Download a local weather app as Bangalore can experience sudden rain showers depending on the season.

Download these apps before arrival:

• Uber/Ola for transportation
• WhatsApp for messaging
• Google Maps (download offline maps of Bangalore)
• Zomato/Swiggy for food delivery
• Google Translate with Kannada (the local language) language pack

Always add 30-45 minutes to estimated travel times, especially during peak hours.

India uses 230V electricity with round pin plugs (Types C, D, and M). Bring appropriate adapters for your electronics.

Negotiating prices is common in markets (not in established stores). Start at about 50-60% of the initially quoted price.

Familiarize yourself with Indian currency upon arrival - having smaller denominations (₹100, ₹200, ₹500) is helpful for small purchases and auto rickshaws. The exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 83-85 INR (as of May 2025). A quick mental conversion: ₹1000 is roughly $12, and $1 is about ₹84.

Fly into Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bangalore. It's a modern international airport with connections to major cities worldwide. San Francisco (SFO) is the only US city with a direct flight to Bangalore, or you could connect through other major cities like Dubai, Singapore, or European cities (Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris).

Really any major airline, however we'd recommend against Air India since the service is consistently bad and they tend to cancel flights often.

We will be providing transportation from the airport to the hotel (and vice versa). Please make a note of this in the RSVP form.

If you would like to use public transportation yourself, below is some more information:

• Airport Taxis: Pre-paid taxis are available at the airport (safest option)
• App-based Rides: Uber and Ola (India's version of Uber) are widely available
• Airport Shuttle: Some hotels offer airport pickup services
• Car Rental: Available but not recommended unless you're familiar with driving in India

• App-based Rides: Uber and Ola are the most convenient options
• Auto Rickshaws: Three-wheeled vehicles good for short distances (always insist they use the meter)
• Metro: Limited coverage but efficient for certain routes
• Buses: Extensive network but can be crowded and difficult to navigate for visitors

Bangalore is famous for its traffic congestion. Plan for significantly longer travel times than what map apps might suggest, especially during rush hours (9-11 AM and 5-8 PM). A journey that seems short in distance can take much longer than expected.

Bangalore is generally safe for tourists. Like any major city, use common sense precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious in crowded areas
• Use registered transportation
• Women travelers should be slightly more cautious, especially at night

• Drink only bottled or filtered water
• Eat at recommended restaurants or places with high turnover
• Street food can be delicious but choose wisely – go where locals go
• Carry hand sanitizer and basic medications for upset stomach

Please consult your doctor; there are no required vaccinations, but typically recommended vaccinations include:

• Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid

Bangalore has excellent private hospitals with international standards:

• Manipal Hospital
• Apollo Hospital
• Fortis Hospital

Keep travel insurance information handy.

Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted at most established businesses.

• Restaurants: 10% if service charge isn't included
• Hotel porters: 20-50 rupees per bag
• Drivers: 5-10% of the fare for taxi drivers

• Commercial Street: For textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts
• MG Road: Modern shops and boutiques
• UB City: Luxury shopping
• Malleswaram Market: For a more traditional shopping experience

Bangalore offers diverse South Indian cuisine:

• Must-try dishes: Dosa, idli, vada, bisi bele bath, ragi mudde
• Local specialties: Bangalore is famous for its filter coffee and "Bangalore Masala Dosa"
• Spice level: South Indian food tends to be spicier than North Indian cuisine. We will have low spice options available at all events at the wedding.

Yes, Bangalore has numerous international restaurants offering American, Italian, Mexican, and other global cuisines.

• Vegetarian options are abundant (India has the highest percentage of vegetarians globally)
• Please let us know about any allergies or special dietary needs

We have two venues for our wedding celebrations:

• Western Reception (December 19): Stay tuned for venue details!
• Main Wedding Events (December 21-22): The Peacock Grove

The main wedding ceremony will take place at The Peacock Grove:
Dodda Bylakere, On Yelahanka, Hesarghatta road,
near Forest Research Station, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560089, India

View on Google Maps

Yes, we will arrange transportation between the recommended hotels and all the wedding events.

• Western Reception (Dec 19): Semi-formal
• Haldi & Mehendi (Dec 21): Traditional Indian/Colorful
• Wedding Ceremony (Dec 22): Traditional Indian attire
• Indian Reception (Dec 22): Traditional Indian formal

For detailed outfit examples and shopping recommendations, please see our India Wardrobe Guide.

Please see the India Events page for the detailed schedule.

Yes, we will be having a small wedding celebration with our family and close friends in the US in the summer of 2026.

Yes they are! There will be many kids, so feel free to bring them along.