Discover India DECEMBER 2017 %100 TOAST TO THE COAST Soak In The Sun At India’s Best Beach Destinations 5 2a 17 I MADHYA PRADESH ‘MEMORIES OF EUROPE DECEMBER TRAVELS | MAJULI MAGIC 10 Reasons To Travel To | Former European Colonies 10 Off-Beat Places For Life On The Enchanted The Central State By The Banks Of The Hooghly | Your Year-End Vacation | Island Of Masks. oan 70D7a 7c a ee ne eee) cas|ano], &Sp@CONTENTS Discover India DeceMBeR 2017 30. UFE Is A BEACH Wak on he sand, soakn the su, feel the magic ofthe sea Disere the best ofthe beaches along the tonstine of India. a2 EUROPE BY THE HOOGHLY Go back in time a you tou these Taso tons in West Beal that tl hold te sea of Europe 82 — 10 REASONS TO TRAVEL Cove Photograph TO MADHYA PRADESH ¥ From hotage sites and wide ALAMY ra hl reveas and religious ius, Lowaton we take you ana phot tour to he GOA Feat of te county 62 THE ISLAND OF MASKS plore one ofthe lxgest ver islands inthe word ana yee fd unmask the beauty of breath taking Maju oa DECEMBER DESTINATIONS From Zrointhenerbeastto Champanernthewest head to fay ou ep picks fora delightful waver beak befor he year ens, 78 MALABAR MAGIC plore the verdant eotings al Vatekare ich remains tenchod in Keralan culture and way of ‘AAMY DECEMBER 2017 Discover India 1CONTENTS Discover India DecemBer 2017 Gateway 2 INDIA UPDATES: ‘ui ound of what's happering around the ‘zune sy repr your itera, 14 WEEKEND BREAK We atqiant you vith fe destinations not oo fac from he metas fora shor rp. 16 CHECK-IN ‘Geek nto new hotels and esarts and find cut ‘wat suis yournext aration 18 CHECK-OUT Discover naa akes a culinary jounay ring ‘you the best eateries from arand the county, 20 MUSIC & LyRICS. Tumnto this pag for what's hot and whats tending on the InBan musi scene. 2 Peopue ‘alist Holywood director Aashvita Kamath aout how wave inp Her work 22 FULLY BOOKED Get your hands onthe latest aoks, ranging fom ‘ita ographies ad rave Manifesto 24 THE FOOD FOLIO Rocky Singh ates us on ou othe many clint pats ofthe viet cy of Pure 25, ‘THE DRIVING AGENDA. Ditch Oey, take tera with Roshan Pvaiah to soon Parsons Veli instead 26 GUEST COLUMN, Manish Adhikary ils us wy Dajeting is the pefect winter getaway inthe of season 28 GUesT coLuMN Moher Baja fod chidhzod cram ‘hen she sot pa haiay name in Goa, EXPLORE OUR rg tAeerenrastnt folowing ftowusen nanan, me eS, Oe © ES Focus 34 ENLIGHTENED STATE OF BEING om spiritual sits io ancient universities, from serene vr gat to archaedoncal manos, rom interesting festivals to hearty {uising, we ring youl those things that put nar onthe tourist map 96 FRAME WORK Meet te elegant Katatll dances of ale a hey bing ave the tny-lay ance frm wth tr imerpetaten ot & tlasial dance opera, —_Dy ams ey HURL Te We Love Bengal WEST BENGAL TOURISM TSCA AC... wunw.wbtacloone ABel OVO e104]Editor’s Note 01/12/2017 Coliinist nthe days of early youth, asa struggling writer, Lived vicariously through th created, I hada’t lived much, s characters | experience and exposure were probably good AY enough to survive in this world, but not enjoy it oar ROCKY SINGH 1 did not know what lay ahead in the world ular TV anchor and food writer outside, what danger lurked, what magic ic via noes i eles coi contained—I was contene to churn ou half-baked works of fiction, with incomplete characters, from my room in a South Delhi village. What a pity, when I reflect now on the wasted years. Perhaps though, this lack of knowledge and exposure was also part of necessary life experiences, ‘Then, in the summer of 2007, the opening of what would be my first published sbeHUN pov book (though this opening, was later discarded) ‘An evince journalist pessoneta ‘With a bottle of beer in our lef hands and cgaretes ‘about ears and road tps inthe right, ike too solders on vacation, se walked doczn the sands of Goa almost instep with each othe: A irregular incercals each let outa tos grant ro imply ‘thatthe frivolous surrounding did not meet with our approval and at regular intercals each turned to etch atthe dames with dignity. There were other sinilarites, Tall, ean, and with a disguised steak of meanness. \ creased forehead that suggested rough sseather, past and ahead. Identical beach pajamas bought from the cendor at Anjuna. Bloodline Nov entirely a bad opening, if say so myself, except there was just one probles MANISH ADHIKARY had never set foot in Goa. Like earlier, I was lying about knowing. This time though, I was ‘Avidely travelled jurmalst wo determined to do a good job. And so for the fre ime in my adult life, | decided to take a ‘etumed this rots research-vacation to Goa. Itchanged my life. Tc was as though I had set foor ina foreign land, everything was so strange and alien to ‘me—the freedom of personal expression ofthis coastal state, the parties like which I had leetic mix of humanity and the sea, the sea, the sea. I fell in love with Goa, and with the great beautiful sea. I was exposed to the magic of nature, to human hedonistic pleasures. Hopefully, as a result, 've grown as a writer and as a human being, Like each year after 2007, I will be returning to Goa next month, (MEHER BAJWA Moers Associate Editor wth ‘Maxi, andloves to vavel, Wwe AJAY KHULLAR Editor 4 DiscovertndinDECEMEER 17YAR Se ATE GT Peas Eee a fs RR bs eric CUS Odisha State Handloom Weavers Oe UC Tat am) CT re OR, Cela} Divine Creation Dress ane Ceci eee gimey cd Deen ay treasure and traditions Deals with Exclusive Pee Lunesta ch (asec eso ect late ites Orme cas PCIe as Pie acu uiieac) Joda (GI Registered) ACE agate ccd eR iG ensuring sustainability of their livelihood (fig taney eer EIN (ar OUR SALE BRANCHES: Angul- 234649, Balas Barbil- 9010624550, Borhampur- 2221426, Bhadrak- 250983, Bhawanipatna- 231206, Baripada 8178262821, Bhubaneswar. Westom Market Bullding- 2530232 / Boyan Bhawan- 2520220 / Bi Patnaik Airport 8895435490 / Ekamra Haat 395383) Bolangir- 233947, Cuttack Buxibarar 7304888 Barakhet Road 2472 2203722) Damanjodi-255787, Dnenkanal- 9853281552, Jeypore 220374, Kendrapara- 220811, Keonjhar- 250027, Khurda- 220865, Keraput- 250430, Nawarangpur. 223038, Nayagarh 252960, Puri Singhadwar 228554, ‘Swargadwar 228645 / Neelachal Urban Haat 9856536032) Paradeep- 720656, Pulbani-255511,Rairakhol- 253040, Rairangpur- 222312, Rayagada ~ 235282, Routkola- (Sector 5- 2646703 / Udinagar 2500338) Salipur- 2351055, Sambalpur- 2400121, Sundergarh- 9437632118, OUTSIDE ODISHA SALE BRANCHES: Ahmedabad- 9898062274, Kolkate- (Gariaghat 24804153 / Dhakuria 24297462 / Manikatla 23552392 / Angana Market Barasat 25846682) Now Delhi Palka Bazar 22957623 /BhikajiCama Place 26171292)‘os Discover India GOES DIGITAL! Get India’s first travel magazine on your iPad, your tablet or your smartphone with our digital edition. With destinations, experiences, expert tips and incredible photos, you'll be able to plan your next holiday in a snap. Log on and buy your copy today at... ‘www.magzter.com/discoverindia www.readwhere.com Discover India ps0 MEDEVPARTNER MTERVANIONALWDUABINOAORUKINDA PATEL ‘i sah Month atonal Haling GaitPe aren eke eee our ce enna) CeO ee ey noes Pench ese okt} SNOISIOSd Old (== O) als na) is! Pree re eon Pad ee oe EN Es) Pere ner eeCEr Pets) Peer) AONA9AY LLIVAH aContributors [AZERA PARVEEN RAHMAN SUGATO MUKHERJEE ‘WRITER \WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER Avera isan independent writer An and copy-editor based in G jana Nothing excites her more than the prospect of a story When not yping ou words on her laptop (or in her head), she is busy spinning tales for her three-year-old daughter, This wward-winning photographer and writer, Sugato has contributed to Al Jazeera, National Geographic Traceller and the Yale University Journal, among others. His coffee table book, in Antique Land—A Visual Memoir of Ladakh, isa pleasant read. For this issu she former Europ she takes us through che he visits sun-kissed beaches along the rn colonies ‘coastline of India nestled on the banks of the Hooghly in West Bengal ‘ANITA RAO KASHI WRITER After working fora daily newspaper for over 10 years, Anita finally turned to travel writing. For almost a decade now, she’s been blissfully combining fone of hee passions— travel food, writing and photography. Tn this issue, she traces the wondrous winter destinations co Visic this December. RANE SAHANEY WRITER: A consulting editor with travel books and magazi JITADITYA NARZARY WRITER Jitaditya mostly travels alone, likes to go where no one goes, and prefers austere hhomestays over luxury resorts He is generally seen in the Himalaya buralso likes to dig ‘out obscure history behind forgotten archaeological sites, Here, he takes a cour of Maj exploring the serene river island on a cycle for more than 12 years, Ranee has been 1 regular name in DI. Her book, Adventure Sits bn The World, delight. Here, she eurns the focus ‘onto Bihar—the culeural hub of ceastem India 8 Diwowerlndia OeoeMHsn-207 CHITRA RAMASWAMY ‘WRITER A freelancer with wheels for feet, Chitra pens her experiences with panache. She has been a regular contribut to Disarcer India for several years, and continues to travel write. This time, she yes Vatakara for us—the ‘coastal town in Kerala famous for its wealth of martial art traditions and more,With more than a thousand exhibitors from 60 countries, OTM is the largest travel trade show in India, on the basisof number of sellers, buyersandrentedarea. OTH is held every year in Mumbai - the largest travel source market of India. Mumbai, together with its hinterland markets of the West and South India, potentially caters to 61% of all outbound travellers from India. In comparison, New Dei, the national capital, accounts for just about 22%. * Add GST @ 18% weet. 01.07 2017 aor 31¥8y'17 —Tpnete10q'17_ * Payments de a the time of booking USS 395, USS 295 USS 345 | Early Bed Offer i stcty as per date of payment INR 24,000 | NR'18.000__ | INR21,000_***3year fim ate contact onthe basis of negotiated acvance payment terms To book your vantage stand at OTM write to us at contact@fairfest.in or visit www.otm.co.in Focus Coy Preniam Pairs Paes counties visit Aikey srilanka Zz sonst “ft Feature Counties 8 ie ne. gy, JNTO Praldives } Feature States Offical TWPartner abicton ome aft | travels, | MB Supported by Orgersedby Inerecible|pdia PRIN A OTS'AI €joco BAEL Gl @y AGA @ weren SY @) A ADS | erase THs a tradeshow, visors below 15 years arena lowed during Trade Hours Rights of Admission reserved with Fares Media idcMissives WE GO WITH YOUR FLOW ‘months back and was on the lookout for ‘more places that I can explore. I loved how you extegorised different trekking destinations according to their difficulty levels, making things much easier for beginners, Not co mention the pictures, which were stunning. OHIT LAMBA Delhi Perfectly Captured This is about che photo essay in your November isue, ‘The piewres of A State Of Wonder While lipping the pages of DI's November iss “Focus section and it instantly brought a smile to my fice. Odisha is my home state and [always feel very proud of how itis full of wonderiul surprises. Beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, remples and breathtaking waterfalls—ie cruly has something for everyone. SUNDAR RAY Dherkaral Leame across the different landscapes with splashes of various colours taken from high above looked like prety paintings by an crafework, che state is surely blessed amazing artist. This seetion never fails The piece was very well-written, Keep co mesmerise me. ‘Thanks for sharin ore we] up the good work! these perfect shots with us. =——— ‘SRAVA NAR Visakhapatnam SANJAY KUMAR Noida WwW Exploring Heights A Complete Guide ‘The cover story of your November issue [Arcee] [find Ditcover lia ‘on mustdo Indian treks was exactly SEL | caprivating and an ‘what I had been looking for! Itekked interesting read, wo Th achal Pradesh few especially the “Anchor Charming Chhattisgarh scetion. It gives a peek into many litte known places. along with travel info inspiring us 0 explore beyond the usual. Thanks for making it possible for us to sit comfortably at home and learn abouc the most picturesque destinations across the country BALU MAHENDRA KADASI Hyderabad Nor much ofa travel rarely ¥ states of India and yer T can safely say thac I have some knowledge of the other parts of the country, especially the east. Tread about how rich Chhattisgarh is when it comes to handicrafts and folk arts, From wood earvings, terracotta hhandierafts to Kosa silk and iron myself, [have ured outside the southern mee DI COORDINATES Postal Address: Discover India, Exposure Media Marketing Pvt, Ltd., 378-379 Udyog Vihar Phase IV, Gurugram—122015 Email: discoverindia@emmindia.com FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS Call +91-124-3083616 or +91-9899414369 FOR OUR DIGITAL EDITION Magzter.com, eadtwhere.com 10 Disconertndia OECEVEER 2017Gateway EN R HERE FOR INDIA PEOPLE Aashvita Kamath Tal How Travel Inspires Her WorkBI Gateway INDIA UPDATES A ROUNDUP OF WHAT’S HAPPENING, WHAT’S TRENDING AND Nubhagar Festival Re Oseenber3 sthan With te string Kunthagah Fort asthe bcktap the festival is ree dey extavagaca that features pefomances by flatts, dances ar! songs, an at amp, ppet shows, upps-naking extn and saver ator vets a8 wall as ary of lca cuisine Malti Choos, Delhi Dacanber 16:17 Taking eantestage aftr a long tine, Asan, one of Balywed's rginalcomodians, wiltegae audiences with is omedi timing and delvry in Ala Cros, th Hind and rede adaptation of Noiee’s elassicplay The Mise: A rusia fre, th la asa the trappings of Ballyod levy woven together forthe Stage ands sue toentertin (Mar intermatin atts. inbuokmyshow com) Comic Con, Delhi Dacanbar 15:17 Comic characters wil descend forthe days on Delhi ard ho inna hui al ods wl be una wh the Cae Can [NSIC Estat, Okla Industrial ‘rea Pase Il, Outer ing Rood tomes to vm this yet. Not ust, Comic books ae ital versions, but whole lat of evens, rmesctardize and attios willbe part ofthe event [Mace information tps inbookmyshow cor) 12. Disconer India. DECEMBER 2017 Bonding with Ruskin, Bengaluru Decanter 13 Fuskn Gondis a sang to ian readers, more ofr the generations whogrewup wihhistalesof ‘ahveture ard nature, Soe otis icaie tries havebeen adapted for the sagen Boning wih As Ung Theatre. Ramagoedanall, Varthur Rad Banal). The play bigs alive many of Bones trary autos. (Mere ifomatcn at gs /intookmysow am Chennai Music Season, Chen December Jey ‘Mamallepuram Dance Festival, Tamil Nada Deoerber25-Janary 25 Kochi Carnival, Kerala Last weok of Decanter Fer wek. Cochin is swept by the is, colour and memento he och Caria hich ave fom Partuguese New Yea eeetrations, vestige of he days of hei’ ati! pst attr than being atrcionalcutwaleven, its roe about feasting au, wih competions, games, beach ors, i bik reas, dancing, and frewols tends with araliking parade on Now Yea Day Th capital of Tari Nadu roveborates with mesic focmuch of December end pat of January as the Chennai Msi Season sets in Hundreds of Sabha oganisean ary of radial South an Camate musi sessions coompanied by dance ‘daha art for, 28 wll as seminars, dseusions ‘rd demanstratins Set against the bake of the beautul seascape of the Bay of Bengal the Stunning monuments 2d shore temples of Marla, ual dance osbad isan extavagana of Psfoming arts Both tassical and ok dance practioner gather Sermons tee ski ‘ale an hei,Sw Ove ML WHAT THE COUNTRY IS CELEBRATING THIS DECEMBER ‘CULTURAL FESTIVAL galand ‘Set against a bakit of ils anda, and reconstctes Noga mong, he unique Hornbill Festal held Kisame, ‘onthe outskirts of Katia, features cultural ‘rational dareig and singirg, pit othe way of en the Northeast. (Daas at phere cain) DANCE FESTIVAL Konark Festival, Odisha December 15 ‘SAND ART EXTRAVAGANZA Sond art Festi, Osha ecembe 5 FOLK FESTIVAL Poush Mela, West Bengal December 2226 fire days in Decor, Santinkatans edt and aris eons bacome even more ening 9s the air fils with the mao, hyn ‘and raring ues of Bengal ‘ok muse, aspecely he unique aut muse. Alergsd, thee’ eancing, ral sprts, handevats anda taste o! Bengal fod ‘Tho magnfcent Konark tarple ferme the bac er the nearly tee dovoée- od Konak Festital—a fabulous pation or showeasing the assal dance forms of ia. Ot special rete is, ofcourse, Gis ut also on pay are other pris dance forms such ae Braatnatyam, ‘Manipur, Kata ec Alongs, ‘hare’ also an exibition of temple sculptures, a sand at ition anda cas fi, While the cout iconic clasial dance fms take Carestage te Kok Festal the ae waters ofthe Bay of Berga {ox the backer forthe ‘unusual and eye-catching Iriratonal Sand Art Festa inwhie inerationa nd kal sculptor ofr terion with ther sard coupes rated onthe bashes oP. RELIGIOUS CELEBRATION Feast of St Francis Xavier, Goa Deventer 3 LITERARY FEST Decenber 1517 Times Lites, Mumbai ‘MUSIC CONCERT December 2831 ‘Sunburn Festival Pune, Maharashira Sunn Pune this year wiki t up soverarothes wi iematral rare ike ‘DU Snake ané Main Garin Togetter with ninabiowrg speciel fects ad stage desig, the musi cts are amet ging the audience a ‘ulate oicking time, On the Sls aro also fea markets ard many more fun actives. (More intrmation thes inkoxknystow com) (MUSIC FESTIVAL Timeout 72 hours, Goa December 27.28 Probably ane ofthe most ico festivals Gos, hie isan annual eletraton to Nora Saint Faves Kav, the pan saint of Goa. On the occasion th saint's rrunenified boy kept ina caste inside te captating Bom Jesus Basilica sited the devout The fesinal ats several daye before and ater tha iest and inluds a large fa ‘nd ota eens, For torte junki tea got Wigner than th Tine Lest ich asa range of sscussons, ees, tals, bok aches and athe evens with several names of interationa fe rater reste partciating, Fesoing aud the treme “That Man-Wonan Tig” the events attempt explore the eatienship terioun man ard waraneoss tina, pac, space, profession, fay anata. (Mere imation a ps timesifes.cam) The ed ofthe year rises tobe 4 memorable ene oa wih sich intratonal ek stars Jason Darl, ‘Wiz Khalifa and Martin Gari shaded to arertain thousands of music enhusiats. Wile the heading acts fre a surefire sav, thre are sever) ‘noe international and homegrown raes that ae suet keep the fuiere taping the feat any. Dot Tis the dlctabl oa fod while You ar hare (Mere iteration at Yineout2.cam DECEMBER 2017 DcowerIndia 13‘ateway WEEKEND BREAK a " ira and the Kathajodi rivers. Its unique topography comprises a hilly tereain 0 this The Batabati Fort stands on the banks sacred spot 14 Drsconer India OEE(Facing page) Cunack houses among other prominent institutions, the Ramakrishna Mission: (this page) Ounguria Kondh tibosweman wearing ‘wadiionalhairgrips and jowellory Checklist + Shop, shop shop you have ‘ourbeart et onbuying ier, Sis and super quality eon Soo, Cultack sa shoppers eligi The famed sares of Samtolpur and Sonepur are 9 rust by or saree ealletrs. ‘hack ots the weaves fhe Manibandss with ther dint animal mous. Then of cause, theroare th svar eats. A range ‘oleae anos and qu. ‘pina ie hpi make great bay, Browse als for stone as, opus wake and pata pointing that unig ttre ogo {Bonga but unique ints oon way, Mast eat dishes nd cumorting tic and dina mache kala, when fh lovers wil roy prawn mal cuy an a ‘ary of sets sich a ohana jab a rasabal rip to Puri is he famous tp agama inal is ‘Chill ona lovely beach Paradoop Booth unspaltaré quits about 70 km From Cutck, Fouhave the tine dung your Cuttack break de hee forte cyst elear waters ard clean Sands. anexalet sot oust DICER 2017 Disconertniia 15Bb Gateway CHECK-IN STAY AT PARADISE CITY! he bese thing Delhi offers during smog hie winter i a fighe ‘out ofthe ety. I picked one ‘to Kashmir. The summer capital of J&K appears some moments before touchdown, as if God has answered the formula ofife ina language you find divine buc eannoc understand. From the ‘emergency seat, when first glimpsed the spearing Kashmir mountains glowing in the aftemoon sun, my instinct was toask for a parachute In the cab, on my way to the hotel, Lasked the driver to stop and lec me stand under a cchinar tree instead. ‘The yellow and withering urumn leaves ofthe safeda 16 Discoverlindia 5cEMEER 2017 and the chinar tees are the firs things that hit your senses. Closer to tone, spravsled at the centre ‘of Srinagar's compass of splendour, the Dal lake appears like an offering of pashiina to an ancient shrine. RK Sarovar Portico, the hovel where I was staying, is jusca short walk from the Dal and is situated right below an turban forest, Most rooms offer mesmerising views of the hills thae guard the Valley's beauty And ifthe views are goo the Kashmiri Wazwaan fare is perhaps the richest tribute to oat meat known to man. When I bie into a abate mags at the hotel's grand Takhe Talmost wepe with joy. The rita curry and the gastaba, a delectable meatball bathed in yogur, weleome you to deep seerets of the Kashmir way of life | followed the meal with walk dhrough the town's famed gardens—Shalimar and Nishat. The nexc morning, I erekked up the stars thit lead to the Shankaracharya, temple. On my return, was greeted by a smiling masseur ftom Kerala who introduced me toe (of the ‘Turkish hamam, one lof the best features of RK Sarovar Portico, Falaknuma, «spacious spa located on the top floor of the hotel, offers several other exp including the ones titled Day by che Chinar and Ayurvedic Shafa Massage. RK Sarovar Portico, which alo offers conference room facilities fr its corporate partners, isthe perfect choice for budget ravellers who are looking fora sense of comfort and security a an affordable price in Si mm NAVIGATOR ethers for Sonn bn, ‘Ades Nex Tie Nios Hot (fe, Sip, Jana Kadi 5001 Reservations 71500124 Website instar coms Toit 274814500ALSISAR MAHAL SHEKHAWATI DESERT ROSE £ you've done India's triangle to death and are looking fora very different slice of Rajasthan, then Alsisar Mahal could be just the tonic you're looking for. Wedged five hours west of Delhi and half-way to Bikaner from the national capital, Alsisarisa desert jewel set in an endless plain ‘of scrub and sand, cosseted from the elements by a Village of rambling, fresco- festooned haves, Think Kipling’s Rajasthan and his palatial descriptions essence of the place; AIsisar also s ‘forged by goblins’ with its omace detailing and crafted murals My reason for a weekend sojourn ou west is that the property, unlike so many horels across India, is dog- friendly. My daughter's fluffy white miniature Lhasa Apso has, on occasion, been. ‘outgunned by qui in the stature department. Sail, what he loses in height, he more chan makes up for in excitement; haring around the palace’ three choses like afew cats a psvchotic wind-up toy hell bent on busting a spring. The staff seems genuinely ‘comfortable with hima (a further boon in a pro-canine establishment!) Pethaps we're lodged athe rear of the palace’s 51 rooms because other guests ‘might not be as enamoured as my wife and daughter with the pooch but i seems to have worked in rooms are stunning, beyond spacious, eomforable and biliandy well-equipped Unlike many heritage renovations, nota single comer has be amenities either; showers do what showers are supposed tw do, every time and without there being more wateron the floor outside the cubicle than So, now you're scrubbed up, encamped and refreshed, what do you do when you're done grazing? Intrigued by our own ears dalliance We plump. for a desert safari It doesn't disappoint and neither does the glass of sparkling vino and snacks as the sun sinks in silence behind the silhouette ofa solitary palm, Fora slice of rural Rajasthan, whether it be co break up a trip to the ‘Thar or just escape a chocked-up Delhi, Abisar isa refreshing option. For humans and dogs alike, Simon Clays mm NAVIGATOR other for fic stay an seri ‘Addess Alscar Moolrnh Fagen 2128 Aaceratins S85 25 27/0155 248072 Wiebaite waesematlcam antl 240007000 ECAR 2017 Discover nia 17Gateway CHECK-OUT Tees From The Heart ‘Adress Meta Estate, Bhowal Rose, Shite, Uaathend Reservations 91)87824 26540 Timings mio 8pm Meal fortwo 21,200 Nosay I stumbled upon mode. It turns out I've been THeeart Café by accident smacked up the rump by the is an understatement, In owners of [Heart Café, Ie also ‘wins our we have the same model of car and they know how w fix it Serendipity. We meet the next day at the café for coffee. I's possibl store on the Bhimtal toad, so my much bette could garnersupplies. Then, the best coffees I've had in che we lurch forward and north of India, ever. ask Tim, rm snapped back fromthe [Hears American co-owner, lush gseen mountain vistas how and where they get the and sweet Himalayan airto beans. [e urns out it's an ‘full-on Dill wala in crash ——_exeruciating process, involving Say Cheers! ‘Address The ish Hous, Upper Gaur Foy, piu, Tt South Bide, Naru Pace Mato Staton, Now Dah Reservations (0!| 2221 250, Timings 12,000 1 am ‘Meal fortwo 21,70 plus|nelsive of chal) therwise known as the major IT market of the country, Nehru Place is slowly and steadi and upscale food and nighlife hub in the capital, thanks to che Epicuria Food Mall that boasts of a range of buzzing gastropubs and restorlounges offering great drinking and dining options. he kitty, ‘The Irish House recently opened its outlet here décor ofthis gastropub has a quintessential Irish lapped with quisky quotes and Phere ate high bar stols, ideal neighbourhood puib. The food is contemporary without the menu which looks and to0 swish, You love going thro feels like Ripping through the glossy and sumptuous pages of a food magazine, 18 DisconerIndia OECMGER 2017buses, trains and a fairamount big windows, big smiles and ‘of juggad, But they make it a welcoming vibe, Best of al happen and ic says heaps about isthe lage garden co the rear the whole [Heart atitude. which is the ideal place to suck in some more of that nectar TThe same ean be said about the pastas, pizzas and burgers O, and chow down. Irsalso that make up the mainstay pet-friendly and dogs, big and fof the ment with as many of small, are weleomed with open the woppings and ingredients arms (paws), imported or whatever's The next day, Tim drives necessary to render them the _me down to his paint shop, teal McCoy. Everything's converses in vent Hind pretty much made from with his man and work awhile, serarch t00, so no short-cuts. be Forme, the chicken burger is ke ala. the pick of erop, substantial, the wrinkles and dents of tasty and the perfect tonic the ear start to disappe post mountain walk or water does my frown, In the end, bound tomfoolery Bur the it'sa perfect job followed by pizzas ate also well worth your another perfect lunch. Next attention, being crammed time we've in Bhin with toppings and hearty Nainital we'll visit again, for enough to share, even in their sure. But I do wonder if this smallest inearnatio is how they attract all of theie The café itselfis an ode to new customers! the log eabin; bright and airy Simon Clays The ment, however, is exsy-to-do—appetisers, pastas and pizzas, breads (mi and a whole section on fries. So, isthe food as good as it looks in pictures on the menu? Oh, yes! W! n your plate, The skewered cottage cheese isa sweet spicy surprise. Grilled and marinated in sriracha sauce, the cortage cheese skewers topped with crispy baby com get their distinct hint of sweetness from pineapple butter sauce. Equally delightful, the Two Face Chicken Skewers offer the pungent taste of mustard and. the native foodies. The fies section isthe glossiest on the menu. WI lovers ean indulge in good ol Mac n Chees love to experiment can lay theie bets on Tipsy Paprika—spiked with vodka and sauteed bell peppers, From the vegetarian hummus plater to the Sourdough Fondue Bowl, the platters score high on variety and portion, While ies obvious that che pub is for beer lovers, its cocktail variety is equally brilliant. Raising a toast to the Delhi winter, Winter's C ‘of apple with the warmth of whisky. The bartender suggests “it's good forthe cold.”"The Gingered Serewariver isa beaury t0 ‘behold, How about enjoying your drink with a view? Move to the fantastic open siting area overlooking the skyline of this bu hub and you're guaranteed a good time, burgers), community eats, desserts at you see is what you get becue sauce, which will surely win over ch those who c ofthe best places mixes the fresh flavour —Lipla Negi ITHE SPICE ROUTE] Winter Comfort ‘Address The Inpeial Janpath Lae, Comaught Pace, New Deh Reservations (01) 411 605 8 1230 pm—245 pr: 7 pm — 11.45 pm ‘Meal fortwo 210,00 |ithautalcao, pls taxes) [insta wines har ato ke mage! The chill inthe air and che merriment ofthe season aside, its the foxx! wrapped with all the love that this season elicits, that calls right to your soul, Which is what sipping on a hearty bowl of hor seafoad ravam a the elegant Imperial hotel's ‘esteemed restaurant, The Spice Tail, made me feel, on that pleasant November afternoon when winter had just Deyn to sec in in Dethi Pact of Chef Veena Acona's winter collection menu, the Meen Rasam is just the beginning of a heartwarming meal Chef Aroma has been curating special menu every win th seafood asthe highlight, for more than two deeades (she does one in summer too with ‘mangoes as the main ingredient). ‘This year, she’ showease prawns in all dir glory, along with lobsters and ‘other fish, complemented by winter ingredients such as lemongrass and galangal The prawn chips, served with an assortment of dips, atthe beginning of the meal are addictive, ‘The starter of Yera Ell Piratior Keralastyle battered fried jumbo prawns is rispy on the outside and perfectly cooked inside. ‘The Pla Kung—a spicy, ngy prawn salad favoured with lemongrass Kafr lime leaves and tom yum paste sso flavourful that you can help a secund serving. ‘The mains of Meen Kodan Biryani (Kerala-seyle mixed seafood yan) and Phad King Pl (soe fillet with black Fungus and celery stems) are delicious, but it's the Rendang. Udang or Malay-style prawns cooked with fresh wasted ‘coconut, lemongrass and coconut mill, eha ely warms ‘your heart, Polishing off an asso ieesreams ina choice of favours, fom coconut to cote nd cocoa, while soaking inthe hand-painted murals of the beautiful restaurant provides a perfect end to his, chosen to vent of silky bean curd ‘meal (Dh inter me wil be asilable until January 31) —Sararupa Paul ECAR 2017 Discoverteia 19Gateway Bo MUSIC & LYRICS The frontman of popular Bengaluru-based band Swarathma talks about branching out as a solo folk artiste, his love for Kannada songs, his tryst with theatre and rediscovering his roots. Now dterentis the Vasu pbicploces ad peri Dixit Cellective rom fata colette Swaratima,nterms of | xmusiars wh ly fad working styles? tures ete ln, ployee ram teen fartso! te county tried samo wth yes fe sng athe yedoyouswitch—hanowi,seophono ard ogy was amoung, Between hefwo worlds? soon Sothis ne tay Tye ban layeg wth fevna I exesing beast What are some ofthe Sarat sevwalyarspstasmeoutatew cron’ sess angieqeans once that projects you fow.andtter’saearain ne andcteawsa jaro peqaegertne moat alte working on? Kind ot song ing th ete iget we clioate Sng aycomnet win mgetng tacks tear resin ou ranorstens, wath users poet, inet Hav sokdthat, after leg tne mth Mrstotwhichareigral” — dacsand arts Beis, xl the as rise rw podtion by Raga fumbersTmuseiotie -sceatte/crlengngand ofthe song andieesponse ‘Shara, wher pay 8 Ste now,enditsmy aoe, offs ne ertih enbity hasbeen postive, wheter mca Th ay wl be Irgewspintysowtos wpusveaioenfomsof ste Hanoi Usavwhere!| Staged fam Decombe 11 Stes des of Craticand mie Sing hse we pforedKannado songs or 2m Bengals Ts ape, Tokemase Myrum vould bands ot realy Sith Rojsthon kar Yaa Feces akin fingPuoncaedasssonge because mason, fey whe we sangha Hind and cabot wih teresting Saat oth fusion Sie Tom each Kanto org Forastnce, creatwetalan fm aoin ferry earn musi For angtnePuerdredse tls ih ko mide fn tho last oto tre yar, engi Tari in pubic Gib na ges wel, Tye toar gonna tas Places raund ewan. Mibecangasig oa sat gee, sging oe songs at frcadng nabs flit ‘land aot 20 DiscnerlodiaOECENER 2017 ‘oc tand rom Chennai sure tno bow pull the right puntes. With ‘vera decade onthe scone and three sucessful albums tits credit he trois back wiht fourh alum, son Attar heaviest ae autos ye, thebang weave sory about an anomie genera (called Bison who iswoken upto decinate tho wor, ad ithe rosot button, st speak So,natualy, the songs reflet the ensuing chaos and aggression, wth track ke “Chane” and “Frewors” sein he tome fr the abu There's algo the Sirat that wore fair wits, evident in the dance-iendly “Red (OxHido” andthe bald Tike “Bison”. The 10-tace album wos ke a cham, ‘andi hc energy is _any ination, Sha are unstoppable —By Hain StimGateway PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD ‘Travelling helps Los Angeles-based art director Aashrita Kamath in building imaginary worlds, some of which you will see in James Cameron’s Avatar 2 & 3. How does travel inspire your work? Travels an intel part my work ‘and lvo to fat hat ean immerse ‘nysetfin now cate for months ata in, werk wth the cals see ‘site o place tat never wauld as tours Asa frater, iting the audience i step into new \word—tocrate a eared experience ‘hat did't exit bee Fisthnd nprione ofthe myiad cultures are twins acres the glo helps me bul specif, authentic an reatable ‘word within th lan ik ‘hs ultimately gives the auiene an immersive experience inthe hea How has lndia contributed to your work? Iwas only after moving to los Angels that |realied how deoply rooted vs in my inian sense of esthatios—whethert was toad ‘a spash or asng evry innovative \way posible to make th st lnok as goo ast cold, sometimes with impossibly linite resources | tink it'smy inherent ability for gad hat makes ths pesibl What's your favourite cityin dia Sydney and got toa xpee the _saluton st take a smal ok When vst, get spied by for ork and why? ciy. By teen almost ft ikea andrechargel everyone When min Mumbai ‘Murti, mean That's where! focal When we were in Chia, we ar tleave without ad's Belgian lear thatcome what may the show yee few hows ion Baling arco about India that’s on ‘tole ce cea tis the best in ‘ret go on and you mas party a Tut couldn't eave without ening yours the ward herds you wot! owe tt thet city, he Great Wall of Ching. group [sm cureryeadng The Minis of tothe people! metthere ard worked of us decided ona whim to go and ——_imast Happiness by Arua Roy. What do you ike best traveling ith orth carer tha ave tcay. spend eur day aff in Bing. twas an She wits so wel really foal tha| sol, with friends or with family? unorgrabe 28 hous there, ‘am arnersedin th characters’ ves {love Waveling with my husband and What's your favourite Ind and cbsenirg thm fom tenarow best end Farad Aled DehW, He destination for vacations? ‘Atravol story that inspires you. lanes sh destibos in such data isa cinomatoraper, and with bot This tohardest question! low Yitnever forget theme on Kong of us working inthe fn ndusty we the mountains andhiking batbeinga Siu sandthat was outat Kuala Your favourite cuisine. ‘an rover plan cur vacations. Ts ‘Mongalorean lovey beaches too. Ranehin Hawai puting together the Whn was growing up, my parents arb usualy ast minut and without Wsatiebetoen Guinarginasimir —setofthe Boneyard. We were a grup and would often gout toeat at an ay eseratiens or tonkings. we and Haelocklsandin the Andaman 30 crew menbersitwasamajr ol talanestawant out faveurte. havea cole of dso, we ur ‘and eobar Islands. con sequence in thermavieand we Now that ve moved away, rd into the car and driv to the rearest \weerunningautof tee, Tensions _-yselfoftencrving the food that! national park for a quick camping ard Where did you lst travel to a were runing igh The local crew few upon an favours from india. t—_‘ikng hia. Is he best way for ‘what did you do there? had te petetantiot to hestess,yougaamea chic today botwaen us todetah tom cur hate digital recent spent around nine months Eyer lure, thoy ump ight into the eting a prawn ghasi snd ie cr lives and recanect with nature. betveen Syney, Australia and lear turquoise water ofthe ocean pasta, the hess! would win by @ mile, And the banat of traveling wth indo, China, woking as an at and have a easing swim, Soon, | ‘cinematographer? You gt some ctr onthe fim Pai im sino nas wel When im sessod lovely pictures to rember the ip. Uprising, staring John Boyega snd oroverwoked, remember hose Seott Eastwood. We fimedallover guys and how sometimes the best Any of my ganiothes' uses! — Intervie by Spa ina DICEMEER 2017 Dinconer india. 217MAGIC & MIRACLES IN A FANTASTICAL WORLD Jinszie waking opin bed with a supernatural being from the Sunderbans whose skin has magical properties, Or witnessing an all- powerful black eancrie n amass human sacrific to win control of life. Or snuggling up on the couch with a pet that can talk and Tend educated opinions on blood and the trolls that are trying to squash her «0 pulp. Ata deeper level though, Taneja’ f world is a mirror to our own, where tribals are exploited, class snobbery is prevalent and corrupt bureaucratic semblance of order. You however will need fantastical ke current affairs—and act as your personal assistant too, And all this within the first few pages of the book itself? The Matsya Curse, the second book of author Shweta 'Taneja’s Anantya Tantrist mysteries, is a mashup of magic, mystery the supernatural und some to devore some time to get to know the many “THE MATSYA bs eM magical characters. And ‘author Shveta Taneja certain instances—such as Publisher Harpe Coins a bar where giant spiders 248 pages, 28 hhang out, a Ministry of Miracles (remember Ministry of Magic?) and an office of the Non-Fantrik Department based in a extraordinary beasts, largely forgotten floor of a building based in Delhi—the city as attitude, young éanirié Bur she has her own, in Rajiv Chowk—feel we know itas well as in the detective Anantya Tantrist_ demons to face: an ex familiar as chey borrow from ‘other’ realm, The plotline is out ro get che bad guys, boyfriend who’ trying to the Harry Potter serie avits core is basie: Armed who're commandeered by _kill her, a powerful raéshasi__On the whole though, the with a boneblade, a wre the formidable Bhairava, a who wants her head, a pair book is original and an. of mandalas and a cocky black santric from Banaras. of demi-gods who want her interesting read. A PHOTOGRAPHIC TRYST WITH JUNGLE ROYALTY #[ ‘vite seinen a foreword by renowned the various tiger habitats of eye, like yours or wildlife filmmaker and the country. mine, every Royal Bengal three-time Green Oscar “The book then takes “Tiger may look the winner Mike Pandey you on a photo journey of same, whether iti from es He talks about how the lives and times of some Kanha or Corbett. But, as technological evolution is of the most prominent documented by journalist: 2h helping us document and residents of popular turned-PR professional- understand better the planet tiger reserves stich as turned-nature photographer we live on and how books Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh Shivang Mehta in his like these arean excellent and Corbett, as well as tome of a photo book, source of inspiration for upcoming spots such as each tiger is unique—not nnew generations to make ‘Tadoba and Pench. Besides justin its stripes and looks ADECADE WITH. continued efforts towards the central characters, bbut also in the terrain and BERS conservation. A brief preface other tiger families are hhabitac it lives in. A Decade ere by Mehta follows, where he also Featured for each Wick Tigers is Mebea’s at cc talks about how the surge destination. ‘The book ends tribute to the brand ae in wildlife photography ‘with an interesting segment ambassadors of Indian hhas been revolutionary for on the other denizens of the wildlife and the dramatic tigers in India and his own tiger kingdom and includes rise in their popularity over changing approach tothe some brilliantly-captured the past decade, craft over the thousands of photos of elephants, deer, The book begins with hhours he’s spent in bear, shinos and more. —By Seta Fal 22 Discoverlndin DECEMEER 2017Manifesto OPINIONS & OBSERVATIONS SARA " N, Travel Experiences, Opinions & Tips From The Best ‘THE FOOD FOLIO THE DRIVING AGENDA GUEST COLUMN GUEST COLUMN Read About The Thriving Take The Scenic Route To Darjeeling in Winter Offers |Your Second Home By The Pune Food Scene Parson's Valley Near Ooty | Different Kind Of Hill Magic Beach Is Where Your Heart is————— ROCKY SINGH THE FOOD FOLIO > THE VARIED PALATE OF PUNE here is buzz in the air as you enter this city Expanding rapidly, ic is becoming a hugely popular place to sete down in and offers won derful weather, great location, good connecti ity and, above all, a thriving food scene, Welcome to Pune. The firs ching one feels in Pune is the enengy in the at. This, after all, was the town of Peshwa Baji Rao, where the famous palace fort, che Shaniwar Wada, still stands as a testament to ‘one of the greatest cavalry generals the world has ever seen. This is also a youngsters’ town, filled with some of the best colleges inthe country and hence with students. Pune has ical; retired soldiers who have made ‘his cown home, a booming busi ress community, a vibrant economy, pleney of expats from around the world and, to cater to the varied tastes of these groups, a wide range of certifie eateries. ‘Ta me Pune will always be the hhome of mca paw and the growing rivalry between Bedekar Tea Stall in Budhwar Perand the new kid on the block, Katakier Misa with is branch- esall over the city: This only bodes well for the incredible standards of this popular Maharashtrian snack. You will also love the Pune-style bie! puri, best eaten at Kalyan Bhel that serves a v several branches across the city Pune has « unique food culture and the ineredible Dorabjee and Sons, one ofthe greatest Parsi eateries of India, established {in 1878, sill sunds proud in che Camp atea. The teeipes remain ‘he same and the current proprietor, Darius, insists that even. the fuel used is the same asin the year ofits opening—coal and. \wood give that superb aroma to all the food here. Pune though, isas much about the students as anything, cee. Students as well as old local patrons are what keep the 5 of chaar and has 24, DiscwerlodiaOECENER 2017 PUNE HAS IT ALL; RETIRED SOLDIERS, BUSINESS COMMUNITY, A VIBRANT E! PLENTY OF EXPATS AND, TO CATER THE VARIED ‘TASTE A WIDE RANGE OF ‘TERRIFIC EATERIES prices a che legendary Kayani Bake able. This iconic Pune eatery is a must-vsit forthe famous Shrewsbury biscuits. Evening is also the best time to head to the one and only High Spirits. This is pethaps my favourite bar inall of India. They often play live music and have a sort of truly relaxed spreac-out party atmosphere. They aso have hugely talented bartenders and my favourite cocktail in the world, the ‘Cline Eastwood,’ lives right here Pune Baking Club ac the Marrioce is also a real reat. ‘They have one of the most brilliant chocolate cigars I have ever tasted and a whole host of pastries and baked goodies. Open till late, this isa fun place co end up aftera nighton the town for some fine sweet goodness. ‘The famous ‘German Bakery always strives to give something a litte extra to its eustom- ed aand around Pune, This ieonie sill surprisingly reason- cersand ite aname for JONOMY, ‘eatery isa great place to g0 to let your hair down and meet people from all over the work 5 “The food scene in Pune is ex- ‘tremely dynamic and everchanging. Hundreds of eateries eatering to students line the streets and tastes are ‘TO ‘exciting and varied to satisfy palates fiom around the country. New restau- rants are opening all the time and old ones are doing well. Ifyou explore Pune’s food scene you will come aeross some very pas- sionate people expressing themselves through their food, Pune’s palate is expanding and so isthe variety of restaurants here. This certainly is one of my favourite cities for food and drink in India, Come to Pune once and try these places ..you'l find it hard co leave, Lalways do. « ‘Apapuiar anchor on TV, Rocky is foodie by pasion and profession. He ‘mites about the lesser-known cuisines from around the county,————¢ ROSHUN POVAIAH THE DRIVING AGENDA) SCENIC ROUTE TO PARSON’S VALLEY ‘ecently, someone asked me about flying down to Bengaluru, renting a earand then driving up to Oory in che Nilgiris fora quiet getaway. While the idea sounds pretty romantic and the drive to Ooty isn interesting one, it’s next to impossible to get away from the crowds there. Instead, here's slightly modified agenda, Don't settle for Ooty alone, instead explore quieter places in the vieinty like Parson's Valley, Avalanche and, if you are up t0 it, a trek to Mukucthi peak. A drive fiom Bengaluru to Ooty takes about six hours, with the latter halfof the drive being the more interest- inggone, passing through two wildlife sanecuaties and a fantastic Ghat road Any modem ear ean do the drive up to Ooty fairly easily, unlike the cealier days when climbing the ‘would result in overheating radiators aand frequent stops at tiny waterfalls by the roadside to cool the cat Start ‘out of Bengaluru early to avoid morn= ing traffic and plan a breakfast hale at Mysuru about ewo hours away. Ifyou wane a more scenie route, avoid the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway and take the road that goes via Kanakpuira instead. This isa ‘worlane state highway that has far les traffic than the main Bengaluru-Mysuru road via Mandya. However, be on the lookout for cows and people jaywalking. in some of the villages this road goes through. ‘The road condition is pretty good, but avoid speeding, This highway will intersect the Mysuru-Ooty toad at Mysue Mysuru caffe as well asy roavoid From here, take the road through Nanjangud and Gund Iupet towards Ooey. Just after Gundluper, you will enter the Bandipur‘Tiger Reserve. Drive carefully and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. Remember not to honk in the sanctuary DON’T SETTLE FOR OOTY ALONE, INSTEAD . EXPLORE QUIETER PLACES IN THE VICINITY LIKE PARSON’S VALLEY, AVALANCHE AND, IF YOU ARE UP. TOIT, A TREK TO MUKURTHI PEAK The Kamataka-Tamil Nadu border checkpost appears in the middle ofthe sanevuary, after which the road goes through the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary [About five kilometres after the border gate, ata small out- post called ‘Thepakadu, you can make a choice of turning left and taking the steep Kalhatty Ghat oad with 36 haiepin bends up to Ooty or continue straight and take the regular road vie Gudalur, which has only six haiepin bends. The Kalhaety Ghat road has restricted access and is closed after 6 pm. Ic is a pretty narrow road and only suitable for small vehicles, although you will ind m uses taking this route as well is road is deceptive, with steep climbs, so avoid straining your vehicle. Once atthe top, turn right if you want co visit Parson's Vale ley immediately of left, if you wane to head towards Ooty t0 freshen up. L would recommend going co Parson's Valley fist fora more scenic and slightly challenging drive. The road is pretty narrow and passes through pine forests as soon as the highway two kilom ‘Sandynullah, Parson's Valley is part of the western catchment area and there is a gianc hydio-clecutie project here with a large lake. The liane. ‘There is also an old Toda temple that's worth a vist, From Parson’s Valley you can continue on the road towards the Radio Astronomy Centee, via Kundekodumund. This will, ews are brik take you straight co Ooty, about 20 km or an hour’ drive away As you near Ooty, you will see many resorts appear, and it would bbe wise to pick one of these to stay in instead of heading into own, where it ets prerey crowded. « Foshun isan automotive oumalist passionate about cars, road trips and coffee, His idea of holiday is not the destination, but the dive ist DeCEMBER2OH7 Discoertndia 25———( MANISH ADHIKARY GUEST COLUMN >» DARJEELING, A WINTER DELIGHT here are plenty of good reasons to visit Darjeeling in the winter months, especially if you'te nor a con- ventional tourist. India’s most stunning ill tation usually acracts big groups of Indian families and large troops of overseas visitors in the summer. After the school holidays in the plains end and the rush of domesti tourists sub- sides, usually by the end of November, Darjeeling transforms into a perfect haven for people who have yet to give in to the tempration of sefie sticks. Less garulous travellers, who prefer walks of selfnteo- speetion as the December sun kisses the world’s thitd highest peak the experience equal to the joy of sipping second flush for the first time. Many old residents ered elimate change for the bright sunny days through and Janu e mist, when a walk from the the mornings, wil fi The season of whi Windermere Hotel to the cemetery would wet brown caps ining the wool with a layer of mountain dew, hhas now been pushed to February and. March. And although the fireplace at the busy Shangri La restauranc has Jaid in its stock of wood and charcoal by the time you reach, its not until the upper reaches receive theit fist supply of snowfall chat the chimneys of Darjceling’s century-old bungalows begin to announce the arsival of Christmas. Forall its singular natural splendour, Darjeeling is among the ‘most ill-maintained hill stations in the world. Yer, it isin winter thar the town finally comes into its own, The schools shut down for three months and childcen ean finally run as fase as they want fon che spravsling carriageways of Chowrasta in the heart of town, Sometimes, when the fickle local polities allows, administrators anise a small festival showcasing home-grown singers and tf the region's more enterprising rock bands, 26 Discovertnsia csv 2017 BY THE END OF NOVEMBER, DARJEELING ‘TRANSFORMS INTO A PERFECT HAVEN FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE YET TO GIVE INTO ‘THE TEMPTATION OF SELFIE STICKS ‘There is music ofall kinds inthe air. Darjecling’s euleur ‘music isso ich that almost everyone knows how to tune 4 guitar. College-going men belting out Bon Jovi ballads in the presence of their grlfiiends is a common sight in the back alleys of quaint bazaars. Old Gorkha love songs that tell tales of brave soldiers missing their mothers and wives back home combined with the indigenous tradition of carolling from one home to another add a dash of personal emotion to the festivities. ‘The local 00, among the most popular in eastern India, is amust-vist. The sight of the snow leopards twirling their big, far tails isa crowning moment for all visitors. Even the usually recalcitrant tiger sheds its inhibitions and can be seen basking in sunlight instead of slumbering inside the den as i usually does through the warmer months. A visit to the 200 must be the mu ‘scum atthe Himalayan Mountaineer ing Institute lose by. The Ie in che wake of man's fist ascent of Everest and Jawaharlal Nehtu’s desire to showcase India as 4 mountaineering superpos much a tibute o Tenzing Norgay as its the training, ground of India’s best climbers. Darjeeling, very recently, has been at the centre ofa hardboiled agitation fora separate state, “Things went our of hand on occasions bur aftera nearly three- ‘month-long movement, normality i beginning co regain its hold, Iisa perfect time to quiz the people on the demand. Find an ‘old woman, maybe, who sells woollen caps and ask her abous the ive will be as fresh as rising onange prices the mountain air you breathe. « Marish isa oumalist who returned this rats in the hills of West Bengal tase up anows website,