why do you want a proper sleep

The findings of the research, carried out by Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed), were presented at the Endocrine Society's 95th Annual Meeting in San Francisco Tuesday.

The study by Peter Liu, an LA BioMed lead researcher, found that insulin sensitivity - the body's ability to clear glucose ( blood sugar) from the bloodstream - significantly improved after three nights of "catch-up sleep" on the weekend in men with long-term, weekday sleep restrictions, reports Science Daily.






We all know we need to get adequate sleep, but that is often impossible because of work demands and busy lifestyles," said Liu. "Our study found extending the hours of sleep can improve the body's use of insulin, thereby reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes in adult men.


Ellen Caroll has often asked herself this exact question – especially when it comes to helping her family members get the amount of sleep they need. With a son in preschool and a daughter in high school, a husband who works over 50 hours a week and aging parents, one with Parkinson's disease, Ellen's family runs the gamut when it comes to age and sleep needs. Because all of Ellen's family members have busy schedules, they often forget to put their sleep needs ahead of their other priorities. Not only does Ellen need to convince her family that getting the right amount of sleep is important, but she also needs to figure out how much sleep they really need!

Be a radiant Beauty through a simple way

Recently, the final contestants from Pond's Femina Miss India Chandigarh 2013 were thrilled to be guided by the Pond's expert Dr Rashmi Shetty, who not only analysed their skin, but also gave them tips for a healthy and spotless glow, keeping in mind their glamorous lifestyle. The Delhi finalists will soon be able share this platform with the Pond's expert. To keep your skin glowing, you need to first understand what causes it to appear dull and lifeless.
Topping the list is pollution, followed by stress that results from a hectic lifestyle and lastly, the genes. Also, unlike their western counterparts, an uneven skin tone is common to Indian skin and darkness too happens faster as the skin tends to tan due to exposure to the sun.




How many times have you looked for solutions to give your skin spotless radiance but have fallen short? You've tried different things at different times and failed each time. The truth is, everyone has different kind of skin and what works for others might not necessarily work for you. Pond's brings to you something that works with your unique skin to give you that radiance and glow.

BrahMos - Unbeatable missile of India

BrahMos, the world’s only supersonic cruise missile and a symbol of the India’s military prowess has been billed to be “uninterceptable” for the “next 20 years”, by none other than the “father of BrahMos” himself.

Recovering Lost Data From Computer

How to Recover your Lost Data from Computer?

There can be so many reasons/possibilities of losing your data from the computer. But their recovery is not a big deal. You can easily recover your data from the computer. In this article, we will guide you that, how you can recover your; missing, lost or deleted files from your computer.

10 Upcoming Technology That May Change The World

We have seen great leaps in digital technology in past the past five years. Smartphones, cloud computing, multi-touch tablets, these are all innovations that revolutionized the way we live and work. However, believe it or not, we are just getting started. Technology will get even better. In the future, we could live like how people in science fiction movies did.

Today’s post is about 10 upcoming, real-life products that is set to revolutionize the world as we know it. Get ready to control the desktop and slice Ninja fruits with your eyes. Get ready to print your own creative physical product. Get ready to dive into the virtual world, and interact with them. Come unfold the future with us.

1. Google Glass

Augmented Reality has already gotten into our life in the forms of simulated experiment and education app, but Google is taking it several steps higher with Google Glass. Theoretically, with Google Glass, you are able to view social media feeds, text, Google Maps, as well as navigate with GPS and take photos. You will also get the latest updates while you are on the ground.

It’s truly what we called vision, and it’s absolutely possible given the fact that the Google’s co-founder, Sergey Brin has demo’ed the glass with skydivers and creatives. Currently the device is only available to some developers with the price tag of $1500, but expect other tech companies trying it out and building an affordable consumer version.

Google's Project Loon explores balloon-powered Internet access

The pilot program, Project Loon, took off this month from New Zealand's South Island, using solar-powered, high-altitude balloons that ride the wind about 12.5 miles (20 kilometers) - twice as high as airplanes - above the ground, Google said.

Like the Internet search engine for which Google is best known, Project Loon uses algorithms to determine where the balloons need to go, then moves them into winds blowing in the desired direction, the company said.

By moving with the wind, the balloons form a network of airborne hot spots that can deliver Internet access over a broad area at speeds comparable to 3G using open radio frequency bands, Google said.

To connect to the balloon network, a special Internet antenna is attached to buildings below.

The Mountain View, Calif-based company announced the project on its official blog here, and its website www.google.com/loon/.

The 30 balloons deployed in New Zealand this month will beam Internet to a small group of pilot testers and be used to refine the technology and shape the next phase of Project Loon, Google said.

Google did not say what it was spending on the pilot project or how much a global network of balloons might cost.

Google has also developed self-driving vehicles, which the company says could significantly increase driving safety.

Those vehicles are beginning to gain support from lawmakers in places like California, where a bill legalizing their operation on state roads was signed into law last by Governor Jerry Brown.

10 new technologies that will revolutionise your life

Staying up to date with everything that's going on in PCs and tech is almost impossible, so these are the ten technologies that you should be most aware of, as they're the ones that'll make the biggest difference to your life.

1. 3D gaming

The fact that to get any kind of 3D image from a 2D screen means wearing a pair of sunglasses or worse means that three dimensional gaming isn't quite as convincing as multitouch and natural user interfaces, even though the two have been commoditised at almost the same time.

An Acer Aspire 5738 laptop with a 3D display costs about £550 at the moment, not bad for something with cutting edge technology that adds depth to any DirectX 9 game. The screen is of the polarised filter type, which is the new norm for extra dimensions.

Laptop Buying Guide : some essential tips

While tablets get all the attention these days, there’s a reason why laptops continue to be the computing device of choice for most people. Laptops offer real keyboards for faster typing, they’re better at multitasking, and they offer a lot more power for everything from editing video and creating PowerPoints to playing the latest games. So what type of laptop should you get?

There’s a wide variety of sizes, features and prices, which makes choosing the right laptop a challenge. That’s why you need to figure out what your needs are. To make the right call, just follow these eight tips.

1. Mac or Windows?

This is not an easy question to answer, especially if you’ve never considered making the switch from Windows to Mac. But this quick overview of each platform’s strengths and weaknesses should help.

          Windows 8

Windows notebooks are generally more affordable (starting under $400) and offer a much wider range of design choices from more than a dozen major vendors. Unlike Apple, Microsoft and its partners allow users to buy notebooks with touch screens, as well as convertible designs that let you easily transform from notebook to tablet mode.

If you’re used to the Windows interface, but haven’t tried Windows 8, you may be in for a jarring surprise. The new OS has replaced the Start menu with a tile-based start screen and a raft of new full-screen, touch-friendly apps. However, Windows 8 still has a desktop mode for running all your existing apps. Many vendors offer Windows 7 as an option if you custom configure your notebook online.

In general, Windows notebooks provide more business-friendly features such as biometric and smartcard verification and Intel vPro systems management.

        Apple OS X Mountain Lion

Apple’s MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros offer an easy-to-use operating system in OS X Mountain Lion. In fact, some say Mountain Lion is easier to navigate than the newer and bolder Windows 8. MacBooks offer iOS-like features such as Launch Pad for your apps, superior multitouch gestures, and Auto Save and Resume so you can pick up on your work right where you left off.

MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros also tend to outclass most Windows machines when it comes to industrial design, the touchpad and display quality. While Windows PCs offer more software choices, Apple makes it easier to find and install programs with the Mac App Store. However, Apple’s notebooks start at $999.

MORE: Windows 8 vs OS X Mountain Lion: Which OS is Best?

2. Choose the Right Size

Before you decide anything else, you need to figure out just how portable you need your laptop to be. Laptops are usually categorized by their display sizes:

11 to 12 inches: The thinnest and lightest systems around have 11- to 12-inch screens and typically weigh 3 to 3.5 pounds. However, at this size, the screen and keyboard will be a bit too cramped for some users.

 11-inch Laptop Reviews and 12-inch Laptop Reviews

13 to 14 inches: Provides the best balance of portability and usability. Laptops with 13- or 14-inch screens usually weigh between 3.5 and 4.5 pounds and fit easily on your lap while still providing generously sized keyboards and screens. Shoot for a system with a total weight under 4 pounds, if possible.

13-inch Laptop Reviews

15 inches: The most popular size, 15-inch laptops are usually quite bulky and heavy at 5 to 6.5 pounds, but also cost the least. If you’re not planning to carry your notebook around often or use it on your lap, a 15-inch system could be a good deal for you. Some 15-inch models have DVD drives, but you’ll save weight if you skip it.

15-inch Laptop Reviews

17 to 18 inches: If your laptop stays on your desk all day every day, a 17- or 18-inch system could provide you with the kind of processing power you need to play high-end games or do workstation-level productivity. Because of their girth, laptops this size can pack in high-voltage quad-core CPUs, power-hungry graphics chips and multiple storage drives. Just don’t think about carrying these 7 pound-plus systems anywhere.

17-inch Laptop Reviews

3. Check That Keyboard and Touchpad

The most impressive specs in the world don’t mean diddly if the laptop you’re shopping for doesn’t have good ergonomics. Does the keyboard have solid tactile feedback and enough space between the keys? Is the touchpad smooth to operate or jumpy? Do the mouse buttons have a satisfying click, or do they feel mushy? How well do multitouch gestures work? You should be able to zoom in and out with ease, as well as select text with the touchpad without the cursor skipping around.

If you’re shopping for a Windows 8 notebook, test the touchpad to make sure that gestures don’t activate accidentally as you get close to the edges.

In general, Apple and Lenovo offer the best keyboards and touchpads. Dell and HP are generally pretty reliable in this category, too.

MORE: 5 Things Your Next Notebook Keyboard Should Have

4. Know Your Specs

Notebook specs such as CPU, hard drive, RAM and graphics chip can confuse even notebook aficionados, so don’t feel bad if spec sheets look like alphabet soup to you. What you need really depends on what you plan to do with your laptop. More intensive tasks such as 3D gaming and HD video-editing require more expensive components.

Here are the main components to keep an eye on. 

CPU: The least expensive laptops on the market have AMD E Series or Intel Pentium CPUs, which will struggle to handle serious productivity or media tasks but can handle Web surfing. Don’t settle for less than an Intel Core i3 CPU or AMD A Series. If you’re spending more than $500, demand at least an Intel Core i5 CPU, which is capable of increasing its clock speed dynamically when you need more performance. Power users and gamers should settle for no less than Core i7 system, preferably a quad-core chip.

RAM: When it comes to memory, or RAM, even the cheapest notebooks have 4GB these days so don’t settle for less. If you can get a system with 6 or 8GB, you’ll be better prepared for high-end applications and lots of multitasking.

Hard Drive: For most users, a fast drive is more important than a large one. If you have a choice, go for a 7,200-rpm hard drive over a 5,400-rpm unit. Even if you have several movies and games on your hard drive, a 320GB should provide more than enough space, but 500GB or 750GB drives usually don’t cost much more.

Flash Cache: Any Ultrabook and some other notebooks come with 8, 16 or 32GB flash caches you can use to increase performance. While not as fast as an SSD, a flash cache will help boost load and boot times while allowing you to store all your data on a large hard drive.

Solid State Drives (SSDs): These drives cost quite a bit more than traditional hard drives and come with less capacity (usually 128 to 256GB), but they dramatically improve performance. You’ll enjoy faster boot times, faster resume times, and faster application open times. Plus, because SSDs don’t have moving parts such as mechanical drives, failure is much less of an issue.

Display: The more pixels you have, the more content you can fit on-screen, and the sharper it will look. Most budget and mainstream notebooks come with 1366 x 768-pixel resolutions. However, if you have the option, choose a laptop with a higher pixel count 1600 x 900 or 1920 x 1080 —always go for the highest res you can get. You’ll see more of your favorite Web pages, multitask better and have a better movie-watching experience. Full HD panels (1920 x 1080) cost about $150 more than your typical display, but are worth the splurge, especially on larger screens.

Touch Screen: Windows 8 is simply more fun and immersive with a touch screen, but if your laptop is not a hybrid with a bendable or rotatable screen, you can probably live without it. Though you can get a touch-screen system for under $500 these days, the difference in price between similarly configured systems with and without touch is $100 to $150.

Graphics Chip: For the most part, an integrated graphics chip (one that shares system memory) will be fine for basic tasks, including surfing the Web, watching video and even playing some mainstream games. But a discrete graphics processor from AMD or Nvidia (which has dedicated video memory) will provide better performance when it comes to the most-demanding games. Plus, a good GPU can accelerate video playback on sites such as Hulu, as well as speed up video editing.

As with CPUs there are both high- and low-end graphics chips. Nvidia maintains a list of its graphics chips from low to high end as does AMD. In general, workstations and gaming notebooks will have the best GPUs, including dual graphics on the most expensive systems.

DVD/Blu-ray Drives. Fewer and fewer laptops these days come with optical drives. That’s because you can download most software and download or stream video from the Web. Unless you burn discs or want to watch Blu-ray movies, you don’t need one of these drives and can save as much as half a pound of weight by avoiding them. At this point, DVD drives are a safety blanket.

5. Hybrid or Traditional Notebook?

Since the launch of Windows 8, we’ve seen a number of hybrid laptop designs that double as tablets. These include the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga, which has a screen that bends back 360 degrees to turn into a slate, tablets that pop off of their keyboards like the HP Envy x2 and notebooks with slide-out keyboards like the Sony VAIO Duo 11.

In most cases, these devices don’t provide as good of a slate experience as dedicated tablets or as strong of a notebook experience as clamshell-only devices. If you like the idea of occasionally using your laptop in slate mode, a convertible like the Yoga is a versatile choice. But if you want the flexibility of using your device as standalone tablet, a detachable design is best.

6. Don’t Skimp on Battery Life

Even if you only plan to move your laptop from the desk to the couch and the bed or from your cubicle to the conference room, battery life matters. Nobody wants to be chained to a power outlet, even if there’s a socket within reach. If you’re buying a 15-inch notebook, look for at least 4 hours of endurance. Those who plan to be fairly mobile should shop for notebooks that offer more than 5 hours of battery life, with 6-plus hours being ideal.

If given the choice, pay extra for an extended battery; you won’t regret it. Keep in mind that some notebooks (such as the MacBook Air) feature sealed batteries that you can’t easily upgrade yourself.

To determine a notebook’s expected battery life, read third-party results from objective sources — LAPTOP notebook reviews, for example — rather than taking the manufacturer’s word for it. Your actual battery life will vary depending on your screen brightness and what tasks you perform (video eats more juice than Web surfing).

7. How Much Can You Get for Your Money?

These days, you can buy a usable laptop for under $500, but if you can budget more, you’ll get a system with better build quality, longer battery life, a sharper screen and stronger performance. Here’s what you can get for each price point.

$400 to $600: For well under $600, you can get a notebook with an Intel Core i5 or AMD A8 CPU, 4 to 8GB of RAM, and a 500GB hard drive, all respectable specs. However, at this price point, most notebooks have cheap plastic chassis, low-res screens and weak battery life. However, at this price point, most notebooks have cheap plastic chassis, low-res screens and weak battery life, but you can occasionally find a touch screen.

$600 to $800: As you get above $600, you’ll start to see more premium designs, such as metal finishes. Manufacturers also start to add in other features as you climb the price ladder, including better audio and backlit keyboards. You may also be able to get a screen with a resolution that’s 1600 x 900 or higher and a flash cache.

Above $800: At this price range, expect notebooks that are more portable, more powerful or both. Expect higher resolution screens, faster processors and possibly discrete graphics. The lightest, longest-lasting ultraportables like the MacBook Air and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 carbon tend to cost more than $1,000. High-end gaming systems and mobile workstations usually cost upward of $1,500 or even as much as $2,500 or $3,000.

8. The Brand Matters

Your laptop is only as good as the company that stands behind it. Accurate and timely technical support is paramount, which is why LAPTOP evaluates every major brand in our annual Tech Support Showdown. This past year Sony came in first place, followed by Apple and Samsung.

Support is only part of what makes a notebook brand worth your money. You also have to consider how the manufacturer stacks up to the competition in terms of design, value and selection, review performance, and other criteria. In our 2013 Best and Worst Laptop Brands report, Apple placed first, followed by Lenovo and ASUS.

10 Things to Look for When Buying a Laptop

Warranty and life cycle

Buying consumer electronics is always a battle against irrelevancy. It's tough to buy something that will be outdated in just a few months, but there's always new gear just beyond the horizon -- you can't put off a purchase forever. To maximize the value of a laptop purchase, buy shortly after a product refresh. New systems usually come out shortly after Intel launches new processors. Look up review for laptops. See a model that was highly rated but came out nine months ago? A newer version will probably be along within a few months. Don't buy a laptop months into its release cycle unless you're shopping on a budget and spy a killer deal.
Picking a warranty isn't an easy decision, either. If you're clumsy and accident prone (or paranoid), opting for a long warranty will put your mind at ease. But it will also cost you an extra hundred dollars or more, depending on the kind of coverage you choose. Total coverage packages for accidents are expensive, but you'll be glad you have it if you accidentally step on your screen and break the LCD. And there's nothing wrong with going for the cheapest limited warranty you can -- just don't drop your new laptop!






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Security features

We keep mountains of personal information on our computers. There's always a risk when storing information digitally and on the Internet, but laptops elevate that risk by being much easier to steal than desktop machines. Some laptops, specifically those aimed at business and enterprise users, are built with these concerns in mind. For example, fingerprint scanners are found on plenty of business PCs and require users to pass a scan before logging into the operating system.
Many laptops also include Kensington security slots. Security cables are attached to these slots to bolt a laptop to a table or kiosk. Ever look at laptops at a store like Best Buy? Then you've probably seen one of these in action. Durability is another factor when it comes to security: To ensure no data loss happens due to a butterfingers moment, Panasonic sells ToughBook laptops designed to survive a nasty drop onto unforgiving concrete.
Laptop security features can help protect you, but never assume they'll keep your data safe from determined crooks. Being careful with your laptop is the best way to protect it. And that brings us to our final tip: choosing a warranty and judging laptop release cycles to know when to buy.

Ports and Expandability

Every computer user is familiar with the USB port, but not everyone is aware that a much faster update to the standard, USB 3.0, is slowly spreading through the computer industry. USB 3.0 can be 10 times faster than its predecessor in real-world usage, delivering transfer speeds of up to 400 megabytes per second [source: EverythingUSB]. Even if you don't own any USB 3.0 hardware right now, consider future proofing when buying a new laptop. You might be really thankful you have that USB 3.0 port down the road.

There are other ports to consider as well. Do you want HDMI to output video to a TV? Do you need an SD card slot for downloading digital camera photos to your laptop? Will you need an Ethernet port for Internet or will a laptop's built-in WiFi connection be enough?

If you plan on keeping a laptop for several years, learn how customizable or expandable it is. For example, Apple's laptops are known for their build quality -- and for being locked down and difficult to perform maintenance on. The batteries are integrated, rather than removable. Many PCs have removable batteries that can easily be swapped out or replaced.

Google your laptop to see if owners have found it easy to add additional RAM or swap out the hard drive. Either of those upgrades could give your laptop an extended lease on life sometime down the road, but some casings are much easier to open up than others. On a similar note, some laptops are especially designed to keep your data more secure. That's our next topic.

Optical Storage

Optical storage mediums have been key computer components since the first CD drives arrived on the scene, but cheap flash storage in the form of USB drives and cloud storage on the Internet have nearly eradicated their necessity. When was the last time you used a CD burner? Do you watch DVDs on your computer, or do you stream movies from Netflix? If you do either of those things regularly, or need to be able to burn DVDs or CDs for work, that's okay -- there are still plenty of laptops outfitted with CD/DVD combo drives. Blu-ray drives are even optional in a small selection of laptops, most commonly the media-focused 15-inch (38-centimeter) and 17-inch (43-centimeter) models.

If you're on the fence about needing a disc drive, educate yourself on cloud storage. Dropbox makes it easy to transfer files between multiple computers. Netflix makes it easy to stream movies and TV shows from the cloud. Spotify, Rdio, iTunes Match and a host of other music services allow you to stream music to your computer as long as you have an Internet connection. And there's always the option of using an external hard drive or flash drive to transfer files from a computer that does have a disc drive.

That brings us to another important consideration: making sure your laptop has all the ports you need.

Storage

For years, all laptops stored data on spinning physical discs called hard drives. Most of them still do, but faster solid state drives that use silicon-based memory are becoming more affordable and more prevalent in mobile computers. Because solid state drives don't rely on moving parts, they're more reliable in computers that tend to get bumped and jostled around. The downside: They're expensive and don't offer nearly as much data storage.

Storage space may not be a big concern for you -- if you store most of your data in the cloud and don't plan to load a computer up with gigabytes of music and video, a SSD or small HDD will suit you just fine. Random access memory (RAM) is a different story. Every piece of software running on a computer and the operating system itself (usually meaning Windows) stores data in RAM to function. The more RAM you have, the better -- it's smart to upgrade this component when possible. To run Windows 7, 4 gigabytes is a comfortable minimum.

Apple's MacBook Air and similar computers in the Ultrabook category of PCs are beginning to offer SSDs at reasonable prices. If you need more than 128GB of storage, best stick to a traditional hard drive, or be prepared to pay a pretty penny for an upgrade. Speedy SSD storage is fantastic, but in many cases going with a thin-and-light computer means giving up a disc drive and embracing the Internet cloud.

Processor and Graphics

There are three common screen sizes in the notebook industry: 13 inches (33 centimeters), 15 inches (38 centimeters) and 17 inches (43 centimeters). The smallest in this group of laptops obviously prioritize portability, and often forgo DVD drives to make their bodies thinner and lighter. The mid-size category has a bit more range: Some heavier systems operate as desktop replacements, while others are light enough to still be easily portable while offering large screens. The largest category of laptops are, well, pretty huge. They always offer high resolution displays and powerful hardware, but can easily weigh up to 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms).

Generally, 15-inch (38-centimeter) and especially 17-inch (43-centimeter) laptops are large enough to be decent TV/computer monitor substitutes for watching video, especially on the go. Smaller notebooks, measuring 11 to 14 inches (27.9 to 35.6 centimeters) may be a bit small for watching movies, depending on your personal taste. More importantly, their displays are often lower resolution. The resolution is the total number of pixels contained in the display -- more pixels allow for more content to be displayed on screen at once.

Resolutions typically range from 1366 by 768 -- just a bit larger than 720p -- to 1920 by 1080, aka 1080p. Laptop makers will often use lower resolution displays to cut costs. On the next page, we'll get into the processor and graphics card, two other critical components. But if you're comparing two computers, go for the higher resolution screen when possible, or choose an HD upgrade option if it's available.

A computer's processor determines how efficiently it can run programs, multi-task and basically do everything we expect of modern computers. Processors get faster and more efficient every year. Most Windows-based computers run on Intel's processors; smaller ultraportables, such as Apple's thin MacBook Air, run on ultra low voltage processors that draw less power than some of Apple's other chips. Quad-core chips deliver more powerful performance, but even dual-core processors are up to the task of playing 1080p video and running system-intensive programs like Photoshop.

The graphics processor, or GPU, is important when it comes to playing HD video and running games. Many laptops use integrated graphics rather than dedicated graphics chips. These are less powerful (and also less battery intensive), but powerful enough to decode 1080p video. Dedicated graphics chips are important for playing video games, but for the average computer user, the two components on the next page -- hard drive storage memory -- are more important.

Screen size and resolution

There are three common screen sizes in the notebook industry: 13 inches (33 centimeters), 15 inches (38 centimeters) and 17 inches (43 centimeters). The smallest in this group of laptops obviously prioritize portability, and often forgo DVD drives to make their bodies thinner and lighter. The mid-size category has a bit more range: Some heavier systems operate as desktop replacements, while others are light enough to still be easily portable while offering large screens. The largest category of laptops are, well, pretty huge. They always offer high resolution displays and powerful hardware, but can easily weigh up to 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms).

Generally, 15-inch (38-centimeter) and especially 17-inch (43-centimeter) laptops are large enough to be decent TV/computer monitor substitutes for watching video, especially on the go. Smaller notebooks, measuring 11 to 14 inches (27.9 to 35.6 centimeters) may be a bit small for watching movies, depending on your personal taste. More importantly, their displays are often lower resolution. The resolution is the total number of pixels contained in the display -- more pixels allow for more content to be displayed on screen at once.

Resolutions typically range from 1366 by 768 -- just a bit larger than 720p -- to 1920 by 1080, aka 1080p. Laptop makers will often use lower resolution displays to cut costs. On the next page, we'll get into the processor and graphics card, two other critical components. But if you're comparing two computers, go for the higher resolution screen when possible, or choose an HD upgrade option if it's available.

Size and resolution

The size and power of a laptop affects how much room there is in the body for a battery (and how quickly it's drained). Next up: finding that size and weight sweet spot.

Heavy laptops kill mobility. In 2011, computer processor maker Intel began pushing an ultrabook category that focuses on lightweight systems -- usually weighing about 3 pounds (1.3 kilograms) -- to make use of its ultra low voltage CPUs. Ultrabooks do away with disc drives and focus on portability, long battery life and a starting price range of $800 to $1000. These laptops aren't powerful enough for some users, and do away with a disc drive others find important, but they demonstrate a trend towards lightweight notebooks that are extremely portable.

Pounds add up quickly. Most 15-inch (38-centimeter) laptops often weigh around 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms), which is a manageable weight to carry between home and the office every day. But some laptops creep up into the 7 to 8 pound (3.2 to 3.6 kilogram) range, and laptops that heavy can easily be relegated to at-home machines due to their weight.

There are a couple ways to get around the weight issue. You can always shop for a brand like Sony's Vaio, which makes weight a priority concern. The downside: Vaios are more expensive than other notebooks with similar performance. Second option: Go for a computer with a smaller screen.

Size and weight

Heavy laptops kill mobility. In 2011, computer processor maker Intel began pushing an ultrabook category that focuses on lightweight systems -- usually weighing about 3 pounds (1.3 kilograms) -- to make use of its ultra low voltage CPUs. Ultrabooks do away with disc drives and focus on portability, long battery life and a starting price range of $800 to $1000. These laptops aren't powerful enough for some users, and do away with a disc drive others find important, but they demonstrate a trend towards lightweight notebooks that are extremely portable.

Pounds add up quickly. Most 15-inch (38-centimeter) laptops often weigh around 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms), which is a manageable weight to carry between home and the office every day. But some laptops creep up into the 7 to 8 pound (3.2 to 3.6 kilogram) range, and laptops that heavy can easily be relegated to at-home machines due to their weight.

There are a couple ways to get around the weight issue. You can always shop for a brand like Sony's Vaio, which makes weight a priority concern. The downside: Vaios are more expensive than other notebooks with similar performance. Second option: Go for a computer with a smaller screen.

Battery Life

Laptop computing is all about mobility, and battery life is perhaps the most crucial consideration when picking a laptop that's going to be used regularly on the go. If you're in the market for a desktop replacement system -- meaning you'll mostly just leave it on your desk and don't plan on regularly taking it on trips -- battery life isn't quite as critical. Otherwise, pay close attention to how long a laptop's battery will last.

As laptops get slimmer and designers pay more attention to making them sleek and compact, more and more systems use integrated non-removable batteries. The trade off for that sleeker laptop body is that it's impossible to buy a backup battery and swap the two out to double battery life. Finally, always be skeptical of claimed battery life times. The numbers that laptop makers convey often refer to light usage with a dimmed screen. Assume you'll get 1 to 2 hours less than claimed while browsing the Web and running multiple applications -- and possibly even less if you're playing games or doing something else that taxes the computer.

The size and power of a laptop affects how much room there is in the body for a battery (and how quickly it's drained). Next up: finding that size and weight sweet spot.

Analyse usage of your System

We're not all looking for the same qualities in a laptop, and the kind of programs you want to run determine your demands in the categories that follow. First, consider why you're buying a laptop. Is it to make PowerPoint presentations, take notes and do other simple business tasks? Or do you plan on watching HD movies, playing video games and video chatting with your friends?

Figure out how much you can afford to spend on a laptop and find the best system in that price range with the features you need. Our first example above, for business use, would be a pretty cheap laptop -- you can easily spend less than $1000 on a model that will run Microsoft Office and other productivity software. Another factor to consider: Do you want a Mac or a PC?

While Apple's laptops are pricier than many PCs, there are only a few Apple notebook models to choose from. Apple's extremely light MacBook Air models start at $1000 and are fast, capable machines, but lack disc drives unlike the larger, more powerful MacBook Pros. The least expensive 13-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1200, while the 15-inch jumps up to a pricey $1800.

If you're looking for a PC, there's a whole lot of hardware to be familiar with before you pick out a winning system. First up: battery life.

Disadvantages about Protein Powder

Protein shakes have a lot of positives, including convenience, portability, easily digestible nutrients and low calorie counts. But they also have plenty of downsides, ranging from subpar nutrition to serious health risks. If you’re about to make shakes a regular fixture of your diet, talk the plan over with your physician before proceeding.

Incomplete Nutrition

Protein shakes are designed to be heavy on protein, but that means they often fail at providing significant amounts of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Even if a commercial protein shake or supplement is fortified, it won’t offer the same kind or level of nutrition as whole foods. According to Mayo Clinic physicians, whole foods always have the benefit over supplement products such as shakes, because they contain naturally occurring fiber, antioxidants, phytochemicals and other protective substances that can’t be reproduced.

Sustainability Issues

Nutritionist and registered dietitian Katherine Zeratsky acknowledges that replacing some meals with protein shakes may be used as part of a successful weight loss strategy, but their use becomes less viable when used for the long term. You may develop nutrient deficiencies if you replace too many meals with shakes or you could regain the weight you had lost after you return to your previous eating habits.

5 Daily Tips for get a Flat abs

Flat abs is an imagination of all girls and women but some are junk eaters and some came from mommy journey and missing their bodies real shape. But ladies don’t worry for your fat tummy because you can get your flat abs back by taking these five steps. I am not saying these are easy but they are manageable for every girl or woman who desires to wear its bikini in summer holidays.

Workout for Healthy Start:

Abs muscles need toning because after eating fat or delivery our skin got lose and only trying to eat less is not the solution for that lose muscles and skin. Start your day by doing some inner muscle toning workouts like lay down and pull up your head exercise. It will start trimming your belly.

Breakfast should be taken:

Breakfast is a first meal of the day and after 8-10 hours sleep you are refueling yourself. So eat healthy dairy product, like fresh milk with low fat and some oat meal, boiled egg, or fresh fruit juice. Remember that eating healthy makes you fit and over eating makes you fat.

Avoid Gassy Foods:

Some foods make gas problem or create bloating. Avoid these foods because they create difficulty in muscle flexibility and skin tightening. Foods which are salty, fried, spicy, soda beverages, artificial sweetener, too much fruits intake, or gassy veggies like broccoli should be avoided.

Calories intake:

UK Department of Health Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) is a daily calorie intake of 1940 calories per day for women and 2550 for men. But it`s also depend on our life style too that how we consume that calories intake. Reduce your calories intake by swapping some junks to healthy foods which makes approximately 500 calories cut and will makes 1lb loss in a week. Make yourself full with healthy and low calorie stuff. Losing some pounds makes a positive effect on your abs.

Cardio Training:

To melt fat faster is only possible if you also do some cardio training too. It’s time to get serious because according to metabolic experts after the age of 30 our metabolism start slowing down and it`s become more difficult to reduce body fat by just changing diet and no cardio. High-intensity exercise burns calories fastest but maintain balance ratio for all body not on just your abs.

Swimming Benefits

Scientists do, and their findings may change the way you feel about taking the plunge.

Human waste, it seems, can be resistant to being neutralised by pool sanitation chemicals like chlorine. The US centers for Disease Control and Prevention collected water samples from 161 filters in public and private swimming pools and found that more than half of the samples were contaminated with E.Coli which, researchers say, comes from one primary source: human fecal matter.

The main problem is not swimmers taking a dump in the pool but they're not washing themselves off before taking a dip. 

According to the scientists, each person carries about 0.14 grams of fecal matieral into the water. A US swimming pool expert had this advice for swimmers following the report: don't take a dip in cloudy water and you should always be able to see the bottom of the pool cleary.

1: You Just Might Live Longer

If the previous nine reasons weren't enough to convince you of the health benefits of swimming, perhaps this one will: It can keep you from dying.

Actually, we're not promising Aquaman-like immortality, but it seems that swimming can at least help you avoid dying prematurely. Researchers at the University of South Carolina followed 40,547 men, aged 20 to 90, for 32 years and discovered that those who swam had a 50 percent lower death rate than runners, walkers or men who got no exercise. The study authors concluded that the same benefits would be received by aqua-women as well as men

2: Lower Stress, Higher Spirits and a Better Brain

William Wilson wrote in the 1883 book, "The Swimming Instructor": "The experienced swimmer, when in the water, may be classed among the happiest of mortals in the happiest of moods, and in the most complete enjoyment of the happiest of exercises."

Wilson probably didn't know this in the 19th century, but all that happiness was likely due to the release of feel-good chemicals known as endorphins -- one of swimming's most pleasant side effects. In addition to a natural high, swimming can also evoke the relaxation response the same way yoga works on the body. This is due in large part to the constant stretching and relaxing of your muscles combined with deep rhythmic breathing. Swimming is also a meditative exercise, with the sound of your own breathing and the splash of the water acting as a mantra of sorts that can help you "drown out" all other distractions.

Aside from the metaphysical benefits of swimming, research has shown that it can actually change the brain for the better through a process known as hippocampal neurogenesis, in which the brain replaces cells lost through stress

3: Lower Risk of Diabetes

When it comes to warding off diabetes, there are few prescriptions as powerful as aerobic exercise. In one study, men reduced their risk of diabetes by an average of 6 percent for every 500 calories a week they burned in aerobic exercise [source: Bobalik]. With just 30 minutes of breaststroke swimming three times per week, you could burn 900 calories -- reducing your risk of contracting type 2 diabetes by over 10 percent. A study that focused on women also suggested the same benefits for the fairer sex: Vigorous exercise just once a week (like the kind derived from a robust swimming session) lowered their risk of contracting type 2 diabetes by 16 percent over inactive women [source: Bobalik].

And, if you already have type 1 diabetes, the aerobic benefits of swimming can be particularly helpful, as this type of exercise can increase insulin sensitivity [source: University of Maryland].

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetics should get 150 minutes per week, spread across at least three days per week, of moderate-intensity physical activity like swimming to aid glycemic control.

4: Improved Cholesterol

Being healthy is more about having the right ratio of cholesterol in your body than just having low amounts of the stuff in your blood. Specifically, it's beneficial to have higher levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL) and lower levels of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol.

Swimming can get these levels in the right balance thanks to its aerobic power, which has been proven to raise HDL levels. And for every 1 percent increase in HDL cholesterol, the risk of dying from heart disease drops by 3.5 percent [source: Bobalik].

What's more, studies have shown that aerobic exercises like swimming can also keep your endothelium in good shape. What's your endothelium, you might wonder? It's the thin layer of cells that lines your arteries, and it tends to lose flexibility as you age. In one study of people in their sixties who participated in aerobic exercise, however, endothelium function was found to be equal to those 30 to 40 years younger. The theory is that because aerobic exercise causes arteries to expand and contract, it keeps them fit

5: Improved Asthma Symptoms

Unlike exercising in the often dry air of the gym, or contending with seasonal allergies or frigid winter air, swimming provides the chance to work out in moist air, which can help reduce exercise-induced asthma symptoms.

Not only can pool workouts help you avoid asthma attacks if you're prone to them, some studies have shown that swimming can actually improve the condition overall. According to a study published in the scholarly journal, Respirology, when a group of kids completed a six-week swimming program, they saw improvements in symptom severity, snoring, mouth-breathing, and hospitalizations and emergency room visits [source: Science Daily]. What's more, the health benefits were still apparent a year after the swimming program had ended [source: Physorg].

Even those without asthma could benefit from swimming, say the study's authors, as the exercise can increase lung volume and teach proper breathing techniques.

6: Weight Control

For some time, some people thought that because water is generally cooler than our body temperatures, it would be difficult to lose weight with a water workout. Like many old ideas about exercise, this has since been revised: Swimming is now recognized as one of the biggest calorie burners around, and it's great for keeping weight under control.

The exact number of calories you burn, of course, depends on your own physiology and the intensity with which you exercise, but as a general rule, for every 10 minutes of swimming: the breast stroke will burn 60 calories; the backstroke torches 80; the freestyle lights up 100; and the butterfly stroke incinerates an impressive 150.

To boost the calorie-burning component of swimming, consider using intervals in which you work your hardest for short bursts and then recover. One way to structure this kind of workout would be to swim 50 yards (45.7 meters) then rest for 10 seconds, then 100 yards (91.4 meters) with a 10-second rest, then 150 yards (137.1 meters) -- all the way up to 300 yards (274.3 meters) with rests in between. When you reach 300 yards, reverse the pattern 

7: A Healthier Heart

In addition to toning visible muscles like pectorals, triceps and quads, swimming also helps improve the most important muscle in our bodies: the heart.

Because swimming is an aerobic exercise, it serves to strengthen the heart, not only helping it to become larger, but making it more efficient in pumping -- which leads to better blood flow throughout your body. Research also shows that aerobic exercise can combat the body's inflammatory response as well -- a key link in the chain that can lead to heart disease [source: Columbia University Medical Center].

If that's not enough to get you moving in the pool, the American Heart Association reports that just 30 minutes of exercise per day, such as swimming, can reduce coronary heart disease in women by 30 to 40 percent. Additionally, an analysis by the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that regular aerobic exercise could reduce blood pressure 

8: Improved Flexibility

Unlike exercise machines in a gym that tend to isolate one body part at a time (like a bicep curl machine, for example), swimming puts the body through a broad range of motion that helps joints and ligaments stay loose and flexible. The arms move in wide arcs, the hips are engaged as the legs scissor through the water, and the head and spine twist from side to side. Plus, with every stroke, as you reach forward, you're lengthening the body, which not only makes it more efficient in the water, it also helps give you a good stretch from head to toe.

To improve your flexibility beyond the natural gains you'll make by swimming, you might also want to finish your pool workout with a series of gentle stretches. The support of the water should help you maintain positions involving tricky balance -- such as a quadriceps stretch -- for longer periods of time.

9: Increased Muscle Tone and Strength

Ever see a flabby dolphin or a weak-looking competitive swimmer? We didn't think so. That's because swimming is a great way to increase muscular strength and muscle tone -- especially compared to several other aerobic exercises.

Take running, for example. When a jogger takes few laps around the track, that jogger is only moving his or her body through air. A swimmer, on the other hand, is propelling himself through water -- a substance about twelve times as dense as air [source: Yeager]. That means that every kick and every arm stroke becomes a resistance exercise -- and it's well known that resistance exercises are the best way to build muscle tone and strength.

There's yet another bonus of a watery workout: Swimming has also been shown to improve bone strength -- especially in post-menopausal women

10: The Ability to Do More with Less

Swimming offers something no other aerobic exercise does: the ability to work your body without harsh impact to your skeletal system. When the human body is submerged in water, it automatically becomes lighter. When immersed to the waist, your body bears just 50 percent of its weight; dunk yourself to the chest and that number reduces to around 25 to 35 percent; with water all the way to the neck, you only have to bear 10 percent of your own weight. The other 90 percent is handled by the pool.

This means that the pool provides an ideal place to work stiff muscles and sore joints, especially if you're overweight or suffer from arthritis.

In its recommendation for the right types of exercise for people with arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation suggests those that stretch muscles, those that strengthen muscles, and those that provide an aerobic workout. A few laps in the pool combine all three!

If the pool is heated, so much the better for arthritis sufferers, as the warm water can help loosen stiff joints. In fact, people with rheumatoid arthritis receive greater benefits to their health after participating in hydrotherapy than with other activities. It's also been proven that water-based exercise improves the use of affected joints and decreases pain from osteoarthritis

A good facial

There are facials that are supposed to do different things, but really all facials are cleansing and rejuvenating so choosing any kind of facial will result in a soothing experience. Facials are an excellent way to keep your skin healthy and looking young.

There are a few different parts to a facial and all are beneficial and add to the overall experience. The first part of a facial is the cleansing process which rids the skin of all contaminants and oils on the surface. The cleansing process prepares the skin for the more in-depth cleansing and rejuvenating to happen later on in the process.

Face massage

which is crucial to the overall method the massage increases and improves the blood circulation in the face, helping toxins and waste leave the body.Following the massage you undergo a facial steam that helps release more toxins in your skin and makes it easier to dislodge blackheads and whiteheads.

The last step is the facial mask, which can do a myriad of things for your skin depending on the type you receive. This step gives your skin more tone and clarity, putting the perfect finishing touch to your face.

There are quite a few different kinds of facials and they all do slightly different things. This is where your esthetician can help you figure out what would be best for what you want.

Clean up and normal facials: your basic facial (as described above) including cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing. The clean up facial is best for people under 25.

Special facial:

More intense moisturizing, uses special rejuvenation and cleansing techniques. This is good for people with sensitive skin.Bio-lift facial: aimed to reduce dark circles under the eyes, tightens and tones skin

AHA facials:

Targets aging signs, focuses on making skin smoother, healthier, and more youthful looking

Paraffin facial: used often for brides, enhances radiance of skin

Anti-oxidant facials: Pollutants removed and skin is deep cleansed. This is great for people who are outdoors often.

Acne facial:

Targets blemishes and fights acne on teenagers and adults. To be effective, this facial should be done every two weeks until problem subsides.

Collagen facial: targets environmental damage, wrinkles, and dark circles and can be used on all skin types

Aromatherapy facial: relaxes body and mind while still rejuvenating skin

Galvanic facial: works best with dry skin, intense moisturizing, aids in clearing up congestion

Gold facial: uses twenty-four caret gold, results in increased softness, smoothness, resilience, elasticity, and radiance, induces faster cell regeneratio

Skin Polishing

Skin polishing is one of the ways to enhance the beauty of skin. You can try skin polishing remedies either by visiting beauty parlours or at home. Read on to know how you can carry out skin polishing technique at home for enhancing the beauty of your skin naturally.

Benifit of Skin Polishing

Our skin is exposed to a variety of things like sun rays, dust, pollution and many more. This makes it lose the natural luster and shine. Well, we need to exfoliate our skin at regular intervals so that we can protect it from the adverse effects of these attacking
elements.

Skin care has always been an important part of the routine for every man and woman. But, the amount of exposure and roughness that our skin faces these days, the time given to it in the hectic schedule is very less. However, the best thing is that we can exfoliate or polish our skin at home and you do not even have to spend a lot of time for that.

Skin Polishing at Home

The basic things that we need for skin polishing at home are as follows:

Pure olive oil
Exfoliating sugar body scrub
Pumice stone
Skin exfoliating kit
Starting from the face, you should keep in mind that the skin of the face is sensitive and so you need gentle exfoliant for that. First use warm water to moisten your face and then use the exfoliant. Using circular motion gently rub taking care of the soft areas around eyes. If you suffer from acne, avoid mechanical polishing and also use a facial peel before this so that your skin gets smoother.

To polish your body, take a warm water bath and steam up your bathroom. Apply olive oil all over the body and wait for 10 minutes. Apply gentle sugar body scrub all over your body with the help of polishing cloth. Make sure your movements are circular. You can apply slightly more pressure so that your skin gets exfoliated thoroughly. If you use pumice stone to rub
your knees, heels and elbows, apply Vaseline before you do that.

Now, you can rinse your body with warm water. Gently rub with your hands and you can leave the olive oil so that it keeps your body moisturised. Do not rub your skin with towel after polishing it. Pat dry and that too gently.

There is no need to rub your skin hard. Also, remember that it is enough to exfoliate your skin twice weekly. You will get a flawless and perfectly shining skin.

Natural Skin Polishing

There are some other combinations of elements for skin polishing.Sugar and strawberry scrub – Mix ½ spoon of almond oil, two ripe strawberries mashed and 10 teaspoons of raw sugar and prepare the body scrub.Baking soda and aloe vera – Take two tablespoon of baking soda and add fresh aloe vera juice to it.

Wheat flour and olive oil – Take two tablespoons of wheat flour and add half teaspoon of turmeric and half teaspoon of olive oil. Mix well and your body scrub is ready.

Now you have learnt the technique and you have some options too. Pamper your skin with these treatments and do give it a try. It will help you achieve the radiance you are looking for.

A visit to Munnar-one of the best attractive place in Asia

It is one of the attractions that contributed to Kerala's popularity as a travel destination among domestic and foreign travellers. Situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, and perched about 1600 m above sea level, the hill station of Munnar once used to be the summer resort of the erstwhile British administration in south India.

This hill station is marked by vast expanses of tea plantations, colonial bungalows, rivulets, waterfalls and cool weather. It is also an ideal destination for trekking and mountain biking.

Let us now explore some of the options in and around Munnar that would provide travellers ample opportunities to enjoy the captivating hill station of Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park
One of the main attractions near Munnar is the Eravikulam National Park. Located about 15 km from Munnar, this park is famous for its endangered inhabitant - the Nilgiri Tahr. Spread over an area of 97 sq. km., this park is also home to several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds. A great place for trekking, the park offers a magnificent view of the tea plantations and also the rolling hills caressed by blankets of mists. The park becomes a hot destination when the hill slopes here get covered in a carpet of blue, resulting from the flowering of Neelakurinji. It is a plant endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years. The last time it bloomed was in 2006.
Anamudi Peak
Located inside the Eravikulam National Park is the Anamudi Peak. This is the highest peak in south India standing at a height of over 2700 m. Treks to the peak are allowed with permission from the Forest and Wildlife authorities at Eravikulam.
Mattupetty
Another place of interest, located about 13 km from Munnar Town, is Mattupetty. Situated at a height of 1700 m above sea level, Mattupetty is known for its storage masonry dam and the beautiful lake, which offers pleasurable boat rides, enabling one to enjoy the surrounding hills and landscape. Mattupetty's fame is also attributed to the dairy farm run by the Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, where one would come across different high yielding breeds of cows. Mattupetty with its lush green tea plantations, rolling grasslands and the Shola forests is also ideal for trekking and is home to a variety of birds.
Pallivasal
Pallivasal, located at about 3 km from Chithirapuram in Munnar is the venue of the first Hydro-electric project in Kerala. It is a place of immense scenic beauty and is often favoured by visitors as a picnic spot.
Chinnakanal
Near the town of Munnar is Chinnakanal and the waterfalls here, popularly known as Power House Waterfalls, cascade down a steep rock 2000 m above sea level. The spot is enriched with the scenic view of the Western Ghat ranges.
Anayirangal
When you have traveled about seven kilometers from Chinnakanal, you reach Anayirangal. Anayirangal, 22 km from Munnar, is a lush green carpet of tea plants. A trip on the splendid reservoir is an unforgettable experience. The Anayirangal dam is surrounded by tea plantations and evergreen forests.
Top Station
Top Station, which is about 32 km from Munnar is at a height of 1700 m above sea level. It is the highest point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road. Travellers to Munnar make it a point to visit Top Station to enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the spots in Munnar to enjoy the Neelakurinji flowers blooming over a vast area.
Tea Museum
Munnar has a legacy of its own when it comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala's high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantations in Munnar. The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit.

10 Unique things to do in Munnar 1.) Watch the spectacular greenery of Tea meadows. 2.) Visit Rajmala, where you can see the rare species – Mountain Goat . 3.) Do 30 minutes boating in Mattupetty Dam.  4.) Do a shopping of Real spices from Munnar Town. 5.) Visit Tea Museum and know the method of manufacturing of Tea powder. 6.) Enjoy the misty locations of Munnar in Pothamedu, Lockheart point or Gap Road. 7.) Do a Jeep Safari to KOLUTHUMALAI and enjoy the mountain heights. (Please note: The drive is little hectic, because of the bad condition of the road.) 8.) Snap the shots with your Still / Video camera of the spectacular beauty of this unique nature. 9.)Participate in the campfire, at the Hotel / Resort- where you stay. 10.) Visit the waterfalls (Powerhouse, Nyamakkadu & Pallivasal), Dams (Mattupetty, Kundala, Echopoint & Anayirangal) and Rivers of Munnar.

Tour to Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is a beautiful seaside getaway famed for its heritage buildings, lip smacking seafood and the Chinese fishing nets that protrude into its emerald backwaters. Locally known as 'Cheenavala', a whole stretch of the coast along Fort Kochi and Vypeen are dotted with these nets.

It is believed that Chinese nets were introduced by traders who came from the court of Chinese king Kublai Khan. The sight of fishermen using these massive nets is worth seeing. However, the huge cost of maintenance and poor catch have forced many local fishermen to consider other alternatives for earning their livelihood. The sight of these fishing nets, supported by teak and bamboo poles, attracts large number of tourists. With the help of these fixed installations, fishermen are able to catch the fish, by operating the nets from the shore itself. The massive structure is operated in a gradual manner by a team of six fishermen. Usually, the catch is modest that gets sold within no time. You can even ask for the fish to be fried on the spot.

         10 Reasons To Visit Fort Kochi

A melting pot of European flavours, the tiny fishing village of Fort Kochi has transformed into a burgeoning urban town after being introduced to Portuguese, Dutch and British characters in the past. Find out what made it more than just a dot on the map of Kerala…By Ruchika Vyas

If you’re looking for a laid-back town away from the city that has more foreign tourists than Indians, then Fort Kochi is a good start. Throw in a bunch of cosy cafes and you won’t even miss city life. And if you’re a true-blooded traveller with the intent to explore, Fort Kochi’s growing cultural scenario, historic churches, unique Chinese fishing nets and innumerable homestays are sure to provide you with a holistic experience.

1) Visit the St. Francis Church

Known to be India’s first European church, it curiously transformed from a Roman Catholic Church during Portuguese rule (in 1503) to a Dutch Reformist Church (in 1664) to, finally, an Anglican Church (in 1804). Popular as the resting ground of Vasco da Gama, who was buried here in 1524, it attracts hundreds of tourists from all over the world; even though his remains were sent to Lisbon 14 years later.
If you’re a fan of fans, don’t forget to see the antique, hand-operated fans used here that are worked manually with ropes on either side.

2) Imbibe the cafe culture

Fort Kochi’s brewing café culture is overflowing. The cafés have increased at least by 10 per cent since i last went there four years ago. Two of my favourite cafés are Kashi Art Café on Burgher Street, which houses a small art gallery featuring local artists, and Teapot at Peter Celli , which displays over 100 different kinds of teapots (what else) and authentic tea chests innovatively used as tables.

3)

Discover the arts

Visiting Kerala and not viewing a kathakali performance is like going to Italy and not eating pizza. Get there early so you can go backstage and watch the performers wear their extravagant make-up and costumes before the show begins. If you’re not pressed for time, try and catch a concert featuring classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Mohiniyattam or Kalaripayattu (a traditional form of martial arts) demonstration, and if you’re lucky, a religious performance of the flamboyant Theyyam. If you’re inspired to stay on and become a professional, you could always enroll in a short class at a dance academy.

4) Stay at the Old Harbour Hotel

The first hotel in Fort Kochi, Old Harbour Hotel was built in a distinct Dutch architectural style, and yet resonates with Portuguese influences as well. Formerly a residence to employees of English tea-broking firms, this heritage structure was refurbished by proprietor Edgar Pinto together with German architect Karl Damschen. I found it quite intriguing that the rooms are named after the many streets in Fort Kochi.

5) The spa experience

People come to Kerala from all over the world just to soak in a traditional Ayurvedic treatment, so make sure you don’t leave without trying one. Since the practice originated here, the options are endless, but one of the most popular treatments is Shirodhara, a gentle pouring of herbal oils over the forehead to treat a variety of conditions.

6) Find out how the Chinese fishing nets work

While strolling along Vasco da Gama Square, pause for a moment and witness the gallant Chinese fishing nets being operated by fishermen on a daily basis. Called cheenavala in Malayalam, they work on the principle of balance. Fort Kochi is the only place in India that uses them. Get there around sunset for an unparalleled view of the nets bearing a cloak of stunning colours; you’ll thank me for it.

7) Explore nearby towns, Mattancherry and Jew Town

In Mattancherry, the Palace Museum is worth a visit. It features murals, art and royal paraphernalia of the Rajas of Kochi.
Jew Town houses the oldest Jewish Synagogue in India. It is said that even though Jews arrived in Kerala in 700 BC and built a prosperous community in this little town, there are now less than 13 Jewish residents, due to the majority’s migration to Israel. One of the prime reasons for the migration and a decline in population is a lack of suitable co-religious marriage partners.

8) Try a homestay

Staying with a Kerelite family is ideal for solo travellers looking to imbibe the local culture and sample the cuisine. Who doesn’t like home-cooked food? Fort Kochi has more than 100 homestays to fit every budget, so poke around and ask fellow travellers for recommendations before you make a choice. My personal recommendation is Sithara Homestay, located on Lily Street. The rooms are spacious and clean, and the family makes for a great host.

9) Shop!

Aside from the usual suspects like apparel, the narrow by-lanes of Kochi are lined with curio shops selling various items such as vintage lamps, statues, silver jewellery and handicrafts. Be sure to carry your best bargaining skills and wear the ‘I can get this somewhere else’ look. Owing to this town’s history of spice trading, you can also take home spices like cardamom, cloves and pepper in abundance.

10) Walk…

Fort Kochi is the perfect example of a place that is best explored on foot. It is neither so vast that you would get lost, nor too small that you wouldn’t enjoy the trail. Although it is a fairly popular tourist hub—with a large number of people from international shores—it is far less crowded than you would expect.




Fort Kochi beach as well as the St. Francis Church attract quite a number of tourists. The church built in 1503 is the oldest European Church in India, where the explorer Vasco da Gama was originally buried.

Fort Kochi is full of boutique resorts, heritage hotels and homestays for those who want to soak up some serious culture. Eateries range from gourmet restaurants to street shacks.

For culture buffs, the historic Mattancherry town nearby would be worth a visit. Mattancherry houses Jew Town, once a bustling centre of spice trade, the Paradesi Synagogue and the Dutch Palace. Jewish synagogue was built in 1568 on the land adjacent to the Dutch Palace, given by the erstwhile king of Cochin. If you have deep pockets, you could pick up some great antiques and souvenirs from Jew Town. This quaint little town is also a melting pot of migrant communities like Gujaratis, Jews and Jains.  

Highlight: Since Fort Cochin was under the possession of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British at different points of time, the region still bear the influence of European architecture.

How to Reach: Once you reach Kochi City of Kerala, you can take a cab, auto-rickshaw or bus to Fort Kochi.

Even a casual stroll through Fort Kochi located in the port city of Kochi in Kerala is enough to make you feel transported to another world and time. The architectural style of the buildings and the town layout easily make Fort Cochin distinct from other cities and towns of Kerala. Since Fort Cochin was under the possession of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British at different points of time, the region still bear the influence of European architecture.

Fort Kochi or Fort Cochin is one of the three main urban regions that constitute the present day Kochi city in Kerala, India. The other two regions together comprising the Kochi city are Mattancherry and Ernakulam. Interestingly, the port city of Kochi was initially a municipal town from 1866 to 1967. It was later in the year 1967 that these three principal municipalities and few adjoining areas were joined to form the new corporation of Kochi.






Fort Cochin is counted among the major tourist attractions of present day Kochi in Kerala, but it was earlier a fishing village of no significance during the pre-colonial Kerala. It was christened as Fort Kochi after this territory was given to the Portuguese in the year 1503 by the Raja of Kochi. The Raja gave the Portuguese the permission to build a fort near the waterfront to protect their commercial interests.

The fort that the Portuguese, thus, built here was named Fort Emmanuel and it is from the name of this fort that 'Fort Kochi' derived the first part of its name. Fort Emmanuel was, however, later destroyed by the Dutch. It was behind this Fort Emmanuel that the Portuguese built their settlement and a wooden church, which was rebuilt in the year 1516 as a permanent structure world famous as the St Francis Church in the present times. Believed to be the first church built by Europeans in India, it is here that the body of Vasco Da Gama was buried initially before his remains being shipped to Lisbon in Portugal later.

Since Cochin in Kerala was an important trading zone for foreign travelers and seafarers, the ownership of the Fort Kochi region passed many hands. It, however, remained a Portuguese possession for almost 160 years until the year 1683,k when the Dutch captured the territory. They then held Fort Kochi under their possession for 112 years until the year 1795, thereafter which the British took over control by defeating the Dutch. The 444 years of foreign control of Fort Kochi or Fort Cochin finally ended with India gaining independence in 1947.