Sea Explorer's Institute, Kolkata, is offering a month-long course in kayaking on the Ganges. Those interested-above the age of 14-need to know swimming. After preliminary lessons about tides and currents, participants get to take their kayaks onto the river for four days a week to combat the swift-flowing waters. The programme eventually leads to exciting expeditions like kayaking 300 nautical miles down the Ganga from the Farakka barrage to the Sunderbans, or exploring the Sunderbans on a kayak. Cost: Rs 425 (all inclusive) for the month-long programme. At the Centre for Maritime Training, Research & Exploration, Outram Ghat, Kolkata-700 021. Call (033) 248-7585.

FILM FESTIVAL
Out in the Open
To mark the International Year of the Mountain, the India International Centre (IIC) in collaboration with The Indian Mountaineering Foundation is hosting the Banff Mountain Film Festival which will screen films on some of the world's most remarkable expeditions. The films include Wild Asia: At the Edge, Mustang, Desert Friction and Climbing Jump. On May 21 and 22 at 6.30 p.m. at iic, 40 Max Mueller Marg, Delhi. Call (011) 4619431.

RESTAURANT
Pleasant Experience
The YMCA, Delhi, has a new restaurant called Restaurant 10 that offers pleasant dinner and lunch experiences. With soft jazz playing in the background, it offers four cuisines: Indian, Continental, Mexican and Thai, apart from a clutch of mocktails. With an al fresco arrangement. At 10, Sansad Marg, International Guest House, Delhi. Phone: (011) 37948026/7.

BOOKS
Diary of Cloth
Indian textiles have a glorious tradition dating back 50 centuries and nourished by the innovative energies of its craftsmen. Up to the 18th century no other country in the world produced such an abundance and variety of textiles. Woven Wonder (Rupa & Co), authored by Asha Rani Mathur, traces the story of Indian textiles. The sections cover the fabrics and the importance of colour; the process of dyeing, weaving, embellishments such as embroidery and printing, and ends with a fervent plea for the sustenance of this heritage. Excellent colour photographs and written in a lucid style.
Cost: Rs 395.