Tantra : Book Review

As children, we have read about black magic and have been afraid of tantrics, or the practitioners of this art. The term itself puts one on the backfoot, pointing at some evil purpose. This book takes off from this backdrop; and weaves a story around the good and evil; vampires and guardians.

The story revolves around Anu Aggarwal, a person who is entrusted with the responsibility of fighting vampires in New York and preventing them from bringing any harm to the innocent citizens. She is trained for this - physical fitness, fighting techniques and in handling deadly weapons that are tucked up in her armour. And they have an organized affair – there are control centres, online repository of cases and also profile of all volunteers (or employees) across the globe. She had been distanced from her family and friends, mostly due to this “weird” nature of her occupation – except her boyfriend, Brian. She had made the mistake of involving Brian too much in her life, although he was no guardian or vampire – and this led him to lose his life in a brutal murder during a fight between the two sides. Some clues such as CCTV footages pointed to New Delhi – Anu gets herself a transfer to the Indian capital to seek revenge.

What happens then? Anu puts up with her aunt, Nina Chopra, who has been portrayed like a normal human being who cares for her niece.  She is concerned for her marriage and tries to convince Anu to agree for an arrianged marriage set up and meet prospective grooms. But Anu has no time to focus on such activities! She gets involved in a racket of murdering children and innocent people – and she must stop the person behind all of it : Baba Senaka. He is a practitioner of religious activities, but he has chosen the cruel path to gain power. While he prepares to perform a ceremony to gain ultimate power, he seeks innocent souls of children and does not seem to mind obliterating the entire world at the cost of it, if necessary. Along with Amit Sethi, the guardian posted in New Delhi, Anu embarks on a journey to learn some of the tricks herself with the help of Dr. Sarthak Sharma and Pandit Grover. The story climaxes in an epic battle between Anu and Baba Senaka.

The book is structured well and the language is also quite simple, although you may get tangled slightly in parts where too much tantra has been discussed. It is gripping in parts. It also left me with many unanswered questions – what happened to the relationship of between Gaurav and Anu? Who killed Brian? I think the author has left a scope for the sequel to this book, where these queries would be answered.

Did this book work for me? Unfortunately it didn’t. It could be because I have very limited interest in religious texts, including tantra (although being a Bramhin by caste – big deal). It is a 50:50 book – you may or may not bond with it.

--

This review is a part of the Book Review Programme at Blogadda.

Chilli, Chicks & Heart Attacks : Book Review

Here is a book you shall absolutely love. Chilli, Chicks & Heart Attacks is about a young doctor, freshly out of medical school, who joins the prestigious institution, St. Ivanhoe Hospital as an intern. And this book revolves around him, it narrates the adventures (and misadventures) of him and his six colleagues.

When I first read the back of the book, I was a bit confused whether the central character was male or female. See, his name is Manjula, fondly called as Manju by his relatives and friends. Now, I know people with both those names, and all of them are female. But that apart, once I started reading the book, I just fell in love.

It is written in the form of a diary – which means that there are dates instead of chapter numbers. It’s a narration that takes you round the year of internship of Dr. Manjula Mendis and his friends, with occasional insights into his personal life. What is more, there are notes from the Editors (written by the author himself, of course) wherever there is a need to explain something.  

The author, Sanjaya Senanayake, is a doctor himself. And he is a Sri Lankan, as his name suggests. It is hardly surprising because unless you are a doctor yourself and have gone through the grind first hand, you would not know the various ups and downs one has to face during internship. Plus, there is a lot of medical knowledge that has been shared with the readers –so effortlessly have they been used that they seem normal – it comes so easily because Sanjaya is in the profession himself. But Sanjaya is a great story teller. This book is his first novel – and nowhere does it appear to be written by a novice. The English is simple and lucid – you can read it anytime.  Actually, you’ll get so hooked to it that you would devour it as soon as possible! And its simply hilarious - I read most of the book giggling!!!

The characterization is very good, and subtle details have been portrayed as if it’s a real life story.

Young Manjula comes across as a simple individual, full of South Asian values, who lives with his parents. He matures as various challenges come his way during his life as an intern in the hospital. Well, not all is fine with the noble profession we all look up to – and Manju comes face to face with number of incidents that take him, and the readers by surprise. The story is set in Australia, and the poor Mendis has to go through racism as well. Top specialists seem to be complete frauds, a colleague wishes to shun off her roots – can it get any worse?

It can. When his parents want to set up an arranged marriage for Manjula with a “nice Sri Lankan girl from a nice family”.  Or when he almost married his own sister in a messy situation!

The book highlights number of social issues that we must ponder about and rise above: Racism, Unethical practices, Prostitution, difficult admission procedures in schools, etc.

So, Chilli, Chicks & Heart Attacks gets a 4/5 from me straightaway!

--

This review is a part of the Book Review Programme at Blogadda.

Black Shirt from IKnow Studio

I wanted to buy a shirt for myself. Unable to wrench out time for shopping due to end of financial year work pressure, I chose to look for options online, when I stumbled on Iknow Studio, an online store run by a Fashion Designer and Management graduate. The designs appealed to me because they added an unconventional element to formal wear. And the fabrics are all cottons, perfect for Indian conditions. I ordered a double breasted black shirt right away!

There's a style statement in the delivery too. The shirt was shipped in a bright blue cotton packaging - protected on the inside by cellophane. I wore it to office the very next day! 

The size guide is so perfect.. see it fits me so well? I loved the triplet of buttons that hold down the top flap. I thought the design was innovative in adding unique elements to a simple black shirt. I paired it with beige trousers and square danglers - with a splash of red.

Received immense compliments that day!!

A Party that continues Forever

My discovery of Dominos coupons on Coupondunia.in has unearthed a goldmine for me! Online shopping became more lucrative as I explored further - this site that has affiliations with more than 800 online malls and websites: Snapdeal coupons, Tradus coupons and many more.

The home page is simple to use – top stores, latest and featured coupons are prominently displayed. If you roll the mouse pointer on a store name, you can see the number of coupons available and view them with a click. You may also subscribe to email updates for a site!  

No wonder their FB page has more than 1.5 lakh “Likes”!

Naughty@ Dirty Martini

Do you remember your college days when drinking alcohol in public was a taboo? Think of the 1920's then - those were different times, when codes of conduct were much stricter. Dirty Martini, Olive Qutub recreates the yesteryears perfectly in this 1920 themed pub. 

Beer is served in paper bags. Gin is camaflouged in tea cups: with a hint of mint and lemon, its a drink they have named "South Side". What is more vodka is served in the jelly form shaped like fruit slices: the water melon and yellow melon forms that you see are anything but fruits: they are called shots. And they are yummy.

The decor is also old fashioned - and the ambience is heightened by a live opera performance by a lady in an old fashioned gown and furs. 

Photocredits: Mukta Varma, Sangeeta Khanna

Indulging with Jabong.com

For long, I've been watching banners from Jabong.com announcing a mega clearance sale. I tried hard to control the impulsive shopper in me; but was swept off by the wide variety of products available; and the amazing deals on offer.

Here is what I bought: A kurta!

Online shopping never got better! I had placed the order at 10.30 at night; and the product had reached me by the next 20 hours! You can imagine my excitement! It arrived well packaged; the kurta neatly packed in a transparent cover and over it, the signature Jabong packaging!

What is more that constant updates were sent on my mobile; so that I knew where my parcel was!

I noticed that the price tag quoted only the original price; and not the discounted one. So if you wish to gift someone, just buy it from this site, and he would never know how much you actually bought it for!

Have you tried this site yet?

Cold Bath in Winter

You wake up, go to the bathroom and look at the mirror. And the face that looks back at you seems to belong to the most lethargic person on the earth - someone who is compelled to be at office on this winter morning for a major presentation.

As you brush, your eyes catch the thermometer. "No way!", you exclaim aloud, knowing very well its no use.

Drearily, you switch the geyser on. And the light doesn't come!

I am sure you hate going to office on winter mornings, when all you want to do is curl under the covers and sleep! But what do you do if you are stuck in the above situation? Its an important day, and there is a power cut! Let me share what I did!

It had rained heavily last night, and this must have been a "side-effect!". I realized I had to bathe in cold water. What's worse, my hair needed to be washed as well. 

Doubtfully, I poured some water on my feet. The shiver that climbed upwards through my spine made me decide that I should just keep it to sponging my body, and delve no further. Forget the hair.

So, I sponged. Although the window was tightlly shut, I was shivering. The sponging somehow brought me to terms with the temperature of the ice-cold water - I just splashed some on my body. It was like being in a polar plunge bath - the cells of my body shook up with a start, as I found the energy to splash some more!

I turned on the shower. I felt like running away as the cold jets hit me like needles, but my inner being wanted to shampoo. I gave in.

I had a great day ahead - and because I had bathed in cold water, I did not feel the chill much either. I felt rejuvinated.

I am not afraid of bathing in cold water in winters anymore. Would you dare to?

__

This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda

This post has been selected as "One of the Best" for the weekend from January 18-20th !!

The Year Around

2012 began with a mobile edge : the first two months, I was travelling a lot between Delhi, Bhopal and Calcutta for both official and personal reasons. I had no time to blog until February end, when I narrated my moments of joy in Bhopal amidst all the work.

There was an initiative from Blogadda.com to identify Premium Bloggers - it required one to be blogging more than a year, and to have at least 20 posts in the last six months. I was someone who would blog once a month, rarely twice, and may achieve at best 20 posts in a year. Naturally, I did not qualify.

Gradually things started changing. A few bloggers' meets, get togethers with friends drew me into blogging like never before. And I've enjoyed the journey so much!

I've won a contest : The Alive is Awesome Campaign : see the red badge on the right? Here's what I won:

There's been a few lows; but with you guys by my side, I've felt an inner confidence! Love you, friends!!

Here's wishing we all have a great 2013!

Stay connected with me on Facebook or Twitter or both!

What is taking the attention away!

Girl: “Have you fled from Jail?”

 Guy looks up surprised.

Girl: “No water at home?”

 Guy is baffled.

Girl: “Ran out of toiletries?”

 Guy remains stunned.

Girl: “Trying to look old and serious?”

 Guy looks blank.

Girl: “Being the human pumice stone?”

 Guy doesn’t attempt to answer.

Girl: “Or the matchbox?”

Guy remains quiet.

Girl: “A surface for filing nails, maybe?”

 Guy is looking for the link.

Girl: "Medical reason?"

Guy shakes his head.

Girl: “You can be good for broom finish surfaces”

Wondering what is happening in this union,

He asks, “What is going on?”

Girl: “What’s with the stubble?”

--

This post is a part of the 'Shave or Crave' movement in association with BlogAdda.com

Once upon the Tracks of Mumbai : Book Review

This book narrates the story of Balwant Srivastav, better known as Babloo. His father is an employee of the Indian Railways, and they stay in a railway colony in Mumbai.

Babloo is a bit different from the most of us - he is little slow in grasping things, but has few strong traits as well. He feels, but is  terrible when it comes to emoting. He speaks half sentences, and has little control over his anger. He has shadows of us in him, and you identify with him while he narrates the story.

Needless to say, his poor performance in academics, his weird conduct and likewise have distanced him from everyone - his parents, brother, neighbours; he has no friends, except Vandana, who speaks to him caringly. She stays in the same colony as Babloo, only her father is at a much higher designation than Babloo's.

The story is ideal for a Bollywood film - it is a tale of love, friendship, misuse of simplicity, chain of events going on without the protagonist knowing an inkling about them and the reader is completely involved. As a reader you know who is cheating whom, who is the bad guy and you would almost curse out aloud when Babloo comes on the verge of truth, but floats very far away from it.

Babloo has his heart in the right place - he cannot tolerate something if he deems it wrong. He finds a new identity as Rail Man when he fearlessly helps a channel reporter; and stops another crime after that. He also agrees to take up a lowly job to earn himself respect from Vandana. There's drama and then, slowly things fall into place. And the story ends on a positive note.

It writing style is lucid, and you can read it easily, even while commuting. Babloo will keep you hooked to the book and you would not be able to let go off the book until you have found out what happens next. Rishi Vohra's portrayal of Babloo is amazing - its very difficult to put yourself in the shoes of someone with problems, not exactly dyslexic or autistic. The friendless boy seeks refuge in his inner soul - it is something we all do. Rishi has also captured the mindsets of middle class families and all the other characters of the story very well.

To find out more about the book, what others said about it and the author himself, do visit www.rishivohra.com.

This book review is special. The author had written to me to find out if I would like to review his first book, making me feel equally special. 

Want Straight Hair?

Is your hair curly and wavy? Do you want straight hair? Here is an easy way :

1. Make your hair moist. (Spraying  water, running moist fingers, whatever suits you)

2. Take a comb  with which you regularly brush your hair. Put the comb in your tresses and pull  the hair outwards and in that stretched position, spray some  hairspray on it.

3. Repeat over whole head.

And lo and behold, your hair would be straight as a curtain in no time!  

The best part is that all you have to do to have your curls back is wash your hair!
__
This is a whacky idea submitted for the Sunsilk "Straight Hair Experiment" Contest on Indiblogger. 

Brunch @ Cheri

Multiple breads

Relishes and jams
Live Salad Counter
Massive vegeterian counter
Equally massive non veg menu
Live Pizza Counter
Live Kababs and Grill
Live Pasta and Risotto
Dessert

Loads of good food and unlimited drinks. What else can you ask for??

Go for the Brunch at Cheri One Qutub, Mehrauli on any Sunday. Start your winter morning with friends and family in the outdoor courtyard, with live counters cooking awesome food and filling the air with exotic aroma. Walk in the interiors to check out the cold buffet and deserts. Be invited to the open terrace by a teasing play of light and shade created by shadows of plants and winter sun. 

The staff is cheerful, and would happily assist you if need be. Chef Raman may also hang outside, to share his secret tips with you. 

Believe me, you should try it atleast once.. and you would keep going back!

Photocredits: Sangeeta, Sushmita and Me

Dare to do it!

Travel itself is an exciting word! And every time I step out of my usual atmosphere to visit destinations unknown to me, I discover myself over and over. I avoid the path treaded by most tourists and perceive the place in my own way - appreciate how the city survives under the sheath of tourism. The local architecture and town planning process attracts me strongly. Anything unconventional draws me, stimulating my soul, making me feel alive once again. I dare!

Being a part of the Alive is Awesome campaign by Cinthol has been a great experience for me - reminiscing various adventure bathing experiences I have had during various trips, and talking about the journeys I wish to undertake! It has brought back many fond memories and encouraged me to continue my search for the unknown.

I have had the opportunity to have a first hand experience of some of the products in this newly launched range and take my word for it, they are awesome!

I close this series with something I have always wished to do. I have seen it in movies, and travel albums of friends - images of water skiing, kite-surfing, surfing and various water sports. This is something that has been attracting me for long. 

I went to Goa in the monsoons to enjoy water sports when the sea is full. Unfortunately, since its a off season, such activities were stalled. I shall be going back to Goa in the tourist season for a first hand experience of these "adrenaline rush" experiences!

Do you dare to accompany me?

I hope you enjoyed reading this series on my space. Read the previous posts here, here, here, here, here and here.    

Photocredits: Cinthol

Ahoy Antarctica!!

The Managing Director of a company I used to work with had gone on a holiday to Antarctica. I always admired his inclination for unconventional destinations, but this seemed incredible! More so, when he shared some photographs with us.

The other day I was trying out the new range of products from Cinthol. It was the "Strong" fragrance which my husband had bought - he emerged out of his bath excited; saying that he felt very fresh. He wanted me to try the other variety that we had bought, called "Deo", although its a soap. And my experience was divine - I felt awesome!

Full of energy, we switched on the television to catch our favourite show, and chanced upon this commercial:

I was immediately reminded of the only person who I know to have been to anywhere near the poles. We share a healthy relationship even today, and I called him up rightaway. He encouraged me to take up the challenge - ignore what the sceptical people around us say, and head straight for Antarctica or the Arctic. I was mentioning that I had seen seals play in pools and people skating over frozen lakes and incidences when they have broken through the ice into the water below - images I had made in my mind based on movies and books.He immediately suggested that I should try a polar plunge bath (a dip in ice-cold water) too! It would take a lot of guts, but afterall, we have only one life to experience such unique activities!

I am going to the poles soon. Like to join me?

--

This is part of the Alive is Awesome initiative by Cinthol.

Water Massage

Have you enjoyed a full body massage in a spa? Your muscles are revitalized making you feel energetic and full of life.

It was when I watched this video that I was reminded of this awesome water spa experience. It was all natural too! I recommend you try this sometime.

We were in Goa in July 2011. This is the rainy season - the seas are full and tourists usually keep away. We rolled up our trousers, took off our slippers and stood close to the edge where the waters were lashing furiously. High tide was setting in at that time - and no amount of rolling of trousers helped. Then came a big wave that lashed over my head ( I am fairly tall, mind you), drenching me fully!!!

I stood transfixed - as the water pressed against my body, pushing me as if to disbalance me. There was a mild warmth in the water - and the effect was so relaxing. It was hardly for a minute before the wave drew back to be replaced by a waist high one. I did not seem to mind the sand in my hair and all over my body. Even my handbag, although water resistant, was full of sand. Instead it felt like a natural spa - where I was enjoying a "water massage". The mild pains in lower back and calves that I had because of my desk job seemed to have been healed!! I seemed to have been reborn, devoid of any complaints!

__

This is also a part of the "Alive is Awesome" initiative by Cinthol. 

Awesome Panchmarhi

The best part about childhood is that one is quite qualmless. This post is about a climb down to Duchess Falls in Panchmarhi, a small town in Madhya Pradesh.

This was in June, 1997. My brother and I were younger (a good 15 years from now). The driver of our jeep stopped on the edge of a steep cliff and pointed downwards.

"Yes!", said I and my brother, in unision.

"No way", said Ma.

Before Dad could work out a plan of action, the driver, hardly few years older than me, offered to go down with the two of us while Dad stayed back with Mom. And he was a man of the hills - while we climbed with care, he scampered down like a monkey. Some stones were loose, and we slipped for some distance - hurt ourselves; ripped our clothes partially... but looking at the young chap before us, we were encouraged to go on. Soon, we were also scurrying across the rocks free from fear of falling, and absolutely unconscious about our torn clothes, ignorant of the pain due to the bruises.

The driver would pick up a wild fruit and throw them to us, and the three of us went on gleefully.

At last we caught a glimpse of the waterfall - it started like a timid stream (Photo 1) across the rocks but then  fell almost vertically off a cliff in a powerful stream. While we were admiring its might, the driver told us it would be much fuller next month when monsoons arrive. He took of his clothes in the speed of lightning and jumped into the plungepool, which was quite wide.

We followed, and the ice-cold water seemed to heal our injuries and infuse new energy into us. Our muscles felt alive - stimulated and the bathing experience was awesome. The photo on the right shows a shot of my brother in the pool taken from a very long distance.  We returned a rejuvinated lot.

When I saw this video on Youtube, I was reminded of this experience when I was taken down to a beautiful waterfall by a monkey in the form of a driver.

Photocredits: My Dad, with his age-old camera.
__

This is a part of the Alive is Awesome initiative launched by Cinthol.

Underwater at Kovalam

Adrenaline rushed through our veins as we gazed at the sea bed below - the water was calm and absolutely clear like glass. What we could see appeared like a live National Geographic channel: coral reefs and fish!

That was 1999. We, a pack of second year students of Architecture had arrived at Kovalam beach in Trivandrum as part of our Educational Tour to south India. Canoemen had picked up from the beach and taken us some distance inwards where there were no waves - and what a sight we beheld that day!

I have been planning to go back to Kovalam since ages, now that I have entered the 'earning' phase, and can afford underwater gear. The more I watch television, the more I yearn. Finally, the moment is about to arrive. My husband was looking for options to have an unique holiday - and jumped at my idea when I mentioned my experience to him.

We both know swimming; and we have started looking for someone who can train us for scuba diving. I am also on the lookout for a good underwater camera. Our target date is in mid 2013. We can't wait to jump off the canoe mid sea, and go down amidst myriad life forms under the sea, feel the corals and watch the fishes swim by. 

Our city lives shall be shelved and locked away for good.... as we shall be reborn as individuals without a shred of stress, eager to discover the mysteries of Mother Nature!

Kovalam, we are coming!

Photocredits: Internet
__
This is the third post in the series for Alive is Awesome initiative by Cinthol. Do watch this video! 

Swim to Bathe

Talking of awesome bathing experiences that make us feel alive, stimulated and ready to take on the world, I have a story to share:

 

I am a complete "Big City Girl". Born and brought up in Calcutta, presently located in Delhi - I am so very used to the urban life.

Now, we had to be  in a far flung village in West Bengal for a project on Rural Housing. I was sceptical about the sanitation facilities, but the villagers went out of the way to make us comfortable. They arranged for our accomodation in their own huts.They had also kept buckets of water handy so that we could freshen up on arrival and get to work. At the end of a very hectic first day, I just sunk into deep slumber!

The next morning, I felt very confused. I walked  round and round the house, but could not identify a place to bathe! Finally, I asked Shalu, the host's ten year old daughter, who was watching me playfully.

"Take your things in a packet", she said, grinning. She gestured that I should follow her.

Much to my surprise, she led me past a couple of hutments and through a green stretch that suddenly dipped into a large pond. There were few women in the pool, some of my age group too, swimming around. They didnt seem to notice our presence at all.

Shalu pointed at a rock on which I could keep my things and walked down the rough steps that had been created for entering the pool. This was in such contrast to the pools at clubs where I had learnt to swim, that I stood transfixed.

"Dont you know how to swim?", asked Shalu and dragged me in before I could utter a word. The other girls spread out and allowed me to take a dip. The water felt like a blanket of ice on the surface, but there was a warmth on the lower part. Shalu spluttered some water on me, to which I playfully responded. The others also found it amusing and joined the show! We, in fact divided into two teams, and splashed water on the other team. The competition was all about who could splash more water - and Shalu spruced it up with an energetic song!

Soon, my inhibitions were all gone. I felt like a child once again - the fact that I was there for work vanished from my mind while I enjoyed swimming, dipping, splashing! This is something I can never enjoy in a city - the sheer bliss, no time limits, no rules!

Time seemed to have stopped for us, and none of the girls showed any intention of getting out. We must have in the pond for more than an hour!

It was the ringing of my cell phone that jolted us back to reality - my team was looking for me. I joined them soon after changing behind bushes :P.

Photocredits: Internet 
__

This is also a part  of Alive is Awesome initiative by Cinthol. Do watch this video!

The "Waterfall Bath"

Travel itself is a rejuvinating term. Break away from daily chores, deadlines, ringing cell phones, beeping inboxes and cherish every moment - you feel alive once again; and every nano second of your trip becomes awesome!! We, the new age youth, interpret life in an unique way - we are not afraid to try innovative elements.

Some experiences stay are so special, that you wish to have them recreated in our usual lives too!

Mcleodganj, 2009: We had reached the beautiful Bhagsunag Falls after a long, meandering walk over the only driveable road that was clogged with parked vehicles. Neither of us wanted to go back the same route, and were looking for alternatives.

"That looks like a great route", remarked Hubby Dearest, looking at the waterfall. The stream was cascading down a series of boulders like a rugged staircase - That was a scary proposition, considering it was drizzling; and the water was full of volume and energy.

But 'scary' is a word absolutely foreign in the dictionary of either my companions, my husband or brother in law. :( . So down the rocks we  climbed, through the waterfall. Albeit risky... but, it was so exciting!! 

It happened midway the stream... I slipped. Luckily, I managed to adjust myself on the rocks. The other two companions were a bit ahead; and needed time to reach back to me.

The water was chilled, the current was strong, and the rain had gained speed - I was drenched in seconds! But there was something in those moments: instead of being scared, I enjoyed every bit of it! Bathing right in the middle of a waterfall, oblivious to who might be watching you, with aquatic avalanches trying to dislodge you - a minute giveaway could result in serious injuries. My cells felt energized and I felt like a child, devoid of any inhibitions!

My hubby and his bro were watching me, amused. I signalled them to come over; and three of us had immense fun, splashing in the waterfall. The water would sometimes go over our heads, or push against our backs before gurgling further down. Small stonechips being washed down played around our limbs - what a lovely experience it was!

Other tourists were watching us, but we hardly noticed anyone. The sun had come out after some time, so we climbed on the bigger rocks to dry ourselves to a fair extent, with our feet still teasing the flowing water (Photo 2, above).

It was until recently when I saw the new commercial of Cinthol on television for the Alive is Awesome (AIA) campaign that I remembered this splashing incident. The brand has launched a new series of bathing products that transport you out of your usual settings - the fresh fragrances shall keep give you the kickstart to take on the world throughout the day ahead! Enjoy your bath, and your senses would be stimulated to respond enthusiastically to every challenge that is thrown at you - afterall, "well begun is half done (Aristotle) "!!!

Do watch this video if you haven't seen the commercial yet. Listen to the jingle, I just loved it!

Unsung Beauty

I wish someone told me

   All planning was futile!

   That tiny Himachal town

   In its own style

   Would engross us 

   With an Aura of its own. 

The heritage railway

   Overlooking green valleys on the way

The long walks,

The rocks,

Sprawling tea gardens

   Like Green Heavens

Adventure Sports

   Tourist Spots

Yet so simple

   And tranquil
Stay far from Mobile and Internet

Enjoy the natural gourmet

You would devour
   At Palampur!

--

This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, (WOW) an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda