DocDivaTraveller: April 2015

Playing dress up starts at five and never really ends! How true is it? Well I believe every girl would agree with me! Well what if you get to explore looks all the time? Well it would be possible only if you have it on your phone...the LIMEROAD App!

The LIMEROAD App is a kind of a genie which lets you explore, buy and create looks in your smartphone! Be it clothing, accessories or home decor, you got it all in the size of your palm..in your fist! So whether you are in the comfort of your bed or travelling, you can browse through your favourite items! No hassles of a laptop or worse dressing up and heading to the nearest mall!

The best part about the LIMEROAD App is its compact size. At just 2.16 MB, its the lightest and fastest shopping App in India! One can browse through a whopping number of 25,00,000 plus fashion products and shop from the comfort of your home at affordable prices! You can browse through apparel, footwear, beauty products, home decor, kitchen, fragrances, accessories etc etc and shop from your phone! You can like, share, follow, read reviews! Not only that the size chart helps decide your size and you can use your LR credits for discounts! Scroll through your feed and know what's hot!

I have kind of gotten addicted to this cute App. After all not Apps let you help decide your look or your home's, what's trending and what's not! So go get your Limeroad App now from this link!

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.shopping.limeroad

IOS: https://itunes.apple.com/in/app/limeroad-shopping/id890803320?mt=8

I am constantly creating looks from high end fashion magazines or from blogs. For that I need to have endless yet chic options in apparels to recreate those looks. I love Limeroad for that! It helps me assemble and shop my favourite looks!

Creating high fashion looks with my Limeroad app

A girl can never have enough shoes! Give me the right pair of shoes and I can conquer the world! My Limeroad App helps me adding more and more shoes to my collection!

My Limeroad app helps me buy shoes...more and more shoes!!

I am kind of crazy with home decor. I get bored so easily that I have to update it time and again. The easiest way to amp up any look is to change cushions! Limeroad has myriads of beautiful and unique Cushion cover options!

This App got me shopping for my own good or for my home's betterment rather!

I fell in love with this lamp and ordered it...Isn't it pretty?

I simply don't get tired of buying more and more cushions!

Interior decoration remains my favourite pastime and my Limeroad app gives me endless options in home decor!

Browsing the Limeroad App has become an addictive pastime of mine!

I am still not over the neon frenzy!

A look I created on my scrapbook!

Happy Shopping!!

April 29, 2015 5 comments

India is an epitome of unity in diversity. As cliched it may sound, but that is what it is. On one hand our country boasts of having few of the largest cities of the world, on the other hand it is full of small towns, cities and villages. The life there is very different but special nonetheless. I love exploring these small towns as it gives the true flavour of our country. The simplicity of the people along with their local food and untouched sceneries provide the perfect fodder for a travel blogger like me. Recently ING Vyasa bank became Kotak Mahindra bank. With this move Kotak has made its home in a number of towns and cities across India. From big cities like Meerut, Bareilly, Rourkela to smaller ones like Raigarh, Muzzafarpur to even tinier ones like Mapusa, Kotak Mahindra is omnipresent! Its #KonaKonaKotak in India!

Interestingly I have been to few of these lesser known cities and they have so much to offer to a tourist! Here is a travelogue of three of such cities.

MEERUT

My association with Meerut started after my wedding. My sister in law and her husband were based in Meerut. They were doctors in the Meerut Medical college. As a result we used to frequent this city quite often. Earlier Meerut was just a commercial city to me. But as I explored it time and again, it turned out to be more interesting. Now that Kotak mahindra Bank is in Meerut, its importance has gone up a notch!

The Timbaktoo Royal express

The Indus Valley civilisation has been found in and around Meerut. It was supposedly founded by Maya, the father of Mandodari (Ravana's wife in Ramayana). Thus this city is also known as Ravana's sasural. Also the kingdom of Pandavas of Mahabbharata, the erstwhile Hastinapur was based in Meerut. Sadly the present Hastinapur has just a Jain temple. Today it is the 26 th most populous city of India.

This city has everything from malls to high end restaurants to amusement parks.The food habits of the people here are like that of typical Western Uttar Pradesh. People here are fond of overtly sweet tea also known as 'Khadi chamach chai' meaning if a spoon is put into the cup of tea, it should be able to stand in the sugar in the cup. Maybe this is because Western UP is the hub of sugarcane.

Delicious food in a royal train setting...

There are a lot of fine dining options in Meerut but my favourite is Timbaktoo Express hands down. The restaurant is in the form of a train with the waiters dressed up like royal butlers. A similar experience to that of Palace on Wheels. Not only the ambiance is innovative but the food is delicious too!!

SILVASSA

Last year we took a trip to the Western coast of India. Silvassa is the capital of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and is nothing short of picturesque. A former Portugese colony, its known for its beaches, wildlife sanctuaries and water sports. Its a privilege that the Kotak Mahindra bank has come here too! Its a respite for natives as well as visitors alike.

Portugese style churches...

Today Silvassa is the home of many Roman catholic churches. The word silvassa comes from the Portugese word Silva which means wood. It is the home of Warli culture. Warli language is a mixture of Marathi and Gujrati.

The main attractions today are Vasona Lion Safari park, Tribal Cultural Museum, Deer park and Dhudhni lake apart from the beautiful Arabian Sea. The best time to visit is from November to June.

Picturesque landscapes offer every excuse to take nature walks in Silvassa!

There are a variety of accommodation options in Silvassa. From luxury hotels to budget ones and even vacation rentals, you will find all. Food is something you won't want to miss. The restaurants offer a variety of cuisines but the fresh sea food is a must try. From mackerels to sea bass, prawns and baby sharks, sea food is delicious.

Fresh catch from the sea...delicious sea food!

Accommodation ranges from luxurious ones to budget types...

The hub of water sports...

Silvassa offers a variety of water sports thanks to its long coastline. Paragliding, water scooter, jet skiing, all adrenaline rush lovers get prepared! Just two and a half hours by road from Mumbai, its the perfect weekend getaway for Mumbaikars!

MAPUSA

Goa is a place which can be visited again and again. The smallest state of India never fails to surprise its visitors with its gorgeous coastline, fresh seafood and the happening Portugese cum Goanese culture!

The happening beaches of North Goa...

Mapusa is a small town in North Goa. Its close proximity to the beaches of North Goa makes it an ideal spot for cheap accomodation. Mapusa is one of those tiny places which has become the home of Kotak. The best way to explore this town is by two wheelers.

The Mapusa Friday market

Mapusa comes alive in Fridays. Yes, its the day of the famous Mapusa Friday market. Vendors come from the nearby villages to sell their things. Its a must visit. Make sure to buy spices from this market.

Its spices galore at the Mapusa Friday market...

This town is studded with Portugese style churches as well as Hindu temples. The cuisine here is a mixture of Konkan and Portugese with awesome sea food. The Mapusa fish market is an interesting spot.

Fresh sea food. The fish market is a must visit in Mapusa...

In short, Mapusa can serve as a budget friendly place to spend the night while enjoying the beaches of North Goa.

The Mapusa river flows into the Mandovi..

With #KonaKonaKotak campaign in full swing, banking goes to a whole new level in all the nooks and corners of India!

April 25, 2015 7 comments

It had been quite a while that we Indibloggers had met. The last meet of Delhi had been the launch of Asus Zenfone. After that there had been a number of meets in Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune but not in Delhi. So when we were sent the invites to the launch of Kose Cosmetics in India, we were overjoyed. But then a question arose, why only the females?

Our fellow male bloggers were cringing that they also wanted the reunion. But since it was the launch of cosmetics, men were left out for good. But Indiblogger was sweet enough to send invites to few men too, who wanted to attend the meet. Anyways I don't think any man would want to miss out the opportunity to meet so many gorgeous women!

The evening started with a bang. The venue was lovely..the meet was in Hyatt Regency. The hall was impeccably decorated. There were delish snacks with the tea. The evening began with the formal introduction of Kose cosmetics by the Japanese team of Kose. Kose is Japan's number one cosmetic company and was ready to get launched in India! Their line Spwake contained products rich in deep sea ingredients like laminaria extracts and sea salts. That is why they promised that we get a spa like feeling every time we use it!

We were pretty impressed with the products but it was time for a sweet surprise! They had roped in Bollywood sweetheart Aditi Rao Hyadri as their brand ambassador and she floored us with her beauty and charisma! We had a QnA round both with the Kose team and Aditi and it was superb fun! The evening concluded with a lavish dinner and drinks. There were a variety of cuisines but I specifically dug into the Japanese spread!!

In all it was a stupendous evening..I can't decide what was the best...meeting Aditi, reconnecting with the fellow bloggers, the spawake goodies, the gorgeous venue or the splendid food!! And for all the males who attended the event and got the goody bag, they were positive of pleasing their significant others or mothers with the dollops of cosmetics!!

My faithful photographer, driver, partner in crime and fellow blogger..

With Bollywood sweetheart Aditi Rao Hyadri at the launch of Spawake products in India...

Interesting food styling.... huge stone mortars with spices, wheatgrass, fresg veggies on skewers and shredded bread...

Having a great time at the food section

With fellow bloggers....Dr Preeti is my college senior but of course we never knew each other! Its blogging that brought us together! Shwetabh is one of our very first blogger friends. he is a well known name among every Delhi blogger..infact the whole Indian blogging community!

Gorging on Japanese cuisine...

Steaming hot japanese food...Udon noodles, Kung Pao chicken, Sea bass, tofu, rice, string beans and wasabi

Shaking a leg with the Japanese Kose team and fellow bloggers!

Flower arrangements are my favourite backdrop to take pictures...

Gorgeous piece of fabric art on the wall...

Gorgeous goodies from Spawake.....face wash, scrub, mask, day cream, night cream, cold cream and a fairness cream. All the products infused with laminaria extracts and sea salts!

Dress: Vero Moda
Bag: Guess
Sandals: Globus
Necklace, bracelets: Forever21
Lips: MAC lady danger

April 17, 2015 12 comments

It was the second morning of our third day. We were staying ( now) in Calangute, the longest beach of Goa. Since it was winter, sunrise took place pretty late..at around quarter to seven..so before that it was a 'no photo time zone':p

The beach was just five minutes walk from our hotel so we did not care to take our bike. The beach was really long..in fact the ends could hardly be seen!! We had a long day ahead but our itinerary started from 10 in the morning. So we took out our tripod and took as many silly pictures possible!

Calangute is a really happening beach. The water is gorgeous and so are the waves. Interestingly, hawkers flock around to sell all the titbits you need!! My partner cannot survive without tea. I am a coffee person but its not indispensible for me. Anyways a hawker came on his bicycle with tea and hot samosas. Seems there was a radar kind of thing! So what could have been merrier!! We just love samosas and hubby was craving tea!! Also we got the much needed glucose shot that we needed to walk before we could have breakfast!

On the way back to our hotel, we spotted some youngsters performing on the beach. Drums and guitars et al. On asking which band they belonged to, we came to know that they were actors and not musicians. A Telugu movie was getting shot over there. Excited, we went to the main set. Two pretty heroines were lying on the sunbed with a maid in the front. A guy was supposed to bring them beers. Since it was in Telugu, we could understand the language!! Since everyone was busy shooting, we could not even ask the name of the film sadly :(

That was an interesting start to an even more eventful day!!

Pink paradise!!

Let's complete this journey together...

And remain each other's support...

Now let's kick each other!!

Then jump in the air!!

And finally run away from everything!!

Shooting of a Telugu movie taking place.. The bearded man is the director..oh..there are two such men!!

Telugu movie in the making...

Our favourite breakfast..Onion uttapam and Masala dosa...

Hubby's go to breakfast..South Indian food!!

Fresh catch from the sea!!

St. Alex Church..one of the largest churches of Calangute.. Our first stop on the dry zone :D

Crop top, Chain: Forever21

Sunnies: Aldo

Bangles: Globus

April 15, 2015 12 comments

Varanasi is very close to my heart. Not because I am religious or a Hindu or a Buddhist (the primary reasons for loving Varanasi) but because its my 'sasural'. My husband has been born and brought up there. Its the rich upbringing which has made him what he is today. Both of my in laws are a product of the Banaras Hindu University and are very learned.

There are hundreds of elite intellectuals and famous personalities who are products of Varanasi. Lal Bahadur Shastri, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Birju Maharaj, Madan Mohan Malviya to name a few. But sadly the current state of the children there is not so promising. They wander aimlessly on the ghats of Ganga with very little attention to essential learning.

The problem of illiteracy has been haunting India ever since. Today we have the largest population of illiterate adults in the world. As we have the second highest population in the world, this does not come as a surprise. What is shocking though is the disparity between everything. As much as we can boast of the huge chunk of intellectuals we are producing, we have to face the rampant illiteracy too. Our greatest strength, manpower has become our greatest hindrance. All this is because of illiteracy. From population to pollution to unemployment and crime, the root to every evil is illiteracy.

So much has been said about illiteracy but what do we actually do? Well now we can. It may be the stepping stone to many pioneer projects taking place in our country. The journey of doing right has just began.

The children are the future of our country. In order to provide an ideal learning enviroment to the children of Varanasi, the NGO Gudia has started a unique concept of boat school under the leadership of Ajeet Singh.

The holy city of Varanasi nestled on the banks of Ganges sees millions of visitors in a year. While thousands take a dip to wash their sins away, this makes Ganga one of the most polluted rivers over there. On the banks thousands of children engage in different trades and waste their time aimlessly.

The Varanasi boat school is a stepping stone in the world of learning; the children spend two hours after their regular school day and study, play and revise without any pressure or tension.

You can contribute too. Step on board and help give it a magical transformation that will ensure an enhanced learning environment that the children truly deserve. Help us create awareness by provoking people to go on to the campaign site Do Right.in , to read the whole story and request them into donating towards the unique boat school. The money would be used for #ScholarShip, restoration, redecoration and facilities that will ensure the most ideal learning environment for the children.

The iconic ghats of Varanasi...

Tourists on a boat ride on the Ganges

The ghats of Varanasi

April 12, 2015 9 comments

The long line up of cabs...

Whenever I hear Kolkata, I get nostalgic. I cannot call it my hometown as I am neither born there nor I have lived there! But being a Bengali, the city of joy holds a special corner in my heart. My parents have been brought up here and so are my relatives. I have lived in North India my entire life so far but whenever I visit Kolkata I strike an immediate connection.

Kolkata is a must visit city. For those who did not know it was the capital of British India till 1911. As a result it bears the old British charm. From pre independence classic British architecture to historical monuments to modern day wonders, this city has it all! And of course who can forget the Eden garden? Its the largest stadium of India!

Like every city, this one too has its unique features. Unlike Delhi ( which has the largest number of cars in India) private cars are not so rampant here. Maybe because of the narrow streets of the older parts of the city or maybe because there is the best cab service in Kolkata. You can never ignore the signature yellow coloured taxis! The way people in New York take a cab instead of driving, the situation is similar here. The public transport system is really more than efficient.

Kolkata was the first city to get the underground metro transport in India ( around 20 years before Delhi had). From well network bus service to trams to metro to even water transport, there are different modes of public transport. To top it all the taxi service in Kolkata is very efficient. The cab drivers are friendly and the running rates are pretty reasonable too. This makes the Kolkata cab service one of the best modes of transport in this city.

Once you are in this wonderful place, there are a few things which you must try. First take a ferry ride across the river Hoogly. Not only you would be able to see the iconic Howrah bridge but also the new Hoogly Setu which is an architectural wonder. You would deboard at Howrah from where the Howrah station can be seen. Its the largest railway station in India with over 45 platforms! Then a tram ride is a must. Kolkata is the only city in India where trams operate. After shopping at Esplanade you must definitely try the street food. Though vegetarians have way lesser options but the taste is mindblowing nonetheless! In any ways, you can't find food this cheap and this delish anywhere else!

Even if you are not a history lover, you should definitely pay a visit to the picturesque Victoria Memorial and Shaheed Minar. I am sure you won't be disappointed and the friendly Kolkata cab service would be happy to take you everywhere!