Plan Your Trip

 We so appreciate you considering making the trek to India to celebrate with us. Given the enormity of the voyage, we expect some of our guests will want to take this opportunity to explore other beautiful destinations in India or around South Asia. Below are some references that we hope will make planning a trip more approachable.

Our wedding at the Rajbari Bawali is located ~15 miles southwest of Kolkata proper. However, this drive typically takes 90 minutes, due to traffic and local roads.

International Guests: We recommend our guests fly into Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) and stay in Kolkata city before the wedding. If you are staying at one of the below recommended hotels we will arrange transportation for you from your hotel to the Rajbari Bawali. If you would like to stay at another Kolkata property, you can easily arrange a private driver to transport you to and from the Rajbari Bawali.

Local Guests: We are asking local guests to arrange for their own transportation to and from the Rajbari Bawali.

 

Where to stay in Kolkata

If you would like to stay in Kolkata before, after or during the wedding we feel confident recommending these hotels where we have stayed personally multiple times.

The family of the bride and groom are planning to stay at the ITC properties.

 
 

  • Relaxing and zen atmosphere, and superior service, the ITC feels like an oasis away from the bustle of Kolkata.

    Note: The ITC does not have any 2-bed room configurations.

    Family of the bride is staying here

    1, JBS Haldane Ave, Tangra

  • “An Ode to Bengal’s timeline architecture and design.” The ITC Royal Bengal is newly renovated and has many restaurant options spanning western and eastern cuisine. The Royal Bengal has a luxurious spa, and many room configuration options.

    Family of the groom is staying here

    1 JBS, Haldane Avenue, Kolkata

  • Landmark, luxury hotel that has been recently renovated. Many on-site dining options and extensive spa / beauty services are available.

    34-B, Belvedere Rd, Alipore

  • Historic, “Old Raj” hotel located in the heart of the New Market district, near many historic attractions.

    15, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala

 

 What to do in Kolkata

If you have time before or after the wedding you may want to explore Kolkata, one of India’s largest cities, and the former capital of British East India Company. Historic, cultural, and spiritual sites as well as shopping and gastronomic opportunities abound here. Some of our favourites are below.

  • New Market

    If you want to explore a shopping venue with endless merchandise and the chance to practice bartering, New Market must be on your list. When you get tired of shopping, stop for an egg roll or two at Nizam’s, who claim to be the inventors of the famous kathi roll.

  • Victoria Memorial

    The Victoria Memorial is set on 64 acres of gardens in central Kolkata and was erected in 1921 as a memorial to Queen Victoria. After India gained independence in 1947, Victoria Memorial was eventually re-established as a museum featuring extensive photography collections of the history of Kolkata.

  • Belur Math

    This place of pilgrimage for many different religious faiths attracts people from all over India and abroad - the philosopher Swami Vivekananda breathed his last breath here in 1902. The main gate leads to the Ramkrishna Sarada Mandir (a temple).

  • The Marble Palace

    The Marble Palace is one of the oldest and well-preserved 19th-century Neoclassical mansion in North Kolkata. Tucked away within serpentine lanes, the illustrious Rajendra Mallick brought his love for art, ornithology and botany while building this curious combination of museum, residence, and zoo.

Getting around Kolkata

 

Kolkata is a very large city, both in population and scale. Travelling by car is the safest and fastest way to get around. We do not recommend travelling by bus or train if you are not accompanied by Kolkata locals and ready to sprint!

We have used ride-share services like Uber which are reliable, convenient, and affordable but drivers do not always speak English. These can be useful for one-off quick trips to and from well-known locations.

If possible, though, we recommend hiring a private driver for a full day. Private drivers are guaranteed to speak good English and drive more comfortable, upgraded cars with air conditioning. Your hotel can arrange for private drivers, typically at the cost of ~$100 per day.

 

Planning an India Adventure

We love travelling across India but have not yet been everywhere we’d like to go. There is so much to see and do! If you are looking to turn a trip to our wedding into a “life-list” expedition, a travel agent could help you plan trips to other areas of India or South Asia.

We have not previously used these services, but have interviewed each about their experience planning trips to India.

 
 

  • Mollie Fitzgerald

    600 Warrendale Road, Gibsonia PA 15044

    P: 724-935-1577

    mollie@frontierstravel.com

    www.frontiersej.com

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