Going to Kerala

[Guest guest]

I am planning on being in Kerala in Dec. and possibly extend my stay

for the India tours (Jan. and Feb). My first trip to India and I don't

plan on bringing much - just a small backpack. Is there any advice

from experienced visitors to the ashram or people who have toured on

things that I should bring. Also, someone mentioned that I should get

several vaccines and take malaria pills every day in India. Do I

really need to? All suggestions appreciated.

Health, Happiness, and Peace, Hedieh

[Guest guest]

Jai Hedieh:

 

It has been seven years since I went to the Ashram so things have probably

changed by now. Nevertheless, there are some of my experiences.

 

First, I found it better to fly directly into Thiruvananthapuram and get a

taxi to the ashram (about 110 km north) . If you fly through Mumbai or Delhi,

be sure to check out arrival/departure times of your connections. Many flights

from the US and Europe arrive in India very late at night. The last thing

you want is a 6 hour layover in the airport in the middle of the night. Theft

is high. I would suggest carrying a chain and lock to secure your bag when

traveling anywhere in the country.

 

Buy a money belt that goes underneath clothing for your passport, credit

cards and Cooks travelers checks. You are really in trouble if you loose your

passport or have it stolen (it fetches thousands of dollars on the black

market). If you had to travel to the Embassy in Mumbai to get a replacement, it

may

be very difficult. You need the passport to get a train ticket and rent a

hotel room!

 

Upon arriving at the airport convert money into rupees of small

denominations. Taxis, etc., conveniently never have change! If someone does

give you

change and you think it is not enough, keep you hand held out to receive more.

 

Never over tip.

 

Never give money to beggars, especially children. A group of children may

surround you and pester you for money. These children are highly trained by an

adult and are masters at pick pocketing. They never get to keep the money.

 

For this reason, I got a pair of travel pants with lots of pockets and had a

tailor sew in extra zippers. I also had an interior pocket sewn in that was

only accessible from the inside for passport, money, etc. It paid off.

 

When traveling, always be very aware of your surroundings at all times. Make

it a Spiritual sadhana.

 

Most personal care items and basic drugs are readily available either at the

Ashram and in Vallickavu, the nearest town ... an easy boat ride and short

walk away. However, it is best to take everything you need to save time trying

to locate items.

 

For clothing I traveled very light. I had a couple of pairs of pants and

shirts made at the Ashram for a few dollars are wore those most of the time.

When it was time to come home, I just gave them away. A fold up rain jacket is

well worth while.

 

Woman's clothing should be very modest.

 

For shoes, I wore hiking boats when traveling (roads, sidewalks are rough)

and took two pairs of sandals. You have to leave you shoes outside of a Temple

and they can get stolen (I had one pair of Tevis stolen). Because our feet

are bigger, it is difficult to find a replacement. I also carried a cheap cloth

bag to hide my shoes while I was in a Temple. Fortunately, I never got

caught.

 

Checkout camping stores for small items that can be very useful. A water

bottle is a must. There is filtered water at the ashram but few places have

bottled water. It is no fun drinking unfiltered water!

 

I would suggest you email the ashram and ask what to bring if you plan to

take the Tours. It can be very arduous. A blowup camping mat and pillow might

be useful as you may well be sleeping on a hard flour.

 

The seats on the bus are quite small and crowded and you will be traveling

on many poor roads. A neck pillow might easy the journey. If you get motion

sickness, take along some pills.

 

I would not go without shots particularly for Malaria and Hepatitis. I know

they are costly but the risk of getting these diseases is just not worth it. I

also carried several syringes as I heard some medical people reuse them.

 

If you have never traveled in third world countries, you will have a culture

shock. Poverty such that you have never seen is wide spread. Too many times,

I have seen beggar women carrying babies that have been deliberately maimed

in order to get sympathy.

 

But look into the eyes of the children! From the southern tip of India to

the back county deep in the Himalayas, I have seen children playing. They have

only the dress they are wearing and maybe one other. If they have shoes, they

are well off. If the shoes fit, they are very well off.

 

They have no TV or movies or designer clothes or cars or stereo or cell

phones or iPods or social pressure as the kids do in here.

 

But the glee and openness and light in their eyes is incredible. They all

play together without regard to age, gender or social status.

 

While there is a culture shock going over, it is worse coming home. I was

warned about this before my first trip and it turned out to be true. We are big

and fat and sloppy and aggressive. The hardest thing for me was looking into

the eyes of our children and seeing nothing but worry and strain. There was

no light. I cried many times.

 

Overall, I found the Indian people just wonderful. They are very proud of

their country and heritage and rightly so. They feel honored that you are

visiting India. They are very warm, friendly and helpful people.

 

I have spent over two years in many trips ranging from 3 to 7 months in

India and Asia. It is an incredible experience. At Mother's Ashram, it is even

more so.

 

Blessings to you for deciding to visit Amma. It will be an experience worth

a lifetime.

 

 

[Guest guest]

Very informative. Thank You !

 

KandarW wrote:

Jai Hedieh:

 

It has been seven years since I went to the Ashram so things have probably

changed by now. Nevertheless, there are some of my experiences.

 

First, I found it better to fly directly into Thiruvananthapuram and get a

taxi to the ashram (about 110 km north) . If you fly through Mumbai or Delhi,

be sure to check out arrival/departure times of your connections. Many flights

from the US and Europe arrive in India very late at night. The last thing

you want is a 6 hour layover in the airport in the middle of the night. Theft

is high. I would suggest carrying a chain and lock to secure your bag when

traveling anywhere in the country.

 

Buy a money belt that goes underneath clothing for your passport, credit

cards and Cooks travelers checks. You are really in trouble if you loose your

passport or have it stolen (it fetches thousands of dollars on the black

market). If you had to travel to the Embassy in Mumbai to get a replacement, it

may

be very difficult. You need the passport to get a train ticket and rent a

hotel room!

 

Upon arriving at the airport convert money into rupees of small

denominations. Taxis, etc., conveniently never have change! If someone does give

you

change and you think it is not enough, keep you hand held out to receive more.

 

Never over tip.

 

Never give money to beggars, especially children. A group of children may

surround you and pester you for money. These children are highly trained by an

adult and are masters at pick pocketing. They never get to keep the money.

 

For this reason, I got a pair of travel pants with lots of pockets and had a

tailor sew in extra zippers. I also had an interior pocket sewn in that was

only accessible from the inside for passport, money, etc. It paid off.

 

When traveling, always be very aware of your surroundings at all times. Make

it a Spiritual sadhana.

 

Most personal care items and basic drugs are readily available either at the

Ashram and in Vallickavu, the nearest town ... an easy boat ride and short

walk away. However, it is best to take everything you need to save time trying

to locate items.

 

For clothing I traveled very light. I had a couple of pairs of pants and

shirts made at the Ashram for a few dollars are wore those most of the time.

When it was time to come home, I just gave them away. A fold up rain jacket is

well worth while.

 

Woman's clothing should be very modest.

 

For shoes, I wore hiking boats when traveling (roads, sidewalks are rough)

and took two pairs of sandals. You have to leave you shoes outside of a Temple

and they can get stolen (I had one pair of Tevis stolen). Because our feet

are bigger, it is difficult to find a replacement. I also carried a cheap cloth

bag to hide my shoes while I was in a Temple. Fortunately, I never got

caught.

 

Checkout camping stores for small items that can be very useful. A water

bottle is a must. There is filtered water at the ashram but few places have

bottled water. It is no fun drinking unfiltered water!

 

I would suggest you email the ashram and ask what to bring if you plan to

take the Tours. It can be very arduous. A blowup camping mat and pillow might

be useful as you may well be sleeping on a hard flour.

 

The seats on the bus are quite small and crowded and you will be traveling

on many poor roads. A neck pillow might easy the journey. If you get motion

sickness, take along some pills.

 

I would not go without shots particularly for Malaria and Hepatitis. I know

they are costly but the risk of getting these diseases is just not worth it. I

also carried several syringes as I heard some medical people reuse them.

 

If you have never traveled in third world countries, you will have a culture

shock. Poverty such that you have never seen is wide spread. Too many times,

I have seen beggar women carrying babies that have been deliberately maimed

in order to get sympathy.

 

But look into the eyes of the children! From the southern tip of India to

the back county deep in the Himalayas, I have seen children playing. They have

only the dress they are wearing and maybe one other. If they have shoes, they

are well off. If the shoes fit, they are very well off.

 

They have no TV or movies or designer clothes or cars or stereo or cell

phones or iPods or social pressure as the kids do in here.

 

But the glee and openness and light in their eyes is incredible. They all

play together without regard to age, gender or social status.

 

While there is a culture shock going over, it is worse coming home. I was

warned about this before my first trip and it turned out to be true. We are big

and fat and sloppy and aggressive. The hardest thing for me was looking into

the eyes of our children and seeing nothing but worry and strain. There was

no light. I cried many times.

 

Overall, I found the Indian people just wonderful. They are very proud of

their country and heritage and rightly so. They feel honored that you are

visiting India. They are very warm, friendly and helpful people.

 

I have spent over two years in many trips ranging from 3 to 7 months in

India and Asia. It is an incredible experience. At Mother's Ashram, it is even

more so.

 

Blessings to you for deciding to visit Amma. It will be an experience worth

a lifetime.

 

 

[Guest guest]

Jai Hedieh:

 

 

A couple of things I forgot to mention.

 

I would advise you to take a set of eating utensils and a metal camping cup

with you. In Vallickavu, purchase a metal dinner plate as soon as possible.

 

Washing of utensils and plates is very good in the Western canteen. Prices

there are quite reasonable.

 

The Indian food was free when I was there. However, most people just rinse

off their plates and utensils in warm water (no soap or disinfectants).

Better to have you own.

 

Electricity is very costly at the Ashram and elsewhere. So there are no hot

water tanks. Curling irons, hair blowers, heating elements, etc., are taboo.

The water in the taps is not cold but slightly warm. It is at a comfortable

temperature for bathing etc.

 

The exchange rate currently is about two and a half cents per rupee. So, 100

rupees is about $2.50. You can use that guideline as a measure for

comparing prices. Many articles are cheaper than here. But, because you are a

Westerner, you may well have to pay a higher price. Remember, that bargaining

is the

usual way of doing business. Personally, I am not in favor of doing it until

I made it a fun game. You need to gain the experience of when to bargain and

when not to. Watch the other persons facial expressions closely to see when

you bid too low. Starting to walk away usually brings the price down.

 

A 100 rupee tip (depending on the service) is a very, very healthy tip.

Remember that most of the people earn less that $100 per year.

 

If you purchase bottled soft drinks, insist that you open it yourself or

don't buy it. Take along your own bottle opener for the purpose. I liked Limca

.... a lemon flavored drink. Usually, the seller will take off the cap and run

his hands around the rim (the part that goes in your mouth) to " clean " it.

They don't use soap to wash their hands.

 

Always observe the custom of receiving with your RIGHT hand, never your

LEFT. The left hand is used for going to the bathroom. Take along some toilet

tissue with you.

 

I would also suggest you pick up a copy of the Lonely Planet guide for

India. It is a terrific book for traveling around the country on a budget and

there are lots of does and don'ts. Well worth the price.

 

 

[Guest guest]

Om Namah Shivaya,

 

My Dr. sent Cipro with me, just in case I caught an intestinal bug. He

didn't advise any immunizations, but I already had a Hep B vacination. You

could ask the MA Ctr if they would send information for ashram visitors to you,

which they made available for Amma's 50th. birthday. it helped..

 

Sweta

 

hediehshariatmadari <hediehshariatmadari wrote:

I am planning on being in Kerala in Dec. and possibly extend my stay

for the India tours (Jan. and Feb). My first trip to India and I don't

plan on bringing much - just a small backpack. Is there any advice

from experienced visitors to the ashram or people who have toured on

things that I should bring. Also, someone mentioned that I should get

several vaccines and take malaria pills every day in India. Do I

really need to? All suggestions appreciated.

Health, Happiness, and Peace, Hedieh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story.

Play Sims Stories at Games.

 

 

[Guest guest]

Hello Kandar

 

Thank you for all of the information! I am from Iran and am familiar with

travel, but know that traveling in India will be a very different and magical

experience. I didn't know that there was a shot for malaria - just pills- so I

will have to check that out. I plan on touring with Amma in Jan. , and they sent

a list of recommended articles, which helped as well. The other thing is that I

only planned on bringing a few things which all fit in a small backpack - but

everyone seems to recommend a locking luggage case which I feel is a huge

burden to carry around. My motto is hand = headache, back = breeze, so we'll see

about that one.

I watch my back at all times, but know that I am always in Gods hands, and if

something is supposed to happen it will - so I'm pretty laid back about stuff

like that. Anyways, I just wanted to thank you and tell you that I appreciate

your words, and the time and effort it took to convey them. Many thanks,

Health, Happiness, and Peace, Hedieh

 

 

 

Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha!

Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Games.

 

 

[Guest guest]

Thanks Sweta, I'll ask my Dr. for some. Much appreciated!

 

Health, Happiness, and Peace, Hedieh

 

 

 

 

Check out the hottest 2008 models today at Autos.

 

 

[Guest guest]

Hedieh,

 

Good luck to you and Godspeed

 

Hedieh Shariatmadari <hediehshariatmadari wrote:

 

 

Hello Kandar

 

Thank you for all of the information! I am from Iran and am familiar with

travel, but know that traveling in India will be a very different and magical

experience. I didn't know that there was a shot for malaria - just pills- so I

will have to check that out. I plan on touring with Amma in Jan. , and they sent

a list of recommended articles, which helped as well. The other thing is that I

only planned on bringing a few things which all fit in a small backpack - but

everyone seems to recommend a locking luggage case which I feel is a huge burden

to carry around. My motto is hand = headache, back = breeze, so we'll see about

that one.

I watch my back at all times, but know that I am always in Gods hands, and if

something is supposed to happen it will - so I'm pretty laid back about stuff

like that. Anyways, I just wanted to thank you and tell you that I appreciate

your words, and the time and effort it took to convey them. Many thanks,

Health, Happiness, and Peace, Hedieh

 

 

Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha!

Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Games.

 

 

[Guest guest]

namah sivaya

 

greetings! i just went to india for my first time from jan-june 2006. i went on

both the south and north tours with Ma. i am so glad to hear that you are going.

you will love it and will also learn a lot.

 

i didn't get any immunizations even though some told me to. a lot of people i

know have gone without immunizations and were fine. being with the tour group is

quite safe for your first time going to india. i am so glad i stuck with the

tour and Amma's ashram for the first time in india. there is a lot to take in

and being on your own in india for your first time would be a lot to handle,

for me at least. next time i go i will venture out more on my own, now that i

know the ropes a little more.

 

things off the top of my head that you will need on tour and being in india:

 

*the ashram gave us homeopathic or allopathic malaria pills just for the n.

indian tour, so you don't need to worry about that

 

*mosquito net you can get in india at amritapuri in the western shop

 

*first aid kit : aspirin, bandaids, tea tree oil, emergency's.....bring lots of

those for tour, osha root for respitory ailments due to pollution.......that

came in handy a few times for myself and others, GSE grapefruit seed

extract....a natural antibiotic....in case you start to feel ill....it should

wipe anything out.....(osha root extract and GSE were the most helpful for me on

tour), get well formula, etc.

 

*at least 2 paper copies of your i.d., passport, and visa

 

*money belt

 

*travel with travelers checks

 

That's all i can think of at this moment.....email me for any questions yo may

have...

 

 

with Her love and grace abiding within and all around,

namrata

Ammachi

swetabc

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 20:53:38 -0700

Re: Going to Kerala

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Om Namah Shivaya,

 

 

 

My Dr. sent Cipro with me, just in case I caught an intestinal bug. He

didn't advise any immunizations, but I already had a Hep B vacination. You

could ask the MA Ctr if they would send information for ashram visitors to you,

which they made available for Amma's 50th. birthday. it helped..

 

 

 

Sweta

 

 

 

hediehshariatmadari <hediehshariatmadari wrote:

 

I am planning on being in Kerala in Dec. and possibly extend my stay

 

for the India tours (Jan. and Feb). My first trip to India and I don't

 

plan on bringing much - just a small backpack. Is there any advice

 

from experienced visitors to the ashram or people who have toured on

 

things that I should bring. Also, someone mentioned that I should get

 

several vaccines and take malaria pills every day in India. Do I

 

really need to? All suggestions appreciated.

 

Health, Happiness, and Peace, Hedieh

 

 

 

 

 

Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story.

 

Play Sims Stories at Games.

 

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

hi Mary im going to india on decmber 11 . if u need help i could help you out .

i have been to Ammas ashram many times . i love being there . its really good

experience and you really love it.

 

Mary Beth Hayman <amritabindu wrote:

namah sivaya

 

greetings! i just went to india for my first time from jan-june 2006. i went on

both the south and north tours with Ma. i am so glad to hear that you are going.

you will love it and will also learn a lot.

 

i didn't get any immunizations even though some told me to. a lot of people i

know have gone without immunizations and were fine. being with the tour group is

quite safe for your first time going to india. i am so glad i stuck with the

tour and Amma's ashram for the first time in india. there is a lot to take in

and being on your own in india for your first time would be a lot to handle, for

me at least. next time i go i will venture out more on my own, now that i know

the ropes a little more.

 

things off the top of my head that you will need on tour and being in india:

 

*the ashram gave us homeopathic or allopathic malaria pills just for the n.

indian tour, so you don't need to worry about that

 

*mosquito net you can get in india at amritapuri in the western shop

 

*first aid kit : aspirin, bandaids, tea tree oil, emergency's.....bring lots of

those for tour, osha root for respitory ailments due to pollution.......that

came in handy a few times for myself and others, GSE grapefruit seed

extract....a natural antibiotic....in case you start to feel ill....it should

wipe anything out.....(osha root extract and GSE were the most helpful for me on

tour), get well formula, etc.

 

*at least 2 paper copies of your i.d., passport, and visa

 

*money belt

 

*travel with travelers checks

 

That's all i can think of at this moment.....email me for any questions yo may

have...

 

 

with Her love and grace abiding within and all around,

namrata

Ammachi

swetabc

Fri, 21 Sep 2007 20:53:38 -0700

Re: Going to Kerala

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Om Namah Shivaya,

 

 

 

My Dr. sent Cipro with me, just in case I caught an intestinal bug. He didn't

advise any immunizations, but I already had a Hep B vacination. You could ask

the MA Ctr if they would send information for ashram visitors to you, which they

made available for Amma's 50th. birthday. it helped..

 

 

 

Sweta

 

 

 

hediehshariatmadari wrote:

 

I am planning on being in Kerala in Dec. and possibly extend my stay

 

for the India tours (Jan. and Feb). My first trip to India and I don't

 

plan on bringing much - just a small backpack. Is there any advice

 

from experienced visitors to the ashram or people who have toured on

 

things that I should bring. Also, someone mentioned that I should get

 

several vaccines and take malaria pills every day in India. Do I

 

really need to? All suggestions appreciated.

 

Health, Happiness, and Peace, Hedieh

 

 

 

 

 

Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story.

 

Play Sims Stories at Games.