Visiting Amma's ashram in Vallikavu

[Guest guest]

Dear Peter, Eknath and Jyotsna,

 

Thank you so much for the information. Just a few follow-up questions:

 

Peter and Eknath both mentioned different policies for Indians and

non-Indians. I am Indian by citizenship, upbringing, and ethnicity, but

resident in the U.S. for nearly half my life. The adult family members

traveling with me are all resident Indian, and my daughter is an American

citizen and half-white, so I don't know which category we would fall into. I

guess I should check with them as per Peter's advice--I would so much

appreciate that email and/or postal address, Peter.

 

Do they give a preference to out-of-country/foreign visitors for housing?

 

Does it get very crowded? Not that that would change my mind, but I just

wanted to anticipate since one family member will be a somewhat shaky

octogenarian, and the other a non-stop 2-year-old!

 

Peter, I will definitely print out that map when you upload it too.

 

Eknath, as you said, I'm sure it will be irresistible to go up for Amma's

darshan when I see her, no matter how high-sounding my intentions are!

 

Thanks again. You guys are truly amazing! I am sure Amma put the thought of

visiting Vallikavu in my mind and you, her children, are giving me all the

information and encouragement I need to plan it.

I will stay posted for any more information.

Om Namah Shivayai.

Usha

[Guest guest]

Jai Usha:

 

> Do they give a preference to out-of-country/foreign visitors for housing?

 

Yes. Everyone is most kind and helpful. I'm sure they are the same for

Indians, too.

 

They usually put four people in one room (with bathroom including shower).

There is no hot or cold running water because there is no hot and cold water.

It is always Kerala warm! They supply 2" thick foam mattresses and bedding if

you need it. Some people have a small propane burner in the room for fixing

their own meals. Basic Indian meals are available without charge and western

food is available for some meals for a nonimal amount. There are several

filtered water systems around the Ashram.

 

Electricity is very costly so things like hair dryers, etc. should not be

used.

 

There are two stores at the Ashram to get personal items, some food stuffs

(good bananas and oranges and pineapples, yum) and general items. Yes, they

have Coke and Limca.

 

> Does it get very crowded?

 

Ha, ha, ha. Are you joking? In India?? Sometimes up to 12,000 a day. It is

heavier on the weekends.

 

They give out Darshan tickets that have a number on them. You go up according

to your number. In that way, you don't have to wait in line all day. Only an

hour or so. Most times less depending on the day.

 

BTW, the email address for the Ashram is: mam_hq (Amritapuri)

 

Here are some more instruction for getting to the Ashram from Priyan in the

Foreigner's office:

 

- Getting to the Amritapuri ashram :

The 2 closest airports are in Trivandrum (120 km south of Amritapuri)

and in Cochin (130 km north). From there check with the 'Airport Taxi

Service', and ask for a taxi to 'Mata Amritanandamayi ashramam'-

'Vallikkawu' (pronounced 'Vallicawoo'). The ride takes around 3 hours.

Cost is about Rs1100.

If you are coming by bus or by train, Kayamkulam (12 km North of

Amritapuri), is the place to reach. From there, take an auto- rickshaw

to 'Vallikkawu jetty-boat'. A ferryboat service will take you across the

backwaters to the ashram.

 

It will take me several days to get the map up so please be patient.

 

Om Amriteswarayai Namaha!

 

Peter White

Ammachi List Moderator

Alachua, Florida

[Guest guest]

<< Do they give a preference to out-of-country/foreign visitors for housing?>>

No, there are just separate offices and the rates may differ. Your group

sounds like it would go to the foreigners office, but you can email them at

the address Peter gave to make sure.

Does it get very crowded? Not that that would change my mind, but I just

wanted to anticipate since one family member will be a somewhat shaky

octogenarian, and the other a non-stop 2-year-old! >>

Yes, it gets a little crowded sometimes, but only Devi Bhava gets super

crowded, usually it is pretty nice. There are elevators so the old and young

don't have to walk to the flats. Even in the crowds of Devi Bhava I never saw

the kind of pushing and shoving that one sometimes sees in large crowds.

Again, it is a good idea to email ahead about a flat, you can even call, I

think the numbers are listed at Ammachi.org. The staff people there are very

nice and very dedicated and will take good care of you as will Amma. It is a

wonderful place. Maybe I will see you there if a small miracle happens.

Jai Amma, Eknath