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India Trips - 2008 - Frequently Asked Questions Kanchipuram
Topic	Answer
Program fees	Planning your trip is very easy. The trip begins in Kanchipuram on Sunday, Feb 24th, with the yagya program starting the next day. The yagyas conclude the morning after Shivaratri on Friday, March 7th. That is a total of 12 nights of hotel, meals, ground transportation, etc., at $85 per night. ($1,020) total. Your course fee of $250 to contribute to the cost of the yagyas, your puja kit and instructional materials, evening temple visits, and priest dakshina. Combining the two, the total cost is $1,270 plus airfare. Not bad for 2 weeks of India including all the yagyas!
Location	Kanchipuram is located about 35 miles from Chennai (Madras). It is a small temple city that is home to the famous Shankar Mutt, as well as many wonderful temples which include the Varadaraja Temple (Vishnu/Lakshmi), Kamakshi Temple (Divine Mother), and the Ekambeshwara (Shiva) Temple.
Kanchipuram weather	February is the most moderate time of year in Kanchipuram and daily temperatures are comfortably in the 70's. The hot months are April and May when temperatures are usually over 100 F. each day. The rainy season is October - December when most of the annual rainfall of 50" falls.
Getting there	Chennai (Madras) is easily reached. From the west coast of the US flights are available through Thai, Singapore, and Malaysia Airlines. East coast US flights generally fly to Europe (London or Frankfort) and from there direct to Chennai. I highly recommend Premium Economy on Thai Airlines. It is economical and much more comfortable than standard economy. You need both a passport and visa. The visa is easily available through the Indian Consulate at http://www.cgisf.org/. At the top of the page there is a link that lists all the consulate offices in the US. Discounted airfare is available through our travel agent: Karthik at TS Travel Ltd. in Encino, CA. 818 285 2188
What to wear	Men: Those who want to participate in the pujas and yagyas will wear a dhoti. It is by far the most comfortable and versatile garment for the program. We will make a trip to a dhoti store where you can select the size and styles that you like. Women: Kanchi is world famous for the beauty of the silk saris that are available and at very reasonable prices. Saris are always appropriate although for daily wear a salwar kameez might be more practical. The first day of the program will include a shopping trip.
Money	Your course expenses should be paid before the course begins if possible. Once you arrive in India, just about the only thing that you will need to spend money on are souveniers and books, etc. Travellers checks are not advisable because they are difficult to cash. ATM cards work much better. Most people tend to travel with $300 cash. Exchanging dollars is very easy and the current exchange rate is about 37 to 38 rupees per US dollar.
Hotel	The hotel that we stay at is simple, but very comfortable. Each room features a comfortable bed, TV, and western shower and toilet. The hotel is only 2 km from the yagya facility.
Internet	Kanchipuram is a small city and broadband internet access is not as readily accessible as we are used to in the US. There are internet cafes within walking distance of the hotel. Cost is about $1 per hour.
Photos and Video	You are more than welcome to bring your own digital and video cameras and there are no restrictions on photography except in the temples where it is not allowed in the inner sanctum. We will be taking lots of still and video images and each participant will receive a copy of all the photos and video.
Phones	We have a cell phone for course participants to use. All you have to do is pay for the minutes you use. Incoming calls are possible also and are free. You will be given the cell number prior to the trip so your family can reach you easily. The yagya facility also has a phone which you are welcome to use.
Food	One of the real pleasures of India is the great food! The restaurant in the hotel is inexpensive and open from 6 AM to 10 PM. The food is fantastic and very inexpensive. At the yagya facility we have our own cook who will prepare a delicious breakfast and lunch each day.
Health care	Staying healthy is relatively easy if you use only use bottled water. We always have it in the yagya facility and it is always available in restaurants. If you do happen to become ill, high quality care is readily available.
Extending your trip	You are welcome to extend your trip after the yagyas and we can assist you in making reservations, suggesting itenararies, arranging for hotels, car and driver, etc. Of course these expenses are not covered in the program costs.