Besides the regular drinks, which are aplenty, there are some exotic cocktails such as Keya Magic. India Pink, Narial Brandy, Paan Martini, Cucumber Caprioshka. Pomegranate Martini, Kesartini and the list goes on.

I opted for Key Magic. To go with it were a variety of starters-Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Morroccan, Lebanese and Italian. The portions are small, just enough to make you want more. Say Sikka: “More than a regular bar, Keya is a place where you can hang out with friends or even hold a party.” Adds Anusuiya:”It’s also a bar, where women can feel at ease and safe.”
Actually, the place makes you feel like its name-Keya,the aromatic Asian flower. The interiors are classy, subded and privacy is important. The walls are worth a dekko with keya all over. Conceptualised as a cave. Keya is where conversation is intimate and free flowing.

Address: DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunji, Delhi 110070, PH: 09971899877,9560715544,9560715533

The large alfresco area has exquisite shacks for glitterati gatherings with water cascades, textures and surreal surfaces. The lounge area includes a dance floor with altering streaks of colours, laser lit Parquets,bar with an unwinding backdrop and VIP lounge.On level 2 is baroque styling space for private parties.

The VIP area looked cool with sofas with high backs. one arm higher than the other, something different. On Sandeep Anand’s (manages the place) suggestion, we tried Orange-dip and Lemon Martinis. The Oranges-dip certainly value for money. For starter, we opted for a non-veg Indian platter, which had fish, prawns, mutton and chicken grilles and bruschetta.My colleague tried the mutton kebab and I liked the prawns. The bruschetta was light and crispy. The kitchen offers Lebanese,sushi, new burg jumbo lobster, oriental lamb chop, goan fish curry and jhinga achaari, to name some dishes. We finished off with long island iced tea and mojito. But there is a vaster variety of drinks.

Address
Lure Tavern on the Greens, Qutab Golf course, Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi

Well, I got to taste his signature dish-Gucchi aur Safed Mushroom Ki Galouti, which is simply yummy. I decided to let Singh decide the menu. I got a bite into many starter-Achari Paneer Tikka, Chicken Chargha, Mutton chapli Kebab. The Main course comprised Dal Baluchi, Mutton Vandaloo, Paneer Methi Masala.

And paneer with such a different flavour was interesting, completely different from the tomato curried paneer that one is used to in Delhi. But it’s the breads that take the cake-Pheni Paratha,Bakar Khani,Gilafi Kulcha and Besan Ki Roti.Though, I had it all with fresh Ganne Ka Ras, one can opt for wine, which a sommelier will help you with. South Indian cuisine is also on offer. My ending was a sweet as many befinning with Gulab Jamun Flambe and Paan Ki Kulfi. If you wish to eat different flavours of the food you are used to, try the Baluchi.

Address
Baluchi, The Lalit, Barakhamba Avenue, Connaught Place, New Delhi

BID & HAMMER recently held its first ever auction of ‘Antiquarian Books, Maps, Prints & Photography in Bengaluru’. Piece of arts spanned more than 200 years, from the 18th to 20th century, with emphasis on the golden era of the British Raj. The collection covered 232 lots of visual impressions. The individual prints and illustrations in the books and maps have been printed on paper by techniques such as engravings, aquatints, etchings, lithography and some even painstakingly tinted with colour by hand. The historically significant visual impressions depict beautiful landscapes, monuments, portraits of maharajas, events like coronation, warfare and revolutions shaping up to the present day life in India. An exclusive series of prints was dedicated to Tipu Sultan.

Some of the renowned artists featured in this auction were George Edwards (1694-1773), William Hodges (1744-1797), Henry Salt (1780-1827), Robert Colebrook (1762-1808), James Forbes (1749-1819),Thomas (1749-1840)and William Daniel (1769-1837). The illustrious photographers included Lala Deen Dayal (1845-1905), Edmund David Lyon (1825-1891),Penn (1849-1924) and Samuel Bourne (1834-1912). The History of Hindoostan by Thomas Maurice, published in 1795, is a book on India’s art, history and science prevailing then, with intricately engraved visual depictions. Among the 44 lots of book, prominent were Louis Reuselet’s India and Its Native Princes, John Barrow’s A Voyage to Cochin, Richard Bently’s Life Bombay And The Neighbouring Outstations and James Forbes’ Oriental Memoirs published in 1813. Cartography showed the topography without any present day boundaries between the nations, fragmented over centuries due to invasions and defeats. Further the Overland Route Map from England to India was an interesting Telescoping Map, showing important engraved landmarks. Artists featured in cartography were john Tallis (1816-1876), AJ Johnson (1827-1884), M Bonne (1764-1845). The Surrender of Two sons of Tipu Sultan was historically significant print. “The most fascinating prints were of Thomas & William Daniels, Henry Salt, Prince Alexi Soltycof, William Hodges, Captain Grindlays, photographs of Madras, Taj Mahal and Ooty,” says M Maher Dadha, Chairman & Managing Director, Bid & Hammer Auctioneers. “All of these have been procured from private collectors across India and from the descendents of the erstwhile royal families and a few zamindars. Each work has been researched and authenticated by our team of experts.

Here in Kerala the start of the Zodic New Year when the sun enters into Sidereal Aries, Ashwini Nakshatra is celebrated as Vishu is observed on the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May) and is also regarded as the harvest festival of Kerala. The major attractions of Vishu festival are Vishukkani, Vishukaineetam and Vishubhalam. As Vishu marks the first day of the Zodiac New Year, it is an appropriate time to offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. In Indian astrology, Vishnu is seen as the head of Kaala Purusha, the God of Time.

Vishukkani, a ritualistic display which considers that the scene when one first open the eyes on Vishu morning is an indication of what one can expect in the year to come and an effort is made to assure the first scene the Vishukkani in the early morning of Vishu day. Kani literally means “that which is seen first,” While the festival is called “Vishu” only in Kerala, festivals sharing the same spirit such as Ugadhi in Andra Pradesh and in Karnataka, Gudi Padwa in Mahashtra, Bihu in Assam and Baisakhi in Punjab are celebrated around the same time of year across India.

The ritualistic arrangement of Vishukkani includes Akshatam, a mixture of rice and turmeric, which is divided into halves of husked and un-husked rice, is placed in a special bowl called an uruli. Which is traditionally made of panchaloham,(five metals. Auspicious items such as images of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of creation, a well-strached rice cloth pleated fan-like inserted into a brass kindi (a spouted puja vessel used for pouring sacred water) val-kannadi, a special type of mirror with an extremely long and thin handle is also inserted into the kindi and placed in the uruli on top of the rice, flower, fruits and vegetables clothes and gold coins are also displayed.

Bhagavad-Gita should be made part of arrangement. The book is the pramanam the instrument used for attaining the eternal, non-perishable wisdom of the Rishis as well as a symbol of that knowledge itself.

The Nilavilakku, Traditional oil lamp welcomes God into our lives and is also symbolises of spiritual knowledge. Kanikkonna, a golden yellow flower which only blooms in this season is used liberally in vishukkani. Gold coins are the symbols of monetary affluence, as well as cultural and spiritual wealth, which the elders of the family must share freely with the younger generation.

Normally grandmother or mother who arranges the Vishukkani will wake up during the auspicious hour of the Brahma muhurata (4.00 to 6.00 a.m), and light the Nilavilakku (traditional oil-lamp). After waking up rest of the family members and covering their eyes and lead them to take in the auspicious sight. Through Vishukkani the reflection it offers, shows our own face, the pure consciousness that is our true nature reminding us that God is in our mind. The Vishukkani is taken around for the viewing of the elderly and sick who are perhaps too frail to come to the shrine. It is also brought outside and shown to the family cows. As it is brought to the cowshed, it in fact is on display for the birds, the trees, for all of nature to see. After all the members have completed Kani Kanal, it is time for Vishukaineetam. The eldest member of the family starts giving Vishukaineetam to every younger family member. Vishukaineetam is the ritual of given silver coins (in olden days) or money to other members of the family and wishing them that the coming years will be blessed with prosperity and success. In some places, especially in the northern parts of Kerala, children begin to fire crackers on Vishu. Vishukkaineettam, the distribution of wealth, is another aspect of the festival.

Vishukkani points to a year of abundance both spiritually and materially such as everything like light, money, knowledge, Food, which fill our life. Vishukkani is not just a joy comes only to our eyes. It must reflect in our thoughts and actions. The auspicious start of the year which has come to us due to the grace of beginning it with a divine vision is not for us alone. It depends on individuals to spread this love, happiness and hope to rest of the society. The coming vishu will once again remember us that we are not put on this earth for ourselves, but are placed here for each other.

• Experience life along the narrow canals of Kerala’s backwaters, gliding along in a country boat
• Witness the rice cultivation process, depending on your time of visit
• Enjoy lunch with a local family

The Kerala backwaters are a chain of interconnected canals, rivers, lakes and inlets, located parallel to the Malabar Coast of Kerala state in southern India. Discover how agriculture is practiced below sealevel, a unique cultivation pattern.

Our boat rides through the fascinating Kuttanad area of Kerala backwaters allow you to sample a slice of life in
harmony with nature that most travelers give a miss.

The Kerala backwaters have a unique ecosystem – freshwater from the rivers meets salt water from the Arabian Sea, and forms labyrinthine system with more than 900 km of waterways.

This region is not only about life along the narrower canals. It is also about the communal harmony that exists
amongst the locals. It’s about a unique cultivation pattern where agriculture is carried out below sea-level which you get a chance to see up close with Transpire. You will also meet locals who are the last remaining few of a fast vanishing breed of traditional professionals.

Sample some amazing food cooked by women from the households of Kuttanad – Kerala’s rice bowl

Sprawling in 60 cents, pillared one- storied structure with an aged red-tiled roof, Chittoor Kottaram enables you to live like the original royal members of this palace. It offers an intimate group accommodation option for a group of 6 where only a couple of members of one family can stay. As a nod to royal traditions, one has to enter the palace barefoot. Equally its typical to customs of royal household, no non-veg foods as well as alcohol in addition to adherence to other customs.

The Kerala-based resort developer, the CGH Earth Group, has leased the mansion from the current rajah and interiors are refurbished to add on the amenities to suit the modern day needs without blemishing its old world charm and grandeur.

With its courtyard, verandah, balconies, lawns, private jetty and boat, Chittoor Kottaram is a tranquil haven. Accessible by boat, the resort gives commanding views of the glittering backwaters and a bank of water lilies.

In a corner stood a thatched spa pavilion which serves soothing Ayurvedic massages.

Guests are able to enjoy Plantain Leaf traditional fixed meals “Sadhya” for lunch and a meal platter called “Silver Thali” for Dinner. Kerala Breakfast is served in the morning. All meals are served in the dining area.

The lawns were studded with diyas and the lamp-lit palace exuded a soft mysterious glow, rivaling the post-sunset sky. You can enjoy Kerala art forms in the evening. There are many interesting outdoor leisure options on offer including boat cruise and village tours.

People who want to experience life, culture and cuisine. People who don’t mind trying new things, come to this palace stay comes with personal butlers, musicians and dancers, private cruiser, personal spa therapists and private cooks, just like how they served visiting Kochi Maharaja and his consort during Raj Days.

Location: Situated in South Chittoor, 6.5 km away from Ernakulam town.

Contact Details of Chittoor Kottaram, Cochin

Casino Building, Willingdon Island, Cochin, Kerala, India – 682 003
Tel : 91-484-3011711, 3011712, Email : contact@cghearth.com

Kerala has a magical charm and much has been written and documented about the State and its landscape. Subaida Ahammed, lively anchor of the 350-episode show ‘A Walk with Subaida’ on Asianet Plus and her travelogue motivates and inspires people to get out of their armchair and have hands-on engagements with different places and people in the world. Subaida is also an avid traveler and tells where she likes to go in Kerala.

5 Destinations in Kerala Recommended by Subaida

Mampara, Nelliyampathy

Location – Mampara is 14 kms away from Nelliampathy (Nelliyampathy – Palakkad – 52 kms )

Pristine Mampara in Neliampathy is the place where the movie ‘Bhramaram’ was shot. One can see rolling hills with cardamom, tea and coffee plantations on the way to Nelliyampathyto Manpara. As you go further the road gets rough. From Manpara, you can have a breath taking view of farmlands, dams and forests below as if from an aeroplane. Enroute you can visit Pothundy Dam, which is the longest earthen dam in Kerala. It is a nice site for tourists, covered with mountains and main shooting location for malayalam film Vinodayathra.

Kuttanad

Location – SiSpanned in the three districts of Alappuzha,Kottayam and Pathanamthitta.

The Kuttanad region in Alappuzha district is named the ‘rice bowl of Kerala’ for its picturesque expanse of paddy cultivation and that transports you to a different time period. The tourists can take a backwater cruise in houseboats and can view the lifestyle of the people in this area and also their culture. The Kuttanad region is found mainly around the Vembanad lake. On a backwater cruise, one can see the wide species of birds that are found here such as darter birds, parrots etc. There are also ducks which move in the backwaters, all together in large groups making loud quaking sounds.

Mankayam Eco tourism Project, Thiruvanathapuram

Location – 45 km northeast of Thiruvananthapuram. Situated in Palode, Nedumangad Taluk of Thiruvananthapuram

The eco tourism zone extending from Mankayam to Kurisadi is about 1 km and covered with luxuriant vegetation of diverse forest types. Shrubs to gigantic and lofty trees of evergreen and semi-evergreen grasslands are found here. Visits to picturesque spots and treks ranging from soft to hard adventure are possible here. Visitors can seek the assistance of guides with the entire activities coordinated by the Vanasamrakshna Samithi working under the forest department of the State.

Muzhupilangad Beach, Thalassery

Location – 15 km South of Kannur and only 8 km fromThalassery

Muzhappilangad Beach is a drive-in beach and longest beach in Kannur. It is famous for its long and scenic drive, clean shores and picturesque settings ideal for water sports and experiencing nature at its best. Due to its shallow waters, this beach has become a popular place for swimmers.

Munnar Top Station

Location – 41 km from Munnar

Top Station is the highest point in Munnar and it takes one hour to reach there from Munnar. It is at an altitude of 1700 meters and lies in Theni district of Tamil Nadu and Idukki district of Kerala. This area is famous for exceptional flowers such as Neelakurinji flowers. Shola forests, rolling grasslands, valleys, water bodies and tea, coffee and spice plantations when viewed from this location provides a breath-taking experience.

The Department of Tourism has sent a Rs.15-crore proposal for developing various tourist spots in and around Madurai. The funds should be sanctioned within two months. With a history of 3,000 years, had to be showcased in such a way that it attracted more number of tourists. The tourist spots, which were not being maintained properly, could be transformed through the expertise of professionals and historians. These spots include Vandiyur kanmoi (tank), Mariamman Teppakulam, Sathaiyar dam, Kutladampatti, Perungamanallur.

Apart from building bridges and laying roads with the Rs. 15-crore fund, there was also a proposal to build a memorial at Perungamanallur near Sedapatti on the lines of the Jalianwalah Bagh massacre site, as it is associated with the gunning down of 16 persons by the British to quell an uprising against the Criminal Tribes Act. Such a historic event must be known by everyone. The spot, visited by Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to Madurai, would also get a facelift.

Languages other than Tamil and English must be used widely at heritage sites so that more number of visitors could appreciate the significance of these places. Laser shows could also be conducted in tourist spots. Yet another plan was to develop Vandiyur tank, Mariamman Teppakulam and Sathayar dam and Viraganoor on Vaigai river. By introducing boat ride in more locations on the lines of Naganakulam tank near Narayanapuram inthe city, the TTDC (Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation) could earn more revenue.

The new trains are Janam Bhumi Gaurav and South Darshan. Janam Bhumi Gaurav will start its journey from Pune and cover holy places and tourist destinations in western India while South Darshan commence from Ahmedabad and will pass through the city and take the passengers to important historical, religious and tourist attractions in south India. IRCTC have designed the tour package this time with a host of amenities to offer like local sightseeing, vegetarian meals, accommdodation and horde of other facilities during the trip.

For the South Darshan tourist train, the package cost would be Rs 12,499 for sleeper class and Rs 18,399 for AC 3-tier. There are 712 seats for sleeper class and 230 seat for three-tier AC.

In a bid to boost tourism, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee proposed Janam Bhumi Gaurav train starting from Bombay in the 2011-12 Railway Budget. But somehow the project got delayed and now it depart from Pune on March 30 and the route will be Pune-Mumbai-Ahmedabad-(Lothal)-Bhavnagar (Palitana)-(Alang)-Gir-Diu (Somnath-Veraval)-(Junagarh)-Rajkot-Mumbai-Pune.

The South Darshan Express will depart on March 30th from Ahmedabad and reach Pune same day 7 pm. It will take passengers to Goa, Tirupati, Rameshwaram, Madurai, Kanyakumari and Thiruvananthapuram.

The passengers can get the tickets booked by visiting IRCTC counter situated at Pune railway station or by logging on to IRCTC website. For tourists, it will be one of the most affordable all inclusive tour package, covering the most important religious sites that everyone wish to visit at least once in the life time. IRCTC hope that they will get overwhelming response with a good number of passengers.