YOGA DIWALI INDIA
A CULTURAL IMMERSION
Yoga Diwali India
Additional Travel Information
Welcome to the next step of your Yoga Diwali India journey! You have completed your Q&A session, and your spot in the program is confirmed.
This page includes everything you’ll need to prepare for your trip — required documentation, packing suggestions, travel tips, etiquette in India and at the Ashram, what to expect along the way, and answers to frequently asked questions. It’s designed to support a smooth, grounded, and culturally respectful experience.
Please read through each section carefully, and don’t hesitate to reach out if anything feels unclear.
Required Documentation
Complete and submit
Please complete the following items as soon as possible:
- Traveler Information Form & Liability Waiver
Please sign the Liability Waiver and complete the Traveler Information Form. This form collects your essential travel and health details to help us support your experience. - Passport & Visa
All participants must have a valid passport and an Indian visa. Many countries, including India, require that your passport be valid for at least six months after your date of departure. Please check your passport’s expiration date well in advance. Before beginning your visa application, be sure to review the step-by-step instructions provided in your acceptance email. - Travel Health Insurance
Travel health insurance is required. Please ensure your policy covers international travel and emergency care. Affordable options are available online.
Tuition & Payment Options
Details and Timelines
The total tuition for the Yoga Diwali India program is $3,000.00, payable in advance to Mount Madonna.
- A $250 non-refundable deposit was required at the time of registration to reserve your space.
- The remaining balance of $2,750 is due by August 15, 2025.
Payment Plan Options:
- If you choose to pay in monthly installments, the full tuition must still be paid in full by August 15, 2025.
- If you register on or after August 15, the total tuition is due as a one-time payment.
If you have any questions about payment methods or timing, feel free to reach out — we’re happy to help you plan ahead.
Cancellation Policy
What to Know in Case Plans Change
- Advanced written notification is required for all trip cancellations.
- The $250 deposit is non-refundable, except in the event the program is cancelled by Mount Madonna Center.
- Cancellations made at least 45 days before the program start date are refundable, minus the deposit.
- No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 45 days in advance of the program start date.
We strongly recommend purchasing additional travel insurance to help protect you in the event of unforeseen health concerns or trip cancellations.
What to Bring
Essentials for travel
Make sure you have everything you need for the first day or two packed in your carry-on — including essential medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes — in case your checked bag is delayed. Double-check your airline’s baggage allowance and carry-on restrictions.
Crossbody Bag
- We recommend using a crossbody bag/purse for daily excursions. This is a bag that slings over your shoulder and across your body leaving both hands free. Look for hidden pockets to keep money, credit cards and passports.
Documents
- Passport + visa copies (keep originals separate from copies)
- Health insurance info (regular + travel)
- Copies of prescriptions
- Emergency contact info in India & at home
Medications & First Aid
- Personal prescription meds (do not pack in checked luggage)
- Glasses, contacts, backups
- OTCs you rely on (Pepto Bismol, Benadryl, etc.)
- Electrolytes
- Small first aid kit
Illness & Injury Prevention
- Portable water filter (optional — filtered water provided on-site)
- Hand sanitizer
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes present but non-malaria carrying)
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat
- Ear plugs
- Travel Kleenex
- Laundry detergent (for hand washing clothing)
Snacks & Comfort Items
- Protein bars, dried fruit, oatmeal, comfort snacks (a stove is available for hot water)
Tech & Gear
- Flashlight or headlamp (for power outages)
- Plug adapter (India uses Type C, D, and M)
- Phone, iPad, chargers, camera
Clothing — you will have a chance to buy clothes at a local market early in the trip; see Weather & Clothing Tips for more information
- Loose, modest clothes in good condition (no tight, sheer, or low-cut items)
- Yoga clothes (for class only)
- Slip-on shoes (for Ashram buildings)
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Light sweater or jacket
- One semi-formal outfit (for outings and/or special events)
- One older set of clothes you don’t mind getting messy (spoiler alert: mud play!)
Ashram staff will provide sheets, blankets, and towels.
Community Guidelines & Cultural Etiquette
Simple Ways to Show Up Respectfully
We ask that you arrive with openness and curiosity, and a willingness to engage respectfully with Indian customs and Ashram culture.
Cultural Etiquette
- Right hand only: Use your right hand (not your left) for eating, giving/receiving items, and temple offerings.
- Feet: Avoid pointing the soles of your feet at people, altars, deities, or sacred spaces.
- Visiting Temples: Women should cover shoulders; bring a scarf or shawl. Men should not wear shorts. Never point feet at the altar. Use your right hand for prasad.
- Winking: Considered inappropriate in India — best avoided.
Ashram Living
- Quiet Hours: Evenings are quiet after dinner (~8:30 p.m.). Please be mindful of noise, especially near residential wings.
- Wi-Fi & Phones: Internet is available but can be spotty. WhatsApp will be an important communication tool. We suggest installing it before arrival.
- Seva: You’ll have opportunities to participate in service (seva) as part of the Ashram rhythm.
Connecting with Children & Staff
- The best gift is your presence. Share your hobbies, stories, or games.
- Please do not give gifts directly to children or staff. Group donations can be coordinated through Ashram leadership.
- During Diwali, staff distribute gifts fairly to all children. If you’d like to contribute items (candy, stickers, etc.) or funds, we can coordinate a group effort.
Accommodations
Space to Rest and Recharge
You will stay at Sri Ram Ashram in centrally located guest rooms. All rooms are double occupancy with shared bathrooms.
Ashram staff will provide:
- Sheets
- Blankets
- Towels
Hot water is available 24/7 via hot water heaters in the attached bathrooms.
Laundry service (called a dhobi) is available two to three times during your stay. This service sends your clothes to a nearby village for washing and return. It typically takes a few days and can be weather dependent. For quicker needs, you’re welcome to hand-wash clothes and dry them on rooftop clotheslines.
Meals & Water
Daily Nourishment
Sri Ram Ashram provides:
- Two traditional vegetarian Indian meals daily
- A midday snack
- Morning and afternoon chai
All food prepared at the Ashram is safe to eat, healthy, and delicious. We recommend using caution when eating outside of the Ashram.
Filtered drinking water is available at all times. You’re welcome to bring a personal water filter if you’d like additional peace of mind.
Staying Connected
Staying In Touch While Staying Present
Wi-Fi is available at Sri Ram Ashram but may be inconsistent depending on location and time of day.
We recommend:
- Installing WhatsApp — we’ll use it to stay in touch as a group before and during the trip.
- Not relying on SIM cards — acquiring one in India can be difficult for short stays.
- Checking with your provider about international plans if you’d like phone access.
There is a cellphone at the Ashram with international calling capabilities available for emergencies.
Money & Exchange
Managing Your Money While Traveling
Before or upon arrival we recommend exchanging the equivalent of $150 USD (approximately 12,500 rupees) for optional expenses like:
- Extra meals during travel days
- Shopping
- Personal needs
Depending on your plans and preferences, you may want to bring additional cash to exchange — while ATMs are limited, the Ashram can facilitate currency exchange if you have cash on hand. ATM access is not available again until our group outing to Rishikesh, about halfway through the trip. Best options for getting rupees:
- ATM or currency exchange at the airport
- Pre-ordering rupees through your bank before departure
- Currency exchange can be facilitated by Sri Ram Ashram
Unused rupees can be exchanged back at the airport before your return flight.
Travel & Arrival
Landing Gently into Your Journey
Your arrival and departure timeline will be confirmed directly with your program leader after acceptance. Please do not book travel until you’ve received an official go-ahead.
Packing tip:
- Pack 1 – 2 days of essentials (including medications and a change of clothes) in your carry-on in case of delays with your checked baggage.
Important note about power:
- India uses plug types C, D, and M. A universal travel adapter is essential.
Weather & Clothing Tips
Dressing for Comfort, Climate, and Culture
October/November is typically sunny and warm during the day (70s – 80s°F), with cooler evenings.
Layering is ideal. Loose, modest clothing in breathable fabrics will be the most comfortable. You’ll have a chance to shop for Indian clothes early in the trip. If you’re shopping in advance we recommend checking out Fab India’s Ethnic Wear sections for traditional Indian clothing. The site organizes items into feminine and masculine categories by default. See examples here:
- Feminine Wear — kurtis, salwar/kameez
- Masculine Wear — kurtas, lightweight pants
Excursions & Celebrations
Sites, Ceremonies, and Shared Joy
During your time in India, we’ll visit sacred sites and celebrate major holidays with the Ashram community. These may include:
Places:
- Har Ki Pauri
- Rishikesh
- Gujjar Village
- Daksh Mandir in Kankhal
- Anandamayi Ma’s Samadhi in Kankhal
Festivals:
- Diwali
- Govardhan Puja
- Bhaiya Duj
Details will be shared by your program leaders as dates approach.
Get a Feel for Life at the Ashram
Connect Before You Arrive
Follow Sri Ram Ashram on social media for glimpses into the daily lives of the children, residents and staff who call the Ashram home.
These accounts are updated regularly with photos, stories, and videos — it’s a great way to connect more deeply with the energy of the Ashram before your journey begins.
- Instagram: @SriRamAshram
- Facebook: facebook.com/SriRamAshram
Contact Information
For Travel and Safety
Sri Ram Ashram’s physical address:
- Sri Ram Ashram
Village Shyampur-Kangri
District Haridwar, UK, 249408
India
If dialing from within India, you may need to use a “0” before the number. From outside India, use country code +91.
- Rashmi Cole: +91 81930 88885
- Mr. Rajiv Bhalla: +91 93597 93484
- Andrea Kumar: +91 74540 57755
- Sri Ram Ashram (cell): +91 95076 50525
- Mr. Tapan Sarkar (Delhi): +91 98107 81007
Printable Resources
Helpful documents to keep close at hand
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Will I have internet or phone access while I’m there?
Wi-Fi is available at the Ashram, but it can be spotty depending on time of day and location. We suggest downloading WhatsApp before arrival — we’ll use it for group communication during the trip. SIM cards are hard to acquire in India for short-term visitors and are not recommended. There is a cellphone available for emergency use.
How much money should I bring, and how do I get rupees?
We recommend bringing at least $150 USD worth of rupees (approximately ₹12,500) for optional meals, snacks, and shopping. Depending on your plans and preferences, you may want to bring additional cash to exchange — while ATMs are limited, the Ashram can facilitate currency exchange. ATM access is not available again until our group outing to Rishikesh, about halfway through the trip. The easiest place to exchange money is at the airport, either at an ATM or a currency exchange counter. You can also order rupees in advance through your bank before departure.
Unused rupees can be exchanged back at the airport before your return flight.
Will there be laundry facilities?
Yes. There will be a laundry service (called dhobi) with a turnaround of about three days. You can also hand-wash and hang clothes on your balcony — just bring a small amount of detergent for handwashing.
What’s the time difference in India?
India is 12.5 hours ahead of California (Pacific Time).
What’s the weather like at Sri Ram Ashram?
The weather is generally warm and sunny during the day (70s–80s°F) with cool evenings. It’s a beautiful and comfortable time of year to visit.
Is the food healthy and safe to eat?
Absolutely. All meals at Sri Ram Ashram are vegetarian, nourishing, and safely prepared. Chai is served twice daily, and filtered drinking water is available on site. We recommend exercising caution when eating outside the Ashram.
What should I wear?
Comfortable, modest clothing is ideal. Long tunics, loose pants, and light layers work well. Avoid tight, sheer, or revealing clothing — especially outside of yoga class. You’ll have an opportunity to buy Indian clothes early in the trip if you’d like.
Should I enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)?
We encourage U.S. citizens to consider enrolling in STEP, a free program that helps the U.S. Embassy contact you in case of emergency. It’s not required, but can provide peace of mind.
What about vaccinations or travel health precautions?
We recommend speaking with your healthcare provider about any suggested vaccinations. If you choose to get immunizations, try to schedule them at least two weeks before departure. Travel health insurance is required for all participants.
More Information
If you have any additional questions not covered here, please feel free to reach out to Rashmi and Niraja at yoga-diwali-india@mountmadonna.org. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
