Sacred India 2027
Travel Information
A Mystical Pilgrimage Through the Paths of Krishna · Shiva · Shakti
Entry Requirements
VISAS
eVisa — Recommended
Tourist eVisa
Easier, quicker, and less expensive. Available to US citizens and most nationalities. Apply online through the official Indian Government portal.
10-Year Visa
Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa
If you plan to visit India frequently, consider obtaining a 10-year multiple-entry Tourist Visa. Requires applying through the standard visa portal.
Important — Please Read Carefully
You can only apply for an eVisa from 30 days before your date of departure to India. These are granted within a few days and you will receive a confirmation email.
That email is NOT the eVisa. Follow the instructions in the email to access the Government page where you can download and print your eVisa — which will include your photo and an official seal.
Airlines will not let you board your international flight without a printed paper visa with your photo on it. Make at least two copies and keep them separate.
About the eVisa Expiry Date
The wording on the eVisa can be confusing. The expiry date shown means you must enter India on or before that date. Once you have entered, the eVisa is valid for the full duration for which you applied.
Citizens of countries other than the US: please check with your local Indian Embassy or visit indianvisaonline.gov.in for country-specific requirements.
Travel Waiver
All participants are required to read, sign, and return a travel waiver before joining the pilgrimage.
Wellbeing on the Journey
Health Considerations
Physical Considerations
— Jet lag and adjustment to time difference
— Varied climatic conditions and temperature changes
— Dust and air pollution, particularly in Delhi and Varanasi
— Very different food — take time to adjust gradually
— Crowds of people in temple areas and city centers
— Taxing travel between destinations by mini-van
What to Bring
— Anti-diarrhea tablets (essential for most travelers)
— Sunblock and lip balm
— Hand sanitizer and face masks for polluted areas
— A reusable water bottle — bottled water is always available but please minimize plastic use
— All prescription medications — these must be brought from home
On a Subtler Level
Daily yoga practice and darshan in the temples in India's atmosphere are often powerfully moving experiences. Hidden feelings and emotions can be brought to the surface. These can be overwhelming for the first-time visitor to India.
Her incredible hospitality, warm humanity, and abundant spirituality always come through and touch everyone deeply and mysteriously. We ask participants to approach the journey with openness, patience, humility, and curiosity.
Travel Health Resource
For travelers with specific health concerns, we recommend consulting shoreland.com — a comprehensive resource for international travel health information. Please also contact us directly if you have any special health requirements.
Medical Preparation
Immunizations
Required
No immunizations are required
There are no mandatory vaccinations required for entry into India from the United States or most Western countries.
Recommended
CDC Recommendations
Several immunizations are recommended by the Atlanta CDC for travel to India. Please consult your physician or a travel health clinic at least 6–8 weeks before departure.
Preparation
What to Bring
Documents & Security
— Valid passport (must not expire within 6 months of travel)
— Printed eVisa with photo (airlines require this)
— Photocopies of passport info and visa pages — keep separate from originals
— Neck pouch or money belt for passport and cash
— Travel insurance documentation
Clothing & Temple Etiquette
— Modest, loose-fitting clothing — shoulders and knees covered for temple visits
— Comfortable walking shoes and sandals (easy to slip off at temples)
— Light layers — January mornings in North India can be cool
— One small day-trip backpack for temple visits and excursions
— Scarf or shawl — useful for temple visits and cooler evenings
Practical Logistics
Money & Getting Around
Currency & Cash
Bring the equivalent of $200–$500 USD in your currency to exchange into Indian Rupees upon arrival. This covers shopping, tips, chai, and personal expenses.
It is easiest to exchange money at the airport upon arrival in Delhi. ATMs are widely available but not always reliable — having cash on hand is important.
Notify your bank before departure that you will be traveling in India to avoid card blocks.
Mobile & Connectivity
If you need a local Indian SIM card for your mobile, you can obtain one at the Delhi airport upon arrival. This requires your passport.
An eSIM is also an excellent option — purchase before departure from your carrier or a provider. Works seamlessly throughout India.
WhatsApp is the primary communication tool used in India — ensure it is installed before you travel.
Group Transport
All group travel between destinations will be in comfortable 14-seater air-conditioned mini-vans. Flights between cities, if required, will be communicated in advance. Flight costs to and from India are not included in the pilgrimage price.
The Spirit of the Journey
Conduct & Sacred Etiquette
In Sacred Spaces
— Remove shoes before entering temples and sacred sites
— Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered at all times in temples
— Speak softly and move with awareness in sacred spaces
— Photography only where permitted — always ask before photographing people
— Follow the guidance of our leaders regarding darshan and rituals
As a Group
— Vegetarian meals will be observed throughout the journey
— Alcohol is discouraged during the pilgrimage out of respect for the sacred context
— Be punctual — the group travels together and your timing affects everyone
— India has its own timing — cultivate patience and flexibility
— The unexpected is not an interruption of the journey — it is often part of the teaching