Home About Auroville The Auroville Charter The Matrimandir Our Journeys Activities Accomodations & Fees Travel Tips Registration Travelor Testimonials from Past Journeys The Facilitator: Prapanna Smith "The attitude one has when entering India will largely determine how one experiences the assault on the senses that India can be. . . If you go as a traveler rather than as a tourist, if you dive into the experience as a participant rather than as a mere witness, then you will have a wonderful time."			Travel Tips Culture Shock: India is a completely different world than ours here in the USA. Anyone planning to visit should be prepared to confront certain realities of life that can be not only illuminating and awe-inspiring, but also very disturbing and frustrating. The attitude one has when entering India will largely determine how one experiences the assault on the senses that India can be. The first thing we will experience will be the hot and humid air around us as we disembark from the plane. Then there will be the huge crowd of people outside the terminal waiting for friends and loved ones to come out. Some may even try to help you with your bags and you should know they are probably not thieves trying to steal your luggage. And then there will be the insane road, with loud cars and buses, illuminated shops and people sleeping and urinating along the side of road, cows, dogs, bullocks (with and without carts), not to mention the honk of the van's horn liberally employed by our driver. But when we arrive in Auroville we will feel as if we have reached a wonderful tropical paradise far from the insane city life of India. Nevertheless, the challenge of being in a place so foreign and alien to one can be psychologically demanding. But, again, it really all depends upon one's attitude when going there. If you go as a traveler rather than as a tourist, if you dive into the experience as a participant rather than as a mere witness, then you will have a wonderful time. The Weather: The weather in South India is always humid with temperatures ranging from warm to very hot. In October the humidity will be on the rise as the raining season generally begins in late October and develops into regular and powerful showers by the end of November. When we arrive in the middle of October it will likely be both sunny and cloudy on most days, with occasional light to heavy rain, but rain or no it will be relatively warm to our senses. When I lived there from September 1998 to March 2001 I wore shorts and light cotton shirts year round. And during rainy season I regularly rode my motorcycle in the rain wearing a shirt, shorts, and sandals, with a pancho to keep dry. What to Bring: I suggest that each member of the party should strive to travel as light as possible, using whatever luggage or backpacks you prefer. This should include one bag, backpack, or suitcase on wheels, along with an extra collapsible bag in which to carry purchased items back home. This way you will have two bags on the return flight. Also a small carry-on bag or backpack for the plane is recommended. Since we will have laundry service, four or five changes of clothes (long pants, shorts, shirts, underwear, etc.) should be sufficient. Textiles are a good bargain in India, so the more adventurous among us may want to buy clothes to wear in country. For protection from the rain I suggest a good quality hooded pancho long enough to cover you to your knees. We will often be removing our shoes and sandals when entering indoor places, so footwear should be anything comfortable that can be quickly and easily removed and put back on. Sunglasses and a hat are also highly recommended. For your hygiene just bring whatever you normally use. Make sure you bring deodorant and bug repellant. Given the humidity and bugs in South India you will definitely need them both. Visa: Travel to India requires a visa. Travelors will be responsible for obtaining their own visas. Visas can be obtained by mail from the Consulate of India in San Francisco. To apply for the visa, download a PDF file of the required visa application here and mail it with your passport and fee to the Consulate in San Francisco. Instructions for filling out the application are included with the application. The Consulate usually processes visas within a few days of receiving the application. It is recommended that members of our group apply for the Tourist Visa. Water and Food: When we leave Singapore, be sure to carry a bottle of water in your carry-on bag so you can stay hydrated during the long drive from the airport to Auroville. Food in most Indian restaurants is safe to eat, but drinking purified bottled water is a must. The one exception may be the well water in Auroville. Bottled water is available at every shop and stand to be found along any road. Just make sure the cap seal is still in place when you buy the bottle. Medications: When I went to India in 1991 I assumed I would get diarrhea at some point so I brought lots of medication to deal with it. But instead I became painfully constipated. Fortunately, I was able to go the Ashram doctor and get something for it. So consider what you would likely encounter and prepare for it, and then prepare for the unexpected. But there is no need to bring a veritable pharmacy with you since many medications can be purchased at medical shops, including many that are only available by prescription here. Health: I personally have never been immunized for any of my trips to and within India and I never had any problems. Nor do I intend to do so in the future. However, make sure you visit the CDC website for its health advisors for travelors to India so you can decide what is best for yourself. The CDC website includes information on vaccinations, how to deal with specific deseases, what to bring, and what to do (and not do) in the country to stay healthy. Photography: A good camera with a couple of rolls of film is a must. You should know that film in India is much less expensive than it is here. So is developing and printing. If saving money is important to you plan on buying most of your film, and having your pictures developed, in India. There are several good one-hour developing studios in Pondicherry where you can have your film developed during any of our visits to the city. Shopping: Shopping for unique items at bargain prices is one of India's many pleasant features. Clothing, statues, paintings, rugs, jewelry, and especially books can be found at great prices everywhere. The key is deciding how much you want to carry home with you. On my first trip to India in 1991 I returned home with two bags of books and other goods weighing about 25 KG (60 lbs.) each. Money: No one should carry large amounts of cash with them. Travelers checks are preferable when outside the USA. About $100 cash, with the remaining spending money in TCs are recommended. TCs can be encashed at many locations in Pondicherry, but you will need your passport to do so. Most credit cards can also be used in India, and can be particularly useful in the event of an emergency. There are also several banks in Pondicherry that have ATM machines from which you can draw funds using your debit or credit card. Valuables and Passport: Carry your valuables and passport with you at all times. Never leave them lying around even for a moment, particularly when in public places. Take all precautions to keep what you have with you hidden so as not to attract thieves who may see you as easy pickings.