SPECIALIST HOLIDAYS

Indus has always been innovative with the Specialist Portfolio, continually searching for unique experiences to add to the collection. Whether you seek to capture the heart of the country on a painting tour, revitalise the body at an Ayurvedic centre or learn the secrets of Indian cuisine, Indus can help make your dreams come true. For outdoor enthusiasts we offer an excellent selection of golf courses to play on; a fascinating geology tour to the Himalayas or bird watching in some of the premier habitats of the world.

Please do not hesitate to call if your particular interest is not mentioned, as we will endeavour to meet every challenge.

Our Ayurvedic breaks have been featured in The Independent as one of the Top Ten Holidays to India. They are a wonderful way to regenerate the body and soul.The ancient healing Science, more than 5000 years old, is devoted to the understanding and fulfilment of Natural Medicine. It treats the whole person, rather than just the symptoms of the complaint, focusing on balancing the body and mind through diet and lifestyle. It uses only natural remedies that leave behind no side effects to further unbalance or contaminate the body.Weight loss, detox, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine all respond well to Ayurvedic treatment.We offer a selection of Health Holidays in Kerala, and, can tailor stays to suit your requirements.

Kairali Ayurvedic Health Farm is dedicated to the highest levels of the science of Ayurveda, for those seeking spiritual and physical rejuvenation. Set in rambling gardens, the resort has an air of peace and tranquility.

Other centres include the Taj Residency and Kadavu in Calicut and the Somatheeram in Kerala.

James Horton R.B.A is not only a professional artist, but also a writer, having written seven books on painting and drawing, as well as contributing to a variety of magazines. James has a sensitivity and understanding of this dramatic land.Working in a quiet informal manner he will be on hand to advise on all aspects of painting on location, where a perpetual feast of light, colour and atmosphere assails your senses. Complete beginner or talented painter will be sure to find inspiration under James’s tutelage. To round off most days, lazy evenings will entail group discussions of the day’s work.

In May 2002 James was invited by the friends of Mount Athos to accompany them as their artist in-residence. Present in the group was HRH The Prince of Wales, who is an Honorary Member. James’ paintings were subsequently exhibited at Highgove, the Prince of Wales’ Gloucestershire home.

Painting tours with James to other destinations including Jordan are also available.

Muriel Owen NDD PVPSWA US FRSA is a leading watercolour painter. Her impressive credits include a purchase of 28 paintings for permanent display in Yarmouth Castle, IOW, by English Heritage. She was Head of the Art Department of the London Tutorial and, for many years a prominent member of the Society of Women Artists. Since 1987 Muriel has been leading painting holidays, taking groups to a variety of wonderful locations. As a teacher, her sensitivity to individual needs allows full creativity to blossom, thus, guided by your personal requirements Muriel will demonstrate techniques on light, colour, texture, subject matter etc. At the end of an inspiring day the group will dine together to discuss the activities and plan the next masterpiece!

Our Rice and Curry tour of Kerala, and Taste of Rajasthan and Lucknow, have been highlighted by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine and featured in "The Books for Cooks and Cooking in Paradise". These tours cover the essence of Indian fare from the intricacies of the Lucknow cuisine to the subtle blending of spices in Agra, to the fragrant cooking of the South dominated by the ever-present coconut in Kerala. A land rich in spices, vegetables, fruit and seafood. Our culinary voyages of discovery are a liberal sprinkling of talks, demos, and relaxation, taking in the unforgettable sights and sounds of the areas.

Tours to other parts of India can be arranged to suit your culinary passions, including courses studying with Masterschefs.

From the cosmopolitan golf courses of Delhi to the delightful courses tucked away high up in the Hill Country of Kodai or Ooty, golfers are offered a wonderful choice of ‘greens’ in India. From the spectacular, created by nature rather than man-made with tricky sloping fairways and punishing natural water obstacles, to top class international courses designed by some of the ‘greats’ of the game, India has courses to suit all tastes and abilities.

Our unique Golf Tour – The Raj Links – is a wander down memory lane, playing at all the historical clubs – Delhi Army Club, Shillong, Tollygunge in Calcutta and the Presidency in Mumbai. A ‘must’ for the enthusiast!

We offer golfing extensions to all our tours – or even a round or two just to keep in the ‘swing’.

Non-golfing guests are welcome on these trips – we can tailor make programmes from shop till you drop to a variety of cultural pursuits.

Trek in Sikkim, Ladakh or Nepal to gaze upon the face of Himalayan peaks following in the footsteps of the great Mountaineers. White water raft down the holy Ganges, the mighty waters a striking contrast to diving off the luxuriantly warm seas of the Lakshadweep or Andaman Islands. Or maybe a journey on camel through the Great Thar Desert of Rajasthan, or ride the famous Mewar Horses to explore and discover the true nature of this intriguing and diverse country.

India is famed for its magnificent flora and fauna, and for nature lovers, we can organise specialist Bird watching tours.

Led by Dr Yani Najman PhD and Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society, the tour provides a chance to visit some of the world’s most fascinating geological formations fashioned and moulded by the forces of nature, and to see the cultural and historical sights. Leaving Shimla the route journeys up to Khardungla Pass at 5600 metres, on the highest motorable road in the world. Enroute study the Himalayan geology and geomorphology – from the rocks of the ancient Indian plate, more than a billion years old, to the present day diverse and amazing scenery including the Fairy Chimneys, Tso Kar saline Lake and glacial regions. Dr Najman will give personal insight and talks during the tour. Tours to other destinations are also offered – please ask for details.

India has a plethora of festivals, too numerous to mention. All are full of life, colour and noise! Most are dedicated to the Gods: some are just for fun! But for whatever reason they are not to be missed; a visit can add a fascinating new dimension to your Indian holiday.

Each year we have a tour to Pushkar, just imagine 50,000 camels, horses, cattle and various handicrafts – then throw in 200,000 people all gathering for the start of the Pushkar Mela. The cacophony of sound is, as you can imagine, overwhelming – even for India! However, a few minutes walk will take you from the sea of chaos to the silence of the great Thar Desert.

We can incorporate any festival into your itinerary (subject to routing).

Please note Festival dates vary from year to year.