Travel Tips to Bangalore, India

Travel Tips to Bangalore, India

Introduction

Here are some important things for you to look at as you prepare for Yoga Teacher Training. 

1. Visa Requirements

Most European citizens require a valid visa to enter India, including Bangalore. The appropriate visa category for tourism is the “Tourist Visa.” Applying for your visa well before your intended travel date is important, as the processing times can vary. 

2. Visa to India
3. A) Applying for a regular Visa

To apply for an Indian Tourist Visa, follow these steps:

Online Application: Visit the official website of the Indian Visa Online Application Center (https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html) and complete the online application form.

Required Documents: You’ll need a valid passport with at least six months’ validity from the date of arrival in India, a recent passport-sized photograph, and details of your travel itinerary.

Payment: Pay the visa fee online per the fee structure applicable to your nationality.

Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the nearest Indian Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Application Center to submit your biometric data (if required) and relevant documents.

Visa Duration and Validity

Tourist visas for India are typically issued for six months with multiple entries. However, you should confirm the specific validity and entry conditions with the Indian diplomatic mission in your home country.

1. B) Applying for E-Visa 

You can also apply for E-Tourist Visa. This would be available within 4-7 working days most often. You can also apply for E-Tourist Visa by choosing the ‘Short Term Yoga Programme.’  You can also get this E-Tourist Visa for 30 days/One Year/Five Years. 

Extensions of tourist visas within India are generally not allowed. 

Important: E-visa must be applied at least four days before the arrival date. 

Nationalities that are eligible for the E-Visa are:

Andorra, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Cayman Island, Chile, China, China- SAR Hong Kong, China- SAR Macau, Colombia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niue Island, Norway, Oman, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Macedonia, Russia, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tonga, Turks & Caicos Island, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukraine, USA, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City-Holy See, Venezuela, Vietnam.

Note: E-visa entry is currently not permitted for citizens of the United Kingdom. Please apply for a regular tourist visa.

Why not a Student Visa?

Applying for a ‘Student Visa’ for short-term yoga courses is not required. Do not apply for a student visa if you are coming to attend our Yoga teacher training.

A student visa is only available for students attending official universities or colleges. We cannot provide you with the documents for a student visa application because yoga ashrams are not considered official colleges in India. If your student visa gets rejected, not only will your visa application get rejected, you might not even be allowed to apply for a tourist visa after that.

3. Health and Travel Insurance

It’s recommended to have comprehensive health and travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events. You can check the details of insurance here: https://www.internationalinsurance.com/travel-to/india.php.

4. Currency and Payment

The currency used in India is the Indian Rupee (INR – ₹). While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, carrying some cash is wise. Inform your bank of your travel dates to avoid any issues with card usage.

4. ATM withdrawal

Withdrawal of money from an ATM in India (if you don’t have an Indian account) would lead to a good amount of bank charges. There are foreign transaction fees, ATM withdrawal fees, Dynamic Currency Conversion, bad currency exchange rates, etc. On top of all, you can withdraw a max of 10,000 INR (equivalent to 120 Euros approx) at once. It is recommended that you carry the cash with you and exchange the money when needed (Currency Exchange in most cities in India is easy). Use ATM as one of the last options. 

5. Vaccinations and Health Precautions

Consult your healthcare provider for recommended vaccinations before travelling to India. Common vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus. It’s also wise to inquire about any health advisories related to the region.

For details, you can visit the updated info here: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/india

This is another page that can assist you in understanding everything about vaccination – https://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/destinations/asia-east/india

6. Flights to Bangalore

You can check the flights using skyscanner.com or kayak.com to book international flights to Bengaluru International Airport (also known as Kempegowda International Airport). It will take around 1 hours to reach Karuna Yoga Vidya Peetham, J.P.Nagar.

You can find flights to Bengaluru here: KAYAK FLIGHTS

7. Local Customs and Etiquette

Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and religious sites. Keeping your shoulders and knees covered helps you in most places. Removing your shoes before entering homes or temples is customary.

8. Language

The official language of Karnataka state (Bangalore is a capital of Karnataka State) is Kannada, and people speak English also. 

9. Safety and Security

Mysore is generally safe for tourists, but it’s important to remain vigilant. Keep your belongings secure, avoid isolated areas at night, and be cautious when dealing with strangers – this is how you will be in every part of the world. 🙂

9. Recommended hotels to stay in Bangalore

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