Question 1

Travel requirements for non-Indian citizens

Accepted Answer

• Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has at least 2 blank pages.
 • An Indian e-Visa is required before you travel. You can apply for an eTourist Visa at this link.(https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html) Please give the eVisa at least two weeks to get approved though we strongly recommend applying a month before your arrival.
 • Between 24 and 72 hours ahead of your arrival in India, fill out an e-arrival card (one per family) either at the website,(https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival/) or using the “Indian Visa Su-Swagatam” app. This information will be correlated with your passport number upon arrival. However, we recommend saving a screenshot of the completed form as well.
 • Non-Indian citizens will need both an Indian e-Visa and e-arrival card.
 • Have printed copies of your eVisa approval and trip itinerary (onward and return) ready to display at the airport.
 • No COVID test or vaccination is currently needed.
 • If carrying more than USD 5,000 in cash, please declare it on arrival.

Question 2

What is the nearest airport to Mahabalipuram?

Accepted Answer

The closest airport is Chennai International Airport (MAA). 
We can provide transportation between Chennai International Airport and the resort. Please inform us of your travel itinerary and if you would like transportation assistance at by texting our wedding planners.  (https://twexweddings.wixsite.com/nishilxswathi/contact)

Question 3

How can I reach Mahabalipuram?

Accepted Answer

Mahabalipuram is about 55 km from Chennai and takes roughly 1.5–2 hours by road. The easiest way to reach is by car or taxi via the scenic East Coast Road (ECR).

Question 4

Where can I stay in Chennai?

Accepted Answer

For guests planning to arrive before or stay after these wedding dates, Chennai offers a wide range of excellent hotel options across price points. While we will be providing accommodation to guests from abroad during the wedding, the hotels below are centrally located, comfortable, and well-suited for extended stays – whether you’d like easy access to the beach, the city, or major dining and shopping areas.

• ITC Grand Chola (Guindy) – One of Asia’s largest luxury hotels, ideal for guests who value scale, amenities, and multiple dining options.
 • The Leela Palace Chennai (MRC Nagar) – Beachfront luxury with spacious rooms and panoramic sea views.
 • Taj Coromandel (Nungambakkam) – A classic luxury hotel in the heart of the city with excellent dining and service.
 • Grand Chennai by GRT (Mount Road) – Modern comfort with an excellent central location near theaters, and business districts.
 • Park Hyatt Chennai (Guindy) – Contemporary, understated luxury close to the airport and business districts.
 • The Residency Towers (T. Nagar) – Comfortable and centrally located, especially convenient for shopping and city access.
 • The Accord Metropolitan (T. Nagar) – A reliable, well-appointed option with good connectivity and dining nearby.
 • Hotel Somerset (MRC Nagar) – Comfortable, centrally located hotel with easy access to malls, cafés, and city sightseeing points.

Question 5

What is the local currency?

Accepted Answer

The local currency is Indian Rupees (INR, ₹). 
Most places will accept MasterCard or VisaDebit, though India generally uses digital payment systems via QR codes. We suggest downloading apps like UPI or GooglePay if traveling within India. You may consider carrying cash in hand for informal transactions or local transportation options.

Question 6

How can I get around the city?

Accepted Answer

For rideshare, Rapido, Uber, and Ola are widely used in Chennai. Cars or autorickshaws are available on these apps and also to hail, though make sure to ask the driver to turn on the meter or bring your haggling skills to the table. Autos generally only take cash or GooglePay.
If you require transportation from Chennai International Airport to and from the Sheraton Grand, please either let us know that in the RSVP form along with your travel itinerary, or email/contact us (https://twexweddings.wixsite.com/nishilxswathi/contact)once your travel is booked.

Question 7

Where can I get a local SIM card?

Accepted Answer

If you want to get a local SIM card, there are kiosks at Chennai International Airport that will sell you SIMs or eSIMs. If you are travelling within India before attending the wedding, we advise pre-ordering a SIM card to your first destination or using a digital e-Sim. We also recommend exploring Holafly. The Indian cellular network is extremely well connected, and should also operate smoothly with your existing cellular provider if you select to turn data roaming on.

Question 8

What will the weather be like in Chennai?

Accepted Answer

April in Chennai is hot and tropical, with daytime temperatures around 32–35°C (90–95°F). Expect mostly sunny skies, cooling sea breezes along the coast, and a chance of light pre-monsoon showers toward the end of the month.

Question 9

Sight-seeing recommendations in Chennai

Accepted Answer

If this is your first time in India, Chennai can feel intense – in a good way – but it’s best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. Below are approachable, low-stress experiences that offer culture, great food, and comfort, without being overwhelming.

Relaxed sightseeing & culture
 • Santhome Basilica A peaceful, beautiful church by the sea with Gothic architecture and ocean views. Calm, scenic, and very approachable.
 • DakshinaChitra An open-air heritage museum with reconstructed South Indian homes, crafts, and art. Spacious, informative, and easy to explore at your own pace.
 • Mahabalipuram (half-day or day trip) (close to the wedding venue) A coastal UNESCO World Heritage site about an hour south of Chennai. Ancient stone temples, ocean views, and open spaces make this a great first-timer experience.
 • Marina Beach (sunrise or sunset) Best enjoyed early morning or around sunset for a stroll along the water and people-watching.

Dining & Café Recommendations in Chennai
For guests looking to unwind, catch up with family, or explore Chennai’s modern food scene, the city offers several chic cafés and restaurants that are comfortable, familiar, and consistently excellent – especially for those visiting from abroad. The options below are well-loved, centrally located, and easy choices for coffee, desserts, or relaxed meals between wedding events.

Cafés, desserts & relaxed hangouts
Great for coffee, brunch, desserts, or an easy break between events.
 • Amethyst - Garden café and boutique with coffee, light meals, and a calm atmosphere.
 • Writer’s  Café - Cozy spot for coffee and desserts with a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
 • Sandy’s Chocolate Laboratory - A favorite for desserts, hot chocolate, and ice cream—fun, familiar, and low-risk.
 • Amadora - European-style café and patisserie with pastries, coffee, and light meals in a clean, comfortable setting.
 • Les Amis - European style ice-creams and snacks, with coffee and light bites

Upscale & hotel dining (very comfortable for first-timers)
Polished environments, excellent service, and a great introduction to Indian cuisine.
 • Southern Spice (Taj Coromandel) - Elevated South Indian cuisine in a refined hotel setting.
 • Dakshin (ITC Grand Chola) - Excellent regional Indian food served in an elegant, comfortable space.
 • Avartana (ITC Grand Chola) - A modern, fine-dining take on South Indian cuisine with tasting menus and a very polished experience.
 • Peshwari (ITC Grand Chola) - North Indian cuisine known for tandoor cooking,      kebabs, and rich flavors in a calm, upscale environment. Definitely get the Dal Bukhara if you go!

Contemporary & familiar-feeling restaurants
Stylish, modern restaurants with flavors that feel approachable.
 • Bombay Brasserie (Chennai) - Contemporary Indian cuisine with familiar flavors in a comfortable, stylish setting.
 • Les Amis - A long-standing fine-dining restaurant offering European cuisine in a classic, quiet atmosphere.
 • Black Orchid - Pan-Asian restaurant with sushi, Thai, and East Asian dishes—great if you want a break from Indian food.
 • KOOX – Rooftop Asian Grill - Rooftop dining with Asian-inspired dishes and cocktails; relaxed and social.
 • Kipling Café – A relaxed outdoor café with global comfort food, cocktails, and a garden-style setting—especially nice in the evenings.

Classic South Indian (easy versions)
Traditional flavors without the chaos of busy local eateries.
 • Paati Veedu - Homestyle South Indian vegetarian food in a calm, upscale setting.
 • Murugan Idli Shop - Simple, iconic South Indian comfort food—idlis, dosas, and filter coffee.
 • Sangeetha - A dependable vegetarian restaurant chain with clear menus and consistent quality.

Helpful tips for first-time visitors
 • Starting with hotel restaurants and cafés is a great way to ease into Indian food many are excellent.
 • Early mornings and evenings are the most pleasant times to explore.
 • If something feels like “a bit much,” it’s completely okay to skip it—Chennai rewards slow, comfortable exploration.

Question 10

What are some things to see and do in Mahabalipuram?

Accepted Answer

Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) is a UNESCO World Heritage coastal town famous for its ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures. Highlights include the Shore Temple by the sea, the Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, and Krishna’s Butter Ball, along with a scenic beach, local handicraft shops, and relaxed cafés. Most attractions are close by and can be explored in half a day.

Question 11

Point of contact to stay informed and ask for help  ?

Accepted Answer

Feel free to contact our team of wedding planners. Their contact numbers are as below,

Akram - +91 866755 78271
Charannya - +91 98670 18889

Phone/Cellular - Please make sure you have data and roaming enabled by your local service provider. Please download WhatsApp as the majority of our communications will take place there. The country code for India is +91.