AirAsia May 2019

MAY 2019

ISSUE 26

India

Leave me in my seat pocket for others to explore. Catch up with me online instead!

AirAsia Inflight Magazine

In Divine Presence Celebrating Buddha Purnima

Issue 26

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MAY 2019

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TravelHer – Thailand

Wanderlust – Australia

Wanderlust – North India

Down By the Water

G'day, Perth!

Pedalling Through the Clouds

Author Lee Grewal explores the vibrant seaside town of Krabi and its numerous attractions.

When in Perth, cuddle koalas in Swan Valley, click a selfie with adorable quokkas, sign up for water adventures and soak in the cosmopolitan vibe of the city.

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Wanderlust – Odisha

Wanderlust – Lenscape

Holy Beginnings

In Divine Presence

Take a heritage tour through some of the most stunning and ancient temples in Bhubaneswar.

A glimpse of Buddha Purnima celebrations in India and Southern Asia.

Follow the adventures of 65-year-old Vishav Dhiman as she cycles to Khardung La, the world's highest motorable road.

travel360 won Bronze at the ABCI Award 2017-2018 in the category 'Special Column (English)'. The column featured is the TravelHer section of the magazine.

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

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Award to Himanshu & Shaurya - Atal Incubation Center Award to Shubham, Vishal & Ajay - NXG Venture

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Issue 26

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MAY 2019

Here’s the Buzz on AirAsia’s Social Media AirAsia India is one of the leading airlines in the country and its fares are much lower in comparison with others in the industry.

I prefer travelling with AirAsia India.

Balaji Kotyada

I fly AirAsia India frequently over the weekend, and did the same a few days ago when I flew from Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.

After a long hectic week when one wants a peaceful journey, seldom does one come across a flight crew that goes an extra mile to make a trip comfortable.

I would like to especially thank crew members Sweetmita and Anjali for their hospitality. I have experienced their services before and this is my effort to appreciate them.

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piyush patel

From the Flight Deck

8 Trust, Warmth and World-Class Service Banmali Agrawala, Chairman, AirAsia India, on leading the airline into its next phase of growth.

10 Red Fort

Stay updated on happenings across the AirAsia Group.

14 Spotlight

A peek into Okhai, and how this sustainable fashion brand is transforming lives and empowering women; travel to the beaches of Lombok with AirAsia.

26 Sweet Smiles

82 Fresh as a Daisy

Early signs of diabetes, how it affects dental health and its prevention.

Must-have fragrances for summer.

Calendar

16 Hot Dates Events across the globe in May.

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Quick Bites

20 Coolin' Down Beat the heat with these healthy homemade drinks.

24 Cover to Cover We bring you the month's top seven books.

Prescription

Vanity Fare

84 Joy of Flying

28 Latest Releases

In-flight exercises for your health and well-being.

Movie and music releases in the month of May.

Touchdown

86 In Touch 88 Route Map 92 Destinations

Movies & Music

30 Darjeeling Experience the culture, history and cuisine of this stunning hill station.

Aperture

34 World in Frame A phenomenal image can capture so much about a place.

A huge applause for the hospitality of AirAsia India.

I was travelling from Srinagar's Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport to New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport and reached the airport late. The way Sheikh Fazal, ground operations, handled the situation and assisted me is worth every compliment. Kudos to the team of AirAsia India.

Za ID

Being a frequent business and family traveller, I have flown with many airlines.

This is the first time I decided to fly AirAsia India and I would love to travel with them again. The ground staff at Indore's Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport was excellent and was competent in customer services.

Nick Randhawa

India

Issue 26 MAY 2019

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from the flight deck

Get to Know Banmali

What is your earliest memory of flying in an aircraft?

I first flew in a small Dornier aircraft from Pune to Aurangabad on work. I felt I had truly arrived in life!

What is the first thing people ask you when they discover your connection with AirAsia?

Do you know Tony Fernandes (Group CEO, Air Asia)? And I proudly say “Yes”!

Who would you most like to sit next to in a plane, and why?

JRD Tata – father of civil aviation in India. Just to get some nuggets of his wisdom.

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Trust, Warmth and WorldClass Service 05 19

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I am delighted to connect with you all through Travel 3600 India this month. As the newly appointed Chairman of AirAsia India, I look forward to helping AirAsia India into its next phase of growth. Mr Ramadorai, from whom I’ve taken over as Chairman after his retirement, has painstakingly built this airline since its inception and it is now time to take his efforts further.

AirAsia is not just an airline.

AirAsia is a culture. The culture is focussed around people. We strive to drive a people-centric culture both with our own employees and of course with our guests. We will obviously ensure we have the highest standards of performance.

On-time performance, reliability, safety and trust are some facets of our business that we do not compromise on. Immense attention goes into analysing our operations with every aircraft rotation and the team of Allstars (as AirAsia staff is known) is trained to be adept in all aspects of customer experience.

We will, however, deliver performance with all our heart and be much more human and personable in our approach.

A lot of focus is dedicated to curating quality products and

setting high quality standards in customised service to guests and we particularly pride ourselves in taking special efforts to enhance our employees’ interpersonal skills. I do hope that you, as our customers, can feel the difference when you fly AirAsia.

The first quarter of 2019 has several milestones that AirAsia India has achieved, with the best one being the celebration of Mumbai as a new destination and several new routes from the city! The pie is now complete with AirAsia India establishing a strong presence in key business and leisure markets such as Bengaluru, New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kochi, Guwahati and Srinagar among others. Within five years we have made our presence felt and we now look to growing much faster both within India and soon, also internationally.

I am also happy to share with you all the news of our pilot cadet programme that has been launched this month. The demand for pilots is skyrocketing across the industry as a whole and this program by AirAsia India is targeted at all aspiring pilots in the country aged between 18 and 28. This programme, launched

1. Banmali Agrawala, Chairman, AirAsia India (centre) along with Sunil Bhaskaran, CEO & MD, AirAsia India (fourth from left) and Sanjay Kumar, COO, AirAsia India at an event in Mumbai.

with HDFC Bank as the airline’s supporting partner, will assist candidates with easy loan options, thereby giving them an opportunity to live their dreams of taking flight!

Advancements in technology have also entrenched AirAsia at the forefront of all our customer experience initiatives. The technology deployed in airasia. com, the AirAsia Mobile App and the recently introduced Virtual Allstar, AVA are some of the significant steps the airline has taken towards increasing operational excellence.

From easy booking, check-in, comfortable leather seats, delightful warm meals to impeccable in-flight and on ground service by the Allstars, AirAsia India offers a quintessential experience to all its guests. I look forward to seeing you all fly with AirAsia more often and wish you a safe and enjoyable flight with us!

Banmali Agrawala Chairman, AirAsia India

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Red Fort Award-winning Performance

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Career Quest

05 19

AirAsia unveiled its new global careers website in March.

The site provides quick and easy access to information about the airline’s recruitment process, AirAsia Allstar (staff) testimonials, employee benefits and a look at AirAsia’s awardwinning work culture. Job-seekers can also take a virtual tour of RedQ, AirAsia’s iconic global headquarters in Malaysia, and explore career opportunities with the airline. The new website was launched as part of AirAsia’s People First Day – a regionally celebrated showcase of employee well-being, technology programmes, and learning and development initiatives. For more info, visit careers.airasia.com

Bold Expansion

1. Varun Bhatia, Group Chief People and Culture Officer for AirAsia (fourth from left), with AirAsia Allstars at the launch of careers. airasia.com at RedQ 2. The awards were accepted

by Rajkumar Paranthaman, Head of Marketing for AirAsia India (extreme right), Suresh Nair, General Manager of India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal for AirAsia Berhad, and Satish Kumar, Station Manager, New Delhi.

AirAsia India won the award for "Marketing Excellence" in the Airlines segment at the Times Travel Awards presented by VFS Global held in New Delhi on April 15, 2019, while AirAsia Berhad bagged the title of "Travel Enablers" in the International Low-cost Airline segment, for the year 2018-19!

The Times Travel Awards recognise those brands and people who strive towards transforming the travel landscape in India and abroad.

AVA- Happy Chat

AirAsia India continues to forge ahead with network expansion plans. On March 25, the airline introduced a new route connecting New Delhi and Indore, a city in Madhya Pradesh, with daily flights; and a third daily connection between New Delhi and Bengaluru, Pune and Srinagar. The airline also added a second destination from Mumbai on April 15, linking the city to Kolkata with one daily flight.

“With the launch of the New Delhi Indore and Mumbai - Kolkata routes at affordable fares, we stand by our vision of making everyone fly. We look forward to adding more routes to our network in days to come, and encourage more and more guests to fly with AirAsia India. We recently introduced the first connection between Bengaluru and Mumbai, and are proud to launch this new connection between Mumbai and Kolkata and look forward to adding more destinations from Mumbai. These new routes are a manifestation of our future growth plan in these key business markets." ~ Sanjay Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, AirAsia India

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AVA our AirAsia Virtual Allstar, who joined our Customer Happiness team in December of 2018, has just hit yet another milestone - she has now assisted over 2.5 million guests with their enquiries! You can talk to AVA on the AirAsia website, our recently updated mobile app or, through Facebook Messenger 24/7 in 11 different languages including Thai, Indonesian, Mandarin and Korean. AVA is here to assist you with flight bookings, changing your booking details, adding products to your booking such as baggage, meals and seats, and checking your flight status. Look for AVA at https://support.airasia.com

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Red Fort

New Digital Heights AirAsia soared to new heights with the launch of a new travel shop specialising in lifestyle offerings and cool activities.

“The launch of deals. airasia. com is a significant part of our transformation into more than just an airline. Whether you are flying with AirAsia or not, deals.airasia.com should serve as your number one travel and lifestyle hub." ~ Aireen Omar, Deputy Group CEO (Technology and Digital) of AirAsia

05 19

AirAsia has taken the next step in its digital transformation journey – the launch of its new travel shop, deals.airasia.com.

Offerings here include exciting deals on dining, holiday activities and services, making the brand new platform THE travel and lifestyle hub – and it’s for everyone, not just AirAsia guests! Truly living up to its vision of becoming a travel technology company, AirAsia has put its wealth of travel data to good use. By applying booking and behavioural data – such as information pertaining to travel searches and destinations – to

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the site, AirAsia not only provides users with tour and activity bookings at discounted prices, but also curates a personalised travel experience. Technology has not only revolutionised travel, but travel planning as well! At deals. airasia.com, F&B reservations, spa and tour bookings, and travel attraction tickets are available at exclusive or discounted prices.

Over 15,000 amazing experiences in more than 80 destinations across Asia-Pacific are accessible on the site, allowing globetrotters to take advantage of unique offerings to plan the perfect holiday.

To top that, guests who make bookings on deals.airasia.com earn AirAsia BIG Points for every transaction. These points can be used to pay for purchases made on the site. This means that AirAsia BIG Points earned can be used to offset travel activities.

Built on AirAsia’s mantra of always being guest-obsessed, deals.airasia.com is part of the airline’s steadfast commitment to innovate and deliver on product and service excellence, fulfilling AirAsia’s promise of a seamless journey across its network of over 320 routes connecting 140 plus destinations.

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spotlight

The Tribes of Okhai

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05 19

Okhai is a sustainable fashion brand that has brought to the fore the immense talent of the women of Okhamandal, a small village in Gujarat. This is their story, a retelling of their cultures and traditions, captured in vibrant threads and contemporary designs.

Over the years, Okhai has played an important role in transforming the economy of Okhamandal giving its women the opportunity to hone their age-old crafts, while learning to incorporate modern designs into their more traditional motifs.

Supported by Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD), the organisation has impacted over 1,400 artisans across the country, drawing the

eyes of women across the board.

Okhai is a one-stop shop for today’s woman. The organisation offers a wide selection of products, ranging from dresses and kurtis (long tops) to jewellery, which you can view on their website (www.okhai.org) and Instagram page (@okhai_org). As more women turn to pure cotton and Indian embroideries, Okhai’s burgeoning popularity is attested by their large followership on social media, not to mention the 100 per cent growth the organisation has witnessed in the past year.

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1. The seasoned artistes of Okhai working on a Gujarati-style bed cover. The organisation uses a Distributed Manufacturing Model to enable artisans to work from the convenience of their homes.

2. The artisans of Okhai.

3. An open thatched hut on Kuta Beach in Lombok.

Lure of Lombok Peruse any list of spectacular beach getaways from around the world and Lombok in Indonesia is bound to appear in the Top 10. Located east of Bali, Lombok is famous for its picturesque shores that attract surfers, divers and snorkelers from all over the world. The unique Pink Beach or Tangsi Beach for example, is one of few in the world with a pink-hued shoreline. Other famous spots to visit while on the island include Tanjung A’an, Gili Meno and Gili Naggu. The island is also home to the second highest volcano in Indonesia; Mt Rinjani that rises up to 3,726 metres. Stunning shoreline and majestic mountains aside, Lombok is also known for its indigenous Sasak culture that dates back to 100 BC. The Sasak people here practise a unique culture that is an amalgamation of animism, Buddhism, Hinduism and in recent times, Islam. This makes the community’s culture a mustexperience encounter. Visit Lombok via a stopover in Kuala Lumpur with AirAsia. More routes that will connect Lombok to other cities in Indonesia and, Perth, Australia are in the pipeline.

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Rare Rabbit & Rarism Name/Logo are Registered Assets

calendar

Hot Dates All that you need to see and do in May.

Nagaland

Moatsu Festival May 1 to 3 Experience the vibrant culture of the Ao tribe of Nagaland as they dress up in their finest to celebrate Moatsu Mong, their harvest festival. In this three-day long extravaganza, the villagers express their friendship towards their neighbours by exchanging gifts, making new bonds and renewing old ties. Attractions of this festival include folk music and dance performances, as well as indigenous sports and traditional cuisine. tourismnagaland.com

New Delhi

The Yogshala Expo 2019 May 10 to 12 This annual expo brings together renowned yoga practitioners from across the world to exchange knowledge.

A live painting competition on the theme of "Health+Wellness", and an international seminar on Ayurveda for cancer treatment will be the highlights this year. theyogshalaexpo.com

05 19

OOTY

Ooty Flower Show

Mumbai

Bolshoi Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty

May 17 to 21 The 123rd edition of the horticultural show, which will be held at the botanical garden in Ooty, will showcase around 3,00,000 flower saplings of more than 150 varieties. The government rose garden will also display as many as 30,000 variants.

May 8 and 12 Watch your favourite fairytale Sleeping Beauty come alive on screen in a ballet rendition presented by Bolshoi Ballet, the renowned theatre based in Moscow, Russia.

The music of the ballet, which will be held at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, Mumbai, was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. This version of the classic also includes characters from other popular tales such as Little Red Riding

Hood and Puss in Boots. Tickets can be bought from the centre. ncpamumbai.com

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calendar Sydney, Australia

Vivid Sydney May 24 to June 15 An annual festival of lights, music and innovation, Vivid Sydney features stunning installations and projections along with performances from local and internationally-renowned musicians. The Sydney Opera House, Luna Park, City Recital Hall and Darling Harbour are a few of the places from where the light shows can be best viewed. australia.com and vividsydney.com

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Palangkaraya, Indonesia

Budaya Isen Mulang Festival May 19 to 24 Witness the best of Indonesian art, culture, tradition and music at this annual celebration. It is held in the beautiful city of Palangkaraya, and this year, it will showcase the theme of 'The Existence of Local Wisdom Towards Central Kalimantan Blessings'. The extravaganza will also feature folk performances, games and the Central Kalimantan Tourism Beauty Contest. mmc.kalteng.go.id

05 19

Image: mysarawak.com

1. The seahorse, the symbol of the city of Miri, Malaysia.

2. Members of the Dayak tribe decked in traditional folk dance costumes and headgear.

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Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia

Miri May Fest May 1 to 31 The festival is held with the objective of promoting the city of Miri as a tourist destination. Coordinated by the Miri City Council, the month-long celebrations include entertainment programmes, sports, and cultural, social and recreational activities.

These events are organised in collaboration with government agencies, social clubs and NGOs. sarawaktourism.com

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China

Great Wall Marathon May 8 Sign up for this marathon and partake in the most exhilarating race of your life! In this run, participants need to climb the 5,164 steps of China's Great Wall. The race starts from the village of Huangyaguan, 120 km east of Beijing, and attracts marathoners from over 60 countries. The event offers three racing distances: the full marathon (42.2 km), the half marathon (21.1.km) and a non-competitive fun run (8.5 km). great-wall-marathon.com

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quick bites

Coolin' Down

Set aside those sugary fizzes and reach for a tall glass of cool, healthy goodness.

Try out these super nutritious drinks that will help beat the heat this summer.

Falsa Sherbet

05 19

If you are looking for a healthy yet cooling summer drink, your search ends at bael (wood apple) sherbet. Enriched with nutrients such as beta-carotene, protein, riboflavin and vitamin C, this juice helps in increasing the metabolic rate, along with energy levels, a requisite on sunny days. What's more? The juice is traditionally said to aid in weight loss and helps control cholesterol levels (especially lipid profiles and triglycerides). To top it all, it assists in purifying

the blood and removing toxins from the liver and kidneys. Also, thiamine and riboflavin found in wood apples are known to boost liver function and maintain good cardiovascular health.

Preparation Take one medium-sized ripe bael. Scoop out the pulp into a bowl, add water and remove all the seeds. Mix well. Add jaggery powder and stir. Add a pinch of salt if you don’t like your drink too sweet. Mix, sieve and serve chilled.

Aam Panna This sweet and sour drink made from unripe mangoes, salt, sugar, cumin seed powder, chillies, coriander leaves and mint is the best way to protect yourself from heat stroke, as it helps maintain a balanced body temperature in summer. It prevents the loss of salt and iron, and is known to keep diseases like tuberculosis, anaemia, cholera and other stomach infections at bay.

Preparation Boil or steam raw mangoes (kacchi keri). Once done, remove

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the pulp and keep in a bowl. Add the spices, powdered jaggery (or sugar) and cardamom powder as per taste. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper as per your taste. Add cold water, mix, chill and serve.

Vitamin C to the Rescue When it comes to cool and healthy summer drinks, tender coconut water is unparalleled. It helps in replacing lost fluids (due to sweating) and replenishes electrolyte imbalance in the body. The presence of nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium and magnesium help reduce blood pressure and keep hypertension under control. Plus, it also aids in weight loss. Other summer favourites include watermelon juice and mint coolers. While the first keeps you hydrated, is a cost-effective way of cutting fat and an instant mood booster, the latter keeps your body cool in the scorching heat, supports digestion and relieves headaches.

Image: sooperchef.pk

Bael Juice

Filled with the goodness of potassium, vitamin C and antioxidants, the humble and indigenous falsa fruit is a summer favourite. Not only does it provide relief from burning sensations in the chest, stomach and eyes, and sour burping, but also rejuvenates the skin and helps in keeping summer skin ailments such as prickly heat and mosquito bites in check. The antioxidants present in the fruit scavenge free radicals, resulting in clear skin. The juice of the fruit normalises the heart rate and blood pressure.

Preparation Take two to three cups of falsa and soak in water for a few hours. Later, mash into a fine paste. In a pan, heat sugar and water to make syrup. Add it along with the desired amount of black salt to the falsa paste and top it up with cold water. Garnish with mint leaves and enjoy!

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Gulkand, a sweet preserve made from rose petals, is traditionally consumed to keep the body cool. It alleviates heat-related symptoms such as lethargy and rashes and also reduces burning sensations in the soles and palms.

quick bites

Kanji

05 19

Prepared with healthy ingredients such as carrots, beetroot, mustard seeds and water, kanji is a “good-gut� secret. This fermented drink maintains the balance of the good and bad bacteria and aids in increasing the number of good bugs in our intestines.

These bacteria help us in digesting food, and boost our enzymes to be more effective.

Kanji, which can also be called the Indian probiotic drink, is especially required during the

summer months as the rise in pollution levels kill good bacteria faster.

Preparation Cut four big dark red or purple carrots into three-inch pieces and put them in a ceramic jar. Add three litres of water, half tsp red chilli powder, one tbsp black salt and four tbsp of powdered mustard seeds. Let it ferment for a few of days.

Strain the liquid and store it in a refrigerator. Have it chilled.

Kokum Sherbet A sweet drink popular in Southern India, kokum sherbet is made with Garcinia indica or kokum squash. Along with antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties, the fruit is also known to reduce body heat.

One of its components, garcinol has been found to be a neuro-protective, which is said to improve brain health.

Preparation Take two kokum, cut them in half, deseed and grind into a fine paste. Make sugar syrup, add to the kokum paste along with cumin and cardamom powder. Put two to three tbsp of this paste into a glass and add cold water. Chill for a few hours. Garnish with mint leaves and serve.

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Sattu Sherbet This humble drink might have originated in Bihar but is savoured across the country, especially during the scorching hot days. Made by grinding roasted Bengal gram, sattu is an unparalleled source of energy and provides near-instant relief if had after exposure to heat. It is high on insoluble fiber (portion of plants that can be processed by the human digestive tract), which is beneficial for the functioning of the intestines, and is low on the glycaemic index, making it suitable for those suffering from diabetics as well. Plus it has good proportions of iron, manganese, and magnesium, and is low on sodium too.

Preparation This is by far the easiest to make. All you need are two to three tbsp of sattu, half lemon, black salt and as per taste, crushed mint leaves (optional for garnishing) and water. Mix all the ingredients well, so that no lumps are left. You can then either add ice to it or chill it before drinking.

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Virginia Woolf (author of To the Lighthouse, Mrs. Dalloway, and A Room of One’s Own) was related by marriage to William Makepeace Thackeray, author of Vanity Fair. William’s youngest daughter, Minie, was the first wife of Virginia’s father.

cover to cover The Women Who Ruled India Archana Garodia Gupta; Hachette India Publications

From a begum (the title of a married Muslim woman of high rank) who went on to lead a mercenary army and a queen who stood against Portuguese colonisers to another who challenged Mughal emperor Aurangzeb this book lists 20 remarkable women who, courtesy of their grit and resolve, shaped the course of their kingdoms and in turn, the country.

The Chairman Speaks

The Island of Sea Women 05 19

Lisa See; Simon & Schuster Publication

I Was Anastasia Ariel Lawhon; Penguin Random House Publication

A compelling tale of mistaken identities, it revolves around Anna Anderson’s 50-year battle to be recognised as Anastasia Romanov, the grand duchess of Russia.

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Beyond the Boulevards Aditi Sriram; Aleph Publication

A compact document on the sights, sounds, monuments, cuisine and life of Puducherry, the book also captures the town's vibrant cultures and more.

Our Start-Up Affair

Enchantée

Sheila Kumar; Speaking Tiger Publishers

Gita Trelease; Pan Macmillan Publishers

Set in Bengaluru, this is a sweet tale of love between the owners of two start-up companies. It follows their lives and how they strike a balance between their work and relationship.

To provide for her siblings, 17-year-old orphan Camille uses magic she learnt from her mother to turn into a baroness. Will she be able to leave these newfound riches and return to reality?

Mukund Govind Rajan; HarperCollins Publishers As the former chairman of the Tata Group, Rajan (also the brother of noted economist Raghuram Rajan) gives us a peek into the operations of the brand and shares fond memories of meeting Ratan Tata for the first time and eventually working with him for several years. The book is peppered with images from his personal album and interesting anecdotes from his 23-year-long stint with the company.

From the New York Times bestselling author comes another story of female friendship and family secrets. Mi-ja and Young-sook, two girls living on the Korean island of Jeju, are best friends. When they are old enough, they begin working in the sea with their village’s all-female diving collective, led by Young-sook’s mother.

As the girls take up their positions as divers, they know they are beginning a life of excitement and responsibility but also danger. This thoughtful novel introduces readers to the fierce and unforgettable female divers of Jeju Island and the dramatic history that vastly influenced their lives.

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Your teeth are like your fingerprint: they’re uniquely yours. This is why dental records are sometimes used to identify human remains.

prescription

Sweet Smiles

Renowned dentist Dr Sagar Shah talks about the early symptoms of oral problems that accompany diabetes, along with simple preventive measures.

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We've been taught the virtues of good oral health from a young age. Excess of sweet treats, and cold and hot beverages can adversely affect your teeth. But did you know that diabetes can also take a toll on your dental health?

More often than not, ailments of the teeth and gums are common with people suffering from diabetes as it not only increases the risks of oral infection but also slows down the healing process.

In fact, dentists say that diabetics are at a higher risk of developing gum problems because of fluctuating blood sugar levels.

Medical studies and researches have proven that the relationship between gum disease and diabetes is two-way. People with diabetes have lesser ability to fight bacteria that invade the gums and are therefore, at a higher risk of dental infection.

A few common oral conditions rising from diabetes are: Gingivitis- Initial stages of gum disease caused by poor oral hygiene and irregular removal of plaque. Symptoms include red, swollen and bleeding gums.

Periodontitis- A recurrent dental diseases, it is caused by the periodontal bacteria and the inflammation triggered by it in the gums. If left untreated, it can also lead to loss of tooth.

Symptoms include bad breath and prolonged infection in the space between the gums and teeth.

Xerostomia- It increases the risk of tooth decay and gumrelated issues. Symptoms include rough tongue and cracked lips.

Oral Burning- A burning sensation caused due to fluctuating blood sugar levels.

Symptoms include dry mouth and bitter taste.

Early Signs of Diabetes

Some of the telltale signs that indicate diabetes include increased thirst and hunger, frequent headaches, fatigue accompanied by blurred vision, sudden weight loss or weight gain, slow healing sores or cuts, and pain or numbness in your feet or legs. If you notice any of these indications, consult your doctor immediately.

Pearly White and Perfect Here are a few measures that can help you to keep dental problems at bay: a) Keep a check on your blood glucose levels. b) Maintain good oral hygiene – brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. c) U se a medicated mouthwash as prescribed by your dentist. d) M aintain periodical visits to your dentist - at least once every six months to ensure that every infection is treated as early as possible. Minor dental problems can quickly escalate, and a routine visit will prevent them from aggravating. e) For patients who wear dentures, it's important to remove and clean them daily. f) M aintaining a balanced diet, getting regular exercise and giving up smoking is also advised to lessen the risk of oral health problems.

“Inform your dentist if you have either new, onset or long-standing diabetes as it might affect your dental treatment and how often you need to visit the doctor. Looking after your teeth and gums is an essential part of learning to live with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.” ~ Dr Sagar Shah, Cosmetic and Implant Dentist, 32 Reasons Clinic

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Wonder where Jeremy Renner, who plays Hawkeye, one of the Avengers, gets his awesome shooting skills from?

To make his character (Agent Clint Barton) appear real on screen, Renner trained with Olympic-level archers!

movies & music

Latest Releases

The latest movie and music albums to make your May groovy!

Hindi

Student of the Year 2 Tiger Shroff, Ananya Pandey, Tara Sutaria, Rishi Kapoor Plot Set in St Teressa's, the same academic institution as the franchise's first outing, this movie will narrate new stories of friendship, love, competition, and rivalry. While Rishi Kapoor resumes his role as the school principal, the cast of the first film - Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt and Siddharth Malhotra - are expected to appear in cameo roles.

Music

May 10 Cast

Update your playlist with these latest soundtracks!

English

Aladdin Mint Condition Release Date May 3 Artiste ​Caroline Spence Label Rounder Records

Hindi

Blank Sunny Deol, Karan Kapadia, Karanvir Sharma, Ishita Dutta Plot This fast-paced action thriller revolves around the police force's hunt for a criminal. It stars Deol, Sharma and Dutta as officers and Kapadia as a suicide bomber who loses his memory after an accident. Blank marks Kapadia's Bollywood debut.

May 3 Cast

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Bengali

Durgeshgorer Guptodhon May 10 (Tentative) Cast Abir Chatterjee, Arjun Chakraborty, Ishaa Saha Plot Sona da (Chatterjee) returns with his sidekicks Abir (Chakraborty) and Jhinuk (Saha) for another adventure, one that will take them to the legendary city of Durgeshgor in search of its fabled treasure.

Hindi

De De Pyaar De May 17 Cast Ajay Devgn, Rakul Preet Singh, Tabu, Javed Jaffrey Plot A comedy flick, it narrates the story of a middle-aged man (Devgn) who believes that he is in love with a woman half his age (Singh). His life turns topsy-turvy when his ex-wife (Tabu) turns up and he's caught between his loyalty to both women.

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May 24 Cast Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Nasim Pedrad, Naomi Scott, Marwan Kenzari Plot Disney brings alive the cast of Aladdin, one of its highest-grossing movies of all time.

The live version of the animated classic will follow the adventures of Aladdin (Massoud) after he is granted three wishes by a genie (Smith). Take a magic carpet ride with him as he vanquishes the evil wizard Zafar (Kenzari), falls in love with princess Jasmine (Scott) and forges a lifelong friendship with the genie.

Wah Gwaan?!

Release Date May 10 Artiste Shaggy Label Ranch Entertainment

My Songs Release Date April 12 Artiste Sting Label Universal Music

Pale Bloom Release Date May 31 Artiste Sarah Davachi Label Fantasy Studios

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touchdown

Darjeeling As summer makes its rounds across the country, now is the best time to head for the verdant hills and fragrant tea gardens of Darjeeling.

Insider's View Don't miss out on this stunning tourist spot near Darjeeling.

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1. The Glenburn Tea Estate is one of the finest of its kind in Darjeeling.

The estate owners conduct regular walking tours of the area to acquaint guests with the process of tea cultivation.

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2. The pristine waters of River Murti are ideal for refreshing dips. During the winter months, the river banks turn into picture perfect picnic spots.

words: Sanya Kaushik

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Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas at an altitude of more than 6,700 ft, Darjeeling is one of the most-preferred hill stations in India. Once a summer resort for the British, today it presents a wide selection of activities for tourists, along with a much-needed respite from the blistering heat of the metro cities.

The town is approximately a threehour drive away from Bagdogra, and private taxis can be easily availed from the airport or any of the tour operators in Chowrasta (city center).

In the summer, while cities

grimace under the sun’s harsh glare, Darjeeling enjoys cool climes, coupled with stunning views of the lofty Himalayas.

Take a stroll through the aromatic tea plantations, walk down the narrow lanes that look upon sprawling valleys, or explore the perfect blend of quaint and modern that is the town center.

There’s no dearth of recreational avenues to choose from. Offering a varied assortment of delicious food, and vintage homestays that are as comfortable as they are charming, Darjeeling is the ideal place to be this holiday season.

A short two-hour drive from Darjeeling will bring you to Murti, named after River Murti, which flows down from the hills of Kalimpong. You can rent a lovely bungalow right in the middle of a lush forest, and enjoy the serenity that only Mother Nature can impart. You can also visit Gorumara National Park and the Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, located in close proximity to Murti.

Now that Murti is becoming all the more popular among younger travellers who are on the lookout for offbeat holiday destinations, the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation is continuously working towards building more homestays and bungalows to accommodate the rising number of tourists and backpackers.

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The name Darjeeling is derived from two Tibetan words - 'dorje' meaning thunderbolt and 'ling' meaning land. Hence, Darjeeling is also known as 'the land of the thunderbolt'.

touchdown

Budget & Blowout Guide Travelling on a shoestring budget, or in the mood to splurge? Our guide can help you decide.

Spend Established in 1854, the Happy Valley Tea Estate is credited with the propagation of tea cultivation in Darjeeling. Today, it stands as a stellar example of organic farming, and invites visitors to witness how India’s favourite beverage comes to be. A guided tour permits you to immerse yourself in the culture and history of tea production.

You can also buy different flavours of authentic Darjeeling tea from the souvenir shop on the premises.

PAY INR 1,000 and above per pax

Head to Fiesta in Chauk Bazaar for a delicious spread of Northeast favourites like chicken momos, vegetable thukpa and more. A homely café, it entices patrons with yummy grilled cheese sandwiches, fish fry, and a hot cup of organic tulsi (basil) masala chai. It is an affordable place where you can satiate your hunger while engaging in conversations with the locals, who will happily regale you with fascinating stories of Darjeeling.

If you’re in the mood for something fancy, Manglonia in Chauk Bazaar is your best bet. With floor-to-ceiling windows that are privy to excellent views of the green valley, Manglonia offers delicious Chinese, Indian and Continental fare. Try their vegetable sizzler, Thai green curry, or the Nepali dum aloo (potato in spicy gravy), which also happens to be the restaurant’s signature dish.

Eat

PAY INR 150 and above

If you love a good bargain, head to Nehru Road, where stalls selling all kinds of goods line the street.

The state government recently added a handicrafts emporium to the melange of shops, in an effort to recognise and encourage local talent. You can pick up woollen garments, handbags, books, pashmina shawls etc, and explore the art gallery in the vicinity.

Rink Mall, located at the top of Mall Road, is a one-stop shop for branded clothes, shoes and bags in Darjeeling. You can also visit the popular massage parlour, or taste the variants of Darjeeling tea at the tea room. You can spend hours exploring and shopping at Rink Mall, given the many options for retail therapy here.

PAY INR 300 and above

CHAS Sanderling Hotel is a favourite among budget travellers, with spacious comfy rooms, free Wi-Fi, and views of the surrounding mountains. A number of attractions such as Hayden Hall and Nathmull’s Tea Room are located at a walking distance from the hotel, which also has a restaurant that provides delicious Himalayan meals.

PAY INR 1,500 per night and above NOTE All prices listed here are approximate values at the time of print.

Image: treebo.com

PAY INR 1,000 and above

Shop

PAY INR 100 and above

stay

Image: redbus.in

Image: commons.wikimedia.org

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Take a ride in the Toy Train of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railways (DHR) - the most popular attraction here. Running on tracks that were laid in the 1880s, and chugging up to the small hamlet of Ghum, the train covers a distance of 14 km.

Let the fresh mountain air drive away your fatigue, as you take in the resplendent view of the vibrant valleys, with the tall mountains rising dramatically behind them.

Do

Save

PAY INR 1,000 and above

R.J. Resort is a high-end property that boasts elegant, comfortable rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, and a large balcony that promises vistas of the Himalayas and the pretty tea estates of Darjeeling. The hotel has an old-world charm that will instantly put you at ease.

PAY INR 6,000 per night and above

Getting There AirAsia India flies to Bagdogra from Bengaluru, New Delhi and Kolkata. airasia.com

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Aperture

World in Frame Every month, we bring you phenomenal images from across the globe.

A Tibetan lady in Ladakh spinning a traditional Buddhist prayer wheel. These handheld wheels, also called mani wheels, have a cylindrical, beautifully-embossed sheet-metal body mounted on a metal pin which is fitted onto a wooden or metal handle.

The cylinder is affixed with a cord or chain with a metal weight at the end, which allows the chain, and in turn the wheel, to be spun.

These wheels are rotated clockwise, and it is said that doing so ushers in wisdom and blessings. According to Buddhist texts, spinning a prayer wheel once is equivalent to having recited the mantra or prayer 'om mani padme hum' as many times as it appears either on the body of the wheel or inscribed inside it.

Travelher / Thailand

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The emerald green water surrounding the Hong Island, off the coast of Krabi, is ideal for cruises and kayaking.

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Down by the Water Stunning islands, pristine waters, magnificent Buddhist sites and warm people are what make Krabi one of Thailand's most-favoured destinations.

Words Lee Grewal

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here’s plenty that Thailand’s rich culture, spectacular natural diversity and peaceful sovereignty offers travellers. You could make almost anywhere in Thailand your holiday haven and find it enchanting, blessed with the country's balmy tropical air, broad stretches of sand and dreamy azure seas. And yet, the coastal gem of Krabi allows visitors to experience the paradisiacal country even more extensively. Located on the west coast of the southern part of Thailand, the city is close to the island stretch in the archipelago and home to some of the region’s best-known adventure sites. By day, the clear aquamarine swells give you an unhindered view of the vibrant marine life below; by sunset, the surrounding temples are filled with quiet prayers and by night, the village markets and local seafood restaurants hum with the stories of a day well spent.

Islands-a-Plenty Skipping along the clear waves, a speedboat tour of Phi Phi Island is a must. It is also one of the favourite spots of nature photographers and selfie-lovers alike, where

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they can capture images against one of Thailand’s most sublime backdrops. Boats brimming with tourists zoom onto shore, who make a quick dash for the water, splashing in its frothing waves and soaking up the sanctity of this pristine locale.

Here, one should opt for the four-island tour that encompasses the Koh Kai (also called the Chicken Island because of its towering rock formations that resemble the head of a chicken), Koh Poda, Tub Islets and Phra Nang Cave beach. The attraction of Tub is that apart from its sparkling beach, low tide reveals a sandbar that connects to Koh Kai. This sandbar also forms a unique

1. Thailand's iconic long-tail boats decorated with pieces of coloured cloth docked at the scenic Maya Bay. These boats can carry eight to nine people at a time. 2. Snorkeling is one of the most sought-after water adventures in Krabi after scuba diving and surfing. The waters of Phi Phi Island and Koh Hong are best suited for snorkeling. 3. The author (left) with her friend Bhanu Uttam at Bamboo Island. 4. The Thapom Swamp Forest is a hidden gem in Krabi. Visitors are offered mesmerising views of mangrove wetlands with their characteristic tortuous tangle of surface roots.

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land bridge across one of Koh Kai’s two beaches, and the waters surrounding the island provide visitors plenty of opportunities to indulge in snorkeling and scuba diving.

One has the option to choose from several mainland-based tour operators offering half day and day-long itineraries. These trips meander in and out of ancient caves, mangroves and grottoes.

Water Babies

Buddha's Blessings

Experience nature at its most splendid while kayaking through the sea caves of Krabi. From the lapis blue, turquoise and pale peppermint-coloured water, the tall jagged cave walls shoot skywards, their exposed limestone bluffs appearing like slices of cake. It is the majestic scenery, coupled with the beaches, that has tourists, and backpackers from across the world flocking to this destination.

Exploring Asia’s Buddhist shrines brings harmony to the craziness of the world we seek to leave behind when we travel. Just northeast of Krabi is located the Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple), famous for what are considered to be tiger paw prints on stones placed inside the premises. Apart from being a meditation centre, it is also a site of archaeological and historical interest as objects such as ancient

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"For someone visiting Thailand for the first time, trekking with the elephants is an enthralling and unforgettable experience."

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About the Author

Sydney-based Lee is a freelance writer and has travelled across Australia and Asia.

She runs a travel and lifestyle blog called Adventure In Our Teacups with her friend Bhavna Uttam and contributes regularly to reputed international publications and travel sites.

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pottery remains and stone tools were discovered here during excavations. Visitors can light candles and incense, and whisper silent prayers of gratitude while the monks gently splash holy water and give blessings. It’s easy to spend a day here to see the numerous statues of Lord Buddha, the pagoda and a Chinese temple. That is if you didn’t mind numerous monkeys squawking and bounding from one side of the path to the other.

Their playfulness amuses visitors, and the monkeys’ presence is now part of the natural character of the temple complex. The main attraction here is the 1,272-stepclimb to a tower where a footprint of Lord Buddha can be seen.

Walking with Giants For someone visiting Thailand for the first time, trekking with the elephants is an enthralling and unforgettable experience. The camp is just 7 km from Ao Nang (about 45 minutes from Krabi) and set in the lush green tropics, alive with birds, animals and the sound of flowing water. This adventurefilled trek takes you along a gurgling river that runs through the camp and into the forest at the foot of the mountain. There are half-day and full-day guided tours both of which include swimming in the river and watching the elephants bathe and play in the water. The highlight of this activity is the traditional Thai lunch spread

Quaint wooden houses on Koh Lanta in Krabi decorated with beautiful bright lanterns. These lanterns, locally called lampion, are symbolic of a bright future.

"The attraction of the Tub Islets is that apart from their sparkling beach, low tide reveals a sandbar that connects to Koh Kai."

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1. The Klang Cave is a popular tourist attraction for its towering stalactite and stalagmite formations. A guide and prior permission from local authorities are required to visit. 2. Two tigers guard a gate of the Tiger Cave in Krabi. Entry to this cave temple, which is open from 8 am till 5 pm, is free.

consisting of tom yam (a spicy Thai soup), pad thai (fried noodle dish prepared with tofu, eggs and bean sprouts), som tam (green papaya salad that combines all four tastes - sour, chilli, sweet and salty), khao klukh krapi (traditional Thai fried rice made with shrimp paste, garlic, lemon, prawns and cucumbers) and green and red coconut-based meat curries.

the waterways of south-east Asia.

A lazy ride, exploring the several beach coves, kissed by the warm rays of the sun is a serene way to pass the hours.

The town of Krabi is like most other places in the country and comes to life after dark, with buzzing night markets and restaurants serving local street food till the wee hours. Take a seat at one of the many balcony cafÊs overlooking the giant namesake statue of a crab near the mangroves and watch the longboats cut through the backwaters. It’s holiday bliss at its best.

One of the best things about travelling in Thailand is that it's easy to organise a trip to both the island and the mainland at any given time of the year. With over 32 million visitors each year, Krabi is adept at tourism and the people are warm and friendly, happy to guide tourists, and ensuring that you have a good time in their country.

Floating on a Breeze Bright and early in the morning, on a buoyant and full tide, is the ideal time to jump on-board a long-tail boat. These wide hulled wooden boats with colourful strips of fabric tied to the bow epitomise

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Getting There AirAsia flies to Krabi from Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. airasia.com

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Wanderlust / Odisha

05 19

Holy Beginnings

From a shrine dating back to the 7th century to another protected by the Archeological Survey of India, the temples of Bhubaneswar are the most fascinating witnesses of the state’s rich history.

Words Shrabasti Mallik; Images Detour Odisha

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An Odissi dancer at the Mukteshwar Temple. One of the most popular and revered shrines in the city, it hosts the annual Mukteshwar Dance Festival which celebrates the classical dance form of Odissi.

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Side view of the torana (arch) of the Mukteshwar Temple featuring a lion head with open jaws. This lion head motif, a recurring theme in Odia temple architecture, is said to have first appeared here.

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rowing up in Kolkata, I knew Bhubaneswar to be the capital of Odisha. It was only after I landed my first job there in 2016 that I learnt that it was also called the 'Temple City' – a nom-de-plume it earned courtesy the 700 shrines that once stood here. And it was not too difficult to understand why. According to legends, Bhubaneswar derived its name from Tribhubaneswar - ishwar meaning the lord (which refers to Lord Shiva) of the three worlds (Tribhuban). In fact, two of the most prominent temple complexes in the city – Mukteshwar and Lingaraj (Lingaraja) – are dedicated to the deity.

Settling into a new environment, getting used to the routes and, most importantly, the food took some time and it wasn't before a few weeks that I was finally ready to explore Bhubaneswar. Curious to see the sanctums that are so talked about, I booked a temple

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trail, called Ekamra Walks, which is an initiative of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority and Odisha Tourism, curated by Detour Odisha, a travel company. This walk is conducted every Sunday at 6.30 am and takes visitors through the old city, where most of the shrines are concentrated.

The starting point, Mukteshwar Temple, was a half-hour drive from Shaheed Nagar, where I was staying. But due to lack of traffic I covered he distance in half the time. While we waited for all the participants to arrive, Sophia Simon, founder of the company and our guide, initiated an interactive session during which everyone introduced themselves.

It was quite a motley group consisting of two German tourists, a bunch of enthusiastic college students, a photographer on an assignment and an elderly couple with their Singapore-born teenage granddaughter among other enthusiastic members.

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We started with the Mukteshwar Temple. Built in the 10th century, it is hailed as one of the crowning glories of the Kalinga school of architecture. What struck my attention here was the torana (arched gateway) that reflected the influence of Buddhist architectural styles. A closer look revealed intricate carvings of animal figures and elaborate scrolls on the arch.

This shrine is also one of those rare ones that was planned, and no additional structures were added to its complex, as was the tradition in the early days. One can also notice episodes from the Panchatantra (an ancient Indian collection of interrelated animal fables in

Sanskrit verse and prose) intricately chiseled on the walls of this structure. Such was the precision of the craftsmen who worked on them that even centuries later, I could make out the finer details of the sculptures.

The 1400-year-old Parsurameshwar Temple, located a stone's throw away, was our next stop. Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), this 7th-century abode of Lord Shiva is considered to be one of the earliest examples of the Nagara style of Hindu temple architecture. Take your time to marvel at the stunning engravings here that feature female figures,

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1. The Lingaraj (Lingaraja) Temple is said to be the highest of its kind in Bhubaneswar. Photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the temple premises. 2. The exquisite Maitrikas at the Parasurameshwar Temple. Maitrikas are believed to be the goddesses of the battlefield and are commonly seen as assistants of Goddess Durga. 3. A trishul (trident) at one of the several temples flanking the banks of the Bindusagar Lake. A temple dedicated to Lord Brahma, located in the middle of the lake, can be seen in the background. 4. Decorated boats for Chandan Yatra, the main festival of the Bindusagar Lake. For this celebration, which is associated with Lord Lingaraj (Lingaraja), the boats are decorated with red and yellow cloth and are designed to resemble swans.

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The Pilgrim's Voyage There are several more temples that you can visit and explore in addition to the ones covered during the walk. Start with the spectacular Rajarani Temple. This 11th-century temple does not have an idol of a deity but boasts a vimana (sanctum). The Brahma Temple that takes pride of place in the middle of the Bindusagar Lake is another. This shrine, constructed in the Kalinga style of architecture, was built in the 15th century.

Ram Mandir is another holy site you can visit. It houses stunning images of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita.

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1. Clad in dhotis (a garment worn by men which is tied around the waist), temple chefs at the Ananta Vasudeva Temple begin to prepare the prasad (devotional offering) as early as 4.30 am in the morning after a ritualistic dip in a nearby river. 2. It is said that the Rajarani Temple derived its name from the material it is constructed with - dull red and yellow sandstone locally called rajarani. 3. Prasad in most temples of the state is prepared and stored in these earthen vessels.

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depictions of gods and goddesses, and intricate floral patterns.

We meandered through the bylanes of the old town, walking past several smaller shrines, such as the Sampurna Jaleswar Temple, the Kotitirtheswar Temple and the Swarnajaleswar Temple, that blend in seamlessly with the local dwellings. Though small, these structures are equally ornate and boast delicate carvings. After a brief walk, we reached the famed and vast Bindusagar Lake. A venerated waterbody spread across an area of about 7.4 ha, it is where the rituals of several religious ceremonies are carried out.

We stopped at a local shop to savour a delicious breakfast of vara ghughuni (a dish consisting of vara, a deep-fried ball made from ground pulses, served with a gravy of white peas). As we relished our hot and spicy meal, we were told about the significance of the lake. The area around the lake is a popular picnic spot. But one of the best times to

visit it is during boita bandana, a festival that commemorates the state's rich maritime history. People gather by the lakeside before the crack of dawn and float colourful boats made from the white stem of the banana tree, inside which an earthen oil lamp is placed and lit.

To see the small boats floating in the water, with the light of the lamp twinkling in the darkness, is a treat to the eyes.

Energised, we walked to the nearby Ananta Vasudeva Temple.

Built during the 13th century, it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and also houses idols of Lord Balarama and Goddess Subhadra, the siblings of Lord Jagannatha. If local lore is believed, the construction of this temple was commissioned by Queen Chandrika of the Ganga dynasty at the location where a Vishnu temple once stood. This holy site also features a jagamohana (assembly hall), a large bhoga mandapa (hall of devotional offering) and a stunning natya

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1. In several forms, the Ananta Vasudeva Temple resembles the Lingaraj (Lingaraja) Temple. This shrine boasts innumerable Vaishnavite sculptures that embellish its ancient walls. 2. The Baitāla Deula (Vaitāla Deula) is an 8th-century Hindu temple built in the Khakara style of architecture and dedicated to Goddess Chamunda (Chamundi). Located in Ekamra Kshetra (old town of Bhubaneswar), it is also locally known as Tini (three) Mundia (head) Deula (temple) due to the three spires on top of it, a very distinct feature.

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mandira (dance hall), all of which stand on the same platform.

The tour concluded with a visit to the famed Lingaraj (Lingaraja) Temple, described by noted historian James Fergusson as “one of the finest examples of purely Hindu temples in India”.

Dating back to the 11th century, this shrine dominates the city skyline and is said to have been established by King Jajati Keshari (of the Somavanshi dynasty) in the Kalinga style of architecture.

The expansive courtyard of this red sandstone structure comprises about 50 small temples dedicated to a number of deities of the Hindu pantheon. Following the guide, we explored its four sections – the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum), yajna shala (the hall of yajnas, a Hindu ritual observed in front of a fire), bhoga mandapa and the natya shala (hall of dance).

The walk ended with a trip to Art Vision, the dance school set up by Ileana Citaristi, an Italian who not

only mastered the classical dance form of Odissi under the tutelage of Kelucharan Mohapatra, who was conferred with all the titles of the Padma awards, but is also a Padma Shri recipient herself.

At her institute, surrounded by rhythm of the ghungroo (metallic bells strung together in a musical anklet) from dancers practicing their steps, a sense of contentment enveloped me. That morning I had set out with the aim to know the city a bit better but I was returning with something more – a genuine love for the people, their optimistic outlook on life and a newfound respect for the heritage of this state.

Getting There AirAsia flies to Bhubaneswar from Goa, Kolkata and Bengaluru. airasia.com

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Parx Exclusive Stores: Alibaug: Container no.10, Mandawa Jetty Alibaug Almora: G-35, Raghunath City Mall Aurangabad: F-22, Prozone Mall Bangalore: F-46, Phoenix Market City Bareilly: G-32, Phoenix United Mall Bhilwara Opp Gautam Ashram, Azad Nagar Bhagalpur: Dr.Rajendra Prasad Road near Khalifabagh Chowk Bhubaneswar: B-54, Janpath, Saheed Nagar Bijnor: Shri Krishna Showroom Chaudhary Mall Near Pnb Bank Civil Lines Calicut: Shop No.416, Focus Mall I G 1003, Hilite Mall I Red Cross Road Beside Taghore Hall Chhindwara: Parasia Road, Chhindwara Dehradun: Khasra No. 2-4, 9, Rajpur Road I Near Great Value Hotel Rajpur Road Haldwani: Guru Gobind Singh Tower, Nainital Road I Glamour Exclusive Kanpur: Shop No.10-B, Z Square Mall Kashipur: Shraddha Elite, Ratan Cinema Road Lucknow: G-22, G-23, Singapore Mall, Virat Khand, Gomti Nagar I Vaishnavi Sales - G-26, G-27,Shalimar Eldee Plaza, Bhootnath I Royal Trade Centre,Shop No Lgf-4 Lower Ground, Khurram Nagar Meerut: C-2/18, Sector-S, Nr. Central Market, Shashtri Muzaffar Nagar: 72-B, Chauri Gali New Mandi, Muzaffar Nagar New Delhi: G-137, V3S East Centre Mall Noida: B,1/5 Sector 18,Noida Gautambudha Nagar Raebareli: Near Degree College Chauraha Rudrapur: Rajiv Exclusive, H-26 Gurudwara Road, Main Market Roorkee: Opp Shiv Complex, Civil Lines Roorkee Saharanpur: 25 510/15, Near Parsvanath Plaza, Telephone Exchange Road Trivandrum: Mall Of Travancore, Shop No 33, Ground Floor

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Wanderlust / Australia

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G’day, Perth!

Swoon to the sweet sounds of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra at the Concert Hall, laugh out loud at the Comedy Lounge, or dig your toes in the sand and sip a cold one at Bathers Beach – Perth, with its sanguine vibe and eccentric disposition, will ensure you leave with awesome memories.

Words Sanya Kaushik

S

itting snug and pretty on the banks of Swan River in Western Australia, Perth is one of the most isolated yet urbane destinations in the country.

Swan River, named as such for the black swans that are found wading in its waters, weaves through the metropolitan region to the Port of Fremantle. Along its shores, a plethora of restaurants and pubs can be found, from where you can catch the famous Aussie sunset.

Most famous for its beaches and recreational medleys, Perth is pretty laid-back, made all the more appealing by its warm and hospitable people, who are always happy to show visitors around. It offers tourists a mix of enjoyable activities, with concert halls, rooftop cinemas, underground bars and comedy clubs dotting the cityscape. And if you want to get away from the bustle and noise of the metropolis, there are plenty of wildlife reserves around Perth

where you can discover the natural heritage of Australia.

This summer, as the temperatures soar in the Northern Hemisphere, your Ozzie adventure is waiting around the corner, enticing you with cool weather and a host of new experiences.

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Sun, Sand and Salt Perth is blessed with a long and pristine coastline, replete with clean beaches that make for the perfect getaway from the main city. Cottesloe Beach is perhaps the most frequented, and is especially crowded in the mornings – the Fremantle Doctor, as the ocean wind here is known, picks up after 10:30 am, driving tourists to Marine Parade, where quirky cafés and pubs serve up delicious bar snacks and seafood. Cottesloe has aquamarine waters and gentle waves, and therefore is a favourite among swimmers.

There are other beaches that are

Perth's stunning skyline with the noteworthy highrises Brookfield Place, Central Park and 108 St George's Terrace.

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just as, if not more beautiful, in close proximity to Perth. Mettams Pool, Leighton Beach, Bathers Beach and City Beach (the closest to Perth) are worth a visit too.

As lovely as the beaches might be, Hutt Lagoon, a five-hour drive from Perth on Port Gregory Road, is nature’s masterpiece. The lake has an unusually high level of salinity, which is responsible for its peculiar yet dazzling colours.

Drive down from Perth to Kalbarri on a clear day, with the bright pink Hutt Lagoon on one side, and the sparkling blue Indian Ocean on the other, creating a mesmerising contrast unlike any other on the planet.

Tales of the Quokka The quokka, also known as “the happiest animal on earth”, is a nocturnal marsupial that happens to be the main occupant of Rottnest

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Island. Due to a lack of natural predators, quokkas are incredibly sociable, having developed no instincts of fear. So, they’re more curious about than afraid of tourists. They even pose for selfies!

However, their friendly temperament can be a bit of a hazard as well, because first-time visitors often feed them food that is unsuitable to their health and causes toxicity. Refrain from feeding the quokkas meat, chips and bread. Even an artificial source of drinking water can adversely affect their behaviour.

One of the most enjoyable and unique aspects of Perth, Rottnest Island is a haven for naturelovers. Other than the quokkas, you can see remarkable places on the Wadjemup Bidi walk trail, tee off at the extensive golf course, or explore the whole island on a bicycle.

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Retail Extravaganza The Fremantle Markets, set up as far back as 1897, are the most recognisable icons of Perth. Once a marketplace where traders would sell all sorts of fruits and veggies, the markets today feature over 150 stalls, and provide a lesson in the rich maritime and indigenous culture of the post city of Fremantle.

They are located within an impressive Victorian building, at the end of what is known as the “Cappuccino Strip�, and often feature musical acts and comedy shows. Delve into the history of the markets on the Heritage Trail, a guided tour of the Fremantle area. Over the years, the Fremantle Markets have won several awards for tourism excellence, and are an absolute must-see for both visitors and locals.

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1. Snorkeling in the sheltered waters of Rockingham’s bays and islands offers you an unparalleled encounter with the marine life of Australia. 2. Quokkas, found in abundance at Rottnest Island, are quite friendly and curious by nature. 3. Guests cuddling with koalas at Swan Valley.

4. Shoppers at the Fremantle Markets. These stalls here sell everything from fresh produce to a range of organic food items.

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Artistes’ Delight

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Perth’s entertainment scene is entrenched in the performing arts. For a glimpse of its deep love for music and dance, head first to His Majesty’s Theatre, one of Perth’s oldest and most opulent theatres, built in 1904 by German building contractor Friederich Wilhelm Gustav Liebe. Enjoy an evening watching professional ballet dancers pirouette across the stage, or witness a splendid opera performance; indulge in a night of cabaret, enjoy stand-up comedy acts, and perch on the edge of your seat as a histrionic retelling of ageold dramas unfolds before you.

The State Theatre Centre of Western Australia is another architectural magnum opus credited to award-winning Kerry Hill Architects. A major landmark, it comprises the Heath Ledger Theatre, named after the late actor who was born in Perth. The theatre is home to such reputed performing groups as the Black Swan State Theatre Company, Barking Gecko Theatre (primarily for children) and the Co3 Australia (dance troupe).

Next, make your way to the Perth Concert Hall, where the likes of Noel Gallagher, BB King, Nina

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1. With a seating capacity of approximately 60,000, the Perth Stadium is said to be the thirdlargest stadium in the country.

2. The saline waters of Hutt Lagoon are an extraordinary sight on the drive between Port Gregory and Kalbarri. The cobalt-blue Indian Ocean shimmers on the other side of the road.

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Flight Experience Perth Have a go on Flight Experience Perth’s simulator and see what it’s like to fly through the clouds, all from the safety of a replicated model of a twin jet environment. Pilot a Boeing 737, guided by a team of experts who show you how to take-off, and fly and land an aircraft. There are specially curated programmes for kids and corporates, tailored to suit different age groups and needs. Whether you’re a novice or a qualified aviator, this particular ride is tons of fun for everyone.

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1. Seafood is at the heart of an Australian spread.

This seafood platter comprises grilled fish, prawns and squid with a side of greens. 2. Located in Swan Valley, Lancaster Wines offers visitors a tour of their estate and a chance to sample their exceptional products.

3. One can see vibrant works of street art at several places in the city of Fremantle. Regular art programmes are held to encourage students to explore and express their creativity. 4. The Reveley at Elizabeth Quay offers delicious food, creative cocktails and a stunning 180-degree view of Swan River and the skyline of Perth.

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Simone and Michael Bublé have enthralled crowds in the past. It currently hosts the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, and regularly holds pop music shows, talks and classical music recitals.

Raise the Roof Watch some of your favourite movies as you gaze out at Perth’s twinkling skyline. Head up six floors to the car park-turnedcinema, located in the Northbridge area. Showcasing a melange of cult classics, latest releases and awardwinning films, the rooftop movie theatre is outfitted with bean bags and caravan-style seating, allowing you to relax in the balmy air, and unwind with your favourite drink.

Admittedly more popular with the students and the youth, it is picking up steam even amongst an older audience, who throng to it on weekends, eager to dust off the

week’s strains and just enjoy the night with their family and friends.

As the sun sinks into the horizon, and the palm trees lining the rampart sway gently in the evening breeze, the place seems to come alive, a hum of excitement in the air. This rooftop cinema hall is truly one of the most charming attractions in Perth, and definitely a must-visit for movie buffs.

There are also a number of rooftop bars and restaurants that afford stunning views of Perth and Swan River. The Reveley, Coconut Grove and Oyster Bar are highly recommended by the locals.

Getting There AirAsia flies to Perth from Kuala Lumpur. airasia.com

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Wanderlust / Lenscape

In Divine Presence Devotees across the world celebrate Buddha Purnima, a festival that commemorates the life, enlightenment and death of Lord Buddha, by offering prayers, observing traditional rituals and spreading his teachings of love, compassion and kindness. We give you a peek into the various ways this day is marked in Southern Asia.

Monks pray in front of an imposing statue of Lord Buddha at Wat Khao Phra Kru temple in the Chonburi province of Thailand.

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Siddhartha Gautama was born between the 6th and 4th century BC in Lumbini, near Kapilavastu, in present-day Nepal. At the age of 29, he renounced all worldly pleasures and set out in search of truth and enlightenment. He travelled to India to preach the lessons of love and kindness; it was in Bodh Gaya (Bodhgaya), under a Bodhi tree, that he attained enlightenment and came to be revered as the Buddha.

After that he delivered sermons in various parts of the country.

Gradually, the influence of Buddhism spread across several parts of the world, especially Southern Asia. Buddha Purnima, a festival that commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Lord Buddha is

celebrated (in India on May 18 and Southeast Asia on May 19) with devotion and fervour in many countries but some of the grandest celebrations are held in India, Nepal and other Southeast Asian countries.

1. Monks clad in maroon, saffron and orange robes offering prayers in Bodh Gaya. Located in Bihar, it is renowned for the Mahabodhi Temple Complex, where Lord Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment.

2. A monk, holding a lotus bud, gazes at Lord Buddha’s Relic Casket that was displayed by the Maha Bodhi Society of India at a Buddhist temple in Kolkata during Buddha Purnima in 2017.

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1. Monks perform the holy water extraction ritual at Umbul Jumprit spring in Central Java, Indonesia. In this ceremony, which is observed as a part of the Buddha Purnima celebrations, or Vesak Day celebrations, a group of monks fill earthen vessels with water from the spring. These vessels are then placed in the Mendut Buddhist Monastery.

Afterwards, it is distributed amongst devotees and visitors.

2. One of the biggest Buddha Purnima celebrations in Central Java is held in the premises of the Borobudur Temple in Magelang.

Said to be the largest Buddhist monument in the world, it is visited by hundreds of travellers and devotees.

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1. Young monks draped in saffron robes offer prayers at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, Thailand during Buddha Purnima celebrations. Located in the outskirts of the city, the temple houses the relic said to be the shoulder bone of Lord Buddha.

2. Monks at Wat Phra That Doi Suthep looking at the full moon.

The festival is celebrated on a full moon (purnima) night.

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1. Devotees watch as a Buddhist monk performs a ritual during the Vesak Day celebrations in Penang, Malaysia. Colourful processions are taken out in many parts of the country to mark the day.

2. A devotee burns incense sticks at the Buddhist Guan Di Temple (Kuan Ti) in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Getting There AirAsia connects to several destinations in India, Thailand and Malaysia through Kuala Lumpur.

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The Cost of Advancement With negligible government aid to privately run educational institutions and societies, there is an eminent crisis arising due to shortage of operational funds. In an era governed by technology, private educational institutions are playing a pivotal role in imparting quality education along with contemporary infrastructure.

Mangalayatan University: A Gurukul of Global Education

Despite restricted financial support, numerous students are graduating from these institutes everyday. The crucial issues that are proving to be challenges to these institutions are: the purchase of the land and appropriations for construction, the purchase of equipment required for imparting practical knowledge, consumables on high market prices from emergency funds and tertiary services that are provided to the students by these educational campuses viz., transportation services, electricity backup setup etc. These interminable costs are breaking the spirit of these educational societies. It is worthwhile to notice that the fees prescribed by the governing bodies hasn’t proliferated, which, in turn, has burdened the colleges even more.

In the age of technology, Mangalayatan University has emerged as a new multi-disciplinary University with high quality infrastructure required to support front-ended research and teaching to cope with contemporary demands of this era.

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Manbir Singh Managing Director, CT Group of Institutions

Adding more to it, diesel and petrol prices are also sky rocketing, which is of deep concern considering the costs for permits, fitness expenses and tolls. There should be some criteria devised for the transportation services that are provided solely to the students. Moreover, wages play a major factor as these educational institutions have to follow the compliances, set up by appropriate governing bodies, like maintaining appropriate faculty-student ratio based on the course intake (irrespective of students admission) and recruitment of doctorate faculty, which often becomes an obstacle. At a time when industrial EXIMs are supported and backed by the government policy/subsidy, it is heartening to see that private educational institutions are not benefitted under any of the schemes.

The institutes are getting global by inviting students from all over the globe including SAARC, Africa, South Asia etc. These international admissions not only help to establish the Indian education system on the global map but also facilitate the inflow of foreign currency in the country, which ultimately empowers our economy. This is the time to ponder, plan and execute the favourable policies pertaining to the education of our nation’s youth so that they will not have to stand at crossroads having to choose between unfavourable options for their future.

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Located between the cities of Aligarh and Vrindavan, about 20km from Yamuna Express Way, the campus is blessed with unique cultural diversity and rich, diverse traditions. The University and its management take pride in its two governing principles that define the basic fabric of the institution: being student-centric, realising that each student will have a different approach to achieving goals and facilitating them throughout the curriculum, and recognising the developmental goal of education, where students are trained to think independently and critically. Mangalayatan University (MU) was founded in 2006 and has grown to include about 2500 students, enrolled in professional and programmes oriented to boost and multiply the selections of students in professional circles. The University has been developed on a 70-acre campus.

The campus also includes recently-developed and well-planned residential spaces and great eco-systems for extra and co-curricular activities including sports, literary activities and socially useful productive work.

The University’s faculty strongly believes in embracing change and incorporating only the best aspects of contemporary culture. Each discipline incorporates a multi-dimensional curriculum that aids the faculty in their quest for excellence. The University has moved away from the general philosophy where all students are expected to conform with a curriculum that has existed, unchanged for decades to the widely appreciated and contemporary paradigm of offering a syllabus that incorporates the needs of all students along with new developments in the respective fields. With 2000+ placements in Indian and foreign business organisations, the University takes justifiable pride in its offerings.

MU practices the ethos of sharing, collaboration and partnership and has forged international tie-ups with a large number of universities/ institutions in the developed as well as developing countries. It provides ample opportunities for experimentation of new ideas.

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Wanderlust / North India

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The ride from Manali to Marhi and further offers spectacular views of the hill-side serpentine roads, with the mist-covered Himalayas in the distance.

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Pedalling Through the Clouds Follow the adventures of 65-year-old Vishav Dhiman as she travels to Khardung La, said to be the highest motorable pass in the world, on her bicycle.

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t was a pleasant afternoon when we – my husband Kamal Jeet (69 years old) and I (65 year old) – walked into the premises of the Youth Hostel Association of India – a base camp in Badragan, Himachal Pradesh.

It was a 15-hour journey from our home in Dehradun but the sight of a group of enthusiastic young cyclists washed away our weariness. We were about to cycle the coveted track of Manali-LehKhardung La – a must-do on every adventurer's bucket list. As we registered our names, we were asked if we had come to drop off our grandchildren. But when the organisers learnt that we were in fact the participants, words of encouragement poured in. After a humble breakfast of poha (flattened rice cooked with onions, chillies, peas and garnished with coriander leaves) and tea, we went out on a leisurely stroll by the Beas river, whose gurgling waters flowed as fast as our thoughts.

We returned to the camp for lunch, post which we headed to Patli Kuhal, a small market

nearby. I did some last-minute shopping while Kamal searched for a physician who could give us a fitness certificate, which was required at the camp. Following dinner, we were briefed about the expedition and given a run down of the rules. We retired soon in sleeping bags – my first experience of resting in one.

The next two days involved a flurry of activities, starting with the distribution of bicycles suited to the terrain. To make sure that we were accustomed to our vehicle and acclimatised, we had to pedal a short distance to Naggar Castle, a popular tourist spot nearby, said to have been built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu around 1460 AD.

Manali-Marhi Our adventure began with a 35 km (approx) journey from Manali to Marhi. The track was a combination of both smooth and off-road stretches. But it offered stunning sights of plunging cliffs and distant pine-covered mountains.

With every kilometre, the winds

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1. Vishav Dhiman at the Baralacha La (pass), which falls on the route connecting Zing Zing Bar and Sarchu in Himachal Pradesh.

2. The author with her husband Kamal Jeet take a break by the scenic Suraj Tal Lake on their way to Sarchu. 3. Vishav strikes a pose at Khardung La. 4. A group of Italian motorcyclists on their way to Khardung La. Not just cyclists, seasoned bikers from the country and across the world undertake this exhilarating journey.

got nippier, which added to the experience. At night, we camped near a temple in Marhi and dozed off to the pitter patter of the rain.

Marhi-Sissu via Rohtang Pass This stretch had plenty of offroads which were being cleared by the Border Security Force. The path leading to the pass (about 50 km from Marhi) was carpeted by a dense fog, creating a surreal atmosphere. Here, tourists busied themselves in taking pictures. We took a short break and sipped on hot coffee, while admiring the snowcapped peaks of the Himalayas. We hopped on our bicycles and pedaled across the pass to traverse the steep roads ahead. Soon we reached Sissu, where we spent the night.

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Sissu-Jispa via Keylong This was one of the easiest rides of the entire trip. After about 24 km, we crossed the Bhag river to reach Tandi. We breathed in the fresh clean air and stretched before continuing to Keylong, the administrative centre of the district of Lahaul and Spiti. While Keylong was an upward journey, the ride from there to Jispa was downhill.

The temperature at night dipped a few degrees and we lodged at a mountaineering institute.

Jispa-Sarchu via Zing Zing Bar The road connecting the first two destinations (about 30 km) was

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Trek Essentials

Jammu & kashmir

End Point

Khardung la

Having the right accessories such as sweat-resistant gloves, helmets, knee and elbow pads and a good pair of shoes is of utmost importance. "We never travel without this gear. The knee and elbow pads help cut down the pain that accompanies long hours of cycling to a great extent," Vishav adds.

Leh

Rumtse

Debring

Sarchu

It is also advisable to keep a first aid kit with pain killers, muscle relaxing balms and band aids.

Zing Zing Bar

Jispa

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

Himachal pradesh Marhi

Start

YHAI Base Camp Naggar Castle

Quick tips Make sure you are physically fit to undertake the expedition.

While some stretches of the road are smooth and even, others are quite rough and bumpy. Get yourself checked first and obtain a health certificate while doing so.

Many operators that arrange such long and strenuous rides require a medical certificate to even sign you up for the journey.

YHAI Base Camp to Naggar Castle and then on to Khardung La Naggar Castle to YHAI Base Camp

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1. One of the several roadside eateries along the way (to Khardung La) that offer humble yet delicious wholesome meals and refreshments to travellers. 2. A goatherd trailing behind his flock is a common sight in many parts of Himachal Pradesh. If travellers, and even locals, come by a herd crossing a road, they are expected to wait till the road is clear. It is considered rude to honk and rush the animals. 3. Himachali folk culture is presented by locals through music and dance at the Hotel Castle Naggar regularly.

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there it was mostly a downhill ride and within minutes we reached the Rumtse camp.

Leh to Khardung La

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as strenuous to ride on as it was pleasurable. We passed through several small streams along the way and navigated roads covered with patches of snow. On the way, we spotted a picturesque lake, where we stopped to have an impromptu photo session with the rest of the group. Slightly tired and quite famished, we halted here for lunch and a cup of hot spiced tea and afterwards, cycled uphill to reach Zing Zing Bar. The next lap of the journey involved both uphill and downhill tracks. Our last stop for the day was Sarchu. After 16 km of uphill riding we reached the Suraj Tal lake whose crystal clear water sparkled under the sun rays. Another quick photo stop later, we left for Sarchu.

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Soon we entered Jammu & Kashmir and after riding a short distance reached our destination.

Over the next few days we travelled from Sarchu to Pang and then to Debring. The roads were a mishmash of uphill and downhill.

Superb views kept us company all the way, as did the rain.

Debring-Rumtse via Taglang Pass-Leh This ride was like a rehearsal for travelling upto Khardung La, said to be the highest motorable road in the world. It was tough; but we realised that with resolution, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Reaching Taglang Pass felt like a personal achievement. From

This lap of the expedition – the last – was nothing less than outstanding as we cycled from an elevation of 10000 ft to 18380 ft! As we covered more ground ahead, it started to snow, making the journey a tad tougher. Around me, members of the group opted out of the ride but we pedaled ahead.

Soon, I was posing for photographs at Khardung La top. The feeling of completing the excursion was unparalleled. We had achieved what we had set out to do. Standing there, I realised that its never too late to fulfill your dream or embark on an adventure.

Getting There AirAsia India flies to Srinagar from New Delhi airasia.com

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Means for Holistic Development at Usha Martin University

We are living in the era of knowledge and technology, which is defined by two important dimensions: innovation and entrepreneurship. These values if inculcated in students from their early years, help in shaping the mindset of each student to enhance their decision making process.

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As such, knowledge is a very versatile resource that can open up new avenues that inculcate curiosity and fuel the search for information, improve efficiency and increase productivity. We strongly believe that universities and colleges are learning institutions and fountainheads of pioneering expeditions that open new avenues to increase the influx of knowledge created through research. They must strive for excellence in order to respond to the enormous challenges of new and emerging realities. With strong faith in these dictums, Usha Martin University (UMU) has decided to put particular emphasis on qualitative enhancement of all curriculums so that our graduates can complete all credibility criteria and be accepted by employer groups in national as well as international job markets.

Keeping these values at the core of all our programmes we have been able to achieve an enviable growth rate of almost 40 per cent and the unique distinction wherein we succeeded in getting 100 per cent placements for students of our first (2017- 19) outgoing MBA batch in reputed banks, business houses and other corporate organisations.

Usha Martin University has been dedicated to offer cost-effective, balanced and reliable education options in an extremely conducive learning environment. This idea has paved the way for inclusive development of society in Jharkhand. The University has set realistic benchmarks for itself to enable students and alumni in making a path that rises from stagnation and poverty to dynamism and prosperity, from marginalisation and deprivation to empowerment and recognition and from ignorance and delusion to enlightenment and liberation. In line with this endeavour, UMU has decided to offer flexible options in numerous disciplines and adopt a choice based credit system in semester mode. Our mission is to minimise migration of human capital from the state so as to conserve financial resources, traditions and value systems. The University has devised attractive merit-cum-means scholarship schemes to empower its students. Moreover, it is also developing a campus on 32 acres of land in Soso Narayan, Tatisilve (Ranchi).

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Must-have mutual funds for a Retail Investor Mutual Fund as a preferred investment option has grown in recent years, thanks to various initiatives taken by AMFI and the asset management companies. The industry has witnessed growth of nearly 3 crore folios (unique account number allotted to each investor) in the last two years, from around 5.28 crore folios as of December 2016 to over 8 crore folios at the end of 2018. Earlier a retail DP Singh Executive Director & Chief investor had limited options and most of Marketing Officer (Domestic their investments were skewed towards Business) of SBI Mutual Fund traditional investment options. However, today there are different mutual fund schemes that can serve as an alternative for every single traditional mode of savings/ investments.

When it comes to mutual fund investments you need to plan, keeping in mind key factors such as your age, financial goals which include time to goal and your risk appetite. You can broadly define your goals into long-term goals (more than 7-10 years away), medium-term goals (between 3-7 years), and short-term goals (anything less than 3 years).

For your long-term financial goals, you can consider investing in pure equity funds, among which large-cap oriented equity funds tend to offer relative stability and potential long-term capital growth.

Whereas, if you are comfortable with slightly higher risk you should opt for multi-cap funds. The difference between the two is that, while the large-cap funds invest predominantly (minimum 80 per cent of the assets) in large-cap stocks, the latter has the flexibility to invest across the market caps (large cap, mid cap and small cap companies).

While pursuing medium-term goals, one needs to have a balanced approach and accordingly consider hybrid funds (mix of equity and debt in a single fund). You can choose between an equity-oriented hybrid fund or a debt-oriented hybrid fund depending on your risk appetite. An equity-oriented hybrid fund will have more than 65 per cent of the assets invested towards stocks and vice versa in case of debt-oriented mutual funds.

Not many are aware that short-term goals too can be met by way of mutual funds. Short-term debt funds offer a relatively higher degree of safety, given the lower maturity period of investments held. In case, where liquidity is not a constraint, you should consider investing in Fixed Maturity Plans (FMPs), which are debt funds, for they not only offer capital growth but also tax benefit, owing to the indexation allowance for investments held for a period of more than 3 years.

Broadly speaking, you as an investor should have a pure equity fund, a hybrid fund and debt fund to meet your long-term, medium-term and short-term goal, respectively. While, the above mentioned three categories of fund should be a must-have in ones’ portfolio, there are two more types of funds which are quite beneficial for their utility – an Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) and a Liquid Fund. An ELSS with a three-year lock-in period, not only provides tax rebate, but also holds the possibility of potential capital appreciation from growth in the capital markets. A Liquid Fund is very similar to a traditional savings account, where you invest your money and withdraw it as per your need. Liquid Funds invest in instruments with maximum 90 days maturity, thus limiting the interest rate risk. Remember, whatever your financial goal, there is a mutual fund scheme for you!

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vanity fare

Fresh as a Daisy

Must-have fragrances to keep you feeling cool and breezy this summer.

Sweet Redolence If you are looking for warm undertones and a long-lasting fragrance, your search ends with Forest Essentials' oudh and green tea mist. Infused with a mesmeric floral scent, with moody oudh and refreshing green tea extracts that hydrate your skin, it is an ideal choice for the season.

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Airy Notes

forestessentialsindia.com

This is for all those women who like to keep things light and breezy as the temperature outside soars. A fresh and summery perfume, My Burberry Blush opens with sharp pomegranate fused with vibrant lemon. Delicate rose petal fragrances mingle with crisp apple, while a base of jasmine and wisteria round off the scent for an intensely feminine touch. Splash some of this dewy liquid on your palms, collarbone area and your garment and let its fragrance work its magic. shoppersstop.com

Little Miss Pretty The Miss Dior perfume combines the redolence of grasse rose with the boldness of Damascus rose, both wrapped in a ribbon of fresh scents of Calabrian bergamot. This handcrafted fragrance is fashioned from French Guiana and pink pepper from Reunion Island for heightened character.

Light as a Feather

A delicate blend of cherry blossom, sweet magnolia and comforting hinoki wood accords, The Body Shop's Japanese Cherry Blossom body mist is just what you need to keep feeling cool, fresh and flowery all day. thebodyshop.in

A Whiff of the Coast The refreshing aquatic scent of Skinn Amalfi Blue transports you to the azure waters of the Amalfi Coast.

With top notes of citrus, lavender and galbanum and base notes of musk, this is a fragrance you must own this summer. skinn.in

bcplindia.com

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cabin comfort

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

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

Onboard Care

Inflight Exercises

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

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

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

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Tricep Stretch

Lower Back Stretch

Side Neck Stretch

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

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

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

Hold the position for 30 seconds and release slowly.

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

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

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Beat the Lag

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

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

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

Ear Comfort

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

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

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in touch

Sales Offices & Stations India

Indonesia

Bengaluru

BALI

54, 1st Floor, Monarch Plaza, Brigade Road, Bengaluru - 560 001 Tele: +9180-4113 6871 info@trackholidays.com

Ngurah Rai Int. Airport Int. / Domestic Departure Terminal, Jln. Raya Denpasar 80361

Chennai

JAKARTA

123/124, Ispahani Centre, Nungambakkam High Road, (Near Income Tax Office) Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 034 Tamil Nadu, Tele: +91444857 4505 / 4506 info@trackholidays.com

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

Kochi XXVII/2605 , Ground Floor Pulinadu Building, Altantis, M.G.Road, Kochi 682015 Tele: +914844047070, +914844047068 info@trackholidays.com

new delhi

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D-85, 01st Floor, 100 Feet Road Chattapur Enclave New Delhi-110 074 Tele: +919999123478, +919999123479 info@trackholidays.com

Kolkata 46C, Chowringhee Road, Everest House, Kolkata – 700071 Tele: +913346004800 40044802 info@trackholidays.com

Sun Boutique Hotel, Jln.Sunset Road No.23, Kuta

Jln. Boulevard Raya, Blok LA 4, No. 10 Kelapa Gading, 14200 Jakarta Utara Komplek Rukan Darmawangsa Jln. Darmawangsa VI, No. 43, Jakarta Selatan 12160

SURABAYA

JOHOR

SELANGOR

CHIANG MAI

Lobby Int. Terminal, Juanda Int. Airport, Jln. Raya Juanda, Surabaya, Jawa Timur

Lot 57, Aeromall Airport, Senai Int. Airport, 81250 Senai

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

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

Plaza East UG Flr. unit 48 Tunjungan Plaza 1

SABAH

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

416, Thaphae Road

PTC Supermall, LG Floor A601A6-50, Jl. Puncak Indah Lontar 2 Lamongan, Jl. Raya Golokan, No.123, Lamongan-Gresik

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

No.26 Jl. Bakri, 84000 Muar Level 2 (Domestic Departure Hall Entrance), Terminal 1 , Kota Kinabalu Int. Airport, Jln. Petagas Kota Kinabalu, 88100 Kota Kinabalu Lot G24, G Flr., Wisma Sabah, Jln. Tun Razak, 88000 Kota Kinabalu FL 4, 1st Flr., Tawau Airport Building, Jln. Apas-Balun, 91100 Tawau

Lot S141, 2nd Flr., Plaza Metro Kajang Section 7, Jln. Tun Abdul Aziz, 43000 Kajang

Thailand

PHUKET

BANGKOK

Malaysia

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

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

KUALA LUMPUR

91100 Lahad Datu

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

Level, Lot 2, Sandakan Airport,

222 Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd., Airport Sub Dist., Don Mueang Dist., 10210

90000 Sandakan

Tesco Lotus - 2nd Flr., 3109 Ladpro Road, Bangkapi, 10240

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

Jln. KLIA S3, Southern Support Zone, KLIA, 64000 Sepang, Selangor

PENANG

Tesco Lotus - Lad Prao, 2nd Flr, 1190, Phahonyothin Road, Jompol, Jatujak, 10900

MEDAN

G027B, G Flr., Podium Block Plaza Berjaya, No.12, Jln. Imbi, 55100

Jln. Marsekal, Suryadharma (M1) No. 1, Kelurahan Selapajang Jaya, Kecamatan Neglasari, Kota Tangerang, Propinsi Banten 15127

LOMBOK

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

Lot 4, Level 2, Stesen Sentral, 50470 Lot No. K16 (New Wing) Utility Level, Stesen Monorail, PT 88, Seksyen 67, Jln. Sultan Ismail, 55100

Lot 8, Departure Concourse, Penang Int. Airport, 11900 Bayan Lepas No.12H-G, Jln. Tun Dr Awang, 11900 Bayan Lepas

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

TB228, Lot 5 G Flr., Istana Monaco Hotel, Jln. Bunga, Fajar Complex, 91000 Tawau

Sarinah Plaza Jln. M.H Thamrim No. 11 LG Jakarta Pusat

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

LG-09, Shaw Centrepoint, Jln. Raja Hassan, 41400

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

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

CHIANG RAI

Tesco Lotus - Phuket, 2nd Flr., 104, Chalermprakiat Road, Rasada Sub Dist., Muang Dist., 83000

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

127 Tanow Road, Bovornivet, Phra Nakorn, 10200

332, G Flr. Kim Mansion, Lebuh Chulia, 10200

Tesco Lotus - Rama1, 3rd Flr., 831 Rama 1 Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok,10330

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

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

Passenger Charter • The operating air carrier shall ensure that at check-in a clearly legible notice containing in the following text is displayed in a manner clearly visible to passengers: ‘If you are denied boarding or if your flight is cancelled or delayed, ask at the check-in counter or boarding gate for text stating your rights, particularly with regard to compensation and assistance’. This text will be available in English, Hindi and the local language in font not less than 72.

• An operating air carrier denying boarding or cancelling a flight shall provide each passenger with a written notice setting out the rules and procedure for compensation and assistance in line with this regulation. It shall also provide each passenger affected by delay of at least two hours with similar notice.

• In respect of blind and visually impaired persons, the provision of this article shall be applied using alternative means.

• With each ticket issued electronically, the airline (or the agent on behalf of the airline) will have to send the latest Passenger Charter to the passenger. For tickets booked offline, every passenger should be offered a copy of the Passenger Charter.

• In-flight magazines of the airline and airport are required to carry a copy of the latest Passenger Charter.

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Route maps

Amritsar

NEW DELHI Jaipur Dhaka

Ahmedabad

KOLKATA

Jeddah

Bhubaneswar Visakhapatnam

Hyderabad

Chennai

BENGALURU Tiruchirappalli Kochi Colombo Malé

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INDIAN OCEAN

AirAsia International Destinations

Fly to over 140 destinations across Asia and Asia-Pacific with Skytrax World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, 2009-2018.

AirAsia Hubs

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Maps not to scale and are just a graphic representation.

Maps do not reflect the opinion of the publisher with regards to the legal or geographical status of any country/ territory depicted. Maps as at April 30, 2019.

Sapporo Sapporo

Beijing Beijing

Tianjin Tianjin SeoulSeoul

Lanzhou Lanzhou Busan Busan

Xi’anXi’an

Chengdu Chengdu Chongqing Chongqing

Kunming Kunming Nanning Nanning Mandalay Mandalay Luang Luang Hanoi Hanoi Prabang Chiang Chiang Rai RaiPrabang CHIANG MAI MAI CHIANG

Jeju Jeju

Tokyo (Narita/Haneda) Tokyo (Narita/Haneda) NAGOYA Osaka Osaka NAGOYA

Fukuoka Fukuoka

Shanghai Shanghai Hangzhou Hangzhou Wuhan Wuhan Ningbo Ningbo Changsha Nanchang Changsha Nanchang

Guilin Guilin

TaipeiTaipei

GuangzhouShantou Guangzhou Shantou Kaohsiung Shenzhen Kaohsiung Shenzhen MacaoHongHong Macao KongKong

Vientiane Vientiane

Yangon Yangon

Da Nang Da Nang ClarkClark MANILA MANILA BANGKOK BANGKOK SiemSiem ReapReap Hua Hin Hua Hin PATTAYA PATTAYA Nha Trang Nha Trang KALIBO KALIBO Phnom Phnom PenhPenh HoMinh Chi Minh Ho Chi City City Sihanoukville Sihanoukville CEBUCEBU Can Tho Can Tho Phu Quoc Phu Quoc KRABI KRABI PHUKET PHUKET YAI YAI Davao Davao LANGKAWI LANGKAWI HAT HAT KotaKota Bharu Bharu Banda Banda AcehAceh KOTA KOTA KINABALU KINABALU KualaKuala Terengganu Terengganu PENANG PENANGIpohIpoh Bandar Bandar Seri Begawan Seri Begawan Miri Miri MEDAN MEDAN Bintulu Bintulu KUALA KUALA LUMPUR LUMPUR LakeLake TobaToba JOHOR JOHOR BAHRU BAHRUKUCHING KUCHING Singapore Singapore Pekanbaru Pekanbaru Pontianak Pontianak

Honolulu Honolulu

PACIFIC PACIFIC OCEAN OCEAN 05 19

Padang Padang Palembang Palembang Makassar Makassar JAKARTA JAKARTASemarang Semarang Bandung Bandung SURABAYA SURABAYA Yogyakarta Yogyakarta SoloSolo Lombok BALIBALI Lombok

GoldGold CoastCoast PerthPerth

Sydney Sydney Melbourne Melbourne (Avalon) (Avalon)

SOUTHERN SOUTHERN OCEAN OCEAN

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Route maps

Sapporo

NAGOYA

Srinagar

Chandigarh NEW DELHI Bagdogra

Jaipur

Guwahati Imphal

Indore

Ranchi

KOLKATA Bhubaneswar

Mumbai Pune

Hyderabad

Visakhapatnam

Goa BENGALURU

Chiang Rai

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

CHIANG MAI

Chennai

CLARK

MANILA

Caticlan

Iloilo Chumphon Ranong Surat Thani Puerto Princesa KRABI Nakhon Si Thammarat PHUKET HAT YAI Trang Narathiwat Kota Bharu LANGKAWI KOTA KINABALU Sandakan PENANG Alor Setar Labuan Kuala Terengganu Ipoh Miri Tawau Kuantan MEDAN Bintulu KUALA LUMPUR Sibu JOHOR BAHRU KUCHING

Kochi

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KALIBO Tacloban CEBU Tagbilaran Cagayan de Oro Davao

PACIFIC OCEAN

INDIAN OCEAN

AirAsia Domestic Destinations

JAKARTA Solo Bandung Yogyakarta

SURABAYA BALI

Fly to over 140 destinations across Asia and Asia-Pacific with Skytrax World’s Best Low-Cost Airline, 2009-2018.

AirAsia Hubs

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Destinations India

India

India

India

India

Bagdogra

Bengaluru

Bhubaneswar

Chandigarh

Chennai

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

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

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

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

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

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India

India

India

india

Goa

Guwahati

Hyderabad

Imphal

Indore

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Destinations India

India

India

India

India

Jaipur

Kochi

Kolkata

Mumbai

New Delhi

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

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

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

Airport Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 22 Languages Marathi, English, Hindi Distance to City 25km Points of Interest Marine Drive, Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Railway Station Transport

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

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India

India

India

India

Pune

Ranchi

Srinagar

Tiruchirappalli

Visakhapatnam

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

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

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

Airport Tiruchirappalli International Airport Currency INR (Indian Rupee) Dialing Code +91 431 Languages Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, English Distance to City 5km Points of Interest Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, St Joseph’s College Museum, Railway Museum Transport

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

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

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