It happens only in INDIA!!

India is a country that leaves one spellbound with its alluring contrasts and striking features in all that it beholds! One is sure to get intermingled with the plaited knots of customary and contemporary ingredients of India. It is full of beautiful contrasts.


Take a look on some funny sign, people, cars, situations and many more.

15 Hilarious Pics of India:

40 Interesting Facts about INDIA! “India never fails to surprise”!

India!

India’s astounding diversity of religions, languages and cultures is unique and unparalleled.

The vast diversities cannot seek an end but flow into the vast sea “Unity”. Yes, the land where unity rises and discrimination sets, that's the land — India.

As a citizen of this beautiful country, I am so proud to list down some amazing facts about it.

A glance of some interesting facts about India:


1. India is the world's largest, oldest, continuous civilization.

2. India is the world's largest democracy.

3. Martial Arts were first created in India, and later spread to Asia by Buddhist missionaries.

4. Yoga has its origins in India and has existed for over 5,000 years.

5. When many cultures were only nomadic forest dwellers over 5000 years ago, Indians established Harappan culture in Sindhu Valley (Indus Valley Civilization).

6. India never invaded any country in her last 1000 years of history.

7. India invented the number system. Zero was invented by Aryabhatta.

8. The largest flag is at the Central Park, Connaught Place in New Delhi. (measuring 90 feet in length, 60 feet in width and weighing 35 kilograms)

9. There are 300,000 active mosques in India , more than in any other country, including the Muslim world.

10. Sanskrit is the mother of all the European Languages . Chess (Shataranja or AshtaPada) was invented in India.

11. India has the second largest pool of Scientist and Engineers in the World.

12. India has the largest number of Post Offices in the world.

13. One of the largest employer in the world is the Indian Railways , employing over a million people.

14. The Baily Bridge is the highest bridge in the world. It is located in the Ladakh valley between the Dras and Suru rivers in the Himalayan mountains. It was built by the Indian Army in August 1982.

15. The Vishnu Temple in the city of Tirupathi built in the 10th century, is the world's largest religious pilgrimagedestination. Larger than either Rome or Mecca, an average of 30,000 visitors donate $6 million (US) to the temple everyday.

16. Varanasi, also known as Benaras, was called "the Ancient City" when Lord Buddha visited it in 500 B.C., and is the oldest, continuously inhabited city in the world today.

17. The name 'India' is derived from the River Indus, the valleys around which were the home of the early settlers. The Aryan worshippers referred to the river Indus as the Sindhu.

18. Chess was invented in India.

19. Algebra, Trigonometry and Calculus are studies, which originated in India.

20. The 'Place Value System' and the 'Decimal System' were developed in India in 100 B.C.

21. The world's highest cricket ground is in Chail, Himachal Pradesh. Built in 1893 after leveling a hilltop, this cricket pitch is 2444 meters above sea level.

22. The world's first university was established in Takshila in 700 BC. More than 10,500 students from all over the world studied more than 60 subjects. The University of Nalanda built in the 4th century was one of the greatest achievements of ancient India in the field of education.

23. The Art of Navigation & Navigating was born in the river Sindh over 6000 years ago. The very word Navigation is derived from the Sanskrit word 'NAVGATIH'. The word navy is also derived from the Sanskrit word 'Nou'.

24. Bhaskaracharya rightly calculated the time taken by the earth to orbit the Sun hundreds of years before the astronomer Smart. According to his calculation, the time taken by the Earth to orbit the Sun was 365.258756484 days.

25. The value of "pi" was first calculated by the Indian Mathematician Budhayana, and he explained the concept of what is known as the Pythagorean Theorem. He discovered this in the 6th century, long before the European mathematicians.

26. Until 1896, India was the only source of diamonds in the world.

27. Usage of anaesthesia was well known in ancient Indian medicine. Detailed knowledge of anatomy, embryology, digestion, metabolism,physiology, etiology, genetics and immunity is also found in many ancient Indian texts.

28. India exports software to 90 countries.

29. The four religions born in India - Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, are followed by 25% of the world's population.

30. Jainism and Buddhism were founded in India in 600 B.C. and 500 B.C. respectively.

31. The oldest European church and synagogue in India are in the city of Cochin. They were built in 1503 and 1568 respectively.

32. India provides safety for more than 300,000 refugees originally from Sri Lanka, Tibet, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, who escaped to flee religious and political persecution.

33. His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, runs his government in exile from Dharmashala in northern India.

34. India is about 1/3 the size of the United States, yet it is the second most populous country in the world, with a population of 1,166,079,217. India is the seventh largest country in the world, at 1.27 million square miles.

35. The earliest cotton in the world was spun and woven in India. Roman emperors would wear delicate cotton from India that they would call “woven winds.”

36. The Himalayas—from the Sanskrit hima, meaning “snow,” and alaya, meaning “abode”—are found in the north of India. They extend 1,500 miles and are slowly growing taller, by almost an inch (2.5 cm) a year.

37. Most historians agree that the first recorded account of plastic surgery is found in ancient Indian Sanskrit texts.

38. Hindi and English are the official languages of India. The government also recognizes 17 other languages (Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Nepali, Manipuri, Konkani, Kannada, Kashmiri, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu). Apart from these languages, about 1,652 dialects are spoken in the country.

39. All of India is under one time zone.

40. Arabic numericals are in fact Indian numericals.

Bending gender, ending gender- equality for transgender people at workplace!!

“According to a report from the ‘National Transgender Discrimination Survey’ conducted by National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and National Centre for Transgender Equality, transgender are facing double the rate of unemployment of the general population. The survey also indicated that majority of them are experiencing a serious discrimination and are unable to sustain themselves.”

The global scenarios in work place and work environ is changing. While there has been loads of awareness in the rights of Transgender and the like, little has been changed when it comes to their presence and scope on work front.

Although attitudes towards trans people have become more accepting and embracing but they still face prejudice at work place. The stigma associated with being seen with a transgender or with the fact that you are socializing with a transgender is immense. The major problem is rooted in the mind. The work places need to grow beyond the miniscule issues of gossip and “what society says” mindset. Also, the sneers and the jeering comments that automatically filter out of most mouths when dealing with a transgender need to be checked.

Most of the private sector companies (including some Fortune 100 Companies) are working towards full acceptance and inclusion and have started to cover gender identity in their non discrimination policies.

Why your company should choose to be transgender inclusive? Some of the basic reasons are-

• To hire and retain top talent
• To position the company as diverse
• To be aligned and compliant with laws and policies
• To enhance cultural competence


“Knowledge is power that can shatter myths and help lift the veil of ignorance.”


The root cause of this problem lies in the mindset and could take time to wipe off. However, it could get erased if genuine efforts are made.

Some of the “recommended policies and practices to foster a more transgender inclusive workplace” are as follows-

• Gender Identity needs to be included in non discrimination and non-harassment policies. Company Policies should be amended to stop ill-treatment towards trans-identified individuals in the workplace.

• Appoint a person who can take care of transgender related issues. It can be in-house or an external employee that has knowledge and training and who can address these concerns.

• While caste-based discrimination are being tackled via reservations and campaigns, the issue of transgender can be handled by raising awareness and creating quotas.

• Remove discriminatory health insurance exclusions.

• Create awareness and provide counselling to other employees by publishing text and video materials on Transgender Equality.

• Address such gender issues in the workplace effectively, and take measures to improve trust and teamwork and to dissipate fear and misunderstanding.

Transgender inclusion creates a respectful and professional work environment. It helps organisation to maximise teamwork and productivity and become a successful and diversity leader in its industry!

ESCAPE TO CHANDIGARH- Better than the Rest!

Chandigarh is one of my favourite cities. It is the most well-planned and organised city in India. During my recent visit to the place, I tried to find out why this city is so different from rest of the states of our country. I spoke to some locals there and researched about its history and found out some interesting facts!

The name ‘Chandigarh’ is derived from an ancient temple called ‘Chandi Mandir’ which was devoted to the Hindu Goddess Chandi and is situated in Panchkula. In 1966, Haryana was carved out from eastern portion of Punjab, since the city of Chandigarh was on the border; it was created into a Union Territory to serve as a capital for both the states.

The city was primarily designed by French Architect Le Corbusier.

One of the structures built by the legendary architect is ‘Open Hand Monument which is located in Sector 1, Capitol Complex. This motif is a sign of peace and represents give and take of ideas and the message that the city gladly receives all without any distinction.

Chandigarh is a destination which can entertain you to the core! It has ample tourist attractions like lakes, parks and gardens, museums, shopping markets, historical places etc.


Some of the must-visit places here are:


Sukhna Lake: I love to take an early morning or an evening stroll here! This place is very quiet and peaceful. Interestingly, unlike other lakes and scenic spots in other states, I could not spot vendors here, which probably explains the absence of litter and remarkable cleanliness of this place. Bird-watching and Boating are two things you can enjoy here!

Rock Garden: The Rock Garden is situated near Sukhna Lake. In 1957, Nek Chand who has a government official was the founder of this place. He started building the garden secretly in his spare time. When you will enter this place, I bet you will be awestruck by the creativity and innovation. Each of the artwork displayed here is made by using industrial and urban waste/scraps. This place is a must visit!

Leisure Valley: If you love gardens and greenery, this place is ideal for you.
I love the place as it’s a great place to be away from the city humdrum and relax. It comprises of several gardens running throughout the city. The famous Rose Garden of Chandigarh is the largest garden of Asia. Other popular gardens of the city are Garden of Tranquillity, Garden of Rare Plants, Garden of Annuals, Bougainvillea Garden, Botanical Garden and Garden of Aromatic Plants.

Sector 17: Sector 17 is truly a shopper’s paradise! This market reminds me of ‘Connaught Place’ in Delhi. This place is generally crowded and is known for its restaurants and shops. You can shop for branded lifestyle products or traditional handicrafts. Also, this place is famous for its nightlife!


Other tourist attractions here are:

• Parks and Gardens: Rajendra Park, Rock garden, Hibiscus garden, Zakir rose Garden, Smriti Upavan, Terraced Garden, Topiary Garden, Shanti Kunj etc.

• Historical Place : Capitol Complex.

• Museums : Government Museum and Art Gallery, International Dolls Museum, Museum of Evolution of Life.

• Forests : Kansal and Nepli.

TRAVEL FACTS:


Best Time to Visit- October to March

Major Festivals- Baisakhi, Lohri, Holla Mohalla, Gurupurab, Tika, Teeyan, Karwa Chauth, Dusshera, Diwali, Raksha Bandhan

WE OFTEN TALK ABOUT RACISM IN THE WESTERN COUNTRIES- ARE WE LESS RACISTS?

“Racism is something you learn, not something you are born with”.

As the above saying goes, racism is a universal staple of the human psyche. The existence of this universal phenomenon prevails in almost all parts of the world. Is India an exception? No, it is sad but inescapable truth and a fact which is not very well accepted.

Ironically, Indian society cry foul and believe that they are the victims of the race-based discrimination and oppression by the people of the western countries. However, the prevalence of racist actions, practices and prejudices in Indian society is overlooked.

Even the most cursory look at any daily newspaper can depict our racist attitude. Let’s retrospect the matrimonial column of the newspaper; our prejudices towards caste and obsession with fair-skin can be easily observed. Off late, the front page and headlines are filled with news stories of violence against indigenous minorities from India’s North-East. They have to face jibes and repressing statements in their own country.

The recent murder case of Nido Taniam is an example of such racial assaults. Nido Taniam, was a 19 year student from Arunachal Pradesh. He was mercilessly beaten up by shopkeepers in the South Delhi suburb of Lajpat Nagar when he protested by breaking the glass of the shop as he was racially taunted by them. He just went to the shop for asking a nearby address and was ridiculed for his ‘Chinki’ looks and ‘Korean’ hairstyle. He succumbed to his injuries the day after. Just days after this brutal racist assault, two Manipuri youth were allegedly attacked and abused by few drunken bikers.

Such incidences have brought the issue of racism in the spotlight. But these issues are not raised and talked about as Indians don’t acknowledge their racist attitude and beliefs. They should realise that other countries are atleast taking steps to stop such race-based oppression. However, they are unable to counter the issue of racial discrimination mainly because of their indifference and ignorance towards it.


Nelson Mandela said- “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite”.


It’s time to change the mindsets of people in our society. Steps should be undertaken and laws should be made to curb the division of people with US and THEM.

“Road Trips aren’t measured by Mile Markers, But by Moments!”

When we reached to Amritsar by our car, at first sight, it seemed like an oversized version of Delhi’s Chandni Chowk to me.

The roads were narrow and crowded. The pavements are taken up by street vendors; the streets are full with rickshaws, cows, cars and people! We headed towards our hotel, Hyatt (Ista) Amritsar which was nestled in the heart of the city, just 10 minutes away from the Golden Temple.

Amritsar is the capital of Punjab. ‘Punjab’ literally means the land of 5 rivers- the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas. And, the word ‘Amritsar’ is derived from the name ‘Amrit Sarovar’, which means the pool of the holy nectar surrounding the Harmandir Sahib, popular as the Golden Temple. Golden Temple is also called so because the entire upper half of the temple is inlaid with copper covered over by gold plate (over 200 lbs of gold was used).

On the first day of our trip, we visited the holy ‘Golden Temple’ which is the main centre for the Sikh religion. We took a rickshaw from the parking gate as the lane leading to the entrance was very narrow. We were aware of the fact that visitors need to cover their head, so we were carrying our own scarves. On arrival, we submitted our shoes and socks and entered the temple grounds. The marble pavement was very hot against my bare feet. As I walked in, I was amazed by the beautiful mix of colors in the complex. I came across a community kitchen at the temple called Guru-ka-Langar, it was indeed the world’s largest eatery! .

On our way back, we went to Jallianwala Bagh, a memorial park that commemorates the British military's use of gunfire against peaceful protesters in 1919. Jallianwala Bagh stands as the witness of one the most tragic incidents of the Indian history. If you come to Amritsar, this place is a must visit.

On the next day of our trip, we went to visit the Wagah Border to see the flag raising and lowering ceremony. The ceremony was done with great pomp and show. The tall soldiers in massive turbans were high-stepping and slamming gates. The entire event created a patriotic fervour amongst us.

It started raining very heavily the next day, but we left for Delhi by our car on time. Our short road trip came to an end with some beautiful unforgettable memories!

Quick Facts:

Best Time to Visit: October - March

Shopping: Punjabi Jutis, Phulkari (traditional embroidery), lacquered woodwork, Warian etc.

Sight-Seeing: Akal Takth, Ram Tirth etc.

Places to eat: Bharavan the Dhaba, Kanha Sweets, Kesar da Dhaba etc.

How colour plays a vital role in influencing our moods!!

“Colours, like features, follow the changes of the emotions. - Pablo Picasso”

Can colour influence your mood?

Have you ever noticed that you start your day by selecting which shade of colour you would wear based on your mood?

Colours play a very crucial role in our daily lives. Colour can make us feel cheerful, gloomy, hungry, anxious, relaxed and so on. It has a very close connection with psychological effects on people.

Does the colour black gives you a sense of power or sophistication? Do you feel calm in gray? Why?

Science has proven that each colour has its own unique properties, specific wavelength and vibrational frequency. For instance, the colour Red has the longest wavelength and the slowest vibrational frequeny. Whereas, violet has the shortest wavelength and the fastest frequency.

The colours are received through our eyes, which stimulates the retina and its cells which then travel to the optic nerve to brain and trigger glands and secretion of hormones to various parts of body. The colours have a great influence on our moods and feelings due to such impacts on our body.

Your selection of colour also depends on what you are trying to convey to your audience. For example, in the healthcare industry, you will often see white, blue and greys as these colours emphasise trust and tranquillity.

Colour has a profound effect both physically and mentally. But your feelings about a particular colour can depend upon various factors. The same colour can have different meaning in some other culture. For example, the colour ‘Black’ is a symbol of ‘mourning’ in many western countries but in countries like India, it is associated with party, power and sophistication. Similarly, we consider the colour ‘White’ as a symbol of mourning and in western countries; it is associated with special occasions like white is worn by brides on their Wedding day.

Different colours have different effects. They are categorised as-

• Warm Colours

Warm Colours include red, orange, yellow etc. They create energy and warmth.

• Cool Colours

Cold colours include Green, Blue and Purple. They are believed to have an relaxing effect on both body and mind.

• Neutral Colours

Neutral Colours include Black, Brown and White. It is not associated with any single hue. It can be made by mixing corresponding hues.

Let’s take a quick look at some colours and their associations-

Blue- Credible, Confidence, Loyalty
Purple- Royalty, Luxury, Wisdom
Yellow- Optimism, Enlightening, Energy
Orange- Energising, Enthusiasm, Desire
Red- Passion, Danger, Urgency
Black- Unknown Sophistication, Mystery, Power
White- Simplicity, Hope, Purity
Green- Balance Growth, Vision, Fertility


So, what is your favourite colour? Why? What effect does it have on you?

Think over and explore!

DISTANT SHORES- ENCHANTED ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS

Spending a couple of days on the Andaman and Nicobar islands has been an unforgettable experience for me! The stunning beauty of the island captured me. Andaman and Nicobar islands were once a settlement for penal punishment and now it’s popular as a tourist destination.

We started our trip by visiting Corbyn’s Cove Beach. The beach was serene and quiet and was surrounded by the lovely green coconut palms. This beach is the closest (nearly 8 km) from the main city (Port Blair) and was at a stone’s throw from our hotel, Peerless Sarovar Portico Resort (only beach resort in the city).

In the evening, we went to visit the cellular jail, also popularly known as “kala pani”. The well constructed building with the greenery around it is quite a contrast, to the stories of atrocities and tortures done here on the freedom fighters. Anyone visiting this place cannot leave without watching the spectacular light and sound show which is based on the history of the prison.

Next day, we checked out early morning to the port where our luxury passenger cruise-vessel called MAKRUZZ was waiting for us. We headed to Havelock island and reached their by afternoon. After sumptuous lunch at the hotel itself, we hired bikes and were all set to explore the nearby beaches.On our way to the beach, we gulped free fresh air, enjoyed the silence and the scenic beauty around us. We felt truly in the lap of nature. The moment we entered Radhanagar beach (Also known as beach no. 7) - we knew we were in for a treat!


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The white sand beach is an amazing place to spend some quiet and quality time with family and friends. It is also bestowed as Asia’s best beach by time magazine.

Havelock island is home to many picturesque beaches. A visit to elephant beach is a must if you love to do adventure water sports. This beach offers various adventure activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking etc. When we reached the beach on speed boats, I was amazed by the people who got up so early morning to do water sports! I went through all the options and kept rejecting them by giving an excuse of being a non swimmer. The guides there suggested me to do sea-walk. The word ‘sea walk’ gave me goose bumps. But I gathered up some courage when I got to know that’s it the most easy and simple activity and there was no training and swimming skills required. The action began when our motor boat took us to the designated spot, we were given transparent helmets for oxygen supply , and then we went inside the water through a small staircase, scuba divers accompanied us and we spend an awesome breathtaking 20 minutes gaping at the corals and the beautiful and colourful fishes on the sea bed. The whole experience was divine and thrilling.

When we were leaving for home the next day, the only thought that lingered on my mind was when we are coming back at these islands to explore many more untouched and unexplored beauty hidden here.

QUICK FACTS:

- Besides beach activities, tourism highlights include mountain trekking.
- A visit to Port Blair, can include stops at the Anthropological Museum, Chatham Sawmill, Marine Museum etc .
- Excursions to the beautiful islands of Wandoor, Jolly Buoy, Ross, Niel etc are also recommended as well as a trip to the bird sanctuary at Chiriyatapoo.
- The best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar islands is from December to March.

Spring Fashion Trends 2014

Spring has sprung! But is your wardrobe ready and in-shape for this summer/spring 2014? If not yet, then you are at the right place. I have rounded up all the must haves fashion wear and must try trends.

Start planning your new season makeover now with your perfect fashion trend guide to spring 2014.

Read on to discover your favourite new trend for this year!

Top Trends for spring which are ripped straight from the fall 2014 runways:

•Crop Tops

The Crop top trend can be seen pretty much everywhere but this trend is not for everyone and is feared by many. Not everyone dares to bare their midriff and embrace this bold style statement. Team up your crop top with a high-waisted skirt for a more feminine look. You can also pair the up with skirts or pants.

• Wide Legged Pants

Get ready to make a statement in wide legged pants! These pants had a major comeback this season. It has landed in all the stores and can be worn by people of all age and body types. It will give you an amazing silhouette if you are little heavy at the top. You can go for a high waisted trouser if you want to hide your muffin top. If you are short heighted, wear them with high heels! It’s ideal for the typical pear-shaped Indian women as hips appear narrower and they draw attention to the ankle.

Wide legged pants come in various styles. If you have skinny legs, go for a smaller flare and tight upper pants style. If you have thicker thighs, grab yourself a standard leg and wide flare pants.

• All Denim Look

Who doesn’t have denim in their closet? It is a staple wear and a must have in your wardrobe collection. This fabric has never gone out of fashion. But this summer, the ‘all-denim’ look is the new style statement. Nowadays, most of the celebrities and models have been spotted in the ‘denim on denim look’!

If you want to don this latest trending style, you can successfully pull off this look by mix and match your favourite denim shirts, skirts, jackets, pants etc. But make sure your denims are few shades apart. Also, carefully pick your footwear and accessories, choose a contrasting colored shoes and classy handbags!

Just GO BLUE!

Get inspired and get the heavy denim-attire look, and one thing is for sure- you will be turning heads!

• Pastel Shades

Pastels are the ‘it’ hues of spring 2014!

You will find pretty pastel shades in clothes and accessories this season. Is your wardrobe full of bright and vibrant colors? If yes, enrich your closet with soft, lovely, pale and pretty shades of pastel.

This style not only gives you a very summery and feminine look but it’s also refreshingly au-courant! Pastel shades like blue, pink lilac, spearmint and yellow are trending and spreading their essence this summer!

• Tea Length Skirts

Tea length skirts were all the rage on the runways this season!

This skirt is similar to a maxi skirt except the length is bit shorter and the silhouette is slightly wider. It’s usually A-line and can be found as plain, floral or graphic prints.

You can team these skirts with a crop top, fitted jacket and wedges for that perfect look.

It can be worn at anytime during the day.

Do you love the lady-like look? Grab yourself a lovely, flattering and versatile tea length skirt now and add some grace and elegance to your wardrobe!

ESCAPADE- Getting there is half the fun

“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never seen before.”- Dalai Lama

Are you looking for a break from work? Are you looking for a vacation in hill stations to get respite from the summer heat?

Escape to a hill station where you can be away from the hectic daily grind and hustle bustle of the daily life. If you are wondering where to go, consider the following options.

Top 5 Hill Stations in India:-


1. COORG
Coorg (Kodagu) is also known as the ‘Scotland of India’ and ‘Kashmir of South’. This hill station is located in Karnataka. It is popular for its coffee and tea plantations. If you are looking for a quiet, serere, picturesque landscape, this place is one of the best to visit. So, this summer, just relax and rejuvenate your senses and enjoy the eye-soothing and heavenly beauty of Coorg.

Quick Facts:
Shopping- Coffee, Honey, Spices Best time to visit- November to May (except for monsoon, June to September) Nearest Railway Station- Mangalore, Mysore, Hassan Nearest Airport- Mangalore, Mysore Sight Seeing- Cauvery, Abbey falls, Madikeri, Omkareshwara Temple etc.

2. KASHMIR
Kashmir is popularly known as ‘Paradise on Earth’. This hill station has ample attractions to showcase. It offers you captivating natural beauty, astounding greenery and amazing cuisine. A trip to Kashmir without experiencing the Shikara ride at the Dal Lake in Srinagar, snow-capped mountains of Gulmarg, beautiful valley of Pahalgam, dazzling view of Sonamarg is incomplete. Just pack your bags and head straight to Kashmir to experience the best time of your life.

Quick Facts:
Best time to visit- March to October Sight Seeing- Dal Lake, Mughal Gaden, Hazratbal, Betaab Valley etc. Shopping- Carpets, Pashmina Shawls, Papier Mache, Saffron

3. SHIMLA
Your search for an unforgettable summer retreat ends here! Shimla has it all for you. Shimla is packed with picture perfect landscapes and natural splendour. You can take a stroll at Shimla Mall or visit the nearby excursions to Chail, Kufri etc. Those who love and seek fun- filled adventure can plan out a trip to Shimla. Plenty of options are available like River rafting, trout trekking, rock climbing etc.

Quick Facts:
Shopping- Wooden handicrafts, Jams and squashes Nearest Airport- Jubbarhatti Best time to visit- April to August, December to January Sight Seeing- The Ridge, The Mall, Jakhoo Temple etc.

4. GANGTOK
Are you looking for a family outing or a romantic getaway? Well, Gangtok is a destination for all. It is located in the state of Sikkim. Gangtok is renowned for its breath taking views; it is a visual delight. This place offers you a blend of calmess, tranquillity and thrilling adventure.

Quick Facts: Nearest Airport- Bagdogra Nearest Railway Station- New Jalpaiguri Best time to visit- September to May Sight Seeing- Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake, Ganesh Tok, Rumtech Monastery etc.

5. DHARAMSHALA
Dharamshala, also popularly known as ‘Queen of the Hills;’ is the perfect holiday spot! It is known for its magnificent landscapes and serenity. It’s a perfect place to rejuvenate your body and soul. The beauty of this place has captivated people from all over the world; they often visit this place to attain peace of mind. Mc Leodganj is the most famous tourist attraction in Dharamshala. The Dalai Lama's residence in McLeodGanj and administrative office is in the Tsuglagkhang Complex.

Quick Facts:
Nearest Airport- Kangra Best time to visit- January to June; September to December Sight Seeing- Kangra Art Museum, War Memorial, St John’s Church etc. Shopping- Prayer flags, Tangkha and Mandala paintings, Tibetan singing bowl, Bhagsunag Falls etc.

With a camera you can preserve the scenes of these magnificent places but what remains in your memories forever is the blissful experience of the hill stations in India. Explore and Enjoy!

7 Keys to Email Etiquettes

Do you feel that people tend to ignore your emails? Do most of your colleagues prefer to talk to you on phone rather than replying to your email? You could be writing inefficient emails that fail to convey the message.

The use of email is ubiquitous in Corporate Culture. Follow these 7 simple tips for making email more efficient and more actionable-

1. Be brief and to the point

Do you like reading long emails? No one does! A good rule of thumb is to keep emails short and concise. Follow the ‘less is more’ strategy. Make important points and your main message clear at the beginning of the email and then give details in the rest of your email.

2. Use CC and BCC appropriately

Think twice before pressing 'Reply All'. This will make your email go to everyone on the original list. If you intend to only address one or two people on the list, select only those recipients.

3. Choose your subject fields with care

Your readers may size you up based on your subject line. Do not use simple sayings such as "For action" or "Please Read" in your subject line. This may result in your emailing being sorted to the Junk Mail folder. Use a professional subject line to ensure your email's recipient will read the email and not disregard it for miscellaneous junk or spam.

4. Use proper spelling, grammar and punctuation

Do you have the fetish of using multiple exclamation marks? Do your colleagues make fun of your typos and spelling errors? Wrong spellings and grammar reflects negative impression of you and your company. Always keep your spell-check option on to avoid such silly mistakes. Read your email before pressing the send button.

5. Avoid writing in capitals

Writing in capitals is the digital equivalent of shouting. Also, they are harder to read. So do not use all-caps to stress points.

6. Don’t forward hoax emails and chain letters

Created by pranksters, hoax stories are fictional. But sadly, many naive readers actually believe these email hoaxes, and forward them around affecting someone's reputation resulting in losses. If you get email hoaxed, report it to the right sources.

7. Be careful with formatting, structure and layout

You email recipient may be reading your email on a mobile device. Make sure that you don't go overboard with highlighting and underlining your email contents. A clear and concise email is a reflection of your working style.

“A good day at the beach ends with sandy toes and a sun-kissed nose!”

PACK A PERFECT VANITY BOX FOR YOUR BEACH HOLIDAY!

Are you heading for a beach vacation? Are you concerned about your look on the beach as your makeup generally gets spoiled during fun and frolic in the sand?

Do you often wonder that whenever you go to a beach all dressed up with that perfect make-up, even then your look don’t stay for long and photographs don’t come out well with that smudgy and melting make-up?

Don’t worry anymore! Let me help you organise an ideal and ultimate vanity box for your beach holiday!

Make sure you must-have these essentials for travel with you and for that perfect look on the beach.

Imagine yourself on the beach! Lets jott down a list of the cosmetics you should carry along:

- Sunscreen, SPF Cream, Oil free Moisturizer

- Silicon based Primer, water-proof concealer

- Oil free, silicon based foundation or BB Cream with SPF

- Powder eye-shadow, waterproof eye-liner and mascara

- Neutral color lipsticks, Lip tints, Lip Balm with SPF etc.



This is not an exhaustive list; you can expand or contract it as per your makeup requirements.

What’s next? How to apply these cosmetics so that the sweat and water can’t dampen your mood?

Suppose, you have to visit the beach tomorrow! Follow these guidelines to keep your makeup intact for a longer span of time.

7 Tips for perfect beach Make-up: 1. Firstly, we would suggest you to swipe on an antiperspirant before you to go sleep since the aluminium-based compounds that block sweat glands get more time to absorb.

2. Applying a powerful sunscreen is a must; you can choose brands with higher SPF.

3. If you want to hide some marks and scars, go for a water-proof concealer and have fun around the beach freely with full confidence.

4. To make your eyes look attractive even on the sea-shore, grab yourself a waterproof shadow, liner and mascara.

5. Always skip the foundation and instead opt for a tinted moisturizer or a BB Cream with SPF. It will make your skin look natural and will also protect you from tanning. Avoid using lip gloss as hair and sand tend to stick to it. Go for a lip balm with SPF instead!

6. Grab neural colors lip shades and eye-shadows.

7. Opt for a peach blush over pink! Peach-ish shades look better in the sun.


So, let the sea set you free! Enjoy the gleam and the sunshine!

TREND ALERT FOR MEN- CHINOS

“The BOLDER the BETTER”.

Bright colored, eye-catchy and versatile Chinos are trending this summer and the bolder the colors, the better!

Is your wardrobe full of basic blue or basic black denims? Do you only wear those safe colours like navy blue, brown and grey trousers?

Get Chinoed! It’s time to swap your boring bottom wear options for a pair of nonchalant Chinos. Chinos are available at almost every store and is a must have in your closet this season.

Chinos are basically made of twill fabric, originally made of 100% cotton. The word "chino" comes from the Spanish language and translates as "chinese". They were called so as the chino cloth was originally manufactured in China. But, who cares about its history when it has become a breakthrough fashion trend which cannot be ignored especially by the fashion-savvy men!

Chinos are considered to be a great staple wardrobe choice by today’s men. The best part of these trousers is that you can style it with practically everything. The color options are ample, you can choose from pastel shades to earthy tones to neons!

Chinos are summery, light-weight and a perfect choice for Indian summer.

You can easily find your desired size and color in these cool trousers. If you are planning to buy them, you can find different types of materials and cuts in these trousers make sure you choose it according to your body type.

Men don themselves in different type of Chinos, namely Boot Cut, Drop Crotch, Cargo, Flare, Plain, Pleated, Relaxed, Slim, Straight etc., depending on the style statement they want to make!

So choose your look! And, ditch and swap those boring basic colored denims and trousers, quickly upgrade it to spring’s quintessential trousers because undoubtedly Chinos are here to stay!

“I don’t let the clothes wear me, I wear them.”

Sonam Kapoor is unarguably the best dressed actress in Bollywood today!

She is known and admired for her versatile looks. Over the past few years, she has turned into a ‘Style Diva’. She is a fashion icon worldwide and her sense of style has been admired by many celebrities. The best styling tip you can learn from Sonam Kapoor is that she keeps reinventing her looks and she is confident to take risks with her unusual style sense.

When you see her, it’s not just about right clothes but also the perfect accessories and footwear’s she chooses to wear is admirable. She is often seen in messy fish braids, sleek high-pony and braided buns. She has very quickly and easily established a position of a Fashion Icon in the industry.

Her impeccable sense of styling is clearly seen in her classy looks at the Cannes Film Festival.

If you are wondering, who is her stylist?

She often says that she is her own stylist and fashion is her art. Her younger sister, Rhea Kapoor is a fashion designer and she designs her clothes. Her mother, Sunita Kapoor was a designer and used to supply to leading stores in Mumbai like Ensemble, Glitterati etc. She owes a lot to both of them. Also, before venturing in the Hindi Film Industry, she was studying in New York. So, she has picked her taste of vintage fashion from New York.

She has featured in almost all the covers of the leading fashion magazines and has walked the ramp for almost all the famous designers.

What’s next, Sonam?