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INDIAN
where one lifetime of discovery falls short

Publisher
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journey
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INDIAN
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Cover: Vastrashobha collection from Shobha Deepak Singh

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Tel: +971-6-5573508, Fax: +971-6-5573509 This summer, An Indian Journey takes you on an exciting
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All information in An Indian Journey is derived from sources, which we the finest crafts and textiles in the world. And in this issue
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we bring to our readers the exotic silks of India with its
authors and are not the views of Durga Das Publications. intricately woven patterns. Find out how India keeps cool
Similarly, opinions/views expressed by any party in abstract and/or in during the extreme summers, with indigenous summer
interviews are not necessarily shared/do not necessarily reflect any opinion drinks created with fruits and milk and spiced up with herbs
of Durga Das Publications. All rights reserved throughout the world.
Reproduction strictly prohibited. Material appearing in An Indian Journey and Indian spices.
cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission.
The same rule applies when there is a copyright or the article is taken from
another publication. Publications reproducing material either in part or in
The Maharajas Express, a luxury train crafted for royalty,
whole, without permission would face legal action. takes you on a voyage of discovery to well-known and
Editorial enquiries and enquiries concerning the reproduction of articles, hidden destinations through East, West and North India.
advertising and circulation should be e-mailed at anindianjourney@ddppl.com Explore the temple town of Kanchipuram in the South
The publisher assumes no responsibility for returning unsolicited material and venture to the little known North East region of India,
nor is he responsible for material lost or damaged in transit. Any material
submitted to An Indian Journey will not be returned. The publisher
home to some of the most colourful tribes in the country.
reserves the rights to refuse, withdraw, amend or otherwise deal with all And for a whiff of cool mountain air we take you to Manali,
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the Indian Advertisements Code as well as the Advertisements Code of
South Asia. The publisher will not be liable for any damage or loss caused by extreme destination, where the festival at Hemis, a Buddhist
the late publication, error or failure or advertisement or editorial to appear. monastery, will keep the visitor mesmerised.
An Indian Journey is printed, published and owned by SanJeet,
72, Todarmal Road, New Delhi -110001 and is printed at
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A visit to this magnificent country will truly enrich your
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 16

Contents
14 SILIGURI & ORBIT HOTELS
Siliguri is an excellent stopover for travellers who want to explore Sikkim,
Darjeeling and various wildlife sanctuaries in the surroundings.

16 SILKEN THREAD INDIAS RICH HERITAGE

The silks of India are amongst the finest in the world. Every state in the country
has a story to tell about the ancient craft of silk weaving.

26 BEAT THE HEAT DRINK DOWN

THE COOLERS
34 Indian summer drinks are the best way to keep the temperatures down
in the sizzling heat.

34 TEMPLE TOWNS OF KANCHIPURAM

AND RAMESWARAM
These two ancient cities famous for their beautiful temples.

40 UNEXPLORED NORTH EAST

A DRIVE TO THE UNKNOWN
The North East of India with its wildlife and colourful
tribes, is a refreshing new destination waiting to
be discovered.

40 26
 Contributors
46 LUXURY TRAIL ABOARD
THE MAHARAJAS EXPRESS SOLANGE HANDO is an award-winning
travel writer based in the UK. She belongs
The Maharajas Express is luxury train that takes
to the British Guild of Travel Writers,
you across majestic India and recreates the
contributes to National Geographic
lifestyles of the Indian royalty.
books and publishes features worldwide.
She travels far and wide but is especially
52 MANALI A HIMALAYAN interested in Asia, in particular India and
the Himalaya.
FAIRYLAND
Located amid lush fields and apple orchards, little
disturbs the peace in Manali but the sounds of
waterfalls and temple bells.
CHAPAL MEHRA is a writer and researcher
based in New Delhi. He lives in a basement
58 HEMIS FESTIVAL and his world view is shaped mostly, if not
The people of Ladakh celebrate the birth of Guru entirely, by his location. He spends his days
Padmasambhava in this colourful festival. wondering about life above the netherworlds.
Occasionally, he writes on travel, fashion and
human rights.
REGULAR FEATURES
10 IN FOCUS AJAY JAIN is a full time roadie, mostly
Buzz in town. unseen as he zips around the country
in his SUV writing travel stories and
taking photographs. He has two travel
60 REVIEWS books to his credit, Peep Peep Dont
Latest reviews from the literary and music world. Sleep (a collection of funny road signs)
and Postcards from Ladakh (a pictorial
travelogue on Ladakh). He displays and
64 KALEIDOSCOPE INDIA sells prints of his photography from the Kunzum Gallery in Hauz
A splash of colours.
Khas Village, New Delhi.

66 HOTSPOTS JANICE PARIAT is a freelance writer now

Cool hotel deals this summer. based in her hometown Shillong after many
years of being away in Delhi and elsewhere.
70 END NOTE Her writing has appeared in Timeout Delhi,
Art India, Biblio: A Review of Books, Business
Standard Weekend, thesmokingpoet, Ultra
52 Violet, Tongues of the Ocean and Poetry
Friends among others.

From childhood SUPRAKASH has been

attracted to the camera and started
clicking with his Isoly-II. With time he has
changed his equipment but still follows
his heart when it comes to his one and
only passion - Photography. He tries to
capture some form of life in every frame
because as per him Life is a Celebration.
Currently his interests are in Temples, Nature, Wildlife, Birds
and Human Life. Apart from Photography he also pursues his
career as a senior level Manager in Business development in
Chennai, India.
2010

OTHERS
r MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY
1 2
FOOD

PAINTINGS AND SINDHU DARSHAN

CERAMICS BY FESTIVAL
SURUCHI JAMKAR A celebration of the river
r

Shridharani Gallery, Triveni Indus

Kala Sangam Leh, Ladakh
PERFORMANCES

New Delhi June 1 June 3

May 24 June 2

7 8 9
LEISURE ACTIVITIES AT MAA KA KHANA NATYA UTSAV 2010
JUNE

32ND MILESTONE KHUSIYON KA A dance repertory at the

r

Bowling and much more KHAZANA Shri Ram Centre

Gurgaon, Haryana A month long food festival New Delhi
May 27 June 13
SPORTS

Apr 10 June 9 Kyra Theatre and Restaurant

Bangalore
r

14 15 16
EXHIBITIONS

PERO SORATH MELA BUZZ MASALA

An exhibition of garments
using traditional skills
and textiles
Presented by Amethyst
Gopalpuram, Chennai
r
A fair held in the Madhubani Buzz presents the drink of
district for over 15 days the month
Bihar Saket, New Delhi
Apr 15 June 18

June 12 - 20
RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL

21 22 23
GANGA DUSSEHRA GAYATRI JAYANTI THEATRE WORKSHOP
Devotees worship the river Celebrates the manifestation BY ARVIND GAUR
Ganga for ten days of Goddess Gayatri, the India Habitat Centre
Across states where the river mother of the Vedas New Delhi
flows Across India May 17 June 24
r

28 29 30
STATE FESTIVAL

TRANQUIL MOMENTS INSIGHT INTO YOGA ARTWORKS BY

A photo exhibition by An introductory course into S. H. RAZA
Sandeep Silas yoga theory and practice Akar Prakar
India Habitat Centre Yoga Institute Kolkata
New Delhi Santa Cruz, Mumbai Jun 19 July 10
June 26 July 2
r
 THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
3 4 5 6
VISIT LADAKH/ GR-CHAKRA JAGJIT SINGH SIAM TODAY
SRINAGAR Geeta Chandran celebrates UNFORGETTABLE Paintbrush and Chisel
Learn outdoor skills with World Environment Day with Featuring the Ghazal presents a group of
Nature Admire a dance performance maestro live talented Thai artists
Malleswaram, Bangalore Kamani Auditorium Ambedkar Bhavan New Delhi
June 03 June15 New Delhi Bangalore May12 June 12

10 11 12 13
GUITAR TRAINING SUAR CHALA SPACE KISHMISH WORKSHOP ON
WORKSHOP KO Artworks by Nikki Kalia and LIGHT HINDUSTANI
Guitar Hall A play for children over five Rekha Bhatia CLASSICAL MUSIC
Santa Cruz Prithvi Theatre Presented by Amethyst Nimble Foundation Centre
Mumbai Mumbai Gopalpuram, Chennai Nariman Point
Apr 23 June 22 June 12 June 20 Mumbai
May 23 June 15

17 18 19 20
SUMMER SPLASH AT POPPADAM BRIDES OF INDIA HEMIS FESTIVAL
CLUB OASIS Thai High launches a South A bridal and lifestyle Celebrates the birth of
A two and a half hours Indian speciality restaurant exhibition Guru Padmasambhava
refreshing spa treatment Ambawatta Complex, New World Trade Centre Ladakh
Grand Hyatt, Mumbai Delhi Mumbai June 20 June 21
Apr 20 June 20 Mid June June 18 - June 20

24 25 26 27
SAO JOAO KIDS SUMMER CHAMPAKULAM BOAT ONCE UPON A TIGER
Feast of Saint John the WORKSHOPS RACE A play
Baptist Photography, charcoal painting, Traditional boat race Prithvi Theatre
Goa clay modelling Kerala Mumbai
Epicentre
Gurgaon, Haryana
May 1 June 29
 indian happenings

I
FOCUS
AVALON GROUP
The Avalon group pioneers in setting up service apartments in
the country, owns a 52 room serviced apartment property (Avalon
Courtyard) in New Delhi. Situated conveniently between Delhi and
Gurgaon, this boutique property provides business or leisure travellers
a well priced alternative to 5 star accommodations. Avalon Hospitality is
looking at setting up more serviced apartments in the tier I and II cities
of the country.
Besides Avalon Courtyard, the company also owns an 90-room ayurveda
resort in Mussoorie called Avalon Resorts.This authentic ayurveda centre
aims to help in health problems related to todays lifestyles. They provide
you with the ambience, healing energy and all the necessary resources to
look after your every need.Avalon Resorts in Mussoorie is considered the
most premium among holiday resorts in the country.
Avalon believes that wellness tourism has great potential globally
and aims to make their properties some of the best wellness resorts in
the world. The groups future plans are to develop and expand into this
booming health hospitality and leisure industry.

NEW HOLIDAY INN IN

MUMBAI
InterContinental Hotels Group opened its
first re-branded Holiday Inn in India on April
1. Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport
has been opened under its IHGs $1billion
global re-branding exercise. With 225 rooms
and tastefully designed restaurants and bars,
Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport is
looking at attracting mainly business travellers
in North Mumbai.

10 AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010

 indian happenings

FREE SPIRIT
Spring-Summer 2010 Collection by
Neeta Bhargava
With a raging passion for art and a determination to achieve, Neeta
Bhargava entered the world of creativity with a Bachelors degree in
Fine Arts from Allahabad University. She started her artistic career
in 1993 by specialising in Tanjore paintings. After establishing herself
as a Tanjore artist with a contemporary brush, Neeta merged her
artistic talents with her passion for fashion and established her own
design studio.
Achromatic palate, alluring Ajanta and pretty paisleys are the new key
words for this season. Ajanta motif extracts from the renowned Ajanta
caves, paisleys influenced by the art of Persia and Kashmir, contributed in
enhancing the new looks for tunics and kaftans by the artist and designer.
This collection features a fine blend of art and design which is Neetas
forte. The fabric that dominates is georgette. The colour palette revolves
around charcoal grays, ivory, whites, off-whites and black.
Neetas ensembles have an understated elegance marked by a restrained, classic style. But the uniqueness of her style lies in creating
a wearable canvas by using hand paint on fabrics. She uses intricate art work on the garments as opposed to the more graphic work
available in the market because she believes in remaining true to her tradition of art work. Neeta successfully combines her flair for fine
arts and her inclination towards fashion by designing ensembles for stores synonymous with high fashion.

HOWZATT
Howzatt, Indias first cricket themed pub-brewery at Galaxy Hotel, Gurgaon, is a fresh concept of gourmet beer & cricketainment as
this unique pub with an in-house micro brewery brews four styles of beer for you. A culmination of innovation and entertainment,
Howzatt provides the next level of pub experience to its guests where everyone would love to relax, enjoy cricket and have a great
time. Breaking the monopoly of bottled beer, Howzatt is initially brewing four styles of beer with the fresh taste of hops, yeast and
malt specially crafted to give these gourmet beers a unique taste.
Howzatt has a cricket themed and casual environment. Bowled out stumps at the entrance foyer provide a dazzling environment.
Glove shaped couches upholstered in plum red leather and bright jacquard fabric on cushions all enclosed in a colour changing back
lit panel adds to the vibrant and energetic feel.
Howzatt also offers various interactive elements like live broadcast of memorable matches, as a DJ spins retro music to go along
from a 20-20 cricket pattern dug-out. With cricket & beer merchandise on sale, Howzatt also offers guests occasions to chat with
cricket stalwarts, experts and leading players. All in all a holistic cricketing experience with great beer and exotic finger foods.

AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010 11

 indian happenings

THE PARK HOTELS IN

HYDERABAD
The Park Hotels has launched its first hotel
in Hyderabad on April 22, which is located
adjacent to the Hussain Sagar Lake. With a
total investment of Rs 340 crore, this new
270-room flagship property is the ninth
addition to the Apeejay Surrendra Park
Hotels collection of boutique hotels.
The Park, Hyderabad is a LEED GOLD
certified green hotel by the US Green
Building Council. It maintains low outdoor
heat absorption, high acoustic levels, minimal
emission levels, energy-efficient lighting,
and utilises natural lighting to maximum
potential, among other sustainable practices.

TIVOLI GRAND RESORT HOTEL

After the successful launch of Club Tivoli, Tivoli Habitat Centre and Tivoli Holiday Village,
Tivoli Group a diversified hospitality and holiday village conglomerate celebrates the
launch of its Tivoli Grand resort hotel @ GT Karnal Road. The luxury brand from Tivolis
portfolio boasts of aesthetically designed accommodation with modern conveniences
like innovative dining at the exquisite multi cuisine resto bar - Cabana, business centres,
largest pillarless banquet hall, recreational facilities, breathtaking landscaping with a host
of advanced and sophisticated eco friendly features. Whether you are food connoisseur,
a business or a leisure vacationer keen on experiencing a slice of countryside, leavened
with a dose of contemporary lifestyle or simply want to celebrate a special occasion or
event, Tivoli Grand with its confluence of elegant milieu and contemporary amenities is
the perfect getaway for you. Tivoli Grands services further ensure an ideal interlude.The
hotel has 28 rooms and suites designed to meet the expectations of the corporate and
leisure traveller. Each room has an elegant setting and stunning comfort. According to Mr.
Puneet Gupta, MD, Tivoli Group, The hotel blends sophisticated urban flamboyance with
a relaxed attitude thus making it a perfect destination for any private or social occasion.

12 AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010

 indian happenings

REFRESHING SPA & SALON SUMMER PACKAGES AT R THE SPA, RADISSON HOTEL DELHI
Radisson Hotel Delhi, the citys only luxury business hotel with award winning restaurants and one of the best and most spacious
spas in town, has designed special spa treatment packages to tide you through the grueling summer.
While dreary hot summer threatens to bog you down, R the Spa at Radisson Delhi promises to cool and refresh you with its summer
Spa treatments. Spread over three levels, the spa at Radisson Hotel Delhi is carefully designed with each level dedicated towards guest
rejuvenation, and relaxation.The spa features a state-of-the-art fitness studio, spa bar, salon, luxurious spa suites and offers the best Asian
and Western spa therapies.These therapies, combined with the finest botanical products, ensure that your experience is blissful. R The
Spa is a rejuvenating haven to restore energies, detox and unwind.
Three different Summer Spa packages are being offered.The first includes Green Coffee Wrap, Relaxing & Refreshing Aroma Massage,
Herbal Tea; the second spa treatment comprises an Anti Oxidant facial Mask, Manicure & Pedicure, Refreshing Floral Bath and third
includes Watermelon Facial, Papaya Body wrap, Aromatherapy Massage.
All the three packages include a welcome drink on arrival, the use of the Jacuzzi, Steam (Optional) & use of the Swimming Pool
(Optional). Each of these packages are priced at Rs 6500/- (All inclusive of taxes)

SEASONS HOTEL AT
TARUDHAN VALLEY
The green resort and
clubhouse of Seasons
Hotel at Tarudhan Valley
threw open their doors last
October, with a celebrity-
studded event. The 75-
acre resort overlooking
the majestic beauty of the
Aravali Hills in the green
expanses of Tarudhan Valley is within an easy 90-minute drive from New
Delhi. The resort has 56 spacious rooms and suites each overlooking
verdant greens.
The resort has a nine-hole golf course designed by Graham Cooke and
an upcoming wellness centre. The Club House offers multi-cuisine food,
a swimming pool, a table tennis room and a snooker room along with a
dedicated play area for kids making the resort an ideal family get-away.
SAROVAR HOTELS DEBUTS IN CHANDIGARH WITH
HOMETEL
Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, one of the fastest growing hotel
management companies, recently launched its economy brand
hotel Hometel, Chandigarh, citys first branded economy hotel and
Sarovars fourth Hometel
in the country. The 114-
room hotel, owned and
managed by Sarovar Hotels
& Resorts is the 45th hotel
in the companys portfolio.
It is located in the heart of
citys industrial area, within
10 minutes from the railway
station and airport.
S O H
T
he gateway to the beautiful North East of India, Siliguri
is located in West Bengal in India. Siliguri is beautifully
tucked in between the north Eastern Himalayas and
the Dooars region of West Bengal. This city serves as the base
for exploring the other major places of tourist attraction like
Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Dooars, Sikkim, Mirik and many more.
It is also in close proximity to the borders of Bhutan, Nepal,
China and Bangladesh, thereby making it of international
importance. If you want to sweep away off your feet by the
breathtaking views of nature, then travel to Siliguri and beyond.
The climate is suitable for growing tea, and the surrounding
region has many tea gardens. With all this in mind, the regions
most dynamic business house, Begraj Group, has teamed up
with Modus Vivendi Hospitality to start the Orbit Hotels,
eastern Indias most exciting new hotel venture. The first
Orbit Hotel, opened in May 2010, is uniquely located at
Orbit Mall, Siliguris most important landmark. Orbit Hotel
is a world class hotel, with the finest hospitality ethos in the
region. It offers all modern amenities, spectacular mountain
views, and makes for the perfect base from which to travel
onward to other tourist destinations in the region. For the
business traveller too, Orbit Hotel is ideal, as it is classy, well
located and the best luxury value for money. Modus Vivendi
Hospitality, a Mumbai-based full-services hotel consultancy,
brings world-class management and marketing expertise to
this property.
Orbit Hotel is the perfect venue from where one can
make excursions to beautiful tourist hubs such as Mirik,
Darjeeling, Sikkim and so on. Jaldapara Wildlife Park is at a
distance of 140 km from Orbit Hotel. This wildlife park is
famous for the endangered one horned rhino.Tigers, leopards
spotted deer, elephants and gaurs too make their home
in the region. Another wildlife sanctuary that has earned a
reputation for the different varieties of animals and birds that
fly here is Garumara Wild Life Sanctuary. It is located 87 km
from Orbit Hotel. Shorea, an eco-tourism center is located in
the sal forests of Baikunthapur part of Mahananda Wild Life
Sanctuary, and is very close to Orbit Hotel.
Orbit Hotel is the place to stay at Siliguri. The ideal
location, plus the finest stay within a most modern ambience
make it outstanding. It is designed as an art hotel, minimilist
yet sophisticated. Orbit is a boutique property that would
delight the tourist and business traveller alike.
Email: meonearth@gmail.com for details
HOW TO REACH SILIGURI
BY AIR Siliguri has its own domestic airport which is
situated in Bagdogra at a distance of 12 Km from city center.
Jet Airways, Indian Airlines and Kingfisher Airlines are the
main flight operators to Siliguri. There are flights connecting
Siliguri to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and all other major
airports in India. There is a regular helicopter service as well
to Gangtok.
BY RAIL New Jalpaiguri station is the nearest railway head
to Siliguri, situated just 16 Km south of Siliguri. Jalpaiguri
Station is connected to all major stations in the country like
Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore with regular train service.
BY ROAD Siliguri is nearly 600 km away from the capital
city Kolkata. There is regular bus service to Kolkata and
to many other important places in West Bengal like New
Jalpaiguri and Kharagpur. Private coaches as well as transport
buses are operational between the cities. It is also connected
to cities in North East India as well like Gangtok.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION Along with splendid bus
facility inside the town, there are numerous jeeps as well
that cater to locals and tourists. These jeeps generally run
on shared basis.

W
T
TEXT: CHAPAL MEHRA
PHOTOGRAPHS: IPSHITA BARUA, COURTESY UTSAV
Lord, I weave the cloth of Thy Name,
The fruitless toil
Of weaving for the world
Has come to an end;
I have attained
The dazzling state of bliss
Free from fear, free from pain,
I am the weaver, O Lord, of Thy Name
KABIR, A WEAVER POET
I
f you observe a weaver at work you are, as I always am,
struck by the solitude, self-discipline and concentration
that the task requires. It is akin almost to mediation, a
momentary lapse, renders the task askew. It is hardly surprising
then that the final fruit of this tiring and repetitive process can
often be yards of soft gleaming silk or cotton as light as a birds
feather.
The art of silk weaving in India is said to be one of the
finest in the world. Silk has remained unseated as sign of
both power and wealth. It is instructive to note that the
Arthasastra, the famous volume on statecraft, in its regulations
for weavers mentions kauseya or wild silk and cinapatta or
Chinese silk. We know from historical sources that India had
become a silk consuming and exporting nation soon after
the discovery of silk yarn. Unaffordable for the commoner,
silk was in high demand with nobility and royalty. Ellison
Findly in her celebrated book NurJahan, Empress of Mughal
India describes the attire of the Mughal zenana where its
inhabitants wore a short tight bodice with long ankle length
pants under a thin long skirt with a veil covering their heads
all in striped, brocaded or stamped silk. We learn of extensive
royal workshops or karkhanas for silk weaving employing
over 4,000 craftsmen during the reign of Muhmud Tughlaq.
Centuries later, Abul Fazal, the historian at the court of
indian fabrics
Mughal Emperor Akbar writes of the famed royal textile
workshops in Lahore, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri and Ahmedabad.
Indias obsession with silk as a fabric of luxury over centuries
is evident by the highly developed and much celebrated
forms of silk weaving and craftsmanship that survive and are
patronised to date.
This romance with silk has continued unabated. Silk
continues to dominate the Indian sensibility for affluence and
luxury. Most Indian trousseaus are never complete without the
inclusion of at least one silk sari. For men, one silk kurta, if
affordable, is mandatory.The gods, who refuse to be left behind,
are appeased with silk clothes to adorn them in temples. The
use of silk in contemporary fashion is considerable. The fabric
is used extensively to create garments for both sexes. India
is the worlds second largest producer of silk. It produces a
variety of silks called Mulberry, Tasar, Muga and Eri, based on
the feeding habit of the cocoons. The industry today employs
over 700,000 farm families and is mostly concentrated in
Karnataka, Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh and to some extent
Assam, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
Facing page: Kanjeevaram silk
Above:The paisley motif from a Benarasi silk sari
AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010 17
 indian fabrics
This long tradition of Indian silk textile is justifiably
celebrated for it is one of the few ancient weaving techniques
that still survive. Moreover, it is a varied and diverse craft with
distinctions in technique depending on the regional culture of
each state. However, to truly understand the entire spectrum
of silk weaving, we must turn to the six yard sari, the weaving
of which has been honed into a fine art.
Our journey to understand the diverse technique of silk
weaving begins in Gujarat one of the biggest centres of silk
trade historically. It was also a leading centre of silk weaving.
While the tradition barely survives in Gujarat today, even its
remnants leave us speechless with the magnificent precision
of its craft. We can ascertain the importance of the region as
a leading centre of craftsmanship from the fact that one of
18 AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010
Akbars four royal weaving centres was based in Ahmedabad,
which unlike the other centres was not a capital of the empire.
Political instability and some argue famine, forced the weavers
from this region to move to Benaras and eastern regions.
The patan patola saris from Gujarat are a study in subtlety.
The warp and weft are dyed by dye resist method in a range of
five or six traditional colours like red, indigo, blue, emerald green,
black or yellow. The process which is extremely exact ensures
that when the fabric is woven, the design will appear precisely
and create a brilliantly coloured sari woven with motis of birds,
Above left and facing page: Double Ikat, Andhra Pradesh
Above right: Patan patola, Gujarat
Below: Patan patola border, Gujarat
Gentle waters after
a rough ride

flowers, animals, in complete geometrical congruence. Patola
is noted for its bright colours and geometric designs with folk
motifs. The most expensive style is the rare double ikat patola.
Not far from Gujarat, another leading centre of weaving
was in Paithani, Maharashtra known for a saree by the same
name. The stunning Paithani is characterised by intricate
designs on pallu( unwrapped end) and border. Motifs on
pallu are generally peacock, lotus, mango and other designs
inspired from the historic Ajanta caves which are nearby. The
saree can take anywhere between 2 months to years to weave
depending on the intricacy of the border and pallu.
In the north, the ancient city of Benaras, has been Indias
leading centre of silk weaving. Benaras weavers are keepers of
the old tradition of nakshabandha or the making of nakshas
(designs) which forms an important part of brocade weaving.
It is believed that the families of nakshabandha weavers were
brought to India during the reign of Muhammed Tughlaq
They were masters of the art of tying designs into the loom.
Local artisans and weavers learned this art from these great
craftsmen. Another variety of exceptional weaving is the fine
tissue, which had warp and weft of gold thread, with patterns
worked in silk and gold thread. Often the background material
would be woven in silver thread and the patterns in gold
or vice-versa. These were known as Ganga-Yamuna: Ganga
standing for the gold thread and Yamuna for the silver. Amru
Silk brocades with a heavy pallu of flowering bushes or the
indian fabrics
flowering mango pattern are very popular. The tanchoi sari
or fabric is perhaps what one can term the best-selling of
the Benarasi style. Interestingly, tanchoi, comes to India from
China and the name is a corrupted version of tran choi after
the three Choi brothers who came to India with silk. Jamvar,
Navarangi, Jamdani, etc. are the types of Benaras sarees, which
are much in demand.
The eastern regions of India have a distinct sari tradition.
Mushirabad district of West Bengal has been a centre of silk
weaving since Mughal times. The stunning Baluchar technique
of weaving brocades with untwisted silk thread was developed
in Murshidabad. It is based upon the miniature paintings of
India. The specialty of the Baluchar saris is the large pallu with
a central pattern of flowing Kalgas, the mango design enclosed
by repetitive frames of miniatures.The silk baluchari comes in a
wide array of contrasting colours telling different stories from
Hindu epics. Another traditional silk sari from West Bengal is
the famed Kantha sari. Kantha is actually a form of embroidery.
Kantha embroidery is typically creating the decorative motifs
with running stitch. The sari is entirely covered with running
stitches and has beautiful folk, floral, animal and bird motifs.This
embroidery is usually done by rural women.
Facing page: Kantha embroidery
Below right:Tusar with kantha embroidery,West Bengal
Below left:Tusar, Madhya Pradesh with Jaipuri block print
AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010 21
 The golden Muga, white Paat and warm Eri silk are silks
indigenous to the North Eastern state of Assam. Muga and
paat silks are used to create the most beautiful sarees. These
sarees are intricately detailed and known to be very durable.
The mekhela chador, the three-piece silk sarees woven with
traditional motifs is an essential in very womans wardrobe.
Ikat is a type of weaving where the warp, weft or both are
tie-dyed before weaving to create designs on the finished fabric.
There exist two traditions of silk ikat sarees in both Orissa
and Andhra Pradesh. The Orissa ikat has a close relation with
the culture surrounding the worship of Lord Jagannath one of
Orissas most revered Hindu deities. The traditional sarees are
dominated by the use of four basic colours which are found on
Jagannathblack, white, red and yellow. The motifs such as the
lotus, conch and wheel, indicate proximity to this deity.
The Pochampalli ikats from Andhra Pradesh are easily
differentiated from their Oriya cousins The pochampalli is
marked by bold ornament work, making it dramatic and vibrant.
The Ikat weaving originated in Nalgonda district and is now
practised mainly in Puttapaka, Pochampalli and Chautuppal
villages of Andhra Pradesh.
The Konard sarees also known as Temple sarees were
originally woven for temple deities. These sarees have wide
borders and their motifs like elephants and peacocks, symbolise
water, and fertility.
Deeper south, the weavers of Kanchipuram claim to be
descendants from Sage Murkada, the weaver to the gods in
Hindu mythology. It is then befitting that they create the famous
Kanchipuram silk saree, one of Indias priceless traditional
handloom product. Silk weaving is the main profession of
the inhabitants of Kanchipuram also known as Silk City. The
Kanchipuram silk sarees are woven from pure mulberry silk
using a special weaving technique. It uses three single threads of
silk yarn along with zari.This makes it both durable and lustrous.
Some of the traditional motifs featured in the Kanchipuram
silk sarees are rudraksham(seed of the rudraksha tree), malli
mogu and gopuram(temple door), mayilkan (peacocks eye),
kuyilkan (nightingale eye) borders.

Above and left: Paat silk from Assam

 indian fabrics

Old temple sari, Kanchipuram silk Korvai sari with rudraksh border, Kanchipuram

Old temple sari, Kanchipuram silk

Kanchipuram silk, veldhari pattern with a ganga-jamuna border

Uppada silk with cutwork design, Andhra Pradesh Korvai sari with rudraksh border, Kanchipuram

AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010 23

 indian fabrics

Tanjore,a town in sourthen India specialises in weaving

what are quite aptly described golden sarees. These have
gold thread -work and carry rich broad borders and pallus in
gold work. The most popularly used motifs are the youli, the
stylized lion form, the hamsa, swan, and the shardul, tiger.
To encapsulate every single variation of the Indian weaving
tradition is difficult in an article. The variations in style and
products have sub variations. However, these continued
traditions remind us of the critical importance of handloom in
Indias history. We cannot forget, Indias tallest leader Mahatama
Gandhi hitting back at the Brisitsh with the handloom. This
tradition sadly is in some area under threat as machines
replicate in days what the hand took months to create. China
today is dumping copies of Benarasi weaves in India, while India
ironically buys its much needed silk yarn from them. While the
government pours millions into helping the weavers it, does
not seem to have benefitted them sufficiently. Stories of the
keepers of this ancient craft in penury are a grim reminder
that the craft is losing its patronage. The demand for the
quality products of handloom weavers exists but somehow
the livelihood of the weavers continues to be peril.The weaver
needs to be rescued or in the words of Kabir, he would soon
be tired of the fruitless toil of weaving for the world. !

Above:Tusar from Madhya Pradesh with Jaipuri hand block print

Left: Silk and Ghicha Tusar blend, Phulia,West Bengal

Utsav is located at Krishi Vihar, Josip Broz Tito Marg,

New Delhi and can be contacted at: +91-11-26242420
Email: shashivchandran@yahoo.co.in

24 AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010

 indian drinks
 On hot summer days, beach
waters or the cool mountain air
might tempt you, but for instant
refreshment, cool off with these
easy to make wonder drinks and
beat the sizzling heat!

BEAT
H
Drink Down the Coolers
TEXT: KANCHAN NATH
PHOTOGRAPHS: IPSHITA BARUA, COURTESY RADISSON HOTEL DELHI
 A refreshing summer drink garnished with mint

I
ndian summers are hot and we have varied traditional
Aam panna made with raw mango
recipes for cool drinks, which are low calorie, full
of nutrition and delicious. In fact most of them are
readymade treatments to detoxify the body and make your
skin glow! Add panache to the same by dressing them up with
professional tips and perfect glasses.
Lets start with becoming wiser about our fruit facts:
Lemon, one of the biggest gifts of nature, is a must in the fridge
(even as its price rockets sky-high): Its tarty, citrus flavour has
been vastly used to dress up both dishes and drinks.

AAM PANNA
INGREDIENTS QUANTITY
Raw mango 4
Roasted cumin 1tsp
Green chilli 3
Mint leaves 50gm
Salt 1tsp
Black salt 1tsp
Black pepper powder 1tsp
Ice cubes 12
Water 4 cups

Garnish: Mint leaves

28 AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010


Juice of one lemon and half a spoon of honey every morning is
a great way to lose weight. Lemon acts as a blood purifier and
a cleansing agent. It is also thought to help dissolve gallstones.
I guess we all can vouch for the simply made neembu paani,
lemon with salt and water with a pinch of sugar, for instant
relief in the heat. Lemon tea and lemonade are instant revivers.
Add that extra zing to your neembu paani with a pinch of kala
namak/rock salt.
Mango, the king of fruits, a gift of India to the world helps
make some of the most delicious and healthy summer drinks.
From shakes, aam panna to simple juice, mango takes the pride
of place with its delicious flavours. If you are conscious about
your weight, reduce the quantity, but dont torture your taste
buds.
Watermelon, another Indian summer favourite is succulent
fruit with over 90 percent water. It grows in desert like conditions
and is native to Africa. It is a valuable and portable source of
water for desert situations and when natural water supplies
are contaminated. A new study claims that watermelon has
Refreshing watermelon juice
indian drinks
ingredients that deliver viagra-like effects to the bodys blood
vessels and may even increase libido. So dont hesitate to drink
glasses of its pure juice, cooled with ice.
An excellent recipe for curing the tummy bug is an Indian
grannys bel juice. With a slightly acrid to bitter taste, it sure
does have a cooling effect. Bel ka sharbat, made from the pulp
of Bel fruit, is sold at an affordable rate of Rs 10/- per glass at
most rediwalas or juice vendors
If you are not handy enough with a knife to cut open a
coconut without dropping the coconut water, leave it to the
skilled roadside vendors, sitting alongside the heaps of coconuts.
Some of you might try eating the malai in the coconut, then ask
the vendor to give you one with the malai, the soft pulpy fruit.
We Indian love milk, so curd is used in a lot of our recipes.
Lassi is made with many variations from Punjab to Kerala.
Adhrirka, a drink made with curd, a little water, kewra, sugar
is popular in Punjab, where many drink it before leaving the
house in the morning. Its other variation, lassi is made with
curd, water, a dash of ginger, pinch of salt and little green chilies.
 indian drinks

Mango and lemon make excellent

summer drinks

Lassi, a cooling drink made with curd

SWEET LASSI
INGREDIENTS QUANTITY
Curd 300gm
Sugar 4 tbsp
Kewra water 1tsp
Almond 4
Pista 10
Green cardamom 1
Ice cubes 12

Granish: Pista

Variations of lassi are many, you just have to experiment and

see which one suits your palate.
Some of our local fruits make the most exclusive and
unusual drinks. Take for instance katira goond, used in kulfi
and as well as lassi. It has a jelly like consistency and has been
vastly used in ayurveda. Some of the popular cool drinks
are Khus sharbat, made from poppy seeds, sandalwood
sharbat, roohafza, plum and imli/tamarind sharbat, jal jeera,
rhododendron sharbat, phalse ka sharbat, and rose sharbat,
each has a unique taste.
The coolant for the hottest summer days of course is
thandai, which is made by mixing and crushing, char-e magaz
(seeds of khira or cucumber), kharbuz (muskmelon), tarbuz

30 AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010

 indian drinks

Thandai, the king of drinks

THANDAI
INGREDIENTS QUANTITY
Cold milk 300ml
Sugar 3tbsp
Thandai syrup 12 tbsp

Thandai syrup contains Melon seed, khus

khus, green cardamom powder, saunf, rosewater,
whole pepper corn, dry rose petals, almond,
saffron.

Garnish: Almond and saffron

(watermelon) and khus (poppy seeds), kali mirch (whole

peppercorns), cardamom and almonds. The trick is to crush
these ingredients on a mortar and pestle. Separate the juice.
Add milk, sugar and then finally garnish it with rose petals.

Lassi vendor, Old Delhi

AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010 31

 indian drinks

Generally the best sold drinks can be found at the popular nooks and corners
all over the country. These of course are not for the faint hearted, afraid of getting
the Delhi belly. This, however, does not rule out checking for cleanliness and the
sure shot remedy is to head for the crowded ones. So enjoy your regular bottles of
the banta soda, glasses of lassi, aam panna, and coconut water without hesitation.
One really cannot forget the natural panacea for this hot weather: WATER, if
you cant take refrigerated water, then store it in an earthen pot, in a shaded corner
of your house. Either way you definitely need to drink at least eight glasses of water
in a day! The mantra remains: Drink water, water and more water...! !

Recipes from the kitchen

of Sreenivasan. G, who is the
Executive Chef at Radisson
Hotel, Delhi

JAL JEERA
INGREDIENTS QUANTITY
Tamarind 100gm
Fresh coriander 50gm
Ginger 10gm
Roasted cumin 1tsp
Green chilli 3
Mint leaves 50gm
Salt 1tsp
Black salt 1tsp
Black pepper 1tsp
Lemon juice 10ml
Ice cubes 12

Garnish: Mint leaves and lemon

Jal jeera an excellent slices
thirst quencher
The temple towns of
K
R
TEXT: JANICE PARIAT
PHOTOGRAPHS: SUPRAKASH GHOSH
 indian temples

Rameswaram and Kanchipuram in Tamilnadu are the repositories of the best temple
artchitecture- a legacy of Chola and Pandya rulers.The eponymous headquarters of
the Kanchipuram district in Tamil Nadu is one of the oldest cities in the southern part
of India and also one of the seven most sacred in the country.
 indian temples
T
he temple town is renowned for its gorgeous silk saris
characterised by startling colour contrasts, beautiful
gold and silver thread borders and nature motifs.
Apart from a thriving silk industry, Kanchipuram is also a
treasure trove of temples that date back from the Pallava and
Chola dynasties.
Dedicated to Shiva, Kailaishnath is one of the oldest temples
in Kanchipuram, built by Rajasimha and his son Mahendra, in the
late seventh century. The sandstone architecture of this most
beautiful temple of Kanchipuram retains the freshness of the early
Previous page: Rameshwaram
Above: Panoramic view of the temple town
Below: Kamakshi Amman Temple
Facing page below: Main shrine at Kamakshi Amman Temple
Dravidian style.There are fifty-eight small shrines around the main
one, which honour Shiva and Parvati and their sons Ganesh and
Murugan. Also striking are the fresco paintings on the inner walls
of the shrines. Non-Hindus are permitted into the inner sanctum,
where there is a lingam apparently the largest in town and third
largest in Asia. Visitors will find that the guides and priests in and
around the temple are friendly and helpful.
Occupying a sprawling forty acres of land,
the Ekambareswarar temple is the largest in
Kanchipuram, and largely dominates its skyline.
This is one of the five major Shiva temples
(where He is worshipped as the Prithvi
Lingam) and represents earth as one of
the five elements. The other four temples
 indian temples

are Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara for water, Chidambaram integrated whole. While it is a striking building, there are a couple
Natarajar for ether, Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara for fire of things that stand out and make this temple unusual. Theres a
and Kalahasti Nathar for wind. The temples fifty-nine-metre corridor for circumambulation of the shrines on the second and
high gopuram (an ornate monumental tower at the entrance of third floors and its cloisters, with a colonnade of beautiful lion
a temple) and enormous outer wall were constructed in 1509 sculpture pillars and other extensive sculptures bearing various
by Krishnadevaraya of the Vijaynagar empire. It is believed that Pallava inscriptions. There is generally a lesser crowd here, and
Parvati, Shivas consort worshipped him in the form of a Prithivi
Lingam (or a lingam made from soil). When the neighbouring
Vegavati river overflowed and threatened to engulf the lingam,
Parvati embraced it. Moved by this gesture, Shiva materialised into
human form and married her.The name of the temple is said to be
derived from Eka Amra Nather Lord of the Mango Tree. There
is a mango tree here believed to be 3,500 years old with four
branches that represent the four Vedic texts.
The Vardharaja Perumal temple is impressive and exquisite.
Dedicated to Vishnu, it was built by the Pallavas in 1053 and
expanded later during the reign of the Cholas. It is located in
Vishnu Kanchi, an area of Kanchipuram filled with places of
worship dedicated to Vishnu. There is a hundred-pillar hall filled
with breath-taking sculptural work. Take note of the ornamental
rings (carved out of a single stone) at the four corners of the hall.
The annual Garudothsavam festival takes place during the months
of May and June and that is a vibrant, colourful time to visit the area
along with hundreds of other devotees from across the country.
Another exceedingly important Vishnu temple is the Vaikunt
Perumal built by the Pallava king Nandhivarman Pallavamalla a
few years after the completion of the Kailaishnath temple. The
Vaikuntha Perumal Temple (the name translates into Vishnus
paradise) is a single structure whose principal parts make an

AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010 37

 indian temples

makes for a nice change from the other more bustling tourist
spots in the city.
An enormous and imposing structure, the Kamakshi
Amman temple is dedicated to the Goddess Kamakshi, a form
of Tripura Sundari, one of the ten mahavidyas (goddesses who
represent the ten aspects of the Divine Mother) in Hinduism.
This venue also plays an important part in the worship of
Parvati. It was built by the Pallavas in the fourteenth century
and the inner sanctum, built on three levels, depicts Vishnu in
standing, sitting and reclining postures.
While Kanchipuram is an important temple town, tourist
dining and accommodation options may be found lacking. It
is a good idea to make a day-trip to the city while staying in
Chennai or Mamallapuram. Since the place is so popular with
tourists and pilgrims, there is a culture of harassment at some
temples and silk shops. It is best to be alert and firm while
dealing with vendors and hawkers. Also, have some amount
of small change ready for donating to temple caretakers, shoe
minders, guides and priests. All the temples are open from 6am
to 12.30 and 4pm to 8.30pm. Shoes can be stored free of
charge outside the temple gates. While there is no strict dress
code, it is a good idea not to wear shorts and for women to
be decently covered if you wish to enter the inner sanctums Above: A devotee at Ekambareshwar Temple
of the temples (where it is permitted, of course). ! Below: Shiva and Parvati Kailashanathar Temple, Kanchipuram

38
 indian adventure

U
N E
A drive to the unknown
TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS AJAY JAIN

If you are looking for one adventurous drive, head out to the North-Eastern region of
India.There is a refreshingly new world out there waiting to be discovered for those who
are willing. Dont worry about risks to your life and limb pack your car and head out.

Facing page: A Naga

warrior in full gear
This page: Arunachal
Pradesh

AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010 41

 I
f you are driving from Delhi, it is best to go through Nepal
and you can hit the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary on the
third night. Chances are you may have never heard of
it; neither had I until I was looking for a place for a night halt.
Try to get a room at the Government run Hollong Lodge,
located deep inside the forest. It was fascinating to watch
the authorities leave mounds of salt at night for animals like
bisons who need their intake of salt just like we humans do.
Book a pre-breakfast elephant safari if you want to spot any
rhinoceros, deer, peacocks and other wildlife.
My appetite craving for more of the wild, I headed out to
Manas National Park in Assam it extends into Bhutan where
Royal is prefixed to its name. While I did not spot any rhinos
and dolphins efforts are on to conserve their population
the elephants presented some delightful sights. A pair came for
their bath in the Manas river, against the setting sun; if I wasnt
shooting pictures, I may have jumped in too. The next morning
I came upon a herd of wild elephants of all ages, playing and
jostling with one another like children. One could have watched
them for hours; I would not barter these memories for anything.
My next target was Kibithu village in Arunachal Pradesh.
An army outpost on the Chinese border, this is the eastern-
most motorable settlement in India. On the way I stopped at
Itanagar, met the Apatani tribals in Ziro and celebrated the
Nyokum Yullo festival with the Nyishi tribe in Boasimla. The
road from Pasighat to Hayuliang required me to drive for over
hours on dry river beds and once have my car ferried across
a flowing river. With more stretches through forests and river

42 AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010

 indian adventure
beds, you should follow this trail just for the drive.
I eventually reached Kibithu, but bad weather meant I
could not sight Chinese villages across the border. The return
leg turned out to be a tricky affair: persistent rain had caused
landslides all over, and rocks were coming down at alarming
regularity. It took three days to eventually get to the safety of
Dibrugarh in the plains of Assam. This was the time to thank
God for the safe passage.
A shower and a good nights sleep was enough before I
drove across to the pretty town of Mokokchung, home to Ao
Nagas, in Nagaland. In nearby Longkhum, locals believe you
leave your soul here the first time you visit and must return
to get it back. A legendary subterranean tunnel here, believed
to be 25 km long, waits for someone to play Indiana Jones and
confirm its existence. The less enterprising can saunter about
the spotlessly clean village chatting with the residents, chasing
their chickens. The romantics can pay a visit to Mopungchuket
where the classic romance of poor boy Jena and rich girl Etiben
played out. Forced to marry someone else, Etiben starved
herself to death. Grief struck, Jena kept playing his flute till he

Facing page above: Managers Bungalow, Gattonga Tea Estate, Jorhat

Facing page below: An Arunachali tribesman in traditional dress
Right: Hornbill
Below: Elephants frolicking in the jungle

AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010 43

 indian adventure

44 AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010

 indian adventure

too was heard of no more.The village has a beautiful lake with a

rope bridge, fun to cross. Also on display are 15-feet-high wood
figurines depicting local legends carved by local artist Lepden.
If you want a quick primer about Nagaland and its 16
recognized tribes, attend the annual Hornbill Festival at Kisama
heritage village near capital Kohima. All the tribes congregate
here to display their costumes, dances and music. Sports like
tug-of-war and Naga wrestling add to the fun. Each tribe
has a representative morung (sleeping hut) with thatched
roofs, bamboo furniture and log drums, which are still the
communication tools in some interior villages. Sample their
food, home-brewed rice beer and meet the tribals up close.
The modern face of the states youth shows up when the sun
goes down (at 4 pm, thanks to one country, one time zone).
Rock bands from all over have gigs, culminating in a contest
with considerable prize money. The Bamboo Mall stocks Naga
dresses, shawls, jewellery, bamboo artefacts, artworks and more. Watching rhino families mother, father and baby and otters
During World War II, the Japanese had overrun Burma and was heart warming to say the least. Dont miss out on paying a
were advancing into India when British forces, ably assisted by visit to the hoolock gibbons, the only variety of apes to be seen
Naga troops, finally forced them to retreat at Kohima. The site in south Asia. With its rich sighting of birds including Hornbills,
of one of the wars bloodiest battles, Garrison Hill in April 1944, Indian Roller, Jungle Fowl, Pheasants and more, the icing on the
now has a War Cemetery with 2,337 graves and memorials to cake was well set.
the soldiers who laid down their lives. It is a moving experience So just hit the road and go! !
just walking there, reading the tombstones. Visit the War
Museum in Kisama to learn more about the events.
Facing Page: Fuschia flowers
And then it was back to the wilds of Kaziranga National Top: Hornbill festival, Nagaland
Park in Assam, one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India. Above: Rhinoceros, Kaziranga, Assam

AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010 45



Aboard the
Maharajas Express
TEXT: IPSHITA BARUA

The Maharajas Express is a luxury train

that transports you to the days of the
royalty and unravels the varied tapestry
that forms a backdrop to a majestic India.
 indian luxury
T
he Maharajas of India were a class apart. Living lives
of extreme luxury they indulged in everything that
fascinated them. Creating the equivalent of Elvis
Prestleys, Graceland and Michael Jacksons, Neverland in their
majestic and magnificent forts and palaces, they lived their lives
surrounded by immense wealth. Emeralds, diamonds, rubies
and sapphires filled the royal treasure boxes. And every model
of the worlds most expensive automobiles from custom
made Rolls Royces to beautiful Bentleys adorned the royal
garages. But their flights of fancy did not stop at jewels and
cars, it extended to acquiring anything that moved or flew from
aircraft to railway carriages that they decorated with the most
ostentatious and opulent interiors.
In fact, Sir James Watts creation, the steam engine,
enthralled the Indian royalty like nothing else did. Even their
beloved motor cars fell by the wayside as they vied with each
other to acquire these machines and turn them into the most
luxurious modes of transport.
Maharaja Gaekwad not only gifted his son a toy train but
installed a royal throne in his personal coach. The Nizam of
Hyderabads private carriage was decorated with strips of ivory
and solid gold and the Maharaja of Gwalior built a two mile rail
track, in the palace grounds, for his little son to race around.The
most fascinating of these objects of desire was the centre piece
of the Maharaja of Gwaliors banqueting table a silver mini
train which was used to dispense after dinner cigars and liquers.
48 AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010
Around 1880, the princely states took the initiative to
build their own railway networks and the Raika Bagh Palace in
Jodhpur was probably the first railway station in India. To give
the traveller a taste of this royal indulgence and of seeing the
splendour of India leisurely, from a railway carriage IRCTC and
Cox and Kings India have created the Maharajas Express the
ultimate in luxury on wheels.
Combining old world charm and royal opulence with
modern, eco- friendly amenities the train is equipped with
every facet of ultra luxury living. With four exotic itineraries to
choose from the Indian Railways gives you the best of exotic
India.Travelling through India by train is one of the best ways to
explore the varied tapestry of this majestic country. And heres
your chance of experiencing four different routes through the
panoramic windows of the Maharajas express.
Above left: Stained glass at Mehrangarh Fort
Above right: Fine dining in a luxurious setting
Facing page:Tiger, Ranthambore
AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010 49
 indian luxury

PRINCELY INDIA with its wonderful forts and palaces. In Jaipur you can participate
This is an eight days and seven nights tour that starts in in a boisterous elephant polo match and in Ranthambore
Mumbai and ends in Delhi. An excellent journey that takes you National Park you could spot the elusive tiger. This exciting trip
through Western India, an area steeped in history and known ends in Mumbai, Indias most happening metropolis.
for its spectacular architecture and monuments. Leaving the
bustling city of Mumbai you arrive in the states of Gujarat and CLASSICAL INDIA
Rajasthan which are strewn with hill forts, palaces in the middle This is a journey that starts in Indias capital Delhi and ends in
of surreal lakes and wildlife parks. You then go on to Agra and the eastern city of Kolkata. After enjoying the ancient treasures
bask in the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal and then on to of Delhi and Agra, you embark on an escapade to a slightly
Delhi, a historical city home to seven dynasties. offbeat India. The trip takes you to Madhya Pradesh with the
magnificent fort at Gwalior and the renowned Khajuraho
ROYAL INDIA
A seven days and six nights, journey that takes you from Delhi
to Mumbai. After exploring Delhis monuments, this trip takes
you to Agra and the splendour of the Taj Mahal. At the end of
witnessing Agras delights, a sumptuous dinner awaits atop a
hillock overlooking the magnificent Taj. The next stop is Jaipur
 indian luxury
temple with its erotic stone sculptures. A stop at Bandavgarh
may bring you up-close to the magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger.
You then move on to Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the
world, and enjoy the evening artis or prayers by the banks
of the Ganga. The last stop Kolkata brings back memories of
British India.

CELESTIAL INDIA
Kolkata, the city from where the British controlled their empire
is where you start this journey. You then meander through
the country to the old Buddhist and Hindu pilgrim centres
of Gaya and Varanasi. Let loose the spiritual part of you. Enjoy
the exquisite carvings at Khajuraho and walk down to a typical
Indian village and experience life in rural India.This wonderful
trip takes you through Gwalior and Agra ending in Delhi, the
capital city.
The Maharajas Express will provide a view of India from
the royal surroundings. Excellent cuisine, regal service and
ultra luxurious accommodation will make these journeys an
unforgettable experience. !

Facing page left:The Safari Bar

Facing page right: Presidential Suite
Facing page below: A wonderful stopover at the Taj
Right: A luxurious carriage

AN INDIAN JOURNEY March 2010 51

 indian destination

M
A Himalayan Fairyland
TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS: SOLANGE HANDO

Tucked at the northern end of the Kullu Valley, at around 2000 metres, the pretty hill
station of Manali sits on the banks of the Beas river. All around are lush fields and apple
orchards, wooded slopes and to the north, snowfields and glaciers glinting on the first
Himalayan peaks.

High peaks around Manali

I
n the clear mountain air, little disturbs the peace but the
sound of waterfalls and temple bells. Couples from all
over India come here on honeymoon. Among Manalis
most revered temples is the 16th century shrine dedicated
to the local deity Hadimba, wife of Bhima, the Pandava prince
featured in the Mahabharata Hindu epic. Hadimba became
patron of the Kullu royal family and a temple was built around
the cave where she left her footprint. Every year in May, a fair is
held in her honour with joyful parades, music and dance.
The temple is also called Dhungri, after the surrounding
forest where it nestles in a cool grove of deodars. Its a four-
tiered wooden pagoda with a balcony above the entrance, a
veranda on the lower sides and exquisite carvings on the lintels
and quadruple door frame. Pilgrims come to pay their respect
and ask for advice, ringing the bell to announce their arrival
to the Mother Goddess of the Valley. Deer antlers and other
offerings are draped on a nearby tree and true to Kullu tradition,
animal sacrifices are performed on the site to ward off evil.
 indian destination
Once known as the end of the habitable world, Manali
owes its name to the seventh Manu sage who miraculously
landed on these slopes during the Great Flood. His temple
rises above Old Manali where beyond the backpackers lodges,
life moves at a gentle pace, seemingly unchanged for centuries.
Steep lanes wind around wooden houses with living quarters
on the first floor and cattle below, washing drying on the
balconies, a gurgling fountain, piles of logs and freshly-picked
apples and a traditional temple striped red and white. Now
and then, marigolds and sunflowers whisper in the breeze.
Its a world away from the New Town across the bridge
54 AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010
where the Manalsu river rushes down to the Beas. The bazaar
is small but bustling with food stalls and garment shops.
While men sell balloons and candyfloss, Tibetans make their
way to the Thekcholing Gompa filled with incense, frescoes
and Buddha statues. The nearby stalls sell Tibetan jewellery
and carpets, complimenting the traditional Kullu handicrafts
of knitwear, circular Kulluvi caps and shawls, hand-woven in
different types of wool and decorated with vivid patterns.
Meanwhile in the shaded riverside park, newly weds dress up
in traditional clothes for a photo shoot and knitting ladies do
business, posing with angora rabbits. Its a lovely place to stroll
at the end of the day and if you are lucky, you might spot
the bright blue plumage of a monal pheasant or the equally
colourful but even rarer western tragopan.
In winter, Manali turns into a snow-clad fairyland, coming
into its own at Carnival time with folk dance, classical music and
street plays. Down south, Kullu town celebrates Dussehra, its
greatest festival, in October, presided by the goddess Hadimba
who comes down from Manali and the royal family. The Pal
dynasty emerged in the Kullu Valley in the early 2nd century,
changed their name to Singh around 1500, lost their power
Above: Honeybee Stone Temple, Naggar
Below: Hadimba Temple, Manali
Facing page above: Palchan, Manali
Facing page below: Kullu valley
 indian destination

under the British but remain an essential part of local culture.

Weaving a traditional Kullu shawl
All over the land, the Kullu people uphold their heritage
with pride in flamboyant festivals and rural fairs from Banjar
to Naggar or Malana where villagers adorn themselves with
yellow barley grass, especially grown for the occasion.
Once capital of the Kullu, Naggar is a quaint little place
clinging to the hillside.The old castle has withstood the vagaries
of time, a quiet oasis with a few hotel rooms and a courtyard
with a weeping willow and cedar galleries carved with stylised
lotus patterns glowing in the sun. In the upper courtyard is the
Jagti Patt temple, home to the sacred honeybee stone carried
down from a nearby peak by the gods, in a swarm of bees. On
the edge of the village in a garden blooming with roses and
wisteria , you find the museum and former home of Roerich,
a Russian exile who enjoyed painting the Himalayas. The views
here are superb, cedar-covered slopes framing the valley with
its silvery river, luminous fields, a hamlet here and there, plum
and apricot trees, baskets full of apples and sometimes great
flocks of sheep on their way to new pastures.Twice a year, they
cross the snowline at 4,000 metres on the Rohtang pass. Up
there, prayer flags flutter in icy winds but there are food stalls
galore, tinselled trucks and excited day trippers from Manali.
They come to touch the snow and pray at the shrine where an
ancient sage discovered the source of the Beas river. !

56 AN INDIAN JOURNEY March 2010

 H Buddhism in the High Mountains
F
TEXT: IPSHITA BARUA
H
emis is one of the best known Buddhist gompas
or monasteries in Ladakh. Built in 1630 by
Sengge Namgyal, a prominent ruler of Ladakh,
it was home to the Drukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
One of the most famous festivals of this region, it is held
here ever y year. The festival known as the Hemis festival
is dedicated to Guru Pabmasambhava or Guru Rimpoche,
sometimes known as the second Buddha. Every year on the
tenth day of the Tibetan lunar month known as Tse-Chu,
the people of this region come to Hemis to par ticipate in
the festivities. Adorned in traditional dress and headgear,
the locals lend a colourful backdrop to the brown Ladakhi
landscape.
The sound of cymbals, pan drums, trumpets and large
wind instruments fill the air as the festivities begin in the main
courtyard. Here ceremonial items are placed in an exquisitely
painted table. The offerings contain holy water, uncooked
rice, incense sticks and tormas. Tormas are intricate figures
made of flour and butter and used in tantric buddhism rituals
58 AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010
Above: Monks with their windpipes
as offerings. The ceremonies are presided over by the head
lama. The most spectacular event in the festivities is the cham
dances. Chams are performed only in monasteries that follow
the tantric vajrayana form of buddhism. The dancers enact
plays and stories in what seems like slow motion, that keep the
audience mesmerised for hours.
Even though Hemis hosts the festival annually, the most
important year for the festival is the Tibetan Year of the Monkey
as Guru Pabmasambhava is believed to have been born in
that year as predicted by the Shakyamuni Buddha. The Tibetan
Year of the Monkey comes every twelve years and the year is
believed to be very auspicious. The rituals and festivities are
performed with even more fervour, but the most spectacular
event is the unfurling of the two storey high tankha adorned
with the portrait of Guru Pabmasabhava and decorated with
pearls and semi precious stones. The ceremony takes place
early in the morning. Amidst the sounds of long horns and
drums the magnificent tankha is unrolled from the top of the
monastery. Indeed an amazing spectacle. !
 indian reviews
B R
BOOK REVIEWS BY SANTANU GANGULY
HIMALAYA : LENS AND PASSION
Author: Ashok Dilwali
Publisher: Kinsey Bros
Photographer Ashok Dilwali reveals
the many marvels of the Himalayas,
captured during his countless visits to
the mountains. Like a moth to a flame,
this photographer braves the erratic
weather over and over again to bring
back photographs that truly speak a
thousand words. Rather than beautiful
words illustrated by pictures, here
is an anthology of beautiful pictures
illustrated by words.
Each photograph shows you the
Himalayas in a way that you have
never seen before. From spectacular
landscapes to those smaller details
that we tend to forget, Dilwali uses
artistry and opportune moments
to encapsulate what he has seen.
His remarkable skill shows through
beautifully in the dramatic lighting and
bold colours. Like the best artists, he has
total control over his material without
taking away the delicate abstraction of
nature. Explore the Himalayas through
the eyes of an artist with honest love
for the mountains.
True to his title, these photographs bring
the lens and passion together as one.
BOOK REVIEW BY
TROYEE BARUA DUTTA
60 AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010
FORGOTTEN DILLI - POR TRAIT OF AN IMMOR TAL CITY
Text & photographs: Sasmita S.
Akhtar & Shamim Akhtar
Publisher: Nishcam Publication
Delhi is a city replete with
tradition and culture. It has seen
the rise and fall of several dynasties
and the surviving witness to these
are innumerable monuments, most
of them in ruins and the rest in the
process of being so. The endeavor
is to take the reader on a time
travel through black and white and
monochrome infra-red pictures.
The narration is made on a time-
line where the pictures and the text
compliment each other. The book
is restricted to just one phase of history in a particular part of India but
the desire is to generalise the feeling and instill the fact that India is indeed
incredible and let each of us contribute in keeping it so!
Price: Rs. 4,500/-, pp. 186, HB, Coffee Table Book
IMAGINING INDIA: IDEAS FOR THE
NEW COUNTR Y
Author: Nandan Nilekani
Publisher: Penguin Allen Lane
Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, who
has been a key player in Indias growth story,
points out that the countrys future rests
on more than simply economic growth; it
also depends on reform and innovation in
all sectors of public life. Looking closely at
Indias recent history, he examines the ideas
and attitudes that evolved with the times
and contributed to the countrys progress, as well as those that kept it shackled
to old, unproductive and fundamentally undemocratic ways. He discusses
how Indias early socialist policies, despite good intentions and astonishing
idealism, stifled growth and weakened democracy; how, contrary to received
wisdom, the countrys large and overwhelmingly young population has now
become its greatest strength; how information technology is revolutionising
not just business but also governance in the everyday life of a vast majority of
Indians; and how rapid urbanisation is transforming both society and politics.
Price: Rs. 699/-, pp. 531, HB, Non-Fiction
 indian reviews

THE ZOYA FACTOR

AUTUMN IMPASSE
Author: Anuja Chauhan
Publisher: HarperCollins Author: Aniruddha Raha
When the younger players in Indias cricket team learnt that mid- Publisher: Punascha Publisher
level advertising executive Zoya Singh Solanki was born at the Autumn Impasse is a journey of a solitary girl,
exact moment that India clinched the World Cup in 83, they were Louise, who turns out to be a woman in a silent
intrigued; when eating breakfast with her was followed by victories spectacle of a turbulent time. Naively tunes into
on the field, they were impressed; and when not eating with her the beauty of music and subtle emotions, she
resulted in defeat, they were convinced shes their lucky charm. takes her stroll through a world that experiences
Between them and the eccentric IBCC president, they coax tears and blood. In her dream she wonders
Zoya to accompany the Indian team to Australia for the tenth through the colour
ICC World on an all-expenses- of an autumn forest
paid holiday, on condition that where she meets her
she breakfast with them before dream man. Doused
every matchWorshipped by her in enticing urge to be
Indian fans, and vilified by the other within a family, Louise
competing teams, Zoya struggles remains waiting within
valiantly to do her bit for Indian a cosmic emptiness
cricket in the thick of the World that finds its place in
Cup action. It doesnt help that she timeless eternity.
keeps clashing with the erratically Price: Rs. 200/-, pp. 176,
brilliant new skipper Nikhil Khoda PB, Fiction
who tells her flatly that he doesnt
believe in luck

AN INDIAN JOURNEY March 2010 61

 indian reviews

M R
MUSIC REVIEWS BY SANTANU GANGULY

RHYTHM OF LOVE - CHARUKESHI LIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO TRIBUTE TO SAROD MAESTRO

Artists: Rahul Sharma & Artists: Ustad Ali Akbar Khan

Zakir Husain A doyen of Maihar Gharana, Ustad
Parichay - Rhythm of Love Ali Akbar Khan, one of the most
- Charukeshi Live in San accomplished Indian classical musicians
Francisco featuring Rahul is designated a Living National Treasure
Sharma on santoor and in India. Yehudi Menuhin hailed him as
Ustad Zakir Husain on tabla. the greatest musician in the world.The
The pack includes a write CD 1 contains Raga Chandranandan
up by Rahul Sharma. A recorded in 1962 is typically a Maihar
whirlwind tour of key cities Gharana Raga. Making this CD special
in the US, an exciting road are the plethora of Ragas and Ustad
trip with Zakir Husain at the Zakir Hussains accompaniment in the
wheel and Rahul Sharma navigating, a magical concert at San Francisco - these concluding Raga Durgeshwari. The CD
are the ingredients that come together in this special live recording. Enjoy 2 contains the morning Raga Todi is
the entire raga Charukeshi, with Rahul Sharma playing a deeply romantic followed by Raga Lajwanti, yet another
composition created by his father, the legendary Pandit Shivkumar Sharma. favourite of Maihar Gharana. The
Zakir Husains expert touch on the tabla ensures that this is an unforgettable concluding Raga Sindhu Bhairavi is an
performance, now captured for posterity on CD. alap in Thumri style and is a jugalbandi
Music: Saregama, Price: Rs. 225/- with legendary Pt. Ravi Shankar. Both
Khan saheb and Panditji represent
the last few legendary artistes who
brought forth their genius and have
given Indian Classical Music its due on
3 CITIES, BOMBAY DUB ORCHESTRA
the world stage.
Artists: Bob Marley, Nusrat Music Saregama, Price: Rs. 450/-
Fateh Ali Khan & Bebel
Gilberto
Step into the sound of 3 Cities,
Bombay Dub Orchestras
sophomore release, and
experience the crossroads
where Mumbai, Chennai, and
London musically meet. Since
the release of their self-titled
debut, the name Bombay
Dub Orchestra (consisting of
composer/producers Garry Hughes and Andrew T. Mackay) has built quite
a reputation. From main-stage performances at the UKs Big Chill Festival and
Djing across the globe, scoring feature films to remixing such world-renowned
artists as Bob Marley, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and Bebel Gilberto, fans and critics
have been eagerly awaiting their next album. For 3 Cities, both Hughes and
Mackay traveled to Mumbai and Chennai to record with the cities premier
musicians and vocalists before returning to London to mix the album.
Music: Saregama

62 AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010


TRIBUTE TO THE LEGEND DR. GANGUBAI HANGAL
- CLASSICAL VOCAL
Dr. Gangubais uncompressing
attitude towards music makes
her the only purist of the Kirana
Gharana. She steadfastly stuck
to her beliefs and only sang
classical music. She was born
in Dharwad on 5th March
1913 and was initiated into
music by her mother Ambabai,
took her early training under
Hulgur Krishnacharya. Being the
senior most disciple of Pt. Sawai
Gandharva she presented her
music with utmost devotion
thus making her a doyen of
Kirana Gharana. Her Majestic and pliable voice allowed her to
express the range and subtitles of a raga with utmost ease and
great impact. All the tracks from the CD 1 are 78 RPM recording
and CD 2 contains raga Abhogi considered a masterpiece of the
Kirana Gharana.
Music Saregama, Price: Rs. 299/-
indian reviews
HANDPICKED LOVE SONGS FOR YOU
Artists:Various legendary artists
This album does not have any track from The
Japanese Wife but
Aparna Sen the director of the film - The Japanese
Wife: A Love Poem, handpicked immortal love
songs from old Hindi films for audiences. The
carefully curated album contains all the legendary
singers of Hindi films - Kishore Kumar, Manna Dey,
Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Md. Rafi, Mukesh,
Hemant Kumar, Geeta Dutt and Talat Mahmood,
with songs like- Tum pukar lo tumhara intezar hai,
Tere bina zindegi se siqwa, Rimjhim gire sawan,
Raina Beeti jayeetc.
Music
Saregama,
Price: Rs. 299/-
AN INDIAN JOURNEY March 2010 63
K
INDIA
 indian hotspots
H
Hotel Madhuban Highlands
A luxury hotel located 500 meters from the
library, close to the mall yet away from the
city. The only centrally air conditioned hotel in
Mussoorie with on site parking.
The entertainment area offers a choice of
games for children. There is a fully equipped
gymnasium and spa. Spacious rooms and suites
come with independent balconies. All rooms
are equipped with mini bars, coffee makers,
phones, TV and wi-fi access. A multi cuisine
restaurant offers an array of dishes.
The conference room is supported by all the
latest audio-visuals and business aides.
With easy accessibility by road clubbed with
the calm ambience and friendly services the
MADHUBAN HIGHLANDS is the perfect
destination for an ideal getaway for leisure or
business.
Special packages offered for the summer
For more information contact
info@hotelmadhuban.com
66 AN INDIAN JOURNEY March 2010
Vista Park Group
Vista Park Group, the hospitality arm of Value
Homz Group, will open two more hotels in
Gurgaon this year. Vista Wood will be launched
by June 2010, while Vista Signature will come
up by November 2010. Vista Wood will be
designed as corporate hotel. Vista Signature
will be a 33-room property. The hotel will be
equipped with modern facilities, including a
business centre, fine dining restaurant and spa/
gym. V P Singh, Corporate General Manager, Dr Mehtas Hospital
Vista Park Hotels said, We will be diversifying Dr. Mehtas Hospital, in Chennai is amongst
into the hospitality segment in a big way in the leading Multi-Specialty and Super-Specialty
the coming years. There are plans to construct
Hospital with over 200 beds that blend
hotels with larger room inventories in the modern medical technology with the art of
future. The Group already owns and operates
healing. The hospital has been around for the
a boutique last 75 years, starting as Dr Mehta Nursing
hotel Vista
Home. Dr Mehtas Multi-Specialty Hospital
Park, in Gurgaon. is now a Tier1 Tertiary Care Hospital offering
This hotel has
patient management programmes across
a multi-cuisine 60 paediatric and adult medical, surgical and
restaurant, bar
diagnostic specialties and super-specialties.
and a banquet/ Many leading doctors, surgeons, specialists,
conference area.
super-specialists and medical practitioners
Besides, the practice or consult with us.
Group has plans
Mehta Day Care Clinic, in T Nagar is a medical
to develop a and surgical day-care centre, combining out-
new hotel near
patient consultation and diagnostic facilities for
Manesar and on both adult and paediatrics. The centre provides
Sohna Road.
day-care surgeries across a range of specialties
and super-specialties. MDC has a dialysis and
chemotherapy centre targeted at providing you
comfort.
For more information contact For more information contact
mail@vistapark.in info@mehtahospitals.com
 With the Indian corporate world opening up to new experiences in terms of meetings and conventions,
MICEtalk gets talking on the finest ideas in business travel. Innovative, magnificent, spectacular are some
of the superlatives that these exploits attract. Intended as a guide for business travellers, MICEtalk is a
testimony to how prominent a place India is coming to occupy on the MICE map.

Business Travel gets

a Makeover...

Each month, 32,000 copies of MICE go out to corporates,

international trade associations and the travel industry in general.
 indian hotspots

Kolu Houseboats, Srinagar

Ever dreamt of staying on a lake and sailing on
it? Well, here is a good news for those intending
to go to Kashmir. Kolu Houseboats, which is a
part of Travel Excellence of Kashmir, has been
awarded The best deluxe luxury house boat
in Srinagar.
It was established by Mohd. Kolu in 1940 and
extends hospitality to its visitors with their
houseboats and shikaras which are seen in large
numbers parked along the Dal lake, Nagin lake
and Jhelum river. Kolu Houseboats have 62
well-furnished rooms with wall-to-wall Kashmir
carpets, separate dressing rooms and attached
washrooms fitted with modern amenities.
It also has a 24-hour room service, a 24-hour
attendant for every houseboat, a telephone and
a cable TV in every houseboat.
For details contact: Hilal A Kolu
Cell: 9811146774
Phones: +91 9811146774/91, +91-11-
29814080
For more information, please contact:
Fax: +91-11-29814081
hilalkolu@koluhouseboats.in or info@travelexcellence.net

Ilbert Manor (Heritage) Syna Tiger Resort

Ilbert Manor (Heritage) in Mussorie,
Uttarakhand welcomes travellers with
wonderful summer packages. So get away
from the heat of the plains and head for the
cool mountain air. Ilbert Manor packages are
for two nights and three days, extendable
on a pro-rata basis. The packages include
a welcome drink on arrival, breakfast and
dinner for two. Tea and coffee maker in
the room, laundry facilities, two children
below six can share their parents room for
free. The Victorian package costs Rs. 8999,
Imperial, Rs. 9999. The cottages are for Rs.
10999 and Suites, Rs. 14999.
KSM Hotel Connections India Pvt. Ltd.
Marketing Consultants & Representatives
12/7, L.G.F, West Patel Nagar,
New Delhi - 110008,
Website : www.hotelconnectionsindia.com ,
www.ksm-hci.com
For more information, please contact:
sales@ksm-hci.com,
sales@hotelconnectionsindia.com
Indias forest tourism sector gets its
newest and most exciting super-luxury
resort, at Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh.
SYNA TIGER RESORT - a venture of
M.P.s rapidly-expanding Syna Group of
Companies, is an exclusive retreat that
would cater to the elite tourist. Promoted
by the dynamic father-son duo of Sri
Satyendra Pathak and Mr Sanjay Pathak
- who are Madhya Pradeshs leading
philanthropists - Syna is an unmatched
destination to experience luxury and the
thrill of watching tigers in the wild, at the
worlds top tiger spotting zone. On offer
also - exclusively from Syna - is a unique
night safari within tiger country, in a private
forest area! Syna features magnificient
lodges and world-class amenities, and is
built around a philosophy of offering the
very best hospitality while being eco-
conscious. As one of the worlds most
exclusive retreats of its kind, it is the
perfect getaway.
For more information, please contact:
info@modusvivendihospitality.com
Prowez
A creation of Duggal Brothers, established
manufacturers of Travel Accessories based
in New Delhi since 1968, Prowez offers
you the latest and only the best in Travel
accessories.
Air Ticket Jackets, Passport Covers, Travel
Bags, Baggage Tags, Placards, Caps, and Shoe
Covers - you name it and we have it. Quality
products in leather, artificial or otherwise,
plastic etc. that can be customized according
to your needs with exclusive designs to
match only the best in the industry - Prowez
has a no-nonsense attitude when it comes
to making travel a worthwhile experience.
Encourage your clients to experience
the joy of traveling the Prowez way! For,
with their travel essentials safely and stylishly
tucked away in their Prowez pocket the
only thing to do is sit back and enjoy the
journey
For more information, please contact:
duggalbrothers@gmail.com

AN INDIAN JOURNEY June 2010 69

 indian endnote

The Indian way of life provides the vision of

the natural, real way of life.We veil ourselves
with unnatural masks. On the face of India are
the tender expressions which carry the mark
of the Creators hand.
GEORGE BERNARD SHAW, IRISH PLAYWRIGHT (18561950)
 Postal Registration No.:DL(ND)-11/6141/2009-10-11,
Licensed to Post without Pre-Payment No.: U(C)-44/2010-11
for posting on 25th 26th of advance month at New Delhi P.S.O.
RNI No.:DELENG/2008/26217