Welcome!

On this page, you’ll find everything you need to help you prepare for this incredible journey!

Section 1: Journey Guide with detailed itinerary

Section 2: Checklist with important to-do’s

Section 3: Tips for applying for your e-Visa

Section 4: Packing Checklist

Download the Journey Guide

Click the image to download the .pdf

Important To-Do’s

  • We need a copy of your passport so we can book your inter-India flights. Your name must be identical to what is on your passport which is why we request a copy. Please send as soon as possible.

  • Please review and sign by clicking here.

  • A visa to travel to India is necessary. It is a relatively easy online process and most people receive their visa within 2-5 business days. You will have the option to purchase a 30-day visa, 1 year or 5 year. The website can be a little confusing so we created a step-by-step guide that you can follow. (scroll below to next section). Once you receive confirmation of your visa, please forward this to Bhramari.

  • You should book flights flying in and out of Bangalore airport (BLR). Most international flights arrive in India during the middle of the night or early morning hours (typically between 11 pm - 3 am). It would be best if you arrived at the latest on the evening of Oct. 1st /early morning 2nd. This night is included in your journey.

    We will arrive into BLR airport on October 20th at 8:45 pm which will allow you plenty of time to check-in for your early morning flights departing on October 21st.

    When booking departing flights, they should depart at midnight or later on October 21st.

  • Please fill this out as soon as possible. Click here.

  • Travel insurance is required for all participants. Please feel free to shop the marketplace for the best options. Some companies we recommend are:

    Allianz

    World Nomads

  • Please ensure all payments are made by August 1st, 2024. Click here to make a payment.

Please continue to scroll below for detailed instructions on applying for your eVisa, packing suggestions and other helpful tips in helping you prepare for your journey.

Applying for your Visa

Below are some helpful tips when filling out your e-Visa. Once your application is submitted, it typically takes 2-5 business days to receive. However, do not wait until the last-minute in case any issues arise.

Before Filling Out the Page

Make sure you have the following files ready to load as part of the eVisa process:

  1. Photograph for Visa (.jpg)

    • The photo must be square-shaped

    • You can take a selfie on your phone and crop, no need to go to a drugstore or somewhere for an official passport photo

    • The background should be plain, light-colored, or white (no trees, busy wallpaper, etc.)

    • This file must be a .jpg file. The minimum size allowed is 10 KB, while the maximum is 1 MB

    • If you need help getting the image in the proper size, please email Bhramari; she can help.

    • No prescription glasses and sunglasses. Ensure that your eyes are fully open and that the photo has no "red eye" effect.

    • Keep a neutral expression, no smiling, no teeth. *It is essential not to show teeth in the photo.

  2. Digital Scan of your Passport (.pdf, .png or .jpg)

  • You can upload a scan or electronic copy of your Passport that can be taken with a phone camera.

  • You can upload your Passport scan in the following file formats: PDF, PNG, and JPG.

  • The scan should be large enough that it is clear and all the details on it are legible.

  • The default size for the scan is 1 Mb. It shouldn’t be larger than this.

  • Passport scan should be in color, not black and white.

  • The MRZ (the two strips at the bottom of the Passport) should be clearly visible.

PAGE 1:

Go to this website to apply for your e-Visa.

PAGE 2:

PORT OF ARRIVAL: It’s best to purchase your flight first so you know what your port of arrival. Put whatever airport your airport you FIRST arrive into India. We are all meeting at Bangalore Airport (BLR), but you might first land in Delhi (DEL). If that’s the case, then enter Delhi.

VISA SERVICE: You can choose a 30-day, 1-year, or 5-year visa. If you plan to stay for close to one month, we suggest getting a 1-year visa because if you have to extend your stay for any reason, you don’t want to risk your visa expiring.

PAGE 3:

SURNAME & GIVEN NAME: Be sure to fill this out EXACTLY as it is listed on your passport. Have your passport nearby to double-check.

CITIZENSHIP / NATIONAL ID NO.: In the U.S. this means your social security number.

RELIGION: You can choose “Other” if you do not associate with any particular religion or choose as you feel is appropriate.

DATE OF EXPIRY: As a general rule, passports must be valid for six months beyond the date the traveler will exit their home country.

PLACES TO BE VISITED: Penukonda, Bangalore, Shirdi, Rishikesh, Kedarnath, Badrinath

HAVE YOU BOOKED ANY ROOM IN HOTEL/RESORT THROUGH ANY TOUR OPERATOR? No

REFERENCE NAME IN INDIA: Kaleshwar Asrham (Chitti Babu)

ADDRESS: Shiva Sai Mandir, Penukonda

STATE: Andhra Pradesh

DISTRICT: Ananthapuramu

PHONE NO: +91-8977750647

Packing Checklist

Weather

The weather in the Himalayas should be cool, but quite pleasant. Below are the average temperatures for each of our stops:

Shirdi: 68° - 88° F

Rishikesh: 63° - 93° F

Guptkashi: 53° - 75° F

Kedarnath: 30° - 50° F (1 day trip up the mountain)

Badrinath: 30° - 53° F

Bangalore / Penukonda: 65° - 85° F

Temple Clothing (Women):

When dressing for temples, please be conservative and respectful. Traditional Indian kurta/pajama clothing can be purchased while in India, although this isn’t necessary.  Tunics and kaftans are lovely options. Shirts should be long enough to come down to the middle of the thigh and light scarves should also be worn at all times. We will often sit on the ground for teachings or ceremonies, so you will want clothing that you can comfortably sit on the ground.

Dressing in the mountain temples can be a bit more casual due to the colder weather. Sweaters, jackets and pants are all acceptable. We will discuss in more detail during our calls leading up to the trip. *Laundry is possible at almost all of our hotels

Temple Clothing (Men):

Western-style clothes are acceptable for men as Indian men also dress this way now. Pants and a shirt are ok.  You can also purchase kurta/pajamas in India as well.  We will often sit on the ground for teachings or ceremonies, so you will want clothing that you can comfortably sit on the ground. *Laundry is possible at almost all of our hotels

Shoes:

Please pack shoes that you are most comfortable wearting. Please keep in mind shoes are not allowed inside of temples, but they will be safe as most temples have a shoe check to store your shoes. Please bring at least one pair of good tennis shoes for walking in the Himalayas. While we will not be trekking, there are many lovely walks that we can enjoy during our stay.

Penukonda:

If you are planning to stay at the ashram in Penukonda before our journey, white kurta style clothing is required for your stay. You can normally find these easily online and if not, the ashram will have some available for purchase.

Money

You should plan to have some cash with you for food, snacks, and drinks or shopping in markets that do not accept credit cards (although most do). $500 in cash is normally more than enough and we will help you change this once you have arrived in India. You cannot get rupees outside of India.

Phones

Your phones will work in every place we are staying. Most phone carriers like AT&T and Verizon now offer automated international travel plans where you will get charged $10/day for a maximum of 10 days ($100) to keep your same phone and data plan while in India. All the hotels we are staying at will also have the option to join Wi-Fi. A lot of the time you will not have access to Wi-Fi in the rooms, but in the common areas like reception and the restaurants.

Medications

Please bring enough of your Rx medication for the entire trip in your carry on bag. Copy of prescription for medication for prescribed medications.

Any other remedies you might need like Tylenol, stomach medicines, charcoal pills, etc.

Seaband wrist bands or dramamine for our drives if you are prone to car sickness as we will be driving through windy mountain roads.