I love a good brunch. Who doesn’t? The playful dance between breakfast and lunch, sweeps away the worries and cobwebs of the week and allows you to lull around in bed for hours after waking and still get all your favourite breakfast foods. It’s also a great reward to a good workout. Nothing like working up a good sweat and then eating some good food.

But what makes brunch at one of your favourite restaurants even better is when it’s a co-creation between the chef and a well-known foodie and celebrity. The Desi Deli Sunday brunch is one such delight.

Maria Goretti with Lolita Sarkar

Put together by Lolita Sarkar, the owner and chef at Desi Deli along with former veejay and celebrity chef Maria Goretti, the brunch holds all the popular items from the Deli along with four dishes from Maria’s award winning cookbook – From My Kitchen to yours.

Maria’s Mixed Vegetable Soup made from roasted mutton stock, mushrooms and barley makes a promising and hearty start. I also liked the spicy and tangy Sri Lankan Aubergine Moju stuffed in a bread pockets.

Pork Vindaloo

And though Maria’s Pork Vindaloo with brun pao lacked any discernible taste of Goa the gluten-free Orange Cake with a chocolate centre more than made up for it. Interestingly it’s the same cake that wowed Maria on her trip to Spain five years ago. It’s light and not too orangy.

Jungli Maas on wheat Porridge

But the star of the show for me was Lolita’s Jungli Maas on wheat porridge. The porridge is delicately seasoned and holds its own against the feisty jungle maas. It’s satisfying in a homey kind of way. Lolita’s version of the popular Bengali street food Ghungni is served on a bed of couscous and topped with chopped onions. At Desi Deli the food is played with, but tastes good.

The Desi Delicious Table With Maria Goretti is on until March 12 at their Andheri outpost.
Non Alcoholic brunch is priced at Rs 850
Beer, wine and sangria brunch is priced at Rs 1200.
Address:  480, Adarsh Nagar, MHADA Layout, Oshiwara, Phase 1, Jogeshwari
Call: 022 33126158 

Yes the same shot of Hong Kong you see in every Hollywood movie featuring the city

They say – a minute in New York is a second in Hong Kong. And I could why. My first trip to HongKong was nothing short of spectacular. The glamorous billboards and ubiquitous skyscrapers, glitzy pubs and cafes of Lan Kwai Fong, the melt in the mouth din sums, the nostalgia inducing boat rides at Victoria Terminus…

Walking the streets endlessly for hours watching locals and ex pats going about their business never felt so good.

But what I loved most about Hong Kong is the vibe — throbbing and pulsating with energy. For someone who loves the city life,  it’s infectious and addictive.

Hop on board the Star Ferry  

To get an up close look at life in the charming city, hop on board the Star Ferry. For just 3HKD you will be treated to one of the most scenic boat rides in the world. The boat ferries passengers from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon and back.

The Victoria Harbour also happens to the most photographed harbours in the world. So be armed with your cameras. The best time to ride it is in the evenings.

The Mid-Level escalator in Hong Kong

It’s quite astonishing to find an escalator (the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator) cutting through the hustle bustle of the city. The Life spills over on to the streets on both sides of the 2624 ft escalator. They only move in one direction, and go with rush hour — in the mornings they go down, and in the evenings they go up. It’s not only a touristy must-do, but very practical too.

The night is always young at Lan Kwai Fong – the party district of Hong Kong

Lan Kwai Fong is where you head to paint the town red. The atmosphere saddles from stylish wine clubs, sedate cafes and raucous sports bars.  The area comes alive at night when the action spills on to the streets. Even if you are not a party animal, LKF is a great place for people watching.

Strolling along Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is one of the best ways to see the beautiful views of the Hong Kong skyline and bustling Victoria Harbour.

This amazing city is a melting pot of food, culture and fun just waiting to be discovered.

Richa Chadda doesn’t mince words or beat round the bush. She is direct… just like the characters she plays with unblinking conviction. The award-winning actress speaks straight from the heart on movies, men and more…

It’s a cliché, but you really do think you know Richa Chadda from the troubled characters she plays. You’ve seen her play a 42 year old firebrand (when she was barely 23) in Gangs Of Wasseypur, a petty criminal in Tamanchey, hurl abuses with ease in Fukrey and tug at our heartstrings in Masaan. And then you meet her in person, and she talks, gushes, and bubbles with enthusiasm. The 30-year-old actress has just come from the swimsuit shoot, which she raves about not only because the loves working with the photographer Ashish Chawla (“I like his aesthetic sense,”) but also because it involved a pool (“Did you see how happy I was just splashing about in the water?)

Richa likes to talk. She answers questions directly and substantively. At times forcefully. But always affably. If she doesn’t understand what you’re getting at, she will give you the side-eye, but it comes off as genuine, not derisive. “I don’t take bullshit anymore. I don’t even entertain it.” What she’s talking about is the deep-rooted insecurity that actors face in the industry. It erupted suddenly, while narrating a recent incident. “Just yesterday I caught a fellow actor giggling during an intense scene. He was just trying to make me forget my lines. I called him out. I said ‘you can find other ways to express your insecurity. I am not going to budge. I may probably do the scene a little better. So you might want to back off.”

I also expected her to have a voice that you could hear over a jet engine, but it wasn’t. Her voice is almost meek. It cracks. It’s a kind voice. And possibly a little tired. Until she gets going. Talking to Richa is pretty straightforward. On one hand he is unfailingly polite, courteous, engaged and charming. So much for appearances. It’s been a busy career so far for Richa, but its trajectory is perhaps not unusual for a talented actress who has a couple awards and a standing ovation at the Cannes. What is unusual is the story of her life before her debut film Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! A history graduate from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, Richa landed in Mumbai to be an actor.

While theatre and TV commercials kept the kitchen fires burning she kept auditioning for movie parts. Incidentally she also auditioned for Dev D a part which eventually went to Kalki Koechlin. Unfortunately for Richa Lucky Oye released to a concoction of ill luck and bad timing. The film which was Dibakar Banerjee’s much-awaited follow-up to his critically acclaimed and commercially successful debut, Khosla Ka Ghosla would have become one of Hindi cinema’s best had it not released just two days after the 26/11 attacks on 28 November 2008. It took several years for Richa to bag her second film Gangs of Wasseypur which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2012. And though the film earned her rare reviews it led to a string of similar roles – middle aged, angst-ridden woman. Until Mrighdeep Singh Lamba’s comedy drama Fukrey where Richa startled everyone with her performance as a crazy, foulmouthed and manipulative don. Then things took a gritty turn with a meaty role in Masaan. “People advised me not to do it as it was yet another ‘deglam’ role with no songs which could lead to shows and more money. They were only looking at the commercials of it. But I know a good script.”

Disappointments (read Tamanchey, Ram Leela and Sarbjit) haven’t deterred Richa from pursuing weirder, wilder and more interesting independent releases like Love Sonya a film on sex trafficking where she shares screen space with Demi Moore and Frieda Pinto. The making of the film affected the actress so much that she is now involved in rescuing and helping girls caught in the flesh trade. Richa even helped the girls lease a bungalow to stay in. But if you really want to see her face light up, ask her about her future plans. “I want a full life. I also want to set up a business which will be self sustaining. I can’t help people if I am broke. I don’t want to be an Ambani. Money for me is a unit of not working and surviving.” Richa also habours ambitions of turning a producer. Not the gold chain wearing, fat, hairy producer. But a producer who can put a good script and great talent together. Given her eye for staging, costuming, script and characters, it will be no surprise if she’d helm a great film on her first outing.

On the personal front, Richa is more than private. It is her job to invite attention, but she is not always happy with the consequences. She doesn’t mind being in the limelight for her films. For the rest of the year, she has defenses like a castle. “I have no time to socialize. On a day off I just vegetate, watch TV, meet family, relax with friends… I don’t see the point in being in the news all the time. Making a film is a lot of work – script readings, set making, look tests, fitness… where does that time come from? It comes from the time you save socializing with idiots.”

She likes her boundaries and dissents the paparazzi culture. “I was travelling for a family emergency to Delhi. Some photographer clicked a few pictures and the caption said “nailed the airport look.’ My aunt was shocked that I had all the time to dress up when there was a calamity at home. I had to make them understand that there are always photographers at the airport these days. It’s quite sad. I know it comes with the territory. But we don’t have to become like America.” Richa is turning more spiritual these days. A far cry from the gullible and pushover Richa in the initial years of her career. “I was young and flippant. Mad in the pursuit of some dream you think you have. I am a better person and a better friend now.” It shows. Richa is constantly checking on her staff so see if they are comfortable and have eaten.

Richa has long had a reputation of being uninhibited and brutally honest. She gets away with telling the truth which is quite unusual in an industry where even the top actors play it safe. “I don’t want to play that game or be among a bunch of loonies in a room. I don’t care about their approval and I don’t want to be them. I don’t think they want to be themselves either (laughs). I don’t think playing the game helps either. Only your work, capability and skill helps.” The last of which she has in abundance. The industry is making and dismantling stars too fast she believes. “The toast of town today is gone within two months. Actors these days are like porn stars who have the shortest shelf life.” She is referring to the concept of success in the Hindi film industry. The pretense is another thing get gets her goat. Especially at film screenings. “No one is going to tell the director that he made a shitty film. Or that he needs to spend more money to fix it.” Richa realizes that it stems from sense of insecurity. But she is not jaded or cynical. If at all she is now better at reading people, she confesses. That, after loosing projects, money and reputation in the early years of career.

Apart from loads of chutzpah and talent Richa is beautiful in person, even unprimped. Some actresses, I’ve noticed, look surprisingly androgynous off screen, gangly and curveless. Put baseball caps on them and give them badges and they could be scouts. Richa is different. She looks like a woman. She exudes womanness. No wonder she is oozing oomph in her next release Cabaret where she plays a bold cabaret dancer. The film is rumoured to be based on the life of Bollywood’s cabaret dancer Helen. “Cabaret is a different school of cinema and a different style of filmmaking. It needed a strong actor. It’s the story of a girl on the run,” she reveals. Richa is optimistic that the movie business is going to change. Better content will rule, she believes. “Big studios are going to run out of patience and money in dealing with the fraudulent Indian producer studio nexus. It’s going to come back to the single producers like Dharma and Excel. In 2013 Aamir Khan did Dhoom and in 2016 he did Dangal. I am happy to be a part of the change. Somehow the films we choose like Gangs of Wasseypur and Masaan and the risks we took is finally paying off.”

Matters of the heart

Richa who was in a fleeting relationship last year is currently single. This die-hard romantic wouldn’t mind wooing a man. “True liberation is when you stop expecting someone else to go down on their knees. I feel really bad for men. They have to buy diamonds, make the story special and are burdened with the belief that they have to make money.” The vegan and animal lover is looking for intelligent and liberal men. Money or looks don’t matter. Companionship, friendship and some amount of care do. “I can’t stand selfish men with huge egos. Or the ones who don’t read and are unaware of what’s happening in the world. I dated one such man and it was a nightmare. He never read a single book in his life but had an opinion on everything.”

Some More Richa

I am: Happy and content. Finally I am working with people I want to. I am at peace with my body, heart and mind.

Single or taken: Single and want to very taken. Maybe after the swimsuit cover!

Idea of fun: Being in nature, dancing, take pictures on my DSLR.

What touches my heart: A genuine heart felt compliment.

My man: I want someone who can understand me, look inside my soul and know that I can be vulnerable, weak and completely imperfect.

Advise to men: Stop being competitive with your woman. Appreciate her success. Don’t resent it. And if you want to compete, let it not be on the grounds of gender.

I love: To read, write and just lie on my bed with a book and the beautiful sea view from my home.

I hate: Creating an aura. It’s so fake and draining. I want to have fun while I am working and I want people around me to also have fun.

Diet Mantra: I am a vegetarian and mostly eat dal rice with ghee. On days when I am unable to stick to my diet I have a spoonful of ghee and gulkand before I leave. Ghee is good fat, great for the skin and clears your stomach. Gulkand is a natural antacid.

Fashion is: Important but how about appreciating originality? Everyone’s choking on choker necklaces. There is a lovely quote by Karl Lagerfeld – Trend is the last stage before tacky. It makes so much sense. You can buy a trend. It’s not necessary that you can carry it off.

Workouts are hard and they feel like one. But there is a new one called Pound and it makes you forget that you are working your muscles. I recently enrolled for a class to get a first hand feel of this trending new workout.

Humans are creatures of habit. We find comfort in consistency, which isn’t completely terrible, but sometimes it gets us stuck in a rut. I was caught in an extremely habitual exercise routine and was looking for something that will continue to challenge my body. I needed a break from the regular routine to refresh my body and mind and reignite my excitement for fitness.

That’s when I heard of Pound the new workout sensation that is creating waves in the US. A quick Google search led me to Priti Panchmatia, the first trainer to bring Pound to India. She got her certification from Connecticut, USA for the same. What began as one class in Los Angeles in 2011 has now reached international acclaim with a network of over 7,000 instructors in 35 countries.

The Class

After a brief talk with Priti about Pound, I join a small batch of Pound enthusiasts for a trial class in Juhu, Mumbai. We start with a routine warm up and are then handed a set of neon green sticks called Ripsticks.

We start with the basics – legs wide apart in the squat position and move the sticks to either sides. To up the difficulty level we hit the sticks on the floor. You can add a hop if you are really in to it. This is where the cardio kicks in. Next we start pounding the floor with the Ripsticks. It’s a lot of fun. I love our instructor, Priti’s zany energy and also like watching everyone in the class really let loose and shake their inhibitions.

Pound feels like a cardio workout where you pretend to drum and pound the mat in front of you all the way listening to some great high-energy music and having a blast. The full body workout also infuses pilates.

The lunges, squats and abdominal twists are all very intense and after the initial 15 minutes I am sweating significantly. But I am still not tired. Even during the specified arms song, the slightly-weighted sticks don’t fatigue my arms.

Pound helps agility, coordination and strength, considering we do much more than a few squats and lunges. It’s also a deceptive cardio workout. While you won’t cover much ground, your whole body is moving and dripping sweat. You don’t hold an uncomfortable pose for an extended period of time; the class is always moving, always changing, and always pushing the body to its limits.

While my regular gym sessions tend to target particular areas of the body, Pound is a full-body workout and targets common trouble spots like abs, arms, butt and thighs. A huge part of the class is performed in a squat position. The constant up-and-down drumming targets your inner and outer thighs, butt and core. During a typical 45-minute routine, Priti estimates that we strike the ground 15,000 times. Wow!

After around 30 minutes my muscles begin to feel the burn. The Ripsticks themselves weigh approximately 150 gms each and provide light resistance and intensify the workout. Every time I move them I could feel it in my core, shoulders, biceps, triceps, forearms and back. I especially loved the ab workout where we sit on the mat and hit the floor on either sides with our sticks. It surely gets my heart rate up. Apart from aerobics and Pilates I also notice some yoga inspired movements.

Anyone can do Pound and it’s evident from the mix of students – right from teenagers to a 54 year old. It can be modified to fit any level of fitness, suggests Priti. However people with lower back problems may not be very comfortable with Pound, she stresses.

The stress-relieving effects of drumming is further enhanced by the music. The lively, heart-pumping movements and upbeat tunes keep the workout feeling fresh. The Pound music track is a combination of Rock, rap, dubstep, pop and old school hits. I am told it is hand-selected by music enthusiasts, drummers and Pound founders Kirsten Potenza and Cristina Peerenboom.

The choreography gets progressively more complex. And just when I feel like I was getting the hang of it when it was time to cool down. The 45 minutes just flew by. It’s easy to get into a groove and lose track of time especially when the whole class is really in sync with the drumming.

After all the jumping, squatting and lunging for 45 minutes I am curious to know how many calories I may have burnt. “Each Pound session helps you burn 900 plus calories. Apart from the calories burnt Pound also strengthens and sculpts infrequently used muscles,” stresses Priti who is now gearing up for another batch of Pound enthusiasts who are eager to drum their way to a leaner, slimmer physique. Trying a new exercise doesn’t mean you have to commit to it forever. The point is to experiment, explore and most importantly, have fun.

I step out of the class soaked in sweat but realize that Pound is perfect for letting loose, getting energized, toning up and rocking out!

If you’re ready to try out POUND for yourself, head to

Pound classes by Priti Panchmatia

The Space, Juhu, Mumbai

Fridays: 6:30 pm

Cosmic Fusion, Santacruz, Mumbai

Wednesday- 9:30 am

 Cost: Rs 3200 for eight sessions a month.

 Call: +91 9820302276

Pound Classess by Jignya Johri

 Studio 23, Nariman Point, Mumbai

Tuesday and Thursday: 8 am

 Zumassa Studio, Kemps Corner, Mumbai
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 9 am

 Cost: Rs 3600 a month (twice a week)

Call: + 91 9820869668

Those outside of Mumbai can try the POUND workout at home. Log on to http://www.poundfit.com

Flowers aren’t just for vases anymore. These pretty things are landing up on elaborately plated meals in fancy restaurants.  I spoke to renowned chefs on ways to bring some of that same decorative flair to your next dinner party.

It’s said that we “eat with our eyes”, and the current floral route adopted by restaurants on dishes, drinks and desserts, certainly feeds into that idea. Edible flowers aren’t a new idea, but they’re enjoying something of a resurgence right now. Flowers are appearing with increasing frequency on restaurant dishes. Big ticket restaurants are using petals to populate their plates – more often than not to stunning effect. And that’s not all. Even some low-key local restaurants are playing with blooms beyond the common rose and jasmine in their dishes.

Flowers look beautiful as garnishes but are they meant to be eaten? Yes, any flower you see on your plate in a restaurant can actually be consumed, say chefs. “Using edible flowers in cooking began many years ago when the Greek and Chinese used flowers to enhance the look and feel of their food. Traditional cooking by many cultures use edible flowers such as rose petals in Indian sweets, squash blossoms in European food and green tea buds in Chinese cooking are some classic examples,” explains Chef Jerson Fernandes, Executive Chef at Jeon at Hotel Sea Princess.

Why cook with edible flowers?

Why not? We eat many other parts of plants, so why not eat the flowers too? In fact we do eat flowers on a regular basis: broccoli, cauliflower and artichokes are all flowers, botanically speaking. Edible flowers add an entirely new dimension to salads, can turn a simple main course into an exotic still-life and will transform desserts from the familiar to the sublime.

According to chef Vicky Ratnani of The Corner House, edible flowers can also add unique flavours to dishes, from sweet, floral or citrus flavours, to slightly spicy, even bitter flavours. “Rose flower powder is extremely flavourful. Lavender flowers are used to make Lavender butter which is distinct in its taste and texture,” he adds.

Mating flowers with dishes
Though using beautiful flowers in your dish may earn you a disproportionate number of likes on Instagram, you clearly need to know how to use them in your dishes. So how do you decide which flowers go with which dish? It’s all about taste and colour say chefs. While there are around 46 species of flowers that are classified to be edible it is rose, marigold, hibiscus, jasmine, lavender, chamomile, basil, violets, nasturtium, pumpkin flower, etc that are commonly used in dishes in India. “The flower choices depend on the elements and the ingredients used in a particular dish. The idea is to let the flavours and colours marry each other well. For Eg: Rosemary flowers can be as a garnish on dishes that incorporate the rosemary herb. Lavender can be used in both sweet and spicy dishes as the flowers are spicy, sweet and fragrant,” confirms chef Fernandes. Rose petals are baked with icing sugar on them and paired with desserts.

Desi Culture a popular restaurant in Mumbai dips a fresh rose into a beaker of liquid nitrogen only to shatter the frozen flower over a plate of kulfi for a gastronomic wow!

While fresh cilantro flowers are added to chutneys for their distinct colour and flavour, the sweet and fragrant violets are often used as garnish for drinks, soups and desserts. Rose petal jams and gulkands are popular since time immemorial. Floral scented flowers pair well with milk based dishes but care must be taken to not overcook them since they can lose their colour and flavour, warns chef Ratnani. “I use lavender flowers to flavour tea and mogra to make a yummy mogra sharbat along with lemon juice and ginger. Hibiscus is used in cocktails and to colour sparkling wine. I also add marigold to the batter of kanda bhajiya (onion fritters) to make marigold and onion bhajiyas.”

Edible flowers that have a delicate flavour are commonly used in desserts and salads, as it is easy to discern the mild flavour of the flower on the palate. However, when used with starters or entrees, the delicate flavour tends to get overpowered by the presence of other spices and ingredients. “When edible flowers are used for the sole purpose of enhancing the visual appeal, the focus is more on creating a contrast of the colourful flowers with the dish. For instance, if my dish has red as a dominant colour, I garnish it with purple flowers, or if a dish is white then I prefer to use red or yellow flowers to add a pop of colour,” explains Chef Saurabh Udinia, Chef de Cuisine Massive Restaurants Pvt. Ltd (the company that owns Farzi Café, PaPaYa, Masala Library and others). The chain uses lavender in milk to make custard and kheer. Rose is used for flavouring one of their most popular desserts Ras Malai Tres Leches. Besides this, Farzi cafe also uses kokum flowers in savoury dishes, especially in the preparation of lamb chops.

The trend is not just restricted to restaurants but has percolated seamlessly to households too. Varsha Singhania grows over 40 varieties of edible flowers at Kamala Retreat an estate owned by the Singhania family in Kanpur. “Nothing dresses up a dish like garnishing it with blossoms. Whether it is a dish or a dessert – flowers are a creative and popular garnish for any occasion and can add an instant wow factor! They are also super healthy and a colourful, fun alternative to any artificial colours, sweeteners or preservatives that may usually be used in certain foods,” she adds. Singhania extensively uses nasturtium, pansy, marigold and pomelo flowers in salads. Jasmine is used to make a fragrant and flavourful jasmine rice, pumpkin flowers are stuffed with feta cheese and orchids marry papaya salads at the Singhania household. The flowers are plucked early in the morning and put in water to keep them from wilting. She however warns against using flowers bought from the market as they are heavily sprayed with pesticides. “Use them in your cooking only if you grow them in your home or in your backyard,” she adds.

Heal with flowers
Is there more to edible flowers than good looks and flavour? Yes say experts. While flowers can’t replace the medicine cabinet, it can complement it in many ways. Chives, nasturtiums, marigolds or roses are just some of the edible flowers that boost your vitamin C. The bright colours show that edible flowers are rich in phytonutrients, flavonoids and antioxidants, which are recommended ways to reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Hibiscus is high in antioxidants which help prevent cholesterol deposits. “We use hibiscus extensively in herbal shampoos for hair growth and strengthening. You could even boil it in water and drink it. Ixora the star shaped flowers with a bitter taste is very effective in treating skin ailments in babies. Periwinkle or Nithya Kalyani flowers contains more than 70 alkaloids, and is known to cut the risk of cancer and lower blood pressure,” explains Ashida Hussain an Ayurvedic doctor with Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village in Palakad, Kerala. The flowers of various herbs, such as lavender, thyme, rosemary and mint, all share the healing properties of their leaf parts, being good for the digestion and soothing to the stomach.

Things to remember

Not every flower is edible. In fact, some flowers can be poisonous. Do sufficient research to ensure your safety.

Eat only the petals, not the stamens or filaments.

If you are prone to allergies, eat a little at first and watch out for any irritation.

Freeze whole small flowers into ice rings or cubes for a pretty addition to punches and other beverages.

Use flowers to flavour oils, vinaigrettes, jellies and marmalades.

To keep flowers fresh, place them on moist paper towels and refrigerate in an airtight container. Some will last up to 10 days this way. Ice water can revitalize limp flowers.

Flight like a girl often has a weak, negative connotation. But Dr Seema Rao India’s only woman commando trainer is testament to how strong women can be. In a freewheeling chat the brave heart speaks on training the forces and living her dreams fearlessly.

Don’t be offended when we say that Dr Seema Rao could kick your ass. She could drown you with one hand. It’s nothing personal. After all Dr Rao is a 7th-degree black belt holder in military martial arts, a combat shooting instructor and a firefighter. Did we mention that she is the only woman commando trainer in India?

At a time when we were all busy whiling away our time in college canteens, Mumbai born Dr Rao was busy training in martial arts. The seeds for this were sewn early on when her father a freedom fighter would regale her with stories of his struggle. “Listening to those stories of how he escaped prison and swam across the Mandvi river to safety always thrilled me. I made up my mind that I would do something for the country.” That something came years later when Dr Rao along with her husband Major Deepak Rao started training the Indian forces including the Army Corps Battle Schools and its Commando Wing, NSG Black Cats, MARCOS, GARUD and Paracommandos.

The birth of a hero

Growing up, the naïve and scrawny Dr Rao had no inclination to physical fitness and even confesses to being bullied in school for her weak disposition. But that changed when she met her husband whilst studying for her medicine degree. “Watching him practice martial arts inspired me to follow suit. I realized I could be strong and be in control rather than be controlled.” So along with martial arts Dr Rao also learned unarmed combat skills and rifle shooting. A chance meeting with a senior police officer led the couple to train the forces. Interestingly the duo has been working pro bono for the past 20 years. Along with the satisfaction of doing good came the hardship of a life without a regular income. “We would be travelling eights months in a year with hardly any money to get back. There was a time when I had to sell my mangalsutra to survive.” The financial strain notwithstanding Dr Rao has also had to face terrorist fire in Jammu & Kashmir and narrowly escaped getting shot. “Once on the way to Uri, my vehicle overtook an army convoy that was ambushed with terror fire, barely a few km behind me. I have also evaded specific terror traps after being cautioned by certain agencies.” Being noticed and recognized is a hazard in this profession and Dr Rao would often travel under various aliases. So much so that many of her trainees in the armed forces were also unaware of her real name. “Now Internet has made my life story viral and I have got known all over, making my security more complicated,” she sighs.

The life of a commando trainer
Training commandos in unarmed combat is not just physically exhausting but also brutally difficult. Along with challenges of acclimatisation at altitude, Dr Rao also has to flight endemic tropical diseases like filariasis (a parasitic disease caused by an infection spread by blood-feeding black flies and mosquitoes) in the jungle and heat stroke in the dessert. Training usually starts at 6 am and continues up to 6 pm. Night exercises extend up to 4 am in the morning. Injuries are a part and parcel of Dr Rao’s life. A severe vertebral fracture saw her laid up in bed for close to six months. The recovery was long and hard, but she remains phlegmatic. However it was the head injury followed by amnesia that goaded Dr Rao to rethink her life. “Every time I asked my self if I wanted to continue, the answer was always a resounding yes. Life is tough but no one told me it was going to be a rosy journey.” On a personal level Dr Rao decided to forego the joys of motherhood for undivided attention for her career. Later on the couple adopted a girl child who is now 25 years old.

Leading the men
Dr Rao has had to earn her stripes when it came to training men in Close Quarter Battle. It wasn’t easy she confesses. “Yes men do get rattled when they see a woman training them. But I led by personal example and demonstrating that I could it. For this I had to keep my skills wound up at all times despite injuries.”

To say that Dr Rao is just a woman commando trainer would be limiting, though. She is also among the handful of instructors in the world authorised to teach Jeet Kune Do an eclectic and hybrid martial art founded by Bruce Lee in 1967. She’s also a scuba diver, an HMI medalist in rock climbing and a Mrs India World pageant finalist. Her book on Close Combat Operations has a permanent home in the FBI, SWAT unit and the Interpol library.

Now 48, Dr Rao shows no sign of slowing down. She recently helmed a movie on women empowerment. When not delivering motivational speeches to institutes and corporates Dr Rao loves dancing, listening to music and watching action films. “I am a very colorful person. Life is too short to not try your hand at everything.”

ASKED ALONG THE WAY

I believe
Women today need to demand respect and not wait for it.

A regular day

I train for 2.5 hours each day which comprises of running 5 kms, weight training, kick boxing, grappling and wrestling. Twice a week I box with men who are twice my weight and half my age.

Favourite film
The Rocky Series and the Samurai movies.

I can’t do without
My gold bracelet with the India flag. I wear it all times.

So many of us jump on the latest diet bandwagon. Yet time and time again, diets fail us. That’s because the only way to succeed with a diet is to find one that works for you, personally. There is no “one size fits all.” I spoke to nutritionists and doctors to dissect a few trending diets. Whatever you choose, be sure to discuss it with your doctor or a dietitian first.

Ketogenic Diet

What is it
The ketogenic diet (often termed keto) is a very low-carb, high-fat diet that involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. “The reduction in carbs puts your body into a metabolic state called ketosis. When this happens, your body becomes incredibly efficient at burning fat for energy. It also turns fat into ketones in the liver, which can supply energy to the brain,” explains nutritionist Karishma Chawla. The diet is very filling and results in fat loss without counting calories or tracking your food. There are also other less obvious benefits like reduced hunger and a steady supply of energy. Renowned chef Amninder Sandhu who has been on the diet feels it’s an easy diet to follow if you eat meats. “I lost eight kilos in two months. You are allowed all things good like cheese, butter, cream and you still lose weight. So this diet is a total winner.” Apart from the fact that she dreamt of ice-cream for the entire duration there were no other side effects she adds.

The bloat in the body completely vanishes due to the lack of carbs within four days. But the body enters a mild ketotic state between four days and two weeks and a fully keto adapted state between three and six weeks. No wonder Keto is popular with actors who wish to lose weight quickly. Aamir Khan in Dangal is a prime example. “Initially actors used to go on super low carb diets which is a semi – effective tool at shredding but they soon realised that the hunger pangs, the loss of energy and the food cravings were not the most conducive to their hectic shoot and social schedule. This is when they started adopting Keto since it is devoid of all the ill effects of the low carb lifestyle. The high amount of fat in the diet imparts a sense of fullness along with great energy levels and reduced appetite,” explains Dr Siddhant Bhargava, Co-founder, Food Darzee a company that delivers Keto meals in Mumbai. Bhargava suggests multiple cycles that last between 35-45 days as an effective minimum period for best results. This prevents the body from plateauing, prevents psychological craving for carbohydrates and is enough time for the body to be Keto adapted he adds.

Foods to Avoid
In short, any food that is high in carbs should be limited. Wheat-based products, rice, pasta, cereal, beans, legumes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, etc. are a complete no-no. As also soda, fruit juice, smoothies, cake, ice cream, candy, etc. Low-fat or diet products are highly processed and often high in carbs. Avoid. Due to its carb content, many alcoholic beverages can throw you out of ketosis.

What you should know
Keto diet should be used only as a push at the end of the weight loss plan. Not as a lifestyle warns Chawla. “When your body is in the state of ketosis, your carb levels are as low as 20 gms which in nutrition ethics is an imbalanced state. You need 100 gms per day to prevent ketosis – the build up of ketones in the body which result in ketoacidosis, a medical emergency.” The other side effect is constipation. “Due to the lack of bulk in the stools that carbohydrates typically provide, constipation does set in but can be treated by smartly increasing the fibre and water intake. Also having adequate quantities of fat (ideally coconut oil) help in avoiding constipation,” explains Bhargava. The diet cannot be recommended to diabetic patients as the chance of a person entering hypoglycemia mode (when blood glucose level fall below 4 mm) are high. “People with hereditary hyperlipidemia (genetically elevated cholesterol) are not the ideal candidates since this is a fat based diet. Also, those with an absent gall bladder should avoid this diet as they wouldn’t be able to digest these amounts of fat due to the lower levels of the digestive enzyme bile,” cautions Bhargava. The ketogenic diet is highly diuretic. Hence, hydrate yourself well and add salt to your food to keep your low blood pressure in check. Make sure to have your multivitamin, Omega 3, Vitamin E and C supplements. Also have your probiotics.

When eating out
It is not very hard to stick to your keto diet when eating out. Most restaurants offer some kind of meat or fish-based dish. Order this, and replace any high-carb food with extra vegetables. Egg-based meals are also a great option, such as an omelet or eggs and bacon. Another favorite is bun-less burgers. You could also leave the bun and swap the fries for vegetables instead. Add extra avocado, cheese, bacon or eggs. For dessert, ask for a mixed cheese board or double cream with berries.

A typical Keto meal  for a  6 feet 3 inches 90 kg man from Food Darzee

Breakfast

Veg: Zucchini and cheese patty with Guacamole sour cream and tomato salsa

Non veg: 3 whole egg cheese omelet with low carb veggies like tomato mushroom bell peppers cooked in 2 tablespoons of olive oil / ghee with a side of non processed sausages / bacon / ham

And a glass of black coffee with a little heavy cream

Lunch

Veg: Paneer Makhni/ Paneer Tikka/ Malai Paneer with cauliflower rice

Non veg: A portion of butter chicken (unsweetened or mildly sweetened with heavy cream) with roti made from almond / walnut / flaxseed flour (yes this is totally possible)

Evening snack (post workout since any form of resistance training is very important on keto): A cookies and cream custard (whey protein + cream) topped with a flaxseed, macademia crumble.

Dinner

Veg: Pan fried cottage cheese with a green leafy salad topped with olive oil

Non veg: Steamed /smoked salmon with a side of sautéed veggies in ghee / olive

Dosha Diet

What is it
According to Ayurveda we are made up of three different ‘body types’ known as doshas. These are: vata, pitta and kapha, each of which represents two of the five universal elements (a combination of ether, air, fire, water, earth). Your dosha reflects your temperament, metabolism, energy level, learning style, and many other aspects of the body, mind and emotions. “Ayurvedic philosophies believe we each contain varying proportions of each dosha, generally one or two in dominance. Our naturally dominant dosha does not signify imbalance, but rather how – or who – we are in our most healthy, balanced state,” explains Dr Arun Pillai, Director of Spa & Wellness, Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa in Pune. The retreat has recently introduced a dosha diet which includes cereal basket topped with fruits and nut milk; spinach stuffed amaranths and walnuts idli and pumpkin and coconut soup, beetroot kababs, and tridoshik roti.

When the doshas are balanced, we are healthy; when they are unbalanced, we develop disease, which usually result in skin issues, poor digestion, insomnia, irritability and anxiety. “To balance a Vata type, we need to stick to a daily routine and regular sleeping pattern. We should eat heavy, hearty foods such as stews and broths. For a Pitta type, who is an excessive worker, we should avoid skipping meals or conversely, overeating at meals. We are most well-suited to a vegetarian diet with fruits and raw vegetables. We should stay away from spicy foods. Kapha types require lots of sleep and have slow digestion, so we need regular exercise and should avoid rich dairy foods, meat, and fried foods,” explains Dr Gita Ramesh, JT MD, Kairali Ayurvedic Group.

Dosha based drinks at Hilton Shillim 

Ayurveda does not focus on short-term gains, only to fail us later, so you won’t need to starve yourself, or unrealistically limit the variety of foods that you can enjoy. Nor will you quickly lose a few kilos only to see them creep back on. “Instead, you will be following a clear and time-tested path toward optimal health. Results will be visible only after a period of six months,” explains Dr Pillai.

What’s your dominant dosha?

Knowing your dosha involves visiting an Ayurveda practitioner and filling out a detailed questionnaire regarding your body type, skin type, appetite, digestion, physical activity level, emotional response when stressed, sleep pattern, etc. If you are unsure, you are expected to select the answer that most closely describes you. Based on the responses your dosha is determined. Please note that you could a particular dosha type but heading towards another dosha (like for instance: you could be Pitta moving towards Vata)

Typical characteristics of a Vata personality involves: Light build, naturally creative, sensitive, prefer warm, humid climates, dry skin…

Some typical Pitta characteristics involve: Medium, muscular built, productive, hard-working, irritable,

prefers cold climates, fair skin…

Kapha dominant people are: Heavy built, stable, methodical

easy-going, prefers warm, dry climates, oily skin…

Equal proportions of two (‘bidoshic) or all doshas (‘tridoshic’) is also possible.

Ragi idlis at Hilton Shillim 

Whole 30 Diet

What is it
Whole 30 is a nutritional programme developed in 2009 by two certified sports nutritionists who promoted it as a way to lose weight, reset your metabolism and reshape your relationship with food in 30 days. The diet focuses on the idea that certain food groups may negatively affect your health and fitness. Therefore, eliminating these foods from your diet is supposed to help your body recover from the negative effects and promote long-term health. For those just tuning in, this diet skips sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes and dairy for 30 days. It permits meat, seafood, eggs, veggies, fruit and natural fats like vegetable oils, coconut oil and tree nuts. Basically, you have to eat three meals a day, made with Whole 30-approved ingredients (think: meats, seafood, veggies and eggs). “The advantages of this diet is that it eliminates junk, sugar, alcohol and processed foods that deprive the body of essential nutrients. So in a way this diet energizing the body. Refined carbohydrates that only increase sugar levels and leads to fat gain are also off limits. The diet also gives an insight about reading labels to look for hidden sugars and advocates lots of veggies,” explains Chawla. After the initial 30 days, slowly reintroduce the foods you miss, while monitoring the effects they have on your body. The diet has a strict set of rules and no cheating is allowed. Going off-track entails starting the challenge over from day one. Also, weighing yourself is strictly reserved for days 1 and 30 of the programme.

What you can eat
When it comes to what you can and can’t eat on Whole 30, the rules are pretty hard and fast, and there’s a lot (including dairy, added sugar and alcohol) on the no-fly list. Here what you can eat: Vegetables (including potatoes), fruits (in moderation. Remember that you’re trying to limit your sugar intake during the 30 days), unprocessed meats, seafood (fish and shellfish get the Whole 30 nod of approval), eggs, nuts and seeds (all nuts and seeds are okay, with one exception: peanuts, because they are a legume), oils (olive oil, coconut oil and ghee, which is a type of clarified butter, is also allowed), coffee (without any milk products or sugar to lighten it up).

What you should know
Eventually being low on fibrous complex carbohydrates could leave the body in a state of fatigue. “The Whole 30 diet completely eliminates complex carbohydrates that act as a source of energy for the body which also helps us maintain stabilized blood sugar levels. Also, diabetics need to be careful since this diet could lead them to hypoglycemia. The programme does not mention portion sizes. Hence, excess of protein can also get converted into fat,” cautions Chawla.

NIVEDITA JAYARAM PAWAR

Picture courtesy: Hilton Shillim

Whether you want to take care of your body, soothe your mind, or just indulge in some rest and relaxation a wellness holiday is just right. Nivedita Jayaram Pawar lists the various benefits of a wellness getaway and lists the top three resorts for a mind and body recharge.

Wellness holidays have been picking up steam recently as an increasing number of people seek relief from daily stress and constant connectivity. Vacations with pampered indulgences have given way to vacations filled with nutritious food, yoga, massage and detox therapies. People no more want to sit on a beach sunning themselves for hours. They want to go somewhere beautiful where they can benefit from deeply therapeutic treatments, nourishing food, plenty of sleep and little if not no access to their digital devices. The trend is also fuelled by ageing baby boomers wanting to hold on to their looks and prolong their lifestyle.

Why take a Wellness vacation
It’s a known fact that sedentary daily lives often lead to health problems in later life. Staying active on a holiday and using that time to boost our health and well-being is the trend these days. At these tranquil retreats, travellers are encouraged to connect with local cultures through art and cooking classes, as well as reconnect with themselves. It’s holidaying at a gentler pace. “The idea is to take a mental detox. And give your mind the same attention as your body. There are many people who live fast-paced lives and experience overwhelming amounts of stress. They often treat themselves to a week of quiet time by attending a wellness retreat. Other clients are sufferers of chronic conditions who find relief after a retreat. The benefits are measurable even after a week and people return annually to make sure that they continue with their health improvement,” explains Abhilash KR, Director Kairali Ayurvedic Group.

Ayurvedic ingredients platter at Shreyas

Active second innings
Many people reaching their fifties are waking up to the fact that their luxury lifestyle of “living it up” with alcohol, rich food and high stress levels is not sustainable as they enter the second half of their lives. With average life spans getting longer, people want an active retirement with a healthy mind and body. A wellbeing holiday provides an integrated approach to health coupled with tips on how to lead a healthy lifestyle and kick-start a change in habits through knowledge and practice.

Self development
For some people self development is a life long commitment and a wellness vacation helps them acquire new skills and dig deeper into something they already practise such as yoga, meditation or fitness. Health retreats understand this and have introduced programmes specifically for these advanced seekers. You can purify your system on a detox break, slim down on a weight-loss holiday, unwind with indulgent spa treatments, or strengthen your mind and body with yoga.

Whether you’re looking for a pampering getaway, want to make a significant life change, undertake a digital detox or challenge yourself to a serious boot camp, these hand-picked retreats will leave you feeling refreshed, revitalised and ready to take on the world.

Shreyas Retreat, Bangalore

If you’re looking for somewhere spectacular to de-stress, completely unwind and reconnect with nature, Shreyas a sprawling 25-acre verdant retreat on the outskirts of Bangalore is the perfect answer. The stunning landscaped gardens and the elegantly designed luxurious villas make it the perfect location to recharge your batteries with yoga and Ayurveda.

Machan at Shreyas Retreat

Besides the regular asanas, Shreyas also offers simple posture classes for stress management, breathing exercises (Pranayama), visualization techniques (Sakshi bhava), deep relaxation classes (Yoga Nidra), Yogic kriyas (Jala neti, Vaman dhouti), chakra meditation, etc.

De-stress by picking vegetables, herbs and fruits from Shreyas’ Organic Farm or assist in preparing a meal and serving food to the children or elderly in the village school or the orphanage that Shreyas supports. There is also a cricket net with a professional bowling machine to hone your batting skills or to get rid of some aggression and machans and meditation huts in the lawns for quiet contemplation. There are also cooking demonstrations on healthy vegetarian dishes from around the world and trekking trips in the nearby hills to keep you gainfully engaged.

Accommodation comprises of tents and cottages spread across the expansive gardens. The spa offers Panchakarma treatment, western massages, mud therapy, thai massages, hydrotherapy, acupressure and acupuncture. It also includes a herb garden that provides fresh ingredients used in scrubs and masks.

The food is vegetarian and includes Indian, continental, Mexican and Oriental. Guests are encouraged to dine together. On warm nights dinner is often served al fresco in the garden.

Cost: Rs 69,000 for three days.
Address: Shreyas Retreat, Santoshima Farm, Gollahalli Gate, Nelamangala. Bangalore – 562 123. Call: +91 80 7737102, +91 99161 17773 / 6

 Atmantan Wellness Resort, Pune.

From time to time, we all need a retreat to relax, a sanctuary to unwind and a place to escape from the busy humdrum of daily life. Atmantan is one such sanctuary close to Mumbai. Located at a mere three hours drive from Mumbai, this sprawling and soothing luxury wellness resort is nestled in the lap of the majestic Sahyadri mountain range in the Western Ghats (only 48km from Pune) and overlooks the picturesque Mulshi lake. Treatment and recreational areas make the most of this beautiful setting with the yoga pavilion and spa facing the emerald green mountains and countless waterfalls in the monsoons.

Wellness is not taken lightly at this spectacularly located resort. The 50,000 sq. ft. spa is at the heart of the resort and includes traditional Ayurvedic treatments, western massages, oriental acupressure, aromatherapy treatments, anti-ageing facials, Chi Nei Tsang treatment, purifying body polishes, cocooning wraps and the Pranic chakra scan and cleanse.

Atmantan is seriously focused on improving guests’ health rather than just providing R&R. Each guest has a customized programme based on a detailed health checkup and nutritionists are on standby to develop special menus. If you thought that spa food resembled gruel, think again. At Atmantan you will be treated to delicious salads, Michelin star lookalike mains and gorgeous dessert that are worth doing another round of reps for. Not only does Atmantan have its own garden where the chef sources fruit, vegetable and herbs for its dishes, but they even have an apiary from which they source honey for breakfast. Himalayan and rock salts are used to add minerals as well as flavour while natural sweeteners such as fruit juice, honey, jaggery or coconut flower syrup replace white sugar. Liked what you just ate? You can even sign up for a cooking class and learn how to whip up healthier dishes. The food philosophy is of moderation and not deprivation. Second helpings are welcome but a third are frowned upon. There are three dining venues to choose from – Chantara the alfresco dining lounge with innovative grills, Vistara the all day dining with sweeping views of the lake and Te-Jus the juice lounge with healthy potions and smoothies.

The pool at Atmantan

There is not a dull moment at Atmantan. Your stay will be packed with bootcamp, salsa, swimming in chemical free salt water pools, dance classes, golf sessions, pilates, table tennis, foosball and more. The resort is dotted with beautiful sculptures. Meditation comes easy at the Buddha pond and the mellow lighting makes stargazing a reality. Mornings are filled with mesmerizing lake views, scented with frangipani and filled with birdsong. An early morning yoga session at the open amphitheater and a trek up the hills are both rewarding and revitalizing.

Price: Rs 75,000 for a three-night package. This includes all meals, three massages, one Chi Nei Tsang session and a postural integration session.
Address: Palse Vasti, Mulshi Taluka, Mulshi Road, Pune 412108. Call: 020 6676 66.

Kairali Ayurvedic Health Village, Kerala

There is so much to love about this beautiful, sustainable retreat centre amid scenery raw enough to let you feel you are getting back to nature. Nestled in 60 acres amidst lush greenery, gentle bodies and tropical palms in Palakad, Kairali is a scenic escape to the countryside. With a soothingly warm climate and the world’s most unflappable therapists, this resort remains a favourite escape for travellers in search of holistic solutions and relaxation.

Abhyangam Massage at Kairali

All the cottages at Kairali are designed according to Vastu Shastra and come with Valambiri Conch to provide positive vibrations. Cosmetics like soaps, toothpaste and shampoos in the bathroom are all organic and come from their own gardens and factory. The meals at Kairali are not just vegetarian but also based on the principles of Ayurveda (read minus onions, spices and garlic). This is a serious health retreat specifically designed to treat maladies like stress, respiratory problems, eye ailments, insomnia, infertility and skin diseases.

Mornings at Kairali begin with yoga with misty views of paddy fields; days wind down with meditation. You can soak your cares away in the pool, or give yourself up to the therapists for a rejuvenating massage. The relaxing and detoxifying massages are the highlight at Kairali. Choose from Abhayangam (synchronized massage by two therapists), Shiro Dhara (in which warm herbal oil drops on your forehead) or Elakizhi (potli of herbs dipped in warm oil and massaged on the body). Don’t miss the wooden steam boxes with their own little doors that envelope you from neck to toe.

The resort also has a fully equipped gym, meditation room, library and an activity room with a pool table, chess board, carom board, dart games, etc. Cycles are also provided for you to enjoy riding in the serene surroundings.

Costs: Rs. 46000 for 3N/4D in Deluxe villa and can go up to Rs. 80,000 in the Maharaja Villa. The packages are inclusive of stay, all meals and therapy.

Buying gifts for men can be tricky. The stress gets amped up with Valentine’s Day round the corner. There are all kinds of social pressure to find the perfect gift, a gift idea so creative and cool that he’ll remember your thoughtfulness for years to come. If you’ve been stumped for a cool gift idea, help is at hand. We have put together a collection of creative gift ideas that your man will most definitely enjoy.

Rohit Bal Satchel
Design meets desire head on with this two tone, hand finished Rohit Bal leather satchel. Heads will turn as he slings it nonchalantly across the torso. Functionality is further enhanced through a convenient handle that sits elegantly atop the flap of this fabulous piece of workmanship. Spacious front pockets and inner partitions, antique brass trims, exemplary stitch detail only adds to the appeal.

Price: Rs 15000
Availability: www.amazon.in

Sail Away
Enjoy a romantic day out on the water sailing a private yacht for two hours on the Arabian Sea. Treat your loved one with a relaxing glass of wine as the sun goes down or a stunning sunset dinner on deck under the stars. There will be flowers and snacks to complete the experience.

Price: Rs 9,500 + taxes

Availability: http://www.lovedoodle.in. Call: 8850882267

Let him Fly

Is your guy an aviation enthusiast? These vintage wooden airplane propellers will make a nice addition to any avgeek’s home or office. Handcrafted from a solid log of wood each design has an inspiration and underlying design theme from its name to the shape, colour, polish and finishing. You can even fully customize the propeller from scratch by choosing its shape, size, color, finish and even adding a personalized message.

Price: Rs.17,500 for a 4-foot propeller and goes up to Rs 30,000 based on the size, finish and extent of customization.
Availability: Select furniture & lifestyle stores in Mumbai http://www.woodfeather.com

Shoe Art

Shoes say a lot about a man. Chances are, he is already wearing the shoe that best fits his personality. But if not, why not invest in a new pair. All you have to do is share some unique details of his personality with the designer and voila a pair of customized canvas shoes by designer Saket Agarwal will be delivered to you. These digitally printed shoes are quirky, aesthetic and a whole lot of fun.

Price: Rs 1100-2000
Availability: https://www.lazyjojo.com

Let the music play

These eco friendly clay fired and wood fired amplifiers are perfect gifts for the musically inclined. These beauties are not just good looking but also produce uncompromised (and flawless) sound quality. All you have to do is place your phone in the slot and the music gets louder! (output of decibel level 65 becomes 100-105). Does not need any electricity outlet or batteries​ whatsoever.
Price: Rs 10400-11400
Availability: h2hshop.com

Watch that guy

Is your man a lover of machines and collector of wearable art? Up his style ante with a Gc watch. This chronograph watch with its silver and deep blue tones of dial and bezel is both sporty and elegant. The perfect gift for the understated yet classy guy.

Price: Rs 34,900
Availability: I​t’s About Time, Palladium Mumbai, GUESS Accessories Stores, GUESS Jeans Stores and all leading Multi Brand Watch retailers.

Say it with Tea

For your tea-loving friend, skip the tea paraphernalia and give him what he really wants. More tea to help him further enjoy the greatest beverage the world has ever seen! Dazzle and surprise the tea drinker in your life with this luxury tea hamper from The Good Life Company (TGL Co.).  The six decadent tea blends, handcrafted to tease each of the six senses come with a tea infuser basket. Whether he’s a casual sipper or a whole-leaf tea devotee, this will surely warm his heart.
Price: Rs 3,499
Availability: TGL Tea Salon at Sofitel Hotel, BKC. Order online on https://www.tglteas.com/

 By Fashionably Foody 

Chocolates and roses are fine but if you fancy giving your lady love something a little more unusual this Valentine’s Day, we’ve got you covered. Here are some unique Valentine’s Day gifts that should tickle your fancy.

Book a helicopter ride
No more airport delays. The luxurious comfort and privacy a helicopter charter offers makes it the perfect Valentine’s Day getaway or gift. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the beautiful city of Mumbai from over 12,000 feet high while flying in a privately chartered helicopter. Surprise the love of your life with some beautiful memories on board a 20-minute private helicopter ride. There is also cake and flowers to ensure that the celebrations remain sweet.
Price: Rs 19,803. Contact: 022-39971799

Dine on a floating restaurant

Messing about near water on a beautiful day is certainly one of life’s great pleasures but when there is food involved it is even more fun. Take your date out for a romantic evening on board Ark Deck and Bar a floating restaurant and Lounge Bar in the Arabian Sea. Spread over three levels Ark will sail 1.6 kms off the coast into the sea and you will be ferried to Ark on speedboats and ferries. Take in the glorious sunset whilst enjoying a glass of bubbly with a sumptuous meal onboard.

Price is Rs 6000 for Two people
Address: Bandra Worli Sea Link, 100 metres before the toll plaza
Landmark: AB Celestial. Call: 9004904123

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride

Gift your loved one a unique and exhilarating experience of a hot air balloon ride in Jakkur, Bangalore. Soaring high into the sky and viewing the landscape from atop is a wonderful experience. Hot Air Ballooning is a less risky affair and it allows you to have an unforgettable air experience. All the while you will be accompanied by an experienced guide.
Cost: Rs 9500 for a couple
Contact: Jakkur Flying Club, Airport Road Flyover Jakkuru Bengaluru. Tel: +91 80 6565 6000

Circle of love in 18k gold
Delight your loved one with this poetic composition of yellow, white and champagne statement ring studded with fine-cut diamonds. Rose, a prominent motif in the design, symbolizes hope, commitment and promise. Minimal yet magnificent.
Price: On Request
Availability: www.aisshpra.com.

Spinning Flower Watch

If your ladylove is pretty serious about her timepieces, this elegant and stunning masterpiece from Jaipur Watch Company will surely delight her. The spinning flower in the center of the dial rotates on its own with every movement of the wrist. The bezel is embedded with hand-picked Swarovski stones. That’s what we call style with substance.
Price: Rs 21,000
Availability: Jaipur Watch Company. http://www.jaipurwatches.com

​​Hampers brimming with goodness​
Whether she is a sweet lover, healthy eater, tea lover, baker or a ​passionate cook – this elegant and classy hamper from Foodhall has something for every kind (read Pink Peppercorn and chives cream cheese, Sicilian Sweet Olives, Red Ginger & Saffron Candle, Trio of Citrus Jam, Truffle Cheese, Castello Camembert, Truffle Mustard, Fixed Mixed Berries, Lindt Swiss Thins, Chandon Rose). What else can she ask for?
Price: Rs 11000
Availability: Foodhall, Palladium, Lower Parel.

Make her blush with these blushes
Makeup can be a wonderful surprise on this day celebrating love and consumerism. Breathe some life into her complexion with these blush duos that range from a rosy pink to a bright coral to a rich plum. Each palette has two shades, from a matte to a pearly satin finish. So whether she’s going for a glamorous look or getting a soft, glowy finish, you have got her covered. The luminous and silky formula is enhanced by an advanced optical technology that blurs imperfections providing a natural-looking radiance.
Price: Rs 699
Availability: www.nykaa.com

By Fashionably Foody

Food in Thailand is more than just Pad Thai, Som Tam and spicy Tom Yum. There is so much more to explore in this glorious food destination. With its perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, bitter and spicy Thai food is not just easy on the palate but also on the pocket. But with so many mystery meats, crazy colours and unpronounceable names, it can get hard to pick which dish to spend your baht on. Fret no more, we’ve made it easy for you.

Book a Thailand Tour Package to try these 10 Thai delicacies.  

Mango sticky rice – Kao Niew Ma Muang

If there is one dish that has put Thailand Tourism on the world map, it’s the Mango sticky rice.  A small bed of super glutinous rice is placed below some slices of super sweet, non stringy, ripened mango. Adding to the deliciousness is a drizzle of coconut cream syrup. Usually located at many makeshift stands depending on mango availability.

Best place to eat: Mae Varee Mango Sticky Rice, Sukhumvit Soi 55, Bangkok; Boonsap Thai Desserts, 1478, Thanon Charoen Krung, Bang Rak, Bangkok.

Chicken with Cashew Nuts – Gai Med Ma Moung
Pardon the pun, but this dish is worth going nuts for. And it’s not difficult to see why. Moist chicken meets the warm crunch of toasted cashew nut along with dried chili, red/yellow/green bell peppers, onion, spring onion and Thai herbs to create this scrumptious and totally Thai dish. Order some steamed white rice on the side if you are really hungry.

Best place to eat: Baan Khanitha, 36/1 Soi Sukhumvit 23, Sukhumvit Road Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok.

Joke – Rice Porridge
Joke, or rice porridge is the most popular breakfast food in Bangkok. It is the best remedy for a hangover after a night of debauchery in Bangkok’s party district. The traditional way of cooking joke is over charcoal, which imparts a toasted, smoky flavour to sticky rice. Joke can be as simple as plain rice porridge with onion leeks and garlic or as lavish as being adorned with pork meatballs, slices of liver, and a freshly cracked egg.

Best place to eat: Joke Samyan, Sukhumvit 103, Udom Suk Soi 9, Bang Na, Bangkok.

Thai fish cakes

These delicately spiced, aromatic fish cakes make for a perfect snack on the go. What makes these cakes exceptionally delicious is the absence of batter that may conceal the fresh flavours of the fish, herbs and spices. Kaffir lime leaves, shrimp paste and local chili give these fish cakes a distinct Thai flavour. Best eaten hot out of the fryer and dipped into a slightly tangy and spicy chili dip.

Best place to eat: Chatuchak Market; Taling Pling, 36/1 Soi Sukhumvit 23, Sukhumvit Road Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok.

Pancakes by the street

Bangkok has a love affair with pancakes. Don’t believe me, just walk the streets of Bangkok to see what I mean. There are hundreds of variations right from banana to chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, hazelnut, orange, peanut butter and even green curry. Don’t miss the theatrics of it all – dough stretched paper thin onto the hot griddle, banana slices placed in the middle and folded, fried to a golden brown before being topped with sugar, condensed milk and drizzles of chocolate sauce. So if you see one of the little carts offering pancakes, don’t just walk by. Get one. They are worth investing the calories in.

Best place to eat: The night markets of Koh Chang.

Laab – Spicy Meat Salad

This minced meat salad originally from Laos is also a popular dish in Thailand, especially in the Northeast. The meat in laab may be raw or cooked and might also be made with fish, such as catfish. Mint and other herbs feature strongly in the dish, that is seasoned with lime juice, fish sauce and minced chili peppers. Finely ground toasted rice is also an essential ingredient. Larb is often served in lettuce wraps and might be accompanied by fresh vegetables and sticky rice. Not recommended for those who can’t handle spice, as it tends to come with a hefty kick.
Best place to eat: Khao Gaeng Jake Puey food stall, Chinatown.

Plah Plow – Grilled Fish

One of the most famous fish dishes in Thailand, Plah Plow is a fresh white fish stuffed with herbs like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves and salted. A few minutes on the grill makes the fish tender and juicy.

Best Place to eat: Baan Khanitha, 36/1 Soi Sukhumvit 23, Sukhumvit Road Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok.

Thai Iced Tea – Cha Yen

The answer to coffee and tea drinks from around the world is Thailand’s very own and very sweet cha yen. Concocted from black tea, star anise, orange blossom water and crushed tamarind seed, it’s strong, silky, creamy and always an intense shade of orange. The brewed tea is mixed with a generous amount of condensed milk, poured over a tall cup of crushed or tiny ice cubes, and topped with evaporated milk. While the cup is quite tall, the tea itself is no more than a shot glass worth as the rest of it is ice. The copious amount helps cool the tea down instantly so that by the time you take your first sip, it’s refreshingly icy.
Best place to have it: Bangkok Tea, Rod Fai night market. Or Cha Tra Mue stalls situated at supermarkets and convenience stores.

Coconut ice cream

One of the easiest ways to deal with the weather in Thailand is Thai coconut ice cream! Made from Thailand’s favourite ingredient coconut milk, this creamy, icy confection is best eaten on a hot day at Chatuchak. The ice cream is loaded with chunky and crunchy coconut bits and topped with a variety of toppings like sticky rice, corn, cubes of sweet jelly and crispy mung beans.

Best place to eat: Nattaporn Ice Cream, 94 Thanon Phraeng Phuton, Phranakorn, Bangkok.

Durian

This spiky fruit is both loved and hated by many. But do give it a try when in Thailand. The aroma is so strong, it can linger for days, making durian illegal in many air conditioned or public buildings in Southeast Asia. What does it taste like? Well its creamy, sweet and buttery. Go for the semi ripe ones. The riper ones can be a bit mushier and even include a bitter tinge.

Best place to eat: During durian season, which falls between April and August, durian is everywhere on pushcarts along the streets. Or check out the Or Tor Kor Market in Bangkok.

In response to increasing concern about the environmental state of the planet many tourists are opting for holidays that give a little back. So much so that the words “sustainable” and “responsible” have become buzzwords in tourism in recent years, right up there with “eco-friendly” as the newest thing to strive for. So what exactly is sustainable tourism and how are resorts trying to blend sustainability with comfort?

Tamara Coorg

You want to be green. You recycle your carrier bag. You turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth. And you are furious that we are melting the planet. But you are not going to forgo a flight to a tropical paradise and top-notch accommodations, even though planes emit greenhouse gases and routine hotel practices, like washing the linens each day, hurt the environment. After all, you love to travel. There’s still hope. To help you sleep easier on those high-thread-count sheets many hospitality companies and resorts are practicing Conscious Tourism.

There is a serious effort going on to minimise (or subsidise) carbon footprint and help preserve the region’s natural and cultural history. Some are even helping boost the local economy by employing the community. Of course it helped that tourists around the world preferred to stay at hotels and resorts that are both environmentally friendly and socially conscious.

What resorts are doing?

With more travellers citing environmental and social concerns as key considerations in their holiday decisions, some hi-end resorts are responding to the demand in spectacular style. The result: from a handful of rustic lodges committed to conservation back in the early 1990s, sustainable tourism is now transforming the global travel industry, and in the process helping to safeguard cultural and natural heritage, support environmentally friendly practices and deliver economic and social benefits to local people. “Over the years, as environmental issues and sensitivity towards sustainable development has become a global conversation travellers are now looking for something more – a sense of the place and people in that community and that their visit is benefiting that community somehow,” says Shruti Shibulal, CEO of Tamara Leisure Experiences, the company that owns two luxury resorts – The Tamara in Coorg and Kodaikanal. Apart from using only solar power for heating, this eco-sensitive resort is completely plastic-free. Filtered water is placed in each suite in glass bottles to avoid daily disposal of plastic bottles and single-use slippers have given way to reusable sterilised slippers. Recycled wood from abandoned railway tracks were used for the flooring.

The Tamara Coorg

Coco Shambala’s newest property in Sindhudurg is a steel framed temporary structure joined together with nuts and bolts. No JCB or canes were used in the construction. “This was done to reduce the impact on the environment and allow us the flexibility to dismantle the houses at any point and not leave a footprint on the land,” says Giles Knapton, Owner of Coco Shambhala. Additionally locally sourced coconut was used for the furniture. Although a challenging material for the carpenters to work with, its unique grain provides a stunning finish. The feel-good approach to holidaying extends to the property surroundings, where bamboo trees provide straws for the drinks and carefully placed water bodies in the gardens aid in passive cooling.

Coco Shambala  

Food plays an important role in sustainability. Many of the eco resorts are now sourcing their seafood and produce from a 30 km radius of the property. “Travelers these days are much more discerning and aware about the ecological footprint their travel will have. While international travelers have been aware for sometime we have witnessed a major change in the domestic traveler. Now, the experience is the luxury and not the hardware. Travelers are keen to see that their money is spent in employing locals, protecting environments and bringing positive change to the areas they visit,” explains Aly Rashid, Director of Reni Pani an environmentally sound jungle lodge located in the Satpura Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. The lodge has adopted the neighboring village school and also has a bee-keeping programme for impoverished farmers who live within 3 km radius from the premises. The proceeds from the souvenir shop at the lodge go towards a village development fund.

Reni Pani Jungle Lodge

Environmentally-conscious travellers are not only choosing eco–friendly accommodation to reduce their environmental impact, but to have a local experience as well. These include hiring guides from the local community, picking restaurants that source food locally and buying products from local artisan.

Want to be a Greener Guest? Here’s how you can help

Shop at a local market rather than a chain store.

Don’t buy superfluous or cheap made-in-china souvenirs. Opt for locally made goods. It might just be accompanied by a priceless story.

Don’t participate in tourism that forces people or animals to perform demeaning or painful tasks just for the sake of entertaining you (no riding elephants or going to tiger temples)

Refuse bottled water if your hotel is in an area where the tap water is safe to drink, though be sure to allow the water to run for a little while before drinking, to flush out any lead.

Drive around less and walk more.

Leave the shells on the beach and the litter in the garage bin. Take only photographs and leave only footprints.

Always travel with a reusable bottle. And coffee and tea drinkers can help when it comes to saving paper by carrying reusable travel mugs instead of to-go cups.

Travel light. The heavier your luggage, the more fuel is needed. Besides, it’s easier and more fun to travel when you are not loaded down with bags.