Booking of airplane tickets is possible through your local travel agent.
The nearest airports from Prashanthi Nilayam are Puttaparthi (6 km) and
Bangalore (180 km). Indian Airlines operates a flight twice a week between
Mumbai (Bombay) and Chennai (Madras) via Puttaparthi when Sri Sathya Sai
Baba is at Prashanthi Nilayam.
When arriving in India from another country you probably need to change
the plane to continue your travel to Puttaparthi or Bangalore. In Chennai
(Madras) the international and domestic airports are very close to each
other. In Mumbai (Bombay) it takes at least one hour to switch from the
international (Chhatrapathi Shivaji) to the domestic (Santa Cruz) airport.
In New Delhi travel time is about half an hour between the international
and the domestic terminal (Terminal I). A bus shuttle service is operating
between the international and domestic airports in Mumbai and New Delhi.
Please contact the ground staff of your airline on landing for further
information.
Several carriers operate direct international flights to Bangalore and
major towns in India. To enquire the cost of standard airline tickets
to Bangalore or Puttaparthi use the Sabre
Flight Reservation System. The Airport location codes are as follows:
BLR = Bangalore, BOM = Mumbai (Bombay), DEL = New Delhi, MAA = Chennai
(Madras), PUT = Puttaparthi. For regional flights you might check the
Internet sites of Jet
Airways and Indian
Airlines as well. Once you are at Prashanthi Nilayam there is an Indian
Airlines counter available in Building N2-A1 to book or reconfirm Indian
Airlines flight bookings.
If your travel plans fall into a busy period, call for reservations early.
Flights to Puttaparthi may sell out weeks - sometimes months - well in
advance. Don't buy a standby fare or an "open return" ticket
if you need to fly during a high-demand period like festivals or celebrations.
The months of July and August and the period from November to January
are considered as holiday travel peak periods.
Fares to India vary considerably
depending on the travel period. The months of July, August, November,
December and January are considered peak holiday period and airline
tickets are often more expensive. Low priced tickets are typically available
in spring.
Never put valuables like
cash, credit cards, jewelry, critical medicine, keys, passport, business
papers or other hardly replaceable goods into the luggage you check
in. Carry these items always as hand luggage with you. It is wise to
put items that you will need during the first 24 hours like toiletries
or a change of underwear in your carry-on bag as well.
Label all your luggage
inside and outside with your name, address and phone number. Most "lost
baggage" is simply misplaced by the airline and turns up some days
later. With proper labeling you help airline personnel to locate you
quickly.
If you plan to check in
any delicate or fragile items, pack them in a container designed to
survive rough handling like a hardshell carrying case.
Try to get direct flights
to Mumbai or Madras to avoid the hassle of changing planes and the experience
that you may not receive your luggage on time at your destination.
Order special food requirements
like Vegetarian meals when you book or reconfirm your ticket.
Make sure your ticket will
show the flight number, departure time, date, and status of your reservation
for each flight of your itinerary. The "status" box is important. "OK"
means you're confirmed. Anything else means that the reservation is
not yet certain (e.g., you're on a wait list).
Book the domestic flight
ticket to Puttaparthi or Bangalore at the same time as your international
flight.
To avoid any mishaps allow
6 hours between the time of arrival in India and the departure of the
domestic flight.
On your arrival in India
you need to fill out a Disembarkation form before you queue up and go
through immigration formalities. It is advisable to fill out the form
when you get it in the plane to avoid any stress.
You may enquire on arrival
in India where Sathya Sai Baba is in residence, either from the ground
personnel of your airline or the airport information or tourist desk
before proceeding to Prashanthi Nilayam.
Respect the regulations
that you may not take pictures inside the airport precincts, the ashram
or other restricted areas.
If you are a member of the
Sathya Sai Organisation and don't have a corresponding flight from Mumbai
(Bombay) on the same day to Bangalore or Puttaparthi, there is a possibility
to pass a night or two at Dharmakshetra, about 30 minutes from the airport.
Bring with you a letter from your Sathya Sai Organisation group leader,
stating your needs like the number of persons you travel with, the date
and time of your arrival and departure etc. Please enquire in advance
whether accomodation is available from the manager of the Dharmakshetra
Complex, Maha Kali Caves Road, Andheri East, Mumbai.
Phone +91 22 632 54 94.
A hotel reservation desk
is available at the airport on your arrival in India.
Before leaving the airport,
it is essential that you change some money into Indian rupees for your
immediate needs. (See Currency regulations)
The domestic flight from
Mumbai (Bombay) to Bangalore or Puttaparthi takes about 90 minutes,
from Chennai (Madras) to Bangalore or Puttaparthi about 30 minutes.
Always get a prepaid taxi
at the airport to your destination in the city, unless you are taking
public transport.
Always reconfirm your return
flights in India upon arrival (or at least one week before you return).
Frequent fliers in India
will appreciate the Jet
Airways or Indian
Airlines Airpass which entitles you to unlimited flight privileges
for a couple of weeks.
