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Living in Gokulam during Teacher Training
Living in Gokulam during Teacher Training
Living in Gokulam is not too difficult for foreigners. This upperclass suburb of Mysore is easily navigated by foot, but scooters, bicycles, and motorbikes can be easily rented. To get to Gokulam from Mysore city, it is necessary to take an auto rickshaw or another form of wheeled transportation. Yoga India is about 5 km from downtown Mysore.
The key to living comfortablely in Gokulam is chatting with every foreigner and Indian that you meet. Many of the foreigners are repeat visitors to Gokulam and know all the ins and outs of the area: the best restaurants, good tailors, excursions outside of Mysore, etc. As a consequence, local auto rickshaw drivers and small business owners are familiar with the foreign crowd.
There are certain key locations in Gokulam where you might find those individuals speaking in English or other non-Indian languages.The internet cafes (Anu's, Rishi Internet, Planet Web), restaurants (Tina's, Shaila's, Anu's, Chakra House) and other places like the coconut stand near the Ganesh Temple. By simply asking around, people will point you in the right direction.
As far as finding a place to stay, your best bet is to go straight to Gokulam. One man, Shiva, often finds foreigners homes. I found my room from asking one of my classmates. Most students stay with families, renting a room in their house ("paying guest" is the Indian term). Others stay in apartments that are a part of or adjacent to a family's house. The apartment style living will cost about Rs 5000/month. A room in a house may cost Rs 4000/month. Depending on where you stay this can vary a lot. Sometimes you can purchase food at the house that you live in, sometimes not. Either way, people usually find the best spot for themselves.
Rent A Room Contact:
Mr. Kushal 09448127270- (2 rooms), Mr. Tataji 0821 4263573,(3 rooms), Mr.Venkatesh 09448492414 (3 rooms), Srinivas Hegde 0821 2333890, Ganapaty 0821 4243413 or 09342202596, Rani 0821 2513525