120-year-old found fighting fit after 1st check-up in life

Highlights

• His devotees were worried because he was having headaches for the first time in his life
• Swami Sivananda walked out with a clean bill of health but for high blood pressure
• Despite never having got formal education he can converse in English
• Fruits & milk are fancy food, i avoid them

Swami Sivananda undergoes a medical check-up on Saturday.

KOLKATA: His devotees were worried because he was having headaches for the first time in his life. Not bad for a 120-year old. So, the monk walked in for the first medical check-up of his life. To put it in perspective, when Swami Sivananda was born, it had only been a year since X-ray was invented, and on Saturday, he didn't bat an eyelid when he was wheeled into an MRI machine.

Swami Sivananda walked out with a clean bill of health but for high blood pressure -even then his diastolic was absolutely normal at 80. The secret of baba's health? Mashed green chillies every day . Plus boiled food, daily exercises and the joy of helping.

Swami Sivananda's passport and Aadhaar card put his age at 120, but he looks 50 years younger -there's hardly a wrinkle on his cheeks. Doctors and nurses at the private hospi tal were awestruck by the monk's mental and physical agility. They were speechless when he did a sarbangasana at the drop of a hat (or request).

Born on August 8, 1896, in Behala, then a village, the swamiji could be the oldest living person. In fact, he is about five years older than Japan's Jiroemon Kimura, who holds the Guinness Record now. Though based in Varanasi, he moves around the country and abroad for spiritual discourses.

He seemed quite bemused at his first medical check-up. He has been staying with a devotee in Salt Lake for about a month now. In the last few days, he started complaining of headaches after every discourse with devotees. Prodded by his followers, he agreed to a check-up. All these years, we've nev er heard Swamiji com plain of health problems. When he said he was having headaches, we persuaded him to get a check-up," said Dr S C Garai, a disciple.All they found was systolic hypertension (18080). "Even people in their forties can have such high blood pressure if they lead stressful lives.Swami Sivananda has the heart of a young man," said Dr P C Mondal, interventional cardiologist at the hospital.

"Clinically, his heart seems to be in good condition.The ECG and echocardiogram reports are awaited. He agreed to take medication for his high blood pressure but asked us if he could postpone it by five days so that he can work on reducing it on his own," Mondal said.

Born Sivananda Goswami, his parents died on the same day when he was only four years old. His elder sister, who used to beg for food with him, died two years later. Some relatives handed over the child to a guruji who brought the boy to Nadadwip. He moved around before settling down in Varanasi in 1979.

What's the secret of his longevity and health? "I believe in eating simple, living humble and in being compassionate. I feel good when I have tried my best to help those in distress," the guru told TOI in perfect English, despite never having got formal education.

He had boiled rice, boiled pulses and boiled vegetables with a couple of green chillies from the hospital's canteen for lunch. Chef Suman Bhattacharjee got a pat for the doubled boiled rice as swamiji has lost all his teeth, perhaps the only sign of his age.

True Swami! What a life! Envy of kings! No ego. Bliss! Pranam.Debasish Burman

"As a child who had to sleep on an empty stomach many nights, even boiled food is a fancy . I stuck to boiled food as a habit and not because I was conscious of my health. Fruits and milk are a fancy for the hungry so I avoid them," said Swami Sivananda. While many `Godmen' or gurus live in palatial houses, Swami Sivananda lives in a 600 sq ft flat in Varanasi donated by his disciples. Anyone who wants to approach the swamiji with their problems can walk in any time of the day . He sleeps on a mat with a wooden block for a pillow. He performs yoga, pranayama and freehand exercises for two hours daily. The rest of the day he reads, chants and speaks with devotees from any religion. The good days are when he gets to help someone.

Every Saturday, he and his devotees distribute food among the poor. He also spends time working with lepers and plans to travel to Puri in December to help lepers and beggars.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/invest/low-cost-nps-tier-ii-has-beaten-direct-mfs/articleshow/53349849.cms

Women Safety Apps





App makers in talks with handset cos after govt makes panic buttons in mobiles must from Jan

App makers are actively discussing integrating their products designed to ensure women's safety into handsets in the wake of the government notification to install panic buttons in all mobile devices from January 2017. Some of the well-known personal safety apps, including VithU, Woman Safety Shield, I Feel Safe, Nirbhaya: Be Fearless, I'm Shakti and Secure Her, are compatible with Android OS-based smartphones.
These apps come at a very negligible or zero cost to handset vendors, and can be leveraged with existing hardware modules. Some like handset vendor Karbonn are developing their own women's safety app, while Korean major LG has already unveiled a phone with a panic button.
“We are in advanced talks with few device makers to install the `I Feel Safe' with a panic button option with some of the device vendors,“ said Bhawna Kumari, business head at MSAI, adding that the company is running field trials. MSAI provides software solutions and IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers to mobile device makers.
Kumari, however, refused to disclose the names of vendors incorporating such an app, but added that the new bundled devices are likely to hit retail store shelves starting August.
The `I Feel Safe' app will be available in some of the mobile phone models across 2G, 3G and 4G technologies being launched in the Indian market shortly .
Device makers, according to the executive, are eager to grab the market by demonstrating a user-friendly safety app with the panic button option as a unique business proposition.
As they prepare inventory for the upcoming festival season including the Diwali line-up, they are strategically adopting women safety apps, though most were tight-lipped about their plans. Samsung, Lenovo, HTC and Intex did not respond to ET's queries while Micromax, Lava and Xiaomi said they will be adhering to the govern ment mandate to install panic buttons on new handsets.
Karbonn said it is developing an in-house app, which is expected to be pre-installed in some of the new smartphones it rolls out to differentiate them from competitors.“We would be making safety apps available on Karbonn's app store and Android Play Store for easy download by existing customers,“ a spokesperson said.
Additionally , the device maker will also be pushing safety feature updates over FOTA (firmware over-theair) to all Karbonn customers. The devices and updates would be launched over the next few months, the company added.

Eat poor to live rich & healthy

Eat poor to live rich. As the health-conscious Indian moves away from fat friendly western snacks, including consumption of pizzas and burgers, herbs and spices traditionally used by Dalits is all set to find its way into more mainstream cuisine, thanks to its wellness enhancing abilities.

From saffron-colored and-not-yellow turmeric sourced from water-distressed regions of Maharashtra to pungent Bhiwapur chillies that don't cause acidity even if consumed in large quantities, these spices used by Dalits and scoffed at by the uppity is now being tapped by nutritionists for its healing properties.

"While conducting a socio-anthropological project to study the food habits of Dalits in UP, commissioned by the University of Pennsylvania, I discovered that poor Dalit settlements had an unusually large number people in their nineties," said Dalit columnist turned entrepreneur Chandra Bhan Prasad."In comparison, the longevity in Thakur 'bastis' was relatively low." Prasad is planning to use his indigenous wisdom to launch an online startup called Dalit Foods that will peddle food products sourced from Dalit farmers including spices and millets.


Disseminating information on authentic Dalit cuisine will also be a big part of the company, which is expected to be launched later this month.

Physical labour - toiling 910 hours in the farming fields under the sun - is welded into the lifestyle of millions of Dalits. Prasad felt food could be one of the reasons behind their high life expectancy.

"Traditionally, Dalits didn't have large tracts of land. They mainly grew crops such as millets that don't require much water. Millets are good for health. They didn't have money to use chemical fertilizers, which meant organic food," said Prasad.

"Dalits ate rotis along with wheat husks. Nowadays, the same is being touted as a superfood for diabetics," he adds.

While several innovations from desi kitchens have captured the imagination of the west over the decades, the current favourite being turmeric latte (essentially haldi-doodh). Closer home, top nutritionists have termed this interest as going back to the roots. "Look at it this way," said celebrity nutritionist Pooja Makhija. "Earlier, everybody here aped the West. Now, the west is telling us that authentic Indian cuisine is the best and we are going back to it in a big way."

Dalit cuisine is essentially full of whole grains, which means a high amount of fibre, nutrients and antioxidants, said Makhija.

"Other than the rich organic nature of the food, the ingredients make digestion harder in a good way , allowing blood sugar levels to remain stable."

Prasad, who has been working on the project for two years, has set aside a modest capital of Rs 5 lakh.

From a two storied building in Patparganj, he operates a packaging facility . "I cannot sell the products through brick and mortar retail in the beginning because I will get paid later. We will start selling online and scale up once demand intensifies,"he said.

He is sourcing raw materials from across the country where agriculture is done in old fashioned Dalit way, meaning no chemical fertilisers and less water

Kolkata most vulnerable as allergy tentacles tighten grip

Even as an allergy epidemic grips India — there has been a 20% spike in allergic ailments in five years — Kolkata and Mumbai seem the most vulnerable, thanks to house dust mite-like organisms that thrive in humid weather.

"India has witnessed a 20% rise in allergies in the past five years, and the spike can be a direct fallout of our changing lifestyle that takes us away from trees and farmland. A city life makes us prone to allergies caused by house dust mites, parthenium, pollens. Weather can be a trigger as well," said Ruby Pawankar, president of Indian Academy of Allergy. Pawankar, in the city for Indian Academy of Allergy Conference (IAACON 2016), shared with TOI her various research findings, including those related to micro-creatures, which live off human skin scales and are the main cause for allergies.

House dust mite allergy is associated with asthma, eczema and most importantly and commonly, perennial allergic rhinitis. The incidence of allergic rhinitis, with symptoms similar to cold, like sneezing, congestion, runny nose and sinus pressures, was higher in Kolkata than anywhere else in the country, showed the study findings by Kolkata doctors A GGhosal and Raja Dhar in Indian Journal of Tuberculosis. "Allergic rhinitis cases are much higher in the eastern region (around urban Kolkata) than other parts," said Dhar, IAA executive council member and organizing chair of IAACON 2016. The study has found 90% asthma patients in Kolkata have allergic rhinitis. "This is not half as alarming as the corollary: 50% patients with allergic rhinitis in Kolkata have asthma," said Dhar.

Pretty sure it is. Almost every body sneezes in a public transport.Manu Mitra

Dhar agreed measures against house dust mites—which are of the size of a quarter of a millimetre and found in bedding, carpets, soft furnishings and clothing—would go along way in reducing allergic rhinitis and asthma. More often than not, the mites themselves do not trigger allergies but it's the protein in their droppings that are responsible.

The time of the year when one is infected the most depends on the airborne substances one is allergic to. Pawankar said, "As with other allergies, allergic rhinitis are a result of your immune system mistaking a harmless substance as harmful, and releasing chemicals that cause the symptoms." No wonder, some are only mildly affected by allergic rhinitis and rarely have to seek help. But it's better to be safe than sorry. "Ignore allergy at your peril," warned Pawankar.

Regional treats (foods) for a rainy day

Snacks add to the magical experience of rains and every state of India has varied delicacies to offer. So, once you are done with serving pakoras and bhajiyas this monsoon, try these popular regional snacks which are best had with a cup of piping hot chai.

MAHARASHTRIAN - ALUCHI WADI
This tasty dish is made from alu (colocasia leaves) with Maharashtrians calling it alu vadi and Gujaratis calling it patrode. It is prepared in two different ways. The simpler one is when it is just steamed, while some deep-fry the steamed alu wadi, which is a crunchy to bite.
INGREDIENTS
20 medium sized colocasia leaves
For the filling: 2 ½ cups besan (gram flour), 4 tbsp powdered jaggery, 2 tbsp seedless tamarind soaked in water, 2 green chillies, ½ inch ginger, ½ tsp red chilli powder, ½ tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp oil, salt to taste
For the tempering : 8-10 curry leaves, 2 tsp sesame seeds, 1 tsp mustard seeds, ¼ tsp asafoetida powder, ¼ cup grated fresh coconut, chopped coriander leaves
METHOD

• Rinse the colocasia leaves well and wipe dry. Remove the central vein and stalks.
• Take all the ingredients for the batter in a bowl. Squeeze the tamarind into the water to extract its pulp and add this to the batter. Add water if required, but keep the batter thick.
• Check the taste and add more salt or powdered jaggery as required.
• Spread the batter on one leaf and cover it with another leaf. Put on it a third leaf and spread batter on it too. Cover with a fourth leaf and then roll the edges.
• Place these rolls on a greased steamer pan and steam for 20-25 minutes.
• While they're getting steamed, heat the oil in a small pan and add ingredients for tempering.
• Slice the steamed rolls and place on a plate. Add the tempering mixture onto them. Sprinkle grated coconut and coriander.
• You can also deep fry the sliced steamed rolls and then add the tempering.
• Serve with green chutney.

KERALA - PAZHAM PORI A staple at tea stalls in Kerala, these batter fried sweet snacks are hard to resist during the rainy weather. Perfect to make at home for tea time, pazham poris are banana fritters, crispy on the outside with sweet succulent pieces of ripe banana nestled inside. You can buy the ripest of the special bananas available at the shop selling Kerala products. 2 ripe bananas, 3 tbsp maida (all purpose flour), 1 tbsp rice flour, 1/2 cup water, large pinch of baking soda, salt to taste This snack from Gujarat gets a new lease of life during monsoons. Apart from the regular khakra, fafda and dhoklas, people of Gujarat are ready to serve snacks like dal wadas, corn wadas and METHI NA GOTA with adraki chai. 1 cup besan (gram flour), ½ cup chopped fenugreek leaves, 8-10 black peppercorns, 1 tsp coriander seeds, ½ tsp carom seeds, 4 green chilies chopped finely, 1 tbsp oil plus more for deep frying, 1 tsp sugar, ¼ tsp asafoetida, water as required, a pinch of baking soda and salt to taste Lukhmi is the Hyderabadi version of the triangular samosa, but they are square-shaped and bite-sized. This crispy, deep-fried savoury traditionally has a filling of minced mutton and spices. However, for vegetarians, the substitute for the filling is spicy potato and other vegetables. Served with green chutney, these little parcels of minced-meat are a comforting monsoon snack. 2 cups maida, ½ tsp salt, 4 tbsp ghee, ¼ cup fresh yogurt, warm water, oil for deep frying ½ pound minced chicken, 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 small onion sliced thinly, 1 tbsp red chilli powder, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1 tbsp coriander chopped fine, 1 tsp garam masala; 2 tbsp ghee During monsoons, alu chops and are the most favoured treats for Bengalis. While the alu chops have a stuffing of potato, green peas, tomato slices, ginger paste and various spices, the egg roll is similar to a Frankie or the kathi rolls prepared in many roadside stalls. It has a filling of eggs and you can replace it with a filling of chicken or mutton with spices. 1 cup maida, water, salt to taste 2 eggs, 1 medium onion chopped finely, half a medium sized cucumber, julienned, 2 chopped green chillies, oil for frying, salt to taste, tomato sauce for seasoning

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

• Cut the bananas in halves. Further cut it lengthwise into three pieces.
• Prepare a smooth batter with maida, water and salt. Add a large pinch of baking soda just before frying. Mix the batter well and ensure there are no lumps.
• Dip the bananas in the batter and fry in a pan with oil on medium heat. When they are golden, remove using a slotted spoon.
• Place these on kitchen paper, to remove excess oil and serve warm.

GUJARAT - METHI NA GOTA

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

• Take water and 1 tablespoon of oil in a bowl. Mix it well. Add carom seeds, green chillies, baking soda, salt, sugar, asafoetida to the mixture. Lightly crush and mix the peppercorns and coriander seeds well.
• Then add the fenugreek leaves and besan. Mix all together, and make sure that the batter is thick with no lumps.
• Heat oil in a pan on medium heat for deep frying. Make small balls of the methi-besan mixture and when the oil is hot enough, drop them in oil. These balls should be medium-sized, because after frying they will puff up and get bigger in size.
• Wait for half-a-minute and then turn them around with the help of a slotted spoon. Fry well on both sides till they turn golden brown and drain them on a dish lined with paper towels.
• Apart from green chutney, methi gotas are also served with raw onion slices and fried green chillies.

HYDERABAD - LUKHMI

INGREDIENTS
For the dough:

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For the stuffing:
METHOD

• Boil the minced chicken with ginger-garlic paste and salt till done.
• Heat ghee in a pan and fry onion till light brown. Add the minced chicken and the dry spices; fry till dry. Mix in the garam masala powder and coriander leaves. Keep aside.
• Sieve the flour and salt together. Rub in the ghee till the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Mix the yogurt and use warm water to knead it into a soft, but not sticky dough.
• Divide the dough into small portions. Roll each portion into a small, thin chapati. Place a heaped tablespoon of the mince filling at the centre. Cover with another chapati of same size. Seal the edges by pressing them down firmly.
• Cut into squares and deep fry the lukhmi on medium heat until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
• Serve with tomato sauce.

KOLKATTA - EGG ROLLS

Egg Rolls

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INGREDIENTS
For the dough:
For the filling:
METHOD

• Knead the flour to make a smooth dough. Roll round parathas from it.
• In a bowl, beat the egg with a pinch of salt.
• Heat one tablespoon of oil in a frying pan and add the beaten egg mix to it. Spread it on the pan of the same diameter as the paratha.
• Carefully place the paratha over the half-fried omelette and allow it to cook for two more minutes. Turn around the paratha and cook the other side for one minute and take out from the frying pan.
• Place the egg covered paratha on a flat surface with the egg side up.
• Add chopped cucumber, chilies and onion at the centre of the paratha to make the filling and pour the tomato sauce over the vegetables.
• Roll the paratha and serve hot with little lemon juice over the filling.

5 waterfalls in India that you must visit this monsoon

There is nothing more relaxing and invigorating than watching a waterfall. And it's even more glorious in the rains. If you're planning a holiday in this season, make sure the destination is somewhere near these scenic sights. There is something really exciting about a waterfall cascading down from a mountain. And more so during the monsoon when the water gushes down with full force and vigour. If you haven't decided on a destination yet, here are some of the places in our country which are considered to be the 'Niagara Falls' of India.

Athirappilly Falls, Kerala
Often called the 'Niagara' of India, this waterfall is situated in Thrissur district of Kerala. One needs to hold their breath — the panoramic fall of the water is 330 foot wide. However, the falls are relatively low with water falling from a height of only 80 feet, but what makes this waterfall all the more beautiful at this time of the year is when the clouds come floating down.

Dudhsagar Falls, Goa

Far from the beaches and the tourist hotspots in Goa, stands the Dudhsagar Falls which stands at a height of 1,017 feet. This 'milky' looking falls is a part of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and is something that the tourists wait to see during the monsoon.

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Chitrakoot Falls, Chattisgarh
Known as the most majestic waterfall in the country, this waterfall is 520 foot wide and is spread across a cliff which is shaped like a horseshoe. However, the water here is muddy unlike the other waterfalls in the country as it is filled with silt from Indravati River in the rains.

Jog Falls, Karnataka
Hidden deep within the forestland of Sagara in Karnataka, about 340 km away from Bangalore, the Jog Falls is created by the Sharavathi River which has four points of fall and when merged looks like one grand waterfall. These four points are known as the Raja, Rani, Rover and Rocket. The water falls from a height of 829 feet and looks absolutely stunning.

Langshiang Falls, Meghalaya
A land where incessant rainfalls make it a traveller's favourite destination, the Langshiang Falls in Meghalaya is a treat to the eye. This is known to be the third largest waterfall in India and is located on an island called Nangkhunaum. However, visiting this waterfall is no mean feat as one has to take a boat to reach it.

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Top waterfalls of Maharashtra
Tungareshwar Falls : Head to Vasai and Naigaon, if you do not wish to travel too far from the city. The area around the falls is heavily forested and is often frequented by city people over the weekends. You can also go for trekking or climb on the nearby rocks.

Bhivpuri Falls : This waterfall is also not too far away from the city. Located in Karjat, this waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery. From mountains to vast stretches of plain, you can also camp nearby and enjoy the fall during this season.

Malshej Ghats : Just about 154 km away from Mumbai, you will be passing many waterfalls in this area. Malshej Ghats come alive during the rains and you can see various kinds of birds and flowers in this area

Meghna Mukherjee, TNN | Jul 3, 2016, 01.00AM IST

Role of bangles in a traditional Indian wedding

Colourful bangles

Bangles look beautiful on the delicate wrists of Indian women, especially the young brides. Besides enhancing the beauty, it is one of the many symbols that mark a married Indian woman, the others being sindoor, toe ring, mangalsutra, etc. However, with the woman no longer being confined to home after marriage, the age-old tradition of wearing wedding symbols daily has taken a backseat and these are now reserved for special days only. For daily wear, women now wear kadas or a single thick bracelet with trendier, geometric designs nudging into the market of traditional designs.
However, tradition still plays a significant role during an Indian wedding, you will see the brides wearing bangles on their wedding day and for some months after it as they flaunt their status as a newly-married bride. Traditionally, a part of the solah shringar for Indian brides, bangles made of glass, gold or other metals is meant to signify good fortune and prosperity.
In a multicultural country like India, bangles, its colours and the material it's made in differs from community to community or state to state. Let's take a look at some of them...

In Maharashtra
The bridal chooda is made of green glass bangles in odd numbers. These are worn along with solid gold bangles called patlya and carved kadas called tode.
In Southern states
While gold is considered most auspicious in southern states of India, some communities see the brides wear green coloured glass bangles along with the gold ones, since green signifies fertility and prosperity.
In Gujarat and Rajasthan
In Gujarat and Rajasthan, the bride's mother gifts her a pair of ivory bangles and only after wearing these ivory bangles, the bridal couple can perform the 'saptapati' ritual or saat phere to complete the marriage ceremony.
In Punjab
The red and white chooda worn by Punjabi brides is quite popular and you can see young brides enthusiastically flaunting them even in western wear. The chooda is basically 21 slender ivory bangles in white and red decorated decorated with stones. In fact the bangle-wearing ceremony is held in the morning on the day of the wedding.
A puja is performed by the pandit wherein the bride's maternal uncles give her a set of chooda after washing them in milk. As per tradition, the brides are supposed to wear them for minimum of 40 days and then continue to wear them for a year; in some communities even for 15 months. These bangles are usually worn in larger size as the newly married girls are going to wear them till one year. Another interesting ritual associated with the chooda ceremony is putting the 'kalire' or tinkling bells. These dome shaped streamers with tinkling silver and gold bells are tied to the chooda by the bride's cousins and friends. They are like blessings for the bride as she starts a new life and also to remind her of her old friends.
In West Bengal and Odisha
Bengali and Odiya woman wear white bangles made up of conch-shell known as shaka, while pola are red bangles made up of red corals. In earlier days, the affluent ladies used to wear shakhas made of elephant teeth.
Bangles and colours

Red signifies energy and prosperity
Green denotes good luck and fertility
Blue is for wisdom
Yellow bangles are meant for happiness
White is for new beginnings
Orange is for success
Silver bangles denote strength
Gold bangles symbolise fortune and prosperity

தமிழ் அறிவோம்..! ண ன ந எங்கெல்லாம் வரும் ?

Useful message for tamil language.

மூனுசுழி “ண” , ரெண்டு சுழி “ன” "ந" என்ன வித்தியாசம்?

படிக்காதவர்க்கும் நல்ல தமிழைக் கற்றுத் தந்தவர் நடிகர் திலகம் சிவாஜி கணேசன்.
கண்ணப்பன் னு எழுதச்சொன்னா ஒருத்தன் 4சுழி 5சுழி போட்டானாம்!
என்னப்பா னு கேட்டதுக்கு அவன் கேட்டானாம்- “தமிழ் வளரவே கூடாதாய்யா?
ரெண்டு சுழி மூனு சுழி இருக்கலாம். 4சுழி 5சுழி இருக்கக் கூடாதா?ன்னு.

தமிழ் எழுத்துகளில் -
ரெண்டுசுழி ன என்பதும் தவறு!  மூனு சுழி ண என்பதும் தவறு!

ண இதன் பெயர் டண்ணகரம்,
ன இதன் பெயர் றன்னகரம்,
ந இதன் பெயர் தந்நகரம் என்பதே சரி.

மண்டபம், கொண்டாட்டம் – என எங்கெல்லாம் இந்த மூனு சுழி ணகர ஒற்றெழுத்து வருதோ, அதையடுத்து வர்ர உயிர்மெய் எழுத்து 'ட' வர்க்க எழுத்தாகத்தான் இருக்கும். இதனால இதுக்கு "டண்ணகரம்" னு பேரு. (சொல்லிப் பாருங்களேன்?)

தென்றல், சென்றான் – என எங்கெல்லாம் இந்த ரெண்டு சுழி னகர ஒற்றெழுத்து வருதோ, அதையடுத்து வர்ர உயிர்மெய் எழுத்து 'ற' வர்க்க எழுத்தாகத்தான் இருக்கும். இதனால இதுக்கு "றன்னகரம்" னு பேரு. (சும்மா சொல்லிப் பாருங்க?)

இது ரெண்டும் என்றுமே மாறி வராது.. (இதுல கூட பாருங்களேன்? பிரியாத காதலர்கள் மாதிரி சேந்து சேந்தே வர்ரதப் பாருங்களேன்! இது புரியாம இதுகள நாம பிரிச்சுடக் கூடாதுல்ல?)

வேற மாதிரி சொன்னா
இதுவும் வர்க்க ஒற்றுமைதான்!
('வர்க்க எழுத்து'-ன்னா,
சேந்து வர்ர எழுத்து! அவ்ளோதான்)

இந்தப் பெயரோடு (டண்ணகரம், றன்னகரம், தந்நகரம்)
இந்த ண, ன, ந எழுத்துகளைப் பற்றி அறிந்து கொண்டால்
எழுத்துப் பிழையும் குறையும்.

எப்புடீ?

மண்டபமா? மன்டபமா? சந்தேகம் வந்தா...
பக்கத்துல 'ட' இருக்கா,
அப்ப இங்க மூனு சுழி 'ண்' தான் வரும்.
ஏன்னா அது "டண்ணகரம்".

கொன்றானா? கொண்றானா? சந்தேகம் வந்தா...
பக்கத்துல 'ற' இருக்கா
அப்ப இங்க ரெண்டு சுழி 'ன்' தான் வரும்.
ஏன்னா அது "றன்னகரம்"
என்று புரிந்து கொள்ளலாம்.

இதே மாதிரித்தான் 'ந' கரம் என்பதை, "தந்நகரம்" னு சொல்லணும்
ஏன்னா இந்த 'ந்' எழுத்தை அடுத்து
வரக்கூடிய உயிர்மெய் 'த' மட்டுமே. (பந்து, வெந்தயம், மந்தை).

In Pursuit Of The Big O

When it comes to good sex, women often play martyrs, at the expense of being deprived of the many physical benefits that come with it.

Casual or not, sex plays a crucial role in our lives. Women, especially, kid themselves that good sex is not important for a thriving relationship. For them, it's more about staying connected to their partner. "I was in a relationship where my partner got aroused easily. Since I was taking too long to get into the mood, I started having sex for the sake of it; each time feeling empty and incomplete," remembers 24-year-old writer Rachna Singh.

Emphasising the importance of foreplay, Aditi Acharya, consultant psychiatrist, Healthenablr India, says, "While 90 per cent of males experience an orgasm during intercourse, as many as 30 per cent of women have never experienced an orgasm in their lifetime. One reason for that is, the latter is not directly related to reproduction. Moreover, a woman takes a while to empty her mind and enter into the game. This could take anything between 15 to 40 minutes."

Blissful escape

Foot spa rituals and body massages are rejuvenating, but you cannot possibly engage in one every day, can you? In The Orgasms Answer Guide, sexologist Beverly Whipple cites a study done by psychologist Carol Rinkleib Ellison in 2000, in which Ellison interviewed 2,632 women between the ages of 23 and 90 and found that 39 per cent of these women stimulated themselves in order to relax. Experts give credit to oxytocin. "When a woman hits the high spot, a feel-good hormone called oxytocin is released from the nerve cells in the hypothalamus into the blood stream. Oxytocin not only relieves stress, but also stimulates feelings of warmth and relaxation. It facilitates social bonding and strengthens relationships," points out psychiatrist and sexologist Dr Shyam Mithiya.

B for benefit

The big 'O' comes with a myriad of physical benefits too. It improves blood circulation to the organs in the pelvic cavity, speeds up the body's natural detoxification process, increases fertility, improves memory, boosts infection fighting cells, promotes healthy oestrogen levels and protects against osteoporosis, heart disease and breast cancer. "However bad the day may have been, my husband and I ensure that the night ends well with good wine and intercourse. This act certainly beats popping an Asprin! Also, who needs makeup when you wake up with a natural post-coital afterglow?" quips 36-year-old language consultant Mugdha*. It is the best way to beat those Monday blues as it induces a sense of positivity. Endorphins, released during the process are natural pain relievers that alleviate headache, menstrual cramps as well as arthritis.

Remember the time when you made out with your crush at the bar and later flaunted an obvious glow? That's thanks to the hormone DHEA (Dehyrdoepiandrosterone). An increase in DHEA released during the act restores skin, repairs damaged tissues and keeps it looking radiant. It also strengthens the bones and muscles. There have been ample studies to show that people who had intercourse at least three times a week looked 10 years younger.

On your own

So what if your couch potato boyfriend fails to arouse you or your long-distance lover is not a phone sex person or you're just single? "Seducing yourself doesn't mean scattering rose petals all over your bed. It could be anything low-maintenance to get you in the mood. Think aroma therapy candles and the like. Dim the lights, shut your eyes and let your imagination run wild," shares sex coach Anindita Sen.

Crossing the finish line

Films portray women as being in a constant state of sexual ecstasy. But in reality, only 20 per cent of women orgasm through penetrative sex. "The rest 80 per cent women need other methods like clitoris stimulation, oral sex and vaginal stimulation. Multiple orgasms are quite rare and they can be reached only if the partner is extremely skilled," says Dr Mithiya. So can the absence of a good sex life affect your relationship? "Of course, you are entitled to your off days, but if you're in a relationship, it's important to communicate with your partner. If you're not too comfortable being direct it's best to tell him what works and what doesn't with vocal cues," says fitness trainer Shivani Joshi.              *Name changed on request

Tools that make a woman's life easier

Highlights

• Menstrual cup: This is a cup that collects your blood during your period, rather than absorbing it, and it truly liberates women!
• Portable bidet: Every time we go on a road trip and have to settle for a dirty loo, we cringe at the unavailability of a faucet to clean ourselves. 

 

Who said being a woman is easy? But there are a host of gadgets in the market that aim to make the lives of women easier. We take a look at 10 of them...

Menstrual cup  This is a cup that collects your blood during your period, rather than absorbing it, and it truly liberates women! Now swim, play all kinds of s p o r t s, dance in the r a i n and do all those things what you could not when you have your period.

Female urinating device  Ever had to hold your bladder because of inhospitable terrain, and then been jealous of men who can stand and pee? Now you can just do that with female urinating devices, which direct your pee to the pot without spillage.Makes life so much easier.

Clip-on camisole There are days when you head for a night out straight from work, and wish you could wear your favourite dress to work, but only if it wasn't so cleavagebaring. Fret not! The clip-on camisole will come to your rescue in times when you want to cover up.

Sweat-absorbent pads We are human and we sweat too.However, s e a t patches on armpits become embarrassing sometimes. To save you from the stress, sweat-absorbent pads are a great resource to have around you

Cushion silicone heel protector We love high heels and how they make us feel. So, to relieve us from the pain we feel when we wear them and after, now we have silicon heel protectors that provide cushioning for the heel and prevent blisters.

Lingerie wash bag Don't we hate it when our lingerie gets lost in a sea of other clothes in the washing machine? Well now you can conveniently put all your undies in a lingerie mesh wash bag, put it inside the washer, and take it out when done.Convenient, isn't it?

Portable bidet  Every time we go on a road trip and have to settle for a dirty loo, we cringe at the unavailability of a faucet to clean ourselves. However, now you have a portable faucet that can be fit onto any bottle, and used like a normal jet.

Double-sided tape We have all faced that huge `gap' on our breasts every time we wear a shirt. Now that, and other potential embarrassing moments, can be prevented with the handy double-sided tape. It is also great for temporary repairs and keeping accessories in place.

Bra clip Don't like to show your bra straps when wearing racerback tops? No worries, the bra clip can keep your straps anywhere you like, and even create interesting designs in case you want to show those straps off.

Compressed towels These towels are compressed into small coinlike tablets, which turn into cloth wipes with just a splash of water.Easy to carry, these small wonders are also supposed to be biodegradable.

Trendspotting: Night divorces to holidating

Change is definitely the only constant! And that's what trends are based on. While last year was all about a brinner (breakfast-meets-dinner), liquid lunches, marsala colour, relationship 'ghosting' and ass-pocalypse (yes, those internet-breaking derriere pics a la Kim Kardashian and Beyonce), this year has also thrown up some wild and fun fads. Here are a few of them...

FOOD
Sushi donuts: Love sushi? This is sure to please you. When an instagrammer and blogger posted a creation of a sushi-donut hybrid, little did she realise it would churn up such an online storm. She created a donut mould, pressed sushi rice into it and added sesame, wasabi, ginger, avocado and mayo. Voila!
Poke: We're not referring to your social media antics. Poke is an Hawaiian dish (pronounced poh-keh) that comprises raw seafood seasoned with salt, soya and green onions and served cold. It's taken off in a huge way in LA and is expected to explode in other major cities, too.
Seaweed: The world is waking up to seaweed this year. A staple of the Japanese diet for centuries, it is now jumping onto menus with a flourish. It's so healthy that foodies are hailing it as the new kale. The marine alga is high in nutrients and dietary fibre and is said to be able to reduce cardiovascular disease. So far it's been mainly used in sushi rolls, but it's set to go mainstream in pizza, in soups, salads and stir-fries.
Sane eating: Out goes the hysterical obsession for superfoods like goji berries and chia seeds. This year it's a return to food you know and love. Eating real foods — with carbs and fibre — coupled with exercising more, is the advice that's out there now.
Turmeric talk: Good ol' haldi or turmeric — that was once a medicine staple — has come out of its conventional shackles and gone stylish. The West is now discovering turmeric lattes, smoothies, desserts and vinaigrettes, packed with its antioxidant properties. Turmeric milk has also become the new hipster drink. Can we say, we told you so?
Naked dining: The buff is going big, this year. A new restaurant in London offers customers a 'completely natural dining' experience, where you eat minus your clothes. It's said to have a wait list of 40,000! Diners wear bathrobes, go to a changing room and disrobe fully if they wish. Cellphones are not allowed, neither is anyone under 18 or over 60. In Tokyo, tickets for naked nights are selling out, too. Is this going to give a new meaning to a 'return to natural eating?

TRAVEL
Bleisure: Blame the increasing slant towards a work-life balance for this, but today more millennials are combining business with leisure. A holiday that's more like a mix of work and play, bleisure helps you prioritise the itinerary, feel more productive and still chill out at the end of day. Anyone complaining?

RELATIONSHIPS
Night divorce: Okay, this has nothing to do with getting a divorce at night. Rather, it's about parting from intimacy at night. That's right, couples are giving up their conjugal bed time, to sleep solo. They do this is to catch up on sleep, especially during a gruelling work week. Also known as a sleep divorce, it's about building excitement in the relationship.
Benching: Meet the new 'ghosting'. You may meet up with someone a few times, chat a little, but haven't made up your mind if you want to take it ahead. You ping once in a way so as to keep interest levels up. It's called 'benching' (to use a sports term), where you place a person on a bench in your mind. It's regarded as a power play that is wrong.
Holidating : A scenic locale may be just the catalyst for a romance. This is about people who end up dating seriously on their break, minus intimacy so as to avoid disappointments.

BEAUTY
Glitter tears: Forget graphic eyes and rainbow lashes, the new fad is to wear glitter tears on the eyelids. They're also worn under the eyes to give the illusion of falling tears. They may be placed under the eyes or all the way down the cheeks.
Wavy lob: This year Cannes was full of the look and it's also been an A-list fave elsewhere. The wavy lob or wob, where the hair is worn shoulder-length in tousled waves, is the new fuss-free, chic style. You can try it in a deep side parting or on its own.
Double buns: Forget rainbow hair, the new fad is 'double buns'. Kendall Jenner wore the look to Coachella this year. Singers Gwen Stefani Bjork and Miley Cyrus have sported the do as well. It may bring out your inner Minnie Mouse, but it's easy to wear and has a fun vibe.

WELLNESS
Gong bath: A ritual where a gong is sounded for stress relief, a 'gong bath' or 'gong shower' uses sound vibration to heal the self and attain peace. Eastern instruments like gongs, tingsha bells and Himalayan singing bowls are used for this.
Forest bathing: Forest bathing also called shirin-yoku is about basking in the greenery of a forest area. Soaking in the environment there, is said to bust stress and rejuvenate you. This year, there have been forest bathing programmes across the world.
Kombucha: Hollywood loves this! Of late, Amanda Seyfried, Halle Berry and Lindsay Lohan have sipping on kombucha. This is a fermented sweet tea, made by adding bacteria and yeast to it and allowing it to ferment for a few weeks. It's said to boost the immune system and clean the gut.

FITNESS
Animal flow workout: Mimicking the movements of animals is actually a thing now. From strenuous crocodile crawls to frog jump-leaps and crab walks, the regimen is set to wake up the tiniest muscles. Trampolining: Go jump! We mean it. If you're bored of the treadmill, bounce on a trampoline. It does away with the usual impact risk that runners and joggers face on a concrete surface. The repetitive bouncing motion increases circulation, builds muscles and improves balance.
Aerial yoga: While its inception may have been last year, aerial yoga or anti-gravity yoga is now coming into its own. It has a person suspended from the ceiling in fabric rope. You use your body weight to twist and contort.
Rowing: It's being called the new spinning and with good reason! The exercise will have you imitate rowing movements to build the arms and core and release tension in the back. Rowing studios have popped up in the West in the last few months. We say it's time that happened back home, too.

FASHION
Skort: A flirty, ladylike twist to shorts, the skort is divided at the legs with a single front flap, like a mini skirt. Once seen on tennis stars, it's foraying into everyday fashion now. Wear the skort this monsoon for some panache.
Bay-kini: The bikini has gone that much more sexy with this one. Named after the Baywatch TV series-styled one-piece, the Bay-kini is a plunging neckline number with a high cut at the waist sides. Selena Gomez and Ariel Winter have worn one.
Athleisure: The trend may have had its roots in 2016, but athleisure is creating an even bigger boom this year, as well. Sweatpants, tanks, track tops, hoodies, bombers, jeggings and yoga pants are going de rigueur with a vengeance! Workout apparel is comfy, smart and apt for accessories. Ready to make athletic wear the accepted norm?
Bare shoulders: Showing off the shoulder was the year-start darling. It was hot on the catwalk and seen on dresses, cut-out pieces and tops. Amal Clooney, Blake Lively and Bella Hadid made the shoulder blades turn sexy with this one.

How to grow green walls at home

In major urban centres, making room for home gardens is tough. But hardcore gardening buffs have found a way around that — vertical gardens! Yes, we're talking about plants in containers or geofelt bags mounted on the walls. Some even have a drip irrigation system for easier management! And while such gardens are very popular abroad and other Indian metros, the trend is fast catching up in Kolkata too.
According to Dr SL Rahman, joint secretary, The Agri Horticultural Society of India, "Starting a vertical garden is a costly affair. You also need to put in a lot of effort and dedication to maintain it. However, it's not rocket science. And where there's a will, there's always a way. The primary area of concern is watering the plants, which has to be done using a certain technique. The excess water should drain out through a proper channel. Seasonal flowers, philodendron and money plants are ideal for vertical home gardens."

Whether you grow the garden indoors or outdoors, all that differs is the plant types. Shade-loving hardy plants are used indoors, while sun-loving ones are kept outdoors.

As for the benefits of such gardens, landscape designer Nupur Khaitan says, "Green walls breathe life into our otherwise dull and drab life. Plants also purify the environment and their colour soothes our senses. It's a symbol of growth, auspiciousness and fertility. Plants help reduce stress and are good for eyesight. Very few know that plants also improve the vastu of a place. Since it's constructed over a specific area, it is much easier to control the spread of weeds. You can even grow vegetables in geobags and go organic. Many people prefer soil-less media, which comprises only chemicals or chemicals with fertilisers. One can also use organic materials like coco peat, manure and other nutrients essential for plant growth."
All said and done, let's see how you can start your own vertical garden at home. Here goes...

How to begin Define the area where you want the green wall. Any wall is good, but it's always better if you choose one that gets some natural light, even if indirect. Think about your budget. Many landscape designers also offer good solutions. If you're creative enough, you can make your own green wall with hanging pipes.

Area required All you need is a wall or a partition. It can be something as extensive as a boundary wall or even a small balcony wall. The structure of the green wall should be a three-layer sandwich — frame, plastic sheet and fabric — so that even when you attach it to a wall, it stays unharmed. This also makes unmounting easy. Again, if you want to create a partition, a free-standing green wall is ideal. This wall can also be made movable, making it an amazing option to break the monotony by changing its position every now and then.

Choosing plants The location of the wall will determine the kind of plants. "For indoors, we use plants that grow in shade, and for outdoors, we use sun-loving varieties. Again, for balconies, we use semi-shade plants. Vertical gardens even work as an attractive room dividers. In offices, where we get indirect light, we use sturdy indoor plants," Nupur tells us. The type of plants can also be suggested by the people installing the green wall or a horticulturist. You can get your supply from a good nursery.

How to water the plants If your green wall has a drip irrigation system, all you need to do is turn on a tap and your plants get watered in no time. Otherwise, you can use a hose for outdoor walls and a spray gun for indoor plants.

Fertilisers required If it's a big wall, you need a separate tank attached to the drip irrigation pipe. "All you need to do is pour liquid fertiliser in the tank and it will reach the plants with the water. If you are using soil-less medium, frequent fertilisation is not required. One can also get fertiliser cakes and put them manually in each pocket. However, this is feasible only for small units," adds Nupur.

How to maintain the garden Maintenance depends on the type of plants and the unit that you choose. If you're using green walls from reputed companies that offer you soil-less units, they are low on maintenance and need to be taken care of once in two months. However, plants need good care, and if watered properly, they require less maintenance.

The best mishti doi shops in town

There's something blessed about mishti doi. Its creamy white complexion hides a subtle mesh of textures — a mellow sweetness that leaves a soft, almost ethereal, aftertaste on the tongue. In the age of chocolate rosogollas and pineapple sandesh, the mishti doi still clings to its old Bengali lineage and sanskriti, a simple joy of taste harking back to a simpler, long-forgotten way of life.
Of course, it helps that every Bollywood heroine worth her soundbyte swears that the only thing she wants to have when in Kolkata is mishti doi!
But then, what makes this classic dessert of milk, yogurt and coarse sugar fermented overnight, such a hit across generations? We decided to deconstruct the mystique of mishti doi by visiting some of the city's most legendary sweet shops.
New Naba Krishna Guin sweets, Bowbazar

This 180-year-old shop boasts of a special item for every Bengali occasion, be it monda mithai for Poila Boishakh, malpoa for Jamai Shashthi or chhanar payesh for Rath. But the undisputed winner and an all-time favourite of loyalists remains the mishti doi. The secret behind their consistent taste and quality is that they keep boiling the milk (adding the correct measure of sugar) till it reduces to half the weight and turns into a thick creamy liquid. This is then cooled and finally the 'saja' is added to allow the doi to set. No artificial colours or flavours are used in this process. Shuprobhat Guin, owner, shared, "I went to Sydney last year for Bongotsav and there my workers made three types of doi — aam doi, sada doi and mishti doi — which were an instant hit not only with the probashi Bangalis but also with many foreigners." The shop sells a minimum of 80 kg of mishti doi every day and never compromises on quality. "Nowadays there's a huge demand for mishti doi even among the non-Bengali crowd," he added.

Amrit sweets, Fariapukur

If you were to ask your grandparents about the best mishti doi in the city, the answer will come in a split second. Amrit, they would say. That's the nostalgia value of this place! With a creamy texture, perfect sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth consistency, this shop's mishti doi is to die for. Not just senior citizens you'll even find a lot of college-goers flooding the shop to have their share of this divine delicacy.

Mithai sweets shop, Park Circus

Mithai has been known for its sada mishti doi for almost 50 years now. Without using any added colour or dalda and boiling the milk and sugar together for hours, they manage to impart a soft-glow texture to the yogurt. Their aam doi — made from real Himsagar mango pulp — is also a big hit with customers during summers. The rich taste and aroma will have you asking for more.

Jadab Chandra Das, College Street

This tiny shop on College Street — a passer-by wouldn't even notice it if he didn't know what made this place so special — has been the favourite of iconic Bengalis Satyajit Ray, Suchitra Sen and even Kishore Kumar. Interestingly, each one of them drooled over their mishti doi and paradise sandesh. Even today, filmmakers like Aparna Sen and Goutam Ghose make it a point to drop by every Saraswati Puja to buy a haanri of mishti doi. Following the tradition of excellence since 1836, their sada mishti doi has always been in high demand, but the shop fails to pull in the young crowd, feels Soumen Das, the owner. "Kids of today's generation choose ice cream over doi, which is very sad. The reason for this I feel is the lack of awareness about the health benefits of yoghurt," said Soumen. But he is hopeful that the situation will change in the coming years.

Putiram sweets, College Street

What makes for a perfect afternoon at boi para? Buying books from the stalls, having sherbet at Paramount and gorging on the delicacies at Putiram! In fact, the kochuri-chholar dal at this 170-year-old shop are as much in demand as their radhaballabi, rajbhog and their milky white mishti doi. Abhijit Modak, owner, said, "We don't know how to make doi using modern techniques. Our traditional way of preparing all of our sweets is what pulls the crowd. This is why the taste has also remained the same over the years. We have to make special arrangements on festive occasions like Durga Puja to meet the high demand."

Jugal's, Rashbehari Avenue

Remaining consistent at anything is quiet a task, but this shop makes it look like child's play. Established way back in 1925, this shop makes some mean mishti doi apart from their oh-so-awesome sweets. The secret behind the thick, creamy texture of their awesome doi is that they don't remove the fats from the milk. Boiling it for hours with sugar gives it a natural reddish tinge and a buttery appearance. Angana, daughter of the owner, said, "We cater to the demand for traditional sweets that are dying in the city due to proliferation of fusion sweets. It feels great when elderly customers, especially at our Rashbehari Avenue outlet, come and say that this is the place for authentic Bangali mishti."

Jashoda mistanna bhandar, Taltala

This shop at Taltala is the real deal. For six decades, the secret of making perfectly white mishti doi in the traditional way has been passed on by the generations of kaarigars. "Many shops make lal mishti doi but it can never match the quality of our doi. We also refrain from making aam doi, since we do not want to move away from our tradition and experiment with mishti doi using any artificial method," said Sanat Poddar, owner.

Suresh Mistanna Bhandar, Dhakuria

While many of the north Kolkata shops make legendary mishti doi, it's not that the south is untrained in this fine art. Suresh sells one of the best mishti dois in south of Bhowanipore. The 100 and 250 gm bhanrs are exhausted by seven in the evening. Their aam doi is just the right thing to keep you cool in summer. June 2016

offbeat honeymoon or tour destinations in india

June 2016 

Forget usual suspects like Goa, Manali, Nainital, Shimla, Kerala, etc. Today, couples aren't hesitating to explore unconventional places to celebrate their honeymoon. So, if you want to visit something off the beaten track, read on...

Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Located near the snowy peaks of the Eastern Himalayas, Buddhism is revered in Tawang. If you want to embark on some adventurous treks with your better half, this is an ideal place to visit, away from the crowd. With gorgeous high altitude lakes and waterfalls, you're sure to fall in love with the place.
Ideal time to visit: October to May

Kumarakom, Kerala
Places to visit include the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls and, of course, the famous backwater cruises. Stay in a houseboat, see spectacular boat races or simply stroll around and enjoy the lovely scenary.  Ideal time to visit: September to March

Shillong, Meghalaya
The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong is located 4,908 feet above the sea level and doesn't just boast of bountiful nature but also beautiful colonial architecture. You can see huge waterfalls, breathtaking landscapes and several nature trails which you can explore. Don't miss the living root bridges, tea estates and popular resturants here. Must-visit places include the Elephant Falls, Umiam Lake, Wards Lake, Lady Hydari Park, Shillong Peak and Butterfly Museum.  Ideal time to visit: Throughout the year

Binsar, Uttarakhand
If you love the mountains, this place is for you. Binsar is located in the Kumaon region and offers panaromic views of the majectic Himalayan range. Expect to witness some unique flora and fauna, birds and animals here. You can trek if you want or simply go for long walks in stunning forests full of ancient oak trees and flowers.  Ideal time to visit: March to December

Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh

This hill station is about 25 kms away from Dalhousie and surrounded by lush forests. Thanks to its location of being 6,500 feet above sea level, Khajjiar is also known for its pretty lakes. Often called Mini Switzerland, you can go on leisurely walks among the plentiful fauna, visit the Khajjinag temple or spend time by the Khajjiar Lake. If you want to go trekking, there are several trails to choose from.
Ideal time to visit: Throughout the year

Valparai, Tamil Nadu
Home to beautiful meadows, mountains, temples and waterfalls, Valparai's tea estates are a must-visit. Ideal for nature lovers, the Anaimalai tiger reserve is a great option as well. So, if you want to spot some exotic animals, this is an ideal visit. You could also see the impressive Athirapally Falls that are just a short drive away.  Ideal time to visit: Throughout the year

Cruise from Guwahati to Kolkata via Bangladesh

A luxury passenger cruise set sail on Monday from Guwahati to Kolkata via Bangladesh, marking a new dawn for trans-border inland water navigation. The maiden journey for m.v. Mahabahu followed an agreement between Delhi and Dhaka to allow river cruises on the India-Bangladesh protocol route involving four major rivers — the Brahmaputra in Assam, the Jamuna and the Padma in Bangladesh and the Ganga in West Bengal, besides a network of smaller rivers through the Sunderbans delta — in October 2018