To make your journey a comfortable and beautiful experience, here are some answers to many inquiries that will help you plan and prepare for your trip to the Bengaluru Adheenam.
VISA
Do I need a visa to travel to India?
A visa is required for entering the country if you are not a holder of a valid Indian Passport. Obtain a regular tourist visa with multiple entries. Each country is different with the allowance of months or years for an india visa. Example: United States has a 10 year india visa so apply for the highest number of months/years so you don’t have to renew visa each 6 months.
India Visa Link:
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html
Who should be listed as the references in India on the visa application form?
For references in India:
Ma Nithya Jnanatma Swami
Phone: +91 80 272 79999
Address:
Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam
Kallugopahalli, Off Mysore Road,
Bidadi, Bangalore District – 562 109,
Karnataka, INDIA
PASSPORT
Please check the expiration date of your passport. Make necessary arrangements for renewal so that your passport does not expire while you are in India. Make five photocopies each of your passport photo page and Indian Visa page.
CURRENCY/FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Exchange a small amount of money for Indian Rupees (INR) before you leave so that you can pay for the Taxi transportation from the airport to the Bengaluru Adheenam
(costs approximately $35 US which is approximately 1,500 rupees). You may also convert money at the official money exchange counter located inside the airport. The currency exchange counter near the exit of airport is open 24 hours.
What is the best way to carry money to India?
Traveller’s checks are considered the safest way of carrying money while traveling. Converting traveller’s checks to Indian Rupees (INR) in India is advisable since all commercial transactions are mostly in INR.
Credit cards are also a good way, and relatively safe. They are not useful for taxis and some other basic things.
When and where can I find a money exchange counter when I reach Bengaluru (Bangalore)?
Foreign currency can be converted at the official money exchange counters inside the airport.
How much money should I bring?
It is not recommended to carry more than $3000 US. The basic requirements for food and accommodation are provided, please have enough money for expenses such as:
Taxi service from and to the airport
Any other personal shopping.
Where can I find the nearest bank?
The bank nearest to the Bengaluru Adheenam is in Bidadi which is approximately 15 minutes away. Bengaluru (Bangalore) city is approximately 1 hour away. Please check with the Welcome Center (reception area) for more details.
VACCINATIONS & MEDICATIONS
Are vaccinations required?
Vaccinations and immunizations are not mandatory to enter the country or to attend the program. However, please seek your doctor’s advice regarding your need for vaccinations and immunizations and whether you are fit to travel to India before leaving the country. You may also refer to the Center for Disease Control website for traveler’s health information at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx.
Should I bring any medications?
If you take prescription medications or are on continued medication, please bring enough supply to cover at least 3 months. Please see the dispensary at the Bengaluru Adheenam to advise of medications you are on. Do not discontinue or disrupt any ongoing medication schedule. It is advisable to carry medication for any situation that you anticipate due to change in place, weather and food.
You may want to initially bring:
Vitamins or electrolytes (e.g. powdered Vitamin C or electrolytes that dissolve in water)
Tylenol, Advil, fiber supplement (Metamucil), laxatives, Imodium (or anti-diarrhea), Tums, Aspirin, cold/flu medicines, cough drops (if you use any of these types of medicines)
Essential oils (such as oregano oil, colloidal silver, tea tree oil, lavender) if you use these.
ARRIVAL AT BIDADI (Bengaluru / Bangalore, India)
How many days in advance of the program start date should I arrive at the Bengaluru Adheenam?
Arriving a day ahead of the start date of the program will give you enough time to rest, unpack and familiarize yourself with the Bengaluru Adheenam
. If you are an Inner Awakening Graduate or Sadashivoham Graduate, you can arrive the latest on the 22nd of May, 2017 at Bengaluru Adheenam.
If traveling by air, what city should I fly into?
Fly into Bengaluru International Airport (Bangalore).
Note: Please enter your flight details in the itinerary link which will be sent to you. Please ensure this is done a few days prior to your flight departure date.
Is it okay to arrive in the late night or early morning hours?
Yes, most of the international flights arrive late in the night or early in the morning. The Bengaluru Adheenam will be prepared to receive you.
Once I arrive at Bengaluru (Bangalore) International Airport, how do I reach Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam, Bengaluru Adheenam in Bidadi?
You can either get the airport taxi yourself or request in the travel planner to be met at the airport. This is preferable if this is your first trip to India or the Bengaluru Adheenam. An Bengaluru Adheenam volunteer holding an Sadashivatva placard with Swamiji’s picture will wait for you at the airport exit door. He will then arrange for your taxi. Taxi fare is around 2000 rupees. Please have 2000 rupees handy for the taxi fare. The taxi does not accept foreign currency or visa unless paid at one of the taxi booths in the Bangalore Airport.
Do I need to have a map to Dhyanapeetam?
The taxi driver will have been briefed to take you to the Nithyananda Dhyanapeetamm Bengaluru Adheenam. It is always a good idea to have the address Bengaluru Adheenam address and contact information with you.
What do I do once I reach the Bengaluru Adheenam?
Please check-in at the Welcome Center (reception area) to complete your registration and/or be assigned your accommodation. You may have to have to complete registration the next day if you had arrived late at night or the early morning hours.
ACCOMMODATIONS
What type of accommodation is provided?
The dormitory (25-60 people) will be allocated to you upon your arrival at the Welcome Centre. If you are a family or married couple shared accommodation. Men and women are housed in separate dormitories unless a married couple or family will be placed together
Can I get individual accommodation?
No, accommodation for all participants is shared.
Do I need to take my own bedding and towels? What type of bed will I be sleeping on?
Dormitories have single upper and lower bunk beds. Each participant will be provided with bedding which includes one bed sheet, one pillowcase and a light blanket. You are encouraged to bring your own linens if you wish to have a top sheet or are sensitive or particular about your bed linen.
**Towels are not provided. Please bring quick drying, thin towels and any other personal items.
Where do I keep my belongings?
Each participant who is staying at the Bengaluru Adheenam will be given a locker to secure valuables. Please bring a medium sized lock for your locker. Alternatively, you may carry your valuables in a pouch / bag that is kept in your possession at all times and for which you are fully responsible.
Standard sized suitcases can be stored under the bed. Please bring locks (combination or key locks) to lock your suitcases.
What are the bathroom facilities like?
In the shared rooms for married couples or families, there is an attached toilet and shower in each room. In the dorms, shared bathroom facilities are provided at the end of the hallway. There are many individual shower stalls, toilet stalls and sinks.
Is it noisy sleeping in the dormitory?
As with shared accommodations, it is up to all to be considerate of others. However, if you are sensitive to noise, you may wish to bring earplugs and an eye band for sleeping.
FOOD & WATER
What kind of food will be served?
Indian Sattvic will be available to all participants. Indian Sattvic food is vegetarian food without onions, garlic or mushroom. (eggs and meat will not be served at any time).
On your registration form, indicate any special diet requirements that you may have and we will try to accommodate you as best we can.
Note:If you required any special diet during the program, please e-mail to
[email protected]
Is filtered water available?
Filtered water for refilling of water bottles is provided at all times. You are advised to bring a water bottle as it is highly recommended.
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
Can I carry my hair blow dryer or any other electrical appliances?
You may bring electrical appliances like hair blow dryer, mobile phone chargers and other essentials. A voltage converter is needed to convert the power to 220 volts. A wall plug adapter appropriate for India is also needed.
INTERNET & PHONE ACCESS
Can I bring my laptop?
Bringing a laptop or cell phone is advisable. Please note that you must take complete responsibility of your property.
Will there be internet access?
Wireless access to the internet is available.
WEATHER
What is the weather like during the year?
Maximum Minimum
Bangalore Weather in April 34°C / 93°F 22°C / 72°F
Bangalore Weather in July 28°C / 82°F 19°C / 66°F
Bangalore Weather in December 26°C / 79°F 16°C / 61°F
The city of Bangalore experiences very favorable weather throughout the year. The warmest month in Bangalore is April/May and the coldest month is January. Participants who are sensitive to the sun should wear sun block, hat and sunglasses for protection. Slight drizzle (light showers) can be anticipated.
CLOTHING
What kind of clothes should I pack?
Traditional white Indian attire is recommended. Be sure to bring at least 5 to 6 different sets of cotton clothes. Regular Yoga sessions: bring loose comfortable clothes that allow you to easily do yoga postures and they must be all black. Mallakhamb and Rope Yoga: females are required to bring tights and a t-shirt (tight fitting/spandex) and males to have shorter shorts and fitting t-shirt so legs can wrap on pole. This again must be all black attire.
Bring loose white cotton comfortable clothes. Clothes made of cotton are conducive for warm or hot daytime temperatures. Please bring at least 2 sets of black clothes for daily yoga sessions.
A shawl, light cardigan or fleece jacket should be kept handy for the drop in temperature in the morning and evening or for rainy days. A small compact umbrella is useful.
Is there a dress code to be observed in the Bengaluru Adheenam/during the program?
In adherence to the Bengaluru Adheenam dress code and with respect to the Vedic culture, men and women participants are not to wear tank tops, tube tops, shorts and hot pants. Please also refrain from wearing scooped necklines, transparent or tight-fitting clothing. Please dress modestly in clothing that covers your shoulders, midriff and legs to the ankles. Despite the climatic demands, your co-operation and understanding in this matter is highly appreciated.
Where can I purchase the recommended type of clothes?
Indian white salwar-kameez (two-piece pajama-type outfits) and white/gold border sari for women and the kurta /pajama-type two-piece white outfit and white/gold border dhoti for men can be brought with you. We will also be providing clothing but bring clothing with you so you have enough upon your arrival.
How many sets of clothes should I pack?
A minimum of 7-8 sets of clothes to last through the week is highly recommended. Due to the warm temperature and perspiration, it is not hygienic to wear clothes more than once without washing.
Where can I wash my clothes?
Initially bring your laundry detergent so you can wash within the few days. After that you will be provided laundry detergent. Complimentary laundry service is provided but can take a few days for return so ensure you have enough clothing. You may need to hand-wash some of your clothing. You will be required to hand-wash your undergarments and any delicate clothes.
FOOTWEAR
What kind of footwear should I pack?
Semi-covered, open, breathable and easy to slip-on and slip off footwear (e.g. flip flops, sports sandals, crocs) are recommended. Pack two pairs of footwear as a back-up. Depending on individual preference and comfort, a pair of socks may also be included.
TOILETRIES & OTHER ITEMS
What should I bring ie. toiletries?
Please bring all the toiletries needed and replacements will be provided (e.g. soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotions, feminine products, and lip balm). If you have certain product preferences, it is best to bring extra with you.
Additional suggestions:
Mosquito repellent and mosquito net
First aid ointments for cleaning / healing minor scrapes / cuts
Enriched cream for feet and cracked heel cream
Bandages and gauze
Sun block or sunscreen
Wet wipes
Hand sanitizer (if you use this)
Flashlight (small one)
Alarm clock
Backpack – for carrying books/water bottle etc to the hall each day. A shoulder type bag may be provided for you but for comfort/space, you may wish to use your own backpack
MEDITATION HALL SEATING
Do I bring meditation cushion for program?
Floor and chair seating is available. On the floor, you may sit on clean covered mattresses or floor mats. If you need back support, floor chairs are available to use. Cushioned plastic type patio chairs are available for chair seating. You may wish to bring a small flat cushion, which is useful for both floor and chair seating as well as for sitting in the temple or under the Banyan Tree.
DAILY ROUTINE FOR SADASIVATVA PROGRAM
What kind of daily schedule can I expect?
The routine is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. You can expect the daily routine to start at 4:30 am with a session of Nithyananda Yoga conducted by Yoga Acharyas (Nithyananda Yoga ordained teachers). Morning puja and then satsang followed by breakfast. After satsang, an announcement will be made on the schedule. Typically two tea breaks, lunch and dinner are scheduled for program and the sessions will last until late night.
SADASHIVATVA SUPPORT TEAM
Contact:
Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam
Nithyanandapuri, Off Mysore Road, Bidadi
562 109, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 91 80 2727 9999
Website: http://sadashivatva.nithyananda.org/