The Lifestyle Portal

Sikkim

2011-04-13T11:27:00.002+05:30

Text by: Tanya Munshi
Photographs by: Aranyak Sen

When you plan on visiting Sikkim, here are five major tourist attractions that you must pay a visit. Aranyak Sen, Director at Siddhartha Logistics Pvt. Ltd, shares his experiences and photographs on a memorable trip to Sikkim.

Sikkim

's favourite sepoy
A visit to Nathu La is mandatory. Once a stop on the Silk Route, Nathu La, which means listening ears, is a pass connecting India with China which was opened after 44 years in 2006.

On your way to Nathu La don't miss the Baba's Mandir. Frequented by locals, defence personnel, mountaineers and tourists, this is a very popular tourist and pilgrim destination situated on the road to Kupup near Nathu La, at a height of 14,500 ft in east Sikkim.

This is a memorial built in honour of Sepoy Harbhajan Singh of the 23rd Punjab Regiment, who apparently drowned near here in 1968 and it is believed that his samadhi brings good luck. It is considered a good omen to visit the shrine before setting off for a journey.

Ever seen a clouded leopard?

The Himalayan Zoological Garden offers a peek into some of the most exotic flora and fauna of the mountains. Situated at a height of 5,840 ft. (1780 m) at Bulbuley, it is about three km from Gangtok. Spread across 200 hectares, the park is a home to the barking deer, the red panda, spotted deer, bear, the civet cat, the clouded leopard, the snow leopard. The zoological garden is really awesome, extremely picturesque and a relaxing place to spend a day.

The solitary temple

Rumtek and Enchey are the best-known monasteries of Sikkim. Rumtek is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Sikkim and 24 km outside Gangtok. Enchey which means 'solitary temple', is more than 200 years old and is in Gangtok.

Afternoon at Changu Lake

I particularly liked the Tshangu Lake. It was a good two and a half hour drive from the city. The Tshangu or the Changu Lake is about 400 kms from Lhasa and very close to the Nathu La (20 kms). Prior permission is required for visiting the lake as it is located in a restricted area. Your local guide/ hotel can arrange that for you.

Being situated in a high altitude of about 12,600 ft, this lake freezes during winter and that makes it one of the most exotic locations in Sikkim. The beautiful mountain flowers, like the gorgeous primula when it is in full bloom, together with the highland trees add further beauty to this lake making it quite like paradise on earth.

Published in Rediff.com, on 22nd June, 2007
Link: http://specials.rediff.com/getahead/2007/jun/22slide2.htm

Four food habits to avoid at work

2011-03-07T12:57:00.000+05:30

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Your days are packed with schedules and lunch meetings. Sometimes you wish you ate one square meal that would not make you feel guilty, especially when you know you haven't eaten right. But most of the time, do we have a choice? The fact is, we have, only if we control our urge to binge.

Dietician Janaki Rawal of Parulekar's Gym, Mumbai offers some vital tips with regards to office eating habits:

Cheat foods
Cheat foods are those food items that help us satisfy our appetites, but don't provide us with any nutrition other than loads of useless calories. So the next time you sip on a cola or bite into a burger or pizza, know that you're cheating your tummy with the wrong type of food. Opt for the healthier option, rather than the tastier option.

Heavy-duty caffeine
Tea and coffee can surely add that zing to your day, but try and limit it to two cups. Too much of caffeine can lead to acidity.

Irregular meals
"By continuously being irregular about your eating habits, you land up confusing your body about the next meal of the day. As a result, your body tends to slow down its metabolic activities that further leads to food getting stored in your body as fat," mentions Janaki. So as far as possible, stick to your meal timings and avoid skipping meals no matter how important your meeting is.

Heavy dinner
Since work hours are becoming longer, and in spite of returning home late at night, we tend to eat heavy meals. It cannot be helped, especially when it's the only meal we get to eat with our families. But if wise choices are made, then this late night dinners can be made healthy. Dinner should always be light -- with salads, dal, chapatti, sabzi and a chicken/ fish dish (optional).

Keep your lunch simple too, with the same formula -- roti, dal, sabzi and chicken/ fish. Avoid too much of masala or gravy, if eating from your office cafeteria. End your meal with curd and fruit. Eat till the point you feel satiated, there is no point in over-eating, but don't skip meals or eat poorly either. Remember, with the hours that you put in, you must eat well.

Rediff.com - http://www.rediff.com/getahead/2007/nov/29food.htm

Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T16:41:00.002+05:30

Text by: Tanya Munshi

February 14, a very special day indeed. Lovers swoon with mushy cards, cuddly teddies, and candle-lit dinners. Lovebirds giggle away in cozy corners, sharing a strawberry sundae, oblivious of onlookers!

With an ongoing debate on the validity of this day that it's against our cultural values and ethos, it cannot be denied that love knows no culture or religion.

How it began

It all began with a third Century tale of heroism, bravery and love. A St. Valentine took the courage to defy the Emperor Claudius. Why? The power thirsty emperor wanted to possess the biggest army possible. Since men refused to join the army for the fear of losing their families, Emperor Claudius banned marriages.

But braving all odds, for what he believed, St. Valentine continued to get lovers married secretly, till he was thrown into prison by the cruel emperor. While being in prison he befriended the jailor's daughter and just before being hanged, he left a note to her, signed `From your Valentine'.

Valentines for all

What the emperor tried to erase back in history still thrives in our present century. This day is celebrated all across the world. Openly or secretly, it only proves that love thrives in all possible conditions.

But is this day only meant for lovers? Not necessarily. Valentine's Day can be celebrated by one all who enjoy life to the fullest. Wearing the colour red to work, buying fresh flowers and placing them in a vase in your house, baking a cake, cooking something special for yourself or your folks, going out with friends for a movie or lunch, watching your favourite movie at home over popcorn and coffee are just as special in celebrating this day.

Keeping aside the red hearts for lovers for a while, this day can be used to express one's affection for a friend, a sibling, parents or even your pet. We need not limit love to only our spouse or a lover, your favourite plant in your balcony can also be a part of this celebration.

Be in love with yourself first, if you wish to love another. So celebrate this day even if you are single. If you're in a relationship, don't let commercialism bog you down. No diamonds and pearls, or expensive dinners can earn you the affection of another. Don't expect riches; be true to one another, stand up for one another and be committed to one another: This what matters at the end.

For The Hindu, February 12, 2007
Link - http://www.hindu.com/mp/2007/02/12/stories/2007021201630100.htm

Calcutta Restaurant Guide> Someplace Else

2011-01-11T14:53:00.006+05:30

Image 1 - Behold - the menu card..err...plank!

Image 2: The crowd at Someplace Else

Image 3 - Basket of fries - where's the basket and where are the fries?

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Someplace Else is a haven for wannabes, snooty people, women with loud costumes and the like. I am sorry to say, Someplace Else is by far the worst place I have ever visited. Where do I begin from? Their menu card which looks like a cross between a weapon, boomerang and a Frisbee. Come on, being stylish is one thing, but one should know where to draw the line.

The food is overpriced for the paltry portions they offer. The waiters at Someplace Else have their ego and snoot up their sleeves. I am really amazed that in Calcutta, the places that I have visited so far are full of snooty staff and people and for what? Why can't just people be normal, be human!

This time some of us childhood friends who are from Mumbai met up for the first time in Calcutta. We thought it would be best to celebrate over dinner at Bar-be-Que. But one of them who was visiting Calcutta after seven years was keen on checking out the night life of the city, and was adamant no matter how much we thought it would be best for a quiet dinner for four. Reluctantly, we headed to our pub hopping spree in Calcutta.

The other friend who is also from Mumbai and owns a company in Calcutta is now more familiar with the city. He did mention that Thursdays are the most boring days for pubbing in Calcutta. Reluctantly, we headed to the Underground, but it was not open to public thanks to a private party. Then we headed to Tantra - it was empty and finally we headed to Someplace Else and it was full of I don't know what to call them.

There was a live band performance that Thursday night in Someplace Else and they were trying so hard to be cool. Somewhere they lost the connection between their audience and what they were playing.

There were hardly any women in the pub, only two or three who walked in and with what they were wearing, it was blast from the past. The dress sense was atrocious, please ladies, those are passé. Its time you moved on with your dress sense.

I am told that Someplace Else was one of the best and hottest night clubs in Calcutta, I believe them. But now, they tell me, its no longer that good.

A place gets its reputation, character and style not only from the people who work there, but also with the clientele who visit; and neither of this was good at Someplace Else. I recommend, if at all you are planning to visit Someplace Else in Calcutta, either you skip it or go in a group as you're going to get thoroughly bored and irritated with the crowd and ambience.

When I was looking at the wooden plank of a menu card, the waiter came up to our table and turned the plank around for me with a raised eyebrow, as if I don't know how to read a menu card. I gave him dagger looks and said thanks and he apologized immediately as he realized he was trying his stunts at the wrong place.

The so called basket of fries, minus the basket of course came with a few fried onion rings, french fries and some cheese balls. We were fed up by the place and left within an hour of arriving. Someplace Else - can be totally skipped, unless The Park decides to do something positive about it.

A party at home with friends is a much better option than a visit to Someplace Else. In short, Someplace Else is a highly overpriced, snooty and a not-so-happening pub in Calcutta.

*Pricing:
Basket of Fries - Rs. 315/-
Large Blender's Pride - Rs. 350/-
Large Celebration - Rs. 350/-
Small Baccardi Breezer - Rs. 250/-

Overall Rating:
Ambience - *
Service - *
Presentation of food & drinks - *
Quantity of food served - *
Quality of food - *
Price - *
The Snoot Factor - They top the chart!

Location:
Someplace Else,
The Park

*Please Note - Pricing may change/ vary according to location and time.

Calcutta Restaurant Guide> Arsalan

2011-01-11T13:41:00.002+05:30

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Our flight was late, thanks to the single operational runaway at Mumbai airport. We reached Calcutta after 10pm and the hunger pangs were running overdrive and so on our way home, we stopped by at Arsalan an extremely popular Biryani joint.

It was almost 11 pm, mutton biryani was over. We were disappointed, but we opted for the next best thing - chicken biryani and two plates of reshmi kebabs. We reached home by midnight and wolfed down the biryani with not a trace of the food left on the plate; which means, the food was fantastic and of course we were hungry.

If you're in Calcutta, and you don't taste biryani, then I think you may have missed something. You must have a biryani dish at least once in your trip and of course from Arsalan.

The place was packed that night, while some chose to eat there, others did takeaways. Since it was Christmas week, Arsalan declined all home delivery offers. I don't think people minded that. I got their takeaway menu and they have a lot to offer from Mutton in gravy, Chicken in gravy, Tandoori and Kebabs, Fishy kebabs, gravy and seafood, vegetarian and rolls.

The only thing I remember that night was enjoying a warm goblet of brandy, relishing the fluffy rice of the chicken biryani and dozing off to sound sleep in the cool wintry night of Calcutta.

*Pricing:
Mutton Biryani - Rs. 75/-
Mutton Biryani special - Rs. 120/-
Biryani Arsalan - Rs. 80/-
Chicken Biryani - Rs. 75/-
Chicken Biryani special - Rs. 120/-
Vegetable Biryani - Rs. 30/-

Overall Rating:
Ambience - * * * * (food is more important here)
Service - * * * * * (super fast)
Presentation of food & drinks - Don't bother
Quantity of food served - * * * * * (excellent)
Quality of food - * * * * * (brilliant)
Price - * * * * * (total VFM)
The Snoot Factor - None.

Location:
1) Marina Garden Court,
191, Park Street
7 Point Crossing
Phone - 033 - 2284-8556/ 3291-8297

2) 28, Circus Avenue
Phone - 2281-3921/ 2290-0487

*Please Note - Pricing may change/ vary according to location and time.

Calcutta Restaurant Guide> Mama Mia

2011-01-11T13:21:00.001+05:30

Image 1: Mama Mia! What is all this?

Image 2: The staff. Their in-charge (missing in this photo) was super snooty

Image 3: Dreamy desserts

Image 4: Cup cakes!

Image 5: Dessert delight

Image 6: Dessert dream

Photographs by: Tanya Munshi

Text by: Tanya Munshi

My only interaction with Mama Mia was at the Calcutta Club's Bakery Carnival. They made my visit to the carnival memorable by being snooty. Frankly speaking, they had the best stall at the carnival with some of the best baked exhibits on display, but mama mia, it won't earn your bread and butter -sorry, pastry and gelato (pun intended) from being snooty and rude to your customers. But honestly, had I been a judge at the carnival, I would have given them first prize for the best presentation, but then the buck stops there.

I asked for a slice of a chocolate cake and the staff at Mama Mia said, "Ma'am, would you like an ice cream to go with it? We have ice creams too."

I thought, why not and when I paid Rs. 65/- worth of coupon (we had to buy coupons from the club counter), he said, "Another Rs.65/- Ma'am."

I asked, "For what?"

He said, "The ice cream."

I said, "You should have told me it's extra cost, and there was no price list that says, ice cream scoop cost extra!"

The snooty Mama Mia guy said, "If you don't want it, don't take it'!"

Woah! I thought...what attitude. Doing us a favour by serving ordinary pastries and ice creams. Let me tell you, Monginis is far better ;) The point is, it is not about paying the extra Rs. 65/- bucks, but to be honest and not thinking your clients are fools.

There is a lot that goes into making a brand successful and being snooty and over smart is definitely not going to take anybody anywhere. There is a way of handling miscommunication. The price of the pastries were mentioned in tags, but if you are charging extra for something, do let your customers know.

So if I did ask them as to why they did not mention the extra cost in the first place, there was no reason for the guy in charge at Mama Mia to raise an eye brow. Dude, you're just an employee, and you behave like you own the place! (You can see how pissed I am with their unprofessional behaviour).

You may think you have made an extra profit of 65 bucks, but ask yourself, is it really worth the bad publicity and your customers going back disgruntled? Anyway, we paid that extra Rs. 65/- for a piddly vanilla ice cream scoop and I made up my mind to write about this.

We have grown up with brands like Monginis, they were never rude to us. There is a Monginis everywhere in India and we remember growing up celebrating every birthday with a cake ordered from Monginis (my favourite Pineapple Pastry Cake), and they never made us feel out of place. So why the snoot factor from new comers? Just because brands like Mama Mia come up with gelato and pastries which are phoren sounding, does not give you the licence to be rude to your customers.

Calcutta Restaurant Guide> Wow Momos

2011-01-11T12:41:00.002+05:30

Image: The Bakery Carnival at Calcutta Club

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Started by Sagar Daryani, Wow Momos is the new momo destination in Calcutta. I met him with my aunt at Spencer's in Calcutta two years ago, when he had just launched Wow Momos. While my mom and aunt shopped for groceries, I longingly admired the hot steaming momos and was pleasantly surprised when they offered me a free sample. Now I am a Wow Momo fan!

Later when Sagar came up to my aunt and she was very happy to see that the little boy she taught in Class IV is now a proud owner of Wow Momos.

When we were in Calcutta in December 2010 for Christmas, we attended the Bakery Carnival at the Calcutta Club. It was a field day for my husband and I as we love the food in Calcutta and thanks to the carnival, we got a wide variety in one single destination. What more could we ask for!

While we browsed through the many stalls, we came across the snooty Mama Mia stall. Nothing extraordinary. Just that their stall had some of the best looking exhibits. I asked for a slice of a chocolate cake and the staff at Mama Mia said, "Ma'am, would you like an ice cream to go with it? We have ice creams too."

I thought, why not and when I paid Rs. 65/- worth of coupon (we had to buy coupons from the club counter), he said, "Another Rs.65/- ma'am." I asked, for what? He said, the ice cream. You should have told me it's extra cost, and there was no price list as well! The snooty Mama Mia guy said, "If you don't want it, don't take it'! Woah! I thought...what attitude. Doing us a favour by serving ordinary pastries and ice creams. Let me tell you, Monginis is far better ;) The point is, it is not about paying the extra Rs. 65/- bucks, but to be honest and not thinking your clients are fools.

Anyway, we paid that extra Rs. 65/- for a piddly vanilla ice cream scoop and I made up my mind to write about this. People at the Calcutta Club were brimming with ego and snoot! So ofcourse, only lesser mortals like me would ask why don't you put up a price list like the other stalls and why don't you say that an ice cream scoop will cost extra along with a cake slice! I could see the aunties with kilos of make up and off shoulder blouses almost fainting upon hearing what I said. Come on kakimas and mashimas. it's really okay.

What saved the day, were the chicken momos at Wow Momos and I got to meet Sagar Daryani again. It was really nice to meet him again and seeing him do very well. He had also placed a copy of The Telegraph with an article about him and his friend and how they started Wow Momos. I am very happy for him and more so, I can see my aunt beaming with pride as well.

I like Sagar's marketing skills, his perseverance which gave momos a brand new dimension to the people of Calcutta. I know, a lot of people swear by the momos in China Town and else where, but then this isn't bad either. His staff was warm and courteous and I was glad to see how well they handled the heavy rush at the carnival with no signs of distress. Hats off to Wow Momos.

*Pricing:
Steamed Chicken Momos - Rs. 45/- per plate
Chicken Capsicum Momos - Rs. 45/- per plate
Prawn Momos - Rs. 70/- per plate (can be better)
Paneer Momos - Rs. 39/- per plate
Mushroom Momos - Rs. 50/- per plate

Overall Rating:
Ambience - Fast food stalls in various malls
Service - * * * * *
Presentation of food & drinks - * * * * *
Quantity of food served - * * * *
Quality of food - * * * * *
Price - * * * * *
The Snoot Factor - None.

Location:
You'll find Wow Momos in Spencer's in South City Mall, Avishar, Pantaloons in Gariahat, Big Bazaar in Sealdah, Gangulibagan, Ecospace in Rajarhat and New Empire Cinema in Lindsay Street.

Phone: +91-9830744776
*Please Note - Pricing may change/ vary according to location and time.

Calcutta Restaurant Guide> Peter Cat

2011-01-11T11:01:00.003+05:30

Image 1: Peter Cat

Image2: Peter Cat menu card

Image 3: 'The best cuisine in town'

Image 4: The Cream of Chicken and Asparagus Soup

Image 5: Grilled Bhetki with orange sauce and potatoes

Image 6: House Special Sizzler

Image 7: Chocolate Souffle - the best

Text by: Tanya Munshi

When we think of Calcutta (sorry, I prefer call it Calcutta and not Kolkata, the name Calcutta has more history, character and style), the first thing that comes to our mind is food -rasgullas, puchkas, momos, biryani, Park Street - the works!

I spent Chirstmas in Calcutta last year and boy did I love basking in the sunny winter mornings. We spent a day walking on Park Street soaking up the winter sun and working up an appetite for restaurants like Bar-be-Que, Peter Cat or Moulin Rouge. Being the Christmas week, most places were full, but people waited patiently outside.

After a shopping spree at Rajniklal - famous for their ceramic kitchen wear, we headed to Peter Cat for lunch. Since there was a queue, we were asked to come back within 20 minutes to be seated inside Peter Cat. This was my first visit to Peter Cat, as that day my husband decided to try something new. Else, I am a Bar-be-Que fan, love the Chinese there.

I think after visiting Peter Cat, I am now tempted to add a new category for my restaurant reviews - the Snoot Factor. As I was looking at the menu card, which is a huge cut-out of a cat, I placed it aside to discuss with my husband about the menu. One of the head waiters just came by and picked it up on his way somewhere else, without asking whether we were ready to order; when I told him, I am still looking at it.

When we asked for two Cream of Asparagus soup, followed by the main course, the head waiter's enthusiasm dropped as if he were disappointed we weren't ordering any more or not spending enough money. That changed their attitude completely and every time someone new came to serve our main course (which did not come together, mine came first, so I waited till my husband got his sizzler).

I don't think they take stress and heavy rush too well. They appeared to be under-staffed and there was some chaos in the far end of the restaurant, where the air conditioner was non-operational and as a result a client refused to pay money as it was hot and walked away without paying.

Suddenly, there was a commotion in Peter Cat and all the head waiters and stewards were running about trying to do some damage control. Ultimately, what I gathered from their discussions, the client paid the amount (maybe half) and left. The stewards were discussing loudly with the barman, the bar was very close to where we were sitting and I think, he realized that his colleagues where loud while talking about that client and he asked them to lower their voices.

A good restaurant will never make the other clients feel that there is something wrong. They will handle things so well that the others will never come to know about a chaos.

While the name says Peter Cat, I was wondering why the stewards are wearing Indian/ Pathani uniforms - with turbans, kurta, kamar band and pajyamas. Maybe they thought its best not to change the attire from the time they started.

Now coming to the food part - Cream of Chicken Asparagus - strictly okay, Grilled Bhetki Fish with Orange sauce, good, but not great, Special house Sizzler - the usual fare, nothing interesting. But what takes the cake - Chocolate Souffle. It was brilliant - dreamy, soft, fluffy and not very sweet and it saved the day.

I wish the staff were polite, and handled stress better. Peter Cat is a brand and I think they have reached a stage where the staff/ owners don't seem to bother about maintaining the image or the brand of Peter Cat as they know that their clients will still drop by no matter what.

Overall, my experience at Peter Cat was not all that great; it was rather disappointing. I was told their Chello kebabs are the best, maybe I will try that again the next time. Till then, I hope they buckle up their kamarbandhs and do something better.

*Pricing:
Cream of Chicken and Asparagus Soup - Rs. 89/-
Grilled Bhetki Fish with Orange Sauce - Rs. 205/-
House Special Sizzler - Rs. 205/-
Chocolate Souffle - Rs. 92/-

Overall Rating:
Ambience - * * *
Service - * * *
Presentation of food & drinks - * * *
Quantity of food served - * * *
Quality of food - * * *
Price - * * * *
The Snoot Factor - Totally!

Location:
Peter Cat Restaurant
18 Park Street
Kolkata - 700 016
Phone - 033 - 2229-8841

*Please Note - Pricing may change/ vary according to location and time.

Bangalore Restaurant Guide> Koshy's Bar & Restaurant

2011-01-11T10:32:00.000+05:30

Text by: Tanya Munshi

The best mutton curry rice, fish and chips and pork vindaloo rice combination can be found at the all time favourite Koshy's in Bangalore. My Dad still fondly remembers this place when he was posted in Bangalore in the late 1960s where he would visit Koshy's for beer and fish and chips for a Sunday brunch. At that time they had a portico outside, he says, where it was lovely to sit outdoors and watch the world go by; of course all that is gone today with cars buzzing around and with a fight (not literally) for parking.

Even now, whenever we make a trip to Bangalore, we make it a point to visit Koshy's - for the fish and chips, the ambience, the history and the institution of what Koshy's is today.

I know, a lot of my readers will beg to differ that it's not the same anymore or one can get better fish and chips somewhere else, but we are the old school, we like it that way.

No matter what time of the year we have visited Koshy's, it is always bustling with energy and I like the feel of sitting there enjoying a meal and observing the people dining there. The people who visit Koshy's are smart, classy, have style, well spoken. Thankfully, not much of the IT crowd buzzing there, so no cacophony of corporate lunches and loud ringtones. So if you haven't visited Koshy's yet, it's time you paid a visit and go with the flow.

Sit at the bar, enjoy a couple of beers and dig into some fish finger and chicken tikka, catch up with your old school friends from Bangalore - well, this is exactly what we do everytime we visit the 'not anymore' Garden City.

Bangalore has fond memories for my husband, he grew up there and loves Bangalore from his heart. He misses the old Bangalore, which he and his friends say used to be a 'non-fan' station and the weather was always pleasant and cool throughout the year that they never felt the need for fans. There were no traffic, people were polite and friendly and they walked and rode their bicycles to school. A visit to Koshy's resurfaces all these happy memories.

*Pricing:
Sweet Corn Chicken Soup - Rs. 124/-
Fish Finger - Rs. 250/-
Chicken Tikka - Rs. 257/-
Pork Chops - Rs. 273/-
Chicken Florentine - Rs. 273/-
Roast Chicken - Rs. 257/-
Pork Vindaloo - Rs. 265/-
Mutton Curry and Rice - Rs. 265/-

Overall Rating:
Ambience - * * * * *
Service - * * * * *
Presentation of food & drinks - * * * * *
Quantity of food served - * * * * *
Quality of food - * * * * *
Price - * * * * *

Location:
POK Enterprises Jewel Box
Koshy's Bar and Restaurant
Jewel Box
39, St. Marks Road
Bangalore
Phone - 088 -222-13-793

*Please Note - Pricing may change/ vary according to location and time.

Recipe> Bhindi and Potato Sabzi

2011-01-06T16:28:00.003+05:30

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Daily cooking can be boring for many. I often hear many ladies complaining that cooking is such a boring task. I agree, but only from their point of view. Fortunately for me, I love cooking. I find it very relaxing especially after a busy schedule.

Image: Bhindi and Potato Sabzi

Image by: Tanya Munshi

As much as I love non-vegetarian food, I love my veggies. One of my favorites is ladies-finger or Okra or Bhindi. I am sharing a simple recipe to make that boring lunch or dinner a little more interesting. So here goes...

Ingredients

Ladies Finger/ Okra/ Bhindi - 500 gms
Medium to Large Potatoes - 1-2 nos.
Large Onion - 1 and 1/2
Paanch Phoron - 2tsp approx. (Bengali five spice mix)
Mustard Oil
Salt - to taste
Coriander powder - 1-2 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1tsp
Red chilli powder - 1 and half tsp

Method

Cut the ladies finger the way you like. You can cut it in circles or in long strips.
Cut the potatoes in thin slices and slice the onions and keep aside.
Heat the mustard oil and add the Paanch Phoron. As soon as it splatters, add the onions and brown them.
Now add the potato slices and brown them and finally add the ladies finger.
Once you saute them for a few mins, add the salt, coriander, turmeric and red chili powders and mix well.
Lower the flame and cover the work. Keep checking every few mins and mix it well.
Once done, serve hot with roti and daal.

Recipe> Homemade Chicken Nuggets

2011-01-06T16:05:00.002+05:30

Text by: Tanya Munshi

When you host parties at home frequently, you are compelled to think of new things to serve your guests every now and then. Especially, if the guest list includes more of non-vegetarians, you have to keep their taste buds in mind. As usual, I started looking through several of my cook books to come up with something new and so I managed to create this starter which I can safely call Homemade Chicken Nuggets. It hardly takes any time. So here goes...

Image: Chicken nuggets frying in a wok

Image by: Tanya Munshi

Ingredients

Boneless Chicken pieces - 500 gms
Salt - to taste
Vinegar - 1-2 capful
Crushed dry red chillies - 5-6 nos.
Ground Black Pepper - 1 tsp.
Beaten Eggs - 2 nos.
Bread Crumbs - 1 cup
Refined Oil

Method

Marinate the chicken pieces with salt, vinegar, crushed dry red chillies and black pepper powder for minimum 30 mins.
Dip each chicken piece in the egg first and coat with the bread crumbs.
Now deep fry them in a wok and keep on kitchen paper.
Serve hot with a dip or sauce.

Culture & Events> A new Kranti in Anondo Mela

2011-01-04T12:54:00.008+05:30

Image: Colours and Scent by Devi

Image: Kranti's pamphlet

Image: As you like it by Maya

Photographs by: Tanya Munshi

Text By: Tanya Munshi

Every year, a day before the Durga Puja festival begins, most puja pandals host Anondo Mela, where Anondo means happiness and Mela means fair; so you can safely call it a 'Fun and Fair'.

This is one time where all the families bring goodies from home - Fish Chop, Ghugni (Bengali style Choley with kheema), Doi Bora, Pathishapta (sweet pancakes), homemade Sondesh and put up stalls to sell the fare. There are a few who come up with something more innovative like home made candles, cross stitched and embroidered handkerchiefs and the like.

Last year, in October 2010, I noticed that a single table had exhibits of beautiful paintings with vibrant colours and designs. I love to paint and I also like to pick up paintings from places where ever I visit on a holiday. So this table was no exception. I patiently waited for someone manning the table to appear while munching on some goodies.

There was no one at the table and so I made several rounds while relishing Doi Bora (Dahi Wada) and sharing some Ghoogni with my Dad. When I came back the third or the fourth time, I spotted a pamphlet which red Kranti in bold. Instantly, I picked up one and started reading. This has got to be the first time that someone had brought something new to Anondo Mela and I am glad.

This is what the brilliant pamphlet said:

What is Kranti?
Kranti is a women's rights NGO that seeks to educated and empower girls who have been trafficked, by providing them with a healing home, comprehensive education and leadership opportunities. We believe, that young women are an untapped source of collective strength who will become catalysts for social change and lead the movement for gender equality in India. Let the Revolution begin!

Revolutionary Art Work
Several Kranti girls are budding artists and you can support Kranti by purchasing their paintings and art work. Any income generated will go towards the artists saving and help Kranti become India's first financially sustainable NGO.

By that time, a young girl came up to the desk. I asked her how much did the paintings cost and I was taken by surprise when she said, "We haven't fixed any price on the paintings, whatever you feel like you pay. We just want to create an awareness about Kranti and these women." She gave me her visiting card which read - Trina Talukdar, Program Director.

That was refreshing to hear and Trina was absolutely down to earth and patiently explained what the NGO was all about. Instantly I picked up two paintings and asked her sheepishly if the amount was okay and she smiled, "Whatever you feel right, just pay, it's really okay". I couldn't help but pick up two vibrant paintings - Colours and Scent by Devi and As you Like it by Maya.

These paintings have something really refreshing about them and speak volumes of a tender heart that these girls are blessed with.

When I met Trina and spoke to her about Kranti and looked at the paintings, I decided to write about this and let my readers know. Truly, Trina with the help of Kranti have brought a new meaning to Anondo Mela. Anondo Mela is primarily meant to spread happiness and what better way to bring smiles across the faces of those who are bravely fighting the odds of life.

So, if you feel as strongly for a cause like this and would like to support Kranti, then do look them up at http://www.kranti-india.org/.

Restaurant & Pub Guide> Hard Rock Cafe, Bangalore & Mumbai

2011-01-01T16:17:00.004+05:30

Text by: Tanya Munshi

I like my Mojito and I get it best in Hard Rock Cafe in Mumbai and Bangalore. I like this place, who doesn't? Usually on our trips to Bangalore or Mumbai, my husband and I make it a point to go to Hard Rock Cafe to listen to good, unadulterated music which will not abruptly break into bhangra/ hindi remix. I love bhangra/ hindi songs - but come on, its good to take a break from the routine.

On my last visit to Hard Rock Cafe, Mumbai, I enjoyed my Mojito while listening to two live band performances - Tough on Tobacco and Bedouin Soundclash - two uber cool bands, very unique and very refreshing music.

Coming to the food part (how could I forget), the calamari or the squids deep fried in batter go chewy when cold, so it's best to avoid, otherwise it's a good snack to go with your drinks. In Bangalore, I haven't seen people coming over to eat, they usually come in groups after work for a drink, unlike in Mumbai, where people come in with their families for a meal.

We liked the Spicy Dragon Chicken Drumsticks in Bangalore's Hard Rock Cafe, it fills your tummy well. My husband likes his Legendary 10 oz. Burger in Hard Rock Cafe, its worth a try if you are fond of burgers.

Need I speak about the ambiance and decor at Hard Rock Cafe? I like it how as the time progresses, they gradually dim the lights creating a perfect setting to listen to good music. The staff have been trained really well to give you total attention and look after you well. But Hard Rock Cafe in Bangalore deserves a special mention especially since it's in an old building which adds to its charm and character.

*Pricing:
Spicy Calamari - Rs. 290/-
Spicy Chicken Drumstick - Rs. 395/-

Overall Rating:
Ambience - * * * * *
Service - * * * * *
Presentation of food & drinks - * * * * *
Quantity of food served - * * * * *
Quality of food - * * * * *
Price - * * * * *

Location:
Hard Rock Cafe Bengaluru
40 St. Marks Road
Bengaluru
Phone: +91-804-124-2222

Hard Rock Cafe Mumbai
Bombay Dyeing Mill Compound
Opposite Kamala City Mills Studio
Pandurang Budhkar Marg
Worli, Mumbai -400025
Phone: +91-22-6651-1209
Fax: +91-22-2438-6111

*Please Note - Pricing may change/ vary according to location and time.

Kannur Restaurant Guide> Bamboo Fresh - An Eco Friendly Restaurant

2011-01-01T15:48:00.001+05:30

Text by: Tanya Munshi

This is not a place you will find easily, Bamboo Fresh is a popular family restaurant in Thaliparamba, around 45 minutes drive from Ezhimala. En route Pariyaram Medical College, Bamboo Fresh comes as a pleasant surprise as you drive through winding roads and traffic and it appears just in time when the hunger pangs start driving you crazy.

I have been told that Beef Ulliyathu, is best had at Bamboo Fresh, and when I see my friends drool with the very mention of this spicy Keralite beef preparation, I believe them. But otherwise, the food at Bamboo Fresh is nothing really that great. But yes, they make their Keralite cuisine quite well, but one shouldn't expect anything out of the ordinary when it comes to Chinese, Continental and to some extent Indian.

Most of the times that we have gone (i.e. twice out of three) - prawns, fish pollichathu (usually, a whole Red Snapper marinated with spices, wrapped in coconut leaf and steamed - I have tasted better in Fort Kochi) - are not available. If at all they serve you here, its one piece of Kingfish (enough for per person only), and the price does not do justice to the quantity.

We remember, on our first visit to Bamboo Fresh, we tried out Chinese! The Chilly Prawns had hardly 3-4 small prawns and the small bowl was only loaded with masalas. I know you must be thinking how silly of us to try Chinese at these places, but come on! Spending so much time in God's Own Country, makes you want to give your taste buds a break from the usual coconut and curry leaf flavoured dishes.

Even the Chinese seemed to have a Keralite touch to it, so we try and stay away from experimenting with Chinese (even when we pine for it once in a while.) In Kerala, beef and rice dishes are usually a little cheaper than other dishes. So a small portion of Beef Ulliyathu cost us Rs. 60/- only, yeah that cheap! So if you dig beef (buffalo) then go right ahead.

More so, they are usually understaffed and don't take peak times such as weekends too well. We had a waiter tick us off because we asked him to bring the main course after the starter and not together; because in all the rush, he got everything together - soup, starter and main course. He did come later to apologize though, but I guess, human nature is such we only tend to remember the negatives.

I don't blame them as lack of heavy duty competition does result in slack behaviour, not up to the mark quality and quantity of food and less professionalism. It hurts more when you drive so far only to get small portions of food. And since the people there don't seem to have much of a problem, Bamboo Fresh has clearly not made any efforts to improve the quality of food and match the quantity with the pricing. They have a swanky reception and seating area, an ample parking space - but that won't save me from my hunger pangs, would it?

I may like to add one thing however, they call themselves the 'Eco Friendly' Restaurant and I am yet to find out how. The decor is very well done, where they have recreated a huge Banyan tree with coir and it appears as though we are sitting under a Banyan tree enjoying our meal.

If its called 'Bamboo Fresh' - I wonder why they have a Banyan tree decor? Shouldn't it have Bamboos? Maybe they could have called it the 'Banyan Tree' Restaurant! The only thing that is 'Eco Friendly' about them is that they give you parceled food in cloth bags and not plastic bags, but food comes in plastic containers! There hasn't been the need for an air conditioner, especially since we have visited Bamboo Fresh in the evenings, so I can't say about the day time use of air conditioners.

While you eat, a small LCD TV will display the delicacies on offer at Bamboo Fresh with classical music playing as background music. While eating the small portions if you look at the TV, your stomach will fill up fast, as the quantity shown on the screen is more than it appears on the plate. It's good to try it out once, who knows, you may find something that suits your palate, taste and size of tummy.

*Pricing:
Sweet Corn Chicken - Rs. 50/-
Beef Ulliyathu - Rs. 60/-
Chicken Fried Rice - Rs. 80/-
Chilli Prawns - 120/-
Dragon Chicken - Rs. 100/-

Overall Rating:
Ambience - * * * * *
Service - * * *
Presentation of food & drinks - * * *
Quantity of food served - *
Quality of food - * * *
Price - * (expensive)

Location:
Bamboo Fresh Restaurant
Thaliparamba
Phone: 0460 - 2200755

*Please Note - Pricing may change/ vary according to location and time.

Mangalore Restaurant Guide> Gajale Sea Food Restaurant

2011-01-01T13:31:00.002+05:30

Text by: Tanya Munshi

This is one place I am glad has several branches in Mumbai, one in Singapore and the other in Mangalore. I have visited Gajale in Mumbai (the Andheri East branch) and in Mangalore and I am a huge fan of the restaurant. Had I known they had a branch in Singapore, I would have surely made a beeline for a good meal there during my trip to Singapore last year.

Anyway, coming back to the important part of my restaurant review, Gajale is a seafood lover's paradise and I can safely say, I have found mine in the Mangalore branch. Set in the Old Circuit House Compound, the ambience of Gajale is that of an old British bungalow/ circuit house, with a drive way and parking on one side and a panoramic view of Mangalore on the other. Take a stroll before or after your meal at Gajale to complete the sea food dining expereince and relish the view from the top. Their staff is so courteous that it makes us want to go there every time we visit Mangalore.

What is good there? Well, quite everything and its very difficult to choose from the list. I can guarantee that when you read the menu card, you'll start salivating in auto. Don't believe me, go try it yourself.

You must try one of Gajale's signature dishes the Bombil Fry (Bombay Duck - no it's not duck, but a sea fish). Since this fish is so delicate and soft, they deep fry it in a masala batter and serve it hot with a spicy dip. Have one, and you'll ask for more.

For starters, Squid Butter Pepper Garlic, Crispy Prawns or Golden Fried Prawns taste divine with the Soul Curry or Solkadi - a heavenly blend of spice and tang that consists of coconut milk, ginger, curry leaves and kokum which serves as a digestive. You can go for beer as well to compliment your sea food; but as they say, 'When in Rome, do as to Romans do', so when in Gajale, drink Solkadi with sea food. A fantastic combination, I can totally vouch for that.

An ideal way to do justice to an awesome meal at Gajale is to order for Pomfret Fish Curry in Konkan style accompanied with steamed rice. You will not need anything else to go with this as this combination in itself is perfect. The Pomfret is absolutely divine, its soft, succulent and melts in the mouth the moment you take one bite.; what's more, the curry does full justice to the fish by keeping the flavour of the fish intact. A hint of coconut in the gravy with all the masalas is what you would like to lighten up your day.

Sorry, after eating all this, we usually refrain from having desserts as we don't want to spoil the taste of the sea food. So on your next trip to Mangalore, I suggest you pay Gajale a visit.

*Pricing:
Squid Chilly - Rs. 125/-
Crispy Prawns - Rs. 275/-
Golden Fried Prawns - Rs. 275/-
Tandoori Crab - Rs. 1,300/- (as per catch)
Pomfret Curry - Rs. 1,200/- (as per catch)
Plain Rice - Rs. 25/-
Steamed Rice - Rs. 35/-
Squid Butter Pepper Garlic - Rs. 125/-
Cream of Chicken Soup - Rs. 70/-
Neer Dosa - Rs. 12/-

Overall Rating:
Ambience - * * * * *
Service - * * * * *
Presentation of food & drinks - * * * * *
Quantity of food served - * * * * *
Quality of food - * * * * *
Price - * * * * *

Location:

Gajalee Mangalore
Circuit House Compound,
Kadri Hills,
Mangalore 575004
Phone - +91 824 222 1900,

*Please Note - Pricing may change/ vary according to location and time.

Bangalore Restaurant Guide> Ping Restaurant and Dessert Bay

2010-11-21T10:25:00.004+05:30

Image: The Ping Restaurant

Image courtesy: Ping Restaurant

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Th 'Ping Restaurant and Dessert Bay' boasts of a large variety of exotic dim sums (or momos that we popularly know as) and of course, how could we forget the dreamy desserts. The ambience is quite exotic and after visiting and tasting food at several restaurants in Bangalore, I have come to a conclusion that, at times, they spend too much attention on the ambience rather than serving good food or the right portion of food. Because, then it appears as though, in order meet the costs of maintaining such a lavish, dainty or exotic ambience they go miserly with portions, so that the customers are compelled to shell out more.

Looking at an average restaurant goer in Bangalore, they don't seem to mind that at all. Maybe people are conscious and think it's lame to tell others, 'The restaurant is expensive for the portions it offers'. It has become more of a status symbol rather than truly going for the love of food and having a good time.

Fortunately, Ping doesn't disappoint you when it comes to the food or the ambience. Ping is a fantastic restaurant that offers a variety of melt-in-the-mouth dim sums. Since all good things come in small packages, so do dim sums. My recommendation is that you order for one Ping Non Veg Dim Sum platter priced at Rs. 375/-, where you get six portions. This is ideal if its the two of you, but in a group, you may need to order two or more. This non-veg platter has two dim sums of chicken, prawns and fish or seafood.

When you taste such fantastic dim sums, your expectations go high when it comes to the main course. Ping doesn't disappoint you in the main course section either, but I think, dim sums are their forte.

The main course had Burnt Garlic Veg Noodles, Younan Pot Chicken and Phuket Fish that transport you to an Oriental world with the aromas and flavours of the Far East. The portions are just right and you're happy eating at Ping.

It's a crime to not try the desserts at Ping. So, ending your meal with Original Sin, Baked Alaska or Chocolate Flake is a good way to stay in the good books of dessert lovers. The portions are good, and if you're a little romantic, you can easily share one plate of the dessert and melt with the gooey chocolate.

Overall, Ping provides you with a good experience, and is more ideal for a quiet dinner for two to do justice to flavours of the Far East.

Pricing:
Cucumber & Celery Soup - Rs. 105/-
Bean Curd & Spinach Wonton Soup - Rs. 120/-
Hot & Sour Chicken Soup - Rs. 115/-
Pin Non-Veg Dim Sum platter - Rs. 375/-
Veg Dim Sum platter - Rs. 305/-
Younan Pot Chicken - Rs. 235/-
Phuket Fish - Rs. 285/-
Burnt Garlic Veg Noodles - Rs. 165/-
Basil Vegetables - Rs. 185/-
Baked Alaska - Rs. 125/-
Original Sin - Rs. 105/-
Chocolate Flake - Rs. 135/-

Overall Rating:
Ambience - * * * * *
Service - * * * * *
Presentation of food & drinks - * * * * *
Quantity of food served - * * * * *
Quality of food - * * * * *
Price - * * * * *

Location:
Ping Restaurant and Dessert Bay
No. 130, 1st Cross, 5th Block
Koramangala
Bangalore - 560095
Telephone No.: 080-41521773
Website: http://www.thepingrestaurant.com

Bangalore Restaurant Guide> Bflat and High Note

2010-11-20T12:18:00.003+05:30

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Either you 'Bflat' or you end up with a 'High Note' at 100ft Road, in Bangalore. I quite liked the ambience of Bflat - very spunky, classy, refreshing and thankfully minus all the IT office crowd with folded ties in their pockets and their I-cards proudly flashing like dog tags.

Bflat is a place to be if you want to hang out with like minded friends, listening to good music and good food. But more importantly, it's got to be the love of music. That evening, all the tables were full at Bflat due to a live performance, so we were led to High Note, a fantastic roof top restaurant. If there is one such place I'd like to visit again in my next trip to Bangalore, Bflat and High Note would be it.

The ambience is perfect for a special anniversary dinner or a quiet birthday celebration. I'd like to also add, its a good place to take your would be in-laws for a fantastic meal if you want the answer in affirmative. Yes, I loved the place so much.

The food is exactly what my taste buds had been longing for a while - Mushroom Paprika - light and divine, Crisp Hunan Cauliflower - cauliflower never tasted so good before, Assorted Potato Basket - for the child in you, and Roast Pork Chilly - one of my favourite, so I'll be partial to it.

The portions are good, they treat you, your taste buds and your tummy well. The staff is courteous - so that's an extra feather on the cap for High Note.

For the main course, I stuck to a Mushroom and Spinach Soup - loved it, the husband had a Caesar's Salad - he loved it, the friends had Vegetarian Biryani while Vegetarian Thai Green Curry and they loved it too!

We four unanimously jumped to the idea of a dessert since the food was so good, that we didn't want to go home without it. So we shared Sticky Toffee with Ice Cream and came out high with all the delectable food and ambience combined.

Pricing:
Mushroom Paprika - Rs. 130/-
Crisp Hunan Cauliflower - Rs. 125/-
Roast Pork Chilly - Rs. 175/-
Thai Green Curry (Veg) - Rs. 150/-
Veg Biryani - Rs. 125/-
Mushroom and Spinach Soup - Rs. 100/-
Caesar's Salad (Non-Veg) - Rs. 200/-
Sticky Toffee with Ice Cream - Rs. 100/-
Kingfisher (large) - Rs. 100/-
White & Mackay Special - Rs. 140/- per peg
Lemon Twist - Rs. 125/-
Kingfisher Pint - Rs. 130/-

Overall Rating:
Ambience - * * * * *
Service - * * * * *
Presentation of food & drinks - * * * * *
Quantity of food served - * * * * *
Quality of food - * * * * *
Price - * * * * *

Location:
Bflat and High Note
No. 776, 100ft Road
HAL 2nd Stage
Indiranagar
Bangalore - 560 008
Telephone: 080 - 4241400
Email - dejavu.blr@gmail.com

Bangalore Restaurant Guide> Oye Amritsar

2010-11-20T11:55:00.004+05:30

Text by: Tanya Munshi

On a cool, chilly Bangalore evening, what would you want to cosy up with; some nice hot kebabs, grilled tikkas, fluffy hot naans and kulchaas and the aromatic daal fry. Smells and feels divine, no? It is the same feeling when you enter an expensive restaurant like Oye Amritsar at Koramangala in Bangalore.

The ambience is quite creative, 'punny', colourful, adequately adorned with old Hindi movie posters, a flamboyant shiny scooter, charpoys and parts of a truck all painted to remind you where ever you look that 'Oye! You're in Amritsar in Bangalore'!

Personally, I don't mind shelling out my hard earned money for some good food, but come on, don't take us for a truck ride (pun intended)! When we ordered for Tawa Prawns (FULL - mind you F-U-L-L) priced at Rs. 435/- and all came four medium to large size prawns. It's a joke right? For a table full of non-vegetarians that's like nibbling on something and still feeling hungry. The food was tasty no doubt, but miserly in proportions.

I enjoyed the Masala Chass (priced at Rs. 75/- per glass) served in large copper patiala style glasses. I had two and my tummy and me went home happy. The Taazi Methi Murg Tikka was hardly two to three pieces, they seem to love these numbers below five.

I have no doubts about their ability to cook up a fantastic North Indian and Punjabi meal but what's disappointing is the quantity of the food that does not do justice to the price and served in small serving bowls fit enough for one person. Pray! Do tell me Oye Amritsar, where do you procure those false bottom bowls in which you serve the ever so delicious yellow daal fry which makes me want to spend more and have more.

There should be an honesty in dealings. Food is cooked for the love of it, food is served for the love of it; of course, monetary gain is and should be the prime goal, but not serving enough food so that your customers are made to shell out more is unfair. Would you like that if you had to visit a popular restaurant in town and eat small portions?

Mostly popular by office crowds (they seem to be spreading everywhere across all restaurants in Bangalore) Oye Amritsar equals good food and small portions. If you have a weight conscious girlfriend, you'll be happy to take her here.

Pricing:
Amirtsari Kulcha - Rs. 50/- each (we had five - ouch!)
Tadka Daal Raiwali - Rs. 145/- (interesting false bottom copper bowls - looks deep, but isn't)
Bhuna Dahi Wada - Rs. 205/-
Jeera Paani - Rs. 75/-
Kharode Da Shorba - Rs. 95/- (passable)
Frozen Kairi - Rs. 255/-
Sukhi Bhindi Jalandhi - Rs. 165/-
Romanov 30ml - Rs. 150/-
Royal peg - Rs. 255/-
Aerated beverage - Rs. 20-

Overall Rating:
Ambience - * * * * *
Service - * * * *
Presentation of food & drinks - * * * *
Quantity of food served - *
Quality of food - * * * * *
Price - * *

Location:
Oye Amritsar
54, Canara Bank Road
6th Block
Koramangala
Phone - 080 - 40994451

Bangalore Restaurant Guide> Barbeque Nation

2010-11-20T11:02:00.002+05:30

Image courtesy: Barbeque-Nation

Text by: Tanya Munshi

After all that hype from friends across the country, we decided to pay Barbeque Nation in Bangalore a visit. We had booked our table a day before and since I have heard so much about the food, quantity et al, I decided to prepare my tummy with an antacid so that it could handle all my gluttony for a few hours.

I love Bangalore weather, while other metros dwell in dust and some heat in September, Bangalore was cool with a slight nip in the air. However, the same couldn't be said about the ambience of Barbeque Nation, it was hot, sultry and full of cacophony of large corporate groups stuffing their bellies with all they could on that Sunday afternoon.

To deal with that, I ordered for a Bloody Mary and phew how bloody was that! I have never tasted Bloody Mary as bad as that - come on; just because it's a complimentary drink that comes along with a non-vegetarian special worth Rs. 425/- (plus taxes), you can most certainly offer me one decent glass of Bloody Mary! Nightmare I dare say.

Moving on to the food part - I was thoroughly done with chicken, since I had been traveling for the last few days and tasting food across several restaurants in Bangalore, I opted for the meat, fish and prawns. A Bengali's loyalty to fish and meat will never falter and I being a true blood Bengali did full justice to the fish and prawns that were grilled to perfection.

The main course was disgraceful; it appeared as though some small time caterer was hired to make that oily, greasy food that made me throw up with the very look of it. Adding to the poor ventilation, heat and humidity inside Barbeque Nation, I definitely wanted to stay away from all that preposterous oily disrespect of the desi khaana.

And so, I made a beeline for the desserts, apart from a mockery of what they called the Bebinca - the famous Goan pudding, the caramel custard, cakes and chocolate desserts saved the day.

I have heard from friends that Barbeque Nation in B and C cities of India like Ahmedabad and Lucknow are far better than the metros. I sincerely hope it is so. But I can safely say, that this visit was a thorough wash down and does not match to my experience at Global Fusion, in Bandra, Mumbai that is a total seafood and sushi lovers delight.

Go if you must to Barbeque Nation, but at your own risk. Do keep a digestive syrup and tablet close by for the love of your tummy.

Pricing:
Vegetarian Lunch - Rs. 425/- (plus taxes)
Non-Vegetarian Lunch - Rs. 475/- (plus taxes)
Children's Meal - Rs. 250- (plus taxes)

Overall Rating:
Ambience - * *
Service - * * *
Presentation of food & drinks - * * *
Quantity of food served - * * * * *
Quality of food - * * * * *
Price - * * *

Location:
Barbeque Nation
Plot-4005, 100 Feet Road
Hall 2nd Stage, Indira Nagar, Banglore
Phone : 080-60600000,080-64506728
Email: bangalore@barbeque-nation.com
Website: www.barbeque-nation.com

Distance Learning courses: We answer YOUR queries!

2010-08-16T13:19:00.000+05:30

by Sumita Vaid Dixit for Careers360

87,86,732 students are registered in 114 Distance Learning institutes in the country according to our research. Add up the students registered in 62 more recognised and about 400-odd unrecognised institutions in the country for which estimates are available, the number of students would easily cross one crore (10 million). That is ten times the number of engineers (1.01 million) India produces, and two times the number of regular college seats that are available (5.25 million).

For a nation which has about 1.59 crores students at 10+2 stage, the regular college seats are woefully inadequate. And it is this widening gap that the Distance Learning institutions seek to bridge. And they come in different shapes and sizes from mega universities with enrolments crossing millions to small universities with a Directorate of Distance Learning catering to a few thousand students. Institutions like IMT and Symbiosis, recognised management schools, also have capitalised on the burgeoning demand, but only cater to niche domains like management and IT.

If you have questions on distance learning, post your queries at the bottom of this article and the Careers360 team will answer your queries through the month of August!

And the 249-odd institutions vary in size, reach, quality, and efficiency. So we undertook the first ever objective ranking of 30 select institutions, based on a host of quantitative and qualitative parameters (refer to Ranking on Page 24 ). With technology being a biggest enabler, a look at VSAT-based Distance Learning (DL) institutions is also included. Columns and interviews with leading experts and listings of
all approved Distance Learning (DL) campuses roundup the story. Read on to find out more.

Amit Ahuja, 32, works as a systems manager with an IT company in New York, and his résumé says BCA, MCA from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). Yes, he was disheartened that despite scoring 78 per cent in his Class 12, he failed to get admission in a regular college. “But I am doing quite well in life!” Be it people like Amit, or homemakers or managers with top MNCs, millions turn to Distance Learning (DL) to advance their education and career needs.

DL institutions come in various forms. Universities like IGNOU, which are open universities, exclusively offer DL programmes. Many like Delhi University are ‘Dual-Mode' wherein they offer both regular and DL programmes. Private institutes like IMT and private universities like IFCAI also offer programmes through DL (See detailed listing on page 54).

The target audience
"Two kinds of students populate the universe," says Sumanto Mukherjee, Director, MediafeaturesIndia, a study centre for Sikkim Manipal University. "Most of our students at the first degree level are those who could not get admission in regular streams," he said. At. Master's and specialised diploma levels, people who work and cannot take time off to do a full-time programme dominate, a fact reiterated by Dr. A M Sherry, Director, IMT Centre for Distance Learning (IMT-CDL). Specialised short-term programmes and diplomas attract good professionals for whom time is at a premium.

Classes, Courses, Degree
The core learning in DL comes from the study material. The material, for example, is prepared by university professors and Head of Departments at School of Open Learning in DU. Kavita Mishra, a public relations officer who has done her BA in English from SOL, says that her study material was so useful that her friends in regular colleges often borrowed it to make notes, a point that is seconded by Dr. Manjulika Srivastava, Director, DEC.
Contact classes supplement the learning process. At School of Open Learning, Delhi University, classes are held once a week. In many universities like M.P Bhoj Open University (MPBOU) or Annamalai University they are held two times for 15 days a year at the university campus itself. Since it is not possible to cover all the subjects in those limited number of classes, students must be self-learners, says Prof. Nishant Pokhriyal, Executive Director, & Dean (Exam), SOL. Resources such as study material, library, teachers are available to open school learning students. But the quality and quantum of resources vary substantially amongst the different players.

But the best part is that the degree awarded by open universities is the same degree awarded to regular college students. Also, a distance education student can migrate to a regular college, provided there’s a seat.

Meeting vocational needs
Open learning is also addressing an un-met need in conventional education: the need for vocational courses. Open schools such as Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) or IGNOU offer a wide-range of skill-based programmes. Venu Gopal, for example, is pursuing Master's in Media Business Management (Distance Education), from ICFAI, Tripura. He wanted to do an MBA programme that would be relevant to his field and not just a regular MBA without a specialisation. “I even looked at programmes being offered by regular colleges, but found only ICFAI offered it.”

Another case in point is Ashima Chowdhary, a graduate in English from Delhi University. She has done a diploma in child psychology from Amity School of Distance Learning, and works as a counsellor in a school in Mumbai. “The course gave me the skills to work.”

Wrinkles in the system
In spite of the advantages of ODE, there’s much to be desired when compared with developed ODE markets such as the US and the UK. Even now printed study material is lost in post. At the moment, only a handful of schools such as SOL are giving the entire material upon submitting admission fee. In fact, SOL students can download the study material from the website. But even SOL is yet to offer courses online.

There are some private DEIs that are conducting classes online and via satellite. For example, Tanya Munshi, editor with a publishing house based in the UK, did a postgraduate diploma in Instructional Design from Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, online. From start to finish, the entire module was conducted online, including the exams and submission of project work. But having just a few institutes exploiting e-learning will not resolve the situation.

Other issues plaguing the system aren’t dissimilar from those affecting the conventional education system. There’s a shortage of qualified faculty, interaction with teachers is uninspiring and in some cases, there’s isn’t any at all. The course material isn’t revised as frequently as it should be and the admission process is still tedious. The revision varies from once in three years as prescribed by DEC to once every 6 months by pro-active schools like IMT-CDL.

Shamshid Khan, working with a Gurgaon-based chemical engineering firm, had to take an off from the office to travel to an SCDL study centre in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, to find out why he hadn’t yet received his material. “I tried calling up their customer care division but it was of no use. They could have easily informed me on the mail or through a phone call."

There is hope
Although the present infrastructure of Distance Education Institutes is struggling to cope with the growing number of enrolments, Pokhriyal of SOL says that steps are being taken in the right direction. SOL has simplified the admission process. "It now takes five minutes to fill up the form. No mile-long queues anymore,” he said.

All that the admission officer at the counter asks for is the student’s CBSE or any other examination board roll number. The officer punches in the roll number and the system throws up all the details. The form is submitted in five minutes flat. Pokhriyal says that SOL has access to the data centre where information on all Class 12 students is stored, hence the moment the officer enters the roll number of the student, the student’s marks, date of birth, parents’ names and contact details appear.

Also, DEIs are spreading their network by setting up more study centres and information kiosks. Some provide links to open courseware to distance education institutes, overseas. For example, SOL’s website has links to open courseware available on Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). “An excellent source for students to learn more about their subjects,” says Pokhriyal.

In addition, DEIs are establishing links with companies and industries to offer employment opportunities to students. ODE isn’t seen equal in rank to classroom learning as not much has been done to promote it, thus recruiters tend to have a different impression of students who have passed out from DEIs. But efforts are being made to improve the interface between DEIs and recruiters.

At the institutional level, there's a vast difference, as the rankings suggest. Some are rich in resources but have a long way to go in ensuring a pleasant learning experience for students. Some others have excellent e-learning platforms and IT-enabled student service systems but lack personal contact. The system is evolving but has a long way to go.

Travel> Sight Seeing in Coorg (Part 4)

2010-08-13T10:48:00.001+05:30

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Weather: Coorg is located close to the Kerala border, in southern Karnataka. The climate in Coorg is pleasant throughout the year. It owes its lush green hills and forests to the southwest monsoon from June to September.

Coorg is a hilly region with an expanse of 4,102 square kilometers. The Brahmagiri range of the Western Ghats, separate Coorg from Kerala from the south-western and southern borders.

The Kodavas consider the river Kaveri sacred that springs from the Brahmagiri range at Talakaveri. A lot of trekkers and adventure seekers visit Coorg for the famous Tadiandamol range with its highest peak of 1746 m above sea level. The other being, the Pushpagiri or Subrahmanya Hills at a height of 1715 meters above sea level.

Coorg is a blend of hilly areas in the south with cluttered mountains and deep ravines to the north. The unremitting long stretch of jungle that runs between the two main Rivers Kaveri and Lakshamantirtha, is home to the Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Sanctuary.

A year round destination, Coorg experiences the south-west monsoon from June to September, winters from January to February and summers from March to May. The peak season in Coorg is between October to May.

How to Reach Coorg:

Surface
The only way that you can access Coorg is by road. The nearest railheads are in Mysore, Hassan, Mangalore and Kannur, while the nearest airports are Mangalore and Bangalore.

The best way to reach Coorg is by road on the Bangalore-Mysore highway, which should take you about five to six hours by car. By bus, it is almost seven hours. You can hop on to a bus from the KSRTC bus depot near the Bangalore railway station. Buses head to Coorg every half an hour. Once you reach Coorg, you can hire auto-rickshaws to take you to your hotel. There are regular KSRTC buses plying from Mangalore to Madikeri. You can check with your hotel and hire a private vehicle to travel in and around Coorg.

Though not connected with direct railhead or by air, Coorg is well connected with by roads. Karnataka’s state transport buses - the K.S.R.T.C ply from all over the state, offering good connectivity.

Distances from Madikeri by road:
Bangalore - 260 Kms - 6 hours
Mysore - 120 Kms - 3 hours
Mangalore- 120 Kms - 4 hours
Hassan - 125 Kms - 4 hours
Tellicheri - 155 Kms - 4 hours
Kannur - 140 Kms - 4 hours

Train
The nearest railhead is Mysore (120 km), Hassan (125 km), Mangalore (120 km) and Kannur (140 km).

Air
Nearest Airport is Bangalore

Travel> Sight Seeing in Coorg (Part 3)

2010-08-13T10:46:00.000+05:30

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Bhaganmandala: Bhaganmandala is a popular pilgrimage spot situated on the upstream banks of the River Kaveri and is also known as Dakshin Kashi. The temple architecture in Bhaganmandala has a strong resemblance to the Kerala style of temples with two-tiered sloping roofs. This is the place where two tributaries Kannike and Sujyoti Rivers join the Kaveri. Pilgrims throng at this confluence known as the ‘Triveni Sangama’, to take a dip and perform rituals before heading to Tala Kaveri, the origin of the River Kaveri.

The Bhagandeshwara Temple is the most popular amongst other temples situated in the vicinity that are devoted to Lord Ganesha, Subramanya and Vishnu. You can visit these temples during October and November when thousands of oil lamps are lit in the temples during festivals. It is fascinating to know that Dassera is celebrated at night where decorated chariots are on display which show how Goddess Shakti had destroyed all evils. Bhaganmandala is also famous for their bee rearing centre called Madhuvana, where you can take a tour in their in-house museum to learn more about bees and honey. There is also a state government run Apiculture Training Institute that is dedicated to the study and research on managing and maintaining colonies of honeybees. You can head towards Napoklu, which is a 9 km drive from Bettegiri (en route Bhaganmandala) to the Padi Igguthappa Temple dedicated to Lord Igguthapp, which is considered to be one of the most holy places of worship by the Kodavas.

Talakaveri: Talakaveri is the origin of the Kaveri River that flows in full strength during the monsoons. The river is looked up on by the Kodavas as their godmother, and hence Talakaveri becomes a venerated site. Talakaveri is situated 12 kms away from Bhagamandala and 47 kms from Madikeri. It’s situated on the hills of Brahmagiri close to Bhagamandala and is considered to be one of the seven holy rivers from the Sapta Sindhus mentioned in the Hindu scriptures. The temple located here is devoted to Lord Agastheeswara which symbolises the bond between Kavery (Parvathy) and Sage Agasthya. This area is popular amongst pilgrims who visit Shiva and Ganesha temples. A small water body with a tiny temple at one end greets visitors to the temple complex. This is considered the source of the holy river. Taking a dip in its holy waters particularly during Tula Sankramana in October is considered very sacred. Surrounded by dense Shola forests, the tranquil atmosphere adds to the flavor. After darshan of the origin, visitors climb the stairs to reach the main Shiva temple. The tile roof temple is reminiscent of a design seen in Southern Karnataka. Beyond the temple limits are forested slopes that are tailor made for trekking and hiking.

Chetalli: On your trip to Bhaganmandala, you can drop by at the horticultural farm at Chetalli and see a wide variety of exotic fruits and flowers. There are flower gardens, cocum and banana plantation, star fruits and mango trees to name a few). Chetalli also houses the Regional Coffee Research Station and is worth paying a visit to see the extent of research that is carried out for coffee, quality of soil and diseases related to coffee beans. Chetalli has a huge potential to become one of the future hotspots for nature tourism, so be sure to check this place out.

Dubare Elephant Training Camp: A Karnataka Forest Department initiative, Dubare Elephant Training Camp is a base which tames wild Asiatic Elephants to help the locals. It’s a sight to watch the elephants bathe and how they respond to the commands of the mahouts. The Dubare Elephant Camp has played a vital role in history, as during the King's rule in Mysore, it was at this camp, that the elephants were trained for the famous Dussera festival at Mysore. Today, the Karnataka Forest Department trains more 150 elephants, out of which Dubare is the most significant one. Apart from the elephants, you can also lovely species of birds such as partridges, peacocks, kingfishers and woodpeckers. On your trip to the Elephant Camp, you can interact with these giants by feeding and bathing them and even go for an elephant ride for a nominal fee. The best part being, the Elephant Camp has log cabins that can be booked through the District Forest Officer at Madikeri. Its quite an adventure visiting the camp as you will have to take a boat across to the island spanning 11 acres (Rs. 20 one way). Rafts can be hired at Rs 100 for a short ride. River rafting exists during monsoons (Jul – Sep) (full course Rs1,000; short course Rs 600)

Iruppu Falls: Located in the Brahmagiri Range of district Kodagu (Coorg), the Iruppu Falls is also referred to as the Lakshmana Tirtha Falls. It forms the starting point of Lakshmana Tirtha River, a tributary of Cauvery. The walk up to the Falls is very picturesque. You cross a small bridge, and walk up the muddy stairs surrounded by moss, ferns and tall trees accompanied by the sound of the gushing waters. There is a small square space with some benches kept facing the Falls for visitors to relax after the climb and enjoy the beauty of the Falls. You can choose to dip take a full body dip or just a feet dip at the cool waters of Iruppu. One is advised to be careful during monsoon due to the heavy flow, it is best to go in groups. Iruppu is a plastic free zone and littering is an offence. Iruppu also has mythological significance and is linked to the Ramayana. Legend has it that when Ram and Laxman (Lakshmana) were passing through the Brahmagiri range looking for Sita, Ram felt thirsty. To quench the elder brother’s thirst, Laxman (Lakshmana) shot an arrow into the Brahamagiri Hills resulting in this flow of water.

Plantation Hikes: There are a few Plantation Hikes that are conducted regularly in and around Coorg. These hikes take you through coffee territory, and visitors can feel the plants and the coffee beans. One of the popular ones being the Mojo Rainforest Trek that takes you on a trek to the 1,100 meter rain slope on the Western Ghats. You can contact the Coorg Wildlife Society regarding trekking options, guides and campsites to plan your treks or contact the Coorg Adventure Club to know more.

Resorts like Orange County also conduct a guided tour of a 300 acre coffee and spice plantation. This is where you get to know the difference between an Arabica and Robusta and learn about the spices of Coorg.

Life & People> Featured: Boys before business

2010-08-10T15:17:00.000+05:30

Image courtesy: Femina.in

Jennifer Wilkov and Kimberly Mylls' just released revolutionary book 'Boys Before Business: The Single Girl's Guide to Having It All'claims that if you put your relationship before everything else, you'll be blessed with a great love life and a rocking career! But is it fair to put your man before your career? We find out what women think...

The key issue

Ok, so you’re the head-honcho of your company and everybody looks up to you, but on a date… they just see a woman who they think will never be “girlfriend material” because she’s too caught up in her career! Stings, doesn’t it? On the other hand, you’ve given your precious years to your man, your home, your family but when you talk about a career, you’re just given sympathetic glances. “Do you think you will be able to handle it?” is all you get. Equally unfair! So is there finally hope for us new-age women who want everything from life? Yes there is. With the right amount of patience and perseverance, you can have your cake and eat it too!

Find your anchor

Rolly Srivastava, a rising HR professional, went head over heels just after graduation and married her man a couple of years later. From there they moved towards new careers together and have been successfully married for four years now and still going strong. She believes, that “if you keep your man before everything, and the same is true for him, both of you will be able to rise above your individual aspirations and smoothly run alongside each other.” According to her the key is to find the right person. Vinita Rishi, successful interior designer, married for seven years and now an expectant mother looks at the issue a little differently. “Putting one before the other is not the solution… both have to want the same things from their life together,” she construes. This will help in looking at the bigger picture and at the ultimate goals in life. If both partners are clear on the kind of life they want as a couple, any other discrepancies like working hours, income, and professional status, become minor bumps on the way that can be navigated successfully.

Don’t be hard on yourself

Putting your man and relationship before everything else doesn’t have to translate as waiting on him 24x7. Be there for him, but don’t hover over him. Instead, utilize the monetary benefits your career provides, to make life easier for yourself. So to say, employ a full time maid, a cook etc. so that not only does your house gets managed efficiently, you can also concentrate on your work and spend time with your man guilt-free!

Tanya Munshi, editor and travel expert, moves frequently because of her husband’s job and has therefore opted for a career that she can pursue over the internet. She swears by this smart move and asserts that “today women know what they want and they want both-career and family; a woman has to learn to strike a balance; she should be prepared to make the necessary adjustments and not be too rigid in her life’s ways.” So in lieu of having the pleasure of welcoming your man every evening with a smile, if you have to make a concession to the idea of sitting in a corner office dressed in the latest Allen Solly, is that too hard a bargain?

If you can’t juggle, compartmentalize!

Lipsa Misra fell in love and could barely wait to finish her MBA before she got married. She conceived just when she was offered a lucrative position but decided to make a family instead. Today, with her son almost 2 years old, she has a full time nanny and is back on the job market, ready for her new phase of life! “Sometimes on a blue day I wonder if I was too young to put my career on hold… but one look at my son and I know I’ll never have any regrets,” she avers. If managing a home and work at the same time seems too daunting a prospect for you and it wrenches your heart having to choose, just pick one for a few years and immerse yourself. Life will always give you a chance to pursue the other without any emotional baggage!

Having a perfect relationship and a rocking career doesn’t seem to be such a fairy-tale after all. If nothing else, it is definitely worth trying to put your ‘Boy before Business’ and see if you can live happily ever after. Do you agree?

By Prachi S Vaish

Travel> Sightseeing in Coorg (Part2)

2010-08-10T09:16:00.001+05:30

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Madikeri Fort: Originally made in mud, the 110 feet long Madikeri Fort was re-built in stone (with secret underground passages) by Tipu Sultan. Much later Lingarajendra Wodeyar II reconstructed this two-storied fort with brick and mortar between 1812 - 1817. Now the District Collector’s Office, this palace has a stone formation of a tortoise with the initials of King Vijayarajendra and two life size stone replicas of the royal elephants killed by King Veera Raja. In 1855, the British built a Gothic styled Anglican St. Mark's Church which has now been converted into a museum. After a couple of facelifts a Clock Tower and a portico were added by the British in 1933.

Now under the Archeological department, this church turned museum is home to some of the historical artifacts and a section dedicated to Field Martial Cariappa. Other areas of interest within the fort premises are the district prison, the Kote Maha Ganapathi temple and the Mahatma Gandhi Public Library. The Kote Maha Ganapathi temple is also one of the main temples in Coorg which competes during the Madikeri Dussera Festival.

Raja's Seat: Located at a vantage point in town, Raja’s Seat is a very popular stop in Madikeri. Set on the western edge of Madikeri, people throng the place to catch the sunset view. The sun going down against the backdrop of distant hill ranges is a sight to behold. View of the Coorg Valley with paddy fields and forests between Raja's Seat and the distant ranges add to the picturesque setting. Apart from the breathtaking view of the valley, Raja's Seat also gives you a brilliant view of the road leading to the coastal city of Mangalore. Raja's Seat is essentially a well maintained garden with attractions like a small pavilion and a toy train. According to local folklore, the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings here. We'd also recommend a walk towards the Karnataka Tourism hotel further up. It is a lovely walk along some of the higher reaches in town.

Omkareshwara Temple: It is located in the heart of Madikeri town. The Omkareshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was built in 1820 by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II to ward off evil caused by Brahma Rakshasha. Legend has it that Lingarajendra killed an honest and pious Brahmin to fulfill his political ambitions. The Brahmin came back as 'Brahmarakshasa' to haunt the king. To ward off the evil spirit, a temple was constructed by Wodeyar. A huge tank in front of the temple is an attractive feature of the complex. The main temple structure is unique as it is a blend of Gothic and Islamic architectural styles. Just like a dargah, this temple has four minarets and a dome in the centre with a Shivling installed at the entrance, where the Shivling is reported to be brought from Kashi. The history of the temple has been engraved on a copper plate which has been installed at the entrance.

Abbey Falls: Just 8 kms from Madikeri, Abbey Falls is a very popular tourist spot. A steep climb from town leads visitors to this pretty falls tucked within plantations. The final walk to the location through lots of trees sets one up for the final view. Cascading from a 70 feet drop, this waterfall leads up to a pool through coffee and cardamom plantations. You can access Abbey Falls through private coffee estates. The strength of this waterfall is more during the monsoons as compared to summers. You can walk on the hanging bridge to get a closer view of the falls. The water gushing down creates a roaring sound and the mist rising out is quite breathtaking. During summers and winters visitors can sit on the rocks below the falls with feet in the water and the view of the waterfalls in front. A delightful experience indeed! A trip to Abbey Falls during monsoons and winters is ideal. Care should be taken especially during monsoons as it can get slippery while walking around the area.

Thadiyandamol: One of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, Thadiyandamol stands at a height of 1,747 meters and is ideal for experienced trekkers. You can access its peak with an 8 km drive from Kakkabe, located at a distance of 35 kms from Madikeri. Though you can access two-thirds of the route by jeep, but the final climb is quite difficult yet rewarding with the beautiful view from top. In the lead up to the top, trekkers usually take a break at Nalaknad Palace. Built in 1792, Nalaknad Palace was one of the final safe havens for the last King of Kodagu, while he was escaping from the British. Though not easily accessible, this two-storey building serves as a base for the campers to catch their breath and spend a night of rest before scaling the narrow and steep path to the peak of Thadiyandamol. Presently under the Archeological department, the Nalaknand Palace also houses a bee-keeping centre.

Travel> Coorg (Part 1)

2010-08-09T12:08:00.002+05:30

Image courtesy: Yatra.com

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Kodagu, popularly known as Coorg, is one of the most frequented weekend hotspots in Karnataka. This anglicized name – Coorg came into existence after the East India Company took over Kodagu in 1834. Madikeri being the district capital and the main town is located at an altitude of 1067 meters above sea level. Often referred to as the ‘Scotland of the East’, Coorg is famous for its coffee plantation and Pork Pandi Curry. Apart from the chicory free coffee, Coorg is also known for spices such as black pepper and cardamom. What makes Coorg unique is that it is not yet connected by rail or air. Tucked away in the scenic Western Ghats, it is 260 kms from Bangalore, 120kms from Mangalore and 120kms from Mysore. Its forests are also home to the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagarahole National Park, Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary and the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.

According to the local language, Kodava means ‘blessed by Mother Kaveri’. Their Huthri festival which is celebrated during the months of November to December is unique as it marks the end of the rice planting tenure in September and commemorates the Kodava warrior tradition. The Kodavas (Coorgis) are a martial race, and hence exempt by the Indian Arms Act from possessing a license for a firearm within the district. It has produced many famous personalities in the Indian armed forces like Field Marshal Cariappa, who was one of the two Indian armed forces officers to hold the highest rank of Field Marshal, and General K. S. Thimayya who was the Chief of Army Staff.

Pandit Nehru had once aptly stated about the region, “Coorg has given great Generals to the Indian Army. It is noted for its choicest coffee and if I am permitted to add one more to these specialties, I can mention that Coorg is famous for its beautiful and comely women.”

History

Kodagu's recorded history dates back to 9th and 10th century, which reveals that it was ruled by several kingdoms in southern India including Pandyas, Cholas, ending with the Hoysala rule in the 14th century, after which the Vijaynagar Empire took over.

After the defeat of the Vijaynagar kingdom by the Deccan Sultans in 1565, the Nayaks started ruling Kodagu. After the fall of the Changavas, a prince from the Ikkeri or Bednur family dressed as a Lingayat priest settled at Haleri, close to Madikeri. Gradually with time, he gained authority and power and created a base to be ruled by the Lingayat Rajas. As the Lingayats merged their power in Kodagu, they made Haleri their capital, and established the Paleri (Haleri) dynasty, which ruled the region for 200 years. It was under the Paleri dynasty that Kodagu became an independent kingdom.

Haider Ali rose to power in Mysore during the 18th century and tried to capture Kodagu. Much later his son Tipu Sultan, in an attempt to fulfill his father’s dream to seize Kodagu, held the prince Dodda Vira Rajendra of Kodagu captive. With the help of the loyal subjects of Kodava, the prince managed to escape from captivity, defeated Tipu Sultan and recovered Kodava.

From 17th to 19th century, the Wodeyars ruled over Kodagu till the British took over in 1834. Dodda Vira Rejendra Wodeyar and the East India Company signed an agreement in 1790, whereby the later would provide protection to the Kodavas from Tipu Sultan. In 1858, Colonel Fraser was appointed the first Chief Commissioner after the British government took over from the East Indian Company.

Much later, a writer of the Gazetteer of Mysore and Coorg, Lewis Rice traced the lineage up to 1834 when the East India Company overthrew the last Paleri King.

After independence, Kodagu was declared a ‘C’ State in 1952 and in 1956 Coorg was recognized as a district of Karnataka.

Getting Around

Kodagu is a district/region comprising four major towns – Madikeri, Virajpet, Somwarpet and Kushalnagar. All of them are within 30 odd km off each other with coffee plantations in between. Buses and taxis are best mode of transport to move around the region. Within Madikeri, the capital, auto rickshaws are ideal. Most places within town can also be covered by foot.

Tourist Traps in the City

Though there are auto rickshaws available in plenty, it is highly recommended that you bargain for a reasonable fare to your hotel or a tourist spot.

Local Custom

The Kodavas are not known to follow any particular religion. While they consider the Kaveri River as their godmother, the Kodavas believe in ancestor worship, which is personified in the 'Ainemane' or ancestral house of an Okka or family, which is believed to provide protection and a spiritual guide to the family. Each family has a special place assigned to worship their ancestors, as the Karanava i.e the spirit of the deceased ancestor of a family holds an important spiritual place in each family.

The dead ancestor of a family, the Karanava or sprit, has an important place in the spiritual life of his descendants and each family’s ancestral house has an assigned place for the worship of ancestors. Another form of ancestor worship may also involve the offering of meat and liquor to ancestors.

Their Huthri/ Puttari festival which is celebrated during the months of November to December is unique as it marks the end of the rice planting tenure in September and commemorates the Kodava warrior tradition with the festival of Kailpoud. During Puttari, fresh sheaves of paddy are cut on a full moon night and brought to the house by a male member of the family dressed in their ceremonial attire. The sheaves are bound in leaves and tied to various auspicious portions of the house like the front door and the storehouse such as the granary.

Kailpoud is an annual festival of arms that is held towards the end of the monsoon. During this festival, the Kodavas worship their weapons and hold shooting competitions ( where a coconut is tied to a tree) and other sporting events.

Their wedding ceremonies or mangalas are most unique as they are held in their ancestral homes and solemnized not by a priest, but by the elders in the family. It will be interesting to note that the bride gets to decide if she wants to continue living with her new husband. A few days after the wedding, when she visits her maternal home with the husband and if she decides to stay back, the wedding is off. Kodava marriages do not believe in the system of dowry.

At the demise of an adult family member, the news is sent to the village by a firing of two consecutive gunshots, while a birth of a boy is declared by the firing of one gunshot.

Their traditional costumes, especially for the men folk are extremely smart and gorgeous with turbans, black overcoats, sashes and jewellery, while the women wear the sari in a unique fashion unlike any other part of the country.

Shopping

Shopping in Coorg is quite a different experience, its not like a regular tourist spot where you pick up decorative souvenirs. A trip to Coorg is incomplete without Chicory free coffee, honey and spices such as Cardamom and Pepper, oranges during season and home made candles. Visit the local shops in the market area selling pure ground coffee, while you relish a steaming hot cupper, pick up some coffee to take back home.

Communications

BSNL and Reliance have wide coverage in Munnar. However data cards can go for toss owing to the heights and altitudes. However, BSNL has better connectivity than Reliance.