Spiceroute August 2013

Volume VII Issue VIII August 2013

www.spiceroutemag.com

The inflight magazine of SpiceJet

GROUP

Last Telegram

Bidding adieu @163

success sprint

farhan flying high

Colours of

freedom

Adding

value Dear SpiceJetters, Let me take this opportunity to extend my greetings and good wishes as we celebrate our 67th Independence Day. It is indeed a proud moment for all of us to be part of the largest democracy in the world. This month, the nation also celebrates other festivals like Id-ul-Fitr, Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami with equal enthusiasm, giving everybody a reason to travel and be with their loved ones.

It is a pleasure to introduce ClubSpice – the SpiceJet online membership club. You can register on our website spicejet.com wherein you can maintain your profile information for easy bookings and also be the first one to avail great offers. Log on to our website for more details. We are also delighted to announce our 9th international destination Muscat, capital city of Oman, with Ahmedabad. The bookings for this flight are now open. Log on to spicejet.com for more details.

With our cover story we walk you down the memory lane on our 67th Independence Day. For shopaholics, a shopping holiday in Dubai could be an interesting read while those interested in crafts can read more about the handicrafts of Hyderabad. All these and much more to keep you entertained throughout your journey with us.

Feel free to share your feedback/suggestion at custrelations@spicejet.com Happy flying!

Kalanithi Maran Chairman

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COO & Publisher: Vikas Johari CEO & Managing Director: Prakash Johari CFO: Kuldip Singh Editor: Florina Soren Information: info@maxposure.in Submissions: editor@maxposure.in Advertising: sales@maxposure.in Accounts: accounts@maxposure.in Careers: hr@maxposure.in E-mail: spiceroute@maxposure.in MaXposure Media Group India Pvt. Ltd. Head Office Unit No F2b, 2nd Floor, Mira Corporate Suites, Plot No . 1 & 2, Ishwar Nagar, Mathura Road, New Delhi -110065 Tel: 91.11.43011111, Fax: 91.11.43011199 West | Mumbai | Time Square Building, 3rd floor, Western Express Highway, Andheri (E),Mumbai-400069, Tel: 91.22.61991111, Fax: 91.22.61991115 Ahmedabad | Office No. 4, Meagabyte Business Centre, Top Floor, Navrang Building, Opp Parth Complex, Swastik Cross Road, CG Road, Navranpura, Ahmedabad - 380015, Tel: 91.79.40193627 Indore | 7/1, 409, 4th Floor, Ratan Mani Complex, Opposite Inter Star Showroom, New Palasia, Indore - 452001, Tel: 91.731.4248881 East | Kolkata | DPS Corporate Club, 1st Floor, 9A Sebak Baidya Street, Kolkata– 700029, Tel: 9133.40680111 Raipur | Magnetto Offizo, Office No.546, 5th Floor, Magnetto The Mall, G.E.Road, Labhandi, Raipur. Tel: 91.771.4264571 South | Bangaluru |1010 A Wing,10th Floor, Mittal Towers, M.G. Road, Bangaluru-560001, Karnataka, India, Tel: 91.80.40921037-38, Fax: 91.80.41510657 Hyderabad | 1-11-222/2 Ground Floor, Street No.4, Gurumurthy lane, Begumpet, Hyderabad-500 016, Tel: 91.40.40021545 Chennai | FL 9, Alsa Mall, First Floor, 149, Montieth Road, Egmore, Chennai-600008, Tel: 91.44.42015685, Fax: 91.44.42015684 International Sales Offices EUROPE : London | Seraphine Money | IMM International 10 Denmark Street, London WC2H 8LS- UK Tel: +44 20 3301 4900, Fax: + 44 20 7240 3258 Mob: +44 777 459 8220 France l Nicolas Devos | IMM International C/O 80 Rue Montmartre75002 PARIS - FRANCE , Tél: +33 (0)1 40 13 79 06, Fax: +33 (0)1 40 13 00 33, www.imm-international.com Switzerland | Nathalie DupuY | IMM International CHOffice Director IMM International Rue Tabazan, 91204 Genève Tel: +41(0)22 310 80 51, Mob: +41(0)78 95 25 900 Email:n.dupuy@imm-international.com Italy | Sandra Bonini | G+J International Sales Italy Srl Via Benedetto Marcello,4, 20124 Mailand, Italy Tel: +3902.20526722, E-Mail: bonini.sandra@guj.de Germany | Claudia Scheil | Gruner +Jahr AG & Co KG Am Baumwall 11,20459 Hamburg, Germany Tel: +49 40 3703 2944, E-Mail: scheil.claudia@guj.de

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

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

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August 2013 4 www.spiceroutemag.com

Contents 14 HOT DATES August happenings across SpiceJet network

Cover story 24

Freedom recall Recreating history on celluloid

32 City guide 48 hours in kochi Enjoy the coastal experience

48 Quick getaway taste of extremes Discover the wild in Sunderbans

60 Theme holiday parsi heritage A sneak peek into the Parsi way of living

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shop till you drop Splurge at Dubai’s malls & souks

AUGUST 2013 70 Festive Flavour Radiant hues Cultural festivals this August

www.spiceroutemag.com

The inflight magazine of SpiceJet

GROUP

LAST TELEGRAM

BIDDING ADIEU @163

SUCCESS SPRINT

FARHAN FLYING HIGH

Colours of

freedom

Cover | Sudarsan Pattnaik, sand artist

Volume VII Issue VIII August 2013

80 Spice trail tHE GENIUS BERRY Add taste to your food with Juniper

86 Gourmet delight foodie connect Impact of social media on food

92

cuisine crossover Satiate your tastebuds with global flavours

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

Contents 98

personality on a platter Chefs who do much more than just cooking

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106 In Conversation

travel buzz

power-packed performer Teté-a-teté with Manoj Bajpayee

152

GADGETS

112

success sprint Farhan Akhtar on Bhaag Milkha Bhaag & more

154

116 Glam world BUTTON IT UP

156

FilmS BOOKS

Pick your favourite summer-friendly jacket

164

Games

122 Well-being

170

future in a cuppa New trends in fortune telling

Predictions

176

128

SPICEJET DESTINATIONS

avoid skin jetlag Skin essentials for frequent flyers

190

SPICEJET ROUTE MAP

191

Fleet Guide

134 Culture canvas the last telegram Bidding adieu at 163

140

Hub of handicrafts Explore Hyderabad’s art & craft

192

SPICE BITES

196

SPICEJET SCHEDULE

206

SPICEJET OFFICES

146 Good samaritans towards better future Working towards less-privileged children

158 Kids’ corner changing ways Innovative learning techniques

166 ZOOM IN traveller’s mecca Exhilarating & amazing Kathmandu

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

Alstone International

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

Spice mail

Letters from the

SpiceJet family Helpful staff I travelled on SG-108 from Hyderabad to Delhi on July 14.

The cabin crew on this flight was extremely courteous and worth praising. It was noteworthy to see how they helped an obese passenger relocate and make him comfortable.

Client servicing I had the opportunity of making my travel bookings for Delhi-Udaipur (return) for six passengers on July 15 over the phone. Your customer service representative was very helpful, completed the bookings as desired and sent me the itinerary as promised.

JD Sumanth

Azis Azam

August 2013 12 www.spiceroutemag.com

Professional approach When my flight from Hyderabad to Rajahmundry got cancelled on July 17 due to bad weather, SpiceJet accommodated me into another flight to Vizag without any hassles.

The whole situation was handled very professionally by the staff.

Kumaresh Balasubramaniam

HOT DATES

8 10 Play time Ratan Thakore Grant’s Studio hosts the play Can “I” Play God, which is a dramatic presentation of a social issue. The play is a humble attempt at making the audience think about what is right and what is wrong, a depiction of certain grey areas in our judiciary, and essentially certain questions we need to ask ourselves. The play will be held at Outlaw Dance Studio, Koramangala, Bangalore on August 10 - 11.

Food Fiesta Goa Food & Hospitality Expo is an exhibition that caters to the sectors of food and hospitality.

The event is expected to be held in the course of three days in the state of Goa. A large number of exhibiting companies from the food and hospitality sector will be taking active part in the proceedings. The Expo will take place at Taleigao Community Centre from August 8 - 11.

1 Bolly wood dhamaka Filmnagari Ka Safar - Celebrating 100 Years of Bollywood – this is an exhibition of Bollywood film murals from well-known films and film personalities by Ranjit Dahiya from Mumbai. It will be held at Max Mueller Bhavan, New Delhi from August 1- 14.

7 Fashionista's day out Vimonisha Exhibitions celebrates its platinum show with a two-day celebration of fashion wear to indulge in and refresh your wardrobe this Raksha Bandhan and Eid season. It is a confluence of more than 50 of the best designers of pret wear, Indian wear, jewellery, accessories and home decor from all over India. It will be held at Hyatt Regency, Chennai from August 7 - 8.

August 2013 14 www.spiceroutemag.com

AUGUST

8 Musical night Sourabh Goho’s tabla concert and a vocal recital by Dr Asit Roy from Bangladesh will be held at the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, Golpark, Kolkata from 6pm onwards on August 8.

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Art for concern Art for Concern is a two-day annual art exhibition showcasing the eclectic collection of art by masters and promising artists. The show boasts of works by acclaimed artists like Akbar Padamsee, T Vaikuntam, Suhas Roy, Jogen Choudhary, Jayasri Burman, Sanjay Bhattacharya, Dhiraj Choudhury and Sudip Roy. It will be held at Epicentre in Gurgaon on August 7 - 8.

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Theatre workshop Apart from acting, the Samahaara Weekend Theatre Workshop offers a mix of outdoor theatre activities, readings, discussions and performances. You get to spend your weekends with theatre and bring out the dramatist in you under the guidance of eminent theatre personality Rathna Shekar Reddy. For ages eight years and above. The workshop will be held at Lamakan, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad till August 3.

Stay fit The Creative Body workshop with Tushar Pandey (National School of Drama; Lispa London) will help you evolve creative impulse through body movement and will use varied theatrical styles to unleash the imagination.

This workshop will be held at PL Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy, Mumbai from August 19 - 24.

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Travel buzz

Travel news 1 1. Kannur Airport gets MoEF go-ahead The Kannur Airport in Kerala has got environment clearance from the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF), Government of India informed Mr Oommen Chandy, Chief Minister, Government of Kerala, after his meeting with Mr Jayanti Natarajan, Minister for Environment & Forests, Government of India in Delhi. The Chief Minister said that in the light of the environment clearance, the tender process for the construction of the airport would begin in earnest shortly.

Initially, the airport will have a single runway.

Kannur will be the fourth airport in the southern state, besides Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Calicut. From a tourism perspective, the Kannur Airport is believed to give a major boost to tourism in the northern part of Kerala.

2. Goa targets more tourists Goa Tourism has suggested that along with Russia, the Visa on Arrival ( VoA) facility should be extended to Germany, France and the Netherlands. The aim is to ensure maximum footfall during the peak tourist season. Mr Dilip Parulekar, Minister for Tourism, Woman & Child Development, Government of Goa, informed that this suggestion was made to Dr K Chiranjeevi, Minister of State with Independent Charge for Tourism, Government of India during the National Tourism Ministers’ Conference.

Goa receives the largest numbers of tourists from the UK, followed by Russia from where around a lakh of tourists visit the state.

Mr Parulekar said that if this is done then the number foreign tourists to India will surely increase. In Goa, foreign tourists can avail the VoA facility at Dabolim airport.

3 3. NASA attraction in Florida

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The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida has now opened its doors to a comprehensive and interactive concept devoted to NASA’s 30-year Space Shuttle Program – Space Shuttle Atlantis. Of the three space-flown orbiters distributed by NASA to science centers and museums throughout the country, Atlantis is the focal point of the $100 million, 90,000-squarefoot attraction containing four multimedia and cinematic productions and more than 60 interactive experiences that invite guests to “be the astronaut” and to celebrate the people, passion and patriotism behind the shuttle program. Space Shuttle Atlantis is included in the regular admission package to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Here, you can come literally nose-to-nose with an actual space shuttle orbiter that flew in space 33 times and still bears the scars, scorch marks and space dust of its last mission. “It’s true that there is more than one space shuttle orbiter out there, but there is none like Space Shuttle Atlantis,” said Mr Bill Moore, chief operating officer of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Travel buzz

4 4. Gujarat Tourism to invite private hoteliers

5. Floralientime Festival in Brussels

The Department of Tourism, Government of Gujarat will soon begin the tendering process to lease out spare lands in its possession at various locations in the state to private parties to set up hotels on a long-term basis. According to Mr Saurabhbhai Patel, Minister for Tourism, Government of Gujarat, the state has already identified the open lands for this purpose.

He was speaking at The India 2013 Tourism & Hospitality Event, organised as part of the ASSOCHAM Gujarat Annual Foundation Day in July this year.

Tourism Flanders has announced “Floralientime, Brussels flowered by the Floralies of Ghent”, a major international plant and flower arrangement event in Brussels City Hall and at Brussels’ Grand Place that will take place from August 15 to 18. The city of Brussels, the NGO Brussels Flower Carpet and the Floralies of Ghent are joining forces to transform Brussels City Hall into a dream garden, full of colours and scents.

Internationally renowned landscape architects and floral artists will decorate the entrance, boardrooms and reception rooms of the majestic building with the newest creations and arrangement trends, new flower varieties and plants supplied by the Floralies of Ghent.

A relaxation garden will be set up at the Grand Place, where visitors can take a breather.

Floralientime will take place biannually, alternating with the Flower Carpet event.

The Department is also mulling handing over hospitality units currently operated by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) under the ‘Toran’ brand, located at different tourist destinations in the state, to private operators for upgradation and operation, informed Patel.

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6 6. More entertainment at Disneyland Resort The Disneyland Resort in California has a bouquet of new offerings for children. At Disneyland Park, the original Disney theme park, you can watch Mickey and the Magical Map, a live stage show that will take you on a musical adventure. The journey includes encounters with classic Disney characters like Pocahontas, Mulan and others.

You can also visit Fantasy Faire, a new storybook village near Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Children will get to meet several Disney princesses as they stroll through the beautiful Royal Hall, and then enjoy two princessthemed shows at the Royal Theatre.

The newly expanded Disney California Adventure has opened Cars Land, based on the popular Disney Pixar animated feature Cars and Buena Vista Street, an area themed to 1920s-1930s Los Angeles where you can enjoy more stories and entertainment experiences. If your children are fans of the Disney Junior television hits Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins, they can interact with these characters at the new show Disney Junior – Live on Stage!

Travel buzz

7. Choco delight in Australia The Yarra Valley is set to host Australia’s first Hot Chocolate Festival to help warm up winter visitors to one of the country’s premier foodie regions. Staged at the new Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery, Australia’s inaugural celebration of our love of chocolate will be marked with 31 decadent hot chocolate creations over 31 days in August.

Devised by the Chocolaterie’s world-class European chocolatiers and local barista, seven new ‘limited edition’ hot chocolate flavours will be introduced each week of the Festival.

Hot chocolate connoisseurs can also vote for their favourite hot chocolate flavour and get the chance to win their own body weight in hand crafted chocolates from the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery.

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8. Awa-Odori Folk Dance Festival in Tokushima Between August 12 and 15, you can enjoy the Tokushima festival which features folk dances performed throughout the city to welcome the souls of ancestors in the Bon season (from July to August). It is well known throughout Japan for these words: “It’s a fool who dances and a fool who watches! If both are fools, you might as well have fun dancing!” These are voiced to set the rhythm, regardless of their meaning. The dance dates back to 1587 when the feudal lord Hachisuka Iemasa (1558-1638), in celebration of the newly-built Tokushima Castle, offered sake to the people of the castle town. The daytime attraction is the famous and graceful Selected Awa Dance by groups of several dozen dancers on stage (admission charged). After 6pm, the town becomes enveloped in greater fervour. The excitement reaches fever-pitch by 10.30pm.

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9 9. Thai Pavilion Giving a boost to Thai cuisine, Vivanta by Taj recently opened its third Thai Pavilion in India at its Gurgaon property. Authentic Thai delicacies served in perfect ambience is a great way to woo food connoisseurs.

Celebrity Chef Ananda Solomon introduced the Thai Pavilion to the guests and established it as a ‘culinary destination’ for gourmands from across the world. In a stunning journey of rediscovery, Chef Ananda has scoured various regional cuisines and now presents the royal Thai experience which is rooted in the imperial cities of the central plains in Thailand.

Harmony, complexity and authenticity are the hallmarks of Chef Ananda’s well-researched dishes from the royal palaces of this kingdom.

The chefs have put together a unique compilation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies after widespread culinary journeys to present a meal comprising authentic ingredients and traditional flavours.

The use of authentic hand-pounded spices such as Thai holy basil, mint, cilantro, lemongrass, and galangal (Thai ginger), and premium ingredients such as Australian lamb chops, pan grilled scallops with orange, crispy soft shells crabs (Poo Nim Krob) and bamboo fungus ensure that guests are served the most exotic fare that is truly traditional yet enhanced with a subtle touch of modernity.

Travel buzz

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10. Monsoon packages for Andhra Pradesh The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) has introduced two monsoon tourism packages under which visitors get to view the Manjira river, a tributary to the Godavari that originates in Maharashtra and flows through Karnataka; and the Singoor reservoir, from where the reservoir near Sangareddy gets the Manjira water. In the one-day tour of Hyderabad-Manjira-SingoorAnantagiri-Hyderabad, tourists will be ferried by an APTDC bus from Hyderabad and get to view birds from the nearby Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary and crocodiles from the reservoir.

The second tour will be of two days and includes a night halt at Anantagiri, a morning trek to the forest and darshan of Lord Balaji at Chilukur.

11. New Shangri-La hotel in Shenyang Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is preparing to debut a new five-star hotel in the historic city of Shenyang. The hotel will open along Qingnian Avenue (dubbed the “Golden Corridor”) on August 1, in time to host sports “royalty” during the 12th China National Sports Games being held there in September. Shenyang’s Imperial Palace is the inspiration for the hotel. The hotel is situated within walking distance of the city’s prime shopping and entertainment area and is close to city government consulate offices and exhibition centres. It is a 30-minute drive to the airport and 20 minutes away from the city’s two major train stations which connect Shenyang by express trains to key cities. The hotel’s contemporary style health and recreation facilities include CHI, The Spa.

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12 12. The all-new Taj Coromandel Ballroom with more facilities The new Taj Coromandel Ballroom, now spread over 13,000 sq ft, offers an array of banqueting facilities for visitors. There are catering options to make every occasion unique – like a first-ofits-kind traditional sit-down south India banana leaf service, a royal silver thali experience and an exclusive Pan Asian menu with a wide range of live stations including beverage counters with live cocktails, chilled soups, and a fresh coffee and tea brewer. Through the network of chefs from across the country and world, you can now bring in customised flavours and cuisines for that special, memorable experience. From exquisite décor that is enhanced with a stage, coordinated overlays, chair covers and table pieces, to floral-shaped chandeliers, terracotta-inspired wall fabric and ‘kolam’ inspired interiors, the venue reflects a mélange of tradition and modernity. The banqueting space has layered lighting with a range of colour spectrum through LED lights and remote-controlled pin spot lights, which offers a variety of dramatic and mood settings to suit the occasion.

Cover story

Freedom

recall

A much-admired genre of Indian cinema, patriotic films recreate history on celluloid, invoking nostalgia and love for the country.

WO R DS

|

S hi ba ni

Bawa

T

here are movies for every mood and movies for every season. Come August and the nationalistic spirit begins to soar like kites in the north-Indian sky. And what better way to celebrate the month of India’s independence than to look back at movies that make your heart swell with pride for being an Indian?

Whether we talk of movies that portray the struggle of freedom fighters, or those that try to invoke the patriotic zeal and pride for the nation through sports-based or contemporary social issues, the list is endless.

Fight for Independence To recreate the independence movement in a movie, with thousands of actors, is no mean feat. Usually it brings to celluloid a slice of Indian history, transporting the viewers to historical events that they were not part of. I remember my history lessons on the struggle for Indian independence vividly. The scenes from Richard Attenborough’s Gandhi actually helped me visualise what was being taught in class. Ben Kingsley’s portrayal of Mahatma

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Cover story

Clockwise from left: Nargis in Mother India; Sachin Khedekar in Bose: The Forgotten Hero; Gandhi, a 1982 epic biographical film; Bottom left: Bobby Deol as Bhagat Singh in Shaheed

Indian soldier who is well-known for his role in the Indian Mutiny of 1857 in Mangal Pandey: The Rising.

There were many more movies weaving magical stories that were made with important historical events as the backdrop, even though they featured intimate love stories. In 1994, taking the Quit India Movement as the backdrop, Vidhu Vinod Chopra made 1942: A Love Story. The soulful soundtrack of this film is unmatched even today.

The scene of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre brought to life the often repeated stories of our ancestors Gandhi was remarkable to say the least. The scene of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre brought to life the often repeated stories of our ancestors.

Our stalwart leaders and freedom fighters made fantastic subjects for biopics. There were seven movies made on the feisty Shaheed Bhagat Singh between 1954 and 2006, played

by Shammi Kapoor, Manoj Kumar, Bobby Deol and Ajay Devgn among others. In fact, the 2006 blockbuster Rang De Basanti also drew parallels between revolutionaries of Bhagat Singh’s era and modern Indian youth. Sardar was a 1993 biopic of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of India’s greatest freedom fighters, played

by Paresh Rawal. Vallabhbhai became a part of the struggle after listening to a lecture delivered by Gandhi. Later on, Aamir Khan did a fabulous job of playing Mangal Pandey, an August 2013 26 www.spiceroutemag.com

However, across all the events, the partition of India in 1947 remains the most tragic in our national history, one that caused great havoc and chaos on both sides of the border. Tens of thousands of people – both Hindus and Muslims – lost their lives in the riots that followed and many more became homeless. The partition and its aftermath were witnessed for the first time in cinema in Garam Hawa (1973). Gadar was a gripping narration of the friendship and subsequent marriage between a Pakistani girl and an Indian truck driver. It was a moving film about brotherhood between Hindus and Muslims and peaceful co-existence between India and Pakistan.

The most recent Bhaag Milkha Bhaag also depicted the partition realistically and sensitively, as experienced by the young Milkha Singh. That Milkha Singh was given the coveted title of the “Flying Sikh” in Pakistan comes as a revelation to today’s youth and instills a sense of pride in India and her sportspersons.

Even after we won independence, our soldiers at the borders have fought consistently to maintain our freedom. War films keep those

Cover story

Clockwise from left: The Indian National Flag at the Wagah Border; The multistarrer hit Border; Powerpacked performance by Shah Rukh Khan in Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani; Maachis was a critically acclaimed movie

But there are some classics that set the tone for this kind of cinema. Mother India is a 1957 Hindi film epic portraying a poor village woman who struggled to raise her sons and survived against an evil money-lender. Despite her hardship, she set a goddess-like moral example of what it meant to be an Indian woman. The film represented the struggles of the common people in India in the aftermath of independence.

Rang De Basanti is the story of modern India where the youth are regarded as agents of change

memories of sacrifice and pride alive. The Sunny Deol, Suniel Shetty, Akshaye Khanna, Jackie Shroff starrer Border was an adaptation of real-life events that happened at the Battle of Longewala fought in Rajasthan during the Indo-Pak War of 1971. The more recent Kargil War was depicted sensitively in LOC Kargil. It showcased the story of Indian soldiers fighting in Kargil and being remembered by their family.

The film was an attempt to dramatise the 1999 Kargil War (Operation Vijay). Another movie set on the backdrop of the 1999 Kargil conflict was Lakshya in which Hrithik Roshan comes of age when he finally decides to join the armed forces and fight for his country.

Keeping Nationalism Alive Patriotic films at a later stage concentrated more on India’s internal affairs. The new films are thought provoking as contemporary social issues are brought to the forefront along with feelings of patriotism.

August 2013 28 www.spiceroutemag.com

Produced and directed by self-confessed patriot Manoj Kumar, Purab Aur Paschim was about India’s image among the British. In this movie, Harnam betrays a freedom fighter and is rewarded as a result. The freedom fighter is killed, leaving his family devastated and destitute. Years later, the freedom fighter’s son, Bharat, grows up and goes to Britain to study. He is shocked to discover that the Indian population settled there shuns their own country. He takes it upon himself to change their perception.

Among the contemporary movies of this genre, Rang De Basanti is the story of modern India where the youth are regarded as agents of change. When Aamir Khan and his bunch of friends take up respective roles in a documentary to be produced by a British filmmaker, they realise their purpose as citizens in the process.

A Wednesday was one film which transforms viewers from being helpless

Photo | Santabanta design studio

Cover story

Patriotic hits Aye Mere Watan Ke Logon Aao bacchon tumhe dikhayen - Jagriti (1954) Yeh desh hai veer jawaanon ka - Naya Daur (1957) Mera rang de basanti chola - Shaheed (1965) Mere desh ki dharti Upkaar (1967) Jab zero diya mere Bharat ne - Purab Aur Paschim (1970) I love my India - Pardes (1997) Sandese aate hain Border (1997)

citizens and almost forces them to take note of issues faced by the country. The theme revolves around terrorism and how the highest authority fails to take timely action each time we are crippled by an attack. Naseeruddin Shah portrayed the common man brilliantly.

Terrorism has been showcased in many other movies as well. While Karma emphasised the need for fortifying the country’s commitment to overpower terrorism, Maachis was a sensitive portrayal of how some youth of Punjab were misled into taking to the gun.

Another memorable film from this period is renowned filmmaker Mani Ratnam’s Roja.

Ratnam revisited this theme in his 1998 film Dil Se, which showcased how terrorists can mingle with common citizens most unsuspiciously to achieve their malicious intents. The following year saw the release of another powerful film Sarfarosh. Dealing with across-border terrorism, it went on to become a success.

India’s pride in its sports is legendary too. When a sportsman steps onto a field to represent his/her country, the emotion is of no less than fighting a war with an enemy.

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While Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is one such, there have been many others representing different sports and circumstances. Set in the Victorian period of the British Raj, Lagaan dealt with the issue of patriotism in a slightly different way. Integrating the concept of India’s mostwatched game cricket with the issue of national pride, the film delineated the story of Bhuvan.

This village lad’s unmatched courage before the colonial eyes made the village free themselves from a burden of debt in the form of revenue.

Chak De India is a film about the Indian women’s national field hockey team who rise up against sexism, ethnicity and regional prejudice in the society. Under coach Kabir Khan (Shah Rukh Khan), the women’s hockey team rediscover their passion to play for their country, regardless of their diverse backgrounds and differences between them.

Even though August may be the month of independence, patriotic movies are enjoyed through the year and can be watched over and over again. This is what comprises family cinema in its truest form, because not only do these films provide entertainment and thrills, they are value-based and thought-provoking.

City guide

in kochi

48 Hours

A heady mix of colonial influences interspersed with tropical Malabar coastal presence makes this city a delectable cocktail.

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DAY ONE

9:00 AM St Francis Church

The 1503 constructed edifice and perhaps India’s oldest European-built church was foremost on my agenda. Originally built in wood by Portuguese Franciscan Friars, it was later rebuilt in stone during the mid-16th century. The renowned Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who died in Kochi in 1524, was laid to rest at this spot for 14 years until his remains were shifted to Lisbon. Fairly close by and within walking distance is located another Church known as Santa Cruz which was also constructed by the Portuguese. It was 33

City guide

The synagogue is the main attraction of the Old Jew town later elevated to a cathedral. In the 19th century, the British demolished the old structure and commissioned a new building.

Subsequently in 1984 it was proclaimed a Basilica by Pope John Paul II. The architecture of the Basilica is an impressive blend of the Indo-European and Gothic styles.

11:00 AM Mattancherry Palace Yet another Portuguese contribution, the Mattancherry Palace was built in 1555 and gifted to Veera Kerala Varma, the then Hindu ruler of Kochi, as a goodwill gesture. Later in 1663, it was renovated by the Dutch and hence it is also referred to as the Dutch Palace. Now a museum, it houses a portrait gallery of the

numerous rajas of Kochi. Also notable are the elaborate yet fascinating mythological murals depicting vivid scenes from the epics which are in excellent condition and represent the finest of traditional Hindu temple art. You can also view displays of royal paraphernalia including weapons, swings and furniture. The Palace stands by the beautiful Kochi backwaters.

1:00 PM Jewish Quarter An ornate gold pulpit, ancient Chinese hand-painted tiles and a 18th century working clock tower are its main features.

The Synagogue, which is one of the oldest in the Commonwealth of Nations, is the main attraction of the Old Jew town which still

Clockwise from top left: Spices on display; Woman selling spices; Interiors of the Mattancherry Palace

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retains some of the ancient Jewish names. It was lunch time by now so I decided to have a snack in one of the many cozy eateries which abound the vicinity before exploring the area.

4:30 PM Spice Market Primarily a port town, Kochi, earlier known as Cochin, was an important hub of trade and commerce in the South East Asia region. Spices

City guide

SpiceJet flies to Kochi. See schedule, page 196.

were of course the sought-after commodities and hence the Kochi spice market flourished.

Today, part of the Jewish Quarter, it is here that one can see large godowns from where huge quantities of spices are packed and shipped off. A stroll down these lanes is enough to stimulate your senses with the exotic aroma emerging from within these warehouses.

Specially laid out spice shops for tourists offer excellent opportunity to familiarise oneself with the abundance of spices available. You can choose from a huge variety including pepper, chillies, turmeric, ginger, coriander, cumin, cloves, cinnamon and more. Over the years a number of antique shops have also mushroomed in the area.

7:00 PM Kathakali Recital

While in Kochi it’s customary to witness a Kathakali performance. The Kerala Kathakali Centre is one such spot where one can see this traditional, ostentatious dance form of Kerala.

It is said to be a presentation of drama through a dance form, complete with subtle hand movements and exaggerated expressions of the face, primarily the eyebrows. Although the actual performance is undoubtedly spectacular owing to the vibrant costumes and headgear, it is the art of putting on the elaborate makeup that I found rather fascinating. The artists spend at least an hour painstakingly putting on the make-up before each performance.

Clockwise from top: St Francis Church; A Kathakali artist performing; Putting on make-up before the performance

Fortunately, visitors are allowed to observe this entire process.

DAY TWO

7:00 AM Ferry ride Kochi is made up of numerous small and large islands and peninsulas, and the means of getting around them for the general public at large is the ferry. So a joyride on the ferry I thought would be a good idea! The Jetty was a pleasant, 20-minute walk from The Tower House and the trip to Vypeen Island was another 10 minutes by ferry – a refreshing experience early in the morning. Mingling with locals on their way to work turned out to be quite an interesting experience.

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Kathakali artists spend hours painstakingly putting on make-up before each performance

City guide

Fort Cochin is a great place for art aficionados as there are a number of art galleries

10:00 AM Vasco da Gama Square I decided to spend the rest of the day at the Vasco Da Gama square, a favourite with all tourists. The Square is a narrow stretch of promenade along the beach where one can actually observe local fishermen working upon the massive cantilevered fishing nets.

The legacy of the Chinese traders from the court of Kublai Khan, the nets known as the cheenawala in the local language, date back to the 14th century and are usually operated during high tide. The day was an eventful one as the area had a definite buzz to it. Dozens of food stalls including those serving fresh seafood were rather tempting. My lunch comprised tossed jumbo prawns, fried red snapper and shrimps.

2:00 PM David Hall Gallery Fort Cochin is a great place for art aficionados as there are a number of art galleries. One such is the David Hall Gallery. The building itself was constructed between the 1670s and 1690s by the Dutch East India Company and has a distinct style of architecture. During the Dutch occupation, it is said to have been used for accomodating military personnel.

Its name came from David Koder, a Jewish businessman who used to stay there with his family. Remarkably restored, it is an excellent and popular venue for art exhibitions.

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Clockwise from left: David Hall Gallery; Interior shot of the St Francis Church; Fresh seafood in Kochi

6:00 PM Sunset Cruise The sun was going down and a cool sea breeze had started blowing. It was the perfect time to embark on a sunset cruise. Boats can be easily hired from near the fishing nets. Drifting into the sunset on the Arabian Sea with the giant butterfly-like silhouettes of the Chinese fishing nets pasted on the near horizon against a blazing ochre sky was a picture postcard photo opp! It was sheer bliss!

8:30 PM Brunton Boatyard It was my last meal in Kochi so I decided to splurge and zeroed upon The History restaurant at the Brunton Boatyard which served excellent seafood. You can choose from Portuguese, Jewish and Dutch cuisines.

The Brunton Boatyard hotel is located at Fort Cochin at the harbour mouth, overlooking the busy ship channel. The architecture is a charming mix of Dutch and Portuguese and makes it a delight to walk through. 

SpiceJet update

More options

more freedom

SpiceJet offers a bouquet of new options to make our valued customers' experience more convenient – from flexibility in booking flights to enjoying the privacy of empty seats next to you, and much more‌ WOR D S

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S

piceJet, India’s preferred airline, has gone a step forward in bringing a bouquet of special services for all its passengers. From creating personal customer accounts for passengers on the airline’s website, Internet banking and the facility of flexible booking, the services make for a tailor-made flying experience with SpiceJet.

FlexiFly We at SpiceJet understand that the need and requirement of each passenger is different and hence believe in offering a completely tailor-made service with our new offering – FlexiFly. This is a first-of-its kind service in the industry giving you special services like Empty Seat Option (ESO), Multiple Booking Option (MBO), Preferred Flight Option (PFO) and Flexibility Reward Option (FRO). All that one needs to do is book a ticket with SpiceJet and this opens up a wide array of services that the passenger can avail. You can then follow the four simple steps to avail FlexiFly. Book your ticket on spicejet.com, click on SpiceJet FlexiFly, choose any of the four available options and then wait for the confirmation.

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SpiceJet update

The Empty Seat Option gives passengers a chance to avail empty seats next to them

can choose to fly on any one of them. If you are booked on a flight but want more travel flexibility, MBO can help you to fulfill your desire. Thus, MBO provides you with travel flexibility and enhances your travel experience.

In case of unsure travel plans, now you are no longer subjected to either missing flights or missing meetings; rather, MBO offers you the comfort to choose flights according to your last-minute travel needs.

How it works

• Priti is booked on the Friday evening flight, however she needs some travel flexibility.

Empt y Seat Option We at SpiceJet understand your need for privacy, specially if you are travelling with children or want to finish up the presentation before your board meeting. To give you that moment of privacy during your flight with us, we bring you the Empty Seat Option, which you can avail at a small premium.

The Empty Seat Option (ESO) gives each passenger a chance to avail empty seat next to him/her. In case two people travelling together opt for this option, they can have the entire row to themselves. The passenger will need to pay a nominal sign-up price for this service (which is non-refundable). However, in case SpiceJet is unable to assign empty seats due to rush in the said flight, the ESO fee will be refunded.

• To get flexibility, she signs-up for MBO and picks the Saturday morning flight as her additional MBO flight.

• With her MBO, Priti gets the right, up to Thursday evening (i.e. one day before Friday), to decide whether she would prefer to fly on Friday or Saturday.

• Priti's booking remains unchanged till she takes her final decision. If she decides to fly on Saturday, her booking will be rebooked automatically on the Saturday flight. Else, if Priti decides to take the Friday flight, her booking will remain unchanged.

• This provides additional flexibility to Priti to alter her flights according to her schedule and needs and, in turn, enhances her overall travel experience.

How it works

• Priti books a ticket on spicejet.com.

• She chooses FlexiFly-Empty Seat Option to book empty seat(s) next to her for more privacy.

• Upon confirmation, Priti gets the right to use her empty adjacent seat(s) as she wishes.

Multiple Booking Option Many a times, it so happens that our travelling schedule is not finalised till the very last minute. Either your meetings get prolonged or you just cannot make it on time with small children, or there might be some last-minute changes in the travel plans. It is for such situations that we offer you the Multiple Booking Option (MBO). This service allows you to buy an option to hold confirmed availability on one or more additional flights, and you August 2013 42 www.spiceroutemag.com

Preferred Flight Option With our latest Preferred Flight Option (PFO), you need not lose hope of getting the flight that you really wanted. If you are unable to book a ticket on your preferred flight, settle for the next best flight. And in case there is a last minute seat availability in your preferred flight, you will be the first one to be offered the available seat as you had opted for the PFO service.

how it works

• Priti is flying to Mumbai on Friday and wants to take the 10 a.m flight.

• However, Priti could not book a seat on her preferred 10 a.m flight.

• Priti therefore settled for the 8 a.m flight.

• Priti opts for PFO and states her preference for the 10 a.m flight, while she holds a confirmed ticket on the 8 a.m flight.

• Now if there are any cancellations on the 10 a.m flight, Priti by virtue of PFO, gets to fill the available seat.

SpiceJet update

MBO provides you with travel flexibility and enhances your experience Flexibilit y Reward Option This is another option which makes flying with SpiceJet as flexible as one could wish for.

If you don't mind shifting your flight, opt for the Flexibility Reward Option (FRO) and the SpiceJet is sure to reward you. A confirmed booking with SpiceJet is all that you need to sign-up for FRO. And whenever you opt for being shifted to the new flight, you are entitled for a reward as suggested by SpiceJet. Customers don’t have to pay anything to signup for FRO.

Bouquet of services We at SpiceJet believe in maintaining longlasting associations with our valued passengers and taking a step forward, SpiceJet brings to you the ClubSpice registration. This online service enables you to register on our website spicejet.com and maintain your personal profile which can also be saved for further references. This is a safe account where you store your credit card details. Since your account will have all the details including your credit card number, you will not have to enter the details everytime you do the bookings.

ClubSpice helps you book your tickets in the most convenient, quick and safe manner.

How it works

• Priti is booked on a 10a.m. flight to Goa and opts for FRO as she does not have a fixed itinerary as yet.

• SpiceJet requests Priti to move to the next flight.

• Priti readily agrees and SpiceJet offers her a reward.

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Below mentioned are some of the other services that make for a better experience with SpiceJet: • Net Banking facility - You can directly pay using net banking.

• Insurance - You have the facility to have the travel insurance done while booking the ticket, at a nominal charge.

• Preferred Premium Seat Selection - With this facility, you can pre-book front rows and emergency seats at a premium.

• Hot Meal - You can choose options from our wide menu and avail discount on prebooking of meals on spicejet.com.

Quick getaway

Taste of

extremes

Sundari trees, exotic fauna, and the Royal Bengal tiger – all these and more paint a perfect picture of the Sunderbans.

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hile rowing through the meandering water body of the Sunderbans you will never fail to notice the fact that nature can sometimes be a wonderful combination of extremes. Spread across an area of 4,262 sq km in West Bengal, India, the mangrove ecosystem of Sunderban tells the story of adaptation and exemplifies Darwin’s theory of the “survival of the fittest” beyond doubt.

Aesthetic appeal Situated at the slimy bottom of the Ganga, the world’s largest estuarine forest is formed by the rivers Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna, August 2013 48 www.spiceroutemag.com

that extends along the Bay of Bengal. It was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985 and observed as a Biosphere Reserve in 1989.

Here, wildlife sojourns are all about a heady mix of adventure and wilderness. And if discovering the wonderment and beauty of nature is your passion, the peaceful waterways of the tidal forest shimmering in the low light of dawn would reveal the treasure hidden in its underbelly. The lush green stretches of this mangrove forest and Sundari trees, after which the forest has been christened, are

Quick getaway

Fact file

✓ By Air : Kolkata is the nearest Photo | Md. Kabirul Islam

airport.

✓ By Rail : The nearest railhead is Canning

Clockwise from top left: The Royal Bengal tiger; The locals of Sunderbans; Deer frolicking in the water

of mammals, 55 species of reptiles and 248 species of birds found here.

yet another attraction. Standing tall in the salt water swamp, Sundari trees with their breathing aerial roots will teach you how to be a winner when you are destined for extremes.

The respiratory roots of the tree that rise in perpendicular spikes above the mud, like snorkels, carry oxygen to the mangrove plant.

The complicated roots of the mangrove trees also help it anchor in the swampy alluvial soil and prevent them from getting uprooted during cyclones, to which the region is prone to quite often.

Experience the wild

Generally defined as inhospitable and dangerous, this biosphere reserve is quite a sight with its diverse flora and fauna. There are nearly 68 species of plants, 58 species

It is abuzz with a wide variety of fauna, most famous among them being the Bengal tigers, numerous species of birds, spotted deer, crocodiles and snakes. While the king of the land, the tiger, overwhelms you with

Intercepted by a maze of rivers and rivulets, the place is an excellent ecological body which gives a peek into the crudeness of nature. During high tide, the sea creeps in and the forest floats. The ebbing water reveals the hidden treasure of nature, which is virtually alive, on the glistening mud.

The fragile shoreline of the Sunderbans is home to some of the most dangerous species of crocodiles and sharks August 2013 50 www.spiceroutemag.com

✓ By Road : The excellent road network connects Namkhana to Kolkata, Sonakhali (100km), Raidighi (76km), Canning (64km) and Najat (92km).

his majestic appeal and regal attitude, the primitive crocodile, sharks and snakes make a lethal combination that forces you to tread your path cautiously. The fragile shoreline of the Sunderbans is home to some of the most dangerous species of crocodiles and sharks.

Cobras and kraits found here are deadly and so it is suggested one should not to be too adventurous at night.

As you sail across the quaint water body of the Sunderbans, you can feel the restlessness beneath. The fishes which sometimes swim to the surface will keep your eyes glued to the river. And if you are lucky enough, you may see dolphins diving up the stream.

Here you also come across some of the most colourful species of birds like Swamp Partridge, Brown-winged Kingfisher, Grey Headed Lapwing, Pallas’s Fish Eagle and Mangrove Whistler chirping in the bushes. A rare winter migrant, the Asian Dowitcher can

Quick getaway

Photo | Sadik Shahriar

SpiceJet flies to Kolkata. See schedule, page 196.

MUST visit The Sajnakhali Sanctuary: A bird paradise Netidhopani: A temple town Bhagabatpur: Explore reptilian history Kanak: Nesting place for the Olive Ridley Turtles Clockwise from top left: The lush green Sunderban valley; Crocodiles next to the water; A boat ferrying a load of hay

Holiday Island: Take a look at the Barking Deer Piyali: Perfect picnic destination Kaikhali: Island town

also be seen here. Do carry binoculars if you wish to catch a glimpse of the shy and humble creatures of the Sunderbans.

With almost 70 percent of area being under saline water, the forest gives you the most spectacular experience of the wild. Other creatures which will give you a peek into the wild are Olive Ridley Turtles, Sea Snakes, Dog Faced Water Snakes, Green Turtles, Estuarine Crocodiles, Chameleons, King Cobras, Salvator Lizards, Hard Shelled Batgun Terrapins, Russels Vipers, Mouse Ghekos, Monitor Lizards, Curviers, Hawks Bill Turtles, Pythons, Common Kraits, Chequered Kill-backs, Rat Snakes... the list goes on.

During the spring season the emerald island is fringed by the flaming red leaves of the Genwa tree. The crab-red flowers of the Kankara and the bright blooms of Khalsi add to the astounding surroundings. The large floral population of the Sunderbans which includes trees like Genwa, Dhundal, Passur, Garjan and Kankara make the entire region look picturesque in April and May.

The striped king Drifting along the waterbody in a boat safari, you may come across a crocodile lazing in the mud at the shore or the Ridley Turtle basking in the sun. It is however a pleasure to watch the king of the jungle – the Royal Bengal Tiger.

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This stately creature makes every bit of the journey an incredible experience.

The most unique feature of the Sunderban tigers is that they are amphibious, watchful and secretive. They have come a long way from the land to the water and have mastered the swampy land and brackish channels which have been encroached by the tide. This big cat which took to water many years ago overwhelms the onlookers with its instinct of surviving on the edge. Unfortunately, the continuous struggle for survival between man and the wild has turned this beautiful creature into a maneater.

So when at the Sunderbans, always be careful and follow your guide’s instructions.

Theme holiday

Parsi

heritage

Malcolm Baug, a Parsi colony nestled in Jogeshwari, houses century old bungalows that display a way of life.

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t stands proud in all its vintage glory and grace. It also stands shrouded in mystery, like a secret jealously guarded from prying eyes – an oasis of silence and solitude in a city caught in a maddening race. Beyond the efficiently manned gates lie crisscrossing tree-lined lanes leading up to century-old bungalows which evoke a bygone era. Welcome to Malcolm Baug – a small colony nestled in the bustling Mumbai suburb of Jogeshwari.

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vintage Parsi residential blocks scattered across the cosmopolitan city of Mumbai. Home to around 350 Parsi families and some beautiful bungalows, four of which have been included by the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) in its proposed list of structures to be accorded heritage status, Malcolm Baug is nothing short of peace personified.

Vintage Wonders A riot of colours, now muted courtesy the years gone by, greets one’s eyes as the sun rises on the seemingly quaint residential complex – a pale blue, a darker hue of peach, a sunshine yellow and many more. Fiercely protective of

Theme holiday

SpiceJet flies to Mumbai.

See schedule, page 196.

and keenly eager to maintain their pristine environs and undiluted ethnicity, this Parsi society, acquired by a trust from Sir John Malcolm who was then Governor of Bombay, is closed to strangers and non-Parsis.

We managed to gain entrance into one of the bungalows which faces the main road, after having been turned back at the main gates of the society by the implacable security personnel. Piroja Villa dates back to the year 1933 and is nearly 80 years old. The family staying on the ground floor of the bungalow itself has been living in it for the past 40 years.

It occupies pride of place in the middle of a row of road-facing bungalows which include some of the oldest architectural gems of Malcolm Baug – Piroz Villa, Soonu Manor and Dawn. Most of these date back to the 1930s and

are noticeably more stylistically ornate than the houses inside the colony compound. Elegant statues in the sprawling front verandahs, wooden parapets, winding staircases, stained glass windows and sloping tiled roofs are some of the common features that can be seen in the older structures. Small checkered windows are aplenty and come adorned with floral motifs.

Standing tall and wide, these vintage wonders remind one of a simpler time.

Tale of a Communit y Though the society had shunned us nonParsis, the lady inhabiting Piroja Villa exuded warmth and cordiality. She told us of the exclusivist policies of the society which helped control acquisition and construction within its boundary walls, while ensuring that the ethnic lineage of its occupants did not stray.

Above: Exterior shots of the bungalows at Malcolm Baug Left: A vintage picture from a typical Parsi wedding

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The alarming statistics have forced the Indian government and other global organisations to take immediate measures in order to arrest this downfall.

The Parzor Project by UNESCO is one such initiative which has been working towards raising awareness and subsequent preservation of Parsi-Zoroastrian heritage, its underlying principle being ‘preservation of culture and heritage in an increasingly mono-cultural modern world’.

Road ahead Once resplendent in all their glory with heavily tree-laden compounds, many of the roadfacing bungalows in Malcolm Baug currently lie unoccupied. The vagaries of time and pollution emanating from the fleet of vehicles outside seem to have taken their toll, as the signs of dilapidation make themselves obvious.

Apart from being architectural treasure troves, the bungalows of Malcolm Baug also raise the important issue of preservation.

Spaces and structures like them need to be protected from the threat of new-age builders waiting to raze them to the ground. As much as Mumbai seems to be bursting at the seams, there is also an urgent need to protect its character, its soul, its history. At the end of the day a city can be all that it wants to be and go in whichever direction it wants to go. But in doing that it must not forget what it once was; where it came from.

Theme holiday

Shop till

you drop

If upscale chic shopping is your style there are exclusive shops in Dubai. And if you would rather go traditional, the numerous souks are worth a dekko!

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ith the season change and the weather becoming sticky because of the approaching monsoons it’s time to indulge in some retail therapy. What better than heading to Dubai – the fashionista’s city? It isn’t a wonder that with its scores of shopping malls and atmospheric bazaars, Dubai is famed as the ‘King of Shopping’!

MALL OF EMIRATES – MECCA OF SHOPPING & ENTERTAINMENT The buzzing Mall of Emirates, replete with August 2013 64 www.spiceroutemag.com

polished marble floors, spacious avenues and an awe-inspiring skylight, is a Mecca for the locals and tourists alike. It’s the UAE’s answer to Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus and Broadway all rolled into one! A great place to start is from Ski Dubai, the world’s largest ski slope and also the first in the Middle East, with activities galore and a whole lot of fun. Spend time walking the busy alleys that sprout within the mall. For a quirky surprise do drop by at the H & M store. After all, it’s not everyday that mannequins pose in the glare of footlights.

Theme holiday

SpiceJet flies to Dubai.

See schedule, page 196.

Mall of Emirates is where you can buy the best of designer coats or just delight in the urban buzz

Also check out Zara, a celebrated Galician store famous for turning round catwalk designs at lightning speed and selling them at amazing deals. The flow of new designs is dazzling, so if you like something, just grab it as it is not likely to be repeated. Do stop for an Original Hamburger at Johnny Rockets. As you enter you would feel as if you have stepped into a classic all-American diner. This mall comes highly recommended!

All in all, Mall of Emirates is where you can buy the best of designer coats or just delight in the urban buzz. In other words, this area

oozes the essence of modern Dubai, serves as a favourite meeting point, and is a splendid example of a place where you’d like to spend your day and evening!

DUBAI MALL – LUXURY SHOPPING Dubai’s rich and famous buy their frivolities from most of the shops here. From simple boutiques to classy stores, the Dubai Mall has it all. Combining glamour with style and elegance, the place practically boasts of an entire world of high fashion. If you have the money and you don’t mind spending, this area is for you. From Gucci to the spectacular Armani collection, this features the extreme definition of haute couture.

gold souk – treasure trove We all know that there is no better place for gold than Dubai owing to the latest designs available at really good bargains, all duty free. Trust me, your first trip to this part will leave you gawking at every shopping window, thinking one required supernatural powers to make such perfect gems!

Clockwise from top left: The extravagant Dubai Mall; A well-known coffee shop; Souq Madinat Jumeirah

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A walk through the Gold Souk is a glittering feast for the eyes. At any single time, more than 25 tonnes of gold is on display at the Gold Souk. The styles run the gamut from Arabic and Indian, to European modern styles.

Dubai is separated by a natural creek that has been dredged; taxis hop back and forth from

Theme holiday

Clockwise from right: Hop on hop off bus; An artist at work; Souq Madinat Jumeirah

side to side, 1 dirham per ride. Deira is on one side of the creek, consisting of some amazing gold souks. Bur Dubai is the other with the crazy hotels and things many have heard of when talking about Dubai – like shopping for fake YSL handbags, digital goodies and even stainless-steel pots.

SOUQ MADINAT JUMEIRAH This gorgeous old Arabian style souk is surely worth a dekko with its wooden arcades, wind towers and courtyards. This is the place to buy carpets, handicrafts, souvenirs and gifts. Here, you would also find garments, jewellery, leather and accessories, and a host of restaurants, cafés

and bars where you can just chill after all the shopping you have been busy indulging in.

OUTDOOR SHOPPING The flea market houses hundreds of stalls and I recommend you arrive early in order to take advantage of the many deals at the stalls.

The main street is full of clothing, souvenirs, jewellery, music and the like. But it is in the side lanes where you would discover good bargains on clothes, purses, handicrafts and more. And this is where you will get lookalike fakes of most expensive brands. It is easily accessible by the metro. And even if the intention is to just window shop, it is unlikely

fact file Must buy: The Emirate fresh dates and traditional Baklava from Carrefour. Look out for excellent bargains.

Hot deal: The ‘summer is Dubai’ campaign is on till September 7.

The three-month extravaganza is a great opportunity for families to take in the city for a short break with innumerable discounts and offers for children.

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for anyone to leave the place empty handed.

Yes and remember to bargain here, ask for at least 50 percent less of what they quote; you would probably get it!

MUST KNOW Most shopping malls are open from around 10 in the morning to about 11 late at night, which is sheer delight for shopaholics on a visit!

Shopping in Dubai is more exciting at night as it’s buzzy with locals and one may even end up eating late and obviously sleeping late, but isn’t that ideal as you can enjoy a swim at your hotel and relax in the day? And that’s what holidays are meant to be...

Festive flavour

Radiant

hues

Even as the atmosphere reverberates with the sounds of patriotism, people across cultures celebrate different festivals with their special charm. |

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S i n gh

Krishna Janmashtami

photo | Dilip Banerjee

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Janmashtami, popularly known as Krishna Janmashtami, celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna who according to Hindu belief was born at midnight on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapad.

The day before Janmashtami is one of prayer and fasting, which continues till midnight and beyond, when an idol of the god is placed in a cradle and rocked. All the main temples in Vrindavan namely Banke Bihari Temple, Rangnathji Temple, Shri Krishna Balram Temple, Radharaman Temple, and ISCKON Temple are decked up with bright lights and the idol of the God is ceremonially bathed in a mixture of milk, honey, yogurt, dry fruit and tulsi leaves – all of which is then distributed as prasad. Hymns, the chanting of devotional mantras and processional tableaux are accompanied by the enactment of incidents from the life of the God. These are performed by small Brahmin boys who, for the day, are regarded virtually as incarnations of Krishna himself. In some areas, a staging of the Raslila, which celebrates Krishna’s love for the cowgirls of Vrindavan, is an integral part of Janmashtami celebrations. One of the liveliest customs connected with Janmashtami is the breaking of the dahi-handi, a pot of milk, yogurt, butter, honey and dry fruits, which is suspended high above a street. Teams of young men and boys compete with each other to build human pyramids high enough to reach the handi and break it.

When: August 28 Where: All over India

Festive flavour

Eid-ul-Fitr Eid-ul-Fitr marks the culmination of the month-long period of fasting and austerity known as Ramzan or Ramadan. It is believed that the Holy Quran was revealed during the month of Ramzan, and in commemoration of that sacred revelation, Eid is celebrated on the day following the sighting of the new moon. Muslims devote the entire month of Ramzan in offering communal prayers to the Almighty, by visiting mosques and reciting dua.

The fasting is observed strictly and right from sunrise to sunset, with absolutely no intake of food or water. Eid-ul-Fitr is considered to be a thanksgiving day when Muslims, all across the world, thank Allah for his blessings. On this day, namaz at mosques is followed by the giving of fitr (alms). Family gatherings, fireworks and much feasting round off the festivities. The highlight of banquet tables is the sweet milk-and-vermicelli pudding known as seviyan because of which many people refer to Eid-ul-Fitr as meethi or ‘sweet’ Eid. Children receive money, gifts, sweets and clothes from elders on this occasion.

When: August 8 Where: Worldwide

Raksha Bandhan Raksha Bandhan celebrates the eternal bond between brothers and sisters. Rakhi, as it is popularly known, is celebrated with great

fervour all over India and includes tying a rakhi on your brother’s wrist, exchanging gifts and gorging on delicious sweets like gulab jamun, rasgulla, barfi and chocolates. On a full-moon day in the month of Sravana, sisters tie thread amulets on their brothers’ wrists, praying for their longevity and happiness.

Brothers, in turn are bound by the delicate threads, to cherish and safeguard their sisters.

And on the auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan sisters pray to Lord Ganesha, perform aarti, put tilak and rice on their brothers’ foreheads and tie a rakhi on their wrists. According to the Indian medieval history, Queen Karnavati of the Rajput Kingdom Chittor had sent a rakhi to Humayun, the Mughal Emperor of Delhi, seeking his help against Bahadur Shah of Mewar. Emperor Humayun knew about the significance of the rakhi in the Hindu community hence accepted the request to protect Queen Karnavati.

When: August 21 Where: All over India

Parsi New Year Parsi New Year is also called Jamshed-e-Navroz.

It falls on the day of the Equinox when the length of the day equals that of the night. This day is to welcome harmony and jubilation in everyone’s life. On this day people try to bring Humata which means good thoughts, Hukta which means good words, and Havarshta

Clockwise from top right: A decorative rakhi; Children celebrating Parsi New year; Offering namaz on Eid-Ul-Fitr

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which means good deeds into their lives.

People visit their temple called the Agiary for Jashn or a thanksgiving session. On this day, Parsis worship Ahura Mazda, symbolised by fire and offer sandalwood sticks to the fire.

On this day it is customary to keep on a table a copy of the Gathas, a lit lamp or candle, a shallow earthenware plate with sprouted wheat or beans for prosperity, one small bowl with a silver coin for wealth, flowers which signify colour, painted eggs for productivity, sweets and rosewater for sweetness and happiness, and a bowl of water with goldfish.

When: August 20 Where: All over India

IP

TEQ

Launch pad

Hot picks

Splurge on these essential lifestyle products.

Get shady This month it’s time to go retro in eyewear with Maui Jim’s Kahoma – the latest addition to the sunglass maker’s attractive line of retro-inspired shades. They come in a high-grade nylon frame, unique colours, and PolarizedPlus2 technology. With lens treatments and frames that are saltwater safe, the sunglasses are perfect for driving or relaxing on the beach.

Travel with comfort

Pure water

Travel well this summer with a Hästens travel pillow. Take it everywhere you go thanks to its convenient size, and even keep things inside.

The pillow is reversible too, so once the power nap is complete, it can be unzipped, turned inside out and transformed into a compact compartment – perfect for popping away all of the precious small items that you prefer keeping closeby during a flight.

Tupperware launches the TupperSure water filter which is India’s first gravity-fed water filter to achieve a WQA Gold Seal Certification.

Its filtration system eliminates 99.99 percent viruses and 99.9999 percent bacteria to provide safe and hygienic drinking water. This comes with a lifetime guarantee on Tupperware plastic parts and service assurance.

Price: `3,200 Availability: Tupperware agents across India

Price: `11,740 Availability: All leading optical stores

Price: `5,000 onwards Availability: Hästens Sleep Experience Centre, South Court Mall, New Delhi

Bling it on

Keep insulin cool

Beaut y care

Tanishq, India’s largest and most preferred jewellery brand introduces Inara, the new age diamond jewellery collection. This collection has been crafted tastefully, which not only reflect the contours of every woman’s heart but fits her wallet well too. Displaying an exquisite ensemble of more than 120 unique designs, the Inara collection comprises diamond jewellery pieces across necklaces, bangles, earrings and cocktail rings.

Great for everyday life, travel and emergencies, the FRÍO® travel wallet is a unique medically tested evaporative insulin cooling wallet that never requires icepacks or refrigeration. To activate, one must soak it in water for few minutes. It retains its cooling properties for up to 45 hours, can be re-activated and is reusable.

Basecamp’s new Go Travel Beauty Case is thoughtfully feminine and compartmentalised to allow even the most disorganised traveller easy access to toiletries and cosmetics on the move. The integrated hook suspends the case in any hotel or aeroplane bathroom, whilst the silky soft material is both attractive and can be easily cleaned.

Price: `1,000 onwards Availability: www. clinicareindia.com

Price: `2 lakh onwards Availability: Across all leading Tanishq stores in India

August 2013 74 www.spiceroutemag.com

Price: `1,560 Availability: D-5, Inner Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi

DIABETIC FOOT CURE Treat neuropathy, sensory loss, & poor balance with Anodyne® Therapy!

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Burning, tingling, diabetic foot pain can make life difficult. If you or your patients suffer from symptoms like these, treatment with Anodyne® Therapy, has clinically proven to help.

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

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

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

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

Distributors in India

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Travel in st yle

Monsoon essential

Part of the Icones range, Helium is Delsey’s exclusive super-light, hard case range. The range consists of simple and elegant designs and light trolleys. The Helium range has slim cabin trolley cases in two spacious sizes. With oganised interiors and streamlined exteriors, Helium is perfect for long vacations as well as overnight business trips. The Icones Range comes with a 10-year warranty.

The latest automatic umbrella from Victorinox in a trendy pink color is a must-carry product during monsoon and summer. This unique titanium-enhanced umbrella comes with auto-open & close system. The product reflects the company’s motto of functionality, design, innovation and quality like every other Victorinox product.

Price: `13,800 Availability: All Delsey stores across India

Price: `2,630 Availability: All leading stores across India

Glowing skin

Goodbye acne

Experience beautifully fresh-looking skin instantly. Vitamin E COOL BB Cream by The Body Shop illuminates, evens out and corrects your complexion for a refreshed skin.

What’s more, this hydrating BB Cream drenches skin with moisture for 12 hours. Your skin feels wonderfully comfortable all through the day.

Aaranyaa brings to you mild, non-sensitising, non-comedogenic, lowfoaming facial wash that is designed with natural extracts of ingredients including water, amla, tomato, mango, and tamarind, along with tea tree oil, sodium chloride, kathon CG, and sodium lauryl ether sulphate. It removes dirt, grime and pollutants from the skin.

It effectively cleans pores and prevents onset of acne and pimples.

Price: `995 Availability: The Body Shop, DLF Place, Saket, New Delhi

August 2013 76 www.spiceroutemag.com

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

Launch pad

Dancing decor

Hydrate the skin

Safe & Pure

Marrying art and functionality, Sajavat’s Ballet collection consists of a range of stunning statement furniture. Each piece is built around figurines striking the pose of a ballerina. These sculpted details are mounted with smooth glass and metal utility elements. Graceful yet resilient, the Ballet Collection reflects the beauty of this dance form.

FACES Daily Dose Moisture Lotion is a dewy oil-free fresh lotion that energises and rehydrates dull, lifeless skin. With green tea and hyaluronate, it spreads effortlessly to leave your skin feeling deeply moisturised and looking much younger, without a heavy oily feel. Perfect for all skin types, it rejuvenates your skin to give that healthy glow through the day.

Price: `3,500 Availability: N-8, M-block market, Greater Kailash 1, New Delhi

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

The world’s largest consumer durable brand Electrolux has specially designed an ultra-modern water purifier for select elite consumers. The innovative idea of a welldesigned water purifier is here. It incorporates latest technology in your modular kitchen home appliances, adding grandeur and convenience to the necessity of safe drinking water. You can choose from the vibrant colour pallete that Electrolux offers.

Less is more

Eat right

Watch it

Nothing spells classy casual like a slim shirt.

Make all the eyes turn your way at the club while you look tress chic in CD slim shirts with funky stripes, patchwork prints, turn-up sleeves and stud buttons. Pair them up with sharp jackets or just wear them solo.

The ‘Tableware Division’ of Villeroy & Boch comprises the complete range of products for a perfectly laid table: top-quality dinner services, crystalware and cutlery, a rich assortment of products for preparation as well as accessories and gift items. It is a perfect blend of classic and contemporary designs.

An explosion of red erupts in the Royal Ruby Tourbillon by Ulysse Nardin drawing upon the force of this precious gemstone to make a seductive, dramatic statement. Enhancing the timepiece’s fiery beauty is the bold spark of red across the face of the dial, catching the eye of its wearer to reveal the complex flying tourbillon mechanism. The flange of the Royal Ruby is set with 12 rubies distinguishing the hours, accompanied by 48 diamonds.

Price: `1,790 onwards Availability: www.cdshirts.com and Charagh Din store at 64, Wodehouse Road, Colaba, Mumbai

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

Price: `2,000 onwards Availability: 10A Ground floor, The Palladium Mall, Mumbai

Price: On request Availability: Johnson Watch Co. stores across India

August 2013 78 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice Trail

The genius

berry

Used for ages to ward off witches and evil, the Juniper is a much sought after herb for its medicinal wonders and a unique gin-enhancing flavour.

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f cattails are the “supermarket of the swamp”, then Juniper clearly is the “shopping mall of the mountains”. This shrubby evergreen, often recognised by its widely distributed woody plants around the world, offers countless products for the enterprising forager.

With the berries and twigs you can brew tea, season game, smoke fish, repel moths, soothe rheumatic pains and kill infectious germs. In Scandinavia, deseeded Juniper berries are made into jam and spread on bread. In Britain and France, the berries are a pepper substitute and a base for making beer. In the United States and elsewhere, Juniper berries are used to give gin its characteristic flavour. But the Juniper berry is much more than just a flavouring agent.

PALATE WONDER The first recorded usage of Juniper is found in the late 16th century when the herb was used as a flavouring agent in gin and a little later in luncheon meats. Juniper berries perform a unique role, by contributing as much to the character of food through their ‘freshening’ ability, as they do by way of their specific taste profile. These berries blend well with other herbs and spices, especially thyme, sage, oregano, marjoram, bay leaves, allspice, onions and garlic. In Sweden, the herb was August 2013 80 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice Trail

A uterine stimulant, juniper is a misfit for pregnant women and children Yet, Juniper does come with its own limitations, and cannot be used on whim or without caution. The volatile oil stimulates the kidney nephrons so juniper should never be used in patients with renal disease (a warning sign is albuminuria). A uterine stimulant, it is a misfit for pregnant women and children.

While buying, look for berries that are moist and soft to the touch. The cloudy bloom that appears on some berries is harmless. Look for whole juniper berries at specialty spice merchants and German or Eastern European markets, where the demand for such a berry is high.

BUYing & STORAGE

Juniper Flavoured Chicken Pasta (Serves: 4)

Juniper berries are the fruit of evergreen coniferous bushes and trees with green, prickly leaves. When ripe, berries are blue-black and round, with a 7mm diameter. Berries take three years to mature. used to season pâtés and sauces. Goulash and Sauerkraut often feature a Juniper taste, as do some home-pickled meats like salt beef, salt pork and ham. In fact there are several mentions of Juniper’s use in a wide variety of dishes across continents, especially those that require alcohol. Fruit dishes, such as apple tart and pickled peaches, also harmonise with this flavour. A general practice of using the berries is by crushing them coarsely before adding to dishes, but they are also used whole as a pickling spice in marinades or broths. The flavour is intense, so make sure you use only a few berries at a time.

Usually available as whole berries, Juniper is easy to store. Just crush the berries and store them in an airtight container in a cool place.

The berries can be kept for a long time. As far as harvesting is concerned, ripe blue-black Juniper berries are good to be plucked off the bush whenever they are found.

Ingredients

2 Chicken breasts (boneless and sliced) 1 medium Red onion ( finely chopped) 1 medium Fennel bulb ( finely chopped) 3 cloves Garlic (minced) 1/2 tsp. Red pepper flakes 1 tsp. Juniper berries (ground) 1 tbsp. fresh Thyme 3 tbsp. Olive oil 2 tbsp. Butter 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated) 3 tbsp Gin 1/2 tsp. Orange zest Salt and pepper to taste 500gm Pasta (cooked al dente) Method In a large sauté pan over low heat add 2 tbsp. olive oil. Toss in the sliced onion, fennel, pepper flakes, Juniper, thyme, garlic and a pinch of salt, and cook for 5 minutes.

MEDICAL BENEFITS Often called the storehouse of antidotes, Juniper’s volatile antiseptic oil has been used to soothe digestion problems, treat urinary tract infections such as cystitis and urethritis and increase the glomerular filtration rate of the kidneys since ages. Its diuretic effect also helps in increasing the elimination of acid metabotites; it is antiseptic, carminative, stomachic, antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory and a uterine stimulant. It has shown great results in eliminating excess water retention contributing to weight loss. It is specifically indicated in the absence of renal inflammation.

The properties of green unripe berries and leaves help promote healthy blood pressure.

These cones are also an excellent treatment for reducing congestion, as well as for treating asthma and colds.

Heat the remaining olive oil. Now place the slices of chicken in the pan, turning them once a nice crust has formed on one side.

Once the chicken is nicely browned on both sides, turn off the heat under the pan and add the 3 tbsp. of gin. Remove chicken pieces and set them aside with the vegetables.

Add 2 cups of chicken stock to the sauté pan and simmer to reduce to 1 cup.

Stir in the chilled butter and add the chicken, vegetables and orange zest to the sauce and mix. Add reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if desired.

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

D nakaran

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

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The only widely circulated Tamil Daily in India

Gourmet delight

Foodie

connect

Amateur food photography and restaurant reviews on social networking websites are impacting businesses of restaurants. Read on to know more.

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e are living in an era where food is an integral part of our lifestyle. We have 24-hour TV channels focused on food. Food magazines are doling out information on the best restaurants across the globe along with recipes for cooking exotic dishes at home. The recent years have seen Indians travelling abroad much more than earlier – tasting local foods in August 2013 86 www.spiceroutemag.com

different countries and experiencing the fine dining and high standards of various Michelinstarred restaurants.

Lifest yle Change With increasing global awareness and exposure, we are gaining access to world cuisines, not only on foreign shores but in our own

Gourmet delight

It’s not only the new restaurants that are impacted by user reviews; old ones can also suffer severe jolts country as well. Gone are the days when weekend family dinners alternated between neighbourhood restaurants serving Indian and Chinese fare. Today we, at least those of us living in metros, have a choice of regional Indian cuisine ranging from coastal appams and stews to Himachali and Ladakhi specialties.

Oriental fare has not only upped the taste of Chinese food but now includes Japanese, Vietnamese, and more. Continental has moved on from fish and chips and Russian salad to French and German treats.

As the choices are increasing, people are asking their friends for restaurant recommendations online, reading others’ reviews and deciding where to go, and offering their feedback once they’ve been. “Eating is becoming an increasingly social activity, and social media often features at every step of dining. Right from a Facebook status saying we’re excited about going to a certain restaurant, a Foursquare check-in once we’re

there, a Twitter update about the service, an Instagram picture of the food, and then a review on Zomato,” says Pankaj Chaddah, co-founder and COO, Zomato. Sometimes you may know the restaurants in your city well, but if you want a change of palaté the relevant websites or online groups may provide interesting suggestions and options.

Online clubs like the Delhi Gourmet Club on Facebook organise events in some of the finest restaurants, where they design a spectacular menu in collaboration with the restaurant and offer a feast to their members at a steal. This way, many people who may not have tried certain restaurants thinking that they are expensive, get to experience some of the restaurant’s signature dishes at an affordable price. And to think of it, this club is driven on a social networking site!

Impact on Restaurants All the instant information is not always August 2013 88 www.spiceroutemag.com

beneficial for restaurants. It’s true though that a few positive reviews can do wonders for a restaurant’s publicity, a few negative ones can take it the other way around as well. Despite their best efforts to maintain quality and consistency, restaurants occasionally do fall short of a customer’s expectations and that’s when a problem arises. This is when users voice their displeasure and write a negative review about their experience. And it’s not only the new restaurants that are impacted by user reviews; at times even the old, iconic ones suffer severe jolts in reputation.

So, with the power of the pen, is the average restaurant goer becoming overly critical, maybe to prove his/her superior taste or access to better food? “Since most reviews are based on opinion and experience, one cannot really say that a user is trying to ape a food critic or is being overly critical. One major advantage of having user-written reviews over editorial ones is that it eliminates the

Gourmet delight

Get Online You can visit some of the popular websites to get restaurant details, reviews and even menus: Zomato.com Timescity.com The clubs also organise well-priced events in restaurants that members can attend to enjoy good food and warm camaraderie between online pals.

Delhi Gourmet Club on Facebook Gourmet Planet on Facebook

bias and allows for a wider range of opinions and experiences,” avers Chaddah. Passionate foodie, avid cook, founder of sikandalous cusine and co-founder of Delhi Gourmet Club on Facebook, Atul Sikand, feels that at the end of the day it all depends on the quality of food that a restaurant serves. “If the product is good, no amount of negative publicity can bring it down,” he says. Referring to people who write malicious reviews and exaggerate one negative experience at a restaurant, he says regulars on a social networking group can usually tell who is sharing a genuine meal experience versus someone who always writes negative things. “We have moderation systems in place to keep spam reviews off the website, and are constantly working on making them even more watertight,” says Chaddah.

the information is well tabulated, and one can even view the graph of how a restaurant has fared say over the last two months. So even if a couple of people have shared a bad experience, and the graph dipped slightly, but the overall experience of most people has been positive the dip may be only due to a personal taste or opinion or a bad day for the restaurant,” he shares. “In San Francisco, for instance, I could choose between three different bars on the same street, charging similar prices, but offering a completely different ambience.

In India, after deciding on the cuisine, one primarily decides where to go based on the pricing,” he says. Chaddah however feels

Matching International Standards Even though all this is relatively new for us, sites like Yelp and Burrp have been popular in the US for years. “I rarely went to a restaurant in the US without reading its menu online or reading a couple of reviews about it,” says Daljit S Kochar, who lived in the US for the better part of a decade and moved back to Delhi a few years ago. He reckons that the social media in the US is more mature than it is currently in India. “In the American websites August 2013 90 www.spiceroutemag.com

that if one was to compare Indian websites to American ones, the latter have had the advantage of starting their learning curves earlier, but in the last six months to a year we have seen amazing products being built in the Indian market which are better than most of their international counterparts.

“Competition is getting fiercer by the day, and what defines a restaurant’s success is how well it can keep a customer coming back,” shares Chaddah. At the end of the day the world is indeed becoming smaller and we are getting some great food in our part of the world.

Bon Appetit!

Gourmet delight

Cuisine crossover

Today, a hotel menu in India is not too different from anywhere in the world and vice versa. Treat your palate as the choices break all boundaries.

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oie gras, compote, enchiladas, sashimi – such names are no longer alien to most Indians. With Indians travelling across the world, they are experimenting with food like never before. Small wonder then that apart from Italian and Thai cuisine, a plethora of global cuisines such as Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, Mexican and Lebanese are now being offered in restaurants in India, both five star, as well as stand-alone. Clearly, the Indian palate has evolved.

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The growing popularity of global cuisines has a lot to do with people being well-travelled and consequently discerning.

With exposure to international travel, people are now more willing to experiment with food. Travel programmes and culinary shows on television have also played a vital role in increasing awareness on food. With food being talked about, debated and relished; pesto sauce, cheddar cheese and blueberry are no longer obscure, says Chef Deepak Bhatia.

Gourmet delight

Shane O’Neill, executive chef, Grand Hyatt Goa agrees: “It is so important for us to serve our guests what they want and meet their expectations. The tourism industry is booming.

Besides, there is a sense of adventure and youngsters especially are more open to trying new cuisines.”

World trends Though the names might sound different, there is a tinge of similarity in flavour and texture that has contributed to the appeal of some of these global cuisines. Some favourites like stews or curries, barbecue or rice bowls find place in all world cuisine, though with slight variations. Many people are also drawn to the authentic healthy nature of cuisines like Japanese, with its reliance on vegetables and fresh seafood.

Gaining popularity are the Southeast Asian sauces, the Moroccan tagines and the Korean tabletop barbecues

The world today has become a smaller place thanks to the Internet. People are aware of worldwide food trends and like to keep abreast. Chef Christophe Gillino, executive chef, The Leela Palace New Delhi, analyses, “People are not only well travelled, but are increasingly becoming aware of new trends and cuisines, and therefore expect the same experience on their home turf. It is also a fashion phenomenon. People like changes and love to discover. It is a simple process – you see something new you like, you buy it. We are surrounded by images and publicity.”

According to experts, trends like the power of umami – the fifth flavour, a savoury taste derived from glutamates – too has made a contribution. It is distinct from the other four well-known flavours of sweet, sour, hot and salty. Also gaining popularity are the aromatic and artfully balanced Southeast Asian sauces, the spice-scented Moroccan tagines and the Korean tabletop barbecues and bento boxes.

Everything from Peruvian causas rellenas (spicy potato and chicken salad) to frozen Korean fried chicken and bulgogi (grilled thinly sliced tenderloin) cater to this generation’s varied culinary pursuit.

Pass over If new global cuisines are gaining favour of the Indian palate, authenticity too is the buzzword.

Hotels are striving hard to serve only the real thing to their guests. Chefs Guadalupe August 2013 94 www.spiceroutemag.com

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Gourmet delight

food guide Cha gio Viet – the Vietnamese roll.

Huevos en el Purgatorio – a Latin American dish with baked egg.

Cancun Escabeche – pickled fish, cilantro, tomato, lime, red onion.

Canederli – bread dumplings in chicken broth from Trentino.

Risotto with Nduja of tuna from Calabria.

Monterroza and Narciso Alcazar visited the Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel, Mumbai to enable guests to experience the authentic zest of Mexican food. The aim was to take guests way beyond the stereotypical Mexican gastronomic experience with their culinary expertise and offer exclusive dishes like Cancun Escabeche (pickled fish, cilantro, tomato, lime, red onion) and Pescado Veracruz (tomato, onion, red and green pepper, green olives). And guests truly appreciated these.

“Chef Alessandro Stefoni has come to Vetro, The Oberoi Mumbai from the Michelin-starred, fine-dining Italian restaurant, Imago at Hotel Hassler in Rome. He has introduced new offerings to the menu such as Canederli, bread dumplings in chicken broth from Trentino; Risotto with Nduja of tuna, with mascarpone,

spices and fennel seed from Calabria; Lobster and almond stew,” informs Cedric KleinJochem, executive assistant manager, F&B. Again, the idea of getting experts in a particular cuisine is to give the guests an authentic dining experience. And hotels spare no efforts in doing so. ITC Grand Chola hires international chefs as well as internationallytrained chefs to meet this growing need for global cuisine. “At ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, we have chefs trained extensively in Japan and other parts of the globe, including an experienced Chinese chef from Beijing to assist with the authenticity of the cuisine. We also have French and Italian chefs adding value to our offerings,” reveals head chef Ajit Bangera.

It is no different at other leading hotels where

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skill, authenticity, dexterity and passion are given prime importance and hence expat chefs are employed to lead their signature restaurant concepts. However, it is not always possible to bring in expat chefs for long periods, so hotels invest in training their chefs abroad as well. But authenticity is never compromised. Also it is in the best interest of hotels to send chefs abroad to learn the skills and apply it on their return, which has contributed to global cuisine.

Whether it is Cha gio Viet, the Vietnamese rolls or Huevos en el Purgatorio, a Latin American dish with baked egg, today the boundaries are limitless and the food diverse in India. Global dishes have finally made an entry into India and gourmets are relishing them with panache.

Gourmet delight

Personality

on a platter Meet India’s most flamboyant chefs who have more to them than their artistry with the fork and the knife.

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hese men in white are very different from the image of the quiet, understated chefs that we all have. Food apart, their dabbling in travel, design, music, biking, movies and other unusual hobbies makes them interesting frontof-the room chefs; besides adding that dash of personality to their recipes.

The whole experience of dining out has undergone a sea change. The chef today is August 2013 98 www.spiceroutemag.com

Vish al

equally adept at strumming a guitar, lending a voice, and then cooking up a lovely meal even as he takes breaks entertaining the guests with card tricks. Eating out is about much more than food today. It is part of a larger experience. And chefs naturally have graduated from being understated backroom boys (and girls) to becoming captains of the ship both in the kitchen and front-of-the-house. We don’t need to see the popularity of shows such as

Gourmet delight

A chef's aesthetic sensibilities, experiences outside the kitchen and flamboyance are literally part of the same platter Masterchef or indeed films such as Cheeni Kum, Salaam Namaste or even Dhoom II to know that we now are well and truly in the age of glamorous food and, well, glamorous chefs. The super chef has now become a super celeb – even in India that has had such a long tradition of anonymous and un-thanked cooks and maharajas.

Celeb chefs But while a chef needs to have people’s skills to strike a rapport with customers to create

a warm, personalised, chic or even whacky experience that has people coming back to the restaurant, it is equally true that a chef’s personality finds its way into his food. His aesthetic sensibilities, exposure, experiences in the world outside the kitchen and flamboyance are literally part of the same platter. And diners can sense that, especially at a time when more and more chefs are giving vent to their creativity and putting out a piece of their soul on the plate.

Here’s a look at some of India’s most flamboyant and quirky chefs – men in white who are so much more, with interesting hobbies and passions that make them unique, interesting people in their own right, and ensure that they are such good chefs as well.

Love for music He has run a Michelin-starred restaurant, is a world-famous proponent of Catalonian food, has worked with none less than the god of gastronomy Ferran Adria and has his own fan following in Mumbai where his eponymous tapas style restaurant and bar is the venue for many a stylish gathering. But his food is as non-fuss, informal and friendly as his August 2013 100 www.spiceroutemag.com

Chef Sergei Arola

personality. In another life chef Sergei Arola could have been a rockstar — and we are not joking. There is certainly nothing “white tableclothed” about this chef who lists tattoos and bikes as his main interests aside from food. That and music. Arola’s passion for rock music is something that many of his guests may not really know of. But it is true that the now famous chef quit school to actually pursue music. The James Dean persona is reflected in his proud ownership of a Harley Davidson and this kind of flamboyance perhaps runs in the family. In Mumbai to celebrate one year of Arola, his restaurant in Mumbai, the good chef not just conducted a hugely entertaining but unpretentious master class but also roped in his brother to deejay at the tapas bar on some of the evenings!

India had always attracted the Spanish chef even before he got a chance to open his restaurant at the JW Marriott’s flagship property. “I love India and its rich culture and the nitty-gritty that goes into the addition of spices in Indian cuisine,” he says.

Gourmet delight

Goila is certainly a chef of our times with his varied interests that all fit in with a chef-as-entertainer persona Saransh Goila

Acting it right Saransh Goila is an actor and chef for Roti, Rasta Aur India and Food This Week shows on FoodFood channel. As a chef with his own TV shows, Goila may just be living out two of his biggest passions in life – dabbling in food and entertainment. For someone who lists watching movies as his biggest area of interest aside from cuisine, anchoring a food show on TV must certainly fit the bill.

“I am a crazy movie buff,” he says. “So much so that I might forget a meal but I rarely sleep without watching a film. I have watched more than 5,000 movies now and am compiling a list for the same. In Delhi I converted an entire flat to a place called La Fearless Cinema, a private eight-seater theatre for friends and family. It was always a dream to have a place of my own. I think it’s one of the most satisfactory achievements I have had in life – to build a theatre right out my head brick by brick! The passion is so strong that I might even end up making a movie some day or even better, a food movie!”

Goila is certainly a chef of our times what with his varied interests that all fit in with a flamboyant-chef/chef-as-entertainer persona.

On his off days, he writes (and loves writing about life in general too). But he also attends dance workshops, food walks and wine tastings to keep himself updated.

Entertainment is a passion. “Food is entertainment, food is lifestyle!” he exclaims.

“Today, being a chef in India is much more than working 14 hours a day, seven days a week in the kitchen... People love chefs. They are the new hip artists, who have gained respect in our society after a long time,” says Goila, who believes that while inside the kitchen a chef may be a tough taskmaster; outside, he must be charming, cracking jokes et al. “Imagine a dull chef walking out of the kitchen with a straight face, people will perceive the food to reflect the same and vice versa.”

For someone who was a shy and overweight kid, this mantle of being a chefentertainer was not inevitable. Goila took to August 2013 102 www.spiceroutemag.com

theatre in school and it was on stage that he really found his first calling. “In today’s time where practically every street hawker calls himself a chef, how does one stand out or get noticed?” asks this new-age chef. “Flair and flamboyance have to be a necessary part of a successful chef’s repertoire today, just like knives! At the end of the day it’s show business.

If people had to eat food only to survive, they won’t visit a restaurant, they eat outside for entertainment and experience.” Touché.

Reptile love When Mickey Bhoite, the charming and competent chef behind Le Cirque New Delhi, lets it out that he is a professional reptile breeder “back home in Italy”, I am frankly surprised to say the least. Bhoite keeps over 60 reptiles, including venomous snakes, chameleons, iguanas and tortoise in Italy (he belongs to Tuscay). It is a unique hobby for anyone — not just a chef. Since he is posted in Delhi, “I have to take care of this hobby of mine from Delhi on a daily basis,” he points out. But then when working in hospitality,

Mickey Bhoite

Bhoite keeps over 60 reptiles, venomous snakes, chameleons and iguanas back home in Italy “where one has long hours and sometimes a stressful environment, all work and no play makes for a dull day and boring life.”

If chefs need to destress and keep an active mind, this is as good a way as any to cope with the pressures of being in a high-profile job. But Bhoite, always on the look out for new experiences – whether inside the kitchen or outside – has other passions too. He is also part of a motorcycle group called Wanderers Delhi, which meets once a week and bikes down to the outskirts of the capital to check out and eat at various dhabas.

Pampered from an early age with “all the culinary goodies that the region had to offer”, Bhoite now finds that the strong, hearty influence has governed his style of cooking till date. “Everything that I do, be French, Italian or something else, ends up with a good Tuscan base and feel to it,” he says. For his Indian diners there can be nothing better since the Indian palate has such a strong resonance with the hearty fare of the region.

If a chef’s background goes into his food, so does his personality and Bhoite is quite candid about how his innate stubbornness as a person influences his cooking style. Not only is he stubborn about procuring the right ingredients, he also “hates shortcuts”. Respect for his diners is also why Bhoite feels that it is vital for chefs today to be front-of-the-house people – to better understand palates and to encourage people to try new things. We are not complaining.

In conversation

Power-packed

performer Donning lifelike characters in each of his movies, the multifaceted Manoj Bajpayee has risen to become one of India’s acting powerhouses...

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wice over National Award winner, this actor has accepted films for their wholesome storyline and good directors...

From playing a CBI officer in Special 26 to a gangster in Shootout at Wadala, Manoj Bajpayee is on a roll. Climbing the Bollywood ladder has been quite a bumpy ride for him. The actor, who recently spent about a month in Delhi to shoot for his upcoming film Saat Uchakkey in and around Chandni Chowk, spoke to us about how he has always believed in calling up directors to ask for work, and how he has made the mark despite lacking star appeal.

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In conversation

The biggest challenge I have faced is to go beyond what the director has thought of you What is your take on your career at this stage?

I am thoroughly enjoying this phase of my career where I am constantly working. I have never had so many films releasing in a year. Normally I have only two releases annually, but this year has been extraordinary for me.

In the past, I had been getting ample offers but most of them did not interest me.

What were some of the challenges you faced while doing these movies?

Making your director your fan is the biggest challenge for any actor. In all my films, the biggest challenge I’ve faced is to go beyond what the director has thought of you. It’s always fantastic to know that while you are shooting for a film the director finds you very average

and when he sees you on screen he realises how fabulous you have been.

Your darkest phase?

I have had many dark phases in my life... first being the one when I had just come to Mumbai and I hardly had money for food. Some years later in 2004-2005, when I fell sick, I had no offers coming in. But I have always called up all directors

quick takes Favourite holiday destination: London Favourite shopping destination: America

to ask for work and many of them have reciprocated as well.

Rajneeti was your turning point? Please comment.

I would say Rajneeti was a reminder to the audience that here is Manoj Bajpayee.

Roles that have changed your life?

I take all roles very personally and I take a lot of time to choose my roles. My wife knows that I’m a different person at home and a different person on the sets. I also strongly believe that every role should help you change yourself. This way one can never feel stagnated.

Two National Awards...

How does that feel?

I want two more... (laughs).

I’m a greedy person and I’m never satisfied. I feel the need to explore more and more after each of my movies.

Favourite cuisine: Italian Favourite author: Irfan Habib Favourite sport: Cricket

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In conversation

Looking back, which are the filmmakers you have most enjoyed working with?

Shekhar Kapoor, Ram Gopal Verma, Anurag Kashyap, Neeraj Pandey, Rakesh Mehra and Prakash Jha. Around nine of my films have won National Awards.

I am sure that speaks volumes about the filmmakers I have worked with.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

My wife makes sure I buy the household groceries, look after my little daughter, and always remain grounded.

Do you enjoy travelling?

I love travelling with my daughter Ava to London, Dubai and various other places. Recently, I was in Delhi with my family while I was shooting. And soon, after seven years, I will be going to my village, so I am particularly excited about that.

What projects do you have in the pipeline?

Satyagraha which is releasing on August 30 is a social political film where I’ll be doing all the wrong things. Currently, I was shooting for Saat Uchakkey, a Neeraj Pandey production. Then I also have a Malayalam remake coming up called Traffic which is produced by Endemol.

What does a Manoj Bajpayee kind of film look like?

I do all kinds of cinema whether it is multi-starrers or others because I don’t believe in limiting myself to specific roles.

All I would tell the audience is that Manoj Bajpayee is here to surprise you every time.

My wife makes sure I buy groceries and look after my little daughter Sometimes your movies are highly acclaimed critically, but are not seen by the public at large. Does that bother you?

Of course it does bother me.

Take the film 1971 for example, which won two National Awards.

I thought it was the best Army film ever made, but it was marketed poorly and the industry completely ignored it. This is an earnest appeal to all your readers to watch this film, I’m sure each one would agree with me on this.

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Which are the places to travel on your wishlist?

Norway for sure. Also the untouched Australia. I have started driving all over again so that I could drive down to all these picturesque places.

In conversation

Success

sprint

He has achieved another milestone in his film career with a breathtaking performance in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Farhan Akhtar, the shy and humble man with a dimpled smile, talks about this cherished experience.

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arhan wears more hats than one – he is a director, producer, actor and singer, but clarifies that he can do only one thing at a time and doesn’t feel the need to overburden himself with expectations. With a budget of `35 crores, his latest biopic on the iconic sportsman Milkha Singh was shot in Ferozpur in Punjab, Ladakh, Haryana and Delhi. This multi-talented performer was in the capital to launch his wife Adhuna Akhtar’s salon B:blunt in Gurgaon. On this occasion, Adhuna admits that Farhan is by far the most finicky client she has ever had. On this the soft-spoken actor sports an embarrassed smile. Here he speaks to us about the success of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, his upcoming movie Shaadi Ke Side Effects and how he desires to go on a long holiday to Spain.

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sequences were shot with real athletes from Australia, Canada and South Africa. I concentrated on the fact that if Milkhaji could work so hard to achieve his goal, then I too must put in my heart and soul to depict his character in the true spirit.

KNOW Farhan He has won National Awards for Dil Chahta Hai, Rock On and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

He made his British debut as English lyricist for the soundtrack of Bride and Prejudice.

He launched the MARD campaign to promote gender equality in India.

He has been greatly influenced by Amitabh Bachchan and Robert De Niro.

How difficult was it to essay the role of the legendary Milkha Singh?

Getting out of your comfort zone is always a challenge in itself I would say. I think playing this role was like a rare opportunity one gets. The story is emotional and engaging and most people did not know the hardships that Milkhaji had undergone to accomplish what he did. I feel honoured to be a part of this film.

When I had decided to do the film, I had promised him that I would do whatever it takes to do this role and justify it in the best possible way.

How intense was your training?

Two years of my life were dedicated to this film. Race

Acting in a biopic on a living legend is a big responsibility. Please comment.

Of course it is. But you can either be crushed by the responsibility or it can become the wind beneath your wings. When we had gone to meet Milkhaji at his Chandigarh residence, I tried his shoes and they had fit perfectly.

That’s when I realised that I had to give my best to this role.

What is your take on an athletic career now?

I don’t have one! I enjoyed every minute of playing this role and I have learnt a lot from this movie.

Athletes are bound to be inspired

by Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Sports federations should start getting more sensitive towards athletes and nurture them correctly.

Please tell us about your upcoming movies.

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Shaadi Ke Side Effects with Vidya Balan is my next movie. It’s a wonderfully sweet script and it was an incredible experience to work with her.

Which is that one place you desire to travel to?

I would say Spain is my flavour of the year. Adhuna and I have been planning to go on a holiday there. Within India, Goa is always on our list as the place has many special memories attached to it.

What is your idea of relaxation after a hectic day at work?

I think visiting the B:blunt Salon and enjoying a Kerastase ritual is my idea of relaxation. Within two minutes of the massage starting, I doze off.

What according to you should Bollywood filmmakers learn from their Hollywood counterparts?

We need to learn how to market ourselves. Our industry churns out hundreds of films each year and yet only a fraction of them make it overseas. While Hollywood films manage to leave an impression in every corner of the world.

Glam world

Button

it up

Spruce up your wardrobe with some stylish summer-friendly jackets this season. Pick your favourite from an array of options.

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ith the focus always on fashionconscious women, it’s about time men started pulling their wardrobes together! Fashion trends are always changing and men need to keep up if they are attempting to look just as good as the ladies. As the days get longer and hotter, it’s time for a wardrobe makeover.

If you thought jackets were only for winter, think again. Cropped or ‘boyfriend’ blazers and light layers make for stylish summer cover-ups August 2013 116 www.spiceroutemag.com

as well. If you haven’t already invested in a tailored jacket, now is the time to do. While the casual look might work at some places and surely go well with the warm months, adding a couple of summer jackets to your wardrobe will definitely uplift your look and overall persona.

Layer it up with Linen I know it is hot outside and the last thing you want to do is put a jacket on. Once the

Glam world

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good to know When it comes to fashion and matching your hair to the style of clothing, it is very contextual and individual.

With longer hair, a wellmaintened slicked back look is best.

With short hair one can afford to give an edge to it, displaying an attitude to die for.

Suggested by: Rod Anker, Director, Monsoon Salon

sun puts his hat on, it means thinking not only smarter but lighter too. With the right jacket though (think unlined, unpadded and linen) you can dress smart and stay cool at the same time. Start with casual cotton or linen summer jackets. After all, summer is about communicating a relaxed and playful impression and I think linen helps contribute to it. Linen is a labour-intensive material to manufacture, but is valued for its exceptional coolness and freshness in hot weather. Team these summer-friendly jackets with matching trousers for effortless elegance at weddings or garden parties.

Vandy Mehra, group director, Study By Janak, reiterates, “Summer jackets are an easy way of turning a boring outfit into something chic. When we look at the trend for 2013 in jackets, I would definitely recommend a lightweight jacket with washed finish. Comfort August 2013 118 www.spiceroutemag.com

with style is the key point to keep in mind and what can be better than a linen jacket.�

Jawahar jackets Whether it is a bandhgala jacket or a sleeveless Jawahar jacket both are in trend this season.

A sleeveless Jawahar jacket can be worn over a shirt or a kurta to give a semi-formal look and to also add that ethnic touch to your wardrobe. It is sure to add class and elegance to the regular outfit. It has grown from extremely formal and traditional to casual and fashionable now. On the global front it has gained tremendous popularity and numerous designers are working on these jackets to come up with different looks and colours. Vandy Mehra gives her take on Jawahar jackets, “This year the summer jacket trend has really picked up with emphasis on comfort silhouette and style detailing. Jawahar jackets fit in a casual or in a semi-formal setting generally but even if

Glam world

Always try to compliment the jacket rather than wearing something in the same colour family

Keep in mind Linen gets wrinkled easily so one should always put the jacket on a hanger.

Jawahar jackets in sober tones are advised to avoid going over the top.

Team up bright coloured jackets with the basic black, blue or beige trousers.

you are going to a party they have the potential to be your best buddies.”

Colour it right Dark blues, blacks and browns are the safe options for occasions, but what about those who want to try something off the edge? With an array of colours introduced by designers, there’s more to add to your wardrobe. This summer, experiment with those bright hues and shades which you thought were impossible to wear. Yellows, turquoise or even lilacs are the new shades for jackets this summer. Adding

a splash of neon to your formal-wear jackets is surely something you can try to experiment with this season.

Designer Sunil Mehra has recently launched his summer jacket collection which is already making waves in the market. Speaking to the designer, he gives us some tips to keep in mind while buying summer jackets this season: “Choose from lightweight summer jackets with loose weave fabrics which are made of the best materials with refined touches that radiate luxury. It is also important to keep

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in mind what you’re buying this jacket for.

Do you want it to serve multiple purposes at different events? Then stick to a neutral colour in a subtle stripe or checks. If you have a particular event in mind then there should be more room to get creative. Maybe something in pink or mint green in a bold stripe will do?

Either way, planning is everything.” We all tend to match everything we wear at most times, but it is not necessary that everything matched looks good.

Mehra adds another important tip, “You should think about what you will be wearing with the jacket as much as the jacket itself.

Always try to compliment the jacket rather than wearing something in the same colour family.

For example, if the jacket is in navy, why not try burgundy or olive chinos? Or if you’re feeling really bold, maybe something in yellow? If the jacket is in a less neutral colour such as red, stick to muted complimenting colours such as blues and greens.”

Well being

Future in a

cuppa

Know what your stars have to say by merely sipping tea, coffee or wine.

Read on to know more about the new trends of fortune telling.

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ave you ever imagined that an innocent sip of wine or coffee can reveal what lies ahead for you? Sounds unbelievable but it is actually true. Astrologers, palmists, tarot card readers and the crystal ball still hold their place in people’s hearts and minds, but there are many willing to put their faith in lesserknown methods which are said to be more accurate and give better clarity about one’s future. Naturally, with changing times, fortune telling too has seen a sea change. So today, tea leaf reading, wine reading as well as coffee reading are fast gaining popularity as tools for predicting your future.

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I am a well-known life coach and believe in the law of karma, and that each soul is divine and has a purpose and a lesson to learn in each lifetime. Through my discourses and therapies, I aim to guide the soul to its correct and chosen path. I am a firm believer in these methods of fortune telling.

Future perfect Since people first began drinking tea, they have been fascinated by the shapes left at the bottom of their tea cup. Then the Greeks tried their variation by using wine instead of tea, called ‘kottovos’. Depending on the

Well being

Coffee reading is widely practiced in the Middle East, where it is a tradition passed down through generations sediment formation, future events would be forecast which could be interpreted as positive, negative or simply unclear. In the Middle East, it was more common to read coffee grounds, especially with the thick and syrupy Turkish coffee. Professional coffee readers are common throughout Asia even today.

Why is fortune telling so popular? Because it helps us answer the unknown. Believe it or not, mankind has always been afraid of the unknown. Whether we want to admit it or not, the unknown makes everyone feel uncomfortable. For example, if we lose a job, we want to know when we will get a new one.

Perhaps, if you are not married, you may want to know when you will find your significant other. If you are sick, would you not want to know how to get better? It is obvious that not

all fortune tellers have all the answers. Often enough, fortune tellers will give you a vague or inaccurate reading. But, even if we do not always get an accurate fortune reading, the art of fortune telling still offers great comfort.

Candid coffee Coffee cup reading is an ancient art believed to have originated over 5,000 years back. It is an interesting technique and a pure method of divination done through the images of coffee grounds which appear in the cup after drinking it. This technique is widely practiced in the Middle East, where it is a popular tradition passed down through generations, mainly by women.

The practitioner provides various remedies which are natural, energised and

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aim at nurturing and rejuvenating the mind, body and spirit. During one of my coffee reading sessions, a person who had recently got married came and complained about a jewellery theft in the house and how his wife was being blamed for it. He came to me to seek clarity on the matter. The images formed in the cup which he drank from amazingly spoke the truth, which was confirmed to me after a few days.

The image of a dog appeared representing faithfulness. There was a scorpio and a lady representing hidden danger. The alphabet ‘S’ appeared in the cup and also an image indicating conspiracy. Sure enough, my observations came true. He came back to me to inform that his brother's wife named Saroj was behind all this and was conspiring against

Well being

his own wife. He said his wife was faithful to the family, and innocent.

Tea temptation Tea leaf reading is yet another interesting method of divination, now quite popular among Indians too. This is the study of the shapes made by the tea leaves after the person has drunk his cuppa. The reader has to consider the size, clarity and position of the shapes left in the cup. A general intuitive impression is also fetched from the position of the leaves in the cup. In one of my tea leaf reading sessions, images like a snake, a group of people and some dense patterns indicated the seeker that his boss was trying to replace him with his colleague and the most trusted people around were betraying him. He got the insight and thereafter changed his policy of dealing with each one of them.

Winning wine Oinomancy is an ancient Roman technique and a form of divination done by examining

the various patterns formed in wine. It was traditionally performed by a priestess called a bacchante and protected by Bacchus, the Roman God of wine. Wine reading is a psychic revelation and the physical features such as

colour, taste, smell, stains and sediments settled in the bottom of the wine glass are studied. Wine divination is also studied by the patterns left by spilled wine in a cloth or a piece of paper.  Advertorial

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Well being

Avoid skin

jetlag

Mile-high skin doesn’t need to be drained or dull. Follow these easy mantras for a radiant complexion in transit.

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our seat belt is fastened, tray table is in the upright position and personal electronics are turned off. Wait a minute, you might not be completely ready for takeoff. Your skin should also be properly prepped! The pressurised environment inside an airplane can deplete your skin’s moisture and this evaporation of moisture can leave your skin feeling dry, and looking dull and lacklustre. There’s also the stress of travel to consider. Jetlag and lack of sleep force the body to go into overdrive and,

Well being

Avoid alcohol, tea or coffee. Instead, drink plenty of water and eat citrus fruits when you are on board

to cope, it releases the stress hormone cortisol.

This can restrict the function of the skin’s barrier and contribute to redness, blotchiness and breakouts. Therefore it is important to take preventative measures and use the correct products to ensure that a glowing complexion awaits you upon landing.

Air travel (especially long-haul flights with hours to kill) is probably the best time to pamper your skin, and is also when your skin needs it the most. Tweaking your skincare routine before you set off can significantly counteract and prevent some of the effects of travel on skin health.

Hydrate inside out What goes inside you will have an equally powerful effect on the appearance of your skin, so avoid any food or drink that might impact your body’s ability to absorb moisture.

That means no alcohol, tea or coffee – sorry!

Instead, drink plenty of water when you are on board and also indulge in citrus fruits which are high in water content. Moisturise your skin liberally all over as this would help in preventing your skin from getting dry. If you are worried about the stickiness, try using gelAugust 2013 130 www.spiceroutemag.com

Well being

based moisturising lotions which give you the necessary moisture without making your skin feel heavy and oily. Thermal water sprays are the new rage for keeping your skin hydrated.

The USP of this handy spray is that firstly it can be sprayed over make-up and does not ruin your look at all. Secondly, it can also be sprayed over the moisturiser so that you do not have to keep reapplying it time and again.

Beat the sun Sunscreen is a must, especially if you are flying during the day or if you have chosen the window seat. Make sure you apply a good quantity of sunscreen on all exposed parts and not just the face. This will help you keep redness, burning and tanning at bay. It is advisable to apply sunscreen every 2-3 hours as the UV rays are more harmful because of the high altitude.

Sensitive areas After following these basic skincare tips, it is time to protect your sensitive spots like the eye area and lips which have no oil glands.

Therefore make sure you take extra care for these areas as they are prone to quick wrinkling.

Keep a good eye cream handy and a lip balm which can be applied repeatedly.

Hair repair Not only your skin, your hair also requires some care when you are travelling across time zones.

It is important to have conditioned your hair before you board the flight. Another option of preventing dry hair is applying light oils such as coconut-based oils and tying up your hair if you are not flying for an occasion. If oil is something you do not wish to apply, you could tie a scarf around your hair.

Stretch out Most of us like to snooze our way to the destination. We agree that enough sleep is important for your skin. But it is also essential to stretch yourself often when on board.

To avoid any swelling and other medical complications move around on the flight after regular intervals as this increases the peripheral blood flow in your body and prevents chances of venous stagnation.  (The writer is a well-known cosmetic physician) August 2013 132 www.spiceroutemag.com

Culture canvas

The last

telegram

The glorious era of dots and dashes came to an end this July. It leaves behind 163 years of communication history.

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O

n July 14, 2013, the 75-odd telegraph centres across the country saw a sudden rush of people wanting to send telegrams.

Everyone wanted to save a piece of postal history for themselves. Elders walked in with grandchildren to show them how telegrams were sent. At some offices, the atmosphere was of mourning. At others, there were protests against the closure. Finally, at 10pm in the Central Telegraph Office in Delhi, the last taar was sent to Rahul Gandhi. And with it ended the glorious era of the telegram in India.

Culture canvas

Clockwise from left: Exterior shot of the CTO Kolkata built in 1873; Signboard outside the historic building; CTO at The Eastern Court in New Delhi

The telegram in India had gone from strength to strength. The first telegraph line between Kolkata and Diamond Harbour was laid in 1850 under William O’Shaughnessy, a surgeon known for his work in telegraphy. The 43.5km line was opened in 1851 for exclusive use by the British East India Company. The succeeding years saw phenomenal growth of telegraph services – 6,400km of telegraph lines were laid connecting Kolkata and Peshawar with major cities like Agra, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore. In 1854, telegraph facilities were opened for use by the common man.

“The electric telegraph has saved India.” On the morning of May 11, 1857, the telegraph master Mr Todd was met and murdered by the mutineers. His two assistants Brendish and Pilkington constantly updated the Ambala office about what was going on in Delhi.

Brendish’s last telegram, which he sent despite the office being under siege, enabled Sir Montgomery to disarm the native troops before the news of the revolt reached the barracks; and to flash a timely warning over the lines to Peshawar.

Marking history Over the years, telegrams have played an important role in defining our nation’s history. Sir Robert Montgomery, the Judicial Commissioner at Lahore in colonial times, had remarked after the mutiny of 1857,

The first telegraph line between Kolkata and Diamond Harbour was laid in 1850 August 2013 136 www.spiceroutemag.com

The heroic effort by Brendish and Pilkington was commemorated with a 20-foot obelisk – The Telegraph Memorial – unveiled on April 19, 1902 by Lord Curzon, Viceroy and Governor General of India. The Memorial can still be seen today at the busy intersection near the Kashmere Gate post office in Delhi.

When Gandhi was assassinated in 1948, the Centre sent telegrams to all presidencies and princely states. The message read: “Government of India. Regret. Mahatma

Culture canvas

Clockwise from left: Web-based telegraph messaging; The telegram forms getting stamped; Essential tools of the trade; People rushing to send the last telegram; Front shot of CTO, Delhi

Most of the Central Telegraph Offices across India were located in heritage buildings Gandhi was victim of shooting outrage.

Gandhiji expired yesterday evening. Cremation will take place Saturday 4pm.�

Slowing down With rapid development and advent of latest modes of communication like mobile phones, fax and internet; it was only a matter of time before the telegraph was to die a slow death.

BSNL took charge of the loss-making telegram services from the Department of Posts in 1990.

The Morse code service was abolished in 1994.

Electronic keyboard concentrators (EKBC), which used second-generation computers with huge hard discs, were then used to send telegrams. An electronic teleprinter received the messages on rolls of paper, which was then cut and pasted on forms and delivered. In 1996, BSNL started using the web-based telegraph mailing service which used emails to convey all messages.

were raised to `27.50 from then prevailing ridiculously low charge of `4.50. But even this steep rise in fees could not make the service viable. BSNL stopped international telegrams services from April 30, 2011. From over 60,000 telegraph offices in the mid 1980s, the number had shrunk to less than 75 in 2011.

Most of the Central Telegraphs Offices (CTOs) were located in heritage buildings.

CTO, Delhi was located in the 1920s-built colonial building designed by RT Russel. With its three-storied block in stucco plaster and

Due to bifurcation of post and telegraph, there were fewer telegram-receiving centres.

The last mile between the recipient and the receiving point nearest to him was now bridged by ordinary mail. BSNL tried to make up for the consolidated losses by raising the fees in May 2011. In the first hike in over 60 years, telegram charges for inland services August 2013 138 www.spiceroutemag.com

Etruscan columns, it once served as a guest house. CTO, Kolkata was located in a building built in 1873. With its slender Corinthian columns, decorative tablets over doors and windows and a remarkable campanile that stands at 36 metres with two mock chimneys to its left, it is one of the finest surviving examples of the Victorian era. The CTO, Mumbai was located in a beautiful building constructed in Victorian Gothic style. The building was inaugurated in 1870 for accommodating the General Post Office. It was converted into the Central Telegraph Office in 1909 when the GPO was shifted to the present building. It used to face the sea until reclamation took place and a series of Art Deco structures beginning from Eros cinema to the buildings on the Marine Drive front came up. Even though the telegram is no more, its essence lives on in these charming buildings. 

Hub of

handicrafts

Bazaars in Hyderabad not only give an insight into the city’s culture but also bring an end to your hunt for gifts and souvenirs.

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Photo | Rakesh Ayilliath

Culture canvas

I

f you are looking to take home a slice of Hyderabad’s art and crafts traditions, making up a list is easy. The city is widely known for the gorgeous pearls, Bidriware, Pochampally fabrics and glass bangles. However, finding the genuine retailer may be a little difficult. But not impossible, if you have knowledgeable locals as friends. In case you don’t, here is our guide to the best that you get from the city or should we say twin-cities. After all Hyderabad is an umbrella term for the contiguous cities of Secunderabad and Hyderabad.

Cit y of pearls The pearl legacy of Hyderabad is nearly as old as the city itself. During the rule of the Nizams, August 2013 140 www.spiceroutemag.com

Culture canvas

Clockwise from left: Lac bangles in bright hues; Artisans at Charminar market; Bidriware home decor items

both men and women of the royal families and the nobility bought and flaunted exquisite pearl jewellery. Fine pearls from Tahiti, Basra, and a few countries of the Gulf were sourced for the trade which soon became a big business in the city as pearl jewellery gained favour not only among the wealthy but even the upper and middle classes. Stringing the pierced pearls is another skilled job which Hyderabad artisans are known for.

In the city, there are hundreds of stores that retail pearls – both loose (by the gram) and in jewellery. Both natural and cultured pearls are used in a wide range of jewellery – bangles, chains, necklaces, chokers, waistbands, earrings and finger rings. Though there are hundreds of beautiful designs, the characteristic traditional styles of Hyderabad are the satlada which is seven strands of pearls

often set with rubies, emeralds, and diamonds; and the kundan ranihar where you can find pearl sets with enamel kundan work; besides the standard jugni set which has several strands of pearls with a central pendant. A lower-budget choice would be semi-cultured pearls or the ones made artificially. Pearls are also graded according to colour – you have pink pearls and black ones which are both considered to be of good quality and not so easily available. And then there is the widely available and popular white pearls. There are rows of shops in Patthargatti, Charminar area, General Bazaar, and Abids area in Hyderabad where you can get these sets as well as loose pearls. They range from big, well-known showrooms to small stores. However, if you are shopping alone, stick to the big brand showroom, and ask for a warranty certificate.

Pochampally Ikkat sarees received Geographical Indication status in 2005 August 2013 142 www.spiceroutemag.com

Desi Drapes The gorgeous Pochampally products – sarees, ready-to-wear and furnishing – all in flamboyant colours, attractive patterns and durable material are great buys. In a fitting recognition, Pochampally Ikat sarees received the Intellectual Property Rights Protection or Geographical Indication status in 2005 – the first product from India’s traditional crafts market to win this honour and safety net.

These are actually made in the eponymous village about 50km from Hyderabad. Here, there are hundreds of artisan households where workshops exist under the same roof. The family members are engaged in the intricate process of dyeing and weaving.

These fabrics and sarees are available in both silk and cotton (or a silk-cotton mix called

Culture canvas

sico) and also known as Ikkat fabrics. There is a transfer of design and colouring onto warp and weft threads first and then they are woven together. You can buy Pochampally creations in hundreds of stores across Hyderabad – in all government-run APCO and Lepakshi showrooms, the PVT Complex, Abids Road, around Secunderabad’s MG Road, around Sultan Bazaar/Koti, Shilparamam and more. Besides sarees galore you can get salwar-kameez materials, readymade kurtas, bedspreads, furnishing material, TV covers, handkerchiefs and the like. A few fashion designers are beginning to use this fabric in their creations. Pochampally has indeed gone haute! Vibrant hues and contrast in colours are a given in Pochampally sarees and dress/ furnishing materials. Geometric patterns are popular and nowadays you also find abstract and modernist motifs. Whatever you buy, you will be assured of a purchase to be proud of.

Bling it on How can you leave without picking up the fabulous Hyderabad bangles aka Charminar bangles? These dazzling, multi-hued bangles are made and sold almost entirely in Lad Bazaar of Charminar area where over 300 shops stock them by the thousands. They are a staple of the Muslim woman’s jewellery box and the boom time for sales is Ramzan. However, these glittering bangles are also bought by members of other communities and are especially great

Clockwise from top left: Colourful Pochampally sarees, Zari work garments and embellished handbags

as gift ideas. Some of these bangles are also sold in other stores in Hyderabad including in Abids area and Secunderabad, but Charminar is where you will find them in thousands.

pick up loads of colourful costume jewellery – jhumkas, ankets, waistbands, colourful clips, and a wide range of clutches which sport pearls and glittering stones.

You can also view the interesting process by which these lac bangles encrusted with coloured stones are made in around 100 workshops tucked away in the inner alleys of Charminar area. First, thin aluminium wires are strung into slender rings. Lac which is made with a mixture of belgium and titanium powders, is mixed with a base and the colours are applied on the surface. The colourful stones are then carefully fixed onto the lac. In some special varieties, pearls and zari chamki are either embedded on or tied to the bangles.

While you are here, a good idea is to also pick up brass and silver framed bangles with pearls strung on them. This is also where you can

Symphony in silver

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Bidri metalcraft, or the black beauty as local craftsmen like to say, is great as a decor item and comes in large vases, pitchers, shallow plates, wall-hangings, hookahs, tableware and sometimes even jewellery. They are widely available in the Abids area. Kalamkari or pen-painting is an exquisite craft practised in Srikalahasthi (here you get hand-painted versions) and Machilipatnam (must-visit for the blockprinted variety) towns of Andhra Pradesh but there are several workshops in Hyderabad and certainly hundreds of stores; from the small, middle-class ones to high-end boutiques; selling these products.

,9769071673

Good samaritans

Towards better

future

The NGO Ropio Foundation aims to empower the marginalised and make them capable members of society.

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e all wait for an inner calling to guide us. That moment of epiphany which decides the course of our life. To some, it may strike really early; to others, it can take years to come.

For Murphy Raphel John, who took up English literature in a Delhi college just because there was no other subject that he liked, ‘it’ happened during his college days, just as accidentally as it happens always.

August 2013 146 www.spiceroutemag.com

how it started During his time at college, Murphy realised his love for languages and decided to become a teacher. In his third and final year of college in 2008, he thought of doing something for the underprivileged – just as a hobby. “I wanted to do something worthwhile with my time before my career took me completely away from it. So a few friends and I started gathering a bunch

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VA R A N A S I

Good samaritans

Teaching sessions in progress for children of all age groups

of children every Sunday around the Gole Dak Khana area. We gave them food and milk and indulged in some fun activities together – memory games, art workshops and the like were hugely popular,” explains Murphy. He chose not to follow the easy road ahead when he was 20, but to do what his heart told him.

But the turning point came in September that year, when he travelled alone in a train for the

first time. And as filmy as it might sound, he had a dream about the children he worked with, their lives and hardships, and the amazing impact in their lives of having someone – anyone – just being there for them and with them. “That dream was my calling and I knew that this is what I was meant to do. Since then, I have never looked back,” says Murphy, who has been working with underpriviledged children for the past five years now.

The mission is to impart education and life skills to marginalised children, thereby creating future change-makers August 2013 148 www.spiceroutemag.com

The journey from then on was nothing short of an adventure. As time passed, their mode of functioning became clearer.

A team of like-minded people sharing a passion and dedication was formed and the group structured itself to work on overall development of children, youth and women in the slum areas in Delhi. In 2010, ROPIO was registered. “The Reach Out & Pass It On (ROPIO) Foundation, as the name suggests, is all about reaching out and passing it on – empowering the marginalised and making them capable members of society. And that is what we will be focusing on in the time to come as well,” says Murphy.

Vision & Mission Their vision is to build a self-sustaining environment that empowers and provides direction to those in need. The mission is to impart education and life skills to facilitate marginalised children and youth, thereby creating change-makers who become wholesome contributing members of the society. The Ropio Foundation started working

Good samaritans

The young boys with their hardworking gurus

Children have been made adept at doing accounts of the house and other organisational expenses

within urban slums three years ago. The Foundation catered to the educational as well as developmental needs of the children and youth. Their mode of operation was to work inside slums and improve the situations from within by building a relationship with the slum dwellers. They first started working with the slum clusters based behind Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi in April 2010.

Success stories The ROPIO Foundation had started with 20 children in 2008, and had grown to 60 children by 2010. And once registered, the NGO had 100 children under its aegis.

“The eldest batch has passed class 12 this year and the children have successfully managed to enter college. Two of them are in August 2013 150 www.spiceroutemag.com

Delhi University, pursuing English honours and Business Management studies. Two others have gotten admission in Ambedkar University with Sociology and Economic honours courses. One of them has made it to Indraprastha University in a B.Com course,” says a proud Murphy.

The older children have picked up the English language well and are able to read, write and communicate in it. If that is an achievement, then the fact that the children have been made adept with managing the accounts of the house and other organisational expenses deserves even more kudos.

“They create a daily and monthly expense sheet. The older children teach the younger ones. They also counsel them and aid them physically and emotionally, depending on what kind of help the children need. We just don’t run as a center which provides help, we function like a family which understands each other with and without words, and are there to help each other move forward,” concludes Murphy.

Gadget guru

Waterproof

gadgets

Here are a few aqua-friendly gadgets that make your fears of water damage obsolete.

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Finis SwiMP3 Waterproof Player

Contour Roam2 Waterproof HD Camcorder

If you’re a water baby and love your leisurely swims, or don’t like to miss out on your music during your daily commute these monsoon months, this compact waterproof music player and headphone set may be just perfect for you. Instead of using regular ear buds or speakers, SwiMP3 employs “bone conduction audio transmission” technology to playback sound waves. This enables it to be capable of producing good quality audio even while you are underwater. And apart from music, you can listen to audio books, shows, talks and podcasts on the player as well.

Off for a spot of snorkelling to the Andamans, or even closer home to Angria Bank and fantasising about an affordable waterproof camcorder? Here’s a rugged one that will help you record all your pacy moments of extreme adrenaline, not only as you paddle around underwater, but also as you skate, snorkel, snowboard, cycle or zipline. The slim, well-constructed and “buoyant” camera can be attached to a helmet or even under a skateboard. A single record button captures the action in full high-definition.

Specs: 2GB memory stores approximately 500 songs, 30 hours of music; MP3 and WMA music format compatible, built-in USB port, fast charging lithium-ion battery, eight-hour battery life. Carrying case included.

Price: `6,500

Specs: Full HD (1920 x 1080 at 30/25fps) video recording, 170 degree wide angle lens, waterproof up to 1m, 360 degree adjustable mount, tripod mount, instant on record switch, record lock switch, still photo mode, 5MP sensor, internal mic, 3.5 hours battery life, removable lithium-ion battery, 32GB microSD

slot, 4 x 1.2 x 2.2in, 153gm weight.

Price: `12,800

Sony Xperia Z The phone has become our most faithful companion. And it is also the most prone gadget to water-borne maladies. The Xperia Z is fast, beautifully designed and built, boasts a sharp screen (though not very wide viewing angles), a good camera and a decent battery life for an Android phone. But above all this, it is waterproof. And that is what gives it a distinct edge in the overcrowded Android smartphone marketspace.

Specs: 1.5 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 quad core processor, capacitive LCD TFT high-definition touchscreen with 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution, 2GB of RAM, 16GB internal storage, microSD slot, Android 4.2 ( Jelly Bean) OS, 13 megapixel Exmor RS camera with auto focus and flash, 2 MP, Exmor R, frontfacing camera (1080p), IPX5/7 (water-resistant), IP5X (dust-proof ), 2330 mAh li-ion battery, 146gm weight.

Price: `32,600

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mention it also comes with WiFi? Perfect for those who embrace the road less travelled.

Nikon CoolPix AW 110 If you are looking for a tough snapper that you can pocket come rain, snow or sandstorm, this is the one you can capture. The AW110 compact camera is waterproof up to 59ft, shockproof up to 6ft and designed to be dustresistant. This rugged little guy is fast (capable of six shots per second at full resolution) and offers full HD video as well. The AW110 produces true-to-life colours with fairly sharp images in most lighting conditions. Low light performance is barely passable. Did we

Specs: 16MP CMOS sensor, f/3.9-4.8 aperture, 5X zoom, 20 scene modes, underwater mode for appropriate exposure, multiple shooting modes and special effects, advanced VR image stabilisation, built-in GPS, altimeter, hydrobarometer and WiFi, 193gm weight.

Price: `16,950 onwards

Sony Xperia Tablet Z

playback. The tablet feels amazingly light, yet has a premium feel to it because of the soft rubber coating on the rear panel.

Apart from being one of the best (and lightest) tablets around today, the Xperia Tablet Z is blessed with one unique quality that makes it stand apart: It is water-resistant. So you can actually take it along when you go for a soak in the bathtub. Brimming with specs and awash with features, the Z is also an excellent performer – fast and furious, with sharp images, vivid colours and stutter-free video

Specs: 10.1-in (1920x1200 pixels) TFT display, 1.5 GHz Qualcomm quad core processor, Adreno 320 graphics processor 8.1MP (rear) camera, 2.2 MP (front) camera, IPX5/7 (water-resistant) and IP5X (dust-proof ) durability, Google Android 4.1 ( Jelly Bean) OS, 495gm weight.

Price: `43,050

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Silver screen

Films releasing in

August 2013 Upcoming Bollywood caper Chennai Express Chennai Express is a muchawaited movie especially for SRK fans. In fact, this actioncomedy that pairs Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone in the lead brings back the actors together once again on-screen after Om Shanti Om. The film is produced by Gauri Khan under the production banner Red Chillies Entertainment. The story unfolds in the form of a journey that takes the hero from Mumbai to Rameshwaram. Funny, crazy, thrilling and typically romantic incidents follow all along the way.

The colourful screenplay, the melodic tunes and the dramatic action sequences are what the audience would want to watch out for, as apparent from the

BOLLYWOOD

Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Again Release date: August 15 Cast: Akshay Kumar, Imran Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha Director: Milan Luthria

Sat yagraha Release date: August 23 Cast: Manoj Bajpai, Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Director: Prakash Jha promos already. Here’s hoping that the journey turns out to be a rather entertaining one when the audience gets on board for the real ride!

Release date: August 8 Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Nikitin Dheer, Priyamani Director: Rohit Shetty

Release date: August 23 Cast: John Abraham, Nargis Fakhri Director: Shoojit Sircar Hollywood

Upcoming Hollywood caper Elysium Science fictions are always exciting and when it comes to Elysium, the thrill gets even more engaging with a vision of 2154 being created to stir the imagination. Elysium is the ultra-chic, high-tech utopian metropolis that is located on the orbit near Earth. It is also an ideal zone being free from crime, war, poverty, hunger, and diseases compared to the undesirable life on earth due to overpopulation and uncontrollable pollution. The citizens of Elysium enjoy a life of supreme luxury that especially boasts of access to private medical machines offering instant cures and so on. The story intensifies as post an industrial accident, 36 year-old former car-thief-turned-

Madras Café

percy jackson: sea of monsters Release date: August 7 Cast: Logan Lerman, Nathan Fillion Director: Thor Freudenthal

Prince Avalanche Release date: August 9 Cast: Paul Rudd, Emile Hirsch, Lance LeGault Director: David Gordon Green

Kick-Ass 2 factory-worker Max DeCosta (Matt Damon) who develops a cancer virus, decides to visit Elysium and get cured. Will his five-day trip succeed is what keeps the audience gripped.

Release date: August 23 Cast: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Diego Luna, Sharlto Cople Director: Neill Blomkamp

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Release date: August 16 Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jim Carrey Director: Jeff Wadlow

by Sayanti Banerjee

Book shelf

Interesting reads GARHWAL HIMALAYAS – CHORUS OF SOLITUDE An exhaustive book with more than enough photographs, Garhwal Himalayas – Chorus of Solitude, takes the reader through a pictorial journey which is really enriching. Author Alka Raghuvanshi and photographer Sanjay Sharma capture some magical moments in places few have ventured for sheer reasons of logistic inaccessibility. If the sight of the Himalayas mesmerises you from afar, this is a must have for your collection.

Author: Alka Raghuvanshi Publication: Shubhi Publications Price: `2,500 Bong Mom’s Cookbook A cookbook with a difference, Sandeepa M Datta brings not only the best of Bengali cuisine but also traditions from the yesteryears. Dotted with interesting anecdotes the book makes cooking an interesting affair even for a novice. From allu posto to mutton chop and much more, the book will keep you from coming out of the kitchen.

Author: Sandeepa Mukherjee Datta Publication: Collins Price: `350 Burn Fat Fast Weight loss is a losing battle for many of us, but this looks promising enough. The book with its easy-to-follow instructions makes weight management quite doable. It even allows one to diet on alternate days while simultaneously gaining good health.

With its easy-to-follow secrets, Burn Fat Fast is a must read if you are looking at losing weight while gaining health.

Author: Patrick Holford & Kate Staples Publication: Hachette Price: `175 Pittho’s World Pittho’s World is the magical domain of storytelling, of Sheikhu and his lover Rani, of parents, Big Brother, uncles, aunts and grandparents. And, of course, Aunt Pittho, she of the big hips, wielder of magic and a stick. The stories originate in Iran, move through Afghanistan and Pakistan to Bangladesh and India, before returning to rest in Pakistan. Spanning two centuries and several generations, these are tales of love and happiness, tragedy and malice, black magic and manslaughter, linked together by two people’s love for storytelling and for each other.

Author: Murtaza Razvi Publication: HarperCollins Price: `299

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Kids corner

Changing ways

In today’s world, children need intuitive methods of teaching such as Abacus, Kumon and Vedic Mathematics to improve their learning abilities and enjoy study time.

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hildren possess an unusual sensitivity and intellectual ability to absorb and learn from whatever they see around them. The first six years of life are the most important, when unconscious learning is gradually brought to the conscious level. It’s essential that we give them the right environment during these years, where they can challenge their mental, physical and psychological limits and delight in educating themselves.

CURRENT SCENARIO How true was Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori in realising these facts way back in 1897! She devised a method of educating young children that stresses development of a child’s own initiative and natural abilities, especially through practical play. With changing times, the system is evolving, but not quickly enough to get young people ready for the “new” world. The current 159

Kids corner

are introduced through phonics and their sounds. We also tell children about objects that are related to that sound. It enhances their observation and social skills as well,” she says.

Though these methods are interesting, they are only taking care of the needs at pre-school level. As the child enters the school system, challenges of spelling errors and Mathematics phobia start. It is at this stage that conceptual learning facilitated by Abacus programmes, Vedic Maths classes, or the Kumon method, comes to the aid of parents and teachers. The quick tricks and concepts “engraved” in children by these help them excel in studies, and also hold their interest in English and Mathematics – two of the most dreaded subjects in India.

It is at this stage that conceptual learning facilitated

by Abacus programmes and Vedic Maths classes comes to the aid of parents

classroom model most often operates as an antagonist to innovation.

According to a recently published study, elementary teachers spend too much time delivering basic information and are not providing a rich, interactive learning environment. The study also found that children spend more than 90 percent of their school days sitting at a desk listening to the teacher, or working alone. Elementary school teachers affirm that changes in curriculum and instruction are needed. “We need to inculcate independent thinking in our children besides reasoning and creativity,” says Devaki Srinivasan, principal of Tender Feet Nursery School. “We try to teach mundane things in innovative ways. For instance, regular alphabets

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FOR BRAIN POWER Mathematics is not just sums, calculations and formulae, just as history is not only about events and dates. It is a brain development programme. The Abacus is a mental Maths concept that originated in Japan. It is the modern representation of an ancient art of brain development to increase speed, creativity and memory skills.

According to anatomists, the left half of the brain systematically collects information, does sequential analysis and arrives at logical conclusions. It is activated and developed by the present Maths education being given in the schools. The right part works with pattern recognition and has the capability of intuition.

But this unfortunately remains undeveloped in most cases.

The GMAT® exAM In IndIA Indian business schools that accept the GMAT exam Globally, more than 5,800 graduate business & management programs accept the GMAT exam. Business Schools in India that accept the GMAT exam: • Indian School of Business, hyderabad & Mohali • Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad • Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore • Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta • Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow • Indian Institute of Management, Indore • Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode • Faculty of Management Studies, new delhi • Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, new delhi • K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research, Mumbai • Mudra Institute of Communication, Ahmedabad • Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai • Adani Institute of Infrastructure Management, Ahmedabad • Alliance University, School of Business, Bangalore • Amity Business School, noida • Indian Institute of Technology, Madras • Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi • Indian Institute of Management, Rohtak • Indian Institute of Management, Shillong • Indian Institute of Management, Tiruchirappalli • Indian Institute of Management, Udaipur • Indian Institute of Management, Raipur • Institute of Financial Management and Research, Chennai • national Institute of Technology, Surathkal • Apeejay Stya University, School of Management Sciences, noida • IILM Institute of higher education, new delhi • GITAM School of International Business, Visakhapatnam • Mysore Royal Academy, MYRA School of Business, Mysore • Institute of Management development and Research, Pune • IFIM Business School, Bangalore • Universal Business School, Karjat • International School of Management excellence, Bangalore • Vanguard Business School, Bangalore • Aegis School of Business and Telecommunication, Mumbai • Amrita Viswa Vidyapeetham, Amrita School of Business, Amritapuri, Bangalore, Kochi, Coimbatore • IILM Graduate School of Management, Greater noida • ICFAI Business School, Mumbai • Siva Sivani Institute of Management, hyderabad • TeRI University, TeRI School of advanced Sciences, delhi, Pune, Bangalore, Mumbai & Guwahati • nIIT, neemrana

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• S.P Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai • narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai • Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai • xLRI, Jamshedpur • Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad • ICFAI Business School, hyderabad • International Management Institute of India, new delhi • T.A. Pai Management Institute, Manipal • xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar • Goa Institute of Management, Goa • PSG College of Technology, PSG Institute of Management, Coimbatore • Management development Institute, Gurgaon • VIT Business School, VIT University, Vellore • Birla Institute of Management Technology, noida • europe Asia School of Business, Pune • Institute of Management Technology, hyderabad • Institute of Management Technology, nagpur • International Management Institute of India, Bhubaneswar • International Management Institute of India, Kolkata • Indian School of Business and Finance–City University of Seattle, new delhi • national Institute of Securities Markets, Mumbai • Foundation of Liberal and Management education, Pune • Kirloskar Institute of Advanced Management Studies, harihar and Pune • MCI Management Centre Innsbruck-IIM, Kozhikode & Bangalore • national Institute of Fashion Technology, new delhi • Sharda University, School of Business Studies, noida • Seshadripuram Institute of Management Studies, Bangalore • Asia Graduate School of Business, hyderabad • Bangalore Institute of Management Studies, Bangalore • Indian Institute of Social Welfare & Business Management, Kolkata • Institute for Technology and Management (ITM), Mumbai • Jindal Global Business School, O.P Jindal University, Sonipat • Apeejay School of Management, new delhi • Maharashtra Institute of Technology, School of Telecom Management, Pune • School of Inspired Leadership, Gurgaon

For the most recent information, please visit the website of the university/institution.

For the complete list log on to mba.com/india

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The GMAT logo, GMAC®, GMAT®, Graduate Management Admission Council®, and Graduate Management Admission Test® are registered trademarks of the Graduate Management Admission Council in the United States and other countries.

Kids corner

There are 16 sutras or formulae in Vedic Mathematics which can solve all known problems of Arithmetic The Abacus method activates both the right and left sides of the brain, and helps students achieve exceptionally high calculation speeds, while enhancing children’s creativity and visualisation ability. The Kumon method of teaching the fundamentals of Math and reading was developed in Japan 50 years ago by Toru Kumon. It works on “fitting the shoe to the foot approach” to learning and propagates ‘self-motivated’ studies. Kumon recognises that not all children learn at the same pace.

The learning method reflects this to ensure that each child receives a worksheet at a level that is matched to his or her individual ability.

In this way, each child develops confidence, learning skills and subject knowledge at a rate that is ‘just right’ for them. If a child became increasingly aware of his/her ability to learn Math or languages, he/she would almost certainly expand that learning with time.

Smooth progress to materials ahead of their school curriculum is not only common

at Kumon, but students’ skills are such that they are able to continue to learn quite independently from that point. As Toru Kumon says, “Searching for the real potential of child is the aim of good education.”

INDIAN EXPERTISE There is also our very own Vedic Mathematics – a super-fast way of calculation whereby you can do supposedly complex calculations, say 998 x 997, in less than five seconds! It is beneficial for school and college students, especially when the use of calculators and computers is not allowed. This mental tool for calculation encourages the development and use of intuition and innovation, while giving the student a lot of flexibility, fun and satisfaction. It’s direct and easy to implement in schools – a reason behind its enormous popularity among academicians and students.

It complements the Mathematics curriculum conventionally taught in schools by acting as a powerful checking tool and goes to save August 2013 162 www.spiceroutemag.com

precious time in examinations. The methods and techniques are based on the pioneering work of late Swami Shri Bharati Krishna Tirthaji, Sankracharya of Puri, who established the system from the study of ancient Vedic texts coupled with a profound insight into the natural process of Mathematical reasoning.

There are just 16 sutras or formulae which solve all known Mathematical problems in the branches of Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Calculus. They are easy to understand, apply and remember.

In this, one needs to recognise the pattern of the problem and pick up the most efficient Vedic technique. This systematically develops the right side of the brain as well. We can say that Vedic Maths provides the cosmic software for the cosmic computer (the human mind), so that it is not wasted. Owing to its special features, this system converts the dry and tedious Maths into a fun subject, which brings a smile to your child’s face.

Wave Pool

Shiv Ganga

Ulat Palat

Thane Ghodbunder Highway Road, Thane (W), 400601 Tel: 25974747

Email: postmaster@arunmuchhalgroups.com Website: www.arunmuchhalagroup.com

Games

Mind teasers Solutions TREASURE THEM

APRIL 7, 2013

POCKET HAMPER UNWISE LATELY FLAVOR MOSTLY When it came to the gemstones dating back to the days of pirates, he would —

Answer : THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

PRINT YOUR ANSWER IN THE CIRCLES BELOW

by David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

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

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

PRINT YOUR ANSWER IN THE CIRCLES BELOW

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

RALFOV

STOYLM

CEPTOK

WINSUE

TALYEL

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

WINSUE

TALYEL

STOYLM

CEPTOK

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

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

MAHREP

RALFOV

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

MAHREP

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

Find the difference

by David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

Answer : POCKET HAMPER UNWISE LATELY FLAVOR MOSTLY When it came to the gemstones dating back to the days of pirates, he would —

TREASURE THEM

APRIL 7, 2013

August 2013 164 www.spiceroutemag.com

Zoom in

Traveller’s

mecca

The sights, sounds and smells of Kathmandu promise an exhilarating and amazing experience.

1

3 August 2013 166 www.spiceroutemag.com

2

1. The ancient stupa at Boudhanath outside Kathmandu, termed as a UNESCO World Heritge Site.

2. Kopan Monastery temple garden and fountain view.

3. An exterior shot of the Kopan Monastery overlooking the Kathmandu Valley.

167

Zoom in

3

Photos | Devesh Singh

2

August 2013 168 www.spiceroutemag.com

1

1. A Buddhist wall painting at the temple of Boudhanath.

2. Davis waterfall in Pokhara.

3. Interior shot of the Patan Durbar Square in Kathmandu.

Predictions

Forecast for August 2013 By

D r . P r e m Kum a r S h a rm a

Aries You can enter an exciting romantic phase as you catch somebody’s eye! Those in new relationships should make an effort to understand their partner’s perspective.

Those in a professional field are likely to succeed. Financially, you will retain a satisfactory position.

Good Luck Tip: Place four objects that symbolise wealth in a pottery bowl to maintain your financial stability.

Taurus Tackling the workload systematically is likely to make outside help unnecessary.

Monetarily you will be able to consolidate your position. You feel quite romantic and want to express your feelings openly.

Some of you can enjoy a pleasure trip with someone special.

Good Luck Tip: Draw the symbol for the planet Jupiter and see it often for good fortune.

Gemini Personal relationships are highlighted and you may want to find ways to reach out to loved ones. A piece of property is likely to come into your name. There is a good chance of winning recognition at work as well.

Good Luck Tip: Position the breadwinner’s dining chair facing the entrance. It is the best arrangement for the person whose income you wish to augment.

Cancer Focus on delivering results even if you need to put in extra efforts.

Building alliances with likeminded people at your workplace or in your business will add greater viability to your projects.

Children may bring good news and make you proud. Property can become a bone of contention.

Good Luck Tip: Burn three candles in your kitchen. This stimulates prosperity.

Leo You may be in a competitive mood. Investing in real estate will be the step in the right direction, as you are likely to get handsome returns. Your family life will be immensely fulfilling. And your wishes are likely to be met on the romantic front as well.

Virgo Enhancement of career is assured for those in the promotion zone.

You can go in for a complete image makeover. Spending an enjoyable time in the company of near and dear ones is foreseen. An addition to the family is likely to keep some in an excited state.

Libra Hurdles that had been impeding your progress simply disappear.

Entrepreneurs will succeed in catching eye balls. Love is likely to be rediscovered after a turbulent phase in a relationship. Judicious spending will find your financial front much stronger than before.

Scorpio You can start looking around for acquiring property as you have the financial power now. Professionals will derive much benefits.

Over-anxiousness in befriending someone of the opposite gender may let the opportunity slip out of your hands for good.

Good Luck Tip: Use a green tablecloth on your dining table. It represents growth and money.

Good Luck Tip: To soften the weighty influence of an exposed beam, hang fresh flowers on it.

Good Luck Tip: Attach red ribbon to an exposed beam in your office to enhance earning ability.

Good Luck Tip: Burn some incense in a bamboo holder to stimulate prosperity.

Sagittarius You will be more stable and composed in tackling big issues at work. Be assertive if you find your authority is being challenged. You can soon become an important member of a team on the professional front. You will find your financial front strong.

Capricorn Changes being brought about on the home front will meet your expectations. Those looking for a suitable accommodation will succeed in their endeavours. A professional meeting can catch you unprepared, in case you take things lightly.

Aquarius First half of the month is a good time to utilise your time in clarifying doubts on the academic front.

Colleagues will be more than helpful in assisting you through some complex procedures at work. Love life will be more than satisfactory.

Pisces Be open to advice, but make your own decisions. Reformulated strategies would enable you to save tantrums of the not-so-loyal employees. Health, if not taken care of, may pose difficulties. Stick to beliefs in business, it will turn the tide in your favour.

Good Luck Tip: Hang a glass wind chime in the office window to enhance communication.

Good Luck Tip: Hang a small mirror outside the bathroom door to prevent money from disappearing.

Good Luck Tip Tie eight small bells on a red cord and hang them on the door to your office. It safeguards you from being distracted.

August 2013 170 www.spiceroutemag.com

Good Luck Tip: Place a figurine of a lion in your office. It helps you gain professional power.

Advertorial

Serenity at its best Promising to exceed your expectation, Lords Hotels & Resorts welcomes guests to enjoy a fulfilling experience.

L

ords Hotels & Resorts operates 17 hotels under the brand of Plaza, Inn, Eco Inn & Resorts, covering business, leisure and religious destinations across India. Awarded the ‘Fastest growing New Hospitality Chain’, Lords group is poised shortly to add more properties in India and overseas. A True Value Hotel, each of the properties presents a fresh and warm experience, of an unsurpassed value.

Its aims to deliver smart, clean and safe hospitality, along with unmatched dining experience.

Lords not only believes but

practices constant product and service innovations and continuously keeps reinventing itself in order to ensure that it delivers nothing less than the best in every facet of hospitality, leading to delightful guest satisfaction.

Situated at the foothills of Nanital, while being closely located, to the vital Corporate Hub Sitranganj, Lords Eco Inn Kathgodam is a new boutique hotel, with a contemporary architecture. It offers an environment to relax and rejuvenate in the serenity of its

Be Eco- Friendly

away from the cosmopolitan life.

The hotel comprises a total of 30 spacious rooms, all of which are aided with an array of modern facilities and amenities.

Banking at its best

Z

T

ero B introduces eco RO world’s only eco-friendly RO water purifier that recovers upto 70 percent of Pure water recovery by 70 percent and RO membrane life. Equipped with advanced ESS technology and eight-stage purification, Zero B eco RO comes after four years of extensive research by expert scientists at Ion Exchange (India) Ltd., Asia’s largest water treatment company. Its unique e-health factor keeps the tank water safe for drinking for more

Its unique e-health factor keeps the tank water safe for drinking for more than a week

splendid environment, which is labelled with the hotel’s signature hospitality and an array of impeccable services to help one truly unwind and calm themselves,

amilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd., a financially strong, leading oldgeneration private sector bank, headquartered at Tuticorin, in Tamil Nadu has been rendering banking services to its customers and general public for over nine decades.

than a week and prevent germs build up 24 x 7. The unique Water Saver Cartridge and the complementing process ensure excellent recovery and prevent the foul factors formed during the RO process. Also, they are certified by ISO 9001 - IS 14001 and are tested by several laboratories.

The Bank has a pan India presence with 320 branches, 470 ATMs and 32 business correspondents to serve villages under the Bank’s Financial Inclusion Programme as on

The Bank has a pan India presence with 320 Branches, 470 ATMs and 32 business correspondents

August 2013 174 www.spiceroutemag.com

31 March 2013. The Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd. has a vision of extending banking service to common people of rural areas.

TMB holds the record of being the first private sector bank in India to introduce massive computerisation for branch level operations, as early as in the year 1982.

TMB has been earning profit continuously since its inception in 1921 with uptrend in all the years.

The quality and consistency of its growth is reflective of the enormous goodwill and loyalty it enjoys from its customers and the robustness of its business model. The bank offers the best interest rates both for Deposits and Advances and has many customised products to suit the multifarious needs of all its customers.

Destinations

Destinations

Agartala

Ahmedabad

ALLAHABAD

AMRITSAR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aurangabad

Bagdogra

belgaum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bengaluru

Airport: Belgaum Airport is located Airport: Bengaluru International at a distance of 10km from the city Airport is located 40km from the centre. Taxis are easily available. city’s business district. Taxis and Must See: Belgaum Fort is a huge Volvo buses are easily available from the airport.

Must See: There are several tourist fortress situated in the centre of activities that you can engage in the city. Dating back to 1519, the Must See: Ulsoor lake is spread Darjeeling, Dooars and Siliguri. fort stands tall by telling the tales of over a huge area and dates back to the era gone by. the time of Kempe Gowda I and II. Must Stay: Situated on the Bihar More in Bagdogra, Marinas Motel Must Stay: Relax at Hotel Adarsha offers a great stay option with finely Palace, situated on the College furnished rooms.

Road in Belgaum.

August 2013 176 www.spiceroutemag.com

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

Destinations

Bhopal

CHANDIGARH

Chennai

Coimbatore

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Colombo

DEHRADUN

Delhi

dharamshala

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

August 2013 178 www.spiceroutemag.com

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

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

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

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

Destinations

Dubai

Goa

guAngzhou

Guwahati

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

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

Taxis are available.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hubli

Hyderabad

Indore

Jabalpur

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

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

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

Must See: Mecca Masjid is a

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

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

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

Must stay: Hotel Clarks Inn on the Gokul Road is a modern - day retreat complete with all the amenities.

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

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

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

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

August 2013 180 www.spiceroutemag.com

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

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

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

Destinations

Jaipur

Jammu

KABUL

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

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

Kathmandu

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kochi

Kolkata

Kozhikode

Lucknow

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

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

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

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

Must See: Fort Kochi is a small village located near the large city of Kochi. Fort Kochi is all about untouched picturesque beaches.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

August 2013 182 www.spiceroutemag.com

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

Destinations

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

Taxis are available.

MALE

Mangalore

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

Must See: Sri Meenakshi Temple is one of the most popular temples Must See: Sultan Park and the in the city that is dedicated to Shiva National Museum, just Muleeage is and his consort Parvati. one of the last green spots on the island.

Must Stay: The Gateway Hotel

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

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

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

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

Pasumalai offers high standards in accommodation and is equipped with latest amenities.

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

Must Stay: Elegance and luxury go hand in hand at Gateway Hotel, Old Must Stay: Luxurious home away from home is the plush Novotel on Port Road in Mangalore Juhu Beach.

mysore

Nanded

puducherry

Port Blair

Airport: Mysore Airport, also known as Mandakalli Airport, is the main airport serving the city. Taxis are available.

Airport: Shri Guru Gobind Singh ji Airport or Nanded Airport is well connected to all major cities. Taxis are easily available.

Airport: Puducherry Airport is an airport located at Lawspet in Puducherry. Taxis are available.

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

Must See: Gumbaz is the burial chamber of Tipu Sultan, father Haider Ali and his mother.

Must See: While in Nanded, you must visit Treasure Bazaar for great eating and shopping options.

Must Stay: Overlooking the breathtaking Brindavan Gardens, Royal Orchid Brindavan is a four - star luxury Heritage Hotel.

Must Stay: Hotel City Pride is one the best hotels in the city, offering comfortable services and cuisines.

Must See: The stylish French War Memorial, located in the renowned Goubert Avenue, is a monument for those soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War.

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

Must Stay: The Dune is a Must Stay: Try your hand at fascinating eco-beach hotel situated snorkelling and deep - sea diving at in vicinity of the sun-kissed sea. at the Kaala Pani Resort.

August 2013 184 www.spiceroutemag.com

Destinations

Pune

Rajahmundry

Riyadh

Sharjah

Airport: Pune International Airport is situated at a distance of 10km from the main city. Prepaid taxis and auto rickshaws are available.

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

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

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

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

Airport: Sharjah International Airport is situated some 15kms from central Dubai. Taxis are available.

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

Must Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre is a Must Stay: Offering picturesque stylish business and leisure hotel view of the city, Radisson Blu located high in the Kingdom Tower. Resort Sharjah is a nice hotel.

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

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

Must See: Souq al-Arsah, is one of the oldest souks in the country and calls for a visit. Visit the traditional coffeehouse to have mint tea.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Srinagar

Surat

thiruvananthapuram

Tirupati

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

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

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

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

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

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

Must Stay: Offering panoramic view of the Dal Lake, Vivanta by Taj is a good option.

Must Stay: The Gateway Hotel Athwalines in Surat is known for offering plush accomodation along with latest amenities.

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

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

August 2013 186 www.spiceroutemag.com

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

Must Stay: Having served some prominent personalities who thronged the holy town, Hotel Bliss serves good comforts and food.

Destinations

Tiruchirapalli

Tuticorin

Udaipur

Airport: Tiruchirapalli Airport or Trichy Airport is 5km from the city centre.

Airport: Tuticorin domestic airport is located 16.9km from the city.

Must See: The landmark of the Trichy town is the Rockfort temple, a beautiful structure perched atop a hillock.

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

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

Must Stay: Situated on the Mc Donald’s Road in the heart of the city, Breeze Residency is one of Trichy’s premier hotels.

Must Stay: SRM Hotel offers an enticing home-away-from-home experience with its services and rooms.

Must Stay: The Leela Palace Udaipur, located on the banks of Lake Pichola, offers a spectacular view of the tranquil lake.

Varanasi

Vijayawada

visakhapatnam

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

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

Airport: Visakhapatnam Airport is located about 7km from the city centre. Taxis are easily available at all times.

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

Must Stay: Haailand Buddhism-based theme Must Stay: Offering comfortable stay, Clarks park and resort. Haailand is a unique holiday Varansi is one of the best options in the city. destination that evokes the area and mystique of South East Asia.

August 2013 188 www.spiceroutemag.com

Must See: The splendid City Palace is one of the most beautiful palatial structures in Udaipur.

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

Must Stay: The Gateway Hotel, situated on the Beach Road in Visakhapatnam, is a comfortable hotel. Enjoy southern delights like dosas and peesarattu here in this hotel..

Muscat

Dharamshala

Domestic Destinations International Destinations New Destinations

Routemap

August 2013 190 www.spiceroutemag.com

191

Spice bites

Spice bites

August 2013 194 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice schedule Destination

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

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1630 1450 1300 1450 1450 1630 1630

2250 2010 1400 1830 1550 1725 2045

SG-285 SG-528 SG-345 SG-281 SG-206 SG-913 SG-917 SG-281 SG-106 SG-138 SG-104 SG-106 SG-137 SG-528 SG-913 SG-917 SG-912 SG-528 SG-104 SG-142 SG-206 SG-528 SG-142 SG-104 SG-917 SG-917 SG-345 SG-912

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

0935 0555 2120 0550 1905 1900 0610 0550 1010 2000 0635 0945 1435 0555 1900 0610 1125 0555 0635 1015 1905 0555 0930 0635 0610 0610 2120 1125

11,3,5 0920 0040 0810 2305 2215 0940 0950 1140 2125 0755 1120 1610 1405 2040 0755 1235 1220 1040 1115 2010 0655 1035 1335 1225 1,3,55 2250 1440

SG-2358

Daily

1550

1735

SG-2114 SG-2354 SG-2514 SG-152 SG-152 SG-151 SG-152

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

1455 2045 0825 1615 1615 1310 1615

1620 2205 0945 2245 1850 1410 2015

SG-162 SG-164

Daily Daily

1940 0810

2130 1010

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1420 1040 1400 1400 1420

1810 1250 1825 1500 1520

Destination

Bengaluru Agartala (Via-BOM-CCU) Agartala (Via-HYD-CCU) Ahmedabad Ahmedabad (Via-BOM) Ahmedabad (Via-PNQ) Belgaum Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai (Via-VGA) Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-BOM) Goa Guwahati (Via-BOM-CCU-IXA) Guwahati (Via-CCU) Hubli Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Kochi Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata (Via-BOM) Kolkata (Via-HYD) Kozhikode Mangalore Mangalore Mangalore (Via-BOM) Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mysore Pondicherry Pondicherry Pune Pune Srinagar (Via-DEL) Thiruvananthapuram (Via-MAA) Tuticorin (Via-MAA) Vijayawada Vizag BelgAum Bengaluru Bhopal Delhi Delhi

flight no.

freq

August 2013 196 www.spiceroutemag.com

arrival

SG-873 SG-871 SG-286 SG-529 SG-342 SG-3301 SG-3232 SG-1083 SG-3306 SG-3306 SG-3307 SG-3002 SG-3004 SG-3303 SG-229 SG-216 SG-502 SG-224 SG-110 SG-1106 SG-873 SG-528 SG-1084 SG-871 SG-1074 SG-1074 SG-1088 SG-2,4,6 SG-524 SG-528 SG-873 SG-871 SG-1073 SG-3231 SG-1023 SG-344 SG-344 SG-110 SG-529 SG-873 SG-3305 SG-3305 SG-1073 SG-228 SG-342 SG-224 SG-3307 SG-1083 SG-3303 SG-245

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

0615 0920 1205 1940 0555 0740 1125 1240 1510 1700 1845 2140 0905 1055 1600 2015 0635 0845 1535 1420 0615 0955 1920 0920 1520 1520 2215 1145 1840 0955 0615 0920 1230 1400 0855 1015 1015 1535 1940 0615 1220 1220 1230 2200 0555 0845 1845 1240 1055 0745

1220 1420 1405 2300 0905 0905 1220 1345 1610 1800 1945 2245 1025 1530 1840 2305 0925 1125 1955 1550 1400 1405 2035 1020 1640 1640 2335 1245 2120 1220 1100 1300 1325 1455 0950 1400 1155 1715 2125 0745 1310 1310 1330 2325 0725 1350 2140 1530 1210 0915

SG-3302

Daily

0925

1035

SG-2226 SG-2227

2,4,6 2,4,6

2000 0825

2200 1015

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

dep

Destination

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

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-1053 SG-1063 SG-1063

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

2040 1930 1930

2220 2220 2020

SG-2116 SG-2112 SG-152 SG-152 SG-151 SG-152

Daily Daily 2,4,6 2,4,6 2,4,6 2,4,6

1920 0835 1620 1620 1310 1620

2020 0940 2245 1850 1410 2015

SG-282 SG-106 SG-106 SG-916 SG-912 SG-323 SG-3305 SG-3231 SG-1084 SG-3148 SG-3301 SG-3013 SG-3304 SG-3301 SG-323 SG-3012 SG-281 SG-304 SG-306 SG-308 SG-325 SG-312 SG-106 SG-106 SG-208 SG-1011 SG-321 SG-1084 SG-1261 SG-272 SG-1004 SG-1012 SG-916 SG-1265 SG-912 SG-912 SG-912 SG-3241 SG-3243 SG-289 SG-321 SG-323 SG-3251 SG-3251 SG-305 SG-303 SG-362

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

1150 0535 0550 1955 0710 0955 1035 1240 1805 2015 0615 0740 1415 0615 1840 0610 0845 1140 1655 1850 2020 0705 0535 0550 0515 1410 0520 1805 1100 1530 1745 1920 1955 2125 0710 0710 0710 1040 1905 0840 0520 0955 1030 1330 1335 1710 0630

1410 0915 0935 2310 1030 1350 1140 1340 1900 2120 0710 0845 1710 0905 1940 0715 0950 1420 1935 2150 2305 0940 1120 1140 0930 1555 0925 2035 1210 1640 1905 2035 2100 2255 0815 1110 1235 1205 2040 0955 0745 1210 1205 1505 1430 1810 0730

Destination

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

Madurai Mangalore (Via-BLR) Mumbai

SG-291 SG-3231 SG-276

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

0830 1240 1410

0930 1455 1605

Mumbai Mumbai

SG-296 SG-106

Daily 7

2010 0535

2155 0730

Mumbai Mumbai Mysore (Via-BLR) Pondicherry (Via-BLR) Port Blair Port Blair Pune Pune (Via-HYD-AMD-JAI) Pune (Via-HYD-JAI) Tiruchirapalli Thiruvananthapuram Thiruvananthapuram Tuticorin Tuticorin Vijayawada Vizag Coimbatore Ahmedabad (Via-MAA) Chennai Chennai Chennai Delhi (Via-HYD) Hyderabad Hyderabad Pune (Via- HYD) dehradun Delhi Delhi delhi Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Allahabad Amritsar Amritsar Amritsar Amritsar (Via - STV - BOM) Aurangabad Aurangabad Bagdogra Bagdogra (Via-GAU) Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru (Via-DEL) Bhopal Bhopal Chandigarh Chandigarh Chandighar (Via - STV - BOM) Chennai

SG-106 SG-273 SG-3305 SG-3305 SG-917 SG-917 SG-208 SG-912 SG-912 SG-3165 SG-3307 SG-3271 SG-1083 SG-3291 SG-3304 SG-3277

1,2,3,4,5,6 Daily 1,3,5 4,6,7 1,3,4,5,7 26 Daily 1,2,3,4,5 7 1,2,3,4 Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily

0605 0835 1035 1035 1020 1145 0515 0710 0710 1030 2005 0555 1405 0715 1415 1710

0745 1030 1310 1310 1225 1,3,55 0650 1440 1440 1140 2140 0745 1530 0835 1530 1900

SG-282 SG-282 SG-284 SG-3022 SG-234 SG-234 SG-1022 SG-1022

Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5 Daily Daily Daily Daily

1020 1020 2010 0735 1030 1030 1850 1850

1410 1120 2110 0845 1430 1150 2010 2200

SG-2413 SG-2325

Daily Daily

1120 1620

1225 1720

SG-206 SG-148 SG-142 SG-142 SG-2356 SG-2113 SG-2352 SG-2410 SG-151 SG-161 SG-163 SG-881 SG-885 SG-223 SG-209 SG-509 SG-501 SG-109 SG-2326 SG-2327 SG-2115 SG-2111 SG-151 SG-305

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

1705 1900 0725 0815 1410 1320 1910 0635 0600 1715 0535 1115 0550 1220 1655 2035 0605 1010 1715 0610 1755 0710 0600 1010

1835 2035 0900 0945 1530 1435 2025 0805 1230 1910 0740 1325 0955 1505 1940 2325 0850 1430 1900 0800 1900 0815 1235 1300

197

Spice schedule Destination

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai (Via-AMD-BOM) Chennai (Via-PNQ) Coimbatore (Via-CJB) Dehradun Dehradun Dharamshala Dharamshala Goa Goa Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati (Via-IXB) Hubli (Via- JLR-BOM) Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Hyderabad Indore Indore Jabalpur Jaipur Jammu Jammu Jammu Kochi (Via-BOM) Kochi (Via-BOM) Kochi (Via-HYD) Kochi (Via-PNQ) Kolkata Kolkata Lucknow Madurai (Via-MAA) Madurai (Via-MAA) Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai (Via - STV) Mumbai (Via-Ahmedabad Mumbai (Via-Ahmedabad Mumbai (Via-AMD) Mumbai (Via-JAI) Mumbai (Via-JLR) Nanded (Via-BOM,JLR) Port Blair Pune Pune

SG-303 SG-315 SG-309 SG-301 SG-206 SG-219 SG-211 SG-2328 SG-2223 SG-2382 SG-2383 SG-253 SG-255 SG-893 SG-885 SG-881 SG-2441 SG-233 SG-221 SG-239 SG-211 SG-231 SG-2326 SG-2327 SG-2441 SG-133 SG-857 SG-853 SG-851 SG-103 SG-131 SG-231 SG-217 SG-607 SG-104 SG-417 SG-305 SG-303 SG-109 SG-103 SG-852 SG-119 SG-894 SG-131 SG-151 SG-142 SG-142 SG-206 SG-133 SG-2441 SG-2441 SG-104 SG-219 SG-217

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,5,7 1,3,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,57 Daily Daily 3,5,7 1,3,4,5,7 Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 7 1,2,3,4,5,6 Daily Daily Daily 2,4,6 Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,57

1350 1720 1915 0630 1705 2025 0545 1005 1505 1110 1,3,55 1055 1455 1520 0550 1115 0735 1345 1510 1940 0545 0740 1715 0610 0735 0700 1330 0730 0850 1200 0555 0740 0840 2035 0835 1945 1010 1350 1010 1200 1510 1740 2125 0555 0600 0725 0815 1705 0700 0735 0735 0835 2025 0840

1640 1930 2155 0915 2305 0040 1000 1100 1600 1200 1500 1330 1720 1745 0820 1500 1410 1555 1725 2150 0810 0950 1900 0805 0945 0800 1450 0900 1010 1700 1035 1150 1310 2250 1040 2100 1430 1810 1215 1410 1720 1940 2325 0740 0920 1035 1115 2010 1015 1210 1350 1335 2230 1045

Srinagar Srinagar

SG-868 SG-224

Daily Daily

1045 1220

1200 1350

For bookings, visit our website at www.spicejet.com

Destination

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

Srinagar Srinagar Srinagar Srinagar (Via - STV-BOM-ATQ) Srinagar (Via - STV-BOM-IXC) Srinagar (Via-IXJ) Surat

SG-863 SG-865 SG-261 SG-151 SG-151 SG-851 SG-151

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

1420 1510 0820 0600 0600 0850 0600

1550 1630 0935 1410 1410 1115 0755

Tirupathi (VIA-HYD) Udaipur Varanasi Varanasi

SG-233 SG-2437 SG-114 SG-127

Daily Daily Daily 1,2,4,6

1345 0555 1340 1930

1740 0730 1505 2055

Varanasi Vizag (Via-HYD) Dharamshala Delhi Delhi GOA Ahmedabad Bengaluru Chennai Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-AMD) Hyderabad Hyderabad (Via-MAA) Kolkata (Via-BOM) Mumbai Mumbai Guwahati Agartala Ahmedabad (Via-CCU-BLR-BOM) Bagdogra Bengaluru (Via-CCU) Bengaluru (Via-IXA-CCU-BOM) Chennai (Via-CCU) Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-IXB) Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata (Via-IXA) Mumbai (Via-CCU-BLR) Mumbai (Via-DEL) Mumbai (Via-IXA-CCU) Hubli Bengaluru Delhi (Via-BOM-JLR) Hyderabad (Via-BLR) Jabalpur (Via-BOM) Mumbai Hyderabad Agartala (Via-CCU) Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Bengaluru

SG-116 SG-221

Daily Daily

0935 1510

1100 1850

SG-2384 SG-2385

Daily Daily

1055 1255

1230 1430

SG-138 SG-1107 SG-1012 SG-254 SG-256 SG-138 SG-1072 SG-1012 SG-804 SG-247 SG-804

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

1640 1610 1615 1400 1750 1640 1415 1640 1640 1330 1640

1830 1740 1800 1630 2010 2125 1545 2035 2135 1440 1745

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

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

1445 1435 0855 1435 1445 1825 1535 1815 0855 1435 1825 0955 1445 1435 1815 1445

1545 2300 0955 1910 2250 2235 1825 2045 1250 1545 1935 1105 1725 2125 2325 2045

SG-1088 SG-2452 SG-1088 SG-2452 SG-2452

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

2055 1430 2055 1430 1430

2155 2035 2335 1810 1550

SG-871 SG-916 SG-912 SG-1073

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

1050 21,3,5 0850 1040

1420 2310 1030 1200

Note: Schedule subject to change and regulatory authority approvals.

1- Mon, 2-Tue, 3-Wed, 4-Thu, 5-Fri, 6-Sat, 7-Sun. August 2013 198 www.spiceroutemag.com

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Spice schedule Destination

Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bhopal Bhopal (Via-IDR) Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Coimbatore Coimbatore Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Goa Goa (VIA-MAA) Indore Indore (Via-BHO) Jaipur Jaipur (Via-AMD) Kochi Kochi Kolkata Kozhikode Kozhikode (Via-BLR) Madurai Madurai Mangalore (Via-BLR) Mumbai Pondicherry (Via-BLR) Port Blair (Via-MAA) Port Blair (Via-MAA) Pune Pune (Via-AMD-JAI) Pune (Via-JAI) Rajahmundary Tirupathi Tirupathi Varanasi (Via-DEL) Vijayawada Vizag Vizag Indore Bhopal Delhi Delhi Hyderabad Hyderabad (Via-BHO) JABALPUR Delhi Hubli (Via- BOM) Mumbai

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-1073 SG-872 SG-1031 SG-1023 SG-1063 SG-1053 SG-1011 SG-1003 SG-911 SG-1264 SG-913 SG-1262 SG-917 SG-1048 SG-211 SG-226 SG-234 SG-108 SG-236 SG-116 SG-1071 SG-1011 SG-1053 SG-1063 SG-912 SG-912 SG-231 SG-1051 SG-871 SG-1073 SG-1073 SG-3313 SG-3313 SG-1023 SG-402 SG-1073 SG-917 SG-917 SG-1022 SG-912 SG-912 SG-1061 SG-1041 SG-233 SG-116 SG-1001 SG-221 SG-401

1,3,4,6,7 Daily Daily Daily 2,4,6 1,3,5,7 Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,5,7 2,4,6 7 1,2,3,4,5,6 Daily Daily Daily 2 1,3,4,6,7 3 1,2,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily 5 1,3,4,5,7 26 Daily 1,2,3,4,5 7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1040 1910 0935 0710 1710 1710 1230 1605 1710 1935 2110 0600 0830 1700 0840 1030 1220 1415 2000 0645 1225 1230 1710 1710 0910 0850 1020 1930 1050 1040 1040 0900 0950 0710 2130 1040 0830 0830 2030 0850 0910 0935 0720 1630 0645 0705 1755 0715

1200 2010 1050 0830 1910 2020 1350 1725 1815 2115 2215 0720 0940 1825 1000 1255 1430 1625 2210 0845 1355 1615 1910 2020 1110 1235 1150 2115 1300 1230 1325 1100 1150 0950 2305 1330 1225 1355 2200 1440 1440 1040 0835 1740 1100 0800 1850 0820

SG-1053 SG-2226 SG-2227 SG-1063 SG-1053

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

1930 1955 0825 2040 1930

2020 2200 1015 2220 2220

SG-2452 SG-2441 SG-2441

Daily 1,3,5,7 Daily

1830 1005 1005

2035 1410 1210

Destination

Nanded (Via-BOM) Jaipur Ahmedabad Chennai (Via-AMD- HYD) Delhi Hyderabad (Via-AMD) Mumbai Pune Jammu Delhi Delhi Delhi Mumbai (Via-DEL) Srinagar Kochi Bengaluru Chennai Chennai Chennai Delhi (Via- BOM) Delhi (Via-BOM) Delhi (Via-HYD) Delhi (Via-PNQ) Hyderabad Hyderabad Mumbai Mumbai Pune Vizag (Via-BLR) Kolkata Agartala Agartala Ahmedabad (Via-BLR-BOM) Bagdogra Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru (Via-BOM) Bengaluru (Via-HYD) Chennai Chennai Chennai (Via-DEL-PNQ) Delhi Delhi Goa (Via-BOM) Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati (Via-IXA) Hyderabad Mumbai Mumbai Mumbai (Via-BLR)

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-2441

2,4,6

1005

1350

SG-913 SG-913 SG-218 SG-913 SG-133 SG-912

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,57

1710 1710 2040 1710 0830 1310

1825 2215 2130 2040 1015 1440

SG-851 SG-858 SG-854 SG-852 SG-851

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1310 1525 0930 1310 1040

1425 1645 1050 1720 1115

SG-245 SG-3242 SG-3244 SG-287 SG-118 SG-112 SG-108 SG-214 SG-108 SG-1052 SG-112 SG-118 SG-214 SG-245

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,57 Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,57 Daily

0605 1800 2110 0655 1840 1120 1220 1355 1220 2135 1120 1840 1355 0605

0705 1925 2240 0805 2315 1620 1625 1835 1345 2325 1320 2040 1555 0915

SG-873 SG-871 SG-529 SG-323 SG-529 SG-523 SG-874 SG-872 SG-324 SG-322 SG-219 SG-219 SG-608 SG-803 SG-528 SG-883 SG-321 SG-873 SG-872 SG-874 SG-803 SG-529

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

1130 1330 1645 1240 1645 0715 1800 1620 1550 2005 1630 1630 0800 0830 1250 1635 0815 1130 1620 1800 0830 1645

1220 1420 2300 1350 1910 0935 2250 2010 1810 2235 0040 1905 1010 1300 1405 1755 0925 1400 1830 2045 1120 2125

Port Blair Pune (Via-DEL)

SG-104 SG-219

Daily Daily

1135 1630

1335 2230

Kozhikode Bengaluru Chennai Chennai

SG-1074 SG-3252 SG-3252

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

1345 1225 1525

1445 1355 1650

August 2013 200 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice schedule Destination

Hyderabad Hyderabad (Via - BLR) Lucknow Delhi Madurai Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Delhi (Via-MAA) Delhi (Via-MAA) Hyderabad Hyderabad Mumbai ( Via-MAA) Mumbai ( Via-MAA) Mangalore Bengaluru Bengaluru (Via-BOM) Chennai (Via-BLR) Hyderabad Hyderabad Mumbai Mumbai Agartala (Via-CCU) Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Amritsar Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Chandigarh Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-AMD) Delhi (Via-AMD) Delhi (Via-JAI) Delhi (Via-JLR) Delhi (Via-STV) Goa Goa Guwahati (Via-BLR-CCU) Guwahati (Via-CCU-IXA) Hubli Hyderabad Jabalpur Jaipur Jammu (Via-DEL) Kochi

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-1074 SG-1074

2 1,3,4,6,7

1255 1345

1440 1640

SG-418

1,4,6

0735

0845

SG-304 SG-306 SG-296 SG-273 SG-304 SG-306 SG-3317 SG-3317 SG-296 SG-273

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

1000 1500 1840 0800 1000 1500 1615 1645 1840 0800

1055 1600 1940 0855 1420 1935 1815 1845 2155 1110

SG-3232 SG-341 SG-3232 SG-1024 SG-1024 SG-341

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

1010 1430 1010 1025 1515 1430

1105 1810 1220 1200 1650 1600

SG-873 SG-529 SG-106 SG-106 SG-151 SG-109 SG-341 SG-874 SG-528 SG-151 SG-275 SG-274 SG-206 SG-291 SG-114 SG-112 SG-110 SG-136 SG-118 SG-851 SG-106 SG-106 SG-218 SG-2452 SG-152 SG-803 SG-248 SG-528 SG-873 SG-2441 SG-401 SG-2452 SG-218 SG-851 SG-103

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

0815 2200 0810 0815 1000 1250 1630 2120 0735 1000 1145 1645 2100 0605 1110 1415 1745 2015 2110 0550 0810 0815 1810 1615 1920 1200 1640 0735 0815 1240 0520 1615 1810 0550 1450

1220 2300 0915 0935 1230 1430 1810 2250 0920 1235 1340 1840 2305 0755 1310 1620 1955 2220 2315 0755 1120 1140 2130 2035 2245 1300 1745 1405 1400 1410 0640 1810 2010 1010 1700

Destination

Kochi Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata (Via-BLR) Madurai (Via-MAA) Mangalore Nanded Srinagar (Via - ATQ) Srinagar (Via - IXC) Srinagar (Via-DEL IXJ) Surat Thiruvananthapuram Varanasi (Via-DEL) Vizag (Via-HYD) Mysore Bengaluru Chennai (Via-BLR) Nanded Delhi (Via-BOM,JLR) Jabalpur (Via-BOM) Mumbai Pondicherry Bengaluru Bengaluru Chennai (Via-BLR) Chennai (Via-BLR) Hyderabad (Via-BLR) Port Blair Chennai Chennai Chennai (Via- CCU-DEL-PNQ) Delhi (Via - CCU) Hyderabad (Via-MAA) Kolkata Pune (Via - CCU-DEL) Pune Ahmedabad Ahmedabad (Via-JAI) Bengaluru Bengaluru Chennai Chennai (Via-JAI-AMD-HYD) Delhi Delhi Hyderabad Hyderabad (Via-JAI-AMD) Jaipur Kochi Rajahmundry Hyderabad Srinagar Amritsar Bengaluru (Via-DEL) Chandigarh Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi

August 2013 202 www.spiceroutemag.com

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-131 SG-804 SG-873 SG-528 SG-291 SG-344 SG-2441 SG-151 SG-151 SG-851 SG-152 SG-275 SG-114 SG-401

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

0835 1855 0815 0735 0605 1230 1240 1000 1000 0550 1920 1145 1055 0520

1035 2135 1100 1220 0930 1400 1350 1410 1410 1115 2015 1340 1505 0820

SG-3306 SG-3306

1,3,5 1,3,5

1330 1330

1420 1610

SG-2452 SG-2452 SG-2452

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

1430 1430 1430

2035 1810 1550

SG-3306 SG-1074 SG-3306 SG-3306 SG-1074

4,6,7 5 4,7 6 5

1330 1350 1330 1330 1350

1420 1450 1610 1800 1640

SG-272 SG-272 SG-219 SG-219 SG-272 SG-219 SG-219

1,3,4,5,7 26 Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily

1255 1425 1405 1405 1255 1405 1405

1455 1640 0040 1905 1640 1600 2230

SG-342 SG-913 SG-345 SG-227 SG-219 SG-913 SG-214 SG-208 SG-1025 SG-913 SG-913 SG-217

Daily 1,2,3,4,57 Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,57 1,2,3,4,57 Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,57 1,2,3,4,57 1,2,3,4,57

0755 1510 2320 0645 2300 1510 1625 0720 2220 1510 1510 1115

0905 1820 0040 0815 0040 2215 1835 0930 2340 2040 1640 1310

SG-1062

Daily

1100

1155

SG-152 SG-209 SG-152 SG-262 SG-869 SG-209 SG-209

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

1450 1435 1450 1010 1235 1435 1435

1545 1940 1550 1135 1405 1605 1605

Spice schedule Destination

Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via - ATQ-BOM-STV) Delhi (Via - IXC-BOM-STV) Delhi (Via-IXJ) Jammu Mumbai (Via - ATQ) Mumbai (Via - IXC) Mumbai (Via-IXJ-DEL) Surat (Via - ATQ-BOM) Surat (Via - IXC-BOM) Surat Amritsar (Via - BOM) Chandigarh (Via - BOM) Delhi Mumbai Srinagar (Via - BOM-ATQ) Srinagar (Via - BOM-IXC) Tirupathi Hyderabad Delhi (Via-HYD) Hyderabad Tiruchirapalli Chennai Thiruvananthapuram Chennai Chennai Mumbai Tuticorin Bengaluru (Via-MAA) Chennai Chennai Hubli (Via-MAA,BLR)

Udaipur Delhi Varanasi Delhi Delhi Delhi Hyderabad (Via-DEL) Mumbai (Via-DEL) Tirupathi (Via-DEL,HYD) Vijayawada Bengaluru Chennai Hyderabad Vizag Bengaluru Chennai Delhi (Via-HYD) Hyderabad Hyderabad Kochi (Via-BLR) Mumbai (Via-HYD)

flight no.

freq

dep

INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULE

arrival

SG-864 SG-867 SG-152 SG-152 SG-852 SG-852 SG-152 SG-152 SG-852 SG-152 SG-152

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

1620 1700 1450 1450 1155 1155 1450 1450 1155 1450 1450

1745 1830 2245 2245 1425 1240 1850 1850 1720 2015 2015

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

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

0825 0825 2045 0825 0825 0825

1230 1235 2245 0920 1410 1410

SG-1042 SG-236 SG-236

Daily Daily Daily

0855 1810 1810

1010 2210 1930

SG-3166

1,2,3,4

1200

1305

SG-3308 SG-3272 SG-276

Daily Daily 567

2200 0805 1410

2330 1000 1605

SG-1084 SG-1084 SG-3292

1,3,4,5,7 1,3,4,5,7 Daily

1550 1550 0855

1900 1710 1020

SG-1084

1,3,4,5,7

1550

2035

SG-2436

Daily

0750

0920

SG-233 SG-119 SG-128 SG-233 SG-119 SG-233

Daily Daily 23,5,7 Daily Daily Daily

1130 1535 0810 1130 1535 1130

1250 1655 0940 1555 1940 1740

SG-3304 SG-3303 SG-1002

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

1230 1230 0820

1350 1350 0915

SG-2,4,6 SG-3278 SG-226 SG-402 SG-226 SG-2,4,6 SG-402

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

0945 1920 0900 1930 0900 0945 1930

1115 2105 1255 2050 1000 1245 2315

Destination

Ahmedabad Dubai Muscat** Chennai Colombo Colombo Chennai Madurai Madurai Delhi Dubai Guangzhou Kabul Kathmandu Kathmandu Riyadh DUBAI Ahmedabad Kochi Delhi Mumbai Guangzhou Delhi KABUL Delhi Kathmandu Delhi Delhi Kochi Dubai Male Lucknow Sharjah Madurai Colombo Colombo Male Kochi Mumbai Dubai Muscat Ahmedabad*** Riyadh Delhi Sharjah Lucknow Varanasi Varanasi Sharjah

flight no.

freq

arrival

SG-015 SG-061

Daily 1,4,5

1640 2130

1815 2300

SG-001

Daily

0100

0220

SG-002 SG-3316 SG-3316

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

0320 1350 1435

0445 1450 1535

SG-011 SG-081 SG-021 SG-045 SG-041 SG-031

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

0855 1645 0900 1550 0800 0300

1120 0035 (+1) 1020 1740 1000 0515

SG-016 SG-018 SG-012 SG-014

Daily Daily Daily Daily

1925 2055 2310 1230

2330 0225 (+1) 0410 (+1) 1655

SG-082

1,2,4,5,6,7

0155

0510

SG-022

2,4,6

1120

1450

SG-042 SG-046

1,3,5,7 Daily

1100 1840

1240 2010

SG-017 SG-3901

Daily Daily

1710 1250

1950 1410

SG-055

3,5,7

2200

0100 (+1)

SG-3314 SG-3314

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

1200 1245

1300 1345

SG-3902

Daily

1445

1705

SG-013

Daily

1945

2135

SG-062

2,5,6

0030

0420

SG-032

Daily

0615

1255

SG-056 SG-054

146 23,5,7

0145 0145

0635 0655

SG-053

1,2,4,6

2155

0100 (+1)

* All Time In Local. (+1) - Next Day. ** Flight commences from 29th August 2013. Bookings open. *** Flight commences from 30th August 2013. Bookings open.

• SpiceJet flies to 46 domestic destinations covering the north, south, east and west of India. Whether you are flying for business, visiting friends or planning a holiday, SpiceJet is the smart way to travel. • SpiceJet now flies to 9 international destinations.

August 2013 204 www.spiceroutemag.com

dep

Spice offices

SpiceJet Offices Corporate Office SpiceJet Limited, 319 Udyog Vihar, Phase - IV, Gurgaon 122 016, Haryana Tel: +91 124 3913939; Fax: +91 124 3913844 Customer Services E-mail: custrelations@spicejet.com Reservations Toll Free: 1-800-180-3333 and 987-180-3333 Regional Heads North & Central India: Sumant Rautela Email: sumant.rautela@spicejet.com Delhi T1 & T3, Nepal & Afghanistan: Nelash Godara Email: nelash.godara@spicejet.com East and Andaman & Nicobar Islands Mitali Borgohain Email: mitali.b@spicejet.com West Vinod Saldanha Email: vinod.saldanha@spicejet.com Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Pankaj Handa Email: pankaj.handa@spicejet.com Tamil Nadu, Kerala, SriLanka & Maldives R. Ranjeev Email: r.ranjeev@spicejet.com Agartala Station Incharge: Avishek Kar Address: Spicejet Ltd., C.A. Agartala Airport, Agartala 799009 (Tripura) Email: avishek.kar@spicejet.com Ahmedabad Station Manager: Johnson George Address: Spicejet Ltd., SVP International Airport, Ahmedabad - 380003 (Gujarat) Email: johnson.george@spicejet.com Allahabad Station Incharge: Vijay Yadav Address: Spicejet Ltd., Allahabad Airport, Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh) Email: vijay.yadav@spicejet.com Amritsar Station Incharge: Deepak Anand Address: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar-143101 (Punjab) Email: deepak.anand@spicejet.com Aurangabad Station Incharge: Vinod Saldanha Address: Spicejet Ltd., New ATS Complex, Jalana Road, Aurangabad Airport, Aurangabad (Maharashtra) Email: vinod.saldanha@spicejet.com Bagdogra Station Incharge: Saurav Raj Thapa Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Bagdogra, Siliguri-734421 (West Bengal) Email: saurav.thapa@spicejet.com Belgaum Station Incharge: Hemanth Kumar Address: Spicejet Ltd., Belgaum Airport, BelgaumBagalkote Road, Sambra (Karnataka) Email: hemanth.kumar@spicejet.com Bengaluru Station Incharge: Vivek Godbole Address: Spicejet Ltd., Bangalore International Airport, Devenhalli, Bengaluru - 560300 (Karnataka) Email: vivek.godbole@spicejet.com Bhopal Station Incharge: Rajul Srivastava Address: Spicejet Ltd., Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal

(Madhya Pradesh) Email: rajul.srivastava@spicejet.com Chandigarh Station Incharge: Manmeet Singh Barham Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Airport, Chandigarh – 16003 Email: manmeet.barham@spicejet.com Chennai Station Incharge: Gavin Jeffries Address: Spicejet Ltd., Kamraj International Airport, Chennai (Tamil Nadu) Email: gavin.jeffries@spicejet.com Coimbatore Station Manager: Santosh Kumar Nair Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Coimbatore 641014 (Tamil Nadu) Email: santosh.nair@spicejet.com Colombo Station Incharge: N. Kalidassan Address: Spicejet Ltd., Bandarnaike International Airport, Colombo (Sri Lanka) Email: n.kalidassan@spicejet.com Dehradun Station Incharge: Manish Pandey Address: Spicejet Ltd., Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, Uttarakhand Email: manish.pandey@spicejet.com Dharamshala Station Incharge: Rahul Garg Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Kangra Airport, Gaggal – 176209 (Himachal Pradesh) Email: rahul.garg@spicejet.com Dubai Station Manager: J. Venkatramakrishnan Address: Spicejet Ltd., Dubai International Airport, Departure level-Terminal 1, UAE Email: j.venkat@spicejet.com Goa Station Manager: Anish Dubey Address: Spicejet Ltd., Goa International Airport, Dabolim-403801 (Goa) Email: anish.dubey@spicejet.com Guangzhou Station Manager: Vrushiket Bhise Address: Spicejet Ltd., Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, Guangdong (China) Email: Vrushiket.Bhise@spicejet.com Guwahati Station Manager: Bhaskar Borgohain Address: Spicejet Ltd., Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (Assam) Email: Bhaskar.borgohain@spicejet.com Hyderabad Station Manager: Raghunath Singh Address: Spicejet Ltd., Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad (Andhra Pradesh) Email: raghunath.singh@spicejet.com Hubli Station Manager: Mahavir Gaur Address: Hubli airport, Gokul Road. Hubli - 580 030 (Karnataka) Email: mahavir.gaur@spicejet.com Indore Station Incharge: Pavitra Shukla Address: Spicejet Ltd., DABH Airport, Indore (Madhya Pradesh) Email: pavitra.shukla@spicejet.com Jabalpur Station Incharge: Jaimin Premasawala Address: Spicejet Ltd., Jabalpur Airport, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh Email: jaimin.premasawala@spicejet.com Jammu Station Manager: Deepak Koul Address: Spicejet Ltd., Jammu Airport,Civil Enclave

Jammu (J&K) Email: deepak.koul@spicejet.com Jaipur Station Manager: Brijendra Sinsinwar Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Civil Airport Sanganer, Jaipur (Rajasthan) Email: brijendra.sinsinwar@spicejet.com Kathmandu Station Manager: Rajendra Krishna Joshi Address: Spicejet Ltd., Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (Nepal) Email: rajendra.joshi@spicejet.com Kabul Station Incharge: Sunil Rehman Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Kabul International. Airport (Afghanistan) Email: sunil.rehman@spicejet.com Kochi Station Manager: Shamon P.S Address: Spicejet Ltd., Cochin International Airport Limited, Kochi (Kerala) Email: shamon@spicejet.com Kolkata Station Manager: Sagarnath Das Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Terminal II, NSCBI Airport, Kolkata – 700052 (West Bengal) Email: sagarnath.das@spicejet.com Kozhikode Station Incharge:Sajith Kannoth Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Calicut International Airport, Malapuram – 673647 (Kerala) Email: sajith@spicejet.com Lucknow Station Manager: Janardan Sahai Mathur Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport, Amausi, Lucknow - 226009 (Uttar Pradesh) Email: janardan.mathur@spicejet.com Madurai Station Manager: Balaji Ramanan Address: Spicejet Ltd., Madurai Airport, Madurai - 625022 (Tamil Nadu) Email: balaji.ramanan@spicejet.com Male Station Incharge: Alexis Anand Raj Address: Spicejet Ltd, Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Male (Maldives) Email: alexis.raj@spicejet.com Mangalore Station Incharge: C.M.Biddappa Address: Spicejet Ltd., Bajpe Airport, Mangalore (Karnataka) Email: biddappa@spicejet.com Mumbai Station Manager: Tarun Kalwadia Address: Spicejet Ltd., Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai (Maharashtra) Email: tarun.kalwadia@spicejet.com Mysore Station Manager: KP Bopanna Address: Spicejet Ltd., Mysore Airport, Mysore (Karnataka) Email: bopanna.kp@spicejet.com Nanded Station Incharge: Mahesh Taru Address: Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport, Nanded (Maharashtra) Email: mahesh.taru@spicejet.com New Delhi Station Manager: Nelash Godara Address: Terminal 1D, IGI Airport, Palam (Delhi) Email: nelash.godara@spicejet.com Pondicherry Station Incharge: S Mahesh Address: Spicejet Ltd., Puducherry Airport, Lawspet (Puducherry) Email: mahesh.s@spicejet.com Port Blair Station Incharge: Arun M

August 2013 206 www.spiceroutemag.com

Address: Spicejet Ltd., Veer Sawarkar International Airport, Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) Email: arun.m@spicejet.com Pune Station Manager: Adil Palia Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Enclave Pune Airport, Lohegaon, Pune - 411032 (Maharashtra) Email: adil.palia@spicejet.com Rajahmundry Station Incharge: Amit Naraian Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Rajahmundry Airport, Madhurapudi (Andhra Pradesh) Email: amit.naraian@spicejet.com Riyadh Station Manager: Irfan Hussain Kanth Address: Spicejet Ltd., King Khalid International Airport, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) Email: irfan.kanth@spicejet.com Sharjah Station Manager: Debasish Choudhury Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Sharjah International Airport, Sharjah (UAE) Email: debasish.choudhury@spicejet.com Srinagar Station Incharge: Sartaj Ahmed Mantoo Address: Spicejet Ltd., Srinagar Airport, Srinagar (J&K) Email: sartaj.mantoo@spicejet.com Surat Station Incharge: Harin Rajguru Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Surat Airport, Surat (Gujarat) Email: harin.rajguru@spicejet.com Tiruchirappalli Station Incharge: C.N. Kishore Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Tiruchirapalli Airport, Tiruchirappalli, (Tamil Nadu) Email: c.n.kishore@spicejet.com Tirupati Station Incharge: N Nagaraju Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Tirupati-517520 (Andhra Pradesh) Email: n.nagaraju@spicejet.com Thiruvananthapuram Station Incharge: A.C.Ratheesh Address: Spicejet Ltd., Trivandrum International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram - 695008 (Kerala) Email: ratheesh.ac@spicejet.com Tuticorin Station Incharge: Narasimhan S.R Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Tuticorin-628103 (Tamil Nadu) Email: narasimhan.r@spicejet.com Udaipur Station Incharge: R. Shyam Sharma Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Maharana Pratap Airport Dabok, Udaipur - 313023 (Rajasthan) Email: shyam.sharma@spicejet.com Varanasi Station Manager: Rajesh k. Singh Address: Spicejet Ltd., L.B.S. Airport, Babatpur, Varanasi - 221006 (Uttar Pradesh) Email: rajesh.s@spicejet.com Vijayawada Station Incharge: Azhar Shaikh Address: Spicejet Ltd., Vijayawada Airport, Gannavaram - 521102 (Andhra Pradesh) Email: azhar.shaikh@spicejet.com Visakhapatnam Station Manager: Digvijay Wala Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Visakhapatnam Airport, Visakhapatnam - 530009 (Andhra Pradesh) Email: digvijay.wala@spicejet.com

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