DISEASE PREVENTION
Various medicines and vaccinations may be recommended as a precautionary
measure. Contact your local public health agency for up-to-date advice,
one or two months in advance of your journey. They will make suggestions,
but currently there are no required prophylaxis.
FOOD AND DRINK
To avoid unnecessary or even dangerous illness, travelers to India
must be very cautious about drinking water and food intake.
First rule - do not drink the local water. This is the most common source
for intestinal amoebas which causes dysentary and can cause chronic digestive
disorders. Even more serious diseases, such as hepatitis, can be contracted
from drinking water.
- Currently, bottled mineral water is available throughout India,
but it is sometimes not available in remote villages. Be sure the bottle
is sealed before you buy it. One litre costs about US 50 cents.
- Another option is to carry a reliable portable water filter, usually
available at backpacking stores.
- Or, you can boil water before drinking it.
Second rule - carry a pocket knife in your checked baggage (not in hand baggage) and wash and peel all raw vegatables and fruits
before consuming.
Third rule - avoid getting food from street vendors. Ice cream and fried
foods are particularly dangerous.
If spicy food causes you digestive difficulties, bring along some safe snacks
from home - such as granola bars or your favorite crackers. In the cities,
one can usually purchase peanut butter, corn flakes, muesili, packaged butter,
cheese spread and jam. All locales have a good supply of white bread, bisquits
and cookies. Nuts and dried fruits are also available. Health advocates
can make mung bean sprouts. In India, the mung bean is called green gram
and is readily available.
Do bring your favorite mosquito repellant, or buy India's "Odomos"
upon arrival. Mosquito nets can be carried, or purchased in India.
Travelling to the hot, sunny areas? (most of India!) Then bring sunscreen
lotion, at least no. 15. If the heat proves very difficult to endure, purchase
electrolites from the local medical shop, and drink a lot of liquid to overcome
dehydration.
Electricity is an unreliable resource in much of India. Best to carry a
pocket flashlight for convenience. Americans should be aware that India's
current is 240 volts, so their standard 110 volt appliances cannot be used
in India. Many Indian and "Eastern" or Asian stores do sell appliances
of the correct voltage. You need a step down transformer (from 220 volts to 110 volts) to use American appliances in India. Most Video battery chargers and Mobile phone chargers have dual voltage charging.
India has become very modernized and westernized in terms of products available
for purchase. Better to think"less is best" when packing, and
avoid airline overweight charges. Besides, all the beautiful fabrics, carvings,
brass and other Indian artifacts may need to find a place in your bags on
the return journey, not to mention all the wonderful photos and commemorative
items of Sri Swamiji from the Mysore Ashram.
MONEY AND VALUABLES
Traveller's checks are usually a good option, even bringing a higher
exchange rate than currency. Credit cards can be used in many but not all
locations. Ashrama has a bank in its premises (Canara bank) and regular banking facilities are available here. You can exchange foreign currency, travellers cheques, encash credit cards etc.,
Be very careful with your valuables. It is best to keep a slim waist pack
under your clothing in addition to your outer purse or pack.
A NOTE ABOUT CLOTHING
As Mark Twain put it - "Clothes make the man, naked people have
little or no influence on society."
UPON ARRIVAL IN INDIA
Do not feel pressured by local porters at the airport when you arrive.
Most airports have carts available, so you can collect and transport your
own luggage if you wish. At any rate, take your time, get your bearings,
and don't allow anyone to quickly move off with your bags.
Most taxis and ground transportation can be arranged through counters inside
the airports. Banks are also located inside the international airports,
so you can change some money immediately. Best option would be to take a pre charged taxi. You pay the taxi rent upfront at the booking desk and the designated taxi brings you to Mysore Ashrama. Presently (in 2007), the taxi fare for one way journey to Mysore Ashrama is about Rs.3000 to Rs.4000
Have a happy journey!
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