Will I get sick in India?
You might. Some people do, though it is by no means inevitable. It is important not to drink the water. Do not even use tap water when brushing your teeth. Use bottled water in all cases. Don’t eat fruit that has been washed by the water. Fruit that can be peeled or that is cooked is fine. Don't use ice in drinks. When washing up, soap your hands for as long as it takes to recite the alphabet. After rinsing, do not dry them. (It's India. they'll dry quite well on their own.) Keep your hands away from your mouth except when eating (before which, obviously, you will have washed).

An Ayurvedic suggestion is to eat one onion every day for the month prior to leaving.


If I am in the Stories from the Upanishads course, will I participate in Veda Seven?
No. But there will be plenty else to do during those times you are not involved in study with Thom.


How do I get from Delhi to Rishikesh?
Once in Delhi, you may continue to Rishikesh via air, car or train. Flights will be about USD200 return from Delhi to Dehradun (the nearest airport). Check this link: Air Deccan. Once in Dehradun, you take a cab from there to Rishikesh. Air Deccan has baggage restrictions, so be sure to check those out carefully.

Alternatively, you can take a train - the Shatabdi Express Train is recommended. The train arrives in Haridwar from where you can take a 30-minute cab ride to the accommodations in Rishikesh. The train ride from Delhi to Haridwar will take about 6 hours and cost around USD80 return. Go to Indian Rail.

For a great overview of how to get from Delhi to Rishikesh, checkout this link: Ananda in the Himalayas.


Do I need travel insurance?
This is entirely up to you. Insurance for a 15 day India visit is about USD50 per person. You can get it through a travel agent or online at: Non Resident Indians Online-NRIO.


What kind of clothes should I wear?
For the trip over, whatever you prefer to travel in. Once in India, however, we will all buy clothing suitable to the climate and to our position in Rishikesh as respectful students of Vedic knowledge. For women, this generally means a kurta/kurti (a traditional long, loose shirt) and pants.

The men of our tradition wear a traditional shirt with a dhoti, a wrapped cloth similar to a sarong.

These clothes will be relatively inexpensive.

Be sure to bring swimwear, if you wish to swim in the Ganges, but be advised that traditional Western swimwear for women will not be appropriate for the area. (There are many saddhus in Rishikesh who have taken vows of chastity and we do not wish to affront them or anyone else with what they may experience as provocative.)


What kind of shoes should I wear?
Comfortable. Open. Breathable. Sandals, sports sandals. Something that can take dust and water and lots of walking.


What should I remember to bring?
Blank notebooks and pens, personal medications (prescription and/or over the counter), hand sanitizers, flashlight or torch, spare batteries, mosquito repellent, sun block, charcoal tablets (for stomach trouble), anti-bacterial ointment, swimwear, hat and a yoga mat.


What is the best way to pay my course fee?
Of course, that is your choice; we accept credit cards through PayPal or you can send a check. (If you do choose to write a cashier’s check, the fees for such a check are much more reasonable at the US post office than at your bank.)


Should I bring traveler's checks?
Yes. Aside from protection from theft, they usually bring a higher exchange rate than cash when trading for rupees.


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