Yes you do, but it's an easy online process- https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
This article gives a good perspective on the clothing patterns and colors typically worn at an Indian wedding - https://www.theknot.com/content/what-to-wear-indian-wedding Websites to check out for clothes: Amazon, FabIndia, Etsy, Kalki, Indya, Kushal’s(only for Jewelry), Manyavar. Depending on your arrival time in Bangalore, you may have the opportunity for some in-person shopping. Numerous stores offer ready-to-wear options for both men and women. Reach out to us for advice, we're happy to help!
All the food at the wedding venue will be lacto-vegetarian. If you have any other requirements, please contact us.
During January, Bengaluru weather will just be like Santa Monica (in the summer) - a bit chilly at night but pleasant during the day; a bit foggy early morning but clears up in the afternoon. I light jacket should be more than sufficient to keep you warm. P.S. If you really miss sunsets over the Pacific Ocean then you can catch the sunset over the lake on the premise!
Bengaluru is a modern, international city with residents and tourists from all over the world. For the most part, you will not need to take any special precautions. The few important considerations are: overt PDA and dressing modestly. You may get stared at, it’s the Indian way of acknowledging strangers. Note: If you have never been to India, be cautious while walking or crossing the road. The traffic can be a bit overwhelming.
Indian Rupee (INR); 1 USD ~ 84 INR. Yes, your credit card will work everywhere. But we also carrying some local currency, just in case.
Yes, Uber works if you have roaming data(internet provided by your network provider outside of the US). Also a couple of things to note while getting an uber are- 1) Sometimes the drivers call you to confirm pick-up location. Sometimes their english isint great, so try and speak slowly and succinctly. Hence, we would recommend getting a local sim(can be e-sim too!). 2) Ubers here send you an OTP, that needs to be shared with the driver before starting the ride. This pops up on the screen when a ride is confirmed and the driver will ask you for it- don't be alarmed, this is general practice.
Yes, we highly reccomend it. Our favorite one to use is airola- https://www.airalo.com/india-esim
Outdoors on the 18th and indoors on the 19th.
No. The tap water in India is not potable. There will be dedicated water bottles and stations at the wedding venue and the hotel. Also, fair warning about about street food- it might look yummy, but you may get a tummy upset.
1. Medicines- Any specific medications you take and allergy medicine, just in case. Indian pharmacies are great(lesser known facts- most American drugs are manufactured in India!), but you might not get the exact brand that you are looking for. Also, here you can talk to the pharmacist and they will give you the best advice on what to take 3. Mosquito repellant- The venue has a lake, so it might be best to carry a spray/lotion. The venue will have mosquito coils everywhere, so it shouldn't be a problem, but just in case, carry your own.
Filter Coffee- any local restaurant will make you an amazing cup of coffee. Be aware that it comes with milk and in a small cup, but soooo worth it.
Traffic! Be prepared to carry earphones or a book while traveling locally.