Travel Information

Major Airlines & Routes

International carriers like Emirates (via Dubai), Etihad (via Abu Dhabi), Qatar Airways (via Doha), British Airways (via London), Lufthansa (via Frankfurt or Munich), Air France (via Paris), Singapore Airlines (via Singapore), and Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong) all offer one-stop flights from major U.S. cities to Chennai. These airlines provide convenient routes with a single layover.

Typical Flight Duration

Expect about 20–24 hours of total travel time from the U.S. to Chennai, including layovers. For example, a flight from New York with one stop (e.g. in Dubai or London) usually takes around 18–20 hours of flying time plus a few hours for connections. West Coast departures (like Los Angeles or San Francisco) can be on the longer end (often 22+ hours) due to the greater distance.

Stopover Hubs

Common layover cities include Dubai (DXB) for Emirates flights, Doha (DOH) for Qatar Airways, Abu Dhabi (AUH) for Etihad, London Heathrow (LHR) for British Airways, Frankfurt (FRA) or Paris (CDG) for European carriers, and Singapore (SIN) or Hong Kong (HKG) for routes via Asia.

If you have a long layover, these hubs offer modern amenities and even short city tours (e.g. Dubai or Singapore) – just be mindful of transit visa requirements if you plan to leave the airport.

Booking Tips

It's a good idea to book flights well in advance for the best fares and route options. Aim to arrive by August 25 or early August 26 to comfortably make the wedding events. Be sure to check baggage allowances for international flights (most intercontinental flights allow at least one or two checked bags).

Visa Requirement

American citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to India for tourism. There are two main options: a traditional tourist visa (stamped in your passport, often valid up to 10 years) or an e-Tourist Visa (obtained online). India does not offer visa-on-arrival for U.S. travelers, so you'll need to secure your visa in advance.

E-Tourist Visa (eTV)

For most wedding guests, the e-Visa is the quickest and easiest option. You can apply online through the official Government of India portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa) – beware of look-alike sites.

The online form will ask for your personal details, passport scan, a passport-sized photo, and a small fee (e.g. USD $40 for a 1-year multiple-entry eTourist visa as of current rates). It's recommended to apply at least 1–2 weeks in advance (the official requirement is minimum 4 days before arrival).

Processing is usually quick (often 3-5 days). Once approved, you'll receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email – print this to carry with you. The e-Tourist Visa typically allows stays of up to 30 or 90 days per visit (depending on visa length) within its validity period.

Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates and has at least two blank pages for entry/exit stamps.

Traditional Tourist Visa

If you prefer a longer-term visa (or if you travel to India frequently), you can apply for a paper tourist visa through an Indian consulate in the U.S. Tourist visas for U.S. citizens are often issued for 5 or 10 years with multiple entries.

The application is done via the Indian consular service provider (VFS Global). This process requires mailing your actual passport for the visa sticker, a visa application form, photos, and a fee (usually higher than the e-visa fee). Processing can take a few weeks, so only pursue this if you need a long-duration visa. For most guests, the e-visa should suffice.

Official Resources

• Government of India e-Visa Portal: indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa – Official site to apply for e-tourist visas (avoid any third-party sites).
• U.S. State Department – India Travel: travel.state.gov – India – Has a summary of entry requirements and safety info.

Indian Consulates in the U.S.

If you need assistance or to apply for a regular visa, you can contact the Indian Embassy or one of the regional consulates. Below are the main Indian diplomatic missions in the U.S. relevant to our guests:

• Embassy of India – Washington, DC: 2107 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008. Tel: (202) 939-7000.
• Consulate General of India – New York: 3 East 64th Street, New York, NY 10065. Tel: (212) 774-0600. (Jurisdiction: Northeast U.S.)
• Consulate General of India – San Francisco: 540 Arguello Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118. Tel: (415) 668-0662. (Jurisdiction: Northwestern U.S.)
• Consulate General of India – Chicago: 455 N. Cityfront Plaza Dr, Suite 850, Chicago, IL 60611. Tel: (312) 595-0405. (Jurisdiction: Midwestern U.S.)
• Consulate General of India – Houston: 4300 Scotland Street, Houston, TX 77007. Tel: (713) 626-2148. (Jurisdiction: Southern U.S.)

There are also Indian consulates in Atlanta and Seattle if needed.

For visa questions, you can reach out to the consulate serving your state. They or their visa service (VFS) can assist if you encounter issues. It's also wise to carry a printed copy of your visa approval when traveling.

If you plan to travel domestically within India (either before or after the wedding – for example, a trip from Chennai to Goa or Delhi), there are many domestic airlines to choose from. IndiGo is highly recommended – it's India's largest low-cost carrier and known for its punctuality and extensive network. IndiGo has modern planes and frequent flights, including many daily flights from Chennai to other major cities.

Other reliable airlines for local travel include Air India (full-service, with checked baggage and meals included), Vistara (a full-service airline known for great service, now merging with Air India), SpiceJet and GoFirst (low-cost carriers).

More information can be obtained from the Travel desk/Concierge service at the Leela Palace Chennai.

Tips for Domestic Flights

• Book in Advance: Domestic flights can fill up fast, especially around holidays. Booking early often secures better fares.
• Check Baggage Allowances: Indian domestic flights typically allow 15 kg (33 lbs) of free checked baggage on economy tickets (low-cost carriers sometimes less). If you have extra luggage from international travel, you may need to pay for additional weight.
• Airports: Chennai's domestic terminal is in the same airport as the international terminal (MAA), making connections straightforward. Plan about 2 hours connection time if you're connecting from an international arrival to a domestic flight in Chennai to clear immigration, collect bags, and re-check them.
• IndiGo Tip: IndiGo's flights are usually on time and they offer buy-on-board meals/snacks. It's a good idea to arrive early for check-in, as their counters close 60-75 minutes before departure for domestic flights.

Chennai (formerly Madras) is the bustling capital of Tamil Nadu and the city hosting our wedding. It's known for its rich cultural heritage, delicious South Indian cuisine, and warm hospitality.

More information can be obtained from the Travel desk/Concierge service at the Leela Palace Chennai.

Weather in Late August

Chennai will be hot and humid in August. Expect daytime highs around 32–34°C (90–94°F) and nighttime lows around 26–27°C (upper 70s °F). While June–September is the monsoon season for much of India, Chennai's heavy rains actually come later in the year (the northeast monsoon in Oct–Dec).

In late August, you might get an occasional rain shower or thunderstorm, but prolonged heavy rains are less common. More likely, the weather will be steamy and partly cloudy. It's a good idea to carry an umbrella for sun (or surprise rain) and stay hydrated. If you plan to explore, morning and late afternoon/evening are more comfortable times outdoors than midday.

Dining & Restaurants

Chennai has a great food scene, especially if you love South Indian flavors. We've compiled a few restaurant recommendations if you'd like to dine out:

• Southern Spice (Taj Coromandel Hotel): An iconic fine-dining restaurant offering the best of South Indian cuisine in a royal ambiance. It's famous for its traditional thalis and delicacies from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, etc., served on banana leaves with silverware.
• Avartana (ITC Grand Chola): A contemporary Indian fusion tasting menu restaurant, reimagining South Indian dishes with modern techniques. Avartana is acclaimed internationally for its creative multi-course menu.
• Dakshin (TTK Road, Alwarpet): A long-standing favorite for authentic South Indian fare, recently reopened in a stand-alone location. Dakshin offers classics from all four southern states in a classy setting – don't miss the filter coffee here!
• Pan Asian (ITC Grand Chola): If you seek international cuisine, Pan Asian is an upscale restaurant featuring Japanese, Chinese, Thai and more, with live cooking stations.
• Bay View (Taj Fisherman's Cove): For a scenic meal, this seafood restaurant is right by the Bay of Bengal (about 1 hour south of the city, on a lovely beach resort).
• Vegetarian Delights: Chennai is heaven for vegetarians. If you want a more casual experience, try Saravana Bhavan or Sangeetha for South Indian breakfast (idlies, dosas, vadas) – they are legendary.

We will provide meals during the wedding events, but you might have a free evening or two to explore these spots if you wish. Let us know if you need reservations or company!

Major Tourist Attractions in Chennai

If you have spare time, here are a few highlights:

• Marina Beach: One of the longest urban beaches in the world. An evening stroll on Marina Beach is a quintessential Chennai experience – you can sample local snacks like sundal (spiced chickpeas) and watch the sunset. (Swimming is not recommended here due to strong currents, but the atmosphere is lively.)
• Kapaleeshwarar Temple (Mylapore): A stunning 7th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, famous for its colorful gopuram (gateway tower) which is covered in intricate carvings. Visitors are welcome – just remove your shoes at the entrance and dress modestly.
• Fort St. George & Museum: This 17th-century fort built by the British houses a museum showcasing Chennai's colonial history and artifacts like letters from King George.
• San Thome Basilica: A beautiful white Gothic-style basilica church in Mylapore, built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle. It's one of only three churches in the world said to contain an apostle's remains.

Local Transport

Getting around Chennai is easiest by car. We will arrange group transportation for all wedding events. For any personal outings, your options are hotel taxis, ride-hailing apps like Uber/Ola, or hiring a private car with a driver for a half-day/full-day (rates are quite reasonable – roughly $40-50 for a full day). Auto-rickshaws (tuk-tuks) are ubiquitous for short distances – they are fun but be sure to negotiate or have them go by the meter (many will quote high for tourists).

Cultural Etiquette

Chennai folks are generally friendly and helpful. English is widely understood, though the main language is Tamil. Don't hesitate to ask for help if needed. When visiting religious sites (temples/churches), dress conservatively (cover shoulders and knees) and follow any rules (like no shoes inside temples). It's customary to greet with a smile or "Vanakkam" (hello) with palms together, but handshakes are fine in urban settings.

Since you've come all the way to India, consider exploring some of the beautiful destinations in South India before or after the wedding. Whether it's serene beaches, lush backwaters, historic temples, or wildlife, South India has a lot to offer.

More information can be obtained from the Travel desk/Concierge service at the Leela Palace Chennai.

Kerala

Often called "God's Own Country," Kerala is known for its tranquil backwaters, verdant landscapes, and spice plantations. A popular experience is an overnight stay on a houseboat in the Kerala backwaters, gliding through palm-fringed lakes and canals. In late August, Kerala will be towards the end of its monsoon season, so expect some rain and very lush green scenery.

Top places to visit include Cochin (Kochi) – a historic port city with Chinese fishing nets and colonial architecture, Alleppey (Alappuzha) for backwaters, Munnar for tea plantations in the hills, and Thekkady for wildlife (Periyar National Park).

Do note that August is monsoon time in Kerala, so some outdoor activities might be limited by rain – but it's also a less touristy, peaceful time to visit with possible off-season rates.

Goa

If you're craving some beach relaxation, Goa on the west coast is a short flight from Chennai (~1.5 hours). Goa offers beautiful beaches, Portuguese-influenced architecture, and a laid-back vibe. Late August is technically still monsoon in Goa, but rains are tapering off. You might find the weather humid with occasional showers.

South Goa has quieter luxury beach resorts, while North Goa is known for its lively shacks and markets. Goa is great for seafood and an Indo-European cultural mix. It's a nice add-on for a few days of sun and sand (just be prepared for fewer water sports if monsoon waves are high).

Tamil Nadu

You'll already be in Tamil Nadu state for the wedding, and there's plenty to see nearby. If you have a day trip in mind, consider visiting Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) – a UNESCO World Heritage site about 1.5 hours from Chennai, famous for its ancient rock-cut temples and seashore stone carvings. It has the stunning Shore Temple and Arjuna's Penance bas relief.

Kanchipuram is another excellent day trip option, only about an hour and a half by car from Chennai. Known as the "City of a Thousand Temples," it's famous for its ancient temples with stunning Dravidian architecture and is also renowned for its exquisite silk sarees.

Pondicherry (Puducherry) is a former French colonial town ~3 hours from Chennai, known for its charming French Quarter and cafes (and Auroville nearby). Within Tamil Nadu, other highlights include Tanjore (Thanjavur) for its magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple and hill stations like Ooty or Kodaikanal if you want cooler weather in the mountains.

Other Places

Bengaluru (Bangalore) and Hyderabad are major cities in South/Central India with flight connections from Chennai – known for technology and palaces, respectively – if you plan to visit friends or sights there. Andaman Islands are another offbeat idea (pristine islands in the Bay of Bengal, with direct flights from Chennai), though August weather there can be rainy.

Travel Planning & Safety

We recommend using a reputable tour operator or travel agent to plan your regional trips if you prefer a guided experience. We have partnered with a local travel concierge, Heritage Inspired, who specializes in South India tours. They can arrange custom itineraries, from guided temple tours around Tamil Nadu to a Kerala backwater cruise.

If interested, you can contact Heritage Inspired Tours (email: anand@heritageinspired.in, Ph: +91-63811-43530). They come highly reviewed on TripAdvisor for Chennai and South India historical tours.

Make sure to book accommodations and transport in advance, especially since late August is a mix of off-season (monsoon) in some areas and can be a local holiday period (Onam festival in Kerala around that time).

Extended Travel

South India is well-connected to other parts of Asia. If you have more vacation time, consider a short flight to Sri Lanka (just an hour from Chennai) – it offers beautiful landscapes and culture (note: ensure any visa requirements for Sri Lanka as well). Southeast Asian destinations like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, or Bali are also relatively close (3–5 hour flights) and could be combined into an Asia trip.

For example, Singapore is on the flight path for many routes and makes a great 2-3 day stopover city.

Feel free to reach out to us for any help with travel recommendations. We want you to have a safe and enjoyable trip!

Passport Validity

Double-check that your passport will be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates (i.e., through March 2026) and has a few blank pages. This is a standard requirement for entry into India and many other countries. It's also a good idea to carry a photocopy of your passport (packed separately from the passport) or a digital copy on your phone as backup ID.

Vaccinations & Health

No special vaccinations are mandated for entry into India (unless you're coming from a yellow-fever-infected country, which the U.S. is not). However, it's wise to ensure you are up to date on routine immunizations like Tetanus-Diphtheria (Tdap), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), and seasonal flu.

The CDC and travel clinics often recommend Hepatitis A vaccine (since Hep A can be food/water-borne) and Typhoid vaccine for travel to India. These are not required but are recommended for most travelers as a precaution.

If you have time before your trip, consider getting these vaccines – Hepatitis A is usually 2 shots (but even one gives some protection) and Typhoid is an oral course or single shot.

It's highly recommended to visit your doctor or a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before the trip to discuss vaccines and get any prescriptions (like malaria pills or traveler's diarrhea antibiotics) if needed. Also, ensure you pack any personal medications with you in your carry-on (with copies of prescriptions).

Food & Water Precautions

• Water: Do not drink tap water in India, not even in hotels. Always drink bottled water (widely available – check that the seal is intact) or purified water. Use bottled water for brushing teeth as well. And skip ice in drinks unless you're confident it's made from purified water. We'll provide plenty of bottled water for you at the hotel and events.
• Street Food: As tempting as street snacks are, be cautious with street food especially at the beginning of your trip. We recommend eating cooked foods from reputable restaurants and stalls that are busy/popular (higher turnover means fresher food). Avoid raw chutneys or cut fruits from street vendors. If you want to try street eats, go for things that are cooked hot in front of you (e.g. a dosa or bhaji) and avoid street meat or fish which may not be refrigerated properly. A good rule is "boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it" for anything consumed outside.
• Fruits & Veggies: Only eat raw fruits you can peel (like bananas, oranges) or that have been washed in clean water. Steer clear of raw salads unless you're at a high-end establishment. At buffets, choose hot cooked items over things that have sat out. In general, South Indian vegetarian dishes (like idli, dosa, sambar, upma) are safe bets – they are thoroughly cooked and usually gentle on the stomach.

We will be selecting the catering with care for all wedding events, with hygiene in mind, so you can savor the cuisine worry-free at those times. If you have a very sensitive stomach, you might consider bringing Pepto-Bismol or Imodium and some familiar snacks from home.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers international medical care and trip interruption, for peace of mind. Medical care in Chennai is of good quality and much cheaper than in the US, but insurance can assist in the unlikely event you need to see a doctor or change plans.

Cash & Money

The currency is Indian Rupee (INR). ~$1 = ₹82 (as of early 2025). You can exchange a small amount of cash at the airport or use ATMs in the city for a good rate (just notify your bank). Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, many restaurants, and shops, but you'll want some cash for markets, small vendors, and taxis. ₹100 and ₹500 notes will be most useful (avoid ending up with too many ₹2000 notes, as getting change for large bills can be hard with small vendors).

Communications

Purchasing a local SIM card at the airport (e.g. from Airtel or Jio) is possible if you have an unlocked phone – it's cheap for lots of data (maybe ~$10). Otherwise, your U.S. cell roaming might work (check plans for international day pass). Our hotel will have Wi-Fi, and WhatsApp works great in India for messaging/calls. We will also create a WhatsApp group for guests to coordinate meet-ups and share photos.

Electricity

India uses 230V and type D sockets (three round pins). Many modern hotels have universal outlets, but carry an adapter just in case (Type D or a universal adapter). Also note the higher voltage – most phone/laptop chargers are dual voltage, but items like hairdryers from the US might not be unless they say 110-240V.