India Master thread

[Wolfbalden]

Planning a trip to Mumbai mid Feb, looks like I have to leave EWR Sat night around 810 to get in Sunday night ( dont want to get in after midnight and REALLY prefer non stop flihts) Shab. ends 615. Coming frm Manhattan, anyone have any ideas of a better way? Or a flight from another city not so close to Shabbos (where I can spend a decent Shabbos)?

Also does the Mumbai Chabad sell food during the week like Chabad in, say, San Juan or Shanghai?

Finally is there anything kosher or Jewish on the east coast ( near Calcutta)?

[Drago]

Planning a trip to Mumbai mid Feb, looks like I have to leave EWR Sat night around 810 to get in Sunday night ( dont want to get in after midnight and REALLY prefer non stop flihts) Shab. ends 615. Coming frm Manhattan, anyone have any ideas of a better way? Or a flight from another city not so close to Shabbos (where I can spend a decent Shabbos)?

Also does the Mumbai Chabad sell food during the week like Chabad in, say, San Juan or Shanghai?

Finally is there anything kosher or Jewish on the east coast ( near Calcutta)?

Why you going? Biz or pleasure?

[Suave]

Planning a trip to Mumbai mid Feb, looks like I have to leave EWR Sat night around 810 to get in Sunday night ( dont want to get in after midnight and REALLY prefer non stop flihts) Shab. ends 615. Coming frm Manhattan, anyone have any ideas of a better way? Or a flight from another city not so close to Shabbos (where I can spend a decent Shabbos)?

Also does the Mumbai Chabad sell food during the week like Chabad in, say, San Juan or Shanghai?

Finally is there anything kosher or Jewish on the east coast ( near Calcutta)?

Stay in AMS for shabbat, lots of direct flights from there or LON

Beth El Synagogue, 26/1 Pollock St, Calcutta

I don't remember seeing any food for sale in Mumbai Chabad.

Consider flying to Kathmandu for shabbat when in Calcutta

[Wolfbalden]

going for biz, monday - thursday

thanks!

[Wolfbalden]

Does anyone know anything about the TAJ Lands End hotel in Mumbai?

anyone stay there?

is it nice?
Is it Asian style or Wetern style?

[bentch]

Anybody recommend a visa office for expedited visa? I need one for travel in less than 2 weeks. Cheapest I found was "its easy" wanted close to $500. I've tried to get in touch with BLS.anyone use them before?

[Homeandl]

Anybody recommend a visa office for expedited visa? I need one for travel in less than 2 weeks. Cheapest I found was "its easy" wanted close to $500. I've tried to get in touch with BLS.anyone use them before?

With BLS no expedition service can do more then you can do yourself, BLS had many issues when they recently took over the India visa processing business, and although many people had their passports lost and other issues, I got my visa back in less then 2 weeks. I believe their NY office has gotten more efficient now, but everybody has to go through the same process

[bentch]

With BLS no expedition service can do more then you can do yourself, BLS had many issues when they recently took over the India visa processing business, and although many people had their passports lost and other issues, I got my visa back in less then 2 weeks. I believe their NY office has gotten more efficient now, but everybody has to go through the same process

what did u find best way to get in touch with them? i haven't found a valid # yet.  did u have to make an appointment?

[Homeandl]

what did u find best way to get in touch with them? i haven't found a valid # yet.  did u have to make an appointment?

No appointment, I had a quick and painless experience there, but it did contact them by email once or twice, I think it was rattanw@blsinternational.com. As long as you mail them everything.. Full completed app, 2 passport photos, stamped UPS return envelope, and your passport you should be ok, to see what others have to share visit http://www.fodors.com/community/asia/indian-visa-experience-with-bls-international.cfm

[Homeandl]

what did u find best way to get in touch with them? i haven't found a valid # yet.  did u have to make an appointment?

One thing though, do not book any flights until you have your passport back. And no matter what your reason for visiting is you should probably apply for a tourist visa

[Wolfbalden]

I found BLS to be impossible to get ahold of by phone or email. When I started the process the phone # on the website was wrong it was changed later but no one ever answered. My visa was processed within 5 days, it then took another 10 days untl they actually sent it out in the UPS enevelope I had provided. I applied for a business visa. It was not a pleasant or stress free experience at all. A sharp contrast to my experience with the Chinese consulate

[Wolfbalden]

I found BLS to be impossible to get ahold of by phone or email. When I started the process the phone # on the website was wrong it was changed later but no one ever answered. My visa was processed within 5 days, it then took another 10 days untl they actually sent it out in the UPS enevelope I had provided. I applied for a business visa. It was not a pleasant or stress free experience at all. A sharp contrast to my experience with the Chinese consulate

As a postscrip, i received an email about 10 minutes ago from BLS (New York) informing me that my passport ( which I received back last Thursday) had been dispatched! They gave me the UPS racking number in case I wanted to track it. This is actually giving me some insight into Indian custom and mentality. Should be helpful on my trip.

[chucksterace]

So I'm thinking of making a trip to India since it only 25k business (AA) from TLV-India.

What shots are recommended and where is a good place to get them in Jerusalem? Visa I am already looking into and hopefully will know more about eventually.

Yes, I know I might be crazy for taking a trip here.

[Suave]

So I'm thinking of making a trip to India since it only 25k business (AA) from TLV-India.

What shots are recommended and where is a good place to get them in Jerusalem? Visa I am already looking into and hopefully will know more about eventually.

Yes, I know I might be crazy for taking a trip here.

When will you be there? I will probably stop over in delhi for shabbos hagadol.

[chucksterace]

When will you be there? I will probably stop over in delhi for shabbos hagadol.

Dunno yet.. Have no clue.

[Drago]

So I'm thinking of making a trip to India since it only 25k business (AA) from TLV-India.

25k each way you mean?

[chucksterace]

25k each way you mean?

Of course.. Its a great redemption in my book. Either through AMM or LY Direct.

[Drago]

Of course.. Its a great redemption in my book. Either through AMM or LY Direct.

def
Much better direct IMO

[Vosizderneias]

So I'm thinking of making a trip to India since it only 25k business (AA) from TLV-India.

What shots are recommended and where is a good place to get them in Jerusalem? Visa I am already looking into and hopefully will know more about eventually.

Yes, I know I might be crazy for taking a trip here.

i went and didnt get shots and lived to tell the story
Not crazy at all. Best experiences traveling to the coolest country
And great chabad in mumbai

[Suave]

I did India for a month - BH no issues at all, I did get a shot, cant remember which.

Kashrus and Shmiras habris will protect you from most diseases etc.