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GETAWAYS FROM DELHI 3

So Delhi Mini Magz – June 2013

So Delhi Mini Magz are compact guides with local details on events, restaurants, hotels, shops,

things to see & do & tours etc. The So Delhi Mini Magz is an initiative by SoDelhi.Com - a leading

city and entertainment guide & Shanti Travel – your expert travel designer to destinations in

India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Tibet & Bhutan.

SoDelhi.Com is a leading city & entertainment guide for locals & visitors. We deliver

up to the minute information and independent reviews on the capital city.

Team Shanti Travel: Jeremy Grasset, Arnold Duijzer, Neeraj Kumar,

Stephanie Lairet

These booklets are printed and distributed in cooperation with Cards4U.

For advertising and content related questions:Email: neeraj@shantitravel.com | arnold@shantitravel.com | Ph:9717874631Email: praveen@acropoletravels.com | arjunk@acropoletravels.com | Ph:9891225400

Nestled between the Kunlun Mountains in the north and the majes-tic Himalayas in the south, Ladakh is a transcendental destination. Owing to the strong Buddhist footprint, fres-coed monasteries, and cloaked and bashful monks, Ladakh has been given the sobriquet of “Little Tibet”. This high-altitude desert perched upon the Tibetan plateau is dotted with enigmatic oases, deep gorges, vast valleys, gushing rivers, and snow-capped peaks.Unarguably one of the most fasci-nating regions in India, Shanti Travel has stitched together an itinerary that allows you to comfortably and securely bask in the nature, culture and religion of Leh-Ladakh.

The first part of the sojourn takes you on a journey of discovery through the Indus Valley, while in the latter leg of this Himalayan experience you will head to Tso Moriri Lake, located at the heart of Rupshu, on the Tibetan Plateau of Changtang. Prepare for an enchanting journey to perhaps one of the last remaining bastions of free Tibetan culture.

You can contact the expert travel designers of Shanti Travel: Email: contact@shantitravel.com Contact: 011 4607 7800 For more information: www.shantitravel.com

Ladakh:Sneak away to ‘Little Tibet’

Cover Image Courtesy: Prabhu B Doss

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DINE 4

Who doesn’t love a creamy Kulfi, which can be thoroughly enjoyed in the cur-rent scorching temperatures in Delhi! Here are some places where you can find the best Kulfis in town

Kuremal Mohanlal KulfiwaleThe best place for kulfis, they offer some of the most innovative flavours ranging from Custard Apple, Kewda, Blackberry Sharbat, Aam Papad, Tamarind, Rose, Mango, Litchi to Kala Khatta, Anar, Banana & Falsa. One visit is just not enough. Their Kulfis are priced between Rs 50-100.Plot No. 1165-66, Kucha Pati Ram, Sitaram Bazaar, Chandni Chowk

Roshan di KulfiThis place is always filled with crowds of people lining up for a taste of their heavenly offerings. You must try their Kulfi Faluda with bits of almonds & pistachios in it. For all the health con-scious lot, you’d be happy to hear that they offer a sugar free alternative too. Their kulfi’s are priced between 70-80 rupees.Ajmal Khan Road, Karol Bagh

Siya Ram Nannumal KulfiwaleThis place has some of the best fruit stuffed creamy kulfis. Their Chikoo, Apple, Kiwi, Orange and Mango kulfis are always in great

demand. A cup of kulfi will cost you anywhere between 50-100 rupees.Shop No. 629, Kundewalan Chowk, Kuchapatiram Bazaar, Ajmeri Gate

Krishna di KulfiThis place has been there since ages, selling great kulfis to the locals. This place offers flavours such as Kulfi Faluda, Matka Kulfi, Kesar Pista Kulfi and other fresh flavours such as Paan, Coconut & Litchi etc. with on-going innovations each year. Their kulfi’s would cost you around 50-80 rupees.7, Pandara Road Market, Near Gulati Restaurant, Khan Market

Kulfi & RabriThis is a very small, modest outlet

offering melt-in-your-mouth kulfis. Try their Pista, Kesar and the Superior Kulfi Faluda and you’ll be hooked for life. For a mere 60 rupees you can have the best in Delhi.3627/5, Netaji Subhash Marg, Daryaganj

Best Kulfi in Delhi

To know of more places to gorge on this delectable treat, visit SoDelhi.com/1779

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See & do

The capital city abounds in stories related to ghosts & spirits that are found on the streets, abandoned houses, mansions, parks & monuments of Delhi. For those of you ghost-hunting, here are a few places to head to.

The Tree near Dwarka, Sector 9 Metro StationPeople travelling in call centre cabs at night have experienced an energy slapping them & a woman appearing and disappearing or travelling along with the speed of the car. Sounds creepy but according to many, it’s true.

Delhi Cantonment, South West DelhiA lush green area managed by the security services of our country is supposedly a shelter for a spirit of a lady who died in a car mishap there. Many people have confirmed her presence time and again.

House No. W-3, GK IAn abandoned house, it is said that an aged couple were murdered here a decade ago. Various sounds rang-ing from sobs to screams emanate

from the house as reported by the neighbours.Similar haunted houses can be found in Defence Colony, Green Park, Lajpat Nagar & Lodhi Road etc. where properties worth crores have been deserted due to paranormal activities.

Khooni Nadi (Bloody River), RohiniIt is believed that whoever enters this river is sucked inside it by a mysteri-ous force. Many have lost their lives there and the reason for this phenom-enon is still unknown.

Sanjay Van, Near Qutub Institutional AreaSanjay Van is a stretch of about 10 km which has been haunted by spirits and many encounters have been reported ever since its existence.

Mutiny House, In front of the Old Telegraph Building, Kashmiri GateA memorial built by the British to commemorate the death of their offi-cials in the revolt of 1857, people have found chopped-up moving arms and legs of the deceased officials in the evenings.

Based on word-of-mouth experi-ences, these places have received the notoriety of being haunted. So whether you believe in ghosts or not, just be mentally alert while crossing these places.

6

Haunted Places in Delhi

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See & Do 7

Hijron Ka KhanqahBack in the day, people buried their kings & noblemen with splendour however they were also very particular about how they buried the trusted servants of the rul-ing class. Eunuchs held important positions in many a royal household, the most trusted ones often being elevated to positions of command & authority. A fairly different situation from the one they find themselves in today, pushed to the fringes of social life.

The Hijron Ka Khanqah or the ‘Sufi spiritual retreat for eunuchs’ is a monument that houses the graves of eunuchs from the time of the Lodi rulers who preceded the Mughal emperors. It is located in ward no. 6, Mehrauli, not very far from the iconic Qutub Minar.

Today, the Hijron Ka Khanqah is man-aged by the eunuchs of Turkman gate in the old city. It is still favoured by them as a spiritual retreat and is indeed an oasis of calm amid the madness of Delhi. The monument is entered through a narrow gate, which opens up into a space that houses many white tombs. The complex also features a mosque, built at the west-ern end.

Of the tombs in the shrine, the most important one is said to be of one eunuch known as Miyan Saheb. The Khanqah belongs to the 15th century, from the ending days of the Delhi sul-tanate before the Mughals made their way into India.

There is so much more to Delhi than meets the eye. In today’s day and age when we see eunuchs calling for alms in the city streets, dancing at weddings or outside a house where a child has been born, it does not immediately strike us that they too might have a quiet sanctuary, a place where their ‘ancestors’ are still held in high regard. Such a place exists and we suggest that you visit it.

Hijron ka Khanqah | Ward no. 6, Mehrauli, Near Qutub Minar, New Delhi-30

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Breaks From Delhi8

The dreaded Delhi sum-mer is here, with the temperatures rising like a furnace! A running joke for many years to describe Delhi’s summer – crack an egg on your car’s bonnet in the middle of the day, and enjoy an omelet. It is time to book a weekend getaway and escape to the cool-ness of the mountains. An advantage of living in Delhi is that you can get into your car in the early morning and reach the crisp piney air of the mountains in a few hours. So why not make use of that?

Kanatal is a hamlet in Uttarakhand, about 40 km away from the Queen of Hills Mussoorie. Enveloped in tow-ering hills, misty clouds and verdant forests, Kanatal has emerged as an idyllic weekend destination for city dwellers. The panorama from Kanatal encompasses lush forests and snow covered peaks of the Himalayas danc-ing in the low clouds. Untouched by urbanisation and pristine in its aura, this quaint town offers a breather from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Kanatal has a select few resorts, ranging from boutique luxury to standard accommodation. The serene setting allows relaxing activities like meditation, yoga, wildlife photogra-

phy, picnics and light trekking. It is the perfect place to unwind.

Shanti Travel offers a weekend package to relax in Kanatal. So book your weekend getaway now with Shanti Travel!

Contact our Delhi office at 011 460 77 800 and book today!

Shanti Travel Team

A sojourn in Kanatal

You can contact the expert travel designers of Shanti Travel:contact@shantitravel.com

011-46077800For more information: www.shantitravel.com

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EVENT Calendar10

DATE EVENT DETAILS

SAT 1/6 Chand Roz Aur Meri Jaan – Play (5 PM Onwards)

Shri Ram Centre, 4, Safdar Hashmi Marg, Mandi House, New Delhi. (+91 11 2373 1112)

SAT 1/6 Bhelpoori – Hindi Comedy Hotel Fraser Suites, Plot No 4A, District Centre, Mayur Vihar, Phase 1, New Delhi. (+91 11 4766 8888)

SAT 1/6 Mohan Das – Play (6:30 PM Onwards)

Shri Ram Centre, 4, Safdar Hashmi Marg, Mandi House, New Delhi. (+91 11 2373 1112)

Till SAT 1/6

Grain – Art Exhibition (11 AM-7 PM)

Gallery Espace, 16 Community Centre, New Friends Colony, New Delhi. (+91 11 2632 6267)

SAT 1/6 Onwards

Mana – A Cirque Spectacle from France

Kingdom of Dreams, Auditorium Complex, Sector 29, Gurgaon. (+91 124 4528 000)

MON 3/6 Location Based Services (LBS) 2013 – Conference (11 AM-7 PM)

FICCI Auditorium, Federation House, Tansen Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi. (+91 11 2373 8760, +91 11 2373 8770, +91 9811 078 272)

MON 3/6 Red Indian Headband – Workshop (3:30-5 PM)

Prath Art Centre for Children, S 307 Panchshila Park, Hauz Khas, New Delhi. (+91 11 4057 4748)

MON 3/6 The Open Frame – Film Screening (6:30 PM)

India International Centre, 40 Max Mueller Marg, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi. (+91 11 2461 9431)

Till FRI 7/6

Young Actors Club Summer Workshop (9 AM-12:30 PM)

Habitat World, India Habitat Centre, Institutional Area, Foyer, Max Mueller Marg, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. (+91 11 4366 3333)

SAT 8/6 – SUN 9/6

The Times Franchise Expo-Delhi

Pragati Maidan, New Delhi (+91 11 2337 1540, +91 11 2337 8962)

Till THU 13/6

Theatre Workshop by Imran Khan (4-6 PM)

Epicentre, Apparel House, Sector 44, Gurgaon. (+91 11 4366 3010)

THU 13/6 – FRI 14/6

Digital Marketing Workshop

Hotel Mapple Emerald, National Highway - 8, Rajokri, New Delhi. (+91 9699 611 666)

Till SAT 15/6

Meat Lovers Delight (11:30 AM-11:30 PM)

Kebab Gali, First Floor, Ajit Singh House, Plot No. 12, Community Centre, Yusuf Sarai, Green Park, New Delhi. (+91 11 4162 9911, +91 8882 688 069)

SAT 15/6 Celebrating 2013 – Art Show

The Hilton Garden Inn, Saket & at Art Laureate, F- 213 A, Lado Sarai Village, New Delhi.

SAT 15/6 Side Effects – English Comedy

Hotel Fraser Suites, Plot No 4A, District Centre, Mayur Vihar, Phase 1, New Delhi. (+91 11 4766 8888)

SUN 16/6 The Owl and the Pussy Cat – English Comedy

Hotel Fraser Suites, Plot No 4A, District Centre, Mayur Vihar, Phase 1, New Delhi. (+91 11 4766 8888)

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EVENT Calendar 1111

DATE EVENT DETAILS

THU 6/6 – THU 20/6

Something about Hair by Oriane Zerah – Exhibition

Alliance Française, S-24/8 DLF Phase 3, Gurgaon. (+91 124 406 1032)

MON 10/6 – FRI 21/6

Summer Techno Camp 2013 (6-17 Yrs.)

B-14, Lower Ground Floor Chirag Enclave, New Nehru Place, New Delhi. (+91 9654 348 322, +91 9810 310 278)

Till FRI 21/6

Mango Mania in Sidewalk Hyatt Regency Delhi, Bhikaiji Cama Place, Ring Road, New Delhi. (+91 11 6677 1304)

SAT 22/6 What Rubbish – Hindi Comedy (7 PM Onwards)

Fraser Suites Hotel, Plot No. 4A, District Center, Mayur Vihar Phase 1, New Delhi. (+91 11 4766 8888)

FRI 21/6 – FRI 28/6

Screenplay By Pomegranate – Kids Workshop (10 AM-1 PM)

Habitat World, India Habitat Centre, Institutional Area, Foyer, Max Mueller Marg, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. (+91 11 4366 3333)

SAT 29/6 Ghalib In New Delhi – Hindi Comedy (7 PM Onwards)

Fraser Suites Hotel, Plot No. 4A, District Center, Mayur Vihar Phase 1, New Delhi. (+91 11 4766 8888)

Till SAT 29/6

Take The Stage 2013 – Workshop (11 AM-6 PM)

Kamani Auditorium, No. 1, Copernicus Marg, Mandi House, New Delhi. (+91 11 4350 3351, +91 11 4350 3352)

SUN 30/6 Rumba Dance Classes (12:30 PM-2 PM)

Vasant Kunj Sports Complex, Sector D, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.

SUN 30/6 A Private Affair – Hinglish Comedy

Fraser Suites Hotel, Plot No. 4A, District Center, Mayur Vihar Phase 1, New Delhi. (+91 11 4766 8888)

Till SUN 30/6

Live wire Fridays – Music Attitude Alive, Gurgaon

Till SUN 30/6

The Food & Fun Offer – Food & Drinks

The Fizz, Ground Floor, Commercial Complex, Plot No. 13, Block B, Sector 18, Noida. (+91 120 424 2526, +91 120 4252 677)

Till SUN 30/6

Delightful Summer Coolers Fio - Country Kitchen & Bar, The Garden Of Five Senses, Gate No. 1, Said-Ul-Ajaib Road, Mehrauli, New Delhi. (+91 8130 394 276)

Till SUN 30/6

Summer, Salads & Solace (12 PM)

Shiro, Hotel Samrat, Lobby Level, Plot No. 50 B, Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. (+91 8130 394 379)

Till SUN 30/6

Ladies Night – Every Tuesday

Fork You, 30, 1st Floor, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi. (+91 9990 889 494, +91 11 2656 6125)

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS12

Game Night – Play (SAT 1/6 - SUN 2/6)Due to popular demand, the play called Game Night returns to the Delhi stage to be performed with the original cast and crew. It is written, directed & produced by Zorian Cross.@ Akshara Theatre, 11-12-B, Baba Kharak Singh Margwww.aksharatheatre.com+91 11 2336 1075, +91 9313 994 368

Aspirations 2013 – Educational Conference (SAT 1/6 – SUN 2/6)Be a part of one of the leading inter-national educational conferences in India for information on courses rang-ing from graduation, post-graduation, vocational, distance learning & part-time courses. (11 AM – 7 PM)@ The Lalit Hotel, Barakhamba Avenue, Connaught Placewww.aspirationsworld.com+91 11 4444 7777

Same Time Next Year – Play (SUN 2/6)This play is a story of passion, adul-tery, emotions, betrayal, lies and above all love. Don’t miss it! (7 PM Onwards)@ Fraser Suites Hotel, Plot No. 4A, District Center, Mayur Vihar Phase 1+91 11 4766 888

India International Beverages Fair 2013 (SAT 1/6 – MON 3/6)This fair will concentrate on all bever-ages possible from milk, tea, coffee, herbal drinks & juices to cocktails, mocktails, soups, organic drinks, sugar free drinks to raw liquor etc.

@ Pragati Maidan, Hall No. 12 Awww.breweriesfair.com+91 9717 717 170

Food & Hospitality Expo 2013 (THU 6/06 – SAT 8/6)This is not just an exhibition but a conglomeration of amazing work-shops, seminars, expos, contests, culinary shows, guided wine, tea & coffee tasting sessions & lot of excit-ing activities.@ India Expo Centre, Greater Noidawww.fandhexpo.com+ 91 11 4646 4848

Freedom to March: Rediscovering Gandhi through Dandi – Art Exhibition (Till SUN 9/6)This is a group art exhibition cover-ing works by many artists such as Mugdha Joshi, Probir Gupta & Gaman Palem etc. to commemorate the 73rd Anniversary of the Dandi March.@ Ojas Art, 1AQ, Qutab Minar Roundabout, Mehrauli Road+91 11 2664 4145

Film Making Workshop (Till SUN 9/6)Here is your chance to write, shoot & edit 4 short films of your own. The experts of the industry will make you learn script writing, production designing, cinematography, directing and post production.@ Shri Ram Centre 4, Safdar Hashmi Marg, Mandi House+91 11 2371 4307, +91 11 2373 1112, +91 11 9891 073 544

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS 13

Sacred Is the Passion of the Sacred Integrity – Art Exhibition (Till SUN 9/6)This is an exhibition created by the artist Parameshwar Raju. It covers a range of art works on archival paper created by using calligraphy ink & the subject of these artworks is Lord Shiva.@ Art Spice Gallery, the Metropolitan Hotel & Spa, Bangla Sahib Marg+91 11 4250 0200

IndiPix Photography Workshop: The Foundation Series: F1 (SAT 15/6 – SUN 16/6)This workshop is geared to assist in developing the photographer’s skills. Through field trips & assignments, you’ll be able to put into action the technical & compositional concepts learnt in the classroom and get feedback on how to improve your photography.@ IndiPix Images, B2/1 Vasant Vihar+91 9654 376 151

Weekend Theatre Programme – Workshop (Till SUN 16/6)This one is for all the theatre lov-ers. From unique exercises, improv-isations to various performance improvement activities, the theatre program will help the participants with acting as well as performing.@ Zorba The Buddha, Building No. 7, Tropical Drive, Mehrauli Gurgaon Road, Ghitorni+91 11 6565 7265, +91 9910 185 042

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS14

Gurgaon Fashion Show 2013 (MON 17/6)It is going to be Asia’s biggest fash-ion trade event which places Indian designers firmly on the global fashion stage & provides a platform to both established & upcoming talented designers to showcase their riveting collections.@ Kingdom of Dreams, Sector 29, Gurgaon+91 8800 546 232

Bio-Agri Summit 2013 (WED 19/6)The summit will largely focus in R&D, technical innovations, investments, policy guidance, market outlook, prospects for international cooper-ation in research & development, production and commercialization, & agricultural biotech innovations.@ Le Meridien, 8, Windsor Place, Connaught place, Janpath Roadwww.assocham.org/events/showevent.php?id=845+91 9999 592 906, +91 9968 388 144

Infra Educa (SAT 22/6 – SUN 23/6)It will provide an insight into current subjects & courses available to new generation students, and throw light on various schemes & programmes being offered by national & interna-tional agencies as well as government departments.

@Pragati Maidan, Hall No 15www.infraeduca.com+91 11 4514 1891, +91 11 2514 1897, +91 11 4514 1898

Summer Workshops (Till WED 26/6)Here participants would get a chance to learn what all goes into the process of project building, hone their creativ-ity skills and develop a keen interest in science and technology.@ Epicentre, At Apparel House, Sector 44, Gurgaon+91 124 271 5000

Magic Art Workshop (Till SAT 29/6)If your kid is aged between 5 to 12 years and is fond of drawing, painting, art & craft, then this workshop is the place to be.@ Himanshu Art Institute 7/13, Shankar Road, Rajendra Nagar, Old Rajender Nagar+91 11 4355 7340

Kaleidoscope – Group Show(Till SUN 30/6)Here’s calling all you art lovers for a group show by talented & creative group of artists like Ankit Patel, Binoy Varghese, Farhad Hussain & Manu Parekh etc.@ Chawla Art Gallery, Square One Mall, C-2, Ground Floor, District Centre, Saket+91 11 2653 2077, +91 11 2956 1819

A Private Affair – Hinglish Comedy (SUN 30/6)This is a highly acclaimed situation-al-cum-verbal comedy with 86 shows to its credit. It revolves around a missing skirt, empty liquor bottles, a bewildered army captain and a con-fused Psychiatrist and her doubly confused secretary.@ Fraser Suites Hotel, Plot No. 4A, District Center, Mayur Vihar Phase 1+91 11 4766 8888

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Talk the Talk 17

A Brief Introduction: Abish Mathew is one of the most experienced & unique comedians in the country with his ability to mix different forms of styles in one show with funny original songs, silent enacted one man sketches, shooting live videos of his online show Punliners and stand-up comedy at its purest best. With having done over 200 shows all around the country for over 3 years and having his longest running Comedy Special “Abish & Friends Hit The Big Time”, his shows are a must watch - It’s custom made comedy for you.

What makes Delhi, ‘So Delhi’!Delhi is a melting pot of many different types of people and culture, so the fla-vour is pretty thick and versatile.

Who or what inspired you to work in your field?I have always wanted to be on stage acting, singing, dancing and now comedy. When I realized there was a profession called “Stand-up Comedy” abroad, my hopes sprung a new.

Old Delhi or New Delhi – pick your preference and why?It depends on what I am feeling like, if I’m in the mood for an adventure or experience – Old Delhi, however if just looking to relax and unwind – New Delhi.

Top 5 tips on leading the Delhi life?Don’t get in a fight with anyone/ Don’t go alone anywhere / Street food is awesome but beware / Avoid the BRT / Noida isn’t that bad a place to live.

Your favorite hang-out in Delhi?I love going to Dilli Haat.

One misconception about Delhi?Everyone in Delhi knows the PM!

A Hidden gem of the city everyone must know about?Majnu ka Tilla

Delhi Metro or Auto – pick one and why?The Metro, because they don’t fleece you

Your Favorite book on Delhi?Not much of a reader, but I’ve heard the City of Djinns by William Dalrymple is great.

Why is Delhi much more than a tran-sit city?Delhi…a transit city?! You better get off that plane and visit my beautiful city!

Delhi ExpertInterview: Abish Mathew

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