Month: January 2014

My top 5 picks in the south

Published by Anita

Something I wrote a while ago, published by rediff.com. The places I’ve listed (some of them are possibly pretty familiar to most of you) and yet I was surprised when a very dear friend today confessed that she has never been to Pondicherry. So there goes! I take it for granted that these are relatively popular places, but if you haven’t visited yet, now is a good time. I’ve also listed some of my favourite places to stay in each of them. My picks: Pondicherry, Tharangamvadi (though I believe even Tharangampadi is an acceptable spelling), Nersa, Goa and Havelock (in the Andamans). Not sure if the last one technically can be called south India, but it’s still the deep south. Top 5 Must Travel Places in South India Enjoy 🙂          

Getting physical: Things I’ve tried over the years

Published by Anita

So here’s a post about the kind of interesting physical activities I’ve tried over the years. I’ve left out what I consider more common activities like running, cycling and walking. And I must also admit, a bit sheepishly, that I haven’t really stuck to anything in the long run. And all this seemingly hard work, hasn’t exactly resulted in a super model figure. But the fun is in the trying, I have convinced myself. Shiamak Davar Dance Classes: So, this was a long time ago. When I decided I should learn how to dance. I do have difficulty moving my hands and feet in any organised form (which is why I’ve stayed away from aerobics!). But I decided to give it a go. It was a fun class. I was horribly out of sync all the time. But the high point was performing as a part of an annual function. In front of people. I have no idea what I did and whether my feet moved at all. But at least I can say, “I …

The X-Files, Part 3: A list of entrepreneurial ventures run by women

Published by Anita

This is part 3 of the series on entrepreneurial ventures run by women. You can also visit part 1 and part 2 for more categories. In part 3, I’ve listed all our talented women who are a whizz in the kitchen. Whether it’s baking delicious cupcakes, catering for large get-togethers, giving you a taste of Indian cuisine, or showing you the healthy way – you’ll find everything related to food here. (*Please note that these are all based in Bangalore). CATERING, BAKING, FOOD, CULINARY CLASSES, HEALTH FOOD Curry Classes, Sandhya Aiyer Oza Description: Customised cooking classes email: sandhya.oza@curryclasses.com Website: Curry Classes Her story: Curry Classes is now based in Whitefield, Bangalore. Looking to teach and help first timers, young brides to be, bachelors and anyone interested in learning simple ways of cooking. A well cooked meal at home is healthier than a take away. If anyone cares for what goes into that meal you eat it will be you… so STOP thinking cooking is tough, START thinking of what you would like to learn. Get …

The X-Files, Part 2: A list of entrepreneurial ventures run by women

Published by Anita

This series is a continuation from Part 1. These are all run and led by women entrepreneurs. In Part 2, I’ve listed three categories: — JEWELLERY & ACCESSORIES — CLOTHING/APPAREL, FASHION, BEAUTY/MAKE-UP, SKIN CARE, HAIRCARE — FITNESS, SPA, SALONS, WELLNESS So, without any further ado, here’s the first category: JEWELLERY & ACCESSORIES A SunnyDisposition, Susan John Description: Bags and clutches Facebook: ASunnyDisposition Her story: Whether you’re looking for those absolute essentials or for that luxurious Indo chic makeover, A Sunny Disposition has it. What you find in the shop is both versatile and flexible giving you an access to the different looks you’ve wanted and more- be it ethnic or contemporary, chic or bohemian. PIC Flames of the Forest, Mrinalini Cariapa Description: Designer silver jewelry with semi-precious gems Contact: +91 9880673144 Facebook: Flames of the Forest Her story: I founded Flames of the Forest, an exclusive collection of designer jewelry, in 2006. I travel extensively to source rare semi-precious gems – like coral fossil, jaspers, solar quartz, lodolite -and sets them in sterling silver, turning …

Tryst with nature: The Kanha National Park

Published by Anita

In December 2013, I got the opportunity to spend a few days exploring the Kanha forests, and relaxing at the Kanha Earth Lodge, a comfortable haven for wildlife and nature lovers. A trip into the forests of Madhya Pradesh is incomplete without a tiger sighting. Or so they say. Though it was something that was on my mind, I wasn’t really too stressed about it. My guide, on the other hand, was. He tried his hardest to make sure we sighted a tiger, but unfortunately, the two times we went into the Mukki and the Kisli zones, the tiger wasn’t in a mood to come out in public. An early morning scene as we enter the Kanha National Park The tiger is one magnificent animal and there’s nothing as memorable as seeing one roaming free in the wild. But with the dwindling numbers and the poaching reports, I am not very hopeful of this animal’s future. We’re definitely bent upon eliminating this majestic creature from the Indian landscape and doing a good job of it …

Bitten by the travel bug

Bitten by the travel bug

Published by Anita

Looking back, I’ve always been a bit of a wanderer and a gypsy. I’ve always had the yearning to discover, learn, journey and share. I’ve never been happy sitting in one place, one city, one country (and maybe one universe?!). I know – it doesn’t really make for a very stable and predictable career, but it does bring with it experiences that are out of the world. Jumping out of a plane was perhaps the most exciting and nail-biting thing I did last year, but I enjoyed even the mundane walk through a small town where every experience is novel. Experiencing a serene sunset, cycling through rural villages, enjoying a cup of tea by the road side, rafting down a raging river – I would have never known life’s simple pleasures if I hadn’t ventured out of my comfort zone. And I’ve managed to pack a bit in the last year. From diving into the deep blue waters of the Bay of Bengal, to experiencing a royal way of life in Jaisalmer; from a journey …