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WHAT TO PACK
Travel light. A lot of things you may need such as medication, toiletries or film can be easily bought there and clothing in India is
very inexpensive. Both Goa ad Mysore have many tailors that can custom make just about anything for only a few dollars. What you
will need are towels, sunscreen, hand sanitizers, mosquito repellent, drinking straws, flashlight with extra batteries (India has a lot
of power outages), electrical adapters (220-240 V), and, if you are skittish at the sight of a cockroach, a can of bug spray. Sanitary items can be expensive, so ladies, I recommend bringing extra. Toilette paper is also a rare commodity so pack a roll until some can be bought.
If you are coming to GOA, then you will also need to bring along some sheets and a small pillow for bedding. Please don't forget to
pack an alarm clock as you will be responsible for making it on time to early morning practice. And of course, don't forget your yoga
mat!
WHAT TO WEAR
You will find that light weight cotton clothing is the best choice for the hot climate. Throughout most of India, cultural guidelines
regarding appropriate attire are generally stricter for the women than the men. This means no skimpy clothing such as shorts, no
cleavage and no bare shoulders. However, these restrictions are not very applicable in GOA where locals have grown used to seeing
half-naked western bodies everywhere.
MYSORE, on the other hand, is still fairly traditional. Outside of the Shala, it is recommended that ladies wear long skirts or Kurtas
(long shirts) with pants or jeans. Colorful cotton scarves can be used to cover up any revealing upper bodies and cost only a couple of
dollars to buy. Footwear usually consists of sandals or comfortable sneakers.
SPENDING MONEY
Most of banks have ATM machines but your debit card should show the Visa, MasterCard or Cirrus logo on it in order to work. Credit
cards are accepted in some of the government run shops but local vendors only take cash. You can comfortably get by on about $100
per week but bring extra if you plan to do a lot of shopping. Money or Traveler's Cheques can be exchanged at most banks and local
money changers.
ICICI is a major bank in India so if there is one in your city, you can open an account with them. Their debit cards are accepted at
any ATMs in India. Tipping is not compulsory in India and so is not included in any of the services provided. If you are happy with
your massage, driver, waiter, porter etc., and wish to tip, 5-10% is what is generally given. Do not, however, feel obliged to give money
to beggars. Once you start this habit, you are likely to be continuously harassed. It is a nice gesture, however, to bring things from
home that you no longer need and can easily be packed. The poorer locals really appreciate receiving a special gifts of clothing from
Westerners and the children love getting knick knacks and are especially wild about ball point pens.
Travel light. A lot of things you may need such as medication, toiletries or film can be easily bought there and clothing in India is
very inexpensive. Both Goa ad Mysore have many tailors that can custom make just about anything for only a few dollars. What you
will need are towels, sunscreen, hand sanitizers, mosquito repellent, drinking straws, flashlight with extra batteries (India has a lot
of power outages), electrical adapters (220-240 V), and, if you are skittish at the sight of a cockroach, a can of bug spray. Sanitary items can be expensive, so ladies, I recommend bringing extra. Toilette paper is also a rare commodity so pack a roll until some can be bought.
If you are coming to GOA, then you will also need to bring along some sheets and a small pillow for bedding. Please don't forget to
pack an alarm clock as you will be responsible for making it on time to early morning practice. And of course, don't forget your yoga
mat!
WHAT TO WEAR
You will find that light weight cotton clothing is the best choice for the hot climate. Throughout most of India, cultural guidelines
regarding appropriate attire are generally stricter for the women than the men. This means no skimpy clothing such as shorts, no
cleavage and no bare shoulders. However, these restrictions are not very applicable in GOA where locals have grown used to seeing
half-naked western bodies everywhere.
MYSORE, on the other hand, is still fairly traditional. Outside of the Shala, it is recommended that ladies wear long skirts or Kurtas
(long shirts) with pants or jeans. Colorful cotton scarves can be used to cover up any revealing upper bodies and cost only a couple of
dollars to buy. Footwear usually consists of sandals or comfortable sneakers.
SPENDING MONEY
Most of banks have ATM machines but your debit card should show the Visa, MasterCard or Cirrus logo on it in order to work. Credit
cards are accepted in some of the government run shops but local vendors only take cash. You can comfortably get by on about $100
per week but bring extra if you plan to do a lot of shopping. Money or Traveler's Cheques can be exchanged at most banks and local
money changers.
ICICI is a major bank in India so if there is one in your city, you can open an account with them. Their debit cards are accepted at
any ATMs in India. Tipping is not compulsory in India and so is not included in any of the services provided. If you are happy with
your massage, driver, waiter, porter etc., and wish to tip, 5-10% is what is generally given. Do not, however, feel obliged to give money
to beggars. Once you start this habit, you are likely to be continuously harassed. It is a nice gesture, however, to bring things from
home that you no longer need and can easily be packed. The poorer locals really appreciate receiving a special gifts of clothing from
Westerners and the children love getting knick knacks and are especially wild about ball point pens.