1)CID (Sony TV): ACP Pradyuman and his cohorts have been fighting crime for the last 14 years, and show no signs of slowing down. A crime procedural, CID has a charismatic leader, a dedicated team of youngsters doing the fieldwork and a forensic expert who crack often bizarre cases of crime. CID frequently airs special episodes, which sees stars of upcoming films team up with CID pros to bust criminals, and many episodes have been shot in London, Mauritius and Switzerland, among other foreign locals. While there are fans who are genuinely enamoured by the series, there exists an equally devoted fan base that revels in the series’ unintentional hilarious nature and camp appeal.

2)Baalika Vadhu (Colours): In 2008, Anandi debuted on Indian television, a child bride whose fate was sealed at a young age without her consent. However, as Anandi grows up, she decides to fight for her rights and through love, makes her feudal aristocratic family grow more perceptive to the social ills that go on in the name of tradition. The story is a traditional melodrama to the core, but this serial set off a trend of going back to the villages, which was then copied by a number of others. However, the clones soon disappeared, while the original has managed to retain its popularity despite a major cast reshuffle and a generation leap.

3) Pavitra Rishta: While ridden with familiar melodramatic elements, Pavitra Rishta came as a breath of fresh air, with the story centering around middle class families. Manav and Archana tie the knot, and despite humble beginnings, their fortunes flourish. There has been a separation, a plethora of misunderstandings and a generation leap~ but the sacred bond between the two protagonists refuses to die and the audience are as tuned into their travails as ever.

4)Sathiya Saath Nibhana (Star Plus): Another kitchen politics saga, it stars the ever-virtuous and simple-minded Gopi, who was raised by an tyrannical aunt. Married into a family with an equally dominating mother-in-law, Gopi has to win her husband’s love while trying to keep the family united against the onslaughts by scheming relatives and other forces. Despite following a similar story, this serial has distinguished itself because of its lead heroine, whose passive, virtuous nature seems to keep its fanbase intact.

5)Uttaran (Colours): This one is a tale of sibling rivalry and class war taken to extremes. Ichha and Tapasya are raised together, despite Iccha’s mother is a maid working for the family of Tapasya. While Tapasya is scheming and demanding, ichha is the epitome of virtue and sacrifice. Tapasya first forces Ichha on to her suitor as she has other romantic ambitions, but soon comes back to stake her claim. A lot has progressed since then, the next generation has come in,  and other shows have managed wean away some of its followers, but Uttaran’s core audience remains intact.

6)Dance India Dance Little Masters (Zee TV): While other reality shows await renewal and see a steadily dwindling viewership with each successive season, talent show Dance India Dance remains as popular as ever. Helmed by superstar ‘Disco Dancer’ Mithun Chakraborty, the little performers show moves which would put professionals to shame. The competition is fierce, and no wonder, the show is extremely popular with aspiring children and their parents who want to see their kids turn into superstars.

7) Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (Star Plus): This is a fairy tale. Girl next door Akshara knows that someday, she will tie the knot with a person her parents choose for her. But her prince charming finds her, and they are bound to each other for lives. But their happily ever after has to endure many onslaughts. From plots hatched by evil relatives to threats to their marriage, Akshara’s fans have lapped up whatever the producers have served.

8) Bade Achchhe Lagte Hai (Sony): The popular sweethearts from erstwhile K-soaps, Sakshi Tanwar and Ram Kapoor, return in this story of two strangers who agree to marry because their families grow concerned that they are passed the marrying age. Touted to be more mature, and having a more urbane vibe than the other serials, this soap also created a stir when its two leads engaged in India’s first small-screen kiss.

9) Diya Aur Baati Hum (Star Plus): This one is a modern wish-fulfilment vehicle. Sandhya comes from an orthodox background and dreams of becoming an IPS officer, but is married to neighbourhood shopkeeper Suraj. However, she continues to struggle to fulfill her dream, and unlike other soaps where the husband is to be won over after years of devotion, Suraj stands by her side and helps her break social constraints. Despite being less than a year old, this serial is already a favourite with many. 

10) Tarak Mehta Ka Ulta Chasma (Sony SAB): In Gokuldham society, you can find all the Indian middle class stereotypes. Tarak Mehta is the titular character, a bespectacled paunchy man approaching middle age, and through his eyes (or rather, his glasses), the audience sees several social problems that need addressing. A complete family comedy, this serial offers simple, instant solutions to problems that affect the common man, and hence, is a big hit with men as well as women. 

Maqbool Fida Hussain

MF Hussain, or ‘Picasso of India’ is the most renowned and influential of Indian modernist painters. He has defied conventions; being both prolific and valuable. He is famous for use of the cubist technique, and the themes rage from historical figures like Gandhi to mythologies and ancient epics. He is credited with 6 lakh paintings. His most famous paintings are of nude figures of Hindu goddesses, and his trademark features are women and horses. He was a controversial figure, and was forced to live in exile until his death in 2011.

Syed Haider Raza

SH Raza is one of the top selling and most valuable Indian artists. His paintings are known for their vivid use of colour, and are steeped in Indian ethnography and philosophy. He favours acrylic and oil, and triangles, licks of flame and blue moons are common motifs. Having famously undergone an ‘artistic rebirth’ in the 1980s called the ‘Bindu’, Raza went on to paint masterpieces like La Terre and Saurashtra~ the latter being the most expensive Indian painting, being sold for more than Rs16 crores in 2010.

Tyeb Mehta

Along with Raza and Hussain, Tyeb Mehta comprised the most famous trio of the Bombay Progressive artists. He is regarded to have heralded the Indian art boom in the international scene, with Celebration that sold for Rs1.5 crore at Christie’s in London in 2002. He is famous for his other triptychs, which is a painting in three parts, his Diagonal Series, Falling Figures and Hindu figures like Kali and Durga. His Figure on a Rickshaw is the second most expensive Indian painting to be sold for Rs14 crore. He died in 2009.

Francis Newton Souza

The founder of the Bombay Progressive art movement, FN Souza is regarded as the first crossover painter. His style was intensely expressionistic, and his works often depict the dark side of human society. His paintings give the sense of a disturbing, impending sense of doom. His Birth sold for Rs11.3 crores at Christie’s, setting a record at that time. After his death in 2002, more than 140 pictures were sold by Christie’s.

Arpita Singh

The most famous contemporary Indian women painter, Arpita Singh’s paintings depict common Indian women going about their daily lives. Arpita is regarded as the most important woman painter in India after Amrita Sher-Gil, who was known as India’s Frieda Kahlo. Arpita imbibes elements from Bengali folk art. Her paintings are characterized with strong, vivid hues with pink, yellow and blue being her signature colours. Her paintings are regarded to be part of the miniaturist tradition. She has been widely awarded, and her Wish Dreams sold for Rs9.5 crores in 2010.

Vasudeo S Gaintode

He was the most famous exponent of abstract art in India. His paintings have been widely exhibited across the world, and his work is rated among the finest, even though he was not prolific. His compositions show a wide range of experiments with form and colour, and have a dynamic but silent spirit. His use of shading made his paintings look deep, and reflected his private, meditative nature.  In 2006, one of his paintings fetched Rs 6.5 crore at Christie’s.

Ganesh Pyne

Probably the most famous exponent of the Bengal School, Ganesh Pyne’s paintings are somber and stark, and often deal with death and decay.  The religious riots and the Naxal crackdown that he witnessed in the city had a tremendous influence on him. His paintings are characterized by light backgrounds with sharp, menacing images at the front. Blue and black are his favourite colors. His famous paintings are Before the Chariot and The Assassin. His influence has been seminal on the contemporaries.

Subodh Gupta

Subodh Gupta is the most famous among contemporaries, and he uses installation, sculpture, painting, video and photography in his creations. He is famous for using common objects like utensils, milk pails and bicycles, and has been called ‘Damient Hirst of Delhi’. While the materials he uses are strictly Indian, his aesthetic has a global appeal. He has also collaborated with international artists for shows and exhibitions. His creations have been sold at more than Rs3.5 crore.

Chitra Ganesh

Among the contemporary artists, Chitra Ganesh has managed to create a niche for herself with her unique, comic-book style. Influenced by mythologies, imperialism and queer politics, Chitra experiments with a wide range of media like drawings, digital collages, murals and installations and her work shows elements of surrealism. Female sexuality and racial power relations are the most prominent themes. Her work has been widely exhibited.

Jitish Khallat

Jitish Khallat is known for his obsessive use of self-portraits in his creations. His style is thus intensely personal, but also has an abstract narrative. He uses images from print media, photocopies of other materials and texts. Khallat’s paintings often look like puzzles because they have several materials juxtaposed against each other. His paintings depict that art imbibes countless influences from others. His paintings have been widely exhibited across the world.

1.       Saregama India Limited

 Kolkata-based Saregama India Limited is an Indian music company and also an integrated entertainment company with the largest music archive in India. It was earlier called as Gramophone Company of India. Its business includes music, film production, home video, television software, and digital distribution and of audio and video content.  The company operates in the entire entertainment space. Saregama has four regional offices in metro cities and 13 branch offices. 

2.       Times Music

Times Music is the music production, promotion and distribution subsidiary of the biggest media conglomerate in India, The Times Group. It has pioneered the concept of spiritual, world and remixes music in India.  The company has carved a niche for itself in the international, spiritual, remix and Indi-pop genres with more than 4,000 releases since its launch in 1997. Times Music has pioneered the concept of spiritual, world and remix music in India and has also established itself as the most popular music label in the spiritual music genre.

3.       Tips Industries Limited

Tips Industries Ltd was established in the year 1975 as a small shop in the market of Lamington road. The company is one of the largest corporate houses in the field of films and music. Its main area of interest is music production, promotion, and distribution, now also in films. Tips Industries has the highest number of gold and platinum discs to its credit compared with any other record label in India. 

4.       Universal Music India

Universal Music India is a music company based in Mumbai and is a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. The company operates from its corporate office in Mumbai. The company embraces a vast array of artists covering the full spectrum of music around the world and is also a leader in the international and Indian music. The Indian artists signed to Universal Music India include Mohit Chauhan, Bombay Rockers, Josh, Panjabi MC, Bombay Vikings, Ali Zafar, Mehsopuria, and Asha Bhosle.

5.       Sony Music Entertainment India Pvt Ltd

Sony Music Entertainment India Pvt Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment Inc, New York, a global recorded music company. The company distributes radio and television goods. It also publishes music from current artists and archival recordings. The company was founded in 1996 and is based in Mumbai.

6.       JMD Telefilms Industries Ltd

JMD Telefilms Industries Ltd was started in the year 1984 in the name and style of  Avtar Finance & Management Consultants Limited. Later, the name was changed to JMD Telefilms Industries Ltd in the year 2001 where JMD denotes the famous brand of Jai Mata in the audio video and television arena. The company has copy rights of more than 300 music cassettes.

7.       Blue Frog Production

Blue Frog Production is a full-service production company that offers complete music solutions to the music lovers all over the world. They operate from Mumbai and hold the pride of being an integrated and revolutionary music company in India. It has 4 state-of-the-art studios for music recordings, artist management service, an independent record label, and a music production house.

8.       Music Today

Music Today is a division of The India Today Group since its inception in 1990s. The company has emerged as the most prestigious label in the classical Indian music taking the lead in preserving and promoting India’s rich musical heritage the world over. Music Today is based in New Delhi. Some of the music categories handled by them are easy listening, home videos, pop music, remix, film music, devotional music, carnatic music and Hindustani music.  The company sells this music online through their web portal.

9.       Phat Phish

Phat Phish is an advertising film, music and motion pictures Company based in Mumbai started in the year 1997. The company came into existence with a focus on making advertising films and slowly they introduced Phat Phish Motion pictures and Phat Phish records. They are in the music industry through their Phat Phish Records.

10.   Natraj Music Company

 Natraj Music Company is the prominent music production companies in India having offices in London and Chandigarh. The company was founded in 2002 by Nitin Arora; Natraj Music brings artists and fans together by driving action and creating value wherever music is experienced. The company has assembled a diverse creative team dedicated to innovative music composition, sound design and voice casting.

Maruti Suzuki pleased every middle-class Indian when it introduced the Swift Dzire, two months back. A new front bumper with a wider smile, shorter boot (just 145mm longer than the Swift) and new tail lamps with chrome accent adds extra bling to the Dzire.

The low-cost sedan specifically meant for fleet owners is offered in petrol and diesel version. 4 petrol and 3 diesel variants are rolled out in its fleet namely LXi, VXi, VXi AT, ZXi, LDi, VDi and ZDi.

Maruti has managed to pull off an amazing feat by keeping the kerb weight the same as the award winning Swift. The space for rear seats has been increased considerably seeing the longer wheelbase which makes it sweet.

The rally based suspension system to impress the consumers of the spirited drive the car is capable of travelling smoothly down the tipsy curvy roads seamlessly challenging the hurdles like the speed bumps without spoiling the overall balance of the car.

In terms of fuel economy, customer satisfaction, looks, road presence and performance, the company has indeed delivered with Dzire. Both the models are priced at Rs 4.88 lacs and Rs 5.91 lacs.

2. Honda City

Honda City has emerged as the best-selling car in C+ segment now. This marvelous sedan car which has ruled in its segment for more than a decade now was launched back in 1998. Since then a lot of changes have been brought to the sedan.

The Honda City sedan clocks major share of sales in India because of the Honda’s global vision of creating products that attract customers, with speed, affordability and low CO2.

Honda presented New City with Automatic Transmission (AT) in the affordable entry level 'Corporate' variant.

The new car is specifically adorned with cosmetic changes in the exterior as well as interior front. Front bumper has been rendered more sportiness and same is the case with rear bumpers which are given reflectors at the bottom. The length of the new City is 4440 mm (20 mm longer than its predecessor).

Honda City is spread over four trim versions namely, Corporate, E, S, V. The innovation and design theme that Honda has put in City is phenomenal and other car makers definitely need to pull up their socks now as Honda City is back in roaring action.

Honda City price, post budget is ranged between Rs.7.1 lacs to Rs. Rs 10.33 lacs.

3. Hyundai Eon

Within no time after its incorporation in 1996 in India, Hyundai Motor India became the country’s second largest car manufacturer and it offers seven cars including three hatchbacks, three sedans and one SUV. EON which is the eighth addition of a hatchback means ‘long period of time’. Car India's Micro Car of the Year 2012: the Hyundai Eon has got the right looks, small dimensions, drivability and, most importantly, the price and fuel efficiency.

Produced at Hyundai’s Chennai plant, the EON car has been conceived designed and developed over four years, keeping the Indian consumer’s preferences in mind and is not a hurried result.

3 more new variants of Hyundai Eon, namely D-Lite plus, Era plus and Eon Magna plus were introduced in 2012. All these three variants are offered to the consumers in LPG options too.

Hyundai EON inherits its looks from Hyundai i10 but it is relatively smaller. Overall, EON is a city car with a decent engine tuned to perform well in even congested city roads promising a speed of 135 km per hour.

The new Hyundai small car is sure to stir competition in the under Rs 3 lacs price range as it is accorded with a starting price of Rs 2.69 lacs.

4. Mahindra XUV500

The US $12.5 billion Mahindra Group has a fleet of SUVs in India and has produced some of the sturdiest and performance driven cars in India.

In 2011, Mahindra and Mahindra decided to take the game to the next level and truly become a global automotive company by creating XUV500. The Car was presented the Car India's SUV of the Year award.
Mahindra drifted away from traditional ways of designing and building an SUV by making a contemporary SUV that featured modern monocoque chassis and safety features such as ESP and hill hold control, a first for the Indian giant. The 2179cc mHawk engine of Mahindra Scorpio inside that helps this SUV challenge any terrain globally.

Good handling, ease of driving, stability and power delivery clubbed with a contemporary design, excellent features and an attractive price tag for a fully loaded modern SUV made the XUV500 an instant hit. The Prices range between Rs. 11, 38,000and Rs. 13, 81,000.

In the hatchback category of cars, Hyundai’s new i-Gen i20 is the upgraded model of the popular Hyundai i20. Belonging to the Hyundai family, it ensures comfort, safety and reliability at an affordable price.

The features of the new fluidic Hyundai i20 are outstanding. The roomy and spacious interiors along with the sleek and smart looks of the car, add a positive sense to the overall appeal and appearance.

A variety of premium features like Smart Key with Push Button Start, Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel and Gear Shift Knob, Tilt and Telescopic Steering, Bluetooth connectivity along with Steering Mounted Audio are also present in the new version of this car.

The i-Gen i20, available in 12 variants comes in both petrol and diesel variants with a price range from Rs. 4.73 lacs- Rs.7.44 lacs.

6. Skoda rapid

With Skoda India having presence in most of the car segments, the company has made one more addition to its Product line by launching the all new smoking hot Skoda Rapid.

Skoda Rapid has prominent exteriors and plush interiors and shares a striking similarity with its cousin sedan, Volkswagen Vento. The emblematic nose accompanied with huge stretched headlamps gives it a delightful look. The centre grille of the sedan has a chrome band along with a brand new bonnet that has a little pouted design. It is also the lightest car in its class, which can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 11.9 seconds. Rapid also features an adjustable power steering, central locking, power windows, and adjustable front seats. No surprises it won Car India’s Mid-size Car of the Year 2012 (Diesel) Award.

The Skoda Rapid is priced at Rs 6.75 lacs for the base petrol variant.

Symbolizing Skoda’s brand value – “Simply Clever”, the Rapid is ideal for the Indian streets with an attractive design, ample space, excellent safety equipment and modern proven technology.

7. Toyota Etios

Simple looks, good cabin space, segment leading performance and good drive quality and handling are enough to explain why the Etios won the Car India’s Mid-size Car of the Year 2012 (Petrol) Award.

This compact car targets the masses in India. The design concept for the car is Bold Simplicity which is combined with affordable luxury and functionality in one machine.

Etios comes equipped with 1.5 litre petrol engine and a 1364cc, 68PS diesel engine. Toyota Etios diesel price in India starts at Rs. 6, 44,000.

8. Chevrolet Beat

The hatchback segment contributes 70% of car sales in India. Launching Chevrolet Beat in the bracket of Rs 3.34 lacs to Rs 3.94 lacs, General Motors seems to have judged the Indian sentiments right. The Car has got immense response from umpteen critics across the car industry.

The chic instrument cluster with LED backlit speedometer and tachometer has been built taking inspiration from superbikes. The Chevrolet Beat interiors strike a chord with the young crowd and installs freshness in passenger’s mood.

Beat turned out to be a trend setter with its sporty and trendy looks.

What makes it unique is that it is the smallest diesel engine on offer with highest power and torque figures and a claimed fuel efficiency of 24 km per litre.

It was also accorded the title of ‘Most fuel efficient car’ and won Car India’s Variant of the Year 2012 award.

9. Volkswagen Jetta

Volkswagen launched the new-generation Jetta in India last year. Now in its sixth generation, the Jetta, is a global model for the company and has an upmarket executive look. It has greater power and space than the older model and a host of other features such as a shark-fin antenna, touch-screen multimedia system with eight speakers, cruise control, park assist, hill hold control, front seat belt height adjustment.

The Jetta comes in three variants: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. All the variants have the same 1,986-cc turbo-diesel engine as the older model, but with a drastic increase in performance and efficiency. The Jetta's power and torque figures stand at 140 PS at 4,200 RPM and 320 Nm between 1,750-2,500.

It won Car India’s Executive Car of the Year2012 (Petrol) and costs between Rs 16.25-20.46 lacs.

Described as “Fluidic Sculpture” in new Hyundai Verna reviews by test drive experts, Hyundai has made a comeback in Sedan C+ segment with the “New Hyundai Verna Fluidic.” The car provides a blend of exquisite, comfortable & classy interior with sporty exterior. 

Launched in eight different models namely 1.4L petrol/diesel and 1.6Lpetrol/diesel, the Sedan is going to allure quite a good number of customers.

Interiors have always been plus point for this South Korean car company so definitely this time also a big thumbs-up for this Sedan. The interior of New Hyundai Verna Fluidic is packed with comfort, luxury and safety measures which includes stylish central “V-shaped” console with integrated music system, six airbags for front seat driver and passenger, ABS, front & rear seat belts and adjustable steering wheel.

The Price Ranges between Rs. 7, 11,129 to Rs. 11,26,148.

For now take a look at the top 10 beautiful travel Destinations of the Country.

1. Udaipur-The Venice of East

The mere mention of Udaipur conjures up images of royal hospitality, splendor and Breathtaking Palaces. The City is also known as the Venice of India – due to a number of beautiful lakes. Various elements on the heritage fabric are still much better preserved than elsewhere.

Serene and opulent hilly range of the Aravalis, pleasant gardens and harmonious built forms attract largest number of visitors to this beautiful city.

2. Jaipur- The Royal Treat

Popularly known as the 'Pink City', Jaipur’s attractions include its inspiring palaces and ancient forts. The old city of Jaipur, with its beautiful monuments and colorful bazaars, offer tourists a fantastic experience.  If you want to experience luxury in motion, hop on to Palace on wheels, one of a kind train which has superlative interiors, lavish meals, classy wines, and personalized services. Its old world charm combined with modern amenities and excellent comfort are sure to leave you impressed and feeling like a royal Maharaja yourself.

3. Kashmir- The Paradise

Adjectives like beautiful and lovely don’t seem to do this valley any justice. No wonder it is described as Heaven or paradise on Earth. Positioned at the peak in the map of India, Kashmir is surrounded by the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. Spell bounding lakes, fresh water streams, scenic landscapes, lush meadows, apple orchards, mighty ice capped mountains and fresh non polluted mountain air makes Kashmir one of the best places to visit in India.

The Valley also offers adrenaline pumping activities like Water Rafting, Trekking, Winter Sports, Wetlands, Wildlife, etc. to adventure junkies. So don’t wait to visit this amazing tourist destination.

4. Ladakh- The “Little Tibet”

A close second to Kashmir, there probably is no other place in the world quite like this travel destination. Ladakh is a plateau in the Indus Valley between the Karakoram mountain range in the north and the main Great Himalayas to the south. Its altitude ranges from 9000 to 25000 feet.

Ladakh is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and culture. It’s sometimes referred as “Moon land” & “Little Tibet” because of its natural barren beauty landscape and inhabitation by Tibetan people.

To really experience the true essence of Ladakh, road trip by car, bike, jeep or bus is preferred over air travel. Sure the tough mountain roads do take a lot out of you, but nothing quite beats the experience of getting to Ladakh. And don’t forget to visit Leh Palace, Tso Mori Lake, and Nubra Valley as well the number of monasteries dotting Ladakh.  

5. Kerala- God’s own Country

Famous for its natural beauty, backwaters’, amazing white sand beaches, delicious sea food, and ayurvedic health resorts, Kerala provides a really relaxing experience.

Backwaters are a chain of lagoons criss crossing half of the length of Kerala. The ever popular houseboats give you amazing views and a sense of calm which rejuvenates your mind and body.  Must visit places along these backwaters include Kumarakom (bird sanctuary), Astamudi Lake (largest fresh water lake) and Kannur-Valiyaparambu (scenic beauty).

6.  Agra-City of Taj

Place at one of the top positions in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Agra is a city that shines with examples of intricate Mughal Architecture wherever you look. Located about 200 kms away from New Delhi, the city attracts thousands of tourists in a day and Taj Mahal happens to be the major reason. The Palace was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The king called in Craftsmen from Italy and Persia to design this tribute of love for his wife.

Apart from the awe inspiring Taj Mahal, there are many other things to do in Agra should you get the time. The city is famous for Shopping and food. Besides its close proximity to the capital of India make it an ideal weekend getaway from Delhi.

7. Goa- Where the party begins

With its pretty beaches, awesome seafood, vivid nightlife, picturesque churches and water sports, the state attracts more than 2 million visitors annually.

And the fun doesn’t stop just there. You can indulge in varied activities depending on your choice and taste. If you are a bit on the laidback side, then you can just idle away time on popular beaches like Baga Beach and Anjuna Beach. If you are looking for your dose of adrenaline, you can indulge in water sports like paragliding, windsurfing, jet skiing and lots more.  

With a curious mix of national and international cultures, golden sands, never ending parties and most awesomebeaches in India, Goa is the looked forward to place of visit for the travelers.  

8. Darjeeling- India’s first Hill Station

Located in the state of West Bengal, Darjeeling is the first hill station established by the British.  Darjeeling is famous for its natural beauty, Buddhist monasteries, tea production, trekking and awe inspiring views of Kanchenjunga (3rd highest peak in India)

For catching the best views of Kanchenjunga, make a visit to the Shruberry Health Club. For shopping addicts, best thing to buy is Darjeeling Tea, famous for its light taste and awesome aroma. Other noteworthy buys are local textiles, handicrafts and art.

 Also don’t forget to hop on to the Toy train and enjoy an unhurried way of looking at life.

9. Dharamsala- The Land of Whiter Innocence

Known as the ‘Little Lhasa of India’ Dharamsala is a popular destination for tourists throughout the world. This scenic hill station located at a height of about 1400 meters sits in between a breath-taking pine forest. It is also home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and an ideal rejuvenating weekend getaway among the hills

With a plethora of Dharamsala Hotels to choose from, accommodation is never an issue and there is hotel for every budget. Dharamsala literally means a ‘sanctuary’ or a ‘house of spirituality and peace’.

There are lots of places to visit nearby as well like Kangra Valley, Palampur, and Bir Billing (famous for paragliding). You can also enjoy few matches of IPL, a famous cricket tournament where various international cricket stars participate.

10. Amritsar- Abode of the Golden Temple

Amritsar is the cultural and economical capital of Indian state Punjab. The City’s beautiful Golden temple gets huge number of tourists from across the globe. The city is also famous for Jallian wala Bagh one of the other most visited places along with the flag hosting ceremony at India-Pakistan border, which is a delight to watch.

As much as the city is home to people from different religions belonging to different parts of India and world, Mumbai is also known for its colorful cuisine. You’ll find flavour combinations here you can’t taste anywhere else in the world. Vegetables and nuts are integral to most dishes, and coconut features heavily in the regional cuisine. There are equal number of options both for Vegetarians and non-vegetarian food lovers.

New Delhi

The Capital offers delicious street food including variations of fresh chaat (deep-fried pastries stuffed with potatoes, lentils or vegetables and topped with yogurt, chutney and chaat masala) along with wonderful sit-down meal in the form of cafes and restaurants for all budgets.

Bangalore

Bangalore is a haven for lovers of Udupi cuisine. The city, offers a multitude of culinary selections to match its diverse population. Here you'll find excellent North and South Indian food, in addition to cuisines ranging from Chinese and French to English, Afghan and other international cuisines.

Hyderabad

This Royal city has seen culinary traditions being passed down from the Nizam monarchy. This is the only destination in India where you’ll find authentic Arabic, Turkish and Mughlai cuisines. The city is famous for its rich, aromatic biryani made with lamb, chicken or vegetables and served with fragrant basmati rice. Satisfy your sweet tooth with double-ka-meetha, a bread pudding. 

Goa

Goa pampers you with its wide varities of sea food offerings. Fish curries featuring kingfish, pomfret, tuna and shark dominate the list of local delicacies alongf with spicy pork, chicken curries and a wide range of regional vegetarian thalis.

Kochi

If you want to challenge your spicy palate then Kochi is the ideal destination. The dishes are flavoured with spices, tamarind and served on a banana leaf. The region is a major banana-growing area, and traditional Kochi cuisine employs the fruit in many dishes, both sweet and savoury. Coconut water provides a refreshing and sweet contrast to the sizzling food.

Chandigarh

When it comes to authentic North Indian cuisine, Chandigarh cuisine is the place to be. The staple food offered in this part of the country mainly consists of wheat-based rotis, paranthas and naan not to forget the extensive use of butter, cream, and paneer. Their meals usually consist of pulses cooked on a slow flame with the traditional Punjabi tadka. Onion, tomato, ginger, garlic and spices form the basic ingredients of their gravies. The traditional Punjabi food is prepared in the earthen tandoors, which give the food a unique aroma. In the category of beverages, Punjab-di-Lassi takes the cake.

Jaipur

India's Pink City, will tickle your taste buds with culinary traditions passed down from the chefs of the Rajastani royalty. You’ll find very earthy dishes here some of which include dal batti, churma, bajre ki roti and chapatis. Satisfy your sweet tooth with mishri mawa, a sweet made from milk and sugar.

Pune

Unlike other cuisines of the subcontinent, Pune cuisine relies heavily on the aromas due to which you’ll find garlic in lots of its dishes. Soothe your palate with snacks like bhakarwadi, a pastry rolled with coriander, tamarind and sesame seeds, or cool off with a thick milkshake made with dried fruit.

Kolkata

Kolkata’s past is reflected in its cuisine. The city of Joy is famous for having a in bakeries with British colonial history, serving scones and clotted cream at every corner. You could also gorge on Indian Chinese food in Chinatown. But the finest quality cuisine is traditional Bengali fare, including spicy fish curries with an authentic dash of mustard paste and amazing street food.

Identify how you spend your time

Spending a short while working out what you normally do with your time will help you in the long-run. Identifying those areas where time is being wasted and where it is being well spent will help you to prioritise. What counts is not the amount of time that you put in overall, but the amount of time that you spend working on important, worthwhile tasks.

Set goals

It’s all well and good being efficient with your time, but to what end if you really don’t know how you want to spend it? Many people spend precious time and energy trying to be more efficient without setting goals — in other words, they don’t focus on the things that are most important to them. By knowing precisely what you want to achieve, you will know exactly where to concentrate your efforts. Having set goals can also be a good motivator.

Keep a ‘to do’ list

You can keep a list in your head of things that need doing, but it’s far better to free your mind of this by writing or typing a list, which you can then refer to throughout the day. Your list could be written on a piece of paper, typed and saved on your computer, or held in a Filofax system — it’s really up to you. Ticking off jobs as you do them can give a real sense of satisfaction and spur you on to complete the rest — plus, of course, using the list will reduce the amount of time you take up thinking about what you need to do.

Prioritise

It’s no good compiling a list if you put everything in the wrong order! There’s always a temptation to do the things that you want to do first, rather than the things that you need to do. Sort out your priorities and deal with the important things first. Whatever is left incomplete at the end of the day probably didn’t need doing immediately anyway, and can be dealt with on another occasion.

Do it right first time

If you try to complete a task half-heartedly when you’re not really in the mood for it, then it’s likely that you’re not going to complete it properly. Make sure you take the time to do things ‘right’ or to the best of your ability on the first occasion, so that the fewer mistakes you make, the less time you will waste going back and having to do it all over again. Doing the important things first — when you’re most ‘switched on’ and alert — means you’ll be more likely to do them correctly.

Stop putting things off

Most people have a tendency to procrastinate and look for ways out of doing what they should actually be doing. It’s especially easy to do this if you’re surrounded by lots of distractions that give you an excuse to put something off. So, try controlling your environment by removing most of those distractions. It is often best to do the thing you’d least like to do first, as all your avoidance tactics will often be aimed at putting off this one task. Just thinking of the reasons why that task should be done should be enough to make you do it.

Get organised!

Being disorganized only wastes time. Think about the time you spend each day trying to locate something in the workplace or at home. You may need to declutter your living and working environment in order to operate more efficiently. Put things that you don’t need well out of the way — or get rid of them! — and give things that you frequently use a regular home, so you will know where to find them in the future.

Delegate

It seems obvious, but you can free more time up for yourself by getting others to do jobs for you! The idea is to hand over any tasks that someone else can do — particularly if they can do them faster or just as well as you. This can be applied in both your work and home environments. Why not hand over the washing up to the kids in return for the lift you’re going to give them later? In the workplace, consider delegating to a colleague: you never know, they may even welcome being given that particular task — especially if they are good at it!

Multi-task

It is possible to do a few things at the same time to get the most out of the time available. We’re not talking about a massive overload — just combining your tasks well. For example, while you are out on a run you could listen to that ‘learn a foreign language’ tape that you’ve always wanted to listen to. Or if you’re travelling on the train, you might be able to catch up on a good book, or even do a bit of work on your laptop. Planning to do a ‘fun’ activity alongside a routine task will allow you to make the most of whatever it is that you’re doing.

Learn to say ‘no’

Learning not to put all the pressure on yourself by saying ‘no’ can be one of the best things to do to free up some time. If someone asks you to do something, ask yourself questions such as ‘Is it my responsibility?’ or ‘Am I the best person for the job?’ If the answer is ‘no’, then don’t take on that particular task. We’re not suggesting that you look for reasons to get out of everything, of course, and you shouldn’t always say ‘no’ when asked to help out — but not being the dumping ground for everyone else’s problems can definitely help to maximize the time you have available.

Keep concentrating

Keeping your focus on the job in hand can help to get it done in next to no time. The only way you can keep your focus is to avoid distractions — whether these are from people or other external influences. Being properly organized helps you to initially focus, but only by avoiding disruptions will you be able to maintain that focus throughout your tasks and activities. If you really need to get on with something, lock yourself away and switch off your phone until you’ve completed a particular task. You’ll have plenty of time later to reply to any messages or missed calls!

Look after yourself

Nobody can be on the go all the time — if you were, you’d soon suffer from burnout! Taking time out and looking after yourself is important, because you will then be able to reach your peak physical and mental levels when necessary. Maintaining a healthy balance in your life should ensure that you respond in the right way and in an efficient manner to problems and tasks — so that whatever needs doing doesn’t take any longer than it should do!

Please also read the following:

Top 10 lunchtime workouts

Make time for yourself

Avoiding the doctor

Research by the charity Men’s Health Forum has revealed that men are 20% less likely than women to visit their doctor, despite the fact that they have shorter life spans than women and are more likely to die from cancer. While visiting the doctor is rarely a pleasant experience, diagnosing most illnesses early increases rates of survival, so stop ignoring those symptoms and give your doctor a call.

Just like with visiting the doctor, many men avoid doing necessary health self-checks due to fear, denial of the risks, or confusion over what to do. However, it is vital that men check themselves regularly for signs of testicular cancer as incidence of the disease is on the rise, particularly in young and middle-aged men. If you are not sure how to go about checking yourself, visit a reputable website or ask your doctor for tips on performing these necessary checks.

Although women are rapidly catching up with men in the drinking stakes, binge drinking is still more common among men than women, and there are consistently higher rates of alcohol-related deaths and hospitalisations in men. Binge drinking not only affects long term health, but it puts your immediate safety at risk and can also lead to rapid weight gain. To safeguard your health, it’s important to stick to recommended limits and drink in moderation.

On the whole, men are less likely than women to talk about their feelings, express emotion or ask for help and support. Perhaps as a consequence of this, men are half as likely as women to be diagnosed with depression, yet are 77 per cent more likely to commit suicide. Depressed men are also twice as likely as depressed women to resort to alcohol and drug abuse. Bottling up anger is just as detrimental to men’s health, with research suggesting that men who don’t express their anger increase their risk of a heart attack.

While men and women are equally exposed to workplace stress, according to a survey of 3,000 workers by Medicash, men are four times more likely than women to take a sick day due to work related stress and are twice as likely to turn to alcohol to help deal with it. As workplace stress can be an important factor in the development of depression, heart disease and stroke, it is vital to seek a way to resolve your feelings and ease your stress; whether it is by talking to your boss, changing your job or seeking professional help.

Many men enjoying soaking in the tub, but for all those trying to conceive it may be time to swap those long baths for showers. Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, found through their three-year study that having hot baths can significantly reduce male fertility. As sperm develop best in cool surroundings, men should avoid any activity that leads to overheating this area, including sitting in hot tubs or Jacuzzis and regular, prolonged use of laptops.

Although skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, multiple research studies have shown that few of us regularly wear sunscreen, and that men are the worst offenders. According to research by Mintel on sun cream use in France, Germany, Spain and the UK, an average of 52 per cent of women use sunscreen, compared to only 37 per cent of men. However, with many men spending significant time outdoor for sports, work or leisure, it is vital to cover up with appropriate clothing and sun cream before heading outside.

Do you wash your hands after you’ve visited the bathroom? According to a study by the American Society for Microbiology and the Soap and Detergent Association, one in three men don’t! Furthermore, a study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine carried out at UK service stations found that only a third of men washed their hands with soap. Not washing your hands is the quickest way to spread germs and infection, so protect your health and those around you by making sure you lather up before leaving the bathroom.

According to a study by the American Dental Association, only 66 per cent of men brush their teeth twice or more a day, compared to 86 per cent of women. Furthermore, research findings published in the Journal of Periodontology showed that women are almost twice as likely to have regular dental checkups than men. Failing to look after your pearly whites is not only bad news for your teeth and gums; research has shown that gum disease can increase risk of heart disease, erectile dysfunction and dementia.

In today’s fast food culture, many of us are guilty of hampering our weight loss by indulging in too much junk food, and this is particularly true for men. A survey by Pew Research Center revealed that 47 per cent of men eat in a fast food restaurant at least weekly, compared to 35 per cent of women. With an average takeaway containing over half your recommended daily calories and copious amounts of salt, do your health a favour by cutting back on takeaways and replacing with home-cooked meals.

Please also read:

10 foods all men should eat

Top 10 worst female health habits

Wearing heels

More and more of us are opting to wear heels on a daily basis, and this could be bad news for our health. High heels affect our posture, put pressure on joints, and can lead to a range of conditions including arthritis, hammer toes, back pain and tendon injuries – and that’s before you take into account any heel-related accidents! To minimise damage, limit your heels to 1.5 inches for daily wear, and wear insoles to help reduce the pressure on joints.

Carrying a heavy handbag

With the rising number of gadgets and accessories the majority of women haul around, many of us are carrying around several pounds of weight on our shoulders every day. As a result, lots of us are also putting our long term health at risk. While you may not feel the effects right now, lugging around a heavy handbag can lead to serious back problems and neck pain as well as poor posture. Don’t wait until the damage is done – do your health a favour and try clearing out all non-essential items and switching to a smaller bag.

Sleeping in makeup

Most of us have succumbed to the temptation to sleep in our post-party makeup at some point. However, leaving makeup on overnight – along with the dirt and oil that naturally accumulates on skin throughout the day –is a quick route to clogged pores, congested skin and spots. Sleeping with mascara and eye makeup on can also affect your health by causing eye irritation, bloodshot eyes or even infection.

Matching men drink for drink

From networking drinks to first dates and social events, there are many instances when women may feel compelled to keep up with the drinking habits of the opposite sex. However, women not only tend to weigh less than men but they have less body water to dilute the alcohol, which means they tend to get more drunk more quickly. To minimise the risks of alcohol on your health, try to keep within the recommended guidelines for alcohol consumption and alternate alcohol with soft drinks.

Wearing the wrong bra size

It is thought that more than 70 per cent of women are wearing the wrong bra size. However, wearing a badly fitted bra can not only affect the look of your clothes, but research suggests it can cause a range of health problems including back, neck and breast pain, breathing difficulties, poor posture, skin irritation, circulation problems and even irritable bowel syndrome. Rather than guessing your size, make sure you get measured to ensure you are getting the support you need.

Worrying and harbouring regrets

Stress is damaging to both our physical and mental health, and women are twice as likely as men to suffer from stress-related disorders, as well as having higher rates of depression and anxiety. While it is thought there may be biological reasons for this, worrying about the future and dwelling on regrets can also add to our problems, with research suggesting that women are more than twice as likely as men to harbour regrets over lost loves and broken relationships.

Obsessing over appearance

While both genders suffer from body insecurity, many women tend to overly obsess over their idea of the “perfect” body. Research findings published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology found that 16 per cent of the normal or underweight women studied believed themselves to be overweight, while a study commissioned by Dove found that 90 per of women wanted to change at least one aspect of their appearance. Body insecurity not only affects our mental health, but it can also lead to physical damage caused by extreme diets, yo-yo dieting, eating disorders and cosmetic surgery.

Emotional eating

While comfort eating affects both genders, research has suggested that men are more likely to reinforce positive emotions with food, while women comfort eat when they’re sad. Women are also more likely to satisfy their cravings with sweet, high calorie foods. Rather than letting your waistline suffer next time you’re feeling blue, try distracting yourself from cravings by doing something you enjoy, or boost your endorphins and health with an uplifting workout.

Not getting enough sleep

Not only can lack of sleep make us look and feel at our worst, but insufficient shut-eye can also lead to increased accidents, calorie consumption and heart disease risk. Unluckily for women, statistics suggest that sleep problems affect more women than men, while a study by the University of Michigan found that women are more than twice as likely to give up sleep to care for others. Unfortunately, sleep has been found to affect women’s blood pressure and mood more than men’s, making it imperative that you do your best to get a good night’s sleep.

Putting themselves last

Not only are women more likely to compromise their sleeping habits to care for children and others, they are also prone to putting their own wants and needs at the bottom of a hectic to-do list of chores and obligations. To avoid running yourself into the ground, learn to sometimes say no to those requests and commitments that are less than essential, and make sure you set aside some “me” time each week to do something enjoyable just for you.

Please also read:

10 foods all women should eat

Top 10 worst male health habits

10. Agatti Island Resort, Agatti– For Beach Lovers

If coral reefs, turquoise blue lagoons and silvery beaches are your idea of fun, then Agatti Island Resort in the picturesque Agatti Island has all the ingredients to make a perfect holiday. Since the beach is never crowded and the resort is located in the midst of coconut and palm grooves, it is blissful for both beach bums and couples on their honeymoon. Guests can indulge in scuba diving; snorkeling and Deep Sea Fishing here and also partake in canoeing, water skiing, island hopping and beach volleyball.

9. Wildflower Hall Mashobrain Shimla– For an escape into nature’s lap

They claim to be a ‘fairytale’ resort and there’s no reason why one must disagree. For the most scenic and breathtaking views of the Greater Himalayas, there’s really no better resort. So, if you’re a nature admirer, then the Wildflower is a must-visit where you can take in the views of the splendid mountains & valleys while you dine or take pleasure walks through perfumed pine forests.

8. The Sawai Madhopur Lodge, Sawai Madhopur– For those looking for an old hunting lodge

This is a 70-year old hunting lodge that is just about 20 minutes away from the famous Ranthambore National Park. Being a Taj property, the focus has been on maintaining the grandeur of the place with well-appointed amenities such as dining hall, bar, lounge and a spa. The whole resort amalgamates the old with the new – letting visitors enjoy a good mix of both.

7. Zuri White Sands, Goa Resort & Casino– for dining and spoiling luxury

At the Zuri White Sands, guests are encouraged to “open up your senses, shut the world and live it up”. The setting is serene, the beach beautifully white and everything is as impeccable as it can get. Guests can indulge in premium rooms or even opt for an air-conditioned tent by the beach. Close to Varca Beach, the resort is the preferred choice of leisure as well as corporate travelers.

6. The Leela, Kovalam– For a holiday in Kerala

If you headed to Kerala and desire uncompromising facilities, then the Leela Kovalam offers abundantly. It is Kerala’s largest beachside resort that is perched on a single rock and boasts of a number of entertainment and dining options. Some of the views from the Kovalam are simply out-of-this-world as the resort is placed between two broad beaches.  Outdoor reclining stands, library facilities, exotic club cafes and personal swimming pools are to mention some facilities on offer.

5. Taj Holiday Village, Goa– For a memorable party in Goa

Being a Taj property, you know you can expect the best in luxury and service. And considering that we are talking about Goa, your holiday is about to get even more vibrant and colourful. The resort gives you plentiful opportunities to relax in leisure and engage in several fun activities. It has 142 cottages and villas all inspired by Goan-Portuguese architecture that successfully transport you to another world. Relax, reinvigorate, pamper, dine or party – the choice is all yours.

4.TheOberoiVanyavilasin Rajasthan– For adventure lovers

If you’re specifically seeking an adventure-soaked holiday, head straight to The Oberoi Vanya Vilas in Rajasthan. Located a few kilometers away from the Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve, this resort is a leading luxury jungle stopover to enjoy glorious views of the majestic tiger. Guests can enjoy luxury tents, private gardens and a range of other world class facilities and services. Vanya Vilas is surely the ultimate in jungle vacation.

3. Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kumarakom– A beautiful health resort

There is no dearth of health resorts in Kerala but Kumarakom Lake Resort happens to be one of the best. Situated in the heart of lush, unforgettable greenery, the views alone can calm and invigorate tired bodies and mind. Enjoy stunning sights of the backwaters and get pampered to the hilt by the staff. Being a very popular tourist destination, the resort is renowned for its Ayurveda-based spa facilities and a host of indoor and outdoor entertainment and recreational activities.

2. The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla– For a Heritage treat

Did you know that this resort nestled somewhere in Chaura Maidan in Shimla is over a 100 years old? Besides taking in the grandeur of the bygone eras, visitors, who come from across the globe to the Oberoi Cecil, get enchanted by the beauty of the snow-clad Himalayan Mountains that beautify the resort even further. Being a heritage resort, the property is opulently bedecked and ideal for big families with several facilities to choose from.

1. Taj Green Cove, Kovalam– For lush backwaters & pampering

Situated close to the gorgeous Kovalam beach, this Taj property will really take your breath away. Stop by with close friends, family or your partner and each time you will return with a unique experience – completely unlike the former. An amazing backwater retreat, the USP of this place is its hill resort layout. Bars, spas, villas, specially designed meals – really, the works at Taj Green Cove!

Fondly called Chanakya Pillai, Radhakrishnan Pillai says he was always intrigued with Chanakya, the original management guru of ancient India, his principles and its application in the modern business world. Pillai is a management trainer himself, consultant and guide and has been confirmed with the Sardar Patel National award 2009 for his research on Chanakya. His first release created record for the highest number of pre-release sales.

Business Book 2011 – Corporate Chanakya: Pillai present a simplified version of the ‘Arthashastra’ originally written by Chanakya who was a mathematician, administrator and statesman. He offers sutras, mantras and trade secrets that can be applied in present-day business. The book is an effective corporate guide with excellent tips on management, leadership, training and success.

2. Ramadorai

Subramanian Ramadoraiis Advisor to the Prime Minister of India in the National Council on Skill Development, Government of India and also the current chairman of Tata Elxsi and Vice-chairman of Tata Consultancy Services. What makes me feature this one-book writer in this list is the fact that in his book ‘The TCS Story’, he could perfectly take the reader through his journey in a company that he worked for 40 years!

Business Book 2011 – The TCS Story:A consistent best-seller. If you’re particularly curious about TCS’ early years, the company in the mid-2000’s and beyond, then this one’s a big delight.

3. Prakash Iyer

Here’s another IIM-A MBA turned writer who is passionate about writing, cricket and observing people. What’s more is that he is also a trained executive and business coach who enjoys sharing his experiences based on his rich 25 years of corporate career.

Business Book 2011 – The Habit of Winning:The book is inspirational in many ways and also page-turning. It covers tales of real life incidents with lessons that can be immensely helpful in businesses. They will really inspire the reader to think positive and get into the habit of winning in his daily life.

4. Abhijit V. Banerjee

Prof. Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee is an Indian economist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Prior to joining MIT, he also taught at Harvard and Princeton. His work, along with economists Esther Duflo and Senthil Mullainathan, focuses mainly on development economics.

Business Book 2011 - Poor Economics: A Radical Rethinking of the Way to Fight Global Poverty:Authored by Banerjee and Esther Duflo, the book is ideal for those who wish to learn more about the economics of poverty. It also won the 2011 Financial Times and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award.

5. Harsha Bhogle

Yes, you’re right – the renowned cricket commentator and journalist – Harsha Bhogle. An IIM – A graduate, he is also a creative speaker and writer; just like his wife Anita Bhogle. He has, in the past, authored a biography on Mohammed Azharuddin and a number of his published articles can be found in the book ‘Out of the Box’.

Business Book 2011 – The Winning Way: He partners with his wife in writing this book which is a result of his years of experience in sports based communication. The book is helpful in gaining precious lessons in winning, losing, fighting and surmounting failure in businesses.

6. TGC Prasad

Based out of Bangalore, TGC Prasad (42) is known for offering strategic, advisory, general management and HR consulting services to several start-ups, small and medium enterprises, Indian and MNC companies. The CEO-turned writer has books like ‘Unusual People do things Differently’ followed by ‘Along the Way’.

Business Book 2011 -Unusual People do things Differently:This one’s an interesting read presenting the success stories of 65 different people like Azim Premji and Mother Teresa. He stresses on thinking out of the box, in an unusual way to achieve remarkable success.

7. Rashmi Bansal

As a self-proclaimed youth expert, Bansal has certainly earned her merit as a writer of worth with her successful books ‘Stay Hungry Stay Foolish’ (on MBA’s) and ‘Connect the Dots’ (on Non-MBA’s). I find her blog ‘Youth Curry’ – which is largely about herself, careers, youth and entrepreneurship in India, pretty much addictive. She has a background of working with the Times Group and also co-founded JAM magazine till it was suspended.

Business Book 2011– I Have a Dream: Bansal’s third book was released in June last year and was a #1 non-fiction bestseller till the time Steve Jobs’ biography was released. An MBA graduate from IIM-Ahmedabad, Rashmi deals with 20 idealists in ‘I Have a Dream’ who eventually become the change they want to see in the world.

8.  Rohini Nilekani

Wife of Nandan Nilekani, one of India’s brightest entrepreneurs, Rohini Nilekani is mostly a social activist and philanthropist by profession but extremely passionate about writing. “I have never been completely out of touch with writing, I do write the occasional column even now and many of the organizations I am with, there is constant writing to be done” she says.

Business Book 2011 – Uncommon Ground: In this bestselling book, Nilekani has penned dialogues or interactions between business magnates and social leaders. Fundamentally a compilation of interviews she did for a TV channel, the book dabbles with 8 important themes of division between business and social sectors.

9. Arindam Chaudhuri

Noted Indian economist and management guru, IIPM Dean Prof. Arindam Chaudhuri is an eminent author especially well-known for his self-help guide ‘Count your chickens before they hatch’ (sold more than more than 80,000 copies in just 8 months!) and ‘The Great Indian Dream’ which is essentially about making India a truly developed nation where poverty is absolutely non-existent. Apart from being the recipient of several awards, Chaudhuri also happens to be one of the highest paid speakers in the country.

Business Book 2011 – Thorns to Competition: Chaudhuri’s latest offering tackles the subject of hard selling strategies of modern day marketing. Launched by actor Shah Rukh Khan, Thorns to Competition remained popular in 2011 despite several controversies pertaining to IIPM’s MBA courses.

10: Walter Isaacson

Even though he’s not an Indian, Walter Isaacson’s (59) mention is inescapable. Besides being the President and CEO of Aspen Institute and a former CEO of CNN, he is also a prolific writer having worked as the Managing Editor of TIME magazine.

Business Book 2011 – Steve Jobs: Isaacson was workingon Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ biography since 2005 who granted him extensive interviews of himself as well as his family and friends. The book ingeniously chronicles the life of a tech genius who went on to change the world. Originally scheduled to hit store shelves in 2012, the publication date was moved up to Oct 24, 2011 after Jobs’ sudden death & remains a bestseller, selling over 14, 000 copies in India alone.

Besides this blockbuster of a book, Isaacson has also painted rich portraits of personalities in his other biographies such as Einstein: His Life and Universe (2007), Benjamin Franklin: An American Life (2003), Kissinger: A Biography (1992).

1.Bangalore International Airport
Bengaluru International Airport won the prestigious Best Airport India award by Skytrax World Airport Awards, in Copenhagen, Denmark at the 2011 World Airport Awards. The total floor area is approx 760,000 sq ft and the building is designed to accommodate 3,000 passengers at peak hour. The Airport is located 40 km from the central business district of Bangalore Airport and is expected to handle 17 million passengers by 2015. The passenger terminal is a single, fully air conditioned building with domestic and international departure lounges, and number of retail outlets.

2.Hyderabad International Airport

The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) is Located 22 km away from the city of Hyderabad, in India. The airporthas been named after the former prime minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi. The airport was commissioned in a record time of 31 months in March 2008. Built to the capacity of 40 million passengers per annum, the airport is designed to handle New Large Aircrafts, including the Airbus A380. RGIA is the first airport in the world to be awarded the Leadership Energy and Environment Design silver rating for its eco-friendly design. The check - in & immigration counters at Hyderabad airport are more than at other Airports, which provides an easy and hassel free access to the airport. The Airport was also ranked among the top airports of the world in the airport services quality (ASQ) by the global body, Airports Council International (ACI). The Hyderabad airport has a single integrated domestic and international terminal.

3.Delhi International Airport

Indira Gandhi International Airport is the primary airport of Delhi, situated 16 km southwest of New Delhi's city center. Being the capital of the country Delhi attracts various visitors and tourists across the world. Named after Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India, it is the busiest airport in India in terms of daily flight traffic. The new Terminal 3 building has had the capacity to handle an additional 34 million passengers annually since the start of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Indira Gandhi's Terminal 3 is the world's eighth largest passenger terminal. T3 also has India's first automated parking management and guidance system in a multi level car park, which comprises 7 levels and a capacity of 4,300 cars.

4.Mumbai International Airport

Chattrapathi Shivaji International Airportformerly Sahar International Airport is India's and South Asia's largest and most important aviation hub.  The Airport is the main entry point to India and handles 25 million passengers a year. The airport, with its five operating terminals, is spreads over an operational area of 1,450 acres. Mumbai airport which is located 30 km north of the city has also gone under a major renovation and upgradation process.

5.Chennai International Airport

Chennai International Airport, formerly known as Madras International Airport is the main hub for arrivals and departures in south India. It services around 8 million passengers a year, over half of which are flying domestically. The airport is operated by the government run Airports Authority of India and is located 7 km south of the city centre. It is one of the largest international gateways into the country, and the second-largest cargo hub in the country, after Mumbai.

The Chennai Airport has been slated for modernization and expansion.

6.Kolkata International Airport

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is located approximately 17 km from the city centre, the airport handles about 8.5 million passengers annually.

It's an international airport but over 75% of its passengers are domestic travelers. It is a major centre for all flights to North-East India, Bangladesh and Bangkok.

7.Cochin International Airport

Cochin International Airport is one of the country's youngest Airports with modern facilities. The total floor area of the terminals is ca 54,000 m². A new 93,000 m² international terminal is planned to be commissioned in 2014. The airport is the first international airport in India incorporated as a public limited company and it received investments from nearly 10,000 non-resident Indians from 30 countries.

8.Ahmedabad International Airport

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is spread over an area of 1,124 acres and handles an average of 150 aircraft per day.  The airport is located 8 km from the Ahmedabad Railway Station.

The Airport serves nearly all domestic airlines as well as several international ones. The airport currently consists of three terminals: domestic, international and cargo.

9.Goa International Airport

Goa is one of the foremost tourist attractions of India. Goa Airport caters to all the worldwide and household visitors who arrive to glimpse this scenic land. No wonder the Goa International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the country. Established at Dabolim, the Airport is located 30km from capital Panjim. Various household and worldwide airlines functioning from Goa Airport are Indian Airlines, Air India, Jet Airways, Air Sahara, and Air Deccan. The amenities in the airport are designed to cater to Boeing 747.

10.Trivandrum International Airport (TIA)

The Airport is located in Thiruvananthapuramand is the first airport in the state of Kerala and is the first international airport in a non-metro city in India. TIA is considered as an "all weather" airport in the country many flights from other Airports in the State are diverted here when ever weather hinders visibility. Located 3.7 km due west from the central business district, the Airport also caters to the IAF (Indian Air Force) and the Coast Guard for their strategic operations

Pooja Thakkar 

Here are some top Android based Business Apps in India:

1.       Dropbox

This is a great free service that will allow you to access you DropBox account and files on Android when you’re on the move.  It allows Editing files, uploading Photos, videos and sharing links.

2.       Twitter

Twitter is a great way of keeping in contact and marketing yourself. Twitter for Android is one of the fastest growing Twitter applications. You can use Twitter for Android even if you haven’t signed in or don’t have an account. You can view trends, browse your interests and see suggested users in several categories.

3.       Youtube

YouTube, the world's most popular video site, is available as an app on Android mobile devices. It comes preloaded on most (if not all) Android phones, and using it is much more convenient than navigating to the YouTube site in a browser. It allows sharing videos through your device's other installed applications like Twitter, Facebook, Gmail, and so on.

4.       LinkedIn

LinkedIn is popular among job seekers and employers alike. Another common use case for the LinkedIn mobile app is for meetings. Say you’re a sales executive going to a pitch meeting. You can check the latest updates from that person on the LinkedIn app. During or after a meeting you can also search the person and add the person on LinkedIn.

5.       Google Maps

You can search for local businesses, drive with turn-by-turn GPS navigation, or get transit directions with Google Maps. It has Free, voice-guided GPS navigation system. You can Find, rate, and get recommendations for places or see friends on the map and check in at places.

6.       Moneycontrol

No surprises here. Moneycontrol has become the premier destination for all things stocks. The app provides various indices in India and across the world along with bullion market updates. There is a facility to search for scrip and look at its market price and other details.

7.       Remote Web Desktop

It is the best web desktop for Android phones. It provides the easiest way to remotely manage & control your phone through desktop web browser without the USB data cable. Including wireless files & folders transfer, desktop SMS, webcam, screen capture, contact manager, cloud clipboard, APK installer, etc. It supports all 3G/WiFi/USB connections.
 

8.       File Manager

This one has fresh UI design and user friendly functions.Manages files seamlessly, great layout, painless access to USB drives.

* Multiple resolution support
* Cut, copy, paste and cancellable progress dialog
* List and grid view for file browsing
* Search and share files
* Multiple selection and sorting support
* Support both local and remote (LAN/SMB) file system

9. Exchange for Android 2.x

This version of TouchDown is for devices running Android 2.0 and above. When it comes to corporate data access on your device, you get what you pay for. This version supports the following Enterprise Mobile Device Management (MDM) Systems:
- Sybase Afaria
- AirSync
- FiberLink
- NotifyMDM
- SOTI
- Zenprise
- WaveLink

10.   Entrepreneur Mobile

It’s the only app of its kind, designed exclusively for small business fingertips. You’ll get answers, advice, insights, and the latest news and headlines from the millions available on Entrepreneur.com to make sure you never miss a beat when it comes to information that impacts your business. Whether you’re seeking a reality check on your wacky marketing ideas or need to find the latest advice on financing, Entrepreneur Mobile will be there to keep you in the know.

By: Pooja. Thakkar

Best for: Honeymoons

2)    Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad: one of the finest palaces in Hyderabad, this hotel was formerly home to the Nizam of Hyderabad. In Urdu, Falak-numa literally means "Like the Sky" or "Mirror of the Sky". The Jade collection in the Palace is truly unique in the world and the Falaknuma is a rare blend of Italian and Tudor architecture. Rs. 5 lakh a night (another bomb of a price!) for the Grand Presidential Suite.

Best for: Architectural marvel & to get a glimpse of the nizams’ affluent lifestyles

3)    The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai: This elegant 5-star hotel is located right next to the Gateway of India and is a landmark for every tourist in the city. Considered the flagship property of the Taj Group, the hotel fuses Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles together. The Taj in Mumbai is best known to host guests like The Beatles, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Bill Clinton and more recently Michelle & Barack Obama. Fabulous dining options too.

Best for: Dining & Architecture

4)    The Leela Palace Kempinski, Udaipur: This lavish hotel offers breathtaking views of the Aravalli Mountains and opulence of an era gone by. Overlooking Lake Pichola, its luxurious ESPA tented spa is the perfect spot for some indulgence and relaxation. Expect only the finest service, facilities and accommodation options here.

Best for: Reckless Indulgence

5)    The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur: is ranked the thirteenth best hotel in the world. Set in 32 acres of grounds outside Jaipur, this palace hotel has an incredible range of 71 luxury rooms, tents and villas with Burmese-teak floor and four-poster beds. A lot of work has gone in creating the ambiance of an ancient Rajasthani fort balanced beautifully with contemporary Italian designs.

Best for: Experiencing the grandeur of India’s royal Rajput past

6)    The Leela Palace Kempinksi, New Delhi: is the newest addition to Leela Hotel Group’s marvelous collection. The lobby offers stunning views of rare Indian artworks & the most exquisite display of flowers in sparkling crystal vases. All 260 -bedrooms are plush and the Maharaja Suite is endowed with bullet-proof windows; inspired by Edwin Lutyens, New Delhi's architectural godfather. The menu’s unapologetically international and spa facilities, like the rest of the amenities, are top-notch!

Best for: Super-luxe fun in Delhi!

7)    Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra: Taking inspiration from Moorish and Mughal architectural styles, Oberoi Amarvilas offers a visual treat of terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions with rich interiors. And of course, unforgettable views of the Taj Mahal – right from your window!

Best for: The Splendid View of the Taj Mahal

8)    The Leela Palace Kempinski, Bangalore: perfectly reflects the lushness of the Garden City. Gold leaf domes, ornate ceiling and grand arches of the hotel are all inspired by the royal heritage of the Vijaynagar Dynasty. Sprinkled well with business essentials as well as holiday comforts, the hotel promises an exceptional experience always. Be prepared to rub shoulders with CEO’s (especially Biocon’s Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, a regular patron) from across the world here.

Best for: Business Visits

9)    The Oberoi, Mumbai: Gazing the Queen’s necklace is yet another luxurious property from the Oberoi group. Service is flawless, the luxury understated and very business-traveler friendly. With 333 rooms and suites, the Oberoi in also one of the most expensive with Deluxe Rooms at Rs. 25, 000 and Presedential Suites at around Rs. 3 lakh! Former US President, Bill Clinton, stayed here on his visit to India.

Best for: Cool Sophistication

10)Taj Lands End, Mumbai: Situated in Bandra, the queen of the suburbs, the Lands End overlooks the Arabian Sea. First-rate dining options, business amenities and accommodation are offered with the same old-world Taj hospitality. Gorgeous style and great comfort!

Best for: Excessive treats and views of picturesque sunsets

Author: Jim Collins

If you haven't read it yet, buy, beg, or borrow it. It's that important. 

Having identified the companies that made the leap from ‘Good To Great’, Collins and his team set out to examine the transition point. What characteristics did the ‘Good To Great’ companies have that their industry counterparts did not? What didn't the ‘Good To Great’ companies have?

The author concludes that it takes time to build greatness. It cannot be done overnight, it needs a lot of hard work. What the author concludes is that “greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline”

2.)  Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose

Author: Tony Hsieh

The visionary CEO of Zappos, Tony Hsieh emphasizes on making customer service the entire company, not just a department and focusing on company culture as the #1 priority.

His decision to sell Zappos to Amazon.com in 2009 came from his desire to protect and preserve the culture of employee appreciation he had created at Zappos

In his first book, Tony shares the different business lessons he learned in life, from a lemonade stand and pizza business, LinkExchange, Zappos, and more. Ultimately, he shows how using happiness as a framework can produce profits, passion, and purpose both in business and in life.

3.)  How To Win Friends and Influence People

Author: Dale Carnegie

One of the best-known motivational books in history has helped countless people succeed in both their business and personal lives.

First published in 1937, (Yes, that’s right) Carnegie's advice is still applicable today because he addresses timeless questions about the fine art of getting along with people: How can you make people like you instantly? How can you persuade people to agree with you? How can you speak frankly to people without giving offense?

His groundbreaking work has sold millions of copies, has been translated into almost every known written language.

4.)  Moneyball: the art of winning an unfair game

Author: Michael Lewis

Michael Lewis has written not only "the single most influential baseball book ever" but also what "may be the best book ever written on business"

The story concerned a small group of undervalued professional baseball players and executives, many of whom had been rejected as unfit for the big leagues, who had turned themselves into one of the most successful franchises in Major League Baseball.

Moneyballis an appealing reading experience for business people and sports fans alike.

5.)  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Author: Stephen Covey

The Book was a groundbreaker when it was first published in 1989, and it continues to be a business bestseller with more than 15 million copies sold. His anecdotes are as frequently from family situations as from business challenges. The Book guides you to perform better both in personal and professional arenas.

You’ll learn about acting with initiative rather than reacting. You'll want to study this book, not skim it and by the end of it, you’ll certainly feel a bit more powerful.

6.)  Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain: How I Went from Gang Member to Multimillionaire Entrepreneur

Author: Ryan Blair

This book is an inspirational guide for people who are willing to put in the hard work, time, and dedication to realize their vision.

Ryan Blairis a self-made multimillionaire and serial entrepreneur, who established his first company, 24-7 Tech when he was twenty-one years old, and has since created and actively invested in multiple startups. In the 2008 recession, Blair turned his company ViSalus Sciences around and took their revenue from near failure to more than $10 million a month in only 15 months!

7.)  The Kids from Nowhere

Author: George Guthridge

The Book is a delightful journey to a small island in the Bering Sea, Alaska, The landscapes and seascapes are beautifully painted by an outsider, a non-Eskimo teacher, who learns to cherish and respect the culture of his students and the small village in which they live. It is an overwhelming story of a group of seemingly uneducable students who, with the coaching of their teacher, not only learn to love learning, but end up champions in a national competition.
 

Hilarious, beautiful and fresh, The Kids from Nowhere is powerfully poignant.

8.)   Atlas Shrugged

Author: Ayn Rand

Atlas Shruggedis a novel, first published in 1957. The book explores the thinking of leading innovators, ranging from industrialists to artists who refuse to be exploited by society.  In their efforts, these people "of the mind" hope to demonstrate that a world in which the individual is not free to create is doomed, that civilization cannot exist where people are slaves to society and government.

The theme of Atlas Shrugged, is "the role of man's mind in existence.”

Author: Robert T. Kiyosaki

Rich Dad Poor Dad is a thought provoking book that is why it has been a best seller now for over 8 years and is still in the top 20 of all books being sold right now.

This is the true story of Kiyosaki's two fathers - one, his real dad had a high income but was poor. The other, his friends dad, but Kiyosaki's mentor and Rich Dad.

Kiyosaki learned that income alone does not create wealth as he learned from his "Poor Dad." Seeking financial freedom, Kiyosaki learned from his "Rich Dad" the keys to wealth.

10.)                Stay Hungry Stay Foolish

Author: Rashmi Bansal

Stay Hungry Stay Foolish" describes the journey of successful graduates of Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA), arguably the best business school in India. It is written as a series of interviews with the founders of many successful businesses in India, in industries ranging from engineering, education, agriculture, hotels, investment banking, business process outsourcing, clinical research, analytics, and others. Highly recommended to budding entrepreneurs!

Pooja Thakkar

Established in 1975, The Sheshrao Krushnarao Wankhede Stadium is situated in South Mumbai near Churchgate Station. SK Wankhede, a politician and the secretary of the Mumbai Cricket Association, MCA built this stadium in South Mumbai. The ground was built after disputes over the allocation of tickets for cricket matches. The stadium, which has a capacity of 33,317, was built in six months and opened in time for the final Test between India and the West Indies in 1975. Since then, the Wankhede stadium has been taken over from Brabourne stadium as the main cricketing venue in the city. Recently, Wankhede stadium was renovated in order to host the 2011 Cricket World Cup in which India defeated Sri Lanka by 6 wickets.

2.    Indira Gandhi Arena

Built by Government of India in 1982, The Indira Gandhi Arena is located at the Indraprastha Estate in the eastern region of New Delhi. It is the largest indoor sports arena in India and the second-largest in Asia and the world. This stadium was built by Indian government in order to host the indoor games events in the Asiad Games. 

3.    Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi

Named after the first prime minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru, Delhi Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was constructed in the year 1982 by the Government of India. It is situated near CGO Complex in the Lodhi Road area. The stadium is a multipurpose sports arena hosting football and other sporting events, as well as large-scale entertainment events.  Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was the main venue for the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

4.    Mohun Bagan A.C

Mohun Bagan Athletic Club is the National Football club of India established in 1889. It is one of the most popular sports club in the city of Kolkata, best known for its football team. They currently play in the I-League which is India’s number one football league. The club has a football academy in collaboration with Steel Authority of India Ltd at Durgapur. The football team has been successful one since its establishment and has maintained its status as one of India’s most successful clubs having won many trophies of national significance.

5.    Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium

Named after legendary hockey player of India Dhyan Chand, Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium is a field hockey stadium located at New Delhi and is very close to India Gate.  The stadium hosts national and international field hockey events. Since it was set up in 1933, it has undergone a number of naming ceremonies. It was first named Irwin Amphitheatre and was later known as the National Stadium. Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium was the host venue for the 2010 Men’s Hockey World Cup and was also the hockey venue of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

6.    Delhi Golf Club (DGC), Delhi

One of  the oldest golf-courses in Asia and the oldest one in Delhi, Delhi  Golf Club was first built by the British in 1931, and redesigned by Peter Thompson in 1977-78. It is situated right in the heart of Delhi and is located at Dr. Zakir Hussain Road in Nizamuddin. Delhi Golf Club, originally called Lodhi Golf Course, contains many Tughlak and Lody dynasty monuments. DGC also organizes professional tournaments. It became a corporate entity in 24^th February 1950. It also comprises of the 18 hole Lodhi Course, part of the Asian PGA Tour, and the shorter 9 hole Peacock Course.

7.    Mahalaxmi Racecourse

Modeled on the Melbourne Race Course, The Mahalaxmi Racecourse is a horse racing track built in the year 1883. It is situated exactly opposite to Mahalaxmi station.  The racecourse was originally donated by Sir Cusrow N Wadia and is run by the ‘Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai to Royal Western India Turf Club’ today. The horse racing starts in mid-November and ends in the last week of April. On the first Sunday in February, the Derby is conducted annually and is attended by people from the elite class. Till date, McDowell’s Indian Derby has been sponsored by liquor baron Vijay Mallya’s UB Group .

8.    Bombay Gymkhana

One of the premier gymkhanas in the city of Mumbai, Bombay Gymkhana was established in the year 1875.  Bombay Gymkhana is located on a prime site on Azad Maidan in South Mumbai. It is one of the most exclusive clubs in India having hosted the country’s first Test cricket match on 15^th December 1993. The ground has also hosted a national rugby competition, and has recently hosted matches against Sri Lanka and a few other South Asian teams.

9.    Brabourne Stadium

Named after Lord Brabourne, Governor of Bombay,Brabourne Stadium is a cricket ground owned by the Cricket Club of India (CCI) built in the year 1937. The stadium played host to the test matches from1948 to 1972. CCI-owned stadium is located on 90,000 square yards of reclaimed land along Marine Drive near Churchgate railway station in South Mumbai.  After Wankhede stadium was built, Brabourne was no longer the venue for test matches but visiting teams played a few first class matches there.

10.Irungattukottai Race Track

A permanent motor racing track located in Irungattukottai, Sriperumbudurin Chennai, the Irungattukottai Race Track was built in late 80s. Owned by the Madras Motor Sports Club (MMSC), the track is the pride of racing aficionados in Chennai. Irungattukottai Race Track is 11 meters wide and has 10 major curves, apart from number of miner ones. A smaller club circuit of 2.1 kms is also available for shorter events. This motor racing track is licensed to race up to and including Formula-3 for cars, as well as all classes of 2-wheelers.

Artika Shah

Jet Airways has retained its leadership position in India. With its first flight in 1993, Jet Airways has come a long way to becoming the fastest growing airlines in the world- now all set to change the way you fly- for the better! Connecting 24 international destinations and operating flights to and from 51 destinations in India, Jet Airways offers the best air deals.

2.   Kingfisher Airlines:

This is an airline that claims to offer the ultimate comfort in air travel. Owned by Vijay Mallya, the head of the Bangalore-based United Breweries Group, Kingfisher Airlines was established in 2003. His aim was to make air travel in India an experience to remember and not merely a journey from a place to another place. Stylish and comfortable this airline boasts of having highly trained personnel. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the airlines provides safe, value based and comfortable air travel to travelers.

3.   Indigo Airlines:

Owned by InterGlobe Enterprises, Indigois a budget airlinewhich won’t deprive you of your ‘creature comforts’. This airline only undertakes domestic flights all over India. It took off its inaugural flight in 2006.

4.   Lufthansa India Airlines:

Luftansa is an international airline which provides flight services in India too. It is one of the most favored airline companies in India because of its highly professional and sophisticated services. They have both domestic and international flights. They also offer exciting benefits to frequent fliers.

5.   GoAir:

Established in June 2004 by the Wadia Group, Go Air is a low-fare carrier. The airline currently operates across 16 destinations with 120 daily flights and approximately 847 weekly flights. On an average it receives 1.8 complaints per 10,000 passengers.

6.   JetLite:

JetLite, formerly known as Air Sahara, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Jet Airways India Ltd. It operates 110 flights on a daily basis connecting 25 domestic and 2 international destinations. Clean aircraft, prompt departures and very efficient flight staff would be an appropriate way to sum up the JetLite experience.

7.   Paramount Airways:

Paramount Airways is the first airline in India to launch the new generation Embraer 170/190 family series aircraft. It was founded in October 2005. The airline is looking to place an order for 15 more Brazilian Embraer aircraft in phases within the next few months. Currently, the airline runs as many as 20 flights on a daily basis.

8.   SpiceJet:

This Domestic Airlines has an on-time performance of 82.7 per cent. The Ground staff and the cabin crew are courteous and the interiors of the planes are clean and well-maintained. The Airline receives 3.5 complaints per 10,000 passengers.

9.   Air India:

The first major domestic airline of India, Air India started its operations in 1953 as the oldest airline company in India. Indian Airlines was renamed ‘Indian’ in December 2005, and in 2007, both Air India, the national carrier of India in the international arena and Indian Airlines were amalgamated into National Aviation Company of India Limited (NACIL). The name ‘Air India’ has been adopted for the air services.

Even though the airline is facing internal turmoil at present, it is still operating with its loyal base of frequent flyers.

10.Air Deccan:

Air Deccan, the low cost no frills domestic airline offers cheap air tickets for various cities and popular sectors in India. Established in 2003, Deccan has a fleet of 23 ATR Turboprop airplanes and 20 Airbus A-320 aircrafts.

Ambani Brothers– India’s leading entrepreneurs 

Mukesh and Anil Ambani are sons of Dhirubhai Ambani, who built the biggest private sector giant ‘Reliance India’. Mukesh Ambani (RIL) is a high-life socialite. Anil Ambani (ADAG) actively participates in numerous social activities. Both have won several entrepreneurial awards and are renowned as the joint face of emerging India.

Dr. Vijay Mallya – A liquor and lifestyle King

UB Group and ‘Kingfisher Airlines’ owner Dr. Vijay Mallya is looked upon as multi-national tycoon with a flamboyant attitude. He is an avid sports lover and an expert car racer. He is a Rajyasabha M.P. and is also involved in charity and philanthropy.

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Mastering the art of biotechnology

Founder and Chairperson of India’s biggest biotechnology firm ‘Biocon’, Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, is also known as one of India’s richest women. Besides being a rewarded personality, Dr. Shaw is a golf player and a collector of art paintings.

Sunil Mittal – The man behind India’s cell-phone revolution

Chairman and MD of the Bharti Group, Sunil Mittal is renowned as a man leading the GSM- based cellular phone revolution in India. He is fond of playing golf and is a licensed pilot.

Chanda Kocchar – Rebuilding the ICICI Corporate

ICICI’s MD and CEO Chanda Kocchar, ranks on the 20^th position on Forbes ‘World’s 100 most powerful women list.’ Kocchar is aware of her role-play in shaping the group’s identity and culture. Reading, gardening, music, watching movies are some of her hobbies.

Narayan Murthy and Sudha Murthy – The Industrial and social icons of India

Narayan Murthy is the mastermind behind Bangalore-based Infosys, the technology legend of modern India. Murthy is a techno-preneur with a creed to do business with ethics. His wife Sudha Murthy heads the Infosys Foundation, which has seamlessly contributed towards the growth of the helpless and poor in India. 

Shahnaz Husain - A face behind India’s beauty industry

‘Shahnaz Husain Herbals’ is a $100 million company pioneered by beauty priestess Shahnaz Husain. It has launched more than 400 beauty products that dominate the global markets.

Ekta Kapoor – The television Queen

Ekta Kapoor,Creative Director of Balaji Telefims, has been awarded by E&Y for breaking all previous records of the TV serials produced in India. 

Naina Lal Kidwai – The Corporate Diva

HSBC Country Head and Padmashri Award winner, Naina Lal Kidwai, is the first Indian woman to play a critical role in guiding functions of an India-based foreign bank. Besides being a family woman, she is a wildlife lover.

Ness Wadia – The Textile Magnet

Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre: Founded by the Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust, this is one of the best hospitals in Mumbai and is renowned as a true world class medical institute. A patient friendly hospital, it is equipped with modern medical technology and highly sophisticated instruments and facilities such as the well equipped laboratories and 12 state-of-the-art operating theatres. Tel: 26751000/26568000.

Breach Candy Hospital (BCH): also ranks as an important hospital in the city and has been providing high quality medical treatment and services for over fifty years. The hospital has 175 beds, 8 modern Surgical Theatres, a Medical Research Center and artificial Kidney Services. Recognized by the US Embassy for treatment of US citizens, BCH is especially famous for their expertise in Joint Replacement Surgery and cancer treatment. Tel: (22)23667809

Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH)is another highly reputed hospital in Mumbai. This world-class hospital offers excellent services of distinguished doctors and well-trained staff. Excellent health care services can be expected here as it serves to almost 30,000 people annually in the country along with neighboring nations too. TMH has established partnerships with many foreign institutions and organizations for joint research including National Cancer Institute of the USA. Tel: 24177000/ 24146750

Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre: is one of the oldest premiere health care institutes in the country. Its extensive facilities include 376 beds, 67 ICU beds and the most modern medical technology and equipments. Large numbers of foreign patients patronize this hospital and the center collaborates in many research programs with various national and international institutions. Tel: 22-66573333/66573010

Asian Heart Institute: Located in the suburbs, this hospital provides some of the best available medical services and technological facilities in heart care at a reasonable cost. They have established International Centre of Asian Heart Institute which provides exclusive care for international patients. Tel: 22/6698 6666

Delhi

Max Healthcare Hospital, Delhi: Max Healthcare is famous for its world-class facilities along with personal care. With more than 3000 support staff and above 1500 physicians, the hospital is the leading hospital chains in Delhi.

Apollo Hospital: With its unique adaptability of technology, international standards and resource management, the hospital has acquired a name for itself. It attracts several people from neighboring countries for affordable services too.

AIIMS, Delhi: Funded by the Indian Government, All India Institute of Medical Sciences is one of the top most hospitals in Delhi. People prefer AIIMS for medical treatment as the hospital charges comparatively less as compared to others. Moreover, AIIMS has been ranked consistently among the top medical colleges in India for pursuing MBBS degree. The hospital coasts of various separate spatiality centers which includes neurosciences and cardiothoracic centers.

Escorts Heart Institute & Research Centre: Located atOkhla Road, Delhi, this hospital offers diagnostic services, treatment services, preventive cardiology and rehabilitation services, Peadiatric Heart Care, emergency services, community outreach and other corporate Services too.

Fortis Hospital: Fortis comprises a network of 12 hospitals with a bed capacity of 1803 beds and 12 Heart Command Centres. Following the acquisition of the renowned Escorts Healthcare System, Fortis operates one of the world's largest Cardiac programmes. The group's Fortis Hospital at Noida, next-door to Delhi, is India's foremost tertiary care facility in Orthopaedics and Neuro Sciences.

Want to enjoy some tea while chatting with friends in a graveyard? No, thank you very much! But surprisingly, most people in Ahmedabad begin their day at the ‘New Lucky’ hotel which has 22 tombs sprinkled between wooden tables and chairs. Serving typical Indian cuisine, almost 300 patrons drop by here every day as they consider the eatery to be ‘auspicious’. The walls are adored by paintings of renowned painter M.F. Hussain who is a frequent tea drinker here.

2.    Cross Café, Mumbai

Formerly known as Hitler’s Cross, the Cross Café is a Hitler-themed restaurant at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai that opened in 2006. On entering, diners would be greeted by a huge poster of the German dictator, Adolf Hitler, along with other Nazi memorabilia such as the Swastika. The restaurant immediately stirred a controversy & had to be renamed after much protest from the Jewish community in India. Clearly, the management was only trying to get some attention. And boy, they got a lot of it!

3.    Seva Café, Ahmedabad

A unique venture called Seva is redefining the way we look at the ‘eating out’ culture. The first thing that hits you as you enter the eatery is how the ambiance perfectly combines traditional and modern elements. A fine dining experience that works on the principle of a ‘gift economy’, visitors are served a wholesome meal as a ‘gift’ here. To state clearly, the diner’s food has been paid for by someone else and he in return pays however much he can to keep the cycle going. Run and maintained by volunteers, who believe in the concept of ‘selfless service’, diners are even allowed to volunteer to clean, cook and serve others.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RacbSIoax4&feature=player_embedded#at=198

4.    Hijackk Restaurant

With presence in Ahmedabad, Surat, Chennai and Rajkot, Hijackk is a one of its kind double decker mobile bus restaurant in India. A product of MoistClay Entertainment and Media Pvt Ltd, the bus is fully air-conditioned with an upper and lower deck & a seating capacity of around 44 people. Typically, the bus moves around to picturesque places in the cities offering diners a unique experience while they munch on a meal of salads, soups, breads and hearty desserts. Not recommended to those with motion sickness.

5.    Nasa, Bangalore

At Nasa in Bangalore, the bar staff sport spacesuits; the décor glittering in neon lights resembles a space-shuttle, there are laser-light shows and regulars can enjoy images of the earth from orbit through portholes on the walls. Visibly, this restaurant is an ode to NASA! Make sure to visit this usual place before leaving Bangalore!

6.    Firangi Dhaba, Mumbai

For a truly authentic and rustic Punjabi experience in Mumbai, one must head to the Firangi Dhaba. Aptly named ‘dhaba’, the décor here is reminiscent of typical Indian joints that are dotted across the highways of India and Pakistan. Imagine eating your dinner seated atop a colourfully decked up auto rickshaw? Yes, the setting is lively, imaginative and absolutely Bollywoodish. Best when you’re craving for a wholesome North Indian platter.

7.    Namyasheth Bhejawala, Mumbai

Okay, so what really makes this place unusual is not what its theme or ambiance is like but rather what is eaten here. It’s none other than lamb brains. Even though it sounds pretty revolting, I personally can vouch that the taste is rather mild and ummm… delicious. Considered a gourmet treat, lamb brains popularly called ‘bheja’ is eaten with roti (Indian bread) and curry. At Namyasheth, this rare delicacy is being served since the last 19 years. The concoction is fried with tomatoes, eggs, masala (spices) or eaten just plain. Come early as the goody vanishes in no time at all.

8.    Bob Dylan’s Café, Manali

In the heart of old Manali is an old cabin-styled coffee shop that offers the best espresso coffee in town along with some sinful desserts like chocolate cookies, cinnamon tea and warm breakfasts. Dedicated to American legend Bob Dylan, the place boasts of a great menu that is easy on the wallet. Reasonably so, Dylan’s is famous with the ‘firangs’ and a must-visit in Manali. An adjoining theatre room allows visitors to pick from over a 100 movies & watch while they sip on their coffees. And of course, they play Dylan’s music too!

Website: http://dylanscoffee.com

9.    Alibaba Café and Restaurant, Bangalore

For those of you who do not know about Bhatkally cuisine must understand that it is very familiar on the palette yet a little foreign. With Arabic influences, find shayya biryani (with noodles!), sawwa poli (rice bread), sheesh towk, sukkhe maas and launmiri maas on your plate. Visibly, this is culinary paradise for meat eaters. But Bhatkat cuisine has truckloads to offer to the vegetarians as well. Saudi champagne, typically blended with lemonade and apple juice, and Bhatkaly mocktails go down well with the fare.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-_J3nE3ar8

10.21 Fahrenheit, Andheri

Bringing in the ice-bar concept to Mumbai, 21 Fahrenheit combines the classy aspect of a fine dining restaurant with the trendy attitude of a lounge. The temperature controlled, bluish lounge accommodates around 45 guests and offers them insulated jackets, gloves and boots for a fixed acclimatisation charge. Everything, from the glasses to the curtains is made from ice. Tasty finger foods on the menu too. Go for the experience of the ice-bar.

Nargis Namazi