the bigger picture - amazon s3€¦ · the bigger picture 15th pune international film festival...

B E I N G T H E R EI N D I A M O M E N T S

THE BIGGER PICTURE 15TH PUNE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL MAHARASHTRA The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), a premier fi lm school of the country, together with the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) celebrates world cinema in an annual gathering in their homeground, Pune. Last year saw the presence of Bad Hair actor Samantha Castillo and Polish fl mmaker Krystof Zanussi among others.

DELHI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL NEW DELHIThis festival was launched in 2012 to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema. It screens 250 fi lms, 250 selected art works and 50 literary works by NRI and Indian poets. Sharmila Tagore and Subhash Ghai were among the many celebrities present this year.

DHARAMSHALA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL HIMACHALPRADESHThe festival draws independent fi lmmakers from around the world to the mountains of Himachal to engage them in the understanding of different societies, cultures, and ideas. Workshops are also organised.

INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OF INDIA GOAIFFI encourages Indian cinema and introduces it to the world, apart from showcasing the best of world cinema. Held in various cities post its launch in Mumbai in 1952, it has found home in Goa since 2004. Last time, we saw Rakha, Rajnikanth and Amitabh Bachchan at the event.

NATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVALANDHRA PRADESHThe second edition of the fi lm fete in Vizag coincides with Children’s Day this year as Indian fi lmmakers bring together short fi lms and feature fi lms for kids at the three-day event.

JAIPUR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL RAJASTHANIt focuses on serious fi lmmakers and their associates in order to promote a deeper understanding of the art of fi lm-making. Last year the festival received over 2,000 fi lms from more than 100 countries.

GUJARAT INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVALThis year, at the 6th Gujarat International Short Film Festival, each fi lm selected will be screened at least once. The duration of the fi lms will range from one minute to a maximum of 30 minutes. Winning categories will include ‘best internat ional short fi lm,’ ‘best national short fi lm,’ and ‘best regional short fi lm’, apart from awards that are going to be reserved for the best director, actor, screenplay writer, and cinematographer.

I-Love-India

Moments

40This issue, we asked ourselves what India

really meant to us, and surprisingly, we didn’t simply resort to the ‘motley group of cultures,

people, and religions’ theory. We realised that while we still fi ercely hold on to our traditional roots, we’ve also come to the

era of independent thinking, modern artistic expression, and conscious conditioning. In an

effort to understand modern India, we’ve brought together all the things

we’ve built fondly in recent times as well as old school practices we can’t get enough of.

SEE DETAILS ON PAGE NO 54

+

TEXT BY SHIBANI BAWAILLUSTRATIONS BY PRIYA KURIYAN

08_BYND_India Illustrations pages-2nd time.indd 46-47 27/07/16 7:01 am

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THE BIGGER PICTURE 15TH PUNE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL MAHARASHTRA The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), a premier fi lm school of the country, together with the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) celebrates world cinema in an annual gathering in their homeground, Pune. Last year saw the presence of Bad Hair actor Samantha Castillo and Polish fl mmaker Krystof Zanussi among others.

DELHI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL NEW DELHIThis festival was launched in 2012 to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema. It screens 250 fi lms, 250 selected art works and 50 literary works by NRI and Indian poets. Sharmila Tagore and Subhash Ghai were among the many celebrities present this year.

DHARAMSHALA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL HIMACHALPRADESHThe festival draws independent fi lmmakers from around the world to the mountains of Himachal to engage them in the understanding of different societies, cultures, and ideas. Workshops are also organised.

INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OF INDIA GOAIFFI encourages Indian cinema and introduces it to the world, apart from showcasing the best of world cinema. Held in various cities post its launch in Mumbai in 1952, it has found home in Goa since 2004. Last time, we saw Rakha, Rajnikanth and Amitabh Bachchan at the event.

NATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVALANDHRA PRADESHThe second edition of the fi lm fete in Vizag coincides with Children’s Day this year as Indian fi lmmakers bring together short fi lms and feature fi lms for kids at the three-day event.

JAIPUR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL RAJASTHANIt focuses on serious fi lmmakers and their associates in order to promote a deeper understanding of the art of fi lm-making. Last year the festival received over 2,000 fi lms from more than 100 countries.

GUJARAT INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVALThis year, at the 6th Gujarat International Short Film Festival, each fi lm selected will be screened at least once. The duration of the fi lms will range from one minute to a maximum of 30 minutes. Winning categories will include ‘best internat ional short fi lm,’ ‘best national short fi lm,’ and ‘best regional short fi lm’, apart from awards that are going to be reserved for the best director, actor, screenplay writer, and cinematographer.

I-Love-India

Moments

40This issue, we asked ourselves what India

really meant to us, and surprisingly, we didn’t simply resort to the ‘motley group of cultures,

people, and religions’ theory. We realised that while we still fi ercely hold on to our traditional roots, we’ve also come to the

era of independent thinking, modern artistic expression, and conscious conditioning. In an

effort to understand modern India, we’ve brought together all the things

we’ve built fondly in recent times as well as old school practices we can’t get enough of.

SEE DETAILS ON PAGE NO 54

+

TEXT BY SHIBANI BAWAILLUSTRATIONS BY PRIYA KURIYAN


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INDIA TUNESWORLD SACRED SPIRIT FESTIVAL RAJASTHANOrganised by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust, it brings music performances from diverse cultures. Last year, Robab master Daud Khan Sadozai gave a mind-numbing sufi performance.

RAJASTHAN INTERNATIONAL FOLK FESTIVALRIFF brings an array of music from traditional folk to international rap to the grand Mehrangarh Fort. Sona Mahapatra gave her fi rst performance last season.

MAGNETIC FIELDS FESTIVAL RAJASTHANThis festival of music and dance offers camping in Bedouin tents, yoga sessions, and star gazing workshops.

THE HORNBILL FESTIVAL NAGALANDTribes of Nagaland come together for dance, music, crafts and sports, food fairs and traditional art events.

AJANTA ELLORA FESTIVAL MAHARASHTRAA unique combination of dance and music attracts visitors from all over the world to the caves.

KHAJURAHO DANCE FESTIVAL MADHYA PRADESHThe temples of Khajuraho form the backdrop to Kuchipudi, Bharatnatyam, and Mohiniattam, among others.

KONARK DANCE & MUSIC FESTIVAL ODISHAThe Sun Temple attracts eminent artists of international repute to present Indian folk and performing arts.

LADAKH FESTIVAL JAMMU & KASHMIRThe six-day revelry kicks off at the Leh Market with masked dances, archery, and polo.

ZIRO FESTIVAL OF MUSIC ARUNACHAL PRADESHPicturesque villages, lush paddy fi elds and gushing white rivers add to the vibe of the four-day music festival.

SUNBURN GOAAsia’s largest EDM event features the most explosive DJs for four days of non-stop partying.

LATIN FESTIVAL MADRAS TAMIL NADU Salsa workshops, choreography bootcamps apart, attend the 3rd Chennai Salsa Solo Open this year.

ESCAPE FESTIVAL OF ART & MUSIC UTTARAKHANDOn the shores of Lake Naukuchiatal, this event sees bands, performance artists, tattoo and graffi ti artists.

CHAKRADHAR SAMAROH CHHATTISGARHA tribute to the late Maharaja Chakradhar Singh of Raigarh, this music fi esta on Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates his legacy.

RAJGIR DANCE FESTIVAL BIHARGet introduced to instrumental music, opera, and various schools of Indian classical music at the Rajgir Samaroh.

SARHUL FESTIVAL, JHARKHANDThe vibrant celebration of spring brings locals together to dance to the beats of the traditional drum.




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BRUSHES & PENCILSKUMAON LITERARY FESTIVAL UTTARAKHANDKLF is famous for being the only literary festival hosted in a hill village. It not only celebrates literature, but provides a forum for young adults and a stage for aspiring writers. In keeping with its philosophy of fair representation, the festival provides an equal opportunity to writers from different languages.

INDIA ART FAIR NEW DELHI It provides a platform for modern and contemporary artists of South Asia. During this four-day festival almost 94 exhibitors from 19 countries will present their work.

INTERNATIONAL KOLKATA BOOK FAIRWEST BENGAL The largest attendance at a book fair in Asia is here in Kolkata, with a footprint of 17 lakhs and a sale of over ̀ 17 crores. Held at the Milan Mela, the book fair launched the Kolkata Literature Festival in 2014 which saw the likes of Amartya Sen and Sudha Murthy on the panel.

JAIPUR LITERATURE FESTIVAL RAJASTHANIt is a fantastic show of wit and humour, insight and perspective of writers and thinkers at the Diggi Palace in Jaipur. From international award-winning authors to debutants, there’s a place for all kinds. Sundowners are marked by lively performances in exotic locations.

HYDERABAD LITERARY FESTIVAL TELANGANA Hyderabad’s annual literary festival has gained signifi cant momentum since its launch in 2010. Today it is the melting pot of panel discussions, book launches, cultural programmes, and events for school and college students.

KOCHI-MUZIRIS BIENNALE KERALAIn its third year, Kochi-Muziris Biennale will bring together about 80 artists from 24 countries. Besides its focus on art, expect fi lm screenings and music sessions at various venues in Fort Kochi and Ernakulam.

PUNE INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVALMAHARASHTRAFun-fi lled panel discussions, workshops and book launches galore, the Pune International Literary Festival selects important social causes to create awareness. Workshops on writing, positive thinking, and personality development also interest participants.


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BRUSHES & PENCILSKUMAON LITERARY FESTIVAL UTTARAKHANDKLF is famous for being the only literary festival hosted in a hill village. It not only celebrates literature, but provides a forum for young adults and a stage for aspiring writers. In keeping with its philosophy of fair representation, the festival provides an equal opportunity to writers from different languages.

INDIA ART FAIR NEW DELHI It provides a platform for modern and contemporary artists of South Asia. During this four-day festival almost 94 exhibitors from 19 countries will present their work.

INTERNATIONAL KOLKATA BOOK FAIRWEST BENGAL The largest attendance at a book fair in Asia is here in Kolkata, with a footprint of 17 lakhs and a sale of over ̀ 17 crores. Held at the Milan Mela, the book fair launched the Kolkata Literature Festival in 2014 which saw the likes of Amartya Sen and Sudha Murthy on the panel.

JAIPUR LITERATURE FESTIVAL RAJASTHANIt is a fantastic show of wit and humour, insight and perspective of writers and thinkers at the Diggi Palace in Jaipur. From international award-winning authors to debutants, there’s a place for all kinds. Sundowners are marked by lively performances in exotic locations.

HYDERABAD LITERARY FESTIVAL TELANGANA Hyderabad’s annual literary festival has gained signifi cant momentum since its launch in 2010. Today it is the melting pot of panel discussions, book launches, cultural programmes, and events for school and college students.

KOCHI-MUZIRIS BIENNALE KERALAIn its third year, Kochi-Muziris Biennale will bring together about 80 artists from 24 countries. Besides its focus on art, expect fi lm screenings and music sessions at various venues in Fort Kochi and Ernakulam.

PUNE INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVALMAHARASHTRAFun-fi lled panel discussions, workshops and book launches galore, the Pune International Literary Festival selects important social causes to create awareness. Workshops on writing, positive thinking, and personality development also interest participants.




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FERVOUR AND FEASTMYSORE DUSSERA KARNATAKACultural events at the beautifully lit up Mysore Palace continue for nine nights, and culminate with a procession of vibrant tableaux, decorated cavalry, music and dance performances. MIM KUT FESTIVAL MIZORAMThe maize harvest festival of Mizoram is dedicated to invoke the departed souls. On the fi rst day, they are offered the fi rst maize harvest as thanksgiving, while the second day involves dancing, singing, and merry making. HOLI IN BRAJ BHOOMI UTTAR PRADESHIn Braj Bhoomi (Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Nandgaon, Phalen and Barsana), holi is celebrated with a raas leela at Gulal Kund and the playful lathmar in Barsana. RANN UTSAV GUJARATDuring the Rann Utsav, the white sands of Kutch are splashed with colours. Dance, music, and fairs are common. LOSAR FESTIVAL JAMMU & KASHMIRNew Year in Ladakh/Tibet is celebrated over 15 days. Kickstarted by HH Dalai Lama at the Namgyal monastery in McLeodganj, it moves with much zeal to Ladakh. NEERMAHAL FESTIVAL TRIPURAAdmire Neermahal’s beautiful architecture at this three-day festival that includes a boat race on the Rudrasagar Lake. INDIA INTERNATIONAL COFFEE FESTIVAL MAHARASHTRAThis fi ve-day festival brings coffee tastings, demonstrations from world-class baristas, and previews of latest products. Coffee growers, retailers, equipment suppliers, researchers, and entrepreneurs from over 60 companies participate. ASSAM TEA FESTIVALTake a tour of tea estates and gardens in Assam. Adventure sports like rafting and angling fi nd their way into the celebrations, as do fairs and food festivals. SANGAI FESTIVAL MANIPURIn the last week of November, every Manipuri fl avour comes alive: art and culture, handloom, handicrafts, indigenous sports, cuisines, and music. This year, other Indian states, foreign traders, and cultural troupes will also be present. GREEN PEDAL SHILLONG CHALLENGE MEGHALAYAEvery August 15, Shillong organises a race of 45kms with climbs, rapid descents, broken asphalt, and fl at stretches through the beautiful landscape of Meghalaya. HOLLA MOHALLA PUNJABJust a day after Holi, Anandpur Sahib Gurudwara invites devotees to witness martial arts, religious music, and poetry. PANG LHABSOL SIKKIMThis Buddhist festival is marked by the iconic mask dance performed by lamas in Gangtok’s Chuklakhang Gumpa.



I N D I A M O M E N T S

The Bigger PictureDHARMASHALASTAY Fortune Park Moksha (fortunehotels.in) in McLeodganj offers a breathtaking view of the Dhauladhar Mountains. DO Norbulingka (norbulingka.org), a gorgeous Tibetan monastery, makes for a good day trip.EAT Illterati (illiteratibooksandcoffee.wordpress.com) is ideal for bookworms to relax with a cuppa.

NEW DELHISTAY The Imperial New Delhi (theimperialindia.com) is one of the most iconic symbols of the British Raj. DO The Delhi Way (thedelhiway.com) organises comfortable tours to the busy wholesale markets stacked with wares. EAT The award-winning Indian Accent (indianaccent.com) has pioneered progressive Indian cuisine. It requires prior reservations.

JAIPURSTAY For a glimpse into what BBC called “the original exotic marigold hotel” in a recent documentary, check into the 19th century Khatu Haveli (khatuhaveli.com).DO Uncover some of Jaipur’s secrets during the walking tour with Virasat Experiences (virasatexpereinces.com). EAT Enjoy a lavish Indian meal at the opulent Maharaja’s dining room at 1135 AD (mshospitality.com) within Amer Fort.

SURATSTAY The Gateway Hotel Athwalines Surat (gateway.tajhotels.com) on the banks of the Tapti River is drowned in luxury.DO Take a trip to the Gir National Park, the only home to 400 Asiatic lions and over 600 species of plants. EAT If you’ve tucked in enough Gujju fare, head to Sizzling Salsa (rajhans.co.in), known for the best sizzlers in town.

PUNESTAY Book into JW Marriott Pune (marriott.com). They often host live musical evenings at their rooftop restaurant, Paasha.DO Take a scenic drive from Pune to Lavasa and fi nd a range of adventure activities to pursue.

India TunesLADAKHSTAY The Gomang Boutique Hotel (gomanghotelleh.com) has a 3,000-book library for your leisurely reading.DO Drive over the world’s highest motorable road at Khradungla and cross over to the Nubra Valley.EAT Bon Appetit (Chang Spa Road (91-1982/251-533) serves delectable salads and chocolate momos.

DO Visit the archaelogical site at Kuruma for the gorgeous lake, undulating hills, and Buddhist history.EAT The seafood spread and banana pancakes at the Suntemple Hotel (suntemplehotel.com) are to die for.

CHENNAISTAY ITC Grand Chola (itchotels.in) has fi ne restaurants like Ottimo, Peshawri and Madras Pavilion.DO Enjoy the scenic drive along the seashore and pay your obeisance at the iconic Shore Temple at Mammallapuram.EAT Go for a classic French fare at Le Dupleix (ledupleix.in).

Brushes & PencilsKUMAONSTAY At Jim’s Jungle Retreat at Corbett Tiger Reserve (jimsjungleretreat.com) watch prancing deer, and occasionally, spot a tiger or leopard.DO Book a walking tour along the banks of the Kosi with Jim Corbett Park’s naturalists. EAT Take in the jungle sounds at the open terrace at the Safari Café (safaricafecorbett.wordpress.com)

KOLKATASTAY The Oberoi Grand (oberoihotels.com) offers a European Walk through some of colonial India’s famous sights.DO Visit Tirreti Market at 6.30 am and feast on Chinese delicacies sold by the residents of the Chinese colony—from bao buns to dimsums and meat balls.EAT For a curious blend of continental and Bengali food, head to Bohemian (Old Ballygunge, 1st Lane, Near Bondel Road; 91-33/6606-424132)

HYDERABADSTAY Taj Falaknuma (taj.tajhotels.com) offers a Champagne Palace Walk around the hotel during sunset.DO Visit Shilparamam, the cultural village with 15 artisanal huts displaying indegenous art and craft (shilparamam.in)EAT Take off on a three-hour culinary tour with Detours India (detaoursindia.com) through Hyderbad’s many Biriyani hubs.

dishes in the vegetarian belt, Noorani Restaurant (Danda Bazar, Khatri Chowk; 91/937-433-2242) is a good option.

GUWAHATISTAY Check into the Radisson Blu Hotel Guwahati (radissonblu.com) for stunning views. DO The Umananda Island in the Kamrup district is also known as the ‘Peacock Island’ due to the resemblance of its shape with that of our national bird.EAT Gams Delicacy (gamsdelicacy.in) serves the ethnic food of the north-east under one roof. Try the duck meat with black dal and pork bamboo shoot kohrisa.

AIZAWLSTAY Hotel Regency Aizawl (regencyaizawl.com) offers breathtaking views of the valleys and Phawngpui, the Blue Mountains of Mizoram.DO Climb the Phawngpui or mountain bike through the Hmuifang Hill.EAT Don’t go looking too hard for Mizo food, just head to Zo Food (Near Vanapa Hall; 91-389/232-8726).

AGARTALASTAY Hotel Sonar Tori (hotelsonartoriagartala.com) is a low-key but comfortable stay.DO Take a daytrip to the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary for southern Tripura’s best known sights.EAT Traditional Tripuri cuisine is known as Mui Borok prepared without oil. Eat at Hotel LongTrai (JB Road; 0381/2307-617)

IMPHALSTAY Check into the Presidential Suite at The Classic Hotel (theclassichotel.in) that overlooks the historic Kangla Fort. EAT The grilled food at The Palace restaurant at Palace Gate is famous.

EAT Malaka Spice (malakaspice.com) is an ambient restaurant serving fi ne and street-side Pan-Asian cuisine.

GOASTAY Coco Shambhala (cocoshambhala.com) has a luxurious spa and offers culinary workshops at Shagun.DO Drive to the spectacular Dudhsagar waterfalls high up on the Mandovi river. EAT House of Lloyds (Near Candolim Church, 91-98230-32273) offers the fi nest lamb and pork chops.

VIZAGSTAY Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach (novotel.com) has an ocean facing bar, Vue, that plays pulsating music at night.DO Take a two-hour trip to Dolphin’s Nose, the huge hillock in the shape of a dolphin’s nose where a lighthouse stands tall in anticipation of ships.EAT Vizag’s iconic Sri Sairam Parlour (Bakkanapalem Road; 91-905-977-7519) has the best South Indian thalis.

NAUKUCHIATALSTAY Club Mahindra (clubmahindra.com), amidst lush mountains, is just 30kms from the nearest station of Kathgodam. DO Paraglide over the beautiful town with Himalayan Adventure Institute (himadven.com).EAT Try traditional Kumaoni dishes like ghaut ki daal at Aipan (theaipanrestaur ant.com).

RAIGARHSTAY Be chauffeured in an Audi Q3 to Hotel Trinity Grand (hoteltrinity.in) and experience contemporary luxury.DO The Gomarda Wildlife Sactuary, Ram Jharna (waterfall), and Balaji Temple are the top attractions.

RAJGIRDO Attractions include the Cyclopean Wall, the Ajatshatru Fort, the Sonbhandar Caves, and Bimbisar jail.EAT The Nalanda archaeological museum has a small café that offers Indian and Chinese options.

JHARKHANDDO The beautiful landscape is full of waterfalls like the Dassam Falls, the Jonha Falls, and the Hudru Falls. EAT For Jharkhandi cuisine, try Kaveri Restaurant in GEL Church Shopping Mall.

AURANGABAD STAY Check into Vivanta by Taj, Aurangabad (vivanta.tajhotels.com) for a regal stay. DO Buy a hand-woven paithani saree made from very fi ne silk with a peacock-design on the pallu. EAT The meat curry at New Maratha Hotel in Gulmandi with hot rotis.

KHAJURAHOSTAY The Lalit Temple View Khajuraho (thelalit.com) allows you to experience an in-house light and sound show in the City of Exotic Temples.DO Buy tribal handicrafts and enjoy folk performance arts at Shilpgram.EAT Raja’s Café (Sevagram; 91-768/627-2307) with a temple-view terrace serves fabulous wood-fi red pizzas and lasagna.

KONARKSTAY Wooden cottages affront a pristine beach at the confl uence of the Kusabhadra River and the Bay of Bengal make Lotus Eco Resort (lotusresorthotels.com) a perfect option.

KOCHISTAY The Malabar House (malabarhouse.com) offers an ayurvedic kalari massage spa that has been developed from Kalarippayat. DO Staying true to the pictorial symbol of Kochi, try your hand at fi shing.EAT Nawras Authentic Seafood Restaurant (nawrasrestaurant.com) uses age-old recipes in their kitchen.

Fervour & FeastANANDPUR SAHIBSTAY Kisan Haveli (Kisan Haveli Road, Mohalla Bali Sarkar; 91/978-080-3000) is a preferred hotel for its quaint rooms and courteous staff. EAT Be sure to attend the langar and feast on the delicious festive meal.DO Take a round of Chandigarh. Attractions include the Le Corbursier Museum and the Rock Garden.

BRAJ BHOOMISTAY Nidhivan Sarovar Portico (nidhivansarovar.com) offers most comforts—a spa, fi tness centre, and large rooms. DO The Vrindavan Parikrama is a two-hour walk around Vrindavan with stops at Kaliya Ghata, Madana Mohan temple, among others. EAT Ammaji’s Ayurvedic Restaurant in Vrindavan (ammajis.restaurant) serves a rage of organic fare. German breads and home-made ice cream are the best.

KUTCHSTAY Serena Beach Resort (serenabeachresort.com) provides a hut-style accommodation that feels like a luxury cabana on the beach. DO Visit the excavated site at Dholavira and marvel at the city planning that existed 5,000 years ago.EAT If you’re looking for meat

DO Watch a theatre performance by the acclaimed Ratan Thiyam’s Chorus Repertory Theatre Production.

SHILLONGSTAY Located centrally in the Laitumkhrah area, Café Shillong Bed & Breakfast (cafeshillongbandb.com) offers a relaxed stay.EAT Jadoh on Don Bosco Square is popular for its Khasi delicacies. DO Embark on the Living Root Bridge Trail (livingrootbridge.com), a single and double decker bridge made of the massive roots of the Ficus elastic tree.

PEMAYANGTSEEAT If you’re crossing Gangtok, stop over at 9ine, a restaurant in New Market that offers a traditional set meal with recipes brought from the monasteries.DO The Rabdenste Fort Ruins and the Pemayangtse Monastery are two must-visit places.

MUMBAISTAY If you like heights, book yourself at the country’s highest hotel tower, St Regis Mumbai (stregismumbai.com). DO Try sailing at the Gateway of India. Oyster (oystersailing.in) offers sail yachts, sail boats, and speed boats. EAT NRI- Not Really Indian (nrirestaurant.com) is Chef Atul Kochhar’s restaurant with the concept of serving food that is perceived Indian but is actually not.

MYSORESTAY The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore (radissonblu.com) offers utmost comfort to guests.DO Visit the Shivanasamudra waterfalls with a picnic basket.EAT Inside the palace built by the Maharaja of Mysore, Sapphire (lalithamahalpalace.in) serves a delicious Mysore thali.

the DetailsNo matter which city, town, or hill you’re perched on, we’ve found you comfort spots to make travel easy.

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BADlaknuma (taj.tajhotels.a Champagne Palacethe hotel during sunsnsnsn et.

paramam, the cultural 15 artisanal huts degenous art andramam.in)f on a three-hour r with Detoursursindia.com)erbad’s many

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JODHPURSTAY Enjoy a heritage walk through the world’s sixth largest residence converted into a hotel, the Umaid Bhawan Palace (taj.tajhotels.com). DO Go on an off-road adventure with Overlander India (overlanderindia.com) and experience the rich natural and cultural variety of Rajasthan.EAT Try the traditional thali at Gypsy (gypsyfoods.com) and enjoy churma, bati, fried and steamed farsaan.

SHEKHAWATISTAY At Alsisar Mahal (alsisarmahal.com), follow the fresco trail through the various routes of the haveli. DO Visit the Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary and spot blackbuck, antelope, chinkaras, and migratory birds like harriers.EAT Have breakfast at the terrace of Castle Mandawa (castlemandawa.com) and take in great views of distant temples and cenotaphs.

KOHIMASTAY Hotel Vivor (hotel-vivor.onetime.com) is one of the few upscale hotels in Kohima that boasts a nightclub.DO The lush, rolling hills make for a pleasurable trek to the Dzoukou Valley and the Japfu Peak.EAT From silkworms to frog meat, Naga cuisine is exotic. Head to Orami (Near NSF Martyr’s Park; 91-961-553-6788) to experiment.

ZIROSTAY The rustic accommodation at Siiro Resort (siiroresort.com) offers glimpses into the rich culture of the Nyish and Apatani communities.DO Adrenaline junkies can raft down the Kameng River.



the bigger picture - amazon s3€¦ · the bigger picture 15th pune international film festival...

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