Day: June 28, 2016

Gokarna- Where Pilgrimage Meets Fun

Burgeoned alongside the western coast of Southern India in the North Kannada District of Karnataka State, the quaint town is pilgrims’ paradise & beach-lovers heaven. Bestowed with pristine beaches and timeless temples of Hindu deities like Lord Shiva, Lord Maha Ganapati, Goddess Bhadrakali and many more, Gokarna is termed as the ‘Kashi of South India’.

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Legend has it that Lord Shiva emerged here from Cow’s Ear – the cow being Prithvi1   And since then the temple town has been christened as Gokarna. The Mahabaleshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is constructed in a Dravidian architectural style. It houses ShivaLinga2 and a 1500-year-old idol of Lord Shiva. Since centuries the temple has been witnessing priests, pilgrims and monks submerging themselves in religious rituals, offering prayers, meditation or performing religious ceremonies. The temple is abuzz with holy hymns and chants that emanate somniferous spirituality. There is an air of peace and serenity in every corner of the temple and a visit is enough for the visitor to get the soul rejuvenated. On an average day, the tinsel town wakes up by early sunrise. The two main streets that connect the town with surrounding districts are thoroughly washed and the residents then adorn it with Rangoli3. Holy chants begin resonating from every household and the fragrance of incense sticks fill the atmosphere with mystic peace. It seem like the whole town has woken up from a deep slumber only to transcend in spirituality.

Sandwiched between the hills and seas, Gokarna is blessed with four scenic beaches namely the pristine Om Beach, the quaint Kudle Beach, Half-moon & Paradise beach. White sands, crystal clear water and serenity of Om Beach beckons every backpacker. Its two semi-crescent shores that are naturally joined together, resemble the Hindu religious symbol ‘OM’ and the only how the beach got its name.  A short walk away from the Om Beach is Kudle beach that has graduated as a surfing destination and provides perfect waves for the surfboard to flirt with. The other beaches like Paradise Beach & Half-Moon Beach are nestled in a secluded location with fewer inhabitants.

The laid back nature, scenic locales, captivating ancient temples and virgin coastline places Gokarna in the bucket list of every tourist as a must see destination. And its epiphany sunsets, sun-kissed warm sands, breezy twilight, percussion of waves are a few daily shows performed by the Mother Nature that renders every traveler spell bound.

 

 

Jagermeister-“Master Class” with Nils Boese

Aspri Spirits, leading importers and distributors of some of the finest brands in the world of Wines and Spirits hosted a master evening class with Mr. NILS BOESE, Brand Ambassador- Mast Jägermeister SE, on 22nd June 2016 at Bandstand, Hauz Khas, New Delhi.

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The evening commenced with Mr. Nils Boese taking the patrons through Jägermeister profile and sharing his experience with the brand. He took them on a voyage of Jägermeister history and shared some interesting insights about the company and the brand. He also demonstrated interesting ways of creating exquisite cocktails with the unusual spirit.

Mr. Nils Boese is a renowned bartender and has a rich experience of 25 years. He runs his own small bar in Hildesheim, Germany, which is close to Wolfenbüttel where Jägermeister is meticulously produced. He is working with Jägermeister since 2010 as a Brand Ambassador.

Jägermeister, recognized as a unique herbal spirit, is made from 56 different herbs, blossoms, roots and fruits, including star anise, cinnamon, ginger and a secret set of herbs. It is the world’s 8th best-selling premium spirit brand and it also ensures to remain the World’s favorite herbal liqueur. Best served as an ice-cold shot, Jägermeister is a versatile spirit, which can be used as a premium ingredient in cocktails and long serves.

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Nils first made us all taste the ice-cold Jägermeister shot, and it tasted amazing, and I think being ice cold plays a very important role in enhancing the taste of the drink.

Nils then also prepared some unique cocktails, twisting the taste around with Jägermeister and each one of his cocktails was amazing. He prepared one particular cocktail with tea, and it had a very refreshing taste.

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Matt Djokovic, Regional Director Asia mentioned “India represents one of the most important growth opportunities for Jagermeister, not only within Asia, but globally. With a booming young adult population – around 19 Million Consumers will reach legal drinking age every year in India – we feel Jagermeister is uniquely positioned to leverage the strengths which have made it the 8th largest imported spirit in the world”

And here is Nils talking about his bartending experience over the years and his association with Jägermeister.

It was great fun attending this master class and learning to make so many cocktails.

About ASPRI: Aspri Spirits Pvt. Ltd. was established in 2004. The company today represents some of the finest brands in the world of Wines and Spirits and is one of the leading players in the imported alcoholic beverage segment. The company with its commitment to ensure highest quality standards focuses on the sales, marketing and distribution of its diverse portfolio and is dedicated to building premium international brands in travel retail and domestic markets across South Asia.

About Jägermeister:Jägermeister was created by Curt Mast in Wolfenbüttel, Germany, more than 80 years ago. Now one of the world’s most popular spirit brands and rated the top liqueur brand around the globe, it is still produced in its original form by Mast-Jägermeister SE, the family owned business founded by Curt’s father, Wilhelm Mast.

 

Studio Strands- A world-class experience..!

I recently visited this newly opened salon called Studio Strands in Sainik Farms, and I have to say that, the class and quality of services one will get to experience is depicted right at the moment one enter the salon.

They have ample space and different sections as per different needs of services.

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I got the following services done at the salon and my experience was really great:

Waxing

Manicure

Pedicure

Head Massage

Shampoo

Blow dry

For waxing, they have rooms in the basement, very neat and clean, air-conditioned and spacious.

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After waxing, I moved upstairs for my head massage. Head massage was given in a peaceful room, with dim lights and relaxed atmosphere. It was one of the best massages I got in recent times.

Next was my manicure and pedicure, and again it was simply awesome. In fact they have these big massage chair units, so while you get your manicure and pedicure done, your back gets a nice massage on the chair.

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Then I got done my shampoo and blow dry.

Overall I had a very relaxing and fulfilling experience at Strands. The ambience of the place is perfect to spend a relaxing day getting your beauty services done.

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The staff is very very professional, hospitable, dedicated and caring, they really make you feel very wanted and special.

So do drop in and experience world-class beauty and hair services at Studio Strands.

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