PILGRIMAGE TO INDIA

You will need to apply for your E-Visa one month prior to traveling in India. 

Make sure your passport has at least 6 months
validity from the time you enter India.

Insurance is important for this trip. Worldnomads and
insureandgo are two popular travel insurers.

For info about vaccinations and health:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/india
Tour members take different approaches to vaccines. Read up and make an informed
decision.

Below is a good site to understand the weather in India during January. Rishikesh is the
coolest place we’ll visit so the link below gives an idea of the coldest weather we’ll
experience.
https://www.accuweather.com/en/in/rishikesh/191356/january-weather/191356?year=2023

Clothes suitable for the weather in January. Rishikesh is the coolest weather we’ll
experience.

https://www.accuweather.com/en/in/rishikesh/191356/january-weather/191356?year=2023

Note: Please dress “modestly”.

• Nothing short, low cut, too tight etc...
• Sandals
• Larq bottle or similar water purifying bottle
• Sunscreen
• Mosquito repellent
• Over the counter diarrhea medicine
• Sanitary hand wipes
• A light shoulder bag or daypack
• Camera
• Band aids or a little medical kit
• Nail clippers, toothpaste, razor etc... These things are also easily available in India
• A money belt or pouch which is easily concealed.
  Copies of your passport page, visa, list of travellers checks
• ATM card (Note: make sure to inform your credit card company that you will be travelling to India so they can expect some charges from there, otherwise they might
  block your card)
• Sunglasses and extra pair of glasses (note: Be extra careful in Vrindavan where
  monkeys are known to snatch your glasses right off your face)
• An electrical adapter to change voltage for any American appliances you bring with you. 
• Print out of your plane ticket and e-visa
• Yoga Mat
• Leave some space in your suitcase because India has great shopping.

Rupee is Indian currency and there are plenty of places to exchange money. In the airport most places take commission. Never exchange on the black market.

Many tour members ask about tipping so here are some guidelines. Tipping is a
common practice in India. Our guides and drivers have a short tourist season and the
tips are a big help for them in the off season. If you are satisfied with the services it is
typical to offer anywhere between total $6 - $20 per day based on your satisfaction and
means. This amount can be given towards the end of the tour directly to your main
guide who will divide the amount appropriately to the drivers and any other helpers.
Tipping is voluntary and dependent on the inspiration of the tour member.

Eat light when you first arrive. Drink and brush your teeth only with bottled water or larq
purified water. Never eat street food. Ask your guide about safe places to eat. Avoid
salads and fruit that is not “wrapped”. Enjoy the fine authentic Vegetarian/Vegan cuisine.

India has plenty of saints and plenty of cheaters. Don't be naive. If you are in doubt ask
your guide's advice. Keep your valuables safely.

Bring a sunhat, sunglasses and drink at least 2 liters of pure water daily.

Please try to read a good guide book before your journey to prepare yourself for your journey and give you some idea of what to expect. India is a developing country and can be very challenging, raw, chaotic, and overcrowded. Don't expect things to be like in
developed Western countries. Despite that it's a wonderful and deep place which offers
the chance for unique and powerful experiences. We've got a great retreat planned and if you come with a mood of adventure, some patience and the willingness to accept India
on its own terms you'll have the experience of a lifetime.