2020 Travel Group To India

The Information Page For Our February 14-22, 2020 Trip To Southern India

Our Hotel: Courtyard By Marriott Chennai 
Click Through Below

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 32 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 over 22 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 33 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)




​Click The Button For Global Entry Information



Here Is A Good Video Overview Of India. Chennai is referenced as the 4th port of entry in the country.

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
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.  
(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.)

ORIENTATION SESSIONS

Orientation Session #3
Thursday, January 30, 2020
The Agenda:
1. Watching Out For The Coronavirus
2.  Hotel Confirmed:  Couryard Marriott - Chennai
     --Built in 2006.  Renovated in 2019
3.  The eVisa explaining the Expiration Date
​4.  Exchanging US dollars to rupees with the Peddinys 
5.  Your second suitcase for give away items to the
       --community- Updated Supplies To Bring               
6.  Visiting the Leprosy Community
7.  Airline Tickets issued and e-sent to everyone
8.  Conversation with Rev. Sarah & Rev. Abraham Peddiny

Orientation Session #2
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
The Agenda:
1.  The eVisa process and scheduling times to apply
​2.  Exchanging US dollars to rupees 
3.  Your second suitcase for give away items to the community
4.  Visiting the Leprosy Community
5.  Airline Tickets issued
6.  Site Visits around Chennai and Tamil Nadu

Orientation Session #1
Monday, December 16, 2019

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 
5.  Current Political Issues in India

Other Resources About India

WHAT IS AME INDIA?  HOW DID IT START?

Here is link to the article I wrote about this extraordinary story in 2014.
​
http://www.tellcarole.com/uploads/7/6/8/2/7682161/10_30_15_history_of_ame_india.pdf
EDUCATIONAL VIDEO SERIES ABOUT INDIA

Here is the link to the video series about India
​I recommend watching:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTLWMavGF65R3p0JzCCmRTA
They have 105 videos, all about India!
LONELY PLANET

You can always get sound advice at www.lonelyplanet.com. They sell guidebooks, and have several on India.
Also here is a blog post they created about 4 years ago for first time travelers to India:

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/travel-tips-and-articles/5-tips-for-india-first-timers/40625c8c-8a11-5710-a052-1479d27705ec