India is a fascinating and thought-provoking country. It is one of contrasts – geographically, culturally, ethnically, linguistically, economically, religiously and politically.
Economic growth, recently based on technological and scientific developments, has been centred very much in towns and cities. Impressive architecture, the rail system, a legacy ( that British have left in India) of the British Raj, and many employment opportunities have led to a burgeoning middle class. However, poverty exists side by side with wealth in the towns and cities, whilst many villagers subsist on less than two dollars a day.
Hinduism is the largest religion (around 81%) with Muslims making up just over 13%. Christians make up nearly 2.5% of the population and Sikhs about 2%. Proportions of adherents vary depending on the part of the country. For example, more Christians live in Kerala and around Kolkata and east India (Calcutta) and more Sikhs live in the Punjab.
The British Raj formalised in 1858 lasted until partition and independence in 1947. Raj literally means 'rule' and comes from a Sanskrit word. British involvement with India pre-dates the formal Raj period by at least 200 years. It extended over almost all present-day India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, except for small colonies of other European nations such the Portuguese, Dutch and French in areas like Goa , Pondicherry and Kolkata.
Escorted Tours
Escorted tours of varying length, usually between 12 to 16 days )are a great way for teachers and others to encounter the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of this fascinating country. A holiday to look forward to.
The tours are carefully tailored to include a range of experiences and opportunities that provide insights into the religious and historical India as well as into contemporary India. Hotels are of good quality and most tours are on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis, with all entrance and travel fees in India within the price. They build in times of rest and relaxation, for site-seeing, photography and artefact buying as well as the other shopping opportunities that exist.
The tours take place at the end of July and into August. This gives teachers the space to enjoy more than a snatched few days in India. It can be hot on the plains. Good, air-conditioned hotels and travel are arranged, as well as on many tours being able to visit a cooler Raj hill station. In some it is possible to spend time in a school in one of the towns or villages visited.
The tours are also open to those who are not teachers, so a spouse, partner or friend is welcomed. Places for children of participating travellers are available but, on these tours, they should be aged 16 or above.
Personalised School Tours
At Soul of India we can organise a tour for students from your school. The shortest time we would recommend is 10 days (possibly over the Easter holiday or over the end of May Bank holiday period, leaving on the Friday of the half term holiday and arriving back in the UK on the Sunday before term starts again on the Monday). Alternatively, the tour can be organised for the end of July into August for up to 14 days.
We recommend the age-group being either 14 to 16 or 16 to 18. We cost the group on one member of staff travelling with 12 students. We suggest that you allow at least 12 months for payments to be made. We need a small non-refundable deposit followed by full payment 10 weeks before the date of travel.
Accommodation can be in Youth Hostel type lodging through to 5-star luxury depending on your budget.
The groups could have a religious education (RE) and/or history focus, or we have also organised a geology, geography and ecology focused tour. If you have a theme or idea, we would be more than happy to discuss it with you.
We suggest organising an Indian cultural evening, such as Bhangra or Kathakali dancing (depending on where the tour is based) or we can always see what is on at the movies. We can also organise a day's walking and an opportunity to either visit a school to teach some English or to volunteer in a local charity.
We can craft an immersive tour itinerary for your independent tour or group travel on the basis of your requirements, budget and inclination
Email: enquiries@soulofindia.com
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