer. This has led to it also being popularly known as "orange city".

Two of the most scenic spots for a leisurely evening in the city are the Ambazari Lake, the largest lake in Nagpur, and Deekshabhoomi, a Buddhist memorial erected in honour of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. The city also serves as an important gateway to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.

1. Deekshabhoomi was opened to the public in 2001.

2. Pench Tiger Reserve is home to a rich variety of fauna, including deer.

Such is the diversity of the flora and fauna at the reserve that it is said to have inspired Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, including some of its most loved characters. From nature lovers and birdwatchers to environmentalists and photographers, Pench Tiger Reserve has something to offer every kind of traveller.

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A true testament to Nagpur's famous oranges, the most popular dessert in the city is the orange barfi, a dense milkbased sweet treat.

CITY CANVAS

Budget & Blowout Guide Treat yourself, or save your money? Our guide can help you decide.

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Sitabuldi market From the latest trends in fashion to new gadgets, this famous market is one of the city's busiest areas. Here, you can purchase good quality khadi (indigenous cotton fabric) products, fashionable sarees and stylish dress materials at reasonable prices. The Sunday open market, which sells household items at affordable rates, is particularly popular. An electronics market towards the end of the market area is also worth a visit.

Hotel Amrta One of the leading pocket-friendly hotels in the city, Hotel Amrta is located near the Sitabuldi market. The property boasts an open terrace restaurant apart from a multi-cuisine vegetarian eatery.

Room amenities include central air conditioning, a doctor on call, laundry services and satellite television. hotelamrta.com

EAT

Mominpura What the gullies of Old Delhi are to the national capital, Mominpura is to Nagpur. The lanes are lined with shops selling simmering kormas (a mildly spicy meat curry dish), aromatic biryanis, sizzling kebabs and mouthwatering minced meat-filled samosas (deep-fried savoury triangular pastry). One musttry dish here is pav bread served with an omelette peppered with dry Indian spices, mint, coriander and curry leaves.

Those with a sweet tooth can dig into the gulab jamuns (cottage cheese-based dessert) at Sharik bhai’s kiosk.

SHOP

Narrow Gauge Rail Museum Situated on the Nagpur-Kamptee road, the Narrow Gauge Rail Museum is the only one of its kind in India. It houses heritage NG rolling stocks such as the 1916-make Bagnall steam engine, the 1956-make NG steam crane, the 1907make CC class steam engine built by a prominent locomotive company in Glasgow, and a 110-year-old NG Saloon, among others.

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Splurge

STAY

Save

Chitnavis Centre Located in Civil Lines, the Chitnavis Centre boasts multiple well-equipped venues which host seminars, workshops, training sessions, conferences, dance recitals, plays, music concerts, art exhibitions, film festivals, expositions and several other cultural events. A restaurant here offers Indian, Continental, Chinese and Mexican delicacies. chitnaviscentre.com

Kabab Hut Located on the lobby level of the Le Meridien Nagpur, Kabab Hut offers traditional Awadhi cuisine.

From melt-in-the-mouth galouti kebabs (savoury grilled lamb kebabs) to delectable vegetarian dishes, this fine dining restaurant will not disappoint you. One of the key highlights of dining here is the engaging show kitchen, where customers are encouraged to interact with the chefs. Remember to make a reservation prior to visiting. starwoodhotels.com

Empress City Mall This mall is a onestop solution to all your shopping and recreation needs. Love to read? There are stores dedicated to books and stationery. Want to try out the latest fashion trends? Brands such as Global Desi, Fabindia and Catwalk offer you an array of products and styles.

Planning to catch a movie? Book tickets at the PVR here. Hungry? The food court has plenty of delectable options to satiate your every craving.

Radisson Blu Ideal for business and leisure travellers alike, this luxurious hotel is conveniently located near the city centre, prime business destinations and the airport. The property also has rooms designed for the specially-abled. Hotel amenities include a swimming pool, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, spas, boardrooms and exclusive fine dining restaurants. radissonblu.com

GETTING THERE AirAsia India connects to Nagpur from several cities. airasia.com

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ADVERTORIAL The Key to Oral Hygiene Pay attention to your teeth and gums, and give them the care they need to maintain oral hygiene using these basic tips and must-dos.

No matter what age, prevention is the key to maintaining good oral health.

Knowing what particular dental problems you are at risk of developing and how you can reduce those risks will help you decide the most appropriate means to prevent them. Susceptibility to various dental problems changes with age. Each person’s risk factors are Dr. Preeti Doddwad, Coordinator, KLE unique. During the first three Society’s English Medium Schools decades of your life, the primary cause of tooth loss is decay. From the mid-30s to the late 50s, periodontal (gum) disease is identified as the main reason for teeth being removed.

After 60, tooth decay is again the major cause of tooth loss.

Every individual controls his/her own dental health. Parents make good dental health a family priority when they determine good oral hygiene habits and help children make brushing their teeth and flossing a part of their daily routine.

Good oral hygiene practices include the following: • Brush your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste and a softbristle brush for two minutes, twice a day • Floss daily • Consume a healthy, balanced diet • Minimise the consumption of acidic, sugary beverages such as soft drinks, fruit juices and sports drinks • Drink fluoridated water • Don’t use tobacco products • Make regular visits to the dentist for a professional examination, cleaning and X-ray • Ask your dentist about fluoride applications/supplements and sealants • Treat any dental diseases in their early stages How do I brush my teeth?

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and gums, and move it back and forth gently in short strokes.

• Brush the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of the teeth.

• Use the “toe” of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.

• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.

• Dentists recommend the use of either a fluoridated toothpaste or one that contains anti-tartar agents.

The Indian Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. When bristles become frayed and worn with use, depending on factors unique to each patient, their effectiveness decreases. Check your toothbrush often for this type of wear and replace more frequently, if needed. Children’s toothbrushes often need to be replaced more frequently than adult toothbrushes.

WANDERLUST / Lenscape TRAVELHER

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The Road to Kalinga As Lakshmi Sharath embarks on a drive from Bhubaneswar to Puri, she experiences firsthand the many moods and hues of Odisha.

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Some sections of the road from Bhubaneswar to Puri take you through dense, tree-lined canopies.

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S

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itting comfortably in a taxi, I was being driven along the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack highway in Odisha on a road trip to Puri that I had been looking forward to for quite a while now. We had barely been on the road for 20 minutes when my driver made an unscheduled stop.

“You must try the famous Pahala rosogulla [a cottage cheese-based dessert],” he said enthusiastically as the car came to a halt next to a row of open stalls by the side of the road. Each shop contained huge drums and vessels filled with the sweet he had been referring to.

Before I had even begun to process all the activity animating the stalls – the sweets were being freshly prepared before being piled on to the drums – I was handed a plate of two round, piping hot Pahala rosogullas. One bite, and I was transported to sweet, sweet heaven.

The delicacy derives its name from its place of origin: Pahala, a small village on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. It isn't the only sweet treat you can savour here, though.

There are plenty of other cottage cheese-based desserts you can try.

My driver proceeded to hand me a portion of chhena poda, literally translating to 'roasted cheese', which is almost like a cheesecake, but more Indian in texture and tone. Needless to say, I was on a sugar high and one thing was clear as crystal: this road trip could not

"The artists in the quaint hamlet of Pipli, locally referred to as darjis (tailors), stitch colourful pieces of cloth together to create beautiful, locally inspired designs."

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Travel Tips Puri is considered to be one of the most important Hindu pilgrim destinations in India.

It is believed to be the abode of Lord Jagannath. The main temple complex is spread out over several hundred thousand square feet, so be prepared to walk a fair bit. The sanctum closes for about an hour during lunchtime, so plan your visit accordingly. Besides the temple, Puri also boasts a bustling beach and if you're up for driving a little more, head to Chilika Lake which is about an hour away.

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1. The Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha, under the guidance of Guruji Fujii, founder president of Nipponzan Myohoji of Japan, established a peace pagoda at Dhauli in the 19th century. 2. Lakshmi Sharath soaks in the serene vibe of Dhauli.

3. The Sun temple at Konark is built in the shape of a chariot with 12 pairs of intricately carved wheels.

4. The artisans of Pipli are renowned for their expertise in appliquĂŠ work.

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have had a better beginning. As I set off on the road again, Odisha's countryside laid itself out on either side in all its lush green, untouched glory.

My next stop was Dhauli hill. As a history buff, I had always been fascinated

by Maurya emperor Ashoka and how one gory battle changed his life, driving him from the path of conquest to the path of peace. It was here that he witnessed the devastating Kalinga war and embarked on the journey towards Buddhism.

Located on the banks of the Daya river, the hill is home to a set of rock edicts created by the emperor in 260 BC. They comprise injunctions to the empire's administrators after him, urging them to rule with gentleness and justice. Atop the hill stands the serene Shanti Stupa with its glittering dome and message of peace.

You can also visit the rock-cut caves and Hindu temples near the stupa (a Buddhist hemispheric structure that houses relics) while you're here.

The road next brought me to a kaleidoscope of colours at Pipli, where

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large, radiant umbrellas were propped on either side, as though offering each visitor a special welcome. This quaint hamlet is known for its unique appliquĂŠ work, an eponymous craft tradition it has been sustaining for centuries.

The artists here, locally referred to as darjis (tailors), stitch colourful pieces of cloth together to create beautiful, locally inspired designs.

As is the case with several art and craft forms in the state, the roots of Pipli work are inextricably connected to rituals and traditions relating to Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of the magnificent temple at Puri.

Wall hangings, lamp shades, garden umbrellas, bags and many more items are created using combinations of colourful fabrics that are stitched together and embellished with mirrors and intricate embroidery. As I walked around, a few girls working in the shops told me that there are over 100 families in the village that are passing on the appliquĂŠ baton to the new generation. I couldn't resist indulging in some

retail therapy here and picked up a few small purses to take back home. The prices range from approximately INR 300 to several thousands, depending on the scale and intricacy of the item you wish to buy.

Once we were back on the road, I knew a longer stretch of driving lay ahead and so, I cosied up in the back seat and took a little nap. By the time I woke up, we had already reached the iconic Sun temple at Konark. This 13thcentury shrine is built in the shape of a chariot and is truly one of the most beautiful monuments of religious architecture in the world.

An imposing, solitary structure amid drifting sand, it is located about two kilometres from the shore. The temple's main tower originally rose to 227 feet, soaring even higher than the Jagannath

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1. A priest walks down the steps of the Sun temple at Konark. Even though the structure is several centuries old, it still commands reverence from priests and devotees alike and is a pilgrimage destination. 2. Chandrabhaga beach, known for its pretty vistas of the sea, is one of Odisha's quieter, less crowded beaches. 3. The Jagannath temple in Puri is one of the four main dhams (pilgrimage sites) for Vaishnavite Hindus in India.

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About the Author

Lakshmi Sharath is a storyteller, traveller, travel blogger, writer, digital influencer, content specialist, media professional and photographer. She left behind a desk job to pursue her wanderlust and has been blogging for 13 years now.

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Pahala

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Bhubaneswar

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Dhauli 14 km

Pipli

Illustration: Dhirendra Singh Jethuri

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Konark Sun Tample 9 km

Puri

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Chandrabhaga Beach

temple in Puri! Its basic structure is similar to the latter, as well as to the Lingaraja temple in Bhubaneswar.

Historically, why this temple was originally built has been a mystery.

A local legend holds that it was built by Samba, one of the sons of Lord Krishna, as a gesture of thanksgiving to Surya, the sun god, for curing him of leprosy.

As I tried to imagine the amount of ingenuity, craftsmanship and hard labour building a structure like this must have taken, the sea breeze came drifting over and reminded me of something a friend had told me before the trip: when in Konark, one must visit Chandrabhaga beach. I proceeded to do exactly that and made my way to the pristine stretch of sea and sand located approximately nine kilometres from the temple.

One of Odisha's quieter beaches, Chandrabhaga is ideal for a leisurely stroll. Known for its

solitude and pretty vistas of the sea, it makes for a refreshing visit. The waves crashing onto the shore, a lighthouse silhouetted against the sky in the distance - what more could I possibly have asked for?

I was soon on the road again and as we finally entered Puri a little over an hour later, I realised that it is really true what they say: every journey is as important as the destination it takes you to. For me, this two-hour road trip that introduced me to different facets of the cultural treasure trove that is Odisha, will remain one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

GETTING THERE AirAsia India connects to Bhubaneswar from Kolkata, Ranchi, Bengaluru and Chennai. airasia.com

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WANDERLUST / Tiger Reserves

On the Tiger's Trail

As India ushers in its 72nd Independence Day, we take you to five sanctuaries that are protecting the country's national animal and enabling its free spirit to thrive in the wild.

WORDS Nandini D Tripathy

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or centuries, the royal Bengal tiger has been to India what the dragon is to the Far East: a symbol whose implications go far deeper than its majestic physical form. Fierce and powerful, a tiger in its natural habitat is an image of freedom in its truest, rawest form. Patiently stalking its prey in Rajasthan, gliding swiftly across a rivulet in West Bengal or lazing beneath an evergreen tree in Kerala, it is among the most spectacular sights in the world, not least because of its rarity. As a cultural signifier, the tiger has long been the embodiment of strength and invincibility in India, feared and revered in equal measure.

Its imagery is evident in diverse folk art forms across the country.

One of the earliest depictions dates back to nearly 10,000 years ago, in the rock art of central India. The most iconic Indian epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata make several references to the supernatural powers of the tiger and the king of the jungle also appears in 19thcentury Mughal paintings. Today, as

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the mighty beast is threatened with extinction, the country is doing its best to save it through Project Tiger, a Government of India undertaking begun in 1973, as well as communitydriven initiatives in different regions.

Head to these five tiger reserves, all of them affiliated to Project Tiger, and be riveted by the sight of wild and free tigers in their full glory.

Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan The best place for tigerspotting in the state of Rajasthan, Ranthambhore National Park is located about four hours away from Jaipur and is one of the largest and most popular tiger reserves in India. While it has been home to hundreds of tigers in the years since its foundation (1955), it is particularly famous for a handful that went on to become household names in their time. Photographer and conservationist Valmik Thapar describes his experience with Machli, the world's longest lived wild tigress who passed away in 2016 aged 19, thus, “What a beauty of a tigress! Yes,

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Tigers at Sundarbans Tiger Reserve have adapted splendidly to its estuarine landscape, adept at swimming long distances and feeding on fish and crabs.

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she was the most beautiful of all the tigers I have seen, and a star of the 21st century. She had lovely stripes around her cheek and body and was a striking presence who brought great joy to those who observed her.”

Besides Machli, other legendary tigers of Ranthambhore include Genghis, Noon, Broken Tooth, and Padmini and her three cubs: Akbar, Babur and Laxmi. Speaking of legends and conservation, Thapar quotes the Mahabharata: “The forest which has tigers should never be cut, nor should the tigers be chased away from the forest.” While the reserve does its best to live up to the ideal, members of the community living around it make efforts of their own.

Promoting conservation through art, they sell signature photo-realistic wildlife watercolour paintings and prints as well as folk art masterpieces inspired by tigers.

Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala While pulikali (literally, 'tiger play') is one

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of the most iconic folk art forms of Kerala, the sight of (mostly) men attired and painted like tigers doesn't quite match up to the magnificence of a real tiger in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Thick, deep green groves spread across 4,078 sq km in “God's own country” amid rolling hills, with two magnificent rivers (Periyar and Pamba) snaking through the foliage - sounds like every nature lover's dream, does it not? The reserve offers you this and more, as one of the largest tiger conservation areas in the Western Ghats. With excellent trails for trekking as well

as guided mountain walks, it boasts 1,985 varieties of flowering plants including 143 species of orchids!

Among the fauna here are the elusive (and endangered) lion-tailed macaque and the colourful Malabar gliding frog. Besides the safaris and treks, the reserve also houses a set of watch towers that are great vantage points for observing its wildlife. They require prior reservation, which can easily be arranged at the Forest Information Centre in Thekkady.

Like many others of its kind in India, the Periyar Tiger Reserve encourages the active involvement of the local

"As a cultural signifier, the tiger has long been the embodiment of strength and invincibility in India, feared and revered in equal measure."

1. Spread over more than 1,000 sq km, the landscape of Ranthambhore National Park in Rajasthan boasts several breathtaking cliffs. 2. A tiger walks across a hill at Ranthambhore. One of the most popular tiger reserves in India, Ranthambhore is particularly renowned as the home of some of the country's most iconic tigers, many of them no longer alive but still remembered by name. 3. The Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala boasts thick, deep green groves and serene ponds surrounded by trees.

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"Besides safaris and trekking trails, the Periyar Tiger Reserve also houses a set of watch towers that are excellent for observing tigers.

Reservations can be arranged at the Forest Information Centre in Thekkady."

community. Several eco-tourism programmes are conducted by local people who have been entrusted with the responsibility of surveillance in the reserve's more vulnerable parts.

The “Periyar model” of community participation has found wide acclaim, in fact, and the reserve has been acknowledged as one of the Field Learning Centres under the World Bank-aided Biodiversity Conservation & Rural Livelihood Improvement (BCRLI) project.

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Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra When you arrive at this tiger reserve, the first sight that greets you is a wide yellow gate with a white board that reads: “Welcome to the real land of the tiger” in bold blue letters. Setting the tone for the safari to follow, it makes quite an impression on you, leading you to anticipate the regal striped form at every turn. Located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, approximately three hours by road from Nagpur, the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve connects the tiger population of the state with that of Indravati in Chhattisgarh. With more than 40 tigers finding a home amid its dense groves, it is renowned for a high frequency of tiger sightings and is also Maharashtra's largest and oldest tiger reserve. Besides tigers, it also boasts leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, barking deer, shekru (flying squirrels), pangolins and rusty spotted cats. The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve Conservation Foundation, established by the reserve in 2008, works towards encouraging eco-tourism in the area, popularising tiger conservation

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1. A tiger snarls at another wild animal at the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. Besides tigers, the reserve is also home to leopards, sloth bears and barking deer. 2. Traditional warli paintings in Maharashtra often feature tigers (top centre, below the sun motif). 3. The Sundarbans Tiger Reserve in West Bengal boasts the largest mangrove forest in the world, criss-crossed by innumerable channels, creeks and rivulets. 4. Spotted deer are a beautiful sight to behold in Sundarbans Tiger Reserve.

as well as local culture such that the inflow of tourists aids in the economic upliftment of communities inhabiting the buffer areas. Like several other regions in India, Maharashtra's folk art often draws upon the tiger as a motif. Warli paintings, for instance, often depict the tiger as a symbol of fertility. To this date, wooden tiger statues are erected by members of the Warli tribe to be used as part of fertility rites, and a portion of the year’s harvest is donated to the tiger as a symbol of regeneration.

Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, West Bengal Among the most iconic examples of Hindu religious imagery is Goddess Durga fighting

Mahishasura, the buffalo demon, astride her tiger. As Her vehicle, the beast commands tremendous reverence in West Bengal, the state that is home to the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve. For a lover of natural landscapes, the prospect of sighting a tiger is rendered even more exciting if it comes with a boat safari into the largest mangrove forest in the world. Around 2,585 sq km of land, water and jungle splendour around five hours by road from Kolkata, Sundarbans is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to a large population of tigers and they have adapted splendidly to its landscape, being adept at swimming long distances and feeding on crabs, fish and even water monitor lizards. The

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Trivia The Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar was recently lauded for a threefold increase in its tiger population over the last decade. While the reserve recorded only 10 tigers between 2006 and 2010, the number stands at 31 in 2016-17, with an additional nine cubs!

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1. A tiger walks amid lush foliage at the Jim Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand, which was established in 1936 as India's first national park. 2. A tigress grooms her cubs at the reserve. The reserve recorded 215 tigers in 2016 - the highest among all tiger reserves in India at the time.

vast expanse of the reserve is crisscrossed by innumerable rivulets, channels and creeks, and tigers are believed to have been sighted swimming across water bodies as wide as 50-70 m!

The area also boasts threatened reptiles such as the king cobra as well as a noteworthy population of the endemic river terrapin, once believed to be extinct. It also serves as nesting ground for Olive ridley sea turtles and if you're lucky, you might even spot the endangered Irrawady dolphins, their arched backs glistening in the sunlight as they emerge from the water and gracefully glide back in. The estuarine landscape of Sundarbans lends to it great economic significance too: it serves as a shore stabiliser, storm barrier, as also a sediment and nutrient trap.

The villages settled along its fringes are traditionally dependent on it as a source of livelihood. Fishing is a major source of income for a majority of villagers, along with seasonal honey collection.

Jim Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand Spread across three districts in Uttarakhand (Pauri, Nainital and Almora), Corbett Tiger Reserve was set up in 1936 as India's very first national park.

With a landscape that is as varied as the plant and animal life that thrives upon it, its 1288.31 sq km feature sprawling meadows and grasslands locally known as chaurs, thick deciduous forests and three magnificent rivers (Ramganga, Pallaen and Sonanadi) flowing through verdant valleys. While it may take a while before you actually get lucky enough to spot a tiger, rest assured that you won't leave the reserve without at least a few memorable experiences. Playful elephants, frisky deer, charismatic leopards and intriguing reptiles like gharials make for a fascinating safari, as do the lush green sal groves and the overall forest cover that boasts 110 tree and 51 shrub species. What makes this reserve particularly special when it comes to fauna, is that it provides a home to as many

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as 40 threatened species: 4 critical, 10 endangered and 26 vulnerable.

The forest divisions of surrounding areas such as West Terai, Lansdowne and Ramnagar also support resident tigers and have been incorporated in the buffer of the reserve, based on advice from the National Tiger Conservation Authority. The state of Uttarakhand is also supported by the latter for day-to-day patrolling and tiger monitoring. The reserve, located at a roughly six-hour drive from New Delhi, is named after James Edward Corbett, a hunter who became a conservationist after his sojourn in the area, studying the ways of the tiger and earning a legendary reputation over time.

GETTING THERE AirAsia India connects to Jaipur, Kochi, Nagpur, Kolkata and New Delhi from several cities. airasia.com

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WANDERLUST / Amritsar

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A Dip in Nectar Rich heritage, delectable street food, exquisite handcrafted textiles and one of the most revered Sikh shrines in the world: Amritsar is home to all this and more.

WORDS AARTI KAPUR SINGH

The Golden Temple was gilded with real gold in the 19th century under the supervision of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

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couplet in the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of Sikhism) describes Amritsar thus: “Vasdi saghan apaar anoop Ramdaspur” (Ramdaspur, as Amritsar was known at the time, is prosperous, thickly populated and incomparably beautiful). The largest city in Punjab, it is renowned for a lot of things – the iconic Golden Temple, the yummy street food, the Heritage Walkway and more. What won me over most of all was the generosity and joie de vivre of all the people I met within its vibrant, fascinating expanse. As I walked along its streets and ventured into many of its bylanes, I realised that the most historic of landmarks rub shoulders with imposing colonial buildings and gleaming shopping malls here, creating an unexpected sense of continuity even though they're so easy to tell apart. Taking a lot of walks and rickshaw rides, I found my way into the heart of Amritsar, even as the city made its way into mine.

See Needless to say, my tryst with Amritsar began at the Golden Temple, also known as the

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1. and 2. Devotees engage in seva (service) at the Golden Temple. The langar (free community meal) served daily on the premises is managed entirely by volunteers, from chopping vegetables and cooking to cleaning the dishes. 3. A nihang (member of a Sikh warrior order) inside the Golden Temple complex. A distinctive element of traditional nihang attire is the turban, layered with religious symbols and often more than a foot high!

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"The name of the city is said to have been derived from the name of the pool around the Golden Temple: Amrit Sarovar, amrit meaning nectar and sarovar meaning lake."

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"Spectators from both sides of the India-Pakistan border at Attari cheer on as a flag-lowering ceremony is carried out after an interactive patriotic fiesta every evening."

Harmandir (Harimandar) Sahib or Darbar Sahib. Among the most sacred Sikh shrines in the world, it turned out to be as much of a sensory feast as it was a spiritual experience, for me. The name of the city itself is said to have been derived from the name of the pool around the gurudwara (Sikh shrine): Amrit Sarovar, amrit meaning nectar and sarovar meaning lake. The third Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das, initiated the construction of the sarovar in 1570; Guru Ram Das completed it; Guru Arjan Dev initiated work on the building, inviting Sufi saint Mian Mir to lay its foundation stone in 1588; and in the early 19th century, Maharaja Ranjit Singh oversaw the gilding of the shrine, the gold inspiring the temple's English moniker. In keeping with the notion

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of universal brotherhood that lies at the heart of Sikh beliefs, the Golden Temple can be accessed from each of the four primary directions. I entered using the main entrance through a clock tower (which is also home to the Central Sikh Museum) and was greeted by a spectacular view: the gleaming shrine reflected in the serene sarovar. My morning could not have been better begun.

After paying my respects at the shrine, I sat near the sarovar for some time, soaking in the calming energy around me as the lilting shabad kirtan (hymns) drifted towards me across the water. I could have sat there for hours, had I not reminded myself that a lot more lay outside the gurudwara's gates!

About a kilometre away from the Golden Temple lies Jallianwala Bagh,

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a grim reminder of a massacre that occurred in 1919. On April 13 that year, a group of British soldiers led

by Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer opened fire on a crowd of about 2,000 peaceful protesters including several women and children. The walled garden has been beautifully landscaped now with just one section of the wall that continues to bear the marks of bullets and a well that many of the protesters had jumped into, left as they were to serve as reminders of the tragedy. At the furthest end of the park stands the Martyrs’ Memorial, built to resemble the form of an eternal flame. It pays tribute to all those who lost their lives that day.

Not too far from here is the Ram Bagh palace, which was converted into the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum in 1977. It boasts a fascinating showcase of archival records from the court of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, including coins, weapons, paintings and even the attire worn by Sikh warriors in the early 19th century.

A short walk from there took me to the two-storeyed Maharaja Ranjit Singh Panorama, where I beheld a stunning visual display of the emperor’s life: a magnificent painting depicting six of his major battles on the upper level, accompanied by three-dimensional figures replicating the scenes in the painting, and a multimedia simulation of the sights and sounds of war. Also on display here are lifesize paintings and dioramas of the emperor's early life.

Do One of the most picturesque parts of Amritsar is a blend of its past and its present: the Heritage Walkway, recently developed by the state government as an endeavour to preserve and transform the area around three iconic spots, the Town Hall, Jallianwala Bagh and the Golden Temple. The once crowded corridor has been completely redesigned into a grand, open walkway punctuated by statues

of historical figures, refurbished structures and giant LEDs that live-stream shabad kirtan from Sri Darbar Sahib in Tarn Taran, a nearby town. A walk along this street is an absolute must-do if you're in Amritsar. It lets you experience the best of the old as well as the new in the city. I began my stroll in the morning from the Town Hall, a historic building erected by the British in 1866, which is today the centre of Amritsar’s local administration and home to one of the most evocative museums I have ever visited: the Partition Museum. Focussed on the Partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, it narrates personal histories of pain and loss through a collection of oral accounts, photographs, documents, paintings and other memorabilia, public and private alike, from all over the world. As I kept walking, I passed by Gurudwara Saragarhi, dedicated to the 21 heroic soldiers of the 36 Sikhs battalion who lost their lives defending their posts in the

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1. A view of the flaglowering ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border. 2.

The Heritage Walkway is also dotted with sculptures that capture the spirit of Punjab's folk culture, such as its folk dance form, bhangra. 3.

The Martyrs' Memorial in Jallianwala Bagh pays tribute to the peaceful protesters who lost their lives in the park on April 13, 1919.

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North West Frontier Provinces on September 12, 1987. A few minutes later, I beheld Qila Ahluwalia, a fort with exquisite colonial architecture.

If you keep going along the walkway, you'll move towards Jallianwala Bagh and ultimately arrive at the Golden Temple.

As the day wore on, I was urged by a local shopkeeper to get into a taxi and head to Attari, about 30 km away from the city, to witness the flag-lowering ceremony held at the Attari-Wagah border between India and Pakistan every evening.

I paid heed to his advice and knew I had made the right decision as soon as I arrived at the spot. There is an indescribable charged-up energy here that no words can do justice to. Spectators from both sides of the border cheer on as the ceremony is carried out after an interactive patriotic fiesta. By the time it was over and I began to leave, I was pumped up with so much adrenaline that I could have run a mile!

Shop The bustling markets of Amritsar are a shopper's paradise. Hall Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in the city, is an especially great one-stop destination for some good old retail therapy. From local handicrafts and phulkari (a type of traditional embroidery) stoles and dress material to handwoven durries (rugs) and trendy accessories, there's something for everyone here. It also offers you plenty of room for bargaining – something I made full use of while I was here, going back with a regal wooden chess set and a purple durrie for my room!

Don't forget to pick up a few pairs of colourful juttis (a kind of footwear), especially those that have tilla work (embroidery using golden or silver thread) at the Raunak Punjabi Jutti store, which is right outside Hall Gate.

Guru Bazaar is another shopping hub, renowned for its traditional jewellery and ornaments that incorporate exquisite semi-precious

and precious stones. Pipal patta sets (featuring peepul-leaf motifs) and daakha sets (made using blown glass and gold) are must-haves if jewellery is on your shopping list. If you're looking to shop specifically for clothes and textiles, head to Katra Jaimal Singh market, which offers an array of options in sarees, handembroidered phulkari dupattas (stoles), beaded dresses, suits and even wedding wear.

Eat The first on your must-eat list for this city should definitely be the langar (free community meal) served everyday at the Golden Temple. A simple yet wholesome and delicious meal, it includes roti (Indian flatbread), rice, a vegetable preparation, dal (lentils) and kheer (rice pudding). The second best meal I had in Amritsar was at Bharawan Da Dhaba near the Town Hall, which offers delectable vegetarian fare.

The welcome board proudly claims that it has been serving the best

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"The Partition Museum, focussed on the Partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, narrates personal histories of pain and loss through a collection of evocative memorabilia."

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1. Juttis are the traditional footwear worn across Punjab, available in various styles and colours in Amritsar, for men and women alike. 2. A shopkeeper carries a stack of fabrics to his shop in Katra Jaimal Singh market. This market is one of the best places in the city to shop for clothes and textiles. 3. Amritsari kulche chhole (a kind of flatbread with spicy chickpea curry) is a popular dish in the city. 4. A typical Punjabi thali (platter) comprises dal makhani (a butter-based lentil preparation), at least two vegetable preparations, raita (spiced yoghurt with vegetables), rice, roti (flatbread) and pickle.

parathas (shallow fried flatbread) in the city since 1912. One bite of the aloo kulcha (a kind of Indian bread stuffed with a spicy mix of potato and onions), and I was in gastronomic heaven. You must also try the kundewali lassi (a refreshing yoghurt-based drink) served in tall brass containers at the Ahuja Lassi stall near Durgiana temple.

If you’re craving some authentic Punjabi kukkad (chicken) or mutton, pick one from the most popular four eateries serving them: Pal Da Dhaba, Adarsh Meat Shop, Beera Chicken Corner or Mame Da Dhaba.

For those with a sweet tooth, the jalebi (a coiled deep fried dessert dipped in sugar syrup) and besan laddoos (a chickpea flour-based round dessert) at any of the street stalls across the city will satiate your soul. Kanha Sweets on Lawrence

Road is a great place for any of these or a plate of the ultimate Punjabi classic: chhole bhature (chickpea curry with a deep-fried flour-based fermented flatbread).

At the end of my trip to Amritsar, I felt satiated in body, mind and spirit, and left with my heart brimming with contentment. I have been told by many friends that this is how the city bids adieu to all those who come visiting, taking from them a promise to return and partake of its vibrant spirit once again.

GETTING THERE AirAsia India connects to Amritsar from Bengaluru. airasia.com

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WANDERLUST / Lenscape

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Faces of the Forest The tribal heartland of the state of Chhattisgarh, Bastar is home to a fascinating culture that thrives in the middle of thick jungles and preserves several distinctive folk traditions and practices.

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Dancing with Bisons One of the several tribes that inhabit Bastar, located about 10 hours by road from Nagpur, the Bison Head Maria tribe derives its name from its unique headgear, which resembles the horns of a wild bison. It is generally worn by men during ceremonial dance performances.

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Dhokra Diaries A woman covers a beeswax mould with clay as part of the process of creating a dhokra artefact. Among the many art and craft forms that Bastar continues to preserve, dhokra, the craft of casting bell metal by the lost-wax process, is the most popular. Once the mould has been covered with clay, molten metal is poured into it while the wax is drained out. This method, also known as ghadawa, is mostly used to make human figurines and idols.

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Maria Womanhood A Bison Head Maria woman holds the traditional gear used by men during a ceremonial dance: the headgear resembling bison horns and a spear. Her own head is covered with the traditional red cloth worn by Maria women for the dance.

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Adorned with Care The young girls at the village dormitories (known as ghotuls), which are also a kind of educational institution where they receive training in civic duties, often adorn themselves with flowers and indigenously crafted necklaces, nose pins and bangles made using metal, beads or thread.

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Rules of Engagement Bastar‘s ghotuls function like a social institution and are the sites of a unique practice: they are common dormitories for young men and women.

The motiaris (unmarried girls) and cheliks (unmarried boys) gather here to sing and dance, and choose partners for themselves in accordance with clan rules of exogamy.

GETTING THERE AirAsia India connects to Nagpur from Kolkata and Bengaluru. airasia.com

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WANDERLUST / Events

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Save the Dates

From an autorickshaw race across India and a surfing-meets-yoga-meets-music festival in Chennai to a muddy obstacle race in Lonavala and a sailing regatta in Pune, these four must-experience extravaganzas make for an eventful August!

WORDS SHRABASTI MALLIK

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Homestays BougainRoof Homestay

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ver thought a race could give you a perfectly good reason to roll and splash about in mud without worrying about winning or losing? Or that an autorickshaw could become your new best friend in a ride across cities and states sans any help from your GPS? Or even that you could kayak your way to lots of laughter and fun as a full-blown sailing regatta is underway right beside you? We give you a lowdown on four such fun events that this month has in store, and also offer you a peek into the homestays you can board at nearby.

Housed in a 30-year-old bungalow, this homestay will remind you of a comfortable ancestral home, with sidewalks, open spaces and several rows of bougainvillea vines. Essentially a four-bedroom homestay, it was built by the current owner, Sameer Tulpule's father as a family weekend home. Run by Tulpule and his wife Dipti, it can accommodate 10 people at a time. The hosts are warm and always ready to go the extra mile to ensure their guests' comfort. The homestay serves home-cooked traditional Maharashtrian cuisine.

Bookings: bougainroof.com Tariff: On request

08 18 Little Souk Located in a residential area, this two-bedroom apartment is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city and surrounded by rolling hills.

Facilities include all basic amenities, laundry services and Wi-Fi. The hostess, Misba is a hospitality professional and is delightful company whenever she's around, treating all her guests like family. The room tariff only includes a light breakfast - all other meals are chargeable.

Bookings: Listed on homestay.com

The Mud Rush

Tariff: INR 2,500 per night

August 11 Wet N Joy Water Park, Lonavala, Maharashtra Making friends while falling flat on your face and getting covered in mud has never been more fun. Whoever said races are all about competition has not heard of, or participated in, this five-km run in Lonavala, about two hours from Pune. The aim of the race is simple – cross a superbly muddy track, overcoming 15 obstacles along the way by crawling through mud pits, and jumping into and swimming across streams. The best part? There is no age limit on participation!

There is a ticket fee, however: INR 1,300 for children between the ages of six and 13, and INR 2,000 for adults. The tickets include access to all rides at the water park and the sundowner party after the race.

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Covelong Point Surf Music Yoga Festival

Homestays DoGood Casa

August 17-19 Covelong (Kovalam) beach, Kerala Let all your worries slip away as you surf the waters of the Bay of Bengal, practice yogasanas (yoga postures) along the shore or try your hands at slacklining, a sport similar to tightrope walking that is accomplished by stretching and tensioning a length of nylon/ polyester webbing between two anchor points and making your way from one to the other. If you're not keen on participating, even coming here as a spectator can be rewarding enough. With an exhilarating display of surfing talent, breathtaking beaches and awe-inspiring swells, there's plenty

There are few better ways of making the most of the Covelong Point Surf Music Yoga Festival than by lodging in a homestay that belongs to the event organiser's motherin-law. This quaint one-bedroom accommodation is tucked away into a street within a fishing village and provides sweeping views of the sea, an outdoor kitchen and a pretty rooftop suitable for yoga practice, reading or just lazing around as you watch the waves rush in. The hostess is warm and friendly and makes a delicious cup of masala tea!

Bookings: Listed on airbnb, trivago, booking.com Tariff: INR 1,500 per night

to see. There's a lot to do as well: two stages, set up by the organisers, host popular Indian music bands such as the Raghu Dixit Project. Watch them performing live and get caught up in the waves of excitement that take over Covelong beyond the beach!

Head to the 'Yoga Shala' on the festival venue for some insightful yoga lessons, rejuvenating your body, mind and soul.

And what is a festival without food and art? From mixed-media artwork and photography displays to rangoli-making (patterns created on the ground using coloured powders) sessions, and from Italian delicacies to delicious local fare – you'll be spoilt for choice!

08 18 Soukya Homestays Equipped with a modular kitchen, washing machine, LCD TV with satellite connection and a bathroom fitted with rain showers, the villas at Soukya Homestays are your home away from home. The four villas, nestled on seven acres offer stunning views of landscaped gardens adorned with tropical flowers, are designed to provide the luxuries of a hotel, but within a homely environment with personalised care and services.

Bookings: soukyahomestays.in Tariff: INR 15,000 per villa (8 people) per night

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"Two stages, set up by the organisers, host popular Indian music bands such as the Raghu Dixit Project. Watch them performing live and get caught up in the waves of excitement that take over Covelong beyond the beach!"

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1. The surfing competition at the festival has led to Covelong being regarded as a hub of surf culture in South India, drawing surfers from across the country.

2. The 'Beach Stage', flanked by the waters of the Bay of Bengal, showcases carefully curated Indian acts such as the Raghu Dixit Project.

3. You might spot a few celebrities at the 'Yoga Shala' at the festival. Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes took lessons in a few yogasanas during last year's edition.

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Homestays Kevin's Placid Homestay Run by Henry Wilson and his wife Mini, this three-bedroom homestay is for those seeking some quiet time.

One private bedroom here boasts an en-suite bathroom, a living area and a fully equipped kitchen. The hostess is a wonderful cook and whips up delicious meals on request.

The homestay is located in close proximity to several sightseeing spots such as Fort Kochi beach, the spice market, the Indo-Portuguese museum and St Francis church.

Bookings: kevinsplacidhomest. wixsite.com Tariff: On request

08 18 ChristVille Homestay Wake up to an authentic South Indian breakfast including tiffin items like idli (rice cakes), vada (deepfried dough cutlets) and sambar (South Indian lentil preparation with vegetables), and get the true taste of South Indian culture at this two-storeyed house, located in a residential neighbourhood. At the helm of the homestay is Joy Bastian, who treats his guests like extended family and also encourages them to experience local traditions, arranging for tickets to kathakali (a classical dance form) performances and demonstrations of kalaripayattu, one of the oldest martial arts in the world.

Bookings: christvillehomestay.com Tariff: On request

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The Rickshaw Run August 11 (Jaisalmer) to August 26 (Kochi) In this bi-annual adventure-filled race, all that the participants (three per team) are given is an autorickshaw and the name of their destination. There are no set routes and no guides, just luck - good or bad - and the certainty of getting lost and still finding their way to the finish line. To help them get started, two days of basic training (test driving, mechanical sessions and a Q-and-A evening) before the run lets participants familiarise themselves with their new mode of transport and also, in effect, their new best friend. Once the run is underway, they are free to carve a route of their choice to the final point (this year,

Fort Kochi) all the while relying on local food, shelter (depending on the participants' budget) and directions.

One of the most interesting aspects of the run is that it lets participants have their autorickshaws painted beforehand, finalising designs over email and getting local artists to turn them into a colourful, quirky reality. All the necessary paperwork for these three-wheeled mean machines is provided to participants upon arrival. The last stretch of the run in Kochi is likely to be a supremely entertaining affair as you watch dozens of these beasts rolling in from every possible direction towards the finish line at the Edward Memorial Government Higher Secondary School.

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Homestays Deogadh the Homestay If you are looking for accommodation that doubles as an escape into nature, this homestay is your best bet. Built with locallysourced material, this eco-friendly lodging offers exceptional views of the Pawna lake and Tung hills. It is run by Clemente and Annabelle and can host up to 12 people at a time.

The property also grows its own papaya and mango trees, and guests are encouraged to pick their own fruits. The resident cook, Mirabai, serves up some fantastic fare.

Bookings: Listed on airbnb Tariff: INR 24,000 (12 people) per night

Wet n Wild Regatta "Once the Rickshaw Run is underway, participants are free to carve their own route to the final point (this year, Fort Kochi) all the while relying on local food, shelter and directions."

August 23-26 Pavana (Pawna) Lake, Pune This spectacular annual sailing event is held on a lovely lake rendered even more beautiful by the Sahyadri mountain range as its backdrop. Sailors from across the country come to participate in the thrilling and fiercely competitive main event as their families and friends cheer them on. A jury and an umpire board together choose the winners of each race category: lasers, toppers, enterprise, optimists, wind surfing and kite surfing.

Not a sailing enthusiast? Fret not, for there are several non-competitive activities to choose from. Cycling, trekking and kayaking parallel to the festival let spectators enjoy the great outdoors in their full glory.

08 18 Atithi Parinay At this boutique homestay, you can opt for a tent experience, a tree house experience or a pleasant cottage experience. Run by Medha and Vasudha Sahasrabudhe, this peaceful getaway is eco-friendly and is engaged in organic farming.

Along with offering guests a warm welcome, the homestay also provides a source of income to local farmers and the hostesses leave no stone unturned in making their guests feel at home.

Bookings: atithiparinay.com Tariff: INR 4,300 per night (non-A/C cottage)

GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Pune, Chennai and Kochi from various destinations. airasia.com

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WANDERLUST / Food

More Than Vindaloo

Eat your way to Goa's heart as you sample some of its most delicious local preparations and discover some of its best eateries.

WORDS PRIYA SHAHI

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Shallow-fried pomfret is especially delectable in Goa when eaten at shacks located on its beaches.

Pork sorpotel is a red wine-infused Goan delicacy.

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ontrary to popular belief, I have always maintained that the best time to visit Goa is during monsoon.

Not only is the seafood always fresh but the variety is mind-boggling, going far beyond the vindaloo (a Goan curry preparation) tourists have come to associate with the state. On one such monsoon trip many moons ago, I had learnt that the prawns balchão, a spice-infused pickle-like Goan preparation used as a spread on toast or served with rice, is cooked very differently in North and South Goa. The former incorporates more spices with a brown curry and the latter incorporates milder spiciness with more red chillies to give the curry its distinct red look.

Both iterations give each other stiff competition in trying to win over a traveller as amazed as I was, but at the time, it mattered little to me who won – both tasted wonderful enough for me to remember them for life! So, when I decided to plan another trip to the state more recently, I knew exactly what I wanted to do once I got there: eat my way to its heart.

1. A traditional layered dessert, bebinca is made using coconut, eggs and clarified butter. 2. Dry pork preparations in Goa are often made using red chillies, mustard seeds and coconut milk. 3. The Venite bar and restaurant in Panaji is renowned for its colourful, eclectic décor. 4. A typical Goan thali (portioned platter) includes brown rice, dal (lentils), rawa (semolina) fried fish, kismur (a kind of dry shrimp salad), yoghurt and pickles. 5. Goan masala crab is best savoured with wholesome brown rice.

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I began with one of the newer eateries this time: Jardin d'Ulysse on Morjim beach. I arrived with a stomach growling for food, having walked around the neighbourhood for over an hour. While my friends might insist that just about anything would have tasted like heaven at the time, I beg to differ. My decision to come here had been a very deliberate and calculated one. A conversation I had struck up with an Italian couple on the beach had led them to suggest it to me.

They had asked me to try the tuna tapas (a Spanish-style appetizer) and tuna teriyaki in particular. I did as they had advised, and it turned out to be a great decision.

Both dishes were light and extremely flavourful. I also tried a few other dishes on the menu and highly recommend the prawn curry. It was truly one of the best I've ever had. The intriguing mix of spices can take a few minutes to process but once you've settled down, the more subtle flavour and texture nuances begin to come through. The mellowness of the tapas sharply contrasted with the fieriness of the prawn curry and together, they made for a very wholesome meal indeed.

The teriyaki was an interesting idea too, showcasing how Japanese and European flavours can, and do, blend beautifully into Goan cuisine.

Sauntering on Goa’s golden sands, my next stop was one of the many nameless shacks at Arambol beach.

I was served a typical fish curry thali (a portioned plateful) here, which comprised as many as five dishes.

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Dipping my spoon in each bowl let me examine the contents a bit more carefully – a perfectly fried kingfish, squid chilli, mackerel curry, kokum kadi (a coconut milkbased preparation made using a kind of fruit) and prawn curry, all served with brown rice. The fried kingfish is a popular delicacy, locally known as kingfish rawa fry; fish fillets are lightly coated in semolina and fried to give them an irresistably crispy exterior with soft, succulent meat inside. If you're planning a visit to Arambol beach, a meal at one of these shacks is a must. They are a fascinating blend of local and touristy, and from what I have been told, each and every one of them serves up a fantastic seafood spread.

In fact, as beaches go, Vagator isn't far behind when it comes to a dazzling culinary scene. The Blue Bird restaurant offers some great chicken cafreal (a preparation where chicken is marinated in a chilli sauce, ginger and garlic) and Goan sausages.

When in Goa, and determined to sample its signature flavours, one dish you must try is xit-kodi, the staple fish curry-rice dish you'll find in homes and eateries across

"For those with a sweet tooth, a slice of bebinca (a traditional layered dessert made using coconut, eggs and clarified butter) is a must-try."

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the state. I chose to have it at Cafe Ritz, a local joint on 18th June Road in Panaji, whose popularity was made abundantly clear to me when I found myself at the end of a long, snaking line just to get in!

When I finally had a table and the delicacy was placed before me on a gleaming stainless steel plate, I knew the effort had been worth it. It looked and smelled so good that I forgot all about the time it had taken me to have it before my eyes: the steaming white rice, the yellow-orange curry and the liberal chunks of fried mackerel - yum! You can also try the thali here, which comprises at least four different seafood delights such as prawn curry, crab masala (spicy) and clam sabzi (a dry preparation with vegetables), served along with kismur (a kind of dry shrimp salad), a vegetable preparation, pickle and a local kokum-based drink.

As the days passed, not only did I discover great local food but also found great places to savour it in, thanks to recommendations from locals and friendly travellers alike.

Peep Kitchen in Taleigao, Panaji, for instance, with its brilliant fish fried rice, will remain etched in

"When in Goa, and determined to sample its signature flavours, one dish you must try is xit-kodi, the staple fish curry-rice dish you'll find in homes and eateries across the state."

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my memory forever. Every dish served here has a comforting, home-cooked vibe about it that really stayed with me. Then there was Aggie’s Café in Calangute, with its seafood and king prawns sizzler and grilled tuna. If you're in the mood for some fine dining, you can also head to PanajiInn, Goa's first heritage hotel housed in a 130-yearold mansion. The Verandah restaurant on the first floor offers Goan, Indian and Continental cuisine, but you must try the Goan fare, in particular the pork sorpotel (a classic red wine-infused Goan pork curry). Riorico at Hotel Mandovi in North Goa is renowned for its tisryo (a local shellfish preparation) and stop at Pousada on the Beach at Calangute for a steaming bowl of vegetable caldin (stew). For those with a sweet tooth, a slice of bebinca (a traditional layered dessert made using coconut, eggs and clarified butter) at the Horseshoe Bar & Restaurant in Panaji is a must-do. It's touted as one of the world's richest desserts, and boy is it a wholesome sweet

1. The many unnamed shacks on Goa's beaches are some of the best places to savour fresh seafood. 2. Several restaurants in Goa serve spicy, clay ovenroasted tuna with a lovely charred and smoky flavour. 3. Fried king prawns are especially popular in South Goa. 4. Kokum kadi is a delicious sweet drink made using kokum fruit and coconut milk. 5. Among Goa's most iconic delicacies, prawn balchão, a spice-infused pickle-like preparation, is served with toast or rice.

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treat! The Venite bar and restaurant on January Road also serves up a delicious bebinca iteration. Sample the patoleo (a rice cake steamed in turmeric leaves) at any of the city's patisseries and Dom Pedro in Margao is a must-visit for its dodol (a jelly-like sweet dish made with coconut milk and jaggery).

If you're game for a quick drive, head to Bardez, around half an hour from Panaji, and treat yourself, like I did, to some crab xec xec (a spicy crab curry made with red chillies ground with coconut, whole spices and tamarind) at Starlight on the Baga-Arpora road. Unlike many other eateries that will offer you the same dish, the crab xec xec at Starlight is thick and wholesome as opposed to lighter, more watered-down versions you might find elsewhere. Finishing off the meal with a tall glass of feni (a cashew or toddy palm (a kind of palm used to produce wine)-based local liquor), I felt a little sad that my Goan sojourn was soon to end.

But I knew I would return soon, in pursuit of more food-induced happiness.

GETTING THERE

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AirAsia India connects to Goa from Bagdogra, Bengauru, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Kochi, New Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Sriagar, Ranchi and Visakhapatnam. airasia.com

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WANDERLUST / Voluntourism

Growing with the trees The peaceful township of Auroville in Tamil Nadu is home to Sadhana forest, a community-based initiative to resurrect an evergreen grove across 70 acres of arid land.

WORDS SUSHMITA MURTHY

I

f you live in an Indian metropolis, you know far too well the green void that fills our living space. It was this and a few other jolts over the years that led me to consciously consider reconnecting with the environment – but not in a way holidays in scenic locales let one do.

When I looked up “voluntourism” before taking some time off work, I was looking forward to spending a few days on greener pastures, away from the city's crowded roads, and getting my hands dirty – literally – to give something back to nature. My drive from Chennai to Auroville via the East Coast Road

was a beautiful beginning to my trip, scenic and relaxing. When I arrived in Auroville, the sheer peace and serenity of the township filled me with a positive energy. In 1965, Mirra Alfassa, a spiritual guru popularly known as The Mother, envisioned Auroville as a "universal town where men and women of

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1. A volunteer carries out her morning chore watering the sapling of a tree. Mornings at Sadhana are mostly consumed by activities related to its primary objective: creating a tropical dry evergreen forest. 2. You can also help out in any of the activities at the kitchen, which include cleaning the dishes. 3. The water taps at Sadhana are accompanied by signboards spelling out specific measures to encourage responsible use of the water they dispense, in keeping with the initiative's zerowaste philosophy.

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"All the work done at Sadhana is manual and involves no electricity or fuel-based devices. Most of the heavyduty forest work is carried out before the sun is up."

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all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities." Today, it is home to vastly varied cultures and ethnicities as a true manifestation of her dream. Its spirit converges in the Matrimandir, a stunning golden sphere whose inner chamber offers an almost surreal experience of peace the moment you step into it.

It is, truly, a vision in white, with one of the world's largest man made glass globes glowing right at the centre, lit up by the daylight coming in through a skylight directly above it. This experience really set the tone for the rest of my trip and when I finally reached Sadhana forest, it didn't take me too long to recognise in its expanse an oasis of hope and compassion that is as much a healing ground for the environment as it is for a traveller's soul. An initiative by Yorit and Aviram Rozin, Sadhana is an effort to reforest 70

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acres of dry land near Puducherry and resurrect the tropical evergreen forest that once thrived there. Begun in 2003, the initiative now attracts thousands of volunteers from across the globe and is flourishing as a community that lives and supports a zero-waste lifestyle.

The commitment and passion at the heart of the initiative was evident from the moment I set foot on the campus. For starters, I could see no concrete whatsoever. Mud, straw and bamboo dominated the landscape that stretched out before me, with occasional spurts of bright green. After a short briefing about the workings of the place, I was led to my ‘room’, which is where I confronted the reality of true rustic living for the first time: my ‘room’ was really a hut, with two rows of modest, basic bedding lining the sides. The next morning, all my reservations were put to rest as I woke up to fresh dew drops

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Trivia Sadhana forest was founded

by Yorit and Aviram Rozin with an aim to introduce more people to sustainable living through ecological transformation, wasteland reclamation, and veganism.

Besides India, the initiative has centres in Haiti and Kenya too.

The charges of staying at the Auroville center, inclusive of all meals, are INR 400 per day.

You can sign up to volunteer at: sadhanaforest.org

1. An aerial view of Sadhana forest as it stands today. Among its many environment-friendly practices is the harnessing of solar energy through a network of solar panels scattered across its expanse. 2. The accommodation at Sadhana comprises modest huts featuring basic amenities. 3. and 4. Sadhana is also home to a 2.7-acre project called Children's Land, where local children are encouraged to freely explore their interests and passions.

and chirping birds. A musical instrument serves the purpose of an alarm clock at Sadhana, chosen by the volunteer in charge of waking everyone up at 5.30 am. This is followed by some early morning stretching before everybody is assigned their duties for the day.

The morning chores are mostly forest-related – watering, digging, mulching and planting saplings, and so on. If you’re a complete novice to farming, like I was, these sessions can be very informative.

They educated me about the entire process of conservation and also instilled in me a sense of appreciation and concern for the environment we so often take for granted. Needless to say, all the work you do here is manual and involves no electricity or fuel-based devices whatsoever. Most of the heavy-duty forest work is carried out before the sun is up. As I laboured away at my first task, which was to water the patch of ground assigned to me, I felt humbled and inspired to see the army of volunteers hard at work around me, all of them driven towards the common pursuit of building a forest. You can also choose to help in the kitchen, which is equipped with a firewood

"In the evenings, once you've completed your tasks for the day, you can head to the Auroville auditorium. It hosts music events and concerts that are usually free for all."

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1. The writer (in the light blue shirt) volunteering during meal service at lunchtime. The meals served at Sadhana forest are vegan and all waste generated in the process of preparing them is used as compost for the trees.

2. The Matrimandir Amphitheatre in Auroville is often used for silent gatherings where people can engage in collective meditation.

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"Auroville's spirit converges in the Matrimandir, a stunning golden sphere whose inner chamber offers an almost surreal experience of peace the moment you step into it."

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stove and zero electronic appliances except a grinder that works on solar power. In keeping with Sadhana's zero-waste philosophy, all organic waste collected here, or anywhere else in the compound, makes its way back to the forest as compost. After a nutritious vegan breakfast that is served in a common hut, I set about completing my second chore for the day – painting signboards. Besides this super fun activity, you might be assigned some more forest activities or kitchen tasks. If you're lucky, you could also be asked to create artwork for the community walls!

After this, lunch is served and you have the rest of the day to yourself.

I chose to read a book under one of the many trees. The bibliophile in me soon discovered, to my utmost delight, that there is also a modest library hut here that houses books brought over by guests from across the world. You can also take a dip in the mud pool or attend workshops organised by some of the guests.

During the few days that I spent here, I attended a theatre workshop, a yoga session, an eco-film screening and a seed bomb (a technique of planting trees by embedding organic seed balls in the ground) workshop. If you’re an expert in something, you can host a workshop too. Later, in the evening, you can head to the Auroville auditorium, which hosts music events and concerts that are usually free for all.

For the environmentally-parched urban soul I realised I was, Sadhana forest was a shelter that revived my faith in the world. It reassured me that change is possible, and that it really does begin with you.

GETTING THERE AirAsia India connects to Chennai from Bengaluru and Bhubaneswar. airasia.com

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VOLUNTOURISM ACROSS INDIA 1. Music Basti, New Delhi Volunteering here involves using music to impart life skills to underprivileged children.

2. Himalayan Education Lifeline Programme (HELP), Gangtok, Sikkim Involves working to raise the standards of education among local communities and improving their quality of life through teaching and medical assistance in nearby villages.

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4. The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology (MCBT), Chennai, Tamil Nadu Reptile conservation. Involves helping with day-to-day zoo maintenance including cleaning enclosures, feeding crocodiles, and attending talks by visiting experts and researchers.

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5. Kabani, Kozhikode, Kerala Involves designing packages for tourists that allow them to work with local communities, creating content for the website and taking promotional photographs.

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Illustration: Naorem Sanjoy Singh Map not to scale and for representational purposes only

3. Grass Routes Journeys, Puri, Odisha Combining curated experiences with support to local communities in Odisha, you can engage in tasks such as teaching English to children in tribal areas.

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6. Himalayan Iyengar Yoga Centre (HIYC), Goa Volunteering in exchange for yoga lessons.

Involves helping out at the organic farm, creating and managing social media content, editing yoga booklets and/or creating audio/video content.

7. Disha, Jaipur, Rajasthan - An education and training centre for people and children with multiple disabilities. Volunteering here involves teaching and therapy.

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VANITY FARE

Vegan in Style

Give your wardrobe an animal-friendly vibe with these must-have cruelty-free essentials.

Head over Heels Up your shoe game with this red mule by Matt & Nat. It dazzles in smooth grain vegan leather with a metallic wood block heel. mattandnat.com

Body Matters

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Rheson to Rejoice The new line of leather-free handbags from Sonam Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor's fashion label are all the rage, what with their recently having bagged the Compassionate Business Award from PETA. From spacious totes and spunky cross-body bags to nifty little pouches, take your pick! shoppersstop.com

After introducing the world to body butters, The Body Shop has now come up with a 100 per cent vegan body moisturiser infused with vegetable derived glycerin, almond milk and fruit extracts. thebodyshop.in

Packed and Ready Give your next holiday an animal-friendly spin with this forest green vintage cabin bag.

Sturdy, lightweight and waterproof, it comes lined with high quality vegan leather. aulive.in

Bright Basics Grab this peppy pink cottontail purse from Gunas New York and feel great as you show off some beautiful arm candy that's all about love and compassion. Founded

by Sugandh G Agrawal, the indie label churns out some of the best vegan handbags you've ever laid eyes on! gunasthebrand.com

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Men in Pink Give your own twist to the season's hottest homme fashion trend.

Wear it Right

Bandana Tribe Sport this tribal print bandana with a tee-andtrousers look for a Sunday brunch and be the center of attention. zara.com

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Pink can be flattering or overwhelming, depending on how you wear it. If you pick a pair of bright pink lowers, like these slimfit cotton trousers by Mango, pair them up with a white or grey tee and see how they pop! shop.mango.com

Leisurely Bold When it's coming from luxury fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna, you know it's in vogue. Go for this casual ensemble, with a pair of light, comfy trousers offset with a printed tee in a darker shade of pink. A pair of white sneakers and a chic new backpack, and you're all set for a day out! zegna.us

Pink Means Business With this classy pink card case by Da Milano, it really does. With a textured exterior and a polyester jacquard lining with seven card slots inside, it's a work wardrobe essential. As if that were not enough, it comes with a lifetime warranty too! damilano.com

Moccasins Ă la Mode Let these suede beauties

by H&M be your go-to footwear for relaxed lunch do's and leisurely soirees.

With a leather lining, insoles and rubber half soles, they're as comfortable as it gets. hm.com

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CABIN COMFORT

Joy of Flying Whether on a short- or long-haul journey, flying can be a pleasant experience if you are well-prepared.

Here are some simple steps to ensure you have a safe, smooth and comfortable journey.

Onboard Care

Inflight Exercises

Troy Bantleman, personal trainer to celebrity athletes and AirAsia big boss Tony Fernandes shows you how to perform easy exercises for a comfortable flight.

Aircraft cabins are generally very dry and dehydration can occur easily. To overcome this:

Drink lots of water but ensure the intake is slow and regular. Drinking too much water suddenly will cause the body to expel the water quickly too, forcing you to visit the toilet frequently.

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Tricep Stretch

Lower Back Stretch

Side Neck Stretch

Extend one hand down the centre of your back, while grasping your elbow with the other. Exhale slowly while pulling gently downward on your elbow, with your fingers aligned with your spine.

While seated, lift a knee up toward your chest and hold the position for 30 seconds. Gently lower the knee and perform three 30sec sets, alternating between both knees.

Gently tilt your head till you feel the stretch in your neck.

Hold the position for 30 seconds and release slowly.

Change sides and repeat until you have done three 30sec sets on both sides.

Prevent DVT Deep Vein Thrombosis can occur when a blood clot forms in the large veins of the legs or arms, blocking blood circulation. Inactivity during long flights may lead to the occurrence of DVT. If you are flying long distance, ensure you perform inflight exercises such as those listed above as a precaution against developing DVT. When possible and permissible, stretch your legs and walk along the aisle. Be aware of symptoms such as pain or swelling in the legs, which can happen even after you disembark. Seek medical attention if these occur.

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Beat the Lag

Lubricate your eyes with eye drops, as eyes are aggravated by dry atmosphere. Also, ditch the contact lenses and opt for spectacles during the flight.

Hydrate your skin by applying moisturiser or spraying a body spritzer on exposed body parts.

Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol, or keep intake to a minimum.

Ear Comfort

To counter the effects of jetlag, get as much sleep as possible when flying west to east. When flying in the reverse direction, try to stay awake as much as you can. AirAsia’s chic Snug-as-a-bug hoodie keeps you cosy with its neck pillow attached to a soft hooded collar, and is easily deflated for storage upon landing. Enjoy savings when you pre-book this item at bigdutyfree.com

Changes in air pressure or altitude cause our ears to ‘pop’ and sometimes ache during take-offs and landings. For a comfortable flying experience, suck on sweets or, mimic the act of chewing and swallowing if you do not have any sweets with you. This will relieve the discomfort and help stabilise the pressure in the ear canals. Pacifiers will work just as well for toddlers. If you have a cold, use a nasal decongestant to clear your nasal passage and alleviate the ache.

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IN TOUCH

Sales Offices & Stations India

Jaya, Kecamatan Neglasari, Kota Tangerang, Propinsi Banten 15127

KOLKATA

LOMBOK

A/2D, Dr. Md. Ishaque Chowringhee Mansions First Floor – Block-E Kolkata 700 016 Tele: +913346004800

NEW DELHI D-85, First Floor 100 Ft. Road Chatterpur Enclave New Delhi 110 074 Tele: +911126303939

Indonesia BALI Ngurah Rai Int. Airport Int. / Domestic Departure Terminal, Jln. Raya Denpasar 80361 Sun Boutique Hotel, Jln.Sunset Road No.23, Kuta

JAKARTA

JLobby Departure Area, Lombok Int. Airport ( LOP ) Praya, Nusa Tenggara Barat

MEDAN Arrival Terminal, Kualanamu Int. Airport, Deli Serdang, Sumatera Utara Garuda Plaza Hotel Lobby Level, Jln. Sisingamanga Raja No.18, Medan, Sumatera Utara 20213 Jln. Asia No 548P Medan

SURABAYA Lobby Int. Terminal, Juanda Int. Airport, Jln. Raya Juanda, Surabaya, Jawa Timur Plaza East UG Flr. unit 48 Tunjungan Plaza 1 PTC Supermall, LG Floor A601A6-50, Jl. Puncak Indah Lontar 2

Jln. Bandara Soekarna Hatta, Cengkareng, Jakarta 19110 Terminal 3 Soekarno Hatta Airport

Lamongan, Jl. Raya Golokan, No.123, Lamongan-Gresik

Jln. Boulevard Raya, Blok LA 4, No. 10 Kelapa Gading, 14200 Jakarta Utara

Adisutjipto Int.Airport, Yogyakarta 55282, Jl. Solo KM 9, Jawa Tengah

Komplek Rukan Darmawangsa Jln. Darmawangsa VI, No. 43, Jakarta Selatan 12160 Sarinah Plaza Jln. M.H Thamrim No. 11 LG Jakarta Pusat Jln. Marsekal, Suryadharma (M1) No. 1, Kelurahan Selapajang

YOGAKARTA

Jln. HOS Cokroaminoto No. 119 C, Kelurahan Tegal Rejo, KecamatanTegal Rejo

Sepang, Selangor Jln. KLIA S3, Southern Support Zone, KLIA, 64000 Sepang, Selangor G027B, G Flr., Podium Block Plaza Berjaya, No.12, Jln. Imbi, 55100 Lot 4, Level 2, Stesen Sentral, 50470 Lot No. K16 (New Wing) Utility Level, Stesen Monorail, PT 88, Seksyen 67, Jln. Sultan Ismail, 55100

JOHOR Lot 57, Aeromall Airport, Senai Int. Airport, 81250 Senai No.26 Jl. Bakri, 84000 Muar

SABAH Level 2 (Domestic Departure Hall Entrance), Terminal 1 , Kota Kinabalu Int. Airport, Jln. Petagas Kota Kinabalu, 88100 Kota Kinabalu Lot G24, G Flr., Wisma Sabah, Jln. Tun Razak, 88000 Kota Kinabalu FL 4, 1st Flr., Tawau Airport Building, Jln. Apas-Balun, 91100 Tawau TB228, Lot 5 G Flr., Istana Monaco Hotel, Jln. Bunga, Fajar Complex, 91000 Tawau

Malaysia

Lot G-2, Ground Flr., Plaza USIA Building, Jln. Teratai, MDLD 7084,

KUALA LUMPUR

91100 Lahad Datu

Unit 30, Level 2 KLIA 2, Kuala Lumpur Int. Airport 2, 64000

Level, Lot 2, Sandakan Airport, 90000 Sandakan

Call Centre Numbers INDIA 1860 500 8000 INDONESIA 08 04 1 333 333

PENANG Lot 8, Departure Concourse, Penang Int. Airport, 11900 Bayan Lepas No.12H-G, Jln. Tun Dr Awang, 11900 Bayan Lepas 332, G Flr. Kim Mansion, Lebuh Chulia, 10200

Tesco Lotus - Lad Prao, 2nd Flr, 1190, Phahonyothin Road, Jompol, Jatujak, 10900 127 Tanow Road, Bovornivet, Phra Nakorn, 10200 Tesco Lotus - Rama1, 3rd Flr., 831 Rama 1 Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok,10330

A-G-7, Jln. Todak 4, Sunway Business Park, Pusat Bandar Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai

Tesco Lotus - Sukhumvit 50, 1st Flr., 1710, Sukhumvit Road, Klong Toey, 10110.

Call Centre Local

SELANGOR

CHIANG MAI

MALAYSIA

G2, Terminal SkyPark, Lapangan Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, 47200 Subang

Chiang Mai Int. Airport, Room No. 60, 1st Flr., Tambon Suthep, Muang Dist., 50200

Lot No.G-35, Mydin Hypermarket, Persiaran Subang Permai, USJ 1, 47500 Subang Jaya

416, Thaphae Road

Call Centre National

+62 21 2927 0999

600 85 8888 AirAsia X Premium Line chargeable at RM1.95 per minute

THAILAND +66 2 515 9999

Lot S141, 2nd Flr., Plaza Metro Kajang Section 7, Jln. Tun Abdul Aziz, 43000 Kajang LG-09, Shaw Centrepoint, Jln. Raja Hassan, 41400

CHIANG RAI Chiang Rai Int. Airport, Room No. 2305/2 404, Moo 10, Robwiang Sub Dist., Muang Dist., 57100

KRABI

Thailand

Krabi Int. Airport, Room No. 133, Moo 5, Petchakasem Rd., Nuaklong Sub Dist., Nuaklong Dist., 81130

BANGKOK

PHUKET

Suvarnabhumi Int. Airport, 6th Flr., Room No.TW6-037, No. 999, Moo 1, Bangplee, Samutprakarn 10540

Tesco Lotus - Phuket, 2nd Flr., 104, Chalermprakiat Road,

Don Mueang Int. Airport, Room No. 3307, 3rd Flr., Terminal 1.

222 Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd., Airport Sub Dist., Don Mueang Dist., 10210 Tesco Lotus - 2nd Flr., 3109 Ladpro Road, Bangkapi, 10240

Rasada Sub Dist., Muang Dist., 83000

PATTAYA Tesco Lotus South Pattaya, 2 Flr. 408/2 Moo 12, South Pattaya, Sukhumvit Rd., Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150

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ROUTE MAPS

Amritsar

NEW DELHI Kathmandu

Jaipur

Dhaka KOLKATA

Jeddah

Bhubaneswar Visakhapatnam

Hyderabad

Chennai

BENGALURU Tiruchirappalli Kochi Colombo Malé

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INDIAN OCEAN

AirAsia International Destinations

Fly to over 130 destinations across Asia and Asia-Pacific with Skytrax World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, 2009-2018.

AirAsia Hubs

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CH

Maps not to scale and are just a graphic representation.

Maps do not reflect the opinion of the publisher with regards to the legal or geographical status of any country/territory depicted. Maps as at June 30, 2018.

Sapporo

Beijing

Beijing Seoul

Xi’an

Chengdu Chengdu Chongqing Chongqing

Seoul

Busan

Xi’an

Jeju

Wuhan

Sapporo

Jeju

Busan Osaka

Osaka

Tokyo (Narita/Haneda) Tokyo (Narita/Haneda)

Shanghai Shanghai Wuhan Hangzhou Hangzhou

Nanchang Nanchang Changsha Changsha Kunming Mandalay

ar

Mandalay Luang Prabang

Guilin

Taipei

Taipei

Guangzhou Guangzhou Shantou Shantou Nanning Kaohsiung Kaohsiung Shenzhen Shenzhen Macao Hong Macao Kong Hong Kong Hanoi

Nanning Luang Hanoi Prabang

HIANG MAICHIANG MAI Vientiane Yangon

Guilin

Kunming

Vientiane

Yangon

Da Nang

Da Nang

Clark Clark MANILA MANILA BANGKOK BANGKOKSiem Reap Siem Reap PATTAYA PATTAYA Nha Trang Nha Trang Phnom Penh Phnom Penh Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City CEBU CEBU SihanoukvilleSihanoukville KRABI KRABI PHUKET PHUKET HAT YAI HAT YAI LANGKAWI LANGKAWI Kota Bharu Kota Bharu KOTA KINABALU KOTA KINABALU Kuala Terengganu Banda Aceh Banda Aceh Kuala Terengganu Bandar Seri Begawan Bandar Seri Begawan PENANG PENANG Miri Miri MEDAN MEDANKUALA LUMPUR Bintulu KUALA LUMPUR Bintulu JOHOR BAHRU JOHOR BAHRU Singapore Pekanbaru Pekanbaru Padang

Honolulu

Honolulu

PACIFICPACIFIC OCEANOCEAN 08 18

KUCHING KUCHING Singapore Pontianak Pontianak

Padang Palembang Palembang Makassar Makassar JAKARTA JAKARTA Semarang Semarang Bandung Bandung SURABAYA SURABAYA Yogyakarta Yogyakarta Solo SoloLombok Lombok BALI BALI

Gold Coast Gold Coast Perth

Perth

Sydney

Sydney Auckland

Auckland

Melbourne Melbourne

SOUTHERN SOUTHERN OCEANOCEAN

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ROUTE MAPS Sapporo

NAGOYA

Srinagar

Chandigarh NEW DELHI Jaipur

Bagdogra

Guwahati Imphal

Ranchi

Indore

KOLKATA

Nagpur

Surat

Bhubaneswar

Pune

Visakhapatnam

Hyderabad

Goa BENGALURU

Chennai

Chiang Rai

Nan Udon Thani Loei Nakhon Phanom Phitsanulok Sakhon Nakhon Khon Kaen Roi Et Ubon Ratchathani Buriram BANGKOK PATTAYA

CHIANG MAI

Chumphon Ranong Surat Thani KRABI Nakhon Si Thammarat PHUKET HAT YAI Trang Alor Setar Kota Bharu LANGKAWI PENANG Narathiwat Kuala Terengganu MEDAN KUALA LUMPUR

Kochi

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JOHOR BAHRU

CLARK

MANILA

Caticlan KALIBO Tacloban Iloilo CEBU Puerto Princesa Tagbilaran Davao

KOTA KINABALU

Sandakan

Labuan Miri Tawau Bintulu Sibu

PACIFIC OCEAN

KUCHING

INDIAN OCEAN

AirAsia Domestic Destinations

JAKARTA Solo Bandung Yogyakarta

SURABAYA BALI

Fly to over 130 destinations across Asia and Asia-Pacific with Skytrax World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, 2009-2018.

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DESTINATIONS INDIA

INDIA

INDIA

INDIA

INDIA

Bagdogra

Bengaluru

Bhubaneswar

Chandigarh

Chennai

Airport Bagdogra Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 3556 Languages Bengali, English, Hindi, Nepali and Bhutanese Distance to City 12km Points of Interest Surya Sen Park, Coronation Bridge, Science City Transport

Airport Kempegowda International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 80 Languages Kannada, English, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi Distance to City 35km Points of Interest Lal Bagh, UB City, Bangalore Palace, Cubbon Park Transport

Airport Biju Patnaik International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 674 Languages Oriya, Bengali, English and Hindi Distance to City 3km Points of Interest Lingaraj Temple, Rajarani Temple, Mukteswar Mandir, Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves Transport

Airport Chandigarh International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 172 Languages Punjabi, English, Hindi Distance to City 10km Points of Interest Rock Garden, Government Museum and Art Gallery, International Dolls Museum Transport

Airport Chennai International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 44 Languages Tamil, Telugu, English, Malayalam Distance to City 20km Points of Interest Marina Beach, Kapaleeswarar Temple, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Covelong Transport

Bus

Taxi

Bus

Metro

Taxi

Bus

Taxi

Bus

Taxi

Bus

Train

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INDIA

INDIA

INDIA

INDIA

Goa

Guwahati

Hyderabad

Imphal

Indore

Airport Goa International Airport/Dabolim Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 832 Languages Konkani, English, Hindi, Portuguese, Marathi Distance to City 42km Points of Interest Fort Aguada, Chapora Fort, Mangeshi Temple, Dudhsagar Falls, Museum of Goa Transport

Airport Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 361 Languages Assamese, Bengali, English, Hindi Distance to City 22km Points of Interest Nehru Park, Umananda Temple, Kamakhya Temple, Basistha Temple Transport

Airport Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 40 Languages Telugu, English, Hindi Distance to City 28km Points of Interest Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace, Salar Jung Museum, Laad Bazaar Transport

Airport Imphal International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 385 Languages Manipuri, English, Hindi Distance to City 8km Points of Interest Manipur State Museum, Matai Garden, Shri Govindjee Temple, Manipur Zoological Garden Transport

Airport Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code 0731 Languages Hindi, English, Bundeli, Malawi and Chhattisgarhi Distance to City 7km Points of Interest Rajwada, Lal Baag Palace, Indore Museum, Annapurna Temple Transport

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All information correct at press time. Some information contained here are approximates only. DIY research is highly recommended.

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DESTINATIONS INDIA

INDIA

INDIA

INDIA

INDIA

Jaipur

Kochi

Kolkata

Nagpur

New Delhi

Airport Jaipur International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 141 Languages Rajasthani, Marwari, Dhundhari, Hindi, English Distance to City 13km Points of Interest Hawa Mahal, Jaipur Zoo, Jaigarh Fort Transport

Airport Cochin International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 484 Languages Malayalam, English, Hindi, Tamil Distance to City 45km Points of Interest Fort Kochi, Thrikkakara Temple, Indian Naval Maritime Museum, Cochin Cultural Centre Transport

Airport Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 33 Languages Bengali, English, Hindi Distance to City 15km Points of Interest Victoria Memorial, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Science City, Kalighat Temple Transport

Airport Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code 0712 Languages Marathi, Hindi, English Distance to City 8.9km Points of Interest Bohra Masjid, Ramtek Temple, Maharajbagh Zoo, Japanese Rose Garden Transport

Airport Indira Gandhi International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code:+91 11 Languages Hindi, English, Punjabi, Haryanvi Distance to City 15km Points of Interest Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple, India Gate Transport

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08 18 INDIA

INDIA

INDIA

INDIA

INDIA

Pune

Ranchi

Srinagar

Surat

Visakhapatnam

Airport Pune International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 20 Languages Marathi, English, Hindi Distance to City 10km Points of Interest Aga Khan Palace, Osho Ashram, National War Museum Transport

Airport Birsa Munda Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 651 Languages Munda, English, Hindi, Bhojpuri Distance to City 5km Points of Interest Sun Temple, Tagore Hill, Birsa Biological Park Transport

Airport Srinagar International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 194 Languages Kashmiri, Hindi, Urdu, English Distance to City 12km Points of Interest Dal Lake, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Nishat Bagh Transport

Airport Surat Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 261 Languages Gujarati, English, Hindi Distance to City 13km Points of Interest Dumas Beach, Dutch Garden, Sardar Patel Museum, Science Centre Transport

Airport Visakhapatnam International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 891 Languages Telugu, English, Hindi Distance to City 7km Points of Interest Submarine Museum, Rishikonda Beach, Ramakrishna Mission Beach Transport

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All information correct at press time. Some information contained here are approximates only. DIY research is highly recommended.

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