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

Helpful Downloads to Print and Save

Click the image to download the .pdf

Journey Guide

FAQ

Sadhana Instructions

Mantra Recording

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 to elke.som@gmx.de

  • 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 the Mumbai airport (BOM). Most international flights arrive in India during the middle of the night or early morning hours (typically between 11 pm - 4 am).

    Arrivals

    Plan to arrive in Mumbai in the late evening/early morning of January 20th/21st. This will allow us the entire 21st and 22nd to rest and adjust before departing for Varanasi on the 23rd.

    • If you’re traveling from the United States, please note that jet lag can be quite severe, and you may wish to add a couple of extra nights to help you adjust. If so, you can book a room at The Leela Mumbai, conveniently located next to the airport which is where we will be staying.

    Departures

    • If you’re leaving after the Kumbh Mela, you should plan to depart anytime after 8pm on January 30th as you will arrive into BOM airport at 4:00 pm. Since most international flights depart late at night/early morning, you might enjoy booking a hotel at the Niranta Transit Hotel in the airport to rest and shower before your flight. When booking flights you will want to look for flight either 8pm - 11:59 pm on January 30th or midnight - 4:00 am on January 31st.

    • If you’re continuing on to Rishikesh, plan to depart in the early morning hours of February 4th (between 1:00 - 4:00 am). Our flight into Mumbai will arrive at 8:40 pm on February 3rd.

  • 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 below. When selecting the amount, please make sure you fully conver the price of this journey. You may or may not choose to include the price of your flight. For some people, you might already have insurance for your flight on the credit card you purchased it with, for example.

    IMG Global

    Allianz

    World Nomads

  • Please ensure all payments are made by November 13th, 2024. Click here to make a payment.

    Second Payment Due: October 13th

    Final Payment Due: November 13th

    Please Note:
    The deposit is non-refundable as soon as it is received, and each subsequent payment becomes non-refundable after the respective due date. Please be sure to purchase travel insurance in order to protect your investment.

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 Mumbai Airport (BOM), but you might first land in Delhi (DEL) or another airport if you’re connecting in India and if=f that’s the case, then enter the first city you land in India.

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: Mumbai, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Rishikesh

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

REFERENCE NAME IN INDIA: Kaleshwar Ashram (Chitti Babu)

ADDRESS: Shiva Sai Mandir, Penukonda

STATE: Andhra Pradesh

DISTRICT: Ananthapuramu

PHONE NO: +91-8977750647