Cover Story
Remembering Nepal
Remembering places and moments in Nepal that have changed forever since the earthquake.
Text, Photos & Illustration : Leeza John
Remembering places and moments in Nepal that have changed forever since the earthquake.
In a cold December I journeyed to the country at the foot of the Everest. Two large concrete archways bade me farewell from India and welcomed me to Nepal. The sights and sounds were intoxicating, cooled by the mountain air. This beautiful country witnessed a devastating earthquake in May this year which has changed the places, structures and moments that I shall cherish forever.
Pokhara
A rented bicycle took me around the serene lakes of Pokhara, while I kept myself warm with anda pakodas and a trek to Sarangkot to witness a beautiful sunrise.
Kathmandu
I sat near King Pratap Malla’s column one morning, breathing in the cold air, taking in the subtle temple bells ringing and the faint flutter of a flock of pigeons.
Patan
The gradual walk amidst locals with their water pots, down to the public water taps with intricately carved stone waterways with mythical animals, from which water flowed uninterrupted.
Pashupathinath
A golden Nandi invited me to the Pashupathinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River, but its cremation ghats offered me a truly amazing sight of Saffron clad priests, enthusiastic tourists, and burning funeral pyres.
Bhaktapur
The brick courtyard was neatly arranged with traditionally spun and fired clay pots, while more were being made in right front of me.The eyes of the 43m high Boudhanath Stupa stared at me while I walked beside Buddhist monks circling the stupa in a clockwise direction.
Changu
The brick houses of Changu village atop the ridge of Dolagiri hills opened out to the main path leading to the temple, displaying their wares to the occasional tourists. At the end stood the Changu Narayan Temple with many shrines scattered amidst the complex, each differently styled with the interesting use of brick cladding. The two storeyed homes in the village opened out to the street. The ground floor had shops and on the upper floor we spied a grandmother taking her afternoon nap clad in a Haku Patasi. As the noises of village life around the temple erupted in a cacophony, we soaked in the aura of Nepal.
Dhulikel
I went to Dhulikhel for the beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges, including Mt. Annapurna, At night, the stars were out, and the village lights atop the mountains mimicked them.
Cover Story
Insta – Glam : Best Fashion from Aparna Thomas
Instagram has developed into a busy runway in the fast-paced world of fashion, where influencers like Aparna Thomas showcase their own looks, creating trends and motivating millions of others. Aparna Thomas has enthralled audiences with her varied and imaginative ensembles thanks to her outstanding taste and passion for fashion. Let’s delve into some of her best fashion looks that have left a lasting impression on fashion enthusiasts around the globe.
Effortless Glamour
Aparna Thomas looks sophisticated and alluring in this beautiful rainbow saree by Fitting Room Couture, styled by talented Sabarinath. Her look as completed by jewels from Pure Allure
Shimmer Glam
How to add a touch of glamour to any occasion without sacrificing comfort or style, just add some Shimmer. Aparna looks gorgeous in the stunning golden sequined flared dress by D’Roz for Christmas theme shoot.
Chic Style
Aparna looks casual chic with urban sophistication with her street style look in this green dress by Urbanic
Regal Beauty
Aparna is a natural at stealing the show; she looks magnificent in her exquisite blue saree that Sabarinath styled. The saree comes from Luxurion World.
Mythical Magic
Aparna looks stunning in an embellished saree by T & M Signature thanks to her excellent sense of style. The blouse features soft and elegant hues with delicate foliate motifs and elaborate crisscross patterns. The MOD Signature jewels completed the entire look.
Cover Story
Explore the Hidden Gems: Must-Visit Places on Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep, meaning “a hundred thousand islands” in Sanskrit, is a mesmerizing archipelago nestled in the Arabian Sea. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, Lakshadweep is a paradise for travelers seeking serenity and natural beauty. Lakshadweep offers activities for all types of visitors, including nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and beach bums. These are the top activities to do in Lakshadweep when visiting.
The only ways to get to Lakshadweep are by air or boat. There are frequent flights from Kochi and Bangalore to the single airport, which is located on Agatti Island. Another option is to travel by ferry from Kochi, which takes between 18 to 20 hours. To enter Lakshadweep, visitors must get a special permit, which can be obtained online or through the tourism department of Lakshadweep. When the weather is nice and sunny, from October to March is the ideal time to visit Lakshadweep. Since there aren’t many resorts or guesthouses in Lakshadweep, it’s crucial to reserve your lodging well in advance.
Agatti Island:
Agatti, the gateway to Lakshadweep, welcomes you with its breathtaking beauty. The island boasts stunning coral reefs, making it a haven for snorkelers and divers. Take a stroll along the shimmering white sands or indulge in water sports like kayaking and windsurfing. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the spectacular sunset painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.
Minicoy Island:
Experience the rich cultural heritage of Lakshadweep on Minicoy Island. The island is renowned for its traditional Maldivian-influenced culture, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and customs. Explore the charming villages adorned with colorful houses and visit the iconic Lighthouse built by the British. Don’t miss the chance to savor authentic Maldivian cuisine and witness captivating cultural performances.
Kadmat Island:
For those craving solitude and tranquility, Kadmat Island is the perfect escape. This serene island is renowned for its untouched beaches fringed with swaying palms. Dive into the azure waters to explore the vibrant marine life teeming with colorful fish and coral formations. Relax under the shade of coconut trees and savor fresh seafood delicacies served by local vendors.
Amini Beach:
If you’re searching for quiet tourist destinations in Lakshadweep, Amini Beach is a great choice. This beach is well-known on Amini Island because of its coral sandstone surface. Adventure sports like as snorkelling, scuba diving, reef walking, and kayaking are available for you to try. Amini Beach is a great place to unwind and spend the day drinking cocktails and soaking up the sun.
Bangaram Island:
Dubbed as the jewel of Lakshadweep, Bangaram Island is a postcard-perfect destination. With its powdery white sands and emerald lagoons, it’s a paradise for beach lovers. Spend your days basking in the sun, snorkeling amidst the coral gardens, or simply unwinding in a hammock under the shade of a palm tree. Indulge in a romantic beach picnic as you watch the stars illuminate the night sky.
Lakshadweep beckons travelers with its pristine beauty, diverse marine life, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, the islands offer a myriad of experiences to cherish. Explore these must-visit places on Lakshadweep and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Beauty
Kiara Advani’s Soft Glam Makeup Look
Kiara Advani is proof that a look may be beautiful without always requiring intense contouring and layers of makeup. The actor from Satyaprem ki Katha has a natural, luminous, and unquestionably head-turning approach to soft makeup that is worth emulating. Lekha Gupta, her makeup artist, created the ideal mix between a clean, glowing complexion and a subtle brown smoky eye. Whether it’s for her big day or multiple red carpet appearances, the actor has a reputation for doing minimalist makeup flawlessly.
Kiara Advani, wearing a body-hugging pink gown by Tran Hung, was spotted having a pink moment that was enhanced by her bold beauty appearance. Her face was defined by the delicately bronzed cheeks, her glossy nude lips completed the ensemble, and her gently smudged out makeup accentuated the shape of her eyes.
Lekha Gupta, the makeup artist, accentuated Advani’s eyes by using mascara to lend drama to the lashes. She gave Advani’s skin a dewy base and then defined the cheekbones with a warm, peachy bronzer. Her lips were covered in a glossy lip gloss that complemented the brightness of her pink costume, and her brows were nicely shaped and filled in. In terms of hair, the actor sported a glossy, blow-dried mane that had a contemporary centre part to complete the symmetry of the ensemble.
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