Travel Planning

For Preparation Processes conducted in Australia, you need to organise your own domestic travel and any accommodation outside the process dates. You will be advised of any special items that you may need to bring to the process by the organisers.

The remainder of this page relates to travelling to India for the 21-Day and 10-Day processes.

Oneness Centre Australia can assist you with planning and arranging travel and accommodation to the Golden City campus for the 21-Day and 10-Day processes. They also organise escorted groups to the Indian processes.

Passport and Visa

You must have a current passport with at least six months validity remaining.

A travel visa is required. Most travel agents can arrange this when you book your flight or contact the relevant Consulate-General of India, for your state (Department of Foreign Affairs - India).

Getting to Golden City, India

Participants must arrive on the first day of the process (Official Pick-up Date) and depart on the last day of the process (Official End Date). The campus is unable to accommodate participants outside of process dates.

For information about the Golden City campus, see Venue - Golden City page.

Flights to/from Chennai

The nearest airport to Golden City is the Channai International Airport, situated at Tirisulam 7 Km south of Chennai city.

Chennai (formerly Madras) is located on the South East coast of India, in the state of Adhra Pradesh.

When travelling from Australia, there is a change-over at Singapore.

Most well known international carriers have flights to Chennai, however, not all service the Australian route.

Note: Qantas does not fly to Chennai.

Singapore Airlines services the route from major Australian cities to Singapore, and then on to Chennai. Alternatively, you can choose different carriers for the Australia/Singapore and Singapore/Chennai routes.

Taxis to/from Golden City

The process fee includes a taxi service to/from GC2 for process participants. You need to advise the Australian coordinators of your arrival/departure details as follows:

If travelling directly between GC2 and Chennai International Airport, state the relevant date, time and flight number.
If staying overnight in Chennai before and/or after the process, state the name and address of the hotel and when you want to be picked up.

Allow at least 2.5 hours travel between Golden City and Chennai city or airport.

Weather

climate, topography, etc

Avg

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Max

28°C

31°C

33°C

36°C

38°C

37°C

35°C

34°C

32°C

29°C

28°C

Min

20°C

21°C

23°C

26°C

27°C

26°C

25°C

24°C

22°C

21°C

Mean

24°C

26°C

28°C

31°C

33°C

32°C

31°C

30°C

28°C

26°C

25°C

Precip.
mm

122

137

160

N/A

152

There can be mosquitoes, mostly in the summer months.

The air is often humid, so even 25 degrees can feel cold in the winter, especially in the morning.

What to pack

Clothes

Loose, light coloured clothing in natural fibres are best, e.g. cotton, linen, cotton/linen blend or cotton/synthetic blend. It is best to avoid all synthetic.

Light jacket, jumper or shawl for cool evenings.

Thongs or slip-ons for wearing on campus and sturdy shoes for longer walks on uneven ground, e.g. sandshoes.

A wide brim hat is good for sun protection.

For cultural reasons, women are requested to dress respectfully, e.g. cover shoulders, by wearing long trousers or long skirts. Avoid plunging necklines, tank tops, cropped pants, short skirts, dresses or shorts.

Men are requested to wear shirts or t-shirts and long pants. Avoid singlets, cropped pants (bermudas) and shorts. Indian doti (male sarong) are fine.

General

Yoga mat and/or rug for lying on floor during meditation
Shawl or light blanket for cover while lying on floor
Cushion to sit on, or meditation stool (chairs are available if you can't sit on the floor)
Mosquito repellent
Sun block
Hand fan, e.g. chinese fan
Alarm clock
Camera/video camera
Umbrella or disposable raincoat or spray jacket
Torch and spare batteries
Converter/adapter for electronic items, eg mobile phone or portable music player
Sewing kit.

Money exchange

Money exchange can be conducted at Singapore airport, Chennai airport and Chennai city. Limited facilities for money exchange (small amounts) are available at Golden City 2 by appointment.

Documents to take to India

As part of registration process when you arrive at the Oneness University campus in India, you are required to provide the following documents:

A copy of the your signed Application form.
A copy of the your signed Release form.
Two passport photos of yourself.
Two clear photocopies of the first and second pages of your passport.
A clear copy of your bank receipt for payment of the process fee – keep the original at home.

Staying in Chennai?

If you plan to stay in Chennai before and/or after the program visit the following pages for a starting point on where to stay and what to see:

If you plan to travel to other areas in India, see a travel agent, visit the websites listed on the Links page and search the web for more Indian travel information.

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