Spiceroute December 2012

Time to

shine Dear SpiceJetters, Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

SpiceJet, your preferred airline is on a mission to connect the entire country with a cost effective and world class service. Our domestic operations now cover 38 destinations across India. We also fly to 4 international destinations namely Colombo, Kathmandu, Dubai and Kabul and have now added one more destination – Male, capital of Republic of Maldives from Kochi. We have also connected Kochi-Dubai for which bookings are now open.

With your support and patronage we want SpiceJet to be the best mode of travel to explore the rich culture and heritage of India. At SpiceJet, we are always putting our best efforts in giving you the best services for a seamless travel experience.

Meanwhile, Spiceroute our monthly in-flight magazine is full of articles that you will find handy in this year-end festive season. The Cover Story brings SpiceJet’s journey for you. An article on Belagum will be an eye-opener for those visiting this latest SpiceJet destination. We also bring you articles on the culturally rich city of Jodhpur; and Chakrata, a perfect resting place that can be your yearend holiday destination. We also bring you a free wheeling interview with Ishant Sharma, a leading cricketer.

Good Bye 2012 !

Kalanithi Maran Chairman

GROUP

3

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

MaXposure Media Group India Pvt. Ltd. Head Office Unit No F2b ( Second Floor), Mira Corporate Suites, Plot No . 1 & 2, Ishwar Nagar, Mathura Road, New Delhi -110065, Tel: 91.11.43011111, Fax: 91.11.43011199 West | Mumbai | T.V. Industrial Estate, Basement, B-22, A.K. Ahire Marg, Worli, Mumbai-400018, Tel: 91.22-61991111, Fax: 91.22.61991115 Ahmedabad | Office No. 4, Meagabyte Business Centre, Top Floor, Navrang Building, Opp Parth Complex, Swastik Cross Road, CG Road, Navranpura, Ahmedabad - 380015, Tel: 079 - 40193627 Indore | 7/1, 409, 4th Floor, Ratan Mani Complex, Opposite Inter Star Showroom, New Palasia, Indore - 452001, Tel: 9179015070

London | Kevin Rolfe |INK | 141-143 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JE, UK, Tel: +44.20.76138777, Fax: +44.207.613.8776, Email: kevin.rolfe@ink-global.com Turkey |Tan Bilge | Media Ltd. | Ali Sami Yen Sok. No. 2 Kat 3, 34394 Gayrettepe/Istanbul, Turkey, Tel: +90 (0) 212 / 2 75 84 33, Fax +90 (0) 212 / 2 75 92 28, Email: tanbilge@medialtd.com.tr ASIA | SINGAPORE, HONGKONG, CHINA Peter Jeffery, Asian In-Flight Media Ltd. Unit 1802, 18/F, 88 Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, Tel: (852) 2850 4017, Fax: (852) 2850 4097 Email: peterjeffery@asianimedia.com

East | Kolkata | Sudarshan Business, Centre, 7B, RaniRash Road, 1st Floor, Kolkata-700 013, Tel: 91.33.22658479

Japan |Yoshihiro Igusa | PACIFIC BUSINESS INC, Akutagawa Bldg, 7-7 Nihonbashi Kabutocho,Chuo-ku Tokyo 103-0026 JAPAN, Tel:+81-(0)3-3661-6138, Fax:+81-(0)3-3661-6139, Email: Igusa-pbi@gol.com

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

Malaysia |Shallie Cheng | Mind Sense Sdn.Bhd. No.107, 1st.Floor Menara Mutiara Majestic, Section 3, 46,000 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

Tel: 60-3 7781 7700 Email: shallie.cheng@gmail.com

Hyderabad | Executive Business Club, Mount Banjara Apartment, 1st Floor, Road no 12, Banjara hills, Hyderabad-500034, Tel: 91.40.66786800, 91.9700001177, Fax: 91.40.66785800

South Korea | Jung-Won Suh | SINSEGI MEDIA INC. Jungang Bldg,. room 817, 44-21, Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Korea 150-890, Tel: 82-2-785-8222, Fax: 82-2-785-8225, Email: sinsegi-2@sinsegimedia.info

Chennai | FL 9, Alsa Mall, First Floor, 149, Montieth Road, Egmore, Chennai-600008, Tel: 91.44.42015685, Fax: 91.44.42015684 International Sales Offices EUROPE | Germany | Claudia Scheil | Gruner+ Jahr AG & Co KG | Am Baumwall 11, 20459 Hamburg, Germany, Tel: +49.40 3703 2944, Email: scheil.claudia@guj.de Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg |Kathy Rosseel | Gruner + Jahr AG & Co KG | Coupure Rechts 64/1,9000 Gent, Belgium Tel: +32-9.2350212, Email: rosseel.kathy@guj.de France, Switzerland, Spain | Nicolas Devos | G+J International Media Sales | IMM International, 80 Rue Montmartre, 75002 PARIS - FRANCE Tel: +33 (0)1 40 13 79 01, Fax : +33 (0)1 40 13 00 33 Email: n.devos@imm-france.com, www.imm-international.com Italy | Sandra Bonini | G+J International Sales Italy Srl | Via Benedetto Marcello, 4, 20124 Mailand, Italy Tel: +3902.20526722, Email: bonini.sandra@guj.de Austria | Erwin Luthwig | Gruner + Jahr Verlagsges. mbH | Parkring 12,1010 Vienna, Austria Tel: +431.51256470, Email: luthwig.erwin@guj.de

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

For Advertising | 91.9892010669 M E M B E R

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

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

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

December 2012 4 www.spiceroutemag.com

Contents 12 HOT DATES December happenings across SpiceJet network

Cover story 22

spicjet progress report SpiceJet, the journey so far

30 City guide 48 hours in Mumbai Take a stroll in the business capital of India

36 Quick getaway All is calm The beauty of Belgaum

42

blissfully beautiful Charming hill station of Chakrata

48

hidden beauty Quaint valley of Panjshir in Afghanistan

52 Theme holiday golf escapes Picturesque golf courses in the Nilgiris

DECEMBER 2012 58

green getaways Breathe in fresh air at natural resorts Volume Vl Issue XII December 2012

+

64 Festive Flavour

www.spiceroutemag.com

The inflight magazine of SpiceJet

time for dance and music Join in the festivities this December

GROUP

Beauty in ruinS

Belgaum

your guide to

Christmas Baking

72 Spice trail

new deStination

male in maldives

Essentially vanilla Sweet flavours of vanilla

76 Gourmet delight

SucceSS STORY

Christmas traditions Pep up your Christmas menu

SpiceJet makeS it happen

82

Cover: Devesh R. Agarwal BangaloreAviation.com

www.mitid.edu.in

wine and food melange Pair your food with the right wine

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

December 2012 6 www.spiceroutemag.com

Rajbaug, Next to Hadapsar, Loni Kalbhor, Pune Solapur Highway, Pune- 412201. INDIA T: +91-20-30693695/ 696, F: 91-20-30693601, M: +91 9763715974, www.mitid.edu.in, admissions@mitid.edu.in

Contents 88 In conversation back on track Ishant Sharma and his love for cricket

92 Glam world nail this trend Latest in the world of nail art

14

travel buzz

96

heavenly homes Cool home decoration ideas

136

102 Well-being

140

GADGETS FilmS

healing gems Benefits of untreated gemstones

142

BOOKS

150

Games

108

citrus blast Amla and its manifold uses

112 Culture canvas mirroring folk culture Soulful music of Rajasthan

120

golden fibre Crafting out things from coir

126 Good Samaritans connect with innovations STIR: Need for change

130

doctor at doorstep DFY: Reaching out to the destitute

160

Predictions

168

SPICEJET DESTINATIONS

180

SPICEJET ROUTE MAP

181

Fleet Guide

182

SPICEJET SCHEDULE

194

SPICEJET OFFICES

196

SPICE BITES

144 Kids’ corner crafting memories Making Christmas craft with children

162 ZOOM IN Temple trail Karnataka and its stunning temples

SpiceJet now offers over 150 connections on its existing network For details log on to www.spicejet.com December 2012 8 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice mail

Letters from the

SpiceJet family great service This was the second time I was travelling by SpiceJet. The overall experience was fantastic and the cabin announcements were pretty helpful. I hope SpiceJet will continue to provide such great service.

punctual arrivals I am a frequent flyer and always choose SpiceJet because of its great services. I am impressed by its on-time departure and punctuality.

The ground handling is also exceptional. Keep up the good work. Great going.

Hospitable staff It is a privilege to travel by your airline. I was recently travelling from Hyderabad to Bhopal when I experienced commendable hospitality offered by the staff at all levels. This is also true with other sectors.

Nitin Adgaonkar Jabalpur

Dhilippan MP Thiruvananthapuram

VVS Chandhrasekhar Hyderabad

December 2012 10 www.spiceroutemag.com

HOT DATES

DECEMBER

20 nukkad natak Theatre lovers from Mumbai, here’s a show that will truly steal your heart. Nukkad Item - a Peoples’ Puppet Project is where Australia’s leading giant puppet experimental theatre, Snuff Puppets will conduct puppet theatre with young adults from the slums of Dharavi in Mumbai. At NCPA, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai.

2

10

art attack Start the month with a refreshing dose of art; witness the group exhibition of recent works by artists like Basuki Dasgupta, Bhaskar Rao B, Shrikant Kohle apart from many others at Gallery Space, 259/C, Road no12, MLA Colony, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad.

KrishNa art Art enthusiasts from Delhi! Here’s a visual treat for you as Religare Art presents Emerging Krishna, a show by eminent artist Sanjay Bhattacharyya. The show is curated by Uma Nair and will continue till December 17 at Religare Art Gallery, Behind DLF Place, Saket, New Delhi

5

28

australian extravaganza Experience the fun side of orchestra by watching the striking band cum orchestra cum theatre performance by DeepBlue, a Queensland University of Technology project at Blue Frog, D-2 Mathuradas Mills Compound, NM Joshi Marg, Mumbai.

9

7

musical extravaganza The weather is pleasant and mood is warm, perfect timing to relish some good music.

Calling those living in Chennai to listen to Sriranjani Santhanagopalan as she performs with VVS Murari on violin and MK Balaji on mrudangam at Sivagami Petachi Auditorioum, MCTM Chidambaram Chettiar HSS, Alwarpet.

love for the written word This month, the city of Bengaluru celebrates the written word at the first edition of the Bangalore Literature Festival 2012. This three day festival will bring together some of the biggest names in the world of Indian literature at the Jayamahal Palace, Bengaluru.

December 2012 12 www.spiceroutemag.com

15

melange of paintings Kolkata is an art loving city as we all know.

Now the Idiyas Gallery presents its next show entitled ‘ Melange of Milieu’, which showcases the idea that art is one universal global language. Witness the works of different artists at Idiyas Gallery, 15 Dover Road, Kolkata.

sculpture symphony If you like appreciating sculptures, here’s a turner for you as Delhi hosts the steel sculpture exhibition by Balan Nambiar titled The Mirror Idol. The exhibition is inspired by the use of a special mirror used as an auspicious object in the rituals of Kerala. At Art Heritage Gallery, Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi.

13

Travel buzz

News from all around 1. Surfing Competition in Malaysia

2. International line up at Madame Tussauds Sydney

3. Christmas vacation in California

Get set for waves of excitement at Malaysia’s International Surfing Competition that will be held in Cherating, Pahang in the first week of January 2013 (4 to 6). Teams as well as individuals from all over the world will compete in various categories to win attractive prizes at this competition. Spectators too will be rewarded with the sight of professional, experienced international surfers display an awesome range of tricks and manoeuvres as they take on the high waves. Cherating Beach, part of the Cherating Village, is known as ‘Surfer’s Haven’ for a reason. The beach, with its fabulous waves, wind and views, attracts surfers from far and near. The stretch of Cherating Beach is pristine and breath-taking.

Come 2013 and Madame Tussauds Sydney will have plenty of famous personalities to meet from around the world at the Darling Harbour attraction. Apart from a number of Australian and international stars, there will also be an exciting international flavour with some of the leading icons from China, Hong Kong, Korea and India. In April 2013, guests will be testing their cricket skills against cricket hero Sachin Tendulkar as he takes up permanent residence alongside Australian cricket legend Don Bradman. Mumbai born Sachin Tendulkar has recently received the order of Australia for his outstanding contribution to international cricket and is widely considered the greatest batsman of all time after Bradman.

December is the holiday month in California.

This holiday season culminates into Christmas and extends till New Year. So, if you are planning a memorable winter holidays, California is the place to be. Among the unique festivities organized in California, Farmers Market celebrates the holidays the old-fashioned way with charming decorations and many holiday music offerings. Celebrate Hanukkah with music, menorah building and candle lighting. The festivities continue leading up to Christmas, where strolling carolers and seasonal music will surround the streets with cheer. Los Angeles is known for world-famous Hollywood and has great places for shopping.

1

2

3

December 2012 14 www.spiceroutemag.com

Travel buzz

4

6

This festive season, invest in Gold the smarter way.

Pure

Cost effective

5 4. Cultural fair in downtown Tokyo, Japan The culturally rich country of Japan is a treasure trove of traditions. While the world will celebrate year-end in their own styles, Japan will celebrate its culture. One of the most famous sightseeing spots in Tokyo, the Senso-ji Temple will turn host for the annual Hagoita-Ichi (Battledore Fair) that is held in its precincts each year. Near the main hall of the temple, 50 open-air stalls sell battledores, shuttlecocks, kites and other New Year decorations. Numerous people gather here from all over the country. The hagoita sold at Hagoita-ichi, however, are not for practical use; they are, in fact, good-luck charms for ornamental purposes, for they are decorated with gorgeous pictures and accessories.

5. ZoukOut 2012 in Singapore

6. Big time ahead for Golf Tourism in India

Escape the shackles of your mind, release the unbridled imagination of your subconscious and take a journey to Singapore as the country plays host to the ZoukOut 2012. This year’s edition, experience the most power-packed line-up to ever hit ZoukOut. Running the gamut from Electro, Trance, House, Techno to Mambo, Hip Hop and Pop, it is your chance to join the thousands of other like-minded partygoers as the fest creates a musical mélange of never-before-seen proportions.

Celebrating 12 magical years of music, dance and art in the great sandy outdoors, ZoukOut 2012 promises to satiate your inner hunger for a festival experience unlike any other jawdropping jamming sessions.

The recently held India Golf Tourism Conclave at the Jaypee Greens, Greater Noida, highlighted upcoming trends for golf as a sport and a real estate support. The conclave also highlighted the merchandise, equipments and facilities by providing a perfect platform for all golf activities from golfing equipments to its course construction. Held with the support of Asian Golf Course Owners Association, Golf Course Superintendents and Managers Association of India and Indian Golf Union, the conclave brought some big industry professionals to practice and trade under one roof. Speaking on the occasion, Anil Dev, CEO, Sports & Leisure Worldwide said, “There is a potential for at least 400 new golf courses in the country.”

An open ended Fund of Fund Scheme

No storage hassles

No wealth tax

SMS ‘GOLD’ to 561617 Toll free 1800-300-11111 | www.reliancemutual.com  99.5% purity of gold under the underlying scheme.  Cost effective in terms of storage cost. However, investors will be bearing the recurring expenses of the scheme, in addition to the expenses of underlying Scheme. i.e - R* Shares Gold Exchange Traded Fund (An Open Ended Gold Exchange Traded Fund Scheme). SMS charges apply.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

December 2012 16 www.spiceroutemag.com

Travel buzz

7. Hot air ballooning in Australia

8. Skating on real ice at iSKATE Gurgaon

9. Visit Kerala, take home up to 101 kg of gold

See the world on a full moon night in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. It is a spectacle to watch the Australian themed hot air balloons; the Koala, Kangaroo and Aussie balloons in particular, glowing like giant lanterns over the Australian landscape. Hot Air Balloon Cairns is popular with Indian clients, with thousands of Indian visitors to Queensland, experiencing floating over the outback and seeing kangaroos from a hot air balloon. Andrew Steel, managing director said that the honeymoon and family markets from India have truly taken to ballooning and passengers appreciate the joys of hot air ballooning.

iSkate is the latest addition to the entertainment circuit in and around Delhi NCR. The indoor ice skating rink is spread over a sprawling 15000 sq. ft., the rink, made from real ice, is a stylish and unique entertainment destination for children, adults and families. iSkate is located in Ambience Mall, Gurgaon.

While the younger group can use penguin aids to walk on the ice, the older group can learn ice skating from a pool of professional coaches and trainers at iSKATE. The rink can accommodate up to 200 skaters at any given point of time; additionally the viewer’s gallery can accommodate in access of 200 people.

Coinciding with the pilgrim and tourism season, Kerala Government is organising the sixth edition of Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF), the biggest kind of the fiesta in Asia, from December 15 to January 31. The GKSF will open with high-voltage campaigns, promotions, tantalizing discounts, incentives from the government, and gifts and gold worth millions of rupees, transforming entire Kerala into ‘one single shopping mall’ for 48 days.

Capping all these will be the mega draws with one kg of gold for one winner and half a kg of gold each for two others. Sponsored high value gifts for five people will add glitter to draws.

7

8

9

December 2012 18 www.spiceroutemag.com

Travel buzz

10. Santa Claus is coming to Millennium Stadium, Wales

11. Raise a Christmas toast to at Antwerp

This Christmas, explore the magnificent Millennium Stadium - one of the most impressive icons of modern Wales. Santa Claus’ Tours are coming to Cardiff, Wales this December, offering a unique seasonal twist to the popular Millennium Stadium Tour. The magical tour follows the enchanted pathways of Santa Claus’ headquarters at the home of Welsh sport, where Santa will stock his sleigh full of presents on Christmas Eve. Offering something for all the family, the journey takes in all the highlights of the popular stadium tour such as Welsh rugby’s home changing room and players’ tunnel and ends in the fantastical surroundings of Santa’s grotto. And for the captivated little ones, Santa’s helpers will lead the quest to solve the puzzle which makes up the secret password to access Santa’s extra special room full of gifts. Santa Claus’ Tours will run from December 4 - 24.

Heated terraces, scrumptious bites, stunning gifts, all this and more! The Christmas market at Antwerp, Belgium will plunge you right back into the Season’s atmosphere. The Christmas market will again wind its way from Handschoenmarkt over Grote Markt and Suikerrui to Steenplein. Pavement artists, bands and a nostalgic merry-go-round will once again add to the gaiety. Celebrations start from December 8 to 31 at Groenplaats, Grote Market, Suikerrui and Handschoen market.

12

11

12. Florida beckons this December If you are looking for a fun way to ring in 2013, you should check out the spectacular New Year’s Rock-in Eve Party that will be held on Monday, December 31, 2012, at The Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and Beach Club in Jacksonville/St. Augustine, Florida. The resort is offering a party-only package, as well as packages that include a one-night stay or a two-night stay at the resort.

At the party there will be heavy hors d’oeuvres, live cooking stations, and incredible food presentations, paired with choicest drinks. The resort is offering a “One-Night Package,” which includes admission to the party for two people, and accommodations at the AAA Four-Diamond resort for the evening of December 31, 2012.

This package is available starting from $259.99 per couple, plus tax.

10

December 2012 20 www.spiceroutemag.com

Cover story

Spicejet progress report SpiceJet, one of the largest low-cost carriers in India, is making heads turn with its progressive ventures.

WOR D S

| F l or i n a

sor e n

P h o t o g r a p h S | GI R I S H

T

PHOTO: DANDAPANI

he aviation industry in India has had a tightrope walk in the past couple of years.

However, even in the most adverse situation when many other airlines are fighting for survival, SpiceJet your favourite airline has added quite a few feathers to its cap. With the continuous aim of providing the very best to its passengers in term of connectivity, on-time departure and services, both on ground and

December 2012 22 www.spiceroutemag.com

23

M A SO N

onboard, the airline has moved forward from one milestone to another. In terms of market share, the airline has shown a steep rise from 12.58% in April 2010 to 19.10 % in October 2012.

From induction of the 78 seater Bombardier Q400 next generation aircraft, adding over 20 domestic cities in the last

Cover story

20 19.10 17.70 17.80 16.10

Market Share in %

New Connections

15

Kochi-Male Kochi-Dubai Ahmedabad-Dubai

16.30

14.30 13.22

Belgaum - Bangaluru

14.00 13.65

13.60

12.58

Hubli -Bangaluru

one and a half years to going international, the airline has been on a progress path.

The Bombardier service which started in September 2011 made history in domestic air travel as many Tier-II and Tier-III cities were connected for the first time. The Q-400 services connected short haul routes with travel time of approximately 45 minutes. What is of

10 Apr’10

Sep’10

Feb’11 Jul’11 Dec’11 Time Interval

May’12 Oct’12

SpiceJet has recently started direct flights from Port Blair to Kolkata

5,480

5,134

4,630

4,247

3,877

5000

9,348

8,596

7,890

3000

Oct'12

Jul'12

Apr'12

Jan'12

Oct'11

Jul'11

Apr'11

Jan'11

Oct'10

0

Jul'10

1000 Apr'10

Flights

7000

importance is that SpiceJet was offering these services at an affordable rate.

International foray

6,005

7,321

9000

8,059

11,000

Time Interval

December 2012 24 www.spiceroutemag.com

When it comes to SpiceJet’s international foray, Neil Mills, chief executive officer, SpiceJet, said the airline would add Guangzhou, China and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from New Delhi. In November, Male was connected by daily flights from Kochi. With this the total international cities in SpiceJet’s network goes up to seven with four cities (Kathmandu, Kabul, Colombo and Dubai) already in its map. By flying to Kabul, the airline has made a big leap since no other private Indian airline has flights to the Afghanistan capital. “We would like to increase international capacity to 15-20% from the current 5-6% international capacity,” said Mr Mills adding that the airline will continue its international expansion into the coming year.

Cover story

50

48

45 40

39

Fleet size

42

36

35 30

28

Adding wings

30

25

25 20

40

20

21

22

15 10

TAAI Awards SpiceJet wins an award in the LCC category.

ABCI Awards Spiceroute magazine bags an award in the ‘Best Feature’ category.

Time Interval

Oct'12

Jul'12

Apr'12

Jan'12

Oct'11

Jul'11

Apr'11

Jan'11

Oct'10

0

Jul'10

Smart Travel Asia Awards Spicejet is voted amongst the Top 5 Best Budget Airlines in Asia.

5 Apr'10

Awards

The fleet size too has seen maximum expansion. With the induction of many aircraft in the last year and a half, the daily flights too have increased to 320 across it 44 destinations.

The airline currently has a mix of 36 Boeing 737s and 12 Bombardier Q400s making it a strong fleet size of 48 planes. Starting from April 2010, the airline more than doubled its fleet size from 20 aircraft to the present day 48.

While the Boeing has helped the airline offer seamless long distance flights to its passengers with comfort, the Bombardier has opened up the option of flying short distances. This has in a way changed the flying pattern of people

SpiceJet recently acquired the latest Boeing 737 aircraft with Blue Sky Interior, the best in this genre

December 2012 26 www.spiceroutemag.com

Cover story

Options Holiday packages Get hotel booking along with air tickets.

Tirupati package Avail darshan passes along with air tickets.

Online food choice Book your food preferences before boarding the aircraft Hot Meal SpiceJet is the only LCC to serve hot meal

in Indian cities where passengers are not only flying during vacations but also flying in and out of various cities on daily business/ work assignments.

In terms of adding destinations too, the airline has done wonders by adding eight domestic destinations at one go. In September 2011, Aurangabad, Bhopal, Indore, Mangalore, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, Trivandrum and Vijaywada were all added to the SpiceJet network in a month’s time after the induction of Bombardier Q 400 into its fleet. Following this, the airline entered various states like Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Uttaranchal for the very first time. Flights were started to Indore and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh and recently North Indian cities like Dehradun in Uttaranchal and Amritsar and Chandigarh in Punjab were also brought into its network.

Many southern cities like Belgaum, Hubli and Tuticorin too have been added into its network.

The diamond city of Surat in Gujarat has been connected from Delhi and Mumbai and is doing fantastically well. Port Blair in Andaman and Nicober Island too has been connected from Kolkata recently. In the coming year, the airline is looking at flying to many more domestic cities across India.

Passenger focused In its seven years of flying history, SpiceJet has always focused on providing the best services to its passengers, both on ground and onboard.

Be it state-of-the-art aircraft, serving Hot Meals December 2012

to its passengers or the latest introduction of holiday packages, the airline aims at making flying with SpiceJet an enjoyable experience.

The airline recently acquired the latest Boeing 737 aircraft with Blue Sky Interior which is one of the best in this genre. With its fantastic interior and comfortable design it surely enhances the travel experience of each passenger. Various services like the Tirupati darshan have been received well by the passengers. The service provides special passes for darshan at the Tirupati temple along with tickets to the same city. Recently holiday packages too have been introduced which offers the passengers hotel bookings along with air tickets. So much and more has put SpiceJet airline in a top preference slot with both domestic and international passengers.

City guide

India’s financial capital and seat of Bollywood, Mumbai offers a kaleidoscope of experience. Bohemian cafes and shopping haunts add to the excitement.

WO RDS

|

SAYANTI

BANERJ EE

DAY ONE 6:00 AM SOAK IN THE SUN Watching the sunrise can be a rare experience on the shores of Juhu beach. Located on the western suburbs, this is one of the most colourful beaches offering a carnival feel all year through; thanks to the multitude of kiosks and

December 2012 30 www.spiceroutemag.com

in mumbai

48 Hours

their paraphernalia. In fact, if you are looking for motivation to wake up early, here’s what you can expect at Juhu beach - a glimpse of Bollywood celebs jogging past you. You can also enjoy some interesting breakfast on the beach from the stalls out there. Biting into the city’s famous vada pav teamed up with cutting chai is

31

a typical Mumbai style of starting the day.

9:00 AM RIDE TO CST Trains are the life lines of this city and you must take a trip in the fast or slow locals as per your destination. A trip to the southern

City guide

Irani Cafes’ still have that old world charm about them which you can enjoy around the VT area

Clockwise from top centre: Shopping haven at Colaba Causeway; Historic Elephanta Caves; Skyline of Mumbai; Outside view of the Elephanta caves

staged regularly and the footfall of intellectuals and their pseudo versions as well, is what keeps this place buzzing. end of Mumbai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, which was earlier known as the Victoria Terminus or VT is an experience in itself. With a history dating back to 1887, this picturesque architectural edifice was designed by Frederick William Stevens. It is believed that this station was built as a gift to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

12:00 PM Lunch at Irani Cafes’ Irani Cafes’ still have that old world charm about them which you can enjoy around the VT area. Bun maska and some oParsi delicacies can be a rare treat. Also, there is a very famous food joint that is right behind Taj Palace in Colaba called Bade Miya. Though a make-shift roadside eatery, it is always buzzing with people. The USP is its food, especially egg roti and the non-vegetarian menu. Then there is Café Mondegar on Colaba Causeway that serves allday breakfast, with a nice jukebox playing in the background. If beer is your calling then Leopold Café - Since 1871, is again on Colaba Causeway that probably offers the largest of beer pitchers.

8:30 PM ROYAL DINNER & STROLL

2:00 PM FERRY TO ELEPHANTA A ferry ride across the Arabian Sea, from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Caves (10km away) can be a nice way to get a taste of India’s rich heritage. These beautifully sculpted caves have become great tourist attraction over the years and are recognized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The caves have wonderful sculpted statues of Hindu deities as well as the Buddha.

6:00 PM DRAMA TIME Watching a play at the Prithvi Theatre is a must!

It has great significance as it dates back to the time of legendary thespian Prithvi Raj Kapoor.

There are Hindi, Marathi and English plays December 2012 32 www.spiceroutemag.com

Now that you have enjoyed the myriad flavours of Mumbai, you can settle down for a nice royal feast at the newly launched Rajdhani restaurant at Palladium in Lower Parel and enjoy a luxury thali for dinner. The variety of starters, dal and desserts will surely make you overeat besides a wide choice of vegetables or the ultimate chaas.

After dinner you can stroll around this luxury mall Palladium and do some window shopping even if you are not purchasing goods from some of the super luxury brands like Gucci, Armani, Diesel, Chanel and Burberry, all under one roof!

DAY TWO 7:00 AM PRAYER TIME It is going to be Christmas time soon and beginning your day by visiting a beautiful church like the Mount Mary’s in Bandra can be a good idea. This Roman Catholic Basilica has been showcased in many movies too, the

SpiceJet flies to Mumbai.

See schedule, page 182.

9:00 AM FRESH BAKES If you have a sweet tooth then the option of bakeries that are available in this city is simply endless. So if you love macrons try Le 15, for brownies and cupcakes head to Candies, Black-forest pastries and plum cakes are simply irresistible at Merwans. Make sure that you eat some and take some home with you.

10:30 AM Festive shopping Well, with the biggest winter festival coming up, the stores are full of red and green party wear and silver and golden bling fashion jewellery.

The good news is that you don’t have to go bankrupt buying them as Hill Road in Bandra is not only high on fashion but offers great bargains too. For some interesting bohemian junk jewellery you can try Colaba Causeway too.

12:30 PM GET AMUSED A quick trip to the amusement park – Essel World which is a little beyond Borivali, will uplift your mood literally as you enjoy joy rides like Thunderbolt and Rainbow. In fact there is Water Kingdom too, where you can indulge in all sorts of water sports. This is one destination December 2012 34 www.spiceroutemag.com

Clockwise from top: The beautiful Marine Drive; See Mumbai in a double-decker bus; Victoria Terminus is a World Heritage Site

where you can spend half a day at least, destressing with your entire family.

3:00 PM ECLECTIC BEAUT Y If you have an artistic bent of mind and would love to delve into the art and culture of Mumbai, then head straight to Dr Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum. It is a twolevel building housing the arts and crafts of Mumbai. The architecture of this Museum itself is quite enchanting and one can spend hours admiring the delicately crafted fineries and ornamentation around the entire architecture.

Sunray Beachfront is an oceanfront lifestyle

destination at Vizag with an attached

8:30 PM Theme dinner

beach resort. The project offers plots

and luxury villas in world class

While you are in Mumbai, if your heart craves to get to Goa, then you can experience that too.

‘Cafe by the Beach’ at Girgaum Chowpatty is a mini Goa in itself!

Beach Front

infrastructure nestled in a coconut grove.

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

9:00 PM SIT BY MARInE DRIVE The Queen’s necklace which is created by a string of lamp-posts lit across the curvature of Marine Drive, is a spectacle in itself. While you capture it in your camera, spend some ‘me-time’ sitting by the waves on the rocky edge and soak in the sea view that you will cherish for a lifetime!

Sunray

VIZAG

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

Sunray Green Space

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

www.hitha.com

most popular one being - Amar Akbar Anthony.

The current church edifice is believed to be almost a century old. Since it is very close to the Bandstand sea beach, you can walk up the Mount Mary steps and enjoy the pleasant weather, thanks to the morning sea breeze.

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

Quick getaway

B

All is calm

The city of Belgaum is self-effacing; but scratch the surface, and you will find hidden treasures.

WOR D S | V G a nesh P H O T O G R A P H S | D I NE S H

elgaum is testimony to the fact that so much of India’s rich history and heritage lies spread out in its small towns and countryside.

Testimony to the fact that there is much more to India than its hill stations, seaside resorts and large cities.

Situated on the border of Karnataka and Maharashtra, this city had many rulers like the Rattas, the Yadavas, the Khiljis and the Marathas - before being colonized by the British. The city was originally called Belagavi.

In post-modern history, it has been a bone of contention for the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka, each laying claim over the city. The denizens of the city have however not let this controversy affect their laid back lives.

For me, the city was at the other end of

S HUKL A

December 2012 36 www.spiceroutemag.com

Quick getaway

Bottom: The area surrounding the Belgaum Fort; Right: The magnificent Vidhan Sabha at Belgaum

Belgaum is well-maintained with tree lined roads, all these and more tempt you to explore the place an overnight bus journey from Bangaluru.

Fortified by breakfast and a cup of strong roadside chai, I was ready to explore the place.

For a small Indian city, Belgaum is remarkably clean and well maintained. Orderly and mild traffic, tree lined roads, well-mannered people – all these tempt you to explore the place on foot (though auto rickshaws are available too).

Belgaum is a tad more Maharashtrian than Kannadiga in its personality and outlook.

The city has an air of leisure. The absence of any frenetic activity around you automatically slows you down. Before you realize it, your brisk walk has turned into a stroll, as you take

in the abundant greenery and the old-world charm of the buildings. Time stretches itself languorously and the cares of your life in the big city ooze out of your body. Belgaum is at best, a 2-day stopover. There really aren’t many specific spots to visit here. Look at it as a lazy, refreshing break from a hectic life. And while you are at it, visit the following places. They will give you a glimpse into the city’s myriad facets, much as the markets and busy junctions tell you all about its present.

The Belgaum Fort I visited the fort just as the sun was getting ready to dip into the horizon. The ruins of the December 2012

fort looked magical in the golden light. While the fort was originally built by the Ratta rulers, it was re-built many times by successive rulers.

Two shrines – one of Goddess Durga and the other of Lord Ganapati – adorn the entrance to the fort. Unusually for a fort, the 12th century structure encloses both temples and mosques.

Elsewhere in the fort, inscriptions in ancient Kannada (the Nagari script) and Persian can be seen in surreal juxtaposition on the pillars of the Jamia Mazjid’s hall. Interestingly, two of those pillars have been transplanted from a temple. A nugget from history says that Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned here during the freedom struggle.

Strolling inside the fort, I felt that the past still has a palpable presence. The fort makes for a great introduction to Belgaum. One can easily spend a few hours exploring it, as I did.

Kamala Basti One of the two bastis (settlements) inside

SpiceJet flies to Belgaum.

See schedule, page 182.

the fort, Kamala Basti has been built in the Chalukyan style. The reason for naming the basti such seems to be the fact that the mukhamantapa has a 72-petalled lotus carved on the ceiling. The structure is said to date back to 1204. It has a black stone idol of Bhagwan Neminath. At dusk on a weekday, I could hardly find another soul in the temple complex. The glint of the dying rays of the sun bounced off the edges of the polished stone pillars. The utter silence of the place seduced me, and I spent the better part of an hour sitting on the stone steps of the temple, letting my mind meander aimlessly.

Kapileshwar Temple This temple’s greatest claim to fame is that it is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. A jyotirlinga shrine is so named because it is believed that Lord Shiva is worshipped here in his manifestation as a lingam (or column, to translate it loosely) of light. Not that one can actually see the column of light. Like much of Indian religious symbolism, this too has a lot to do with the Traveller’s Fact File

✓ How to reach: Belgaum is well

connected to several cities like Pune, Bengaluru and Mumbai.

December 2012 40 www.spiceroutemag.com

Inset: Kamal Basti is a living temple which attracts Jain devotees; Above: The Ramakrishna Mission Ashram

mind of the devotee. While one can visit this temple to study its cultural significance in Indian iconography, the more religiously inclined can go during the month of Shravan or on the day of Shivratri.

Varapoha Falls Situated 20 kms from Belgaum, these falls present a majestic spectacle. Part of the Mandovi river, the falls are located in the beautiful Jamboti hills. The forest cover around this area is considerably thick. Those keen on nature, photography and bird spotting must definitely visit these falls. One can spend several pleasant hours trekking along the trails that head off in different directions near the falls. It is advisable to take a guide, some food and water along.

During the monsoon, the waterfall turns into a roaring presence, as a vast sheet of white water plummets more than 150 feet into the gorge. In a world of small mercies, this waterfall has not been exploited by commercial interests. It remains less known and therefore, relatively unspoilt.

Quick getaway

DIABETIC FOOT CURE

Blissfully beautiful

Walking in the woods and taking in the pristine mountain air is all you need for a lazy holiday. And Chakrata has all of this on offer.

WOR D S

&

P H OTO G R A PHS

|

R osa m m a

NOW AVAILABLE IN INDIA

T ho m as

“W

hy had I never heard of Chakrata before?” that was the thought that struck me, when a friend first suggested that we go there. Chakrata is just about 98 km uphill from Dehradun in Uttarakhand. It might have stayed a remote little hamlet nestling in the Himalayas, near the Yamuna, but it is the centre of the Indian Army’s training operations for troops dedicated to protecting the border with China. So is it any surprise that Chakrata has only about three hotels and a few dhabas? It

also has large boards that declare - ‘Foreigners Prohibited’. That is why you’ll not see an entry on Chakrata in Lonely Planet, for instance. But if you ever find yourself in Dehradun, it would be a pity to miss this little township. (If you’re Indian, that is; ‘foreigners prohibited’)

Beaut y in abundance As you drive higher up the mountain side, you’ll notice the chir pine and the rhododendrons giving way to silver oak and

Treat neuropathy, sensory losses, & poor balance with Anodyne® Therapy!

Burning, tingling, shooting, throbbing diabetic foot pain can make life difficult. If this sounds like you, treatment with Anodyne® Therapy, a new product from the USA may help.

The word "Anodyne" means pain relief. Anodyne® Therapy Systems emit infrared light at a wavelength of 890 nm, resulting in increased circulation and pain relief.

• Improve blood flow • Reduce stinging, burning foot pain • Improve wound healing • Reduce pain medication usage This treatment is drug-free, and can easily be delivered during an office visit. Fifteen studies have been published in peer reviewed journals demonstrating the effectiveness of Anodyne® Therapy for symptoms of neuropathy, restless leg syndromme and for non healing wounds.

Drug treatment typically masks the cause of pain, but Anodyne® Therapy gets to the cause of the problem - resulting in true relief. Furthermore, this treatment improves the dangerous loss of sensation that many diabetic patients experience for which there is no known drug treatment.

Anodyne® Therapy products are newly available in India, and are directly imported from the USA. Contact Anodyne Therapy Eqpt Pvt Limited at 91-80-23494345, or visit anodynetherapy.in for more information on how to obtain treatment with Anodyne® Threrapy.

Distributors in India

Equipments Pvt. Ltd.

December 2012 42 www.spiceroutemag.com

# 1383, 8th Main, 12th ‘C’ Cross, West of Chord Road 2nd Stage, Mahalakshmipuram, Bangalore - 560 086. INDIA

Health Care Professionals Call : 91-80-23192394 Patients Call : 91-80-23494345 Fax : 91-80-23594630, 23492315 sales@anodynetherapy.in www.anodynetherapy.in, www.anodynetherapy.com Toll Free for USA : 1.800.521.6664

Quick getaway

SpiceJet flies to Dehradun.

See schedule, page 182.

Clockwise from left: Army troops in Chakrata; Sun usually sets early in Chakrata; Village woman Shangri

The market in Chakrata is a small stretch of road with a police station and few dhabas pine. And when you look on the hillside as you climb higher, you’ll see the gleam of silver as oak leaves sway (the upper part of the leaf is dark green, but its underside so light, almost silver). When a mass of leaves meet your eye, you’ll see silver. The drive is breathtaking, and the air is clear and crisp. Along the way, you might stop at a wayside tea-stall, and find goats loitering inside; along the drive, you’ll meet goatherds and shepherds taking their animals to graze.

The water that flows down the mountains here is clear, so clear you’d be quite sure it’s safe to drink. It’s the real mineral water. On the mountain side, you’ll see little terraces with crops on them or some parts where the mountain looks torn—where a landslide has stripped the top away, and the mountain looks shaggy. But those, fortunately, are not as common sights as the sheer, lush green. To city eyes, it is all so beautiful, so pristine. Just breathing the air here is bliss!

We visited in October, when the distant hills were snow-capped. Since this is one tourist destination that gives you no list of

places to visit or see, you are left to admire nature in complete solitude. A panoramic view from the market in Chakrata is much like a view that might have inspired Nicholas Roerich, the Russian painter who loved sketching the Himalayas. The ranges spread before you in shades of blue and grey, and you will consider yourself blessed to see the sun rise behind the mountains. From where I stood to watch sunrise, I first felt the hush of darkness, and then saw the mellow light of dawn, the early glimmer, sliver of moon and the bright morning star. Then quite dramatically an orange glow appeared behind the mountain, and in quite a jiffy, the sun rode up behind the mountains.

But for a while, a peak held out against the ball of orange, and a grey haze around it could be seen too, though not quite marring the splendour of the rising sun. Soon enough, there was a big, round ball of orange above the mountains, and the warmth of the first rays seeped through my thick shawl.

Flourishing flora At Chakrata, we stayed at a hotel that had a long history. It was established in 1936, and it was built in the old style, with bay windows and December 2012

a high ceiling. If you’re not keen on doing all those things that tourists like to cram into their trips, you might, like me, feel quite happy just to have tea and aloo parathas for breakfast, and spend the day trudging through narrow mountain paths. There are wide variety of leaves and wild flowers on the hillside, and I wish I knew what they were called. I saw creepers with red leaves twining up the mighty oaks and then hanging down the branches; I saw leaves that were both serrated and circular, all at once. I saw a flower that was purple and felt like velvet, a flower I had never ever laid my eyes on before; and this was not really my first trip up the Himalayas. I wish I could tell what plants I saw, and what flowers; but the world will always have more in it than I can name.

Quick getaway

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

And I could challenge you, that even if you were a biologist or someone with quite a vast understanding of flora, you would be a little flummoxed by the variety you might chance upon in Chakrata. The market here is worth visiting too. It’s a small stretch of road with the magistrate’s office and the police station, and the city’s dhabas. Indian Army troops are a common sight here. At Chakrata, be warned, you won’t find chicken momos. For me, even that turned out to be a blessing of sorts: I discovered just how wonderful momos stuffed with cabbage could taste! The women of the Jaunsari tribe wear a gown of sorts and elaborate scarves; they are a beautiful sight. I

asked a group of three women if they would please allow me a photograph with them. They turned away and said no. But there was an older woman who was climbing uphill, making long pauses along the way to catch her breath.

She seemed a little friendly, and even told me her name, Shangri. The friend who travelled with me wondered at how she climbed up, being so asthmatic. Would it help for her to take a puff from the inhaler that my friend used for her asthma condition? We wondered, but it seemed not quite the right thing to do, not knowing whether it was really asthma in the first place. And what would Shangri do once the inhaler we gave her ran out? So we mulled

over what we could do, but did nothing. And we hope Shangri continues to walk up and downhill, and keeps well.

Traveller’s Fact File

✓ How to reach: Jolly Grant in

Dehradun is the nearest airport.

✓ Chakrata is approximately 92 kms from Dehradun.

✓ Buses and taxis are available from Dehradun.

Saviour Builder: Turning dream intro reality Saviour Builders have a penchant to craft dreams into reality. The group has expanded its efforts to fulfill the dreams of a good home for thousands and set new benchmarks in the real estate industry. The company is committed to harness the power of dynamism to reach higher and build better.

on induction of engineering techniques and use of top quality materials in various construction projects.

Being Buyer-centric is its USP which means that they come up with projects that has great location, prices and accessibility.

Apart from that they ensure that they deliver the projects on time so that buyers should not go through the pain of paying EMI’s and rent simultaneously.

The company has proved its mettle by creating some prestigious projects like SPS Residency, SPS Heights, Euro

Saviour Builders is forging ahead with projects like Saviour Greenisle at Crossing Republik, Saviour Park at Mohan Nagar Ghaziabad.

Saviour group has emerged as one of the prominent entities in the real estate sector and is into Residential, Commercial and Township projects. The business philosophy of the group derives its core strength from a firm belief that lays stress

December 2012

Apartments, SPS Commercial, and so on. Saviour in partnership with Gaurson has launched a landmark township, named as Gaur City in Greater Noida - West.

It has spread over an area of 125 acres, amid 10,000 residential units, 12 acres for commercial space and 20 acres for International Standard Stadium, swimming pool, badminton court, tennis court etc.

Gaur City – II also constructed in Greater Noida West, highly connected to Noida & Ghaziabad.

The proposed 130 meter wide road will be an arterial way.It is spread over a total area of 112 acres with 17000 residential units.

Not only by the greenery but all the modern amenities such as hotel, hospital and schools,

Advertorial malls are at walking distance in both the projects embraced with the proposed metro station and Economical zone with Best Infra Possible.

While creating architectural marvels the Group is forging ahead with projects like Saviour Greenisle at Crossing Republik, Saviour Park at Mohan Nagar Ghaziabad are embraced with world class club, spa, Swimming pool, lawn and etc.

“We at Saviour are constantly striving to scale new heights in professional competencies and efficiencies by pushing performance and human potential to new limits.” Says Shri Iqbal Singh Sodhi, Chairman of Saviour Builder.

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

D nakaran The only widely circulated Tamil Daily in India

Quick getaway

Hidden beauty

Just two hours drive away from Kabul lies the hidden paradise of Panjshir valley. One has to visit this place to believe in its beauty.

WOR D S

&

P H OTO G R A PHS

|

Sanjay

K u m ar

P

anjshir valley in Afghanistan is the paradise in this landlocked country, a place untouched by the chaos all around. Known for its natural beauty, orchards, simple people and their hospitable gestures, the valley has always been a favourite among tourists.

December 2012 48 www.spiceroutemag.com

Paradise in hiding Perhaps this is one of the few places in Afghanistan which has remained untouched by war and all the regressive forces that lashed out at the nation. This is the place which has inspired the imagination of not only nature

Quick getaway

Panjshir valley has many adventure tourism options like mountain climbing in summer and skiing in winter lovers and creative people but also withstood the onslaught of the fundamentalist forces alike.

The Panjshir valley, also known as Dareye-Panjsher or Valley of Five Lions, is situated in north-central Afghanistan, 150 km north of the capital city of Kabul. Located in the Panjshir province, this beautiful valley is divided by the Panjshir river that further enhances its natural beauty. Home to more than 1,40,000 people, it is predominantly a Tajik dominated region, one of the main tribal groups of the country. “Five Lions”, refers to five wali, protectors or spiritual brothers.

If you are planning a visit to this beautiful paradise, driving is the only option and it can turn out to be one of your best drives you have had. With criss-crossing roads passing through mountain ranges and the Salang Pass, the drive is exceptionally beautiful.

Before the war started in this mountainous country, Panjshir was the most important tourist destination of Afghanistan. Even today, the place retains its charm. Just 2 hours away

SpiceJet flies to Kabul. See schedule, page 182.

from Kabul many come here for a quite and relaxed holiday. If the beauty of the region is its main attraction, the place also attracts those who are keen to understand Afghanistan’s history. It was along this way that Alexander the Great and his army, came to the Indian border.

Adventure destination The valley has many sides to its beauty. Apart from natural beauty in abundance, Panjshir has many adventure tourism options like mountain climbing in summer and skiing in winter. For foreigners visiting the country, this is a must visit destination; while locals are known to visit Panjshir for day picnics. The river in the valley is filled with fish and is quite popular for angling.

The beauty of driving to the Panjshir is that you don’t have to worry about security unlike other places. As it is surrounded by sky high mountains, it has always been one of the safest place in Afghanistan. Though even I had my initial apprehensions, I later realized this was perhaps the most safe place to be.

Since the place has been in the tourism

map for long, the infrastructure here is fairly good and at any given time, you are bound to find both domestic as well as foreign tourists in large numbers. The reality is that Panjshir is a gem, whose beauty is yet to be explored in entirety.

Traveller’s Fact File

✓ How to reach: Panjshir valley is

about 2 hours drive north of Kabul.

✓ There is a police checkpoint at the

entrance of the Valley; so have your passports ready.

Panjshir is a paradise on earth with untouched landscape and clear mountain air

December 2012

Theme holiday

Golf escapes

Though Nilgiris is synonymous with tea and mesmerizing natural beauty, you would be smitten by its golf courses as well.

WO R D S

|

S h a ra d

Kohli

C

ool mountain breeze, the reviving bouquet of eucalyptus, and the pick-me-up aroma of tea. If you’re looking for an escape from the whirligig of modern life, treat yourself to a golf weekend in the salubrious environs of the Nilgiris.

This range of hills, also known as the ‘Blue Mountains’, is home to two of the prettiest golf courses you’ll come across in India - the Wellington Gymkhana Club and the Ootacamund Gymkhana Club. But be warned, for both these high-altitude beauties are likely to give your leg muscles a furious workout, and at times leave you gasping for breath; expect plenty of clambering round here!

Yet, as likely to take your breath away

are the gorgeous mountain views all around, an unending sweep of lush green. Next to such blessings of nature, the travails of golf, an exasperating pursuit at the best of times (particularly for the oft-luckless mid-and high-handicapper), should, hopefully, retreat to the furthest corners of your mind as the 360-degree mountain scape draws you into its embrace. Don’t fret if you can’t break 90: the vistas more than make up. Golfing epiphany can wait.

At 7357 feet, the golf course in Ooty is among the highest in the land. It’s also one of the handful whose origins go back to the 19th century (the clubhouse itself is a 1901 structure). A quirky set-up, and in places wildly undulating, Ooty features tight

December 2012 52 www.spiceroutemag.com

Theme holiday

Left: High-altitude golf course in the Nilgiris; Bottom: A group of golfers at play

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, keep your eyes peeled for sambhar, spotted deer, jungle sheep, wild boar, porcupines and jungle fowl (among other such creatures). You might, if you’re fortunate enough, also spy a leopard (though sightings of this endangered species are very rare).

While golf courses are often at the end of environmentalists’ censure, Ooty can be excused of any ecological misdemeanours. In looking after the layout here, the greenkeeper follows organic practices (cow or goat manure is the fertilizer of choice). So all eco-friendly souls (who are also golfers) can rest easy; the local ecosystem is well cared for.

Tee up in tea land

SHARAD KOHLI

Less than 20km from Ooty is Wellington Gymkhana, in the charming hill station of Coonoor. This Gymkhana is set around the Wellington Barracks (3km northeast of Lower Coonoor), which now house the headquarters of the Indian Defence Services Staff College (and, also, the HQ of the Madras Regiment, the oldest regiment in the Indian Army).

Much here, then, for the military history buff.

(and predominantly downhill) fairways and postage-stamp-sized greens. You’ll be tempted to bomb it off the tee, but you’re really better off hitting straight.

The layout’s whims reveal themselves in the odd shape of the greens – variants on the quadrilateral theme – and the gorse-like

shrubs that lurk here and there, waiting to gobble up errant shots. This gorse, incidentally, came with the first British colonists (who also introduced tea in these parts), and has certainly made itself at home here. It’s not, however, the most pleasant place to find your golf ball in.

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, keep your eyes peeled for sambhar, spotted deer, wild boar, porcupines and jungle fowl December 2012

If anything, this golf course is even more of a test of muscle, heart and lungs than the one in Ooty. It also boasts as many

Theme holiday

game-distracting views, of forests and of tea plantations, as far as the eye can take in.

With its open fairways and true greens, Wellington is a forgiving course (apart from when it commands you, like an irate headmaster, to ascend its slopes). And just as is done in Ooty, course maintenance follows the rhythms of nature.

But before there was a golf course, the grounds of the Wellington Gymkhana were used for cricket, polo, rugby football and racing. Indeed, cricketers can still, occasionally, be spotted playing here, with the 17th and 18th holes (fronted by the pavilion) temporarily switching over to a field of cricket.

Back to the golf, and you’ll notice that the bunkers hold red earth, rather than the white stuff one is accustomed to seeing on courses the world over; this is the laterite soil unique to southern India. Getting out of these ‘sand’ hazards is appreciably more difficult than the comparably straightforward recovery via a sand wedge.

SpiceJet flies to Kozhikode See schedule, page 182

her own hill prospects, and the impossibly picturesque Nilgiri Mountain Railway. While Ooty has sold out rather to the rupee, Coonoor still has an unspoilt appeal about her, a dowager unafraid to grow old gracefully.

You don’t have to be super-fit to tee it up in Ooty and Coonoor; a healthy dose of enthusiasm will do just fine. Truly, the Nilgiris offers a golf vacation unlike any other.

Clockwise from bottom: Golfers in action; The Ootacamund Gymkhana emblem

While a round of 18 here is unusually strenuous for a game that hardly taxes the body, relief awaits on the 19th hole. Don’t miss out on a drink in the wonderfully named Gun Bar (in the delightfully old-fashioned clubhouse), with its snug teak interiors and convivial ambience. A scotch will go down splendidly after the round (no matter how rotten that may have been).

In between the golf, you can indulge in a spot of sightseeing. Ooty has the mustvisit Botanical Gardens and the viewpoint of Dodabetta Peak, with its uninterrupted panoramas of natural splendour; Coonoor has

Interesting fact STARK.Tvm.5832

Wellington Gymkhana hosts the Tea Planters’ Championship every September.

SHARAD KOHLI

Ooty has a must-visit Botanical Gardens.

Ride the most famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway.

December 2012

Theme holiday

Green getaways

A far cry from holiday in a five-star luxury resort, getting up and close with nature is the new trend. Head to these less travelled green destinations.

WOR D S

&

P H OTO G R A PHS

|

Bi ndu

T

G opa l

R ao

here is a new trend that is slowly but surely catching the attention of the well heeled traveller on the lookout for something different. With increasing focus on environment, there is a need for being eco-sensitive in whatever you do. So, even a holiday cannot be far behind. Surprised? Don’t December 2012 58 www.spiceroutemag.com

be, it’s time to give urban chaos a miss and check on some exciting green destinations in the country.

vibrant Sakleshpur Located in the Western Ghats and listed as one of the 18 most diverse spots in the world

Theme holiday

Take a holiday in a tree house or walk inside the Mawsmai cave for some adventure

Above: Samsing river in Chalsa district of north Bengal Left: Cherrapunji has waterfalls that surround its valley

mesmerizing Dooars

in terms of flora and fauna, Sakleshpur is an ideal destination for camping, trekking, off-road driving, river rafting, boating and also bird-watching. Being on the periphery of the Bisle reserve and Kempuhole reserve forests, the place is also perfect for a quite and relaxing holiday. Resorts and homestays dotting this destination are predominantly owned and managed by the local population.

Even while consciously promoting tourism they are keen that tourists have a responsibility towards nature. Says Vikram, a wild life enthusiast; coffee planter and eco conservationist, “Sakleshpur is a virgin destination attracting attention from a cross section of travellers. While the region is a paradise for trekkers, it should be noted that the destination has the potential to become a cradle for ecologists, wildlife photographers and ornithologists in pursuing their passion.�

Dotted with homestays and eco-friendly getaways, Sakleshpur offers you to explore the Western Ghats in its own unique way. The rich biodiversity makes it popular with trekkers and the varied ecology is a sight to behold.

A less travelled and unexplored land, Dooars in West Bengal is the doorway to Bhutan and Sikkim and many hill stations such as in North Bengal. The sprawling Dooars valley in the foothills of the Himalayas through which runs the mighty Teesta, Torsa and Jaldhaka is also the home to several forests famous for their biodiversity like Gorumara National Park and Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary.

Dooars is a treasure trove of both flora and fauna and therefore, a natural destination for curious botanists and biologists from all over the world. Seeing the wildlife of Dooars, including one-horned rhinos and Asiatic elephant is a stunning experience for tourists.

One can also enjoy an elephant ride through the grasslands of Gorumara and Jaldapara, which is quite exciting in itself. “Moreover, citing of animals, including tigers and leopards in the wild always remains a possibility. Thick tea bushes trimmed to an identical height running miles on end are a captivating sight.

Dooars is a zero pollution area, ideal for visit December 2012

Theme holiday

SpiceJet flies to Pune, Bagdogra and Mumbai See schedule, page 182.

USA's renowned Max, now offers

hair extension and

hair replacement

in India

Clockwise from left: Lush landscape of Cherrapunji; One-horned rhinos in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary; A bison in Amba

for some adventure. Cherrapunji also has huge waterfalls and has the distinction of having the cleanest village of Asia, Mawlynnong.

Sightseeing at the green and stunning valleys of Khasi Hills and trekking in the woods are some other must dos while you are here.

Blooming orchids, dense woods, rocky cliffs and cascading waterfalls make this a nature’s paradise like non other.

Amba

One can also enjoy an elephant ride through the grasslands of Gorumara and Jaldapara anytime of the year,” says Navin Suchanti, CEO and MD, Sinclairs Hotels Ltd.

captivating Cherrapunji “Sometimes you feel that you are experiencing the Kuranda rain forests or Cairns in Australia with the multiple gorges in Cheerapunji.

It’s a pleasant mix of Kashmir, Australia and Scotland. One gets rejuvenated seeing the natural beauty and fresh smell of rain, time

and again,” is how Sumit Sawhney, who recently visited the place explains. The wettest place on Earth, till not too long ago, Cherrapunji (now the 2nd wettest place) has its fair share of sunshine and tourist attractions. One must visit the many living bridges that are alive and growing. These bridges take 15 years to become functional and are amazingly strong. Take a holiday in a tree house, or walk inside the Mawsmai cave December 2012

At 3,000 feet above sea level, Amba is located exactly between Kolhapur and Ratnagiri and has recently been awarded the World Heritage status. The location is steeped in history, especially from the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji and also houses the only tea gardens in Maharashtra. Large expanse of mountains, numerous waterfalls and salubrious weather make sure you enjoy the tea plantation, emu farm, echo point and sunset point, any time of the year. This is also a reserved forest bordering Dajipur Bison Sanctuary, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary and the newly commissioned Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. Rajan Eklahare, who owns the Jungle Resort Amba, opines that this is one of the last pocket of genuine jungle left in Maharashtra. Avian diversity like Malabar pied hornbills, paradise fly catcher, brahmini kites and bee eaters are present in these jungles. Leopards, civet cats, pangolins, an indigenous species of Mongoose found only in Amba and the mighty Bison is spotted frequently in the jungle safari.

Well then, it’s time to turn over a green leaf and enjoy a holiday with a difference.

No more balding.

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

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

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

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

CHENNAI

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

HYDERABAD

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

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

Festive flavour

Time for dance and music Even as Santa Claus arrives with his bag of goodies, we have an eclectic mix of dance and music festivals being held across the country.

WOR D S

|

Pa l l av i

S i n g h

Bundi Utsav Bundi, a picturesque spot in the Hadoti region in Rajasthan comes alive with culture and folk art as part of the Bundi Utsav. Held in the month of Kartik, there are a number of religious and traditional customs associated with this festival. The Bundi Festival which starts with a colourful shobha yatra features traditional rural sports, cultural exhibition, deep daan, folk/classical music and dance programmes, turban tying competition and musical competition besides many other activities. The three-day festival comes to an end with a rich display of fireworks. Early in the morning after the full moon night of Kartik Purnima, women and men are seen clad in attractive lighting diyas (lamps prepared by them from flour dough) on the banks of river Chambal and offering prayers. Keshorai Patan a small township near Bundi is sometimes referred to as ‘Mini Pushkar’ especially on the full moon night of Kartik.

When December 1-3 Where Bundi, Rajasthan.

Chennai Music Festival (Madras Music Season) This hugely popular and much anticipated month-long festival, which is often described as the world’s largest cultural event, brings a plethora of traditional south Indian music, dance and other art forms. The city comes alive with the festival, which has now developed into a cultural extravaganza with more than 2000 participants in over 300 concerts. The festival is held at a number of venues around the city by various sabhas or organisations. Over 1,000 performances take place during the festival, along with music-related seminars, discussions, and demonstrations. Performances include vocal and instrumental music, dance - solo and group, both by junior and senior artistes.

When: Mid-December to mid-January Where: All over Chennai, Tamil Nadu December 2012 64 www.spiceroutemag.com

Festive flavour

Konark Festival The annual Konark Festival, which is held in an open air auditorium with the temple as the backdrop, showcases a magical parade of India’s classical and traditional dance forms. Eminent dancers and their troupe delight visitors in the wintry evening of early December with dramatic choreographies.

Besides the dance performances, visitors get to see an exhibition of Odishan temple sculptures, which are often described as poetry transcribed on stone. Sand art exhibition is also another attraction for tourists. Organised by Odisha Tourism, the Konark Festival that has been taking place since 1989 features a range of classical Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kathak and Chau dance performances. Added attractions include exhibition of sand art exhibition and other crafts fair. Conceived as a festival of ‘Classical Dances of India’, the objective of the festival is to promote Odisha as a tourist destination.

When: December 1-5 Where: Natamandir, near Konark Temple

Hornbill Festival Held in a tiny and remote north eastern state of Nagaland, the festival named after a bird, is one of the largest celebrations of the indigenous warrior tribes of the region. It features traditional arts, dances, folk songs, and games, and music concerts in the evenings.

The highlights of the festival include the traditional Naga Morungs, exhibition and sale of arts and crafts, food stalls, herbal medicine stalls and flower shows. The celebration is garnished with a cultural medley of traditional songs and dances, fashion shows, beauty contests, traditional archery, Naga wrestling, indigenous games, and even motor rally. All this takes place amidst immaculate replicas of tribal hutments, complete with wood carvings and hollow log drum instruments, beating in haunting symphony. In the evenings, the main attraction is the Hornbill National rock concert where bands from all over the country come to compete. This is followed by a night market in town. The festival is conceived by the Government of Nagaland.

When: December 1-7 Where: Kisama Heritage Village (near Kohima town), Nagaland.

December 2012 66 www.spiceroutemag.com

# 62 - Sudhas Paradise, Pondy Bazaar, Chennai - 17, Ext: 4207 1131 | # 75, Pondy Bazaar,Chennai - 17, Ext:4212 3226 | # 120, LB Road, Adyar, Chennai - 20, Ext: 4211 6068 | Anna Nagar Plaza # 1 , 2, 3, 4 Gr. Floor, C47 II nd Avenue, Anna Nagar, Chennai - 40, Extn 4207 1121 | care@narayanapearls.com | narayanapearls.com

Launch pad

Shop hopping

Beautiful lifestyle products, just for you.

Wrap it on

Go bohemian

New home

This winter, flash your best side at parties.

Wrap Studio brings out the Winter Party collection, which includes a colourful array of stoles. Coming in different designs and styles, the stoles are perfect for the nippy evenings.

Global Desi’s Moroccan collection takes you to a world of exotic Middle Eastern glamour, inspired by the Moorish art and design of the Marrakesh. Abundant in rich jewel colours, the collection is a must have this season.

This New Year, revamp your home with HomeHero. Add some funk to your home and get your own customized furniture. A single click and your piece of furniture will be delivered to your doorstep.

Price: `3500 onwards Available: At 116 A, Shahpur Jat, New Delhi

Price: `799 onwards Available: Across all exclusive brand outlets.

Price: `1900 Available: Shop online at www.homehero.in

Festive delights

Wine memories

Tea lovers tale

Add a touch of glam to your home with Philips as as it offers special offerings for the festive season. Choose Philips Saeco Coffee machines and Philips AirFryer for they are perfect gifts.

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

Drink up the healthy way with Typhoo’s gift box, allowing you to indulge in its complete range of tea varieties and flavours. Typhoo is a perfect gift for X’mas and New Year.

Price: `1295 onwards Available: Across all leading stores.

Price: `8,500 onwards Available: Royal Selangor outlets in Mumbai December 2012 68 www.spiceroutemag.com

Price: `595 onwards Available: All modern retail stores across major metros

Home n living

wedding ensemble

With celebrations just round the corner, the magic of candles engulfs all. @home, the mega home store introduced their new range of candles like floral, scented, floating, gel based candles., tea-light candles, aromatic oil candles and much more.

Price: `299 onwards Available: At all @home stores across India

The Bridal Ensemble 2012-13 by Frontier Bazar, Karol Bagh highlights the beautiful designs, intricate motifs and creations in a host of fabric collection like nets, pure crepes in rich wedding colours. There’s also a rich collection of traditional sarees Price: On request Available: Exclusively at Frontier Bazar, Karol Bagh, New Delhi.

Shopping spree

Refreshing scent

The vividness of ethnic India is back again!

Do a stress-free shopping by clicking at Jabong.com! Celebrate the epiphany of Indian designs and deck you up with its most splendid collection of clothing, jewellery and home & living.

Price: `500 onwards Available: Shop online at www.jabong.com

Extend the Vanesa Deodorant experience into your daily grooming regimen with Aqua, the non-alcohol deodorant solid for women.

Scented precisely to match the classic fragrance, this long-lasting deodorant solid provides all-day protection.

Price: `140 Available: All leading departmental stores.

December 2012 70 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice Trail

Essentially vanilla

Well, though one might refer to anything colourless or boring with the idiom ‘vanilla’, the spice however is quite the reverse of it.

WOR D S

|

Saya nt i

Ba nerjee

N

ot many people know the fact, that vanilla is rated as the second most expensive spice after saffron. It is probably because the process of growing the vanilla seed pods is rather a labour-intensive procedure and thus leads to high costs of cultivation.

Spanish connect This native of Mexico and Central America has an interesting nomenclature as well.

Vanilla is derived from the Spanish word December 2012 72 www.spiceroutemag.com

vaina that literally means little pod. They are also referred to as ‘black flower’, since the mature bean shrivels and turns black once it has been plucked. Historically, the Spanish conquistador by the name Hernán Cortés is credited for introducing this spice to Europe in the 1520s along with chocolates.

In fact, initially vanilla was almost completely unknown in early history till Spanish explorers set foot on the Gulf Coast of Mexico in the early 16th century. Thanks to the Spanish

Spice Trail

Vanilla essence is added to almost all cookies and cakes

and Portuguese sailors and explorers who had introduced this exotic spice in Africa and Asia soon after. In 1754 the word ‘vanilla’ was formally acknowledged in the English language as botanist Philip Miller highlighted this genus in his Gardener’s Dictionary.

Versatile vanilla It’s all about association and when it comes to a quick recall, people invariably associate ice-cream with vanilla. Though it is a basic flavour and is apparently whitish in colour, it has been the most popular flavour ever since the time of origin of ice-creams. It has a rather consistent flavour around the world as compared to others that use colours, fruit extracts or high preservatives. In fact vanilla essence is also added while baking cakes. Though the raw and intense vanilla syrup is bitter to taste, it helps to add a sweet fragrance to the bakery products. Also, the vanilla perfume is something young women love to wear on a regular basis. In fact some research claims that vanilla even helps to stimulate weight loss.

wow factor The vanilla essence also has the enchanting property of soothing the nerves, lift the spirit, boost one’s mood and leave a feel good taste in the mouth. No wonder that vanilla helps in reducing stress and anxiety. Not many people know that some strong, repulsive medicinal syrups are toned down with a bit of vanilla.

This is probably because vanilla is known to help combat nausea to a great extent. As a part of ancient folk medicinal practices, this herb also helps in healing superficial wounds.

Inclusion on vanilla as a part of the diet can help women keep a check on irregular periods and help regulate it.

Meanwhile, we bring you a special vanilla recipie. The baking time is just 15 min. So in an hour you can have 2 dozen cookies ready for Christmas!

The raw and intense vanilla syrup is bitter to taste but it helps to add a sweet fragrance to the bakery items Vanilla bean cookies

Ingredients 1/2 cup of finely grained or powdered sugar 1 pliable vanilla bean, cut into segments 1/4 teaspoon sea salt with fine grains 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup rye flour 1/2 cup white flour ½ cup chopped raisins or cherries for topping A pinch of kesar soaked in 1/2 cup water

for 5 - 10 seconds.

You need to make wsure that the dough is 1/4inch thick before you roll it out and refrigerate it for 20 minutes.

Now start preparing the oven by heating the oven to 350F or 175C Take out the dough from the refrigerator and place it in the oven.

Method

Use a sharp cookie cutter to stamp out the cookies and try to arrange them an inch apart, neatly on the parchment lined baking sheets.

In an open vessel stir in sugar granules and vanilla bean pieces. Add the sea salt to the mixture and let them caramelize for a minute.

Set them to bake for about 10 to 15 minutes in the top and bottom-thirds of the oven till they turn golden brown.

Add butter to create a thick, creamy paste.

Add the toppings gently, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before you transfer them on a large tray and start eating.

Pour in the flour into the vessel and blend it in to create a soft dough and settle December 2012

Gourmet delight

Christmas treats

Christmas is an occasion to ring in the festivities with lots of delicious food.

This year, serve your guests a nice mix of cakes and puddings.

WOR D S

|

Ru s h i n a

Munshaw

C

hristmas is here! Which means a host of traditional treats will be on the menu. Cooks around the world, down the ages have created special foods for festive occasions, saving their very best ingredients for these special times.

Ancient cooks also made confections; cakes, candy and all kinds of indulgent treats that travelled down through generations, donning new avatars along the way as new ingredients were discovered or recipes travelled to new countries and kitchens.

One such long standing feature of the Christmas table is the Christmas cake. You

G hildiyal

know Christmas is around the corner when you are invited to a fruit mixing ceremony.

Almost every hotel does it these days; mascerating dried fruit and nuts in alcohol to bake into cakes at Christmas. This practice of making cakes with dried fruits, honey and nuts goes back to ancient times but the fruitcake as we know it only came into existence much later - sometime in the Middle ages - since dried fruit only made an appearance in Britain in the 13th century. Ingredients we take for granted today required careful preparation at the time; fruit required washing, drying and cleaning, sugar which came in loaves was cut, December 2012 76 www.spiceroutemag.com

powdered and sieved, butter was rinsed in water and again in rosewater and eggs were beaten for at least half an hour. Even the yeast that comes out of a packet today had to be coaxed to life! And after all this was done came the onerous task of fighting temperamental wood-fired ovens!

Historic cookies The Buche de Noel popularly called the Yule log is one of the many traditional cakes baked at Christmas; a roll of light sponge cake with small cylinders of extra cake stuck to the main roll to represent branches. The whole thing

Gourmet delight

Left: Fruit cake is prepared using the dried fruits and nuts; Bottom: The Christmas plum cake has a distinctive flavour

raisins and prunes became available in Britain these were incorporated; the meat and root vegetables removed and the version we know today was created. (The name plum originally meant prune but eventually came to mean any dried fruit). A charming tradition that evolved along with the recipe is that of six objects being mixed into the pudding: 2 rings for love, a sixpence for prosperity, a trouser button for bachelors, a thimble for spinsters, and a little pig for the glutton!

ON home turf

is then iced with chocolate or coffee butter cream made to resemble a bark, the cut faces are finished with vanilla cream, imitating pale newly cut wood, and adorned with sprigs of leaves made from icing. As the name Buche de Noel - which literally translates to 'Christmas log' – suggests, this cake originated in France and symbolises the traditional Yule log burned in the hearth throughout Christmas Eve in centuries past.

Cookies and gingerbread, no Christmas hamper is complete without Christmas cookies! The contemporary cookie traces its roots to Medieval European recipes. By the 1500s, Christmas cookies were popular all over Europe. Legend has it that Gingerbread was probably the first cookie traditionally linked with Christmas. The first gingerbread man was baked in the court of Queen Elizabeth I, who honoured important visitors with flattering

gingerbread reproductions of themselves.

And post the success of the Grimm Brothers' fairytale Hansel and Gretel in which there was a house made of gingerbread, with cake for a roof and windows of barley, German bakeries began selling intricate gingerbread houses embellished with icing snow. Most bakeries now sell gingerbread houses in season.

Edible gingerbread Christmas cards and finely detailed moulded cookies have been hung on Christmas trees since the 19th century.

Christmas pudding, is another must-have during Christmas and the evolution of plum puddings can be traced to the early 15th century. Initial versions were not specifically associated with Christmas and like the first mince pies, they contained meat, but as the name suggests, they were a fairly liquid preparation and were served prior to the meal. When exotic varieties of dry fruit like

Legend has it that Gingerbread man was probably the first cookie traditionally linked with Christmas December 2012 78 www.spiceroutemag.com

Here in Mumbai we have our own Christmas traditions. Mumbai is a melting pot of cultures and is home to several catholic communities but one community that is unique to Mumbai is that of the East Indians. While “East Indian� alludes to originating from Eastern India, the East Indian community of Mumbai is actually not from the east of India at all. The East Indians were converts and the earliest Roman Catholic subjects of the British Crown when Bombay was ceded to the British in 1661 and are distinct in another sense as well, you have to be a Christian to be an East Indian.

Gourmet delight

(Christmas Pudding), Empada de Coco e Semolina (Coconut Pie), Lemon Curd, Borose (Coconut & Semolina Biscuits), Bole de Grao, (Gram sweet), Bolachas (Coconut Macaroons), Vanilla Cream (Milk Cream), Chocolate Cream, Cordial, Kul-Kul, Nevries, Marzipan, Mango Fool, Fou de Mel, Coconut soufflé, Gelea de Mangas (Mango Jelly), Gelea de Peras (Guava Jelly) and lots more.

They are a Marathi speaking community, indigenous to what were the former Islands of Salsette (including Bandra, Kurla, Thane and Bhayandar) that make up the land mass that is Bombay today. They adopted the name East Indian on the occasion of the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria to distinguish themselves as separate from that of immigrant Christians.

A rich oral tradition and an eon of finetuning have led to blend of Koli, Christian, and Portuguese influences. The cuisine of the East Indians is by itself rich and flavoursome but it is especially appreciable on the occasions of weddings and festivals. And come Christmas, East Indians start making their traditional sweets. Sweet making amongst the East Indians is a fine art. Most of these sweets require a lot of preparation and careful attention at the time of cooking so they are usually made well in advance when one is in a relaxed frame of mind and then boxes full are exchanged among friends and family.

Some of the sweets that the East Indians make include the Bole de Coque (Coconut cake), Arroz Doce (Rice pudding), Pudim

Another community that celebrates Christmas with great enthusiasm is the AngloIndians of Kolkata. During Christmas time the areas like Bow Barracks and Rippon Street come alive in celebration; the old and young can be seen doing the jive and waltz at parties.

Christmas carols can be heard and of course, sweets are cooked in every household. Though it may not be as common today, most families would make their own Grape Wine in time for Christmas. Two of the most loved AngloIndian Christmas sweets are Rose Cookies (deep fried crisps made with coconut milk, eggs and sugar) and Kulkuls (bite-sized fried rolls of semolina, flour and sugar). Of course, a Christmas cake packed with kajus, cherries, currants, raisins, plums, tutti-frutti and orange peel is the highlight of every Christmas feast.

All the women in the family get together to participate in the making of these sweets.

These traditions are so vital to keeping the community together and passing on recipes from one generation to the other.

Cakes and bakes of all shapes and sizes from the Fruitcake to cookies have been part of festive holiday rituals long before Christmas as we know it to be today. This year as you savour the deliciousness of the season, let the stories behind them enrich your memories as well.

Chai spiced Ginger Bread Cookies Ingredients: 350gms of plain flour 175gms brown sugar 125gms butter 1 egg

December 2012 80 www.spiceroutemag.com

1tsp baking soda 2tsp grated ginger I tsp Chai Masala 4tsp honey or maple syrup Method Begin by sifting the flour, baking soda and chai masala.

Add the grated ginger and butter, and blend in a food processor till the flour starts to looking like breadcrumbs. Stir the sugar into this crumbly mixture.

In another bowl beat the eggs and maple syrup with a whisk and then add to the mixture in the blender. Pulse in the blender till everything clumps together.

Take this dough out of the blender and knead till all the lumps disappear. Wrap in cling film and leave it to chill in the fridge for 15minutes.

After the dough is rested, it’s ready to be rolled and cut. Keep some loose flour handy, and sprinkle some on a flat surface.

Use a rolling pin to roll out the dough till it is about ½ a centimetre thick.

Now use cookie cutters of your choice to cut out shapes of your choice.

Pre-heat the oven to 180°C. Place your cut out cookies on a baking tray that has been lined with butter paper Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes till the cookies are golden brown.

Your Ginger Bread cookies are ready! Wait till they have cooled completely to decorate with white icing, fondant and edible decorations of your choice.

Gourmet delight

Wine & food mĂŠlange

If you have been contemplating on the kind of wines you should serve with the grand Christmas fare this year, here's a wine pairing round up.

WOR D S

|

S o n a l

Holl a nd

F

estivity is in the air with Christmas round the corner. Food and festive occasions go hand in hand. Choosing wines to match festive foods should be a pleasure and not a pain. Much is written on wine pairing and the kind of wines one should serve with the choice of cuisine and delicacies. But ultimately the choice of which wine to serve with a particular dish comes down to a personal preference. Traditionalists will tell you that certain wine enhances a certain flavour in food, this is no secret.

The most typical wine pairing being Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay with chicken, turkey and fish and the typical red ones like the Merlot, Syrah/Shiraz and Pinot Noir for red meat like pork, veal and ribs.

Though, white wine with red meat is not wrong, the main idea is to match the flavour intensity and weight and it's not as much about matching the colour of meat with wine.

To pair your wine and food, here are a few suggestions to get started.

December 2012 82 www.spiceroutemag.com

Gourmet delight

start up with wine So what is the most popular Christmas starter?

Undisputedly, these days it is the smoked salmon. Smoked salmon is a medium-bodied food with unique smoked fish flavour and an oily texture. To deal with oil and fat in food, you need a wine with a good amount of acidity to cleanse the palate. Champagne, and Chablis are high in acidity and would do this job admirably; both are medium-bodied and so match the salmon’s weight.

Prawns and other rich shellfish go well with Chablis as it balances the foods’ richness .

Alternatively, match the richness with Puligny-

Clockwise from right: Full bodied white wine can be paired with turkey; Turkey dinner along with wine is had across the world on Christmas; Pair white wine with butter brushed prawns

Montrachet. Lightly oaked Chardonnays will pair well with butter brushed prawns too.

Complement the delicate flavour of oysters with light weight, delicately-flavoured wines such as Chablis, Champagne or Muscadet.

You may easily balance rich pâtés with ripe, aromatic wines which have a good degree of acidity like Alsace Pinot Gris and Riesling. Foie Gras, however, requires more richness and acidity. Sweet wine from Barsac or Sauternes is the perfect and classic accompaniment.

Wines for main-course Christmas is not Christmas without turkey!

Like most poultry it is medium-weight and is not powerfully flavoured. Match its weight with a full-bodied white or a mediumfull red wine with low tannins. The most powerful flavours are usually found in the accompaniments, so these also need to be considered when choosing the wine.

Cranberry and redcurrant sauces are fruity and sweet and will not go with a mellow aged red wine. Instead, you can choose a young, ripe, fruity wine that is low in tannins like a top-

quality Californian Zinfandel, or a Beaujolais Cru. If you prefer your turkey with traditional English accompaniments like the bread sauce and chipolata sausages, then a full-bodied Chardonnay or white southern Rhône is a good choice for white wine lovers. The roundness and weight of the wines will match the smooth texture of the sauce and the bird’s weight. If you prefer red wine, a mature Claret or Rioja would work well.

December 2012 84 www.spiceroutemag.com

Gourmet delight

Top: Red wine goes well only with hard cheeses that are not too salty; Bottom: Champagne is a must have on Christmas

desserts too. And most fruit-based puddings are not very sweet when compared to other desserts, and quite high in acid; the same characteristics can be found in sweet Loire wines and German Riesling Spatlese, Auslese and Beerenauslesese.

Chocolates are ladies’ favourite but the most difficult to match. Wines need to be ultra-sweet and full of flavour to match the chocolate. Aged Tawny Port is one of the best choices, but if you insist on white wine try a Muscat de Beaumes de Venise instead.

Go wine and cheese Whilst it is commonly believed that red wine and cheese are a match made in heaven, in reality very few cheeses go well with red wine. Why is this? Well first of all there are the numerous different types of cheeses. Some are full fat or salty, often they are very strongly flavoured. And the texture can be gluey and mouth-coating at times, so trying to choose one wine to go with a wide selection of cheeses is impossible.

Match the weight of goose or duck with red wines. Balance the oiliness of the meat with high acid wines, Red Burgundy is perfect.

White wines need to be medium-sweet and high in acid, such as German Riesling or an aromatic Alsace Pinot Gris or Riesling. Beef demands red wines to match its flavours. A rib of beef demands a more tannic wine such as a good Red Bordeaux or top quality Cabernet Sauvignon from other regions.

Red wines tend to go best with hard cheeses that are neither very strong nor salty. Classic English cheeses are the best accompaniment. Infact hard cheeses are the most accommodating with all types of wine. Vintage Port and Stilton is one of the marriages made in heaven. Both are powerfully flavoured and match one another’s strength. On the whole it is white wines that fair better with the cheese course because they have no tannin, especially sweet white wines such as Barsac or Sauternes.

In case you are choosing Porcini Risotto for the main course, you can match the silkiness of the risotto and big flavours of the wild mushroom with full-bodied but very

Wine list Asparagus There’s no better flavour match than New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.

Goat’s cheese goes very well with Sauvignon Blancs.

Sancerre is the classic choice.

Soft rind cheeses like Brie and Camembert go well with a good White Burgundy.

mature Red Burgundy (old Red Burgundy develops mushroom characteristics with age that will match the porcini).

Chistmas puddings and wine Christmas Pudding and Mince Pies are delicious with the similarly flavoured aged Tawny Ports and rich Madeiras. Both these wines go very well with rich chocolate December 2012 86 www.spiceroutemag.com

The most important element about wine and food is to experiment; and to be bold about your decisions. It's not necessary that you follow a pairing chart. Experimentation in wines is a must and the only way to create an exciting Christmas party.

The author is an ace wine educator, consultant and advisor.

In conversation

a life above all Kadri, Mangalore

3300 and 6600 sft. exclusive limited edition luxury apartments

Under Construction

Contractors

Possession 2014

CLUB

Back on track

amazon

One of the most consistent Indian player in Deccan Chargers, Ishant Sharma is on a comeback mode and has a long inning ahead of him.

WOR D S

I

|

F l or i n a

t was a day before he was leaving for Ahmedabad that I finally got talking to Ishant Sharma. He sounded excited about the first international match after his ankle surgery, he excused himself saying he was busy with packing but assured me he would give the interview the next day. Ishant played a few domestic games, including Irani trophy to prove his fitness and

S or e n

WINNER

ARTISTS IN CONCRETE AWARDS 2011

www.planetsks.com though he was part of the Test sqaud, he didn’t feature in the playing 11 as luck would have it.

Just before the first Test against England, he had viral fever. But Ishant isn’t a worried man. He is happy to be in the dressing room and bowling at the nets. The 6-month injury layoff has given him time to introspect, look at his career, his bowling technique and he comes back as a better

bowler. And yes as promised, he did take time out to answer my questions. Read on to find out more.

This is a comeback after your surgery, so how does it feel getting back to the fields? What was it that you missed most?

I really missed the dressing room atmosphere and those pick up lines on each other! And I don’t

December 2012 88 www.spiceroutemag.com

feel awkward to go to grounds because I played enough of domestic games after my surgery.

You are playing a Test series after a long time, how excited are you and what are your goals this time?

I’m really excited to play for the country after almost one year, especially because this series will be the revenge series for us, (India lost 0/4 in the last Test

Promoters

SKS NETGATE LLP 5th Floor, Avashya House, CST Road, Kalina, Santacruz (East), Mumbai – 400 098 Tel: +91 22 56798100, 26675800 G1, Casa Grande Mall, Sturrock Road, Falnir, Mangalore – 575 001 Tel: +91 824 2424161, 2424167 Mobile: +91 98440 74007 E-mail: info@planetsks.com

In conversation

series played against England) so not only me, but the whole team is excited to play and win against them! And I don’t set goals; rather I go match by match.

You are also known for your fast bowling, what care have you taken to keep up your speed even after the surgery?

I think to bowl fast you just have to train properly and keep bowling in nets, and once when you get your rhythm you can bowl fast anytime.

As far as IPL is concerned, have you been able to meet the owners yet?

Well as I was busy with domestic cricket, I didn’t get a chance to meet the new owners. But I’m looking forward to meeting them.

You were planning to get back to studies while you were off the field for sometime, could you manage to sit for your exams?

Laughs. I was planning to give my exams, but failed to even open my books. Though I understand studies are very important but I end up spending my time with friends and family.

Quick facts Nickname Lambu Bowling style Right arm, fast-medium.

2011 He became the 5th youngest player to take 100 Test wickets.

2011 IPL auction Sharma was bought by the Deccan Chargers

December 2012 90 www.spiceroutemag.com

Tell us a little about your other interests.

Whatever free time I get, I love spending it with my friends. And I always prefer quit places to hang out.

Which are your favourite travel destinations in India?

Actually, I hardly get time to go for holidays. We cricketers are either playing or practicing.

However, for a holiday I would prefer going to the hills.

What kind of holiday do you prefer; relaxing or adventurous?

I always love relaxing destinations and I also love shopping.

Are you a movie buff, which is the latest movie that you liked a lot?

Yes, whenever I’m in Delhi and there is any new movie releasing, I make it a point to watch it.

I watched quite a few films in the past months and I liked OH MY GOD’ and CHAKARYUVH. Your favourite mantra?

Alway stay positive; no matter whatever the situation is..

Glam world

Nail

this trend

The nail art revolution is a beauty movement created for and by women. We report on how you can look oh-so-chic this winter.

WO RD S

F

|

Me gh n a

S h a rm a

orget the bags, the shoes and the latest baubles. For the nail art obsessed, the best accessory for this season is the nail lacquer.

The recent explosion of nail art into fashion consciousness has been unmissable. From patriotic painted paws on the Olympic podiums to the decked up talons of celebrities like Rihanna, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, nail art is the new wow factor! Japan has long been

the Mecca for nail art and though it took a while for the rest of the world to catch up, it’s undoubtedly one of the most emerging trends.

Just a few years ago, a trip to the nail salon was relatively simple. A customer would walk in, pick out a colour and get a quick coat of polish, maybe a pink and white manicure or an acrylic set. If she felt adventurous, she

might add a rhinestone on each nail or perhaps a tiny flower design. Now, even picking the kind of polish is a process: regular polish, minx, magnetic, shellac or gel? And, the finish?

Glitter, shatter, swirl or metallic effect? In the past three years, nail art has exploded into the mainstream, driven by social-media sharing of looks and techniques. The ritual of maintenance has evolved into the cult of nail art, but unlike its other beauty counterparts (read hair and make-up) wonderfully diverse and experimental nails have always been the conservative cousin.

Spoiled with choice Women aren’t just figuring out what they want when they walk in, they’re doing their research, spotting trends online and e-mailing pictures of favourite celebrity manicures to technicians before they even set foot in the salon. Nail art has been around for decades, most prominently in the ’80s, when brightly coloured nails and wild patterns ruled the runways. In the African-American community, nail art has long been a part of the culture. Like any fashion trend, women see celebrities and models stepping out in increasingly glamorous or gutsy nails, and they want the look, says New York’s Patricia Yankee, who has pampered stars including Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian, and Rachael Ray. “It’s a way (celebrities) express themselves, like tattoos, piercings and hair color,” Yankee remarks, “Celebrities are always December 2012 92 www.spiceroutemag.com

Glam world

Lacquer Lust How long does the process take?

It takes about 30 minutes for nail art.

Colours currently in vogue.

Neon pink and green, coral orange, lime green, sunshine yellow, electric blue and tangy orange are the hottest colours this season What kind of accessories can we pair with nail art?

One can go for diamonte, beads, feathers, sparkles, acrylic powder, nail ring to jazz up a simple manicure.

They say that acrylic nails can be harsh on your natural nails. Is that true?

It can be harsh if not done with proper care. One also needs to maintain them well in order for them to last long.

How long do they last? Are they easy to remove?

They last for about 20-25 days depending on one’s nail growth. It’s easy to remove but one needs to know the proper technique for the same.

Amyn Manji, Director, NailSpa Experience

looking to make a statement and are getting more attention and popularity based on what they have on their nails.”

Nail art can be simple, such as a tiny flower, a coat of glitter or one nail painted a different color than the others. Or, it can be much more complex. Beyonce flashed them in her memorable Single Ladies music video, her chrome nails becoming the talk on beauty and nail blogs, sending women to their neighbourhood salons to get the treatment.

Recently, Sally Hansen followed suit with its Salon Effects line, a drugstore-version of the appliqués. They give women on a budget a DIY version of hot-pink cheetah, houndstooth or butterfly prints in minutes. Nails have become an accessory in their own right, part of a woman’s identity and sense of style.

This sense of creative emancipation is reflected also in the online community of nail artists. There is a plethora of inspiration by way of blogs, YouTube tutorials, Pinterest and Instagram profiles.

Women share their designs and techniques freely creating a pastoral community of nail art.

We can safely say that nail art is fast becoming an industry in its own right, led by women, prescribed to by women, solely for women. And we applaud the innocuous cousin, because now she is finding a voice, and she speaks to the females of the world.

December 2012 94 www.spiceroutemag.com

Haute Trends So what shades generated the most buzz at fashion week? Think deep, dark variations of red and navy offset by cool tones of minimalist white and beige. The bigger moments of drama belonged to pop-art effects and touches of texture (leather nails!) worn in an unexpected way.

Dark desire: Manicurists are throwing their support for the classic shades of rich burgundy and midnight blue that highlights the strong feminine attitude. Keep your nails short and square with rounded corners and apply two generous layers of lacquer finished with a glossy top coat for a take-charge effect.

Pale but pretty: White and its close kin of cream and soft gold, felt like a deep breath of fresh air for winters. Explore the pastel revolution and contrast your nails with dark outfits. The pale nails will definitely get you noticed!

French twists: The French manicure has seen many makeovers in recent seasons. This fall, the contrasting look is more subtle yet dramatic at the same time. Keep the base of your nails muted perhaps cream and edge your tips with dark red for a refined touch.

Bold and beautiful: There’s no shortage of bar-raising moments for nail art and now’s the time to reach for texture, intricate prints, and rainbow brights if you’re in the mood.

Glam world

Heavenly

Homes

A beautiful home requires regular effort and creative thinking to keep it minty fresh and pleasing to the eyes.

WO RD S

|

Me gh a

W

ith the festive frenzy already taking over, are you looking to refurbish that living space of yours without burning a hole in the pocket? If yes, then here are some do-ityourself ideas that will come in handy to make the guests go wow!

10 easy ways to shake things up!

Is that old? That’s Vintage Use those old doors and window frames lying around in the basement to create a unique backdrop for your pictures. For instance, a French window frame can be turned into a

stunning collage with a photograph adorning each square. Doors too can be cut to size and used as an elegant coat hanger.

relaxed feel when the main sources of light are switched off.

Let there be light

Somebody got it right when they said that “There are two ways of spreading light - to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”

Mirrors not only add beauty to the house, they also make a room appear brighter and larger to the eye. There is a plethora of frames available that will act as the perfect partner to your mirror. Seetha Natesh, a resident of Andheri, Mumbai came upon the unique idea of using an ethnic blue ceramic photo frame she purchased

While too much of it can be jarring to the eye, some tasteful ambient lighting can add much to the overall appeal of your home. Apart from the essential tube and ceiling lights, use multi-coloured string lights to decorate your room. You can hang them vertically within curtain folds, or wrap them horizontally over the curtain rod. You can also use pebble lights along the edges of the floor to create a

December 2012 96 www.spiceroutemag.com

Mirror, mirror on the wall

Glam world

ABHARAN INAUGURATES EXCLUSIVE SILVER SHOWROOMS IN UDUPI & MANGALORE traditional and the contemporary.

There is a significant emphasis on customer service. Well trained, polite and experienced staff is at the beck and call of customers at all times. Customers also enjoy the benefits of a variety of customer-friendly schemes, offers and discounts.

from Delhi as a frame for the mirror in her house. Antique wood and silver frames also lend a beautiful effect. You too can give your creativity free reign and think of some novel ways in which you can display mirrors.

For the love of art If you do not want to make any major changes around, but have some cash to spare, invest in a good piece of art. The aesthetic appeal of a good painting, when displayed in a classy way, will be unparalleled. Go for a minimalistic but elegant frame to lend it a feel of understated class. Not only will it add a dash of colour to your room, but will also give your guests something to ponder upon.

Mix it up Now, this is the cheapest yet a fool-proof way of changing the appearance of your home. The eye gets used to seeing the setting of a room as it is, if not changed, over a period of time.

Re-arranging the big pieces of furniture can give any room a fresh look. Swap the position of the couch with that rosewood finish settee of yours to mix it up. If you have any statement pieces of decorative art, like large vases or urns, change their display positions.

Dress up the windows Sensual and flowing, drapes and curtains make a whole lot of difference when it comes to the

look of a house. This festive season, buy a new set of the same to alter the colour scheme of your room. You can experiment and mix-nmatch different fabrics to create a fusion. Net, tissue, velvet, raw silk, satin, cotton, polyester, embroidered, crush, printed; there is a wide range of fabrics, weaves and designs to choose from. Bring in rare colours that complement your furniture and add to the lure of your walls.

You can also go in for stark contrasts, which will be eye-catching to say the least.

Go Green Nothing spells fresh better than a glossy green plant. Not only do they look pleasing, plants also help purify the air in the house.

Indoor plants like areca palm, money plant and spider plant absorb harmful chemicals like formaldehyde which is commonly found in cleaning products, toilet paper, tissues and personal care products. If beauty and fragrance is what you are looking for, then indoor flowering plants like poinsettias, hibiscus and bougainvillea are the answer to your prayers.

CLICK TO BUY

A BIGGER SPACE WITH A WIDER CHOICE Left to Right: Anticque furnitures always add to the charm of the house; proper lighting is always a must

Pile 'em on Big, small, round, square, rectangular; they come in all shapes and sizes. And boy, do we love them! Cushions are one of the most endearing accessories when it comes to furnishing. Soft and colourful, they can add an element of fun to the decor scheme of any room. Go for fabrics like silk, satin or velvet if elegance and luxury is what you want them to spell out. Faux fur cushions look great with modern, minimalistic furniture. Unusual shapes and unique patterns can add interest to an otherwise plain-looking living room. A neutral-coloured room can be brightened up instantly by the use of cushions in vibrant hues.

Mix-n-match, splash some colours around and enjoy these accessories that combine comfort with visual appeal.

Mirrors not only add beauty to the house, they also make a room appear brighter and larger

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

These showrooms will ensure that customers get a wider choice, more space and more exclusive pieces.

These exclusive showrooms have elegantly showcased an enticing range of corporate gifts, items for religious occasions, designer items, gift items, decorative items and silver jewellery to choose from. Through these showrooms Abharan wishes to offer its customers the latest and best designs in silver.

Needless to say, Abharan do not compromise on quality. Each of Abharan’s jewellery is carefully crafted and undergoes a series of quality checks to ensure that you are served with only the best.

DELIGHTING THE CUSTOMERS ALWAYS Abharan has a range of jewellery that caters to the customer’s taste for the

FIRSTS TO ITS CREDIT Abharan was the first in India to introduce the ‘Karatometer’ meter’. This imported device is usedd to check the Karatage/quality uality of the gold. It also received eived the ISO 9001: 2008 certification for its quality ality management systems.

Abharan has won the ‘Corp Excel’ National Excellence Award 20088 presented by Corporation tion Bank for corporate excellence. ce. All these awards are not surprising ng as Abharan has always been at the forefront when it comes to quality ity in all aspects of its business.

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

‘Krishna’s Antics’ on an elephant.

Code: IDEL, Size: 10” X 8”

Udupi: C.B. Road, Ph: 0820 4297777 | Mangalore: Shivabagh Road, Ph: 0824 2216111 | Shimoga: J.P.N. Road, Ph: 08182 270458 December 2012 98 www.spiceroutemag.com

Glam world

Left to Right: A fresh plant in the house adds colour; Bright colour curtains can change the look of the complete house

Rugs & More Luxury for your feet! Wanting a nippy makeover for your bare floors? Go high on rugs and carpets. Area rugs act as the focal point of a room. Pick colours that complement your décor, or employ the shock-and-awe method by choosing one that is in severe contrast to the rest of the room. Keep in mind your specific requirements while purchasing a rug. For instance, if yours is a family with kids or pets, invest in an easy-to-clean darkcoloured rug with broad pattern. Not only will it look good, the pattern will cover up spills and stains too.

Good things in small packages Little knick knacks can add instant zing to any living space. Pick up ornate candle stands, hang a terracotta wind chime somewhere in your bedroom, decorate that bare section

of your wall with a rich tapestry, turn that plain looking coffee table into a colourful mosaic of ceramic tiles; to sum it up, let creativity guide your hand and the result is sure to impress. When deciding upon the

World of Home Fragrance

decor of your home, remember the cardinal rule that most interior designers swear by; less is more. Stay minimalistic and keep your living space clutter-free for a breezy and easy way of life.

Advertorial

F

ragrance is life enhancing and hard not to love. IRIS, from Ripple Fragrances, the spatial fragrance initiative of the Mysore-based N R Group hosted a coffee morning for prominent socialites at the Iris Aroma boutique, India’s first complete home fragrance boutique on Lavelle road. Guests were at the store to meet and greet with Kiran Ranga Master Fragrance Creator, and Managing Director, Ripple Fragrances. Speaking on the occasion, Mr.Kiran Ranga, said “At the IRIS Aroma Boutique the sole focus is to provide a complete fragrant experience under one roof revolutionizing the world of Fragrances with a whiff of love. It was a pleasure to host this event to introduce our guests to this

new world of fragrance” The Event was organized by Mr. Ram Chugh of Macariz Entertainment The ‘Iris Aroma Boutique’ offers an exciting value proposition of both eclectic choice and affordable luxury. The merchandize includes novel fragrance delivery systems, innovative accessories & unique home décor artifacts. The boutique also offers an extensive candle range rarely seen under one roof. IRIS Aroma Boutique keeps in mind the burgeoning expectations of a woman who prides herself on having the best for her home.

Store Details: Lavelle Regency Apt, No-54, Lavelle Road, Bangalore 01 # 080 2222 5063

December 2012 100 www.spiceroutemag.com

Well being

Healing

Gems

Gems are not for looks alone. Its mystical powers are now used to treat different ailments and disorders.

WOR D S

F

|

s u s hma

or centuries, India has been a huge consumer of gems for its beauty, mystical power and strength. But have you ever wondered what transformations take place in gemstones before these miraculous gifts of nature are offered for purchase. The stones are often treated which are undetectable to the naked human eye. Sometimes it becomes

difficult to determine whether a stone is treated or not when put under a microscope as well. When astrology evolved, these stones were used in their natural form for healing procedures. With increasing demand and depleting natural resources, various techniques of treating gemstones were developed, which corroded the outer surface of the gemstone.

December 2012 102 www.spiceroutemag.com

Untreated gemstones are rare as every piece is a unique creation of earth formed over thousands of years. Today, gems are treated in different ways like heating, surface diffusion, glass filling, beryllium diffusion, irradiation and fracture filling to alter their appearance. But if you want real benefits from each of the gemstones, you should make

Well being

it a point to acquire untreated stones. The treatment procedure disturbs the original healing properties that come with a particular gemstone. To get positive results in your life, buyers are urged to buy untreated gemstones.

The best way to find out whether these gemstones are authentic or not is by sending it to internationally recognised testing labs like the Gemological Institute of India (GII) for

Untreated gemstones are rare as every piece is a unique creation of earth formed over thousands of years certification. It is of utmost importance that while buying gemstones, a buyer should obtain certification and check for treatment disclosure of the gemstones they are purchasing.

How to buy Get it certified by an internationally recognised lab.

Look for the status of treatment (heated or unheated) carefully in the certificate.

For a genuine purchase, visit a professional or a jeweller with proper gemological training

Ruby red Noted gemologist Aarti Shekhar gave us an insight on overall healing that is possible through untreated gemstones. For thousands of years, ruby was considered the stone of love, energy, passion, power, and a zest for life.

Like no other gemstone in the world, ruby is the perfect symbol for powerful feelings. The other important element of ruby besides fire is blood, and ruby is said to restore vital life forces and increase energy and vigour. Ruby is also known as the stone of courage, and legends say that a person possessing a ruby December 2012 104 www.spiceroutemag.com

can walk through life without fear of evil or misfortune. Highlighting the healing qualities of rubies, Aarti says “Physically, rubies are thought to energize and balance, stimulate the heart chakra and encourage passion for life, but never in a self destructive way. Rubies help overcome exhaustion and calm hyperactivity.

They detoxify the body and blood, and treat fevers, diseases, and restricted blood flow. They are good for the heart and circulatory system. �

It is also believed that rubies promote positive dreams and aid in retaining wealth and passion. A ruby is dynamic, and brings about passion and enthusiasm, attracting sexual activity These also promote dynamic leadership. Rubies are known to make the mind sharp and increase concentration. Rubies also

Well being

make the wearer stronger during difficult times and act as a shield against any kind of physical attack.

Emerald greens Emerald is also known as the ‘stone of successful love’ which brings loyalty and provides domestic bliss. It enhances

unconditional love, unity and promotes friendship. Emerald has a healing effect and helps in bringing harmony in all areas of life.

Focusing intention and raising consciousness, it brings in positive actions, eliminates negativity and enhances the ability to enjoy life to the fullest. “Emerald enhances psychic abilities, opens clairvoyance, and stimulates the use of greater mental capacity. Emerald is known to strengthen the memory and imparts clarity of

stone effect Emerald Helps combat heart and lung ailments

thought. It inspires inner knowledge, besides having a detoxifying effect on the liver. It also helps cure diabetes and rheumatism,” reveals Aarti on the healing properties of emerald.

Those who are suffering from disorders related to heart, lungs, spine and muscular system can find respite by wearing an emerald.

Soothing sapphire Sapphire is known to bring good luck and wisdom to its bearer as it is also known as the ‘wisdom stone’. Each colour of sapphire brings its own particular wisdom. Sapphire has special healing properties that helps take away mental tension, depression, and spiritual confusion.

According to Aarti, sapphire restores balance within the body, aligning the physical, mental and spiritual planes thereby bringing serenity and peace of mind. “Sapphire also stimulates concentration, brings lightness, joy and peace of mind, which can be helpful for students and professionals alike. Sapphire also plays a greater role in helping one realize his dreams and desires,” reveals Aarti. Sapphire treats blood disorders, helps combat excessive bleeding and strengthens the veins. So try wearing these gemstones, preferably the less treated ones and see them doing wonders in your life.

Topaz Aids digestion and combats eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia.

Sapphire Wards off mental tension, depression and unwanted thoughts.

Opal Beneficial in treating infections and fevers, strengthens the memory

Span – Catching the Chain Reaction Span Garment plans to open 100 more outlets within a span of two years. Spearheading the success in women’s ethnic wear, Today, Span leads the race and leaves lasting impression with its strong brand value, and recall in trade as well amongst its customers. With supplying to more than 2000 retail outlets and has strategic brand presence in Future Group, Reliance & Lifestyle Group under Brand name of “Span Ethnic” and the brand enjoys strong presence in the major cities across the country.

With over 3 decades of immense

December 2012 106 www.spiceroutemag.com

Advertorial capabilities in designing and manufacturing of high quality ethnic wear, the company aims at becoming one of the top brand in Women’s Ethnic clothing manufacturing capacity of more than 1,00,000 garments per month. Span has always believed in giving its customers value for money in terms of quality and designs with its exquisite range of women wear.

The company has roped in the plans to open 100 more outlets across the country within a span of two years, which will be a significant and lateral move forward for the leader.

Well being

Citrus

blast

Indian gooseberry or amla, is a rich source of vitamin C. Having one amla a day can do wonders to your health.

WOR D S

|

S u r a nja n a

N a ndi

A

mla is called the Indian gooseberry in English. And as the name suggests, these berries are extremely sour. Thanks to our mothers, grandmothers and various film actresses, we by now are quite well-versed with myriad health and beauty benefits of this small little green coloured citrus blast.

When mixed with hair oil, amla gives us stronger and healthier hair – more than one screen goddess has told us over the years.

But did you know that this tangy little green berry could also help prevent bronchitis and

asthma? Oh yeah, and it also helps regulating blood sugar and reduces cholesterol. And, it’s not just the blood, amla is a little bundle of medicine that helps keeping our eyes, teeth and maintaining the overall health.

All for good health According to studies, amla is the most potent natural source for Vitamin C. One tiny little December 2012 108 www.spiceroutemag.com

amla berry is equivalent to two oranges as far as Vitamin C is concerned. Vitamin C, when taken in the form of supplements, is not always easily absorbed. But when you eat an amla, our bodies easily assimilate the Vitamin C present in amla. It is also an extremely powerful food for the brain. What’s more,

Well being

The better your metabolism, the better the body's ability to burn fat and keep you slim.

Clockwise from above: Amla is a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C; Amla murabba is like jam, sweet and tangy; Amla raita is a delicious dietary supplement

amla being an excellent antioxidant easily fights ageing. It combats the unstable ions in the body that are responsible for cell degeneration. However, if you have an issue with the heart, you might think before you pile on those amla berries in your diet since the fruit is said to stimulate the heart as well.

Another very good thing about amla is it helps the body in assimilating the goodness of other foods as well. Just imagine, it’s not just good in itself but helps in getting the good stuff from other produced as well! Amla is a fruit that enhances food absorption and thus helps you get the most out of the food you eat. It helps the body digest food better and assimilate minerals like iron.

And for all the women out there who are struggling to get into that perfect dress you saw the other day, try an amla a day. Amla helps boost protein metabolism, so if you exercise and work out regularly you will benefit greatly from regular amla intake.

Similarly, people who have a tendency to gain weight easily tend to have poor metabolism.

As amla enhances metabolism, it helps you lose weight faster.

According to Indian legends, Chyavana Rishi regained his youth by using a herbal compound containing amla. Any guesses what that compound was? Chyawanprash of course!

But then that’s not the only way to have amla on a regular basis. There are a million yummy ways to include amla in your regular diet. We bring you some easy ways to include amla in your diet.

Amla murabba Ingredients 1 kg Fresh amlas 4 gms Citric acid 1 1/4 kg Sugar 1/2 tsp Alum

Method Wash amlas properly and perforate all over it with a fork.

Take two litres of water and dissolve alum in it.

Put amlas in this water.

Soak them for a day.

Wash the amlas with alum water.

C

M

Amla Raita

Ingredients 2 or 3 Amlas 2 Green chillies 1 Small cup grated coconut 1 Cup curd, beaten Salt to taste

Drop amlas in boiling water. Boil for 2 minutes. Remove and leave aside..

Make sugar syrup with 3/4 litre water.

Soak the cooked amlas in the sugar syrup for a day.

Take out amlas from syrup.

Method Boil amlas till they become tender.

Return amlas in syrup. Keep for 24 hours.

Boil the sugar syrup to restore its original consistency.

Add citric acid and strain the syrup.

Repeat the process for 4 days.

Allow these to cool and de-seed them.

Preserve the murabba in a tight jar.

Add salt and beaten curd. Mix it well.

Prepare seasoning by heating oil in a pan and adding all the other ingredients.

Add the seasoning to the curd mix. And your Amla raita is ready.

December 2012 110 www.spiceroutemag.com

CM

MY

CY

For Seasoning 1 tsp Cooking oil Mustard seeds 1 Red chilly Pinch of asafoetida Few curry leaves

Grind the de-seeded amla with green chillies and grated coconut.

Y

CMY

K

Culture canvas

Mirroring

folk

culture

Every year the Blue City of India turns into a folk fortress. At Jodhpur RIFF, music aficionados get to experience multi-hued flavours of global music.

WOR D S

|

N i t i ka

Ba jpay ee

R

Photograph s

everberating sounds emanated from the Jaswant Thada.

I reached Jodhpur just in time to see the day break with two of Shekhawati’s most powerful female vocalists in the BhopaBhopi tradition. The vocalists Bhanwari Devi and Patashi Devi heralded the first dawn at Jodhpur RIFF (Rajasthan International Folk Festival). They sang traditional folk songs and everybody, some foreigners some local wayfarers, listened as sun enveloped the Blue City. This was my second time

|

rAJI V

JHA

in Jodhpur, the land of erstwhile Marwari kings and the home turf of Jodhpur Polo Team.

Folk rich music There’s something about Rajasthan that attracts maximum number of tourists each year.

And why not, the ruggedness of the state is balanced with the vibrancy of the lives and styles of the natives and the royal labyrinth by the rich folk flavour. The invitation to be a part of Jodhpur RIFF was too good to let go, so

December 2012 112 www.spiceroutemag.com

I started my sojourn to the Blue City again. This time the visit introduced me to the folk way of life in Rajasthan. A typical RIFF day begins with a Dawn Devotion where select artists perform their best songs as the sun cracks open.

The scintillating performance by Bhanwari Devi harbingered the folk carnival open and it was time for me to bask in the eclectic mix of folk music.

Jodhpur RIFF is an annual festival that coincides with the

Culture canvas

brightest full moon night Sharad Purnima. A partnership project of the Mehrangarh Museum Trust and the Jaipur Virasat Foundation ( JVF), the five-day long festival promises a diverse itinerary amidst spectacular settings of the Mehrangarh Fort. This year too the cultural extravaganza gave platform to more than 250 local and international artists who gave away solo and group performances and even jammed amongst themselves.

Musicians from world over vouch for the fact that music is a

Baul hymns Dawn Fakiri was the most memorable performance by Arjun Khyapa Baul with Golam Fakir Baul, Shyam Khyapa Bail and Sanatan Das Baul.

The mystical poets dressed in a fakir attire sang beautifully as the sun knocked the doors of Jodhpur.

Jodhpur RIFF is a classic fusion of interactive sessions, staged performances and jam sessions universal language. Keeping the statement true to its meaning, Jodhpur RIFF added another feather to its hat by collaborating with Celtic Connections, Scotland’s annual music festival. It was a memorable occasion when two of world’s leading festivals joined hands to promote and showcase some of the best music on an international scale. The reciprocal arrangement will now enable the Scottish and the Indian musicians to jam and perform gigs together and promote their music to the rest of the world.

The Scottish musicians performed this year at the sunrise concert that was coined as the Scottish Dawn (as against the Dawn

Devotion performances by the Indian artists). The special concert highlighted the Scottish folk songs in Gaelic and English and mouth music by young Kaela Rowan from Edinburgh. The exchange programme also got Bhanwari Devi to perform at the Edinburgh Music Festival this year. Well, that’s called jamming together for music.

Limitless sounds “Music doesn’t have language. The musicians who have come here are veterans in their respective fields. They play percussion instruments, sing and dance not to make a living but to satiate their hearts,” quipped Divya Bhatia, the festival director. Festivities didn’t

Project fully approved as per new DCR

Above: Chanan Khan from the Manganiyar community; Left: Bauls from Bengal gave a soulful performance

Singing renditions by their patron Lalon Fakir, the group enthused music lovers.

H

AUNC

PRE-L

stop for a moment at Mehrangarh Fort that stood witness to a variety of traditional dance forms reflecting the distinctive regional cultures of the state. The festival featured an assortment of events like a jazz night, a Rajasthani night, gypsy and traditional dance forms.

It is a classic fusion of interactive sessions, staged performances, and late night jam sessions. Clad in colourful lehengas, young women twirled to the beats of dholak and harmonium played by their male counterparts while performing the Chakri Nritya. The group came specially from Hadoti region to be a part of the festival. The Zenana Courtyard was where a December 2012 114 www.spiceroutemag.com

Tridhaatu Prarambh Chembur

Rudraksh Chembur

Tridhaatu Vihaan Matunga

SMS <TRI> to 56263

Aumkaar Chembur

spacewood

Culture canvas

Kitchens & Wardrobes

future proof designs

Clockwise from left: Men dressed as women dancing at the fort; Men performing Bhawai; Sugna Devi from Kaalbeliya community; A khartaal performance

Spacewood Kitchens & Wardrobes

International by art, Indian at heart.

they sing, dance and perform on different occasions, like if there is a wedding or when someone is bitten by a snake,” said Vinod Joshi from JVF.

group of men performed Chang dance. Dressed in white dhoti kurta and a red bandhini turban, these men moved in a circular motion holding a tambourine each while two flutists and a cymbal player matched the rhythm of the dancers. Thumping tunes of the classical fusion mixed with a strong saraangi and khartaal flavour emerged from the open courtyards of the magnificent fort.

With a combination of audience, I devoured the soulful renditions.

Rustic hymns Everywhere there were artists holding fort with their

performances. Moving towards the upper deck of the fort, I came across an artist who was busy playing a nagada. The tune was familiar so I walked a little further.

Standing in front of him was a crowd of more than hundred people and only Indians were seen smiling. The tune was ‘Why this kolaveri di’. I couldn’t stop gushing like many others. Music really is a universal language, I gave a note to self and moved towards the Chokelao Bagh where another set of performers, instrumentalists, and storytellers from various Rajasthani folk communities were busy

interacting with music enthusiasts.

Chokleao Bagh is the garden area of the fort where a shamiana like setting was put up so that visitors could informally interact with the performers. This is where I met John Singh, co-founder of JVF and one of the patrons of Jodhpur RIFF. Singh, along with his team, has been actively working to preserve the state’s cultural legacy. “We under the guidance of John da travel to the interiors of Rajasthan and handpick valuable artists. We listen to their stories, most of these artists are farmers. But

December 2012 116 www.spiceroutemag.com

The Dholi community of musicians and drummers, is named after the traditional instrument they play that is dhol.

It is interesting to know how dhol playing styles differ community to community. Two different ways to play a dhol were shown live by the Manganiyars and the Dholis.

“Once these performers are done with their act, nobody cares about the hardships they face, especially with advancing age,” rues Singh.

He quips that he will never forget the first time he experienced the music of some of Rajasthan’s great performers and artists.

In the In-Residence session, music enthusiasts interact with folk communities like the Manganiyars who perform in a group of five to six; and their

With over 3000 units manufactured and shipped every month, Spacewood is India's largest manufacturer of modular kitchens and wardrobes.

Small wonder then, it is the vendor of choice amongst India's finest and biggest developers and individuals. Because when they install a Spacewood unit, they know it not only adds to the appearance, but also reassures them of life-long quality, value and reliability with water proof plywood as base material & German fittings for lifelong warranty.

Exclusive Showrooms - Delhi: 1st FLoor, M - 16, GK - II (Market), New Delhi - 110048, M: +91.8527791206 | Gurgaon: 1st Floor, JMD Regent Arcade, M. G. Road, Gurgaon - 122022, Tel: 0124-4284254, M: +91.9810482000 | Hyderabad: Gachibowli Main Road, Sherlingampally, Hyderabad - 500032 Ph.: 040-23001050/60/70. M: +91.9177505919 | Chennai: Old Mahabalipuram Road, Perungadi, Above Union Bank Of India, Chennai - 600096 M: +91.9176635989 | Kolkata: Arcedia Center, 31, Ambedkar Sarani, Kolkata - 46. M: +91.9831186820 | Pune: Above Café Coffee Day,Opp. Kapil Malhar, Baner Road, Pune – 411 045 M: +91.9881713468 | Vizag: Excel World, 9-1-229, Rama Talkies Road, Vishakhaptnam-530016.M: +91.9885326155 | Nagpur: T-48, MIDC, Hingna Road, Nagpur - 440016, Tel: 07104 - 236737, 235968. M:+91.8007772520.

Project Inquiries: Mr. Yogendra Kale +91.8007772458 yk@spacewood.in | Dealers and Franchisee: Darshan Shukla: +91.8007770745, darshan@spacewood.in

folk flavour Over 250 musicians and performing artists from Rajasthan came together to celebrate their musical heritage.

Rajasthani virtuosos performed: Jumma Khan Mewati (bhapang), Nathu Solanki (Nagada), Padmaram Meghwal (vocal) Bhawru Khan Langa (khartaal).

main percussion instruments are - a sarangi, khartaal, dholak, harmonium and a morchang. Manganiyars are mostly Muslims yet they sing about Hindu deities.

I was lucky to witness the performance by Chanan Khan, one of the living legends of the Manganiyar community.

He is one of the few who has kept the tradition of stringed instrument the kamaicha alive even today.

He has played nationally and internationally and features significantly in Paula Fouce’s recent film ‘Song of the Dunes’. “I got this kamaicha from my grandfather, who got it from his,” pondered Khan

when I asked him how old the beautiful instrument is.

living legends Another Muslim community of folk artists is the Langa community for whom the main percussion instruments are the Algoza, Murla and Shehnai. Latif Khan Langa, a humble man of 75, performed a the ‘Living Legends’ session at the festival where he gave live demonstrations on the three main instruments he masters in. While he was busy playing wedding tunes on his sarangi, padharo mhare des on Algoza and a raga on Murla, his mobile phone kept ringing. And why not, the veteran artist has been to 70 countries and has lovers all over the world!

Jodhpur RIFF is exquisitely programmed to present to music lovers the unique collaborations between Indian and international performers. And this time also the festival had a rich aura of international artists surrounding the halo of traditional music. I watched the crowd go gaga when Mark Atkins, the Australia based percussionist played

December 2012 118 www.spiceroutemag.com

didgeridoo and jammed with Rajasthani percussionists with elan. Latin inspirations came alive on stage when Grupo Cimarron from Colombia created sensational music as Carlos Rojas created symphonies on Latin Harp.

The group played Latin drums, guitars, harp and enthralled the audience with their splendid skills. Overall, the festival introduced me to a heady combination of folk, jazz, and contemporary music that transcends global boundaries.

The enchanting evening of Desert Lounge, instrumental and vocal recitals by artists from different communities from Rajasthan gave me a rare glimpse of the stunning musical and vocal talents that this community has cultivated and passed on for generations. Jodhpur RIFF weaves together the talent of hundreds of performers, the festival is just one among a series of mela.

Left: Australian artist Mark Atkins playing didgeridoo; Bottom: Artists of Grupo Cimarron in action

Culture canvas

Golden

fibre

This 200-year-old industry that blooms in the coastal hamlets is making the country proud. Here’s a journey through the coir capital of India.

WOR D S

|

N i sary

Ma hesh

A

n enchanting ride through the beguiling backwaters is not the only thing Alappuzha is famous for. As sun smears gold across the unending green stretches, the palm leaves whispers to the cool breeze.

Along with the Chinese fishing nets that rise and fall in a monotonous regularity and the ho-ho’s of fishermen, women sing a symphony, as their Midas touch turns the bundles tied to their waists, into twisted thin ropes.

Kerala, as its name itself suggests, is the land of coconuts and no wonder that about 85 per cent of the country’s coir products comes from here. The ‘ratts’ that never stop sets the rhythm of Alappuzha, the coir capital of India. Crafted by the men and women who heave golden brown bales in their courtyards, an arena of coir products from doormats to accessories, bedside rugs and cushions to geo-textiles is fast occupying a cherished place for December 2012 120 www.spiceroutemag.com

Culture canvas

Coir bags and jewellery have already stepped into the fashion world with a galloping bang

and eco friendliness.

“The coir material as a substitute for wood in making furniture and kitchen cabinets is gaining popularity” says Jose. Another product under development is an alternative to plywood; impregnating coir mats with phenol formaldehyde resin and curing it under heat and pressure. “Coir is gifted with natural rooting hormones and antifungal properties. So, in the form of coco-peat, it is used as a growing medium for potted plants” says Ramanathan, advisor to the Coir Board.

in the market, says AC Jose, Chairman, Coir Board, Kerala.

“Being the only natural fibre that is resistant to salt water, coir is now used for making ropes in marine applications and nets for shellfish harvesting,” he continues.

Rubberised coir (a blend of coir and latex), is now being used by high-end car makers to stuff the vehicle seats.

Coir handicrafts are still the top revenue fetcher of the coastal India. As new technology ignites production, there goes a poised promotion for new uses of coir.

A variety of coir geo-textiles or coir ‘bhoovastra,’ (blankets that are laid on soil to control erosion and to promote the growth of protective ground covers), agricultural twines and other innovative products from coir yarn has recently shot into the lime light, mainly due to its stability

Coir bags, in myriad hues and shapes and an array of coir jewellery with new designs has already stepped into the fashion world with a galloping bang. The list goes endless with its use in bioengineering and civil engineering applications.

Many products are still on their way to the markets. All because they’re virtually irreplaceable and exceptionally functional especially as far as economy, durability and beauty is concerned.

Above: Coir bins are used extensively these days; Right: A village woman making rope out of coir; Outer shell of coconuts is used to make coir; Coconuts serve a lot of purposes in coastal areas

the ‘go-greeners’ who care for aesthetics as well. Neither their wearied fingers nor the dirt under their nails leave an imprint on the final finished product! In fact, they don’t get to see the beauty of the final products at all!

Unravelling coir The Indian coir industry has come a long way from manufacturing simple ropes to an array of highend lifestyle products. “Besides floor mats and rugs, new products like geo-textiles, garden articles, coco peat and wood substitutes have already made their mark

December 2012 122 www.spiceroutemag.com

Culture canvas

Wonder fibre Vilasini plods into the dingy, greenish backwater and scoops out coconut husks that have been left there for retting. “This is how we do it,” says the 55-year-old woman smilingly. The peeled husks, in huge quantities are left

COIR canvas Etymologically The English word ‘coir’ had its origin from the Malayalam word for coir ‘kayar’ Buy authentic coir products from Kerala state run handloom and handicraft emporiums.

For more information on Coir check: www. coirboard.gov.in

in the backwaters for months to decay. When the softer parts gets decayed, what remains is beaten with wooden mallets until the tawny fibre emerges which is being dried and spun in ‘ratts’ into fine yarns and coir products. “The entire process may take five to ten months,” she explains.

The mystery of coir products slowly unravelled as we reached a factory in the suburb of Alappuzha. “The quality and strength of coir depends on how long it has been soaked”, says Shajahan, the factory owner.

“Manually, a well seasoned husker could separate about 2,000 coconuts a day. But machines are now available in the country, which can process even 2,000 coconuts in an hour,” he says.

The backwaters are an excellent nature gifted facility for retting

and de-fibering and of course for a cheaper transportation of the materials. The Indian coir is over 200 years and is evolved as a domestic activity. But the history of this industry in India dates back to the 19th century when the first coir factory was set up in Alappuzha by an expat British named James Darrah in 1859-60.

Soon the viral impact started changing the face of the Indian coastal belt. Today this cottage industry has a big role in the economy of major coconut growing areas like Kerala, Tamil nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Orissa, Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep. But still the Indian coir making is a largely dissipated one with household producers to big players.

India accounts for more than two-thirds of the world’s coir

Kora: Making style statement In a short span of 4 years the ace designer duo, Nilesh & Mitesh have managed to carve their niche in the Indian fashion industry.

Having launched his first brand label Nilesh Mitesh in 2009, NM name is now firmly established as one of the best brand of Indian and western designs in the country. With a keen eye that sources materials from villages and local craftsmen, NM has mastered the art of converting local Indian textures into beautiful fabrics and cloths. Ahead-of-thecurve designs express a neverbefore-seen fusion of traditional crafts and contemporary haute couture is a signature factor behind the immense success of the label.

With the successful launch of

production and Kerala is the home of Indian coir industry, accounting for 61 per cent of coconuts and over 85 per cent of coir products.

This industry is a beacon of hope for many families in the coastal hamlets of the country. In most places, it is moreover a family affair to keep their life going.

Advertorial

Sleek accessories give the conventional storage space a complete facelift. has an exquisite collection of ready to wear garments: formal, casual, party wear and wedding trousseau. They also caters to individual orders. All the garments in studio have the NM signature style: trendy and hip. KORA is a name to reckon with in the world of fashion.

a new brand, titled KORA, in 2011. KORA now caters for the everyday wear casuals of Indian men, who while rooted in their

traditional upbringing, are looking towards the brighter future. The studio takes up couture and prêt orders for men. The studio

December 2012 124 www.spiceroutemag.com

The first retail studio of the label “KORA” by NILESH MITESH is been launched at Santacruz (W) Mumbai – 54 in the month of October 2011.

Good samaritans

Connect with innovations Education for underprivileged children is a challenge. Here’s an organisation that helps students and teachers realise the power that lies in their own hands.

WOR D S

|

C h esta

Wa dhwa ni

Tr e h a n

I

ram Mumshad, a teacher at Majeediya Madarsa-e-Jadeed in Seelampur area of east Delhi noticed that students would give up too easily while facing an academic ordeal. The teacher also observed how the students were only concerned about earning grades and did not really worry about acquiring ‘knowledge’.

To stimulate students, Iram brought in smiley cards to the table. He handed over a smiley card to a student every time he or she raised a bar in their academic and extra-curricular performance. The smiley card was all what they December 2012 126 www.spiceroutemag.com

wanted, and for good reason. Each card was priced at `25 and students could redeem them at year end. Iram, by his own little micro-innovation managed to grab all the attention from the kids.

School of innovations Siddharth Singh, India programme director, STIR(Schools and Teachers Innovating for Results) has been tapping these ‘microinnovations’ steadily over the last year across many schools for the underprivileged in Delhi.

Good samaritans

Sarah Brown with teacher innovator and children at a Delhi school

over 170 applications and spoke with over 3000 teachers and in the process finalised 25 micro-innovations. What helped and delivered concrete results was the feedback from scaleup partners, international evidence and a rigorous selection process. “The schools we work with are all serving the urban poor, with most of the children being first-generation learners. But the scale-up of these ideas is targetted across India and in other developing nations,” informs Siddharth.

Thinking out of box Starting with Delhi, the programme aims to select an initial 25 teacher or principalinnovators at primary level. The selection process is three-staged and intensive. It includes a visit by the STIR team to the school, an interview, and a final assessment centre where teachers will be asked to present their ideas to their peers and to a distinguished national and international panel.

STIR visited over 300 primary schools, spoke with over 3,000 teachers and finalised 25 micro innovations Siddharth and his small team have reached out to as many as 300 schools in Delhi and in the process identified the numerous challenges schools face each day. Not just the obstacles, this UK-based NGO has also recorded innovative solutions, adopted by teachers that very often go unnoticed.

Considering the weak support system at home and the rising drop-out rate in these schools, it is commendable to see how

young, enthused teachers dig out ways to connect with the kids. Throwing light on STIR, Siddharth explains, “STIR’s programme aims to raise educational outcomes for the poorest children by creating a network of innovative teachers. They share ideas they are already implementing, so that these ideas can be utilized as widely as possible.”

For their programme in Delhi, STIR visited over 300 primary schools, received December 2012 128 www.spiceroutemag.com

Over a year old, the organisation has been founded by Sharath Jeevan, who served as Founding CEO of Teaching Leaders, an initiative to raise attainment in the UK’s most disadvantaged schools. Jeevan, in his early 30s, and Siddharth, all at 27, are in the process of analysing micro-inventions and training teachers to scale up and connect better with the students in their environment.

The project states how sometimes, it takes a distant observer to identify the problems, and make one realise the power that lies in their own hands. “We have launched our initial pilot in India but are looking to create an international network for school and teacher driven innovation,” quips Siddharth. The scheme has the backing and funding from international bodies like the World Bank, Stanford University, British Council, Microsoft and PearsonEducation, represented on its advisory board. It has also a partner network of over 12 known education NGOs in India.

Good samaritans

Doctor at doorstep

Today when healthcare is a rare luxury in small towns, here’s a group of doctors who gave up lucrative job offers to help the destitute in rural areas.

WOR D S

|

N i v edi ta

C houdhuri

T

he month was August and the year 2008 when the Kosi River in Bihar burst its banks. Hundreds were stuck in the devastating floods without any valuable help. The problems were manifold and official help was almost negligible. The dejectedness of the scene

transformed Doctors For You (DFY ) from an NGO arranging voluntary blood donations in to a humanitarian aid association. Over a period of six months, the 110-strong team from DFY worked to mitigate the effects of the calamity and treated more than 130,000 patients at 300 different mobile health clinics at various relief camps. For all its efforts, DFY was even awarded the top honours by the British Medical Journal in the category ‘Medical Team in a Crisis Zone’ in 2011.

The efforts of DFY won them great laurels and the judges at the award ceremony were particularly impressed by the way the DFY constructed the Biratpur Health Centre which provided free treatment to more than 54,000 patients and delivered more than 160 babies since it opened. The running of the centre has now successfully been handed over to the local community.

Caring attitude Fame and praise are not new to DFY, which has been making great strides in providing humanitarian aid in areas where natural disasters and calamities have struck. Speaking about disaster management during a calamity, Dr Ravikant Singh, president, DFY said, “Medical preparedness is an important pre-requisite in disaster management both for natural as well as man-made disasters.

In the recent past, it has been observed that most of the deaths that occurred in the

December 2012 130 www.spiceroutemag.com

Good samaritans

aftermath of major disasters were due to lack of preparedness at various levels. This in turn led to huge socio-economic losses and psychological trauma. Therefore, it is essential to have well trained and informed individuals at the ground level who can enable the medical team members and volunteers to deliver an effective response to major disasters.”

DFY began implementing its projects after its inception in 2005 by adopting the Total Disaster Risk Management (TDRM) approach. The TDRM approach is in line with the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA), which was adopted by 168 countries at the 2005 UN World Conference on Disaster Reduction in Kobe, Japan. Dr Singh informed us that the organisation was born in response to a severe shortage of blood in blood banks and also to combat dengue and malaria in India’s rural areas. Dr Singh became the first Indian to bag the SAARC Youth Award 2009 for his ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Aftermath of Natural Disasters’ in the wake of the Bihar

floods. Registered in 2007, DFY has offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Guwahati and Patna and soon plans to spread its operations in Nepal and Bhutan.

Another project that is close to Dr Singh’s heart is the battle against tobacco consumption. In a joint effort, doctors from USA, Canada and DFY went on a month-long auto-rickshaw rally in November 2011 to create awareness about the dangerous effects of tobacco. The doctors travelled across six states from Mumbai to Delhi and visited more than 100 towns and cities in a bid to raise awareness.

According to Dr Singh, around 275 million Indians are in the habit of consuming tobacco.

Dr Singh with patients in the Madhepura area of Bihar

“DFY also joined hands with the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors to galvanise action towards a tobacco-free world through a campaign ‘Don’t stay silent, doctor.

DFY also offers primary health care services to neglected communities all over India,” adds Dr Singh. Its health centres in Biratpur and in the Natwar Parikh Compound Slum Resettlement Township of Mumbai cater to some of India’s most underprivileged people. “The Natwar Parikh Health Centre caters to over 4,500 families (more than 30,000 people). It has

DFY is making great strides in providing humanitarian aid in areas where calamities have struck December 2012 132 www.spiceroutemag.com

Good samaritans

Multi-task force

general, gynaecology, dental and paediatric clinics and also caters to tuberculosis patients.

Immunisation programmes are regularly carried out. The centre also offers advice on socially- sensitive subjects such as family planning and sexually transmitted diseases.

At both centres, medicines are provided free of cost and doctors make regular community visits to ensure continuity of service,” highlights Dr Singh.

Voluteers with DFY Interested candidates can send mails to info@ doctorsforyou.org Send in donations at: Doctors For You, Flat No-101, Building number-31, Natwar Parikh compound, Govandi Mumbai-400043

DFY also started the Sri Sri Health and Research Centre in Mumbai in April 2011 to provide oral healthcare services for the slum resettlement colonies of Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The funding for this project was provided by the Art of Living Foundation, Bangalore. DFY is also involved in many projects related to cancer prevention and control in association with Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.

Other DFY programmes include organising a platelet donation and awareness drive and launching the Life Savers Club in Mumbai. DFY also set up a clinic for visitors who went to see Lalbaughcha Raja during Ganesh Chaturthi last year. Around 1.5 to 2 lakh people reportedly visit Lalbaugh each day for a glimpse of the famous idol of Ganesh during Ganesh Chaturthi. DFY has treated more than 3,000 minor and major cases over the festival period.

DFY has sharpened its vision further and aims to work on Disaster Risk Reduction in the health sector. It plans to launch a Rapid Medical Response Team in case of disasters anywhere in south Asia.

Taking inspiration Dr Vivek Chhabra, DFY international coordinator says, “The organisation has given me the freedom to indulge in my passion – providing first-rate emergency services.” Dr December 2012 134 www.spiceroutemag.com

Clockwise from above: Dr Chandrakant Patil who lost his life during the Bihar floods in 2008; A DFY team with actor Hugh Grant; Dr Singh with patients at Supaul, Bihar

Chhabra’s interest in emergency medicine was sparked after stints in a hospital in Westonsuper-Mare and Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, UK, during 2003-04. In 2006, he left for Australia and worked in emergency services at Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth. He returned to India after a short while, all fired up and hoping to implement (what he had learnt in the UK and Australia). “Around this time, the Bihar floods took place and the National Disaster Management Authority and the ‘hospital-on-wheels’ Lifeline Express put me in touch with Dr Singh. I worked as strategic advisor to DFY in Bihar.”

Dr Singh says he is inspired by the altruism of the legendary Dr Dwarkanath Kotnis. Dr Kotnis was among a group of Indian doctors who provided medical assistance to Chinese soldiers fighting the Japanese in the late 1930s. Opting to stay on in China while the other doctors chose to head back home, Dr Kotnis played a major role in controlling a virulent strain of plague that had hit Chinese soldiers before dying at the young age of 32 in China in 1942. Doctors for You wishes to propagate Dr Kotnis’ selfless work and service to humanity, if not in the same measure then at least in the same spirit.

Gadget guru

Travel buddies

Technology is a great thing, especially when your vision and view is refreshed with technology which changes everything around you.

WOR D S

|

A s h ish

Bhat i a

Nikon Coolpix S800c Not satisfied with ruling the smart-phone world, Android is now snapping at the heels of cameras. The Nikon S800c is the world’s first camera to run the popular phone operating system. It can also download and run apps like Instagram and Google+. Infact, the camera’s features allow you to seamlessly connect, browse and upload to most social networks.

Specs 16 megapixel CMOS sensor, 3.5-inch OLED touchscreen, 10x optical zoom NIKKOR Lens, WiFi compatible.

Price `20,950

Plantronics BackBeat GO The best thing about these Bluetooth stereo audio earbuds is that they are wireless, incredibly light. Besides, the rubberised cable keep them always totally tanglefree. You can pair them with your phone as well as you iPod. On the downside, the Go battery life at just over 4 hours can leave you in the lurch. The bass response too is a tad wanting.

Specs Bluetooth connectivity, 3 earbud sizes, up to 33 feet wireless range from device, 13gms Price `4990

Micromax Superfone Pixel A90 Here’s a true value dual SIM phone with a 4.3-inch Super-AMOLED touchscreen running Android 4.0. Well-built yet lightweight, the phone is well specked, boasting of a speedy processor and an 8MP snapper.

Specs 1 GHz dual core processor, 4GB onboard memory, 3G, 8MP CMOS rear camera with LED flash, 0.3MP front camera, FM radio.

Price `12,990

December 2012 136 www.spiceroutemag.com

Gadget guru

Universal Travel Adapter Do you ever verify and check the kind of electrical sockets in the country you plan to visit? If not, then you need to invest in a single multi-country travel adapter. The Swiss Military Universal Travel Adapter is a very compact plug set that comprises three international plugs. This plug set can be used in over 150 countries across the globe.

Specs 3-in-1 travel plug set, very compact design, plugs can be used in over 150 countries, 110V-250V electric rating.

Price `590

Portronics Electropen This smart pen-plus-clip device can capture your handwritten notes on ordinary paper into its memory; convert them to editable text and send them to a PC. The notes can be written on any ordinary, normal paper. Further, the refill used in the pen is also a regular refill. Go digital people!

Specs Ultrasound and infra-red technology based, 8 hours battery life in receiver, 30 hours battery life for continuous writing in pen, A4/letter size coverage area.

Price `7,999

Silver screen

Films releasing in

December

BOLLYWOOD

Khiladi 786

Upcoming Bollywood caper

Release date: 7 Dec Cast: Akshay Kumar, Asin

Dabangg 2 Salman Khan is back with loads of bang-bang with his superhit sequel of Dabangg. Supported by fabulous cast including Sonakshi Sinha, Vinod Khanna and Prakash Raj, this edition of the film will take you forward to the original screenplay set in the city of Kanpur. The masala film is directed and produced by Arbaaz Khan. Kareena Kapoor’s tadka item number fevicol se will surely set your pulse racing. It will be interesting to watch if Chulbul Pandey’s wittiness and ishtyle will impress us this time.

Thottumkal Director: Ashish R Mohan

Cigarette Ki Tarah Release Date: 14 Dec Cast: Bhoop Yaduvanshi, Prashant Narayanan Director: Harjeet Virk

Ammaa Ki Boli Release Date: 14 Dec Cast: Sanjay Mishra, Farrukh Jaffar Director: Narayan Chauhan

Release date: 21 Dec Cast: Salman Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Sonakshi Sinha Director: Arbaaz Khan

Holly wood

Playing for Keeps Release Date: 7 Dec Cast: Gerard Butler, Jessica

Upcoming Hollywood caper

Biel and Dennis Quaid Director: Gabriele Muccino

Hotel Transylvania When monsters want to get away from it all, they go to Count Dracula’s (Adam Sandler) Hotel Transylvania, a lavish resort where they can be themselves without humans around to bother them.

On a special weekend, Dracula invites every scary creatures known to humans to mark the occassion of his daughter, Mavis’s 118th birthday. But twist in a tale happened when an ordinary human unwittingly crashes the party and falls in love with Mavis.

The Collection Release Date: 14 Dec Cast: StarsJash stewart, Christopher Mcdonald Director: Marcus Dunstan

Midnight`s Children Release Date: 28 Dec Cast: Shahana Goswami , Satya Bhabha, Rajat Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Ronit Roy, Seema Biswas Director: Deepa Mehta

Release Date: 7 Dec Cast: Adam Sandler, Kevin James Director: Genndy Tartakovsky December 2012 140 www.spiceroutemag.com

by arun kumar

Book shelf

Interesting reads nobody can love you more The Delhiwalla is back with his latest book, which highlights what all goes in the dark dungeons of Delhi’s red light district. The author delves deep into the lives of women of Kotha no. 300 and shares their take on life. Life in brothel is not just about flesh trade, there’s an equal dose of emotion attached to the lives of the women. Right from raising their children to visiting shrines, listening to film songs to pondering over their actual names and lives, the book highlights every aspect of the lives of these women.

Author: Mayank Austen Soofi Publication House: Penguin Viking Price: `399

make it or break it Non-stop round the clock work schedules are adding to the stress of those associated with the ‘Corporate World’. To survive and succeed in this rat race, one needs to learn numerous tricks. Basu has culled out the same in Make It or Break It, an indispensable guide to give one’s career a soaring start. Some of the most important corporate lessons come bundled in this book which guides one on how to start on the right foot and emerge a winner. The book also helps people in navigating their way through this corporate jungle and understand the unwritten rules and hidden pitfalls. The book also makes one accomplished to face the fierce competition scenario.

Author: Partha Sarathi Basu Publication House: Penguin Price: `250 the folded earth The widely acclaimed author is back, and this time with a powerful and eclectic tale set in contemporary India, where a young woman forges a new way of life in the foothills of Himalayas. Maya, the protagonist, is a young widow who is trying to break loose from her complicated past. She chooses to teach in a school in the hills where air is trepid. Here, she teaches Charu to read and write so that she can correspond with her lover in secret. As Maya finds out, however, no refuge is remote enough to keep out the modern world, or her own past. Folded Earth brims with the same genius and love of language that made Roy’s debut an international success.

Author: Anuradha Roy Published by: Westland Price: `399

The Forest of Stories by Ashok Banker, Westland Price: `295 Thundergod by Rajiv G Menon; Westland; Price: `250 Silk, Fish, Opium

by Jaina Sangha; Tranquebar; Price: `295 Patriots and Partisans by Ramchandra Guha; Allen Lane; Fiction, Price: `699 The Cherry Tree by Ruskin Bond; Puffin, Price: `150 Zombiestan by Mainak Dhar; Duckbill; Price: `199

by nitika bajpayee

December 2012 142 www.spiceroutemag.com

Kids corner

This Christmas, go creative by churning out interesting craft items. Together with your kids get in to the imaginative mood.

WO R D S

|

N i ti ka

Ba jpay ee

N

ow that Diwali buzz is over, it is time to ring in the festivities for Christmas. With the year drawing to a close, go ahead and make the most out of the time old traditions. Christmas is round the corner when life is filled up with cheerful mood and perfect weather. Yes, we can now see markets adorned with colourful

December 2012 144 www.spiceroutemag.com

goodies, flavourful aroma emanating from the bakeries that are busy dishing out delectable cakes and cookies, green and red sparkling decorations everywhere and sounds of jingle bells that can be heard at a distance. This Christmas, get into a creative mode and create new memories.

Kids corner

Left: This Christmas, get your children to make greeting cards for their teachers and friends; Bottom: Organise a treasure hunt and leave the gifts in a stocking

Decorate your house and the area where you will be placing your Christmas tree with lots of candles The very thought of Christmas approaching gets children all cheered up and that certainly means they are enthusiastic about getting in to the party mood. Enthusiast kids without any plans to keep them around, while you prepare for the party, can be spoiler.

While most kids look forward to the winter vacation, some dread about the ways to kill time. A lot is on the to-do-list of children who make plans with their friends and plan to

have a blast during the vacation. The idea of having a blast sometimes daunt parents, who fret at the thought of children being around for 15 days without having anything concrete to do. If your kids have a creative bend get them involved in all your Christmas celebration planning and rest assured you will not regret.

Sequined candles This Christmas join hands with your children and indulge in making craft and decorations for the occasion. Access your nearest craft store to fetch interesting and inexpensive raw material you may need. You can decorate your house and the area where you will be placing your Christmas tree with lots and lots of candles.

Candles are great mood enhancers and also make wonderful gifts. Christmas candles can be made quickly and easily using things you would probably have access to in your house. Without adding any clutter to your space you can get your kids assemble all the raw material you may need for the decorations. Making your own candles saves you from going out to buy new or the usual ones. You can easily convert these back to their old form anytime.

December 2012 146 www.spiceroutemag.com

Direct your kids to sketch a design on a slightly thick candle using a blunt pencil. The pencil is enough for making a light dent in the wax. Keep the designs relevant to the occasion, the kids can draw Christmas tree, bells, star etc. Fill the designed portion using glitter glue or sequins. Make the boundary of the design using a glitter glue. Once done, hold a sequin flat against the candle and push a coloured pin that will hold the sequin to the surface of the candle. Continue pushing sequins into the candle until your design is complete. At the end of the procedure you will get a beautiful sparkling candle. Kids can gift these beautiful handmade candles to their friends and teachers. Certainly a good way to illuminate your Christmas celebrations.

Greeting cards Though there are many e-greeting websites from where you can send an e-greeting to everyone, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing like sending out hand drawn greeting card. Wish Seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greetings to all your friends and family members by sending out hand drawn greeting cards. Making greeting cards is one of the many great ideas that may help you bring out the creativity in your kids. Drawing personalized Christmas greeting cards can be a wonderful craft project for children to delve into on

Kids corner

a chilly winter day in preparation for the Christmas preparations.

treasure hunt The cuddly Santa has to get to every child’s house to distribute gifts, all the travelling may take a toll on his health.

Help Santa out by organising a treasure hunt for kids. Wrap the gifts and hide it at an unusual place within the house. Leave the first clue near the Christmas tree.

Compose a second clue and hide it in the place indicated in the first clue.

Continue writing and hiding the clues until kids come to the final clue where gift is hidden.

Children can create cards by using a sturdy base like a simple chart-paper or a cardboard.

Kids can pick up their favourite colour (multicolour) and finish (metallic, glossy or matte) for the base. Let the creativity of kids flow by allowing them to draw a sketch or cut pictures out of magazine, old Christmas cards etc. Once the sketch is ready, kids can fill in the colour - use crayons, water colours, poster paints, or shade using coloured pencils. Outline the boundary of the main sketch using a bright glitter glue, colourful threads or even ribbons.

The key is not to overdo things, keep it simple and your guests will cherish it for sure. Write a sweet greeting inside the card and it is ready to be gifted. Kids can go to their nearest shop and choose the card envelopes that are available easily everywhere. Place the card inside the envelope and seal it with love.

Bell bracelets Cheer your kids up for the celebrations by making a jingle bells bracelet with them and for them. To make this interesting bracelet, you will need a pipe cleaner and tiny bells. Don’t pick the black pipe cleaner, instead opt for a red or a green one. Create a small hook shape

at the end of the cleaner. This process will make it easier to add the tiny jingle bells. Along with your kids you can slip the pipe cleaner into the loop on top of a jingle bell. Then slide the bell to the end of the pipe cleaner. You can add as many bells as your child desires.

Finally, twist both the ends of the pipe cleaner together. And your jingle bell bracelet is ready.

This easy to make bracelet can be created as per the need. These make a very good gifting option and many such bigger bracelets or necklaces can be created through this process.

Hand printed Santa Go creative by making a Santa and his favourite reindeer using handprints. For this your child will only need some paint and the chart-paper.

When complete, the child can frame the craft and give it to his favourite person or adorn one of the walls in your house. To make a hand print Santa, cover your child’s hand in a thin layer of white paint. With his fingers slightly spread out, place the hand on a piece of construction paper to make a white hand print.

This print will make as the Santa’s beard. Cut out a Santa hat from red construction paper.

Dip a thumb in the white paint and make white thumb prints along the brim of Santa’s hat to create the fur. Repeat at the tip of the hat. Glue the hat onto the construction paper at the top of Santa’s beard. Add googly eyes, a cute little plump nose and a small mouth with a mischievous smile.

December 2012 148 www.spiceroutemag.com

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

Games

Mind teasers

by David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

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

WEONNR

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

ETPDLE

INLAND ESPANA

CLAAKJ 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

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

INLAND SOVEREIGN

INLAND ELAN

LUSPRA INLAND

2 BHK: 1360 Sq.ft.

CLAAKJ Airport Road, Maryhill, Mangalore

SHOT AT LOCATION

CLUB HOUSE VIEW

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

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

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

SLCYOT

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

Sudoku

Duplex: 2720, 2730 Sq.ft.

ETPDLE

NOVEMBER 27, 2011

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

International Standard Lifestyle Apartments

WEONNR

PELTED JACKAL COSTLY RENOWN PULSAR FAMILY When the Giants leave the Big Apple for an away game, they —

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

Answer :

FLY NEW YORK JETS

INLAND EON

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

3 BHK: 1785 Sq.ft.

PRINT YOUR ANSWER IN THE CIRCLES BELOW

LUSPRA

INLAND ETHOS

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

Answer :

YAFLIM

INLAND ECHELON

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

PELTED JACKAL COSTLY RENOWN PULSAR FAMILY When the Giants leave the Big Apple for an away game, they —

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

NOVEMBER 27, 2011

SLCYOT

Solutions FLY NEW YORK JETS

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

Interiors by :

IN-LAND

by David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

THAT SCRAMBLED WORD GAME

INLAND IMPALA

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

Find the difference Actual Photo shot at INLAND WINDSORS Flat No. 102

December 2012 150 www.spiceroutemag.com

INLAND IMAAD

Hegdenagar, Bangalore

2 BHK: 1145 & 1175 Sq.ft.

3 BHK: 1370 Sq.ft.

Launch pad

25 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE...

TM

PALTECH

COOLING TOWERS RCC

Shop hopping

Surprise your kids with these products, especially for them.

We all drink coffee for pleasure

Under Construction 54000m3 / Hr at NTPC PROJECT Also executed 27000m3 / Hr, 18000m3 / Hr & so on PULTRUDED FRP

WOODEN

In Any Capacity

Cross/Counter Flow in Any Capacity FRP RECTANGULAR SHAPE

FRP BOTTLE SHAPE

10 to 1000TR in Single Cell

3 to 700TR

INDUSTRIAL CHILLING PLANTS

lovely friends

Home affair

Dream Theatre launched Power Rangers Samurai merchandise in India. The new Power Rangers Samurai collection is for children between the age of 4 –14 years and ranges from toys, apparel, footwear skateboards and cycles.

Price: `500 onwards Available: Leading outlets across the country

Magppie has come up with a new range of photo frames especially for children. The beautiful photo frames range has modern and ergonomic angular patterns with curves and fluid finish making the collection truly stand apart.

Price: `1800 onwards Available: Magppie Stores across Delhi/NCR

Choco fun

Trendy handbag

Gift a box filled with sweet treats

by Leonidas Belgian Chocolates to your kids. An ensemble of delicious chocolates like snowman, Christmas tree and adds to the overall fun of the festival.

Price: `200 onwards Available: Leonidas, 1 Cornelain Building, Kemps Corner, Mumbai

Young girls and bags go hand in hand.

These trendy bags by Landmark, available in plethora of designs and colors and whacky one liners, are the best options for carrying all your belongings to picnic or a pajama party.

Price: `499 onwards Available: All Landmark stores in the country

An inspirational drink that has become aspirational and a lifestyle beverage...

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

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

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

Air / Water Cooled (1.5 TR to 75 TR)

WATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS

RO, DM, SOFTENER, FILTRATION, MBR, PACKAGED ETP & STP

Available Interchangeable Spares & Repairs of All Makes PALTECH

PALTECH

TM

COOLING TOWERS & EQUIPMENTS LTD.

B-604, Sushant Lok, Phase-I, Gurgaon, Haryana-122002 Tel.: 0124 - 4499700, Fax: 0124-4222466, e-mail: paltech@paltech.net.in, website : www.paltech.in

BRANCHES ALL OVER INDIA

MORE THAN 7500 CLIENT WORLDWIDE

SEA HAWK SHOPPING PRIVATE LIMITED

Get “Choles-Low” Ayurvedic Medicine for cholesterol control

w w w. s e a h a w k s h o p p i n g . c o m Online - Tele Shopping for latest Innovated Products suits your budget For Orders Call : 08510009000

December 2012 152 www.spiceroutemag.com

Coffee is not just a beverage, the

www.indiacoffee.org

dark brew intellectuals long for...

coffee in a measure is a treasure

Zoom in

Temple trail

Preserving proof of architechtural marvel of North Karnataka, Pattadakal shows the fusion of northern and southern styles of the medieval Indian art.

P HOTO G R A P H S

|

DI NES H

S HUKL A

About 30km from Badami, in Pattadakal lies a group of well-preserved temples that are considered the climax of the Chalukya rulerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s architectural achievements in north Karanataka. The largest temples are the twin Virupaksha and Malikarajun temples. Both are Shiva temples constructed in 745AD by sister queens of Vikramaditya-II and commemorated the Chalukyan victory over the Indian Military Academy Tamil Pallava dynasty.

December 2012 154 www.spiceroutemag.com

155

Zoom in

1. & 2. Within the moated walls of the Belgaum Fort, Kamal Basti is a Jain temple built in the later Chalukyan style. 3. The Chandramouleshwara Temple at Unkal 4. Agastya Lake in Badami with temples on the mountains and waterfront.

1 2

December 2012 156 www.spiceroutemag.com

3

4

157

Zoom in

There’s nothing permanent except CHANGE and that’s what 1

2 3

1. Standing Tirthankaras in the Jain rock cut temple 2. The red sandstone cliffs of Badamia 3.

The Mallikarjun temple built in the 8th century 4. The Gaudar Gudi temple at Aihole 5. Ancient sandstone temple at Aihole.

has done to the real estate industry in India by Promoting and facilitating transparency, ethics and good practices through Mission Transparency Helping consumers resolve issues quickly and in a fair manner through Consumer Redressal Forum Inspiring consumers to buy homes without hesitation Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) has been able to achieve all this through its 9,000 individual member companies which represent real estate developers and promoters across 116 cities from over 22 states who shoulder responsibility of the present $20 billion real estate industry which is expected to grow exponentially and reach $180 billion by 2020

4

Now the updates from CREDAI are just a click away. Thinking How? Visit these links and follow us for the latest updates, news and much more...

5

http://www.facebook.com/credainational

December 2012 158 www.spiceroutemag.com

https://twitter.com/#!/CREDAINational

https://www.linkedin.com/company/credai

CREDAI National Secretariat, 703, Ansal Bhawan, 16, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi - 110 001. T: 91 11 43126262, 43126200, F: 91 11 43126211 E: info@credai.org www.credai.org

Predictions

Astrological Predictions for December 2012 By

Dr. Prem Kumar Sharma

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

This is going to be a special month for you. You will develop new friendships and nurture relationships. At work, you will get the due credit. Bask in this moment without guilt. A perfect vacation is an escape from your own overactive mind.

Luck Tip: Place some fresh plants in your room or in your office to boost your growth prospects.

Don’t withdraw into your shell when things lend a solemn atmosphere. Perhaps you need to take stock of the situation. At work, a transformation is soon to occur.

Play the role of the negotiator rather than a fighter. Avoid guided tours and travelling with strangers.

Luck Tip: Light the south corner of your house with a bright bulb or candle.

This month, you are placed under the watchful eyes. You may want to find long-term happiness and stability and even begin to create a home. Workwise, some people will inspire you to stabilize your current position. If planning a break, prefer a relaxing destination.

Luck Tip: Donate some stationary to the children; it will help you in coordinating things.

The month will be high on emotional quotient. Be cautious and think about your future before doing anything. At work, the co-workers may try to implant seeds of doubt in your scheme of actions. If you want to make progress, act with confidence.

Lucky Tip: Keep 3 I-ching coins tied in red ribbon close to your laptop or phone.

Leo

Virgo

Libra

SCORPIO

Your traits are so strong that you will stick to your principles like glue, and refuse to budge an inch. At work, look for long term projects so that you can channel your energies. It’s time for you to recognize your strengths and move on the growth path.

Lucky Tip: Place some rock salt in the north corner of your office to kick away all the negativity.

Emotionally, nothing gets in your way this month so make the most of this phase. Stars guide you to approach your dealings in a neutral frame of mind. Your relationship with the one you love seems simple. Professionally, don’t take things to your heart.

Lucky tip: Place fresh yellow flowers on your work desk in order to keep away office politics.

Under the dynamic influence of the changing planetary positions, developments, news or unexpected upheavals are on the emotional horizon. Professionally, colleagues can bring some good news. Prepare yourself for a true intrepid travel.

Lucky Tip: Wear a blue wrist band on your right hand to improve your confidence level.

This month is not the right time to resolve a dilemma or make a constructive decision. But don’t let others make the choices for you. At work, don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by dark thoughts.

Don’t let yourself be assailed by doubt or paralyzed by hesitation.

Lucky Tip: Placing goldfish inside the home or office aquarium will activate good luck.

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

Don’t lose heart if you are compelled to realize that there are certain blockages in your sentimental life. At work, a conflict threatens to break out which may strain a cordial relationship between you and a co-worker or a superior.

Courage is what you require to confidently handle the situation!

Lucky Tip: Keep a rooster at the back of your seat in office.

You lack neither conviction nor imagination in your love life! This means that things are moving in the desired direction. On the work front, you will make all the efforts to make your dreams come true.

This is on of the best phase for you, so enjoy.

Luck Tip: Replace images of lone figures with pictures of happy, smiling couples.

You may find yourself in the midst of confusion and indecision. Don’t let your heart rule your mind; have a bit more confidence in yourself. You might be forced to make a choice. You may well have to take an important decision.

Lucky Tip: Bring good luck and wealth with a tabletop fountain on your desk, living room, kitchen or in the front entrance.

You’re a water baby, so this month it is the beach where you head.

In your professional life, it is as though an earthquake was making the walls of your office tremble.

Get a grip on yourself, go see your boss and either he’ll have a new project for you, or you can propose something you want to do.

Lucky Tip: Keep your front door attractive and conspicuous.

December 2012 160 www.spiceroutemag.com

Advertorial

Welcome to the heart of India Madhya Pradesh with its wildlife, heritage and history in abundance, is a must visit destination.

Madhya Pradesh as the name indicates is the heart of India.

Exquisitely carved temples, forts and palaces, monuments are a part and parcel of the rich state.

The topography of the beautiful land is predominantly a plateau, which is interspersed by stunning mountain ranges, gurgling streams, meandering slow rivers and miles and miles of dense, thick forestland. That apart its rich folk culture and tribal traditions is another attraction. A slice of ancient Indian history is visible in the Sanchi Stupa built by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. Ujjain and Omkareshwar are significant pilgrimage centres. Here are five must visit places you cannot afford to miss.

Khajuraho Temples The Khajuraho temples in Chhattarpur district, also a world heritage site were built

by Chandela rulers during 950 to 1050 AD. There are over 20 temples whose sculptures are a celebration of love, life and worship.

Bandhavgarh & Kanha National Parks Bandhavgarh and Kanha National Parks have emerged as favourite destinations amongst nature enthusiasts. Bandhavgarh is the best place to see tigers in the wild in India. The Kanha National Park too is known for its research and conservation programmes, and is the home for many endangered

species. Safaris in both these parks are very popular.

Gwalior The main attraction here is the massive hilltop fort that towers over the city. Reputed to be one of the most invincible forts in India, it is over 1000-years-old. Inside the fort walls are a number of palaces and temples, the highlight being the Man Mandir Palace. At the bottom of the fort is the old town of Gwalior, brimming with history and fine examples of Mughal architecture such as the Tomb of Tansen.

Orchha Orchha located on the banks of the Betwa River, is a relatively

December 2012 162 www.spiceroutemag.com

peaceful place, full of well preserved palaces and temples, with a distinctly medieval charm.

Three main palaces are enclosed in Orchha’s fortified walls. The Jahangir Mahal is the largest and most impressive, and its upper levels offer some arresting panoramic views.

Mandu Once the lavish home of the Mughals, Mandu’s attractions include the Jahaz Mahal, which is the most impressive. Mandu village has the Jama Masjid and Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, while to the south lies Baz Bahadur’s Palace and Rupmati’s Pavillion.

The pavillion is a perfect spot to watch the sunset.

Destinations

Destinations Agartala

Ahmedabad

AMRITSAR

Aurangabad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Must Stay: Experience a stay with all possible contemporary and plush comforts at The Gateway Hotel Ummed Ahmedabad.

Bagdogra

belgaum

Must See: Jallianwala Bagh is reminiscent of the Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s freedom struggle and is well known historical site in Amritsar.

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

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

Bengaluru

Bhopal

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

Airport: Belgaum Airport is located Airport: Bengaluru International at a distance of 10 km from the city Airport is located 40 km from the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business district. Taxis, Volvo centre. Taxis are easily available.

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

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

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

Road in Belgaum.

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

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

December 2012 168 www.spiceroutemag.com

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

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

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

Destinations

CHANDIGARH

Chennai

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

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

Must See: Marina Beach is a 12

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

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

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

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

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

Must Stay: In the heart of Chennai, The Raintree- Annasalai is a business hotel that knows just what matters. Experience the heart warming taste of Punjab at ‘UP NORTH’- Punjabi restaurant.

Must Stay: Thematic interiors, spacious rooms makes The Residency a major landmark on the Avinashi Road.

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

DEHRADUN

Delhi

Dubai

Goa

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

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

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

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

Taxis are available.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coimbatore

December 2012 170 www.spiceroutemag.com

Colombo

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

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

Destinations

Guwahati

Hyderabad

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

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

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

Must See: Mecca Masjid is a

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

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

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

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

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

MUST Stay: Radisson Blu Hotel, located in the heart of Indoreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business hub is ideal for the discerning business traveller.

Jaipur

Jammu

KABUL

Kathmandu

Airport: Sanganer Airport is 13 km from the city centre. Pre-paid taxis are available.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indore

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

December 2012 172 www.spiceroutemag.com

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

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

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

Destinations

Kochi

Kolkata

Kozhikode

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

Airport: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is 20 km from Kolkata city.

Pre-paid taxis are easily available.

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

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

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

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

Must Stay: Relive the past at Cochin Heritage Home, located just next to the Bishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House in Fort Kochi area of the city.

Must Stay: Chrome Hotel on AJC Bose Road offers relaxing in the tech-savvy interiors.

Must Stay: Relax at the Gateway Hotel, situated on the beach road in Kozhikode.

Madurai

MALE

Mangalore

Airport: Madurai Airport is located about 10 km Airport: Ibrahim Nasir International Airport is from the city centre. Taxis are available. the main international airport in the Maldives.

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

Must Stay: The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai offers Must Stay: Cerulean View Boutique Hotel is high standards in accommodation. one of the best hotels in Male.

December 2012 174 www.spiceroutemag.com

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

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

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

Destinations

Mumbai

Port Blair

Pune

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rajahmundry

Srinagar

Surat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

December 2012 176 www.spiceroutemag.com

Destinations

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

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

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

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

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

Must Stay: Having served some prominent personalities, Hotel Bliss serves its guests all the comforts and food options.

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

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

Must Stay: Poppys Hotel Tuticorin offers a home-away-from-home experience with services and rooms.

Varanasi

Vijayawada

visakhapatnam

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

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

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

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

Ardhanarishwar.

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

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

December 2012 178 www.spiceroutemag.com

Must See: Kambalakonda is a wonderful nature reserve, about 20-25 minutesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; away from Vizag.

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

Routemap

December 2012 180 www.spiceroutemag.com

181

Spice schedule

Destination

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

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1630 1540 1300 1540 1540 1630 1630

2250 2115 1400 1925 1645 1725 2045

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

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

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

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

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

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

0825 1555 1550 1550 1250 1550

0940 1720 2205 1810 1325 1935

SG-162

Daily

0855

1050

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

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1525 1040 1400 1400 1525

1855 1250 1820 1500 1625

SG-873 SG-871 SG-286

Daily Daily Daily

0615 1010 2030

1220 1510 2230

Destination

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

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

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

Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily 1,3,5,7 2,4,6 Daily 1,3,5,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,6,7 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 1,2,3,4,5,6 7 2,4,6 Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 246 1,3,5,7 Daily

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

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

SG-1053 SG-1063 SG-1063

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

2015 1915 1915

2210 2210 1955

SG-2112 SG-2116

Daily Daily

0835 1920

0940 2020

Destination

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

flight no.

freq

dep

Destination

arrival

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

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

1600 1600 1240 1600

2205 1810 1325 1935

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

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

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

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

freq

dep

arrival

Port Blair Port Blair Pune Rajahmundary Thiruvananthapuram Thiruvananthapuram Tuticorin Tuticorin

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

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

1020 1200 0515 1355 0555 2005 0715 1405

1225 1355 0650 1520 0810 2140 0835 1515

Vijayavada Vijayavada (Via-RJA)

SG-3304 SG-3304

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

1510 1355

1610 1605

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

SG-3277

Daily

1710

1900

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

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

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

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

SG-2334 SG-2325

Daily Daily

1120 1620

1225 1715

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

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

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

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

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

December 2012 182 www.spiceroutemag.com

flight no.

183

Spice schedule

Destination

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

flight no.

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

freq

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

dep

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

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

Destination

arrival

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

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

Surat Varanasi

SG-151 SG-116

Daily Daily

0605 0935

0755 1100

Varanasi Varanasi

SG-114 SG-127

Daily Daily

1340 1745

1505 1910

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

SG-221

Daily

1510

1850

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

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

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

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

Mumbai Mumbai

SG-247 SG-804

Daily Daily

1330 1650

1440 1800

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

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

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

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

SG-1088 SG-1088

Daily Daily

2035 2035

2125 2300

SG-871 SG-916 SG-1031 SG-872 SG-1063 SG-1053 SG-1073 SG-1262

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

1140 2135 0625 2015 1710 1710 1040 0600

1510 2310 0745 2115 1855 1955 1230 0720

Guwahati Agartala Ahmedabad (Via-CCU-BLR-BOM) Bagdogra Bengaluru (Via-CCU) Bengaluru (Via-IXA-CCU-BOM) Chennai (Via-CCU) Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-IXB) Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata (Via-IXA) Mumbai (Via-CCU-BLR) Mumbai (Via-DEL) Mumbai (Via-IXA-CCU) Port Blair (Via-CCU) Hubli Bengaluru Hyderabad (Via-BLR) Hyderabad Agartala (Via-CCU) Ahmedabad Bengaluru Bengaluru Bhopal Bhopal (Via-IDR) Kozhikode Chennai

Note Schedule subject to change and regulatory authority approvals.

1- Mon, 2-Tue, 3-Wed, 4-Thu, 5-Fri, 6-Sat, 7-Sun.

December 2012 184 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice schedule

Destination

Chennai Chennai Chennai Chennai Kochi Kochi Coimbatore Coimbatore Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Goa Goa (VIA-MAA) Indore Indore (Via-BHO) Jaipur Jammu (Via-JAI) Kolkata Madurai Mangalore Mumbai Port Blair (Via-MAA) Port Blair (Via-MAA) Pune Rajahmundary Tirupathi Tirupathi Varanasi (Via-DEL) Vijayavada Vijayavada Visakhapatnam Visakhapatnam Indore Bhopal Delhi Hyderabad Hyderabad (Via-BHO) JABALPUR Delhi Mumbai Jaipur Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Bengaluru (Via-PNQ) Bengaluru (Via-PNQ) Chennai (Via-HYD) Delhi Goa (Via-AMD)

flight no.

freq

dep

Destination

arrival

SG-917 SG-1011 SG-913 SG-1264 SG-231 SG-1051 SG-211 SG-233 SG-116 SG-226 SG-234 SG-108 SG-236 SG-1071 SG-1011 SG-1053 SG-1063 SG-912 SG-912 SG-871 SG-3313 SG-1023 SG-402 SG-917 SG-917 SG-1022 SG-1061 SG-1041 SG-1048 SG-116 SG-1001 SG-1003 SG-401 SG-221

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

0830 1230 1815 2105 1020 1845 0840 1625 0645 1030 1220 1435 2000 1310 1230 1710 1710 0845 0845 1140 0950 0825 2130 0830 0830 2030 1030 0720 1700 0645 0745 1610 0715 1755

0940 1350 1915 2240 1150 2035 1000 1740 0840 1250 1430 1645 2210 1450 1615 1855 1955 1045 1250 1345 1150 1005 2315 1225 1355 2200 1130 0835 1825 1100 0845 1705 0820 1850

SG-1053 SG-2226 SG-1063 SG-1053

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

1915 1955 2015 1915

1955 2145 2210 2210

SG-2432 SG-2431

Daily Daily

1445 1010

1625 1205

SG-137 SG-137 SG-345 SG-345 SG-913 SG-218 SG-137

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

1005 1220 2115 2120 1515 2040 1005

1120 1340 0055 0040 1915 2130 1330

Goa (Via-AMD) Hyderabad Jammu Mumbai Pune Pune

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-137 SG-913 SG-912 SG-133 SG-345 SG-345

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

1220 1515 1120 0830 2115 2120

1540 1715 1250 1025 2255 2250

SG-913 SG-854 SG-852 SG-858 SG-913 SG-913 SG-852 SG-851

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1320 0930 1310 1625 1320 1320 1310 1040

1915 1050 1425 1740 1715 1445 1720 1115

SG-286 SG-286 SG-3242 SG-278 SG-118 SG-112 SG-108 SG-214 SG-108 SG-1052 SG-112 SG-118 SG-214

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

1900 1900 1800 1905 1840 1120 1235 1400 1235 2100 1120 1840 1400

2230 2000 1910 2040 2315 1620 1645 1835 1400 2255 1320 2040 1555

SG-873 SG-871 SG-529 SG-323 SG-523 SG-529 SG-874 SG-872 SG-324 SG-322 SG-219 SG-608 SG-255 SG-219 SG-803 SG-255 SG-321 SG-528 SG-883 SG-873

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

1130 1415 1645 1355 0715 1645 1800 1720 1655 2045 1710 0720 1155 1710 0805 1155 0815 1250 1635 1130

1220 1510 2300 1455 0935 1910 2250 2115 1855 2315 0040 0950 1410 1940 1300 1720 0925 1405 1755 1400

Jammu Chennai (Via-JAI - HYD) Delhi Delhi Delhi Hyderabad (Via-JAI) Jaipur Mumbai (Via-DEL) Srinagar Kochi Ahmedabad (Via - BLR) Bengaluru Chennai Chennai Delhi (Via- BOM) Delhi (Via-BOM) Delhi (Via-HYD) Delhi (Via-PNQ) Hyderabad Hyderabad Mumbai Mumbai Pune Kolkata Agartala Agartala Ahmedabad (Via-BLR-BOM) Bagdogra Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru (Via-BOM) Bengaluru (Via-HYD) Chennai Chennai Chennai (Via-DEL-PNQ) Delhi Delhi Delhi Goa (Via-BOM) Goa (Via-DEL) Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati Guwahati (Via-IXA)

December 2012 186 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice schedule

Destination

flight no.

freq

dep

Hyderabad Mumbai

SG-872 SG-803

Daily Daily

1720 0805

1925 1120

Mumbai Mumbai (Via-BLR) Port Blair Pune (Via-DEL)

SG-874 SG-529 SG-525 SG-219

Daily Daily Daily Daily

1800 1645 1135 1710

2045 2125 1335 2225

SG-3254 SG-3252 SG-1074

1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily

1220 1220 1255

1330 1440 1440

SG-304 SG-306 SG-296 SG-304 SG-306 SG-3317 SG-296

Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily 1,3,4,5,7 Daily Daily

1000 1500 1840 1000 1500 1645 1840

1055 1605 1940 1425 1935 1835 2155

SG-3232 SG-341 SG-1024 SG-1024 SG-341

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

1025 1515 1225 1505 1515

1110 1910 1200 1640 1645

SG-873 SG-106 SG-529 SG-151 SG-528 SG-341 SG-874 SG-151 SG-291 SG-274 SG-206 SG-131 SG-103 SG-109 SG-851 SG-114 SG-112 SG-264 SG-136 SG-118 SG-106 SG-218 SG-2432 SG-152 SG-803

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

0815 0810 2200 1000 0735 1730 2120 1000 0605 1645 2100 0835 1450 1250 0550 1055 1415 1745 2015 2110 0810 1810 1230 1850 1200

1220 0915 2300 1220 0920 1910 2250 1210 0755 1840 2305 1035 1700 1440 0755 1255 1620 1955 2220 2315 1125 2130 1625 2205 1300

Kozhikode Bengaluru Chennai Hyderabad Madurai Chennai Chennai Chennai Delhi (Via-MAA) Delhi (Via-MAA) Hyderabad Mumbai ( Via-MAA) Mangalore Bengaluru Bengaluru (Via-BOM) Hyderabad Hyderabad Mumbai Mumbai Agartala (Via-CCU) Ahmedabad Ahmedabad Amritsar Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Chandigarh Chennai Chennai Chennai Kochi Kochi Coimbatore Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi Delhi (Via-AMD) Delhi (Via-JAI) Delhi (Via-JLR) Delhi (Via-STV) Goa

Destination

arrival

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

Goa Guwahati (Via-BLR-CCU) Guwahati (Via-CCU-IXA) Hyderabad Jabalpur Jaipur Jammu (Via-DEL) Kolkata Kolkata Kolkata (Via-BLR) Madurai (Via-MAA) Mangalore Srinagar (Via - ATQ) Srinagar (Via - IXC) Srinagar (Via-DEL IXJ) Surat

SG-248 SG-528 SG-873 SG-401 SG-2432 SG-218 SG-851 SG-873 SG-804 SG-528 SG-291 SG-344 SG-151 SG-151 SG-851 SG-152

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

1515 0735 0815 0515 1230 1810 0550 0815 1855 0735 0605 1230 1000 1000 0550 1850

1620 1405 1400 0635 1425 2010 1010 1100 2135 1220 0930 1400 1325 1325 1115 1935

Thiruvananthapuram Varanasi (Via-DEL) Visakhapatnam (Via-HYD)

SG-275 SG-114 SG-401

Daily Daily Daily

1145 1055 0515

1340 1505 0820

SG-272 SG-272 SG-883 SG-883

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

1255 1425 1405 1405

1455 1640 1755 1600

SG-227 SG-345 SG-345 SG-219 SG-217 SG-208 SG-214 SG-294 SG-1025 SG-342

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

0645 2320 2325 2300 1115 0720 1625 2105 2220 0755

0815 0040 0055 0040 1310 0930 1835 2315 2340 0935

SG-3304 SG-3303 SG-1062 SG-3304

2,4,6 2,4,6 Daily 2,4,6

1535 1230 1150 1535

1750 1340 1250 1605

Port Blair Chennai Chennai Guwahati (Via-CCU) Kolkata Pune Bengaluru Bengaluru Bengaluru Chennai Kochi Delhi Delhi Delhi Hyderabad Jaipur Rajahmundry Bengaluru (Via-VGA) Chennai Hyderabad Vijayavada Srinagar Amritsar

SG-152

1,3,5

1445

1520

Bengaluru (Via-DEL) Chandigarh Delhi Delhi (Via - ATQ-BOM-STV) Delhi (Via - IXC-BOM-STV) Delhi (Via-IXJ) Jammu Mumbai (Via - ATQ)

SG-209 SG-152 SG-209 SG-152 SG-152 SG-852 SG-852 SG-152

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

1435 1445 1435 1445 1445 1155 1155 1445

1940 1530 1605 2205 2205 1425 1240 1810

December 2012 188 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice schedule

Destination

Mumbai (Via - IXC) Mumbai (Via-IXJ-DEL) Surat (Via - ATQ-BOM) Surat (Via - IXC-BOM) Surat Amritsar (Via - BOM) Chandighar (Via - BOM) Delhi Mumbai Srinagar (Via - BOM-ATQ) Srinagar (Via - BOM-IXC) Tirupati Hyderabad Hyderabad Pune (Via- HYD) Trivandrum Chennai Chennai Mumbai Tuticorin Bengaluru (Via-MAA) Chennai Chennai Hubli (Via-MAA,BLR)

Varanasi Coimbatore (Via-DEL,HYD) Delhi Delhi Delhi Hyderabad (Via-DEL) Mumbai (Via-DEL) Vijayawada Bengaluru Bengaluru Chennai Chennai (Via-RJA) Hyderabad Hyderabad Rajahmundary Visakhapatnam Bengaluru Chennai Delhi (Via-HYD) Hyderabad

flight no.

freq

dep

arrival

SG-152 SG-852 SG-152 SG-152

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

1445 1155 1445 1445

1810 1720 1935 1935

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

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

0835 0835 2005 0835 0835 0835

1220 1210 2205 0920 1325 1325

SG-1042 SG-1022 SG-1022

Daily Daily Daily

0855 1850 1850

1010 2010 2200

SG-3272 SG-3308 SG-276

Daily Daily Daily

0830 2200 1410

0955 2345 1605

SG-1084 SG-3292 SG-1084

1,3,4,5,7 Daily 1,3,4,5,7

1600 0855 1600

1900 1020 1710

SG-1084

1,3,4,5,7

1600

2015

SG-233 SG-233 SG-119 SG-128 SG-233 SG-119

Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily

1130 1130 1535 1940 1130 1535

1740 1250 1655 2100 1550 1940

SG-3304 SG-3304 SG-3303 SG-3303 SG-1002 SG-1004 SG-3303

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

1625 1630 1350 1140 905 1725 1140

1750 1750 1450 1340 1005 1820 1210

SG-1077 SG-3278 SG-226 SG-226

Daily Daily Daily Daily

1005 1920 0850 0850

1145 2100 1250 1000

Destination

Hyderabad Mumbai (Via-HYD)

flight no.

SG-402 SG-402

freq

Daily Daily

dep

1930 1930

arrival

2050 2315

INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULE Destination

Ahmedabad Dubai Chennai Colombo Colombo Chennai Madurai Madurai Delhi Dubai Kabul Kathmandu Kathmandu DUBAI Ahmedabad Kochi Delhi Mumbai KABUL Delhi Kathmandu Delhi Delhi Kochi Dubai Male Madurai Colombo Colombo Male Kochi Mumbai Dubai

flight no.

freq

arrival

SG-015

Daily

1700

1825

SG-001

Daily

0055

0200

SG-002 SG-3316 SG-3316

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

0300 1420 1435

0430 1520 1535

SG-011 SG-021 SG-041 SG-045

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

0950 0920 0840 1540

1140 1020 1040 1740

SG-016 SG-018 SG-012 SG-014

Daily Daily Daily Daily

1925 2045 2330 1250

2330 0225 0355 1710

SG-022

2,4,6

1120

1420

SG-042 SG-046

1,3,5,7 Daily

1140 1840

1315 2010

SG-017 SG-3901

Daily Daily

1710 1250

1950 1440

SG-3314 SG-3314

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

1230 1245

1330 1345

SG-3902

Daily

1515

1705

SG-013

Daily

2100

2225

• SpiceJet flies to 38 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 5 international destinations.

December 2012 190 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 Vice President: Shraboni Mitra, Customer Services E-mail: shraboni.mitra@spicejet.com, custrelations@spicejet.com Reservations Toll Free: 1-800-180-3333 and 987-180-3333 Regional Heads North & Central India and Nepal: Mr. Rahul Bhatkoti Email: rahul.bhatkoti@spicejet.com Delhi T1 & T3 and Nepal: Mr. Nelash Godara Email: nelash.godara@spicejet.com East Ms. Mitali Borgohain Email: mitali.b@spicejet.com West Mr. Rahul Bhakoti Email: rahul.bhakoti@spicejet.com Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Mr. Pankaj Handa Email: pankaj.handa@spicejet.com Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Sri Lanka Mr. R. Ranjeev Email: r.ranjeev@spicejet.com Agartala Station Incharge: Avishek Kar Address: Spicejet Ltd., C.A. Agartala Airport, Agartala - 799009 (Tripura) Email: avishek.kar@spicejet.com Ahmedabad Station Manager: Johnson George Address: Spicejet Ltd., SVP International Airport, Ahmedabad - 380003 (Gujarat) Email: johnson.george@spicejet.com Amritsar Station Incharge: Deepak Anand Address: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar-143101 (Punjab) Email: deepak.anand@spicejet.com Aurangabad Station Incharge: Keshav Moktali Address: Spicejet Ltd., New ATS Complex, Jalana Road, Aurangabad Airport, Aurangabad (Maharashtra) Email: keshav.moktali@spicejet.com Bagdogra Station Incharge: Saurav Raj Thapa Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Bagdogra, Siliguri-734421 (West Bengal)

Email: saurav.thapa@spicejet.com Bengaluru Station Incharge: Vivek Godbole Address: Spicejet Ltd., Bangalore International Airport, Devenhalli, Bengaluru - 560300 (Karnataka) Email: vivek.godbole@spicejet.com Bhopal Station Incharge: Faraz Siddiqui Address: Spicejet Ltd., Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) Email: Faraz.Siddiqui@spicejet.com Chandigarh Station Incharge: Manmeet Singh Barham Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Airport, Chandigarh – 16003 Email: manmeet.barham@spicejet.com Chennai Station Incharge: Gavin Jeffries Address: Spicejet Ltd., Kamraj International Airport, Chennai (Tamil Nadu) Email: gavin.jeffries@spicejet.com Coimbatore Station Manager: Santosh Kumar Nair Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Coimbatore - 641014 (Tamil Nadu) Email: santosh.nair@spicejet.com Colombo Station Manager: Rajesh Kumar Singh Address: Spicejet Ltd., Bandarnaike International Airport, Colombo (Sri Lanka) Email: rajesh.singh@spicejet.com Dehradun Station Incharge: Manish Pandey Address: Spicejet Ltd., Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, Uttarakhand Email: manish.pandey@spicejet.com Dubai Station Manager: J. Venkatramakrishnan Address: Spicejet Ltd., Dubai International Airport, Departure level-Terminal 1, UAE Email: j.venkat@spicejet.com Goa Station Manager: Vrushiket Bhise Address: Spicejet Ltd., Goa International Airport, Dabolim-403801 (Goa) Email: vrushiket.bhise@spicejet.com Guwahati Station Manager: Debasish Choudhury Address: Spicejet Ltd., Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Guwahati (Assam) Email: debasish.choudhury@spicejet.com Hyderabad Station Manager: Raghunath Singh Address: Spicejet Ltd., Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad (Andhra Pradesh) Email: raghunath.singh@spicejet.com Hubli Station Manager: Mahavir Gaur Address: Hubli airport, Gokul Road. Hubli 580 030 (Karnataka)

Email: mahavir.gaur@spicejet.com Indore Station Incharge: Pavitra Shukla Address: Spicejet Ltd., DABH Airport, Indore (Madhya Pradesh) Email: pavitra.shukla@spicejet.com Jabalpur Station Incharge: Jaimin Premasawala Address: Spicejet Ltd., Jabalpur Airport, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh Email: jaimin.premasawala@spicejet.com Jammu Station Manager: Deepak Koul Address: Spicejet Ltd., Jammu Airport,Civil Enclave Jammu (J&K) Email: deepak.koul@spicejet.com Jaipur Station Manager: Brijendra Sinsinwar Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Civil Airport Sanganer, Jaipur (Rajasthan) Email: brijendra.sinsinwar@spicejet.com Kathmandu Station Officer: Sagar Gurung Address: Spicejet Ltd., Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (Nepal) Email: sagar.gurung@spicejet.com Kabul Station Officer: Sunil Rehman Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Kabul International.

Airport (Afghanistan) Email: sunil.rehman@spicejet.com Kochi Station Manager: Shamon P.S Address: Spicejet Ltd., Cochin International Airport Limited, Kochi (Kerala) Email: shamon@spicejet.com Kolkata Station Manager: Sagarnath Das Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Terminal II, NSCBI Airport, Kolkata – 700052 (West Bengal) Email: sagarnath.das@spicejet.com Kozhikode Station Incharge:Sajith kannoth Address: SpiceJet Ltd., Calicut International Airport, Malapuram – 673647 (Kerala) Email: sajith@spicejet.com Madurai Station Manager: Balaji Ramanan Address: Spicejet Ltd., Madurai Airport, Madurai - 625022 (Tamil Nadu) Email: balaji.ramanan@spicejet.com Mangalore Station Incharge: C.M.Biddappa Address: Spicejet Ltd., Bajpe Airport, Mangalore (Karnataka) Email: biddappa@spicejet.com Mumbai Station Manager: Naved Patel Address: Spicejet Ltd., Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai (Maharashtra) Email: naved.patel@spicejet.com

December 2012 194 www.spiceroutemag.com

New Delhi Station Manager: Nelash Godara Address: Terminal 1D, IGI Airport, Palam (Delhi) Email: nelash.godara@spicejet.com Port Blair Station Incharge: Arun M Address: Spicejet Ltd., Veer Sawarkar International Airport, Port Blair (Andaman & 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 Srinagar Station Manager: Irfan Hussain Kanth Address: Spicejet Ltd., Srinagar Airport, Srinagar (J&K) Email: irfan.kanth@spicejet.com Surat Station Incharge: Harin Rajguru Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Surat Airport, Surat (Gujarat) Email: harin.rajguru@spicejet.com Tirupati Station Incharge: N Nagaraju Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Tirupati-517520 (Andhra Pradesh) Email: n.nagaraju@spicejet.com Thiruvananthapuram Station Incharge: A.C.Ratheesh Address: Spicejet Ltd., Trivandrum International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram - 695008 (Kerala) Email: ratheesh.ac@spicejet.com Tuticorin Station Incharge: R. Raajeev Address: Spicejet Ltd., Civil Aerodrome, Tuticorin-628103 (Tamil Nadu) Email: r.rajeev@spicejet.com Varanasi Station Manager: Rajul Srivastava Address: Spicejet Ltd., L.B.S. Airport, Babatpur, Varanasi - 221006 (Uttar Pradesh) Email: rajul.srivastava@spicejet.com Vijayawada Station Incharge: Devendra Sunkara Address: Spicejet Ltd., Vijayawada Airport, Gannavaram - 521102 (Andhra Pradesh) Email: devendra.sunkara@spicejet.com Visakhapatnam Station Manager: Attanur Prasad Address: Spicejet Ltd.,Visakhapatnam Airport, Visakhapatnam - 530009 (Andhra Pradesh) Email: attanur.prasad@spicejet.com

Spice bites

December 2012 196 www.spiceroutemag.com

Spice bites

December 2012 198 www.spiceroutemag.com