India Missions Trip 2024 

Calcutta Mercy Ministries

January 19-27th, 2024 

Cost:$2,600 

This trip is currently full. However, we do have a waiting list.

If you would like to be added to the waiting list email Candice@gadistag.org

India Team Member Information

Itinerary: Daily Schedule

Fundraising: Fundraising Letter and Ideas

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I apply for the 2024 Courageous Sisterhood Missions Trip to India? 

Head over to Courageoussisterhood.com to apply.  

A non-refundable application fee is due by June 1st  to secure your spot on the trip. 

What does the cost of the trip include?  

The cost of the trip includes meals, lodging, overseas flights, ground transportation in India, projects, medical insurance, and free day activities  

What is Calcutta Mercy Ministries? 

Calcutta Mercy is a non-profit organization on a mission to feed, educate, and medically assist the poor of Calcutta, India. 

Learn more about Calcutta Mercy by visiting https://www.calcuttamercy.org/ 

Will I need vaccinations? 

You are not required to get any vaccinations to travel to India. 

How do I obtain a passport?  

If you do not already have a current U.S. passport, you may obtain one by picking up the forms at certain branches of the U.S. Post Office or go online to http://travel.state.gov/passport 

1. Proof of citizenship 

2. Proof of identity

3. (2) recent color photos 

4. Fee:  Application Fee $130 – Execution Fee $35 

  Passports typically take up to 13 weeks (about 3 months) to process. 

Routine 10 to 13 weeks (about 3 months) 

Expedited 7 to 9 weeks (about 2 months) 

Expedited at Agency Must have international travel within 14 calendar day 

  Photocopy all important documents and keep them in a hidden place separate from the originals. Leave another copy at home with someone you can easily get

in contact with while you are abroad. 

Is insurance provided?  

Yes, $4.50 per day of the trip cost will be applied towards purchasing travel insurance for each participant.  

What is the cancellation policy? 

Once a plane ticket is purchased in your name, you are totally responsible for the payment, regardless of any reason that would cause you to cancel your plans to go on this outreach. 

Where will we stay? 

We will be staying at the BMS Resource Center, a Christian guesthouse located in Kolkata, India. 

Visit https://bmskolkata.org for more information and to view photos of the property/ accommodations. 

What kind of clothing should I bring? (Dress code, tattoos, piercings) 

Dress conservatively. Bring loose-fitting T-shirts, tunics and blouses with high necklines and long or short sleeves, and loose-fitting pants and ankle-length skirts in cool, lightweight fabrics like cotton. Pack a lightweight scarf to wear around your neck for extra modesty and to cover your head when necessary.  

How strenuous are the activities and services?  

Walking and touring. Please refer to the daily Schedule above.

How long is the flight? 

Depends on route, typically around 18-24 hours. 

How much money should I bring? (Money exchange) 

We will cover all expenses once you land. Please bring enough to cover travel day meals and keepsakes. We will exchange money in the Airport.

What if I do not speak the language? 

Many people will speak English making communication quite easy. Also, your group leader or in-country representative will translate for you. 

What can we expect to eat? 

Indian and American food, there are options if you don’t like Indian food. 

Will my electronics work in India? 

As the voltage is different in India use a power converter if your device or appliance isn't dual voltage and ensure that it can work with a 50hz power outlet. In India the power plug sockets are of type C, D and M.  

 

Amazon Power adapter link (or something similar): https://www.amazon.com/Universal-TESSAN-International-Worldwide-Australia/dp/B0B1LJ3N9G/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?camp=1789&creative=9325&keywords=travel+adapter&linkCode=ur2&linkId=A43UW2IKLG5OS5GL&qid=1681784751&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzQkFJQVZGQzQzNEVFJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODQyNTE4M1BOTk5JRTBLT1YySSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDcwNDkyM0RDNEpaRE5JRUVBRiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU= 

 

https://www.amazon.com/India-US-Plug-Adapter-Essentials/dp/B07ZNL2882/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?hvadid=177332236770&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9013053&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=17360233002598961988&hvtargid=kwd-13007032175&hydadcr=18919_9699009&keywords=usa%2Bto%2Bindia%2Bpower%2Bconverter&qid=1681784575&sr=8-1-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExUEg0SkNUVDZFREtaJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTk3NTgyS0dOUkM3MjNTWEFWJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzODE3NDAzVktGU1NESzlVWktBJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1 

What religion does most of the population practice in India? 

Hindus make up 79.8% of India's population and Muslims account for 14.2%; Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains account for most of the remaining 6%.