where are you leaving the US from? if it is a city with an Indian consulate you can go a day before your flight and get the visa the same day. you go in the morning and pick it up in the afternoon.

alternatively, send your passport and visa application with a certified check and $15 for the return Fedex (or a prepaid envelope) along with a copy of the itin/tickets and a cover page and you should have it back by the third day. so if you send it on tuesday it should be back on thursday or friday at the latest. just make sure you specifically mention the date you are leaving the US.

as for visas on arrival - it is not possible even for groups. you used to be able to get one at the airport but not anymore.

[This message has been edited by indogulf (edited 12-31-2000).]