India will meet you more than halfway.

Keep your essentials close, your valuables behind a lock.

• Wear a travel pouch inside your clothing for your passport, cards, cash, and phone — not in a shoulder bag or backpack.
• Be especially mindful when you first arrive. Jet lag and disorientation make it easy to be less alert than usual.
• Once settled in Mysore, leave valuables locked in your room rather than carrying them around the city.
• Download Uber before you travel. It works excellently throughout Mysore and India, for both rickshaws and cars, and eliminates any hassle around pricing or navigation.

Cards work in most places. Cash is your backup.

• Bring cash. Rupees are essential, especially in markets, temples, and rural areas like Melkote.
• Exchange currency at the Bengaluru airport on arrival, or contact MYT directly — we can arrange a better rate for you.
• Cards work in most places across India, and Google Pay is widely accepted.
• Notify your bank before you travel so your card is not flagged for foreign transactions.
• In many situations you can use your card exactly as you would at home — cash is a backup, not always a necessity.
• Our programs are all-inclusive (accommodation and meals covered), but budget spending money for transport, gifts, personal items, and the occasional meal out.

Pack what you actually rely on.

Bring everything you depend on — specialty items can be hard to find in India.

• Herbal supplements, vitamins, and any medications you take regularly.
• Your preferred shampoo, conditioner, skincare, and personal care products.
• Feminine hygiene products of your preferred brand.
• Any medical or therapeutic supplies.
• Yoga mat and any props you enjoy using.
• Slip-on sandals or slippers. You will be removing your footwear frequently — at temples, homes, and many practice spaces. Easy on and off makes a real difference.
• Prescription medications in original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Many medications requiring a prescription in the West are available over the counter in India at very low cost.

More welcoming than it has ever been. A few simple guidelines.

India is more welcoming for solo women travelers than it has ever been. The notes below apply broadly to anyone navigating local cultural norms — they're about respect, not restriction.

• In Gokulam. Wear whatever you normally wear — no adjustment needed.
• In Mysore markets, temples, and public spaces. Cover your shoulders and wear loose rather than form-fitting clothing.
• In Melkote and traditional settings. Dress modestly — covered shoulders and legs for everyone, men and women alike.
• In temples. No shorts, no bare shoulders, and no footwear. Shoes must be removed before entering any temple. This applies to all participants regardless of gender.
• During yoga practice. Your usual practice clothing is completely fine.
• In the presence of traditional Sanskrit scholars. Modest dress is appropriate for everyone.

The same consideration you would extend in any traditional or sacred setting anywhere in the world. It keeps the focus where it belongs, and invites ease and respect in return.

Most people don't get sick. A little care keeps it that way.

• Do not drink tap water under any circumstances — including brushing your teeth. Use only sealed bottled water at all times.
• Stick primarily with the food we provide. It is carefully chosen and prepared with cleanliness and safety in mind. Coconuts and chai from stalls are fine; avoid other street food entirely.
• Wash hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer.
• Take your first few days gently. Jet lag combined with new surroundings is a lot for the body. Rest, go slowly, and let yourself arrive.
• Melatonin or a mild sleep aid is highly recommended to help reset your body clock and ease jet lag in those first days.
• If something feels off, tell us early. Most people do not get sick at all if they are careful. But if you start to feel poorly, tell us right away — quality clinics are available in Mysore and our team will connect you quickly. Please do not wait.

Phone, data, Wi-Fi, and how India actually communicates.

• Wi-Fi is available in all rooms across our program accommodations.
• eSIM is the easiest option for mobile data — services like Airalo or Holafly let you set up an Indian data plan before you land. Check your phone's compatibility before traveling.
• Indian SIM cards (Airtel or Jio) are available at Bengaluru airport and offer excellent value if you prefer a physical SIM.
• WhatsApp is essential. It is how India communicates and how our team stays in touch with all participants. Have it installed and verified before you travel.
• Power adapters. India uses Type C, D, and M plugs at 230V. Bring a universal travel adapter.

Apply online at the official portal — and only the official portal.

U.S. citizens (and most other nationalities) must obtain a visa before traveling to India. Apply online at evisa.india.gov.in — the official portal, and no other. Attending a short-term yoga programme is an explicitly permitted purpose under the e-Tourist Visa.

• Visa type. e-Tourist Visa — available in 30-day, 1-year, or 5-year options.
• Apply 2–3 weeks before departure, or sooner. Minimum is 4 days, but earlier is always better. Most approvals arrive within 24–72 hours.
• Passport requirements. At least 6 months validity beyond your arrival date, and at least two blank pages for stamps.
• Upload. A recent passport-style photo (white background) and a scan of your passport bio page. Make sure photos meet the proper format.
• Place of stay. Samskrit Foundation, 1283, 3rd Cross Road, Jayanagar, Krishnamurthy Puram, Mysuru, Karnataka 570014, India.
• Reference contact. Dr. M. A. Alwar, +91 98801 56970.
• Print your ETA and carry it — airlines will ask for it at check-in.
• The e-Visa is non-extendable and non-refundable — double-check all dates before submitting.
• Use only the official portal. Third-party sites that mimic evisa.india.gov.in are common. Avoid them.
• Take a photo of your passport and visa with your phone, just in case.