How do I get to Chitrakoot?
To Delhi by air then either train to Chitrakoot (14 hours overnight) or air to Khajurho in 90 minutes then 4 hour journey by road.

Do I need a visa.
Yes this should be a Tourist Visa and application by post can take at least 4 weeks. Some travel agents will sort out the visa for you at a cost of approximately £30

How do I get around when there?
Our own transport provides transport to places of interest and to the villages to work..

If I bring a friend along what would there be for them to do?
The area is full of historical and religious centres. The country side is beautiful and the villages fascinating. The campus is full of examples of sustainability at work, agricultural and herbal drug research gardens and a cattle breeding station. The flora and wildlife is amazing. This is a chance to see real rural India as a tourist will never see it. It is possible to stop over in Delhi and see its many sights and to visit Agra to see the Taj Mahal.

Where would I stay?
We live in accommodation within the large Deendayal Research Institute (DRI) which is modern and Westernised and secure. Accommodation, food and transport is provided at a non-profit cost of £30 per day.

What is the food like?
In Chitrakoot we conform to strict Hindu principles and remain vegetarian and tea total. The food is cooked in the DRI and is delicious.

Is there much risk of food poisoning?
All the food provided has proved to be safe and basic guidance is given on what to eat. All water is provided and is bottled.

What Health precautions are needed?
Vaccination is advised for polio, hepatis A&b cholera and malaria precautions are needed in the hot months. Advice is constantly changing and one of the Department of Health sites should be consulted.

What is the weather like?
It is very pleasant between October and March but can get rather hot and humid through the summer months with temperatures up to 45%C..

What should I wear?
Custom dictates that ladies dress modestly which also helps to avoid mosquito bites. Shorts and bare shoulders are not appropriate. Men can dress anyway they like but light coloured clothing discourages mosquitos. Slip on shoes are an advantage because many places visited do not allow leather to be taken in for religious and cultural reasons.

Are there any language problems?
Hindi is the main language of the region.Very few people outside the DRI speak English so a few greeting and thank you words are useful. People are very friendly and hospitable and good body language solves most problems

How long should I go for?
About ten days in and around Chitrakoot is ideal followed by as many days on the Tourist routes as desired. Short stays in Chitrakoot are not helpful and little would be accomplished. It takes a few days to master the cultural change and really get the most out of a wonderful opportunity.