2017 Travel Group To India

The Information Page For Our February 17-25, 2017 Trip To Southern India

Our Travel Partners
Garavanian Travel

Gabe and Harry Garavanian, twin brothers and owners of Garavanian Travel, have been in the travel business for more than 29 years. Our commitment is to provide the best possible service and experience for our clients.

Gabe, (pictured to the right) is the account manager for our trip and is handling all of our tickets and hotel accommodations at our hotel in Chennai.  Carole Copeland Thomas, our trip leader and certified tour manager, and has done business with Gabe for almost 21 years.  Gabe's wife (who often answers the phone) is Eileen Garavanian.

Gabe is the New England Chapter President of the American Society of Travel Agents.

Garavanian Travel has been awarded the Sandals Chairman’s Choice Award for being the “Best of the Best”. This award is given to the highest standing travel agencies throughout the United States. Garavanian Travel has also been selected as a Preferred Sandals Specialist.

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Carole Copeland Thomas of C. Thomas & Associates is a global diversity professional, a certified international tour manager, and has been in business for 30 years.  She has spoken or conducted training workshops in most of the 50 US States and traveled and spoken in 7 other countries around the world, including India.

Gabe Garavanian of Garavanian Travel

Carole Copeland Thomas, Certified Int'l Tour Manager 
Dressed in an Indian Salwar Suit with 
Granddaughters Gabby (left) and Julianna (right)

Mission Trip Items To Bring In Your Second Suitcase

Soap
Deodorant
Shampoo
Sanitary Napkins (Badly Needed)
Band Aids
Shoulder Messenger Bags For The Pastors*
aka Sling Backpack
*(They will use when riding on their motor scooters) 
Blankets (Needed)
Plastic Rain Ponchos/Capes (lightweight & foldable)
School Supplies Including…
Pencils
Pens
Pads
Crayons
Book Bags
Please do NOT bring Medicines.
Please do NOT bring diapers.
English is only one of MANY languages spoken in India.
It is preferred that you do NOT bring notebooks or
books for the children. 

The Hindu Caste System Of India

Thirumani Village

We will be visiting Thirumani Village during the trip. This is the village with the Educational Center being supported by the Christina R. Gray Women’s Missionary Society of Bethel AME Church. We will visit other villages and other Educational Centers between the Indian states of Tamil Nadu (where  Chennai is located) and Andhra Pradesh, a nearby state
(See the map of India.)

Many of the people that AME India serves are the Dalits…the salt of the earth of India.  They are known as “outcastes” when referencing the Caste system that has historically been a part of the Hindu faith.  More than 80% of Indians are Hindu. 
We will meet MANY Dalits on our trip. 
(See the Caste system triangle on this page.)

Trip Orientation, Information and Resources

Orientation Session #1
Tuesday November 29, 2016

The Agenda:
1.  Overview of the trip agenda
2.  Travel tips and techniques for a successful trip to India
3. Visiting Your Travel Clinic
4.  Your Passport and Visa to Enter India 

Please note: The audio track is slightly off on this video webinar.

Orientation Session #2
Tuesday December 13, 2016

The Agenda:
1.  Visa Updates
2.  What to bring in your second suitcase - Mission work in Chennai)
3.  How much money to bring on the trip - spending change
4.  The History of AME India
5.  India Customs, History, The Caste System
6.  India Geography: North, South, East and West
7.  The People of India
8.  The Food!
9.  Musical Performances On The Trip

​Orientation Session #3
Tuesday January 17, 2017

Special session with
​Presiding Elders Abraham and Sarah Peddiny
Live From Chennai, Tamil Nadu India
It was 8 pm EST Tuesday night in Boston.
​And it was 6:30 am Wednesday morning in Chennai.