FAQs

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✈️ Travel & Logistics (Hyderabad)

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Which airport should I fly into?

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We recommend booking your flights into Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) in Hyderabad.

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Whats the best way to get around in Hyderabad

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Uber is the most convenient way to travel around Hyderabad. While local taxis are available, we highly recommend using rideshare apps for reliability and ease of use. Great options include Uber or Ola for standard car rides, Uber Auto or Rapido for quick trips through traffic, and the Hyderabad Metro for bypassing road congestion entirely.

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Do I need a visa to travel to India?

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Yes. If you are not an Indian citizen or an OCI cardholder, you will need a visa to enter the country. The easiest way to do this is by applying for an e-Tourist Visa. Where to apply: Only use the official government website: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/ Many third-party websites look official but will charge you massive markup fees. When to apply: We recommend applying about a month before your flight. The approval process usually only takes a few days, but it’s best to leave a buffer.

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How will I use my phone in India? Are there good e-SIM options?

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If your mobile plan does not come with international roaming, downloading an e-SIM for data is by far the easiest and cheapest option. Airalo is what we both recommend. MAKE SURE TO INSTALL AND SET IT UP BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT. Installation and setup do not work on airport Wi-Fi, or once you land in India. Pro Tip: DOWNLOAD WHATSAPP BEFORE YOU LEAVE! If you don't already have it, please download WhatsApp and set up your account while you are still home. Everyone in India uses WhatsApp for communication, including drivers, hotels, and us! Since your e-SIM will likely only provide data (meaning you won't have a local phone number), WhatsApp will be your absolute lifeline for texting and calling during your trip. iMessage will still work over data in India.

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Where should I stay?

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We are currently finalizing the details for our hotel block, but we are thrilled to cover your accommodations from Friday morning through Sunday afternoon.

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🥻 Attire & Dress Code

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Can I wear traditional Indian clothes?

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Yes, please! We highly encourage it. We love seeing our friends and family embrace the culture, and you absolutely will not be overstepping by wearing traditional Indian attire.

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Can I wear formal attire from my own cultural traditions?

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Absolutely! We would be deeply honored if you chose to wear formal attire from your own culture.

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What should I wear for each event?

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We are currently finalizing the themes and color palettes for each event, so please check back soon for updates! In the meantime, here is the general vibe to help you start planning: SANGEET : Think bright and colorful. Prioritize movement as it’s a dance party after all! MEHENDI: Think simple and casual. Although there will be some shade wear something light and comfortable as this will be in the morning when the sun will be shining down on us! RECEPTION : Formal attire. Think sharp suits/bandhgala, evening gowns/indian attire, or cocktail dresses KALYANAM (Wedding) : Think traditional and modest (covered shoulders and knees). Sarees, lehengas for women. Suit, kurta, or a vesti and shirt for men.

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Are there any colors I should avoid?

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Avoid red on the day of the wedding, as it is the traditional bridal color. However, all colors are game for any of the other events!

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🎁 Gifting

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Are you registered anywhere? / What should we do about gifts?

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Since you are making the journey to Hyderabad to celebrate with us, your presence is truly the greatest gift we could ask for! Please do not feel any obligation to give anything else. If you would still like to give a gift, please note that we do not have a traditional registry. We kindly request that any physical gifts be mailed directly to our home in Chicago. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can give a monetary gift via Venmo.

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🌶️ Food & Drink

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Will there be alcohol?

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We're still working out the final menu! As of right now, we expect to have drinks flowing during the Sangeet, but the Wedding Ceremony and Reception will be dry (alcohol-free) events. We will update the website if anything changes!

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Water and Food Safety

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Stick to bottled water. Tap water in India is not safe to drink. Skip the ice. Ice is usually made from tap water. Unless you are at the event or a fancy hotel. Stay away from street food. As tempting as the local street carts look and smell, we strongly advise against trying them. Stick to fully cooked, piping-hot meals at established restaurants or hotels.