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A rotund physique is no longer a sign of prosperity. In fact, it’s considered a sign of an unhealthy lifestyle and at times, laziness. If your resolve is a bit dodgy when it comes to religiously hitting the gym or keeping up with your fitness class – there are sterner methods of whipping you into shape. Enter, Fitness Boot Camps where you have to invest a fair amount of time, money and perseverance, but are guaranteed results.
1ON1 Fitness Camp
Nestled in the lap of the Nilgiris in Kodaikanal, this camp will help you get fit while breathing fresh mountain air. Offering packages ranging from three days to a month, they cater to people of all fitness levels – from those who’ve never exercised to folks who train regularly. However, if you fall into the former category, a minimum one-week camp is recommended for you. Once you enroll, they conduct a thorough fitness evaluation and design a plan for you. A typical day starts at 6 am with a meal of protein shake and fruits followed by various activities with the trainers (yoga, walking, jogging, cycling, functional exercises, trekking, circuit training) and ends at 7 pm with dinner. Vegetarian well-balanced meals with eggs to supplement your protein requirement are served, and accommodation is available in double or twin sharing rooms.
Where: A3, Mil Heaven, Hill Top Road, Kodaikanal
Cost: Rs 47,000 onwards per person for three nights (includes stay, meals, fitness and leisure activities)
For more, check here or call 8526524406/ 7299777714
Kare Ayurveda Yoga Health Retreat
If you think weight loss programmes revolve around starvation, Kare Ayurveda located on a 10-acre property overlooking the Mulshi Lake is on a mission to thwart that notion. Aiding the cause is their qualified team of doctors, therapists, nutritionists and paramedics. Though they offer treatments for a variety of ailments, the weight loss programme that spans two to four weeks involves Ayurveda Panchakarma therapies that help in detoxifying the system, Iyengar yoga sessions, long walks and following the diet prescribed by the dietician. Balanced vegetarian meals and accommodation in well-appointed cottages is provided. If you’re not sure about checking in for a longer duration, they also have half and one day sessions to give you a peek into their services.
Where: Village Gonawadi, Mulshi Lake, Pune
Cost: Rs 6,200 onwards per person for a night (includes stay, meals, fitness and leisure activities)
For more, check here or call 020 32933361/25442945/9372844740
Nehru Institute of Mountaineering
If you’re already fit and aim to be fitter in a fuss-free, economical and beautiful outdoor training set-up, then this one is for you. Ranging from basic to advanced, the courses span between 15 to 28 days. To qualify, it’s mandatory that you are fit and can trek 15 kms with 15 kilos of luggage. A basic course covers fundamentals like techniques of movement on rock, snow and ice, theoretical and practical aspects of mountaineering. The initial four to six days are spent on campus (surrounded by mountains) where you’ll be trained on physical conditioning, extensive rock climbing and other exercises imperative for mountaineering. The remaining days are spent in the mountains with basic accommodation and meals provided for.
Where: NIM Road, Near Government Polytechnic, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Cost: Rs 7,500 per person for a course (includes stay, meals, equipment and other training expenses)
For more, check here or call 1374 222123/ 224663/ 223580
Ultimate Survivor Krav Maga International
Combine fitness with self-defense courtesy Krav Maga – a programme originally developed for the Israeli defense forces. A practical and tactical system, this fitness technique by Ultimate Survivor Krav Maga International teaches you ways to prevent, deal and overcome all kinds of violence and attacks. Most of their courses are conducted at their headquarters in New Delhi with a few camps at Dehradun and Kerala as well. They provide lodging and boarding at an additional cost, but don’t insist on you opting for their arrangements. The camp usually lasts around three hours for civilians, and six hours for police and military personnel, and they conduct various programmes for adults, kids as well as senior citizens.
Where: M-6 (LGF), Saket, New Delhi
Cost: Rs 8,000 onwards per person
For more, check here or call 011 41764597/207
Ananda Spa
If you’re looking to lose weight while bathed in luxury, don’t look beyond the famous Ananda Spa. Situated on the foothills of the Himalayas and rated as one of Asia’s top spas, nothing is basic here. Welcoming you to an experience of a lifetime are well-appointed rooms with a spectacular view of the mountains, a 25,000 sq ft spa that offers a plethora of therapies, multiple dining options, a range of in-house body care products and various leisure activities. While you can choose from a variety of indulgence retreats, for weight loss – you can either opt for the Weight Management (14 to 21 days), a mix of detox therapies, exercise, yoga, diet and meditation; or the Ananda Active (five to seven days) – a combination of personal fitness, guided treks, yoga, aqua fitness and therapeutic spa experiences. Each package is tailormade with a goal orientated approach.
Where: The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar Tehri - Garhwal, Narendra Nagar, Uttarakhand
Cost: Rs 21,500 per person for a night (includes stay, meals, fitness and leisure activities)
For more, check here or call 18001025333
The bustling neighbourhood of Nungambakkam gets yet another gem in the form of A2 – a luxury Japanese and sushi bar housed inside The Park’s rooftop. An extension of Aqua, the upbeat alfresco lounge and poolside bar’s theme is also water. The industrial grunge effect from the elements used to deck up the place make it look distressfully raw yet eye catchy.
AMBIENCE
The colour theme is deep aqua blue and looks anything but dull, redefining the incomplete is the new chic concept. As you climb up to the eighth floor and enter the place, this new eatery sets a raw yet chic appeal with its industrial design, created masterfully by Delhi based product designer Gunjan Gupta. The well designed 40-seater space has a posh lounge area with a pool view and a sushi bar right beside the drinks counter. The furniture is heavy and mostly made of burnt wood, which makes it look charmingly aged.
The mirrored blue glass cabinets, exposed pipes, potli stools, half kathran sofas, moon shaped glass tables and a video installation by new media artist Rajorshi Ghosh – all reflect the seamless nature of water. The interiors are faintly illuminated making the place look dark even during the day, though the vibe is set by in-house DJ’s Akash and Faizal, who play live sets of retro and tropical house every night from 7.30 pm onwards.
FOOD + DRINKS
The bar has a quintessential collection of single malt whiskeys, white and red wines, and classic drinks that will woo anyone even the most-picky barfly. We started with the vanilla bean vodka concoction of A Two (Rs 600) with crème de cacao and grenadine, which was quite refreshing, but it was the Polynesian drink Tiki Tiki (Rs 600) made with light rum and pineapple juice served in a beautiful African drum glass that stood out. They serve all their mocktails in colourful Goli soda bottles that hark back to our childhood days.
In place of chakna, there were spiced tangy almonds and Harissa olives on the table even before we reached, but to pair with our drinks, we couldn’t resist a round of sushi. Chef Saravanan and Sushi Chef Rahul Srivastava showcase authentic flavours with the Classic Sashimi (Rs 590) – salmon, tuna and yellow tail as well as the Dragon Maki (Rs 650) – tempura prawn, salmon, teriyaki sauce and tobiko where the flakes have a crispy effect and the teriyaki sauce is punctuated. For a more comprehensive sushi meal, try the A2 Special Nigiri (Rs 990) that comprises almost every fish you can think of from tuna (Maguro), yellow tail (Hamachi), scallop (Hotategai), red snapper, salmon (Shake) and prawn (Ebi). If Japanese isn’t your thing, the Truffle Parmesan Fries (Rs 290) brimming with cheese and the subtle flavour of truffle was simply outstanding. Equally good was the Crispy Malabar Calamari (Rs 290) with lemon mayonnaise (Rs 430) and Bao with Miso (Rs 290) that came with marinated fried eggplant and kimchi. The Bao with Barbecued Pork Belly (Rs 410) is a star, especially with the Sriracha adding a spicy kick.
The dessert of choice has to be their Flambéed Dark Chocolate Marquise (Rs 400) that collapses as the warm chocolate and honey syrup are poured on it. It comes with a chilled gelato scoop and leaves you in a happy state of mind.
In A Nutshell
WH Verdict: A trendy lounge that offers a mini vacation from the city!
Meal For Two: Rs 2,500
Timings: Noon to 3 pm and 7 pm to midnight
Follow them on Facebook
**The writer was invited by the bar to preview their menu*
We’ve recently embraced the wear local way of life, so finding the best homegrown clothing brands has become a mission statement of sorts. With handmade indigenous textiles and cuts best suited to our climate, these indie clothing labels will help you look chic as well as keep cool all through the sweltering, humid and seemingly never-ending Indian summer.
Mogra
Bohemians who love all things handmade have lucked out this summer. Mogra – run by Pune based Sheena Roy Madhu – combines Western silhouettes with traditional fabrics and designs. Working closely with weavers and craftsmen from across the country, especially those from Gujarat, Varanasi, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, it’s a truly rooted brand. We’d gladly ditch our trousers for their breezy dresses that come in elegant, fitted silhouettes and in designs that suit a variety of occasions, from a day at the office to a casual brunch.
We Recommend: Their Madurai Saree dresses
Cost: Rs 2,700 onwards
Shop here
Olio
The Sunny Side Up collection from this Delhi-based label features dresses, shirts and jumpsuits made from lightweight cotton in a palette of gray and pastels. What makes these simple and classic geometric silhouettes stand out are the subtle yet quirky design elements added to each outfit. Think a fried egg splashed across one side of the appropriately named Fried Egg Dress or a sushi-inspired appliqué at the back of a wrap dress.
We Recommend: Their 3 Tier Jumpsuit and Tennis Shirt Dress
Cost: Rs 2,200 onwards
Shop here
Bias
Inspired by the 1960s and 1970s, this label focusses on fuss-free and easily wearable fashion. Their collection features loose, relaxed silhouettes that make you feel like you’re floating. With shirts, kaftans, dresses and skirts on offer, you’ll find plenty to put together a fresh and casual seasonal wardrobe. We suggest picking a few key pieces that catch your fancy and mixing and matching them with existing ones from your closet.
We Recommend: Their Groovy Checks Shirt Dress, Inblot Shirt and Ninja Skirt Pants
Cost: Rs 1,599 onwards
Shop here
Injiri
With a name derived from checkered fabric that was exported from erstwhile Madras to Africa, here’s a label that embraces all that’s Indian and homegrown. The Jaipur-based brand works with a network of craftsmen at all stages of production, right from the spinning of the yarn to the finishing. They offer separates crafted from indigenous, summer friendly fabrics such as jamdani, khadi and ikkat with flowing silhouettes and a palette of cool blues and whites.
P.S: Injiri retails at Bungalow 8 in Mumbai and at stores in Jaipur, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai as well.
We Recommend: Their Kinari Collection – a chic range inspired by the lungi
Cost: Rs 6,000 onwards
To shop, email studio.chinar@gmail.com
Jodi
Co-founded by Gauri Verma and Karuna Laungani, this indigenous label’s clothing features Indian textiles embellished with local craft techniques. Their extensive collection is lively with vibrant colours and bold graphic prints. You’ll find everything you need to craft your summer wardrobe, from dresses and kurtas to basic button-down shirts, skirts, trousers and culottes. Plus, there are fun bags that make for the perfect summer accessory.
We Recommend: Their Ink Everyday Tie Up Dress and Bougainvillea Drawstring Trousers
Cost: Rs 999 onwards
Shop here
While fast fashion is quick to keep up with changing trends, there’s no denying that several high street labels often employ practises that have a long-term effect on both the environment and the livelihoods of those working in small-scale industries. Embracing the Make in India spirit, a few homegrown labels are bringing the focus back on creating sustainable fashion that promotes traditional techniques and supports local industries right from sourcing raw material to stitching the final garment. Read on to find out where you can get clothing that’s both stylish and environmentally friendly.
Brass Tacks
Founded by economic analyst turned fashion entrepreneur Anaka Narayanan, this sustainable fashion label has been making waves since its inception. The handwoven textiles used are made from natural fibres and created using zero- electricity. Their extensive collection includes casual Western silhouettes in clean lines and vibrant colours, while some of their garments are made from handwoven khadi with embellishments such as block printing, ikkat and ajrakh, which add an Indian flavour.
We Recommend: Block-printed stretch pants, khadi dresses, ikat shirts and handwoven Kanjeevaram jackets.
Where: CP Ramaswamy Iyer Rd, Sriram Colony, Abiramapuram
Cost: Rs 500 onwards
Tula
This non-profit organisation not only produces eco-friendly clothing but also supports local craftsmen and promotes fair trade. Tula, which means cotton in Sanskrit, works with smallholder farmers and engages skilled khadi weavers associated with the Khadi and Village Industries Board in Gadag. Yarns are hand-spun from rain-fed, organic cotton, dyed with natural colours derived from plants, and cloth is manually stitched. The result is light and minimal clothing that’s perfect for the sultry weather and easy on your conscience too.
We Recommend: Organic handwoven kurtas and block-printed kurtis.
Where: 38 Besant Avenue Road, Adyar
Cost: Rs 400 onwards
Upasana, Auroville
The brainchild of fashion designer Uma Prajapati, this brand’s core philosophy lies in creating sustainable clothing with minimal environmental impact. They sell apparels like shirts for men and a wide range of kurtas, dresses, tops and bottoms for women, along with accessories like bags and scarves. Their most successful and talked about collections are Accentuated Whites, Artwear and Gypsy collection - they are easy, comfortable and eye catching. Upasana also associates itself with social causes and works to uplift local communities through various projects. Kapas, for example, was initiated to protect local cotton farmers from crop failure, while Small Steps aims to popularise compact bags as an alternative to plastic bags. Varanasi Weavers, another successful project by Upasana in 2006 uplifted the weaving communities of Varanasi and has introduced them both nationally and globally.
We Recommend: Dresses and vibrant bottoms for women, khadi shirts for men.
Where: Upasana, Auroshilpam, Aurovill, Pondicherry
Cost: Rs 1,000 onwards
Prana
With a versatile and sustainable collection, this label marries comfort and timeless style. They offer clothing for various occasions with casual wear, performance wear as well as accessories such as headgear, bags and satchels. You’ll find garments for both men and women –both Indian and Western silhouettes – all crafted from organic cotton and naturally dyed without a hint of chemical or carbon processing.
We Recommend: Unisex casual wear.
Where: D 6, 1st Floor, 6th Street, Near Chinthamani, Anna Nagar East, Anna Nagar
Cost: Rs 1,200 onwards
We’ve all grown up secretly flipping through glossy covers and slick magazines that our mum used to read. Then, when we grew up, those magazines became one of the indulgences that we used all the saved up pocket money for. Now, with everything going digital (guilty as charged), the charm of feeling paper in your hand and taking time out to read something interesting has been replaced by swipes and clicks. We are still a little old school though, and if you are too, then we’ve got a list of magazines that are braving the online storm and churning out quality content. From publications that tackle relevant cultural and contemporary issues, to those that tell a story through photographs – these are the 5 new age print pioneers we love!
Art India
Art India has been around for 19 years now and prides itself as India’s premier art magazine. A significant platform for discussions on all things art – be it painting, sculpture, installation art, new media art, photography or architecture – it was chosen by Paris’ Beaux Arts as one of the leading art mags in the world and has been awarded by the Federation of Indian Publishers. With issues dedicated to Ceramics, Gender, and even one called A Bouquet Of Modernisms – it’s the one mag that makes us sound smarter than we are. Pity that they only do 4 editions annually, but those are more than enough!
Cost : Rs 640 (annual subscription)
Subscribe here
Motherland
This bi-monthly magazine was founded in 2010 and has found a niche following since then. An engaging journal with a strong focus on “contemporary and emerging Indian cultures”, Motherland stands out not only for its unique content but also its fresh perspective and unusual style of storytelling. Each issue is dedicated to a sole theme, which is explored through a collection of in-depth features, photographs, artwork and essays. Past issues have centered around the controversial yet pertinent world of Item Girls, the intriguing question of Skin in India, and – our favourite – one solely dedicated to the Military.
Cost: Rs 150 (single issue)
Subscribe here or read here
The Indian Quarterly
The Indian Quarterly documents the literary and cultural landscape of India. The magazine looks to make a difference in the now fading genre of long form journalism through essays, reviews of essays, features, poetry, travelogues, illustration and photography. Finding an independent voice of its own in this impressionable age of social media, while simultaneously upholding the progressive thoughts of cosmopolitan India is integral to this quarterly publication.
Cost: Rs 640 (annual subscription)
Subscribe here
Gaysi
Gaysi or The Gay Desi puts modern India’s best foot forward – a forum to voice the opinions of those from the South Asian Subcontinent who recognise themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. Starting out as a blog in 2008, they quickly evolved to The Gaysi Zine – a self published magazine – that brings forth stories that are powerful and deserve to be heard. Authors like Parvati Sharma, Arunava Sinha and Benjamin Law have contributed to previous issues that include queer narratives from an intensely personal space, giving us reasons to think beyond the societal norms of sexuality.
P.S: You can also subscribe to their e-version, which is delivered by email.
Cost: Rs 350 (single issue)
Subscribe here
Marg
A not-for-profit publisher in Mumbai, with the sole intent of creating interest and awareness about Indian art and culture, is something truly noteworthy. Marg – A Magazine Of The Arts – is the oldest name on our list and came to life way back in 1946 with eminent writer Mulk Raj Anand as its Founding Editor. Since then, it has continued its print run and built a loyal audience thanks to its deep insights into the trends of the art world, and research of both established and emerging art scholars as well as historians. A fine collection of essays, photographs and designs is carried by the quarterly magazine that constantly aims to be a “loose encyclopedia of the arts of India and related civilisations.”
Cost: Rs 350 (single issue)
Subscribe here
Shiny walls, LED floors, massive visual lights, a roomy dance floor and some groovy music – Chennai’s newest nightclub incorporates all the basics of a top notch club and is sure to become a hit among party animals. Occupying a large basement space and replacing F Bar Lounge at the Le Royal Meridien, 1 GST adds a fresh spark to the city’s nightscape.
AMBIENCE
As you enter the posh hotel lobby, head left and you’ll see the separate entrance created for the new nightclub. Once you’re in, you’ll find an outdoor bar to your left as well as a decked up waiting lounge. A long staircase leading to the lower basement might give you the impression that the club is going to be small, but, it’s actually quite spacious. In fact, it’s one of the most palatial venues in Chennai and can accommodate over 300 people. Expect beautiful LED lights, shimmering sofas and live screens for sports screenings and visual projections. Vibrant, glitzy and stylish interiors with gold, silver and black colours stand out although the décor hasn’t changed much from what it was at F Bar Lounge, but a few installations have renewed the space. The DJ deck falls on the right beside a massive wall projection of visual music or live visualisations – one of the prime specialities here. Thankfully, even the smoking lounge is well planned with three ventilated options to ensure there’s no overcrowding.
As of now, the club remains open on Friday and Saturday, when there’s also a ladies nights on till 4 am, but they have plans to add Wednesday and Sunday to their roster soon. The music is mostly a mix of commercial EDM, electro pop, progressive and club music.
FOOD + DRINKS
Not only does 1 GST score for its electric ambience and music, but their choice of Tex-Mex and American comfort fare won us over. The bar serves multi-cuisine finger food, as perfect pairings for the drinks. The liquor list is impressive and we started the party with the potent Atomic Dog Shot (Rs 550) – Malibu rum, light rum, lime juice and melon liquor. Beer drinkers can get a pint of imported brew from Rs 600 onwards or how about a glass of wine starting at Rs 800. Concoctions like the saffron based Selfie (Rs 500) or a GST Special Grab Shake Tango (Rs 800), which is their version of a Polynesian Tiki Cocktail, are expertly made. A special shout out goes out to their liquid nitrogen and dry ice based GST Special Smoking Cocktail (Rs 1,200) - a cocktail with liquid nitrogen and dry ice.
Line your stomach with some Cheese Balls (Rs 650), spicy Dynabites (Rs 650) or Beer Battered Fish and Chips (Rs 800). Our favourites included the Chicken Satay (Rs 700) that comes with four juicy skewers you can wash down with a memorable Flamingo Cocktail (Rs 850) – apricot brandy, gin, lime and Grenadine syrup. Teetotallers get a range of refreshing mocktails to choose from.
IN A NUTSHELL
WH Verdict: Electric atmosphere and classy drinks at the newest hotspot!
Meal For Two: Rs 2,000
Timings: 8 pm to 4 am (Saturday - Sunday)
Follow them on Facebook
**The writer was invited by the club to preview their menu*
A few days ago, we gave you a comprehensive list of pre-owned luxury goodies that could cure the couture blues. Now, it’s time to go even more budget friendly with pre-loved fashion, bags and accessories for the sassy diva. From branded wear to high street trends, there’s something for everyone. Plus, some of these websites even feature your favourite bloggers opening up their wardrobes, so get ready to raid!
WEBSITE
Once Again
An online store that allows clothing to be sold, bought and loved again with free delivery, COD and easy returns – Once Again is a gift from the style gods! Their collection spans office wear, brunch, wedding and a special budget collection too. Their meticulous screening system categorises products further with filters of brand new, worn once or twice, used but still great and even those with signs of wear.
PS. Their size filters make browsing super easy.
What We Love: The under Rs 599 collection
Cost: Rs 250 onwards
Shop here
Coutloot
This Mumbai based platform claims to be everyone’s personal closet manager and we tend to agree. After all, they’ve created a great opportunity for women to de-clutter their wardrobe while making money out of it as well as given other women the chance to upgrade their collections without burning a hole in their wallet. They have a collection for both men and women across categories and price ranges.
What We Love: Their bloggers and celebrity closet
Cost: Rs 200 onwards
Shop here
APP
This For That
Not just an app but a community where like-minded members can share their closets with each other – TFT’s mantra of #LetsSwap is pretty simple. You click, you put a price to your piece, browse through the closets of fellow members, find what you love and swap. Voila! And all of this for zero moolah. If that wasn’t convenient enough, the app also allows you to swap wardrobes temporarily.
What We Love: TFT Loves section
Cost: Rs 200 onwards
Shop here
Spoyl
Click, share and sell – exchanging fashion has never been easier! Spoyl is another addition to the list of pre-loved apps, and is available both for Android and Apple users. The best part is that the app offers a minimum of 30 per cent off on all your favourite fashion labels. The website makes it a point to donate all unsold items to the underprivileged, so it’s fashion with a cause.
What We Love: Their suitcase bags
Cost: Rs 120 onwards
Shop here
StylFlip
It doesn’t matter how many times you go shopping and try to keep up with the latest trends, there’ll always be an occasion when you’re stuck with nothing to wear or find everything in front of to be too plain. Those are the times you’ll need StylFlip. Helping us with that recurring empty closet phenomenon, the items on this app go through careful checks to ensure only the best for your closet. The app is user friendly for both buyers and users and promises a 100 per cent refund in case the goods delivered are damaged or counterfeit.
What We Love: Their high street collection
Cost: Rs 250 onwards
Shop here
We love our city, but let’s face it – our streets can be highly unsafe. That’s why it’s a good idea to learn some self-defence techniques, so you can always be prepared, with the fitness boost as an added bonus. The two most popular options available today are Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Kalaripayattu, so you can choose between the two and sign up for either of these combat programmes.
While MMA is a contemporary form and has been greatly influenced from western combat style, Kalaripayattu meaning combat (kalari) practise (payattu) is the most ancient form of self-defense in India that originated in Kerala and is even used in the training of military cadets.
KALARIPAYATTU
Shaji K John is one of the prime forces behind uplifting the art of Kalaripayattu in Chennai. A professional instructor from Kerala, he has popularised the form globally since 1986. A student of E P Vasudevan Gurukkal, who taught him the North Malabar style of this martial art, John has been a district as well as state champion. He started teaching in 1998 and runs a school in the tranquil neighbourhood of Mandapa where he teaches breathing exercises, warm-up exercises, meithari and kolthari as well as yogasana to both children and adults. He also conducts interactive workshops abroad as part of an international cultural exchange programme.
Where: Shaji Kalari, No. 1, Elliot’s Beach Road, Besant Nagar
Cost: On request
Timings: 8 am to 7 pm
Contact: 9840031043
The renowned CVN Kalari Centre teaches the Kalaripayattu under the tutelage of sports and medicine practitioner Dr. Kannan Pughazhendi, who is also the director of Sparrc Institute, under which they operate. As a trained kalari expert, Kannan promotes this traditional martial art form among women, men and children starting from the age of 10. The institute focusses on teaching students the detailed and extensive exercises involved in the martial art including kaalkal or the flexible kicks; kaikuththippayattu – a compound of kai (hand), kuththi (hit) and payattu (exercise) comprising of punches, leg moves, stretches, twists, and jumps performed in a particular sequence; chumattadi or attack and defend mechanism; meipayattu or flexibility; adithada involving hit and block; and finally ottotharam or attack. The institute has an outpost in Anna Nagar too.
Where: Sparrc Institute, 4, Seethammal Colony, Sri Ram Nagar, Alwarpet
Cost: Rs 2,500 for a month
Timings: 8 am to 7 pm
Contact: 9884951696
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS (MMA)
Test your strength and work on your ability to push yourself beyond the limits at Combat Kinetics – a mixed martial arts fitness club. The studio and their expert crew focus on improving your self-defense mechanism and making you a tactical combatant. C.K’s fitness programmes powerfully blend combat sports, parkour, functional fitness or athletics, high intensity workouts and movement-based fitness regimes into unique power workouts for a high performance fitness programme. The studio also offers fitness boot camp training that sees yogasans, malyutham and varma kalai combined with the latest techniques in athletics.
Where: Sherwood Hall School at Chetpet; Cenotaph Road at Teynampet; Kalpataru Hobby Centre at Palavakkam (ECR) and Kaliappa Naicker St, Nehru Nagar at Ramapuram
Cost: Rs 5,000 for a month
Timings: 6.30 am to 10 am and 5 pm to 9 pm
Contact: 9791158888
Run by the talented MMA player T Santhosh, the Chennai MMA Training Academy studio offers extensive workout sessions and martial arts training. Affiliated to the All India MMA association, the academy combines all the five essential elements of MMA – boxing, kickboxing, muay thai, jiu-jitsu or submission grappling, judo, sambo and wrestling. They have intense workout programmes to improve your endurance, speed and strength; while women can also opt for short term self-defense training or flexible weight loss programmes. They have another studio at Kamarajar Avenue in Adyar.
Where: Chennai MMA Training Academy, No. 31, Kodambakkam High Road, Near Palm Grove Hotel, Nungambakkam
Cost: Rs 2,500 per month
Timings: 6 am to 9.30 am and 4.30 pm to 9 pm
Contact: 9962112666
As the city eagerly embraces the monsoon, we also welcome a host of casual dining spots that offer a taste of regional cuisines and comfort food that’s high on flavour but easy on the wallet. Read on to discover your next new favourite haunt to head to when the munchies hit.
Bombaysthan, Nungambakkam
This vegetarian-only fast food outlet brings a slice of Mumbai’s culture and cuisine into the city. They offer classic Mumbai street snacks, especially sandwiches and rolls, all at pocket-friendly prices. We recommend the filling Paneer Bhaji Cheese Grill Sandwich (Rs 95) and Mayonnaise Veg Cheese Roll (Rs 95) that’s stuffed with onion, tomato and capsicum. We’re definitely planning a second trip just for their faloodas – we had a tough time choosing, but eventually went with the creamy Kulfi Falooda (Rs 145) and Kesar Falooda Cream (Rs 140). The Oreo Chocolate Milkshake (Rs 100) too makes for a nice accompaniment and is quite filling.
Price: Rs 400 for two
Timings: 10.30 am to midnight
Ali’s Biryani, T Nagar
This casual dining spot from the folks behind the popular Ali’s BBQ and Grill in T Nagar serves South Indian, North Indian and Mediterranean fare, but it’s their signature dishes that really shine. Stars of the menu include the Mutton Biryani with Dalcha (Rs 180) and Nattu Kozhi Idiyappam Biryani (Rs 150). Order a round of parottas to accompany their spicy Mutton Chukka Varuval (Rs 200), Lamb Chops (Rs 200), Vanjaram Meen Masala (Rs 200) and Kaadai Milagu Pirattal (Rs 180), a cauliflower pepper roast. The restaurant also serves a special unlimited meal (Rs 160) for lunch with over 17 dishes, and they have a live grill counter with non-vegetarian lunch and dinner buffets (Rs 562; Rs 625). The food comes excellently plated and service is snappy, plus they offer takeaways as well.
Price: Rs 800 for two
Timings: Noon to 3.30 pm and 7 pm to 11 pm
Haritam, Kilpauk
Spread across three levels, this new dining spot offers a beautiful ambience replete with a rooftop garden that makes for a good breakfast nook, as well as a floor available for private dining or parties. The focus of the menu here is primarily on South Indian cuisine – try their various vadas, idlis, and dosas for breakfast especially Podi Idly (Rs 95), Pongal (Rs 85), Sambar Vada (Rs 65) and Rava Masala Dosa (Rs 105). From the North Indian section of the menu, we recommend their Kaju Matar Paneer (Rs 180) and Malai Kofta Curry (Rs 180), accompanied by an indulgent Cheese Paratha (Rs 110). Round off your meal with the refreshing Honey and Fig ice cream (Rs 155).
Price: Rs 500 for two
Timings: 6.10 am to 11 pm
Bengali Fun Foods, Perungudi
This blink-and-you-miss-it kiosk opposite RMZ Millenia IT Park serves authentic, homely Bengali food. We’d suggest getting your order to go since the space is quite small and seating is limited. The compact menu offers VMF lunch options – we especially liked the Chicken Roll (Rs 85), Fish Cutlet (Rs 90), Luchi Chicken Kosha (Rs 70) and Chicken Moglai Parotha (Rs 120). But the highlight of our meal was the Fish Kabiraji (Rs 100) which was fluffy and crispy with fried egg and fillets of Bhetki inside, and the rich and perfectly cooked Chicken Kosha (Rs 50).
P.S.: They offer home delivery as well as monthly tiffin services.
Price: Rs 400 for two
Timings: 8 am to 11 pm
Puffers Cafe, Thuraipakkam
Despite having only recently opened, this all-day cafe has already begun to draw quite a crowd. Their Herbal Tea (Rs 90) and Jasmine Tea (Rs 80) are excellent and quite refreshing as is the Hot Chocolate (Rs 100). The menu is casual, with plenty of finger food such as the Special Non Veg Platter (Rs 170), with prawns, chicken, nuggets, fries and tortillas, and Crispy Fried Chicken (Rs 140). If you’re looking for something more substantial, they also serve a great Spaghetti Chicken (Rs 150) and Penne Arabiatta Pasta (Rs 140). They cafe’s also Wi-Fi-enabled, making it a good spot to work from as well.
Price: Rs 500 for two
Timings: 11 am to 11 pm
Local food movements, organic fruits and vegetables at supermarkets as well as increased reports of GMO produce have collectively succeeded in stirring up awareness about the source and quality of our produce. The ingredients that go into our daily meals can’t be substandard, and fuelled by the added environmental benefits, we’ve noticed a trend of many urban dwellers maintaining both small and large kitchen gardens. An open garden space isn’t a luxury for most of us though, but you don’t need to be denied the benefits. Here’s our handy guide on how grow a vertical garden of your own.
WHAT IS IT
If you’re tied down for space, vertical gardening is the way ahead for you. The concept stems from using a vertical structure, such as a wall, to grow various plants. While a full-fledged green wall requires detailed planning and sophisticated irrigation structures, there are several hacks that are easy, inexpensive, and give great results.
Like any living organism, a garden too requires tremendous care and time, so make sure you’re well prepared to put in a few hours. Identify a wall you can use as a support for this DIY project – it could be in your balcony, on the terrace, or even a window-sill. The only pre-condition is that this wall needs to receive ample sunlight.
HOW TO GET STARTED
Bearing the wall as a support, you need to put together a structure that will hold the soil and plants in place. Depending on the size of your wall and the amount you are willing to spend, you can create various structures. No matter what structure you use, make sure it has sufficient holes to drain out excess water. See the pictures below for step-by-step reference.
Image courtesy AKA Design
– Using a basic frame made of wood, metal, or bamboo, you can line the back with a wire mesh and tie pots to it using jute rope. Alternatively, you could also inlay the frame with horizontal wooden planks and attach large pockets made out of recycled plastic sacks that are sturdy enough to hold the weight of the soil.
Image courtesy Country Living
– Repurpose an old chest of drawers or find a good bargain at a thrift sale and use it to give life to your garden. If you’ve got very little space, such as a window-sill, an old milk crate is a great option.
– Not only is recycling good for the earth, it can also add character to your otherwise drab balcony or terrace. Cut out a large opening in old cola bottles and hang them down using nylon or jute ropes. Alternatively, hang a shoe organiser and use its pockets to hold small plants.
Once you have your structure in place, your next concern is the soil. The medium used for growing plants is generally in a 1:1:1 ratio of soil, compost, and cocopeat. Red soil is most commonly available and can be picked up at any local nursery; compost is a decomposed manure that’s added to the soil to enhance its nutrients; and cocopeat is a byproduct of coconut husk that’s used to retain water. All three can be purchased individually at local plant nurseries or are sometimes sold as pre-mix.
WHAT CAN YOU GROW
Given our warm, tropical temperatures, you can grow a wide range of plants, vegetables, and herbs at home. If you have a slightly bigger structure, vegetables like tomatoes, chillies, okra, brinjal, French beans, and lime are easy to grow. Flowers such as aster, carnations, petunia, marigold, geranium and roses can be planted on a terrace or balcony. Home cooks will know the vast difference some freshly picked herbs can make to a meal, and varieties like basil, oregano, sage, and rosemary can be potted on a window sill as well. Local nurseries are sure to stock saplings, while seeds can be purchased on NurseryLive, Plantsman#39;s Seeds, Biocarve Seeds, and Kraft Seeds.
WHAT NEXT
Once you have the structure, soil, and saplings or seeds in place, get your hands dirty! If you’re using saplings, fill the structure with soil and create a small depression in the centre to gently insert the sapling. Add soil around it until the sapling stabilises. If you’re using seeds, create a hole in the centre, spread out the seeds and cover them up with soil. Water your plant daily under normal temperatures and during summer, you should be hydrating it twice a day while during the monsoon, you can touch the soil to determine if it needs to be watered. Use vermi compost about once in two to three weeks to keep your plants healthy. For organic pesticides, use a spray made by grinding neem leaves in water and straining on the plants.
With a little bit of patience and a whole lot of care, an abundant vertical garden is just a few steps away.
Khadi fabric comes with a rich history and is an integral part of our country’s identity. And being suited to all seasons, it lends itself as an idea wardrobe staple. With the Make In India Movement gaining momentum and several designers working with traditional textiles and art forms, khadi too is having its moment in the sun (pun unintended). Check out these clothing labels and embrace the age-old fabric in its chic modern avatar.
Khaadi
This Karachi based brand specialises in hand-woven, pure khadi products, with both unstitched fabric as well as a prêt line of traditional and Western wear for women, men and kids on offer. Traditional silhouettes are given a youthful modern spin with trendy prints and embroidery that’s complemented by vibrant colours. While their Khaas line features exclusive, limited edition pieces, and they also stock formals, bottoms and colourful, vibrant accessories such as bags, scarves and jewellery.
We Recommend: Their embroidered kurtas
Price: Rs 1,700 onwards
Shop here
Malkha
Each piece of clothing crafted by this label is the result of a decentralised, sustainable, field-to-fabric cotton textile chain with the direct involvement of farmers, ginners, spinners and dyers. Their collection focusses on saris, duppatas and unstitched fabric – each featuring vibrant traditional techniques such as ajrakh, kalamkari, with Indian motifs such as peepal leaves, peacocks and lotuses.
We Recommend: Their Kalamkari duppatas
Price: Rs 370 onwards
Shop here
Jaypore
Working with artisans and craftsmen from across India, this label combines traditional art forms and indigenous fabrics. You’ll find chic collections that incorporate different local craft techniques such as chikankari, zari, bandhani and block printing; while their garments are all made from handspun and handwoven khadi. They offer a wide variety of menswear and womenswear including saris (woven, printed and embroidered), kurtas, tunics, jackets, blouses, dresses, shrugs and palazzos.
We Recommend: Their Indigo Treasures collection
Price: Rs 1,250 onwards
Shop here
Red Sister Blue
Based out of Mumbai, this khadi-embracing label is the brainchild of Nanda and Michael Grobe. It’s East meets West here with the traditional homegrown fabric getting a modern makeover in the form of clean, contemporary Western silhouettes. Most of their garments are available in solid colours or feature simple colour blocking, making them easy to mix and match with items from your existing wardrobe. They’ve got your casual wardrobe covered with options that include tops, trousers, dresses, shorts, shrugs, jackets and skirts; along with limited edition collections that incorporate the latest trends.
We Recommend: Wrap khadi dresses
Price: Rs 999 onwards
Shop here
Imagine a stress-busting mini vacation at a beautiful and picturesque green mountain range! Feel better, already? Then pack your bags and get ready for a trip 4,500 feet above sea level to Kolli malai (hills). A stunning place that is rich in both history and mythology, it’s an ancient hills that has been inhabited since prehistoric times. We tell you what to explore and how make the most of your holiday.
EXPERIENCE
Drive to the serene village of Namakkal and after crossing 70 hairpin bends through an array of idyllic hills, you reach the pristine Kolli hills that got their name from the local deity Kollipavai, who is said to have chased away demons with her enchanting smile when they invaded the village. Situated on the Eastern ghats, the flat-topped table mountains run through reserve forests and rivers like Aiyar and Varattar. The place has even been mentioned in the Tamil mythological epic Ramayanam as Madhuvanam or honey forest where Sugriva used to reside. Forming a natural boundary between Kongu Nadu and Chola Nadu, they are still untouched by mainstream commercialisation, so you won’t be bothered by unnecessary crowds. There is a stone sculpture of Tirthankar, the Jain god that is a reminder of the earlier Jain influence in this area. Although the mountain range used to have a core forest area running through it till a few years back and was packed with tigers and elephants, now there are only small animals such as black bears, hares and porcupines that can be seen.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Arapalli Iswarar Temple: Constructed in the 12th century, the temple is located at Periakoviloor near Akasa Gangai waterfalls and is also known as the fish temple. It worships the ancient and powerful goddess Kolli Paavai or Ettukkai Amman as well as Shiva. Local villagers believe that the deity resides in the small fish of Aiyaru making it customary for pilgrims to catch the sacred fish by hand and adorn them with gold or silver nose rings for their wishes to be fulfilled.
Agaya Gangai: The 300 feet tall waterfall attracts tourist in large numbers due to its scenic beauty and cool waters. Located in a lush green valley surrounded by mountains, the waterfall is ideal for trekking and also holds medicinal value due to the presence of rich herbal plants.
Telescope House: You will find a couple of telescope houses at Solakadu and Seekkuparai that provide an enigmatic vision of beautiful green mountains. There are other remarkable viewing points on the way while driving up or down the hills. If you want to trek your way up, then visit the tallest hills of Vettakaramalai at a height of 4663 feet above sea level.
WHERE TO STAY
There are a few mid range hotels with tariff varying from Rs 800 to Rs 3,000 per night. The local Panchayat Union has constructed six cottages at Semmedu that are available only on prior booking. We recommend Silver Lines Retreat Hotels (doubles start at Rs 2,100 per night) located centrally near the sightseeing spots that offer an eco-friendly environment and the best panoramic view of the hills. The other hotel worth checking out is Nallathambi Resort (doubles start at Rs 1,300 per night) providing all the modern amenities and great hospitality. They also have a multi-cuisine restaurant called Nallathambi that serves succulent kebabs and BBQ items, a guide who can take you out for bird watching and trekking, and arrangements for campfire, games or outdoor music and dance sessions.
SHOP
Abundance of major tree species like neem, veepaloai, seetha odai, naval, illupai, silver oak, usil, velvel, neermathi and tamarind have added to the unique medicinal value of these hills. There is even a Government Herbal farm that offers various massage oils for herbal therapies. A tribal market located at Semmedu sells fresh jackfruit, guava and pineapple along with spices like pepper and cardamom, and the locally cultivated coffee has a robust taste, so you can buy packets of those as well.
Distance: 369 km from Chennai and 258 km from Bengaluru
How to Reach: Drive through the NH45 Chennai-Trichy road and continue on NH 68, or catch the state bus that goes from Salem or Namakkal to Kolli Malai.
Best Time To Visit: November to June
If you want to know what’s new in the world of Bollywood and pop music these days, a surefire way is to tune into the pile-up of FM radios out there. But if you are a fan of indie music, you’ll know the very real struggle of scoping out new artists – you’ll buy expensive festival tickets, attend gigs, wait for recommendations from friends – but eventually you’ll end up going back to that year-old YouTube playlist.
If you are looking to shuffle things up, then it might just be worth your while to check out these Indian web-radios that feature new and cutting edge music from the indie scene in the country. All you need is a decent Internet connection and a passion for music and you are ready to get started.
RADIO 79
Run by the company that organises the annual Area 79 Arts Music Festival, Radio 79 is a coming together of like-minded artists and fans for independent and often-overlooked music from around the country and the world. It offers a total of four streams – relax (ambient chill-out music), trip (psychedelic), dance (club hits) and a New Delhi live radio stream.
The live radio has fantastic segments with music curated by well-known contemporary artists in the country. There’s Pressure Drop With Reggae Rajahs every Tuesday at 2 pm, Makossa by Solo Indien every Thursday at 4 pm and India Anveshan with East Stepper every Friday at 5 pm.
NH7 RADIO
From the good folks who bring us the happiest music festival, NH7 Radio is the place to listen to a mixed bag of homegrown as well as international music. So while there’s music by Indian bands such as Soulmate and Pentagram, there’s also electronica by Australian band Spartak and blues by Indonesia-based Gugun Blues Shelter. There are a total of six radio stations for different genres and once you sign up, you can also create your own playlists of the songs you like.
MY OPUS RADIO
Based in Bangalore, My Opus Radio is for those who are interested in Indian music but also like to stay in the know-how of what’s going on in the international music scene. Named after Opus, the once-iconic restaurant in Bangalore popular for hosting live gigs, the radio offers a total of 13 genre-specific stations.
The radio also has curated shows by well-known musicians in India – Stanley Pinto, the jazz artist, has a daily show on the Sax Violins station while DJ Blackjack, one of the oldest DJs in the country, has his own show and channel where he plays some of the best classic rock songs from around the world.
And if you wish to explore the evolving Indian music scene, tune into Something Special on The Opus Platform station for interviews, jam sessions and more fun with artists and bands.
RADIO FLOTE
Hip-hop in Tamil? Check. Arabic world music? Check. Bangalore-based Radio Flote has all this and more – from Indian bands to music from around the world. You could choose from one of their 19 stations for different genres or browse their list of artists. They also have apps for iOS and Android platforms.
BC RADIO
Started in 2012 by a group of musicians from IIT Bombay, BC Radio’s (short for ‘Be the Change Radio’) mission is to “portray the exotic diversity of India#39;s undiscovered music to Indians themselves.” With this aim in mind, the web radio has five stations featuring genres such as metal, rock, regional, electronica and progressive/fusion. Along with popular bands and artists, they also put a lot of effort into bringing music from lesser-known bands from remote corners of India, guaranteeing a fantastic listening experience.
As Chennai’s entire Muslim community comes together to celebrate the auspicious season of Ramadan, a few notable restaurants are taking the festivities one step further with their amazing iftar treats, special combos and generous buffets.
Savoury Sea Shell, Anna Nagar
The premium Arabian casual dining restaurant has introduced exciting new iftari treats along with a Mini Iftar Kit (Rs 99), a Jumbo Iftar Kit (Rs 278) and a buffet festival. The packs comprise of dates, water, chicken shawarma, haleem, snacks, fresh fruits and fruit juice; while the jumbo option also comes with Barbeque Chicken, Mutton Biryani, Kerala Parotta, Mutton Curry, Khubus and Toum. The value for money buffet consists of a vast spread alluring fare of Arabian, Indian and Malabar specialties.
Price: Rs 417 per person (weekdays) and Rs 555 per person (weekends)
Timings: 11.30 am to 11.30 pm
Zaitoon, Velachery
A familiar name for Arabian food lovers, Zaitoon’s Ramadan special food festival inclues special Iftar Box (Rs 299) comprising of date palms, fruit juices, fresh cut fruits, mini shawarma roll, Barbecue Chicken, Mutton Dum Biryani, Coin Paratha, Khubus, Chicken Curry, Hyderabadi Haleem, and snacks like tikkas and kebabs. Or you can try their authentic Hyderabadi haleem (Rs 160 for 250 ml).
Price: Rs 800 for two
Timings: 11.30 am to 11.30 pm
Anise, Nungambakkam
Drop in at this all-day diner to break your fast with the traditional iftar menu including dates, soups, salads, mains and desserts. Start your meal with imported dates, sharbats and fruits to some lip-smacking kebabs and biryani, followed by desserts. The fare includes Angara Murgh Tikka, Sarsonwali Paneer Tikka, Classical Fathoush Salad with crisp pita and lemon vinaigrette, Fried eggplant salad drizzled with Ranch sauce and pine seeds, Egg salad with gherkins and mustard mayonnaise, Poached Salmon with chive cream, caper and lemon, Paprika marinated grilled chicken salad with pesto drizzle and grano padano shavings and Roast Tenderloin medallions with pickled red cabbage and pomery mustard. The maincourse spread comes with Vegetable fried rice, Stir fried Asian greens with brown garlic, Gnocchi Fungi with Nut Butter Porcini, Cabbage Dolmas stuffed with Mediterranean vegetables and Cheese, Braised Tenderloin with natural jus, Nawabi Mutton Biryani, Awadhi Gosht, Murgh tikka masala; Subz Jalfraize, Khumb Hara Pyaaz and Paneer Ke Pasande. Don’t miss the delicious desserts like Om Ali - an Iranian puff pastry dessert with milk and nuts, Baklava, Basboosa with rose syrup, Raspberry basil terrine, Hawaiian Gateaux, and many more.
Price: Rs 1,985 per person
Timings: 24 hours
Copper Kitchen, Porur
If you’re up for a quick bite, this popular dining destination for North Indian and Kerala cuisine has launched a special iftar pack that includes Chicken Pakora, BBQ Chicken, Mutton Biryani, Hyderabadi Haleem and sweets like Gulab Jamun or Kheer.
Price: Rs 400 for two
Timings: 11 am to 11 pm
Firdouse, Saligramam
With over 3 outlets in town and 2 alone in the Triplicane area, Firdouse is a trsuted name in the city. Not only do they serve the best barbecue and grilled delights, but also some amazing biryanis. Now they are celebrating the spirit of Ramadan with an iftar pack that includes Hyderabadi Haleem, Chicken Wrap or Roll, BBQ Chicken, Tangri Kebab or Murgh Malai Kebab, Chicken Biryani, Onion Pakoda and desserts like Elneer Payasam.
Price: Rs 280 per box
Timings: 11 am to midnight
While we relish unwinding with a luxurious shower each day and love a good, fragrant shower gel or bathing bar, these are often laden with chemicals that are harsh on your skin and damaging to the environment. Thankfully, there are a host of homegrown brands that make soaps which are organic, natural and free from animal testing. Go ahead, check out our top picks and lather yourself in some natural goodness.
Gulnar
This homegrown brand from Panjim in picturesque Goa offers handcrafted soaps that are PETA-certified. Made from organic, natural ingredients, the bars are infused with aromatherapy oils and are available in fruity and floral scents with plenty of options to suit your mood. They’re socially conscious too, with women comprising about 25 per cent of their workforce.
What We Love: Their Honey Oatmeal Handmade Soap
Cost: Rs 150 onwards
To order, call +91 8326519991
Samasth Natural
This Kolkata based beauty brand believes in chemical-free skin care and takes the term organic very seriously. Free from all artificial colours, paraben and animal fat, their handmade soaps are crafted from food grade oils and scented with essential oils extracted from plants. Take a pick from their loofah soaps or the Himalayan blended bath bars and give your skin a fresh, healthy glow.
What We Love: Their Green Tea Handmade Soap
Cost: Rs 175 onwards
To order, call +91 7890449081
La Flora Organics
The handmade soaps at La Flora are crafted with certified organic edible oils, essential oils, botanicals and herbs obtained from sustainable sources. Their formula also incorporates Ayurvedic blends that are designed to leave your skin silky and squeaky clean. The bars are vegan, completely cruelty free and certified by PETA, and with varieties such as Lavender, Country Rose and Neem Tulsi, they’re great for everyday skin care.
What We Love: Their Coconut Milk Soap
Cost: Rs 95 onwards
To order, click here
Aks
Founded in June 2013, this is a one woman project by Sweta Bhattacharjee who handles all stages of production, including marketing. Her soaps contain no chemical elements, but rather incorporate natural ingredients commonly found around the house such as lemon, poppy seeds and cinnamon to name a few. Grandmother’s recipes anyone? The products are gentle on your skin and also make for great gifts. Besides their regular range, keep an eye out for their seasonal soaps – last summer, they introduced a Cinnamon Pumpkin Soap and Peppermint Poppy Seed Soap for their cooling properties. Aks also allows you to customise soaps to suit your preferences – be it a skin type, allergies or even a fragrance you love.
What We Love: Their Wine Soap
Cost: Rs 120 onwards
To order, call +91 8095696614
While Chennai may be chaotic and the climate sultry, travel a few kilometers away from the city and you’ll be rewarded with serene views of the Bay of Bengal, lush greenery and rugged terrains perfect for those looking for some adventure. The next time you crave respite from the frenetic pace of the city, trek down to these destinations that will offer you an unforgettable rendezvous with nature, culture and history.
Perumadu Waterfalls
A beautiful five-hour drive down the Chennai-Bengaluru NH4 highway will take you to the picturesque Yelagiri hills. Located near Jolarpettai in the Vellore district, 240 km from Chennai, the gorgeous hill station provides some of the best nature trails. The height of the range is around 4,000 ft and it is bestowed with beautiful valleys, wildlife sanctuaries and waterfalls. The Perumandu waterfalls, four kilometers from Yelagiri make for an ideal short trek. Start at Puthur village, where you’ll also find local guides and small camp sites from where you can avail tents and other equipment. The trekking path goes through rocky terrain and thick undergrowth, but the effort is more than worth it. Once you reach the waterfall, take in the view and hop in for refreshing dip. The other trekking options in Yelagiri include the Sunset Point trek and Swamimalai treks.
Trek Length: 4 km
Distance: 240 km from Chennai
Getting There: Drive through NH 4 and NH 46 from Chennai to Bangalore and take the SH 18 to Yelagiri.
Level Of Difficulty: Medium
Nagalapuram Waterfalls
Another popular trekking destination near Chennai is Nagalapuram located near Tirupati. Also hailed as a temple town, the historical region was built during the reign of Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire. The steep 10 km-long trek to the Nagalapuram Waterfalls starts from Uttakottai. The path is fairly easy to cover, with pleasant interludes in the form of meandering streams. To get there, you can book a car from Chennai or drive down and leave your vehicle at Arai village nearby at a fee of Rs 80 per night. Guides are available at the village to help you with trekking and camping arrangements.
Trek Length: 10 km
Distance: 70 km from Chennai
Getting There: Drive through NH 16 and Uthukottai - Gummudipoondi Road to reach Nagalapuram
Level Of Difficulty: Medium
Venkateswara Waterfalls
The journey to Venkateswara Waterfalls in the Eastern Ghats holds promise of lush foliage and exquisite views, accompanied by cool winds. The trek starts at Kumaradhara Dam and winds through the Sri Venkateswara National Park and Sanctuary where you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore natural water pools, streams and stunning waterfalls on the way. You’re also likely to encounter a stunning variety of wildlife including snakes, bison, elephants, and perhaps even spot a tiger! At the top of the Venkateshwara hills, one can view the beautiful Angel Falls. This is a slightly longer trek and can be completed in about two or three days.
Trek Length: 48 km
Distance: 357 km from Chennai
Getting There: Drive via Tirupati Road and after crossing Tirupati reach Venkateswara national park
Level Of Difficulty: Medium
Dolphin’s Nose
Situated eight kilometres away from Kodaikanal, and located at a height of 6,600 ft, the Dolphin’s Nose refers to a flat rock formation sticking out from a hilltop. It overlooks a deep gorge and offers a bird’s eye view of the stunning scenic landscape that surrounds it, including the town of Periyakulam and the Vaigai Lake. The ideal time to start your trek is either 8 am or 2 pm. The path is a bit steep so we recommend amateur trekkers take necessary safety precautions and hire a local guide.
Trek Length: 5 km
Distance: 550 km from Chennai
Getting There: Drive through Chennai Theni Highway or the Trichy - Chennai Highway and continue on Kodai Ghat Road
Level Of Difficulty: Medium
Monsoon season is finally upon us and nothing beats the feeling of enjoying a hot chai with pakoras when it starts pouring outside. But this season, plain ol’ cups just won’t do. So infuse some desi swag to your impromptu tea parties with our pick of the funkiest glassware in the market.
India Circus
Bringing a new definition to our beloved cutting chai drinking experience, their range of painted glasses come in sets of four. They bring an instant pop of colour and incorporate founder Krsnaa Mehta’s signature style with motifs such as red and green Arabic lanterns, pink lotuses on an indigo background, camels, a floral bouquet and more.
We Recommend: Pairing this with a Flight Of Birds serving bowl
Cost: Rs 799 per set (including stand)
Shop here
Poppadum Art
These pretty pink glasses are a grown-up throwback to good old college days when the roadside tea stall was a favourite adda. The set of six tiny glass tumblers comes with a yellow wooden stand, blending the old and new together beautifully.
We Recommend: Pairing this with Pink Chai Kettle
Cost: Rs 1,200 per set (including stand)
Shop here
Ek Do Dhai
Breaking from tradition, this quirky décor brand’s chai set comes in China instead of glass, but we love them all the same. Shaped like the desi cutting chai glasses, they’re available in a range of beautiful, vibrant colours and are ideal for a hot cuppa of your favourite tea blend, or even a shot of filter coffee.
We Recommend: Pairing it with Classic Maachis serving tray
Cost: Rs 530 per set
Shop here
Craftsvilla
The vibrant little stripped tumblers are a colourful, glossy twist on the traditional transparent ones and come in a handy iron holder. Sip your tea in style with their selection of cutting chai glasses in bold waterproof colours like parrot green, leaf green, red, pink, orange and blue.
We Recommend: Pairing it with Dragonfly Kettle
Cost: Rs 1,500 per set (including stand)
Shop here
A rotund physique is no longer a sign of prosperity. In fact, it’s considered a sign of an unhealthy lifestyle and at times, laziness. If your resolve is a bit dodgy when it comes to religiously hitting the gym or keeping up with your fitness class – there are sterner methods of whipping you into shape. Enter, Fitness Boot Camps where you have to invest a fair amount of time, money and perseverance, but are guaranteed results.
1ON1 Fitness Camp
Nestled in the lap of the Nilgiris in Kodaikanal, this camp will help you get fit while breathing fresh mountain air. Offering packages ranging from three days to a month, they cater to people of all fitness levels – from those who’ve never exercised to folks who train regularly. However, if you fall into the former category, a minimum one-week camp is recommended for you. Once you enroll, they conduct a thorough fitness evaluation and design a plan for you. A typical day starts at 6 am with a meal of protein shake and fruits followed by various activities with the trainers (yoga, walking, jogging, cycling, functional exercises, trekking, circuit training) and ends at 7 pm with dinner. Vegetarian well-balanced meals with eggs to supplement your protein requirement are served, and accommodation is available in double or twin sharing rooms.
Where: A3, Mil Heaven, Hill Top Road, Kodaikanal
Cost: Rs 47,000 onwards per person for three nights (includes stay, meals, fitness and leisure activities)
For more, check here or call 8526524406/ 7299777714
Kare Ayurveda Yoga Health Retreat
If you think weight loss programmes revolve around starvation, Kare Ayurveda located on a 10-acre property overlooking the Mulshi Lake is on a mission to thwart that notion. Aiding the cause is their qualified team of doctors, therapists, nutritionists and paramedics. Though they offer treatments for a variety of ailments, the weight loss programme that spans two to four weeks involves Ayurveda Panchakarma therapies that help in detoxifying the system, Iyengar yoga sessions, long walks and following the diet prescribed by the dietician. Balanced vegetarian meals and accommodation in well-appointed cottages is provided. If you’re not sure about checking in for a longer duration, they also have half and one day sessions to give you a peek into their services.
Where: Village Gonawadi, Mulshi Lake, Pune
Cost: Rs 6,200 onwards per person for a night (includes stay, meals, fitness and leisure activities)
For more, check here or call 020 32933361/25442945/9372844740
Nehru Institute of Mountaineering
If you’re already fit and aim to be fitter in a fuss-free, economical and beautiful outdoor training set-up, then this one is for you. Ranging from basic to advanced, the courses span between 15 to 28 days. To qualify, it’s mandatory that you are fit and can trek 15 kms with 15 kilos of luggage. A basic course covers fundamentals like techniques of movement on rock, snow and ice, theoretical and practical aspects of mountaineering. The initial four to six days are spent on campus (surrounded by mountains) where you’ll be trained on physical conditioning, extensive rock climbing and other exercises imperative for mountaineering. The remaining days are spent in the mountains with basic accommodation and meals provided for.
Where: NIM Road, Near Government Polytechnic, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Cost: Rs 7,500 per person for a course (includes stay, meals, equipment and other training expenses)
For more, check here or call 1374 222123/ 224663/ 223580
Ultimate Survivor Krav Maga International
Combine fitness with self-defense courtesy Krav Maga – a programme originally developed for the Israeli defense forces. A practical and tactical system, this fitness technique by Ultimate Survivor Krav Maga International teaches you ways to prevent, deal and overcome all kinds of violence and attacks. Most of their courses are conducted at their headquarters in New Delhi with a few camps at Dehradun and Kerala as well. They provide lodging and boarding at an additional cost, but don’t insist on you opting for their arrangements. The camp usually lasts around three hours for civilians, and six hours for police and military personnel, and they conduct various programmes for adults, kids as well as senior citizens.
Where: M-6 (LGF), Saket, New Delhi
Cost: Rs 8,000 onwards per person
For more, check here or call 011 41764597/207
Ananda Spa
If you’re looking to lose weight while bathed in luxury, don’t look beyond the famous Ananda Spa. Situated on the foothills of the Himalayas and rated as one of Asia’s top spas, nothing is basic here. Welcoming you to an experience of a lifetime are well-appointed rooms with a spectacular view of the mountains, a 25,000 sq ft spa that offers a plethora of therapies, multiple dining options, a range of in-house body care products and various leisure activities. While you can choose from a variety of indulgence retreats, for weight loss – you can either opt for the Weight Management (14 to 21 days), a mix of detox therapies, exercise, yoga, diet and meditation; or the Ananda Active (five to seven days) – a combination of personal fitness, guided treks, yoga, aqua fitness and therapeutic spa experiences. Each package is tailormade with a goal orientated approach.
Where: The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar Tehri - Garhwal, Narendra Nagar, Uttarakhand
Cost: Rs 21,500 per person for a night (includes stay, meals, fitness and leisure activities)
For more, check here or call 18001025333