Jaipur

Jaipur is my favorite city which is also known as ‘Pink City of India’. It is the capital city as well as the largest city of Rajasthan, a northern state of India. It was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer. He shifted his capital to accommodate the increasing population and to meet out the scarcity of water. He planned the city according to the principals of Vastu Shastra. Jaipur is considered as the first planned city of India. It has three gates, eastern gate is known as Suraj Pol, western gate is called Chand Pol and the northern gate faces the old capital. Most of the buildings were constructed on the basis of rules of Shilpa Shastra. To welcome Prince Edward and Queen Victoria, during the reign of Sawai Ram Singh this city was painted pink. Many of the avenues, main buildings and complexes were remained pink giving it a distinct appearance of ‘Pink City’.

Jaipur is well connected by road with Delhi, capital city of India and Agra the main center of attraction of India through Golden Triangle. It is a connecting city between Delhi and Mumbai on National Highway No.8 and between Bikaner and Agra on National Highway No.11. National Highway No. 12 links Jaipur with Kota. It is well connected with other tourists’ places of Rajasthan such as Udaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. Inside the city it has good connectivity with wide roads and quite good number of broad streets interconnecting each other. Road network follows a definite hierarchy as most of the roads run east to west or north to south. Even through rail Jaipur is well connected to the major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai. Jaipur has the metro service for better connectivity within the city. Jaipur International airport is well connected with national and international flights. It also provides air cargo services.

The places of tourist attractions are Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Lakshmi Narayana Temple, Jantar Mantar, Amer Fort, Diggi Palace, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Albert Hall Museum, City Palace, Vidhan Sabha, Garh Ganesh Temple, Sheela Devi Temple and Kale Hanumanji’s Temple. Sisodiya Rani Bagh, Ram Niwas Park and Kanak Vrindavan are decently maintained parks in Jaipur. Gardens at Amer Fort are also major tourists’ attraction.

It is the major hub for arts and crafts like blue pottery, marble work, handicrafts, antique furniture, jewelry, bangles, carpets and metal works. This city is famous for typical Rajasthani dishes like dal batti churma, missi roti, bajre ki roti, gawar phalli ka saag, gatte ki sabzi, papad ki sabzi and lahsun ki chutney. Sweets like gevar and gujia are liked by everyone. Laal Maans and safed manas are relished by non-vegetarians from all over the world. The snacks like pyaz kachori and mirchi bada are the specialties of Jaipur.

The road side greenery, unique architect and its landscapes make Jaipur one of my favorite cities in India for a nice drive.

Exercise for thyroid patients

These days thyroid problem is increasing especially in young ladies. The medicine(s) which doctor prescribed are a way to keep this disease under check. To cure it some yoga exercises are to be done at least three times in a day. One of the most effective exercise of thyroid is Ushtraasana.

Sinhasana doesn't look pleasing but it gives extremely good results to thyroid patients. If you hesitate to do it in public, do it when you are alone at home.

Watch these videos. These exercises are very easy to do. Share it with your friends and relatives so that maximum number of patients can be benefited with these yoga exercises.

Unzipping the jeans

I was paying the bill of track suit and socks that I purchased from a reputed store of one of the esteemed malls. The cashier was taking more time in doing all the necessary formalities. To pass the time I looked around. I found a cute chubby kid standing near a male mannequin and keenly observing it. He raised his hand towards the zip of the jeans that mannequin was wearing. His hands were small couldn't reach there. He raised his ankles and balance his body on the toes. Now, his hand could easily reach the zip. To my surprise, he opened the zip. He made a face. Disappointment could be clearly seen on the little face on finding 'Nothing' inside! 

Marriage is a compromise

A husband updated his status on social networking site as

'Marriage is a compromise. Marriage means to make lots of adjustments and sacrifices such as watching 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' together with wife. I can't stand Salman Khan's movies and this movie has double! The whole movie I was thinking when it will end and it won't!'

Beautiful bird houses by Chandrika Shubham

I compiled the collection of photos of bird houses / nest boxes designed by me. I am preparing these bird houses from the past one year and sold many bird houses to different stratas of society. These bird houses are for small, medium and large sized birds.
In two-in-one and three-in-one different pairs can make their nests. Even possible that two or three different species can share the same house. These bird houses are made up of water proof solid ply. The ply is durable, long lasting and remain unaffected by rain, sun and other harshness of weather. Birds love to make their nest in wooden houses in comparison to metallic houses. If you are interested to give home to a pair of birds as there are not much trees left where they can make their nest then you can email me at chandrikashubham@gmail.com

A fan of Sunny Leone

“What is your name?” I asked a kid who was playing alone.

“My name is ------------  ------------.” He replied.

“Sorry, I didn’t get it.”

He spoke horribly unclear that I couldn’t make out what he was trying to say. He told me his name at least 8 times before I could decipher his full name was Manan Gupta.

“In which school do you read?” I asked.

After he repeated the name of his school twice I could only understand that he was speaking three words and first word is Kamla. On five times more repetition I could make out that third word is Academy. Now the riddle was to solve the second word of the jumble. I guessed as school which turned out to be wrong. Then I guessed kids and bingo! Now, I could decipher his complete name of school.

“I can sing a song if you make a video of mine.” Looking at my newly bought mobile he said.

“Ya, sure! Go ahead.”

This is what he sings and I couldn’t make out what he was singing.

I asked him to repeat. This time I could understand only one word as ‘Chaar’ meaning 4. When I decipher the song what he was singing I burst out laughing thinking that he is big fan of Sunny Leone.

Dear readers, after seeing these videos you can very well guess how difficult it must be for me to decode what he was saying as well as singing! :)

Laughing Yoga

As we all know laughing is the best exercise. It cures a lots of diseases like thyroid, tension and depression. It also helps in keeping a check on anger and other negative emotions. Laughing heartily can decrease the frequency of getting cold and cough. This exercise should be done once a day. Do this exercise and feel the positive change in your life! :)

Solo Sailing – Truly Inspiring

I came in contact with large number of people to meet my professional demands. I love to talk, gossip and laugh with almost everyone. But most of the talks, gossips and chitchatting I do not remember. Some I do which are inspiring, knowledgeable and witty. Only once-every-gazillion years, I encounter someone who leaves a lasting impression on my mind; someone who is undeniably #madeofgreat. I am talking about Commander Abhilash Tomy who is the first Indian, second Asian and seventy – ninth in the world to complete a nonstop solo circumnavigation under sail that too unassisted. He was honored Kirti Chakra, the nation’s second highest peacetime gallantry award.

During Sagar Parikrama -2, Abhilash Tomy went for the epic voyage of 23100 nautical miles crossing Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans in 151 days without touching any port and without any outside assistance from November, 2012 to March, 2013. He travelled from West to East rounding the three ‘Great Capes’ Cape Leeuwin in Australia, Cape Horn in South America and Cape of Good Hope in Africa. Fighting with waves of 10 meter height and wind speed more than 100 kmph was an extremely difficult task. Battling with chilly winds was an intense test of physical stamina. Solo-sailing involves great physical strength, mental endurance and technological know-how. The voyage not only includes beating the rough waves of sea but also to fight the solitude and the imponderables of life at sea.

I was one of Abhilash Tomy’s thousands of followers who were keeping up with his remarkable journey on social networking site. I was awed by his adventurous trip as well as by the fact that he was alone, all by himself in the oceans for 151 days. He had no human to company him. Only bugs, sea creatures, dolphins and birds were his companions throughout his journey. It was extremely difficult to stay alone for so many days without losing mental strength and physical stamina. I have never been alone for a single day then what to say of 151 days! This time span seems to be very lengthy to me. 

During the last days of his voyage, he was facing the problem of shortage of drinking water as he was left with only 15 liters of fresh water because of contamination of drinking water with diesel. One such day, I commented on his Facebook status and asked, “What will you have in the lunch today?”

He replied, “I have ordered large sized pizza with mushroom, capsicum, corn and olives with extra cheese toppings which will be delivered any time from now.”

I really liked the way he replied me with a tinge of humor. I appreciated that he kept the things on light side in spite of all the difficulties he was going through. I was truly inspired by the way he was happy and cheerful even after facing all those difficulties and hardships of living alone on a boat in the vast ocean. I learnt from him that the sense of humor should not be lost even in extreme cases of hardship, loneliness and arduous situations.

He was sailing day and night. On boat, he worked for two hours and then took rest for an hour. He was not sleeping at a stretch but in spurts. That’s how he sailed continuously without any break. Through meditation he was able to maintain his courage, determination and mental strength. He was my inspiration behind my book on meditation namely ‘Japa Meditation – The Easiest Way to Calm the Mind’ in which I explain the age old deep philosophical teachings in a humorous way and complicated problems were sought out in a light-hearted manner.

What drives us from within is what makes us great! What do you think of Tata Motors’ association with Lionel Messi? Dear readers, answer this question to grab Amazon gift voucher of Rs.750/-.

Movie Review : Prem Ratan Dhan Payo

Salman Khan in double role in ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’ is a visual treat for Salman Khan’s fan. Salman Khan looks handsome in some scenes and quite mature in the rest of the scenes. His acting is good as a common man but not as a king. This movie is entertaining and engaging. All masala - drama, action, songs and romance are in good proportion. Like all Sooraj R. Barjatya film’s it talks about family values, morals and traditions.

Sonam Kapoor played the role of a princess of Mithila. She looks beautiful, innocent and graceful just like a princess. Her smile, her hand gestures and body movements all are Royal. She acted and danced well. In one scene, she is having her meal while wearing goggles on the dining table which look a bit odd. In a romantic scene, she looks very beautiful with white flowers in her hair and blue saree.

The romantic scene in the garden is beautiful and in the kitchen is awful. Emotional drama, a few songs and some silly scenes are the weakness of the movie. Some scenes are shot in Jaipur. If you have ever visited Jaipur then the places are easily recognizable. Sheesh Mahal set up is attractive. The end is easily predictable. The king gets his family and the common man gets his love.

The chemistry between Salman Khan and Anupam Kher is interesting and enjoying. Swara Bhaskar as Salman Khan’s sister has acted well. Armaan Kholi after Big Boss atleast has a small role to play as a villain in this movie. Neil Nitin Mukesh is handsome like a prince but his acting is not much like a prince.

Though entertaining but only one time watch movie, yes of course with the family!

Best Hotels in Manesar

A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking. - EARL WILSON

Most of the people go for holiday on weekends but I am different. I love to go on vacation on weekdays. Yup, you read it right! In the middle of the week!! The best part to have a holiday in mid week is perhaps not so much relaxing myself on a comfy bed in a luxurious hotel as to see my colleagues’ busy working in the office. I always want to be away from the hustle and bustle of life, business, noise and crowd. To have change in my routine, to have some moments of my own, to rediscover myself, I always yearn for a vacation right in the middle of the week. Chilling out in a luxurious hotel room, watching television, eating delicious food or wearing loose colourful T-shirt and pajamas all day without any disturbance from phone is the best part of one day vacation.

For spending a day vacation, these three are my all time favourite hotels in Manesar which is just 25 kilometres away from Gurgaon whenever I wish I can drive on butter like smooth Highway to rejuvenate myself.

1. Fortune Park Orange

This hotel is conveniently located right off the National Highway No. 8 and it is one of the finest hotels in Manesar with modern amenities. It is surrounded with lush green lawns and offers elegant decor to enhance the stay of the guests.

The tastefully furnished decor of the hotel immerses the senses. The warm colour colours of the interiors and the lavish furnishing always make my stay enjoying. Comfy bed and beautifully furnished rooms makes the stay more comfortable.

I can pamper my inner self to rejuvenate my tensed nerves by taking steam and spa bath at the hotel itself. I can have a refreshing dip in the swimming pool. Neptune is a perfect place to unwind and relax with drinks.

Fortune Deli is a contemporary outlet serving mouth watering delicacies and a wide range of light snacks, cakes, pastries and my all time favourite chocolates.

Orchid is a multi-cuisine restaurant serving delicious meals. The contemporary interiors, warm hospitality and elegant accommodation make this hotel one of my desirable option. A perfect place to spend a day!

2. Best Western Resort Country Club

The lush green environment set in the most picturesque surroundings make Best Western Resort Country Club a perfect place to spend one day holiday. What to say more it has earned many International Awards for Excellence in Quality & Standards for its facilities.

In this hotel, I love to spend a lazy afternoon while relaxing in hammock enjoying the chirping of birds. I like to spend time with nature and confront it in all its wildness totally away from the virtual world.

The picturesque view of trees, shrubs, beautiful flowers and a wide variety of birds are its main attractions. I can read, write and meditate in the serene environment. I can indulge in leisure activities both indoor as well as outdoor. It leaves its guest rejuvenated with the tranquil surroundings.

3. Heritage Village Resort & Spa

It offers an elegant and comfortable decor making it a perfect holiday destination.

To relax, the resort offers state-of-the-art indoor fitness facilities.

The hotel has a variety of restaurants such as Barahandi, a village-style eatery that serves up local delicacies and Surya Mahal, a restaurant that serves Mughlai cuisine. This hotel is a gorgeous step over!

A break from the boring and monotonous daily routine is what one yearns for! Let’s break the routine to have a vacation on weekends and have it right in the middle of the week!