Travel information
What to Bring
Sangam is located in a conservative area of Pune and therefore we observe some guidelines which help us to maintain a good relationship within the local community. The guidelines for what you might like to wear both in and out of Sangam are as follows:
• Shorts, sleeveless blouses and low neck lines are allowed only inside of Sangam. When going out participants are asked to wear skirts, dresses, trousers or Capri style pants that come to below the knee; blouses with sleeves, modest neck lines and a petticoat if the fabric of a skirt is thin
• The weather is often warm, so materials such as cotton,that are cool and dry quickly are useful, particularly if you plan to do your own washing.
• If you have one, it is recommended that you wear your Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting scarf when out and about in Pune as it will help you to be recognised as a Sangam participant.
• Full uniform is worn at the Welcome Ceremony and for some sessions it is also worn at the Closing Ceremony.
• If you have space and it is available, bring your National Costume / traditional clothes from your home country. When an event has an International dinner or supper, this will be suitable and it is a good way to share the customs of your country.
• It is often beneficial to travel in uniform as a group or even alone. Especially when a escort is going to meet you at a pick up point.
When packing, along with clothes suitable for your stay (remember you can have laundry done here!) we suggest bringing the following items:
• 1 full / official uniform (for members of Guides and Scouts)
• National Costume (if available)
• An outfit to wear out for a casual evening meal
• Sweater / jumper or jacket (even in the hot season this is necessary in airconditioned places)
• Raincoat and/or umbrella, if coming between June and September
• 1 pair of walking shoes
• 1 pair lightweight sandals
• 1 water bottle, insulated if possible
• Mosquito repellent
• A torch or flashlight and spare batteries
• Toiletries including sanitary requirements, necessary medications etc.
• Sun hat, sun cream, sun glasses
• Camera film and spare camera batteries
• Swimming suit (one piece) and spare towel if an avid swimmer
• Swap items. You may have the opportunity to swap badges with other participants. Badges, stickers and small Guiding/Girl Scouting items are useful for swapping
• Toilet paper only for use on your journey here
Climate
Pune has a generally pleasant climate all year round. Days are warm enough to swim, even in winter. A sun hat and sun cream are necessary throughout the year.
JULY TO SEPTEMBER: This is the rainy season. The monsoon is unpredictable and it is essential to bring an umbrella or raincoat. It is also important to bring a good pair of shoes suitable for the rain. During the monsoon it could rain constantly or the rains could be light, with sunny days. Temperatures range from 25º - 30º Celsius (77º - 86º Fahrenheit).
OCTOBER: This month is relatively warm. As the winter approaches the weather changes so anything can be expected from nice warm afternoons to chilly, cool days.
NOVEMBER TO FEBRUARY: During these winter months, the days are warm and sunny and the evenings and early mornings are cold. A sweater or jacket is recommended. Temperatures range from 5º - 28º C ( 41º - 82º F).
MARCH: This is a month of changes as spring passes in a flash and summer approaches. The days and nights become warmer. Temperatures range from 15º to 32º C (59º -89.6º F).
APRIL TO JUNE: Summer arrives and the days are extremely hot with evenings a bit cooler. Highest temperatures reach 42 C (104 F). Sangam does not schedule events in the summer as the weather is extremely hot, however guests are still welcome.
Health Advice
Each participant is requested to complete a health form which should be returned to Sangam prior to your arrival. Please download the form. This information is kept confidential and held by the Sangam First Aider. It may be needed if a visit to the doctor is necessary during your stay.
As far in advance as possible before departure, (ideally 6 months), it is strongly recommended that you consult with a travel health specialist regarding what immunisations and medications you should consider for your trip. Sangam is not able to provide any advice on this issue.
Mosquitoes abound all year round and insect repellent is strongly recommended along with appropriate clothing to wear at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are the most active. Mosquito repellent plug-in’s are provided in all rooms and nets are available on request. If you are particularly sensitive to insect bites, please bring your own antihistamine cream and tablets.
As well as a member of staff acting as First Aider, Sangam has contacts with very well trained and reliable doctors (both western and traditional methods) who are easily available. Illnesses here can progress very quickly so it is important if you are not feeling well during your stay that you let someone know. Most medicines are easily purchased from pharmacies here, however for convenience and comfort, we advise you to bring your own medicines for ailments such as diarrhoea, constipation, colds, menstrual cramps, allergies, etc.
It is strongly recommended that you take out a travel health insurance policy as all expenses related to any health problem or accident will be your own responsibility. Sangam will not be liable for injury, damage or loss to person or property.
Culture and Etiquette
Just as we would ask you to dress in a conservative manner, we would also ask you to observe and respect some of the local behavioural customs. The following are some helpful hints on how to act while travelling in India:
Feet
Feet awareness is an important part of Indian culture. It is important not to point your feet directly at a God or deity in a temple, and you must always remove shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple. You may often see people bend to touch the feet of their elders when greeting or thanking them. You are not expected to do this. It is a sign of respect in Indian culture.