EAST

A local newspaper in southern city of Bangalore said Fergie was being treated by homeopath and holistic healer Dr. Issac Mathai who runs a clinic there.

A doctor at the clinic confirmed Fergie was in town but refused to disclose what ailment she was being treated for.

"Fergie is a very down to earth, very straight forward and spiritually attuned person. I can't relate the women I know to wild creature portrayed in the tabloid press," one newspaper quoted Mathai was saying.

The newspaper said Fergie was on an Indian vegetarian diet.

It said Mathai who consults in Britain and the United States, is building a holistic centre outside Bangalore and counts celebrities like ex-Bealtle George Harrison and singer Sting among his clients.

Police in Bangalore said Fergie visit was personal and she has only ventured unrecognized out of her hotel to shop.

"We are not aware of her trip here. It is a private visit. She must have come here as a commissioner as nobody has asked us for security." said police commissioner I Jayaprakash.

Following the meeting the duchess stepped out of her Bangalore hotel wearing an

Indian "salwar-kameez" - a loose, long shirt and baggy trousers - and declared she planned to practice homeopathy.

"I am interested in homeopathy, I will be practicing homeopathy". She told waiting reporters before speeding off . she was on her way to Bombay, a staff member of her hotel said.

Ferguson Known as "Fergie" to Britain's tabloid press, is making a personal trip to India.