4-1206-Niche Markets.qxp - Travel World News

THE PROFITABLE WORLD OF NICHE MARKETS
INDIA FROM PAGE 5
health consultant. Dr. Mathai studied Chinese Pulse
Diagnosis and Acupuncture at the W.H.O. Institute of
Traditional Chinese Medicine in Nanking, China, and
received training at Harvard Medical School’s Mind-
Body Medicine Program. His experience derives from 20
years of holistic medical practice, and a 10,000+ patient
network from 40 countries. Dr Mathai specializes in integrating
medical systems and complementary therapies.
Mrs. Suja Issac is Soukya’s nutritionist, (M.Sc., M.Phil
in Foods and Nutrition), Executive Director, and Dr.
Mathai’s wife.
With its focus on health promotion and early intervention,
Soukya offers highly-individualised treatments.
The roster of medical and healing-related services - 7
Integrated Medicine specialties; 21Complementary
Therapies; 9 Medical Programs and Full Wellness
Regimes - is extensive. Its full range of ayurvedic treatments
is the “real deal.” So no wonder that the Duchess
of York Sarah Ferguson and Reverend Desmond Tutu
have experienced this center.
Situated on lush grounds, organic farming reigns: orchards
and vegetable gardens furnish the restaurant, organic
fodder for cows and ducks produce milk and eggs.
South Indian inner courtyards, thatched roofs, use of
local granite, handcrafted tiles and decorative Gujarati
mirror craft are framed by traditional Indian architecture.
Sixteen very spacious guest rooms - 12 deluxe and
4 suites - have open air showers and private gardens. Ecofriendly
structures (solar panels, rain water harvesting,
drip irrigation) underpin the infrastructure.
The Soukya Foundation runs two charity homeopathic
clinics. Above all, Dr. Mathai and Mrs. Isaac foster a
great love for their guests through their commitment to
better health. In addition, Dr. Deepak Chopra’s endorsement
speaks volumes: “Dr. Mathai is one of the most
competent and brilliant holistic doctors in the world
today.” (10% agent’s commission)
Portuguese India – GOA
The Ayurvedic Natural Health Centre in Saligao,
Caligute, Goa, operates two resort facilities as well as its
fully-equipped ayurvedic hospital center, The Ayur
Centre. Headed by Dr. Sunita, the Ayurvedic Natural
Health Centre boasts a knowledgeable staff.
Two of its goals truly reflect the caring approach that
has brought acclaim to this facility: to make every individual
understand the laws of nature and introduce the
laws of nature in oneself to maintain perfect health, and
to make the treatment accessible to every individual at
the most reasonable price.
Prainha Beach Resort overlooks the Zuari River, and in
the distance, the Arabian Sea. It started as a small white
cottage by the sea in 1963, situated over a private, secluded
beach. Encircled by enormous palm trees and lush
coastal vegetation, today, Prainha Beach Resort boasts 45
rooms, framed in indigenous wood cottages, four of which
are situated some 30 feet off the beach. These are the
Madeira Cottages. The facility is a tranquil retreat where
antique wooden furniture recalls the Portuguese culture
in this part of India.
Prainha is Portuguese for “little beach”. This little
beach and its professional staff offer solid and caring
ayurveda treatments, as directed through the Ayurvedic
Natural Health Centre. (10% agent’s commission)
WH Ranjit’s Svaasa, spa@svaasa.com, www.svaasa.com;
Himalayan Hideaway and Himalayan River Runners,
riverrun@airtelbroadband.in, www.hhindia.com, www.
hrrindia.com; Soukya, info@soukya.com, www.soukya.
com; Ayurvedic Natural Health Centre, info@healthand
ayurveda.com, www.healthandayurveda.com
TRAVEL, DISCOVER AND LEARN WITH BHARAT
TRAVELS IN INDIA
Bharat Travel Service Private Ltd. is a learning travel organization functioning
from the historic city of Chennai in southern India. Started in
1946, this is one of the oldest travel companies in this part of the world.
Each of their theme-based travel learning programs is the product of
several years of intensive library and field research combined to create a
comfortable, enjoyable and memorable experience. Every program provides
ample opportunities to observe and study specific facets of Indian
culture, society, and economy, and also to interact with a cross-section of
India’s friendly people.
Each program is a mix of talks by experts, field visits and discussions
with locals. Many of their programs include visits to rare and interesting
places that are normally out-of-bounds for general visitors.While they
offer the unknown and the offbeat,they certainly do not ignore the wellknown
and the famous.
Their Roman Trails in South India program provides glimpses of the
Roman and St.Thomas the Apostle’s presence in South India and the influence
of this presence on South Indian art, culture and society.Starting
from the Kerala backwaters where the Romans first landed in India, the
program includes visits to villages which once housed a huge population
of Romans, Roman archaeological sites and harbors, ancient industrial
sites where iron and steel were processed for export to Rome, and
the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Brhadishvara Temple, Tanjavur, the
monuments of Mahabalipuram and finally, Chennai’s Santhome Basilica
where St.Thomas was originally buried.
In addition to Archaeology and History Tours, they also offer Art
Appreciation tours to North and South India and the Festivals of Kerala;
Anthropology Tours including the Pathway to Divinity, Sikkim Heritage,
Tribal Heritage of South India, and Culture of God’s Own Country; and
Natural History Tours such as Wildlife Trails, Brahmaputra River Cruise,
and a Tsunami Services Program. Besides the regular programs offered,
they can also put together custom programs suited to specific needs, aspirations,
time and budget.
Bharat Travels, suresh@bharattravels.com, mahesh@bharattravels.
com
6 • TRAVEL WORLD NEWS • DECEMBER 2006