Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about our wedding celebration

Pro Tips for Bangalore Visitors

Jet Lag Strategy

Bangalore is 10.5 hours ahead of US Eastern Time (11.5 hours ahead of Central, 12.5 hours ahead of Mountain, and 13.5 hours ahead of Pacific). Try adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before travel and stay hydrated during your flight.

Weather App

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

Mobile Essentials

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 language pack
Traffic Planning

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

Voltage Converters

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

Bargaining Culture

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

Stay Hydrated

Bangalore's pleasant weather can be deceptive - you might not feel as thirsty as in hotter climates, but hydration is still important.

Rupee Notes

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.

Travel & Transportation

Which airport should I fly into?

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).

Which airline should I fly?

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

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
  • 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
How do I get around Bangalore?
  • 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
What's traffic like in Bangalore?

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.

Language & Communication

Will I be able to communicate in English?

Yes! English is widely spoken in Bangalore, especially in hotels, restaurants, tourist areas, and by younger people. It's one of India's official languages and Bangalore, as India's tech hub, has a particularly high English proficiency rate.

What's the local language?

The local language is Kannada. However, due to Bangalore's cosmopolitan nature, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam are also commonly spoken.

Will my phone work in India?

Yes, but you have several options:

  • eSIMs: This is the most convenient and affordable option. You can purchase and install an eSIM before your trip if your phone supports it. Compare different providers at esimdb.com.
  • International Roaming: Contact your provider before travel (can be expensive)
  • Local SIM Card: Available at the airport upon arrival (bring your passport). This is also an economical option with excellent data coverage.
Is the internet reliable?

Yes, Bangalore is India's tech capital and has reliable internet access. Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi.

Safety & Health

Is Bangalore safe for tourists?

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
What about food and water safety?
  • 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 stomach upset
Do I need vaccinations?

Consult your doctor, but typically recommended vaccinations include:

  • Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Typhoid
  • Some may consider malaria prophylaxis, though Bangalore is not a high-risk area
What if I need medical attention?

Bangalore has excellent private hospitals with international standards:

  • Manipal Hospital
  • Apollo Hospital
  • Fortis Hospital

Keep travel insurance information handy.

Weather & Clothing

What's the weather like?

Bangalore is known for its pleasant climate year-round:

  • Temperature: Usually between 60-90°F (15-32°C)
  • Monsoon: Heavy rainfall from June to September
  • Best Weather: October to February

In December, expect warm days around 75-80°F (24-27°C) and cool evenings around 60-65°F (15-18°C).

What should I wear?
  • For the wedding: Traditional Indian attire or formal Western clothes are appropriate
  • For sightseeing: Modest, lightweight clothing is recommended
  • Places of worship: Require covered shoulders and knees
  • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are essential

Money & Shopping

What currency is used?

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

How much should I tip?
  • Restaurants: 10% if service charge isn't included
  • Hotel porters: 20-50 rupees per bag
  • Drivers: 5-10% of the fare for taxi drivers
Where can I shop for souvenirs?
  • 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

Cultural Considerations

Any cultural customs I should know about?
  • Greet people with a slight bow and hands pressed together saying "Namaste" (or "Namaskara" in Kannada)
  • Remove shoes before entering homes or places of worship
  • Using right hand for eating and giving/receiving items is considered polite
  • Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon
Are there any special wedding customs I should know about?

Our wedding will include traditional South Indian customs. Details will be provided in the welcome packet upon your arrival.

Food & Dining

What is the local cuisine like?

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
Are there Western food options available?

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

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
  • Vegetarian options are abundant (India has the highest percentage of vegetarians globally)
  • Inform your hosts about allergies or special dietary needs

Sightseeing

What are the must-see attractions in Bangalore?
  • Lalbagh Botanical Garden: 240-acre garden with exotic plants
  • Bangalore Palace: Inspired by England's Windsor Castle
  • ISKCON Temple: Beautiful modern Hindu temple
  • Cubbon Park: Sprawling green space in the city center
  • Vidhana Soudha: Impressive government building
  • Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace: Historical monument
Are there day trips from Bangalore?
  • Mysore: Historic city with a magnificent palace (3-4 hours)
  • Nandi Hills: Scenic mountain retreat (1-2 hours)
  • Bannerghatta National Park: Wildlife sanctuary (1 hour)

Wedding-Specific Information

What's the wedding venue address?

The Peacock Grove
Dodda Bylakere, On Yelahanka, Hesarghatta road,
near Forest Research Station, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560089, India

View on Google Maps

Will transportation be provided between the hotel and wedding venue?

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

What's the dress code for the different 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 Wardrobe Guide.

What's the wedding schedule?

Please see the Events page for the detailed schedule.

Are you also having a wedding in the US?

No - we do not plan to have a formal wedding in the US.

Are kids allowed at the wedding?

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

Emergency Information

What are important emergency numbers?
  • Police: 100
  • Ambulance: 108
  • Fire: 101
  • Tourist Police: 080-2294-3200
Who can I contact if I have an urgent question?

Please contact our wedding planner Khushi on WhatsApp at +91-79806 28334 or via email at megandajey@gmail.com.