Travel 3sixty April 2018

Apr 2018

ISSUE 13

India

Travel the world with me, but don’t take me away! Read me online.

AirAsia Inflight Magazine

Bikaner Beckons A Slice of Rajasthan’s Splendour

Issue 13

Navigator

Apr 2018

60

40

46

54

60

Wanderlust – TravelHer

Wanderlust – Madhya Pradesh

Wanderlust – Lenscape

Wanderlust – Kolkata

Bikaner Bytes

The Middle Ground

Theme for Thought

Here are some of the best places in Madhya Pradesh that will help you plan a trip to this beautiful state

Welcome to the world of theme cafes where vibrant surroundings make for a great dining experience

66

74

80

Wanderlust – Getaways

Wanderlust – Araku Valley

Treasures of the Northeast

A Valley of Surprises

Wanderlust – Cuisine

Head to these getaways from Guwahati in Assam for a peaceful weekend amidst nature

Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh is a paradise for wanderlusts

Amrita Das travels to Bikaner in Rajasthan with two of her friends to explore the food lanes of the city

Boi Para: A Bibliophile's Paradise A walk through the famed book market of Kolkata's College Street

Reimagining the Essentials Unusual ingredients are making their way into the Indian kitchens

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

Issue 13

Navigator

apr 2018

Here’s the Buzz on AirAsia’s Social Media I met Ms Arshita Pattnaik at the Bhubaneshwar airport.

I was late for my flight.

She, without any delay, communicated with many people, put her best efforts and in a few minutes, I was able to catch my flight. It was because of her that I avoided missing my business meeting and also regained my faith in humanity. I congratulate AirAsia for having an employee like her.

Paramananda Sahoo

Mr Sushant Kumar Rana, is a very cooperative and helpful person. I had a wonderful experience flying with AirAsia and hope to get similar experiences in the future.

Neeti Rajan

I am very happy with Ms Rajni's helping behaviour and her coordination. She is an AirAsia Bubaneshwar ticketing staff. I am very happy with her good nature.

Mohammad Azad

46

From the Flight Deck

Calendar

Scoreboard

8

Changing Landscape of Air Travel!

20 Hot Dates

32 The Young Guns

of Indian Premier League

86 Joy of Flying

Deepak Mahendra, Chief Financial Officer, AirAsia India talks about how flying with AirAsia is a wonderful experience

10 Red Fort

News update from

AirAsia

14 Spotlight

Chennai: A

homecoming for AirAsia India

Events across the globe in April

Cover To Cover

26 Ode to a Hero Veteran journalist Ashis Ray talks about his latest book on the life of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

Movies & Music

30 Latest Releases

Latest movie and music releases in the month of April

The 2018 IPL will see some new cricketing superstars

City Canvas

36 Mesmerising Macao Explore Macao in China

Vanity Fare

84 Flower Power

Embrace the

floral trend this spring!

Cabin Comfort

Inflight exercises by fitness guru Troy Bantleman

87 In Touch 88 Route Map 92 Destinations

Very nice staff, especially Soumya Das. We loved the staff and loved the AirAsia service.

Saurabh Chopra

During luggage check-in I met a guy whose name is Dimple. He is from Assam and knows how to treat his customers. His jovial nature gave a warm start to our journey. I wish him all success. Thank you.

Mohd Faizan

AirAsia crew at Bhubaneshwar are highly professional and friendly at the same time. It was very nice to meet Mr Akram at Biju Patnaik Airport. Thanks AirAsia!

Anil Kumar

India

Issue 13 apr 2018

Airasia India

Singapore

Commercial Director Kiran Jain

51 Goldhill Plaza, #07-10/11, Singapore 308900, Tel: +65 31632622

Regional Managing Editor R. Rajendra

UAE

Manager, Social Media Ujjwal Shrivastav Executive, Social Media & Content Sanya Kaushik

Maxposure Media Group India Pvt. Ltd CEO & Managing Director Prakash Johari Director Vikas Johari Editor Abhishek Chakraborty Submissions airasia@maxposuremedia.com Advertising info@maxposuremedia.com Marketing marketing@maxposuremedia.com Website maxposuremedia.com India Maxposure Media Group India Pvt Ltd

#TheAddress, Plot No. 62, Okhla Industrial Estate, Phase III, New Delhi-110020, India Tel: +91 11 43011111, Fax: +91 11 43011199 usa Maxposure Media Group LLC

22 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 108, Mineola, New York 11501 Tel: +164 63672916 info@maxposuremedia.com

Bahrain Maxposure Marketing Services WLL

Suite No. 652, 6th Floor, The Lounge Serviced Offices, Building 247, Road No. 1704, Diplomatic Area, P.O.Box 11409, Manama, Bahrain, Tel: +973 17518793 Mob: +973 37778537, +973 37161313 aaliyah@maxposuremedia.com

Bangladesh Subcontinental Media Pvt Ltd

Profficio 2nd Floor, 4 Mohakhali Commercial Area, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh, Tel: +880 1862260427 shohedul@subcontinentalmedia.com

Maxposure Global Pte Ltd

info@maxposuremedia.com Maxposure Arabia FZ LLC

Dubai Media City, Building No. 8, Ground Floor, Premises No. EO10, P. O. Box 502068, Dubai, UAE Mob: +97 1582063140, Tel: + 971 44310793 info@maxposuremedia.com

Maxposure India offices Ahmedabad 4, Megabyte Business Centre, Navrang Building, Opp Samsung Showroom, Swastik Char Rasta, C.G.Road Ahmedabad-380009 Tel: +91 79 40193627 Bengaluru 409, A Wing, 4th Floor, Mittal Towers, MG Road, Bengaluru-560001, Tel: +91 80 40921037-38 Chandigarh SCO No. 866, 2nd Floor, Office No. 18, NAC Manimajra, Chandigarh-160101 Tel: +91 0172 4665839 Chennai 2nd Floor, X-42, Sindur Shopping Centre, 2nd Avenue Road, Chennai-600040 Tel: +91 44 42015684 Hyderabad 1-11-222/2, Ground Floor, Street No. 4, Gurumurthy Lane, Begumpet, Hyderabad-500016, Tel: +91 40 40021545 Indore 7/1, 409, 4th Floor, Ratan Mani Complex, Opposite Inter Star Showroom, New Palasia, Indore-452001 Tel: +91 731 4248881 Jaipur Shop No.B-18, Hotel Arco Palace, Opp. Metro Station, Sindhi Camp Station Road, Jaipur-302001 Tel: +91 141 4047655 Kolkata DPS Corporate Club, 1st Floor, 9A, Sebak Baidya Street, Kolkata-700029 Tel: +91 33 40680111 Mumbai Omkar - The Summit Business Bay 7th floor, Unit No.716, Chakala, Andheri Kurla Road, Behind Gurunanak Petrol Pump, Andheri (East), Mumbai - 400093 Tel: +91 22 61991111

Raipur Magnetto Offizo, Office No.546, 5th Floor, Magnetto The Mall, G.E.Road, Labhandi, Raipur, Tel: +91 771 4264571

On the Cover

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

London, David Simpson Simpson Media Ltd, Tel: +44 79 00885456

Bhandreshwar paintings at Jain Temple, Bikaner, Rajasthan

david@simpson-media.com

Russia/Switzerland, Gleb Korotkov Halfbudget, Tel: + 7 9852243800, +41 767102525, info@halfbudget.com

Turkey, Tan Bilge, Media Ltd., Tel: +90 212 2758433, tanbilge@medialtd.com.tr

Far East Hong Kong/Indonesia Peter Jeffery Asian Integrated Media Ltd. Tel +852 39106388 peterjeffery@asianimedia.com

Japan, Michiko Kawano Pacific Business Inc Tel: +813 36616138 kawano-pbi@gol.com

Malaysia, Shallie Cheng Mind Sense Sdn.Bhd., Tel: +601 22873092 shalliecheng@gmail.com

South Korea, Jung-Won Suh Sinsegi Media Inc. Tel: +82 27858222 sinsegi-2@sinsegimedia.info

Thailand, Stephen Marsh Media Representation International Tel: +66 22042699, stephen@mediarepint.com

Australia Sydney, Charlton D’Silva Publisher’s Internationalé Tel: +612 92523476 charlton.dsilva@pubintl.com.au

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

1. Deepak Mahendra (centre) and Allstars from the finance department unwinding in Goa. 2. Deepak Mahendra, Chief Financial Officer, AirAsia India

1

04 18

Changing Landscape of Air Travel!

“6 hours to go… 5 hours to go… 3 hours… 2… 1,” I lay counting down the hours on the eve of my first flight. The excitement of leaving the ground for the first time, coupled with nerves, ensured that sleep eluded me. Back in those days, many decades ago, flying was one of the most obvious luxuries, and for a Chartered Accountancy student in the course of his articleship, it was really a dream come true!

Today, thanks to the conscious efforts of the Indian Government, the Aviation Industry has grown to gargantuan proportions, providing employment and services to several million people across the country. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working and living abroad, and then re-joining the TATA Group, an institution in their own right. These experiences have allowed me unique insights into the workings of industry

8

and the corporate world. I have witnessed first-hand the transition of flying from novelty to commonplace.

Before, flying was considered an extravagance reserved for the affluent, but AirAsia’s motto of "Now, Everyone Can Fly" has come out to be so true. The number of guests opting to fly is also increasing manifold. This is perhaps a direct consequence of the change in our mindsets.

As a people, we now appreciate the value of time. A journey that used to take two days now takes two hours, and that is something that Indians value above all else – more time with friends and family. This trend is not limited to the bigger cities and metros, with AirAsia actively focussing on providing increased connectivity to Tier II and Tier III cities, enabling Indians across the country to fly to metros and explore smaller cities.

2

As for the cost of flying, the Low Cost Carrier (LCC) model, I believe, has changed the game in its entirety. With the new financial year just around the corner, lower air fares are more important than ever. We recently launched #BeatTheBudget, a series of fun, quirky videos that captures how everyone should budget for their travels, as they do with every other expense. Starring the hilarious and talented Suresh Menon, the videos showcase how everyone can #BeatTheBudget with AirAsia. We ensure that we are within our budget so that you can beat your budget. After all, lower operational cost lead to lower fares.

AirAsia in India, with our low fares, delicious Santan meals, and state-of-the-art in-flight and onground services, took to the skies only four years ago, and we have doubled our fleet to 17 aircraft in the last 12 months. Your airline will also be flying international soon! We would love to have you onboard with us. We greatly appreciate your suggestions, so do let us know where you would like us to take you on our Facebook page @airasia.

Gone are the days when we used to think once, twice, a hundred times before calling a travel agent and booking flights. With increased access to destinations across India, and low air fares, our team at AirAsia is ensuring that more and more families can now have the pleasure of flying, together.

And of course, no sleepless nights for anyone!

Enjoy amazing deals exclusively on the AirAsia Mobile App! Download now:

Follow us on

Red Fort Customer Care with Salesforce

1

Living the Values

04 18

1. AirAsia Allstars with residents of Shantipur at the Road Safety awareness campaign.

At AirAsia, Allstars are encouraged to live by our values, not just when we’re flying planes or attending to guests at the airport, but by displaying the right qualities at all times. Safety Always is one of the values of AirAsia. Here are Allstars from Kolkata taking some time off from their usual airport duties to organise a campaign to encourage the use of helmets while riding. This was conducted in the township of Shantipur in association with a few local bodies. Helmets were distributed to residents of the locality to spread the message of road safety.

2. AirAsia India's fleet now consists of 17 aircraft.

2

17th Aircraft of AirAsia India AirAsia India recently announced the induction of its 17th aircraft, with the introduction of new routes connecting New Delhi and Imphal.

Announcing the development, Amar Abrol, MD & CEO, AirAsia India, said, “The first quarter of 2018 is proving to be an exciting one for us. This new route that is currently underserved is going to delight guests in the Northeast! So far, we have added three aircraft, three new destinations, eight new routes and we look forward to setting many more milestones this year. Our ultimate mission is to enhance air connectivity and make air travel a reality for everyone in the country”.

10

AirAsia recently announced that it has chosen Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), the global leader in customer relationship management, to be its strategic technology partner as the airline revamps its customer care for the digital era.

The airline, which has renamed its customer care team to Customer Happiness, will deploy Salesforce Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, Marketing Cloud and Community Cloud as part of its strategy to create faster and more personalised services for its customers.

AirAsia service agents across eight countries now have a single view of all cases from all support channels – web, phone, email, live chat, airport communications – along with their complete history, allowing them to provide higher levels of personalised service.

The Salesforce Community Cloud powers the AirAsia support community in eight different languages and empowers guests to self-serve with a knowledge database, allowing AirAsia to boost service standards, raise productivity levels and the capabilities of their service agents and continue to raise the bar for the airline industry.

Support is available in eight languages - English, Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Japanese and Korean.

“This is the year we focus on making our guests happy. This means placing customers and their needs at the centre of everything we do. Salesforce is the heart of this customer-obsessed approach as it gives us a complete view of our guests across all channels, allowing us to deliver a better service. Complaints are free market research.

These are things that companies pay a lot of money for consultants to tell them that same thing so we treat every complaint preciously.” ~ Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia & Co-Group CEO of AirAsia X

Follow us on

Red Fort

AirAsia Japan & Nagoya Grampus Partner for 2018 AirAsia Japan recently partnered with a Japanese football club and became the first LCC in Japan to sponsor a J League team.

04 18

1

3

2

AirAsia Japan has partnered with Nagoya Grampus, a Japanese football club based in Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture, becoming the first LCC in Japan to sponsor a J League team.

AirAsia Japan, also based in Nagoya, will be a Diamond Partner of Nagoya Grampus for the 2018 season.

Commenting on the partnership, AirAsia Japan CEO Jenny Mayuko Wakana said,

12

“As the first and only LCC to call Nagoya its home, we are thrilled to partner with Nagoya Grampus, a fantastic homegrown team.

Nagoya Grampus are known for their challenging spirit and much like them, AirAsia Japan will continue to push the boundaries.

We will stand by their side as we strive for the ‘win’.”

Nagoya Grampus Eight Inc President and CEO Koki Konishi said, “We are so glad to have

1. Koki Konishi of Nagoya Grampus Eight Inc (left) and Jenny Wakana, CEO of AirAsia Japan (right) flanked by AirAsia Cabin Crew.

2. Nagoya Grampus, a Japanese football club based in Nagoya.

3. A Nagoya Grampus footballer in action.

AirAsia Japan as a key partner for the 2018 season. Nagoya Grampus shares the same vision with AirAsia Japan, which is to highlight Aichi to Japan, Japan to Asia and from Asia to the world. We will keep striving together towards that goal.’’

As part of this partnership, AirAsia’s logo will be displayed on the official training gear of Nagoya Grampus players and banner signage at Toyota Stadium, the football club’s home ground. AirAsia Japan will also be collaborating with the Nagoya Grampus players for advertisements, exclusive appearances and events throughout the season.

Follow us on

Spotlight

Chennai: A Homecoming for AirAsia India AirAsia India resumes service to Chennai in Tamil Nadu, connecting the 'Gateway to South India' to Bengaluru, Karnataka, and Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

"Coming home conjures up numerous emotions, many of which are as individual as the person experiencing them. For me, there was no closure and little anticipation; returning home was just what needed to be done.

Though the AirAsia work culture made me feel at home in Bengaluru, I still missed my true home. After a year of being away, I am finally back to “namma” Chennai. Thank you AirAsia for bringing me home." ~ Priyanka Balakrishnan

04 18

1

It is good news for all as AirAsia India is back and solidifying its position in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The airline commenced new routes connecting Chennai to Bengaluru in Karnataka and Bhubaneswar in Odisha.

The airline has opened out the market not only to flyers in the region, but its very own Allstars hailing from Chennai who have been waiting eagerly to paint the skies a vibrant red!

Gliding into Meenambakkam, with a glorious view of the Kathipara flyover and the Marina Beach instantly peps you

14

up! With so much to explore, Chennai is rightly called the ‘Gateway of South India'. A few of our Allstars were found chanting ‘namma Chennai’, meaning Our Chennai. The Allstars were all excited to explore the city in its entirety.

Suming up the whole Chennai visit for our patrons, AirAsia Allstars left no stone unturned in exploring the attractions of Chennai: • St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica is one of the only three known churches in the world built over the tomb of an apostle of Jesus Christ.

1. St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica Church

"My long-time dream to work again in Chennai Airport has finally come true! I was speechless on hearing about my transfer, and no words can describe how it felt to be coming home after so long. I have been away from my loved ones for a quite long time. This new route allows us to stay connected on a daily basis.

I will be ever grateful to our management for this move.

The new route will give a great connectivity to various other southern destinations too." ~ Balasubramanian Srinivasan

Follow us on

The Travel People

+

Take a walk on the wild side. Embark on a historical sojourn. Catch awe inspiring mountain views. Have some fun with a splash in the pool. Get your perfect mix of holiday experiences in a tour of Mysore, Bandipur, Coorg, Vythiri, Wayanad and Bangalore at Windflower Resorts.

`

`

BOOK NOW AND SAVE 35% + GET 15% OFF ON F&B & SPA Packages available for 6N / 7D | 5N / 6D | 4N / 5D

Inclusions: 6 Nights stay in 4 luxury resorts by The Windflower + All Sightseeing + Upgraded transfers in A.C. Sedan + Buy 1 Get 1 Free Spa Therapy + Outdoor & Indoor Recreational Activities + Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in all resorts except Mysore + Welcome drink + 1 Alcoholic drink at any one resort Note: GST will be charged as applicable

BHARATH INTERNATIONAL TRAVELS

+91 9686666196

INFO@UNIGLOBEBIT.COM

WWW.BHARATHTRAVELS.COM

Spotlight

2

"The experiences and challenges of life away from home have helped me grow as a person. Now, moving back home after four years, has allowed me to come closer to my family. It’s a proud feeling to have been a part of the various milestones of the company, since its inception; and this start of operations at Chennai is perhaps one milestone that is very close to my heart. With new and exciting routes starting to and from Chennai, AirAsia is enabling the people of the city to fly and explore more of India. AirAsia made my whole family happy by bringing us home." ~ Suresh Venkatachalam

04 18

3

•

•

Marina Beach, which happens to be the longest beach in India, is a 12-kms long uninterrupted stretch of golden sands.

Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a Shiva temple built in 7th century CE by the Pallavas.

However, this was demolished by the Portuguese and was rebuilt in the 16th century by the Vijayanagar Kings.

•

•

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park is a fresh change from temples and historic architecture.

The zoological park is home to over 2,500 animals.

MGM Dizzee World is a theme park located at a distance of 32 kms from the city. It offers more than 50 fun and entertaining rides.

"I got married to a software engineer based in Chennai. While I wanted to continue working in Bengaluru and was wondering what to do, AirAsia played cupid. The best wedding gift daily services from Bengaluru to Chennai three times a day. What more can I ask for, 45 minutes and I get to be with my husband… Thank you AirAsia for connecting hearts!! ~ Pavithra

16

2. AirAsia Allstars at Marina Beach.

3. Valluvar Kottam is a popular monument in Chennai, dedicated to Tamil poet, philosopher and saint Thiruvalluvar.

"Homecoming is a feeling. It’s a celebration.

It's the joy of being together.

It's belonging again. It’s a special way of describing nostalgia. Reuniting with Chennai through AirAsia’s new routes after close to three years made me realise the real value of Chennai. The warmth of home is irreplaceable.

Having said that, the opportunity to learn about different cultures away from home was awarded to me by AirAsia. Through AirAsia, I feel the Gateway to the South is now more accessible than ever.

Thanks AirAsia for bringing me home to my family!" ~ G. Mahesh

Follow us on

of

Punjab (INDIA)

www.ctuniversity.in

S N NS O I O I S S S I S I M M D D A A N EN PE O OP 22001188--1199

Offering programs leading to UG, PG and Ph.D • • • • • • • • • •

Agriculture Architecture Biotechnology Computer Applications Economics & Commerce Education Engineering Fashion & Interior Design Hospitality & Tourism Mgt. Journalism & Mass Comm.

• • • • • • • • •

Languages Management Studies Natural Sciences Paramedical Sciences Performing & Fine Arts Pharmaceutical Sciences Physical Education Social Sciences Yoga and Sports Sciences

Email : admissions@ctuniversity.in

Contact : +91 99145-11016 Toll Free Number : 1800 1377 777

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN INDIA BEST QUALITY

EDUCATION AT YOUR DOORSTEP OUR GOVERNING COUNCIL

These eminent members who are governing the Edunguru project are luminaries from the education industry and have also been the guiding force to create the methodology for effective learning in many educational sectors in India.

They have helped us lay a strong foundation for quality and effective learning

Prof. S. S. Kushwaha M.Sc, Ph.D, Former Vice Chancellor Kashi Hindu Vidyapeeth, Varanasi & Ranchi University, Ranchi

Prof. K.K. Agarwal M.Sc, Ph.D Ex. Founder VC. Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi

Prof. A.K. Sharma M.Sc, Ph.D Former Director NCERT & Chief Academic Officer, UGC for University Progs.

Prof. Saket Kushwaha M.Sc; Ph.D Former Vice Chancellor LNM University, Darbhanga

Prof. Puruchuri Gangadhar Rao M.Sc, Ph.D Vice Chancellor, University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya

Prof. Arun Kumar Srivastava M.Sc, Ph.D, Life Time Dis nguished Professor, BHU

(Dr.) Prof. S. Durgaaprosad M.Sc, Ph.D, FNA Vice Chancellor, Himalyan University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh

Prof. Sunil Rai M.Sc, Ph.D, FNA Vice Chancellor, Kaziranga University, Jorhat, Assam

OUR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE BOARD A galaxy of over 500 qualified, experienced and best quality lecturers handpicked from leading educational institutes of India

OUR STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL An elite group of All India Rankers from various competitive exams who are an active part of the council to mentor Edunguru students

PRESENTING

INDIA'S LARGEST DIGITAL EDUCATION UNIVERSE

A RANGE OF 3340 COURSES IN BOTH ENGLISH & HINDI MEDIUM SUBJECT TUTORIAL

UNDER GRADUATE

TEST PREPARATION

Banking/Railways/ Indian Civil Services/ SSC/MBA and many more

IIT-JEE, NEET/AIIMS/ NDA/BBA/Law Entrance and many more

6th to 12th Class (CBSE & 10 State Boards)

SPOKEN SPOKEN SPOKEN ENGLISH ENGLISH ENGLISH

GRADUATE/ POST GRADUATE

6 Levels (absolute beginner to advanced), App for Learning & Practice, INDI - intelligent & responsive feature for conversation

Shape your future with Edunvantages l A Seamless on boarding process: Register and enroll l

l

l

l

in simple steps Concept Based Learning: Video lectures supported with animations, Live Demos, diagrams & illustrations Tutor Authored e-Books: First time in the history of online education, the complete transcription of our videos is done in the form of E-books to make studying & understanding concepts simpler Mock Tests/Solution Videos: There are numerous practice & mock tests available to help students do their homework and revise concepts effectively. We are also offering several solution videos for different competitive exams preparation, keeping in mind the exam patterns Mandatory Attendance: To ensure student’s attendance and participation, we have Multiple Choice Questions after every lesson/chapter and the student can only move on to the next lesson/chapter after answers reach us. The Multiple Choice Questions are based on that lesson/chapter. This also bridges the gap

l

l l

l l

between online & ofine modes of study Performance Monitoring: Parents can access and monitor their child’s performance through our mobile application Video & Web Chat: Support of Video & web chat for doubts/queries.

Live Classes/Physical Classes: For select courses facility of Live Classes/Physical Classes is also available in 50 cities across the country Learn through App: A user friendly App for students to get anytime, anywhere access to their studies.

Extended Support a) Call a Teacher/Topper/Peer Facility: Access to scheduled calls with on board faculties b) Career Universe: A rst of its kind online facility where students can login and choose the right career basis their basic qualications. c) Contact Centre: Students & Parents can reach out to us between 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at our toll free number

MULTIPLE DELIVERY PLATFORMS Online:

Online portal

Offline:

Mobile app

USB

DVD

E Books

Watch Demo Videos on our youtube channel

Our courses are available on both online and ofine medium.

Students can select as per their convenience. Our website and mobile App offer the online medium whereas the ofine version is supported through our encrypted & password protected USBs.

Edunguru App available at:

Academic Ofce: Ground Floor Annexe, Vipul Plaza, SunCity, Sector-54, Gurugram-122002 Sales & Marketing Ofces: Delhi/NCR l Mumbai l Kolkata l Lucknow l Nagpur l Vijayawada l Raipur

l l

Dibrugarh l Guwahati l Bhubaneshwar l Muzaffarpur l Jodhpur l Hyderabad

l

Vadodara l Gorakhpur l Patna lJaipur l Bhopal l Ranchi l Kanpur l Varanasi

For queries please write to us at info@edunguru.com

Toll Free No.:

1800 3000 2020

www.edunguru.com

In strategic sales & marketing partnership with Sahara India Pariwar

calendar

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

Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Indian Houseware & Decorative Show Gunbhakari, Gujarat

Chitra Vichitra Fair

Across India

04 18

Harvest Festival & New Year Apr 14 This day marks the beginning of the New Year for some, and harvest festival for other communities across India. In Punjab and Haryana in

North India, Baisakhi celebrations include bhangra and gidda (folk dances of Punjab) performances accompanied by the beats of the dhol (drum). This festival is celebrated as Pohela Boishakh in West Bengal, Vishu in Kerala, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu and Vaisakha in Bihar.

Apr 11 The Chitra Vichitra Fair is a celebration of the arts and customs of the tribes of Gujarat.

The highlight of this unique fair is the traditional costume donned by patrons visiting the fair. Women are dressed in ghagras (a long full skirt, often decorated with embroidery, mirrors or bells) as long as 20 yards in circumference.

The outfit is complemented with heavy silver and rafia jewellery. gujarattourism. com

Apr 18-20 From home furnishings and ornaments to household musts such as tableware, kitchenware and bathroom accessories, the Indian Houseware & Decorative Show is the perfect place to give your home a mini makeover. The collection at the two-day-long show will be an eclectic mix of traditional workmanship and innovative designs and aesthetics. indiaexpomart.com

Assam

Rongali Bihu Apr 15-21 Rongali Bihu marks the onset of spring in Assam. During the course of the celebrations, people don traditional attire made of muga silk.

With the sounds of traditional Bihu songs echoing in almost every street, the people of Assam relish traditional festive treats, including coconut ladoo (sphere shaped sweet) and pitha (rice flour dumplings). Farmers thank animals for helping them grow crops by bathing them with a paste of black gram and turmeric. bihufestival.org

20

Follow us on

The XXI Commonwealth Games will take place in Gold Coast, Australia, from April 4-15, 2018.

calendar Thrissur, Kerala

Thrissur Pooram Apr 26 Thrissur Pooram is an annual Hindu celebration held at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur. A huge procession of elephants is accompanied by enthralling percussion performances, which carry on for

36 hours at a stretch. This festival attracts thousands of tourists and expats every year. On this day, priests of the Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple and the Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple pay homage to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the Vadakkunnathan Temple. thrissurpooramfestival.com

Bengaluru, Karnataka

James Blunt "The Afterlove Tour" Live

04 18

Apr 9 Music maestro James Blunt is all set to entertain music aficionados with his much-awaited performance in the Silicon Valley of India as part of The Afterlove Tour, promoting his fifth studio album. You're Beautiful and Goodbye My Lover are some of the hit songs that James Blunt is known for. jamesblunt.com

Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Summer Festival

Apr 29-30 The picturesque hill station of Mount Abu plays host to the Summer Festival during Buddha Poornima. It is a vivid display of Rajasthani folk and classical music,

offering patrons an insight into the rich culture of the state. Ceremonial processions, boat races, qawwali (sufi devotional music) performances, and mesmerising views of the surroundings of Nakki Lake add charm to this two-day festival. tourism.rajasthan.gov.in

Hyderabad, Telangana

Pan India (Corporate) Carrom Tournament Apr 21-22 This first-of-its-kind sports event is conducted under the aegis of the Hyderabad Carrom Association. The tournament is all set to welcome over 200 corporate employees who will participate to fight for the top spot. A nominal participation fee is applicable.

22

Follow us on

calendar

Gold Coast, Australia

Bleach* Festival Mar 29-Apr 15 The lineup for this year's Bleach* Festival brings cutting-edge theatre acts along with

dance, music and cabaret performers from around the world. You will get to witness performances by artists such as Brian Ritchie, Aunty Joyce Summers and Greg Sheehan among others. australia.com

04 18

Bangkok & Chiang Mai, Thailand

New Year. The celebrations begin

Songkran

with water fights followed by cultural

Apr 13-15 The festival of Songkran marks the beginning of the Thai

24

Jakarta, Indonesia

JF3Run 2018 Apr 22 Jakarta Wine and Cheese Run 2018, now known as JF3Run, takes runners through exciting routes in the Kelapa Gading neighbourhood.

Besides testing the physical aptitude of the runners, the race always has a fun theme. This year's “Carnival Around the World� theme lets runners choose their own costume from thousands of around-the-world ideas. jf3run.com

Shenzhen, China

International Gift and Home Product Fair

Apr 25-28 The Gifts and Home Fair, organised by Reed Huabo, is one of the most popular trade shows of mainland China. Held twice a year, the show offers a wide selection of business gifts, household articles and premium products. More than 3,000 manufacturers will be taking part in the 2018 edition. chinagiftsfair.com

shows, beauty contests and a street food fiesta. tourismthailand.org

Follow us on

cover to cover

Ode to a Hero Ashis Ray talks about his latest book Laid to Rest, based on the story behind the death of one of India's greatest freedom fighters, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

Quote unquote

What book/s are you reading at present?

I am reading Gandhi, An Illustrated Biography by Pramod Kapoor.

Your favourite travel destination?

Vienna, because it's my birthplace.

If you were to be left alone on an island for three days, what all would you carry with you?

Cooked food, a tent, a blanket, a pillow, a smart mobile phone with a power bank and a book.

1

04 18

Why did you decide to write a book on Subhas Chandra Bose?

Admittedly, many a fine book has been written on Subhas Chandra Bose by eminent scholars. These, though, have mainly been biographies. My book focuses in detail on Bose's death. It's a matter that needed to be put to bed, given the disinformation that's been spread on the subject over the years.

The book seems quite researchoriented. Can you walk us through your journey of penning it?

I began examining the subject in 1987 and looked into it off and on when convenient. There were spells when I worked intensely.

And there were years when I didn't devote time to it at all, for it wasn't my day job. The research ultimately unearthed thousands of pages of documentary evidence. So, it was a matter of selecting the essence for the manuscript. In other words, the book is 10 chapters. It is based on 11 different investigations, including Indian, British, Japanese and Taiwanese, all reaching the conclusion that Bose died as a result of a plane crash at Taipei on August 18, 1945.

26

Which countries did you travel to for your research?

Living as I do in London, my work began at the Public Records Office, now known as the National Archives of Britain. Here and at the British Library, the world's second-biggest depository of books, I spent years probing the matter. I travelled to Taipei, where the plane crash that killed Subhas Bose took place; then to Tokyo, where his remains are preserved at the Renkoji temple; and to Islamabad to meet Naeemur Rehman, the son of Bose's ADC Colonel Habibur Rehman, who was fortunate enough to have survived the crash.

How did your experience as a journalist help you in writing this book?

I've been a broadcaster since 1971 and a journalist since 1975. I have been fortunate enough to work for some of the world's leading news media organisations. The hard part was editing - what to keep and what to leave out from the Himalayan information I had and present a cogent, coordinated and convincing narrative.

1. Ashis Ray

Inspiring Realms Subhas Chandra Bose started a newspaper called Swaraj and also served as editor of the Forward, a newspaper conceptualised by Chittaranjan Das. Netaji was elected as the President of the All India Youth Congress Committee and the Secretary of the Bengal State Congress in 1923.

In 1930, for a brief period, he served as the mayor of Calcutta (now Kolkata).

Can you share some stories about the people you met while researching this book?

Apart from Naeemur Rehman another key meeting was with Yukichi Arai, the son of another crash survivor, Captain Keikichi Arai. And importantly, Dr Taneyoshi Yoshimi, who was in-charge of the Japanese military hospital where Bose was treated after the crash. My discussions with Prakash Shah, former Indian ambassador in Tokyo; Ronen Sen, former Indian ambassador in Moscow, Satinder Lambah, former Indian ambassador to Germany, were also productive.

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

Perhaps writing the preface, which I call Raison d'etre. This explains why I had to write the book and why the problem regarding Bose's remains has persisted for 72 years.

Follow us on

Crockett Johnson was more than an author and illustrator; he also received a patent for a four-way adjustable mattress and contributed original geometry theorems to the Mathematical Gazette.

cover to cover

The Heartfulness Way Kamlesh D. Patel and Joshua Pollock; Reveal Press

The author traces a seeker’s journey as he examines the nature of spiritual search. The Heartfulness Way takes the reader through a series of conversations between a teacher and a student, revealing the principles of the heartfulness practice.

Love and Life in Lucknow

Sneak Peek

Memoirs of My Body Shreya Sen-Handley; HarperCollins

At once personal and universal, Memoirs of My Body is a tale about the journey of a woman through various phases of life. It is a tale of triumphs and tragedies, injustices and ecstasy, including the little ones we can all identify with.

28

This book chronicles the lives of the residents of Lucknow.

From poetic vegetable vendors to a theatrical rickshaw puller, the characters of this novel will change the way you think about the citizens of this colourful city.

The most alluring part of the book is the journey of Bano Bua to the abode of the Baba of Bottles in search of Tamboli Begum.

Bano Bua is an epitome of freedom and independence.

She is the one who holds together all the characters of the novel.

The Silver Music Box Mina Baites; AmazonCrossing

The Silver Music Box is a captivating cross-generational novel about a Jewish family divided by World War II and an inheritance that has the power to bring them back together.

It traces the journey of the treasure crafted by Jewish silversmith Johann Blumenthal for his young son before he leaves to fight in the war.

Livia Lone Barry Eisler; Thomas & Mercer

Protagonist Livia Lone is a sex-crimes detective who knows the monsters she hunts. After years of abuse, the only thing that kept Livia alive in her teenage years was her determination to find Nason - her younger sister who was sold by her Thai parents.

Rasia, the Dance of Desire, is the rags-to-riches story of Raj Shekhar Subramanyam, his obsessed student Vatsala and his ideal wife Manasi.

Devoted to her husband, the wife empowers herself and becomes the strength of her man whereas the seductress can't beguile him with all her charm. The wife gives every space that the seductress demands.

Such is the power of her love and trust that her husband refuses to lapse into infidelity.

The book advances in small chapters with multiple narrators. Such narratives give several perspectives to the reader to analyse the various characters.

Facets

Pradeep Gulati; Notion Press

Facets is a collection of short stories highlighting the various aspects of human relationships. Drawn from incidents from different parts of the world, each short story deals with unexpected emotions and twists.

Follow us on

Review by author Gaurav Sharma Lakhi

Publisher - Rupa Author - Koral Dasgupta

Publisher Niyogi Books; Author - Mehru Jaffer

04 18

Rasia, the Dance of Desire

SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali: The Beginning holds the Guinness World Record for the largest poster of more than 50,000 sq ft in size.

movies & music

Latest Releases We bring you your monthly dose of entertainment.

Music

Hindi

Blackmail

Update your playlist with these latest soundtracks!

Irrfan Khan, Kirti Kulhri, Arunoday Sing, Divya Dutta Plot The story revolves around a common man Dev, who finds out about his wife's extra-marital affair. However, Dev doesn’t get depressed or violent after finding out the truth. Instead, he decides to take revenge on his wife’s boyfriend.

Apr 6 Cast

English

Tully

The Deconstruction Release Date Apr 16 Artiste Eels Label E Works, PIAS

Hindi

Manikarnika: The Queen Of Jhansi Kangana Ranaut, Sonu Sood, Danny Denzongpa Plot The film is based on the story of Rani Lakshmibai, one of the leading figures of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, and her resistance to the British Raj. Apr 2 Cast

04 18

Golden Release Date Apr

6 Minogue Label Darenote, BMG Artiste Kylie

Apr 20 Cast Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis, Mark Duplass Plot The story is about a mother of three, Marlo, who develops a unique bond with Tully, a young, sometimes challenging and thoughtful nanny her brother hires to help her.

Hindi

Nanu Ki Jaanu Apr 5 Cast Abhay Deol, Patralekha, Rajesh Sharma Plot Abhay Deol plays an agent for the New Delhi land mafia. The film chronicles life-altering situations in the protagonist's life, including the arrival of a ghost.

Primal Heart Release Date Apr 20 Artiste Kimbra Label Warner Bros.

Tamil

Kaala Rajinikanth, Nana Patekar, Huma Qureshi Plot The story features Rajinikanth as a man from Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, who escapes to Mumbai as a child and goes on to become a powerful slumlord and later a righteous gangster in the Dharavi slums.

Apr 27 Cast

30

Eat the Elephant Release Date Apr 20 Artiste A Perfect Circle Label BMG

Follow us on

JkJain Elegance

Scoreboard

Young Guns of the Indian Premier League With franchises allowed to retain three players from the previous season, this year's IPL auction had a whopping 578 players under the hammer, and resulted in the addition of many new names in various teams.

2

04 18

The Start to a Memorable Series 1

Many international and national players are all set to make their debut in this year's Indian Premier League. Their track record in several domestic and international leagues has garnered the attention of the big kahunas of the cricket world, and earned them a spot in the IPL. As the curtains go up on the 11th edition of the cricket extravaganza on April 7th 2018, we bring you some of the debutants to watch out for.

Jofra Archer The 22-yearold West Indies pacer has an economy of 7.27, but his strikerate of 13.60 in the T20s makes him a prize catch. With a regular bowling speed of 90 mph and big-hitting capabilities in the

32

death overs, it looks like Jofra Archer is worth the whopping `7.2 crores the Rajasthan Royals paid for him!

1. Evin Lewis from Trinidad and Tobago, is an attacking opening batsman and has been quite an impressive player in the T20s.

Krishnappa Gowtham The 29-yearold Karnataka spinner, bought by the Rajasthan Royals for `6.2 crores, is known for his all-round skills. In the four List A matches he played, Gowtham took 10 wickets with best balling in innings of 5/28. In 22 first-class matches, he has scored 541 runs and picked up 79 wickets.

In the T20 format domestically, he has played 27 matches overall, scoring 310 runs and picking up 20 wickets.

2. The 18-year-old Kamlesh Nagarkoti is India's Under-19 cricket team's pacer, clocking regularly in excess of 140 kph.

The first match of the 11th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be played between two-time champions, Chennai Super Kings and the defending champions, Mumbai Indians, on April 7, 2018 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

John D'Arcy A batting allrounder, left-handed opener

Follow us on

Scoreboard

At the end of the IPL auction 2018, 169 players were sold (for 182 vacant slots). This included 113 Indians, 56 overseas, 91 capped, 77 uncapped and one associate player.

2

Khaleel Ahmed After playing the last U-19 World Cup team in 2016, Khaleel Ahmed was a part of the Delhi Daredevils where he spent two seasons, but did not play a single game as he was in the extras. Now being picked up by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for `3 crores, he wants to be a part of the playing XI. Shubman Gill The ‘Man of the Tournament’ in the recently concluded ICC U-19 World Cup, Shubman Gill has been signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders for `1.8 crores. This young batsman from Mohali has many accolades to his name. For example, he smashed 351 runs and set a record partnership of 587 runs with his opening partner in the ML Markan Trophy. He also bagged the 'Man of the Series' trophy for his performance against England in 2017.

04 18

Moeen Ali The all-round Englishman has a varied experience with 109 T20s, scoring 2139 runs at an average of 22.51 and strike rate of 128.85. Moeen Ali has been bought by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for `1.7 crores.

1

and a slow left-arm bowler, John D'Arcy has a strike rate of 150 from 19 T20 innings and has been picked by the Rajasthan Royals for `5.4 crores.

Evin Lewis The left-handed Trinidadian batsman who idolises Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis has been roped in for `3.8 crores by the Mumbai Indians and has a current strike rate of 154.96 from 14 T20

34

matches. He was also the No. 4 batsmen in the ICC T20 rankings in 2017.

Kamlesh Nagarkoti This young cricketer has been roped in by Kolkata Knight Riders for `3.2 crores. He regularly bowls in excess of 140kph. In the last ICC U-19 World Cup in New Zealand, Nagarkoti scalped 11 wickets in seven matches.

1. Shubman Gill celebrates 100 runs during the U19 World Cup semi-final match between India and Pakistan at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

2. Krishnappa Gowtham is an offspinning all-rounder who was largely seen as a T20 specialist.

Lungisani Ngidi This cricketer from South Africa, who was the nemesis of the Indian batsmen in the Centurion Test with 43 wickets in 39 T20s at an average of 19.21 and a strike rate of 16, has been snapped up by the Chennai Super Kings for `50 lakhs. He was recognised during the Africa Cup, a provincial T20 tournament held in September 2015. In this series, he was the joint second-highest wicket-taker.

Follow us on

City Canvas

Mesmerising Macao Macao’s reputation is one of a glitzy gaming city, but beneath the sheen is a vibrant montage of heritage, culture and history that will leave any visitor mesmerised.

Insider's View Macao at its best!

2

04 18

words: anita rao kashi

1

36

Macao is a Special Administrative Region of China in the South China Sea. It is easily accessible from the mainland and is often known as Asia's Las Vegas. Its name invokes images of towering buildings, luxurious hotels, glitzy, flashy casinos and an air of indulgence. And yet, that is just a small part of its allure. Macao balances its high-rolling image with its rich and chequered history that goes back at least 2,000 years.

In ancient times, Macao was a fishing and port town. Its most interesting history is relatively recent, about four centuries ago, when the Portuguese arrived at its shores. The meeting of two cultures and the intriguing mélange of Chinese and Portuguese influences make it a fascinating place. So, while the casinos might be tempting, step out and explore some other interesting facets of the city.

1. The ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral in Macao.

2. Mazu Temple

It is easy to miss the little gems amid the bright and shiny lights of Macao, but if you look around, there are plenty to be found. One of these is on a little hillock on the southwestern tip of the Macao Peninsula – a small Taoist shrine dedicated to the sea-goddess Mazu (also called A-Ma and Tin Hou) or heavenly empress. It is an ancient temple that existed before Macao came into being and is believed to be the root of debate over the region's name. According to popular legend, the Portuguese landed near the temple and enquired about the name of the land. Locals, misunderstanding the question, told them the name of the temple, “A-Ma-Gau”, meaning “Bay of A-Ma” and that is how Macao got its name.

Even though the temple is tiny, it has six distinct parts; each is reached via a short flight of steps leading up to them. It is a sacred place for both locals and visitors. Its serene atmosphere is enhanced by the sweet fragrance spiralling from incense sticks that are lit by the devout and hung from the ceiling. Within the premises is a series of wooden frames strung with thin threads on which bright red pieces of paper filled with prayers flutter in the breeze.

Follow us on

The 29th Macao Arts Festival is to be held from April 24 to May 31. It is themed on “Origin”, which explores a wide range of topics that aim to broaden your thoughts on life.

City Canvas

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

If you're looking for fresh and healthy food substitutes, Lord Stow’s Bakery is the place to be at. Patrons come here for just one item, the tart, which was the result of tweaking a Portuguese and English recipe to produce a not-sosweet, flaky and buttery crust filled with creamy, caramelised egg custard.

Located on the 51st floor of the Ritz Carlton, Lai Heen is a beautiful Michelinstarred Chinese restaurant that serves up gourmet dishes such as the lobster bisque with steamed crab claw, the Iberico ham and braised pork belly. Amid this setting, the restaurant offers spectacular views thanks to its location. Its décor reflects the local mixed heritage with Chinese and Portuguese influences. It also has over 500 wines that can be paired with these gastronomic delights.

If classy and elegant buys are what you’re looking for, then One Central Macao mall is the place to be at. Not only does it have fabulous views of Nam Van Lake and comfortable seating to rest tired legs while shopping, it also has the most incredible collection of premier designer labels. Spread over three floors, it is also in the neighbourhood of some of Macao’s chic hotels and often offers fabulous deals with them.

Centrally located, the Ole Tai Sam Un Hotel is a modest and comfortable option just a few minutes from the ruins of St Paul’s Cathedral, St. Dominic’s Church and Senado Square. It is also within walking distance of many casinos and shopping areas. Providing a quiet sanctuary in the busy central area of Macao, the hotel’s rooms are stylish, with wooden floors and comfortable beds. It projects an air of cosiness and has a restaurant and bar.

stay

04 18

At Man Ming, it’s a bit of a task not to be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of goods that are on display. Whether you are looking for artifacts for the house, something to wear or a great gift, this is the place to visit. It might seem chaotic and disorganised at first sight, but you will find amazing souvenirs, vases, crockery, dishes, quaint teapots and much more, piled up high!

Among Macao’s many high rises, the Macao Tower (338 m) stands out. It is an imposing structure with a wonderful revolving restaurant at the top that offers fabulous views of the bay. It is also a top destination for adventure junkies - the AJ Hackett Macao Bungy Jump is at a thrilling height of 233 m and is one of the highest commercial bungee jumps in the world.

Eat

Get a glimpse of Macao’s colourful past in the heart of Macao’s historic old town at the Senado Square.

A picturesque place, it is reminiscent of a European town with its pastelcoloured, neo-classical buildings that date back to the Portuguese era. Close by are the dramatic ruins of St Paul’s Cathedral, an iconic symbol of Macao, as well as the beautiful 16th century St Dominic’s Church.

Do

Splurge

Shop

Save

Probably one of Asia’s best-known hospitality brands, Banyan Tree’s reputation rests on its spas. And Banyan Tree Macao certainly doesn’t disappoint. The sprawling pool is the focal point of the hotel and is overwhelmingly large. There is another smaller pool on the 31st floor along with the health club. The hotel is chic and has delightful little luxuries to make your stay memorable.

Getting There AirAsia Berhad flies to Macao from various destinations. airasia.com

38

Follow us on

advertorial

Prepared to Fight

Combat Helmet

Ballistic Helmet

Calcutta fabricators is an ISO 9001-2008 certified company from Kolkata. Engaged in the manufacturing of various defence equipment designed and tested by leading DRDO Laboratories and researching in the fields of physiology and bioengineering.

The company was set up in 1983 by our founder Mr. Dhyan Mohinta.

We manufacture combat helmets, bullet resistant helmets, safety helmets and riot control equipment including polycarbonate shield helmets. We also manufacture various garment items specifically designed for the Indian army and para-military forces. It was the first company to receive substantial order of combat uniform and extreme climate garment which was newly introduced by the army.

We are registered with the Directorate General of Quality Assurance, Government of India, Ministry of Defence. We recently had the opportunity to meet with the honourable Defence Minister of India, Mr. Manohar Parrikar on the May 3, 2016 in Delhi. He congratulated us on our efforts and urged the army and industries to work together towards a better future for Indian defence through indegenisation and “Make in India” We have been regularly supplying combat helmets to the Indian army, state police departments, Indian naval forces, paramilitary forces and the railways for the last 10 years. We

Anti Riot Helmet

have developed anti-riot helmet, airborne helmet and bullet resistant helmet successfully according to MHA specifications and are ready to supply as per demand from government. We participate in all government tenders regularly.

We possess expertise and capabilities to manufacture in accordance with specifications provided by the client.

Plans for expansion We have worked with the Indian government for almost 35 years and with the vast technical experience we have gained, we plan to expand to western markets. There are many countries such as SE Asian countries and African nations who have a huge demand for anti-riot equipment and

various types of helmets.

Since helmets is our flagship product we can develop and supply any type of helmet provided we have the correct specification. With a team of experienced engineers, we are confident that we can fulfill any requirement not only from India but also from overseas.

We are also looking at foreign technological collaboration with foreign companies who can greatly strengthen our technical base and provide us with the required know-how.

Our clients The Government of India (Ministry of Defence) is our biggest client as we are one of the few companies holding rate contract for combat helmet.

We supply to various state police departments namely Gujarat Police, UP Police, Maharashtra Police, State Border Police, Indian naval forces, para-military forces and to railway departments. All our products are also available on gem.gov.in, the government initiated website for all products.

04 18

We plan to expand and supply to private companies in need of safety defence equipment. One of our recent private clients is Bokaro Steel Plant, Steel Authority of India (SAIL) and Garden Reach Ship Builder. www.calcuttafabricators.com

“A lot has changed in the defense industry since the 80’s and now major changes are taking place in India. Import substitution has increased and there is more stress on indegenisation. There is huge demand for not only helmets but various other new products in development. We are constantly in the lookout for new products which we can develop successfully with the help and support from defence industry” ~ Dhyan Mohinta- Partner “With the massive changes in procurement and advent of Make in India and technical advancement, I’m glad to be a part of the defence industry. I hope in the coming years this industry can help in strengthening our manufacturing base in India and reducing the amount of imports from abroad. With the right knowledge and technology we can be at par with foreign products.” ~ Ankita Mohinta- Partner

39

Travelher

Bikaner Bytes

Long weekends are an important time to unplug from the day-to-day hustle. For Amrita Das and her friends, it was time to explore the princely state of Bikaner, which is known for its gastronomic delights.

04 18

S

ometimes, it’s the destinations that make a trip memorable. Other times, it is the company that makes all the difference. If we’re lucky, we get the best of both. My happy trip to Rajasthan’s historic city of Bikaner was the latter. A few months ago, my friends and I decided to take this journey from New Delhi.

Everything just fell into place - there was a long weekend coming up, we had saved up some money and the train journey from New Delhi was comfortably short. Being a foodie, I was keen to try out the delicacies available in the nooks and crannies of Bikaner.

This trip was also a good way to break away from the monotony of household chores and work, and rekindle our bond. Over group chats and conference calls, we unanimously agreed on a place to stay and booked our accommodation and train tickets.

We took an overnight train from New Delhi to Bikaner. The seven-

40

hour journey passed by quite quickly. We chatted through the night, reminiscing the old days and making plans for our holiday. The lack of sleep finally caught up with us, so once we reached Bikaner, we decided to rest for a few hours.

A Taste of the Town Our hotel was centrally located on Station Road.

We did not have an itinerary as such, choosing instead to rely on the locals to tell us which places to explore. This turned out to be the best part. Much to our delight, the neighbourhood of our hotel was the hub of the famous Bikaneri bhujia (crispy fried snack made of lentils and gram flour). It reinforced the fact that unplanned trips, sometimes, work out to be the

Street food stalls are a commonplace in Bikaner selling fried snacks and savoury items like mathri (deep fried biscuit made from flour, water, and cumin seeds), kachori (a spicy snack with a filling of lentils), etc.

Follow us on

04 18

41

About the Author

1

Amrita Das is a freelance travel writer and professional travel blogger based in Kolkata, India.

She contributes to various Indian and international publications. She propagates solo travel and shares her experiences from off-beat, culture and adventure travel through her writing.

2

04 18

42

most exciting journey that takes you completely and delightfully by surprise.

After a good rest, the first item on our agenda was to cover the Karni Mata Temple. Situated at a distance of about 30 kms south of Bikaner, the temple was built by Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. A silver door led us to the main shrine of the Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga.

We also visited the Bhandasar Jain Temple in Bikaner. The uniqueness of this temple are the detailed paintings on the pillars and walls of the temple, which are adorned with gold leaf patterns.

After spending some time at the temple, we decided to head out for lunch. Local recommendations pointed us towards Chhotu Motu Joshi, a place loved by both residents and tourists alike, only a few metres away from our hotel. We took a cab back to the hotel and then walked towards this small restaurant. We were surprised to see a large number of people waiting in queue. We had to wait for about 30 minutes before managing to get a seat here.

Evidently, this is the usual waiting time at Chhotu Motu Joshi. Once seated, we ordered all the speciality items from the menu starting

3

1. The city of Bikaner in Rajasthan is the native land of bhujia, which is a salted snack item made of lentils and gram flour. 2. Amrita Das (centre) dining with her travel buddies. 3. Devotees walking through the entrance gate of Karni Mata Temple. The temple is also known as 'rat temple' for the thousands of rats that roam around the area.

from dal kachori (deep-fried snack stuffed with lentil) with methi ki sabzi (fenugreek curry) and then hot and juicy jalebis (dessert made with white flour and sugar syrup).

The meal was enormous and seemed to be enough to last us for the remaining five days!

Our next destination was the Kapda Bazaar, a wholesale cloth market. The seemingly endless lane was flanked by a multitude of textile stores in traditional Bikaneri style — open

shop windows, customers seated on mattresses and colourful fabrics hanging from the ceiling.

The chaos of the market abated when we exited onto Old Jail Road and came across Chunni Lal Tanwar Sharbatwale. We washed down our lunch with his flavoursome bela and kesar sharbat (jasmine and saffron squash). This shop has been serving naturally flavoured sharbat since 1939, and like many other shops in the old

Follow us on

04 18

"After spending some time at the temple, we decided to head out for lunch. Local recommendations pointed us towards Chhotu Motu Joshi, a place loved by both residents and tourists alike." city, has been run by the same family for generations.

Heading back to our hotel, we walked towards Station Road and saw the iconic Bikaji shop where Haldiram's used to make bhujia.

Haldiram's goes back to 1937, when Gangabhisan Aggarwal started selling snacks in Bikaner. Today, it is a world renowned brand.

Needless to say, we had to pay our homage and bought ourselves some delicious goodies.

Kot Gate delights Next morning, we first headed to the famous Kot Gate.

It is one of the ancient gates to the city and marks the heart of the old town. This daunting structure is surrounded by the local market, which is a haven for shoppers with

options ranging from paintings, handicrafts and Khadi items to wooden carvings and utensils.

Golchha Store, a few steps away from Kot Gate on Katla, was one of the smallest shops I have ever been to. The owner, Jag Kumar, welcomed us happily. We lingered at the shop for a good half-an-hour and tried a delicious array of pickles and churan (digestives). He handed out samples of his specialties and offered us a bite of anything that we found interesting. The Rajasthani sangri (beans of certain trees growing on dry arid land) pickle was spicy and packed with flavour. Among the pickles, the lemon pickle is a musttry. We walked out of his shop with bags full of pickles, churan and papad (thin, crisp, disc-shaped snack).

Bhujia Heaven While roaming in the locality of G.T.B Nagar, I spotted Bhikharam Chandmal on the opposite side of the road.

Bhikharam Chandmal has been making bhujias for about 125 years now. The company has grown significantly and has spread all over the country. I was mesmerised as I gawked at their glass shelves stocked with sweet and savoury snacks. The rasgullas (a syrupy ball-shaped dessert), rajbhog (dessert made with cottage cheese), soan papdi (dessert having a crisp and flaky texture) and baked cookies were all arranged in neat rows.

Many people know Bikaner as the city that houses the Karni Mata Temple. Others know it for the exquisite Junaadh Fort and Laxmi Niwas Palace. After this visit, I have discovered the many wonders of the city. But what has stayed with me the most is the aromas and tastes of Bikaneri food.

43

Wanderlust / Madhya Pradesh

04 18

The Middle Ground A road trip from New Delhi to Madhya Pradesh will take you to a cluster of must-visit destinations - Khajuraho, Panna Wildlife Sanctuary, Dhubela and Orchha. During this five-day road trip, you will experience the best of culture, history, nature and architecture that the state has to offer.

Words Shashi Priya

46

Follow us on

Jahangir Mahal, a citadel and garrison located in Orchha, is one of the finest and most vivid examples of classical Mughal and Rajput architecture.

A

constant fear that haunts every traveller is falling short of places to travel to, and I’m no exception.

Many travel hotspots close to home, near New Delhi, were fast getting ticked off the list, and my cousin and I were desperately seeking new horizons to explore, to fill in our five-day break. A little Internet research and many adjective-laced descriptions later, we realised that we hadn't really turned our gaze to the marvellous centrepiece of India – Madhya Pradesh – whose gateway Jhansi is just an eight-hour drive from New Delhi. However, the easy "road trip" access to Madhya Pradesh was second only to the irresistible mix of everything travel, within a 200 kms stretch, spanning the ancient temples of Khajuraho, the natural wonders of Panna Wildlife Sanctuary, the architectural magnificence of Orchha and the heritage of Dhubela. Quite convinced of their splendour and magnificence, we set our eyes and our hatchback’s GPS location on Jhansi from where began our journey to India’s heartland!

04 18

Nature’s Pride On a cold January morning, as the sun began to show over the Vindhyan hills, we reached Panna Wildlife Sanctuary. In the freezing 6 am cold, we struggled to climb atop a bare bone 4x4 (Maruti gypsy), weighing our odds

47

04 18

1

of spotting the elusive tigers. The bad news was, just the day before, a tigress obliged 20 out of 30 vehicles with not just her "fleeting glimpse" but a proper coup d'oeil, ending a five-day drought of non-sightings.

"You should have come yesterday," said one of the guides. Usually, the tigers do not come out near the road the very next day after their sighting. “What a great start!" murmured my cousin, throwing her hands up in despair! The guide added, "The tigress was accompanied by two cubs," making us feel even worse. But then a flock of king vultures feasting over a carcass offered us some consolation. Majestic in size, the vultures looked no less fascinating than the king of the jungle. This was not the only sight Panna had to offer. While scouting for the tiger, we spotted honey buzzards, blossomheaded parakeets and a paradise

48

"About 460 million years ago, a volcanic eruption created the canyon, which is characterised by five different kinds of rocks in unique colours."

1. A girl enjoying the views of the Vindhyan Hills region of Madhya Pradesh. 2. Visitors at the Kandariya Mahadev temple in Khajuraho. It is famous for its intricate carvings and erotic sculptures.

flycatcher. Another set of spectacular sightings consisted of spotted deer, nilgai and sambar deer.

A Treat for the Eyes The next on our agenda was the Ken Gharial Sanctuary. A part of the Panna Wildlife Reserve, the sanctuary is home to crocodiles that grow up to six metres long! You can easily spot them sunbathing with their mouths open on the banks of the Ken River. Some crocodiles even occupy a handful of rocks that sit in the middle of the river. But what fascinated us,

even more than the crocodiles, was the rock formation running along the 45-km-long course of the two rivers, Khuddar and Ken. This was our first introduction to gorges in India and what lay right in front of our eyes was just spectacular!

We could see the emerald-green water of the Ken River flanked by towering rock formations of different hues. Our guide informed us that about 460 million years ago, a volcanic eruption created the canyon, which is characterised by five different kinds of rocks in

Follow us on

04 18

2

49

Itinerary

Leave early for Khajuraho to catch the sunrise by the temples. It takes approximately an hour (43.8 kms) to reach Khajuraho from Panna. Also, catch the Son et lumière show at the Western Temple complex. For those travelling on a budget, there is a MP government's Hotel Tourist Village opposite Shiv Sagar Lake.

Day 3

Start early from New Delhi to reach Jhansi by nightfall. On the way, stop at the historic city of Gwalior. You can explore the Gwalior Fort, Man Mandir Palace and Jai Vilas Palace. It takes about six-and-a-half hours (362.9 kms) to reach Gwalior and the roads are mostly smooth, apart from the last 100 kms.

Stretch from Gwalior to Jhansi is full of potholes.

04 18

Day 1

Leave for Panna Wildlife Sanctuary before sunrise. It takes approximately threeand-a-half hours (201.4 kms) to reach the sanctuary.

You have better chances of spotting the big cats on an early morning wildlife safari, while they’re still resting.

Map not to scale

Day 2

50

Gwalior Fort

Follow us on

Drive back to New Delhi from Jhansi via Gwalior.

Day 5

Jai Vilas Palace

Day 4

Leave for Jhansi from Khajuraho via Dhubela and Orchha. While Dhubela is 65 kms from Khajuraho, Orchha is a two-hour drive (114 Kms) from Dhubela.

Jhansi is just half an hour from Orchha so you can spend the evening by the Betwa River and attend the Ram Raja Sarkar aarti (ritual) in the evening.

04 18 Panna Wildlife Sanctuary

Khajuraho

Orchha

51

1

04 18

"The temples of Khajuraho are best experienced in the pretty hues of sunrise and sunset, when the sandstone glows a burnished gold."

1. Murals at the Laxminarayan Temple in Orchha depict the finest examples of Mughal and Bundela schools of painting. 2. Jahangir Mahal in Orchha Fort complex was built in the 17th century to mark King Jahangir's visit to the town. 3. Panna National Park in Madhya Pradesh is home to the painted stork, a bird species.

2

unique colours. Pink was granite, black was dolomite, brown was quartz, yellow was basalt and the slightly reddish one was jasper! A little ahead, we were introduced to the sanctuary's crowned jewel, the Raneh Waterfall. Unfortunately, the horseshoe cascade, which was once said to be the eye of the crater that formed the gorge, was all dried up. But it still made a lasting impression on us.

Erotica in Stone Absolutely satisfied with Day 1 of our trip, we headed to Khajuraho, just an hour's drive from Panna. The temples of Khajuraho are best experienced in the pretty hues of sunrise and sunset, when the sandstone glows a burnished gold. The six square kilometre temple premises house 21 structures with intricate carvings, many of which are erotic in nature, depicting different sexual positions.

Abundant in exquisite sculptures, a wordless but powerful celebration of the divine and the erotic, with an openness that cannot be imagined in today's times, Khajuraho allowed us a glimpse of the liberal ancient India, the birthplace of the Kamasutra, the world’s first erotic treatise.

Follow us on

Royal Splendour Our first stop the next day was Dhubela, the bastion of King Chhatrasal, who was also the father of Mastani, Bajirao Peshwa's wife. In recent times, Mastani was brought to life on the silver screen

by Deepika Padukone in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 2017 period drama Bajirao Mastani. Around 65 kms from Khajuraho, Dhubela is on the way to Orchha and both places can be easily covered in a day. Dhubela, for us, was an elaborate canvas of Bundeli art and architecture. Visit the Maharaja Chhatrasal Museum, which is in one of the palaces built by him and houses sculptures of the shakti cult (it includes a variety of goddesses, all considered aspects of the same supreme goddess). It also has on display the robes and weapons used by the Bundela kings.

Don't forget to see the Mastani Mahal situated right next to the museum.

Maharaja Chhatrasal's and Maharani Kamlapati's cenotaphs are worth a visit as well.

Orchha demands more attention than Dhubela so plan your day to keep the maximum number of hours for Orchha's most exquisite offering, the magnificent Jahangir Mahal built in honour of the king. A fine example of a blend of Muslim and Rajput architecture, the palace has four levels built around a huge courtyard.

Eight large domes add to its grandeur and a string of rooms with arcaded openings and royal baths enhance its elegance. Anand Mahal, the palace garden, is decorated with elaborate octagonal flower beds. Basically, Jahangir Mahal is your go-to place for those Instagram-worthy selfies. The chhatris (umbrella-like structures), along with the Ram Raja and Laxmi Narayan temples, are other important structures in the Orchha Fort Complex.

With exquisitely carved temples, forts and palaces, a royal and historical experience is a given when you visit Madhya Pradesh.

04 18

Getting There AirAsia flies to New Delhi and Indore from various destinations.

3

airasia.com

53

Wanderlust / Lenscape

04 18

54

Follow us on

Theme for Thought “There is no love sincerer than the love of food,” said George Bernard Shaw. When it is served in interesting surroundings, the attraction increases so much more. Here are some exclusive design-centric eateries that promise to elevate your dining experience to an all-new level.

04 18

Rustic Essence Village - The Soul of India, Thane West, Mumbai Village – the Soul of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra is the place to be at for a rustic Indian feel, complete with vibrant environs and good food. The restaurant has several sections with different themes, ranging from cinema and railway station to beauty parlour, classroom and more. They also have a play area for children, which hosts games and puppet shows. Serving an unlimited buffet, this diner has little nooks with cane seats, brightly coloured walls done up with handicrafts from across India. In the middle, you even have a small clock tower model made with multi-hued blocks, which, along with the bench seating, chequered flooring and colourful artefacts, adds to the happy vibes of the place.

Must Try: Batata Vada (potato fritters), Kothimbir Vadi (coriander fritters), Bhindi Bhaji (Okra curry) Address: 3rd Floor, R-Mall, Ghodbandar Road, Dokali Pada, Dhokali, Thane West, Mumbai villagethesoulofindia.com

55

trending hotspot The Turkey Project, New Delhi Located in Defence Colony, The Turkey Project is the place to head to for ItalianAmerican comfort food. The brainchild of Kabir Chugh and Sumeet Chugh, this place has an earthy tone, courtesy of its brown-and-beige colour scheme. The entrance is through huge glass doors impressively framed with teak wood, which gives you a sneak peek of what lies ahead. The chic contemporary interiors are accentuated with indoor plants in interesting pots, with baskets of vines and flowers hanging from the ceiling. Quirky light fixtures add to the charm of The Turkey Project. The restaurant’s target clientele is working professionals and to them,­it offers laptop-charging points, mobile chargers and free WiFi. Must Try: Italian Nachos with Cheese, Trio Tomato Arrabiata - Pasta, Strawberry Cheese Tea

04 18

Address: C-27, DDA Commercial Complex, Defence Colony, New Delhi

Up, Above Terminal 10, Indore - The Airplane Restaurant If you’re in Indore, Terminal 10 – The Airplane Restaurant is a fully intact Airbus A-320 plane with 180 covers that provides exemplary options in vegetarian food. The main structure is a defunct plane that has been converted into this sleek restaurant, bought in an auction by New Delhibased Standard Products. The cockpit has disco lights and is a favourite among selfie takers. There is also an al fresco seating area outside the plane – an interesting place to have a meal at!

Must Try: Dahi Kebab (hung curd fritters), Dum Aloo Bhojpuri (stuffed fried potato), Triple Fruity Ice cream Address: MR 10 Rd, Scheme 134, Sai Kripa Colony, Indore, Madhya Pradesh

56

Follow us on

MUNCHING behind the bars Kaidi Kitchen, Mylapore, Chennai Fancy an intermittent meal-break in a jail? A visit to Kaidi Kitchen is a must. The staff here, dressed as inmates in black and white, and jailers in authentic uniform, take your order from a vegetarian menu. The main entrance of the restaurant resembles the tall gates of Chennai’s Central Jail. The minimalist dÊcor has simple black chairs and beige-hued tables. You also have private dining spaces with grill doors resembling a prison cell. Walls have models of guns, hand prints and also photographs of prisoners sharing food.

Must Try: Spaghetti Carbonara, Sweet Corn Soup, Chocolate Fondue Address: 20/3, Bishop Wallers Avenue East, CIT Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu kaidikitchen.com

04 18

57

Undoing the Basics Nature’s Toilet Cafe, Ahmedabad, Gujarat Ever thought about eating a three-course meal on the throne? Well, probably not. But if you want to experience this, head to India’s first toilet-themed café next to the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This concept is aimed at inculcating hygiene etiquette and highlight the importance of toilets. All the toilets are connected to bio-gas and the waste is used to create electricity. The openair restaurant is dotted with commodes that form the primary seating here. It takes some getting used to, but this unique concept catches the fancy of patrons!

Must Try: Coffee, Finger Food Address: Nature’s Toilet Café, Safai Vidyalaya, Next to Sabarmati Ashram, Old Wadaj, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

04 18

58

Follow us on

FOR THE BOLLYWOOD BUFFS Ohri’s 70MM, Hyderabad If you’re a movie buff who happens to love food, visit Ohri’s 70MM. This Bollywood-themed restaurant has posters on the walls that will take you through the evolution of movies in India.

You will spot mannequins of several characters from movies accompanied by humorous one-liners about the food.

You pay for the food before entering the restaurant at a booth done up like a movie-ticket counter. Deep-red walls and curtains encrusted with crystals give a rich feel, transporting you to a 70s Bollywood scene!

Must Try: Silsila Fried Fish, Haleem (stew), Paneer Pakora (cottage cheese fritters) Address: Ohri’s Jalavihar, Necklace Road, Hyderabad, Telangana ohris.com

04 18

Dine with the Superheroes Café Down The Alley, Bengaluru If you are in Banashankari in Bengaluru and love Marvel and DC, head to Café Down The Alley, the city’s only comic-themed café. This well-lit spacious place has superhero murals and posters across its walls as well as pillars.

The walls are also peppered with images of the Joker, Wolverine and more. The seating is comfortable; you have beanbags to lounge on.

There is a window – more like a large hole in the wall – through which the food is served.

The entire menu is on the wall, charmingly handwritten on a blackboard, running along the periphery of this window.

Must Try: Hulk’s Own Chicken Burger, Crispy Chicken, Strawberry Soda Address: 12,29 Near PES University Back Gate, D’Souza Nagar, Hosakerehalli, Banashankari, Bengaluru, Karnataka

59

Wanderlust / Kolkata

04 18

60

Follow us on

Boi Para

A Bibliophile's Paradise Books, conversation and coffee capture the essence of Kolkata as much as the Victoria Memorial does.

The city is home to some of the most established and celebrated scholars, writers and professors in the country. It celebrates and revels in its love for the written word on College Street, a place that both readers and writers come to in search of catharsis.

04 18

Words Deboshree Chatterjee

A shopkeeper arranging books on a pavement in Kolkata's College Street. This street is touted as the home to the world's largest market of secondhand books.

61

1

04 18

K

olkata's love for literature and books is unparalleled.

It is an atypical city that vigorously celebrates culture, music and films. Its streets resound with the words of Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray and other great Bengali poets. It is a haven for book lovers, with everything from inexpensive stalls to major book stores. It even plays host to Asia's largest book fair.

There goes a saying in Kolkata, “If you cannot find a book in College Street, there is hardly any chance you’d find it anywhere else in the world.” From magazines dating back to the 1980s to second-hand classics to rare editions to everyday academic books, Kolkata's College Street is a little-known treasure trove of books. Popularly known as Boi Para (Book Town) by the local community, the narrow bylanes

of this place next to the evercrowded Mahatma Gandhi Road, are a bibliophile's paradise. "Here you can find almost every single book title to ever have been sold in Kolkata," says Dipesh Dhar, a local bookseller. The slow-moving tramcars that wind down these streets add an old-world charm to this magical world of print.

Literary Centre A popular hangout zone for Kolkatans, young and old alike, College Street made it on Time Magazine's 'Best of Asia' list in 2007. There's a rocksolid reason for this accolade. If you're visiting College Street for the first time, it will look like any other normal street in Kolkata – overcrowded and loud, replete with rickety rickshaws and roadside food vendors. However, as you start walking down this 1.5-km-

"A second home to intellectuals, scholars, academicians and students, College Street is considered an eminent centre for Kolkata's literary crowd."

62

2

Follow us on

Inside Scoop

The inception of the name “College Street� goes back to the time when the Hindu College was established in 1817. The Hindu School was also established in 1817. Also, the first medical college of India, The Calcutta Medical College was established here in 1835.

Indulge

College Street, lined with numerous street food stalls, is a food lover's paradise. These stalls offer a variety of food options such as chowmein, chops, samosas (fried dish with savoury filling), rolls and kachoris (spicy snack made of gram flour).

04 18

1. Tramcars are a quintessential part of Boi Para's charm. 2. A statue of poet, playwright and Nobel Prize laureate Rabindranath Tagore at the entrance of the Tagore family mansion. This heritage building has been transformed into a museum.

63

04 18

long street, you'll realise that all these things may be a hindrance elsewhere, actually enhance the undeniable charm of Boi Para.

College Street is where you will find the rarest of books at a minimal price. A second home to intellectuals, scholars, academicians and students, it is considered an eminent centre for Kolkata's literary crowd. Proximity to the most prestigious educational institutes such as the University of Calcutta and Presidency College is likely to be the cause of the steady flow of patrons.

64

Soothing Reminiscences While College Street boasts of numerous significant places, you cannot miss the Indian Coffee House when you visit Kolkata. Established in the 1940s, the Indian Coffee House, now called Coffee House, is located opposite Presidency College. It has, for long, been a renowned meeting point for intellectuals of the stature of Subhas Chandra Bose, Nobel Laureates Rabindranath Tagore and Amartya Sen. Award-winning directors Satyajit Ray, Aparna Sen, Mrinal Sen and Ritwik Ghatak; physicist Jagadish Chandra Bose

1. Situated in the academic hub of Kolkata, College Street, the Coffee House is a favourite destination for students and intellectuals. 2. One can find books of all genres on College Street.

Follow us on

among others. While the coffee, which is still priced at `17 per cup, is a hit among students, the chicken sandwiches and fish kabiraji (fish fillet) are also quite popular.

“Coffee House and College Street are inseparable. They both complement each other. While College Street is dotted with some of India’s most prestigious institutions, the architecture of Coffee House reminds one of the British influence,” says Shubhendu Saha, a shop owner in College Street.

Travel Treasures While here, it is recommended that you visit the other renowned places such as the historic University of Calcutta and the Asutosh Museum located inside

"Founded in 1857 under the direction of the Court of Directors of the erstwhile East India Company, the University of Calcutta is the alma mater of several well-reputed men and women in every sphere of human activity."

the university premises. Home to over 25,000 rare antique sculptures, brass work and terracotta objects, Asutosh Museum was established in 1937 by Sir Asutosh Mookerjee, an educationist. A treasure trove of Indian art and antiquities, this is the first public museum in any university in India.

Founded in 1857 under the direction of the Court of Directors of the erstwhile East India Company, the University of Calcutta is the alma mater of well-reputed men and women in every sphere of human activity. The names of writer Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, scientist CV Raman, nationally famous quiz master Derek O'Brien, filmmaker Satyajit Ray, physicists Satyen Bose and JC Bose, Indian cricketer Sourav Ganguly and economist Amartya Sen, readily come to mind.

Call it a centre for book lovers of the city or a spot for literary exchange, a place that holds the title of being the world's largest market of second-hand books, Boi Para has an old-world charm and remains a craze among people from all walks of life.

04 18

Getting There AirAsia flies to Kolkata from various destinations. airasia.com

2

1

65

Wanderlust / Northeast India

Treasures of the

Northeast From enormous water resources to beautiful green plains, the northeastern states of India are a treasure trove of nature's beauty. If you're in Guwahati, Assam, make time and visit these picturesque destinations, which are sure to excite every traveller.

Words Bindu Gopal Rao

04 18

66

Follow us on

04 18

Umiam Lake, also known as “Bara Pani� or Big Water, is a vast and scenic reservoir. It is located 15 kms to the north of Shillong in Meghalaya.

67

T

he gateway to the Northeast, Guwahati in Assam is one of the fastest growing cities in India. Located between the banks of the Brahmaputra and the foothills of the Shillong plateau, Guwahati makes an ideal base for your Northeast adventure. Here’s a list of getaways from Guwahati to add to your bucket list.

Kaziranga, Assam Home to twothirds of the world’s one-horned rhinoceros, Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park itself is home to elephants, wild water buffalo and swamp deer and is an important Eastern Himalaya biodiversity zone.

The topography of the forest, with tall elephant grass, marshlands, dense tropical broadleaf vegetation and rivers, makes it famous for birdwatching. In fact, the park has many types of hornbills, babblers, eagles and other bird species.

This forest is also known for the endangered Assam-roofed turtle,

04 18

golden langur, hispid hare and pygmy hog.

Distance: 193 kms approx Shillong, Meghalaya The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong has been given the moniker of ‘the abode of the clouds'. Situated 5,000 feet above sea level, this charming hill station boasts waterfalls, lakes and mountains all around. The Elephant Falls on the outskirts make for a spectacular sight with three successive cascades descending onto fern-covered rocks. In fact, there are several waterfalls here, including the Bishop and Beadon Falls, Spread

"Assam's only hill station, Haflong is a natural paradise replete with rich wildlife and tree-covered hills, offering tranquility and peace."

1. Kaziranga National Park in Assam has the largest population of the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.

2. The beautiful white, foaming waters of the waterfall at the living roots heritage village of Nongblai in Meghalaya.

1

2

68

Follow us on

Eagle Falls, Sweet Falls and Crinoline Falls, making it a water-lover’s paradise. Another must-visit on your itinerary is the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, a museum with a research and publication department spread over seven floors!

It is an ode to the cultural heritage of Northeast India.

Distance: 99 kms approx Garo Hills, Meghalaya The Garo Hills, a bio­diversity hotspot, are spread over 8,000 sq kms of dense forests. This is where you can see nature's beauty at its best, thanks to the lovely Simsang River. Stop by at Williamnagar, a town built on the curve of this river, and hike up the mountains. Close by is Rongrenggiri, home to the last battlefield where the Garos (a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group) bravely resisted the British.

Also check out Naka-Chikong, a big rock with deep hollows in the middle of the Ildek River in Badaka village.

It is teeming with fish all year round.

You can also visit the hot springs at Resubelpara and the Pelga Waterfalls, which are a hotspot for picnickers.

Distance: 223 kms approx

04 18

Haflong, Assam The state's only hill station, Haflong is a natural paradise replete with rich wildlife and treecovered hills, offering tranquility and peace. The headquarters of the Dima Hasao district, this town is known as the White Ant Hillock and has a rich cultural heritage. It is also a popular picnic spot. You must visit Haflong Lake, a wellmaintained water body where you can go boating. Do stop by at Maibong, home to the Hindu temple of Ramchandi. The sunrise from here is stunning. Don’t forget to try Dimasa delicacies such as the manglai maiju (sticky corn), smoked meat in daal and mudru shamlai (made of bottle gourd and vegetables) along with rice brew in Haflong.

Distance: 334 kms approx

69

04 18

A lady plucking tea leaves in the tea gardens of Meghalaya. Just like the tea of Assam and Darjeeling, the Meghalaya tea is also much soughtafter by tea lovers.

70

Follow us on

For a Happy Tummy!

Gorge on khar, an Assamese meat delicacy made of raw papaya, pulses, taro and any meat.

Try Duck meat curry, which is cooked with lauki (ash gourd).

Relish Masor tenga, a tangy fish curry that is slow cooked in a rich, piquant broth made with tomato and lemon.

Enjoy the traditional pigeon meat delicacy of Assam, Paro Manxho. It combines the delicious texture of the banana flower with pigeon meat.

04 18

71

04 18

1

1. Konyak Naga tribesmen waiting to perform a cultural dance during the Aoling festival in Dimapur. This festival marks the arrival of spring.

2. Also known as White Ant Hillock, Haflong in Assam is the only hill station in the state.

Dimapur, Nagaland Said to be the gateway to Nagaland, Dimapur literally means ‘city by the great river’. It is a curious mix of tradition and modernity. The brilliant architecture and intricate glass work of the Dimapur Jain Temple that was built in 1947 is sure to mesmerise you. If you love nature, you must visit the lovely villages nearby, including Nichuguard, Kuki Dalong, Sethekima and Medziphema as well as the Rangapahar Reserve Forest for its lush greenery and natural beauty. Remember to go to Diphupar to buy bamboo products made by the locals. Do make time to visit the Kachari ruins, witness Naga wrestling matches, go on a day tour to Chumukedima and bite into the world's hottest chilli, the ghost pepper!

Distance: 285 kms approx

72

Orang National Park, Assam Located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River, Orang National Park covers a modest 78.8 sq kms.

It is a swampy grassland with a few wetlands in between, which are breeding grounds for migratory birds in winter. There is a story that says that this place belonged to the Orang tribe who deserted it when a fatal disease struck. Often referred to as a ‘mini Kaziranga’, the park is home to the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, pygmy hog, elephant, wild buffalo and tiger. Over 50 species of fish have been recorded in the river and channels that flow through the park. The Bengal florican, an endangered bird species, is often seen in this park and efforts are on to conserve the breed.

Distance: 110 kms approx

3. A perennial favourite among tourists and locals - traditional Assamese style barbecue.

Nongstoin, Meghalaya The headquarters of the West Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya, Nongstoin is a river island full of nature’s bounty. The annual Nongkhnum Festival is held here, in the month of February and March, and includes many activities such as pole climbing, trekking and motocross (a form of off-road motorcycle racing held on enclosed off-road circuits) among others.

There are several waterfalls around Nongstoin, including Weinia Falls, Riatsohkhe Falls and Langshiang Falls.

Distance: 163 kms approx

Follow us on

2

"The headquarters of the West Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya, Nongstoin is an island full of nature’s bounty. The annual Nongkhnum Festival is held here."

3

Tezpur, Assam If you want a quiet holiday in the hills, head to Tezpur, the cultural capital of Assam. It offers enchanting views of verdant green valleys and the Brahmaputra River.

You can also indulge in angling and rafting on the Jia Bhoroli River.

Stop by at Agnigarh, a large fortress atop a hill, accessible via a circular staircase. Also, drop in at Cole Park, a park located amidst the hillocks and lush greenery in Tezpur. At Da-Parbatia,the famed Gupta-era ruins, there is an intricately carved door with images of Ganga and Yamuna holding garlands in their hands. You could also pay your respects at the statue of Lord Shiva at Mahabhairab Mandir.

Distance: 185 kms approx

04 18

So, rejuvenate and relax in nature’s lap, meditate in the many temples, enjoy a bit of history and culture and experience incredible adventures, all in one precious corner of the country!

Getting There AirAsia flies to Guwahati from various destinations. airasia.com

73

Wanderlust / Araku Valley

04 18

A Valley of

Surprises A short drive from the city of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh is the bucolic Araku Valley. Apart from its picturesque environs, it has a plethora of experiences to mesmerise visitors, including the mysterious Borra Caves.

Words Anita Rao Kashi

74

Follow us on

The Borra Caves, located in the Ananthagiri hills of the Araku Valley, are naturally formed caves. The humic acid in the water reacts with the calcium carbonate in the limestone to create the formations found here.

04 18

F

lanked by the beautiful blue waters of the Bay of Bengal, Visakhapatnam on the East Coast of Andhra Pradesh is perhaps among the most beautiful and understated coastal cities of India. Known as ‘The Jewel of the East Coast,’ ‘Goa of the East Coast’ and ‘City of Destiny’, it offers plenty

of interesting options for visitors beaches, temples, museums, nature trails, cultural experiences, delicious food and more. Predictably, being a coastal city, November to April is the ideal time to visit the city to avoid excessive humidity. But Vizag (as it is commonly called) is a must-visit, especially for some of the

75

"While in Visakhapatnam, your best option to unwind is the picturesque Araku Valley, about 114 kms away. You can either hire a cab and drive to the valley, or take the early morning train from Visakhapatnam."

04 18

unusual sights located just outside the city. The number of getaways that it has to offer is perhaps its most fascinating aspect.

While in Vizag, your best option to unwind is the picturesque Araku Valley, about 114 kms away. You can either hire a cab and drive to the valley, or take the early morning train from Vizag. The journey will take you through the thickly forested and incredibly beautiful Eastern Ghats. The train chugs slowly while the landscape crests and dips along a series of hills, offering panoramic views of the magnificent natural beauty. It slowly traverses through 46 tunnels and crosses numerous bridges, giving a ringside view of a riveting life drama of sorts, passing by orchards, coffee plantations, forested slopes, waterfalls and the occasional wild animal.

Tribal treasures Once off the train, there’s plenty to do. The first temptation is to take a long walk across the undulating landscape, passing by lovely green plantations.

The area is inhabited mostly by tribes and there’s a museum named the Araku Tribal Museum, located on Visakhapatnam Road, which provides an insight into their life and culture. On display are a variety

76

Follow us on

Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh is renowned for its natural beauty.

It is surrounded by misty hills and scenic villages.

04 18

75

04 18

1

1. Bamboo Chicken is a traditional dish of Araku Valley. Its recipe has been passed down from one generation to the next and most of the herbs used in this recipe are found locally, giving it a unique taste. 2. Shoppers at Sandy, the weekly rural market in Araku Valley famous for handicrafts. 3. Tribal Museum in Araku Valley showcases traditional art, handicrafts, ornaments and textiles used by the indigenous tribes of the area.

of artifacts, household articles, handicrafts, paintings, garments, jewellery and much more. A small shop sells interesting and distinctive products like terracotta and embroidered purses made by the locals. Sometimes, the local tribes also perform the traditional Dhimsa dance at a courtyard adjacent to the museum. It is accompanied by instrumental music comprising loud and staccato drum beats and highpitched wind instruments.

Among the other places to visit, the Tyda Nature Camp is a favourite with bird watchers. Padmapuram Gardens, with its many flower beds, walking paths and plethora of children’s activities, including the toy train, is another must visit. For coffee lovers, the Coffee Museum documents a brief history of the beverage with interesting exhibits like dioramas showcasing how

78

2

Follow us on

04 18 3

coffee travelled to India and then specifically to Andhra Pradesh, as well as the characteristics of the Arabica variety, which is grown in Araku Valley. An adjacent shop offers lovely souvenirs as well as refreshments - their freshly brewed coffee is a must-try.

On the way back, stop at the Borra Caves. Located a little off the road on the way to Araku, these mysterious caves offer spectacular sights, providing the perfect conclusion to your jaunt.

Caving Beauty Considered to be among the largest in the country, the limestone Borra Caves are estimated to be at an elevation of over 2,000 ft above sea level. A set of steps leads down into the 300 ft thick-roofed caves spread over one sq km. The first glance will leave you stunned, and a walk around will

reveal dramatic million-year-old stalactite and stalagmite formations, which have evolved into intricate designs through the centuries.

Illuminated by psychedelic lights, the caves and their formations are awe-inspiring. Believed to have been formed by River Gosthani flowing through the layers of lime earth over millions of years, these caves are true repositories of the skills of nature.

From beautiful scenery to earthy music and dance, from culture and heritage to surreal natural wonders, a trip to Araku Valley is bound to be immensely satisfying.

Getting There AirAsia flies to Visakhapatnam from various destinations. airasia.com

79

Wanderlust / Cuisine

04 18

80

Follow us on

Reimagining the

Essentials In an effort to introduce their clientele to an entirely fresh perspective on cuisine, chefs today are transforming the face of the culinary world and leaving no stone unturned in experimenting with bold, exotic ingredients, each more peculiar than the other.

Words Mini Ribeiro

A

Activated charcoal sprinkled over banana ice-cream bowls, gives the dessert a unique visual appeal.

pinch of this, a dash of that… cuisine experts today are busy sprinkling on, blending in and cooking up exceptional ingredients to create new flavours for the growing demands of an easily bored clientele.

Always on the lookout for new ideas, they are using raw materials, some that have been around for a while, others rediscovered, in avant-garde ways. They are playing around with the old and the new, merging the exotic with the familiar.

Chef Sanjana Patel, Creative Director, La Folie, explains, “I have been making a conscious effort to make desserts lighter, moving away from their richness and fat content. With veganism and gluten-free foods becoming a trend, taking lesser-known ingredients as substitutes in baking interests me."

Patel uses almond milk, aquafaba (chickpea water) and matcha tea (finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves) to introduce a whole new flavour to her dishes. These ingredients also help her eliminate the heavier ingredients used in classic dessert preparations.

Activated charcoal Until recently, charcoal was by no stretch of imagination considered to be edible, much less a preferred ingredient. However, now, this very ingredient is being used extensively across the globe in several food preparations. So, when a strikingly black dish is placed on your table, don’t worry – it’s meant to look like that!

Activated charcoal is made by burning coconut shells and carbon, which are then immersed in hot water. Popular for its purifying properties, charcoal has moved well beyond its medicinal and cosmetic associations and can be found in everything from lemonade and burgers to sushi, and even in ice-cream. This charcoal does not add flavour to a dish, it makes the food denser. In tune with the latest wave of health and fitness, people are taking a real interest in this ingredient.

Chef Saurabh Udinia of Massive Restaurants, Farzi Café and Made in Punjab was among the first to serve black appam (pancake made with fermented rice batter and coconut milk) with Andhra chilli meat and black buns with soft-shell crab.

04 18

81

1

2

04 18

1. Gluten-free amaranth and quinoa porridge bowl with figs, caramelised almonds, raisins and honey is a healthier substitute to simple porridge preparations.

2. Roasted granola with blueberries, kiwi fruit and edible flowers make for a smart breakfast option.

Pan Asian cuisine has also given in to this trend. At By The Mekong, St. Regis, Mumbai, charcoal dim sums are on offer and always in demand.

The black dumpling dough is made by using activated charcoal before it's stuffed with prawns and salmon roe.

Chefs find that activated charcoal is easy to work with as only a small amount is needed to give the dish that rich dark grey colour, which patrons have come to love.

Edible flowers Delicate lavender is no longer just for food plating. Chefs are using it in their dishes to impart

"The segment of fusion food is undergoing a major revolution.

Restaurateurs are adding international ingredients such as truffle oil and creating flavours that are interesting to both Indian and foreign diners." ~ Head Chef Dinesh Kumar Sharma, The Pllazio Hotel- Gurugram 82

certain flavours and textures. While flowers have been used in cooking for centuries, chefs are now giving them a unique dimension.

Rose, lavender and hibiscus flowers are sweet, subtle and lightly scented and are thus preferred for desserts.

Calendula is slightly spicy and tart in flavour and is better suited for savoury dishes. These flavours can be bold and peppery or subtle and gentle.

So chefs have to ensure their flavours don’t overpower other ingredients and are balanced with the rest of the tastes on the table as well.

Even Indian cuisine makes use of flowers. Both kakori kebabs and galouti kebabs (appetisers made of minced lamb or mutton, seasoned with Indian spices) include dried rose petals in the recipe. Some flowers are pureed, others made into a paste or dissolved in milk or water, primarily for their vibrant colour.

Chefs are also reintroducing ancient grains in fusion dishes.

Amaranth While quinoa was gaining all the attention over the last few years, our very own desi ancient grain amaranth was

Follow us on

1

3. Amaranth garnish lends a nutty flavour to the dish.

3

4. Amaranth cookie make for a great accompaniment with hot beverages.

4

almost forgotten. Thankfully, this gluten-free and versatile grain has made a comeback to the kitchen shelves today. While Chef Ranveer Brar makes a locho with amaranth, others rustle up a salad with it or even khichdi (savoury rice preparation) and upma (thick porridge from dry roasted semolina or coarse rice flour).

Chef Manish Mehrotra of Indian Accent, New Delhi, has even created a dessert using amaranth.

He pairs mishti doi (sweet yoghurt) cannoli with an amaranth ladoo (sweet dumplings), to balance the textures and flavours. Kheer (sweet dish made of rice) is a dessert incorporating amaranth grains, which are slow-cooked in milk.

Chef Amninder Sandhu, Executive Chef at Arth in Mumbai says, “I use amaranth in Spicy Kale and Amaranth Salad. It goes extremely well with salads, lending an earthy and nutty flavour to the dish. It is locally available and higher in calcium, iron and protein compared to most other grains. It's a great dietary option for those suffering from gluten intolerance and high cholesterol levels."

04 18

Kombucha Yet another ingredient making its way into the kitchens is kombucha. This ancient Chinese home-brewed drink made from tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast is finding favour with patrons on a quest for all things healthy. Two kinds of kombucha, made with green and black tea are offered by Harsh Negandhi, a home brewer.

The green version is lighter, with the tart and tangy flavours of a slightly unripe apple, while the black one is more robust and grassy. The Fab CafĂŠ and The Hungry Monkey in New Delhi too have this drink on their menus. Apart from being consumed as a probiotic drink, bartenders add it to cocktails and some chefs are using it to soak grains, marinate fish and to add flavour to desserts.

Unique ingredients create exceptional experiences and that is exactly what today’s sophisticated diners seek. Little wonder then that chefs are putting on their thinking caps and experimenting with, and reimagining ingredients, both old and new.

83

vanity fare

Flower Power

Slay this season by donning the floral trend with panache!

Tropical Vibe Floral Wrap Fill your wardrobe with must-have floral dresses from Mango and embrace the seasonal trend of Spring/Summer 2018.

This ruffle slit dress fits perfectly with a frill at the seam. Long, flared sleeves make it chic and uber comfortable.

Moving beyond the bodycon cling of recent seasons, this range boasts long lines and breezy silhouettes

Pastel Picks

04 18

Lay your hands on jewellery box favourites for SS18 from Accessorize’s latest collection.

Go big on sparkle with its blooming flower necklace.

This statement design is set with gems and pretty beads in its beautiful petals and fastens with a lobster clasp and extender chain. Pair it with earrings of the same shade and you’re ready to roll!

shop.mango.com

Keeping alive the summer vibes, Shazé - a premium lifestyle brand - brings forth its SS18 collection of scarves.

The Celebrations Underwater silk scarf captures the vibrancy of the colourful, fragile and beautiful underwater ecosystems. shaze.in

global.accessorize.com

Feet Files

Clutch It Tight Complete your look with a floral clutch from Steve Madden’s latest collection. Balancing eclectic embroidery with a flap silhouette, this clutch makes a unique new statement and is perfect for adding a dash of colour to your ensemble. It also has a detachable chain crossbody strap, offering styling versatility. stevemadden.com

84

The destination for style-conscious shoppers, Aldo is young in spirit, urban in mindset and on the cutting edge of international style. Its collection of floral pumps gives your feet a complete seasonal makeover, adding a burst of colour to your outfit.

Blooming Notes Get enchanted with the floral whiffs of Marc Jacob's Decadence Eau So Decadent. A perfect fragrance for day and night, it introduces juicy fruits and radiant blossoms to create an enticing feminine signature. The key notes consist of nashi pear, lily of the valley and white amber. sephora.com

majorbrands.co.in

Follow us on

Spring Care

Let your skin breathe free with these essentials.

Glow Like Gold Give your skin a splash of rose with the Rose Gold Oil from Indulgeo Essentials. It is an effective light-weight moisturiser with added anti-aging benefits for all skin types. It can be used daily to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. The pure 24k gold flakes get absorbed right into your skin, leaving it naturally radiant.

For Supple Skin

indulgeoessentials.com

For Luscious Locks Keep your locks healthy and strong by using the Teal & Terra Hair Cleanser with argan oil, hibiscus oil, neem and aloe vera. It deeply conditions hair, promotes growth and tames frizz. tealandterra.com

04 18

Soap Opera Gone are those days when soaps led to dry and cracked skin.

The new range from The Body Shop uses fruits and other natural ingredients to get you clean and fresh in no time.

For instance, the Almond Milk & Honey soap is formulated for sensitive and dry skin, comprising gentle skin-loving ingredients that are restoring and nourishing. thebodyshop.in

Keep foundation only for special occasions.

Let your skin breathe excess foundation can lead to clogged pores and acne.

Exfoliate your skin regularly to get rid of the dry and flaky layer.

Dermal rolling, a couple of times a week, is best to keep dead skin at bay.

Block the Rays Your skin needs sun block all day long! To your rescue is Jack Black's Double-Duty Face Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20. It provides lasting hydration to skin, minus the oiliness or heaviness. The blue algae extract, along with sea parsley, keeps skin supple and reduces inflammation. sephora.com

85

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.

04 18

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.

86

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.

Follow us on

in touch

Sales Offices & Stations India Kolkata

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

PADANG

KEDAH

Minangkabau Int. Airport, Jln.

Langkawi Int. Airport, 07100

Adinegoro, Padang, Sumatera

Padang Mat Sirat, Langkawi

Barat

Level 1, Lapangan Terbang Sultan

Jln. Veteran, No. 75B Purus

Abdul Halim , 06550 Kepala Batas,

(Purus Baru), Padang Barat

Alor Star

- Kota Padang

PALEMBANG Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Int. Airport , Jln. Tanjung Api-api No. 1 Palembang 30155

Lot 1F TR 01, 1st Floor, Central, Square Shopping Centre, No.23 Jalan Kg.Baru, 08000 Sg.Petani

Kelantan

Ngurah Rai Int. Airport Int. /

Sales Office AirAsia, No.20G,

Domestic Departure Terminal,

Sultan Syarif Kasim II Int. Airport,

Pusat Komersil Swan, G Flr., No. 69,

Jln. Raya Denpasar 80361

28284

Lot 14508, Section 65, KTLD, Batu

Sun Boutique Hotel, Jln.Sunset

SEMARANG

4, Jl. Matang, 93050 Kuching

Road No.23, Kuta

Ahmad Yani Int. Airport, Jln. Puad

BANDA ACEH

A. Yani Semarang, Jawa Tengah

Sultan Iskandar Muda Int. Airport,

Komplek Pertokoan Simpang Lima,

Jln Banda Aceh Blang Bintang,

Blok C No.1 Semarang

Kode Pos 23372, Nangroe Aceh

SOLO

Grand Serela Hotel, Jln. L.L.R.E. Martadinata (Jln. Riau), No. 56, Jawa barat 40271 Jln. Kopo Bihbul No 36A

Surabaya, Jawa Timur Plaza East UG Flr. unit 48 Tunjungan Plaza 1 PTC Supermall, LG Floor A6-

Kota Bharu

Level, Kuching Int. Airport, Kuching

Area, Level 1 Landslide, Sibu Airport, 96007 Sibu No.36, Lot 1684 (G/F), Jln. Keranji, Brooke Drive 5, 96000 Sibu Lot GL08, G Flr., Public Concourse, 98000 Miri Airport

Sarinah Plaza Jln. M.H Thamrim No. 11 LG Jakarta Pusat Jln. Marsekal, Suryadharma (M1)

LOMBOK JLobby Departure Area,

Muang Dist., 34000

PHUKET Tesco Lotus - Phuket, 2nd Flr.,

JOHOR

Tesco Lotus - Lad Prao, 2nd Flr,

104, Chalermprakiat Road,

Lot 57, Aeromall Airport, Senai Int.

1190, Phahonyothin Road, Jompol,

Rasada Sub Dist., Muang Dist.,

Airport, 81250 Senai

Jatujak, 10900

83000

No.26 Jl. Bakri, 84000 Muar

127 Tanow Road, Bovornivet, Phra

PATTAYA

Lapangan Terbang Sultan Mahmud, 21300 Kuala Terengganu

Kinabalu Int. Airport, Jln. Petagas

Jln. Sarangan, Malang, East Java

Room No. 297, ThepYothee Rd.,

1, Bangplee, Samutprakarn 10540

Road, Bangkapi, 10240

LUBUK PAKAM

Tangerang, Propinsi Banten 15127

Ubon Ratchathani Int. Airport,

Room No.TW6-037, No. 999, Moo

Square, Phase 5,97000 Bintulu

Hall Entrance), Terminal 1 , Kota

Komplek Ruko Sarangan KAV1-D,

UBON RATCHATHANI

Suvarnabhumi Int. Airport, 6th Flr.,

Muang Dist., 41000

KecamatanTegal Rejo

Jaya, Kecamatan Neglasari, Kota

Trang Dist., 92000

BANGKOK

Tesco Lotus - 2nd Flr., 3109 Ladpro

Level 2 (Domestic Departure

MALANG

Road, Koklor sub-Dist., Mueang

Thailand

GF, Lot 4034, Parkcity Commercial

119 C, Kelurahan Tegal Rejo,

No. 1, Kelurahan Selapajang

Nakorn, 10200

408/2 Moo 12, South Pattaya,

831 Rama 1 Road, Wangmai,

Sukhumvit Rd., Nongprue,

Pathumwan, Bangkok,10330

Banglamung, Chonburi 20150

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

CHIANG MAI

Kota Kinabalu, 88100 Kota

Chiang Mai Int. Airport, Room No.

Kinabalu

60, 1st Flr., Tambon Suthep, Muang

Lot G24, G Flr., Wisma Sabah, Jln.

Dist., 50200 416, Thaphae Road

FL 4, 1st Flr., Tawau Airport

CHIANG RAI

Building, Jln. Apas-Balun, 91100

Malaysia

Chiang Rai Int. Airport, Room No.

Tawau

2305/2 404, Moo 10, Robwiang

KUALA LUMPUR

TB228, Lot 5 G Flr., Istana Monaco

Sub Dist., Muang Dist., 57100

Unit 30, Level 2 KLIA 2, Kuala

Hotel, Jln. Bunga, Fajar Complex,

HAT YAI

Lumpur Int. Airport 2, 64000

91000 Tawau

Sepang, Selangor

Lot G-2, Ground Flr., Plaza USIA

Moo 3, Klongla Sub Dist., Klong

Jln. KLIA S3, Southern Support

Building, Jln. Teratai, MDLD 7084,

Hoi Khong Dist., Songkla 90115

Hasanuddin Int. Aiport, Makassar,

Zone, KLIA, 64000 Sepang,

91100 Lahad Datu

South Sulawesi

Selangor

Level, Lot 2, Sandakan Airport,

MEDAN

G027B, G Flr., Podium Block Plaza

90000 Sandakan

Arrival Terminal, Kualanamu Int.

Berjaya, No.12, Jln. Imbi, 55100

PENANG

Airport, Deli Serdang, Sumatera

Lot 4, Level 2, Stesen Sentral,

Lot 8, Departure Concourse,

Utara

Moo 5, Petchakasem Rd., Nuaklong

50470

Penang Int. Airport, 11900

Sub Dist., Nuaklong Dist., 81130

Garuda Plaza Hotel Lobby Level,

Lot No. K16 (New Wing)

Bayan Lepas

Jln. Sisingamanga Raja No.18,

Utility Level, Stesen Monorail,

No.12H-G, Jln. Tun Dr Awang,

Medan, Sumatera Utara 20213

PT 88, Seksyen 67,

11900 Bayan Lepas

Jln. Asia No 548P Medan

Jln. Sultan Ismail, 55100

Nusa Tenggara Barat

Makassar Departure Terminal, Sultan

332, G Flr. Kim Mansion, Lebuh

04 18

Tesco Lotus South Pattaya, 2 Flr.

Tesco Lotus - Rama1, 3rd Flr.,

Tun Razak, 88000 Kota Kinabalu

Lombok Int. Airport ( LOP ) Praya,

Village No.12, Trang-Paliean

224, Moo 1, MakKaeng Sub Dist.,

Jln. HOS Cokroaminoto No.

Pakam - North Sumatera

Trang Airport, House No.170,

Sub Dist., Don Mueang Dist., 10210

SABAH

Jln. Bakaran Batu No. 189 B, Lubuk

Jln. Raja Hassan, 41400

Terbang Bintulu, 97000 Bintulu

Level 1, Terminal Building,

Selatan 12160

TRANG

LG-09, Shaw Centrepoint,

Udon Thani Int. Airport, Room No.

YOGAKARTA

Darmawangsa VI, No. 43, Jakarta

Phunpin Dist., 84130

Aziz, 43000 Kajang

222 Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd., Airport

TERENGGANU

Komplek Rukan Darmawangsa Jln.

No. 73, Moo 3, HuaToey Sub Dist.,

Kajang Section 7, Jln. Tun Abdul

GL-02-G, Jln. Bintulu, Lapangan

No.123, Lamongan-Gresik

Jakarta Utara

+66 2 515 9999

Surat Thani Int. Airport, Room

Lot S141, 2nd Flr., Plaza Metro

UDON THANI

Cengkareng, Jakarta 19110

55282, Jl. Solo KM 9, Jawa Tengah

Thailand

47500 Subang Jaya

3307, 3rd Flr., Terminal 1.

Lamongan, Jl. Raya Golokan,

No. 10 Kelapa Gading, 14200

AirAsia X Premium Line chargeable at RM1.95 per minute

Don Mueang Int. Airport, Room No.

Jln. Bandara Soekarna Hatta,

Adisutjipto Int.Airport, Yogyakarta

600 85 8888

GF, Lot 946 Jln. Parry, 98000 Miri

01A6-50, Jl. Puncak Indah Lontar 2

Jln. Boulevard Raya, Blok LA 4,

Phuket Int. Airport, Room No.

Lot GFL01, Common Departure

JAKARTA

Terminal 3 Soekarno Hatta Airport

PHUKET

Lapangan Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah,

SURAT THANI

Lot L1L C15, Ground Flr., Arrival

Int. Airport, Jln. Raya Juanda,

Dist., Narathiwat 96000

G2, Terminal SkyPark,

Thalang Dist., 83110

PEKANBARU

No 156, Jawa Barat

Moo 5 , KhokKian Sub Dist., Muang

SELANGOR

Persiaran Subang Permai, USJ 1,

BALI

Lobby Int. Terminal, Juanda

Narathiwat Airport Room No. 330,

Veerasamy, 30000 Ipoh

312, 3rd Flr, Mai Khaow Sub Dist.,

SARAWAK

Sastranegara Airport, Jln. Pajajaran

NARATHIWAT

No. 2, G Flr., The Host, Jln.

Lot No.G-35, Mydin Hypermarket,

Jl Arteri Supadio

SURABAYA

+62 21 2927 0999

Muang Dist.

PERAK

Malaysia

Indonesia

57108

Call Centre National

Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport

Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai

Pengkalan Chepa, 16100

Supadio Int. Airport,

Ruangan Pasundan No. 17, Husein

Indonesia 08 04 1 333 333

Business Park, Pusat Bandar

47200 Subang

Tele: +911126303939

Adisumarmo Int. Airport, Surakarta

1860 500 8000

NAKHON SI THAMMARAT

Call Centre Local

Pontianak

BANDUNG

India

A-G-7, Jln. Todak 4, Sunway

Chulia, 10200

GF, Sultan Ismail Petra Airport,

New Delhi 110 074

Daroesalam

Call Centre Numbers

Hat Yai Int. Airport, Room No. 125,

69 Thumnoonvithi Road, Hat Yai, Songkhal 90110

KRABI Krabi Int. Airport, Room No. 133,

NAKHON PHANOM Nakhon Phanom Airport, Level 1 40 M.6 ,Nittayo Road,Photak Dist., 48000

87

Route maps

NEW DELHI Kathmandu

Jaipur

Dhaka KOLKATA

Jeddah

Bhubaneswar Mumbai Visakhapatnam

Hyderabad

Chennai

BENGALURU Tiruchirappalli Kochi Colombo Malé

04 18

INDIAN OCEAN

AirAsia International Destinations

Fly to over 130 destinations across Asia and Asia-Pacific with Skytrax World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, 2009-2017.

AirAsia Hubs

88

Follow us on

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 January 31, 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 KALIBO KALIBO 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 04 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

89

Route maps Sapporo

NAGOYA

Srinagar

Chandigarh NEW DELHI Jaipur

Bagdogra

Guwahati Imphal

Ranchi

Indore

KOLKATA

Nagpur 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

04 18

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 Palembang

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, 2009-2017.

AirAsia Hubs

90

Follow us on

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

04 18 India

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

Taxi

92

Bus

Taxi

Bus

Taxi

Bus

Taxi

Taxi

Bus

Bus

Follow us on

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

Taxi

advertorial

Destinations India

India

India

India

India

Jaipur

Kochi

Kolkata

Mumbai

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 Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 22 Languages Marathi, Parsi, English, Hindi Distance to City 8km Points of Interest Gateway of India, Colaba Causeway Market, Film City, Haji Ali Dargah, Marine Drive 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

Bus

Taxi

Train

Bus

Taxi

Bus

Taxi

Bus

Local train

Metro

Taxi

Bus

Metro

04 18 India

India

India

India

India

Pune

Ranchi

Srinagar

Tiruchirappalli

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 Tiruchirappalli International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 431 Languages Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, English, Hindi Distance to City 6km Points of Interest Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Jambukeshwara Temple, Kallanai Dam 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

Taxi

94

Bus

Taxi

Bus

Taxi

Bus

Taxi

Bus

Taxi

Bus

Follow us on

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

Taxi