What should I… ?

WhatsApp is the primary form of communication in India. Please ensure this and any other required applications are downloaded and set up on your phone before leaving for your travels.

If you do not have an international phone plan, you will want to purchase an eSIM or physical SIM card when you arrive in India. For eSIMs:

• Popular options include:

  • Airalo

  • Holafly

  • Nomad

• Data-only plans should be sufficient, as all communication happens over WhatsApp. Local calls and texts are seldom used.

• Install the eSIM profile on your phone before traveling. However, only turn it on once you land in India.

You can choose to take a break and go sightseeing before or after the wedding as per your time availability. We would strongly recommend you reach India before April 1st in order to allow enough time to rest and enjoy.

The dates in India are in DD-MM-YYYY format. Please ensure you double check all dates for your bookings!

Below is a checklist that you can use as a starting point for your packing:

• Passport + Visa

• Charging adapters (most places will not have multi-country charging outlets)

• Closed shoes

  • The roads tend to be dusty and dirty. Whatever you choose, keep comfort in mind, especially if you are planning to do tourism which will involve a lot of walking.

  • At palaces, temples, stores, etc., you may be requested to take off your shoes. On those days, a cheap pair of sandals or slippers may be best! These can also be affordably purchased in India.

• Medication (especially if you are prone to food poisoning)

Below are additional items that you should plan to keep on your person while touring India:

• Toilet paper roll

• Flushable wipes

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Caps or hats

• Mosquito repellent

• Hand sanitizer

• Face masks

In case of emergencies, there are ample pharmacies around should you need anything.

India is a culinary delight. Every region has its own specialties, and street foods are as amazing as they say! Depending on where you are traveling, we recommend that you research each region’s specialty—some examples include:

• Pav bhaji and Vada pao from Mumbai

• Chole bhature from Delhi

• Idli sambar from Chennai

Food is generally spicy, so please check spice levels before ordering and request adjustments as needed. Everything can be customized so do not hesitate to ask!

Indian tea (chai) and Madras / filter coffee are favorites of the locals. You will find many roadside stalls that serve these drinks.

For those who are new to India or have sensitive stomachs, we strongly suggest that you stick to cooked ingredients and to avoid anything raw (including vegetables and chutneys). Please refer to the “Avoid” section below for more details.

This section applies for any travel around India outside of the wedding. Raffles maintains an exceptionally high bar for cleanliness. We have vetted the food and water so guests may enjoy everything freely without concern.

For those who are new to India or have sensitive stomachs, we strongly suggest that you stick to cooked ingredients and to avoid anything raw. This includes raw fruits, vegetables, fresh juices, or open snacks. Sticking to foods that are hot and cooked will significantly lower the risk of potential food contamination. When unsure, it is better to err on the side of caution. Try to ask for disposable rather than reusable cutlery, plates, and straws when possible.

You may wish to be mindful of drinks, unless you are able to confirm that they have been prepared with reverse osmosis (RO) or bottled water. This includes:

• Chaas (salty drink)

• Lassi (sweet drink)

• Chutneys

• Drinks with ice

Avoid water that is not from a sealed bottle or a reverse osmosis filter. Any bottled drinks will be safe—bottled water brands such as Aquafina and Bisleri are widely available. Coconut water is also a cheap and easy way to replenish. Stay hydrated as much as you can!

Avoid wearing heavy or expensive jewelry or watches in open spaces. Pickpocketing is common, especially in densely populated areas. Keep any valuables (phone, cameras, etc.) in your bag when possible. Practice judgment and exercise caution if strangers come up to you to try and distract from a pickpocketer.

Additionally, porters will offer free help, but once you take their service, they may nag you for money. If you choose to take the service, mentally be prepared to pay the cost before you commit.

India will be hot! Choose lightweight cottons and linens for travel and sightseeing. If you are prone to sunburns, make sure to cover up appropriately and wear sunscreen!

Avoid heavy clothing so that you can dress and travel comfortably. You may not find washing services easily, so please check with your hotels beforehand to plan accordingly.

For the wedding, we have defined themes for each event on the events page. Please try to align to the themes within your means, but don’t drive yourself crazy. We are just happy to share the special occasion with our friends and family. Most importantly, pick attire that makes you feel good and lets you dance!

Tipping is not mandatory in India. However, if you are happy with any of your services, a nominal amount as little as 1% of the total bill is always greatly appreciated! We usually tip around 10% depending on our experience when we have sit down service.

If you are joining us from April 1st, please plan to arrive at Hotel Lakend. If you choose to stay at the hotel, we will coordinate group transportation to Raffles on April 2nd.

If you are joining us from April 2nd, please plan to arrive directly at Raffles.

From the airport, please expect a 40-minute drive to Lakend and a 20-minute drive to Raffles.

For local transportation, Ubers are readily available. Alternatively, you may also choose to use any of the following services:

• Ola

• Rapido

• MakeMyTrip

• Local taxis are also available for a slightly higher rate. If booking ahead of time, make sure to negotiate and fix your rate before confirming. Our planner recommended the following team:

  • Taxi & Transport (Udaipur) Airport & City Travel Local Taxi

  • +91 97847 19761

Please note, due to Raffles’ isolated location, Uber drivers may require an additional fee as they will not be able to easily fetch a return ride.

For hotels - consider using Expedia and Google Hotels!

In general, aim for hotels over 4 stars. There are many hidden gems, tour guides will have more knowledge! Please feel free to ask our planners to vet any hotels if you are curious.