An Ashtanga Yoga stay in Mahābalipuram (South India) takes preparation: flights, luggage, money, travel health. Here is the essential to leave with a light mind and fully enjoy the fabulous temples of Tamil Nadu.
Flights and travel agencies
Many flights link European airports to Chennai (Madras). Tip: as India is heavily visited, book very early, and think of collecting your air miles. Consider online check-in to reduce waiting.
Agencies. From Brussels, we have worked for years with Welcome Travel (02 230 08 55, ask for Geertrui — geertrui@welcometravel.be). From Paris: La Maison des Indes and Nouvelles Frontières. Airlines: Lufthansa, Etihad Airways (to Chennai).
Luggage and security
International flights: 20 to 30 kg checked, depending on the airline (excess ~$50/kg). Domestic flights: 15 kg (Indian airlines are strict; ~$5/kg excess), cabin bag 56×36×23 cm for 7 kg. Never leave valuables, passport, camera or current treatment in checked luggage; avoid any object resembling a weapon (penknife, nail file) in the cabin.
Air security: all battery devices must be able to switch on. At the checkpoint: remove metal objects, coat and hand luggage into the trays; liquids and gels of 100 ml maximum in a separate tray (sprays forbidden); take out your computer and tablet. Follow the instructions — and all goes smoothly, with a smile.
Transfer from Chennai
From Chennai airport to your Mahābalipuram hotel (about 1 h 20): taxi (~1500 rupees at night), or bus no. 108 B via Madras (infrequent). We can also provide a taxi on arrival (~2000 rupees).
Money and exchange
Bring euros in cash (small notes), possibly credit cards (usable in large cities and big hotels). You can change money at the airport — beware the “Thomas Cook” rate, lower than in Mahābalipuram. Show your passport and keep the Encashment certificate. ATMs exist in Mahābalipuram; outside the big cities, carry cash in small notes. Indicative rates on Oanda.
Water, electricity, time difference
Water: never drink tap water — bottled mineral water is easily available. Electricity: 220 V (check the voltage); a torch is useful (frequent cuts, visits to caves and temples). Time difference: +3 h 30 GMT in summer, +4 h 30 in winter.
Language, phone, reading
English is spoken almost everywhere in the cities; India has 18 official languages and hundreds of dialects. Phone: you can buy a local SIM card (Airtel, Vodafone) in Mahābalipuram — bring an ID photo and two photocopies of your passport (name page + visa page). Reading: Lonely Planet South India, the Eyewitness guide, Le Routard, Guide Bleu; and to go further, Alain Daniélou’s History of India.
“Once you have felt the dust of India on your feet, you will never be free of it.”
Rumer Godden
Important advice: beyond its beauties, India remains India — take things on the bright side, with philosophy and good humour, to fully enjoy your stay.
