For healthier kidneys, abdomen, legs and spine

Yoga

Dandasana and Paripurna Naava-asana improve strength and flexibilty in body, while calming the mind. They also strengthen the back, abdomen and kidneys in particular, and legs. Flab around the waist is also allowed to leave the body. Dandasana is a familiar sitting position, and one of the simplest yoasanas.

Tags: Yogasana, Dandasana, Paripurna-Nava-asana, stress-reducing, kidney-health, strength-building-exercise
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An ornithologist is born

Travel

Birds too can have dual personalities! Here is one that looks gloomy and unfriendly on the ground but cheerful and bright when she’s flying. There is something distinctly faraway about her, something different from the tropical birds that we see in this part of the world...

Tags: Ornithologist, Bird watching, India, Kolkata
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Of Nasik, Trayambakeshwar and Panchwati

Travel

Even before the train pulled into Nashik Road railway station, I was smitten by the landscape of this grape valley in the Sahyadri range, in North Maharashtra. Hills encircling the city looked more like mammoth Shivalingams, set against the blue sky and green vineyards!

Tags: India, Nashik, Shiva, Sahyadri, Trayambakeshwar, Jyotirlinga, wine-grapes
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In Greece for a week

Travel

Prof. Nishi Pandey from Lucknow University visited Greece. She tracked eminent temples, theatres and art while here at this epitome of ancient European civilization. Athens, Acropolis, Nafplion, Arachova and Delphi revealed their secrets on a week long tour here.

Tags: Greece, Dr-Nishi-Pandey, Nafplion, Delphi, Athens, travelogue, Indian
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Uttanasana for kidney health and stress reduction

Yoga

Uttanasana is a relaxing, if slightly challenging yogasana for a beginner. This mobilizes the lower limbs, improves working of the kidneys, decreases pain in menstrual cramps, and reduces overall stress in body and mind. This asana rejuvenates the spine in totality. It improves flexibility, and promotes mental calm. Not recommended for those with spinal injury, though.

Tags: Ygasana, Yoga, Utanasana, Tadasana, kidney-health, stress-reduction
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German bakery at Laxman jhula, Rishikesh

Travel

Rishikesh has been a stopover for previous trips to Badrinath, Srinagar, Chopta and Ukhimath, therefore quite familiar. Yet, the German bakery, near Laxman jhula was quite a find this time. Devraj Coffee Corner, comprises of the German bakery and restaurant, plus a well stocked book shop. The option to pay by credit card was welcome.

Tags: River-rafting, Rishikesh, vegetarian, travelogue, India, Uttarakhand, Ganga
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Manali in January

Travel

Manali in January is an all new place. Snow takes over everything in its stride. All the better for skiing at Solang Valley. Though, Rohtang Pass is out of bounds for being snowbound in 7 feet or more of snow. A White Christmas is no fantasy here. Yak rides and Tibetan tea for a taste of local life...

Tags: India, Himalaya, Trek, Manali, travelogue, Himachal-Pradesh, Amarnath
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Ukhimath and Panch Kedar in Garhwal Himalaya

Travel

Ukhimath has none of the bazaar glitz associated with a place of pilgrimage importance. 182 km from Rishikesh, it is the winter seat of Kedarnath and a quiet getaway facilitating communication with nature and Creator. Quiet, except for the Sanskrit chants of cherubic Gurukul students, and the sound of River Mandakini tumbling a 100 metres or so below.

Tags: India, Garhwal-Himalaya, Trek, Ukhimath, travelogue, Himalaya, Panch-Kedar, Uttarakhand
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Ayurvedic insight on Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Ayurveda

IBS broadly indicates that the digestive system has gone berserk. Ayurveda gives a better understanding of Irritable Bowel Syndrome by addressing the cause, and reveals measures to heal.

Tags: Ayurveda, Irritable-Bowel-Syndrome, IBS, indigestion
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A view of China from the Indian side

Travel

Indian educationist, Dr Urvashi Sahni shares her experience of China - the land of plenty. An invitation from Microsoft Research, Asia got her a glimpse of the Chinese education system, along with the regular tourist attractions - The Great Wall of China, and more at Beijing, Kunming and Yunnan.

Tags: Travelogue, China, Beijing, Yunnan, Kunming, Travel, Chinese-cuisine, Dr-Urvashi-Sahni
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Weekend at Khajuraho and Ken River Sanctuary

Travel

The 1100 years old temples of Khajuraho are reason enough for a visit to Madhya Pradesh, India. I caught up with history and nature in all its sculpted glory here. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Khajuraho is an interesting destination for weekend hoppers.

Tags: Khajuraho, travelogue, India, Travel, Ken, Madhya-Pradesh, Raja-Cafe
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