Dear Pilgrim,
This is your 7th newsletter. Below we'll be discussing weather, packing items, medical instructions. Remember, the weather in this part of India in January can be quite cool, so pack some warm clothing (no snow parkas though!) Take a look at the following check lists. Pack what you need only. Also, try to condense your packing since space is limited in the tents and buses. You will be carrying your own gear during most of the tour. (Suitcases with wheels may not be the best choice for transporting your gear across uneven surfaces in India)
The next newsletter update will give you information on the Allahabad campsite and on Varanasi.
Weather in Delhi , Allahabad and Varanasi during our visit
January weather -Delhi
70 degrees Fahrenheit Max 21.3 Celsius Max
45 degrees Fahrenheit Min 7.3 Celsius Min
January weather - Allahabad
75 degrees Fahrenheit Max 29.0 Celsius Max
48 degrees Fahrenheit Min 9.1 Celsius Min
January Weather- Varanasi
73 degrees Fahrenheit Max 15.5 Celsius Max
48 degrees Fahrenheit Min 5 Celsius Min
Electricity
The electric current is 230 -240V AC , 50 cycles.
(Remember to check with your airline and follow their baggage allowances).
1. THE ESSENTIAL CHECKLIST
-security wallet
-important travel documents
-inner and outer comfortable clothing for entire stay
-travel alarm clock or watch with alarm
-toiletry kit
-medical/first aid kit
-travel umbrella, packable raincoat
-hat/insect repellent
-water bottle (with purifier, if needed)/snack
-flashlight/head lamp or reading light/batteries
-pocketknife
-notebook and pen
-book/portable tape or CD player
-camera, film, batteries
-two sets of earplugs
-eye shades for daytime sleeping
-plastic bag for wet or soiled items
-foldup, expandable, nylon tote bag
-Hindi language phrase book (small)
-India guide book with maps (small)
-pocket calculator
-security chain or cable with lock
-mailing supplies
-day pack
-laundry bag
MONEY AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
-passport /photo ID
-cash/foreign currency
-credit cards
-ATM card (please refer newsletter #2 for locations)
-telephone card
-traveler's checks
-airline ticket (photocopy tickets in case they get lost
-emergency phone numbers
-copies of medical and eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions
-medical history/list of allergies, etc.
-list of addresses
-visa; extra passport photos
-sales receipts for any equipment to be declared at customs
EYE CARE
-glasses , sunglasses, neck strap, cases
-your most recently replaced pair of glasses as a backup
-eyeglass repair kit
-contact lens kit
-eyewash for air travel and /or dusty conditions
PACKING LIST FOR ALLAHABAD (Jan. 18th -26th, 9 days)
-the essential checklist and first aid kit
-appropriate, comfortable clothing for Maha Kumbha Mela celebrations.
-wool or fleece socks
-sweatshirts
-light jacket with hood
-shawl
-thermal long underwear
-wool hat and gloves
-ear muffles
-sandals or shoes
-sleeping bag
-small pillow
-towel and a wash cloth
-plastic cup
-flask or water bottle
-clothesline
-hanger clips for clothesline
-multipurpose travel soap
-water purification equipment or tablets
-meditation pillow, shawl and mat
DO NOT PACK A BLANKET. WE WILL PROVIDE YOU THAT.
-packets of tea/coffee
-salt, pepper, spices
-energy snacks (energy bars, crackers, trail mix, etc.)
-duct tape
-extra batteries
-blank tapes
-safety pins
-luggage locks and tags
-tape recorders
1. Immunization
2. sufficient supply of personal medication
3. Water purification method
4. Antimalerial , insect repellent
5. Antidiarrheal / antibiotics , self prescription for traveler's
diarrhea, ( if possible use ciprofloxacin) rehydration solution (i.e.
Gastrolyte.)
6. Anti nausea medication
7. Personal first aid kit
8. Valid health insurance (You are traveling to India. Please carry an
insurance that covers pre existing medical conditions, illness, injury or
any other medical emergencies while in India and travel to and from India)
copy of personal medication prescription and prescription for eye glasses
9. emergency contact numbers.
1. Use of purified water.
2. Avoid unsafe food.
3. Avoid bug bites.
4. Proper shoe wear.
5. Record of any unwanted signs or symptoms of ill health.
1. General physical check up.
2. Contact physician for unexplained fever, persistent diarrhea or feeling
of unwell being, loss of appetite or abdominal pain.
3. Malarial parasites blood test. (if one develops flu like illness within
one year of return)