Wedding Info
Dr. Ravneet Ruby Kaur & Mr. Anthony Froude
Location: Chandigarh, India (Indian state of Punjab)
Wedding Date: November 24-26, 2012
Our Travel Dates: November 17-30, 2012
BEFORE YOU GO:
1. You will need a valid US Passport with an expiration date after: May 2013
2. Don't delay, get your India Visa--- see Indian Visa Tab on our website and Scroll Down for more info!
3. Travel Vaccination info: Visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/india.htm or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 1-800-232-4636 for recommendations on India.
If you don't already have them, the CDC recommends: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Also make sure you are up-to-date on your routine shots, such as measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diptheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc. There is minimal risk or malaria during that time of the year and you will not need to take malaria prophylaxis. Prevention with insect repellent and long pants and sleeves will prevent bites. You will also be sleeping in air-conditioned rooms which decreases any risk of mosquito bites.
THE DETAILS:
FLIGHT INFO
Fly roundtrip to New Delhi, India (DEL). Guests should ideally arrive into New Delhi by Thursday, November 22 and plan to stay through all the wedding festivities until Tuesday November 27, 2012. If you are able to stay a few extra days we plan to travel with our guests around some of the most beautiful and best parts of India until the EVENING (after 8pm) of Friday Nov 30, 2012.
Check out makemytrip.com which specializes in India flights, if you call you may be able to get even better rates: 1-800-463-4210 or kayak.com which can be used to compare prices and set a fare alert
RECOMMENDED ACCOMODATIONS:
-Check in: will vary based on your schedule
-Check out: Tuesday November 27,2012
JW Marriott Chandigarh (5 Star)
Avg nightly rate: $170 with two queen beds/one king size bed with AAA discount, senior discount or military/government discount
Sector 35B, Dakshin Marg, Chandigarh, 160035 India
Phone:91-172-395 5555
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ixcjw-jw-marriott-hotel-chandigarh/
Taj Chandigarh (4.5 Star)
Avg nightly rate $145 with two queen beds/one king size bed
Block No.9, Sector 17 A, Chandigarh, 160017 India
http://www.tajhotels.com/business/taj%20chandigarh,chandigarh/default.htm
Park Plaza Chandigarh (4 Star)
Avg nightly rate $116 for two queen beds/one king size bed
Block 10 Sector 17a, Chandigarh, 160017 India
http://www.parkplaza.com/chandigarh-hotel-in-160017/indchnd
Hometel Chandigarh (3.5 Star)
Avg nightly rate $63 with two queen beds/one king size bed. (A little bit outside of
town)
Plot No 147-148, Industrial Area Phase - I, Chandigarh, 160002 India
http://www.sarovarhotels.com/chandigarh-hometel.shtml
Local Indian Hotel TBD (2 star)
Clean, convenient, comfortable, and safe. Avg nightly rate approx: $20-30 for two twin beds/one double.
Contact us, we will reserve this through our local family
ARRIVAL INTO INDIA
Wedding dates for Guests: arrive in India by Wednesday, Nov. 21 or Thurs (Thanksgiving), Nov. 22nd , 2012. Then, travel to the city of Chandigarh from New Delhi approx 4.5 hrs by bus/train/ private taxi ride). or a short < 1 hr flight.
FLYING TO CHANDIGARH: The city Chandigarh (IXC) has its own airport and has regular flights from Delhi. Use only these airlines to connect: Air India, Jet Airways and Kingfisher operate regular flights from Delhi (DEL) and one way tickets are affordable ($107-147), check www.Yatra.com to look at different flight options and prices and then visit the individual airlines' website because Yatra.com only works with Indian residents. ****Be sure to allow 3-4 hours time to get your luggage and get through customs in New Delhi before connecting to your domestic flight to Chandigarh****
LAND TRANSPORT TO CHANDIGARH: The city is well connected to Delhi through roadways. Driving on your own in India is not for the faint of heart and not recommended :)
Deluxe buses and A/C Volvo are available from Delhi to Chandigarh with a charge ranging between Rs 400 to Rs 800 ($8-15 USD).
Taxi: You can also hire A/C or non A/C taxi which charges approximately from Rs 4,500 to Rs 5,000 Rs (for a one way trip) ($86-96 USA). There is a Pre-Paid Government Run- taxi stand at the New Delhi international airport, the fares are fixed. The flat-rate from Delhi to Chandigarh can be reserved and pre-paid at the airport after customs and before exiting the airport, just ask.
We are working on arranging private transfer options with a tour company, will add this info when we have it.
Trains: Frequent trains run between Delhi & Chandigarh and the rates are very cheap but this can be complicated for first time visitors to India.
Thursday November 22nd:
6pm: Welcome dinner with all arriving guests and family
House of Ms. Heena Singhal
House number 1131
Sector 19-B, Chandigarh
Area Pin Code, 160019, India
Friday November 23rd:
You are free to explore Chandigarh: shopping for outfits and city tour of the famous city designed by the French architect Le Corbusier. Visit the: Nek Chand Fantasy Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake, Rose Garden, or Government Museum & Art Gallery. Also located a short 22 km away are the Pinjore Gardens which are an example of the beautiful Mughal Garden style. More info at:
http://www.chandigarh.co.uk/tourist-attractions/index.html
Taxicabs will be available starting at 10am for hire: 1100 rs/ approx $20 for a car for 8 hrs or 80 km and $4/200 rupees per extra hour
Vans (5-6 ppl) will also be available at 10am for hire 1800 rs / approx $35 for 8 hrs or 80 km and $4/200 rupees more per extra hour
Saturday November 24th:
- Daytime: Shopping/spa day for the girls.
- Evening: Sangeet (Pre-wedding party): singing/dancing/music/ Mehndi hand and feet painting ceremony. Along with the bride, all ladies are welcome to have their hands and feet done in Mehndi/Henna on this day. There is no dress code, both female and male guests are welcome to wear business casual or casual indian outfits (salwar/kameez/kurta). Ruby will be wearing an Indian outfit.
-Taxicabs will be available starting at 10am for hire: 1100 rs/ approx $20 for a car for 8 hrs or 80 km and $4/200 rupees per extra hour
- Vans (5-6 ppl) will also be available at 10am for hire 1800 rs / approx $35 for 8 hrs or 80 km and $4/200 rupees more per extra hour
Sunday November 25th:
10 am Baraat (Indian Wedding Processional) at entrance of gurdwara
11 am Anand Karaj, Tradition Sikh marriage ceremony:
Gurdwara Nabha Sahib, Zirakpur, India
with post wedding reception to follow at the Chandigarh Ashok Hotel. Transportation will be provided.
Dress code: Female guests are encouraged to wear an Indian outfit (salwar/kameez/saree or lengha), all guests will need to have their head covered when entering the temple (will be provided if you do not have your own)
Evening: Relax
Monday November 26th:
AM: Free time to explore Chandigarh to explore the city or to go visit one of the many shopping areas/ salons/spas
http://www.chandigarh.co.uk/tourist-attractions/index.html
PM: Formal Wedding Reception at the JW Marriott in Chandigarh (7pm-11pm), Don't be late! For a Punjabi wedding reception, it's definitely time to dance the night away! To practice dancing, hold your hands up in the air and turn them like you're screwing in a lightbulb. There! You've just taken Reception Bhangra Dancing 101!
START OUR VISIT TO THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Plan to budget approximately $150 per person/per day for hotel, transportation, breakfast, and professional guides. (Shopping, admission to sites, and lunch/dinner excluded)! Total cost for tour is $550-572/pp depending on the flight cost at time of final booking
Tuesday November 27th: Chandigarh - Jaipur
Leave at 10am: Either drive, or possibly a domestic flight to Jaipur, the "pink city" in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Afternoon visit to the Royal Palace and Hawa Mahal.
Time for shopping in evening and visiting the local village for music and dancing.
Overnight: Trident Jaipur Hotel
Wednesday November 28th: Jaipur- Agra
Breakfast and then our favorite: elephant ride up to Amber Fort.
Travel to Agra and the Taj Mahal by way of Fatehpur Sikri (approx 6-7 hr).
Evening time for shopping.
Overnight: Agra: Holiday Inn Marina
Thursday November 29th: Agra-New Delhi
Visit Taj Mahal at sunrise when the Taj glows a pretty pink color before full daylight
Some time for shopping.
Drive to New Delhi (approx 5 hrs)
Overnight: New Delhi Double Tree Hilton Hotel
Friday November 30th: New Delhi
New Delhi: Day tour for last minute shopping and exploring-- India Gate, Capitol building and other landmarks including Chandi Chowk for shopping.
FLIGHT HOME:
You may choose to fly out either Friday EVENING (8PM- midnight) or after midnight on Saturday December 1, 2012. They recommend being at the airport 4.5 hours before your flight, so the later that night, the better. If you leave Friday night, you will have 2 full weekend days back home to rest/relax/recover before work on Monday! Of course, those wedding guests of ours with limited vacation can leave at any point after Monday night and then arrive back in the US by Tuesday! If you'd like to extend your trip, let us know and we have plenty of tips on other incredible places to visit in India. Below, you can click on some pictures of our last trip to India in January 2011!
Location: Chandigarh, India (Indian state of Punjab)
Wedding Date: November 24-26, 2012
Our Travel Dates: November 17-30, 2012
BEFORE YOU GO:
1. You will need a valid US Passport with an expiration date after: May 2013
2. Don't delay, get your India Visa--- see Indian Visa Tab on our website and Scroll Down for more info!
3. Travel Vaccination info: Visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/india.htm or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 1-800-232-4636 for recommendations on India.
If you don't already have them, the CDC recommends: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Also make sure you are up-to-date on your routine shots, such as measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diptheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, etc. There is minimal risk or malaria during that time of the year and you will not need to take malaria prophylaxis. Prevention with insect repellent and long pants and sleeves will prevent bites. You will also be sleeping in air-conditioned rooms which decreases any risk of mosquito bites.
THE DETAILS:
FLIGHT INFO
Fly roundtrip to New Delhi, India (DEL). Guests should ideally arrive into New Delhi by Thursday, November 22 and plan to stay through all the wedding festivities until Tuesday November 27, 2012. If you are able to stay a few extra days we plan to travel with our guests around some of the most beautiful and best parts of India until the EVENING (after 8pm) of Friday Nov 30, 2012.
Check out makemytrip.com which specializes in India flights, if you call you may be able to get even better rates: 1-800-463-4210 or kayak.com which can be used to compare prices and set a fare alert
RECOMMENDED ACCOMODATIONS:
-Check in: will vary based on your schedule
-Check out: Tuesday November 27,2012
JW Marriott Chandigarh (5 Star)
Avg nightly rate: $170 with two queen beds/one king size bed with AAA discount, senior discount or military/government discount
Sector 35B, Dakshin Marg, Chandigarh, 160035 India
Phone:91-172-395 5555
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ixcjw-jw-marriott-hotel-chandigarh/
Taj Chandigarh (4.5 Star)
Avg nightly rate $145 with two queen beds/one king size bed
Block No.9, Sector 17 A, Chandigarh, 160017 India
http://www.tajhotels.com/business/taj%20chandigarh,chandigarh/default.htm
Park Plaza Chandigarh (4 Star)
Avg nightly rate $116 for two queen beds/one king size bed
Block 10 Sector 17a, Chandigarh, 160017 India
http://www.parkplaza.com/chandigarh-hotel-in-160017/indchnd
Hometel Chandigarh (3.5 Star)
Avg nightly rate $63 with two queen beds/one king size bed. (A little bit outside of
town)
Plot No 147-148, Industrial Area Phase - I, Chandigarh, 160002 India
http://www.sarovarhotels.com/chandigarh-hometel.shtml
Local Indian Hotel TBD (2 star)
Clean, convenient, comfortable, and safe. Avg nightly rate approx: $20-30 for two twin beds/one double.
Contact us, we will reserve this through our local family
ARRIVAL INTO INDIA
Wedding dates for Guests: arrive in India by Wednesday, Nov. 21 or Thurs (Thanksgiving), Nov. 22nd , 2012. Then, travel to the city of Chandigarh from New Delhi approx 4.5 hrs by bus/train/ private taxi ride). or a short < 1 hr flight.
FLYING TO CHANDIGARH: The city Chandigarh (IXC) has its own airport and has regular flights from Delhi. Use only these airlines to connect: Air India, Jet Airways and Kingfisher operate regular flights from Delhi (DEL) and one way tickets are affordable ($107-147), check www.Yatra.com to look at different flight options and prices and then visit the individual airlines' website because Yatra.com only works with Indian residents. ****Be sure to allow 3-4 hours time to get your luggage and get through customs in New Delhi before connecting to your domestic flight to Chandigarh****
LAND TRANSPORT TO CHANDIGARH: The city is well connected to Delhi through roadways. Driving on your own in India is not for the faint of heart and not recommended :)
Deluxe buses and A/C Volvo are available from Delhi to Chandigarh with a charge ranging between Rs 400 to Rs 800 ($8-15 USD).
Taxi: You can also hire A/C or non A/C taxi which charges approximately from Rs 4,500 to Rs 5,000 Rs (for a one way trip) ($86-96 USA). There is a Pre-Paid Government Run- taxi stand at the New Delhi international airport, the fares are fixed. The flat-rate from Delhi to Chandigarh can be reserved and pre-paid at the airport after customs and before exiting the airport, just ask.
We are working on arranging private transfer options with a tour company, will add this info when we have it.
Trains: Frequent trains run between Delhi & Chandigarh and the rates are very cheap but this can be complicated for first time visitors to India.
Thursday November 22nd:
6pm: Welcome dinner with all arriving guests and family
House of Ms. Heena Singhal
House number 1131
Sector 19-B, Chandigarh
Area Pin Code, 160019, India
Friday November 23rd:
You are free to explore Chandigarh: shopping for outfits and city tour of the famous city designed by the French architect Le Corbusier. Visit the: Nek Chand Fantasy Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake, Rose Garden, or Government Museum & Art Gallery. Also located a short 22 km away are the Pinjore Gardens which are an example of the beautiful Mughal Garden style. More info at:
http://www.chandigarh.co.uk/tourist-attractions/index.html
Taxicabs will be available starting at 10am for hire: 1100 rs/ approx $20 for a car for 8 hrs or 80 km and $4/200 rupees per extra hour
Vans (5-6 ppl) will also be available at 10am for hire 1800 rs / approx $35 for 8 hrs or 80 km and $4/200 rupees more per extra hour
Saturday November 24th:
- Daytime: Shopping/spa day for the girls.
- Evening: Sangeet (Pre-wedding party): singing/dancing/music/ Mehndi hand and feet painting ceremony. Along with the bride, all ladies are welcome to have their hands and feet done in Mehndi/Henna on this day. There is no dress code, both female and male guests are welcome to wear business casual or casual indian outfits (salwar/kameez/kurta). Ruby will be wearing an Indian outfit.
-Taxicabs will be available starting at 10am for hire: 1100 rs/ approx $20 for a car for 8 hrs or 80 km and $4/200 rupees per extra hour
- Vans (5-6 ppl) will also be available at 10am for hire 1800 rs / approx $35 for 8 hrs or 80 km and $4/200 rupees more per extra hour
Sunday November 25th:
10 am Baraat (Indian Wedding Processional) at entrance of gurdwara
11 am Anand Karaj, Tradition Sikh marriage ceremony:
Gurdwara Nabha Sahib, Zirakpur, India
with post wedding reception to follow at the Chandigarh Ashok Hotel. Transportation will be provided.
Dress code: Female guests are encouraged to wear an Indian outfit (salwar/kameez/saree or lengha), all guests will need to have their head covered when entering the temple (will be provided if you do not have your own)
Evening: Relax
Monday November 26th:
AM: Free time to explore Chandigarh to explore the city or to go visit one of the many shopping areas/ salons/spas
http://www.chandigarh.co.uk/tourist-attractions/index.html
PM: Formal Wedding Reception at the JW Marriott in Chandigarh (7pm-11pm), Don't be late! For a Punjabi wedding reception, it's definitely time to dance the night away! To practice dancing, hold your hands up in the air and turn them like you're screwing in a lightbulb. There! You've just taken Reception Bhangra Dancing 101!
START OUR VISIT TO THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE
Plan to budget approximately $150 per person/per day for hotel, transportation, breakfast, and professional guides. (Shopping, admission to sites, and lunch/dinner excluded)! Total cost for tour is $550-572/pp depending on the flight cost at time of final booking
Tuesday November 27th: Chandigarh - Jaipur
Leave at 10am: Either drive, or possibly a domestic flight to Jaipur, the "pink city" in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Afternoon visit to the Royal Palace and Hawa Mahal.
Time for shopping in evening and visiting the local village for music and dancing.
Overnight: Trident Jaipur Hotel
Wednesday November 28th: Jaipur- Agra
Breakfast and then our favorite: elephant ride up to Amber Fort.
Travel to Agra and the Taj Mahal by way of Fatehpur Sikri (approx 6-7 hr).
Evening time for shopping.
Overnight: Agra: Holiday Inn Marina
Thursday November 29th: Agra-New Delhi
Visit Taj Mahal at sunrise when the Taj glows a pretty pink color before full daylight
Some time for shopping.
Drive to New Delhi (approx 5 hrs)
Overnight: New Delhi Double Tree Hilton Hotel
Friday November 30th: New Delhi
New Delhi: Day tour for last minute shopping and exploring-- India Gate, Capitol building and other landmarks including Chandi Chowk for shopping.
FLIGHT HOME:
You may choose to fly out either Friday EVENING (8PM- midnight) or after midnight on Saturday December 1, 2012. They recommend being at the airport 4.5 hours before your flight, so the later that night, the better. If you leave Friday night, you will have 2 full weekend days back home to rest/relax/recover before work on Monday! Of course, those wedding guests of ours with limited vacation can leave at any point after Monday night and then arrive back in the US by Tuesday! If you'd like to extend your trip, let us know and we have plenty of tips on other incredible places to visit in India. Below, you can click on some pictures of our last trip to India in January 2011!