Another place for young software executives to chill out at. Amoeba, a 40,000-sq ft family entertainment centre set up by the HM group in Bangalore, opened in December. While there's a 12-lane bowling alley and food court on the first floor, the second floor, Leisure Zone, is an electronic gaming centre with over 90 simulation and virtual reality game consoles. There's a coffee bar, a cyber cafe, even a playpen where friendly staff watch over children while their parents play. The best part is that it's located in the heart of the city, at 22 Church Street. For more information, e-mail hmleisure@vsnl.net or cal
l 91-80-559-4631.

BOOKS
Ayurved Pioneer

In 1902, P.S. Varier founded the Arya Vaidya Sala, one of the first centres that sold readymade ayurvedic medicines. Fifteen years later, he set up the Arya Vaidya Patasala. A Life of Healing: A Biography of Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier, published by Viking, reconstructs the history of this extraordinary man and the institution he established and nurtured. Author Gita Krishnankutty explores the facets of Varier's personality, revealing that nothing was too difficult or too trivial for him to experiment with, be it new ways of processing medicine, novel methods of instructing students or innovations in theatre and music. Priced at Rs 395.

TOURISM
The Dunes in Winter

Hotels in Rajasthan rarely offer discount packages in peak winter. But this year, there's plenty to choose from:
Heritage Hotels—Alsisar Haveli, Jaipur: 20 per cent discount on normal room tariff of Rs 2,000 plus taxes.
Mandawa Heritage Hotels—Mandawa Haveli, Jaipur: offers a two-night, three-day all-inclusive package for a couple on a twin-sharing basis for Rs 7,300 plus taxes.

Hotel Castle, Mandawa offers a two-nights, three-days stay, all-inclusive, for Rs 6,666 on a twin-sharing basis against a rate of Rs 12,950 plus taxes.
Desert Resort, Mandawa: offers two-night three-day all-inclusive package for Rs 6,666 for a couple on twin-sharing basis against a rate of Rs 12,850 plus taxes.

MUSIC
Worshipping Wisdom

Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, is especially worshipped by students, teachers, and scientists. Times Music's new release, Saraswati-The Perennial Source of Wisdom, begins with the powerful Pradnya Vardan mantra, followed by the invocation Ya Kundenu. Then comes a commentary on the divinity of the goddess and hymns in praise of her. The signature prayer is sung by Pandit Jasraj. Each cassette costs Rs 65.

TOURISM
Yoga Holidays

Yoga is the theme of a week-long festival being organised by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Corporation towards the end of January to attract foreign tourists. The four-day camps will be held at Allahabad, Lucknow, Mathura, Varanasi and Sonebhadra. The day's schedule will include yoga demonstration, meditation, practice of asanas and question-and-answer sessions. The camp concludes with sightseeing. For more details, log on to www.up-tourism.com or call 0522-211319/221776.