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KOCHI • MUNNAR • MUMBAI • JAIPUR • NEW DELHI • VARANASI
12 January – 11 February 2026
Discover the wonders of India on our transformative 4-week Gap Year course. Over four weeks we will travel, from Kerala in the south, up to Munnar, on to Mumbai and then to Jaipur, Delhi and Varanasi. Join us for a life-changing experience that perfectly combines learning, laughter, and adventure.
COURSE OVERVIEW:
This course offers both academic and experiential value. While India is a popular destination for adventurous gap year students, many return with only personal experiences and limited understanding of Indian culture and its significance in the modern world. With AHA, you’ll explore India’s rich history, diverse religions, and breathtaking landscapes, while also engaging in traditional crafts such as block printing, dance, and cooking.
- What we discover: Our course seeks to expand your intellectual horizons by examining India through diverse lenses, including art, architecture, sculpture, agriculture, religion, politics, medicine, technology, and Bollywood. We will also explore the themes of nature and sustainability, with a particular focus on water.
- Who with: Our exceptional AHA tutors will be joined by trusted local partners – a wonderful company run by a father and son team. They travel with us, as friends, facilitators, and educators. They are also with us to keep us safe and the course rolling, this can be anything from steering us in the right direction when it comes to food or helping us cross the road amongst daunting city traffic.
- Who for: India can be overwhelming at first – crowded, noisy, and unpredictable – but that’s exactly what makes it so transformative. This course is designed for engaged, curious, and ambitious young people (ages 18-24) who are eager to step outside their comfort zones and explore India in depth.
For more information or enquiries, please email cressida@arthistoryabroad.com or [email protected]
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AHA has spent the past five years exploring and researching India in preparation for this gap year course. Our program offers students an authentic and immersive experience, guided by AHA tutors and enriched through partnerships with local Indian experts. We prioritise safe travel while maintaining a spirit of adventure. This is a journey across the vast expanse of India, introducing students to its contrasting landscapes, diverse peoples, religions, food, and languages.
Topics We Explore:
We explore a wide range of topics that capture the essence of India in all its depth and diversity. From unearthing the layers of history that stretch from ancient civilizations to modern-day significance, to immersing ourselves in the vibrant culture and the rich religious mosaic where numerous faiths coexist, each aspect reveals a unique facet of the nation. The journey continues through the tantalising flavours of Indian cuisine, the warmth and diversity of its people, and the study of cultural dynamics and social structures through anthropology. We also delve into India’s breathtaking landscapes, its conservation efforts, and the pursuit of a sustainable future. Alongside this, we reflect on the historical and lasting impacts of colonialism, explore the intricate world of Indian politics, and celebrate the arts in all their forms – from drama and dance to film, painting, and sculpture.
On our journey through India, we encounter a remarkable variety of sights and experiences that showcase the country’s cultural, historical, and spiritual richness. From the countless temples that adorn the landscape to the contemporary art of the Kochi Biennale, each stop offers a new perspective. In Kochi, we drift through the backwaters on a boat trip while learning about sustainability and witness the iconic Chinese fishing nets. In Munnar, we see tea plantations, try tea picking, and meet a
community that produces naturally dyed fabrics, clothing, and even paper products crafted from elephant dung and grasses. In Mumbai, highlights include the India Gate, Elephant Island, the bustling fish market, the city’s art museum, the Dharavi slums, and the world’s largest open-air laundry. Jaipur in Rajasthan welcomes us with its majestic forts, palaces, and vibrant bazaars, while New Delhi unfolds its layered history through Gandhi’s legacy, reflections on politics and British rule, and the striking Lutyens architecture. In Varanasi, we experience the city’s deep spirituality by traveling along the Ganges, visiting sacred sites, and joining the Ganga Aarti, a ceremony to welcome the rising sun.Alongside these explorations, we immerse ourselves in hands-on cultural practices: block printing our own textiles, painting intricate miniature artworks, weaving and crafting with coconuts, and engaging in yoga to find inner peace.
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We begin in Kochi, where we embrace the natural beauty of southern India, exploring its inland waterways and some of the country’s prominent nature reserves. We examine the history of Portuguese trade and analyse the influence of the Dutch and British East India Companies from the 17th century onwards.Next, we take a bus to Munnar, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and lush greenery. Immerse yourself in the region’s rolling hills and iconic tea plantations, experiencing the serene charm of this verdant paradise.
From there, we fly to Mumbai, the vibrant epicenter of Bollywood, contemporary art, and commerce. This bustling metropolis provides critical insight into modern India’s cultural and economic dynamics.
We then take a night train to Jaipur, the Pink City, where we explore royal treasures ranging from majestic palaces to bustling bazaars. Dive deep into the history and grandeur of India’s regal past.
A bus to New Delhi, India’s current capital, brings us to a city that is at once bustling, fervent, and enchanting. Delhi bridges the British imperial past and the Mughal era, offering a lens through which to examine politics, resources, population dynamics, and governance.
Finally, we take a train to Varanasi, India’s spiritual heart. Here, we explore intricate rituals, sacred waterways, and the profound celebration of life and death, bringing our journey to a spiritually rich conclusion.
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At AHA, we carry our ethos wherever we go and our courses are designed for the creative, the curious and the adventurous. We intend for you to come away with more than just halcyon memories but also…
- Lifelong Love of Learning and Cultural Appreciation: Embarking on our India Gap Year Course means embarking on a lifelong journey of learning and a deep appreciation for arts and culture. These are treasures you’ll carry with you on all your future travels, enriching every moment.”
- A broader education – Our courses bridge the cultural gaps left by traditional school education. From exploring India’s rich mythology and literary giants like Tagore, understanding the philosophy of Vandana Shiva and to immersing in classical Indian music and dance, we ignite your curiosity and introduce you to wonders beyond the confines of a prescribed school timetable
- Preparation for university and/or the next stage – meeting new people, getting out of the school context and partaking in independent and collaborative thought
- Something that stands out on a Personal Statement and CV -Participating in our course illustrates your passion for India’s arts and culture, nature and environment showcasing how you’ve wisely invested your time in engaging with emerging talents in India’s creative industries. It’s a standout point that sets you apart.
- Good conversation at mealtime
- An ability to critique, debate and discuss provoking subjects – These skills are invaluable, whether you’re trying to make a persuasive argument about India’s cultural significance or trying to stand out in a seminar or interview context
- Greater confidence in public speaking-and an understanding of the power of rhetoric
- Fresh Air & Exercise!Step out into India’s stunning landscapes and embrace the benefits of fresh air and exercise. After extended periods indoors, our course rejuvenates your body and spirit amid India’s natural beauty
- Acquire New Skills – Discover and cultivate new skills during our course, be it in the art of Indian cooking, capturing India’s essence through photography, or exploring your creativity through Jewellwery making or coconut weaving. Unleash your creative potential against the backdrop of India’s vibrant culture
- An opportunity to step back from technology-and ideas of how to be inspired in your free time, preventing boredom.
- Cultivate a Curious Mind – Leave our course with a curious mind filled with questions, thoughts, and aspirations for your future, deeply rooted in India’s artistic and cultural tapestry. Embrace the beauty of curiosity as a lifelong companion on your journey through India.
- The ability to form and articulate new ideas effectively – We teach creativity as a habit that should be trained and encourage you to express yourselves freely. Not only useful for practicing artists or writers, but also useful for budding Entrepreneurs or those looking to break the mould.
- Lifelong Love of Learning and Cultural Appreciation: Embarking on our India Gap Year Course means embarking on a lifelong journey of learning and a deep appreciation for arts and culture. These are treasures you’ll carry with you on all your future travels, enriching every moment.”
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About Our Tutors and Teaching Approach
This course is lead by our excellent tutors and course leaders. We also collaborate with accomplished lecturers from Indian educational institutions and welcome a diverse array of esteemed guest lecturers. Our mission is to offer students an enriching and intellectually stimulating experience in the vibrant setting of India.
Our tutors are handpicked for their intellect, knowledge, energy, impeccable manners, reliability and sensibility.
They are the backbone of our educational journey and play a pivotal role in shaping your learning experience in India
‘For you as a student, the reason why a tutor is so important to you is because they are accessible. They aren’t stuffy, they’re youthful, they’re inspiring, they’re somebody to look up to and they are somebody to be conversational with’ – Nick Ross, Director of AHA
What are the tutors like?
Judging from the gratitude expressed in thank-you letters and word-of-mouth recommendations, our tutors are a significant asset to our course. AHA tutors are specialists in their fields, making them entirely approachable and passionate about all things related to India. They are compassionate and dedicated to nurturing the potential in every student, regardless of their academic background
A Dynamic and Interdisciplinary Approach:
Much as they wear their academic laurels lightly, they are committed to making comprehensible the artists, writers, and architects who are the real stars of the cultural galaxy.
Having brilliant tutors on the course who pitch in every evenings, travel with the students and stay in the same hotel, not only means they are on hand at all times, but also allows students to imbibe the positive wonder, happiness and satisfaction that we all get from Italy.
Students should drop any ideas they have about teachers versus students, as do all our tutors – this is not a ‘school trip’. Our tutors are more than just educators; they are dynamic, enthusiastic experts hailing from various academic disciplines. They break free from the confines of traditional education, offering an interdisciplinary approach that includes philosophy, history, theology, mythology, and more. This ensures a holistic understanding of India’s cultural richness.
How do small tuition groups work?
At AHA, we believe in great teaching ratios, and it’s at the core of our educational philosophy. With a focus on teaching to groups of 9 students or fewer, our tutors can provide personalized attention, foster engaging discussions, and cater to the interests and capacities of each student
Daily Exploration and Learning:
Every day, one or two tutorial groups embark on unique journeys, following carefully structured itineraries that revolve around specific themes. Our tutors bring their specialist knowledge into play, allowing students to appreciate diverse approaches to the subject matter. Typically, a tutorial group explores two or three sites in a morning, with breaks along the way.
Day by day students become more confident; understanding, enjoying and commenting on the vast visual world around them. Students are supplied with a suggested reading list and shorter notes, which are invaluable for the course and thereafter. We go to many places far from the madding crowd, some of which are public but are barely visited, others are by private appointment.
Before we meet our students, we form tutorial groups by randomly selecting names from a hat. With each new major city on our journey, these groups are reshuffled, ensuring a dynamic and evolving dynamic within the party. This approach provides students with opportunities to forge new connections as we progress through India.
Curious to know more? Read Nick Ross’ piece on why a tutor is not the same as a lecturer.
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