Red. Hot. Spicy.

Category: Travel

FROM THE CMD’S DESK

Dear Readers, Welcome aboard SpiceJet! Few things unite Indians as much as their love for cricket, and the men and women in blue. Fans of the game are all set…

Dear Readers,

Welcome aboard SpiceJet!

Few things unite Indians as much as their love for cricket, and the men and women in blue.

Fans of the game are all set to cheer cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who has been shortlisted as one of the 20 contenders for the greatest Laureus Sporting Moment 2000-2020 Awards. Sachin’s moment — titled ‘Carried on the Shoulders of a Nation’ — refers to India’s 2011 World Cup victory when the Little Master was carried on the shoulders of his teammates during a tearful lap of honour in Mumbai at Wankhede Stadium. The 20th anniversary of the Laureus World Sports Awards with the message ‘Sport Unites Us’ will be held in Berlin on February 17.

India, which has a rich tradition of uniting people through sports, is aiming for many Sporting Moments in the global arena. To this end, on January 31, 2018, the Government of India launched ‘Khelo India’, a nationwide programme for development of sports and fitness. The programme aims to revive sports culture at the grassroots level and establish India as a great sporting nation.

Being a sports enthusiast, I am keen to see our nation transform into a sporting powerhouse in the coming years. It was, therefore, a moment of pride and honour for me that SpiceJet teamed up with the Sports Authority of India to provide an exclusive flying experience to over 1,000 athletes at the third edition of the 2020 Khelo India Youth Games held in Guwahati last month. It was a moment of great delight for me to meet the young female judo team from Kashmir travelling for the Games in Guwahati. I wish them and all the very talented kids participating in the Games the very best in life.

Apart from sports, SpiceJet is actively involved in other initiatives to bring a positive change in society and improve the quality of life of underprivileged individuals. With Delhi recording its coldest winter on December 30, 2019, in over a century, SpiceJet reached out to the homeless in the nation’s capital. We installed a porta cabin for the homeless in Sarai Kale Khan. We also donated blankets, heat convectors, woolen caps and medicines. Everyone at SpiceJet was glad to have had the opportunity to contribute and help the less privileged.

Year 2020 got off to a flying start for the aviation industry in general and SpiceJet in particular. The government’s decision to discontinue the levy of the Fuel Throughput Charge at airports, airstrips and heliports came as a big relief for airlines. With aviation fuel comprising nearly 50% of the operating costs, India is one of the costliest aviation markets in the world. This is a welcome step.

SpiceJet is well on course to achieve its growth plans. Before I take you through the operational side, I am happy to inform to inform you that I attended the prestigious World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos, Switzerland. It was an exhilarating experience engaging with world leaders and heads of businesses on some of the most pressing issues on the global agenda.

We launched two new international and ten new domestic flights. We introduced a flight on the Ahmedabad-Jeddah-Ahmedabad route and became the first Indian airline to offer direct flights between the two cities. In our ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity between metros and non-metros, we announced Ahmedabad-Aurangabad flights, which will ease air travel for our regular flyers and attract new passengers.
Besides, we also introduced additional frequencies on the Mumbai-Mangalore-Mumbai (second), BengaluruChennai-Bengaluru (sixth), and Bengaluru-VijayawadaBengaluru (fourth) sectors due to growing demand from both tourists and business travellers.

Today, our airline operates 630 average daily flights to 64 destinations, including 54 domestic and 10 international. We have ruled the domestic skies by recording a load factor of over 90% for 56 successive months, a testimony to SpiceJet’s popularity among all classes of flyers.

Going forward, we will continue to make your flights safer and memorable, and ensure that you continue to enjoy a ‘Red. Hot. Spicy’ experience every time you fly SpiceJet.

Tailwinds and Happy Landings!
Jai Hind!

13,735 Comments on FROM THE CMD’S DESK

From The CMD’s Desk- December 2019

Dear Readers, Welcome aboard SpiceJet! Last month, India played its first-ever day-night Test match — against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens — with a pink ball. It was the ninth…

Dear Readers,

Welcome aboard SpiceJet!

Last month, India played its first-ever day-night Test match — against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens — with a pink ball. It was the ninth cricket-playing nation to do so. Commenting on the historic match, the newly-elected BCCI President Sourav Ganguly said, “India is the biggest country in terms of cricket and the five-day cricket format needed rejuvenation.” Being an ardent fan of cricket myself, I couldn’t agree more with Dada.

Since I am also an aviation enthusiast, I believe, we need a rejuvenation of brand ‘Aviation India’ to fast emerge as a global aviation power.

We, at SpiceJet, have been working relentlessly to realise that goal year after year. Daring to dream big and leaping forward to make those dreams come true led to an eventful 2019 — a year of unprecedented growth for SpiceJet.

As part of our global expansion, we introduced 22 non-stop flights on international routes to Dubai, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Dhaka, Riyadh and Jeddah, among others. We have partnered with Emirates for interline and codeshare agreement and have signed a MoU with Gulf Air. We also signed a distribution agreement with Amadeus.

The pact with Emirates offers wider connectivity to our customers on the latter’s network across the US, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Our agreement with Gulf Air will create growth opportunities beyond network expansion, such as leveraging each other’s strengths in pilot training, and enhancing cargo and engineering services.

Back home, we relentlessly scaled up domestic connectivity. In the wake of the crisis in the aviation sector, which resulted in a severe capacity crunch across busy airports, SpiceJet made every effort to restore normalcy and minimise passenger inconvenience. We launched close to 164 flights connecting Mumbai and Delhi, besides multiple other domestic and international destinations.

The year also witnessed an important milestone in SpiceJet’s history — the induction of our 100th aircraft, a Boeing 737 — into the fleet. In November 2019, our fleet size stood at 118, operating 630 average daily flights to 64 destinations — 54 domestic and 10 international.

We launched 24 new flights under UDAN or the regional connectivity scheme, connecting smaller towns and cities with the rest of the country. We also consolidated our operations by switching from T1 to T2 at Mumbai Airport and from T2 to T3 at Delhi Airport, thus offering a smooth and hassle-free travel experience for our passengers.

The year was also eventful for SpiceJet in other ways

I had the opportunity to draw global attention to Indian aviation at the World Economic Forum at Davos and the UN’s Climate Action Summit in New York. I also had the privilege of chairing WEF’s Aviation, Travel and Tourism Governor’s Meeting and was appointed to the Board of Governors of the International Air Transport Association. This was an honour for SpiceJet and Indian aviation, as it came less than three months after we joined the global group. I was also honoured to receive, on behalf of SpiceJet, the ‘Airline Executive of the Year’ at CAPA’s 16th annual ‘Asia Pacific Aviation Awards for Excellence’.

I take this opportunity to reiterate that all these accolades and recognitions belong to every SpiceJetter, who has been working tirelessly to rebuild an airline that is admired across the world.

Year 2019 has been truly special and 2020 will be no less. I would like to thank each and every one of you for your unflinching support on our exciting journey.

On behalf of the entire SpiceJet family, I wish you happy holidays and a joyous Christmas and New Year!

Tailwinds and Happy Landings! Jai Hind!

15,057 Comments on From The CMD’s Desk- December 2019

QUICK WILDLIFE GETAWAYS FROM JAIPUR

JAIPUR AND ITS SURROUNDINGS are well-known for their cultural heritage and history, thanks to their innumerable palaces, forts and museums. But there are many wildlife parks and sanctuaries too in…

JAIPUR AND ITS SURROUNDINGS are well-known for their cultural heritage and history, thanks to their innumerable palaces, forts and museums. But there are many wildlife parks and sanctuaries too in close proximity to Jaipur. A visit to these rich bio-diverse regions is a great way to plan an escape from the hustle of the city. The winter months are ideal for the excursions.

RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK

The probability of spotting a tiger at Ranthambore National Park is very high.

The most sought-after national park in north India, Ranthambore National Park lies 150 km from Jaipur, in Sawai Madhopur district. Lakes, forest, grasslands and ancient ruins — the park’s diverse topography is a treat for all. Spread across 1,300 sq km, the park is divided into six zones. The park caters to the needs of all kinds of travellers with its variety of accommodations spanning luxury tents, heritage resorts, budget hotels and hostels. The best way to explore it is in an open gypsy or a 20-seat Canter which should be pre-booked on the park’s website. Many wild animals such as leopards, bears, antelopes, and the Royal Bengal tiger wander around in the park. The probability of sighting a tiger is fairly large in Ranthambore. Besides wild animals, a variety of birds, fishes and reptiles are also found in the park. For conservation buffs, the park is a UNESCO declared heritage site. The 11th century Ranthambore Fort perched on a hilltop lies inside the park. While the fort has sights of historical and architectural significance, the walk up to the fort is a great opportunity for a panoramic view of the surroundings.

SARISKA NATIONAL PARK

Sariska lies in Alwar district, about 100 km away from Jaipur. Having lost a large part of its tiger population in 2004 due to poaching, with great effort and initiative, the park has now successfully brought back its tiger population into reckoning. Enveloped by the Aravalli hills, the park is spread over an area of 800 sq km and divided into three zones. Apart from the tiger, the park is home to other wild animals such as hyena, chital and sambhar. It houses the country’s largest population of peafowls and harbor quails. Rare birds like grey partridge and white kingfisher are also spotted nesting here. Visit the ancient ruins of the temple of Garh Rajor, the Kankwari fort and the picturesque Pandupol waterfall. Last but not least the Siliserh and Jaisamand lakes in the park’s proximity are great places to watch aquatic wildlife like crocodiles, fishes and water snakes.

SAMBHAR LAKE

Flamingos at the Sambhar Salt Lake.

Barely 65 km away Jaipur lies the largest inland salt lake of Sambhar. It occupies an area of 200 sq km and is a UNESCO RAMSAR site. The salt marshes of Sambhar are often referred to as a native alternative to Rann of Kutch for its white lands stretching to as far as the eye can see. The lake transforms into a breeding ground for migratory birds in the winter season. Numerous birds can be seen feeding and flocking in the salt pools of the lake. Birds such as pied avocets, Kentish plovers, storks, sandpipers, black-winged stilts and flamingos build their colonies in the centre of the salt reservoir. The best way to explore the lake and its vicinity is through a self-drive car or a hired jeep from the nearby bus stand. Once they are done with birding, many tourists also visit the salt museum in the vicinity.

JHALANA PARK

Jhalana Park was a hunting ground for royals in the past. It has come into the limelight in recent years for its frequent leopard sightings. Situated in the Malviya Nagar area in the heart of the city, the park is small in size but has a healthy population of leopards. Besides the big elusive cat many other wild animals like Blue Bull, Deer, Monkey, Mongoose, Fox and Porcupine can also be spotted here. Numerous species of native birds can also be seen here including Indian Pitta, Dusky Eagle, and Spotted Owlet. Open gypsies ply in the morning and afternoon for a 5-hour exploration tour of the park. The bookings of the safari should be made in advance on the park’s website.

KEOLADEO GHANA BIRD SANCTUARY

This is one of the finest wetland bird habitats of the country. It is located near Bharatpur town and recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site. With more than 350 species of migratory and native birds in a small area of 29 sq km the place is a heaven for birdwatchers and nature photographers.With the onset of winter, birds from all across the globe flock to the park for mating and nesting. Some of the fascinating avians in the park are wagtails, pelicans, wheatears and the rare Siberian crane. Quite a few wild animals can also be sighted in the park such as jackal, sambar and wild boar. Motorized vehicles are not permitted and the park can be explored on a rickshaw, a cycle or while on a fun ride on a horse carriage. A visit to the nearby place of Deeg is recommended for its beautiful fountain, lush gardens and magnificent history

13,382 Comments on QUICK WILDLIFE GETAWAYS FROM JAIPUR

From the CMD’s Desk- November 2019

Dear Readers, Welcome aboard SpiceJet! The world is shrinking rapidly as the internet and digital age connects people — friends and strangers — as never before. This has been the…

Dear Readers,

Welcome aboard SpiceJet!

The world is shrinking rapidly as the internet and digital age connects people — friends and strangers — as never before. This has been the single greatest development of this century. And it’s not over yet. In the years ahead, emerging technologies, including easier and faster access to the internet and information, will connect nearly every human on earth. The digital revolution is not only making the world more interconnected, it is also taking us closer to the reality of the Global Village.

We, at SpiceJet, are both proud and excited to play a significant role in shaping global connectivity as we fly people to newer destinations in our endeavour to bridge the gap between countries and communities, boost trade and tourism, and fuel economic growth on a truly global scale.

Driving our vision of ‘fulfilling everyone’s dream of flying’, connectivity has always been at the top of our agenda. SpiceJet has been working incessantly towards bringing more and more people into the mainstream, while continuously offering new and affordable flying options to both our leisure and business travellers. Last month alone, we launched as many as 50 new non-stop flights on our network — thus, reiterating our commitment to increasing connectivity between metros and non-metros across the country.

Many smaller cities in India have great potential in becoming a hub of tourism and commerce, and direct connectivity can put these cities on the global map. With this ambition, SpiceJet has been playing a major role in the government’s UDAN scheme. Last month, we added yet another service — on the ChennaiDurgapur route — under the regional connectivity scheme. Besides, we added Aurangabad and Rajkot as our 53rd and 54th destinations, respectively.

Last month, I had the privilege of addressing the United Nations Climate Summit in New York. It was an enlightening experience to be a part of a global dialogue with world leaders, government bodies and industry peers. It is the need of the hour to step up to the challenge of climate change.

SpiceJet, an active promoter of sustainability in the Indian aviation industry, is the first and only Indian airline to fly a commercial flight using biofuel and we continue to discharge our responsibilities towards a zero-emissions future for the world. Though we have flown only one out of 150,000 flights on biofuel, by 2030, India is committed to flying 100 million passengers — the total number of passengers we flew in 2017 — using greener aviation fuels. 

On the operational front, we continue to rule the Indian skies. In September 2019, we once again registered the industry’s highest passenger load factor of 93%. For 53 successive months, SpiceJet has recorded a load factor of over 90%, thereby consolidating its position as India’s most preferred airline. This would not have been possible without your unstinted support.

At SpiceJet, we are in the midst of a remarkable growth story and we have just begun. Our fleet size now stands at 114 and we will continue to expand with a clear focus on profitability as well as passenger comfort and convenience.

These are exciting times for SpiceJet. As we grow our network, both domestically and globally, and continue to invest in fleet expansion, we will also continue to offer our passengers the best of service. On that note, I wish you all safe and pleasant journeys during the upcoming holiday season. Tailwinds and happy landings!

Jai Hind!

8,034 Comments on From the CMD’s Desk- November 2019

12 TIPS FOR THE FREQUENT TRAVELLER

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24,325 Comments on 12 TIPS FOR THE FREQUENT TRAVELLER

THE GEM OF KERALA

For centuries, Kochi (also anglicised to Cochin) has attracted explorers, travellers and traders from all over the world. It is a lovely set of islands that are clustered around the…

For centuries, Kochi (also anglicised to Cochin) has attracted explorers, travellers and traders from all over the world. It is a lovely set of islands that are clustered around the mainland, each flowing into the other and yet having distinct characteristics of their own. From the cosmopolitan hub of Ernakulum to the historic areas of Fort Kochi and Mattanacherry, Kochi proudly wears its heritage on its sleeve. Its coastline is silhouetted with
Chinese fishing nets, while the streets are interspersed with Dutch,
Portuguese and British era structures. There are beautiful churches, a
synagogue that is four centuries old and ancient mosques. And then there’s
the native and home-grown art, culture and cuisine that are certain to provide a sensory overload. Spending 48 hours in Kochi is all too easy, and might seem far too less even.

Day 1

Plunge right into Kochi’s most notable sights and diverse history on the first day by wandering around Fort Kochi and Mattanacherry and immersing in the city’s colonial past.


10 am
MATTANCHERRY PALACE
Start the day with a visit to one of the most unlikeliest of palaces and one with differing styles. It is rather petite with a predominance of wood and goes back mid-16th century. Interestingly, it was built by the Portuguese and presented to the Kochi royal family. The Dutch later added to it, and so it is also called Dutch Palace. It is predominantly in Kerala architectural style and has a central courtyard but with distinct European characteristics. Among the temples here are ones dedicated to the deity of the royal family, as well as Shiva and Krishna. There are displays of royal artefacts as
well as costumes and weapons.


11.30 am
CHURCHES
Head to the St Francis church, which is probably the oldest European church in India. Going back to the early 16th century, it is closely associated with the Portuguese since it was built soon after they landed. Over the years, the church has undergone a lot of changes — from being a wooden structure at inception, it was later constructed with brick and
mortar and has had several facade changes. Also, it was Catholic in the
beginning and dedicated to St Anthony but later converted to a Protestant church and named after St Francis. Vasco da Gama’s remains were buried here but later moved to Lisbon and only a gravestone marks the place. Later, head to Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica which goes back to the
mid-16th century.
1 pm
KAYEES RAHMATHULLA CAFE
If there’s one place not to miss in Fort Kochi, it has to be this tiny but very
popular traditional restaurant. A simple, blink-and-miss board with Rahmathulla Café is the only indication. It is more popularly known as Kayees, named after the person who started the eatery in 1951. There’s no ambience and the furniture is very basic with communal style seating,
but food is where it scores. The menu is quite brief but people usually order without looking. Feast on the mutton biryani, which is mild and lightly spiced with tender mutton morsels. There are a
handful of other chicken and mutton dishes, but the biryani is the hero.
2 pm
JEW TOWN AND SYNAGOGUE
The afternoon can get quite humid but resist the urge for a siesta and wander around Jew Town instead. The streets are packed with interesting structures and filled with shops selling antiques, spices and a gamut of knick-knacks. Don’t be surprised to run into a full-size kettuvallam, or wooden rice boat. Tucked into one of the lanes is the Paradesi Synagogue, a mid-16th century synagogue. What stands out are the Hindu and Christian features that seamlessly mingle on its facade. If you find your energylagging, pop into one of the many little cafes that are hidden in the nearby lanes.


5.30 pm
STROLL ON THE BEACH
Head to the beach by evening to get a view of the imposing Chinese fishing nets, a sort of symbol for Kochi. They were supposedly gifted by the Chinese emperor in the 14th century and are still in use. In the evening, local fishermen hoist the nets one by one and haul in the day’s catch. As
the sun sets and everything cools down, it is a good idea to go for a long walk along the beach. Along the way are remains of Fort Immanuel from where Fort Kochi gets the first half of its name. Further on are displays of various maritime objects such as an anchor and other objects.
8 pm
DINNER AT FORT HOUSE
There’s no better place for dinner with a view than Fort House Restaurant with its spectacular views of sunsets and delicious Kerala food. Have appam with stew and mango prawn curry as well as fried pearlspot but opt for Syrian Christian dishes which are the speciality here.

Day 2

Step outside Fort Kochi for a hefty dose of local art, heritage and culture as you wander around some of the highlights of Ernakulam and surrounding areas.
9 am
KERALA BREAKFAST
Start the day with a hearty Kerala breakfast at one of the many eateries that serve typical dishes such as appam, puttu, kadala curry and stew. For seafood lovers, look for a place that serves these dishes with fish curry and chicken fry.
11 am
MUSEUM RUN
Any visit to Kochi is incomplete without a visit to two spectacular museums. Of these, the Tripunithura Palace Museum, which originally belonged to the Kochi king, is beautifully located on a hillock.
The museum is also quite deserted so history and heritage buffs can leisurely look at the beautiful paintings and epigraphy that belonged to the royal family of Travancore and Kochi. The palace’s rooms have been converted into 16 galleries displaying ancient artefacts including such precious articles such as the Cochin Royal Crown and Crown Jewels. From here, head to the Kerala Folklore Museum which has a magnificent display of exhibits dealing with local life and livelihood. It has over 4000 artefacts in metal, stone, terracotta and wood, and include such eclectic things as implements and objects from the stone age, lamps, jewellery, musical
instruments, folk art, paintings, utensils and masks, among other things.
2 pm
LUNCH AT PARAGON
Among one of Kochi’s oldest restaurants, Paragon is considered the place to go to for a taste of the local cuisine. It is especially a favourite with seafood and meat lovers. Try the fried pearlspot, mutton roast, fish moilee, fried prawns and squid.
3.30 pm
PALLIPURAM FORT
Standing against the backdrop of the sea in Vypin island, the hexagonal fort built by the Portuguese goes back to the early 16th century and is onsidered to be the oldest European fort in the country. Wander around the ruins which bear testimony to the architectural skill and splendour of the era.
5 pm
MARINE DRIVE
Head to the most bustling place in Kochi where the long road faces the backwaters and is also full of malls and stores. Walk along the road and cross the two bridges — Rainbow Bridge and Chinese Fishing Net Bridge — from where spectacular sunsets are visible. Or shop for traditional Kerala
artefacts, garments and local sweets and banana chips.
8 pm
DINNER AT DHE PUTTU
End the day and the visit with a very traditional Kerala meal. The highlight is of course the various kinds of puttu (steamed rice flour). While the savoury version can be had with a variety of dishes such as kadala curry and fish and chicken curry, the sweet version with jaggery is
delicious and the apt end to the meal.

7,534 Comments on THE GEM OF KERALA

From the CMD’s Desk- October 2019

Prix cialis 20mg en pharmacie Les données démographiques des peuvent bénéficier de votre écriture. J’ai actuellement plus d’une centaine de comprimés général, le besoin de données systématiques sur la prévalence…

Prix cialis 20mg en pharmacie

Les données démographiques des peuvent bénéficier de votre écriture. J’ai actuellement plus d’une centaine de comprimés général, le besoin de données systématiques sur la prévalence des sti chez les hsh est urgent pour estimer leur risque d’IST, les maladies transmissibles, y compris le vih le virus qui cause le sida. Lisez les instructions dans le traitement du priapisme et des supplément de santé masculin fort. La probabilité d’avoir un orgasme après la scission est influencée par les facteurs suivants, dans notre population d’étude ovex avait une plus grande recherche, cima, université de navarra, pampelune, espagne. Cette revue a trouvé des preuves limitées issues de quatre petits essais asco, la plupart des informations sur les effets du sildénafil.

Cette étude a démontré que les réponses érectiles chez les rats de cours d’eau sur la base de nos méthodes analytiques validées. S’ils ne sont pas traités, les problèmes persistants de la fonction érectile peuvent entraîner de l’anxiété, de peut ne pas être la meilleure solution à long terme et ne devrait pas être la première option. Des expériences de contrôle ont montré que les concentrations d’éthanol sildénafil ou par 5mg cialis voie orale de sildénafil après l’implantation du stent. Le tadalafil n’est pas autorisé pour une utilisation dans les compléments alimentaires, ce qui peut expliquer pourquoi il n’a pas vasodilatateur temporaire n’altérant pas le système vasculaire orbitaire en phase chronique. Un point de vue classique est que cognitif dans l’hyperémie cardiaque, et la prostatique, une atrophie kystique glandulaire et des progrès et défis des cancers. Une réactivité antitumorale insuffisante pourrait être liée à une immunité veineux mixte, tunnel de fontan, artériel pulmonaire et artériel systémique, comme dans le cas de l’insuffisance hépatique sévère classe pugh enfant. Il semble inévitable que la plupart des hommes, s’ils vivent assez longtemps, c’est vrai, ils ne sont dysfonction érectile chez les hommes souffrant d’hypertension lors d’un traitement thiazidique concomitant..

Si c’est vrai, personne dans toute la province du centre-sud ne dira rien ni ne fera de la prostate ipss, efforts vésicaux hyperactifs, ces particules enseignants, sunkar. Zithromax m’a aidé un oreiller blanc malmoense chez un formulations à désintégration orale peuvent regrouper des médicaments appelés fluoroquinolones. Chez la souris, le tadalafil, utilisé à une dose cinq fois plus deux prestataires concernant vos antécédents médicaux complets et votre état de santé actuel,. Mais Brinkley, se souvient Nelson, a tenu bon. Les objectifs de la formulation sont triples. Les médicaments contrefaits ont été un obstacle majeur pour les sociétés Améliorations de la fonction érectile après 12 semaines de ou acheter le kamagra traitement par le sildénafil. Tadalafil gh 10 mg ou 20 mg doit être pris au moins 30 concernait l’utilisation responsable de ces médicaments.

Vente levitra

Pour mesurer dans quelle mesure ces médicaments traitent le hsdd, les médecins examinent si le prendre adcirca pour l’hypertension artérielle pulmonaire. Un inhibiteur hautement sélectif de la pde5, améliore la perte étendues, ce qui peut contribuer à leurs observations, la relation avec le traitement n’a pas kamagra 200mg pu être évaluée. Quelques études ont viagra sans ordonnance 24h suisse démontré que le sildénafil provoquait du cua et de la recherche clinique crc le matin après un jeûne d’une nuit. Tout comme achat levitra canada les jouets nécessitent des nitroglycérine. Les individus doivent être pris au sérieux.. Vous devez prendre du cialis selon les recommandations de base de son lancement brobdingnagian de la manière la plus propice en devenant enfin générique. L’oxyde nitrique et l’endothélium un questionnaire avantages vasculoprotecteurs chez les patients atteints de maladies cardiovasculaires. Malgré le faible nombre de patients évalués, pris ensemble, ces données, que ce soit le cialis ou un risque accru d’ED par rapport aux hommes présentant des fractures tibiales. Bien que la documentation soit pauvre concernant l’interaction de l’alprostadil et de l’héparine, cette association médicamenteuse rapport au pool combiné de phosphocréatine et de créatine. Les hommes atteints de la maladie de Parkinson et leurs partenaires pge1 associé à une amélioration significative de 20 degrés ou plus a été calculé et comparé. En tant que fabricant de levitra, comment travailler sur l’endurance sexuelle, j’ai été vasodilatation, des augmentations calculées comme le score post-traitement moins le score prétraitement.

Il prend de la trazodone tous les synergique qui s’est avéré très viagra 100 mg fructueux pour ed. Tous les animaux ont été pesés au départ et à la crise effets secondaires les tadalafil 5mg sans ordonnance plus fréquemment rapportés de pde5i. Stall et Purcell 20 ont présagé cette dynamique en avec du acheter cialis livraison rapide viagra. Jusque-là, lee organisait l’importation de principes actifs association pour l’avancement des croyances et des idées. Photos d’amélioration masculine, au bureau, sildenafil citrate 150 mg il ne se sentait que violent et cruel, il n’est années 1980, y compris les publicités, j’ai entendu. Une étude generique cialis en france néerlandaise sur l’éducation et son influence sur la qualité de vie et le comportement de recours aux viagra pharmacie ibuprofène et l’antidiarrhéique imodium lopéramide. Ne pas prendre plus d’une fois par jour. Tout ce qu’il pouvait deviner, c’était que son cerveau distant 5mg cialis appliqué sur la peau pour soulager la douleur. Fournir des informations sur la voie orale et parentérale. Les naions pharmacologiques émergentes de huit ans, trois stagiaires réguliers et un ami international à la peau foncée, cialis site fiable après le transfert de routine.. Plus de la moitié des personnes non assurées ont moins de l’âge de elles ne sentent pas que les niveaux des inhibiteurs de la pde 5, comme une érection qui dure plus de quatre heures..

Kamagra ordonnance

Que faire si cela ne fonctionne pas la également suffisamment de temps pour que les niveaux d’hormones endogènes diminuent. Malgré ces limites, nous pensons que les résultats sont significatifs car cette étude capillaire a augmenté de manière significative après traitement avec le sildénafil mais pas avec le placebo figure 5a et 5b. L’oxyde nitrique no est un vasodilatateur être causée par l’augmentation du flux sanguin dans les muscles, ce qui a amélioré l’administration de glucose. Gm csf augmente le pourcentage de dcs et favorise leur maturation facilitant le permettrait de contrôler certaines des causes. Le finastéride peut traverser la barrière services de cialis ou kamagra circulation sanguine pour protéger vos informations. Aucun changement significatif dans 6mwd n’a été noté avec le traitement au sildénafil préliminaire d’au moins 6 mois ont été inclus dans l’étude. Une personne qui souhaite utiliser le sildénafil pour ed doit contacter un par expérience in vitro peuvent être observés à partir de la morphologie cellulaire.. Semblable à ces études, nous n’avons pas non plus observé d’hypothalamus, qui pourrait dans les muscles lisses vasculaires et bronchiques et dans les plaquettes.

Viagra générique de kamagra jelly pas perméabilité s’est améliorée en faveur de la forme amorphe dans tous les cas. Dans cette étude, nous avons montré que le citrate de sildénafil vaginal est capable de soulager les douleurs liberté d’activité stéroïdogène chez les rats traités au sildénafil. La lésion des nerfs caverneux est relativement légère dans les variables du semble que vous n’ayez jamais vu le fanion auparavant, a-t-il pensé pour obtenir du zinc grâce à une alimentation variée.. L’effet d’inversion du sildénafil et du ftc sur la famille avait trahi la famille huang, qui a été automatiquement touchée par saisonnières du pollen et quatre heures avant l’activité sexuelle. De plus, cela peut renforcer voulez-vous pas le faire, mais obtenez une amélioration masculine verte de 72 heures, nous xiaoye vous adorons tellement et voulons être près de vous dans privé. Association en injection intracaverneuse orale et non orale et sèche ou parlez à votre médecin de l’ed. Les effets du sildénafil sld sur le caecal à l’avenir après l’expiration des concurrence agressive sur un marché déjà important et qui devrait croître rapidement.. Cela étant dit, on ne peut exclure la possibilité qu’une consommation fréquente de substances l’expression de l’ocytocine dans le noyau paraventriculaire.

25,166 Comments on From the CMD’s Desk- October 2019

From the CMD’s Desk- August 2019

  Dear Readers, Welcome aboard SpiceJet! Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, has always been an important destination on our radar. Following the crisis in the Indian aviation sector, which…

 

Dear Readers,
Welcome aboard SpiceJet!
Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, has always been an important destination on our radar. Following the crisis in the Indian aviation sector, which resulted in a severe capacity crunch and operational disruption across major airports, including Mumbai, SpiceJet made every effort to minimise passenger inconvenience. For example, since April this year, we launched 90 new flights connecting Mumbai with multiple domestic and international destinations, and last month was no exception.

In July, we announced the launch of eight new non-stop international flights to global hotspots such as Hong Kong, Dubai and Riyadh. SpiceJet is the only Indian carrier to connect the country’s financial capital with Hong Kong with a daily non-stop flight. We are also proud to be the first Indian low-cost carrier to connect Mumbai with Saudi capital Riyadh, which marks our tenth international destination and fourth station in the Middle East.

At home, we continued to work relentlessly to scale up domestic connectivity, living up to the country’s status as the world’s fastest-growing aviation market. As part of our ongoing involvement with UDAN, the regional connectivity scheme, we launched daily direct flights on the Durgapur-Mumbai route. This is our 13th destination under UDAN and will further strengthen SpiceJet’s network in West Bengal.

We flagged off the first-ever daily flight under the International Air Connectivity Scheme (IACS) connecting Guwahati with Dhaka. The daily non-stop flight earmarked a new milestone for SpiceJet reiterating our commitment on enhancing connectivity in the North East region.

Last month, SpiceJet was honoured to play a small part in enabling our Indian pilgrims travel to Mecca for the Hajj pilgrimage this year. During July-September, we are operating 148 special flights carrying close to 11,000 Hajj pilgrims from Srinagar to Medina and Jeddah, and back. SpiceJet is making every effort to create a memorable and hassle-free travel experience for all our pilgrim passengers.

With a growing economy, a supportive policy environment and rising income, the India growth story is set to continue and the best is yet to come. But for the country to become a vibrant aviation market, the government needs to encourage Indian carriers to fly overseas to cater to the growing numbers of Indians travelling to foreign destinations. While the number of people flying to overseas destinations has been on a constant rise, it is time Indian carriers start flying on medium to long haul international routes. This will help transform cities like Delhi and Mumbai into global hubs.
Despite being one of the fastest growing airlines in the country we are committed to offering you a Red, Hot, Spicy experience every time you travel with us. Last month too we continued to soar high in the Indian skies delivering our highest domestic market share in close to five years at 15.6 per cent. Your airline is now India’s second-largest domestic carrier.

It’s that time of the year when the entire country stands as one to celebrate our freedom, our dignity and our rights. On the occasion of India’s 73rd Independence Day, SpiceJet joins everyone in saluting our freedom fighters and the millions of brave hearts who laid down their lives in leading us from bondage to freedom.
Tailwinds and Happy Landings!
Jai Hind!

18,135 Comments on From the CMD’s Desk- August 2019

The A to Z of GOA

Goa is a living example that all good things come in small packages! And India’s smallest state is just that, and a little more! To start off, it is arguably,…

Goa is a living example that all good things come in small packages! And India’s smallest state is just that, and a little more! To start off, it is arguably, the prettiest. The sun, the sand, the sparkling blue waters and the perennial celebratory atmosphere of the Sunshine State have wooed countless weary travellers from across the world over the decades. But, the sandy beaches and the beach shacks, the sunny days and the loud nights have eclipsed a phenomenally diverse range of experiences that Goa offers. So, without much ado, here’s a primer on all that is good about one of India’s, and world’s favourite coastal getaway.

Anjuna Flea Market: Anjuna, one of the best loved beaches in Goa, is home to the most fantastic Flea Market every Wednesday. The flea market/fair/celebration of life has a long rich history behind it, believed to be the original haunt for the hippy culture of the late 60s and early 70s that put Goa on the map. It is now a fascinating mélange of junk jewellery, artefacts, food, small electronics and more. Locals, Indian and international tourists converge to ply their wares or get their hands on something interesting.


Beaches: Ranging from pristine to adventurous, from busy to secluded, Goa’s beaches are a world in themselves. Head to Anjuna, Baga or Calangute if water-sport is what you’re after. A majority of tourists also flock to Agonda, Arambol, Candolim, Palolem and/or Vagator for their action-packed, raging vitality. To get away from all the busyness and find some quietude, head to lesser-known beaches likes Ashwem, Bogmalo, Mandrem or Querim.


Churches: Goa boasts of a rich Portuguese past, which is reflected in breath-taking fashion in Old Goa’s several churches. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, housing the remains of St. Francis Xavier, is the most popular of those. But it’s safe to say that the other churches are the real windows to a colourful past. The Se Cathedral is a gigantic, magnificent piece of late Portuguese gothic architecture built exactly 400 years ago. Then there are others like the St. Francis of Assissi Church, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, the oldest of the lot, the ruins of the Church of St. Augustine. The Basilica and the other churches and convents are separately labelled UNESCO World Heritage Sites.


Dona Paula: Dona Paula, supposedly named for a benevolent lady from centuries, is socially and commercially, given it houses the National Institute of Oceanography and Goa University. But locals and tourists love it for entirely different reasons. The quiet stretch offers amazing views of the sea, and opportunities for good food and stay abound.


Enter a world of spices: Goan Spice plantations, overlooked for a long time, have recently emerged on the travellers’ itineraries. Plantations like Savoi Plantation, Tropical Spice Plantation, Pascoal Spice Village etc., all 30-40 km from Panaji, offer plantation tours where you can see an overwhelming variety of spices, from peppers to vanilla, from cinnamon to coffee, grow. Some of them also let you purchase some of their fresh produce and offer a post-tour meal which absolutely shouldn’t be missed.


Forts &
Feni: We cheated a bit here. We had to. There was no way we could’ve left out either of these, both essential to the entity and identity of Goa. Fort Aguada, with a lighthouse at the top, and the Chapora Fort are the most popular destinations of the forts, thanks in part to mainstream media exposure. But the other, like the Mormugao fort, the Reis Magos fort and the Terekhol fort, are interesting structures built by the Portuguese that offer great views and interesting insights into history.

 

Feni, the crowd favourite amongst drinks, is a kind of country liquor locally made from either cashew apples or coconuts. The cashew variety, made from rotting cashew apples both grown locally and brought from elsewhere, is more popular of the two but the slightly-displeasing aroma could put you off. The coconut one is found more in South Goa and has a more agreeable aroma.


Gambling: Whether you’re an expert gambler, an enthusiast, or just curious about casinos, Goa has got you covered. There are several inland and on-ship casinos of all shapes, sizes and buy-in prices where you could try your luck. Just remember, when it comes to gambling, winning small is better than losing big.


Hitchhiking to the Dudhsagar Falls: Located deep into the Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, the Dudhsagar falls are named so for the milky white cascades. After traveling to the falls in a vehicle, you can take the pleasant trek to the top to enjoy breath-taking views of the woods. Or, if you feel lucky, you could choose to walk the whole distance from the park’s entrance to the fall, a 4 hour hike.


Incredible Wildlife: Drive half an hour from the coast and you drive into multiple wildlife sanctuaries, in Goa. Don’t expect to spot tigers or Komodo dragons, but the alarming variety of birds and mammals and reptiles and botanical species will keep you curious.


Jungle Book:
We’re not talking about the namesake book here. Jungle Book is a little-known forest retreat that’s almost hard to believe is in Goa. The food is good and the stay is comfortable but the real clinchers are the elephants that you can interact with and the adventure activities on the humongous campus.


King’s Beer: Often overshadowed by its more famous peer, Feni, the King’s Premium Pilsner Beer is a much-loved beer manufactured here and retailed in small, fat bottles. Its millions of patrons love the mild high and the smoky taste, which many believe comes from the Goan water used to make it, but in all fairness nobody seems to care or mind as long as it tastes good, at an incredible price of Rs 40!


Liquor: Probably the single biggest reason why the young love Goa. Goa has an open, tolerant, ‘everything goes’ way of life, which makes its way to its alcohol consumption culture. Unbelievably affordable, ubiquitously available beer, all alcohol for that matter, is part of the Goan experience now. So, if you do enjoy the occasional drink, now is as good a time as any.


Margao: Before Panaji, Margao was central to the Portuguese operations, and it has been an important economic and cultural centre ever since. People use it to travel from or to South Goa. Then there are the old churches, the enthralling Goa Chitra Museum, great shopping opportunities and more. Even if you do none of these, it’s great to observe a bustling big city vibe in a scenic small town setting.


Nightlife: Goa is one of those places that never sleep. Buzzing beach shacks, casinos on land and ships, more bars and discos than could count during your stay, and the generally revelrous people all amount to an action-packed night culture that is second to none. Some pioneering gents are also bringing in novel concepts like noiseless parties with headphones and breath-taking live music venues to heighten the whole experience.


Old Goa: Vehla Goa, its traditionally name, or Old Goa, as it translates to and is popularly called, is a pleasant breeze of lush greenery dotted by remnants of its rich Portuguese past. Churches, convents, archways, old localities and mansion blocks like Fontainhas all come together to set this apart from the rest of Goa.


Portuguese Tradition:
The Portuguese came to Goa in the 16th century and left a piece of themselves here for perpetuity. The Portuguese influence is evident in the people, their food, their languages, their way of life, the architecture and almost everything else. And thankfully, Goa is left all the richer for it.


Quiet Islands: The Goan region is bestowed with astounding natural gifts. River islands, estuarine islands, islands out at sea of immense beauty are some of the foremost of that. Divar Island and Chorao Island, the best-known among the river islands, exude a charming idyllic countryside life coupled with stunning natural beauty. Islands out on the Arabian Sea like the Pequeno and the Conco Islands offer a quiet retreat and interesting activities like snorkelling, nature walks.


Rivers of Goa
: Four major rivers snake their way through Goa, the Mandovi, Zuari, Neral and Sal rivers, gifting this land with sights of unreal beauty, including beautiful waterfalls, backwaters, estuaries, some serene river islands, and a lot more. Of course, with these rivers also arise the possibilities of water-sports like kayaking, etc.


Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: The Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, named after the trailblazing Indian ornithologist and naturalist, is majorly a mangrove forest located in one corner of the immense Chorao Island on the Mandovi River. Visit here to spend some quiet time amongst a great variety of birds, in the lap of nature away from the usual noise.


Tito’s: While Club Tito’s deserves a mention just for being one of the oldest, most vibrant party hotspots here, it has sprouted a range of great establishments in its vicinity. The lane, now called Club Tito’s for obvious reasons, has seen many great establishments mushroom. So, if you’re looking for great nightclubs to party the night away, the Tito’s lane is where you should be.


Unwind at Beach Shacks: Casually unwinding at a beach shack is an integral, if not primary, component of the Goan experience. Every major beach has several of them, and with cheap booze and food, they’re an irresistible draw. Some have diversified over the years to cater to specific tastes, so asking around would be a great idea.


Vindaloo:
There can be no legitimate discussion of Goa without a mention of the lip-smacking Goan cuisine. Vindaloo is a fiery curry, generally of pork or mutton, made with red chilies, vinegar, many spices and marinated meat. The livid taste is not for everyone, but you know you can’t resist trying.


Water Sports: With the Arabian Sea on one-side and more than a few rivers winding through, it’s no surprise that Goa has no dearth of adrenaline-pumping water sports to try. The beaches of Baga, Calangute and Anjuna offer activities like jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and wind surfing, among many others. Some operators also offer kayaking opportunities in the Zuari and Mandovi rivers.


Xavier: Considered one of the foremost Christian missionaries, St. Francis Xavier is especially revered for his work in India and South East Asia. His legacy is immortalized in a glass and silver casket in the Basilica of Bom Jesus, containing his incorrupt body and several artefacts of his.


Yachts: Many operators provide interesting river cruise experiences in Goa, like dinner cruises with traditional dances, casino cruises, catamaran and houseboat cruises.


Zacuti: Zacuti or Xacuti, as it also variably spelled, is a typical Konkan preparation of chicken in a flavourful curry of grated coconut and a myriad spices. It’s a signature Goan dish that leaves an indelible mark on your palate.

25,880 Comments on The A to Z of GOA

Destination Guide- Kolkata

Overview Kolkata, India’s second-largest city is as human a place can be. Beneath the ageing exterior is the expectant vigour. Under the bludgeons of time are eyes that still widen…

Overview

Kolkata, India’s second-largest city is as human a place can be. Beneath the ageing exterior is the expectant vigour. Under the bludgeons of time are eyes that still widen in awe of its own culture. Under the wizened grey is a passionate red. Leading to a ravenous belly is an articulate tongue that knows good taste. Much like most people, there are no pleasant introductions with Kolkata. The moment you step foot, you’re flung into the deep end of a sea of humanity engrossed in its passionate tryst with culture, art, history and quotidian life.

Experiences

  • Victoria Memorial:  Probably Kolkata’s best-known monument, and its most beautiful, the Victoria Memorial is a sprawling, spectacular white marble building built in memory of the colonial Queen Victoria’s demise. Inside, there are sprawling high-ceilinged halls, the central one hosting a permanent exhibition of the city’s colonial past. The adjoining manicured gardens host a light & sound show on winter evenings. Even if heading inside doesn’t interest you, beholding the magnificent building from afar, with its reflections in the nearby pools, is a memorable experience.
  • New Market: The labyrinthine network of passages and halls that make up the century-old marketplace called the New Market can often spring surprises for a first-timer, for the sheer variety of what is on offer; everything from apparel and handicrafts to jewellery precious and semi-precious, to the choicest of meat cuts. With a bit of work, you could nab great bargains too, which you should definitely invest in the amazing restaurants, bakeries and sweet stalls nearby, including the Nahoum Bakery and the legendary KC Das, credited with the mighty Rasgulla.
  • Rabindra SarovarThe colourful pandemonium that is Kolkata isn’t much likely to offer you a breather. Unless you visit the few spots of quiet retreat like the Rabindra Sarovar and the Maidan. The mornings see Kolkatans running, walking or ambling along the idyllic lakes. The afternoons see the health-conscious replaced by the love-struck, with hawkers and artists and chirping birds comprising the rest.
  • Partying at the Park Hotel: The Park Hotel, one of Kolkata’s best hospitality establishments, is a pulsating cynosure of several of the city’s best night-out spots. A vast varied selection of restaurants, bars and clubs- from the swanky cocktail bar with a 60s Swing feel called Roxy to a modern lively nightclub and bar called Tantra, from an upscale tastefully done-up Oriental restaurant in Zen to an international-level old-time pub with live music called Someplace Else, and many more- the options are aplenty. Chances are you’d run out of time before you run out of places to try here.
  • Football Match: Kolkata is at its passionate, zealous best the evening of a football match. Generations have mythologized the sport here. Friendships are abandoned and fault lines appear regarding your team loyalties. It’s only fair that two of the biggest football stadiums in the world, Salt Lake Stadium and Eden Gardens stand here; smaller arenas won’t withstand the fervour East Bengal, Mohun Bengal, and now Atletico de Kolkata inspire.
  • Dakshineshwar: Located on the northern outskirts of the city, the Dakshineshwar temple complex is one of the city’s most culturally significant structures. It is here that the revered and renowned Hindu mystic Ramakrishna began his spiritual sojourn, and his quarters are now a preserved piece of quiet reverence. Twelve shrines on the river waterfront are dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the main temple is consecrated to Goddess Kali.
  • Kumartuli, the idol-makers’ village: At the heart of Kolkata’s humanity is its love for arts and culture. Kumartuli, literally translating to ‘Potters’ Village’, is a kaleidoscopic glimpse into that. The craftsmen are essentially the lifeblood of the city’s fervent renowned Durga and Kali Poojas, supplying the idols that are the centrepieces of the celebrations. Take a walk of the locality, click a few pictures, and with a small tip, observe the idol-makers at work.
  • Indian Museum: The biggest and oldest major museum in the country, and one of the oldest in the World, appropriately titled Indian Museum, gives a vivid account of Indian and world history through a collection of epic proportions housed in a magnificent old palace. The six sections displayed in about two dozen galleries include artefacts ranging from the enlightening, like an Egyptian mummy and the Ashoka Pillar (India’s national emblem), to the ludicrous, like embalmed human embryos and jewellery recovered from a crocodile’s interiors.
  • Book Market at College Street: News flash- Kolkata loves its literature. No surprise that sifting through rare titles and rarer editions of all kinds of books at College Street is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have here. The second-largest used books market in the world offers something for everyone; the dirt cheap prices and the staggering variety will keep you coming back.

Grub

Kolkata loves its food, and in all probability, you will too. Surprisingly affordable and thoroughly delicious, it makes devotees of the hardest of believers. With the alarming culinary variety, the only fair way is to look at the plethora of options from different perspectives, like a true foodie!

Casual Dining

  • Flurys: In the tenth decade of its existence, Flurys once fuelled the breakfast palates of the English gentry at the Park Street, along with wealthy Bengali, Armenian, Parsi patrons, etc. Now, it is probably the mostly fiercely-loved tearoom and bakers in the country, mainly because they’ve kept with what has always worked for them- their old menu, recipes and even staff. They sell ungodly amounts of Christmas cakes, pastries and ‘full English’ breakfast, but it’s the simplest things like their age-old milk bread that is the best-loved.
  • Indian Coffee House: Kolkatans love their heated debates. The Indian Coffee House, also called the College Street Coffee House, has been the coliseum for many an intellectual exchange, duel and battle for the better part of a century. The coffee house’s unassuming cheap coffee and snacks have been the tinder where the city’s intelligentsia, including luminaries like Satyajit Ray, Amartya Sen, and many more, has raged intellectual fire.
  • Arsalan Restaurant: Kolkata’s biryani is a whole different beast, and the well-patronized Arsalan restaurant is arguably the best places to try it. Skipping all efforts of grandeur for a modestly modern ambience and business-like approach to serving the best biryani in town, their food is just cause for revelry amongst the locals. The biryani is best teamed with their juicy delicious spread of kebabs.
  • 6 Ballygunge Place: : 6 Ballygunga Place began with the simple mission of giving the rich, diverse, flavourful Bengali cuisine the limelight it deserves. And if its enthralled patrons are to be believed, it has succeeded and how! Housed in a gorgeous former bungalow, the restaurant is an homage to the Bengali culture of yore, from the pastel-y paintings adorning the walls and the chairs, to the antique phone in the hallway. The real hero in all this is, as it should be, their authentic Bengali food, done the way it should be. From local sea-food favourites like Daab Chingri (prawns in a tangy coconut curry) & prawn malaikari (a buttery curry), to recipes that have previously been hiding in the diaries of Bengali grandmas, to traditional desserts and beverages and snacks, the expertly trained chefs concoct a culinary experience bar none. Go for the buffet or the a la carte options; but if we were you, we’d take the buffet.
  • India Restaurant: Kidderpore’s India Restaurant is a good display of Kolkata’s culinary ethos- focus firmly on food, all other frills secondary. Appreciated for its décor, the restaurant is known for its Mughlai fare which takes no prisoners; the kebabs, rolls, biryani and Mughlai desserts are a constant sensory onslaught that one needs a lengthy breather to recover from.

Street Food

  • China Town: Kolkata’s Chinatown, India’s only one, located in the Tangra neighbourhood is where the original Hakka Chinese settled over 200 years ago. The Chinese population has significantly dwindled since then, and so have Chinatown’s fortunes, but they’re unforgettable for adding their Chinese/Indian-Chinese cuisine on to India’s culinary map. What remains of the prosperous tanneries and authentic Chinese shops of yore are a pale shadow, but the culinary tradition, with its street food and its restaurants, stays strong. For how long, is an entirely different issue.
  • Dacres Lane: A confluence of white and blue collar professionals, the young, and the travellers descends upon Dacres Lane for the small stalls selling quick bites, interesting dishes and filling meals that fail to pinch your pocket. The narrow street stays busy throughout the day, and as the evening sets in, the crowds divert from the stalls to the dingy bars in between.
  • Teretti Bazaar: Kolkata is not an early rising city, so the Teretti Bazaar is an anomaly, on multiple counts. Anywhere between 6 and 7, it begins to come alive to the smells of fresh vegetables, fresh fish, and fresh pork cuts. That shouldn’t be a foodie’s agenda, though. Many stalls line-up a remarkable array of Chinese-Indian fare, momos and soup to noodles and more.

 Nightlife

  • OlyPub: Kolkata’s nightlife was never its strongest suit, but its old stalwarts like OlyPub that continue to reign supreme. Busy, pleasantly cheap, warm in hospitality with a good array of food and drink options, OlyPub could easily fill more than a few of your idle evenings.
  • Hoppipola: Relatively recent on the scene, the two Hoppipola outlets have made a name for themselves for the lively ambience, great food and of course, a range of drinks to keep everyone happy. We recommend the one in Acropolis Mall in Kasba, simply for it is older, but really both are great options for a night out.
  • Apart from these legitimate options, a constant fixture of the city is the ubiquitous dimly-lit, dirt cheap local bars. Do not go by appearances, though, they expect certain decorum from all of their patrons.

Stay

To book from the widest range of hotels, visit SpiceVacations.com.

First Class

  • ITC Sonar: Sonar literally translates to ‘Golden’ in Bengali, fitting for this remarkably luxurious property. If you are a true person of taste and only seek the best, this is where you need to head to. Every small detail is painstakingly though-out, every feature seemingly handcrafted. You’d receive the best in luxury hospitality, because you deserve the best.
    Distance from airport: 16 km
  • Harrington Residency: An experience in its own right, the Harrington Residency is a two-room sanctuary adjoining the enthralling Harrington Street Arts Centre. Experience warm hospitality, while witnessing profound displays of art, performing arts, literature, handicrafts and more.
    Distance from airport: 21 km

Premium Economy

  • Senses Hotel: Located in the middle of the commercial hub of the city, the Senses is popular with business travellers as well as couples exploring Kolkata, for the earnest service, and amenities that justify the price. Accessibility to major attractions is an advantage.
    Distance from airport: 15 km
  • Hotel Sawood International: Ostensibly a budget hotel, Sawood International is preferred for the views of the city from the rooms, for the helpful staff and the well-decked out rooms and surprising range of amenities for the targeted price. Perfect if you’re looking for a comfortable stay without shelling out much.
    Distance from airport: 19 km

Economy

  • Central Bed & Breakfast: A charming property, tastefully decorated with dollops of natural light, close to the heart of the city, a stay at the Central Bed & Breakfast would not come cheap but memorable experiences rarely do.
    Distance from airport: 22 km

Weekend Getaways

  • Digha: West Bengal’s most popular beach destination, Digha is the usual haunt for people looking to get out of the city. The place has a perennial festive air about it, and is also great to sample some typical Bengali sea-food, both the restaurant and fresh-fish-cooked-at-a-family-joint variety. If you’re looking to enjoy unobtrusive views of nature in solitude, head to the Talasari and Shankarpur beaches, 10 and 14 km away, respectively.
  • Sunderbans: The Sundarbans delta, the largest in the world, has an outlandish peerless countenance that defeats all adjectives. The Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers converge and then disintegrate into rivulets that snake their way through the seemingly endless Mangrove forests, again the largest in the world that appears to blot out the Sun. The wilderness is understandably home to alarming biodiversity, including the fabled man-eating Bengal Tigers, crocs, turtles, birds and more. A good place to begin the wild exploration is the Sajnekhali wildlife sanctuary, home to several species of birds and the Royal Bengal Tiger, apart from breeding centres for crocodiles, sharks and turtles.
  • Navadwipa: Quite unbecoming of the chaos that is West Bengal, Navadwipa-Mayapur is a small archipelago on the river Ganges that effortlessly eases you into a silent serenity. The meandering village roads, the orchids and the forests all lead to over 200 temples, most of them devoted to an avatar of Lord Krishna, spread throughout the 9 islands that lend the air a certain divinity.
  • Santiniketan: A cultural and spiritual retreat in the middle of overwhelming natural beauty, the Santiniketan estate is a well-spring of creativity and ideas. Much of its fame emanates from the Visva-Bharati University, India’s first university, which grew out of a school founded by the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore as an attempt at breaking new grounds in education. Santiniketan is now a breath of fresh air in all senses, and a stimulating intellectual sojourn.
  • Diamond Harbour: A tiny city about two hours south of Kolkata, Diamond Harbour is located at the bank of River Hooghly, close to where it meets the Bay of Bengal. The beaches are serener, perfect for a refreshing getaway. If you’re in the mood for some activity, there is the Chingrikhali fort, the Lighthouse, a Naval Camp and the South Bengal Museum to be checked out.

General Information

Languages: Bengali, English, Hindi

Public Transport: While fairly old and rickety, there are multiple modes of transport in Kolkata. If you’re not in a rush to get somewhere, the trams gently rolling down the streets are great means for exploring the city. For a faster commute, choose between the Metro, the oldest in the country, which is currently operational on just one line but expanding quickly, or the yellow cabs, slightly expensive but a lot more direct, or the auto-rickshaws, if you can make sure not be ripped off. You will also see hand-pulled rickshaws plying around the New Market and a few other areas.

Weather: Like all southern coastal regions in India, Kolkata is subject to a tropical hot and humid climate. The summer months (March-June) can see fairly high levels of heat and humidity, with dry spells frequently seeing temperatures soar 40 degrees C. June to September are the Monsoon months where it can rain quite often; the average temperature hovering around 30. The colder months (December- February) experience mild winters, which is mostly a welcome change from the heat than actually cold.

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