If you have not traveled to India before, you may want to start doing some research.

Make sure you have a valid passport that will not expire before August 26 (i.e., within 6 months of travel to India).

We have already reserved the hotel for the duration of the wedding events. Guests will not be responsible for paying for accommodation. If you plan to arrive to Agra on February 17, let us know, and we will make further accommodation.

If you have any questions that need a quick response, please feel free to reach out to us.

The wedding celebrations will take place in Agra, India, on February 18 - 20, 2026. The American ceremony will take place on February 18 in the late afternoon/ evening, and Hindu/Indian ceremonies will take place February 19 and 20.

The specific times for each ceremony have not yet been finalized, but we wanted to give you plenty of time to plan for your trip. Additionally, weddings in India are fairly fluid, so events don’t always start at the expected time.

We will provide more specific times closer to the wedding, and we will provide the time of each event upon your arrival in Agra.

February in Agra is typically cool and pleasant. Daytime temperatures range from 60°F to 75°F (15–24°C), while nights can be cooler (45–55°F or 7–13°C).

Layers are recommended, especially for outdoor evening events.

As per our knowledge, for entering India, you do not need any specific vaccinations. However, you should get clarity when applying for the Indian Visa. Traveler's Diarrhea: Pack medications like Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, or prescription Ciprofloxacin. Water Safety: Only drink bottled or filtered water. Avoid iced water or tap water, and uncooked food unless you're sure it's safe. Mosquito-repellants: If your skin is sensitive, you might want to carry a mosquito repellant. Although, it can also be bought in India.

Air Pollution: Delhi does not always have the best air quality, but February is generally considered the best time of the year to visit Delhi. If you are sensitive, please feel free to carry a face mask. 

Exchange USD at the airport or get exchange currency with your local bank before traveling.

Most Visas and Master Cards can be used for transactions in India. If you have an American Express or Discover, please check with your provider.

Carry small bills (₹10, ₹50, ₹100) for tips, rickshaws, or markets. Exchange currency at airports or authorized currency exchanges.

Preferably, avoid ATMs.

Visa & Entry Requirements Tourist Visa is Mandatory: U.S. citizens must apply for a tourism e-Visa before arrival. Apply in Advance: Apply through the official Indian government site—https://indianvisaonline.gov.in—avoid third-party scams. Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and have at least 2 blank pages. 

No.

Traffic is Intense. Indian driving can feel chaotic. Avoid driving yourself in India. Use Uber, Ola, or a hotel-arranged taxi instead of driving yourself.

Train Travel: Book long-distance trains in advance (through IRCTC or ClearTrip). Overnight trains are safe and popular.

Domestic Flights: Affordable and efficient between major cities. 

Getting Around in Delhi Metro: Clean, cheap, and air-conditioned. Women-only coaches are available.

Auto Rickshaws: Cheap but negotiate fare beforehand or insist on meter. Only use for short distance travel.

Uber/Ola: Safe and reliable for tourists. Most preferred option. Avoid self-driving—traffic is hectic and rules are "fluid."

 Activate international roaming on your US number before traveling. There are cheaper alternatives of buying a local SIM card in India with your passport photo and ID, however that can be a hassle for most people and hence is not recommended. Wi-Fi: is common in hotels, cafes, and airports.

Street Food is Delicious but Risky: Stick to busy stalls with high turnover.

Watch for hygiene.

Spicy Food: Indian food can be very spicy—ask for “less spicy” if needed.

Vegetarian Options: Widely available and often safer for your stomach.

Meat options generally available at most hotels: Chicken, Mutton (goat), Lamb, Fish. Since cow is considered sacred in Hindu religion, beef is not openly sold for consumption in India. 

• Power Adapter: India uses types C, D, and M (230V, 50Hz).

• Medications: Carry your prescriptions; pharmacies may not stock the same brands. Additionally, carrying some fever, diarrhea, nausea, mosquito repellant cream may be a good idea too!

• Paper napkins & Hand Sanitizer.

• Cultural Wear: Consider packing or buying Indian clothes like kurtas—they’re lightweight and help you blend in.

• Noise canceling ear-pads or cotton balls: If you are sensitive to noise, you might want to carry.

• Passport and Visa! 

For men, the following options may be good to pack:

• Lightweight cotton shirts / polos (daytime)

• Full sleeve shirt / Kurta (modesty / sun protection)

• Jeans / Chinos / Lightweight trousers Shorts (for night)

• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sandals, slip on shoes or flip flops

For women:

• Long skirts, maxi dresses, or loose pants

• T-shirts / tunics / blouses (preferably shoulder covered)

• Shawl / scarf (dupatta)

• Light cardigan / jacket (for cooler mornings)

• Cotton leggings / palazzos

• One or two Indian outfits (optional)

• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sandals, slip on shoes or flip flops

• As a general practice, avoid body-hugging, see-through outfits or shorts below the knee. If you are unsure, better to err on the side of a more modest attire.

• Shawls and scarfs are easy and handy options to pack.

For the American ceremony, we ask that you wear formal attire.

For the Hindu ceremonies, Indian clothing is encouraged but not required. For inspiration on Indian attire, please refer the events pages.

We will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner for all guests during your three-day stay February 18 - 20. Vegetarian food will be served during all three days of the ceremonies.

In addition to the meals we provide, you will also be free to order from the hotel menu on your own.

There will be at least a few hours between the various wedding events. You may use this downtime to rest, change outfits, explore Agra, or catch up with friends and family.

Yes, the entire hotel is reserved for the wedding events February 18-20.

If you plan to arrive on February 17 and require any travel assistance, please contact either Em or Anu. They’ll be happy to assist!

The hotel will provide filtered or sealed bottled water for all guests. Travelers should not drink tap water in India, nor should you consume drinks with ice. We also recommend that you stay away from water-based street foods. If you prefer to drink cold water, drink refrigerated bottled or filtered water rather than water with ice.

• Indians greet each other with “Namaste” with hands folded together and slight bow instead of handshake.

• Modest dressing is encouraged while in India.

• Be aware of religious sensitivities. Remove Shoes before entering a temple.

• Eating: Cows are sacred to Hindus. Most restaurants won’t serve beef. Many families are strictly vegetarian in India.

• Crowding is normal in India. Don’t be surprised by lack of personal space. If you are uncomfortable be polite but firm and direct.

• Public spaces may feel chaotic, but staring isn't always impolite—just curiosity.

• Queue etiquette: Sometimes loosely followed—stay alert but polite.

• Sometimes this lack of personal space may be evident in unknown people asking personal questions out of curiosity. Politely decline to answer such questions if you are uncomfortable.

• Punctuality: For social and informal events, arriving 15-30 minutes late is considered polite in India.

• Respect for Elders: Elders are highly respected in Indian culture. Show deference and use respectful language.

• Locals don’t refer to their elders by name but may call them by Mr. or Ms. X (or X “ji” in hindi).

• Bargaining: In local markets and for services like rickshaws, bargaining is a common and expected practice. Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, but do so with a friendly demeanor and in good spirits.

• Photos: Always ask for permission before taking a photo of a person. Some people, particularly women, may be uncomfortable being photographed.

• Traffic: is chaotic and loud. Do not drive in India yourself.

• Metric system: Indians follow the metric system (Celsius instead of Fahrenheit; Kg instead of pound; kilometer instead of miles)

• Tipping: 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated but not customary. 

 Historic Sites:

• Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb Modern

Attractions:

• Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, Hauz Khas Village

Markets:

• Khan Market

• Dilli Haat

• High-end shopping and dining Dhan Mill

• Premium ethnic wear Chandni Chowk: Food, sarees, silver jewelry (Old Delhi chaos!) Sarojini Nagar: Fashion on a budget

Museums:

• Gandhi Museum, National Museum, Rail Museum 

Must-try local foods: Chole Bhature, Butter Chicken, Parathas, Golgappas, Jalebi, Carrot Halwa, Indian flavored pizza to name a few. 

• Don’t wear revealing clothes.

• No public display of affection.

• Don’t touch people with your feet.

• Don’t give money to child beggars.

• Don’t expect western standards of personal space.

• Don’t drive yourself.

• Don’t share personal contact details with unknown people.

The hotel will provide filtered or sealed bottled water for all guests. Travelers should not drink tap water in India, nor should you consume drinks with ice. We also recommend that you stay away from water-based street foods. If you prefer to drink cold water, drink refrigerated bottled or filtered water rather than water with ice.

Alcohol will not be served during the Hindu ceremonies. Light drinks options will be available on February 18 (American ceremonies). However, you are free to privately consume alcohol—just be respectful of the other guests.