Cox and Kinds set out their top five India experiences

From watching tigers in the wild, to the iconic Taj Mahal, India is one of the most exciting and rewarding travel destinations in the world. From the exhilarating pace of life in its colourful and vibrant cities, to exquisite temples and superb scenery, few visitors ever leave disappointed. But for many visitors, the biggest problem is where to start planning their tours to India. The experts at Cox & Kings have travelled extensively throughout this diverse country and have the following recommendations for travellers thinking about planning a trip to India:

Tigers in the wild:

To experience the wildlife of India, Cox & Kings recommends a visit to two of the country’s finest national parks in central India: Bandhavgarh and Kanha.

Bandhavgarh is located in the heart of India and has one of the highest densities of tiger populations in the country. The reserve features large grassland meadows that offer good chances of tiger sightings and the park is home to a variety of other mammals, including leopards, Indian bison, hyenas and wild dogs, as well as an estimated 150 bird species.

Kanha is one of India’s largest national parks. Its lush bamboo forests and green meadows provided the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book. Along with elusive Bengal tigers, an incredible 22 animal species are regularly spotted here, including leopards the highly endangered hardground barasinghas, a type of deer and the unusual three-striped palm squirrel. With a staggering 200 recorded bird species, Kanha is also a bird watcher’s paradise.

Bustling Bollywood:

The west of India is dominated by the vibrant city of Mumbai, considered by many to be the cultural capital of the country and where visitors can explore Bollywood, the many designer shops or experience the city’s charismatic street life. Located to the north, are the Ellora Caves, hugely impressive Indian rock-cut architecture and the Ajanta Caves, masterpieces of Buddhist religious art.

Himalaya:

The enchanting beauty, bracing climate and vibrant greenery of the Himalaya make this one of the most striking places in India and a soothing antidote to the hustle, bustle and heat of some of India’s livelier cities. The region’s vast panoramas are dotted with villages and hill stations and mountain slopes covered with rhododendron and teak forests. The famous towns of Shimla, also known as the summer capital of “British India” with its graceful colonial buildings and promenades, and Dharmsala are both set against the stunning Himalayan backdrop and are perfect bases for walking tours and exploration of a very different side of India.

Charming Kerala:

Beautiful and tranquil, the southern Indian state of Kerala offers travellers another completely different experience and is characterised by meandering rivers, rice fields, spice plantations, verdant hills and palm-fringed beaches. This gently paced region includes some of the most captivating areas, including the charming port city of Kochi (Cochin) and backwaters explored best by boat for a wonderful glimpse into sleepy villages and rural life.

Southern India also includes some superb temple architecture, particularly in Tamil Nadu, including the Meenakshi Temple at Madurai and the shore temples of Mahabalipuram, both Unesco-protected sites.

Taj Mahal:

The Taj Mahal is India’s most famous monument; built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Located in Agra, it is widely recognised as one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture; a style that combines elements of Persian, Turkish and Indian architectural styles. In 1983 the Taj Mahal became a Unesco World Heritage Site. While the domed white mausoleum is the most familiar image of the Taj Mahal, it is actually an integrated and beautiful complex of buildings. The construction began around 1632 and was completed around 1653, employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen. Many first-time visitors to India head for Agra and the ‘Golden Triangle’, where in a week you can see the Taj Mahal, explore Delhi, both ancient and modern, and discover the beautiful forts and palaces of Jaipur.

Cox & Kings, the luxury holidays specialist, was established in 1758 and is built on high quality service and attention to detail that enables the company to continue to flourish as an independent tour operator, with operations in London, the US, Japan, Australia and throughout India. Cox & Kings organises luxury holidays to India, Latin America, the Middle East, the Far East, Africa, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific and the Caribbean.

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A Rough Guide to India

Aside from Israel, India is also known to be a place to go if you want to seek spiritually. It’s probably one of the most exotic and enigmatic country that you’ll ever visit in this lifetime. It has a lot of character and it’s got a colorful culture that is very irresistible for you not to be eager to learn about.

There is a lot going on in this country that will never fail to create an eager beaver in you to be part of it and witness all those events that makes up the Indian culture. This country is known to be multidimensional because of those things that leave the people interested on their customs, beliefs and lifestyle.

India is for hardcore culture vultures and who have serious curiosity about history. There are challenges staying in this country especially when it comes to the heat that you should really be prepared of. There are about 1 billion people living here so make sure that you pack with you the most comfortable clothes that you have and that they are perfect for summer cause it’s literally hot in here!

The temples in this country are a must to visit. For some reason, I actually think that these serene spiritual fortresses are actually the very foundation of India and its rich spiritual culture. You can also enjoy the beach while in here and gaze upon the lantern-lit towns that are definitely camera worthy.

The people here are very warm and that you won’t feel away from home on how they accommodate their guests. Hotels are also available in the city especially if you’ll be staying in Mumbai. The cost of living here is pretty affordable that I would suggest you go and check in on a hotel rather than renting an apartment.

India is full of historical facts and one of the places that people go here to see is the Taj Mahal. Coming to India is NEVER complete if you haven’t seen the Taj. According to its history, it is a mausoleum that is made of white marbles and it is where the remains of Mumtaz Mahal lays as she was the third wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It’s impossible that you won’t be amazed on the architectural structure of this building. It is one of India’s finest architectural masterpieces influenced by Persia, Turkey and India itself.

Another architectural structure that you should see is the Gateway of India. Located in Mumbai, this monument will stun you on how it was intricately built. It’s even more fascinating when the sun hits its walls and you’ll see how it glistens during the day.

Moreover, India is what I would like to consider as a very romantic country. With all the exotic things that you can find here, it’s impossible that you won’t find romance in this place. Take a trip with your special someone on a boat streaming down the River of Ganges. You’ll get to see Ghats and used to be palaces while rowing and enjoying a very serene ambiance.

Come here around 5:30 in the morning because the weather is cool at the same time, witness the sun rising as its ray hit on those pilgrims’ walls and see how the colors of this lovely place could capture your eyes. You can also come here early at night and take a chance to light a lotus flower candle and leave it on the water.  Boat rates can be pricey at times but it’s really up to you if you can make a great bargain with the boatman. The trick is to be firm when making a deal with them.

Your trip in this country is impossible without learning about their food. If you are vegan, then you have come to the right place! Don’t be surprised if you don’t see any burgers or any meat being cooked around. Even their fast food chains are free from your usual cheeseburger made of 100% cow meat. But hey, they have a lot of good food as well especially their authentic curry! If you love shopping for spices, this country will load you up with theirs.

India will surprise you in a good way as their diversity can teach you a lot of things from their culture to their arts, from their food to their technology. I suggest that you visit India as soon as possible and I can guarantee you that you won’t come home as the same person. This country can change you.

Written by www.globaltravelguide.co.uk

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Explore emerging India by road

In a country as vast and exciting as India, it’s difficult to know where to start when planning a trip. If you want to discover up and coming tourist destinations, rather than the usual Indian places to visit, then a trip to Pune is perfect for you. Fly direct to Pune Airport and you’ll be able to make your car hire cheap, which is perfect as driving is a great way to explore the country. Once you’ve collected your car, it’s time to hit the road and head into the cultural capital of Maharashtra.

Pune has so much to offer for every tourist that visits this thriving and expanding city.  After Mumbai, Pune is the second largest city in Maharashtra and one which has grown significantly due to industrial investment. In spite of this, the city has held onto its cultural heritage which brings in travellers from across the world to visit. Pune has a wealth of museums and is famed for its award-winning modern architecture. There is also a strong religious background in the city and there are many churches, Buddhist temples and mosques across Pune that you can visit. If you only have time for one, make sure it’s the Chaturshringi Temple, where it’s 100 steps up to the temple will takes your breath away in more than one way! The city is also great for sports fans, playing host to the most expensive team in the Indian Cricket Premier League. And for those of you wanting to experience some true Indian culture, make sure you watch a game of Kabadi, the fast-paced, furious national sport!

The city is well connected via road and from here the country opens up to you. With the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the journey to the capital from Pune has been shortened to just two hours and it’s an obvious popular destination. If you want to explore more of the lesser-visited India, then head south and go coastal.

Three hours away from Pune is Dapoli, which is fast emerging as a tourist destination.  Its cool climate is popular with tourists seeking time and space to relax. There is much to see here such as the many coconut farms and beaches. You can also explore the 29 caves at Panhalekaji which provide a breathtaking drive on the way up to them. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Dapoli and its tourists, take to the roads once again and head south. Just 30 minutes away lies Karde Beach and here you’ll find a host of quiet and clean stretches of beach. Almost all the hotels are located on the beach and this adds to the experience of being in a tropical paradise. Its main attraction, apart from relaxing, is dolphin watching and there are a number of boat trips available to enable you to get a stunning view of these beautiful animals in the wild. And then to end a perfect day, head back to the beach to watch a breathtaking Indian sunset.

 

Natalie Likness’ love of travel was introduced to her from an early age due to a trip abroad before she was even born! Having close family and making friends across the world, she has continued to travel ever since.

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Volunteering Guide to India

India is a fascinating place to visit no matter what your reason for travelling, but if you’re hoping to be able to give something back to local communities, there are few ways better than taking a volunteering trip. Whether you’re looking to travel for an extended period or you’d simply like to volunteer during a short holiday, you’re sure to find there’s a good way for you to help.

To start travelling as more than a tourist, there are a number of things you must do.

Find a suitable program

The best way to ensure you are able to really help during your time in India is to travel with a suitable organisation. There are many different ways to volunteer in India, from working in education to helping families who are suffering from debilitating illness or even contributing to environmental campaigns. Find the program that best suits you – you should be able to search easily online – and be sure to double-check its credentials before signing up.

What to look out for

If you’ve never been to India before, chose companies who will offer you some help when it comes to accommodation and orientation, as they will help you adjust and settle in better. You should also be sure to run the name of any organisation you are considering through search engines and look for reviews from people who have used them in the past.

Think about visas

Before you can go and live and work in India, you will need a visa. Some volunteer organisations may be able to help you apply for one, but most will expect you to organise and pay for it yourself. Luckily, this is relatively straightforward when you are applying from the UK. The High Commission of India has officially authorise the India Visa Application Centre in the UK, which will allow you to complete your application online and can take anything from under a week for UK nationals to several months if you hold a passport for another country.

Raise money

You may need to raise some money for you trip before you go. If so, you may want to set up a local fundraising event or start a charity profile online to help you collect some cash for your endeavours.

Book flights

The sooner you are able to book your flights, the cheaper they are likely to be, so don’t leave it until the last minute. Skyscanner is a handy little tool for highlighting the cheapest flights, allowing you to hold onto some of that all-important budget.

Start packing!

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Options on flying to India from the UK

 

If you are seeking out cheap tickets for a flight from the UK to India, or vice versa, you may find it helpful to first know where to look because not all airports in the UK offer a service to India, and most offer limited services to certain locations.

In fact, it is almost an understood fact that most of the aircraft that runs from the UK flies into New Delhi, at which point you can then catch a connecting flight down south to Mumbai or other Indian locations.  Generally speaking, agreeing to take a transfer from New Delhi if you live in the southern half of India is going to be the cheapest way to fly into the country, but there are other ways to find discount tickets as well.

The simple fact is that there are now many international airports across the UK that offer flights straight into Delhi which has helped to keep the prices of the tickets down since there are many competing flights.  In fact, you can easily fly into India from Birmingham, Glasgow Bradford, Bristol, Leeds, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Newcastle, and Manchester.

An average flight from the UK to India will take anywhere between eight to ten hours depending on where you are departing from in the UK as well as the weather and wind conditions.  Most flights will still stop in one location outside of Delhi to refuel but in most cases you will not depart from the plane.

This will also lengthen the process of the flying time.  You may want to look over the flight itinerary to see where the layover will be in and what the duration of the layover is because in certain instances a non-direct flight is not always the best deal if you do your research properly.

All of the UK flights that arrive in Delhi will arrive at the Indira Ghandi International Airport in New Delhi at the second terminal.  You can expect there to be quite a crowd there even with the improvements that the airport made to help improve the immigration issues and customs.

However, you should still count on it taking quite a bit of time before you are able to reach the arrivals area where you can find ATMs, currency exchanges, banks, and of course dining as well as hopefully your ride.

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Taj Mahal

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The Taj Mahal is for many people one of the must-see sights of the world. Located in the northern city of Agra, around 130 miles south of New Delhi, it is the ultimate icon of the country and far more impressive in reality than can be captured by any camera. There are always late holiday deals available should you decide to jet off to India and see it for yourself.

Taking around 22 years, 22,000 labourers and 1,000 elephants to build, the Taj Mahal was a declaration of love on a scale probably not matched since. The story begins in 1607 when the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan fell in love with the Persian princess Mumtaz Mahal. Married five years later and inseparable for almost two decades (although Shah Jahan had many wives she was definitely his favourite), Mumtaz Mahal died during the birth of their fourteenth child in 1631 leaving Shah Jahan heartbroken. The construction of the Taj Mahal began soon afterwards in order to honour her memory and provide her with a tomb.

Masons, carvers, painters and calligraphers were brought in from every corner of the empire to complete this extraordinary architectural achievement. Taking its inspiration from earlier Persian and Mughal styles, the tomb (the famous central monument which first comes to mind) is made entirely from white marble and built, like the rest of the site, in perfect symmetry. The dome which sits on its top (known as an onion dome because… well, it looks like an onion) stands at 35 metres tall and is the cherry (or onion) on the cake. You may notice that the four minarets which frame the tomb seem to lean outwards very slightly. Your eyes are not deceiving you; they were built titling at a precise 2 degree angle so that in the case of an earthquake they would fall away, rather than into, the tomb.

Although the tomb is the centrepiece of the complex, the hugely intricate and beautiful design work does not end there. Three red sandstone walls encapsulate the area, and the main gateway which separates the gardens from the forecourt provides a spectacular view of the tomb. Its archways were built to mirror the tomb’s exactly, their detailed calligraphy and decoration giving a taster of what is to come. At either side of the tomb lie two more sandstone buildings; on the west a mosque and on the right the jawab (‘answer’), built for the architectural balance and symmetry that Shah Jahan sought so determinedly.

The story doesn’t have an entirely happy ending. Shah Jahan was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb and imprisoned in the nearby Agra Fort (another incredible monument to visit). After his death Aurangzeb buried him in the tomb next to Mumtaz Mahal, breaking the Taj Mahal’s perfect symmetry.

Visit early to avoid the big queues; the grounds open at 6am and start to get busy from 9am. There are some very knowledgeable tour guides to take you around, and watching as the sunlight colours the site from yellow to pink is worth the entry price alone.

BIO

Katherine Conlon likes to a get a feel for the history of the places she visits, and seeks out the bits which reveal something about the culture in different areas of the globe. She has travelled in four different continents and is looking forward to exploring the rest.

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Real Indian Cuisine – five dishes you should try when visiting India

Indian food is certainly one of the most popular cuisines in the UK. With a huge number of Indian restaurants and takeaways scattered around the UK, the popularity of Indian dishes in this country cannot be disputed.

However, the food served in these restaurants and takeaways doesn’t always offer you an accurate reflection of the food eaten by people over in India, meaning that to get a true taste of the Asian subcontinent’s rich culinary heritage you really have to visit the country yourself.

A trip to the country will no doubt give you a whole new insight into the dishes that Indian people actually eat and how exactly they are made and with cheap flights to India available if you shop around, you may be able to visit this great country for less than you might think.

One dish that you may wish to sample is aloo gobi. Also spelt as alu gobi or aloo ghobi, this delicacy originates from the Punjab region of north-west India and like much of the area’s cuisine is vegetarian.

The main ingredients are potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower florets (gobi), while it also contains coriander leaves, green chillies and cumin. Depending on their preferences some people choose to add onion, ginger and yoghurt to aloo gobi so you may find you experience something slightly different variations of the dish depending on where you eat it during your holiday to India.

A second dish you should be sure to try during the course of your holiday is pav bhaji.

This dish is particularly popular in metropolitan areas, especially in the city of Mumbai and the north-west region of Gujarat.
Bhaji is a potato-based curry and is cooked on a flat pan known as a tava. Here, the potatoes are mashed down before tomatoes, onions and other vegetables  which can include carrots, peas and cauliflower are added. After this, a special blend of spices are added before the bhaji simmers in the pan.

Pav Bhaji which is a popular snack in India

Pav Bhaji which is a popular snack in India

Served with pav (a type of bread roll), this is typically eaten as a snack, so if you’re feeling peckish in the mid-afternoon while taking in some of India’s numerous attractions, be sure to order the dish from a street stall vendor.

Fish lovers keen to get a true taste of Indian cuisine may also wish to sample patra ni macchi, which originates from the Parsis, the country’s Zoroastrian community who mostly live in the Mumbai area.

This consists of steamed fish topped with a green coconut and coriander chutney and wrapped in a banana leaf.

Pomfret is the typical main ingredient in patra ni macchi, although any kind of white fish can be used so you may enjoy tasting different kinds to figure out which one you prefer. Steamed rice is the perfect complement to the dish, so be sure to ask for this when ordering patra ni macchi from a menu.

If you’re going to be heading to Goa in western India, make sure that you sample khatkhate curry as this is one of the area’s many culinary specialities. This consists of a wide range of vegetables including potato, carrot, pumpkin, sweet potato, radish and corn so eating it could go some way to ensuring you get your five portions of fruit and veg a day!

Khatkhate curry is often made as part of wedding and puja celebrations, although it can also be found at a number of restaurants both in Goa and across the rest of India.

Another curry you may want to try during a holiday to India is shahi paneer. This rich, creamy dish is said to be especially popular in northern India, so cities like Delhi and Chandigarh may be good places to seek it out.

The main ingredient is paneer, a cheese that is used throughout south Asian cuisine although if you’re ordering the curry in eastern India be aware that paneer is often known as chhena.

Served with rice and/or an Indian bread such as a chapatti or roti, shahi paneer can be made quite spicy so it may not be suitable for those who don’t like particularly spicy food.

With so much fantastic food to discover on a holiday to India, you can be confident of a great culinary experience in India.

Written by the team at travelsupermarket.com

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India’s best wildlife safaris

For holidays in India that allow you to go back to nature, a wildlife safari is sure to tick all the right boxes.

Giving you the chance to see a wide range of exotic animals, a safari holiday in India could mean that you can view creatures – including numerous endangered species – that you have only ever seen on natural history documentaries before.

With national parks located throughout the country, there will certainly be plenty of opportunities to see some fantastic wildlife.

If you’re a keen birdspotter, head to the Keoladeo National Park. Around 360 different species of bird have been recorded living here and it is thought to be one of the best places in the world for avian wildlife.

Among the birds to make Keoladeo their home are the Asian open-billed stork, oriental ibis and the Siberian crane. You may find winter to be the best time to visit the park – which is situated 50 kilometres west of Agra – as a large number of ducks choose to migrate here during at this period of the year.

You could also visit Sariska Tiger Reserve Park in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. Like the name of the park suggests, this is an ideal place to spot tigers, although a number of other big cats – including leopards – can be seen here.

However, ornithologists considering a safari here will find the park has plenty for them too as it is home to India’s largest population of peafowl, while quail and crested serpent eagles are among the other birds to be seen.

As well as the wildlife, you can also explore the ruins of the medieval temples of Garh-Rajor, which date back as far as the tenth century.

Alternatively, safaris in India could take you to the Manas National Park. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, tigers, the Indian elephant and pygmy hog can all be spotted here.

With its warm, humid climate, the park receives the majority of its rainfall during the May to September monsoon season. And as the summer also sees average daytime temperatures of 37 degrees C, visiting the park in the spring or autumn could make for a dryer and slightly cooler holiday in India.

But regardless of where you go on safari or at what time of year, you should ensure you take clothing appropriate for different kinds of weather in case conditions change suddenly while you are out looking at animals. You should also remember to take suntan lotion and bottled water in order to stay hydrated.

To get a really good glimpse of the animals you see on safari, pack a pair of binoculars as well as a digital camera so you can show your loved ones back home some of the creatures you have spotted.

Keeping safe while on safari is of the utmost importance, so always follow the advice of park rangers.

As with most holidays, you should make sure you book with a reputable operator that will be able to ensure your safety throughout your trip. You can find out more about an organisation’s credentials by seeing if they are members of any industry bodies, as well as looking for reviews other travellers have written about them online.

It is also a good idea to check whether you will need any vaccinations before you travel to India. Your travel operator should be able to advise you on this, although you may also want to ask your GP on the matter.

Written by travelsupermarket.com

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Goa Package Holidays

Taking advantage of a package holiday to India certainly can mean something different to everyone who visits this very enticing and exotic land. It ‘s often chaotic streets and vibrant markets offer a slice of life never usually experienced by people from Western society, it is certainly an incredible and yet daunting experience.

India is certainly huge in terms of the size of the country and its massive and diversified population. Many are shocked to learn that there are over 100 million Indian people’s first language is English, not one of the Indian dialects, this is of course a legacy left over from British colonial days.

The British were not the only colonialists, other countries also carved out small areas of this vast land. One of those countries was Portugal who occupied the area that is now known as Goa.

Goa is far more European in its nature, culture and architecture than other parts of the subcontinent. It has an extremely European feel, with a unique and very Indian twist. The Portuguese arrived in the very early 1500s and brought with them the culture of the Mediterranean and that almost Latin, Portuguese influence, can still be felt today.

Goa is an ideal stepping stone for those who want to escape the all too familiar Costa-del-holiday resorts and spread their wings with a more exotic package holiday and discover what lies beyond the beaches of the Mediterranean.

Goa does of course have beaches, but these are a little different, these are the wonderful picture postcard white sand, palm fringed beaches, sitting on the edge of stunning waters that are warm every single day of the year, offering an ideal family package holiday destination.

Tourism has expanded considerably over the last decade with Dabolim International Airport able to bring tourists from all over the world right into the heart of Goa, allowing visitors to spend far more time enjoying its perfumed delights.

Goa has a wealth of attractions away from the beaches such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which is to be found in Old Goa, and is regarded as is one of Portugal’s finest exports and is now a UNESCO world Heritage site due to its incredible Baroque architecture.

There are also many other stunning religious monuments including Shanta Durga temple, and the Ganapati temple. As well as a wealth of natural wonders such as the Dudhsagar waterfalls and the Mayem Lake, and ancient buildings such as the Chapora Fort that are just waiting to be discovered.

Unlike other tropical destinations Goa is not overpriced, and has not been overwhelmed by unwanted concrete developments. Goa can offer visitors an extremely reasonably priced range of package holidays.

Take a look at the discount vouchers available here from household name travel companies such as providers First Choice, Thomson’s, and Thomas Cook available as follows:

Thomas Cook discount codes

Thomson discount codes

First Choice discount codes

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Major expansion in Indian hotel rooms - Accor Takes a Major Step in its Expansion in India

Holy-Cow-by-Natasha-Kumar


A solo exhibition by Natasha Kumar at Asia House, 63 New Cavendish St W1
March 4th – 17th 2010

‘BLOW HORN’ IS THE IMPERIOUS ADVICE to drivers painted on the back-end of Indian Lorries, buses and rickshaws. A warning and encouragement, its one illustration of a mindset that considers every flat surface a potential canvas. In India If it stays still long enough to be painted, it will be, with a graffiti of spiritual texts, underwear ads, personal and folk expression.
NATASHA KUMAR IS AN ESTABLISHED ANGLO-INDIAN ARTIST, from long line of noted English artists. In this solo show of oils and original prints, her award-winning talent for figurative art merges with her love of signs and life in India in a truly original departure. In ‘Blow Horn’ she has taken up the bold, fluorescing colours of Indian advertising art in its various forms to cut through the picturesque, giving a sharp contemporary twist to traditional Indian motifs.

THE SACRED HINDU BOVINE IN Holy Cow competes for attention with a brazen wall advert, oblivious to it. In Tuff Cemento a woman waits patiently, timelessly, the gaudy colours of her sari muted by the insistent green of the cement company’s message.

A SENSE OF PLACE IS AN ELUSIVE THING, but she shows her undoubted ability to capture it in these works, with simple, powerful images. It is there in the folds of the old man’s dhoti in Last Light, Nagaur, and the bright saris of the women in the soft dusty landscape of On the Road, and in the unique inward-turning ears of the iconic Rajasthani horse, in Marwari Horse and Boy.

THE PRINTED WORKS, a new collection, mingle Warhol-style repetition with Indian brands and ephemera. The humble matchbox label is reworked in a unique mixed-media work of print and oils, combining the best of both Natasha Kumar’s considerable talents. She takes too, the abstract Moghul fretwork of jali windows and zenana entrances as the central motif in print works that mix raw pigment with gold or silver leaf.

MORE THAN SIMPLY PICTURESQUE INDIA, Natasha Kumar paints the lived culture of India, its streets and villages. ‘Blow Horn’ is not just a command. Here, it’s the cue for the visual cacophony that is modern India.

ABOUT NATASHA KUMAR
ART AND INDIA ARE IN NATASHA KUMAR’S GENES. On her English side she comes from a line of established artists. Her Indian heritage she traces back to Kashmiri princes via tales of partition and lost family gold.
WITH A STRING OF SUCCESSFUL SHOWS, she has made her own name as an artist from the age of 17, when, earning a place by right in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition she found her work hanging on the same wall as her grandfather, and uncle’s work.

Natasha Kumar initially excelled as a printmaker; going from a first class degree at Manchester to studying in Venice at the Accademia. She did her MA in London in 2000, winning the London Printmaking Prize that year. Since then she has been regularly selected for group shows that include The New English Art Club, The Discerning Eye, The National Print and Art Expo New York. She has a dedicated and growing following of collectors. Her work is represented in private and national collections worldwide. She lives and works in London.

‘Blow Horn’ will be at Asia House, 63 New Cavendish Street, London, W1 from March 4th until 17th, 2010. Her last show in 2008 was a sell out.

For further information:
Natasha Kumar 0777 9590921
info@natashakumar.co.uk
www.natashakumar.co.uk

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