FAQs

Question

When should I start planning for the trip?

Answer

We recommend starting 3–6 months in advance. Here's a simple checklist: Passport: Make sure it's valid at least until October 2026. Vaccines: Check with your doctor. You may need 1–2 basic travel vaccines, although Kolkata is a major city and usually doesn't require anything extensive. Flights & Hotel: Go ahead and book both early to get the best deals and availability. Visa: Apply earliest a month before the wedding. Check the requirements of the VISA (will be described below).

Question

Where should I book my flight?

Answer

Fly into Kolkata Airport (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport). The hotel is roughly 1 hour away by car.

Question

How do I get around Kolkata?

Answer

For your convenience, we highly recommend using Uber, which is a popular and reliable option in the city. The fares are transparent, so you won't have to worry about cash or haggling. For getting to the hotel from the airport, check if the hotel can provide a cab for you. Otherwise you can either call an Uber or directly ask for cabs when leaving the airport. If you are feeling a little adventurous and want to experience a quintessential part of the city, you can look out for the iconic yellow Ambassador taxis. They can be hailed on the street, and while most drivers use their meters, it's always a good practice to confirm this before starting your journey. Some only take cash. For a slightly more modern, air-conditioned ride, you might also see white taxis, which typically charge a 25% surcharge.

Question

Where is the wedding taking place?

Answer

The wedding will be hosted at Taj Vivanta EM Bypass on 27th March, 2026, with a friends-only gathering on the 28th. On 26th March, there will be a close gathering for rituals like Haldi and Mehndi.

Question

Can I stay at the wedding venue?

Answer

Yes! Rooms are available at Taj Vivanta. https://www.booking.com/Share-Cf2pBhf You can also find more suggestions on our Travel page.

Question

When should I apply for my visa?

Answer

Apply around 1 month before flying. It’s simple and all online.

Question

What visa do I need?

Answer

Apply for an e-Tourist Visa at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html On the left side of this page, instructions and FAQ is provided. You can find a sample application on this link: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/images/SampleForm.pdf You’ll need: - A passport-style photo of yourself (make sure you take this in advance) - A PDF scan of your passport (you can use your phone to scan it) - A file compressor like ilovepdf.com if needed - Yellow Fever Vaccination Card

Question

What are the key dates I need to keep in mind?

Answer

3–6 months before travel: ✅ Check passport validity ✅ Check with your doctor for vaccines ✅ Book flights and hotel 1 month before travel: ✅ Prepare passport photo and scanned PDF ✅ Apply for e-Visa

Question

I’m not sure I can come yet. What should I do?

Answer

We understand—it’s a long trip! But we’d really appreciate it if you could let us know your plans soon to help with headcounts and logistics. 📱 You can reach out to us via WhatsApp or social media to inform us in advance.

Question

I’ve never been to an Indian wedding—what should I wear?

Answer

Great question! Indian weddings are colorful, festive, and joyful. Here’s what to keep in mind: ✅ Go for bold, rich colors – jewel tones like deep blue, green, magenta, or gold ❌ Avoid black, white, and bright red – these are usually for mourning or the bride ✅ Modesty matters – cover shoulders and knees, especially for religious functions 👘 Traditional options: Sarees, lehengas, salwar kameez for women; kurta-pajama or sherwani for men 🎩 Western formal wear: Long dresses for women and suits in festive colors for men are welcome too We made a detailed Google Doc here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15-U6FCECWoy9HSLpaSxNVO-WMVyCaVl_r2DT8WH-FW8/edit?usp=sharing

Question

Where do I get these clothes?

Answer

A few days before the wedding, we'll organize an outing for guests to shop Indian clothes a few days before the wedding. If you would like to go on your own, here are some recommendations: - BIBA (any location, recommended is Gariahat) - Fab India (any location, recommended is Gariahat) - Pantaloons (any location, recommended is Gariahat) Potential outfits you might need: - Something yellow for Haldi - Something green, pink, orange or floral for Mehendi - Something colorful for the main ceremony (see above)

Question

What about gifts?

Answer

We are just grateful to have you celebrate with us. Gifts are not expected at any of the wedding rituals — please don’t feel obliged to bring anything unless you’d like to. Should you wish to, cash or presents through our wedding registry are welcome. You can find our Amazon registry here: https://www.amazon.de/wedding/share/tanukaandluca

Question

Emergency Numbers & Hospitals

Answer

tbd